Goodbye 2007

Can you believe it's the last day of this year? My, has it flown by! We've had a lot of changes in our house this year and it's amazing to think about how at the time they seemed so huge. But, now, they are just things of the past.
Christmas came and went with the grand flourish that it is. The kids had a great time (of course.) Lots of traveling over the river and through the snow. It's been awhile since we've actually had white on the ground during Christmas. And I appreciated it for those couple of days. But, now I wish it would just melt away.
Miss Darby acquired a new American Girl doll. (Big surprise, I'm sure.) The way American Girl works is to infiltrate your entire existence. Their catalog comes 4 times a month, I swear. And, they were on Oprah about a month ago. So, that's all we've heard about. It doesn't help that they have a million dolls to choose from and so the list for a need for each one never ends. Julie - the 1970's-era girl came to live with us. She's actually my favorite one - which made it easy for Santa to ponder the idea about bringing her home. The next one on the list is Mia - the girl for 2008. Darby has it all planned out. She's going to save, save, save every penny she gets so that when we go to the new store in Dallas in March she can get her. I have a feeling I'll have to save, save, save as well for this trip. I doubt that when she walks into that store she'll only be able to walk out with a doll. We'll see.
Aidan crossed the bridge into a video system playing kind of kid. Which I swore would never happen, I have to tell you. But, he enjoys it and we actually limit his time playing and most of the time he plays with at least one of us. I just don't want him glued to a control with his face never to leave the screen again.
Thursday I called the new podiatrist to see if there was anything he could do until my surgery in January for my foot. It had gotten to the point where no shoe and/or being shoeless had become quite uncomfortable. They called me back Thursday afternoon and said that they could actually reschedule the surgery for Friday morning. After a quick assessment of our schedule and recruiting grandmas to watch the kiddos....we plowed through the newly fallen 4 inches of snow bright and early Friday morning and got it done and over with. If you ever have laser surgery while awake, I suggest you wear nose plugs. I won't go into details. Just trust me on this one. I have no heel left. I guess that's the point, to just wipe it all clean and get rid of the virus, but it's still disgusting to look at. So, I don't. I'm just glad to have it done and start the healing process. He said that it takes the normal skin cycle process (28 days) to heal enough to walk on, so 25 more to go! Pray that it goes quickly. I don't do well being incapacitated and watching my house move along without me. There are dishes to be done and laundry to be washed. Darby has been a HUGE help. Of course, I'm going to have to retrain her after this period of helplessness that when I call her name it WON'T mean that I need something. It's like an automatic response now, I get the semi-willing face. It's kind of cute actually. She reminds me a lot of me. :)
I hope everyone has had a great 2007 and looks forward to an even better 2008!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

So, this is the scene earlier this afternoon! It snowed, and snowed, and snowed some more! We were getting ready to head to Kansas City (we hadn't checked the weather, obviously.) Once we DID finally check the weather we cancelled our plans and holed up inside.

We baked Jesus' birthday cake. A tradition we've had since Darby decided a couple of years ago that it was a good excuse to have a party and, of course, cake!

And, homemade marshmallow fudge. I AM a chocolate addict (Isn't the first step admitting you have a problem?)

And, homemade Snickerdoodle cookies. Hey, I was on a ROLL! I'm all baked up for a good 4 months, now.

The dishes have to get done somehow!

But, we had to prove our manhood afterwards! (I can't believe how much he looks like Tim in this picture!)

Sugar fix! Happy Birthday Jesus!

Camdyn's here to spend the night. Her mom and dad braved the snow to go to the Cirque Dreams show. We're having lots of fun. She's such a good girl.

8 inches of snow! This is at about 7:00. And, Scott had already shoveled once.

What a good day to stay inside and bake and have a birthday party!

Okay, so.......

I know I declared a vow of silence, but I had to report that Scott passed his second section of the exam (the Audit section - go figure, it's what he does every day!) We are very proud of him and his diligence in getting these things passed! 2 down, 2 to go!! Wahoo! :)

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

So, I finally got motivated to wrap some Christmas presents. Have you ever noticed that you spend a good amount of time picking out the paper, the ribbon, the bow, the tag - wrap it just so - make sure the edges are all straight - just so someone can rip it off in .325 seconds? I, especially, am really picky about all of these things and how they're placed under the tree so that it's picture perfect and really, what does it matter? :)

These are normal days at our house - as normal as they can get with two kids, two cats, and a wiener dog. Charlie is adjusting well. Simon and Nory still hate him, but he's really gotten brave and runs after them now. Eventually, he'll probably get an eye scratched out and that will be that!

