been busy

I love October. I love the kick off to the business of this time of year. I have never enjoyed it like I am now. We have been busy. Busy with life.

A few weeks ago, Mikey started his flag-football league. Unfortunately, his team was without a coach. So, I signed Mr C and Mr C's brother Dave up to be the coaches. Mr C has quite an impressive football background and really is the most perfect person for this job. It is working out so well and has been so much fun to watch. So needless to say, we have been busy with football practice.

(mr c's brother dave is in the front of the photo and that's mr c in the background in the visor)

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We had 2 weeks of practice before we were ready for this: Our First Game.

(mikey is also #8 like his sister in soccer and mr c in college football)

We are the Mountain View Toros. The sports director, Rocky, wanted to name the teams after the local high schools. I was a Mountain View Toro...class of '93.

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Mikey played center for most of the game. Mr C gave him an opportunity to be quarterback toward the end of the game. He was awesome and love every minute of his football debut. I lost my voice from screaming so loud. I feel bad for Parker's dad. He videotaped the game while sitting next to me and probably has my screaming cheers on most of his video.

Mountain View Toros won 48-23


Mikey and I had a date 2 weeks ago. We were able to go to the Star Wars in Concert show. It was amazing. Mikey has been a fan of the movies since he was 3. He can teach you anything and everything about Star Wars. Something about this series speaks to him and opens up his creativity. It shows through the Star Wars Lego scenes he creates at home.

An orchestra was staged in front of a massive digital screen and while they showed scenes from all 6 of the movies, the orchestra played all of the songs from the films. It was incredible. Honestly, I was not too excited about going, but once the members of the orchestra started playing the Star Wars song that we all know, I was hooked. Seeing Mikey that mesmerized by something that he loves so much was the best part. We sat in the suites above and had a full view of the happenings. My boy was in his own Heaven that day.

Memorabilia was staged throughout the common areas and we could not resist a photo op with Darth Vader. We also have photos with Chewbaca and one of the Imperial Soldiers.

(i really don't know a lot about star wars but i like to think i have the basics covered)

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Last week was Fall Break for my kids. They had an entire week off of school. Unfortunately, all 3 of them were fighting the flu. They spent most of the week lounging around coughing and sneezing. I have never seen my children so sick before. This flu was by far, the worst we have seen.

We spent a lot of our 'flu time' at home making decorations for Halloween. We decided on a back to basics theme for our home. Most of our decor was make from paper and various items from the craft closet.

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We had a lovely time with our paper, glue, glitter and scissors. Sitting for hours on the floor one day, the 3 sickest kids on the block were by far the happiest.

We are big on paper chains for every holiday in our home. I remember making those when I was a little one. Yesterday, Landon and Morgan headed to the Farmers Market on Main with me and picked out 17 pumpkins! At 15 cents a pound, it's hard to just pick a couple. We have them scattered throughout the home. I love pumpkins. I love their shape, their seeds, their smell and their texture. I have found some fun ideas for these guys and am anxious to try some out this year.

Our weather in Phoenix is finally starting to cool back down. In fact, my doors and windows are open as I type. I have fresh homemade granola baking in the oven and a pumpkin ready to lend us her seeds for roasting. This time of year swells my heart.

It really does swell my heart. Happy Fall.

glamorous

so, this is my night. cutting up oranges and freezing grapes for morgan's soccer game tomorrow morning. i used to enjoy sleeping in on saturdays, perusing the shops in the afternoon and grabbing a late lunch with the family. now, we're up at 6am...stuffing the car with snacks, drinks, loungy chairs and colorful umbrellas...and the kids. we're heading off to soccer for morgan and football for mikey. no more sleep filled mornings and passes to be lazy. it's go, go and go some more. when did life get so busy? and when did my children start to have busier social calendars than me?

off to wash the soccer uniform and find morgan's missing shin guard. cheers to a lovely weekend...i do hope it's serving you well.

this is exactly when i would like to thank starbucks for opening its drive thru line early and for keeping it open late for me. okay, for us.

'orange' you glad i didn't make a joke about the oranges?...forgive me...i had to!

tuesday

My foxy Mr C, I can't believe it has only been a couple of days since you left for San Diego. Seems much longer to me. Maybe it's because I have had 2 horrendous nights of restless sleep. Funny how I sleep 8 or 9 hours without waking when you are next to me. I cannot wait for a restful slumber tomorrow when you are with me again.

