Daybook...November 12th.

Outside my window: Rain and falling temps. We've got a front pushing across the state and once the rain clears out it should be much cooler tomorrow. Andy got out this morning and blew off the driveway because the leaves have been falling steadily this last week and if we didn't get the driveway blown off before the rain it makes it pretty slick to drive on. 

I'm thinking: About all that I have to get done this week. One week from today we are hosting our college students for Thanksgiving so I need to make my final grocery list tonight and get working on things this week. I bought a huge turkey on sale last week at Kroger and need to set him out to start thawing on Wednesday. 

I'm wondering: About all that I need to do to get ready for Thanksgiving with Andy's family next week. I really need to sit down and make a list of things I need to take/remember. 


I'm thankful: For my friend, Ginny. She and I check in with each other at least once a week about what is going on in our worlds. I'm thankful that despite us living in different cities we are still close. These chats always make my day and I'm so grateful for her friendship. I look forward to seeing her over Thanksgiving break. 

I'm hearing: Christmas music playing in the kitchen and the kids watching Curious George on the tv. Yes, I'm on the early Christmas music bandwagon. It use to drive me nuts when I was high school and college...then I got married and had kids...now I'm all about starting things a little earlier because this time of the year is so much fun with small kids. 

From the Kitchen: Once I get this post finished I'm off to start making shepherd's pie for dinner and an extra one for the freezer. I found some ground beef on discount this morning after I dropped AG at school so I bought all that they had. I also plan to cook some chili. We'll have some later this week and stick the rest in the freezer. And I have a recipe for apple crisp that I pinned on Pinterest recently that I want to try. Something about cool, rainy weather puts me in the mood for comfort food. Later this week we'll start prepping things for Thanksgiving.

I'm reading: I need to find something to put on my Kindle and read it while we are at the farm next week for Thanksgiving break. 

One of my favorite things: The rapidly approaching holiday season. I really do love everything about this time of year. Andy and I are both really excited about Christmas this year because Avi-Kate is so much more aware of things. She gets super excited when she sees Christmas trees all lit up in stores when we are shopping. 

I'm creating: Putting the finishing touches on my holiday planner. I've wanted to do one for the last few years but haven't gotten my act together in time. I'm not including Thanksgiving in it this year since we will be out of town and I didn't get it put together in time. Next year, next year. I ended up scrapping my original plan and doing something very different because I was in the mood to be really crafty/creative. I really like how it is turning out and I'll do a post on it sometime this week with pictures. I also need to get our Christmas card ordered this week. Cardstore is having a FABULOUS sale...70%off plus they will give you postage and if you want they will type addresses on your envelopes! It's AMAZING. I did it last year and loved how convenient it was. One less thing for me to do. That deal is good till Thursday so I need to get going on it.

Around the house: Getting ready for Thanksgiving! Lots to clean and prep for Family Dinner. Then lots to pack to be out of town at the farm for a few days. In addition, I'm in the process of putting away all of my fall stuff minus the burlap wreath. (Which is what I'm using this month for our thankful/gratitude tree...I need to post about that too.) When we come home from the farm we plan to cut down our Christmas tree and begin decorating the house ASAP. So, I'd like to get all the fall stuff put up and leave the house ready for decorating when we return. We'll see if that happens but one can hope. :)

A few plans for the week: Tomorrow I'm taking the kids to ATL for the day to see Santa at Phipps Plaza and ride the Pink Pig. Wednesday is Kindermusik and getting caught up around the house. Thursday night I'm going with a bunch of my college girls to see the Twilight premier. Friday is low key and around the house. Saturday Andy is taking AG to his first UGA game and I'm going to stay home and get the house ready for Family Dinner. Should be much easier to do with the guys gone and just Avi-Kate. 

A picture thought that I'm sharing: 

I was gone yesterday and Andy had the kids. Clearly, they had lots of fun without me...he found this costume for $5 at Kroger and then they had craft time making AG, I mean Captain America, his shield. Best Dad ever. I'm richly blessed by the man I call my husband. 

Daybook...Septmeber 11th.

Whew...the week is off and running. Anyone else feel like life is moving fast these days? Maybe it's just me. Anyways, here's a daybook entry for this week/today.

