Halloween

The Little Mermaid

Ariel, Ursula, King Triton and Sebastian

Payton led the way as we trick or treated in our soon to be neighborhood. We met some friends (Payton's bestest friend Jordan is in the pink). The biggest surprise this year was how much Wyatt enjoyed himself! He ran down the street saying "tric trea". As soon as someone gave him candy it turned into a sprint yelling "morn!" (more) Once the eating began - forget it! He had the best time. He carried around a piece of candy at all times. Luckily he didn't realize he could eat what he was holding until the end. Payton had a blast being with her friends. Although the wig was taken off halfway through.

Wyatt's first lollipop. Fitting, since Payton received her first lollipop during halloween when she was just brothers age!

On a side note (this one is for you Uncle Bill) Wyatt was mistaken for a girl 4 times during our outing!

Daddy's boy

Mike is teaching his son how to tackle. Wyatt loves it. He loves football, will throw up his hands and yell "touchdown"! He is rough and tumble, just how Daddy wanted him.

I posted this picture just because I love that my camera captured it.

My little Dove

Payton decided she wanted to be the dove that Noah sent out for her schools storybook character parade. She decided this approximately 36 hours before the parade! So here's what we came up with:

One set of wings on loan from a friend, mask constructed by yours truly, and some feathered arms for effect - her idea.
Voila! One dove. Complete with olive branch.

Payton's Entry

Payton's school is having a Jamboree this weekend. The kids could enter a cake decorating contest. Here is her entry:

The supplies

She was making a pattern with her flower centers.

The finished product! Quite proud of my little artist.

Puddle Play

It might be the world's smallest puddle but for my son it was a slice of heaven.

Sewards Farm

In searching for something "autumny" for us to do in Florida I came across a website about a farm in Mississippi. It looked like a lot of fun, so we packed up the kids and trekked 90 miles to Sewards Farm. So worth the trip! This place is amazing. First of all God blessed us with a gorgeous fall day, it couldn't have been prettier. The farm is a wide open area filled with animals and unique activities. We took a hay ride, a "cow" train ride, picked wild flowers (the place was filled with them - more pictures of those in another post), made our way through a corn maze, shot corn out of a cannon, pet and fed farm animals and even let the kids play on the playground - which had a slide made out of pvc pipe. I had such a fun time it has officially become part of our fall tradition while living in Florida. I took a ton of pictures so these are just a few.

I love this picture - he is so cute!

We were supposed to be posing but this turned out much better.

Just precious.

Picking wildflowers - they were beautiful!

The pig races!

Traveling through the corn maze.

The "cow" train. A line of cow cars pulled by a tractor - it went pretty fast!

Mothering

I am cleaning out my clutter around my computer today and came across something I had printed out with the intention to share. I am finally reading the emails I get from MOPS International and have found them uplifting and encouraging. Should have made the time earlier! So here is a little snippet of something from MOPS :

Motherhood is hard. It takes resources, strength, time and commitment I never thought I could summon. And then, when I've lost it and just can't take another whine, another "Mom, can you...," I remind myself that motherhood is my job right now. I am a mom. While I hold many subtitles: personal shopper, dietician, chef, maid, chauffer; first and foremost, I am a mom. And I am proud to be a mom. Sometimes I have to say it out loud, "this is my job!" When I embrace the fact that motherhood requires my involvement - that I cannot parent from the couch or the computer chair - I am much better at it.
Then I fold the laundry and put it away without issue. I make a shopping list and plan meals with diligence. I take the time to read books aloud. I submerge myself into the catching of fireflies and overflowing bathtubs and truly enjoy my job. I am a mom! It's important work.

Let me end with a plug for MOPS. I LOVE this group. I joined 5 years ago (wow!) and it has been my saving grace. I have met the best women and have truly grown as a woman and mom. Check out www.mops.org where you can find a group in your area.

Prince's Birthday

Our youngest turned one today. Prince is no longer a puppy. It's official, I no longer have any babies in the house! We had a little party, complete with family and doggy friends. And yes, those are doggy muffins.

Happy Birthday Prince!

Some Fall Baking

While Wyatt napped today Payton and I made some pumpkin sugar cookies.

