Happy Happy Joy Joy

Caleb, Abagail, and Skylar

The Halloween Party sometimes brings out the LOVE in people. I can honestly say that almost everyone has a big old smile on their face for most of the afternoon. We never get through a single year without some sort of an "incident". Someone gets bitten by a dog, someone falls, gets cut, gets mashed, gets poked, gets hit, something gets broken, someone's feelings get hurt. Something gets something every year.

However, these little "incidents" are always more like side notes to a great day. We get more of this than anything.
Wouldn't you love to know what is going through Kinsley's head in this one?

Marty and Marie

Kevin and Allison - What the what?

Sam might be feeling the love in this one, but Lillie looks more like her personal space has been violated!

Don't you just love a good excuse to get together? I do, I do!

Today is Pumpkin Pie Custard day at the Kernel. Wooo HOOOO!

Pumpkin Fun

Every year the Pumpkin Party is one of the highlights of my whole year. This year was no different. We had a couple of first time attendees and I think they had fun. I know we were glad to have them.

Let me start with Ginger and Christopher.


First of all Ginger, is married to K-Woo's little brother Christopher and she works with me. Ginger is super funny, super crafty, and I have a super girl crush on her. She designed and created Avery's Halloween Card.


How cool is that? Plus, she did not play around when it came to the pumpkin carving. Ginger brought the pumpkin mo jo and it showed!

Christopher and Ginger are adorable and I loved them being at the party!

Ginger holds great disdain for Holiday inflatables and for that reason, my 12 foot tall pumpkin man hand handcrafted her a note. It didn't work, she still hates Holiday inflatables. Grrrrr!

Halloween Makes Me Feel Like This......

I think this might be my most favorite picture of all times. All times I tell you. All TIMES! If I never take another picture again in my life, at least I have this one. I know Khang and Kelli probably wish she would be still, but I love her energy. Don't you?

Is There Something Wrong With Me?

I keep wanting to feel ok about working. I want to feel like my work is meaningful. I want to get fulfillment from work. I read these blogs from other working moms and they talk about how they can't imagine not working because they get and need all of the fulfillment from their work. I bet they are super cool things like doctors, lawyers, nurses, social workers, teachers, paramedics, and all of those other jobs that are meaningful. Right? That's why they feel so fulfilled. Right?

I am not judging these people. I actually quite envy them. They must not hate driving to work every day. I bet the whistle while they work just like those goofy dwarfs that hung out with Snow White. Lucky girls indeed.

I do feel quite fulfilled when I am with Avery. I can't imagine having room for any more fulfilled. For example:

1. Avery makes a hysterical poop face. Generally that means his diaper is "filled"
2. Avery loves to play, and I love to play with him. The requires a lot of time, so our calendar is "filled"
3. Avery eats every few hours. We have to keep his little Buddah tummy "filled"
4. Avery smiles when he sees me coming, when he wakes up from a nap, or when I talk to him. This "fills" my heart with joy.
5. Avery loves to take a bath, so we have to "fill" the tub.
6. We empty the toy bakets when we play, and later I have to "fill" the baskets back up
7. We go through a lot of clothes, and as a result I have to "fill" the washer and dryer a lot
8. I "fill" the diaper caddy, the wipes container, bottles, diaper bags, i "fill" a lot

These are just the fulfilling things that came to me off the top of my head. I do wish I made the rules. Here's how it would go:

1. If you are one of those girls who needs to work. Have at it sister. I'm just not wired that way. Maybe I am just really lazy? Ok. Sure. Whatever. I don't mind that label.
2. If you aren't one of those girls, you can stay at home. Stay with me. It will be so much fun. Not all fun mind you. We still need to be responsible and practical and do that stuff that needs to be done.
3. We will have playgroups and not ones that require a survey with a pass/fail. We will hang out with the girls that we have known all of our lives, or that we met at our old job, or our family.
4. We will sing songs, paint pictures, have adventures..... if I made the rules. ugh!
   

