happy halloween

Super Girl and Dorothy all dressed up for the big party at the neighbor's house. They danced the night away.

Waldo and his sister Wenda. Thanks to the hubby for being such a good sport.

The finished pumpkins.

The girls can't wait for trick-or-treating tonight. Have a safe Halloween!

free

It's been 5 years since my mom had the cancer removed from her body. I know this day is a big milestone for cancer survivors. I'm sure it is for her. But it's a big day for me and the rest of our family as well. My mom is still here. She's healthy and cancer free. Here's to 5 more years.

stupid teeth

This is me. Not happy.

My permanent crown fell off on Sunday. The crown I've had for less than a year. I went to the dentist on Tuesday thinking it would take 10 minutes to put it back on. So wrong. I don't do pain and even trying to refit it hurt so I asked for the shots. I'm now 20 minutes in or so and she comes to the conclusion that the crown isn't going back on.

New crown it is. An hour and a half at the dentist is not how I wanted to spend my afternoon. And I'm out 200 bucks. 

See. Not happy.

festival fun

We went to a fall festival last Friday night at a local church. The girls had a good time playing the games and bouncing in the bounce houses. They also enjoyed their corn dogs. I assume they are both mid "cheese" during this picture, but I honestly can't remember. I was laughing so hard while taking it. Now I think it's cute and hilarious.

I look a little rough because I was really sick last week. I left work early on Friday and slept most of the afternoon leading up to this. I was sure I had the flu or strep (turns out it was just a nasty virus). Probably not a good night for me to be out in the cool air, but for these girls it was worth it.

When we got home we stopped at the neighbors house to check out their decorations. This is just the entrance way. The inside of their house will be all decked out in similar fashion for the parties this weekend. They rock Halloween.

Can't wait to get pics of the girls in their costumes.

field trip

The first time riding the bus was almost more exciting than actually going to the pumpkin patch. All of the kids felt the same way which is why I almost needed a pill.

There must have been something magical in the air yesterday because Addison wanted me to take pictures of her. I couldn't be happier.

I love her new teachers. The original field trip was cancelled last week due to rain so they had to go to a different patch. There wasn't much in the way of games so the teachers made up games for the kids to play. Here they are doing the pumpkin race. Addison cracked us all up because she was the only one who carried the pumpkin like a football.

She picked these out all by herself.

We took a series of cell phone pics on the way back to the school. Addison had no desire to take a serious picture and giggled each time.

I had a blast. It was so fun to spend that time with her. Last night she told me that she had a really good day with me. I couldn't agree more.

4.5 years

Dear Addison,

My sweet, sweet girl. You're growing so fast. You no longer look or sound like a baby, even a toddler. Overnight you've become this little girl, with a distinct personality and your own sense of being. You're self sufficient and independent, but still come to me for help when you think something is too hard. Most of the time it's not and I make you do it on your own. The sense of accomplishment I see in your eyes makes me proud. You still have a shyness about you that comes out when we're parting ways with each other. At night you always need one more kiss or one more hug. You like to hold on to my pointer finger as I walk away. You smile at me as our hands slip apart and I whisper "sweet dreams". I always check on you soon after that. I get one last hug and an "I love you mommy". It may be the sweetest thing I hear all day.

You're still not a true girlie girl, which is okay with me. We play dress up sometimes and you love when I paint your fingernails. I know if there is a shade of purple in the mix that you will pick that color. You don't mind when I trim your finger and toe nails as long as there is a tv show to keep you occupied. For some reason you always know when I'm at the pinky toe. You have this fear that cutting the pinky toe is going to hurt. I always fake you out and get it done and then remind you that it didn't hurt. But it doesn't matter. You do the same thing every time.

I do have to mention the small fits you have been throwing lately. I'm hoping it's all a phase that will pass sooner rather than later. Every time I begin to brush your hair I'm met with an "owie" and that's before I've reached a tangle. Then it escalates into a crying fit of no's and I don't want to's. Every morning there are tears. You don't want to brush your hair or your teeth. You don't want to get dressed or put your shoes on. At night you don't want to do this, that or the other. It makes me sad that you're spending a lot of time in your room, but since I've started sticking to consequences it's gotten a little better.

