Pumpkin Carving- Palooza #WW

RMM's 3 Year Blogiversary

Its official! Render Me Mama is officially 3 years old today. I spent a little time going back through and looking at all the old posts. Watching my boys grow up and my writing mature. Over the years its become more than the baby book it started out as. Its become a journal of my life, good and bad, in a way that I didn't expect would pull at my heartstrings quite as much as it does. Looking back on the good times of my now ending marriage, the times when K was just a teeny baby and when D first started showing real signs of growing up.

Looking through, I decided to share some of my favorite posts over the last three years but then I realized if I shared all of my favorite memories, it would be forever long and boring as a dead mouse to just about anyone but me. So, I cut it down to my favorite 3 posts. One from each year.

The first year, K was still a little baby. He was just almost six weeks when I started the blog and I could not have been more in love with him and his big brother (still am!). My favorite thing in the whole world was to just curl up with my boys and spend time smelling their smell and kissing their little faces. One afternoon, I was having a hard day and my boys knew just what I needed. Which lead to my realization that baby snuggles could, of course, heal the world.

The second year, I was getting more comfortable in my own blogging skin and started to share a little more. It was a good year for us. Of course, good always equals complete craziness for us but still, we all had each other. The post that sticks with me though is my 10 Promises to My Children post. I still remind myself of those very promises every day. Its something that I have considered over and over printing and framing for the kitchen. Maybe one of these days I will do just that. To remind myself that they are little and they need me most of all.

Then of course there is this year. This year has been a whirlwind of complete crazy. Its one that if not for this blog, I would probably just try to delete from my memory all together. It has had its good times but its definitely had its rock bottoms too. It can only go up from here. I think the hardest one that I have had to publish, ever, was the one about my miscarriage this Spring. It still makes my heart hurt all the way through to think about. I would have had a baby again. An almost two month old. Gah, now I'm crying again.

Of course, who knows what the future holds for my little family but I do look forward to sharing it and having these memoirs to hold on to. There are days where I consider giving up and saying goodbye to the blogging world. Those days are few though when I think back about the people I have met and the people I will someday meet and all the memories that are coming around to be written about.

Grow old with me, the best is yet to be ~ Robert Browning

Random Acts of Kindness in November

November is almost here. November is a tween month for me. Its one where its time to reflect and take time to be thankful for where my year has taken me since the last one and get geared up for the Christmas crazies. Its when I get to spend time with family that I rarely see 

This year, November is bringing a new challange. In fact, it comes one of the biggest challenges of the 2012 list. The 30 days of Random Acts of Kindness. My friend Nicole turned me on to this last year when she completed the challenge and it sounded like something that would be fun to do with my boys. A little something to get them involved in giving back and taking an active part in bettering other people's lives, even if it was in some tiny, seemingly insignificant way.

The process is simple do 30 random, kind things for 30 people. You can do 30 things in one day or do 1 thing everyday for 30 days. However you do it, the idea is to extend your heart to bless someone's day in an unexpected way.

I have a few ideas of things to do already but some of them I am expecting will just happen. A by the seat of the pants kind of experiment in kindness I guess. I will be doing a weekly post to share what we have done that week. I am hoping to include my boys on the decisions and "acts" as much as possible. To learn to give as much kindness as possible and see the benefits it makes in your heart.


So, if you are up for the challange, join in. Share your RAK story. Or even just share some ideas! Either way, I challenge you to do some good this month. Prepare your heart for the giving season and make it a habit to continually do something kind for someone. There is no way to lose at this.

Life on an Unexpected Road... (*Guest Post*)

Today's guest post is written by one of my good friends. Ashley writes at her blog Momma on a Mission has been married for almost 10 years, has three awesome boys, is a homeschooling momma, hobby photographer, and professional crafter! Earlier this year, Ashley's youngest son was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis and Ashley has become both a fierce advocate for her son and played an important roll informing the public about the disease. Earlier this year, her youngest son wwas diagnose with juvilnile Arthritis and has taken to her blog to provide awarness and information for parents. To date she has spoken at a recent Arthritis Foundation event and hopes to be more involved with the them in the future. Her hope is to bring more awareness to this disease and provide a place of support and encouragement for other families as well.

