Is it red in here, or is it just me?

So, being generally kinda bored with your life is sometimes a dangerous thing. This is what I did over the Thanksgiving weekend:
(And yes, I know, it's not the greatest pictures of me, but you get the idea.)

Before:

After:


So what do you think? It's not a permanent color, so it will wash out in about a month. I'm festive now, since I have red hair and green eyes.

Halloween

Halloween came and finally went. Megan dressed up as Catwoman, and Alisha was a pink butterfly. Chris dressed up as a disco guy, and I was a "Good Witch," while my friend dressed up as a "Bad Witch."

We had a big day/week. We had our church party the weekend before. The week was filled with parties and activities. Both the girls had parades at the same time at different schools, so Chris and I split up to see them and get pictures. Alisha had a little parade around the school, and then came back to their classroom to sing us a few songs. Megan's teacher dressed up as Snow White, while the other 3rd grade teachers dressed up as his dwarves. It was pretty funny. I went later to help out in Megan's class for their party. We went Trick-or-Treating after dinner, although it was cold and started to rain a bit. The girls got enough candy to put an elephant into a diabetic coma, so we whittled down their loot and sent the rest off to work with Chris.

Cute cousins

Lori and Ryan came out to stay with us for a few days while she had to go to some training for work. Ryan and Alisha had a blast together, cracking each other up like only another 4 year old could. We went to a pumpkin patch and they had fun playing with the baby animals and going through the hay tunnels.

12 Years and Counting!

Twelve years. That's a whole dozen. Even longer than Bush has been in office. Longer than 24 Hollywood marriages. We even outlasted our Belgian waffle maker. And that's saying something, since we really put that thing to good use!

Why do I love Chris? Chris is my favorite person. He was my best friend even before our first kiss. I can talk to him about anything. He supports me in every crazy idea I get. He is patient and understanding and doesn't get mad at me for not hanging up my clothes or for not making him dinner every night. He willingly jumps in and helps wherever necessary. He's definitely not the "Ward Cleaver" type to walk in, set down his briefcase, and expect dinner hot and waiting on the table. He regularly walks in the door from work while the girls are in the tub, rolls up his sleeves, and helps out right away to get them out and ready for bed.

He is one of the most intelligent people I know. He remembers EVERYTHING he ever learned. Five minutes after I take my final, everything falls out of my brain. He studies so hard (I guess the right way versus my last minute cramming) that he retains it all. He can see things from a different perspective and helps me see things in new ways.

He has a goofy sense of humor. He makes me laugh with his observations. We always have a good time together, regardless of the situation. He is very even tempered and doesn't get mad easily. He patiently assesses the situation and deals with it.

We are a good match, because we even each other out. We make each other laugh and we appreciate so many of the same things. He's one of the few men I know that is interested in opera, classical music, and theater. He also looks incredible in a suit!

What an amazing guy! And I'm so lucky to have him in my life.

First day of school

Awww, aren't they cute? They are getting so big!

Megan just started 3rd grade this year. Megan has a male teacher now, and is really excited. He's a seasoned teacher, and he's really comfortable with his style and laid back. The kids really seem to like him so far. They are even asking him for more homework. He must be a superhero!

Alisha is in her final year of preschool and will be at Megan's school next year. She's really excited to be back at preschool with some friends from last year. It was really cute to see them yelling to each other and running towards each other. She's especially excited for their P.E. time and the teacher Mr. Dave. She actually cried (sobbed) at the end of the school year last year, because she was going to miss Mr. Dave so much. She didn't cry about any of her friends, just him. The kids all think he's hilarious and just love him.

They are so excited to be back in school, and I'm sure will do a great job this year!