We used the spray-on sunscreen.  I used it on David and I laughed hysterically yesterday when Rich showed me this picture he took of Dave’s back yesterday at the track:

I honestly thought I had covered him entirely!

On the fourth of July Rich took the kids to the playground so he could go running.  I made macaroni salad (amish recipe) and looked forward to grilling for dinner.

I love our old-fashioned looking flag bunting for the porch and my dark blue hanging baskets.

After they came home the boys wouldn’t let Seth on the trampoline and he was sad.  I was fine with it though because three boys on the trampoline is an accident waiting to happen.

He was still pouting.  Some of us did manage to wear red/white/and blue.  🙂

A good mama.

When it was time to start the grill Rich said “oh shoot, I’m out of charcoal” and I almost threw away the meat.  He went to the store and eventually we did eat our grilled beef kabobs, baked beans, macaroni salad, cantaloupe, and spice cake.

At our church those who are taking communion file up to the front to take the bread and then the cup, then going back to their seats to partake.  Those who don’t take it are left in the pew to try to work their positions in order to be the one sitting next to MOM when she returns……the boys were silent but determined and my communion cup was jostled so that most of it dumped on my chest and lap.   I just had to laugh because I know God understands how hard it is for me to stay focused in church these days, and He wants me to cherish the moments.  I was in constant thoughts with God, and knew He was enjoying my situation just as much as I was.  Rich took the picture after we had gotten back home.

Abbie spend the weekend with Grace.  She is my sister’s oldest and the girls are one year apart, both born in November.  Cousins and best friends.

On Sunday I had such fun taking them out to Starbucks.

And then shopping.

We spent most of our time in Sephora…..

They had a free mini makeover service and learned about conturing.

I let them each pick one item as a gift from me to them.  Abbie chose purple mascara.  “Do you think my Mom will let me wear it?”  “Well, if not you could at least wear it at home!” And Grace picked out a new eye-liner pencil.  I treated myself to a new lipstick.

Later that night they made lemon cupcakes and served me in bed while I was reading my latest book, Cold Mountain.  Rich had one as well, as he read a book by Bill Piper (John Piper’s dad).

To be honest, I made Rich go out to the kitchen to get me a second one.  They were so good!

2/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 2/3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
1 Tablespoon grated lemon peel

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.  Stir in lemon peel.

Bake in muffin cups at 350 for 20-24 minutes, and frost.

 

Rich woke me up at 2 in the morning yelling at the teenagers to go to bed.  The girls were running up and down the stairs and the boys were playing video games.  After which we had insomnia for over an hour.  We tossed and turned.  Ugh.

He’s at work now and I’m showered and dressed.  I’m leaving here in about an hour to take the kids to the one dollar movie at the mall.

I don’t want to end this post without sharing a sweet compliment that my husband gave me.  We were snuggling close in bed when he said, “Shan, I don’t ever remember a time in all the years we’ve been married that you’ve smelled bad.”