Sigh

Oh how I miss...

Amber's warm embrace

inviting kitchen

and ever cheerful cheer...

Michelle's love of life

fancy free, fly by the seat of her pants

way to be

...and oh, her love of desserts and all

things sweet, chocolatey, bready,

and delicious.

Gretchen's unbeatable smile,

clever solutions to any odd bump

in the road, and

endless smootches.

Di's generosity,

kind open ears, and

always showing up with a yummy.

Carla's grace and

eloquence, the magic

she sprinkles all around her.

Oh my Texas sisters, I miss you so.

The hole in my heart weeps for you.

I think of you often with love and

remember all the good times with

great fondness....

Heavenly Fall

I can't help but post picture after picture of my surroundings. I am so grateful to be here. To breathe this air. To witness the sunrise morning after morning. To hear the gravel under my feet, the leaves rustle on the wind. I forgot how connected I was to the physical world around me when I was in Texas...I knew it was missing, but I embraced where I was. Now that I am back, I am not taking a single breath or sight for granted. And, in classic me-fashion, I have to share it.

This morning it was raining, but the moment I went outside for a walk, the clouds cleared and this was my wallpaper.
Liam had the great privilege of having his uncle Chuckie take him out to the bus on Tuesday morning. It was PJ-day and you can tell that Liam was psyched!
Aaaahhhh, can you imagine a more beautiful sight????









Every day I am in love with my home.

The Pumpkin Carving Reunion Party - AT LAST

The festivities actually began last week with apple and pumpkin picking with friends.

The festivities lasted all week while we prepared. Decorating is sort of a way of life at our house.
And FINALLY, the Pumpkin Party.

The new additions this year:

- Pumpkin Rolling Races - were a huge hit with the young crowd.

-"The Emerald Pumpkin" a new award...with no true criteria yet, but still fun to give out.

The biggest difference between last night's party and the ones of the past was the amount of kids. Years ago we'd have the occasional nursing infant, but this year we had loads of kids. It was different, but still amazing. We still managed to have music and merriment and stay up too late. The pictures speak for themselves.

Here's little Sean K. He was pretty excited about attending his first pumpkin party.

Leah, Luke, and Liam underneath Chuckie's totally amazing and awesome jack-o'lantern scarecrow.
Skyler and Finn - he actually called her "Sky-sky"!
The pumpkin rolling races were definitely big fun!
Sara and Calvin

Lukas

The pumpkins in display.
Pumpkins in the dark.
The garage all cozy and set up for music fun.

All I can say is, it's good to be back! Hope to see you next year.