Cascades du Herisson

otherwise know as Hedgehog Falls . . . one of those things that just sounds better in French I guess.During the afternoon of the church retreat we had some time to get away and we decided to go to the waterfalls nearby. After a time of worship and study in the morning, being out in nature is the best way to appreciate God's goodness.
We hiked along a trail that led you past seven falls - although we didn't take the entire path.
We took turns carrying peanut. It's so great that G and G Mueller can bring along the hiking backpack when they come at the end of THIS WEEK!!
Dad and his Bers chillin' on a rock. I was feeling artsy and trying all kinds of pictures . . . more to follow.

Here's lookin' at you . . . Uncle Andy

So this has been a "busy" week in our house and I realized it's already Friday and I haven't posted anything!
Today was Kindermusik day and I am now teaching TWO classes! One for the younger babies and one for toddlers. Thankfully Analise was able to go home with my neighbor and take her morning nap after the first class so I was able to concentrate on the new group.
We are also packing up to go away for the weekend on the church retreat. We will be going into France to stay at a group center. . . I'm sure pictures will follow.
Signing off for now, she's actually eating a candle - is that toxic? at least it smells good!
Hope everyone has a relaxing weekend!

betty crocker junior

Out of desperation I pulled her up to the counter to keep her occupied - and it turned out to be great fun!
She loved pushing the flour around and chewing on the spatula (especially when mommy leaves a little of the cookie goo on it!)

basket upset

Trouble with a capital T

This lady has been non-stop today . . . and she's making my life rather difficult.
She is "crawling" now (not the smoothest thing you've seen but surprisingly effective.)
Here she has completely emptied a few baskets of toiletries all in the span of blow drying my hair.
Nothing on the coffee table is safe - not even dad's laptop -

"hee, hee - look what I can do!"she scooted her way to Grady's kennel. The picture that's missing is the one of Grady staring longingly out the window after he ran away from her.
And finally - out of desperation to finish some cookies I enlisted some help. She had lots of fun making a royal mess and the cookies got finished - so it was a win, win.
I just want to say thanks to those who have expressed their appreciation for the blog. You have been like therapy for me! When I am in the situation - picking up the basket for the umpteenth time, chasing her out of the dog's kennel, pulling her away from the computer, letting her play in the flour (and then cleaning up the flour) - I feel like I can't get anything done and I'm tired! But in looking at these moments as snapshots I am able to gain a little perspective and I realize again how blessed I am! God is so good! So thanks for allowing me to share a little of each day with you and in doing that to hold on a little longer to each moment as it slips by.

SO big . . .

Analise has started becoming more and more "interactive." A few days ago she started giving kisses (a wide open mouth gobbed onto yours) whenever you make a pucker sound and now she's stretching up to say "So big . . . " My favorite part is how she practically knocks herself over . . . woe calm down little one!

First day of Kindermusik!

Today was my first day of teaching Kindermusik - and it was a success! I have seven students enrolled right now ages 4 months to 1 and a half years old. They come with there parents (of course!) God has really blessed the efforts and has provided a great place to hold the class. This is a picture of the dance studio where I am renting space. Off the topic of Kindermusik - here are a few pics from a walk last week.
The view from our back door . . .
This is a small strip of woods near our place that Grady just loves. We walk here almost every day. During the spring it has been full of wild flowers but there were recently mowed down.
Analise always loves our walks. She is very attentive to all that goes on and seems to be listening carefully to the bird calls. But sadly, I'm pretty sure her first words are going to end up being "Grady, heel," "Grady - don't pull" "Grady, come" "GRADY!!!" "I SAID COME . . . NOW!!" "Oh man dog, if I had the shock collar right now you'd be toast . . . " (Ok, maybe she won't be saying the last part). Needless to say, Grady really gets into our walks too.
yum, yum . . . more lunchtime photos. This was Analise's first omlett - made with spinach and some cheese. I especially liked the two little dots of egg on her cheeks.