~Birthday~

It was Jordan's 15th birthday on Saturday.  We had our normal race day at the track.  He even won his race this week!

 When we got home, we enjoyed his favorite dinner... Cheese steaks and potato salad.

He didn't really want anything, so he didn't get any gifts this year... yet.  I'm sure we will come up with something at some point.  It will probably have something to do with racing ☺  

~My Non Napper~

She fights naps... quiet time in her room consists of asking every five minutes if she can wake up.  I have to either set a timer for her to come out or promise I will open her door when it is time to get up to get a quiet hour.

Yesterday, I was crazy busy and really wanted her to be quiet.  Her hour was up so I finally gave up and let her out of her room.  She pitched a fit about something and fell asleep right at the bottom of the steps.

I'm not sure if I won or if she won...

~Fun Friday~

I worked hard last week to get a day off on Friday.  My parents took Aaron, Eric, Nathan and Kiersten to Dutch Wonderland for their birthdays.  I took Jordan and Jared to Cabela's.

It was fun to have just my big guys for a change.

We got home and packed up for a fellowship at church.  I retrieved my younger children who were exhausted, but had a wonderful time.

I spent the evening playing volleyball and frisbee football.  Frisbee football is so much fun!  The first time I played I had no idea what was going on and ended up just walking around:-)  This time I did a little better.

I crashed into bed Friday night!

~Guys went Racing~

I was with family on Saturday with Kiersten and Nathan... but the rest of the guys went racing.

Jared was having major car issues.  He started the race, but lost the key... they kind of fixed it but he just blew it out again.  Jordan was having an issue with bearings.  Aaron was happy to take the win this week!

Eric placed 2nd again... he is fairly consistent to finish in the top!

~Family Time~

I skipped out of racing this weekend to spend some time with extended family.  My Aunt & Uncle and two cousins were in from Michigan.  I haven't seen one of my cousins since we were in high school.  It was so neat to meet his wife, Melinda, and three children, Nate, Maddie and Autumn.

Nathan said on the way home... "Mom, I made some great friends today." 

The kids played and colored fairly well together.  Some of us played Bocce Ball.  Melinda and I have a lot in common with our homeschooling and were able to swap some ideas.  Caleb showed us some time lapsed videos he took on vacation in West Virginia.  Grandma made a very nice lunch for us and sat and watched the commotion.  More than one person was sleeping at any given point in the afternoon.  It was a very nice day!

On the way home we spotted this hot air balloon landing!

I have did 9 hours of driving last week... that is a lot for me!  I'm ready to stay home this week and catch up on things around here.

~Road Trip to see Val~

Gregg took two days off to clean out gutters, work on engines, and do some other misc jobs.  I asked him if I took Kiersten with me, if I could take a road trip to see a friend who lives 3 1/2 hours away... he, of course, said yes.

We left last Monday morning... made one pit stop and one throw up stop.  Kiersten evidently gets car sick.  She did great traveling otherwise.  She didn't want to listen to songs or stories, she wanted to talk to me.  That was a lot of talking!

The gang heading to the Flight 93 Memorial

 The Memorial

Pappy Larry took us all out for ice cream Monday night

We just did a lot of hanging out on Tuesday.  It was more fun than going somewhere.

Gracie gave Kiersten a mani and pedi - they also played dress up for a few hours

Will, my lego buddy - this boy has energy!

I taught Anna how to make a bracelet.  Val said she has already made another one.

Gracie and Kiersten making bracelets

The whole gang.  I had so much fun hanging out.  

I am thankful for friends who are striving to honor the Lord in their lives and in their family.  It was such an encouragement for me to see other kids just being kids... my kids are normal kids... making normal messes.  It is always good to get cooking and cleaning tips, exchange school ideas and blab about whatever pops into your head.

Thanks Val! I had a great time... your children are treasures and your home is a haven!

~Baby Blanket~

I don't get to make baby blankets for all the babies I meet... but I like to if I have the time!

My mom's cousin's son's wife is having a baby soon... and I couldn't resist trying this chevron pattern.  I really like how it turned out.  I used Red Heart Soft yarn and a size G hook.  I tried using a bigger hook but the chevron didn't look as nice.

It should be soft, warm and washable.  I really enjoyed the pattern.  There were comments that it was hard to understand, but I didn't think so.

Finished on Tuesday and gifted on Saturday... just in time!