Have a spooky day!

An Imagination Mover, Obi Wan Kenobi, and Kaya, the Indian girl.

We're giving Elliott a run for his money in the pumpkin department. Bring it on, Elliott!

first purchase

My first official new thing for the new house. To hang over the kitchen sink, in front of the window. I think it will be perfect (and it was on sale)!

Grateful Sunday

We've been in a rather celebratory mood ever since we closed on our house on Friday. We went out to dinner, to the movies, and ice skating this weekend. The big kids could have skated for hours. Miles was done after one lap. Today, I'm grateful for:

• the decision we made to go with a modest house which easily fits into our budget. It brings us so much peace knowing we will be living comfortably and within our means.
• the prospect of simplifying, starting with our furniture and toys. Yard sale, anyone?
• our health and strength.
• my fabulous trip with the ladies in my family. We had so much fun, can't wait to do it again!
• chilly weather and the occasional fall-hued tree, hooray!

Deal is Done!

So, we closed on our house yesterday! We are so excited; we feel great about this move. In a week or so, we hope to start the remodeling process, which I'll be posting all about, of course. As soon as I can, I'll be over there with a screwdriver taking down vertical blinds. Ick! Befores and afters galore from now until December. We hope to move in early that month! For now, here's a picture of the beautiful backyard forest. Our new forest even has a pool! The kids can't wait.

chickies

we are officially in the chicken business. meet our new baby chicks.

fun in the city

My mom and sisters and I had so much fun in New York this past weekend. The weather wasn't the greatest, but we all agreed that we could endure the freezing rain for some time in the city!

The first day, my mom and I attended the Manhattan LDS Temple. I had wanted to go since it was dedicated and it was so beautiful. What an experience to walk in off the noisy, busy street into such peace and quiet! Next, we fought the crowds at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in order to see the lovely Vermeer exhibit which was being shown. Lovely as expected.

My mom with a very enlarged Milkmaid. The real version was breathtaking.

Afterward, we met Julianne at UNICEF (her office) and took her away with us, through Grand Central Station and on to some shopping! Later that night, Stephanie joined us for dinner and hugs ensued.

The next day, we headed out early, despite the freezing temperatures! We hit Macy's, then warmed up with some hot cocoa before we went to Purl, a fabric store, for Steph. At Le Grainne Cafe, we met my friend, Mehrsa, for lunch.

Mehrsa and I met while we studied in London almost 12 years ago. What?!

Then we took a walk on the High Line Park, over to ABC Carpet & Home for me. Oh heavens, that place was incredible. We headed back to the hotel for dinner at a nearby sushi restaurant and called it a night.

Us in Washington Square Park thinking Henry Jamesish thoughts.

On one of our numerous subway rides.

The next morning, Julianne wanted us to see the gallery where she had worked in Brooklyn, so we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, warmed up a bit more with more hot chocolate and french pastries, then took the subway back into the city.


I tried to get myself in a picture with the Statue of Liberty for Audrey.

We somehow ended up in Times Square, got the kids some gifts and posed with Elmo. It was necessary for my Moe.

We split up here: Julianne and I went to see Jude Law in Hamlet (oh so awesome) while my mom and Stephanie went uptown to the Whitney and Frick Museums.

The last day, we said goodbye to Stephanie and spent a few hours at the Cloisters Museum. It was dreary and rainy, but rather appropriate for the setting. I accidentally hitched a gypsy cab back to New Jersey for my flight home, where I was greeted with warm Texas hugs.

And there you have it; a lovely getaway. How refreshing to walk arm in arm with my mom and sisters, giggling, remembering, and spending time together. Let's do it again, girls!

A couple of more photos on Stephanie and Julianne's blogs.

concert going

Neal and I had lots of fun seeing U2 in concert last night. They played some of the good old stuff and we got to experience the new billion dollar Cowboys Stadium. It is unbelievably massive, and when it's entirely sold out, it is quite a sight to see. Special thanks to the lady that gave me some of her earplugs (forgot mine) and to me for thinking to wear flats. We ended up not having actual "seats" despite the fact that our tickets said we did, so my feet were happy that I was sensible.

Will blog after my New York trip, yay!

Grateful Sunday

This week has been so fun; my parents arrived Wednesday and everyone was off the sick train by Friday. We've had fun exploring the area and relaxing at home. My dad left today and my mom and I go to New York on Wednesday, woohoo! Today, I'm grateful for:

• talks centered around temple attendance at church today. I've felt a renewed determination to get ourselves to the temple more often and the thoughts expressed and feelings discerned today confirmed the fact that this was/is a good idea.
• the love my parents have for my children. I feel so lucky to have such involved parents who truly know my kids, love them dearly, and come to see us!
• smooth sailing on the house front. Countdown to our closing date is on!
• friends willing to help me out this week while I'm out of town and Neal is at work. I love my friends!

having fun

with my mom and dad.

the fair

More photos from our afternoon at the Texas State Fair. Fun!

Huge ol' ferris wheel. We forked over forty something bucks to go on it as a family. That's kind of embarrassing, but it's a landmark! We had to do it at least once. (Ask Neal how he liked it.)

No, we did not try the fried butter. Nachos, corn dogs and funnel cakes, yes.

Miles and me with Dallas in the background, from the tippy top of the ferris wheel!

Crazy Hair Day

As part of Red Ribbon month at our school, the kids have "Crazy Hair Day" the first Friday in October. Parker really wanted a blue mohawk and a green head. Who am I to say no to that? We tried to convince Audrey to go much crazier (I was thinking of shaping her hair into an octopus and spraying it green), but she's a bit mellower than Parker in this regard and opted for glittery ponytails and alien antenna.

And you know Miles wanted in on the action, even if he was just coming to the tire store with Mama.

Grateful Sunday

Me and the kids at the State Fair of Texas on Friday. Funnel cake, mmmmm.

This was a fun but seemingly long week. I've been so anxious for October to start, because at the end of it, we close on our house! Of course, now the time will probably pass much too quickly.

Today, I'm grateful for:

• peace in my home and in my community. I'm so grateful to live in a country where non-hostility is the norm. I often think of mothers who live in war-ravaged countries. What a burden to bear, to try to raise happy, healthy children in the midst of strife and hatred.
• the messages we've heard this weekend while watching General Conference. And I am so glad to be able to watch it on TV! That's huge, after so many years of trying to get it to work online. My heart goes out to you who are still doing that.
• cool weather. I love to open my doors and windows first thing in the morning. I've been able to freshen our in-house air every day this week. Love it!
• the impending visit from my parents and my upcoming trip to New York with my mom and sisters. I'm so excited.