Just stuff...

1. We have officially entered the challenging threes with Gabe! My sweet little boy has started having times of defiance, the occasional fit (or daily fit- whichever title you'd prefer) and more whining then my ears want to hear some days. My sweet little 11 year old went through this same stage, so this time around it doesn't seem so overwhelming since I had a good feeling it was coming. But, it's still hard to prepare for the changes that comes with each stage. I don't want to wish it away, but wow.

2. Received this email today! Only three days until Nashville and U2. Three days!

3. It was 71 degrees and rainy today. In Alabama. In late June.  I could get used to that.

4. I'm a procrastinator. That shouldn't really be news to anyone that knows me. I should be working on VBS stuff and instead I'm blogging. The truth is my brain works better under pressure. There are some things I can plan ahead for, but writing is not one of them.

5. Since we've purchased the new washer and dryer, I have washed every throw rug, sheet, blanket and multitude loads of other laundry. I'm amazed at how much more can fit in a washer without the agitator in the middle. They both run so quietly. I guess if you have to spend so much money on something so practical, you might as well have fun with them.

Just thinking

1. I've been reading through the Proverbs here lately. There is not much of life that's not covered in that book. Now, to live it.

2. Grant is almost officially a 6th grader- one more week in the Grammar school, then we are moving upstairs. Sixth grade will bring multiple teachers, lockers, dances, more freedom, more responsibility. We attended the informational meeting last night and it was exciting for the kids and, if most of the parents are like me, I believe a little surreal for us. As I was looking around at the kid's faces, most of whom I've know since they were five years old,  I realized I was seeing the last traces of little kid. They are maturing. They are changing. They are growing up. It's a good thing. It is a good thing. But, wow, it makes me really want to live every minute that I have with Grant more intentionally.

3. I read this blog post last night after the meeting. Perfect reminder and perfect timing.

4. Only 45 days until I see U2 in Nashville. And just so you know, I had to count the days to write that sentence. I really don't have a count down on my bulletin board like a teenager, but I probably should, because I am that excited about it.

One of my favorites-

Daily Randomness...

1. Gabe now has two teeth! The second one came through today. I'm so glad. It's been giving him trouble the last few days.

2. My house smells like cookies. Today was my baking day. Yum!

3. Grant is one of the three third graders that will be participating in the 3rd-8th grade spelling bee in January. He is very excited about it. Yay, Grant!

4. I've been listening to Delilah playing Christmas music tonight. How long has she been on the radio? We used to listen to her when I was working the night shift at a medical lab during my college years. The show is exactly the same- I don't even think the music has changed.

5. Sol Azteca has the best salsa in Alabaster.

6. If you could see my house right now you would never believe that we are having a our Community Group Christmas party here tomorrow night. There is stuff everywhere. Hopefully, I can pull it all together.

Random thoughts

*** Today while out running errands, I saw a car drive by with a vanity plate that read "Divrced." That seems like a strange thing to put on a license plate. It make me sad to think about how lightly some people seem to take ending a marriage.

*** Grant finished Star Wars camp today. He came home with a movie they made during the week, a notebook filled with notes on what they done, and two photos. He made a light saber, a catapult, had the chance to eat real bugs (like the ewoks), made a droid, and lots of other fun stuff. The Mcwane Center does cool summer camps. He loved it.

*** I just made Buffalo Chicken dip for tomorrow's family day. I can hardly wait to eat some.

*** Todd cleaned the kitchen- I love that man.

*** Gabe loves listening to music. He seems to especially love Jack Johnson and David Crowder. They get him to stop crying just about every time. He likes Rascal Flatts, too.

*** I hated hearing the news about Tim Russert today. He has always been one of my favorite journalists. What a sad day for his family and friends.

*** The Hylands colic tablets really seem to help my gassy little baby boy. Yea! He seemed a lot happier today.

*** I'm so glad it has rained five days in a row. Everything looks so green and alive.

*** It has been hotter in Massachusetts this week then it has been in Alabama. Interesting!

*** My brother is coming home from Kuwait very soon. I'm so thankful. And I'm thrilled for my sister in law who has been missing him so very much.

Just a random Saturday...

Today started at 3am when I took my now nightly trek down to the couch to try to find a comfortable position in which to sleep. Watched TV for a few minutes, the dog joined me on the couch- so faithful=) I did finally get back to sleep.

Got up for real at 7am.

Soccer game- Grant got hit in the face with the soccer ball. It whacked him on the side of the face, pushing his glasses pretty hard into the side of his head. He's OK- even though he "was blind for a few seconds" (at least until he opened his eye). He has a little scuff, but I'm so thankful that's all. The glasses are still in one piece.

Todd and Grant had a guy's day. I did some shopping, cleaning, resting, and baking. They went on a "road trip." They had fun and are safely home.

I heard at least 4 people that I do not know tell me there is no way that I will make it all the way to my due date.

Today was some kind of retro day on WDJC- they played music from the 80's and 90's all day. I heard Wes King, Petra, Scott Krypane, and a bunch of other "oldies". That was fun to listen to while I cleaned. I had forgotten how much I loved Wes King.

The weather was beautiful!

We ate an all veggie dinner thanks to our coop.

Right now I'm watching my stomach bounce up and down as little Gabe has the hiccups and does some kind of aerobics. I love it.

Randomness Monday

Here are some of my random thoughts...

1. If you need to order anything online this Christmas season try Amazon.com first. They have great customer service. One of my packages was lost by the post office. Amazon is sending me a replacement package, no questions asked. You can't beat that.

2. This weekend I started feeling the baby move for sure. That is just such an amazing gift.

3. Hobby Lobby has Christmas wrapping paper 50% off this week.

4. Facebook is a great way to stay in touch with long lost friends.

5. I love getting Christmas cards with family pictures in them. I got two today. They just make me smile.

6. We set up my Willow tree nativity set (which I love) this weekend. Put lights on some of the bushes out front and hopefully will get our Christmas tree today or tomorrow. I plan to post pictures soon.

7. I'm making something with cheese in it for dinner. I'm really wanting a comfort food meal.

That's all for now.

Random

On the way home from school today, out of the blue, "Mom, I can gurgle, but sometimes I choke."

Tonight from the bathroom during tooth brushing time, "Oh no, not the toothpaste goatee." I look in to see a great big grin and a triangle of spit out toothpaste hanging from his chin.

The random funniness of Grant.