Check out the Old Blog. Just in TIME....

http://www.ouidalinkous.blogspot.com/

Old Blog Found......but I can't get to it.....

The thing about being in the presence of greatness........ is that you usually don't realize it until it has passed. Funny huh? Last night, on my way home from work, I was thinking about what it means to be truly great. What does it mean to be special? What makes someone exceptional? How do you know you are doing the right things? Making a mark? Instantly my mind went to my Grandma Sis. It should be said, that my Grandma Sis was really my great aunt. She was my grandmother's sister. She WAS my Grandma Sis. Had you tried to tell me any different, you would have gotten a swift kick in the shin or a tongue lashing that you didn't realize could come out of such a small child.

What did I love about her? The list would be shorter to tell you what I didn't love. I didn't love that she left this world while I was in high school during, possibly, the most irritating phase of my life. Everything else, I loved. Sis was a big lady and I loved that too. She kept the messiest house you have ever seen in your life. Not dirty, mind you, but cluttered in a way that would make my friend Allison scream or at least require some sort of pharmaceutical to soothe her. Messy! In every corner there was an adventure. A Chinese Checker board with no marbles, a flocked bird with no nest, a National Geographic from 1972, or an Easter Egg decorated 20 years earlier. No shortage of entertainment or awe. And her back yard.......there was a cherry tree the size of Heaven and Earth. The cherries from this tree were indescribable. I can still close my eyes, open her gate, climb the porch stairs, through the front door, left through the living room, into the dining room, right into the kitchen and out the back door. Once I had entertained myself to the point that I just couldn't go on, I would turn around and there she would be. Dressed, like a grandmother should dress. She wasn't wearing jeans and sneakers. In fact, I don't think I ever saw her wear pants that weren't made of polyester. She would most likely be wearing a flowery frock that I always heard called a house gown. There were two roomy pockets perfect for hiding things grandmothers need. Kleenex for nose blowing, face wiping, gum collecting, or an impromptu bandage. Candy for obvious reasons, a dandelion that I picked for her, a stone she found especially interesting, a spoon she was stirring with when she saw that I looked bored and needed company. Who needs a chair when you have a grandmother’s lap?

It hit me last night, that everything I loved about her, I hate about me. She could have cared less about a job. (My job is my chief source of stress) Her job was us. Loving us, nurturing us, throwing the ball to us, making our Halloween costumes, and giving us the best of her. That was her contribution. I loved her rolls. (Even the sound of a bathroom scale turns my stomach. I can’t even look at the doctor’s office. I haven’t seen myself nude in 5 years!) She was again, a big lady. I loved the squishy of her. She always reminded me of Mrs. Claus. She smelled of cookies, lasagna, and your wildest dream. She did not diet. What a crazy thought. She didn't worry about how the house looked. (Stress point number two) She didn't waste a second. She dragged me to sewing classes, yard sales, flea markets, and she made K-Mart a holy place for me. She gave me heart. She was WONDERFUL.

When I think about the world today, only 20 years later, I can't help but be sad that these grandmother's are almost gone. They are at Weight Watchers or on cruises. They are working on their third marriages. They aren't waiting when we get there with a great plan to make us the center of the universe. They are probably at work. Their houses are Southern Living neat. They don't have 400 magazines, scissors, pipe cleaners, glitter, macaroni noodles, and Elmer's school glue waiting to become our next masterpiece. A work that will, in her eyes, be Worthy of the Queen’s mantle.

The thing about being in the presence of greatness, is that you usually don't notice until it is too late........... I consider myself blessed. I always knew my Sissy was great!

Pumpkin Party RSVP Deadline is TODAY

Ok, here's who I know is coming to the Pumpkin Party:
The Woo's
BFF and Fam
Kurt, Jen, and SB
The Ginger's
SKP and Little A
JerBear and Friends
The Campbell's
Marion and Pal(s)
The Swider's
The Tran Klan
Team Poston
Leigh and Nolan
Antionette, Hot Boyfriend, and Beautiful Daughter
Brandy and Eli (not sure about Tim)

Could this be it? It is ok if it is, because we will still have a WONDERFUL time, but I don't want to be short on food. So please, please, please let me know ASAP if you plan on coming. Also, I MUST have a treat bag for each kid or my heart will BREAK!

