A lot has changed in 30 years

I received a birthday card today with these interesting facts:

1979 - 2009

1st Class Stamp $0.15 - $0.42
Gallon of Milk $1.61 - $3.99
Population (mil) 223.9 - 306.8
Bread (1 lb) $0.50 - $3.19
Gallon of Gas $0.86 - $2.37
Avg. Income $22,178 - $50,986

For the record, I would buy my own cow before I would pay that much for milk. And my bread is much cheaper too!

Splish, Splash, I now need a bath

He likes puddles and he likes rain boots. He is happy with either one but I like it when they go together.

The higher the splash, the better

"This is so fun!"

He was SOAKED when we were done

Aubrey took her nap while we splashed around outside.

I'm not poor, and neither are you

It is so easy to feel sorry for yourself when you compare yourself to those that have more: a bigger home, nicer car, better job or a larger bank account. Unfortunately we as Americans never seem to compare ourselves to those who have less. It bothers me when people refer to themselves as "poor." If you are able to read this right now, you are not poor!

I like what Proverbs 15:17 says, "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it." When my family sits down to dinner I could care less what is on our plate. It doesn't matter to me if we are eating steak or hot dogs as long as we love each other and our home is a place of peace and harmony.

Growing Up Quick

It's hard to believe that Aubrey is already two months old! Yesterday she had a Well Baby visit with our pediatrician, who I love.

Weight: 12 pounds 13.5 ounces (96th Percentile)

Height: 23.75 inches (90th percentile)

I'm so thankful that my daughter is happy, healthy and well rested! She is now consistently sleeping 12 hours a night. Her happiest times are in the morning when she smiles and coos.

Owen had to have a shot yesterday too. I told him what was going to happen and that it was going to hurt but that he could handle it. He was a bit nervous but was SO tough! He barely cried at all and then comforted Aubrey while she had to have her shots. What a blessing it is that he is so good to his little sister. We are now done with potty training. It only took a few weeks and he is now diaper free (except at bedtime).

I thoroughly enjoy watching my children reach these big milestones. I love being a mom and wouldn't want to be spending my days doing anything else!

Christmas Letter Question

The first few years Ben and I were married I faithfully sent out a TON of Christmas cards. However, for a variety of reasons, I have failed to send out a single Christmas card in the last several years. Every year I have good intentions but then it just doesn't happen. This year I (again) intend to send out cards, which leads me to this question: Do you like to receive Christmas letters from people rather than just a card?

I used to send out cards with a short couple of sentences written in it. I appreciate all cards that I receive, but it sort of seems like a waste to send out a card that simply says, "Love, the Glupkers" without a personal message inside. I LOVE reading people's Christmas letters and so I thought about writing my own this year, which will be a first for me. However, I have heard people comment over the years about how they do not like letters because they think it's just a time for people to brag about themselves. I certainly do not want to give that impression so I thought I would ask my blogging buddies:

Do you like to receive Christmas letters and do you enjoy reading them OR do you generally dislike them because it's just a brag-fest? Please respond. I'm curious!

Trying to be like Daddy

Impressive form

Soon-to-be impressive form

He wants to be just like Daddy. That's a good thing.

Weekly Story Time

Every Thursday morning we go to Story Time at our local library. Owen loves it. He cooperates very well and it's good practice for him to learn how to sit still and pay attention. The librarian reads a few books, they sing several songs and then do a craft. This last Thursday the children all dressed up. It was fun to see all the cute little costumes.

What's your guess?

Ben works in the evenings so he was unable to join us this year at our church's Fall Harvest Party. Owen enjoyed himself, and so did I. There were hot air balloon rides, fire trucks, bounce houses, free food, lots of games and tons of candy! Please notice Aubrey's costume in the following pictures:
My little chicken and my . . . . _____. What do you think? I couldn't believe how many people had no clue what Aubrey was dressed up as! What's your guess?

Owen and his matching buddy, Eli.

My friend Jennifer was a big help. Aubrey decided she would rather be held than sit in her stroller. It was a bit of a challenge trying to hold her, chase Owen, push a stroller and take pictures. Thank the Lord for helpful friends!

Owen and his friend, Abby.

So here you go, a full view of Aubrey's costume. What do you think she is?

A Beautiful Day

We are enjoying some beautiful fall weather here in Kentucky - just another reason why I love living here. The boys, Owen and Will (the child I nanny), had fun playing outside.

I love his facial expression! "Mama, can I pee right here on these leaves?" I'm not kidding. That is exactly what he was saying when I snapped the photo. And the answer I gave him? "Sure!" And he did.

Trick or Treat

We had perfect weather for trick or treating tonight! Owen had so much running up to the doors and saying, "twick or teet" and "Thank you!" If you click on this picture to enlarge you can see the HUGE smile on Owen's face.
Mama and Daddy with our two little chickens

Aunt Sarah is visiting!

Aubrey did great. She was happy and alert in the beginning and then napped toward the end

He did it again!

God never ceases to amaze me in the ways He takes care of my family. Last week we purchased a minivan. Here are a few reasons why it's a better vehicle for me to drive:

- It has a CD player (never had one of those before and Owen LOVES to listen to music!)

- Both the heater and the air conditioner work

- The windshield wipers are quiet

- ALL the doors open

- It can seat my children plus the children I nanny

- It has a remote to unlock and open doors (a huge bonus when you're loading three kids into the car in the pouring rain)

- No rust

- Less than 100,000 miles on it (less than 200,000 would make me happy!)

- It was made in this century

- The interior lights turn on when I open the door

- The driver's seat can be adjusted

- So far, it starts up every time I turn the key

- The brakes don't make a funny sound when I press on them

- It uses less gas

- No cracks or chips in the windows

I don't deserve any of the above perks, but I sure am thankful for them!

U

The other day my son said to me, "Mama, the letter u is cool."

Where did he learn the word 'cool'? And why does he love letters so much?