I’ve decided to stop blogging for awhile.
My reason? I’ve lost the desire to do it.
I may return in the near future or it may be a really long time before I post again.
I have enjoyed connecting with all of you through my little corner of the Internet.
Peace, love and blessings!
Tracey
We finally did it! We purchased our first home this week! Yipee! Yahoo! Whoopie! Alright! Can you tell that I’m excited?
We plan to paint and change a few things before we move in July. The boys will be changing schools and we will need to readjust to a new community, but we are eager to do so. The community that we are moving into is only 15 minutes from where we live now. So, it’s in the same general area. I’ll post some before and after pictures in the upcoming weeks! Lots of work, but fun times are ahead.
This year, was a departure from the norm for the Dickey Family Reunion. We didn’t gather at someone’s house, but at a campsite. We met at Jellystone Camp near Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. My 90 year old grandfather, a very brave man, even “roughed it” for a few days. It was a joy to visit with my aunts, uncles and cousins that I haven’t seen awhile. The visit to Mammoth Cave was a treat too. I love witnessing God’s creations up close. Here’s a picture of those who were able to make it this year.
Summer is here at last! The boys are feeling elated that school is out and “bored with nothing to do except go to the pool” (in their words) which is just a ploy to get to the pool daily. Of course, I don’t stand for the bored attitude. I have a list on the fridge to direct them to if they dare utter the words. We are doing a little school work every week day to keep their skills active. Graham and I are working intensely on his reading in hope of growing one school year over the summer. Please keep us in your prayers! We are managing to still squeeze in plenty of time at the pool and a few other adventures to keep summer fun and make memories. Here’s a picture of us at Radnor Lake in Nashville, TN. I hope you are having a great summer too!
I had an excellent Mother’s Day! Bryan and the boys really went all out this year to make today special. My boys gave me loads of cards and handmade creations. Bryan gave me flowers and a card. Plus, we ate out after church at a restaurant of my choosing. (Wolfgang Puck Express, in case you’re curious) I even took a nice long nap this afternoon! Oh and my gift was something I’ve been wanting for a long time…a handheld vacuum cleaner for the van. Here’s a recent picture of my treasures:
He’s 3 months old now! Loch is growing and changing every day and it’s so much fun to witness. His latest feats include cooing, laughing, smiling, lifting his head up while on his tummy, holding his head up better in general and sleeping for longer stretches at night. I guess all of these accomplishments are typical for a baby his age, but I am a very proud momma! Here are some pictures I took today trying to get the “perfect smiling shot”. I didn’t succeed, but I caught some fun expressions on his face.
It’s amazing to me how strong Lochlan’s instinct to suck his thumb has been! He’s 12 weeks old and every single day of his life up to this point he has focused on sucking his thumb. I long for that type of laser focus! Now that he has a little bit of muscle control he’s actually been successful a few times! We were all sitting around the dinner table last night when he sustained a good thumb suck. It was hilarious how Owen, Graham and Isaac reacted. They all cheered and Graham rushed to grab the camera. Success!
I absolutely appreciate the sunshine these days! I love how the world is being transformed once again into a verdant wonderland with beautiful blooms and even birds chirping. Loch is old enough now to venture out-of-doors with me in his stroller and I’m making it a point to enjoy some outside time every day. Once home from school, the older three can’t wait to get their homework done and rush outdoors to play.
However, with the changing seasons comes the need to buy new clothes, especially for my growing boys! I am so proud of their growth, but my goodness! So, yesterday and today I set out with Loch in tow to hunt down some bargains. I made the rounds to the local thrift stores. I struck out completely at Graceworks, but did find one pair of shorts for Isaac and a top each for Isaac and Owen at Our Thrift Store. Today, I went to Old Navy and Ross. I didn’t buy a single item at ON! Nothing was on sale that I wanted, but at Ross I found 2 pairs of shorts for Owen and 1 pair for Graham. Oh, and a peony pink cardigan for myself. I’ve also shopped consignment, garage sales (a tiny bit), and of course the sale racks at stores. (In Togo, I shopped the open air markets in Accra and Kara.) Sometimes I’m surprised at how low some of the department stores prices can go! I love finding amazing deals, but it does take time! Plus, once I know that I have bought something similar for cheaper, I’m reluctant to spend more on an item.
I’m curious how you other moms out there manage to clothe your family on a budget. Share your best tips and tricks!
I am so blessed to be living in a place where my family can visit me often! During my years in Togo it was very difficult to be away from my family. Only 2 members of my family were able to visit us in the eight years that we lived there. So, now that we live in Tennessee it’s been surreal to see my family so often! I love it!
My sister and her kids spent a few days with us last week during spring break. My dad came down one of the days to hang out with us. The cousins had so much fun playing together. Jenny and I didn’t get to chat nearly as much as we both wanted to due to the activity of the big kiddos plus having a very active one year old and an 11 week old to keep up with. Whew! Although, we did manage a trip to the zoo.
My 90 year old grandfather, my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Wilson visited us on Saturday for a few hours. It was very special to me to have my grandpa see Lochlan for the first time. Loch is his 12th great grandchild! It’s always emotional for be with him, especially since my sweet granny’s death a year and half ago. I miss her and my mother terribly. On a lighter note, they did their duty and made a big fuss over Lochlan! Can’t tell you how proud and loved it made me feel!
Things around the Ries household have been crazy for awhile now. I am trying to keep sane through having my own little creative outlets. Right now, I am working on a website for the well drilling project in Togo. I am having fun learning how to do something new and at the same time being a little bit creative. It is getting close to launching! My prayer is that it will raise awareness of the water crises in Togo and give people a way to help. Stay tuned for more information.
Owen has been sick on and off since January. He’s been on three rounds on antibiotics – once for a sinus infection and twice for strep throat. He stayed home today with a cold, I think. We are heading to the doctor’s office again tomorrow. I have to keep reminding myself to be thankful to be so close to good medical care compared to life on the mission field, because I strongly dislike waiting in the doctor’s office with a newborn.
Lochlan had his 2 months check-up last week complete with immunizations. Ouch. The doctor confirmed what I already knew, he’s a huge baby! He’s in the 95% for height and weight, but only 25% for head circumference. I instantly got the picture of a pinhead in my mind. However, I’ve been told by reliable sources that he doesn’t look unusual. 🙂 It’s hard for me to say because there is NO way that I am unbiased. I think he’s the most adorable baby on the planet right now.
Spring Break starts tomorrow with early dismissal from school! I am very excited to play with the kids and my sister and her family next week. I truly hope the nice weather holds out. I want to spend lots of time outside in the sunshine.
I’ve been doing pretty well keeping to my new year’s resolutions. It’s the hardest by far to not visit People.com. I’m a nosy girl, I guess. I’m also living in the moment more often than not. One advantage of having my fourth child at home when the others are off at school is that I really get to focus on him. I know all too well how quickly my first fat little baby turned into a lanky 6th grader overnight. I am soaking in all of Lochlan’s babyness while I can.
Hope you are doing well in your own crazy life!
New Creation 