A Day In The Life of Days Off!

I didn't post at all last week - I was too busy doing a lot of NOTHING!   Friday, Sept. 2, I got off at noon, which is the norm.  What isn't the norm is that I was off until Monday, Sept 12!   I rarely take more than a day or two off at a time and I haven't had a string of days off in forever, so it was WAY overdue.  I made a list of projects I wanted to accomplish, errands I wanted to run, and so on and so forth.  I spent the first two days getting grocery shopping and laundry out of the way, then I headed to Wal Mart for jars and bins and totally re-organized my pantry.  It's so neat and pretty now, that I just love going in there (thank you Pinterest!).   I then cleaned out the study (desk and closet), cleaned windows and was satisfied with the house.  Sunday was a lazy day enjoyed with my hubby.  We cooked out, watched football and sat on the porch (one of my favorite things).  I have to say here that we spent EVERY morning (except one) on the porch with coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening.   The weather ALL week was gorgeous and I couldn't have planned a better week off!!

 Monday hubby and I paid a visit to my mom.   I love my big family, but it was nice to have a little one-on-one time with my wonderful momma!   My daughter joined us in time for a yummy lunch out and we had a great day.  Tuesday and Wednesday I spent most of the day running errands and getting some appraisals for my mom.  It was exhausting - both physically and emotionally because it involved some of my dad's treasures dating back to his childhood (he passed away in 1991).   Anyway, by Thursday I was totally ready for our mini-vacation to Branson.  We stayed at the Chateau on the Lake, which I highly recommend - it is a beautiful place and we loved it!  We had a great meal out, then watched my alma mater play football (go Pokes!).  Friday we got lucky again with Sadie's Sideboard for breakfast (which included live country music - only in Branson - lol), toured a winery and then spent the day at Branson Landing - it is awesome (and new since I was last there).  We walked for miles, shopped, had ice cream,

watched the water/fire show two or three times.....and just had a wonderful, wonderful day together.  I got to spend Saturday and part of Sunday with my daughter and had a quick visit with my son, daughter-in-law and teeny grandson-to-be!   I love, love, love spending any kind of time (short OR long) with my kids!!

My 9-1/2 days came to an end way too quickly and it was back to the grind on Monday.  I can honestly say that taking time off from work - whether you have anything to do or not - is really GOOD for the soul.   I have enjoyed work so much more this week - I feel rested and restored!!  And spending an entire week with my hubby served as a reminder as to why I love him so much....because

And I married it!!!!!!  <3

Not a very exciting blog, I know, but just another week in the life!!! 

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

That's what little boys are made of.   This day in the life is devoted to my soon-to-be grandson - because my daughter and I have been crazily planning our family baby shower.  It will be at Great Grandma Nene's house in October.   Since this is my first grandbaby, from my first born and only son, I already love this precious little guy like there's no tomorrow, so I want this event to be perfect in every way!  His Mommy wants to have a sports themed shower and with football in full swing starting last Saturday (Go Pokes - win  #1!), the planning has been easy and fun!! Pictures to follow next month.

I am pretty positive now that the baby will be Brayden Michael.  Michael is also my son's middle name, so it makes me happy that he is passing it on to his son.   I wouldn't be all caught up on the name if I weren't making my grandson the 'traditional' Christmas stocking.  This tradition was started by my Memaw (my mom's mom).  She started making beautiful sequined stockings when my big brother was born and made the last one for my niece, who just turned 19.  After that one, her vision was getting poor....and then she started to suffer from dementia.  I was lucky in that I spent lots of time with her growing up and after I married, she shared her templates for the stockings and I have now taken over what she started.  This is a family tradition that I hope will go on for generations to come - and I can just see her smiling down from heaven (and probably critiquing my sewing skills!!)

Since I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks....I think I should stop and post this.   More to come because I am on vacation this entire week and will hopefully have more to blog about!   Until then, it's just another day in the life!