Did someone say... Fall?

I finished my mantle this weekend and... I pretty much can't stop looking at. Have I mentioned yet on this blog how much I love fall (that was a joke by the way;).  It's funny though what the warm colors, cool weather and ominous skies do to me; makes me feel completley rejuvinated and giddy.  In fact I've  been practicing walking around in boots and sweaters just for the fun it;)  This weekend my sister and cousins fly in for our annual girls trip to the Fall Foilage festival. I'd be lying if i said it wasn't the highlight of my year. Think... hot apple cider, orange leaves, blugrass, haybails, and more yummy fall foods than even I  can eat. Let the fun begin; Happy Fall everyone. 

6 months

This may sound strange, but there's been a moment with each of my children where I've remembered them. a moment when I've looked into their eyes, while they were looking into mine and I've remembered having seen them before; sometime long ago, in a place I can't recall.  I can still remember the exact moment it happened with each of them; the most sacred memories I have as a mother. It happened the other day with Marley. I stared into her still eyes as we lay on the bed and for a second it was like our thoughts were completely the same. I recognized her sweet little face, and remembered her looking at me in that same way, somewhere else, long ago. I felt something powerful rush all over me, warm and peaceful...and I knew. 

Thank you Heavenly Father for my sweet spirits...and for tiny reminders of why I'm here.   

Preschool

As I walked away from him this morning I turned around twice. I wanted to see if he were watching me, or if there was even a trace of nervousness or hesitation...but nothing. rockin' the mickey mouse shirt (that he picked out)...cool as a cucumber. he was ready. i cried on the way to the car as i thought about his little three year old cheeks and big blue eyes. it's so hard to let go; especially of Brody. Then somehow I managed to snap myself back to reality and remember that twice a week for
three whole hours...I'm practically kid less (at least ones that walk and talk back anyway). 

 I'll get over it. 

 enough pictures already mom

 Ms. Shanda's house

 here we go

 I love you B-man. knock em' dead. 

First Grade

Why are they growing so fast. Why can't I stop it. How will my heart take it? First Grade one day, college the next...sigh. 

  Aunt Amy had her annual "back to school party and fashion show." It was quite a hit. 

 

 

B was totally a ham. cracks me plum up. 

 

Every one's happy and up early. don't i wish these morning smiles would last

 

Pancakes made specially by dad. She told me later that she went to breakfast that morning at school because we didn't make her anything and she was starving. really?

 

"good luck" phone calls from the fam. first grade is a big deal ya know. 

 

out the door...sniff sniff (mom that is)

 walking to school

c-ya mom

 These pictures kinda make me melt. she looks sweet in em', huh?  it's true. but don't be fooled...you should be here when she gets off the bus at the end of the day!  total melt down city...green eyed monster...bizzaro Maddie. here's how it goes. 

bus pulls up...

me:  Maddie how was your day

m:    oh man, your not going to start asking me questions again are you? 

me:  well what did you do...I've been waiting to hear ALL day!!

m:   ugh..nothing mom, we didn't do anything, okay.

me:  like nothing. you did nothing all day?

m:   no...and I'm not even doing my homework right now either. so don't start asking me    

        spelling words or whatever you're gonna do.

m:   BRODY...DID YOU BREAK MY.....AAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

oh well, that's my Maddie...and somehow despite it all, I still love her more than the world. little does she know, the fact that I'm completely disposable to her, only makes me try harder and be even more annoying. she thinks I'm bad now, she ain't seen nothing yet.

Labor day weekend

"She said she usually cried at least once 

each day not because she was sad, 

but because the world was so beautiful & life

was so short."

                                                   Brian Andreas

 It was the most perfect way to end the summer. until next year...