Say Cheese...

I love how deceptive a photo can be. Moments before this picture was taken we were all rushing to get our act together to get out the door to go to church. In the mists of getting us all ready and getting our stuff together my children were not getting along. Andrew wanted to play with Megan and she wanted to sit patiently and not mess up her hair. My children are night and day it is interesting how they mix and don't mix at times. I do love to capture their cuteness whenever I can.

Disney on Ice

We got this flyer in the mail for Disney on Ice and thought it sounded like a fun family adventure. So we purchased tickets and took the kids

We picked Jeff up from work, had a bite to eat, and then headed off to the show. The kids were super excited or I should say Megan was excited and Andrew was just along for the ride. He is pretty much game for anything as long as he gets a toy or is entertained.

The show opened with Mickey and Minnie driving out. As soon as the action started both kids were glued to the arena. Megan was really into the story lines and Andrew got a bit fidgety at times but was really good. We got to see Cars, the Little Mermaid, the Lion King, and Tinker Bell. There was a little mini story about each and action on the ice.

When the cars rolled out Andrew recognized them and was into what he saw but since they just drove around he lost interest quick. Not much action to keep his attention. It was cute to see the characters.

The Little Mermaid played all the good songs that had us all singing along and rockin' out. Megan loved this part as it is one of her favorite princesses.

The Lion King was next and this was Andrew's favorite part of the night. He loved all the animals and fast action on the ice.

They had some really great props and cool skating that kept it all moving and fun. Andrew didn't move much during this whole part of the night as he was really into it.

Last came the Tinker Bell story. Jeff and I aren't really familiar with the story line but it was cute. I'd have to say not as cute as the Little Mermaid but Megan thought it was awesome. She recognized all the fairies and was so excited when she saw Silvermist. It was what she got to be for Halloween so she had a special connection to her.

Those little fairies were skating so fast it was hard to get a really good shot but they were really cute. I loved hearing Megan call out their names as they came out to the arena. I was impressed on her fairy knowledge.

The show ended with all the characters back out on the ice and Mickey and Minnie saying good night.

It was something totally different for our family to get to do and I think we all had a good time. The next morning the kids were both talking about their favorite parts so I know it was fun for them. I love to hear them talk about the things we get to do it brings a smile to my face.

Tears, Laughter, Hurt, and Healing

Another year has past and another Normandy Ladies gathering complete. As I reflect back on this year I wish I could sum up the experience but sometimes you just have to be there to fully understand. This year was a bit more difficult than previous years. We ended up digging up the past and exploring some old wounds among other things. I hope that what was shared brought healing and a different perspective to things. As I've been home I find myself still digesting what happened and just when I think I've got things figured out more thoughts and feelings surface. At this point I'm just trying to see the good and the growth to be made. I have a whole new understanding in looking at things through someone else's eyes and accepting how they see things. I have a greater love for my children and I was refreshed to come home to their innocence and blind love. It felt good to have the love of my family and their acceptance of me and my fault. It has been an interesting year that will take me another full year to comprehend. My main goal is to have the closure and growth which I think I have an understanding of. Let's hope next year has a lot more laughter and fun.

Alex's trip

During my recent trip to California I was able to go to my nephew Alex's Baptism. I was so glad that the timing worked out perfect for me to be able to go. It was nice to see my family again and be there for this special occasion. It amazes me each time I get to see these kids how much they grow. Alex was a cute little gentleman and it looked like he loved having his special day.

School Pics

School pictures are here!! Megan's 2nd grade picture and Andrew's kindergarten picture. It is hard to believe these are my little babies.

We worked really hard getting them all ready for their pictures. Both were very excited when they got to bring them home. I've got a bit of a critical eye when I look at them but really I still think I've got cute kids!!

trick or treat family style

We switched it up a bit this year and decided to go and spend our Halloween with family. We headed out to Aunt Tammy's house around 3:30pm and we were all very excited to go out trick or treating in a new fun area with Tammy, Cameron, Alayna, and Austin.

We got to trick or treat in the downtown area near Tammy's house. The stores down there go all out. There was a huge crowd but it was so much fun. We just took a nice casual stroll down the street and stopped when we found a store giving out candy. Alayna was the expert and showed our two little ones the ropes. We had a little rain in the beginning and had to try and juggle umbrellas but it didn't stop our group one bit. We got some cool things like mini donuts, movie theater popcorn, apple cider, candy and more. We even got to explore a mini haunted house that they had set up. It was a really cool event and Megan thought it was the funnest Halloween ever.

After filling up our bags with candy my two little ones were getting a bit tired of all the walking so we called it done for the night. We headed over to a McDonald's for some hot happy meals to warm us up and fill our tummies. We got to eat and chat and just enjoy being together.


We ended our night with a quick visit to Great Grandma and Grandpa's house. They had candy for us all as well. It was really nice to see them and visit. We are all looking forward to getting together for Thanksgiving in just a few short weeks. We had a really great time all around and are so glad we got invited to go. It was really a Happy Halloween for my little family.

My Two Little Creatures

This year for Halloween Megan asked to be a fairy. What she really wanted was Tinkerbell but those costumes are so short and small we were having a difficult time so she settle for Silvermist. She is part of the Tinkerbell family and Megan loved the costume. She was actually very happy and excited when she tried it on was glad to be Silvermist. Andrew is Spiderman part 2. This will be his second year in a row as Spiderman. There is just something exciting about climbing walls and being a super hero that he loves. Maybe next year we'll get to try something new.

The kids got to get all dressed up as a pre-Halloween bash at their school. It is Harvest Carnival time and the kids couldn't wait to see their friends and have some fun. I got them all dressed and ready to go as soon as Jeff got home he changed out of his work clothes and we loaded up to go.

The gym was packed with families and games galore. It was a buzz with kids playing and greeting each other. They played pretty much every game there was. Andrew has a really good aim and was able to knock down almost all 3 targets with one throw at one booth. Megan not so good at the aim but driven to do better on a second try. She studies her targets and tries really hard.

The only rough part we had was when it came time to select toys. After each game they had a little display table to choose from and it would be divided in sections depending on how well you played the game. Andrew didn't much care for this method as he wanted what he liked and didn't care what side of the line the prize was on. With one little melt down for not getting the prize he wanted all else went really well. Both kids had huge grins and loved seeing all and playing. I've been informed that they are ready for the main event coming in a few days. Halloween is just so much fun when you get to dress up and get candy. We've already been enjoying the season so much and still have more to come.