I love Mondays; a nice chill day with a quiet house to get everything back in line. I drove Abby's carpool and poor Bentley was out all week sick. I went to tennis clinic then WD. That night I went to a town hall with our school board rep. Lots of bragging about how our district is an A. I did a lot of listening. Tuesday I had a chill morning then went to bootcamp (just a solo class) later silent book club (but I brought the wrong book to read). Wednesday I played tennis with Catherine again and we lost again. I wish we could practice with our partner ahead of time. The West Jax Rotary gave a special honor to my dad so we went to lunch to accept it. It was a sweet, family lunch. Mom came for an early dinner then Phil and I went to watch the kick off to the tennis member guest exhibition match. We ended up at Lillians after for the Calcutta to bet on teams. Thursday morning I walked crying toddlers around outside for MomCo and heard a bit from the first aid speaker. That night was Anna and my first match, the hard one. A bit of drama bumping us back up to the 3.5 instead of the 3.0 where I registered us. We lost the match 2-6 and then 4-6 so it wasn't so bad. Then fun watching and sipping wearing our 6-7 shirts. Friday was a special Veterans Day flag raising for Voss. We had a low key morning then back up for more tennis. Anna and I had a 1pm match and did much better (without the night lights). We won 6-4, 7-5 so that was close but fun. More sipping and watching. Phil played in the open with his friend, Tyler. They lost 2 and won 1, so fun to watch! The girls came up to watch and cheer. Saturday morning was chill with coffee in the living room for a chat with the kids. We went to Voss' soccer game on a perfect fall afternoon. They won with an awesome corner kick with perfect placement for a goal for Voss. We ubered to Porchfest with the Strassers to see Inspection 12 on Taylor's cousin's porch. What a fun night in Springfield! Fabulous live music on every corner. I think we left way too early. We went back to Lillians to watch the FSU game. Nothing to see. We should have stayed in Springfield. This morning we had mass and CCD then bfast at TCC. Voss had a game at Bolles with the other league....frustrating for all of us. We came home and got take out and watched Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and then some family videos. A relaxing Sunday evening rolling into a 4 day weekend. Here are the pics of the week.

The week of Halloween: spooky, chaos and candy everywhere! I drove Marly's carpool this week with only she and Aiden most of the time. Plenty of time for her costume photo shoots. Marly had a fun costume everyday. She was the Lorax on Monday and Friday, hilarious costume, especially for a teenager! She owned it! The girls dressed up each night for dance for some improv. It looked fun. It seemed to stress Ellie out with "wasted time" during her junior year crunch. I went to Kim's for book club on Monday night in my zombie shirt to discuss The Hunger. Ending the conversation with who would taste better. What is more scary: trapped in a cabin with a rapist or in the woods with zombies? Tuesday, was an off day for meetings. I left middle school SAC early to make it to the DCCPTA meeting. Right after I left they discussed some kind of school tax I wanted to hear about. I left the school board early to make it to a class at the gym. As soon as I left, the superintendent showed up. Then, as soon as I got to the gym, I realized the boot camp class had been canceled. Ugh. One of those days. Very frustrating. Phil and I had a movie night that night and watched the Conjuring and then started It. I finished it by Friday. I went to a barre class on Wednesday then volunteered at the book fair. Mom came for dinner and I helped automate her insurance bill. Thursday I went to HIIT class then had lunch with my old neighbor, Gara. It was nice to catch up and reminisce. I had a meeting with a church consultant to discuss church improvements. My hip was really hurting that day. I was limping all around that afternoon looking rough. Voss had a makeup soccer game during his practice. It was a great game to watch! He played great with an awesome goal. Of course I didn't get any photos because I was watching live again. We lost 6-7, which was so fun, too. After passing out candy to the players, Phil and I dashed to the Friends of fundraiser for the middle school at Bar Taco, buying drinks for teachers and hopefully Phil will donate. We went out with the Strassers after, Jenny and I limping around. Friday I drove to Amelia Island, gorgeous drive along A1A listening to What you are looking for is in the Library for a chilly morning of tennis. I limped to the court but after warming up, I was fine. Crazy! We barely lost the first set 5-7 but then lost the second 3-6, I think. Bummer. I stopped to get a red balloon for the sewer grate. It was a low key afternoon compared to previous years when I was running around putting costumes together, convincing people to get into costumes, etc. Ellie left for a party before Marly even got home from school. Once Marly finally got home, we went to Mimi's first for some trick or treating. Then, we dropped off Voss and then Abby at friend's houses. Phil and I volunteered to pass out candy at a friend's house who has smaller children, so their basket of candy was not left unattended in a busy neighborhood. So, Phil and I found a role