Christmas already...

I was completely shocked when we walked through the doors of Lowe's Hardware last night. They had their artificial Christmas trees up for display, blow up Santa Clauses and two rows of Christmas decorations and nick knacks. Since, we were only coming to buy yellow jacket killer we didn't bother with a stroller. Needless to say, the kids were overwhelmed with excitement. In one way, I was glad their attention was diverted from the inflated witches, goblins and ghosts. However, I wasn't prepared for this barrage of "Oh can we buy this, can I have this, can I buy this....." Wow- I am going to have to be better prepared for this in the future.
But really, isn't the middle of September a little early for Christmas?

Picture

I've been thinking about this picture that I just took. The one that my talented hubby turned into my header! I love it. It just so accurately portrays the kids and where they are today!Emma- sweet, smiling, stands nicely, girly, motherly
Ryan- HAM, does whatever he can to make his siblings laugh at him, full of personality but yet willing to settle down and hold hands and has a toy just like his brother
Peter- compliant with a smile,a funny face and holding something that flys.

Big city days

The need to get into the big city has been brewing inside for a couple of weeks. We took off early Monday morning in search of adventure. I wanted to get a head start on some fall clothes for the kids. We have a wedding coming up in a couple of weeks and the boys didn't have any appropriate pants and well Emma could always use a new dress. We stopped at Ross first. That has become my new favorite store. First reason- it's in North Durham; on the way to everything we do. Second reason - it's open at 9:30. Third reason - they have good prices. They didn't let me down this time. I got Peter 2 pair of pants, Ryan one pair and Emma a dress with a matching shirt all for $34.00! I was excited about my finds.
Then we headed to the mall that opens at 10. We had a few carousel tokens and the kids were itching for new comic books. I also wanted to get their feet measured in preparation for new fall shoes. With that finished, we headed to Duke. Philip dropped me off at the library so I could get some printing done. Meanwhile they parked the car, rode the bus, and climbed trees. We met up for lunch and rode the bus back to the car, did a quick hospitalization visit and finished off with a Costco trip! The kids paused briefly so I could take a picture. I couldn't decide which picture was cutest so I added them both! I'm glad to have gotten that out of my system because that was an exhausting trip!

A lasting compliment

We took a late afternoon trip to the library today. While the kids were looking at books, I secretly found the Season 2 "Little House on the Prairie" DVDs. I have been wanting to get them for a while but just never got around to it. It has been a long week with lots of evening meetings for Philip. I was ready for a video night! Peter and Emma have enjoyed listening to several of the Little House on the Prairie audio tapes so I knew they would enjoy the videos. Actually- they enjoy just about anything that comes across the TV.
So when we were all loaded up in the van heading home, I shared my surprise. They were excited to hear that they were going to get to watch a movie tonight. Emma in a very serious and excited voice said, "Mommy you are almost better than a tree.". Peter chimed in with, "She's not better than a tree. Trees give us air to breathe.". Emma said, "I know; that's why I said ALMOST." I kept myself from laughing and explaining that I am better than a tree in their world b/c I gave them life.

My little missionary

This morning, a good friend picked up Emma and took her to the Christian Help Center. The CHC serves Roxboro with a community food pantry, emergency assistance and a free lunch. Today was our church's day to provide lunch. She has been looking forward to this day for about a month when Ms. Jesse invited her to go with her. Emma was a great helper, so I hear and enjoyed 2 bowls of stew after her hard work. This morning Emma told me that she loves Ms. Jesse and Ms. Effie. She thought for a moment and then added, "but not as much as I love you."

MOPS

Our first MOPS mtg of the year was yesterday. We had a great time. It was so exciting to see all the new moms keep coming in the doors. We had 7 returning moms and 7 new moms along with 3 returning mentors and 1 new mentor. I heard lots of great conversation, laughing and relating.
It was a great team effort. I can't believe that this is my 6th year in MOPS. I am truly now one of the "old" ones.

Thanks Hannah

We were inside all morning with lots of rain and wind. This is what we found when the rain stopped and we ventured out. Fun for all afternoon!

