Some Sign of Life ....

I figured it was time to come up for air and let you know I am, indeed, alive and quite well ... except for the fact that our summer vacation officially began at 10:50 this morning when the girls got out of school. Thank heaven I have Hawaii to look forward to in a few weeks - should keep me going (if swim team every day doesn't)!!

I have so much to post it's overwhelming so I'm going to take it one bite at a time rather than making you sit through a post that could rival a good novel ;) There has been a kid-free, husband free, completely perfect vacation, Ashton's birthday & party, stampers group projects, Mother's Day, swim team practice, a fun mini-album project for a surprise baby shower, our first 100 AND 110 degree days, and a sweet family move into our backyard!! Throw in some church related activities and a few other things at the school, my parents visiting, and trying to actually spend a few minutes with my husband and we've had a busy month! There will be details ... and pictures ... coming soon now that I have "entertainment" for Cougar during daylight hours - otherwise he sits and pinches my arms when I'm on the computer :)

I'll start with posting our most recent family delight ... we have a family of quail living in our backyard!! No idea how they got there (although we're assuming the eggs were laid in our yard and now that they've hatched they're sticking around until they can fly) but we are getting such a kick out of watching them!! Steve first noticed them a few days ago. They hide in the lantana bushes and then wander out onto the pool deck or the grass. We've been able to get a few good pictures of them and even a video clip with Ashton's new camera (will be covered when the birthday is discussed). The girls are so concerned about them. We've had rain the past few days and they have been praying for Heavenly Father to protect them and keep them safe. We got a really good downpour this afternoon which prompted another fervent prayer on their behalf. Within minutes the rain stopped, the sun came out, and all 12 babies, mom, and dad were out playing on the deck!! The girls were thrilled to know that their prayer had been answered and that the family was safe. Brinley said "It's amazing that one little prayer for one simple thing can make such a difference!" How true. Here is our little family playing after the rain storm:


And a few pictures for good measure (and journaling purposes) ... aren't they adorable?!

Thanks for putting up with my absence ... I know how disappointing it can be to see the same post title every day when you are checking ;) I've still got lots to say so come back soon! I'm nearing 100 posts and there will be fanfare! I should hopefully be making the blogging rounds again soon so I can see what all of you have been doing in my time away!