Outside my window: Overcast and mild temperatures. Hallelujah! It seems to finally be cooling off around here and for that we are all grateful. I'm so ready for fall/winter weather because we didn't have any this past year.

I'm thinking: About my to do list that seems a mile long this week. I had several good weeks of getting the house in order/keeping it that way when AG started school and then we went out of town for Labor Day. Anyways, I'm making headway and tackling some projects. Although, some days it feels like I'm spinning my wheels and going nowhere. I'm also thinking about our Disney trip that is (thankfully!) only a month a way.  We are so ready to be back there...to have a few days of uninterrupted, quality family time. We've started picking up things we need for the trip and I've started stashing it in Avi-Kate's room. It'll be here before we know it and for that I'm very grateful.

I'm wondering: About a lot of things right now. Milling over lots of possibilities for lots of different things. I'm in a very contemplative mood. 

I'm praying: For Andy...he's away on a business trip. Praying for safe travels and a successful trip.

I'm thankful: For peace. The last few years have been rough as a friend and I have been shouldering some pretty tough stuff for someone. And at the moment I don't necessarily agree with how things are but I have peace because I know that without a shadow of a doubt that we've done all that has been asked of us. And on a different note I'm thankful for all that lost their lives on 9/11 and those that have sacrificed for the war on terror. It amazes me to think that it has been 11 years since that day. On one hand it seems like so long ago and on the other hand I can still remember every. single. thing about that day. 

I'm hearing: The tv in the background and AG's lullaby cd in the distance.

From the Kitchen: Not much this week. The last few weeks I've been working on stock piling stuff in to the freezer so that we can start using freezer meals some nights a week. This week I'm not doing any freezer cooking. Although, there was a sale on Stouffer's entrees this week at Kroger and I happened to pick a few of those up. They come in quite handy as we head in to this busy season. I like having a few stashed away as back-ups. 

I'm reading: Sigh. Nothing at the moment. I need to put something on my kindle but I haven't...needs to be a priority and it just hasn't been lately. I've been so wrapped up in life and everything that I haven't read anything in weeks. Guess I need to put that on my To Do list. :)

One of my favorite things: The new fall candles I picked up yesterday with a $10 off coupon I had for Bath and Body Works. (Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and Leaves) Have I mentioned that I love this time of year?!

I'm creating: Actually, I just finished a burlap wreath for Ginny last week and I started on it's twin aka my wreath. At the moment I haven't gotten very far and then I ended up finding red and black burlap in stock when I was at Hobby Lobby the other day...so of course I bought some. I think I may stop the chocolate brown burlap wreath for the moment and work on a UGA themed one. And then finish the other one for Thanksgiving. I also started a project last year for the kids making some glass luminaries that are pumpkins and ghosts but I never finished in time. (Life with a new baby.) So, I packed everything up and I am determined to get them done this year. I'll post pictures when I finish.

Around the house: Trying to get the house back in order! Andy built an AMAZING corn hole set and has had a painting station set up in the front of the house. He just finished and so my goal is to get everything cleaned up. I need to take pictures of the set and post it here. I'm really impressed with how they turned out.

A few plans for the week: Kindermusik tomorrow for AKs and soccer practice for AG on Friday. My ladies bible study that meets twice a month starts back tomorrow night and I have girls night with the college girls on Thursday. Saturday we'll be in Athens for the game that evening. I'm excited for our first night game of the year. Actually, the Dawgs have back to back home games that are night games these next two weeks. Wahoo! This week is Florida Atlantic and next week is Vandy. The Vanderbilt game should be a good game and intense...last year's game in Nashville didn't end well with the coaches and players getting riled up after the game. So, we'll see how the rematch goes this year. 

A picture thought that I'm sharing: Next week our dear friend, Michael, will be in town for a few nights. We are so excited to see him and catch up. He graduated this summer from his graduate program at USC and is currently planning to stay out in LA. He's home for the month doing some business work and seeing family/friends. AG got really excited and was talking a mile a minute on the phone the other day when Michael called to finalize our plans. Here's a few pictures from our last visit last Christmas.

