Happy Halloween!

Tonight is one of my very favorite nights of the year--Halloween.  I am curled up on the recliner watching my favorite film, the classic Jamie Lee Curtis thriller "Halloween" and trying hard not to freak myself out.  The only thing that could make it better is if my buddy Brandon was here with me.  We share a love of Halloween and these movies in particular.  I can't stay up too late though, because  tomorrow is Brynley's Halloween party at Preschool.  The kids will be dressing up in their cute little costumes and entertaining the senior citizens at the Polk Apts.  Saturday we have two birthday parties to attend and Sunday is trick-or-treat night in town.  So, we are looking at a busy rest of the week, straight into the weekend.  But it keeps the kids occupied and gives us all something fun to do, so
I'm not complaining.  I hope you all had a frighteningly good Halloween an a great weekend ahead!  BOO!!!!

There's A Hurricane A' Comin'

Is anybody else totally freaking themselves out about "The Perfect Storm" that's supposed to slam into the coast this upcoming week?  I can't help but think of one of my favorite Golden Girl episodes where Sophia tries to warn the other girls about the hurricane "a'comin".  I was on the phone tonight for nearly an hour whipping my Mom and Brandon into a frenzy.  My Mom told me to "get into the basement" if and when the storm hits.  Ummm, isn't that one of the least safest spots considering inevitable flooding and the ground sinking/giving way?  I would assume you'd want to head to higher ground, but maybe I'm wrong.  I must consult the experts on the weather channel about this....and that is where you will find me until the storm hits...camped out on the couch with my eyes in a zombie-like trance.....fixated on the weather channel.....24/7.  Soaking up every last detail and whipping my family into a frenzy.  I may take time out to hit Wal Mart in the midst of it all.  I will be the crazy lady with the zombie-like stare, grabbing the last of the bread and milk, and fighting an old woman for a dozen eggs.  And then when the storm finally does hit, I will be too emotionally and physically spent to help the hubby board up windows.  Yep, I've got this all figured out.

PTO

Tonight I had my very first introduction into the wonderful world of the PTO.  I love my kids so much and love to get myself involved in their schools, events, fund-raising, etc.  However, tonight, I found myself with my mouth hanging open in shock as I walked into tonight's PTO meeting and in a school that has 400 plus students, there were 8 parents in attendance.  Whaaat???  A lot of people like to complain about our school and how things are being run but apparently very few care enough to actually take the time to get involved and have their voices heard.  It can be difficult to volunteer your time...I get it, we're all super busy, and we just want to relax in our down time, but if no one steps up, then nothing gets done.  And our kids will suffer for it.  It is hard work at times, but I've also met a lot of great people and made friends for myself and my children.  The PTO is a great organization and I beg more of you to get involved in your kids' schools....even the Preschools need our helping hands. If you are concerned with your children and their school careers, then I suggest you get yourself involved.  You will never go home regretting your hard work and volunteerism and the fact that you helped to better your child's school.  I am seriously considering writing a letter to our local newspaper in support of the PTO and urging parents to volunteer their time.  Maybe more people will get involved and just maybe at our next meeting we'll reach double digits. LOL, we will see!  Here's to a fun and exciting first year with my PTO family!  Let's do this, people! 

Halloween Party!

Tonight we threw a small Halloween costume party for our family.  We had a great time playing games, eating yummy food, laughing, and making great memories together.  The kids had such a great time and their smiles said it all.  I asked Jack what his favorite part of the night was and he said it was when all our guests arrived.  How cute! Halloween is my favorite time of the year and I am blessed to have shared it with such wonderful people.  Thanks to those of you who came and shared in the fun.  I'm thankful for the people in our lives who love us and keep their commitments to us.  You all mean the world to us.

Fall Fun!

Today we spent the day at a Fall Apple Festival.  It was a beautiful, crisp Fall day and the entire family had a great time...the kids got to ride horses, get their little faces painted, jumped and played on large bales of hay, and visited a petting zoo.  Shane and I bought a TON of apples, apple cider, apple pie....a lot of apple.  I can't wait to try it all.  Now, the family is asleep, my house is clean, and I am on the recliner watching my DVR'ed shows while burning my 2 favorite fall scents--Witch's Brew and Trick-or-Treat.  And all is right with the world.  Happy Fall!

Baby, One More TIme???

This morning, I woke up in quiet solitude, got my shower while the kids slept, and was able to watch a few minutes of television in blissful peace.  I got to see an episode of "A Baby Story" and while watching, I became a little wistful and longed for the days when I too had cradled a sweet smelling baby in my arms.  Later tonight, as if to rub salt in my wounds, Shane put on old videos of the kids at young ages...tears came to my eyes and again, I longed to get some of those days back.  I think we were at our happiest when Brynley was a baby and Jack was two or three.  Not that we're not happy now, but those times just seemed simpler....fewer worries.  I miss those days, but I also enjoy my mornings like today, and they are few and far between.  Jeez, life is full of tough decisions, and boy does it fly by.....makes you wonder if all your decisions were the right ones. I guess we'll just continue to take life day by day and see what it has in store for us. Who knows???

Ooh La La, Brynley is 3!!!

Today we celebrated the third birthday of our sweet, kind-hearted, loving, independent, creative little princess, Brynley.  We had a "Pink Poodle in Paris" party and it was awesome.  We all had a great time, especially the guest of honor.  Thank you to all our family and friends for sharing the day with us and for all the gifts you showered Brynley with.  She is truly a very lucky little girl.  Later in the evening, JeanAnn and I got together with our oldest sister Ang for some sister bonding.  Nail and toe painting, drinking wine, and lots of laughing......days like today are wonderful memories in the making. Thank you God for our many blessings.