Sadie the Fashionista

I let Sadie dress herself today. I think she may be color-blind. Or maybe it is just that she is 2. She could not have been more excited about her christmas bulb turtleneck, with her purple and green flowered capri's and her new florescent socks. I actually have seen outfits just like this on America's Next Top Model.

My Punkins with their Pumpkins

Sadie and Luke with their load of pumpkins

Have a bit of cheese with your pumpkin

We didn't lose one of our pumpkins, amazingly.

There is just something about fall that just makes me feel cozy inside. Maybe it's the thought of cooler weather and bundling up, or maybe it's the excitement of visiting Starbucks for a warm apple cider (with carmel and whipped cream, of course). Maybe it's the colors of the trees that I love so much. Maybe it's that I don't have to show myself in a swimsuit anymore. I just love soup weather and crunching leaves and pumpkins (and pumpkin pies and cookies..) and the window open at night. I love munchkins dressed up, on their way to every child's fantasy--free, all-your-mom-will-let-you-eat candy. It is truly the best time of the year for me, and it always seems so short. I just love it so much.

A small little treasure

A really fun read! I highly recommend this book. Very quick. Very entertaining. Thought-provoking. A bit on the improbable side, but certainly gets you thinking about preparedness. If you have read "The Road", it is certainly not as depressing and freakishly scary... but I would definately recommend both books.

The best way to wake up in the morning

So a couple of mornings ago, I woke up to a most wonderful sound. A sound that I don't hear very much in the morning. A tinkling, merry, just-makes-you-want-to-smile sound. It was the sound of my children laughing. Laughing hysterically, I might add. I quickly robed myself and came down to see what destruction would illicit such glee. Much to my surprise, there was no food being thrown, or couches being destroyed.. only our new computer giving of itself in all of it's glory. Maddie had discovered this fun feature.

I think we will do this for family night for the next 5 months.

Luke's prayer for Grandma Tick-Tock

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Grandma Tick Tock in August 09

We have had a bit of a sad day.. sad, but happy too.  Todd's Grandma died early this morning (Grandma Tick-Tock-so named by Maddie approximately 13 years ago because Grandma has about 20 ticking clocks all around her home that chime on the half hour and hour, thoroughly charming every child who enters).  She has not had good health for a long time so it was a relief to have her move on and escape all of her illnesses and ailments.  That was the happy part of the day, happy for Grandma and the place that we are sure she is right now.  The sad part was watching Grandpa.  I think they have been married over 65 years. He looked so sad and lost sitting by her bedside.  It was so sweet, but heartbreaking too.  Our kids were very upset and of course it has been the topic of discussion.  It is very interesting to try to explain to a 2 and 4 year old about death, heaven, spirits, etc.. 

"How did Grandma get to Heaven? Did she go on a rocket? Can we see Jesus with Grandma? Did Grandma get ran over by a car-this from Sadie who has been warned several dozen times about this very thing. Can Grandma see through the ceilings now?  Will we get to see Grandpa again? Will Grandpa have Smarties for us when we go visit him?

 I think they understand the basic idea that they won't see Grandma for awhile and all of them have been expressing their sadness about that.  Our family prayer was said by Luke tonight.

"Hefeney Fadder thanks for the nite. Thanks for Grandma and Grandpa Tick Tock. We love her and she was a good grandma to us.  She was nice and gave us candy.  We'll miss her cuz she died.  Namana Jesus Christ, Amen.  

We will miss you, Grandma, very much and will never be able to eat Smarties again without thinking of you.

CANCUN TRIP 2009

Jodi climbing out of the sinkhole. We repelled 65 feet into this beautiful sinkhole filled with crystal-clear water. We floated around for about a half hour and then we could either get hoisted back up or climb this ladder. Probably one of the hardest and scariest things I have done in awhile. Right up there with giving birth...


Climbing the temple ruin at Coba. We kind of weren't supposed to, but we are rebels and had paid good money to be able to climb it. When we arrived there, there was a sign that it was closed for restoration... restoration my hind end... Up me and Jodi went to the top with a bunch of other rebels. I know we are lame. My father in law was very disappointed in our law-breaking antics. As was my husband. Wow, I was more rebellious than my husband for once.



Todd and I in front of the lake and jungle where we did a hike and zipline. We also ate traditional Mayan food and canoed on this lake. Really a fun day.





Our pool at our resort. My family is in playing volleybll.

Our golf course at our hotel..Our hotel is in the background. We just about died this day. It was over 90 degrees with about 100% humidity which equals freakin hot.

This balcony was at the resort we stayed at. Right on the beach. This beautiful weather for 7 days. Thanks so much Mom and Dad Ashby!! We needed it!

SADIE HAS FOUND HER LIFE'S WORK

I don't care what anyone says, this is THE CUTEST THING EVER!! That Ethiopian-like bloated stomach... those tights that don't fit at the ankle.. the fake ballet slippers!! I almost ate her! Sadie had her first dance class last week. She twirled and strutted around the studio and could not take her eyes off herself in the studio mirror (a bit like her dad... he he). She smiled for a half hour straight (a record for this drama queen). I am enjoying my little girly girl so much. I was never a girly girl and neither was Maddie, so it is fun to get to experience this with Sadie.