Best time of year

Since now the turkey is gone, it is officially my favorite time of year. I had a successful day of shopping yesterday with Don on our annual "Black Friday" event. We are now mostly done with the shopping and all of the things are wrapped. The plan was to have the tree up, but since we have new living room furniture, there is no room for the tree and we are improvising. We are going to take down the fish tank under the TV and put the tree there.

Today Morgan and I started on the Holiday baking. We started with Chex mix and cookies for the preacher at church and Morgan helped me with making Date Nut Bread for Grandpa Bob. Check out these pictures.

Morgan's Birthday

Let me start by saying that going into this birthday Mo was really mad at Don and I because we would not let her have a sleepover on the night of her birthday and we wouldn't tell her why. It was a secret. But now she is very happy with the events. We decided to have a breakfast birthday party for her because Don is working in the evenings and would be at work if it was later. But the best part was that Suzy and family were going to still be in town for the party and that was way more important in my opinion than having a sleepover that could happen a week or two later. Morgan was very happy with that. She was surprised even the day before, and I thought that she would have figured it out by then. Well everyone had a good time, and the food was really good. Jillian had a good time playing with the puppies, with the help of Don, but Jake did not care much for them. He at one point was laying in front of Bandit's cage watching him, but when Bandit came out Jake made a run for it.

Happy late birthday baby. She is 12 now so not much of a baby, but still my baby!

Visit from Suzy and family

We were blessed last week to get a visit from Suzy, Rick and the kids. I know that I really enjoyed spending time with them. Those kids are growing so fast. Don was particularly excited to see them as he has not seen them since last Christmas. Morgan and I were lucky to be able to go over the summer and therefore we have seen them. We saw them on Sunday after church at Grandma and Papa's house in Winter Haven and had a great visit with most of the family present including Dad and his girlfriend Cindy. I am glad that everyone felt welcome there. It was no time at all until both Jillian and Jacob has warmed up to everyone. If you will remember when Morgan and I were in Texas Jillian had decided that she did not like Uncle Don, but when she was here she decided that she liked him just fine. It warmed my heart when someone would get her and she would yell "Help me Uncle Don", and don't you know he was there in a flash to help her. It was a great visit.
Later in the week we were able to go to Tampa to see Suzy in the evening for dinner at Olive Garden and had a really nice visit. Mom, Dad, Morgan and I were on that trip.
Then on Friday night Suzy, Rick and the kids were in Lake Placid at Mom's house for a spaghetti dinner, complete with apple crisp (like in school Suzy said). It was really good.

MIA

I know that we have been MIA lately, but we have been really, really busy. At work we had 2 people quit and, therefore, I have been working a ton of overtime. I know, good for the paycheck, but bad for the family time. I have finished all of that and now am home a little more. Now on to the blogging.

First real bus ride

I know that most people get that nervous yet excited feeling about their child riding the bus for the first time around kindergarten or first grade, but since Morgan never went to the school she was assigned we were responsible for providing transportation, so needless to say Morgan got to ride the bus home from school for the first time last week. Friday Don and I were both going to be home way before school got out and had lots of things to do, so we had Mo ride the bus home. She was upset in the morning when we told her, she even cried and I wanted to just go get her, but one of the ladies that I work with (Dorothy) told me I had to make her do it or she never would. Dorothy was right and when I picked Morgan up from the bus stop she was fine and even smiling. I took Bandit with me and he started howling at her when she got off the bus, he spotted her quick.

Fun on the Polaris

Dad bought this Polaris and took Morgan out on it over Labor Day weekend. He was kid sitting since I had to work on one of the nights, and Morgan had a blast playing on Lake June on the Polaris. Dad said she drove while he rode, and that she like to go FAST. On Monday, Labor Day, I went to the lake with Morgan and Dad and got a couple of turns on the lake. On one of the trips I took Morgan over to Lake June Pointe to look at the fancy houses, and on the way back made us go really fast, Morgan got a little scared. We can't wait until Suzy is here to go with us, as she likes to go fast too.



