Mary Poppins - Spoon River Style

We marvel again at the wonderful talents with which God has blessed the young people of this area. The first two weekends of October is set aside as Spoon River Drive - a time when folks peddle their wares in their front yards, in roadside stands, or in booths in the park. One could make an entire weekend or two just driving the expanse of highway throughout a couple of central Illinois counties, taking in the beautiful scenery & the scents of hot cocoa & bonfires to match. But nothing compares to the nostalgia of a 100+ year old Opera House brought to life again by the laughter of folks far & wide being entertained by mere children, ages 1- 14.

Our crew took to the stage & left no one disappointed as they joined their friends to dazzle & amaze with Mary Poppins. Ben was the rookie this year & by far the youngest Rascal yet, at age 23 months. He joined The Wee Ones after their portrayal of The Three Little Pigs. He was to sing & dance to The Big Bad Wolf. Overwhelmed by lights, action & audience, he made an awful cute addition to the stage; end of story. He did, however, ham it up between shows! Thomas was yet another Michael (last year, he played Michael in Peter Pan) and Jaclyn played Michael's sister, Jane. (How convenient!) Robert stole the show with his portrayal of the ludicrously hilarious Uncle Albert. Not a straight face could be found in that Opera House!

Some worry that kids miss out on opportunities by living "in the middle of nowhere" but the truth is, so much can be found right here in the heart of Spoon River Country - so much more than meets the eye at first glance. Friendship for sure; laughter is another given; but true community - a family, if you will, made up of those who gather around, that's what we treasure here in the valley.

Ali's 3 month pictures have arrived!

Finally caught up...Ali's 16 weeks old today!

This outfit was a gift from a special friend...notice her name embroidered on the collar.

15 weeks with Ali

Ben just loves, loves, loves, loves, loves, loves, LOVES his little sister!

More of Ali...

Here she is, our little Miss Ali...she's three months now.

Mr. B...such a great big brother - just can't wait for her to wake up in the morning to give her kisses & hold her. Thankfully, she's becoming accustomed to this little ritual of his & some mornings, like this one, she even seems to enjoy it a bit. She's 14 weeks in this one.

Ali - 12 & 13 weeks

12 weeks

I'm a bit behind, but sorting through the pictures & will get caught up...but not tonight.

13 weeks

First Day of School & Ali at 11 weeks (both a bit late)

Robert Wilkie, 6th grade

Amazing...Rob seems to have undergone this metamorphasis this summer taking him from boy to well, I don't know...he's not a man, but he's not a boy...is this what they refer to as "man-boy"? His voice hasn't changed, but his demeanor has. He's beginning to think before speaking, not always mind you, but the occassional act of courtesy is much appreciated. He offers to help (sometimes) instead of grudgingly agreeing after ignoring simple requests. It's as if he's beginning to realize we're all in this together. These are great milestones which make a parent's heart proud, however, it also tugs at a mommy's heartstrings.

Here's a Rob funny to let you in on his growing personality...He & I took Ben & Ali to join Chris at North Fulton's football game last Friday night. (Tom & Jac were livin' it up at a sleepover.) Rob headed to the concession stand, so I asked him to get some popcorn for Ben. When he hadn't returned in a considerable amount of time, I wandered over to check in on him. He was around the corner at the door - it was taking too long at the windows :) (You seriously wouldn't believe the line unless you'd been there!) I joined him there just before his popcorn arrived. Much to my pleasure, he was being complimented on his patience. About that time Pam (Chris' coworker) delivered his popcorn & laughed saying, "Jody, I didn't know he was yours. I told him I appreciated his patience & he said, 'That's okay, it takes me 15 minutes just to ask if I can watch tv - there's 5 of us kids in our family!' " and that's our oldest boy...

Thomas Garrison, 2nd grade

Jaclyn AnnMarie, 2nd grade

Benton Alfred, 21 months

I almost felt like I must have been running my own preschool for one just trying to keep Ben entertained while the big 3 were gone that first day & it was only until 11:30! And to make matters worse, they had play practice that night so they were off without him again...poor guy! Enter color wonder paints & sidewalk chalk!!

3

monkeys in a tree, what you don't see is the 4th one reaching up & laughing hysterically

traditional 1st day of school cake - yep, graffiti - nope, Jac didn't get it...

And now for Ali at 11 weeks ...