Saturday, November 30, 2013

334. Lazy afternoon




The girl spent the night with my parents last night because the man and I got up at 1:30 a.m. to drive Drew back to the airport (it is two hours away) in time for his red eye flight.  We got back home just in time to see the sun rise and fall asleep for a couple of hours.

I am so thankful for wonderful parents.  They are amazing grandparents and Julia loves being with them.

Once home, Julia stayed in her pajamas all day and lounged about watching some Christmas cartoons.  We all felt a bit worn out.  Even Clementine got in on the slug fest that was our afternoon.

333. Hanukkah



We finally found time to slow down enough to light the menorah to celebrate Hanukkah.   We made matzo ball soup and spent time together with family and friends.

Mallory in London and Dalton traveling back to New Haven were missed.

Friday, November 29, 2013

332. Thankful



Flight delays can stink but my sister and I decided to have fun while waiting at the airport.  We made up crazy stories about the various people also waiting for loved ones to arrive.  At times, we were hysterically laughing.  Just like we used to do when we were kids.  Sleep deprivation may have played a part.  We weren't mean -- just silly.  It was 3:30 a.m. before we got home.  But we had Drew home in time for Thanksgiving.

Just a few hours later, we gathered at my grandparent's farm for a huge Thanksgiving meal.  The weather was cold and the sky was blue -- perfect weather to walk about in after the feast.

We didn't get my grandfather in the picture because he had gone to take a nap.  There was some discussion of gathering around his bed to take a picture while he slept but that got voted out.  Thankfully.

It was a wonderful day with the family.  So happy to have both my boys home.  For a little while.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

331. Pine cone lilies



A run with a friend in town for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Baking and cooking and preparing food for tomorrow's feast.
Pine cone lilies cut from the yard.
Heading out in a few to the airport (it is a few hours away) to pick up the oldest boy.

Thanksgiving is so busy but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

330. Gratitude



"Be thankful for what you have.  You'll end up having more.  If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never have enough." ~ Oprah Winfrey

I am thankful for:
*rainy days and movie dates with the family.
*inside jokes.
*friends who help build memories with the kids.
*a running partner that will run in the rain.
*dark chocolate.
*a husband that I adore.
*the chance to do good in the world.
*a dog with a swollen belly who is home from the vet.

Now You
52 of You - Gratitude
47/52

Monday, November 25, 2013

329. Sleep-over



In that house on a quiet street, the girl is having her first sleep-over.  Ever.  There is a lot of squealing going on in that pink curtained room of hers.

The college boy will likely hear them in the wee hours of the morning.

When she first moved in, she often talked about wanting to have a sleep-over.  A few days later, she brought up the idea again but this time asked us to explain exactly what a sleep-over was.

So happy that she is getting to have these experiences.

Tonight, I'm missing my Mili.  She got so very sick yesterday and last night.  The vet thinks she may have pancreatitis and they are keeping her to keep fluids in her.  Clementine is home and seems lost without the supreme leader keeping her in line.

328. Beaming




Dalton arrived late Saturday night.  I jumped up and down when I saw him walk through the walkway at the airport.  Julia was happy, too.

Sunday was filled with talking and spending time together.  My parents, my sister and her husband, some friends, and Dalton's father all came over for dinner.  And Moscow Mules.

In the midst of all the company were two sick dogs.  Yes, two.  Clementine continued with the snotty nose and sneezing.  She curled up with Dalton to sleep.  And then there was Mili who was vomiting and panting.  We think she may have eaten something outside that didn't agree with her.

Regardless, I am thankful my friends and family are pet people.  I'm thankful one son is home and the other will be home in a few days.  I'm thankful for being surrounded by love.  My cup runneth over.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

327. Cuddles



The house has been cleaned.  The sheets have been washed.  The groceries have been purchased.  Another Faboo Chocolate Chocolate Chip cake has been baked.

In just a couple more hours, my youngest son will be home for Thanksgiving week.

I'm so very thankful.

When I sat down, Clementine jumped up to get in on some cuddling action.  She seems to have gotten a bad cold and doesn't feel so swell.  Maybe some extra rest will help her feel better.

Now You
52 of You - Comfort
46/52

326. In the yard




Clementine loves her new bone.  Whenever she isn't looking, Mili sneaks off with her bone and hides it in the bedroom.

That bone is almost as big as Mili.  I need to get a picture of her carrying the bone away.  It really is hilarious.

In the yard, Mili keeps her distance from Clementine because Clemmie is rather hyper -- as puppies tend to be.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

325. Thursday




Finished homework with the girl.
Went to the park and watched her play.
Met friends for dinner -- the best Indian food in town.
Rushed to bathe and read -- Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.

