Wow...Time has flown by so quickly. The summer is over and fall has begun. The large tree in our front yard is always first on our street to loose its leaves, it turns our yard into a field of gold. Children come over to play and rake (by the time the leaves start falling everywhere the enthusiasm is gone...raking?). When I see the first yellow leaves I know the cool crisp air of fall is coming. I love fall, farmers market, canning, apples and on to Halloween.
The children have all started school. It is amazing to watch them grow into themselves.
Matthew is growing into a very handsome young man (I can't believe I am saying 'young man').
Matthew chose to start clarinet. In 5Th grade they can choose band, orchestra or singing time. Anything to get out of singing is Matthews motto. I told him taking clarinet would mean practicing 2 instruments a day along with his other schoolwork, he committed and we found a clarinet. Matthew took on the challenge. He gets up early, takes a shower (styles his hair), dresses, piano, clarinet, reading, breakfast then off to school. He figures it is easier to have time to play after school if he only has spelling, he finishes all other work at school. I have to say this mentality is all his own, neither Allen or I are organized enough to pull it off. Matthew amazes me. Everyday he says "Mom"... "What?"... "Can you get me an alarm clock?"... "Why?"... "So I can get myself up really early."..."I'll get you up.".....I just can't let him take responsibility for himself yet...but we are getting there! I would sure love to have a little bit of Matthews drive in me...!
Anna is growing into a beautiful young woman. Last night we went to a photo shoot for an educational catalogue. A friend of ours wanted to borrow children for the shoot. We saw some people from our old ward and all they could say is they couldn't believe how beautiful Anna is...like I didn't already know (no bias here of course!). Anna is beginning to find her sense of identity. She is very aware of herself, what she looks like, how she feels and what she wants to do. This has led to some interesting conversations and moments in our home. Each morning "Mom, what shoes would match my outfit?"..."How about your sandals...they would match your purple shirt."..."But, I don't want to wear those. What about my brown tennis shoes?"..."If you like them, great!"..."Okay, should I wear a hat today...". I hope she always remembers how unique and beautiful she is, Heavenly Father made each person different so the world would be a more beautiful and exciting place. Our cat Mylee has abandoned me for Anna. She cuddles, plays and purrs for her, I guess if she had to give me up Anna would be the one who deserves her the most, two lovable cuddle bugs. Anna has started to get ready for the Fall piano recital, fall choir and is participating in a short musical with our ward. I know she will just glow!
Daniel, the firecracker. He is ready to pop at the drop of a hat. He i s full of fun and life. If there is an opportunity to trick, tease or have fun he will take it (thanks daddy!)! I asked him if he wanted to start piano when he is five and he replied "Mom, I can already play piano...I don't need lessons!" When asking him about the summer he will say "Idaho is my favorite place. I had so much fun at Grandpas farm" Thanks goes to all the Thatchers who let Daniel be a 'BOY' with all the other boys at the family reunion. Daniel started his second year of preschool two weeks ago. I am always nervous when he starts something new, never knowing how he will adjust to change... he loves it. Daniel is such a big boy in stature for his age that I have to remind myself, in Daniels words"...I am ONLY 4!" I bought him a frog ABC book 2 weeks ago, every night when I tell him to pick a book, out comes the frog book (he is obsessed with learning facts). As we sit down I begin to read "A...A is for"..."Mom, I already know this, A... A is for Amazon Horned Frog (I had to get the book...)..." He then proceeds to read me the book, all five lines from each letter memorized. By the time he get to around 'T' he says..."Mom, I am getting sleepy you can read the rest."
I love my husband, he keeps life fun and light...he has to deal with me through toothaches, extreme fatigue (from all night reading!), and all the other great stuff I do...Allen works so hard for us. I have been trying to send him to bed early, but he never quite makes it. Ever since we got married...all those years ago...he waits for me to come to bed..have pity on him, I am a night owl. I love to call him when something funny happens because I know I will always get good response out of him. He is a fun daddy. He brings so much energy for the children...as usual his fun balances my seriousness (word?). I really do love him.
I just wanted my family to know how much I love them...tonight seemed like the perfect time. With summer finished, and all of our great memories made, the new season will bring so many more...
