I Want To Remember ~ A Sunday In June Edition

Good Monday morning! I hope you had a lovely weekend in your part of the world. Our weekend was filled to the brim with family and fun. I wanted to post a few photos of our Sunday so that when I look back, I will remember the stories behind them. Steve and I started the day on the deck while I had my coffee. It was a beautiful day, not too hot, not too sunny. We had the cutest visitor join us, and Steve was able to snap a few pictures...

 

So precious. So new. But don't worry. Momma wasn't far away!

We had some fresh strawberries and blueberries to use up, so I made some waffles for breakfast. I want to remember how Rhett texted me from upstairs to ask if there were waffles, perhaps because I may or may not have strategically placed the waffle iron directly under his bedroom. 

Later in the afternoon, all the kids came over for boating and dinner. It was fairly impromptu, very casual, and one of the best nights ever! I want to remember going out on the lake and Peyton and Flynn tubing together. I want to remember looking at them and thinking about Peyton pushing a tiny Flynn on the swing set and how quickly the years flew by. 

I want to remember being in that boat, watching the kids help and encourage each other. Kyrstin helping organize the lifevests, Rhett and Christopher spotting and helping from the back, Peyton smiling and laughing, Steve driving the boat, and being so happy that his family was having fun. I want to remember Christopher explaining to Flynn how to use the kneeboard and everyone else encouraging her to try. And then, when she got it on the first try, everyone being so excited for her! I want to remember Nicolas and Madison back at the house, unloading the grocery delivery I forgot all about and getting everything ready for dinner while we were out.

I want to remember how all the kids take such care of making sure I get out of the boat and back onto the dock, mainly because I forget I am not sixteen years old anymore, and jumping off the side isn't the best idea anymore! I want to remember all the kids helping with dinner, Madison having everything ready when we arrived, Kyrstin helping Steve with the burgers, Rhett making last minute kool-aid, Peyton bringing cupcakes and chocolate-covered strawberries, and everyone else getting plates ready to eat. I want to remember that I stopped for a moment and looked around that bustling kitchen filled with my family, feeling so very thankful. And then eating the most fantastic dinner of hamburgers, french fries, watermelon, and Madison's tomato and cucumber salad. 

Not my plate, but Christopher's looked so good I had to take a picture of it. Finally, I want to remember sitting around after dinner, watching home videos of our life some fifteen years ago, when our family was smaller, and our kids were younger, and thinking that as wonderful as that time was, this time, this moment is just as wonderful, if not more because we have added new people to our family. And they have made it that much better. 

I want to remember always that each and every chapter in our lives is the best one at that moment in time. And that it is ok to turn the page and start the next one.

Have a wonderfully cozy Monday, my friends.

Rainy here today.

Inside and happy we will be.

Billie Jo

Early September Morning

 

I was up and about early this morning. I took this picture of the marina right near our house on my way to my yearly checkup with our family doctor. I always take one of the earliest appointments they have. I figure the earlier I go, the fewer sick people have been there, and the greater the chance the office is clean and germ-free. Plus, when I know I have something to do, I prefer to get up and get it done so I can return home to my little safe place and enjoy the day. 

Fortunately, the checkup went smoothly, and I am home already. This appointment completes my round of scheduled health appointments for the year. Beginning in March and continuing through early September, I schedule an eye doctor appointment, a dermatologist appointment, a mammogram, a gynecological appointment, and a yearly physical exam appointment. Welcome to life after fifty, right???

I do love the early September mornings. I love the slightly cooler temperatures. I love the way the sun shines on the leaves that are just starting their transformation from bright green to vibrant colors of autumn. I love that as beautiful as the day before me is, the cozy evenings come just a bit earlier. And I love the promise of all that is to come. 

And finally, sharing one of the many beautiful tributes I have seen in memory of Queen Elizabeth II. This was shared on Instagram, and it really touched my heart.

(Credit to the creator.)

