I'M BACK

Blogging is like a good exercise routine.  Once you have momentum it just comes naturally.


I did train and complete a half marathon once, but believe me, that was an exception to the rule I have about avoiding perspiration.  So like an exercise routine, I fell off my blogging routine when we moved.  I have enjoyed my break (which involved lots of stupid television shows and several pints of Haggan Dazs cookie dough ice cream).  It was nice.


But so is blogging, and I miss it.
Besides, all 3 of my fans have been asking where I am.


So, here I am.  Back at the computer.

Today I have a quick list.   I'm stealing this idea from Jenny's blog.  She occasionally posts "7 QTs" or quick-takes of her life.

1.  I am looking forward to autumn and cooler temperatures.  Last night I spent an hour catching up with some of my favorite blog reading.  One place I have loved to visit since I discovered blogging is The Inspired Room.  In fact, her Holiday Open House Tour in 2008 is what got me thinking that blogging could be really fun and interactive.  So today I am inspired to welcome fall after visiting her 3rd annual Fall Nesting Party.   There are 175 other bloggers linked up at her place sharing all the ways they have welcomed autumn.  Oh there are some good ideas!


2.  The honeymoon is over for my eager to attend school kiddos.  The reality of alarm clocks ringing, homework and long days has set in.  But they are doing well overall. And their mama is able to run errands, and complete a thought and breathe all by herself.

3.  The painting has commenced!  My mother came for the Labor Day weekend and we transformed Molly's room from brown to pale pink.  I'll have a proper "Before and After" post when I finish sewing the curtains.


4.  My dog has shed the Cone of Shame.  His eye has healed and he is back to his usual activity.  He starts school next month to brush up on his training.


5.  I've finally started a new knitting project.  When my mom was here she was knitting and my hands were just itching to pick up some needles.  So here is a preview of my next project - a short sleeve, long length, fitted cardigan, in a blue and green variegated yarn.

6.  Our youngest finally has the long-coveted, big girl bike.  It is a sparkly purple Hello Kitty bike with streamers and a zipper pouch (not a basket).  She loves it!

7.  In the kitchen - It's almost apple pie season and I'm ready to bake.  I'm looking for some quick and yummy ideas for breakfasts.  We are not big on cold cereal at our house.  Any ideas for breakfast casseroles or anything quick and/or make ahead?  Please share.

A GUEST POSTING BY CONE HEAD

Hi everyone!  I've had lots of blog ideas but I've been so busy getting settled and adjusting our family to the new school schedule that I haven't made time to sit at the computer.  I have plans to give you a tour of our new home and lots of fun updates on the kids soon.

Today I'm featuring a guest post by another member of our family.  Enjoy!

My name is Peanut and I love my family.  Really, I do!  But I am struggling this week to understand what I have done to deserve this cone.  My people laugh and call it "The Cone of Shame".  (I think that is from some movie they watch on the black box in the living room.)

I try to be good but sometimes I just can't help chewing stuffed animals, or stealing socks from the laundry basket.  And really, if they leave their shoes on the floor I simply must have them in my mouth.  But now I wear this cone.  

It was a little scary at first.  I couldn't see to the left or right.  I keep bumping into walls and when I am tracking rabbits in the park the cone mows the grass or makes loud scraping sounds on the sidewalk and then any chance I had of catching that bunny is gone!  Yesterday I was sure the wooden blinds on the french doors were attacking me and I was really frightened.  When my master laughed I realized that it was just the blasted cone that got tangled!  Plus people keep laughing at me everywhere I go and calling me conehead.

It's really getting me down.

On the bright side, she did let me sit on the couch for a few minutes.

But this too shall pass.  I am a Golden Retriever, happy-go-lucky and loyal to the end!

I will hold my head high (especially when going up stairs) and carry on.  

A dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do man!

editor's note:  Peanut got something in his eye and couldn't stop scratching it.  He developed an ulcer in his eye but is healing quite nicely.  We hope to lose the cone in a week.  His spirits remain high.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Today it began.
That morning rush.
Alarms buzzing, showers starting, lunches being packed, rushing to the breakfast table.

My 7 year old was dressed and ready, with his backpack on, at 6:30 AM.  My 5th grader ready to get there early so he can meet his new teacher.

It's the first day of school.  A new school in a new town.  New teachers, new backpacks, new friends, new experiences.
My kids were so eager to go!

I'm so thankful that there were no teary eyes. They went forth with excitement and confidence.

And then there was one.

Our little Molly, who has asked me three times already, "When do we go get them?"

I was invited out to a mother's breakfast - a tradition on the first day of school with some of my new neighbors.  It was lovely, and they were such an encouragement.  There are new things for us all in this season.

And now I am home in a quiet house wondering how I got to this point.  Grateful that I am here but a little lost too.  I can't wait for 3:00 so I can hear how their day went!

Today I am sharing at