Ode to my favorite coffee

Without you, Anderson's fine coffee, I don't know where I would be. You get me out of bed in the mornings, help me start my day, and represent all that is good in this world. You bring back memories of our time in Costa Rica, you taste so good! You deserve half and half and real sugar, and slow sipping.

Good Times All Around

This child is such a flirt!
Max jumped first, then Annabelle decided that she didn't want to miss out!

We went to the fair this past weekend, despite the fact that we had just finished round 2 of the stomach virus that is going around! Actually, Darren and I were the last ones to be sick, so we didn't really eat anything while we were there. Something about outside vendors and what they had to offer just didn't seem appealing considering recent events in our household! The kids loved it, of course, and ate their fair share of french fries, root beer, cotton candy, snow cones, and funnel cakes! Simon learned how to wave at people-too cute! He was too busy people-watching to scream about being restrained in his stroller. We had a great time!

Al Otro Lado

Let me start by saying that I love true stories, documentaries, history, etc.! Tonight, as I was about to go to bed, I got suckered into a show on PBS about illegal immigrants-it was fascinating! Darren and I were glued to the T.V. As a Texan, it could not be more relevant, and gave such a great picture of the people of Mexico, what they think and how they feel about the U.S. and their home country. The issue of illegal immigration feels so much more personal to me now-definitely closer to my heart. What a great reminder of the big world that lies outside of this east Texas town!

Germs

We have been reading a cute book about germs...ironically, Max had a stomach virus last week, Annabelle got a stomach virus last night, and Simon has just gotten over 3 weeks of a cold! We are praying that no one else gets this stomach stuff! The upside is that we have enjoyed relaxing at home, except for Max, who believes relaxing to be torturous!

While we sleep,

she decorates! We call it "Sissy Art." She "arranges" things in really creative ways, and during the day too. We wake in the mroning to find her works of art. Her medium? Any small object. Her jewelry, pipecleaners, the fruit in the fruit bowl, or whatever she can find! There's no one like our Sis!

Firsts

Lots of firsts around here these days!
Annabelle had her first day of preschool! I have been conflicted about her going, but finally have decided that 7 hours per week is not only "permissible," but "beneficial" as well! (1 Cor. 10:23) I hate every second without her, though it is amazing how much schoolwork Max and I get done on those days!
Max had his first day of the homeschool enrichment program he is attending at Pine Cove. Are you kidding? They made giant globes the first day and learned a ton of geography! I was thrilled! I love the people that he gets to be around there.
First big project in this house! Darren tore out our bathroom floor and is tiling that plus our shower-Yay!
First sickness of the season. Simon brought home a cold, which everyone has had, me being the last one! Max had a 24 hour stomach virus, but so far no one else has gotten it.
I am excited about the fall and what a new season in our lives will bring!

Dedication Day

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36

Chef Max

Max made dinner for us a few nights ago...his famous super terrific hoagies! Partly inspired by the book "Junie B. First Grader-Boss of Lunch" and partly self-inspired-he was so proud!

Comments:

Darren: Yum. Hoagalicious!

Me: That is the best and TALLEST hoagie I have ever had!

Annabelle: You are the best hoagie maker EVER!

Max: A chef doesn't usually eat his own food, but I'm going to!

A Great Book!

I finally finished this book-Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel. I purposefully took my time reading because it was SO good, that I wanted to really think and pray through it. If you have never read it, it really affirms some of the things you probably already do and believe, but explains why in a biblical way. I think I will re-read it once a year, kind of like Sheperding A Child's Heart. It is cheap on http://www.amazon.com/. Thank you, Mandi!

Peace and Quiet

Apparently, it is hard to find a place to be alone for some peace around here.