Thanksgiving and on...

I have been absent from the blog world for the past few days...well, not on Thursday, Friday & Saturday when almost everyone else was absent!  Thanksgiving was quiet for me...as it usually is.  A few years ago, we began celebrating Thanksgiving on Friday.  This was partly due to my BIL's work schedule (somehow his night shift ALWAYS falls on Thanksgiving)...and they usually celebrate with his family on Thanksgiving.  We give up Thursday because they have to coordinate a few more people than we do - including some 'out-of-towners'.  When Mom was still working, it was easier on her too because she had an extra day to prepare.

Wednesday night we had a little "mini-celebration" with my sis, her kids, mom & dad, me & Dylan.  Zach was there for a bit before he had to work, but we had chili and potato soup.  Then Dylan spent the night with Ne & Pa...which meant that I had movie night!  Thursday morning, I watched Aly & Ayden while my sister cooked for Zach's family.  They wore me out...but I had some time to rest, watch more movies/TV and veg.  While we were eating dinner with Mom & Dad on Thursday, Dylan's friend Seth called to request a sleep over.  My first reaction was NO...then I softened and said, yes, but we have family Thanksgiving tomorrow evening.  He reported this to Seth...and then I heard him kind of sigh...say "OK" and "probably not".  He ended the call and said he couldn't go because Seth & his family were leaving the next morning to go to Seth's grandma.  I told him I was sorry...to which he replied, "well, Seth did invite me to go to".  I thought...I pondered...I reasoned...and then I caved! :)  He & Seth haven't spent a lot of time together because Seth is a hunter and has spending a great deal of time doing just that.  So, I didn't feel like it was a bad move on my part.  Of course, this change of plans led to some emergency laundry and a later evening drop off.  But, I was glad he had the chance and Dylan enjoys Seth's family.

But, that meant that I was on my own Friday & Saturday.  Friday I spent some time at my parents - my mom was watching the kids while Zach slept and Missy worked (she works for a bank) and then I had a little more TV/movie time.  We had our family Thanksgiving meal that evening and it was a quiet night for me - well, I watched Wizard of Oz...I couldn't resist! :)

By Saturday, the TV/movie marathon had grown quite old...I needed to get out of my house (I didn't even know what the temp was outside)...so, I asked Mom & Dad to go see Tangled with me.  Such a cute movie.  Loved it and would love to take Aly back with me.

So, all in all...just a quiet, quiet, quiet weekend.

I guess to prepare me for what lies ahead...because, beginning tomorrow I have a 10 day stint of day after day of planned events.  Tomorrow is Mom's birthday (Happy Birthday Mom!)...Thursday I have skit practice...Friday is Children's Christmas party...Saturday is choir practice, baby shower and seems like there's one other thing...Sunday is church, skit practice again, a pancake dinner - not to mention a get together at a friends house after the local Christmas parade that I'm trying to squeeze in....Monday is our annual Ladies Christmas dinner at church...Tuesday is choir practice, again...Wednesday, Thursday & Friday is our church's dinner theater in which I have to perform the skit that I practiced Thursday & Sunday.  Are you tired yet???  Because I am and it hasn't even begun!

So...if you don't see me around, know that it's nothing personal and that I haven't abandoned my blog...I simply haven't had time to visit you and write anything new for you!  My biggest fear in this 10 day stint is that I will run myself down to the point of getting sick.  So, please pray for my strength and wellness to hold out!

Oh, yeah...I haven't gotten my Christmas tree...or my decorations out...so it looks like I will be putting up a tree on December 11th.  Because that's the first time I will have time to actually go get a tree (we only do live) and after that I may actually have time to decorate it and enjoy it!

'Tis the season...I will be hibernating in January...

Thankful

I am thankful every day...for big things...for little things...but since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I thought it would be nice to compile a list of things that I'm thankful for.  These are in no specific order.

