Merry Christmas!

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to post a note to let you all know that I will be thinking of you guys this weekend and I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas!!! I love you all and my prayers are with you guys! Travel safe to where ever you're going! Juls - keep me posted! You're in my thoughts constantly! Love you, Ladies! Merry Christmas!

Sapphires News

It's late and I should be in bed... But I'm still up doing stuff for the wedding that is coming up so quickly.
I'm holding my own, but let me tell ya, it hasn't been easy this past week. Lots of little things that I need to make sure gets done. But most of it is fun stuff. I just wish I didn't feel the pressure to work... It would make things a whole lot easier if I didn't have to work this week. Yea well... Just one more thing to work around.
I'm so looking forward to all of you coming in for the big day, but I almost don't want to come, cause then I know it will come to an end... Almost is the key word in that sentence. It's amazing how much planning and money can go into about 6 hours of one day... Its gonna be so worth it though... At least I hope so. I think my biggest fear is that everyone will be bored.
Anyway... I can't write long cause I have to get up early for work tomorrow so I can leave early for appointments, etc... (I have my final dress fitting tomorrow - so exciting). I wanted to find out when everyone is getting in for the wedding... What are your plans? Does anyone need picked up at the airport, if so, what time? I want to make sure you all are taken care of in that department.
I'm so glad you all are coming in... I can't wait to see you all and spend a fabulous weekend together.
Julie... My prayers are with you and your family, I know its been a hard month.
Jaime - I'll miss your smiling face and hugs at the wedding. I'm disappointed you and nik can't make it, but I understand completely.
Liz - I heard you were not feeling well... Hopefully its getting better by now. I expect Nathan is taking good care of you.
Kimmie - How are things in Seattle? I guess you are getting ready for the holiday travels. I can't wait to see you.
steph - I miss you and can't wait to see you in 9 days... I'm so happy for you and Shawn and can't wait to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
Jen - How is the music coming along? I can't wait to hear your beautiful voice and see your shining face... My thoughts and prayers are with you and Chris.
Anyway... Its way past my bedtime... Sleep has been one of those things I haven't had enough of lately.
See you all soon.

Here's the news!

Hello friends! I know it's been a long time since i have posted anything on here. I am so sorry...
There was a reason for that, and now I get to tell you the whole story. But first, I want to say that I have been thinking about all of you a lot lately, and i hope that you all have a very merry Christmas! I will see most of you at Angie's wedding in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!
Julie, I've been thinking of you a lot lately! If you get time, give me a call. I know you're busy, though. My prayers are with you. You've had a rough season. Liz, I hope you're feeling better! Angie, well, I just hope that you are not stressed and that you are motivated and getting things done! It's almost here! Kimmie, I hope you're ready for your travels! I will talk to you tonight! Jamie, I hope you enjoy your first Christmas with Nick as your hubby! I'll be thinking of you! Jennifer...thanks for supporting me. It means the world to me. And tell Chris thanks for everything, too. I really appreciate it.
Ok, here's the deal:
As most of you know, I have been talking to a guy from Tulsa for about the past month or so. His name is Shawn Cobb. He's 26 and he works at Kaiser Aluminum in Tulsa. He graduated from OSU in Engineering and he also has his own consulting business for that. He goes to Celebration Family Church (where Lee, Kathy, Erika, Danie and everyone go) and he is also going to Victory Bible Institute as well. I started talking to him because of Danie (she's really good friends with him), and even though I had never met him, we had a great connection. It started as just talking all the time...just fun conversations getting to know each other because Danie is close with both of us. That turned into, "Wow, we really have a great chemistry, at least on the phone, maybe we should meet." So, after some major thinking, praying and planning, he bought me a plane ticket and I flew there this past weekend to meet him and have our first date. I knew he had a lot up his sleeve, he wouldn't tell me much about what we were going to do. I was a little nervous about meeting him, and rightly so, I think. :) but as soon as I flew in on Friday night, I went to see him (he had to work that night), and from then on I knew it would all be ok. Better than ok. I knew it would be perfect. And it was. (Don't you just love the drama?! Hee hee). I was staying at Erika's house and the next morning, her oldest, Justyce, had a basketball game. I went to that and then brought Justyce with me to have breakfast with Shawn, his mom Karen, his niece Summer, and his nephew Skyler. It's a long story as to why they were around, but the point is that we had a great time. I'm not gonna lie...it was a bit awkward at first, but that was gone quickly. We all had a great time. Then Shawn and I took Justyce home and he took me to the Tulsa Aquarium. Now, it's no Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, but it was pretty cool and we got to pet lots of slimy scaley animals. Then we went back to his apartment (his fam was still there). He had to run an errand "really quick" and so I stayed with his mom for another 45 minutes. Yeah. It was cool, though. It gave us a chance to chat a little more and I hung out with his niece - we did a Soduku puzzle! He finally came back and then i went to Erika's to get ready for the evening. He came to the door about an hour later with 2 dozen roses -yellow and orange- and a limo to take us to dinner and then to the Nutcracker ballet. It was AMAZING! Everything about the night was great. It was perfect. And yes, he kissed me, but it wasn't until we were on our way to the ballet in the limo. That was perfect, too. Then on Sunday, I spent some time with Erika, then I picked him up and he came over to watch Muppet's Christmas Carol with Erika, Aaron and the kids. It was a great time spending the afternoon with all of them. Then I had to go, but we stopped by Pottery Barn on the way to the airport, so he met that whole crew as well.
So. Now you guys get to meet him too! He's flying in for Angie's wedding.
As far as our status, yes we are a couple. And as most of you know, as well, I have been considering a move back to Tulsa again for a while, and for various reasons, but it seems like this is something that I really want to see through, so that is pretty much the plan. I think I will move back there in April. That's what I know now.
So that's that...this is a novel. I'm sure I'll talk to you all soon! I love you and I miss you!