Last night was fun. We decided to forgo dinner at home and I let the kids talk me into In N Out, again. They committed to closing me on that, and for that, they got the sale. On our drive home, we rolled down all windows of the denali and played my new mix cd loud. I added Will Smith's Get Jiggy With It for good measure. The children thought I was cool because they witnessed their mother rap, rhyme and lay down lyrics like a natural. I think I got most of the words right. Mostly. I am pretty sure that if I had not been driving while rapping, I could have dropped it to the kitchen floor and picked back up again, like in the old days. Maybe not.

Today started the same as the last, the tease of a cool morning just outside of our door. Mandy tried to wake me early for a potty break and because you were not here, I had to take her out. It was still dark. I like when I do my fake sleep routine so that you have to take her out. That will be back on routine for Thursday.

Mikey and I dropped the younger two off at school and then headed to the Starbucks on Greenfield. I know, big surprise there. I treated him to a chonga bagel. We sat in the car while he ate, and I drank my coffee. Life is sweet.

Today was my day to help out in Landon's class. I walked into A-7 and many of the children ran up to hug me. Must be what it's like for celebrities. Sorta. I assisted with the assembling of the birthday crowns. Gluing and glittering. Then, the firemen came in and gave the first grade a fire safety lesson. I payed close attention. My favorite part was when firefighter Jake put on the gear in its entirety and breathed through the mask. He sounded just like Darth Vader. It was awesome. We lined up, boys on one side, girls on the other and proceeded to walk out to the lot in our parallel lines where the fire truck was parked and waiting. A tour of the cab was offered to the first graders. They loved it. I was then offered a tour and walk through of the cab, but had to decline on account of my 3 inch black Steve Madden Espadrilles. Clearly not the shoes for touring the cab of a firetruck.

I started to bore at home this afternoon so I headed out to HomeGoods for some perusing. When I walked in, I saw a man who walked exactly like my dad did when he shopped with my mother. I missed my dad terribly after that. I left the shop empty handed. I am quite impressed with my self-discipline these days. This budget thing is catching on.

I headed home around 1 and made myself the ole' faithful pb&j sammy. I changed it up and put it on whole grain bread. That, I think, makes it better for you. Shortly after that, I began my battle with today's headache. 3 ibuprofen later, I am plowing along okay.

I layed on your side of the bed for just a bit. Your pillow smells like you.

I picked Landon up from school and secretly watched Morgan walk to Jaimie's house for a play date. You know how I am always nervous and unsure of the children without me. At 4pm, we picked Mikey up and headed home when he declared that '...today was great!' I inquired if any of the girls at Poston Jr High like the faux-hawk that he styled today. He entertained my question and said that it was complimented and also stirred some 7th grade controversy. Apparently, another boy accused Mikey of 'copying' the before mentioned faux-hawk to which Mikey, without hesitation, delivered the sharp reply, "Uh, I've been wearing the faux-hawk since like, the 3rd grade!" There were no hand gestures included in this hair battle. I thought it to be a witty response; the only sentiment that might have made it better would have been to add a "so there" to the end. I don't know if the kids are still using the 'so there' these days. Do you?

So now we are approaching the 5 o'clock hour. I plan to prepare and serve dinner at home after I pick Morgan up at 6. Then it's homework, baths, reading and Dancing with the Stars. I am somewhat embarrassed that I have already hooked myself onto this season; much like a fish desperate for its worm. Maybe that was too dramatic.

On another thought, whoever coined the phrase "Absence makes the heart grow fonder", is a putz. My heart is already very fond of you and I don't need you to be in another state to make me realize this. Just sayin'.

Can't wait to be with you tomorrow.

I love you more and most.

R

p.s...Did you give any more thought to letting me have some chickens in the backyard?

monday

Hello sweetie. Day two without you. This morning came so fast and I was not ready. I woke unrested and riddled with back pain. Landon kept me up most of the night with his restless sleep. I was elbowed, kicked, scratched and head-butted by his body. I will never let him sleep in our bed again. I am now understanding of his repetitive morning phrase of, "I'm still soooooo sleepy." It makes sense now. He even at one moment rested his little Landon foot upon my shoulder. Would have been cute if it weren't for the lateness of the hour. I am hoping that tonight is better.

This mornings air was crisp. I let the back door stay open while I readied myself. I can hardly wait for Fall. Do you think it's close?

