Sun Rays

We experienced the awe and wonder of childhood yet again this weekend. I dared move to get a camera as the situation would have been quickly over. I can only say how special it was to watch Maya play with a sun ray across the living room floor yesterday! She raised her hands in the warm light, giggling at the dust particles sprinkling around. Ben and I watched her play there for about 30 seconds. The moment was bittersweet!
(Ron took this picture at the Outer Banks this past summer. I thought it was only fitting)

Pumpkin Pickin

Today I played hooky. Well, not entirely but a half hour of hooky and that's alot considering I own the place. I skipped teaching a dance class today. But- for a good reason. Every year since Ben and I began dating, we always pick out pumpkins for halloween at Jack's Jumbo Jack-o-lanterns. This year was not to be any different. Although, every weekend in October so far it rained. My schedule and his schedule conflicted during the week. So here we are, October 27th and no pumpkin yet. Therefore: no pumpkin pictures for the scrapbook. Bad...Bad....So today, I played hooky and enjoyed some much needed family time at the pumpkin patch, well- for a half hour....

It's 11:58....

It's 11:58 on my "Friday night." Ben calls it my Friday night cuz I have Fridays off so Thursday night is considered my Friday night. Hopefully Maya sleeps in tomorrow morning!

I have a heavy heart. I most recently read these letters from soldiers in Iraq, who since writing these letters, have gone to heaven. I know they have gone to heaven because what they are doing for us is giving up their lives fighting for our country and our freedom. That's a pretty darn good reason to get to heaven. I am highly in favor of this war being over. There is no reason for any more lives to be lost. I am so truly grateful to our soldiers. Soldiers in battle and soldiers here at home. God bless you and thank you for all you do.

also goosebump pictures here. Make sure you click the other link on that page.

Plugging Three Wishes...Watch it NBC Friday at 9PM. A special welcome home to the 3/25 military unit out of Akron and Cleveland Ohio

All-Day Playdate!

"Because we're cousins....." We are having so much fun together today. Especially when the UPS guy came and we got to see his big truck and the dog next door bark like crazy! We had breakfast together, went hiking and played with toys! Mama/Aunt Missy says we should go down for naps at the same time. Little does she know we have a different agenda!

Maya's Favorites!

My baby girl is growing up! Here are her latest favorites:

1. Playing with tea sets
2. Running from you so you'll chase her (and then tickle her)
3. Giving kisses
4. Blowing kisses
5. Reading Miss Spider (over, and over and over)
6. Using a writing instrument (crayons, pencils, pens- whatever works)
7. Watching the Wiggles
8. Helping Mama sweep- well she thinks she's helping
9. Carrying food from the pantry around the house
10. Making the "cheese face!" (see right)