Behind Door #1....

is a new car!!


and it's in my garage!!!

EDITED- Just to be clear- my car is new to me....but has been in this world for quite some time. It's a 2004 Toyota and I love, love, love it.

I need to pinch myself (and I think I just heard my dad gasp!).

The last time I bought a car was when I was about 15 minutes pregnant. I mean, wasn't that your first thought when you found out that you were expecting???

The chain of events went something like this-

Jon asked me if I was pregnant and I told him it was impossible.
Jon asked me again and I tell him that there is no way.
Jon puts a calendar in my face and says- I really think you're pregnant.
I ignore him.
He patiently waits another week and asks again.
This time I buy a pregnancy test......it says I'm pregnant.
I take 3 more.
Jon says I told you so.....I'm still not convinced
I go to the doctor and they say, "did you take a pregnancy test?" I say "yes"
They say- you're pregnant.
I demand a blood test.....which, confirms that I am pregnant.
We tell our parents....who are absolutely beyond thrilled and we purchase a new car.

I had a car but no crib. I'm a genius.

Anywhooo- I digress.

It's officially mine and I'm officially excited and we are officially NOT pregnant.
(I think I heard my dad gasp again!)

the stuff & swap

My friend Diana's brother is an Army Captain....he's serving our country proudly and is currently stateside. His best friend is stationed in Af....stan (is there some sort of internet protocol on internet military discussion??) and Diana has taken he and his unit under her wing.

My very kind hearted friend combined lots of Christmas cheer, pride in our country, a desire to help, some willing friends and yummy food into a night that will truly make a difference in many lives.


This is where the stuff comes in.
She asked us to shop for the soldiers and bring things to "stuff" in boxes to send overseas.

Everyone shopped....


There were videos, books, hand warmers, tubes of chapstick, cans of tuna, nuts, cookies, cakes, pringles, games, jump drives, a Christmas tree, ornaments....

SO MUCH STUFF!!


And everyone pitched in to sort, organize and pack.
We're sending a ton to the men who are working so hard for us and the US.



So great!!
And after we stuffed, we got to swap.

You know I'm a HUGE fan of the swap.
The dining room was full of treats...ours for the taking.



And what didn't get swapped...is on its way to Caritas- an organization that helps homeless families transition into having a home. They'll use some for their families and the rest will be sold at their annual yard sale that's happening this weekend.



Great friends, fantastic food, helping others, spreading love and being green.
Such a great way to start the Christmas season off!

Get me a bubble, quick!

Sometimes I love that Cooper is eight- there is so much that's great about being "old enough".

He's pretty self sufficient and he knows the rules. He's able to hold quite an interesting conversation with adults (as long as it's a subject matter that he chooses), he's developed a sense of humor and it's a great one and his attention span allows for extended activities. He doesn't have to ride in a car seat which saves a huge amount of time on logistics- the list goes on and on......

But sometimes, I get a glimpse of how close eight is to oh, maybe 13 or 18 and it scares me to death.

I mean seriously- he's a little kid.



A little kid who likes rap music and contact sports and knows cuss words.
HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?????

Because I let him outside of the bubble, that's how.
How I rue the day.

Today on the way home from after care he was unusually quiet- so I asked him if all was ok.

His answer?
"I'm fine momma, I was just thinking hard about something".

Me: Oh, want to tell me about it?
Him: I was thinking that it was very interesting that all of the cuss words have four letters in them. Well, all except for the A word.

Me: (struggling to keep the car in my lane) Well, yes- most of them do have four letters.

Him: Are there any with more than four?
Me: (silently dying inside but trying to maintain an open and trusting relationship) There is one that has five, and you're right about the A word.

Him: Momma, I don't think there are any with five letters. Can you tell me that one?
Me: It's the one that starts with a B. Buddy, how come all the thinking about such bad words?

Him: I'm just thinking about stuff that I'll be able to do when I grow up.

I decided to stop asking questions while I was ahead.

Tonight when I tucked him in though....when looked so adorable in his pj's....and he snuggled in tight while I read him a chapter of our current book......that was pure heaven.

Sometimes I love that Cooper is eight.

Early Morning Exchange-

Since Jon leaves so early in the morning we exchange e-mails as a form of keeping in touch and making sure that we're on the same page.

This was our exchange today....

(Me to him)

Update for you-

1) Our kid had birthday cake and pizza for breakfast. He helped himself while I was still asleep!

2) The dog was playing with our kid and somehow ate/ripped the entire sleeve of his hoodie. Seriously- the sleeve is in the front yard.

3)Happy Veterans Day to my favorite vet!


(His reply to me)

Sounds like an incredible morning....it seems like the good stuff always happens in the morning when I'm away.
Thanks so much for a fun relaxing birthday with my family.....my favorite.
My salute goes out to you on this Veterans Day!



We're such dorks....but it does make me smile!!


Happy Veterans Day to those who have or are serving our country-
THANK YOU for your sacrifices.

Thankful Tuesday

I had the day off today....so that I could go on a field trip with the Coopster.



It was a super day....cold, but super!
The highlight was being able to try a suit of armor-


Who doesn't love a kid in a suit of armor?

And, if that wasn't enough to make this the best Tuesday I've had in months....
As I'm typing, that little kid is practicing scales on his recorder.

Great day....sweet kid...and leftover Halloween candy.
I am thankful!!