Backyard

 Minnie Mouse in the Back Yard..."collecting sticks"

Love the green that the rain brings!

 

Josiah helping his sister back down the hill, he takes such good care of her!

Quote of the Day

Things you hear from the mouths of your children that you will probably never hear from an adult...

   "Mommy, I'm going to put on my fairy wings before I put on my pants."  

Ok Kaila. Sounds like a plan. Glad pants were involved.

Things you hear from the mouths of your children that you will probably never stop hearing, even as adults...

The pre-school teacher calls Josiah over, and he reluctantly stops running around with his buddies to come over. She explains that Kaila is sad, crying and wants to hold his hand. Josiah looks sadly at Kaila, very concerned and hurting for his sister...but he also wants to play. In a torn voice he says..

Josiah: "I want to hold her hand, but I want to run, and be free..."

So true son, so true.

thanksgiving "I'm on a Boat"

Ryan and I got a small taste of what it's like to live the "high life" for about 5 hours, but really, it was just really funny playing out the following conversation over and over with people; 

Them: "What are you doing for Thanksgiving?"

Us: "oh, you know, we're just having Thanksgiving on a Yacht. You? Porterville..hmmm, Sounds nice. Have fun..."

My Granny and her husband Bob usually host around 25 to 30 people at their home. Granny cooks for everyone (think, four turkeys...). This year, being "too old to do that" they decided to take everyone out on a yacht for Thanksgiving with a dinner catered by a professional chef.  Ryan and I debated ....for about zero seconds, and decided to go. Actually, I think a few extra people even jumped in on the affair. 

Granny and Bob are some of the most generous people I know.

 I have to say.  I thought I would miss the "homey" Thanksgiving feeling.

I didn't.

It was awesome.

Josiah and Tata sideling up to the bar for a martenellis ; )

75 degrees, sunset over the ocean, good food, LOTS of family and great wine...

We are one spoiled family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kaila's Birthday Morning

October Colds

Kaila's Birthday morning, pink birthday whipped cream on her pancakes,  morning-after Halloween candy...

Why won't our colds go away? I just don't get it.

Hugs for my love

  

 It was an awesome morning. I surfed in the rain, then went and got coffee...that pretty much sums up one of my most-favorite ways to spend a morning in the whole wide world. Just thinking about it makes me giddy and talk like a kid...It was a beautiful gift my friend Julie gave me today.

 Two things made this day possible, Julie and preschool. So, thank you Grandma Lois and Granny Carolyn who helped pay for the kids' pre-school, and thank you to Julie for being genuinely happy to watch my kiddos while I surf. Julie has given me this gift so many times since I have had kids. It means so much to me. (She surfs too, so it is extra-amazing that she is happy to just sit and watch and never makes me feel bad or rushed!) It is so easy to leave the kids with people who really want to help. It assures me that I am not burdening them, but that we are both enjoying our time.

I want to remember to offer to help to younger moms when I'm out of this season.  Just an hour or two goes such a long way! I also want to be "that" person for other people, right now, in whatever capacity I can. I want to be the person that drops everything to serve someone as soon as the need arises, the person that "shows up," the person that sets a specific date and time to help and makes it happen.  I want to give the love, and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around me.

Thank you so much to all of those people in my life who have been His hands and feet, coming around to support our family through meals, babysitting, financial help, visiting, cleaning, listening, praying...

If you are reading this blog, thank you so, so, much.

I remember what you have done, and it means so much to me. 

Selfie Skills

 I'd like you to take a moment to appreciate these mad selfie skills. These are selfies taken of me and Donovan, D facing backwards, me facing backwards/forwards, and my arm twisted around backwards to get us both in there.

 

...and here's my super amazing long distance backwards foot-hold selfie...

ok fine. Ryan took over ; )