Golf, Anyone?

One of the best things about this vacation is that Jeff has been able to play golf -- something he never has time for at home. He had a couple pretty good caddies this week, too.

At the Park

There is a beautiful park and boat launch just around the corner from where we are staying. Summer, Katherine, Abigail and I spent a little while there yesterday, just hanging out, throwing rocks in the water and enjoying the sunshine. Oh what we'd have given for a jet ski...

Girls Day Out (a.k.a. Retail Therapy)

Jeff had to go into Austin for the morning, so the girls spent time at the Round Rock Outlet Mall. We had lots of fun and got some school shopping done, too. In the afternoon, Jeff picked us up and we went to IKEA. Love that place!

Oh, Deer...

We have enjoyed the many deer that live in this area. I'm sure the homeowners get tired of them eating their flowers, but to us they are most exciting to watch. A large group of them are on the golf course almost every time we pass. I hope to get a pic before we leave.

This sweet little doe was practically on our porch this morning. The girls took handfuls of lettuce out to her. She ate some of it and then scampered away not too long after.

Silence is Lavender

You've heard it said that "silence is golden," but I think silence is lavender. After a busy, fun day swimming and playing, Jeff has taken the girls down the street to play tennis and I am alone. Ahhh... When I think of a color that represents how I feel right now, it's lavender -- soothing, pastel, restful. Wish I'd thought to bring bubble bath! I did, however, bring tea. Thank goodness for that.

I've discovered something about myself this week, in addition to the fact that I think silence is lavender. I really enjoying cooking from scratch. When I have time, I like to try new recipes. I bought a recipe magazine before we left and have already tried 3 new recipes: a delicious coleslaw, and two types of rolls. Kneading dough can be very relaxing.

Well, the girls just came barreling in the door. Katherine sat down next to me and said in her best 'mom is crazy' voice, "Silence is lavender? What does that mean?" Restful moment over! Think I'll give the kids a little Benadryl nightcap and make myself a cup of tea.

Thoughts on Slowing Down or... I'm in Detox Mode

The view from our deck

It's amazing to me how we (ok, I) get so used to rushing around living that we don't even realize how frenetic a pace we are running -- until we go on vacation. Even my girls are suffering from this condition. The first words out of their mouths today (officially day 1 of vacation) were, "We don't have anything to do." "But, that's what we're here for, to do nothing," I said. We don't know how to sit still, watch clouds, read for an hour, play in a lake... Look at me...I'm blogging! I pray that as our week unfolds we will be able to rest, relax and recharge. The real world will return soon enough.

There are deer everywhere. They don't even run when you drive by them.

Off to Vacation

We are excited to be headed to the beautiful Texas Hill Country tomorrow for some much needed rest and relaxation. Hope to work on my tan that has been quite late in happening this year due to all the rainy days this summer. Jeff is taking his computer so if I get a chance between the afternoon naps and the 8 books I'm going to be reading, I'll try to post something from beautiful Point Venture.

Robin Hood

We enjoyed a wonderful show tonight at the Keel Theater at South Grand Prairie High School. Rebecca auditioned on Monday morning for a part in Robin Hood, sponsored by the Missoula Children's Theater Group. She was given the part of a guard. Practices were held all week long. It was amazing to see the kids put a show together in such a short amount of time -- only 5 days! Rebecca's friend, Amanda, was Marian's Maid. Thanks go to the Arnold's for allowing Rebecca to spend most of the week with them so we didn't have to drive Rebecca back and forth for practice. Way to go, Becca!

Robin Hood Cast

Prettiest guard, mustache and all
Rebecca is back row, far right.

Sheriff of Nottingham, Prince John, Robin Hood, Marian's Maid

Welcome Home, Barb

It was great to welcome Barb Isbell back to Texas after six months in Aberdeen, Scotland. We went out for dinner at Jason's Deli on Sunday night and started catching up on Scotland, Vancouver, etc. It will probably take us quite a while to talk about everything we've missed the last six months. And, oh, the scrapbooking we have to do...

Leaders in Training (LIT) Recognition Service

July 29th...Sixth grade LIT's were recognized with a certificate and a necklace for completing two years of the program at church. The necklace was a shield, with the verse, Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you?Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Mrs. Tammy Barks

Miss Tricia Jernigan -- Go God!

Mrs. Lisa Owens, Rebecca's Small Group Leader

Brother Clint May