Do you think this small turnout is because I went electronic with my invitation (I typed application instead of invitation. I need a day off!)

Blerg...Why Do I Let Myself Get Sucked In?

On the way home tonight Greggie asked me if I heard about the little boy who got in some type of weather balloon and floated off in to the clear blue yonder. "No" I say. "What are you talking about?" Greggie proceeds to tell me that this kid has some dad who is a weather nut. For the record, I want to tell him that this it the pot calling the kettle black as Greggie is quite the weather nut. I even bought him a weather calendar a couple of years ago.

Anyhow, he goes on and on about how this balloon looks like a giant Jiffy Pop, that it went up to about 7000 feet, somehow they brought it down sans kid, and that a sheriff remembers seeing something fall off of the balloon. By the end of this story I am quietly sobbing. Sobbing I tell you. My stomach is churning and I am imagining this poor child laying somewhere in the woods and how terrible his parents must feel.

Then I get home......I called my mom and my sister answered and she tells me that this couple has been on Wife Swap (which I will not link to because it it TRASH as my friend Emmett would say). I have watched one entire episode of wife swap and it was these people. They weren't wearing matching shirts, but they did wake their kids up in the middle of the night to chase storms. Really, I would wake my boy up in the middle of the night to run to the basement to avoid a storm, but who am I to judge? Ain't nobody bringing the Mother of the Year Award to my house.

The good news is this, even though these people don't share my parenting style, the boy was safe. Just as Greggie had predicted, and I am not sure if he believed it or if he just wanted me to stop crying, the boy was hiding. I would wear his tale out, after I squeezed him up and loved on him for at least one whole hour.

One of my dear friends just warned me that you can't believe everything you see on the news, and that there is always another side to every story. Had I realized these people were the folks from Wife Swap I might not have cried. I've seen those kids in actions and I would have assumed that little sucker was hiding somewhere too. Those kids were off the hook.

Now I can't stop thinking about Jiffy Pop. I might have to dash out to Lowe's foods. MMMMMMMMMM

For Ginger - Because she's precious and she loves Christmas and Pigs

Christmas Countdowns at WiddlyTinks.com

For Me, the Queen of Halloween

Halloween Countdowns at WiddlyTinks.com

The DUMB Duggars - This is not a nice post

Ok, I am going to admit that I watch 18 kids and counting when I get a chance. Now, that isn't very often, but before the boy, I watched it A LOT. These jokers have like a billion kids, ok, they have 18, but I am feeling sour.

Tonight while I was loading the dishwasher it was on and I heard them saying that they were going to some giant children's sale. This, of course, caught my attention. Me and my girls love a good sale so my ears perked up.

I turn around and realize that Michelle (the mom of this pack) and Anna (the pregnant daughter-in-law) are wearing the same shirt. WTF? I try to love them. They seem like good people, but matching shirts? Now keep in mind, when Anna and Josh got engaged, she and her mom were also wearing the same shirt.

What is up with these people? If your mom already owns the shirt don't buy it. If your mother-in-law swings by to pick you up and you happen to be wearing the same shirt you should CHANGE.

I guess I should shut my fat hole, TLC isn't knocking my door down to tell the world my story. Maybe if my mom and I start wearing the same shirt......

Also, I think Josh and Anna are in heat. Yuck!


Also, so you know I am not just a hater, I love, love, love The Little Couple. No matching shirts for Bill and Jen. They know better.

Kernel, My Kernel, How Do You Do That Thing You Do.....

