A Quick Update

Things have been rather busy around here - thus finding it hard to take time out to blog. Ever since the time change, when the kids go down for the night I go down for the night. No more late nighters - like it was before. Perhaps it's the shorter days, more hands on interaction with the kids since they don't venture out as much OR .... perhaps I am just getting old and need more rest. :) I know one thing for sure - I feel so much better the next day and I can function more clearly.

We have had an absolute gorgeous Fall this year. There is still allot of color out there. The girls have had so much fun playing in the leaves. We have not yet had a chance to actually rake and pick up piles. The leaves seem to be coming down slower than other years.

A few weeks ago my brother William and his wife Gabbi came to visit. We had a WONDERFUL time! If you visit Our Photo Album you will see some pictures there. Of course, I have regrets of not taking more pictures. Of course, that is how it usually goes. We took a day and drove out to Amish Country. It was so beautiful! We look forward to going again sometime.

Update on Princess Emma: Emma is still going to school and loving every day of it! She has learned so much! She is now constantly asking us how to write different words and as we tell her letter by letter she writes it all down. We also have flash cards with pictures on them and a word underneath. She recognizes the picture so she knows the word and she will sit down and copy the word and say "look mama, I spelled Cat"! Or - "look mama, I spelled Apple"! She is so proud of herself and so is mommy and daddy! The bigger she gets the bigger of a helper she is becoming. She helps me set the table, wash the dishes. She is pretty good at keeping her room clean (when she is in the mood) and picking up the living areas when asked. She is such a delight! She LOVES to make us laugh with her silly "knock knock" jokes - they are VERY silly - but yet - TOO cute. :)

Update on Princess Abigail: Abbi talks about school, her friends and teachers even though it is all imaginary. She always tends to try and keep up with her big sister Emma. :) She is starting to recognize some of her letters by sight and can write her "A", "H", and "O" - even though her "A" is upside down most of the time. :) When we walk in a store or down a sidewalk - she spots squares and triangles - and excitedly points them out to us. She LOVES books, coloring, painting and playing with play dough. Since the days have been cooler we tend to do allot more along those lines. Her and Emma recently made a Kitty and Puppy puppet out of brown paper bags. They are so proud of their little project. Anything that involves cutting, gluing, writing - things like that - the girls are right there doing it. They love it. She too has become a very big helper. Her favorite and most accomplished task it setting the table. However, cleaning her room is at the bottom of her list. Her idea of clean is hilarious. I end up finding things stuffed under beds, couches, in drawers - I guess she figures "out of sight .. out of mind".

Lord willing, tomorrow morning we will all be heading down South to spend the Thanksgiving Holiday with my family! We are all very excited and looking forward to it. I have been busy cleaning house, mopping floors, dusting.. and all the good stuff! I like to leave knowing everything is clean and in it's place. I packed most of everything we needed last night - now it's just a matter of bathing the kids, packing a few last minutes things .. loading the van .. running the dishwasher and we are all set! Please keep us in prayer as we travel - we can't wait to see everyone!