Vocabulary Lessons

"Silly beans": Leah's explanation of what caused her horrific breakout of hives at the fair last week. I think it's a combination of her familiarity with silly bandz along with the fact that we think her reaction started when she played in the SOY BEANS in Agriland (i.e. similar to a sand box, but filled with soy beans - next to the corn "box" and the wheat "box").

"Squirt": Leah's term when she got dressed yesterday in a frilly little cute brown SKIRT that I bought her. In context, "Mom, did you buy this squirt for me? And that other one?" Cute.

"Popsicle Juice": Jacob's term for a snack he actually sometimes prefers over the actual popsicle. You know, the kind that are enclosed in plastic that you buy as liquid & freeze them when you get home. Jacob said, "Mom, I saw popsicle juice at the store; can we buy that sometime?"

Whew, time flies when you're having fun!

Wow, so Beth brought to my attention last night that my last post was "July 22 to be exact." Just been busy, I guess. That week after the 22nd, Patrick was gone pretty much all week with work and then last week we made the big trip to the Washington Town & Country F-A-I-R! After a tiring week for all of us, it was nice to take a break and have some fun on a mini-vacation before school starts next week. And, Patrick was even able to take a day off! Yes, that's right; I worked last Monday & Tuesday evening, then I left with the kids on Wednesday morning. Patrick rode the Amtrak into Washington on Thursday evening.

So, updates to be made and pictures to share. I need to get caught up on a lot of things, why not start with memories - before I forget!

Hospitality and Listening

I enjoyed reading this today...a homily from a great priest!
Hospitality and Listening

Field Trip: Moon Marble Company

This morning I took the kids on a field trip. We went to Moon Marble Company in Bonner Springs. They have marble-making demonstrations there and we had a great time watching a man make handmade marbles, one at a time. It was actually neat for me to see, too, how the glass is layered to make the different designs. He said he's a fast marble maker and made each one in about 15 minutes. I think the kids had a lot of fun, too. Then we of course shopped in the toy/marble shop for a while. It was really neat to see the variety of marbles they had there. I'm sure we'll be going back there some time.

Anne's 1 Year Stats

Last week Anne had her Well Child Visit. Along with receiving 3 shots, she was measured at 23lb 13oz, 28 3/4 inches long, and developing normally. Yeah (not that we were surprised). Dr. Herrick figured she may be a bit scared about standing much and recommended we try & get the other kids to distract her to see if she'll do it...and she will/does. She sure does seem scared, though - terrified, actually. Cutie pie.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

Monday was a great family day and a wonderful day for a birthday. Happy Birthday, Anne! (aka Anne-boo, Boo, "Sweet Pea", Annie, etc.) What a great girl, a priceless little happy girl. She's content "scootching" around the house, getting to what she needs or wants. She likes music (great at moving to the music) and seems to also really like playing with shoelaces. Her favorite words are: "Momma," "Bubba," and an occasional "Dadda." I love how happy and full of smiles this laid back girl is. The year has gone quickly and she is such a blessing. Jacob made a great comment on her birthday morning, "Mom, is Anne one now?" I said, "Yes, Jacob, she is." He said, "She doesn't look different to me." Hee, hee. He thought she still looked like a baby; I don't want her to change too quickly! I don't mind if she waits a while to walk, either; I'm in no hurry to see her grow up more!