304. Trick or treat

We met up with some friends and had the best trick-or-treating experience!  Julia and her friends were constantly on the run and dashing about.  Despite her eagerness, she still helped to keep an eye on the little guys and gave away several pieces of candy, too.

She was a beautiful witch who stated "evil laughs are overrated."  

The things she says...

303. “We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin.” ~ Andre Berthiaume

Optimistic and happy is how I want the world to see me.
Scared and uncertain is the part of me only a few will see.

Now You
52 of You - Masks
43/52

302. Too close for comfort

Around the corner from my school is this chemical factory.  In a weird and eery way, it looked beautiful this morning across the foggy field.

This is one of two factory facilities near my school.  Neither have ever had a spill or accident but we have a part in our emergency plan just in case.  Hopefully, we'll never have to use that part of the plan.

Tonight, I am going to a special dinner with Ron Clark as the keynote speaker.  Excited!

301. The little things

A weed pushing through the cracks.
Fallen leaves. Just a couple.
Remnants from a bird hatching.
Crevices in the brick path.

Taking a moment to study this little corner of my world.

300. Mummy Dog

I made mummy dogs in honor of Halloween week.  Julia was NOT impressed with the mustard eyes.  But she was thrilled with the smashed potatoes that were served on the side.

299. The hippy reunion

Twice a year, my husband coordinates a reunion of his hippy friends at our house.  It is always a lot of fun to hear the stories and get to know this interesting group of people.

This year, they got to meet Julia.  She was excited and even decorated a pumpkin with a vampire before the guests came.

We had a few friends stay with us so Julia happily gave up her room so that she could sleep in mine and Jeff's room.  She even moved in her stuffed animals and her new book so that she would have all her creature comforts.  Love that girl and her zest for life!

298. I am...

I am the mother of two boys.
I am the one who only wanted to have boys.
I am the educator who fell in love with a needy girl at school.
I am the one who struggled to overcome a helpless feeling when that girl was placed in foster care.
I am the wife of a husband willing to do a lot of amazing things for a girl he'd never met.
I am now the parent of that sweet girly girl.
I am in awe of the spirit and strength from this amazing survivor.
I am humbled.

I am learning to be the mother of a daughter.

Now You
52 of You - I am...
42/52