Christmas Catch-Up

I think we have officially recovered from our Christmas travels. The trip to Indy was a little rough. Lucy cried off and on for the first half of the trip (2 hours), then we stopped for lunch and let the girls stretch their legs a little. Both girls napped a little - Norah about an hour, Lucy about 30 minutes. Lucy cried off and on the rest of the trip. They watched Elmo Visits the Doctor, but unless Elmo was actually on the screen, she would cry.
We finally made it and the girls had a great time playing with Jackson and Janelle.
We went to church on Christmas Eve and the pastor showed a clip from The Nativity Story. Norah was totally into it. She just stared at the screen with huge eyes, sitting on the edge of her seat. At one point I leaned over to explain something to her and she looked at me and said, "I know mom." Her tone of voice made her sound much older than she really is.
We came home on Wednesday. Although we had a great time, it is always nice to get home and get back into a normal routine. The girls are enjoying playing with Christmas presents and just hanging out.

Merry Christmas!

Lots of food, lots of presents, and lots of family!

The girls are having a great time!
Check out some of our pictures!
http://picasaweb.google.com/ks070100/Christmas

Lucy's Story 1

Yesterday morning, Lucy and I went to Norah's Christmas party at school. While the kids in the class were eating their snack, Lucy pulled up her own chair to sit next to Norah. She was nibbling on some goldfish when she turns to me and says, "Dip, dip" (which means drink in Lucy language) and I told her that I didn't bring her cup and that she needs to wait until we get home (really I didn't want to deal with her drinking juice out of a dixie cup). She got up out of her chair, walked over to the dramatic play area, got out a little plastic cup and brought it back to the table and set it down at her spot.
Obviously, she was thirsty, so I gave her a dixie cup with water. I guess I could have done that to begin with so she didn't have to pretend to have a drink while all the other kids were drinking juice.

Norah Quote 3

I was in the kitchen working on more Christmas cookies when, from the living room, I hear Norah say, "Lucy, you are frustrating me!" There is a short pause and again, "Lucy, you already frustrated me!"

Christmas Cookies!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making cookies! Besides the fact that I have the biggest sweet tooth, I love to share the cookies with others! I love it that I now have a helper!! Let me just say that Norah wasn't the best at helping with the cut-out cookies because she just wanted to play with the dough. (I actually thought she would like using the cookie cutters - silly me.)
So today we made my favorite - peanut butter blossoms. Our little friend, Macy, came over today to help (she's 7). Macy was a great helper! Norah enjoyed making these cookies better than the cut-outs because she got to roll them in sugar. Norah rolled 1 cookie to every 4 because she was so busy talking. When the cookies were done baking, they put the chocolate kisses on top. The girls did great!
I also made chocolate cookies with mint frosting. These are also a favorite! Lucy stood at my leg and begged, "Cookie, cookie!"
Tomorrow I am going to dip pretzels in caramel and roll them in pecans and chopped up peanut butter chocolate chips.
Did I say that I love Christmas cookies?!

Snow!

Our first REAL snow!! The girls played in the snow for awhile this morning! At first, Lucy wasn't sure she liked being all bundled up, but she sure enjoyed the snow!! Both girls threw fits when we told them to come inside!

Yes, She Slept Like This!

Norah and I went to peek at Lucy at naptime today. This is how we found her. Apparently she had taken her shirt (& socks) off before she fell asleep. Unfortunately, her room is the coldest one in the house.

Norah's Christmas Program

Norah had her Christmas program at school. Those of you that know her know she can be very shy - so she wasn't very happy about the program. She smiled for about 1 second when she saw me and then didn't crack a smile at all!! After the program, I said, "Wasn't that fun singing for all the parents and grandparents?" Her response, "No. I didn't really like that." Check it out!

