New-ness

So a lot of change in the Darrington household this next month. First of all, we bought a single family home about 4 miles from here and we are so excited to move in the beginning of December! But before that adventure comes the adventure of trying to sell our townhouse which means keeping it clean. This has proven to be a little tricky the past 2 weeks as I need to have everything ready to "show" all the time and especially if I ever leave the house b/c someone can call at any second on their way. This is hard enough with two active boys, made a little harder by an ever growing little girl. Scrubbing and painting walls, doors and baseboards in addition to packing, organizing and cleaning is not exactly how I envisioned myself with 5 weeks to go (in theory).
So in addition to packing, cleaning and selling this place, moving into the other home in a little over 2 weeks, having a baby a couple weeks after that (again in theory), my little brother has decided to get married to a wonderful lady on December 29th, 5 days after my due date.
Needless to say, a lot going on which makes this an exciting/stressful time.
Oh, one more thing, Carter changes schools as well. He starts tomorrow but we've already met his new teacher on Friday and he knows 2 kids in his class which hopefully will make for an easier adjustment. We figure, new school first while still in the old house, then new house, then new sibling. A month or so is enough time for all those new things right? Hmmmmm.....
Still no baby name picked out, although Carter likes Sal-a-lean-uh. That's how it's pronounced anyways. His other top favs include, honey, sweetie or love. Bryce wants to name her "baby sister."
We'll keep you posted, but for now, that's the Darrington news!

Ghost-ez

Tonight while putting Bryce to bed, he said he was scared of "ghost-ez." I tried to reassure him that ghosts were not real and that Carter was in the next room and mommy and daddy would be right down stairs. He could always say a prayer to Heavenly Father who would help him feel safe. Bryce said, "let's do that right now. I'll say it first, then you have a turn mommy." He got out of bed and knelt next to it and asked Heavenly Father to make him "not scared of ghost-ez and feel love in his heart." Then he said it was my turn. What a sweet boy and what faith. Again, another testimony builder that we should truly all become as little children. Sometimes I wonder who teaches who more in this family because I learn so much from my children about unwavering faith and trust in the Lord time and time again. Thank you boys for your testimony and example. I am so blessed.

Reprimanded by a 3 yr old

Last night after the fifth time of telling Bryce to get back in his room and back in bed, I might have called the phrase up in a little less than loving voice. His response was a quiet but firm, "you need to speak more kinder to me mommy."
Thanks for the reminder buddy... you are right.

...it's keeps growing and growing...

My belly that is!
Here's me at 30 weeks... here's to another 10 weeks! (unless it's like Carter's pregnancy... then, here's to another 7)!
(Or if it's like the pregnancy with Bryce... then, here's to another 12! But I sure hope not... let's hope for a 2009 baby...)

Father/Son outing

(all ready to go!)
Brady and the boys took advantage of the beautiful fall weather by going on a bike ride. The boys were very excited about riding in the trailer (most likely b/c they knew they could pack snacks). So geared up with their two big packages of Costco sized fruit snacks, they were ready to go. They drove first to Bethesda and took the Capital Crescent Trail all the way to DC! I was SO surprised the boys lasted that long. I thought they'd sit about a half hour- 45 minutes tops, but all together they rode about 2 hrs and 14 miles. Apparently there was a lot to see and changes of scenery between the Potomac river, tunnels, trees and wildlife. They both brought a pair of toy binoculars to see animals along the trail. Bryce was so tuckered out, he just fell asleep on good ole big brothers shoulder for part of the ride home. I can't wait until I can join them, but I have to say, I did enjoy the quiet at home getting things done knowing they were having a great time. When is the next one scheduled???
(all tuckered out!)

Armor of God

(Carter. Check out those gold painted Nike's)! - My mom taught seminary for several years and did this with her class. The apron as the "loins" and shoes are courtesy of her and her creativity!
(Bryce. "Hey! Who turned out the lights??")















For family home evening I gave the lesson about putting on the armor of God each day to protect ourselves from Satan's influences. I thought this would be especially good since Carter is out in the "world" not home near as much as he used to be.
As I read in the scriptures what each piece of armor represented, the boys took turns putting on that piece until they were completely covered and protected with the breastplate of righteousness, loins grit about with truth, feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation,and the sword of the spirit.
The boys - well mostly Carter understood it all when we broke it down piece by piece, concept by concept and it was really fun and they had a great time!

Welcome fall!

The boys and two neighbor friends laying in the leaf pile they raked up. The two younger kids would pick up leaves one at a time and put them in a little wagon and bring them to the pile. Carter used a little plastic rake.