Missing...

Earlier, I was looking back at our bad a$$ Grizwold Christmas tree pictures from last year. The thing was humongous!!! I remember finding it and telling Dennis it was the perfect tree. And, it was. Perfect shape and height, a classic in my impeccable tree standards! It reminded me of the scene from Christmas Vacation where Clark cuts down a tree and brings it home only to have a flying squirrle or something of the sort attack him. This was that kind of Christmas tree. I seriously was thinking as big as it was something had to be hiding in it just waiting to pounce me while decorating the thing.....anyways, I digress.

The tree was so full it could not pass through the bailer, so we tied it to the Rogue and drove slowly home to unload and bring in the beast of a tree. My brother came over and helped husband get it off the roof of the SUV and carry it inside. I think we estimated it was at least 12 feet tall. Gorgeous!

A couple of days later when the house was filled with the scent of the tree and the limbs had fallen just enough, we decorated the tree. I pulled out my favorite ornaments. Most are either shoes or owls. Isn't it funny how we remember where we acquired certain ornaments? Like the ballet slipper my grandmother gave me when I was a little girl, the snow owl ornament from my big sis, the hand-painted ornament from our honeymoon in St. Lucia, oh the list goes on.... I missed unpacking the ornaments this year and re-living just for a moment those times of my life that the ornaments represent. I miss the smell of a fresh-cut tree. I miss the tiny little lights that illuminate the house and make the most mundane Monday nights feel special while eating dinner with only the lights on the tree twinkling.

I have mentioned since we are traveling over Christmas we did not get a tree this year. We haven't really decorated except for some Christmas candles. We decided to keep it minimal since we were still unpacking from the move. But, I must admit it hasn't really felt much like Christmas yet. We are missing those tangible things that seem to put us in the holiday frame of mind. However, soon enough we will be in the midst of a crackling fire, a pretty lit tree, all with family and friends.

No matter who or what you may be missing this year, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a very blessed New Year!

Home....

A week from today is Christmas. It seems utterly impossible that the year has gone by as quick as it has. Our family has gone through major changes within the past few months. A new job, a new city, new home, new school, new daycare, etc. I think we all have adjusted well. We have been and continue to be so blessed.
We will be heading home to see our families next Thursday. It will be a long 16 hour drive there and back for a very brief visit. I am looking forward to Christmas morning with my mom, dad, and brother like it used to be before marriage and children of my own came into the picture. Only this time we will have the innocence and awe of children to fill my childhood home once again.
Though we have made Florida our new home, Memphis will always be home. Where our families are. Where both me and husband grew up. Where we fell in love and got married. Where our children were born.
We have been warned that winter has not been too kind to the bluff city. It has been bitterly cold. There have been episodes of snow flurries. I was reminded today by my dad that for the past 29 years or so I would wish for a white Christmas and white birthday (January baby) each year. I love the snow. I love how the air gives the fore-telling that snow is on it's way. The air becomes crisp and smells clean and you just know when you wake up in the morning there will be snow to greet you. I love the purity of it and how the sun bounces off of it making it and everything around it, sparkle. My dad told me while working out in the snow flurries last night he was inwardly cursing my little/big girl wishes (well not so much cursing but blaming me for the falling snow).
I have to say it doesn't feel like winter now that we are in southern Florida. Landon said the other day he couldn't wait for it to snow. I told him it more than likely would not snow in Florida (it might happen, right?). He said something like "we'll see". You have to love how children think anything is possible! It hasn't quite felt like the holiday season. I am not wishing for the white stuff this holiday since we will be traveling in it. But I am looking forward to a brief stint of colder weather, visiting family and friends, and sharing the holiday spirit at home.

Ciao from Venezia!

Ok, so the title of this post should probably be "Stupid American in

Venezia"....

But Ciao! sounds much better, don't you think?

After I started my new job in Florida I was given the opportunity to go to Berlin for an investigator meeting for a new study two weeks after arrival. Because I didn't have a recent passport (last one circa 1987), I passed up the chance. However, only a couple of weeks later I was presented with the opportunity to go to Venice, Italy. Of course my response was "when do I go?"

Off I went to get my new passport. It had to be expedited and done through a courier type service to have it in time for my December 1st departure. Several hundred dollars later I had my passport in hand 4 days prior to my trip!

I was so nervous to travel basically across the world by myself to a place I had never been. I knew very little Italian, but I was going! The trip was mainly for the investigator meeting not leaving much time for anything else. However, I was determined to see Venice in the small amount of time I had.

