DONE!!!!!!!

Pinch me! Yes, it is finally done. Yesterday S finished the downstairs rails in record time. I think he spent 2 days last week just measuring and making templates. At first it was just a retro-fit project, but then we realized that the spindles were not spaced correctly by the original builder. S had to fill all the original holes in the banisters and then redrill holes to fit more spindles in. The stairs came out perfect thanks to Mr. Picchi. I love the contrast and feel of the wood on our feet. It does make for interesting nights with the cats. Lu lu insists on playing with her bouncy rubber mouse up and down the stairs. Occasionally we hear a thump, slide, slide as the cat falls down the stairs, but it hasn't stopped her yet. One of my stupid ideas occurred to me as I sat the very top of the stairs. I purposely slid on my butt, with sweats on, one step and I thought to myself, wow that was kind of slippery. What if I went all the way down? So I gave in to my crazy thought and at the speed of light I careened into the wall at the bottom of the stairs. Screaming. My dear husband just laughed as he was adjusting the new rails. I didn't think it was very funny. He could have tried to stop me. Lucky for him I didn't damage the wall, 'cause we all know that would have taken two months to repair :) We just have a bit of touch up along a few walls from the installation and then it will be officially complete. That will be my job this weekend. There are other areas that were also remodeled, but I'm not posting those pictures. You'll have to see it in person!

New Member of the Family

Come on!!!! She's gorgeous and no it's not my cat Abbey. Can you believe this beautiful cat had been living in a tiny cage at our local shelter for 6 months. Criminal. I had no intention of adopting a cat when I was visiting the shelter with Julie. I was only "tagging along" with Julie as she was searching for a possible pup. I couldn't resist looking at the cats in the kitty area. And there she was. I let her out of the cage and watched as she sauntered around the place like she owned it. No freakish behavior. She just wanted to purr and play with me. She was estimated at around 1 1/2 years old. I could not walk away. I immediately thought of my friend Kathleen who had recently lost her beloved cat about 4 months earlier. I gave her a call and was prepared to take this cat whether she wanted it or not. A few minutes earlier as I arrived on her driveway, I heard Kathleen exclaim, "You have got to be kidding me. Is she in the car?" I told her all she has to do is look at her and if her answer is no, I'm taking her to my house. Well it was love at first sight. She had all the characteristics of a Maine Coon cat especially the cool confidence. I've heard from Kathleen about 5 times since the adoption and the cat's biggest offense is her purring. Apparantly she is obsessed with every member of the family and wants them to hear her loud and clear. Jade is one happy cat.

Jessie's New Jacket

I swear, this is right up there with the first day of school, new shoes, and salty chips in my list of favorite things. Although it takes a bit of wrestling with the dog, when it's finally on her I roll with laughter as she remains frozen. If looks could kill, huh. Now the tricky part is getting it off of her fast enough to hide it before she bites me or the outfit. Oh the thrill of victory!!!

How do you teach a dog about the end of daylight savings?

We are on day two of this new time change. My dog is very upset and confused about this so-called extra hour we've gained. Her usual dinner time is 5pm. And she has a very acurate body clock that says when food should be put in her bowl. Usually I am pretty good about her dinner time schedule. According to Jessie this extra hour has been squeezed in exactly at her dinner hour. For the past two days at 4pm she has been driving me crazy. She is either nipping my leg, stealing the kids backpacks or shoes. Today she decided to chew up her toy basket. And in between her destruction she whines while wagging her tail with those puppydog eyes.

Sometimes She Surprises Me.

Today E really caught me off guard today. Just when I think I have her figured out she gives me a new insight. Today I saw her writing a message in her best friends birthday card:

"I love your smile on you. Your happyness macks me be good. I love you Bonnie."

I want a birthday card like that.

Halloween at Home

We had our disgusting dinner as you can see. It was so much fun to make. We had our Dead Man Loaf, brain jello, and yummy pumpkin donuts. Our night was full of friends stoping by, donuts, and visiting more friends. After passing out candy for a while, we decided to head on over to our friends house for more fun. We met up with friends on La Vela Ct. and then shared more donuts with Jeff and Corina. The night came crashing down on the kids after eating way too much candy. We just could not put them in bed without brushing their sugar coated teeth. S was totally asleep but we just propped him on the sink and he spit with his eyes closed. We hid all their candy bags for the night because we all know they will be up at 7am chowing down while we sleep.

Halloween At School

3 kids, 3 parties, 3 classrooms, and 1 mom. Luckily S's party was earlier than the rest. I had time to enjoy his class and all their costumes. They were so cute. They had a special lunch of Halloween treats. We rushed home and made mummy hotdogs for E's class and then we were off again. Being the school photographer has me running all around the school during events for yearbook pictures. As you can see S was Luke Skywalker and E was the Mighty B otherwise known as Bessie Higginbottom. If you are confused as most people are, she is the character from the Nick channel. She was hysterical! The people that knew who she was could not stop laughing. Her costume was perfect. Thanks to some long nights of planning, cutting and sewing we pulled it off. M was too cool to wear her costume to school. That part was sad for me. My parents came for the parade and got to see all five of their grandkids today. This will be the only year they can do that. Next year M will be off to middle school.