calm before the storm . . .

My girls returned to school this week. Ella began preschool for the first time. It is a strange feeling to contemplate having those few hours two times a week to myself. Sort of a guilty feeling, surprisingly enough. I can see myself filling that time quickly with obligations that are kid-related, like additional volunteering at my children's schools or my church, but am getting this weird vibe that maybe I should grab a little bit of it for myself. For so long, we have been running, running, running, would it hurt for me to have a little bit of "off-duty" time? I don't know. Perhaps leaving the door open during this calm before the storm is the right answer. There is nothing wrong with grabbing coffee with friends. There is nothing wrong with a little sanity break at the computer. Hmm. Hi, I'm Linda and I am learning how to be comfortable with seeing blank spots in my calendar . . . ;)

have you ever noticed?

Have you ever noticed when you tweak one thing on your blog that it often nudges another? Not a bad thing but it sure can take a bit of time to get everything 'just so'. My three column format is great! I'm thrilled! But, I did not like how my border and blog were not lining up perfectly -- I am a bit o.c.d., I admit. So I changed my border to one that worked with the three column format and then realized that I had to change all of my font colors. Then I noticed that my LinkWithin widget was off-color -- of course had to tweak that too. Finally, my playlist song is completely annoying me after listening to it off and on all afternoon so I am about to put on something fun! LOL! So funny. Well, we also enjoyed lots of fun in the pool this afternoon -- the kids had a GREAT first day back. What a wonderful Monday this was! Hope you had a good one too!

hurray! I did it, I did it! three columns, omg, I am too excited!

Thanks to html guidance from The Cutest Blog, I did it! I made my blog three-columns. Boy, it is so SPACIOUS around here! I love it, I love it! Three columns to play with! If anyone is interested in finding out where I found the information, please let me know. Probably need to tweak some of my edges to keep things looking tight but for now I am running with it! So much fun . . . now off to pick up my two oldest daughters and all of their friends from school. Happily, the minivan is cleaned out and ready to go! Happy Monday, my friends, Happy Monday!

sweet little maddie heading off to four year old preschool -- five years simply fly by . . .

My sweet-tempered, loving Maddie heads off to third grade this year. Look at her five years ago on her way to preschool. What a sweet pumpkin she is . . .

can't believe this first day of first grade was five years ago! oh, my. my little morgan on her first day . . .

Today is 'Meet and Greet' at my daughters' elementary school. Morgan is going into fifth grade and Madison into third. As I was hanging up all of the school clothes we bought yesterday (alleluia for a 40 percent of Justice card!), it hit me that this will be the sixth year I have been on that campus. Wow. My youngest, Ella, is just heading into preschool this year. I am simply going to be at the elementary school forever. We have pulled great teachers this year, for all of the girls. One of those homerun years. Tomorrow is physicals, school supplies, a playdate and some serious laundry effort. Oh, Summer, where did you go? ;)

new ideas for 'back-to-school" hair . . .

Tired of the same old ponytails and braids? Please peek into www.hair4myprincess.blogspot.com for some wonderful ideas . . . so pretty!