My friend, Teri, does a Messy Party each year to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. This year, my sister was in town so we all went together. The kids had a great time, but Gavin wasn't in to getting messy. I actually didn't even have to change his clothes after the party. He liked to play with the bubbles and the squirty colored water. The kids had a great time and I did, too. I was able to play with Timothy (my sister's #3) and spend time with just him. He's such a sweet baby and we all had a fun time!

I love butterflies. They are so beautiful and complex... and how they even become butterflies in the first place just baffles me. This year, I wanted to plant lots of flowers in front of my house because... well... I just love flowers, too. I decided to plant bright flowers, many of which happen to attract butterflies. I've seen lots of butterflies this summer, lots of big, beautiful butterflies. The kids and I have enjoyed trying to catch them, but mostly we just watch them in amazement. Anyway, this particular kind of butterfly keeps coming back. It's yellow, black and blue and absolutely gorgeous. I wish I could have taken a picture even closer, because it's hard to see the brightness of the blue that is at the bottom of the butterfly.

So it's time to clear the dust off the 'ol blog site. I'm going to try really hard to keep up - it just seems like the weeks fly by before I even know what month it is! I have lots to share...but I'll try to do one a day or so.

Morgan started school August 3rd. He started band this year and is extremely excited about that. I must admit that I am, too! I've always loved the band (as you may know that I enjoy watching the band at football games as much or more than watching the actual game!). I played in the high school marching band myself, made great friends, had a fantastic time... and couldn't care less if other people thought we were geeks... we had WAY more fun than they did! So, when Morgan tried the instruments at the end of 6th grade to see which one he could play in middle school, his two choices were flute and trombone. Interesting... So, he came home with the sheet of paper and we had to circle one of the two instruments. I asked Morgan which one he wanted to play, the flute or the trombone, and he automatically replied, "The flute!" Oh, no... What was I to say? I just decided to be honest. "Honey, if you want to play the flute that is totally fine with me. You need to know, though, that people may make fun of you because it's just kind of unusual for a boy to play the flute. But, if you want to play it then that's okay with me." His response: "Ok, I'll play the trombone." Whew! So, as school began this year the band teacher sent home a form about renting instruments. I promptly got on the computer, barely controlling my enthusiasm, and ordered a trombone to be delivered to the school for Morgan. Well, almost a week later it arrived and he's been honking that thing ever since. He loves it and I love it! He brought home an order form from band about needing to buy the music book, metronome, music stand, t-shirts, etc. I was all over that like white on rice! I did have to contain myself a bit because I obviously only needed to buy the essentials (plus the t-shirt!). I was so excited, I just had to call my mom to share in my excitement. I even wanted to order a band t-shirt for me! My mom said, "You're going to make a great band mom!" You better believe it!

The first concert is December 17th. So, we'll then begin our new Christmas tradition of band concerts with squeaking clarinets, honking trombones, blubbering tubas and off-key flutes. I can't wait!