that time of year!

We love this caramel. Next time I go to the store, I'm getting two more caramel kits-one for apples and one for making turtles!

So I married a contractor . . .

(this is one of my favorite pictures of Glen... doesn't it look like a 'jeans' advertisement)
Anyway, Lately I've noticed that with Glen's job, he doesn't go to work from 9-5 , it's more like 7-7 and his job description has seemed to change over the years which could possible explain the long hours. We've been advertising CHandler Manufacturing Inc. as "builds custom homes, remodels, home repairs etc" Well, now I'm thinking it should say something more like,
"Chandler Manufacturing Inc., -call us and we'll do the job. . . we have experience in chasing down theifs (literally, this indian guy ran off with a customers four wheeler and unknowingly drove right down my father-in-laws long drive way and that's how He got involved ...) burying horses (the first year we lived here, Glen and his brothers got roped into burying their neighbors horse), chasing down horses (just the other day a customer called Glen and his brother to go fetch his horses that escaped the fence), counselor (there are days that Glen comes home telling me how he didn't get as much work done as he had hoped because so and so called up with a question and then ended up telling him about their current family delima and all the problems they're dealing with their kids etc. ) piano mover (I think Glen and his brothers have moved so many pianos in the past year that they've earned the title "Contractor/Piano mover"),wood chopper(helping customers get their winter supply of wood), making
scout tool boxes, wedding stands and decor .....I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

Aside from all the odd ball things that come up each week, they really do build homes and do remodels etc., . . . I just didn't think the public would take the "etc." part so literally.

)

now, after all that, I am very happy that I married this wonderful guy. Sometimes I complain that I hardly see him, but at least it's because he's helping others and not at a bar. And He does try his best to balance things out and make time for me and the kids.
A few weekends ago we went to Wallowa to celebrate our 5th anniversary. We took our bikes and went on a beautiful bike ride admiring the fall leaves. It was so nice to be able to slow down enough and escape the weekly/daily service projects, work and whatever else to just be together and dream about the future, laugh about the past and enjoy the present together.

What I love!

First of all! I LOVE this vaccuum! I can't stand crumbs on the floor. The worst is when I'm walking barefoot and I get crumbs stuck to the bottom of my feet. So, thanks to Ali's post some long time ago, I've wanted to get this sucker for a long time. :) This vaccuum works great. It has a strong enough suction on it and it's easy to clean! I love love love this!

Next, but not least, I love these kiddiwinkers. My little Jack-uh-bot who is starting to talk so well and sounds so cute; my little Ginger-ella who loves books and learning and is in a hurry to grow up so she can wear make-up and my little Gretchen cakes who is now 7 1/2 months old, 17 lbs and is cute and squishy as ever.

Celebrating the season!

We've made it a tradition to come here each year. The kids love the hay maze and hay ride and we love the price!

Love this close up of Jack. He'll be 2 in just a few weeks!

Gretchens' 6-month pics

Gretchen will be 7 months old next thursday! I can't believe it. It is going by so fast! She is still just the best baby. I've enjoyed her so much! I'm just in love with this little girl. I wish I could freeze time and keep her this way forever.
She reminds me alot of how Ginger was at this age and they look so much alike. Maybe in the next post I'll show you just how similar their 6-months pics are!

Nelli from Sudbrock portraits took these and many more. I just love how they turned out. Thanks Nelli!