C O O K I E S

I finally got to make cookies last night. I've been waiting and waiting for TIME to make them, and I finally got some!!

Ingredients:

One Hungry Puppy:

Ready for baking:

Frosting:

More frosting:

And even more frosting:

Still, a hungry and extremely jealous puppy:

The finished products!!

We had fun. And made a mess that took me over an hour to clean up. Which is EXACTLY why I don't bake/cook too often. When you go out to eat someone takes care of that for you! But it was a festive thing to do and Kenny enjoyed himself too, especially the making-a-mess-and-not-cleaning-it-up part. He's REAL good at that!! But I love him anyway.

It's Christmas Eve and I have just a few things to do, mostly help Kenny finish his wrapping. He ALWAYS waits till the last minute. I don't really care what I have to do today because it's Christmas Eve and I just have this smile pasted on my face. I'm so happy! I feel like a kid again. Not because there are presents tomorrow morning, but because I am so blessed to have what I have, and health too.

Merry Christmas to all my blogging friends and all my friend-friends who read and sometimes comment (Melissa) and those who never comment but I know you read (Momma B). And Happy Hannakuh to Marissa!!

Here's one big blogger hug!

((((((((((HHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGG)))))))))

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Here's a quick meme I found on Tee's site and since I have time right now I'm playing along too, in honor of wrapping up 2007 in a week. I noticed though that there are several missing numbers....I promise I DID NOT delete them. When I copied and pasted the meme from Tee, they were missing. Ooops. Not sure what happened! Oh well.

[1.] Where was the first time you ever kissed the last person you kissed? In the living room of my first post-college apartment (probably less than 500 square feet, an upper flat, the bathroom ceiling was so slanted that you had to duck in the shower, but I loved it because it was the first apartment that was ALL MINE).

[2.] What's the greatest thing that happened to you today? I woke up listening to Kenny's gentle snores.

3.] How many TRUE best friends do you have?About 5...I think I'm pretty darn lucky!

[4.] Would you rather get up early or sleep in? I LOVE sleeping in, but I truly feel better getting up early (not for work though) because I feel like I'm getting bonus hours in the day!

[5.] Tell me about the shirt you're wearing? Kenny's maroon Hard Rock Cafe sweatshirt that I sleep in as often as it gets washed.

[7.] What would you change about your life right now? Not one thing:)

[8.] Would you rather smile over a lie or cry over the truth? Cry over the truth.

[9.] What's on your bedroom floor right now? A couple of rugs and my wedding planner.

[10.] Who's the last person you got into a argument with? Probably Kenny.

[11.] Do you trust people? The ones that are trustworthy.

[12.] If you could move away, no questions asked, where would you move? Take Kenny and go to my parents' homes.

[13.] My favorite number? 6 (Al Kaline's number)

[14.] Could you go a day without eating? Could I? Yes. Will I? No.

[15.] How much do looks matter to you in a guy/girl? Not much.

[16.] Do you like anybody right now? Of course!

[17.] When was the last time you had your hair cut? October.....every 3 months.

[18.] Would you rather be mad or sad? Mad because there's a definitive reason and it feels better than sad when it's over.

[19.] Does it take a lot to make you cry? I am a female...NO!

[20.] Whats the best feeling in the world? There's a tie...laying my head on Kenny's chest AND being with my parents in my home town.

[21.] Are you close with your mom? Absolutley.

[22.] Are your parents strict? They weren't when I was a kid.

[23.] Do you tell your parents everything? Sometimes.

[26.] If you need to go to the store a block away, do you walk or drive? If I have to get groceries, drive, if I'm dropping off something, I walk WITH the puppy.

[27.] Does the thought of marriage scare you? No....I'll be married in 4 months and 2 days!!

[28.] How many kids do you want? 2 or 3, but once I have 1 I'm sure I'll change my mind.

[30.] Who was the last person in your bedroom? The dog. Kenny sleeps on HIS couch almost every night.

[31.] What are you doing today? Wrapping presents for my procrastinating fiance and then going to church service tonight. It's my favorite service of the year.

[32.] Would you rather be rich & sad or poor & happy? I am poor and happy (kidding) but seriously, I'd rather be poor and happy. I wouldn't trade happiness for anything. Although, money does bring about a rather happy mood.....

[35.] Do you get bored easily? NEVER. There's too many crafty things around my house to do.

[36.] What's something that someone can do that really bothers you? Takes WAY TOO LONG at the counter buying something knowing full well that there is someone behind them WAITING, and still not caring and going on and on about something that's complete BS and OOOHHHHH that makes me mad!!

[37.] Did you ever want to change your name when you were younger? Yes. I think everyone does.

[38.] Do you wish you were famous? Only because I would have more money, but I still wouldn't trade my life for more money. NEVER.

[39.] Do you make a wish at 11:11? No-never even heard of that.

[40.] When you go to the beach do you swim or lay out more? Lay out for that tan!

[41.] Who's the last text message you received from and what did it say? Leaving at 600? from my co-pilot/best friend N.

[42.] What are you freakishly obsessed with? Cleaning. But it's not working well with a dog and a man. After I typed that I had to laugh.

[43.] What's your favorite song at the moment? Anything Aerosmith, all the time.

[44.] Do you like going to the mall to shop or just shopping online? I used to love the mall, but now I LOVE online and just like the mall.

[45.] Can music affect your mood? YES!

[46.] What piercings do you want? I have my ears, I HAD my tongue pierced (a weak moment in college that lasted for about 3 years) and that's enough!

[48.] Have you ever been in a cave? NO!

[49.] Ever eaten a bug? I'm sure I have in my sleep. Ew.

[50.] When will you hang out with the person you last kissed next? Today, for most of the day when he finishes up shopping:)

3 Days Left

I can't believe Christmas is 3 days away. Time is flying! Today is my first day of vacation. I began the week with a snow day on Monday which was great because I finished up shopping. Tuesday I started feeling icky, and don't you know it's sinus season again for me?? I'm sick AGAIN. Not a sinus infection this time, but something just as close. I dragged myself to work every day and how I made it through with 18-excited-kids-who-couldn't-sit-still I have no idea. I managed. And last night I crashed big time. It's almost 11am and I'm just waking up. There's this awesome sinus medicine I found (Aleve Sinus & Headache) from a coworker. I took one yesterday and it really relieved most of the symptoms for a while. I asked Kenny to go and get it for me last night and the only place they sell it around here is Meijers AND their pharmacy closes at 9pm and it's not on the shelf. It's not a perscription, but they don't put it on the shelf because kids are using it for recreation. I NEEDED that medicine last night SO BADLY. I had to settle for Claritan which doesn't help too much but got me through the night. When Kenny wakes up he will be taking me to Meijers to get the Aleve so I can function.

