In an effort to catch up, I think I will just do a massive photo update of our fall so far.
We enjoyed the pumpkin patch.
C and K are loving soccer. 
And just having a good time with each other...
So, it was forever ago, but I am still trying to catch up. :) The first day of school....
Well, this year was hard for me. C man is in the first grade. Wow...just to write that is difficult. C is such a delightful child and is growing up way too quickly. He enjoys school and learning for the most part. C tends to get very anxious about new beginnings and this year was no exception. We were very thankful that some of his friends from last year are in his class this year. And his teacher...well, she is just fabulous. She is exceptionally kind and quiet....just perfect for C. The only problem is that when his teacher is not at school for the day, he does not want to be there either. C has really begun to read very well and has always enjoyed math. Just the other day, Hubs asked C, "If I have nine coins that equal 25 cents, which coins do I have?" and C figured out the answer without a problem. What a guy!!
This year, K had the opportunity to attend preschool in the small town that we live in. She joined her brother at the elementary school, so she thinks that she is very big. And we could not have been more blessed for K to have Mrs. M (C's teacher from last year) as her teacher. K is so shy and struggles so much with large groups that we were a little concerned about her attending a full day of pre-k everyday. It took a little while, but little K is beginning to come out of her shell. Mrs. M is the perfect teacher for K...allowing her to be herself but encouraging her to let go and have a good time. We play more 'school' at home than I ever imagined. K is writing all kinds of words and often writes them right to left instead of left to right. She continues to enjoy any kind of artwork and loves to play with babies.
Both of my 'school-age' kiddos are the biggest blessing to me. My love for them is endless...they are awesome kids. We have our moments of imperfection, but I am blessed to hear them call me 'mommy'. 
Wow...it is such a blessing to watch my little munchkins grow into healthy young children. Little K is no exception. She turned four in August and is truly such a delight. As a mom, I look at her and see how big she is getting....and grown up. Wow. This year, she requested a fairy birthday party, so a fairy birthday party it was.
We had great family and friends to celebrate with and K truly seemed to enjoy her party. K battles with some seriousness shyness in large and unfamiliar groups, but there was not any stopping the birthday girl from having a good time. We had fun food, great fellowship, and a really special girl to celebrate with. 
K, you are such a special little girl with an incredible heart. It is so hard for me to imagine what God has in store for your life, but I know that it will be amazing. I love your smile and the way your big blue eyes look up to me. You are one of the best snuggle bugs that I know and I treasure every day with you. I am so thankful to be your mommy....I love you sweet princess. 
We have been blessed the past several years to go on vacation with Hub's side of the family. His mom chooses a place and we all head to our destination for some quality time and relaxation. This year we went to Great Wolf Lodge. It was AWESOME!! Wow...what a great time we had! It was definitely our favorite vacation spot yet. 
We had so much fun and we are so thankful for the time together! Here are some pictures to prove it.... 
The very day following our week of heaven on earth, we left on a jet plane for chicago. For the first time ever, we left part of our brood at home with Nana and some friends. Initially, C was the only kiddo that was going with us. But, since we were blessed with the new little man (J) in our home, he tagged along for the fun.
Our purpose was to facilitate a vacation bible school for a group of kiddos living in a homeless shelter while in Chicago. Our purpose was to teach them the Word, serve them, and show them by our actions the love that Christ has for them. We had a purpose...but every time that I have ever had an opportunity like this, it is my mission to bless the socks off of these people. But I am the one who walks away a changed person. These kids...from all walks of life...living in a homeless shelter...some unaware of a Man named Jesus that walked the earth to save them...have joy, peace, happiness that only God can grant them in the situation that they are in.
C had a great time...it touched my heart to watch him interact with the kids. He stood up one day in front of the whole group and taught them a Bible verse. C wanted to serve...he, at the age of six, was on a mission for Christ.
But that is not all...Hubs went out on the streets and passed out sandwiches and water. He cleaned and painted at another homeless shelter.
We also had the opportunity to have a lot of fun. In the evenings, we saw the city of Chicago. We had so much fun spending time together...seeing Mary Poppins off broadway, eating Chicago style pizza, shopping at the Lego store, and just bonding with the group of teens and adults that we travelled with.
All in all, that week was another one to write down in history as unforgettable. The city, the kids, the time...all incredible. 
It is a place of encouragement, accountability, refreshment, challenges, learning, growing, friendships, and so much more that can't even be put into words.
The college kiddos that work there are different...serving others before themselves, all for the glory of God. Hubs or I did not get drinks for our kids all week. I'm not sure that we fed the baby a bottle or a jar of baby food. We did not cut up meat or clean up spilt drinks. We sat and talked with our kids and the staff and each other. We went on a picnic, listened to incredible speakers about Godly parenting, and had fun. 
The arts and crafts room was a big hit this year.
Water rockets and skiing were on the play list. 
We enjoyed a carnival and did lots of swimming. 
Every day was full, but not exhausting. Thank you PC for another week of heaven on earth. It is a true gift to our family every year.
