Foot Update

Some of you have asked how the foot is . . . well yesterday at the doctors - I was told NOT to put weight on it and use the crutches for another week. Anyone used crutches?? They are a pain! and I am stubborn! I painted my toe nails to make them look pretty and draw attention from the purple/black of my foot - I think the nail polish made it look green!! My big toe is what hurts the worst and it will not bend, so walking is out of the question. I'd love your prayers for quick healing, and obedience to my doctor.

Today John Michael had his first field trip to the KC Pumpkin Patch - it was great fun. This was his FAVORITE event. We really didn't have to see much else, except for the train below. Inside the barn they had all this corn & TONS of trucks & tractors - HIS DREAM WORLD. I'm thinking about creating a rubbermaid bin with corn for his trucks - I think he'd really like that for the LONG winter months.
Here he is picking through what was left of the pumpkins. They were supposed to do this field trip last Monday, but it was POURING down rain, so we were left with slim pickings. Thanks to my mom for going with me today - I didn't even get off the hayride tractor to go WAY out to what was left of the pumpkins.
Here was his equally favorite activity . . . the train ride. He never wanted to get off. The driver knew his name and would ask him after each time around if he was going again . . . of course!

It was a gorgeous day and we had fun. It was a really neat place for kids - they had SO many more things to do like duck races, bunnies, pigs, corn maze, hay maze, slides, etc. What fun!

GO COLTS!

Isabelle is so excited for the Colts! She wanted to make sure you could read Manning!

This week is a BIG week for Indy fans as we watch the undefeated Colts take on the undefeated Patriots - it is sure to be an amazing game! We have huge hearts here for the Colts & Isabelle has taken herself up with Peton Manning. After we come home from church on Sundays, our kids say, "It's football Sunday" - they love to watch with us, it makes for a fun family day. We do however get away from the TV to play our own games of football

JM dressses in this every Sunday and we have real football games in the living room. If we take a break, he says "Come on, I want someone to tackle me!"

Turkey Day

We added a new member to our family today! He is 4 feet wide & 4 feet long, weighing approx. 25 lbs - no it isn't a DOG!! This was Kevin's first Turkey - thanks to his childhood friend David Ray for taking him on a great hunt! It was a blast for him - he loves being in nature & to get your first Turkey is a thrill! We are all SO excited for him, and the kids are pumped to have a Turkey in our family room.

Kevin on May 27, 2007 with his 1st Turkey - his smile says it all!

The Turkey today Oct 27, 2007

My 2 Best Friends

My husband has always been my best friend, but now he has to share me with a pair of crutches! After school yesterday, I took a great tumble with John Michael in my arms - it was a "Slow Motion" type experience. I knew I was going down, he was in my arms, I feared the worst for him, etc. I probably stumbled 6-7 steps trying to regain my composure, before we both hit the ground! I was thanking God that JM wasn't hurt but some scraps and bruises, but me on the other hand . . . My right foot was throbbing. . .I had to drive home with cruise control on (we live about 15 min. from Isabelle's school) crying the whole way b/c the pain was intense. Kevin met me there and insisted we go to the ER - though the bruising/swelling had not really shown itself yet, the pain was terrible. After 3 hours in the ER - we had great time to talk & met a really neat Christian nurse who was such a blessing to us, we found out nothing was broken. "YIPEE!!!", I cried. To which she grimaced, and said, "It really would have been better if it were broken. What you have is going to require 2 days of rest - leg above heart type, ace bandage compression, ice, and 2 weeks of crutches. These type of injuries usually take 6-12 months to completely heal." "Are you sure?" I quickly retorted. I'm having a hard time seeing how a break is worse, but I can tell you after having just whacked my foot on something, the pain is INTENSE!! They say you should be able to laugh at yourself so I am, I was totally embarrased at school & I wanted to share the beginning of my bruising with you - the swelling isn't bad today, I've been good about my leg up, ice, compression routine!!

Cowboy, Bull Rider or mere human

JM reminds me daily that the bull riders wore cowboy hats - he wants to make sure I know how manly he is. He gallops around saying "I'm a cowboy, yes I am. I'm a cowboy, yes I am."

A few funny JM stories . . . Last week, he informed me that I am not human. He said "Mom, me & dad are humans - what are you?" I replied "I'm a human too." To which he responded, "NO, I'm a human you are a lady!" I tried to explain that all those words refer to humans, but to NO avail. I am not human!! In case anyone was worried about me - we now have proof!

