The Pumpkin Patch

Every year I have high aspirations of going to an amazing Pumpkin Patch, on a real farm, with a hayride, and scarecrows, and real pumpkins on the vine.

I am not sure what happens every year, but once again, this year, we ended up at a highly commercialized....no hayrides, but they did have a bounce house and superslide (for 50 cents a slide), and overpriced pumpkins that look like they've been sitting out in the sun for weeks.

Then on the way home, we stopped at the Commissary to buy our pumpkins.

Maybe Next Year........

The Tooth Fairy Got the Flu

So Chloe came home from school very excited because she lost another tooth. This makes tooth #5 for her. The nurse sent her home with a tooth necklace that she wore for 2 days.

She was so excited to put it under her pillow that night for the Tooth Fairy to leave her some money. Unfortunately, the Tooth Fairy did not come during the night, and Chloe was baffled. "What could have happened," she kept asking. We ran through several scenarios of why the Tooth Fairy missed her. So the next night as I was closing the curtains in her room, I noticed something on her window. I pulled it off and here is what I saw:

The Tooth Fairy left her an apologetic note explaining that she had come down with the Flu and was unable to fly for a few days, but was back in business again.

Thank You Tooth Fairy!!

Great Job Chloe!

Chloe was awarded Student of the Month on Friday October 16. She told me that morning that she wanted to go to Islands that night for dinner to celebrate. I told her that was a good plan. So imagine her excitement as Mr T. (the Principal pictured above) announced to all the children that they were being awarded a gift certificate for a free kids' meal for Islands. I wish we could have captured her face then. She turned to us as if to say "DID YOU HEAR THAT?"

It's so sad to watch your children grow up, especially when it's your "baby". However, I feel even sadder that she realizes she is growing up too. Her exact words were" I all grown up now Mommy. I potty-trained, I get dressed all myself, and I wear my lip-gloss. I so pretty!!!"

Should I laugh or cry???

First Day of School

Chloe's first day of Second Grade went off without a hitch. She was extremly nervous however because "I have to take tests this year, and be very quiet because 2nd grade testing is very important". I had to tell her over and over that yes......there is 2nd grade standardized testing, but it doesn't happen until the Spring. I know there is always talk about "teaching to the test", but really....do we have to make these kids nervous 9 months ahead of time?

Thank goodness for her good friends Julia, and Truman. They helped her laugh and not be so nervous!!!

A Trip to New Castle, PA

Guess who these good looking people are? My grandparents....John and Vera Vargo who reside in New Castle, PA where they have been their whole lives. They met at Shenango China, a local pottery where they both worked for many years. They now reside at Shenango On The Green, a Presbyterian Assisted Living Center. My grandmother is in the convalescence wing, and my grandfather lives on the assisted living side. He goes faithfully everyday to visit with her and feeds her lunch and dinner.

My grandmother did not remember me and was actually quite nervous of me at first. She kept saying "are you taking my husband". I think she thought I was making the moves on my Grandpa, but she could remember perfectly the words to any song I started singing. Christmas Carols, or Daisy - Daisy...we sang for most of the 2 days I was there.

This is my Uncle John Vargo and his wife, Carla. They are amazing people and great examples of selflessness. They allowed me in their home for the few days I was there, and they take such good care of my Grandparents. I am so blessed to have the family I do!

This trip was one I hope to repeat again, especially taking my Grandpa out for Chili Dogs!!!

Big Bear*Day 5

It was our last day of vacation. It went by too fast. We stopped for a picnic by the lake and fed our sandwich crusts to the ducks. It was a great way to recognize the love our Father in Heaven has for us as we just enjoyed the beautiful scenery!!!