Biking In Olathe

oh-LAY-the
Did you know that's how it's pronounced?


One of my favorite thing about living in Olathe, KS are the bike trails.

I have found the trails here are so great because they wind and weave through neighborhoods.

You don't have to go very far from your home to get on a trail.



 The asphalt paths are about 10 feet wide which makes it nice for others using the trails to have plenty of space.

 They normally run behind homes which I love because I enjoy seeing how homeowners landscape their backyards.
I feel like I have permission to be nosy.

I love riding through the peaceful trails.


Someone hung this swing for people to stop and take a break.



The picture above is one of my favorite yards even though it doesn't look great with my drive-by iPhone.
It would seem that they planted a gorgeous island just for people going by to enjoy.


The trails provide much shade.
It makes these hot summer days a lot more bearable.



There's so much to look at and before you know it,

you've gone several miles.



Gotta go,
my bike is calling me.


Josh


Today is the day!

Happy Birthday to my sweet son.

My Josh has the sweetest disposition.
He is always smiling and happy.
He loves sports.
He loves family.
He loves sports.
He loves God.
He loves sports.
He loves good food.
He loves sports.

I love you Josh!
Happy Birthday!

 



Miss Priss Gets a Haircut

From early on she wanted long hair.
"I'm never cutting it," she would say.

Every morning, crying through the brush-out.
Oh the tangles!

She gave it much thought.
It was her decision.
She climbed up in Beautician Leslie's chair
& announced for all to hear.
"Cut it short!"

I can't get over how grown-up she looks.


Dishes, Carseats & God

As I get older in my walk on this earth I find that I question things more.
I know, I know, it took me long enough.
Like for instance, I cut up an onion this morning and when I was finished,
I get the Dawn out, squirt an ample amount on the knife, grab my dish cloth, scrub the knife, rinse it, dry it and put it away.
Here's my question.
Is it really necessary to use the soap?
In all actuality, there was probably plenty of left over soap on the cloth.
Maybe it helps with the odor of the onion?
These are the things that float through Wendy's mind.

Here's another thing that annoys me.
Carseats for kids.
They expire? The get decommissioned?
Here's what I think. I think the carseat companies are saving their butts from being sued, which is a good business move. It also guarantees that they'll have more sales. I get it.
But my question is, why do people fall for it?
When do we start thinking for ourselves?

I think that I was just a gullible girl and if someone says it, well it must be true.

Here's one...
did I give my life to Jesus because I was taught to from an early age?
Yes, I think I did but I remember when I was young (9), really questioning in my mind if this is what I believed.
As I got older, I would sometimes question the very fact if there was only 1 true God.
Everyone must answer for themselves but I can tell you from personal experience,
He is truly alive and real in my life. I know it isn't the same for everyone but I sense His presence in my life. My faith is huge because I have heard from Him. Sometimes, it's through His Word, other times He speaks in my mind.
I love being outside. It's my "happy place." When I'm outside, I see Him in nature and once again, He reminds me that He is right there with me.

If you lack faith, there is a verse... "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the Word of God."
Seek Him, & I promise you will find Him.

John 14:6 says, "...no one comes to the Father except through Jesus."
Romans 10:9 says "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."


I guess what I have learned is, don't believe everything you hear. Find the truth for yourself.


Happy Birthday To Danielle!

I began praying for her before she was born,
Someone special to love my son.

They began dating in high school.
She loved the Lord and could play football (tackle).
He was smitten.

What a gift she is to our family.


Some things you need to know about Danielle...
She is impressive on a horse.


She is excellent school teacher who loves her job 
and her students.

She loves to decorate and craft 
which is one of the reasons we fit like a glove.
She cares about people and doesn't gossip.
I love people who refrain from talking about others.
It means they aren't talking about you 
when you're not around.


I couldn't have chose a better girl for my boy.
She fits in our family perfectly.


Happy Birthday you perfect girl!
I adore you.

(I didn't think I had to mention that she gave me 4 little people who melt my heart & soul and are in my thoughts 23 hours of any given day)

A New Vacation Location

Ocean City, New Jersey
That's where I've been for the week.
It's my first time to visit this area 
& not my last (I hope).

As we drove onto the island the first thing I noticed was all the charming homes.


Each home has it's own individuality. 




This is the my favorite street. 
It leads to this...


The weather was overcast all week
but it didn't bother me.
I was happy to just be here.

I want one of these please.


