November 2012

November was busy with activities, two trips, a birthday and an adoption day

Matthew with Trace Bundy, one of his favorite guitar players

We tried the regular house soccer program but after a few sessions the girls didn't want to go anymore. I found this program for kids with special needs. The yellow shirts are volunteers and there are about 3 for every 2 players. The girls absolutely love it and stay for both the younger and older kids sessions! The older and younger girls adore each other and it has been the best experience.

Shanna was having a hard time staying organized at school with her desk and folders. So a quick trip to Target, some time with the label maker and she is all set!

We shared our special day at the end of November. Two year anniversary of Shanna's Adoption Day and my 45th Birthday. Where does the time go?

And this is just so darn cute!

You may think this is the same picture, but it's not! This one is a baby picture, taken in 2005! She likes that blanket.

I took an unprecedented trip to Florida alone! to visit my mom.

While various reinforcements managed the household I was able to help my mom clear out some stuff.

We found the workbench corner

and then the rest of the garage

This is all the trash and recycling

These are the donations! Mom was one happy camper.

I came home from Florida and 24 hours later we all flew to Georgia for Thanksgiving.

Cindy and her kids are all doing well. Amanda is going to have a baby in April.

It was great being together again, but it was hard. We all miss Marty so much.

I made a crazy cake that he once made for my birthday. It took me ALL DAY.  Megan was a good and patient helper (with a crazy hairdo!)

Mary Alice and Sue worked hard putting hundreds of pictures from his memorial into a scrapbook

Amanda & Chris

Drew & Shannon

Drew did a great job filling his dad's shoes as the turkey man. It was delicious. Marty would be so proud of him.

Working on an art project

And all the while loving you, Marty.

and then on to December.

October 2012

I am dedicated to catching up my blog. I fell behind again, but don't want to be behind anymore. There are so many days that I want to blog an idea or thought, but I stop myself because I just am not caught up. I love this blog, so I am going to post several months all at once and try to get back to the present, so I can keep going.

So October went by in a blur of soccer, birthdays, visits and family time.

Matthew playing "House" soccer

Shanna & Whisper, watching Matthew

Matthew and the Varsity Soccer team, having their regular pregame "pasta night" at our house.

Mary Alice and one of her riding lesson horses, Crazy Jack

An amazing cake made by Mary Alice for her friend. The horse is sculpted by hand out of Marshmallow Fondant, which she made herself. Inspired by Pinterest.

The pastry chef with her cake. Look at the fence! You can click on the photo to see it bigger.

Curious Cat

Curious Dog

Making Cookies

Cousin Fun

Hanging out with Cindy on her visit

Beautiful Smiles

Talking about Uncle Marty

Found this on the fridge after Cindy went back home. Matthew.....

Taking our pets to church for the Blessing of the Animals Service

Creating new fashions

I made Doggy PJs for Shanna's Halloween costume, at her request

And somehow, I got talked into making a Renaissance Dress for Mary Alice for hers. If you are wondering how I did this, please see my biz post 10 Minutes at a Time.

It wasn't anywhere as easy as the PJs (ok WAAYYY more challenging) but somehow, sew a little, rip a little, sew a little, rip  a little, sew, sew, sew a little, RIP A LOT, later we had an awesome, finished dress.

Yes, these are actually eyelets down the back!

Some cutie cupcakes Mary Alice whipped up for her lunch table....

And a spaghetti costume for her horse. She is a chef.

And some general light hearted merriment just because it's fun.

Mary Alice's 14th Birthday. She always celebrates at Friendly's each year.

Two peas in a pod, plugged into the football game

Enjoying coffee ice cream

  

 

A beautiful, double rainbow we saw after her birthday dinner at Friendly's

The whole crew

Mary Alice's party with friends

  

And just like that, October was over.