Where does it go?

Time is going by too fast. Not just the part about my kids growing up, but time in general. There doesn't seem to be enough time to do everything! Time to blog, time to exercise, do my devotions, visit with friends, grocery shop, cook, clean, play with the kids, relax...

So, the blog has been suffering a bit. This whole project life thing is fantastic (I'd recommend it to anyone!) but I find myself saving pictures and then it's Monday night, then Tuesday then the day is done and I'm a week behind. again.

But life is good! Apart from the lacking blog and Project Life, I am feeling on top of things, and getting things done. I'm working part time and enjoying that challenge. I think that I need about a year after having a baby to feel back to myself. The lists have begun and I will catch up. I will exercise, feed my kids, even play with them!

Ok, enough. :) I'm loving this fall weather. We've been doing some great fallish things-- playing outside in long sleeves (graham is fun to watch as he explores!)

climbing fences, running races,

picking up leaves, getting dirty,

playing peek a boo, and cleaning up the yard (ok, just shane and I have been doing that!)

I've made applesauce in the crock pot and next month I'm going to can some with my MIL. Can't wait for that!

Fall candles are going in the house, an orange wreath is by the front door, and the mums are finally showing their colors. So, while I'm super busy, I'd love to have you come over and share some applesauce, or a cup of tea, or coffee. Come anytime! :)

Another fun book!

We have enjoyed Max Lucado’s “Hermie” series on DVD many times at our House. This series of children’s stories is cute, relevant, and has messages that are meaningful. In this book, Hermie and his friend Wormie, wonder why God make them so common. They compare themselves with other bugs they see and want to be like them. They don’t understand God’s plan and ask him why he made them as he did. God continues to patiently speak to them and let them know they are loved and that he has a special plan for their lives.

This is a cute book with colorful pictures. They draw your attention in. While I don’t think being “common” is a problem our kids will have to deal with, the idea of wanting to be like others, or have whatever someone else has will be something they will most certainly deal with. It’s a challenge to make sure our kids know that they have been made exactly how God wants them to be and that they are a continuous work in progress. This book is a good stepping stone for discussion.

It’s written as a level two reader and while the words are most certainly readable, in my opinion, I do think that it is a bit long and when reading it, the child’s attention may not last but I still think that it’s a great book with a great message for kids!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Project Life Tuesday

I just spent the last hour trying to load the last week of August pics, and then I did it and captioned them and ... lost the post. So we'll go backwards again. at least their up! Words to come...

Monday, September 12- Playing outside with Daddy!

Flashback Friday

This is a flashback for Shane! We went through the attic and I found a pile of his baby clothes!! This outfit fit Graham perfectly, if not a little small. (sizes have changed since then, this was 18 months!)

A flashback from 36 years ago or so! Thanks Grandma Shirley for saving these!

Birthday Boy

We had family and some friends come over on Saturday to celebrate Graham. It was a fun day!

loving his gifts!

and his cake!

how hard is it to get a fam. picture? (hard!)

lovin the balloons!

his owl cupcakes!

Catching up #3

Here's the final catch up.. (besides birthday celebrations!)

Graham loves to pull all the magnets off the fridge.

Grahams first owie. He fell on Gracie's castle in her bedroom (he loves being in there!)

Gracie loves her princess book from the library. I love walking there. Two birds with one stone!

Graham is getting into his toys. This race car goes down the track and he'll do it over and over.

He'll also stand on things now. He's very adventurous!

Kels and I went down (to the front!) to sit with Jayma and Joanne and Nicole for part of the Women of Faith Conference. LOVED seeing them and being close for part of it!

Reading with Grace

Grace and I love to read together. So when I showed her Gabby God’s Little Angel, by Shelia Walsh, she was thrilled. I have seen Shelia Walsh’s God’s Little Princess Series a few times and have been looking forward to reading them with her. While this book isn’t a direct part of the series, it does not disappoint. Gabby is a sweet guardian angel who herself is a bit… mishap prone! She’s sent to watch over Sophie as she learns to ride her new horse Glitter. Sophie herself has had her share of mishaps and so they are a perfect match. Their adventure is fun and makes Gabby’s first assignment a big one!

When I sat down to read this with Grace, she was immediately drawn to the pictures. They are colorful and perfect for even small children. She asked about the angels and that let to a good discussion of what an angel is and how God sends them to protect us. Her attention was held throughout the entire story. Although she can’t read, the color changes in the wording made it fun for me to read with expression. Because she’s so young, she didn’t catch all of the humor that makes this book so cute, but she did understand that the angel helped Sophie.

This book was great for her level but also would be good for older children, as they will be able to understand it at a deeper level. Our discussion was simple but relevant to her at her age. No matter what the age it’s a fun read and a great look at how God sends his angels to watch over us always!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”