Family Reunion

We drove down to Blackshear this weekend to celebrate my aunt and uncle's retirement. They have lived all over the U.S. and other parts of the world, and are now so glad to be able to settle in their own official home! Our family stayed with my cousin Shanna, who has recently purchased a home of her own as well. We always have a wonderful time visiting with the extended family at Granny and Papa's house and wish we could stay longer ... and that the drive was shorter!

Family tradition ... four generations playing Scrabble!


More family tradition ...


The kids watching a movie at Shanny's house.


It's not a Floyd reunion if we're not playing games! In this case, Apples to Apples. The game of Loaded Questions the night before got only slightly out of hand. :)

Hippie Children

Mom and Berk recently bought Kaity and Joe tie-dye T-shirts. This morning, I told the kids to go get dressed and they ran up the stairs, obviously plotting something. They kept saying, "Don't look, Mommy!" When they came down, they were dressed identically. They're so cute!

Iowa Standardized Test

So, I admit to being a little nervous about Kaity taking the test. After all, I've been her teacher for 4 years now, but has she actually learned anything? I mean, I'm pretty pragmatic about it and I feel like she's a very bright kid, but when it comes to her someday entering college I want her to be prepared. I didn't want the first test she took that didn't come from me to be the SAT! Then the there's the fact that I don't actually test her! She doesn't get grades. Anyway, all that's beside the point because she tested amazingly well. I have to remember, too, that she's actually a grade level ahead. She started Kindergarten at 4, so other children her age are just finishing second grade instead of third.

She tested at grade level (3.8/3.9) on only two of the nine overall categories. She tested at nearly 8th grade (7.8) on two categories. The rest were anywhere from 4.0 to 6.9 grade levels. Out of the 40 "sub-levels" Kaity made a 90 or above on 17. Out of those 17, 15 were 100% correct! So, yeah, I think we did the right thing by starting her in Kindergarten early!

This is Kaity handing out programs at the wedding a couple of weeks ago. Please notice her perfect first position feet from ballet!

What I Did on Summer Vacation

... not take a vacation, that's for sure! :) Seriously, we've stayed pretty busy since we finished up school for the year. A couple of weeks ago, we went to the Jefferson Civic Center to see a jazz band perform. They did a great job, and Kaity got to go up on stage to play the cowbell.

On June 6, a couple of friends of ours got married, and Jeff was in the wedding. It was truly a beautiful wedding, complete with a bride and groom who were absolutely glowing!

Last week we went to the Maysville Public Library for a sewing class. Kaity loved that! She made a pillow of her very own, using a sewing machine.

On Friday, I repotted a plant I received for my birthday. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal to you, but I'm amazed it's been nearly a month and I haven't killed it yet! It's practically a miracle that it had even grown to the point of needing a larger pot.

I made some incredible Orange Zucchini Muffins yesterday -- definitely a keeper! Maybe I'll share the recipe someday ...

So, other than all that, we've stayed busy just keeping up with housework, laundry, playing games together, playing outside, watching videos. The everyday stuff of life!

Twister with College People!


Joe and aforementioned glowing bride, Lydia.


The groom graduated from Georgia Tech. Jeff couldn't resist getting a picture with the "Ramblin' Wreck".

We're Gonna Be Outnumbered!

Though not thrilled about it being 3 versus 2 ... Jeff and I are very excited about the new addition coming to our family soon. Baby #3 is due in February! Naturally, in cleaning out and organizing this year, I have sold/given away every piece of baby furniture, every baby accessory, baby clothes, maternity clothes, etc. I have also gone down a size in my jeans. What perfect timing! :)

The kids are really excited as well, and are lobbying for a sister. We've explained that God has already given us one or the other -- we don't get a choice. But they're still pretty convinced she's a girl. Jeff doesn't care one way or the other as long as he/she is healthy and strong and has brown eyes. As for me, girl clothes are so much cuter ... but I really don't mind either way!

On the coffeehouse front, however, this means a big change. With the economy the way it is, banks are just not lending right now. We kept getting the same message -- "Great credit, great business plan, great idea, but ..." So, after learning of our pregnancy on Saturday, we've decided that God's plan for us is to put the coffeehouse on hold for now. We're sad about that, but the sadness is greatly outweighed by the joy of our new baby!

Bananagrams!!

This is me challenging myself to use all of the Bananagrams tiles using only words related to nature. (Two-letter combinations don't have to be in the category.)

These Little Piggies

Kaity and I got pedicures together last week!

Sour Cream Apple Muffins

I don't have any news on the coffeehouse, yet. I do have a recipe for delicious muffins! They're hearty and yummy without being too sweet. Enjoy!



Mix all of these ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/3 cup brown sugar

Stir in:
1 medium apple, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped nuts

In a separate bowl, whisk:
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk

Add wet ingredients to dry, stirring just until moistened. Spoon mixture into greased muffin cups, 3/4 full.

Top each muffin with:
1 teaspoon reduced-fat sour cream
A sprinkle of white sugar

Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes.