Shana's Musings

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

I can't believe that earlier this month I turned 38! When I look in the mirror, I don't think I like that old...and is it really even that old...but I think to myself, why the heck is time flying by??

My dad was filled with love and surprises. Arabella woke up and told me "Happy Birthday" and then she asked if we could bring cupcakes to her class at school so they could celebrate my birthday...can she get any sweeter?? I just love my girl! When Jay came back from Nashville in the early afternoon, he walked in with a large box containing flowers...I thought they were from him, but he said he couldn't take credit. I don't remember the last time I received flowers on my birthday so it was a wonderful surprise. I opened the box and found the nicest card from Bram and the boys in Beaconsfield...THANK YOU for brightening my day!

And then just a little while later, the door bell rang and another sweet surprise showed up.

An edible arrangement from my girls in Montreal! It was delicious and we loved it. It was hard for me to share since I love fruit. THANK YOU my HOT HUDSON MOMS! I also received phone calls and messages from near and far so I totally felt the birthday love.

That evening, Waxhaw had the First Friday activities that they have every first Friday of the each month. This month, since it was October, it was First FRIGHTday, with activities for Halloween. This is the first time we attended, and for being free, it was nice. It got us out of the house and exploring "downtown" Waxhaw. There was pumpkin decorating (totally free):

And there were bounce houses and all of the businesses had trick-or-treating on the sidewalks. Arabella also did a "haunted" obstacle course...it wasn't scary at all and she seemed to be serious when she was figuring out her plan of attack on the course!

We even took a spooky carriage ride. Arabella loved it!

There was also a talk about North Carolina's state dog - the Plott Hound. It was pretty interesting and the dog was beautiful. We didn't stay for the whole lecture but it was fun to learn a fact about our new state - who knew that there was a State dog!

We had dinner at a nice little Italian restaurant - Mama Lena's! It was packed and they were busy, but it was worth the wait. The food was delicious and I know we will go back again. Max even had his first taste of Italian bread - he loved it! I think he is going to be a little Italian just like his sister.

When we got home, Jay and Arabella decorated the kitchen! It was so cute, Arabella had to guide me with my eyes closed so that it would be a surprise! Jay even picked up a yummy vanilla and chocolate cake. It was delicious!

I had a wonderful Birthday! Thank you Jay, Arabella, Max & everyone else for giving such a beautiful day! I am so blessed and thankful. I hope that the year ahead is just as great at my day was.

Early Morning

One thing I like about living in the "country" are the early mornings. It is so quiet before the world wakes up and with taking Arabella to school so early in the morning, you get to see the beauty around you uninterrupted. I love these pictures, they remind me of Autumn in Connecticut when I was growing up. I'm not sure why, but I think they are eerily peaceful.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Dad is HOME!!!

Arabella and Maxton were so good when Jay was away in Arizona. Let's face it he was away from home in September more than he was home. And that is not easy on anyone. So when Arabella got home from school on Friday, she decided she wanted to make a welcome home banner for Jay. Max, Arabella and I had fun decorating it and then hanging on the front door...she was so excited!

Then it was time to keep busy until he arrived. Time seemed to take forever and ever. So to pass the time, we made dinner and then played in the backyard.

And finally he arrived! Arabella ran right to him - it was like she couldn't believe her eyes! We were all very happy to have him home!! Welcome home Jay - even if it was only for a few days!

Life Styles of The Rich and Famous

Jay travels almost every week. And most of the time he travels like the rest of us. But every so often, he gets some great perks...the Air Canada Club, upgraded rooms...but sometimes he gets really lucky and gets to fly first class. I don't mean first class on a commercial plane, which is nice and all, but on a recent trip to Nashville, he got the star treatment. He flew on the Carolina CAT corporate jet - a King Air 350 - pretty nice if you ask me! He enjoyed all the leg room and the perk of not having to go through security and deal with all the hassles of Charlotte Douglas International. Needless to say, we were jealous, see for yourself.

Pantry Redo

Beacuse of this...

Max and his curiosity pushed me to organize our pantry. I had not done anything with it since we moved in...I am not a fan of the shelving and wasn't sure exactly how I wanted it organized but when he started getting into everything, I knew it was time to get it into shape. I am not proud of the following photo...

It took the better part of a day to get it looking like this...

Jay's Canada Travel

While looking in folders for the photos Jay took while in Arizona, I realized that I hardly blogged about his work travel when we were in Canada. He went to some really great places and saw some amazing things on his trips. Most of the travel was within Quebec, but still, it is a beautiful Province and to be able to see some of the wonders first hand was pretty cool. Sometimes he would be so far North and in little tiny towns, it was hard to find them on the map to show Arabella.

I just wanted to share some of the beautiful photos of a Province that is close to my (our) hearts that Jay took on his travels:

Baie-Comeau...