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It’s been almost ten months since Monkey was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis and what a crazy ride it’s been so far. Full of many downs but also full of some great and unexpected highs. We’ve seen the OR room, tiny exam rooms, and needles more than we’d like, but, we’ve also received some nice surprises and met so many kind doctors, nurses, and found many new friends to help us along the way. We’ve even gotten the chance to be a part of some great events and look forward to being part of many more!

I’ve also found that this road is tricky…it’s not straight or clear. There are so many twists and turns and often times you’re in an area where even if there were a parenting GPS you wouldn’t get a signal. I’m fully convinced though that we as parents are given every gift and blessing to parent the children that God gave us. He has equipped us with every tool we need to be the perfect provider, nurse, comforter, and guide for them. This realization has given me faith and strength as we’ve walked down the road of JA. I may not be able to fix everything or make it all better but I know that I am doing my best and that IS best.

So if you and your family are walking down an unknown road leading you places you’ve never been and dealing with a disease or hardship you never expected remember that you were made for this. You alone have what it takes to be a source of strength and love for your babies and your family. Have faith my friend, and when you feel weak remember that there are others out here just like you holding you up and supporting you with prayers and thoughts. xo


(If you or someone you know is seeking a source of support or encouragement please feel free to pass along Ashley's Blog. She is also available via email (mommaonamission@comcast.net) and is more than happy to talk to those who are needing someone to listen.)

Sabbatical

Its that time of year again. The time of year when I am gearing up for NaBloPoMo and the holiday season. The time of year where the fun of summer is over and we are all trying to prepare our selves for the Winter in one way or another.

Last year about this time I took a break from everything digital. I signed off Facebook, Twitter and RMM for awhile. It was good for my soul. It was good for my relationships. Most of all, it gave me some focus. I came back more relaxed and focused on where I wanted to be blog wise. It made me realize that FB is the devil and that you really just can't keep up on Twitter no matter how hard you try.

At the time I thought it was probably just a one time type deal. Then, a few weeks ago, the unrest started to come back. The need for a break. Last week, I found out some things about my health that need immediate attention as well. So, the decision has been made. I'll be MIA for the week.

The good news is that I have a couple of awesome guest bloggers that are going to fill in while I am on this little break so be sure to come back and check out their stories, pictures, and blogs. Hopefully you will find some people that strike your fancy and you will make some new friends or find some new people to follow. Good for all!

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to unplug though, join me. Turn off your notifications and log off the computer. Black out so to speak. I promise you will not regret it.

I'll be back next Monday with some new stories and adventures for you. If you need me in the meantime, email me or call me. Don't forget too that NaBloPoMo 2012 starts next week! Time to gear up for the awesome! See you on the other side.

Day of the Dead Come to @ATLHistCenter

Sunday, October 28th, enjoy a day of cultural exploration during the Atlanta History Center’s annual family program, Day of the Dead or Dia de Muertos. Visitors of all ages enjoy learning about this ancient festival rooted in Mexican heritage and that serves as a way for families to remember their deceased loved ones while celebrating their children and the continuity of life. Smiling faces, swirling brilliant colors, storytelling, and elaborately decorated altars designed to honor lost family and friends, and authentic Mexican food, music, and performances are highlights of this celebration.

The Atlanta History Center, one of my favorite places to visit in Atlanta, has presented this annual family program in collaboration with the Instituto de Mexico and the Mexican Consulate with support by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council for more than ten years.

FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES:

• Noon- Welcome music and ongoing craft and food activities. Elaborately decorated altars on display in Grand Overlook Ballroom
• Ongoing:

• 1:15- Alma Mexicana; Folkloric Dance
• 12:45 - 2:00- Chicahua Yolotli; Aztec Dance
• 1:15 - Dance Calballo, Dance Paloma, Dance Fuego, Dance Mallimali
• 2:30- Youth Marimba Group from Oaxaca Mexico
• 2:00 - 3:00- Alma Mexicana; Folkloric Dance
• 2:30 - 3:30- Certificates of participation, Altar Exhibit
• 3:00 - 4:00- Chicahua Yolotli; Aztec Dance
• 3:30 - Dance Mayahuel, Dance Tonatzin, Dance Venado
• 4:00 - 4:30- Youth Marimba Group from Oaxaca Mexico
• 4:30 - 5:00- Mariachi; Pepe Lopez

