Papa Simpson's Fall Festival and other fall things

I LOVE all things fall, but especially time outdoors with my friends and little ones. The tease of perfect weather came to a blistering halt on Friday and we peaked in the mid 90's on Saturday. I quickly stashed my boots in lieu of flip flops and shorts. But, the lighting is still screaming fall so we threw on some fall garb and took pics outside. Saturday we teamed up with the Hall's, Underwood's and Gisclair's for some Fall Fun at Papa Simpson's Farm including a petting zoo, hay maze, pumpkin patch, cow train, pony ride, corn box and more. Basically a plethora of photo fun. I especially love the pics of Sarah and Ella Grace at sunset....perfection!


Harper and the piglets...makes me think of Fern and Wilbur

Olivia and Harper in the cow train (barrels on wheels)

Perfection....

Bliss...

Adoration...

I love this little farmer!

Kennedy Hall rockin' Matilda Jane

Olivia makin' "corn angels"

Ella Grace Gisclair

Olivia on the tiny horse named Squatamole!

Baylor checking on the piggies

Ella Grace's sweet thighs!

Sprinkler fun, praying for rain!

My lovely Pumpkin Package courtesy of Southern Magnolia Landscaping!

we walked

I think I've spent more time outside this past week than I did all summer. It was the first week of relief. I wore jeans and didn't sweat. My shoes slipped on those first few acorns peppering my driveway. Leaves danced across the asphalt like a preview of the months to come.
And my girls got to rock their new boots.

Baylor riding Harper's "triceratops" in the driveway

Harper made a new friend

...and discovered something cool

...and cruised

And today, on this chilly morning, we walked in our new boots!

My little one, she knows she's cute!

Harper is really starting to look after her sissy.

We walked and we knocked...

...and we found a friend!

Calling all Superheroes!

Some mom's are just in a different league. They've got that drive and passion, creativity and imagination that says, "Hey, they are only little once, so why not?" I love it! I'm not in that league but sometimes I'm a substitute player. My creativity takes force in different ways. But, when your kid gets the invite to one of these birthday parties, you clear the schedule and write that baby down in pen!

Thanks Katie, Batgirl, Supergirl, Wonderwoman! The party was a blast for the kids and grown ups. You did a great job and yes, I'm a little green.

Gotham City

Peyton Beck suiting up in his cape and mask.

Jake Tyler takes after his strong Daddy.

Supergirl Landry Grace securing her pink cape

Faster than a speeding bullet

Birthday girl, Kennedy Hall in her precious pink tutu!

Landry Grace Tyler

Superboy Bailey Jack Beck is pooped after saving a small village

Wondergirl Baylor Kate, with her precious thunder thighs!

Da, da, da , duhhhhh....Harper Cauley, Supergirl with Supercurls!

The Prodigal Sister

It's been a long time. Fifteen years. It's been a long time since Codie and I have had a visit together, alone, without a holiday. She hasn't been to Ruston since my wedding in 2003. Codie, our adamantly labeled "middle child", free spirit, river chic set up, scheduled and organized the visit because she wanted to see her youngest nieces, Harper and Baylor Kate. Because her vision is impaired she can't drive long distances so she took the train to Longview and Mom drove her over. The 41/2 hour car ride from San Marcos to Longview takes 10 hours by train! She really wanted some Louisiana lovin'! Did I say it's been a long time?

A long time ago I heard a Michael W. Smith song (I think it was by him) about the prodigal son returning to his family. "He ran to me, held my head to his chest, and said my son's come home again!" Seriously, the lyrics choke up the ole' esophagus and ignite the water works. Well, that is how I felt! It was only for four days but it was the best four days I've had with her in years! "My sister is back!" I wanted to scream. I shared by excitement with a friend that gave me this witty response, "So who has changed more, you or her?" Both.

Two summers ago, after a study of David, I began praying for a "this far" transformation for my entire family. That means that God will change the lives and hearts of my family so much that ONLY HE can receive the credit and praise. God is so good and he had done just that. My family has changed and I have changed and there is only thing to say about it, "Amen!"

In church today we sang these lyrics, "From the inside out, Lord my soul cries out!" At first I tried to fight away the tears. Choke them back like I do on so many Sunday's. But today I accepted the tears as a blessing and sign that the Holy Spirit is moving within me. I sang with a smile today, hands lifted in praise, instead of tears. God is good and He does change us from the inside out. I may not always understand His timing. Let's face it, I always want things done yesterday, and God doesn't work that way. Some blessings are years in the making. Did I say it's been a long time?

Missy Crane, Are you ready for Harper Cauley?

Yesterday was Harper's first dance lesson. No clingy crying, no lookin' back, no fear! My blonde curly girl owned it. She was born to dance!
We'd been counting down the days for two weeks and she was ready. So ready, in fact, that she told me, "It's ok mom, you can go shopping and leave me here. I'll be fine. I'm OK, I'm the big sister."
She is. She was. She danced.