Take a look at this...

The girls and I came home from an evening activity to find two grasshoppers mating. I've talked to the girls about mating but I have only told them as much as they can (or should) comprehend. They don't know yet how this translate into humans. God I hope I don't need to have that conversation for a few more years. Anyway, as we discussed what the grasshoppers were doing Taylor kept asking me why one grasshopper was carrying the other one. My explanation was, "...that's just how animals and insects generally mate." I know that left many more questions in her mind but I was counting my lucky stars that she didn't verbalize them.

I do have a question for those few people who read my blog. Taylor will be having her 9th birthday party in a few weeks. We talked to Taylor about birthday gifts and made the suggestion that maybe we ask her guests not to bring a gift but a canned good item for donation and/or make a contribution to her UNICEF collection. She was really excited about the change. In return we told her we would take her shopping to buy "stuff" she's been wanting. Kong made a comment that people will think we are hippies. What do you think? Do you think I'm cheating my child out of basic childhood pleasures? It's not like my kids need anything, right?

This past weekend we visited the Her's in Kansas City for a celebration. We drove 6 1/2 hours to KC, stayed one evening and drove 6 1/2 hours back the next day. It was a long and tiring trip but worth it. We got to see the newest addition to our family, Baby Lola who is beautiful, and spend time with the Hers even if it was just for a few hours. Pulling in at 1:30am, Kong and I had guests at home waiting for our return. It was wonderful hosting the Hers from Wausau. We even got to spend a few hours with them today before they went back home.

Lastly, I've been working with our children at church on a big fundraiser. An fundraiser of this size with kids has never been done before. The kids and I are super excited so please keep us in your prayers. The event is scheduled for October 18 (the day before Taylor's Birthday Party) so it will be a busy weekend. I will need great patience that weekend so all prayers are welcomed.

Happy but Sad : (

After years of talking about the good Taylor could do with her long beautiful hair she finally got it done. That's right. We got it cut last weekend. Taylor cut her hair and donated it to Locks for Love. Locks for Love takes the donated hair and makes wigs for children who are going through cancer treatment and have lost their hair.

I had a really hard time with this whole hair thing. I'm not sure if it's because cutting her hair would signify that Taylor is growing up or that I just couldn't part with it because it was so long and beautiful. Taylor was so ready to cut it and was very excited about what this meant for a child who really needed it. When we lived in Chicago she had a ballet friend who did lose all of her hair with Chemotherapy which drove home the importance of doing this. I kept asking her the week before we cut her hair if she was really, really read. I guess I was the one who wasn't ready to lose my little girl. Anyway, she looks beautiful. Everyone has been commenting on how mature she looks. Just what a mom who can't handle her eldest getting older wants to hear. Here are some photos from that day.
Before:

After!

Look how pretty she is.


Both of the girls started school in early September. Every year since Taylor has been in school I've gone with her and taken pictures. This is the first year I decided not to do so since she is in the 4th grade now. The first day of school is always exiting but nerve wrecking so I still went with her. I just didn't take pictures. She was actually a little sad and asked why I wasn't going to take pictures. Then we got to school, she saw her friends and pretty much forgot all about it. Ayden started school a week later. Here are some photos from Ayden's first day of school. She's a big girl Kindergartner now.
Already made a new friend.
Lastly, I tested for my blue stripe in Kuk Sool Won on Saturday and received my promotion. I thought I was going to die. PSBN Steffen does his best to torture us. We did over 350 push ups and made us sweat for an hour and a half. The higher ranking belts tested for even longer. It was a really hot day too so that made testing even harder. My right knee has been hurting so I know I'm not doing something right. I need to figure it out as I would hate to quite because of my knee.

Life has been busy around here. With Kong teaching on Thursday night, the girls and I attending Kuk Sool on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; Taylor with hip hop dance on Thursday; Ayden with gymnastics on Thursday and Church on Sunday there doesn't seem to be much time for anything else these days. Not sure how we are going to fit theatre and swimming into the schedule. Crazy!!!!!!