The Lucky Ones!

Adding to my “funk” recently, I mentioned, was the rain… and the rain… and the rain! And what do you think it did all day today too - RAIN!

And in between the rain, there was lots of mud! That being the case, we had not had the chance to go to the pumpkin patch this year.

And of course, this past weekend was beautiful, perfect fall weather – and I had to work! BOO! However, fortunately for me, and my kiddos, Nana and Papa, along with Aunt Mandy (of course) came to our rescue and loaded them up for a trip to the pumpkin patch. I was so sad to miss all the fun, but it looks like they had a great time.

And new this year... after picking out your pumpkin you could ride a horse! It looks like no one was afraid to give it a try!

And then after the horse ride, there were apparently even more animals to see. I understand Tessa became quite fond of this particular donkey.

And of course, last but not least, there was lots of room to run around and stuff to jump on!

So they had a blast... clearly, Tanner played hard!

The next day Gracie was telling me about some of the stuff they did at the pumpkin patch, and that it was too bad I had to miss it... sniff, sniff. I told her yes, it was... but reminded her how great is it to have such a sweet Nana and Papa and Aunt Mandy to take you places when Mommy has to work. "I know," she said, "And Papa got a funnel cake too." HA!!

I make a big effort to focus my kids on, as Madame Blueberry would say, having a "a grateful heart." I said, "You know, Gracie, not all kids are lucky enough to have extra people around who love them and want to look after them, AND who want to go out and have fun with them too." She said, "Yeah, Momma, I guess we really are the lucky ones." No doubt about that.

So thanks to Nana, Papa, and Aunt Mandy for giving the kids a great time at the patch. Such a blessing you are to all of us! Our hearts are most definitely grateful!

So I had not intended to be away so long. I wish I could be one of those people who “blogged for a living”. That’d be a fun job… HA!




Here are my sweeties putting on a parade in the living room… that coffee table is so versatile. I’ve seen it go from being a stage, to a baby bed, to a school table, dinner table, shop counter, row boat, and here a parade float (notice the inflatable cats decorating the edge) all in one day… who knew??



But anyway… so that gigantic and resounding THUD you probably heard a week or so ago was the sound of my fat ass falling off the wagon… several factors were involved (aside from generalized laziness). I mean, I think it rained here for like a week and a half straight, which sucks the “get up and go” right out of me, and between that and a few personal pity parties I was throwing – let’s just say… I ate too much.

So, “weigh-in Wednesday” didn’t happen… I didn’t wanna know. I’ve been so frustrated with myself these days. I’ve wondered sometimes if I ever will really “conquer” my habits so that they are no longer my “habits”, and permanently reel in my “addiction”. I want to be one of those people who craves dry lettuce and more miles on the treadmill. HA! Sometimes it seems just as I begin to think I’ve got this down, my wagon easily topples. The *distractions* have gotten the best of me lately. But... I intend to drag myself back atop the wagon this week and try again… and I will.

Of course, this week the “season of candy” begins, and after one event we already have an insane amount floating about! I will have to muster up some serious will power to focus while there are Reese cups everywhere! They are Tessa’s favorite… along with the Skittles, of course. Gracie seems most interested in the tootsie suckers and starbursts this round. And Tanner… well, he likes it all!

I don’t remember how much Halloween candy I collected as a kid… but last year my three brought in enough to celebrate on into New Year’s with. And that’s not counting all the jaw breaks, sour balls, blow pops, and questionable “gummy” stuff I threw out! Yikes!

I have like three blog posts I've already written... and so I'll have to catch up this week... I just read a blog from one of the ladies doing the EMME, where she referred to how long it's been since her "last confession". HA! I'm hoping next week I'll have a good report... and not a sad confession!