hello ladies!

Hey girls! We all need to step up the postings, we're getting pretty skimpy on new stuff to read. =) I hope you're all having a wonderful holiday season. Only about a week left to shop for Christmas! I'm almost done. I really had all of my shopping done early, plus I mostly just made gifts for everyone except Seth. But then my grandma in Tulsa called and asked me to do all of her shopping for the family in Ohio. Like I needed one more thing to do... I did all my stuff early so that I would be available to just deal with any family stuff that came up. I'm still trying to visit my grandma in Ohio as much as possible. She's lost her voice now because the tumors have pressed her nerves that control her voice. So she can't really talk. My heart breaks for her because now the only thing she had in life was to visit her family and she can't hardly do that anymore. I really hope she makes it to Christmas. She just needs to hold out 10 more days... She's really excited about coming over for Christmas to watch the grandkids open presents. She can't walk at all. So my brothers will carry her and her oxygen stuff if they have to to make sure she gets here. I went over last night to give grandma a manicure and pedicure. It was a nice time together. I'm actually just home today getting caught up on stuff. We're snowed in and Seth is sick. So, I'm not going anywhere. It's actually kind of nice though because this last week has been very busy. Josh's other grandma died on Friday and we had her funeral on Tuesday. Plus all of the family came in and stuff and that's always hectic. Josh is in Iowa right now burying his grandma. Then Josh's mom got married on Saturday (day after her mom died). She didn't decide to do it until like a day before. So, Josh, Vanessa and I had like 24 hours to throw her a wedding and be with her and grandma when grandma died. Let me tell you, it's a difficult thing to watch someone you love take her last breath. It was a rough week. I feel like all we've done since we've been here is cook and clean for events and people (like Sarah and my neice, Vicki, my grandma, and all the funerals) and then go to funerals and visit people in the hospital. I'm enjoying the short break I have because I'm afraid I'm going to have to do it all over again in a few days for my grandma. Except that will be harder because I just don't know how to be there for my mom and grandpa emotionally. I'm afraid of what it will be like when everyone is hurting so much. Josh's grandmas were both ready to go, they were widowed and older. My grandma is still young and married with a very healthy husband and should have a lot more years of health and active years. It's hard to watch her go through all of this. But anyways... I don't want to write about such miserable stuff. It's just that this is the only stuff we've got going on right now and I don't really know what else to say. ... Seth cut his first tooth. =) That was kind of cute, although it made him crazy because it's hard on them when they cut teeth. He's crawling all over the place now and getting huge. He's pretty funny. Josh is enjoying his rotation with my dad in the ER. He's gotten to do quite a bit and he's stitched several lacerations. So, that has been good experience for him. It's frigid in Ohio and we've been snowed in several times now this month. I'm actually missing Tulsa a little. I missed Tulsa a lot this week when it was like 16 degrees in Ohio and I saw on the weather channel that it was 55 degrees in Tulsa. Oh well. At least I'll be sure to have a white Christmas this year. Well, I'll stop writing now. Sorry this has been so long. Seth has been napping for 3 hours now and I don't have anything else to do but tell you all my every thought. Anyways, love you girls!

