Brace Yourself!

I wish I could say that my absence has been due to some wonderful trip and time off relaxing or possibly laziness, but that's not the case.  I'm afraid that Number One Son has been keeping me busy with visits to the orthodontist so that he can get braces put on.  We have had a visit for impressions to be taken, spacers to be put in and today we had brackets put on his teeth.  Next, he'll have bands put on his back teeth and the wires will be added.  Once all this is done, he'll keep them on for almost two years and hopefully, in the end, he'll have a beautiful smile to show off. Between all these doctor visits and work, I feel like I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off - no direction and getting nothing done.  That's not the case, it just feels that way.

Saturday night was a WONDERFUL evening.  Back in September I had lunch with my dear friend from college, Linda.  Well, Saturday night she and her husband Dwayne had an Oktoberfest party. As Linda said, there was "beer, brats and debauchery to be had by all."  Just so you know, the debauchery was in the form of some incredible deserts - peanut butter fudge, chocolate molten cupcakes, chocolate covered toffee....I could go on and on.  I can feel my hips and thighs growing larger just from the thought of all this.  There was also barbecued pork, various salads and side dishes.  Linda and Dwayne live "out in the country" so they light up the barn, build a fire in the fire pit and fun is had by all.  I was also able to catch up with another college friend, Joss and see how beautifully her children have grown up.  Seriously, her children are going to be breaking hearts all over the place.  Car Guy and I met lots of new and amazing people.

The neatest surprise was meeting up with Ashley.  We went to Middle School together.  She always seemed like a very sweet girl, but we moved in different circles.....She was a cheerleader and I was (and still am) a nerd.  She never came across as anything but nice in school, we just didn't really know each other.  I must say she is one of the sweetest, most down to earth people I've had the joy of getting to know.  Again,  those nerves of mine were close to the surface.  I wasn't sure if she'd even remember me or if she'd just remember how awkward and dorky I was - I still see myself as that skinny, nervous, awkward child even though I'm a grown woman.  I spent quite a bit of time with her and have to say that she is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside....and she's an absolute knock out.

I've been spending the time in the orthodontist waiting room working of Christmas gifts.  The ripple blanket only gets worked on at home now because it's gotten too large to take anywhere.  I'm about done with the granny square bag and hope to reveal it later this week. Until then, have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by!