11-17, Nik's Blue Belt

I think this is the first belt test that Nikolas has really been nervous about.  He's really progressed in karate.  At the beginning of the month, he was asked by the Shihan to join the Leadership Program (the next level above the Black Belt class).  He officially joined the program, and today he passed  his blue belt test.  We're so proud of his dedication and progress!

11-17, More Life

Look what happens when old brother leaves his Halloween prop out!

Watching the Steelers game with Daddy.

When Sven says "I think I'll make a pot of soup", he's NOT KIDDING!  Look at the size of that pot!  (For those in my family who attended last year's Christmas dinner, think "House of Ham" translated into soup.....).

Who knew cleaning the house and vacuuming under the rugs could create such great photo opps?!

Such a sweet, little face.....

I think she's developing her own sense of style already.  Ok, I chose the outfit, but she got the hat out and put it on all by herself!

Friend or foe--- Abby hasn't decided yet.


Monkey see, monkey do......

Yes, I've become one of those parents who posts ridiculous videos of their kids dancing.

But when it's this cute, how can I not share?!

11-1, Post-Halloween clean-up

I failed to get pictures of our pumpkins after they were carved, so I thought I'd post before, during and after pictures of them post-Halloween.

Nikolas made this one for Emalie.  How cute for a 10-year old boy to draw hearts, right?!

This one has seen better days.

Here comes trouble.......

"Me?  I'm not up to anything....."

"....except enjoying a little Halloween treat!!"

Most people in suburban neighborhoods throw their old pumpkins away after Halloween.
We throw ours out into the yard-- it only takes a few days for all the remnants to be eaten.

 Excuse the quality of these pics-- I took them through the screened windows so as not to scare this 'big guy' away.  Some days I think my office has the best view in the house!

10-21, Nik and Emalie Session

Good thing I kept my day (night and every hour in between) job (being Mommy, that is) because getting (or attempting to get) portraits of Nikolas and Emalie was pretty much impossible.  Guideline #1 of child photography is always have a second set of hands (and no, those being photographed do not count).  How did I do it?  Solo.  Yep-- stupidly solo!!  Guideline #2-- timing, timing, timing.  I had intended to do their photos during Nikolas' week long fall break. I procrastinated and waited until the last day before school started back up when Emalie was getting over a cold.  "A" for intention but "F" for follow-through!  This 1+ hour with the kids was almost painful!  Looking at the photos should make me smile, but I think these almost make me cringe at the memory.  Ha ha!  

"Mom-- you HAVE to get a picture of this!"

This is hands-down my favorite photo from the session.  Isn't he handsome?!

I do like this one, too!

CLASSIC!  Look at Emalie keeping her blocks from Nikolas (and her adamant expression) and look at Nikolas' expression of dismay/'whatever!'.  I LOVE that they already act like siblings after only three months!

It didn't take long for the smiles and laughter to flow again.
He has such a way with her!

I love Nikolas' dreamy expression in this photo.  He looks really entranced by her storytelling--
and it's funny to think that she doesn't even know how to read!

The evolution of play.......

OK, so maybe they make me smile a little......!

11-10, Nicholas Sparks!

The nerd in me was a very happy girl last night.  I had waited 5 weeks to meet Nicholas Sparks and to hear what makes him tick.  I was expecting (sorry, Mr. Sparks....) an introverted person and a somewhat dry presentation (with loyal followers nonetheless).  Boy, was I wrong!  Nicholas Sparks is very charismatic and humorous and gave an outstanding presentation.   He went into detail about his first few novels (The Notebook,  A Message in a Bottle, and A Walk to Remember) and how they were based on true stories about his family.  This man, as we know, has many stories to tell and it was amazing to learn their origin.  As with most of his books, the fans in the audience had to take deep breaths to keep dry eyes.  He has the talent of moving people with his words-- both written and spoken.  Unbelievable, really. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed meeting him, getting his autograph, hearing about his stories and how his career as an author has progressed.  I walked out of there thinking, "Hmm......maybe I should be doing more.....".  His life and his stories are the prime example of "life is like a box of chocolates......(you never know what you're gonna get)".  I was so thankful that the evening was worth the time and money (best $21 I've ever spent!), because I had convinced a few friends to go with me and my track record for choosing events isn't the best (right, Heather?!).  All in all, we had a wonderful time.  We were truly inspired by this man.  I can't wait to continue reading my collection of his books and for the movies coming out in the next few years (Safe Haven in Feb. 2013 and The Best of Me in Feb. 2014-- both excellent books, by the way).  If any of you are Nicholas Sparks fans and he's going to be in your area, I strongly recommend you hear him talk.  You won't be sorry that you did!

My friend Heather, me and Nicholas Sparks