Thursday, August 7

Some Play and Some Work

As my readers will know, Jordan stayed over Monday night and we went fishing. The photos are in the previous post of Jordan and his fish. Brandon stayed over Tuesday night but opted for going shopping for his brother a birthday present in lieu of fishing. So we went to Wally World, did our shopping and then spent some time playing a game together.

On Wednesday afternoon, Jordan came because his parents both had to work. I took the boys swimming and they had a good time. They asked if we could go back today and we did.

When we arrived there was no one in the pool. I couldn't believe it. There was one family there but no one else, so the boys had the entire pool much to themselves. Here are a few photos:

The boys weren't long getting into the water. They had all the water toys to themselves. Jordan loves to ride in this little boat, as he calls it. Brandon loves to push him in it.
They have a lot of fun doing this and they laugh when Brandon gives it a big push. He was ready to do that in the photo above.
They also love to float on the mat. They take turns and get along really well in the water. They are both becoming much better swimmers, as they have been in the water a lot this year.
The park bench in the above photo is where I hang out while the boys are swimming. I can't swim a stroke but do go in with them sometimes. However, it is my preference to sit on this bench under the beautiful shade trees and read a good book, just as I did yesterday and today. It's very relaxing and both days there was a lovely cool breeze. I am nearby and can keep my ear tuned for the lifeguards yelling. I always check to make sure the boys are okay. Some parents just drop their kids off for the lifeguards to babysit. That is not my way. Lifeguards are to keep children safe, not to babysit.
I had just taken the photo of the beautiful park area and turned around to see the boys filling the boat up with toys. They were helping the lifeguards clear the pool. They always volunteer to do this and I'm quite proud that they do. It is a big help for the boys, who are already in the pool and wet, to gather up all of the water toys. The lifeguards appreciate it and always thank them. Once that was done, the boys got out of the water, changed into dry clothes and we headed to my place. All fun and no work isn't good for any boy.
So I put Brandon to work doing the weed eating. He enjoys doing this and is getting better at it each time. That is a big help to us. He does a fairly good job on it too.
Jordan got the task of watering the flowers, though they didn't really need to be. When I told him to water the flowers, I meant the ones on the porch railing and in the baskets. So when he finished here, he got to do those as well.

All play and no work is not good for anyone and I firmly believe these kids need to learn to have a good work ethic. They both try hard and the only thing I've ever expected of them is that they do their best.

Grandma is tuckered out after having the boys pretty much all week. They are active and keep me on my toes, but we do have a lot of fun together, whether we are working or playing.

Take the time to spend a few hours with a child. Teach them something new, let them help you in the kitchen or garden or play a board game. It's a great way to bond and makes many wonderful memories. ~Blessings, Mary~

Tuesday, August 5

Fishing Fun and a Meme

Jordan stayed overnight on Monday night and this morning we decided to go fishing. We arrived at the same lake that I showed you photos of last week. No sooner had Jordan's line hit the water than he had a bite. He wasn't successful in hooking that fish but it wasn't long until he had one.


If you look closely, you can see the pumpkin fish that he caught. It wasn't a bad size and he enjoyed landing it.

After a few unsuccessful attempts at hooking a bite, he made another successful landing. This was also a pumpkin fish, otherwise known as a sunfish in these parts.

We had several snags that seemed to move and I told Jordan I thought it was a snapping turtle trying to eat his worm.

Sure enough, the creature stuck its head out of the water and stared at us for a few minutes. Just as I tried to capture it on my digital, it dropped back under the surface. It only stayed under a few seconds and came up to take another look. I snapped the photo and you can see it above. It was a good size, but snapping turtles do grow a lot bigger than this one. It's been years since I saw one and this fellow freaked Jordan out.

Jordan then caught a little rock bass. By this time it was high noon and getting really hot and humid. We decided to call it a day.


When we got to the the van, we saw this Monarch butterfly resting on the gravel. It was probably enjoying the moisture that was trapped there from yesterday's rain. We watched it for a while and then headed home. Jordan really enjoyed the fishing trip. Tonight Brandon is staying over, but since it's raining we don't know if we will get to go fishing or if we'll have to make other plans.


I've been tagged for a meme by Hootin' Anni and also by Storyteller.

The rules: All you have to do is Google your first name with the word needs behind it and post the first 10 results. Don't forget to tag people (if you are the tagging sort)!
1. Mary needs shadows with pictures and videos.
2. Mary needs to determine the best day to work her magic.
3. Mary needs sleep. (After having both the boys overnight, this is very true.)
4. Mary needs numbers. (I hope they are lucky lottery numbers. lol)
5. Mary needs to learn the rules. (What can I say. I've always been a rebel.)
6. Mary needs prayers. (This is always true. We all need prayers everyday.)
7. Mary needs to schedule appearances in better venues. (???)
8. Mary needs to be protected.
9. Mary needs a little consistency.
10. Mary needs to express herself.
Well, I'm not sure I agree with all of these but these are the first ten searches that came up when I entered Mary needs into Google.
Now, let's look at number five. I am not always a rule follower. If you decide to participate, please leave me a comment so I can come and read your results. This was kind of fun.
Take care. I best get to bed, as Brandon is asleep and I have an 8:30 appointment in the morning. He will be up with the birds, as he is an early to bed and early to rise kind of boy. Have a great day. ~Blessings, Mary~

Monday, August 4

Griffyn Meets Baby Brother, Tarryn!

My mother dropped by today after church and spent some time visiting. She's been out of town staying at my sister's house to give her a hand with Griffyn while his Mom is in the hospital with our family's latest arrival, Tarryn.

Mom had her digital camera with her and wanted to know if I wanted to see photos of Tarryn. Her digital is a Kodak, just like mine and so I asked her if I could try and download the photos. It worked. So I'd like to introduce you to....Tarryn...

Above is the happy Mom & Dad. My regular readers already know Griffyn. This is a beautiful family photo taken at the hospital.
Dad holding his two sons. Griffyn meets Tarryn and he is wondering what in the world is going on.
Here, Mom is showing Griffyn how tiny Tarryn's hands are. Griffyn did hold hands with Tarryn, my mother said. He was quite gentle with him.
What's all the fuss. Is this little guy going to change my entire life? Yes, Griffyn, things will never be the same. You are now a big brother.
Proud Mom holding the baby. She is so glad that Tarryn has been born. The last couple of weeks were a real trial for her. She was having false labor and a lot of indigestion.

I hope you enjoyed seeing photos of Griffyn and Tarryn. Our family has been truly blessed with this latest addition. Have a wonderful week. ~Blessings, Mary~

Meme and an Award

Janice at Midlife Misfit presented me with the Kick Ass Blogger award. Thank you, Janice. I appreciate your kindness and hope to get to know you better. Receiving an award from a blogger I didn't know was certainly a surprise.


Kick Ass Blogger Award

These are the rules:

The rules include passing it on by. . . .
* Choosing 5 other bloggers that you feel are “Kick Ass Bloggers”
* Let ‘em know via : - your post. b) an email c) Twitter d) blog comments. e) Message in a bottle. . . That they have recieved an award.
* Link back to both the person who awarded you and also http://www.mammadawg.com/*
Visit the Kick Ass Blogger Club HQ , to get codes click on the button below which will take you to KABC HQ sign Mr. Linky then pass it on!

Sounds easy. So here are the recipients:

Anni at Hootin' Anni's