We're still here!

39 weeks today - I went in for my appointment yesterday and just about punched the grandmotherly receptionist when while she was checking me in said, "Oh... You look ready...". I've been "ready" since I hit 37 weeks!

Anywho - all violent tendencies aside, we are all trying to wait patiently here. My kids ask me daily if the baby will come today. Whoever happens to say family prayer and even during our before mealtime prayers the person giving voice to our group prayer ALWAYS prays "that the baby will come out today". So, it's hard to wait patiently when everyone is wondering out loud...

In other news...

Emily - 3rd grade (just recently lost her top right front baby tooth)

Emily has hit a major life milestone - yesterday when I picked the girls up from school she informed me that she now has a boyfriend!
Emily: "Mom, I know you're going to say that I'm too young for this, but, remember that boy Christian in my class that flicked me the other day?"
Mom: "Yes..."
Emily: "Well, I like him and he likes me. Now he's my boyfriend!"
Mom: "Okay, What does that mean?"
Emily: "We go out on dates and stuff."
Mom: "You aren't allowed to date until you're sixteen..."
Emily: "I know, mom."
Mom: "So, what does 'going out on a date' mean?"
Emily: "Oh, you know, go out to dinner or a movie... or just hang out on the playground together."
Mom: "Oh, okay." end of conversation.

I am not sure what I was supposed to say - but at this point, I'm just glad that she has a boy that may stand up for her on the playground instead of trying to smack, punch, hit or spit on her. She loves to play with all the boys and likes to hang out with them (I think because boys are "easier" to deal with sometimes instead of the all the girl bossiness and drama). But, boys don't usually want a girl hangin' around - unless she can hold her own. She has loved playing soccer for the first time this season and seems to have an affinity for it. Jared has enjoyed being the assistant coach and will probably do it again next year. Emily is content to play under her father's tutelage.



Lindsey - 1st Grader and avid rollerblader!

Lindsey is doing so well in first grade! She still struggles occasionally with the longer hours at school - insisting that she misses me while she is at school. Her teacher says she is several levels ahead in her High Frequency words and is already through 4 "I Love Reading" levels. Grade level average is level 2 at this point. She picks up and reads books at home all the time! She does so well at sounding out all her letters and truly "reading" to herself! She independently works on her letters and numbers - making up math problems, drawing clocks and writing out the time (one o'clock) next to them, and coloring pictures everyday after school. She also is showing me her independence and a desire to separate from me by wanting to go and play with friends. She just loves to skate and ride her bike!

Tanner loves to hang out with Mommy, but has recently developed a good relationship with Daddy. They go out and shoot together, train the dog together and do MAN STUFF together. Daddy has been really doing well at listening to Tanner and they have developed a mutual respect towards one another - which is so important between any and all children and parents. Jared has been really satisfied with the way Tanner and his relationship is developing.
Here is our handsome little pre-school boy...