brrr

Hi ladies,
It's really cold. -11 with wind chill. Really cold.
Last night I decorated my Christmas tree :) I love doing that! But I ran out of lights and had to spend double time trying to fix them to cover the entire tree.
As life goes on, I discover how "adult-like" we are really becoming. For example, our company had a really good November, and since my pay plan is partially based on that, I got a good check. So, we bought a snow blower. We didn't go out and party, or have a shopping trip, or do anything fancy... we bought a SNOWBLOWER! crazy isn't it!
Thanks for your prayers for Chris and his health. I'm anxious for the next CT scan when they find out it's nothing. Julie, your family is in our prayers also. I'm glad you can be home during this time. When I read your blog the other day about how you got to go see a movie with your mom, it caused me to call my mom and arrange a Christmas shopping excursion. I like spending girl time with mom.
Nothing really big and exciting going on here, just preparing for Christmas. This year, all the brothers and sisters are coming home to mom and dad's. It's going to be crazy but I am so excited to see all the babies! It's so much fun buying gifts for little ones :)
Miss you all!

Finally some happy news!

Hey girls! I'm glad to hear all of your updates. Angie, I hope your shower was a blast and that you and Liz and Steph had a great time together. Jen, I'll be praying for you and Chris. I'm sure you're a little stressed about Chris' nodules. I would be. I'll just be praying that it's nothing and goes away. Steph, we need to talk so you can tell me more about Shawn. =) I really appreciate all of you girls' thoughts and prayers with my grandma and stuff. It's been pretty rough. She's not doing well right now. It's shocking how quickly she has deteriorated. But we had a good Thanksgiving and the ENTIRE family was together, so that was special. Anyway, we had good news this week because my new niece was born on Thursday. Her name is Olivia Lynn and she is 6 pounds 12 oz. She and Sarah are both doing well. Here are her pictures. She's looking a little rough here because she was like an hour old. So, believe me when I say she's cuter now. =) Anyways, I'd better get going to watch a chick flick with my mom. We're both very excited to have another girl to watch movies with this month. Love you girls! See you in about a month!

My life...

Hi everyone! Happy December! I miss all of you so much! I get to see Angie and Liz tonight, actually, and I can't tell you how excited I am! This weekend should be really fun as we prepare Ang for her big day! Lots of fun...
Well things here have been pretty crazy lately. Work is really busy...end of the year stuff. We are also starting a new company out of our same office, so we are doing all the start up stuff for that. We plan to start advertising in after the first of the year. At that time, I will have a part time position with that company as a sort of "webmaster". I will be in charge creating and maintaining our two websites. That will be interesting...but fun, I hope.
In other news, we had some family drama over Thanksgiving, as most of you know. My uncle has been going through a lot and attempted suicided the day before Thanksgiving. He's ok and is doing well now - beginning to work through some things. My grandparents have been here with him for a while, and my mom is coming this weekend and staying until Wednesday or Thursday, I think. I am hopeful that this time with family will be good for him. I get to spend the whole day Tuesday with both of them, so that will be nice.
There's been drama on the romantic front as well. I've been talking to a guy named Shawn for the past few weeks. He's from Tulsa, though, so I haven't actually met him yet. He's a good friend of Danie (Erika's sister) and their family. We have really hit it off so far, and we are planning to meet the weekend of Dec. 16th. I think i am going there, just because it will be a little easier to coordinate...AND...he is trying to come to Angie's wedding as well so he can meet all of you. So, I guess that gives you an idea of how much we are interested in each other without having met, so we'll see what happens and if we're really compatible when we do meet. Ok, so that's not really drama. But, it's eventful, and promising...
Ok, I better get some work done! I hope to hear from you all soon! Juls - I am thinking about you and praying that things go as well as possible for all of your situations. Keep us posted on what happens! Love you girls!