The best part is this outdoor program is free; special half off admission offer to the Atlanta History Museum, historic houses, and gardens during Day of the Dead (Food and drinks are available for purchase). For more information, please call 404.814.4000 or visit AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/family

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ABOUT THE ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER: Founded in 1926, the Atlanta History Center is an all-inclusive, thirty-three-acre destination featuring the Atlanta History Museum, one of the Southeast’s largest history museums; two historic houses, the 1928 Swan House and the 1860 Smith Family Farm; the Centennial Olympic Games Museum; the Kenan Research Center; the Grand Overlook event space; Chick-Fil-A at the Coca-Cola Café, a museum shop, and acres of Historic Gardens with paths and the kid-friendly Connor Brown Discovery Trail.   In addition, the History Center operates the Margaret Mitchell House. Located in Midtown Atlanta, the two-acre campus features tours of the apartment where Margaret Mitchell wrote her Pulitzer Prize- winning novel, Gone With the Wind, an exhibition highlighting the life of Margaret Mitchell, a Gone With the Wind movie exhibition, and a museum shop. For information on Atlanta History Center offerings, hours of operation and admission call 404.814.4000 or visit AtlantaHistoryCenter.com.

Budgeting for Our New Life

When I started having babies, the plan was for me to stay home with them until at least they were all in school or we started homeschooling. I wanted to be able to be there for my kids like my mother was for my sister and I growing up. Financially, it made sense as well. Day care is not cheap. In the Atlanta area a reasonable day care for young children averages about $1400 a month for two children which would have mostly negated anything that I was able to pull in anyway. We squeaked by, barely, but we made it work.

Now I am facing a different kind of situation. As a newly single parent and responsible for almost all of this little family's wealth management, I have had to reorganize and re- prioritize. I would personally say its been an uphill battle but looking back at the things I have accomplished, I would also say that it is working! My boys are both attending preschool and are involved in sports which they were unable to do previously because of limited funds.

The first thing I did to help us, was to set up a firm budget and learn not to stray from it. At the beginning the budget was ridiculously sparse. As time has gone on though, I have learned not to count on certain things and learned to accept legal help when offered. Now, my budget allows for things to flex and move as needed but it is set to where I can't slip up and make that one small mistake that costs us the means to live comfortably. Things are still very tight so its important to not end up with fees that are always bad, bad news.

Of course a big part of my motivation is my boys. I want them to grow up in a secure household but I also want them to grow up money smart. I want to be able to show them the benefits of having a solid budget and saving for the things we want instead of making impulse purchases and breaking form.

I have started involving in them in some of the (age appropriate) household decisions. They do the grocery shopping with me and they pick out their own clothing with in a certain budget. Of course D understands this a lot more easily than K but he is a smart kid, he will catch on.

Of course another way I have started involving them is to talk about money openly with them. Explaining that we just can't afford ___ or that ___ would be a lot cheaper and a lot more fun. The biggest place we have seen that is the difference between going to an ice cream parlor or grabbing a gallon and heading home. Or if we get to the end of the month and have some left over after saving some, I involve them in making the decision of how we should treat ourselves.

Its been a learning experience for us all but I think it has been a lesson we have all needed. I have always been rather notoriously cheap but having a budget to stick to is helping me to realize where the money needs to be and how to best make the most of every single dollar. Who can argue the value of learning that lesson?

What are some of the challenges you face in your budget? Have you got one that you stick to? How do you talk to your kids about money?

*This post was sponsored by Genworth Financial but the opinons and story are all mine.

Sleeping Princes #WW

Oh, how I love them so...

Still Swingin' on #TuneInTuesday

A very good friend of mine started up a new weekly link up called "Tune in Tuesdays". Those of you who have been around awhile remember the Music Mondays days around here and this is the same premise. A song you love to share with the group.

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We're just living for today

Keep our light on in the haze

Yeah forever we will stay

We are the ones still swinging*

*Also: Exploding Zombies.

Medieval Times Teams Up to Fight Breast Cancer! *Win Passes*

We all know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every where you look there are those pink reminders to get yourself checked and make sure all of your girlfriends and Mamas and sisters do too. Breast cancer is unfortunately prevalent in our society but there are scores of doctors and researchers out there working diligently to find a cure for the disease that plagues so many women.

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is proud to be one of those. In fact, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is Georgia's first and only cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). For more than 65 years, The Winship Cancer Institute has worked tirelessly to prevent, treat and cure cancer.

