Happy Birthday, Old Man...

Jamie,

Wishing you the bestest of best birthdays ever! It's hard to believe you were a young 20-something when we first met. Man, where does the time go? I'm glad you day was filled with all your favorites: Sleep, sleep and a good meal! (Yeah, you guessed it, I didn't cook!)

With all my love,

me

And Speaking of Birthdays...

To my youngest and dearest sister,

I'm wishing you very happy but still very belated birthday. My thoughts were with you throughout the day on your special day. I hope it was filled with much love and happiness.

With much love,

Jenny

My Dear Owen,

Wishing you all the wonders that three has to offer! Hope you have an awesome birthday and a wonderful trip! Don't let those girls drive you crazy!

With much love,
Jenny

Adventures In PA

Several weeks ago, I convinced GiGi to travel with Aiden and I to PA to visit close friends who moved there a year ago. Clayton and Aiden have been best buddies since... well, almost birth. Aiden was just over 6 weeks and Clayton would have been three months old or so when they first began 'shootin' the breeze.' Michelle (Clayton's mum) and I kinda transitioned into this mommy thing together, then she had to out do me by having another.

Both of her children were celebrating their 2nd and 5th birthdays. Figuring that only happens once, we decided to make the journey. The kids had a great time. We were able to catch some snow, which was a miracle in itself being that it NEVER snows here. (And yes, I'm completely trying to jinx myself...) So here's a few pics to share.

Aiden goofing off at the party

This is probably an accurate picture of the two them -
Double Trouble... Thing One and Thing Two

Poor Abby, the only girl

Fall Favored

Dare I ask if you missed me? Being that I have an average of probably 4 readers (myself included), you probably didn't even notice I was gone. I'd love to tell you I've been taking an internet sabbatical, but the truth is that I've wasted all my time probing the internet for the best bargains for this holiday season. Correction, I wouldn't say all that time was wasted, I've found my share of bargains! And there is nothing like an Amazon or other Cyber Monday special to teach you 'seize the day' because it won't be there for long. When it's gone, you'll pay for it, literally!

Seems like not only are the days shorter but they are so much busier. Every evening is filled with some sort of event or meeting. But honestly, I *love* this time of year. Between Halloween and New Years is a magical time. There is a warmth in the chill of the air - a sparkle or magic of some kind. Just seeing the fall of the leaves just makes me smile. This season gives me the feeling and realization that there is nothing more important than good friends and close family.

The photo above is taken from my uncle's lake house just over a year ago. I love that you can begin to see the change in the leaves. And I'm thrilled because my family will be celebrating Christmas there. It's a beautiful place and I'm counting down the days!