Integrity

One of the things I appreciate about Analise's school is the fact that they highlight a certain character each month. At the end of the month, the teachers choose a kid that represents that character. When Brandon and I went to P/T conference, Analise's teacher told us that Analise was going to win the character award for integrity. We were so proud of her. We kept it a secret and then showed up for the assembly. She's smart enough now to know that when the parents come to an assembly, that means something good for her. :) Regardless, when her name was called to go up front, I'm not sure whose smile was bigger...hers or mine. I think her joy came from having her daddy there.
I asked her to tell me what integrity was, and she said, "Knowing what's right, and doing what's right." Analise, we are SO proud of you!

This week she came home with another certificate. She got this one for having excellent behavior in the classroom. (She had no clips taken down for bad behavior...hence "zero.")

One more thing. A few days after her award, she got a postcard in the mail from her music teacher. Her music teacher is the best around, and she is a Christian lady who we know from church. Anyway, I read her note to Analise, and I got tears in my eyes. She talked about how proud she was of Analise, how proud her parents were, but most important, Jesus was proud of Analise for shining her light for Him. How sweet that someone else encouraged Analise in her faith. This mama was so thankful for that!

Keeping Up

Life keeps moving, and I haven't done well at keeping up on the blog. Such is life, I guess. Here are some things from the last couple of weeks:

Last week I felt a cold/allergies settling in again. This time I knew it was settling in my lungs, but I wasn't too worried because this happens every fall. However, by Tuesday I was constantly wheezy. So I decided to go in to see my doc. Thankfully my MIL came over to watch the girls. I couldn't believe it when he told me I had secondary bronchitis. My allergies caused my airways to spasm, so he gave me a steroid shot and put me on a five day antibiotic. Thankfully, it worked! Twenty four hours later, I felt like a new woman!

All the girls' clothing is changed out for the season. That is quite an undertaking, one where other moms can relate. I really didn't need to do anything for Analise since she has her own room now, and I had taken care of that when she moved in a couple of months ago. However, the other two needed major overhaul. It took a couple of days, but it feels good to have it accomplished! Ironically, Sadie has the least amount of clothing!

Brandon left this past Monday afternoon for a quick trip. He got back Weds. afternoon, came home to change and then left for a dinner meeting. So it felt like he was gone all day. The girls and I had a good couple of days. Monday I took them for their flu shots. I took them someplace different to get them - my local pharmacy. I wanted to go someplace clean, quick and quiet. I'll tell ya; this was the best flu shots ever! All three girls did amazing...no tears! And since I was the only parent, I was very thankful. It turned out to be everything I hoped for and more!

This past Tuesday was one of those days that was simply great. It started at 8:30 with a call from someone with kind words about my husband. I was simply excited that someone else saw my husband as I see him - a man after God's own heart. Does that make sense? I then took Maisie to preschool; she had a field trip that morning. I decided to miss Bible study so I could go with her. My friend, G, was willing to be Sadie's mom for the morning, so I still put Sadie in the Bible study child care. I am SO glad I went! It was a gorgeous morning! We went to one of the teacher's house who lives in the country and had all sorts of fun things to do. We were in groups and had four centers: 1. roping a pretend bull 2. playing yard games 3. a horse ride 4. a hay rack ride. The kids then had snacks, played with a puppy and then went and picked a pumpkin from the field. I enjoyed it all and loved watching Maisie interact with the kids/teachers from her class. I learned she is quiet but obedient.

Before picking up Analise from school, my sis in law called. She just got back from a cruise and she wanted to stop by quick. She came over and gave me a signed book by my favorite author! Who-hoo! Thank you S!!!!
After school, Analise went over to her friend, M's, house for a play date. While she was there the other two and I stopped by at Grandma's and then came home to get some things done. We then went over to K and G's house for pizza dinner. Thank you, friends! We came home quickly, and then I left for commission meeting a few minutes later. The girls had fun with their sitter. A busy but good day!

Yesterday as I was backing out of the church parking lot, I heard a one of the worst sounds...bumper meeting bumper. Grrr...
Thankfully my husband has shown me nothing but grace with the ordeal.

All in all, I look back and see God's hand in it all.

Pumpkin Patch Fun

One of my favorite fall activities is taking the girls to a pumpkin patch. I think I get just as excited to go as they do. We decided to leave in the morning to try and beat the rush. We had a little drive to get there, and it actually felt nice to get out of town. The weather was perfect! It was pretty busy, but since it's spread out, we never felt crowded. I'll let the pictures do most of the talking for this post.