This year, Medieval Times Atlanta has joined the FIGHT FOR THE CAUSE! If their Facebook page reaches 4,000 LIKES by the end of the month, Medieval Times will donate $1,000 to Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. Would you like a page to support Breast Cancer research? I know I would and I encourage you and everyone you know to do the same! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter easily!

In fact, If you do, come back here and let me know and one lucky reader will win a Family Four-Pack of tickets to one of Medieval Times, Atlanta’s shows Sunday-Friday through the end of December. All you have to do use the Rafflecopter below to get your entries in before 10/19! Trust me, Medieval Times Atlanta is AMAZING!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and have fun with it! This is one battle we definitely want to win!

Review: Disney On Ice: Rockin' Ever After

You may remember that last year the boys and I were lucky enough to go and check out the Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream show when it came through Atlanta and it most certainly didn't disappoint. So, of course when we got the chance to head back ITP and see Disney's newest ice skating spectacular, I jumped at the chance and it was just as amazing as it was last year!

When arrived at the arena and took our seats, we immediately noticed that the "stage" seemed smaller than it was last year. Of course we were in different seats so it could have just been the angle but either way, it didn't matter. It is truly amazing to watch this show on any kind of stage but the fact that these actors are doing it on ice skates makes it even more surreal. Its a caliber of talent that is completely unmatched in my book.

This year we got to see a lot more of the characters that I remember from my childhood. There was Ariel and Sebastian telling the story of the Little Mermaid. Which was gorgeous to watch with the most colorful costumes and scenery it was probably as fun to put on as it was to watch.

Of course then there was Tangled and Brave which are the two newest but they most certainly were the young ones favorites. My K is obsessed with Tangled right now and he had a blast singing and bopping along with all of his favorite songs. Brave, which took hold of my heart this spring, was short and sweet but the songs and action had us all on the edge of our seats in excitement.

Last but not least was the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. One of my all time favorite movies. I'll admit, I wondered how they were going to pull off the whole beast thing but they did! It was a seamless and captivating performance that gave you the feeling of being right there in the movie. Perfect.

All in all, this years show seemed to be a little shorter and less extravagant all the way around but it most certainly didn't lack any entertainment. We had a blast and I know that anyone with kids would too. If you are in the Atlanta area and are looking for show times and tickets, check out Disney's site for all the info. Even if you aren't reading this from Atlanta, you can get the information about the show coming closest to your hometown and snap up some seats before they sell out!

*I was given a set of tickets in exchange for this review but all opinions are my own and are completely honest. It really is that awesome.

Hallelujah on #TuneInTuesday

A very good friend of mine started up a new weekly link up called "Tune in Tuesdays". Those of you who have been around awhile remember the Music Mondays days around here and this is the same premise. A song you love to share with the group.

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I love this song. There must be at least a million remakes of this song (originally by Leonard Cohen). Each one tends to have a slightly different feel. For me though, Buckley's version is just the best. It seems to capture the sensual feel of it the best. Sometimes it makes me calm and helps me relax. Sometimes I find my self screaming along while driving with tears streaming down my face. Sometimes I find myself singing it quietly to my boys as they drift off to sleep in my lap. I guess it just evokes emotions in me. Depending on my state of mind. Not many songs can claim that on my end.

National Fire Prevention Week

Did you know that tens of thousands of people are injured and thousands of people die every year in house fires? Scary, right? Household fires can be caused by a variety of things, including children playing with matches, smoking, arson, and faulty wiring. This year, from October 7-13, the National Fire Protection Association recognizes National Fire Prevention Week. The efforts focus on a specific theme each year; this year, the organization urges families to “Have Two Ways Out.”

Locally, the Atlanta Fire Foundation encourages metro-area families to prepare a fire safety plan. In addition to supporting the efforts of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, the foundation offers prevention and preparedness tips:

• Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year. Practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Close doors behind you as you leave.

In addition, smoke alarms save lives. A good rule to remember is to “Change your batteries when you change your clock.” Smoke alarm batteries should be replaced in the spring and in the fall.

For more information on National Fire Prevention Week, please visit www.nfpa.org. For more information on the Atlanta Fire Foundation, which hosts its annual Breakfast with Our Bravest event on November 16, please visit www.atlff.org.

