Repairs Begin!

Tim got home on Friday after being gone for 12 days and since then has been busy getting things in order to start the repairs on our home. The tropical storm hit us pretty hard and we have plenty to do for the next several months. Or should I say Tim has lots to keep him busy. I am not much help construction-wise, but I can get drinks and food for my hard worker! Anyhow, Tim is going to work on the outside of the house first before starting on the inside. Of course, whenever projects like this come up, the wheels start turning in my head. It goes something like this.."Hey, seeing that we have to replace the wood floors in the kitchen, why don't we eliminate the little laundry room and open up the kitchen more." My poor husband... if he hasn't enough to do! But, I have to admit, it would really expand our kitchen a lot if we just knocked down the wall! Oh, my big ideas! I just have to keep reminding myself that I'm a very blessed person and very grateful I have a husband that doesn't mind working hard. So, with that said, let the repairs begin. Anyone want to join us?

Never a Dull Moment in our Home!

Yesterday, I had a little mishap of my own. I fell and dislocated my shoulder/arm. At first, I thought I broke it. But after a couple minutes, I knew it must be a dislocation. So, I decided to move/adjust my shoulder and I heard this loud "pop" and immediately felt relief. I'm pretty sore though. I would imagine it is from the actual fall. The kids took great care of me last night as I was in some pain. They were so great! Tim often wonders why it is that so many unusual things happen when he is gone? Oh, I don't know. What I do know is, there is never a dull moment in our home!

Fire Safety 101 !!

Well, what a Monday it was here at the Griffith household. See, I sent Josh out to the garage to sharpen two pencils before we began school. I know it is pretty weird that our electric pencil sharpener is out in the garage. What can I say! Anyway, after a few moments, I was wondering why it was taking Josh so long to sharpen two pencils. To make a long story short, the boy had emptied the pencil sharpener shavings onto the garage floor, and with a lighter started a little fire! Meanwhile using a frisbee to fan the flame. Fortunately, there was no flame when I got there. You see he took a course last year and was taught how to build a fire. I think he missed the part of "don't try this at home" or "safety first".
Needless to say, all is good now and with some instruction from the loving parents, that is a rap on Fire Safety 101!!

Water Damage!

Well, this tropical storm that has swept through central Florida has really hit us hard. We have water damage in at least four rooms; the kids bedrooms, our bedroom and the kitchenette. It is in the same areas as last time. The last hurricane we had, the same problem happened. Anyhow, with Tim leaving for out of town for 12 days, he is working hard to do what he can before he leaves. What a mess! Needless to say, I'm grateful that my house is not flooded! I hope we can resolve the problem so it won't happen again. I have pictures of the damage and perhaps will post them later.

Tim went over to a friends house last night and helped him secure some of their water issues. Wow, it has happened to more people than I thought.

What about you? How did you weather the storm?

Let The Games Begin!

You are probably thinking I'm talking about the Olympics. Well, even though they have begun and I've loved watching them, I just started the Grocery Game! And it really has been fun. So much so that my husband has said, you are really into this! Yes I am and I'm sure after a couple months he will be thrilled that I've begun this game. Anyhow, I'm collecting coupons, getting my buy one get one free at Publix and CVS and of course using the coupon that goes along with it! So far, I've lowered my grocery bill by $25.00 per week and look forward to it going down even further as I get better at this game.

Question for anyone. I know you can use coupons at Walmart but can you use competitors flyers there too? For instance, if Publix is offering buy one get one free on cereal, can you bring that ad to Walmart and they will honor that?

Golf Camp

Josh spent a week with one of his friends at golf camp. By the end of the week he actually had a pretty good swing! What another fun sport to do with his dad!

More and More Beach Pictures!

More Beach Pictures!

Beach Fun!

The beach at Anna Maria Island is just gorgeous. The kids had a great time snorkeling, collecting seashells and playing in the sand!

Just Beautiful

Erika took some really neat pictures!

Vacation

Well, I have lots of pictures to post so I'm trying to organize them is some sort of fashion. The guys had a real good time hanging out, enjoying the sun, snorkeling, and playing the Wii. The ladies had just as much fun too!

Vacation Reflections - Take Two

What a wonderful vacation we had indeed! But, it wouldn't be a vacation without some mishaps along the way, wouldn't it? Well, here is goes....

