September Highlights

Part of Maisie's birthday gift was taking her to her first real concert - the Newsboys.

She wasn't sure what to expect, and after a couple of songs she really enjoyed it.

Rest of us loved it, too.  They had great songs and a strong gospel message. 

 Analise learned to drive the mower at the lake.

 I found Sadie reading to Caramel one night before bed. The book seemed fitting.

 We went to watch Braylen run a cross country meet. The girls hung out with Uncle Derek.

 I ran a 5k in a Glow Run fundraiser to help support a fellow teacher in  her adoption. This time I didn't ask any daughter or nephew to run with me because I wanted to run with the other teachers and staff. It was so much fun! And- I finally ran under 30 minutes! Brandon and the girls surprised me at the finish line.

 I think Sadie was watching tv like this. You never know how she sits and think it's comfortable.

 

 Some beginning of the year school things from Analise. Again, they're going the wrong direction...

We love when we see a rainbow.

 Brandon took some good pictures of Sadie at the barn riding Jesse.

 Watching the band parade to see Braylen

Maisie is 9

Never mind the fact that Maisie's birthday was almost six months ago...

It was fun having a birthday on a Saturday; it meant we could celebrate all day long.

We started off right - with donuts, the birthday bear (which no longer sings :)), the hat and special plate. 

Such a silly girl!

Later that morning, I took her for a surprise, something she had been wanting to do for a long time - pedicures! It was fun and special having that 1-1 time with her.

 

Later in the afternoon we hid her gifts, and she loved finding and opening them.

I have to admit, I had shopped last minute for some things, but I did well!

 

Later afternoon she had a real treat. Her oldest cousin, who had just turned 16 less than two weeks prior, asked if he would take her to DQ. 

She felt so loved and had a great time!

We were able to celebrate with family on her real day. Looks like from the picture we had tostados, chips and dips, corn on the cob, and fruit with dip.

All ready to open gifts looking cute in her new scarf.

They have a birthday a week a part; I just love this picture.

Maisie wanted an angel food cake with strawberries, so I went even better than that. :) I tried a new recipe that is similar to angel food cake but a bit denser, a homemade frosting and more of her favorite fruits. Thankfully it turn out yummy, and she was happy.

That night at dinner we asked Maisie some questions. And wouldn't you know it, I can't find those answers for the life of me.

However, we did share what we loved about Maisie and a blessing for her the coming year. THAT, I have.

Maisie, know you are loved; here's the proof:

Grandma - your smiles ad hugs, and you're always interested in whether or not someone knows Jesus. 

Kaleb - you are always ready to do things with the others

Braylen - always energetic, a ball of energy and smiling

Me - I like our deep, spiritual conversations that we have

Dad - you look out for the feelings of others

Analise - loves when you are super hyper because it makes her laugh

Sadie - because you're brave

Grandpa - brave, happy and always have a big hug

Sarah - she loves that you enjoy the same things like water, ice cream, fruit, gymnastics

Aaron - always cheerful and up for something fun

Most of your blessings this year is that you would fall more in love with Jesus and enjoy Mrs. Bennett and your third grade year.

And since you're half way through, I can say you are enjoying it. Sure, there are days that aren't as fun, and I can always tell because your hand writing is sloppy in your planner those days. Your class is chatty, but you like each person. You are very sensitive to friends and friendships, so there have been many nights this year that you say, "Mom, I need to talk to you," as I tuck you in at night.

You've learned your multiplication facts, and you like cursive. 

You have LOVED getting to spend time with the older Alzheimer's residents that come to school. Truly, you have a gift for those people. Mrs. Bennett sees it, too.

You're participating in gym and dance this year. Gym you always enjoy; dance is give and take. You have persevered though and learned some new dances, which make you proud.

And you get to help in the church nursery, which you love! And I enjoy that time in there with you, too. 

Maisie, I pray you always stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and when you have those days where you struggle with being filled with the Spirit, I pray you learn to ask Him for help. 

Thanks for making me laugh, pray more as a mom, your hugs, your kind notes, the funny things you say, and simply being you. My life only got better 9(1/2) years ago!

August

Before we knew it, it was August and our summer was coming to a close. 

Since Grandmom didn't have to get ready for school this year, they were able to come out to visit us in August. We had fun swimming, playing, and I captured golfing in photos. What a fun time!  

 

 Grandmom and one girl rode together. For most of the time it was Maisie, and they would read together while we played.

 

 Grandmom and Pops usually come bearing gifts for each of the girls. This time the girls had gifts for them.

 See that look of surprise? We found earrings for her that match Analise's. She'd looked all over Ft. Wayne and couldn't find them.

 A new personalized Minion towel for the one who's outgrown the hooded towels.

 Caramel will occasionally go up the window to look outside; we thought this was so funny because she had to work a bit harder to see outside.

 Her own bed buddy!

 Homemade doll clothes. Fun!

 Maisie opened her birthday girls early while they were here.

 

 They were huge help in freezing six dozen corn!

And then the time came - school was to start.  Mom and dad were here, and I am so thankful! I began the year by subbing two weeks in 5th grade. They were here to help when I  had a work day, and they took Analise to school and picked up all three. Mom even walked to my school with Analise one day so Analise could experience it with someone she knew. She would become an expert walking from Sunrise to Meadowlark after school. 

They went/helped during the back to school night. It was special because they got to meet teachers and see classrooms. Maisie was THRILLED to see her room decorated with monkeys in the jungle. This ape is in the hall. 

 Too cute

Sadie entering 2nd grade with Mrs. Longshore as her teacher. She was excited!

 And Maisie was thrilled to  have Mrs. Bennett for 3rd grade. Bonus - her best friend was in her class this year!

This picture was from her day where she went up to MIDDLE school and got her schedule and had her school pictures. Hence the nice outfit. :)

 

First day of school with our annual pancakes.

Some beginning of the year papers I wanted to remember. Tilt your head to the side if you want to read them. Sorry.

 I had to guess her answers...

 What Sadie told her teacher about herself.

Random photos from the month:

Can you guess which item I wrote and which two Sadie wrote for me?

 Sadie informed me that she was playing with Winter.

 Our annual picnic with friends was indoors this year due to rain. So instead of lining kids up on the slide, we put them on the stairs. These kids  have grown up together.

 In gleaning out the basement, I knew it was time to pass along this kitchen to someone who would enjoy it. Though it was sad, we love seeing it used in the church nursery.

 For our 15th anniversary, Brandon took me to Omaha for an overnight. We shopped, ate good food, saw the movie War Room, enjoyed uninterrupted

conversation, and picked up 3,000 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

 

And  he got me these beautiful flowers!