It's Apple Picking Time!

Well, fall is officially here! Even though the day temps are still in the 80s, these cooler nights let me know that glorious 60-70 degree weather is on the way. I'm ready for bonfires, steaming pots of chili, pumpkin carving, apple cider, hayrides, SMORES, football games where the only way you keep warm is by cheering for your favorite team, and most of all teaching Cole about the beauty of God's creation as the cool tones of summer give way to the glorious reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn.
To celebrate the beginning of this wonderful season, Cole, Gigi, and I went apple picking with some friends at Honeysuckle Hill Farm in Springfield. We had so much fun (all three of us!). Although our trip was slightly delayed (lovely MapQuest led us to a road that no longer exists...ahh technology. I should've used Michael's GPS), we finally arrived at our destination. We did miss the "learning barn" where you learn about how an apple grows, pollination, Johnny Appleseed, etc. because of our tardiness, but I don't think that Cole minded :-)
He enjoyed the petting zoo, tractor ride, playing in "The Pit" and the "Corn Box", and finally picking his own apple in the orchard. They also had a corn maze, etc. that he will enjoy as he gets older...so much for a kid to do! And I must say that it was very CLEAN (bathrooms and all) and well-organized which made Mommy happy too (especially for those of you that know me well).
Sharing precious memories like this make me reflect on what a blessing it is to be able to stay at home with my beautiful son and experience every smile, tear, laugh, and cry. Sometimes the carnal selfishness rises up within me as I long for the material pleasures that this world has to offer, but then I gaze at Cole as he sleeps or hear "Mommy!" from across the room and those desires quickly fade away. I feel so honored that the Lord chose me for this task of raising up a man of God and I know that these years will pass by too quickly...they already have. I'm soaking up every moment and cherishing every laugh at Seasame Street, every scraped knee, cars, blocks, and puzzles being the decoration of my home, every bedtime story and prayer, every cuddle and kiss...the list could go on and on...and I would have trouble typing for the tears that would begin rolling down my cheeks. This ride of motherhood has taught me so many things about love, life, and about God's ultimate love for His children. He is so amazing.
Happy Autumn as you enjoy God's marvelous beauty and may you always rest in His loving arms.

Cole and the goats...he was fascinated by the horns, but was afraid to touch them.


He "bocked" and crowed at all the chickens and roosters...hilarious!


Cole milking a cow. OK, not really...it's a wooden cow with utters underneath that the kids could squeeze and water would come out. Cute!


Cole and Gigi "mooing" to the calf. It mooed back!


Getting ready for the tractor ride.


Playing in "The Pit" a huge sand rink with cars/trucks



His favorite swing...giddy up!


The Corn Box...a huge cart filled with corn kernals for the kids to play in. Cole was scared silly when I first put him in b/c he began to sink (those little short legs). Once he got used to it, he didn't want to get out!



The picnic pavilion and refreshment stand. Enjoying a yummy lunch.



Picking the perfect apples at the orchard

It's Birthday Time!!

Not only does September bring the promise of fall, but for our family it brings lots and lots of BIRTHDAYS!! Most of my immediate family members have a b'day in September...it makes a fun, busy month by which at the end, we are broke! Here's our birthday "schedule"...
Laura (Kyle's girlfriend) - August 26
My mom - August 30
Mom and Dad's Anniversary - September 6
Dad's Bday - September 14
Michael - September 15
Kyle - Septmember 18
Myself (and Michael's sister) - September 30
Poor Cole...he's out of the loop (November for him). I know, I know...Michael and I should've done better with our timing, lol.
A few years ago, my mom started a tradition of treating us all to a special birthday dinner. We've been to The Melting Pot, Ruth's Kris, Jimmy Kelley's, Mortons, and this year we went to Maggianos Little Italy on West End. The food was delicious and we enjoyed being together as a family (although next year we will definitely get a sitter...we were at the restaurant for 2.5 hours(don't get me wrong...service was good...we had a four course family style meal)). You can imagine that length of time with a 21 month old!

Getting ready to order our feast

Dad, Mom, Kyle, and I

The girls...Laura, Mom, and I (and the crazy headdress plant)

Kyle and Cole


The fun didn't stop there. Last night I pulled off a surprise party for Michael's 35birthday. We met 14 of our friends/family at Steamboat Bills for dinner and then they all came back to our home for dessert and coffee. Michael was shocked when we walked in the restaurant and all of our friends shouted "Surprise...Happy Birthday!" So much fun!

Walking in the restaurant. Michael is asking me "What is going on!?!"

Greeting friends...Bobby and Sherri Patterson, Troy and Deborah Donaldson, John, Marcia, Samuel, Caleb, and Madison Jared

The other end of the table :-) Jason, Karla, and Cohen Taylor

Michael and our long time friend Ray

My sweet little family

Back at our house for dessert, coffee, and some football. It was a tight fit, but I loved listening to all the laughter in our home.

