Summertime

We've had the best summer this year. Had lots of playdates with Joey's pals, went camping with the Monson clan, a lot of swimming in our pool and at our local lake. My boy is growing up so fast into a little man that I just wish I could freeze time.



We planted our first garden this year - tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, zuchinni, canteloupe and two kinds of watermelon. So far we've harvested exactly one tomato which was very flavorful and juicy, but their has been only the one so far. We've had lots of blossoms and Larry has faithfully been watering them on a nightly basis. Joey asks me daily when we're going to get to pick some more and I have no idea how to answer since I'm beginning to doubt that we'll produce anything. It's been fun watching them grow though. Still a little hope lives on that we'll have something to harvest before summer is officially over.



Joey had his first sleepover party here at the house - four of his pals equalled a house full of fun and laughter. They played cars and superheroes, swam and swam again, went to the park, rode bikes and scooters and skateboards. The energy they created never waned and Larry and I loved every minute of it. We're so happy that Joey has such great friends to play and learn with.

We really do have such a blessed life - what more could we ask for? Nothing, absolutely nothing.

Wonderful Weekend = Making Memories

I am in awe of how a simple day can turn into one of my favorite memories.  This past weekend was a bunch of ordinary moments shared with family who have become friends and because of this fact I am sure they will be some of my, and Joey's, favorite memories.

On Friday Larry had the day off as a special way to recognize and reward him for all his hard work at Delta Dental.  We had planned to get up early and head down to the Marin Headlands for some beach time but as the old saying goes "We make plans and God laughs".  I just had no energy.  I kept lollygaggin' and Larry slept in some and before we knew it the clock showed Noon.  We decided to stay local and went out to lunch at Rubio's which is one of my favorites, but then again I don't think I've ever met a Mexican restaurant that I haven't liked.  After we had made complete pigs of ourselves we headed to down town Sacramento to have some fun at Funderland, a kiddy museum.  I had prepurchased all-ride tickets at 60% off some time before so this outing would practically cost us nil.

Joey got so excited when he realized where we were going and started to rattle off the list of rides he wanted to go on and in what order.  He started with the planes, and had to ride twice, then we all went on this circular coaster, and of course we had to go twice.  He and Daddy rode the Dragon coaster next, only once around on that, and Joey didn't look like he was liking it much at all but Larry had a huge smile on his face.  He dreams of the day that he and Joey can go ride the big coasters at Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm.  I hope he doesn't end up being disappointed if Joey's enthusiasm for today's roller coaster was any indication.  Then Joey rode the Octopus ride and we all loaded up for a ride around the park on the small train.  And boy is it small - I thought Larry and I getting on and off it was going to flip that tiny sucker right over.  After our ride we went on the teacups, all three of us in one and Larry proceeded to spin us so fast I thought I was going to lose all that lovely Mexican food.  Next time I think I'll make him go in his own teacup while Joey and I spin at a more reasonable pace.

Wanting to let my food settle back down I suggested the boys take a ride on the log flume by themselves while I found a bathroom and then got a sprite for us all to share.  Of course I had to get a cotton candy too.  Who would believe that any child of mine would not just love cotton candy as much as him Momma, but mine doesn't.  I think he doesn't like it because it sticks to your fingers.  Oh well, more for me (and yes I did go back for a second one before we left the park for the day).

Larry and I each took turns riding the antique cars with Joey.  He just loves to be the one to "drive" the car and get to turn the steering wheels this way and that.  His smile went from ear to ear.  We decided to end our day on that high note, but then Joey begged to be allowed to go on the planes just one more time.  One turned in to two, two into three and then we began to notice that he was no longer really flying his plane but had begun to nod off.  I guess it really was time to head home.

On the way out we went buy the horse corral and let Joey pick a pony to ride - he chose Rocky.  Daddy walked him along the circular paddock, shaded by towering trees, the sunlight catching the red highlights in Joey's hair.  It made my heart happy to watch my two boys engaging in an age old pastime.  I asked him if he wanted to go around one more time and of course he said yes so this time I took him.  We walked a while, and trotted some, but Joey preferred just amblin' along.

The whole day couldn't have been a better memory in the making.

