Happy Tuesday!

Look who is at preschool now!

It's Adria!

Welcome Adria!

Look who came back for a visit!

It's Alex!

We've had a good day today!

The weather was much more accomodating.

Beautiful weather makes for a beautful day.

Have you noticed I'm trying to chill on the exclamation points?

Although I am usually really happy when I blog.

Let me tell you, these two boys were being hilarious!

They aren't saying CHEESE! here.

Oh nooooo.

They are saying CHEESE AND POO POO heads!

what is it with kids and talking about bodily functions?

they will all crack up!

Pretty Paige.

Sweet Tead.

Handsome Brayden.

Friends Forever.

And Guess who ate all their peas?!

Oh yes they did!

They all got a sticker for their accomplishments!

Good job guys!

Hope you all had a great day!

love Miss Melea

Good Memories of a Great Man...

I didn't feel right posting a regular blog when this was on my mind.

My heart hurts.

This picture is in loving memory of Tommy Ratzlaff.

As I'm sure most of you have heard, 

he was killed while on a mission for the Navy SEALs.

Team Six. 

What a sacrifice he made.

They ALL made.

For us.

For OUR freedom.

I went to school with Tommy.

We had Trig class together.

This is where I remember him flirting with a particular girl that sat in front of him.

He won  her heart.

I can still see her turned side ways in her desk,

smiling at him and him smiling back.

This same girl just happens to be the mother of his babies.

Andrea, I am praying for strength for you.

I also remember a crazy, fun side of Tommy.

He was the guy that wouldn't surprise you by painting his face

under his football helmet for the big game.

Or sport a red mohawk for some team spirit.

He was in the middle of the huddle pumping his team mates up.

Full of spirit.

As I told his sister, Julie, my heart is heavy.

His mom had told me before, Tommy loved what he did.

He loved fighting for our freedom and for what is right.

For our safety.

And he loved his family.

And their safety.

Who could be so brave and unselfish?

Not me.

But Tommy was.

Every American soldier is.

As I am remembering Tommy today,

Another young man and his family is on my heart too.

The Michael Goins family.

As the 7 year mark approaches,

you are in my prayers.

What brave men.

I will forever be thankful for our military.

For Tommy and Michael's sacrifice.

After reading several news reports-

I absolutely loved this quote:

"There is two ways to do things: Do them right, or do them again."

~Tommy Ratzlaff

Join me in praying for these families along with the other family members of our fallen heroes.

A Great Day.

Last night, Tead and Cadyn's mom brought them a surprise!

A new puppy!

She was so sweet to bring in the new puppy to share with the other kids!

As of then, she had no name. But she sure was sweet!

I think Tead and Cadyn will be good little helpers with this cutie pie!

What a BLESSING todays weather has been!

We had to just get outside as soon as breakfast was over!

It was beautiful!

We did all kinds of things outside!

Brayden brought his art supplies out..

Mattie was playing house...

These boys were being "snipers".....

Look at this beautiful girl..

And handsome Gavin..

Boy! Do we ever have good lookin' kids here?

They ALL are beautiful!

I know! I have said it before- but its soooo true!

This little guy came to visit with his mom, Abby!

Meet Nicholas: aka "Butterball"

(fyi-His mom and GiGi gave him that nickname- NOT ME!)

Handsome Tead..

And Kasen with those pretty eyes!

Cutie Patootie, Lily.

BFF's Cadyn and Vivian.

They are looking absolutely adorable on their little sun dresses!

They are so sweet!

Silly girls.

Handsome Brayden.

 Brother and Sisterly love...

Sweet Austin.

Vivi and Cadyn doing Abby's hair!

Sisterly love...

We hope your day was a beautiful one!
Make sure and count your blessings today!
We all have so much to be thankful for!

With Love, Miss Melea

Happy Wednesday!

Is it HOT enough for ya?

We have been trying to get outside quick in the morning,

just so we can have a little Vitamin D.

Only for about 30 minutes, though.

We received a special little treat on Monday!

Mrs Karen from Country Craft Farm called to ask if we would want some balloons!

She accidentally blew some up on the wrong date,

so she wanted to share with us!

Since I am too afraid for the kids to play with them,

we took them outside to let them fly away!

I was surprised no one was upset letting their balloon go!

They were ready to let their balloons "fly"!

On the count of 3!

1.....2......3!

bye bye balloons!

Thanks so much Karen for thinking of us!

And Crystal, I apologize that your baby is in training pants!

lol!

It is just so much easier! Normally I would have put some britches on her-

but the balloons caused a slight

MADHOUSE!

We had to take care of them right away!

Today has been a hot one.

We decided to fill the pools up and get wet a little.

Here is a few pictures of our morning:

The Posse

Dane

Mattie, Hudson, Paige, and Kasen.

Grady.

Tead and Trinity.

Cadyn.

Gavin.

He is watching Kirklyn teach the kids

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS.

Vivi.

For lunch we had the infamous Hamburger Helper.

For some reason, my kids have always loved Hamburger Helper!

I think they would choose it over Thanksgiving dinner! lol!

I wonder if it is because I make it a little differently than the box says.

I thought I would share my version of hamburger helper with you.

This is what you need:

6 cups of milk ( I use 1%)

3 cups of hot water

2 pkgs of hamburger helper

extra bag of noodles 

First you brown your meat.

Then you throw everything else in with it!

I like to mix my powder in with my milk before I pour it,

that way there aren't any big clumps of cheese.

Then voila! A meal fit for a king!

This is what we had for lunch today!

It is very hard to please 16 different kids,

so I always make sure to have something everyone likes.

I hope your day has been wonderful!

We have been cleaning like crazy around here!

We are trying to get ready for our new school year.

Can you believe it is already that time?!

With Love, Miss Melea