Happy 7th Birthday!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Kayla!  She's 7!

I think this has been the year of the endless birthday!  

A birthday supper with Granny and Grandpa,

a birthday visit with Mimi and Papa,

a  sleepover with three little friends, 

a birthday lunch with Daddy,

and lots of happy birthday wishes from friends and family.

This has also been the American Girl birthday: both Felicity and Julie from grandparents.

Of course the most special thing about this birthday is our birthday girl.

We are so thankful for our Kayla!

Toodles

 Oh, how we love this girl!  She's getting way too big.  Walking around furniture.  Babbling away.  Waving.  Eating big girl food.  She even has a nickname, which I don't think I've mentioned.  The kids started calling her "Toodles."  And it stuck.  She responds to it.  Not sure where it came from but it makes me laugh.  Even Kayla's friends call Lucy Toodles!

Stumbling

Brian's teaching a Sunday school class on Philippians this fall.  This week we were into chapter 3, verses 12-14 in particular.

"Not that I have already attained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.  But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus..."

You know how it is when you've heard verses over and over but one day, they hit you in a different way?  Maybe because I've struggled with my own heart on this lately, on keeping my eyes focused.  I just didn't realize that was part of the problem.
One lady made a comment that went something like this:  "I've heard that the easiest way to lose a race is to look back at all the people around you."  In other words, taking your eyes off of the goal is a sure way not to get there.  I do that all the time.  Comparing myself to other moms, wondering what someone else thinks of me,  trying to figure out what another person would do in my situation, etc...  And my eyes are no longer on the prize, the Lord Himself.  I have allowed my joy to be snatched away and discouragement to take its place.  I've made other people the gauge for how I'm doing instead of God's word.  I've cared more about my own comfort, ease, and self than I have about what God thinks.  And I've stumbled.
But praise be to the Lord that He does not leave me there.  And that no matter what, I cannot lose Him.  He has secured the goal, the prize, in Christ.  He is the prize! 


It has been a few hours since I wrote that bit.  It's now mid-afternoon.  So far, we've had a good day.  We went for the nicest walk after lunch.  The breeze was perfect.  Sam and I spotted a wooly-worm crossing the road.  We stopped to watch it.  
Samuel asked "Where is that baby woowy-woom going?" 
"I'm not sure.  Do you think it's a baby?"
"Yah- he's looking for his mommy and daddy."
We watched that worm for a while.  Even had to turn around and go back to find him once.  


It's been a busy day and the house sure shows it.  I'm not sure where to start!  But- I'm going to try and keep my eyes on the prize and let the rest fall where it may.  
First things first. 

10s

Our sweet Lucy is 10 months on 10-10-10!

Mommies

Today Kayla gave a short presentation at CC about a job she would like to do when she grows up.  She's always said she wants to be a doctor or a nurse.  Every trip to the library includes picking out doctor and nurse books.  A few days ago she said she might like to be an astronaut with her friend Emma.  But, what she finally decided on was...a mommy.  Part of me braced myself for her answers when I asked her why? and what does a mommy do?  I know full well I am not the best example for her.  She was kind, though, and I loved her answers.

Mommies get to have babies and play with babies.

Babies are so cute.

Mommies take care of their families.

They make their dinner and clean their clothes.

They love their families.

You have to shop for your family.

You get to have a good little girl helper to help with dishes and things.

You get to have people to love.

That last one's the best.  For sure.

Pumpkins

I can't believe it is still quiet in the house.  6:40 and no one else is up??  Aaahhh...I love these dark, cool mornings.  I am tempted to get a jump on the housework that is calling my name but I think I'll put it off until later.  Quiet like this doesn't come often.
Last Friday my good friend Michelle called and asked if we wanted to go to the pumpkin patch.  Yes!  She is expecting her 6th pumpkin any day now and I think she needed an outing.  He's due tomorrow actually.  Can't wait to meet him.
So we worked for a while then headed out.  The weather was just right for hunting the best pumpkin.  Sunny, breezy, and just a little chilly.
It made me think back to when Kayla and Jack were closer to Sam and Lucy's ages and we could just take off and go.  Life seemed a little more carefree back then.  All these new stages bring their own joys but I still always enjoy thinking about the ones that have passed us by.

This big pumpkin is Kayla's.  Our friend Nathan has been taught well to be a gentleman and carried her pumpkin for her.  Sammy thought this little one was perfect for Lucy.  I agree!

Book Sale!

my finds

This weekend was the annual book sale at the local Y.  Of course that gets my heart beating a little faster.  As does walking into a small room full of mothers and young children and strollers but not for the same reasons.
So although it was hard to really look, I did find a few gems.  Brian and Jack went later and found a few more.  We had fun looking through each other's piles.
It's been very quiet around here...