Funny story today...

My two youngest children were playing in our basement today, and they were laughing and really enjoying each others company. Just as I was dreaming about them being best friends when they are older, Audrey comes up the stairs with a scowl on her face.

She states, "We need to give brother to Sara (our next door neighbor, who is all of 10 years old). I don't like him anymore." And she walks away.

I asked if she would miss him, and she says, "I'll go and visit."

For her, problem solved. :) Too funny!

Learning something new...

So for a long time I've wanted to learn how to sew. The interest started when I was about thirteen years old. I didn't take home economics in high school, because it interfered with playing in the school band. I know I was a band geek (and liked it). I always thought that it was so cool when the home ec students would bring home shorts & blankets and they could choose the colors and sizes to fit them and their taste.

Well, my sweet husband bought me a sewing machine for my birthday seven years ago in hopes that I would learn. It took me a long time to make time to study and learn the machine, but thanks to a recent ^Groupon^ deal I took the chance. So three kids later I completed my first sewing class. And . I . Loved . It!

I was under the impression that it would take a LONG time to complete the projects. However, the instructor in my class taught me how to make a skirt in just two short sessions. This project was very manageable, and I learned five different techniques to sewing that I will be able to expand on with future projects. Don't get me wrong I know that some projects will take much longer - like a quilt, and I don't plan to attempt that for a very long time.

I have a feeling there are many "closet" sew-ers out there, and I need to find them. Although, I think that sewing is making a 'cool' comeback. What do you think? No?!

Funny moment...

On Sunday night I was laying with Cora on her bed. I treasure these moments, because you can have the best conversations with your children (b/c they don't want to go to sleep). My oldest and I were having one of those special talks. I got up to leave and here was the last part of our dialogue...

Me: "Wow, we have a busy week!"
C: (Pause - with a downcast expression) "Yeah, I am NOT looking forward to your birthday, Mommy."
Me: "Oh...I'm sorry. Why?" (did I really want to know the answer)
C: "Because I have to go back to school."
Me: (Whew!) "It will be okay! You'll get to see your friends and your teacher!"
C: Partial smile appears on her face.

Sometimes I fear the honest answer that my kids will give, but I am always amazed by their perspectives. I am entertained daily by my children. I want to remember these conversations that consume my days in this season of life. I am going to try to record them more often.

Random November memories...

Of course, November came and went too quickly, so I am glad that I captured a few special moments. Whether, the days are spent living life or remembering a life, each day is significant to me.

This is the day that the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Annual Family Trip

Eight years ago, Jake and I started our annual October trip down to the Ozarks. We had only been married for one year and had no idea that our little trip would mark the beginning of MANY relaxing weekends to come. In the Midwest, the fall season is in full swing in October and the trees start to change colors before the leaves drop, revealing beautiful reds, golds, and browns. Here is the first October trip after we were married.

We were so young, here is a picture from 2003...

And here we are, three kids later in 2011...

The oldest lost her first tooth that weekend, too! She has a slight lisp now...very cute indeed. I think it came out a bit prematurely, so there will probably be a hole there for awhile.

Every year we try to guess when the trees will be the prettiest. This year it was really dry, so the trees were delayed. It was a good reminder of His hand being in control of all things, and how it shows clearly when it comes to nature.

A good time had by all. Definitely, we'll be back next fall!

Birthday boy...

This last week was rough on me! Having my oldest start kindergarten, and then celebrating my youngest child's first birthday! Too much!! And unfortunately, I can't deny any longer that my little boy is officially not a baby anymore.


He is crawling everywhere (which this is a first for me, since my older two didn't crawl). I have to watch him constantly when he is on the floor, and he has had many bumps and bruises from just being a busy boy! He loves all balls, whether they are large basketballs or small tennis balls - he can throw them better than his sisters. He is still the happiest, most easygoing child, who lets his mom love on him lots. He still doesn't mind if his sisters mother him either, as you can probably tell from the pictures.


He loves all meats, and eats just about everything I put in front of him. I hope that doesn't change. He has four teeth, and bites on anything in front of him. I've used the same crib for all three kids, but my boy has been the only one to leave his mark on the crib. Literally. He likes to chew on the rails. Like a beaver. Must be a boy thing.


My favorite moments with him are when he waves at people and says "da da" (for bye bye). He sometimes says "ma ma" to me but probably by accident. I told him the other day that he has to stay little. I think the Lord has other plans for him, though. : )

Thank you, Heavenly Father for these children!
It is my constant prayer than they will come to know you personally, for that is where true joy is found.

School Rocks...

I was fine with my oldest going to kindergarten, until her sister said that she missed her. Then I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. But C loves every part of school, and it is so cute she calls recess "precess". We have a choice on half day or full day school, and we chose half day. Now she gets the chance to be with her sister and brother for the second half of the day, and mommy gets to have one more year with my big girl.


I know that God is good always, and He works in all of the details. Since we moved, we've prayed for C's teacher. As it turns out, her teacher is someone that I know and she was the first person that greeted us when we walked into the school for orientation. I think this is going to be a good school year!

I couldn't believe that the kindergartners get a locker. I got my first locker when I was in Junior High. How fun!