Redemption

You may remember last year about this time when Emerson had her mini-recital at dance class and she decided to embarrass the piss out of us. It was unforgettable, not in the good kind of way. We can laugh about it now....because check her out. What a difference a year makes. AND, Bladen (her very sweet teacher) - said she was going to put her CENTER stage this year for the big recital because she follows directions better than anyone else. I'm in disbelief. What have they done with my crazy Emerson?





We are so proud of her. Okay, and I admit I bought her a whole new dance ensemble today.

Wyatt That's Not Chappy!

(It's glue stick)

Much better than last year

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Nana (or Nanee as Wyatt says) took us to the Museum of Life and Science to ride the Santa train at night. It was so cool, they had lights on it and everything. We rode it to the North Pole to see Santa (which I apparently didn't get a single shot of), we made reindeer food, had hot chocolate and Emerson got her face painted. Wyatt was a bit scared of Santa, and Emerson was really shy. Guess we won't be getting a Santa picture this year. It was brrrr cold outside but totally worth it. Thanks Nana! You're the best!

Umm, it's really hard to eat a candy cane with mittens on, but Wyatt always finds a way!

Fall at Its Best

Donkers #3

Wyatt had his first trip to the emergency room the week before last. Building forts in between the coffee table and couch maybe wasn't such a good idea, especially when Wyatt decided to jump on the rook (aka blanket) and couldn't see the coffee table entering his forehead. He made it to two and half, not so bad. I think Emerson was about the same age on her first visit. Five stitches to his forehead initiated him into the big boy club. Big sister was so endearing and sweet. She was front and center hanging out with him in the hospital bed while we waited to get his stitches.

The Front Porch on Halloween

Does it get any sweeter than this? Our kids sitting on the front porch after tricking or treating, sharing their lollipops. I am. the. luckiest. mom. ever.

Queen Emerson, I have to laugh because when everyone asked what she was I replied, "She's a medieval princess," which later got shortened when she answered to an "evil princess." No one even questioned it!

Daddy and Boos Boos practicing their scary faces:



There's nothing scary about this dinosaur:

With all his class at his first Halloween parade at Genesis Methodist Preschool. We are blessed to have found these great people!

A bittersweet time to remember

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23

We have been studying this passage in church the last five weeks, and it resonated with me on Monday as we sat in church at my grandfather's funeral where they once again recited it. I knew it, I felt it. Grandpa Reynolds died on July 13, 2010 and we buried him at Arlington Cemetery this past Monday, November 8th. It will be a day I will never forget. A retired Colonel in the Army, I hate to admit that it had been nearly 10 years since I'd seen him. Alzheimers had taken a toll on him and my fears and weaknesses had kept me from facing him. Now all I can do is ask God for forgiveness.

I really do believe that something good comes out of all situations. Seeing my grandmother, Popi, for the first time in ten years made be feel 10 years old again. Somehow, those roles reversed as I so much wanted to take care of her during her immense grief. She got to meet her four (only) great-grandchildren for the first time. I hope this is the beginning of a time of healing for our family, something that has been a long-time coming.

We love you Grandpa, and goodbye-it's not forever. May you rest in peace and know that we will one day join you.

4 is more: A Pink & Orange Party

Strep hit the birthday girl the week of her birthday party, and we babied her like crazy so she could still have her party. Mom, Tiff and I had tinkered to make everything beautiful and I was really pleased with the outcome. A hot pink and orange extravaganza....except - the backdrop of the barn - kind of took away from the aesthetic. This was definitely one of the best birthday parties we've ever had (minus the fact that Emerson was still struggling a bit).

Wyatt had his first pony ride, the kids played until they dropped.

Oh, and did I mention we made everything from scratch?

Yes, scratch as in no box.

Yes, I did.

GIRL (actually cupcake) POWER!

Did it taste better?

Prob not, but a sense of accomplishment washed over me as I realized the kids are eating REAL sugar (and lots of it) instead of boxed up, mixed-in-with-the-powder sugar. And why is it that things that are homemade don't rise as much? Am I doing something wrong?

They couldn't wait to get their hands on these lollipops.

Cousins, 2,4,5,3

A rough day followed by TV in mommy/aunties bed. These are some lucky kids!

Deep in thought about what to wish for...

It's ALLLL worth it...

Got my first, "love you mommy" the night before last. What more out of life could I ask for?

Finding Beautiful

Look at all the beautiful we found on our recent vaca to Pine Knoll Shores, despite having to leave early for Hurricane Earl:

Wyatt's first boat ride was a success:

A dinner cruise (literally),

complete with this amazing sunset:

Sugarloaf Island with our besties:

Early evening fun on the beach (ok, that means Heather trying to work in a photo shoot that infuriates the men!) Thanks to the Halls for a fantastic time, we love you!