Aidan went to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie last week and Terri (Scott's mom) bought him the Chipmunk Christmas c.d. because he LOVED the movie. So, I've been listening to nothing but chipmunks the last 2 days. I'm sure you remember the "I still want a huuuuuuuuuuula hoop!" song. It's literally super glued into my brain. I miss the Go Fish Guys. They're at least fun to listen to - if you haven't heard them - you have to go to their website (I have the link on the right side of this page) and listen to the clip of "The Mom Song." They're so fun. Aidan has been really silly this last week. On Sunday we were counting the cars driving in the opposite direction (hey, you do what you have to do to keep them occupied) and Aidan yelled at all of us to "Be Quiet! I'm TRYING to read my mind!" I asked him what exactly he was reading in his mind and he told us that "Right now, I'm trying to read that you'll be quiet counting cars!" And, last night he asked Scott, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Scott said, "I don't know. What are you thinking?" Aidan said "I don't know." Scott said "Well, then, I guess we're thinking the same thing." He's so goofy! :)

Darby is doing well. She's adjusting to life on medication and we really haven't noticed any side effects other than a little sleepiness. We're adjusting to remembering to give her the medicine. I can hardly remember to take medication myself, so this IS a challenge. We'll take it one day at a time, I suppose. She's very excited about winter break, but not nearly as excited as she is about Christmas. My kids have always struggled with how Santa really gets into our house since we don't have a chimney. Dale, our minister, and his wife Marsha gave us the neatest thing last weekend. It's a "Santa Key." It's an actual key that has a Santa "head" on it and you hang it on your front door for Santa to use. I have NEVER seen one of these. Although, I forget how detailed my daughter is and so we've had lots of conversations about only Santa being able to use it and no "buggler's." Now that that's all cleared up, she's thrilled. She checks every day to make sure it's still there.

The next 7 days will probably be pure madness. We have a ton of things going on, so I'll probably be silent for awhile (did you think that could really happen?)

Every year I have really great intentions on sending out Christmas cards, a Christmas Letter, or a Christmas picture. If I'm lucky, I get the cards signed and then they go into the Christmas box for next year's attempt. This year, I didn't even look at them. So, this is my new version of a Christmas card..........

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Hug your family members and tell them how much you love them and appreciate who they are in your life. Which reminds me, you all mean a lot to me! :) Remember the reason we celebrate. And, enjoy every moment of every day of this season!

Love to you all!

Scott, Anne, Darby, and Aidan :)

Ah, Monday at last!

I have to tell you.......my daughter has an amazing little voice. The kids' Christmas choir at church had their little performance yesterday during both services. Of course, Aidan played with his sleeves and rocked back and forth into the boy next to him and sang maybe every 6th word. Typical. But, Darby had what she called a "solo with Titus." I told her that it's actually a duet since she's singing with another person, but she feels VERY strongly that it was a solo - I pick my battles and this just wasn't worth it.

I have obviously had a rough week and I was feeling very "why me?" yesterday morning and I think at that moment, God decided to touch my heart. During first service it was just Scott and I there (our family all came to the second service) She got up to sing her solo/duet and I could NOT believe the voice that this child has considering her father and I can't carry a tune if our lives depended on it. Of course, it's a 7 year old voice, but several people turned around and looked at us and said "Wow!" Of course Mommy-pride took over and the tears started to well. But, I think at that moment I realized that it's not HER voice, it's her GIFT from God. Just like what He gives me - I can HANDLE things. I can HANDLE what comes at me because it's not based on MY strength, it's based on HIS. If I could let go and know that I am not in control.......EVER......I think I can get through these things. I think that I need to remind myself of that all the time.