Morgan and Dad coming in from one of their trips.

The joy of cats

Mom and Bob have 2 cats, Buddy and Katrina. They are both heavy (fat) cats that always have a mind of their own. Well over the weekend I was at Mom's house visiting and Buddy went into the cat toy box and played for a minute and then got comfy and laid there. I thought this was funny. Sorry for the blurry picture, but I took it on my phone.

I've Come To Realize

I saw this on my friend Katie's blog...thought I would go along with it. The game calls for tagging people that you want to answer this, but is you see this and want to do it, either put it on your blog, on your facebook, or add a comment.

1. I've come to realize that my chest-size...is just not important to me, Don may have other ideas, but as I age I realize that I don't care. Health is more important than boobs.

2. I've come to realize that my job...is a really good job and can be rewarding, but also has downfalls, what job doesn't, especially in government.

3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving....I am way to concerned about others.

4. I've come to realize that I need....not as much as I previously thought.

5. I've come to realize that I have lost...sanity.

6. I've come to realize that I hate it when...things don't go as planned.

7. I've come to realize that if I'm drunk...something is really wrong, and I will be miserable tomorrow.

8. I've come to realize that money...is not as important as family.

9. I've come to realize that certain people...have situations that are beyond the control of themselves.

10. I've come to realize that I'll always...will have Morgan

11. I've come to realize that my sibling(s)...is currently living way to far away, although things they are a changing.

12. I've come to realize that my mom....gave up a lot for us while raising us.

13. I've come to realize that my cell phone...is way to attached to me, and something I need to work on.

14. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning/afternoon...that I was still tired, not much rest this weekend.

15. I've come to realize that last night/this morning before I went to sleep...I have only one clean uniform to wear, so I guess no choices to make in the morning.

16. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking...I want to take a nap before going to Confection Connection at church.

17. I've come to realize that my dad...should have gotten more credit years ago, but I think he is making up for some time with Morgan.

18. I've come to realize that when I get on Facebook...I spend way to much time there, and I spend to much time on a stupid, fake farm.

19. I've come to realize that today...is going to be a good day, if I can keep thinking of God and his goodness.

20. I've come to realize that tonight...the plan is for Morgan and I to go to Confection Connection at church, I think Morgan may enjoy these things more than I do.

21. I've come to realize that tomorrow...is another day and probably going to push me to my limit, trying to start praying now for the patients I know I am going to need tomorrow.

22. I've come to realize that I really want to...be a better mom to Morgan.

23. I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to re post this is...someone who's actually read this far! But in reality I don't think many people read this and I can't see Mom or Suzy doing this.

24. I've come to realize that life...is too short for regrets.

25. I've come to realize that this weekend..WILL be more restful, that is the mantra that I will repeat all week.

26. I've realized the best music to listen to when I am upset...anything I can sing to.

27. I've come to realize that my friends...are few and far between, mostly just people I go to church with or work with, but not really great friends. Sad I know. The best friend I ever had moved away when she went to law school, and now lives way to far away. (Plus she has great kids).

28. I've come to realize that this year...is almost over and soon it will be Christmas.

29. I've come to realize that my ex...glad I don't fit this category.

30. I've come to realize that maybe I should...be more patient with others.

31. I've come to realize that I love...my family.

32. I've come to realize that I don't understand...Drug addiction, not personally, thank God. Just something I have been working really close with at work the last few weeks, going to be getting a lot more time soon.

33. I've come to realize my past...has my share of mistakes, but you know that is what makes you stronger. I also wouldn't have many of the things that I hold dear if not for mistakes.

34. I've come to realize that parties...are not my thing. I am too old for that crowd.

35. I've come to realize that I'm totally terrified...of not knowing what the future holds sometimes.
36. I've come to realize that my life...is more blessed every day. Thanks to my family.

Misc. Dallas Stuff

Morgan and I at the Stockyard, we were waiting on the cattle drive to start.
Morgan found this mask in the kids toy box. Very scary.

Jillian was cooling off in the car, wearing her new balloon hat.

