Pumpkin Patch

Last night we took the kids to a corn maze/pumpkin patch/petting zoo. We took a hay ride to the the corn maze, and we all followed Elli through the maze, who let us the right way almost everytime. The end of the maze led us out to a pumpkin patch, where we all got to pick out our own size pumpkins. After a LONG decision making process, everyone finally picked the one they wanted. We then took the hay ride back to the barn where we got to pet a whole load of farm animals and feed them some carrots. It definately felt like fall!!!

We Have The Best Daddy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8WUcnsIBT0

9:00 tonight--don't miss it!!

Humoring Mommy

I've Been Tagged

I have been tagged by Dana The rules are that you need to tell something about yourself with every letter of your middle name. I am in luck--I have a short middle name. Ann. The same middle name that probably 1 million other girls have who were born in the 70's, and it is also my mom's middle name--I did not carry on the tradition. Not because I didn't like it, but I felt it has been way overused. Anyways, here it goes.

A---I woke up 4 times last night with an ant crawling on my arms. I KNOW I wasn't dreaming. It was real, and it creeped me out!!

N--I have ALWAYS dreamed of being a nurse. I have wanted to be one for as long as I can remember. The sad thing is, I have never become one. After high school, I was scared of the chemistry, and then I fell in love and the rest is history. I will--mark my words, and hold me to it--go back to school and become one someday.

N--My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. If you have not read any of his books, you must start with "The Notebook". I know it was made into a movie, but it just does not do the book justice. I have read this book no less than 5 times and each time I cry like a baby. If you need a good tear-jerker/romance, it is a must.

The next rule of the game, is to tag as many people as there are letters in your name. So, I tag: Stacy, Beca,, and Sara. Have fun girls.

I will leave you with my 3 most beautiful soccer players, and 1 wannabee.

Anticipation

Countdown--7 more days---something you will NOT want to miss---something I want all of you fellow bloggers to try in the year 2007/2008---something I will definitely stay home for---something I am giddy about---something the kids will be in bed early that night for---everyone in suspense??? Yes, it is the season premier of The Office. Don't miss it!! If you haven't watched it, try it!! Hysterical. And Jenny, the first 4 episodes are all an hour long!!

Simple Pleasures!!

Elli came home from school today, and thought she had won the lottery!!----she got to keep the comb that the photographer at school gave them before their school pictures. She is elated. Oh, the simple pleasures in life.

My Baby

"Mommy, please, no more more pictures!!"

We Are Family

I took some pictures of my brother and his family today. My niece is too funny. You tell her to smile, she frowns, sit--she stands, stop--she runs. She wanted no part in being a part of her family tonight. She was way too busy making faces at me. Too cute!! I know, I am a little bias.

First Day Of School--Round 2

Thys and Josie started preschool today. They loved it!! I felt a little odd not having them around the house to "bug" me. The pigtails never even made it through the front door of school, but they were cute while they lasted--and Thys is just a little preschool stud!!

Welcome Drew Granderson

I got to take a few pictures of our dear friends, Lonny and Laura, and their new little bambino. So tiny and cute!! (This one's for you Lonny!!!)

Labor Day Fun!!

We spent Labor Day visiting my brother and sister in law and their two kids at their summer hideaway Sandy Pines. We had so much fun hanging out all day. Thanks guys!!


The whole group.

My sister in law set up a candy hunt for the kids.

Tessa even managed to eat the whole string of candy without even taking the paper off--a little fiber is always good for the digestive system.

Josie enjoying the candy.

Tessa toe-heading around.

What's Sandy Pines without a golf cart ride. Pile as many as you can in a golf cart, and head out.

First Day Of School

She started school this morning,
And she seemed so very small,
As I waited there beside her
In the kindergarten hall.

And as she took her place beside
The others in the class,
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as
She first learned how to walk,
The words that we alone made out
When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed
In learning how to write!
It seems as tho' she must have grown
To girl-hood overnight.

My eyes were blurred but hastily
I brushed the tears away,
Lest some word or sign of mine
I mar her first big day.

Oh, how I longed to stay with her
And keep her by the hand,
To lead her through the places
That I couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride,
I knew she would no longer be
A baby at my side.

