68 In Life

Our Last Summer Hurrah

streaker

Hi friends!

It’s been a few days… I’ve been plagued with allergies from you-know-where, which have sent to me to bed early but unfortunately have robbed me of good sleep. Erika’s trying to convince me to get a Neti Pot but even the thought of doing such procedures to my sinuses makes me want to throw up. Anyway,Β  when I’ve not beenΒ  trying to sleep I’ve been wrapping, packing and labeling little boxes filled with happy tees that hopefully have already started to fill your mailboxes! I’ve reordered tees {with long sleeved options for cooler days} and I will let you know when the shop is restocked! Thanks again for your support, its so fun to send these boxes out… kinda makes the blog seem more real, not that it’s not real, but sometimes it feels kinda one-sided and it’s nice to see who’s out there!

M

This past weekend we packed up and headed to the lake for our last summer hurrah! Justin was working in that direction so the kids and I packed upΒ  Friday afternoon and met him there. I thought I’d let Morgan pack for herself, in trips past she has done a spectacular job packing all the essentials. When we got to the lake she asked me what I packed for her, I explained she was supposed to pack for herself and I asked her what she packed…

“All my swimsuits,” she said.
“What else?” I asked.
“That’s it, just swimsuits!” she said.
“Nothing else?” I asked.
“No, Momma, that’s it,” she said.
“Ok, well I guess you’ll be wearing what you have on and your swimsuits this weekend!”

She wore the jumper she has on above to school Friday, slept in it all weekend and wore it when she wasn’t wearing her swimsuits! Next time, before we pull out I’ll ask what’s in her bag!

wiffleball

Our Tallahassee friends, LA and Andy and their two little girls spent the weekend with us too! We had the most relaxing and enjoyable time. They ran a sprint triathlon on Saturday morning and we willingly offered to keep the kids while they competed! It was really so wonderful to spend the weekend with them, they are precious to us and it was equally as enjoyable to see our children play together!

rovericecream

glassanddock

paigeandmabry

andy_justin

Robert came back to see us, it took a lot of self-control not to bring him home… he’s so sweet!!!

robert

robert2

The water was perfect as usual!

daddyandjM

morganinlake

meandraiger

jm

raiger

mabesandp

laandbriley

mabesandpaiger

roverlake

paigewater

morning

Now fall is officially welcome! We’ve had cooler mornings and I can’t help but dream about boots, pumpkin-flavored anything, and fires! I was thrilled to share more thoughts of fall with Bethany at B*Spoke last week! See you rovers soon!

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  • Lauren
    September 29, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    That lake water is beautiful!! Looks like the children had tons of fun. I am ready for Fall too! These last few days in South Alabama have been soooo nice…and cool mornings! I hope it is here to stay! πŸ™‚

  • Cat from iBlog
    September 29, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    Love all the pics! Beautiful pic of you on the water and love the first one of your little Rover’s buns! πŸ™‚ He’s gonna hate you one day! πŸ™‚ Need to email you, got something cool to share! Blessings!

  • Leslie
    September 29, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    Pensacola FINALLY welcomed cooler temps with open arms this week as well! I’ve had the windows open, the a.c. off, and it is won-der-ful.

  • Bette
    September 29, 2010 at 3:37 pm

    Try the netti pot. Just make sure to remember to breathe through your mouth.

  • Grace
    September 29, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    Darby- I just love your blog… You have the most precious family! Just had to tell you- you HAVE to try a netty pot. I mean it’s not a fix-all but it helps a lot!
    Happy, happy fall!

  • michelle
    September 29, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    using a neti pot is like gargling for your nose, it is gross to gargle? no. just think of it as a rinse. it helps soooo much.

  • Nelle
    September 29, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    I know it sounds yuck but MommaSissy is right. The Neti Pot works and is a gift from God!!! Truly. I use it when I travel now and NEVER get sick. Gift from God I tell you.

  • Lauren
    September 29, 2010 at 4:07 pm

    Rarely do I comment. I enjoy your blog so much, I feel guilty for not commenting more. Anyway, now that you’ve brought up the NetiPot, I feel obligated to comment: GET IT. (Just don’t let your sweet husband see you use it.) It’s kind of gross, but it really works. I finally broke down about 2 months ago and got one after multiple people had recommended it. Wish I had gotten one years ago!
    πŸ™‚

  • Sherry
    September 29, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    Great pics….btw, I can’t use the neti pot either..my husband and teenage son swear by it though. Happy Fall.

