Quincy and Daryl

Today is Quincy’s 20th birthday.  A couple days ago, she was here and we discussed what plans she had. I was told none!  She just wanted her birthday to be another day.  She told me no posts.  No worries about celebrating. She was ignoring it all.  But that’s not how we roll.  Birthdays are to be celebrated.  People in our family deserve to have their special day.  

Quincy came into the world 4 weeks early and full of spit and vinegar.  She was tiny, but opinionated from day one.  And that was the last time she was early for anything!   

Quincy is hilarious, chronically late, says she doesn’t like a lot of people, but also doesn’t know a stranger. She’s the hardest worker, the best person to have helping you with projects, especially if they are weird projects, she has an iron stomach and nothing bothers her.  We are so blessed to have her as our daughter.  I love you Quincy! 

We don’t get to see Quincy today, so I had to go digging through my photos to get a picture. We will celebrate her tomorrow!   

Today I had to drive the Brookside bus.  When I got back, I met a 4-H family to get some barn kittens.  

I have always had a soft spot for a black and white cat.  I don’t know why. So when the 4-H family loaded this little kitten with the smutty face, the mustache and the cute little black nose, I had a feeling that he might end up in the house.  A few weeks ago, we lost one of our indoor cats, (Winnie) and  of course, I think I mentioned that Father Jo rode on the car and met her demise a few months back. When I told Jim what I was thinking he just smiled and shrugged.  

The minute the words came out of my face, Harper was headed out the door to the barn to retrieve her new house cat!  There are 3 bock kittens as well.  They are quasi wild but this black and white one had gotten into some oil and the family had been bathing and babying him. The girls have named him Daryl.  

Tooth Fairy likes him, Marge is ok with him. But Maude is in pure love!  

She licked and licked and licked that kitten. Followed him all over the house and cried when we took him to bed. 

And that’s about all I have for today. Happy birthday Quincy! And welcome to the family 3 black kitties and Daryl! 

One last thing - the very top photo - funny story - Madison had some goat food delivered for Evie’s goat.  The delivery lady sent the “proof of delivery” photo to Madison and there was Ollie smiling.  I’m sure the silly dog thought it was a package for him!  I’m still laughing. 

 

one heck of a week

You have those weeks in life where everything you do is a challenge, goes weird, breaks or just doesn't fit in the way you need it to.  This is one of those weeks.  I am trying to stay positive, but I am also having toe pain from kicking a few things just to relieve some stress.  

Our mower is broken down.  We ordered the parts, but they have not arrived yet.  This is a complicated issue....we live in the country, there are no ordinances saying we have to get the mowing done.  BUT....remember a few weeks back when the neighbor decided to clear a bunch of trees, and remember when I told Jim it would cause relocation of the snakes that live there?  I was not wrong.  The woman who lives behind us is a nurse at Brookside.  Every time I go to do a transport, she is showing me a new photo of a  rattle snake they killed.  Yesterday's was about 2 feet from their front door, and she said she almost stepped on it.  Do I know there are rattle snakes on our property?  YES. And I do not really worry about it that much - because we keep our grass short.....except when the mower is broken I cannot keep the grass short!  

I went out yesterday to run between jobs - only to find that my car wouldn't start.  Mallory rescued me - which I appreciate very much, but I do not have time to deal with broken cars!  Or the money to deal with broken cars for that matter! 

Spencer had surgery on her knee.  I am told that she is getting started on physical therapy and that it will be a couple of tough weeks while she works to get her mobility back.  I am praying it goes well for her and that she is back to running very soon!

Easton got a tooth!  Big guy ready for the meats!

Madison has been driving the bus to summer weights.  Wrenley was sad because they took "her" bus to turn it in.  She didn't want a new bus!  This kid cracks me up.

Evelyn spent all of her chore money.  She had to get a manicure from her manicurist (Thanks Aunt Bubba).  I mean who doesn't think these look amazing?  How will she get dressed or go to the bathroom?  Nobody knows.  Its all about the look!

I am not saying I am counting down or anything, but the weekend is almost here!  I hope that the weekend can give me a little rest and relaxation!

 

The 4th that wasn’t

This 4th was a bit of a bust.  I got up early to water the garden. Thats when I realized it was thundering. So I waited and sure enough, it started to rain. Good news for the garden, bad news for the girl’s riding in the bike parade.  Bike parade-  cancelled. 

We have our family party planned for later.  The girls went to grandma Rachel’s party today. 

Sunny and Preston went to Sterling for their big bash they have there.  Cameron and Tatum were in a softball tournament in Nebraska.  

Mallory made cookies and hung out for a while.  Quincy came by to clean out more of her stuff.  

Colin and Spencer took Easton swimming.  

Harper, Saige and I went to town and bought a few fireworks.  Probably the least amount of money I have ever spent on fireworks!  

Saige spent some time hanging with cousins Jaden and Lily. 

The rest of  us- lazy! 

One of the laziest days we have had in a long time.  

The day was dark and dreary. The city cancelled the night fireworks and festivities.  We had no other plans. 

It didn’t even really seem like the 4th of July.  Which is sort of sad.  

 

The girls lit off a couple of things and are saving the rest for a more fun day. 

Wrenley is 3!

Wrenley Kay turned 3 years old today!  Life is better with her in it!  But also, man since she has entered the world the time has flown!  

Wrenley is ornery, a little feral, opinionated, stubborn and usually dirty.  She is also incredibly sweet- the first one to give you a hug, appreciates a gift more than anyone I have ever met, and has an enthusiasm for life like nobody else.  Everything is fun when she is involved.  We are so blessed that she is in our family!  

Last night, they came over to swim.  After a little while of swimming, Poppy drove in from work.   He came over to talk to us, where he was met with Wrenley mercilessly shooting him with a water gun and then maniacally  laughing that Poppy wet his pants!  

I love you sweet girl!  I hope your special day was all you hoped for! 

Madison and Andrew took the girls to the zoo. Then they got lemonades. Then we stopped by for cake and ice cream.  Wren was in highest birthday heaven!  

Wren got spaghetti for dinner - cooked by her sister.  

Before we went to eat cake with the birthday girl, we delivered a table and chairs to Quincy and toured her new apartment.  She has some unpacking to do,, but I think it’s a pretty nice set up for her.  She has some life changes coming up and she is setting herself up to handle things.  We are very proud of her.  Love you Q. 

Lil buddy has his 6 month check where he weighed 20 pounds!  

He is also getting pretty good at sitting up!  Such a big boy!  Can’t wait to see him soon.  

Full blown holiday weekend in full swing!  Bring on the blowing up of things!