I hate being sick

That about sums it up. I was sick yesterday and today. Some sort of stomach bug that really just left me with no energy whatsoever. That, combined with a couple weeks of REALLY early mornings, left me pretty well worthless today. Poor Sophia. Thankfully, she's finally in a phase where she is getting better at entertaining herself! Hopefully tomorrow will be better, but I don't see myself getting up to work out in the morning.

blech

Christmas at Silver Dollar City

As a student at College of the Ozarks, I ran low on entertainment options pretty quickly in Branson. Many reasons for that. However, during the Christmas season, Erick and I loved to visit Silver Dollar City and stroll hand in hand through the Christmas lights, sipping on a hot cocoa and watching the little families pass by.

This weekend, we returned as one of the little families. It was fun to return to a place that meant so much to us during those years. It was even more fun to watch Sophia's eyes as she saw the giant Christmas tree light up for the first time, or tried to make friends with strangers. The difference in enjoyment when you are seeing something through the eyes of your child is astounding.

First Sentence

Sophia put her first words together in sentence form today. Erick was my witness. We both thought she said it before we looked at each other. Of course she won't say it again, but it was SO cute. She said "Tiger go (growl)!" We were very impressed, not to mention pleased! Our very own baby tiger! Seriously!

Time Change

I remember a time when I looked forward to the fall time change. An extra hour of sleep? Fits into my schedule great. Thanks, US Congress. Now...not so much. We have been awake before five every morning this week, thanks to our darling little Sophieclock. On Sunday morning, she slept till almost 6, so we thought it wouldn't be such a bad adjustment. Wrong. She hasn't made it to 5 o'clock since. Need I say it? "Boooooo!" More naps, fewer naps. Hotter, cooler. Darker, lighter. We've tried it all. Now we've just resigned ourselves to a life of Mountain Dew and Starbucks and going to bed early.

Falling back sucks. I'm tired.

A couple melancholy fall thoughts

I had some time to write down some thoughts, and a few flowed as poems. Sorry they're so melancholy. It always makes me feel better to get it down.

Choices

The anger gets swept away on the colorful breeze
My hair falls across my face reminding me of your holy touch
How can a world filled with hatred reflect your intoxicating beauty
My sadness sinks into me like the fall rains - providing moisture for my soul
Emotion feeds my mind and pushes the pen
How to be grateful for the freedom that brings pain and life in the same breath

Am I?

I look down to avoid your gaze.
How can I hide my shame?
You know me better than I'm known to myself.

That's the problem, isn't it?
Who am I deep down? You already know.
I don't face you because of the fear that deep down I'm nothing -
And I'll see it written on your face.

Photo Shoot

On Saturday, I proposed the brilliant idea to David and Casey that we go somewhere lovely with our lovelies the next day to get pictures. Because "we never get pictures of our whole family!" Brilliant idea. And it turned out brilliantly. We went to Rock Bridge State Park, where there were several other families with the same idea. The leaves were really gorgeous. Of course the gorges, rocks and hills were beautiful too. So I think we got some good pictures. All of the kids had their moments, and believe it or not, they may have overlapped in just enough places to make for some good photos!

It was a good time regardless. We do have beautiful children...

Wish I had a plane

We were just talking about how nice it would be to have your own jet. Just fly anywhere you want at the drop of a hat. Not have to worry about traffic and carseat fits. Get places in a fraction of the time. Here are two of the main reasons I would really want a jet...my two nephews in Stewartsville. Jeffrey and Jacob. Aren't they cute?