My friend, Anne, just posted on one of my favorite verses in the Bible "Be still, and know that I am God." I guess sometimes you like the way something sounds, but if you really dig into it and apply it, it has SO much more meaning than you can understand. I have a really hard time being still. I have a really hard time just knowing that God is God. I am not. I am not in control. I am not the boss. I am not the one who makes things happen. And, I am not the one who picks me up when I feel like I just can't handle anything, anymore, ever. I cannot rely on me anymore. If you like to read, James - our youth minister, gave me a really good book called I Am Not But I Know I AM. It has all of these principles in it. I guess I hadn't really applied what I had read until yesterday.

Sorry, to get into all of that. I guess it's just easier to get these things out there. To just say them. Maybe that makes it more real?

I have to add, that before the services yesterday morning. It was about 7:30 and we were on our way there, so we were all in our "I really didn't want to get up this early" moods. Darby all of a sudden said "Mommy, do you think we could just have me sing and maybe get rid of all of the other kids. I COULD just do the whole thing one big solo." I was hoping she just got up on the wrong side of the bed, but I think I could possibly be raising a future diva. Yeesh.

Love to see you SMILE!

We're kind of back to normal today. I went in to work at the church and two days of "stuff" really piles up!

My dad is not doing real well, but they've gotten some things figured out. He'll stay in ICU until they can make sure he's more stable. That's really a relief because it means there will be constant watch over him. Pray that he'll recover quickly and strongly.

Darby's neurologist called today. He's such a goofball. But, I guess if you're working with kids' brains all the time you'd have to find an outlet. Apparently, his is being weird. He's very nice and very understanding of my feelings and beliefs, which I really appreciate. He's decided to try Darby on some medication. It's a very mild medication with little to no side effects. The fact that her seizures have changed in presentation and are happening more frequently (we and he are pretty sure she's having them in her sleep more regularly) is a little bit concerning. And, now that she's had one where she's actually lost consciousness it's a lot more frightening. We have to start thinking about leaving her in the bathtub without supervision and playing on jungle gyms, etc. and decide at what level we need to take the chance of her having a seizure into consideration. So, we'll try the medication. He said he won't twist my arm to do it and we'll evaluate her in 2 months to decide if it's working or if she's having any ill side effects. If she is, then, we'll wean her off of it. Pray that it helps and doesn't hinder her. One of the possible side effects is mood changes - I can't imagine what THAT would be like! :)

Well, I'm off to prepare for more winter weather. I've heard we could be looking at 6 - 8 inches of snow. How many more days until summer???

Is This Day Over?

So, today actually went downhill.....really, really fast! When I got to the hospital this morning, I knew something was up because my dad was having a lot of trouble with his heart rate and blood oxygen levels. The nurses weren't TOO frazzled, but you could tell they were bustling. Amidst all of this my cell phone rang. Scott called me to tell me he was on his way to the school. Darby had a seizure and went unconscious (sp?) and fell and hit her head. They said she had regained consciousness and was doing okay. So, I gave him all of the important numbers (pediatrician, neurologist) and told him I would wait to hear from him once he actually SAW her. (Lord knows the interstate does NOT need a completely frazzled me traveling down it!) The pediatrician said to take her home and keep an eye on her and call the neurologist, so that's what he did. I'm really blessed to have his calmness, because I was totally freaking out! Once I turned back into "the one in control of herself" I hopped in the mini-van and headed home. It felt SO good just to touch her! The nurse from Dr. Katz's office (our neurologist) said there wasn't much we could do. She's a diagnosed epileptic so the next step is for the doctor to decide if he wants to see her or put her on anti-seizure medication (which I've been totally against, and he's supported it - the side effects can be worse than the seizures.) It's now 7:05 p.m. and we haven't heard from him.....of course, it takes on average 6 months to get into him normally, so I'm thinking it will be next week before we know anything.
Okay, so I'm home at this point and snuggling her on the couch and my stepmom calls to tell me that they moved my dad to ICU. They thought he was having a heart attack and may be septic. Talk about being torn.........I checked back with Dr. Katz's nurse and she okayed Darby traveling (she would be at a hospital after all.) So, we packed back up and headed back down there. The surgeon and cardiologist determined it wasn't a heart attack after all, but there is some seriousness with an infection, so they're following a sepsis protocol. He should be out of ICU sometime tomorrow. Thank God.
I think I'll shut my brain off and take a hot bath and wait for tomorrow! :)

UPDATE!