The trip was filled with chaos....I am now pretty sure that when I travel chaos follows me! I arrived at the West Palm airport early like any good traveler, checked in for the international portion of my flight only to be informed the morning flight (11:30am) never left West Palm due to some freak rain and wind storms in Newark. So the gate agents scrambled and got me on the already delayed flight since my 3:35pm was surely going to be canceled (dreaded word by the way, as well as delayed). I got to the gate in time to board and arrived in Newark only to be informed the 8-9 hour flight to Munich was delayed due to snow. So I left Newark at almost 11pm instead of 8:30pm. The international company who booked my travel was nice enough to put me in first class most of my trip. Let me just say, I never want to fly coach again! It was heaven. Business class on Lufthansa was awesome. The seats reclined to a full bed, had massage rs, personal TV, etc. I wasn't so sure I would sleep on the flight, but I did like a little first class baby! Upon arrival into Munich the next day all I saw was white. Snow blanketed every thing. Sure enough my already re-booked flight was then further delayed putting me into Venice at 6pm instead of noon due to the snow that seemed to paralyze most of Europe. That pretty much ate up all my sight seeing time. But I was determined to make the best of it!

I stayed at the Laguna Palace in Mestre 15 minutes outside of Venice. The hotel was very modern and had a canal running through the middle of it with an impressive marina. I got there in time to shower and change for the dinner reception which featured rustic Italian dishes and local wines. This foodie was in love with the calamari and spelt salad, fresh mozzarella and basil with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, etc...The meeting the next day was filled with more information than my jet-lagged brain could handle. But I pushed through and was able to arrange to be in Venezia before dark.

I arrived in Venezia via my Mercedes taxi {because that's how they role in Italy}, and began my search for San Marco Piazza and the Basicila of San Marco. It seemed easy enough, right? This is a huge tourist spot and on the list of things you must see. I fell immediately in love with the cobblestone streets and canals. I stumbled upon a man in a tiny shop making Murano glass jewelry. He was very talented and spoke hardly any English which made bargaining a chore as he had to punch the numbers on his cash register to tell me prices. I came away with some beautiful pieces for Christmas presents for family and friends.

I found charming little restaurants opening for dinner and impressive hidden old churches converted to art galleries. Some of the old churches appeared abandoned and yet still loved by many as I saw a couple kissing on the steps of one. Venezia is charming and romantic. I really wished my husband could have shared the experience with me.

As charming as Venice is, it all begins to look the same when dark outside. There are no street lamps to speak of, no street signs, and tons of alley ways to get lost in. So what did I do? You might have guessed...I got LOST. I am talking 4 hours straight up lost in the streets of Venice. I saw places I might not have seen otherwise, but never made it to San Marco Piazza or the Basilica.

While trying to figure out what turn I made that placed me near a large waterway with water taxis, I began thinking. {Keep in mind my dramatics} How will ever get back to the hotel? What happens when I don't make it in time to get my car back to the airport in the morning? (yes, I know excessive.) How will anyone ever find me? I don't speak Italian, my cell phone doesn't work in Italy and is d-e-a-d! So I just kept wandering around muttering to myself "stupid American, stupid American"; which I am sure was a spectacle of it's own.

I stopped in a small boutique hotel that was beautiful. In the midst of my stress, I didn't get pictures, but it had an atrium with small white lights strung above it and the displays on either side of the entrance were adorned with the Carnevale Masks which reminded me of the Phantom of the Opera masquerade scene. I asked the clerk at the desk how to get back to the bus station at the entrance of Venezia. In his thick Italian accent, he told me it was 10 minutes using the water taxi and an hour walking. I opted to walk it.

When I finally made it to where I could take a cab to Mestre I was a little sad my adventure had ended but greatful to be sitting down as I had walked at least 5 miles in HEELS! Yes, heels. Again I had to say "STUPID AMERICAN"!

I had wanted to eat at one of those charming little restaurants I had found while wandering around. By the time I had made it back to them, they were closing. I ended up ordering room service. Luckily the chef and staff were Italian, so I assured myself the food would be worth it, and it was. Caprese salad, risotto, and a flute of presecco were all served to me while I was in my PJ's. It was a nice to end to my trip. I would love the chance to go back to Italia one day and see the things I missed, but I wouldn't trade anything for the experience this stupid American girl had while lost in Venezia!

Arrivederci!!!

Moving Day!

The movers have arrived from Memphis! Let the unpacking begin! Tomorrow evening husband and the kids should be here!!!! It is going to be a long couple of days, but hopefully not weeks of unpacking!!!

Sneak Peek!

I have been in Florida for a month now. I have transitioned and though still in the condo, I consider my new home well...home. I have been looking for a place to live for all of us for what seems like an eternity. Homes in Florida vary greatly from what we have in Tennessee. Land is precious here, so there usually are not big back yards, etc. This wouldn't be an issue except for two furry family members named Bentley and Lexy! There are more homes designed on the ranch, Spanish, or split floor plans than what we consider "traditional floor plans" in Memphis.

Being very particular (call it picky, OCD, difficult), I have probably worn out our poor realtor with the multiple emails and appointments to view homes. Last week after looking at homes until 8pm one night, we re-grouped that night and started focusing again on homes to look at. I was beyond disappointed and felt like I would never find anything suitable and would be living in Florida without husband, the kids, and the dogs forever (insert overly dramatic here). Before I headed back to Memphis, we looked at homes last Thureforsday morning. One home I was really excited to see. It was the last one we looked at. It was The. Last. One! I immediately fell in love with the totally re-modeled and upgraded 1975 Spanish style home with a fenced in yard and a pool!!!! This home is on a corner lot, which is pretty coveted real estate where land is difficult to come by.

