A Beautiful Day in Kansas

I am updating today as I sit outside with my "farmer boy" husband. The weather is beautiful for an August day in Kansas - 79 degrees and tolerable! Makes us wonder how bad this winter might be - because you have to pay sometime! Rog is telecommuting from home today, and the kids and I are getting ready to meet our friends the Duffy's (Aunt JoJo and the boys) for a short field trip to the Gardner pool and water extravaganza. I'll let you know how that goes!

Things around here have been chaotic as usual. We have been making preparations for the kids to return to school next Thursday. Can't really believe that summer is almost over! But mom is ready for some much earned "alone time" to get some current projects "nailed up" and begin some new ones. The kids also seem to be craving a little more structure in their lives these days, so a return to school may be just what the doctor ordered!

Zach will be a first grader this year, and is excited about two recesses and lunch at school, but is nervous about having to be there all day. He is very much hoping that his two "best friends" (Sammy and Cole) will be in his new classroom. We have our fingers crossed! Emma will be in third grade this year, and has already decided on her first day of school "outfit", much to mom's dismay! It seems she will be wearing a large tie-dye shirt and athletic shorts - not a "dress-up" outfit (which would make mom happy). It is lovely having a tom-boy for a daughter! (Can you hear the sarcasm?) Actually, I am glad that she has her own opinions and spirit - it really defines who she is.

Rog (aka "farmer boy") has really outdone himself this year with the garden. We have more tomatoes than we know what to do with. The kids and I have been delivering tomato "care-packages" to any and all of our neighbors who will accept, and Rog has already made two giant batches of salsa! Give us a call if you would like to sample the salsa, or if you are in need of a "care-package". We hope to have watermelon, green beans and zuchini soon. We will keep you posted.

I am getting closer to my goal of erradicating all of the wallpaper in our house. This past Sunday, my mom drove up from "the farm" to help tear the nasty wallpaper off of the walls of our living room. We worked from 9:00 am until about 6:00 pm, but we were successful! I now need to clean the rest of the glue from the walls and repair any damaged areas - then I can paint. What a refreshing feeling! Anyone interested in helping paint - just let me know! Thanks mom - you are an angel!

Oh yes - and I must not forget the exciting news that Rog has finally purchased his new iphone! After checking the AT&T stores, the apple stores here and in St. Louis, and many profanities - he was able to stand in line at the Leawood store all for the pleasure of that little bit of Apple goodness! He is very happy indeed! In fact, all of the pictures I have included today were taken with his iphone! I can't wait until I am eligible for a phone upgrade in September - maybe then they will have released a pink one! I will keep my fingers and toes crossed!

That's enough for now. I will let everyone know how the first days of school go! Happy Friday!

J9