  • Melissa
    September 29, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Luckee! Its already def. fall here. Super cute about Morgan only packing swimsuits.

  • Lindsey
    September 29, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    Such wonderful pictures! The Lake looks amazing, so does you and the kiddos! I am also enjoying the cooler temperatures here in South Alabama, it’s such an amazing time of year down here! I would also recommend the Neti Pot. I have HORRIBLE allergies to food and outdoor allergies and back in January my ENT Doc took me off all three of my daily meds and told me to use it. I have never looked back. During bad seasons like now I use it twice a day. I don’t actually use the pot but a bottle which I was much better at accepting the thought of. After the first time you do it, it’s really not a big deal. I agree with another post…breath through your mouth!

  • Mrs. Edberg
    September 29, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    I can’t stand the Netti Pot. But I do do saline nazal solution in the shower. Same kind of method, but you do one nostril at a time and then don’t have to reuse the container. THAT’S what freaks me out. The solution is like $2 at the pharmacy and not a big shame if you throw it out at the end of the cold. Good luck!

  • julia
    September 29, 2010 at 4:36 pm

    Wow – that water is swimming pool blue.

  • kat
    September 29, 2010 at 4:41 pm

    I hope you feel better soon. I also noticed that Robert has a new collar, I hope that means that someone is taking good care of him, he looks like such a sweet boy.

  • Jen
    September 29, 2010 at 4:46 pm

    Darby,

    I was so excited to have a box from you in the mailbox this afternoon! I love my little boys t-shirt. I am contemplating a late night to make him so chocolate brown and white gingham pants to wear with it tomorrow.

    I will be ordering more!

    Thanks for sharing with us today.

    Jennifer

  • Shara
    September 29, 2010 at 5:20 pm

    Hi Darby and fellow commenters,
    Your lakehouse adventures look like so much fun! My family and our best friends have been frantically scouring the web looking for a house at a lake to rent for a week next summer. We have little ones as well, and love the idea of our own little beach to swim from (and alligator free, if possible!), and a laid back house that welcomes dirty little feet and possibly paws! Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks y’all and happy fall!

  • Mandy
    September 29, 2010 at 5:30 pm

    So fun…the last hurrah! Precious pictures! Can’t wait to order some long sleeve tees! I wore my boots and had a pumpkin spice latte today, even in Charleston, SC!!! Have a great week! OK, by the way…JM looks just like your Mother to me….based on the many photos I have seen over the years! He is too cute! Mandy

  • Marissa Hester
    September 29, 2010 at 5:35 pm

    I have never met you, but I love your blog! Great work. The Neti Pot is awful. I feel like I’m drowning. But I (reluctantly) tried the NeilMed nasal rinse (https://www.neilmed.com/usa/sinusrinse.php) and it changed my allergy life. Seriously helped and it didn’t burn my nose or make me feel like I’m dying.

  • andrea
    September 29, 2010 at 5:35 pm

    OMGosh, that little boy is so gorgeous! I love that little bum in the first pic. Oh my! I could give him a big kiss! I love that he’s growing up. He’s turning into such a little man. He will give his sisters a run for their money, that’s for sure!

    Thank you so much for sharing!

    Hugs to all of you, Andrea

    PS. Thanks for all the prayers that have come my way. I’m blessed. And so are all of you. Thank you. The prayers are helping. I’m feeling better. The rest is in God’s hands. I pray He’s merciful!

    Love to all……..

  • Lauren Ahier
    September 29, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    Your sister is right about the Netti Pot. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s a bit terrifying, but the end is result is worth it! My husband has terrible allergies and it has done wonders for him. Give it a shot.

  • Leiane
    September 29, 2010 at 5:56 pm

    Rover didn’t even need the swimsuit! What a schmoopie!

  • Melody Peters
    September 29, 2010 at 5:59 pm

    I felt the same way about the neti pot but a sinus infection convinced me to finally try it and I couldn’t believe how much it helped!

