Last of 31 Days

It's the last day of my project. I have mixed feelings about it- on the one hand I am happy since I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by having to blog every day but I also am happy that I did finish the project. I have all these great memories down on the blog. So many little things that would normally go overlooked are documented.

Also, it is fitting that today would be the last day of 31 days because our family had such a fun Halloween day. Many memories were made and I documented them all via pics. I didn't miss any of the little moments.

Thanks for hanging with me this month. It's been real. :-)

Handy Men

My hubby made this awesome table for Annabelle today. Took him just a couple hours to whip it up. Brilliant! I love him!

Planners

I am a planner. It's probably a trait I inherited... I wouldn't go so far as to say that I am crazy about every detail but I do like to have a good outline and know what I am doing. When it comes to Annabelle I am the same way. She is definitely scheduled. I always pre plan activities and events, food, naps, ect. Most Mom's do. And I think that Annabelle appreciates the consistency in routine.

Family Outings

 Whether it's just going to the grocery store or to a big event, outings are much better with the entire family. Today is a good example. We went to church and then out to trick or treat with some of Annabelle's friends. It was a great day making memories that we will all remember for a lifetime.

Acting Like A Kid Again

Having kids is a hall pass to acting like a kid again. I love being able to watch silly kids movies and Sesame Street. I love playing on the playground with Annabelle. I love celebrating holidays like a kid and getting excited about every new experience. Best of all I love doing silly things in public to get my kiddo to smile. I don't worry about what people think. It only matters what A thinks.

Having kids is awesome in so many ways. That's just a perk!

Tylenol

Seriously! I have ridiculously bad migraines on a regular basis. And since my old reliable (sleep it off) cure no longer is possible. I am a big fan of Tylenol and Atenolol.

Not much else to say on the subject.

A Good Rain

A and I got caught in the rain today. In my defense, it was an unexpected shower that didn't last very long. We were out on a jog and stopped just a bit too long at the park. Got caught in a slightly elevated sprinkle on the way back home. A seemed to be amused by the weather and I really enjoyed it since we were on the last leg of the run.

I just love a good rain especially when there's no lightening or thunder accompanying it. Two things that are tops in that type of weather- a good nap and a good jog. One of two - not bad!

Happy day!

Starbucks

Why has it taken me so long to write about Starbucks coffee? There is no denying that I am absolutely addicted to my nonfat raspberry mocha! My day is jaded if I don't have my coffee in the morning. It's that bad.

No, wait, it's that good. :-)

Early Voting

I'm not big on lines. I'm not patient. Early voting is awesome. Plus, it's a giant relief that I can go completely numb to the ever increasing attack ads and propaganda. I did my part, cast my ballot and now we wait until Nov. 6 to find out who our President will be. Exciting stuff.

Oh, also I am grateful that I got to show Annabelle the voting process. She was truly intrigued by the buttons on the screen. I actually was afraid that she was going to jump out of my arms and push something!! Ha!

Rainbows

On our way home from running errands this afternoon I spotted the most beautiful rainbow over the lake. It's a small thing but it made me think about the last time I saw such a gorgeous sight. Stephen and I were in Hawaii on our honeymoon. Ever seen a rainbow breaking over Maui? Just lovely!

Such great memories.

Big Tex

I miss Big Tex and his big HOWDY. It's so tragic that he should burn down before Annabelle could get a look at him!

Oh well, I guess they will build him up again for next year's fair. He will probably be bigger and better. You know what they say....when folks in Dallas get close to 60 years old its time to have some work done!

Here's to Tex!

Goals

When you have kids you learn to move slower and plan ahead. My big goal this weekend was to tidy up the front yard. Not even the whole front yard- just up by the door. (If you have visited the house lately you know what a crazy train wreck that we have let it become.) Anyway, we planned ahead of time got the beds done and up to code in enough time to sit down and watch the Gamecocks play football. Yea!

