Updates (sorry, I'm just not that creative)

I have decided to participate in the graduation ceremony. My friend Charlie was right. If I don't participate, I might regret it. Plus, it will be good for Mallory to see what it's like. I went last week to pick up my cap and gown and tickets. I have never had to park very far away from things on campus until then. I could not believe how many cars were on campus. The line for stuff was not long, really, just a parking nightmare. Of course, while I was there, Mallory was having some fit with Rodd and it got ugly. Here's the thing, she had pink eye and we were the meanies who had to put in the drops. I am surprised how strong she is. One of us had to hold her down while the other did the drops. She was convinced that we hated her and gave Rodd the run around in the driveway at daycare. (Don't worry, she was no longer contagious.) He called me while I was driving to Detroit to have me tell her that I loved her and all I could hear were sobs. She did get over it, but drops are EVIL! I had hoped to do some shopping on my way home, but had to come straight home due to the drama.

Then this week we have all had a sickness. I had a sinus infection while the others had the beginning of bronchitis, yeah us. It has been quite the week, but we are all better for our last work day before Spring Break. Not that we are going anywhere, but it will be nice to rest more and read good books and watch The Love Boat that came today on DVD. I just love that show:-)

Things at work are going well and I'm happy to say that my first year in my new school district has gone very well and they are keeping me. I know that may sound funny to some, but teaching jobs, especially in the library/media center, are some of the first to be cut. I'm glad my hard work has paid off. I went to a conference today and now I have some great new ideas for the rest of the year. This means that next year will be even better, yeah:-)

We went to my parents for Easter and it was a pretty good trip. Mallory is not used to sharing with her cousins, so we had to have some lessons in sharing. Her younger cousin is bigger than she is and he is all BOY!!! He cracks us up, but Mallory doesn't understand how he can be doing what he does because they are roughly close in size. Below are some pics from our weekend, enjoy.

Dilemma/Random thoughts

Here's the thing, I finished grad. school in December, but there wasn't a graduation ceremony. They only have one in the Spring. Should I participate? Will it be worth it? I think Rodd and my mom want me to do it, which is fine, but I feel stupid. By the time the actual ceremony comes around, I will have been finished for five months. Any thoughts?

It's been one year since my grandpa passed away and the time is nearing for the estate auction. I know this is a good thing, but it's so hard. Over Christmas, we as grandkids had to go pick what we wanted. I felt like I was robbing a grave. My grandparents lived long, happy lives, but to go through their things, just seems wrong. My dad is having the hardest time still and it just breaks my heart to see him so sad. My cousin and her husband seem to think that they should just loot the place and that just puts me over the edge. Grandpa would want me or my brothers to have some of the things they took because we were closer to him, but they just see it as merchandise to sell. Anyway, the auction is in April and it's going to be tough. It will, however, be good to have some closure.

Enough sad stuff because work is good, life is good, Mallory is moody. She can change hot to cold in about 2 seconds. What is that all about? I came home from work today drained from being with K-5th grade today. They just wear me out. Mallory takes my hand and says, "Mommy, you lay down on the sofa and get a nap." I sit down, yada, yada, then it's time to eat supper. I go to sit down and she freaks out that we are not sitting where she wants us to sit and her plate is in the wrong place and oh, my goodness, that absolute, wrenching, whining pursued. It is just ridiculous and amazing all at the same time. This went on all evening, which led to the counting and spanking. Two was a great age, three is trying! I told Rodd the other day that when she hits 11 or 12 it will just be awful. He said he was going to lock himself in his room. I asked from me or her? He said both. Oh, the things to look forward to.

LOL,
CDR

Love the Family

It's been quite some time since I've posted and it's not because I haven't thought about it. In fact, I was logged in the other day, all set to write, when Mallory was ready for bed. I totally forgot to get back on the computer and finish what I was doing. Also, since I don't have homework to do, I don't always get online at night. It's so nice to just come home and spend time with my family.

