So J is becoming quite the boy. He loves requesting any adult types around the house to play with him and he still likes playing with E most of the time. Here he is (before his haircut) playing with Uncle L's old blocks. He loves having a 'house' around him....he used to make mommy surround him with her legs as we sat on the floor so he could pretend he was in a house. Recently we checked out a bag of plastic dinosaurs from the library (way cool) and somehow the Tyranusaurus Rex would always be separated out and off looking for meat. (J noticed its big teeth and called him a 'mean guy'). Pictured here are the dinosaurs being ridden by Strawberry Shortcake and friends; a combination effort of E and J. We have hidden our small TV during this nativity fast and even though the kids still ask for videos occasionally we are finding their creativeness is already coming out. E has decided that 'duck, duck, goose' is a pretty fun game to play, even with one other person. C has been rolling around more and more, but not so good at sitting up yet. She thinks she is big enough to stand up and tries to push with her legs on the floor, hence pushing herself backwards to the floor. It will come, right? Can you tell what our kids have for snack almost every day?

Here's the big 5 year old! I didn't tell her to stand like that...she just has the grown up look now a days. Although we didn't have a party with small types this year, E did take iced animal crackers to school on her birthday and had cupcakes and ice cream with her sunday school class (her teacher planned it all and even bought her a new doll which she adores). We also had an angel food and ice cream night with Oma and Opa (mid-October), a cake celebration at Uncle D's and Aunt M's (yellow cake with PINK frosting and strawberries on top), and went to the Chocolate Cafe with Grandpa and N, Odo and Mr. J when they visited. On her actual b-day, we had a meal chosen by E and a small store-bought cake that I added her name to; we hit the street a bit late for trick or treating, but went to two of our neighbors and got a few treats. All in all, E had a great time and does act a bit older. She appreciates all the gifts she received and will soon get to buy a new 'something' with her birthday money, but still has to figure out which 'old' toy she will trade in for the new one. Gotta keep the house from overflowing, right? I really am amazed that E is now 5! Time is dancing away just like she is!

Happy days have been here for quite awhile...along with 2 colds that have cycled through the kids. I will soon post about E's 5th b-day and C turning 6 months. J needs a haircut (I'll try to put his pic up next time). We have had a number of visitors in the last few weeks and have enjoyed a few warmer days, but it looks like we are headed for colder times again. I just finished reading a simple telling of the life of Mother Teresa and am just amazed at how much God started through her obediance and how many lives have been affected positively because of her life. I can only pray that I would learn to be obediant to God in what he has for me everyday. Lord have mercy.