Friday Fill-lns

1. My favorite food seasoning is salt.

2. My children playing and singing is music to my ears.

3. Lucky is having my life run smooth and everything falling into place.

4. Shopping is something I take very seriously!

5. Many people have become extremely narcissistic.

6. Queso dip and Christmas ribbon was the last thing I bought at the store.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to weenie roast with neighbors and trick or treating, tomorrow my plans include haircuts for the boys, a soccer game and a trip to Franklin to visit family and Sunday, I want to do nothing but drink coffee and read!

It's Almost The Weekend!!

Hooray, it is almost Friday. Tomorrow is going to be such a big day! I love all aspects of Halloween..dressing up, candy, trick or treating, and parties. It is going to be a play day from beginning to end. Even though I do have to work, we practically play all day ( I LOVE MY JOB) and get paid great money to do so. I organized a pot luck at work for the therapy staff. We are going to have chili, potato soup, yummy rotel dip (has bunches of extras, not the generic kind), chicken casserole and various other hors devours. If you know me even remotely, you know how much I love to eat.....very hearty appetite. Then it is pumpkin carving time with the Occupational Therapists. At 1:3o, I will be at Michael's school for his Halloween party. I love getting goody bags together for all the kids. I will be putting them together tonight.
At 6 o'clock, we are heading next door for fellowship with other families and a hot dog roast for the kids. Then all the families are going trick or treating together. My neighborhood does not have a lot of houses in it, 14 in all, so we usually migrate to adjacent neighborhoods with lots and lots of houses. One of us will have to stay home because people come into our neighborhood by the truckload, literally. No candy may equal angry children.
Tomorrow will be fun from sun up to after sun down. My excitement can hardly be contained. To top it all off, my mom will be here to help with the festivities. Life is so much easier with her here. She brings a level of patience to the house like one has never seen.
Anyway, more updates later. I may even treat you all with a pic of the front porch and all of it's decorated glory!! Try to contain your excitement!!!! The pumpkin topiaries are a sight to behold!

The Bacchanal

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending my first Bacchanal event. Now, if you Googled the definition of this word you may be raising your eyebrows! "A drunken or righteous celebration". It was a celebration and yes some people were drinking heavily. This event is held in town at Spankies. It is an auction to support the Appalachian Craft Center which is an extension of TTU. The students of the center auction their wares for big...big bucks and the money goes directly back into the art portion of the school. Although I did not buy anything (too rich for my blood) it was very entertaining to watch some of the wealthiest people in this town bid against each other. A local artist who lives in Cookeville donated one if his carved and sand blasted (very interesting) wooden bowls. Brad has already been 'discovered' if you will. He even has a piece in the Smithsonian! This particular bowl went for $3100!
They had free food and drink. I did imbibe too much Cabernet but not so much to bid on a necklace I loved that went for $275.
If you do appreciate talent and art please visit Brad's website. You will definitely be impressed with what he does with wood. His wife is also a good friend of mine and is preggers with baby #3. If you visit the site, please let me know what you think of his work. www.bradsells.com

The End of Another Weekend

Yes, another weekend has come to a close. How quick does time go? Friday night was uneventful, Saturday night we went to the Nashville Zoo for a hay ride and trick or treat. We had a wonderful time. Marshall did not go, it was just Michael and I with another friend of mine and her kids. I must admit, although there were a boatload of kids there, it was very organized. You could tell the zoo had done this a few times before. The hayride was a little scary but appropriate..we had the Ice Queen from Narnia as our chaperon. The carousel was great and I rode the tiger which seems fairly apropos since I was dressed as a tiger! All and all, it was a wonderful evening. Michael's soccer game was cancelled so no cold weather for us, therefore, we tortured ourselves with the cold at the zoo! I decided to dress up! Granted, this was an impromptu costume borrowed from a friend of mine,Michael enoyed it. I have included a pic of us. I think we look rather fetching at grandma's house!

