UGH

I just posted on the wrong blog....but it would take me far too long to retype it so I am just going to leave it:-)

Click here to read that one.

Happy Birthday KK Naz!

Here is what I do not understand about photo taking...how can his eyes look totally different colors? They look green in the top photo and blue in the bottom.

Strange.

Fall Fun and Turning Five

"Sit Still, Kayden!"

Jumping is so much more fun, mom!

Happy

For a while there, I really thought Facebook killed the blogger nation.

I am delighted and thrilled that all my favorite people are blogging again. Facebook is awesome, but I take great joy in reading about the ins and outs of daily life chronicled through blogging.

And I don't have to sort through Farmville, Cafe, or Mafia wars to do it!

Fashion

I admit I am a bit of a trend straddler.


Not comfortable in most of the junior section, yet not fully in the misses. The Pennington Division at JC Pennys, with the purple polyester blazers and plain cable knit sweaters, is not my style.


Josh gave me some much needed time out to shop for a few shirts this weekend, so I set out with the intent of buying something:


flattering
somewhat trendy
long sleeved
not black
not white
not gray
not neon
not flannel
not polyester or cable knit



Want to know what I found?

Oodles of leg warmer wearing teens, looking like Jennifer Beal wanna bes.

Don't get me wrong. I love the 80's. Nothing beats the music, and I certainly appreciate a color other than black.

However, I cannot find it to embrace the countless neon pants and off the shoulder tops. I even witnessed bejeweled bustier top, layered ruffle skirt, and lace tight outfits at every store I went to.

Just not practical for the car pool line. I left with zero new shirts and a sense that it is going to be hard to find clothes this season. I mean, other than the short sleeved neon top I need to go with my leg warmers:-)

Flashback

We love Apples

Nothing says fall like a trip to Robinettes Apple Orchard.

The yummy donuts, winding through the orchard on the covered wagon, or watching apples being pressed into cider.

I love fall.

Most years.

I am not trying to be a complainer, but I really do wish we had a little less rain this year. Being that this is the last glimpse of playing outside before the snow starts flying, it would be wonderful to actually enjoy the fall leaves and pumpkin patches that are traditions for the Bird family.

Sure, the bursts of red and orange hued leaves are glorious, but I want to rake them into a pile to frolic in without soaking my clothes. Hanging spiders from the trees outside just isn't the same in a rain coat and hat.

Two years ago, we had one last burst of warmth in October. Is it too much to wish for just a few 65 degree DRY days before winter arrives?

Got Blonde?

Easier.

Sending Kayden off to school was just, well, easier this year.

The classroom was the same, many classmates were the same, and daddy was still close by...

even the backpack hook was the same

Not having to be out the door at nine am has also been easier. After we partake in a healthy breakfast of Cocoa Puffs, take lengthy baths full of bubbles, and gather everything for preschool, and eat lunch, it is time to go.

We were again first to get Lansing, and even my snack choice was easier. Last year I did these; I opted for the easy bugles and cheese this time around.

Giving Lansing back was also easier than Tembo. Remember this?

Ah, yes. It is almost all easier the second time around.

Except, of course, the photo cooperation. That, my friends, is seriously lacking.

Exibit A


Coming out of school the first day

No more pictures, mom

Fall Decorations

The big old box of fall decorations came out this weekend. It hit me that when these come down, Christmas decorations go up.

Yikes.

One of my favorite decorations that I pull out every year are little orange pumpkin booties and a yellow Halloween blanket from when Kayden was in the hospital.

Every time I see them, I am reminded of the pure, completely crazy love when you see your baby for the first time. As Elizabeth Stone puts it, it is deciding to forever have your heart walk around outside your body. There is nothing like it.

As I was looking for these booties, I came across this picture, taken about five years ago. Good golly, I was a house!

and this one, on Halloween, at our house in Redlands.

Just strolling along memory lane, folks. Don't mind me!

YUP.

Yup, I know it has been over a month since the big camping trip.


I suppose I wanted some distance for an attitude adjustment.

Being that we have never camped, I never realized just how much stuff is needed for a few days away from home. From packing bowls and dishes to silverware and scissors to bug spray and sunscreen to sweatshirts, umbrellas, chairs, blankets, pillows...the list seemed never ending and really overwhelming. Post office box after post office box was loaded and set in front of the camper for inclusion. I am not sure I have ever emptied that much out of my house before.


Problems arose almost immediately. We went to go pick up the camper, and realized the hitch we bought did not work. We had no way to get the camper to our house for packing or to the campgrounds. Even setting up the awning proved difficult. We just could not get into a natural rhythm. With all the blue Meijer bags of "necessities" packed high on each surface, there just was no such provision for the inevitable: rain.

and more rain.

and cold weather.

I envisioned myself relaxing on a warm beach, not sitting underneath an awning with two kids playing in the dirt (since of course we forgot the green grass carpet). In all fairness, my expectations were probably too high from the start.

Upon our return home on Sunday, Josh and I were reviewing the week and both mumbling the entire afternoon that we hated camping. My actual words were, "Josh, I loathe camping." Worse yet, everywhere we looked was another load of laundry to do because campfires stink.


Removing myself for this last month has given me the clarity I sought, however. My favorite memories:

• Kayden riding his bike almost the entire time. Neither the rain or the cold weather bothered him; he loved following around the other kids and had a blast socializing.
• Playing cards on the night of arrival after everything was unpacked, with just trailer lights and stars illuminating the night.
• 10 kids on a dock fishing, half of them falling in, just makes for good memories.
• Nothing feels quite as good as a shower while camping.
• 17 small kids eating dinner together is heartwarming and memorable (and no small feat!).
• Being able to read an entire book while Bryce was napping.
• Playing cornhole with just the adults.
• Campfires at night without children made up for all the hard work.
• Oh, and there is just nothin' like a hobo pie. I love those things.

While I can't quite say Josh and I will be running right out to buy a trailer, we did have a great time with our small group and watching Kayden have so much fun.

A few pictures from our trip:

got allergies?

My day, in numbers

80: Acres of wetland, adjacent to the softball fields

3: Cups of coffee we asked Amber and Justin to go purchase, after the game

22: minutes it took to set up the surprise

12: roses

8: Balloons

5: Yards of Streamers

19: letters that will forever change her life

4: people with cameras, crouching at the ready

224: steps to reach "the spot"

One: Unforgettable Moment

Congrats Amber and Justin. We love you and are excited for this new journey!

A few more pictures from this happy day: