Still here...

1. Barely breathing...remember that song by Duncan Sheik? My theme song lately. Phew.

2. My little girl is growing up, she started Brownies this month. I can remember being a Brownie when I was younger. I had so much fun learning new things, doing crafts, going on field trips, and so much more. I can't wait for Emerson to do all those things too. Today she came home having made her own pillow!

3. And speaking of growing up. Our little guy had his first soccer practice tonight. 12 little five year old boys are quite humorous to watch as they learn to play soccer. Looking forward to his first game this weekend! Pictures soon...

4. As I know everyone knows, our weather here in CA has been rather hot lately. Almost unbearable. But there is always a silver lining in something like this, right? Look what I snapped this morning.

5. I am so thrilled that all the new shows have finally started for the fall season.

6. Made a delicious new salad recently. Highly recommend it as a lighter meal.

7. I really love my new school. My kids are great. Families are wonderful. Staff is supportive. It is really great. But, I do miss seeing some dear friends on a daily basis.

8. Nothing better than driving to school with the kids each day and listening to them giggle, laugh, chat, discuss, point things out to each other, just love on each other. They were piling out of the car one morning and a fellow teacher said, "I love how they are so giggly this early in the morning." I said, "They really love each other, they are each others best friend." It's the truth and I love that.

9. I pulled out the fall decorations. I'm burning the pumpkin candles. I am baking like a crazy person. Yet...the leaves haven't changed, the temperatures are still over 100 degrees, and the sun is still shining at 7pm. Ugh.

10. i am exhausted and going to bed now...

Lots of love,

The Grady's

TEN

1. Settling into our new schedule slowly. Kids have actually done a wonderful job getting ready each morning and getting out the door. It's me that needs to go to bed earlier, so that alarm clock isn't so annoying in the morning.

2. Just finished a really great book the other day. I highly recommend it, but, be prepared to shed some tears...or a ton like I did. But, what an amazing story of friendship. Loved it.

3. We signed up for Netflix this summer when summer TV failed to entertain. We have been receiving three Dvd's at once and loving it. I have re-watched so many favorites, seen new ones that I wouldn't have taken the time to see, and ordered movies for the kids that I remember loving as a kid myself.

4. Priceless moments...glancing over in school mass at Em and seeing her sing along with a big smile on her face, walking to lunch and getting a huge bear hug from Brennan, watching Emerson walk her little brother to his classroom each morning...so fortunate to be where I am now and be able to witness things like this everyday.

5. I made homemade cinnamon bread this past weekend. 6 hours, kneading, rolling, resting, baking. SO worth the time and energy. Delicious.

6. When do the fall shows start. I am just about done watching House Hunters, Ace of Cakes, Cupcake Wars, Cake Boss, My First Place, Diners Drive-ins and Dives....well you get the idea. Think I am ready for some good stuff now.

7. Back to School also means back to a crazy schedule. Two dance classes, girl scouts, speech, taekwando, soccer, and who knows what else. So this is what the "Mom Taxi" is all about!

8. I have found a new love of cooking lately. Not sure if it is all the darn food network shows I watch or what. But, I have been trying a bunch of new things, taking time to really cook, and loving the end products (most of the time!). Someone asked me recently if I have always cooked or why I actually liked it. I told them I was so incredibly lucky to have two moms that are excellent cooks and used to show me things all the time. I was constantly in the kitchen helping. I hope that I can continue to pass these things onto my own kids too.

9. Found this cool website/blog recently with tons of FREE crafty things. http://www.livinglocurto.com/

10. It's finally football season again....are you ready?

Lots of love,

The Grady's