Thanks for visiting,

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee

 

Good Monday morning! I hope you had a lovely weekend doing whatever makes you happy. We had a quiet weekend here, doing ordinary things, and that made me happy. Yesterday afternoon, we took what most likely will be the final boat ride of the season. As much as I love fall, and you know I do, I will miss summer a bit more now. Living on the lake has unearthed a love of summer I haven't known since I was a kid riding my bike around the block, swimming in another lake, catching fireflies, and playing Ghost in the Graveyard with our neighbor Ronnie. But, the seasons come and go, time passes, and we embrace the changes, all while knowing each will return again. Here are a few pictures from our boat ride yesterday afternoon.

Today brings homeschool, laundry, and dinner prep. Dinner will be pork loin, egg noodles, and some steamed broccoli. I might even make some Halloween funfetti cupcakes if I feel ambitious. Have a great Monday, my friends. Enjoy!

Billie Jo

In Between And Enjoying Both

This morning found myself snuggled under this beautiful autumn blanket sipping my coffee. I know. I know. It is still August. Madison bought it for me when she was shopping a few weeks ago, and I found it much too pretty and soft to pack away. However, since it is indeed still August, and I actually do enjoy one type of exercise, I spend a bit of time this afternoon with Flynn doing this...

Yes. That would be me. Make up free, hot mess hair, but happy as can be swimming in the lake with my five-pound pup and my eleven-year-old Flynn. Am I itching to dig out my pumpkin spice candle? You bet! But I think I will wait just a bit longer. Cozy outside on the deck at night is cozy just the same.

Have a cozy Wednesday, my friends.

Hotdogs on the grill tonight around here.

How about you?

Billie Jo

 

Meal Of The Week And Shark Week Starts

 

We had an extra set of paws here yesterday as Flynn watched Madison and Nicolas's pup Draper. He is a cutie!

The meal of the week was this quick and delicious pasta I threw together last evening. I was feeling pasta, so I boiled some ziti noodles, drained them, and put them in a baking dish. I had some amazing mozzarella and provolone cheese slices from the Italian grocery, so I laid the mozzarella on first, added some pasta sauce, then laid the provolone slices next. I chopped some fresh basil and sprinkled that on along with some grated parmesan, covered it with foil, and baked it until it was bubbly. It was delicious. The perfect meal for a rainy summer evening. 

And I am slowly making my way back to the mixer, folks. I decided to whip up a chocolate cake for a special treat because I always like a little chocolate with my pasta. Peyton has me spoiled, and I honestly haven't baked in forever. This was a box mix, Duncan Hines is the very best, but it turned out delicious. Who knows? By the end of summer, I may be able to make cookies again!

Here is the schedule for shark week! Can we watch programs about sharks any other week of the year? Sure. But there is something special about joining in with so many others and watching together. Enjoy!

Finishing off with some photos of the lake. I took a few this week as we were out tubing with the kids. Steve took some last evening as he sat on the dock fishing. I am thankful for this lake I didn't even know I wanted. It brings fun and excitement in the form of tubing with music playing, and it also brings peace and contentment in the form of moments spent sipping coffee or sitting quietly. I suppose we all need some of both.

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.

Enjoy and be cozy.

Monday Morning Coffee Talk

 

Good Monday Morning, my friends! I am the only one awake, and am on the deck with my coffee this morning, wondering how it is that people are actually up, dressed, coherent, and out on the lake already. I hope your weekend was fun and festive, calm or cozy however you chose to spend it. We spent it with a small group of friends and family, and it was refreshing to be together again. 

The $5.00 Old Navy tee has been a Fourth of July staple for us since the dawn of time. A Fourth of July boat ride, on the other hand? Brand new this year!

The menu was a group effort. Fourth of July means hot dogs for us. Always. Also featured: Madison's potato salad, my brother-in-law Chris's famous baked beans, Corn on the cob supplied and peeled by Marian, cucumber salad also by Marian, sliced garden tomatoes, cantaloupe, strawberries, and blueberries courtesy of the fresh fruit stands, dessert bars and deviled eggs by Peyton, and festive cupcakes by Pillsbury, assembled by me.

The traditional game of 31 came down to Grandma vs. Rhett.

Let's say the student defeated the teacher in this one.

I will never know why God felt me worthy to have this amazing, beautiful soul for my mother. But I am thankful every single day.

Have a wonderful Monday, my friends!

Thanks for stopping in!