Fun at Grandma and Grandpa's!

Grandma and Grandpa have a fabulous back yard that is filled with trees, rocks and beautiful flowers. The kids love to play out there, and all the cousins are occupied for hours climbing, swinging and playing "jungle".
Well, Ezra's a bit small to be swinging from branches, and being Tarzan,(although he tries), so instead, he got to do a little back yard photo shoot. As long as he's outside, he doesn't really care what's going on around him.He loves to play "Peek-a-Boo" and has a great surprise face! Here he is thinking he's all grown up and can do what all the big-kid cousins can do. Taking it easy on Grandpa's garden bench.
Of coarse, you can't pass up a lounging opportunity in the midst of all the climbing fun.
Yes, it's true, there are countless ways to enjoy the surroundings of this magical back yard.

Saying Goodbye...

This past weekend I was lucky enough to spend my last days as a 20-something with my whole family. Some people look at their farewell to the 20s as a sad day, a day of sorrow, as if they will never have a good time again, now that they are 30. Not here... I say, goodbye 20s and HELLO 30s! Life is getting more exciting!
What better way to celebrate than to spend the day shopping at a beautiful mall with one of my favorite people, no kids, and some extra birthday $dough$?? Dream day. Then, it did get better as Ryan and I got all dolled up to go out to a restaurant we wouldn't normally visit. Fat's Asian Bistro was more than we bargained for. This place has appetizers that tempt you to buy more, and main dishes that are so succulent, they melt in your mouth with every bite. Not to mention the banana cream birthday pie they presented at the end of the evening. WOW! This is our new NUMBER 1 place to eat out. (good thing it's not close by, we'd be broke). Back at Mom & Dad's, a chocolate-cake-to-die-for was awaiting, topped with a blaze of 30 candles. It's always fun to make a birthday wish!
The evening was perfect already, and then to top it off, my sweet husband adorned me with a true "grown -up girl" gift...a strand of pearls, white and Tahitian black pearls with matching earrings! I've never owned fine jewelery. I couldn't think of a more glamorous way to welcome my 30s! Thanks to all for making it such a wonderful day!

Can't Wait for THIS...

I love Thanksgiving! Cooking is one of my favorite things, and I love to try new recipes and dishes. I am all for sticking with the good ol' traditional feast on Thanksgiving, but the appetizers and snacks are fun to be creative with. (Even the occasional new side dish is great!).

On Thanksgiving, we are with either my family or Ryan's family. I love being with people we love and creating new traditions or keeping up with old ones. One tradition that I love is when we each say what we are thankful for before or during dinner. One year, growing up, we made a "Thanksgiving Tree" and each person wrote on a paper leaf what they were thankful for. At dinner, each person picked a leaf off and read it, then we had to guess who wrote it. It was great. Sometimes it was very obvious, other times, it was tough to figure it out.
Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions, or memories that you like?

I know ...it's NOT Halloween anymore!

Sometimes there are certain things that just bring out this side of me. She is NOT very pretty. Fortunately, she doesn't come out too often. But, wow, she is scary when she does! watch out!

I've been TAGGED!

Thanks Sheena, for tagging me...AGAIN!

six things about myself...well, they may not be very interesting, but here goes...


1. I love to be organized. I like to have things filed and put into place. Now, this doesn't mean that everything IS in it's exact place at all times, but I strive to have as much order as I can so I know where things are when I need them. From shoes to paperwork, I like to create a "home" for all of our family's clutter. Try as I might, I still have 4 little ones around that help me learn patience in organization.

2. Coloring, in a good old fashioned coloring book, is one of my favorite things to do. I'm so happy to have the excuse of coloring with my kids...I never turn it down when they ask if I'll color with them. Something about the smell of Crayolas and steady even crayon strokes is relaxing to me...almost therapeutic. I love it.

3. I have a fear of money. Not spending it. Handling it, and making transactions under someone else's account. By this, I mean, at a school function, or Girl Scouts or something, I do NOT want to be the one selling t-shirts or tickets or cookies, when large amounts of money are being handled. I don't like the pressure or responsibility of being accountable for it. Weird, but true. Let me color the posters or signs for the booth...not sell the goods. :)

4. Sometimes when I do my long runs on my training work outs, I throw in a cartwheel. Yup,, the split second of getting my feet off the ground is the best feeling! And it boosts my energy level on a long, monotonous run. It's silly, but wonderful and fun. I do it. Just ask Ali. I haven't ever done it in a race though, although I've been tempted.

5. Whipped cream is pretty much my favorite treat. I've been known to put it on my oatmeal if it's hanging around. I don't buy it very often for this very reason! I will have a cup of hot chocolate JUST so I can layer the top with this dreamy topping. I pretty much like it in any form, although, the real Whipping Cream tops them all!

6. when I grow up I want to be a nurse. I would love to go to nursing school when my children are a little older and I could go back to school. My fascination began when I was on bed rest for 10 weeks when I was pregnant with my twins. I went to the hospital 3 days a week for tests. I did so much talking with the nurses there and realized I truly have a desire to someday do this. I also loved my Anatomy and Physiology class in college. I am amazed at the miracle of the human body and feel like I would really enjoy learning more and then serving in this capacity. Being a labor and delivery nurse is where my interest lies the most.

I think everyone I know has been tagged...so I would love to hear about your EMBARRASSING MOMENTS!!! Please share, anyone. I've got some good ones myself.

Ahhhhh, November.

There are so many good things about November. I love cleaning up the Halloween stuff, sifting through the candy and getting rid of the JUNK. I love the fall decorations and the baking and the cooler weather. November gives me a chance to settle down after too many Halloween festivities.
I love Thanksgiving and being with family and friends. Cooking, baking, desserts, warm drinks and savory dishes are just a few of my favorite things this month (gee, can you tell I love good food?) I love to share game nights and outings with my family and Ryan's family too.
I also love preparing for Christmas during November. The sales, the rush, crowds and the deals are always fun (well, not ALWAYS) and knowing that I'm done with the shopping makes me feel great.
I guess having a November Birthday makes this month special to me as well!
I'm just so happy that October is over! What a mess it was!