Norah Quote 2

As you may remember, Kevin and I went to the Love & Logic Parenting Seminar a few weeks ago. One of the ideas we have used the most frequentlyis the "Uh oh" song. When Lucy does something that she is not supposed to do, we say "Uh oh - little playpen time - so sad" then we put her in the pack 'n play and set the timer for 2 minutes. She has done great - she now stays off the fireplace and doesn't touch the Christmas tree.
Anyway, (the reason this is titled Norah Quote) on Friday, Norah was setting the Little People up in a circle (she was playing school). Lucy ran over and knocked them all down and before I could tell Lucy 'no no' and distract her with something else, Norah said, "Just put her in the pack 'n play."

Today, Kevin was getting Norah's breathing treatment ready and I asked Norah what she wanted to watch while she does her breathing treatment. She said, "Oh, I don't know. There are too many options."

Getting to Know Me, The Christmas Edition

Getting to know me, The Christmas Edition
I guess it's my turn.

1. Do you use wrapping paper or giftbags? I wrap everything in paper unless it is too awkward or an odd shape. I also put bows and curling ribbon on most presents!

.2. Do you put up a real or fake tree? Fake. I do love real trees, but the few times Kev and I picked out a real tree - we picked the worst tree! Crooked, too big, you name it! I finally convinced him to get a fake tree - once the girls are bigger we may get a real one again.

3. When do you put up your tree? After Thanksgiving - as soon as we can.

4. When do you take down your tree? Right after Christmas. Last year the girls and I stayed a few extra days in Morton while Kevin had to get back for work. When the girls and I got back, Kevin had taken down the tree and put ALL the decorations away! It was great because I think it is such a chore!
.
5. Do you like eggnog? Not really.

6. What is your most favorite gift from your childhood? I have a horrible memory so I don't really remember many gifts that I got.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? We have 2 kids set - the Little People and a wooden one

8. Who is the hardest person to shop for? I'd have to say my brother-in-law. I always end up getting him a gift card because I can't think of a good gift.

9. Who is the easiest person to shop for? The girls, of course. My mom is pretty easy, too.

10. Do you email or mail Christmas cards? Mail, for sure! I love getting Christmas cards in the mail!!

11. What is the worst gift you’ve ever received? Not sure.

12. What is your favorite Christmas movie? White Christmas - without a doubt!!! Kevin is not a fan of musicals so he is very glad we have 2 girls to watch with me now. I think we should make it a family tradition, though - we can all 4 watch!!

13. When do you start your Christmas shopping? Usually September or so. If I start too early, I forget and end up buying too much.

14.Do you recycle gifts? Nope

.15. What’s your favorite thing to eat this time of year? Hamloaf (LOL)! Seriously, I love the cookies! Peanut butter blossoms are my favorite. I also like springerlies - a German cookie (family recipe)!

16. Do you put up clear or colored lights? Clear, for sure

17. What’s your favorite Christmas song? White Christmas, Silent Night, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Do You Hear What I Hear? I guess I can't just list one!!

18. Do you travel for the holidays? Almost always!

19. Do you know all the reindeer’s names? Yes.

20. Do you open presents Christmas Eve or Day? We usually open presents with one side of the family a week or 2 before Christmas and then continue right until Christmas. This year we opened presents with my family on Thanksgiving.

21. What’s the most annoying thing about this time of year? Busy stores! I try to do all my shopping during the week in the mornings!

22. What’s your favorite ornament theme or color them? Hmmm. I change every couple of years - I don't really have a favorite at this point. I love angels - I have whole shelf dedicated to the angels I have collected over the years.

23. What do you eat for Christmas dinner? Hamloaf with my mom's side of the family. Ham with Kev's.

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? What don't I want!

A New Favorite

I have always liked books of all kinds - right now, as many of you may know, I love Usborne books! I had a party and e-show a couple of months ago. Now my sister, Alison, is having an e-show. If you are in need of some books for Christmas presents - check this out!

Christmas Cards

Just curious to know - what do other people do with old Christmas cards/pictures that you receive from friends and family? I have a stack of last years cards and I have no idea what to do with them! I feel guilty just throwing them away!

Newest Christmas Decoration

Over the weekend, my mom, Norah and I went to the Red Barn (a Christmas tree farm with gift shop in Morton). I bought this 'Merry Christmas' for the mantel. I LOVE it!

