A Cold Day in July

The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays.
Since I was super little my family would go to the lake with all our friends (that are as close as family) and spend a long weekend or, most years, an entire week on Lake Ouachita.
The first year we were in Pennsylvania was the first I'd missed our fun tradition and then last summer I made sure my crew was there for the whole week. However, this year with Avery's school getting out so late and a few other factors we just couldn't get there for the fourth ... I was bummed to say the least. I've literally been more homesick about missing this week with fam and friends in my favorite spot then I have in a super long time. Womp womp.
Thankfully we still had plans and fun friends to spend such a fun holiday with and we really had a great day.
Friday, the 4th of July, we woke up to a super chilly morning! We got some sort of strange (not so strange in this neck of the woods, I suppose) cold front with the rain we received Thursday night. The high was around 70 degrees, but I'm not sure we ever even got that high.
It was very much a "Saturday" feeling in the Boonies with every one home and laying low: we ran some errands, took naps and made snacks to bring to a friends house Friday night.
Our sweet friends, Dave and Rosie, and precious new baby Ava, hosted a cookout and laid back evening poolside with some of our fav peeps. Swimming, hot dog and watermelon eating contests, fireworks and more made for a festive fourth and we had a great time.

I was more than happy to snuggle Miss Ava Elizabeth in between in her naps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AaronBoone and Jason came equipped with fun small fireworks for the kids to shoot off, and they all thought that was pretty fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had our own rendition of the "Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Championship."

Gross.

 

 

And a watermelon eating contest ... also gross. But pretty funny, too.

 

 

After we left the Noordhoek's we met up with our friends, the Lackeys, to go a couple towns over to watch a firework display in East Smithfield, PA. We probably could have skipped out on that though. We were FREEZING once the sun went down and since the fireworks didn't even start until after 9:30 all the kids were crying to go home. But I was glad to see the Lackeys, who we'd been missing lately! So I'm glad we shivered through.

Super thankful to live in a country- THE country- where Freedom rings! We are blessed far beyond what we deserve in family, friends and freedom. Thank you to all those who fight to make sure we can live life the way we do. Yay USA!



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Easter 2013

This year it was just our little Boone family, party of five here on Easter. It turned out to be wonderfully wonderful and we had a great day.
I was so exciting to see the kiddos catching on to the miracle of Easter and what we really celebrate every day in our Christian walk ...
He died, that we might live.
He mightily saved us from death, gracing us with eternal life.
He thought of us above all.
For God so loved the world.
What love is this?
Oh! Amazing love.
Saturday we went to an Easter Egg Hunt on the High School football field. Picture a gazillion eggs, but five gazillion children. And freezing temperatures. And teenagers from the history club trying to lead "the chicken dance" for toddlers who were throwing tantrums one right after the other waiting to fill their baskets
with no interest in said chicken dance (does anyone have any interest in the chicken dance? No? That's what I thought.)




After they blew the whistle the five gazillion kids darted onto the field getting their 2-4 eggs per person. And it was over in like 45 seconds. Kinda wanted my money back.
It did turn out to be a pretty day so we played all day at the park which was lovely.
Aaron went out that night to fill Easter baskets ... He said I always get to do the "fun stuff" and he wanted a turn (made me laugh). I've never seen more candy in my life. Wish I would have taken a pic, he did a great job. :)
Easter morning we woke up a little late (shocker) and so Easter baskets were eaten thru in the car in attempt to spoil their cute outfits. Good thing I snapped a pic early on!




Love these lambies!
Our series at church the last few weeks preceding Easter were about Epic Fails prepping us for a fabulous sermon on the Epic Win we have in Christ.
We are so, so blessed.
Dalton and Sawyer sang in big church that morning. Cutest, cutest thing.
We went to brunch at The Cellar in Owego, NY with the Knoxesband Noordhoek's; the food was oh-so-delish and the company was delightful. See ...












The rest of the day included looonggg naps and watching The Bible mini-series.
So thankful He rose! Thank you Jesus! Hurry back!
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Location:Owego, NY

If Only ...

If only my laptop hadn't bit the dust last week I would post pictures and the like ... but the iPad will suffice for now. I'm still praying for a glorious resurrection ... it's Easter season and all ... so I believe in miracles of all shapes and sizes. He parted the Red Sea y'all- I just saw it on the Bible mini-series ... how hard could it be to let the lap top live a little longer?

