A song to start the day with

Just a quick rendition of an old favorite:

Happy birthday to you...Happy birthday to you... Happy BIRTHDAYYYYYYY to youuuuuuuu--Happy Birthday to you!

Today is my Mom's Birthday--And you would think that since I just got home from visiting her I would have remembered to wish her a Happy Birthday when I was there... but nope-- The holiday and the eating took over my brain --Too little time- too much to remember.
But Today is her day! I hope its a good one-- Wish I was still there--
And hey--I know shes got plenty of Pie to celebrate with!!

lesson learned

So another lesson learned today... Orange is not a christmas color... no matter how you try and spin it the holiday spirit is not coming with ORANGE... yes Red, Burgandy, even Mauve and pink can make you feel that holiday spirit but orange just doesn't cut it.
I pulled out the decorations-- much easier this year since I moved them to the basement-- and now have smatterings of HO HO HO scattered about the house. I decided to change things up a bit since I was doing this all alone. Amanda high tailed it back to Blacksburg and Christopher decided that traffic was gonna be tough and jumped in his car at noon-- yup me and my decorations left to our own- Where Santas previously held guard there is now a village... and where snowman once smiled down on me there are Santas.... nothing like a little change-- if for no other reason then to be sure you dust every nook and cranny.
But the orange glow.... lesson learned... think year round before choosing that happy color....

Thanksgiving

Giving thanks for a wonderful week in Florida. While the weather was alittle cooler than we hoped it certainly was nice to see swaying palm trees, blue skys and spend time with family.
This was the first Thanksgiving that Christopher was not with us.. A first that didn't sit well with me. He was missed but I guess work schedules and traveling won't always mesh in the grownup world.
We did however get to see the rest of the family. And as Martha Stewart would say That is a good thing It was nice having a chance to see in person my Mom's new kitchen and her wonderful new floors that I have heard so much about but never saw in person. And my mother-in-laws new home-- with the bathroom that is bigger than my bedroom.


We truely had a relaxing vacation-- ate too much, went to the beach, played in my parents pool and even had time to power shop with Amanda for her sorority rush wardrobe. Yes we packed alot into 3 days and today I am feeling it. But it was worth every minute.
Did I mention that we ate too much??? With only 9 people for Thanksgiving we had 4 pies... (For some reason Mike didn't think 3 were enough and convinced my Mom to take him to the bakery that is within walking distance to their house-- Mike and a bakery that close probably aren't a good idea) -- and before the story gets out yes I made sweet potatoe smore's for Thanksgiving... It actually could be the next new hot reciepe as far as I am concerned... from Mishaps comes good things... They didn't burn... they just cooked too fast.. (a little gem from my Mom that I am sure will be used again!)

travel and weather

A day of driving, security checks, a flat tire and lots of laughs and we finally arrived in sunny (but not so warm Florida)-- Not sure the plans of lounging at the beach are going to come through but I am gonna try.
We pulled out old photo albums and laughed at the hair styles the itchy looking clothes and remembered we were all once very young. Giving thanks this week that we are all together regardless of what mother nature has in store for us.

babies

Yesterday I ventured out to Columbia Md for Heidi's Baby shower... Who knew that Columbia was so darn far away? But it was worth the trip- Heidi looks great! Pregnancy suits her-- She seems very excited about the new addition coming to her family. Speaking of family it was nice to meet her Mom and Dad, I have heard so many great things about them and they are just as wonderful as Heidi always said.
While chatting about all the new baby stuff and decorating for the new baby I couldn't help but remember that 24 years ago I was just as excited about adding Raggedy Ann and Andy drawer liners to the dresser and that peice of yellow carpet that would turn our dining room into a babies room... how our lives have changed since then. And every step of the way it was our children that spurred us on to create the life we have. I can only hope that Heidis new baby will bring her the joy that Christopher and Amanda have brought us.
Friends come into our lives through unexpected ways... I met Heidi and Leah off the internet, through scrapbooking. What started out as joining a Circle Journal group, turned into lunches, joining a book club and heading to Nashville. I can't tell you how much their friendship has meant to me as I headed solo into my little hobby. These are two creative women who I feel very lucky to call friends.

And to make my weekend even better, I now have Madison for a little pre- Thanksgiving visit. Amanda came home Friday night for a funeral and was nice enough to let Madison stay here with us for the week. The controled Chaos that she brings is always fun. Hopping in Bonnies face and chasing Mr. Wiggles are her two favorite activities and in between we get kisses and puppy love... what could be better?

I'm back

So I haven't been writing much.. no real reason but I guess I just haven't had much to say. Today though it has dawned me me that its November.. Fall is here (you can tell by the pile of jackets sitting on the chair) -- and that means Thanksgiving is around the corner... UMMM going to Florida for some sunshine and Family for the holiday-- Can't wait-- and then its Christmas-- Wow already time for Christmas????

Today I got an interesting email from Kodak.. they are offering Trade in dollars for your old camera-- don't get me wrong I love my camera but hey technology has changed in the last few years and it got me thinking that maybe its time to upgrade... and after playing there is a chance they would give me $80 for mine... something to think about huh?