Yesterday, I caught him reading a Landscaping Supply magazine in the bathroom, I'm sure you can figure out why else he was in there. Anyway, I said, "What are you doing buddy?" To which, he looked at me with sheepish eyes, shrugged his shoulders and said "readin' a magazine." I was trying so hard not to laugh as I said "Why?" Again with such innocence, "Daddy does (pronounced w/ a long U sound) it" And that was that, they sure do watch and copy EVERYTHING!!!

He's our little ham!!

Here he watches the P.B.R. with great intensity!

Cowgirl

Here are a few shots of Isabelle sporting her new PINK cowgirl hat - she LOVES it!!! She really got into everything about the PBR & American Royal (see the posts below). On a side note, our little cowgirl has her first loose tooth - it is moving, so she is afraid to eat anything . . . It really isn't too loose, but boy is she pumped - she is the last one of her friends to lose a tooth and she was beginning to think it wasn't going to happen!

TOO CUTE!!! I LOVE THESE KIDS!!

This picture is at the PBR watching the riders!

P.B.R.

What a night full of amazing sights. The kids were amazed at what they saw and so were we - we only witnessed a few minor injuries - so no traumatic sights for the kids. We are thankful for that. A friend of ours rides bulls in the PBR so we wanted to see him & we thought the kids would love it. You definitely have to have a passion for this to be able to do it and he does. We had an excellent time and the kids did LOVE it!! JM has been walking around saying he's a bull rider! Isabelle is more into the guys on horses who would get the bulls if they wanted go back into the pin.

The beginning of the night starts with introduction of the riders with the USA blazing in the arena, followed by a prayer and the Star Spangled Banner

This is our friend getting ready to ride - we are thankful he wears a helmet, not all do!

The American Royal

Last Saturday, we had tickets to attend the P.B.R. - Professional Bull Riding - at Kemper, but for a month the American Royal has been going on there as well. So we took the kids down early and were able to see many neat things . . . a momma pig who had 1 week old piglets - about 12 of them, a petting zoo w/ exotic animals, the purina show - with great dogs, and of course the cattle show. Isabelle was really intrigued by the judging, thinking they all look the same, so how does the judge pick???? We had a great time, but the enjoyed the P.B.R. much more. . . .

Here the kids are petting one of the sweet dogs in the round pin.

At this show were 19 yr olds showing cattle, the judge was making her final decision!

Babysitting Olivia

Isabelle had her first babysitting experience last Saturday. She & I got to babysit Olivia all morning - and we had fun. She said that it is much more fun babysitting a baby than someone her age. When it was time for her nap we swaddled her & put her in the crib - Isabelle said she was glad for a break. But then, Olivia started crying so Isabelle wanted to check on her. I heard Isabelle talking and laughing, so I went to check on them - Isabelle said "mom, I don't think she wants to go to sleep she is just smiling at me & laughing too. Let's play with her some more." We played for 10 more minutes & swaddled again & Isabelle suggested we rock her and sing to her. Isabelle did all the singing as I still have laryngitis (6 weeks and counting) - she sang mostly traditional hymns, but added a few of her own made up renditions! It was adorable -

and little Miss O went right to sleep!!
Thanks for letting us babysit Uncle Brad & Aunt Holly - we had LOTS of fun!!

Sewing Fun

Today I created a project for my mom - she bought some fabric on clearance after Christmas last year and asked me if I'd make a bag for her like one I have by this Christmas. I decide today was the day!! It turned out so cute - I might just keep it for myself!! - Just kidding mom. It will be ready for pick up when you get home. I'm on a role though - now I want to find more scraps and make more bags. . . it is so fun & therapeutic.

JM's Preschool

JM used his hand for the branches & decorated it very carefully.
Here he is showing me pictures of himself doing activities in his class.
There were lots of snacks at the event - his favorite place to be!!

JM started preschool this fall & his school had a back to school night this week. He was so proud to show us his class room, his teacher & his 4 friends. There are only 5 kids in his class. It is awesome!! He goes 2 days a week, but thinks he should go everyday just like his sissy & he thinks he needs to take his lunch each time he goes. He wants to be like big sis!

Love at first laugh

Future Farmers of America!
JM & Holly pose at the dairy barn.

John Michael adores his cousin Olivia. Today Holly & I took him & Olivia to Deanna Rose Farmstead to wander around. Olivia will coo at me and give me a little smile, but for him she laughs!! Her eyes are always drawn to him. She looks for him. It is adorable and he of course LOVES the attention she'll give him. She is a precious girl and we love her to pieces!

My New Camera

We got a new camera this weekend and we love it - it takes amazing pictures. I had to put this of Izzy - she has decided to let her bangs grow and her chocolate brown eyes are yummy enough to eat.

Boys will be Boys

A boy, his bike, rocks, & a mud puddle - what more can I say!!

