Sleep

I am so thankful that tonight we turn back the clocks and get an extra hour of sleep! When I was a kid, the time change meant staying up later & playing, because I would have an extra hour of sleep in the morning. As an early 20 something, it meant staying out later & partying with my friends, cuz where we were stayed open an extra hour. Tonight, as a 30 something mom it meant tricking our girls into going to bed early and NOT telling them about the time change so they will get extra sleep. Oh the evolution of the extra hour... wonder what I will be doing in my 40's during the time change?

Here are some of my favorite pictures of our sleeping girls from years past.

Being Thankful

I've been inspired by my sister-in-laws blog to count & share my blessings. On this cold & rainy November day, I am happy to have my two beautiful girls that warm my heart every day!

Nichole is growing into such a beautiful young lady. I admire her empathy for others and the fact that she always stands up for what or who is right. She is a graceful dancer and a wonderful student. I love being silly with her, she has a great sense of humor. She & I have our moments, after all- she is a pre-teen girl whose mother knows nothing! But at the end of the day she is a pretty spectacular daughter.

Abbey is my sunshine girl. She goes into every situation with a positive, happy-go-lucky disposition. She skips her way through life with a smile on her face. She can be stubborn and extremely dramatic when the situation calls for it. She has her moments of pure strong will, always accompanied by the correct facial expressions, of course. I love Abbey's hugs and the fact that she always tell me she loves me when I wake her up in the morning.

Halloween 2010

I enjoy Halloween, not so much for the spookiness, but for the silliness. It's great having a holiday that is all about being creative, using your imagination, getting some sugary treats and socializing with friends. It's bitter sweet though because it marks the last of the days when you will see your neighbors and friends out and about, before everyone tucks in for the winter.

This year Nichole was cooly spooky and Abbey was a stylish vampire queen.

Me & Todd
Witchy Kim & Painter Jane

Fall Leaves

Fall is my favorite season to experience. I love the vibrance that the changing, colorful leaves bring to the sunrise & sunset. I captured these pictures on my walk this week. They are pictures of the street we are lucky enough to call home. I am thankful that God in his infinite wisdom, settled us here.

Perfect Fall Day

This past Monday was a rare day- our girls and their friends were off from school, all of the parents were off of work & it was the most glorious Fall day this season. We all seized the day, throwing to the side house work & broken dryers that needed fixing; packed sparsely nutritous lunches and headed to Briery Lake. We took over a boat dock, spread out blankets, unfolded chairs and enjoyed the most wonderful day I have had in a long time. There was fish catching & releasing, canoe rides- I am not good at canoeing- and lots of relaxing!

The "Big" Girls. Nichole, Tilly, Caroline & Kiara

The "Little" girls. Abbey & Lilian

They had so much fun fishing with the fish cage!

Me & Sherry

Gregg, Sherry & Paul

Todd

Todd taking the girls for a ride.

Nichole & I on our ill fated canoe ride!
Did I mention I am not good at canoeing?

Kimberly & gals enjoying some nutritous Doritos.

The day ended with a great night. We all went out to eat and played frisbee in the parking lot of a restaurant while waiting for it to open. It's days like these that I count my blessings of family, friends & life.

Blue Ribbon Parade

Our wonderful town was a beautiful sight today with a spectacular array of fall leaves on trees and cheery blue and white balloons & ribbons scattered along King St. All of Keysville came out to honor Eureka Elementary School students and teachers during their Blue Ribbon Parade. Our store sported signs & balloons & lots of bubbles!

Cheerleading 2010

The girls enjoyed their 1st season of Cheerleading! I have to say I'm so glad they tried it, it brought back lots of good memories from my cheerleading days. It was a huge time commitment though, I am glad the season is over & we have a few extra nights at home! I'm very proud of my cheerleaders, they did a great job!