Zoe & "Miss Claus"!!!!

I had to post a few pictures that I took this afternoon of Zoe & our puppy Maggie (Believe it or not, Maggie is only 6 months old!). One day while shopping Zoe insisted on getting Maggie a Miss Claus outfit, at least that's what Zoe called it. So, without further a do, here's Miss Magnolia Mayflower (otherwise known as Maggie) as Miss Claus & her very best friend Zoe!

It's Beginning to Feel Like Christmas!

I finally finished our shopping last night. I'm usually not one to wait until the last minute, but I just couldn't get into it this year. (not sure why) I'm spending today wrapping presents & filling stockings. Now, I do have to admit, that I love stockings. In fact, getting my stocking is probably my favorite event Christmas morning. There's just something about emptying out all of the contents to which I have no clue as to what they'll be. Paul always fills my stocking & I do his & Zoe's.

While I was shopping last night Paul & Zoe made their annual No Bake Cookies for Santa. Of course, they each had to sample them & lick the bowl clean. I was hoping they would wait until I got home so I could take some pictures of their extravaganza, but I was too late. The cookies turned out good. So good that Zoe had two for her "snack" this morning! She did inform me that she & dad discussed how many cookies they should leave out for Santa Christmas Eve night & dad convinced her that Santa would need about 5! Zoe thought that was quite a few but dad was probably right since Santa needed a lot of energy to get from house to house. (Huh - I have a feeling dad is going to be wired from all of the chocolate when he goes to bed Christmas Eve!!!!)

Tomorrow our Christmas adventure begins. (You can guarantee I will have camera in tow!!!!) Zoe & I are headed to my hometown to have lunch with our cousins - Haley, EJ, & Ian. They are such nice kids & we really enjoy their company. In the afternoon Paul, Zoe, & I will travel to Paul's sisters for Christmas with Paul's dad side of the family. Zoe is so looking forward to seeing her cousins Austen & Kylee from Louisiana. We only see them about twice a year so it's always a treat being with them (& Aunt Jan & Uncle Jeff)! Christmas morning we will open our presents & see what Santa left Zoe. Then we will have lunch & family time with Paul's mom's side of the family at his cousins Christy's. After leaving there we will make our last stop at my parents house. We always have a good time there. (especially Paul as he aggravates our nieces & nephews!) And finally, back to our house late Christmas night.

Not sure if I will be posting again before Christmas. Just in case I don't, have a Merry Christmas! May you create magical memories that will last a lifetime!

Special Prayers for a Special Girl

Last week we were lead to an on-line article about a 5 year old adoptee from China who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Lydia is currently undergoing treatment at Children's Hospital in Ohio. Her story is one of remarkable courage & strength.

Please take the time to read Lydia's story and then go here & leave a message of encouragement for her & her family. As parents we cannot imagine the emotions associated with finding out your child has leukemia. However, as parents of an adopted child, these emotions must be even more devastating knowing the best chance of a cure for your child is finding a bone marrow donor since neither adopted parent nor siblings are a match.

In this most magical time of the year, all of us can think of at least one person/family that could use an extra prayer in their time(s) of struggles. Would you please say an extra prayer for Lydia & her family? Miracles happen every day. What a blessing it would be if a bone marrow match is found for sweet little Lydia!

Long Overdue

Things have been so crazy around here. Every time I sit down to update this blog, I get sidetracked & end up throwing the whole idea out the door. Perhaps, I can get 'er done now!

Saturday night Paul & I had a date night. It had been about 6 months since just the two of us did something by ourselves. We ended up Christmas shopping, going out to eat, & seeing a movie. It was a lot of fun.

Today Zoe & I are enjoying our first snow day off of school for the year! Not that we got any amount of snow worth bragging about. However, we do have ICE. It started raining last night about 10 PM & the temperature dropped very quickly. Several hours later we were met with freezing rain & a little bit of snow. When I took Maggie out this morning, it was still sleeting & very cold. So, Zoe & I are staying inside. She's loving being in her pj's & watching her shows while laying in the recliner!!!! (my kind of girl!!!!)

I've finally completed our Christmas cards - all 320 of them! (Yes, you read that right - 320.) I love Christmas & making my own cards is one of my most favorite things to do. I love receiving Christmas cards too. Sometimes it's the only time of the year we hear from certain friends. I treasure those friendships just as I do the friends I see each & every day. So, catching up is fun to do.