About 10 minutes after I posted the last entry, we actually ended up losing our power!! So, we bundled up and carried all of the blankets upstairs to sleep together.............while visions of electicity danced in our heads. No such luck. We could hear the branches breaking off of trees and hitting things. Thankfully (kind of) USD 501 had cancelled school because THEY were without power too, so we didn't have to worry about getting anyone to school! But, we DID have to worry about packing (me) and bathing and doing all of our morning "stuff" by candlelight and flashlights. I think the lesson for today was being okay with not being in control. Not freaking out. I think I failed.
Anyhow, I made it to KC and just left the hospital. The surgery went okay. It was actually more difficult than they thought and took over 7 hours. We were there for about 14 hours total. So, I am exhausted - physically and emotionally.
Scott took the kids out to my dads so he could work and they could be warm. Apparently, sometime today our power came back on, which I'm really, really thankful for since some people have been told it could take up to 7-10 days to restore theirs.
I hope to be home tomorrow afternoon, but you know, the Legends shopping center is on my way home. So who knows!?!? :)

2 Days of Updating - Who'd have thought...............

Yesterday, after I posted I went to get cleaned up. (Yes, I admit, I shower at 2:30 in the afternoon somedays! - That's the rebel side of my life.) Anyway, I noticed - after months of using it - that the foundation I've been using says, and I quote, "Reduces Signs of Fatigue" WHAT?!?!? If you look really closely and pretend that my camera is of better quality you can see it right below the red circle! I'm thinking about sending it in to get my money back because I'm pretty sure that it's NOT WORKING! :)

When I went to pick Darby up from school I had planned a little "surprise" for the kids. So, I tell them that we're going to a super neat place. Of course, they both (in unison - I might add) yell "Chuck E. Cheese!!!!!" Now, why is it that EVERYTIME I have something cool planned it gets ruined because whatever I've thought up is NEVER as exciting as Chuck E. Cheese? I, for one, am an avid hater of Chuck E. Cheese. I'd rather stick a fork in my eye than spend an hour in that place! I do have to admit that every once in awhile, I relent. (And, so has my mom - if you haven't seen the poem on that one - request it - you WILL laugh!) So, onto my project - we have a really cute little scrapbooking store not far from our house. I frequent the place around birthday time because they have the cutest stuff and even though it costs 337 times as much to make birthday party invitations as opposed to just buying them, I LOVE doing it. (Remind me that I said this while I'm grumbling over how time consuming and stupid this idea is as I'm working on them!) We went and picked out some cute Christmas paper........

And after an arduous 15 minutes chalk-full of glue sticks and patterned scissors........ (little red t.v. is a portable, battery operated t.v., radio, and flashlight in one - hey, I'm prepared for ice storms!!)

We have paper chains to decorate our rooms with! (Note, my doofus son - he's pretty proud of the chain that Mommy cut, and glued, and put together - that's his!) And, he's without glasses because for the one millionth time they're broken. The people at the optical place know us by first name. Good thing those babies have a great warranty! The project went well, by my standards, and the children were only a hair below the Chuck E. Cheese satisfication level.

Darby came to me yesterday and said "Mom, I have a question." I've learned that when I'm being prepared for a question, it's immediate cause for heart palpatations and a lump lodges itself in my throat! She says "Did I get born............(insert my wide eyes and lack of breathing at what's to come).......on my birthday?" Whew! Isn't it amazing that the things that we know, that we take for granted, are legitimate causes of concern for a 1st grader?!? I assured her that she WAS born on her birthday and that she didn't get born, she was born. Remember, one of my career choices was to be an English teacher? Yeah, me neither. But, it's a pet peeve of mine!

If you think about it, please pray for our family for the next two days. My dad is having a pretty serious operation in KC and I'm traveling there (by myself - which is worth praying for in it's own right) amidst all of the treacherous road conditions. Scott will be with the kids (again - much praying requested on this one.) I expect to be there for the next few days and hopefully home by Friday, if all goes well. I'm super nervous about leaving the care of my family in Scott's hands......namely, the lack of control that I will have over running the household!

I'm sure he'll do fine - I think...........

'Tis the Season.........