The home and the deal did not come without some issues. Before looking at the home my realtor asked if it was available from the agent. We were told it was, but this wasn't exactly the case. The home already had another interested party and an offer had been made. So a bidding war commenced. Last Sunday after a two day back-and-forth ordeal, our realtor called and said the owners went with the other party's offer. I. was. devestated.

As I mentioned, being picky and overly dramatic the news was taken less than well. I guess upon hearing the disappointment in my voice, my realtor asked the agent what it would take to get the home. We were given one last shot at another counter offer and by Monday at 7pm, we were the new renters of a 4 bedroom 2 bath home in Coral Springs, Florida!

The news got better from there. Dennis was able to transfer with his job at FedEx and work from home. We were able to set up movers to pack the house in Memphis on Tuesday the 9th and move it in to Florida on Saturday the 13th. Best of all, husband and the kids will be here by Sunday, November 14th!!!

So more about this hidden jewel....as I said it is a Spanish style, 1 story home. The home has been re-done in modern accents. The kitchen is my most favorite room in the home, which is good considering how much time I spend in there! It was gutted and new lighting and cabinets were installed from Ikea. The back-splash has been done in brushed stainless steel. The cabinets are red (can I get a hoot from my Chi O sisters?!) The foyer lighting is a beautiful piece of blown-glass done locally here in Florida and is in yellow (red and yellow in the same house? yes! RHO BETA!)
The bath rooms have been re-done in a spa style with over-sized vanities and lots of storage. Both baths have doors leading out to the pool (cabana style). The back of the home leading out to the covered lanai with fans has screened in pocket doors perfect for the breezes we have been getting due to our "cold front" (highs in 70's and lows in 50's). The front of the home has wrought iron arch ways which lead to a tiled in court yard area.

We are so excited to make this house our home! We won't be going to Memphis for Thanksgiving, so it will be nice to spend the holiday at our new place. Dennis will also get to celebrate his Birthday in Florida as well! Landon's new school is literally across the street from our neighborhood and Lou's new daycare is two miles away. Tomorrow morning I meet the landlords and pick up the keys!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...

What started out as a simple visit to Memphis turned into a comedy of errors that has been my life for the past few days. When planning to see the husband and the kids, we decided I would use FedEx's standby flight program. Dennis has used it several times in the past without difficulty, so it seemed like a good option...
I say it "seemed" like a good option, because in reality, it was a terrible idea! I spent Thursday at the Fort Lauderdale airport only to be bumped off 4 flights. I later found out that due to weather Atlanta had 3 days prior there were still delays. So I made it to Atlanta and was told since I was on the delayed flight I couldn't fly out until the next morning (missed the last connector). This was unacceptable and being the determined person I am, I rented a car, bought 2 16oz sugar free Red Bulls, and drove the 5 hours to Memphis. I pulled in the drive at 5:30am; just in time to tell my kids good morning. Priceless!
I spent time with family and friends while at home. I was able to see the kids in their costumes at the FedEx trick-or-treat outing. I had a much needed Target run with Emily and brunch with Meghan and Sam. I loved on my kids, cooked probably one of the last meals I will prepare in our home in Tennessee, and slept in my glorious bed! The time, though brief was well spent.
Sunday afternoon it was back to the airport to return to Florida. That plan was a major F.A.I.L!!! I spent from 2pm until after 7pm waiting to get on a flight. Needless to say, I never got on a flight nor made it out of Memphis because AirTran over-sold all of their flights by 10% due to a sale they ran on fares over the weekend. So back home I went. I got to kiss the kids goodnight once more and prepared to fly out with real tickets this morning.
3:30 came very early this morning. I said my goodbyes again and began my return trip to Florida. I had to fly into West Palm Beach or risk a midnight arrival. This wouldn't have been such an isssue, however my car was at the Fort Lauderdale airport where I initially departed.
Here is where the train comes in. I took the Tri-Rail to retrieve my car. The Tri-Rail is the train and tram system in southern Florida (from West Palm to Miami). It is confusing at best and took the better part of two hours what normally takes about 30 minutes on I-95 to drive. But eventually I made it to the Fort Lauderdale airport, found my car, and was finally back in my new home!
It looks like Dennis and the kids will be joining me in our new home in Florida by November 15th! I cannot wait!!!

This Owl Flies....

On a plane, of course. Tomorrow I leave for New York. I have never been. Though I am going for an investigator meeting, I will have some time to explore. Being alone in New York is a little daunting, but I am excited!
Next weekend I am going back to Memphis. I am excited to see Landon play soccer and spend some girl time with my Lou on Friday! We might even fit in a visit to St. Jude to see my girls. I am making part of Lou's costume so instead of having to ship it home I will get to deliver it and see Lou wear it. Landon decided to be a transformer this year. He didn't want to take the costume off when he got it home. Dennis sent me some sneak-preview pics of them. I look forward to seeing Dennis as well. I know my time will be brief, but at least I won't have to wait until the middle of November to see husband and my children!
The following week I am in Miami for another meeting. This trip won't require a plane ride, but another first since I have never been to Miami either.
Busy girl, busy times! Gotta fly!!!!

