NKOTB

Just a few pictures from my sister Nakels recent NKOTB birthday party. I love you Nakel. You still owe me $50.00 because, ahem, you did not marry Joey McIntyre.

For those of you who don't know, Nakel is a New kids fanatic. The picture on the cake is from an article the Statesman ran on her when we were kids. I'd like to point out what a good sister I was to pose in New kids attire and poofy hair for the picture. It took years to live down. Adam and Amy were secret fans and much to cool to be in the picture. Although if you notice, those missing from the picture are the ones that no longer live close to us. HHMMM.Maybe there is a connection, a secret NKOTB bond...

"Mr. Robinson, Mr.Robinson...

...what a horrible mess, I broke your window with my ball and I've come to confess" This was a song I used to like to listen to when I was a young girl. Last week we had our own Mr. Robinson moment. Gracie has a new friend named Nic. He is angelic looking and too polite. That should have been my first clue. Last weekend while listening to conference, Nic came over to play. I checked on them frequently, but it is amazing how quickly little ones can get into trouble.

On Monday, our neighbor Bruce came over to let us know that his newly painted home had been tomatoed by our little one. Yes, the whole side of his house that faces ours had been pelted with ripe cherry tomatoes. The painter had just finished on Friday. Luckily we had previously cultivated a good relationship with Bruce so this wasn't the conflict it could have been. I'm so thankful for kind neighbors. Needless to say, Gracie is headed to his house today with an apology and a loaf of banana bread.

How my sweet ones listened to conference!! :)

Firsts

Sam's first sugar cookie

There is significance in firsts. This week has been full of them. Some good, some bad, all a symbol that time does not stand still, but that life continues moving forward whether we are ready or not. I sometimes want to stop the progress of time, just for a while. I want to tell my little ones, who are so anxious to move on to the next step in life, to slow down, quit growing up, quit growing away. I know that this will go by so quickly. I don't see them changing, I only see the end result; The girl grown into a teenager (Boy is she a teenager), the little girl grown into the big girl and the baby...oh I want to keep him my baby for as long as I can. Is it possible that time keeps moving faster and faster?

Brittany has picked this week to officially morph into teenagerhood (it's a word right). She is moody, sullen, silent. She does not speak to us, she simply looks at us. Truthfully it has been happening for a while. Chris and I have become them, THE PARENTS. How did this happen? My solution...I signed her up for art lessons? Chris thinks I am rewarding bad behavior...perhaps I am. What else can I do?

Gracie has taught herself to do math. MATH. "Mom 1+2 is 3". I know it's basic, but she picked it up on her own. Why? I have no idea, but she continues to enthrall me.

And my Samma Samma got his first tooth. He is miserable. Screaming, loud, demanding. My poor little man has such a low frustration tolerance.

The shop around the corner

I have added a playlist for your listening and viewing enjoyment. Chris and I have a family anthem (it changes). See if you can figure out which one it is!!!

Chris has been swamped with side work lately (thank goodness). We feel so blessed to have all of this additional work come at a time when we really need it, but the little ones have lost their best playmate to the shop.So, they have started visiting Daddy in the shop. Sam was very interested in all the "boy toys" and Gracie just wanted to hang out with Daddy and help. Brittany...well, lets just say she stays as far away from the shop as possible. Smart girl!

It's Autumn time, it's Autumn time...

Samuel in the Sink

First day of dance class
Britt's favorite spot...anywhere there is food!
First day of pre school

I love everything about this time of year. The sweet, clean smell of the earth, the vivid colors, the crisp, cool air. It makes me feel like a child again, but also makes me so thankful for my own children. Gracie will shout at me "Mom, look out the window, that tree is all orange."

In these times of tumult and fear for the future it seems that fall is the perfect time to prepare. I feel an instinctive need to ready my home for the hard winter ahead. What a great analogy it is for life. Here are some of my best reasons to be prepared and grateful.

• Christian - Has such a kind heart. Gruff on the outside, soft and mushy in the middle
• Britt-What a beautiful, sweet, girl you are.
• Gracie-Our sweetheart, so kind and loving
• Samuel-Little Samma-Samma. What did we do before you?

This is our Story!!!