My Fair Lady

What a week! Chris has been outta town, working in Philadelphia, since the Wednesday before last. So I've been playing the role of full time working, single Momma. Although traveling is not uncommon in his career, this week has been a little extra exhausting it seemed. I think maybe all of the excitement of the summer is just finally hitting me. Every weekend has been full of birthdays, BBQ's, family gatherings, beach trips, events in downtown Coeur d'Alene (Ironman, Art on the Green), etc. It's always something. I'm not complaining by any means. It has been a wonderfully eventful and amazingly weathered summer here in North Idaho. But truth be told, I think I'm starting to run a little low on fuel. I'd almost say that a little piece of me is ready for the next season, but I know I'll eat my words as soon as I step outside and can see my breath.  Fall is definitely in the air, though. The days are still very warm but they are getting noticeably shorter and the evenings and mornings are definitely getting chillier. It's weird how you can actually feel the transition of the seasons within you. Not to mention the fair is in town here in Kootenai County (for me, this has always been a marker that the end of summer is near).

We took the girls (Hayden and her cousins Holland and Halle) to the fair last night after I got off work. I really didn't feel like going, to be honest. It's been a long week at work. Our other technician has been on vacation so the work load was heavier than usual. As I mentioned Chris has been out of town and Hayden has been going through an exceptionally trying, testing, sassy phase. All I really wanted to do was go home, put my feet up and have a glass of Vino. But I knew that Hayden would LOVE seeing her cousins and going on rides and petting the animals so of course I couldn't say no. And of course, after the fact, I'm certainly happy we went. Her smiles and giggles were priceless. We even ran into one of her classmates while we were there and they went on the Dragon Coaster together. And as if that wasn't enough we saw her teachers Miss Chris and Miss Ashley there, too. I remember how excited I used to get when I was little and would see people I knew from school when I was out with my Mom. It was really cool to see Hayden's face light up like it did.

Hayden and Auntie Deb

Halle and Hayden

Cutie Cousins

Hayden and Papa

 

 

Spider Girl

My Mom, Hayden and I were talking the other night and the subject of  holidays came up. We mentioned to Hayden that the next big holiday to come would be Halloween. We asked her what she wanted to dress up as this year. Her eyes got wider than I've seen them in a while and she grinned from ear to ear. Without hesitation, she excitedly answered, "SPIDERMAN!!" We all laughed out loud! I couldn't help but wonder how she knew about Spiderman. It's not really a cartoon we watch at our house. Then I remembered that her friend Oliver had a Spiderman costume on a few months ago when we were there for a visit. And her friend Stella has 2 older brothers that have probably watched the cartoon when Hayden was there for play dates. Regardless, it was an unexpected and totally adorable response. "You don't wanna dress up like a princess for Halloween?" I asked.
"Princesses are NOT for Halloween!" she informed me.
Touché, my dear. Touché!
The next day my Mom texted me a picture of a Spiderman costume for sale at Costco. So, of course, I stopped there today after work to buy it. I knew Hayden would be THRILLED to see it when I brought it home. The look on her face was priceless! That spidey costume was worth EVERY penny.

Once she was all dressed up, the first thing out of her mouth was, "I've gotta go save everybody!!"
I walked into the bathroom while she was admiring herself. She couldn't stop giggling. At one point she removed the mask, telling herself, "Hee Hee, it's just me Hayden."

This kid is so full of surprises. I just adore her and all her silliness. Who knows if this will still be her costume of choice once October 31st actually rolls around. Whatever makes her happy, and as of now, being Spiderman obviously does!

Back in the Saddle Again

I got a new computer! My very own laptop. Chris has been telling me I needed one for well over a year now but I've been in denial. He found a screamin deal and surprised me with it when I got home from work yesterday. Hopefully this will enable me to blog again. It's been over a year since my last post. So much has happened since then! Too much to write in one post or even attempt to remember in one sitting.  The things that stand out the most?

1.  We bought our first home! Aside from Hayden it is our biggest accomplishment. It is perfect for us and we take much pride in what we've attained through all of our hard work and determination.
2.  I quite my job at Rite Aid and started working for a home health company in Spokane as a compounding technician, mixing sterile products (ie - IV antibiotics, TPN's, etc). I've learned a ton already and feel far more satisfied in my new position.
3.  Hayden turned 3!! AND she is officially a preschooler. I have a journal full of some of the silly things that have come out of her mouth over the course of the last year, but that will be another post for another day.

We've been living in Idaho for almost 2 years now. Our lives are so much richer here. It's been amazing watching Hayden grow in this beautiful place. Seeing her relationships develop with friends and family. Her cousin Holland and her have become best buddies and it warms my heart to see them together.  Her younger cousin Halle and her have started to become closer over the last few months as well. Not to mention I ADORE being able to watch my Nieces grow up. Those 3 little girls bring more joy to my life than I can even begin to express.

 

I just ordered a book version of this blog from my posts during 2010 to 2012. It reminded me how amazing blogging is. How much I miss it. How good it feels to read old posts and be reminded of those times during my life. There is still so much story to tell. And I know how much I will cherish being able to look back at it someday.

Until next time.....