Reason to celebrate!!

This is a big deal for us around here!
Ezra is on his way out of diapers.
Yesterday he actually did the duty on the toilet.
The #2 duty...the real thing.
I'll spare you the details of my child's potty-training experience.
Just know that we are all pretty excited for him
(and for no more diapers, soon).

a plug

Very few books capture me right at the beginning.
I am choosy about what books I read these days.
I don't have too much "spare" time for pleasure reading.
This one, however, has now taken it's place on my TOP 3 list.
(along with The Good Earth, & The Poison Wood Bible).
I am only 1/2 way through, and I'm already mourning
the fact that it'll be over soon.
I love this author.
I've never read anything so captivating
or so vivid.
I love his style and unique point of view.
So for now, even though I've not finished reading it,
this is a definite new favorite.
(There is a little language in it...)

I did it!

I can officially say I have made a pumpkin pie that is worthy of praise
(which basically means it was edible and didn't look too terrible).
I even used the pumpkins that we had for Halloween
(I know , I know...but I've learned so much from my good Mother-in-Law about being resourceful).
Pumpkin pie is Ryan's favorite fall treat and I've been wanting to feel confident making a delicious pie for awhile.
I have a friend who makes perfect pies every time *yummy*,
and a Mother-in-Law who does the same.
My memory of my mother making pies was seeing the frustration of trying to get the dough just right and then placing it Just-So in the pie pan...just to crumple it all up and start over again.
Of coarse, when hers were finally finished, they were no less than perfect.
I set all intimidation aside and set out to make my own pumpkin pie!
Who better to practice on than a houseful of little anxious mouths, awaiting a fall goodie?
Enough about the pie-making, I'm just happy I finally did it!

Sometimes I wish...

I know I can't
I know it wouldn't be wise
I know they wouldn't learn
I know they wouldn't grow
but there are many times
I would love to keep them
just the way they are
If we could stay in our little family bubble
wouldn't life be so much easier?
I just want them to stay little
happy
full of life
energetic
innocent...