Isn't fall wonderful? Even if we do have to layer in the morning because of the afternoon heat, I still say this is the best season of all. Just moments ago I was standing at the kitchen sink to load the dishwasher and I found myself distracted. I just couldn't help but stare out of the window that looks out over the the tree grove in the left of our property. Little red and yellow leaves were twittering down with each breeze. Just beautiful!

Helen and Markus played outside climbing trees this week after school. She is getting so big. Every time I blink I think she's grown up some more. This poor mother's heart wants to tell them both to slow down! :)

Our week has been full of homework, cooking, gymnastics, workouts, reading, and playdates.

Helen wore a gift from Aunt Jackie this week. She's knows I have a "Janie & Jack" habit. I adore this lavender sweater and top. Helen let me snap a photo of her before we left for school. I know Aunt Jackie will like to see her in it. :)

Markus must have been inspired by Halloween this past week. He pulled out last years costume and begged me to dress him in the dragon. What's funny is he is so much taller than he was last year that now his booty hangs out between the top and the pants. I told him he was too big for it but he just roared at me :)

Markus and Helen have tried every afternoon to recreate the sheet tent that Chad made in the hallway this weekend.

Helen has been working hard every night in preperation for a test on Friday. It amazes me what that little mind will hold. Yesterday I rewarded her with a new DS lite game. We played Tinkerbell until very late last night.

Markus has been taking naps, forced naps I should say, in the afternoons again. He just can't keep a happy attitude unless he's had a nap. The only problem with that is that he won't go to bed at 7. Two nights ago he ended up in my room so that I could keep telling him to be still until he dozed off. He warmed my heart so many times because he kept creeping over to my side of the bed saying, "Momma I luvs you." Aw!

I've hardly had a moment to think about my upcoming weekend away. I've got to take the time this afternoon to empty the ironing basket and pack myself. I'm hoping to sneak off with one of Chad's laptops too. Maybe I'll be able to post about my trip before I even get home.

On Wednesday Helen invited some friends home from school.

We played top model, tea party, vistited Tico outside, made sundae's with chocolate syrup and sprinkles, and then finished by painting groovy girls.

The girls rode with us to gymnastics. I finally got some pictures of Helen doing her backbend kickover. I'm so proud of her success. She's tried very hard all spring and summer and it's paying off now. She's getting more confident and I can see it at class time.

Tonight we are making red beans and rice and then playing dominoe's as a family. This is something new we started this week and all of us look forward to this game time/ family time every night. On that note I better scoot. There is a lot to do before I go get Helen.

Erin

LLH #6

Love:

Being twinkies with Mallory across the miles :)

Dark cabinets - makes me think they are clean.

looking forward to a fun filled weekend.

Having the laundry done before Monday.

Getting back into my workout groove.

Fall color. The yard is gorgeous right now.

Laugh:

Helen telling me I should wear more costumes because I look fabulous.

Markus telling me he is mad and crossing his arms over his chest.

Markus telling me the car needs a wash.

Tico jumping on the door all weekend around meal time. The dog has a sixth sense for when food is being prepared.

Hate:

Kitchen cabinet clean out day. I am in organizing mode.

Chad's boots tracking dirt on my clean floors.

Overpriced shipping on Ebay.

Happy week y'all,

Erin

Happy Halloween!

This week with it's slower pace was a much needed relief. I have caught myself back up on computer work, photography, and household things. I even scrapbooked during the week!

Tonight I was compiling photos for this post and I ran across some that I had not seen yet. So here are a few from our trip to Marmies a few weeks back. Always good times :)

Marmie's House

Helen and Brett chilling in the living room watching a Disney movie. I love that he's 14 but not too cool to hang out with Helen.

I know you are thinking " What is this picture of?" Well it has meaning for me. This is the 'mess' that lines the side of mom's guest bedroom closet when I come to stay. I just love it because when I see it I know where we were and that we were having a great time.

How many times is daddy sitting here in this very posture chatting with me online via email or skype? Too many thankfully. I snapped this photo to remember that he and I share a very special bond.

One costume for Helen was simply not enough this year. In the words of Fancy Nancy, "We can't be redundant Momma!"

She used big words on me and got her way. Here is Helen in all her 'Flamenco Dancer' glory lol.

Class Party

I was so pleased to help with Helen's class party on Friday morning. Chris was our main hostess and she put something together straight out of Southern Living. It was fabulous. The kids loved the cookies, the jars of bubble gum, and the pumpkin painting.

I don't know if I posted this yet. I think I did on FB and not here. Anyway, this is Helen's Christmas portrait. I have an order ready for a 20x24 canvas. I can't wait to 'treat' myself to that for Christmas. I know just what wall to put it on.

Soccer is over! I know I should try to mask some of my happiness, but oh well. Soccer was great but it came at a horribly busy time of year. We'll think about doing it next year if the month available is better for our schedule.

Tonight

Helen conned me into dressing up with her. She's begged for years. She even mentioned Miss Adele and how she came one year as a clown. I can handle the embarrassment of dressing out for Halloween after at least 20 years because I know I'm making a wonderful memory for her. How many Halloween will I have left with her where she not only wants me to go along with her for trick or treating but gets happy about me getting into costume as well? Not many I'm sure and for that reason we got all dolled up together tonight. She was tickled at my get up. I went as the Queen of Hearts. :)

Friday after hosting the class party, getting groceries, and taking Markus to play I whipped up a little cake for the festive weekend. Fast and cute are my favorite dessert.

I took a little coffee break between the party and grocery shopping on Friday by stepping into the Beehive. I got two books and I'm excited to start them just as soon as I finish the two I'm in the middle of reading. Leigh says I will love the host. She says I'll get half way through it and want to say, "Darn you Stephanie Meyer you made me love the alien!" Lol!

3rd Annual Pumpkin Painting & Hayride Halloween party

Helen, Markus, and I enjoyed my friend Julieann's hospitality on Thursday at her annual Halloween party. Helen thought the party rocked lol. She got her face painted, took her time turning her pumpkin into a masterpiece, and then took a hay ride to top it all off. We really enjoyed ourselves because this was a party where the hostess put a lot of thought into the whole event and it showed. We had so much fun!

Helen made a polka dot owl pumpkin.

Painted sweet cheeks.

Markus pouting on top of the swing set.

My Halloween Cookies

This was my part to contribute for the class party. I looked up some owl cookies online and took inspiration from there. I used bakery snicker doodles so I wouldn't have to worry with cooking. I am a notoriously bad cook as I have mentioned before :) I made owls, spider webs, and monogram cookies. Yum!

-Erin