Checkout Lines are SO FUN!!!!!

...when you are under the age of 3! =)

This is the conclusion to a typical grocery shopping adventure with 3.  Where is Savannah? Well, she is exploring the nail salon behind me in Wal Mart.  It seems there is always a bench or chair nearby no matter what grocery store (or checkout line) we are in.  She found one today right next to a gentleman waiting for his dear wife as she enjoyed a manicure.  He, with newspaper in hand, apparently did not speak English. And Savannah thought he could not hear her.  I finally realized what was going on from the checkout line when I hear her loudly ask, "Do you like your book?" The newspaper still in front of his face, I'm assuming he is either completely annoyed by a chatty 4-year-old, or he just simply doesn't understand her.  Poor girl...she later told me he wasn't very nice to her. 
Motioning for her to sit down and to talk more quietly, I turn my attention right back to my busy boys...one of whom is mashing every single button on the credit card machine (grinning ear to ear), and the other is on his feet reaching for the plastic bags, probably attempting to eat one.  And the couple next in line, well they're just enjoying the entertainment! (and most likely thinking...glad it's her!)  


And guess what? I am too. I am glad it's my job to closely watch a busy red head who just can't sit behind that buckle but for so long.  Glad it's my job to compare the prices of split chicken breasts while keeping watch to assure an active little girl doesn't run into an elderly shopper.  Glad I get to hand a baby one cracker per minute just to keep him seated (and from eating the produce just placed next to him).  And THEN there's all the comments from others....like my favorite, "Are ALL of them yours?" They always ask with a smile, and after I respond with the typical, "Yes, ma'am they are"  I smile and say, "And they are a joy!"


Because, whether or not my body experiences complete exhaustion after falling into the driver's seat in the parking lot of the store, my children are a joy.  They are precious!  They are a heritage of the Lord and I love them with all of my heart!


*But, I am thankful that grocery trips are only once a week. =)


Blessings,
~k.


  

In the Dentist's Chair

The time has come.  She's a big girl.  We must have a visit with the dentist.  We've been talking about this day for weeks to get her ready!  And today was the day! (Consequently, it is also "D" week in our little academy...Gotta love it when that happens.)  

She was a BIG girl! Showed only a teensy bit of anxiety...and even that seems too big a word.  So, take a look at this first for Savannah...in the Dentist's chair!

 She LOVED the reclining seat!!  Here she is all smiles (and if you listen closely, you'll hear the giggles too).  

A pair of sunglasses may come with us next time! She did NOT like that light!

 Oh, this was a delight! Kissing the "suctioner." (Probably not the correct term) She thought this was the funniest thing!

In comes the dentist...

 who let her hold his TOOLS!

and who made her laugh when he asked her how many tongues she had! 

1...2...3... Counting teeth!

Really proud of her!

And for being SO good...she was given a special goody bag and a gift certificate to pizza inn (which she SO wanted to use TODAY). 

 What little girl doesn't love some new jewels? 

 A happy girl! (With CLEAN teeth!)

Yes, it's just the dentist...But these are the moments that make me realize how precious life is.  These little "firsts." These milestones that prove over and over again, that children grow up. Fast. So, before I start crying over a post about the dentist, I'll wish you blessings and post.


~k.  

Field Trip to the Fire Station!

Thanks to our friend, Blair, we had the great opportunity to visit the Royall Avenue Fire Station a few days ago.  We missed a few of our MOPS friends...but still a great time!  Thank you so much, Blair for inviting us along.  Savannah wants to be a "fireman" when she grows up! =)

As soon as we arrived and got up close and personal with the big, shiny, red truck...Savannah couldn't help herself but to climb up onto the large step and have a seat.  The very nice fireman seemed to be "used" to this kind of thing as he welcomed her to explore the big red truck.  

Noah preferred the gadgets!  (Just like his daddy) I think he pressed every button...and there were tons!

 Oh, the mask...

 I told her to give me her "serious, fireman-look."

Noah didn't talk much, but he loved this spot of the truck!

 Each of the children were given a hat...even Levi. =)

The dart "room."

I really love that little boy "wonder" in this one...

Savannah and Olivia... so cute!

Such a great field trip! We'll definitely plan to visit again.


~k.

Pickers and Eaters....No Keepers

After my sweet friend, Sarah, sent me a message saying "They just put the Strawberry sign out" we knew it was time to head to the patch!! Smith's Nursery, once again.  This year, Levi joined us! 5 kids, 2 mommy's, and LOTS of strawberries. My kids, however, contributed pretty much nothing to our strawberry supply! Once picked, the sweet berries were forced into those little mouths like magnets. All in all, we I managed to fill 2 buckets full.  Strawberries aside, it was a wonderful day...

One of Savannah's hi-lights...Chocolate Milk!!

All the kids had fun walking the rows

showing off their berries...

Noah...oh, sweet Noah.  I was so tickled peeking through my camera as I watched him pick a plump strawberry only to pluck the stem and then throw it on the ground.  

But that surely didn't last...he realized how yummy they were.  Then, it was a race to see who...he or Savannah...could eat the most!

She found a great little spot to pick and eat!

Savannah and Caitlin eating and eating and eating!!  They just may have installed surveillance cameras on the farm after we left!

Hi Mommy!

Love these next 2...

So glad to make a morning of picking AND eating strawberries in such good company! Let's go again Sarah, Caleb, and Caitlin.