Sneak Peak...

No...we didn't have trick-or-treat early this year...just wanted to give those halloween costumes a test run. And of course...I had my camera close by.  Easton is going to be "Spot"...a Dalmatian Puppy and Lilee will be...what else?...The Little Mermaid.  She even wants to sleep in that Ariel costume.  

I never get tired of taking pictures of my family...especially the little ones!  Just can't keep those special little moments to myself...have to share them with all that love seeing "Baby E and Lilee moments".  I know it puts a smile on all your faces.  It only takes a few minutes of my day, so I figured...if I can make someone's day a little brighter by posting the moments that I cherish...it's worth those few minutes.
...and can you ever really spend too much time making anothers day better?...nope!
Uggghhhh....These two melt my heart!

Click on the SmileBox below to see two new video's of Baby E. Once it's open, you'll need to give it a few minutes to load both videos. Don't forget to stop the music that's playing at the bottom of this blog.

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Our Little Pumpkins...

Me and my girl, Nana and Papa, MiMi, and Baby E...all together...enjoying MiMi's (aka...Easton's mommy...but Lilee calls her MiMi) ...all together enjoying her day off.

We spent a few hours at The Farmers Market...eating lunch and strolling by the beautiful fall flowers and pumpkins.  Finished up at Nana and Papa's house.  Easton had a power nap...Lilee had a snack...then outside to soak up the fabulous fall weather...(anything to instigate a reason to snap a few pics!)

We are soooooo ready for fall...

Reasons Behind My Smiles...

Lilee has many favorite movies...The Little Mermaid is the most recent. She says she wishes she had a mermaid tail so she could swim in the sea.  Remember how great it was to be a little girl...

This is the stuff I love...just one of the many reasons behind my smiles.


(Be sure to stop the music playing at the bottom of this blog before clicking play.)

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Take a closer look...

Have you ever thought you knew someone...but really didn't know them at all?
There is an image of humanity that is idealistic, but not very realistic.  That image shows a perfectly composed individual---always smiling, one who never speaks harshly, and one who is without frustration.
Sometimes my thoughts are crowded with impatience and anger...consequently invading my actions and attitudes.  
Yes...I'll admit it...
 I loose my temper.  I speak what's on my mind.  I am too often overly opinionated...quick to react (or should I say over-react)...too quick to go toe-to-toe and fight...these are some of my worst times, and I get upset with myself each time one of these moments occur...
...but...
...must that always be how I am identified?  Is that all that anyone ever see's?
The reason behind some of these "trade mark" characterics...some of them I know...some I do not.  One thing I do know is this.............this is not what I want to be known as.
Why can a person who's quiet, non-confrontational, never opinionated, and afraid of what others think...be seen as sweet and kind.  But take a person who's not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, who refuses to allow anyone to run over them, someone that never runs from the truth...even if it hurts...they are seen as cold and insensitive.  I don't know how to be both.  I wish I did...then maybe others would see more than just the outer layer.  More than just the first impression.   

To those who's feelings I have ever hurt because I've spoken too abruptly...I am truely sorry.
To those that have been afraid to come to me with there own opinions, in fear of how I would react...I am tuely sorry.
To those that have ever felt uncomfortable because of something I've said...I am truely sorry.
And to those who know me best...I'm trying to realize the worst...and change them. Sometimes I struggle, sometimes I fail. Just know that I'm working on it, please be patient with me.

Each day, I ask God to direct my steps...I guess I need to start asking him to help me think before I speak. To put words of kindness in my mouth.  And to teach me how to allow others to truely see my heart...not just the outer shell.

Just because...

*****Be sure to pause the music playing at the bottom of the screen before clicking play. May take a few minutes to upload.

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One Milestone Down...

Lilee loved her first day. I guess all the fun wore her little butt out. When I picked her up, she said..."mommy, I want to go home and get in my comfee's (aka...her pj's), and watch my shows in your bed. I'm really tired!"..........and it was only 1:00!

This coming from a child that never stops...I knew she was totally pooped. All in all, she had a great day...and mine got MUCH better once I got to pick her up.

We can now mark off "the first day of preschool" on the list of milestones...

(****Click on the pic below to see the rest of "Lilee's 1st Day")

1st day of preschool

I Survived Preschool...

Just dropped her off...

...hoping to redirect my focus and suppress my uneasiness.

The crying...the letting go...the separation anxiety... No, I'm not referring to my 3 year old...unfortunantly I'm referring to myself. This is definitely the hard stuff. And to make matters worse, the unsolicited advice I've recently recieved is this...

"Oh, don't worry, it'll get easier".

My response to that..."Wow. That was helpful." I really think I might flip out on the next person who says that. MY advice is this...Someone should start a crazy parent's workshop...the topic...

"What to do when your 3 year old handles separation anxiety better than you."

Now that I've gotten through the the first day...I guess I can now say....I survived preschool. Wheeeew...I sure hope this gets easier.

(*****pics of her first day, soon to come.)