Today was an interesting day, but at 4:30 it just turned plain YUMMY. If you haven't been to Kernel Kustard for the flavor of the day you either live out of town or you aren't a good listener. The flavor of the day today was Pumpkin Pie. Are you kidding me? Pumpkin Pie flavored frozen custard. Lordie Bee.....

This month is the downtown locations Grand Opening and they have some awesome deals going on. Yesterday was free kustard day. FREE! As in, you ain't go to pay fools. FREE. I missed fee day. Grrrrr.

I didn't think to take a picture, because I was too busy shoving this big old pile of goodness in my face. I did find this picture on some nice lady's blog. She thought to take a picture before she at her's. What a smart lady.

Topics for Next Week

1. Nutella - I don't care if sugar is the first ingredient J-Woo, I love it anyway!
   
2. Ikea - I know their layout is tricky and their sizes are weird, but I love me some Ikea!
3. Avery Linkous can now not only sit up alone, but he had pulled up in the bed and crawl. No little baby at my house. He also got his first Halloween card in the mail and it was so cute!
4. How much I miss my memory, but I probably won't remember the details when I start to write about this.

Happy Anniversary to Greggie and Me. No 7 Year Itch Here!

Tomorrow is my 7 year anniversary. Seven years ago today I was at a restaurant in Blacksburg that is no longer in business which is a shame because it was a great place to eat and it had a lot of character, Bogen's. When I look back on that day it feels like it was just a minute ago. I remember what I wore. A green Land's End v-neck sweater with a flowered shirt under it. I was overwhelmed with excitement, but frustrated with the details of the whole thing. Everyone had an opinion, and no one wanted to keep it to themselves. Getting married is easy, having a wedding is HARD.

So much has happened since that day 7 years ago.

Sadly, many of the people that were there on that day are no longer with us. It breaks my heart to remember that day and to look back on how much has changed. Three people who were very dear to me are gone. I am so glad they are a part of my memories of that day.

My grandmother was there, and I have a wonderful picture of the two of us. I was so glad she was there. She was the only grandmother I had left. Unfortunately, she didn't live to meet Avery. Since her passing there are no more family gatherings. She was the glue.

My Uncle Kenny, my above mentioned Grandmother's youngest child, a mere 9 years older than me, is also gone. I think this is the most shocking to me. I have never known a person more full of life and I can't imagine that I ever will. He left behind a devoted wife (who has since totally gone off the reservation, but that's a post for another day) and two sons in their early 20's. He drug them to my wedding and made them usher. They refused to wear their ties, but I didn't care!

My Uncle Jimmy, who would always correct me, because he wasn't my Uncle at all. He was my cousin. This fact didn't matter to me. He felt more like an Uncle, so that's how I referred to him. I remember vividly coming up the aisle and seeing him, my Aunt Ginny (also, not my aunt if you are keeping track), my cousins Susie and Chanda and being tickled to death. I even waived like I was in a parade. I am sure I looked like a total dork.

I remember that day I thought I could never love Greg more. Not the tiniest bit more. It would be impossible, but then I saw him with my son, and my love for him quadrupled (at least). In seven years we have accomplished so much and at the same time so little.

Life is a series of gambles, and for a girl with a long history of being unlucky in love, I can't believe that 7 years later I am married to my best friend with a beautiful baby quietly sleeping in a borrowed bed.

Happy Anniversary to me, and to Greggie, of course!

Big Bang Boom Band

How cool is this? A band that plays kid music that parents can love too! What a concept. I personally love the tunes from Yo Gabba Gabba, (banana is my favorite, but I also love Up and Down, Pool Party, and Family Tree) but when I heard about these guys I had to check them out. Turns out one of the three members is Ben Folds Five's brother. Neat.

All three members are dad's and they perform all kinds of places in the Triad. Many of the performances are free. They also do birthday parties. I admire the Ham Sandwich out of people who make a living outside the "cube world". I really wish I would have had mentors/role models/sponsors who would have explained to me that life doesn't have to be about the 9 to 5. It never occurred to me that I could have a job that was something I loved. I really had no idea in the world. As a mom, if I teach Avery nothing more than this, I will consider myself a success. These guys are all in other bands and find ways to "pay the bills", but it is their love of music that gets it all done. Good for them. No cube for you!