---------------------------------------------------- These tips have been provided locally by the Atlanta Fire Foundation. For more information, please visit www.atlff.org.   The Atlanta Fire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides an avenue for businesses and citizens to donate money or other items to assist the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department in meeting or exceeding their goals and needs. In 2004, the foundation was established to support Atlanta’s bravest by promoting excellence as the unyielding standard for emergency services through professional development, community risk reduction, fire station renovations, special recognition programs and special operations efforts.

Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlfire and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/atlfire

My Very Own Boys Choir

My boys love to sing. They always have. D has always been more of an animated singer than K but K has been better at memorizing lyrics from a younger age than D. At any rate, I decided to share some of my favorite songs I have been lucky enough to catch on tape over the last year. Usually when they see the camera coming, they either stop singing, run away, or start acting like little weirdos so thats just kind of the way the cookie crumbles.

This one is actually a little more than a year old. My D has such a sweet little singing voice. This video makes me just want to kiss his little face all over.


This one is very blurry and not the best quality but its my little monster singing our goodnight song with me. We sing it every night and he always sings with me. I love it.



This is K's most recent favorite song. the theme to the Disney Show Little Einteins. He sings it over and over and over until you want to scream but its so stinking cute that you can't.

 

Then there is D's most recent. He learned it at preschool complete with hand motions and I can't get enough. Of course he may be a little bit confused about who George is and why we should be glad about it but hey, still freaking adorable.

 Gah, my kids are cute. Right??

Stone Mountain's Pumpkin Festival *WIN Passes!*

Every year for the last ten years, Georgia families are invited to take part in the fall festivities with fun filled games and family shows at Stone Mountain Park’s Annual Pumpkin Festival. Providing non- spooky fun for the whole family, this year is set to be the best ever! September 28th through October 28th the Crossroads at the base of Stone Mountain will be transformed into a magical fall wonderland.

New this year is The Mayor’s Rockin’ Costume Party. Children are encouraged to don Halloween costumes, dance around on stage with the Mayor of Pumpkinfest and learn new fun choreographed dances including the Pumpkin Mash.

Also new this year is the debut of Spookley the Square Pumpkin into the festival’s activities. Spookley, a character from Author Joe Troiano’s book “The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin,” is the “spokes-pumpkin” for National Bullying Prevention Month during October. Spookley’s story resonates with children and parents as it offers a message of tolerance and acceptance. Families will enjoy hearing the tale at the festival’s Storytelling stage.

Spookley makes another appearance at the Spookley Family Scavenger Hunt. The hunt is for those families seeking more of a challenge as they try to find Spookley the Square Pumpkin hidden in various areas throughout the park. Completed scavenger hunts automatically enter families into a drawing to win a one-night stay at the Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort and a four-pack of Snow Mountain™ tickets valued at $112. One four- pack will be awarded each weekend during the festival.

Back this year, by popular demand, is “Pumpkinpalooza,”! The high energy family game show where audience members are picked to participate in a series of zany and messy challenges. The winner takes all and the losers have to spin the “Wheel of Misery,” with consequences ranging from a pie in the face, dancing like a chicken, to getting “splurfed” (a slimy substance poured on top of participants’ heads). Also returning this year is Pumpkin Junction, an activity area where guests can dress their own scarecrow, make crafts, and play pumpkin themed festival games.

Of course what Pumpkin Festival would be complete without the opportunity to pick out your very own pumpkin? Guests at Stone Mountain's Pumpkin Festival will have an opportunity to pick out the perfect pumpkin to take home from the park’s Pumpkin Patch. Other festival activities include a traditional pie eating contest and storytelling at Campfire Corner.

As if all that fun wasn't enough, in addition to the Pumpkin Festival activities, tickets include admission to Stone Mountain Park’s most popular attractions such as the new Geyser Towers®, SkyHike®, Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, mini-golf and more. Guests can join Yogi Bear on his never-ending quest to find picnic baskets in Yogi Bear’s 4-D Adventure. On Saturdays, just after sunset, families may complete their outing by watching the famed Lasershow Spectacular™ in Mountainvision.

Ready to jump into the action? The Pumpkin Festival runs Sept. 28 – Oct. 28, Friday & Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m..

There are several savings options available to guests including the Family Value Pass. The FVP saves families 30% and includes four all-attractions Adventure Passes, four meals and four unlimited refillable cups and is sold exclusively online at www.stonemountainpark.com.

