Sounds like LIFE to me...........

Soooo... It's hard to keep up with life. I've come to realize that this crazy, chaotic, hectic, everyday running around is our LIFE. Instead of waiting for things to settle down, I've decided to live in the moment. Everyone says you will miss this craziness one day. I'm trying to take each day and live it and not become overwhelmed. I realize that some weeks I spend more time having one-on-one conversations with my clients than my own family. For instance, I get up at 6 a.m. to run on the treadmill, shower, pack lunches, get the kids moving, Steve makes breakfast for Tug, the kids, and feeds Gabby. Everyone runs out the door by 8:30 and leaves for school and work. At 3:15 I get Nick and Amanda and start homework, make dinner, referee, give baths, showers, read. Steve comes home, we have dessert, he gets the kids ready for bed. The kids go to sleep, I finish cleaning, check my e-mail, do whatever I need to do, and fall into bed at 11:00. In that time I've spent 30 minutes talking to Steve. That stinks! I'm trying to make an effort to do better. This is going to be our life for at least the next 10 years. I need to do less, and spend more time with the ones I love, doing the things I love!

So that is why I'm blogging today, putting off the chores, and spending time with my sick Gabby. Here has been our life in pictures........

Gabby's Baptism, what a special day.

She was happy and talkative through the entire service.

She liked the water, no crying at all.

A final blessing........

What a gift from God..... Now I just hope she gets over this cold quickly. Amanda and Nick were both sick last week. They are on the mend and hopefully Gabby will be too.

Just had to include this picture.... Isn't this what you think of when you think Baptism? a fireman and a cowboy

We finally had a weekend to go to the pumpkin patch (and so did everyone else in this city). It was crazy-busy, but we had a good time. At least there was no rain or wind like Sat. for Amanda's last soccer game of the season.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on the vine, you are plump and oh so fine........... Nicholas has been learning lots of Halloween songs that he sings to me on the car ride home from school. Gabby is a very attentive audience. She loves his singing.

Strike a pose in the patch...... She is adorable.

Nicholas couldn't wait to tell his teacher he was going to carve a Jack-o-lantern.

We picked a lot of pumpkins....... I can hardly wait to scoop out the insides. Everyone always seems to disappear for this process......

Poor Steve.... he had to lug all the pumpkins back to the tractor.......

Everyone is happy after cider and donuts....

A few more random things........

Aunt Jean come to visit 2 weeks ago. It was a great surprise and a nice visit! Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures for the blog.

On that same Sat. Amanda scored 2 goals during her soccer game. She had been trying all season and finally the moment came. She was so happy and when she came to the sidelines she told me that scoring goals was fun!

With the help of some great parents I taught 17 Brownies how to sew. I think the girls did an AWESOME job, and I was so happy they accomplished another badge. Now I need to start thinking about the next meeting already. What did I get myself into?

I'm trying to read my book club book, The Help. It is great so far. I would recommend it.

Well, I'm off to start chores and go to Target. I have some spider cupcakes to bake too.

I hope to be back soon.

Anticipating Halloween

I couldn't resist! Make sure to turn the music off on the player at the bottom of the blog.

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Still Reeling.....

I'm still reeling from yesterday.............. I had my first Brownie Troop meeting..... with 17 2nd grade girls. Can you say, sensory overload! I thought I was sooooooo organized and it was utter CHAOS! I just want the girls to have FUN. I've heard from several moms that their daughter's had a good time. I can't believe I have to do this again in 2 weeks. I need some battle armour. Do you know the amount of energy 7 year olds expend............

A Photo Frenzy

I'm not in the mood to write tonight, but I have some great pictures to share....... Enjoy!

I think she is the definition of ADORABLE! What do you think?

I never want to forget this face. It is amazing how quickly Gabby is changing month to month.

Honestly, the cuteness is killing me!

So I begged the kids to get together and take a picture....

I wasn't too successful. This seems to be Nicholas' favorite face lately.


Proof that I cooked a turkey... not to bad..... I guess it might be my house for Thanksgiving dinner.

My witness, to this spectacular feat, was Mo taking the picture.

And finally, I have some pictures of me and Gabriella compliments of Steve....

Wow! Look how big my nose is! I never realized how much it gets in the way! The photo catches me at such a flattering angle.

Gabby taking a swipe at my big nose.

And finally, my two little dolls............

Well, I'm off to work on more Brownie troop "stuff." Until later..............