Our fourth annual 4th of July party.

I am by nature an introvert, I recharge by being in a quiet spot by myself.  On the other hand I love to host parties and bring people into our home.  My husband likes to come home from work to a quiet house, so we don't get to host parties all to often.  But every year we host a 4th of July party and invite everyone we know.

I love the energy that gets produced when we are getting things in order for the party.  So here is a picture tour of the festivities.

I am really trying to get the girls involved in the house making part of our home.  Here they are decorating sunshine cupcakes for the party.

I made the girls these festive hair ties.

Teaching Mackenzie how to cook.

 I made these cake pops with the wonderful pan my mom gave me for Christmas.

My oldest brother, his wife and their two kids live in Nevada and were in Wisconsin on vacation during the week of the party.  I am so glad they were able to make it.  Here are some family pictures.

All the "Pflieger" grandkids.

My siblings with their spouses and kids.

 Back row: Big sister Angie, big brother Robert, oldest brother Roger.

Front row: Myself, little brother Roy and the baby of the family, Nanette.

 My best friend from Dubuque, IA, Elisha, surprised me by showing up for the party.

Say cheese!  With Pati and Julia.

 Fun with sparklers!!

Thanks for visiting today!!  Have a blessed Sunday!

Here is what we have been up to lately.

Sorry for it being so long between posts sometimes.  Life gets busy and by the end of the day I just try to sit and relax a bit.  So sit down, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the pictures.

We are certainly keeping busy with trips to the library almost weekly and time spent at the splash pad, pool, beach and park.  We are also making sure to get in some good playdates.  The girls love hanging out with their friends and I really love the fellow shipping I get with my mommy friends.

Katrina getting in some girly time with Mackenzie.

Mackenzie at the library.

Enjoying the cool library on a 100+ degree day.

I also took the girls bowling for the first time this summer.  We met up with the Klauer’s and had a blast.

Lexi and Adam waiting for the balls to come back.

Most of the group.

A really great memory for me is when I was able to take Kennedy and Mackenzie to the Madison Mallards game.  It was a very hot afternoon but we had an amazing time.  We enjoyed some good food, cotton candy and fun baseball.

Mackenzie started baseball as well.  It's not formal or anything, just giving the kids a taste of what the game is about.  She enjoys it sometimes.

All ready for her first game.

She was really good at the catcher position.

We also celebrated my little brother-in-law's high school graduation.  We are very proud of him for getting through this during a rough few years.

Christian, the new graduate.

Scott and his brothers.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures.  There are more coming.  We also went to a parade, had a Fourth of July Party and took a much needed trip up North.  But those get their own posts as they are quite long.

I want to be more of a Mary and less of a Martha

Well the title of this post says it all.  Lately, I’ve noticed that I’m busy doing things all the time.  I’m either taking care of the house, which is a good thing, cooking meals, another good thing.  I’ve been spending more quality time with the girls, another important thing. I’m currently working on some crafty things for an upcoming craft show to help my friend Greta raise money for a mission trip for her and her son.  I’m also working on some crochet hats to sell to help raise money for the Feed My Starving Children organization.

See…I’m busy doing, doing, doing.  I’m currently Martha

What I’m not so good at is just being.  Just being at the feet of Jesus and spending time with Him. I’ll be honest I can’t remember the last time I deliberately sat down and wrote in my prayer journal.  Even though I say prayers all day long in my head, and sometimes out loud.  I have no system for studying my Bible so I’ve been feeling like I’m not getting anything out of it.  I did find a post about a “system”one lady uses and I’m going to see if I like it.  I also printed off some prayer cards with 31days of praying for my husband.

One thing that makes me sad about not being more like Mary is that I’m not teaching my girls to be like Mary.  I know they are little still but they are learning by watching me.  And if they don’t see me opening my Bible and sitting at the feet of Jesus they won’t do it either.

I also need to work on getting the Word of God into their hearts.  I want to start with Psalm 23 and read it to them every night before bed.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.  He lets me rest in green meadows; he lead me beside peaceful streams.  He renews my strength.  He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.  Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.  You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Not only will this get the Word into their hearts.  It will root its place in mine.  I need to make this my top priority right now.   I need to get out of bed early enough to be able to start my day with Jesus.

I did start "coloring" in my Bible today during nap time.  I really felt like I got more out of it.  Being able to illustrate what God was telling me.  I'm excited to go at it again tomorrow.