By the way, only 4 more days until my Christmas break begins! Yahoo! With a snow day today, I can just imagine how out of control my students are going to be tomorrow - let alone the rest of the week!!!!

PS - Check back later this evening. I plan on posting about something very dear to our hearts!

Monday Madness

With every Monday comes the "I don't want to get out of bed" at 5:30 AM when my alarm goes off. Huh! The things we have to do to pay our bills. So, with one foot in front of the other, I made my way into the bathroom to get ready for another week of work. I know, I know, I really shouldn't be complaining. I did just have 4 days off in a row for Thanksgiving break. And, I get a two full weeks off for Christmas break. Unfortunately, I have three more weeks until that break gets here. When the first bell rang at school this morning my students greeted me with "only 15 more days"! So, began the count down!!!! (I know, I'm pathetic!)

~ ~ ~ No More Ballgames ~ ~ ~

Well, yesterday Zoe, Brandy (also known as "Sissy"), & I ventured out about 9 AM & returned about 9 PM. A full 12 hours of ......what else?......You guessed it.........basketball games!!! At first Zoe was excited because she was going to see her cousin Haley play as well as Meredith (Haley's twin brother Ian's girlfriend). She quickly realized was that we were not just at the gym to watch one game, but at least three. (She wasn't too thrilled!) You see, it was a tournament with pool play. Brandy & I had planned on staying for the entire duration since we both love high school basketball. Zoe was okay for a while visiting with Kathy & Jimmy (Haley's parents) & Phillip (Haley's boyfriend) ,but after the second game of the day, she fell asleep on my lap for about an hour. Unfortunately, Haley did not win either game she played. Here's a few pictures of Haley in action:

Being announced for the starting line up.....

Shooting a free throw....(which she made!)

Getting ready to box out........

Wonder what she's thinking........

Waiting for the shooter to release the ball......

I must admit that Zoe was very good considering we saw a total of 5 basketball games! As we were driving home Zoe says, "Do we have to go to another basketball game tomorrow?" I proudly replied, "No not tomorrow." (I wasn't about to tell her that two nights this coming week we will be attending basketball games.) Tuesday night we are headed to E.J.'s college game. He will be playing against our neighbor Kyle. And, on Wednesday night Zack & Ian have their first home high school games. Won't she be thrilled when we're in the car headed for those?!

Only Two More Weeks

Zoe has been loving this past week around our house. Several of the neighborhood kids have been home from college & have spent quite a bit of time at our house. One in particular is Brandy, otherwise know as "Sissy"! Before having Zoe she often filled the void in my life as I longed for a child of my own. Since the arrival of Zoe, Brandy has continued to be such an integral part of our lives. She's headed back to school today. We'll miss her smile & bubbling personality. But as Zoe reminded me - "Only 2 more weeks & Sissy will be back!"

It's Close to Turkey Time

You can tell that the holidays are fast approaching. My students have been nuts the past two days. Luckly we get out early tomorrow & then it's a four-day weekend! (I must admit that I am equally excited!)

I know it's been a while since I've posted. Things have been quite crazy around here. Paul & I were in Chicago this past weekend for a school board convention. Not only was the conference very informative, but the festivities that went along with it were even better! On Saturday at dusk Chicago's annual Christmas parade & fireworks were held. It was fun watching from inside the hotel as Santa rolled into town. Zoe had a great weekend with her Nana & PawPaw. She attended a couple of basketball games of her cousins, went shopping, & even sat on Santa's lap at the mall.

Tomorrow Zoe has a short pre-school Thanksgiving program. She has been practicing her songs for about a week & a half so I think she's ready. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend. So, I'm sending Paul with the video camera as well as the digital camera. It'll be interesting to see what we end up with!!!!!

Tomorrow evening Paul is having his annual guy "Thanksgiving Eve" card party at our house. Zoe & I will be doing our usual thing as well - going to the movies. She has decided she wants to see Bolt, the kid movie about a dog. So, we'll make a night out of it. (out to eat, movies, shopping, ice cream, etc.) No reason to hurry home. Paul & his buddies won't be leaving anytime soon!

