Sophie can read. Well, kind-of.

Sophia has discovered that she can read. Here are some of today's examples of her "reading."

The empty pretzel bag: "Mom! This pretzel bag says when it is empty moms have to go to the store and buy more pretzels. Yep. That's what it says on the wrapper."

My bottle of water when I told her I wouldn't share it: "But Mom, it says right here that this is FAMILY water so you have to share it with your family."

My ice cream free grocery list: "Oh thanks Mom. Thanks for putting ice cream on the list. That was really nice of you."

As strange as this may sound, I kind of have to respect her read what you want something to say stance. If nothing else, it is a very polite way to try to get what you want.

Thrifting.

We shop at the thrift store a lot. A lot a lot.

This is for three very good reasons:

1. We don't have a ton of money so it really helps us out to buy stuff at thrift store prices. 
2. I actually enjoy going in and seeing what I can find. 
3. I often find Pyrex on the cheap and that can never be a bad thing. 

Just within the last couple of weeks I have purchased a fall/winter wardrobe for Elinor and some warmer clothes to help get Violet into the next size. And, I probably only spent $15 for all of it.

And...you truly do just sometimes find yourself a little piece of awesome. 

Such as this. 

And yes....this is Sophia's new favorite book to read before going to bed. But really, who doesn't love a book about their very own uncontrollable rage?

The future princess.

Sophia told me tonight that she was going to marry a prince some day.

I told her that she would probably have to go to England first.

She replied with "Yeah, and I'm going to have to fight the evil wizard first too."

My response? "Well...there is that too."

Baby boy.

Connor turns eight today. Eight! It is hard to imagine that he has been with us for so long, yet I can barely recall a time when he wasn't here.

I love my little guy. He may drive me crazy and I still don't really understand how to be his mom, but he is all mine, and I wouldn't trade him for anything.

I've decided for his birthday to spare you all a rambling post about what an awesome, strange, aggravating, and interesting kid Connor is. If you've spent any extended time with him you know this. And we thank you for the additional prayers.

Instead, I thought I would share some of my favorite Connor photos.

 I still love this picture that my sister Jennifer took. 

 This is the one that we are pulling out on prom night. 

 The very first time Connor visited the campus with us in Fort Wayne. He fell in the fountain about three minutes after this picture was taken. 

 Gotta love his energy. 

My sweet smiling boy. 

 I just love that I caught him in a giggle on this one. 

 My inquisitive boy.  

 I think this picture truly captures who Connor is.

He is always thinking about something.

My handsome boy.

Happy 8th Birthday Connor!
We love you so much.  

Of Monsters and Kitty Cats.

Sometimes I don't enjoy living in a smaller town...mostly on days when Walmart is out of bananas or only has two kinds of bread left. Most of the time, however, I love it. And, I especially love it around any holiday. There is nothing quite like small town living when it comes to festivals and holidays. 

Today was trick or treat around town day in Atchison. Several of the businesses (around 30 of them) had candy for the kids. There was also a parade and some scarier fun this evening that we skipped out on. 

We took a little monster, a kitty cat, a spy, and a baby cow. I didn't really get any pictures of my spy and I didn't get great pictures of my baby cow - but I figure I can get those on Halloween. 

Here is my sweet little monster.

 And my sassy little cat. 

 Who may have partied a little too hard considering she fell asleep with a sucker in her mouth. 

 We lost our monster too. 

 And this has to be the world's most adorable cow...even without her hat. 

My bespectacled boy.

Connor got his new glasses today. And, I must say that in my completely unbiased opinion, he is one handsome boy. 

School Pictures

My kids are growing up.

I have mixed feelings about this, but guess it was bound to happen eventually.