Halloween pictures!

IT WORKED!

**** Pictures from Trunk or Treat! Enjoy!

**** Thanks to Leah for the cheer outfit. That was really fun for me! BTW - when Paige said she wasn't good at taking pictures, she wasn't kidding! This is the only blurry one! :) Scott WAS going to dress up as a male cheerleader - but he showed up too late to dress up...

The back splash! What do you think?

Ok, here are the pictures!

****The first picture was taken before we got possession of the house. Yes, this is a disaster. I can still remember the smell of shrimp wafting through the house. Yuck.

****The second is of the original stove, again taken when the previous owners were still here. Notice the tin foil that lined the back and sides of the cabinets. Yes, that was there to cover the burnt marks on the cabinets from the previous grease fire.

****The third is of the cabinets mid painting. At this point, we had the new appliances in, and the counters and floors had been put in as well. Of course, the entire kitchen looks unbelievably cluttered - and that's OUR MESS!

****The fourth is of the tile, pre-grout. NO, I did not take a before pic of the back splash. It was bare sheet rock from where we had pulled the wallpaper down. I meant to take a pic last Friday morning, but in my busyness I forgot.

****And, the fifth is post grout! I almost had a disaster getting the bits of grout up off the counters and stove - like living at a beach house and having sand everywhere. But, we are so happy with the results! Every time we update something, I think, "This is the best thing we have done" - and I think that about this back splash! A local flooring business here in Millbrook did it, and we got a good deal on the project.

****Thanks for all the encouraging comments all along. Our house is becoming our home.

****AS other bloggers have complained, SORRY that the writing is all jumbled! It wasn't typed that way!****

Weekend update

Here we go!:

I am starting with some pictures of the party at the barn. We had a great time and the horses' costumes were very inventive! I don't have pictures of everyone, but I (of course) got plenty of pictures of Kate. She had a blast and enjoyed spending time with Reed. He was very cute, too!

Nia and I took the Jr. and Sr. High girls to Ruby Tuesdays to reveal their secret sisters. We all had a really good time. The girls were just so much fun to teach (even challenging at times). I was glad for the opportunity.

Gran Gran and Paw Paw were also down for the weekend. Kate was her shy self - bless her, she is her mother's child. But, she warmed up and I think that she gave them a good time. Brooks was really good the whole time. He is a different child since those teeth came in, and I am glad to have my sweet baby back!

Baby bird

Wow - have we been busy! :)

This week has been a good one at the Busby house. For starters, did I tell you that we have another cat? Before you think we are REALLY crazy, let me tell you that this cat found us. He is going to stay an outside cat. We have named him Frank. He is so good with Kate, and she just loves him. I took him into work and neutered and vaccinated him so he is official.

The best thing is we are getting our backsplash tiled! They set the tile yesterday and are going to grout it this morning. I have pictures to post when I have time - but it looks so great! When Kate woke from her nap, she came into the kitchen and said, "Mama, look at all the diamonds!" (we have it set on a diagonal)

Anyway, the rest of our busyness is somewhat boring so I will spare you the details. Scott's parents are in town and are going to love up on our kids this weekend. We will have lots of pictures to show of the barn party and kitchen next week!

Pumkin Pie

What a sweet girl we have...

We went to the Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, and it was the best ever! I don't know if I had more fun or if the kids did. We got 2 pumpkins to bring home that are on the front porch. We got really big ones! Glad that Scott could carry them - in fact the pumpkins rode in the stroller on the way to the car, while I carried Brooks and Kate walked. We are definitely going back next year!

We have just had such a nice weekend. I'm looking forward to next week! Scott's parents are coming for a visit, and we have 2 Halloween parties to go to on Saturday! What fun. One of them is a Halloween party at the barn, and Kate and Reed (my horse) will be dressing up like ladybugs. Uncle Mark just can't imagine it, but I think he will be surprised.

http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?source=ppsl&instanceid=88249890

Sorry, I was never able to get these pictures to post. I will use another service next time.

We're doing our part.

For those who aren't aware, this weekend in Montgomery has been designated a "crime free weekend".

Just wanted you all to know that we plan on doing our part.

Nope, no crimes for the Busby's this weekend.

Isn't public service rewarding?

White towels

I feel like it's really the fall, because we are getting so busy with places we are going and things we are doing! I hopefully won't get things confused as I try to keep them straight.

