Labor Day

Daddy was at work "laboring" so the boys and I came up with fun things to do to pass the rainy day.  And we had a good time.  South Paw was the only one who seemed a bit longing for outdoor activities.

Littlest and I wrapped up the night with Antiques Road Show (awesome!!) and a documentary on Ellis Island Hospital (humbling and sad).  And yes, my hair looks like I haven't brushed it in 2 days...because I haven't!

So Much More To This Life

Yep, this pretty much sums up my life as of right now on my "resume."  And to think that 6 years ago I was running around on this campus, the world at my feet as I dreamed and studied to become the next supreme court justice. 

And now I'm a stay at home mom.  Six years ago kids weren't even on my radar.  I had a promising career at a local title insurance company, was being pursued by the FBI, dining at nice restaurants and sipping Starbucks' white chocolate mocha's, morning, noon and night.  But don't you think for even one minute that poor Aubrey's dreams went out the window when she got pregnant.  Ok, so yes, they did, actually.  And rightfully so.  God had to get rid of my dreams to insert His dreams.  The spiritual and emotional journey to arrive at that notion has been a long one, but as I look at my 3 sweet boys, peacefully napping in our townhouse in New York (MILES away from Arizona), I am overwhelmed with a sense of completeness, awe, wonder, and exhaustion.  My life is full (literally - every waking minute!), and all those many college courses could never have prepared me for the career path God has chosen for me.  There are no Cliff's Notes on how to soothe a fussy baby to sleep; no dissertation on how to make edible mashed potatoes on a humid, summer day; no TA to run to for help when a four-year-old screaming tantrum won't cease.  But there IS God.  He placed me here, and He'll get me through it.  I can always run to Him - He is always right beside me.  Actually, more like right in front, leading the way.  Life is better when it's that way.  Not always fun, but better.  Blessed.  I wouldn't trade these little faces for any Presidential-appointed seat. 

So, Sarah Palin, go back home to your hubbie & kids.  I might be a suffragette, but I'm also wise enough to put my humbling big girl panties on and know there is a specific place in life for mommies like me.     

Aaron is 1 Month Old!

Yesterday my sweet Aaron turned 1 month old.  I feel like spitting on him, like the Greek family does in My Big Fat Greek Wedding to prevent him from growing up too quickly.  He has the sweetest disposition: just fussy when he's hungry or needs some love.  He's great at falling asleep anywhere and already has himself on a nice little schedule that includes sleeping 12 hours at night.  He wakes around 4am, but I just pull him into bed with me (the perk of nursing!).  This morning he hung out in bed with Andy until 8:45!  He enjoys his baths, is a hearty eater, grabs at anything close, and just recently is attempting to coo at his Winnie-the-Pooh mobile above the changing table (the one from Uncle Tay and Aunt Celeste!).  He sweetly puts up with all his brothers' pokes and "hugs" and loves his "Daddy Time".  We'll keep him!

Adorable "Surprises" From Gigi & Grandpa Freddie

THE Reason I Need Dr. James Dobson's Advice

You see that expression? It was saying in not so many words, "Yep, I did this. It was a ton of fun. And no, I don't plan on cleaning any of it up ... no matter how long I have to sit on the stairs for not complying."

And I wonder why I wake up exhausted every morning!

My Literature Stack

This Too Shall Pass

The hurricane went and the sun has been out ever since!

Sick Peech

He's 100% mischief when he's well ... and 100% pathetic and whiny when he's sick

Hangin' Out With Dad

Little foot and all!

Hurricane Irene

We survived the hurricane!

 With minimal flooding to the backyard

 Andy & Aiden's "Hurricane Investigation Station"

located on the bird feeder.
(Yup, it's constructed from, what else? Legos!)

"Fence" the resident chipmunk hung out on the station 

for part of the storm

 It was so dark at 2pm, the front lamp turned on!

 All the howling wind frightened the 70 lb dog so much that she took up post in her "safe zone"

Out to Pizza

Just hours before the boys came down with colds, we enjoyed a lovely family outing to our new favorite wood-fired pizza joint.  It is located directly across from the horse track and the people watching is superb.  And so is the food!

Yep, that's Ashton, wielding a knife!

Clean Baby

Lego's Are the Chosen Favorite Toys of the Week

Every Second It's a Different Facial Expression