Anywho, last weekend, Mallory and I make the trek to Western Michigan to visit the folks. They have mounds of snow and Mallory was very excited to go sledding again. Problem: the hills my dad made were too big to climb so we had to settle on the little front yard hill. She was OK with that. She also wanted to see the cows which was also complicated since my dad had plowed the huge hills of snow into the view of the barnyard. We had to walk all the way around, which would not have been so bad had it not been -5 outside. My brothers are up to the same tricks and we always laugh very hard when we are together. Most of the time, the Big D sister-in-law is the butt of some jokes. She just has that kind of quality. I normally would not share a family story online, but this one deserves some sharing. Oldest brother and the Big D needed a new septic system for various reasons and the new one had to be above ground. No, I don't really understand that. However, on the day of fixing, Brother #2 is there to help with the electrical work, etc. when they both decide that since they are going to put in all new pipes out back, they should do them all. This requires that they break up the cement patio next to the house to do the work. They get this done, when they hear this whooooooosh and plop. Big D has used the potty and flushed in the middle of the septic project and to my brothers' surprise (large surprise) there is now an obstacle that must be taken care of. Oldest brother, husband to Big D, goes in and explains that she may not flush during the work. Now what person doesn't know this? Brother #2 is the one who shared this story with me and he could hardly speak due to the laughter. Only back home on the farm do things like this happen.

So that was our weekend back home. I'm so sad that I missed fondue and hope that another fondue party is coming up soon.

LOL,
CDR

Random update

My official diploma arrived today and whew does that feel good.

Mallory had her first official hair cut today. Yes, she is three and a half, but it took her almost two and a half to get enough hair to actually pull it back. She is such a doll with curls.

After my freshman year of high school, we had an exchange student from Japan stay with us for five weeks. The following summer, 1990, I went to Japan to stay with her family for five weeks. In 1995, my "sister" and her mother came to our wedding. Now it's time, possibly, to travel there for her wedding. She sent a note that arrived today with the June 22nd wedding date. I want very badly to go, but we'll have to see how much it is and who can go with me. This situation caused me to remember how long ago I was in Japan. Holy crap, it was 18 years ago!!! I'm old. I remember it like it was yesterday and I also kept a journal while I was there. Can I find said journal, nope, but now I'm on a mission. Does anyone out there, the three people who read this, have frequent flier miles they would be willing to give to me?

Work is very good except for a spilled coffee on new books incident that occurred yesterday. It was an accident and the person who did it really felt bad, I think. However, 12 books are ruined and that amounts to about $200 dollars at least. Very frustrated with that, but it will all work out.

LOL,
CDR

Ahh, those were the days

Yesterday, I didn't have school and I decided to take a road trip to my old school. They had an inservice and I thought I would surprise them. Mallory went with me and they were very happy to see us. I thought that I would be more upset at having left there, but it turns out I wasn't upset at all. The teachers were working on various projects and discussing things, many were upset about some things that are going on. (The same things they have always been upset about, but refuse to offer up any sollutions and continue to blame everyone else.)

Anywho, I thought to myself, I sure don't miss that. I'm super busy at my new job, just in a different way. I was also suprised to see what a mess the library was. My mentor and friend would NEVER have let things look like this and it's so sad to know that the students have to put up with this. It's also sad to know how little the teachers, not all of them, respect the library. It's awful how bad it is and how disrespectful certain people can be there. I had to leave the room.

It clicked with me that, although I miss my friends there greatly, I made the right decision. I am very happy doing what I'm doing and the staff where I am now, respect me AND the position. They know that I am very passionate about what I do and they seek me and my advice on things. I was a part of wonderful staff, but that is the past and now I really think that I am officially ready to move on. The future can only tell what might happen at my old school and I hope the administration decides to bring back in a certified media specialist, but I'm not sure I would want that position. I guess my epiphany finally happened.

LOL,
CDR

Where in the heck have I been?

Whew, it's been a long time. I hope all is well with everyone and that you had a stupendous Christmas and New Year.

We made a Gingerbread train and house this year. Check out the digs.


We had two Christmas celebrations with Rodd's family, parts I and II. Pretty much, we did Christmas Eve here with them with this huge meal that Rodd and I made. We opened most of the presents that day with them as well. We packed up the left overs for R's parents to take home. We were able to celebrate Christmas here Christmas morning and it was so much fun. Mallory received many new books, clothes, and Play Doh.

Christmas morning was a hoot. Mallory didn't even notice the presents for almost an hour after she was up. We had to point them out.

We were having so much fun, but we had to pack up and go over to Rodd's parent's house for Christmas Lunch, hence the part II. We ate the food that Rodd and I cooked the day before. Why you ask, did we have Christmas part II? We don't know either, but we do know that we won't have this happen next year.

Anywho, we were also able to spend a few days with my parents which was so much fun. Mallory had some firsts, first snowmobile ride and first sledding on the big hill. Check out that smile, she didn't like it at all.

