Fall Fun.....

I love the change of seasons.

I love how God designed the seasons so that just as you are getting weary of one, the next one is peaking its head around the corner. He really knows our limits.

 

As the leaves turn bright shades of orange, red and yellow; as the air turns crisp; and as I look forward to the various events of autumn, I smile to think of the hope and joy that each new day can bring. There is such anticipation and delight in the loveliness and uniqueness of fall.

 

And it is with this same hope, delight and appreciation that I start this new season of my life. I’m turning the page to a new chapter. I am living each day with an appreciation for the blessings of this world. Cherishing each moment of this season as if it were a moment that I will never experience again ... because, well, I won't. I am living.

 

 

 

Lord, thank you today for:

• The brilliant colors of the leaves - you are so creative!!
• Crisp, sunny days that require sunglasses but are also cool enough to make your nose a little runny
• Little walks with little ones
• New ways of examining nature and appreciating your art

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 1:3

Fair Fun.....

 Fair fun with family.....

what else could be better?!

 

Fried oreos (not me), funnel cake, slushies, rides, lights, animals and tractors........

School Days

Yes, school is in full swing.....

2nd grade random facts.....

Mrs. England, who was born in England but raised in Oregon.

Last year I thought Ayden needed spelling tests, something to challenge him, etc.

This year he has spelling tests with words like community, thermometer, temperature, difference, citizenship, responsibility, etc.  Moral of the story is be careful what you wish for......

Luckily, Ayden has been able to handle the spelling without problem....even though I am pretty sure that I know some adults who cannot spell those words.......

Math right now consists of two homework sheets at night and it seems to be a review, well at least for my child.  We all know 3+2=5, right?

This week he has an added Friday test.  Vocabulary.....  He has to know the meaning of things like peninsula, island, cliff, mesa, valley, mountain, plain, etc.  Not too bad, but a little learning curve just because it is new.  Plus, I don't know if the test is matching, multiple choice, fill in the blank.  Therefore, what is the best way to help him learn the words?  Only time will tell........

Ayden has to read at least 15 minutes every night (including weekends) at home.  He has become quite interested in a 5th grade series of books called Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  He also enjoys Captain Underpants (which I find a little strange).  Plus, when I have to write it on his log I need an expansion of paper.  I mean who titles a book, Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 2:  The Revenge of the Ridiculous Robo-Boogers or Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space (and the Subsequent Assault of the Equally Evil Lunchroom Zombie Nerds).  Really, what is he reading about anyway?!  Has to be a boy thing......

He has done morning annoucements at school at least seven times since school started and has been chosen as role model of the month. 

Ayden did bring home his baby sister a sign-up sheet for Girl Scouts because he was so excited and just knew she needed it NOW!  Who has the heart to tell him Raegan has to be five before she could join?!  He is a sweet boy even though he enjoys reading about Zombie Nerds.

All in all we are now adjusting well to the new schedule.

Well, off to another fun day of school and work...........

Motherhood

No matter where you go in life or if we are far apart, a mother’s love will always follow because you left footprints on her heart.
~Anonymous

This quote couldn't be more true. My heart has already been changed for the better. Twice. And now I'm going to go wash 18 loads of laundry, organize toys, and love being a mother, again.

 

 

Excuse This House

Author: Author Unknown

Some houses try to hide the fact
That children shelter there;
Ours boast of it quite openly.
The signs are everywhere.
For smears are on the windows,
Little smudges on the doors;
I should apologize, I guess.
For toys strewn on the floor.
But I sat down with the children
And we played and laughed and read;
And if the doorbell doesn't shine,
Their eyes will shine instead.
For when at times I'm forced to choose
The one job or the other;
I'd like to cook and clean and scrub,
But first I'll be a mother.

Something Greater......

"One of the keys to emotional health is to get lost in something greater than yourself."
~Donald Miller

I heard this quote recently and knew. I knew that is exactly what we were doing. I knew that helping others, in any way, is doing something greater than yourself. I knew that serving alongside my child was teaching him the joy of giving, and sharing, and loving.

That need to give is in every one of us. Maybe for some, it's just been lying a bit dormant, maybe that muscle hasn't been used or exercised and so it's been forgotten... but it's there. It just needs a little stretching; a few smiles to someone that's sad, a pay-it-forward in the drive through, a "You're amazing" note left at the gas station for the next customer. There is so much need out there, so many places for us to dive in to the sea of something greater, so many ways so build those life-giving muscles and help someone else.

Let's decide together to get in a little stretching today.

And do you know what else? YOU really are amazing!

A Child Learns.....

One of my favorites......just wanted to share

 

Child Learns

If a child lives with criticism,

he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,

he learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule,

he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame,

he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance,

he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement,

he learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise,

he learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness,

he learns justice.

If a child lives with security,

he learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval,

he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance, and friendship,

he learns to find love in the world.

-Author unknown

 

 

Another Day of Fun

 A day of fun with Trent and Dylan before they moved to Texas.  We will all miss this family!!

Baby Update.....

Rounding the corner to third trimester....SHEW!

 

According to one of the many doctors I have to see, Raegan is growing quite well.....

She is now 2 pounds, 3 ounces and very rambunctious!  Her hand still goes over her face as soon as the spotlight hits her, but where else does she have to put it?!  She is very comfortable in her humble abode!  Her heartrate is still ranging around 155, which is perfect.  Still have no additional signs of ascites, so all is well in her department.

 

per BabyCenter.....

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

 

Mommy (as in me) is still adjusting to pricking four times a day and actually starting my meds for insulin resistance now.  Honestly, I am so looking forward to this being over.  I love feeling her move and carrying her, but this go around has stirred up way too many issues for me to take (mentally, at least).  I am happy she is well and content!  Now, if only I can make it through the next 12 weeks.  I think I can.....I think I can....I think I can........