It's finished!

Our backyard is finally complete with all of the pool construction and landscaping.  There is still some decorating and refinishing of old patio furniture to complete, but we are free of workers and stress FINALLY!  We are very pleased with the end result.  The pictures don't do it justice.  It is absolutely a beautiful backyard.  It will be even more amazing once all of our new plants begin to grow come spring.  The best part of it all is that Micah, the landscape architect, told us and our "green thumbs" (ha ha) not to touch a thing except the grasses.  Wonderful news to our ears!  Enjoy the album of the progress.

Oh Callie Jae...(sigh)

Second incident report from church/school in two weeks. I don't think she needs a stitch but we will see. I don't want to be responsible for another scar.

Update: no stitches!

Yay!

Our Fall Festival was a huge success! The weather was perfect, the lines were long, we made more money than last year, but most importantly, the kids had a blast! It was bittersweet for me seeing that it was my last hurrah as far as Council activities are concerned. I will miss seeing my friends regularly without having to plan things, but look forward to being a better mommy and wife. My husband and #1 has been a rock star this week with the kids and house. Thank you Jason. Love you.

Ry and Caroline

If we could do a prearranged marriage...

Brr...

Saturday morning soccer game. Feels like 45 but at least there is sun! Love this snuggle bug!

Loving the Fall

As always, we have had a busy fall and enjoying lots of activities.  The kids are in full swing at school and both enjoying it thoroughly.  Every MWF Rylan enjoys the Ladybug class and the group of friends that he has been able to be with for the last couple of years.  Mrs. King and Mrs. Nunnely are super sweet and enjoy Rylan very much.  Callie Jae is a part of the Fish class on MW and LOVES going to school.  No tears are shed and the very mention of Ms. Flo, Ms. Yvonne, or Annslee, she is heading to door and looking for shoes to put on.  She has quite the vocabulary, compared to Rylan at this age, and loves to "talk" even though we don't understand most of what she says.  Rylan was sharing a story at dinner the other night, and she tried very hard to talk at the same time and use all of the facial and hand expressions that he was.  She likes to do EVERYTHING that the big kids do.  Tomorrow is picture day, so we tried on her outfit to make sure it fits.  Callie Jae of course did not want to take it off, especially the shoes!

This Fall we have also enjoyed our annual trip to Dewberry Farms.  I have to admit, it was much more fun when I only had to worry about one child.  The idea of being at a pumpkin patch and participating in the activities with friends sounds great, but the reality of the situation ends up being a little different.  Being that it is still 85 degrees outside and keeping track of two children amongst groups of field trips ends up putting a damper on things.  The kids had a blast though which is all that matters.

Our annual ECDC Fall Family Festival is Saturday.  I am so excited for it, as it really is my final activity that I will be involved in for Advisory Council.  I am in charge of it this year with a couple of friends, so it will be nice to see our hard work come together and pay off.  I will be sad to not be on Council anymore, but I am excited to begin the next chapter.  I am looking forward to the next six months or so of not having any obligations before Kindergarten starts for Rylan.

~hugs and love~

Fwd: Through the Eyes of a Child: Burkina Faso | Compassion International Blog

Through the Eyes of a Child: Burkina Faso | Compassion International Blog

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Through the Eyes of a Child: Burkina Faso Posted: 22 Oct 2012 02:23 AM PDT We gave several children in Burkina Faso disposable or digital cameras and asked them to take photos of their lives. Looking at these photos, what do you think matters most to the children who took them? Photos gathered by Paul Henri Kabore, Field Communication Specialist A special thank you to our young photographers: Alassane, Ali, Nana, Sandwidi, Belem, Nehemie and Nina. My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Let the Wise Listen Posted: 21 Oct 2012 11:38 PM PDT In our world today, there is much distraction. We are bombarded daily with all kinds of technology — television, radio, computers games, and so forth. There are so many things that compete for our attention that it is difficult to listen. Listening demands uninterrupted attention and focus. How many times do we find ourselves supposedly listening while at the same time doing something else? We believe we do not have the time to be attentive. It is common to see in church auditoriums a sign instructing church members not to use their mobile phones during the service. We struggle to pay attention even in church! Listening is an act that requires skill. A true listener listens regardless of who is speaking. Second Kings 5 tells the story of Naaman, a commander of the army of the King of Aram, and his healing from leprosy as a result of listening to the advice of his servants. Based on his maidservant's advice, Naaman went to Israel to see Elisha. Elisha sent a messenger to tell Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordon. This infuriated Naaman, as he felt humiliated. He nearly missed his healing, but again, his servants intervened and advised him to try what Elisha had said. After washing seven times in the Jordan, he was healed—healed because he listened to the advice of his servant. We sometimes fail to listen to advice because we are looking for the "right" person, someone of equal standing. We need to listen regardless of the speaker. Pride can hinder our ability to listen; humility has a way of enabling us to listen. Naaman questioned what he heard. He was looking for a complex solution, but a small and humble idea may be all it takes to bring about transformation. God is as loud as we are willing to listen! Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said. . . . So Naaman left. —2 Kings 5:4, 5b, NIV Prayer: God, help us to avoid distractions and truly listen to what your servants are saying to us. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patience Antonio works as the Human Resources Specialist for Compassion Ghana. Read all the One in Spirit devotionals. My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

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