Getting Ready

Today is filled to the top with preparations for our trip tomorrow. We leave at 4am, so here is a shout out today, for my Mom's birthday. Yes, she was born on Halloween. Kind of scary,hugh? Ha ha. We love you Mom and will be at your house ASAP tomorrow evening.



Here is a picture of my Mom and my Aunt Shirleen. Mom is the one in the lavender dress.



Here is a shout out to my brother, Daniel. His birthday is this Saturday. Happy Day Bro...



Here is a photo of Daniel and my Mom together. My Mom doesn't dance much, but she sure looks happy.

Today I am off to first grade. I love those kids and I love listening to their voices of innocence. Some, not so Innocent, but I love them anyway.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Halloween. Don't eat too much candy. I will be thinking of you all here in Colorado, as I roast in Florida. As always, it is to rain/snow tomorrow evening, here in the Springs.

Happy Haunting....

Picture catch up again.

Hi everyone. We had a very busy weekend and Laura and I are preparing to leave at o'dark hundred Wednesday morning.

Friday night, we went to hear one of my students play at the Black Rose Acoustic Society. His whole family plays and sings. He played with his Dad and brother. He is amazing and in the second grade. They all got a standing ovation. I was SO very proud of him. To think that I gave him his first lesson. Those are the moments that make teaching AWSOME.

Saturday, I got up and had a 7:30 haircut appointment. The rest of the day was spent cleaning, doing laundry and the girls had lots and lots of homework. Saturday night, we went to our neighbor's "Sweet 16" birthday party. It was really swanky and we had a great time. Laura even wore a dress and Tom wore a suite.

Sunday was filled with church and more homework. We ended the day at the Basses carving pumpkins. It was a great ending to a crazy weekend. We have so much fun with them. We have carved pumpkins with them for the last three years, so I guess it has become a tradition.

I wanted to catch you up on pictures from the last week, so here goes.







Here were pictures of the "Severed Finger Cookies" that I made last week.



This is Laura's pumpkin that she created herself.








Here are the pictures of the pumpkin carving and our pumpkins. I did the spider and Tom did the "Boogie Man". Becca picked the elaborate pattern and then decided she was bored with the whole thing after about 15 minutes. Tom was left to finish the job.



Here is a picture from Becca's play last week. What a cutie!!!

Happy Monday all...

Finally Friday

This has been the fullest week. I think it is because I am trying to do everything, so that we can enjoy our trip next week. I still have cleaning, packing, shopping, laundry, etc., yet to do. Carol and I enjoyed our walk this morning and we will meet again on Monday. I am trying to keep the exercise going, despite the craziness.

Tonight, we are going to hear one of my students play at the local acoustic society. His whole family will be performing, so it should be fun.This kid is in second grade and can play like crazy.

Tomorrow I have a hair cut apt. at 7am, then it's off to music lessons. When we get back home there is SO much the girls have to get done. Becca has three projects due at school and I have to make sure her Halloween costume is complete. Tomorrow night, we are going to a swanky party for our neighbor. She is Cuban and is having her "coming out" party. There is a fancy Hispanic name for it, but I can't remember what it is. Laura is not happy because she has to wear a dress. Becca can't wait to dress up.

Sunday is church, then off to another one of my student's house. They are having a house warming party as they just moved from base housing at the Air Force Academy. Jen, if you read this, it is the Ploceks. They bought a house over in the Rockrimmon area. In the early evening, we are off to the Basses for pumpkin carving.

Monday it starts all over again. Wednesday morning at 4am, we leave for Florida. The next few days should be interesting.

Becca had her performance last night. She was SOOOO cute and she did such a good job. I am so proud of her. The whole third grade did well and of course, there was a big "Harvest Moon" outside just for them. I will try to catch you up with pictures this weekend.

I am off to teach science today then home to give lessons. Busy day, busy life, wouldn't have it any other way. Take care all.

Mercury

Today is Becca's big Solar System play. I truly hope to get pictures and I truly hope my husband will dump them into our computer. I must learn to do this myself. She is already up and ready this morning. As I said before, she is Mercury. I can't wait to see it.

Tonight is Laura's choir club concert. Her concert is a 5 and Becca's play is at 6. Of course I teach until 6 so, Tom and Becca will have to go see Laura. I can't cancel lessons this week as I have to cancel next week because of our trip to Florida. Ugh, I feel tired already.

As you can see, today is absolutely crazy. Go ahead and add the fact that I sub. and I hope I keep my sanity.

