Pumpkins

Last night Rachel and Daddy- with the help of some four legged family members- carved a pumpkin. After all- it's not Halloween without a jack-o-latern on the front porch. Rachel thought this was all very interesting. So did Ginger. Pepper was also paying attention, but from farther behind the scenes.

Jack-o-latern 2010 is a success!

Veronica's Strawberry Chair

While we were in Corydon last week, Rachel and I stopped in at Veronica and Wayne's new bookstore Arlston's. If you know me at all, you know how much I love a good book- and they have shelves and shelves full of them. Rachel thought the children's section, Lizzie's corner (named for their adorable granddaughter), was pretty cool. We especially enjoyed sitting in the strawberry chair. I think Rachel might need one for her room when she gets a little bigger....

I do believe this will be just one of many stops in to Arlston's for some book shopping. Rachel enjoys a good read as much as I do!

Rachel and her Grandma and Grandpa H.

Since Rachel fell asleep at her Baptism party, there were several pictures that I wanted to get that I wasn't able to. So, after church this week, I convinced Nancy and Mel to stand in the wind and attempt to get a picture with their granddaughter. Rachel was about as cooperative as the wind was helpful. First she looked this way, then that way, but never at the camera.

I did get this cute picture of Melvin and Rachel. She's pretty hard not to find adorable, even when she isn't really up for Mom's picture taking.

This one would have been a pretty good one of Rachel and her Grandma H. except for the cars in the background! We'll just have to try it again another Sunday!

First stab at cereal

Friday was our first stab at rice cereal. We got a few bites in her and I think some of it made it into her tummy (she had just as much on her face, hands, bib, high chair, etc)...but I think she was a little too hungry to try something new since she screamed at me in between bites. We'll be trying it again when she's not quite so famished...

Illini Football with the Rich's

It's been several years since I've been to an Illinois football game. So when my cousin Debbie sent an email asking if anyone was interested in going, I thought I was well overdue for some time cheering on my alma mater. I wasn't the only one, we had an excellent showing of the Rich Family at the game! And it was an awesome game! The Illini vs. the Hoosiers... and it was a fun game to watch!

Since it was Homecoming, all the alumni were back in town. At one point during the second half, the cheerleader alumni were just as entertaining as the football game. One guy was intent on proving that he still had the skills and was doing lifts, flips and other impressive skills. He looked like he was 40ish. Raymond's girlfriend, who is a cute early 20 something said something like "he's got to be like 60." . I didn't dare ask how old she thought I was. It made me feel a little old to think that it's been almost 10 years since I graduated.

I didn't get a picture, but the Chief made an appearance in the Horseshoe during the 3-in-1. Hail to the Chief! Halftime just isn't the same without you.

After the game we headed back to my Uncle Butch's camper for a little tailgating fun. We all agreed that this was a great idea and we should do it again in 2011. I'll be bringing Rachel along with me next year. She needs to learn how to sing Os-kee-wow-wow and Illinois Loyalty!

Here we go a visiting

Rachel had a busy week last week. We were on the road to several different places. I needed to go stock up on diapers and formula, so Rachel and Grandma H. hung out with Great-grandma and grandpa Williams. I tried for a cute picture of Rachel with her great-grandpa, but got a teary eyed fussy one instead...

Thursday, we headed to Harrison County to hang out with the Abner's. We had a much more fun visit this time when I was feeling a little more confident in my skills as a mommy and not so worried about all the issues Rachel had at our last visit. Rachel thought Asher, Isabelle, and Olivia were a lot of fun and I enjoyed chatting with Linda.

Friday, we were on the road again to have lunch with Nikki. Rachel is already a champ at customer service at Indiana Utilities and is ready to master the computer. We'll see if Frank will add her to the payroll. Those Pampers are kind of pricey...

I think Rachel is a little disappointed that all we're doing today is laundry.

Baptism Celebration

This weekend was Rachel's baptism weekend and we celebrated all weekend long!

Rachel hung out with her Papa O. and showed him how to work the new toys he got her.

With all the activity- Rachel wasn't too interested in a nap...until Great-Grandpa Dave lulled her to sleep while Mom, Nana O. and Great Granny went shopping. The nap didn't last too long, but we were grateful that she at least got a few zzz's.

I was totally slacking and didn't take any pictures at dinner on Saturday but it was a lot of fun!

Sunday was Rachel's big day- and she acted and dressed the part. Her baptism gown was the same one that her Nana O., Great-Aunt Lisa, and cousins Sara and Lindsay wore. I'd like to give a big THANK YOU to Nikki who not only came to the baptism, but served as the photographer with my camera most of the morning!

Rachel was angelic during the service. She's always good in church and this Sunday was no different even when Chip poured water on her head and introduced her to her new church family.

This is where I get to tell you about Rachel's magical powers. Yes, that's right... she's got magical powers. Never in my life did I think that I would share this picture on my blog....

This is Rachel with my Mom AND my Dad. And they are both smiling. Laughing actually. And they were the ones who suggested this million dollar picture. And they not only posed for a picture with their granddaughter together- but they also ate at the same table- TWICE- and my dad even stuck up for my mom when she fed my not even four month old baby girl FROSTING on Saturday night!

There are several pictures that I didn't get to take. But such is life with a worn out little party girl. We'll just have to get everyone together again for some pictures!

It was a great weekend and despite a little grumpiness on my part when I got a little tired, I'm looking forward to doing it again for Rachel's birthday! Only 8 more months to go!

Roly Poly

She's been working on it for weeks, and on Monday, she finally had success.

Good job, Rachel. We're so proud!! Another milestone for your baby book.

A New Chapter

Today is my last day with Purdue Extension. I've been blessed with the opportunity to work part-time from home for Monsanto which will cut out the night meetings and overnight trips to Purdue and give me many more hours to enjoy Rachel's company. Who wouldn't want that?! But it's with mixed feelings that I leave. After all, it's been a fun six and a half years with a lot of life changes along the way. It was the first time I moved somewhere where I didn't know a single soul. I'm so grateful to Nancy and Glen Casada, who essentially adopted me as their extra daughter when I didn't know anyone else. I mean really- how many bosses will come pick you *and your dog* up on the side of the interstate at almost 10pm on a weeknight? Let's not forget the blizzard rescue Christmas 2004 when I foolishly thought they had snow plows down here. I made many friends those 4.5 years in Corydon that are lifelong friendships. Nikki, Jeremy, and Sean- you are like family! Without my job with Purdue, I wouldn't have any of these fun and treasured memories...but perhaps the most important...I would not have met Nick. I wouldn't have been in attendance at Courtney's bbq and I wouldn't have had the opportunity to chat with the cute, but quiet guy that I'd noticed at a few meetings. So, in those respects, it's been more than a job.
But, when Alison called with the opportunity with Monsanto and did I want her to pass my name on, I never doubted for one second that at home with Rachel is where I wanted to be. I'm not under any illusion that it's going to be easy being home 24/7, but I also know that lunch with good friends and old co-workers is only a car ride away.
So, here's to the ending of my chapter with Purdue. Boiler Up! (Note to Nick- that is the ONLY time you will ever see those words typed on my blog!).