#1 - I'm thankful for my family.  I have wonderful parents who have taught me a great deal about life, but more importantly, how to handle life's challenges.  My sister and brother-in-law make our family so much more interesting.  Many people really don't know my brother-in-law and what makes him tick.  My sis & BIL have been married for 8 years and dated for 2 or 3 years prior to that...I am just now really "getting to know" him.  But, I can say that together, they add so much to all of our family time.  And I can't say enough how thankful I am for my niece & nephew...I love Aly & Ayden so much and THEY have made my life better.  There's so much joy in my heart when Aly requests a sleep over or I walk into a room and Ayden's face breaks into a grin. 

#2 - Always and forever, I'm thankful for my son.  Dylan is by far the greatest blessing in my life...even when he makes me mad...even when I forget how much a 14 year old resembles a 3 year old.  His birth definitely made my life better and I am a better person for having him in my life.

#3 - I'm thankful for a God who loves me and provides for me...and His love & provision are so undeserved.  It's truly amazing.

#4 - I'm also thankful for Jesus Christ...the One who took my death sentence on a cross so many years ago so that I may live this life full of grace and know that when my time on earth ends, I will be with Him in Heaven.  What a glorious promise!

#5 - I'm thankful for my best friend.  Ashley is the one that I can whine and pitch a fit around...and she will listen to it...and tell me when to suck it up or when to fight harder.  She's also the one who listens to all my insecurities, my heart breaks, the things that make me cry, the things that make me laugh...and vice versa. And when she married Zac, I gained another friend.  These two people would do anything for me or Dylan and I am so blessed to have them in my life.

#6 - I'm thankful for my job.  Not just to have a job, although that is a blessing - especially now.  But to have a job that I enjoy - even with all the aggravations that my job tends to bring with it.  I'm thankful for the people I work with - even when they aggravate me.  I'm thankful that God has continued to bless our company with jobs and projects. 

#7 - I'm thankful for the health of not only myself, but my entire family.  I wouldn't say we are all the healthiest people...but we could all be a lot worse off. 

#8 - I'm thankful for the men & women who serve our country in the military.  I'm thankful for their sacrifice and that they are willing to give up their own time, family and potentially their lives to insure my safety and to allow me the opportunity to spend time with my family and keep my life safe.  And I'm thankful for the support people in their lives - mothers, fathers, siblings, husbands, wives, children - who give up THEIR time with family members who are serving. 

#9 - I'm thankful for coffee...OK, after this long list, that may be a bit shallow...but I really love coffee! :)

#10 - I'm thankful for those of you who read my blog and have become my "bloggy" friends.  It's a strange thing to have such a connection with so many people that I've never met and possibly will never meet.  But it's nice to know that you are there and that you read what I write and sometimes even let me know what you think!

I truly hope that you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

A Rare "Good" Monday

This weekend was super busy...so much packed into such a small amount of time.  Friday night our church hosted a concert with Jason Crabb.  I don't know much about him, but this concert was awesome.  And he was sick...which amazed me even more! :)  It was fun...but a late night.

Saturday morning I caught up on laundry and that afternoon/evening, Dylan & I went to "Survivor Day" with the youth group.  It was such a beautiful NC fall day...not too cool during the day...abundant sunshine...blue skies...perfect for an outdoor activity.  The students had the challenge to catch a fish, clean it, cook it over a fire that they had to make, boil water in a plastic bottle, and build a shelter that was water proof.  Oh yeah, they were only given fishing line and a hook, a shovel, a small knife, a hatchet and a magnesium flint.  It was interesting to say the least.  There were other challenges to get the students to work together...and later we had chicken stew (my fav!) and Worship out under the stars.  Once the sun set, it got cold fast and I was so thankful to get home into my warm PJ's & bed!

I was trying to not let any chicken stew go to waste...YUM!

During the first challenge (building the shelter), Dylan was trying to bring a log over to use for their shelter.  He picked up a log, decided it was too heavy and dropped it.  However, when he dropped it, it fell on his right hand.  Something on the log cut his finger and in Dylan's words, when he looked at his hand his finger was "gushing blood".  Thankfully, we had an EMT with us...who quickly assessed that the cut wasn't too big and got it all cleaned up. 

