Think Someone Misses Me?

I don't think my kitty is ready for me to leave again...

Leaves & Monkey Joe's

A few pictures to show how we spent the last few weeks - besides being crazy busy. I think I will spend more nights away from my bed than in it during this lovely month of November. Over scheduled, over committed, something like that.

I enjoy the leaves leisurely falling to the ground during Fall. Not so much this year. Heavy rains and strong winds blew all the leaves down in a very short timeframe. Scott raked leaves in the dark one night - seriously, has it always gotten dark so early?? This year seems worse.

Last Friday, Nate & I went to Monkey Joe's with Jane Ellis, Peter, and George. It was our first time and Nate is going to have his birthday party there. For the most part, he liked it once he got used to all the bouncy things. Here he is going down the big slide. He did it exactly one time. I was just impressed that he did it at all.

Acting silly in the baby bouncy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mom & Dad's 60th Birthday

Wow - what a great weekend. My Mom & Dad celebrated their 60th birthdays this weekend. I am so thankful for both of them. They are truly wonderful parents, friends, and counselors. The weekend was made very special by all the people that celebrated with us.

Sarah and I worked very hard on the decor - we decided we might just go into business together. I am self-admitting not a very crafty person but it all came together and I think it turned out nice. I really enjoyed hanging out with Sarah, even though it makes Hamil nervous when we spend too much time together!

The centerpieces with berries picked from the farm.

The walkway that my Dad made over the flower bed - I think a smaller version will be a permanent fixture!

The wine table and Sarah's perfect flower arrangements complete with red tinted water :).

My favorite boy being very cute! He enjoyed the party until about 20 people got there and then he said he was ready to watch a movie. He hung out in my Dad's office with a few other kids that were there. He went to bed promptly at 9:00 PM, even with the band blaring right outside his window. That part of him is not my kid - those of you that have lived with me know that I need QUIET to sleep!

The Corse children...

My good friends Jackie & Aaron made the trip all the way from Jeff City to celebrate with us!

Hamil, Sarah and Sarah's parents, Bob & Cathy.

I so enjoyed catching up with my dear, dear friend Brandi!!

Me & Jackie...

Dancing with my Dad!

Shame on me - this is the only picture I got of my Mom & Dad at their own party. And actually, didn't take it, Jackie did! I guess I was too busy having fun!

The birthday toast with some of my parent's dearest friends.

On Time vs. Late

I look forward to going to pickup Nate every day. It is one of the best parts of my day.
Yesterday morning he asks me, "Mom, do you have a meeting today?" No. "So you will be picking me up on time?" Yes. "Okay then."

This morning he says to me, "Mom, can you be 20 minutes late picking me up today?" Ummmm...sure, why? "Because I need to go outside with my class to do bird watching."

Apparently something he can't do if I pick him up on time. From the moment Nate started going to childcare outside our home, I have made it a point to pick him up ON TIME every single day. If I am 2 minutes late, he might be scarred for life. It is really hard for me not to pick him up on time.

Well, apparently, he enjoys school so much that on some days, he wants me to be late. So I'm killing time so my little bird watcher can have fun with his friends. I don't know who this growing up stuff is harder on, him or me??

Halloween

The littlest fire fighter...