I dropped the younger children off at school on time as usual. Mikey asked to join me on my drive to Starbucks before his day at school. I have strong suspicion that he was hoping for a chonga bagel again. I did not oblige. This might be the reason for the quiet drive to Poston Jr High.

I stayed at home for a bit this morning. I spent time paying bills and organizing grocery lists. I set my days play list on the computer and declared my new anthem from Muse, titled Uprising. 'They will not force us; They will stop degrading us; They will not control us; We will be victorious" I'm not sure what all of the uprising and chanting is about, but I have decided to apply it to the school's PTO. After my chanting sing-a-long, I finally scrambled up energy to head out to do the grocery shopping. I spent an hour and twenty minutes up and down the isles. My shopping buggy was overflowing. It did not help that I was hungry. That could be the reason for my coming home with 6 boxes of crackers and 4 packages of cookies. The pantry and fridge are well stocked. Just a trip to the fruit market tomorrow and grocery shopping will be done for a while. I hope.

I came home and unloaded all 17 bags by myself. I immediately turned on the oven and made a veggie chicken sandwich for lunch. I had the flavors all worked out in my head. I would add shredded lettuce and relish with salt. The relish did not serve the veggie chicken well and left my bun soggy. I missed you when I opened the relish. Only because there are currently 3 containers of relish, opened in our fridge, all purchased by you because you can never remember if we have any.






me, smiling for you

The day prodded on slowly. The sun sat high up in the sky and baked us at 106 degrees. I thought of you sitting in San Diego, breathing in the cool salty air. I was envious.

I was thinking about you throughout the day. Did you mean to leave your shoes next to the bed...or was that an oversight on your part? No matter, I will put them back for you.

I picked the children up from school. All 3 of them had good days. Morgan walked to the car eating a Krispy Kreme. Landon came with a lollipop. Mikey just came to the car sans treats of any kind. I jokingly asked him if the girls at school liked his new haircut. I was surprised when he said, "Yes they did, mom." When I prodded about the cuteness of the girls, he asked me to leave it alone. I stopped. My son is a fox and he can't help it. I know his pain.

When we arrived home, we had snacks and then it was decided that Mandy needed a bath. She smelled. Bad. Morgan and Landon agreed to help. Landon with the hose is never a good idea. Remember how he flooded the backyard last month?

mandy prebath and smelly

Both Morgan and Landon were a great help. Mandy was not happy. Do you think that dogs know how to swear? I think Mandy does. Especially when Morgan insisted on using the conditioner on her after the shampoo. Something about wanting her to have a silky coat. I don't think Mandy cares about a silky coat. She rolls around in the dirt and leaves.

I am now happy to report that our family pup smells good. She has a soft coat and thanks to Morgan's conditioning treatment, she has a little shine.

It is now time for me to go and prepare dinner. I still haven't decided on the menu. I heard an earlier request for breakfast. Am entertaining the idea.

I will miss your company next to me in bed tonight as I watch our Monday night line up. Hope you are able to watch in Sandy Diego, as Landon calls it.

I miss you, honey. I hope your visit with your babies is fun and full of laughter and love. They are so lucky to have you for their dad.

p.s. Did you watch Brothers and Sisters in your hotel last night? Do you think that Kitty has cancer? I hope not. I really like her and she has the new baby and all.

I love you more and most.

R

sunday

My darling Mr C, you have only been gone a few short hours and we here at Decatur Street already miss you. I wish that we had spent more time being close today, holding hands and the like, before our drive to the airport. We even missed holding hands in the car, didn't we?

After we dropped you off at the airport, the children requested dinner. The Cheesecake Factory won by a 3 -1 vote. I lost. Dinner was nice. Mikey had the usual, pizza. Morgan had the usual, mac and cheese, and Landon opted for the chicken strips with french fries. I know, creatures of habit, much like their mother. I ordered the salad that we normally share and made it half way through my grilled cheese. Without you there, I was forced to mix the ranch dressing and ketchup myself. It wasn't the same. We stuffed ourselves so much so that we did not share a slice of cheesecake. Wishing now that I had brought one home.

The evening progressed slowly. I fiddled on the computer while the children danced on the bed until all of the blankets and linens were on the floor. Morgan asked to make rice krispey squares. We added little m&m's and a chocolate drizzle on top. You would love them. I've already had two of them myself. Okay, three. I can't promise that there will be any left when you get home. You know how Landon loves a sweet treat. So does his mom.

