My year thus far...

Wow, where has the time gone? It really seems like yesterday we were getting ready for the first day of school and now here we are looking spring break square in the eyes!

It's been a quiet year so far. Just the everyday busyness of life seems to be taking up so much time I haven't enjoyed much of it. On the bright side I am doing an excellent job of keeping last year's (that's 2009) resolutions!

It will be S's birthday in a few weeks. Nine years old, talk about time flying! Next year we will be in the tween years (xanax anyone) and she is already practicing how batty she will drive the whole household. My mom says I was the same way when I was that age, but I think it's her mind playing tricks on her confusing me with one of my other sisters, ha,ha!

C is playing t ball now. He is the largest child on his team. It doesn't matter how big he gets, I still will see him as the little baby I brought home from the hospital. He told me earlier today he will never be too embarassed to give me a hug and kiss before school, I plan on holding him to that.

Game ON!!

Ok, so last night was Halloween, not my most favorite of holidays, but it came anyway. We took the kids to a couple different city parties then it was off to trick-or-treat around the neighborhood. About the second house I realized it was the first time my kids had been trick-or-treating!! Usually we take them to a church party on Halloween and come home after the 9:00 stop time. So we gave them the run-down on how to get the treats and after a couple of "practice" houses they were pro's. After the kids had filled thier bags we made the trip home, sorted the candy, let them eat a few treats, then off to bed.

Now the fun for me begins. I see Halloween as the beginning gunshot to the holidays. It's go time for me, menus to plan, crafts to make, recipes to try out on my unsuspecting family, the list goes on and on. But it's a fun time, lots of fun things to do, lots of fun things to make, and most importantly, lots of reasons to get together with friends. Oh and let's not forget the food: hams, turkeys, side dishes, desserts, drinks, oreo turkeys, candy cane reindeer, F-U-N!! So now the gunshot has been fired and all I have to say is "It's game time, whooo!!!!!"

It's Fall!

I love fall. For me it starts the day after Labor Day and ends the day after Thanksgiving. I think it's way too short a season, but I do what I can with the time I'm given. I have my fall movies, decorations, food, candles, and crafts. This year I'm trying to make slipcovers for my chairs. I've never done anything like that before, usually I stick to desserts, but this year I'm branching out.

The kids love fall too. The weather is great for outdoor adventures, and now that we have added a dog to the family, I'm sure the adventures will be plenty.

My big surprise

This past weekend was my 11th anniversary. Coincidentally the days fell on the exact days of our wedding and it was also Labor Day weekend when we were married, so what better time to go on a second anniversary? That is exactly what Vincent was thinking because he booked a surprise weekend stay at Disney (where we went on our honeymoon). All of last week he would hint to what he was doing but never gave it away, which is okay because I love surprises. It wasn't until we made the turn on I-4 exiting to the Magic Kingdom that I knew what he had done. The surprises didn't stop at the park, he had booked us a room at the Grand Floridian! I have to say, if this is how the elite live, sign me up! The hotel was absolutely beautiful. I would have been perfectly happy sleeping on one of the sofas in the lobby. The room was so pretty with it's own balcony overlooking the lagoon. Vincent had done all of this planning, by his-self. He booked the hotel, purchased the tickets, and even asked my sister to babysit. All I had to do was have a good time. And a good time I did have! The park was decorated for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween. All of the fall colors was a very welcome change from all of the summer themes that have been around. We had such a fun time, it was almost like it was on our honeymoon, no kids, we got to ride all of the grown-up rides, and the only thing I had to worry about was making sure I had my purse. It was great.

The First Day of School

Like a lot of other families, yesterday was the first day of school for us, it was a bittersweet day. I felt a mixture of excitement, anticipation, nervousness, and a little sadness when it was time to wake the kids up. It was the first day of 3rd grade for Ms. S and K-5 (formerly known as just kindergarten) for Mr. C. They were both up and ready in no time so getting ready and out the door went pretty smoothly. On the ride to school we talked about how exciting the first day of school was and how proud dad and I were of them starting another year. We dropped Mr. C off at his classroom first. He went right in, put his things in his cubby, and sat in his seat. No tears, no long looks goodbye, nothing. I did get a hug but it was rushed. So first kid down, one more to go. As we took Ms. S (the emotional one) to her room, I thought to myself "keep it together", she walked to her room, gave dad and I a hug and walked in. Again, no tears, no come back looks, nothing. She was searching the room for which of her friends was there and putting her things where they belong. V and I walked to the car and started driving home, that's when I let my tears fall. I was feeling so blessed to have a school where my children feel safe, where they know they are surrounded by teachers, friends, and other faculty who genuinely want to be there and will take care of them so there was no need for clinging on for mommy not to leave. I was happy that I had the privilege to take my two healthy, happy children to school, I saw so many children waiting for the bus on the way. I was nervous leaving the kids, it was the first time since June that I was going to be away from them for more than a few minutes. I also felt a little sad. When the routine of school sets in time will pass by so much quicker, in no time it will be Christmas, then Ms. S's birthday, then Mr. C's birthday then next thing graduation and college. We have such a short time with our children before they know everything and have no need for us and the first day of school is just a reminder of that. After a few minutes, I dried my tears and V and I drove to our quiet, empty house.

My first blog!

Ok, so two of my dear friends (you know who you are!) suggested I start my own blog. I have to admit, I'm new at this, I talk better than I write. Here's to hoping my deepest thoughts and the not so deep thoughts bring joy all who read!