September Daze

September was a magical month. 

Just kidding. I was nauseous and miserable.

However, looking back at these photos I feel grateful that we 

made it through the month with some happy memories. 

I can't remember the occasion. 

Ah. Yes.

Actually I do. 

My little unicorn and I stole away one afternoon to go shopping for "unmentionables." 

We came across this onesie and she was kind enough to try it on and let m take pictures. 

I love when I get one on one time with my kids; added bonus if it involves unicorns.

Last Spring, I agreed to being this year's PTA treasurer. 

Had I known that my pregnancy was right around the corner;

I would have politely decided the position.

It's been a big job. 

I am glad I am contributing and have really come to appreciate

all the parents who donate time and resources to making our school such a great place. 

But it's been a big job. 

My goal right now is to be positive as I finish out the school year.

But when I look back at this picture from our family fun fair;

my primary memory is how crummy I felt that night as I handled the money.

My Mom was an angel and came to supervise my kids while I worked

 because Andrew was away on business.

The kids, I know, had a blast that night. 

Simpler scenes like backyard soccer make me so happy.

Our backyard is my happy place.

Sometimes I feel guilty that I am not exploring new places with my kids. 

But then I watch them play with each other, for hours, outside and find myself asking,

"What more could they need?"

A tender mercy from September included an invitation from our neighbor Jean.

Jean has horses. Andrew loves horses.

And lucky for the two of them; Andrew and Jean have become very fond of each other.

Whenever possible, Andrew will go help her with her horse related chores.

He gets to play cowboy and Jean gets to enjoy his friendship and work ethic.

As a "thank you" to him, she invited us over for dinner and to carve pumpkins. 

The weather was dreamy that night.

In addition to her daughter Janice and son in law Gary, 

our friends the Burleighs were also there.

We had a great time.

They were so kind as they encouraged me to sit and relax 

while all the other grown ups helped my kids carve their pumpkins.

It's the kind of charitable spirit that can make a grown woman cry.

Again, feeling less than the motivated to go that extra mile for my kids,

I counted this experience as a 

wonderful blessing provided to my kids by our kind neighbors and friends.

September also brought with it the return of "soccer Saturday!"

Forrest was thrilled to finally join our soccer crew.

However, 30 seconds into his first game, he returned to my chair and declared,

"That's too hard." 

For the next few weeks, he was reluctant to play.

By the end of the season, however, something shifted.

He embraced the game and began scoring some impressive little goals!

I was very proud of him for changing his attitude.

Lottie is still a soccer scoring maniac. 

She LOVES it.

Henry rocked it too! 

His coach had awesome things to say about him and his work ethic. 

I went with Forrest to Bell farm on a field trip.

It was a significant day for me because we walked there 

and I hadn't walked that far in weeks due to being sick.

Aside from the farm smells, we had the best time together. 

We did our best to visit Lagoon before our season passes expired. 

Frightmares is pretty impressive.

This special girl and I enjoyed women's conference together.

We went to dinner at Corner Bakery Cafe first. 

It won't be long until Miss Lottie joins us!

Daughters are pretty incredible.

And last but not least, 

Lottie's smile has evolved quite a bit.

When I was trying to capture a picture of her true smile,

she said, "Mom, it's easier for me to find my sassy face than it is to find my princess face."

Oh, I love her!