Tired and Sick and Random

Need I say more?

Sorry I'm way behind on blog hopping, friends. I try to read when I can, but don't always have time to comment. Maybe you've guessed it (or you know me), I'm a perfectionist. It bugs me to not use capitols or punctuate properly. Not that my posts lack typos, just that I hate them. And feeding a baby and typing don't exactly go hand in hand. That and "nak" is not universally understood, I've found.

So, as I said we've been sick. The colds are taking out family members one at a time. I started it so I am trying to not me grumpy with the kids. Although if I had a dollar for every time I've said "Blow your nose! I don't want to pay for another ear infection." I'd probably have enough money to pay the doctor's bill.

Speaking of doctors bills, have you heard of Samaritan Ministries? This wonderful group is our family's health care choice. The ministry revolves around the Biblical principals for bearing the burdens you are able to carry and helping others carry the burdens they cannot. For example, going to the doctor for an ear infection while pricey is not beyond our means. Having a baby is a different level of pricey! :) When major medical needs (bills) are present, this community of believers shares the need. It is such a blessing to receive the notes of encouragement and know that our family is being prayed for.

To our favorite family members in the south (You know who you are!), Doug and I miss you! We can't wait to head to FL again and swing by. We're keeping our fingers crossed that the timing will work out.

Does anyone know how to get rid of the floating deleted picture button on my blog? I have no idea what it is even from. HELP!!!! please. and thank you. (so much for caps, right?)

This school year is flying by. We took our annual trip to the apple orchard and the Feast of the Hunter's Moon - a French and Indian trading post reenactment. Fun days! I'll try to post pictures soon. Here is an orchard picture I couldn't resist throwing in!
Ty is flying through his math and Becca is developing so quickly with her creative writing. Does anyone have ideas to keep a preschooler busy. Hope loves to do "school" but wants it to be "big kid" stuff. She doesn't want to do "baby" learning like colors and shapes. She loves to draw circles right now. I don't remember the others doing that. And this is Breeley's most recent accomplishment. (Well this and rolling, but she's my fourth and I don't have pictures of that yet.)

Our family is taking part in our church's Christmas production. It's fun. And overwhelming. Watching the kids practice and seeing them grow is so worth whatever sleep I lose. I'm hoping Breeley and Hope make it through all four performances without a melt down. We'll see. :)

And last, but most importantly, would you pray for my sister Megan's family? Her husband Jim has cancer that is continuing to grow. They are fighting illness on several fronts and I know would greatly appreciate your prayers for God's grace to cover them. Thanks!

(My sis and niece visiting Bree in the hospital.)

The Octopus with Shoes - By Tyler Bishop

One day I saw an octopus in the shoe store. It bought four pairs of shoes. One pair was big tall boots. Another pair was very small dress shoe. And one pair was yellow, blue, white and orange. The last pair was very well fitting and they had a sticker on them. The stickers were so big it only took one sticker to cover all of his shoes.
I said, "You have very nice shoes. They are the best shoes in the world."
The octopus said, "Thank you. You have very nice shoes as well."
He said, "I am going home to the ocean. Where are you going?"
"I am going to my house also. It isn't in the ocean. It is in the city."
"Why do you need shoes, anyway?" I asked.
"Because the ocean floor is very dirty and sharks and other animals that want to eat me will grab onto my shoes instead of me." He answered.
"Goodbye," I said. "Hopefully when I take my tour in the ocean then I might see you again."
He said, "Goodbye, I am going home to the ocean. Hopefully I'll see you too."
One day I went into the ocean to look for underwater life. I saw the octopus with shoes. I asked, "How well do you like your shoes?"
"I like them very well," he said. " They never get dirty because I live the water."
And his shoes lived happily ever after.

Four Months

Breeley,
Guess what? Your four months old this week!

Oh, don't look so worried. I know Mama keeps telling you not to grow up, but it's really alright.