this year. Marly met up with her pal so we were left, just the two of us. We confused both our friends and the friends of the homeowners. It was bittersweet not having all the kids together in a matching costume, but everyone had a great time doing their own thing. Saturday morning, we got up and took half the kids to Tallahassee for some brainwashing and a football game. The middle two stayed back for Nutcracker rehearsal. We showed 1 and 4 all around campus, my sorority house, had pizza at Momo's then went to Susie's epic tailgate. We left a little into the 3rd quarter but it was a great game! The kids loved all the fanfare all around the stadium with the warchant, golden girls and marching chiefs. It was a great night! I drove us home and finished listening to my book while everyone slept. The time change was in our favor as we got an extra hour and were ready to serve in mass for All Souls Day. We had CCD then TCC for a family breakfast. Phil played tennis. Abby went shopping. Marly helped me put out Thanksgiving decorations. Voss had a soccer game. Suzanne came to meet us and catch up from the week. She helped Marly get to dance the previous day. Voss played well but it was another tough match. We all went to Lillians to watch the Jags and we won in overtime! Great football weekend! Here are the pics of the week. 

Monday was a normal day, happy to have a quiet house to myself to get back into the swing of things after the weekend. I drove middle school carpool then tennis clinic. Voss had cub scouts, the older girls had dance. Tuesday, Phil left for Orlando for training with work friends. Voss had a field trip to a marine science center and time on the beach (no chaperones allowed). I went to a high school PTA meeting and snuck Ellie a blueberry muffin then went to boot camp class. Later there was a SAC meeting at Marly's school and a retainer check for her. Abby went to the homecoming football game for her school. I hosted a MomCo girls night for supposed to be a sunset boat cruise but the boat wouldn't start. My amazing neighbor, Elmer saved us and eventually got it started. I still don't get it. Some kind of ground wire battery issue. I took the ladies on an evening cruise all the way downtown and had a ball. So fun! Elmer also saved a manatee this week so I dropped off a bottle of booze as appreciation. Gotta love a good neighbor. Wednesday Ellie had a district swim meet at UNF. I cheered her on and took her to CFA for lunch on her way to school. Abby had an ortho appointment. Mom came for dinner for taco night. Thursday was Spot's 7th Birthday. He's become an old man. I hosted the principal coffee chat at middle school that morning then dropped off some mice to be handed out at the Dreams Come True Trunk or Treat. Phil came back from Orlando. I got packed up for my weekend. Friday was another day of having everything aligned. I played with Sally again for a home match. We were up but tension was thick with a bit of drama over a line call (by me), a second guess line call (by them) and them not liking me saying, "ready". But then they forfeited over a pulled thigh muscle so we were off court by 11. I picked up gifts for my Godson's baptism Birthdays, sleepover Birthday stuff for Abby for that night then headed to Steph's for a fun lunch with the gals. I dined and dashed and picked up Laurie to head out for the book summit. On the way out, I picked up the super spreadsheet with all 23 participant's Page Turner challenge readings. I still have one more category (author with initials). Laurie and I drove up to St. Simons Island to get the welcome apps set. I loved spending time with my ole pal, Hilary and talking books with a great group of women. We began with a strong woman fashion show (me as Toni Morrison), drinks and appetizers all going with the theme. Some bedazzled books, others played book pong winning books. Meanwhile at home, I had 3 daughters at 3 different homecomings! A lot to orchestrate from afar! Phil and Voss did a guys night at the gastro. A good night for all. The next morning we sipped coffee, chatted books then played my favorite game, that Kim and I had been working on, Spinning Summaries. You spin the wheel which tells you which book to talk about. Then, you choose a question out of the bowl: how many stars, did you laugh/cry, setting, format, summary, criticism, movie, why did you choose it, who should read it, plot twist, did you learn anything? We played a few rounds (me with the 2min timer) ate charcuterie then played another round. I could have kept going but we took a break. Hilary and I took a walk to catch up. Amee joined us for a lap to get more steps. We had the most gorgeous night, al fresco with Routes discussing the Page Turner of the Year book, Black Woods Blue Sky. Magical. Later, we watched Rebecca and sat in bed gossiping and eating chocolate and drinking wine. So good. Laurie and I got up early and headed back to town. I got back just in time to teach CCD class then went to mass by myself. The rest of the family went before class. Voss had a game that afternoon. He looked wiped and had a bad attitude; perhaps that set the tone for the evening. It seemed like everyone stayed up way too late the night before. I tried to do a family outing to pick sunflowers and take fall pics but it did not pan out. Instead there was fighting, drama and no dinner for some. Ugh, early bedtime for all. Here are the pics of the week.