The next day we met up with Larry's family at the lake and had another wonderful outing.  We all just brought a little of this and a little of that to share and had ourselves a nice little picnic on the hillside overlooking the lake.  Then we took Joey and Elsa down to the lake to play.  They are both such water babies.  Before I knew it, Kelli, Dad, and I had all joined them in the water even though we were fully clothed.  The water was the perfect temperature and so clear.  We swam out to the float and taught the kids how to climb up the ladder and jump off into our arms.  So long as you stayed mostly under the water it was perfect, but once you stood up and felt the cool breeze blowing across your skin you'd start to shake.  Joey and Elsa played so hard in the water, splashing each other and chasing Mary along the shore line trying to push her in.  When Joe's shivers got to be to much we decided enough water was had by all and headed back up the hill to dry off.

I had brought kiddy versions of horseshoes and lawn croquet, as well as some bocce balls, and the kids had fun playing with them all even not if meant in the order they should be played.  It amazes me how kids this young can be so competitive with one another, trying to throw the farthest or collecting the most balls.

We all had some more snacks and then decided it was time for a nap so we all packed up the gear and headed for home - or almost.  I was the last one to take leave of the park and wouldn't you know it my key would not turn in the ignition.  I tried everything, turning the wheel, pushing on the brake but to no avail.  Luckily for me there were other folks around and one gentleman was nice enough to let me use his phone to call Dad to come to the rescue.  He couldn't get it to start either, but at least we had a way to get home.  This morning Larry went over, sprayed a little WD40 in the ignition, tapped it a couple of times will a ball ping hammer and voila it worked.

All in all, the day was so nice that even if we'd had to walk home it wouldn't have put a real damper on it for me.  I just love making memories with my family.  I'll post photo's as soon as I get copies from Dad.

All we have is today

That's how I'm feeling today.  What's past is past and we are not guaranteed tomorrow so we should make the most of today since it is the only thing we truly have. Over the past few days my family has been blindsighted by the death of Jeff's brother Curt.  Don't ask me what happened, or where we all went wrong, it's still just a ball of confusion that's all knotted up.

Curt was an easy going guy, very easy to like.  He could eat so much food you wouldn't begin to believe how much unless you saw it for yourself.  Yes he was like all the Atkinson boys/men when it came to food.  He was polite, especially to my mom and always trying to be helpful.  His life hadn't been easy and wasn't getting any easier, but he was trying and I think that's all you can ask of any man.

My cousin, CJ, is in the middle of all the mess surrounding his Dad's death and I'm not sure any of us will ever know the real truth.  What is it they say... "There's your side, my side, and the real truth".  All I know is CJ is hurting, and we are hurting with and for him.

Our family is sad and our hearts ache for Jeff and Crystal's loss, and for CJ's trouble, and that Curt was robbed of his future whatever that may have been.  I can only hope that some good will come out of this loss and that my families hearts will heal, if not today then tomorrow or the day after.

Curt wherever you are I hope you are finally at peace, having a great meal with people that you love and who love you right back.

4th of July Fun

Wow did we ever have a great 4th of July this year.  We started our day off with a pancake breakfast put on by the Kiwannis Club.  They had a nice band playing background music, a yummy breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice and good conversation.

Then Crystal and Jeff came over later in the afternoon and we spent several hours soaking up some sun in the pool.  Larry cooked up a bunch of pork ribs, corn on the cob, store bought potato salad, and watermelon.  Joey our little chef in the making took it upon himself to shuck all the corn and did a darn good job of it.  I only had to pull of the silk threads that he left behind.

Then later that evening we headed back over to the north side so that Joey could play in the park while we listened to the DJ.  Thought it was going to be a live band again, but it was still nice if a little loud.  Aunty Crystal and Joey took a spin under the gazebo and Daddy taught Joey how to moon walk.  It was too cute.

After a while we headed on over to our blankets and settled in with chips, soda and a beer or two to await the fireworks.  Larry always manages to snag just the perfect spot for viewing and this year was no different.  We were located directly underneath where they were going off, and were all wowed.  Joey was a little scared at first, but once I got his earplugs in and he settled in my lap, he really got into it, calling out the colors for everyone's enjoyment.  Of course almost everything to him was either orange, red or purple, regardless of the actual color, so he got quite a few chuckles from those sitting around us.  At the end of the night he'd crawled out of my lap and layed flat out on top of Daddy, to enjoy the finale.