Other than the sickness, I'm actually really excited about Christmas!! We are having a big Christmas with my mom's family Sunday, and on Christmas Day with Kenny's family and my dad's family. So we have lots to get ready for but I'm so excited. I still feel like a little kid at Christmas time.

My main goal today is to clean the house and feel better. I guess I should say FEEL BETTER first and then clean the house. Life goes on with a messy house, right?

Once my meds kick in I can't wait to finish wrapping presents and being sneaky with them so Kenny can't figure out what he's getting. He likes to do that you know....he's so bad! Just thinking about wrapping presents and about Christmas makes me feel better already!!

Snow Day At Last!

No School!!!!!!!!!!

Our principal canceled school last night for today. Yay!!! I didn't even ask why. It wasn't snowing anymore at that point, and I have no idea if it did snow more, I can't tell because there's so much snow on the ground already. Who cares why we don't have school, I'm just so happy to be home and not at work!!! This means I just might get my Christmas stuff finished today, both for my family and for the kids at school. That would be soooooo nice!

Yesterday Kenny and I called one of his good buddies and asked him if he was available to take our engagement pictures. A while back I asked his buddy if he would take our engagement pictures for us. I told him we wanted outside pictures, in the fall, at HIS house in the country. He said he would do it and then the fall slipped away before we knew it. On Saturday Kenny and I were talking about engagement pictures and how it would be fun to do them in the snow with the puppy, and just be natural, nothing too posed. Kenny said the next time the snow fell we should call his friend and go out there to get it done. It snowed, we called Sunday morning, and we were out there being photographed a few hours later. It was a blast!! We wore jeans and black coats (and boots of course) and had a ball in front of the camera. Here's a sneak peak he sent us last night. The rest will be done this week and of course I'll post them for you to see.

I can't believe how awesome they turned out. Kenny's buddy is not professional yet, but he's learning to be one, and I'm telling you he has got what it takes to be an awesome photographer! Some of the pictures he took of us...I can't wait to post them!!! It was the most fun (and freezing) photo session ever. Very non-traditional, but that fits us perfectly. I know there will be PLENTY of those traditional pictures at our wedding, so this was just relaxed. I can't wait to get the CD back so I can post them all!! NONE of the pictures were staged. In the picture above, I was truly running away from him. And then he creamed me with the snow. But don't worry, I got him back and it was on film, so there's proof. That was a legitimate snow ball fight. The snow wasn't actually good packing snow, so it was more of a snow throwing fight. It was the best!

Let it SNOW

Oh oh oooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the SNOW!!!

It's here and it's beautiful and I love it!

We played outside with the puppy last night and she loved it. She's been in the snow before because this isn't the first snow of the season, but it's the first dumping of snow we've gotten. This morning I woke up and looked out and there's a foot of it our there. I love it!! Thank goodness it's Sunday. Wait a minute, maybe it would be better if it was Monday so we could have a snow day. THAT would be great. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

I'm done Christmas shopping for everyone except Kenny. I have no clue what to get him. Not one idea. He keeps saying he doesn't need anything. But you know come Christmas morning when we're opening presents he'll be all pouty if he doesn't have much to open. So what should I do???? I have no idea what to get the man who has everything or who could go get anything he wants. That's why I'm having problems. And it's not like I can make him something....I've already made him quilts, fleeces, stockings, you name it, I've already made it for him! He's been pretty good this year (hello-engagement ring!!!!) so I will just have to keep thinking. Shoot me some ideas if you think of any!

I met my friend Shane (also a bridesmaid) at the mall on Friday evening to shop, and it was a blast. She's a power shopper like me, plus she likes to have things gift wrapped too! I normally love to wrap presents because of course it's a crafty thing to do. But after we hit the gift wrap place, I think I might like that idea better!! Talk about making it easy!

All this Christmas stuff to finish up, wedding stuff to work on (I love it I love it I love it!!!), plus just wanted to be home in this snow...PLEASE let there be no school tomorrow.

Birth Day

Today was an AWESOME day!!!

It was my birthday, and from the time I woke up it's been nothing but fun. Even yesterday I got some really sweet emails and a cute ecard from momma. Kenny woke me up with hugs and kisses before he went to sleep. I was showered with love and gifts at work, for starters. Not that I am all about getting presents, but I have to say my desk was covered in gift bags by 8am from coworkers and students/parents. Talk about feeling the love!! I just got home from dinner with Kenny and cake with his parents, and I'm all cozy in my new PJs from my future inlaws. I got several voice mail messages and phone calls wishing me happy birthday and I just feel so loved! There's nothing like a birthday to put a smile on your face. I even got Kenny to not work this evening and just chill out with me (in my new PJs). This is the definition of comfort!

Sleepy Sunday

Yesterday was such an awesome day. We didn't do a whole lot, which was heaven. Today I was going to get up and go right back to the gym but after yesterday's workout, I was VERY sore this morning. I upped the intensity of my jogging so it'll take me a little while to get used to it, so instead of going to the gym, I put the leash on the puppy, bundled up, and we went for a 40 minute brisk walk in our neighborhood. I bought a body harness for her so she doesn't yank my arm out of its socket when we're walking, and I used it today because she finally grew into it! I noticed a HUGE difference on the yanking. Instead of pulling my arm, she feels the pulling on her own chest so she doesn't pull much now. It works! We came home, Kenny was awake, and I said good morning to him and then promptly fell back asleep for about 2 hours. Ahhhh. THAT was nice. I never take naps on weekends, and it was so wonderful, I could have just kept sleeping! The puppy also conked out in her crate. I made her a bed finally, out of foam and fleece. Kenny wanted to buy her a bad a while back but we agreed she would just chew it up, and now, I think she's beyond that. So I bought this cute fleece and the thick foam stuff and here she is in her new bed!!

I also was busy making other stuff last night too. I made the puppy's stocking (and the hamter's too.....

.....and here are our stockings I made a couple years back. One side is candy canes and the other is that mossy oak hunting print, both fleece, with the fuzzy white hairy stuff on the top of the stocking.

I might as well show some Christmas decor pics too....here's our tree......

Some more decor....

Santa's hat.....

