Our Stay at Gran's House

Ellie and I had a wonderful time visiting Gran in Chicago this past week. We arrived late on Sunday night and were showered with lots of gifts (4 Dora movies, a princess dress up outfit complete with crown, earrings, and necklace, lots of fun math and writing workbooks, new clothes, and lots of other small items). Ellie was like a pig in mud---soaking in all the attention.

On Monday, we went to pumpkin patch (pictures forthcoming) where we had a great time riding the train, going for a hayride, watching a pumpkin chucker chuck pumpkins, seeing pig races, going through a fun house, eating kettle corn, picking a pumpkin, seeing a baby zebra and two humped camel, and petting goats, llamas, all sorts of steer, and alpacas.

On Tuesday, Gran had her shoulder surgery so we spent the morning in the surgical center--returned home by noon and promptly had Ellie lose her manklet in Gran's house. We spent the afternoon looking all over it was Gran was drugged on pain killers. Not too much pain--about a 5 on a 1 to 10 scale. Never found mankle.

Wednesday---was shopping day--time to hit Target and pick out a new mankle. Ellie selected a nice clean pink manklet with a outline of a giraffe stitched on it. Wonder how long this blanket will stay clean? We had a wonderful visit with an old college friend--Kara who helped up stab to death the pumpkin we purchased on Monday. See picture above.

Thursday was a day of snuggles and packing. Ellie use d the plane potty for the first time--other than that--nothing exciting to report:)

Ellie already misses Gran's cat, Buttons and hopes that he will come with her for a Christmas visit.

Thank you!!!

A BIG thanks to all who supported us on the CROP Walk. We raised $265 for CROP!!

Second's Fall Festival

We just got home from a great time at our church's fall festival. Ellie had a wonderful time fishing for ghosts that had a number on the other side which then corresponded to a pumpkin outside in the patch. We fished a pink ghost with the number 10. Ellie eagerly ran to find her pumpkin. Upon returning inside we had the chance to decorate our pumpkin with all sorts of candy which we then "glued" to the pumpkin using a egg whites and confectionery sugar mixture. GREAT fun!! Unfortunely, Maggie slept through most of the fun!!

Before heading to the festival, we snapped a few photos of the girls.

Our pink unicorn and buzzing bumble bee!

CROP WALK---rain or shine!!

I love being a parent and completely manipulating my children!

If you talk about something long enough and sound really excited about it---they do buy into it.

For the last week, all I've spoken about is today's CROP walk and how will be helping people who are hungry.

What does CROP mean?
C = Communities
R = Responding to
O = Overcome
P = Poverty

Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty

What is the CROP Hunger Walk?

Neighbors from different faiths, cultures, and ages, walking together to take a stand against hunger in our world. Together we raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as local hunger-fighting agencies. Some 2,000 communities across the country take part each year.

Where does the money go?

CROP Hunger Walks help fight hunger and poverty around the world, including the United States. 25% of what is raised at the Baltimore city walk goes to the CARES food pantry. The remaining funds are used by Church World Service to provide global hunger education, disaster relief and self-help projects throughout the world.

Although we looked liked drowned cats when we finished the walk----it was a GREAT experience and our family will definitely do it again next year.

A few pictures from the last week

Taking in the Baltimore Marathon which runs by our house.

Enjoying a nice afternoon at the Barcaly School Playground

Georgia stole an apple---and really enjoyed eating it:)

BEFORE

A few before pictures---the yard was a disaster!

AFTER...

A view from our top deck!
A view of our lower deck from the upper
Underneath our lower deck

The decks and parking pad

Some things just make you chuckle inside...

This month La Petite is raising monies for Make-A-Wish, which means lots of opportunities for the parents to shell out their dollars. Dollars for kids to participate in PJ day, moon bouncing, Parent Night outs, Dinners to Go, Crazy Hair Day, a candy gram during snack time , visit with a fire fighter/fire truck, and the list goes on and on.

This morning, after we changed into our school PJs for this paid PJ day (yes, this is the third time in two weeks Ellie has worn PJs to school), Ellie turns to me and says, "Mom, can I have a dollar for the bake sale?" I could not help but laugh---it completely made me chuckle. I don't think Ellie has no idea what a Bake Sale is (again all proceeds to go to Make-A-Wish), but was probably told by her teachers to ask for a dollar.

As I write this, however, my laughter turns to slight feeling of anger. This whole pay for services--while it raises money--is disturbing. Of course, I am going to give money for it. I don't want Ellie not to participate in the event of the day or buy something from the bake sale cart.

Is my 3 year old capable of understanding why some kids participate and others don't? If we don't give, will she feel like she isn't welcome to the table? Is this something I want to subject my child to at 3? Won't she get enough of this ins a couple of years?

Okay--so I am completely disturbed by this. I am sure this idea began with the greatest of intentions---but I'm not sure this is teaching my kids something I want them to learn.

Fall Fun!

Almost done raking/sweeping the leaves

Enjoying a roll on the deck after all the work is done

AHHH Iced Lattes taste so good after all that hard work!

Just getting started!