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???