Fat Santa golfing.....

Candles in the window.....

A poinsettia that desperetly needs a diningroom table to sit on (I think it's coming soon).....

Christmas scene that Kenny set up.....

We did put up lights, actually, I put up the lights, the day after Thanksgiving. We were the first ones on our block to have lights strung up outside. Do you think they are working? No. Of course not. The lights are fine, it's the outlet. I didn't think to check the outlet first. And since we only have one, it's not like we can run an extension cord somewhere else. Kenny says it's an easy fix, he just has to have time to do it. So, we have lights out on our house, bu they are not working right now. That's all I'm going to say about that.

Now I have to fold laundry for the week so that I won't have to even go in the basement all week for anything! I want all my clothes hanging up ready to be worn. We'll see how far I get!

I saw Santa today!

Santa came to our house today!!!!!!!

I'm not kidding! You can see for yourself!!

The puppy told Santa what she wanted for Christmas.....new bones and table scraps. It'll depend on how good she is!

We put up some new vertical blinds today and within 2 hours, the puppy had pierced one of the blinds 8 times with her sharp teeth. I was so mad!!!

I thought we had a new table coming for the diningroom because the one we have is on the curb as of today, but it's not coming yet, so we'll have to wait a little longer. I just want a table!!! Badly!!! I'm tired of eating at the computer or in the livingroom, or standing at the sink!!!!

My birthday is on Monday and we went shopping for my gift, a new coat, but did they have it in red?? Of course not!!! So I'll be waiting on that too. Oh well. At least I didn't have to go to work today or tomorrow, and it was still fun shopping. I like to be out and about when all the Christmas stuff is out, not necessarily when I have to be shopping, but just when we can stroll around and casually shop. And Kenny even likes it too, especially when he gets to look at man stuff, like snowblowers and sports jerseys. Then he's happy too!

It smells like Pine

It's not really Saturday yet because I haven't gone to bed on Friday night yet. I know it's after midnight, but I don't care, it's still Friday. I'm awake and very much active even though I'm usually closer to getting up than falling asleep at this late hour. The title of this post is only there because I couldn't think of anything better to say and my candles smell like pine-yummy!! My day went something like this:

• woke up late on purpose, needed an extra 45 of sleep
• stopped for coffee on the way to work, putting us there just as our mandatory morning tutoring begins at 730am (waaaaay too early to be functioning with 8 kids)
• 2 parents decide that 730am is a great time to conference with me about their child's report cards because they didn't make it to conferences 2 days ago-great, I'm not even awake yet
• I'm observed from 9-930am, with a quick follow up conference....she loves me, can't say enough good things about me, is very impressed with my students' writing skills, makes me feel good, and bonus, she loves my flip charts and says that you can learn a lot about the personality of a teacher from their flip charts....good to know, will always keep that in mind forever
• headache takes over my neck and the side of my head so I pop some excedrin
• my para-pro asks me if I want to go renew my tags during our prep time because she has to do it too, and I really have to think about it because that means I have zero time to prepare stuff for next week, which is a big deal
• my para-pro says she'll take care of the prep work for me (have I mentioned how lucky I am to have this wonderful person working with me????) if I go with her, which ultimately saves me time at the secretary of state after work
• we go to renew our stuff, and HELLO!!! NO WAITING IN LINES ANYMORE!! They have those kiosks now where you insert your renewal slips and WHAM you are done! Tag gets spit out and you are on your way home, or in my case, back to work
• we had time to spare so actually got to eat a nice lunch
• the rest of the day was filled with spelling tests, language arts testing, grammar and handwriting, and then a math lesson and finally our "Fun Friday" movie...whew, that was a lot on a Friday afternoon!
• before the kids left my head was a pounding again so more excedrin!
• the ride home was so nice knowing it was the weekend
• as soon as I got home I was in the truck with Kenny running errands and the puppy was so cute!
• made it home and ate dinner, and I've been SLOWLY cleaning so that I don't have to the rest of the weekend
• even made it to the craft store (my favorite place in the world) to get some fuzzy stuff for the puppy's stocking and her new bed that I'm making her-which she BETTER sleep in, and of course I'll take pictures of it when I'm done
• looking forward to doing wedding stuff all weekend and relaxing!

Gloom and Doom

I'm still here....do you still remember me??



I've been buried under a ridiculous amount of work from my job. This week we had conferences and I had parents lined up for 3 hours. After school. After teaching all day. With NO BREAK on that particular day. And I dismissed the kids then went right into the first conference and didn't stop for more than 3 hours. I was SO tired when I got home. That's part of the reason I have been MIA. Anything that could have happened this past week did happen, and I'm so tired! One more day of teaching and then the weekend. My birthday weekend!

I am being observed tomorrow. Every year we are observed and evaluated twice a year. Since we have a new principal, I have no idea what to expect. I won't lie and say I'm not nervous, because in all all honesty, I am. Very nervous. Not about my capabilities as a teacher, but about the "other" hidden things on that observation checklist that aren't disclosed to teachers. Things that we are supposed to be doing or supposed to have in our room but aren't told we need them, and then all of a sudden we're being marked down on our evals because we weren't doing something we didn't know we had to do. That's why I'm nervous. Sound fun? I don't think so. Wish me luck.

Funny things said by Kenny in the last day or so:

I called him from work on my lunch break to say hi, and when he answered, I asked him what he was up to. He said, "I took a shower, and put on some jeans I haven't worn since last year and they were tight. " I asked him why he thought they were tight (of course I know why) and he said, "Because I like candy."

Last night Kenny said he wanted something healthy for dinner (we were just finishing up registering for wedding presents) so where do we go? Wendy's. Not that healthy, but he could still get a salad. He orders a salad, and while doing so, tries to figure out a way to get the chili into the BLT chicken salad (he didn't want the one that came with it). I ask him why he doesn't just get a burger and a chili if that's what he wants and he says, "I'm trying to eat healthy by getting a salad, but I really only like the salads if they aren't really salads." That's my Kenny!

One more day

Looooooooooooong day again. Not enough sleep, and can't wait for the weekend.

Spinning and spinning

Today has been a crazy day. I went from the usual nuttiness of work to a quicker than lightning dinner (grilled cheese) and then a quick doc. appointment, and then over to a friend's new house. Whew. And I haven't even had a down moment yet. It's 10pm. Where did my day go? I've been paying bills and doing laundry for the last 25 minutes and I'm trying hard to get to my couch to unwind. I have a stomach ache because....well, I'm not really sure, but I think it's because I haven't had a second to myself yet. Tomorrow is going to the be the same, and Friday will be even worse. Oh how I wait for the weekend. Can't I just quit my job and concentrate on and making crafty things and nothing else? Why isn't that possible? Don't answer, please, don't pull me into reality right now. I need a break!