Hoot!

Falling In Love All Over Again....

The past couple of days have been dreary. The weather has been gloomy with clouds and showers. My sunny disposition also seemed to disappear with the change in the weather. I have had a rough couple of days coping with the extreme amount of change I am enduring. I miss my family and friends. I miss my morning conversations with Meghan and Sam. I miss hugging, kissing, and telling my children goodnight. I miss waking beside my husband. I miss my bed! Oh my glorious, sent from the heavens bed! How I cannot wait to sink into lovely bliss that is my own bed again!

I know other people transfer and leave their families behind for months on end (6, 8, 12, etc..) my measley little month and two weeks has felt like an eternity this week. But, the weather changes in Florida pretty rapidly, so upon waking this morning there was sun again. And just like that I immediately felt better.

I got ready for work knowing today is Friday and I am in need of a little adventure this weekend. Perhaps the Keys? Sanibel Island? Possibilities are endless folks!
In my refreshed state of mind I got ready for work, left my hair curly , and put the top down for my commute. Nothing better!

I text husband on my way in this morning. It said "Good morning. Sunny, top down, hair curly. Happy Friday."
He responded with "Good morning. All the things I love about you."

He really gets me. For me it is the little things that seem to brighten even the most mundane situatuions.
And just like that I fell in love with the boy all over again! After 11 years of being together he still knows how to make me smile.

Not Your Typical Southerner????

Upon further exploring my new surroundings, I have come to some conclusions. I know it is early on, but still I think these insights will hold true.

1-Honey, we are not in the south in sunny southern Florida. Ironic? Yes, but true. What I mean by this is that there are more northern people here than southern. Tons of "transplants" from New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and the like. Due to these "transplants" the way of life here, the attitude, and the over-all feel is more like the north than the south. I have noticed people don't say "bless you" when you sneeze. I know it seems silly, but I was taught to say "bless you" when someone sneezes. Doors are not held for you. No one gives a thank you wave when you let them over in traffic, they would just as rather run you over. Speaking of traffic, I got the 1-finger salute the other day for not driving the acceptable 10 miles over the speed limit. So I have officially been initiated.....

2-I may be from the south, but I am not the typical southern gal. This realization came about after speaking with a board member at my new place of employment. The conversation went; "so you are from Memphis, you must be an Elvis fan?". My response, "no, not really". I know, I know bad Lesley! I have no issue with his music in general, but anyone that died so ungracefully on a toilet of all things....I am not a fan, sorry. This board member then asked if I liked grits. I again said no. I admit during pregnancy with my daughter I ate grits like they were going out of style. Now, not so much. I then went ahead and admitted while we were on the subject of food I don't care for fried chicken or potato salad. Sacrilege! I am sure some are saying to themselves. The board member being slightly caught off guard, then asked if I say "ya'll". Yes, but only when tired or tipsy do I slip into southern slang and say things like "ya'll" and "fixin". So he asked if I was sure I was born and raised in the good ole South. Well of course I was. After all, I could never turn down a glass or two or three of good southern sweet tea.....
I know most of the questions asked were ones of stereotype, and yet as others may see me, I am not the typical southerner.

So here I am a southern girl in South Florida who has realized that both the girl and the town may be a little more northern than we appear.

The New Adventure...

As the morning of Friday, October 2 approached I. Was. A. Mess! A mess of emotion and thought. I spent the night before packing (or should I say shoving) the belongings I thought I would use/need into the mustang. I spent the night before in a daze as it still did not feel possible I was leaving home. I was leaving everyone and everything behind to start this new life. A life for now that was unplanned, except for a place to stay and a new job, I had no other plans for the month.

I woke up that morning and went about my usual routine only to realize it wasn't routine at all. I had to say goodbye to Dennis that morning. I had to kiss my children and make it last for a month. I had to remember their expressions and what little is left of that baby smell Lou is growing out of. It was a tearful parting between me and the husband as I pulled out of our drive.

I met my mom for breakfast. She kept a neutral expression trying to not upset me or cry herself. Half-way through french toast, my dad came in telling me he needed one more hug before I left. The flood-gates opened and I cried. After my dad left, Dennis followed behind him not five minutes later saying he needed to tell me bye one last time. In the middle of the restaurant I was a mess of tears. Dennis says I left a water stain on the carpet from all the crying. Thanks, honey....

I hugged my mom and said goodbye crying once again. I made it to my last destination (albeit, make-up removed by tears) the salon. Because a girl cannot start a new adventure without a fresh trim and a manicure/pedicure (thanks mom!).

So the drive began. I was off on my own for the first time for a very long trip. I turned up some tunes (DMB predominantly, of course), made a couple of calls along the way, and soaked in the feeling of anticipation over all of it.

