Thirty Five

Today I turn 35!
I wanted to forget that it was my birthday. At this crazy time of year, when starting New Years resolutions and doing our taxes, it’s easy to forget but, sadly I was reminded when I rolled out of bed with a sore back and tension headache.
So, I did what any other ‘feeling old’ person would do…I put on a cute outfit (which included heels) and went out for the day. Ok, so it was just to the grocery store but, regardless, it was out! And I looked cute! I had to make sure to get a bottle of wine and some Motrin for my now throbbing feet.
Throughout the day, I did what I always do on my birthday…..talked to mom, got a haircut, bought something for myself, and tried to relax. And, I did.
It made me look back at the last few years of my life that have been such a roller coaster ride. My last big birthday was when I turned thirty. I had just moved to Texas and flew home (to Florida) to spend the big 3-0 with my family and some really good friends because I remember being homesick. I was new to Texas and although adjusting well, I didn’t know many people.
WOW! How things have changed in five short years:
Since then I have adjusted to Texas weather, learned to like boots and talk slow, became a fan of sweet iced tea, met some really nice people, became an RN, started my youngest in school, and finally found a nice neighborhood to really make this my happy home.
So, as I accept this age gracefully, I look at another year of accomplishments, blessed with new and exciting things. I’m happy to be 35 and I’m in good company too: Rachel McAdams, Reese Witherspoon, and Ryan Reynolds are all here with me ;)

Today was a good day, Happy Birthday to ME!

Unintentional Pity Party

I want to take this moment to thank everyone for your kind words, texts, and emails yesterday.
I didn't write yesterdays post to throw myself a pity party. I was just trying to blow off some steam (virtually) and be honest about the struggles I was having at the moment.
I consider myself blessed in many ways but, in no way is my life perfect, nor do I pretend it to be. Yesterday was an off day for sure. And, I think I was really more tired than anything else.
Venting gives me peace. Some days I surf blogs to see if any one else is going through whatever it is I'm dealing with at that time....and I always find someone who writes and makes me think......wow, she is totally blogging about my life right now!!!! And in a weird way, it makes me feel better to know that in certain situations, I am not alone....... then I laugh, cry, laugh (its a vicious cycle) and finally I feel better.
So, I'm hoping that yesterdays drama helped someone or at least made them laugh because I'm laughing about it now.
But to everyone who gave such kind words to me yesterday, you really made my day:)
Thank You!

Friendship

I went out today to find a friend, but could not find one
So the next day, I went out to BE a friend, and friends were everywhere!
~author unknown

Sweater Weather

Fall is in the air – can you feel it?
Yeah, neither can I. But I’m excited that it’s around the corner, because hands-down, it’s my absolute favorite season. I love the smells, the sounds, the colors… I eagerly await the first drop in temperature, hopefully not too long from now.....my favorite Starbucks flavors like peppermint white chocolate mocha and hot apple cider make the whole season, I can't wait! This Fall will be especially memorable because we will be settling in our new home, getting to know our new neighbors, and getting back into a routine again. My sweaters have been packed away since April and I think it's time they make their appearance and I enjoy wearing fuzzy socks to bed :)

Lucky Girl

I have been so fortunate with the friends (OK, take the time to gag and then move on). Really, truly, I am just so lucky. I was a bit nervous when we decided to stay here and not venture back to Florida. Especially because I had (have) such wonderful friends back home. Of course no one could replace any of those girls, but I wanted to have some additional girls up here. I’m a social person and need that outlet. Otherwise, you know . . . I might have that breakdown.

It’s hard to make friends when you’re a older and a stay at home mom. Where am I going to meet people? Well, through my children of course. Thank goodness my kids have such great taste in friends because it was through them that I made my friends. The parents of all the kids who hang out with my kids at school, in the neighborhood, at T ball, and soccer.

My friends are amazing women. So fun and thoughtful, smart and funny. In such a short time they have befriended me and my family in all manner of ways.

By helping me with my kids, drinking with me and giving me that much needed girl time.

Today we picked up the keys to our new house and met our neighbors across the street. I already know they’re going to be good friends. I cannot believe how lucky I am. It’s almost more happiness, friendship and love than one girl can stand!!