I checked out a sample and since my boy LOVES him some tunes, I can't wait to buy their CD. (They have a new one coming out soon!) I also want to see them in person. I understand they will be in Greensboro on October 25th. Anyone interested, anyone? They say you should wear your costume. I am just plain giddy!!

Have You Missed My Posts? Hmmmm

The response wasn't overwhelming, but at least a few of you did let me know you are checking in. Blogging is so much fun! I wish everyone had a blog. I would never stop reading. More comments please, they keep me motivated!

Children's Book - Pie in the Sky or Possibility?

The Sad Little Nut got such a great response and several of the responses from here and FB made reference to a children's book. As you know, I have zero confidence in myself so this seems so silly to me. Here's the thing, since Avery came along, I feel motivated to push myself, so I sat down and seriously wrote out the outline of what I consider to be a pretty darn good start on a cute little children's book.

Then I started to research how one goes about publishing such a book. Turns out, you don't. If you aren't published or a celebrity, no one wants to read your stinking book. Well crap on a cracker. Celebrity seems to escape me and unless I've forgotten something big, I am not in print yet.

So, here's what I am thinking..... BTim says his mom is an illustrator at heart. Along with my outline I have ideas for 12 accompanying pieces of art work. If BTim's mom isn't game, I will have to find someone with an artsy bone, but then I am thinking I will use Ginger's big brain and little Mac and we will just freakin' print the thing ourselves. I will start a website, you all will follow and encourage me, I will beg my daycare to let me come there and read it, I will beg KWoo's daycare too, KWoo's kindergarten, BTim's wife RA's Kindergarten class, Skylar's First Grade class, any mommy group I can get to listen, and I will just start a following an publish independently. I already have an idea for 4 plush pieces which are adorable in my mind. I need someone to sketch them for me. They are so cute in my brain. So stinkin' cute....

Do you think this is totally insane or is it doable? Can the story of Avery and the Sad Little Walnut really happen? I think it can, I think it can....


This picture really has nothing to do with my post, but I love it, and I imagine this is the look people reading my little book would get on their faces. Awwwww.....

CB Rocked the 5k and finished 100th! 100th!!!

Ok, so I had to keep this post totally separate because it is so cool. CB, Bff's BFF has fallen in love with running. She passed me and BFF when we had barely gotten started and she was wearing a running skirt. Man I do love the running skirt.

We are huffing up hill and here she comes running past, and she still has the energy to blow us a kiss. I was praying to the God's of chubby girls and mothers that I wasn't actually already dead but someone had forgotten to tell me, and CB is blowing kisses. Everyone around us got the biggest kick out of it and it was pretty sweet.

Generally large gatherings of women suck, since we are a pack of super petty beings, but this was different. There were your obnoxious look at me loud talkers, but for the most part it felt like more of a love fest than anything.

I am so proud of CB. Lucky 100. Isn't that cool? Run Carrie Run!

CB, hubby and Sam I Am

She doesn't even look winded!

We are so proud of you Carrie! When you ran by I looked at BFF and said, "she is so much better than us!" Then I started praying again!

5k Is A Long Way. Believe That!

Me, BFF, and CB Post Race

Let me explain how this all started.... it was so innocent. BFF says, "I'm running a 5k with CB." I said, "wow, that's awesome. I would like to do that. Good for you!" BFF says, "I would love for you to come." I say, "Cool, send me the information, I will totally do it." Several days pass and not word from BFF about the 5k. I assume she didn't want to hurt my feelings, but she didn't want my fat butt slowing her down which I completely understand. She was just being sweet, she didn't really think I would come. I am thinking, "Hallelujah, dodged that bullet. What was I thinking? I can't do a 5k!"