As a child and growing up my dad would drive us to Destin, Fl for summer vacation. We always went the same route. My favorite part of the trip was the drive through Bankhead Tunnel in Mobile, Al. You start the drive through the tunnel on land and end up on the highway surrounded by ocean. I felt so grown-up (at 30 years old) driving through the tunnel and across the ocean by myself. I stopped over night in Pensacola to visit my aunt and uncle before completing the trip to my condo in Delray Beach. I made it to the condo at about 10pm that Saturday. I was exhausted and exhilerated at the same time.

It has been a little over a week now. I am still trying to settle in but I already love it here. The sunny almost too perfect blue cloudless skies, the palms and their gentle sway, the salt air-it doesn't take much to draw you in.

I think husband was right when he said I am a beach girl....

The Farewell Begins

*Let me preface this post by saying it is a long one...

Friday, October 1st I leave for Florida. I am a mix of emotions right now. I am excited and nervous. I am anxious and sad. I am grateful and reflective.

While I watch Lou carry around her newest baby doll and hear Landon playing upstairs I realize the sounds of home will be something I will miss the most. Of course, husband and the kids I will miss more than anything, but the familiar sounds of Lou waking up in the morning and Landon telling me good morning with his crazy bed-head hair which is so much part of my every day, I will miss! I will miss the goodnight kisses and the "I love yous" which Lou has just started saying.

I will miss my mom and dad. I will miss my dad calling me just to check up on my week or when we see each other in traffic in the mornings. I will miss our not too often marathon mother-daughter days. Our latest one was long over due, but I enjoyed being able to spend time with my mom, just me and her.

I will miss my (not so little, anymore) brother, Doug. I cannot believe he is 21. I will miss him coming over just to hang out or going out till the morning hours downtown. I will miss him when he comes home from MTSU to visit and calls to tell me he is almost home. Because his home (Memphis) will no longer be my home.

I will miss my Target and Walgreens runs with Emily. Though we haven't gotten to spend as much time with each other as we once did, we still pick up where we left off like we haven't skipped a beat! I know we will still have phone calls that last too long and hopefully some visits back and forth, but I think she knows I love her dearly no matter what!

I love my job. I love working at St. Jude. It is a wonderful place filled with brilliant people (nurses, physicians, etc) that do excellent work to treat and hopefully one day cure childhood cancer. The neuro-oncology team is unique; well at least I think so. We are little quirky and weird, and yet we are our own little entity. I will miss Dr. G and our Monday morning meetings where you never know what he will say. I will miss his visits to our office where most of the time it is business as usual but sometimes it is just to catch up on the day or to offer wisdom like only he can.

I will miss Oxford, MS. It is now fall and college football is in full swing. This normally means at least a few trips to Oxford to the Grove to cheer on the Rebels. We did make it to the season opener, but sadly our trips to Oxford have ended for the year. I love the Grove and being part of a wonderful tradition that I think only Ole Miss can offer. I will miss our tailgate friends, cocktails, and people watching (because the sight of coeds teetering in 4 inch heels in the grass is entertaining and the frat boys all dressed up in the red and blue is a sign of true school spirit).

I will miss my girls, Meghan and Samantha. Over the past 2 or so years, we have become co-workers but more importantly friends, exceptional friends. I will miss coming in to work and catching up on their weekends (unless we spent them together, then we are usually laughing at something that went on). I will miss our afternoon talks at work about love, life, and whatever else seems to be the topic at the moment. I will miss how we get each other even if one isn't talking. I will miss our endless inside jokes and silly movie quotes. I will miss our girls nights when we eat, drink, laugh and stay out way too late! More importantly, I will miss what they have become to me, a part of my family (the sisters I knew I wanted but never had)!

I will miss home. Dennis, he is my home. He is my stability. It will be hard being away from him. We haven't been apart for more than maybe 5 days at a time since we have been married. I will miss being able to go to sleep next to him and wake up beside him. I will miss spending time together after the kids have to gone to bed, even if it just watching TV until time to go to bed. I will miss taking care of him and him taking care of me.

Memphis, what can I say? My home for 29 years (1 year was in Jackson, TN). You may not be bright and shiny like some other cities. You may not have the best reputation when it comes to politics, crime, or the health of it's citizens; but you still have a piece of me. I grew up here. I got engaged here on the roof of the Peabody hotel. I married here at the Chi Omega headquarters. Both of my children were born here. My childhood memories consist of Mud Island, where I would dip my toes in and walk in the river path and seeing Disney on ice at the coliseum. I look back at high school where I learned to drive in mid-town and nearly caused the instructor a heart attack when I decided to not slow down when coming off of an interstate ramp that was clearly marked with 25mph (I think). I remember dates downtown and riding in the horse drawn carriage with Beven and Beamer (the dog and the horse, not my date's name). I remember my 21st Birthday starting out at BB Kings and ending at the Blue Monkey on Madison. My more recent memories of Redbirds Baseball games, Grizzlies games, and concerts at the Orpheum. And who could forget Memphis in May? This city has my love. I will miss it as well because it is where I learned, laughed, loved, cried, and left the people I have know my entire life.

