Random Fun

 

I love it when I get random photos of the kids from their parents.  Here they are with their new winter boots  (and pajamas of course!) 

 

Art projects at home.  I couldn't turn this photo, but it was so cute with how Ruby is on the bench and Carson is right beneath her. 

Little man ready for school with his uniform and new haircut.  

Ever the action shots with Carson -- this boy has more energy than I have ever seen, and soccer is his all time favorite past time.  (and he is really good at it too)  When they go to the park, he always finds someone to play with. 

Operation Christmas Child

 

My church is once again collecting Christmas boxes through Samaritan's Purse.  Last year I did it with the kids and registered the boxes on line and heard that their boxes ended up in Mexico.  They were so excited to do it again this year.  We talked about what was a good idea to put in the boxes and what was not allowed.  They did a super great job of picking out items perfect for a little girl and a little boy somewhere in this world. 

They each wrote a note, pretty much by themselves, with a little help with spelling, and included a photo of themselves. (you can see that Carson picked out a photo of he and his momma to send)  Then we drove to my church to deliver them, as my church is a collection center in this area.  Over 9 days, we collect 1000's of boxes, to fill a semi truck that takes them to a processing center in California.  Then they go by planes, boats, trucks, and even donkeys to find children all over the world.  

Daddy's Girl

Casey has been out of town for a few days and when I was with Ruby today she said

 "I have missed my Daddy since the moment he walked out the door!"  

Growing by LEAPS AND BOUNDS!

In the 6 weeks or so since Ruby and Carson started attending All Saints private school, they have grown by leaps and bounds.  They came into the school after just a few weeks in the public school, being behind in most areas.  They are now reading, doing math equations and spelling tests. 

I have been picking them up on most Thursdays and taking them to their house where we have snack and do homework before their parents come home.  Today it was just Kristin because Casey is out of town.  I stayed long enough to fix my famous tacos and enjoyed dinner with them.  At dinner Kristin was telling me something that she wasn't so sure she wanted the kids to hear.  She spelled it to me.  Carson immediately said the word.  No hesitation.  She tried another word, and he got that as well.  Then she spelled S-M-A-R-T and after a few seconds he sounded it out. 

So much for trying to keep something from them by spelling it! 

I'm so very proud of their rapid progress and the totally different behavior that I'm seeing in them.  It is completely night and day from the first few weeks of first grade.  I guess you get what you pay for! 

I told Kristin that I had such a peaceful, wonderful feeling as I walked into the school building.  I am very happy for this change in their young lives that has truly meant so much! 

I L-O-V-E   T-H-E-M  S-O  M-U-C-H!  

LET IT SNOW RITUALS!

This is news to me -- but apparently there are rituals that children do to make it snow.  The twins came home with instructions FROM THEIR TEACHERS they were supposed to perform last night so it snowed.   Ruby took it very seriously and wrote down the instructions in her journal! 
 

1)  Flush an ice cube down the toilet

2)  Wear their pajamas inside out to bed

3)  Put a spoon under their pillow

4)  Have a disco dance party

 

I'm hoping Kristin sends me pictures of this ritual event in the children's lives because she said they really got into it.  Rubes was dancing away to the Bee-Gee's and loving it. 

It worked to some degree because we are currently having a sleet storm outside and most schools are either closed or 2 hour late start today.  

Happy Fall Walk

 

A beautiful day for a walk in the fall leaves! 

 

Halloween 2014

Happy Halloween --

Carson/Ninja, Ruby/Princess Anna and Kristin/surfer-girl in a wet suit

 

 

These 2 kids had 5 adults out trick-or-treating with them.  Such love and support these twins get from the family!  

Princess Aunt Lindsey was right there with them! 

 

Ruby fell asleep with her ring-pop in her mouth. 

Sweet dreams Miss Ru  (don't forget to brush your teeth!)  

 

I had to include this little pumpkin -- My newest Great Niece, Adeline,  at the pumpkin patch.  She is the 3rd sister to wear this pumpkin outfit!