We're moving to Alaska!

Enough is enough!  This steady heat wave and drought have us wishing we lived somewhere other than Texas.  These extremely hot temperatures are unbearable!  We have not had significant rainfall in months. The drought is causing all sorts of problems in our state.  Wildlife is struggling to survive without the rain.  Snakes are so desperate for moisture they are making their way into backyards hoping to find a few drops of water from sprinkler systems.  From the upstairs window, I saw this venomous copperhead slithering in our backyard flowerbed.  Sorry kids, no more playing outside!  We've even spotted hungry coyotes in the reserve behind our home.  Cardinals hover around our bird bath each night for a quick dip and drink.  The poor little birds are so thirsty.  

To those of you who live in the Mountain West, I hope you are enjoying the moderate temperatures and rain.  As you dust off your favorite fall sweater and put on your on cute pair of jeans, think of us still wearing our summer flip flops and shorts.  Who knows when this season will end?!        

Paper, pencils, textbooks...

Our students have sailed through their first week of school.  Nathan has adapted very well to middle school.  His classes are filled with good friends.  He especially enjoys his art class.      

Our school girl, Maren, is thrilled with her fourth grade teacher and classmates.  She often tells me, "This is going to be a great year!"

So soft and squishy...

My Caroline

Her soft brown hair and sweet face remind me so much of Sarah. 

Like Sarah, she has a love for pink flowers.

As I watch her dance, sing, giggle and grow, I am reminded of how precious life is.  

Ragdoll Sisters

These cute little ragdolls (Lisa, Lily, and Libby) are easy to sew and have provided hours of entertainment for my girls.  If you'd like to make one of your own, Click here for the pattern.

Maren's Materials and More

A neighbor who has retired from many years of sewing asked if I would like some of her fabric.  Although I do not sew, I could not turn down her kind offer.  Over the past month she has given me several bags of fabric, buttons, embellishments and lace.  To top this off, she generously gave me a digital Bernina sewing machine!

One afternoon this week Maren decided to set up a fabric store.  "Maren's Materials and More" is equipped with my old sewing machine, yarn, thread, buttons, ribbons, and lots of free fabric!  Maren has invited neighborhood friends to drop by for a visit and shop at her store.  If you stay long enough (and if Charlotte is content) you will receive a small doll blanket sewn by me.  I made my first blanket today.  I'll admit, the stitching was less than perfect.  Maren reassured me that I would get better over time.

If you're in need of some cute and not so cute fabric, buttons, or seafoam colored lace, please come by!  Store hours are posted below.      

As for the method of payment, you will be asked to hold this little sugar muffin for 20 minutes.  That way I can clean up the breakfast dishes, take a shower, or vacuum.  Charlotte is not at all into napping.  I guess there's just too much excitement in the Giles home; she doesn't want to miss out on all the fun.

Smiling at three months, "Charlie" has captured our hearts.

He's growing up...

Happy 11th Birthday, Nathan!  

There are so many reasons to celebrate you.  Thank you for being such an obedient, helpful, loving son.  You're a great brother to your sisters.  Baby "Charlie" adores you! 

Favorite birthday gift:  The Lego Mindstorm.  

Tonight our family attended Nathan's final Cub Scout pack meeting.  He was awarded his Webelos Badge and several other activity badges and belt loops.  He is excited to become a Boy Scout. 

Nathan designed and frosted his own "Froggle" cake.