Sunday Solitude

After we got home from church, the girls went down for quiet time after lunch and John was working on a home project so that left Andrew and I twiddling our thumbs. It was a beautiful day and I've been wanting to go and enjoy some peace and quiet and take in all the Fall colors. So I packed up Andrew and I and we drove off to Lee Drive - one of our family's favorite places to go in the general area. Of course I've noticed a lot of the amazing red and orange hued trees were along busy two lane streets or off the busy 95 Interstate and I just couldn't justify pulling off the main road and calling it an emergency to take their picture so the green and yellow hues were my company today. I didn't regret it one bit. It was an hour of solitude that I am so grateful I didn't pass up! I really admire nature. Enjoy the pictures.

Time Out For Women

A group of us ladies from church went to Richmond for the weekend to enjoy Time Out for Women. I have been looking forward to this event for some time now. Let's face it: I NEEDED A BREAK! :) The last one I went to, that also happened to be my first time attending Time Out, was back in 2005. I went with my Mom to that one in Portland Oregon when we were still living there and it was so much fun. So I knew that it would be the same this time around. Lots of uplifting stories and music and talks. This year's theme that they went off of was "Sweet Assurance: the certainty that comes when you know life's truths." We had the privilege of seeing and hearing: Hilary Weeks, Michael McLean, Mark Mabry, Ardeth Kapp, Deanne Flynn, Brent Top, Kim Nelson and Mary Ellen Edmonds. It was awesome! I am so looking forward to next years Time Out even though it's a little farther away: Pittsburgh, PA! I'm so thankful for a great bunch of women here whom I proudly call friends!

Enjoying The Last Reminents Of Fall!

It was a gorgeous fall day and I wanted to surprise the kids with some fun at the park. I packed the blueberry muffins I made, picked Aubrey up from the bus stop and then off we went to soak up some afternoon rays. Today is also my sister's birthday and because we're MILES away from celebrating with her, we had fun in her honor. :) "Happy Birthday Sis/Auntie!"

This Week In Pictures (9/27 - 10/3)

Yay! More signs that fall is here! I love the cooler weather but still sunny and comfortable out. Saw glimpses of the trees turning their colors as I took the kids for walks in the stroller. This week has been another busy one. Aubrey's team had 2 games. Both were losses but they played really well. Throw in piano practice, picture day, choir and homework and I've pretty much summed up Aubrey's busy schedule. Jocelyn and Andrew have been recovering from colds so we unfortunately weren't able to go to playgroup this week. Would have been a fun one too at the local park with a country band playing and a picnic lunch but it also would have been miserable with two sick kids so I think I made the right call by staying home. Had our annual family night of watching "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." We made a trip to the Commissary on base after Aubrey's game was over to get groceries. As soon as we arrived, we made a potty stop for Jocelyn. I guess I haven't updated on the potty training progress but she's doing amazingly well! Is dry all day long and usually during nap time too. Night time will take a bit longer to master and that's okay and very much expected. So anyways. Back to the commissary. I was in the bathroom with her and as she was sitting on the potty, Jocelyn started breaking out in song. One that I knew sounded familiar. One that I had sung in grade school. I asked her who she had heard it from and she gave me no answer. I was guessing her father or Aubrey? It went something like this: "Hello. My name is Joe. And I work in a button factory...." HAHAHA What a goof! :)

Cake Or Pie

{This picture of Jocelyn has nothing to do with this post. I just thought it was cute.}

1.) A few weeks ago at Lowes, we were picking up our new front door and the hardware when Jocelyn asked to hold the new doorbell. I handed it over to her and a few short minutes later I hear her say, "Mama, it's not making any noise!" I looked down and saw that she was pushing the button on the package. Hahaha!! I had to hold in the laughs as she was being completely innocent and told her that it would work once we put it on the door at home.

2.) Jocelyn and I took a quick trip to Target tonight. We were leaving our street when she asked where Andrew was. I replied that he was at home with sister and daddy. She said a few other things and then I asked her, "your brother is a cutie pie isn't he?" Very seriously she said, "no mama! Brother isn't a pie OR a cake!!!" Hmm. I'll have to remember that one! :)