I'm FINALLY catching my breath from the last two weeks and posting. (Warning: many pictures following!)

Scott's schedule has been hectic (as usual) and so the kids and I have (barely) survived the past few weeks. My wedding ring broke. And we even had the bonus of passing the stomach flu around our house in the middle! I've been researching sayings, bible verses, etc. to paint in our dining room and I'm leaning strongly toward "Whatever Doesn't Kill You Will Make You Stronger." :)

I found out last week that I have to have a second surgery on my foot in January. In October I had a plantar's wart "removed" from my foot. I've been fighting this stupid thing for about 9 months and my podiatrist had decided to "excise the tissue." Well, excise the tissue must be latin for "lots of pain for nothing". The dumb thing came right back. So, in a few weeks I'm going to ANOTHER podiatrist to have it removed AGAIN with a laser. Apparently, THAT will kill it? If you have any good suggestions on how to get around in winter weather with a surgery shoe and crutches, please feel free to share! (P.S. when you notice something on your heel that doesn't go away and continues to spread - don't wait until it's massive to see a doctor about it! Buy some Compound-W and duct tape and get rid of it - FAST!)

On to the good stuff:

Darby and I went to an awesome little Christmas party/gift exchange last weekend with a group of girls that Darby's known since she was 2. These girls all went to First Christian together and have developed a tight little bond. It's amazing to see that even though we've all moved on to different schools once these girls are together they're immediately best buds again. Darby had a great time. And, luckily their moms are fun to hang out with too! :)

Say hello to the newest member of our family. Little Charlie Brown came to live with us a week ago. He's a miniature dachshund and the kids' Christmas gift from Goose and Gandar (Scott's grandparents) and Uncle Jon. He's a lot of fun and a LOT of work. We are crate training him and housebreaking him and he's doing really well. Darby loves to dress him up and the sad thing is I think he likes it, too! (See below...........)

(Nikki - do your super-sewing abilities include doggie dresses, also!?!? :)

We, of course, had to have a visit from Emma. She actually let me put little pigtails in her hair. I think they look so cute! This picture is of her telling me "NO!" That's her favorite word these days and apparently the only response she knows when you ask her a question!

And, finally, throughout this season of shopping, Christmas parties, decorating, baking, etc., etc., etc. let us not forget the season of Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is not the season of bows and presents and trees and presents and commercials for more presents, I know - but it's so overlooked in our rush to get to the sales at 5 a.m. and all the other crazy things we do to get ready for one day of Chaos/Christmas (at least at my house.) And, so, I'm trying, daily, to stop and remember Thanksgiving....so.......I'm beyond thankful for my family. My babies and my husband. My parents and beyond. My friends - they're family too! I AM thankful for our hectic life (even when I complain about it) because it reminds me that I HAVE a life and I'm thankful that I can still get up each day to face it. I'm thankful for the people who read this blog, because I know it means that you care! And, as silly as it sounds, I'm also thankful for little things like my camera because it's a way that I can chronicle all of these things and days and moments so that someday (I can't believe I'm going to say this....) when I'm OLD and can't do the things I do everyday......I can look back on all of these things and be THANKFUL! :)

All She Wants for Christmas.................

As we walked into Aidan's preschool this morning, we ran into Beth (the director of the preschool and friend of ours.) Beth asked Darby how many teeth she's lost so far. Darby showed her the one she's been working on for the last few weeks and Beth asked if she could pull it. Apparently, Beth is the tooth-pulling expert because within a nano-second she had that sucker out! (Darby and Andrew worked on it for an hour solid the other night - complete with anbesol and lots of bleeding - and no such luck.)

Looks like the tooth fairy will be visiting tonight.......if I remember...........the last 2 teeth have earned us the "Bad Parent of the Day" award since we forgot and woke up to a dissapointed little person. (Thank goodness, the "I think the tooth fairy was busy......go check now........I'm sure she came by this morning!" worked, or we'd be in big trouble!) :)

...................if only her two front teeth were ALL she wanted for Christmas!!!

This is how you babysit Emma.......

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We're 2 down, 1 to go. By this evening I won't want turkey for another year! The kids are, at this moment, playing outside in the 1/4 inch of snow we got this morning. (Which means mini-snow/leafmen!)