We'll have fun and celebrate this milestone. Yes, your dress is just perfect for the occasion.

What's that? You want to know what you're doing these days? Let me see, you're the smiliest baby I know. You rarely cry. You love to scoot yourself in circles. You love to hold your soft blankets and suck your thumb. And just the other day, we heard you laugh out loud. Blowing bubbles is just about your favorite past time.

Yes, just like that!

I know! I blinked in surprise when I realized all you are doing too.

We haven't forgotten. There's no need to look so serious. We're going to be having a big party soon. It will be here before you know it.

I can see your starting to get a little excited. That first taste of ice cream is coming soon.

Yes, baby. I can see you are all girl. Ice cream is certainly something to smile about. Wait until I tell you about chocolate....

WW- At Least One Is Smiling

8.5

Tyler,

You're eight and one half today. I didn't get a birthday letter done for you this year, so your half birthday will be the day.

You are growing fast, kiddo. I didn't realize how fast until I went to get your fall clothes out. Your jeans that fit last year, no longer do. Your shirt sleeves are short, your shoes squish your toes.

You're learning fast. You excel at math. Counting came quickly and easily - math seems to also. Just the other day you asked to take your flashcards to play with during quiet time. I cannot believe how well you are reading this year. You have known it was a struggle for you, but you never gave up. I think this has been your first big struggle in life. Before this so many things came easily to you.

I remember being shocked when you walked at 9 months. Thank goodness you didn't start climbing until you were closer to two. Unfortunately that's also when we had our house roofed. I don't think I'll ever forget the feeling of finding you most the way on up the ladder that day. :) You talked early too. Just like your dad. Grandma used to say he was born talking.

You are incredible in your role as big brother. So good, sometimes I think you forget that Daddy and I can do the parenting part on our own. You and Becca are pals and cohorts in many of your endeavors. You love on your little sisters too. Hope is big enough now to pester you and you are learning patience with her. Breeley is at the perfect age for you. She lights up every time you walk into her line of vision. And she's not big enough to get into your toys.

You love to read your Bible. Like most boys, you love the stories of the wars of Israel. But there are stories that you fall in love with that I would never expect. Like the story of Esther. As I read and reread that with you I wonder what it is you are thinking about.

I am so, so proud to be your mom and have a part in the work God has prepared for you. Be strong and of good courage, sweet boy. You will need it in this world. I pray you will continue to shine like the stars pointing to the Creator-Savior-God you love so much. I love you, Ty.

That Lousy Tooth Fairy

Becca had a little accident last week. While Doug and I were at Bible study, she fell and bumped her front teeth. Which, by the way, were already a little wiggly. She didn't mention it, and I didn't notice until the next night. Her teeth were barely hanging on. After a quick dentist visit showed that her permanent teeth were right under the surface, they told her to wiggle away and they'd be gone in no time.

My daughter doesn't do wiggling.

At all.

So, it wasn't until her cleaning the next week that they came out "one their own." You know, the old, the floss got stuck trick. :)

She came home with a cute little box and, without telling me, put it expectantly under her pillow. And waited...for two nights. And that lousy tooth fairy never came. I'm going to show her grace though. There was a crying two year old who kept waking her up and making it very difficult for her to stop by the first night. Or the curious eight her old who really is trying to prove there is no tooth fairy and stayed awake most the first night.

The second night, there was no excuse.

Needless to say, it was a bit of an exasperated Becca (who isn't sure she wants to believe there is a tooth fairy) who when asked how she slept last night answered, "Well, there's something weird going on. I put my tooth under my pillow for the last two night and nothing's there."

That lousy little tooth fairy.

Being the "good" Mom that I am I encouraged her to clean up her room and we "found" the money had "fallen" off the side of her bed.

It's a really good thing someone else I know has had problems with her tooth fairy before. Otherwise I'm not sure I would have known where to look. ;)

We've Got a Little Work To Do - WW