Crystal and Jeff hadn't taken in a firework display like this in over ten years so they really enjoyed it and already told me they were planning on coming out again next year.  Who knows, we might have just started another family tradition.

Mom didn't join in the firworks with us as depending how crowded it is, and how far away we'd have to park, it can be quite a trek to our blanket.  She did however take a chair out to the end of the walk in front of our house and was able to not only see the majority of the RM fireworks, but also the displays that our many neighbors put on.

All in all, we had a lot fun.

Lazy Days are the Best

Today was one of those low energy, do nothing kind of days.  I didn't even get dressed until after Noon.  Crystal and Jeff came over, Larry cooked up a passel of ribs while I threw together a pasta salad and opened up some canned fruit.  Joey took a 3-hour nap which is unheard of these days, and then we all just lazed around eating and floating in the pool.

It turned out to be a really nice low key day.

Crystal's Spa Boutique

My sister finally got back posession of her dog grooming shop in Pollock Pines albeit without any of the furnishings.  The lady who had been buying the business - Sherone,  defaulted on everything including paying her rent to the property owner and got evicted this past Tuesday after much back and forth and a couple of trips to through the court system.  She opened up shop directly across the street with all of Crystal's equipment plus all the personal stuff that my sister had put into the shop such as photo's and plants and such.

I have to give credit to my sister because she has taken the high road throughout the whole process doing everything by the book while I'm sure deep down she'd just have liked to beat the snot out of Sherone.  I know I would have.

She, Jeff and Jeff's nephew Earl went up on Saturday and tore out all the bad water board around the tubs and the rotten steps and then spend the rest of the day installing new water board while Crystal began cleaning the shop.  It was a filthy mess.  We were going to have a painting party but she decided to skip that for now and just washed down the walls.

Mom and I drove up yesterday and brought her a little fridge, a table and two chairs and a rug for the reception area plus we purchased her a couple of beautiful potted plants.  All combined it made the front of the shop very welcoming.

All she has to do to complete her business application is to get the fire department to sign off on Tuesday morning and then she's good to go.  She's already got five appointments scheduled for Tuesday.  While we were up there people kept stopping by to see what was going on and were so happy and excited to see that my sister was coming back.  The majority of past clients didn't have anything complimentary to say about Sharone or the way she ran the business.  I have a feeling that that young lady is going to be in for a rude awakening when Crystal really gets up and running, because even without her shop cards with all her past clients information, I think they will find there way back to my sister.

Anyway sis, congratulations and good luck.

Pool Time

Well Larry bit the bullet tonight and tested out our pool... 78 degrees on the surface and probably more like 70 in the deeper recesses.  Joey got in and skinny dipped along the first and second steps... this boy really loves his water.  He kept asking if his friends could come over and swim in his water and I of course said yes and then we had to go through a list of his friends that would get to come.  Elsa?  Yes.  Gracie?  Yes.  Sandr?  Yes and on and on.

Then while Daddy continued to do his laps Joey decided he needed to pee pee so he got out.  However he didn't tell me he had to go to the bathroom and my first inkling was when I felt the warm water hitting my back.  I hollered to Larry that, "Your son is peeing on me" and Larry started to yell at him while I started to laugh.  He stopped his stream the instant Larry raised his voice but as soon as he heard me laughing he let it go and finished... on me.  Needless to say we had to have a talk about not only not peeing in the pool, but that it wasn't acceptable to pee on people either.

The whole thing was a little surreal, but it did provide some comic relief.  What can I say, that's my boy.

Pet Groomer Extraordinaire

Boy did my sister save my bacon today.  We've been infested once again with the flea virus and so she flea dipped both cats, blew  and combed them out while at the same time bathing and conditioning our dog, and combing out the bunnies winter coat as well.  And let us not forget all the nails... 16 nails clipped to a more manageable length and all done with a smile.

While we were at the shop grooming, or should I say while Crystal was grooming, mom and Joey stayed at Crystal's place so that we could bomb the house and get the infestation under control on all levels.  Larry got home at 2:30 just when we'd finished up with the animals and aired the house out so it would be safe for the rest of us to inhabit once again.

