Favorite Season

Fall is my absolute FAVORITE season.  I love the change from summer to fall, the crispness that becomes the atmosphere, the warm days and cool nights.  I love the smell of pumpkin pie, taste of fresh apples and the crunch of leaves under my feet.  I enjoy the solitude for getting back to a routine and the pride in watching my tribe mark new chapters in their lives.    But most of all............ I LOVE FOOTBALL and here's why!

The most beautiful cheerleader........................

 The most passionate players...............

and the CUTEST FANS!  (only one is mine, but they are both adorable and both fans!).

I am going to enjoy every moment of the next few months!

First Day of School

Every year as I anxiously anticipate the return to the school year routine, I also get just a slight bit emotional!  While the daily grind mom in me can not wait until they return to school and have a focus and a routine, the real mommy in me breaks a little more.  Each year is a new chapter in their lives.  Another step forward into their future and eventually adult-hood.  The first day of school every year reminds me that I am one year closer to having my babies leave the nest and walk on their own and I cry just a little.

This year was particularly hard for me.  My oldest began her 4 year stretch in High School, she has rounded third and is heading for home and it both scares me and fills my heart with pride.  So this year I just got a little teary eyed (until I got home).

My second child is almost to second base.  He entered 5th grade this year.  All maturity and insecurity.  He was not at all interested or pleased that I accompanied him to his room.  He barely tolerated me entering his room and seeing where he sits, and I respected that by taking just 1 picture!

My third child is sitting pretty at 1st this year in 3rd grade.  He was more than eager to let me into his room and even said, "Hey all.....my mom is here" (don't think that will last long) and neither will his safe plant on first base.

My baby, that was the other tear jerker!  She stepped up to the plate this year and hit her first home run!  She was so excited and so ambivilant about starting Kindergarten.  She held my hand, my leg and finally she let me go (didn't she know how much I wanted to stay?) .

Yep this morning I cried real good and real hard!  But I am also really happy to have a moment of peace to do so!!!

Happy 4th

I love the Fourth of July!  I love how patriotic we Americans become, how together we stand for just one day!

I love the smells of BBQ'a city wide firing up and cooking all day, the parades, the warmth and of course the FIREWORKS!  I mean who doesn't love a BIG BOOM!

I especially love though how excited the kids get!  They dress in RED, BLUE and WHITE by their own choice and design and they wave little hand held flags all around.  They sing the classic American songs like Proud to be an American and Star Spangled Banner, and this year added Katy Perry's Fireworks to their repertoire.

Happy Birthday American Independence!