sinus, vitamin war and heart attack

my blogging has always been about memory keeping.  for myself, for my family.  kind of a scrap book.  all things i want to remember.

today i blog from my bed.  i've been fighting what i believe is a sinus infection that started last week when the weather here in MO went wonky dropping from 60 degrees to 30 within a few hours.  i felt that drop and it hit me like a bag of bricks. 

i've taken the morning off, allowing myself to rest which i haven't done much of these past few nights.  i'm not a good mouth breathing sleeper.  it just doesn't work for me.  poor Art, sleeping with me hasn't been easy on him. 

i didn't wake up thinking i would take the morning off.  it just happened.  it was one of those mornings i wished my kids rode a school bus.  after much grumbling on the girls part and mine, we made it to the car and on our way to school.  i said a pray as we drove that no other adult would see me or approach my car only because i am looking rough.  sandpaper on concrete rough. 

every morning i give my girls two vitamins.  it's juice plus and through the winter i don't back down on them taking these.  i'm a believer they help and with the nastiness going on in the schools this year, i'm on it.  well one of my kids takes these gummy vitamins with ease.  sarah resists every. single. morning.  and it never fails she is still sitting at the kitchen bar, nibbling on her vitamins at seven o'clock which is when she needs to be upstairs dressing, getting ready.  every morning she saves her veggie vitamin for the car.  so we have the joy of fighting to get it down, on the car ride.  this morning was no different.  she's been late getting to class because she hasn't had it eaten in time.  (yes! i am that mom).  do you see this face.... this is the face i see each morning as she nibbles.  isn't it just precious :).

man i love her.  i love her so much i make her take a vitamin.  best. mom. ever. if you ask her (ha!). she got it down and headed to grab her things and told me she loved me.  sweet words since we had just had a vitamin war.  *vitamin back story... i've started having her sit in the front seat in the mornings to eat these, so i can watch her.  she's sneaky i tell ya.  Grace and i were cleaning out the car and guess what we found under hear seat?  16 uneaten vitamins.  caught!*  little stinker.

driving home i felt the need to blog.  i get it in my head, i even think through what i would write.  fast forward and here i am at home and i've unmade my bed that Art lovingly made, the dog is at my feet keeping them warm (i hope Art isn't reading this).  my warm chai tea is by my side, sweat pants are on, big, bulky, warm Cardinals sweatshirt is my choice of clothing. i took my vitamins and the little red pill that helps stop the constant dripping of my nose, i have flonased.  i'm ready to rest. 

but i blog because i feel drawn to.

*heart attack back story....  so my dad had a heart attack on december 19th of last year.  i got the call from my sister at 3 a.m. that he had been taken to the emergency room.  i was packed and on the road by 4.  looking back now it was all a blur, but then it seemed to last forever.  dad was in the hospital for 5 days and if it weren't for him being in good physical shape beforehand, it would have been a longer stay.  tests were done, pointing them to a triple bypass.  i don't think any of us (siblings) knew exactly what was involved until talking to the surgeon.  when the doctor told us about the procedure and the point when they would cool down my dad's body and stop his heart.... 

what?... what did you say?..can you repeat that?... stop his heart?!?  is this really happening? 

stopping.his.heart. ya'll.  it took awhile to process it.  so many emotions, questions, thoughts went flooding into our brains and conversations.  the surgeon was super positive but come on, stopping the heart.  this is huge!

four very long hours after the surgery began we got to see him. there are no words to describe it.  they warmed us to what he would look like but as his kids, we all fell apart and were in shock. there were so many tubes coming in and out of him, there was blood, he was pale, hooked up to machine that kept him breathing, monitors everywhere, lights, sounds everywhere.  it truly felt chaotic but we knew it was needed.  

he woke up slowly.  we communicated with him and he wanted to talk but he couldn't with the air tube.  he seemed agitated so we kept telling him to rest, all was okay, mom was okay and he was going to be fine.  he nodded, i cried, blubbered.  it was him responding which in his state was just what we all needed.  it was relief.  i still get teary eyed just thinking about it.  

