Dash

We need to start calling Isaac "Dash". He ran in another 5K race this morning. It was fun to have it right here in Maumelle at Lake Willastien. We ran into lots of people we knew. Isaac beat his best time coming in at 26:17. And that was stopping to tie his shoe. He thought it was cool that he beat his friends dad.

Maumelle Lady Runners was the team who organized this race. Isaac's 2nd grade teacher, Mrs Seward, and his swim coach, Coach Janet, were the two working the finish line. It was fun to have them cheering him on. We stayed for the award ceremony where he received first place in his age group (first place by like 10 minutes). He's a natural. Coach Janet wants to do a triathlon with him. He would love it.

The take off, the back of Isaac's shirt is gray

Coming down the final stretch

the finish line

First Place plaque, or "bar of soap" as Isaac put it.

Way to go Buddy!!

Fall fun

Our back yard is fall leaf heaven! The kids have spent countless hours raking up piles and jumping. The big pile they are jumping in doesn't even leave a dent in that side of the yard. We have a ton! We haven't bagged the leaves yet and probably won't for a little while, because they are just so much fun to play in.

Halloweenies

We had a fun night last night. Small and simple party with the neighbors. Arkansas style. In the garage. We had mummies in a blanket, sawed off hand punch, chips, and pumpkin cake. The kids were so excited! But they were more excited to trick-or-treat. Or as Hayden says "Pick-a-treat". We hit the street running and didn't stop for an hour. Their pumpkins were overflowing. I don't think we could have stuffed another piece in. Now the battle begins with the candy. For the time being it's hiding, only to be brought out when I say. I do have to say Halle was the cutest Raggedy Ann I have seen, even if she wouldn't put her wig and hat on.
Front row: Logan, Alex, Isaac Second row: Halle, Brecken (behind), Hayden, Caite

Notes from a Kindergartener

I found a post-it note taped to Caite's wall saying.

"I quit my Jop be kuz it is to mus wrc".

Hmmm, I wonder what job she's talking about?

I'm actually quite impressed she spelled quit right.

Leaves

Yesterday we spent the whole day "winterizing" our yard and garage. We (meaning mostly Aaron) trimmed bushes, cut back flowers, mowed the lawn, cleaned out the garage, and sealed cracks in the cement. Fall is in full force here in Arkansas. We love the colors of the trees in the fall. The trees are beautiful, they bring peace and much needed shade in the summer, but come fall they are a lot of work. From now until Christmas we will be raking our "Sacred Grove". Yesterday was round one. The kids had fun raking and playing. We ended up only doing a fraction of the raking, we needed to get in for a football game.

Blessed!

I woke up this morning feeling very blessed. I really do have a wonderful life. I have been blessed with an incredible husband who really can do anything. Even working over 100 hours this week, he still pulled off a fantastic Super Hero Pack Meeting for the Cub Scouts. The final challenge was to find a wrecked ship (candy bar) and save the 8 passengers (peanut butter m&m's) drowning in a sea of whipping cream. The kids thought it was so fun. Aaron never ceases to amaze me. Martina McBride sings a song that makes me think about him every time I hear it. The line I love says, "Everyone calls you amazing, I just call you mine." It's true he is amazing and I am blessed that he is mine.


I am blessed to stay home with my kids. In order for me to stay home, I have taken on 3 extra kids. It keeps me extra busy and I have to be super organized, but I wouldn't trade it. I love being able to be home when my kids come home from school. I love having Halle home with me. I love watching them grow and learn new things. I really am blessed to have 4 great kids. I just went to parent teacher conference a few days ago. Isaac is doing fantastic. He has a wonderful teacher who is challenging him, and he is rising to the challenge. She said he's "a fine young man and I love having him in my class". Caite's teacher couldn't say enough good about her. She is sweet and loving to all the kids. She is also in the highest reading group and is already reading at a 1st grade level. Hayden absolutely loves school. His teacher said he is always happy and a joy to have. she also said he is her biggest helper. It was nice to have such positive feedback from the teachers. Like any parent, my kids are my biggest challenge, but I think we are doing okay.

I am blessed to live in such a great place. We love the Little Rock area. I was able to take the kids to a Mountain Man Rendezvous this past weekend at Pinnacle Mountain. It was great to meet up with our neighbors the Roses and Schiderer's. We walked around all the exhibits, then we canoed, and rode horses. The kids had a great time. Little Rock is such a family friendly place to live. I'm so happy for the opportunity to live here. We have wonderful neighbors and friends here.

There is a lady at church that I don't know as well as I would like. She is a single lady raising her 4 nieces and nephews. I don't know the circumstance very well, but I do know that the kids are in a safer, better, happier place with her. We met the youngest and latest addition last night at Pack Meeting. She has only had him for a few days and already has him involved in Cub Scouts. When we were cleaning up he said, "this was the best day of my whole life". It melted my heart, because it was true. She rescued theses little kids. She is thier savior. She is blessing their lives. She is blessing them with the Gospel that they would other wise not have. I know she will be blessed, I'm sure her mansion is waiting for her in Heaven.

Who's that girl with the OREO cookie?

I found Halle in the corner of the office hiding...eating an oreo...making a mess...loving it!