Yes, There IS More than Mugs

 My day begins with a photo of an empty mug because I lived a full day before 10:30 a.m. Michael attended a prayer meeting with pastors in the valley. I decided to get as much done as I could before he returned. I got Dad up and going, made an apple crisp, air fried some salmon to turn into sandwich spread, got a pork shoulder going in the instant pot, made scones, swept and realized I hadn't had breakfast or tea....but I wanted to post a #mugshot on FB.

#mugshot

When Michael returned Stacia and I jetted out for our "breakfast" study - at 1100. We haven't had a SET study since women's ministry went on break. We've all been enjoying reading independently and sharing together weekly. This week we discussed college, and what we've read...me from Philippians, Proverbs and Genesis and she from Matthew and Psalms. Once again - I remembered too late for a great photo but here's another empty mug shot. LOL

#mugshot

Stacia left to meet up with a new friend from college. This gal has moved from CO and so Stacia showed her around some of her favorite spots in town. 

Allie had an appointment at the dentist, and I was happy to join her. She had her first cavity filled. I thought I prepared her - and I did for the thing that bothers ME - the shot and that plastic tent thing. Unfortunately, I forgot to mention the drill. She did great but the dentist could have been WAAAAY better at telling her what he was going to do...it was rather routine for HIM. I've not been thrilled at the changes in our dentist office since the founder retired. It was a calm, Christian environment with sweet staff....and now it's all new people - except for the dentist I like - and it's just not the same at all. AND they are not an in-system provider for our dental insurance, so it costs us out of pocket quite a bit more than if we'd go to another who was in-system.  We may switch at the start of 2024. I like a female dentist (smaller hands) and I'm not finding a female on the preferred list. What to do? 

Back at home Allie and Michael discussed a theological issue raised in one of Allie's classes. 

We picked Millie up at the groomers - she will get her own post. 

I was so happy I had put our main entree in the instant pot early in the day....I made a salad; air fried some asparagus and cooked some dilled carrots. We were ready. Jenni showed up. Jenni has been up in Denali for a couple of weeks, and we have missed her. She brought garlic bread which we warmed up while Michael sliced the meat, and I made an onion butter garlic sauce for the meat. We gathered at the table and didn't leave for several hours. I really must remember people may want to "retire to the living room." LOL  We, as a family, tend to linger at the table. After dinner and dessert, we played a round of Farkle.  This was a really good roll by Stacia, but alack and alas, one cannot see the dice. I believe Stacia won? 

I decided Jenni has been over enough to know I didn't invite her for blog fodder; I took a photo.  While we visited Jenni mentioned going to see Hamilton. "One thing led to another," and I bought three tickets to attend as well. We found seats right next to Jenni, Joelle and Laura - we're crashers that way. ::snort:: 

GG went to bed. 

We realized it IS a work night for Jenni. 

We brought the evening to an end. 

August Randomness

Here are some shots from things I never got around to blogging...randomness from August. 

Stacia joined Arielle and the boys on one of our glorious summer days at the local swimming hole. She planned to work this summer, I'm really glad she hasn't.  It's been fun to have this last little bit of childhood with her before she turns 18 and jumps into college. 

Stacia and Danny 📷by Arielle 

Danny 📷by Arielle 

He's cool. 

That smile! 📷by Arielle

Ah - Sonlight Box day! Oh the memories they'll make this school year. 

📷by Arielle

Our new little ladies have begun laying...Quite a bit smaller than the others...but we're getting lots and lots of eggs now. We have 35 hens and 1 rooster for those who wonder. 

Stacia turned 18 this month. She decided she was going to attend youth group until she was 18...but she's graduated high school, she's 18 and it's time to transition out of youth group. It can get so uncomfortable for younger ones entering youth group if graduates never move on. Her birthday and last youth group fell on the night of the Back to School Olympics. She was happy to be able to participate. Allie is a year older but has stayed on as part of the leadership team. She is in charge of games, leads small groups and has also spoken a night or two. 

Allie in the middle, Stacia on the right 📷via Krista G

Stacia is working with Jenni, our children's pastor. She has taken the lead a couple of times when Jenni has been gone. 

Stacia's team in the lead📷via Krista G

August is the month of our State Fair. I've not made it over this year but have enjoyed hearing from those who have. Noah and his folks went to the fair where Noah experienced his first comedian show. 

📷via Larissa

Larissa, Noah and Jared📷via Larissa

Our new pastor began the first week of August. Bre has been helping out with worship. 

📷via Facebook post 

The boys came over one Sunday afternoon and the battery wasn't in the car. Charles and Danny spent a "happy" hour pushing the car back and forth across the yard. LOL 

Push, Charles! 

Cuteness Overload 📷via Larissa

Allie produced this week's announcement video for church. 

Noah went to his first nursery gig at JaRissa and CyRi's church. Larissa sent this photo when she picked him up. She said he had a bit of an attitude about being left. 

📷via Larissa

It's been a busy month! 

Millie's New Look

 Millie has, once again, developed dread locks. We did so good keeping up on her grooming. I had made six appointments in advance, every six weeks. I did not realize at her last appointment that we didn't have another booked. I called the very next day and the soonest they could get us in was 3 months. Millie was a mess....matted. 

The biggest thing is that Millie can't see when her hair gets floppy. She gets jumpy at every noise. She also acts more ferocious the longer her hair gets. LOL 

When Stacia took Millie in the gal ran her hands down Millie's back and said, "Oh, I don't think she'll need a shave." Then she reached her legs and head...yep...a start over. I was really impressed as our former groomer took her to the SKIN when she started over and Millie always had nicks and such when we picked her up. We also got calls saying Millie was having trouble. Millie seems at peace with this groomer. Short - but not SKIN short...

That tail is a weapon when it's shaved. Allie rewarded Millie with a pupacino at home. 

She can see!

Here's the thing - some love her short look. I like longer, but not dreads. LOL  I made her a new appointment for 8 weeks as she is so short this time...and then we made appointments for ALL of 2024. She won't be forced to "start over" again - until 2025 and maybe not then if I remember to make that year's appointments next September.