Thanksgiving day Paul is on call. He's staying home while Zoe & I go to my sister Tracy's for lunch. Zoe is very excited as she will get to hang out with her cousins! Thursday night we are going bowling with my cousin Kathy & her family. I haven't been bowling in years. That could be very interesting!

The rest of the week has us going to basketball games & perhaps doing a little shopping. I also hope to get my Christmas cards & decorations organized. On Sunday Paul, Zoe, & I are headed to an NFL game. Not so sure it will be a good game, but the nachos are always worth it.

Don't know if I will be posting again before Thanksgiving. I hope each of you have a wonderful holiday & enjoy spending time with family & friends. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

Lovin' the Cousins 'n Basketball!

Last Saturday afternoon Zoe, Brandy (the neighbor girl who was home from college), & I attended my cousin EJ's college basketball game. Zoe was loving it. She was not only excited to have the opportunity to go someplace with her "sissy" (as she calls Brandy), see her new boyfriend EJ, but also to get to spend time with EJ's siblings, Ian & Haley. However, there was an added bonus (x2) - Ian's girlfriend Meredith & Haley's boyfriend Phillip! The whole gang was there - EJ's parents along with Meredith's dad.

Last night we attended another one of EJ's basketball games. Zoe once again took in every minute she could hanging out with cousins Ian & Haley plus Meredith. Much to my surprise, Meredith's dad gave me some pictures that he had taken at the game on Saturday. Here's just a glimpse of the 44 pictures that he gave me!

While walking back from the concession stand with Ian, Zoe was looking pretty hard to get someone's attention. Who could it be?......................

Well, of course................EJ!!!!!!

Zoe & Meredith

She's excited about something!

Out of the Mouth of Babes!

I usually get my hair cut & colored about every 4 weeks or so with a standing appointment. However, it's been much longer than that because of scheduling conflicts with my hairdresser. Anyway, the other day I was getting ready to go somewhere & my hair was not cooperating. It just wasn't doing what I wanted & thought it should be doing. (probably because it's about 3 weeks too long!) Anyway, I was getting aggravated & talking to myself out loud about how I needed a haircut & a color. When all of the sudden, Miss Zoe (who was in the other room) comes in & says - "Momma, your hair is silver. Just like the Arch!!!!!"

Could she have been more blunt (or truthful for that matter!!!!). Isn't it something how kids say the darnest but yet honest things?!

So, today after work I headed to the beauty shop & got my hair cut & colored. When I asked Zoe if she approved of my new look, she said - "It looks good, but the Arch's color is so much prettier!"

Kissin' Cousins!!!

The past few days have been very stressful & tiring, as you can imagine. Uncle John's funeral was a very nice testament to him & his wonderful, caring personality. (I must admit, I was waiting for the soloist to bust out in song - Big John....Big Bad John!!!!!) He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, friend, etc. He will forever be my #1 uncle, very dear to my heart.


However, as stressful as the last couple of weeks have been, Zoe seems to have found a new boyfriend, EJ, my cousin Kathy's 18 year old son. Zoe latched on to him one night at the hospital last week. Since then, she has talked about him non-stop. So, you can imagine how excited Zoe was when she saw EJ walk into the funeral home for the visitation. Throughout the night she colored, ate cookies, took walks, etc. with him. When we went out to eat, she had to sit by him & he ended up holding her for over an hour. She keeps telling Paul & I that EJ is her boyfriend. So, I guess that would make them KISSIN' COUSINS! (The rule is only with first cousins, correct?! That's what we're banking on!)

Kissin' Cousins - Zoe & EJ

Hooters Girl - Coming Soon!!!

Well, last Thursday I had parent teacher conferences at my school that lasted well into the night. Upon arriving home, Zoe met me at the door very excited. What had arrived at our house - yep, you guessed it - Hooters shorts! Come to find out our neighbor girl, Rhianna, has started working at Hooters & actually brought over a pair of the real Hooters orange shorts just for Zoe. (If you remember, I was bidding on a pair on Ebay. Well, someone must have needed them worse than I did because they outbid me by a mile!) Anyway, Zoe was so excited. She already had her pj's on so there was no encouragement on my part for her to try them on right away. I was hoping to showcase "Zoe the Hooters Girl" this weekend, but with everything going on with my uncle, we just haven't had time. We're headed out of town for a few days for the visitation & funeral. So, you're gonna have to wait a couple more days until we're back home & things have settled down. Be on the look out - Zoe, the Hooters Girl, will be coming to a computer near you!

