Knitting 101

...so i've picked up knitting and much to my own surprise, and jeff's,  i finished my first project, a flower beanie for Taya, however Josie likes to steal it from her- all it needs now is a button in the middle. I'm thinking my next project will be a pair of arm warmers- we'll see....

Sweet Pea Designs

....Love my sitter- she's great with the kids, super fun and creative.  Last week she brought by some headbands that she had made for the girls! LOVE THEM.....check them out at 

www.sweet-peadesigns.blogspot.com she even named a few after the girls! Can't beat that!

And the hoscar goes to...

so we're doing something a little bit different this christmas and i am so excited. Instead of the traditional christmas dinner in years past we are having a formal awards banquet- and glammed out to the nines in 80's style. It's been a riot planning- hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving. 

Peoria Walk for Diabetes 2008

Last year was my first year in participating in Peoria's Walk for Diabetes and it left such an impression on Jaden that I was excited about this years walk. So when my friend Lori asked if I would be interested in photographing candid shots for their advertising, I was thrilled. I have known Lori now going on 2 years. She is one of those individuals that you want to be around just to soak up even a little bit of wisdom. Her story is simply amazing..... a mom of 3 kids all with type I diabetes. I'm not sure how she does it- but she does it beautifully....with grace and humor. 

Their last name is Coffey. So to capitalize on the irony they've developed a website www.3coffeysnosugar.com to tell their story. Please check it out - it is amazing and they sell GREAT coffee for the cause. Tonight I will be saying an extra prayer of thanks for my kids health. :)

Visiting the Farm...

So since Jaden's started school he's been asking "when do i get to ride the bus, mom", "when do i get to ride the bus", "when do i get to line up in the bus-line mom", "huh?" "huh?"..... oh the excitement of a five year year old. Well he got his wish when they took their first field trip out to Ackerman's Farm. And he must have got his fill cause he hasn't asked since.... but we had such a great time- a friend and i were able to meet them out there with our kids and a little girl i babysit for as well. They saw different animals, a horse get loose which was exciting, a hayrack ride from Farmer John and learned about different pumpkins and gourds. My favorite was a sign posted that stated "unattended children will be given espresso and a free puppy". sooo cute.

Kawasaki Honda Wine and Mitsubishi Lite Beer

now i will have that Ray Steven's song

rolling around in my head, oh my..... so Ryan drove his new bike down here for a few days over the great "Pumpkin-Fest" which was a hit. Jaden got a ride, Josie didn't and Taya Ryan got to see her name-sake- such a fun time though we could've done without the massive amounts of rain....i'm sure Ryan would agree as he had to ride 3-1/2 hours in it. 

Flexin it

so jeff bit the bullet and purchased a new vehicle- we went 'round and 'round about what would be appropriate- he thinks i'm jealous.....which- well, yeah i am..... with a dvd player, multiple moon roofs, satellite radio, on star, ipod hook-up, cell phone hook-up and great gas mileage but then again...... i still like my remote door opener.