But as she must have her chance to live,
To work her problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl
with friends and work and play;
She's not a baby anymore--
She started school today.

author unknown

God Is In Control

Dean's parents hands during the anniversary party. In love after 40 years--amazing!!


***WARNING****This may be deep--and long--sorry!!
There are more days then not, that I just live for the day and not for the ultimate goal. I get up in the morning, take care of the kids and the house, relax at night and go to bed, to wake up and do it the next day. All the while, taking everything for granted, finding myself almost certain that I will do this all again the next day. Never once stopping---weeks/months can go by---to think that it could all be taken from me in a second.
This past week changed all that. August 15, we learned that a childhood friend of Dean's, who also happens to be our sister-in-laws brother, Chris Johnson, was killed in Iraq. Chris was deployed just one month ago. He was in the special forces and flew Chinook helicopters in Iraq. Learn more here We don't know the whole story at this time, but the helicopter went down with 5 solders on board. All 5 lost their lives in a matter of seconds. Chris left behind a wife and 3 kids. He was 31. Dean remembers growing up just around the block from Chris, and has lots of stories to tell, as they were inseparable for a number of years.
At the same time we learned of Chris' death, we also were making plans to fly to California to visit Dean's parents and celebrate their 40th anniversary with them. A joyous occasion--a gift from God--to be married (happily) for 40 years. A party...a funeral. The party was this past Friday. Fifty of their closest friends and relatives--ones we haven't seen in years and some we have never even met, gathered to celebrate with Dean's parents. The funeral was Saturday in Rehobath, NM. Dean and his dad had the privilege of flying there to participate and to be there for his brother and sister-in-law and her family. The happy...the sad.
With both of these events, regardless of the extreme opposites, I had the same thoughts going through my head. A very simple fact--GOD IS IN CONTROL. Like I said earlier, I go about my day, never thinking twice that God is in control of it. I more times than not, think and act, as if I am the one in control. Until events such as these happen. He created it--He is the one who will take my earthy life from me. I don't know the time or day or year. God does. Like Chris, I may go young--too young in my opinion. Or I may go old--many years after my friends and family. Chris didn't call his wife minutes before he was to take off and assure her he was fine, he didn't start the helicopter and strap himself into the pilots seat and take off, knowing these were going to be his lasts. God knew.
My in-laws have been married for 40 years. In looking at pictures, this weekend, of them over the years, I was in awe of the legacy that has preceded them. Their grandparents were Christians, their parents were Christians, they are Christians, and they have instilled these beliefs into their children. We, as their children, are Christians. What an awesome legacy/heritage to pass on from generation to generation. The best and most important in my opinion. God has been good to their family--before they were created--and hopefully for many years after God takes them home. Looking at their relationship, God is in control. They have put God in control of every aspect of their lives. They thank and praise God for the happy times, they grieve and cry with God during the sad times. We don't know why God lets some be married for only a few years in Chris' case, or why he allows others to spend 40+ years together in my in-laws case. But what I have to remember, is that I need to have God in control of my life at ALL times--starting now. I need to be a Christian example for my kids and husband, so that that legacy lives on. I need to instill in my kids the fact that God is in control--that regardless of what God has in store for my life on earth, I will trust Him, b/c He controls it. I will trust Him in the sad times--I will trust him in the "party" times. Because ultimately, as Christians, we are all going to reach the goal--some before me, and some after me. I just need to be ready when God decides.

Fun With Chalk

My hand at creature photography. Our trip to the zoo last weekend.

Birthday festivities

Grandpa pushing Tessa!

Cousin, Sophie indulging in the cupcakes.

Tessa loves sweets. ( I think she inherited this from her mom)


Josie was mad at Grandpa, b/c he was going to take the last cupcake. What Grandpa's have to give up for their grandkids!! Sorry, Grandpa!

Thys was too busy playing with his new toys to stop and pose for a picture.

Happy Birthday, Thys and Josie. God has blessed us so much with giving us the both of you. We hope that God gives us many more years to be your mommy and daddy. We love you!! Mommy and Daddy.

Spaghetti

Why we rarely, if ever, have spaghetti for dinner.