My three brothers, my sister-in-law, and myself took over the hill. The kids were sitting on top waiting for sleds. It was like the bullies had one the hill. I haven't had that much fun since I was their age. Mallory lucked out because she could go alone or with me. This was our first trip to my parents since Labor Day due to Mallory's fall illnesses. I hadn't seen my dad or brothers in almost four months. It was so great to be with them for several days.

For the new year, we spent time with our bestest friends who moved to Allendale not too long ago. We were able to experience the Wii for the first time. We couldn't figure out why Rodd's shoulders hurt afterwards. We decided that the Wii was just too much exercise. (hee, hee)

Keep in touch this year and when are we getting together? Send out some dates randcroesch@comcast.net

LOL,

CDR

It's official!

Grades were finally posted today and it is official, I have my degree!!! Who wants to celebrate? Seriously? Let's set up something for after the first of the year when things are less crazy. We can meet for drinks, not you Cat, and celebrate Cat's news as well as mine.

Who's in?

I feel good, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah:-)
I knew that I would
So good!

LOL,
CDR

Whew, what a week!

Getting back into the swing of things can be tough. I only spent two days at my desk to work, the rest of the time, I was teaching in various locations and at a conference. Plus, this week was book fair week and that was crazy. Fortunately my aid ran the whole thing and sold over $8000 in product to give us $4600 in "free" books. Whoo, Hooo!!!

I was at this conference that was mind numbing and I hear my name. My name is not the most common so I figured whoever it was must be calling me. I turn around and there stands a friend from college, Kim Schalk. She says hi to everyone and tells me she is doing great. I also ran into old friends from my old school who were there having their brains bored to tears as well. I was able to catch up on some gossip. If it hadn't been for seeing Kim and the gossip, it would have been the longest day.

In one week, you will all (I know it's about five people out there) be able to congratulate me. I will officially be done with my Master's Degree. That paper that I procrastinated on is finished and I must say, it's not bad at all. I presented it last night and thought that went very well. Pay raise, here I come. No more classes, no more books... at least until my cert. is up again.

The family is doing very well and things seem to be getting back to normal. Now we just have to figure out how to get our Christmas decorations up.

LOL,
CDR

They're out!

What a morning! We arrived at the hospital at 6:45 as directed and were taken into preop. Mallory did great with the whole not eating or drinking thing. It's like she knew something was up last night and didn't even ask about food or drink. So we are sitting there waiting for the doctors to get everything ready and we hear this loud crash, like a person has fallen from their hospital bed onto the floor. Nope, it wasn't the patient next to us, but her finance who hit the dirt and hard. They had to take him to the ER while she went in for surgery.

Anyway, back to us. They took Mallory into surgery at 7:30 as scheduled and said it would be about an hour. At 8:30 the doctor came out and said all went well. We waited about 10 more minutes and then we were able to go see her. She wasn't even crying, such a big girl. I grabbed her up and rocked her for about an hour while she slept. Then the ugly started, fortunately it wasn't too ugly. We had a bit of vomit, but that was OK and to be expected. She shook it off, had some water, then rested for a bit longer. We were able to get her to eat the Popsicle and then it was time to go. Now another ugly. For those of you who know me, you know that I am a bit squeamish when it comes to needles and blood. Well, Mallory still had to have her IV taken out and of course they want Mommy to put pressure on the hole in her tiny hand. It wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't actually seen the needle, but I did and then there was a bit of blood. If I hadn't been sitting, I would have been in the ER with the other guy from earlier. Fortunately, my mom and Rodd were there. Rodd took Mallory and Mom took me. The nurse thought I was a nurse before this happened because I understood what she was talking about. That's because my mom is a nurse and I paid attention. I was so embarrassed. Rodd took Mallory to the car while I sat there like a dork trying to compose myself. The nurse gave me some apple juice and all was better. Also, the longer I stayed there, the more I could hear words that were not good for me to hear, like IV, etc. I'm such a loser and I can't believe that that effected me so much. She's my baby and I should be able to see that stuff. I guess now we know, but Rodd isn't good with that stuff either. My prayers are that we never have to face it again.

Well, we are home and Mallory is really doing great. She is liking the Popsicles and sherbet. It's hard not to give her milk, but it can be gaggy. Tylenol with Codeine is also a nice touch for the pain, hers not mine. I may have a beer though.

Thanks for all of the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes.