Better or Bitter..............You Choose!

Whew! Time to take a breath. Do you ever look back on a week (or two) & just sigh in relief? That's what I am doing today. The last couple of weeks have been so hectic that I can't keep everything straight. Besides the everyday hustle & bustle that goes with work, home, & keeping up with a five year old, we've experienced a family heartbreak as well.

A week ago this past Wednesday, my uncle went in for an emergency appendectomy. What usually is a routine surgery ended up being not so routine. Uncle John was taken to the Intensive Care Unit & never regained consciousness. After numerous tests & consultations with several doctors, the decision was that everything that could possibly be done had been done. There was nothing else to do. So, yesterday the decision was made to take him off of life support & let him die peacefully. With his daughter & daughter-in-law by his side, he died last night about 9:20.

Now that brings me to my title of this post. Bitter or Better? One day last week we had an assembly at school. It featured a former pro-wrestler who is now a motivational speaker. His platform is Bitter or Better. Meaning we choose our emotions. We can either take a situation & make it worse or look for the positives in the situation & make it better.

I am trying very hard to look for the positives in Uncle John's death. I want to make the situation better. So, in doing so, I want to share one of my favorite moments with him:

When I was in junior high, Uncle John took my cousin Cheryl & I to a major league baseball game. On the way to & from the game we ate at White Castle. The three of us decided that we would keep all of the little boxes the burgers came in & throw them in the floorboard of my aunt's car to represent my cousin Sean's car (which we named Meals on Wheels - there was trash everywhere!). Well, Aunt Ginny didn't think this was too funny. Not only did she not like all of the trash, but she says it took about 6 months for the smell to escape the care! (I'm sure Uncle John caught hell for quite some time!)

Lucky Me!......Lucky You?!

I am probably the most unlucky person. I never win anything. However last week I won NOT ONE, but TWO giveaways. Can you believe it? I'm still surprised about it.

First Giveaway - The first giveaway that I won was from Three at Four. By leaving a comment on Angela's blog I was entered into her drawing for a set of homemade cards made by Lianna. So, I picked a set of Halloween cards from Lianna's little store, Greeting Cards for Our Garden. Check 'em out for yourself. There might be something you just have to have.

Second Giveaway - The second giveaway that I won was from Jen at The Art of Living Boutique. She was having a giveaway for the grand opening of her store that specializes in adoption merchandise. You can just imagine how excited I was to know that I could pick something out. Of course, I thought of Zoe first & let her choose between a couple of items. Here's what she picked out: (Isn't it cute?!)

Perhaps I should buy a lottery ticket & see if my luck continues. What do ya think?...

Could you be lucky?

My friend Lianna, who I mentioned above, is having a raffle to raise money for IVF treatments. Unfortunately, her health insurance covers nothing. As a survivor of the infertility roller coaster (Those of you who have experienced infertility, know exactly what I am talking about.) I can relate to her frustrations in dealing with each & every "inconvenience"; whether it be taking shots, getting the dreaded call from the doctor, receiving another bill indicating you owe 100%, etc.

I thought about Lianna's situation for several days trying to rack my brain about what I could do to help out. As I was cleaning my closet out, I came across a Coach purse & wallet that I had actually bought for my one of my nieces thinking that my sisters would rig the Christmas exchange so that Zoe would get one of the girls' names. Well, do you think they rigged it for me? Heck no! So, seeing that purse & wallet in my closet got me to thinking....I'm gonna give that to Lianna to raffle off. Not sure if it will raise a lot of money, but I hope it helps put a little dent in their fundraising effort. Anyway, go visit Lianna & give her a shout out. You never know, you could be the big winner just by stopping by.

Gunner Earns His Wings

It's with great sadness that I write this post. Several of you who have been following our blog for quite some time recall that I have mentioned Gunner Gillespie several times. He was an 8 year old boy from Marshall County, Kentucky who had an inoperable brain tumor. He's fought so hard over the last year, but his little body slowly gave out. Please keep his family in your prayers as Gunner earned his wings this afternoon. Many tears are being shed thinking of the little boy who was such an inspiration to others. However, the angels are singing as they welcomed a sweet little boy entering Heaven's gates.

