Update time

I have been so slow about giving the latest news on our family. So here it is.
We had a good time with my side of the family over Thanksgiving vacation. There were over 30 people there for dinner and that was without my oldest sister and two of my brothers. Unfortunately, my little ones couldn't be there as the oldest three had strep throat, so daddy stayed home with them. (I did bring him a plate of leftovers later that evening.) The kids recovered well enough to be able to spend some time with the family a few days later. They loved playing with their older cousins and being included in all the activities.
The girls are doing well in school. Emily got a completely positive report from her teacher during her conference. She is an excellent speller and a top reader and we are very proud of her. Grace is moving right along in kindergarten, making lots of friends, and doing great at memorizing her Bible verses.
The boys are enjoying time at home with me (I think!), and I know Mark loves being the oldest while his sisters are in school. He is a smart boy and loves to use the computer and hang out with daddy when he is at home in the evenings. Micah is our little charmer. He just flashes that little grin and those green eyes and has everyone wrapped around his finger. Samuel is on the go and loves to be in to everything. He has been the quickest to crawl of all the kids, so we are predicting that he will be walking fast, too. He has eight teeth now and enjoys testing them out on whoever and whatever he can!
Ok, I guess that it is it. I will try to blog a little more often this month. Can't match Cyndie, though, on the perfect record of blogs for November. :)

Worms!

My kids (especially the girls) love bugs. I guess it started a few years ago when they discovered rolly pollies in the front yard of our apartment. Now it's on to bigger and better things like...worms. Grace found a huge earthworm in our backyard this past weekend and proudly carried it around everywhere in an empty yogurt container. She even had it at the park today where she finally decided to let it go.

Cleaning time

Every Friday morning, I clean our bathrooms. Sounds like fun, huh? Well, it is especially nice when I have some help. Micah practically begs to help clean and follows me upstairs to do it. I couldn't resist snapping a pic of him this morning when he was cleaning the master bathroom. He will make a great husband someday, don't you think?

Funny things kids say

Mark talks nonstop, especially on our rides to and from school. Today's conversation: "Mommy, can we make a time machine? Maybe we could make one when the fireworks come. Then we can see the dinosaurs. I like dinosaurs. They eat people."

Fall Festival

Last week, we attended our church's fall festival. The girls decided to be twin cheerleaders, the older boys were firemen, and the little guy was a dalmation. Aaron went as "sound guy", and I went as a wanna be blonde actress. It was a last minute decision, as I was tired of going as frumpy, tired mom.

My special day

It was six years ago today, that I woke up in labor with our second baby. My first thought was, "Oh no, not on my birthday!" As it turned out, little Grace Marie was my easiest labor and delivery. She was such a feisty stubborn baby but has turned into a sweet and very helpful girl. She is always willing to do what needs to be done without being asked. She is in her first year in school and is doing so well. I am so proud of my "birthday present"!

I love fall

This is the best time of year! The leaves are changing, the air is fresh and cool, and pumpkins are everywhere. As soon as October hits, I start digging out all my pumpkin recipes. I made Aaron a sugar free pumpkin whip, which he absolutely loved. This morning, I used my pumpkin creamer to make a yummy latte and a batch of pumpkin chip scones. Delicious!