Mesmerized

We spent a lot of time this weekend outside, enjoying the extraordinarily warm weather and the fall leaves.  Every fall, I'm reminded why this is my favorite season.  I love the colors, the clothes, the food, the activities...it just feels cozy to me.  I know its the season of dying and preparing for hibernation...but its a beautiful process.  And I'm glad God decided to make it that way.  We are enjoying every moment of the colorful leaves, hot soup with bread and light jackets.

Today is Elli's one year appointment (a little late, as usual).  I'm curious to see where she falls on the scale.  Annelise has always been below the average, 10% in weight and 30% in height.  I have a sneaking suspicion that Elli will be much above the average (especially since she and Annelise are practically sharing clothes right now).  We shall see.

So, we're doing our best to get up, get motivated, and accomplish much today.  Its not looking good though...its 10:30 and I'm enjoying a second cup of coffee in my pajamas, writing this blog, Annelise is enjoying Abby's Flying Fairy School on Sesame Street and Elli is sweetly sleeping in her crib. 

Oh well...we'll enjoy these moments.

Pumpkin Woopi Pies

'nuf said.

One Fall Day

Relying on Grace

The past few weeks have been a busy blur around our home.  Lots of school activities, work activities, church activities...just lots going on.  Isn't it so tempting during times like these to rely on our own strength - or to look for it in another person?  How unfair!  God is my only source of strength...in fact, nothing I do is apart from Him and His Grace!

So, I'm preaching this to myself today.  Another big work event tomorrow is keeping me on my toes and giving me lots of mommy guilt.  But, God is good, faithful and STRONG - and I'm asking Him to inject lots of grace into my life today.

Not Our Normal Friday

Not sure that I even know what normal is these days.  I can tell you its NOT being awake all night, just to have my kids wake up at 6 am. 

We're all a little cranky today.

Considering the circumstances, we would normally hunker down and rest, but I have a huge event at work tomorrow.  Like over 1,000 people kind of event.  So, alas, we will shower, pretty ourselves and get to work on all that needs to be done today. 

And yes, with the kids in tow.

What a Party!

 

Happy Birthday Elli!

Elliora Grace Neal was born one year ago today.  A planned c-section is a beautiful thing.  Within moments of going into the operating room, we were blessed with a big, beautiful baby girl.  Those first three months were a nightmare rough, but we made it through.  I wouldn't give her back for anything.  She is the sweetest baby, but displays a fiery personality.  Elli has added so much joy to our home.

Happy Birthday, Pickles!

One Year Ago

I was stressing about when my second baby was going to be born...and looking like this.

I really can't believe its been a year. 

And this weekend, we'll be celebrating Elliora's first birthday.  I have lots to do.

Oops...I have a blog?

My last post was regarding the start of our crazy life school.  And it appears all the busyness has kept me from remembering I have a blog - and more importantly - blog friends.  So, here's an update of our recent activities in photos.

Growing (in height, but not in width) required the purchase of lots of leggings and tunics.  This kid probably won't wear regular jeans for a long time.

Buddies.

 A quick day trip to Chicago with some of our great friends!

 Eating.  Always eating.

 Learning to say "cheese."

 Getting a new dresser and getting some fun wall art.

 Helping my parents open their second wireless store in Plainwell, Michigan.

 Spending time with Alayna, my niece.

Talking with Aunt Sarah on Skype - she now lives in West Virginia.  It was so cool to see her and even get a tour of her house - all through the computer!

 Apple picking (and peeling, and slicing and pie making...)

And best of all, being family (when we can).

Our First Day

Back to school...Matt started another year of early mornings, late nights, retreats, debates, mission trips and snow days...oh wait, maybe I shouldn't be mentioning those yet? He he.

And the girls are enjoying their first day at a new home for childcare.  I have a wonderful friend (who goes waaaay back to high school – we figured last week that we've been buds for over 15 years...yeah we're old) that has graciously offered to care for my children during the two days that I work each week.  She has three sweet ones of her own (yes, please say a prayer for her now) and she still wants to add to that with my two each week.  Annelise was giddy about going to her friends' home today, which makes a mommy's heart swoon.  I mean, if she can't be with me, she might as well be thrilled about who she is going to be with.