Ummm. . . . .

As I've mentioned in other posts, Norah isn't napping very often anymore. She does, however, have a rest time everyday. Every once in a while she falls asleep.

This is how I found her today when I went up to tell her that rest time is over.

Yes, that is her hooded bath towel that she is wrapped in - sleeping on the floor.

Internet Problems

Well, here I am . . .after several days of no internet. I have felt a little disconnected from the blog world! It has been so long since I last posted that I don't even know where to begin!

We had a great Thanksgiving/Christmas with the Leitch's. Kevin and I were quite proud that we didn't totally over eat and we managed to exercise all weekend!! Now that I am in a great habit of working out every other day - I don't like how I feel when I miss a day.

The girls got some great things for Christmas from my family. My brother Rick gave Lucy a little stuffed Elmo - that thing never leaves her side!! Norah got a doll from my parents (not a baby, but a "big girl" doll). She also got clothes that fit the doll from my grandma. We seriously change the dolls clothes about 4 times a day (in and out of jammies in the evening and morning).

My 10 year class reunion was Friday evening. I am glad I went - but it was an odd experience. Most everyone still hung out in the same groups that they did in high school. Some people I totally forgot about until Friday. There were a handful of people that it was great to see!!

I know that was a very brief recap of the weekend - sorry!

Norah - getting ready to open presents after a nice long nap!

Lucy - wanting to open/play with everyone else's presents

I'm It!

I got tagged by my friend, Nicole, Here's the Diehl
Here’s how it works:
The meme: 7 random facts about me
The rules:
Link to your tagger and post these rules.

Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.

Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).

Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

1. I grew up in the Pumpkin Capital of the World!
2. I was incredibly shy when I was little! In fact, I would cry when people (other than family) would talk to me!!
3. I played soccer for 8 years before high school. In Junior High I played on 3 different teams. By the time I got to high school, I was a little burned out - so I didn't play anymore.
4. I worked at The Red Barn Tree Shop every year of high school. The Red Barn was a Christmas tree farm with a little gift shop. When I worked there they were only open November and December so I worked every Saturday, some Sundays and a few afternoons after school. I loved it!!
5. I started babysitting when i was 12 and babysat full time every summer until I went to college.
6. I went on a missions trip to Spain when I was a junior in high school. I didn't know anyone that I was going with (obviously I got over the shyness).
7. I went bungee jumping when I was a freshman in high school.

I tag Heather, Kasey, Jody, Alison, Sara, Nicole B., and Erin.

Breathing Treatments Galore

With Lucy having pneumonia and Norah's asthma we have done SO MANY breathing treatments in the last week! Finally, both girls are cough free!!

Norah Quote 1

After I got ready to go out with Kevin on Friday night, Norah said, "Are you going to church?" I said, "Not tonight." Norah said, "Then why do you have those bracelets and those shoes on?"

Hmmmm. . . what does that tell you?

Weekend Fun

Kevin and I actually had a date night! It doesn't happen often, but it was great to get out for a little while. We went to Red Lobster to eat and then met Matt & Nicole Diehl's at The Old Rock House to listen to the Fundamental Elements play.

We had a great time hanging out with the Diehl's and listening to the band! It was fun to see Russ Mohr - he sings in Fundamental Elements!

Nicole and I - it doesn't happen often that we hang out without kids!

Today, Kevin ran in a half marathon in Clayton and I ran with a friend in the 5K. Kevin did great - set a personal best record! The weather was perfect! I am proud of Kevin, but at this time I have no interest in running that far! 3 miles is a great distance for me!!

Since the girls haven't been feeling great - my mom came down to hang out and watch them.

Lucy has pneumonia and an ear infection and Norah has a bad cough. Both girls need 4 breathing treatments a day until their coughs go away. We are really praying that this is not a start of long term treatments for Lucy. Norah's asthma and daily treatments are a clue that it may be come to that for Lucy, too.

We are just going to hang out and relax the rest of the day!!! Yay!

My Baby!