CT results

Chris talked with his doctor this morning. They found 2 nodules in his lungs but aren't too concerned now. He goes back in 3 months for another CT scan and they are expecting for them to either disappeared or grow bigger. If bigger - biopsy, if disappeared - yea!
I wish it were definative though - either "it's nothing" or "we need a biopsy". So we wait instead!
Love you girls!

Season's greetings!

We just made it home from a weekend with the fam in Colorado. I can say it was a productive weekend as far as the way Jen described productive -- plenty of eating and shopping. We were only able to spend an afternoon with the Linds because of different holiday plans, but we did do a lot of hanging out with the other side of the family. Our nephew Dylan stayed at Adam's mom's house with us, and kept us all entertained for hours on end. He's such a little chatterbox and is finally starting to say everyone's names. Unfortunately, my name sounds more like "Mimi" than "Kimmy" which I hope does not stick -- I do not want to be a Mimi -- at least not until I'm around age 60 or so. He's quite good with all the dogs' names though. It's pretty funny. He won't even try to say Uncle Adam, but the three dogs' names, he has down pat. I'm really excited to see him on Christmas morning -- he's just now old enough to be really excited about presents, especially presents that have to do with dinosaurs, his new favorite thing in the whole world.
Ok, I'll stop blabbering about Dylan. :p He's just my baby fix right now, so I have to eat it up!
We also avoided the Black Friday crowds as much as possible, but those 60% off sales were calling our names by Saturday. So we hit Kohl's (which we don't have in Seattle -- so sad!) and I got a couple gifts. But I'll still have some shopping to finish up in the next few weeks.
Juls, we'll keep praying for your family. I'm glad you were able to make it home -- I'm sure your mom feels better just having you around.
Ok, it's Monday night and I'm exhausted. Back to work tomorrow...
Love you girls!

CT Scans, Ultrasounds, and the Chick Magnet

I commonly feel as though I have nothing to write about, and then it seems that lots of little stuff happens. Then I feel like I have so much to tell you all! So here’s the latest…
Chris had another chest X-ray this morning. The Pneumonia has cleared out. Chris is still coughing and they say this could continue for another month yet even. I’m really glad we postponed the honeymoon. BUT, his doctor saw a nodule on one of the lungs and is bringing Chris in for a CT scan tomorrow afternoon. A little scary but no worries as of yet…
Last week I went in for my annual yucky appointment. The doctor felt what she thought could be a cyst on my left ovary. So I had to wait an excruciating hour and a half to see the ultrasound lady. That was not a fun time. But everything turned out just fine. I guess she was feeling part of my intestine which had moved around the ovary.
I hope the Thanksgiving season was productive for all of you – and by productive, I mean fattening and full of shopping :) We were able to get started on our Christmas shopping. I think we’re about half way done. We did most of the shopping later in the day on Friday and Saturday to avoid the crazy ladies getting all their gifts before 7AM. We managed to have 3 thanksgiving dinners over the weekend. I refused to step on the scale today and am anxious for my new tennis shoes to arrive and start the workout program once again.
We have decided to sell the “chick magnet” minivan. We are trying to make it as a one vehicle family. Yes, it’s difficult and frustrating at times. It also provides for many cases of compromise. We wanted to take this step in order to pay off the car loan and get out of some debt. As it looks right now, there is no room for little Jen and Chris juniors in the budget and we want to be able to have some freedom with our money and alleviate some budget pressure.
And I think that about does it for me! Can’t wait for Angie’s wedding to see you all!