I went to see Pookie yesterday. Please pray for him. He was sooo confused. He thought there had been bars on his window. He was dreaming about childhood. He thought remodeling was being done downstairs. He wants to go back to Florida. This went on and on. I spoke with the staff and asked them to keep an eye on him. I left feeling very sad and a little perplexed about what to do.

Say a little prayer for me too. I just want to get through today.

Not much energy

I made 180 cookies yesterday and cleaned the lower level of the house. At about 4pm I drank a diet coke and I couldn't fall asleep last night. Between all the hard work and the diet coke, I am dragging this morning. I went for my walk with Carol, but I think I already need a nap. I'm not subbing today, so maybe I can catch a quick nap, once I get the kids off to school.

I took pictures of the cookies and I've learned to put pictures on my blog, but I haven't learned how to dump the pictures from the camera. As soon as I learn that, I should be good to go and I,ll be better about including pictures.

Today is filled with errands, my orchestra club and lessons. We end the day with a "meet your team" meeting at Laura's school. I really need a nap.

I'm visiting Pookie this morning. He called last night, very confused. He has good days and bad days. The bad days make me sad. I read a quote this morning and thought of him. I guess it applies to all of us as we age.

Nikos kazantzakis wrote "Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality."

Giving everyone a finger.

I hope you noticed that I said, "a" finger and not "the" finger. Today, I will make 6 batches of my famous, well, famous to us, finger cookies. I am going to freeze them, so Tom will have them next week for his pot-luck at work. I think I am going to send some to the staff at school, as well. They are a lot of fun and pretty yummy, if you like sugar cookies. I will take pictures so you can see them. Besides house cleaning, laundry and giving lessons, that will be my day.

I am nursing a knee injury on my right knee this time. The hot tub helps, but it is still stiff this morning. I think I pulled a muscle. I got a fancy knee sock to go on it. I am hoping this helps. I had lots of energy yesterday and the running is getting easier. I think I just overdid it. I will try to bake cookies sitting down. Maybe that will help too.

Have a great day all.

Photo catch up.

I have some pictures today that Tom downloaded from our camera. I wrote all of the steps down, so now I can do it myself. I still have more to show you from our phone cameras, but those will have to wait.





The above pictures are of our first real snow, yesterday. We got six inches or more. It was a lovely taste of fall and we all LOVED being in the hot tub while it snowed.






The pictures above are Becca holding her American Girl doll. She wanted a Hula Girl costume for her doll and the doll clothes are my attempt at being a seamstress. Becca is going to a Halloween party with a friend, who has an American Girl doll too. The four of them are going as Hula Girls.

We had a great weekend filled with much fun stuff. We went to the Air Force vs. Wyoming game on Saturday. It was a blast and Air Force won. Becca was not impressed with sitting in the stands for three hours, but the rest of us loved it. We all came home tired and a little sunburned.

When we got up on Sunday, it was hard to believe it was 70 degrees the day before. We got our first real snow that stayed around. The low last night was 24 degrees with a wind chill making it feel like 17. Needless to say, I was on my treadmill this morning. After church, the girls did homework and then we hit the tub. It was wonderful and our neighbors were laughing at us. I think they were just jealous. In the evening, we had a small birthday celebration with our three year old God daughter, Megan. She is such a delight and she informed Tom that he could not have chocolate cake until he ate all of his chicken nuggets. She is a real hoot and we love her.

This morning, I have to take our cat to the vet. She is gonna LOVE that. Not really. I just hope I can get her in the carrier. It's time for her yearly check up. After the vet, I have lots to do to get ready for our trip next week. Take care all.

Laura coming home

I am so excited about Laura coming home today. I can't wait to hear about her last four days. We missed her dearly, but I'm glad she has had this experience. I'm glad she is coming home before our big storm this weekend. We are supposed to get accumulating snow on Sunday. Maybe we will get a delay on Monday. One can hope.

I am the technology teacher today at the elementary school. I don't know much about technology, but I am really good at following directions. The subbing has bumped up and I find myself checking my caldendar for open spots, several times a day.

Tomorrow, we are going to an Air Force football game with the Basses. We wanted the kids to experience at least one football game, live. I am hoping they do a fly over before the game begins.

That's about it for today. Not much to say, except, have a great day.....

The Solar System

Becca is so excited this morning as today is the dress rehearsal of her third grade play. It is about our solar system. She is Mercury, so she is HOT???!!!! That's what she told me, but I don't think I want to go there. Anyway, we dressed her in blue and later today, I will find out why. I hope to get pictures. One day, this weekend, I am going to talk Tom into downloading my pictures off of my phone and our camera, and I will have a picture blog to catch everyone up on the latest.

