Braden Makes the Grade!

Braden worked very hard all week long doing practice quizzes with me and practicing random words at spontaneous moments. He caught on to the words ending in -ack really quickly, but struggled a little with the words they and what. So we practiced those words over and over again, saying each letter in rhythm while clapping our hands. He was a little embarassed when I tried to practice with him one last time outside of his classroom when he arrived at school. But he was so proud of himself when he got home. He made me close my eyes as he pulled it out of his backpack, and then he proudly presented it, with the biggest grin! He is such a smart boy, and is working really hard. At his Open House, his teacher said that he is very motivated.

We are still counting down with our Kisses from Daddy jars, and the kisses are rapidly diminishing. I might have to remove a few when the kids aren't looking, because Morgan thinks he will be arriving in Maryland at the beginning of November. We have been counting down to Thanksgiving, so I get to eat chocolate AND I get my husband back earlier than expected! It's a win/win situation!

I had strep throat this week. I have been blessed with almost perfect health for the 13 months that Morgan has been gone so far, but I was always really worried about what I would do if I got so sick that I couldn't take care of the kids. I shouldn't have worried. I was well taken care of by my friends from Church. My Home Teachers (men in the church are assigned families to visit at least once a month and watch over) came over and vacuumed, swept, and took my garbage out. Then one of them came back with his wife and brought me medicine and Gatorade, and took the kids overnight. The next day I went to the doctor and was prescribed antibiotics, and I have been steadily getting better since. I am so grateful for the wonderful people who watch out for us here. I was so nervous when Morgan first left, because I didn't know anyone, and I had only been here for 6 weeks. I wished that we had stayed in Maryland close to family. But I have learned a lot being out here on my own -- mostly that I am never alone. I know the Lord is watching over us, as was made evident by the wonderful people he has sent into my life.