Day 2

Self portrait.

It's baaaaacckk: Photo challenge month

Just because y'all loved it last year (actually it really helped me get out of my slump), I'm bringing back the October photo challenge! With all new challenges and quotes and maybe a little somethin' extra to get everyone's creative juices running. It's fall, it's time...

Day 1: Anything goes

My favorite fall time tea. It had such a warm and inviting smell and with 0 calories, woohoo!

"Allow the heart to empty itself of all turmoil! Retrieve the utter tranquility of the mind from which you issued. 

Although all forms are dynamic, and we all grow and transform, each of us is compelled to return to our root. Our root is quietude."

-Lao Tzu

the big 5

On Monday, we celebrated the not so little girl, turning the big "5".

As most of you know, this time of year holds a special place in my heart because my mom and brother's birthday is also on the same day. We were fortunate to have my mama in town so we could celebrate with her too. We had a great time!

Happy Birthday Miss Katelynn.

We love you so very much.

You are so smart.

So unbelievable funny (just like your brother).

he was simply adorable...he wanted to help make his sister's cake :)

You are such a special little, ah-hem, I mean big girl. Wait a minute, to me you will always be my little girl.

I can't wait to see what you will do in this world. You are such a presence to us all. You know no stranger.

You will move mountains and you will sail the seas.

But for now, you are ours. We love watching you grow. Learning more about you and the little person you are becoming.

We were so glad you enjoyed your day...

Make a wish...

Happy Birthday Mom, Kevin and Tony too...we love you all and celebrate another wonderful year.

And as if we didn't have enough laughs and fun, we had to have our best friend over for a sleep over. Matching pajama's? My sleep overs weren't this cool :)

Good night y'all.

a friendly weekend

We had the wonderful opportunity to have house guests this week from Kansas. Josh and Sasha flew in to spend some time with us. We were thrilled to be able to show them our little piece of the world!

Sunday we went up into the mountains...ah, we love the cool mountain air. But by far, the best part...the scenery.

We also ran into this guy...aka "mountain man"

just the girls

We had a great time, and didn't even feel that sore the next day. Um, yeah right.

This week we have been getting into the groove of things. The kids are having fun outdoors as the temperatures are starting to get a little cooler, and they are in the middle of soccer season.

Katelynn is still not quite convinced soccer is her thing.

Caleb, however, is loving it!!

Have a great week y'all!

spa night

Let me just start this by saying, this will the first of many nights like this. Girl time, and even better mama-daughter time. I hope this is something that will be a ritual for her and I for years and years.

I. Loved. Every. Minute.

Add a little polish, a little sea scrub, a movie (Barbie and the Diamond Castle was a must), and all of our special animal "girl" friends.

"Dog" quickly turned into a girl for this occasion.

We giggled, we talked and had a lot of memorable moments.

She said I had to take a picture of Dog's polished nails too.

And no spa night is complete without chocolate, can I get a "uh huh thas right"?

My most favorite moment of spa night? Seeing this face light up. And another activity on our "check list" was to tell happy secrets. You know what her sweet, little voice whispered in my ear?

"Mommy, I love you very much."

I'm in heaven.

And what were the boys up to? They had their own daddy-son time playing Mario Kart where Caleb tore up some serious track, leaving daddy to all the trash talk. Yeah, I'd say he's got some of his Aunt Jess in him.

We tend to get wrapped up in our busyness and our involved schedules. Sometimes it's good to notice the little moments that make a big impact on our kids. Quality time-a concept I hope to never lose sight of. 

Have a great week y'all!