Most Precious

"What is most precious to me?" is a question that has been bouncing around in my head for the last 2 weeks. If I look at how I spend my time and energy, I'm not sure I could answer the question as I'd like to.

Mary, the mother of Jesus has taught me what is precious. She has caused me to pause & ask "What kind of mother/wife am I" and "what kind of mother/wife do I want to be". Mary was pure and righteous before the Lord. She chose to listen to God & trust what He was doing in her through the virgin birth - though it may not have made sense and could have gotten her killed. She had a yes in her spirit and had a sharp focus on the Lord. She was a women of great faith & obedience. She trusted God with Joseph who could have left her upon hearing about her pregnancy. She gave God all her praise & she gave God her time so she could hear from Him & move in obedience to what He asked her to do.

I want to be that kind of woman - that kind of mom/wife. I desire to be found pure & righteous before the Lord. I desire to have a yes in my spirit and a sharp focus on the Lord. I desire to trust God with my husband & my children & the circumstances they face - knowing He is sovereign & loves them more than I do. I desire to give God all my praise & give Him my time so I can be obedient to what He asks of me.

2 Questions have DRAMATICALLY changed me this week. . .

"Are you willing to do your work today, realizing that just as Jesus showed all carpenters how the Son of God pleased God as a carpenter, so you as a homemaker live today to show the people around you how the Son of God within you lives the homemaker's life to the glory of God?"

"Will you choose to depend upon the Holy Spirit, who lives within you, to help you live a new life of love toward God & service for him in love to others? Will you deliberately change attitudes that need to be adjusted in order to reflect the attitude of Christ?"

Both sets of questions have caused me to consider what is MOST PRECIOUS. I know what is most precious - but my struggle is that many times my heart attitude doesn't reflect what I know in my head. Not anymore, He has unlocked something deep and I am changed.

"I am willing to do my work as a homemaker for the glory of God and the eternal good of my family. And I will choose to depend on the Holy Spirit because I cannot do it on my own - I've been trying that!!! He is in CONTROL . . .not me!"

Thank you Lord that you don't leave us on our own, but you are with us & you will help us. As fall approaches, I am reminded of the change in seasons. Thank you that you are a God of change. You desire to change us on the inside to reflect your son - I am so grateful that you don't leave me where I am, but that you'll take me to new places as I avail myself to you. I love you Lord!

Big Boy Room

I couldn't leave Bubby out. This is his new room. We had to get all new comforter & pillows, etc b/c of his allergies/asthma. So, this is what we came up with for now. We moved his bed under the window - let's hope he doesn't pull the curtains, we've been great so far!! He is showing the small pumpkin that he says he grew - but it really came from Grandma in Parsons, he had to have it in the picture.

This is a bargain picture I found shopping with my mom! I loved how it pulled the red out of his comforter and added a new blue color. He thinks it is awesome and wants to teach everyone their letters that comes in his room.

JM wanted a picture of his closet w/ his sister, so there you have it. His room still has some work, but it's coming along!

Big Girl Room

As Isabelle turned 6, I got a little antsy to make her room more of a "big girl" room. We moved her bunkbeds to a new wall, swapped furniture with JM, made her a "quiet" corner to read in, and moved the bookcase to the loft area to give her more space. She loves her new room and says it feels less crowded and more cozy.

Her dolls are sitting where the bookcase used to sit and her desk & quiet corner are where the bed used to be.

She loves having her bunk moved to this corner. There will be less sunshine in the morning! Check under the bed - we hung a string w/ clothespins for her to hang pictures.

This is her "quiet" corner. She loves it and thanks to Grandma Clare (Her great-grandma in Indiana) for the candle for her b-day. It is one that has a battery powered flame and smells great. It also changes colors. She loves to have the lights out and look at her books by candle light. She thinks it's all pretty special!!

Isabelle is officially 6

Today Isabelle is officially 6 - her day started with mom, dad, & JM singing "Happy b-day" at 6:30am - GOOD MORNING!! She opened her eyes with a huge grin on her face. She couldn't wait to head to school all dressed up wearing a birthday girl ribbon. Her name was read on the speaker during morning announcements, her principal brought her a birthday pencil, and she got to take cupcakes for her class. For dinner, she had her friend Natalie over for Tacos & Cupcakes. Natalie gave her a "beauty" chair that her American doll can fit it. They had a blast doing their dolls hair! THANKS NATALIE!!!

The real Belle dress from Aunt Shannon & Uncle Brent. What a fun present to receive from the mailman! She feels like the "real Belle" now!

Isabelle decorated these 20 cupcakes for her classmates! YUMMY!!

Natalie & Isabelle withe the beauty salon chair that Isabelle received!