Mom Of The Day?

Yesterday on Facebook I listed 25 things about myself. One of the items I listed was..."I strive everyday to be a good mother to Kyle". I jinxed myself by making this statement...soon after things went downhill. On my way to pick Kyle up from preschool I was a few minutes early and decided to drive around, instead of sitting in my car outside of his school. After driving for a short time, I realized I may be late and was driving a little too fast. Next thing I knew, I was sitting in a gas station parking lot talking to a police officer. Yes, I was pulled over for speeding! I explained I was on my way to pick my son up from preschool and I was scheduled to be there NOW. The officer went back to his car for what seemed like an eternity, he came back and only gave me a warning, which I was very thankful for, but I was still LATE! I finally made it to school. I pull up to the pickup area and there is poor Kyle and his teacher waiting for me. I felt terrible and so incredibly guilty and simply apologized for my tardiness. The last thing I wanted to do was explain to his teacher why I was so late.

My next "Mommy moment" occurred yesterday evening. We went as a family on a quick outing. Before we left I put Kyle's stroller in the car and we headed on our way. After arriving to our destination, I took the stroller out of the car, John puts Kyle in the stroller and we realize something is seriously wrong with the stroller. John realized one of the wheels fell off and of course it wasn't in the car...it was at home in the garage. It was the perfect ending to my "Mom of the Day" award.

Obviously, yesterday I wasn't worthy of wearing the ribbon shown above. There are some days I just can't get it together and yesterday was certainly one of those days. I'm hoping today will be much better and I may be worthy to wear the ribbon. We shall see...it's still early in the day!

Do you have these kind of days? Hopefully I'm not the only one! Here's to a wonderful day...it is Friday after all!

Quality Time With DaDee

On our recent trip to New Orleans, John and Kyle were able to spend some quality father/son time together while I was visiting with friends. They spent the morning at Audubon Park in the Uptown part of the city...across from Tulane University. Audubon Park is a gorgeous park with many tremendous beautiful oak trees. John and I spent plenty of time at this park while we were dating since it was very close to where I lived. We have many memories from Audubon Park...hours talking getting to know one another, planning parts of our wedding, and planning our honeymoon. I would have loved to join them in visiting the park, but it is important for the "boys" to have time alone and bond.

Kyle looks as though he is pondering the meaning of life. Sometimes puddles are just more fun.

Checking out Audubon Park

Winter Wonderland

The Spence's Winter Wonderland

Late yesterday and into the late evening hours the snow really began coming down. This means, a second snow day in a row for Kyle's preschool. Unfortunately, John went to work yesterday and today so he hasn't had the opportunity to enjoy the snow. This morning I wanted to put Kyle in his snow suit to do some more playing in the snow, but he had other ideas. Kyle immediately saw the snow suit exit the closet and he had a complete meltdown. I didn't want to push the issue so I assume we will be staying inside.

According to my highly accurate, sophisticated snow measuring device (yes a yard stick), we received approximately 5.5 inches of snow. I'm positive this measurement is 100% accurate...LOL! If you are in snow terriority, how much snow did you receive and where do you live?

Do Dogs Love Snow?

If Chloe, our Bichon Frise, had to answer the question in the title of the post, I'm positive her answer would be NO...even though she has on her cute little snowflake sweater. Being a "southern" dog at heart she hasn't adjusted to life in the snow. I didn't want her to feel left out so she had a mini photo shoot in the snow just like Kyle. By seeing Chloe in the pictures she looks as if she may be enjoying it, but remember pictures can be deceiving...especially of little dogs! Do your pets enjoy being outside in the snow?

Fun In The Snow

No Preschool = Fun In The Snow

The STL area has been under a winter weather warning since last night due to the pending snow and sleet projected for the area. We were notified last night that Kyle's preschool was cancelled due to the weather. Being a southern girl, I get very excited about the first significant snowfall each winter. I was really looking forward to getting Kyle dressed in his new snow suit for a fun morning of playing in LOTS of snow. I do have to say, I was a bit disappointed since we didn't get as much snow as anticipated. However, it didn't stop me from getting Kyle prepared to play outside. A little more winter weather is expected this afternoon so maybe we will have more to play in later today or tomorrow.

Kyle suited up and ready to play...

well, he is debating if he wants to play in the snow.

Well, this isn't so bad after all!

Do I really want to touch the snow?

Oh, this is fun!

OK, I've had enough...Can we go inside now?

Wiping the snow off his boots before going inside. It was fun, but I'm done!

Excellent New Orleans Cuisine

Yes, yet another New Orleans post.We had a fun-filled few days and I want to have all of our activities documented.

We spent three nights in the city and every night we had "date night". Thanks to my Dad (Poppie) for watching Kyle in our hotel two nights. We don't get many nights out while we are home and it was such a refreshing break. On Sunday, our last night, we went to one of our favorite restaurants we discovered when we were dating...The Upperline Restaurant. The restaurant is located in the Garden District of New Orleans off St. Charles Ave. As always, our dinner was delicious...we both ordered drum. The food in New Orleans certainly is unique and one-of-a-kind...that is one of the many things I miss about my home town.

20 Year High School Reunion

Saturday, January 17th, I attended my 20 Year High School Reunion in New Orleans. I graduated in 1988 from a small private school in Metairie, LA. The class of '88 consisted of 42 students...26 which attended the reunion. The reunion was held at Antoine's Restaurant in the Historic New Orleans French Quarter. The menu is top notch and is a very high class restaurant. The appetizers and the private room were compliments of the class president...very generous! I certainly enjoyed seeing faces I haven't seen in many many years. The majority of people look very much the same as they did in high school. Through the years I have kept in touch with a number of people and recently have reconnected with others through Facebook. After the reunion, we went with a couple of friends for a late dinner at the Bourbon House....delicious seafood! Of course, I have to share a handful of pictures from the evening!

I would like to give a big HUGE Thank you to my parents for watching Kyle while we attended the reunion and letting him spend the night. I'm sure he had a lot of fun being spoiled by CeCe and Poppie. Thanks again...it was greatly appreciated!

Outside of Antoine's Restaurant Class of 1988 Best Friends

Picture taken after the reunion in the French Quarter...I joined in a

parade marching down the street.

My Senior Class Picture