NaBloPoMo Day 27

Only a few more days of NaBloPoMo left. Whew. Not that I don't love posting every day, it's just a little bit of pressure when I don't have something to blog about. And hello, it's been almost a month and I still don't have the NaBloPoMo icon in my sidebar because I missed the seminar on how to do that correctly. Oh well. I've done it every day, and if you don't believe me, check out all the previous posts. You'll see!

I have a confession: I put my wedding dress on tonight. No one was here to help me (or spy on me.....Kenny!), and I did it just fine myself. I have been wanting to, and for some reason, it felt naughty and great all at the same time. I love it. I never want to take it off. It's so comfortable, and I can't wait to wear it for real! If it weren't for the fear that I have that Kenny will come home and see me in it, I would probably be blogging in it. But I'm not.

Today was a day that drained me. The kids were constantly, "I need......I need......I need......." and I just kept thinking, "I NEED A TIME OUT!" And I really did. I got it on my way home from the gym.....no radio, no noise, no phone, nobody....complete and total silence. Just what I needed. Ahhhh.

Jibber Jabber

Here are some cute things that happened recently at work:

My class and I were talking about how they need to be on their best behavior (our class was chosen to be taped for our school website) and show the "world" how 6 and 7 year old act. I told them that even though their teacher was chubby, she could run fast and for a long time on the treadmill and they just better be on their best behavior. Then one of the boys raised his hand and said, "Yeah, my grandma is chubby too and she can really chase me, pretty good for being chubby." I was cracking up!!

I always tell the kids to fold their arms when they are in line, it's the one thing they just fail to do. I can't stand it!! If their arms aren't folded, they flail and act crazy, so that's why I constantly ask them to fold their arms. Anyway, I started taking away Fun Friday minutes every time I had to tell them to fold their arms. And just to get them going, I'll say, "Don't make me say the "a" word!" and then I'm not really saying the word, which would cost them minutes, but I'm still reminding them to fold their arms. So we are in the hallway, on our way to lunch, and, as usual, some of the kids aren't folding their arms. One of the boys notices and says, "You better fold 'em or else she'll say the "a" word." My principal was right there in the hallway and heard it, and then turned and looked at me like, "What is the "a" word?" I told her before she could ask me what it was, and then she laughed and walked away. Whew. That could have gone really wrong.

One of the first grade girls take FOREVER to do any work. I mean it'll take her all morning to do her journal entry, and it should take 15 minutes. I have to bargain with her snack to get her to finish anything. I normally don't like to use food like that, especially when some kids don't have a lot of food at home, but her mom said that was what worked at home, so every once in a while I tell her she can eat her snack when she finishes her work. And it usually takes her half the amount of time. Anyway, this particular morning, she was frustrated with reading the directions on a language arts sheet, and she slammed her pencil down, threw her hands up in the air and said, "That's it, I can't read, Ms. L. call my momma." I asked her what her momma would say, and she said, "I don't know, but she'll come get me and take me home. I can't take this learning stuff in first grade." That was the hardest thing to keep from laughing. The problem was she is super smart and she got used to not being challenged in kindergarten. My class is advanced, so she's appropriately challenged, and she's just not used to needing help. Poor girl. She adjusting now. I told her mom later on what she said and we both had a good laugh.

I could write so many more scenarios, but I'll save them for another time. Did anyone watch Desperate Housewives last night??? I'm dying to know what is going to happen next week, the natural disaster and all. And Gabby & Carlos are so screwed. I love it that Lynette's mom is living with her gay ex-husband, they make cute roommates. And Andrew!! I felt bad that he was feeling left out, but when he told Bree that he forgave her, I love it!!!! I know it's ridiculus to be that into a nighttime soap opera, but I love the show and it's an hour a week I don't have to deal with reality. Isn't that why we watch TV in the first place?? Go ahead, make fun of me, but you all know you watch something you are ashamed of. I love The Hills (even worse), Grey's, and Brother's & Sisters too. Go on, make fun, I can handle it.

Once my dinner digests, I'm getting the big maglight out and going into the backyard to find my running shoes that the puppy hid. I had them sitting on the back porch because I stepped in her poo pile on Friday. I let them dry up and then I was going to clean them Saturday, and I forgot. I let her out this morning and I see one shoe covered in snow (oh yeah, we got our first snow last night), and I don't see the other shoe. ANYWHERE. It was dark, but I didn't have time to get the flashlight and look. Now, I have time. And if I don't find it, the dog is in the penalty box for a while. Expensive shoes, gone to crap!!!

Blah Blah

The last day of Thanksgiving break has been spent doing many things. Sleeping in (that would be 7am for me!), wedding stuff, helping Kenny, playing and walking with the puppy, making dinner (I don't usually cook), and I still have the usual stuff around here to do. I would really LOVE another day at home. But I always need that!!

I had a nice surprise visit from a longtime friend who was in the area for the holiday, and that was really nice. She was only here with her fiance for a short time because when she is home, her time is spread thin, but it was great to see her for a few minutes! She is getting married down south where she lives now in March, so I will taking a road trip then!

Here's to a good week ahead!

This Week's Theme: HOT

What is hot? Well, there's lots of things, and people, that are hot. But on a daily basis, I NEED this hot thing. My coffee!! I love the hot, steamy, yummy coffee that I drink almost every day. I didn't develop this bad habit until a few years ago, but once it started, there was no turning back.

Black Friday

You won't find any tales of shopping on Black Friday here!! I refuse to participate in that! It's way too crazy! I am going to be a home-body all day!

Thanksgiving was so fun and relaxing. I got the privilege of meeting my brother's new girlfriend, who is the most awesome of awesome chicks. She seems just perfect for my brother. When she walked into my mom's house, she hugged me. Right off the bat. How can you not love that? I know what it's like to be in her shoes and not know the family! I knew ahead of time I was going to try to make her feel as comfortable as possible, but that was just too cool! And my brother has a permanent smile on his face. They are great together.

When we got home last night I had promised Kenny we could get out the Christmas tree and start decorating. He made me keep my promise. At 10pm, we were hauling the tree down from the rafters in the garage and dragging it in the house. At 11pm we were stringing lights on it (the tree comes prelit with white lights, but we add some colored strands too).

