just a few random reflections

and pics...

...a new welcome mat. It is just a little quirky. You may consider it a warning mat.

...a praying mantis. It jumped out of a box of Christmas decorations while we were cleaning the garage. I squealed. It scared the ba-gez-us out of me due to the fact that all I saw was legs and that evoked my fear of spiders. Once I realized what it was, I felt incredibly silly. Of course Nadia and Tony both witnessed it. It is a really cool insect, don't you think? I took about 10 pictures, much to its disliking.

...a cleaner garage. Tony worked like crazy today. He put a shelf up in the garage which allowed us to get many things off the floor and be able to open the man-door to the garage.

...four new shelves. I do not have a picture as of yet, but Tony and I put shelves in a niche in the bathroom. It makes that room feel complete!

It has been a labor intensive Labor Day weekend, and with a day to spare!

From Arlington to Angelou

Last weekend we went to Tony's dad's house for a family B-B-Q. It was wonderful to see his relatives. We always feel so relaxed and are able to enjoy watching the kids play there. Aidan and Nadia really enjoyed playing with their cousins. Their feet were black from running through the yard, taking adventure walks and visiting the horses.
On the way back we stopped and saw Pop and Gram.
I am so glad we got to give them a squeeze, even if it was really brief.

Then off to first grade for Aidan and kindergarten for Nadia at Angelou Elementary!

Don't they look excited?

I also started school. It has been a very interesting and eventful week.
No wonder I am so tired!

It's Fair Time!!!

I have always loved fair time. I love everything from the Parade, to the Carnival, to the exhibits (yes that includes quizzing the kids on herdsmanship in the sheep barn), to the FOOD, to the psychic lady in the shady tent, to the free music, to the heat, to the political campaigns, even to the rodeos, to the gravel parking, and most of all to see Aidan and Nadia awed at something new, something different or something so anticipated!

This year it is bittersweet. Our summer was wonderful but went by too fast. It also marks a new beginning, one that means Nadia becomes an elementary student, Aidan is in first grade and I am starting a year that has already promised many ups and downs. It is the end of my baby's babyhood, it is the end of 2 1/2 hour school days for Aidan. But we must celebrate the beginning too (at least that is what I am telling myself as I begin to really mourn our summer).

So here, here to a beginning! There is no better way to start something than with a parade!!!

My brother's family invited us to go with them to the parade. The relentless duck music proved a little too much for Aidan.

There was plenty to wave to.

It was a beautiful thing to watch Debi and I teach the children to yell as loud as possible to get the most candy thrown at them, I am certain. James and Tony enjoyed heckling the participants, they too were great at getting the candy.