Maybe....

It's Halloween.  The night of ghosts, ghouls and sugar highs.  Haunted houses appear in the middle of town and little feet go door to door begging for goodies that will have to be rationed out until Christmas morning.

Growing up, I thought it was one of the greatest holidays.  Mom would make our costumes and we'd spend the day charting out our route.  We'd bring home pillowcases full of candy and beg to eat it all right up until bedtime.  It was (and still is) the perfect kids holiday.  The fact that it was my parents anniversary never crossed my mind.  I mean really, when you're 8, you can't even imagine that anyone would get married on the scariest day of the year!

Now that I'm all grown up, their anniversary seems to define the day for me.  Maybe it's my age.  Maybe it's just that I don't have any little ghouls at home waiting for their plastic pumpkin to be filled.  Or maybe, it's that I now appreciate what it takes to stay married.  Whatever it is, Halloween will never be the same.  

Happy 41st Anniversary to you both!  And I hope you each got at least one piece of candy :)   

What Happened to Summer?

This was the sight that Will and I found at 6:45am this morning when we opened the garage to make the trip to school.  Snow in October.  I would complain, but given the destruction Sandy left in her wake, we are very lucky.  The snow had melted away by noon and warm temperatures will return by the weekend.  But my first thought this morning was "What happened to Summer?".

Oh, Sandy!

The storm of "epic proportions".  A nor'easter meets a hurricane.  The lowest pressure ever recorded.  Twenty three states are under a state of emergency and Sandy is just making landfall as we speak.  An 800 mile wide storm that will reach over 60 million people.  The winds, the rain and the snow are just starting to reach us...it should make for a long night.  To everyone in its path, stay safe and dry.  Our thoughts are with you!

A Penny for Your Thoughts.

Hunter, thank you so much for your change sorter.  It took us half the time to roll this years change.  Who would have thought that an Engineering project would come in so handy?  So that's what we do on a quiet Sunday afternoon, roll a years worth of change and drop it in the rainy day fund.  And no, those boxes aren't full.

Heritage Makers

I take pictures for a living.  I know most of you are thinking "Yep, I already know that!".  But when it comes to our family, pictures have never been a must have item.  I'll never forget finding all of the pictures that Grandma and Grandpa had tucked away and wishing that I knew every story, every place, every moment.  That's how the blog was born.  It was to make sure that the boys saw the picture and remembered the "story" that went with it.  I know that it seems lame and sentimental, but it's just who I am.  So yesterday I met with a women that will help me take that one step further.  Not only will I be able to provide clients with another product that will help them remember their story, I'll be able to use it for our family too.  I have so many plans, so many ideas.  Now I just need to find the time to get them all done.  Either way, I'm excited to see what else I can create.  You should be excited to see what you'll find in your Christmas stocking!

It's Friday!

Darn it, it's Friday and it's empty.

Ok, before everyone thinks I'm a lush...that bottle has lasted for weeks.  But it's still empty and it's still Friday.  Guess I have to make an extra stop after pictures tomorrow.  Anyone want to deliver a new one and help me drink it?  

I found it!

Ok, so I didn't find it.  But Jeff did.

If you've talked to me in the last three days, you know that I misplaced something REALLY important.  I'm not going to include a picture because I'd like to keep my identity to myself.  The important thing is that we (and by we, I mean Jeff!) found it.  I looked for hours each day since Monday.  He looked for about 20 minutes tonight.  And where was it, you ask?  On the floor, under my desk, about an inch from my chair.  Yep, I tore the whole office apart, didn't look on the floor.

How embarrassing!!

Feeding Time...

My two words....She's hungry.

Jeff's two words....Uh oh.

Will's two words....She's mine.

Where's Will?

I was so excited for the Band Concert tonight   The chance to see Will play is always one of my favorites, especially since he's switched instruments this year (he plays bari sax now!).  Here's the picture from my seat.  I can't see Will, can you?  Nope, he was so far in the back that I only got to see him when he stood to bow.  Ugh!  But the music was great and at least I got to see him in a tie before the concert.  

Hmmm....

