What are you thankful for?

Aubrey has been waiting for Thanksgiving for a few days and she knew right away when she woke up this morning that it was today!  I'm not sure why she is so excited, except that she knows Thanksgiving meant that we have 5 stay home days.

I asked her what she was thankful for and she said "Mommy, Lilly (her doll baby), turkey, and vanilla."

I am thankful for having a beautiful, healthy little girl.  I am thankful for a job that keeps me busy, but is enjoyable.  I am thankful for Ryan's parents and my parents who are willing to help out and watch Aubrey on Monday nights so I can teach a class.  I am thankful that I have friends and family close by that we can visit with often.  I am thankful for being blessed with many comforts and I am thankful that I have resources available to share with others in need.

It is going to be a beautiful day.  Aubrey and I hope each one of you have a Blessed Thanksgiving.

-A

Welcoming Kids Into Worship

I recently read an article in Thriving Family about kids in Sunday worship.  It was interesting timing for  this article.  I was reading a newsletter submission that my mom wrote for our church about having kids in the service this past summer.  While I enjoyed Aubrey being in the adult service with me, she was sometimes a distraction because although she enjoys singing, she doesn't enjoy sitting still.  I wanted to share the article with all of you because it gave me a different perspective.  You can find it on Thriving Family's website.

Trick-or-Treat

Aubrey was very into trick-or-treat this year.  We went looking for a costume in early October and couldn't really decide on anything.  She was wavering between being a cat or a dog, but when we went to the store, she didn't see anything she liked.  So, she finally decided she would like to be a bumblebee and so I found a costume for her online.

When it came in the mail, she could hardly wait for Halloween when she could wear it.  When I told her that she would get to dress up for trick-or-treat, to visit Great Grandma Wyne, for preschool, and for church, she was even more excited.  She started telling people that she got to wear her costume 4 times this year.

So, here is the little bumblebee in all her glory.  I don't even know what to do with all the candy we have!

-A

Bradford Pumpkin Show

Last week, we visited some children's activities at the Pumpkin Show in Bradford.  On Tuesday afternoon, we went to the tricycle races.  There were only 2 four year olds signed up, and when it was their turn, Aubrey was the only one who would go to the tricycle.  She won a trophy!

On Thursday, we went back to the Kiddie Tractor pull.  Aubrey made a full pull the first time, and was one of 9 who pulled again, but she didn't make it whole way the second time.  She was disappointed that she didn't get another trophy, but I think she had fun.

This weekend we went to the swap meet at Lucasville.  We haven't been for over 2 years and Aubrey didn't really remember going before.  She was amazed at all the animals that were there for sale.  She found some toys and candy!

-A

Why I Love Being a Mom

It has always been one of my dreams to be a mom and I really do love the job.  There are things that I don't like about it, but here's why I love it.  Aubrey is calling for me at 2:00 this morning (that's not the part I love).  I get up and go to her room and she tells me she dropped Lily (her doll).  Lily is right beside her bed; I'm sure she could see her.  Instead of getting out of her bed and picking her up, she called me.  I was a bit grumpy but didn't say anything to her.  I handed her Lily and covered her back up and gave her a kiss and she looked at me and said, "I love you mommy" and rolled over, stuck her thumb in her mouth, and was back to sleep.  That's all I needed to make getting up at 2:00 worth it!

-A

Going to Preschool

Aubrey's baby-sitter decided at the beginning of August that she'd like to go to work at a full-time job.  That left us searching for a baby-sitter with just a few weeks before I had to return to work.  I am very happy for Sandy and I believe she did the right thing for her family.  I had been struggling with whether Aubrey would go to preschool because I wasn't sure where she'd go or how I would get her there, so I was taking that into consideration as I was thinking about Aubrey's next baby-sitter.  

We visited the YMCA here in Versailles and Aubrey seemed to like the visit.  There were lots of opportunities for her to do things during the day while I was at work, which would help in protecting our time together in the evenings.

I finally decided that the Y would be the best place for her to go, and that it would take care of the preschool issue in the future.  What I didn't realize was that basically, I was signing her up for preschool right now.  I am sitting in the office, finishing up something while she is in the bathtub playing.  I can hear her talking to herself and realize that she is doing her best to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.  She clearly says United States of America, indivisible, and for all.  Many of the words in between are jumbled up, but she's learning it!  Earlier this weekend, she was telling me the months of the year.  Something else she has learned in 1 week of preschool.  Way to go preschool!

Ever since Aubrey could say the word school, she has informed anyone in the car when we go by Versailles School, that it is her school.  She loves to walk over to the playground, but has always been concerned that there aren't any swings.  Right before school started, the playground got swings.  Aubrey has been very excited about this fact, but we haven't had time to walk over there and swing.  I told her that after her nap today, we could walk over there.  It was sprinkling after her nap, but she didn't care, she wanted to try out those swings.  We walked over to the playground in the rain, and she gave those swings a good test.  I think she approves.

-A

The Great Darke County Fair

Growing up, we went to the fair to ride rides and walk around.  I remember having enough chances to go, if I wanted to.  When I got to high school and college age, I could have cared less about going to the fair - it just wasn't my thing.  Then I met Ryan - Ryan loved the fair.  He wanted to be there every day if possible.  I remember the first summer we were dating and he made me by a pass; I couldn't understand why I would need to buy that . . . we got our money's worth.

Most of you know that Aubrey was born about 2 1/2 weeks before the fair started.  Silly me thought we wouldn't go near as much that year.  I think I stayed home a few extra days than normal, but Ryan still managed to go most days.

Two years ago today, on Monday of the fair, Ryan went home to be with our Lord.  If there ever was a time that we'd definitely remember him, I think the fair is a good one.

I'd like to say I don't go to the fair as much now, but loving it must be in the Wulber blood.  (I do enjoy going as well).

We have been to the fair every day but Tuesday so far!  We watched 2 of Grandpa Wulber's horses get first place in their races - Friday night and Saturday.  Aubrey got to be in the race photos and was so excited.

On Sunday, we walked around a bit and rode rides - the big ferris wheel was the excitement of the day.

On Monday, Aubrey participated in the Little Miss Darke County Pageant.  She was disappointed that she didn't receive a trophy, but I thought she looked cute anyway :)

Also on Monday night, Aubrey and I rode the big viking ship at the fair.  Yesterday afternoon, we rode rides with Camryn and Kaitlyn, and part of the time with a little girl from church.  Aubrey ride the viking ship several more times, even once without me.

I took the day off work today, so we will go back to the fair.  Tomorrow evening, Aubrey will be in the kiddle tractor pull.

-A