 

Daybook: July 2

It has been forever since I did one of these. I use to try to do one weekly because it's a nice snapshot of where we are in our lives at that exact moment. My last daybook entry was in January?! You can take a sneak peek at our lives from the beginning of the year here. I really can't believe that we are on to the second half of the year...it really is flying by. Anyways, on to the daybook we go. :)


Outside my window: Whew! Hallelujah and saints be praised it is overcast this morning. And we got a little bit of rain last night. This past weekend set all kinds of records due to the extreme triple digit weather. Every time I went outside I felt like I should have backup singers on my shoulders singing, "Heat Wave". Anyways, it's blissfully overcast outside in the backyard. I'm praying we get some more rain this week to help bring the temps down. Andy and I haven't run in a week due to the extreme temps because it's so dangerous. Not going to lie I'm really glad that we are NOT running the Peachtree on Wednesday.

I'm thinking: About all the stuff we have going on this month and how quickly it is going to fly by. I'm working around the house this month trying to get us ready for the school year to help us ease in to that transition. Today we are going to go pick up some project supplies while we run errands. (More on that this week...) And speaking of school AG starts in one month. He goes next week for a visit to check out his room and start getting adjusted. I'm grateful we get to do several visits before the first day to help him aclimate.  

I'm wondering: 

I'm praying: For the Hornsbys. This is a big week for our dear friends as they finish packing up their lives in Rome and move to Macon. I'm so excited for them to start this new chapter in their lives because they have worked so hard to get to this point. Yet, selfishly I'm not ready for them to go. We love living life with them on a daily/weekly basis and that will change with the move. But this is a good thing and I'm grateful for all the ways God has gone before them and laid out the details. They won't be too far away either...the house they are moving in to just happens to be three doors down from Andy's sister, Caroline, and her family. We'll be able to spend time with both families when we visit Macon. 

I'm thankful: For Andy and all the ways he works so hard to provide. 

I'm hearing: Dora in the background...the kids are happily watching an episode of Dora so I can crank out this post uninterrupted. 

From the Kitchen: I haven't done a ton in the last few weeks just to all the coming and going. I did make a huge batch of chicken tortilla soup last week and stocked that in the freezer. We were able to eat two meals off of it plus I put three meals in the freezer. I also roasted off tomatoes, garlic, and onions last week and then used my food processor to chop it all up. I use it as a base for marinara and meat sauce. I put three helpings of that in the freezer as well. I have plenty of onions left so I may pick up some more tomatoes to do a second batch. I'm looking forward to cooler weather and all the yummy food comes with the changing of the seasons. 

I'm reading: Nothing at the moment. I realized this morning that I never borrowed anything for June on my Kindle for free...and now we are on to July. I love that with Amazon Prime you can borrow a book a month for free. I have a few books that I have stayed away from reading this last month because I wanted to read them when we go to the beach at the end of the month. I am reading lots of blogs in the evening working on various projects...so I guess that is better than nothing, right?

One of my favorite things: Watching Avi-Kate and AG's relationship develop. They crack us up daily. And they are really starting to enjoy each other. It's really sweet to see. Makes my heart happy.

I'm creating: Several things around the house for the school year. I'm hoping that we can do some projects around the house on Wednesday since Andy will be home. I have a fun picture project planned that I need to get done before the students return in August.  

Around the house: Not much going on besides me working on odd projects/getting things organized for the school year. Next month the sofa should arrive and we'll do a bunch of projects around the den. 

A few plans for the week: Errands today, work around the house on Tuesday and dinner with the Hornsbys, 4th of July fun...not sure, yet, what all we are going to do, and then helping the Hornsbys move this weekend. 

A picture that I'm sharing:

Glad Avi got to come home for a visit two weekends ago. This picture makes me chuckle. 

In other news: I have several Disney updates that I need to post along with a list of other things that I didn't get to last week due to chaos and not feeling good. Hopefully, I'll get to crank out some of these things this week. Here's hoping. :) Off to clean the kitchen and take the kids to run errands. 

Daybook January 17th

Outside my window: An overcast afternoon. It rained this morning and we are suppose to get another wave later this evening. Unusual for this time of year is how mild the temps have been over all. We have a random cold day here or there but nothing like what it normally is. This time last year we were snowed in I believe...

