Summer....Slip sliding away

The school building opens tomorrow so teachers can come unpack the rooms. Although the first contracted day back is not till the 10th, the opening of the building signals that the end is near.  After the unpacking blitz and trip to Hot Springs, we tried to squeeze in some fun!  Here is what we have been up to that makes summer days so sweet!

Pancake Breakfast with the Haynes and even some blackberry picking

Grant's Farm (where Macy insisted on riding the tram like a big girl)

Magic House fun with Jillian

Celebrated Grandmaw's Birthday

Girls' Lunch Out while Mr. John hosted cupcake decorating with Parker and Macy

Multiple trips to the subdivision pool ~ Parker is getting to be more like a fish and Macy loves adult swim aka snack time

Martha West!

Martha,
When we switched to our laptop, I lost your blog address!  I've searched the world wide web over and cannot find you!  I hope you are still checking in because I miss keeping up with the West family!  We miss you much!
Love,
Jennifer

Hot Springs, AR

We just returned from visiting Tony's side of the family in Hot Springs.  On the long way down, we were excited to stop and see our "adopted son", Steve.  Knowing us like he does, he knew we are all about the food and suggested a great BBQ joint in Memphis.

One of the highlights of the trip was seeing Uncle Van and Aunt Carla's dream home.  They had bought the land shortly after Tony and I were married.  The dream house is almost completed and absolutely the most beautiful home I have ever been in.  I am not just saying that!  Uncle Van owns his own cabinetry business and is using the home as a showroom for his business.  I took a ton of pictures, but am having to honor his request and not publish them.  But if your in the market for custom cabinetry, I'll hook you up!  Parker would say one of his highlights was lots of rides on the six wheeler.  That was a picture of our grand tour.

Uncle Van and Aunt Carla have 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 horses on their property.  While Parker and I enjoyed meeting Callie and Doc from the 6 wheeler, Macy wanted an upclose introduction!  Aunt Carla hosted a lunch for the whole family Saturday afternoon - 50+ and not everyone was there!  I was so busy keeping track of Macy and Parker between visiting that I didn't get any pictures taken.  What was I thinking? 

On Sunday, we did a little sightseeing in Hot Springs.  But first we stopped by Great Grandmother's to see her new digs and meet Aunt Voneta's dog, Yogi.  We always love visiting with Great Grandmother and Yogi was very cute! 

Gamma and Uncle Richard acted as our tour guides.  Gamma grew up in Hot Springs and shared some of her memories.  We went to the top of the mountain where her daddy used to bring all the kids (eight of them) for a watermelon picnic on a hot evening.  The view was incredible!  Thanks to all the Hot Springs clan for a great visit!

Gone....But not forever!

What can I say about the last 5 months?  We gave up internet and cable (for a multitude of reasons), Parker finished kindergarten, Macy is what my mom calls a "pistol packing momma", and as of Thursday we moved to O'Fallon, MO so I can be five minutes from work and take Parker with me!  So far, we have had our cable and internet set up and I have unpacked our kitchen and living room.  After church, tomorrow we are unpacking Parker's room which by far had the most boxes!

January 24, 1970

On Sunday, my parents will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary!  This is especially incredible because you could not find two more different people who have lasted this long together.  My dad loves to preach the Word, my mom would rather sit in the back of the auditorium.  My dad never meets a stranger, my mom would rather visit with one good friend.  My dad enjoys hole in the wall restaurants, my mom prefers 5 star.  My dad likes to sit in front of the TV, my mom would rather go out.  My dad likes to sleep in a completely dark and silent room, my mom prefers a light on as well as the TV.  You can get the picture.  But there has been one thing in their marriage that they are in complete agreement with.  Very much like the Carly Simon song, my brother and I are the loves of their lives.  I am not bragging.  They would be the first to tell you that.  I have been thinking about what their 40 year marriage has meant to me.  Despite knowing that they are the odd couple, I owe them so very much.  Most importantly, I inherited my faith from them.  Growing up, they led by example.  A family goes to church Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday evening.  A family serves at church.  For the longest time, my dad was the Children's Minister before anyone had heard of it: countless hours driving the Joy bus, kissing a pig when the kids at our church broke the record for VBS attendance, campaigning for the children of the church to be a vital part.  My mom modeled quiet service.  Don't ignore the homeless man on the corner.  Carry a bag of groceries to give him.  Take time for your friends.  True friends will hold you when you feel faint.  My parents have always provided the soft landing when I have fallen.  They continually help me to get back on my feet.  My parents may be complete opposites, but they have found a way to fit together for 40 years.  Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!  Thank you for all the love that has come my way because you found a way to give me the best of both worlds.  I love you!

On The March

Parker came home on Friday full of news from his substitute teacher.  She is a zoo volunteer and told the kids about the penguins marching.  Parker sounded as if he had memorized every word she said.  Saturday morning, Parker was ready to head to the zoo.  Tony checked online and saved us from a disappointing trip.  The penguins only march on Sundays (at 2:00 and if the temp is below 50 in case you want to go).  Sunday morning, we went to church in our jeans so we could grab a quick bite and head to the zoo.  We couldn't believe how many people came to see the penguins march.  I thought all the penguins marched, but only about a dozen get to.  The zookeeper said that they don't pick the penguins.  They just open the door and see who feels like walking.  We happened to be at the beginning and the penguins stayed in front of us for about 5 minutes.  Macy is as tall as the penguins so she was right at their eye level.  She shook with excitement!  Parker was also enthusiastic as he greeted the penguins with "Hello cute penguin!  Come see Parker!".  It took us way longer to get parked and get a spot in line than the whole thing lasted.  Tony and I just looked at each other and laughed.  But the most important thing was that our two penguin lovers thought it was the best march ever!

Happy Birthday Grandad!

My dad turns 61 today! I love my dad so much! Growing up, my dad was and still is my dream catcher. He sees the very best in me and encourages me to see things in myself that I would never see. For example, my dad has seen these things in me in his 60th year: the next great American novel, a doctorate, and a principal. Now none of these have come to pass. I am a wife, a mom of a almost six year old and a one year old, a third grade teacher, and on the list goes. But it is nice to know that someone sees all the possibilities in you and never doubts that you have the talent or the brainpower to make it all a reality. Thanks, Dad! You're the best!