Fall is here! Time to prepare for winter

We have had some really beautiful days these past few weeks and the color of fall is exploding around us. We have the most beautiful scenery around here this time of year. We have been to the pumpkin patch, the apple farm, gone out and gathered leaves, carved pumpkins and have simply enjoyed the warm sun and the crisp cool air. The skies are as blue as ever and the sunsets have just been incredible. We are loving this time because we know that the winter months are a coming and we are preparing for them. This past weekend we were getting our act together and getting the garage and yard ready for storage. We have to actually bring the outside in and that means getting organized. That we did. C did an awesome job on the garage. It was like a make over show in just a few hours. C loved the result of time well spent on a Saturday afternoon. I love that everything has a place and you can walk through the storage space now. Good job honey!

"They do what you do, not what you say!"

I have been reading a lot of books on parenting lately. I guess it's having a 2.5 years old and newborn in the house that is pushing my nose into the pages on disciple. One of the phrases that keeps appearing is that "children do what you do, not what you say." So if you want them to do it, model it, don't preach it to them. Now I know this, I have a degree in Psychology and a Masters in counseling, but for some reason, all head knowledge goes out the window when you are in "midst" of it all. BUT the other day this statement came to life right before my eyes and I had to stop and just be amazed for the moment. I have started my cardio up again now that baby G is here and I been doing my workouts during the kids nap time. For some reason the other day G was not napping so I decided to just try and workout with him around. As soon as I started my strengthening workout G was right there wanting to do it with me. He didn't miss a beat. He was lifting, pulling and grunting right along with me. He is an amazing little guy and I loved my workout with him. He did what I did, not what I said.

Fun with Daddy

My husband C is a such a trooper. When he comes home at night he is attacked by G at the door and he will not let C out of his sight until bedtime - even then it's tough. C takes a beating from G when it comes to play. He is very intense. Loves to wrestle, jump, climb and basically does everything to be the center of attention - especially when my husband is giving time to his baby girl. The pictures tell the story well. And baby girl just lays and watches and I believe she is praying that she makes through another day.

Our Beautiful Girl!

We are having so much fun with our little Miss Gracie. She is such a blessing and joy. We love our Gabriel too, but I just wanted to highlight our new addition to the family. She will be 3 months on October 9th and we have enjoyed every minute of her. She is so content to lay in her bassinet and kick and coo at anything. She is so full of smiles and joy.

Our Trip to Michigan

Charlie had a conference/retreat that he was leading in Holland,Michigan last weekend, so Gracie and I decided to tag along. Actually, I was asked to attend the training as well for leadership purposes, so I guess Gracie was the one that tagged along. It was so beautiful up there. It is about a 2.5 hour drive and even the drive was nice with all the changing trees that lined the road. We have had a very beautiful (warm) fall and we have really been enjoying the weather. We had a bit of a break on our Saturday session, so we headed down to the lake shore to catch some beautiful views. I have to say that I love Lake Michigan. The water is so clean and clear and the sandy beaches are so clean and soft on the feet. It was a great break in the day. God has truly blessed us with beauty, it's all around us.

Summer Days are Slippin' Away!!!

Although we have had a very nice and warm Fall thus far, I know we are nearing the end of the nice weather back here. We have been taking advantage of it by having some park days and playing outside every night until the sun goes down. I never realized how blessed we were in CA with the nice weather and the ability to go outside whenever. Here is G with his friend Zander having two year old fun. Oh how we love the park and playing. Goodbye summer of 2007, we enjoyed you very much!