On fire with color

This last pic was dark so I warmed it up a little, the rest are straight from the camera.

It was a breathtaking drive up the canyon yesterday. Summer ended quick, but this is my favorite time of year. I'm ready to pick pumpkins with my kiddos, make stews in the crock pot, apple crisp, and wear my favorite sweaters. Here's for a long, beautiful fall, one can wish.

Cooking with Sophie & Sage

I like to bake, so whenever we have family b-day gatherings, I'm asked to make the cakes. This time I put Sophie and Sage in charge. Of course they had to taste test the batter to make sure it was perfect, delicious! Good job little bakers!

Had to try on my new pj's w/ matching blanket. Thanks sis!

♥ Lucky in Love ♥

I have to share what my sweety surprised me with, brought tears to my mom's eyes when I told her.

It was my birthday, started out like every other day. I had meetings in the morning and Paul had to work the burner shift (full day). My older boys were at scout camp and EFY, my fun lunch plans fell through last minute and we rescheduled. I know I was turning "39" again and didn't need to celebrate, but life is short and I wanted to make it a great day, I was starting to feel a little old (I don't normally feel that way). So I made some quick lunch plans with a friend and our children (they were excited), it was nice. Then Trevor and the girls wanted to take me to Boondocks or Cawabunga Bay to celebrate. Fun ideas, so cute, but I had something a little more grown up in mind. We've enjoyed the summer doing stuff like that so I didn't feel too bad about having a mom day. I appreciated the many b-day wishes on facebook and emails (even one from my new boss who took note of the date from my paperwork), and my sons b-day wishes via text, cool for remembering. The thoughtful gifts from a few friends & neighbors were so sweet- chocolate, jewelry, fresh garden veggies, stationary... Just what a girl wants!

Well, that afternoon I arranged a sitter and treated myself to a small shopping spree for my new job, professional clothes! Sounded fun and something I needed. Paul called to see how my day was going so I told him what I was up to. He never gets mad at stuff like that and knows that I won't go crazy and overspend, at least try not to :). I must be a picky shopper or it's been so long I forgot how to shop because I only found two pair of dress pants. I was almost ready to leave and was trying on my last pair when Paul called again. He told me he wants me to try these. What? I walked out of the dressing room and he was standing there holding some nice looking shirts. No way! It was slow at work so he was able to sneak away and go shopping with me, he had his phone nearby in case it got busy, but they didn't call. He's awesome and is always finding ways to pamper me. We spent the next hour or two as he picked out the cutest stuff, perfect for work! The nice shoppers around us kept commenting on the great stuff he's picking out (wishing they had their own "hot" personal clothing designer to take shopping, lol) I ended up with about 4-5 great outfits, it was the sweetest thing! He would've kept going, but it was good.

Thanks for surprising me and making that day so special hon, you're the best. It's not about the clothes, but the thoughtfulness, I'll never forget it! You're the bomb!

He treated me to a luscious, romantic dinner at "The Roof'" later that week-end, sporting one of my new blouses :). Loved the song dedication. Love my babe!

"I like school a little bit"- first grade update

I was thrilled to hear these words from Sophie and Sage last week, even the "little bit" part was understandable. This has been a tough adjustment and I appreciate everyone's caring remarks. I have watched my girls closely, and I've seen their strength, with much less stress and anguish each week, they are quickly becoming their happy selves again.

