This year Cardi decided to forego orchestra and put her heart and soul into chorus.  I'll admit I was  slightly disappointed  that we wouldn't be careening to our near deaths at   Dollywood in the spring.  I had plans to master the roller coaster with lots of lamaze breathing but then that girl of ours had her first chorus concert last night and I forgot all about orchestra and roller coasters.

Despite the fact that we arrived late,  Meredith had no shoes, John was wearing my red socks on his arms in lieu of a jacket, and Bella was frantically trying to finish her homework  I was glad I got to listen to that sweet child of mine belt out tune after tune.  Even though just minutes before I was seriously contemplating whether bringing all the kids during dinner time for a twenty minute concert while James was away was really a good idea. 

Especially, because that sweet two year old of ours insisted on climbing over every seat in the theater whether they were occupied at the time or not.  I felt a lot of cold stares and more than annoyed glares coming my way.  But you know what?  Even though that baby girl of mine jumped up and down and tried to grab the camera numerous times and annoyed every single person around us,  I was glad I decided to load up the kids and sit through the drama that is sometimes parenthood. 

You'll be happy to know, I have bought another pair of shoes for my wiley 2 year old.  The second pair in less than a week.  I think whatever that mysterious force is that leaves us with only one unmatched sock has graduated to toddler shoes.

 

 

 

This kid  shivered all the way to the concert.

 

And because I have finally gotten around to posting again, I'll throw in a few more photos because you're such good sports like a  picture of my pioneer girl and that oversugared baby of ours on "Nerd" day

 

P.S.  Welcome to the family, Aaron!

Happy Birthday, James!

James turned 35 yesterday. 

He's usually the birthday sign maker.  He makes fancy signs on the computer using publisher and different fonts. 

I use crayons and paper.

Luckily the kids inherited a little bit of each of our sign making abilities.  It makes my heart smile that they took this task very seriously and think their Dad is pretty cool.  He received the "Best Ever Dad" award and they used adjectives like amazing, dashing (I certainly think so) and genius.

I got a good chuckle out of the Albert Einstein picture. 

In between making the sign, they entertained themselves by dressing up their brothers and snapping a few pictures.  Who entertained themselves by destroying the livingroom.

 

 And then there's Meredith.  Who entertained herself by getting into my new lipstick (courtsey of the last time she got a hold of my lipstick).

It's a crazy good life.  So, glad I get to share it with you!  Happy Birthday, James!

We love you!

I love fall

I love fall.  I love the beautiful colors that sweep across nature's canvas.  I love the weather that is not so cold that you want to hibernate  or so hot that you never want to leave the comfort of home.  Everyday seems like a good day to make warm muffins and drink in the season. 

It seems to be the only season that we actually make time to get away from the everyday and enjoy the great outdoors.  We took our annual walk around the arboretum exploring all the varieties of holly, not to mention the paw paw trees.  We've been toying with the idea of planting an orchard next year with apple trees and paw paws and maybe a pear tree or two.

Southern Living

 

And we enjoyed this delicious apple cream cheese bundt cake.  It's our annual tradition.

 

Happy Fall!

  I think creativity has gotten a little out of control at our house.

So, if you're wondering what I've been up to or what the kids will be doing this weekend.  We'll be home, cleaning windows and closets, and mirrors, and a couple of walls.  Oh and celebrating fall.  Stay tuned for a delicious apple bundt cake recipe!

"Low Key"

I hate feeling overscheduled and obligated. So, it's probably no surprise that we spent most of the summer just hanging out at home, eating popsicles, and watching more TV than was probably good for us. 

It was definitely low key, just the way I like things.  You'll see those two words a lot on the blog because it's how I envision my life.  Simple, easy, and fulfilled. 

 But occassionally, I like to stir things up and so the last week of summer break the kids and I co- hosted a field day at the park near our home with a number of our friends.   I was disorganized.  It was way too  hot.   It was  a little frustrating for some of the kids that balloons were popping left and right even before the games started.   And it was without a doubt so much FUN and left me asking myself "Why don't we do this more often?" 

 I love all these kids.  They are sweet and kind and such good examples to everyone around them.

 

 I am so grateful for each of them and I am especially grateful for their moms.  Oh how I love each one of them!  They are great friends, talented women, and dedicated mothers.  All the things I strive to be.  I am so grateful for their influence in my life and their willingness to put up with my many quirks like hiding out at home for the summer instead of hanging out with them more often.  (  =