School Board Meeting

I did something the other night that I thought I would never do. I got up in front of 200 plus people and spoke directly to the school board. It was a public hearing meeting where the school board listened to public comment about the closing of the schools. I had prepared a speech - just in case I felt the need to speak. Well, I did feel the need and I got up there. I did fine until I got to the last paragraph and then I did what I always do...I cried! Somehow I got through it. This is such an emotional subject...I can not imagine not having my school anymore. The school board is scheduled to make a decison at the October 28th board meeting. I will keep you posted.

The following link is a news report that was taped at our school last Thursday.

http://video.nbc4.com/player/?id=767701

Jonathan is sick!

No, no, he's not ill physically...just mentally! For those of you who may not know...my husband has a basement full of Star Wars stuff. When I say full, I mean you can't hardly walk down there. His collection includes two huge arcade games, toys, figures, clothes, and almost anything that you can imagine with the Star Wars logo. I have always been supportive (well...most of the time), but now his hobby has him collecting Lunchables. The other night he came home with a stack of these things. My children are tired of eating them and run away screaming every time they see him bring more home! Check out this picture....do you think he needs help?!?

Another Pumpkin Patch Visit

Logan and his girl Maddie!
Logan had fun being an only child for the day.
Learning about pumpkins - pretending to be seeds.
What a stud...a girl on each side!
Daddy and Logan
Group Shot- it's the best we could do.
Another attempt
Whoa...Indy is so strong!
Check out his whip...he found a piece of twine and rolled it up like Indy's whip!
Logan had his annual field trip to the pumpkin patch with Ms. Beth today. It's always a favorite field trip of mine. Daddy even took off work and went with us. Unfortunately it rained all morning, but we still had a good time. Logan is the only boy, so it was funny to see how he interacted with all of the girls. He's quite the lady's man! But, his one true love is little Madeline - and are they ever cute together! Jonathan is now at the pumpkin patch, yet again, with Owen's cub scout troop. They should be returning home soon.

Pumpkin Patch

Posing in front of the giant scarecrow
Emma...thrilled to have her picture taken...again.
I'm not sure why his belly is hanging out?! He's just a ham!
Mommy and Owen - enjoying the hayride.
Okay...look at the stem on Owen's pumpkin. He posed with it like that on purpose. Such a boy!My little daredevil!

We made our annual trip to Belvedere Plantation today. It's a tradition...we've been going since Emma was 9 months old. We always go on the weekend as a family. The kids also go with Ms. Beth and the preschool, so Logan and I will be headed there for a field trip on Friday. Owen's boy scout troop is also going there Friday night to do the corn maze at night - so needless to say, Belvedere is getting plenty of money from us this season! Anyways, we had a good time. It's kind of sad though...the kids really are getting big. None of them wanted their picture taken (although that didn't stop me!!!) - "Come on Mom...this is dumb!" was a famous quote. Emma didn't even want to go out to the pumpkin patch!!! What was she thinking...I always get good photos out there!?! Owen didn't want to feed the animals - too bad!!! When did they get too big? Ug! It was rather depressing to look through the old photos and see how much everybody had grown. This was the first year we went to the pumpkin patch without a diaper bag or stroller - definitely a free feeling, but still bittersweet. My babies are growing up and I can't stop it. For all of you new moms out there...be sure to savor every second of those baby moments. For all of you moms whose babies are grown...how do you do it?! I think it's really hitting me that Logan is almost 4. There's something about that milestone- it just makes me sad. Emma is growing up so fast...she was just voted to student council, she's on the SMART Team (Technology Team) at school and she's trying out for Art talks to become a junior docent this week. These are the things that the older students always do...and now she's one of them! After next year, she'll be on to middle school. I'm so used to knowing what's going on and always being there...I know middle school is right around the corner. Owen is reading at an amazing rate and still amazes me with his math skills. He is looking so mature and grown up. I feel like I blinnked and the kids are no longer babies. Well, thanks for letting me get that out. Got to hug my "babies"!

Look how They've Grown!

I started looking through old photos and came across past pictures
of the kids at the pumpkin patch. It was amazing to see how much
they have changed and grown over the years!!!!




Logan is actually wearing the exact shirt that Owen wore when he
was three. My how times flies!

PA Trip

We had a beautiful weekend in PA. We got to spend time with family and celebrate Jonathan's birthday. We had a nice lunch with Memaw, Pepaw, Brett, Katie, Connor, and Maisie on Saturday afternoon. We then went to the pumpkin patch. Not only did we get some big pumpkins, I got some nice photos! The boys picked the biggest pumpkins I think we have ever had. After we visited with the McElwains, we headed to Nana and Pops for some family time. The kids had fun riding in Pop's wagon and they picked even more pumpkins in Dad's little pumpkin patch! My friend Kate made the treck to my parents to show off her beautiful new baby Elliott and her precious little girl, Bethany. She's a pro - loading up two kids, one week post partum, and driving 45 minutes to see an old friend for just a little while. Thanks Kate! I miss you and wish I could see you guys more often! It meant a lot that you would drive all that way, spend a little time with us, and then head back out. Thank you!
Jonathan and I went out for a nice dinner, while the kids stayed with the grandparents. Emma made a birthday cake for Daddy with Memaw and Pepaw's help. The boys went on a wagon ride with Pop and Nana and had a bonfire. We then got to have breakfast with Nathan, Cara, Madison, Ethan, and Grandma. It was wonderful seeing everybody. We get so busy with our lives down here - it's just nice to slow down and spend a peaceful weekend with friends and family. It was great to be home!

Indy in the pumpkin patch.

Maisie checking out the pumpkins.
Connor and Owen - looking for a BIG pumpkin!
All of the McElwain cousins - what a cute shot!Hitching a ride on Pop's wagon.
Aaahh...this is the life!
Daddy - getting a little help with his candles.
Emma made Daddy this special carrot cake.
Elliott Joseph - so sweet and peaceful.
Emma being a baby hog!

A Beautiful Afternoon

Emma...posing for the camera.

Owen and his bright ideas! Oh my!

A future in the circus maybe?!

Cool...a brother slingshot!!!!

Wow...he even talked Emma into trying it - pure genius!

The kids and I had fun spending time outside tonight. After I mowed (yes...for the first time in my life, I mowed the lawn all by myself!!! I couldn't stand it anymore!), we just sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Who would have known that bungee cords could be so much fun!!! Either Owen is a genius or a moron! I laughed so hard watching them try to swing and bungee - Owen strapping everybody in. They had fun...so if you need a new idea to entertain your kids - get a bag of bungee cords and let them go wild!!!

Logan was excited to receive his Indiana Jones birthday party supplies. We have confirmed a date at the pool - that is what he wanted. It sounds very adventurous to me...just like Indy would want. So, now we're planning his big birthday of four years!

We are so excited to be headed home to PA this weekend. We really haven't been able to visit very much during the summer, so we are all happy to get a taste of home. It's Jonathan's birthday on Sunday, so we usually try to make it up around his big day. I'm sure I'll have pictures to post on Sunday.

And finally, I want to say congratulations to my good friend Kate and her family. They welcomed a new family to their beautiful family - Elliott Joseph was born on Friday, September 26th. He weighed 5 pounds 1 ounce and was 18 inches long (I think I got the stats right. Sorry, Kate if I messed something up!). I can't wait to see pictures of him (hint, hint) and eventually meet the newest little Flack. Congratulations guys!

Logan with his birthday party loot.

Logan posing with my scarecrow.

Emma and Logan reading Indiana Jones together.

Emma wrote "Mr. Stonebraker Rocks!" on the driveway. She is loving school this year!Our little Max...growing up!