Adopted Cousins

J(aka hubby) and I have one sibling each. J's brother and sister-in-law have chosen not to have children. My sister would like children but is still waiting for Mr.Right. (We are taking applications! Single, stable males between 25 and 35 with a job they love who won't mind a woman who loves her work, too can email me:) So, we have no cousins. The Lord has blessed us with special friendships. We have some "adopted" cousins who live close by and a few we have to travel a little farther to see. We visited with our cousins in Orlando this past weekend. A blast was had by all! They have 3 boys and 2 girls. The ages are a perfect match up. J and I love their parents dearly and we all agree on what a good time is. So while the grownups talked and talked and talked and talked talked . . .

Cousins swam in the pool:

Girls:







Boys:


Played games:



Old Friendships Refreshed:







And a New One Formed:




Life is hard sometimes and it is so sweet to have friends to share the road!

Delightful Weekend

My husband and I were able to get away overnight this past Friday. It is so important in this intense time of parenting (six kids between the ages of 11yrs down to 20 months, need I say more?) to get away and reconnect. We very rarely, get away longer than overnight, so we have created a series of questions to help us jump right into the heart of issues. We never want to waste a moment of our interrupt-free conversation. The cozy bed and breakfast we stay at really helps.

Usually when my hubbie and I slip away, we find ourselves at Chamblin BookMine.We are attracted by a magnetic force that eminates from the building . . . I guess from the books?!?!? We walked away with a tidy little stack. Fo those who are curious: Draw Real People! by Lee Hammond, Learn to Read Music in 10 Lessons by Terence Ashley, Journey to Jericho by Kaye England, Live Sound Reinforcement :Comprehensive Guide to P.A. & Music Reinforcement Systems & Technology by Scott Hunter Stark and The World of Fashion by Jay and Ellen Diamond. Any guesses on who got what???

We had to drag ourselves away from the treasure trove and race home to make presentable six kiddos for a long-awaited wedding. The Boy was ready to go five minutes after our arrival. He reclined on the couch and read while we dealt with the girls.Sometimes . . . he is just easier. ( Some people give dishes, I give softies:) Trio ready for their new home.