Unwrapping Fall Blessings

We've had a restful and healing weekend around here and are feeling very thankful.

I love the way fall sneaks up in NC, like God just sprinkled it down while we were asleep.  One day it's hot and sunny and before you know what happened- the leaves are changing, the pumpkins are out, and it is cold, blustery, and cloudy.  It's time to break out the sweaters, turn on the fireplace, bake some apple pie, and snuggle under warm blankets.  We've been doing all of the above this weekend.

Mimi and Grandpa were a big help with the kiddos and gave Mommy a break to sleep and get over strep throat and a cold.  Carter loved the attention and they had lots of fun together.  For the most part the week was full of cold rain and clouds, but Carter and Grandpa managed to get out a few times.  They hit the driving range several times this week and after 5 buckets of balls, some putting, sand trap, and short game practice- they both report their game has improved.

They also played several rounds of putt-putt and went bowling.  Soccer practice was rained out, but they did get to play their game on Saturday.

And there's always sports coverage to catch up on.  Carter borrowed Grandpa's SIs for a little baseball reading.

They watched SportsCenter daily and were thrilled to watch some of the NL playoff games together.  Let's Go Phillies!!! We even let him stay up late one night to watch the west coast game.  He almost made it...

 Julia has been feeling steadily better each day.

Her appetite is still good and she is doing pretty well finding things to eat.  Her crying has dropped off almost completely by this morning, so we're hoping she's in the homestretch now.  She has been cuddly, lovable, and very sweet.  It brings me so much peace just knowing she is comfortable.  I've been savoring all the little things and every precious conversation.  She has felt so bad for so long, I want to truly thank God for every little step towards health she is having now.  It is a priceless gift that we are unwrapping anew every day.

The kids have been playing so well together.

We've played lots of board games, painted, baked cookies, and played 'drive-thru'.  They decided to set up a drive up window with their Rose Petal Cottage, play table, and cash register.  This has been a progressing game as they made new parts.  They have made mural-size signs and menu boards for their restaurant and were taking turns driving the Pooh push car up to the window.  Yes, even Grandpa was riding on the Pooh car- quite a sight! On Friday they were pretending to be puppies which they can play for hours lately.

We were sad to see Mimi and Grandpa go, but the kids have played happily all day.  I think their love tanks are full again and we can ride on the surplus for awhile.  It's tough when we all get run down at the same time and a visit from grandparents was a great fix for us all.

This afternoon Carter watched a special, 'Making of a Marine' about Parris Island.  He was very familiar with drill already from 8th&I in DC, but now he had a whole other piece of the picture.  Before dinner he announced he was packing, because the Crucible would be starting at 1am and he needed to be ready.  (For those non-military, the Crucible is the 54hour long conclusion exercise of Marine bootcamp: 48 miles, 36 stations, 45lbs+M16, and only 3 MRE meals.)  He donned his uniform and dog tags and packed his backpack.

I was actually quite impressed when I looked in the bag after he went to bed...

He packed his Marine shirts, coat, raincoat, sneakers, cover, helmet, shoulder pads, notepad, rope, hand sanitizer, and a house key. 

He ventured out back first, then announced he heard tomorrow will be sunny so he'll go out then.

He then recruited Julia to join him.  He packed her gear in the red bag and hauled it up the steps where they were catching the bus.

Julia wanted to know what movie the Marines were showing on the bus? Somehow I doubt there's entertainment :)  Carter said he'd help her out because the Marines sent him a video on the obstacles, so he could help her get ready and they were off. 

She decided to pack her pacifier, too.  She's definitely tough as any Marine I know  :)