Miles Party at G.H. Freeman Park

Miles is 1 TODAY

I had just managed to squeeze back into my favorite pair of jeans, Isaac had turned 1 in January, I was no longer nursing and we had an updated family portrait on the wall of our new house in Plano. My parents always joked with us about moving into new houses and how we reproduced in each one (the Plainfield house is our 3rd home). Matt and I knew we wanted another child but were content as the parents of two young kids. We weren't taking any birth control precautions because "oops's" didn't happen to us. I took pregnancy tests monthly just to ease our curiosity. The month of February rolled around, and I took the monthly test because we had a ski trip planned for President's Day weekend. Being a great snow skiier and all, I needed to know my options--bunny slope or bunny slope. I mean really, the bunny's are tricky and it's not easy popping your shoulder back into place on those rope pulleys. Back to the subject, the test was positive. And, as those of you that have taken pregnancy tests know, the first test is NEVER accurate and another test is required. Race to the store for another test, again (shocking), positive. I remember feeling many, many different emotions that day (coupled with a bit of anxiety). I had to call Melissa D. just to confirm that she too was pregnant. Of course, she said no, and here I was all alone with a zygote and no one to get chubby with. Nine months later our baby Miles entered the world at 12:17 p.m. weighing 8 lbs. He was born on a Tuesday as were each of our children. Tuesdays child is full of grace. Miles has brought us lots of joy and we're lucky being his parents. His big birthday party is on Saturday.

We got him one of those Bounce 'n Spin Zebras which is sure to bring many injuries but LOADS of fun.

Karson drew him a birthday picture. I think that's her giving him his presents.

School Pictures

We doubled up on pictures this year. We're having a directory made for church and got the traditional family portrait on the blue marbled background. The very next week, Karson's preschool had pictures taken. I decided to take the kid crew back for another round. I don't have the church photos but here are the school photos. Kuddos to both photographers for doing such an excellent job!

Happy 80th Papaw H.

My grandfather turned 80 years old yesterday. We went to Louisville to celebrate. October is a special month in our family because of all the birthdays: Papaw 10/11, Uncle Mike 10/21, baby Miles 10/17 and Karson 10/22. It's also a month where lots of weight is gained, kids are temporarily insane due to high amounts of sugar(combined with Halloween candy), new toys clutter the floor, our bank account is depleted and we count our blessings for another year God has granted us to spend with the ones we love.

We really should've warned Rafferty's that we were coming.

The candles were trick candles and kept re-lighting. The kids were tickled by this "magic" trick and enjoyed blowing them out over and over again. I imagine the cake was sprayed with spit numerous times, but it was still quite tasty.

We got my Papaw one of those photo books from Walmart.com. They are pretty neat and actually affordable compared to most sites.

HAPPY 80th PAPAW!

Fall Festivals

I have covered some serious ground the past two days going to fall festivals. Mom and I went to the St. James Court Art Show in Louisville which always falls on the first full weekend in October and has about 750 booths. You have never seen such a large collection of artistry, jewelers, pottery, sculpters, glass, metal, clay, clothing, etc. It's seriously awesome. Here is the website: http://www.stjamescourtartshow.com/

I always take $100 and vow not to spend any more than that. You can throw down loads of cash in a place like this. I passed up a plaque that I wish I had purchased with a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that read "What lies behind you, and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you." I love quotes that make you reflect on your life and teach you to enjoy the blessings of the day. I was blessed on Friday being able to hang out with my Mother and being surrounded by many, many talented artists from all over the country.

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Today I decided to take the family to Woodburn for the Rock Garden Antique and Craft show. Mom told me about it, and I saw an ad in the Country Peddler. We set out around 10:00 a.m. and lasted about 30 minutes at the show. I could've stayed a bit longer, but children don't fare well in heat + combined with ultra-delicate crafts. We decided to go to Chaney's Dairy Barn for the birthday bash and fall festivities there. They had RADAR the weather dog, pumpkin painting, face painting, a blow-up Lightning McQueen jumper, cornfield maze and hayride--oh yeah, and $1 a scoop ice cream--that was the real draw.

I'm WORN OUT and fall break just started.

Field Trip

Karson's preschool took a field trip to Jackson's Orchard this morning. The classes were divided up and went to different stations including a cornfield maze, straw castle and hayride to pick out pumpkins. It was a gorgeous day filled with fun!

Karson and her friend Kennedy. I had Kennedy in my preschool class last year. She's precious. I have her brother Jackson this year who is equally precious. Here's a photo of him and Isaac.

Kennedy, Chloe and Karson pretending to be animals trapped in a crate (reminds me of Madagascar).

Karson was on a mission to find her baby brother Miles the perfect pumpkin.

Class photo.

I had to throw in a pirate picture from Captain Chase's party last Sunday. Karson told me that her favorite part was the "beckinyata" aka pinata. Melissa D. told me that they filmed Karson swinging at it. She missed about 8 times before contact was made. I'm glad that playing softball this summer payed off.

First Steps

Miles has been taking steps for a couple of weeks now, but last night he was walking all over the place. This video isn't great because I ran out of battery on the digital camera and then went to get our video camera and it ran out of juice too. We did get this clip that certainly doesn't do our dare devil the justice he deserves.

Miles and I got to spend some Mommy and baby time on Saturday at the International Festival. He was especially attentive at the Champion Taekwondo performance where they were doing their kicks, punches and chops to wood boards. I believe he was soaking in defense moves and enemy submission techniques. Look out Karson and Isaac!

Does anyone know where this doo joo is located in Scranton? There may be one in BG--nothing but the best training for our kiddos.