Shane's Soccer Game

As many sports and activities that our kids have been involved in soccer was never one of them. But thanks to Shane we get to experience it. For those of you that don't know who Shane is he's Jordan's boyfriend. These photos are from tonight's game.
This photo was snapped right after their team scored. Check out the smile on his face.

I love Shane's gold shoes.

This isn't a good shot of Shane but I thought it was cool the way they were in the air.

This was my favorite photo...the head butt shot.

Drum Major Debut

Introducing the new 2007 Drum Major for the Hartford Indian Emerald Vanguard!!!Entering the fieldAttention!Leading the fight song Drum Major Jordan Mullauer...Is your band ready?
Salute

Phoenix show

Well done Jordan!!

Rain

I will admit that I am a weather watcher. What is the fascination with the weather? Sometime between 10:30 and 11:00 I head upstairs to bed. The local news comes on at 11:00 and it is my gaol to stay awake long enough for the weather segment at 11:15. I usually only manage to stay awake about half the time. And during the day if I don't catch the weather on TV then I can easily log onto the computer and get an update. Will it be a sweltering 90 degrees today with high humidity? Will we FINALLY get that snow we've been praying for all winter so we can go snowmobiling? Won't it please rain; we just fertilized the lawn. Tomorrow is church on the lawn; is it going to rain?

We've been in a terrible draught for most of the summer but not anymore, at least not at our house. I bought a rain gage at the beginning of the summer. There's hardly been a drop in it for all of June and July. And my water bill of $165 for the month of July will attest to that. In the last week we have gotten 8 inches of rain!! Luckily we have no flooding issues but some areas in the community are having problems with that too.

I am loving walking outside in the yard to a lush green lawn, and not having to be a slave to watering my gardens. It's just so refreshing. It poured rain and stormed through the night last night. And now the sky is blue and the sun is out.........

Through The Viewfinder

I set up something today that I am excited about. A new blog!!! What, you say? Am I crazy? I already spend too much time on my "Five Pines" blog and "Seadra and Zoe's" blog!! Why do I need another one?

Well, it isn't really a blog, but it is a blog. You know how much I love photography, especially of my family, Seadra and Zoe, nature, animals......OK anything. One of my favorite things to do is post my photos on my blogs. Sometimes I don't always feel like telling the story or writing when I want to post one of my photos.... so begins the life of my new blog.

I have entitled it "Through The Viewfinder". What I am going to do is post a different photo each day. I will title the photo but no other words will be necessary, as a photo is worth a thousands words. My new blog will speak volumes without words.

Unless otherwise noted all the photos will be taken by me. Jordan is fast becoming a wonderful photographer and I may want to share one of hers once in a while.

I'm excited. This will be quick, easy, creative and fun. I have added the link on my "Five Pines" site. Stop by anytime.....I love sharing. http://viewfinderpassions.blogspot.com/

My first photo will be posted tomorrow (8-20-07)

Mural/Kalamazoo Soldier

The family went to Craig's company picnic today. This year they had it at the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, an aviation museum at the airport. Although I am not really into planes I will say it was interesting. And I have to tell you about the mural. I have always loved murals on the outsides of buildings but this one was indoors at the museum. In fact, it holds the world record for being the largest indoor mural. It covers almost 26,000 sq. feet. It's called "Century of Flight" and traces aviation history from hot air balloons to modern space flight. It is beautiful!! The few pictures I am posting do not do it justice. The flash of my camera takes away from the paintings. These pictures barley show a tiny bit of it but you can get an idea. There were so many cool airplanes flying high on the walls but my camera wouldn't capture the picture up that high.

We saw a film while we were there too. It was a 4-D movie of WWII planes in combat. Sure makes you think...... and appreciate what those men and women went through for us.
While we were eating our lunch at the museum we were witness to an incredible site. A soldier from Kalamazoo was killed in Afghanistan on the 13th. We saw his funeral procession drive by the museum. I'm not sure how many fire trucks and police cars were leading but I have never seen anything like that in my life. I cannot think about it without getting emotional. I am praying for that family tonight.

Blogging Position

I wanted you to see what Zoe, Seadra and I look like when we are blogging. This is our typical position. I usually have one dog squeezed on each side of me. And notice that Seadra's nookie is close by, in case the urge to suckle arises. It is her security blanket. When we bought our furniture one criteria was that the lazy chair was big enough for all of us. It works and we love it!!