  • Stephanie
    September 29, 2010 at 6:51 pm

    can’t believe she lived in the same jumper all weekend! haha!! Oh wait… I’ve done that when I DID have other clothes to wear, just too lazy to change πŸ˜‰

  • Emily
    September 29, 2010 at 6:59 pm

    I love your blog! Beautiful children, beautiful family, beautiful photos, and great ideas! Okay, about the Netti Pot, as you can read people feel strongly about it – one way or another. I’m a girlie girl with the best of them, and I’m here to tell that it does wonders! One of which, you’ll wonder why you didn’t use it sooner. Just make sure the door is locked – no reason for the fam to get a glimpse.

  • Tiffany
    September 29, 2010 at 7:41 pm

    That jumper is SO cute…wish you’d share where you bought it. And the lake looks fun (we’re heading to the lake house next weekend) but all I think of is snakes – I’m too paranoid.

  • Tiffany
    September 29, 2010 at 7:43 pm

    p.s. loving b*spoke – thanks for the intro.

  • Melanie
    September 29, 2010 at 7:51 pm

    The Netti pot saved my life! Definitely remember to breathe through your mouth πŸ™‚ It will help your allergies like you wouldn’t believe!

  • The Mom
    September 29, 2010 at 8:03 pm

    I am with your girl who only packed the swimsuits. She already has the essentials down pat. And who needs clothes when you are at the lake. Growing up on Cinco Bayou, we used to put our suits on first thing in the morning, change to a clean dry suit for our rest period after lunch and then we lived in those suits until time for jammies which were my grandfather’s discarded T-shirts. Sometimes we were even sent to the bay at dusk with a bar of soap and a clean towel and told to scrub our suit then our body and hang the towel and the suit up to dry. Then it was off to bed for the sweetest of dreams. Savor these times…they will fly by quickly!

  • Katie
    September 29, 2010 at 8:07 pm

    That water looks like heaven. Heaven! Oh, and I totally second the neti pot idea…get one!

  • Melissa
    September 29, 2010 at 8:25 pm

    We love the lake, too! It’s the most relaxing place for the kids. I can’t wait for a restock of long sleeves– your tees are SO precious!

  • brittany
    September 29, 2010 at 8:34 pm

    I also never comment, but I am a faithful reader. I love your blog. As soon as I read your first couple of sentences I knew I had to comment… It looks like many others have already told you this but in case you’re hoping to reach a magic number to be convinced… You DEFINITELY need to get the Neti Pot. It is amazing. Ok here’s a gross comparison… I have trouble with wax building up in my ears and every so often I have to do a wash to clean them out. it feels incredibly weird and looks awful in the sink but OH! the result is magical. It’s like that for your nose…. clears you right up. Now just get one and use it. love!

  • Melanie
    September 29, 2010 at 8:45 pm

    Rover’s little bootie is SO cute. My boy is 16 yrs. old and I loved the age around 3. They are still a baby but just old enough and I just loved it. All the photos are gorgeous.

  • Kimberly
    September 29, 2010 at 9:23 pm

    The NetiPot is one minute of insanity, but it SO works.
    My mother-in-law made me try it this summer and it felt like a miracle sinus clearer! Nasty, but amazing and worth the terror the idea of it brings !

  • autigers
    September 29, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    enjoyed b*spoke…what brand shoe are you wearing in the picture with the leaf?? i’m searching for something similar and haven’t found “the” shoe…being a preschool teacher, i need all the comfort one can find. and if you can just send me an email with the shoe info instead of posting it on your blog — that way i can get a pair before everyone and their mother goes out and buys them and then i’m out of luck again. you have a cult following….at least in birmingham!

  • Kristi B.
    September 29, 2010 at 9:31 pm

    My mailbox was filled with a goodie today! Its as cute in person as online! It made it in perfect time for my twins 5th bday party! I had looked all over etsy for dog silhouette and was THRILLED when you posted your new design! Its perrrrfect (b/c its a lab party)! I love reading your blog- I can totally relate to your everyday life as I have 4 yr old B/G twins and a 3 1/2 yr old. I think we would be friends if you lived in Dallas πŸ˜‰ lol!

