We didn't carve pumpkins (although I heard a complaint about it just last night), the tomb stones that usually confetti our yard are being held hostage in the garage rafters. Instead I have a morphed plastic jack-o-lantern and an adorable raffia lighted witches hat on my front porch. Of the five trick-r-treaters so far not a complaint of my lack of Halloween spirited decorations--except the moans and howls from my own off spring which I totally disregard.

I have graduated to a new phase in my Halloween life--dog is man's best friend. Thankfully I have Uli [puppy] to keep me company tonight.

No need to brew up the customary Halloween fare-- pot-o-chili and roasted weenies. I had McDonald's toss me-- from the drive-thru window while Demi was at piano lessons --a rather cold Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese. My spousal unit is off protecting and serving (where I am sure he will dole out the customary bags of chips from his squad car) , while our off spring have found new locations to celebrate this ghoulish evening. Alee (the pirate) is headed to I-Hop in full regal, with the "council" (aka her closest friends). While Maddi (the red hat lady) has retreated to a lively neighborhood (of more youthful neighbors) with her posse. Demi (Raggedy Anne) has hooked up with her school chum up the street to scavenger our neighborhood (hoping that the dinosaur couple up the street hands out there famous single piece of Juicy Fruit gum). So that leaves me, a big bowl of candy-- this years treats are DOTS, snickers, sour patch kids, smarties, nerds and for the non candy lover, stickers--and the dog.

I suppose I will scroll the satellite guide for a spooky Halloween movie; say The Shining, Carrie or Bride of Chucky.

Don't feel sorry for me, no sirre, there is a certain calming peace to this new phase in my life, I think I may enjoy it.

Happy Halloween all you ghosts and goblins!

A fully loaded but, exciting weekend! We packed in as many middle schoolers in the house Friday night (that a mother can mentally tolerate) for game five of the World Series. The two Maddi's and Nikki represented the eighth grade. They represented well, as the Cards brought home a winner and the clincher! Whoa-hooo Cardinals!!!!!!!!

Saturday was the final competition of the marching band season--Greater St. Louis Marching Festival at the Edward Jones Dome. The band continued its hot winning streak--they took first place in the Gold Division with honors for Best Music and Best Percussion. That's Alee playing the flute on the 40 yard line.

Alee and the LHS Spirit of STL Marching Band were invited to parade down Market Street in honor of the Cardinals victory...I can almost hear them playing STL Blues. Alee second from the end

Kevin, Debbie and Dan did a fantastic job letting those other fans know there place, no one was getting our front row viewing spot (that we staked claim to 2.5 hours before the parade start)!

It was insane a real dog eat dog experience keeping people from our front row street curb spot to see the World Series Parade, but we did--all to see this the grande of baseball trophies. Oh, and those ball players look hotter up close in street clothes than they do on the field in there ball uniforms. We love the Cardinals!

We can hardly contain ourselves tonight...

THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!

Now sister you can proudly wear your Cardinal attire as you walk the streets of Detroit.

The stadium cleared out with just this sad notice on the big screen  

While roaming they still managed to capture the "spirit" of the series 

Well boys got a pair of FREE tickets to the World Series Game 4 and then...RAIN OUT!  

I am off this morning to the blood bank to harvest my platelets--I need some extra cash to offset the cost of the allergy medication I will be taking so Demi can have the love of Uli in her childhood memories. Therapy may have been a cheaper option but, like I said I weakened.

After that I am off to harvest that newly regenerated portion of my liver--Maddi is getting (phase two) braces tomorrow morning. Now thanks to the cash I will receive from the organ harvest, the doctor will be able to purchase at least 10 tanks of gas for that behemoth vehicle he drives, the bright yellow Hummer.

Then I'll come home, bake cup cakes with red and white sprinkles atop. We will sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" (in addition to Happy Birthday) while we watch-- on the big screen-- the Cards beat the Tigers in game 4 of the World Series.

Happy Birthday Demi!
Go Cards!!

Happy 12th Birthday Demi!

I am weak! Very weak!! I caved to the pressure of a little girl's desire.

Welcome to our home Uli (pronounced ooo-lee, after our favorite fashion designer on Project Runway)

Donned in my green/gold school spirited attire I first did my high school concession stand duty (in the name of the marching band) where, I can now add hot chocolate princess to my resume. Although if I run into that eight year old SOB who ordered his bone warming beverage-- while 100 other shivering Flyer Fans stood behind -- 6 marshmallows and 2 ice cubes; well let's just say he better run fast...

Then I transformed.

I wore my new yummy size 6 denim skirt and my black boots to the casual (bar night) gathering of my high school reunion. I managed to enjoy 2.4 of the four martini's I was served, but purchased only one--thanks whoever you are who kept me with a red drink in hand (or on my boots or on Monica's white shirt, etc.). I proclaim myself the only one who gained sophistication--being the only one who consumed a drink not from a bottle containing yeast or that is brewed down the road. Although I am sure the subject is open to debate.

