Thankful For Blogs - Day 1

Thank you again to my friend Julie (sheesh, she's getting a lot of props on my blog lately!!) for putting things in perspective. It's November. It's time to give thanks. She was prepared and ready to blog for all 30 days in November about things for which she is thankful. Now, I might not have been as prepared (today is the 11th) and so...no, I can't blog for 30 days in November - but, I can certainly do 20. So...here goes it.

Today...I am thankful for blogs.
(yes, I know...so inspirational - just kidding!)

My blog, my families' blogs, my friends' blogs, the strangers' blogs (that I stalk), crafty blogs, recipe blogs, really...I'm thankful for ALL blogs.

Blogs are such a funny thing. There are so many different kinds. Some people maintain a blog devoted only to crafts, or to cooking, or to computer help, or to illnesses, or to coupons, or to charity, or to politics, or to design. Really the list of types of blogs is endless. You could probably find a blog for any type of work or project or situation out there. And then there's those people (like me) that use a blog as a record keeper or a journal. Sometimes I blog about our daily activities, sometimes about parenthood, and sometimes just about me...Because I'm selfish like that.

Blogging is so therapeutic. If you haven't tried it...you should. I've never had a journal - but, I assume it's similar. I will say that I am pretty open and honest on my blog. Some of you may think I'm crazy for some of the random thoughts I blog about...but, I do certainly keep some things to myself. It really comes down to...it's my blog - I'll do with it what I want. And that my friends...is what is so great about being a blogger.

The BEST part about blogs though...is blog stalking. It's addicting. Once you start - you seriously can't stop. You go from blog to blog to blog and pretty soon you don't remember where you even started. You read blogs about people and continue to check back with them to see how they're doing. You become friends with strangers. You steal ideas...or copy them and change it up a bit to make it your own. You try out new recipes that you found. You find out how to use your sewing machine that has been sitting in your closet for 4 years. You can even find out how to use a new program at work that has you boggled...oops - maybe that's just me :)

I like the freedom of my blog. I like that it's mine. I like that I can say whatever I want and it really doesn't matter. I like that I very well may be the only person that ever reads it and that is fine (but, I do like comments, too!) I like that I can now look back over the last two years and I have a book of the Cutie's life. I like that my blog was there when Brady first went to Kindergarten, and when we took our first long road trip to Colorado, and when I hit the big 3-0, and when we were so pleasantly surprised with Charlotte.

I love my blog.

Thank you Blogspot.

Thank You Julie!

My friend Julie surprised me with some cute hats for the girls.

Aren't these seriously adorable??!!

They're from her friend's online store j. jane on of course, Etsy!!

Such cute stuff!

Julie (and Stefan) = good people.
Great people, in fact.

Thanks Julie...they fit both the girls!

And, we L-O-V-E, LOOOOVE them!

I Went to the VERY Best Boutique EVER!!!!

And, look what I got...

Seriously - it was unbelievable!

Tons of vendors.

Good stuff.

I even bought a Christmas present.

One down - 100 to go.

Seriously.

I'm making my Christmas list.

I love this season.

I heard Ashley starting crafting already.

I've got to get started!

Tooth Woes

I think our family is in for years of teeth issues.
Me = braces for years and years
The Hottie = well, his list of teeth issues go on and on
(although I do blame his childhood dentist for a lot of that!!)

And, now Brades = root canal

Yep, Brady has some tooth issues. He has been going to the dentist 2 times a year since age 2. Never a cavity. Always glowing reports of his teeth. A few months ago...they started watching a cracked tooth. Well, this last visit brought the news that it now needed a root canal and cap. He also had a mini cavity (whatever that is) and the work would require some laughing gas.


This past Monday, I picked Brady up early from school for his big appointment. Boy oh boy, his dentist is so awesome. It takes a special person to be a pediatric dentist. To have such patience with kids. To explain each and every minuscule step in such simple terms. He made it seem like no big deal. And...we were in and out in 25 minutes. I couldn't ask for anything better. Oh...the best part - his name is Dr. Quackenbush. Yep...isn't that cute? We sure do love him!


Brady was a super champ. He was so brave and never cried, flinched, or even showed any fear. He breathed in that laughing gas like a pro. He took the Novocaine shots like it didn't even hurt. And oh my goodness, was he a trip after the fact dancing around drunkenly with a cute little "Elvis" grin. He definitely wanted a super dose of Tylenol a little after the big event...but, other than that - what a pro!


When we picked up the girls from the sitter's house - he was so proud. Who would have ever thought that a kid would be so excited about a silver tooth?? (The hygienist told me kids think they're cool...but, I didn't believe it. Heck - I had all the silver in my mouth replaced with porcelain!!) He told the sitter, "I had gas." Umm...okay...I had to make sure she understood it was laughing gas. Of course, the silver tooth has been like a trophy and he has showed it to anyone that seems the least bit interested.


Thank goodness I've got a brave kid!! We go back for something similar next week - hopefully, he does just as great!


Ugh!! Teeth issues. I see a world of expenses in our future.

Darth, Cinderella, and a Ballerina

Brady HAD, just HAD TO BE Darth Vader.

It's funny because he's never even seen Star Wars.

He only knows Darth Vader.

He got his wish...and even a red lightsaber.

Lily wanted to be Cinderella.

She looooooooves Cinderella.

She hasn't taken off the dress in days.

I now have it hidden.

Charlotte....

Well, she could have cared less.

But, I definitely think she looks adorable.

Halloween was fun. The Babcock's came over for some chili and cornbread. I don't want to toot my own horn (um...but, I will) but...I will say that I do make some pretty mean chili. Yum! Ash and I took the 4 older kids out to trick or treat while the boys stayed with Charlotte and handed out candy...while of course, watching football and baseball. Ash and I also loaded the kids up in the car and surprised our mom with a trick or treat stop over at their house. Of course, the kids got waaaaay too much candy and it is currently hidden way up in the pantry where we will most likely forget about it for a few months. The chocolate is in the fridge...and Lily cries every morning for some candy. I don't give in...but, I can't speak for the Hottie.

Halloween 2010

Last night, we partied it up at the Babcock's for Halloween.

Thanks Jacki and Sheldon!!

Here's the best of the night...

Bob AKA Chubbs

Brett AKA Happy

Bryan AKA Gilmore's Caddy

Aren't Sisters Seriously the Best?

I couldn't be happier that the Hottie and I were able to produce this sisterhood....

I hope it's as good as this....

Man....I sure miss that Dawn. She's stuck somewhere inside of me.

Ugh!