HAPPY HALLOWEEN

They say that Halloween is for the insane - guess they got me pegged. After several years of pleading from my kids I decided to do a haunted house. I chose my front walk way and porch because I really don't want a bunch of strangers walking through my actual house. These cool jack-o-lanterns were carved by my friends Kathy, David and Juls to help set the mood for the haunting.

It took some planning and a lot of black plastic! But after 3 and half days we had a haunting. Now to make it complete I had to have my cast of charaters. My friends, Adam and the kids all played a part. It wasn't difficult to persuade my friends as I found out they are as sadistic as I am when it comes to the joy of scaring people. We had 4 vampires(kathy, david, juls and lauren), one asian wiseman(me), a wicked court jester(jordan) and someone who couldn't make up his mind what he was(adam) - "Are you talking to ME?"

We all had a lot of fun and had a great turn out. I think next year we'll have to do a bigger one - that's right I said next year, I told you I was insane. Enjoy the pictures!

Happy Birthday to Me

44 is not that big of a deal - I mean it's not 50 now is it? I got the ususal cards and dinner and a great certificate for a spa treatment. I believe my family feels I need to reduce my stress. I wonder what makes them think that? Hmmm?

I did get one extrodinary present - from my 12 year old daughter. She surprised me with a short story she wrote - that gave me an insight to her feelings about me. It was the best present I think I have ever received. I'll keep it forever and make sure she sees it once she becomes a famous novelist. Who knows, maybe then I'll get a dedication!

So you see - getting older isn't so bad, as long as I have my husband and kids - life is pretty damned good.

Happy 50th Anniversary Mom & Dad

Today is my parents 50th anniversary. Wow - 50 years. A half century. I could say it has been all wedded bliss - but that would be a lie. They've had their ups, downs, ins and outs. But after everything they have been through together... that's just it - they are together.

We (the kids) sent them to a cabin in Lake Tahoe (their request) for 5 days and nights. They left today. Old family friends of ours (Paul & Josie Knight) will be meeting them there on Tuesday to spend time together.

When I think about my parents now - it seems so different. When your parents reach a certain age (Mom's 70 and Dad's 69) - you actually start worrying about them the way they have always worried about you. I'll be checking up on them - and they are to call me as soon as they get there. I suppose, what goes around, comes around.

I love you Mom and Dad! I hope you have a marvelous time and see you on Thursday at the airport.

Moving forward

Well it's now October, Adam and I just had our 15th anniversary (9/22), and school is progressing fine for the kids. Lauren has already had her pictures taken and received by the school -> she has to use that ASB card for everything. She is changing in so many ways - mostly good - but the social activity has certainly picked up. In ways I am happy because this means she is normal and moving in the right direction. In other ways it saddens me, she's growing up and soon my "little" girl will only be a memory. It's my issue, not hers. She's doing what she is suppose to do. I just don't want to see her go...at least the little her. I am already enjoying the "new" girl (woman) she is becoming. It is me who has to adapt and realize I am no longer the center of her world.

Jordan is in 6th grade and enjoying being the "kings on campus". I have one more year of possible innocense and little boy behavior - and I will milk it for all it's worth.