Thanks to that fall break, the week just flew by! Kids were back in school on Wednesday. I got to play in a home match with Maureen and finally broke my loosing streak. It was so nice to get back into it. I went to a high school SAC meeting and then a patrol parent meeting, then had mom over for lobster. It was on sale at WD. Thursday I worked the college showcase at Marly's high school. Bit of a scramble since I didn't know what to do. Now I do. Super cool that college reps come to her school to do masters classes and take a look at the seniors. Very impressive. Still waiting to see how this is all going to play out. I held babies at MomCo while they played games. Not my cup of tea but they all seemed to like it. The bat symbol went up so the girls and I met at Lillians for a nightcap. Friday was one of those days where I was anxious about how I was going to get everything to happen. I'm happy to report that it all fell into place. It started with Starbucks for the carpool kids on a fun Friday then an hour drive to St. Augustine for a tennis match. One chick went to the wrong place!!!! so we had to forfeit a line and I got moved up to line 2 and we won! And we won quick! So I was able to take a shower, drive back to town and make it in time for the Nutcracker board meeting, phew! I started listening to Hunger, our next book club book in all this driving time. That also worked out that I had some audible credits. One of the school shows is close to selling out so that is amazing! From there I went to another high school and sold pizza to get students to join the PTSA. Not convinced that was worth the hassle, but 15 members is 15 new members. From there I made it to elementary school for our last Fall Festival. It felt right when I walked in there. I was exhausted upon arrival. I ended up not having to work a booth, just chatted and enjoyed the festivities. Morning wine drop off proved a success! Voss was not as excited and spent the last half of it in the car taking a break with my phone. The night was redeemed when I took he and Marly to High Tide and had a moms night (with kids at other tables). We were treated by the sweet Camp family. It was a great ending to a long day! Phil was on a guys night with Carl. Ellie was at a football game. Abby at a sleepover. Saturday morning, Voss had a soccer game (had to tape his cleat back together which was some drama). He played great but it wasn't enough for a win. Gorgeous fall weather out there! I was stressed trying to figure out Saturday night but we made that happen, too. Voss had a Birthday party for his pal, Miles, Ellie went to a pumpkin patch with friends and then an overnight babysitting gig. We picked up Marly from Nutcracker and headed on base. When the CO invites you for a concert, you go. A gorgeous evening on the river, then a golf cart ride to the flight line for Shaboozey and Jellyroll. It was Abby's first concert. Next time she said she's bringing headphones. She was overwhelmed but didn't want to leave so she just cried. Oh the range of emotions of a 12 year old. Phil wanted to leave early, the girls and I did not so you can use your imagination to see how that played out. Still such a fun night! Mom came with us to mass in the morning then watched the Jags game with SQ. Phil and I taught CCD then I skipped out for brunch at the District celebrating Sunny's Birthday. It was a perfect Sunday ladies brunch with live music, great convos and sangria pitchers. Voss' new cleats came in time for his afternoon match. He was the MVP of the game with maybe 5 goals (none of which I got on video!). New kicks, who dis! It was awesome! The rain came but we still did family soccer. I sneaked out early when Spot ran loose and started making stir fry for dinner. Early bedtime yeehaw! Here are the pics of the week. 

