Miscellaneous Thoughts and Happenings

• We are enjoying watching some of the Olympic events....gymnastics is a favorite. Joshua is taking news articles about the Olympics into school for an upcoming project.
• Jasper is traveling some now and it is something I have to get used to. I am a whiny baby when he is gone. Fortunately, it is for his consultant job so it won't last forever.
• I was supposed to go to the grocery today but it is raining so I am going to put it off. Loading and unloading groceries for a family of 6 in the rain is not my idea of fun!
• Esther Marie tells me "I love you" in response to me saying it to her...mostly when we are snuggling. It's not totally clear but I know she is saying it....so precious!
• MaryAlyce read a "level 2" book last night for homework and told me it was "too easy" for her.
• Hannah took her lunch to school today...she wants to take it more often. She is concerned about the quality of meat they use for the school lunches.
• Esther Marie is so good about her nap times and bed times now. We have a routine and she is actually pleasant when I tell her it is "night night" time and we go upstairs. This is refreshing!
• My sister in law sent me a message recently to tell me that my nephew Jonathon got his driver's license and he has also grown a beard. It made me feel "old"! (laugh)
• When MaryAlyce told Grandma Q. that she was bored, Grandma asked what things she liked to do to keep from being bored. She replied...well, I am not bored when I am EATING!
• Joshua starts boy scouts soon and he is a Webelos 1. He was finally able to go to scout day camp this past June and he earned some belt loops. He is excited about getting back together with "the boys."
• Hannah has started writing a book and has been typing, typing, typing. It will be interesting to see how far she gets. She says she wants to be a writer or a fashion designer.
• I love it when Emmie runs over to me spontaneously with a big smile and lays her little head on my leg and pats on me. It melts my heart!
• Jasper is a "rock" and I depend on him every day. I don't think I could handle four children without him. God bless single moms!
• My cousin Maggie called me yesterday. It has been years since I have heard from her. It was good to catch up and I realized having a blog helps me stay connected with a lot of people.
• I worked on my appointment book last night entering everything going on with the kids and Jasper and I was exhausted when I was done!
• Joshua turns 11 on the 28th of August.
• Esther Marie and her friend from the orphanage, Lizzie, are both having surgery on the same day. Esther Marie will have her palate repaired and Lizzie is having surgery on her fingers...to have some separated. It's interesting that they are both having their first surgeries on the same day! Thanks for praying for both of these precious little ones!