Before the rain....

Well, for the past three days it has done nothing but rain and rain and rain! By Sunday afternoon, the girls and I were getting cabin fever. We had run out of things to do in the house (not really but, ya know)...they built forts, painted fingernails, played on the computer, made cookies and veg'd out watching TV. Finally, Sunday afternoon brought a short break from all the rain. After having a wonderful lunch with the Morgan family, we decided to go for a "Sunday drive". We headed down 174 towards Springville and on to Trussville until we came to Sonic, where we indulged in several Hot Fudge Sundaes and one Butterfinger Sonic Blast....mmmmmmmm! The rain resumed later that night and has continued (now Tuesday night).

Before the rain, we enjoyed a nice hike to the top of Microwave Towers Rd. Friday, Jason came home telling the girls about how he use to go up to the top of Microwave Towers Rd and overlook the beautiful mountains. He failed to explain how you used to be able to DRIVE to the top and park. Now there is a large gate blocking the entrance at the bottom of the road. You can park at the bottom of the road and walk through the gate, which is what we did. Can you say "Trespassing"? After seeing the breathtaking view, the hike down was my favorite part. The girls gathered souvenirs...pine needles (to make a broom), large pine cones (to decorate with glitter), a pocket full of muscodines and blueberry look-a-likes. Here's a few pictures from our adventure.

Thankful for the rain,
Anne Marie

Heaven

A man dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates and says, "Here's how it works... You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."

"Okay," the man says,..."I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."
"That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "That's worth two points!"
"Two points, is that all?" the man says.

"Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service."
"Terrific!" says St.Peter.. "That's certainly worth a point."
"One point!?!!" he says.

"I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."
"Fantastic, that's good for two more points," St. Peter says.
"Two points!?!! " he says.

"Exasperated, the man cries. "At this rate the only way I'll get into heaven is by the grace of God."
"Bingo! 100 points !" says St. Peter, "Come on in!"

Emma's 1st day of school...

Yesterday was Emma's 1st day of K3. She had a good day and made a couple of new friends. She got in the car singing some new songs she learned. I love to hear her sing....five little monkeys swinging from a tree, teasing Mr. Alligator...you can't catch me. Along came Mr. Alligator quiet as can be and he snapped that monkey right out of that tree. Brings a smile to my face just typing it.

Check out these pics of our cat, Jessie as she terrorizes this poor chipmunk.

1st day of school!

Well, summer vacation is officially over and the new school year begins. Here are a few pics of McClain, Macy and Landy on their first day of school.
McClain is now in 3rd grade and known for being a "social butterfly". She's real excited to see all her friends.

Landy is starting 1st grade and is in the same class as Eric Nold. They can be best buds this year.

Today is Macy's first day of Kindergarten. I can't believe it. Time is just flying by. Before I know it I'll be walking Emma to class. They all did well and were very excited. No one cried....not even Mom. I did get a huge lump in my throat as I left the parking lot, which I can't really explain.
Macy was so excited to start school. The Kindergartens had the option of getting out at 11:30 today and tomorrow but she wants to stay all day. I know she do fine and have a wonderful day....but for some reason I feel weepy.

So....let me throw myself into my work today and forget about the fact that my little girls are growing up, like it or not!

(I like the way Burt closes each of his blogs with a fitting salutation and thought I'd steal his idea).

Feeling very blessed to have children,
Anne Marie