Happy Sparkler Day!!!!!

We made our 2nd annual trek to Carroll County this 4th of July. Little Texas was the headliner. I try really hard to like country music, but I cannot seem to make myself. I would describe them as country-rock.

The funnell cakes have become a 4th staple. The monkeys downed 3 or 4 of them.

We found a few long-time friends while we were there. This is one of Gracie's besties, Haley Rucker.

Ugh, more funnell cake!!!!

My husband, attractive as always.

This is Little Texas

Ryan didn't care about the band, the sweets, the city fireworks........ he wanted to explode things himself!!!!!

For me, it didn't seem like a holiday weekend. I returned on the 3rd (Rick and I's 17th wedding anniversary) from a middle school mission trip. We went to Reed Springs, MO for three nights. Two days prior to that, I spent the night in Columbia, MO with the kids (while Ryan went to MU pitching camp). Needless to say, my weeks have been jumbled together. That's why I haven't posted as much lately. That's why my brain rattles when I walk. That's why mommy has been a bit "testy" lately.

Ryan has finished basketball until the beginning of school. He has completed all his A+ hours. We only have one baseball tournament left. Whew, I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Snakes are demonic

We have a slight "snake problem". It is mostly MY problem since no one else seems to mind. Snakes are gross, creepy, and demonic creatures in my book!!!!

My son is a freak. He likes the beasts.

He likes them a little too well for my taste.

This is grossing me out looking at these pictures. I cannot type about this anymore.

Instead, I'm going to show you the pretty flowers my neighbor Renee brought me. She's a gem. She isn't gross and slimy and demonic. I love Renee. I don't love snakes.

Aren't they bee-u-tiful!!!!

Dog Bathing Basics

How to bathe a LARGE dog.

Step 1:

No need to put a stake in the ground and chain him to it, he can yank it out with a slight nudge. Even if you bribe them with treats.

Step 2:

They much prefer a pitcher of water than a hose (especially one that is set on JET)

Step 3:

Prepare to get wet!!!!!

Sloppy, sloppy wet!!!!!

Step 4:

Party dresses are the perfect attire.

Party dresses and no shoes.

Step 5:

Dogs are smart enough to realize you are trying to sneak up on them.

Step 6:

Pour the water on them very slowly or they will run!!!!

State Baseball and Mean Omlets

After months of cooking on a cracked cook-top, I'm FINALLY back in business. I've made eggs and pancakes, pasta with white sauce, mac & cheese. I love my new digs!!!! I'm so glad that I was patient because it was worth the wait!!

Ahhhh, this equals a Coach purse in my books.

I thought you might want to know before I moved on to the real post, that I can make you a mean omlet now. I'm just saying................

We headed out last Friday for Ryan's state baseball tournament.

(from top left to top right: Coach Rodney Clevenger, Grant Brady, Ryan Smith, Dominic Panarisi, James, Noah, Austin Hatch, Coach Tobey Ryne.

from bottom left to bottom right: Brice Pennington, Blake Clevenger, Joey Panella, Sean McCulloch, Alex Rivera, Nico Pike, Blake Youngdahl)

Our coaches Tobey and Rodney. Look closely, the heat has confused Rodney a bit. He is squeezing Tobey's butt.

The moms made all the boys buckets filled with fun stuff. The squirt guns were a huge hit!!!!

(from left to right: Sean, Ryan and Nico)

Several moms made posters to hang on the dug-outs. We had the cutest dug-out in the entire park!!!! (ahem, not because of the posters. hehe)

Heel to Toe

Before Gracie was born, I wondered what it would be like to have a little girl. I loved being a momma to two boys but it's only natural......... right? When I found out that she indeed was a girl, my heart fluttered! Her closet was filled with pink before she was even born. I bought her fancy hair bows and barrettes. Frilly outfits and matching socks and shoes.

The first time I saw her I noticed her long eye lashes and bright blue eyes.

Now she is eight years old. She will no longer wear big bows in her hair. She has become very independent. I noticed this towards the end of the school year when she asked if she could start picking out her clothes for school. Ugh, I guess. My thoughts were, "Oh my, this child hasn't a clue how to match her clothes." Well guess what, she didn't do that bad!!!

We were at a baseball tournament last weekend in Kansas City. We took Ryan and Ian into American Eagle and Hollister. Two stores that make me think..... teenager!!!! She asked if she could pick out an outfit. (sigh) I guess we can look. The above photos are the clothes that she picked. Once again, I'm pleasantly surprised!!! When she first put them on her hips were swaying and her arms swinging. The entire time, her eyes were planted on herself. Good thing there wasn't a pole in front of her. hehe!!! She was proud of her choice, proud that she is finally able to wear teen clothes, and proud that she felt so pretty.

So, we did a mini photo session.

Then Gus licked her leg.

She was really grossed out!!! REALLY, REALLY GROSSED OUT!

She couldn't take another picture until the dog slobber was OFF OF HER!!!!!!

Shortly after this we headed to the city again for baseball practice. She politely asked for a matching pair of shoes for her outfit. I felt my heart tugging. I remembered all those baby outfits with matching socks and shoes. Then I gulped, and agreed. "OK, you can have ANOTHER pair of shoes."

If you've ever wondered what kind of monster buying an infant 1,345,984 pink outfits would create, this is your answer.

My baby is now wearing high heels. She says that since she plays Fashion Designer on her DS, she now knows how to dress. And how to walk.

She gave me instructions. Heel to toe, heel to toe, heel to toe. That's how you walk in high heels (in case you ever wondered). I, myself, did not inherit the diva gene, so I don't wonder about those sorts of things. She also showed me how models stand. With one leg slightly bent. Like this..............

I love that she has scratches and bruises on her legs and high heels on her feet.