Wordless Wednesday: Big Boy Bike

{Taken: 10/09/07}

See more Wordless Wednesday post at Five Minutes For Mom

Tackle It Tuesday

What is the best part about autumn? The falling leaves of course!



This time of year my kids look forward to the day that the leaves are raked into a large heap. Then they have fun jumping, falling, throwing, and hiding in the leaves. Today was that day. After breakfast I bundled the kids up (this time of year: coats, hats, layers, and mittens) and went to work.

Oh the fun that was had!

After the kids went down for their naps, I got down to the real task - raking, scooping, and putting them all in the yard waste bin. I'd say I got 80% of the front yard done. The 20% left is taking into account the maple tree in my neighbor's yard that still has leaves on it. I know they were just waiting for me to break a sweat - now that most of the yard is done, they'll fall tomorrow!

There you have it. My first "tackle it tuesday" mission accomplished!

Five Things I Know For Sure

• I KNOW. . . (after this weekend) that having even just ONE family member living close to you is important. One that you can count on for anything and everything and you being the same for them.
• I KNOW. . . that my children's laughter is infectious. The more they laugh, the more I laugh. Good medicine.
• I KNOW. . . that snow in Spokane is inevitable. It's not a matter of if, but rather how soon and how much.
• I KNOW. . . coffee and chocolate (especially together) is also good medicine.
• I KNOW. . . there is always something to be cleaned, sorted, or put away. Mind, body, and home.

Happy Birthday, Troy!

Troy, Happy Birthday!

May this be another wonderful year, full of God's perfect blessings.

I love you!

Washington State Voters: VOTE NO on R-67

An email from my husband:

Hello! This is a little out of character for me, but I wanted to let you know about a ballot issue coming up in November that hits a nerve for someone like me who works in the insurance industry. Have you heard about Referendum 67? On the surface, it may look like a good way to keep insurance companies from burning people who file claims, but it is more likely to increase the cost of doing business for insurance companies and higher premiums for consumers. This November, please reject the referendum.
R-67 calls for hitting insurers with triple damages and unlimited plaintiff's legal fees if a court finds the company unfairly denied a claim. The standards that courts will be required to use in judging these lawsuits under R-67 will be the lowest in the country -- making it much easier to force companies to pay for unqualified claims.
If insurance companies face the threat of triple damages and unlimited attorney fees with every claim they adjust, they'll naturally become more cautious in evaluating padded claims. Those extra legal claims dollars -- and the extra legal fees spent fending off the jackpot-seeking lawyers you see on TV -- will increase the price everyone pays for insurance in Washington.
Check out www.reject67.org for more info. Let me know if you disagree. But most of all, be sure and vote. Just carefully consider R-67.
Thanks!

Update on Tyler's "School"

Since the 07/08 official school year started in September I've been working with Tyler on "preschool" activities. Although he won't be in Kindergarten until Sept 09 he's really enjoyed learning the fundamentals (ABC's & 123's). He's also enjoyed the "preschool" they are now offering at church (both on Thursdays and Saturdays).

My emphasis at home has been on handwritting, identifying the letter, and the sound associated with it. We sing the song that we learned from one of leapfrog toys that we have: "A says (insert sound here), A says (insert sound here), every letter makes a sound, A says (insert sound here)." Here are some examples of his lessons:


Tyler is doing great! We are only on "C", but we have all year. Troy and I are so proud of his progress and the fact that he is finally interested.

Thanks for stopping by,

Happy Fall Everyone!

Is it fall where you are? I get various reports from people across the country. Some are still in shorts and tank tops, while other (like us) are purchasing winter jackets and hot chocolate. Here in Spokane we don't ease into seasons. When we lived in the Seattle area all the seasons kind of melted into one another. Here it's 90 degrees one day and 55 the next. If you don't believe me just look at our dropshots account, you will see the kids in swimsuits, shorts, and skirts one day and in the same week bundled in rain gear and hats.

We enjoy fall. Pumpkins. Falling leaves. Warm food. Hot chocolate/apple cider. The kids and I have been busy making a few decorations. Tyler enjoyed making a jack o' lanter windsock one day. Two days ago I made spiders the kids could play with out of egg carton and pipe cleaners. They are constantly asking for another project. Anyone have any good ideas? What are you doing to welcome in fall?

Our newest neice/cousin was born yesterday. Phoenix Kelly. Welcome to the world little one! We can't wait to meet you. She was born at OHSU at about 7:30. According to reports she was 6lbs 13oz with a full head of dark hair. Cory, we just know that you are going to be an awesome daddy! Brittney, although we have yet to meet - I know you are going to be a great mommy! Hopefully we'll see you three over the holidays.

That's all for now - hope you are being blessed with all the beauty fall has to offer where you are at.