The Big Day for the Grads...

So, in Upstate New York, we have had more rain than I can recall in years this Spring and Summer. It's to the point now where I feel we may all begin to grow mold or fungus, LOL! Sunshine has NOT been a bountiful part of our lives as we desperately need. Our season is already WAY to short. OK, enough of that. But the point I make is, that by God's grace only, the day of the party was SUNNY AND WARM!! Thank you God! We ALL needed a day of fun in the sun.

Between Cuzin' Astro and BW we had about 95 guests I'm estimating. Perhaps a few more who came and went quickly while en route to another social engagement. Cuzin' D and I were wondering all along how we were going to pull this off as we prepared for this party out of two 30' foot RV's. Sensible people would do a party this size from their home or the like. But camping has been such a big (and fun) part of our kids lives, why not do this for them before sending them off? In short, we did it. This is NOT to say that both trucks and campers were not filled to the brim with food, drink, decorations, chairs, tables, etc. We were loaded to the gills as they say. AND, we had ALOT of help from family and dear friends. Without them we could never have done it. The decorations were fun, the food was delicious, the desserts were tasty, the company was fabulous and as I said before the weather was gorgeous. Who could ask for more?

So, here are a few of my favorite memories of this special day; shared with those we hold most dear in our hearts...


Making Plans...


Guest Quarters :)


Preparations and Decorations


Pickles Anyone?


Too Cute for Words


My Boss and his Wife, Taxman and Mrs. G.


The Kiddos Setting Sail


Rose and the Chief


Munch Time!


Time for some Beach Volleyball, ah Summer...


Diesel Daddy and Family out for a paddle...


DB and Kiki


CA, Aunty Ess and Uncle Fix-It


The Grads Big Surprise from Cookie, a 1966 Gibson!



Cuzin's Cutting Cake...


Thank you God that You have gotten these two young people to this point in their lives. They are embarking on a new journey. I pray they always keep You first in their minds. That they turn to You first for wisdom. That they will praise You for their successes and lean on You when they are unsure. Guide their steps, keep them safe. All praise and glory to You. AMEN.

How Could I NOT post this photo?!

So, we were at the beach this weekend. LL and I were sitting on a blanket. She was busy playing with her toys and I was busy playing Solitaire on my PDA. Just chillin' and relaxin' you get the idea.

Well...in another one of those moments where Mom was a little too engrossed in her own "stuff", LL decided to venture into my purse. You know where this is going right?

I'll let the photo do the talkin'...

June 25, 2009, A Day in History on the Lane...

Reflections on BW's High School Graduation...

a day to cherish in my Mom's heart forever.


Proud Mom & Dad


A Smooch from Mom ;)


There He Is!


There He Goes!


680-Something Graduates + Several Thousand Proud Relatives
=One Huge Crowd!


Getting His Diploma, the Moment He's Waited For!


BW & VG


BW & Miss Livvy


BW & Sweet Songbird


BW & Lil' Sis #2


LL & Mama are SO Proud of you BW
We Love You So, So Much!!


As we arrived at BW & VG's special dinner this beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky. Scripture tells us that rainbows are a reminder of God's promise to us. So many times in my life I've had a rainbow appear, just when I needed to feel God's presence. So it didn't surprise me one bit to see this full, bright rainbow as our son embarks on this new phase of his life. Thank you God that You love my son even more than I do. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus. What a wonderful, joyful day, all glory and honor to You!

Beware! Blogging Can Be Dangerous...

I just HAD to add this little post note to my previous post. You know how when you have a little one and all of a sudden you realize the house is too strangely quiet?

YUP, it means that the little one is into something she shouldn't be.

As I was creating the prior post, pouring my heart out electronically, LL was pouring out powder. All over herself and all over the rug. But how lovely the room smells!

Proof...Use Caution When Blogging!

Then and Now...

In ten short days Boll Weevil and Cuzin' Astro will graduate from high school. In August they will embark on a new chapter of life, college.

Cuzin' Astro will study Electrical Engineering, aspiring to work for NASA one day. The sky is the limit for this young lady. Just wait and see!

Boll Weevil will study Environmental Science. His goal is to work to improve our quality of living while minimizing the impact on our earth and it's resources. A lofty goal, but one he shares with many others who are like-minded.

It is interesting to see, how even at a young age, these two were leaning in these directions all along.

How time does fly. It seems just yesterday that Mama Astro and I were swapping stories of sleepless nights with our newborns. Cuzin' Astro was NOT a sleeper as an infant and I thought for sure that they'd never get any rest. Today, she sleeps til noon, oh how things change, LOL!

Little Astro :)

These two cousins are so blessed. For all of their lives they've had each other. At a mere 6 months apart in age, they've shared many memorable moments. They've always had each other to talk to, to share joys and pains, and to know that when one fell the other would pick them up. How can the value of this be measured? It is priceless. Thank you God for families!


With Nana in the Kiddie Pool


Cuzin's Eating Lobsters In Rockport


At Our Beautiful Home Away From Home


Boll Weevil,

Your infancy is long gone but in my heart you'll always be my curly-haired beautiful blue-eyed baby boy who thought Batman ruled the world.



Now the world awaits you son. Embrace all the opportunities you are presented with, both the good and the bad. God never wastes one joy or one trial on us. His love for us is too great. It is through these moments that we see Him glorified. And too, when we see Him at work in our lives. It is proof that our Heavenly Father walks beside us continually, shaping us and molding us into the people He would have us become. We are so proud of you, of what you stand for and we eagerly await what lies ahead for your bright future.

With Sky-fulls of Love,

Mom and Dad


Congratulations BW and CA!!

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