{ramblings}

{Jack & Henry learned how to say no. It wasn't their first word, or even their second or third.  In fact, it was 27 months and at least 15 words into their verbal life before we heard "no" or "mine".  Now that they've discovered this new found skill, they are taking the opportunity to practice it as often as possible.}

{Independence is overrated when you're the mom of two year olds. I think it's because they have impeccable timing, and their little independence wants to come shining through in the middle of the grocery store, or when we have exactly 4.2 seconds to get out the door, or when it's super late at night and all I want to do is go to bed. I know, I know--they came by it honestly.}

{We had our family pictures taken last weekend.  It's like going to the prom x 100.  Weeks of choosing coordinating clothing for 7 people, all while trying not to spend the amount equal to the national deficit. Then it's spending two hours getting kids dressed and doing hair, then finally throwing your own clothes on and realizing you're a sweaty mess because you feel like you just ran another marathon,and finally chasing all your kids around and trying to get them to smile for an 'nth of a second while your fantastic and very patient photographer tries her best to capture a smile...on each face. Whew.  I get tired just writing that out. The end result?  Pictures that really capture our family--and that I am in love with.  I love posed pictures where everyone is looking ahead and smiling, but my most favorite photos are the ones that capture us--who we are, and where we are in life. Our life right now is not perfectly posed pictures. It's five kids, with four of them being 5 and under. It's runny noses, and sticky faces, and not wanting to stand or sit long enough to smile, and being too busy exploring the rocks and sticks to be held, and wanting to twirl around to see how far your skirt will go out. It's just as it should be.}

{Rick is finally home after weeks of traveling. (Can you hear the Hallelujah chorus in the background?)  He has had a trip every single week since the end of July (except one), and it's wonderful to have him home again.}

{It's volleyball season again.  I LOVE it.  I look forward to each week--it really does get me through the long winter.  I love seeing my friends, and the competition--working hard, getting sweaty, and hitting the ball really hard.  ☺}

{I'm finally getting into a good routine where school is concerned.  The most difficult thing has proved to be keeping the girls' papers straight--same grade, two different teachers.  This week only one of the teachers sent home a book order, and it didn't have the teacher's name on it.  Normally that wouldn't be problem, but I had to contact both teachers to find out where I needed to send it back to. I finally came up with a filing system that I love, and I think it's really going to make a difference.}

{We are making progress on our library/music room!  The paint is all on, and now that Rick is home, we can start on the board and batten.  I can't wait!}

{I'm on the countdown for my next race...a half marathon in Chicago called the "Monster Dash".  I am super excited about this one--there are 13 bands playing music along the way, people dress up to run, and the course is downtown and along Lake Michigan.  I've loved training with my friend Brook, who is running her first half and doing awesome. My family is coming with me to cheer me on, and I really can't wait!}

{I am in heaven.  I cannot express to you my full love for the fall season--I {love} it.  The trees are incredible right now--oranges, yellows, reds--it's breathtaking just driving down the road.  I'm trying to enjoy every minute, because I know it's going to go too fast.  It's a little strange, having 80+ degree weather at the same time, but I'm not complaining!}

{We eat a lot of rice.  We all love it, and since Emma can eat it, it's become even more of a staple.  A month or so ago, I was having a conversation with my friend about cooking rice.  I told her that we had received a rice cooker for our wedding, but after moving it at least 6 times and never even opening the box, we finally got rid of it.  Since then, I've always made it on the stove or  in the microwave.  She couldn't believe that with all the rice we eat I didn't use a rice cooker, and actually brought one over to me--she had just bought a new one, and gave me her old one.  Seriously?  I don't know WHY I waited this long to use one.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.  You can make your rice ahead of time, and then it will switch to warm, and sit there until you're ready for it.  It makes perfect rice, every time.  It's easy to use and to clean.  I am changed woman.  ☺ After using it again last night, I called her to sing her praises once again. }
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Okay, so that was a lot of rambling.  LOL.  Can you tell I've been without adult conversation for awhile?