he had some rough nights in ICU coming off the anesthesia.  he was determined to get out of there and amazed them with his walking and strength the next day.  none of this surprised his kids though.  he wanted to get back home to mom.  Christmas eve came, dad had been doing really well, completing all the tasks they had asked of him.  the surgeon had talked of sending him home and that was our plan as well.  hospital time is not on our time.  it's slow and insane.  we waited all day for the surgeon to come.  we weren't patient.  we were frustrated, tired and ready already!  we found out later that afternoon that the surgeon had been called in for emergency surgery.  we understand but darn....  when the surgeon did show up at 5:00 i was ready to hug and kiss the man.  i withheld and prayed, waiting to hear the word "discharge".  two hours later, our wish came true and we were in the car.  again, it was a moment of relief but also of pure joy.  it was christmas eve and dad was going  home.  he would have Christmas at home.  God is good.  

we arrived to a house full of family, i think we overwhelmed him.  when we got him through the front door my mom had tears.  through her confusion she knew he was there and she expressed joy.  dad went straight to her, hugged her, kissed her head.  it felt like light filled the room.  it was one of those moments i will never forget.  true love right there.  joy right there.  prayers answered right there.  God working in our lives, right there.  oh Jesus, thank you.  thank you for this moment right there.  Dad was home.

so i need to stop there and move on because crying does not help one with an already stuffy head and nose.  the story continues, but it will be another post.

now i rest.  my story is partially told and documented. i can rest.

oh and my prayers were answered.... got in and out of the school parking lot without being seen.  SCORE!

Recollection Friday - vball, halloween and donut brain

another week, flown by.

sunday brought a decision on which club team to choose. grace got offers from the two we tried out for and sarah got one offer and one alternate.  by lunch time, after church it was made... we'd be going back to where we started. both girls are thrilled.  we were headed into commitment week as i like to call it.  it's THE week we commit ourselves into a crazy schedule of practices and games/tournaments, a commitment to long nights - staying up late to finish homework, commitment to eating out more than i like, commitment to hard core scheduling and note taking to keep myself sane.  why do we do this to ourselves?  Oh yeah, these two...

they love the game and it has so many benefits to their self esteem.  of course we have to do it! #lovenysvolleyballers

 

monday was halloween.  

halloween should be on a friday night, every year, seriously.  that's alot of work for a monday!

this year the dressing up was a breeze which this momma appreciated.  grace went as a volleyball player and sarah as a greek goddess (her sisters costume from last year).  they literally threw things on that night which was easy.  

each girl had their own friend over to t or t.  this is how you do it.  it used to be art and i with the girls but now, friends.  it was actually great, we all had fun.  we parked ourselves at the end of the driveway with our fire pit, roasted hot dogs, ate chips, cookies, drank lemonade - talked about how much candy was in store for us.  this is our first halloween in the neighborhood so we weren't sure what to expect.  we headed out once it got dark and were not disappointed.  our neighbor, her daughter and friend agreed to show us the ropes on merlin drive and i learned some new things.  

what did i learn about my new neighborhood you ask? 

1. my alderman lives two 4 doors down - he's very nice, introduced himself to me with a handshake and an offer for a candy bar.
2. orlando pace lived in my neighborhood, we trick or treated at his house.
3. there is a very old grave site, three to be exact, fenced off in a culdesac. it's so old, you can't read the stone.  me thinks i  will look into this 
4. our  neighbors go all out at halloween with elaborate decorations, full size candy bars, drink stations at homes with every bottled drink imaginable.  my kids were spoiled and their friends said they would be back next year! ha!

it was fun and i got 15K steps.  a win-win!

got a text from church, late night which is usually not good.  one of our little two year olds was taken to the hospital.  she was inconsolable and not moving her head/neck.  many tests and the threat of meningitis brought the conclusion of an abscess on her neck and surgery was done.  i visited this little girl in the hospital where we had taken grace when she had her seizures.  it brought back many memories, scary moments.  i understood what this mother was going through but i knew her daughter was in good hands at this children's  hospital.  i had a few sleepless nights over this little girl, she's a sweety.  she is home now, after surgery and recovering.  God is good.  it made me come home and love on my girls a little longer, scares like this make you reflect.  while i'm not sure what His plan was for grace and for this little girl, i do know he is perfect in all His ways and he was there for me and this other momma.

art's birthday is next week, coming up fast.  other than a new coffee mug i got nothing!  absolutely nothing!  art's not the easiest guy to buy for (he says the same about me).  i've asked for ideas because the girls want to get him something but nothing as of yet.  he traveled this week which  means i don't rest well.  house seems very big when he's gone. sarah ended up sleeping with me. she of course loves when he travels :).  truman has spent alot of time on our bed which is a no no while art's at home. he brings warmth and comfort that dog of mine.  

