August 2010

So August seems to be flying by without giving me a passing glance! Our summer has disappeared without asking me first. We have been kind of busy lately. We had some lazy summer days, and then some busy summer days as well. We got library cards and have been hitting the library every 10 days or so. We went to the Branson Rec Plex a couple of times. They have an amazing swimming pool with a great kids area, but they are now only open weekends and then close after Labor Day. Bailee is finishing up reading 1000 minutes over the summer, she only has 35 minutes left and 1 day to finish! Matt has been working hard talking to any and everyone. We have literally been dripping with sweat the last few weeks. It has been hitting over 100 degrees consistently, and that's without the humidity! SO HOT! We have NOT been playing outside too much. I started helping in the children's at church and I am really enjoying it. We also had our 2nd home fellowship night last night. It seems to being going well. Our group is a good size and includes our neighbors that have become our friends. And a new friend that is a hair stylist, so she cut the kids hair. Bailee got some cute layers for school, but kept her length. She wants it to grow to her feet!
We will have some changes coming up soon. Bailee will start school the 19th so that will change things up a little. We met her teacher today. She is young, this is her first year. There are pros and cons to that I think. She isn't burnt out and is very excited about teaching. Her classroom was also very organized, which I was very excited about. I am having a Tastefully Simple party here at my house and inviting the people I know to try and generate some interest. I am the only consultant here in Branson, so I should be able to make a go of it. We had decided to stay in this house through the spring, but we are now going to be moving. The house we put on offer on to buy in Oct. on 2008 is available to us again. We will be renting it, but then probably doing a lease purchase! How amazing is that? It is a little small, but it also has 3 acres with it that Matt can hunt on, burn things, and just generally do as he pleases! Only about 1/3-1/2 acre is grass and the rest is trees and forest! It does have 4 bedrooms so we will have an office area for Matt that he can use and be organized. Also, we will just be able to unpack, be settles, put holes in the wall (to hang pictures, lol! Matt won't let me in this rental) It is a quiet and pretty seclude area, but close to town too. (7 minutes from the strip) Bailee's 1st grade teacher will be our neighbor, so we already know someone:) I am sad to be moving away from our neighbors that have become our best friends here in Branson. I hope they will come across town to see us!
I am so sad that I wasn't there for it, but so happy that Casen has joined our family. Bailee is sooo excited and can't wait to hold her baby cousin! We are so happy for Jason and Kerry. The kids birthdays are fast approaching. I am amazed that I will have a 3 and 7 year old. How does that happen? We are going to see my mom and step-dad for Labor Day weekend. My mom is having a small party for the kids, and we haven't been there in a couple of years so I am really looking forward to it. I think I will try to have a small scale party for the kids the weekend after that. No big production like usual, unfortunately. I am feeling totally uninspired this year for some reason. I'll have to make up for it next year!
Bailee is still doing piano. She is learning quickly and doing well, and all without much practice. We don't have much structure in our routine, but I am realizing we need to do something. She is getting older and will be having more homework and activities so I am researching and brainstorming ideas for planning and scheduling. I think we will do a popsicle stick system for making sure things like homework, piano and chores are getting done. I also like the idea of writing on the mirror in her bathroom with dry erase markers. We will see what all I come up with! and what works/sticks!
All in all, it was a good summer. Too fast of course, but it always is. We still don't know when a CO trip will be something we can do, but as soon as we can, we will! Mexico in Nov is still up in the air, but we are hopeful in getting to go. Missouri is becoming our home and we are excited about what our lives here hold. We miss you all and hope to see you soon!