Slow day.....

Oh glory be- I have a slow work day! This is the first one in a long time- so I figured I could blog for a minute... we have a busy day ahead, me and Teags- she is going to "help" me clean bathrooms, and organize her bedroom a little. Everyone wish Alyx good luck- it's her first day at TFHS- my sister's and I's old haunt....

By the way, Amy and Meg- if you go to tfhs.com- there's a website set up for all the old alumni- I put a profile in there, my class has the most people listed- but I found some old friends that way.... do you remember Tina McBride, JJ's little sister, Megs? she is a PR director for Richard Simmons! There's some pretty funny stuff on there- you guys are not listed yet, I looked you up.

Anyhoo- Calli has a field trip today to the punkin patch, she is all bundled up and ready to go.. will post pics of our jack o lanterns soon. So, that's about it- back to work. Love you all!

ODE TO PARENTS....

I have always said I have great parents, well maybe not in my teen years, but I knew in my heart how great they were.... I am really lucky to have had my mom and dad raise me, help me when I was in trouble, and support me through everything today. There are so many people out there who are not blessed with good parents who love them and raise them to be good, hardworking, loving people. I have to thank my parents for helping me to be those things... Right now, they have completely turned their lives around to help Alyx and that is an opportunity most kids do not get..... especially being that they are her step-grandparents. I just want to tell them how much I appreciate them and love them.. thank you for all of it, Mom and Dad...

I cannot forget to mention all the other "parents" I have- my mother in law, Jan, who is such a big part of our lives and our kids lives- Chris' grandparents, who we love to spend time with and are also a huge part of our lives. They all make me feel so loved and appreciated and a part of the family! Thanks guys...... not to forget Grams, my most wonderful grandma in the world- love you Grams!!!

So, to everyone that does not know this yet, Alyx is moving to Marmee and GG's house tomorrow, on Monday..... this is going to be a great opportunity for her and us.... I cannot say enough about this wonderful girl. We love her in every way- she has many hidden talents, like her ability with kids, and animals, and her sense of adventure. She surprises me constantly with the way she takes things on, like rock climbing, and playing guitar, and writing. She is an amazing writer, really knows how to put things into words and describe things in a realistic way, like you are seeing them for how they are..... I hope that this will be a move that will give her ways to express herself and make herself a better person. I just want you to know, Alyx, that we love you more than anything and want you to be a happy, productive person. I have a feeling that you will understand so much more than you do now about feelings, and people's ways, and the way you feel about family, after you learn more about life and the way life is.

The most thing I want to say to Alyx from my heart is that even though I may be just your stepmom, I have loved you like my real daughter from the second I met you. I see in you so many great things. You have a long ways to go kiddo, but you are going to do great things! Please remember how special you are to me, and how much you have taught me about being a mother- you have really helped me in ways you do not know. I love you with my whole heart and whole soul. You are a wonderful person and you are going to do big things in your life. Know that and remember it! Love you forever and ever..... Kara

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CHRIS!!!

Happy birthday to my wonderful, funny, caring, generous, talented husband... We love you honey!

I had to put this pic in here- it's a couple years old, but it's funny! Chris turns 35 today! He is a great husband and father to his three girls. He also happens to be a wonderful musician, and a very fun and loyal friend to his 500 "best friends" that he has- he gets a new best friend every month, I swear. So, that just shows what a popular guy he is.. I am a lucky woman :)

The girls love their daddy very much and wish they could spend every minute of the day with him. We hope a great year lies ahead for our family and happy b-day again, babe!

No more summer....

Well, summer is officially over- the ground frosted last night, we pulled out the a/c, and the heater is on! Sucks.... oh well, I do love my great sweater collection! That's a plus... here's a cute pic of our official last beach day this year... we swam (cold!!), ate corn and steaks, and the kids had a great time.

Here come the holidays- everybody ready?!