sarah's class won the candy contest.  they collected the most candy for the schools trunk or treat.  they won a cinnamon donut and apple cider party.  her teacher contacted me at the beginning of the week to see what she could have.  i have donuts and would send one.  that was wedensday when she asked, i wrote it on my planner and guess what friends?!? i forgot!!!  epic fail not only for my girl but for her teacher!  darn my absent minded brain, especially since i had written myself a note!  i made up for it though, i brought the teacher 6 plastic bins for operation christmas child shoe boxes.  no i wasn't trying to make up for my mistake.  in my defense i had purchased the bins before realizing i had forgotten the donut!   i made it up to sarah as well.  i delivered that forgotten donut to her for an after school snack.  all is well now.

but my brain people! if i don't write it down it gets lost in space (apparently even when i do write it down it's lost).  my system has failed me or maybe i've failed it.  either way i gotta get serious and get my head in the game.  it's times like this i think i'm headed down the dementia road already!!

back to donuts... i have officially sworn in hump day as our official, family donut day!  there's a donut shop not even two miles from our home.  it's also on our way to school (yikes for my waistline).  we could bike there and feel less guilty about indulging right?!?  good donuts are my weakness!!!  everything in moderation...

all this talk of donuts, now i'm hungry.

until next week...

drama

my girl came home tonight with a note from a friend saying she didn't want to be her friend any longer.

ugghhhh....

i need a parenting manual.
something to help me navigate tween and teenage girls and their feelings.

i get it, been there, done that.
i was even able to share some moments from my childhood that were similar.
it helped her.

big tears came.
big talk followed after.
i listen and try to see the other side of the story.

my advice came down to... "show love, to all at all times."
it's what Jesus would do.

so i will pray as i send her off into school tomorrow.
i pray this will all be a fading memory and friendships stay intact.

Lord Jesus, be with my girls and their friends.  let their hearts be true to each other. let them show love and kindness at all times.  let them be a strong support group.  lead them together, closer to you.  calm my girls heart, surround her with your presence.  create a pure heart in her and her friends.  help heal her tender heart.  thank you for sending the friends you have in their lives.  i pray blessings over each and everyone of them and their families.  amen,

oh my gracious.... April 2016

it's been so long.
i hate that.
this is how i document life in my nest and all the things going on in our family.
i've failed.
i'm trying not to be too hard on myself.
this season of life is a bit crazy with two busy girls. a husband who is on a good, but challenging path in his profession. a job that is part time but feels like full time (and i don't mean that as a complaint).

so where to I begin, hmmm....

April 2016
we had our first travel tournament with Grace's volleyball team.  All the way to KC, a good 4 hour drive :). my kind of sports travel.  i've appreciated her coach recognizing this team as a developing team, one that is a work in progress.  they are learning and growing.  they learned alot from this tournament. the experience was fun, crazy busy with lots of teams there all hoping to bring home a medal.  we did not and it was okay.  we learned, had fun, made memories, laughed and walked away a better team.

i was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the parents to go to 6th grade camp with Grace's school class.  there were alot of parents who wanted to go but i luckily got my name in first.  i find spending time with her class gives me insight to her life at school.  i walked away from the experience pretty proud of my girl and the choices she's made in how she handles conflict and how she chooses her friends.  i saw alot of disrespect with the students towards the adults.  at one point i wanted to put on my preschool whistle and give them a what's what but i watched and let the teachers lead.  the experience also made me feel the need to pray more for this whole class.  i've seen it before where a few make the whole look bad and i'm worried this is the case with this group.  

well onto the lighter side now (if you can call it that)....  we had three cases of strep in our family in April.  all got it but me which makes me wonder if i'm a carrier.  i've never had it in my life and hopefully never will.  i've heard it's horrible for adults, ouch!

April was beautiful with spring blooms everywhere. i love spring, it's my second favorite season - the first being fall.

in late April we had some pretty strong storms come through.  one was so strong it knocked numerous trees down in our neighborhood making it impossible to get home one night.  power lines ended up on the main road causing it to be shut down for hours.  we sat, waiting, gave up and headed into town to meet Art for dinner.  we got home late that night and slept in one room with no power.  it was an adventure which the girls loved.  uno by candlelight was our time filler.

