Happy 6th Birthday Jordan!

Saturday was Jordan's 6th birthday! Somehow the oldest 'grandchild' is now 6 years old and in Kindergarten. When did this happen? I can still readily recall sitting in the hospital waiting room for hours... I think I was there for 14 of the 30 something hours Amy was in labor... until Jordan was finally born around 2 am. Somehow 6 years has snuck by since that day. Surprisingly I remember that day she was born as vividly as, or maybe even more so, than the days each of my girls were born. Maybe because Jordan was the first born into the family, maybe because there were many more hours of waiting to remember since Amy had such a long labor and both of mine were relatively quick, or maybe because I was experiencing the day as an on-looker, and had no pain, anxiety or pain medication to interfere with my ability to experience the moment or remember, all of which I strongly experienced when my girls were born.

We celebrated Jordan's birthday with her at her party on Saturday evening. We went and watched her soccer game and then went to the park where all the kids had fun on the playground and enjoyed hot dogs and cake. Ashlyn experienced her first tire swing. These use to be so popular when I was a kid but I haven't seen a tire swing in years until Jordan's party. I guess they may be viewed as too dangerous these days. It was apparent why they might be dangerous when some of the dads (of course) spun the tire swing high and fast where the kids could barely hang on. At one point even dare-devil Ashlyn felt a bit uneasy and decided to get off of it.

So Jordan is now 6. Ashlyn keeps reminding us that she is almost 5... these birthdays keep coming faster and faster each year. Slow Down Time!!!

GLOW Kids showing Initiative

Ashlyn is involved in a new, parent-involved program at church called GLOW Kids- Go Love Others in the World. The intent of the program is to teach children Christian virtues through fun learning activities, fellowship and service projects. As the children learn and carry out these virtues they naturally become part of their daily lives. "It was created to instill in our children hearts of compassion, generosity, and love for others through Biblical principles." Go to http://www.glowkidsonline.com/ to read more about it. September's virtue was Initiative- take the initiative to help others without being asked. We have 2 meetings a month: the 1st meeting we read books, bible stories, do crafts and play a game all related to and teaching the virtue. The second meeting is the service project. September's service project was at the Plano Community Garden where the children cared for the gardens. They learned that these crops will benefit the local food pantries helping the less fortunate who don't have enough to eat. Chris and Ashlyn really enjoyed digging in the dirt, planting seeds and learning more about gardening. While they were at the gardens, Avery and I were showing "Initiative" by picking up a Senior Box of individually packaged prepared meals for my Mimi through a program called Angel Food Ministries. Since my Mimi fell recently and fractured a rib (and a few months before that broke her wrist) daily living has become quite a bit harder. Mag discovered this wonderful relief program that provides quality meals for seniors and families in need at a more affordable price. http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ Both GLOW Kids and the Angel Food Ministries were started by just a few people. It's amazing to think what a big difference these programs can make, started by just a few, but benefiting so many people!

Wordless Wednesday, Cooking southern-style

My little chef-in-training is helping me make cornbread. It must have looked and smelled good to her since she kept wanting to take a big bite right from the spoon.

Open House for Avery

Tuesday night was Open House at Avery's school. Everyone gathered in a large room for cookies and juice first (I couldn't keep the girls away from the many, many dozens of cookies... just way to0 tempting, even for me). We met and visited with several families with children in Avery's class. Then we went in to Avery's classroom. We saw art work created by Avery and we were able to see her in 'action' engaging in various activities/centers through out the room. She has adjusted well and likes her school. Many mornings when we are eating breakfast and getting dressed, she'll ask, "My 'cool?" wondering if this is her school day. (she pronounces school without the 's') She gets quite excited on the days when I tell her, "Yes, today you go to school!" I love her school, too. I always sense a warm and loving environment when I am there and around any of the teachers and school staff. The only issue right now is she doesn't eat much of her lunch while at school. Her teachers send home everything that she doesn't eat and before we can get to the car she is already digging in her bag for her lunch. "Hunjee" she says. She'll eat it in the car but not during lunch time. I can't figure that one out.?