Last week, I found a gummy bear in my bag of fruit snacks.  Yes, I still eat fruit snacks even though I'm pushing forty.

Last night, Will found the following Oreos in the package.  Yes, those are as close to triple Oreos as you can get.

I wonder what we'll find next week.  Then again, maybe I don't want to know!

Moving Day!

The day has finally arrived....my baby is moving out.  Ok, it's only to the bonus room but still!  He couldn't be more thrilled, I couldn't be more apprehensive.  I know, he's not leaving for college yet or moving to another state.  But the garage seems much further away than just upstairs.  Jeff and Will aren't helping matters either...the two have cracked jokes about it all day.

But seriously, what a great room!  The pictures just don't do it justice so if you want to see it in all it's glory, you'll have to come visit!  I'm sure Will will share his man cave with you for a minute or two.

Late Night!

It's amazing the things you miss.  And yes, this picture is from today....at 1:30am when he was handing over the railing making sure he got all his questions in!

I'm also sad that I missed dinner with Will tonight.  Who wouldn't want a double Buckeye sundae for dinner?  It's probably good that I don't have a picture of it :)

I Love Being a Mom :)

First, let me say that I can't believe it was already a year ago that I was walking Hunter across the field on Senior Night.  I remember thinking then that we still had so much of the year ahead of us.  Time flew by in a second; he's been away from home for almost 3 months and some days I'm still in disbelief.

What surprises me more is their ability to keep a secret.  While I was fully prepared to cry when I saw Logan cross the field tonight, I was completely unprepared to cry when I saw Hunter in the band room waiting for me.  "It's Senior Night, of course I'm home." was the saying as I was standing there, crying and thrilled to see him.  Who knew that Will would be able to keep a secret for that long?  Now I know why he was so quiet all afternoon!

Needless to say, our house is utter chaos and I'm the happiest mom on the planet.  We're all wet and cold.  The dogs are beside themselves because Hunter, Shannon and Logan are here.  I've laughed, cried and smiled because my heart is overflowing.  They all surprised me.  That doesn't happen very often.  I wonder if I feel this way forever?  Will having them all home, sleeping soundly in their beds always make my smile a little bigger and my heart a little warmer?  Actually, I don't wonder at all.  I know the answer.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame....

The Tigers advance to the World Series!  I feel like I'm a kid again!  Has it really been that long since I watched Kirk Gibson and Sparky Anderson while I was laying on the den floor, eating Baskin Robbins ice cream?   If I close my eyes really tight, I can still taste the peanuts and hear Grandpa cheering at my first tiger baseball game.  I may not follow along now, but they will always have a special spot in my heart.  Go Tigers!

If at first you don't succeed......

A fortune cookie.  It's desert, with a message.  Not quite as personal as a horoscope, but makes you smile or cringe the same way.  Tonight when I was starting the blog, Jeff volunteered to take the picture.  You can decide which one that makes you smile....or makes you cringe.

I'll take the picture!

 This is ridiculous!

Why does the flash keep going off when I'm an inch away!

Finally.

And yes, his was the common sense fortune.  Thanks for making me laugh tonight!  It's been a long day and this was the best medicine.  And remember, if at first you don't succeed, just hand me the camera before you throw it out the window :)

The Peak!

We have reached the peak.  The colors are in full swing and everyone is taking full advantage of it.  The park is swamped with people enjoying the last of the warm days and fall foliage.  When I was little, the fall seemed to last much longer.  I remember playing in the leaves for what seemed like months.  Now the wind blows and the season leaves with it.  Soon, the grey days will arrive.  Twinkling Christmas lights will replace the warm fall colors and the hustle and bustle will be upon us.  Today, I got just a few minutes to capture the last leaves of the season.

  

Missing a friend.

So I was just too slow today to get my camera.  So we're going to have to live with the story alone.

Fancy is a strange little cat.  She doesn't like many people.  She spends most of her day hanging out on her cat tree, watching us.  Unless I go the bathroom, then she's the first one there.  Every once in awhile, she'll come down from her castle to mingle with the commoners.  And do you want to know where she hangs out?  Right behind the couch, in Sevens spot.  It doesn't happen very often, but she snuggles up alone, just where she would lay with Seven.  She sniffs the carpet, rolls around and then lays there until she's interrupted by a human or another four legged friend.  Each time, it makes me smile.  I'm not the only one that misses Seven.  If I thought laying on the carpet in her spot would make it easier, I'd try it myself.  So today I just sat at the kitchen table, missing her too.