After a lot of thought and prayer, I felt I should give it a little more time then just 2 weeks. I could see that the worse part was over and it would only get better. I try not to be a helicopter mom (I'm sure I was one with my first child, but as hard as it is I know that they need to handle some things on their own according to age and ability, with guidance and comfort from mom/dad to help them grow, become responsible and be the best they can be). I know this challenge was huge for my girls and I believe it was too soon to have them in separate classes, combined with the big jump from half day Kindergarten to full day. Although, I knew the hardest part was over and they were improving each week. It's helped knowing that they can play together at recess and they each have great friends from last year in their classes and were quickly making new friends. It's been harder on Sophie then Sage, just like the adjustment in China was harder for her, bless her heart, but when she adjusts and bonds on her time, she does it very tight and is very genuine. I volunteer in their classrooms on Fridays and I've seen a big improvement each week, Sophie's great teacher has been keeping me informed and says she's really doing good and better each day, which I've noticed, although she's still a little quiet in the classroom. Sage has bounced right back to her happy self and never complains anymore about being in seperate classes, although I have to bite my tongue while I'm helping in her classroom (with her controlling teacher that micro manages everything, they can't even pick up their pencil without direct orders. An insult to their intelligence, how are they supposed to learn to think for themselves? Sorry, I had to vent a little). Another one of those life lessons. Although they miss each other, Sophie and Sage are doing much better and I have seen some good come from this- an improvement with their language, since they communicate with others more regularly. Less competition, although they are best friends and so much alike, they excel in different areas as well and were competitive at times last year in school. And more Independence.

Most importantly, I know the bonds between identical twins are unique and very strong, and it's great to see their excitement when they discover many of the same things they've done at school- learning the same songs, same stories, having the same homework... it helps them feel connected and they definitely enjoy each other before and after school. So things are getting better and they are proud of themselves for being brave, independant and conquering this challenge. I'm proud of you too S & S, you will never truly be alone!

Sophie- white, Sage- pink.

Wonderful News!

So thrilled to hear that Paul Cardall received his new heart yesterday. It's an answer to all of our prayers.

Keep him in your prayers for a speedy recovery to be back with his sweet family. We're looking forward to some more great music, like these first two songs.

Also thankful for the selfless gift of the doner.

Click on his picture above for his inspiring blog. He never lost faith!

Phew

I finally found time to blog. Each time I would try to post, something would come up or someone, usually named Sophie or Sage so I have terribly neglected my blog, but at least not my kids :). There is a lot going on this time of year- with 5 kids in 3 different schools, I've had my share of Back to School nights and Parent Orientations, now PTC is right around the corner, then it should slow down. I'm so thankful for g00d schools and fabulous teachers, and carpools. I only need to drive in the mornings now, big thanks to Jill & Becky, and I'm able to pass on the help to others. I love good education and seeing my family learn, enjoy and do well in school, it makes it all worth it.

I'm also finishing my training for my new job. I've been consulting and working with friends & family so far, and I start taking leads this week. Wish me luck :). It's similar to design jobs I've had in the past, but it's been awhile, so it's starting to all come back. The training is intense but great. I'm excited to get started and use the creative side of my brain again. Thanks Laryl!!

And if life wasn't busy enough, we just put our home on the market. For Sale! It was a big decision, we've really liked it here- the neighborhood, the home, the ward, but it's something we've considered shortly after our adoption now that we are a family of 7. We plan to downsize our lot and upsize our home. We have almost an acre, and have loved it for our kids and get togethers, the pool's been so fun, but with Paul's bad knee now (bike accident last year), we need less yard to keep up and more home to accomodate our growing family. We feel good about this move and know if it's meant to be then it will happen, but there's no doubt we'll miss it here! If it doesn't happen in this crazy market then that's ok too, we'll make this home work (possibly add on) and be happy to stay in this great neighborhood!

Here's a few pics from our last summer escape before school started...

S & S found a new favorite sport- Tennis, of course Soccer is still #1

Bliss!

The boys were out wake boarding while the girls hung out on the beach. I think they were digging to China :)

I'll save the most important part for my next post, update on Sophie and Sage in first grade. I really appreciate all of your comments, both on the blog, emails, and in person. I enjoy reading your blogs and wish I had more time to comment, but thanks for sharing your experience and insight, it helped!

Sophie and Sage wishes everyone a wonderful Labor Day, they are enjoying the three day week-end, how about you?