While Crystal was on a roll, she also trimmed up mom's hair and it turned out looking much better.  It had gotten quite long and mom was having to roll it every time she wanted to look presentable.

Did I mention that my sister is the best groomer around?  If not, then let me say it again, Crystal your the BEST!

Daffodil Hill in the Spring

A couple of weeks ago we ventured up the hill to the town of Volcano to experience the phenomenom called Daffodil Hill.  It was started many years ago by a simply farmer/ranchers wife who began her journey by planting a few bulbs.  Each year she added more, separated others until she had more than 300,000 bulbs planted.  As they emerge in the spring for their short life span it is like a river of gold flowing down the hillside, and fortunately for us the owners of the ranch as it stands today, have been kind enough to share it with the public.

Larry, Joe, myself along with Mary and Else made the trip, with picnic lunch in tow.  It took us just under an hour to get there and when we did, there were a lot of other folks with the same idea.  Although there were many people present it didn't feel overcrowded.

We had dressed Joey and Elsa in the Easter outfits and were going to attempt to take some photo's.  I still haven't seen the end result, so am not sure if we got any good ones or not, but my optimism says we did especially in light of how many pictures we took.

The kids had a ball running up and down the paths, flirting with the mostly senior population in the area.  Once we had sufficiently seen all the blooms on display we made our way down to the picnic grove for our lunch.  We had simple fair - sandwiches, chips, cookies and soda pop and juice boxes.  It made for a nice picnic.

After we finished we gathered our stuff and meandered over to the meadow to take a short siesta in the sun.  It made for a wonderful outing for one and all and it was great to get a chance to hang out with Mary and Elsa.

As soon as I get copies of the photo's I'll post a couple for your viewing pleasure.

Pacific Grove = Relaxation

Larry, Joey and I were the guests of my inlaws at a house they rented in Pacific Grove the second week off March.  It was literally right across the street from the ocean, and only a one block walk to a beach... it was perfect.  Joey got to spend some quality time with his grandparents and had a blast with them.

We spent one day at the beach building sand castles and checking out the tidepools.  Pop Pop was an expert at locating starfish and other crusty crustaceans on the sands floor... but then again he was raised just a few miles down the road in the city of Marina so he's had years of practice.

Another day we ventured over to the Dennis the Menace park which was fun for all of us.  They have a full size locomotive engine (which Joey was bummed would not move), and tons of innovative slides, bridges and tunnels.  Joey had us go back a couple of more times while we were there because he loved it so much.

We had intended to go to the Aquarium but because Joe was having an off day decided it wouldn't be pleasureable for any of us to go, especially at $30 a pop.  Instead we took him to the MY Museum which was created with kids in mind.  They had an actual ambulance inside with a dummy that you could gtive CPR, a farmers market, a lagoon with a boat in it, a small version of a golf course, and so much more.  Totally worth the $7 per adult to go - kids get in for free with an accompanying adult.

We checked out Fisherman's Wharf and ate at one of the local restaurants - seafood was yummy.  We also got to walk around the cannery and do a little shopping which was nice.

On our last night there Larry's parents watched Joey so that Larry and I could go out for a romantic dinner on our own.  We decided on Lattitudes which overlooks the bluff and was only about eight houses down from where we were staying.  It made for the perfect ending to a perfect mini vacation.

Thanks so much Mom and Dad for havings us, we had a great time and it made for some wonderful family memories.

Wonderful Weekend

Larry, Joey and I had the most pleasant three days this past weekend.  On Saturday we were joined by Larry's parents and his sister and niece for an outing at the Sacramento Zoo.  The weather couldn't have been better and the little ones loved riding on the new conservation carousel and of course the small train.

On Sunday we just played it lazy and hung out around the house.

Then on Monday we headed out to Joe's first dentist appointment (which went really well), and then headed over to a dog park in Citrus Heights to let Duke run with the big dogs while Joey got to play with Daddy at the playground.  Once we were all sufficiently worn out we headed over to Larry's favorite barber JoAnna who cleaned both my boys up quite nicely, so now they both are sporting fuzzy heads.

