Gymnastics

Haven has started back up at gymnastics. It really makes my heart happy to see her do something she loves :)

Chores

Justus, after emptying his piggy bank to buy a stuffed Angry Bird, has decided he wants to make some money. So he asked Neil about ways to do that and Neil explained that he would have to do things around the house to help me out. Justus first response was to list off things he already did but we quickly informed him it had to be above and beyond what was expected of him on a regular basis.

I decided the best place to start was the baseboards. It could easily be sectioned off into rooms as to not be overwhelming. It was something Haven could do also. It was something I never do and it was at their level and I wouldnt need to worry about them breaking anything :)

So for $.50 a room they cleaned baseboards.

Justus also pulls the trash cans up from the curb at $.25 a can.

I thought this was a great start to their working career!

By the way....

Naps are a thing of the past in our household. It has been this way for the past couple of weeks.

Here are the kids pretending to be news reporters:

How Great God is

Sometimes God just goes out of His way to make me feel loved. Sometimes I just need to rest in His promise and have faith for what He has in store for me. These past few months have been such a testimony for both of these.

Before school started I was concerned because I had not heard super great things about our neighborhood school. I really wanted for Justus to have a great year and I wasnt so sure about our school. I also could name at least two other schools I wish Justus could go to.

But God knew.

As I wrestled with these thoughts I was reminded that God had provided our house. I 100% believe and know that God put us here. I had prayed for at least 2 years for a house before He gave us this one. We are in a FABULOUS spot. I LOVE our neighbors. I feel safe and it is everything I wanted my house to be.

About two weeks before school started I really relied on this - that God had put us here for a reason. That I needed to trust Him and look for what He had planned.

He also was going out of His way to show me His love. Through words from friends, contacts at school and other encouraging ways, He was showing Himself to me.

Then school started. The first day was great. By about the 3rd day it was evident that Justus was having unexpected struggles.

But God knew.

He knew Justus would have this struggle. He knew I would have this struggle. Lets face it, Justus' struggles are mine - how to parent him through all this.

God knew.

He knew I needed to be reminded how important being on my knees for my kids is. He knew He had picked out just the perfect teacher for Justus - at the perfect school. This teacher is amazing. She has worked seamlessly with me to find what is best for Justus. I cannot even begin to say how much I appreciate how perfectly she has handled all this.

God knew.

And He gave her to me. And later I found out that she is a Christian and she is praying for Justus.

So now we are taking each day at a time. Justus has been doing soooooooo much better. I think he has found his rhythm.

God takes such good care of me. He is Great..... He always is!

Tooth Fairy visit

Last night the Tooth Fairy got to visit our house for the first time! J has had a loose tooth for quite some time. In fact, when we were last at the dentist in July, the dentist showed me his xray and said he would loose it very soon.

So Justus has just been working on that tooth, getting really loose until it was just hanging on by a thread.

While I was at the store, Justus was having a hard time with how loose it was and it was bugging him. Neil told him he could pull it out. Justus wondered if it would hurt and Neil said only for a second.

So Neil pulled it out.

The Tooth Fairy come and left 4 quarters in exchange for the tooth. :)

Before:

After:

Hot Air Balloons!

This morning we got up so very early to go see the Hot Air Balloons. I got up sooooo early the clock still said 5 as the first number. I dont think Ive been up at that hour since my kids were babies.

But anyways, I got up and made muffins and hot chocolate (and coffee) to take with us. The kids got up a little before 6 brushed their teeth and changed and we all hopped up and were on our way.

Breakfast was first.
Then our friends Mrs Brooke, Tristan & Titus came to join us.


Neil took the kids over to see the balloons up close and personal.

It really is fun to watch!

Jog A Thon

Justus got to participate in his first ever Jog A Thon. I know he really enjoyed being able to run around at full speed.

I remember doing Jog A Thons when I was a kid. Except I remember the track being much bigger. Maybe its just that I was much smaller then, who knows.... ;)

He did great. He did a total of 12 laps.

They stretched before they got started.

Then ran while all the parents cheered them on.


At the end they got water and an Otter Pop.

So fun!

First game & first goal!

Wow - Justus did great in the first part of the game! He even scored a goal!!!

But after the first time he was in he kinda lost momentum or should I say interest.

In the meantime - here are some fun pictures.

J hustling after the ball:

J about to score....
Then the score!
J getting after it!
Corner kick in
Go Blue Lightning!!!!

Blue Lightning 2011

We decided to try another round of soccer. When J was 3 he played but we think he was just too little to get it.

So this year, we decided to give it a try again.

His first practice went well. Our friend is the coach and her little boy that is Js friend is on the team too. Justus actually seemed to want to do the drills and actually be able to accomplish them mostly.

Here are some pictures:

J in action

Team getting ready to throw their ball then they went and got it and kicked into the goal
J getting his ball to the goal

Team huddle
J and a water break

Haven and her little friend having a good time.

Labor Day weekend

Our weekend was more like a very extended time of fun because Neil took off the Friday before and the is off the Tuesday after. So even though the kids still have school, its been nice to have Neil around.

Friday I did work most of all the day but Neil took the kids swimming at my sisters house.

Saturday was such a lazy day. Neil mowed the yard. I slept lots. Then we got to go visit some friends for dinner. We spent some time swimming and then had a super yummy, very relaxed, back yard dinner.

Sunday we went to church and then after quiet time we went to visit Neils parents and share a meal with them. Papa got a new grill so he made us some yummy burgers on it. Cant have Labor Day with out grilled burgers.

Today is Monday and I did get up early and run with friend Brooke 3 miles. Then it was back to Katies to swim then home and now a relaxing evening with the kiddos.

Tomorrow Neil is off and both kids have school so we will see what fun things we can come up with to do :)