It's hard to believe it, but Lucy is 18 months old!!! I don't know when my baby got this big - but it has happened. She seems to think she is a little girl and not a baby!! What?!
She officially weighs 21 pounds and is 31 inches long. Her favorite thing to say is 'Norah.' When she wakes up in the morning, she says, "Norah?" and when I tell her Norah is still sleeping, she says, "Oh."
She likes to label facial features. She will poke your eye and say confidently, "EYE!" She says nose, ear, hair, mouth, toes, knees, and belly as well.
Little Lu Lu has learned from her big sister the importance of pretend play. Lucy likes to carry around a purse (or 2), keys, and a baby doll. She likes to wrap the baby in a blanket and pat her back while she says, "Ahhhh."
Lucy has just started telling Norah to "Sit down!" when Norah stands on furniture. However, she is just as quick to stand on a chair or couch if she thinks we aren't watching. For those of you who know of our struggle to get Norah to stop jumping in her bed - Lucy has officially started jumping in her crib. She holds on to the side with one hand and shouts, "yump, yump!"
Oh, and yes, Lucy HATES bathtime just like Norah! She cries and screams, "poopy" - I guess she thinks that will get her out of the tub. I know her trick, though.
Lucy likes to throw things from her highchair and as she does she says, "Uh-oh" or "whoops."
She also likes to mimic everything Norah does. Washing her hands, singing, dancing, everything!!
Lucy loves to say, "No, no, no" like most toddlers, but her favorite way to tell us no is to say, "uh-uh." Recently, I asked her, "Are you mommy's baby?" Her response, "uh-uh."
How does she know that she isn't a baby anymore?
Lucy is truly a blessing! Having had a rough start at birth, we are so thankful for God's faithfulness. She is a beautiful, healthy little girl!!!

Coffee

Thought this was cool. I know that I am not addicted to coffee - but I love a good mocha a couple of times a week. Check it out - are you a coffee addict?

I am 42% Addicted to Coffee

Halloween

Well, I am going to get up on a soapbox. I hope you just bear with me and don't take this personally. Today is Halloween and I must admit that this is one "holiday" that we don't get too excited about. We did buy the girls costumes - only because we were going to go up to church for the fall party - also the girls can use their costumes for dress-up. I am not a big fan of Halloween because of its origin. According to Wikipedia "The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead overlapped and the deceased would come back to life and cause havoc such as sickness or damaged crops. The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, where the bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks were also worn at the festivals in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them."

Honestly that is not something that I care to be a part of. I realize that most people don't even know the history of Halloween and just see it as fun - and that is fine. Untill this year - Norah didn't know (or care) what witches or ghosts were. I was okay with that. Now I have to explain to my innocent 3 year old "why that mommy wants her child to be something scary - like a witch." Or as we go for a walk in our neighborhood (actually, when we look out the window) I have to explain why people want scary things outside of their house.

I also don't understand the trick or treating thing (we never did this growing up - and none of us cared either way). Why, in a country of EXCESS, do we send our children to other people's houses (people we don't know) begging for food? Ummmm - there are children in this world who are STARVING!!!!

Don't worry - we don't ruin the fun for others. We do pass out candy - so far we have had 112 trick or treaters. Like I said, the girls have costumes. We ended up not going to church for the festival, though, because the girls were incredibly tired. We went to Kevin's office and Norah had a party at school.

My point is that I would rather celebrate life and peace - not death, witches & ghosts. I would rather give money or food to those who can't even put food on their table - than candy to children who already have more than they need. It is only Halloween that I don't like. I absolutely love fall - enjoying the colors in a world that only God could create.

I guess this could be an early Thoughts for Thursday post.

What do you think about Halloween? Did you 'celebrate' as a kid? Anyone have the same feelings as me? What did you do tonight for Halloween? What do your kids think of the scary costumes or scary decorations?

