Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!!

It is a beautiful night here and the kids are out trick-or-treating WITHOUT coats, gloves, hats, etc. It doesn't get much better than this.

Yesterday we went to the pumpkin patch and everyone found their own perfect pumpkins.
Jessica's creations

Jonathan's creation

Alyssa's creation

The kids plus two friends at a Halloween party last Wednesday. Jessica was a "ninja", Alyssa was a "lazy trick-or-treater" and Jonathan was a "clone trooper". (His mask was at home because it was a "no mask" party.)

Alyssa's final look for tonight. We found LONG lashes and lots of sparkles and make-up.

Weekend Plans

This weekend I'm joining Papa Echo at his annual company retreat. (For the North American team.) They pick a different place every year. And this year? We are going to .... drum roll please....

Montana?

Really?

Okay then.

I guess that's cool if you DON'T ALREADY LIVE HERE.

But seriously, it's north of Missoula and will be gorgeous and wonderful and it's an expense paid weekend with my spouse. I'm pretty excited.

I'm also nervous. While I want to be a "social person" that visits and talks with everyone, I'm actually pretty shy and have a lot of anxiety about situations like this. (There will be about 30+ new people to meet.) I also don't have a clue as to what I'm going to wear. I've been shopping lots and lots and I'm still questioning my choices. I can't imagine anyone will care what I'm wearing, so it's a lot of anxiety for nothing. But, still.

I'm also frantically trying to clean my house. My wonderful mother in law is coming to watch the kids so I can go. Again, while I'm sure she won't care what the house looks like, I'm cleaning it as though she will walk through with white gloves. Really? Did I really need to spend the time cleaning out my closet? I'm insane. What I need to do is go clean the shower... because... she actually will see that. And I probably should vacuum again because I have two dogs that can't hold on to any of their fur.

Deep breath. I have a lot to still do. Maybe I should go shopping again.

Freebie!!!

My good friend Stimey reviewed a book called "Cowboy and Wills" by Monica Holloway. To do this book justice, you could just go here and ready Stimey's review. Go ahead, I won't mind at all.

Normally, I just delete emails asking me to review stuff. But, because Stimey liked this book so much, I was excited when I received an email asking me if I wanted it.

I read it and.... I LOVED this book!!

This is a memoir about a mom's journey through the beginning of her three year old son's diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and the way their new puppy, Cowboy, helps.

I liked this book because I felt the author was really honest with how she parents and the things she does "right" and "wrong". As moms we are all just doing the best we can and we are all thrown curve balls at different times. Monica was able to write about an extremely difficult time, honestly and with a lot of humor. She is able to see the funny things in every situation. An admirable trait that I would love for myself.

"Sometimes it’s what you don’t know to hope for that saves you. For Monica, her husband, Michael, and their son, Wills, salvation came in the form of a puppy with pale blonde fur, chocolate brown eyes, a fondness for chewing the crotch out of underpants, and a limitless capacity for love."

This book made me laugh and cry and most of the time I did them both at the same time. Not very many books can draw me in like this one did.

And, good news for all of my blog readers!!! I was given two paperback copies to give away! So, just leave me a comment and I'll pick two winners out of a hat on Nov 1st.

Honesty Clause: I received three free copies of Cowboy & Wills. The paperback version sells for $15.

Happy Birthday Jessica!!

My little "Baby Bear" turns 13 years old today! I can't believe it has been 13 years that I have had this precious child in my life. She is turning into a beautiful young woman and I absolutely love everything about her.

Happy Birthday!