My how those tomatoes are growing.

Well, at least the plants themselves are growing. So far we don’t have any actual red fruit. Oh, there are a smattering of green globes here and there all over our back yard garden, but so far no edible tomatoes.

Look at the size of those tomato plants! Aren’t they impressive. And to think that Tim and the children started out with a little bit of dirt and some seeds. God’s bounty is truly amazing. We’ll have some tomatoes soon. I Promise.

Kathy
Project 366 - Day 215

A little more than a week ago, I bought a set of patio furniture for Kathy’s birthday, as discussed in Birthday Bash. I was feeling very virtuous because I had used my hoarded computer fund to purchase the furniture, but God was just looking for a chance to show us His love.

It has been a hard month for the budget — we’re over in kids’ clothes and Kathy’s haircut was more than we expected. All year long she cuts hair for the four males in the house — probably 30 haircuts or so — and we put aside a little money each month so she can have a salon cut and some highlights. Somehow she ended up with some higher costs and a third color, and went over by $46.00.

We also save a lot by never washing our cars …

We recorded some birthday expenses, because I wanted to know if I had any money left. Seeing that I still had a little cash in my Tim’s Miscellaneous, I offered to pay the difference for her haircut. “After all,” I suggested, “a man’s gotta have his wife look good.”

Actually, I’m just pathetically grateful that she’ll cut our hair. I’d be shelling out at least $300 for all those haircuts, and I’d still have to pay for her to get her hair cut.

“No,” Kathy demurred. “I’ll pay some, too. How ’bout you pay $26?”

I bargained her up to $36 (I’ve always been a sharp bargainer) and she rushed off to Target and Fred Meyer to spend some more. She called me from the store while I was out puttering with my tomatoes. It turns out that the patio set was on sale (even more than it was when I bought it). I encouraged her to ask if they would do a price adjustment (or whatever they call it) since we’d bought the furniture so recently. “Yep, they will,” she told me gleefully.

David was gleeful too …

I jumped in the car with the receipt as soon as she returned home, and rushed to the store, fearing that the clerk who agreed to give us the deeper discount would leave, quit or be fired before I could get there. But my fears were groundless; they cheerfully agreed to credit me the difference of $108.80!

There are several morals to the story:

• Don’t be afraid to spoil your wife if you can afford it
• Don’t be afraid to ask — they can always say “no”, but they might say “yes”
• If you try to be more generous than God, you’ve got your work cut out for you.

“Anyone want to take a turn washing? I’ve got to do my nails … “

A special thanks to Fred Meyer stores for giving me such a good deal on patio furniture. An even bigger thanks to God, for leaving me some money in Tim’s Miscellaneous so that I can balance the budget at the end of the month.

Tim
Project 366, Day 201

It seems you’re never too old for mud pies.

Sarah’s birthday is on Wednesday. She’ll be 6 years old. She’ll still be my princess and baby.

Won’t she?

A big pile of dirt just cries out for attention. Sometimes it says, “Play with me! Drive cars up and down my hills. Dig your toes in my dusty layers.”

But today it shouted: “Add water and get dirty!”

You’re never too old for mud pies.

Can I place your order?

Kathy
Project 366 - Day 196

This may not be a surprise to some of you, but if you go out in the sun two days in a row you stand a very good chance of getting a sun burn.

Even in Washington state.

Even if the temps only hit 75 or 80.

Ouch.

My scalp is tender. I think I managed to get a sunburned head. It’s a unique talent, I know.

Meanwhile, VBS continues. Joshua is a crew leader and all around helper. Rachel is on the team leading worship. Daniel, David and Sarah are participating in groups this year. I helped with food on Monday and Tuesday. The church is providing dinner for the workers each day before VBS starts. My kids have latched on to this idea and think it’s great.

“I think we’ll have dinner at home tonight,” I said to the children this morning. Stunned silence followed my announcement. “Um, you know, because Daddy will be home and we can all eat together.”

Finally one of the children spoke up, “But I like eating at church. They feed you. What would we have if we stayed home?”

Obviously my culinary skills are being wasted on these children. Not one to fight the inevitable, I called Tim at the office. “Honey, I have good news and bad news,” I informed him cheerily. “The good news is that they are serving dinner at church this evening. The bad news is that they are serving dinner at church this evening, and we’ll all be there when you get home from work.” Thankfully Tim is a resourceful lad and didn’t mind eating leftovers in peace and quiet while we were gone.

I hear they’re serving chalupas tomorrow night. Sounds delicious. I wonder if Tim would go for a church sponsored date night.

Kathy

I’m tired.
My knees are sunburned.
The summer is slipping away.
My birthday is coming up and I’m moving closer to 40, not farther away.
I can’t get everything done during these relaxed summer days, how will I possibly do it all PLUS school in the fall?
I am out of shape and eating too much.

Eli, Daniel and David were not afraid of the cold water.

Sometimes you just have to find a good log and sit down.

Harumph.

On the other hand…

It’s only the beginning of July, that’s hardly the end of summer.
My birthday is coming up!!!

This little girl shares my birthday - best present EVER!

My knees are sunburned because I spent two hours at the ocean with some dear friends.
I walk/jog (wogged?) yesterday for 30 minutes with the kids and went to the Y this evening for some more cardio.
The downstairs is tidy and picked up, the floor mopped and the dishes clean.

AND I can go to bed right now and get a good night’s sleep.
Sigh.

Rachel has the right idea - grab a book and head down to the water.

Excuse my grumbling.
Kathy