It was a good day for the kiddos.
And thankfully, what they didn't know was that...
1. when Josh came home from work to pick us up - I was in tears. I think the arguing, whining, fit-throwing, snotty noses, dirty diapers, dirty rooms, dirty faces and dirty floors along with the fact that I am trying to work from home (unsuccessfully) might be starting to get to me.
2. a whole lot of thought went into planning those outfits.
3. there weren't any hay-rides, face-painting or pony rides because they only do that on weekends (and the only free time we could make in our schedules was on a weekday).
And in between the smiles & fun, Coley started hollering at Courtney because he was trying to pull the pumpkin cart and wanted her to get off of it (and of course, Courtney had no plans of of listening to him), so Coley gave the cart a good, hard tug and Courtney ended up on the ground.
And then they both ended up having a little time-out.
Great pictures Karen! Very cute!
Posted by: Addie | October 19, 2006 at 09:22 AM
What sweet pictures, but even sweeter was your sharing the between the lines story. Most of our lives take place in those in between places and that's what makes us real and human and wonderful. I enjoy your blog. Lurk frequently but was just so touched with your story today I just wanted to tell you.
Posted by: Sara | October 19, 2006 at 09:41 AM
Love what you have installed in me with the 'real life' journeling. Because other than the time out photo it looks like everything is always 'rosy'. So sorry you had a tough start to the pumpkin patch. Hope the rest of your week is better. You have a LOT on your plate, remember you are doing a Great job. Don't let the 'stuff' get ya down!! :)
Posted by: Brooke | October 19, 2006 at 09:41 AM
Awesome photos and the story that goes with them :) hugs Hey we're all entitled to those kind of days, weeks, lol just remember the good little things around you and hold on to them. Take time for yourself too:)
hugs sending you love and prayers
Posted by: jenn | October 19, 2006 at 09:55 AM
Oh my goodness, great pics! I am thinking about taking my son to the pumpkin patch this weekend to get some pics and am trying to figure out what to take this year. He's getting older and i've got some great photos in the past but want something different. Thanks for the inspiration. Whatever you went through to get there was worth it!
Things will get better. We all have days like that. Chin up. Kudos to you for telling it like it is because we'd never know it from those beautiful pics. We might just assume you have it all figured out.
Posted by: deb | October 19, 2006 at 10:00 AM
I loved every picture...especially the time out one. True life! love it!
Posted by: Lisa W | October 19, 2006 at 11:30 AM
as i have said before you have the most beautiful family. too bad you are not in the family picture! but i know how that goes.lol
Posted by: Amy | October 19, 2006 at 11:36 AM
Aw, sweetie. Hang in there. ;) Those photos are so wonderful (even the time out one)! Loved reading the rest of the story behind the photos, too. Your children are absolutely beautiful and so are you!
Posted by: Kristina | October 19, 2006 at 11:40 AM
first off I have to agree with everyone else that those are some beautiful pictures (and VERY color coordinated!! *wink*)..so sorry you had "a day" and you know what??? It's OK...you are a great mom who is trying to "do it all" and sometimes things are not perfect but you know what else?? those kiddos are only going to remember an awesome time at the pumpkin patch (well, and maybe that they got in trouble too :)
working at home is hard...REALLY hard...i dont think people realize how hard...if you wanna hear how we make it happen in my house let me know...dont wanna bore you if ya dont but just know, that someone, out here, TOTALLY knows what you are going through and how hard it is and can appreciate the sacrifices, boogers on the shoulder, dirty clothes all over, messy house while trying to work, but wouldnt trade it for anything else if push comes to shove!! BIG HUGS your way girlie! (whew, long stinkin' comment from me--sorry :( Just know you are doing great and hang in there--today is a new day :) T
Posted by: Tanya Webster | October 19, 2006 at 12:13 PM
Love those kids, Love the pictures, Love love love that Chunky Monkey! It's nice to finally be back on to see what's happening with the family!
Hugs!
Misti
Posted by: Misti | October 19, 2006 at 01:23 PM
Life is full of fun! :)
Love all the pictures and the time out one is priceless!!!
