Brady's Big Haircut

While we were in Little Rock (post coming soon) Brady got her first major haircut. She had had one cut months ago, but it was really just a trim. This time inches were cut. B's hair is of many types much like her mama's. The hair underneath was comprised of somewhat tight spiral curls which were much shorter than the straight and often stringy tresses on the outside. So, the goal was to even it out a bit. It looks much healthier and is much easier to deal with and she was quite proud. So here are the before and after pictures. The hairdresser did a quick blow-dry job on her hair so it's much straighter than usual.

Halloween Food

The night before Halloween we had a little Halloween style dinner: mummies (hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls and cheese), witches' fingers (apple slices with a dab of laughing cow cheese and almonds), and pumpkin roll-ups (tomato basil wraps with turkey, laughing cow cheese, and basil).
We also had some H'ween inspired lunches. Orange carved to resemble a jack 'o lantern filled with mixed fruit and jack'o sandwich (food colored l.c. cheese with dried fruit face details and snap pea crisp stems.)

Halloween Friends

The Halloween festivities gave great opportunities for spending time with friends. The above picture shows Brady with some of her classmates at her school costume parade. I love that picture because it captures the excitement and love these girls have for each other. (And also the differences in their height!) One of B's school friends is in the picture below. We were able to spend a little time with her at Trunk-or-treat and the dinner afterwards.
This next picture is of Brady and her BFF Ally. These two girls act like sisters- fighting one minute and laughing the next. A couple of days before H'ween we went to a special storytime and then to eat at our usual spot afterwards. These smiles are authentic!
On Halloween night we ran into a few of our favorite boys, too. Holidays are so much better when shared with good friends.

Halloween Queen

Here is my lovely little Queen. Brady decided months ago that she would be a queen for Halloween. And so it was. She wore one of her gorgeous princess dresses and Nana made her a perfect cape to transform it to the next level of royalty. Add to that a scepter and crown (it doesn't match, which bothers me and not B, so I let it go, although obviously not completely or I wouldn't be writing this sentence) and we're good to go. Almost everyone got it wrong as I knew they would, but her majesty was quick to correct! First we went to Trunk-or-Treat at Brady's school and then we did some trick-or-treating in a nearby neighborhood and to a few houses in our hood.

The night before Halloween, Brady said,"How about our family dresses up for Halloween?" I said, "Well.." And she replied, "No, not our whooole family, just me and you and Daddy." Ha ha! It was decided that Adam would be a doctor, since he was heading to work after the first event.
And I was given the role of "star performer". I pulled together a simple outfit, lots of jewelry, too much makeup, and teased hair. Most importantly I carried Brady's play microphone, so I received her approval. Pretty sure most everyone else was trying to decide whether I was in costume or just had bad taste. My Queen was happy, so all was well.

The What, Not The Where

Our time here in North Carolina is dwindling. Adam's residency will be over in 8 short months. Adam's interview process begins tomorrow. The light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter. And that is a VERY good thing. But, it is also scary. There are just so many unknowns in this situation. For a long while I was focusing on the where. Where will we live? Don't know. Where do I want us to live? I'm still not sure.

Then one day it came to me: I'm focusing on the wrong questions. I should be concerned about the what and not the where. So, what do I want in our next home? I desire a home, a true home. There have been a lot of great things about living in North Carolina (and there will be more in the months ahead), but it has yet to really feel like home. I desire a good job for Adam that will leave him fulfilled, yet challenged, happy and full of peace. I desire deep, spiritual relationships; transparent friendships for all of us individually and as a whole. I desire a neighborhood that is neighborly. I desire a church home that is welcoming, engaging; where we know and are known, where we give and take.

Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

The Real Danger of Leaving The Room During a Bath

First Pair Of Jeans

Brady wore jeans for the first time last week! I know, I know she's 3 1/2 (technically 3 3/4 -yikes!). I am a bit of a kids' clothes snob. I don't judge others' choices, but for my little gal we've waited on the jeans. I thought about it last year, but just couldn't quite go for it, just too grown-up, I suppose. She did have a pair of denim overalls. The first day (and maybe the only?) she wore those I could sense her own intrepidation. She was quick to find the largest bow and girliest purse possible to complete the outfit. This fall I decided it was high time. So, we set off to buy her first pair of jeans. Who knew shopping for toddler jeans was nearly as tricky as getting a pair of women's? She was smack dab between a 3T and 4T. We went with 4T and a cuff. She was so proud! Too bad my camera was on some odd setting that turned these all super blurry because she was really into this little shoot. Hopefully you still get a sense of the excitement and cuteness anyhow. Below is the essential booty shot.

Constant Chatter #8

In the constant chatter there are lots of forgotten quotes, but here are a couple of gems we've heard lately.

One day after getting dressed Brady said, "Don't I look cute?" (The girl is not hurting in the self-esteem department.)

I answered, "Yes, you do. And, how about me?"

She cocked her head to the side and slowly said, "Hmmm... not so much the yellow, mama." (Indy, if you are reading this I was wearing your favorite highlighter yellow cardigan. In all fairness, it is a tough color for some to swallow.)

Brady was on the phone with Gammi thanking her for the latest package full of goodness (that Gammi!) , but was quite distracted with my chocolate chip pumpkin muffin baking prep. She said , "I'm going to let you talk to mom; my breath is tired." And then mere seconds after she handed me the phone she said, "Mom, put the call on pause."

Thanks, Aunt Ashley!

We are in love with this dress made by Brady's talented Aunt Ashley! Thank you! Thank you!
When I tell B that I'm going to take her picture, this is the sort of stuff I get. A natural model I tell ya.
And thank you for the dresses (not handmade, but oh, I'd love an Amy Butler get up, too) that you treated me with this summer. I'm pretty rotten about writing thank you notes. Just call me "Good Intentions Girl". In college we had a friend we called that, but now I think I fit the bill. But, trust me I am so thankful for the dresses and for all you do for us. Thank you!

Pumpkin Patch Post 1

Here is the seemingly mandatory Pumpkin Patch Post, only it's in 2 parts because Blogger won't allow me more than 5 pictures per post- what is that about? So, post 1- We went on a hayride. I have a thing for pics of legs and feet.
We had some really great (and cute) company. 2 of the 3 wouldn't cooperate for a photo op.
Brady choose this perfect little spot for some pictures. It was a beautiful day. See part 2 below. Oh, and mom (and Shea Lea and Jenna) doesn't she look like me when she sports this 'do I practically always had?