I haven't updated this lately so I thought I should. 

Fireworks went well.  It was what we would officially call a sell out.  We were very busy running two locations and I think it went really well.  Of course we learned a lot by some small mistakes, but the important part is that we learned from them.  Next time we will be all the wiser.  We had great people working for us and also were thrilled with the opportunity to work side by side with some people from our church.  It all worked out pretty well in the end.  We also really enjoyed all the help we had staying with us.  Amy and Evie both slept on the couches and Sarah and the boys came and helped fill the beds and bedroom floors.  It is always a crazy time but sooo much fun when you are surrounded by  ones you love. 

 Randy is expecting a promotion at his job very soon.  His boss and another employee were fired this summer, leaving Randy in charge and the Dept. Head position open.  The application process closed this past Friday, so now we are just waiting to hear an official word whether or not Randy will become the Sexton.  It will be a big surprise if Randy is not given the position, but we are waiting patiently for an official word.  We recognize that sometimes inside politics can affect things, so until he is given the position officially there is no guarantee.

Isaac celebrated his 6th birthday on July 12 and has enjoyed the puppy he got from us a a gift.  The dogs name is Turtle and has been great so far.  He is helping keep me busy, but it is not as much trouble as I actually expected. He is growing very fast and is going to be a big dog. Cute Huh?  A boy and his dog.

Azaria and Jude are also very fond of the dog.  Azaria wants a dog of her own though, and she wants to name her(yes she wants a girl dog) Cheese!!  I just tell her it will be a few years before we think about another dog.  Jude likes to stand opposite of the dog by the baby gate and stick one finger through the hole and lets Turtle lick his finger.  As the dog licks his finger he repeats, Og, Og.

Jude has also started to walk this summer!  It is alot of fun to watch him explore his new independence from mom and also exercise his ability to chase after Bubba and Zari and get mixed up in their play.  He sits in the middle of the commotion wide eyed and saying uh-oh.  He also loves to fetch after toys that get thrown astray for his older siblings.  SOOOOO much fun!

And most recently we went on a trip Roaring River with family.  Randy was not able to go so I took along a helper, Adam, who is a friend of our family.  Adam is 12 and had never really been camping before.  He helped watch Jude when I was busy with helping prepare food, or busy with the older two.  The kids really enjoyed splashing in the river and getting to touch fish.  It was very hot, but we had a great time.  I told Randy that if he ever goes he would be happiest in a cabin in the area.

When we returned from the trip waiting for us at home was our school curriculum for this year.  the kids watched as I opened it up and they are EXCITED to start school.  They saw the ant hill, and the butterfly habitat, and the activity books...they wanted to PLAY right away.  I am thrilled that they were intigued by the things they saw and see that SCHOOL is going to be FUN!!  Isaac has not expressed to much excitement or interest in school until now, so that was a big relief for me.  Isaac and Azaria are both going to start kindergarten.  Azaria may not be ready for all of the things in the reading curriculum but it will be easy for her to participate in almost all of the other activities and projects.  So, I am now busy getting ready to start teaching, and am looking forward to the coming school year. 

   And that is the update, at least that is enough for now...

OK, so I just had some stranger, a young man, knock on my door in an attempt to sell me books targeted to the young kids in my household.  I assume that he saw the play equipment and the stroller outside so he figured I had youngins'.  First off all he did was quickly say his name and start asking me questions about my kids.  I need to hear no more, any stranger asking about my kids will be quickly put on an offenders list in my book.  I DO NOT TRUST STRANGERS AT MY DOOR!!!  When he asked me if he could talk to me outside I quickly told him I am busy, no, have a nice day, then he tries to get me to schedule this evening, tomorrow, Sat. Slam Goes the door. LOCK. ERRRRR. 

I need a no soliciting sign.  These are not the days of door to door salesmen, I DO NOT TRUST STRANGERS AT MY DOOR!!  From now on I will not even open the door.  They can just go away.

 WHO in their right mind would start with the approach of asking someone about their young children, was he crazy?  That is not the way to build trust, I'll tell you that.  I am highly irritated right now.  And why is it now that every young person trying to sell me something at my door tells me they are trying to earn money for college or they are doing a summer internship?  What are you going to college for anyway?  Offensive marketing?  GO AWAY!  If I want something from a shady source I'll but it from a low rated ebay seller!  Have i said ERRRR yet?

 OK, I don't have anymore time for this rant, and yes, I am even typing as fast as I can.  Trust me, my school papers never got done this fast!