Priceless

I am constantly amazed at how fast our kids grow, but for some reason, over the past two weeks, Daniel has grown by leaps and bounds. He is talking in complete sentences and replys appropriately when we speak to him, making conversations a possibility for the first time. We say "thank you", he says "you're welcome"- without prompting. As I'm writing this I am sitting on the floor in our bathroom (thank God for laptops) while Daniel enjoys an early morning bath- (never mind why). As he scoops up soapy water and pours it over himself he says "Mommy, look-it's like rain. God made rain." I love that!

Love Waking Up to This Face

It doesn't get any better than this. I can't help but look forward to seeing it every morning!

I Want my Mommy

Germs of some unknown sort entered our home the other day and are ruthlessly passing from one person to the next. Daniel started with a fever last Wednesday. By Thursday, the fever was almost gone, which gave way to the snuffy, runny nose and the horrible coughing. He managed to muster enough energy to Trick-or-Treat on Friday, but continues to battle the most stubborn cold he's ever had. Saturday morning, Sofia woke up with a fever, which reached it's peak that afternoon at 103 degrees. I had visions of us in the E.R. at Arkansas Children's Hopsital, but thankfully the Tylenol has managed to keep it down. It is still hovering aroun 100 degrees and she remains virtually snot free, at least at the moment. Over the last 5 days, we've gone through more Tylenol, cold medicine, and Kleenex that I ever thought possible, with no sign of relief.

Then, last night, the unthinkable happened. I found myself with a fever. I know what's coming. So here I sit, popping my own Tylenol, nursing back to health two sick kids, with a husband traveling to Florida for an entire week.

I want my mommy!

No matter how old you get, when you're sick, there's only one person who can make you feel any better. I remember countless times of laying on the couch with my pillow, remote control in hand, watching cartoons while mom brought me plenty of liquids and lunch on my metal Strawberry Shortcake tray. It's easy to want your mommy when you're not feeling your best. Who do you go to when you are the mommy?

Trick-or-Treat

What a fun day! Daniel couldn't wait to put his costume on and get his treats. He has finally gotten to an age where he can fully participate and understand what is going on and boy was he ever excited!

We ran some errands during which Daniel told everyone he came in contact with that he was going to be a puppy dog. You can imagine his excitement when he received his first official "treat" from the greeter at Walmart.

That evening, we gobbled down some food, threw the costumes in the car and headed over to our Halloween Party at the Halberg's. As we waited for some late stragglers and had cupcakes to celebrate Will's birthday, Daniel could do nothing but pace around the house. He was ready to go! We had such fun walking around the Halberg's neighborhood watching the kids trick-or-treat. Our little pumpkin, Sofia, enjoyed the evening from the comfort of her stroller and even got to trick-or-treat once herself.

Dan and Misty (okay, so really it was all Misty) did a great job putting together a fun night for the kids, complete with goodies, crafts, and the monster mash. We are very blessed to have such great friends here and are so thankful we have such fun Halloween memories.

Sofia's sweet ride

Birthday boy, Will, and Daniel needed a break

Our Arkansas Pumpkin

Four days later and this is what our pumpkin looks like- a true Arkansan. All it needs is a pick up truck, a gun rack, a confederate flag, and a cousin named Bubba.

And, no, that is not "blood" dripping off of his teeth. It's actually candle wax. (I figured Allison would point that out) Arkansans may not be known for their impeccable dental hygiene, but they're certainly not vampires. :)

How We Spent Our Weekend

If this post really lived up to its title, I would have nothing but pictures of the four of us in our pajamas watching television. It really was quite unproductive and lazy. Those are the best kinds of weekends. However, Fernando got a burst of energy and motivation and decided to help Daniel carve our Halloween pumpkin- his first one, ever. Of course, the words "help Daniel carve" means, quite literally, doing the entire job himself while Daniel plays with the pumpkin guts, throws seeds everywhere, and sings the theme song to the Imagination Movers. Alas, here are the fruits of Fernando's labor...(no pun intended) Or is a pumpkin a vegetable?

Things to be Thankful For on Thursday

• a baby girl who sleeps through the night
• a nip in the air that means Fall is officially here
• a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather
• Pumpkin Spice Lattes while shopping at Target
• great deals on Christmas presents
• gas for $2.45 a gallon (sad, but true)
• drives along tree lined streets
• leaves that change
• laughter that comes with being told by your son that you look like Mr. Noodle (or should I be offended?)
• knowing my husband will be home tomorrow
• good friends back home who are praying for us
• lunch and a movie on Saturday with the girls
• Mallowmars- the worlds BEST cookie
• text messages that allow me to talk to my sister-in-law at 11:30 at night- love you, Jule!