Laura comes home tomorrow and I can't wait. I miss her so much. Here were Becca's words last night as we ate dinner "I can't believe I actually miss Laura". I am going to the grocery today to buy ingredients to make Chinese food tomorrow night. That is her favorite and I want to welcome her home. I can't wait to hear all about camp.

I had a lovely lunch with Ellaine yesterday. She and I think so much alike. Our life struggles are so similar. She understands the ins and outs of starting an orchestra and the private teaching stuff. I am so blessed to have her in my life. Thanks Ellaine.

We had the string club yesterday. I didn't have as many kids this time, but a lot of my beginners are off to camp. I am getting a sense that some of the kiddos are not taking it seriously and now we have a concert date (Dec. 13). I have to think this through and send out an e-mail to parents. I have to get more conducting lessons from Pat or Ellaine as I have to conduct a piece in 9. Unless you are musician, you probably have no idea what I am talking about.

Tom had some supervisory shifts at work yesterday and he is happy about them. It's good to see him not so stressed. The last two weeks have been tough for him and therefore, tough for us.

I hope all of you have a super day....

Little steps

Today was a great exercise day for me. I am feeling a whole lot better, so Carol and I met at 5:30 for our morning walk/run. I was a little apprehensive about the cold, but I layered clothing and was just fine. I even unzipped my top layer on the way home. We didn't run as I am still coughing a bit, but we did a brisk walk. I was very surprised that I zipped up Mount Baldy this morning. I have NEVER been able to talk or even breathe as I trudge up Mount Baldy. Today, I did all of the above and barely broke a sweat. I got to the top and couldn't believe it. I am finally seeing results from the exercise. It feels great.

I am missing my Laura. I wish she were home so I could wake her up and get her off to school. I know she is having a blast, but it feels weird having one of my chicks out of the nest. I can't wait to hear about everything when she gets back.

Today is filled with Becca getting a tooth filled, lunch with Elaine, orchestra club and giving lessons. I am not subbing, but the day is full. I hope all of you have a great one.

Much better.

I can't write too much today as I have to get Laura off to camp and get dressed myself. I am a third grade teacher today. I love this group of kids, so it should be fun.

Becca and I are much better. I was feeling guilty, last night, for cancelling some of my students. Two of them were out sick and cancelled anyway. I was in bed by 7:30. We watched the big Rockies game for a couple of hours, but both Tom and I were too tired to finish it. I feel sooo much better this morning. I have to remember to take it easy the next time I get sick. It's funny how rest can make you better. By they way, the Rockies WON!!!! They are off to the World Series.

No other news, except that Becca will enjoy being an only child this week. We will try not to spoil her too much. I already miss Laura, but I know I have to let go a little. When she gets home, we will begin the planning of our big trip to Florida.

Being sick is no fun.

This weekend was a blur. Lots of happenings and I caught a nasty head cold. Becca may be home today with the same bug. I am hoping Laura doesn't catch it as she leaves for camp tomorrow.

On Friday, I was upstairs cleaning when I heard a huge truck outside. I looked outside my bedroom window and men were in my driveway with a crane looking thing on the back of a truck. With no warning, these folks had come to deliver the materials for the replacement of our roof. The actual work had not been scheduled yet.

On Saturday, we got a call early in the morning, from the roofing company, to tell us that they were going to replace our roof that day. We decided that since I was sick, and we didn't want to leave our home, Uncle Skip would have to come to our house. The whole day was filled with banging on our roof and strange men who didn't speak English in our yard. These men worked very hard and replaced the whole roof in one day. When they left, there was no goodbye or word. The banging stopped and they were gone. When Tom inspected their work, we discovered that they had not replaced our gutters or put in the extra attic vent we had requested. Tom will call the company today. It was a bit hard to sleep or rest in my bed, on Saturday, as there were men looking in the windows and banging on the roof. We survived and were glad for the roof before the snow starts. Uncle Skip came over and we just visited. That part was lovely.

On Sunday, I felt miserable. My cold had settled in my nose and chest. I am still battling it today, but I hope it is somewhat better. I was able to sit in the hot tub Sunday morning. The temperature was in the 50s and we got our first bit of snow. The hot tub feels soooo good when it is that cold outside. It is a bit cold when you get out, but while you are in, it is worth it.