Friday Fill-lns

1. Right now, I'm feeling happy my busy week is over and excited about the weekend.

2. Going somewhere fun with my family is where I want to be.

3. How does one juggle so many things and remain calm and sane?

4. Being headstrong keeps me on track.

5. Please don't act like you like me if you don't.

6. My children and my beautiful world fill me with joy.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to listening to the rain and staying home, tomorrow my plans include going to the Nashville Zoo for Boo Night and Sunday, I want to piddle around the house.

I Will Survive

I made it. I survived my stomach plague and off to the next stage of my crazy, ridiculous, too much on my plate, life. At this point, I am on two separate committees at my son's school. One...I am in charge of the Cougar Run Photography which will help with part of the 60 thousand dollars we raise annually at our 'private' public school running event. This fundraiser is astounding in what is does for the school. We have so many dedicated and involved parents. It would blow your mind to know the true capacity of this. Only 5% of the children at our school ride the bus, the rest are car riders. These are the parents that are the heartbeat of our school, always there, always willing to lend a hand. We have over 500 students, so this is a really big deal. Working and non-working mom...always there!
I am also on the family involvement committee. (should that be capitalized?? who cares!!) We are holding an Olympic style theme in February. The kids will participate in 5 "Olympic Type" activities and then get to design their own medal. This is where yours truly gets involved. I am in charge of the medals...which by the way is going to eat almost all of the budget for this entire event. We are going to order almost 1000 'make your own' medals. The kids participate in 5 events and then make their own medals. I get to call hundreds of moms, coordinate 2 shifts of 4 within 5 separate grades.....whoooopeeee!!! The meeting on that was today at 8:15a.m. Off to work at 8:45 a.m., my children's pics for Christmas at 3:45 p.m. with a local photography ( Amy Callahan) who is awesome and I love.
After that, off to Crawdaddy's to celebrate my eldest son's good grades. 4 A's and 2 B's. I'll take it. Crawdaddy's is a wonderful Cajun restaurant in this town...hard to believe....if you are ever here, this is a must. Michael loves this place. He gets Gator Bites for an appetizer, shrimp n fries for entree, and today he ordered a cheesecake with raspberry drizzle for dessert. I personally got 2 glasses of house Cabernet because I felt like I deserved it!!! CHEERS!!!!

Perfect Timing, My Personal Trifecta

You have all heard someone say the perfect trifecta. Usually it is in reference to something good like a horse race. My personal one is not so good. I woke up this morning around 1a.m. feeling 'weird'. You know, the weird...oh, crap...I am getting sick weird!! My stomach felt horrible but when the alarm went off I drudged into the bathroom to start getting ready. That is the first of the perfect three, me feeling like death on a stick!
I had to go to work today...HAD TO. No I am not so narcissistic to believe it can't run without me but Tuesdays are different. This is the day we evaluate all aspects of every patient to give report to the doctor on Wednesday. Oh, and we were also going live with our computer documentation. This is the second of my 'perfect storm'.
Mike informs me half way through my day that he has the same sickness. It hard enough to run a household with one sick parent.....try two sick parents! This is my third.
I have been home in bed since 1:00 pm and starting to feel better. I am starving, which is always a good sign but my head is killing me. The kids are in the tub which is virtually free entertainment and off to an early bed time they go. I am ready to start tomorrow anew!

Weekend Update

Well, it is Monday and the first day back to school after fall break. I am relieved Michael is ready to go back. Unfortunately, I think he is excited to see Natalie again as opposed to getting back to the daily grind of learning. The weekend went by fast as usual and I was not excited about getting up this morning. It was cold outside and cold in the house (I refuse to turn my heat on yet!) but not cold under the covers.
Friday night we had my in-laws and another family over for chili, hush puppies, and S'mores. It was very lively in the house and outside seeing as there were 5 kids total running around. As usual, Marshall was the youngest but did his best to jump in there with the big kids. Everything was yummy and the conversation was great. I already mentioned my new purchase on Saturday and Michael's big win on the soccer field. Yesterday was low key, also. I took Michael to get his costume for Halloween (S.W.A.T. team guy) and he was so excited. As soon as we got home, he had to put it on. Marshall is going to be Barney and so I put his on, too. We had a little pre-Halloween fashion show. Lot's of fun.
Marshall is really starting to develop such a personality. I love it when he says "Watch this, mom" and proceeds to dance around. His new thing is singing the "I Like To Move It" song from Madagascar II. Shaking his booty and singing that song is hilarious. Speaking of 'booty', that is another thing he likes to say when dancing. "I shake my booty, Mommy!" You sure do, son.