I'm thinking:  I need to do some stuff around the house tonight, work on some housekeeping organization, and make a final to do list for AG's birthday party this weekend. 

I'm wondering: Oh, so many things at the moment. Ideas for the house, cleaning/organizing, getting TOT School up and going for AG, etc.

I'm praying: That AG would decide to be fully potty trained tomorrow on his birthday. (Sigh) One can hope right? :) But really...I'm at the end of my rope on this one and really don't know what else there is to do that we haven't tried. Why he can pee on the potty without problems but can't poop I have no idea. I keep reminding myself that this isn't a big deal it's more of just frustration because I know he's capable. So, I focus and pray that God would give me the strength to see that glorious day when he finally decides to be big boy all the time. 


And of course I'm always praying for The Needham Crew. Pray for them as Piper is in the middle of engrafting. She had a bone marrow transplant a few short weeks ago and her body is in the process of trying to recover/begin to produce new bone marrow.

I'm thankful: For the safe arrivals of Avi-Kate's best friends. Annie arrived on Thursday and Amelia arrived on Sunday. Avi-Kate has about 7 months  and a good 11-13lbs on them at the moment. However, before we know it they'll be racing after each other and chasing their older siblings. So now the pairings are: Briggs and Amelia, Emma and Annie, and then AG and Avi-Kate. I'm so blessed that Ginny, Julie, and I have been able to experience this together twice. 

I'm hearing: A quiet house and the whir of the fan in the kitchen. Something to relish because there are many a day when I don't get moments to blog mid-day these days. 

From the Kitchen: I've joined the world of freezer cooking since having kids and being even more serious about it after the arrival of Avi-Kate. This week we are living off stuff we already had purchased last week and or freezer meals. We've run out for a few random items but nothing big. It's kind of nice to not have to cook every single day. I don't do mega freezer days where I spend several days cooking an entire month's worth of food. Rather, I cook in bulk when I can and when things are on sale. Most weeks I stock one item in the freezer. Meat isn't on sale this week so that's why I'm living off what we've got stockpiled. 

I'm reading: Nothing at the moment. I realized last night that I have yet to borrow anything for January on my Kindle for free...I need to do that. Just need time to find something. I love that with Amazon Prime you can borrow a book a month for free. 

One of my favorite things: Finalizing last minute details for Disney. Yippee! I need to do some work in my notebook now that I have all of our Dining Reservations finalized. 

I'm creating: I need to do some TOT School prep. I honestly just need to spend half a weekend getting everything the way I want it and doing some planning. I've got lots of ideas it is now just a matter of making them happen. 

Around the house: I have been busy, busy cleaning out and reorganizing. I finally feel like I can breathe and make headway on reclaiming my house after having a second baby. Life is just hard with small kids and adjusting to two is hard. (Not that my children are difficult, rather, it's just been hard to adjust to two very different schedules and they have different needs.) I've had to re-examine time management, the way I do things, etc. Plus, Avi-Kate is finally (knock on wood) in a consistent day to day routine and napping at the same times daily. Hallelujah! So, needless to say, I'm happy to be getting things back on track. 

A few plans for the week: Finishing up stuff around the house in preparation for AG's birthday party this weekend. I need to finish Avi-Kate's 7 month pics. I started them yesterday and she was not having it and so I'll finish them later this week. I also am going to do some cousin pictures this weekend when Ronnie and Delia come up. Should be fun. Tomorrow is AG's birthday and we are going to take him out to eat...I think he has requested Chick-fil-A. :o) I'm thinking maybe we'll go pick up a sweet treat from Honeymoon or Jandy's on our way home. We'll see. 


In other news: I decided this fall that I wanted to start running and train for a race. My big goal is to train for a half marathon at Disney. (My sister-in-law, Caroline, also has this goal...we are reclaiming bodies post-baby #2. And we've given serious thought to running together and enjoying Disney a few days solo just the two of us! We'll see what end up doing.) So, right now I'm working on a 5K and I'm hoping in a month to run my first race at Berry. Part of my Christmas present was to be fitted for running shoes and they have made all the difference in the world! Anyways, I'm a few weeks in and really loving it. I'll keep you posted...Happy Tuesday.