  • :o) mg
    September 29, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    I am surprised that Sarah Lee has not contacted you for trademark infringment on the bun thing.
    wakka wakka
    Sending much love from “ova h’yuh”

  • eringianni
    September 30, 2010 at 2:35 am

    love those kids!!! and that water… yum. as for netti pots, i have used one off and on for 6 months and while i don’t really find it gross, it hasn’t been something that changed my life either. it can’t hurt to try right? missing you guys. might be planning a trip soon. we need to scheme πŸ™‚

  • Julie
    September 30, 2010 at 5:25 am

    That lake is amazing! What a lovely last summer Hurrah!

  • Jessica
    September 30, 2010 at 6:35 am

    I had the same feelings for the neti pot, till I read some great FAQs here: https://www.healthandyoga.com/html/neti/jalaneti_faq.asp
    That’s when I got the courage and haven’t looked back since. Many “likes” to the neti pot πŸ™‚

  • Shar
    September 30, 2010 at 8:24 am

    Fun post! Love those last minute get aways. I can’t try to Neti-pot either but what did change my life was RX for Astelin. It’s a nasal spray, got it from my ENT. Really really works well. So, just offering up an alternative.

  • Kelly Splittorff
    September 30, 2010 at 9:00 am

    What great family photos, but I just have a question. Don’t laugh at me… are there alligators or snakes in that water?
    Also I loved the fall comments and photos. I would love your trail-mix recipe and hope you post it this fall.
    Living life in the valley of the sun,
    ~Kelly

  • Laura
    September 30, 2010 at 9:09 am

    Hey…I love your shirts for the boys. I would love to order a few but most are sold out in the sizes I would need. Please let us know when you have more!

  • Amanda
    September 30, 2010 at 10:10 am

    That picture of Paige with her legs crossed like a lady just gets me right in the heart – so adorable!!

  • elizabeth
    September 30, 2010 at 11:54 am

    I’m lovin your shoes in b*spoke interview as well….maybe you could post some info about them for us flatlanders as well! Love your blog…especially when you’re visiting Illinois!

  • Celeste
    September 30, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    The Neti Pot reall does make you feel so much better. My mother finally convinced me to try it and it really does help. Keep your mouth open and do it a couple time a day.

  • kayce hughes
    September 30, 2010 at 12:19 pm

    Such fun pictures! I would love love love a lake house one day.

  • Debbie
    September 30, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    I LOVE that first picture!
    I was great to go though my reader and see that butt!

    You look like you had a great time for your last hurrah

  • Tiffany
    September 30, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    In my opinion, there is nothing like being on the water. NOTHING!! Looks like fun!

  • Tiffany
    September 30, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    Oh, and about the Neti Pot: the one time I tried to use one I was so congested that nothing happened at all. It wouldn’t…eeerrrr…flow. That’s gross, I know, but that was my experience. My husband loves it though and swears by it.

  • 1953
    September 30, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    the dog is so thin…..does he have an owner or is he just doing the best he can alone?

  • Megan
    September 30, 2010 at 4:32 pm

    Darby! The lake looks amazing!!!! so pumped about the tshirts- you should do vneck thirts in adult sizes! just a thought πŸ™‚ Have an amazing day!

  • Mary Louis Quinn
    September 30, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    Ok, I am de-lurking myself in an effort to let you know who all is “out here.” I love your blog, and your kids are precious! As I was scrolling through the pictures, I thought Morgan’s jumper was so cute! Then I read that that is what she wore to school on Friday and was so impressed that it still looked that clean! πŸ™‚ I am embarrassed for anyone to see my child when I pick her up from school because she is such a mess! Granted, she is only 14 months old, but still. πŸ™‚

  • sarah ella
    September 30, 2010 at 7:35 pm

    i have been seeing an allergist and getting allergy shot for three years and until i started using the neti pot every day i had never really gotten much relif, sometimes you gotta go with old school methods to get the job done, its like washing my face everyday, its my routine and ITS AMAZING!!!!!!

  • Angie Blaxton
    September 30, 2010 at 8:40 pm

    Neti pots are great Darby! You can get a similar result with about 1/2 tsp salt, pinch of baking soda, 1 cup warm water- squirt up nose generously. Also very soothing as a gargle for sore throats. Your lake trip looked like a lot of fun!