Apples, tomatos and rabbits

Somewhere along the beginning of this week, my children decided that they were going to be half rabbits and half humans. This was of course spawned by Peter's reading of the Chronicles of Narnia and it was his idea to become rabbits. I tried to play along as much as possible. They nibbled off of my basil plant, ate green tomatoes off the vine and were served carrots for lunch. Since our tomato plants are pretty much dead, Peter was really hungry for more gardens to eat from. So I asked our dear friend, Mr. Aaron, if my little rabbits could come and gather some produce from his garden. Come to find out, my children didn't want to just gather produce they truly wanted to move into Mr. Aaron's garden. I was somehow able to convince them that it would be much better to just visit! By this time, it was Thursday morning ; Peter is still a rabbit but Emma and Ryan have become pigs. We arrive at Mr. Aaron's with our Easter buckets (from 2 years ago) ready to pick some tomatoes. We were blessed with more than just tomatoes.His apple tree of 13 years finally decided to produce and there were a few peppers still growing. We have been cutting tomatoes, peeling apples and washing veggies ever since Thursday. I've made Apple cobbler and Apple bread pudding. Tomorrow, I might try an apple cake or apple bread with tomato soup.
Somewhere about Thursday afternoon, there was another transformation. After reading a book about germs and germ-fighting cells. The kids (Peter) decided to become a germ-fighting cell and the rest of us were doomed to be the germs. So who knows what will happen next week but I am pretty positive that it will be something creative.
Oh by the way, if your around Roxboro, please stop by because the kids have opened a museum in their bedroom. So far we just have a paper bird exhibit. There will be more to come as we continue to read The Boxcar Children and my children glean more from the Aldens!
So did we learn anything at school this week- I think so but I'm just not sure which box to check off for this one!

Back update

I apologize for leaving all of my faithful readers in the dark since that plea for prayers....Philip's experience with the Chiropractor was good; at least from my perspective. He actually said he felt better after the visit. He is going to go back on Monday for another visit. The Doctor was a nice guy; a Methodist actually.

He's going

Philip is actually going to the Chiropractor tomorrow (Thursday). He is only doing this because I want him to. I have a lot of pull right now because well if he wants to wear socks, if he wants to go anywhere in a car, if he drops something and wants it - he needs to be nice to me! I think you get the picture. So please pray for him. His appointment is at 9am. He's never been to a chiropractor and we're not really sure what to expect. I just want to make sure that we do everything possible to get his back healed.

Week one

After today, we finished up the Week One of our curriculum. We have begun reading the Boxcar Children, A Surprise Island. We learned about Gladys Ayward who was a missionary to China. We studied rainbows, clouds, rain, snow, thunder and lightning and even did 2 experiments. We memorized a scripture and read a poem. Oh- I think we did some math, reading and spelling along the way too. I am glad that I was able to get my feet wet this week. I realize that I need to spend a little more time trying to get organized and read through the week's lesson beforehand. All in due time!

I am happy that I was able to get back to some menu planning. I have a few friends who introduced me to the idea of theme nights. It sounded like a good plan so that was where I started.
My goal is a two week plan so I only have to visit Walmart once in two weeks. That never truly happens but it's nice to try!
Here's what we're having:
Monday: Black Beans and rice
Tuesday: Chili, Corn chips and cheese
Wednesday: Overnight French Toast
Thursday : Leftovers (hopefully)
Friday: Mexican Manicotti
Saturday: Hot dogs or leftovers
Sunday: sandwiches
Monday: Ravioli and spaghetti sauce
Tuesday: Cabbage and Sausage soup
Wednesday: Sausage and egg quiche
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: Dinner with friends

So my themes aren't really apparent yet- I'm still working on that. I am shooting for a breakfast night, soup, vegetarian, leftovers and Mexican gourmet! Please let me know if you have any pointers for me.

Acorns

I think it will be a long time before I am able to thinking fondly of acorns. For now, they only bring up the memory of Philip agonizing over a pain more excruciating then he's ever felt before. Friday morning, we were at my parents house and Philip was picking up the acorn on my parents drive way. (Peter and Emma get 1 cent for every nut collected.) It was the weight of the world that fell on his back and left him almost unable to move. Somehow, he made it into the house and I found him. It was terrible. I am so thankful that we were with my parents because I truly didn't know what to do. I reverted back to my Lamaze breathing and relaxation techniques in attempt to get him through pain. That did not work and it almost got me thrown out of the room! My parents and I were trying to figure out who to call; 911, the family chiropractor or family doctor. We decided to hit the road to see who was open. The chiropractor wasn't open so we continued down the road to the family doctor/Urgent care. After a 3 hr wait, he was doing much better. We saw the doctor and he decided that it was a muscle or ligament and not a disc issue. So we got some drugs that ended up not cutting the mustard! We went back to the dr. the next morning to get some of the "good stuff".
So here we are 4 days from the injury, he is doing better but there is still constant pain. His movement is very limited but are improving. I am thankful for friends in Roxboro who are so willing to pitch in.