A few things not like I'm used to...
1. The beach sand isn't as white as Florida.
2. The water is colder. 
(guess I should have assumed that)
3. The birds have more feathers.
(yes, I find that interesting)
4. surfers wear wetsuits
5. the people are so friendly


They have an amazing boardwalk with an amusement park, lots of options to shop and so many restaurants to choose from.



It's been a divine week.
I fell off my back porch last week and have been struggling with some aches.
Therefore, 
I did a little walking this week but not much.
I  was able to do little shopping, because, well, 
it must be done
 but mostly enjoyed the porch of our B&B with a book.

Ocean City is a neat place.
Hopefully Mark will have to work here 
often so I can accompany him. 
(I really just want to be a good wife)


Christmas in July

Guess what I found out while meandering around Hobby Lobby.
Not only are they ready for Fall...
they have Christmas out!

Surely I am not the only one who gets palpitations when they stock those glorious shelves.
I honestly can't decide which I love more, Fall or Christmas.
I love them both equally.


Although, 
when I remember my front yard situation of last year...


I'm gonna have to side with Christmas.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm wishing my life away.

Bring on the cooler weather!

In the mean time,
I'm spending next week at a B&B
in New Jersey.


I will give you the details.
I'm sure they will involve
a bike, a book (or two),
my computer 
and some evening walks with my hubby 
after his long day at work.

I love him.

I do realize this blog has nothing to do with Christmas, Fall or actually anything.
It's a result of too much caffeine.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Ciao'

Park Hopping

As I windex the last of the precious handprints and vacuum the Pez candies out of my car,
I'm reminded of the memories 
that were made in our home last week.

We have lots of neighborhood parks in our area. 
Too many to explore in just a few day.
Each of them offer different aspects. 
Whether by the river or offering a glider to fly on, 
they were all fun to play in.
Whenever we had a free minute,
we'd jump in the car and go "park-hopping."
I think it's one of the favorite things we did all week 
and it was free. 
That's usually the case, isn't it.
Babies always enjoy the box more than the present.

The winds were ideal for Elijah to fly his kite.



 Question of the day...
why did they build this lake around the silo?
Not sure but it makes a good photo op.
When I moved to KC,
I found out we had an American Girl store.
I couldn't wait to take the girls there.
The day finally arrived.
I love that they had to sign their names 
to pick up their girls.


Daddy is holding Sally and Hallie 
while the girls try on their clothes.



Does it need to be mentioned that we did some shopping 
during the week?
I didn't think so.

Elijah loved the Lego store.

"MiMi, I need all these shoes."

When we moved away two years ago,
my heart was broken to think that we would lose the bond that we shared since the day they were born.

It has been difficult but you do what you have to do.
I know God is in control and has a reason for it.

One of the sweetest moments during the week 
occurred toward the end. 
I was in the backseat of the car giggling 
and talking when 2 year old Abi 
adamantly says, "MiMi, I wike you." 
I said "what?"
She says, "I wike you, I wike you, I wuv you."

It did my heart good.








Fourth of July (Day Two)


Happy Belated 4th of July!


You know how you plan and prepare and envision how everything will just turn out perfect.
Sometimes it does and sometimes, well... not so much.
Our 4th turned out better than I imagined.
The day began by sleeping until we woke up.
We stayed in our pajamas, drank coffee on the back porch and just enjoyed being together. 
So relaxing.
Finally, we began to load the coolers.
I pattied up some hamburgers and threw all the groceries together. 

We loaded two vehicles with bikes, kites, frisbees, coolers and plenty of patriotic decorations.
From the weather to our lake side pavilion 
at Shawnee Mission Park
it couldn't have been any more perfect.

I took my camera but it sat on the picnic table the whole day. You'll have to take my word for it,
the day was lazy wonderful. 
The park offers so many amenities. 
The beautiful lake allows for canoeing, swimming and fishing. There are several trails to hike and bike. Danielle and I got lost on our bike ride and was I relieved when we finally found our way back. Blind leading the blind but it was so fun.
Here are a few pictures I snapped before we got down and dirty in the lake.
Kacey & Abi climbing on Uncle Josh.

Look Mom! I found a stick.
Relaxing

I could kick myself for not at least taking a picture of our pavilion that we decorated with flags and lots of red, white and blue. Oh well, life will go on.

The day ended on the top of a hill and a bucket of chicken. We were able to view fireworks from 3 different towns. 
The kids slept through the whole thing. 

To end the perfect day, we came home, tucked the kids in and I whipped everyone in a game of cards.
Is my life beyond perfection or what?! 
So blessed!