Johanna is 10

May 29, 2020 | Stacy

Hard to believe Scooter is 10!

That day 10 years ago when she broke the 2 and 2 tie.

We woke her with a morning song

And the chocolatey oatmeal back she’d requested.

After breakfast she was stunned to hear the doorbell ring and she flew down the stairs because she thought it looked like Libby’s car.

IT WAS! The video shows the best hug! SURPRISE!

Libby gave her LEGOs, “See these girls look like you and me.”

Then Evie and Hallie popped by with balloons and cards and treats!

And it was warm enough for a sprinkler and kiddie pool.

Marie stayed up last night and made cupcakes so she’d have treats after lunch. (Nan brought Pizza!)

We took Libby home around 4PM and Mama made sloppy joes for dinner. Nan and Nene joined us (Ba and Poppy are still social distancing).

Katriel made her a “Forky” and a bucket with candy in it.

And along with an abundance of gifts, she received a lot of mail from people who love her. The cards were so encouraging and affirming. I’ve advised her to keep them somewhere safe so she can read them on the days when Satan is working to steal her joy.

Mrs. Hyman and Megan also stopped by with a balloon and beautiful card. And as they were leaving we were blessed with this magnificent rainbow.

It seems fitting. This little girl bubbles over with joyfulness so much of the time. And her depth of understanding on God’s Word is remarkable for her age.

Her candle skills are another matter.

But the lemon cake was superb!

May 28, 2020 | Stacy

I predict the economy will be encouraged to flounder until election day.

I mean, we wouldn’t want human beings to thrive or anything?

Not today?

May 28, 2020 | Stacy

At the beginning of the “pandemic” I made an appointment to give blood for the first time in 20+ years. When I was done, I immediately made an appointment for the next possible time.

Got there today and was turned away.

EVEN THOUGH THEIR WEBSITE clearly states Coronavirus is not transferred via the bloodstream, they indicate because I have taken care of coronavirus patients in the last 14 days, I am not welcome to.

The attendant said I was at least the 7th nurse who they’d had to turn away.

Blood is short.

They are turning away donors.

Family room refresh

May 27, 2020 | Stacy

Nothing is new about us tackling home improvements in the summertime. With my time eaten up by homeschooling, September through April are consumed with normal activities. Summer means time to address the house.

We actually started with new ceiling lights in the down stairs and up stairs hallways.

And I stripped and stained the vanity in the main bathroom.

Then we moved to paint the family room and buy a new rug.

The rug makes me very, very happy.

Look closely!

Choo Choo–a/k/a Confusion and Delay.

May 22, 2020 | Stacy

Many moons ago, Stewart and Nigel had a moderate interest in Thomas the Tank Engine toys. They had a nice collection that we’ve never parted with. Johanna and Katriel dug into them in the midst of shut down. Now that their classes are done, Nigel and Stewart created a track for them.

One of the things Sir Topham Hatt is know to say is, “You have caused confusion and delay,” to an errant engine.

I declare that coronavirus has caused Confusion and Delay.

Year complete –

May 20, 2020 | Stacy

Nigel just finished his last class at FLCC today, which means he’s completed his 12th grade…

So to celebrate being a high school graduate – he grilled me some chicken.

Good Bye Giant Mess

May 17, 2020 | Stacy

This project started in 4/25.
And it continued through 5/17.

First John chopped the dickens out of these five bushes at the end of the yard.

Then, the boys filled the wheelbarrow 1,568,293 times with the lava rocks that were first placed there more than 10 years ago.

Because John had explained we needed to clean the rocks off quite a bit from the years of clippings, the boys then had a running joke about “Father wants us to clean the rocks,” in a very faltering Oliver Twist voice.

Then on 5/17, lo and behold, our neighbors’ son came by with his Bobcat and did in an hour what it would have taken John and the boys all summer to do.