A Day with Helena

So today once I finished my run it was time to unleash the beast, Helena that is. She has been so good for me while I ran so I let her loose. So we ran, hopped, climbed trees, and twirled again and again and again (actually she did all the twirling). If there was a contest for that she would definitely win!! She is always so giggly and animated she really cracks me up. I couldn't help myself but run into the house and grab my camera in hopes of capturing her utter cuteness.

Harvesting Memories

Last weekend we had so much fun getting ready for Halloween. I love watching the kids doing what they do best and that is just being kids running free and having fun and there is no better place to witness that than in a pumpkin patch. We decided to go to the same place we took the kids last year which stirred memories of last year's first time experience with Parker and Helena. They both have changed so much and yet the novelty of Halloween is not there for Parker, I believe it is still his favorite time of the year.

.....Wow has it been 6 months already?

I can't believe it, I am actually embarrassed that it has been so long since my last post. Life in the Mott household continues to sweep me off my feet.

I remember a wise women once told me "give it one year" and things will resume to normal. Thanks Gina, you were so right, as if it was magic, our one year home mark hit and life is back to normal or in our case as normal could ever be.

Parker is so well adjusted and continues to light up our days with his smile. He has truly become American spouting out "dude" to his fellow friends. With so many memories already deeply rooted in my heart I sometimes forget he has only been a part of our family a little over a year. Helena is blossoming into an amazing little girl, completely age appropriate. Even with the joys of being a "troublesome" three year old, she is a total angel and is a constant comic relief. Blake is becoming age appropriate as well, still withholding from the teen rages, but is all about the texting. He went beyond his limit the other day and when I suggested he call his friend, a female, I was quickly put in my place with "what, no way nobody calls, just give me more texts mom". Reagan who is now in double digits becoming 10 in July and reminds everyone of that, I think mainly to have some sort of superiority over Parker, is maturing every day. I look at my little boy and he isn't so little anymore in body, mind and soul. Then there is miss Caitlin, my minnie me. So scary I am almost afraid to say it or write it. My mom always warned me that I would have one just like me and now I do. The prophecy or curse lives on. She is both angel and vixen, mostly angel. I enjoy her so much I wish I could freeze time. I wish I could freeze time with them all.

The kids are all back in school and loving the structure, stimulation and the separation from each other. This was the first year we didn't go on a family trip or do much, due to lack of fun funds, but we made the most of it and had a great summer. I truly think it was a blessing in disguise giving the kids ample time to bond and enjoy life's simple pleasures. So much fun packed into 12 weeks from time filled with visits from friends afar: the Henry's, the Kurtz's, departure of dear friends: the Unsells, swim team fun dayz, the Hope reunion: so good to see so many fellow hopesters, days in the sun with friends, family reunion's: thanks Skip and Mary Paz, Reagan's trip to Florida to visit grandpa: thanks Dad, Reagan and Helena's b-day bashes, my big b-day, hiking, camping and so much more. Our summer yet not adventurous in the way of traveling to far and exotic new places we were so blessed with the joys that lie in our own backyard.

I will definitely get to some back posts in the near future, I hope anyway, but for now I will share some of our favorite summer kid pic's. Little did I know by having five I would have so little time to write, but I wouldn't change one minute of my day with them. They are my true gems!!!

Blake and Caitlin after Caitlin's big swim. Yeah Caitlin!!

Our newest addition, Rosie Chaquita, don't let that cute face fool you, she is terror!!

Sending Reagan off to Grandpa Middlebrook's for a week.

Rosie in all her sweetness, NOT!!!

Chris turning the big "40"

The boys of summer, Parker, Jack, Reagan and Jacob

Caitlin and her friend Maddie

Parker getting psyched for his race. With a face like that how can he loose!!

The Mottly Manta Rays. Go Mantas!!

Blake enjoying a little down time to himself- Rare moment

Greg and cousin Dahna

Greg, Parker and Reagan at Skip's reunion

Reagan and Parker driving the mule. Watch out!!!

Down at the Guadalupe River, notice how shallow it is, yikes!

Lisa and Duane Kurtz

Reagan, Parker, Kirsten, Christian, Breanne, Helena, Caitlin, Blake and Rosie

Sigrid Unsell and Sherry Borzych

The lovely Kelly Henry and Deloris Thaxton

The girls: Becky, Sigrid, Me and Nicole

Some Fellow Hopesters at the reunion

Helena and mommy on her b-day

Reagan, friends and family on his b-day

Helena and Mamaw looking oh so sweet!

Reagan, Caitlin and Parker on the first day of school

Caitlin, Grandma and Helena

Grandpa and Parker

Daddy and Helena at swim team

Greg and Reagan on their Webloe camp-out

Father God I give thanks for all those who you have placed in our lives to share our days with and for all the many splendors each and every day has to offer.