LOL,
CDR

Procrastination

I have just one paper left to write and just two more class nights to attend and I will officially have my Master's degree. However, the words for said paper seem to elude me and I cannot focus. It's a research proposal and it just hurts my brain to even try to wrap myself around its concept. I know the material, but developing a science project is not my line of ability. I didn't do them in grade school and I can't fathom why it's so important for me to do one now. I would benefit so much more by having another literature class or kids literature class, but no, I have to be stuck in the most boring, painful class on the planet. I think I may have written about this before, but it's just not fun. I have an amazing GPA so far, if I do say so myself, and I will be happy with a B in this class. I'm ready to take the B at this point and just be done. Now if only the words would flow and I would be done.

Of course I don't have anything else on my mind this weekend, like say surgery on Monday morning or anything. More on that endeavor after its completion.

LOL,
CDR

Now comes the fever, what next?

On Friday, Mallory was acting very sluggish and just not herself. She had a slight temp. so we did the Motrin then Tylenol thing through Saturday. When the temp. hit 103, we decided that enough was enough and since it was Saturday, we ventured to the ER. Why now? She can't have a fever and have surgery so I'm so happy that we took her in. They checked her out and decided that she only has an ear infection and can treat that with the 5 day antibiotic instead of 10 day amoxicillin, which will allow us to keep the surgery date. They were scared that she had strep and then we would really be up a creek without a paddle. The dotcor took one look at her throat and said, "man, those tonsils are huge." Guess the decision to have them out along with the adenoids has been the right one. We are so looking forward to her being well. My mom is coming down to hold our hands during surgery and the first 24 hours or so. Thanks God for moms! Keep us in your thoughts and send your prayers/well wishes.

I was looking over my work budget and I need to let that simmer a bit. I am very close to going over and the super. will not like that. I just get so excited to order new books for the kids. They are so excited to have someone actually order new things. Maybe I'll just wait another month before I spend the remaining balance. I wouldn't want them to think I'm greedy.

LOL,
CDR

The date is set

Monday, November 19, our baby goes in to have the adenoids and tonsils out. This is so scary. Do they give mommies sedatives? I think they should.

More later,
CDR

Halloween

I'm ready for trick or treating, Mom! Daddy and Ladybug.

Mommy and Ladybug.

Adenoids it is!

Daddy took Mallory to the doctor and the doctor said, "no more adenoids jumping in your nose." We haven't scheduled the surgery yet, but I will work on that one tomorrow. I don't know why they only want to take out the adenoids and not the tonsils, but apparently her adenoids are really blocking her airway which is leading to her breathing through her mouth, which could then in turn be making her cough. Of course, she has another stuffy nose/cold right now that we are fighting so the coughing continues and continues, oh yeah, and continues!!!

On the work front, things are good. I really love what I do when I'm allowed to do it. I find that some people are stuck in the "it's always been done that way" frame of mind. I think that the admin. is very supportive, but only when I don't push too hard and I don't want to push too hard because I'm not tenured yet, which is not fun. I have a small confession to make, but it goes no farther. If a certain former employer were in need of a certified SLMS, I would apply and deep down I kind of hope that happens. It's not that I don't like where I'm working, I really do and the people are great. They have really opened up to many of my ideas and they have welcomed me without a doubt. I'm just feeling a bit homesick for my friends. I can't tell you how much I miss Nancy. It's so hard to not talk to her everyday. She's busy and I'm busy and because we aren't in the same building, district, city, it's just hard. There are so many good things about my new place, but the friendships from the old place weigh on me sometimes. Is that crazy? Plus today was especially hectic and I had to be several places at the same time. I did all of the work ones, but I had to miss Mallory's drs app. That was not fair, but the dr. changed the app. and I just couldn't get there. Rodd is giving me feedback from the notes he took, that I made him take, but because I was in the elementary today, I couldn't leave. Rodd did do a good job, but I missed a very important appointment, that hurts.

Anyway, I guess it's just one of those days. When I get a chance I will post some Halloween pics. Mallory was a ladybug, super cute.

LOL,
CDR

Allergies or Tonsilitis?

We took the peanut to see an ENT last week because the coughing is driving us all nuts, plus her behavior has been a little less than desired. The ENT was great and told us that her tonsils are very enlarged and that may be the root cause of lots of things. However, we want to rule out allergies before we cut her open so she is on new allergy meds to see if they work. We will find out more on November 6.

She did have a better week, but the child seems to think that 5:30am is morning time. SHe climbs into bed with us and carries on a conversation. We are trying to sleep. This morning I took her back to bed so we could at least get some more rest. She, however, had other plans and was playing very loudly. R eventually got up to see what she was up to. I was very cranky and decided to stay in bed. 5:30 is way to early for chipper conversation by anyone. I would say that we did have a better week, but I know that this is not going to be over. She is three and testing herself against us. So far I am the stronger one, but R's getting there.

