he said . . .

Kirsten to Mommy, on the way to dance . . . "Mommy, [boy], in my class, said he was going to put me in handcuffs."

Mommy, to Kirsten . . . "we better tell Uncle Rick and Uncle Steve (our cop friends) about him!!!"

Mommy to self . . . oh boy . . .

anxious

I am feeling anxious about a lot right now.

These verses helped me in my devotions this morning, maybe they will help you, too.

“But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, ‘You are my God!’ My future is in your hands.

Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.” Psalm 31:14-15

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:33-34

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:7

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

1 Chronicles 16:34

Before I forget . . .

Although Thanksgiving is about a week away, I am yet to post a Halloween picture of the girls.

Not a huge fan of the day, and I certainly was not creative this year, but, they looked awfully cute as Jesse from Toy Story and Tinkerbell.

my clean little secret

Well, it's not really a secret if you have ever visited my house on any day of the week. . . or weekend.

My 6 laundry baskets (some are buckets) are perpetually filled, even overflowing, with clothes. Most of the time they are clean, but once they make it upstairs, they take refuge in the living room and any member of the family can be found rummaging through them in the dark morning hours looking for underwear and socks.

Travel a little ways into the hallway, and you will find 3 rooms. Each has a dirty laundry basket which is usually filled more times than empty. Residing close by in each of these rooms, you are also likely to find a basket of clean, folded laundry that is begging to be put away.

Travel down the stairs to the basement and chances are you will hear the washer running, usually more so than the dryer because the load I did 3 days ago that has now sat in the washer too long needs to be washed again.

On a good day, you might find me in the middle of my living room, surrounded by piles of clean, folded laundry, awaiting to take refuge in a basket, holding out hope that the laundry fairy will come and put them in their proper places.

My secret is out.

By the way, if you see that laundry fairy, could you remind her of my address? I think she has forgotten where I live.

Kirsten

Dear Kirsten,

Mommy and Daddy had a meeting with your teacher tonight. We sat in your pretty classroom and got to hear about all the great things you are doing! Mrs. Bushman told us you are a butterfly . . . do you remember what kind of butterfly she called you? A social butterfly! =) She told us you are so special and cute. We think so too! You are learning to be a good girl and to listen to your teachers. She told us you play nicely and listen pretty good. You are busy working on your numbers and your letters. You are learning so much! She showed us some of your coloring and your pictures, they are beautiful!

We love you so very much, and we love your bubbly personality and your laugh. When you laugh it is hard not for us to laugh. You asked Daddy to put you to bed tonight, and he got a chance to snuggle with you because usually that is Mommy's job. We are so proud of you, and we know you are going to keep growing and learning. Remember to always love Jesus first, and that He is always with you.

You are precious. We love you!

Jenny

Dear Jenny,

Wow! You are a busy 1st grader! Tonight we had your conference with Miss Gallagher. You are so lucky to have such a good teacher! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and all you have accomplished so far. You are really good at math, and your writing is so neatly done. Miss Gallagher told us how you make sure you take your time and are extra careful. We loved sitting in your classroom and hearing about all the neat things going on. You are learning so much so quickly! She showed us the numbers you wrote today, 1 to 100, and none of them were backwards! She also showed us your dictation from today with very few mistakes. You are getting better and better the more you practice. Do you know that you have gotten all of your Bible memory work this year all correct? Yikes! That is awesome!

Mommy and Daddy love you so much, and we are so thankful that you love your teacher, your friends, and your school. Keep trusting in God, seeking truth, and always trying your best. It is okay to make mistakes because that is how we learn. You told Miss Gallagher you think you are a good friend, and we think you are a really good Jenny! =)

As Mommy tucked you in tonight and we talked about all the things going on at school, you fell asleep with a smile. Mommy said a prayer thanking God for you. Love you always!