A busy ending to the week

 I had an appointment with my endocrinologist on Thursday, down in Valdosta, so Mom and I loaded up the kids and headed south. I supposed that four and half hours is a long way to go for a doctor's appt, but I know and like this doctor and when I don't HAVE to change, I try to avoid it.

 Besides, I hate to pass up an excuse to see all my south GA friends! 

 We got in Wednesday evening, just in time for a covered dish supper at our old church. I think that was worth the drive right there! Garden fresh tomatoes, squash casserole, and chocolate cake to DIE for! (and being diabetic, I say that with some seriousness!)   

 We stayed with our friends, the Corbins. While I was at the doctor Thursday morning, Mary kept the kids. Later, Mom watched the kids and let Mary and I go out for a late lunch. 

 You forget how absolutely wonderful it is to eat without having to cut up anyone else's food, or worry about a messy face, or spilled drink, or potty break. You just forget. Then you go and spend two hours talking about everything under the sun - and it is wonderful! Then, you are ready to miss your kids, just a little, once again. 

 

On Friday the boys and I were able to meet with our old homeschool co-op and do a final project with them. Cindy is planning to put together a yearbook, so we did a few posed shots. It is amazingly difficult to get 10 children to stand still and look in one direction at the same time!

This picture, my favorite, doesn't have all of the kids, but I just thought the easy going friendship between these kids was so apparent in this shot. Children just love each other.

This shot I loved because the boys are so focused. So serious. 

 We studied Native American pottery, and then made our own. Here are my boys final projects.

 Canaan did his almost completely by himself, or at least the shaping of it. 

The lid was all him. I am so proud! 

Zion did about 10% of his. 

 I had a blast too - working with clay brought back lots of wonderful memories of my years of dating (then being engaged to) an art major. Ahh, good times. Clay was always one of Andy's favorite mediums. 

 Before we left town we stopped by the base and hit up the case lot sale. Hurray for bulk sales on trash bags and paper towels! Plus, I had been missing the commissary - I needed a "fix". It's not really any different than any other grocery, just cheaper and restricted, but I had been missing it! Besides, Kelsey and Travis will be here in just a few days. I needed to stock up on some important American foods that they have been missing for the last year.