Let it snow......

It's Christmas Eve and it's snowing outside!!!!
If you happen to live in a part of the country that isn’t blessed with this powdery, white miracle, (like us) you know why I am so excited. And of course, snow this time of year is always the best!

I have been anticipating its arrival since I first saw the forecast and there I sat, in the living room by the window just waiting, and waiting. By the time the first few flakes started floating down it was well past 11am and the kids had already accepted the fact that it may not snow.

Today would have been a perfect day for me to bake cookies and stay in my jammies, but I just couldn't, I had to enjoy this wonderfulness.
Me and Melissa had Carmel lattes at Starbucks while the snow fell. Coffee with a great friend is always a good thing. Thanks, Melissa.
The kids loved playing outside as the snow piled on their heads and kissed their noses, it was a lot of fun!
We had Christmas Eve dinner at my sisters house,made by the hubbies who did a really good job, we all left the table absolutely stuffed.
It was still snowing outside.....so we let the kids play in the snow again at night, since it could be gone by morning.

Brrr, it was sooo cold!!!! The kids little fingers and ears were rosy and chilly.
Coffee and dessert by the fireplace wrapped up a beautiful day!
I know I often complain that Texas is a never ending land of cornfields and cows, but it's changing seasons and my great friends are things that make it worth living here.
It's been snowing for more than 10 hours now and we have a couple inches of snow. No signs of it stopping anytime soon.
Today was a great day, I wouldnt change a thing!

Thank You

I am grateful for many things this Thanksgiving...
Especially my own little turkeys, who have brought me so much joy this year.
Since moving to Texas I had to get used to not having the traditional house full of family and friends, moms good cooking, and watching my cousins burn off that dressing with a little afternoon football.
Nope, the past few years have been a bit less eventful.
But, I try my best.
This year was probably the best (Texas) Thankgiving yet.
We had Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday night at a good friend & neighbor's house. She invited all of her friends and families over for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Gwen made mulled wine, I made the green bean casserole, and Melissa brought stuffing. The kids watched Harry Potter and the adults had time to unwind. It was very nice.
Today I spent Thanksgiving at my sisters house. We made everything from scratch. The kitchen was a mess but the food and company were great!
Ethan & Jacob are old enough now to enjoy a game of footbal, and so they did. They played for hours.
We had plenty of leftovers enough to feed us thru the weekend.
It was a wonderful day.

In Thanksgivings past, I used to be thankful that I had great children, a wonderful healthy family, and really good friends.

This Thanksgiving, I want to say thanks to everyone in my life for giving me something to be thankful for =)

Hello There...neighbor

You know how it usually happens. The moving van pulls up across the street. You peer through the slats of the window blinds. You don't want them to see you checking out the new neighbors. Who are they? In goes the fancy furniture...as I wonder, will we be friends and share dinners? In goes a child-size bike...and I wonder how many kids they have?
New neighbors are always fascinating.
I hope they forgive me for disrupting their moving process to run over and meet them but, the worry of who our new neighbors would be, was still pondering. I have had my share of BAD neighbors and could not handle another but, what a relief that a lovely family has moved in.
And the kids.....three girls!!!! YAY!
How wonderful for my girls to have new friends on the street.

We Got Boo'ed

A Halloween tradition is spreading rapidly throughout the culture. Called "Getting Booed," it involves a family making a Halloween gift basket and leaving it anonymously on a neighbor's door step with a sign "You Got Booed." The receiving family's job, then, is to make up another gift basket and play the trick on another family in the neighborhood who doesn't have a 'got booed' sign on their door.

Last night we had a mysterious knock on the door. When the kids opened the front door, they found a bag of sweet treats along with a paper ghost and poem instructing them to do the same to two other neighbors.
My kids love this part of our Halloween tradition.

But there's been a little debate about whether or not this booing business is plain fun or plain inconsiderate. Is it spreading the Halloween spirit or just a glorified chain letter?

The truth is that it's both.

I still dig it, but I don't want other parents with children on the receiving end of a "You've been boo'ed" ghost to feel pressured to participate. It's hard enough to get Halloween costumes together and prepare for school parties. This I know. But since we ‘got booed’, it’s on!

