not to us

Today was a good day.  :)  I started out by waking up after a nice, full, restful night of sleep.  I've been waking up and tossing and turning a lot this past week, and I couldn't figure it out.  I decided to wear warmer clothes to bed last night, and BINGO!  I slept wonderfully ALL night!  When the kids woke up early, it didn't even bother me, because I felt so ready to go.

I got some laundry done and the dishes caught up.  I got my e-mails organized and sent out for Hearts in Motion.  I spent some great time with a friend and her daughter.  And that was all before noon!  :)

I also got "back on the saddle."  Or back into the kitchen, rather.  I made a big pot of chili, a big pot of beef stew (so yummy!), and a couple of mini-meatloaves.  Some for this weekend, some for the freezer.  The promise of a new kitchen (with tons of counter space!) has really re-ignited my passion for the kitchen.  I've been reading a couple of blogs that help inspire my culinary efforts.  Christy Jordan's Southern Plate is a great blog that makes me wish that my momma had grown up in the South.  I love my four seasons, so I wouldn't have wanted to grow up there.  However, I sure don't mind learning all these Southern Favorites.  :)  Plus, I'm still following the Mitchell family as they attempt to make all of their food from single ingredient to final feast.  Our Slow Food Start Date is about six weeks away!

Why six weeks?  Well, we've received our offical time for closing on the new house!!  We'll be meeting with the realtors and seller's representatives at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 23rd.  At approximately 3:00 p.m., the house will be ours!!!  Ah!!!  :)  The contractor is set to begin work on Monday, October 26th.  I'm not sure how long the work will take, but I'm assuming it'll be nearly a month.

We should be moved into our new home by December 1st...and that's when I'm going to challenge myself to slow down and serve my family slow food.  :)

So, I spent a good portion of my afternoon cooking delicious food in my way-too-small kitchen...dreaming of a day when I will have more than four square feet of counter. 

After Mike got home, I got the chance to go to the hospital and hang out with Amy and beautiful, beautiful Paige!  :)  They are doing very well!  Just continue to pray that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.  The newborn stage is certainly challenging, so they could use all the prayers and support we can give 'em.  :)  Paige is such a cutie-pie!  She was gorgeous yesterday when I held her, but she's even prettier today!  She's got really long dark hair.  (Truly, her front hairs are down to the ends of her ears!)  She's got the most petite little features, and her eyes are alert and bright.  She's feeding and sleeping well, so pray that it continues.  Also, Mike and Amy didn't get much sleep last night, so pray that they get some good rest tonight.

Anyway...it was just a super-good day.  Now, I'm cuddled up next to my husband, and I can't picture a better way to end the evening.

Be blessed, friends!  I love you!