Summer?

Ok, show of hands, who's summer is going too fast? Raise them up! That's what I thought. Mine, too. Can you believe there's "back-to-school" stuff in the stores already? Actually, yes I can, because next month the Halloween stuff will come out. I've been thinking and chewing (a horse analogy meaning "to ponder and process." Thank you, LeAndra) about this next school year. I've got soooo much planned, I'm sure I'm over-ambitious. Well, bring it on! Sleeping is completely over-rated. Along with the potential move of our family to a town 15 miles south, scheming about fixing up that house, readying our house to sell, inspecting corn fields, helping with a theatre presentation at our school, hopefully receiving a foster baby sometime, and whatever else God throws at us, I really am quite bored this summer. (Ya, right.) I have lots to do, and I'm glad that God has trusted me with it all. His gifts to all of us are amazing, and I'm managing the present (with His help, of course) while staying hopeful for the future. Who's with me?

Cael's Magic Trick

Cael made this up all by himself! It's hilarious to watch him do it in person! "It's going through my head!"

Piggy Bank

Cael had just gotten done putting the silverware away and put his quarter in the "spend" section of his piggy bank. He's saving up to buy a new toy motorcycle.

Swimming Lessons

This week, Cael has been taking swimming lessons with Bridget, one of my latest graduates. Motorboat, motorboat, drive real fast! Cael and Bridget blow bubbles. Flutterkick practice. The first lesson he got up on the board and I basically threw him to Bridget. This time... he cried. Didn't happen. Daddy even promised him a new Transformer. No dice. Oh well. I'm not going to push. He'll do it in his own time.

Cael's Commission

So we started Cael on commission yesterday. It's going well so far. This is how it works: Cael has two chores that he has to do just because. 1. He has to put his dishes in the sink when he's done eating, and 2. he has to pick up his toys before bed. He has two chores he has to do to earn money (his commission). 1. He has to pick up ALL of the laundry and put it in the hamper, and 2. he has to put away the silverware out of the dishwasher. He gets a quarter for each of those. He has two quarters so far and is very proud of them. He also knows that he has to give two quarters to God every week at church. We're going to go to the store and see how many quarters it will take before he can buy something he wants. If he has to spend his money, maybe he'll think twice. I'm going to go get him one of those save/give/spend banks so he can see where all of his money is going. I made some pictures and HE taped them up on the pantry so he can remind himself what needs to be done. Wish us luck! We also traded in our Aztek for another Grand Prix (we now have 2), and we're looking at a house in Wood River. Don't know if we'll put in an offer or not, but we'll see. Lots of stuff going on!

Allen's vacation

Allen had some vacation time this last week, but it hasn't all been fun. We were supposed to go to South Dakota to see the Moldenhauers, but Allen's grandma in GI passed away. We stayed close to be with our family and get some planning, organizing, and cleaning done. We shared some good memories, and the funeral service was lovely. We know that Gram is in a better place, and is no longer suffering. An eternal vacation! She and my dad are hanging out talking about cows and farming, I'm sure. Last night we went to Allen's cousin's house to have supper and hang out. The boys played Guitar Hero while the girls laughed at the dancing and cheered them on. It was truly a refreshing and enjoyable evening. Just what we needed! Today, Allen's dad came to see us from Lincoln and brought Allen's bday gift. I'll post pictures. It's pretty cool! Tonight we went to "Night at the Museum 2." It was pretty good. Hank Azaria is always good for a laugh. It was a toss-up between that and "Up," but Cael finally made a decision. We hope that summer is going well for all of you!

VBS

Friday was the VBS program at Peace. There was a potluck then the kids sang. Pretty entertaining! And who was the only kid headbanging to "This Little Light of Mine"? Yep, that's right! I tried to upload some videos of Cael singing, but it didn't work.