Setting the Icky Stuff on Fire

Since October of 2007, we (as a family) have had some not-so-great luck. I won't bore you with all of the specifics of the icky stuff, but suffice it to say that things haven't been all rainbows and sunshine. It's a disturbing and depressing feeling to have all that stuff hanging over your head and feel as if you are waiting for the next big bad event to happen. So, the other day I made a detailed list of the things that have occured over that time. Let me just say the list was extensive and at times made me cry as I wrote it and saw it all lumped together.

My next step after completing the list was to set it on fire!!! Really. I brought out a lighter and lit the corner of the paper and watched it burn up all of the crappy things and watched it turn to ashes. Was it liberating? A little. Did it make me instantly feel better? Kind of. But, I am hoping it will help me move to a better place.

My advice:  if you are bummed and feeling low, jot it down and break out the matches. You might just feel a small sense of peace.

The picture? Two people who make me smile every time I look at them. And, that's a good thing:

American Girl Fun

The girls met some of their friends at Michael's on Saturday and participated in some American Girl crafts. It was fun to see them all together with their dolls. Lots of cuteness. As a little bonus, they got the American Girl doll School set. That has provided hours of fun for them this weekend.

Welcome Autumn

Today is the first day of Fall! And in North Carolina the temperature is 93 degrees today---ridiculous!!! But, I am so happy to welcome the autumn season. I created a little pumpkin/fall centerpiece and have a vanilla pumpkin tart burning alongside a magazine that features all things Fall.  A good start---minus the crazy temps.




And here's a sweet little photo of my dad and Shelly resting together. He had just arrived at our house and Shelly had just completed a busy day at school. Sweet pair!

Fall Food

These three ingredients turned into these yummy muffins.



The recipe came from this fun food/cooking site. They were a big hit with my girls. Shelly said they were the "bestest muffins in the whole world"! And there were plenty to take to the tailgate party and to send into school for the girls' teachers. Oh, and I made about 2 dozen mini muffins and about 18 large muffins from this recipe, and I still have more batter for a few more minis.

Football Fun

We took a break from life in NC on Saturday and headed to Hampden-Sydney in Virginia. My nephew, Eric, plays on the H-S football team and we got to see him out on the field!!! So fun. My sister, brother-in-law, and niece were also at the game. It was a great time of tailgating, laughing, hanging out, and visiting! Good for the soul.

Tailgaters!

The Tiger

Eric---Number 88






Eric on the far right---playing!!!!










Proud parents and the football player



Proud Auntie K, Uncle John, Lily, and Shelly with Eric


Cousins

Sweet Chloe

It has been a very difficult couple of days for our little family. The loss of a pet is overwhelming. We adopted Chloe on July 28th. We had her in our lives for almost 7 weeks. She was part of our family and we all loved her so much.



The girls are doing okay and adjusting to not having her with us. We buried her on Wednesday evening in our backyard. She will always be a part of us. We are lucky that we were the family picked to care for her.

So many kind people have commented, written emails, and called. I can't thank them enough for caring about us.

We love you, Chloe.

Sadness

Today our sweet little Chloe passed away. We loved her and are heart broken over losing her. Last night we all spent lots of quality time with our little baby girl.









I know that my mom is taking such good care of Chloe in heaven. Miss you both.

Sweet girl resting---

Kitty Prayers

Our sweet little Chloe is not gaining weight and has really lost her kitty zest. We are all concerned about her and she could really use some prayers. We are keeping her comfy and loving on her night and day.

Took a Leap

This past weekend, John's mom, brother-in-law, and nephew came for a visit. We had some good times at the park, at a soccer game, playing tennis, and Kaden got his hair cut while he was here. Cutie!


On Sunday afternoon we visited Chateau Morrisette in Virginia. It was a beautiful winery that has outdoor musical festivals on Sundays. On our way back home, we stopped at Lovers Leap to check out the view. It was beautiful!

Around the House

Chloe has become my little companion during the day. When I'm on the computer she likes to sit on the desk and curl up. Usually she will fall asleep and nap for a bit on the desktop...too cute. Chloe also thinks she is quite adept at the computer and will warm her little buns on the keyboard.







Lily honored her love of Chloe with this shirt the other day. Two pretty kitties! All is going very well for Lily in 5th grade. She loves all three of her teachers and is happy with her classmates.





Shelly is as silly as can be. She is enjoying first grade and her teacher.

Because I Knew You

Heard this song for the first time today and it reminded me of my mom. Thought I'd share it:

Sunshine and Happiness

Saw one of these cute little solar-powered flowers in a car at Chapel Hill and we all got a big kick out of it. Then just three days later I was surprised to find it in a little shop at the mall. For $5.00 it makes me smile when I see it dance along to the music. The girls love it, too.