Monday Morning Fire Drill

I was helping out at Ben's class this morning when the fire alarm went off. Wow, that brought back a lot of early childhood memories. My first reaction was, "Oh Brother!" But as I watched how quickly and efficiently those students and teachers evacuated I was so impressed!! They lined up, turned out the lights, grabbed the emergency bag and headed across the parking lot in no time at all. In fact I was so impressed it actually brought tears to my eyes! That was unexpected, but I realized the fire alarm wasn't my reason for tearing up. It was the fact that I was just feeling generally blessed. Blessed to live in such a great community. Blessed to send my boys to a good school where they learn lessons in life, in addition to the three R's. Blessed to be able to know their teachers and help out in the classroom. Blessed to feel safe in my little corner of the world. Blessed that it wasn't snowing and the sun was shining. Life is good. And to think, I could have slept in and missed the fire alarm!

Abstract Art

I think we have budding young artist on our hands. And it's not Benjamin this time. Micah has begun to love to color and draw. In fact, I'm contemplating getting him a ream of paper and an ink cartridge for Christmas. We are constantly printing out coloring pages for him. The other night when I said no, he asked, "Can I draw?" Yes you can!! So here's an abstract art piece I found on a google search for abstract art:
And here are a couple of Micah's drawings:

We're going to keep an eye on his ears, but add a little color I think he's got something going here! I'm his mom, but I think these are pretty good for a three year old!

The Lellow Cwayon

Phil always comes home to warm greetings. Actually he comes home to a house of little boys and a loving wife who all have something they need him to know at the very moment that he enters the house. He can barely open the door without being attacked with shouts of, "Dad look at this!" "Guess what happened today?" etc. etc.

So the other night he and I locked ourselves in the computer room so we could get a minute to discuss some things without interruption. Before too long Micah came pounding on the door and wouldn't leave us alone. Phil finally said, "Go away Micah." In the saddest little voice, on the verge of tears, Micah exclaimed, "But I need help finding a lellow cwayon!!" I stifled my laughter as I told him where to look for one. When we came out of the computer room, Micah was happily coloring at the table with his lellow cwayon. Very cute!!

It's amazing how we all have our own little struggles, which at the moment seem like the only really important thing going on in this world. Most are easily solved and probably seem like nothing to onlookers. My current struggle is my chair being kicked by that same little three year old who would like some lunch (a popsicle.) I'm off to defeat the dragon!

No. 1 for No. 2

Benjamin lost his first tooth last night! It was pulled out by his big brother who has gained much experience over the last 1 1/2 years.
And yes faithful readers, the tooth fairy is making a come back...

Jacob wanted me to post this picture he took of the boys. They have sure enjoyed drawing today. Here's one of his favorite "scribble art" pictures.

I love Fall

I love the crisp autumn days...not TOO crisp and snowing, but crisp, sunny and beautiful. I wish there were more of these days!! Yesterday was one such day. We had to convince our young Jedi's that it was time to get out and do some training, but once we were on our favorite fall trail, they really got into it as you can see!
As the mother of these Jedi's, I have to admit I have a bit of a hard time getting into the whole Star Wars thing. I just don't quite get it, I don't think it's in my blood...but I'm trying. The R2D2 pumpkin was my attempt to fit in...it's really about as close as I get:
But check out the great pumpkin my sister-in-law created. She really is amazing! The pumpkins in our patch all scrambled to be the one she carved.

Happy Halloween!!!