Gracie's Big Day!

Monday morning Zoe, Hannah, & I set out to witness the final court hearing in my niece Gracalyn's (Gracie) adoption. Not only did everything go as planned, but little Miss Gracie looked so sweet in her pale yellow dress & bow to match. It was a dream come true for my sister Heather & her husband Marvin.

Heather, The Judge, Megan (Marvin's daughter) Gracie, & Marvin

The older cousins (minus Zack who was at school) line up for a picture!

That evening we had a family dinner to celebrate Gracie's adoption. Everyone enjoyed visiting with each other & watching Heather open a few gifts. Of course, Zoe loved being around Gracie & always wanted to hold her.

Zoe carrying Gracie. (Made for 2 very nervous moms!)

My One Good Thing (OGT) for the day was spending time with my nieces & nephews. They are so much fun. They are at the age when they think I'm still kind of cool. Since I was in town all day, I took my nephews Blake & Zack and Zack's girlfriend Kaylyn out to lunch. Then once school was out, my niece Courtney joined all of us as we ventured out to the apple orchard for a few much needed items! The kids decided that I just need to quit my job & chauffeur all of them around each day. At the dinner that evening they informed Uncle Paul with their decision. His reply - "If you're willing to pay her what she makes teaching I would agree with that!" So, it looks like I won't be quitting my job any time soon!

Blessed with One!

I must admit that I feel pretty good about myself. If I could, I'd even give myself a pat on the back! I cleaned & cleaned yesterday, pretty much all afternoon & evening. I even got rid of some of the clutter (some of it mine, but most of it my husbands - Shhh! Don't tell!) in the entertainment center in the living room & redecorated with cute picture frames. It looks so much better.

Anyway, I promised you some pictures of my freshman niece Courtney & freshman nephew Zack (They are not brother & sister, but cousins.) as they attended their first high school Homecoming dance last night. They are both good looking kids & oh so sweet.

Don't they look awesome?!

What's pictures without a close up?!

And of course, here's a couple of Zack & his girlfriend Kaylyn (Zoe's new favorite friend!):

Aren't they cute together?

Last night as I was cleaning, Zoe sat at the dining room table coloring & drawing. I walked by several times & she told me not to look. She was making something very special for me. Well, she was true to her word. Look what she drew? Pretty good, huh?!

Don't you like the fancy letters?!

This afternoon one of Zoe's friends came over to spend two nights with us as her parents were going out of town. Hannah, age 4, is adopted from India. She & Zoe are both quite the celebrities in town, which is understandable when you live in a town of 1,400. Since Hannah arrived she & Zoe have been playing non-stop. I did snap a few pictures of them having fun.

Every girl loves dressing up! (Hannah as Cinderella & Zoe as Belle)

Taking time out for a picture while Daddy reads the girls a book.

You know, while going through fertility treatments Paul & I both thought it would be kind of cool if we ended up being blessed with not only one child, but two. Yes, that's right. We were secretly hoping for twins. (We knew in our hearts & minds that if our fertility treatments worked that we would probably not undergo them again.It's just too stressful & emotional.) As you all know, God had a different plan for us & blessed us with the adoption of one precious little girl. Now, neither one of us can imagine our lives without Zoe. Let me tell you, after having two girls very close in age in the house together all day I am so thankful that I have just one. I know, I know, God doesn't give you more than you can handle, & I'm sure I could & would have learned to adjust to more than one child. But after being with a 5 year old & a 4 year old all day, I NOW more than ever admire those parents that have more than one child, especially those with children so close in age. Wow! It's hard work! So, my O.G.T. (One Good Thing) for today is that I am blessed with one & only one child! ( I think God knew what He was doing when He blessed me with ONLY Zoe Gwen!)

Tomorrow Hannah, Zoe, & I are off to court. No, I'm not in trouble. We are going to witness my niece Gracie's final adoption hearing. We are all so excited. I am tickled pink for my sister Heather. She has waited to be a mom for quite some time. She & I will always share a special bond (besides both being named Heather) as both of our daughters are adopted. Having both traveled down the fertility road, neither one of us would have ever imagined the plan that was in place for us. Isn't it amazing how God knows what's best?

