The for Real Real Housewives of Peoria County

A few weeks ago I was in an elevator in the parking deck at work.  A woman next to be struck up a conversation about work.  I ended up telling her that I worked part-time for my job and full-time for Miss O.  She began ranting and raving about how she has to work 60+ hs a week to make ends meet.  I noticed her dressed head to toe in obvious brand names (come on people, how many Cs for Coach can you wear on your body?!?!?), got into her Yuppymobile, and drove to her "I think I live in a 90210" home. 

Fast forward to today.  What a yucky fall day to wake up to!  So I settled in with a cup of coffee and got my girl a bagel and some hot cocoa.  Next came some math time via pumpkin bread making.  As I watched Miss O count the eggs, stir the batter, and then exclaim "This smells delicious", I realized how much that woman was missing.  So I will continue to drive my 2005 Corolla to my small town, craft and bake with my girl, and think "What a Wonderful World"!!

 Miss O and the cast of ingredients

 Ready, set, stir!!

TA-DA!!!

 Serious Froster

 She is her momma's child

Chef O enjoying the fruits of her labor!

Fall Time

I can't tell you how many times we say "What a difference a year makes".  This year is no exception.  We made the annual trek to Tanner's Orchard and Miss O LOVED it!  I couldn't help but cherish watching the amazement in her eyes at everything she took in.  She got to ride horses, drive a train, and have mom and dad pedal until their legs hurt.  We just can't wait until next year because her cousin CoCo will be right along next to her!!!

Miss O is a serious train driver!!

 Thank Goodness Aunt Boo has a bomb camera!!

 Sweet Girl

 Mommy and Miss O getting their cider donut on!!!

 That was some serious peddling!!

Everyday with you is a beautiful day!!

Going to the chapel

Going to the chapel...

One of the MANY things my mother has shown me is the importance of good friends.  I would rather have a handful of great friends than 4,000 facebook friends!  One of those people is Carol Jean and she gets married this Saturday!!!!

What started out as co-workers has blossomed (oh God how cliche) into one of the most cherished relationships I have.  Carol has been the calm in so many of my storms (really jenn, you need to also take some creative writing classes!!)   She was there when I got married, she was there when I had Miss O, and she deals quite well with my ADD mind!  She is that friend that you call at 2a that doesn't necessarily tell you what you want to hear...instead what you need to hear.  She has raised 2 INCREDIBLE daughters.  One of which has been Miss O's only non-family sitter!   I always say one of the greatest things about having a child at an older age is the opportunity to watch others in their parenting,  Some people you think "Oh hell no I will NEVER do that" and others you see what a positive influence they have on their children...like Carol.  Not long after Miss O was born ,her daughters spent the day off from school recreating Lady Gaga's crazy outfits.  I thought "I want Miss O to have that sense of creativity and individuality".  So whenever we are in the car and I have to blare Elton's "Bennie and the Jets" or Beastie Boys "Brass Monkey", I always think of these girls and thank God they are in our lives.

Carol Jean may you have an incredible day and I know you will make the most beautiful bride ever. Take the time to enjoy the moment as I can't think of a person more deserving.  You are FIERCE, AMAZING, and MAGICAL :)

Love ya
Jenn and Miss O

PS...sorry I stole this pic off of Facebook.  I owe ya a Mt Dew for copyrights!

Pirate Party Preview

Today marks Mamo's (my amazing Momma) Annual Pirate Party. I am wanting to bat 2 for 2 on posting so I will share a little tease of the day. Unfortunatly Buster is holding out on buying me that camera that I want so you will have to wait until I get some good pictures from my sister and cousins!

My parents and their skippers and greenhorns

Pirate Princesses Miss O and her cousin Sydney

The Captains....Mamo and PopPop the Pirate

What is Cookie Wednesday?

Every Wednesday Miss O and I meet her Daddy at work so I can facilitate a group that night. Daddy manages commercial real estate and there just happens to be a bakery on property. All week we talk about what color of cookie she is going to get and we take it to the rocking chairs outside Daddy's office to eat. It always starts out as "pink". This week she ended up with one decorated like a pumpkin. We also dance around the house to our "It's Cookie Wednesday" dance.

What impresses me most about my daughter is the way she lights up a room. His boss and the ladies in Daddy's office can't wait to see her. She always gets a sticker from her new BFF Jillian and says please and thank you to Miss Mary. This week she also scored a Ring Pop from Eric. Last week, an older gentleman was driving by and she waved and said "Glad to meet you". He parked his car and came over to talk. He was a recent widow and said something about her eyes reminded him of his wife. After talking for a bit, we realized I went to high school with his grandson so he called him on the spot and we had a nice chat. I hope that this girl can keep this kindness in her heart the rest of her life!!

So now you know what Cookie Wednesday is to us! What is your special day?