I Am Not Bragging Just Informing

Today has been your average day. I woke up at 5 a.m. watched a little CNN (although I prefer FoxNews so not sure why I chose that channel), and hopped on the computer. I had a wonderful cup of Pumpkin Spice coffee as a perused the inbox of my email. At this point, I am pissed that I am all the way on the other side of the house, upstairs, in my son's playroom, using his computer. After filtering myself through Webkinz and Nick.com, I had it. First and foremost for the day....buy a new laptop. As most of you know, my old laptop has been giving me fits. It was like working with a Commodore 64...then the power cord copped an attitude. This is the reason I was on my son's computer. Yeah, Mommy gets a new toy.
At first, I was going to just get my old one fixed. But, it took just a little of cajoling from my Mom to talk me into a new one. Plus, she contributed as an early Christmas present. THANKS MOM!! I am typing on it right now. It is lighter and quieter. The fan on my old one was on all the time. It was like working with a hair dryer running in your ear, annoying.
The other informing I am doing is.....my son won his soccer game, YEAH. 4 to 1
Michael was the goalie during one quarter which I hate. I get so nervous for him. Notice I said 'for him'. Michael does not get nervous at all and this particular day he allowed ZERO balls to pass. I am so proud of him. He is becoming much more assertive on the field and not afraid to get bumped around a little. That a boy!!

Face It, I'm Old

OK, so as much as I hate to say it....I think I am getting addicted to Facebook. No, I am not pathetic but it is interesting to catch up with people. Especially the ones I graduated high school with. It's funny, I don't feel much older than I was almost 20 years ago but pictures don't lie. I have never been hit with such a reality check in my life. Looking through pictures, we are almost 40 years old people. When our parents where that age we were wondering how they were able to get around and form a lucid thought!! Now , I think I have come to terms with my age, maybe. I should embrace getting older because you only have one other choice!!
Back to Facebook......I love updating it and keeping up with my small circle of friends. I am sure it is like everything else, cool when it is new; boring after that wears off. We shall see.

Friday Fill-Ins Posted On Saturday!!!!

Sorry I am late on these. I am sure everyone thought about it all night long. Kept you awake, even! Yesterday was busy getting the porch Halloween ready and getting chili ready for some friends coming over. (More about that in next post.)

1. Follow the first thought, it is usually correct.

2. A crime novel is something I always take with me on vacation.

3. To achieve your goals, you must set smaller goals which lead up to them.

4. I love to be part of something big is something I'd like you to know about me.

5. I have a full gym on the 'lower level' of my home, I have to force myself to use.

6. Winning bars of soap float.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a chili pigout with some friends, tomorrow my plans include soccer, costume shopping, buying a new charger for my laptop and Sunday, I want to read and play!

The Spreading Of The Plague

I will learn one of these days to stop bragging and/or complaining. Last week I was complaining about the ride to Florida, which in hindsight was pretty spectacular. (And as one of my patients told me one time...."Hindsight is 50/50!" REALLY!! That is a new one one me. I was actually able to control my laughter.)
Sunday I was bragging to Michael about how Marshall has never thrown up! Big Mistake. Last night Marshall woke up around 11:30 a little whiny. I thought he could not find his paci so I went in, patted his butt a few times, and gave him his paci. No problem.
About 30 minutes later, he started whining again. I went back into his room but this time as soon as his paci touched his lips.....BLAAAAAACCCHHH! The dinner he ate 6 hours ago was in one large food bolus on his pillow. It was quite disgusting. Of course, he immediately started screaming bloody murder because he was scared half to death. I picked him and carried him into our room so I could get a towel. Mike was awake by now (about time) and took him from me so I could clean up little bit's bed. About the time I got his bed cleaned up... I hear it again. This time it was caught in a towel. Two huge vomiting episodes in under 5 minutes! Hooray! I promise I am going to learn to keep my mouth shut!

