Slow start to a strong finish!

I set the alarm for 4:49 am to make it to the gym by 5:15...don't be impressed yet. I had to drag myself out of bed at 7:45 am. I have the toughest time getting up in the morning. Probably why I should be asleep instead of writing on this blog, sigh.

Tonight we ate at "Chis" or known to others as "Chili's." We always eat there on a certain Monday night in September, when they donate all thier profits to St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Chili's was like a second home to me for so many years. It really feels good to be able to eat there and give back---without being on my feet all night long.

St. Jude is a really great organization, and I also frequent their website. They have a store where you can get great little gifts and the proceeds are for a good cause. There are also usually at an exceptional price! You can see more of that here.

The picture below is of Natalie Tanner. No, I've never met her. She is the September patient of the month. Her story is very enlightening, and as a parent, I could not imagine going through what they endured. It's because of St. Jude that her mommy is able to kiss and squeeze her more than she can handle! That's something worth investing in!

How will we ever top this? Brynlee's last 2 Halloween costumes have been so STINKIN' adorable that I don't know what Iam going to do? Her first Halloween she was a "Pea in the Pod" and an Octopus for the 2nd... What should she be this year? Suggestions?

More than just a candle...

I know that looks like just a candle, but it's actually an APPLE CINNAMON candle...to me it is so much more. That is the official smell of autumn in our house. I love the cooler evenings, fall decorations, thoughts of Halloween costumes, and the approaching Christmas season. Yes I saidit, ChRiStMaS!!!!! It is my favorite time of the year. Only 89 days--14 hours--and 21 minutes, but who's counting? No, I didn't figure that out own my own... you can see the countdown here.

Another sign of fall around our place is baking. For some reason, I get totally in the mood to dust off the KitchenAid mixer (best wedding present ever!) and whip up some baked goodies. Last night it was PuMpKiN BrEaD! I altered the recipe and was unsure of how it would turn out... Don't you just hate that. It drives me crazy to think that I will spend all this time making something and could end up dumping it all in the trash can; atlhough, I didn't have to! The organic whole wheat flour substituion for flour was fine!

The finish product looked much better than the "in process" photo. Didn't your mom ever teach you not to judge a book by it's cover?

This is it...I'm here to stay!

***After going back and forth between blogspot and wordpress, I'm done. This is our official blog. So to catch you up on my other posts, I've copied and pasted from the other blog...since there were to so many to paste over here ;)

(Originally posted on 9.20.2008)

Brynlee's birthday was September 15! She is officially a terrible 2 year old---well, ok. Not really. She is a smart kid though. I know, every parent says that. Brynlee really is smart. She is manipulative smart (she has an Uncle she might have gotten that from.)

Here's an example:

Bapaw: Brynlee dinner is ready. It's time to put up the tea party and go inside now.

Brynlee: NO!

Bapaw: Brynlee, we don't say "No!" Remember we didn't go to the mall today to ride the choo choo because you were yelling "No!" earlier. Can you tell Bapaw that you're sorry?

Brynlee: I'm fine, Bapaw.

Bapaw: Brynlee, I know you are fine. You yelled at me, remember? Can you tell Bapaw you are sorry?

Brynlee: I'm fine, Bapaw. Dinner ready.

We went to her 2 year check up yesterday. Everything is great. She is a perfectly "average" size child, except for when it comes to her head. She is in the 50th percentile for height and 50th percentile for weight. Then the head--she is in the 90th percentile for her head. Should we be worried? Oh boy, here comes another year!

SEPTEMBER 15 2006:

SEPTEMBER 15 2007:

SEPTEMBER 15 2008:

(Originally posted on 9.19.2008)

I've decided to give this blog thing another try. See, I am inspired by an old friend of mine from college. She has an adorable 1 year old, is a law student, wife, daughter, and sister. Somehow, she finds time to blog--or "blahg." In a way, we are very similiar...except, I'm not a law student. Her "blahgs" are not only entertaining, but it is so fun to see pictures of her little boy. And that's the other thing. I love my Canon Xsi and will hopefully learn to be a better photographer with it and share those pictures with you. It's a way for you to see what happens with our life and to read my thoughts.

I've decided to leave you with a picture of our growing family. There are not only 3 of us. We eat with, sleep with, play with and go everywhere with... Percy, Gordon, Thomas, and Stanley. Life is good.