All in all it was a very satisfactory weekend and we made the most out of the gorgeous weather that was given us.

Daddy's Boy

Joe sure is his Daddy's boy.  It makes my heart happy when he always wants to help his Daddy with whatever he's doing.  Just this morning Larry was loading up a motorcycle to take over to his Dad's and Joey had to be right in the mix.  He lifted and carried one of the ramps to the truck and helped Daddy put it in.  Then he rooted him on as he rolled the motorcycle up and into the back of the pickup.  They really are two peas in a pod. 

I can just imagine in the years to come the projects they'll do together from building birdhouses, to boyscouts, to restoring old cars and motorcycles.  Makes me a little jealous, but at the same time like I said earlier it makes my heart happy... and I know that Joe and I will have our special moments too from hanging out in nature and camping, to getting his first dog, learning to cook and do laundry - you know the things a wife will really appreciate down the road (lol), to just having fun together.

For now though it's all about boys and their toys.

Bubba's said his final goodbye

I have been so sad this week coming to the realization that I was keeping my Bubba dog alive more for me than for him.  He has been failing in health this past year and let's face it Joe with his youthful enthusiasm has not been easy on him these past few months.  It's been getting harder and harder for him to get around with his hind quarters just completely failing him at times.  After watching him collapse several different times on Thursday morning I decided enough was enough and I wasn't doing him any favors making him live in constant pain and struggle.  Larry and I had known this was coming and had called around to several vets and the SPCA to determine which service was the best for us.  After speaking with the SPCA it was a no brainer.  They seemed the most compassionate, were cost effective, and cared for your pet up until the last moment of his life.

I waited until Larry got home from work, we dropped Joey off at Grammie and Pop Pop's and headed over to the SPCA.  I did my best not to cry on the way over as I'd been crying on and off all day and I didn't want Bubba to sense how upset I really was.  When we got there, Michael helped us through the process and then they allowed us as much time as we wanted before they were to take him back to the exam room, with a long hug and a kiss amongst my tears we said our farewells.  I will miss him dearly.

For those of you who don't know I inherited Bubba 8 years ago when my then boyfriend Ron passed away unexpectedly.  His family asked me if I'd be willing to take him since they couldn't think of a better home than mine for him, especially since they knew I was already in love with the big lug.  I said yes and we've been the closest of companions every since.  He got me through some very difficult times, and I'll always be grateful to him for that.

It was also because of him that I met Larry, while taking him for one of his many evening strolls.  If it weren't for him I wouldn't have Joe, or my hubby.

Bubba I love you and always will.

A Christmas Tree Hunting We Will Go

This year, due to weather, we did not cut down our own tree, but instead headed off to Mikey's Christmas Tree Lot on Sunrise.  This year I was in search of a Noble Pine, and one that wouldn't take up half of our living room.  We met Chuck and Kelly there at 4:00 and off we went in search of the perfect trees.  This was to be the girls year, we had final say, though of course the men had to have their input.

I kept having Larry pull out trees and set them side by side on the center aisle for comparison.  I'd choose a six, seven, even an eight foot tree to compare and Larry would drag out an additional 10, 11, and 12 foot variety.  Each one was supposedly better than the baby ones that I was choosing.  And Kelly and I kept having to tell them that they were not 'holes' in the trees, but intentional gaps since that was the type of tree I was going for.  I think all in all I must have said 100 times, "that's not a big gaping hole, it's an intentional gap, the way the tree is supposed to be structured".  Each time Larry would chuckle and go off in search of an even bigger tree.

Joey had a ball running around the whole time, in his own personal forest, yellin' Momma come, come, or Daddy here.  He was too cute.

After much deliberation and taking in Larry's input I chose my second favorite, a 7-foot beauty.  The first didn't pass the color test with Larry, and so my first choice went to another good home - Kelli and Chuck's.  We hauled our, and there's in the back of our truck and took first their's to their home and then ours back on home.  I have to admit I had a alterior motive for offering to take their tree for them as I wanted to see Kelli's early Christmas present, a darling little siamese mix kitty.  So I got some kitty cuddles, a quick cup of tea and then we were off towards home.  It made for a nice outing.