However, his first two fingers swelled...and were still swollen and sore this morning.  So, I decided to take Dylan to the doctor to have them checked out.  His appointment was at 2pm...so I left work at 1pm to pick him up from school and take him.  Thankfully, everything checked out and nothing is broken!

Today, though, was such a good day for a Monday.  It was nice to pick Dylan up and not be worried about him being sick (which is usually the reason he has to leave school early).  He was in a good mood all day...giving me a hard time about worrying over him and take him to the doctor.  When we were at the doctor's office, he got put in the "princess" exam room - which he was just THRILLED about.  We went through everything pretty quickly...and had time to go by Wal-Mart after the x-rays.  And then we even had time to play a little Band Hero together and then have some extra time to just hang around the house. 

With the holiday season looming just over the horizon, I'm thankful to have a day to just hang out.  And there's something about being home while you know you technically should be at work...and not having a sick kid to warrant me being home during the day just made it better.

So...all in all, a good Monday.

With one exception...if you read The Daily Dose of Reality, you may or may not be aware of some sad news.  Ian & his wife were expecting a baby in April, but sadly they lost their baby son over the weekend.  Please keep this family in your prayers as they are dealing with this especially heartbreaking loss.  I know they would appreciate it.

Marshmallows...

I know I said I wouldn't be back until probably Monday...but here I am...at 12:15pm EST...sitting in bed...laptop on my, well lap...and I just had to share this with you all.

Marshmallows make everything better in my world.

Case in point...sweet potatoes - we call them "yams" here in NC...they are pretty good on their own.  Put a little butter...maybe add some brown sugar and cinnamon.  Yum.  BUT, add a few marshmallows to the top...put them in the oven for a few minutes and wha-la!  So much better!

And how about a baked sweet potato...popular around here as a side dish at some restaurants.  I personally do not like a baked sweet potato.  I know, it's the same as a yam...what can I say? I'm strange.  However, at my favorite steak house (Texas Roadhouse) they put caramel and marshmallows on it.  I'm sold.

And hot chocolate...how can anyone drink this chocolatey goodness without tons of marshmallows???

Oh...marshmallows make it all better.

Guess what I just finished at midnight tonight???

Yup...a big mug of hot chocolate with a whole bunch of marshmallows! 

Hmmm...I might be here longer than I thought! ;)

Five Question Friday!

Well, thank goodness it's Friday!  I'm a little brain dead because over the past three days I've written THIRTY-EIGHT sales letters - for just one sales person.  This doesn't include any other letters I've done over the past three days.  Plus my regular work.  And, because I can't stand tedious tasks, I write each letter.  As in, I don't start with a template and fill in the address, contact, etc.  That's the part that I do keep and I write each letter.  Now, I won't claim that they are all original in content because I do tend to repeat that...but I have to write it brand new for each contact.  And let me just tell you...when I was looking back at some of the past letters that I've written in some of these sales folders, I have to say I can write a pretty darn good letter.

Anyletterwriting, after all that writing, I really need something simple for Friday!  Thank goodness for Five Question Friday with Mama M.  If you'd like to participate, click on the picture below...copy the questions and link up!





1. What Christmas song do you loathe?

Anything sung by Aaron Neville...although that's across the board.  I don't know how in the world he EVER got a recording contract.  There's another that comes on that I just can't stand.  It's not even really about Christmas but they play it during the Christmas season anyway.  I can't remember the name...but it's so sappy - about a man & woman who evidently walked away from each other and then find each other again at the grocery store and get drunk on wine???  I don't know...I turn the channel every time it comes on.

2. Do you and your significant other cuddle at night or sleep on opposite sides of the bed?

The only significant other in my life that sleeps in my bed would be my teddy bear Joshua...and we do snuggle at night! ;)

3. Have you ever had surgery?

Yup!  Wisdom teeth out at 18 - that was fun...I got home and passed out in our hallway when Mom changed out my gauze.  Then when I was 21, I had my tonsils taken out.  I don't really remember that being such a big deal, other than having to watch what I ate.  I did have an issue while I was still in the hospital - I didn't realize that a side effect of anesthesia was nausea...I had been sleeping on & off all day...and during the night I woke up severely nauseated.  I kept thinking "If I can just throw up, I'll feel better".  Finally a nurse came in to take my vitals...I told her I wanted to throw up and I remember her words as clear as if it happened yesterday - she said to me "You DO NOT want to throw up...please, let me give you something for the nausea."  If I had only known...within 15 minutes the nausea was gone!