I love how Thursdays can feel like the real beginning of the weekend.  One more day at work and then a week off.  I'm ready!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

324. Winding down



Sometimes I miss my quiet time.  There really aren't many quiet moments anymore -- but I remember these times from when my boys were young.  All too soon, there will be many quiet moments and I will miss the noise and chaos that children bring to the world.

Until then, I take comfort in a hot cup of green tea.  And dream of quiet.

Now You
52 of You - Comfort
46/52

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

323. Beggars



How quickly they learn.

Clementine has already figured out the sit and stare move that works so well for Mili.  She should fatten up in no time.

Monday, November 18, 2013

322. In-between seasons


It is still hot and humid but there are a few trees showing signs that fall may be moving in soon.  I could be happy with a few runs that weren't so muggy.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

321. "You can say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one." ~ John Lennon



After an extra ballet practice, she told me all about the routine (and I mean ALL about it) and how hard she worked.  In one breath, she says she is already nervous about performing in the spring.  Then the next thing out of her mouth is that she can't wait to wear the costumes on the stage.

She is full of life, love and drama.

320. The vows




I was invited to the wedding of of a former student of mine.  I taught Brittany when she was in the 6th grade.  Right before they said the vows, she fainted.  Her soon-to-be-husband caught her and others helped her sit in a chair until she revived and the ceremony could go on.

While they said their vows, he put his arm around her and held his bride up.  Such a sweet moment.

Afterwards, I had to explain to Julia that most of the time people don't faint in the wedding.  This was her first wedding and I think it made quite an impression.

Friday, November 15, 2013

319. Home



Clementine.

She has been spayed and biopsied.  There is a bit of demodectic mange -- the non-contagious kind.  After healing from the surgery, she will start treatment.  She is already on antibiotics for the infection on her abdomen.

Leaving the vet's office, she tucked her nose under my arm.  When we got home, there were spots of blood all over the seat of the truck -- the new truck.  And the man didn't say anything.  He just cleaned it up.

She lay on some blankets in the laundry room.  Some are Mili's.  One is Julia's.  Mili walked into the laundry room to check her out.  She sniffed, wagged her tail, and peed.  The peeing may or may not have meant anything.

Clementine is home!  Welcome to the madness.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

318. The feast



Our school does a huge Thanksgiving feast -- and this year we had almost 600 guests attend.  My job was to greet, direct, and run around taking care of various issues (discipline of a few punky kids, an upset and rude parent, a lost toddler, a puking child, two car alarms going off, and more) as they occurred.

I did this all while dressed as an Indian.

After school, Julia and I went with the man to the shelter to pay the adoption fee for Clementine. Tonight, Clementine is receiving various treatments for fleas and worms and will be chipped.  We will bring her home tomorrow after she is spayed.

We got to visit with her for a few minutes and we were all happy to have her jumping around on us.  Afterwards, we went to the store to buy a giant bag of food for her.

And I did all this while dressed as an Indian.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

317. Bedtime



After I took a couple of pictures of the girl, she wanted to take a picture of me. She tells me she likes my smile.  I love hers, too.

I adore our bedtime routine of reading and cuddling.  Tonight, we finished reading Matilda.  I loved that book when I first read it in 4th grade and I loved that my boys loved it when I read it to them when they were young -- but nothing could prepare me for the emotions I felt when I read this book to the girl I met at school who now lives in my house.

When Miss Honey was telling the story of her life with her cruel aunt (Miss Trunchbull), she gasped and nodded in understanding.  Miss Honey's story was fiction and the similarities of her life with Julia's were gut wrenching.  She clapped at the end when Matilda got to live with Miss Honey.  We both do love a happy ending.

I called Julia my Matilda.  As she hugged me close, she said, "I love you, Miss Honey."

Now You
52 of You - Gather
45/52

Gathered in her room.
With her bed stuff.
Before reading and snuggling.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

316. 6088



After school, Julia and I went to the shelter to see Clementine.  It almost made me cry to see her in the big cage in the stray room.

I paid the fee to have her held for us if no one comes to claim her.  The shelter will call me on Thursday (as in the day after tomorrow).  In the meantime, the vet will see her on Wednesday and we can get a report on her skin issues and if she is contagious.

The lady at the shelter heard us talking to Clementine who was licking and jumping about.  When she handed me the receipt, I noticed that beside her shelter name of "6088" she had written Clemintine.

Monday, November 11, 2013

315. Gather



Home from work and school for just a moment before dashing out the door again (and before it gets dark).  The man took the girl to dance.  I met a friend for a run.

Later, when I was tucking Julia into bed, I told her I loved her to the moon and back.  Her response?  "I love you to the Equator AND the Prime Meridian and back."