Gingerly handling the dough - I had to take over getting it rolled out.
Cutting out the pumpkins.

Add a little icing and voila!

I like mine with lots of icing, hold the sprinkles and add a glass of milk!

Rock a Bye Baby

Payton humming a lullaby to her brother. I love moments like these.

Florida Fall

I love Florida but I miss the fall colors of North Carolina. Here it is nearing the end of October and today was the first day I dressed the kids in long sleeves. Mainly because it was cold this morning going to church. I eventually had to change Wyatt into a tshirt but the weather was just gorgeous today. We had a picnic outside, did some raking and played, played, played. I love fall, even in Florida!

Hair Cut

I thought it was only fitting to post some nostalgic pictures of my brother (and I happen to be in a couple - aren't I cute!). He has been giving me a hard time about not cutting Wyatt's hair. Mom informed me that "Billy" did not get his first hair cut until he was almost 2. Seems only a few years ago Bill took a ribbing from our Dad about having long hair (picture above). So see Uncle Bill, I just want Wyatt to emulate you! So cut me a little slack for a couple of months. I think it would be fiting if you take my son for his first hair cut at Christmas. It's in writing so you can hold me to it.

Washing who?

Washing the dog became a family affair. Wyatt is fascinated with the hose but his aim could use a little work. Payton didn't mind, she thought it was fun. Prince was ready for bathtime to be over (especially since I made them do it again for the camera!) Once the hose was turned off water works from another kind began.

Picture Day

The night before picture day at Payton's school she requested blush and lipstick. "Mama, I just want to look like I am 6." Oh My, it has already begun! She picked out her pretty pink dress, let me put my blush on her cheeks and some gloss on her lips. Then sat patiently after she requested her hair curled. Oh my little diva...... She later told me that she had to take the lip gloss off because she needed to talk and it felt funny. HeeeHeee

Test Shots

Here are a couple of photos I took at the park, just tinkering with my camera. I am still very much a novice.

His Own Radio Flyer

We acquired an old radio flyer tricycle this weekend. Wyatt couldn't be happier. Finally something for him to pretend to ride. It is the cutest thing ever. He gets on that thing, stands up and walks it everywhere! He occasionally will get it stuck in the grass and need help (I help mostly because I am afraid of him toppling over). As for peddling, I guess that will come later - keep ya posted.

My boys

My two other rays of sunshine are my boys. Look how handsome they are, ya can't help but love em!

Sunshine

These were some of my shots from yesterday (ya know, my off day). I took a look before bed last night and they instantly cheered me up. Pure sunshine......

Not my ordinary post

I have found since started this blog that it has become somewhat therapeutic for me. It allows me to focus on the joys of the day. I'll be taking pictures and thinking up post titles during my day. Today did not start out as one of those days. Wyatt woke up cranky and was pretty much Jeckyl and Hyde all day. Those of you that know what a moody one year old is like will sympathize. I was too tired last night (after a very nice get together with friends) to make my grocery list - so my Monday morning shopping trip turned into just getting the essentials to last us a few more days (until I can muster up the energy to make that list). Mike was home due to the Columbus Day holiday (Payti still had school, go figure?). I love my husband don't get me wrong but it throws me for a loop sometimes when he is home on a weekday. I think it is a combo of my needing to plan for things like that and being a Marine Corps wife we are so used to being alone that it takes some getting used to when we're not. So it was just an off kinda day. So I thought I would share that part of my day. So often we candy coat our lives so that others think we are all sunshine all the time. Everyone has there days where there are more clouds than sun.
My day did turn around after pick-up when we brought the kids to the park and I had my camera in tow. Things always seem better through my camera lens. I am finding it so much fun figuring out the workings of my camera. I have no idea how the pictures turned out - that will have to be another day. Once home it was more playing outside for the kids while I made banana bread, dinner and then slowly worked on bedtime. Still had a grumpy baby. Payton hid her brothers toothpaste then lied about it (so something I would have done growing up)
Tomorrow night I am headed to starbucks for some coffee and adult conversation. Maybe upon my return I can create some sunshine.

Game Night

A family game that everyone could play. Hungry Hungry Hippos - a classic!

Little Boys Best Friend