Lost

 Any guesses as to what's in that box, there?

 

 

 

 It is a sad day, folks . . .
My beloved camera is on her way to the Canon Doctor.

It was physically painful for me to part with her.
And I know that sounds silly to those of you "normal" people.
But my camera is an extension of me.
I really am never without her, and am feeling a little lost.
Shipping her off for a couple of weeks??
Someone almost had an anxiety attack.

Okay.  Deep Breath.

I guess I will be using my iPhone camera for awhile :/
 

 

 

 

Test Day

 Test Day came and went, rather uneventfully.
The girls were a little anxious, but settled right in as soon as we arrived.
 

 

* The last time we tested, we tested with friends.
Those friends are moving away tomorrow :(

After a couple of hours, they had finished; and they got to pick a prize.
Of course they both picked candy.
They are their Mama's daughters, after all.
 

 

 

Then it was off to run a couple errands, pick up lunch, and a treat.

 

 

 

 They deserved it.

And while I am going to try not to brag too hard . . .
They both did AMAZINGLY well.
This Mama is so very proud.

Another wonderful end to another wonderful year!

 

 

Wordless Wednesday ~ Another Bird Rescue Story

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life

 

There is never a dull moment here.

Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed, trying to keep up with everything.

I want to document all of it. 

The every day moments.

Life.
Like I used to.
Before life got all crazy.

But that's not an option at this point.

So, I'll take what I can get.

And that is typically several update posts a month.

 

Here we go.

 

My brother got married!

And that means that family got together.

Which means that my sister came up for a visit!!!
 

Y'all.
Life has been difficult for awhile.
Really difficult.
But there is something about having my sister around . . .
it just makes things better.
It's like finding money in the pocket of pants you haven't worn in ages.
Or better yet, finding chocolate!
Not old chocolate, mind you.
And not in your pants.
Oh geez.  You know what I mean.
It's like being surprised with chocolate.
Except better.

Because my sister . . .
she's memories, and love, and trust and uncontrollable giggling . . .
all rolled into one.

What makes it even better . . .
My kiddos love her kiddos. 

  

 

It's just a LOT of love, if you can't tell ;)

One of the best parts?

Miss Mona thinks I look like Barbie.
This is an actual picture of her with her Barbie named . . . Liz.
 

I don't think I need to tell you how that makes a lady with 402 eye wrinkles feel.

So.
They are gone.
They left for home on Sunday.
But we'll be reunited again in July at our family reunion campout. Woohoo!
And we've got plenty to keep us occupied until then.

Today Sierra and Makenna have end of the year testing.
If you have a minute and would like to say a little prayer, it would be greatly appreciated.
They're a little anxious.
But excited to be wrapping up another homeschool year.

And this weekend we say goodbye to our precious friends, as they head off for new adventures in Kansas.  Our hearts hurt, but we are trying to find joy, knowing that they are being called to bigger things.

 

 

 

TLC

 

Miss Kitty had some female surgery yesterday . . .

 

 

 

and she's resting quite peacefully :)

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 Happy Mother's Day to my very favorite Mamas!

 

 

 

Wishing you a day of rest and relaxation!

 

 

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday ~ Butterflies

 Releasing butterflies during our playdate with dear friends . . .
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 So beautiful. 
And so much fun. 
Thank you for sharing with us, F Family :)

 

Maybe I Won't Move After All

The last few years have been very . . . disappointing, weather-wise.

It can be pretty rainy here in the Pacific Northwest, but the last three years . . .
it's been ridiculous!

But this year, we've broken out of the pattern!
 

 

Hooray!
Hooray for sun and warmth and slippin' and slidin'!

 

Sun just puts a smile on my day.

 

 

Maybe we don't need to move after all ;)

 

 

 

Mama of Four

Last night us girly girls were invited to a very special birthday celebration, for a very special friend.
{It was a Hollywood theme, so the girls were even allowed a bit of makeup, and oh my, they were so excited.}

My dad stopped by to get a look at his granddaughters before we headed out, and was happy to snap a few pics for us.

When I uploaded them today, I burst out laughing . . .

This was the order in which they were taken:

Photo #1:
Sierra: Uh, Mom? Do you not notice Taylor screaming because you won't let her bail off the steps into the gravel?

Me {through clenched, smiling teeth}: Yes, Dear, I do notice, but I'd really like to get one quick shot.

Kam: La, la, la, la, la, I'm a princess and I'm wearing makeup.

Kenners: I'm just going to do as I'm told and hold this here pose until Gramps clicks the shutter.

Taylor: WAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!
 

 

 

Photo #2:

Sierra: Seriously?

Kam: Mama? Tay is ruining my princess moment.

Kenners: Still smiling.

Me {through clenched, smiling teeth}: IG.NORE.IT, girls.

Tay: WAAAHHHHH!


 

 

Photo #3:

Sierra: Okay. Ifitgetsmetomypartyfaster. Cheese. Okay?

Kam: Lalalalalala, I love living in my own princess world.

Kenners: I'm kinda done ignoring it.

Me {through clenched, smiling teeth}: Last one, I promise!

Tay: This princess thing is so overrated.


 

 

 

These photos are so indicative of life right now.
New Mama would've waited until everything was just so.
Mama of four? Knows better.

Just keepin' it realer than real.