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Gentry recently joined the ranks of the teenagers in our home.  Thirteen years ago on thanksgiving day she made me a mom for the fourth and last time.  I will never forget the funny scene as fifteen of our family members squeezed into our little hospital room to bring me thanksgiving dinner and meet Gentry Alyse.

A few weeks ago, we had an early celebration with Gentry and a few of her friends at our cabin in Flagstaff.

  They opted for an indoor marshmallow roasting (it was 21 degrees when we arrived).

 The game Tenzi (one of the birthday presents) was a big hit. 

And so was the snowball fight.

Then it was on to our own version of Food Network's Chopped .

The ingredients were presented, and two teams went to work.  

 I got to judge, and the taste and presentation were extremely impressive. 

And we ended as every good party should.  

With chocolate cake and good friends. 

Happy Birthday Gentry. 

christmas sign giveaway WINNER

And the winner of the "Baby it's Cold Outside" sign is

…Theresa N. 

Congratulations!!!

A big thank you to everyone that entered!

The next giveaway will be 

January 25th, 2016.

Happy Monday!

eighteen

Then..

and now.

Happy Birthday Drew. Eighteen amazing years today. 

happy

cloudy skies

sweater weather

thoughts of pumpkin pie

frank sinatra

my favorite fall candle

yoga

our dog's questioning eyebrows

christmas music

hot chicken noodle soup

my laundry done

a clear mind

a peaceful heart

What does your happy look like today?

christmas sign giveaway

Good morning dear readers!  Very excited about my giveaway today, inspired by one of my all time favorite christmas songs.  This lovely sign from Pier One should be part of your holiday decor!

          {How to enter}

1. Become a follower of terra's earth (by liking terra's earth on facebook OR via google friends connect.)

2. Leave a comment on this post telling me how you follow.
3. Also leave a contact email (with comment) if it's not linked to your profile (so I can let you know if you win:)

One winner will be selected from the comments using random.org and announced on November 16th, 2015

{the giveaway closes on November 15th, 2015 at midnight}

{contest open to those residing in the intercontinental u.s.-no p.o. boxes please)

bewitched

This year I decided to feed my alter ego.  

 The kids decided go minimalist (a tribute and daughter witch).

Gregg was Gregg.  

And Drew...Drew was missing at this particular moment.  But it was a very fun halloween, and I was very glad the green make-up did come off at the end of the night.  I can't feed the alter ego too often.  She might decide to start running the place. 

catching up

First.  Our Sprint-Tri was a success.  For sure one of the most rewarding things we've ever done together as a family (#whereissierra…maybe next year babe?!)

Gentry summing up how we all felt at the finish line. Yeah. That kind of happy. 

But there wasn't too much time to celebrate before I had to regroup and go into homecoming mode.  

It was Sierra's first dance and she went with one of her bff's, Blake.  

After Sierra's pictures, I rushed over to get just a few pics of Drew and his cute date Bailey before the sunset. 

 And then, it was off to Flagstaff for fall break and camp fires and s'mores and happiness with friends and family. And Sierra played her guitar and we sang a few songs, but our rendition of "Don't Stop Believing" was the bomb.com. No video here, you'll just have to take my word for it. 

Then last,  to finish out the week, Friday was our high school's annual choir BBQ fund raiser.   Sadie and Daniel sand this song four years ago. Sierra and Blake carried on the tradition singing "Everything has Changed" and you can watch that here. Circle of life.

And I keep trying to tell myself to live every moment and be in every moment knowing, in the end, the time our kids spend with us is really so very short.

Halloween Countdown: 3 days

This year I decided to wear a costume.  I have to say I am super excited about it and feel kind of like I did when I was eight and couldn't wait for October 31st.  I won't even tell my kids what it is.  Pics on Monday. 

Happy Halloween!

a good kind of busy

Blowing through another Monday here…kicking off a very busy week starting  tomorrow night as we host an after concert party for Sierra's entire high school choir.  Then, throw in my birthday on Friday (happy birthday to me!)  and on Saturday our annual Sprint Tri (Sadie and Gentry are both joining us this year).  Finally,  before the clock strikes midnight, that very same evening is homecoming for both Sierra and Drew.
 
Gentry was absolutely adamant that she wanted to do the Sprint Tri this year.  It's been quite an adventure trying to coach her.  And last night, like I do every year right before the race, I had the most bizarre dream.  I was driving this huge Winnebago RV and  Gentry was in the passenger seat.  I was panicked because I knew the RV was way to big for me to handle, but I had to drive it in order for us to finish the race.  Then suddenly, we plunged into a 50 ft. sink hole, and I woke up.  I'm sure there was a whole bunch of symbolism buried in that dream.  But really, there's no time to analyze, because we're still too busy training.  I have tried, to the very best of my ability, to help Gentry understand that if we just finish the race, and run across the finish line, we've succeeded.  And tonight I may have to break out the ambien.

 Busy.  But it's the very best kind of busy being with my family as I try to take it all in and love Drew's senior year.

AND…

Today was a most perfect 85 degrees.

Welcome FALL

(arizona style)