We had Emma yesterday. It was tons of fun. She's a little under the weather - so she wasn't in the greatest of moods, but we made the best of it!

High School Musical Karaoke kept our feet movin'!

A snack always helps! Emma knows where the snack cupboard is in our house and we made several trips to check out the contents!

And, if all else fails.........................

This'll contain her! :)

WAHOO!!

Congratulations Mr. Martin!!

(Scott passed the F.A.R. section of the C.P.A.!!!!)

1 down, 3 to go! :)

Phone Directories, Gingerbread House, and a Biker Bar

Do you know what 7 year olds do when the new school phone directory comes out? They call each other..........A LOT! I think my phone rang 14 and a half times yesterday between 3:45 and 5:30 (when all of the parents got home and restricted their children's phone use.) I even got a whispered "Is Darby there?" from a cell phone. Someone pilfered their mom's cell and placed a secret phone call from the closet. Yeesh!
Darby's class went on a field trip to TPAC today to make gingerbread houses. This is her creation. I've heard "Can I eat it?" 237 times in the 20 minutes she's been home. I've set the "Wait 'till your father gets home" rule. I'm fairly certain I just caught her licking a candy corn..........




Aidan always goes with me on Friday mornings to church to work (since it's a short day.) He usually packs a bag of toys, movies, etc. to keep him occupied and then follows Dale and James around instead. Today he was actually playing cars on my desk while I worked. I heard the usual "Vroom, vroom" and a conversation about going inside. I asked him where the cars were and he nonchalantly replied "A biker bar." Keeping my calm, I asked what it is that cars actually DO at biker bars and I got this..........."Mostly they just walk inside and turn around to leave so they can go race again." Whew!!!



I question Aidan's "imagination" all of the time until Scott reminded me last night that I've convinced him that my "night job" is a ninja and I have to be to work on time and that's why HE needs to get to bed on time. Aidan wanted to see my moves last night but I told him that the Head Ninja doesn't allow me to share them. He said "Or else he'll have to kill me?" I'm breeding geniuses here!

I Baked....................

.............from scratch!

I'm well aware that my level of domestication lies somewhere between a can of Spaghetti-O's and store bought birthday cake (Hey, I make sure to have them add the "Happy Birthday so-and-so"!!). Although, every couple of months I feel that urge to become a proper housewife and attempt a feat of homemade something-or-other. This time it was "Melt In Your Mouth Mint Chocolate Sugar Cookies." So far, there haven't been any reported cases of food poisoning. Which is fabulous - I really didn't want to go to prison for murder by baking. It's pitiful when you overhear your 7 year old's conversation on the phone go something like this....."Yes, she really, really BAKED the cookies! She didn't go to the store and buy one of those container things and CALL them cookies. She actually GOT THE INGREDIENTS OUT OF THE CUPBOARD AND MIXED IT ALL TOGETHER TO MAKE THE COOKIES!" WOW - I DO still have the ability to impress my kids! Chalk one up for Supermom! :)

Pennies From Heaven.....

Most of you know that when I was 15 one of my very dear friends, Bridget, was killed in a car wreck. I miss her terribly and mostly whenever my kids do something really funny because I know how much she would have appreciated such antics. I've regaled many a story about our crazy days running around with Bridget (of course with some discretion!!) to Darby and Aidan and they love to ask questions about her. Darby has asked to go to her gravesite several times over the last year and I've debated about her maturity and whether she could handle and understand the meaning of visiting there. Yesterday, after the zoo, I really felt in my heart that it would be a good time to take them there, since it's right next door. We got out of the van and went to the headstone while I explained (as simply as I could) the process of burial and that your body is there but your spirit/soul is not. Darby gets it. Aidan - not so much.

Some of you are aware of the penny thing. (Everytime we visit the grave - we leave a penny.) Anne D., you'll have to remind me exactly why we do this. In my old age I've forgotten. That's really sad.

I grabbed 3 pennies and handed them out. We each placed a penny on the headstone and talked about the importance of driving safely and wearing our seatbelts and following the law. I got really emotional and started to cry. I don't really know why - maybe because of all of the lost opportunities for my kids to have gotten to know her. I don't know. Anyway, Darby looked at me and said she had another penny in her pocket that she was saving for her bank, could she please put that one on the headstone as well. (If you know Darby and money - this is a HUGE shocker!!) I told her that was fine and that I appreciated her thoughtfulness.

