Soccer Star

Buggy

The kids love bugs. Especially Maya. They run around finding grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars and moths. I started to get smart and start saving cool whip, butter and sour cream containers to house them. I'd give the kids crappy looking tuperware and have now found myself on the low end of tuperware containers.
We had our block party today. It was fun getting the street together. The kids had fun running around, as the entire street was blocked off. It was a special day... the only day they were allowed to ride their bikes in the street.

Facebook Disease

I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. I love it because I have gotten reconnected with a lot of my past friends. I love the fact that I can be logged on and one of them can show up and we have a conversation for awhile. I have gotten back in contact with a friend from my days in Decatur. I have refound my friends from the U.P.! And I have chatted with my Alaskan gals and co-workers. And then not to mention, there are my high school friends as well. I hate it because it has become an addiction. I'll check my "yahoo" to find I have a "facebook" message and then I find myself hanging out there for awhile. There is a game I also like to play while I visit, which is basically a map of the world and you have a certain amount of time to pinpoint that place on the globe. I actually have learned some geography from the game, although I cannot seem to beat my intelligent husband or genius brother-in-law. Oh well. So I diagnosed myself with the Facebook Disease.
On a very high note... this weekend I gave my paycheck to charity! Nobody likes to give money away, but there is a great feeling knowing you have done something for someone who really needs help. There's a 1 year old boy in our town who was diagnosed with AML this past July. There are only 15 children in the world who have his type of cancer, which is located in his sinus cavity. Anyhow, our local sports bar held an auction for him to collect money for his local bills that added up and then the rest was going to St. Jude, where he is staying now. Can I say, this was an amazing and generous turn-out. I love small communities that come together for a cause. So, the auction raised over $40,000, which did not even include donations. So what did we buy... I got a basket of bath and body stuff, with a mani and pedicure at a local salon, Stella is getting dog lessons and the biggie.. Adam and I are going to Nashville to stay 2 nights at the Opryland hotel, tickets to the Greenbay Packers and Tennessee ??, plus some sort of dinner/showboat cruise. Anyhow, it should be fun. But the moral of the story is we did something good. If there is one charity I 100% support, it's St. Jude.

Pumpkins, Rain and Apples

Last saturday the rain gave up for a few hours to allow the Pumpkin Fest Parade to do it's thing. The kids had a blast and got a bunch of candy. However, Ike made his way out to the midwest and dumped probably between 8 and 10 inches on us. We didn't have any damage, but a lot of people woke up to water in their basement. The kids think since they have umbrellas, that allows them to go outside in the downpour. Hey, as long as there is no lightening... I let them play. They thought it was great.
Yesterday was our first field trip out to Apple Blossom Farm. A little chaotic, my opinion, but the kids all had fun. Of course if you ask what Maya's favorite part was... it was riding the school bus.
Okay, and heres some random tidbit..... they are filming Rock of Love tonight at Big Al's. My body is having a tug of war saying how funny would it be to see this (since I watch the show) but the other half is saying.... OMG, seriously Tammy get a life!

Just Because..

Stella is the cutest doggie I know. Hyperactive, but a good dog. She looks more puggie to me now with her haircut!! The groomer put sparkles in her hair. hehe

Pfest 2008

It's funny how summer just kinda flipped a switch and said it's done. The weather has been cool and rainy. But, rain didn't stop us from hitting the pumpkin festival last night. I had bought some discount tickets that had to be used by then, so I said let's go get this done. It was a little muddy, but not too bad. And I think the yucky weather kept some people away, so it wasn't crammed pack like it usually is. Why Morton can't find a bigger plot of land to put this thing on is beyond me, but we had fun. I ran into a few people and a few parents, so that is always fun to catch up and show off my little family. The kids had fun on the rides. Brennan actually was excited, however you won't find him riding a roller coaster again... he gripped on me for dear life. He wanted to go on it and was excited, but the first round the track I think he was in shock of what was happening. We had our pumpkin ice cream, which was delicious as well. Now lets hope the weather cooperates for the parade on saturday. The forecast doesn't look too good. We'll be at our normal location by my parents house, which I think is a good spot, since it starts a few blocks down the road. There is always a crapload of candy, which the kids love!
I just took Stella to the puppy spa for a day of pampering for her bday. She was getting a little ratty, so hopefully she comes looking and smelling good.
Here's a few funny comments made by the kids in the past few days:
Brennan-- "Mom, I just brushed my teeth so my teeth don't fall out" and as he gets in the car "Mom, maybe when I get bigger I can drive"
Maya-- We're in Maya's classroom and the teacher is talking about the hearing and vision screenings they have to do. I forget to take Maya to the first one and the teacher announces 'make-up day will be on september 18th'. Maya looks at me with the biggest eyes and smile and says "yes. I can't wait for that day. that's gonna be so much fun" The girl thought she was going to get to come to school and wear make-up. She cracks me up.
Enjoy the pics.

What do you think?

Even princesses have liver problems. I had to laugh when I saw Belle with jaundice.

I Don't Like Sundays

What is so appealing about football? Why does it have to be on the TV at raging volumes from noon til whenever I can't take anymore? I hate it. I'm almost glad I have to work/take call on Sundays now. I would go to a live game anyday, high school games and I'll even sit to watch the Superbowl... but the rest, nope. Fantasy football is crazy! Adam researched his players and such before the draft. I only roll my eyes and shake my head.
As the weather cools, I think of one other thing I am never too fond of.... socks! Wearing them, washing them, folding them... I'm complaining aren't I? Honestly, this weather has been perfect. Open windows, cool breezes... fall is on it's way.
Yesterday we had soccer. I'll tell you what, I do not feel like an outsider in this town anymore. I think this is the first place that feels like home. Wherever we go there is always someone we know or we meet the nicest people. We are very fortunate to be in our situation, having good jobs, a nice house and great friends. Yeah, yeah... see I can bitch about random things, but deep down I'm very thankful for everything.
The Pfest begins this week. We're excited for the parade. Anyone making the drive?
Guess who's birthday is next sunday?? Can you all believe little Stella will be 1! We went to Menards this morning and got a few bones for her. Maya still wants to make peanut butter cakes with dog treats and invite some dogs over for her to play with. We'll see if that happens and makes a worthy post.

Ode to Maya

I Pledge Allegiance...

Wow. How did this happen. Both of my babies are in preschool. I have to say, I pretty much predicted how today would go. Brennan was not too excited about going to another place mommy wasn't going to stay at. He wouldn't unbuckle his seatbelt to go to school today and he did cry when I left him, but when I picked him up he seemed very happy.
Maya goes tomorrow... she's super excited.
So how many of you out there are watching the new 90210?