I'm still here!

I had just about forgotten about having a blog. It wasn't until I just saw a friend's blog update of Facebook that I was reminded how long it has been. I guess one reason I kept putting it off was because, honestly, no one I ask reads my blog. My parents don't, my siblings don't, several of my closest friends don't, so I figured, why keep it up? Then I reconciled with myself and thought, I do it for me and for my friends that actually like to read blogs. I like to read about my friends, so surely, I have a couple of friends who care to read what I have to say. So, it will continue. . . for better or worse.

It's been a very busy month. David's brother, Aaron and his wife Katrina, came out from Utah to visit the entire DC area. They came down for a one night stay. During that time, they managed to lock their keys in the rental car. Of course that was the only time we thought to take pictures. We loved having them here!



My brother, Wyatt, was nice enough to hire David to make some built-in bookshelves. He did this project during one of his weeks "off". Here are some pictures before the project was completely finished. David added doors to the bottom, a couple more coats of paint and molding. The finished project was beautiful!



This was also the month for Evan's birthday. He turned 4. I can't believe my "baby" is 4. Time has gone by too quickly. Suprisingly, I have enjoyed all his fun phases. I guess because I know he's my last. He is such a wonderful child. He's always happy and laughing. Here are some photos from our family party.



The following weekend my brother Shaun came down from Maryland for a visit. We were planning on going to the beach, but mother nature had other plans. When the hurricane came towards our coast and caused 20 foot swells, we thought it would be best for us to stay close to home. So, we went to yates Mill State Park to take a tour of the wheat mill. But, because of the rain from the hurricane that was canceled as well. So we spent the time in the museum, which was wonderful for the kids. They had scavenger hunts, dress up, puzzles, etc., for them to stay entertained.



Shaun also decided he wanted to learn how to can peaches. So, we went to the state Farmer's Market, bought 40 pounds of peaches and made 18 pints of jam and 18 quarts of peaches. That's my idea of fun. I love being in the kitchen teaching others my skills.

As for me, I had surgery at the end of August to remove my tonsils, and to fix my deviated septum. I was very apprehensive about getting these procedures done, mostly because of pain and a little because of our new stinky insurance coverage. I prayed so intently on whether or not I should get it done and I felt such a peace about it, that obviously, I went ahead with it. I am here to report that it really wasn't that bad. I stayed on top of my meds, having David set an alarm for every 4 hours. I did have a reaction to the Lortab (hyrdocodone) so they switched me to demerol. I hated the demerol. It made me have weird dreams when I actually could sleep and made me feel out of my mind when I was awake. I only stayed on it for 3 days and then just went to extra strength tylenol for the last couple of days. I was up and doing fine within 10 days. It was such a blessing to have my children away for the first couple of days after the surgery. I literally needed David at my beck and call. Luckily he had the week off of work due to the temporary lay-offs from his company. Ok, enough about that. On Labor Day I was feeling well enough to get out of the house for the first time in 10 days. During the morning, we went to a history museum in downtown Raleigh. I know it's sad to say, but we've lived here 6 yers and have never been inside. They had a pirate exhibit we all wanted to see as well as history of NC.

After we left the museum, we went to our first ever minor league baseball game. We actually had to explain baseball to all the kids. We definately plan on going more often next year.

We're almost done. Bear with me. . .

My kids are already tracked out. This past week we went to another state park. While hiking on the trail, we came across a creek the kids decided they had to walk around and play in. I tried warning them that wet rocks are slippery but despite the warnings, all but Paige slipped into the water at some point. While walking the rest of the trail, Rylee came within feet of a fawn. Then 2 doe's joined in. It was such a relaxing afternoon. I love going to places where it's okay for the kids to run around!







Okay. That's it. I have more to blog, but I'll do that in another post. Sorry for the novel, but consider yourself just about caught up with my life.