Fun with Flowers

Today I got to play floral assistant. Michael's aunt, Valerie, is a florist and had both a large wedding and a university event she needed to make arrangements for. Because there was so much to do, she needed help getting everything done in time. My mom was already scheduled to watch the boys anyway, so I rearranged my schedule and got to have a very fun morning while also making a little money. On Tuesday I will visit the vendors I had planned to see today. All in all, it was a very good trade-off. I got to spend some "girl time" with other women, and I learned a few new things. Pretty cool.

It's very cold tonight... might possibly be snow on the ground when we wake up in the morning!

Doin' Business

Today was a good day because I was able to get out and do some "business" for my business. I needed that after my hour and a half at the dentist this morning (to be followed by two more extensive appointments with them at the end of the month... yikes!).

I first went to a B&B where I had an appointment with the lady who coordinates weddings there. But she stood me up. Luckily someone found the owner for me, a brusque elderly man who showed me around. Let's just say that I wasn't very impressed with the site, the location, or the fact that I had been stood up.

From there I went and delivered a gift basket I had made from Michael & his dad. The reaction from the recipient was so much fun. I loved being able to do that!

While there I got a call back from one of numerous messages I had left yesterday at wedding sites around the area. This couple has a large parcel of land out in the country, near a lake, where they do weddings. I didn't get to see the actual site yet, but I did go meet with the couple where they were working at the wine bar in the Spruce Goose museum. They were a kick! She poured me a complimentary glass of wine and I took a couple sips to be polite. I must say, it actually wasn't all that bad. Anyway, we really hit it off. The lady, Beret, would like to link up with me and work very closely together. Woo-hoo! :) And she gave me quite a few referrals. That was an extremely successful visit! Beret and I even have plans for a large event. I don't want to say anything more about it yet, but she put me in touch with the person who could help us make it happen. I meet with her on Tuesday.

I just know that one (or more) of these contacts is going to pay off at some point...

Kitchen Haircuts

About a month ago I was talked into trying to cut the boys' hair myself. Surprisingly, the whole haircut kit was only about 2 or 3 dollars more than one round of haircuts for them at Great Clips.

Since Michael did the honors the first time around, today was my first official try. I didn't do so bad, if I do say so myself. And, like Great Clips, I gave the boys each a piece of candy when they were done!

Things I Hate

... rubber bands. I realize that it wouldn't be environmentally friendly to deliver newspapers in plastic on days that it's dry, but can't they come up with a way to bundle them where you wouldn't be afraid of getting hurt every time you unrolled a paper?

... those plastic gizmos that connect the sales tags to new clothing. Not all of them; just the ones that have one end actually sewn into the clothing itself so that forever and ever you have this little prickly annoyance that you can't get at. Now whose brilliant idea was that?

... forgetting really funny things that my kids do or say. Like tonight, for instance. We were talking about the nativity set that's above the piano and Drew wanted to know how old Jesus is. Without getting too theological on him, I tried explaining that Jesus doesn't have an age but that when He came to earth as a baby it was over 2000 years ago. Drew wanted to know how long 2000 years was. I told him it was a very, very, very long time. He looked at me and said in all seriousness, "So did you get to see Him as a baby?"

Congratulations, Drew, for finally making me feel like I am old after all!

Things I Love

... opening the back door yesterday morning to my two smiling boys... who I swear grew in the week they were gone!

... having the sound of laughter (loud though it may be) back in the house.

... helping the boys decorate the little Christmas trees that go in each of their bedrooms.

... seeing the faces of my boys as they dream sweet dreams tucked safely in their beds.

... having my own little hey-dey in Fashion Bug on Friday as I spent the $120 birthday gift card sent to me by my dear friend and her mom.

... raking leaves yesterday with my boys in the cool, crisp fall air (which is going to turn downright cold later this week).

... having an awesome Thanksgiving Day with Michael and his family.

... being blessed with all of you!

Performances and Parties

Drew had his first preschool performance of the year on Friday. It was so incredibly cute! All of the students were dressed up as ducks for part of the song/gymnastics routine that they did. They also played handbells and did a dance. Unfortunately Drew seems to have inherited my dance moves (i.e., he can't dance worth beans). I still have high hopes for my boys.... that unlike their mother, they will learn to have rhythm!

On Sunday Michael and Tammy threw me a birthday party. It was a lot of fun! I am now (as of Monday) officially the big 4-0. Wow. It's a little humorous since I don't feel anywhere near that age.

Although I am without my boys this week, I am doing well and keeping very busy. I miss them a lot but talk to them often. They are having a great time with their grandparents going to Sea World and Disneyland.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I have much to be thankful for...