A Visit from Grammy

It's the first day of September... I cannot believe how time is flying!! It will be Tuesday before we know it and Maddy will be back in school and we will be back to a routine.

Grammy decided to come see us today after she finished work!  We always look forward to her visits... they usually involve gifts and treats and ALWAYS involve hugs, kisses and cuddles.  Today is no different.  We made a trip to the store where they got popsicles  and a redbox movie.  Before movie time, we went out on a walk to enjoy the beautiful day... and work up an appetite for the aforesaid popsicles. 

Playtime

 Hurricane Irene blew through this past weekend.  It was a long day for everyone in our house (As it was for many people in the area ) After Brian and I got the kids to bed Saturday evening we snuck out to the garage, opened the door and sat in the back of the expedition watching the storm blow around us.  Before we went in for the night one of us mentioned how well the playground was holding up.  Well.. we spoke too soon... The next morning, after peeking out the front, we saw the playground was our one casualty. 

The kids were upset.. but in the grand scheme of things... it wasn't a terrible loss.  We still had our house, our electricity and most importantly our health...  At some point we will have to replace the playground for the kids... but for now, the playground behind Farm Fresh will be a great substitute.

After work today I got the kids ready and we set out for the park.  The kids have been going bonkers, and for both my sanity and their relief of wiggles, a trip to the park was an absolute necessity!

Prepping for Puppy

In four days, Maddy and Travis will be the proud parents of their new puppy, O.P.  They have discussed it amongst themselves and decided that Maddy will be the mommy and Travis will be the daddy.  With that important decision made, we went out tonight and got all of O.P.'s puppy gear.  The kids had a blast, and they are wishing that tomorrow was Saturday.....

A Breath of Fresh Air

On Tuesday morning I realized that the smoke was not hanging in the air like it usually does when I wake up in the morning.  There was also a chilled note in the air... may I dare hope that Fall is almost here?  With those thoughts in mind, I scrambled quickly to open all the windows and doors to let this fresh air permeate the house before the dreaded smoke came back.... I caught Peyt enjoying the back door screen as I walked in the room. He seemed fascinated with the idea that the outside was so close to him.  He kept putting his face up to the screen, then turning around to talk to me about it. As I am writing this, the smoke has returned full force, so we are back to air conditioned air and tightly shut windows.  But in that one beautiful day I was able to watch a moment of joy and childhood wonder that I can treasure and think back on.  It might have been an ordinary day and an ordinary moment... But to Peyt it was magical.  

 

The Puppy Countdown Begins!!!

In fourteen days, we will be the proud parents of this ADORABLE lil puppy!  The kids ask everyday how long until O.P. gets here.. two weeks still seems like and eternity to them.  These are pictures that were taken yesterday while O.P. and his brothers and sisters got some outdoor playtime.  Enjoy the pictures!!

O.P is 7 weeks old

 

O.P. playing with his brothers and sisters.  It's out version of where's Waldo, called Where's O.P.

O.P all tired out from playing....

A Rustay Family Tradition

It's Thursday night again!  If you know our family at all, you know where we are between the hours of 6:30pm and 8:30pm.. give or take.  That's right! Chick Fil-A!! ( Or as Travis calls it.. Chickafaway )  It's kinda like Cheers.. you know the t.v. show.. a place where everyone knows your name.  At least if you frequent there as much as we do.  Thursday night is kids night here in Suffolk.  That means that two of our three kids eat for free!  If you ever find yourself in our neck of the woods on a Thursday evening... feel free to join us for some waffle fries and sweet tea...

Back to Normal

It has been a week and a couple days.  Life is moving forward and we are as well!  All of the kids are home and are all comfortable being here.  I was worried about Maddy, but she is doing fantastic.  She talks about the bad guys that came in our house, but she is just happy they didn't take any of her stuff... **sigh** 

Tonight I was able to talk Brian into going for a walk with us.  Since we only have a double stroller, Maddy automatically gets the boot and has to choose between walking or riding her scooter or bike.  She opted for the bike tonight. :)  She is still tentative while riding.  Living out here, there isn't alot of space for her to ride on her own and learn. But she is learning.

The boys are happy with riding.  Peyt is looking at everything around him.  He points and talks in his own Peyt Peyt language that only he can understand.  Travis brough  Thomas the tank engine with him for the ride.  This week he is using Thomas as his "cell phone".  Oh and he also decided instead of being three, he is going to skip to fifteen :)

Thank you again to EVERYONE who has reached out with words of encouragement.  Thank you for just letting me talk.  Last week was a tumultuous week, between work, internet issues and mind games.  God has reminded me over and over that He has our family in His hand.  We are so blessed beyond belief.  I am reminded daily that this thing called Life is NOT predictable, but there are a couple sure things in it!