I Hate My Computer!

As you have read on my previous entries, my laptop has had a serious attitude problem. Granted it is over four years old, weighs 50 pounds and is 12 inches thick, it still meets my needs so why spend the money on a new one. I just use is to do stuff like this. The only thing is doesn't have that I wish it did was a DVD burner. I would love to compile all my DVDs from my video camera thingie. Those DVDs only hold 30 minutes of material and they pile up fast.
My battery charger attachment decided to jump on the attitude bandwagon while we where in Florida. No problem, I thought, I will just buy a new one when I get back. Yeah Right! I just got off the phone with Radio Shack. Did you know a new charger thingie cost 100 dollars!!!!!! Who knew? I about choked! My whole damn computer is not worth 100 dollars! Needless to say, forget it. I am getting a new one. Since all I really need on my laptop is a wireless card and a DVD burner, I can get a new one for 600 dollars or so....SOLD. I am so tired of brain damage!!!

The Ride Home

OK, so I take back any complaint I had in regards to the trip to Florida. I had no idea how bad travel life could be until the trip back. "Dear Lord, please forgive me for not appreciating the little things in life."
Of course, the sun had not shone as bright as it did the morning we left. It was such a nice morning the boys wanted to get a little more pool time in. Off we went, sans timepiece, to the pool. After what felt like an eternity, I went to the room to make sure Mike was still intact. Holy Crappie, it was 10:45, check out in 15 minutes and not one thing was packed! Where did the time go. It was suddenly a mad rush to get everything together. The clothes and other ancillary things were not hard to pack. It was the fridge stuff that was difficult. It is so hard for Mike and I to throw things away and we were strategically trying to preserve it all. The milk, cheese and sandwich meat.
We finally got it all together and as if on cue the boys came back up to room to help bring it down. Such big helpers they were. As we were loading things up, Michael complained of feeling sick. Seeing as he just went swimming, I figured he was just hungry. I gave him a fruit bar and a Capri Sun.
Off we go.......maybe about 45 minutes into the trip Michael says he feels sick. We pull over and he pukes his guts out!! Afterwards, he says he feels better and has something to drink. We then stop at McDonald's just north of Montgomery. As we are approaching the door, Michael pukes again in the parking lot for all of the patrons to see! Lovely...now he is starving and wants to eat. What am I supposed to do, tell him NO! So he pokes at his Happy Meal and drinks his Sprite.
About half way between Montgomery and Birmingham (traveling 80 mph) Michael reports needing to throw up again. I could not get stopped and pulled over in time.....you guessed it...all over the floorboard and all over the door. This happened in an attempt to open it while puking. Let me put it this way, I got to sop up vomit with a towel from my little storage area in the door. "Happy place, Happy place" Partially digested chicken nuggets and fries, anyone? I did not think so! Right before we crossed into Tennessee, Marshall had managed to lose both of his pacifiers. He was screaming bloody murder and I thought, "Hey, this won't last long. He will be asleep in to time." YEAH RIGHT!!!!!!!!! Almost an hour and a half later...still crying. Mike finally pulled over and said he is finding his paci come hell or high water! Found it, deposited it, and finished the drive. Nine and 1/2 hours later, we finally pulled into our driveway. The Holy Land!! Granted this is a drive that usually takes less than 8 hours. I do want pity, give me all you have!