Happy Holidays!

Hey Girls!!!! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I love the holiday season. It's my absolute favorite time of year and Thanksgiving ushers in the seasonal fun. =) Sorry I haven't written in a while. We've been very busy. Josh is finally done with his wretched rotation in Poteau, OK. So i have him to myself again. Seth is doing fine. he's so big and he's started teething, so he's a bit fussy lately with the pain. We are in Ohio now for josh to start his rotation for the month of December here in Ohio. We had to rush in about a week early because Josh's grandma died on Tuesday night. So, we weren't planning to be home for Thanksgiving, but we ended up being here because we had to get home for the funeral. My grandma is not doing well and we're all a bit edgey about that situation. She is awfully weak and I just don't know how much time we have left with her. I just really hope she makes itthrough Christmas. Josh's other grandmother had a heart attack last week. So, we're also kind of waiting to see how she does. My sister-in-law, Sarah went into early labor a couple weeks ago and has been on bed rest since then so it's good that we're home to help her out with my toddler nephew. =) My mom has her hands pretty full with grandma. So, I just really feel like it was God's plan for us to be in Ohio this month. Anyways, I finished my Christmas shopping for Seth today and that was fun. I'm enjoying being home for the Holiday Season. And I cannot wait to see you girls in a few weeks for Angie's wedding! (Angie, I just RSVPed for me and Josh today... we're coming). Love you all!

Gobble... Gobble...

Hello my beautiful friends -
It's turkey day here, which means lots of time of relaxing and eating. My dad is away on a trip and all of my siblings are with the in-laws today, so its just me, Aaron, my mom, and Joe. It's kinda fun cause its quiet and my mom is teaching me how to make a turkey today, which is easier than expected. My turkey is coming along quite nicely.
I feel bad for not writing for so long... Its been kinda crazy, as I'm sure you all understand. It's under 6 weeks till the big day and I still have lots of detail stuff to do. Aaron and I have been working on music for the ceremony and reception for the past week and a half. I decided to go non-traditional with the ceremony songs, which of course makes it harder for me. I have yet to find the perfect song for me to walk the isle to... If you have any ideas, please let me know. I plan on getting a lot of stuff done this weekend cause I have a holiday today and tomorrow. I'm going to try and get the programs started and I have to order the favors ASAP. Anyway... I don't want to bore you with the long list of things I need to get done this weekend...
Let's see, wedding has been all-consuming lately, so I haven't a whole lot more to talk about. My shower is next weekend, which means I get to see Liz and Steph... I'm so excited about that. I cannot wait for you girls to come! I miss my girls tremendously and can't wait for the wedding so I can see most of you again. Speaking of... Kim, I'm so excited that you and Adam are coming in for the big day. We are going to have so much fun. Besides my 2 bridesmaids who I know are coming, I haven't heard from the rest of you... I hope that you all can come and I'm anxious to hear if you are for sure. FYI, rumor is that Bryce is coming in for the wedding, which was very unexpected but very exciting. I also invited Hanna, but unfortunately she is in California - in school again - and doesn't have the funds to make it in.
So yea... I tried to talk about something other than the wedding, and obviously it did not work out so well. I wish I had some very exciting news to tell all of you... But like I said, wedding is all-consuming.
Well... I guess I'll go. I hope all is well for everyone. I miss you girls!
Have Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Turkey Day

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving! Hope you all have a great holiday.
Love you girls!






