♪♫"The B-I-B-L-E"♪♫

I overheard Cherish singing in her room. Here was her version of the song: “The B-I-B-L-E”.

♪♫“The B-L-E, yes that’s the book for me, I don’t stand alone on the Word of God, because I’m not allowed to stand on books….”♪♫ She cracks me up! What can I say, she’s three-years-old and can only think literally.

Puddle-jumpers and Painting Pointers

One thing I really like about where we live is that we are often blasted with quick, gusty thunder storms--which leave us cooled down on a hot summer's day. In this family we work and play hard. So, in the midst of mom doing her chores, it is fun to have an “excuse” to go outside and be silly. Therefore, Cherish and I like going out rain or shine and jumping in puddles after these afternoon storms. (So long as it’s not lightning and thundering, it’s an “all go”. After all, we are going out to get wet anyway.)

Here are our puddle-jumpers (they are virtually slip-proof):

They are plastic, so water can't damage them.

And this is just the beginning of our "walk":

By the end, she can easily be soaked from head to toe.

One project that I have just about completed is plastering, priming, and painting our guest bathroom. A long time ago I read about a great way to salvage paint, and I have kept up the practice ever since. When the paint is getting low in a paint can, using a funnel, pour the paint into a clean, dry plastic water bottle. Then, any time you need to do a quick patch-up job, simply shake and use. Plus, paint cans always rust; so it keeps the paint from getting any nasty rust into it and the paint lasts a lot longer!

So, if you paint a lot, keep some water bottles handy. All sizes work well.

Time Out for Cinderella

Derek treated his two girls to a dinner theater to watch "Cinderella". Unfortunately, Cherish was too shy to have her picture taken with any of the cast members. So, you'll have to settle for these few pictures:

Sitting on the throne:

Thanks, Derek! We really had a great time!

"Cow Appreciation Day" at Chick-fil-A

Today was “Cow Appreciation Day” (the "unofficial yet nationally recognized holiday”) at Chick-fil-A. All day long, anyone who dressed partially in cow attire (cow-printed hat, vest, purse…) got a free entrée. Anyone who dressed completely as a cow got a free combo meal. Since costume parties are right up Cherish’s alley, we all dressed up and headed out for dinner. ☺

The CUTEST calf in the world:

Her supportive herd:

Cherish REALLY LIKES Chick-fil-A!

"Momma-Daughter Date Day"

Cherish and I have been feeling the stress of the many projects being done around the house, so I decided we would have some time off from meetings, contractors, deadlines, etc. In preparation and anticipation of our time together yesterday, Cherish picked out special clothes, dressed herself, did her chores, and was ready to head out early.

Here's a picture of what Cherish chose for her

"Date Day" with momma:

(I was SO SURPRISED not to see her in a dress.)

First we went to see a movie. Cherish sat on my lap for the ENTIRE movie! We snuggled, kissed, and cuddled the whole time. What a sweet time we had together!!

Next we went to have lunch and dessert at Chick-fil-A, followed with play time on their playground. Unfortunately, Cherish got hurt, which cut our time out short--as she needed ice to help with the swelling and bleeding of her mouth. However, we had a grand time together!

Side notes:
1. Regal Theaters have free cartoon and family movies every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings for the entire summer. (Today was our first time going this summer. We went once last summer.) Check out their website by clicking here: free family film festival.
2. Cherish's outfit was lovingly given to her by her grandma. Thanks, Grandma!

America's Birthday Party, Part II

Our second day of celebrating was on July 3rd, which we spent with Derek's relatives (who had come in from N.C.). The day started with a parade in Derek's parents' neighborhood and consisted of a police escort and followed up with firemen and their trucks. Take a look:

Lining up before the parade began:

Cherish and cousin Nathan:

The music float:

There were a total of three trucks:

Here the parade is in progress.

The men decorated their lawn mowers:

This is after having walked about a mile:

Afterwards was picnic time:

The dessert contest proved YUMMY!

After the picnic was pool games. Since I helped with the games, there is an obvious absence of pictures. After the organized pool games and prizes, it was play time in the pool.

Cherish and cousin Courtney:

Despite my efforts, I burnt on this day. Therefore, the next day when the others went to the pool, momma stayed away.

On July 4th, we went to worship with our church family, had a cookout for lunch, some of the family went to the pool, and then we all went to a baseball game--which was followed by fireworks. All in all, it was a very full and wonderful three-day weekend.

America's Birthday Party

This year we celebrated for three straight days. (Therefore, I will break this posting up into at least two parts.) We began celebrating on July 2nd at the "Family Freedom Blast." There were inflatables, pony rides, concerts, fireworks, etc.

Cherish's first time on a horse:

Concentrating hard and, therefore, having trouble smiling:

A natural. Look at her leaning into the sway:

This slide was for 5+ year old children.

However, a worker asked if she could take Cherish down:

Her question to "Mickel Donald" (as she calls him) is, "Are you a human, because you have skin on and you have teeth?" He laughed--A LOT.

He was very kind and quite a joker.

However, she was not too eager to get this close:

He let us get into his car:

Cherish wasn't too sure about taking her eyes off this police horse:

SWAT team vehicles:

Cherish having fun at the concert with her glow-in-the-dark necklace:

Finishing the night with fireworks:

Part II to follow later.

Sweet Time with Family

Jennifer came up to visit, and we had a blast sharing a special day together. One of the events of the day was going to Clarks Fish Camp and having dinner. Here are some photos of our time together:

Brandon trying alligator for the first time:

Cherish trying alligator for the first time:

We never told her what she was trying.

Derek just told her it's something that lives in the water.

Family photo--and Cherish couldn't even wait for the photo to be taken before continuing to eat her fried alligator.

She liked it!

Julie's first taste of alligator:

Jen tried to be brave:

Ryan stuck with eating lemons--and LOTS of them:

Quick, wash them down!

Brandon then ate crab.

Way to be brave and branch out Brandon!

We had a great time with Jen, Brandon, and Ryan!

Thanks for the trip up, Jen!!! We love you all!