Apple, I mean raspberry picking

Me and my sweet Nana.

Cousin Ryder (12) and Landon (7) - Landon ADORES his big cousin.

Robin (my sis) with her basket of fresh-picked raspberries.

Kevin picking raspberries.

Grandpa and Savannah.

Landon looking at the gorgeous sunflowers.

Uncle Matthew helping Emma pick berries.

Me and my sweet nephew Mattison (12)

We all got very dirty shoes!

Silly Emma and her basket full of berries.

We headed off to Oak Glen Saturday afternoon to pick apples. Last year there were plenty of apples and the weather was so nice that we even had to wear light jackets. Perfection. This year was hot, hot hot! Fortunately we did have a cool breeze. Apples were all picked over (so we bought them in the Country Store,) and we picked raspberries instead. So maybe we were hot and dirty, but we left with wonderful memories and important time spent together, which is way more than good enough for me!

Next up will be the pumpkin patch. So tell me, what favorite memories will you be making this holiday season?

Chivalry isn't dead.

My Gentleman . . . Landon

Just thought you might want to know that chivalry is NOT dead. (Like I was beginning to think it was.) I was in the bank today with some papers to give to the teller. One of the papers flew onto the ground and before I could bend to pick it up, this kind sir swooped in from farther away than I was, picked it up and handed it to me before going about his business. That small kindness made my day because I sometimes wonder where all of the gentlemen have gone and why people seem to be lacking in manners.

Landon (age 7) runs to open doors for people. I have seem him holding a door open for what seemed like a good five minutes as I watched people flow through without a care in the world, or a thought as to how the door was staying open in the first place. Why don't people get out of their heads, look around and say "thank you". Do we all just feel a sense of entitlement these days? From the time my kids were small, I have been teaching them to say "please" and "thank you", and to think of others first. To treat kindly.

My grandpa taught me how a young lady should be treated. he walked on the street-side of the sidewalk. Do men do that anymore? And I can't just pick on the men. Ladies, do you let them hold doors open for you and treat you like a lady should be treated? I have told Landon to treat girls like ladies, even when they don't treat themselves that way.

Maybe I am old-fashioned, but I don't think so. I just want us to treat each other with respect, and kindness and to care a little more about our neighbor than ourselves. That's all. What a wonderful world it would be.

What Bribes You?

Think about it. What bribes you? For me, some days it might be an iced mocha from my favorite coffee place. And what I might do for that coffee just depends on how bad I am wanting and *needing* that coffee in the first place. You wouldn't be able to bribe me with any old coffee though, it would definitely need to be an iced mocha, whipped cream optional (depending on my mood), and ONLY from one or two certain coffee places that I adore.

Candy seemed to be the bribe for Landon yesterday. Two packages of sugary, sweet hard candy. You see, Savannah was bored and when she is nice to her brother he will do just about ANYTHING for her. (My guess is that he probably didn't even need the bribe at all, but I could be wrong because after all, he is a 7 year old boy with certain "boy" standards you know.) The bribe: Two hours of dress-up for two boxes of candy. That meant hair, makeup and whatever wardrobe struck Savannah's fancy, and there were plenty, let me tell you. The best one though was the Geisha Girl costume. I was about rolling on the floor when I saw this outfit.

So I asked him about the candy before I knew about the bribe. "Oh Savannah bought it for me." he said. "All I had to do was dress up. It was worth it!"

So again, I ask the question, what would you do for a bribe?

Have a fun week,

Small things . . .

Today I am pausing to appreciate the small things. (It seems to be a common theme in my life lately - something I try to do often.) Butterscotch is one of those small things. He is always there, putting a smile on my face. He has never asked for much, just my gentle touch, a bit of cuddling and tenderness. For that, he brings our whole family great joy.

I guess I have an extra-tender spot in my heart for this little dog who touched our lives just a little over a year ago. He has overcome many obstacles, and still he stands strong, fighting all the way.

His journey had been long. I don't know how many dog years that he will be in our lives but I treasure every minute that this sweet companion chooses to give us.

What small thing do you appreciate today?

The Dentist $$$

Having a treat at Just Java before going to the dentist.

Landon with his cool shades on. Hey, the lights are bright!

Emma's turn! Landon is playing some sort of video game in the background.

(We go to a very cool dentist!)

Dr. Okamoto checked Savannah's teeth. Oops, he found a cavity on a molar!

Toys and games - this is the reason the kids LOVE going to the dentist.

