The View from Baltic Drive: May 2006

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

First day at the pool

One of my earliest and fondest memories of childhood summers is swimming. My mom took us to the Fairmount Swim beach nearly every day all summer long. I can remember swimming, playing hard, and then falling asleep in the couch when we got home. I can remember getting into the car to head home, and how hot and sticky the car was. I can remember laying on the dock in the sun during hourly swim break. I loved it then, and I still love it now. Last year, I started taking the girls to the pool. This is our second season to have a family pass, and I intend to use it every available day . The kids like to play in the water and lay in the sun. I play in the water, lay in the sun, and do a little pool side reading. It makes me feel like I am on vacation! Here are a few pictures of the girls in their new swimming suits on our first day at the pool.

Paige and Peyton

Paige

Peyton

A day on the Boat

We spent Memorial Day on the Boat this year. It was a hot day, and the water was bearable (not that I got in). The kids spent lots of time swimming around the boat and playing. A fun time was had by all!

Chad and Livie

Peyton and Paige

Saturday, May 27, 2006

That time of year again..

Brad starting out

Brad

The weather is warmer, the flowers are blooming, and the boat is out on the water! Brad has had the boat out several times this year already. He wears his wetsuit when he wakeboards to protect against the still cold water. Yesterday, with the temperatures rising, the girls and I went along and enjoyed the sun. I didn't even put my feet in the cold water, but both of my girls braved a dip in the lake. Brrr...

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Fun with Coal

Someone came and stole my very calm dog and replaced it with this equally cute but very active puppy! Coal now escapes from the fence no matter how many barriers we put up. I'm not kidding, the could use this pup for next season on "Prison Break!" Yesterday, Aunt Jame came by on her day off and took some pics of the kids and the dogs. Here are a few.

As usual, click on pictures to enlarge

Paige, Coal and Peyton out by the pond checking out the toads

Did somebody call my name?

Paige and Peyton playing by the pond

taking a rest

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Meet Coal..

Meet Coal....We brought a scared puppy home last night. Today, he is jumping and playing in his new yard. We were trying to decide on a name on the way home from getting him, when we crossed "Coal Creek." I said "Coal" to Brad, figuring he wouldn't like it. But he smiled and said that he liked the name. He is an adorable black lab, a big guy for 8 weeks old. It was a smile I haven't seen on Brad's face for quite a while.

We had been talking about getting a new dog since right after we lost Scottie in January. I sat down in the row in Sunday school day before yesterday, and a couple in the class was showing a flyer on their pups to the couple next to me. I quickly asked for the flyer and took it to Brad after Sunday school. He was very interested and called them that night. So last night, we went over to get Coal. This is a good reminder that God is faithful to us in even small areas, like a new pet. The kids are very excited about him, and I they are already working on bonding with the pup, kinda "early" this morning! (Yawn for mommy.)

I think I like my new home!

so tired! He doesn't even care as Grammy holds up his paw for a picture!

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Happy Mother's day

I got home from work at about 2 am to find two beautiful homemade Mother's day cards on the table, with a dish of my favorite sugar free candy and peanuts (my girls definitely know my snacking habits!) I feel very blessed today already.

click on image to enlarge

I have always loved Faith Hill's song "You can't lose me." However, this song became very special to me after my girls were born. When my girls were very tiny and in seperate hospital NICUs, I knew that God was taking care of them, and I didn't even need to be there. Even so, I hated when I couldn't be with them. Even now, I don't like to be away from them for too long. I remember singing this song to Paige the first time they let me hold her. I wanted her to know that even when I couldn't be by her side, I loved her and was there for her. This song always comes back to me on mothers day. For some reason, it also makes me think of my own mother, and what an encouragement she has been to me. I always want my mother to know how much I love her, and how just like my girls, she can't lose me either! Happy mothers day mom!

(trey bruce, thom mchugh)

A little girl, a little small for her age

A little too slow for the field day race

Momma’s waiting at the finish line

And wipes the teardrops from her eyes

She says, you did just fine honey, that’s okay

Sometimes life’s just that way

You’re gonna lose the race from time to time

But you’re always gonna find

You can’t lose me

Bet your life

I am here and I will always be

Just a wish away