Life...

My neighbor was sharing with me that she just finished reading a book called "last light." It is a Christian based book, about everything electical just stops after a "pulse". No lights, water, cars, delieveries. Neighbors start looting, killing one another, and some finally regroup and tear up manicured lawns to plant food, help one another with raising children, become a community. She said it really disturbed her...but left her with some insight. I am someone who knows most my neighbors, but do I "really" know them. Could I help them if they needed me? Could I give of myself and my home to my fellow neighbor? Yes, I do think I would, and could, but not always am I as intouch with those around me as I should be. We have been very supportive of our neighbor who is going through a divorce and losing her home. We brought her to church with us, and check on her regularly. Our other single lady neighbor on the other side, also attends the same church, and we do little things for her as well. I guess just really thinking about what you would do if you had no one but your neighborhood....really opens your eyes and you hearts to those on the other side of your fence. Just a thought..........

Happy Birthday Dad!

Well, okay not the best picture...but apparently I need to take more of you! Today my Dad turns one year older...and he still looks in his 40's if you ask almost anyone. I want to thank you Dad for being there...I could count on you to be a "level-headed" parent. ( no offense MOM!) If there was something we really wanted to do, and Mom said "no" you'd let us present our evidence...and usually you said it was fine...I remember you doing alot of fun things with us when Ben & I were kids. You are the best imitator out there...I can't even think of all the good ones you can do! You kept us busy, and active as kids..and always pushed us to be close to one another, something I know you felt you might not have had with your brother and sister. You are sensitive, which is such an amazing quality in a man, and I had no idea how lucky I was to have a Father that wasn't afraid to cry. Thank you for passing on your gene of "must-have-coffee" to me! It's funny that you are a chauvenist in many ways...but you raised me to be strong, and have values and morals that I could believe in. I even remember an argument when I was about 7. I had homework that we were supposed to say what a girl does, what a boy does, and what they both do (that would never happen in today's politically correct world.) I put that girls or boys could propose marriage. You were so mad. You argued with me, but I didn't change my answer. That's how alot of our arguments end. We agree to disagree. And that's a good skill to learn. You can still love a person even if you don't see eye to eye on everything. Thanks for always making me laugh when I was REALLY angry at you, but most of all....thank you for loving me. I love you, Dad.

Wednesdays

Because of our schedules, I work every Wednesday...it is Kevin's "Kelly Day" which means he always has it off. It also means I miss EVERY soccer game. But, Kevin is out of town, and I had to take the day off! Whew! It was crazy. We started the morning with a pumpkin patch trip with Gavin's class, home, snack, Papa W. came over, and then Nana B. came over, we headed to Red Robin for a late lunch/early dinner, then Ian's game, then Gavin's game, bath, dinner, and bed soon! Ian had a great game, and was goalie for at least 10 min. He loved it. He was not afraid of the ball, and had about 5 saves...a goal or 2 slipped by ...but they were up by 6. It was an awesome experience for him. He was dancing in the goal box! I can't believe how much Kindergarten is changing him! He is so proud. And Gavin, started playing stopper tonight. He was growling, and booting that ball like no other 4 year old out there. It was cute, but he's kindof a bull...and so whenever anyone cries, I have to look around and ask: "did Gavin do it?" Anyway...I had a blast, and have really enjoyed this week with them. It has been overwhelming at times...like climbing over the booths at Red Robin, and biting my rear at the game..but all in all...they are my boys...and I just LOVE THEM!

Fall

Fall is certainly not my favorite part of the year, infact I think it is my least favorite season of all. You all know I am a summer girl, and the thought of all in the impending clouds and rain is extremely depressing. Although this year, it is looking better for me. I have decided to take it in stride and go with the flow. Here's a few things I've done to help me "cope" with fall:
1. making fall foods (popcorn balls, pumpkin cupcakes, and using fall sprinkles on sweets!)
2. got the boys Halloween costumes early-so they could dress up and play :) so cute!
3. working on house stuff-perfect time to paint and redecorate our bedroom
4. buying new jeans and sweaters...shopping always makes me happy!:) Thanks Mom!
5. soccer...games & practice, are so much fun to watch! Game tomorrow! Yeah!
6. pumpkin patch-heading there tomorrow with Gavin's class! I'll post pictures.
7. planning our winter...ski, ski, ski!!! We are already, with the exception of Gavin. But, we are heading to REI for him next week!
8. planning our spring vacation with the Wilson family! YEAH! Looking forward to sunshine....but yikes! that means swimsuits too! Off to the gym I go!!!!

We miss you....

Nearly 4 months ago, we said goodbye to our friend, companion, protector, and loved one...our dog Czar. Though we don't cry everyday anymore, the pain over his loss is unmeasurable. I haven't been able to post a blog about him until today, and not because I feel good writing about him....but because I need to. I miss him dearly. Ian began sobbing in the car this morning about him, and we talk about him daily. I am glad I got to share my life with him, but losing him has broken my heart. We miss you our BIG snowball!!

Are we ready for candy or what?

My Crazy Life!

I've been out of touch for awhile...but thats a good thing. Kevin and I spent 5 days off last week with the boys...our schedules never allow that! We had a great time, we organized our playroom...making room for up and coming Christmas toys, and the boys are learning the art of giving, which to both Kevin and I is the MOST important thing we can teach our sons. Giving to others is a fundamental part of who both of us are, we are different in so many ways, but our core values are very much the same. We are teaching the boys that giving is so important because so many people do not have what we have. We are truly blessed, and we know it. Kevin also put in a garage sink...YEAH! And he joined our Home Owner's Assoc...which has some craziness attached to it, but he's ready to join and help fix things that need work, mostly attitudes! Anyway, I am off to work for another day....we were nuts yesterday, so I look forward to more of the same. Especially since I got a call at 11:30 am to see if I could come in 2.5 hours early to help....a 15 hour day, with a 1/2 hour lunch....I might be crazy, but not that crazy!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Everyone reading this blog, either knows my Mom, or should. She has been there from the beginning...literally...& remains there for me today. I have become who I am because of my Mom and her love for me. I love my Mom, because she has always been there for me...and I'm sure in the back of her mind there were plenty of times she could imagine my outcome, but she still let me try it. She NEVER let me quit, anything, and I know that is why I have persevered throughout my life trials. I have never quit anything. Life has not been easy for my Mom, in fact, my birth almost killed both of us, but she never gave up. Thank you Mom, for loving me everyday...and letting me know it. I can only hope that my children will love me as much as I love you. Thank you for your encouragement, support, and understanding...even during my teens. Your genetic material is obviously imprinted on me...I swear everyday I look more like you! But, it is your kind, compassionate, loving spirit that I look to and admire everyday. I love you. Happy Birthday Mom!

Nana: We love you! And all the suckers you give us are awesome! Ian & Gavin.

We started!

Today, we officially started Christmas shopping for the boys! It was so fun, I can't say what we got, because Ian can read! But, it is really cool, and we found what we are going to get Gavin. For those who knew about Gavin's rough week, he ended on Friday with a high note in Preschool. Mrs. Lattanzi said he had a great day! Legos are a big hit around here, and we've run out of "spaceship wings" so the boys got 2 new Star Wars lego sets, small ones with more wings! We are looking forward to Christmas this year...Kevin's Kelly week is that week, so he's off Sun-Sat, and I'm off both Christmas eve and Day...we are so excited about the next few months getting ready for the day! I'll post some Halloween pictures in their costumes later, but we are counting down for Christmas....ALREADY!!