Fall Frenzy

We have been having some crazy fun back in the U.S.. Scratch that. We haven't been doing anything extraordinary but maybe it just feels so good to be here. I'll admit, the weeks leading up to coming back I was really dreading it. The Dominican is just home. It feels like home. It looks like home. It is home and this girl feels like a fish out of water when she's away from it. But God has very much blessed this trip already. I've been in love with winter clothes. I've been eating up all the juicy hues of fall. Only dressing the kids in oranges, burnt umbers and olive greens. I've drank two cups of warm coffee every morning just because I know I won't sweat while doing it.

It's. just. been. good.

And seriously? I've got the cutest kids ever.

And I've totally been a head-band-making Mama again...only this time...just autumn goodness.

Landon has totally been spreading his independent wings and its been an interesting road. It's amazing this unconditional love thing. As angry and hurt as it makes me when he is SO belligerent and disobedient it somehow makes me love him a little more than before his i-hate-you-mom tantrum. But its exhausting. I just hope we are parenting him the way that will bear fruit somewhere down the road because right now, it just feels tiresome.

Then, a moment later, he can run up to me and give me the biggest hug ever and tell me how much he loves me. Then he flashes that smile. The one that he's used since he was an infant to flirt his way out of any situation. And I melt. And I'm reminded that he really is a good boy and how normal this three-year-old-attitude can be.

Little Miss Emi has taken on a new name, "Ruthie." My sister, Ashley, started it and its totally taken form. She is sooo a Ruthie. And I love it because I'm reminded of my Grandma every time I hear Mike say it. I can only pray that Ruthie will aspire to be like her Great Grandma Ruth that she never got to meet.

And in a few short weeks, this little one will be one. Craziness.