Now You
52 of You - Gather
45/52

P.S. I dyed my hair light brown just for the heck of it.  Only one student and one teacher noticed at school.  Perhaps it was already getting darker than I wanted to admit.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

314. Clementine


Last night, the man and I realized that we had nothing on the agenda for Sunday.  Let that sink in for a moment.  An actual day of rest with no expectations at all.

We were positively giddy.

The morning started off well.  Pajamas.  CBS Sunday Morning.  Coffee.  Breakfast.  Reading.

Then I decided to go for a run.

About a half mile into the run, I was suddenly knocked to the ground by an excited puppy.  Not realizing the dog was behind me, it totally caught me off guard and I screamed.  The dog jumped on me and started licking me and jumping around in utter happiness.

I got up and started to run again.  Apparently that was code for continue jumping and being excited.  The dog followed me for over 2 miles finally ending back at my house.

There may or may not have been some bonding going on during that time.

Her ribs are showing.  There is an injury on her right shoulder.  She is somewhat mangy and is covered in a rash under her legs and on her abdomen.

Mili hates her and she snaps at her and her playful ways.  We aren't sure what we are going to do with her.  The last thing we need is another dog.

We've been calling her Clementine.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

313. Fall festival fun



One of Julia's best friends moved to another school this past summer -- and they've missed each other!  Today, she got to spend the day at her friend's school's fall festival.  It was a fantastic day!

Julia: "I've really missed you!"

Friend: "I've missed you, too.  How do you like 3rd grade?"

Julia:  "It's ok except for all the homework and tests.  And I don't have you to remind me to sit down."

Awww...  I love this friend of hers.

312. Gone to the dogs


This dog, Darlin, lives on the farm behind my school.  Every now and then she escapes and comes to the school to hang out.  She is such a sweet and happy dog that I would love to keep at the school but we always call her owner to come get her.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

311. Faculty Family Night


We grilled hot dogs and sausages while the kids ran around and played.  Then we gathered on our blankets and chairs to watch Despicable Me on the giant blow up screen.

I love working with such fantastic people!

Julia said, "I wish we could do this every Friday."  When I reminded her that it was Thursday, she revised her statement to mean Thursday.  

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

310. Stop... and smell the rambling vines



On the way to the track, I noticed the little flower on the vine growing up the stop sign.  I decided to back the car up and take a quick picture.  I'm trying to remember to stop and take the time to notice the little things in life.

Each morning at school, Julia walks the halls with me to turn on the lights.  Our light system requires a key and Julia loves to be the one who switches them on at each hallway intersection.  She always stops and looks in amazement at the way the lights poof on.

I want to be more like that -- still in awe of just turning on lights and not just switching them and hurriedly moving to the next thing on the agenda.  I want to become better at noticing the small things.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

309. Cozy



Just cuddling with the pup.

Knitting.  I've never desired to learn the art of clicking needles but I do love the creative scarves my sister makes for me.

Now You
52 of You - Knit
44/52

Monday, November 4, 2013

308. The best kind of salad



The best kind of salad are the ones that you don't have to make.  I got home from taking the girl to dance to find a nice salad made by the man.  Not only did he make salad, he cleaned the house.

He is a keeper, I tell ya.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

307. Holding hands for 67 years and counting



My grandparents are an amazing couple.  Today, we celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

Sixty seven years.  I'm in awe.  And I'm so very thankful that I've had them in my life for so long.

306. Best wedding ever


Helping my husband for catering events that are weddings are almost always fun.  Saturday night was absolutely fabulous!  

The wedding was held by a cemetery at Pebble Hill Plantation and the reception was in a courtyard under huge oaks.  The couple had a Halloween themed wedding and it was just a fun event.  The bride's wedding gown was black and gorgeous.   I love when couples break tradition and do something unique based on their personalities.   

The wedding topper was Frankenstein and the bride of Frankenstein.  The groom's cake was the creature from the Black Lagoon.  Awesome, I tell ya.

It was also a long day.  My husband and were at the plantation all day and night -- on our feet, walking, carrying, helping.  Our muscles ached by the end of the night.  It was well after midnight before we got home and got a few hours of sleep before another big day on Sunday.



 A little sitting area.

The whole wedding cake. 

The creature from the Black Lagoon -- best groom's cake ever.

Friday, November 1, 2013

305. Baking night



Tomorrow night, I'll be working with my husband at a Halloween wedding.  The ceremony is in a cemetery and the reception on a plantation.  I think it is going to be awesome!

The afternoon and evening was spent baking and making ghoulish desserts.

I do love when I get to work with my husband on the fun jobs.