Can you ever underestimate the feel of a brand new white towel?

This week, I finally used a Macy's gift card I have had for several months and bought some new towels. They got here yesterday and they are just so soft and clean. Towels are on my list of things that are always nice to have new, but I NEVER think of getting them. Like a new pair of scissors. How often do you ever buy scissors? How often do you wish you had a good pair?

What other things are there out there that are great to get, but you never think to actually BUY them?

Our week

I will catch you up on what we have been doing these past weeks.

For starters, 2 weekends ago, our former adopted student Holly came up for homecoming at FU. She stayed with us on Sat. night, and we had a great time. Kate really enjoyed seeing her, and she remembered her, too! Our new adopted student, Mattie, came over for supper that Sat night and it was fun seeing our adopted students together!

This past weekend we spent Saturday painting inside the house. Scott has caulked the crown molding in the living room, and I got the mantle painted, and some of the window casings painted too. There is so much still to do inside our house, but we are back on track working on it. (we have taken breaks here and there). I also got our dining room table painted with primer - and it is ready for a paint coat... I am going to do a treatment similar to our cabinets, but make the chocolate glaze darker. I also have 4 casters to place under the table legs to raise the height a bit.

The past few weeks at work have been really nice. Busy, but not overwhelming. Kathleen called me today and told me that Kirk was probably going to call to see if I could possibly help with their clinic in Dothan - I would love to get to work with Kirk. But, it will be a job to get down there - leaving the kids here, of course. We'll see - if he needs me.

Life is returning to normal since losing Jack. It is now much easier to think about happier times and funnier days. We still miss him, and Kate still remembers to thank God for him in her prayers at night. She hasn't asked about him but still thanks God for him. She is such a sweet girl.

Brooks is still teething - I can see 4 teeth on the verge of eruption - and there are probably more. He has been incredibly difficult for the last 3 weeks. While I am trying to understand, it is still frustrating. He can be so sweet and so good, and so frustrating at times. Much more than Kate ever has been. Kathleen suggested the book by James Dobson about raising strong willed boys. I think I need to read it.

We are anxiously getting ready to go to the Mountains. It is only 2 weeks away - so hard to believe! Kate has been saying, "Gon to see Papa, Gon see Boots (his dog)". That tickles Papa good.

Well, I think that pretty much covers it. I am thankful for a less stressful week than the last.

A typical day... no kidding

Notice Kate sitting on Scott's back.

My Man

1. Who is your man? Scott Busby

2. How long have you been together? 13 1/2 years! How time flies!

3. How long did you date? Almost 3 years

4. How old is your man? 36

5. Who eats more? Hands down, Scott. He eats a better variety than I do, too. Anyone who knows me knows this is a pointless question...

6. Who said "I love you " first? Scott. We had been dating about 6 months when he first told me. I told him that I didn't want him to tell me unless he really meant it. And, he did!

7. Who is taller? Scott by a 3 inches. Another reason I didn't wear shoes when we got married.

8. Who sings better? I do - I was in chorus in college. Singing in church is the best.

9. Who is smarter? I would say we are both smart in different ways.

10. Whose temper is worse? Yes, that would have to be me. Scott is much more even tempered than I am.

11. Who does the laundry? Me, usually. I like to do the kids clothes to make sure that the stains are gone.

12. Who takes out the garbage? Scott, usually.

13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Uh, which side is the right side? HA! If you are in the bed, I sleep on the right side.

14. Who pays the bills? Me.

15. Who is better with the computer? Definitely me.

16. Who mows the lawn? Scott. I have too much to do inside to tackle that!

17. Who cooks dinner? When dinner is cooked, I do it. Scott would say that isn't very often.

18. Who drives when you are together? Scott. Kate calls it "Daddy's seat".

19. Who pays when you go out? Me, usually. I keep the checkbook and debit card.

20. Who is most stubborn? OH BROTHER! Me, definitely (yes, keep laughing Casey and Mom!). Our family is known for stubborn offspring!

21. Who is the 1st to admit when they are wrong? Scott is - remember who is most stubborn?

22. Whose parents do you see the most? Mine, because they live in town.

23. Who kissed who first? Scott kissed me. If he would have waited for me, we might still be dating.

24. Who asked who out? Scott. When he asked me, I didn't think he was serious. I told him he could find my phone number if he was really serious. Then he called... boy, was I embarrassed!