Throughout the day, Tom smoked a briskett and we had a family bbq last night. Jan and her family, David and Val, Pookie and Skip and all of us were there. It was really nice. To top it off, the Rockies were on T.V. and won yet another game. One more win and they are off to the World Series. We really enjoyed being together and I hope I didn't give anyone my cold.

Today, I want to get over this darned cold and help Becca do the same. I think it might be nice to just rest with her and enjoy our time together.

Tonight, I will help Laura pack for camp and get her ready for the next four days. I will miss her, but I have been told that they all have an absolute blast.

Stay well all......

Happy Birthday Jake and John

Sometimes, friends come and go. Sometimes, friends become family and attach themselves to your heart forever. Such is the case with Jen, Scott, Jake and John. I want to wish my two favorite, twin boys, in the whole, wide world, "Happy Birthday". I still remember visiting them in the hospital when they were only hours old. John was just a teeny four pounder. Jake wasn't much more. I can't believe that today, they turn two. Tom and I are honored to be their "Non-Catholic God Parents". I can't wait to see them next Spring. I can't wait to see how they have grown and I can't wait to just sit and have a good, long, relaxing talk with Jen. I so miss her presence across the street. Even when I couldn't see her or our lives were crazy busy, I knew she was there. "Happy Birthday" sweet boys.

Skip is coming for dinner tonight and we are all going to Becca's "star party". The third grade has been studying space. We are going up to school, tonight, to look at constellations, with the rest of the third grade. It should be a lot of fun. Becca had a great report card. Yeah Becca!!

Laura is having a friend spend the night. It's a new friend that she has made at school. That should be fun. The girls love playing in the hot tub with their friends. Laura made all As and Bs on her report card. Yeah Laura!!!

Yeah!! Tom and Shari for surviving the first quarter of school.

Happy Day all.....

Sleeping in

It's eight oclock and we are just now getting up and around. I love days like today. The weather is cool. The trees are beautiful outside and none of us have school today. I have lots and lots to do here at home, but for this moment, I am going to enjoy my unhurried cup of coffee.

Tom's brother came in yesterday. We are going to visit him at Jan's this evening. I think I will bake an apple pie and take it over. The visit should be nice. Jan has to work Fri., Sat., and Sun., so we will entertain Uncle Skip on those days. That's nice because we can have today to do stuff.

I have to take Becca to the dentist today for a filling. That should be interesting, and then Laura wants to go shopping. Yes, my Laura, shopping. I can't keep up with her. One day she is anti-anything girlie and the next moment she wants to go shopping for girlie clothes. Ah, hormones. I just want to let my Mom know now. I AM SORRY!!! I can't remember anything specific that I need to apologize for, but there must have been something as my hormones went crazy.

We went to the Regional Marching Band Competition last night. We had a blast. We so love the band director's family. We have gone to church with them for years. The really cool part was, WE WON!!!! I say "we" because that's what it feels like. It is the high school that my orchestra feeds into (so I knew all the directors) and it's the high school band that Laura will play in, in three years. She has already picked out her spot as "drum major". We will see. That would be cool. The band just advanced this year to a 5A school from a 4A. This means that there are over 1800 kids that go to the school. Wow. Laura has her work cut out for her. Please keep the band in your thoughts and prayers as today they travel to El Paso, Texas for yet another competition. Last year, this band was number one in the state of Colorado and numer 26 in the United States.

All the glory with the band makes me both very proud and a little nervous about my orchestra feeding the big school. I know there are great expectations that I hope I can fulfill. I am honored and again, nervous. Yesterday, I went to the high school to borrow music. It was awesome. They have totally opened their arms to me. The band director introduced me to a couple of folks as "family". Wow, family. I guess in a family, you take the good and the bad and just love each other anyway.

I leave you today with a quote from a magnet that Jen gave me to go on my refrigerator. I read it daily as I run, start an orchestra, deal with my kids, and all those other things I am not cofident about. Thanks Jen.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...Do the thing you think you cannot do." by Eleanor Roosevelt

I wish fear wasn't so ugly to look at. Ha Ha Have a great day......

Wednesday like Friday

This is the last school day this week. I have the day off from school, but I still have students and a dentist appointment. It will be good to just be alone today and then alone with the girls the next couple of days. Violin students will come, but the time in between is our own to enjoy.

We are feeling the need for rest. I got on the treadmill this morning and I swear I had lead in my pants. I have lost seven pounds in the last month or so, but I am moving so sluggish today. Jen got me a book for my birthday called "The Courage to Start". I love the book because it is about a fellow like me, who started running in his 40s. It's got great advice about running and it is encouraging to read that we all have slower days. It's still faster and longer than I ran six months ago.