Here is a BOO basket I found, made by Jennifer at The Buck Stamps Here

that I want to make.

Falling for Fall

Living in Florida for so long, I never knew what seasons were.
We had rain or sun, and humidity all year around.
I remember my first Fall season in Texas. It was so nice to see leaves that turned colors and scattered down the street, meeting new people and being able to open windows in the house!!!! It was amazing.
Now, I have lived here for three years and Fall is still my favorite time of year here. This fall I have a lot to look forward to:

Oktoberfest
Kids Fall Sports
Pumpkins on the porch
Making Smores with the neighbors
Getting caught up on my scrap booking on those chilly days
Warm apple cider

Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks
putting away my flip-flops
wearing sweaters
New Fall Season of Desperate Housewives
Movies: New Moon, Where the Wild Things Are and,

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
Cuddling on the couch with the kids
I just love this time of year!

Won't You Be My Neighbor ?

Until recently I’ve lived in small towns where everyone knew each other, you graduated with the same kids that you went to Elementary school with and neighborhoods were full of families that shared the similar family values.
I guess I am a June Cleaver at heart but, the neighborly contacts I’d thought existed, like bringing muffins or cookies and housewarming visits are a thing of the past. I know my expectations are unreal, but I was hoping my belief that 'wisteria lane' died decades ago, was not true. And my neighborhood has certainly been a challenge, to say the least.
A good neighbor is rare and does not refer to the person living next door or someone who agrees to pick up your mail while you’re out of town. A neighbor is the person who borrows a cup of sugar then shares the homemade pie. It’s the person who notices you struggling to unload groceries and hurries to help. Or one who simply offers a warm hello when you go check the mailbox.
When I first moved into my new house, I was lonesome for family and friends and decided that I would actively take every opportunity to be a good neighbor. I was on a mission, but with my lack of awareness, I assumed that this would be easy. So, as I went about with my busy mommy life, I would sometimes contemplate the difference between my method of making friends and my desire to know my neighbors.
I must have been very sheltered growing up to believe that most adults are well mannered.

My point?.....
This morning I walked outside and saw a moving truck across the street. One of the nice families has packed their belongings and are gone. Leaving me to wonder what kind of family will live there next. I know I sound a little selfish but, I want another NICE family to move in. I don’t think I could handle another crazy neighbor.
Building camaraderie with the neighbors cannot be accomplished over night, I know that. After all, being a neighbor is more than swapping recipes and sharing iced tea on the back porch.

Well-Labelled Whine

This month marks our six month anniversary of ladies night. It started as a book/wine club where we all read Twilight (except for me) and then went to watch the movie together. The spring season brought soccer, baseball, and other kids activities that seemed to take over.

Regardless of our busy schedules we all manage to still get together once a month and unwind. For some of us (like me) it is the only time that I can hang out in my pj's with my friends and really relax, vent, and get some good friend time. Books, movies, games, or not...these ladies like their wine.

So, on the topic of wine.... a couple of months ago....I was in Market Street looking for some wine for our next ladies night night and I stumbled across some very interesting wines!

.....some people like their wine dry. some people like their wine sweet. some people like their wine earthy with moderate tannins. But ME....I like my wine to be well-labelled. You'll see why.

The Mad Housewife Collection

The name says it all.....and we all have our days (I know I do)!! wine should be fun, relaxing, and something you can afford to look forward to at the end of each and every day. Time to enjoy a moment to yourself. A moment without the madness.

Bitch is ...bitchin'

Yeah I have had these days too but, I have yet to try this RED wine but I like it already because of its provocative title, all in pink. and the repetitions of the word “bitch” on the back. more likely, it’s the bottle’s alternating dagger heart dagger heart border. But I learned that this wine is fruity with notes of cranberry and strawberry and has a high alcohol volume.....ahhhh!

The Fat Bastard

It is subtle humor at its best! I love that they integrated the name and visuals in a witty and sophisticated solution for a wine. And yeah 'book club ladies' we all know the joke surrounding fat bastard, hahaha!

So the next time you are out shopping for a bottle of wine, take a look around at what is out there. There are some pretty descriptive labels that each of us can relate to and laugh about.