Been WAY too long...

I know, I know...it's been forever since I've posted. Sorry about that. It all started when our computer desk (a really old wooden table) was starring in a play at church (along w/ the rest of the family). My computer has been set up on a chair, and you have to hunch over to type. Not too comfortable. Well, the play has been over now for close to 2 weeks and my table is still at church. Do you suppose Thornton will take pity on me?

Today is Halloween...woohoo! I just finished decorating the dining room. Thornton's brother and his wife are bringing their daughters (ages 3 1/2 and 2) over for dinner, then we'll go trick or treating. Alison is dressing as a cat and Rachel is going as a Deal or No Deal girl (you know...the ones that hold the silver briefcases?). Patrick is just going to hang out w/ friends, since we don't let him go Trick or Treating at his age. He's cool w/ that, especially since Rachel doesn't like chocolate and gives all of hers to him. He makes out quite well and doesn't have to do any of the walking.

Well, my back is cramping....so that'll do it for today!

Huh?

Thornton and I went to McDonald's today for breakfast. We had a coupon for a free breakfast sandwich. So, I told the cashier that I wanted 2 bagel meals, with one of the sandwiches being free. The manager came over and said, "We can't give you the sandwich free in the value meal, because it's already discounted." Huh? At that point, Thornton had to leave, because he was starting to laugh....and I'm sure he was ready for me to start arguing. But, I didn't (aren't you proud of me?) I was like...whatever, just figure it out however you need to so that I get 2 sandwiches and one of them is free. When I got to the table, Thornton was like, "What in the world was she talking about? Technically, if the product you get free is already discounted, then that's a better deal for McDonalds". Yes...but really, who are we to argue w/ their logic??

Feeling blessed

I'm home by myself right now. Alison is at the Lake house w/ Thornton's parents overnight. The rest of the family is at the Glenwood football game. I was going to go, but I have been having a terrible time today w/ allergies and my head is pounding. I've got Nanny 911 on right now and there's a little 8 year old girl on the show who is the most horrific little child I've seen in a while. It's unspeakable the things she says to her parents. It just makes me feel so blessed that our kids are such respectable children. Sure...they have their moments where I wanna pull my hair out, but all in all, I'm so proud of their behavior and who they are growing up to be.

Now...off to enjoy my solitude!

Parent Teacher Conferences

Thornton and I went to P/T conferences for the girls yesterday. Patrick had such great mid-terms, that we were probably lulled into complacency, and we decided not to meet w/ any of his teachers. Hope we don't regret that decision! Rachel has 3 teachers, since she's in Accelerated Math and Literature. Well...everybody loves Rachel! Her teachers just gushed about how wonderful she is and how well she's doing. We were a little nervous about this year for Rach, since this was the first year that she is doing the accelerated classes. I guess I can stop worrying....maybe!

Alison...well, I wish I could say we got the same glowing report. I just have a feeling that her teacher perhaps doesn't appreciate kids w/ a wee bit too much energy. I just pray for a good year for her. Alison has so much potential and I hope it can be maximized this year.

3 times!!

It's almost embarrassing, but it was 85 degrees in our house, so we turned the air conditioning back on. Yes, it's October. Yes, the air has been off for a month or so. Yes, I love having the house open. But, come on...it was 85 in the house and I was hot! So, Ozzie, who has been loving sleeping in the open window on the sill, had a very time figuring out that the windows were now closed. Three times in the night, the stupid cat jumped up into the closed window. 3 times!! Then he'd whine and jump onto the bed so he could get in my face and protest loudly. I tried explaining to him that today was going to be 92 degrees, but after that, I think we'll be opening the house back up, as it's going to get cooler. I'm pretty sure he didn't understand me, but at least I felt better getting the explanation out there for him.

But I really needed it!

I took a short nap yesterday afternoon. I *really* needed it, too. I mean, my eyes were shutting involuntarily...that means you NEED a nap, right? But, I paid the price last night. I could not fall asleep for anything. Oddly enough, neither could Alison. Poor little thing...she just couldn't fall asleep. It was strange, then, this morning when I went to wake her up and she was easily woken up...which is totally not the norm. I told her that I needed to hop in the shower and that I wanted her dressed before I got out. I went in the laundry room and by the time I was upstairs again, Alison was in my room naked, wanting to shower with me. Strange! Oh and last night, Thornton told Alison she needed to do her homework (why do they wait 'til Sunday night...and why does the 7 year old have homework over the weekend when the older kids don't? ) Anyway, Alison immediately hopped up, got her backpack and did her homework without whining!! Who is this child?

Rachel got to go backstage and onstage at the local production of Cats yesterday. She can not stop talking about how cool it is. She got to see the performers warming up and getting their makeup on, etc. We don't have tickets until Sunday, the last performance of the run, but neither of us can wait!

Patrick got a call last night from a friend inviting him to go bowling w/ the Beta Club. I told him that was fine and asked what the Beta club was. He said it was all the really smart kids in school. Of course, I then replied, "What are you..the token dumb boy?" Patrick and I laughed ourselves silly. I'm so glad I have a son w/ a sense of humor...because he needs it! And, for the record, he's not dumb...midterm grades were all A's and one B.

Ugh...I really need a nap!