recharging my battery

life has been a little hectic lately. returning to the classroom has been stressful and october is turning out to be a crazy month, but there is something about family that manages to jump start my soul and keep me going. we have been blessed a million times over with amazing families and feel that it is an added bonus to have them all so close to us. so this month we've taken advantage of that and spent time with the ones we love.

I have many awesome women in my life. and these four women are extraordinary. they are exceptional mothers, fun aunts, amazing grandmothers (don't worry...not you sara), and a phenomenal great grandmother. it was wonderful to see them all together and we couldn't pass up this kodak moment. we haven't had a proper greseth get-together in some time, so we jumped at the chance to celebrate the fall birthdays at grandpa and grandma's house. we missed a good chunk of people, but feel fortunate to have been with those who were able to come. this bunch never passes up the opportunity to dine on sweets. yummy. a special thank you to those who pitched in and raked leaves.

the little ones had fun jumping in them, but uncle scott probably had the most fun. next year I'm sure miles will jump at the chance to dig through the leaves to find the candy scott hid. if not, well then I guess this mama will have to step up to the plate.

so my battery went from low to high that day. the weather was warm. I had to smile at miles' rosy red cheeks and the presence of shorts and flip flops. it's october. in minnesota.

for our trip out to the farm to visit grandpa, we loaded up the van and set out to go watch the tractors in action. due to a little oil "mix-up" the tractors were parked for a bit, but that didn't stop miles from eyeing up the newest tractor. I swooped up my camera and got set to capture memories. hard to do when you leave the memory card at home. argh! so we don't have any photo documentation, but kyle and I will both attest to the fact that miles and henry were thoroughly loving the late morning visit to the farm. we will have to head out again soon to take some good autumn pictures. I'm sure grandpa won't mind! ahhh. my needle inched closer to the F and farther from the E. I love recharging.

my sister and I are looking forward to watching our babies make memories on the swing set in their backyard. the boys have dug in and began making those memories right before our eyes - in the form of flying sand, squeaky swings, and at least one meltdown. (I told you that parenting wasn't all roses and butterflies). but who cares? we cuffed up their little pants and let 'em dig. after all, childhood = sand in your shoes.

so after a weekend of recharging, I was fired up for the week. what remains is simply overflow...or maybe my back up battery. whatever you call it, it will definitely come in handy when I need a jump during the work week.