4. When do you typically have your holiday shopping done?

I usually knock it all out in one weekend.  Well, that is stuff for everyone except Dylan.  Dylan & I will go on one big shopping trip one Saturday and get everything we need!  It's great!  I try to have Dylan's stuff done the weekend before Christmas.  I may have to get stocking stuffers...but I don't count that! :)

5. If money were not an issue (and you HAD to pick something), what would your ultimate luxury item be?

This is a tough question - if I had to pick ONE item, hmmm...I would want to say a really nice TV...but that seems like such a small item.  Maybe a REALLY nice camera.  I really want a nice camera that takes fabulous pictures.  Quite honestly, though, I've really wanted to have "unique" family pics done - with my whole family (parents, sister & BIL, niece & nephew, me & D).  Not studio pics, but ones outside or at a unique place.  That would probably end up being more than one item...but I know me and I'd end up buying a TON of pics.  So, how about I say a photo session package that includes lots of pics!

Happy Friday...I have a busy weekend...so I'll probably see you about Monday!  Have a great weekend!!!

The Insanity of Living With Me

Dylan has no choice but to live with me.  Mostly because I say so...I'm the mom...and that makes it so. :)  But I know that at times, it must be a challenge. 

And just so you know...he's 14...so the challenge part goes both ways.

There are certain things that I may be a bit neurotic about...I don't mean to be...but for some reason this is the way that I'm wired.  For instance, when I hear a bad storm come up or a heavy rain, I automatically begin to wonder if Dylan left anything out in the yard that we possible wouldn't want to get wet (i.e. a bike, ball, some other toy).  It doesn't matter that he shouldn't have left it out there any way or that it's his own fault...or the fact that he actually does usually put his things away...well, his outside things anyway.  The inside things...not so much.

Anyway, the other thing is taking the garbage to the street.  I don't mind doing this...but Dylan doesn't have too many jobs around the house (please reference the neurotic tendencies...also keep in mind that our house is about the size of a dinner napkin and requires little maintenance).  So, the garbage is one of his "jobs".  Each week the garbage truck comes around on Tuesday.  I will beg & plead with Dylan to take the garbage to the street on Monday evening.  Sometimes he complies...sometimes he doesn't.  Unless it's Christmas, we usually don't have to set our garbage out weekly...even though I try to...but we do try to get it up to the street every other week.  And, the garbage trucks run VERY early...like around 7ish.

So...last night, I reminded Dylan that the garbage needed to go to the street and he said he'd take care of it in the morning.  He asked me to remind him...I thought, no big deal - when I get up, I'll remind him.  Well, along about 5:55am, I am snuggling down in my bed...waiting for the alarm to go off...and all of the sudden I swear I hear the beeping of a truck and dogs barking.  I think - WOW the garbage came early today!  And then I begin to panic because I know our garbage isn't at the street.  I stumble through the house...wake Dylan (who has fallen back asleep watching TV)...and tell him the garbage trucks are in the neighborhood.  His reply - No they aren't.  They don't run this early.  To which I reply - I know, but I swear I heard them.  I stumble back to bed, thinking he's going to ignore me but a few minutes later I hear him get the garbage from the kitchen...go out the back door and come back in.

Fast forward about 30 minutes...our conversation...

Me: Well...I think I heard the garbage truck...but maybe not.

Dylan: So, that really did happen?  You really came in my room and told me you thought the garbage was running?  Because I couldn't figure out if it was a dream or not.  And then when I came back in, I thought you might get mad at me because I was loud.

Me: No - that really happened.  I swear I heard the truck coming through!