So this week the farewell begins. It is bittersweet. A new adventure awaits in Florida.....

The Wheels on the Bus....

One day I may look back at this event and laugh, but right now, not. so. much.

Friday was an interesting milestone in the life of our 5 year old. Landon is now in kindergarten at a county school. It was rated one of the best in the county. We have thus far, been pleased with the school. It is fairly new, clean, and the the student to teacher ratio is not terrible.

Landon participates in after school care every day. Since me and the husband work past the time he gets out of school, he spends his afternoon with the ladies at the school's Y-care program. He seems to enjoy playing with the other kids and doesn't mind having to wait on us to pick him up.

Landon did ask to start riding the bus in the mornings. We reluctantly agreed. We are only about 3 blocks from the school, so we thought we would give it a try. We filled out the paperwork and Landon started riding the bus just about a week ago. Friday, for some reason his teacher through some comedy of errors (I say comedy with sarcasm, as I still don't find it all that humorous), placed Landon on the bus in the afternoon to go home. With no one there to receive Landon at our home and the teacher realizing the mistake, she called us to inform us our child was at our house. Luckily, our neighbor was able to watch him until we could get home.

Needless to say, I am rethinking the whole bus concept. It is pretty foreign to me anyways considering I went to private school throughout elementary and high school. He loves the bus (at 5 it doesn't take much to make them happy!), so I really hope from now on he is at school in the afternoons when we go to fetch him!!!!

Transition....

Lately the word transition has been a staple in the Thompson house.

Merriam-Webster defines transition as a: " passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another".

Passage from one Stage: Landon has had a little struggle with the transition to kindergarten. He went to K-4 last year at the same place he had attended daycare since he was around 12 weeks old. We were hoping going to a new school, meeting new friends, having new teachers, etc would not be so tough on him. We are now on the third-fourth week of school and things seems to be calming down and he is getting the hang of the new routine. Landon, like his mommy is not a huge fan of change. He craves consistency in all he does. I am glad he seems to have the hang of it now, for the most part. Mommy is getting used to it too. When I drop him off at school I am no longer allowed to walk him to class. I drop him off in front of the entrance and he walks in by himself. What a big boy!

Passage from one Place: We are in the midst of major transition in our family as well. We have made the decision to move to Florida for me to embark on a new job. I have given notice at St. Jude and my last day is September 30th. I am really going to miss my co-workers, which are some of the best friends I have ever made. I am going to miss St. Jude in general. It is a wonderful place to work and I am very proud to say I have worked at St. Jude. I will miss the patients as well. Though be it strange to say I love working with brain tumor patients. I have always had a weird fascination with them.

Passage from one State: I leave for Florida on October 1st, solo. Dennis and the kids will remain in Memphis for no more than a month while we wait to see if the house will sell and if Dennis' job will fall into place like we hope it will. During this time I will begin work on October 4th. I figure if I am going to make this transition I might as well rip the band-aid and just go for it. I will work and look for us a town home while I wait for Dennis and the kids to join me.

I am really nervous and yet excited about this next chapter in our life. This is possibly the largest transition we will make besides the usual ones (getting married, having children, etc). We will be moving to a place where we don't know many people and do not have family near. It is about 7 hours from the closest family we have in Pensacola. We will be a 16 hour car ride from our parents and most of our family and friends.

We have both known nothing more than Memphis for most of our lives. I would love for my children to be able to experience something different. To be able at a moments notice pack up and go to the beach, the Keys, Isle of Capri, etc. I want my kids to love and appreciate the beauty and the wonder of the ocean as much as I do and all the creatures in it that God created. I look forward to mild winters with our toes in the warm sand in December.

So yes, this transition is huge and scary. This transition is filled with uncertainty as well as excitement. It is sad to leave all we know but joyful to look forward to all that will be. I will miss my children and Dennis like crazy for that first month but I keep telling myself even now, with four weeks to go that it is temporary and this transition will pass by quickly making way for a better transition when everyone comes to Florida to join me.

As summer begins to fade to fall in the South, it is truly a season of transition for us...

Are You Ready?

Hotty Toddy! College Football season has officially begun! It is Labor Day weekend and that really means only one thing in the Thompson house! We are headed to Oxford, to the Grove, to see old friends and make new ones!

The true old Southern tradition that is the Grove calls my name about August of each year and the countdown begins! It is bittersweet this year as we will be moving soon and not able to make it to Oxford for many more parties in the Grove. So today we will live it up!!!

Worth every minute!

We spent this past Wednesday night and early Thursday morning making the long haul to West Palm Beach. It was a 16 hour drive, but to me well worth it!
We arrived on Thursday morning around 9ish. We were able to check-in early to our hotel and grab a much needed nap! Dennis and me split the trip up, but we were still very sleep when we got into West Palm. After our nap we headed out and grabbed some supplies and food for a picnic. We made our way to Juno Beach, which was quiet, kind of secluded, and unspoiled. Juno is a sea turtle sanctuary and pet friendly beach. It was nice having much of the beach to ourselves as it wasn't over-crowded like Ft. Lauderdale at all. Also, there were tons of sea shells!
Dennis had his interview on Friday morning, so we got up early and got ready for the day. While he was in the interview, I explored and drove around to get used to the traffic and general flow of the area.