At midnight we were wrapping our light pole in the front yard with garland and the largest red felt bow I've ever seen. And then we put all the bales of hay, pumpking, and corn shocks out for the trash (perfect timing) and decided to wait until daylight to strong up the lights on the outside of the house. Kenny sure is ambitious about all this. I'm thinking it may be because it's the first Christmas in our house, and to take advantage of it while it lasts. I love it that he's so excited. Look at what he took a picture of. This was HIS idea!!

I bought that Christmas bulb back in June when we were at convention and I had lots of time to spend money. Isn't it cute?? Next year, I'm sure we'll have a bulb or some other kind of decoration that says something about our first Christmas as husband and wife. I love all that stuff!

I have declared to anyone who will listen that I'm staying home today. I have a list of stuff to do, big stuff, and I really want to get it done. I am leaving the house in a minute, but it's to work out, so that really doesn't count, because I'm not running an errand. When I get home, I'm starting in on my to-do list and we'll see how far I get!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

In honor of the holiday and Thursday Thirteen, here are 13 things I will eat today...

1. Turkey, of course!

2. Dressing

3. Green beans

4. Pumpkin pie

5. Lemon bars

6. Corn bread

7. Mashed potatoes

8. Cranberries

(hopefully that will be it, but I know there will be more food there....)

9. Corn

10. Yams

11. Rolls

12. Squash

13. Apple pie

I will NOT be eating all of that, I promise!!!

Almost asleep at work

While in EXTREMELY boring meetings today at our teacher inservice, the only time my ears perked up (and my eyes opened) was when I heard these random tidbits of information:

• The word GOLF came from Gentleman Only Ladies Forbidden


• When you see a statue of a soldier on a horse, if both front legs of the horse are raised, the man died in the battle. If one front leg is raised, the man died from wounds as a result of the battle. And if all four legs of the horse are on the ground, the man died later in life from natural causes.


• 50% of all Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace


• In England pubs, beer was ordered in pints and quarts. When the customers got unruly, the bartender told them to mind their pints and quarts, which is where "mind your Ps and Qs" came from.

You know you are with the times when the following things apply to you:

• It's quite possible you have entered your pin number into the microwave by accident


• You've never played solitare with real cards


• You have 15 phone numbers to reach 3 family members


• You email a person sitting 3 feet away from you


• Websites are at the bottom of every commercial, billboard, and on every box of food


• Your excuse for not staying in touch with someone is that they don't have email


• Getting online before you have your first cup of coffee in the morning is the normal routine


• You will jam on the brakes and drive back home if you forget your cell phone, like you can't live without it

THESE are the things that kept me going through pointless meetings this morning. And that's it. The good news was we got to leave work at 1pm. Traffic was crazy. I guess the airport wasn't having issues inside, but the parking was what was holding everyone up. Thank goodness I'm not flying anywhere!

It's Here!!

Our new floor is in!!!! I'm so excited. The 1960s is slowly leaving the house! Here's the new floor in the kitchen.......

and the back door........

As soon as the house is all put back together I'm out to buy new rugs. I love shopping for that stuff!

This is what I contend with every morning while getting ready for work. My puppy, looking pathetically cute, whining because she knows I'm leaving for the day. Oh yeah, this bathroom will be the last room we redo, NEXT summer. Only so much of this stuff I can handle. We still have the kitchen cabinets/counter top to make decisions on. Big stuff, I tell ya!

One more day

One more day, one more day, one more day. One more day teaching, then Wednesday we have professional development all day, so no kids, and then then holiday. I can hang in there for one more day. It's not the work that is killing me, it's everything else. Seriously, today, on my prep time, the one hour a day I'm SUPPOSED to get to do work in the classroom and preparation for the kids, it was nonstop knocks at the door, interruptions, questions, phone calls, the list goes on. I was so frazzled that I couldn't stop and take a deep breath. Those are the times I would love to have a desk/office job where I could step out and take a break, uninterrupted, adult time, no hassles, no questions, just 5 minutes of silence. Yes, those are the times I need that. I needed it today and it never happened until I was home. That's why when I come home, I need a hour to unwind. No one understands that. It's not because I don't want to be around anyone else, it's because I might go insane. Tomorrow is going to be crazy. The kids know the holiday is coming, and it's their last day of school, they know they are getting a movie (which I can and WILL take away if need be), and worse yet, Christmas is right around the corner. I know I've been bitching alot about the craziness of my job lately, and don't get me wrong, I LOVE teaching and I LOVE those kids, but they are C R A Z Y right now. For example, when I picked my class up from gym class (here we go with the gym class thing again), one of my boys tattles on another one saying he had his cell phone out in gym class. So I take the boy in question to the side and ask him how old he is. He holds up his fingers indicating 7, and then I ask him why he has his cell phone in school, let alone in his pocket, nevermind that he's only 7 years old and shouldn't have a cell phone anyway (I think). He answers without hesitation that he forgot it was in his pocket. Not only did he admit that he had it right then and there and who's to say that I even knew for sure that he had it....I was just going off what another kid had told me.....but he also lied TO MY FACE about "not knowing that it was in his pocket." Whatever. He TOTALLY knew it and was showing it off. It actually turned out to be daddy's old "cut-off" cell phone that he let the kid play with. So I kept it in my drawer and made the kid sweat it out the rest of the day. And then when his dad picked him up after school, I handed it to him and his dad gave me the look, you know the one, like the kid is in heaps of trouble. And I'm sure in the morning I will get an apology and be told that my shirt looks nice, or that he likes my shoes, because that's how this student is....when he knows he's in trouble, he brown noses like crazy. I'm not a mean teacher, I swear I'm not, I'm just not a nicey-nicey teacher, the kind that just pats you on the back when you were naughty. No way. Consequences. There are always consequences. Even good ones.

I worked out extra hard today in preparation for the eating on Thursday. I can already taste the pumpkin pie. Yummy!!

A Perfect Sunday Morning

As I usually do, my eyes popped open at exactly 6am. On a weekday, I'm already in my car by that time, and on the weekends, my body just wakes up at that time, no matter what! I woke up this morning and realized that I was in the exact spot that I fell asleep in last night...on the couch, with Kenny and the puppy. It was so cozy and comfy! Obviously I couldn't take a picture with me in it, but this is what I woke up to....