Opening gifts...a watch from Bobby, Sherri, Troy, and Deb. John Jared also made a CD of songs released in 1973...the year of Michael's birth. Cool idea!

The expression as the cake entered the house

The AWESOME cake made by Corina. We went with the Life Is Good/four wheeler theme since Michael loves both so much. She did a great job representing these things that he enjoys. The rocks are even edible jellybeans and chocolates...WOW!!!

The rear license plate

LIG "dude"

Blowing out the candles

Cake please!

The best part of birthdays...balloons!!

Fall Is Just Around the Corner!

It's hard to believe that summer is ending and fall is near. I love this time of year...the changing colors, cooler weather, football games, bonfires, and all the wonderful holidays. Although I anticipate this new season, it's nice to reflect on the blessings and joys of a fantastic summer. Here are some pics from the past few months...

Let the Adventure Begin!

Last Wednesday, we had our first MOPS meeting of the year. It went GREAT!! Our theme for the year is "Adventures in Mothering" and is centered around the sights, smells, and tastes of an amusement park. I can't think of a more fitting metaphor for the "ride" of motherhood, complete with its ups and downs, loops, thrills, and screams (ha!). Our tables for the year are named after amusement park foods and our meeting names are centered around park rides. The decor turned out better than I could've hoped for (my hard work paid off with all the oooohs and ahhhhs)...it was such a bright and fun atmosphere to begin our year.
Our meeting began at 9:00 with a yummy homemade breakfast (my favorite part of our meetings I must admit!). We then had fun visiting at our tables, playing the Blanket Name Game, making our "hopper passes", and enjoying getting to know one another with the M&M Game. I'm so excited about what the Lord has in store for all of our MOPS moms this year (51 moms and a waiting list...whew!!). It's going to be a fun ride!

Our Welcome Table...complete with a roller-coaster cake made by Corina.


The "Hot Dog Hut" table


Snow Cone Street


Caramel Apple Avenue


April and Ms. Dana at Popcorn Place


Lollipop Loop


Dreamsicle Drive


Filling up plates with a yummy breakfast feast


Getting to know one another

Cole's First Day of "School"

In a previous post, I mentioned how excited we were that Cole now had a place in Long Hollow's Treasure Creek preschool. We went for orientation/Open House last Thursday and were very pleased with all we saw. His teacher (Ms. Kelly) seems wonderful and his classroom is very bright, playful, and full of learning tools in every corner. Of course I was the only parent with questions, lol...I guess it's the teacher in me :-) His first day was Tuesday...what a day of mixed emotions for all of us!
I woke up that morning with butterflies in my stomach...it felt like MY first day of school :-) I was excited just thinking about all that I would be able to accomplish in those short five hours, but I was also extremely nervous about leaving Cole with total strangers for that amount of time. Cole woke up with smiles (as usual) and was ready to begin the day. After breakfast, we introduced Cole to his new backpack and lunchbox. He loved them both (especially all the pockets and zippers) and kept saying "heavy!" over and over as he walked around the house with his backpack. I had to wipe away a few tears...he looked like such a big boy.
At drop off, we encountered many tears (but none from me I'm proud to add). Thankfully, I was busy setting up for our first MOPS meeting most of the day, so I didn't have time to dwell on my thoughts of "I hope he's not upset", "I wonder what they're doing now?", "Is he playing with the other kiddos?", etc. Precisely at 1:45, Michael, my mom, and I arrived to pick him up (people probably thought we were crazy)...I couldn't get to his room fast enough! His teacher greeted us at the door with a smile and said that he did GREAT!! Music to my ears! His only fussy time was naptime and who can blame him? Laying on a mat with 6 other kids around...totally foreign territory. But, eventually he did go to sleep...that's progress!
I must say that I'm looking forward to him going this Tuesday. I've already got a hair appt. booked and have a list of errands to run. Let's just say it's amazing how fast 5 hours can go!
**I also must add that at orientation, Ms. Kelly was talking about how the kids will know their colors, some ABC's, and some shapes by the end of the year. Michael and I just looked at each other and laughed. This is where I must brag on my smart boy...he can count to 40, recites and recognizes all letters of the alphabet, can spell his name, and knows all colors and all shapes (including octagons, crescents, and semicircles). Maybe he can offer tutoring :-)

Eating a yummy breakfast to get the brain power going...love the "bed head"


Showing off his "heavy" backpack


Playing with all the pockets and zippers


Getting ready to leave the house...are you sure about this mom?


Michael and Cole walking in together...my favorite boys


Cole's first "school" papers...his coloring sheet, Bible story to review at home, and daily "report card".