Fast forward another 30 minutes or so...I get this text from Dylan (who's out at the bus stop):

"The garbage is coming through right now so ha"

Yes...it must be interesting living with me...

:)

Help Requested! :)

OK - so, I'm needing some ideas.  One of the things that I loved about my little house when I moved in two + years ago is the fact that it had been freshly painted.  However, everything was painted the same color (except for the kitchen).  I don't hate the color...I really like it.  But I needed some personality in the house.  I repainted the one kitchen wall, plus the two bedrooms before moving in.  I love the colors that I have put in the house (nice blue for Dylan's room - sage green for my room - bright blue for my kitchen).  But, I've never been able to decide on a color for my bathroom.

For those of you who have never seen inside my house...which is all of you I think...this is my bathroom:

Everything that I DO have in there (towels and such) is based off the shower curtain.  Here's the thing...this is my ONLY bathroom (advice from me to you...it is NOT fun sharing only one bathroom) and Dylan is VERY opinionated about the colors that we put in the house.  Well, except my room...but I fear if I tried to go too "girly" in there, he'd have something to say about it.  Plus, I really do want something that is gender neutral.  That's why I picked this shower curtain - it's not "girl" or "boy".

So, based on what you see...and my shower curtain...what color would work best in here?  I really would love some ideas!!!! 

Thanks! :)

A glimpse of things to come???

On November 30th, my dad will retire.  He has worked for the City of Winston-Salem for 37 years.  This seems unimaginable to me.  He began his work for the Police Department in ID.  When I was younger, I thought it was kind of cool - he fingerprinted all the "bad" guys.  What I didn't realize until much later was that he fingerprinted more than just the "bad" guys...sometimes, the people he had to fingerprint were...well, let's just say they were less than alive.  Eeek!

I do remember when I was younger, occasionally we would go visit him at work.  We never went "downtown" except to visit my Dad at work.  Until I was 9, Winston-Salem was probably the largest city I had ever been to.  I loved going downtown.  Winston-Salem used to be the site of several tobacco processing factories.  When you would go downtown, you could smell the tobacco.  Now, I have no use for cigarette smoke...but there is nothing like smelling tobacco being processed.  It's such a sweet smell.

I also loved going to visit my dad at the Police Dept because there was a lady there who would make a photocopy of my hand and draw faces on each finger.  Such a simple thing...but I loved it!

I'm not sure when Dad moved over to the Fire Department, but he's worked there for most of his career with the City of WS.  He began as an arson inspector (yes, he can look at burn patterns and tell you what started a fire...just like on TV) and now works in the inspections department.

But as of November 30th, he will no longer be a City of WS employee.

So...yesterday, Dad was off work.  He was supposed to have a procedure done on Thursday, which got delayed and he needed to be home to talk to another doctor.  I didn't realize that until later when I got a text from him.  The first text was harmless enough...just asking what size shirt Dylan wears.  I texted back with the answer and question of if he was off work.  His answer basically said, yes...but this is the part that cracked me up.  "We are at Kohl's waiting for the Power Hour to begin at 3pm".  This was at 2:45ish.  It just made me laugh because it seems like such an "old fogey" kind of thing to say.  And it made me wonder, is this a glimpse of my parent's lives after November 30th?

Doctors appointments, procedures, Kohl's power hour...ahhh...the life of the retired! :)

Five Question Friday!

Happy Friday, All!  Today, I'm linking up with Mama M. at My Little Life for Five Question Friday!  Feel free to visit her, link up and play along! :)





1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?

Well, childbirth of course.  But other than that, when I was 21 or so, I kept having recurring tonsil infections - not strep, not tonsillitis...just an infection.  My tonsils would swell to the point where they were touching.  I was in so much pain, that my doctor gave me codeine to ease the pain.  However, I couldn't swallow the pills whole...because of my swollen tonsils...so I would have to cut the pills in half.  And they did almost nothing except make me sleep.  Basically I would go on an antibiotic, take it for 10 days, feel better and then within 2 weeks be right back in the same place.  Finally they gave me a Z-Pack and the infection was knocked out.  However, a couple of weeks after that, I looked at my throat and my tonsils were STILL ginormous...so I made an appt with my MD, who basically looked at my tonsils and said - uh, yeah...those are coming out.  He referred me to an ENT and over my Christmas break, I had a tonsilectomy.  Fun times.

