A Woman's Touch Dinner

Beavers Care Group table...the one I actually helped with.

I would love to tell you all about the annual WTD that our church hosted this past Tuesday, but Lindsi has already told it so nicely here that my take would just be overkill. (please keep in mind, that when Lindsi includes me in the girls who were on the committees that I didn't actually attend any meetings like they did, maintain multiple, multiple lists, oversee all decor and/or reservations for over 400 women (did show up the night before to eat free pizza)...so sweet of her to not throw me under the bus. beep, beep)

Wordless Wednesday--Galleria Playtime

Reverse Trick-Or-Treating

Puppy, duck, zebra, patient (goes with the nurse), Mickey Mouse, pig, bumble bee, Dalmatian (goes with the fireman), fireman, and nurse. (not in the picture was the cutest monarch butterfly you've ever seen! she was a wittle sweepy)

Our traditional Halloween event (for 2 years now) is to to join the Mom's Group from King Of Glory Lutheran Church for the reverse trick-or-treating they do at a local nursing home. This is a fun and relaxed time where the kids dress up, look really cute and pass out bags of goodies to the residents. The folks seem to get quite a hoot out of seeing the kids in costume and as a parent, I like to see my kid learning to share with others.

Oink, Oink

(we got lots of, "she's so cute...what is she?" and "what a cute bunny!" She was a PIG people. Look at the nose!)

We borrowed our friend Hannah's pig costume from last year since we haven't purchased anything yet. (borrowing Hannah's "last year"costume is also a tradition for us so far) BIG Thanks to Mandy and Hannah for the sweet loan.

Come on Grammy!

Let's hand out some treats!

The nursing home's dog...very tolerant.

Hayden did fabulous. We weren't sure how the costume's hat would go over, but she left everything on for the duration. She was super cute and willing to give hugs, high fives and smiles upon request. (occasional small bribery of graham cracker required.)

Bryan was excused from this year's fun to watch football since my mom was in town to help corral kid, goodie bags, diaper bag, camera, etc. Thanks Mom!

Thank you Lord for cute little piggies who are learning to share with others.

Five Years

Five years ago about this time I was eating breakfast with my family at La Madeleines and heading to the church to wed Bryan James Chamness (or Chambless...which is what the preacher said). I remember feeling very calm and surprisingly unworried about the details. I may have gotten a little peeved later when the sound-guy checked out the reception slide show in front of Bryan (it was supposed to be a surprise) and perhaps a little frustrated when the florist delivered my bouquet of roses (orange ones...not exactly what I had ordered) and perhaps just a teensy bit bitter when the wedding planner delivered the news that the organist had forgotten to tell the soloist about one of our selections (oops!). But five years later all that really matters are the vows Bryan and I took in front of God, family and friends.

We've experienced so much: fun, frustration, travel, moving, new home, baby, communication, grief, new job, new friends, old friends, family, parenting...you know...MUCH. And I must admit, I'm so glad to have shared these things with my best friend.

Happy 5 years Bry! Love you!

Thank you Lord for a husband who chooses to loves You and me!

Fall Fun on the Farm

I'm a pretty loyal Jimmy Dean sausage fan, but am considering switching over after Bryan, Hayden and I had such a fun time at the Owen's Big Orange Pumpkin Farm this morning. This is an annual Fall event at the Owen's Spring Valley Farm (where the Owen's sausage company was begun--right here in Richardson, TX).

We had a fabulous time feeding the sheep and goats, chatting with the chickens and roosters, glancing over some other large livestock and takin' a hayride. Granted, the ground was a little muddy from all the rain we've gotten, but the overcast skies and temps in the mid 60's were PERFECT! We had to share some space with a few school groups, but overall a fun and tiring time was had by all. (and we got to bring home two baby punkins)

I'm going to leave a link to the pictures because honestly I don't want to upload all 50+ to the blog. (lazy) http://picasaweb.google.com/HaydenChamness/OwensFarm

Thank you Lord for Fall family fun time!

(noticed later--the absence of all things pig on the farm. coincidence? we think not)

Wordless Wednesday-They've come so far...

Cool Weather Clothes

Despite a few over 80 degree days, the past two weeks have been bee-U-ti-full! We've been sporting open windows and no AC. These cooler temps mean some warmer clothes.

We've been very blessed to not have to buy Hayden many clothes since she was born. The gently used "hand-me-downs" and the borrowed clothes we've received from friends and the clothes bought by grandparents have kept the girl well supplied with some stylin' outfits. Of course there is always that cute something that falls in my cart at Target...this orange shirt and cute pair of jeans just screamed FALL at me. So these were purchased as an homage to Autumn (whatever excuse works).

The long sleeves took some getting used to, but the buttons were an instant success.

Thank you Lord for cooler temperatures, rain and open windows (and lower electricity bills!). Thank you for long sleeves and jeans to keep us nice and toasty!

Wordless Wednesday-Fun Outside

Book Crazy!

Hayden has been LOVING books lately.

One book is never enough and we will often have to read the same one over, and over, and over...you get the picture right? This was the scene from this morning. Hayden in her "I heart dad" pajamas and her crazy bed-head hair being regaled with Don't Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late by her favorite reader (Bryan.) Fortunately, this was a library book and went back today...so now she can become fixated on an entirely different book. (we may occasionally resort to hiding the most often requested books in order to maintain sanity)

Thank you Lord for kiddos who love to look at pictures and listen

and daddy's who love to read aloud.

Go Irish!

Hayden helped her daddy cheer on Notre Dame this past Saturday. Thankfully the team pulled through for a win in overtime.

The game wasn't real pretty, but this little fan sure was!