Happy Halloween!!!

Yes, I am aware that Halloween was yesterday, but Tanner and I got home pretty late, and I was too tired to blog. So you get it tonight. Last night, Tanner and I went Trick-or-Treating. This was really his first Halloween that he understood what was going on. I might mention that he had been anxiously awaiting it for MONTHS. He had a lot of fun. Every single person we met said that Tanner was an adorable Spider Man, and Mr. Modesty always said "Yeah. Happy Halloween." We stuck to our street but that didn't keep Tanner from getting a pretty full bucket. Then we took a break and handed out some candy of our own. After we had exhausted our munitions, I loaded him up for two "special" stops.

The first was "Aunt Shari", who used to be our neighbor at SunVilla. She filled his bucket to the brim. He was more excited to see her than he was to get the candy...which means he's not COMPLETELY spoiled. Then we headed to my co-workers house. Michele loves kids. But most of all she loves Tanner. She is always sending candy home with me to give to him. We had a big surprise when we got to her house. She had gotten him ANOTHER bucket and had it as full as it could be. Essentially, we came home with more candy than I had purchased to get rid of. Which makes me wonder why we do the whole Trick-or-Treating thing in the first place. Couldn't we just cut out a step and give him the bag of candy we purchased for kids I don't even know?? It's just a thought. I'll leave you with a couple of pictures. And look for another blog tonight. I have something else to share that has NOTHING to do with Halloween.

This is the jack-o-lantern that I made for Tanner. For those of you who aren't privileged enough to watch Noggin or Nick Jr., it's Dora The Explorer. I found a template on the Nick Jr. web site. They also had a Blue's Clues Template...but Tanner wanted Dora. I think I did a pretty decent job!

This is MY jack-o-lantern. In my opinion, it didn't turn out as well as Tanner's. Do you see the Spooky house AND the smiling moon??

And last but not least, I will leave you with a picture of everyones favorite superhero! Eating nachos, as any good superhero would do.

Spooktacular

Tonight, as the darkness enclosed us, we found ourselves wandering through a wooded area. We were never quite sure what lay ahead...all we could do was wait and see. Then, suddenly, a scream in the night..."MOMMY, LOOK IT'S SCOOBY DOO!!!!!"

Spooktacular at the Dickerson Park Zoo was tonight (actually it's been running for a while, but tonight was the only night all three of us could go). So, we trudged through the dark zoo with the HUNDREDS of other people who went. It was soooo crowded. It took a lot of the enjoyment out of the night (well, for me and Jeremy, that is--Tanner could have cared less). There were spooky displays, and games, and candy stations and Tanner loved it all. We went through Narnia, and Candy Land. We saw Scooby and went through a maze. We went through a Dr. Seuss book walk, and watched glowing eyes off in the distance. We walked through the reptile house...which was Jeremy's favorite part. He had never seen an Anaconda before and said that it had made the whole thing worthwhile. The only thing we didn't do was take a spooky train ride. It was getting close to closing time so we decided maybe next time. It was fun, maybe not quite what I had expected but Tanner had a good time and that's really all that matters, Right? Here's my little Spider Man showing off his spidey-ness!

We've had a busy weekend, and there's much more to hear about. But it's late, and I am starving. SO...tune in next time for tales of falling leaves, and jack-o-lanterns.

FINALLY!!!!!

May I please get a STANDING OVATION for my boys the St. Louis Cardinals...the 2006 World Champions!!!!!!! It's been an exciting night of baseball here at 404 E. Morningside. Shelly and I (and Tanner...until he went to bed) settled in to watch Game 5 of the World Series. I have to say that I sat with my hands clenched the entire game...I REALLY didn't want to play Game 6 in Detroit. But the underdogs pulled through and did what everyone said they couldn't do. I am a proud Cardinals fan tonight! Celebrate with me.

In other non-baseball related news, we have had another fun-filled week here in Springfield MO. Aside from having to work, that is. We have carved pumpkins--and they are wonderful, we have colored spooky pictures from the Crayola website. We have played until we are exhausted and are looking forward to playing some more this weekend. Sunday evening we are planning on taking TW to Spooktacular at the Zoo. He's so excited he can hardly stand it. Tomorrow we plan on just lounging and enjoying each other's company--and I THINK tomorrow night is FrightNight 06. FrightNight is a fun time for me. It's a no holds barred, scary movie marathon in my living room. Um, we will be starting with Scooby Doo--Tanner's choice, obviously, and from there...who knows! But in case you didn't know, I LOVE SCARY MOVIES!!!! So I am super excited about it--I may not sleep tomorrow night, but it will be well worth it.