We put our tree up the next day, only to have it fall over, again, and again, and again.  Crystal came to our rescue with an appropriately sized tree stand and now we have a beautiful if "baby" tree in our living room and a nice white artificial tree set up in the family room.  Joe's had quite the fun time of it driving me crazy taking the balls off and playing toss with them.  Thank goodness their all plastic at his level.  Now if I could only teach him the right way to hang them back up, but I think that skill is going to have to wait for another year.

Larry

I just want to say for the record that I love my hubby.  He's always so supportive of anything I want to do, and in fact encourages me to get out and do things with my friends regardless of how much time it will take me away from the house.

I appreciate your thoughtfullness and all the help you give me with Joey.

Off to the Reindeer Games

My mother-in-love Bonnie orchestrated a chili night at her house this past weekend complete with reindeer games.  We had childi with all the trimmings - sour cream, onions, cheese and let's not forget the pickles.  Yes I said pickles, and unless you've tried it you don't know what your missing.  Pickles really bring out all the different flavors of your chili - who knew.  Plus we had cornbread, homeade cookies, pies, and egg nog cream puffs.  All of it was scrumptious.

After we had thoroughly stuffed our selves we played reindeer games.  We placed one game where you were an elephant mask and had to pick up rings using only your trunks.  Joey, Elsa and Larry particularly enjoyed this game.  I can only imagine what the photo's look like (lol).  Then we played the reindeer game where each of two teams gets a pair of pantyhose and some balloons and your task is to blow up the balloons, stuff the pantyhose to make anterles, then once complete one player on your team (yes that would be me) had to put the stuffed pantyhose on their heads and sing Jingle Bells all the way through.  My team was the winning team of course and I even through in a little dance while I sang.  It was just to much fun.

For a day that started off bad for me, almost where I didn't even go, but didn't want to miss out on the family fun and that was before I knew there would be games, and yet it ended on such a high note.  Thanks mom for organizing this fun get together, Larry, Joe and I totally enjoyed ourselves and the company of family and friends.

Overnight Parties

Joey had his third overnight adventure... this time it was at Aunt Crystals.  He got to have her all to himself the first evening, and then his cousin Gracie came over in the morning to join in the fun.  Crystal said it all went pretty well.  She put him down at his usual bedtime, 7:00 PM, and he went pretty much without a fuss but she said she could hear him in their talking to himself and just moving about until almost 9:00 when he finally fell asleep.  From there it was smooth sailing, until he fell out of bed.  She went right in and calmed him down and he went right back to sleep until 6:45 the next morning.  He never sleeps in that late for me, but for Auntie Giggles, of course he'll sleep in late.  Of course Crystal was already awake because she kept listening for him from about 3:30 on which is when Larry usually gives him a fresh bottle and a fresh diaper, but Joey apparently had other things on his mind as he slept right through this time frame.

Gracie got there about 9:30 and from that point on it was all things princess.  He played baby with Gracie, with Gracie being the baby and him feeding her from a teacup, they played with the princess dolls, had a tea party, and colored their little hearts out.  Gracie taught him how to share better and was just so gracious with him.  She also taught him the Clean Up song when it came time to pick everything up.  All in all they had great fun together.

Mom and I headed over around mid-afternoon to hang out with them and then to have dinner.  Beth joined us about 6:30 and we sat down to a fabulous meal of b-b-q tri tip, homeade potatoe salad, and corn on the cobb.  She'd also made fried chicken tenders for the kids, and cut up some melon.  We all ate good that night, ending with toffee brittle ice cream bars.

I got Joey dressed for night time and then we headed hom around 8:00 and I put one very sleepy boy down to bed.

Joey loves every moment he gets to spend with Aunty Crystal, and she loves her special times with him to.  I'm lucky to have such a generous sister who's willing to give up her free time so that Larry and I can have a little bit of couple time to ourselves.  Thanks sis.  We love you.

Gobble Gobble... going, going, gone

Well Thanksgiving has come and gone and I for one am stuffed.  We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner with family who also happens to be friends.  All of Larry's immediate family came, plus his Aunt Margaret and her beau Kevin.  On my side I had Crystal and Jeff and Mom.  It ended up being 16 in all which was just about the perfect size for a get together.  We had wondeful food, fine conversation, and lots of love.

