Encouraging Words for Mark

Ms. Kathy's Text

On October 4 (Friday...the day after AWANA clubs) at 9am in the morning I got the sweetest text from Marky's Awana teacher.

"Hi Kristi, I just have to tell you and John that Larisa (her daughter and helper) and I were discussing how mark is probably the best behaved cubbie we have this year.  He is soooo good and sweet and polite.  He is an absolute pleasure and you should both be so proud of him!

He is always doing exactly what he is supposed to be doing.  If I ask him to do something he does it...no complaints...I don't have to tell him twice.  He is really respectful to the adults as well as the other cubbies.  What a sweetheart!"

This brought tears to my eyes and was music to my ears.  This was the first year Mark is without Julia at awana because she is a sparky.  I was worried how he would feel in class without her.  Sometimes I can tell it is hard for him to see her go.

Clearly he is doing great!  We were so proud of him we took him out to get frozen yogurt after dinner on Saturday!

We told him that now he has to continue doing so great because are expecting him to be just as wonderful!  This text was an answer to prayer.  I made sure I thanked Kathy for this glowing report and for all her hard work (I try to bring brownies and cookies to encourage and bless her each week because the cubbie classroom is always the busiest.)

Marky we are so proud of you!

Pumpkin Patch 2013

Making Family Memories

I have to say one of my favorite Fall activities is picking apples and pumpkins with the kids!  It is just so exciting to see the kids outside, among the corn fields, and on the hay ride, and just happy.  It was Micah's first time at the pumpkin patch.  And it was our first time inviting Grandma Judy.  The kids were also so glad Daddy stopped studying to be with us.  There was an adult per kid which was so nice because everybody had a lap to be on!

This year I planned two separate day trips.  Saturday my mother in law joined us for our hay ride and pumpkin patch day which was a blast.  Then next week I planned a field trip to Battleview Orchards in Freehold, a huge farm, with my MOPS group to pick apples at the orchard and we may make a trip to their pumpkin patch as well.

The hay ride was fun.  We were surprised at how hot it was (80 degrees and humid).  Last October it was so cold and windy on our ride.  This year we wore tank tops, shorts, sandals, and sun dresses!  Grandma made it extra special because she was able to hold the kids pumpkins, she gave them lots of suggestions, and she snuggled too.

Choosing just the right pumpkin is very important.  Especially when mommy tells you only one pumpkin per child.  But grandma offered to buy a few extras!

On the hay ride Micah enjoyed some hay...oh Micah!  (Look at mommy's muscles!!! See going to the gym 3 times a week and working with a trainer has really paid off!)

Mark is my analytical thinker (like daddy) choosing the right pumpkin is serious and stressful for Mark.  It was hard to get him to smile and lighten up!  Until he saw candy at the farm store part of the trip.

This week is our Pumpkin Week during homeschool...see my pinterest board for ideas.  We will be baking, crafting, painting, reading, and writing all about pumpkins this week.  Isn't God amazing?  From a tiny seed grows this massive, beautiful, bright orange pumpkin!!!

Pinterest Ideas