pumpkin patch

 

We love the pumpkin patch. It is one of our family's favorite traditions. It is so fun to watch the kids wander around looking for the perfect pumpkin and changing their minds at least a dozen times. Throw in some apples and a hay ride and life is good. Truth be known we've been to the pumpkin patch twice already.

yes. that is corn. no. it is not cooked. yes. he ate it.

 

 apples and a hay ride

 

 

these are what made it home



Fall is here

I can hardly believe that Fall has been here for a month. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous and we've been busy taking it all in. Hiking, a visit to the zoo, playing at the park, a quick trip to the beach, and back yard shenanigans.... it's been fun.

 

First day of 7th grade

picnic with cousins

 the park with friends

 Eli's 2nd birthday

loves from Uncle Casey

 Eli and his new "mo mo" from Grandma and Grandpa 

 fun with Dad at the Aquarium in Seaside

 Beach! The weather was just lovely, 80 degrees and not enough wind to fly our kite :)

 beach smores

 littlest toes first time to the beach

 hiking Lucia Falls

 doing the Puyallup with Grandma and Grandpa, Washington State Fair

 first hair cut

washing her bike an everyday chore if you ask her

Portland Zoo

 a visit to the local farm

Levi meeting Grandpa Scott for the first time



Nine years ago

Nine years ago I met this amazing guy. Funny story really. If you ask me he stalked me and paced behind me to the library after standing across from him in our calculus teacher's office, if you ask him I winked at him and so he was just following me to the library to see if I wanted to get some coffee. Love was in the air that Fall. I never thought I would be thankful for a calculus class, but really it was what brought us together. If you are wondering I came out of the class with the better grade. Since we met that October day nine years ago we've been inseparable, sure we've had our ups and downs but we've come so far.  I love my Matthew more than I could ever say and Fall always reminds me how sweet it is to love him. He truly is my greatest blessing, he brings me so much joy and to watch him and us and our family grow together has been amazing. So in case you didn't know I kinda like this guy.

2 months

 

I can hardly believe this little guy was born two months ago. He is such a blessing. So so sweet and really the best baby. I love him dearly.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Abnormally abnormal

I am a little behind on reporting things here, but it for good reason, I've been busy celebrating and enjoying the health I've been given! The results came from my thyroid October 1st and although they are abnormally abnormal, they show no signs of cancer! The right side and center of the thyroid was removed, three nodules one of significant size were found all with abnormal cells but none cancerous, the fourth nodule ended up being a cyst. The cells outside of these nodules/cyst had abnormalities, making the results what my doctor called abnormally abnormal. I am so glad this is behind me. There is such a relief, I can not explain the load lifted as I wondered for 7 months, pregnant no less, if I had cancer. I was so overwhelmed when I finally got the news I was laughing and crying and shaking and well simply happy.

I've had my blood tested and so far there is no need for medcation, though at some point I may need to be on thyroid hormones, time will tell. My neck is healing, it was so tender the first two weeks and now I hardly notice. The scar stares at me every morning, but Matt insists it is "cool".  I am so so thankful for all of  the love and support our family recieved. Our parents were all wonderful help with the kids and can't forget Uncle Casey too. We had wonderful friends feed us and help with the kids for my follow up appointments, get well cards and texts galore.  I am amazed by everyones kindness and willing to serve me and my family. Thank you thank you thank you.