Veterans Day Parade

Scotts Apple Orchard

Tate Farms

WishLists

Well, this post is mostly just for family, but I wanted to share the kid's wishlists with you. I know it's kind of hard to know what the kids are into when we live so far away from eachother... and my blogging has been so sparse (sorry), so I took the kids to Toys R Us to make some wishlists. (Can you believe it's almost Maddi's birthday / Christmas time again???) We'll be shopping off of these lists also, so please have them scan the registry bar code so we know what's been purchased when we go shopping. This year we're also going to let the kids shop for eachother. Last year I tried to let them shop for eachother, but Maddi tried to get Drew a baby and Drew just knew Maddi wanted a dart gun... riiiight..... Hopefully this year, with this little list in hand, we're sure to see lots of smiles on Christmas morning. Andrew's Christmas list Maddi's birthday / Christmas list

Thankful

I found this picture in my phone today.... I totally forgot that I'd taken it.
A few months ago Drew wrecked his bike (again) and had to have stitches. When Drew found out the cut was nasty enough for stitches, he began crying.. quietly of course because he's a 9 year old boy that's way too cool for tears.  I was talking to the nurse and turned around just in time to see Maddi reach out for his hand and whisper, "its ok brother. I'm here with you." 
I am so blessed to have two beautiful, kind, compassionate kiddos. I learn from them every day and it is my constant prayer that I will be the mother that they deserve.

I'll Miss Today Someday

I just haven't been able to get it together lately.  There's always more work to do, more dishes to clean, piles of laundry, dirty floors, messy car seats, bedding to change, things to teach, books to read, patches to sew, meals to make, bills to pay, and every moments adds something new to the list.  Last night, when my mind woke me up around 3AM to remind me of all of the things that weren't getting done while I was sleeping, I realized that I will miss this to do list one day.  I will miss the chocolate hand prints on the door frames and the juice spills under the table.  I will miss bath time with extra bubbles and the sponge bob theme song playing in the background.  One day I will miss kisses from peanut butter covered lips and melt downs before nap time.  Maybe to do lists aren't so bad after all.

An Officer & a Princess

We had such a fun Halloween this year. We made decorations, went to the pumpkin farm, went to a trunk or treat and a Halloween carnival, AND went trick or treating around the neighborhood. Our neighborhood really goes all out for the holidays. Every one's house was decorated, masses of kids were roaming the streets, and there were even four wheelers pulling kids on hayrides through the neighborhood. Maddi wasn't bashful at all this year. She ran up to every door and shouted 'trick or treat' then graciously yelled 'thank you so very much' before waddling off to the next door. I love that my children will have these memories forever. I love that we live in such an amazing community, and I love that I got to walk the streets next to my hubby and experience the spooky, the scary, the funny, and the happy together.