Recent Words from the Kids

I've done an awful job of writing down stuff the kids have said lately, so I am trying to document these things again.
Josie loves to make up stories, and she makes up these grand names (sometimes so grand that she can't even remember the names halfway through the story) for her characters. The other night, she told this wonderful story about a princess named Labia...yes. I could barely control myself. And because it was a little simpler name than she usually chooses, she remembered it until the very end of the story. Of course.
Josie was with me the other day when I got my eyebrows waxed-she has never witnessed this before because I've only done it one other time in my life. Anyway, a few days later, we were playing hair salon, and she said, "Okay. Now you need your eyebrows whacked off so you'll look pretty for the ball". She meant waxed off:)

Seth has been talking like a little old man lately, with these big words and funny way of saying things (a lot of that he has learned from Gabe, who has always been that way). Yesterday, I asked him how Sunday School was. This was our conversation:
Me: How was it, buddy?
S: It was good. I even raised my hand and spoke. When I was called upon, all the girls were looking at me.
Me: Why do you think they were looking at you?
S: I think they were thinking that I was charming.

And Gabe has been so funny and thoughtful lately. He is the first to notice if I seem out of sorts, tired, etc. and give me a hug. The other day, he came up to me and said, "How's your day going, mom? You just seem like maybe it isn't your best day. Are you doing okay?" And then gave me a hug. He has always been very perceptive and aware of other people's feelings. And very thankful for the smallest things, too, from me doing extra cleaning (he always notices my projects or extra work) to us taking them somewhere, etc. Some funny phrases from him lately...
..."she said this, and I highly agree..."
"Don't be too impressed, mom, he learned if from Word Girl a while back" (in response to Seth telling Josie that cumbersome means difficult, hard to carry).
"I didn't make any new friends at running club today. I kind of like to keep to myself and do my own thing when I'm running."
I hadn't bought Cheddar Chex Mix in probably a year, which is his very favorite...mostly cuz when you are on a very tight budget, you want to spend your money on healthy stuff. Anyway, I surprised him & bought some, and he was thrilled. I kid you not, the next day, we were playing outside and he said, "Thanks for buying my favorite Chex Mix, mom. It really means a lot to me." Oh, my heart.

Nana & Papa & Campus Pictures

Still updating...a few pictures of our pretty campus this fall, and also of Nile's parents and the kids at the Botanical Garden. I unfortunately forgot my memory card that day, and was so sad to only get a few pictures, as everything was so beautiful. Bummer.

A few pictures of the Botanical Garden...

Nana and Papa and the kids

And an oldie but goodie that I just found...Josie (age 2) and her beloved Cooper James:)

Chicago Trip

A month ago, Nile and I got to be a part of our friends, Rich and Meredith's wedding, so we went to Chicago. Sadly, I don't have a picture of the gorgeous bride & groom:( How awful is that?! The kids were so amazing that weekend...we are so thankful to Makenna and Andrew and Alissa and Rob for letting our kids sit with them during the ceremony! We got there, and wondered what on earth we had thought the kids were going to do while Nile did the wedding and I was up front to sing three songs?! We had backpacks full of activities prepared for during the rehearsal, the dinner, etc., but no plans for the wedding ceremony:) Thankful for friends, for sure! The first bunch of pix are from the beautiful hotel we stayed at (a huge thank you to Meredith's parents!)-the same place the reception took place. Oh, and also SO thankful that no one stole my purse, which was sitting by a chair in the hotel lobby unattended for well over an hour! Gracious.

Loved the bunny ears we hadn't noticed at the time:)

Makenna and Gabe dancing it up

Alissa and Josie, both looking so pretty!

Beck...such a doll! And Andrew in the background:)

Gabe was doing some dance moves and whipping his tie around at the hotel

The only picture I have of the three of them dressed up...I know the lighting is horrible, but I loved Seth's pose (no, I did not tell him to do that).

This is how they passed the time while Nile was getting gas...having contests to see who could hold this position the longest. I couldn't believe it when Seth won...Gabe is very competitive, and Seth is SO not competitive and, well, he has more meat on his bones to hold up. I was happy for him, though, because athletic things seem to come very easily to Gabe & Seth has gotten used to Gabe winning a lot. Gabe was fine with it, though surprised:)