Want to win a family 4 pack of tickets to the 2012 Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival? Leave me a comment with your favorite fall tradition. I will pick a winner on 10/11/12!

Congrats Tiffany!

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Listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal- Constitution as one of “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die,” Stone Mountain Park is located 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. To get to the park, take I-285 to Exit 39B, Hwy. 78 East. Stone Mountain Park is Exit No.8 on Hwy 78.

More information regarding Stone Mountain Park attractions and hours of operation is available at 770-498-5690 or by visiting www.stonemountainpark.com.

The Boys Go Incognito #WW



Sir D



Pirate K

Lion Bob

Elton John?

Nostalgia on #TuneinTuesday

A very good friend of mine started up a new weekly link up called "Tune in Tuesdays". Those of you who have been around awhile remember the Music Mondays days around here and this is the same premise. A song you love to share with the group.

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The summer after this album came out, my sister acquired it on cassette tape. I don't really remember how she got it but she did. Heavens knows our parents would never have allowed us to spend money on it. We spent a week at our Aunt Judy's house that year and we must have listened to this tape at least a million times over. Front to back and again. We sang aloud in Aunt Judy's basement while making up games on her pool table, occasionally taking a break to go lounge in the actual pool or make dirty jokes about the Mr. Bucket game they were advertising non-stop on the television. We bonded that summer in a new way. I was 13 and she had just turned 15. We were both out of that awkward preteen stage (finally) and we were finally back on the same page. It was that bond that would get us through the next several cross country moves together. Its the bond that still keeps us close. Almost twenty years later.

2012 List Update-ish

Ok, so those of you who don't know or forgot, every year I do a list. A list of "to-dos, to-sees, to-be-accomplished". This year's list included a few things that involved bettering myself and my little family. So far, we have done pretty good I think.

I have completed four so far. The travelling, clearing out of kids stuff, The getting D out of the house, the Photo Mojo, and dancing in the rain. All four of which have been loads of fun but I have to admit they may have been the easiest to accomplish. Maybe not emotionally but physically.

Now I am down to three months to get the other 7 items complete. Can you beieve its already October? Oy. At any rate, I have 3 months which means I have to accomplish at least two things a month in order to meet my goal for the year. Granted there are a few that are partially completed already.

Whats left:

#2- Redo-ing my kitchen. This will probably be the one I don't get to this year and it really hurts my feelings the most because its the one I really wanted to accomplish. Times have changed pretty drastically around here though and its going to be tricky to pull that one off. Mostly because of funding but also because I am mega picky. As it turns out, the look I wanted for my kitchen is going to be a lot more difficult finding than I thought it would. So I either get to start from scratch or keep the search going. We'll see how its looking by Christmas.

#4- I have also started a couple of books. I am usually a very fast reader but lately other things have taken my attention away from where I would like for it to be while I am trying to read. I do a lot of reading in the bathroom. Either in the tub or while otherwise disposed, its where I get the most quality reading time in.

#5- Hosting a dinner party is probably going to be a lot less fancy than I had hoped for too. I am hoping to have a little get together before long but first I need to get some things settled and get just a little more comfortable than treading water. Too bad I can't invite my blogger friends or you could all come too! I'll share with you though.

#6- The 30 days Random Acts of Kindness is set for November already so I'm not worried about that one. Its also NaBloPoMo month though so who knows.

#8- I have started working on my self a little by losing weight and getting a hair cut but I still need to work on the fashion bit. That is the scariest for me. Mostly because clothes aren't free by any means and I don't have the easiest body to fit at 6 feet tall and still kind of fat "largely built". Any one have any hints on where to find clothing that meets those criteria? I have a board on Pinterest and I have just been building outfits from there. I'll share those soon.

#9- Visiting the World of Coke? I just need to bite the bullet and go down there. Now that the boys are in school, its going to be a little more tricky but we kind of need an excuse to head down to see the "castles" anyway.

#11- As for the family bike ride, this one is going to be tricky too. Not sure where to find a bike for me. Heck, I don't even know what to look for in a bike. I need one with wheels and a seat, any suggestions?

See? That's not so bad, right? I totally think I can get most of this accomplished before the end of the year. Maybe. I hope. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me any way. What have you got left on your list for the year?