The Ins and Outs of the Fish House: August 2017

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Meanwhile Back at the Farm

I hosted 10 teenagers at the house.

First they rode 4-wheelers.

Then they went to the swim hole.

We had a big lunch and then they headed to the top of the property in the back of trucks to see the eclipse.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Eclipse Splash Pad

On Monday, August 21, 2017 the US - in particular Nashville, TN - witnessed a historical event...

A total eclipse of the sun.

It had been the talk of the area - everyone buying eclipse glasses, teachers covering it in science at school, eclipse sales at the retail markets, parties planned, etc.

Our school made that day optional, knowing many people would like to head north to Nashville to get the best view.

I'm not a crowd fan and heading north was not on my radar so originally I was going to send the Fish Sticks to school and host the high schoolers at our house for fun at the creek, 4-wheel riding and Frito Pie and cookies.

Sunday night we realized that the school was going to be almost empty and because I didn't want to have all my Fish Sticks angry at me for being one of the 10 parents sending them to school, at the last minute I decided they could stay home.

Aunt Mandy came to the rescue with an invitation to take the 6 Fish Sticks to her house for a morning at the Splash Pad and back at their house for play time.

They were so excited.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Just an Average Sunday

Sunday after church, we went for "meat and three" at our favorite country store.

This guy is scared that the Island Princess won't remember him when he goes to college next year. I know that is far from the truth!!

When we walked in the store/restaurant, we spotted a long table that seats 12 people. One lone man was finishing his meal at the end. He didn't greet us but continued eating as we piled in the place and took seats at the long table. One of my Fish Sticks noticed him counting us - nothing shocking about that as it happens a lot to our crew. As soon as we sat, he paid his bill and left.

After we ate, My Man asked for the bill. The waitress informed us that the man who had been sitting at the table had paid for all of us to have ice cream for dessert! My Fish Sticks witness My generous Man bless others in the same way on many occasions, but we have never been the recipients of that kind of generosity. What a testimony to my Fish Sticks...one I don't think they will ever forget.

After asking a few questions, we found out that he is a regular at the restaurant and works for the electric company but preaches on Sundays at the country church across the street. I hope that waitress remembers to tell him "thank you" eleven times from us!

After lunch, My Man and I headed out with my brother and SIL to look at properties for their future house, and the Fish Sticks enjoyed a Sunday loving on cousins!

It was a good Sunday!

Monday, August 28, 2017

Fun Day Friday

On August 18, GCA had their first home football game of the season.

I told the little 4 kiddos that they could each have a friend come home with us and hang out and then head to the football game with us.

Lydia chose her friend, Maddie and another mom happened to capture this great photo of them at school that day.

Jedidiah holding Jeshua's buddy, Ethan - with a MS photo bomb in the background.

Jedidiah holding his friend, Kellen.

They've been good buddies since Pre-K and are so glad they are in the same 1st grade class this year.

Jeshua and Ethan

Lydia and Maddie

Josiah and his friend, Logan.

As we were heading to school, we glanced over to see 2 hot air balloons landing!

So ready for football!

Caleb chosen to serve as Captain for the first home game.

GO LIONS! and #22!

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Shootin Skeet

It seems like it's been forever since we have spent intentional time with our good friends, so we were glad to all come together one Sunday afternoon at their farm to shoot skeet. 6 adults and 18 kids!

The mamas visited and took care of the babies away from the sound of the guns and we enjoyed a pizza dinner. Well, most everyone enjoyed a pizza dinner. I was having a panic attack because my diaper bag/purse went missing from the back of the golf cart. We spent over an hour with all of us searching the cow pastures, pumpkin fields, shooting range, goats/chicken pens for my bag. Finally we found it on a ATV seat parked in one of the barns. My friend thinks her grandpa must have seen it dropped somewhere, picked it up and then parked his ATV. I was so glad it was found. No fun losing something that important! All in all it was a great time with friends and fun!

Friday, August 25, 2017

Just a Little Bit Country

After church one Sunday we drove out to the boondocks about 15 minutes from our house to get a meat and 3 lunch at our country store where we buy farm fresh eggs and milk weekly.

We stood in line and saw the wall of fame with signed photos of all the famous country singers who have eaten at this establishment.

Clay Walker happened to have 3 photos on the wall and my teens commented to me about this. I told them that I thought that he must frequent the place. Caleb said, "I wonder what songs he sings that I know?" Just as he said that sentence, Clay Walker himself walked up and stood behind us in line. We tried not to laugh with each other and I whispered to Caleb, "Just ask him yourself."

Heading home, the kids piled in the truck bed. Because that's one of the perks for living out in the boondocks.