Sarah's 4th grade class had their spring musical - The Agape League.  a group of devil fighting crusaders out to save the world for Jesus!  it was cute and her last official Spring musical as an elementary kid since next year she is a middle schooler.  yes their school recognizes 5th grade as middle school, SIGH.

good sister

this sister is good

this sister travels six to eight hours each week to deliver older sister to volleyball

she cheers for her sister during games

this sister wears her PAO sweatshirt with pride

she's learned to do her homework in the car

this sister reads alot in the car

she occasionally grumbles about all the "car" time

but is overall patient

especially when her patience brings a mint shake from mom :)

sarah's 2014 winter

sarah's 2013 christmas

sarah's 2013 fall

my 45th in pictures

i am 45

it came and went without too much hoopla

and I'm okay with that

i slept in for an extra 23 minutes

okay, actually i overslept but I choose to see the glass half full

ahhhh the rush

worked out with this sweet lady

had to get a selfie, of course!

we are beautiful, no make up, sweaty - yes beautiful, you might say glistening :)

this song makes me dance every time

even in the car

ask my girls

i dance

in the car

heck i dance to this entire album

kudos to me for getting my groove on, in the car

this guy loves selfies

not!

{sigh} - that's the sound he makes when I pull out my camera

he loves me

he was excited it was my birthday

my lunch.

turkey, mayo, cucumber, s/p

simple

yummy

afternoon

laundry (not shown, didn't' want to bore you)

dusting (again, boring)

evening

tattooed dog for dinner (not shown, but yum-o!)

new movie theater in town

can you say spoiled?

these reclining seats rocked

never will i want to go back to the old seats

never!

love these two

the movie was Peanuts

loved it

they were true to charles schulz and the characters

my brother was in town

woot woot! Uncle Kendall lounged with us

it was nice

45 is starting off great

what do you do while...

your sister has volleyball camp?

Do a hand stand while making a silly face.

Go window shopping at Home Goods.

{we both agreed this mask was creepy}

Have your Mom take pictures of a blinged out puppy.

and of course, tablet time.

what have I been up to?

I feel like the question should be what haven't I been doing since April 1st!

I've been documenting life via instagram.

I will spare you with the picture details since I will get my April and May layout done someday soon.

Here's the highlights though:

Easter parties at school
Hikes down the ravine (our back yard) to Grace and Sarah's secret spot
Easter egg hunts
Restart - new theme introduced at church
New job - more on that later
New swimsuits from the Easter bunny
Lots of exercise at the gym
Time at our lake getting the boat in the water
Cardinal season beginning
Power green smoothies
Spring break
St. Louis Zoo - penguins and sea lions
Perfecting my egg in a nest breakfast
Lots if rain
Storms - overnight guests in our room
First trip to Sugar Fire BBQ
Trip to gluten free bakery
Starting a garden
Spring blooms
Sarah turns 9!
Barbie makes a visit to yoga with me
New apple cider vinegar drink found
Sarah's school Spring musical
Painting patio furniture
Pool is open!
Pollen
Busy Tuesdays
Yoga
Healthy lunches at Sams (not)
Car full of groceries
Grace and Sarah performing at LHS Music Festival
5th grade D.A.R.E. graduation
Broken glass
Gluten free cupcakes
Birthday sleepover
Birthday girl celebration
Irises blooming
Creating, collaborating on fun ideas at work
Arkansas
Hannah's graduation
Mothers Day
Barbells
Strep
Wafflecakes
Last SCCYO performance by Grace
Amerikids performance at church
Last day of school - here we come 4th and 6th grade
Lazy days outside
Pool time
Sickness, like the yuckies sick
Car shopping
Car trade in
Car purchase
First batch of strawberries
Finding more green smoothie recipes
Cleaning out/organizing spaces at work
Swinging at Sams Club
Beautiful, brilliant blooms
Aly's graduation
Summer Library program
You Rock - Grace Marie is moving up at church
Serious shopping
Fruit yummies
New breakfast omelet
Dead battery
Plants/herbs

and as of today....

Volleyball Camp

And we are current.

Summer is here.  Swimsuits purchased.  Warm temps. Grilling.  Eating fresh from the garden.  Slower schedules.  Sleeping in.  Enjoying life.

not your normal snow day

Today was a not so normal snow day here.
Not normal in the sense we were already out of school (Presidents Day).
And it was our first "big" snow of the season.
We went to bed last night to flurries and finger crossed for snow to play in.
We woke up to a blanket of white.

So we did what we normally would, we played.