We spilled the beans to my Mom yesterday and told her that we were coming for her birthday, on Halloween. We were thinking that if we didn't, she wouldn't get time off from work and we would have only one day to visit with HER. She seemed thrilled and we are happy to go. Now, we need to start preparations for the visit.

Tom's brother, Skip comes in today, so this weekend should be fun and filled with family. I am still hoping for a trip to see the leaves before they are destroyed by wind. Maybe Skjp will want to see them too.

That's all for now. Have a super day.

Pookie Update

Hi everyone. Today I am in a hurry as we overslept big time. I am hoping that I can blog, with pictures, in the next couple of days as we have Thursday and Friday off from school.

Thanks so much for all the prayers concerning Pookie. I think we overslept this morning because we were all so tired from the night before and caring for him. He is a whole lot better. It ended up being a constipation issue. I told Tom "We all knew Dad was full of it, now it is confirmed". Ha Ha. Nice to laugh about it . It wasn't so funny when he couldn't walk and was in so much pain. We love him dearly and it hurts to see him hurting. He was discharged from the hospital yesterday morning and was sent home with a bottle of "Go Lightly". Believe me, that is NOT what you do with this stuff, but by yesterday evening, he was outside with his binoculars, looking at the foxes.

Speaking of wildlife, a bear was sited running through our neighborhood yesterday. My first thought was "cool". My next thought was "Oh no, our hot tub". He better stay away from it. I was told that they are attracted to them and can ruin them with their claws. If I see a bear party going on in my backyard, everybody gets a bear hat for Christmas. Ha Ha. I would be too scared to get that close to it and we don't own a gun.

Happy day everyone. I have to go spend the day in Kindergarten.

Pookie

I was prepared to share with you, our weekend. We went ice skating and I made a Halloween costume for Becca's American Girl doll. This will have to wait as we have more pressing things to take care of today.

We got a call at 2 a.m. this morning from the assisted living facility where Tom's dad lives. He was having shortness of breath, severe stomach pains and was asking to go to the ER. Tom is still there as I write this and as you might expect, tests are being run. He has been given Morphine and feels a bit more comfortable. We won't know anything until later today.

Please pray for his Dad and please pray for Tom. Tom is preparing for another trip at work and he is quite stressed at the moment.

Tom is not home, so I am it this morning. Laura is off. I ran my two miles on the tread mill and I am about to get Becca up. I guess things are alright here, but I need to get going.

More tomorrow...........

Saturday catch up.

Today we are all preparing for a storm that is to roll in tonight. We might get some snow tomorrow. If we do, I will take pictures and share the first white stuff of the season. The leaves are absolutely gorgeous right now. We need to find time to go and see the Aspens. I really wanted to do that this year, but I am afraid that may not happen.

We are caring for Dad this weekend as Jan is away at a conference. Tom's brother, Skip, is to come in on Wednesday. This has got me in the cleaning and cooking mode.

We took care of a little kindergartner from church yesterday. Both girls actually agree on something. They do NOT want another sibling. She was a bit much to handle and I was trying to juggle lessons too. After the little one, Becca's friend from Australia came over. We just love her and it was a joy to be with her after the afternoon with the little one. We loved listening to them as they played in the hot tub. Maybe tonight, Tom and I can get in and enjoy it.

Tom is planning another trip in a couple of weeks. He is NOT happy about it as it is over a weekend. We are really having a hard time juggling quality family time right now. We will work it out, but the holidays are right around the corner and that means getting busier. I'm not sure that's possible for us.

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.....

Iwas so busy yesterday, I had no time to blog. Here goes two days worth.

I got on the treadmill and "bumped it up a notch". I felt really good, so today, I ran for about 2 miles. Now, my left knee hurts. It's actually the area behind my knee. I am gonna take some Advil, walk tomorrow, and get in the hot tub tonight. If any of my running friends have knee related stretches that I should do before or after running, please let me know.

I was thinking about how good I feel,other than my knee pain. I haven't worked that hard in a loooong time, but today I have more energy. I am happier. I WANT to make good food choices today. I found myself at Whole Foods today because I am craving a really good butternut squash. I was reminded of the children's book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie". It is about a little mouse who gets a cookie and then wants milk to go with it, and then something else to go with the milk, and then something else to go with that. I think the running is that way with me. If I run, I want to look healthy. If I look healthy, I feel good about myself. If I feel good about myself, I want to stay that way. In order to stay that way, I need to prepare healthy foods. If I prepare healthy foods, my whole family is healthier. You get the picture. It reminds me that I HAVE to exercise. Just like I HAVE to breathe. No choice in the matter.