Here's one encounter I had that evening. Name has been changed to protect idenity.

blonde girl: Hi Paula!

Me: No, Jodi

blonde girl: Aren't you Paula?

Me: hmmmm I believe I just said "no jodi"-- blonde girl shake your head to expose your true hair color let your roots breathe your brain may catch a breath, I think I just said I was not Paula No, sorry, I'm Jodi (states madian name)

blonde girl: I thought you were Paula so-in-so, you look just like her

Me: do not but whatever...talking all sweet Nope sorry not Paula but that's okay you know they say we all have a twin somewhere in the world mine must be Paula and after all these years who knows maybe I do look like Paula okay miss I was a cheerleader freshman year you just caused me to spill my martini, go away, go find Paula even though she isn't here tonight

In the end I was glad I went to at least a portion of the two night affair, seeing the people I cared to see--old friends, constant friends. But you know I just ain't cut out for late night partying anymore. I drug around all day Saturday like I was in a drunken stooper because I was so blasted tired. Sleep is such a beautiful thing. I was reminded of that.

Thank God this thing only comes around every 5 years!

Go ahead say it, bitch, I don't care because I made my own day...

I lost 6.5 pounds, have 7 pounds left to lose to be back to my fighting weight I attained last Christmas. But the thing that has me playing and singing Lionel Richie's "Dancing on the Ceiling" is... I bought a stretch denim skirt last night--SIZE 6!

And it makes me look like I have less junk in my trunk :-)

And the Oscar goes to...

The list hung in the counselor's office, I suppose no better place than there in the case that an emotional break down occurs when you realize you didn't get the part you tried out for in the school play.

Demi on the other hand tried out for a "villager" for this year's middle school production of Beauty and the Beast, and she got a better part--a silly girl.

It just doesn't seem right that this early in October that is so chilly outside...I think I am going to put on my swimsuit, crank up the heat in the house, make myself a foo-foo tropical beverage (doused with alcohol) and pretend it is summer.

This morning for breakfast I warmed the hearts and stomachs of my girls with corn bread straight from the oven. The sweet aroma was a perfect touch on an October 35* morning.

Then I warmed my own heart by making reservations to visit my sister in Detroit.

Superstitions aside--I think this Friday the 13th is going to be A-O-Kay!

Maddi's middle name is changing to $40 co-pay--why can't this child just have issues that require a visit to the pediatrician? Not Maddi, she's always been extra special--needs a specialist in every corner of St. Louis.

Today we took a trip The Spine Center for a scoliosis check up. I said my prayers last night that her curve would improve and at most stay the same...so much for my prayers being heard the way I intended. Instead her curve has increased in degree. She is now at 23*. We will return in 6 months if the curve has increased 5* more they will brace her.

Eyes: almost there
Spine: ever changing
Teeth: preparing for braces in two weeks

I just know for all the crookedness in Maddi's being God has to have something extraoredinarily special planned and waiting for her!

Meet Bobby.

Bobby is a pin up from this month's CosmoGirl magazine. He was the "girl bus" mascot (girl/boy bus only on the way down for uniform changing purposes) on the band trip to Springfield for competition.

One band director told the girls on Sunday morning Bobby needed to come down--the boys bus couldn't have stuff like that... the other band director wanted to know how the girls got his college photo--funny guy!

I myself think a little eye candy is good for the soul ;-)

I'm having one of those moment in time where everything is going so swimmingly it doesn't even warrant a blog.

Went to the opening last night for the Hwy 61 Roadhouse & Kitchen--company was great, atmosphere was fun, appltini(s) was great, and the BBQ spaghetti!

Spaghetti tossed in BBQ sauce with tender chunks of pulled pork tossed through...dam that was deeee-licious!

Oh my gosh I almost forgot, and how I don't know, the andouille arancini--the mix of Creole rice, andouille sausage and asiago cheese rolled into generous sized balls,breaded and deep fried with a side of dipping sauce. Mmmmm!


Good job Bill. I know it will be a great success!

It was 620am as I watched teens move through the high school parking lot towards the buildings in a lumbering pace; I am not much better myself in movement.

At nearly 123opm I can not credit myself for accomplishing much (much more than brushing my teeth and sticking a letter in the mailbox)-- I drag around the house at a snail's pace.

Some housewife I am!

I must have fashion sucker written across my heart.

Alee got an invitation to another school's homecoming (which she accepted) and I offered to buy her another dress as long as she could work it with the menagerie of shoes she already owns.

I must have fashion sucker written across my heart.

Not only did I get her a dress but, shoes too. Shoes that, well let's just say I shouldn't have weakened to the purchase--I did.

I must have fashion sucker written across my heart.

I plan at some point and time to have these shoes bronzed--they will be placed on the book case next to her first pair of shoes.

Her escort better not only tell her she looks nice but tell her "gorgeous shoes!".