Big Day

Thursday was mine and Rylans' Wee School Thanksgiving Feast. I included myself because I'm now working at Wee School as the assistant director. I've really enjoyed being there. Melanie (director), all the teachers, and kids have been so great and very kind. I hope to contribute something unique and productive for the growth of our little Wee School.

All the kids had a Tree of Thankfulness. Rylan specified certain things that she was thankful for and I'd write it on a leaf. Then those leaves would go on the thankful tree one by one. Here are a few things Rylan was thankful for: Moose in heaven, friends, Dad, Ami, Papa Ron, Poppy, GaGa, Reese, leaves, and food. She went on to list every person that came to mind which I won't list because I'm not sure if they all where real people. Keep in mind she has a wild imagination and many pretend friends.

Reese is now going to Wee School as well. I wasn't sure it was the right time for her. She still takes 2 naps a day and those naps have to be in HER bed. Going to sleep at school is not an option. I'm pleasantly surprised how well she has adapted. She really enjoys her class and fellow classmates. I have noticed her doing smart things that I didn't show her and she's following directions better these days. Could be the age and I don't want to disregard that she is a smart cookie.

Below are pictures of Reese in her Indian head dress. She wore it about as long as she will wear a bow... 5 seconds or less!!! So sad for me.

Happy Halloween

What a perfect night for trick or treating. The girls had a great time but I think the grandma's had a better time. I felt like warning fellow parents to look out here comes Sleeping Beauty, The Mouse and their crazy grandma's... and of course cameras where flashing all the way.

Rylan loved being Sleeping Beauty. She specifically chose to be Sleeping Beauty because she wore a pink dress and pink is her favorite color. Originally she picked Cinderella but when she realized Cinderella wore a blue ball gown she was out.

Reese the nose picking mouse! I can't believe how well she picks her nose at 16 months and she does it alot! Blog topic for another day. The mouse was Rylan's first Halloween costume. It was just as cute the second time around. The Mouse also enjoyed trick or treating. It took her a few times to get the routine down and not be scared of the decorations. By the last few houses she was pushing big sister aside to knock on the door. The very cute part was she'd receive the candy, put it in Rylan's bag and proceed to grin from ear to ear. This was her way of saying, "look sister more candy!"

Here We Go Again

We have a theme going with Reese and exploring in places not conducive to a one year old. Today we participated in the big Trophy Club neighborhood garage sale. In true Farrow-Ladewig style, I waited until the day before to start preparing for a very large garage sale. Friday, my children had to create their own entertainment because I was in full garage sale mode. My Mom came in town to help out with the girls and set up all the STUFF. We are moving right along and really making some progress. Then I here Rylan say, "Mom, Reese has dirt on her." Didn't think much about it... what's a little dirt. I keep on moving stuff from the garage to the driveway while my Mom goes to assess the situation. Then I hear, "You better come see this." Oh my goodness! The child is covered in dirt. She is having a ball and all I can think is can this giver her worms.

The garage sale was a success and worth the effort. I can now park my suburban in the garage just in time for winter. What a treat. This week the girls get full attention. Puzzles, books, crayons... it's their call.



If the outside temperature is 53 degrees does that warrant a fire? ABSOLUTELY!! I'm currently sitting in front of my fabulous fire blogging. Perfect ending to this day. Thanks to my husband for my cozy fire. I know you did this just for me. Do you want me to get you a towel to whip the sweat off your head?

Future Starbucks Employee

When a one year old is quiet and not running from room to room that means trouble. Reese likes to play in our coffee bar area. Specifically in the trash! Most of the time the only thing in this trash can are old coffee grounds. You would think after the third time she goes exploring in the trash, I would remove the temptation from her reach. I guess since the first two times where not so bad and all the coffee grounds where dry it was pretty easy to just vacuum up the mess. Today, I did not get so lucky. In her beloved trash can there where fresh grounds still wet from early this morning. From what I can tell she took the filter and dumped it all on the carpet. Then she brushed it all around with her very adorable fat hands. When I came around she proceeded to pick up hand fulls, raise her hand and release. At this point the carpet is hopeless, she's thoroughly entertained and I needed to find my camera.

Excited about Fall

I have to say this is my favorite time of the year. I love the colors of fall. I prefer sweaters to tanks and jeans to shorts. It's such a great time to fire up the grill and eat dinner on the patio with a cool breeze. I also like October and November for Halloween and pumpkins. Pumpkin patches, mums, corn stalks and hay all provide wonderful color and texture for lots and lots of pictures!

These pictures where taken at a local pumpkin patch by a friend of ours who has just started a photography business. I just love the tutu!!
www.paigepearsonphotography.net






For three years we have taken Fall Festival pictures of Rylan at my parent's house also known as GaGa and Poppy's. We put all things fall at the entry gate for a warm welcome to all who come for a visit. It's fun to reflect on the past years and how Rylan has changes. Last year was Reese's first year. She was 5 months. This year she had a little more fun. Well, until she took a nose dive into a pumpkin. Picture time was OVER!

While I've expressed how much I love this time of year and the things associated with fall, I do not like the food. Turkey, dressing, stuffing, casseroles, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pies are all foods I do not like... not even a little... not even once a year. I'm pretty sure my girls will be like me but Lane completely disagrees. He said "We will have turkey and dressing for Thanksgiving!" So for my husband, I will serve all these brown entrees just for you.

God is Good

Robert & Laura Mauro

As many of you know, our brother in law has been going through a six week intensive radiation and chemo treatment for cancer. Forty + pounds later, shaved head, feeding tube, chemo tubes, blisters in the throat, lose of voice and a very swollen esophagus, I'm happy to report that he has made it through his finally treatment and is getting better daily. So, I want to thank the people who have prayed for Robert and Laura while they both physically and emotional endured this painful disease. Thanks for praying for a family you do not know. All you knew is that it was important to us. Thanks for praying because we asked. The sweetest prayer is from my 3 year old daughter, "Dear God, make Robert better and thank you for Moose, Amen."

Way to go Robert! I must applaud you on your good attitude and perseverance through each long day. What food do you want first?

Picture Day at School

Look at my big school girl! This is Rylan's school picture from Wee School. This will be her 3rd year attending our churches Mother's Day Out Program. She loves Mrs. Cindy, Mrs. Melanie and all her friends. When she gets home all her friends come over for some pretend school. At home she's the teacher telling them to follow the rules and be quiet while I'm talking. And let me say she gets very passionate about being the boss. That finger is pointed and she is telling them all about it. Despite my concerns, Mrs. Cindy said she is a very sweet little girl at school.

My favorite part of the picture is her hair. That morning we opted for pigtails. She requested 2 not 1 pigtail and I needed this hairdo photographed. Normally, her hair is to short and fine to do pigtails but finally we could get enough hair to have 2 pigtails so pigtails it was that morning.