Due to the golf tournament, the club was closed. This is the first year of the tourney that I was bummed to have it all on homecourt and grateful it was the last. I scoured a guest pass for the YMCA so instead of throwing an adult tantrum, I took it to body pump. I got in 3 classes this week and a tennis match (on line 4!) which we lost. Theresa finally hosted book club that night. A gorgeous night on the river talking about how awful the Geraldine DeRuiter book was. I think I made it halfway. Such a fun night, though. We had a middle school SAC meeting and then Ellie had a swim meet at Mandarin on Tuesday. Aunt Suzanne came to cheer, too. Mom came for dinner on Wednesday and I made shrimp quesadillas. I don't think it was a real popular one. We had MomCo on Thursday. I held babies while moms painted Halloween door mats, totally not my jam but they liked it. I passed out pizzas at Ellie's school after a round table discussion on social media. That night we went to Lillians to celebrate Taylor's 45th. Me still wearing my high school swag while everyone else was looking cute. Friday, Phil and I began back at Lillians with a bloody on the front porch celebrating Taylor then we went over to the Furyk & Friends to catch some golf. We ended up in the par tee tent where birdies mean $2 mich ultra. I ended up doing a PH with Kate, Emily and their friend and catching up with them. So many birdies on that hole! From there, we all went to the Krishnamurphys for a rainy evening in their baller pad, ordering pizza and Apothic red. I made it to PTA training on Saturday morning. Need to stay in compliance to win some awards this year. Hoping two of the schools I'm repping can make that happen, too. We took the kids back to the tournament that afternoon along with my mom and sister. More great golf, not many birdies and sibling time. SQ came with us to wine club later that night. Matt met up with us later. We needed more fellow seminoles at halftime so we went to Fishweir and watched our team get spanked. They did great things in the 4th quarter but it wasn't enough. Loved catching up with 5th grade teachers at the bar and then fun with my brother and sister, though. So proud of Marly getting a ticket and herself to the Alex Warren concert. She'd been talking about it for months! Lola and I wore our giraffe dresses at mass on Sunday. Still needing a few kids to learn the Hail Mary in my CCD class. Marly and I rode bikes to the tournament for the last day ever at TCC. I sat in an Adirondack chair relaxing in overcast, cool weather and watching golf, chatting with friends walking by. It was a good afternoon. Matt and Tara celebrated their 2nd anniversary where they first met. The rain all morning canceled on of Voss' soccer games, but not the other. We booked it to the field across the river for a match. He played great but was upset he doesn't have a passing pal. I helped sort patrol spirit shirts that night and loaded a bunch of boxes in my car ready for distribution. Here are the pics of the week. 

It was a fairly quiet week with all the usual things; flag raising, tennis clinic and a round robin, dance (new shoes for Abby), cub scouts, soccer, two swim meets for Ellie. One I helped time (even after she left for dance). The other was senior night so as junior captain she ran the whole thing. Presenting gifts (embroidered PJ pants thanks to me), roses for moms and cupcakes. It gave me a glimpse into how it will be for us next year! I made shrimp tetrazzini for dinner and mom came over. We had a Nutcracker lunch to talk marketing and development. Friday morning after dropping off at middle school, I looped back around to pick up a carload of moms and headed to Orlando for MomCon. I can't remember how many MomCons I've been to....maybe this is my 4th? Or 6th? It being in Orlando made it a no brainer to attend. That and my MomCo friends helped me get my act together by booking a hotel room I could split and teaching me to d/l the app and RSVP for sessions. We had great car bonding time on the drive and met up with four other moms from our group. I also got to see some from the St. Marks group and then my sorority sister was there, too! We made it in time for the first afternoon session, I went to Walking Through Fear and Stress with your Teen Daughter (run by Sandra Stanley and her husband, Andy!). My notes: "Help me do what I can do and leave the rest to You.", Her book, Meet me in the Middle, teach to renew your mind, figure out your kids flow (best time and was to talk/listen, be your daughter's safest place, dinner table is not for teachable moments. Next I went to Forgiving the Unforgivable run by my pal, Laurie Jarvis! Then, we had a main session...being in a room with 3,000 moms doing praise and worship was so powerful. Mandy's talk on being in the right place and taking ownership was really empowering. We hung by the pool (I forgot my suit!) then had an after party in Lynn and Summer's suite watching the Disney fireworks, doing face masks and watching the FSU game (lost in overtime!). The next morning, I got up too early and went to the gym. I went to a global