life in alaska

All right. So lately it's all about Emmie. You're right, Anita, I've said the most about her but it's for the simple reason that pretty much, life is all about Emmie lately! She has been the sickest, hurt most often, neediest, craziest, and funniest.

Within 24 hours she hurt herself significantly twice, with other minor escapades. Last night she fell and smashed herself in the mouth, resulting in gums that were at least two to three times the normal size and was up crying in the night. Tonight (was my fault) she popped her elbow out (again) on a piggy-back ride. Once we came home from someone helping pop it back in I rocked her, put ice on it for a bit, then put her to bed. As I leaned in to kiss her goodnight she smiled up at me and said "you're the sweetest mom!" What more could I ask for?

Now, about "the others" (anyone watch Lost?)

Riley continues to amaze me. She is the sunshine of our home. She's got the most buoyant little personality - you cannot keep her down. I recently made a "job chart" and she lives to check stuff off. She is a great kid.

Logan continues to enjoy his soccer team, but has only one game left. He scored again on Saturday (you have to know that he hasn't wanted to touch the ball much this year, so it's always really exciting if he even tries to kick it, let alone score.)

I have to say I was really proud of all three this last week when I went to court about my little speeding ticket issue. Ask me and I'll tell you the story but it's getting late and I don't think I can write it all out. Suffice it to say, I begged (if you're good I'll reward you), nearly threatened (if you're bad the judge will order us out of the courtroom), plead with them to be good (please please please be good) in the courtroom - yes, I took them - and they were absolutely still, absolutely silent. I didn't know my children had it in them. I have seen children do this, but never mine.

When we came out I asked what they thought of the courtroom and Riley said "It was awesome! And I really liked all the stories." (She meant the little traffic violation trials.)

By the way, I received mercy - as long as I don't get a ticket for six months anyway. I was very grateful for that, and the four of us thanked the Lord on the way home.