Daybook December 8th/9th

Outside my window: A cold, grey afternoon that is turning in to dusk. These frigid temps are crazy for this time of year. I've always longed for a White Christmas...as Andy said earlier this week that's entirely possible this year. All the talk this fall of a 'mild winter' made me want to laugh...I went on record during the heat wave of November that we would pay later...

I'm thinking:  About a few activities to plan for AG for the next two weeks...simple and low key but hands on. All of our students will be gone and things should be pretty quiet around the house for a few weeks. I'm also starting to think about some fun activities we can do next year/new traditions since AG will be almost 3. His ability to understand will be much greater next year. 


(The rest of this is finished today, Thursday, December 9th.)

I'm wondering: How different things are going to be next year with an almost 3 year old and a 6 month old in the house. Should be quite entertaining. :o)

I'm praying: That I would feel better. Last week at Disney I had to go to the ER and was diagnosed with a sinus infection and a double ear infection. However, I'm allergic to several types of antibiotics and so there is only a handful that I can take while pregnant. What I would normally take I can't take because I'm pregnant. My first round of antibiotics while it helped it didn't  clear everything up. I had to call this morning for a second round. I'm hoping to pick it up after lunch and praying that it will help me get over this. Pregnant and keeping up with a very active toddler is tiring enough...couple that with being sick and I'm exhausted. 

I'm thankful: That AG is over the horrible cold that he had last week.

I'm hearing: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in the background and AG chatting away. Thanks to Sesame Street and Elmo his new word for the day is 'awesome'. Ha. 

From the Kitchen: I managed to cook a large batch of chili Monday for dinner. I was able to stash two extra helpings in the freezer for 2 more nights. We've eaten every meal at home since returning from Disney because of being burnout on eating out. I also made puppy chow, rice krispie treats, and cookies this week. AG has been enjoying his Mickey Mouse "coo-cos" aka cookies that I made with our new Disney Cookie Cutters that I bought last week.

I'm reading: The Gatecrasher by Madeleine Wickham on loan from my sister-in-law, Caroline. 

One of my favorite things: Decorating the house for Christmas and having fresh greens all over the house. They are everywhere! I'm quite pleased with my new arrangement for the window ledge in the den. It wasn't what I originally planned but it turned out well. I decided to put all of my Starbucks city mugs (17 in all...I think) up there with fresh greens, candles, and faux fruit. 

I'm creating: Plans for the next two weeks and my holiday baking list for the holidays.

Around the house: I need to finish cleaning and unpacking. 

A few plans for the week: This weekend we are headed to the mtns with my family to celebrate Christmas with everyone. Other than that I need to do a major stock piling of groceries because Kroger has several good deals this week when you couple them with coupons. Also getting over this crud once and for all. :o)

Daybook for October 17th

Outside my window: Falling temps and falling leaves. Although, today it was a high around 80...oh, life in the South. The weather is always unpredictable.

I'm thinking: About everything I need to do now that we are back from our trip...laundry, clean the house, groceries, errands, etc. In addition, I'm starting to think about holiday plans. We have several events planned with our students between now and the end of the year to celebrate the holidays. I've also started lists for gift ideas this year.

I'm wondering: When we will put AG in his twin bed. In our little bungalow we have three bedrooms. The master and the guest bedrooms are quite large. The third bedroom, AG's room, is the smallest room. However, his little room accommodates a crib and a twin bed quite nicely thanks to the inlet on one side of the room. His twin bed fits perfectly in this spot. When we decide to make the switch I'll only have to buy one bed rail and he'll be walled in on all four sides! Fabulous. I bring all this up not because he's attempting to escape his crib but rather he's developing a preference for sleeping in a bed with covers. Similar to his developing a need to sleep with his head on a pillow. We'll see what happens but this change may happen sooner than later.

I'm praying: About lots of things right now...

I'm thankful:We had a great trip and we were able to spend time with my family last night to celebrate the October birthdays.

I'm hearing: The tv in the background and AG's white noise machine coming over his monitor.

From the Kitchen: I need to decide what to cook this week and restock the fridge. I've also got the itch to make Rice Krispie Treats and Puppy Chow. We'll see what I decide to do...

I'm reading: A backlog of magazines that arrived this past week in our absence last week.