If only we were in Little Rock then I would have taken all my kiddos to our normal Pediatrician and been in and out in record time. Diagnosis' given, prescriptions written, and Sonic-slushies-slurpen for all our sore throats ... but that's not the case. We are officially the sickies in the Boonies. Three of the five of us have confirmed cases of strep, and the other two of us strangely came out negative. But, I don't believe it for a minute.

If only we were in Little Rock Maw would have probably moved in for a couple days and had every bit of throw up laundry cleaned, every dish hand washed and put away and my floors looking like the top of the Chrysler building. Not to mention my Gardenia bush and buttercups would probably be blooming there so she would have freshly picked flowers perched in all the right places ensuring "get well soon" was happening any moment. She would be reading Peter Rabbit, snuggling, cooking, and loving us all like she does wayyyyyy too well to be 1300 miles away. But who's counting.

If only we were in Little Rock my Rachy would have been there to come get well kids to go to the park or spend the night with her or something fun and lovely and non-sickly.

If only we were at home Sarah Baker would have delivered Fresh Market yummies to our house with a vast array of dessert choices and a bouquet of hydrangeas (she is way too conscientious to have stayed in the Plague-ville with us with baby Noah in the car and baby girl Wellons in her belly, but she would have spread some love no doubt).

If only we were in Little Rock my mama would be there to know exactly what I needed before I could think of it myself. She would be bustling around the house in an apron and bathing littles in Epsom Salt baths, making beds, rearranging my bookshelves, and somehow making my house look much nicer than it is. Because that's what she does.

But, we're not.

I'm in a sick, foggy mindset where I really just want my people.

However, my PA people have been pretty great too. Meals delivered, sick needs thrown at the door in hopes of not touching the door and thus catching the said plague themselves. Emily called last night begging me to tell her something that would make me feel better, "What about a yummy decaf latte from ... er ... well ... McDonald's?"
We laughed and laughed as she stumbled around for a yummy coffee shop (even though Dunkin Donuts lattes really are growing on me) before realizing there really aren't any in our tiny town. Coffee actually surprisingly sounds pretty awful anyway, I only want my ice water ... Apparently thats all anyone else wants as well, as my cup has become quite communal, driving me to the edge of sanity several times. "I've fixed no less than fourteen gatorade cups today- drink your own people! Quit. Sharing. Germs."
It's just amazing we can't get well.

We're still alive though. Hanging by the edge, but alive. We could use some healthy prayers thought! Send them our way!!

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Community

If you ever find yourself in a "moving to a new place" scenario, start praying IMMEDIATELY and fervently for friends and community. I've mentioned several times before how that was my biggest fear. I'm a big people person, I seriously LOVE having lots of people in my home and the fear of a season of loneliness was pretty heavy on my heart. However, that was FAR from what God had in store for us here. God has blessed us abundantly with a body of believers up in this little town called Sayre, PA ... like the real-deal. People that are living out their faith in big ways. Walking the walk. Trusting God with everything. It's beautiful.
I think in Arkansas I had a bunch of Christian girl friends, and Aaron had a few Christian guy friends, but we were lacking a group of Christian families to live life with together. Which I see now is vital.
One of our biggest blessings has been the Wanck fam. Jason and Dawn have lived here their whole lives, and he and Aaron were hired within a couple days of each other for their company. They have two boys: Parker (5) and Graham (3) who are perfect comrades for Dalton and Sawyer. Our whole family has meshed well and we are just blessed to know them.
Last week at church we were sitting down at the service when Dawn nudged me to show me where she'd written down several times ... all about six minutes apart. Contractions! It was baby time! Jason had stayed home that morning thinking he was getting over a virus, when Dawn called to say that Sadie Rose was on her way.We kept the boys until their grandparents could make it and at 7:03 that night Sadie made her grand debut. She is already very loved!!

Last pic as a family of four ... Headed to the hospital!

Finally meeting Sadie Rose ... the lips kill me. 

Yes, it makes me want another one. 

Avery is pretty smitten with her too.

Yep, I like her a whole lot. :)

Thankful for community. And babies. And God's perfect provision.

Wassssuppp.

I feel like a friendly family update is in order. Sometimes life can get so busy that I start to get overwhelmed with all I want to remember.

So here's some updates:

Fall is in full force here in Pennsylvania and it's fabulous I tell you, fabulous. The weather is PERFECT and it's gonna be hard to leave it. Of course, I haven't lived through the average three feet of snow yet, either. So, I'll keep you posted.