So, I should probably get some sleep tonight, right? Good night everyone. Love you lots.

La Vie est Belle!!

We have had such a great week that I really don't want it to end. This week brought our very first family cuddle session in front of a roaring fire here at 404 E. Morningside. Tanner was enthralled and very excited by the whole prospect of it. And we have LOTS of wood to burn--I am looking forward to a winter FULL of family cuddle sessions.

Jeremy and I enjoyed a scary movie before this lovely blaze. If you haven't seen The Fog yet, let me tell you...it's creepy!

This week also brought the arrival of the already VERY spoiled Daisy. At least, that's what her name will be if I get my way. Let me introduce you to the sweetest little puppy that has ever existed. Everyone, meet Miss Daisy Bradshaw.

I had convinced myself that I had done a fairly decent job of talking my husband out of getting Tanner a puppy. Yesterday, he called me at work to tell me all about these Jack Russell Terrier puppies that he had found in the paper. Actually, he had found SEVERAL listings. I distinctly remember saying, "Honey, we really need to think about this before we rush into anything." Which in girl talk translates into, "I don't think it's a good idea!" Sadly, Jeremy doesn't speak fluent girl. So at 7:30 p.m. we arrived in Aurora at what has to be the largest kennel I have ever seen. I fell in love with her almost the second I saw her (I fell in love with the adorable cockapoo too, but Jeremy was unyielding on that one). My husband knew he could convince me if he could get me to hold her...how can you say no to those eyes. The puppy's not Jeremy's. It's a decision I doubt that I will be regretting any time soon. As I said before, she is a sweetheart! She's a cuddle bunny, LOVES Tanner, and has yet to potty in the house. I think she is the perfect match for our quirky little family.

So now it is the weekend, and I am sure that it will bring more family fun. Life is Beautiful, and I can't wait to share more of ours with all of you!

WHY???

I have often been minding my own business when out of the blue, I will see or hear something that makes me think "Why??? Seriously, what is the point?" Today, on my way to pick up Tanner this man in an old beat up truck cut me off. That alone didn't surprise me...as a matter of fact, I have lived in Springfield long enough that it didn't even make me flinch. Here there are two rules of the road. One, the driver of the larger vehicle can do whatever they want (I am NEVER that driver, since 90% of the population drives something that requires Diesel fuel to get it going), and two, WHEN someone whips out in front of you...even though there is NO ONE behind you...you are required to SLAM on your brakes and smile and wave happily as you let them into traffic (I haven't quite gotten the hang of that one yet). But I digress. So as Joe Dodge cuts me off I notice two things, neither of which are unusual by themselves. But together, they puzzled me. The man had a cigarette sitting, fashionably behind his ear. Nothing new, I have seen this before. His left arm was hanging out the driver window and nestled comfortably between his left index and middle finger(in cigarette holding fashion) was a pencil. I had to look three times to make sure that I hadn't inhaled too much white out during work...but no, my eyes did not deceive me. So please, explain this one to me...cause I don't get it...I mean unless the cigarette behind his ear wasn't your every day tobacco product, and he had smoked one previously, then I am completely lost. Did I miss out on some new trend? I'm not about to start smoking, but I can hold a pencil all day long with the best of 'em. HELP ME UNDERSTAND!!!!!!!!!!!

What a Degree can do

My husband is usually a smart man--he has a degree and everything. So the following conversation may leave you wondering:

Setting: The Bradshaw's are driving home from Wal-Mart on Sunday afternoon and are almost home when they spot a vehicle...obviously inoperable in the left hand lane...all parties are standing outside the vehicle waiting for help to arrive.

Juli: Uh-oh, that doesn't look like fun.
Jeremy: Yeah, they must have had a flat or something.
Juli: Sure, which is why they have the hood up.
Jeremy: (SILENCE)
Juli: Dork!

Pure Sophistication

I don't know if you know this about the Bradshaw's, but we're pretty sophisticated people. We throw dinner parties for our friends that consist of gourmet meals, cooked by moi! We tell witty stories that keep everyone laughing, we wear our best attire and use big words like "Perforation."