Here's a random picture from our trip to Canada...
(We're pointing at starfish in a tidepool.)
:)

Dry spell

It's definitely been a blogging dry spell lately, girls. I've been meaning to sit down and write something for a week now, but haven't had the time nor the content -- my life is very unexciting at the moment.
We are going away for the weekend with Neal and Naomi. They reserved a cabin by the ocean up on an island by Vancouver. I have a three-day weekend because of Veteran's Day, so I'm looking forward for a few days of doing nothing. Of course, I'm sure they'll have a few twenty-five mile hikes planned for us. But in between those, maybe I'll get some down time.
I was kind of stressed about crossing the border again, since last time the border guard gave us so much flak for not having our passports...you know, since we're obviously terrorists. Of course, I'd put them away somewhere safe and secure and couldn't remember where that was. But I did find them the other night -- in a totally practical place, by the way -- so we should make the Canadians happy this trip.
Starbucks had all their Christmas decorations up this morning. It was so festive -- I really want to go shopping now.
We're supposed to be making our presents for Adam's family this year. Yeah, we have about...oh, twenty presents to make from scratch and we haven't even bought the materials yet. They might all be getting popsicle-stick picture frames.
Steph, I'm sorry to hear things didn't work out with Jay. But it sounds like it might be a good thing for both of you. Anyway, you'll have to catch me up with the whole story soon.
Jen, congrats on being a real aunt! That's very exciting. And I hope Chris feels better soon.
It is the baby season right now, isn't it? Really makes me want one... :p
Julie, we need to talk and plan out our wedding trip over to PA . I'll give you a call early next week so we can chat.
Love you all!

Breaking news!

Yeah, really it's no big deal - sorry to get your hopes up! :)
You remember that I mentioned that I had met and was seeing a guy? Well, scratch that. He wanted a little more that I was willing to give, so we are no longer considering anything romantic. We'll still talk, I'm sure. Ok that's it...just wanted to make sure you were all updated! :) I love you girls!

Auntie

I think Steph and I were on the same mind track... I was opening up the blog thinking "if someone doesn't write, I'm going to have to break the silence!".
Life's been really good lately! I really enjoyed seeing Stephanie this weekend. It was refreshing to have girl time, and to get out the Quad Cities even if just for one night.
The best news of this week is that my brother (my real brother,Brian, who walked me down the aisle) called last night to say he and his wife (Carol) are expecting! I screamed and jumped up and down of course. This is entirely different as this will be my first time being a real (flesh and blood) Aunt! I've been praying for a red-head girl but i don't think Brian's too thrilled about that idea ;) Anyway, he's thrilled and overwhelmed and I'm just plain HAPPY as can be.
Chris is recovering from Pneumonia slowly but surely. He's off the antibiotic now so we just wait and see if it worked. He has a chest x-ray scheduled for the 28th of November to check again. Please continue to keep him in your prayers!
Oh, and if i haven't posted it already, we've changed our honeymoon plans - again. We're going to Jamaica still, but in January instead. Doctor's orders i guess. So we'll be leaving on January 7th, just a few days after I get back from Angie's wedding! I looking forward to going at that time as the holidays will be done and over with and it will be frightfully cold here.
Lastly, i got new allergy testing done today and it seems that today (as compared to 10 years ago) I am less allergic to cats and dogs! So maybe someday... if i can convince Chris...
hope everyone is happy and healthy!
miss you all!

Break the silence...

Ok, ok. I can't stand checking this thing a million times a day and there's nothing new, so I am going to ramble on about my life for a while - just because I know there are others like me who check this all the time just for something to read. :)
Things here have been pretty good lately. I was working at Pottery Barn, but due to some scheduling conflicts, I am not there anymore...yes, that was short-lived, but it just wasn't working out. They thought I was going to be here for the holidays, and when they actually looked at the availability sheet I filled out when I was hired, they realized I wasn't - plus some due to Ang's shower and wedding. And I just didn't want to work there anymore. :)
So, I am down to one job again, but that's ok. It leaves time for other things. For example, Jen came to visit for a day this past weekend. We got some good quality time together and some ideas for the Sapphire's reunion that is here next year. Is everyone still ok with the July 4th weekend? That's what we were planning. There is a LOT to do around here that time of the year.
Also, I met a girl when I did the Breast Cancer Walk last month (she was doing it alone as well) so we hung out a little this weekend - went to lunch at a diner that Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn have been spotted at, then to the Art Institute for a wonderful display of French Photography. Very educational.
And, lastly, I have met a guy. We've been talking and hanging out for about 3 weeks now. Just seeing where things will go. We don't live very close to each other (he lives in Hyde Park/south Chicago and I live west), so we don't see each other often, but we talk on the phone a lot and meet up when we can pencil it in. His name is Jay (Jason) and he's lived in Chicago his whole life...works in an office near me right now, but is training to be a firefighter. Very intellectual (degree in fictional writing from Columbia College) - great conversationalist. Hilarious. So yeah. I'm not keen on the idea of jumping into something to quickly with this guy, but I know he's sort of looking for something a little more serious, so I don't know how I feel about that. But it is nice to know that he's interested...I'll keep you posted.
Let's see. I don't think there's too much more going on. I am getting ready for all the holiday travel. I am running down to the south 'burbs this weekend to see my aunt and my cousins, then it's just two more weeks until Thankgiving! Is that going incredibly fast for anyone else?
Ok, that's me...who's next??