Praise God

This is how I felt when I walked outside this morning. It was a heavenly 55 degrees. And the high today is only suppose to be 77. If I could order the weather everyday this would be it. The windows are open and a beautiful breeze is blowing through the house.

Blessed by God be his land:

The best fresh dew from high heaven,

and fountains springing from the depths;

The best radiance streaming from the sun

and the best the moon has to offer;

Beauty pouring off the tops of the mountains

and the best from the everlasting hills;

The best of Earths exuberant gifts.......

Deuteronomy 33:13-16 "the message"

School Clothes Shopping

I'm not sure how well this cartoon will show up but in case you cannot read what it says...."Let me see if I have this right...You want a home equity loan to help pay for a backpack, Lucky brand jeans and tennis shoes?".

I thought this was funny. But you know, some parents go to the extreme when it comes to buying back to school clothes. Jordan and I went shopping today for a few things that she needs and I picked up a few things for Caleb too. We went to Kohl's and our total bill was $133. I got Caleb 6 shirts, and Jordan 2 pairs of jeans, 1 shirt, 3 pairs of earrings, 2 bras, 2 pairs of pj's, and a water bottle for band practices. I was thrilled with the haul I got for only $133. We still have to pick up a few more things and shoes too but we made a big dent in it today.

A few of us got to talking about buying back to school clothes at work the other day. One particular mother said that her daughter refuses to wear anything but designer clothes and that she will spend about $1000 just for her. Wow!! She said that her jeans alone are $98 each. That's what I'm talking about when I say extreme. Jordan is thrilled with her $20 or $30 jeans and if we can find them for $10 on clearance we are all the more happy. And if I do say so myself, Jordan will look every bit as good as the kid that is wearing the $98 jeans. But on the other hand, I'm not sure if anyone from Hartford will be wearing those $98 jeans anyway.

Today was fun, I actually enjoy school clothes shopping. Mostly because I'm not spending $1000 per kid.

Summertime And The Livin Is Easy

Jordan at the movies

Jordan finally had a week off and got to spend the whole week home. She made the comment that her summer has just started. In a way that's true since she has been gone for half of it. But in the same breath I've heard her say she's bored. Jordan has not learned to appreciate down time of which I relish. And being only 15 I guess that is an acquired trait.

I'm Melting!!!!

I don't usually use my blog to complain but I am today. It's too darn hot for too darn long!! I'm sick of this weather. It's an effort to take a breath when you walk outside. We've had 90 degree or above for the last 2 weeks. I don't know how people live in climates where it is like this all summer long let alone climates where it is like this all year round. I literally feel ill when I am out in it for very long. Even the dogs don't want to be outside.

I thought this cartoon told it pretty well. That's me being the whinny witch. I wish it was February and we had 3 feet of snow....no kidding, I really do.

Friends

I've been noticing something the last few months that is making me extremely happy. Caleb and Jordan are real friends. Don't get me wrong, they have always cared about each other and I think they have always been friends but I'm sensing a more affectionate relationship between the two of them and I think they are developing a new appreciation and fondness of each other. It is warming my heart. It's something that I have prayed for.

I watch the two of them around the house laughing and sharing inside jokes. They have mutual friends and they all go out and have fun together. When we have two cars somewhere Jordan will choose to ride home with Caleb rather than Craig and I. Caleb will compliment his sister. Caleb came home the other day and told me that Jordan gave him a hug when he stopped to see her at band camp. Jordan will invite Caleb to join her and her friends. These are just a few that come to mind.

It has always been one of the great disappointments in my life that I don't have this type of relationship with my only brother. It was not at fault of either one of us. We have so different lives. Not that I don't love my brother and I always hope the best for him and I am truly happy when things are going good for him and I grieve when they are not, but we do not have an affectionate relationship. And being that I don't have any other siblings this is very sad to me. So you can see how important it is to me that Caleb and Jordan can have what I never did. They are all they have.

So it is with great joy that I am witnessing Caleb and Jordan's friendship.

Cream of the crops

The farmer's market started up a few weeks ago in Lawrence. I finally made it up there this morning. Here's all the goodies I came home with. It's one of my favorite things to do on Saturday mornings. It usually sets the tone for the rest of my day. I lay it all out, clean and trim it all up and put it in the fridge all ready to cook or eat when I am ready for it. I love this time of year when all this heavenly stuff is available. I got this whole lot for only $10.
"Mom, what are we going to cook first?"