What I love.....

I was going to blog about the shelf that had my name written in the dust.  But Jeff took care of that today.  Then I decided to blog about the wonderful dinner that I thought I'd have time to make.  Unfortunately, I was still working when dinner time rolled around, so Jeff took care of that.  He also took care of the fish, the dogs, the carpets, the toilets and the sinks.  He carried firewood and cleaned (and folded!) every piece of laundry in the house.  All while I was hibernating in the office, working on pictures.

Thanks Jeff.  I promise I'll make it up to you in January!

Red, White and Blue.

Disclaimer:  The following blog entry contains political content.  The views of this blog are my views.  I don't ask that anyone substitute them for their own (but it's ok if you do, lol!).

It's not every day I get to cross something off of my bucket list.  To be fair, I didn't really know the event was on my bucket list until I got the invitation.  In my eyes, it was the opportunity of a lifetime.  It wasn't just being a part of something that I believe in.  It was being a part of something American;  something that is exclusive to a democracy.  It's moving to stand in a crowd of over 11,000 people expressing their views knowing that we have a son overseas with thousands of others, preserving that right.

The snipers were cool, second only to the Secret Service.  The atmosphere was amazing.  Nothing will ever move me as much as hearing 11,000 people sing the National Anthem.  It was an opportunity to hear from some of the people that currently shape our nation.  Shannon Jones, US Senator.  Steve Chabot, Ohio Congressman.  Mary Taylor, Ohio's Lt. Governor.  Rob Portman, US Senator.  Anthony Munoz, small business owner and former Cincinnati Bengal and Mitt Romney, Candidate for the highest office.

What today taught me?  I learned that I'm proud of my beliefs.  I don't expect everyone to share them, but I'm proud of them nonetheless.  I believe in fiscal responsibility.  I believe in God.  I believe in leaving our kids with more opportunities and less debt.  I believe that given the choice, I'd take small business over large government every time.  But I also learned how lucky I am to be an American.  Lucky that I could get out and be part of the process.   Everyone should do it once, regardless of your side.    

And professionally....I may have just photographed the next President of the United States.  

The vicious one, lol.

Oh, look at my baby!  She's afraid of her shadow.  She runs when she sees a stranger.  But when she's mad at you, she looks like she would eat you!  This was because I told her to get off of my lap and right before she started howling at me.  Did I mention that I love having a dog that talks back?

Finally.

Yipppeee...I wasn't the only frosty thing today!  

A sure sign that winter winds will be soon whipping through the leafless branches.  The first true freeze of the season.  Am I excited?  Yeck, yes!  This brings the end of the carpenter bees, the mosquitoes and the ragweed.  Can't be sad about that.      

Attempt #1

Yep, I'd like to write a book.  But I figured that before I penned my first novel, I should start small.  Poetry.  Here's my first few attempts.  Be sure to let me know what you think!

Attempt 1:

Roses aren't always red.

Violets are purple not blue.

I've had a really long week.

How about you?

Attempt 2:

Pat a cake, pat a cake, army man.

Get this deployment over with as fast as you can.

Attempt 3:

Star light, too bright.

I really need some sleep tonight.

I'm making a wish with all my might

that Robitussin cures my cough tonight.

After re-reading them, I may have to reconsider the book thing.  But then again, maybe a little dose of honesty and reality might go a long way.  Or maybe, I should wait and try again next week.  You never know what I could come up with then!

Help Me!

Ok, normally I tell you about myself or the boys or our day.  Today, I need some help from you.  See that little comment button below the posting?  I need you to press it and give me some ideas on where I can take a day trip on Saturday to see the colors of the season.  I would really like to venture to Historic Roscoe Village, but that's a little too far for a day trip.  So how about somewhere near Columbus, Dayton or Cincy? I'm sure that I'm missing somewhere obvious.  But since I have the weekend off, I would love to take a little "me" time with just my camera and the leaves.  Post your comments, get help from your friends, just give me an idea :)

My Plan...

