Halloween

I will put up some pictures tomorrow, but we did go trick-or-treating.  The girls got quite a haul.  Our neighbors were so generous. Some giving out 2 handfuls of candy.  I think the turnout might have been low because of the cold and rainy weather.  We had a great time in spite of it.  Then, we came home for some treats, popcorn, and watched The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. It was a great night. Blessings.

Sandy

It is crazy to think that a hurricane can affect a day in a land locked state.  Sandy takes the cake though, she is a huge storm.  Some of our friends to the east are dealing with snow.  Fortunately, we are only having wind gusts and rain here.  I am praying for all those effected by the storm on the eastern seaboard.  It was more than a little disconcerting to see a darkened New York City on the news last night. All of the pictures of flooding and fires and reports of rescues and on the news this morning made for a crazy news day.  I am praying that all goes well for our fellow countrymen this week as they truly weather the storm.  Blessings

London trick-or-treat

We were at my parents for the weekend.  On Saturday, my brother called and said the downtown shops were doing trick-or-treat.  My sister fixed the girls costumes this year, so we had everything we needed on hand to make the rounds.  I figure we will do very little trick-or-treat on Wednesday because of the cold weather, so it was nice to take advantage of it with my family.  Blessings.

the plan

Well, the day is shaping up nicely. I have already walked with a friend, showered, and dressed for the day. Getting ready to go to the library (not the kid section), shop, eat and get a massage.  Church tonight then go visit with my family.  Great plan if I do say so myself. Hope you get to do something fun today.  Blessings.

a free day

My mom is coming tonight to take the kids home with her.  She had a floating holiday to use and was getting off early today, so she thought she would offer to spend time with the girls. She is picking them up after dinner and keeping them until we get down there tomorrow night. I have no idea what I'm going to do tomorrow, it is nice to have a day to myself though no matter how it gets filled - not that I don't love my girls - I do, but the break is greatly appreciated. Now, I've got to go make a plan for tomorrow. Blessings. 

bi-water farm

The girls and I went to the farm today with some friends. It was an amazing day.  It was such a treat to be out and about with our friends from church, loving each other and enjoying nature together. Blessings.

braids

The girls are wanting me to braid their hair these days. Betsy's long hair is easier to deal with for sure, but I do manage to get a couple of braids for Mollie too.  It was so sweet, yesterday Betsy kept holding her braid to make sure it didn't fall out.  Too bad I missed that picture.  I think my up-do skills may be improving - oh, they're sure to only get better and better as time goes by.  Blessings.

a camel bottom

Andy was spreading some mulch this morning when I brought the girls back from back a make up ballet practice.  When I opened the van door, Betsy said it smells like a camel's bottom.  LOL Blessings

Kohl's

I went shopping for an outfit last week at Kohl's.  I got a couple of gift card from there for my birthday and thought I'd get something for myself (per my friend and sister's instructions). After an hour in the store and several trips to the dressing room, I found jeans and a shirt. The gift cards didn't quite cover it, but I was happy with my purchase so I didn't mind putting in a few dollars of my own.  I did forget my coupon, and I was also disappointed that the store wasn't doing the Kohl's cash that day.  I didn't think there was a "season" on that program.  Overall a successful trip, but it could have been so much better.  I just love a good deal.   Blessings.

everyday dog food

Today, while we were eating breakfast, Mollie said that Rocky just gets his everyday dog food. He doesn't get cereal like her. She is too funny sometimes. Blessings.

Disney princess

Disney has the market on princesses.  It is all my girls want to play. I am also encouraging them to play Queen Esther, Mary, the Ingalls girls, Annie Oakley and any one else I can think of. It is a challenge though.  I love my girls but I don't want them to be bound to some unrealistic ideas about womanhood, dating, or marriage promoted by Disney and company.  Blessings

Cavity filled

Betsy had a small defect on her front tooth which was filled today.  She did a great job. The dentist didn't give her any shot or numbing cream, just drill and fill.  As a reward, she got a squeeze toy from the treasure chest there and daddy said she could pick out a $5-$10 item from the Disney store.  She chose a Minnie Mouse scooter and loves it.  Hopefully, won't have to go through that again, but I am pleased with how brave she was today.  Blessings

Another "sick" day

This fever has been persistent to say the least.  Mollie is continuing to feel better though. Playing and eating as if she is fine.  For that I am grateful and for the fact that Betsy continues to be unaffected.  Blessings.

The girls were enjoying some i pad time the other day. 

This morning they are setting up for tea.

viral pharyngitis

Fancy words for sore throat, which Mollie has.  I took her to the doctor today because she woke up with another fever.  I thought after her good day yesterday, we were in the clear.  Thankfully, she is not complaining today and is continuing to eat and play normally.  Well, she did complain of her toes hurting earlier this morning, but I think that is because the footie pajamas she was wearing was a size too small.  [Andy bathed the girls and got them in bed, while I shopped at Khol's last night.  Sweet man.] Anyway, if her symptoms aren't gone by Monday the doctor wants to see her again. Hopefully with some more down time and extra rest, she will be all better by then.  Blessings.

fever

We had a sitter lined up for Monday night, but by the time dinner was over, Mollie was feeling feverish, so we canceled our date.  Mollie was pretty lethargic yesterday. Fever topping out at 102.  This morning she woke up with a low grade fever 99.5 and is eating and playing like she is all better.  I am praying that is the case.  Betsy seems to be unaffected at present.  Blessings.

The Biltmore day 3 and 4

We breakfasted on apples and granola bars and enjoyed the coffee service in the library on Monday and Tuesday of last week. 

Monday: Took the shuttle to the house, did the friends and family tour, and completed the self-guided tour of 2nd floor, basement, Italian gardens. Then, lunch at the stable cafe, shuttle to Antler Village, ice cream at the creamery, toured the Legacy exhibit, tasted the grape juice, toured the winery, walked back to the Inn.  Pizza for dinner while watching Monday night football.

Tuesday: Check out after breakfast, drove around the property, short walk to see the statue of Diana, parked at the conservatory and walked around for a bit. Lunch at the Moose Restaurant.

Biltmore day 2

Thanks for bearing with me as I continue to document my birthday excursion I want to always remember this special time with Andy.  Our first full day at the estate, after a leisurely brunch at Deerpark, we took the architect's tour. The men who carved the stone were master craftsmen indeed. You can tell by the quality of their work. We had amazing views of the property. We even got to go on two of the rooftop terraces. It was beautiful.  We also swam in the infinity pool, ate dinner at the Inn and enjoyed a walk around the Inn.  Such a beautiful trip. Blessings.

the spa

After Andy and I got to Asheville, we stopped for dinner at McD's.  This particular one has a grand player piano inside.  Then, after getting settled into our room, we got a couple's massage at the Biltmore Inn's spa.  After the long drive and hiking at Big Creek, it was so nice and relaxing.  Just the right way to start our weekend getaway.  I added the brushing to my massage and got to keep the body brush, so I even have a souvenir of our time at the spa. Such a luxury.  Blessings

Big Creek

On our way to the Inn at the Biltmore, Andy and I decided to do some hiking in the Smoky Mountains.  He found a place called Big Creek on the Eastern end of the park just inside NC on I-40.  The views were amazing.  It was a great start to our weekend getaway.  Blessings.