One of my favorite things: I'm looking forward to girls night this week...I missed the last two Thursdays due to our trip and I have missed my girls!

I'm creating: Eh, I've got lots to do around the house to regroup from our trip before I can start another project. :o)

Around the house: Andy did yard work today and I still need to get some fall plants planted. I didn't get a chance to mark that off my to do list before we left. I've also started trying to figure out where I plan to let all my plants "winter" this year. I have a collection of different houseplants and ferns. The houseplants spend the warm weather months out on the screened porch and then spend the winter inside. The ferns are in huge terra-cotta pots around the yard and they spend the winter in the cellar near the windows.  The weather hasn't dipped low enough to put them away for good and it's still plenty warm enough during the day. I'm just trying to get ready because with our crazy weather I'll have to put them away in a hurry...best to be prepared. The only plant I'm coddling at the moment is my Christmas Cactus. It was my grandmother's and I managed to bring it back to living a few years ago. It's a tough old bird and it has rebounded beautifully. They do require a little TLC to get them to bloom when you want them to...but the effort is worth it once it is in full bloom. Once she finishes after the holidays I need to get to working on potting up two pieces to share with Meghan and Caroline...as a little gift for their new homes this spring when they both get married.

A few plans for the week: Getting my house back in order! Ha. And celebrating my 27th birthday later in the week. :o)

Daybook for October 3rd

Outside my window: It's dark (it's late) and crisp (the way fall should be) outside.

I'm hearing: The Amazing Race in the background...thank you DVR.

I'm thinking about: My game plan for the week...I need to finalize it after I finish this post. We leave Thursday for Virginia...I've got to clean the house up after the chaos of Mtn. Day, tackle the mountain of laundry, get us packed, pick up last minute supplies, and finish my To Do lists.

I'm praying: That I can get everything I need to do done so that we can have a great week with the Edwards family. Also, that we have safe travels and great weather.

I'm thankful for: A fabulous weekend with family and friends. I'm also thankful our upcoming vacation.

From the kitchen: Not much this week since we are planning to go out of town. Last week, Kroger had a great meat sale. I stocked up and cooked 9 different meals to put in the freezer. I'm not going to lie when we were driving back from the Braves game tonight I was relieved because I didn't have to worry about what to cook this week!

I'm reading: I'm looking forward to having my nose stuck in several books in a few days once we are on vacation.

One of my favorite things: Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Besides how gorgeous it is, it's been voted the world's most beautiful theme park 20 years running, it has some of the best coasters I've ever ridden. Alpengeist and Griffon...along with the late Big Bad Wolf. And the food is INCREDIBLE. Andy's favorite food at Busch Gardens is the brisket at Trapper's Smokehouse in New France (Canada). We'll be frequenting Trapper's this weekend I'm sure.

I'm creating: A game plan for the week.

Around the house: Cleaning! Packing! Laundry!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Not much that I haven't already stated...just prepping for our trip. This week I don't have to teach at Model High School because they are fall break. Which I'm grateful for because it gives me time to get us together to get out the door later in the week. If I had to teach Tuesday/Wednesday I'd be stressing more than I already am. :o) But at the end of the day it will all get done and we'll be on our way. It'll be great.

I feel like this post is scattered. Eh, I'm guessing it's because I'm wiped from the weekend and I have lots to do between now and Thursday. I feel like my mind is racing in 10 different directions. I'm off to finalize my game plan...if I don't check in between now and Thursday I will once we are on vacation. I'm hoping to get caught up on my backlog of recipes plus record the highlights of our trip!

Daybook for September 26th

Outside my window: Rain! Glorious rain! It hasn't rained here, at our house, in a month. Maybe even longer. My allergies have been in an uproar...so we've been laying low and staying inside. Thankfully, it rained all night and today. We are expecting more tonight and tomorrow. With this rain we are suppose to get some cooler weather...finally!

I'm hearing: Andy working on projects in our bedroom, rain outside, and the Falcons vs. Saints on the tv. AG is taking a long Sunday afternoon nap.

I'm thinking about: All we need to do this week around the house before Mtn. Day company arrives. I'm also thinking about doing a series of posts showcasing all of the work we've done on our house. Stay tuned for "This Old House..." series.

