As the Leaves Turn...

Fall is here. Sometimes I believe that we all stay so busy we are unable to enjoy the bounty of the season. I find myself needing a "break" from the hustle and bustle of each week so I can remind myself and my children the importance of listening - allowing God to speak to our hearts as he reveals His desires.

As the leaves turn... I will share our Autumn Adventures!

MILLSTONE CREEK ORCHARD FIELDTRIP

Colin's 1st grade class visited this family owned and operated orchard to enjoy a little fresh air time in the country. They were able to sample a variety of apples, discovering the different taste and textures. Watching apple cider being made with an old-fashioned hand press - then enjoying a sample was a real treat!

THE PICK OF THE PATCH AT RIVERBEND FARM!

P.I.'s - Pumpkin Inspector's at your service!!!!

PUMPKINS COME AND PUMPKINS GO, BUT A JACK-O-LANTERN STEALS THE SHOW!


Picking out the seeds to be roasted for a tasty treat - YUMMY!!!!

Hard at work...well just Daddy!

The Finished Project...Can you guess what it is?

HAYRIDES ARE FOR HORSES!

Evan's preschool had their share of fall festivities this week. Wearing their pajamas, his class went on a hayride, was visited by a sheep and baby goat, painted their own little pumpkin patch and of course ate lots of yummy treats!

Big Man on the Preschool Campus!

Evan has entered the world of preschool! I have to admit I had mixed feelings at first. I knew I wanted him to go. That was not an issue. I thought I would be a little sad because this is yet another sign of him growing up quickly. Surprisingly, I did not shed any tears. In fact, Evan walked right in on his first day as if he was a "big man on campus!" He goes 2 days a week and loves it. I could not be more thrilled with his teacher and his classmates.

This is Alivia. She lives across the street from us and is only about 6 months younger. These 2 are quite a pair. Evan loves playing with her and is so sweet with her. As you can see in this picture she is sweet with him too! They are in the same preschool class and are fast friends. Funny...Colin had a little girl he clinged to in preschool for many years. Sadly, she moved away. This pair reminds me of Colin and his friend Emily. I pray that Evan and Alivia will always be good pals - he may even be a little protective of her too!

It's Elementary!

School Days are upon us. I can hardly believe that Colin is in the first grade. He was very excited to begin the school year - not because he would see his friends, not because he had a new teacher, not because he was in 1st grade....He was excited to wear his new shoes!!!!!

We are anxious to see what this school year brings!

The Many "Hats" of Summer 2010!

What a summer and where has it gone?

It is hard to believe that in less than 2 weeks, Colin will begin his year as a 1st grader. He turned 6 just a few weeks ago. I just cannot wrap my mind around the fact that 6 years ago he was an infant! People were not kidding when they told me that time flies when you have children. The highlight of his summer was the loss of his first tooth. The "tooth fairy" was quite generous under his pillow since this was his first one. He already has another tooth that is very loose. I am trying to prepare him for the fact that the "tooth fairy" may be facing hard times during this recession....ha ha...think a 6 year old will comprehend our country's present ecomonic state?

We were able to take a spur of the moment beach trip. We enjoyed our time away. Colin loved every minute of the pool, ocean, sand and breeze. Evan...well that was a different story. He would rather stay on the balcony and be a people watcher. He had little interest in the beach, did not like the sand on his feet and would only stay in the pool for a short while. Maybe next year will bring about a different perspective from our Evan. I have told many that I need a vacation from our vacation because following a toddler around is exhausting but he is only little for a short while...we will celebrate his 6th birthday sooner than we think!

Missing something?????

Enjoying a ride or two...maybe three

Not much to say...it is what it is...all you can do is laugh!

Totally Evan's wardrobe idea for the day!

Welcoming the Journey

Wow...May has flown by but has certainly been a month to remember in more ways than one!
Evan is growing like a weed and is a complete sponge, soaking in everything he sees and hears. He loves to copy all that his big brother does. He goes non-stop but does manage to give quick smiles and hugs that will melt your heart. Colin has completed kindergarten. I cannot believe how fast this school year has come and gone. He was blessed with a wonderful teacher and has learned more than I ever imagined. He was given a classroom award for having the sweetest smile and the Fruit of the Sprit award for Love. We could not be more proud. However, within the midst of these accomplishments, he has dealt with chronic stomach pains that resulted in a diagnosis of Celiac Disease. I never dreamed this would have such a profound impact on him and our family. So...we will move forward with a smile... a journey that will keep us on our toes!

Evan loves Elmo and certainly liked watching this Elmo that showed up at a birthday party for his good friend Alivia. However, he wasn't all that interested when Elmo picked him up.

PLAY BALL!!!!!




"Put me in Coach...I'm ready to Play!"

What a grin - up to no good for sure!

"A great teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart"

A fantastic end to a great kindergarten year!

Spring Flings And Easter Things....The Glory in it All!

Easter is the only time of year when it IS a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket! We did just that. Colin enjoyed a fun-filled egg hunt with his kindergarten class. Both the boys enjoyed another egg hunt with good friends. We dyed eggs at home just about every color we could think of, maybe even creating a few shades of our own. Yes...the Easter Bunny made a stop here to leave the boys a basket full of goodies. He even remembered mommy and daddy's favorite chocolates!
Despite all the fun and excitement, we still remember that we celebrate more than the number of eggs found or what that special bunny left in our basket. Fun memories they will become but nothing can be compared to Christ's ultimate sacrifice. We want our boys to know that God has written his eternal promises in EVERY aspect of our lives.

"Praise to God for a Living Hope. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3

"Hoopin' It Up!"

Colin played basketball for the first time this winter. Although he was one of the youngest and smallest on the team....HE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THE GAME! He put everything he had into each practice and game. He certainly tried his best and actually learned quite a bit along the way - We could not ask for any more from him!