Feeling a lot of Love....

It is very hard to think about moving when the people around you are the very best people in the world. I have known this for quite some time. I have the best neighbors, many of whom have taken a part in raising me in one aspect or another, or at least in easing me into adulthood, probably without even realizing it. They have taught me a lot of "skills," they have talked me through a lot of issues, offered a lot of advice (mostly solicited), and sometimes they have put me in my place (but only when I have needed it). They watch out for the kids, and take care of our house when we travel. And they make you feel like a million bucks. I felt so much love on my birthday from all of the amazing women who surround me, and I will be forever grateful to them. But it is not just on my birthday that I feel their love, it is everyday. They are the best this world has to offer, and I am not sure that they can be replaced. The example they have shown me of love, friendship, and service is something that I will always treasure. Thank you ladies, for just being you. I love all of you, and I will miss you when we go. .......So, will you still come play with me when we move away? It is not that far. You can still see Timp - at least the tip of it. What do you think, are you up for the drive?

Happy Birthday to...

Me.

Happenings...

Today Reed and I were treated to a wonderful patriotic program at the local elementary school. The kids sang great songs, and the school provided us with amazing speakers - one of whom has been recently widowed - her husband was killed in Iraq. It was a touching program, and one that made us realize how lucky we are to enjoy the freedoms that we do.

In other news, some days our floor is so clean you could eat off it. Literally. Other days, not so much. No big news on the house hunting front, we are still waiting to hear on a building lot. Also, we just found out our bank is not offering construction loans, so that's good news. Hating the moving things right now - the packing, the cleaning, the denial, the lack of interest - all of it. Needing to kick it into gear.

Taylor is rocking the softball field this fall. You heard it here first. We finally talked her into giving softball a go. We knew the day we showed up to a game and the coach walked out and started putting bows in her hair that we were in a whole new dimension, but we are enjoying it. She says not as much as baseball, but it is something to do!
And let me introduce you to this years winner of the Miss Beautiful Smile pageant. She is a fiery fifth grader who loves candy, suckers, and anything sweet. She is motherly and compassionate, and is the recent recipient of a new retainer. Her braces are off, the head gear is now useless, and the tongue can't stop gliding over those pearly whites. Let's hear it for Miss Torey!!!!

Birthday Quiz....

Question #1: Who would be 245 years old today if they were a dog?

Question #2: Who is the equivalent of 7 x 5 today?

Question #3: Who is 70 years old divided by 2 - today?

Question #4: Who is in denial about the question to all three of the above questions?

Question #5: Who spit in my mouth when we were kids?

Question #6: Who is the "fun aunt" in our family?

If you answered my older sister, Niki, to any of the above questions, then congratulations you are correct!

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday dear Niiiiiii - Kiiiiii, Happy Birthday to YOU!

(See, even she is really excited about today!)

How to Make Friends and Influence People....

Tip #1 - When you want a boy to play with you, threaten to stab and kill them at recess. Hey, don't knock it till you've tried it. Needless to say, one little boy is home in "time-out" right now, but one little boy is feeling a little bit safer on the playground. Turns out this kid just wanted some one on one time with Jake, you know, away from his mantourage. If you are asking me, that sounded like a reasonable enough excuse to threaten my baby's very existence! What?!?!

Tip #2 - When the sweet little girl you have a crush on tells you that you are just a good friend, tell her you want to burp in her face. Because that is really classy, and not at all offensive. In fact the sheer boldness of this maneuver will hypnotize them into believing they are as in love with you as you are with them. Is this how it went Torey?

Good tips, each and every one. Let us know how they work for you.

Remembering...

Just took a little time today to remember where we were on September 11. We were awakened by a ringing phone and Reed's dad telling us to turn on the news. We were watching when the second plane hit. I watched it again today on MSNBC and took the time to remember what those days were like following the attacks. I was working on Reed's scrapbook this week, and looking at the pictures he took of the devastation, and I loved this quote from him, "I did experience the unbelievable destruction of Ground Zero and cannot begin to describe the magnitude of this, but through but through it all have come to realize that many good things have come to pass as a result of one tragic day in history. Freedoms have been recognized again and a restored sense of patriotism is felt nationwide." He also went on to comment that people seemed to treat each other better, and we were all concerned a little more about each other's welfare. I think in today's world we could do with a little more patriotism - (ie: Congress), and definitely a lot more kindness. Enough said for today....

How Does Your Garden Grow....

Quite well, thank you. This year we decided to get serious about gardening, and serious is all it took. Who knew that when you actually tried, you know, put forth a minimal effort, great rewards would be reaped. We feel very blessed to be able to reap a bountiful harvest from our own dirt. Jake insisted we grow cucumbers this year, and boy howdy, have we grown some cucumbers. They are delicious, but we have had to donate some to the neighborhood farmers market as we have them coming out of our ears. The tomatoes are just greening up now, and I have had to take some time off cleaning and organizing to do some canning. We have canned peaches, peach jam, and salsa so far, but I am thinking pizza sauce, stewed tomatoes, and carrots are in my future. I should be getting a house ready to show, but I can't bear to see all of that produce go to waste, so the house will wait, I guess. Still not quite sure what we are doing on that front. We're thinking of building now. We better hurry up and decide. Or not...