Neighbors and Friends

Saturday night we went out to dinner at the Tokyo Steakhouse with four neighborhood couples. These are the couples that we have had campfires with all summer long. The ones that have become friends. The ones I hope our children can grow up with. Good news: we found out we were not the oldest couple in the group. Close but not the oldest. That honor went to Kent and Laurie. The food at the steakhouse was good. The conversation even better. This group is diverse so there is no shortage of topics. The poor cook was trying to entertain us with his expertise with his skill and flair. We didn't see a lot, we were all in awe of the volcano but other than that I can't tell you what else he did. No one caught a shrimp in their pocket I do know that. After stuffing ourselves on dinner we left and headed to Tony's for some dessert and a final drink. The patio was a nice intimate area that we didn't have to worry about disturbing others. There was no one there. Thanks Kent for my chocolate fix for the day. Some had never been to Tony's so they were expecting it to be like the old Tony's on the Hill. They were pleasantly surprised and I think Tony's went on the list for another night out. Since most of us had sitters we headed home early. Those that had children still awake were going to start another campfire but both our boys were sleeping so Brian and I watched the end of Charlie's Angels and headed to bed.

I Miss You Already

My last living grandparent passed away today and I miss her already. I remember her trying to teach me how to sew, because my mom wasn't very good at it. You could tell she just wanted to do it herself but she let me make a few mistakes. She always had cookies or a treat for us. After hearing us girls giggle for about an hour and a half she would come in and recommend that we go to sleep soon. I feel so fortunate to have seen her this last weekend and to know that I got to tell her how much I love her. I know that she is happier now because she is with grandpa but my heart aches knowing she won't be there when we go to Schleswig anymore. Grandma God Bless and tell grandpa Hi from us.

Bargin Shopping

I love a bargain. Don't you? This week I have found 3 and am so excited about them. Even though it is the end of summer next year I will be ready. Friday I was surfing and thought I would see if I could find the Born sandals that I liked cheaper than $85. I found them for $69 not quite cheap enough. I found them for $45 getting better and then I found them for $29.88. Score! The place I found them? Cabelas - the hunting and fishing place. Who would have thought. So today I went to Dillard's at lunch with Natalie. I found two 2-piece swimsuits for $38. One of the pieces alone was $82 at it's original price. Maybe I won't hate wearing my swimsuit in the lake next year. . . Yes! I will. It is still a lake.

Goodbye Summer

Here it is the unofficial end of summer and I am happy and sad to see it come. With most leaning towards sad. We have met some great friends in our neighborhood this summer and hanging out around the camp fire most nights is a great way to spend the week. The boys run wild with their friends and sleep like rocks when it is time to go to bed. Jamison actually sleeps through the night 3 nights a week now. He still gets up at 6 most days but I have had a few days where I actually had to wake him up to leave.

Since school starts at 8:45 my work day starts much later. It also ends much later. This makes me more organized for suppers that we eat at home about every other week. With school comes a tighter bed time and bath schedule. I know at least one week where the boys did not have a bath from Monday to Saturday. I don't even want to think if it was more than one week.

Shorter days and being cooped up in the house without seeing friends are two things I am definitely not looking forward too. I am also not looking forward to the cold Iowa winter. I hope it is not as bad as last year. The cold also brings along the sniffles and coughs that linger. Jamison is old enough this year that we shouldn't have a lot of missed work due to children's illness. But how much time will I be off because of school closing. Shouldn't be much because he can go to Steph's if it is in the morning or Brian can pick him up most days.

I'll get to scrap a little more on weekends and I will be more likely to post updates here. Goodbye summer we will miss you but we do have possibilities of happy times ahead as a family snuggled down for winter. We also are heading into my favorite season with the turning leaves and the abundance of apples. Halloween and hayrides are coming up for me to look forward to.

Happy Birthday Shawn

Today is my older brother's birthday. When I talked to him, he was grilling supper. I don't know about most of you but I don't cook on my birthday. I hope that I don't do anything on my birthday that I don't want to do. But then again, grilling isn't the same as cooking. While grilling you are outside and usually having a beer enjoying the outdoors. That is such a guy thing and Shawn is in his element. I know he went golfing also. Which is so Shawn you can't expect anything else. Happy Birthday Shawn may all your wishes come true!