Snowball fight.
Sledding.
Snow angels.
Even threw in a snow cartwheel.
Truman even enjoyed the moment.

We're loving every minute of our first snow.

started off in a decent way

So my "relationships" goal for the new year has started off in a decent way.

There's always room for improvement.

I started off the month reaching out to my extended family and am continuing to do so.
I've found that can be as simple as reaching out via text.
Praying for them.
Sharing prayer requests.

I've improved on my birthday wishes as well.
I have been lousy at this in recent years, forgetting birthdays.

I've committed to being available for my parents more.
To help out my dad.
I've been blessed by the experience.
It's much easier to not be as involved in their lives, it sets me apart from their every day struggles which makes things more real with my Mother's dementia.
It's not right but it was the easier route to go for me.
It's finding joy in this circumstance and being available to help.

I've been working on my relationship with my girls.
Having more one on one time with each.
I had the time this past weekend to look at past pictures.
2009 to be exact.
Grace was 5 then.
It made me want to cry.
She has changed so much and it's not stopping.
Breaks my heart but yet also makes me want to work on our mother/daughter relationship even more.

I was able to spend some time with friends this weekend, scrapbooking.
This is my yearly "happy place," for me to be with two friends I love.
I look forward to it each year.
What a blessing these ladies are to me.
What fun we have, the laughs, the conversations.

So my hope is that I continue to relish in the relationships God  has given me.
And that they are a priority over all the other things going on in our lives.

Right now, today, I have a relationship with this.
I could do without this relationship :), but then Sarah would be naked.

How does one little girl wear this many clothes in two days anyway?

sarah's winter 2013

my thoughts on 2014 & 2015 refreshment

The book has been closed on 2014.

This year was hard for me and my family.

Personally, emotionally and financially.

I have much to be thankful for and many blessings from 2014 but I must admit, I am not sorry to see it go.

There are parts that I would rather forget about.

There is hurt and pain that I need to let go of and move on.

I need to find forgiveness.

I continue to pray and strive for this.

Today is a new year.

Feels strange that in the span of 24 hours we can have a new beginning.

New possibilities.

New experiences.

New blessings.

New changes.

(Why does it take a new year to push us for change?)

Resolutions.

I don't really believe in them.

It just seems that most times they cannot be lived up to.

I believe that God gives us moments of refreshment throughout the year, various times, special moments we share with those we love.

I had such a moment while sitting amongst my siblings, their spouses and children recently.

Family time is good for the soul.

It refreshed me.

Renewed me.

(big sigh of relief)

My family has suffered this year.

In different ways both within my immediate family and extended.

We are healthy, praise God.

We all have food, clothes, a home to shelter us.

We all believe in the Savior who came to save.

We love each other.

(what more could we ask for?)

Well....

Personally, I need to prioritize these relationships.

With my family.

With friends.

I need to pray for these relationships.

My marriage.

My kids.

My siblings.

My parents.

Their marriages.

My nieces and nephews.

My in-laws.

My friends.

I need to renew my relationship with Christ daily because with him I can do all things.

Without him... I don't even like to think about it.

So if this new year in 2015 brings you a renewal, a zeal for life, a purpose, a reason to move than congrats!  I pray you find your refreshment and dive deep into it.

My refreshment spurs me to work on one thing - 

"Relationships"

Happy New Year to you!  

Happy New Beginnings all year long!

November went and December here

Where did November go?  While it might seem that November was uneventful since I didn't post anything that month, it was busy and full.  It was full of here and there running, the everyday schedule, the many trips to church, laundry, cleaning, three birthdays, Thanksgiving, first snow, family functions, a wedding, an engagement, veterans day, lunches with friends, haircuts all around, math tutors, dance class, violin practice, piano lessons, drama productions, orchestra, math tutor, subbing and so on. 

It’s December now.  The Christmas season is upon us once again and I’m trying to remember to put joy where disappointment has made its home, in my heart.  I’m okay, I am.  I don’t want to worry the five of you who read my blog J.  2014 has been a rough one.  I press on with prayer and patience, loving my heavenly father for giving me another day to celebrate life no matter what the circumstances.  He IS good all the time, this I know.