Here's what's going on with all my favorite little people:

Miss Avery Elizabeth



Oh sweet, Avery. Avery is just THRIVING in Pennsylvania. She loves her school, loves her teacher, and loves everything academic. She is already reading me little books, recognzing any and all patterns, and is just thirsty for knowledge. She really is a little smarty pants; I'm so proud to be her mommy.

More than doing well academically, I'm proud of her sweet spirit and disposition. She is very nurturing, very giving and has a very sweet heart. Mrs. Wakely, her teacher, told me Avery was the most polite student she'd ever had and she would love to have a whole class of her. She also has asked Avery to move to sit next to a boy with some special needs in her class because she said Avery is extra kind, patient, and helpful to him. Make. Me. Cry.

Right now Avery likes: all things "schoolish", her family, all things girly ... oh, and any kind of outing. She's definitely happy with a full schedule. She wakes herself up for school every morning, gets dressed, gets some juice and is always ready to hurry to get to school. Sometimes at night she'll get very wide-eyed and excitedly ask something like, "Mommy, can we get up really early in the morning and paint our nails and drink coffee and watch the news?" She makes me laugh. She is also a tad bit boy crazy ... yikes. There is a little third grade neighbor boy who comes over to play outside some and rides Avery's bus in the afternoon. She's definitely smitten with him right now. Last week she was extra giggly as she jumped off the bus. She handed me a note that had been folded about seventeen times and told me to , "Check it." (Check it??) It was a note from the boy ... it had hearts ... I'm pretty sure it said, "I love you." LHM!
Of course this was followed by a not so nice note just a few days later that Avery brought me to read to her. I told her it said, "let's just be friends ..." not exactly the truth, it was definitely  harsher than that ... and let's just say if he shows up any time soon I'm going to show him the difference in Southern and Redneck. Grrrr.

Mr. Dalton Davis

Oooohhh Dalton. Dalton hasn't been doing quite as well. He is still extremely attached to me, very sensitive and reminds me of a different family member he misses from home almost every day. Bless.

We say that he's a lot like Arliss from Old Yeller, always carrying things around in his pockets, or just holding tightly to an always-evolving favorite toy of the day. He's still very obsessed with animals and is always in play-mode, especially if it involves outside play. He's also staying dependent on his afternoon nap and sleeps 2-3 hours every afternoon ... with me. He's the best little snuggler and I love that he's still such a big napper ... because at 26, I still need an afternoon nap, too.

Yesterday we were getting ready to lay down and he was taking up at LEAST 2/3 of the bed. I kept saying, "D, will you scoot over? Okay, scoot over a litte more ..." He looked up and said, " Moo-ommm, don't you want to lay by me?" Well, of course I do. So, I snuggled right up in the tiny spot remaining.

One thing that I'm LOVING about Dalton, is what a great big brother he is. Do they fight? Um.Yes. Multiple times a day. But, they are great playmates ... and for that I am very thankful.

Right now Dalton is loving guns, swords, The Hedbanz Game, building towers, using the iPad or iPhone to watch YouTube videos of people showcasing their own Schleich animal collections (I'm laughing just typing that), pestering his sister, and lunch at our new favorite haunt in town, The Chinese Buffet. Dalton, Sawyer and I go at least twice a week ... Sawyer is free and Dalton is $2. Ummm ...yeah . It's cheaper that McDonald's and the kids LOVE it ... and I love the Hot and Sour soup. It's a win-win.

Dalton really is the most precious little thing ever, he's just  one of a kind. I have a minor obsession with him. And he knows it.

Mr. Sawyer McKinnon

Last, but obviously not least, our baby Sawyer. But, DO NOT call him a baby! He will cross his arms and start sputtering, "I not a baby!! I big boy! Dalton's a baby!" Which will cause all kinds of chaos ...so just don't. Thanks.

Sawyer is just a ham! He is always making me laugh with his hilarious antics, absolute fearlessness, and constant nakedness. At least Dalton has finally started wearing clothes. Sawyer does the world's cutest booty, so maybe he's just trying to show off.

My favorite thing he says right now is when I tell him, "I love you, Sawyer." he always says, "I love you too, Mama!" Presh. I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing that.

Another sweet Sawyer thing is how many times a day he brings me boo-boos to kiss. I'm not sure why, but I'm totally flattered that he thinks I alone can make him feel better.