The girls and I had lots of fun on this big slide!

Even Sadie tried the zip line; she did great!

This sign at the corn maze made me laugh.

This baby goat was so cute.

Each girl picked out their own pumpkin.

I count it a success when you ask them what their favorite part was, and they answer "all of it!"

Last Week Highlights

We had a pretty good week last week. However, it didn't go as I had planned. Of course it went as God had planned! When picking up Analise from school on Monday, Maisie kept telling me she was tired. When we got home I told her if she was tired she could lay down and rest. She did...and fell asleep. Hmm...not a good sign. Sure enough, she was running a temp. Brandon came home earlier from work so I could take Analise to music. When Maisie was on Tylenol, she seemed to be fine. Tuesday morning I couldn't go to Bible study, so we stayed home and relaxed. Maisie was running a low grade fever but seemed just fine! That afternoon we went up to the school for a special assembly. More to come later.
After school I took Sadie and Analise over to their cousins' house so I could go to my eye appt. Maisie went with me. It was fun having that time with her. She got to play with Analise's Leapster, which is a treat. She was very interested in what the doc did with my eyes, but she did a nice job of being polite and staying out of the way. I think the doc and nurse got a kick out of her; most people do. She's just sweet and funny without even trying.
Thankfully, she was well enough to go back to school on Weds. Weds. morning Analise had a late start for school. After we dropped off Maisie, we went out for a donut. I'm not usually with Analise and Sadie; it was fun! And I have to admit; the donut was amazing. A fresh and warm cake donut slathered in chocolate frosting. We then ran a donut up to Brandon at work. I am hoping we can do this each quarterly late start.
Weds. night Awana was the first time for both Brandon and me to be there. I love serving alongside my husband seeing our gifts compliment each other's.
Friday morning was a special time. A couple of weeks ago I was reminded of God's faithfulness in the life of Sadie, and I mentioned to Brandon that we need to remember that. I then added that I missed sharing her story. This past Monday a gal called from a town nearby asking if I would want to share Sadie/God's story at their MOPS meeting on Friday. Yeah! With the help and encouragement of those around me, I thought it went well. I enjoyed sharing and remembering how God worked in so many intricate ways and through people! I am thankful that L willing and lovingly watched my girls for me. I am thankful for S going with me and having another good friend, D, there as well. Thank you to those who prayed for me. After I was finished speaking, a mentor mom came and shared with me. She shared that the story made her very emotional because she had a similar story: two healthy pregnancies, a surprise pregnancy accompanied with difficulties. Her daughter had some physical problems but is now 22 years old. She, too, was reminded of God's faithfulness. She then told me, "You think you have a story now; just wait...it will only get better." How refreshing for me! Not only did God take care of Sadie then, but He will continue to!
Friday evening was another perfect night so we ate dinner and headed to a park. We'd been there for the first time (this summer) last weekend and loved it! They have a barn there with animals and a new playground. The girls love the animals. When Analise announced she saw the camel, Sadie made a spitting sound. Cracked me up. We then went for a "hike." We followed turkeys to their roost. Brandon loved it, and the girls liked seeing it, too. Analise was a little hesitant at first. She told me, "Mom, I'm a little concerned the turkeys will think I am a small tree and land on me." Once she heard me laugh, she realized it was kind of silly and decided to go check it out. We found a small amphitheatre, and we let the girls play on the stage while we sat back and watched. I love watching the girls get caught up in their own world. I always feel like the world is a good place when I watch my girls play at a park. For just a few moments we can forget about the ick filling our world and simply enjoy our blessings.
Saturday morning Analise and I went to another bridal shower for Aunt S. We both had fun. We later joined her at the bridal store to watch her try on her dress. Analise and Maisie also tried on their dresses. After that we went microwave shopping. Ours blew something this week and no longer works. It's always interesting shopping with three girls. Honestly, they did pretty well. Saturday night we enjoyed getting together with family; it had been awhile!

Creating with Chalk

We had the most amazing, perfect weather last week. It was sunny, calm and we just loved it. Thursday after school, I was bound and determined to enjoy it since we didn't need to be anywhere. I decided to pull out the side walk chalk, since I don't pull that out too often. The girls had so much fun and got along for 45 minutes! The first thing Analise did was practice writing her spelling words on the driveway.

I wish you could have seen the backside of Sadie's shorts when we were finished. Completely covered in chalk!
Analise drew the family, and here are mom and dad. What you can't see is our stick figures stretching another 30 feet to the end of the driveway. And someone, please, tell me there is no resemblance of her drawing of me!

