My weekend journey

Well, my little weekend trip to Atlanta was a success, to say the least. I was able to visit my Dad (I can't even remember the last time I spent a Father's Day with him) and my step-mom at their very cool house on a little lake. We hung out, fished, my girls walked his "girls" (their two dogs) and just enjoyed a very lazy weekend. On the way back, we stopped in Chattanooga and surprised my step-dad. He and my mom were there for the weekend, so I was able to have a Father's day dinner with them, spent the night, and spent Monday at the Chattanooga Aquarium, which was great fun too!

Even being a single parent, as Jake is still in Ecuador with our "other" kids, :) it was actually very relaxing. My kids were great going down and coming back. The girls were pretty good, and it was so nice to spend time with each of my dad's, whom I love VERY much. Happy Father's Day to both of you!!

Abby's new table

What a blessing! We recently got a new little table for Abby, given to us (... well, loaned) by Abby's physical and occupational therapists- this table is a God send! I have such a hard time working on Abby's fine motor skills because, unless she's eating, this little girl doesn't really like to sit still! She "worms" around the whole house. And we are making very slow progress in getting her to bear some weight on her legs. But with this new little table, she can do both! It forces her to stand and kinda holds her there, while at tabletop working on coloring, puzzles, etc! And she really loves it. I try to give her only 30 minutes at a time so as not to wear her out to much. It really is strenuous work for her. (And it practically takes four people to get her into it.) It might look a little barbaric, but its great for Abby and we love it and we are grateful it's free!

Free Stuff

Many of you know that my recent obsession is "couponing". It is so much fun! I'm searching all the local grocery stores for sales every week and saving coupons like MAD. Its fabulous because I've found a hobby that actually saves us money! I love it. And weeks like this one just feed the obsession.

Every single item you see here was COMPLETELY FREE. Yes, that's right, between sales and coupons, I did not pay one single penny on any of these items. I've seen sites before where "couponing" women would find these amazing deals and post a picture of all their findings... and I always thought it was a little hokey. But when you save this much money, you can't help but be proud of it!!

And no we don't drink diet Sunkist, but because it was FREE, I bought it. And my youth group girls who are coming over tomorrow love diet drinks, so girls- this one is for you!

Ashley

I love my daughter. Well, I love all my daughters but do you know how as a mom, you have those moments when you just swell with pride for one of your kids in particular? I've been having a lot of those moments recently with Ashley. I'm really making a point to spend lots of one-on-one time with her... she spends so much time with "the littler girls" (as I call them), but she's maturing so quickly. I really want her to have ample time to have mature conversation. Even when Jake might be home with the girls and I have an opportunity to be alone, I sometimes take just Ashley with me to run my errands and whatnot.

She even looks more grown up than she did even just a few months ago. And she's getting tall! She's so expressive and has the funniest sense of humor. I just can't believe my first baby is getting so big and starting school in the fall. She soaks up everything, so I'm fully confident that homeschooling her is going to be a breeze. Pray for me in these years as I train this little girl to be a woman of God.

I love this kid.

(This photo was taken on vacation in Florida a couple of weeks ago. Thx Mindy!)

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog, thanks for visiting. I'm hoping this will help keep you all up on the randomness that is my life and the Spencer household. :) Assuming that you are a family member or friend- feel free to browse this site, check back often, and comment as often as you can. Most of what I write will be just to vent, but if you'd like to encourage me or glorify my God, please feel free to do so! I'd love to read a Yes or Amen now and then! I'll try to post pics of the kids as often as possible. I know that's what my extended family wants to see the most!



For now- love to each of you...