Sawyer loves people and loves to be rowdy. I really wouldn't be interested in taking him to any non-child-friendly establishment alone (even places like Target or the grocery store)  ... he's too busy. And loud. And not exactly "quick to obey."

But, he's hilarious ... and cute. So, I think we're going to keep him.

He's also potty training himself ... I blame it on peer pressure. He started wanting to go "pee pee" when Dalton did (that wasn't messy at all), but then evolved into going on his own (still pretty messy). THEN Aaron caught him going "poo poo" too. Consider yourself lucky that you're not related to us or you could have received much more detailed pictures via text from Aaron. Yikes.

Sawyer is loving animals, trains, cars, coloring on the walls, playing with Dalton, building castles, wrestling, and books. I think Sawyer may turn out to be a "quality time" love language. I almost always put Sawyer to bed at night and we usually read several books and sing lots of songs. Almost always I can say, "Run get in your bed, buddy; I'll be in there in a minute with your chocolate milk." He'll run as fast as he can to his bed and pile lots of books on top of himself waiting on me to get in there. While I'm reading the books or singing he'll throw his arms and give me a big hug. It's the sweetest most lovingest thing ever. I've gotten to where most nights I just end up laying down by him and singing songs until he falls asleep. When he says "one more song, Mama" I have a pretty hard time turning him down.

I love that crazy boy.

My Man. The Hubs. My Baby Daddy. The One and Only.

Richard Aaron Boone 

How awful is it that I really don't have any new/unposted pics of my cutie hubby?? And he's even been looking particularly cute lately. We are having some family pictures done soon, so stay tuned.

Okay ... I lied. I'm going to repost some pics:

Aaron is doing great in PA. Really great. He's totally excelling at his job, he's made lots of good buddies, he's killing monster bucks, and doing what he does best: being an awesome hubby and dad. He serves, cuddles, tickles, listens, laughs, hugs, prays, leads, and loves well.

We are still church hunting, but are enjoying our church from home, Fellowship Bible Church, live online services on Sunday mornings, and love that I can still catch the recorded sermons when I miss. However, we have been reached out to by so many sweet, Godly families that I can easily get emotional about it (shockerrrrr) that have brought us into what already feels like a church community. God has RICHLY blessed us with friends here and I know that was one of the things that Aaron and I were most nervous about. God is so, so good.

Aaron has been meeting with a group of men and studying a book called The Exemplary Husband ... So, I'm looking forward to him getting more and more exemplary. And bringing me my favorite mexican dishes for lunch and flowers yesterday afternoon is a great start-so keep up the hard work, babe. Thank goodness you have someone as level-headed, never-moody, always-serving, never-disrespectful and forever looking lovely like myself. I really do make it easy on you.

Me, Myself and I



I think I'll skip the picture portion: just picture me showered with make-up on and hair fixed, a summertime glow from all the sunshine we're getting here, dressed extra cute, oh, and looking thin and just having it all together. Yeah. That's me.
 I'm  really doing well too! I have started attending MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) and I've met lots of nice ladies there. It isn't a bible study, but more an avenue for moms to meet moms, which has been fun and a good outlet for me.

Definitely the most encouraging thing I'm doing right now is hosting a Beth Moore study on the book of James in our home on Thursday nights. I am just eating this study up and feeling like God has me just where He wants me ... "so where else would we want to be" (Aaron tells me a couple times a week ... or more)?

I'm also uber-thankful for all my sweet friends back home, mainly my PLU's whom I stay in contact with via GroupMe group texting and get  to walk alongside spiritually via www.goodmorninggirls.com as we have been studying the book of Colossians and emailing back and forth every day. It makes me feel like I'm still right where I left ...only 1200 miles away. Love. Those. Girlies.

Of course there are days I get down or overwhelmed, but I try to stay positive and focus on the MANY blessings in my life. We are seeing major fruit here and I don't think I've seen Aaron this happy and just content ... ever. So, that alone is worth it.
 I am excitedly counting down for Lynda's long trip up here for Thanksgiving. We're taking Avery to NYC for the weekend (Pennsylvania Perk!!!)! And then a long Christmas trip home ... in just 49 days ... but who's counting?
 Overall we're doing well, learning lots, and enjoying life. God is continuing to refine us ... and for that I'm thankful.

"So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light."

James 1:17 The Message