Did you ever have one of those super busy days? As I enjoy morning coffee, I can't help but think about what's going on today. We have to leave for a soccer game around 9:00 so we can stop at the bank and pick up a teammate. Then it's on to lunch. Definitely a lunch out day. We'll probably get home around 12:30 or 1:00. My husband is meeting a friend to go do something manly. Then Sam and I have to get a serious move one. See, the one thing that makes this day super busy is that we are having a surprise birthday party for my husband. I believe it is still a surprise. In the two to three hours he is out, we have to pick up cake, run to the grocery store, do a last minute pick up, and decorate. I sure hope this works.

Surprise success!!!! Well, all my worrying about the surprise birthday party actually being a surprise were unfounded. Everything worked wonderfully. Our friend showed up and whisked him away for over three hours. Sam and I needed every minute. He was definitely surprised. The party went very well. People came, people ate, kids had a blast and we had fabulous cake baked by a fabulous baker. I still have to grab a photo of the cake to post. I didn't take too many photos because I was too busy making sure everyone had what they needed and replenishing food.

i have too much to do and no time to do it! How can I possibly squeeze in a full day of work, a doctor appointment, shopping for a birthday present for a 6 year old girl, a trip to the garden center, working in the garden, dinner, and family in one day?? Not sure, but probably about 99% of that will actually get done.

Did you ever have one of those days where you feel your hair is just driving you crazy and you have to do something about it? Well, I did. I lopped off my mid-back length hair and got magenta highlights. Now to just remember to use less shampoo....

New Do.

My morning gripe. Some days just feel crazy. I am officially behind on the laundry, again. I just long for an evening where we don't have swimming lessons, soccer practice, scouts, or some school event. This getting darker earlier thing isn't helping my motivation or my sleepiness today. Sitting here at the office, I still have to get through the work day, the construction noise in my building, and figure out what is for dinner. Oh, and it's swimming lessons tonight...

I am amazed at how much I got done this morning before 8:00 am. 1. Swept the living room, dining room, laundry room, and hallway. 2. Cleaned up the entire cat box area (very important when you have four cats) 3. Got Sam his breakfast 4. Gave Sam his medicine 5. Fed and watered cats 6. Showered me and the boy 7. Put load in the dryer 8. Fielded calls about my ailing mom. 9. Got Sam to school mostly on time. Now I am work. It looks like one roller coaster fast day. I'm ready for Happy Hour already.

We celebrate Hanukkah and "Christmas" in our house. Well, I can't say we really celebrate Christmas, it's more the celebrating of a tree with presents under it that gives my husband a warm feeling. It is great to see our son's face when he walks down those stairs and sees what went on while he slept. This time of year, as exciting as it is with friend, family, and food, sometimes feels a tad exhausting. I would love to know how others who celebrate more than one holiday this season manage. It's night six of Hanukkah. I have no idea what to give him that won't cut into his stash of stuff for under the holiday tree so festively decorated with a Star of David on top and wrapped in dreidel lights.

add a captionSam is ready for the Pitt v. DePaul game.   

Today, I had the absolute joy of meeting a brand new little girl. She was all warm with that new baby smell, has tiny little toes, and gorgeous deep blue eyes. I think the feeling of holding her will keep me going for quite a while.

Trying not to be bummed that people are canceling for my already small early birthday BBQ... At least it will be a fun time with my boys.