Sunday Review

We arrived at church on Sunday to learn there is a problem with the projector that displays the song lyrics and PB's message.

Scott may be the only guy who can a) carry the giant ladder and b) will hop right up into the heights of the ceiling!  In dress pants and shirt no less!!

He hit the reset button and all was good.

PB would definitely be another guy who could do it, but he's preparing to preach before service.  However, he still graciously paused to authenticate my passport pictures and form!  He really is a special man, and leader.

After church we headed home, but before we got out of the car I broke the news to the kids, that for the next 4/5 months we will be watching football on Sundays.  No TV for them!  That's a big deal, but they responded well and found their own way to cope:

Watching Cinderella,

Or a much needed nap!

When Toby did wake up he showed some interest in the game, which is great.

Then it was back up to church for the monthly Family Experience, a service that is all for kids and has dances, skits and experiments.

Both Scott and I were performing this time.  Here he is as Potipher's wife in the story of Joseph

And then again as Pharoah!

Toby helped show how circuits work

While Emma is all about the drama!

Yeah, church is definitely boring and lifeless!!  (Kidding!!)

Attic

The attic is done, and ready to store the stuff from the basement.  

It would be such a great den for the kids, if it weren't for these

Copious amounts of nails from the roofing shingles.  However, I plan to keep it clean and functional, so should we need to use it as such in the future the kids can go up there if they're mature!

It's really exciting, to finally have that as usable space - the first step in having more space to live in.

Scott really did a great job, working in the heat too!

Trying new things

On Tuesday Scott worked some overtime and then headed to a baseball game we were given tickets for.  After all his work over the "holiday" weekend, he deserved a night off!

I also decided it would be a good time to try my hand at something I had considered for a while, but never done before: mow the lawn!

Our yard is pretty big, with a lot of grass, but I wanted to give Scott a break on that too.

So I pulled out the mower (we have two, one is broken, so I was pleased I picked the right one first time!) and started it up.

With two kids driving around, fighting over the cars I had to stop fairly often.  There was also a bloody knee to clean up.

Then I figured out how to use the weed whacker to trim the edges (a little too much in places), before using the leaf blower to clean up the grass.

I think I did okay for a rookie!

The best part was realizing I burned over 400 calories!!  I think I'll have to make this a regular thing.

School Girl

And so ends Emma's first "week" at school.  I can't say for sure, but I think the stress of this week caused extreme fatigue and headaches!  I've been wiped out at the end of each MORNING!!

How has she liked it?  "Good" is her response to the question each time.  I don't think she's made any super best friends yet, but that's just like her.  She does her own thing and will be friendly and sociable.  I'm not ready to panic that other kids haven't taken to her.

I have always lamented never having a had BFF (best friend forever), thinking I must've missed out on that special companionship.  Maybe I did, I'll never know, but I am also thankful that having a broad (and effectively shallow in depth) range of friends caused me to be self-sufficient and independent.  I still retain much of that, which is more of a hindrance in my relationship with God, but being married to a true BFF, and having developed some amazing friendships in recent years I am able to let my guard down.

It's also quite likely that deeper ties to home would've held me back from making huge steps in life that have brought me to a life I couldn't have dreamed of, with a great sense of wholeness.  And that is what I want for Emma - to follow God's plan for her life and trust that the right people will meet her along the way. 

So, Thursday was her first time flying solo.  She was not even slightly nervous, and expected her teacher to personally "introduce her to the class!"

I drove up to the school, and they have a car line, where a teacher collects them from the car and walks them inside.  You don't have to do that, but I didn't realize and so when suddenly she was out of the car and I had to move on, without time to even take a picture, I felt guilty. 

When I returned to pick her up a couple of hours later I walked up to the door to collect her.  I happened to pass the playground where her class was playing before the end of the day.  Emma was not really playing with anyone, but she was joining in with the large group.

I did see one little girl that was in Emma's ballet class.  They weren't really "friends" at ballet, but her mom and I got along, so maybe we can help forge a friendship.

I also connected with a mom who was really excited to learn that we are Christians, and lives not too far from us.  She and her daughter are coming over for a play date on Tuesday.

I know I can't force Emma to befriend the kids I choose, but I do want to facilitate opportunities for the kids in her class to get to know her individually, so at least they know she's just like them.

(Can you tell I'm not worried about academics?!  I'm so thankful that she is so naturally intelligent and engaged.)

Here are a couple pictures from the end of the week...

Her chosen outfit for day two:

We went to the store and got her the headphones she is required to have:

And of course Toby had to have some too!  (At $5 I chose not to fight that battle!)

They were both listening to music when I took the pictures - they aren't total posers!!

The other stress of the week was learning that Friday was to be Spirit Day. In this case, the first Friday of each month everyone wears the school/town sports colors, to create community spirit. Since they don't have to wear uniforms (unfortunately), this is kind of cute.

