"Doing my periods"

Today while driving to church Kate was reading one of her little books from school. She would read a sentence and then take a huge breath/sigh. After a few times I asked her what she was doing because I had no clue. The book wasn't about smelling things or anything. She told me that she was "doing her periods." It just cracked me up. Obviously, her teacher makes a big deal about punctuation when reading. I just LOVED it..."doing my periods." Someday she will have a whole other thought for that comment...hahahaha!

Betty Boop or ...?

At the Dollar Tree you can find really old cartoons for guess what - a dollar! So we pick these up periodically because Kate and Anna are fascinated with them. Anyhow, one of their favorites is Betty Boop...however, today Anna pleaded with me to let her watch Booby Bop!

My Pilgrims

So mad at myself for forgetting my camera for today's feasts at school. Oh well! I am horrible at remembering my camera. I found a few pilgrims though and brought them home with me. I thought they would be a great asset to our family...thinking they should know how to do chores like laundry, cooking, mopping, etc.

Okay...so maybe the go-go boots aren't so pilgrimy.

Thanksgiving Day Crafts

We are heading to my sister's for Turkey Day. The girls and I have been working on some crafts to make the day extra special. They LOVE crafts and said today, "Mommy, you have the best crafts." While I sometimes despise the mess and even the headache, I love doing the crafts with them and nurturing their creative juices.

We made these a few weeks ago. If you can't tell, it is supposed to be a pumpkin.

Caught!!

Gross I know...but reassuring nonetheless! Scott had a drama filled morning! HA!! Cleanup Day!

Spoke too soon...

about lovin' the country life. Yeah, the country life has it's pros and cons. Since we moved in (4 years ago) we have only had one mouse. Unfortunately, we do have a new friend. I guess I don't truly think of him as a friend. In fact, I feel totally violated when I notice all the places he has been in my kitchen. YUCK! Those little black things in the corner of my drawer are exactly what you think they are. GROSS!! If you choose not to come for a visit soon, I understand and won't hold it against you...

O - H - I - O

Just getting ready for the big game!

Actually...I made spaghetti for dinner tonight and had the girls help me with the breadsticks. I told them they could make whatever they would like. After a few minutes I looked over and bless their little hearts, they spelled OHIO!! They did this completely on their own!! Gotta love it!! So of course I had to capture this moment...

GO BUCKS!!

God's Providence

I don't believe in coincidence...I believe in God's providence.

The past year has definitely had it's fair share of ups and downs. Well, it actually feels like an unfair share from my selfish perspective. But God's unfaliable Word says in Romans 8:18, "For I know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." I cannot even begin to pinpoint all of the ways that God has revealed Himself to me and His faithfulness to my family over the last year. Hindsight is always 20x20 and I get so excited as I look back over the year, or past few years for that matter, and see His workings.

One of the most tremendous blessings has been our church and the unwavering preaching of our pastor. Weekly Scott and I are challenged to dig deeper into the truth found in God's Word. Also, through our church we have began to develop friendships and be blessed by some incredible people. These different friends have done more for us than we will truly ever realize. They have cared for our children, been prayer support through some difficult trials, been an outlet for fun and fellowship, and even more so shared our desire to go deeper.

Another blessing straight from heaven has been the constant love and support from our family. My mom and dad are absolutely priceless as they keep me company many evenings, invite us to share a meal, and watch over the baby girls when travel is required for the job. They do it with smiles and hearts of true servants for Jesus. Scott's dad and Joy also just pour out their unconditional love for us and our girls, making the trip north as much as possible to ensure an active role in our lives. Connie, Scott's mom, provides relief so Scott and I can have our time to foster the needs of our marriage on the weekend. The grandchildren are the apple of her eye!

I am also so deeply thankful for the reconnection with many friends over the past 6 months, through Facebook nonetheless. Strolling down memory lane reminds me of the growth I have made as a person and believer. I love big and I love deep! These friends will forever have an imprint on my heart and life...even if we lose touch again due to time, distance, or other circumstances.

It is overwhelming to think how God knows what is coming down the pike for you...and then truly surrounds you with people who want to love on you. Why do I am sometimes have a hard time understanding His unconditional love for me? It is because my feeble mind cannot and will never understand the full greatness of who God is... So, I will KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid and rest in Him, who has promised to provide for my every need.

Coming...

At the top of her lungs...

Anna: Mommy!
Cara: Coming...

what seems like 2 secs later....
Anna: Mommy, I need you!
Cara: Coming...

what seems like 2 secs later...
Anna: Mommy, I need you!
Cara: Anna - I am coming. Please give me a minute.
Anna: Don't be kidding... :)

Things that make you go "Hmmmm?"

Kate wants a "medium baby" for Christmas. Hmmm? We have a ton of "medium babies"...so why do we need another one. Also, "medium?"

Kate asked me to give her leg a "deep massage." Hmmm? What 5 year old asks for a "deep massage?" I don't even get massages, let alone a "deep massage." Also, what's up with me giving her foot rubs?

Anna was sitting on the back of the couch swinging a jump rope. When I asked her what she was doing, she said that she was catching all the bad animals. I then asked her what she was doing with them. Very matter-of-factly she responded that she was sending them to heaven so Jesus could deal with them. Hmmmm?

I LOVE how their little minds come up with this stuff! Whenever their comments exhibit the pure innocence in which they see the world, I am reminded that Jesus said, "...anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15)

O Holy Night

What can a momma say about that? Precious...

Santa's Elves

Hmmm.... Who are these little munchkins?


Yes, we realize that it is early for the Christmas tree. Oh well...

Bonfire

A few weekends ago after a long day, our family enjoyed the comforts of smores around a bonfire. We love the country life!

Kate's Kindergarten Fall Party

Me assisting with the classic "Go Fish" game.

Everyone make a funny face!!
(Kate is wearing the black hat...)

Trick-or-Treat

Kate = Pink Poodle
Anna = Ballerina
Camden = Mr. Incredible
Jagger = Humpty Dumpty
Lori gone brunette! :) HA! :)
(mute music to hear video)