Apple picking

We had a great time with some good friends on Friday at the apple orchard. The kids had a blast running up and down the rows of trees and picking apples. It didn't take long before our bags were full. The kids wanted to continue to pick but we already had more than we needed. Today the girls and I decided to make some applesauce. I peeled the apples and cut them off the core and Ella chopped ALL of them up by herself. She was so proud and did such a fantastic job. Maddison added the water and sugar. I normally don't even like applesauce but this was GOOD. Something about making it yourself and about it being warm. We had it with dinner and the entire batch is gone. We are going to make more again tomorrow. I still have plenty of apples left to make a apple crisp or something of the sort. I love this time of year.

Week number 3

And so begins week number three (ALREADY?!) of Ella's Kindergarten career. She is a champ. Loving it, loving her friends and yes, loving coming home at noon. We spend part of the afternoon playing and having lunch then we do a bit of school work at home. We are working on some math today but a lot of what we are doing are the Dolch sight words. We started last week and she has 10 of them down like nothing. I am going very slow and adding 5 words a week. I want it to be fun and not a chore. We are taking trips to the library again next week and at the end of this week are are planning on doing some "scientific study" in the backyard.

I joined a local homeschooling group and they have been very gracious, inviting us to events already. It is going to be a great glimpse into what is out there for us. We are trusting God to lead us in the direction he wants us to go as to next year for her schooling.

Last but not least, today is the 2 year anniversary since Maddie's surgery. I am amazed by all of my children everyday but today is one that I really celebrate her. I can never thank God enough for all he has done for her and in turn me. My faith has grown by leaps and bounds and I know with His guidance it will grow even more.

Two days down

Ella has been in Kindergarten for two days and is doing well. She is SO tired after school so how on earth could she be expected to do a full day? She took a nice nap today with Grammy and was still a bear shortly after. I know it is all new right now and hopefully soon we will fall into a good pattern.

Maddison seems to be enjoying her time alone with Mommy. She comes home and goes straight to the toys. She asks me once in a while, "Where Ella go?" But does seem to mind when I tell her she is at school.

The weather is unseasonably warm. We had to turn the AC back on today because of the humidity. Funny that after school starts and we take down the pool that it gets hot again. That's Michigan for ya.

A kindergartner??

Can you believe there is a Kindergartner in my house? After a shaky introduction to the new idea of an all day kindergarten things have smoothed out and Ella will be starting school tomorrow. There was so much back and forth, rumors, lies and other things going on I was sure I was just going to homeschool her this year. Bret and I prayed about it a lot and decided to go ahead and send her. If she has trouble or we aren't happy with the way things are going I will pull her out then.

In a way I still took matters into my own hands. Less than a week before school was to start and still no definite word from the district on if there was going to be a 1/2 day program. So, I called and enrolled her in the school with the option to take her out at the 1/2 day point ourselves. I think this will be a good compromise. I am looking forward to speaking with her teacher and working out all of the details. She should be able to stay longer on the days the have "specials" including gym class, art, music and computers. Any curriculum she might miss the teacher will give to me so I can teach her at home.

I am excited to watch my little girl blossom and grow this year just like she did last year.

Party

Maddie had a fantastic party. The park was great, lots of places for the kids to run and play on the equipment. When we first walked up I was a bit surprised to see other people in the pavilion since we had it reserved. I found out they didn't have it reserved which gave us priority. My Dad and I grabbed up just about every picnic table there and laid everything out.

The sky was very grey and unbelievably cool for August 22. I bet it was barely 60 that day. Everyone had on coats, long sleeves and a few even had jackets.

Maddison was spoiled beyond belief with awesome gifts. She got lots of Wubbzy and Kai Lan things. Some nice outfits and of course some dolls. Little miss CRIED when we sang happy birthday to her. I think she was afraid of the candle but it was too cute.

A fantastic year, a fantastic party.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Today is Miss Maddie's SECOND birthday! My how time has flown. We have her party tomorrow so we were busy prepping for that today. First thing this morning when she woke up I told her happy birthday. She told me, "Happy Birthday Mommy." Melt my heart. :) I hopped up and gave her a couple of presents. She was so excited. Clapping her hands and saying PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. This was the first time she KNEW how to tear into those presents. Shredding paper and having a blast. I can not wait to see her at her party tomorrow with even more gifts from friends and family. When we were on our way to pick up big sister Maddie was singing in the back of the car, I'M TWO I'M TWO, TWO TWO TWO TWO TWO!

We have been so blessed by God concerning her health. Everyone remembers her scary and surprising start but what a glorious day to celebrate now. Thank you God for trusting us with Maddie and giving us such a sweet, funny loving little girl.

Catching up? HA!

I thought I was going to sit down and be more disciplined about my blogging. Obviously it hasn't happened. Summer is whizzing by and I can't even remember what happened yesterday. The girls are having a great time. We bought a small 9' pool a few days ago and they have been nothing short of fish. Even Maddie will get down low and swish her arms like she's swimming. Ella is practicing floating on her back and putting her face in the water. B....she goes EVERYWHERE. Jumping flipping, dunking. It's so fun to watch them. Even Grommet has been in a couple of times.

School for Ella is still up in the air at this point. The district keeps going back and forth on the 1/2 day vs. whole day Kindergarten. I don't really care what they decide, she will only be there for 1/2 a day. They can figure the rest out.

Maddie is about to turn two and plans are in full effect for her big birthday. It's going to be the biggest Wubbzy bash yet. I am so excited to see her in her outfit and surrounded by her family and friends on the big day.

Briana was invited to play in a softball tournament so she has had many practices for that. She will be great. Can't wait to watch her play.

Bret is back to work after a six week lay off. Four days a week 10 hours a day. It's been an adjustment. I suppose after a couple more weeks it will be no big deal. We are just thanking God he is back to work.