Happy Birthday Payton (on Sept 14th)!

Happy 3rd birthday to Payton! Wow, a big 3 year old. She is so petite, it's hard to realize that she is now 3 although she certainly loves "big girl" things like make-up and shoes. Her birthday party was on Saturday. Stephanie had it at their house and had a petting zoo! The kids had their faces stuck to the windows as they watched the animals being brought in to the backyard. They could hardly contain themselves as they had to wait patiently inside the house until all the animals were "unpacked" from their cages and corralled inside the temporary fence. Payton was happy viewing the animals from a distance for most of the party but finally was brave enough to go inside the gate and pet a few animals toward the end of the party. Avery was reluctant at first to get too close but inched her way closer and closer and soon was inside the gate and feeding the animals from her hands. Ashlyn, to no surprise, didn't hesitate for a second and felt right at home amongst all the animals. She even helped the animal keepers load all the animals up (including carrying a small goat) when it was time for the zoo to leave. There were so many cuddly and cute animals... I loved the week-old pot belly pigs the most. I guess because the little pigs brought back memories of the pig I had in high school, named Garth. (ha, ha) Avery loved the goats and pot belly pigs, Ashlyn loved the Shetland pony best, (Avery never would get close to the pony but Ashlyn spent most of her time with the pony) and Chris... well, he didn't have an answer when I asked him. I guess he enjoyed the food the best and watching the girls with the animals. Happy birthday little Payton. What a great party!

GOAL!

Ashlyn's very first soccer game was this past Saturday morning (8:15 AM to be exact!). I had a bit of trouble getting her to wake up until I mentioned it was time to get ready for her soccer game. She was up in an instant and dancing around with excitement! She is on a fun spirited co-ed team. You might be wondering how the boys and girls do playing together... actually, the girls seem to be tougher than the boys. The game was fun and even amusing at times. Ashlyn played a great game! We are quite impressed with how natural she looks out there- a little bit aggressive, staying right in front and close to the ball at all times, quick and alert. You never would have know that she had never played a soccer game before and had only had 2 practices. Best of all, Ashlyn scored a GOAL! I'm not too familiar with the soccer lingo, but she took the ball from the halfway line, dribbled it all the way down field and kicked the ball into the goal in what seemed to be just a few seconds. I was up on my feet, jumping and cheering. I may have been more excited than she was. Chris was so excited he forgot to take a picture. I think I managed to get it on video, but I'm not sure how great of an aim I was with the video camera while jumping up and down in excitement. Avery also enjoyed the game and tried her best, over and over, to join the team on the field. Ashlyn said she had a lot of fun playing and she can't wait until the next soccer game. Of course, the donuts that her teammate brought for the after-game snack may have been the perfect ending to the game, in her opinion anyway.

Ashlyn sporting her soccer uniform: Team name-"Blasters"

Ashlyn (#6) and her buddy spot the donuts!

Plano Balloon Festival

The girls, Chris and I went to the Plano Balloon Festival Saturday evening. This is an annual event that I look forward to each year. We had a fabulous time eating a picnic dinner while being entertained and amazed by the skydivers and 70 hot air balloons as they set up, inflated and then launched into the clear blue skies. The girls were mesmerized as the first few balloons took off; clapping, pointing and cheering with excitement. We saw such a variety of hot air balloons; many were beautiful multi-colored patterns which I love. The girls loved the daisy flower, dinosaur, tree with birds, pirate, and jungle themed balloons. What an amazing sight to look up and see so many great balloons hoovering just above us in the sky. After the last balloon launched, we headed over to the crowded kiddie area for a little fun. Then we decided to stay for the "Balloon Glow" at dusk. As the sun set, all of the hot air balloons lit up the field where they were affixed to the ground by opening their flames to coordinated countdowns and rhythms. A spectacular sight. Afterwards, the crowd was allowed to get up close and personal to the hot air balloons and their pilots. We had a lot of fun!