Tonight I am supposed to be scrapping.. at least that was the plan.. For the last few days I have been "feeling" creative but alais no time to play.. so tonight I promised myself alittle time... I guess we'll see what happens!

The best laid plans

So things just haven't gone as planned lately. After waiting so long I finally jumped in with two feet to get laser eye surgery. Funny I wasn't really concerned about the surgery itself. Although looking back I guess I should have been. I was more concerned about spending the money. I am not saying that vision is not a worthy expenditure but it seemed frivolous and extravagant to me. Something that other people do-- not me. I have obligations-- and this seemed alittle selfish. But Mike assured me that it wasn't. And now I feel like I am paying for it.
If I could turn back time. Today I can read. Its a great feeling to read without glasses. But everything else is work-- Driving at night is down right scary.. that same feeling as driving in the snow. I have new glasses that help me get from point a to point b but its not the same as seeing while you get there.
My doctor assures me this is temporary and I am hanging on to that. Patience.. Lots of Patience...

Another Blacksburg weekend

Dead tired after this weekend!! Needless to say we had a good time. Amanda saw her first Nascar race--
To be remembered:
HEY NASCAR CHICKS
Where are the portapotties? and did you use the sanitizer??? (what sanitizer?)
The Band that came back to haunt Madison
Is that soccer player wearing bootie shorts?
Pretzels and hotdogs make it easy to make friends.
Scarves are making a comeback
Hello I'm handicap....
More Hokie Birds
Parades are more fun when you know someone in them

Mystery solved????

So possible the water leak has been found... the darn waterfall. Mike has rigged up a pipe to bypass the waterfall itself.. we will see where that takes us.
On another note I am feeling caught up with my scrapping projects.. sometimes it seems that I will always have more pictures than time.
Looking forward to seeing my girl for the Races on Sunday down in Martinsville. Alittle short track Nascar for those wondering. It will be Amandas first race and My second. Need to find a dog sitter still... Don't think Bonnie wants to vacation again soo soon! Ahh its only Tuesday still have alot of time left right???

Where does the water go?

Notice anything wrong with this picture??? Lack of water??? Yup woke up to hearing the pump running very loudly, no waterfall... upon closer inspection there was a distinct lack of water.. Fish are alittle unhappy and we get to spend the day investigating the cause of the measurable drop in water. One would think with that much water gone there would be a puddle somewhere???? nope...

Time to go back to work

A relaxing weekend of should have dones.. I should have gotten motivated and taken a few bags to the salvation army... I should have done alittle fall yard work.. I should have taken Amanda out shopping.. I should have sanded the wall alittle and started painting it.. but I did none of that. I scrapped alittle.. I watched TV.. I wondered from room to room.. I wasted a few days--- but I did enjoy having Amanda home. And Madison entertained me while Amanda studied things that I don't even pretend to understand anymore.Here she is... gotta love a child who lets you take practice taking pictures... lights not the best but the subject matter is perfect!

Surprise

Surprises are good... little surprises...big surprises.... its all good. After the week I have had at work coming home Friday night to find Amandas car in the driveway was a really good surprise-- A big surprise.. It never dawned on me that she would come home for her fall break (she has Monday off)--But it was a break from the norm that Mike and I needed too. We never even ate dinner... we sat in the living room catching up on gossip... giggling about life..and before we knew it was past midnight... Yes Friday was a good surprise
Being greeted by Madisons kisses, wiggling and snorts makes walking in the door a treat.
I had just seen Amanda last month-- but was amazed at how grown up she appeared. I could tell it had been a rough month for her. As she is so thin-- Unlike me stress makes her look good...she heads for the gym to abuse her body and stops eating and it showed in a way that would make others envious.. but makes me stop and wonder. She is so much like Mike in her drive for perfection--perfection in school and life--
I know over time she will find the balance-- but for now its up to Madison and I remind her to slow down and enjoy the surprises that life brings.

Fall is coming

So excited I got to wear my yellow boots today.. no it wasn't raining... but I needed to clean out the hot tub and those last few inches of water can be chilly in bare feet... so I donned the bright yellow boots and I must say my feet were happy!!

Its been a slow week.. one that seemed to drag on and on... Mike and I both dealt with fall allergies earlier in the week making breathing impossible and sleep hard to come by.. but now it seems to have passed. We took advantage of having nothing planned this weekend and slept in both Saturday and Sunday.

When I wasn't working I was doing research for our 25/50 Alaskan Cruise for next summer. My parents will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and Mike and I will be hitting 25 years-- Ever since I read < ALASKA by James Mitchner I have been intrigued by Alaska. Lots of very unique history and I can't wait to see the landscape...

Fall is coming-- the air has changed over to cool mornings.. cool evenings and unpredictible days. But today was nice-- warm sun-- we got a chance to do alittle yard work and start preparing for Winter.. While most of the flowers have stopped blooming These beauties are still going strong-- I totally love the contrast of the blue against all the green... And so does Mr. Wiggles

Bonnies Trip

Nothing new happening this week... for those of you wondering Bonnie did survive her vacation...

