Fall In The Crain House!

It is officially fall in the Crain house! Wow where has the time gone? We are all doing good to stay on task and get to our many activities on time daily. The kids just finished up their nine week point and enjoyed 17 consecutive days off of school for fall break. It might be called fall break but with temperatures still in the mid ninety's it sure feels like a late summer break. Parker continues to excel at anything new he takes on, and I am so proud when people comment on what a great kid he is. I find myself looking at him less and less like a child and more and more like a teenager these days! His voice is changing and he now wears a size nine and a half shoe, he stands shoulder to shoulder with me and yet still has a look of innocence. Parker's heart is his greatest strength and his love of all people shines brighter than the sun. It is amazing to have the opportunity to watch him transform into a young man daily. Avery and Jackson are nearing the end of their sixth year of life, it is so hard to believe that they are almost seven. Avery is the apple of our eyes and works hard to remind us of that every second of everyday. Her perfectionism is a blessing and a curse. She works her little heart out to master every challenge presented to her, but with that said she won't settle for anything but perfection. I find myself reminding her daily to just enjoy being a kid.Jackson is still a test to tolerance and loves that aspect about himself. I discovered yesterday during parent/teacher conferences that his uncanning ability to charm those who give him the chance had worked to his advantage once again. Ms. Stotts has totally fallen for him and the second she said he makes her laugh I realized that my dream of her maybe being able to make him conform to society standards was over. One sure sign you have fallen under the Jackson spell is the fact that you recognize his true talent at arising laughter in your day. I know Mitch and I say daily that we will someday conquer this child but secretly I have no intention to actually achieve it, Jackson is a true blessing just the way he is. Life would be boring with out his jokester personality, and his argumentative style is what will make him succeed against all road blocks in life. All three of my children are the reason I love my life. Parker, Jackson, and Avery have quite the social calendar and full schedule of activities at the moment. All three are part of a bowling league this fall and they all seem to be really enjoying the sport (if bowling is a sport?). Jackson is still in Karate four days a week and he just earned his orange belt at the last belt test ceremony. Avery is my gymnast and every week I feel a bit of nostalgia sitting at the gym watching her learn the things my sisters and I learned when we were her age. Overall we have a great life and count our blessings daily, we are busy but I always remind those who think we are crazy for taking on so much that idle hands are the devils workshop. Fall break gave all of us the chance to reset ourselves until our next break at Christmas. The kids enjoyed the ability to sleep late and eat lots of junk food. We spent four days at the lake and being that it was probably the last bit of warm weather until spring they all made sure to get in all the water activities they love. Avery managed to wake board the entire length of ski alley and only fell after the wake from a passing boat took her down. Parker was so exhausted he even chose to sit out the last morning run. Jackson had to be reminded day one that he likes knee boarding and once we convinced him we couldn't get him to stop:) We rounded out our break with a trip to McAllen and had the pleasure to spend some serious grandparent bonding time, so much so that Jackson and Avery were in tears when we pulled out of the driveway to head home. It makes me happy to see them creating bonds and ties with family that will always be in their memories. Next on our fun schedule is Halloween so we are planning a trip to the pumpkin patch and of course lots of trick or treating. I hope and pray that fall brings about cooler weather, some rain, and more blessings on each and everyone of our friends and family members. As a side note Wednesday October 12th is world Arthritis day and I would like to remind you to take time to think about the thousands of people, especially children suffering from this disease. If I had one wish in life it would be for a cure, but until then we rejoice in the life we have been given!