Well, it comes up again, and I don't want to dissappoint BFF and we are all doing the KK 5k, so I want to get a feel for what I am in for. Next thing you know, I am signed up for not one, but 2 5ks.

Getting to the 5k was an ADVENTURE. I left home without my glasses on. I have been wearing glasses since the 9th grade. Yet, I left the house without them. Not a good start. A start none the less. So, back home I go to gather the glasses. Gesh.

Anyhow, I get to BFFs house and we head out. We get to GBO just in the nick of time. If you aren't there by 8:30 you can't participate. Crap on a cracker, we were cutting it close. We get to the turn and there is a cop. I have on my left turn signal, he has one lane blocked, not both, he looks at me and he doesn't indicate that I can't turn, the light turns green, and I turn. This IDIOT starts yelling like I've just taken a hostage. Bear in mind, the person behind me turns too. Why wouldn't they? This brainiac cop is just standing there like a lump hoping people who aren't from Greensboro, who aren't sure where they are going, can read his tiny little mind. Well, not even with a super sonic miroscope dill hole! Really, you are indignantly standing in the road YELLING, "what are you thinking" while traffic from all directions is now pouring down the same street I just turned down. Meanwhile, I have created a major bottle neck in the Hardee's parking lot. I won't tell you what I yelled back, but I can assure you BFF nearly stroked out. I was full on RED NECKING. I am sure it was a sight, but we were against the clock and we didn't know where we were going!!

When someone yells at me like I am stupid I snap. SNAP. I did not act nice. Sorry you had to see that BFF, but if anyone at all knows the cop working the Hardee's enterance for the 5k please tell him that he sucks at his job and he needs a serious attitude adjustment. People paid $40 and came to your city to raise money for breast cancer. Try and play nice. You are a reflection of your city. I was not impressed. I am trying to be nice, I could go on.

Once we got to the race it was pretty tense, but I did end up with my bib number. It was pretty cool. Then I was able to relax and the whole thing got to me. I got totally choked up. My Aunt Brenda died of breast cancer and all week I mentally prepared myself that I would be strong. I would walk and not complain because I would walk a walk that she could not. I would walk for her. I tried not to think about what was going on, but I really thought I would lose it. I did not. I don't even think BFF noticed. I am pretty sneaky like that!

In typical Ouida fashion, I did manage to stick my foot in my mouth. I saw several girls with pink t-shirts and I said, "oooh, I like their shirts. why didn't we get pink ones?" BFF says, in her best mom voice, "they are survivor shirts, we want the yellow ones." Wow, I never miss a beat do I?

Back to the race, do not let me misrepresent my particpation even in the least. I did not RUN a 5k. I walked a 5k. I cramped up 40 seconds in to a 5k. Literally. I thought I might die, but I finished. I know I held BFF up. She could have run, but she walked with me. I feel so bad that I kept her from running. I tried to push myself so she wouldn't feel like she was held back, but I know she was.

After the race my legs felt like noodles and the emotions all came back. I did manage not to lose it, but my heart hurt. I am so glad I completed the walk, and I wish I could fall in love with running. I wish I could run. For now, I am just a fast walker with a wicked cramp, but I did it.

One down, one to go. More to come? Wait and see!!!

Potato Shout Out!

I am bit embarrassed to admit this, but there is something I love at the Fair more than the petting zoo. Its true. MORE.

I love to go see the apples and potatoes that the little kids decorate. Every year I pick one that I love and I take a picture of it. My favorites are the ones that you can tell the kids did and not their parents. I don't know why every kid in the world doesn't participate in this. Seriously? Why? I would totally participate if I had the opportunity.

Here is my favorite potato:

Thank you little child who made this goodness. Hoot Hoot!

This is my favorite apple:

He just looks so stinkin' happy doesn't he?

I also wicked love the ginormous fruits and vegetables. Don't even get me started on this pumpkin.


The Fair really is the BESTEST!

BFF and her Fam at the Fair Too!

