:Mr. Holland

One of my most favorite movies of all times is Mr. Holland's Opus starring Richard Dreyfus. One of my most favorite people just happens to be my namesake, Mary Christine. (a.k.a Chris) And check this out.

There they are. Both in the same place. Sweet.

This morning.

I'm sitting on my couch. in a clean house...well, the parts we live in are clean. I'm looking at this.

Big Daddy is playing golf.

The kids are with Grandma headed to the pumpkin patch.

It is silent except for the buzzing of the neighbor's weed eater, the ticking of the clock and the tapping of my fingers on the keys.

I am enjoying a very peaceful moment drinking my coffee before I head downstairs to tackle a heap of laundry that is, NO KIDDING, chest high. But I found myself thinking about the day when mornings like this will be the norm. My children will be grown and I will have a lot of mornings like this. And I know, when that day comes, I will miss the sounds of my kids running through screaming wildly as they play together. I will miss mornings like that far more than I long for the quiet ones now. But today, I really needed this!!! Happy Saturday!

Our Little Animal lover.

Claire is on fall break for the next few days but Cohen still had preschool today so I used the opportunity to do something special with my girl. My coach from high school was kind enough to show us around the education building at the zoo. We looked at all the animals and then got to get a few out! I took a few pictures that I had to share!


Claire petting the Chinchilla. He was SO soft!

The Bearded Dragon.

I don't remember the name of this one...but it pooped on the table.


This is Alberta the Screech Owl. SO COOL!

NOW, brace yourselves. Remember this post? If you know me, you know that I have an irrational fear of snakes. When I see a snake (on T.V., in a book or Heaven forbid...in person) I get this weird sensation in my ears, my breathing picks up and my armpits start to sweat a little. Too much info? Well, I just want you to understand what I did today just to see my girl smile!


This is Claire and a Speckled King Snake named Sir Cumference.

She loved this thing!!!!

The only thing I liked about the snakes were their clever names. My favorite...Julius Squeezer. Ha!!

This is Monty a Ball Python. Can you believe HOW close that thing is to the camera which has MY hand on it? There was no zoom. He. Was. RIGHT. THERE!!!!!

Claire and I had a great morning together. Then my mom came over with the boys and we had a fun and VERY LOUD afternoon playing and working around the house. Then Big Daddy came home. I wish this pic wasn't blurry! Check out these two cuties and my big strong man!! Keep in mind, the one on your left weighs 55 pounds!!!

Who needs a gym?

Fundraiser!

On Monday October 26th, we will be having a fundraiser to benefit Ozark's Care to Learn program. I have mentioned before how important this cause is to me. Care To Learn provides immediate funding and action to meet any emergent health, hunger or hygiene issue a child might have; addressing a physical need, restoring respect, and getting that child back in the classroom. We also are participating in the backpack program which will send home backpacks stocked with snacks and easy to prepare meals for children who may not get meals outside of school.

So please join us at McAllisters in Nixa Monday October 26th from 5-9!!