Ok, only about half of that is true. We had a dinner party for our friends and I DID cook--fried chicken, pork chops, and mashed potatoes...no vegetables, because, frankly, who has time for them with all the grease and carbs? Did I mention the strawberry shortcake and chocolate gooey butter cookies for dessert? Jeremy and I wore pretty much what we wear everyday...jeans for him, slacks for me. Tanner did get a little more festive when he stripped down to his Sponge Bob undies and ran around the dining room. He also talked Mommy and Daddy into buying him a set of those funny teeth they sell at Walmart--that was good for a laugh.Oh and it should be said that I DID use the word perforate in a sentence. I know, impressive. I told everyone that if they didn't have at least one three syllable word to contribute to the conversation then they needed to leave. Hey, if I have to be beautiful, witty, AND smart, then others should have to contribute as well. This is where I tell you all that my FANTASTIC husband cleaned up after everyone left and didn't grumble once...such a prince. That being said, he was relinquished from the three syllable word rule--if I made him leave he really wouldn't have anywhere to go.

We had a great time tonight--Tanner was excited to see Shari and Chelle and Shelly and Aunt Meleshia too! We laughed and ate and laughed some more. I always hate for evening like tonight to end--but getting to cuddle on the couch with my husband and relax makes it a little more bearable. So that is what I am going to do. Good night all...I love you, and you definitely MUST come to the next dinner party!

Tanner Montage

Oh the wonder that is my beautiful boy! He's literally a blur he has so much energy.

I have had the bestest weekend ever! My parent's 20th anniversary is next week and my dad planned a getaway for the two of them at a Bed and Breakfast in Independence, MO. What mom didn't know, was that we had conspired with Dad and were going to be there also. Jeremy couldn't get off work for Friday and Saturday, but Tanner and I, and Hondo and Jess headed to KC to be with them. We arrived at the B&B before Mom and Dad did. Our Rooms were lovely. Tanner and I had "The Magnolia Room", and Hondo and Jess had "The Judges Library". My parents had the fancy digs. Mom was so surprised to find us waiting outside their room--I think she would have whooped with joy...had her voice not been compromised. We had a fun family dinner together at the coolest restaurant ever! Then, we headed back to the Inn for a good nights sleep. May I just say that the bed in my room was the most comfortable one I have ever had the pleasure of sleeping on. (Please forgive that I just ended that sentence in a preposition). We got up early on Saturday and had a DELICIOUS breakfast of waffles and some kind of yummy egg wrap thingy (I am sure that's not the technical term). After a fun little outing at the Lakeside Nature Center we all headed for home. Tanner and I got home around three--although if I hadn't sat in traffic for thirty minutes it would have been a lot sooner (I'm not kidding, mom, as SOON as I had hung up the phone from talking to you traffic came to a screeching halt--there was an accident on I-44 and it had backed up traffic for two miles on Hwy 13. Then we watched some cartoons together and just kind of lazed around until it was time to go to bed. This afternoon we have just enjoyed our family time as usual. Tanner and Jeremy are outside playing soccer and Tanner is teaching Daddy some kind of "victory dance" he has picked up from somewhere. It's cute. He stomps his feet, swivels his hips, does some kind of "raise the roof" move with his hands and then shakes his head from side to side. I was impressed. I am thinking I need some quiet time and may go hop onto my bed and watch one of those wonderful English chick flicks my father dreads so much. I love you all and will blog again soon.

Haircut Horror

My poor Tanner did the unthinkable today. Well, maybe it's not all that unthinkable since you hear about it all the time...he took a pair of scissors to his beautiful blond hair! And the only way we could fix it was for Jeremy to buzz it off!!! Later I will cry, right now I am still in shock. I know that in the grander scheme of things it's not really all that big a deal. But it REALLY looks bad. I love my husband with all my heart, but the man is no barber...I mean, he TRIED to fix it so he gets bonus points for that--but secretly I think the buzz cut looks worse than the choppy cutting job Tanner did on the front. C'est la vie, I suppose. We were planning on getting it cut later this week. I guess Tanner just decided that he didn't want to wait anymore. It was just yesterday that he was so proud that he could spike it up really tall. He even made me take a picture of him to share with Nana and Papa. Rest assured there will be NO pictures of the "new do" It is something I won't want to remember! On the bright side, at least it's not a mullet (a.k.a. the "achy breaky big mistakey")!