Kitty needs a good home . . . anyone?

A few days ago Savannah found a sweet little kitten, by looking at her, and knowing where she was found, I would say she was abandoned. She was quite hungry, and a little thin. We can't have cats for several reasons, one being that Landon (and Savannah too we found out) are highly allergic. I have been calling no-kill shelters but they are busting at the seams. People are leaving their animals tied up outside, abandoning their own pets at these shelters.

It makes my heart so sad. These are God's creatures and they need to be cared for too. Today I am taking fliers and putting them out in the hopes that someone will want to give her a loving home. The next option is the kill-shelters, of which I can barely stand to think about.

This kitty is the mildest-mannered, most gentle kitty around. If you are looking for a kitten, please leave me a comment with your email and I will get back to you. (You will have to live close by Palm Springs, California though.) She would make a very amazing and wonderful pet for someone. All she desires to do is to sit in someones lap and purr. Currently she is outside, which is not a very safe place for her where we live.

Day at the Pumpkin Patch!

Kids at the Pumpkin Patch

Landon found a pumpkin!

Emma found one too!

The bees were everywhere! (We didn't like that part!)

We went to the Pumpkin Patch this past weekend. It has been so hot that I wasn't sure it was going to be cool enough to go, but the weather ended up being perfect. We shopped for little pumpkins, I took many photo's (much to the kids dismay), and I shopped in the gift shop (which was awesome!) I bought some cute Fall decorations. Our friends (Linda and the kids) met us there. It was a very lovely day!

I have lots more pictures I wanted to add but I can't seem to get them to load today for some reason. Weird. Anyway, I added a few. I think Fall pictures at "the Patch" are some of my favorite to take during the year.

How is your Fall going? It is my very favorite time of year!

Have a fabulous week!

Eating Gluten-Free

Tonight Landon said that eating gluten-free is kinda hard, but kind of easy too. Sometimes it is challenging for me not to feel bad for my little boy. At times there are foods such as pizza or cupcakes that are brought into school and he has to turn them down. The teacher has special gluten-free treats in her desk that he can have during those times, but my mommy heart just wants to cry for him sometimes.

Tonight we had homemade tostadas (fried in expeller-pressed canola oil), smashed pinto beans, organic ground beef, shredded romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado (for me), sliced black olives, and yummy chipotle salsa from Fresh & Easy. I thoroughly enjoyed watching my family eat those tostadas in record time - especially Landon, because he enjoyed them SO much, and that is such an important thing.

Tonight before bed, Landon whispered his request for tomorrow night, "Mommy, can we have chili with cornbread?" (I noticed that he didn't ask for the salad that I make him eat along with said meal. :) I am glad he is finding things that he likes. It warms my heart and makes my efforts all worthwhile.

Happy Friday - I am so glad it is here!

My Boy . . .

My boy . . . isn't he cute?

He is as sweet as he is adorable. He is a bright light when life sometimes feels as if it is closing in. He is a love. He feels for others and wants to make them happy. He is a gift that I am so glad God saw fit to give me.

Isn't he great? I think so!

xo,

Monday . . . a new week

Playing on the King's Schools Volleyball Team

King's "Lady Knights"

Savannah pretended she didn't know I was there :)

I was sad to see Monday come this morning. I slept in way too late both days this past weekend but the weekdays kick my rear! We are up early for school and have to be out of the house by 7:10 - no later than 7:15 a.m. Last year Emma and Landon didn't even have to get out of bed until that time.

It rained a little bit this past weekend and I loved it. Not too much rain but enough to feel a little "cozy". I didn't do a whole lot but I did get some things posted on Ebay. We are already starting to save for Savannah's 10 day 8th grade trip to the East Coast. The trip is expensive, although not really for all that is included. I am hoping to go with her, so that means a lot of saving and bringing some extra money in. It will be a trip that will be remembered for a lifetime. Check out my website: http://www.emmieloudesigns.net/ because I have some jewelry on sale and that money goes for the trip too!

Landon had his appointment with Dr. Ortiz this past Friday. His ears are clear and his tonsils are a lot smaller. We are staying on the gluten/dairy/egg-free track. He does well with it most days but there are moments when he gets a little sad and has a hard time. Poor baby. I feel bad for him. It is difficult when children have to make these kinds of changes. Sometimes my heart aches for him.

This year, and after 10 years, Savannah has traded her ballet shoes for some volleyball shoes. She is enjoying it so far and her team is very supportive. She has a game at school this afternoon. Of course I will be there with my camera.

I hope you all have a great week. I just came from the gym so I need to go get myself together. Things to do . . . errands to run, and I could really use a green iced tea from Starbucks - shaken and unsweetened of course!

XO,