We then took our Parachute, also from DSS and put each dog on the appropriate color and flung them all over the room. It was a fun evening.

Go DOG, Go

Esther and I have been going to Play Therapy for a few months now. Without going into all of the details about why, where, etc., I'll just say that it's been good for me to relearn how to play. We sorted dogs the other night. First into colors, and then into breeds. We gave them all nicknames (the Poodles were 'clydes'---more on having to find a new home for him later). You can buy dogs or bears to sort with your child through Discount School Supply.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Roses in mid November

Why I live in Cali. For now.

Lest you think the stress isn't getting to me. . .

Notice the shock of white in my hair. I have a skunk stripe. Have had it for a few years now. It looks much less major in this pic than in reality. I will never forget finding my first white hair. I was actually in HS. It was in the bathroom of the science wing at good ole PHS. Went to the bathroom during Chemistry class, was washing my hands, and lo and behold---a white hair. I've been hiding this for awhile with highlights or dye, but I'm thinking I might be ready to embrace it. Maybe for a little while. My mom's silver hair is a thing of beauty. I just haven't felt ready for it yet. Who knows.

GoofBall!

One day a few weeks ago, Esther couldn't find matching shoes. We were late for something, someone, or another, and I just needed her to get shoes on and get in the car. So I told her that she should be a "Goofball" and wear mismatched shoes. Now it's her favorite thing to do. "Mom, but I want to be a goofball today." I almost always happily oblige. I love this little goofball.

Inadequacy

I've had a lot of feelings of inadequacy as a mother lately.

I think it might go along with the job, and the sentiment certainly ebbs and flows. It's flowing lately. The other day I took Esther on a nature walk. I told her to point out everything she thought was beautiful and we would take a picture of it. This was her first pronouncement of Beauty. We were walking about a foot a minute because EVERYTHING was beautiful to her. Isn't that amazing? SO I kind of distracted her from the task so we could make a little progress (so adult of me, dang!) She was the most beautiful thing I saw on my walk. (And her sis, Ph.)

Phoebe love is so darn cute.

175 lb-er

at our neighbors' house. This is one of the coolest Jack-o-Lanterns I've seen. Spooky!

Halloween Friends

Look at these ladies. Did I mention that we have new neighbors who we love and adore with every fiber of our beings? This one is Sibi. She's a keeper. And Estie's new partner-in-crime.

Leah as Dot

Leah was a very sweet Dorothy. Notice she has Toto in her basket. We thought about bringing Clyde as Toto, but quickly realized that might not be the best idea . . . . at all.

Little Red Esther

This cape was PERFECT for Estie. So darling. She was pleased as punch. Maybe I was even more pleased.

Ph's Impromptu Costume

So Phoebe went to the church party as a flower. We had a pumpkin suit for her to wear, but it was going to be too hot. So she wore all green and I quickly hot glued lots of purple hair clip flowers to a hat. I thought it was a make-shift success!

Night View