Happy October!

Where did September go? It seems like it's just been our normal routine, and the time has flown by. The girls have had equestrian team nightly and rehearsal for the musical 2-3 nights each week. We just had our third week of Awana. I have ten Sparkies so far this year! Last year, I usually had six. Plus, all but 3 (so far) are kindergarteners! It's been fun but challenging. Tonight, it was so fun to have one little girl (my neighbor) come up to me before we even started and tell me her verse--she was so excited that she knew it. :) Another girl brought me a picture she drew of all the Sparks from her class at school, "except for Lucas, because I didn't know he was coming." I have a Katrina and a Sabrina, and I know I'm going to call them the wrong names all year. Tate is in Sparks with me this year, and Chase is finally a Cubbie. Chase got his book tonight, and when we got home, he stayed in his carseat for several minutes just looking through his book. So cute!

Tate is going to school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We had conferences last week, and he's doing great. He's even had more days at school where he has not had an accident than days that he did. The girls are both doing well too. They've both been responsible (so far) to get homework done, study for tests, etc. They are in the same classroom for most of the day, but Britta leaves for math and Latin.

I've been listening to Kevin Leman on Focus on the Family podcasts. I am convicted each time I listen of my parenting failures, but I'm encouraged that I can do better! My biggest problem is consistency. I daily need to consciously commit to actively be a better parent. It's so easy sometimes to sit back and let things happen that I don't always realize I'm doing it. My husband reads my blog--you're right, Glen, you're always right. :) I think it would be a good idea to listen to these again together.

I tried to post this a couple of nights ago and it wouldn't work, so I'm adding a little more today (10-6). Last night, Glen found a baby bullsnake in the garage as he was leaving for work. He brought it back in to show the boys (the girls were not home, or they probably would have liked it too). Tate was a little hesitant, but both boys petted the snake. Glen wouldn't let them hold it because he was afraid they'd drop it, and he said the snake was fast. Thank you, honey! Chase wanted to know why it looked like a hair band. :)

We roasted marshmallows outside after supper tonight. Glen at first couldn't find the roasting sticks, and the kids were just not thinking about what they were doing, and he was a little frustrated. I think it was Tate who asked why we just looked at the fire. Glen said, "Because it's relaxing." It hadn't worked for him yet. :) He's been working hard lately to get the barn done. He built the stalls the other day (I helped!) and only has to hang the gates tonight. I will post pictures soon.