Waiting for Fall

I know, technically it is already fall, but it just doesn't feel like it!  I don't think i've ever really wanted summer to end before, but this year it seems like i'm ready for some cooler weather!  I'm ready to watch the leaves change colors and hoping to find a day to visit Brown County.  I love seeing trees like this picture -- so colorful!  I love living near Eagle Creek this time of year because of all the trees that surround us.  Of course that also means LOTS of raking as well since we have so many trees in our yard, but that's OK (not to mention we've already filled 3 trash bags full).  Guess that's what happens when you live in a neighborhood called "Trees"!!

Barkley is also ready for the fall.  He gets pretty hot in this 90 degree weather.  He's also excited for football season.  I bought him an Illinois "jersey" to support his daddy's favorite team.  So far it has brought good luck because the team isn't doing too bad.  He still has some room to grow into it, but he looks pretty funny in it :)

 "Why would someone ever think this would look good on me?  

What's next, a halloween costume?"

So what are you looking forward to this fall?  Anyone else ready for some cool weather?  How about some candy corn, apple cider, or a visit to the apple orchard?

August in a Nutshell

Hmm... where to begin.  Did the month of August fly by for anyone else?  With my mom here for the entire month and my dad here for part of it, it sure did go by fast for us!  I loved having my mom here for so long.  It was great to spend time with her, not to mention she spoiled me by cleaning my house, vacuuming every week, doing my dishes, etc.  Of course she helped out even more at my sister's.  It was great to have my dad here as well!  I miss them already!  Here are some pictures to sum up the month of August for us!

 Nana and Miley

Miley -- 1 week old

Checking out Aunt Steff:

"Hmm... who is this girl?  She kind of looks like my Mommy!"

Out to dinner at Rick's Boatyard.  Miley was wearing a Butler outfit.  

She's ready for bball season!

Mommy and Miley -- 11 days old

Trina's baby shower

I called dibs on this outfit for a hand-me-down if I ever have a boy ;)  

This is what I find in my camera if i'm not in charge of it.  Doesn't he look nice, though?  Unfortunately he was dressed up for Grandpa Reutter's funeral.  He passed away the 2nd week of August.  We made a couple of trips to Illinois this month as well, but we were grateful to see him before he passed away.  He will be greatly missed.  Chris loved his Gramps so much!!

And of course, my little Barkley!  I bought this singing fish for Christopher's birthday but Barkley isn't a fan.  He usually barks at it :)

 He did enjoy unwrapping it, though!

 Trina and Miley -- almost 4 weeks old

Probably the last picture with Trina before I get to meet little Owen (3 weeks before her due date)!

The Day Logan Was Sent to Heaven

One year ago today we lost our little Logan.  It really is hard to believe it has been an entire year.  I will never forget that appointment or what we went through that day, and really over the next few weeks that followed.  I can say though, that over the last year, I have grown to love and appreciate my husband, family, and friends more than ever.  There is nothing like losing a child--even so small--but I am thankful for their love and support that has carried me through.  I am humbled by the friends that i've met and reconnected with through this and have struggled through with me.  Some who have been through far worse than me, but have still been there to encourage me.  I remember hearing that it would get easier, and I just didn't see how.  But they were right.  Somehow, with time, it got easier.  It still hurts, but I know it wasn't meant to be and that God sees every tear of mine and will bless me with time.  God has remained faithful every day and has given me strength on the days that have been the hardest.


We miss our little Logan so much and not a day goes by when we don't remember him/her.  He/she would have been 5 months old already.  We love you baby Logan!!

I don't know if i've ever posted this, but it's one of my favorite quotes from Tony Dungy's book, Quiet Strength.

"And so we press on. We press on with our memories, our hearts buoyed by a God who loves us and wants us to know Him deeply. We press on with our sense that life's not always fair. And we press on with the knowledge--and assurance--that even though we can't see all of God's plan, He is there, at work and in charge, loving us. We press on with the conviction that even though we don't deserve the gifts and blessings we've been given, He gives them anyway. We press on into an abundant life on earth, followed by an eternity with God." Tony Dungy

Miley is Here!

For anyone that doesn't know yet, my sister had her birthday on Monday.  Yes, that means her date of birth is 8-9-10!   She was 7 lbs 4 oz and 19 inches long. Everything went well with the birth but about 3 hours after delivery Miley started breathing fast and started turning a purple tone.  Luckily she had a wonderful nurse (a good friend of mine and former college roommate) who caught it right away and took wonderful care of her!  Miley then spent a few days in the NICU and finally got to go home yesterday.  She is still being treated for jaundice with UV lights at home, but otherwise doing well.  Here are some pics!

Mommy, Daddy and their baby girl

 Is that a smile?

Love this pic!

 sweet baby girl

Chris got to wear scrubs since he has poison ivy ;)

 Love my newest little niece!

More Barkley...

Yes, it's another post about Barkley.  Honestly, I try to be more creative, but I always have such good pictures of him, so I can't resist.  

Last week, Chris' mom sent Barkley a package (who has now received three packages from three different people, each addressed to Mr. Barkley Reutter).  She sent this HUGE bone made of tennis ball material and he LOVES it.  He doesn't want to put it down and he is so proud of himself when he picks it up like this:

Thanks Grandma Sara!  

p.s. Send more! 

I get a kick out of putting him to sleep like this.  He is in dog heaven.  

He is such a funny--and lazy--dog.

Jess thinks Wade resembles a bulldog, so she wanted to get some pics of them together.  What do you think?

Of course Addie wanted to be a part of it, too :)

Lastly, a picture with two of my sweet nieces.  We watched them last week and it was extremely hot outside.  After about 10 minutes outside, they were "hot and hungry".  Addie even said, "May I please have something from your pantry?".  At least she asked nicely, haha

On another note, i'm heading to the airport soon to pick up my mom!  I'm so excited to see her and to have her stay with us.  Tiffany has a C-section scheduled for Monday, the 9th.  I can't wait to meet my newest niece.  This time next week she will be here.  It is hard to believe.  Stay tuned for pictures...