I'm praying: That Mountain Day weekend would be a wonderful time with family and friends. Safe travels. Wonderful new memories.

I'm thankful for: My hard working husband. I'm grateful for all that he does. I'm also thankful for this rain. Our area is desperate for it.

From the kitchen: A new recipe for breakfast casserole this week during family dinner with our college students. Along with a huge batch of cinnamon rolls. I'm also making some treats this week for Mountain Day.

I'm reading: Recipes. Lots and lots of recipes. Also, reading several blogs on meals that freeze well.

One of my favorite things: Mountain Day Weekend.

I'm creating: Packing lists and To Do lists for our upcoming trip. Also, I need a new background for the blog and a new family picture for the top...need to put that on my To Do list. :o)

Around the house: Projects. Always something to do around here. Andy's working on doing the final touchups in our bedroom and finishing his chest of drawers. Pictures to come. I'm reorganizing AG's room and closet. We pulled out AG's clothes from last fall/winter and there are several items that he can still wear...so I've washed everything and need to put it all up. (I had to buy stuff big last year due to AG's belly and we had to roll everything up. He has slimmed down and grown taller. Things actually fit the way they are suppose to this go around! Ha.)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Grocery shopping and the library tomorrow. Lots of quality time with our college family this week: CFA Tuesday, Family Dinner and Game Night at our house Wednesday, and Girls Night Thursday. The rest of the week is full of Mountain Day activities and spending time with my family that is coming up for Will's college visit.

Daybook for September 20th

Outside my window: It's dark. I can tell the days are getting shorter as fall approaches. Although with this relentless heat and lack of rain you would never know fall was approaching. I'm ready for cooler weather.

I'm thinking: That the next two weeks are going to be packed. Lots to do around the house before Mountain Day Weekend next week. We have lots of family coming up for the weekend and my cousins, Will and Clint, are both looking at Berry for school next year. We are excited to show them all that Berry has to offer and Mountain Day is a perfect showcase. Andy has his 5 year reunion, also that weekend. After that we are headed to the Braves game for Sunday, October 3rd, to see Cox's last regular home game and the Braves take on the Phillies. After that we'll be in full packing mode trying to get everything together to get out of town on Thursday, the 7th.

I'm thankful for: The hard work that Andy and my Dad did this weekend in our backyard. AG is in love with his new sandbox!

From the kitchen: We had chili from the freezer tonight. Quick and simple. I purchased ingredients today to make crescent rolls from scratch. I'm going to give it a try this week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they turn out as well as the cinnamon rolls that I made last week. Also, I'm planning to make some fall theme sugar cookies with AG this week to help celebrate the first day of fall even though it's going to be in the high nineties all week...

I'm wearing: My Harvard t-shirt and a pair of Andy's old soccer shorts from his freshman year at Berry. 

I'm creating: I discovered an old set of shutters in our cellar this summer. I'm working on refinishing one of them to hang in the back hallway to display photos, notes, and invites on. Once I get it done I'll post photos.

I'm reading: The new Pottery Barn that came today in the mail...with a preview of their holiday collection. Ah. :) And I'm looking forward to vacation in two weeks because I'll have time to read several of the books that I've set aside. I also need to pick up one right before we leave because it is set to be released that week. 

I'm hoping: To finish the mass purging/organizing event of 2010, soon. This has taken me much longer than I intended but I have adjusted my expectations because that's how life is with a toddler. 

I'm hearing: The Braves play the Phillies.

Around the house: Grocery shopping today. Laundry. Working on the shutter.

One of my favorite things: Family Dinner with our college students. Today we planned our next event...Family Game Night and Breakfast. I need to finalize my menu and get everything together. It should be a wonderful way to kick off Mountain Day Weekend a few days early. Martha would approve.

A few plans for the week: Projects around the house...hanging up AG's bulletin boards, relocating our diplomas, hanging up the shutter in the back hall, cleaning out our room, checking off a few more items off my "Fall Cleaning To Do List", and starting packing lists for our trip. I also have to teach tomorrow and Wednesday. We have dinner with our college crew at CFA for College Night tomorrow and Girls Night with dinner at Moe's, Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice premier, and a pizookie on Thursday. And speaking of premiers I'm excited about the return of Modern Family and Glee this week.