Plum Tuckered Out

Our friends, Jason & Missy, are moving away from us. Jason was pastoring a church in Muncie (also worked for Shawn) and they are going to be ministering at a church in Ohio. We are going to miss them!
I had told them I wanted to help take care of their children if they needed to get packing done or whatever. They agreed, and since they were getting ready for a yard sale, I could watch the children so they could get twice as much done. (Parents, you know the feeling!)
As you can see from the pictures, the kids had a blast. It was crazy taking care of six, but it went well. I even got quite a few things done while they enjoyed playing together. Sarah, the youngest, was so funny. She was into everything and once while I was busy in the kitchen, she quietly sat at the table and took the lid off the glue, dumped a huge pile out, and then proceeded to rub it in one of her pony tails. :-)
I was so glad I had the chance to help our friends, but, as you can assume, I was tuckered out! Shawn and I went out for dinner with them after they all got done working. I would like to blame my tiredness for the PEPPER ON THE PANCAKES!! haha Has anyone else ever done this? Has anyone else's child neither complained or asked about it, but ate it?!!! Thank you, Ethan!!!
Shawn took Zander to the vet and while there got him weighed. 183 pounds!!!! (Zander is the English Mastiff on the left in one of the above pictures, and Zadie May is the one on the right.)

Who needs a side mirror, anyhow?

"Are you ready for a date with your wife?"
These were the rehearsed words that popped out of my mouth as I raced across the few feet of gravel to his office.
A confused look crossed his handsome face. "Wwhaat? Really?! No kids?", came his reply.
My response, "Just gotta go pick up Em, she is going to watch her niece and nephews."
Shawn was so excited (Really! He actually ACTED excited!)

Auntie is a great baby-sitter! Here is a picture of Morgan and Auntie.
Morgan's shirt reads, My Aunt Rocks!




I told Shawn that the night was for him, so I ended up in the driver's seat. (rare occurrence) I wanted to get him a gift -which I did, but had to order it online; the Bible on cd. He chose Cracker Barrel for our supper, which it was Friday Fish Fry (since this was a date on Friday! haha) Then we went to Wal-mart to check out some pants that he wanted for work and of course I had a whole list of things I needed from there. I think we actually made it through the whole shopping experience without raising our voices louder than necessary! Usually we have screaming, demanding children with us and it is much, much harder to shop and enjoy one's self.
To end a perfectly good evening, I believe one must have dessert. So, we pulled into Dairy Queen. Well, their drive-thru was way different than a normal one, so I had some trouble pulling up to the window correctly - which we enjoyed laughing at. But the clincher ---
After I pulled up to the window (which I did very POORLY) Shawn told me the window actually opened up on the other side (meaning I pulled too far forward) So I put the van in reverse and backed up - even farther from the window. Shawn proceeded to tell me how to do it correctly.
Shawn put his arm on my back and told me, "Honey, you really are doing a great job driving!" Wow, that hand felt so good and what a compliment coming from Mr. Side Seat Driver!
Dessert was served so I put the van in gear and started to pull away, only to be jolted into motion by the sound of Shawn screaming, "Look out!"
Little did I realize I just about knocked off the driver's side mirror!!!!!
Ha Ha Ha This is so great! It still cracks me up!

Swings, Slides, & Snoozes

Landon climbing onto the bridge

Getting up close to the ducks that were by the pond

Morgan didn't get much out of the park, but certainly was a good little gal

'Round and around we go!

The boys love to go HIGH

Wheeee....curly slide

I took a couple pics of this - by the last one Ethan was saying quite emphatically, "TAKE THE PICTURE!"

Ethan certainly loved to do lots of climbing while we were there

#1 Dad

Music has been a huge part of my life. Of course, most of you are aware that my father is a magnificent musician. (also, writer, teacher, proofer, .....just to name a few.) :-)
I remember all those times we would practice for a service. He would sit at the piano and I would stand beside him, violin in hand (occasionally coming very close to poking his right eye out with my wicked bow!) Dad, do you remember all the arrangements we would come up with? "Ivory Palaces" and " 'Til the Storm Passes Over" - just to name a couple. Also, we would sing for hours on end.....
Now, in my place (which she should act as if it is a most holy place and precede with humility) Emily is the one by dad's side.
Dad was always there to tuck me in, rub my back/feet for endless hours (which my husband despises since I hold it over his head), helping clean the kitchen (which my husband also despises -haha) and on and on....
I never saw him show a bad attitude toward anyone. He was always there for people, going the extra mile to put a smile on someone's face. (And sometimes that required LOTS of work!)
But the most important, was the fact that after all the family was tucked away in bed, my dad was out in the living room kneeling in front of the old blue chair, praying.
Oh! Can't forget the countless hours he would hold that scanner and listen to stuff...listen to the trucks during the snow days of school to see if he would need to cancel, etc.
Still today, he is doing things for me. Bringing me donuts, helping me with my music questions, and just listening to my endless chatter.

I love you, dad! You are the greatest!
Love, Melanie Lynn
(I made the cake for him the other night...and yes, he was pleased! Sent his daughter the nicest e-mail - ahh...feelin' the love?!!)

Please, Pamper Thyself

Emily receiving hand treatment while soaking her feet

On the way to beautiful skin and a healthy glow

I had the privilege to have a "Girls Night Out". A few gals got together and had a fun time being pampered. A hand massage, foot scrub/massage, facial, and a 15 minute back/neck/arm massage. Oohh...what fun! Such relaxation. Such great company. Such womanly fun! Drama, drama, drama!

Ponytails and Silly Tales

Morgan now sports a new 'do. Instead of one fountain, she now wears two! (I am having too much fun with this little gal, huh?!)

After church on Sunday's, I like to ask Ethan what he heard about in Sunday School. He has a fantastic teacher and is always coming home with neat things. Well, this week, when asked about what he had learned, he said, "..about yucky food and good food!" Well, I tried asking him a few other questions, but to no avail! I can't wait to ask his teacher next Sunday! At least he is listening...but he is missing some important parts of the story. (I guess he is like his mommy - talk of food and everything else is less important!)

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