Really? I get to go to the Fair with a whole pack of my favorite people, and the weather is great, and Greggie gets to come too. Life is good. That's not just fodder for bumper stickers ya know?

So, an already awesome day got even awesomer (not a word? I don't care!). Awesomer. That's right! Team Wood was coming to the fair too. S-uh-Weeeeeeeettt!

I took about a million and one pictures of LK at the fair, but most of them were of the back of her head. I couldn't get a good angle for the life of me.

I did get a few that I really liked.

Mommy and LK on the Merry Go Round

How many pictures do you think have been taken in front of this thing? I would really like to get a count. There's gotta be at least a million!

The Petting Zoo was one of LKs favs too. A girl after my own heart.

The Twins. Note the Office shirt. Nice touch Daddy.

I love the fair!!

Avery's First Fair Trip

Gesh, I am mega behind, and I have so much to talk about. Do I talk too much? I do, I know. Isn't this different than talking? It's blogging! Not the same right? Oh who cares. I have Dixie Classic Goodness to share.

I had made plans to meet the Woo's at the Fair, and it turns out the Wood's were to be there at the same time, so we all met up and it was AWESOME! I was so excited to get Avery out for his very first fair visit.

He was a champ. He was all eyes and he didn't even cry until we turned in to the driveway. By then it was way after his bedtime, so I was so impressed. He got to see little J woo, c woo, and lk. He was a fan of all three.

The best part was Greggie decided to go with us at the last minute. It was a great surprise and I am glad he didn't miss this first. It's such a big one. A little guy only goes the the fair for the FIRST time ONE time. Duh!

I consider our first trip an overwhelming success. Next year will be even more fun! Here are a couple of my favorite shots from our outing:

I hate pictures of me, but Greggie is pretty proud of this one.

Don't you bet Avery was the only kid there with a hat on? Don't judge me, he had a runny nose!

My favorite place at the fair, the petting zoo!!

Look at these proud Daddies. I think they are adorable!

Avery looks so serious. I love this one. As serious as Avery looks, Greggie looks equally happy!

Dixie Classic Goodness with Team Woo

K-Woo and her family are so good to me. I can't even tell you how much of Avery's stuff is on loan from team Woo. They came bearing food on icy roads when Avery was born, they bring me home cooked meals on Monday's because they know I don't eat well, and they NEVER miss a pumpkin party. I haven't even scratched the surface of what they have done for us.

So when K-Woo recommended that I take 1/2 a day off and meet them at the fair I jumped at the chance. An afternoon at the fair doesn't get any better, unless it's an afternoon at the fair with FRIENDS!

Connor is such a performer. It's hard to get a shot of him. He's always on the GO!

This girl.... This girl.... She's such an adult. She has been growing her bangs out for a year. How fashion forward is that for someone who just entered Kindergarten? Success little J-Woo. Your hair looks AWESOME!

Mommy and her Brood

I love my Papa!

Get your motor running. Head out on the highway. Lookin' for adventure at the Dixie Classic Fair.

Things I Promise to Blog About this Week (all 7 topics covered with time to spare thank you very much!)

1. I went to the Dixie Classic fair, with not one, but two families and it was AWESOME. I can't wait to Blog you all about it.

2. I completed my first 5k. 5k is far. My bones hurt.

3. My loathing for a Greensboro police officer. That's right, I said LOATHING. This deserves its own post. Trust me.

4. Avery can now sit up from a laying position. I will stick this story on his blog. He also has another ear infection. :0( I do LOVE that boy.

5. I have officially written the outline to my first children's book, complete with notes for the accompanying illustrations. This book is going to change my life. I can feel it in my bones. Please Lord, let me be right not just achy from the 5k. (nevermind, i did a couple of hours with of research and it appears that my odds of winning powerball are better than the odds of ever getting a children's book published. oh well!)

6. Has anyone missed my daily updates? I've missed writing them.

7. The Big Bang Boom Band. Won't you love them with me? They need a FaceBook page. I hate MySpace. ugh!