Today

Isabelle and I braved the cold today to run errands. I was trying to work my list for the week, some of which didn't get done. I promised Ellie I would join her for lunch... a treat for both of us. She perked up as I walked through the gym door where her classmates were already eating. She must have told everyone I was coming. One friend shouted, "There she is Ellie!" She was proud to lead me over to the special table where parents sit. I knew I made Ellie's day.

I am preparing for two trips coming up this week. Bill leaves for Chicago tomorrow and will return on Thursday -- yes, another business trip. We will then head to Hot Springs, AR on Friday to join several married couples (our church's annual Married's Retreat). I must say I have been looking forward to this weekend get-away for some time now... just Bill and I (and well Isabelle). Ellie and Amelia will be staying with PawPaw & Mimi.

Footnote: Isabelle enjoys the baby swing now and has been known to catch a few naps in it. :)

Hallelujah Night

Our church had its annual children's Hallelujah Night. This is a festive evening filled with games, a costume contest, a moon-bounce, and lots of candy! The girls enjoyed themselves as Daddy took them from station to station playing games and collecting candy (Mama is always looking for the chocolate pieces).

Amelia & Ellie wore matching shirts

This year Isabelle & Jacob were with us

Jacob came dressed as a Duck & won the infant costume contest

Happy Birthday Ashton

The girls were invited to a friend's birthday party. Ashton, who is turning 5 in a few days, has been a close friend of Ellie's since early childhood. The girls had a big time at Chucky Cheese. As soon as we arrived, they kicked off their shoes and started up the enormous indoor tunnel. (Ask me later how you get two rowdy girls down and out of that thing).

Harding's Pumpkin Patch

Amelia's Early Childhood class had a Pumpkin Patch at Harding Academy this week. Everyone was to select a pumpkin of their own to take home. We have a lot of carving to do with all the pumpkins we have collected over the past week.

Our Sweet Baby Girl

5 weeks old

The Pumpkin Patch

We spent our Saturday getting out as a family and took the girls to "Harding Fest". They enjoyed the playground with several school friends while we chatted with their Harding parents.

After lunch we joined Uncle Jason, Aunt Becky, Jacob, Aunt Janet, PawPaw & Mimi in search of the perfect pumpkin. Luckily Uncle Jason knew where they grow pumpkins. This was the girls first real PUMPKIN PATCH. Amelia immediately darted out in the grove and started gathering every orange pumpkin she could carry. What fun! Everyone walked away with a pumpkin including a small oddly shaped pumpkin Amelia selected for Isabelle.

Baby Swing & Serving Others

I decided to drag out our baby swing for Isabelle today. After assembling and wiping it down, I carefully placed Isabelle in it and buckled her up. She just stared at me and then begin to fuss. Okay, well she didn't gravitate to it like Ellie did. We'll spend a little time in it each day until we get the hang of it.

We had a visitor today, a friend & co-worker of mine from work. She was thoughtful to bring a dish over she had prepared. I was reminded of other's generosity and how going out of your way for people is being Christ-like. I needed the reminder to help see beyond myself and my family's needs. Thank you, Paula.

Family Photo

Ellie & Amelia have returned to Harding this week leaving Isabelle and I with some time alone during the day. The girls continue to do well in school. Ellie brought home her first book which she read on her own. We were extremely proud of her accomplishment and decided this deserved a 'prize' along with learning to tie her shoes! Amelia continues to learn a new letter of the alphabet each week. She recently participated in the Angels in Training choir during our church's children revival. I am amazed at how uninhibited she is with trying new things and always wanting to be first.

Isabelle is one month old today. I've noticed she watches and follows me with her eyes. I believe in one of our silly moments I actually caught her smiling. It is such fun to share in her development -- I don't want to miss a moment.

Daddy's Home

Bill came back home yesterday evening from his business trip in Las Vegas. He was gone for a total of 5 days, which some how seemed to stretch out like weeks. Needless to say, the girls & I were excited to see him walk through the door. I have a new found appreciation for Bill.

Ellie & Amelia have been on Fall Break this week, so the four of us have been home together... and let me say, watching two active little girls (we won't tell Daddy what all we broke), and one sweet newborn is exhausting. The late night feedings that Isabelle is demanding might have something to do with my mid-afternoon drowsiness. One night she slept for five straight hours! Hooray!! Overall Isabelle is growing and changing. She is so sweet as she listens intently when I talk to her. Here we are having a leisure moment & sharing secrets.

3 1/2 weeks old

Our Girls

The Twins are here

Our good friends, Chuck & Jennifer Brown, had their twins October 1st. We have been anticipating the twin's birth -- a little girl, Ava Grace and a little boy, Aiden Alexander. I had an opportunity to meet the new family of five while they were still in the hospital. Congratulations, Ava & Aiden are beautiful!

Big brother, Eli meets his new sister & brother

Ellie's Kindergarten Class

"Miss" Christy Cobb's Kindergarten Class

Harding Academy