sisterhood session learning about MomCo groups all over the world. In the big session we heard the story from Maya Moore, the basketball star talking about institutionalized racism in the prison system. We had Mexican for lunch and picking up a new friend along the way from Tampa. The first afternoon session I went to was Nourish and Clean up your body, mind and soul. I'm now getting her newsletter, which seems full of details. Next I went to Raising Emotionally Resilient Kids. My notes: bad company hurts good company, during a meltdown is not the time to teach, what is this behavior really communicating?, pause for 10 seconds, touch the grass (with your barefeet!) In the final big session we heard from Aarti Sequeira telling us who we really are. We did one last Cuban supper then headed to the afterparty masquerade ball. Lots of dancing and then a long drive home. What a weekend! I feel such hope seeing all these women helping women! Sunday morning I was up and got everyone in the car for mass then CCD. No bfast at TCC so we headed to First Watch instead. Voss had his first practice and game with the hedgehogs. Suzanne came to help cheer him on on her side of town. We went from there to the school for family soccer. We had the Holy Name Society Oktoberfest brats while watching the Jags pull in a win. Here are the pics of the week.

Monday was my pal, Steph's actual Birthday. After clinic I picked up the gals and did an afternoon river cruise. Nothing crazy, even Spot got a ride. It was a great way to start out the week. Tuesday I tried that 12-3-30 TikTok trend which kicked my butt. That 3mph is deceptive. I met Phil at his office with our financial planners then went to lunch (for my fave brussels). I had a crazy afternoon with a SAC meeting, swim meet and then PTSA meeting. Learning more about Marly's school and watched Ellie swim an amazing 500 meter race! Wednesday I played with Carolyn and we finally won in an interclub match! 7-5 in the first set, 3-6 in the 2nd and then a 10-3 tie breaker! Definitely a mental one. I finished in time to pop in to see Voss at lunch (gotta take advantage while I can) then went to another SAC meeting. If I were to give advice to a new mom wanting to be involved at school and know what's going on, I would say SAC meetings are where it's at. If you can only choose one: stakeholder SAC meeting in January/February. All the tea in one meeting. My mom came over for a salmon dinner that night. It was nice to catch up and touch base with her. Thursday we had MomCo, the fix it freeze it meals. I walked crying babies around the church campus and chopped veggies for nursing moms. I met my HS friend, Alex for lunch at the Brick after. So nice catching up with her and sharing PTA stories. That night, after ubering kids, I broke out to Julie's for a gorgeous night alfresco on the river with some liberal ladies. Friday we stopped for Starbucks Friday treat with Marly's art carpool. The last line forfeited so I went to a pilates class instead of tennis. We had a Nutcracker board meeting. I've gotta say, my spark is dimming after Ellie's retirement and I'm batting zero on marketing efforts and taking notes is stressful. I spent the afternoon prepping for the last back to school elementary school dance! I found coolers to fill with ice (from the FYC) then picked up 75 pizzas and played bouncer at the front door. I did try to let everyone in 10min early and got scolded. Once the crowd was controlled, I left Phil to bounce the dance floor and did a quick change into my durndel (old dance recital costume for the win) and headed to TCC for their Oktoberfest party. Another gorgeous night on the river with a German band and food sampling the brews. Phil met up after his shift ended. It was nice. Thankfully my efforts paid off to shirk an afterparty and we went home and got great sleep. Saturday morning, Voss had a soccer game in the OP. Despite the win (and goal) he was upset with the team's passing game. I thought they did great and my snacks of sliced oranges was a win. I went on a lunch date with the boys, worked on some embroidery for the swim team then drove the Nutcracker page carpool. The pro of having a large carpool is that I only have to drive out there a few times. The con is that it takes me an hour just to pick up the gang! I did get to walk with my sister and hug Dolly and get a sneak peek of the dancers with the new choreographer, Robbie. That night we met up with a gang (including my siblings!) at Lillians for a nightcap and watch the Gators loose (wooo whooo!) I did possibly stay too long there but still made it to read with Ellie in mass on Sunday. We even prepared for the correct readings this time. Marly rocked the incense as altar server. No shorts for Voss, we learned. Abby spent breakfast throwing a tantrum in the car (everyone needs a moment). I went back to church to help with the MomCo table at the ministry fair for the Feast of St. Matthew. I finished all my embroidery while listening to Beautiful Disaster. Family soccer (minus Abby) then WD chicken sandwiches for dinner. Here are our pics of the week.   