Here are my thoughts of the day and my plan for handling the upcoming months....

God doesn't give you more than you can handle.

Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect.

Singing at the top of your lungs can relieve stress.

Things may not be falling apart; they may be falling into place.

Keeping busy makes time go by much faster.

And if those plans don't work, you should look for me here.  

Please comment, email, text or call if you care to join me.  I'm guessing the bus will be leaving soon....and at this rate, it'll be full :)

 

Warm and Toasty

Ah, can you feel the warmth?  I love this time of year.  If only it didn't mean that winter was right around the corner.

Homecoming 2.0

Mister Style nailed it again.  The only thing missing from his fashion statement was his infamous belt buckle.  Apparently, he didn't want anything to clash with the black and white checkerboard theme.  I thought he was cute as a button.  Ok, since he's almost 16....I thought he looked dapper and handsome.

 Once they finished up their pre-dance dinner at Putters (Daniels favorite!), they headed off to the Homecoming dance to sing loud and dance their hearts out.  Yep, Will's a dancer too in case you wondered.

 

And it's not the only homecoming festivity tonight.  Hunter is attending his first night game in the Horseshoe to celebrate OSU's homecoming.  Go Bucks!

And Jeff and I - well, we're just glad to be at home.

Yep, It's Homecoming!

It's that time of year again.  You know when the seasons start to change and the leaves start to fall, it must be Homecoming weekend.  One other huge sign it's Homecoming weekend was the nasty weather.  I swear, it could be 90 degrees every day leading up to the game and it's guaranteed to drop at least 40 degrees as the game progresses.  Tonight was no exception.  It was sunny and 73 when we left the house tonight.  While the band was preforming their outstanding pregame show, it was cloudy and 64 degrees.  When we left the game (in the 3rd quarter because we couldn't take anymore), it was 52 degrees with rain and what felt like hurricane winds.  After you've been sitting outside in the rain for hours, any little breeze is cold.  And Will, he was freezing.  Not a lot on him to keep him warm!  The good news?  While it will be chilly tomorrow, it will also be bright and sunny.  That should make the Homecoming dinner and dance a little more fun!  

What's your favorite?

It's Survivor Night!  As we enter the twenty five, I admit that I'm as in love with the show as much today as I was in the beginning.  I don't know that I have words for all the reasons I love it, but I don't know that I've missed an episode....ever.  Over the years, so many wonderful TV shows have grabbed my attention that I thought I would create a list of my favorites.  The reason - so the boys can one day go back and watch them and recognize great television.  

10.  The Big Valley  

9.  Quantum Leap

8.  Lois and Clark

7.  M.A.S.H

6.  Sports Night

5.  The West Wing

4.  Alias

3.  Friends

2.  Boston Legal

And #1.....Parenthood.  Every parent, child, teenager and grandparent should watch Parenthood at least once.  If you're not hooked, I'm shocked.  

If I've missed one, feel free to comment with ones you think they should watch :)

Let the Games Begin!

The season is officially underway.  The first presidential debate kicks off the final leg of the race to the top.  No opinions here, just excitement to be part of a democracy.  So I'm off to watch them duke it out...and may the odds be ever in your favor.  Whichever that is.

Hello Mother, Hello Father....

This made me smile today...and I'm sure it will make you too.  At least the days of sending that message via Pony Express have passed.  Instead of taking days to mail a letter, his request reached the intended recipient within seconds.  So did the money.  

I've been waiting for Snow...Snow White, that is!

It seems as though we're always behind!  But Once Upon a Time, we were right on schedule.  Ok, so thats not tonight but maybe one day it'll happen again.  Although we're a little late, tonight was season premier night in our house.  Jeff, Will and I watched the first episode of 666 Park Avenue.  They'll have to finish out the remainder of the series without me.  I don't need the heebie geebies before bed.  Next, is Once Upon a Time.  I've been waiting for months to see it.  I mean what girl doesn't love a good fairy tale?