Posted by: Diane | October 19, 2006 at 01:39 PM
I am a VERY frequent lurker too and also wanted to thank you for your honesty. I feel the same way too I have two sons one with Aspergers and a beautiful little girl of 15 months - I try to work mainly from home and haven't slept properly in years. you have a gorgeous family and I love your products and kits, but it gets tough for us all sometimes. I live in England and I suppose my life is not so different from yours!! Thanks for sharing these great photos - especially the last one.
Posted by: Shirley | October 19, 2006 at 02:35 PM
Oh Karen... I hears you girl.
What an amazing woman you are...
Supa WOMEN is what I call all you ladies.... working and child raising... doing it ALL.
JUST BREATHE... I am sure that is your mantra??? *grin*
These photos are fabulous.
And the one with Courtney and the scarecrow... how LONG IS HER HAIR.. wowsers.
Beautiful.
Thanks for being such an inspiration *especially* when you are stressed!
Posted by: Bek~Aussie Chick~ | October 19, 2006 at 04:06 PM
Love every picture! GORGEOUS....
Posted by: maria | October 19, 2006 at 04:42 PM
Glad I am not the only one to put my kids in a time out in public! My ds hates that more than time outs in his room!
Posted by: Wendy | October 19, 2006 at 04:50 PM
LOOK at that pitiful look on Courtney's face!! These are great shots, and such a typical family moment, to boot!
Posted by: Valerie | October 19, 2006 at 06:12 PM
Karen, thanks for sharing the "real story behind the photos". You did a great job w/ the outfits & what a classic shot the benched one is. Be sure to share that w/ the kids when they are 18!
Hang in there. I have so many days like you just described, but we Moms just have to keep plugging along, don't we?
Posted by: jenny ress | October 19, 2006 at 06:46 PM
GORGEOUS photos Karen!!
Posted by: Tonia | October 19, 2006 at 07:29 PM
OMG!!! These are the best pumpkin patch photos ever!!! Anne is just adorable sitting there with all those pumpkins. Great photos. I can't wait to hit the pumpkin patch this weekend.
peace
Kim
Posted by: Kim Bolyard | October 19, 2006 at 07:38 PM
Absolutely wonderful pictures. Just stunning...
Fun to hear the details behind the happy faces....I even love the time out photo...
Posted by: Jenna | October 19, 2006 at 08:23 PM
Oh my goodness Karen...could they be any cuter?
Awesome photos and I LOVE the outfits!
Posted by: Denise | October 20, 2006 at 07:22 AM
OMG CAN THESE KIDDOS BE ANY CUTER??? LOVE ALL YOUR BEAUTIFUL PICTURES KAREN!! THANKS FOR ALWAYS BEING SO WILLING TO LET AN EMPTY NESTER LIKE ME GET A SMILE AND SOMETIMES A CHUCKLE(REMEMBERING WHAT IT WAS LIKE)WITH LITTLE ONES AROUND. JUST WONDERFUL...
Posted by: Deb S | October 20, 2006 at 07:32 AM
Too funny Karen! From the photos you can't tell anything went less than perfect. Where did you find the pumpkin patch around here. Bryn's pre-k went to a place out Marcy Loop. They had the pumpkins but nothing else. We have gone to White's (between Medford and J-ville in past years.) Wondering if there's something fabulous close to home. Take care. -Alisa
Posted by: Alisa Logue | October 20, 2006 at 08:59 AM
Absolutely fantastic pictures!!! Amazing!
Posted by: Michelle | October 23, 2006 at 12:05 PM
I just love your outlook on life. Thank you for sharing it all with us. Remembering that life is full of great, good, okay and down right frustrating times. :)
Posted by: Dawn | October 25, 2006 at 08:21 AM
Awesome pictures. The looks/scenes you capture look almost like they were posed - they are that good. Either they are natural models or you are just a great photographer. My husband and I were recently having a conversation about how much our kids don't know about the things we do for them. Just part of the job.
Posted by: Carrie | October 26, 2006 at 09:48 AM
Thank you for posting these Karen. I'm the one who asked about tips on pumpkin patch photos in class. It's something I look forward to each year to document my children's growth.
Posted by: Mickee | October 14, 2009 at 08:13 AM