Father-Son Weekend...

Father-Son Weekend takes place every June and it is aptly named the "Black-Fly Festival". If you know upstate New York, particularly the Adirondack Region, you know what a black fly is, I need not say more.

This year from our family it was DB, BB and Cuzin' Higgly who went. BW had to work so he stayed home. His employer already generously gave him two weekends in a row off for Memorial Day and then Senior Prom. According to him, life is getting more complicated for him now that he's nearly graduated (10 more days), but who's counting?! Little does he know...I won't spoil it for him,LOL!

There were plenty other Father-Son groups too, but I couldn't count how many. Besides, many of the finer details are kept a secret bond among the "men". So us Moms/Wives only get sparse details.

The weather was beautiful I'm told, the food was exceptional as always (they do brag), and the companionship--unmatched. Who could ask for more!

Here's a few shots from this special weekend...

Beware the first one is scary!


A Water Snake found while canoeing.
That's one moment I'm not sorry I missed!


New Initiates, no one was hurt I was assured.


BB's Huck Finn Fish (caught on a stick tied with string and a worm!)


Low Bridge


Daddy Bug on the Lake


Black-Fly Brotherhood


Coach and Jr.


Cuzin' Higgly at the Helm


Beetleboy at the Head

Just Sharing Some of God's Blessings...

Early in June we had a Grand Celebration at our church. We have much to be thankful for. God has blessed us with a beautiful new building to worship in, to learn in and with which to use as a tool to reach others. Here are a few photos of that special day.


We Sure Know How to Eat!


A Tender Moment


Our Hopscotchin' Pastor!


LL's Bud!


I Wanna Be A Fireman When I Grow Up


My Sweet Kitty


What Fun to Have the Fire Dept. Visit!


Our Capital Team


A Grand Buffet


The Bounce House Never Got a Rest

One of the awesome programs at our church is called Alpha. This program is special to us as a family because it has been instrumental in our walk with Christ. This Spring both Daddybug and Beetleboy volunteered their time to help run this session. As in all things when you serve God, he finds a way to bless you more than you've ever done in trying to be obedient to him. When the program was done there was a Celebration Supper. Much to BB's surprise all of the parents and members of the group chipped in and made a generous cash gift to BB for his child care services. He was rendered absolutely speechless. As a result he was able to buy a much "needed" I-Touch i-pod that he'd been saving for. Thank you God for blessing my son and showing him the value of service humbly provided for Your glory.

Along with all of that, this month was also the culmination of a two-year Bible study that Beetleboy has been taking. He and several of his friends received their Confirmation at our church that same day. Way to go BB, we are very proud of the fine Christian young man you are becoming.


Confirmation Day

Elvis IS in the building, I Swear!!!!

Senior Prom...

Ah, the first camping trip of the season...

Memorial Day for as long as I can remember has been about friends, food and fun. Our little town that I used to call home (and now is a second home of sorts) has always turned it's focus to our Veterans and active members of the Armed Forces. The streets are lined with American Flags, and special events are held in honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the love of God and their country. I am proud to say that I grew up there. I am even happier to share it with my children and our friends children. It is my sincere hope that they all will cherish those memories in their hearts years from now as I do still.

A few glimpses from our time in my beloved hometown...


A Serious Game Indeed!


Cuzin' J.D.'s Colossal Marshmallow


Ah, I've waited all winter for S'mores!


Cooking with Daddybug


Look at me Mama!


Did Someone Say Cookie?


It's What Dad's Do...


It's What Little Girls Do, After A Fun Day at the Beach :)


My Beach Baby...


Mama and LL


BW and Volleygirl


Beautiful Girls


Ge-Ge Hugs From Mei Mei


Dear Friends


Sunny Smiles


Daddy Kisses


Caughtya Nappin'


Pizza By the Lake, YUM!


A Three-Hour Tour...

Happy Mother's Day...

Happy Mother's Day to you all. My friend Marti shared this lovely poem with me via e-mail and it seemed only appropriate to pass it along to all of my special friends who are Moms, enjoy...

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.


Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots..
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

Author Anonymous

The Fairest Flower on the Lane...

This weekend was a lot of fun on the Lane. On Saturday there was (more) home improvements being done by DB, thank you SO much for all you do, you work SO hard! There was gardening projects and maintenance being performed by the two gardeners (me and LL). There was also boys in trees, boys on bikes, boys eating snacks, boys everywhere! Ah, summer is nearly here!

Then on Sunday for Mother's Day we went to church where BB helped prepare refreshments for all the Moms, pretty flowers were given to all the Moms and tasty chocolates too! After church I was treated to a lovely lunch and a nice ride in the country with BW as chauffeur. Perfect, I couldn't ask for more!

These are a few glimpses of our fun weekend...