This Fall was a lovely calm-before-the-storm. Joseph's class load was relatively light, his volunteer leadership activities concluded in September, and we actually got into a rather normal, Daddy-comes-home-in-time-for-dinner bit of a routine. It was lovely!!! I love it when Joseph comes home and puts the kids to bed -- he reads to them and brushes thier teeth oh-so-meticulously and tells them stories and sniggles them into bed. Truth be told, when I put them to bed, they (kind of) brush their own teeth, the bed time stories are few, and if they don't jump into bed right away, they often suffer the wrath of the mommy monster. No wonder the children sing, "I'm so glad when Daddy comes home...."
Anyway, the first Monday of November we had a picture perfect family night -- the weather was surprisingly mild, so after a QUICK lesson (we find the quick kind work the best!), we headed out to the park, kids on bike, baby in sling. It was so nice to linger outside one last time in short sleeves. :) Then we headed home, Joseph got the kids cleaned up and ready for bed while I made the treat - Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. Joseph has decreed these Better-Than-Almost-Anything Cookies (if you know what I mean.) They were fantastic, but be forewarned: they are not helpful in the quest to loose baby fat (and all the other fat that I'd like to blame on the baby)!
It's nice to look at these pictures now since we've been enduring survival-prep-for-boards mode for the past 4 weeks. Nothin' like a National Board Exam to motivate diligent studying, right? Joseph takes the test(s) next week on Wednesday and Thursday. Keep him in your prayers! I know he'll do well, but it's always good to have a little divine assistance if you can get it. :)