We've begun our Christmas shopping already.  I’m not feeling the pressure really, I know it will all get done and I’m grateful I’m at home this year and have more time than I did last year to take it in phases.  I decided this year we weren't going to let Santa fill the stockings with “junk.”  You know, the little stocking stuffers that really aren't needed because you already have 20 of a similar type in your home.  Our girls love the big eyed Beanie Boos but if we get another stuffed animal…. I might scream.  You should see how long it takes for my girls to make their beds in the morning with the pile of friends they feel they must put on their bed.  I've had to say only three furry friends can sit on the bed, it’s a compromise. 

Art is always hard to buy for.  We are at the point we need each other’s help and ideas for what to get.  Kind of takes the fun out of it but it’s helpful in simplifying things.  He is hard in the sense that he’s particular, not that he’s picky, he just knows what he likes and wants.  So I have get creative to get him at least one thing he didn't think of.  I’m dry this year.  I’m hoping I get inspiration soon. 

We went to Sarah’s advent service at her school.  She sang like a bird, very much into it.  I love to see her like this especially when it’s praise music.  Grace has hers next week and I’m looking forward to hearing her play with the school band.  She is in a trio, with her own part, should be lovely J.  She’s come a long way with her violin, Sarah has as well with piano.  The other day they were together, chatting quietly and ended up in the dining room (where the piano is).  They had figured out they both knew how to play Silent Night on their instruments and decided to try it out together.  It made my heart melt.  Since Sarah started piano I had hopes that they would one day play together and to enjoy it enough to do it again and again and there they were… doing it!  I stopped everything I was doing and just stood there, beaming.  They of course were like “no biggie mom.”  I look forward to many more duets in the future. 

Grace has been sick this week with dreaded flu bug, just like everyone else!  It really wasn't all that bad, we were lucky, no heaving happened.  She had a fever, stuffed up nose, cough, worn out but it was gone after two days.  I’m waiting for Sarah to get it now, or me, or Art.  Isn't that how it works?  We have a crazy weekend coming up so I hope I am wrong or that it will hold off.  I've washed all of Grace’s bedding with the exception of her duvet cover.  This is the part I dislike most about my kids being sick, the cleaning up after, makes laundry more of a chore.  Ugghhh….

I was reminded this week again how I need to cherish and be thankful for the friendships I have.  One such friend has been there to hear me cry, moan, groan and talked me down from making stupid mistakes.  She didn't judge me, she understood my feelings, she listened and most of all LOVED.  Oh what a blessing.  Everyone should have at least one of these friends in their life. 

Today is warm.  40 degrees but the sun is out and shining which for our area lately, is a balmy day.  I can handle these temps with sunshine.  I know I shouldn't complain and I’m trying not to, after all it’s only the middle of December and it comes with living in this state I love.  As I type I’m letting the sun touch my face, ahhh bliss.

12 days of Christmas will start tomorrow for my girls.  It’s where they receive something special each day, leading up to Christmas.  It could be a small gift, a treat or a family activity.  I got some new ideas this year from the ever helpful Pinterest and am looking forward to sharing them with the family. 

I’m ready for the Christmas break.  Ready to sleep in, not make lunches, less schedules – just a break.  My girls are ready too.  I still have much to do until that day comes but when it does, you will find me at home in my slippers.  This weekend alone we have orchestra practice, dance recital, violin recital and church Christmas program.  I’m looking forward to them but I will also enjoy checking them off our list.  

School is almost done, time to pick up my girls and see how their day was.  Grace will be super tired coming off the flu and being at school all day.  She has much homework to do this evening to catch up and we have our last dance class before the recital.  Salmon for dinner then baths and bedtime.  Another December Thursday done.  Sleep well all.

blistery day, halloween and random

What a cold blistery kind of Fall day.
Every time I hear someone use that word, "blistery" I think of Winnie the Pooh.
We watched that video many a times when my kids were babies.
I miss those days.

My blistery day is simple.
Ran Truman to the groomers, he needed a haircut sooo badly.
Drop off drycleaning.
Work on church needs.
Throw a load of laundry in.
Fold a load of laundry.
Meeting at church this afternoon.
Defrost dinner.
Set out costumes, make sure everything is ready.
Call orthodontist for appointment.

Art's working from home today so every once in awhile he comes up for air to talk.
I love talking to him.
Having his full attention.
Seems those moments are fewer and fewer with the busyness of life.
Our talks usually are catch ups as our heads hit the pillow and we doze off each night.

Tonight is Halloween.
We will stay put, going from neighbor to neighbor.
The girls love our neighbors.
They give out normal candy bars, like the big ones and they buy them just for our girls.
Who wouldn't love that!?!