Super Saturday

Zoe & I headed to my nephew's freshman football game this morning. We had a great time except for when Zoe fell down in the bleachers. Thankfully she just ended up with a pretty big bump behind her ear. She hasn't complained about it since so she's gonna be fine. Here are a few pictures from today:

Zoe dressed up in Zack's girlfriend's old cheerleading uniform!

That'd be Zack - #11!

Getting ready to head on to the field.

Wonder what he's smiling about.....

Hanging out as time ticks off of the game clock! Another win!

Taking a little time out for Zoe after the game!

We couldn't leave cousin Blake out!

O.G.T. - Friends of ours daughter called this evening & wanted to come play with Zoe. What a wonderful idea!!! I got a lot of cleaning done while the two of them hung out together. I started at one end of the house & made my way down the hall. Didn't quite get all the way finished, but I plan to do the rest tomorrow! THANK YOU, ABIGAIL!

PS - Zack (my nephew) & my niece Courtney had their first high school homecoming dance tonight. I will post pics tomorrow!

Tuesday Tidbits!

Zoe & I headed over to my parents' house Sunday for a relaxing afternoon. Paul had to work all day & then had a visitation that night so Zoe & I were in no hurry to get home. We had a great time visiting with family. Zoe enjoyed Paw Paw pulling her & cousin Gracie in the wagon around the yard.

Two Very Special Little Girls

Later in the afternoon we made our way to the pumpkin patch with Nana & Paw Paw, cousins Zack & Gracie, & aunts Heather & Tracy. We even had a chance to see cousin Megan as she was working. We had a great time picking out pumpkins, riding the pirate ship, & petting the small animals.

Zack & Zoe hanging out with Dora.

Didn't take long to find her pumpkin!

What a smile?!

Zoe had to have her picture with Barney & Baby Bop.

Zoe couldn't wait to hold Gracie. (Not so sure Gracie felt the same!)

Zoe suggested we get a pony for our house.

Zack, Gracie, & Zoe hanging out by the ponies.

Sunday evening Zoe & I headed out to Aunt Tracy & Uncle Brent's house to meet Zack's girlfriend, Kaylyn. For Zoe's birthday last week Aunt Tracy gave her a real cheerleading uniform from the high school that Zack attends. Well, the uniform was Kaylyn's from last year. So, Zoe's been wanting to meet her because she's all into cheerleading & she thought that was just so neat that Kaylyn used to wear her new outfit. Not only was Kaylyn a hit, but now she is all Zoe talks about. (She's just a little obsessed!!!!) I didn't take any pictures & I should have. Poor Kaylyn wasn't really allowed to spend any time with Zack, Zoe had her playing hide-n-seek, school, etc. Kaylyn was probably relieved when we left.

My friend Lianna from Be Thou a Knight just recently opened her own Etsy store. She enjoys making cards & decided to start selling them to help with the fertility costs that her insurance does not cover. Knowing first hand how much fertility treatments are & how frustrating it is to go through, I hope she has great success with her adventure. She has some gorgeous cards. So, run on over & take a look. Lianna's also planning on doing a raffle in the near future to also help with costs. Be sure to check back for more details.

O.G.T. - Yesterday I didn't have school because of Columbus Day so Zoe & I just kind of bummed around in the morning & then did a few errands before her gymnastics class. While we were still at home, she painted my fingernails a cotton candy pink. I must admit, I'm not really a fingernail polish wearing girl so I always cringe at the thought of her painting them. She usually gets "outside of the lines" (as she calls it). Wouldn't you know it? She did a great job this time. I even left the polish on & wore it to gymnastics! She was quite proud of herself. It was fun knowing that she was so excited about something so small. (I guess from now on I shouldn't second guess Zoe's fingernail polishing ability. In fact, Paul told her that if she keeps improving, he might just have a part-time job for her at the funeral home helping get the elderly women ready for visitations & funerals!!!!)

Guess What? I'm It!

I've Been Tagged!

Lisa from A Motherlode has introduced me into blog tagging.

So, here I go with my 7 random &/or weird facts about myself:

1. I will not eat chicken that is on the bone. (After dissecting human bodies in mortuary school & having to pull the meat away from the bone, I just can't do it. Only boneless for this girl!)

