Jacob is 5

Jacob turned 5 on July 15. This is what a birthday cake looks like after your little brother sticks his finger in it to swipe frosting. Jacob still liked it.













He got several presents, but I think his favorite ones were a storm trooper costume and a zsu zsu pet.
















I have to admit that little zsu zsu is just too cute!












Last night we thought we were doing great because we had everyone in bed by 9:30! Then about 10:00 we hear loud screaming. Here come Isaac and Jacob. Jacob has shoved a plastic bb into his ear. I wish I had taken pictures. It was in pretty far, we were about ready to go to the emergency room when David thought of putting super glue on a toothpick to try to pull it out. My genius husband tried it and while it didn't come out, it did pull it out enough that we were able to reach it with some long tweezers. Jacob was very relieved. So much for getting to bed early!

Girl's Day Out

Yesterday my girls and I hit the town. We've been looking forward to and saving money for this special day for a long time. We left home around 10:00, went to Le Peep for a wonderful breakfast.
Then we headed to Mudders and Potters to paint some ceramics. Emma chose a mare and foal lying beside each other.
Ellie painted a prancing horse and I painted a "Special Person" plate.
We went to an animal supply store and looked at horse tack. These two girls were in horse heaven breathing in all of that leather and looking at saddles, bridles, fly spray, etc. We went to Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby, and Borders. Double-dip ice cream cones from Baskins Robbins were a yummy treat, also.

Supper was at the Rib Crib. Here's Emma showing off her Dollar Tree Oriental fan. So cute, and only $1.

If you can't find a real horse, the Rib Crib graciously supplies at least a saddle to sit on.
Then it was off to Cool Crest for an awesome game of miniature golf. Ellie was the only one to get a hole-in-one. But, I did win the game and scored a free game for another time. Miracle!

After our game it was home to bed at 10:00. David only called once to see if we were going to come home. We had a wonderful day, absolutely perfect. I'm so blessed to call these two sweet, beautiful girls my daughters.

Chatter Blocks

I've started a project to make some chatter blocks. I bought several plain wooden blocks online and had the kids paint them. We're going to add letters and pictures to them so we can spell out messages, greetings, and holiday themes. Plus, the kids had fun painting!
Jacob is a serious painter.

Ellie painted her own and helped smooth out some of the other's bumps.

Yum! Sweet Corn!

The first sweet corn of the year is so delicious. This batch was especially yummy because I scorched the batch I tried to cook last night. Yeah, I forgot to put water in the pot and permanently etched a corn design in the bottom of the pot. It didn't smell that great either. But, tonight I had plenty of reminders to put water in the pot! It was an especially expensive treat, too, since it was $5 a dozen and I ruined the first dozen, making this a $10 batch. Ouch! I've got to find a place in my little garden to grow some corn next year.



Look at this cute little guy. This was his first time eating corn-on-the-cob and I think he liked it. For sure!

Check out this Dollar Tree bargain I found. I think the sun, moon, and star are kind of a cutesy touch to our tree house area.

Jacob Swings!

Jacob learned to pump on the swing today! It was awesome and he did a great job. It's always a milestone when a little guy or gal learns to pump. A new world unleashed!