Our Last Full Day In Florida

As goes the week....this morning started off cloudy. Cloudy until almost 2 p.m. So cloudy, I did not even have to put sunscreen on the boys when they went swimming. Before the boys went swimming, we loaded up the Tahoe and went to IHOP for breakfast. We have been eating breakfast in every morning and Mom figured they could use the change up.

Sidenote: I used to get so mad at my mom and dad when I was little and we would vacation and they would not eat out every meal. It is amazing how valuable a dollar is when it is your dollar. I guess mom and dad had a brain after all. WHO KNEW!

The boys ate a humongous breakfast. Ben ordered a chocolate pancake...I have never in my life seen such a thing..no kidding, this pancake was as big as a dinner plate and 1/4 inch thick. I believe he put a gallon of syrup on it but I am bad with volume so that may not be right. Michael had his usual...the Rooty, Jr. Eggs, bacon, pancakes....GONE! Marshall helped me with mine. Is it possible for a kid to pop after eating too much? I guess Violet Beauregarde would say, YES!!
Afterwards, Marshall took a power nap and the boys went swimming. After he woke up, we fed everyone and rode bikes to the beach. That was super cool. Especially since a tunnel runs under Hwy 98 and there is no dangerous crossing. This was Marshall first official trip to the ocean. He has been twice before but he was either way too young or way too sick to remember or have a good time. The waves did not scare him at all. Even the one that flipped him. I wonder how much water he drank??? I guess the subsequent diarrhea over the next few days will be my clue!
The sun decided to make it's grand entrance about 2p.m. so the boys were slathered with sunscreen. Unfortunately, I guess I missed Ben's eyelids (like you would put sunscreen there). Needless to say, that is the only place he got burned. Everyone else escaped the sun's rays.
Currently, I am waiting for Mike to get back with a pizza. After everyone chows, we are going to take the ferry across the bay to nosh on ice cream!! Fun, Fun!

Friday Fill Ins

Ok, so I am copying a friend's blog once again and starting Friday Fill Ins. I know I don't get a lot of comments on my entries but I am watching. I see all of you that look at my blog everyday!! Maybe not a name but a body, so beware I know you are out there! So here we go:

1. One of the best concerts/plays/movies I ever saw that I really didn't think I'd like was Counting Crows.

2. Shrimp and grits with a side of fried okra is a recipe I recently ordered that was delicious!

3. It's time for packing up the vacation and heading home.

4. Silence is quite refreshing.

5. If I never hear the word stock portfolio again, it'll be too soon.

6. To one side of the curving road was a scary drop off, and on the other was a scary drop off.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to riding the ferry to take the kids for ice cream in the village, tomorrow my plans include saying good bye to the pool and the beach followed by a long drive home and Sunday, I want to DO NOTHING!

Almost Over

I cannot believe our vacation is almost over. Why does time go so fast yet so slow? My work days do not go this fast, this is so not fair.
Ben (Michael's friend) had finally collapsed. No worry, this is just from multiple late nights and early mornings with (Marshall and my slightly hard of hearing parents....they don't realize how loud they can be.) I finally manhandled him into taking a nap in our bedroom so he could have sleep sans Marshall. He is still asleep despite the fact it is 7 central. I am not waking him up, we have food for him when he does wake up and Mike and I will sleep on the fold out couch in the living room if we need to. Poor guy needs to sleep.

Rain, Rain Go Away!

The second day in Florida started and ended in rain. I was watching the radar this morning and it looked like it would pass by noon. However, it was one of those growing, stationary storms if you know what I mean. Long story short, it lasted the entire day!!
The big boys (8 & 9 yrs old) woke up around 8:30 and started their day with a cup of coffee. That still cracks me up to watch them drink coffee and have small talk on the balcony first thing in the morning. It is almost like seeing in the future of two old men shooting the shit at a general store someday! Whatever, at least it keeps them out of trouble.
I talked the boys into going swimming in the rain (no thunder or lightening). Don't worry, we could see them from the balcony but they still felt a little freedom. This swimming fiesta lasted about 2 hours and then........a rumble of thunder!!! Out of the pool, per me, and the boys headed back upstairs. After they changed into dry clothes, Mike took all of them to the arcade to placate them for a while.

