Off to College

Tori, a very special neighbor and friend of ours, is soon off to college. We've watched her through 4 successful and sometimes trying years of high school, and she's blossomed into a beautiful young woman. Now she's got piles of dorm "stuff" in her parents house, she's cleaning her room for the final time (she hopes, since she dreads this job)...and she's started saying her good-bye's. Tori is very excited, and she reminds me a lot of myself, at her age. I remember being anxious to be "on my own." Its fun listening to her ideas, thoughts, and expectations of college. Do I want to go back? They were 4 great years of my life, so I'm excited for her. We'll miss Tori not being right next door, but she's about to start a new chapter in her life. We are so very proud of her!

Weekend in Chicago

We spent this past weekend, or at least Friday afternoon through Saturday of it, in Chicago w/ our dear friends, Amber and Jeremy. In 24 hrs. time, we toured Navy Pier, the Art Museum, saw a bit of the Chicago Air Show (we were most interested in the F-22 demo, which we got to see overhead!) and shopped Michigan Avenue. Of course, we ate some delicious Chicago food as well :) It was a great time!

Our Veggie Lovers

Nope, not Bryton and Avery so much...its Bailey and Jake I'm referring to. What are their favorite garden fresh veggies so far? Turnips, cucumbers, and zucchini...they've just taken a liking to the tail end of our crop...so we've decided its OK because we aren't eating these veggies anymore. Oh, and they like our neighbors tomatoes. So far they are being good about not touching our tomatoes :) Our neighbors don't pick theirs (we aren't sure why they plant them from year to year), and they are all slowly rotting...so once in awhile I catch Jake sneaking over to snatch one. Jake even has a light green tint going on his very light hair...from his regular wandering through our garden.

My Thoughts...

1. Babysitters whom I can trust and feel comfortable with are few and far between...so when I do, its like finding a rare gem! And then when they are either going into or currently in college studying elementary education....I've discovered this is like finding genuine gold! The 2 sitters we've had who fit into this category are so great with our kids. They make my "reading book time" look pathetic (judging by their stack of books read compared to mine) and the "projects" they do w/ Bryton and Avery are exceptional! Today I returned home to painted flower pots filled with plants, complete w/ the kids' names on them :) You can imagine how much fun they had this morning, painting and planting!
2. This morning someone I barely know told me that they can't see me as someone who wears glasses. What does that mean, anyways?! Then they added, "Let me guess...you probably choose to wear them as an accessory, rather than to really help you see...because there are some really cute frames out right now."
Now come on...am I that easy to read?! 'Cause this particular person was dead on in w/ her prediction.
3. Brian is so funny when it comes to talking about certain female things. He uses terms that seem awkward for him (only because he knows there are crude phrases I don't like...those I'd imagine he uses when talking to other guys) and sometimes he'll surprise me with what he really does know! Either that, or he's a good bullshitter. OK, so its probably the latter.
4. When did our little girl start paying attention to the way she looks? Today she was standing in front of the mirror, after getting about an inch cut off her hair a few days ago, and she says, "My hair's not so curly anymore." She's right, today it isn't as curly as normal. But yesterday, it was very curly due to the humidity... Oh, she's growing up. I wish I could put time in slow-motion. (this picture was taken at xmas time of '06)

Allergies

I'm cursing them, this morning. I have a splitting headache, and the kids aren't even up for the day yet! First day with an allergy headache...the past few days have been spent with scratchy eyes, runny/stuffy nose, and sneezing from whatever is in the air right now. Ragweed? That would be my best guess. Ughhh...my usual Claritin isn't helping me these days. Its time to up the ante.

This Week's Favorites

McDonald's "Big and Tasty" - I know this isn't the most healthy sandwich option on their menu, but it tastes damn good.
Bath and Body Works - Coconut, Lime, Verbena Ultimate Silk Body Lotion - This makes my skin feel really soft after I put it on.
The Young and the Restless - I'm recently hooked. I now watch it on the computer, after the kids are in bed.
Peaches - Can't beat a nice fresh peach, when the juice runs right down your chin!
The Gap - I love their kids' clothes, especially for sturdy little girls :)
Oshkosh B'Gosh - I'm a big fan of their kids' clothes, especially their "slim" jeans for skinny boys :)
Carter's - They have cute, cute, cute little girls' clothes out right now!
The Children's Place - Also a great place to find "slim" boys' jeans and trendy little girls' clothes. Can you tell I've been back to school shopping?!

School Supplies

Well, I think we are officially done purchasing school supplies! We finished up this afternoon, while running errands in Freeport. Who'd have thought that CVS would have such a good school supplies section?! Bryton says he's "ready to go." I'm getting there, since the past few days both he and his sister have really tried my patience with their arguing and wrestling. I suppose that is the flip side of having a sibling fairly close in age...they can be your best friend, and your worst enemy...even at the ripe young ages of 5 and almost 3!