November?

It appears that I haven't posted anything for awhile.  Not that I haven't thought about it, but there just doesn't seem like there is enough time in a day to get everything done on that list that seems to go on and on in my head.

First things first.  I am working for a Pharmacy, and I really enjoy it.  I am learning lots of new things and the people I work with are great.  I honestly have no complaints about my job.  The only complaint that I have is not getting to spend enough time with the kids.  I miss them like crazy, but I have certainly grown an appreciation for being able to stay home with them as long as I have.  

Tracy has been substitute teaching, and studying.  He takes his first of two 4-hour tests this month.  Even after being a sub, he still wants to teach.  We all remember how we acted when there was a sub in class :)  He's just good with kids.

Aleana is doing good at school.  She's been reading diligently and is on her third of a four book series called Warriors (a pretend world of...wait for it...CATS.  Yes - cats.  Cats that are having an epic battle between good and evil, and belong to certain tribes.  Sigh.  Only my Aleana :)  and her imagination.)  She also just started basketball practice and likes it.  She's a little behind the other kids, but is willing to practice with us, so that's a good sign.  She had to go to the Dr twice in one week.  She keeps getting bladder infections.  She drinks enough water and does everything else she needs to do, but still gets them.  So now the Dr wants to do some further testing that involves a catheter, and dye as well as an ultrasound, which is rather traumatic for an 8 year old.  Hopefully everything is okay.  Other than that, she is healthy and measures in the 50% for her height and weight.  (Although she sometimes wishes she was a little taller - especially when little bro is catching up).

Trent, is well...Trent.  He continues to keep us on our toes.  We did the Harvest Family Fun Run, (Well Aleana and Tracy ran.  Trent ran for a little bit, but fell back and walked with me and Hannah).  It was a great opportunity for me to spend some quality time with him.  He asked lots of questions like "Why do people litter this beautiful earth?" and "How do crayons get all their colors?", but it was this  question that got me: "Why do old people have strollers, but no babies?"  I explained to him, that they are called 'walkers' and that they help old people to walk.  I must admit though, to a five year old 'strollers' make sense.  He is also excelling in school.  He knows all his sounds and can "spell".  Even though he can read small words, he argues with me.  He says he knows how to spell, but not how to read.  Well, whatever works, right?

Hannah keeps growing.  She started crawling and pulling herself up on things on the same day.  She now has 4 teeth.  She is such a sweet girl, and for the most part she just chills.  She does have a temper every now and then, but usually it is with good reason...like accidentally whacking herself in the face with a toy.  Let me tell ya, she lets the toy know all about it.  If I knew how to speak baby jibberish - I bet that would translate into a good tongue lashing.  And when she does it, her whole body shakes kind of like baby Jack-Jack on the Incredibles.  And even though I know it has to hurt, I can't help but laugh, then she turns on me with her baby jibberish.  After about 30 seconds, she's okay and just as sweet as she can be.  It's amazing how these babies come out with their own personalities.  She also went to the Dr for a well child check-up and shots (when the nurse gave her the shots, she actually growled at her.  I would probably do the same thing.)  She is growing healthy and strong.  She's in the 90% for height, 85% for head and 40% for weight.  

And now onto pictures.  

Introducing... Spiderman 2 (repeat of last year.  Originally he wanted to be Indiana Jones, but when we broke out the Halloween bin, he caved), Vampire (teeth and all), and lil'miss Ladybug.

This pic (below) is of Tracy and Hannah.  Besides being a super cute pic, it also shows off the costume I made for Hannah.  I didn't have a pattern or anything, and I thought it turned out really good.  She's also wearing antennas, but you can't see them very good here.  All in all, I spent $6 on halloween costumes this year.  $4 for Hannah's fabric and thread, and $2 for make-up and teeth for Aleana.  Pretty sweet.

A really fun thing we did this year was we went to the Linden farms.  There was a hayride and pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and just all kinds of fun festive things to do.  Aleana and Trent found some old corn stalks and decided it was better to sword fight then to use them as walking sticks.

This is Hannah Bear all cuddled up and warm.  She had a blast.  Mostly reaching out trying to grab at the corn as we went through the maze.  She discovered that corn husks just aren't that tasty.

Family pic at the start of the maze or maize.  :)

This last one is just a cute pic of Hannah with Tracy's hat.  

And that brings us up to November.  How can it be November already?  Anybody?...Anybody?