Mom and I took this opportunity to escape and go shopping. There is a huge outlet mall called Silver Sands just 1 mile down the road. This mall is humongous. To get a taste of what it has to offer....visit this site....http://www.silversandsoutlet.com/ and check it out. Hog Heaven would be a proper description of how we felt. Stride Rite shoes for 29.00, Bass and Geoffrey Beane had everything 70% off. No, that is not a typo!!! We are going back tomorrow to visit more stores. Discounts galore....Nirvana!!! Ok, Ok I am digressing. I would stutter if I knew how to type that!
When we returned from the mall, Mike had all the boys bike riding. They came back , watched TV for a while and then went swimming again. This was finished with salad, grilled grouper (fish) and rosemary potatoes. The boys ate hearty and then headed down to the movie theater to screen SpyKids 3D. Marshall is asleep and the boys are watching the movie. Mom and I are watching Doctor 90210!! What a bunch of narcissistic people!! How hypocritical of a statement is that!!

End Of The First Full Day

What a wonderful first, full day in FL. After the boys enjoyed their 'cup of coffee' this morning we walked (they rode) to the wharf to play on yet another playground. A stand up game of checkers and a walk around the bay later......we decided to get back to the condo and swim for a while. The only problem was, the pools were freezing. I convinced the maintenance man to turn the heaters on which killed the chill after about an hour. By this time it is after 1:00 and the big boys are begging to go to the beach. I continued to lounge in the sun with my ipod (Deep Forest and The Art of Noise) while Mike took the kids to the beach. This was cut short by a Normandy type invasion of jellyfish on the shore. Luckily, the boys were able to play for about an hour before the attack.
They came home, ate lunch, and headed to the arcade. This area is totally happening since it takes 0 (zero) quarters to operate any of the games or air hockey. Also totally cool for adults. Either that or I am easily entertained!!!
The condo we stay in has a movie theater on the first floor and you can request movies to be seen. The theater has a huge screen and seats 50. We decided to screen Open Season. I have never seen this movie and admit to laughing way loud at certain points of the movie. Too funny if yo have never watched it. The finale included spaghetti with garlic bread f0r dinner.

This Is A First

Happy Monday....for me anyway because I am not at work! Don't get me wrong, I love my job but everyone needs to get away.
Mom and I enjoyed our morning cup of coffee on the balcony overlooking the bay while the kids slept in. Lovely, darling. Afterwards, Mom took Marshall for a walk and a romp on one of the many playgrounds. While they were gone, the boys were sitting on the balcony and both requested a cup of coffee! Ben's mom warned me about his request for coffee in the morning but it is still weird to see an eight and nine year old sitting outside enjoying cups of coffee! Their actual ages crept back to reality when the coffee was followed by heaping bowls of Cocoa Pebbles.

We Made It

Safe and sound we arrived in Sandestin at about 2:30 p.m. just shy of 8 hours. Not too shabby considering we had 3 kids in tow. I woke everyone about 5:30 a.m. and no one slept the entire way here. Holy Crap, I just wanted my name to not be spoken from mouths of babes for at least 98 seconds. Mrs. Bregenzer this, Angela that, Mom and/or Mommy this and that....
AAARRGGGHHH.!!!!! Could everyone just pretend I am invisible?? This was topped off with Michael spilling an almost entire can of V8 juice in the truck. Now, answer me this....I have a brand new Tahoe with at least 10 cup holders...why in the hell was that can not in at least one of them??? After biting my tongue until it bled and cleaning up the mess, I carefully and patiently (as I could possibly muster) pointed out some empty cup holders that needed love!!
Needless to say, seeing the Publix on HWY 98 is like the gate to glory land. I know it is only one mile away from the resort and I swear it waves to me as I pass!! How can a grocery store possibly excite some one that much? Who cares, I just know I love to see it. Sidenote: They have the best horseradish cheddar by Boar's Head you have ever tasted. REGROUP>
I unpacked all the suitcases and separated everything into the drawers. This has to happen as soon as I get anywhere. I cannot stand the feeling of living out of a suitcase. We then changed clothes and headed to the pool. After an hour or so of swimming, Mom and I went to the grocery store (Publix, woo hoo) and stocked up the condo. We chowed on grilled hamburgers and french fries. Yummy!! Marshall has finally gone to sleep in the playpen beside me and I am exhausted. For some reason I could not sleep last night and finally dozed off at midnight, only to get up at four this morning. I feel like an old hag settling in at 8:30 but I don't care. I will be refreshed and renewed in the morning in order to hit the gym. Fitness never sleeps.