After his interview, we met up with our realtor and looked at homes in Parkland, Coral Springs, and Coconut Creek. We may have found one!
Things seem to be falling into place, which is something we have prayed for all summer!

Friday night was all about some DMB! We volunteered for the Carbon Off-Set Program and were able to raise money towards those efforts. Dave's tour is completely green. They use reusable water bottles and bio-diesel fuel to name a couple of things that make me love them even more! We got awesome t-shirts to wear while working which people constantly wanted to buy from us. Nope! Not a chance! The show was amazing! We heard a new tune 'Black Jack' which I now adore! Best of all the show was free!!!!

On Saturday we headed back out to look at homes again. We headed back to Memphis Saturday afternoon and ended up at home about 7:45am today. We are exhausted. But, I wouldn't change a thing (except maybe being able to see Dave on night 2 in West Palm :).

Hopefully now that the house is on the market and Dennis has this interview under his belt, we will be hearing good things within the next month! We were sad to leave, but cannot wait to head back with the kids and settle in Southern Florida soon!!!!!!

Renovations

We have been in the midst of renovations at the Thompson house. These renovations are in preparation for the big move to Florida. We (I say we, but we had it done since our home has 20 feet walls in places) have completely painted inside and out and new carpet throughout the home. We will put the house on the market this Wednesday.

Our home has been turned inside-outside a couple of times in the past week. There was chaos and stress and dust. All of these things my little OCD brain had trouble processing and seeing through. But now that the renovations are complete and I can breathe again, the house looks nice. We have de-cluttered and packed up things that can be stored so hopefully we will have very little that needs to be packed once we are ready to go.

It looks like September will be the moving date. Not exactly sure when since we need the house to sell. It's weird to be talking about this since for so long it seemed like a dream and not at all a possible reality. Having said that we are excited. I am scared too. This is a huge step. I haven't lived outside of Memphis (except for the year I was at Union).


I am looking forward to the end of the week to be heading back to Florida for some house hunting, some ocean air, and some more Dave Matthews! The 15 hour road trip should be an experience. As long as husband and me do not strangle one another, I think all will be fine! The kids will be staying at home this trip. But soon enough kids and dogs will be packed up and headed south as well. Gosh, that feels so strange to say!

So What Have We Been Up To????

LOTS!!!!!

At the end of April (I know, long time ago), we traveled to Florida. I was offered a position with a physician I met a couple of years ago. The timing wasn't right then, but now something told us to go ahead and see what it was all about.

It was a whirlwind trip, but we learned a lot. Like, people in Florida have two speeds when they drive (a) slow (b) fast. There is no medium pace. We also learned that traffic lights last a century there. So what part of Florida, you ask? Well the area I would be taking care of patients in is between West Palm Beach and Hollywood, Florida. This is a good stretch of land! Being so vast the selection of areas to live in is also large. The market in Florida is favorable to buy a home right now, so that is a plus for us.

Though we are still working out Dennis' job, selling our home and buying a new one, and moving, we are pushing forward with plans to move. We are just praying all works out for the best even if Florida is not meant to be.

Lou is now 15 months old and has learned to say "thank you" and "no". We are not as happy about "no" as we are "thank you", but she becomes more and more animated every day! We love that her little personality is blooming and her hair is finally growing! She weighs 21 pounds and is 31 inches long. Landon graduated from pre-kindergarten in May and has been enjoying summer camp and karate. He also completed his first season of soccer in May and won the "most spirited" award!

We celebrated 7 years of marriage on May 30th! On June 15th we took a road trip to St. Louis for a Cardinals game and then to see Dave Matthews Band on June 16th. The game was fun and the concert was awesome (as usual)! We went to the St. Louis zoo and pet sting rays which we really enjoyed. We also visited a local winery called Little Hills and did the Anheuser-Busch tour the day we left. It was a nice vacation but we could have done without all the traffic that St. Louis had to offer. We are talking major traffic jams and accidents at 3 in the afternoon!

So what are our plans for July? We are going back to Florida at the end of the month to look at some homes. Though it wasn't planned, we get to see Dave again! I, of course, am beyond thrilled! Dennis got a call from Reverb this week. This is a company in charge of environmental awareness campaigns done at concerts. I signed up to volunteer for Reverb at the Dave show in West Palm Beach when we are scheduled to be in Florida. We got chosen! Best news is we get to see Dave for FREE!!!! So I am beyond excited to see Dave again this summer since the boys are taking 2011 off! This will be the first time in 20 years that Dave will take the summer off and not tour. Sad though I may be about next summer since we go every year, I cannot wait to see Dave again and volunteer for the green efforts that Dave supports!

So lots of decisions still to be made and lots to do before the fall. Who knows, we may just have a new zip code by then!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lou is a 1 year old!

Lou's party was a hit. I have more pics to share, but that will have to come a little later. See her face-plant!?!

