The Warrior Dash...

is really an excuse for big kids to have fun and get dirty.
running a 3 mile obstacle course full challenges.
rope climbs, maneuvering cargo nets, swimming in mud under barbwire fencing, jumping fire and finishing with a mud bath and a beer....

And before we left....we donated our shoes!

GREAT FUN!

Inside and Out

Getting ready for school...

Of course the first day of school always seems to approach too quickly.

So in preparation, Miss Jen cut the kiddos hair!

I must say, biased or not

Garyn and Gigi are beautiful!

INSIDE AND OUT!

Unmistakably BEAUTIFUL! 

Look at those precious feet!  

While Garyn was having his hair cut, Gigi was given a mini-pedi by me, of course!!  She had so much fun.  She sat in the Big Girl Chair and I painted each toe a different color of her choice!!  

Now, we are ALL ready for school!!

The State Fair

This year we visited the State Fair several times.  Garyn and Gianna looked at lots of animals, played, ate, watched the horse show, rode rides, watched the sheep sheering competition, ate some more, rode a pony, looked at elephants up close, watched farmers milk the cows, played with baby calf's, ate some ice cream, received free stuff like hats and a tool box, went fishing and caught a cat fish and blue gill, spent time with family, drove go-carts, ate some more, rode the tractor trolley, drank water from a well, played putt putt and then.....it was over.

It was a great fair in spite of the tragedy that took place during the Surgarland concert on the Grand Stand.  A horrific tragedy caused by mother nature...

May the people who lost a love one or the ones still sitting with an injured victim find strength and comfort needed to heal.

These pictures will recap our visits to the fair

ENJOY!

 My beautiful Fair babes!

 Garyn wanted Mala to see that he was standing next to a Cow from India.

 He was absolutely disgusted by the Largest Boar in the World.

 Ryan lovin' on Baby Chase 

 Garyn LOVED the DNR Fish Ponds.

Garyn's first official Go-Cart race.  He loved it!

She simply adores him....

"Just go milk a cow...."

Switchin' roles....Garyn's the girl and Gigi is the Moooooo Cow!

Nothin' better.  FRESH WATER!!!!  What a privilege!

Gigi and Grandma Sheepie cheering on the sheep sheering contest.  Uncle Matt is showing them how it is done....

The Children's Museum...

This was our last trip to the museum before school started....

The museum NEVER gets old.  Garyn and Gianna have their favorites yet always seem to find at least one new thing to explore. 

The kids excitement for the museum never ceases to amaze me!  We visit often, but you would never know.  It always feels like the kids are there for the first time.  I guess that is why it is ranked the best in the world!

This may have been the last visit before school, but in just a few small weeks we will be so close to the museum that we can make quick visits after school days!  Just one more reason to be excited for our move!!!

Lesson learned...

A popular quote goes like this: "never judge a book by it's cover..."

Well, today I was reminded once again why 'judging' or 'evaluating' someone else's life (without really knowing ALL of the details....) is so unfair!!!!

I was in conversation with someone today...I see them often, I talk with them often....and WOW!!!!
Just like that I learned so much about them I NEVER EVER knew....WOW!

It also reminded me that even though things may look perfect on the outside; you never truly know how life is challenging them behind doors...

My thoughts from my lesson today:

*It is unfair to judge and evaluate people, even if you think you know them well!
*Don't compare....it's not fair to yourself or the other individual or family!  Especially if you compare                          because you think the grass is greener on their side.....
*Be a good listener.
*Be faithful.
*Offer support any way possible!!!
*Pray for them!

Thank you God for guiding me, Thank you God for teaching me, Thank you God for forgiving me when I sin.  Your teachings are amazing and I am forever grateful for you granting me these special moments....

Yesterday...

so here are a few things I do not want to forget about yesterday....

we relaxed at home ALL day.
loved on baby ALL day.
made him laugh, watched him sleep.
he is the most precious thing...
~
we talked about our favorite things over our popcorn snack.
garyn did some amazing school work.
we played candyland.
garyn won.
his sweet heart allowed gigi to win.
we all ate candy together after the group win.
~
garyn was super helpful with baby all day.
he earned a quarter.
~
played dress-up.
gigi and i were princess' and garyn was a dinosaur.
~
gnomeo and juliet was watched.
pizza for dinner.
bikes were rode.
gigi walked around the neighborhood in her underwear pushing her baby stroller.
~
sweet sleep.
...

my life is amazing!

"REAL"

I WILL STATE THIS ONE TIME ONLY....

SO PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.

I CURRENTLY HAVE 2 REAL CHILDREN.  THEY ARE ALIVE, BEAUTIFUL, AND ARE REALLY MINE.

SOON, I WILL HAVE 3 MAYBE 4 REAL CHILDREN THAT WILL BE ALIVE, BEAUTIFUL, AND WILL REALLY BE MINE!!!!

I WILL NEVER DISTINGUISH OR SEPARATE BETWEEN MY AMERICAN BABES AND MY ETHIOPIAN BABES... ALL OF MY CHILDREN WILL CARRY THE SANFORD NAME.

SO, IF YOU WANT TO ASK IF ANY OF MY CHILDREN ARE REAL; REALLY MINE....BE PREPARED FOR ME TO TURN THE STUPIDITY OF THAT QUESTION RIGHT BACK ON YOU!!!!


**I may not have been prepared this weekend to answer the question of whether or not Gianna was "really" mine.  But trust me....now I am!


ALL of my children will really be mine and will be VERY real to me, so please do not insult me with such stupidity!!!!!!!!!