My orchestra club is a smashing success. Last Wednesday, I had 22 kids. A bit more than I am comfortable with, but a nice number just the same. The little girl who wanted the violin was a "no show". I e-mailed her, but no response. Not quite sure what to do now. There is a second orchestra on the horizon for me, but we will see what happens.

Laura did really well on her final exams and I think we are over this first quarter hump. She is a bit more organized. I think the charging thing has helped.

Becca has a half day at school today. She has two playdates planned, so I better stop for now.

Happy day all!!!!

Day off????

I have worked the last couple of days and now I have to catch up around the house. The problem is, I only have until 12:45. Then, I am off to meet a friend for lunch and get off to the second meeting of my orchestra club.

I am a little nervous about meeting today, I think because we are still ironing things out and still getting organized. I have a student who doesn't have a violin and I have been trying to help her. I think I have found a way to provide her with an instrument, but her parent doesn't seem really interested. Please pray for direction in this. I am not quite sure what to do. I can't just hand her an instrument. There has to be some sort of commitment taken on the parent's part or we may never see the instrument again. I cannot be financially responsible for a several hundred dollar instrument. I got a call from the Vice Principal at the school. He gave his blessings on opening up the club to other schools. This could be a real blessing, or too many kids. I will be meeting with him in the next couple of days, so we will see.

Laura, Tom and I have come up with a plan for getting her organized. Unfortunately, it involves docking her allowance if proper books are not brought home for study. She totally forgot what we talked about yesterday morning RIGHT BEFORE SCHOOL. She has three major tests today and when I picked her up yesterday, she had no books. I took her back up to school, made her get her things, and we docked her a dollar per book. We don't want to be mean, but this seemed to work. She studied really hard last night and even started brain storming about ways she could remind herself of things. One of the ways was using the white board and sticky notes that we bought her at the beginning of the year. This too shall pass and so will Laura through sixth grade.

Please pray for my little nephew in Florida. He is two and just had blood work done to test for Celiac Disease. The docs are not quite sure what is elevating his liver enzymes, but Celiac seems to be the diagnosis this week. Just keep him in your prayers. Also, one of my violin student's family has a close teenage friend who went in for brain surgery last week. They were going to remove a benign tumor. When they got in, they found that she had stage 3 cancer. It was inoperable, but she is young and there are other treatments available to her. Just pray for this 16 year old with all of these challenges ahead of her.

On a lighter note, I hope all of you have a great Fall-like day.

Organization

This morning we are struggling with helping Laura to be organized. It may sound like a small thing, but she is having a tough time with this at school. She has a lot of responsibility juggling seven classes. This is a tough academic school and she is holding her own, but barely because she forgets to bring stuff home. This morning, we talked about a writing things on her white board that we bought for her locker. Last night, she and Tom got a food project together. She had to bring in edible atoms for science class. They got everything together, placed it in a bag on the kitchen counter, with a note that reminded her to get the icing out of the fridge. The icing was to hold all of the atoms together. This morning, I had to hand her the bag as she was forgetting it. I didn't see the note and she forgot the icing. It is stuff like this every day. If anyone has any suggestions or words of advise, let us know.

Better Monday

It was sooo much calmer this morning as Tom and I worked together getting Laura out the door. I appreciate my husbands gentle nudging, getting her out of bed. I did not have to drive her in for early choir practice and I didn't have to get Becca up early (she is very grumpy when awakened early). Thank you Tom.

The neighbors are beginning to put up Halloween decorations (ours have been up for a week). The air is cooler and the leaves "are a changin". I want to go up to Cripple Creek at least once before the leaves are gone. For those of you who don't know, Cripple Creek is a nearby gambling town. We don't go to gamble, but the drive is one of the best for seeing the Aspens.

The weekend was so very nice. We got our car back from the detailing place and it looks new. Very nice, but my rearview mirror changer thingy doesn't work and the insurance company did not send them a check. Sigh, more hassle over a twenty minute storm.

We went to church yesterday, came home and just did stuff. It was nice doing "stuff" together. I even got a nap. I made Acorn Squash soup (thanks Jen for the inspiration) and then we got in the hot tub. It was a wonderful way to end a wonderful weekend.

Next weekend we are off to the Pamona Band Competition on Saturday. We are all excited and of course, rooting for our favorite high school band.