Half way through the phone book...

Reading with toddlers can be, like most things, challenging. Emma often decides two pages from the end that she's done with a book. She wants you to read to her when you can't--like when you're fixing dinner or changing a diaper. However, she won't read with you when you sit down and say, "Come sit...let me hold you. Let's read a book."

The other night Darren was playing with the kids on the porch. Emma decided to haul over the phone book we use as a booster seat for the outside and read it with Daddy. So, kind Daddy that he is, he started paging through it with her. Hilarious! Well, we're readers and I guess we'll promote literacy in it's every form--picture book or phone book!

Made me think of Ephesians 5:15-17, "Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Bug Bites R Us...

We all have bug bites everywhere. Darren and I have been fighting with the chiggers and mosquitoes in our backyard. We think we got the chiggers but now the mosquitoes are going crazy. It's like a blood bath out there!
The kids had pictures scheduled today so I wanted the swelling to go down. I researched online and asked my folks and we tried witch hazel, baking soda paste (as seen below), and calamine lotion. They're still there and as itchy as ever. The Benedryl is the only thing that seems to even make a dent and that makes the kids crabby.
FYI--the pictures went horribly!
Emma felt that if Caleb had paste on his face then so should she!

Darren the date night guru...

Darren planned our date the other night and it was fabulous. I'll take any chance I can get to brag on my man! I had been getting tired of planning dates so asked him if he'd plan one if I got the babysitter set.

He took me to Santorini's Greek Restaurant. The food was great and the "saganaki" or flaming goat cheese was awesome! They deep fry goat cheese and bring it out to your table, pour brandy on it and light it...yelling, "OPA!" Very entertaining--be careful how much hairspray you wear! The food was delicious. I tried Moussaka--'cuz I always thought it sounded funny and wanted to see what it tasted like--it was like special Greek lasagna. It was made of layered beef, eggplant and cheese with tomato sauce. Darren got a huge Gyro that he could hardly get into his face! He even left the sour cream and feta on it (didn't scrap it off--gasp--shocking, i know) and claimed that he enjoyed it!

After dinner we went downtown to Monument Circle. We climbed the monument and looked down on the crowds and fountains. Very romantic.

Then, we went to the fudge factory off the circle and had a LaSalle sundae. It was huge mint chocolate ice cream sundae with two factory made chocolates in it with lots of whipped cream! Yummo!

Finally, we walked down the arts gardens and over to the canal. The canal is so neat and clean! They have gondola ride--it's very romantic. We "cheaped" out on the gondola for this date--we'll save it for another time! My only advice is wear good walking shoes because I got two little blisters on each big toe--ouchie!

So, Darren is the date night guru for anyone out there wanted his assistance in planning a great night out! I love you honey!

Hmmmm? Need or want?

I read a church marquee today and it got me thinking. The sign said,
"God gives us what we NEED...not what we WANT."
Hmmm? Their point is that we should be thankful for the daily needs met and not moan about what we want. After all, God isn't some big piggy bank in the sky there to meet our every whimper. Certainly, He knows best what we truly need--even when it is contrary to our desires.

However, I find it interesting that often when I am truly in line with God, my needs and my wants match up. When I read His Word and remember who He is, I'm more careful about what I want and I better identify my true needs. I guess I feel that God gives me what I need and often it is what I want. Looking back, there are wants I'm glad He didn't supply!

Whatta Catch!

I'd forgotten about this picture! Isn't he a catch? Darren thought this would be funny--don't worry, he hasn't dropped him on his head, yet!

FisherMAN!

Darren and Grandpa went fishing to catch enough fish for our traditional fish fry! I was sort of grumbling about how many days this might take because they only caught one the first day. Well, surprise--it only took two days because they caught so many the second day! Here is a picture of my mighty fisherMAN! They were delicious--and as fresh as they get!

Relaxed...

I wish I could keep that relaxed feeling of the end of vacation BEFORE the drive back! This picture is relaxing to me! I love seeing my man with my kids on the backdrop of such beautiful mountains! Ahhh!