Have a great week,
CDR

Terrible threes or just plain spoiled?

Mallory had the worst fit today and of course it was in church. She was so horrible before we even left to go, but we insisted on going. We get there and all h-e-l-l breaks out. She doesn't want to be left alone in Sunday School, so we stay with her. She won't go up front with her class and sing, so she sits on my lap. She tells me she doesn't want me and I think good, that's good, she'll do this. As soon as I step away, she wants R. I go to her and she just throws this fit. We finally take her and sit in the back. She won't go up and sing. She won't let go of us, but yet she doesn't want us. She pushes and screams. I take her out and to the bathroom because I actully needed to go. She just cries and carries on. She ends up getting spanked which does no good. Isnt' the saying spare the rod, spoil the child? I take her back in to see if she will play with the musical toys the other kids are playing with and she just won't. We sit down and she proceeds to hit me. That's when things really got bad. I just about hit her back and hard. I was so FURIOUS. Of course R sees this from a distance and looses it. He starts yelling at her, she's crying, and yes, hello, we are still in church. We put her down a hallway out of earshot of everyone else and let her get over it, a time out deal. It doesn't get any better. People are walking by wondering what is going on. They try to comfort us by telling us stories of their kids, which really only makes us more upset. R looks like he's going to shoot steam out of his ears.

As soon as she sees us, she just starts screaming again. This is the most spoiled little girl and I'm done with it. She was so horrible!!! We finally left. I got up early to go to Sunday School and Church only to leave early and deal with this monster of a child. I then lost it in the car and was just screaming at her. I have never been so ashamed and embarrassed. What are we doing wrong that she thinks she can do this? Of course, by leaving church, she has won and that just pisses me off even more. We should have left her in Sunday School to see how she would be without us. That is the plan for next week.

Then there's the thought, what if they don't want her back? What if my child is the child teachers don't want in class because she is so horrible? I discipline her at home, but R lets her get away with everything. We talk about this and he fixes things for about 5 minutes and then goes right back to letting her get away with things. She thinks that he is her toy and whenever she wants something she gets it. For example, if little miss wants to watch a movie, he will stop what ever he's watching and let her watch something. If she wants to play a game, he's jumping up to get one out. This is true for most everything that goes on in our house. I am so sick of it and he just won't change. The situation is just getting worse. He's a great dad and there for her always, but she sees that as whatever I want, I just need to ask Daddy. Oh, and if I here her say, I can't one more time, I might wash her mouth out with soap or worse. I'm probably going to end up in trouble for saying these things, but those of you who know me, know I just need to vent.

Here's to a happier week!
CDR

Lack of Motivation

I'm sitting here thinking, I should really start that paper. It's the last paper, the epitome of papers that has to be done. Do I have it started? Nope. This class is my last class towards my Masters and I can't wait to be done. However, I find it very difficult to get motivated for it. I totally wish I had taken this class around the middle of the program and saved a cool literature class for last. I can honestly say that had I taken this class to begin with, I would have thought about dropping out of the program. However, here I am in this class and I dread it. I know the information is important and I'm sure at some point I will need to know how to compile research in the best possible way, I'm just not there right now. I'm hoping my motivation picks up next week at the state's conference for my profession. I can't wait to go and discuss issues with others in my position. It's so great to have the opportunity to network, plus I get to see some classmates from the program that I don't get to see anymore. It is going to be so fun.

On the home front, Mallory is still coughing and coughing. What is with that? I called the doctor today and said she was coughing. The nurse's response, "along with every other child in the office." Therefore, I guess, we just have to let it run its course. It is so painful to hear her cough. You know the cough, the one that sits her up and makes her unable to catch her breath. It scares her. The makers of all cough medicines should be sued by us moms. They are worthless, yet we pay lots of money for them. Plus, we can't just get them any more, thanks to the meth addicts. I was actually carded Saturday trying to buy Triaminic. This made me mad and happy at the same time. You only need to be 18 to buy it. I must have looked young that day.

A few weeks ago, I got together with some very close friends from college. It was so great to see them and they can really brighten up life. I just wish I could see them more often. It's too bad that life gets so busy and we don't go out more often. We should try to establish some sort of scheduled get together every other month or so. Those who can come do and those who can't, that's OK. We just sort of have a calendar of meeting dates and try to get together. Girlfriends are the best therapy and it needs to be done more.