2. When burning candles or tarts in my house, I must have the same scent burning throughout!

3. I shred everything that has any of our names on it. (A friend had her identity stolen a couple of years ago & still has not gotten it resolved. Never hurts to be too cautious.)

4. Hate talking on the telephone. I would rather text.

5. I try to send my nephew & niece in Louisiana a picture postcard of Zoe at least once a week. (We usually only see them twice a year so they enjoy keeping up with Zoe & her activities.)

6. I'm addicted to buying new candy. I know, it's weird. And what's really weird, I don't always try it. A lot of times I send it to my neighborhood kids who are away at college. I think they appreciate it though!

7. Believe it or not, I'm quite the homebody. To me there is nothing better than spending a Friday night laying around the house in my pj's reading a good book!

There you have it. Not so sure that's what you were hoping for, but that's what you got! Now it's my turn to tag 7 people. Who will it be?

Janelle at Live, Laugh, & LOVE It!

Kristie at Kristie's Dots

Jen at Addie & Alex

Missy at Party of Many

Rachel at Loving Lily

Lianna at Be Thou a Knight

Vanessa at Half a Dozen Hammonds

Wavy Baby

Zoe & I met up with one of my co-workers & her daughter to attend the Backyardigans Live. The girls had a great time singing & dancing with the characters as they performed on stage. Zoe & I hurried back to town after the show because Zoe was to attend a birthday party for a pre-school friend. Unfortunately the party was canceled, but Zoe enjoyed attending the Fall Festival in town with her dad.

While they were at the festival I took a little nap. On the way home from Backyardigans Live, I started getting a migraine. So, my husband being the nice guy he is (& with a little encouragement!) took Zoe out of the house so I could lay down. My little power nap did the trick - zapped my headache.

My O.G.T. for the day would have to be our swimming pool vacuum. We are getting ready to close our pool in just a few days. Well, I have to admit, that I have neglected keeping up with the day to day maintenance of the pool this last week. So, I decided I better take a look at how bad it was. And, much to my surprise it wasn't bad at all. Only a bunch of leaves were on the bottom. So, I hooked up the vacuum & snap - it's clear as can be. (Good thing that vacuum worked. Otherwise I guess we'd just dealt with the leaves next year when we opened the pool. My husband would NOT have been happy with that.)

Thought I would leave you with a couple of pictures of Zoe. Last week before bedtime she had me braid her hair while it was still wet. The next day she had me take the braids out so she could have wavy hair. She was sooo proud of it.

Misc. of Sorts

State Champions - My nephew Blake played for the jr. high baseball state championship today. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to the game, but I raced home after school, picked Zoe up from daycare, & headed that way. Luckily, the 3rd place game before him went into extra innings so by the time we got there (an hour after the championship game was supposed to start) Blake's team was just taking batting practice. His team ended up short-gaming the other team 14-0. We are so proud of Blake. He's just a fifth grader so he's got three more years to win another championship. Here's a few highlights of the win:

Blake at second base after getting a hit.

Waiting to catch the ball in right field.

Zoe & Jessie - (Her dad is Blake's coach.)

Need I say more?!

Zoe & her state champion! - Isn't he a cutie?!

Hooters Uniform - Several of you have asked if I have had any luck finding the orange Hooters shorts that Zoe wants so she can be a Hooters girl for trick-or-treat. You will be thrilled to know that I have found a pair of 2XS on the Internet. Just have to cross my fingers & hope that I am the highest bidder. (I know none of you are going to bid on them because you all can't wait to see Zoe sporting her costume for Halloween!!! Believe me, I WILL post pictures!)

O.G.T. - One Good Thing - I'm reading the book Recovering Charles by Jason F. Wright. In the book the main character talks about when growing up his dad regularly said that there was always One Good Thing about even the very worst of days. I thought that was pretty clever. So, I've decided that perhaps I will start letting you know what my O.G.T. is for each day........So, for today, my O.G.T. was seeing my niece Gracie. She is growing so big so fast - 9 months old already. Seems like yesterday my sister Heather received "the call" saying a baby was to be hers. When I look in Gracie's beautiful big brown eyes, I see so much love. She has truly been a blessing in our family. (I'll save that story for another time!) See what you think of Gracie for yourself:

Okay, I've told you what my O.G.T. for today was. How about sharing with me what your O.G.T. was.