Workin' It

The month of September absolutely flew by, and October seems as though it's vanishing quickly, too. We've been busy with a variety of things - Dawson continues to love going to Mom's Day Out and when he's not at school, helping his mama work.
"Hmmm...yes, this bay window lets in a lot of sun...plus, plenty of visibility for watching the babes go by...yeah, I think it'll rent quickly."
"You know, you should actually measure rooms from outlet to outlet - better indication of convenience."

And when he's not been workin' it with me, Dawson's been workin' it in front of the camera. We met Krista Lee in downtown Murfreesboro to do some new family photos. We had the best time, Krista was fabulous and I think we got some really good shots. These are some proofs she sent us - I can't wait to see them all!

Saying "No"

Do you ever find that what you're saying with your mouth and what you're saying in your head do not match at all?




Like when you say "yes" but you'd much rather say "no"?

And I don't mean to your kids when they want another cookie.

I mean to adults - to your friends, your family, your co-workers, etc.?

I have a hard time saying "no."

It's usually because I don't want to disappoint anyone or because I'm concerned about what people will think.

I've gotten better at it since Dawson was born, simply because I had to say it because caring for him was more important, but it still nags at me. I've also gotten better at not automatically providing an excuse for when I do say "no", so I guess that's progress.

I'm beginning to think it's a girl thing - because I know many of my friends struggle with this, and I know NO MAN who has a problem with it.

If this is you, how do you get over it and just say "no"?

I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone!

After eight straight days of rain, the sun has finally come back to Middle Tennessee and has brought fall with it! We are excited...fall is our favorite season!

Dawson loves spending time outside, and so we ventured out to tend to some fall flowers.
Is he not the cutest little bloom you've ever seen?
He is mastering walking up and down steps all by himself, and will refuse to take your hand if its offered. Such a big boy!
According to Dawson, these are called "roashes." :)
He loves to water the plants...and himself...and his mama...

Happy Fall!

Fall-Out-Yo'-Chair Friday

"Yeah...I'm sorry...that's just as low as my sellers can go. They've made a great counter-offer....I'm sure we can make this work."


I personally think that the red stilettos go amazingly well with the camo shorts.

Days of Discovery

We spent some time with Megan and Vance this past weekend at The Discovery Center. It's a huge children's museum and activity place - they have everything from aquariums to a real fire engine to a huge slide. They also have a play place designed especially for toddlers, which is where we spent most of our time.

There is a huge tree in the center of the toddler area that you can climb in...
...can you spot Vance? :)
I was proud to see this sign hanging in the play place...
...the Junior League of Murfreesboro raised money to help build it!
"Man, I look good."
Dawson loved pretending to work the register at the mini-Kroger store...
"Clean-up on Aisle 11, please, clean-up on Aisle 11."
Vance and Dawson also decided to get a jump-start on their high school garage band...

...and then took a break in the kids' kitchen.

"Ok, so...you want an omelette? Maybe some pancakes or something? Or maybe Ramen noodles. You pick."

After leaving the Discovery Center, we grabbed some salads at Ahart's Pizza Garden, where we discovered Dawson's new affinity for cheesing for the camera.

And again the next day...


Think he'll remember the little people when he goes to Hollywood?

First Week Down, 18 More Years to Go

And y'all have got to tell me it gets easier - otherwise, I may need to consider a sedative.

Dawson started Mom's Day Out this week. There is a great program at our church, and he'll be going every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 - 2.

It's still hard for me to believe that he's big enough to go to "school"...and this is just the beginning! Heaven help me when he goes to Harvard.

Until then, he's totally set with his lunchbox and nap mat - both gifts from his Gran and Papa.
He loved the mat so much that when we first got it, he insisted upon sitting on it to eat breakfast.

First big boy lunch! PB & J, fruit snacks and a chocolate-chip cookie...
...which, I'm told, he's eaten completely and then starts pilfering his classmate's lunchboxes. Nice.

Dawson's First Day!


"Let's go, Mama..."


Strapped in and ready to go...
"I'll let you get me out and go willingly for ONE MIIIILLLLLION DOLLARS."

This is Dawson and his teacher, Mrs. Angela, at the open house. Mrs. Angela has taught pre-school, 2nd, 3rd and 5th grades and has 4 kids of her own, so I think she's what we would call "highly-qualified." I'm so thankful that she's Dawson's first teacher. She said that he's a very sweet boy and is compassionate towards the other kids.

What more could I ask for?

Fall-Out-Yo'-Chair Friday

Dawson's Good Housekeeping Tip #426:



Your coffeemaker can also moonlight as a caddy for your cleaning supplies.

Watch out, Martha. There's a new sheriff in town.