Leah and Katie

Fall in Maryland

We are so excited to have seasons! It's starting to get cooler and the leaves are changing. We've started pulling out our limited supply of winter clothing. Looks like we need to go on a shopping trip!!

It's so pretty, I'm thinking of taking our family pictures outside! That would make a pretty Christmas card.

Leah had her friend over yesterday, what fun!
I had to post some pictures especially of Katie who was into everything!!

What a fun weekend! We always love the weekend because Neal doesn't work and we have a lot of family time. Saturday we went to IKEA, I went with some friends this week and wanted Neal to check it out. It has everything possible for your house and it's very kid friendly. We bought some fun organizers for the girls rooms. We went to lunch, visited Home Depot and ran errands. I have so many ideas for decorating the house, let's see if I can manage to pull it off! Neal and I were lucky enough to get one of the girls from church to babysit and we went to a movie. It was nice to get some alone time!

I ran 10 miles this weekend! Wow, the hills here are killing me, but I made it! The 1/2 marathon is 13.1 miles. I have 2 weeks until the race, I'm nervous and excited!! I bought some batteries for my camera so I can start taking pictures again, sorry I haven't posted much up lately!

Leah starts her new gymnastics class, at Columbia Gymnastics, this Wednesday. She is in the Future Stars class (invitational class) which is geared towards competitive gymnastics. I can't wait to see how she progress's in the next year!

Leah had her Primary Program at church on Sunday. This is when all the children age 4-12 yrs.old put on a program for the congregation. It was so special to see Leah up there. She wasn't nervous at all! She sang all the songs and had a part in the program. Her class each had to answer a question, "Why are you a special Child of God?" Leah said, "I'm a special Child of God because of my love for others and my desire to be obedient." She was so cute!! We sat up front to watch her and we probably should have sat in the back because Katie kept trying to go up with Leah.

Casey Care Foundation

Last night was so much fun! The Texas Roadhouse was hosting a fundraising event for the Casey Care Foundation. They provide uplifting programs to critically ill children and their families. It was called "Kami's Jammies Night", inspired by the memory of Kamryn, who bravely battled Leukemia and hated wearing scratchy hospital gowns, this program helps children feel more at home when they stay at the hospital. (10% of everyones purchases went to the foundation and a lot of p.j's were donated)

It was a great opportunity to talk to Leah about what goes on in other peoples lifes besides her own. It helps her become a little more aware about others and also what we can do to help. She had fun picking out the P.J's to donate and it was a fun night together as a family. I'm so bumbed my camera has been giving me problems because we had some great picture moments!!

I can't believe I'm 31!!!

What a wonderful day!!! Last year when I turned 30 I was pretty overwhelmed with the idea of being in my 30's. And even though I'm still in shock that I'm 31, this year I'm feeling a little different about my birthday. I am so grateful to have two beautiful, healthy girls who have such personalities and bring so much joy into my life. I'm so grateful for my husband, who works so hard, makes me laugh, is my best friend and a great Father. I'm thankful to have great friends and family in our lives. I've been so blessed and so today on my 31st birthday, I'm not dwelling as much on my age but how I feel, which is joy and gratitude. Hears to more memories and exciting adventures to come!!!

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa!!

Leah and Katies Grandparents send mail and care packages for the girls...They received another package today and they were so excited!! Leah was especially excited for the flannel princess sheets she received. I had to take pictures of them in their new P.J.'S, too cute!!!

Presenting Leah's new doll house! We created a chart for Leah to help motivate her in a few areas. She had to get caught sharing, having a good attitude and showing gratitude. We had a chart with about 50-60 sqaures and she had to fill the whole chart and we'd get her something special. It took her about a month to fill the chart so she really worked hard, and we've seen such a change.

First Day of School!

Leah has been waiting all summer to start school. This morning she said she was a little nervous but once we got to school and she saw her friend Clara, she was great! She gave me a kiss and left without looking back...I hope she has a great day! When I pick her up were going to go to lunch with her friend Clara. It will be nice to have a special lunch for the girls!

Pictures of Family Trip to D.C. and Baseball Game

What a great week! My mom and sister flew in for Labor Day weekend. We went to Washinton D.C., the Zoo, Swimming, a Baseball Game and did a lot of shopping!! Neal and I took Leah to the game and my mom watched Katie. The weather was nice and cool, the food was great and the seats were awesome! Leah enjoyed the pre-game show and meeting the Mascot. Go Iron Birds!!

Leah starts school tomorrow she is so excited! I'm dropping my mom and sister off at the airport tonight, and I'm sad! But at least I'll be home for Christmas.