Good night

Another evening draws to a close. Sometimes during the day, I'll count down the hours til bedtime. You know those days, everybody's whiny, you're tired, and the evening seems so loooong. Well, not today. These days that go smoothly make up for that occasional long day. My hunny got up early to allow the guys in to replace the shower surround (yeah!). So we played games with the kids, watched Meet the Robinsons, and even got a nap in. Then my friends and their multiple children came over for dinner and an attempt at quilting (my friends, not the kids!). I've hidden the camera so well that even I couldn't find it to take a picture of the quilt, but it's coming right along. This particular baby blanket was started for my nephew (um, he's seven months now), but I hope to finish it before he enters college, LOL. Anyway, we have another date on the calendar before the month's out to work on it again. Maybe the camera will make an appearance by then so I can post my work of art!
Among the kids that came tonight was my eldest son's best friend. They have been buds since the first time they met, over 5 years ago. Back then, they referred to each other as "friend". I think it was a whole year before they learned each other's names. I suppose a name is not near as important as good friendship. I'm so thankful for these good friends my kids have. And of course, I'm thankful that my friends who keep calling in spite that I rarely return my phone calls! They all are just hopeful on the odd day that I might be able to hear the ringer, locate it, put it together (my son has dropped it so many times that it falls apart when I pick it up) and actually answer it. I must say, I sometimes wonder why they bother going to all that trouble to get together. Mmm, it must be that I cook the dinner every time:)

Thanks, Big Gary:)

My cousin Gary flew in from California Sunday night. He stayed with us until today, when my mom picked him up. I have to give Gary kudos. He is 30 years my senior, and his 2+2 boys are well grown and out of the house. However, he did survive the time change, noise, the pulling of kids, and the hr long (VERY LONG) trip to Cocoa, all with a smile on his face. My kids rarely meet someone they don't climb, waller (sp?), and talk nonstop to. He was no exception. He was gracious enough to let my 11 yr old play with his beloved camcorder and camera. Big Gary even gave my son Garry pointers on how to take good pictures and movies. Very patient with all the questions, too. We sure love to see you come, Big Gary.
And to your beloved wife Diane, who we greatly miss, is forever in our hearts:)

In loving memory-Diane 1949-2008

Hawaii '05

G-duh

When I don't use my recipe planner, it screws my entire week up. This past week, I haven't really done any shopping because I was out of town several days, so I've just been piecing dinners together every night. Tonight was no exception. However, one must always check the expiration dates!!! Now, mind you that I usually don't keep food for very long around here, I was quite suprised to open the salsa (the very mild kind that comes in the taco kits) and discovering that it was a yucky brown, circa 2006. Of course, I didn't discover this until after I had placed on enchiladas. So, not using my brain, I announced dinner was ruined and we headed to Boston Market. When we got back, I had a g-duh moment. Why didn't I just removed the insides and restart???? The only thing effected was the tortillas and I had plenty more. I even had enchilada sauce that could have replaced the salsa.... By that time, said dinner was under water and unusable. Sometimes I really miss my brain.
I had a fun afternoon with my 2 middle kids. I put the baby down to nap, and left my oldest to do his school. (Dad's home). We went on all my errands, picked out some Christmas decorations and even out to lunch for a pizza. They have so much to say! I think the kids had fun as well. Bryce head butting the Postman (he asked for it!) made for a great laugh, and we talked about everything we came into contact with. It's amazing that even just downsizing a couple of kids makes a huge difference. Aidan (baby) takes up so much time, I don't always get to sit down and chat with the others.

Home Again

I'm home. Tired. We went to my cousin's wedding Saturday, where my daughter was a flower girl (pictures to follow). My daughter is in love with weddings. The gifts, the dress, and of course, the dancing. She danced from the time the music started, until it ended, 3 hrs later. AND THEN she helped dismantling the decorations. We didn't get into the van until 11pm. There she did tell me she was "pretending" to be tired! LOL, I was way past pretending...
So here we are, home again. For a least a couple of days! I cannot believe the holidays are fast approaching. I think the calendar is already full, and we're just barely into November. I can't wait to decorate. I really do love Christmas!!!

Enjoying the cool

Ok, I know. In any other part of the country, 79 wouldn't be considered cool. But, being that we are in central FL, it's great! I have had the a/c shut off for the past couple of days, and the back door is always open. Really, I'm not for the cold. However, I do love this weather, and look forward to at least a couple of days of using the fireplace (don't laugh, we turn down the air to use it some years)!
The kids have been taking great advantage of the great outdoors, playing (and digging) in the dirt. On the down side, it does require several baths per kid per day-and my floors do stay on the sandier side (yuck), but they do enjoy it and one day I'll have clean floors and no laughter, hugs or small voices saying "I love you". Extra floor mopping and triple baths are ok in my book.

My hunny and I went to Daytona yesterday for Biketoberfest. I must admit, riding on a bike is just not near as fun as it used to be. My thighs hurt today (maybe a sign that I need to exercise more!), and more and more people are idiots on the road, both car and motocycle drivers. While I'm happy my other half has his dream toy, I do pray daily that he gets tired of it and maybe buys a convertible...do they make one that holds six??! We were able to have dinner with my sis and her husband, and that was worth the very NOT fun trip over. Mmm, how long can this faze of his life last?

Time flies:)

Wow,
I can't believe it's been so long since my last blog. I am in front of the computer every day, but it seems really difficult to actually put something into words. It's just easier reading about someone elses life:) We have had a very busy month, still what excuse is that?!?
For starters, the week before we left to go to our family reunion: TS Fay came to town and blew enough rain our way to make our roof leak (new roof needed). Microwave died.
Went on our trip, on the way home our car transmission died (replaced it just 2 yrs ago), got home, sink disposal died, son got 3 stitches (of course, the same son who always makes trips to er!), and a/c died (thanks, Uncle Steve for fixing it!).
It's all good though-- God worked it out; insurance paid for the roof, Aamco cut our bill in half and replaced the transmission, and B-boy's stitches were out in a week. My in-laws were gracious enough to replace our microwave, and my now handy-dandy hubby replaced the disposal. Back on track again!

Quiet time

It's midnight here, and I should be heading to bed, really, I should. A small child will be up before I know it asking for breakfast, and another will want a bottle. So why am I still up?
Because it's quiet! I can watch a movie and actually hear it (Stardust is playing), type on the computer without little hands helping, and a multitude of other mommy stuff. I'm trying to do it all at the same time:) Don't get me wrong, I do love my kids, but there really is something wonderful about the quietness of the house at night. If I could just get away without sleeping at all, I could have the best of both worlds. However, I do realize that all I want is a couple of hours. Any more than that, I can't stand. I sure am not looking forward to the day when there will be no one bounding down the stairs, chasing each other and laughing. Hopefully, it will work out that my oldest will bring me a new one by the time the youngest leaves (yikes!) home. It seems like so far away, yet I know that it's right around the corner.