Yard Work Day

When we bought our home in May we had no idea about the beautiful flower gardens that came with it. All summer long we were thrilled with each and every bloom (and there were thousands). We didn't even mind the weeding that went along with our beautiful yard because it was finally ours. Justin and I would walk around the yard and notice how the previous owners had a wonderful green thumb and talk about how nervous we were that we would wreck the whole thing. The first time we ventured out to weed, Justin's mom had to come over and show us which of the plants to keep and which ones to pull out. Today the weather was nice enough that we could go out and clean the flower beds for the winter.

I can hardly wait to see the flowers again in the spring, but for now I am glad that we were able to work together to clean up the yard for the cold months ahead of us.

Holy Smokes

Ryan, Jonathon, Preston, Sarah, Addie, Grace, and Me.

Trevor, Danny, and Ethan aren't even in the pictures. There were a ton of kids here. What a lot of fun. Thanks Jo and Rach for letting us watch them.
This is one heck of a leg workout.

Today we were able to babysit for my sisters Rachel and Joanna. Our house was full of kids but I think everybody had a great time. I now know why I don't need to have any more children, I have plenty of young nieces and nephews to fill whatever void I may feel (particularly the nieces).

Sweet Boys

Last night Preston wasn't feeling well and needed some cuddle time. I had to get ready for work and Justin was cooking dinner and we were unable to give him the time he needed. In my mad rush to get dressed fast enough to have supper with my family and make it to work on time, I walked into my room and found that my sweet Danny was able to give Preston the time he needed. I am so grateful that my boys are so loving and sweet with each other.

Steve's Quiz

I think I know the answer to almost all of the questions. I want to know if there is a prize for the person who gets the most right.
1. I am pretty sure Joanna had her hair sucked up into the vacuum cleaner several times.
2. I'm not sure who sang the song at Porter Park, but I would guess Gwen.
3. Matt's favorite meal was milanaisa or naked spaghetti.
4. Joanna would throw shoes at poor Gretel when she would snore.
5. Matt and Justin were the Mullet Men.
6. "She had to go bathroom" was from the movie Annie.
7. I think Stephen hung from the moving car, but we all stood on the back bumper of the van while Matt would back it in and out of the garage when Mom and Dad were gone.
8. I think Stephen dressed up like a girl for Blake.
9. I don't know who Steve was supposed to look like but it was pretty scary.
10. I graduated in 1996.
11. Mom and Miriam were both in a Company of Wayward Saints. Mom directed the one Miriam was in.
12. Josh was born on 9-21 but it was in 1979. I was born in 1978.
13. I am not sure who was nicknamed after underwear but I think Stephen is a jerk for bringing it up.
14. Gwen was the mastermind behind "ladies lingerie."
15. Mom would always say, "When I get back, this house had better shine like the top of the Chrysler building" (another quote from Annie). Mom would also say, "When I come home it had better look like a ten man crew from Ace went through here!"
Good memories Steve, that was fun. I'll have to think for a while about my questions.

Happy Halloween

Don't they look great!

Riding with the cousins in the back of Justin's truck. They all loved it.

Telling stories about their favorite parts of the day before saying goodnight to each other. Relieved that we are finally home, and the boys are in bed.

Man we love Halloween. It give us a chance to dress-up in great costumes, get free candy, and get a little scared all in one day. This year we accomplished all of our goals. Trevor was a handsome gangster, Danny was his hero, and mine, Rocky (be still my beating heart), and Preston was an awesome Astronaut (if you asked him he was a Yasternat). We went trick-or-treating with my sister Joanna and the cousins (Rachel's kids). We went to the Mystique's spook alley and had the daylights scared out of us. Then we visited Miriam and trick-or-treated her neighborhood (more candy). Last, but no least, we stopped by the bowling alley to visit Grams and Grandpa. What a wonderful day, one that we will remember for a long time.