Fall festivities...

Fall happens to my favorite time of the year...I love the changing of leaves, cool, brisk nights, and that the holidays are upon us to start decorating.  We took the kids to the Bartlett carnival this year, decorated for Halloween, and carved pumpkins too.  Also, Ginny got an early Christmas present, a cell phone. I took her out of school early to go get one, she had no idea what were doing, even when we pulled up to AT&T. Now, I believe that eleven is too young for a phone but I dislike not seeing her catch the bus or knowing exactly when school activities are over. It is also nice since we are leaving her home alone some now. Aubree and Jacob William are playing fall basketball through the county and they have the best coach ever...their Dad. Jake thought coaching would be a fun way to spend time with them and it is a memory in the making.

Fall Break

We had a wonderful fall break this year. We went to Odessa for a couple of days and then to the mountains in Cloud Croft, NM with Grammy and Papa Farrell for a few days. We flew for the first time in years and the kids did great!  I got home from work about 4:00 a.m on Saturday morning and we were in Odessa by 9:30 a.m. Charity picked us up at 4:30 a.m and off we were.  It was nice to relax and be off of work. The following weekend, we ventured to Paris TN to see the new home and Sandra and Brent.

Boys will be boys.

There are some days where I think my boys are such a handful and then there are others where I love that they are such boys. Today is one if those days, they are playing great together.  School is out for teacher in service and I think the boys are just totally loving each other!

Let's play catch up!

Summer was great for our little family and we had loads of fun.
 We made several home improvements and just spent time together. Life is great for our family.

This summer, Jake beautified the exterior of our house by doing the flower beds and we purchased new windows and doors.
School started back the first week of August. For me, it was mixed emotions because I love having my little family here together. This year I am the membership chair for the PTA and it has proven to be more work than I realized. Jacob William entered kindergarten, Aubree is now a 4th grader (and as an added bonus has Seth in her class), and Ginny entered middle school (6th grade). It is hard to believe that I have one in middle school.
 
 Ginny tried out for cheer leading and made the team, however after a couple of weeks, she decided not to do it. I am very proud of her because before she ever tried out, she confirmed that there were no Sunday practices and asked about modesty. She was thrilled when she discovered she made the team but after seeing all the practices involved 5-6 days a week, she decided it was too much time away after praying about it.  Although I was super excited for her, maybe because I was not afforded those opportunities, I am very supported of her decision. She assures me that the money was not a factor.

We absolutely love being around so much family right now and we know it is a blessing. James and Kara sponsered a fun little snail race after school started this year. Who would've ever thought it would have been fun, but it was totally a fun memory. Aubree's snail came in first. The school fundraiser this year was a Tiger 2K and it was a success. It was exciting for the kids to pull up to the balloons and eye of the tiger playing.  Family happens to bring me incredible joy!

Happy 9th beautiful Aubree!!

I have a lot to catch upon with school starting and end of the summer fun but that will come later. Today, I want to recognize one of our greatest blessings and that's out daughter, Aubree. She turns 9 today and could not be more perfect for our family. Aubree included everyone and always forgives so easily.  She is an example of humility.  Some of her favorite things right now are: Monster High dolls, CiCi's pizza, Gus's Fried Chicken, shrimp, Lindt truffles, and helping in the kitchen. She is a blessing in our lives and a true friend. Happy birthday baby girl.