New Energy For America!

This is the CHANGE that American needs.

The anger that built in me from Thursday night's lie/bash fest was relieved today.

I actually cheered when I heard the news.

I actually clapped and cheered when I heard her speech.

She LIVES the words she speaks. She's the real deal.

She is the CHANGE to give our country ENERGY.

I am finally excited about this election!

MIA . . . .

Well, my kids all started school today - 1st grade, 5th grade, and 8th grade. They seemed equal parts of excited and disappointed that summer is over. I am the same. I dislike having to make lunches every night, trying to make it healthy and still something they will eat. I dislike having to stay on top of my 5th grader to get her homework done (she takes 2 hours to do what most can do in 20 minutes!) But, I'm glad they are learning, getting to see their friends a bit, and away from TV, computer and Wii (we have a "no electronics" rule during the school week - no electronics until Friday after school - through Sunday evening. This takes away temptation to rush through homework, devotions, and dinner.)

I haven't been around the blogosphere much this summer. I've been working hard since my Dad isn't on vacation - trying to take care of some of his duties while he takes the summer off. I've also been traveling a bit to meetings within the associations we belong to - which happen to take place at various beaches. So, we've been very busy.

Youngest wanted to play football this year. Well, I never allowed my eldest to play football - but I guess with the third, I've relaxed a bit - and given into his pleas. I did insist he'd have to play flag football this first year (he's only 6) - to learn rules, strategies, etc. - so that next year during tackle - perhaps he can avoid getting tackled too much and enjoy the game.

After the 2nd practice I asked him how he likes football. His reply, with a very serious face was: "Well, it's not exactly what I thought it would be. I thought the flags would be at each end of the field and we would be trying to get to that flag. I didn't know the flags would be moving (attached to people)! But yeah, I like it - it's just a lot of work." Too funny!

Here are some of my favorite beach photos from this summer:

My favorite moments from the summer were times when the whole family was together. It's rare HWH has time at the beach meetings to hang out with us - I make him go to all the meetings and golf while I play with the kids. But, when he does - the kids (and I) love it.

What was the highlight of your summer?

Book Giveaway!

There are a few days left until the drawing at Teen Lit Review for the book Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. Go here to enter!

Middle Child's Bedtime Ritual

Middle child sleeps in a loft bed, so I can't lay with her at all when I tuck her into bed. But I do climb the steps each night, cover her with her blankets, kiss her and remind her to say her prayers.
She loves to go to sleep to music or stories. Her favorite, since Christmas - is the Adventures in Odyssey Series on CD. She got a box set for Christmas and has listened through the whole set at least 3 times. She loves them - I'll be getting her more for her birthday.
If you're not familiar with the Adventures In Odyssey series - it is from a group called Focus on the Family. They have DVDs - which my children love as well. On the CD's there are audio drama episodes with emphasis on integrity and morals. The episodes have a Bible basis and each story of faith comes to life in a new way, helping kids to understand the Bible better than ever. You can go here to click and hear a sample.

Now, you may ask - does this keep her awake? I don't know for sure - but I do know she asks me to start at different points on the CD each night - so I do think she is falling asleep during the stories. My kids tend to crash at bedtime - and are very sleepy - even though I still put them all to bed (even the 13 yr. old) around 8pm on weeknights (usually 7pm on Sunday nights - because they are so worn out from the busy weekend!)


What is your kid's betime ritual?