  • meg duerksen
    September 30, 2010 at 11:14 pm

    my two favorite pics are the butt and the wine.
    πŸ™‚
    fun fun fun.

  • jenna
    October 1, 2010 at 7:52 am

    πŸ™‚ haha i wonder how JM will feel about you posting that first pic all over the internet in a few years!! hee hee such a sweet boy! It looks like you all had a blast!

  • Tara
    October 1, 2010 at 9:45 am

    Are you sure there are no alligators around that lake? I’ve heard people with allergies should eat the local honey and it eases their reactions, but I’m guessing that may not be true…unless you don’t eat your beautiful honey ya’ll make. And oh that little face she’s making (Paige (?) with her wrapped in a towel) so stinkin cute.

  • erin
    October 1, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    LOL. I was going to post a comment about the neti pot and about one million people beat me to it πŸ˜‰ I had problems with my sinuses when I was pregnant, it was a fun little treat on top of the nausea and stretch marks-woop. I tried the neti pot and it does work wonders . . . you have to give it a few tries, it takes some getting used to . . . you sort of feel like you are drowning in the ocean at first when salt water goes places it normally never goes. And I agree with a previous commenter to shut the bathroom door . . . I let my husband witness some pretty embarrassing stuff while I was pregnant, but never did I let him watch me use the neti pot!! πŸ™‚

  • Kate
    October 1, 2010 at 4:42 pm

    Darby, I LOVE the truck shirt. It came in the mail today and is just adorable. And thanks for the smarties! :0)

  • Sandy Toe
    October 1, 2010 at 5:39 pm

    These pictures are wonderful! The first is a classic..you should sell this to a magazine…Coastal Living!

    sandy toe

  • Jennifer
    October 1, 2010 at 9:49 pm

    oh how fun!! and is it just me or does rover look…older? he just seems like such a little man in these pictures!
    I’ve had those allergies as well, so I completely feel for you. ugh. my boys are dealing with them right now; I tried to talk Ryan into using my neti pot and he pretty much had the same reaction as you. no way, hosea! it is weird enough, I’ll give you that! but it does offer some relief! πŸ™‚

  • pve
    October 2, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    Thanks for your kind comment – happy autumn to you – falling acorns and all.
    From Might oaks come small things~
    bless you and your family~
    pve

  • Tammi
    October 2, 2010 at 8:23 pm

    hello there- another blogstalker here but I had to chime in on the neti pot! I had used Zyrtec so much I dried out my eyes and was losing my vision. Finally went to Whole Foods and got a neti pot that came with medical grade saline… I am like a new person without sinus drainage, headaches, sneezing etc. Yes, it was weird but not awful. I would compare the experience to the feeling of water getting up your nose when you flip in a pool.

  • pve
    October 4, 2010 at 2:41 am

    Darby, yippee, you won the necklace…..
    “From Mighty oaks do small acorns grow” –
    Thought of you yesterday – our sermon was terrific~
    pve

  • kendall Boggs
    October 4, 2010 at 6:06 am

    hey Darbs!!! fun blog!!! Hey, thought you might like to see the GIVEAWAY I’m doing on my blog. Looks like something crafty you’d like to try!!!
    Have a good one!
    kendall

  • Bailey@peppermintbliss
    October 4, 2010 at 8:46 am

    First of all, I am loving catching up on your past posts! I feel like I have been out of the loop for way too long…Second, Rover’s buns are just as adorable as I last remember…Third Morgan makes me laugh. At least it was a cute romper!

  • barbaraG
    October 4, 2010 at 10:17 am

    The last hoorah of summer never looked like so much fun!
    BarbaraG

  • Maria
    October 4, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    Hi Darby,

    I LOVE LOVE your blog and you have beautiful children:)

    I am wondering if you read Spohr’s R Multiplying? She had a post about sickos who were looking at her blog recently…which brings me to my comment. I am not being critical at all, just wondering if it would be a good idea to remove the picture of Rover and his buns?;) I know it’s crazy to worry about something like that, I just can’t stand the thought of sickos out there looking at your blog.

    Just concerned but hopefully not sticking my nose in your personal space too much.