The Ghosts of Halloweens Past.

Angie at Seven Clown Circus is having a Wordful Wednesday post this week about the Ghosts of Halloweens Past.  Fortunately, I was able to dig up some great, old photos. [Unfortunately, my husband is going to kill me.]

Emily Elizabeth and her pal, Clifford.  Halloween 2003.

[And yes, there were pink and black striped stockings that are not visible.]

Scooby and the Gang. Halloween 2005.

Brandi the Hooter's Waitress and Earl Hickey (My Name Is Earl). Halloween 2007.
[Again, there were thick, white tube socks that are not visible.
It is apparent to me that indeed, I have a thing for socks and costumes.]

If you link up to Seven Clown Circus with a Halloween post, you could win a Flip Ultra video camera. Good Luck and Happy Halloween!!

Three Little Turkeys.

I am participating in the Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday post about motherhood. This collage epitomizes motherhood to me. All of them in the same PJ's (probably well into the afternoon). All crawling under the Exosaucer (definitely not using the toy for its intended purpose) while being photographed.

They were each at that magical 9 months age that my husband and I loved so much. I love that this collage freezes them in time, all together and all at once.

School Days.

Passing the Torch.

We've lived in our small town for three years.  For all of that time, one of my children has attended Noah's Ark Preschool.  It is my heart and soul.  It is where I've met all of my closest friends.  I am so fortunate that each of my children's first school experiences were at this wonderful school.

Today the youngest [and most boisterous] member of our family started Noah's Ark Preschool.  He was so excited, which made leaving him there very easy.

The only negative report from his teacher was that he attempted to free the guinea pig.  When I asked him about it, he said he was "trying to put Angel in her ball." My only negative report? That our beloved Teacher Dianna won't be teaching his class.

By all accounts, he had a fantastic day.  His favorite part "juice."   My favorite part?  Hosting a coffee at my house [sans les enfants] for my closest girlfriends.  I think I could really get used to this SAHM business.

A Very Busy Birthday.

This past week, my sweet little Doodlebug turned five.  She is a wonderful and amazing little girl. She is a part of the reason for the sparkle in my eye and the sunshine in our house.

We had a very busy birthday for this girl.  We added a new member to our family: Chrissa, the American Girl doll.  We went to the movies to see G-Force with some friends, complete with snack bags.  We also went to Benihana for dinner, the birthday girl's favorite.

I cannot believe this precious angel will be starting Kindergarten in a little over a week. I will also miss all the "help" [real and perceived] around the house.

First Date.

Ladies, lock up your daughters.

Seven.

While we were in Atlanta, my eldest child celebrated her seventh birthday.  Although there was no party, it was celebrated with the appropriate amount of fanfare.

We had a Belgian waffle with blueberries, whip cream and a candle for breakfast.  American Girl store and bistro for lunch.  Along with the purchase of a new *friend* who is now traveling with us everywhere.  (And I do mean everywhere).  And finished up with dinner and dessert at her favorite chain restaurant seafood dinner, Red Lobster.

The middle-aged lady at the table next to us was also celebrating her birthday.  When the waiters came around to sing "Happy Birthday," it was for "Deb and Barrett."  Not exactly what we had expected.  Clayton repeatedly sang happy birthday to Deb and Barrett for the rest of the week.

Three.

Exactly three years ago today, another boy stole my heart away.  And I am changed forever.

The Best of Father's Days.

I was never certain what kind of mother I would be, but the one thing I was always certain of was what kind of father my husband would be.  He is everything I wanted for my children and so much more.

On this Father's Day, I visited a dear friend, her husband and newborn two hours after she delivered. It reminded me of those three spectacular days that made my husband a father.

This picture was taken just days after Barrett was born.

This picture was taken after Ansley Claire was born.

This picture was taken minutes after I delivered Clayton.

I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but my choice for husband and father of my children I have never regretted, not for one single second. Happy Father's Day, dear.  I love you.