Guesthouse. Done? Wipe Out. Done. Mothering. In Progress.

Since David and I moved into our house 5 years ago we have dreamed out loud often about building a small guesthouse or addition onto our home so our family and friends can stay with us for long stretches with a little more privacy. So when we bought a used RV trailer this past weekend for our long roadtrips to and from Texas (David's side of the family) and Illinois (my side of the family) and for fun recreation here in Colorado we realized we finally got our guesthouse, too. Get ready Mom and Dad! (I am so joking!=))

As for Dad and Hanna bonding, on Tuesdays this summer they would laugh on the couch to Wipe Out. By the end of the summer, I decided to see what all the fun was about and finally started joining them. Have you seen it? What people will do for money! And the commentators make it even better.

Finally, I am regularly keeping up with Stephanie (NieNie) and Christian Nielson's recovery. NieNie's family is regularly posting "reposts" on her site while she is in critical condition because they miss her delightful words and pictures. Today's repost is on "mothering." It is so refreshing to read these words from a number of mothers (NieNie gathered words from women around the country) who work hard to nurture, influence, and prepare their children because of the covenant they have made with their husbands and the Lord. How often do you hear women talk like this? I think it is beautiful and powerful.

I'll let Aurelia see you off today:

A Re-post from NieNie's Dialogues

How precious is this. Refer to the September 4th post about Stephanie, her husband, and her family's need for prayer. Thank you!

Bocelli & Elisa and the Girls

Today I had the pleasure of hearing Bocelli and Elisa sing "La Voce Del Silenzio" for the first time. To add to it, Hanna was dressed in her tutu bouncing around the room to the music. The song is breath-taking, and Hanna's sincere dancing is precious.



The girls' "castle" is ready for play. The slide is used but sturdy! (Thanks, Olivers!)



Aurelia is so expressive these days. I caught her right after nap-time. She put off feeding-time a bit to give me a little whine, conversation, and drool.

Touched By a Family I Have Never Met

This past weekend my sister Jeanne brought a family, a dear wife, an adorable couple, and their 4 children (ages 1 to 6 years old) to my attention. August 16th the couple Stephanie and Christian Nielson and pilot Doug Kinneard were in a plane wreck. Sadly the pilot didn't make it. The parents are alive, yet in serious condition (husband 3rd degree burns on 30% of body; wife on 80% of body). Since my sister introduced me to this family's story, I have read for myself parts of Stephanie's (NieNie's) "dialogues" and her sister Courtney's (cjane) updates. I have gotten to experience Stephanie's fun personality through her words and pictures, and Courtney's updates are full of faith, love, hope, and joy. This special family has been regularly on my heart. They are asking for prayer, above all else. Please join me in asking the Lord to keep Stephanie, her husband, their children, and their extended family in His hands.

Soaking Up the Summer Sun

Can you tell them apart? Which is Hanna? Which is Aurelia?

Rid'em, girl...Hanna gets an arena ride about a week ago.


Just because it makes me smile...Hanna dances to Duffy...you might want to turn down the volume; our radio was loud.




David wanted to add onto the swingset Labor Day weekend. It is nearly done. I still have some staining to do; then the last boards will be nailed.








hiking Lair O' the Bear Labor Day...then lunch at Little Bear (it looks like Hanna is going to tell you all about it)...










Hanna put HERSELF in "timeout" when she got irritated that we told her not to put the tongs of her fork in the tables carved lettering or she'd need a new fork...




Hope this finds you well. For now we are going, going...



...gone.