The colors? Blue and gold!  No, Emma did not have either in her closet, surprise surprise!!  Thanks to a desperate Facebook post a friend of mine suggested the local craft store, where they have all color t-shirts - and I got a blue one for $3!  I also grabbed a gold (aka yellow) headband.  She totally looked the part...

For me the biggest challenge is going to be learning how this school thing works here.  It's nothing like the UK, so I'm flying blind.  I'm thankful to have a few friends whose kids started school last year to ask about it, but the school assumes everyone knows!

Next week: Toby starts pre-school at an entirely new school!  

Revisiting the past

My sister-in-law Julie has been digging out old photos!  Here's one of Scott...

Toby definitely inherited that mischievous grin!

On my side of the family, my cousin Trevor has sent me some incredible pictures from the past!

This is my great grandmothers brother, who moved to the US in 1910.  He became a minister in Massachusetts and then Maine. 

And here is my great grandparents, with my grandma and her brother.  

I never met my great grandad, but I was lucky enough to know my great gran throughout my childhood.

(Grandma - you seriously have not changed!!)

I don't know how long it's been since my grandma has seen these pictures, including these...

Sometimes we are so fixated on the future, we miss the present and forget the past.  It's nice to take a moment or two to look back at the legacy the older generations left.

I don't think anyone could've predicted that I would emigrate to America, and consider serving Christ as my greater purpose.  I didn't realize I was following in the footsteps of my relative only three generations ago!

First Day of School

Today was Emma's first day of school.  Well, technically it was just a 90 minute visit that I stayed with her for.  On Thursday she will go in by herself for a half day, and every weekday thereafter.

Her teachers are very nice, and we checked out her classroom and met half the class.  The rest will visit tomorrow.

It was really stressful because they had a scavenger hunt around the classroom, which was chaotic to me.  I also hadn't realized that she would be at school in the morning, so I didn't bring the required supplies - the pm kids don't bring them until January!

The supplies?  Crayons, markers, pencils, tissues and a slew of other things.  It's pretty standard here, although I feel our taxes should cover it!!

Emma chose a dress to wear today, because it is still hot, and her tatty old sandals!!  I was not in the mood to argue!

After the school visit I took her for lunch.  

Yes, we went home so she could change (!) as it was really hot, and to get the supply list for after lunch.

She got a free watch, and then told me the time every other minute!!

Due to the stress and heat I have to say it was not the special quality time lunch I had hoped.  I struggled with feelings of anxiety, failure and frustration.  I'm finding it harder and harder to detach my expectations of myself from the reality, and just try and enjoy my kids.

There's always tomorrow.

Attic

Scott's been working hard this week to "finish" off the attic.  It's been empty since we moved in, and now it's thoroughly insulated, with a strong floor.  Some cheap carpet and it will be ready to use as a storage space, though some others may have different plans!!

Toby has mastered the art of the screw gun, while Emma supervises with her "checklist!"

Then my friend came over with her son and the boys had a blast "helping"!

It would be a great play space while they're little, but the purpose of this is to clear out the basement.

Then we will do minimal things so that the basement is suitable for the kids to safely play and hangout over the winter.  We're even thinking of hanging a little swing!

Then we can take time to make the upgrades necessary for it to be a guest-worthy accommodation!

Moving forward, trying to keep up with the kids!

End of summer

The last weekend of summer was a scorcher, and we headed over to New Jersey this afternoon for a visit with best friends Brian and Chrissie.  They're those kind of friends that you know love you warts and all - and have a good laugh at your warts!

Emma was taking pictures on the way there!!

It's truly a blessing that our kids are not also the same age, but also get along so great.  (Baby Isaac will just have to work his way in there when he gets older!)

Toby tried his hand (or feet) at roller skating!

Yes, he tied a cushion to his butt!

We went out for frozen yoghurt, and Emma won hers for free!  (They even took her picture for their Instagram page but haven't posted it yet.  Trying not to read too much in to that!)

Every table has an iPad, so the kids would've stayed all night!

We all went swimming, and after the kids took baths it was time for a relaxing dance

Or gymnastics!

We're so thankful for our friends, and pray our kids will continue to enjoy being together as much as we do - or they'll be really bored!! ;)

A wise commentary.

http://themattwalshblog.com/2013/08/28/dear-son-dont-let-robin-thicke-be-a-lesson-to-you/

Liar liar!

My friend took her daughter for a play date today, with some of the classmates from Emma's, and her, preschool class.

They were all moms that I tried to befriend, but they were quite cliquey, and so I let it go.  I always try and be friendly to other parents so they won't speak I'll of my kids - as I've heard them do!

My friend Sabrina said they all started discussing the assessments their kids had been given for placement in kindergarten.  Some good scores, some not so good.  And then...

"Well, not as good as Emma!"

Sabrina wax taken aback and confirmed they were talking about my Emma.  "Her mom makes her read encyclopedia!"

Well, did I laugh my head off when I heard that later?!  Not only am I shockingly lax at reading with my kids, but I'd far rather watch TV with them.

Which just goes to show how much of Emma's intelligence has little to do with pushing her to read, and everything to do with providing a well rounded life.

