Happy Halloween!!

We obviously haven't gone Trick or Treating yet but wanted to get some photos from the other day up and tomorrow's post will be dedicated to tonight's festivities.

William's class participated in a costume parade the other day. The children were to pick their favorite book and come dressed as that character. I'm a little surprised at what William chose but who's to argue with a 6-yr-old? He chose "If You Give A Mouse a Cookie" and chose to dressed up as, you guessed it, a mouse. This is unfortunately different that his Halloween costume so I was left to figure out whether to try to make the costume or buy one. I chose the first and thankfully it came together. It would have looked cuter had the wind not been kicking that day and flopping his poor ears over. Anyway, on to the images and more to come tomorrow of trick or treating ;)

His floppy ears:


His little tail ;)
And two little munchkins who were with us watching the parade:

Unfortunately, Sariah was in class and unable to enjoy the show so here is an photo I took of her this past weekend in WPB. My, how she's grown...

Life's Randomness

I'm headed up to Orlando this weekend with Samantha to attend a bridal shower for one of my best friends, Kelly Shannon. Kelly and I have been friends for 10 years this year. We've both come a long way and have experienced many ups and downs...often together. She will be getting married to Aaron Barnes...one of my ex-boyfriends. Yep, one of my ex-boyfriends. Odd, huh? He wasn't just any ex. We lived together and he helped me with Sariah for over 1.5 years. In fact, Kelly dated Aaron's best friend at the time Aaron and I dated. Now, here they are on the brink of marriage to each other. Funny thing is that it works out so well. They "get" each other. They truly are in love. It's one of those marriages that you just know will last. Kelly and Aaron will be growing old together and I love it. Aaron and I have remained good friends over the years and Kelly, as I mentioned, is one of my best friends. Together, they are two of the most genuine, kind-hearted, loving, awesome people you will ever meet. I'm shooting their wedding on the 16th and I can only hope I capture at least a little part of what makes them so special to me.

To Kelly & Aaron, I love you both so very much and I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and fulfilled dreams.

Today It Starts

I'm determined to lose the last of the stubborn baby weight. I haven't been my "goal" weight in nearly 2 years and I think it's about time I get back there and start feeling better about myself. With that said, I'll be tracking my weight loss here. I have 10 more pounds to go. It doesn't feel like they will ever come off but I know I can do it. Sigh. Off to exercise (gasp).

;)

5 Months Old

I know it's so cliche to say it, but they do grow so fast, don't they? Just yesterday I was throwing up and complaining I just wanted the pregnancy to be over. Today, we have the most amazing little baby girl who puts a smile onto the face of all who meet her. Samantha had her 4 month appt yesterday...a bit late but better than never, right ? She is a whopping 16lbs and 26 inches long! Holy breast milk ;)

Seriously, we have been blessed. All the kids adore her...no jealousy whatsoever. Bill is beside himself with being able to raise a daughter from the beginning (Sariah as 6 when he came into our lives). She sleeps through the night, in her own crib, which NONE of my other children have done. She smiles first thing in the morning and last thing at night. She has the most amazing cheerful spirit about her and she is simply a blessing from our most Loving Heavenly Father.

Sigh.....I love this age but I know she will grow up quickly. I'm making it an effort lately to really enjoy my children. Life is just too short.

:)

Sorry for all the political ranting lately. Our government is so screwed up and in my mind, neither party really cares about the common folk. They'd rather sit up on Capitol Hill and play playground games than help you and me. I'm personally sick of it and while I would love to swear off watching the news which is obviously inundated with political crap, but my husband has turned me into a junkie so I catch myself turning to Fox News or going over to foxnews.com just to find out the latest political turmoil. Humph. Thanks, Bill ;) Anyway, I'll try to cut back on the rants and raves to return to my regularly scheduled family fun blogging.