Flash Back

Way back when, when The Big Guy and I were renting, we did not have a washing machine.  We both commuted an hour in opposite directions.  Getting to the laundromat was not a priority.  We quickly added to our wardrobe enabling us to make it about 4 weeks without having to wash clothes.  We traveled lots bringing an extra suitcase of dirty clothes to whichever house we ended up at for the weekend.  There was a strategy to wearing clothes making sure our favorites were clean when we wanted them.  Those were the days when I wore dress clothes to work that I dropped off at the dry cleaners.

Flash forward 20+ years to the present day.  Our high tech Maytag Bravo is not working.  It could be a week before the part comes in.  Ugh!  So, we loaded the dirty laundry in the crates.  The Big Guy raided Pumpkin's Piggy Duck Bank for quarters and we went to the laundromat today!  I have to tell you there is something to be said about loading up washers and having all the clothes cleaned at once.  We brought some damp clothes home and a dollar in quarters to spare.

Peanut was so funny.  He said that he was going to have to organize his clothes for this week - like mother, like son!  He claims he only has one pair of jeans.  The weather's gotten cooler.  He might have a challenge on his hands.

Back to my Maytag...I called a local repair man.  Historically, I don't fare well with repair folks.  They don't like folks that ask questions.  Same thing happened this time.  I was chastised for wanting to understand what might be wrong.  Do people really hand over hundreds of dollars to repairmen without asking any questions?  Guess what?  We aren't using this guy to fix the machine.  We went  out to repairclinic.com, ordered the part and are going to try it on our own.  The internet is an asset with how to videos to assist us.  We are willing to take the risk that we mess something up.  If that is the case, we'll go to the store and buy a new "cheap" washer and dryer.  They don't sell the washer I have anymore and the set is black.  If I replace one, I'll have to replace both of them.  Hoping we have success with the repair - 'til then, we might be making a few more trips back to the laundromat!!

He looked!

Last week, the photographer showed up at a Wacky Workout.

Pumpkin knew he was taking his picture.  Gotta love he still has a sense of humor!!

Birthday Boy!

Today is the Big Guy's Birthday!

He had us up  before the sun to start a bike ride.  Peanut was a trooper and came with us.

After the ride, we met his mom, dad, sister and BIL for breakfast.  It was a nice treat.  Carb overload with the yummy French Toast.

The Big Guy gave us two options, clean the garage or go see the movie, Captain Phillips.  You know we chose the later.  It was a good one.

We are making a birthday dinner at home - filet on the green egg, twice baked potatoes, asparagus, tossed salad and rolls.  It is all good as we skipped lunch.

Peanut made a chocolate cake from scratch.  We did not have enough cocoa for chocolate icing.  He made a buttercream icing, shaved some dark chocolate and shook some cocoa on it.  Here's to hoping it tastes good!

Folks routinely say that the years fly by.  Boy!  They do.  We face timed with Pumpkin as the Big Guy opened his presents.  It was fun and we all kept laughing.  I made him a pair of socks.  I'll have to post a picture.  He was a good sport as I knit them right under his nose actually having him try them on to make sure they fit.  We gave him a dome lid for the green egg.  And, we gave him a much needed new pair of dress shoes.  Peanut's foot is about the same size.  We nailed it finding a pair that fit his narrow feet!  I'm thinking he's had a good day.

Look!

Gotta love a boy that looks away from the camera!  He did make his mom chuckle:-)

Jesse Owens Cross Country

On Friday afternoon, we headed to Danville, AL (close to Decatur, AL) for the Jesse Owens Cross Country Classic.  We got there in time for the kids to do a run of the course the night before the meet.

Then, we checked into the La Quinta in Decatur, AL.  It was a bizarre room!  I knew it was the king suite, but had no idea the tub/shower was in the room.  Yes.  It was in the room and not in the bathroom.  Peanut told us to go socialize while he showered before dinner.  It turns out the pull-out couch had broken springs and the room smelled like a smoking room.  Ugh!

I called on Monday morning to express how the room did not live up to our expectations.  You can not even believe how disrespectful the manager was.  Called her boss and got the same treatment.  What happened to the customer always being right?  I ended up calling the corporate number and my issues were addressed.  Guess I won't be staying at that hotel again.  No great loss.

This was the biggest meet Peanut has run in.  He turned it on!  I was so impressed.  By the time the boys ran, it was close to 90F.  It was so hot.  He is looking forward to running in some nice fall temps.  We are keeping out fingers crossed as there are only a few meets left in the season.

Rosary

In Pumpkin's room, his bed is elevated with the desk underneath.  Right below his bed is a shelf that contains personal items.  We snapped this picture for my mom as his rosary is right there on the the shelf.  Mom always seems to have a rosary in a pocket.  Any free minute, she is praying and working those beads.  Pumpkin is doing well - no such thing as too many prayers!

Parents' Weekend 2013

We met him Friday morning coming to class

 We hung out with him in between classes while he served duty at the North Gate

 Saturday morning he was an usher during the Review

 My handsome boy!

 Sunday he was a great sport going to the orchard to pick apples.  We brought home 25+ pounds of apples in our carry on.  One apple crisp was made yesterday.  Yum!

On the tractor ride to the apple trees, a boy about 3 pointed to Pumpkin and said, "that man drives a ship."  We all laughed.  He doesn't drive a ship quite yet!

Walking up to the apples, a boy about 5-6 tapped on Pumpkin's leg.  He wanted a high five!

As we finished up picking, a woman asked Pumpkin what company he was in.  It turns out her husband, who was there, is the company commander for another company.

We had a great weekend.  I felt whole again having everyone together.  We learned more about Pumpkin's environment.  We savored every minute.  I even grabbed a long, second hug.

Delta reduce the airfare and bring on Thanksgiving!!