seven

Dear C,

I cannot believe you are seven years old today.  Seven!  It doesn't seem like it has been seven years since you came into our world and changed it forever - for the better! - and I have loved every minute of being your mom.

Each year, I am amazed at your self-confidence.  You know who you are and you are not afraid to share it with the world.  Your smile lights up a room, and you don't know a stranger.  You are friendly, outgoing, and you get along with everyone you meet.  Extrovert doesn't seem like a strong enough word to describe your vivaciousness.  (I'll go ahead and tell you that you get that personality trait from your daddy.)  You say that you want to be a pastor when you grow up, and as much as you love God and love everyone you meet, I know you would be a wonderful one.

In our family, we call you our "drama king".  You have big emotions, and they are written all over your face.  Your reactions to every situation - be it a surprise, a disappointment, or a perceived injustice - are bold.  Just last night, you were furious with me for telling you to wipe the toothpaste off of your face with soap and water instead of rubbing it on a clean towel.  If my camera had been closer, I would have snapped a photo of your pout.  You never stay mad for long, though, and true to form, your frustration was over right away.  By the time you were down the hall and I was tucking you into bed you were giggling and laughing with me.

My prayer for you is that you continue to approach life with all of the energy and excitement that you have so far.  I hope your love for God and all of his children stays in your heart.  You are such a blessing!

Love,

Mommy

Halloween fun with Grandma Hen

The day before Halloween, Grandma Hen arrived for a visit.  The boys were off of school for the day for parent teacher conferences, so Daddy A and Grandma Hen took the boys to choose pumpkins.

They did a little more house decorating, and then the boys donned costumes and they headed downtown for the local spooktacular.

Downtown, the boys saw lots of friends, played in some inflatables, and went trick-or-treating at the local businesses.

Everyone had a great time, and I was looking forward to joining them for some fun activities on Halloween!

More fall fun!

ordinary days

Sunday Funday

One Sunday this fall, P was home from church with strep throat, so C went to Sunday School and church with Daddy A.  Daddy A had a few things to finish up after the service, so he asked one of C's Sunday School teachers to hang out with him for a few minutes.  She took C to the playground and he had a blast!  Isn't she cute?  C has a wonderful group of Sunday School teachers this year!

a boy and his cat

NDS Fall Festival

Better late than never, right?  Our school fall festival was on a Friday night in October.  C had to leave and go to cheerleading practice, but he visited with friends a bit first, and when he came back (in costume) he was ready to make some crafts and play some games.  P spent the evening playing lots of games and eating candy.  Both of the  boys had a blast!

Backyard Bible Club

P takes the stage

Remember yesterday, when I wrote that P had caught the acting bug?  After we saw Pirates, P noticed auditions for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and asked if I would take him.  Somehow, the two of us convinced Daddy A that we could fit it into our busy schedule, and we were off.  C, in typical younger brother fashion, wanted to come along as well, so we turned it into a family affair.

I didn't initially plan to audition, but eventually we all ended up on stage.

C's interest eventually began to wane, and I discovered pictures like this one on my phone.

I joined the photo shoot when P was called to return to the stage.

C ended up having a cheer competition that conflicted with the show, so he and Daddy A didn't take acting roles, but by the end of the week P was cast as Leroy Herdman!  I also received a role (with P's blessing).  I have enjoyed being in community theater shows since I was a child, and it was so much fun to share that experience with P.  We had a blast!

the theater

In mid-October, the boys and I went with a group from church to see a local production of The Pirates of Penzance.  C, our social butterfly, had fun seeing his friends from the youth group (both before and after the show).

Several of the key players involved have directed or performed in other shows at the theater in which I was lucky enough to be involved, and it was great to visit with them, too.

By the end of the show, P had caught the acting bug. More on that to follow soon!

Backyard Bible Club

Wednesday afternoon, our church hosts Backyard Bible Club after school. The boys get picked up from school and ride the church bus to Bible Club.  P was home from school with strep throat this particular Wednesday, but you can see in the photos that C and his friends had a blast!

just another Saturday morning

think pink

C takes a break from his calendar math on dress down pink day {to raise funds for breast cancer research} to smile for the camera!

ASU cheer clinic

The first Saturday in October, C had a chance to go to App State for a cheerleading clinic.  The ASU cheerleaders patiently worked with all of the kids enrolled in the clinic, teaching them techniques and a routine to perform during the pregame festivities.

Yosef came during the lunch break and met with the future cheerleaders and their families.

The only downside to the day was the rainy weather.  Even that didn't deter C!

P was disappointed that we couldn't stay for much of the game due to the rain, but App did pull off a win.  Hopefully next year's clinic will be accompanied by beautiful weather!

breaking board

ordinary days

C had a chance to bring the "Birdie Bag" full of fun games and books home from school one weekend in October.  His favorite bandito, Skippyjon Jones, was the star of the books in the bag.  Skippito Friskito tagged along on the boys' adventures all weekend!

international FaceTime

The time difference often poses a challenge, but one Sunday afternoon/Scottish evening in September, we were able to connect with Pastor Sarah's family so that P and Kieran could FaceTime.  The wonders of modern technology, put to good use!