Here's the first thing I cooked. Eggplant Parmesan. It was YUMMY. Unfortunately no one in the house likes this dish except me so I took some over to Mom and Dad. They loved it.

For no particular reason, here's a picture of my beautiful Seadra. I love my Boo-Boo.

It's been a great day. I'm enjoying a relaxing day at home doing whatever I want at my leisure and even at that it's been productive. Hope you are enjoying your day as much as I am.

Picture of the day

Jordan decided to give Daddy some hair tonight.

Silver Lake Dunes

Finally, I have a minute to do some blogging. We got home late Sunday from Silver Lake and this is the first minute I've had to sit down. I've been swamped at work this week. The new surgeon that we have been highly anticipating for many months has finally arrived. This has been keeping me very busy in the OR but that is another post. Anyway, here are some pictures of our weekend up at Silver Lake. We had a great time, great weather, and great kids having a lot of fun. Here's all 3 of the vehicles in the dunes. Craig and I usually drove the truck around, Josh drove the Jeep and of course Caleb mostly drove the dune buggy.The whole gang, minus me. I'm always behind the camera. Jordan, Shane, Josh, Caleb and Craig.Craig playing in the Jeep. This poor Jeep always takes a beating and just keeps on going. At one point I was riding with Craig in the Jeep and he jumped a dune without realizing what a steep drop off there was on the other side. Had it not been for my seat belt I would have been stuck head down in a sand dune. As it was my back got jarred so hard that I couldn't turn my head to the right for the next 24 hours. Doesn't that sound like fun to you!!! It did get me two really good back massages. Caleb and Jordan in the buggy with Craig following in the Jeep.Another buggy picture. Craig in the Jeep and Caleb in the buggy getting ready to drag race.

Josh and Shane enjoying the buggy.

Here We Go.....

We are leaving for Silver Lake Sand Dunes in the morning. It's the big debut for the dune buggy. Here is a picture of what the dune buggy looked like when Craig and Caleb bought it last winter.

Before.....

During.....

I will have to admit I was thinking this was another one of those projects that would sit around for years without any progress. I never dreamed that a few months later it would look like this.....

After......

I'll Post some pictures of the buggy in the dunes after we get home.

This picture was taken last year when we were there.
Jordan at the lighthouse beach on Lake Michigan close to Silver Lake. We love this lighthouse.
I picked up this book to read over the weekend. Looked like my kind of book.

Jordan and I have been grocery shopping, cooking and getting things ready all day. We've rented a house this year so I don't have to cook in the dirt or sleep on the ground. It's going to be a great weekend!! See you when we get back.

Our week, so far......

Sunday afternoon we picked up Jordan from Drum Major camp at Michigan State. She had a great time. It's gotten her all fired up and excited about marching season starting up. They had their first marching season practice Monday night and the first thing Jordan said when I picked her up was "I forgot how much I love band!!". That is so cool. So Sunday night we headed out to the cottage to spend the week. Craig's parents are out west vacationing so we had the opportunity to have the cottage all to ourselves. It's been very quiet, and peaceful. I took the week off work but Craig has continued to work this week.
These last few pictures show that the kids have had their friends out all week. That's the way we like it. The kids have been blessed with the most awesome friends.

We take the pontoon boat for a ride every night. Here's two of my favorite girls enjoying our evening boat ride.

Another evening boat ride photo.

Caleb relaxing ......

Friday morning we are heading up to Silver Lake for a weekend of playing in the sand dunes. We have rented a cabin and a few of the kids friends are going with us. More to follow....

Reasons why we love Gram and Pa-Pa (Mom and Dad)

Because Gram and Pa-Pa, especially Pa-Pa, are always so excited to see Zoe and Seadra. Pa-Pa spoils them as if they were grandchildren. He's always sends them home with bones and treats.
See how happy Seadra is to be there. She starts squealing about a 1/2 mile down the road because she recognizes where we are going.
We love the walks through the gardens.

Dad picking us tomatoes. They share it all.
Even Seadra gets to eat from the garden. Pa-Pa gave her a mild pepper and she ate it.

And there are always beautiful things to look at.

And more beautiful things......
And still more.......

And this is our favorite!! This was the dinner that I got tonight. Everything you see on my plate came fresh from the garden, except for the chicken. There was okra, tomatoes, squash, egg plant, & cucumbers. It doesn't get any better. Thanks Mom and Dad!!

These are just a few of the reasons why we love Gram and Pa-Pa's.