She got a nice email and picture from Madison before she left

Bonnie,

I am so excited that you are coming to visit, mom never plays with me
anymore because she has to study... although im not showing you where the
treat closet is and i am hiding my greenies!! And although i do love your
food, ive found better dinner... rice and chicken, all you have to do is
throw up a little.... works like a charm
love
Madison

While Bonnie was not a expert at the car ride-- it took her over an hour to actually sit in the car she did make it in one peice. And from what we could tell she enjoyed her visit with Madison and was very happy to her Amanda



Vacationing actually brought the puppy out in her... she walked herself out the front door on Sunday and proceeded the meander down the driveway... deafness (so she says) prevented her from hearing me call her back... and before I knew it she was walking down the center of Silverleaf..As I walked out to bring her back she didn't even look back as she galloped (ok maybe more like trotted) straight down the street like she actually had somewhere else go! hmmm wondering if Madison put her up to that???

Its more than money

I have never been one to look at the long distance phone bill or how much gas is... these are facts of life and in my mind they just are a part of life... but lately... ok since it went over $3.00 a gallon I have been alittle obsessed with gas prices... today.. I smiled at $2.09 and then when I drove by the WAWA $1.97 I think I actually cheered out loud... amazing what can make you smile on a Monday....

Home AGAIN!

Just got home after a quick down to

The weather was incredible.. soo cool in the evening and so warm in the day. We started out Saturday doing a little yard sale shopping. Amanda was successful at finding a kitchen table-- She quickly put the outdoor table back on the deck which we thoroughly enjoyed eating at for dinner. And then it was off to the football game!

After alittle shopping in downtown Blacksburg we hit the grocery store and Home Depot, but sadly for Mike there was no trip planned for Walmart... And then finally home for Dinner on the deck
Today was the ZETA parents brunch--Yummy buffet and awards at the Holiday Inn across from Campus. The girls did a wonderful job of hosting this event and I think all the parents were proud of their girls. Amanda was recognized for her work as Alumni Chair-- and she presented three Moms who were VT ZETA's themselves with a picture frame. Shes worked very hard at this position which apparently has been neglected in the past few years. And it seems to be paying off for her as the alumni are very appreciative for being thought of and contacted.
I have to really thank Mike for his patience this weekend because throughout all the activities I got alittle sidetracked and went on a hunt for Hokie birds-- You see there are all these different Hokie birds scattered around Blacksburg as part of a campaign called
Gobble de Art --Each bird was created by a different artist and each is very unique--I got it in my mind that I could take pictures of all 75!! And the scavenger hunt began-- We had Mike making quick turns here and there... pulling over on the side of the road as we jumped out into traffic and ran across the busy football weekend streets so that we could get the pictures-- Sadly I think I still need about 40 birds.. but we made quite a dent into my goal... had I only known there was a map of where they all were-- but I guess that would have taken the fun out of it!!--oh well... maybe they will still be there for my next trip!!

Is it Friday yet???

Counting down the hours-- its almost time for ZETA parents weekend. We have our football tickets, we have our snacks for the ride down and we have our reams of paper as gifts for Amanda... we are ready. And Bonnie shes ready too! This will be her FIRST vacation-- her FIRST car ride farther than the VET-- and the FIRST time she has ever been invited anywhere... BIG weekend for Bonnie.. and she is ready! She has bathed and practiced her non-exsistant leash skills all week to ready herself for this journey-- This old girl has her bags packed and is waiting by the door!
Madisonnnnnnn here we come!! And Grandpa has treats!!

This makes me happy

If that doesn't make you smile I don't know what will!!!
Yes those are yellow rain boots... and yes next time it rains you will see me sporting them as I splash through the puddles!!
So they weren't my idea its ok... It was Amanda (my personal shopper) who decided that we needed rainboots-- of course hers are alittle more subdued... but with polka dots they will still make you smile. Now I know what you're thinking and its ok.. because after you think about it for awhile I know you're gonna want some too... and then it'll be a fashion trend and rainy days won't be so gloomy with everyone splashing in these fashion foward babies! Another happy moment brought to you by TARGET.com!!!
......................... LET IT RAIN

Feather

Madison was totally into the geese when we visited the lake this summer. And when she wasn't rolling in duck poop she was searching for feathers. As you can see it was pure joy when she found one. She trotted around with it like it was a steak bone.

I knew I wanted to scrap these pictures but wasn't sure how to get them all on one page and while its cute and a memory I wanted to save it wasn't worth doing two pages. Then I looked at my Autumn leaves calendar (which was a few days behind) and save the inspiration for 9/5 and 9/10-- perfection!
I totally have to work on my scanning skills-- Still using Microsoft paint even though photoshop is sitting here waiting for me to learn....

todays accomplishment

So I spent most of the day playing in the scraproom. Mike is still in Richmond at the Races... with everyone else from here apparently... He just called and said the Mellendars were sitting right in front of him and the Plums were at the end of the row....how totally funny because he went with Mike C and Chris G. must be quite the party in their section---