Happy Halloween!

This would be funny if....

....I were a Cardinals Fan. As it is, I'm not really a Tiger fan either, but that's who we're hoping will make a comeback in the World Series! Roar!

Bubble Beard

Elise has loved baths (generally speaking) since she was a baby. Yesterday, she was having great fun in the tub making bubble beards.

Sold!

Our house (condo) has been up for sale since June 1st and as of Saturday, we officially have a contract in place. The closing date is set for the week of November 12th. There's a lot to do between now and then, but we are so thankful to have a buyer. The selling market here is not very desirable, so we are really fortunate. Next on our agenda....finding a new place to live! Stay tuned!

Teacher Arrested in Terror Alert

NEW YORK--A public school teacher was arrested today at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a set square, a slide rule and a calculator. At a morning press conference, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-gebra movement.

He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction. "Al-gebra is a problem for us," Gonzales said. "They desire solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in a search of absolute values. They use secret code names like 'x' and 'y' and refer to themselves as 'unknowns', but we have determined they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with co-ordinates in every country. As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, 'There are three sides to every triangle'."

When asked to comment on the arrest, President Bush said, "If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, He would have given us more fingers and toes."

White House aides told reporters they could not recall a more intelligent or profound statement by the president.

Special thanks to Tracie (Paul's cousin) for the funny story!

Pooh on the Brain

Elise and I were at Home Depot today looking for compost bags. As we were walking through the gardening section, Elise said "Look Mama, Honey Pots." She was pointing to the flower pots.

Some of the other funny Pooh-isms she's used recently are, "Tut-tut, it looks like rain" and "Blustery Day". Silly girl. She sure does love Pooh (the bear, that is).

2-Year Well-Child Exam

Elise had her 2 year doctor's visit this afternoon. I was hopeful that everything would go well since we were seeing a female nurse-practitioner, rather than her regular male pediatrician, whom she is not fond of. Things were going well. Elise was in a good mood, despite missing naps over the last few days. When we were called back for the appointment, a male nurse assistant met us at the door. Oh boy....not good. But then I was pleasantly surprised when Elise stepped on the big-girl scale without incident to be weighed (29 1/2 lbs) and then volunteered to lay down on the table to have her height measured (34 5/8"). Wow! Impressive.

My surprise was short lived. After a few minutes with nurse practitioner Beth, Elise began to throw the biggest temper-tantrum I have ever seen. Red face, fists tight, screaming. She was not happy about having to take her shoes, pants and sweater off to be checked over. And this went on for the remainder of our appointment. It took me about 10 minutes to get Elise composed afterward so that we could leave. Lack of sleep definitely kicked in, hard!

Overall, Elise is very healthy. She's right where she needs to be on the growth charts and is exceeding expectations on her vocabulary and ability to be understood. She's one smart cookie.

Elise's 2nd Birthday

We've reached another milestone....Elise is 2 years old (on Friday). We had her Pooh Party at my parents house on Sunday afternoon and had many guests....2 grandmas, 2 grandpas, 2 great-grandmas, an aunt and uncle, 2 great-aunts and a great uncle and 2 second-cousins. A great time was had by all.

The Potty

On the Potty.....



In the Potty.....
Good thing the 'potty' wasn't on the toilet. She might have experienced her first swirly.

One of a Kind

It's been a tumultuous and challenging 12 months for the Kurt family, and I don't think that even begins to describe it. Many of you have been praying for my brother-in-law Jon and his family as his mom has been fiercely battling pancreatic cancer. I thought I'd take a few minutes to tell you about Mrs. Kurt:

Beth and Jon have been married 10 years and dated for several years prior to that. Having said that, I've had the privilege of knowing the Kurt family for many years. I actually worked with Mrs. Kurt at Eddie Bauer on a couple of different occasions in college, once during the holidays and again during a summer. From the day we met, it was not unusual to be greeted with a hearty hug any time our paths crossed. Her home was always open to us and as 'extended family,' we were (and still are) often invited and strongly encouraged to come to Kurt family functions and parties.

Fast forward several years....I will never forget the phone call that I received from Mrs. Kurt when she learned that Paul and I were expecting a baby. You would have thought she was to be a grandma again. She was so excited for us and read to me Psalm 139 (the entire chapter) over the phone. Here's a sample:

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

I later received a package from her that included a small plastic baby at 3 months gestation, and a description of all the miraculous ways the baby was growing and developing at such an early age. Truly every child is a gift of God. I know that Mrs. Kurt believes this with all of her heart. When Elise was born, Mrs. Kurt came by to meet her. I will never forget the way she held Elise with a look of adoration and love. "What a beautiful baby!"

When it came time for Libby (my niece) to join the Kurt family, Grandma and Papa Kurt traveled to Memphis to be present for the big day. Paul, Elise and I were there too. Because Bethie was scheduled for a C-section, we were unable to be there when Libby was born but that didn't stop Grandma Kurt. At the appointed time, Grandma, Papa and Auntie Laura sat in the waiting room for what seemed like an eternity, waiting for some news (any news) of Libby's arrival. Grandma was absolutely beside herself as she waited to see her newest granddaughter. She even attempted to schmooze the nurses into giving us information....Unfortunately without success, but the nurses learned about her family and all of her grandbabies in the process.

Others have said it and I will too, Mrs. Kurt is a beautiful demonstration of the Proverbs 31 women. Here are some of the verses that she exemplifies:

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

One of the most beautiful things about the last 12 months is to see the love and dedication of her family and friends as they have gone through this experience with her. Dave and Susan have some entries in their blogs that will make you both laugh and cry. Be inspired! This family is one of a kind! And Mrs. Kurt will truly be missed! We love you!