25. Who proposed? Scott

26. Who is more sensitive? I am more sensitive, but Scott is more romantic.

27. Who has more friends? I think I do, because I really crave good girlfriends. Plus, I usually keep up with distant friends better.

28. Who has more siblings? Me - I have 2 and he has 1.

29. Who wears the pants in the family? Scott, of course. I love him being in charge and the head of our family. It means a lot to me, as a wife.

My Jack

What do you say when you've had a cat for 12 1/2 years?

We lost our cat, Jack, on Monday. All I can say is I am heartbroken.

I remember so well when I took him home as a kitten. He was the orange kitten that was climbing the front of the cage, where the other kittens just sat inside. The foreshadowing of quite a personality.

This cat was more dog than cat. He was the one who greeted people at the door when we had visitors. He was the one who would open all my kitchen cabinet doors while I was gone, which would freak me out. He got into more trouble than any other cat I have had. And, now I miss him terribly.

The last few days I have tried to remember all the ways he just aggravated me, but I just can't. All I can think of is this link to my college days, getting married, our first house, vet school and children is gone. I feel that him being gone this way, I let him down. And, in turn, let myself down. Of course, had I known, I would have done things differently. But, being human and not knowing, I don't think I would have.

Thank goodness our kids are too young to understand. That also makes me sad, because they will never remember him. But, I guess that would be more for my comfort, not theirs.

Having lost special pets before, I know that time will help. I just wish time would speed up for a little while.

And then I kissed him inside, do you want me to call your Mama?

2 funnies from my day:

Conversation of a friend with her YOUNG daughter:

"Mama, I told Johnny he was my boyfriend"
"You did?" said her Mom
"And, I kissed him Mama"
"Oh, and where did you kiss him?"
"Outside"
"And, then I kissed him inside"


From a client of a very unruly cat: "Dr. Busby, I meant to tell the receptionist, the next time Midnight is here and you think he is going to act up, I want you to tell him, 'Midnight, do you want me to call your Mama?'

"Mrs. Smith, I don't think that would make Midnight calm down."

"Really?" said Mrs. Smith seriously. "You don't think so?"

I know he doesn't feel good, but

Let me tell you, it was one of those mornings. Scott had to leave early again for another dental/post op checkup in Prattville. I got the kids up and going with milk and Tigger and Pooh. Brooks is happy for about 10 minutes after drinking his milk, then the tears came. Again.

He has been sick since last Saturday. Granted, he isn't running a fever anymore, but he is coughing and cranky.

So, I just put him back to bed. Well, it worked! He slept from 8am-9:30. By then, I had Kate and myself ready, and we got Brooks and headed out shopping. We got many errands run in Prattville and ended up at Pizza Hut at Target. Well, they both ate like a charm (thank goodness, because I had not a drop of baby food or milk with me). So, we got our errands run.

The kids enjoyed getting out, as I did.

Yes, I took my coughing child out to run errands.

I just needed a break from our house and his crying.

We ended up at Dr. Simon's office today with Brooks. He is coughing his head off, but otherwise feeling fine! So we got a thumbs up - clear chest, throat, ears. While I'm thankful for that, I hope that these things don't get worse while we are dealing with this cough.

Scott got a filling this morning - poor thing. His life has been about his teeth lately. But, I must say that he is a trooper and survived another appt at Dr. Lumpkin's office. That office needs to send us a Christmas thank you card this year for our patronage.

May I just say that I am so ready for Christmas?!?! I can't wait to make some holiday memories in our new house to make it feel more like home. I have so many ideas of things to do - time will tell which will actually come to fruition. One things for sure - I have 3 Christmas trees to put up this year! Scott is SO EXCITED!

BUNCO!

Oh, and I forgot to say, that BUNCO started back again on Monday night! What fun. The food was delicious and the play was fantastic. I have to say, I was really skeptical about doing this at first, but 3 years later it is something that I really look forward to!

And Leah, Scott was really excited about the potential of the final prize. I think that he will start counting Sunday nights before BUNCO as "holidays".

Here is a picture of Kate before church on Sunday. I stayed home with Brooks that morning, and Scott stayed home with him that night. He is feeling fine now - I am just sneezing and have a congested head.