For the past two months or so you've been playing soccer. I think you really enjoyed it. It was so much fun to watch you transform into a true player. Each week you would get in and attack the ball more and more. By the end of the season you were actually kicking it a couple of times per game. There were no goals scored, but that's okay by me. It didn't make me any less proud of you. There were times when you would spend too much time eating snacks and not participate in the game. There was the one time you picked a weed and rushed it over to me, all while the game is going on. And I can't forget the time you ran over to kiss your sister because you needed more energy. I about died it was so sweet.

You and Morgan are attached at the hip. Just like any other siblings you have your moments, but most times you can be found side by side. You give her kisses and hugs as often as you can. Most of the time you play well together and the bickering we sometimes hear is usually over something insignificant. Like the toothbrushes. I finally had to label them because you keep wanting to switch. You don't care that it's gross. Everyday when I pick you up from school I find you both playing together at the fence. Yesterday I had a parent/teacher conference where I heard nothing but good things about how well you are doing in school. You love to learn. You love to solve problems. You love to tell stories. Sometimes they are really long, but I listen patiently. Puzzles, drawing and games are favorites. You like to play Candy Land, Chutes & Ladders, and Hi Ho Cherry-O as much as possible.

This past weekend we went and had family pictures taken. You had two mini candy bars before we left the house, more candy during the photo shoot and the promise of a doll after it was all over as motivation to cooperate and smile. Sometimes as parents you just do what you have to do. I didn't care because it worked. The picture above is one of my favorites. I'm not sharing my ultimate favorite because it's a surprise for the Christmas card, but trust me. You did good.

I love you as big as the sky and as big as the ocean.

Mommy


*Last picture taken by Amy Barry from Couture Wedding Studios. Find her on Facebook HERE!

pumpkin patch

Rather than taking the field trip to the pumpkin patch like the older kids, Morgan's class decided to make their own pumpkin patch at the school. Monday I went over to spend some time with her dancing, playing games and picking her pumpkin.

They had a ton of real pumpkins scattered all over the place, but all Morgan was interested in was this fake white one. She had to have it in all of the pictures.

Of course there were Halloween treats. Cookies with icing. I had one too.

It was raining when we woke up yesterday so Addison's trip got cancelled. She was so upset. I was annoyed because it actually didn't rain at all after the morning shower and they could have went. We live in Florida though so you never know what you're going to get. Hopefully they can reschedule. We all love the pumpkin patch.

the trophy

Last night was the last game of the soccer season and after the game the kids all got trophies. Addison is totally in love with that thing.

The trophy has been attached to her since she got it. I found it in the bed last night when I went to check on her.

I took it out when I went to bed and put it on her dresser. When I went to wake her up this morning it was nicely tucked in and she was hugging it. It's currently at school with her so she can show her friends. I'd say she's pretty proud.

giggles

Morgan is always so happy. Lately I catch her giggling for no apparent reason at all. At the last soccer game she was lounging in the chair and eating her apple. I don't know what it was, but she thought something was funny. I caught her mid giggle and with apple in her mouth.

In that moment I felt so much joy from seeing her so happy.

So far the terrible two's have been a piece of cake compared to Addison. I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch because I know three is much worse. But if she keeps giggling like she has been I can overlook most of it.

this doesn't happen often

They're both holding still, looking at the camera, smiling, and being nice to each other. And all of this at the same time. 

We have family pictures coming up this weekend. I hope it lasts.

first haircut

Morgan will be two and a half next month and she still hasn't had a haircut. Until last night. There was no reason to. It was long, curly and she actually let's me brush and fix it. But my hairdresser and good friend Jess suggested that it was time. I was a little sad, but I knew she was right. She so kindly cut Morgan's hair right in the middle of the playroom floor. Even after a couple of inches she still has all of this left.

Most of the baby curls are gone, but I'm okay with that. It looks so much better.

getting checked

October is Breast Cancer awareness month. My family is very aware. My mom had it, Michael's mom had it, my aunt's have had it and so has my cousin. We all know how important it is to check yourself. If you have trouble remembering, you can use this service.

I wonder if they make house calls?

the team

I decided I wasn't going to spend a lot of money on the professional soccer pictures because I take pictures like a mad woman. And Addison still doesn't take a good picture when she has to. I ordered one 5x7 of the team to have as a keepsake. Last night I got the picture and it wasn't just a 5x7. It was this.

I can almost kick myself for not ordering some of her just by herself. She looks so grown up and I love how it came out. It's okay though. I get pictures like this that I can keep for a lifetime.

Two more games left. Let's see what else she can pull out of the hat.