We trekked back to the van and when I opened Darby's door she gasped - there on her seat was a bright, shiny new penny waiting for her! She was so thrilled. She said "Mom, do you think Bridget the Angel left it for me?" I told her "Darby, I think God gave it to you as a reward for your heartfelt gesture and the thoughtfulness that you showed today!" Which prompted a discussion about HOW God could have left it there. Darby decided God made the whole world and trees so He could probably do just about anything. Aidan decided that God is always there - and as he says "looking at you" (you think I've used this phrase as creative correction!?!?)

However it happened, I know one thing, my children just witnessed the first of many miracles and blessings of a Father who loves us SO much! As a mother - I think I have a fairly good handle on how that feels!

Monday, Monday..........................

Darby was out of school yesterday so we were looking for something to do and I suddenly remembered that I had bought a zoo pass earlier this summer. We thought it would be fun to go (even though we had to bundle up.) But, I was worried that since all schools were out it would be really busy. Little did I know!

We only saw 2 other people there the whole time. We had time to read the signs and watch the animals and didn't have to worry about moving out of anyone's way. It was so awesome. I loved all of the questions the kids asked!

The animals were so interactive and playful. Aidan was pawing at this black leopard and the cat was pawing back! We were all giggling so much! Sometimes, I complain that our zoo stinks (especially compared to the grand one in Omaha.) But, I've never really had time to explore ours like we did yesterday. I think I'll change my tune.................

Weekend Fun

Wow! What a weekend!

We went and saw my cousin Andrea's daughter, Blake, cheer at "Jamfest" on Saturday. They did such a good job.....and even placed. (Although it was so loud and crazy I couldn't tell in what category or which place!!)

Saturday night Scott and I went to his firm's annual party, so we got to dress up. It was so much fun! Darby and Aidan stayed at Nan and Papa's and Darby went with Aunt Cortni to go see High School Musical at Topeka High School. They didn't see Zac Efron! Darby was disappointed about that, and I'm sure Cort was too! :)

Sunday, Aunt Nikki and Uncle Richard came for a visit. Darby has been looking forward to this visit, as it meant new clothes for Elizabeth and Nicki and her whole array of american girl dolls. Nikki's either going to have to retire at making doll clothes or hire a factory since we're now up to 5 dolls......and counting!

We finished with choir practice/bible study and a family night watching Spiderman 3. (Thanks Uncle Jay - we'll get that back to you soon!)

Hope everyone had a good weekend as well! :)

Just another Thursday night!

Homework's always more fun when it involves Halloween candy and counting to make a graph!!

Emma and Darby at Grandma Keri's. Thanks for the homemade potato soup and Chef Boyardee Ravioli! :)

From Darby...................

This is me and my cousin kailee we are in Arkansas we love each other.

I didn't have time at lunch, but I wanted to add this....

Emma Jean

Jelly Bean

The "Cheesiest" Girl

I've ever seen!

(Emma says cheese when you try to take a picture, now! It comes out looking like this!)

Halloween Pic

Where Darby got the idea for a 50's girl? I have no clue.

P.S. Darth Vader(sp?) would not keep his mask on. Defeats the purpose of a costume, I think.

Some Aidan Funnies.......

On Friday, I was putting the slides up in the sanctuary for Sunday's church service. Aidan is sitting next to me on the pew while I'm working on the computer and picks up the microphone sitting next to us. He stands up and says "Dis one's for aaalllllllll de ladies out dere.........Jesus loves me dis I know......." and breaks into full Wayne Newton-esque song.

We're coming home from exchanging curtain rods and my hands are full and I ask Aidan if he can please get the door for me. He said "Sure, dat's what best friends are FOR."

And, finally, Scott and I are talking (dreaming) about new cars and which one we'd want if we could choose. Aidan says "Excuse me, Mom, but the driver doesn't pick the car. The car picks the driver."...........If you've ever seen Transformers, you'll know where this comes from.

Okay, I'm going to try this.................

Darby and I are going to try and keep this updated. We'll see........................