Bye bye braces!

Garrett got his braces off today!! Last week at the orthodontist's office, we were told he had to wait 12 more weeks before the big day. Garrett, usually the happiest kid I know, was so upset that he cried on the way home. Keep in mind, there have been a TON of changes in our household lately....new home, new state, new schools, new friends..... It was just too much to be told that - even though the orthodontist in Texas said he was done - the new orthodontist said they "needed a little tweaking".

After lots of thought, I decided to put my foot down. Needless to say, the office manager at the dentist office was taken by surprise. I was very polite (shocking, right?!) but very firm in my demands: either they remove the braces & refund the $1000 I just paid or we would find another dentist who wanted that money. Voila!!!

Isn't he just the cutest thing you've ever seen??!!

Mall of America

Garrett, Delanie & I visited the Mall of America today!!  The largest mall in the US, it's comprised of three glorious stories full of retail Heaven.  Smack in the middle of the mall is a cartoon themed amusement park with 50 ft Lego statues, roller coasters, carousels, bumper cars, midway, a water ride, etc.  While Delanie is the most adventurous of the family, Garrett and I joined her on several amazing roller coasters.  Who knew getting in touch with your inner child could be so much fun?!

Did I mention the mall has more than 30 shoe stores?  Yep.....definitely my idea of Heaven!

Back to school....almost!

This week was school orientation for Garrett & Delanie....

Delanie woke up bright & early Monday morning, cleaned her room & was ready to go before everyone else! Her school put on a W.E.B. (Where Everyone Belongs) seminar for students only that lasted the entire morning. She was so nervous, she got the hiccups on the way to school! Her only comment on the drive was, "Mom, I think I'm going to puke!". She brightened up when a gaggle of Canadian geese greeted us at the front door. By the time the seminar ended, she was happy to report that she now has two new friends.....both were 9th graders!

Garrett's orientation was Wednesday. Thankfully, Jim & I were allowed to tag along. He spent all morning choosing classes - history, physics, web design, computer gaming (seriously!), etc. Jim tried his best to sign him up for Dance 101 but was unsuccessful. Garrett was a little freaked out that his school backs up to a huge corn field....too many horror movies. He is now a proud supporter of Maple Grove Sr High....home of the fighting Crimson.

One more week and off they go!

Family 411

Let me introduce you to my family....

My husband, Jim, is absolutely the smartest, most caring, wonderful husband in the world. We met at a Blackjack table (go figure!) and haven't looked back since. We celebrated our two-year anniversary this year. I definitely hit the jackpot with Jim!

My son, Garrett, brings the laughter to our house. This kid finds something to laugh about in ANY situation. He's super confident, incredibly handsome and a genius at Call of Duty!

My daughter, Delanie, lights up any room she's in like a ray of sunshine. She's so artistic and her imagination amazes me every day. She writes short stories that will bring tears to your eyes.

Bailey is our Bassett Hound. She turned eight this year and brings so much happiness to our family. She's not incredibly intelligent (a definite understatement) but her cuteness makes up for it. 

Sugar is our Himalayan cat. She is the polar opposite of Bailey. She will tell you when she's ready for attention. Heaven help you if you intrude on her personal space.

Surprise!!

Imagine my surprise when my husband of less than two years suggests we pack up and move cross-country (and NORTH of the Mason Dixon line!).  Needless to say, it took some getting used to.  After alternating bouts of fear, excitement, anxiety and sadness.....it's time to go.  Did I mention that my children and I have always lived in the South???

Stay tuned.....it gets better.