Uh-oh

So I've been trying something with Lucy that we learned at the Love & Logic Parenting Seminar we are attending. It is called the Uh-oh Song. Every time she steps on the bricks of the fireplace, I say (in a sing-song voice) "Uh-oh, time for a little playpen time. So sad." Then I put her in the pak 'n play that I put in the dining room. I have done this about 15 times today. The first couple of times Lucy just laughed and then waited for the minute or 2 until I got her out. Now when I pick her up from the fireplace she says "uh-oh" and then hugs me as tight as she can. I have to peel her off of me. Then as I set her in the pak 'n play she says - so sad - which comes out "doh dah." Then she fusses for about a minute - once she stops, I give her a minute of calm and then I get her out. I don't know if this technique will work, but I am going to stick with it for a couple of days. We'll see.

She doesn't look to unhappy, does she?

Sleep

Praise God for a GREAT night of sleep!!

Starbucks

Ok, so those of you who know me well, know that I am a Starbucks addict (don't worry - I don't have ANY caffeine after like noon - see post below). Today, Lucy had a minor accident - she tumbled down the stairs. I took her to the doctor - just in case - she is fine. While we were there I decided to get the girls' flu shots. Since I totally sprung this on Norah at the last second - she was not happy. I told her that we would have some hot chocolate when we get home to cheer her up. She gets her flu shot and I said, "Let's go home and make some hot chocolate." Norah begins screaming (she had just calmed down from the shot) and says, "You said we were going to Starbucks! I want a Starbucks hot chocolate!!" I have obviously created a monster. (We also pretend play Starbucks).

No Guarantee

So my plan of not making Norah nap and putting her to bed early - not so great. Yes, she did fall asleep right away. However, around 11:30 I woke to BOING, BOING, BOING. I went into her room and she was JUMPING! I told her to lay down and go to sleep - it is still night time. I go back to bed, fall back to sleep (which is an accomplishment in itself since I have been dealing with insomnia for about 2 months now) and I wake up at 12:30 a.m. to BOING, BOING, BOING. She was jumping again!!! This time, I went into her room and laid her down and walked out. I think she fell back to sleep pretty quickly. I, on the otherhand, was awake until 2. So, now I am EXHAUSTED! Norah woke up with a cold - which for her means extra breathing treatments. So, we will try to get in 4 today.
I am going to remember Isaiah 40:31 "Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall. But those who hope in the Lord with renew their strength. They will run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint."

So I guess this is a good Thoughts for Thursday topic. Do your kids do crazy things in the night? Do they still nap at 3 1/2? How about insomnia - anyone been there? If so, any suggestions!!

Ahhhh. . .

It is just after 7:00 and the girls are asleep. Yes, that's right, asleep. It was one of those days - no nap for Norah and just a little cat nap for Lucy. They were both crying and whining all evening - so off to bed for both girls.

I am struggling with the whole nap thing for Norah. Monday, she napped for about 2 hours - she seemed exhausted so I let her sleep - but then she didn't fall asleep until after 9. Yesterday, I woke her after about an hour - she didn't fall asleep until after 8:30. I know that may not seem like a big deal to some people, but we like our kids going to bed at an early time - 7 or 7:30. Today, I didn't make Norah sleep - she just had a rest time or play time in her room and as I said she could barely make it to 7. I can't seem to find a happy medium. Maybe a nap every couple of days will work - who knows. If you have any suggestions - I would love hear them!!

I know it has been awhile since I last posted and we have actually been pretty busy. I won't bore you with all the details - just a few pictures.

Friday - My Little Pony Live with Norah and her friend, Kate

Late Friday night - Max, Denise, and Contessa came to town

Saturday morning - Playing with sweet little Contessa

Saturday afternoon - Will's birthday party

Sunday - Church & Kevin's parents came to town

Monday - School for Norah, I went to the gym and grocery while Kevin's parents played with Lucy

That's it in a nutshell.

7 random thoughts.

Several friends have taken their turn - so I thought I would take my turn at 7 random thoughts.

- Quiet - girls are both alseep! Ahhhh!

- Perfect temperatures - we sat outside for dinner! It was perfect!

- Laundry - now that our dryer is fixed, I better get busy.

- Miracles - Beth Moore Bible study week 3 - Miracles do still happen!