Yes, I know, Lou turned one on 3/2/2010. But, we have been busy, busy!!!!

So we took Lou for the 1 year check-up and shots. She did ok, but gave the nurse who did the shots the meanest look I have ever seen her give. Needless to say Lou's feelings were hurt that anyone would want to do that to her!

Lou weigh's 19lbs 8oz (23%) she is 29inches tall (45%) and her head is huge, but no change from the previous measurement which I have forgotten (79%!!! I hope there is lots of brains in there!) I needed re-assurance about the whole humongous head thing from the doctor. Since I deal with brain tumor patients I am little on edge about those kind of things! The doctor said she was just fine. Whew!

A look at Lou!

1. She still has very little hair, but it is growing!

2. She is walking everywhere

3. She loves playing with her brother

4. We think she says some version of Landon, but we aren't for sure

5. She is off formula and on milk

6. We are transitioning from the bottle to a sippy cup

7. She is now eating (or attempting to try) the lunches and snacks daycare provides

8. She loves peanut butter (we discovered that fact this weekend)!

9. She goes to be bed between 7:30-9:00pm and sleeps until around 7am

10. She has starting loving on her babydoll, Stella. I think it is adorable!

11. She says daddy and mama all the time while walking around the house looking for us or following us

12. Her feet are tiny like her momma's. She wears 3-6 months size shoes

13. She is wearing 6-12 months clothes, but 9 month items fit her perfectly

14. Still is size 3 diapers

15. Lou loves to dance

16. We think Lou is starting to appreciate Dave matthews like her momma and brother do, but can't say for sure just yet

17. She falls asleep to the Beatles at night (love it!)

18. She waves and claps

19. She has 4 teeth with 2 more coming in

20. She loves cheesecake (this was her smash cake for her birthday!)

Until Next Time!

Whoo's turning 1?????

LOU! Lou will be a year old on Tuesday, March 2, 2010!!!! My little sweetie is growing so quickly!

Mommy has been in planning mode for a while (like since she was 6 months old or even before). Even if the planning was just in her head and scouting the internet, plans are now coming to fruition! Yes, it had to be an owl themed first! She is a Chi Omega legacy after all!

Decorations have been purchased and favors for the little ones as well. Though not the grand bash we had for Landon (his 1st was a cookout in the backyard with lots of family), it will be very special!!! Since it is cold and most certainly too chilly for any outdoor fete, we will have a fancy owl party for our girl in our home!!!!!!

I am excited to make the cake and get everything in order for her big day! I know she won't have the slightest clue what is going on, but there will be pictures for later on in life to show her. I am in LOVE with her invites and am thinking of creating her cake and maybe a dress in similar colors/patterns for the day!!!!!

So much to do, so little time. As usual......

Pics to come after next weekend!!!!

Baby Steps!

We have had a chaotic beginning to 2010. First we have had more *snow* in Memphis this year than any year I can remember besides when I was a little girl. When I say *snow*, I mean for Memphis we have had more than the ice we normally see. This is of course does not even begin to compare to the snow the rest of the northern US has seen. However, Florida got some snow a couple of weeks ago and temperatures in Florida have been so low lizards have been falling out of trees due to freezing (weird, huh?)

So our choas was not weather related, but rather illness. Seems once we get one family member well, the other comes down with something. Not long after my Birthday Lou got the stomach virus that never ends. It lasted two weeks! about a week into it, I got it and Dennis had a touch of it. Luckily, Landon was spared. However, within a week or so, Landon got a viral cold and a fever. Ugh! Landon and fevers do not mix! Though short lived, the runny nose/cough has lingered. Don't you just love snotty children??? Last week Lou began running a temperature that landed us in the pediatrician's office. H1N1 was the verdict. She was pitiful and I felt so badly for her. She is now on the mend and we are so happy even if it seems all of us have the southern sniffles!

Baby Steps-Lou's steps, that is! Yes, we have a walker! She is taking anywhere from 6-9 steps at a time and her balance is much improved. Her cute, proud smile is probably the most entertaining as she looks at you like "Hey, I did that. Did you see? I am great!". And it really is great. It is certainly the little things in life that make you happy sometimes!

Onward and Upward in 2010!

Out with the old and in with the new! Happy New Year to everyone!

We have been quite busy in the past few months with holidays, work, and a little play.
Lou enjoyed her first Thanksgiving by eating sweet potato casserole, stuffing, and cranberry sauce!
Landon has begun to branch out and try new foods. We are thrilled about this!
This Christmas Landon got the "big picture" of what it is to be a kid at Christmas. He was spoiled way beyond words by our family and friends!

We are looking forward to Lou's first steps which seem like they will be any minute. She is becoming brave and standing unassisted for periods of time. She uses her little walker with one hand and takes steps. It is hard to believe she will be a year in just a few short months! She still has very little hair and only two teeth.

This year I am waving bye-bye to my 20's and hello to the thirties. I have mixed feelings about this, but it is what is! At least Dennis is older than me!

May everyone be healthy, happy, and blessed this year!