Isn't this just about the cutest black lab you ever saw?? She especially looks good with the hunting/camo quilt behind her. I love my puppy! I think she's winking in this picture. She isn't really much of a pup anymore considering she weighs almost 30 pounds. I don't know what qualifies her as not being a puppy anymore, but for me, I think I draw the line when I can barely pick her up anymore. And we're teetering on that line!! Look at those paws. Couldn't you just eat 'em??

Later today I'm meeting my aunt, uncle, & cousins at David's Bridal so my cousin, who will be a junior bridesmaid, can pick out and try on her dress. She is very excited because I told her she can choose any style she wants, and she will already have plans to wear it again. That makes me happy!!!

This is one of the most beautiful Sunday mornings we've had in a long time. The sun is shining, it's cold but beautiful, and I've already been on a walk with the puppy. I love this time of year, the leave that haven't been raked are so pretty in the yards around us and the pup loves running though them. She looks adorable when she picks them up and runs around with them in her mouth. I love days like this:)

This Week's Theme: I Love _________________ (fill in the blank)

I LOVE GORDIE HOWE!

The Friday Run Down

Soooooooo many things happened at school today that by 8:30am my head was spinning, the phone was ringing, my door was never quite shut tight enough to keep all the distractions out, and as a result, the kids were wild animals. I mean that in the nicest possible way....wink wink.

I am drained. They took every single ounce of energy and sanity I had when I got up this morning. I must have known that it was going to be a chaotic day on the way to school because my coffee was a LARGE instead of the normal medium. Must have been ESP, eh?

It was picture day and the kids could wear free dress so their pictures (holiday ones) weren't taken in their boring uniforms, so that always makes them C R A Z Y. And the holidays are starting, and that adds to the mix. I showed a movie the last hour of the day, so they knew that was coming and that also was part of the insane-ness. I should have known. I just wanted to relax too! It'll be nothing but work, work, work for them during the short week coming up, that's for sure!

The photographer we had lined up for our wedding (so we thought) can't do it now....long story, but anyway, we're back on the market for one. This is NO FUN. I just put a deposit down on our videographer (love her!!) and so at least that's done. The photographer is really the last big thing to get lined up. I'm so stressed looking at the pricing. Not fun at all. I know it will be worth the amount of money we pay, but come on....$2,000 for pics?? That's CRAZY! We'll see what happens.

I'll be knee deep in invitations this weekend. I made them, big surprise??? Probably not. Sneak peak:

I'm being what they call a "cost-conscious bride." I think it's really a sugar coated way of saying a cheapie, but whatever, it sounds a little better. I worded it myself, edited it myself (with the help of anyone in a 5 mile radius and my dad), and now I'm printing them myself. Talk about self-sufficient. The total cost? Not very much. I'll let you know when I'm done buying ink cartidges.

Is anyone sick of my wedding talk yet? I know Tasha isn't, and I'm sorry, but it really does become a full time job. I'm still not complaining though. I LOVE every minute of it.

Thirteen Things I Want To Do This Weekend

1. Sleep in

2. Go to the movies with Kenny

3. Go to dinner with Kenny

4. Make room in the garage for my car ('cause that's where they go!)

5. Crafty things (not for the wedding, just for me)

6. I don't WANT to clean, but Clean

7. Call parents and talk to them for a long time

8. Visit my brother and his new woman

9. Grade papers

10. Clean out 2 closets (I'm motivated only because I can't find a couple things!)

11. Organize the wedding stuff we already have

12. Sleep in

13. Sleep in

Wordless Wednesday

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What a day! I'm so glad to be home. But not for long. I'm out the door to meet with a videographer for our wedding. Any advice on it? Send it my way! Tomorrow I'm meeting with a photographer, so if you have any advice on that too, let me know. I like asking lots of questions, so the more, the merrier!

I came home to a quiet, calm, peaceful house, no puppy and no Kenny, just me and the silence, and while I always complain about needing this time, I miss my "family." I do love the quiet after a long day with 18 screaming kids (they aren't really screaming), and this is so peaceful right now, but lonely:( I better go find them! Happy Hump Day!

New Floor On Its Way!

We are getting a new kitchen floor FINALLY!!!! Yay!!!!

We've been looking at this nasty, gold trimmed, 1961 kitchen floor for more than 6 months and it's waaaaaaaaaaay past the deadline for a new floor, so we ordered it tonight! It'll be here sometime next week. I don't really care when it gets here, I'm just happy it's on its way! That's half the battle right there. The next project in the kitchen will be replacing cabinet doors and painting the existing cupboard......fun fun. I haven't picked up a paint brush since the big drowning in paint back in the February/March era. I'm a little leary about it, but it's to make the kitchen look good, so I'll do it. But no one said I had to like it!!

The kids were tiny devils all day today. Yesterday it was only the afternoon. What is up?? Wait, I know, it's the holidays. From this point until we come back after New Years, they are going to be naughty. Oh joy. I'm soooo looking forward to it. Do any other teachers have the same problem? I have to threaten with holiday parties and Fun Friday movies and goodies. It works sometimes, but in the end, I suffer right along with them when they loose out on the fun stuff, because I enjoy all that stuff right along with them.

I drove to school with my four new tires today and it felt like I was driving on marshmallow clouds. Niiiiiiice.

I'm noticing that my posts aren't that long since I started the NaBloPoMo thing. I'm trying, I really am.

Three more days until the weekend.

Mundane Monday

My day consisted of:

1. being too groggy to turn the lights on when I got in the shower
2. the puppy licking my feet all morning
3. donating 40 new hats & gloves from the dollar tree to our school clothing drive
4. walking into a neat, clean, disinfected, ready-to-go classroom this morning
5. 3 kids absent (that NEVER happens) so lots of reviewing instead of teaching new stuff
6. an awesome morning, praising the kids for it, and then after lunch they were hellions
7. crying kids after gym class (the same ones that cry EVERY TIME we have gym)
8. eating 2 sour apple airheads after school, I think it was my saving grace
9. being told that I just "must" watch bridezillas
10. taking the puppy for a walk when I got home and then having to turn back around to go home because she laid a deuce about 10 houses down and I HAD NO BAG-remember, I'm still new at this dog thing
11. puppy acting wild when we got home so she stayed in the backyard
12. being so sleepy that I fell asleep on the couch until Kenny got home
13. Kenny brought home my car with FOUR NEW TIRES
14. don't ask about that, it's not a pretty story:(
15. drinking my dinner smoothie (too lazy to make anything)
16. watching the dog fetch her toys in the backyard
17. folding laundry

Not very exciting, but I'm happy about having the tire issue taken care of. Not happy about the price, but it's worth it because you just can't drive (safely) without tires!! I worked out last night and did some new stuff with my arms so I'm sore and sleepy today...can't wait to go back for more tomorrow!