And We're Off

So, as if no one knows....we are off to Sandestin tomorrow EARLY. I am so excited I could just poot! Just kidding. I'm ready, Mike is ready, Michael is ready the only problem is not one thing has been packed! I get off on these cleaning tangents at times and today's tangent was cleaning the windows on the first floor! BOTH SIDES! It is not my fault that I started this. It is the sun's fault. I was up extra early this morning and when the sun shone through the windows I was mortified. So, off the clean I went and let me tell you it was worth every minute. I think is is brighter downstairs today!! Just so you know, this is not a small feat to perform. The first floor has just shy of two dozen windows (22 to be exact) and despite my best efforts to stay in shape, my arm is already killing me. What a loser!! Maybe I should work out a little harder.
I guess I should not dilly dally anymore with the blog and get my butt in gear to pack. I hate to pack. While we are gone, I will try to keep the blog updated of our Florida adventure but no promises. If you check my blog daily, don't get frustrated, I will be having a too good time!

First Day Of Fall

Yes, I know. Today is not the official first day of fall but for me it is. I love to decorate for Halloween. I buy lots of mums and make real pumpkin topiaries in the planters on the front porch. We have all kinds of lighted decorations (much to my neighbor's dismay, I'm sure), fake tombstones, and ghosts. What can I say, I love Halloween. However, I do have a modicum of decorum. (Did I just cuss?) I will only start decorating after October 1st, just like I don't start decorating for Christmas until after Thanksgiving....sorry different blog, different time.
I cannot wait to get the boxes out. I would start now if is was not so cold outside! Tonight's low is in the 40's....buuurrrhhhhh!
I would then put it off until tomorrow but we have Girl's Night Out (Darn It All) to celebrate September birthdays. I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!! OMG I still need to buy gifts...damn it I hate waiting until the last minute.
I welcomed the first day of MY fall with a pedicure and a highlight. Must get ready for Florida, ya know. I wish I had time for a Botox injection but I don't, oh well!! I will wait until spring.
Did I mention only 3 more days until Florida? Did I mention my parents are going so Mike and I will actually get a night of married going out to eat without food left on the floor/table after we leave (sans children if you need a hint). Very excited about that.
This day also marks another momentous event. My Mom and Dad's anniversary is today!
Thirty-One years today! For those of you who know me and can subtract...this is a second marriage! However, this is such a part of my life, I truly have two Dads.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!!!

Check Up

Marshall went for his two year check up today. I know it is over a month late but his 18 month was a month late and so the story goes. What a boy he is. Weighs in at a smidgen under 35 pounds and almost 3 feet tall. Did I mention he can do a chin up? Or hang from his swing set with his elbows slightly bent and support all his weight with his biceps? I don't mean to brag, but you get the point! Oh, did I mention he giggled when the nurse stuck the needle into his meaty quadriceps?? LAUGHED....AS IN THAT TICKLES!!! What the hell is that about? If that one statement does not give you any insight into my life with Marshall then nothing will!! The doc said he is not worried about his weight (I am) as long as he is eating healthy food. We told him we could make a bowl of green olives, tomatoes and green beans and he would think we served him a bowl of candy! I am so thankful both of my kids are not picky eaters.