I just found this. Abby wrote it this summer.

Just in case you can't read 7 year old-ese:

"My life is great! I love my mom and my dad. My sisters are a little mean sometimes. I love my sisters and cousins. To my sisters and my cousins"

Hannah's ankles

Hannah has been complaining that her ankle/foot/achilles hurt off and on for a while. But I didn't pay that much attention because she would jump rope, run, and everything else that she wanted to do. We iced it down spasmodically, but that was pretty much it. So, Friday she came home from school and asked if I had made her an appointment. Of course I hadn't. So I decided to call them up expecting an appointment on Monday. But we got one Sat morning. I didn't realize that they had sick visit openings at that time - good to know!

Anyhow, Chris took her in and he came back with the diagnosis of Sever's Disease. This is a fancy way to say 'growing pains'. Basically, it's common in kids between 10 and 14 that is cause by increased shearing forces on the growth plate. And of course, sports will worsen symptoms. This is all due to rapid growth. So the doctor said she needs a good pair of tennis shoes and isn't supposed to wear flip flops for the time being. Ok, I will go buy new shoes (because apparently her Converse won't cut it for her only shoes), but I will have to be honest and confess I am not making her put up the flops. That seems like cruel and unusual punishment. But here is the thing that makes me go hhhmmm: I have to buy her good shoes (I believe that means not Payless or Target) so she can have the support she needs. But I have to do this because she is having a massive growth spurt?! So what will happen? I'll buy the shoes and they'll fit her for a month. Greeeeeeat.

Quick 1st Day Update

The kids' bus finally pulled up the street about 3:45 or so. They all got off the bus with smiles and hugs for me. Adam ran up to Paige and said "Paigey!" and hugged her tight. Over and over he did that. Hannah finally looked at him and said, "Hey! What about me?!"

We had M&M ice cream sandwiches and talked a little about school. Paige was excited to have played with her neighborhood friend, Riley, at recess. She was a "chatty kathy" all afternoon. We had dinner and began the 3 Bs (baths, books, & bed) about 7:20. By about 7:35 they were all down. Hannah had a little trouble settling down, but was asleep by about 8. Abby and Paige, however, were sawing logs within 5 minutes. I think they had a full day!

1st day of school

Oh my goodness! It's the first day of school and I have 3 who have flown from my nest. Paige is now a kindergardener. She was ready to go. I asked her last night if she was excited. She said, "Mama, I am more than excited!" Hannah and Abby were excited that they were getting back to school. But I think there was a little nervousness for Hannah. Abby was just mad that I was making her use the same backpack as before!

They will take care of each other...

Here we go...

And, yes, I cried.