Bridget's first "Talent Show"!

Tonight, Bridget announced that she was having a Talent Show.  She brought out a little music box, propped a stick in a bucket of sand and called it a flower, and brought her bag of special things.  She twirled around in her crinolins, lifting her leg now and then and had a moment of sweetness.  So cute, had to capture it.

Mom's first day back to school...

It's the last weekend of summer break - man, it went fast! Charlie, you and dad are camping with the cub scout group and Will, you are also camping with scouts and helping with a triathlon. A nice end to the summer but you're both excited for school to start. Today was my first day back - back to full time after three years of glorious part time home as a mom. It was undeniably the best of both worlds - I loved going to work 2 or 3 days a week and I loved being home. It's time for B and H to go to preschool and be around other kids and learn the routine of school. I know you two are going to love it at Smoky Row. I am going to miss the heck out of spending the majority of my days with you, but our time together will be all the sweeter. You must know that your dad was and is my hero in all our time together. Your dad never flinched at the three years I was home. He never said a thing about the money that wasn't made or the dinners I didn't get together - but he did say "Team Brandol" a lot, a reminder that we were in it together. I thank my lucky stars every day.

So, off to school we go. I hope it all gets done and that we get through the year intact!
It was a wonderful summer!

Charlie is finally a BIKE RIDER!!

While in NC with Thomas, there must've been some conversation about going for a bike ride and Charlie must have given it a try.  When he called last week, he said he'd ridden a bike for a few drive way lengths and we were thrilled.  When he finally came home on Saturday, I mentioned getting on again, and he was pretty willing.  He got on and simply took off.  He finally wasn't afraid of falling and had his balance.  SOOO excited for him.  He and Will have been all around the neighborhood and he's talked Dad into a long bike ride tonight.  YAA CHARLIE!

Charlie,...so lucky

We're back from our trip and getting settled down.  Charlie got the best gift - as we're putting on our seatbelts ready to leave Myrtle, Carla knocks on the window and asks if Charlie can stay until the Stampers come up to Long's Retreat.  Charlie - so excited, didn't even hesitate.  Jumps out of the car, grabs his Star Wars figures and he's gone.  A week with Thomas.  I don't even think he misses us!

Kiddos at Myrtle Beach

What? 41?

What the heck happened?  I turned 41 today.  All of the sudden, birthday's have become something to avoid.  Charlie - you asked me today,..."Mom, why is it so bad to have a birthday?".  I replied with something I've heard from my own mother - "You'll understand when you are older."   UGG!  When did this happen to me?  I keep in the back of my head,...you're as old as you feel...

I got the best birthday present ever - we're spending the weekend with Carla, et al..  It has been a difficult summer.  Between helping my mom with her Heritage Tour of her house, and helping Jody get moved to Sunbury, and then Carla moving to Charlotte, it's been quiet and full of emotions.  You may not see many posts, because we aren't at Zoombeezi, or taking a major vacation, but this weekend, we are thrilled to be in Charlotte, NC..  I haven't yet faced their move, as I look over at 2295 Severhill and expect to see Carla's face in the window, and wave to her as she does dishes, and I do mine, but this has been a smack of reality.  She's really here, and doing dishes in North Carolina. 

I couldn't be happier to be here, and yet it's bittersweet.  My bestie, in another place, far from where she should be.  It will be a wonderful weekend - today, celebrating my birthday, and tomorrow, heading for Myrtle Beach.  We will share a condo and SOOO much fun.  I love my Carla...a sister.