Saturday, October 16

Peedie


I'd heard on Thursday that Friday, October 15 would be Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Day... I was shopping for Christmas (yes, that's me planning ahead) presents for my nieces and came across a book by Olivier Dunrea's Peedie These are my all-time favorite books. I bought it for Noah, and when I came home and put his sticker in it, I just lost it. It's just hard. We're getting better, but it's still hard. 


Today is 3 months since his birthday. It seems like such a short time and yet like it was ages ago,  too.

Monday, October 4

Fall

It's as if God told Mother Nature that it must be Autumn starting October 1 (which also coincides with the new fiscal year). After literally 6 months of nothing but "hot and sunny" in the forecast, we finally have some variations! On cue, October 1, there were clouds in the sky. I couldn't figure out what felt different about the day until I realized there were these weird fluffy white things in the sky: CLOUDS. Oh clouds! I haven't seen you for so long!! There were so many days over the spring and summer that I just wanted to sit and mope and demanded that the weather reflect my moods. It's a lot harder to be depressed when it's bright and sunny out.

So every day - ok say it's been 4 days - since Oct 1 there has been real weather: A chance of showers, a chance of thunderstorms, the unexpected shower, clouds. It's great. You don't realize how much you miss the variations until you no longer have them.

Our leaves haven't changed color. I doubt they will. Our green-leafed trees just don't seem too healthy; the leaves have been brown around the edges since July. I credit the extreme heat for that.

Whenever I go to someone's house who's been married longer than I have, I am always envious of their seasonal decorations. It takes so long to build up that stock-pile. Well, I've added to mine. Last week my friend, Rachel, and I went to Color Me Mine, a paint-it-yourself ceramic shop.
BEFORE

AFTER

Rachel and I with our pumpkins.
So there you have it. Some homemade decor. It's about the only halloween decor I have. But I'm sure time and children will grow my collection.

Sunday, October 3

Avila Beach



On September 25, the Conklins crunched into our car - with our third row in use - and we drove to the coast. We had a relaxing afternoon at Avila Beach. After a week of the mid to upper 70s all week, the valley had a heat wave again - reaching 98 on Saturday. But at the beach it was a balmy breezy 85 - also known as perfect. On our way back from the beach, we stopped at a few wineries. A good balance of kid friendly and adult friendly. 




Maya and Tom realize the water's freezing.


Mr. Entertainment

Dave and I

Tom and Caleb

I love katie's face in this photo!





Slider and the Bone

Slider ate an entire "edible" nylabone in less than 5 minutes. No puke. yet.