The girls liked it when Analise traced them on the cement.

Maisie has already grown so much since starting Preschool! Not only is she holding her pencils/crayons better, but she is writing her name by herself! I am so proud of her!

Maisie looked too sweet to pass by with the camera.

After the fun came to an end, they all went inside and changed clothes. I was thankful for the time to simply enjoy life. And to enjoy those three lives.

Sadie's New Do

Poor Sadie; she does have her mother's hair...straight and fine. It had gotten quite long, and when Brandon mentioned that we needed to do something with her hair, I knew it was time. So last Monday I took her in to see our gal.

Sadie did a nice job of sitting still! She's seen her sisters get many haircuts, so I think she was excited that it was her turn.

Ta-da...here she is! Basically, B cut off the bottom layer and made it all one length. It does look a lot better, though most people won't even notice. I got the approval from Dad, so I think it's a keeper!

Fall Fun

Another week has zipped right by. Weds. morning I went with Maisie's preschool class on their first field trip. They went to a local screen printing place to watch their class shirts printed. I left from there and took Sadie to Kindermusik. That afternoon during snack time, Sadie started a slight fever and was sluggish. When she slows down, I know something is wrong. Of course it was church night. Brandon opted to stay home with Sadie so I could do Awana games. It was hard for me to leave Sadie knowing she wasn't feeling well. It doesn't help when she gives me her puppy dog face. She did fine all evening and spent most of the time snuggling with Brandon. It was probably good for both of them to rest. Game time went well. My favorite part was when a sweet 1st grade girls said to me, "Hey, I thought the tall guy was going to be here this week!" With that she had her hand raised as high as possible. Nice to know Brandon was missed. :)

There was no school Thursday and Friday. It felt great to sleep in until 7:40. However, it was one of those mornings where it seemed that there was always one daughter who was grumpy. I made them pancakes...complaints; I let them take a bath...arguing...not fun for this mama!

I finally loaded them up in the van, and we went to the library and a grocery store. They were much better after that. Thursday after dinner I took Analise to the high school volleyball game. I hadn't been to one in a couple of years, and I wanted Analise to experience this, too. It was a fun night! I sat with church people and enjoyed visiting while watching. Analise had fun too, and I hate to admit, but she liked watching the cheerleaders better. Yikes!

Friday morning our college gal came over so Sadie could have a follow up doc appt. about her cheek. We were in and out; it looks great! We were gone 20 minutes at the most. If only all doc appts. could go so fast! T stayed for a bit and chatted. She is such a sweet gal! I can't believe it's been 10 years since I was in college. After T left, I told the girls I was taking them somewhere, and it was a surprise. They were excited, and Analise tried to guess anything possible. I took them to the apple orchard. The day was perfect!

We were allowed to pick the gala apples. I let them pick about 25 since we really didn't need the apples; it was all about the experience and time together. It was enjoyable! The lady working didn't even charge us for the apples! We went home for a short bit, and I called Brandon and asked him if he wanted to have a picnic at the park for lunch. He was more than willing to join us. He even told me he was going to surprise me and take the afternoon off so we could go to the apple orchard together. Ooops. He ended up coming home at 2:30 anyway.

Friday afternoon Brandon washed both vehicles, and the girls and I helped some. I also made a fall tradition meal....pizza dip in a pumpkin. Yeah! Brandon's dad, and bro and fam joined us. We had lots of fun! The kids played outside and also played Wii Dance. It's a riot watching them!

Saturday morning we headed to the lake. Before boating, however, we took a family hike. I know my cousin does this a lot with her family, and I always think it sounds fun. We are at the early ages to start this, but overall it went well. We walked almost two miles in one hour. Maisie probably complained the most; she kept telling me she wanted to go back to the truck. One time she said, "Mommy, I want to go back. My button (bottom) needs to sit down." Cracked me up. Sadie was a trooper. She walked quite a bit but would take breaks and rode on our shoulders. She was my "stop and smell the roses" daughter.

After the hike we ate lunch at the cabin, and then Brandon, Analise and his dad left to go boating. Shortly after they left, rest of the family showed up. It turned out to be a bummer of a boating day. On the way to the dock, Analise's new life jacket flew out and is still lost. So sad. And then when they put it inthe boat, it acted funny so they didn't even feel comfortable taking it out. So the boating day turned into a fish from the rocks day. I stayed back at the cabin with Maisie and Sadie. I was glad S and B were there too!