I had the morning to get geared up for the week then went to bootcamp class and the after school shuffle. I got to sneak out for a night out with some high schools pals. We laughed so hard, reminiscing and catching up on life. Chicken soup for the soul for sure. Wednesday I played with Lucretia again in tennis. We got a donut spanking in the first set, turned it around in the 2nd set and then lost the tie breaker 5-10. Ugh. I've got to figure it out with her. Abby had an ortho appointment that afternoon then dance for she and Marly that night. Thursday had me off and running. I got a ride to our first MomCo meeting of the year (perfect for the awkward theme). It's such a great group! I'm so proud of how the ministry is moving right along helping moms. The Strayers picked me up and dropped me at Steph's for the fun to begin. Jenny, Steph and I flew to Nashville to kick off Steph's Birthday celebrations. We met Teana at her gate and the 4 of us ubered to the condo Steph had rented for the weekend. I wish I got a photo of the Dolly Parton bedroom, it was such a fab place, next-door to the homeless center #lovethyneighborthefacesofNashville We unpacked and headed out on the town. First, a walk to The Finch for lunch then to Layla's on Broadway for a drink and live music. From there we ubered to another spot to check out a few bars around John Daly's (and even got to meet him and chat about his upcoming Fyurk & Friends tournament here in town!) We took a break back at the condo (enjoying a before dinner drink thanks to Shipt) and headed to a fancy dinner at V Modern Italian. Jess and Lauren finally made it and met up with at at Snoop's GIN lounge which turned out to be a let down since by then it was about to close. We took it back up a notch at Posty's, thanks to some Irish grandmothers who made us all get on the dance floor (I'm not planning a trip to visit them next summer). Of course I was up bright and early. Phil gave me the run down of his first time driving the DA carpool. I walked to the Gulch neighborhood with my coffee and finally finishing my book. I cooled off in the pool and finally got everyone to get up. We headed to Midtown and Jess and I split the best hot honey chicken sandwich. We met Jamie back on Broadway for a sauna on JT's rooftop for a hot dance party. We were so happy to cool off at Bon Jovi's bar. Live music everywhere, all of it so good! We came back to the condo to chill and work on a Dolly puzzle. A rain storm rolled in and we went back out to Geist for dinner in the neat hot air balloon covered dining room. We headed to Bourbon Street blues for music. Half went back to the condo. Steph, Jamie and I kept going to a bar that seemed to be an 18 and under karaoke place and then a few more places along the area. Saturday we got up (me way too early after staying up way too late), worked on the puzzle while drinking champagne then headed to Hampton Social house for a pink guitar of tequila shots and lots of bubbles and dancing. Jess had them turn on the women US Open final and we crashed a few bachelorette parties. From there we went to the Kid Rock bar (yes, I had a Bud Light) with more live music. We came back to chill and work on the puzzle. Voss' team lost their first soccer game of the season, but he scored 3 goals! Marly got a ride to her first angel rehearsal. Abby got a ride to page rehearsal and then a mad dash to her first Cotillion, disco theme! Taylor cooked my family dinner. Back in Nashville we went out to Blanco Cocina for pastor tacos and then to Tootsies for a night of dancing and live music. Way too much fun! Sunday we slowly packed up, did not complete the puzzle, gave leftovers to the homeless in the park and headed to Henrietta Red for a bloody and BLT. Sadly, back to the airport and reality. I met my family for dinner at Chipotle to catch up on their weekend and tell them about mine. So much fun partying with friends and taking a break from life. Here are the pics of the week. Hoping for a video soon.