Oh yeah, one more thing. One of my students said the whole word "bitch" today. That has never happened before. One of my students was snitching on the other one after gym class (there seem to be soooo many issues when I pick them up from gym) and when I asked the snitcher what the snitchee said, he first replied, "...he said the B word...." and then I said, "What did he really say?" because 9 times out of 10 the kid being snitched on didn't really say the word. So the snitcher says, "No really, he said BITCH." I was stunned that the kid actually used the whole word while tattling on someone else. I couldn't get mad!! I asked him!! I had to turn around and hide my face and laugh because I was so stunned. That has never happened before. And yes, 6 and 7 years swear, and I don't usually catch them, but they do!!

Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

This three day weekend thing is something I could reeeeeeeaaaaaaaly get used to. It takes me one day to unwind anyway, and then having two more days to chill out, how can you not like that?

I went shopping with three of the bridesmaids today to try on their dresses. It was a blast! Check out some of the styles.....the color will be the bright apple red, but most of the dresses aren't in that color.

The style of dress they chose is the blue one above, and the apple color is the bright red one below.

Here's one crazy bridesmaid waiting for the next dress to try!

And here's me, waiting to zip, unzip, and take pics!!

It was soooo much fun. And one of the girls said she felt like a runway model, even better! I've done this so many times that I almost miss being a bridesmaid....almost, but not quite. Nothing is as special as putting on that white dress.

Now I have the usual Sunday evening junk to do. And work out. And TRY to grade papers. We'll see if that gets done.

I Heart Saturdays

I feel like a real home-owner!! I raked the leaves and worked outside, with the puppy. Now doesn't that sound like something a home-owner would do? It was actually nice!

We are going to Kenny's nephew's hockey game later on. He is so funny about us getting married. First he referred to me when he was talking to his grandma as "Aunt Lindsey." And then after the hockey game, he asked me if it was okay if he just kept calling me Lindsey. It was the cutest!! I told him he can call me whatever he wants. I got about a dozen hugs from the kid too. I'm not an aunt in my family because my brother doesn't have any kiddos, so this is a first for me! Aunt Lindsey! I love it!!

Tonight we are renting movies and staying home together. I am looking forward to that. Anything that involves doing nothing, I'm in!

If I could only sleep in.....

A DAY OFF!!

That's what today is. It's Veterans Day, and no school! Not even an inservice where we have to be at work just to be there either! Yay! And do you think I slept in this morning?? Nope. It just doesn't happen anymore. Oh well. I've been up for hours and I'm still in my pajamas. It's so nice to just be home.

AND I get to meet Tasha for lunch this afternoon!! We always wait too long to get together, but that's because she has a hubby and two kiddos and is always on the go and I don't know what my excuse is...oh wait, it's Kenny. He keeps me busy on top of my own job. So anyway, I'm sure I'll have a picture or two to post later after our lunch date. You know us, cameras are always in hand!!

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Tasha and I and her girls had a great lunch and quick bridal shop stop, but we both forgot our cameras!! We must not be REAL bloggers.....

Jump over to her blog and wish her congrats on being an auntie again!! Baby Kylee is adorable!!

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Tomorrow I am looking forward to doing NOTHING. That's right, NOTHING. I am going to get my oil changed in the morning and then be home all day doing whatever I want. And it's going to be great! I want to rake the leaves, which are not OUR leaves, they are from the neighbors' lawns, maybe cut the grass one last time, play with the puppy, go for a walk with the pup, and just be around the house. It's my mission to find my winter coat and some long lost winter work clothes too. I just can't wait to be relaxed!

Thirteen Ways to Make a Child Smile

(in school)

1. Greet them with a big "Good Morning!"

2. Ask them how they are doing during an assignment

3. Hugs anything

4. Invite them to eat lunch with you

5. Send a "good note" home

6. Praise praise praise

7. Sticks on work well done

8. Pointing out their postive character traits

9. Hanging up their work

10. A "good" phone call home

11. Putting together a puzzle with them

12. Holding their hand while walking in the hall

13. Asking about something personal.....a soccer game, a movie, what they ate for dinner....

BS Meetings

I despise staff meetings. Anything that needs to be said can be PUT IN A MEMO. Why is that so hard to understand?? NO ONE wants to wave goodbye to 20 children after 8 hours with them and then go sit in an hour-plus meeting about NOTHING. N O T H I H G. It's so ridiculus. I know that there are things that need to be gone over, discussed, so on, but come on, the mundane crap that every already knows?? Not necessary. The lecture on teachers not being dressed to the nines (oh yeah, we are expected to look like business professionals) isn't needed for the whole staff...how about addressing THE PERSON WHO DOESN'T FOLLOW THE DRESS CODE. Uh. Let me at the job. Just let me at it. Meetings like that wouldn't exist EVER! One more day of work this week and then a three day weekend. Thank goodness because I need that little break mentally. Happy Hump Day.

Baby it's cold outside

I think winter is well on its way to Michigan. It was SNOWING tiny little snowflakes this morning when I let the puppy out at 5am. I had to wipe my eyes to make sure I wasn't seeing things! The flakes were barely there, but it was only 29 degrees outside, so I know they were there. Puppy didn't want to be out long, that's for sure!!

The kids were crazy today, maybe because of the weather. Who knows. They just never stopped talking all day. ALL DAY. I had to stop teaching a number of times because of their mouthes, so tomorrow, as punishment, we are having "old fashioned school." That's were they are give a big fat packet of work in the AM and they cannot ask questions...they just have to work. The packet contains all the sujects for the day, they get no recess, no computer time, just plain old work. They will get their special class tomorrow, but that's it. And believe when I say IT WORKS. I know it sounds mean, but a teacher has to do what a teacher has to do. They can't act like that and get away with it, no matter how cute they are! By lunchtime they will be little angels again, garenteed. It always works. It just stinks for me because I'm not getting much taught...their packets are review because they can't get help with the work (I can also use the work as assessments, they just don't know that). Anyway, I may be mean, but I know it will help the talking stop.

I am off to a fancy shmancy business dinner with Kenny when all I really want to do is curl up under two fleece blankets and sleep!!

