A Mid-August Update

Our summer continues to fly by in a blur.

The wedding is now a week behind us and outside of the monsoon that came during the celebration, all went well. My brother and his new wife are vacationing in Maui and I've not heard a word. I'm guessing that means they are enjoying themselves.

You might think that I would feel somewhat lonely and bored after Serina moved out but just three days before the wedding, we got company. Aaron and Melissa Weil came to visit and do a show at the church. They have a music ministry and travel all over the country performing and witnessing. Jay and Aaron have known each other for years and were even accused of being twins through much of their teens. If you would like to see what they are all about check them out at http://www.aaronweil.com/. I think most of you came to the show but for those that didn't, head on over to the website.

Anyhow, they were here for a week, which means they left Tuesday afternoon. We had a great time. Jay got to take three days off while they were here. One for the wedding, one freebie, and one in which the four of us got to go to Silverwood. We rode rides, walked the park, and stuffed ourselves with elephant ears and ice cream cones. The best part of all, thanks to one of Jay's co-workers, we got in FREE! Of course the roller coasters were a definite highlight. I do not think I will be going on the After Shock again any time soon. A little too scary for my taste. I don't like to think that I am actually going to die.

The school room is slowly being mucked out and we are planning to have a yard sale next Saturday. Today I cleaned out the boys' room and tomorrow will be my room and possibly Avril's. There are still some things that I need to make final decisions on in the boys' things, you know, toys that are broken to bits but still frequently played with. That sort of thing. Plus I still need to do the end of summer closet clean out to prepare for their winter attire. I probably will do this shortly before our trip to New England next month.

Speaking of, we are still plannning to go but have not yet purchased tickets. We shall see.

Jay's oldest brother Chad has recently returned to the States and is making a quick over the country visit to his family. I believe we get them for a day next weekend. It will be good to see them as it has been six-and-a-half years since we did last. Their three little girls are now all teenagers and our three little ones now exhist. It should be a good time. Even if I am bitter that we only get a day! *smile* At least we get to spend Thanksgiving with them!

Some new changes may or may not happen at UPS that will give Jay more time at home. Please be in prayer that it does happen as we have been feeling his absence these days.

Adam has been growing in knowledge and attitude. We are trying to nurture the knowledge and doing our best to squelch the attitude. I am looking forward to starting school in just a couple short weeks as I think he will thrive this year. Plus I imagine that having something to do all morning long and more attention from Mommy will help the attitude. The poor boy just can't be allowed to get bored or the trouble starts. I also believe that doing a daily Bible lesson will do wonders. Jay and I have decided we need to have a family Scripture reading and prayer for a few minutes each evening but I plan on doing a more extensive lesson in the mornings. We also revised his chore chart and he has been informed that he will not be fed breakfast until the first half is done. He was also told that there will be treats involved upon completion of a day's chores. He seems gung-ho for now.

Rowan also shows great interest in academics lately. He has sponge letters for the bathtub and always asks me to tell him what they are. I may be starting some form of preschool with him as well. He hates bugs and I think, will be glad when they stop invading our house. Me too. He has been closely observing his brother and has started mimicking the snide remarks he hears. However, he usually only needs to be reminded once whereas his brother is a little more work. Rowan also asks quite intelligent questions these days. Such as ,"Why didn't God make kids human like you and Daddy?" Or, "Why can only humans talk and not animals, or stools, or toilets?" Can you tell he was going potty on this one?

Avril is walking! Each day she walks a little more. I think she may actually walk more than she crawls now. She has also started trying to communicate a little more. This girl is busy. I think she may give little Trista a run for her money! Look out boys, they're gonna be one heck of a duo. Although, dear, sweet Adah may keep them in check.

She seems to have moved past the two naps a day stage which means I will have to contend with her during school as well. But, no fear, I have a plan! Since she is usually napping during the boys' movie time I think I will buy the Baby Einstein dvds and let her watch one while I'm working with the boys. That way maybe she'll get some learning in too! Of course, when the school room is done, there will also be a lot of their toys down there to play with.

As far as school goes, I do plan on having somewhat of a routine. If you know me, me and routine don't usually go hand-in-hand but I intend to prevail for the sake of my children. I believe that there is enough of my dad and sister in me that I can get things done in a timely manner. And enough of my mom in me that I can do it without freaking entirely. And apparently enough of my sickeningly positive husband in me to believe that to be true!

I have a schedule in the making but I shall leave that for another day.