Beading

Kathryn finally got to use the beading kit she got for her birthday... here she is, hard at work

Do you think?

Do you think Jason could tell the difference in what I put on the grocery list and what Julian put on it?

Lipstick...

"Mommy, why won't you let me keep my lipstick in my room?"

Sunday dress

I thought Kathryn looked especially cute on Sunday:

The circle of life ...

Julian has been learning to play the recorder at school the last several weeks. He has told me how much fun he has had learning to play, but I have not gotten to hear him...until Monday.

Julian has learned one song - "Hot Cross Buns" - B-A-G. His music teacher told him that when he brings it home he should practice for 10 minutes each day, but my over-achiever decided he would play for 30 minutes each day instead (and remember, he has learned just one song so far!).

It's a joy to hear him and to see how much he enjoys it. I remember learning to play recorder and my brief time on flute before starting clarinet. I feel connected to my Dad now and understand what a joy it must have been for him to hear not just me, but my brother on sax for a bit and my sister on piano. All the practicing time must have had him just so full of joy that he couldn't stand himself!

I can't wait for Kathryn to start (she is now asking for a recorder too, since Julian got one).

FINK day, October

In October, my beautiful niece, Vivian, turned 1! It's hard to believe she is a year old already - time really flies....

The Sunday after her birthday, we went to Charlotte for her baptism. Randy and Emily had everyone over to their house after the service for lunch and cake. It was nice to get to spend some time with them and with Vivy, who we normally only get to see for a few minutes before nap time! She was a lot of fun to watch.

I didn't get many pictures - the lighting in the church was too much for me and my amateur camera:) But here are the few I was able to get:

Flu shots and Awana

Julian, Kathryn and I went to get our flu shots yesterday. I scheduled the appointment several weeks ago, so we had some time to get used to the idea of the shots, and I had hoped that would help with minimizing the fits being thrown when the needle came out. When Julian got his Kindergarten shots, it took 4 nurses plus me to hold him down. With Kathryn, she sat, got her shots, frowned, and then life went on - no tears, no screaming. Some time has passed for both kids, so I really didn't know what to expect, but I did ask Jason to come with me - it's a traumatizing event - for all of us!

Well, yesterday, I went first to show them how easy it was (and really, I think it is the least painful shot I can remember getting). Kathryn went next, and a nurse had to help me hold her still to do the shot, all the while she was screaming "I don't want to do it! I don't want to do it!". Then Julian (after seeing Kathryn's fit) got his turn. Jason held him, I helped hold his arms and another nurse helped hold his legs. Julian screamed "Please! No! Don't do it!" Poor babies. So, finally it was done, and both admitted, it really wasn't that bad!!!

To top it off, a little boy from our church was in the waiting room waiting for HIS turn to get his flu shot. We didn't stay to see how he did, but I really hope my kids didn't make it worse for him.

On a positive note, Kathryn earned her wings at Awana last night, and the first jewel to go in them. She had earned her Hang Glider patch a few weeks ago, but I didn't get it on her vest until this week...I'm very happy that the new patches seem to be much easier to iron on than the ones from Cubbies last year - no sewing involved, thank goodness! We are so proud of Kathryn and her sweet spirit and the effort she puts into these verses. She has such an interest in God and pleasing Him.

And Julian did well too. Each week his teacher gives a small reward to the T&Ter that prepares and passes the most sections, and he got it this week. He got his 3rd discovery sticker too.

We are so blessed!

I voted ...

I am glad it's over! Now to sit back and wait to see what happens. I stood there for a few minutes trying to decide whether to write in a name or choose between 2 less than good choices. I wish I felt better about my choice; I think we're in for a mess regardless of which family moves into the white house after this election....

I'm looking forward to tomorrow and no more SPAM calls!