Landon asked what you were doing with your kids in San Diego. He guessed that you were watching football with them. I'm guessing that he might have been right. Tonight we watched the Cardinal's game without you...sort of weird to have football on without you screaming at the tv in the background. The cardinal's lost. Real bad. Boldin had a decent night. Warner, did not.

It is now bedtime and your side of the bed is occupied. Landon is sleeping in your spot. He has already rolled over and whacked me in the face twice with his little 6 year old hand.

I miss you and I love you. I hope you are having a lovely time catching up with your children. Give them hugs from us...we miss them too.

R

love for landon

Just wanted to declare my love for this little guy again.

He woke last night screaming in short bursts and shaking.

Poor boy had a nightmare that something bad happened to his mom.

I felt helpless that such a thought had crossed his mind in slumber.

Gratefully...he fell fast asleep while laying next to me.

Mommy loves you Landon.

I love you more than you will ever ever know.

in my bag

Okay ladies...I have secretly wanted to do this post for awhile now. Last week...a couple of things prompted me to finally follow through with it, not to mention, I needed something a little fun and light hearted after yesterdays serious essay.

First, standing in the longest of lines at Starbucks last week, I couldn't help but fall into my favorite past time to help ease the pain of waiting for my morning mocha. I people watched. And watched. I spied people of all sorts, shapes and sizes. Fashionable ladies stopping off to pick up their lattes and burly men waiting for their cup of undoctored fuel; none of that funny business of cream and foam or cinnamon sprinkles for them. I was particularly fascinated with one woman while I waited. She was carrying the smallest handbag I have ever seen. A tiny little bobble draped across her wrist. I couldn't get over it and, and as a result, was caught by little purse lady, staring at her belongings. This spying led to morning conversation with sister about handbags and content.


Second. I love to peruse through the celebrity rag mags. Love to read the pages titled, 'Stars, they're just like us!' It' silliness is uncanning. Really? Celebraties pick up dry cleaning and take their children to the park too? Amazing. Along the lines of this insert is the page where celeb girls show what handbag they are currently sporting and the contents inside of it. I read this page every time. I love it so. Something about always wondering what women and mothers of today can't leave home without.

So, without further wait...here is my.......

What Bag I Am Carrying and What's Inside.

(I truly am so excited to share)

This is my current bag, Gucci. Mr C knows how deep my affection for beautiful handbags flows and presented this bag, beautifully wrapped, to me for my birthday. The man truly has taste.
We get along so well, Gucci and I. We are both curvy in all of the right places and love to go everywhere together. She is accommodating and trustworthy and can make anything look good. (too much? okay...i'll hold back a little)

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and here is what is inside......

I always have lotion in my bag. Not just for me but for Mr C as well. Car keys to the Denali and strangely enough, there is 1 key on my key chain that is a mystery. No clue what it opens up. I always have my Blackberry Storm floating in my bag. I hate this phone. Too high tech and fussy. Mr C thought it would be cute if we had the same phone so he upgraded mine when he bought his. Lets see...oh, I ALWAYS have anti-bacterial in me bag. I use it on average, 47 times a day. I'm a germaphobe. I am never without chapstick. Multiple tubes of chapstick at that. Am currently loving the pink shimmery chapstick coupled with my Chanel lip liner. The sticky Smashbox lip gloss is fun too. That yellow case is my Vera Bradley bag. In it, I have nail clippers, lip sticks, nail files, hair ties, Bobbi pins and the like. Keeping it in one bag keeps all of those little things in one spot as opposed to all over the bottom. Oh, my Louis Vuitton make-up bag...always take my powder and mascara and blusher with me. My purple wallet (am currently on search for new wallet) stuffed with shopping receipts that need to be logged into check register. I carry my leather journal and sharpie retractable everywhere. I use it to write notes or jot down reminders or recipes and grocery lists. Also, I am carrying the current book that I am reading. Never know when I'll get a couple of minutes to do some reading.

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So there you have it. My bag and what's inside. Now here's the fun part...I am going to tag a couple of friends in blogland to do a similar post and share what's inside of what you're carrying. C'mon, it'll be fun and give you a new post idea.

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Okay...I want to know what:

Kasey of Lola B's, Paige of Simple Thoughts and Tara of Blondie N' SC have to share.

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And to all to all of you others girls out there...

I wanna know what you're carrying aroung in your bag too. Come on now...don't be shy.