July Projects - Complete

Hannah helped shake the paint cans from her perch.

 

July was a month of projects.  It actually ended up being done mostly in one week, but they got done and that is what is important!  The big project was transforming our brass shower surround in the master bath to a more silver color.  We've switched much of the brass out in our home and this was the last large project.  Chris did most of the work: taking it apart, cleaning it, painting it  and reconstructing it.  I thought it turned out nice.  The other "big" project was unexpected.  Chris ended up doing a rather major repair on my dishwasher.  The motor went out on it.  In case you ever need to know, there are manuals online for repairs of such things!  We've also had some fun projects as well.  July was productive and we look forward to a busy August!

 Chris working his magic with a paint can.  We went through so much paint.  Unfortunately, only a fraction ended up where we needed it.  I was hoping the overspray wouldn't reach our neighbors new fence.  I think we were successful.

 Luke "helping" when Chris was putting the shower back together.

 Project complete!

 We were gifted with a few model sets.  Chris spent one morning helping the kids glue all the pieces.  Luke finished his.  Hannah and Andrew had at least twice as many pieces.  They made a lot of progress, but they still have some work to do.

 We've spent a lot of time this month playing games.  The kids caught on quickly to more thought provoking games, which I'm quite thankful for.  Settlers of Catan and Liverpool  (a Robey family favorite) have been played quite a bit since the "real feel" temps were well over 100.  Now, we just need to teach them some euchre to stay true to our Midwest roots.

Since I was without my dishwasher for about 10 days, I had these temporary dishwashers instead.  They didn't do all of the dishes everyday, but they did quite a few.  This doesn't always happen, but they didn't really complain about it.

 My dear husband to my rescue once again.  What would I do without my Knight to rescue me.  So thankful he is skilled in fixing things!

Our Lincoln Day Trip

 Our Trio joining the Lincolns.  We thought President Lincoln wasn't true to height, though.  Chris could look him in the eye and those that are in the know say he should be taller....

For some time, I've been wanting to go see all of the Lincoln sites so we took advantage of Daddy being home and took to the road.  We had a good day of touring his home while he worked and lived in Springfield.  We gained a lot of insight into what those years looked like prior to his presidency.  After an early lunch, we headed to the museum which told of his early years and went into more detail of his presidency and assassination.   We finished up our Lincoln tour with a stop at the cemetery to see his burial site.  It was a good day.  We learned a lot more of the little details you normally don't hear.  Plus, I learned that Luke already knew a lot about him.... 

I did find it interesting, though.  After studying one man for an entire day, it seemed like he's really been put on a pedestal.   I know and agree he was a great president.  God used him to do some amazing things for this country.  However, I'm not sure Lincoln would be comfortable with the level of importance placed on him today.  He had a hard life from being self taught to finding a job that fit him to being selected for elected positions to knowing what to do with the slavery issue and the Civil War.  I guess it makes one think a bit about the legacy we are leaving those behind us.  Or as our pastor says, "how are we touching a day that we will never see?"

 Lincoln's desk where it is thought that he penned, " A house divided against itself cannot stand."  However, that opening thought was originally spoken by Jesus in Mark 3:25.

 Hannah trying on some of their clothes.  All I have to say, is it quite heavy!!  I can't imagine how hot!

 I'm guessing there was a reason why this stand was here to touch Lincoln's nose.  We just touched it to touch it......

 Chris found these fun glasses....

Perpetual Good-byes

Life in the military is full of good-byes.  As some say and is true, they are not good-byes, but "see you laters".  However, that sentiment doesn't make it easier in saying good-bye to sweet and dear friends as we make our homes across the country.  God has placed special people and families in our lives.  People that God has used to mold us into the people we are today.  I have no words to express how much these unexpected gifts mean to me.

These departures once again remind me that this world is not our home, but I'm thankful for the gift of friends.  Friends whose path I may never cross on this earth again, but I know beyond a shadow of doubt that I will one day be with them in heaven where there will no longer be good-byes.

Our Summer-to-dos

We've been busy the last several weeks checking off our summer-to-do list.  We could even check off another item or two.  However, we do have a bit of down time and we've put that time to good use.  Here are a few picks of some of their favorite home activities (minus their 45 minute tablet time....)

 Reading!!  I was gifted with kids that love to read and spend a lot of time reading!  This summer they've actually started to really get into longer chapter books and enjoy the more involved story lines.  Andrew got the above series for his birthday and their only a few days when he hasn't had one of the books in his hand.  He is currently on book 4 of the 6 book series (book 1-2 Amazing Tales of Max and Liz series & books 3-6 Epic Order of the Seven series).  Hannah just finished up Little Women and wants to read more like it.  I don't have a picture of Luke, but he just started a book with a few hundred pages as well.  He's more keen on reading non-fiction, though.  They go through books quickly so if you have any suggestions on age appropriate books, I'd love to hear them (long involved books without the middle school themes/drama!)

Legos!  They've taken over half of our basement with a Lego city filled with all sorts of places and items - some from patterns and some that are not.  They play all sorts of imaginary situations with these and can be involved with them for long periods of time.  That's currently what they are doing and have been playing with them for well over 2 hours.

 Games!  We've enjoyed a few games this summer.  They enjoy Spy Alley, Ticket to Ride, Catan Junior.  However, their new favorite and one that we will be playing quite often in the future is Settles of Catan.  They just learned last weekend and loved it.  They sometimes have interesting strategy, but they loved it.  It won't be long until they beat me!  Let me know if you have a favorite game that your kids like to play!

Craft Time with a Purpose

Honestly, I didn't plan this craft time much or have expectations, but I must admit that it did turn out better than expected.  One thing I want to do during our summers is to learn life skills and they are at the age where tasks are fun when they are new and involve added responsibility.  This craft fit the criteria and the kids loved it!

They made their first pillows.  I did help a bit, but they did most of the work.  Hannah and I picked out the fabric and the boys were quite pleased with our selections.  I helped and supervised the cutting of the fabric.  From there, they learned to thread a sewing machine and bobbin and the rest they did.  I did have to help them on the corners and instruct them as to what to do on each step, but they were ready to do their part.  Hannah stepped up and helped the boys when they did the hand stitching portion.  Her main job was to thread their needles.  This new experience has already come in handy for Hannah.  She had a teddy bear in need of repair.  I told her she could do it on her own and before I knew it, it was fixed!  We'll definitely have to do more sewing in the future.  Let me know if you have any suggestions for boy projects....

 Andrew did a great job and didn't even need to redo any sections!  

You would never, ever guess that he likes the Colts!!

 Hands-on crafts and cooking put Hannah in her happy place

 Hand-stitching time!

Finished Projects!