enjoying October

Big news from East Texas...we turned the heat on in our house yesterday morning. The kids all had cold fingers and toes when they woke up, so we decided it was time...we had almost forgotten how to sleep with covers let alone adjust the heat dial:)

It's been a while since we've updated the blog. For a while we were a bit consumed with the results from an MRI we had for TLC. The neurologist we had seen a few months ago ordered an MRI of TL's brain to help explain the occasional seizures that follow his breath-holding spells. They ended up taking pictures of his spine as well, and incidentally, found a cyst on the back of his ribs. Most likely, we've been told, it is a "duplication cyst," probably there since birth. Right now we're looking at having more pictures taken to further analyze the cyst; then, in the coming months, we'll have it removed. So far, we understand that it's not too serious.

Other than that, we are doing very well. It has been a beautiful October--we've made up for the summer and spent lots of time outside. Last week we celebrated TEC's birthday; it was an out-of-town work week for him, but the kids and I drove to Lufkin and stayed with him for a night in his hotel. He had to wait for the weekend to enjoy his present--a bike trailer. On Saturday we got the whole family out (TEC on the bike with RVC and TLC in tow and me pushing SCC in the jogging stroller). It was great fun.

On Monday we had our first run of Halloween costumes. Our local Moms Club visited a nursing home and the kids sang songs and passed out "treat" bags to the residents there (the Grandmas and Grandpas, as R described them). R is still happy with her "cowgirl" costume, and is very cute in her boots and chaps. We have a Thomas the Train costume that TL likes to put on now and then around the house, but he was not interested on Monday...we may end up borrowing a lion costume from a friend. SCC is at that easy age (too young to know what's going on)...she'll follow in R's footsteps as a bunny for her first Halloween.

RVC continues to enjoy pre-school and playing with her friends. She also is great at helping mom with housework(some days I give up on trying to get her to take a nap and put her to work instead) and cooking. Now that the weather isn't so hot, I've been making bread quite a bit. (With 3 kids, I've discovered that making it is often much easier than going to the store...and I've found a recipe that I love...) When I pull out the mixer, R is quick to point out, "Mom, we're also out of cookies!" She is definitely my daughter:)

TL is talking more and more. During meals we do a lot saying everyone's name and acknowledging who has the blue cup, whose dinner is gone, etc. TL can pretty much say all of our names, but for himself he just says, "Me." Tonight after baths we were singing the Primary song "Here We are Together" and trying to adjust the words so that it works for our family (R was concerned that we can't sing it like we used to anymore now that Beatrice and SCC have joined us). TL was all smiles when he heard it and joined right in...it was a fun moment.

Little SCC is getting big and is starting to show off her little personality as well. I'll admit that I'm a little sad to say that when I gave her a bath today, I must have rinsed away her dark hair...she's definitely looking more like her siblings. Her big news is being able to ride in the baby carrier facing out. It's given me an idea for Halloween, so stay tuned for pictures...this weekend is our ward's "trunk or treat" so we'll be dressing up for that.