Hope everyone is having a splendid week!

LOL,
CDR

Here we go again!

I don't know if you remember, but last fall about this time, the illness that wouldn't go away started. We had cold, flu (twice), pink eye, etc. We seem to be heading that way again. I'm home today with the Princess who has a horrible cough. Plus she was up all night coughing and R had some weird intestinal thing going on that quite frankly grossed me out. Why are boys so yucky? Anyway, I just had M to the doctor on Wednesday for her 3 year check up and of course all was super duper then. Two days later of course, things are ugly and quite possibly could get worse. I do have to say to my friend Lawmommy, that I also had to hold a cup for the speciman at the doctor's office. M didn't want to do it at all. She kept saying, "no Mommy, I pee in the toilet, not the cup." I finally moved the cup and told her to just go. I then snuck around back and put the cup under her from behind. Her little butt doesn't cover the entire hole and this was the easiest way. It was messy, but I did it. We made sure to wash very, very well upon completion.

Now, back to man yuckies. What is their deal? I know that if I'm sick I try to keep things in one area. Why do they need to share the yuck? I mean, is it really all that hard, not to move through the room, then house sharing all kinds of germs, etc. with the entire family? And then my favorite, roll over and cough in my face. After the first extremely gross episode, he decided the go watch TV. I get that he was up, but why move around and be gross? Of course M was up coughing, R was sick and moving around. Did I get any sleep? NOPE!!! It's like this conspiracy to not let me sleep and I think I may need to sue the makers of Robitussen. That stuff does not work. Plus we tried many other drugs to no avail with the coughing. R's problem had him at the doctor's office where I made him go. He is yucky and needs something. I made him see my doctor. I have confirmed that he showed up and was given an antibiotic. That better do the trick or there will be hell to pay tonight. For those of you who don't share a bed with a man, be thankful this does not happen to you. If you still want/love a man after this grossness, it is truly love. One more time, YUCK!

The thing keeping me going is that tomorrow I get to see some old girlfriends and I can't wait. Maybe I'll leave the yuck maker home.

LOL,
CDR

Birthday Party and Fun

For the three of you who read my blog, I'm sorry that I haven't been posting lately. All is well here, just busy.

We celebrated Mallory's third birthday Sunday. Here's the yummy cake and do I mean yummy!

Her official day was yesterday though. She is so lucky/spoiled. She got a ton of clothes, plus toys, books, movies, and stuffed animals. She ripped through her presents in record time. I can't believe she is three. She was so little when she was born. It just seems so weird to see her now. She is a leader at daycare/preschool. She sits at the big kid table. She is potty trained. She doesn't get a bink anymore. She is such a big girl.




























I am so excited that this weekend, we are getting the chance to see some old friends. I can't wait to see everyone. I feel like I've been out of the loop because I haven't seen them, even though I am a regular blog reader.

Life in fast forward

It's been a busy start to the year and I'm loving it. I have really been able to do so many things and I'm getting to know everyone day by day. I am in two buildings most of the time and the third one, I'm hoping to get to more often. I can't believe it's been almost three weeks since school started. I have been doing so much, it seems like we just got started.

I just love fall and am sorry to say that the heat has come back. I want fall. I love everything about it. The smells, the chill in the air, college football, leaves changing colors, frost in the morning, apple cidar, hay rides, pumpkin patches, crunching leaves, open windows, fresh air, ahhhhhhh! It is all so great and then today it's 80 degrees. The weekend is looking better though and maybe cooler next week. I hope so.

M's 3rd birthday is coming up in two weeks. I can't believe it. She is so funny I asked her what kind of cake she wanted and here is her reply:

"I want a Strawberry Shortcake caaaaake, a chocolate caaaake, a Blue's caaaaake, and a blueberry caaaaake."

All drawn out just like that. Can't you just hear it? That's my child, uh huh. Sweet tooth, watch out! She just cracks me up. I may have to order a marble sheet cake decorated with assorted characters. She also loves Maisy Mouse, Curious George, Clifford, Mickey, Tigger, Pooh, Piglet, etc. I could put renditions of them all on one cake and be the best mom ever. Or I can just get one and she really might not notice the others are missing. Of course, now that's she is three, she is very perceptive. We can no longer spell words, she knows what we are saying. The other day, R said he would take her to the p-a-r-k while I vacuumed (she hates the vacuum) and she said, "I like to go to the park!" Smarty pants!

Sorry for the randomness, the first cold of the year is trying to take over, but I'm putting up a fight.

LOL,
CDR