I am seriously tired but feel great knowing that my front door is not covered by a jungle of weeds. Stephen and I will both sleep well tonight!

Tillie

We have the best dog.

Besides the fact that Tillie is the ultimate toy/ best distraction for any Annabelle breakdown or tantrum she is very tolerant in most situations. I was worried when A came along how she would act but it seems that they have grown quite find of each other.

Also, she is probably the cutest dog EVER!

Night!

Master Gardener

I do not have a green thumb. This is mostly because I find it incredibly frustrating trying to figure out what will grow where and the amount of sunlight it requires. Pretty much everything I try to grow dies within a couple weeks. (Insert sad trombone sound here.) Oh well. I still try and while I may never acquire that master gardener status I can still appreciate pretty foliage and the Home Depot Gardening Center.

In fact, I made a trek to the Gardening Center this morning to pick out some mums for our front door- they are so pretty. Ended up coming home with mums and a beautiful potted plant. I am a sucker for the pre-made arrangements.

Anyway, it smells amazing and looks great by our door! FYI- I would tell you what's in it but I accidentally threw away the cheat sheet card! :-)

Here's hoping I can keep them alive!

Night!

John Stewart And Bill Maher

My husband has a great laugh. Really! He has one of those contagious laughs that you can't resist. If you get him really going it's almost impossible to not crack a smile and laugh along.

John Stewart and Bill Maher are two people that repeatedly make my husband chuckle. Every night Stephen tunes in to the Daily Show and on Fridays, The Bill Maher Show. It makes me so happy that these two comedians help my hubby relax and laugh during those very stressful weeks. It's a great break from his busy work life.

It's his "Moment of Zen" if you will! HEHE!

Meet You At The Park

I have been spending a lot of my time on the playground lately. The weather has been gorgeous and it seems to be one of the best ways to get Annabelle's energy out before bedtime.

Beyond the fact that the parks are amazing around here (and they are free), I really enjoy the social aspect of meeting on the playground. It is very rare that we head out to the park and don't run into a friend.

I love catching up with everyone in such a casual and fun environment. No one ever has a long conversation since we are all busy helping the little ones climb up stairs or slide down slides but it doesn't matter. It's always happy chatter.

I love the park...

The Perfect Song

There's nothing better than the perfect song. Well, actually the absolute best is when the perfect song comes randomly on the radio. I love to turn the volume just slightly louder than the normal, sing along and smile.

Today, my song was old school Brittany Spears.  :-)

Music makes my world just THAT much better.

Lazy Days

Annabelle and I did not leave the house until after 3pm today. It was a lazy Sunday full of playing, cooking, cleaning and long naps. Sometimes those are the days that stick with you all your life.

Perfection, I say! That is all.

Night!

Neighbors

Like most areas around Lakewood our community has had a lot of positive transition. In the few years that we have lived here, we've seen our hood go from predominately older homeowners with no kids to mostly young couples with young children. It's been a really nice change especially since most of the kids are around Annabelle's age.

Lately, since the weather has been nice we have been having impromptu meetings in our cul-de-sac. All the kids go out and burn time/energy before dinner time. What a relief to all the parent during the "witching hour!"

I can only imagine what it will be like down the road but I hope that these kids stay close as they get older. What could be better than having good friends live right next door!

Sewing Memories

My mother is good at a lot of things. Sewing is just one of them. We (partly) kid her about turning her talent into big business. No doubt, she would be successful if she did sell her clothes....but I digress. That is a battle/story for another day.

My post today is more about the impact that her sewing has made on her (then) kids and (now) grand kids. Growing up, my Mom made so many things for us- Halloween costumes, special occasion outfits ect. Each outfit evokes such wonderful and happy memories and I am absolutely grateful. These memories will be permanently ingrained in my heart forever.

I know it will do the same for Annabelle. That 'Made by Mimi' tag sewn into every one of her outfit is more that just a label. It's a physical sign of Mimi's love and dedication to  her sweet grand kids. 

Kisses! See you tomorrow.