It is a shame to go through life being so busy that you feel like life is dragging you from one thing to the next by the heels. I'd almost swear I met myself on the road the other day. It has been such a busy week that I haven't even checked our e-mail until today. This is something I normally do at least every other evening.
We are at the front end of what is my most favorite time of year. As I was driving around on Monday I thought I noticed just the slightest change in the color of the tree leaves. By the end of the week you can tell the show of fall colors is about to begin around here.
BIRTHDAY SURPRISE. Mrs. Connie Swann (Kenny's mom) celebrated her 70th birthday on Sunday. They had invited all of her family over for a luncheon after church which she knew about. What was a surprise to her was that many, many friends were invited to come over at 2:00. She seemed to really enjoy the day.
A NEW RELEASE. Ice Age was recently released on video. We rented it this week. It was pretty cute. No bad language, no lewd jokes, and only a few references to evolution as fact. We also rented Charlotte's Web for Jenna since we finished that book a few weeks ago.
NEW FOODS. We have introduced Nate to bananas and applesauce this week. This has been a very funny thing to watch as he flutters his eyelids and shivers all over. It looks sort of like those babies you see on America's Funniest Home Videos who are given a lemon for the first time.
A RETRACTION AND AN ADDITION. Last week I reported that Nate had two top teeth. On closer examination one of those actually hasn't broken through his gum but it is soooo close. He does have a new tooth on the bottom though.
KENTUCKY 31 TALL FESCUE. I sowed 600 lb. of grass on Pauline's yard on Tuesday. We had marked off about 1.25 acres for her yard. The nice thing is that my cousin, Kenny Swann, is in the lawn maintenance business. I used his John Deere Gator with a seed spreader mounted on the front bumper to do the job in less than 2 hours! Jenna and Ben loved riding around with me. We should see grass in 21 days.
SPEAKING OF BIRTHDAYS. Pauline turned 71 on Tuesday. We had a little dinner party for her over at her house. She enjoyed it very much especially since I sowed her yard. If only we could finish the landscaping, sidewalks, deck, and driveway!
A GOOD REPORT. Parent-Teacher Conferences were held Thursday night. Vicki met with Mrs. Linda and enjoyed hearing all about our little scholar. She said Jenna was conscientious and kind among many other compliments. Jenna absolutely loves school and her favorite part is "doing papers."
A DOUBLE DATE. Since having kids Vicki and I have been able to go out on a date alone on occasion. We have also attended functions like Sunday School class parties without kids. But last night we went out on a double date with Brent and Cindy Roycroft (Brent is the Minister of Music at church).We can't even remember the last time we double dated with anyone. Jenna spent the night with Mom and Aunt Mar while Pauline kept the boys (Ben stayed overnight). We splurged and went to a Japanese restaurant where they cook and perform tricks right before your eyes. Afterwards we went back to their house to play Balderdash and Ping Pong. We had a great time together. It felt really strange returning home just a few minutes before midnight.
FROZEN IN FEAR. In the middle of doing laundry today, Vicki hears Ben screaming out. When she gets to him she finds him on his back holding a book in the air. A wasp was crawling on the book and he was too scared to move beyond a tremor. Vicki takes the book and wasp from him and he timidly follows her down the hall to the back door. They go outside where Ben watches the source of his fear fly away. He then takes a relieved breath and says, "Thank you, Mommy!"
Joe
