The Costumes

 Pippi

 Batman

 Luke Skywalker (again!)

 Our little chef

People were WAY too generous and we have way too much candy and it was really cold.

But- it was lots of fun!

Our First Snow

 I am one of those people who jump for joy while others groan when snow is in the forecast.  I was glad to watch it flurry most of the day yesterday and to see a slight dusting on the ground this morning.  I would have loved a little  lot more.  We're all thankful, though, that the storm really wasn't bad here.  Praying for people up north.
The kids wasted NO time in getting outside this morning.  They took the pictures while I stayed warm.

 Everyone's snow gear still fit from last year!

You'd never guess the wind was still whipping around.

Kayla found a lone strawberry in the snow.  I didn't know we had any left.

The real reason they go out in the snow.

Hot chocolate.

Of course I gave them some.

p.s This is my 700th post!  Thanks for reading!

Waiting

My kids have red, rosy cheeks.  They said they had better get outside while they still can.
There is homemade applesauce simmering on the stove.
The deck has been emptied of flower pots and bird feeders.
I have bagged ice and Brian has shopped for food and batteries (along with everyone else in town).

Will our pumpkins and pretty fall leaves be covered with that 3-5 inches of snow I just heard about?  Or will those leaves just get blown all over the drenched neighborhood?
What will be, will be.
For now, there is a quiet, cloudy stillness outside.
And we wait.

What's the forecast where you are?

Read Aloud Thursdays

We have come across some treasures in the past few weeks.  I often wonder how I missed so many of these as a kid, and I was a reader!  I remember my mom taking me to B. Dalton's and Marie's Bookstore and the library.  I read lots of good books then, and I still get to read lots of good ones now.

 

The Family Under the Bridge is our current morning read aloud, and it's quickly becoming a favorite.  I love how the "starlings" effortlessly work their way into Armand's heart.  There are sweet lessons to be learned from these homeless children and an old man in France.  We've enjoyed looking up some of the famous Paris locations mentioned in the book.  It takes place right around Christmas- maybe save it for December!

 

I read  In November Sammy and Lucy this week.  The imagery and illustrations make November and colder weather so very appealing.  A beautiful book with lovely language.

Also- though these aren't "read-alouds" in the sense of settling in on the couch and turning the pages, I'm putting a plug in for books on cd- in the car on a trip, in a kid's room for some quiet time, while playing with legos, etc...  While they aren't a substitute for reading aloud as a family, they are a good way to get in even more good story time.
Here are a few titles that have been playing in our house the past few weeks.
Pippi Longstocking
Ramona and Her Father
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Nancy Drew

Linking Up to Read Aloud Thursdays

Kayla's 9th Birthday

I am having a hard time pulling my kids indoors out of this beautiful fall afternoon.  What I'd really like to do is find a place in the shade and settle in with a good book.
But.
There is school to plug away at so we will in a few more minutes.
First I need to backtrack a little in my blog/family journal for Kayla's birthday.
Our girl turned 9 on Friday and we took a little trip, complete with birthday money from family.
She really enjoys her American Girl dolls so my mom and I took her to the A.G. store near Washington, DC.  Jack and Brian stayed home and had their own fun. Sammy and Lucy stayed with Papa and went to the pumpkin patch, among other things.

First stop- Starbucks for coffee and hot chocolate.

Next stop, American Girl Store!

 Kayla had fun spending her birthday money after looking around, and looking around somemore.

I was so proud of her- she had plenty to spend but chose not to spend it all there.  I think she made some good choices.

We had "tea" after we shopped.  

 Mimi made one of her famous homemade cakes.

Enjoying birthday cake.

Our trip was lots of fun but I think my favorite thing about this birthday was what I saw between Kayla and Jack.  He didn't come with us so she didn't see him or daddy on her birthday.  Several times during the trip Kayla commented how she couldn't wait to see Jack.  She also saved her "birthday cereal" for Sunday, when we would be home and could have it with everyone.  And, Jack made her (second) birthday cake.  He did a really good job, and she loved it.  

I hope those two along with Sammy and Lucy are always good friends.

Happy Birthday Kayla!

Brian's uncle, Tommy Sutherland, passed away Friday morning.
I always think of his kind smile when I think of him.
I know he will be greatly missed.
Pray for his family and pray for Brian as he leads the service this coming Friday.

"Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?"

1 Cor. 15:55

A New Reader and A Thankful List

Guess who read his first book today?
He did great and was so proud. Loved it.
This is the book all the kids have started with- it's full of short a words and a few sight words.  It's been fun teaching this little guy.
So far our week has been very busy but somehow we're fitting it all in and I find myself thankful.
Sunday afternoon I had a mental "thankful list" going.  The death of someone you know should always give you a little perspective, and it did.
A few things I was/am thankful for:
*a warm, breezy fall afternoon
*my boys playing together out in that lovely day (with saws and branches)
*people who let their tears flow in church
*people who let their tears flow at my table
*marshmallows and happy kids and my husband building a fire out back
*the church coming alongside those who mourn
*night-night kisses from my littlest one
*Kayla's day with a friend
*texts telling us we're missed
*a check-on-you call from Mom
*lunch after church
*friends who take time for my kids
*a husband who loves people well
*morning rain on the window when it's still dark
*friends who make me laugh