It's Been So Long

It's been so long since I last blogged. But when you still have dial-up internet, it takes forever to upload just a few pictures. We are seriously considering switching to wireless. It's pretty expensive since we live in the country, but sometimes it's just not worth the hassle. Anyway, I have new pictures of the girls. A few weeks ago we went over to spend some time with Great Grandpa and Grandma Rader. We had a really good time. They have this really great marble game that's very simplistic compared to today's toys, but all the kids seem to love it! So the girls spent most of the time playing with that while Marc and I played dominoes with grandpa and grandma.

We've had some big changes in weather the last few days. It's been beautiful here up until yesterday where the rain and cooler weather came in. We're usually dressed in warmer clothes by now, but we've been in shorts and t-shirts. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful fall. We were hoping that our indian summer would come during Halloween so that way we would be a little warmer this year than in past years. But I think that has come and gone. Oh well. We're taking the girls to the zoo for trick-or-treating this year. But I'll blog more on that after we've gone. Here are a few pics of the girls.

Well, the girls are growing up so fast as you can see. We are enjoying every minute of them. Emma started school and is doing fantastic. In a short amount of time she's learned how to add small numbers and also started reading two and three letter words. We have thrown in a few four and five letter words and she does well. I know that in no time, she'll be doing what she loves me to do best -- read stories. She also tells me on a daily basis that math is her favorite subject! I'm so glad to hear that. She's a girl after my own heart!! Lily is learning from Emma. She knows how to count to 20 and knows all her abc's. She is my mommy's girl and I am soaking it up while I can. We had a day together, just the two of us, a few weeks ago and had a fantastic time. Maggie is also learning from Emma. She's in the process of learning her abc's and knows how to count to 10. She's also potty-training herself pretty well. She goes to the potty about 30 times a day, but hey, it's progress. She is definitely a girl in the fact that she loves to talk. Anyone that's talked to her on the phone knows exactly what I mean! It's great. I love being a mom. But I especially love being a mom to these three gifts from God!!! It's fantastic and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

So Busy

I can't believe how long it's been since I've last blogged and how busy we've been. It seems like the summer has just gone by so fast. It's hard to believe that the first day of fall is here. We are still enjoying the 70/80 degree weather, however. The girls are still running around in shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops. As much as I love fall and winter, I am not looking forward to bundling everyone up again. Don't get me wrong, I love sweaters and boots, but the whole idea of big, bulky jackets really doesn't thrill me much anymore.

We were able to get a lot of work done on our house and yard this summer. Bedrooms have been painted and we finally have a yard. We just finished moving dirt, rolling and planting seed in our backyard last week. We had half of the yard finished, but the rest is finally done. I'm looking forward to the spring when we have a full backyard for the girls to run around and room for a volleyball net! I can't wait for that! We also were able to plant some trees this summer! They're looking good and we're looking forward to the privacy they will create in a few years. I wish we didn't have to wait that long, but if the time goes by as fast as it's been, those tall, beautiful trees will be here in no time!

I can't believe that school has already started. Actually, Bremen started early this year and the kids have already been in school for 6 weeks now. We've constantly been asked if Emma started school this year, and unfortunately we've had to tell them no. Her birthday missed the cut-off day by a few weeks. Well, we've made a big decision. We decided that we were going to homeschool kindergarten for her this year. We're starting late, but she's really excited about it. I've ordered her books and they should be here any day now. We also went out today and purchased her very own desk! She's so excited to start school. I think she would have been ready if we really wanted her to go, but I had a hard time letting go. I never realized how hard it was going to be. So, we'll try this for a year and if we both like it and she's doing well, we'll continue for awhile. If not, well, she'll be ready for next year.

Well, I guess this is it for now. It's time to put the girls to bed and just enjoy the quiet. I have more that I could tell y'all about, but I'll save that for another day. Right now it's sleepy time!

Happy Birthday Emma

Yesterday we celebrated Emma's 5th birthday! It's so hard to believe that she's 5 already! The time has gone by so fast! Emma is a great little girl. We love having her as a part of our family. I couldn't imagine our family of girls without her. So, Happy Birthday Emma. We love you so much!

Emma at 1 day old - August 24, 2002

Emma at almost 5 years old.

Just before opening her gifts.


Opening a present from Uncle Dan, Aunt Missy, Alex and Kate!

New slippers from our neighbors, the Schweisberger's.

Daddy and his girls

I just had to add this picture to our blog. The girls were having so much fun with daddy. They all layed down together and watched "Holly Hobby" (gotta be one of Marc's most favorite movies - just kidding). They popped some popcorn and had a great time together. Marc really loves his girls!

7 Years and Counting...

Well, it's hard to believe, but Marc and I have been married for seven wonderful years now! We celebrated our anniversary yesterday. Didn't do a whole lot especially since we weren't able to find a sitter for the girls, but it was still a nice day. It's hard to think that we've been married for this long already. It seems like only yesterday....well, you know the rest. I thank God every day for giving me Marc as a husband. He is a wonderful man who is so good to me and is a GREAT father to our girls. He's a good provider and takes very good care of us. Thank you, God, for sending Marc my way! I'm looking forward to spending the next 50+ years with him!

Dress Up

The girls really enjoy playing dress-up. Just had to take a few shots of them. Check Lily out. She's got that pose down pat! Watch out world - here they come!!

Fun in the Sun

We've had some insanely warm days out here lately. So, on one of those hot days, we decided to go and play outside in the octopus sprinkler. Emma's really the only one that enjoys getting wet with a sprinkler. The other two really don't like it a whole lot. I don't know if it's just because of the unexpectedness of the water or if it's because it's so cold. Anyway, here are just a few pics to show the fun that they had.

Emma enjoying getting cooled off!

Lily did get a little wet that day, but not a whole lot.

And she's off!!!

This is Emma with her neighbor friend, Sarah. They are really good friends and I like to watch them play together. They really enjoy being around each other. I hope they stay friends for a very long time!