Halloween

On October 1st, Summer and Forrest started begging that we get our halloween decorations out. It's such a big deal to them that it makes it worth it for me. The kids think it's so fun to get all the decorations out and put them in the "correct spots". Forrest is loving the Halloween tree. The ornaments are taken off and on 100 x's a day. It's on our coffee table and that doesn't stop him. I found the pumpkin lanterns at the target dollar section and had David help me hang them up. At night when we turn the dining room lights on they light up. It's pretty cute to see how something so simple can be soo fun for the kids.

The trick or treat sign is new. I got them at etsy of all places. The sign didn't have holes for hanging on the front door wreath but I knew if I had David drill holes in them and use jute rope I could make it work.

As for Halloween... we are super excited. Our theme is "red" this year and I can't wait to dress my kids up...

My very own Jack-o-Lantern

A few nights ago I woke Summer up in the middle of the night and we had our "cheerios date" once again. She was soo excited as I carried her down the stairs in the dark. We talked about how second grade was going. She loves her teacher and she loves school. I am so, so happy. I told her how much I loved her and gave her a big kiss and hug. She told me that she loved me so much that "cats and fireworks were exploding out of her heart." It was a serious moment but I just bursted out laughing. Cats and fireworks? She then started laughing too. It was really funny. I then told her that we didn't need to get any pumpkins this year to carve jack-o-lanterns. She kind of looked sad and asked me why.  I then told her to go look in the mirror and give herself a big smile. She got it and we both laughed some more and then I carried her back upstairs and tucked her into her bed. I love this girl more than anything. Even more than cats and fireworks.

Aunt Jan

On our way to Asheville from Atlanta we visited Aunt Jan and her farm. It is always special to get together. It was a first for Summer and Forrest to visit their Aunt's house. Summer could not believe her eyes when we first drove onto her driveway. Right in front of her were horses on her farm. A true treat for Summer! It is so cute to see how proud Summer is riding Phoenix. She was very proud to be able to ride on her own. She pats Phoenix, looks at him, and says, "good horsey". Forrest was just happy to sit on the fence. He loves playing with Roxy, their little dog. We had a fabulous time and feel so fortunate to have this time with Jan and her family. It won't be the first or last. A big thank you to Jan for loving Summer and being so sweet with her.

Atlanta

We just returned from 4 fabulous days in Atlanta. David had a business meeting Monday in Asheville and Tuesday in Morganton after our trip to Atlanta. What a good husband and daddy. We were lucky enough to be able to go to while I was off from classes for fall break that same week. We had so much fun. Four full days of exploring Atlanta. Forrest LOVED Legoland. He didn't want to leave the park. Summer wanted to buy the whole American Girl store. We decided to leave our car at the hotel the next day and take the Marta train to the aquarium. The best decision. Ever. David and I got to have some time together while the kids were entertained by the city. Summer and Forrest both loved the aquarium. I don't know which Summer and Forrest loved more... riding the train or watching the fish tank. It was a perfect fall break vacation.

Pretty

I walked in the front door this afternoon and the light coming in this kitchen window was so pretty. These roses opened up today and they are so pretty and smell so good.

I couldn't resist taking out my camera and getting just one picture before my "to-do list" taking over.

I put Summer to bed this evening thinking she was completely asleep and as I was closing her door she said, "love you, mama". It doesn't get better than that.

p.s. Happy 11th Anniversary to my David.

Little Friends

One of the cutest things for me to see as a mom has been my kids developing little friendships. Meet Miss Cova. She is Summer's partner in crime. My friend Kelly (Cova's mom) has three kids, two are about the same ages as Summer and Forrest. These girls do almost everything together. I had Cova over yesterday and it was so cute to watch the two of them interact. Whenever they see each other they run straight into a hug. Together they laugh at almost anything. They are learning the art of friendship. One of my favorite lines from Winnie the Pooh is when Pooh says to Christopher Robbin, "the best part of the day is when you and me become we". I think that sums-up these two little buddies.

Hey Dude

You're my dude. And as you grow up, I promise to build you up to be all things fantastic and amazing.

I love you more than life.

xoxo,

Mama

Schultz Kids

The first thing Summer and Forrest usually do the minute we walk in after school is start taking their school uniforms and shoes off to change into "cozy clothes". There's always a trail of clothes from our garage door to their bedrooms. Then they come down to the kitchen table to finish their homework. After I check their homework and they've had their afternoon snack, they take off for outside. I wasted no time getting right down to business when I saw a little package on our front porch. I quickly opened it, loaded my card and zoom lens into the camera. To say that I am excited would be an understatement. I'm glad i got this one. The wait was worth it.

I love these little Schultz kids.

Boys Club

I sold my old camera. I ordered a new one. And then it got recalled. That is the reason for me not taking many photos this summer. I see things as photographs in my mind and not being able to capture them is the worst. My new camera is finally being sent out today. I am so anxious to get it. I have had my camera on my phone which is what I have had to rely on. I also ordered new lens and I cannot wait to play with it.

Isn't this cutest thing ever? It melts me. The picture above is of my Forrest hanging out with his daddy one morning building an airplane out of legos. He calls it "The Boys Club". I personally think it's incredibly cute. He loves, talks and dreams of legos. He's the sweetest little boy around. It's true. I want to just bottle him up. I'll post some of my pictures from my phone from this summer. I don't want them to get lost on my computer. My little kids are growing up too fast.

We Are Learning

When I picked up Summer from school the other day, I could tell she was having a rough day. Summer definitely has her moments at home with me but at school and other places with adults, she is usually very attentive and is a pleaser. Summer rode the whole way home in the backseat in silence. Usually she is upbeat and talkative and I am always trying to keep my eyes on the road and at the same time watching the mirror for her hands signing about her day. I knew something was wrong when she sat in her booster seat pouting her little face. When we got home I went into her backpack to find her folder and there I found her behavior sheet. The teacher had changed her color and wrote that she was talking a lot in class that day. I took her out on the porch for a little talk. After dinner we had a talk about it again with David. This whole parenting thing can be tricky... knowing how to correctly handle all the different situations you find yourself in. After she calmed down Summer decided that it would be nice to write an apology note to her teacher and to deliver it to her at school the next morning. I couldn't believe how excited Summer was to do this for her. She sat at her desk for a very long time and colored pictures for her and then wrote her own note. We then put the note and a bag of swedish fish (that Summer insisted on including) into a bag. Summer gave her teacher the note the next morning and gave her teacher a big hug and said she was sorry. This is not the first incident of having to apologize nor will it be the last. My hope, however, is that all of these little experiences will add up and that she will learn from them.