Interestingly one of the moms was at high school when Scott was, and passed along the fact that he was into drugs in school.  (True, very true!  Which makes who he is now all the more miraculous!)

Unfortunately she also decided to tell the other women that I too was into drugs, meth no less!  Oh honey, you couldn't be more wrong on that one.  It makes me sad that people feel the need to make up flat-out lies, even when you live as transparently as I do!

Anyway, I couldn't help have a little fun at their expense, posting this on Facebook...

A little light reading before bed!

Braided

Working on some new braids for my repertoire... (All first attempts!)

Dutch

Four-strands (this one was hard and my first attempt was clunky but it worked!)

Waterfall

Team work

Two of our friends thought we looked so cute together giving an announcement in church that they took pictures! (Weirdos!)

We love Sundays!

Fun times at church today, as usual!

Emma jammed with worship team before service...

Toby and his buddies, up to no good after!

Redo

Toby's fauxhawk was in need of some maintenance, so I broke out the clippers and tried it myself!

Daddy's girl

Beautiful

Apparently I have not convinced Emma that her smile is wonderful since she said the same thing to Scott this week!

He told her that everyone has a different smile, even him, and Toby.  Scott and Toby both smiled together and she agreed they were quite different.

Then he told her he thinks she has a wonderful smile.  That helped.

I think we are just going to have to do lots of verbal assurance that she, and her smile, is beautiful.  Now, I'm not comfortable with false flattery, but since I truly believe this, I will not be lying.

It's truly amazing how a few words of honest encouragement and loving praise can impact the soul.  It's not the way of the world, but that is God's way, and it's the best!

Song of Solomon 4:1 Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful! 

You're a sly one!

Two very Emma funny stories!

Yesterday, Emma and Toby were outside playing with Kylie (7) and Evan (5) our new neighbors.  Evan was riding the kids tricycle, and Emma was laughing at him.

Apparently Kylie thought she was crying and told Evan to give Emma the trike.

We only know this because Emma later said to Scott "it was funny that she thought I was crying when I was laughing!  I didn't tell her though because I wanted the bike!"

_________________________

Last night, in that time between dinner and bed/bath, Emma was watching Sophia the First.  It was an episode even Scott has seen, so he was going for an early bedtime...

Scott: Em, what happens at the end of this episode?
Em: I can't remember!
(Remember, the girl has an incredible memory for EVERYTHING, especially TV and movies!)

Repeated a few times, and we realize she knows full well that an affirmative answer will result in early termination of TV viewing!

She finally offered up a little information, but she got to watch he whole show!


Clearly, we have a sly one on our hands!!

Fun in the sun

Looking through old pictures this morning, and can't help thinking about what's coming in a few months! Especially when it's still dark when I get up in the morning.

Mini-me

On the way home from the hospital the other day we stopped by my office.  It was Emma's wish, and since I remember loving going in to work with my parents (I guess I had some well-behaved moments?!), how could I say no.

She had everyone's attention, got a bunch of free stuff and we let her answer my phone (to one of us on a mobile!)...

Here she is with my friend Jess, who beckoned Emma to sit on her lap while she finished a phone call.  It was very amusing because she underestimated how hard it is to get a 53lb kid on your lap with one arm and no help!!

Babydoll

A new school, new friends and a new beginning.  Every woman knows that requires a new wardrobe!!

With a couple new shirts imported from the UK, (thanks Mum!) and a rampage through the Kohl's girls department, we have a variety of babydoll shirts and leggings for Emma to start school with!

How fortunate that the most flattering shape for Emma is in style this season!

Smoothie

I made Toby a banana and strawberry smoothie after dinner.  10 minutes later he comes back to the kitchen and told me he doesn't like it with strawberries, he just wants banana.

He didn't like it...

Dose of reality

So, we're just chillin at the playground, Emma plops down on the bench next to me and before I even realize what she's talking about she says "I don't like my smile because it only goes down."  i thin she'd started by saying that she likes each of our smiles, but I hadn't started listening.

It was surreal because she didn't seem deeply upset, just fed-up.  I asked her what she does like about herself, and told her what I like about her - her favorite topic of conversation!  She seemed okay with the resolution!

I dropped it in that when she's older we might be able to do something to her smile, but surgery is a last resort and we're still in the exploration of kinesio taping therapy and other things.

I guess this is just the start. 

Puppy love

Emma is convinced that she does not like dogs, especially when they jump and lick her.  In reality barking has a greater reaction with her.

Since so many people we know have dogs, and one day we might like one, I'm keen to de-sensitize her to this fear.

On Friday we went over to visit Melissa, who you may recall has a teacup Pomeranian named Harley.  (A grandiose name for a fuzzy rat!!). 

When Emma was younger than 3 we have video of her with Harley, and she was fine.  On Friday, not so much!

However, by the end of our hourlong visit, she was not only throwing the ball, chasing him and stroking him, she was telling him to lick her hand!  "It feels warm."

She can't wait to go back and see him!

Oh, and fun with Leighton too!!