In the end, only kindness matters

The girls and I went searching for pumpkins. The first place we stopped was a stand that proudly proclaimed they donated 50% of their proceeds to the National Habitat. Unfortunately, the cheapest pumpkin in the lot was $15, which times four, was simply just out of our pumpkin budget. We moved on to a local Sunflower Market that opened last week. After spending a great deal of time allowing each girl to pick out their "perfect" pumpkins, we made our way to the end of the line. Twenty minutes later the cashier gave me our total of $10.40 and in return I handed him a twenty dollar bill. With a look of distress and a long line behind me he announced that he did not have change for a $20 and informed me that I would need to pay the $.40 so that he could give me an even ten back. I explained that I did not have $.40 but I could pay with my card or he could give me quarters for change. Confused he called out for a manager and the manager told him to wait and he would get him some one dollar bills and some change. At that point the older woman behind me reached into her purse and handed the cashier $.40. I told her it wasn't necessary, but thanked her profusely when she insisted. In short, she was probably tired of the stupid cashier and didn't want to wait any longer in line, but her kindness stayed with me. It never fails to amaze me the impact of a complete stranger's kindness.

Fall Break

Rarely does life manage to slow down. The girls have been on "Fall Break" and will return to school on Tuesday. Regardless of the fact that we haven't really done anything, they've enjoyed the time at home.

In other news, Ian and I are in the process of car shopping. Ian's car is in dire need of being replaced, before it blows up...or worse! Yesterday we went to a dealership and he picked out an Outback that he really likes, and the sales man offered a good deal. Tomorrow he'll take the day off work to sort out the financing and hopefully be able to pick it up. I'm grateful, there is absolutely no way we could manage being a one car family.

Bigger news: Hallie is completely potty trained! I was wondering if this day would ever come. Most things seem to be a power struggle with Hallie and this was no exception. She does things on her own time, it seemed that we made little influence with the process. Well she's finally decided that she's NOT a baby anymore, and big girls use the potty! With a new assortment of panties, we've managed to get rid of the pull-ups!

Eight Years

It never fails to amaze me how time slips by. On September 24, 2000 I met the first love of my life. Due to complications during and after delivery, I was unable to see her for the first few hours. They did, however, bring me two polaroid photos. My first thought? How could I have created this beautiful baby? I was in complete awe.

















While parenthood came unexpectedly early in my life, I really enjoyed it. In many ways, Dannah and I grew together. While I completed my remaining teenage years, she blossomed into this amazing little girl.


9 weeks























8 months











First Birthday

















19 months















Two years



















Three years
























Four years

















Five years















Six years












Seven years (with Natalie)













Eight years
















The awe has never gone away. I still look at Dannah in complete amazement. She has turned into this intellegent little young girl, who knows exactly what she wants. I am so extremely blessed to have her in my life.

Party!

With Dannah's eighth birthday approaching, we had five of her friends over for a slumber party to celebrate. After taking advice from several slumber party experienced friends, we were well prepared with crafts and activities. After the girls enjoyed (or tossed) pizza, we painted nails, decorated picture frames, played flashlight tag and eventually ended the night with a movie. The best part? Ian and I survived! Even better, the girls had a great time.


Cassie, Dannah, Kailee, Brynn, Natalie, Holly, Kylea




























Dannah (and Tess), Natalie, Claire and Hallie
















Kailee and Dannah











Dannah Lyn

A New Chapter

In attempt to keep family and close friends updated on our lives, we've (I've) decided to start a blog! I am unsure how "updated" I'll manage to keep it, but it is a work in progress.

Ian and I have four beautiful girls, who we absolutely adore.







Dannah is nearly eight years old (how did THAT happen?!) and an avid reader. She enjoys school and loves to write stories, sing in the choir and has recently added running club and learning Chinese to her list of activities.






















Natalie is also (almost) eight years old. She loves to play outdoors, have slumber parties and is doing very well with her reading. Her recent highlight is the brand new mountain bike from Nan and Pop! A new pro at riding, it has become a quick favorite.



















Hallie is now three! She is full of adventure and always has us on our toes. Many would call Hallie "rambunctious", but I prefer to refer to her as "spirited"! In August, she started preschool and loves it.









Claire turned one on June 1st, while we were on vacation in Australia visiting Nan and Pop. Claire has an amazingly sweet personality and tries very hard to keep up with "the big girls". She currently has mastered quite a few words and is learning more each day!