Gratitude

I have been thinking lately, that I am really, really enjoying being a mom and a wife right now! I'm finding joy in the mundane tasks. I'm finding happiness in having my children need me, but not be completely dependent on me. Don't get me wrong. I loved having little babies, but it was hard. I didn't do well without sleep. I didn't do well keeping patient. I didn't enjoy the little things when I should. I didn't do well without a little break now and then.

But, I have turned over a new leaf! I love the little things of each day. I love ironing Mike's shirts for him (ok...maybe not the ironing part, but I enjoy knowing that I'm taking care of him). I'm enjoying making food for my family. Again, something I wasn't really good at for a lot of years (I was great at 'going out to dinner'), but I'm really enjoying making dinner, etc. I guess I don't enjoy when the kids tell me they don't like what I made. This happens every night. I think it's an automatic response. They really do eat what I make most nights.

I enjoy hanging out at home with my family! I don't have that nagging need to go somewhere anymore. I'm enjoying chats with my friends. I don't feel like I need to be the center of attention or to be heard. I love to just listen to what is going on in their lives.

I love that my kids bugged me until I put up our 'Give Thanks' on the back door, so we can write down all the things we are grateful for. I love to read what the girls write down. I know these are random thoughts. But I wanted to write down how I've been feeling lately. Is this what happens when you get old? Contentment? All I know is I'm feeling pretty great!

Brandon's Halloween Program

In line, ready to go perform! Brandon was sooo cute! He knows all the words and would sing them out at home all month long. Daddy had to work, and the grandparents were out of town, so the girls and I went. The barn was so cute and the perfect place for a little program!

Lots of actions!

Sydney took this picture of B's teacher, Mrs. Evelyn, leading the songs

Singing all the words!

Brandon in the line-up.

Amanda and her friend, Ellie, playing in the barn.

May the Force be with You!

Xtreme!

XXXtr

EEEme

Xtr

Eme

Gooooooo, Xtreme!

Once again, Amanda's soccer team was undefeated! (well, one tie, but they didn't lose). She loves this team!

I'm back!!

Yea for computers! Seriously.....we limped along with my piano laptop, but it is soooo nice to have this computer back! Thanks, honey for getting us up and running again!

Let's play catch-up!

Brandon's preschool went to the pumpkin patch! Sydney was 'sick' that day. I think she had a cold and a cough and the school's are soooo paranoid lately, that I kept her home. Sydney went to the same preschool and so she was excited to see her old teacher.
We took a hayride out to the pumpkins....

We had a great time. We also picked up a pumpkin for Amanda! Great job, kiddos!