HO HO HO!! Day 2 - Blogging for Scrapbookers -

We celebrated Brittany's 21st birthday by going to dinner at Red Lobster. (I love it when we're all around the table, whether at home or out.) Of course Kayden was a hit (as usual) and a family sitting close to us commented on how beautiful she is. Once we started talking, the man knew alot about our area as they are friends with one of our neighbors. He also went on to tell us he is 'Santa' at the Apple Blossom Mall. How cool?! It was ironic that Kayden was dressed in red that night and we actually joked about that earlier in the evening. Of course I did what I always do and pulled out my camera asking if we could take pictures. He was game and Kayden loved him, ha! Now, hopefully she will still like Santa next month!

I was trying to keep this a secret but it is sooo hard and my girls all said I wouldn't be able to. So here you have it - my scrapbook page for today's lesson.

Day One - Blogging for Scrapbookers

I know....most of your are going to crack up when you read on and find out that I have signed up for an on-line class! I just have so much time on my hands that I wanted to find something else to get into; yeah right!! And while it is Monday, this is NOT one of my crazy "not me, Monday" moments.

Today is the first day of my class - I have lots of classmates who will take this journey with me and I know we're going to have loads of fun! With Blogging and Scrapbooking some of my all time favorites, how can I fail?! If any of you are interested, sign up here!!

I took these pictures a while back when I finished organizing my 'scrap' room and decided to get started on getting caught up. I will admit that while I'm not caught up, I have completed a few projects so YAY! me.

So stay tuned, I will have an assignment each day for the next three weeks. And to all my new classmates - Hello and I'm looking forward to learning some new techniques.

Only two...

of the team but just had to brag! Today was the last game of the season and the Pinnacles are in 1st place! Yippee!! Now we'll be off to Manassas next weekend for the tournament!

This has been a tough season with all the rain we have had and a few of the games had to be cancelled. Today was another of the 'questionable' games but the team persevered. Without the help of the parents pulling together to work on the field, today wouldn't have been possible so - Thank you parents!! Your hard work paid off - see ya in Manassas!!

Twenty-one TODAY!

Wow, where has the time gone? I say that but then look back over the years and realize all the blessings you have brought into our lives. Honestly, it's been a pretty adventurous time. You have grown into such a beautiful young lady and we are very proud. Wouldn't change any of the past 21 years for anything (ok, maybe one of them, haha) We hope you have a wonderful, safe, fun legal birthday!
By the way, where are we going for dinner?!

Happy Halloween!

I keep telling Kayden's Mommy she should blog because she has sooo much to tell :)! She's almost there but until then I get the honor of sharing some of Kayden's "firsts". So tonight she came to Trunk or Treat which was her first trick or treating experience. As you will see, she enjoyed all the faces!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Trunk or Treat anyone?

For those of you that are 'local', come on out tonight for the 2nd annual Trunk or Treat at Leetown United Methodist Church! Cierra started this tradition last year and it was a big hit! It's safe, fun and exciting. Maybe we'll see you there!

Witches and Goblins and Spongebob, Oh My!

Halloween has never been one of my favorite holidays however when you have children, there are certain things you just 'have to do'. So year after year about a week before October 31st (or whenever Trick or Treat is being celebrated), we need to figure out what each child's costume is going to be. Sometimes they even want to go to parties that actually judge the costumes. Shew....competition?!

A few years ago I did come up with the perfect costume which was actually really popular at the time.

Thursday's Thoughts -

Signs are very popular these days. You see those that make you laugh, those that make a statement and then those that on the right day, really hit home.
Last night as I was getting ready for bed the picture hanging on our wall caught my eye. I see it every day but after spending 2 hours waiting in line to pay our respects to a wonderful, young man that lost his life to a tragic accident last weekend I realize how short life really is and the importance in living, laughing and loving, every day.

I have never quite seen anything like it although the mass number of people coming to see Hart's family isn't surprising. When I arrived around 6:00 p.m. there was traffic stopped on the main highway. The parking lot, all grassy areas and roadway was lined with cars. It took over two hours to get through the parking lot and into the building. Once inside, another long line however we were greeted by Hart's dad who was so appreciative of everyone coming out. The entrance and hallway was so personable. Hart's hats, boots, pictures, WV flag, diplomas and all kinds of personal stuff surrounded us. It was becoming more and more difficult for Cierra to hold back her tears but she kept fighting. Hart's sister greeted us and spoke of her brother and how he loved the Fair, too. Hart's Mother was holding up so well; such an amazing woman. As Cierra talked to her about how much she liked Hart and what an impact he had on her during the Fair, his Mom too became emotional and told Cierra of how they plan to do something for the Fair in memory of Hart. This is a wonderful family who has been through so much yet remains strong.

So it is now that I realize how short life can be and how grateful I am for my family and being so close to my children. I can't imagine losing a child but can only try to understand the pain. I think I do a pretty good job of making the most of every day but there's always room for improvement. No better time than now, right?

I don't typically blog about the 'raw' me but I think you will agree that the loss of such a young, wonderful person that had an impact on so many people gives us reason to want to Live, Laugh and Love.

Wednesday's Walk down memory lane...

Today we remember - Hart Bennett


The community is very saddened by the loss of such a wonderful young man. Everywhere we go and everyone we talk to is struggling with the acceptance of this tragedy. Just this past year during the fair Cierra came to know Hart better and liked to joke with him about purchasing her lamb. During "fair week", we get used to seeing each other and many become known as our "fair family". When we heard the news on Saturday, it was difficult for us to comprehend that he is gone. Cierra continues to have a tough time with this although we do our best to help her understand how short life can be sometimes. She even said to me tonight, "it's true, only the good die young". Wow.

Please keep Hart's family and the many friends he had in your prayers. He will truly be missed.

Another win!

Jeremy might not have won the pumpkin carving contest Friday night but his horse won today! "Reallyneededitback", ran in the 9th race this afternoon at the Charles Town Races. Congratulations J!

Once the formal picture arrives from the event I will post but this is as good as it gets for now :)