So, here we go.  I feel like the merry go round is just getting started.  We're doing ok for now, but come November I fear we might be spinning a little too fast, feeling a little queasy.  Alas, just in time for daddy to have two weeks of Christmas vacation.  You've got to love/hate the life of a teacher.

Happy Back to School Day for all you mommies...kiddos...and even some daddies!

Free Stuff

Ok, that's a joke.  I just couldn't think of a catchy title and honestly, who doesn't like free stuff?  So, now you've read at least two sentences of this blog post and are trapped.  Right?  I hope.  Cause it gets better.

Its another rainy day here and I'm not complaining.  Its 12:35, both kids are napping already and my house is clean.  Hm...what to do?  Blog, cook, laundry...I have a lot on the list. 

School starts tomorrow.  And the girls start going to a new sitter.  Lots of changes around here and we are anxiously awaiting them all.  Its going to be a fun year!

So, Matt is at school preparing for his first day.  And I'm thinking maybe I should whip up a batch of peanut butter cookies?

Oh and a cup of tea.  Sounds good to me!

Rainy Days

Its one of those rainy days today.  I'm enjoying it actually.  No rush to be anywhere; no pressure to enjoy the weather.  A good excuse to hunker down and get 'er done.

They're Married!

My last sister got married yesterday.  It was a beautiful day for a very fun wedding!  I stole these pictures from my cousin's facebook.  We were so busy with wedding stuff, I didn't get time to snap any on my own. 

 Sarah wore the dress my mom wore 30 years ago.  She was stunning!

 Annelise relished the task of flower girl.  She thought this was HER wedding.

 True to their personalities, Jasper and Sarah danced out of the ceremony as husband and wife.  Natalie Cole's "Everlasting Love" was the song of choice.

 Leah, Sarah's twin, cried the entire ceremony.  I couldn't help but cry, knowing the bond that they have as sisters.  I remember changing their diapers and now they are both married.

 Jasper is such a ham - a perfect match for Sarah!

The flower girls, anxiously awaiting their duties.  It was a long day for two little girls.

Staycation Week

Something about this smile is mischievous.  Would you agree?

Aspiring mechanic?

Well, I decided that a busy wedding week warranted a staycation.  So, I took the week off from work to enjoy the festivities, help a LOT, and give my kids some extra attention.  While I was bathing the girls this morning, Annelise said "Mommy, you're not going to work today.  You're staying home with me."  That's right!  She was so happy.

Matt is back to school full time, which means long days.  We kissed him goodbye yesterday at 8:00 and we didn't see him for another 12 hours.  Those are long days for my kiddos.  When he left for work this morning, Annelise cried. 

I don't know what we're going to do today and I love it!  Sarah's in-laws are here from South Carolina and we hope to show them around town.  Either way, it'll be nice to spend the week with my kids.  Looking forward to seeing lots of family and friends this weekend at the wedding!

Is It Monday Already?

We're gearing up for school to start and that means lots of laundry, cleaning, meal planning, schedule planning...

I'm starting to overwhelm myself.

And when you start preparing for something you dread look forward to, the weekends slip by oh so fast.

We tried our hardest to enjoy a few special treats, knowing that daddy is back to full days this week.  Actual school doesn't start for two more weeks, but there's lots of preparation that needs to happen before then.

Oh and did I mention we have a wedding this coming weekend?  Yup - the last one in my family.  My sister Sarah is gettin' hitched to Mr. Jasper Swaney from South Carolina.  They will be moving to Beaver, West Virginia.  No, I'm not kidding.  And yes, we're very excited for them!

Annelise has been a very big helper with the wedding errands.  So, as a reward, she picked out a Dora sticker book.  You see where those stickers are ending up...

 We found a new local favorite this weekend - Glorious Wings.  LOVE IT!

 We went garage saling and it was a total bust, minus this batter powered jeep for $6.  Too cute!