Halloween

Hey girls! I think I already sent these pics to you, but I thought I'd post them just to make sure you got to see them. This was Seth on Halloween night. He helped greet trick-or-treaters at the door as the Cat in the Hat. Hope you all are doing well. Love ya!

Take a guess!

Hey girls,

I was thinking about the Ladybug Tree and I was trying to decide if I had anything to share. I do agree that Kim should write a book. I see a pretty amazing picture book that could be illustrated by kids. Let me know if that is something you would want to do!! I know a place to get it published!

Anyhoo, I was thinking about my childhood and I do have to say Halloween used to be one of my favorite days of the school year. The funny part of all of this is I can honestly say I've never been trick or treating in my life. I think I've only dressed about 4 or 5 times and that was all before the age of 7. But I used to LOVE Halloween. My parents did not like the parties that happened at school, so they started pulling us out and having a family day. It was so fun!! We would go to the zoo or to the museum and hang out all day as a family. Then after dinner we would turn out all the lights and head to the basement. There we would watch old musicals. I'm trying to talk Nick into watching Carousel or Seven Brides for Seven Brothers or Singin in the Rain. You know, classics! ;) I do think this is something I may instill with my own kids someday. Just taking a day off of school to do something as a family. I remember loving those times!!

I hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween. Julie...I would LOVE to see a picture of Seth in whatever cute costume you came up with!! I'm off to do a pumpkin activity with my kids. How many seeds do you think is in one large pumpkin?

Love you all lots!

I love Fall

Hey girls! It finally feels like Fall in Tulsa! We have finally started dropping tempertures below 80 degrees. Although, I was taking pictures of Seth in the pumpkin patch last week and it was 90 degrees. So, I looked crazy... because I was determined to have Seth's Fall pics look authentic, I took him to the patch in a onesy and then put a sweatshirt, corduroys and a hat on him for pictures. The poor baby was so grumpy because it was hot that he wouldn't smile. So, the pics didn't turn out that great. But it's cold out now. We have several costume parties to go to this weekend for Halloween and we have no idea what to dress up as. Do you guys have any suggestions? The only thing I found that I though was kind of cute, was the Spartan cheerleaders from SNL. But the costumes are sold out now. So, I don't know what to do. Anyways, I got a new job this week that looks like it will work out pretty nicely. I'm going to be doing freelance writing for a website. (Just like my writing hero, Kimmy!). It pays OK and I think it will work out to let me stop watching Jacob during the week. I really don't enjoy babysitting. I love Seth, but I'm not one of those people that can just do the kid thing all the time and love it. I'm actually thinking of putting Seth in a Mother's Day Out program 2 days a week to give me more time to write and focus on developing my publications design business. I would come out better financially than what I'm doing now and it would give me a little breather during the week to get stuff done and not have to be burned out taking care of Seth. I'm very thankful that I get to stay at home, but being a stay-at-home mom is not the easiest thing to do. You just mentally and emotionally get fried. Although if you ask a mom who works and wants to stay at home, she would tell you that I have the greatest situation in the world and have nothing to complain about. Which is true... but I'm still burned out on kids. Well, enough of that. I need to go get Seth. He's crying. Love you girls!