Collier's Halloween Party

Today was Collier's Halloween Party at preschool, the child has been looking forward to this day for weeks and this morning he was so excited it was finally here!

I've decided that he can wear dress up costumes every day if he will get dressed as easily as he did this morning!

It was great! He had a wonderful time, they went trick or treating around the school and played all sorts of fun Halloween games, and of course ate lots and lots of sugary treats! He was on a total sugar high when I picked him up this afternoon, but to see that he had such a wonderful time was just a joy!

Collier and his teacher Miss Chyna!

Collier and his buddy Cade!

Happy Anniversary!

Mark and I have been married five years today. Life has certainly not been easy for the two of us, rather it be separately or together, we've had our fair share of tough times. But the truth is, looking back, I wouldn't have picked another soul to share my journey with me. Mark has been my rock, my voice of reason, my shelter and I to him. It hasn't always been easy, but we've done it together and because of that, I believe we have a great marriage that will stand the test of time.

I've said it many times, I don't believe in soulmates. I think people use this term loosely to describe their relationships. I think the term takes away from the depth of the actually marriage and it simply doesn't give the couple credit for the hardwork and dedication that they put in daily to their marriage. When I hear someone say, "We're soulmates", it's like they are saying "It's easy" and I don't believe that. Maybe that's because Mark and I have seemed to have had all our difficult times at once and early in our marriage, I don't know, but we've worked very hard to keep our marriage vibrant and strong. I think more people should take credit for their marriages.

I have a wonderful husband and if marriages are destined or "made in heaven" then mine certainly was one of them. If I ever thought I was talented enough, I'd love to write a book about our entire relationship. It really is quite interesting, at least to me. I'm a very lucky woman, I have a very wonderful husband and I am very happy with my life and my marriage. I only hope that everyone, at some point in their life, gets to experience the type of love that I share with Mark.

"...Ever thine, Ever mine, Ever ours"....

Cortlyn's Artifact Showcase

Cortlyn has been studying Early Americans, which when I was in school were called Indians, but apparently that's not politically or historically correct so Early Americans it is then. Anyway, they've been reading all sorts of neat books and articles on their life, culture, etc. and Cortlyn has really seemed to enjoy this topic. Well as a wrap up to the lesson they had to make an artifact that represents something an Early American would have used, and well my very prissy daughter of course picks a purse! I love it! Anyway, she made a purse and today was the day that she got to display it for all the school to see. She seemed very excited, so I stopped in this afternoon to see her and got a few shots. I know, how embarrassing right...hey I'm the mom, that's what I do! :)

Collier's First Parent/Teacher Conference!

He's a rockstar! That's basically what his preschool teacher said...I think he has worked his charm on her! ha! She was very complimentary on his manners, geez I didn't know he had any manners, lol. She said he was extremely intelligent, that he was a leader in his class and that she saw great things in his future! What a great preschool teacher to have, right! I mean imagine if we all had such a wonderful teaching influence at such an early age! I feel truly blessed that Collier has her in his life. He has mastered all the skills that should be mastered by March of next year, Mark and I just sat there stunned! Please don't misunderstand, we think the world of Collier, and I've always thought he was a little ahead of the game, but to hear someone else say all these wonderful things about your child, it really made my day...heck my year! So Collier's rocking preschool like it was recess! I'm just so proud!

Arkansas Arts and Craft Fairs

Mark and I took the day off together and went down to Arkansas for their Arts and Craft Fairs. I love these fairs and I can't tell you how much I love it that my hubby wants to go with me...now I know what you are thinking, it's a day off work of course he'll go. But honestly he could take off work and sit at home...he really enjoys himself too, although I'm sure he would deny that statement! My MIL and SIL went along with us and it was just the best time. We hit Bella Vista's fair first and then a fabulous fair in Rogers, it was amazing this year! I could have done some serious damage there, but I refrained! It was really nice to have a day to just play and again it was so enjoyable that my D.H. tagged along. He's the best!

Homecoming Parade!

Miss Cortlyn got to ride in her first Homecoming Parade this Friday! All the PeeWee Football players and Cheerleaders got to ride on a float and she was very stoked about this event. It was a frigid cold day and it had rained most of the morning but luckily it let up for the afternoon so the parade could go on! She was decked out in her cheer uniform and throwing candy like the parade princess I always knew she could be! Unfortunately, her team lost their game over the weekend, but we're getting used to it...we've failed to win a game yet.

Barnyard Days!

This past week was the official "kick off" to Fall. We had our annual trip to Barnyard days which rarely disappoints and the kids had a great time. Collier wanted to ride the horses and was so excited to find out his horse's name, Tonto! haha. He talked about that horse all day long. Collier also rode the Barrell Pull and seemed to enjoy that regardless of the long wait in line. Poor Cortlyn's at that stage where she just don't enjoy these types of things anymore...but she was a good sport for us.
We did head over to the Fall Festival event that our city square was holding and that was fun as well. Cortlyn was able to find a fun ride there...the trampoline bungee jump. She had to wait in a very long line but she made it worth while once she got strapped in.
I loved seeing all the crafts and the pumpkins and flowers...they were great! I just love Fall!