Pizza is on the menu tonight.
This afternoon, pumpkin carving with Daddy.
Truman even has his own costume.

This picture makes me kind of sad.
Look at those chubby cheeks on Sarah.
Grace is tiny here, so sweet.
Man I miss those days.

Got a text this morning from a friend who's kids go to my girls school.
Was lovely to hear they struggled with math last night as well as us.
Boy oh boy is 5th grade math a challenge for G this year.
Praying for her today.
We were so focused on math that I don't think we gave adequate time to Social Studies and there is a test today.
My little girl who used to listen and follow her momma and daddy's directions is now a big girl, questioning her parents and trying to assert her own independence.
It's good and bad.
When you know they will fail at things because they didn't listen to you.
It's a life lesson.
Hard for me to let go.
I mean look at her face, that sweet, little face.
So hard.

Blistery day = wind = more and more leaves falling to the ground.
I mowed yesterday and had the yard all nice and green again.
You wouldn't know it today.
I do enjoy watching them fall to the ground though.
Now raking them is not so much fun.
Just sayin'.

Project life app is not working.
Bummer.
I'm thinking it's on my end.
Not sure.
Gonna have my hubby look at my ipad to see if it is a space issue.
My ipad is getting up there in age.
I refuse to replace it though.
Not sure I'll buy another "i" product when it dies.

I'm finally getting over this sinus/allergy yuckiness.
At least I think I am although I currently have a headache from it.
These up and down temperatures are havoc on my head.

I am ready for the weekend.
I am ready for some down time with  my girls.
I am ready for some fun tonight.

Happy Halloween everyone!
Enjoy this weekend.

apple picking

We went apple picking over the weekend to our favorite orchard.

The girls look forward to this every year.

We picked our favorites - Blushing Gold (below) and Mutsu.

Yum.

Caught my girls picking.

Love those freckles.

Got the annual picture of the gang (minus me) walking the aisle.

There I am!
See, it's documented.

Feeding the lambs.
:)

There were alot of giggles doing this.

Fun with Art.

Another tradition.
The see how tall I've grown picture.

So pretty.
Serene.
Beautiful day too.

Hididng in the corn.

Again more freckles.

Wonderful afternoon with my family.
Now onto the apple recipes.

mo weather, book orders, PL & Christmas tunes

Well I was going to mow the lawn today.
Current Missouri weather...

We are in for a bumpy ride today with threat of tornadoes this afternoon.
Glad we have a weather radio.
So I guess today will be a laundry day instead.

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Sarah brought home a new book order.

I love book orders.
We don't purchase something each time but I try to at least twice a year to support the classrooms.
The girls love to go through and circle their picks.
I go from there.
It's sometimes interesting to see what they choose.

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We've tweaked our morning routine around here.
I found that in the evenings we weren't getting in our instrument practice.
So with our extra free time in the mornings (20 to 30 minutes) they are practicing.
If they drag their feet and don't get it done before we step out the door for school, they have to get up the next morning an extra 20 minutes early.
They think I'm bluffing when I tell them I will get them up at 4:30 if it gets that bad.
Today, Grace had to get up at 6:00, her normal is 6:30.
She made sure she got it done.

Another morning ritual we have had for awhile is our Keys for Kids App.
It's an online kids devotion that you can read or listen to.
We listen as we eat breakfast.
We talk about what we've just heard.
It's a great way to start off the day, especially those crabby, blue mornings.

Our morning car ride to school (15 minutes) we spend learning their memory work, spelling words and now XtraMath.
This is something new this year for their school.
It's an online program that helps them race against the teacher.
They love it.

I tell you what, we're learning to squeeze in every second of the day to help us out at night when things are crazy and we're all tired.

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I was envious.
It's true.
The Project Life App came out and I felt left out.
No iphone.
Then Aha! moment came.
And Duh! moment.
My Ipad.

I could spend WAY to much time with this app.

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Grace brought Christmas music home from school they are working on in concert band.
LOVE!
She was humming Carol of the Bells the other day after school.
Makes me smile.
Can't wait to hear them play.

There are only 83 days until Christmas. :)
No pressure.

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Tonight is somewhat a quiet night, well minus the thunder.
Simple dinner - crock pot meatloaf, asparagus and a salad.
Yum.
It smells wonderful in here right now.
Love this weather, minus the tornado threats.
It makes for a quiet evening to cozy up together.