HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

We celebrated Brian's b-day last night. He wanted to have Italian food, then head home for cake (that's another story all together). So, that's what we did. It was all yummy and we had a great time being together. After cake, it became clear that Bri wanted to hang out on the couch, feet up, with remote in hand and flip back and forth between football and the Democratic National Convention. We had other plans for him. Me - trying to take our picture. I never could figure it out. He did and you'll see how happy he is about that! The kids and Abby - crawling all over him. Now, that DID make him happy. We all had a great evening. Happy B-Day Honey!

Why Me?

So many of my friends have the best pictures of their kids. It seems that the moms pick up their cameras and the kids automatically say "CHEESE" with the most perfect smile in the world! Okay, okay, I know it doesn't always work like that. But, it never works like that at my house. I'm not sure if it's the kids or me or, more likely, both. Either way, I no longer get upset about it. At least, not terribly upset. Not every time. Progress can be slow. Here are a couple of shots from last night. These pics make me say, "WHY ME???" and they make me laugh. Maybe that's why God blessed them with their quirky sense of humor and why he blessed Brian and I with them. Later gators. Ang

I can't believe I almost forgot about this...

I can't not tell this story. It so touched me this morning. We were walking out the door to go to school, without a lot of time to spare, when Alex ran upstairs to get something. He came back down with a Purple Cross keychain and attached it to his backpack. He told Emma that it was to remind him, when he got scared, that God was always with him and that he'd been fine. Talk about making a mom happy - that did it!! Then, he even went and looked for one for Emma. You cannot see the cross very well, but I promise it's there.

Jakey the Bear

Here's the picture I promised of Jakey. He was literally right outside our cabin. That was July and we are still talking about him. I expect we will for quite some time to come. Isn't he a cutie?

Emma says, "Enough picture taking Mom. I mean it!!"

Alex...need I say more?

First Day of School

Well, we made it through the 1st day of school. 3rd grade for Alex and 1st grade for Emma. We only had a couple of morning mishaps - which is great around here since neither Emma nor I are Suzy Sunshines! Can you tell that from her school picture? The one that clearly says, "Enough Already!!" I won't complain too much though, she did let me put her hair in pig tails and she looked adorable!

Emma decided she wanted Alex to walk her to class. Boy, that does my heart good. I found out this evening, that he took her to the wrong hallway. They were both laughing about it. For those of you who know my kids well, you know that's incredible. Laughing instead of screaming. Love it.

Alex was up early and ready to go. He's my earlybird. We only had one tough moment, when he thought he'd forgotten how to tie his shoes. It seems that it's like riding a bike - it comes right back to you. (I guess these things happen when you wear flip flops all summer long.)

Both kiddos report having a good first day. They were excited to get to play with Ash and Cody for a little bit after school. They were ready to chill-out when we got home. We're going to celebrate the day with a special dinner (chicken, sweet potato fries and mac n cheese, plus the obligatory green veggie). Isn't fun when special is also simple and inexpensive???

End of Summer

I truly cannot believe that it's the end of summer and the kids start back to school in the morning. Alex and Emma are both in bed, asleep and I find myself sad. Really. It's been such a wonderful summer and I hate that it's ending. I never thought I'd say, type or feel that way. It's such a blessing to be home with the kids and I really enjoy it (most days!!).



At dinner this evening, we went around the table and chose our favorite summer activity. Our Colorado trip was top, without question. Alex's favorite part was the B-I-G hike that he, Scott and Brian went on. That's where he learned about the Elk Poop Boot Test. (I doubt you want the details, but he'd be happy to share them if you do!) Thanks Scott for the education! And here I thought I was the poop expert in the family!!!



Initially, Emma said "doing the Olympics" was her favorite part. Come to find out, that's what the cul-de-sac kids were playing this evening. It just goes to show you that when you have friends around, you don't have to go anywhere special to have fun. I love that!



Brian and my favorite part of the summer was having such an extended time away with the family, in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Hey, did we mention the incredibly cool temperatures and having a bear right outside the cabin? I'll add a picture of Jakey the Bear if I can figure out how!



The relaxed schedule was also a family favorite. I loved being able to sleep in, veg out with the kids, head up to the FABULOUS Y pool on a moments notice and spend time with friends (at home and in Colorado).

Signing off. I'll be back with first day of school details soon. Ang

I finally figured it out!

Okay, it's taken me from the first post until now - more than a week, to figure out how to add a background to this blog. I don't think that bodes well for this being easy, but I'm not giving up just yet.

Believe it or not...

You better sit down before you read this.
The peer pressure has finally gotten to us.
Brian and I are actually starting a blog.
More to come...I think.
Ang