-I forget the large package of chicken (from Sams Club) at home that was going to feed 14 people for dinner. To Publix I go to replace it.
-Claire has a sore throat and is taking it easy. Erika and Hannah concerned about getting it.
-Emma being supervised by Josh and Claire up in a tower. Yikes!
-Josh gets a bathing suit rash and begins walking like there is something in his pants. He thinks about wearing a speedo next time! Mom says no..hee hee!
-Josh' wounds from a scooter accident burns in the salt water. Tim puts superglue on the wound and he proceeds to play
-Matthew... let's just leave it at that!
-Emma throws up and is sick for a day. Erika and Hannah are now freaking out!
-Jon hits another boat with our rented pontoon boat. His backseat drivers do not help him!
-Someone pooped in the pool. Yuck! It was not one of our kids. Management begins the cleanup.
-Walking on a flat pier with no siderails with 8 children wondering who was going to fall in first.

Now, here are some highlights!

-No one got too burned
-The kids got along so well
-Memories were made
-Biblical fellowship was very evident
-Devotions happened
-Worship time on Sunday

And, we are looking forward to getting together again next year!

I hope to post some pictures soon.

The 4th of July

We decided to stay home for the 4th of July because the next day we were going on vacation. Tim bought a few fireworks for Josh and Erika to do at home. We spared just a minor injury with Josh...a little burn from the lighter.

Reflections from Vacation

Well, I am sitting here beachside in our lovely condo just enjoying my family and friends. So far, our vacation is going smoothly. Okay, so we are only two days into our vaca... no broken bones, no sunburns at least not yet!

I am thoroughly enjoying being with my husband and kids as well as two special families who joined us. The atmosphere is so laid back that we've just been having a blast!

The beach over here at Anna Maria Island is breathtaking and the sunset. We have a tower above our condo which we can walk up and watch the sunset. It is just beautiful up there!

Most importantly, I thank God for his provision in my life. He has given me a wonderful husband, kids and good relationships!

Well, I got to run. We are heading to the beach! I don't want to miss out on all the fun!

Vacation Here We Come!

Well, we are really looking forward to our family vacation coming up. This year, we decided to stay close to home and go to the west coast of Florida. Check it out. http://www.palmislevillage.com/ We leave Saturday for a fun filled week with a couple other families that will join us. This place looks really cool and the beach is just right there. I'm looking forward to this time away spending it with friends and family.

Beach Day!

Friday, we went to the beach with a bunch of people. Erika, the photographer, seemed to capture some pictures of the kiddos having fun in the ocean.
I found that sliders worked well under Josh' bathing suit this time. The last time we were at the beach, the poor boy had a nice rash! Well, I think I've taken care of that!
I can't wait to go back to the beach. It was a blast!

No Shoes, No Service!

So, what do you do when you get to your destination (orthodontist) and your 10 year old leaves his shoes at home?

Well, you send your daughter in without you, sit in the car, windows rolled down (because you don't want to run the car because of gas prices), sweat profusely in the 93 degree heat, and try to have as much fun as possible for the next 45 minutes!

Yes, this kind of stuff happens pretty regularly in this family. And, the funny thing is, I don't have babies or toddlers! We just have Josh! A young boy who keeps us going!

In Full Bloom

Erika took some pictures of God's beauty in full bloom. Can you name these flowers? Or, is one a weed, one a flower, and one a bush?

NY Trip

Here are some pictures that Erika took while up in NY visiting my parents. She has become quit the photographer. I know what she will be asking to get for Christmas. Oh... maybe I should just give her my camera and I can get a new one!

Doing Hard Things

Well, while Erika and Josh were in NY visiting my parents, I spent some time reading, cleaning, organizing, getting curriculum ready for this coming school year, spending time with my hubby and catching up with some friends.

However, the book Do Hard Things by the Harris twins was in my opinion really good. The premise of the book is to do hard things for the glory of God. They use the term "rebelutionaries" which means people against low expectations. And though this book focused on teens, it certainly applies to everyone. I was very challenged and look forward to putting into practice by doing some hard things. In addition, Erika will be reading this book for part of her schooling next year. I just can't wait to go over it with her!