Confession Time

I always tease Papa Echo about how "analytical" he is. I'll point it out during arguments, when I'm trying to have fun, and pretty much any 'ol time I think about it. I pretend I'm not analytical at all.

Confession time?

I'm pretty darn analytical too. I try to hide it... I try to hide my OCD issues also. Usually I'm pretty good at it. Until I get stressed. And then? My best coping mechanism seems to be lining things up. (pun intended)

I'm finding that I'm stressed this Holiday season. Papa Echo is gone. (If I haven't whined about that enough so far...) We always go shopping together, write cards together, (well, he is on the computer while I sit next to him addressing the envelopes) and pretty much do all the Christmas "stuff" together throughout the month of December. Knowing that 'that' wasn't going to happen, I have been stressed and with being stressed comes my OCD/analytical behavior.

I have all the Christmas cards done and mailed. I have all my shopping done (except for a few things) and some of it even wrapped. I have NEVER had presents wrapped early. I always wait.

Some would say that it's good that today is November 30th and I am this 'ahead' of the game. To me? It is just a reminder that I'm not dealing as well with this new job as I think I am. I'm doing my best and putting on a happy face, but this is hard. And that's the truth. I'm analytical and it's showing 'big time' right now.

Happy Turkey Day!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we are staying home. Because I will be attempting to make dinner, I decided I better post on my blog today.

Things I am thankful for this year...

Papa Echo will be home. (assuming his flights aren't delayed)
My family is healthy.
We are all together.
Papa Echo has a job that he loves.
My kids are all in really good schools.
We have a wonderful place to live.
We have freedom to practice our religion.
We have the freedom to yell and scream about the TSA and other government monstrosities.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Spinning

Life is good. Life is busy. I feel like I'm spinning around most of the time. Hopefully at some point I'm also getting things done. We'll see.

Jessica is loving Middle School. She likes her classes. Homework keeps her busy, but she is getting it all done.

Alyssa is loving her fifth grade class. She is in a class for "gifted and talented" students. The district is trying it as a full-time class for the next two years. For the first time, Alyssa is being pushed academically. She LOVES it. Her teacher also stresses critical thinking skills and again, Alyssa is embracing it all.

Jonathan is loving second grade. His teacher is wonderful and perfect for him. He just finished soccer for the year and is looking forward to playing baseball in the spring.

Papa Echo and I are trying to finish up the outdoor projects, (building a brick patio and replacing the fence) before winter comes. I don't think we will make it, but hopefully we'll be at a good stopping place.

So, that's life right now. Good and busy. As my grandpa would say... "staying busy keeps me out of trouble".

Guess I'm not getting into any trouble.

Poking "the man" with a Stick

I understand the frustrations of "additional TSA screening guidelines".

Our government is out. of. control.

But really?
Is this the best shirt to wear in front of people who can make you go through secondary screening? Are we not afraid of body cavity searches? Because, really? That's the only place left that TSA isn't looking.I am happy to report that Papa Echo made it through security with no problems. And if you want this same shirt? They are for sale here.

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.