California

Our recent trip to California was a major success. We were able to reconnect with a lot of my family that I don't get to see very often. Every time I visit my grandparents or parents or siblings for that matter, I am reminded a little more of who I am. Perhaps because seeing them makes me think of who I was when they knew me better. I am really not that different than I was so many years ago- maybe just focusing on different strengths in order to do my job as a wife and mother.

Halloween

Nap Time

For about three months I have been putting Joseph down for his naps in his high chair. I give him his lunch and turn on some soft music and then I leave the room. Anywhere from 5 minutes to a half hour does the trick. It all started when he moved to a big boy bed and realized he didn't HAVE to do anything. So rather than listening to him scream and kick the door for an hour or an hour and a half I just trick him into relaxation then move him to his bed. The method has some major flaws like if Daddy comes home for lunch and walks into the kitchen just as he is dozing off, or if he is not hungry at nap time and will not get into his high chair happily, or if he is in possession of anything that could be a toy, or if I unthinkingly give him a popsicle- sugar high, or if he just does not want to fall asleep for some strange reason, not to mention the fact that I have to stay out of sight and sound for the time it takes for him to fall asleep. Like I said, the method has some MAJOR FLAWS and I can't imagine that it will last much longer but can you blame me for trying?

New Look

Well, after three years of growing it out I decided to cut my hair again. And I am very glad I did. The truth is, it is always more work when it is short because I don't have the option of just pulling it back in a pony tail after the shower. But, at least when I do take the time to do it I am happy with it. It is fun to have a new look!

















We had Joe's nieces and nephew here for most of the day on friday and that was a lot of fun. Joe came home from work around 2 to help out. We had a great time pretending what it would be like to have five children all very close in age. We decorated pumpkins and played in the backyard. The weather was a little cool and overcast so it was perfect! Hooray!

The Heat Goes On

This morning I met up with a group of girls from church and their fun kids to visit a pumpkin patch not too far from here. It was a very nice little place with white canopies set up as shelter from the sun. Yes, in this part of the country even late October will find you drenched in sweat as you walk slowly around some pumpkins. Joseph ran and I watched and made sure he did not get into any trouble. There was a pretty red tractor that took us on a hayride. We wound through the property, and the various palms as we waited for the driver to pick up enough speed to give us a little bit of a breeze and dry our sweaty faces. After the hayride we made our way to the story reading tent as more sweat poured in the shade and shelter. The story book reader did her best to ignore Joseph as he climbed all over her various assortment of pumpkins serving as visual aids. Then off to the coloring tent. Joseph and I had a good time as we colored a scarecrow green and orange. Just as the humidity dropped a little and the breeze picked up my children gave me the signal that they were hungry and ready to go. Alas, our damp clothes would have to dry in the airconditioned mini-van. Every year this is the time that the humidity just kills me. At times the air is so thick it lookes like it is drizzling but it is not. When it should be cooling off and SOME parts of SOME days feel like they are, when the rest of the country is happily pulling out their long sleeves and maybe even a sweater, when the evening air should feel crisp and cool, when the pools are closed and there is truly no relief, the heat goes on. I live in a swamp. Some days it cools and the air lightens, most days it is only for a moment and then back to what it wants to be. Swamp-like. I'm sorry but it's true. Some girls love the swamp. Their skin glistens and the hair remains silky and smooth. They love the heat and that it gives them the chance to show off their beautiful long limbs. Honestly, it makes me feel soggy, and frizzy, and completely miserable. I think that if I can overcome this challenge in my life (it sounds so stupid to say it is a "challenge in my life" but it IS!) I will be able to get over anything. How does someone who loves to be outdoors and do out of doors things live in a place that can best be enjoyed through a closed window?

My Inspiration

At this point in my life I would have to say my children are my inspiration and motivation in most things. With a face like this how could he not be? Joseph loves to borrow my head bands, he calls them hats. One morning he woke up as I was on my way out the door to the gym. He came out of his room like this, not necessarily making the funny face. He has also recently taken a liking to cuddly puppy dogs. He wants to take one where ever we go. Luckily, he has three of them so I can usually find one pretty quickly. His favorite things to say lately: "I can not believe it!" (from Little Einsteins), "What are we gonna do, mommy, what are we going to do!" (I'm not sure where he got that one). He has just developed this really sweet cadence to the way he asks for things, we cannot help but want to give him whatever he is asking for. I think that stems from the fact that as his language developes he gains confidence in his ability to ask for and get what he wants. Duh. Pretty obvious but cool for me to see in my own son.

Surprise!

The other day I put my daughter down for a nap with a little dress on and no bloomers. She had a diaper on when I left her room, but when I came back to check on her and make sure she was asleep this is what I found. I covered her up with a blanket and let her sleep blissfully with no diaper, which I'm sure she enjoyed. She looked very happy when her nap was over.

Haircut

So the order of my photos came out a little funny but I thought I would document the much needed haircut of my son. I was far more worried about it than I needed to be. Never underestimate the power of a Dum Dum. After a huge meltdown as I was getting him out of the car and trying to take away his bat and ball he was completely intrigued by this green sucker that kept getting hair dropped on it. AND, much to my surprise he seems happier with shorter hair, he looks great and I don't have to feel as guilty when I don't have time to brush it. I should say that the whole decision to cut his hair was made thursday morning. I had to go to the doctor for a tetanus shot and took the kids. Joseph was wearing some green cargo shorts and a t-shirt that I thought would match but didn't end up matching. Once I got on the road I realized I had forgotten his shoes. Thank goodness we have a habit of leaving his church shoes in the car. So black leather, velcro boots with black socks. And to top it off his hair was insane that morning. People were nice and still said he was fun and cute, yada, yada, yada but I felt bad that he wasn't looking his best. So, that afternoon I went to get his hair cut. You know the rest.

Fun

We had Joseph's friend Hunter over to play. They have spent time together ever since they were born but are just now starting to interact. They are so fun. Of course Joseph tried to take control of Hunter's breakfast but he would give it back very nicely every time he was reminded.






















Lately everyone has been saying that Millie looks like her dad. It is so cute to see them together. I don't totally see the resemblance, except for maybe the face shape. I don't really think she looks like me either.This particular day we played soccer in our back yard while it was misting on us so we were thoroughly soggy. It is time for another hair cut. He is starting to complain about it. "My hair!" he shouts as he swipes it away from his eye brows. I guess that is my cue.

Saturday

On this stormy Saturday I just wanted to post a few pictures of the kids. They are so much fun.

Busy Weekend

The coolest kids ever.





Something you will never see again in your life.




This weekend we had two events to participate in. Friday night we held a party for some of our best friends, Justin and Kira, and their new little son Evan. They recently adopted this beautiful boy and we wanted to give him the welcome that he deserves. Irene (red shirt) and I had a great time planning the dinner menu and cooking for the party. These pictures show some of the highlights. It was a lot of fun. Joe's brother Chris is back in town and in the large group shot around the table- we love you Chris.
Saturday night we attended Joe's 10 year High School Reunion. It gave me a hint as to what I missed out on at my 10 year reunion this past summer. I'm sure I would have enjoyed my own reunion much more but it was fun to get out with Joe.

My goal to get back in shape is going well. Last week I got 5 out of 6 of my planned workouts in. This week I hope to do all 6. Seminary is going well for Joe. Everyday there seems to be more and more participation.