A Beautiful Fall Day

Our afternoon in photos...

John trimming the trees:

My favorite drink---a Chik-Fil-A unsweetened iced tea with extra lemon:

Lily reading her book with Bella: Shelly posing: Shelly enjoying the leaves: Shelly jumping for joy because the rain has stopped: Lily constantly fixing her hair: Lily chatting: Lily practicing her amazing cartwheel:

John practicing something golf related:

Thank You

Today at the girls' school they celebrated Veterans Day (they were off of school yesterday) with a beautiful musical program. Each grade sang for the veterans who were there at the school. It brought tears to my eyes to watch the combination of the children and the older men they were honoring. Although this is a day late, I want to say Thank You to all of the men and women who so selflessly serve and protect our country. And a special thanks to my dad and my brother-in-law who are both former military men.

Up, Up, and Away

On Saturday morning at about 7:15, Shelly excitedly woke me up to let me know that I had to look out the window. So, groggily, I got out of bed and looked out our window and right in front of my eyes was this huge balloon. No joke it was flying right by the window at that moment. The photos of it were taken a few minutes later as it sailed down the street. Very cool. And strangely enough we saw a balloon like this one chilly November morning about 3 years ago.

Faking It?

My blog may appear to be moving forward with life these days, but I must admit I am simply trying to fake it. Each and every day I continue to miss my mother. I think of so many things I want to talk to her about. So many areas of my life where I want and need her advice. And so many times my heart just aches to be near her. 

So, I thought I would simply make a rambling list of things I would talk to her about, ask her, or just say.

• Shelly is doing better at school. What did you do to make things better for me when I was little and would cry at school?
• I was in Old Navy the other day and found the cutest plaid dress. I think I might wear it at Thanksgiving.
• It is strange to be back in a classroom and substituting. What was it like when you were subbing in Alaska?
• Can you believe we were in a car accident with a deer?
• I struggle to want to socialize with others. I try to for the girls' sake, but it is very difficult for me to act happy when I am just really missing you, mom.
• Lily got her hair cut today. I think it looks cute and she will be happy with it.
• What do you think of the new season of Grey's Anatomy? Not so sure I am liking it.
• I am so thankful for our family, for John's family, and for the people who know us so well.
• I am so sad about the death of Lily's friend's aunt. It has been a tough year.
• I wish I could hold your hand. If I close my eyes, I can feel your super soft skin and see your pretty nails. I miss feeling your hands.
• Did you know the Christmas stuff is out in the stores at Target?

Mom and Lin at my high school graduation in 1984:

Just some of the things I am constantly thinking about. The things that make me stop in my tracks in disbelief.  The things that make me cry when I am in my car alone. I just miss her so much.

Chucks

I found a great deal on a cute pair of Converse tenny shoes yesterday. So, I wore them today and took a photo of them while I waited in John's car. Just thought I'd share them with you. Oh, and they are in my favorite color combo---pink and black!

Pray

Saying prayers for two families at our girls' school. They are both dealing with so much pain and loss. I pray that God is with them.

A Haunting Halloween

Last night we got very lucky with the weather. The rains waited and didn't begin until we had one trick or treat house to go. We were thankful.

Our evening began at the annual Halloween get together in the 'hood. I made this Paula Deen snake to take with us. Unfortunately, I only have this uncooked photo of him. I didn't eat any of it, but I heard it was very tasty. Lily wanted to be a somewhat scary, yet pretty vampire. I think she achieved that look. Shelly was a cute little cheerleader who had her pose down perfectly. John had a leaf taped to his hat and was a leaf blower and I was a devil. IIt was a perfectly spooktacular Halloween. (Ok, I am now done with the way too many plays on words).