2. How much sleep do you get at night?

No where near the recommended 8, unless it's Friday night / Saturday morning...most of the time it's around 6 hours.  That's what I shoot for anyway.

3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?

I'm not really sure.  In our house, the word on Santa Claus was that as long as we believed, he would come.  My sister & I did not want to tempt fate...so we believed.  I think the Christmas after Dylan was born was the first that Santa didn't come.  It was kind of sad, until I started doing Santa for Dylan.  And then it was so much fun.  Santa only fills up Dylan's stocking at our house now - everything else is wrapped & under the tree! :)

4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?

I think probably Ramona & Beezus...which was soooooo good!

5. What do you wear to bed?

PJ's!  Usually flannel PJ pants & a tshirt...although I do have a few PJ sets.  Now that it's getting colder (HAHA - today's high is 68), I wear full on flannel.   I love to be warm & cozy in my bed! :)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hope you have a great Friday!  Dylan & I will be participating in a 5K tomorrow to benefit Addison, a little girl that I wrote about in one of my Pour Your Heart Out posts.  Please keep praying for her...the last thing I heard was that she was BACK in the hospital because she has pneumonia.  Her little lungs are just not strong enough...please pray for a miracle for Addison.  This is her second hospital stay since she came home - the first was due to problems with her medication...while she was there she contracted MRSA.  It's been such a hard road for this little family over the past 5 months.  Pray, pray, pray!!!!

*crickets*

Yup...if you come to visit me...all you've gotten this week is *crickets*.  There's no reason for it.  I'm not melting down...I'm not too stressed....I have been busy...but more than that, I have nothing to write about. 

Because my life is unusually quiet. 

Seriously. 

Our church Fall Festival went well...everything fell into place.  Sunday was spent in an exhausted, headache induced fog.  A nap was involved.  Monday was Monday.  Yesterday was my Dad's bday. 

Ho hum...that's all I've got. 

I've been around...I've been reading & commenting.  And maybe when I get inspired again, I'll write some more.  Maybe something blog-worthy will happen soon enough...we shall see...

I Write...I Blog...I Win Contest

I am going to enter The Girl Next Door's contest...but the pressure is on!  How does one pick their BEST blog entry?  I don't think I can necessarily chose based on comments...but do I necessarily ignore the entries with no comments?  And why can't our good friend Erika just read ALL my 127 (now 128) posts and decide what SHE thinks is the best?  Hee hee...just kidding! 

If you want to enter, just go to The Girl Next Door Grows Up and link up your best blog entry.  There's a fabulous prize pack to be had.  All entries are due by tomorrow...so pick fast!  I'm preaching to the choir here! :)

Today...

I'm hoping at some point today that someone will remind me to breathe! :)  Today is our big Fall Festival at church...I'm eerily calm about the whole thing at this moment...hoping this feeling lasts all day!

If I survive this afternoon, I'll be back...that is if Ian doesn't hunt me down for mentioning once again all the great shows that come on the HUB.  If you don't have this channel, I'm sorry...it's awesomeness! :)

Have a great Saturday!

Five Question Friday! :)

Well, I've been away from Five Question Friday for a while...and I'm excited to be back at it! :)  So...if you want to play along, click on the Five Question Friday pic below and you can link up with Mama M!





1. If you could have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be?

Well, I love music and singing...but there are plenty of singers/musicians out there. 

A talent I have (I guess you'd call it a talent) is the ability to write in mirror writing...I can write entire sentences so you can read them in the mirror.  Now THAT would be a talent that I wish I could turn into an occupation!

2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods?

Beach...every day of the week.  I want to visit a cabin in the woods...and only here & there.  I would LIVE at the beach!

3. Is there any meaning or reasoning for the names you chose for your child/children?

Dylan is a family name - actually Dillon is my grandmother's maiden name.  I liked the spelling I chose better.