Today was the day for the kids to get their teeth cleaned. Of course we had to go to Just Java beforehand and have a special treat. The kids have never been afraid of the dentist; in fact, they quite like it. I mean who wouldn't when you get to choose toothpaste and fluoride in flavors such as bubble gum, strawberry, mint, chocolate, marshmallow and many others. Even the gloves are apple scented and the kids get to wear cool sunglasses so the light won't bother their eyes. There are also plenty of toys, t.v.'s and video games. When they are done, they get new toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste and stickers, and even when we are in the lobby, the kids get to dive into the treasure chest.

All of the kids have small mouths and big teeth. Savannah has had a palette widener and now a retainer. She currently has a cavity on a molar that we will be going back to fill next month. She might still need braces. Emma will be needing braces for sure in the next few years, and Landon goes back for a palette widener in March. Hmph!

So like I said, the kids aren't afraid of the dentist at all. Why should they be? Look at all they get to have and do. I however am very afraid. Afraid every time I go up to pay for all of the fun they just had and "free" goodies. And you know what the worst part is? I don't even get a toothbrush or a toy. Double Hmph!

A day with a special friend

Savannah showing Cheyenne how to make a squash album.

Cheyenne

Friends since Kindergarten.

Scrappin'!

"Now glue here, and fold the ends over like that."

Saturday, Savannah and I got to spend some time with Cheyenne, her friend since Kindergarten. This time together was extra-special because she just got out of the hospital after a 2 week visit. (Needless to say, she was more than happy to be out!)

We took some scrapbook supplies and Savannah showed Cheyenne how to create these cute little books called "squash albums". They decided to decorate them with a Christmas theme and Hello Kitty. The albums turned out great! The best part was watching two friends spend time together, doing simple things, enjoying each other, and enjoying life.

P.S. Hi Cheyenne! We are glad you are home and doing great!

First Day Back to School!

The kids at Jordan Christian Academy on the first day of school.

Savannah - 12 years old, starting 7th grade.

Emma - 9 years old, starting 4th grade.

Landon - 7 years old, starting 2nd grade.

Walking off to school . . .

My big boy. I think this is such a sweet picture of him.

Savannah and her friends!

Emma and her friend.

Landon walking into his class.

Savannah claims that she hates when I come into her class to take pictures, until I told her that I wouldn't this year! (I guess she likes it after all.)

Emma and her teacher, Mrs. Goff.

Landon in his class.

Landon couldn't wait to get back to school.

The kids started school Tuesday and it has been so quiet. Back to homework, making lunches every night, and going to bed early. Basically, back to routine. I'm not sure I was quite ready for it yet. This year the summer seemed to fly by. I almost feel like summer never happened, except for the hot and humid weather we are still having. That I am DONE with!

The house is quiet and I am still trying to decide what to do with myself. Not that I don't have enough to do, mind you. I am just trying to do it all in a more organized way. I am still figuring that part out and giving myself a little rest this week.

I also decided to spend some time working on me. That means exercising and dieting. Not just a temporary "diet", but something I can pretty much live with for life. I have been reading and researching and am on the South Beach Diet as of this week. I will let you all know how it goes. The first two weeks are very low carbs. In a few weeks I can add in some fruit and healthy grains. I am a carb lover but I need a change, for my health. And the bad carbs are well, just bad. I am looking forward to the results. So far it is pretty easy, with a few carb withdrawals which I expect will stay with me for about a week. Funny but I have never wanted to read "The South Beach Diet" because I didn't like the name. It just sounded too trendy. But it is a good eating plan; easy and healthy.

For now I guess I am going to enjoy the quiet . . . and get poor Juan (our computer guy) to help me with my computer, AGAIN! There seem to be a lot of problems with it right now. I can't send or receive any emails, nor can I get on my website, among other things. I am crossing my fingers as I think my computer might be getting near the end. We'll see. So, if I don't get back to you right away, you know why. And I will, just as soon as I can.

Have a great Thursday!

Back-to-School Dinner

The dinner table . . .

We even had party favors!

Yummmmmm!

Savannah & Ladybug enjoying the moment!

Landon and Emma blowing party favors at each other.

Emma - my salad eating girl.

Emma's request was chili, so that's what we made!

Landon got to choose desert - homemade chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting.

Blowing out the candles because candles aren't just for birthdays you know!

Last night we had a back-to-school dinner. Excitement was in the air and it was worth every hour that was spent in the kitchen.

The menu was: crock pot chili (Emma's request), roasted cauliflower in olive oil and parmesan cheese (Savannah's request), green salad with ranch dressing and homemade chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting (Landon's request.)

This was the first back-to-dinner that we ever had but it will definitely not be the last. We had so much fun and the time spend with the kids was priceless. Thank you Stephanie for being such an inspiration!