Looking out my classroom window at BLAH

I have a bad case of the Monday blues. Ugh. And I have a list of things to do when I get home....pick up boxes at the post office to mail belated birthday gifts, pack the gifts and get back to the post office to mail them, grocery store, dollar store (classroom stuff), gym after dinner, and there's more I just can't do it all tonight. And all I want to do is go home!! I suppose because I'm posting from work today that I'll have to take school work home to be fair. Not a good thing! All I want is my bed and blankie and puppy and to curl up and sleep. And Kenny too, I can't forget him!

I think I mentioned earlier the number of people we have in our wedding party, but just in case I didn't, the number is 10. On each side. Go ahead and gasp......okay, now close your mouth and keep reading. It's Kenny's fault. Actually, it's my fault. I started with 5, and keep in mind I have many cousins and friends and step-sisters. So that filled up quick. Then Kenny couldn't cut his list so I added 2 more. And then he still couldn't make some decisions so I just finally gave in because he was having such a hard time and was going back and forth with things so I said for him to just give me the number. I knew I could fill it with all my family members and very close friends. So I did. I don't regret it, and they only place it's going to cost me more money is buying the gifts for the attendants. They were already invited to the wedding, so it's not like it's more invitations or plates. I know the number is large, but I did tell Kenny he could, so it's my fault I guess. Oh well. He's happy, and believe me, when he is, I am. Life is MUCH nicer when Kenny's happy!! I can't even remember the reason I got into talking about this, but I'm sure I'll remember after I hitthe publish post button. But now you know how many people are in the wedding party. Oh yeah, there's also a junior bridesmaid (another cousin), a ring bearer (cousin), and two teeny little flower girls (Kenny's 2nd cousins). So make that a grand total of 26 including the bride and groom. And no, we won't be renting a limo.

Goofy

This is the cake topper I chose. I brought it home and showed my FIANCE (I still love saying that!) He loved it and it's sooooo us. I think the bride is pushing the groom off the cake, or WILL BE pushing him off the cake. I especially love this because Kenny has a full head of hair and I have a waist. It just doesn't get any better than that!

Photo Hunt

This Week's Theme:

Classic

These are CLASSIC doors. There's big long story that goes with them. I'll make it short. When my dad was younger, he played with neighborhood kids and they ended up at this abandoned house playing inside of it. They found out the house was going to be demolished, and he LOVED the front doors on the house, so he took them about an hour before destruction time. My grandparents liked them too, so they put one at the end of their hallway so it looked like it was part of the house. The doors are extra tall, so they wouldn't work as an inside door. Anyway, my grandparents moved out of their home a few years back and my dad asked me if I wanted them, and so now they are mine. What am I going to do with them? I have no idea. I just like them because of the history and because they look neat. Classic, eh?

Happy Day = Friday

There's a reason the work week only has five days in it. BECAUSE NO ONE CAN TAKE MORE THAN THAT!!! My day started out crazy. I usually am pretty organized. I know where things are and I am pretty good about putting things away and not losing them. Not the case this morning. I lost about four MUCH NEEDED items before I got into my car to drive to work. And then one of the girls I carpool with handed me gas money this morning and I lost it, temporarily, but it still pissed me off that I lost it. Ah! That's not me at all!! When I got to school, my room was a mess. Usually the kids do a pretty good job of cleaning up (I really get after them about it) but yesterday was one of those days where there were more interruptions and unplanned things going on that could be handled along with the normal picking up at the end of the day. So I told them to hurry up and get their things and I would clean it up when they were gone. Now you know that didn't happen....I was waaaaay too tired to do that after that monstous day. So I FOR ONCE left my room in shambles. I hate the feeling of coming in the morning to a messy anything. So I was greeted with that this morning. My day perked up when a coworker asked me if I wanted soul food for lunch and I was like YES I NEED THAT TODAY!!!!! So I had greens and BBQ chicken, the kind that just melts on your tongue. Mmmmmm. It was so good. I was good too...no mac and cheese, no cornbread, and no dressing. Just the veges and meat. The rest of the day went pretty well. My students are still on a slight sugar high from Halloween, but I'm hoping the weekend will knock it out of them!

I think I'll be trying on wedding dresses tomorrow with my mom, Kenny's mom, my aunt, and possibly my Grandma. My mom is a little under the weather, so she might not go too, and to be truthful, it won't be the same without her. There is a HUGE sale, that's the ONLY reason I will go without her if she can't make it, but I really am not excited about it without her. Cross your fingers that she will be here in the morning!

Here's something funny that happened this week. I called a teacher in another classroom to ask her a question during the day and while I was talking to her she said to one of her students, "Park that bottom!" I was cracking up. So a little while later, when one of my kids was running around NOT doing what he was supposed to do, I said the same thing and the whole class just looked at me like I was crazy. One of them said, "You never say bottom!" And it's true, I hate that word altogether. I tell them to sit on their "cushies" when they are sitting on the carpet because I can't stand saying the word bottom. A while later, the same kid who is never in his seat long enough to even raise his hand comes over to where I am and says he needs help. We have rules about raising hands for a question, and clearly, this child doesn't get it, so I give him the teacher look, and he says, "I know, I know, park my bottom, right?" and goes right back to his chair and raises his hand. I was dying in side. It was so funny the way he said that!!!! I've already changed the saying to "park your car" because I couldn't stand the word bottom any longer, but right now it's the running joke in our classroom. You can hear them snickering it when they think I'm not listening. Too funny. Alright, I'm out. Oh yeah, Kenny has my password to this blog now and so he keeps threatening to "guest" blog and I can already tell you that it will be ridiculus and innappropriate, so just an FYI. If there happens to be an entry that is vulgar, scary, or just not me, that's why. I'm changing my password immediatly but I have a feeling he'll still get in. Boys!

It's November Already

Passing out candy for the first time at our new house was a blast!! I was so busy digging turds out the candy from our basket into the kids' bags that I hardly had time to see the costumes, but they were cute!! The best one was a teeny tiny little girl dressed as a chick....adorable!!

It's Thursday night. My favorite night of the week. And it's not because of Grey's Anatomy either, although I do love that show. It's because on Fridays we get to dress down at work and that means no ironing, because it's the promise of the weekend, and because I know there's only more day to have to wake up to the alarm clock.

I'm part of the NaBloPoMo and today is Day 1. I'm 1 for 1 so far!! I just hope I can keep up with blogging every day.

Here are a few pictures from Halloween. Can you handle the length of the puppy's tongue?