What a Weekend

Days like this.....

I love days like this one. The sky outside is overcast and I can hear the wind blowing the trees back and forth outside. The temperature is comfortable but then chills a little with a gust of wind. Every now and then the sun peeks through the clouds and then quickly hides away as if to pull the covers back up over its head. I call these days snuggle days.
Whenever Luke and Hayley get up from their nap/rest time on days like today, I love to sit on the sofa and read book after book. Wondering if Sylvester's parents will ever realize that he wished himself into a rock or finding out if the Poky Little Puppy will ever get caught sneaking back home at night (our favorite books: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble and The Poky Little Puppy). I love to nuzzle my nose into their sweet smelling hair and kiss the tops of their heads. My heart is so full on days like today. I sit thanking God for the blessings of my husband who still treats me like his princess and my beloved children. I thank God for allowing me to experience motherhood and all the joy that it brings. I also thank God for the peace and quite of nap time!
Autumn is absolutely my favorite time of year. I love that it brings the cooler temps, football season(GO DAWGS!), smell of chili cooking, fresh baked bread, a cup of apple cider, and pumpkin pie!!!!! Autumn ushers in Thanksgiving and then my favorite holiday, Christmas. Oh how I love it all.

Soccer and Ballet

So the fun has begun! This year is the first that we are trying organized sports with Luke. He seems to love every bit of it so far. I think Luke is most excited that Chris is coaching his team. His first practice was last Tuesday. What a riot! Watching all the little four and five year olds chase the ball this way and that. Luke kept looking to me for a cheer or thumbs up when he would do something cool like shoot the ball or dribble down the field. Although Luke loves all the running, kicking, and shooting the ball, his absolute favorite part of soccer thus far is getting in the huddle and shouting, " One, two, three Go COBRAS!" Chris said that as they were closing practice yesterday, he called everyone back in to huddle up and put their hands in the middle. He said that Luke hustled all the way across the field and was yelling, "Wait for me! Wait for me! I've got to put my hand in the middle!" The Cobras first game is this coming Saturday. I'll keep you updated on how we fair.
Hayley began her new adventure as a ballerina. Our little firecracker is learning some poise and grace! HA! Chris and I always joke that Hayley will be the one that we get called into the office for because she just cannot control her talking. Sorry, darling girl, but you do get it honest! I can recall an "N" or two for needs improvement when it came to controlling my talking! There were several times during class that my little angel had to be reminded to raise her hand before she spoke and to join the rest of the class because she was too busy looking at herself in the mirror! Oh well.....
Hayley was just wild about putting on her beautiful leotard, tights, and ballet slippers. She couldn't wait to learn what ballet was all about. At the first lesson, the girls learned first position, and the arms that go along with first position, second and third position. I almost fell out of my chair watching her figure out how to get her feet in first position which involves her bending over and arranging her feet and so carefully trying to stand back up so that she doesn't fall while standing in this strange way. So CUTE!
At the end of each class, her teacher calls all of the girls together to hand out stickers to those who had been good listeners. So far, we have gotten a sticker each time. We will see if she can continue her winning streak.

Happy Anniversary

September 4, 1999 was an absolutely beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky and "Hot"lanta was starting to cool off just a bit. Our wedding day was one made of dreams. God's mighty hand was at work and all went off without a hitch. One of the most vivid memories I have from that day was the few moments before my Dad and I walked down the aisle toward Chris. Dad was cool and collected and so sweet. He asked me if I was ready and I told him that he might have to pull me back so I don't run down the aisle! The moment I saw Chris standing, waiting for me, my heart began to race and the tears of joy just came.

The joy and happiness I felt that day has grown so much over the past nine years. Chris, God knew what he was doing when we were set up on that blind date. He knew that only you could deal with my chatty mouth, list making, Christmas extravaganza, mood swings, and my love of romantic comedies that I watch over and over and over. I am so blessed to not only call you my husband, but truly you are my best friend. Thank you for the most wonderful nine years of my life. I can't wait to see what the next 50+ years will bring...... I love you!

First Day of School

Well...we all survived our first day of school. Luke was beyond excited as he bounced out of the bed when I came in his room to get him up to start the day. He was up and dressed in no time and ready to take on the world. He couldn't stop asking me if it was time to go yet. We talked all through breakfast about the new friends he was going to make, his new teacher, Mrs. Wood, and what new exciting things he might learn this year. He talked a mile a minute about the days schedule and of course reminding me that after snack and recess I was going to pick him up (in case I forgot)!

Hayley woke up not quite as chipper as her brother. At first, she was telling me that she didn't want to go to school and she wanted to stay home with me. Those words actually did my heart some good knowing that she was going to miss me at least a little. But after we talked about Mrs. Holcombe's classroom and all the wonderful babies there were in the housekeeping center, she thought better of staying home. She of course wanted to wear a "beautiful outfit" as she says most mornings. Luke's excitement was contagious, and Hayley too began to get excited after breakfast.

Dropping both of them off was a little tough on me, but they were calm and happy to see all the new friends and faces. After a big hug and kiss from both of them and a gentle "I love you so much" whispered in their ears, my babies were off on their way to new adventures.

Hooray for a great start to a great school year!