Also, if I have any other children they will have "Y's" in their name - if you notice Alyson & Ayden both have "Y's" - it's gonna be our "thing"!

4. What is your guilty pleasure? (I know we've done this one before, but I'm guessing people's "guilty pleasures" change frequently. At least, mine do!)

Hmmm...TV...most definitely - I watch way too much...but I just can't stop!

Also Starbucks...and right now is the best time of the year for Starbucks - Pumpkin Spice Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte...YUM

5. Do you live in a house that is deep cleaned or straightened?

Mostly straightened...deep cleaned from time to time...but most often just straightened!

Hope you have a happy Friday!

Sometimes pulling a tooth is not so bad! :)

A week or so ago, my sister mentioned to me (under her breath so Aly couldn't hear) that Aly would be having a tooth pulled.  It's a baby tooth and I believe the permanent tooth is trying to come in; however the baby tooth isn't doing it's part and getting wiggly loose so it can be pulled the old fashioned way.  I'm not sure of the exact details here, but the dentist has proclaimed that it must come out.

My sister was not looking forward to telling Alyson about this...Alyson, like most human beings, doesn't care much about painful things and once Alyson makes up her mind that she's not doing something...well, you can just about forget about it.  And Alyson is 6 (almost 7).

At the same time, my sister didn't want to send Alyson in blindly; so, the other day she & my BIL told Alyson that she would have to have the tooth pulled.  The other day, I had called my mom to ask her about something and she told me that Alyson was so excited.  I asked her what she was excited about...and her answer?  Alyson is terribly excited about getting her tooth pulled.

What???  Did I hear that correctly???  But most assuredly, I did hear it correctly.  She's not necessarily excited about the tooth pulling itself and even the promised visit of the Tooth Fairy is not what has her ready to go to the dentist.

The reason she's excited is that on Friday (the day after the tooth pulling visit to the dentist) she will go to school.  And when she's at school, her teacher will ask the class if anyone lost a tooth yesterday.  And Alyson will be able to raise her hand.  And then, I think, there's some kind of "treat" or special something she will receive to celebrate the lost tooth.

Since Alyson stopped loosing teeth about the same time Ayden started getting them, she is super excited to finally be among the "elite" in her class who've lost teeth this year!

I just hope that she remembers all this excitement when she goes to the dentist tomorrow! :)

Ants

Can I just say that I hate ants?  Ok, not really...I don't mind them when they are outside.  Where they are supposed to be.  Not bothering me. 

But really & truly, MUST they come into my kitchen?

At first, I thought I just needed to give the kitchen a good cleaning.  Get rid of all the crumbs that Dylan creates and leaves lying around.  So I moved everything off the counters.  I wiped everything down.  Moved my sugar bowl to the refrigerator.

For a few days, nothing!  I rejoiced!  I thought they were gone!

Then a few days later, they were back.  And we seem to be continuing this cycle. 

I'm trying to be patient...telling myself that soon it will be cold and they will go wherever ants tend to go during the winter. 

And if I could pinpoint where they were coming in at or what they were after, I could take care of the issue.  But these ants just appear from thin air on my countertop, headed towards nothing in particular.  And I'm not overrun with ants...just a few here & there.  I'm almost out of 409, which incidently, if you weren't aware, kills them instantly. 

ARRRGGGHHH!!!

Halloween recap! :)

Oh my goodness...what an awesome Halloween weekend this was!  I'm going to let the pics do the talking...

Snookie & Sammi (aka Ash & me)

J-Woww & Vinnie (aka Jamie & Deanna)



The "Jersey Shore" crew

Elvis even showed up for the party...


This is Ash's sister...she did a whole "act" for us

Snookie & Sammi played back up flutes for Elvis
and yes, that is Priscilla looking on at Elvis

Pretty scary, huh??? ;)

Well, please humor me while I share a few less scary pics...

Is this not the cutest cow you've ever seen???

And the "scariest" witch ever :)

Although she was a nice enough witch to let me ride along on her broom :)

Hope everyone had a fun & safe Halloween!