Jillian got some elastic bracelets when we were shopping. She really liked them. She wore them everywhere. She also got a necklace with a dog on it. Unfortunately we left them at the restaurant in Ft. Worth.

You surely know that we are a George Bush lovin family, so we had to get these pictures. This turnpike runs very near to Suzy and Rick's house.

Jillian wanted to have a tea party and she invited everyone but me. She can be a brat. I took the pictures though. I know that she loves me.

Bob is a big Fuddrucker's fan, so we got a picture so that he would know we were thinking of him.We had a wonderful time in Dallas with Suzy and her family. When Suzy and Jillian took us to the airport she wouldn't give us a hug or kiss, because she said that she was sad that we were leaving. It made me cry. Then after we started walking away she started yelling that she loved us. I love her so much. I told Morgan at the airport that I didn't know it was possible to love someone else's kids as much as I love that little munchkin.

Day 3 Water Park and Mall Play area

This is a water park in a neighborhood near where Suzy lives. They charge based on where you live. If you live in the town it is $2 per person, and if you live out of town it is $6. Since Suzy lives out of town it was $6 each, but the kids were free. This was a really neat park. I am going to propose this type of thing to Placid Lakes. The kids like to go down the water slide in the kiddie area.
Jillian is giving Jake his snack at the water park. She likes to help him.

After we got done we went home for naps and lunch. Then we went to the mall to finish shopping and let the kids play. This play area is like a breakfast table with a plate of eggs and steak, a piece of toast and jelly and a grapefruit half. The kids like to come here to play.

When we got home Morgan was playing on the floor with Jacob and they were playing with the Clippo blocks. When Jillian makes something with these blocks she calls it a "Birthday party". Morgan is showing off her "Birthday Party".
When we came home for the evening Suzy, Morgan and Jillian made a rainbow cake. This was really neat. I see a rainbow cake in the future for us.

Dallas Day 4/ Ft. Worth

On Saturday we went to Ft. Worth to the stockade and saw the cattle drive. This was neat. The horns on those cows is amazing.

When we were walking up they had these stars on the sidewalk of famous people and animals with relation to cowboys and the cowboy way of life. They had lots of them, but the only pictures I took were of "Tonto" and the "Lone Ranger". These were like the Hollywood stars. Kinda cool.
Then we waited on the cattle drive to start. Jillian got an up high seat on her daddy's shoulders. She got up there and promptly removed his hat.

This cow has his horns turned down, we don't know why though.
From where we were watching the cattle drive there was this old car with horns on the front. It was neat. They kids had their picture taken on the horns. I am not sure they were supposed to be climbing up there, but nobody said anything.

After the cattle drive we went to the shops and in the middle of the walkway they were having am old fashioned shoot out. We didn't stop to see that. But after it was over we got a picture of Morgan and Jillian with the shooters. Jillian was scared of them (I don't blame her).
While we were walking Jillian kept asking to go on the horses. These were the only horses that we were able to find for her to ride.

While we were eating lunch we saw this guy making balloon animals. Jillian wanted one so after lunch we went to where he was. Jillian got a balloon hat. She really liked it. Later when we were at the JFK site she wanted to wear the hat again.

We saw a guy ridding on his cow with the huge horns. He was letting people get up on him. Morgan at first only wanted to hold the horns, but we were able to get her up on the cow. Jillian even got to touch the horns. The cow is named Jake. She thought that was funny.

They had an old jail that all the kids went in. That was pretty neat.

After we left Ft. Worth we went to the JFK shooting site. That was pretty cool to see, although I will admit there is so much there that I don't even know about. The grassy knoll is really a very small area, I thought it would be much bigger. Also there are people everywhere trying to sell you stuff. Suzy and I stood on the x in the road and Morgan and Rick stood there. The other x is the one that they say is the fatal shot.

Later in the evening Morgan, Jillian, Suzy and I went out for a "girls dinner" and to deep Jillian entertained while we were waiting for food I put the menu on my head like a hat, then Jillian had to do the same thing.