Jacob

Wasn't it just yesterday that this face was looking up at me?

That cute little boy who loved to play with cars and legos.

Who took such good care of his little sister.

And liked to dress like his daddy?

How did the years go by so quickly?

Jacob, such a tender, gentle boy.

Always concerned with the needs of others. Rarely asking anything for yourself.

What a gift you are.

How very loved.

Now on the verge of turning thirteen.

One minute still the little boy.

The next, acting more and more like the man you will become.

Still so gentle and protective.

Asking hard questions and not settling for pat answers.

Taking on more responsibility at home.

How grateful I am for every minute I've had to be your mother.

Happy birthday, son. How we love you!

Crazy Hat and Hairstyle Day at AWANA

Fall Pictures

Ask and Ye Shall Receive... -or- We Finally Found the Camera

Hannah made this journal for her friend's birthday.

She decorated Abby's gift box as well.

Boxes made for the candy to sell in the shop.

Paper flower wreath for the shop (hope this doesn't sell- I want it).

Abby's finished paint-by-numbers. It will go in Jacob's room later.

Hope's paint by numbers.

Cabinet is a work in progress.

Beadboard for the back.

Bottom of the cabinet waiting for Brian to put the drawers in and to make the feet.

P.S.: Camera found in Hope's room, in a basket for tea party dishes that was stored in her oven. Wonder why we couldn't find it?

We lost my camera sometime after we got home from the mountains. Looked everywhere. Even moved the fridge to see if it fell behind (and vacuumed the floor under the fridge, too, while we were at it). Goodness, where could this thing be?

Brian is hoping to have the rest of the media cabinet done soon. He has finishing details like beadboard along the back on the inside, crown molding for the top, feet for the bottom. I have to figure out how we will paint it. I'd love to post a picture of how it's coming along, but...

Abby finished another paint by numbers- the one that Jacob didn't want to do. Now she's on to another one that is more her style. She also got her driver's permit and has enjoyed driving around.

Hannah has been working more on her booth this week, getting ready for the holiday season. She was encouraged when one person bought seven of her cards at one time. So, thank you to that person out there!

Jacob is working hard on school. He is especially enjoying his studies about engineering. He really liked learning about Demolition Engineering. My sweet quiet boy wants to learn more about blowing things up. Oh goody.

Hope is loving AWANA. She said six verses this week and earned her book and t-shirt. She loves being able to spend more time with her friends as well.

I am still working everyday with my vision therapy. Sometimes my vision gets blurry at the wrong times (like while driving) since my brain gets confused what it's supposed to be telling my eyes what to do... But overall I am enjoying being able to see more comfortably. I had a face-to-face conversation with someone this week and my eyes didn't get tired afterward, which is wonderful. Seeing fall in a bit of 3D has been a fantastic experience. I never knew the world was so beautiful.

Hope to find the camera soon!

Breckenridge

Brian has obviously been working waaay too hard on the media cabinet this week, so it was time to give him a break and head for the hills.

Who needs Wal-Mart when you can have "Al-Mart"?

This was on the same block as Al-Mart. There are no words for this.

AH, this is what we came for!

And this.

And this.

Beautiful fall colors.

At the coffee shop in Breckenridge.

Sadly, not everyone was happy the entire time.

But it was fun to get away for the day.

Watch out for that first step...

Brian's Project

Brian brought in the shell of the media cabinet to see if it is going to fit.

He noted that our TV will, unfortunately, look very puny in this cabinet! Ah well. At least no one will know when the doors are closed.

He's hoping to get the rest of it finished this next week when he takes time off.

Booth Decorated For Fall

Tonight is "Girlfriend's Night Out" at the shops. There will be refreshments along with shopping.

We went by to make sure Hannah's booth looked alright for the event.

We added a few new fall cards to the baskets.

Hope all those ladies want to buy cards!

Around the House -or- I think I may have forgetten how to blog.

The newest obsession here on the windswept plains? Paint by numbers. Amazing what joy a little Michaels clearance sale shopping can bring.

Abby even listened to some of her school work while painting. It was the first thing she wanted to do when she woke up and she would paint as late as she could (til the sunlight wasn't bright enough to work).

Hannah painted the really big one.

I'm planning to frame it and put it in the master bathroom. It reminds me of the chalk paintings that Burt made in "Mary Poppins". I don't think I'll be able to visit this charming village by jumping into the picture, sadly.

Here is Abby's finished painting. She has it in her room above her bed. She's working on the one I got for Jacob now (Jacob wasn't interested).

Ready for church.