- Birthdays - My nephew, Will, turns 1 on Saturday! I can't believe it!!

- Baking - Norah wants to bake cookies! Like mother, like daughter.

- Silliness - A new favorite for Lucy is to dump the blocks, climb in the basket and tip herself over!!!

Chicago

Kevin, the girls and I travelled to the Windy City this weekend. We were busy every moment of the weekend - but we had a great time. On Thursday afternoon we drove to Morton (about the halfway point) to spend the night. We didn't want the girls to be tired and whiny upon arriving in Chicago, so we decided to drive the second half on Friday morning.

When we got to Chicago we immediately went to my brother, Rick's, apartment. He has been in Chicago for about a year and this was our first visit. We got a tour of his apartment, but headed out pretty quickly because we were all hungry and his place wasn't baby-proofed (what single 26 year olds is?). He took us to a restaurant called The Pick Me Up Cafe. It was a cool, trendy place - with only 1 highchair and 1 booster. Thankfully, Norah refuses to sit in a booster - this booster was DISGUSTING!! No kids menu - so Norah had a $7 grilled cheese, of which she ate maybe 3 bites. Lucy had scrambled eggs - no idea how much that cost because we had to special order them. My food was great! In the middle of lunch, Lucy decided to fill her diaper and she smelled bad - of course, no place to change her except back in the car 2 blocks away.

From lunch we head to the Shedd Aquarium. Oh, first we need gas - we have less than a gallon left - Rick informs us that there aren't any gas stations as we drive closer toward downtown. We head the opposite direction and see a sign for $2.97 - not bad. Oh, wait, you have to purchase a car wash to get that price. Our REAL price was $3.17. Not bad for some, I'm sure, but I got gas at home the day before for $2.45. I see why Rick drives a Hybrid.

We had fun at the Shedd. The girls love the HUGE fish tank in the middle of the Shedd. Norah was anxious to see the baby beluga whales and the dolphins. We watched the dolphin show - as adults we thought is was great. The girls got a little tired of the waiting and talking, but loved watching the dolpins jump and flip. Lucy kept clapping her hands and squealing.

After we dropped Rick off we headed to our hotel to get settled and swim - oh no, the pool is closed for renovations. Thankfully, Norah never asked to swim. We ordered a pizza and put the girls to bed. My girls are usually in bed between 7 and 7:30, Friday night it was closer to 9 before they were asleep. We had a 2 room suite. The girls slept in the front room - Lucy in the pack 'n play and Norah on the pull out couch. They are not used to sleeping in the same room so they giggled and giggled.

Saturday morning, after my Starbucks run, we headed out to visit our friends, the Stubbs. They have to boys, Josiah & Nathaniel. The girls enjoyed running around, playing with friends, and playing with real toys. Norah and Josiah ran in circles around the house - playing football. Yes, you read that right our little princess was playing football - well, sort of. She was really just chasing Josiah - while Kevin and Josiah tossed the ball around. We enjoyed some Chicago style pizza before we headed back to the city.

We picked Rick up and headed to the Chicago Children's Museum on the Navy Pier. The girls loved it! There was so much to do and everything was very interactive. After walking around the Navy Pier for awhile, we went to Olive Garden for dinner. Rick got a kick out of hanging out with the girls, but he doesn't think he wants to have kids.

We left for home this morning around 9:30, made a couple of stops, and got home about 3:45. The girls did GREAT!! Lucy napped before lunch and Norah napped a little after lunch. Thank goodness for portable DVD players. We are usually very strict about how many movies the girls watch in the car (usually 1 movie per trip over 2 hours), but today we let them watch 2 movies, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Meet Strawberry Shortcake.

The girls were exhausted when we got home because they hardly napped at all and went to be late each night. Lucy was in bed by 6 and Norah 6:30. Both fell asleep instantly.

We had fun, but with a 1 1/2 year old - a weekend was more than enough!

