July Gone?

Things are awfully quiet here this morning the first day of August! Willie and Ruby headed home for long weekend with Gran and Granny. Jay returned home from the July recruiting tour but has kids visiting campus today so it gives me ample quiet time to piddle with my projects. Unfortunately, until now, my projects have been folding clothes, unloading dishwasher, and putting things away. I do love routines so I am thankful that these tasks are all familiar. I must admit it was very nice to sleep in and after lunch Jay and I plan to workout together, get all school suppplies ready, and host a dinner for the Rosenthal's.

The end of July wrapped up with Willie attending tennis camp. His coach was real encouraging and he really enjoyed the camp. I was so proud that he waltzed right into a camp where he knew no one and integrated himself as the youngest day camper. He was introduced to Pokemon cards which was more popular than the pool time they had. He he has now earned about 12 cards and this incentive has been dreamy for me.

Mary Lewis, Sidney and Keeton came to visit for several days while Jay was traveling and Sid was on-call. It was a huge treat for me and the kids as they all played so sweet together. Night #1 our covenant group had our annual family picnic. Here's a shot of some of dearest friends--you know the ones who God gives you to keep you focused and accountable. Thank you, Lord, for such wonderfully talented and gifted women in my life.



Picture credit goes to Tim Martin! From the top: Jenn, Amy, ML, me, Laura, Keeley, Amanda and Amy.

The next day, we met Willie after his last tennis session for swim time on a perfect hot July day. Saturday we went to see the Cinderella marionette puppets which everyone seemed to enjoy especially Ruby. Then we had Ladd and Ms. Georgia come over to play for a while too. The boys played alot of pool and hockey while we moms enjoyed chips and salsas. Jay surprised us by coming in late Saturday night and getting to be at church with us (and helping us get ready)! Mary Lewis shared her faith story in Sunday School on Sunday before they left us.

Then the next day, Jay headed back out for Orlando and Gran and Granny came for several days to visit. Granny brought figs and we assisted her in making strawberry fig preserves from the last batch of figs picked from Gaggy's yard. Gran did project after project which was such a gift to Jay and me to make more progress on getting settled here. His gift to Jay when we moved in was a building him a workbench for the garage which he was able to get installed on this visit with the progress we have slowly made on the garage.

Hard to believe that July zipped by so fast. Thanks to our family and friends who made it so much richer with warm memories and happy days!