I am so thankful for my family and friends, today and always.  I had a lot of help in preparing for this dinner and cleaning up afterwards, as well as food and beverage contributions from pretty much everyone who attended our celebration.

I am very thankful for my husband who supports me and my health issues on a daily basis.  For my mom who makes me laugh and helps me around the house as best she can.  For my little boy who shows me love and makes me laugh on a daily basis.  For in-laws who love and support me and my family.  For my own family who love and support me.  For my dog Bubba who although old is a puppy at heart and my constant companion.  For our ever growing family of pets that add fun and even more love to our household.  For my cat Callie who cuddles with me each night, keeping me warm.

I am most thankful for this wonderful life that I have been given.  Thank you to one and all who have contributed to making my life more meaningful, and I won't name names because you all know who you are.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

A Cake Decorating I Go

Crystal and I went to our first Wilton Cake Decorating Class this past Monday.  It seems like it's going to be fun, but expensive.  We thought it a great bargain - 40% of the class fee so it only cost $27 and then another 40% off one item - our Course 1 Kit, so it only ended up costing $14... sounds like a bargain, right?  Wrong.  We get in the class and the instructor, Annie, gives us another sheet listing other must haves, about another $75 worth per participant.  I don't know about you, but my money doesn't just grown on trees.  I was trying to justify the $41 dollars that I thought this adventure was going to run and now I learn it will be over $100.  It made me want to sit on the floor and cry.

Crystal came to my rescue offfering to buy my supplies for my Christmas present.  A very generous Christmas present.  I was grateful, but at the same time humiliated that I couldn't afford to provide my own supplies.  What had started out as such a fun adventure with my sister now seemed like a burden with little joy left in it.

Crystal again came to the rescue today, baking her first cake to practice on, leaving me in hysterical laughter at her 1-hour updates.  According to her it wasn't near as easy icing the cake without getting crumbs as Annie had indicated.  She said that it looked like a speckled cake by the time she was done with the thin icing coat no matter how hard she tried.  As we all know she's a Virgo, and a perfectionist so I'm sure it's not as bad as she thinks.  What had me really laughing was her comment that her cake didn't even look like the ones in our instruction manual.  Now technically we haven't even attempted anything, that's this coming Monday, so far we've only watched the instructor make icing in several consistencies and ice a 6-inch cake and yet my sister, God love her, thinks she should be able to produce a near perfect decorated cake.  You just gotta love that kind of enthusiasm.

I'm waiting with baited breath to see the photo of the finished product.  If it turns out well enough, which I'm sure it will be, she's going to take it to work for one of her co-workers birthdays tomorrow.  Yum.

Trick or Treat

We had so much fun this evening taking Joey trick-or-treating.  Larry dressed up in full regalia as Batman (or Fatman as he called himself), I went as a clown, and Joey went as the Fire Chief, and he looked so darling.  He carried an axe and wouldn't let go of his goody bag for anything.  Grammi lent us her wagon so if he got to tired we'd be prepared, only he wanted to ride in the "boat" in between every house which made the whole process take twice as long.  Next year we'll know just to hoof it and plan to head home when he gets burned out on trick-or-treating.  All in all I think we only hit about 20 houses before he was ready to go home and go to bed.

He picked a sucker that our neighbor Nick gave him and we let him have it before he went to bed.  He was so worn out he didn't even argue when I said it was bed time which surprised me because his night routine was so thrown off tonight and he didn't get his bath or his "down" time with Daddy.  We're so lucky that he's such a laid back boy most of the time.

Larry was in his element having spooktifieid our house and was pretty full of himself as everyone kept telling him he had the best house.  He did do an awesome job, he always does, but we also had some pretty cool other houses within a couple block radius.

All in all in was an awesome Halloween even if Joe and I were sick.  We made sure not to touch anyone else so as not to pass on our germs, and made sure that Joey got the chance to show off his costume to his grandparents and Great Uncle Brian.  I really enjoyed seeing all the little ones dressed up from princess' to ghouls to bunny rabbits and clowns.  It was a great turn out this year and even as I type this Larry is still passing out treats to the kids in our neighborhood.