Playing Catch-up

Not a whole lot going on here. Norah had school and dance this week - her friend, Savannah, joined her dance class! Norah is very excited about that! She still loves school - we are so thankful for that. Lucy doesn't seem to know what to do without Norah. Playing with Mommy isn't as fun as playing with her big sister!!
Wednesday, after school, the girls and I met my friend, Cherie and 2 of her kids, Macy and Dawson (they are on cycle break) at the park. Norah loves playing with Macy (I think she's 8). Macy was very sweet to play with Norah - she will make a great babysitter someday!
Thursday morning we headed to the Diehl's to visit baby Jack. He was born on Sept. 26. He is a cutie - just like his brothers!!
Friday, the girls and I just hung out at home. I tried to do some laundry and clean a little, but I also just played with the girls! I am so thankful to be at home with them!
This morning we went to a birthday party at Fort Zumwalt Park. The girls had a blast, but were more than ready to crash in their beds when we got home!
The rest of the day should be just hanging out and relaxing!!!!!

So Busy!

I have forgotten what toddlers are like - or maybe Norah just wasn't as busy as Lucy, but oh my goodness! Lucy doesn't sit for long - well, except to read books. She is on the go all the time and she has no fear, which is totally different than Norah. Norah has always been reserved and hesitant. If I turn my back for 2 seconds, Lucy is climbing on the arm of the chair in position like she is about to jump off!

Right now, Norah is with my parents at my sister's so Lucy has the run of the house. She has been running circles since she woke up from her nap. She pulls all the books off the shelf, dumps out the Little People, dumps the blocks and turns the TV on and off. As soon as I get everything picked up, she does it again. She will sit for a few minutes at a time if someone is sitting with her. I can distract with a book - she has about 4 favorites - but then she wants me to read the book about 20 times in a row. Whew! She wears me out!!

Lucy is a very happy little girl and she sleeps great at night so I think I can handle the activity!

Beth Moore - Believing God

Just wanted to tell you about a Bible study that I just started. It's an online Bible study called Believing God by Beth Moore. It is great! You download and watch a video clip and then you download the weekly homework, broken into 5 days. If you have ever done a Beth Moore study you will know that she is a very dynamic speaker and really speaks to each person personally. I hope you'll check out the Believing God Web site (http://www.lifeway.com/believingGod) and see if you'd like to join us in this study. You can enroll right there online. My friend, Cherie, has set up a blog for weekly discussions. She is going to post a question or thought and is encouraging anyone doing the study to post comments. I am really excited about this study because I am not able to do the women's Bible study at church (picking Norah up from school conflicts with that study). I can do it all on my own time - but I am still in the Word.

Is it Fall or Summer - I don't know!!

Yesterday, the girls and I had to deliver Usborne books to my sister in Clayton and Kevin's brother's child care center in Richmond Heights. Since we were making the hike into "the city," we went to the zoo first. I LOVE going to the zoo during the week, during the school year because it is never busy!! It was warmer than I expected, but the girls had a blast. Lucy was totally excited about the elephants and the giraffes - I think she actually recognized them from some books. Norah's favorite thing was the primate house. There were 2 monkeys chasing each other and she thought that was hilarious. After we delivered the books, we went to lunch with my sister. After multiple diaper changes - we finally headed home about 1:30. Lucy slept on the way home for about 30 minutes and Norah did not sleep at all. I convinced Norah to nap when we got home, but Lucy was apparently done napping.

We had 2 babysitters (sisters) come over last night while Kevin and I went to the Cardinal game. Ummm . . . what's the deal with our Cardinals? The game was not very exciting - the pretzels were great, though! When we got home the babysitters said that Norah was asking to go to bed around 8 - it had been a long day!

This morning we went to Eckerts in Belleville. Again it was warmer than we expected, but we survived the heat. We went with our friends, the Harpers. Norah and Kate rode a couple of rides, fed the goats, road the ponies and ate lots of food. We never actually made it out into the orchard to pick apples because the girls were ready to crash. Both girls fell asleep today, but only for about 30 minutes so we are in for early bedtimes!


Now the girls are playing dress-up - surprise, surprise! Kevin and I are just sitting - trying to catch our breath after a couple of busy days.