We are here!

Whew! Finally to the Big Apple. A slight delay due to weather and a flight plan change later, and you get Jody in New York! It really wasn't bad at all, but poor Darlene and Erin were sitting in the waiting until 1:00 am. However, we are looking forward to a great day even with some rain, it is so fabulous seeing my girlfriends!

Have a great day!

Old friends are so comfortable

I have been given the opportunity to go and visit with two of my good ol' girlfriends. Erin and Darlene are dear friends from Tallahassee and I do not get the chance to see them often. Erin has come back to the old stompin' grounds for football games in Tallahassee, but Darlene has taken off to the big city of New York to attend NYU's Dental program.

Darlene and Erin were in our wedding and we really haven't spent anytime together since then. When Erin and I talked last, she had made plans to go to NYC to see Dar and next thing I knew, I was booking a flight too! YIKES! I usually have Bobby with me when flying, so this will be a feat for me. It has been 7 years since I have flown by myself.

(From L to R) Deana, Heather, Erin, me, Christy, & Darlene.

Darlene and Erin were such good friends to me and Bobby. I met them when I moved to Tallahassee after transferring up from Gainesville. We all worked for the GAP. All having a passion for fashion and a fast paced job, the GAP offered us all many great things. I was pretty sure my life was holding some sort of position with the company, who knew where, but I loved working for that company...huh? Yep, thank goodness I'm not in control of all that good stuff and I ran smack into Bob!

I can't wait to be able to spend some time with these two girls. We have all done so many different things with our lives. I am interested and intrigued to listen and talk about how everyone has grown and changed in life, love, and our faith. Something about being face-to-face that really allows your true self to come forth. We haven't had that good stuff for many years...we are all so thrilled to be given this time together!

Inspire Me...

I continue to stay inspired by all of you wonderful women bloggers. Thank you! Just when I am looking the perfect picture of "Ms. Surly," (Ha!) I get on my computer and find just all the reasons not to. (I do hope I used the word of the day properly).

At any rate, this morning I was reminded of how certain people, things, and events come into our lives for just the right reason. It pleases me greatly to know that I have no control over this, or much else for that matter. However, as a woman and human being, created just as He wanted me, I sometimes like to think otherwise.

I know I am rambling on about my morning, but it was just so nice to share a bit of it with a very kind person. A smile and nice conversation can go such a long way. I do try to remember this simple little thing, but when I am tempted to turn into a surly little girl, it can seem like this unattainable goal.

P.S. Loving the word of the day...trying to use them! Please correct my grammar if necessary...thanks!

Hola Chicas! Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. Did you feel that change in temp. yesterday am? Yes, while slight...it was there! I enjoyed coffee on the porch with my three pups and the Highlands Today. It was gorgeous and peaceful.

Looking very forward to Fall here. So much so that I have already put out all our goodies. I like to think it is because I am going to be gone so much the next two weeks, but I'm sure I have a problem. I am giggling along with some of you right this moment on me and my "problems!" It is for the children to enjoy...(better right?) Anyway, we took all the decor off the "holiday tree" (yes, it stays up all year!) and put on the orange lights, scarecrow bows, and ghost and pumpkin hangers too! We are having a ball! We even broke out the Wilson pumpkin cupcake mold...the butter is softening right this moment...Yahoo! Remember, it is all for the children and I never said that there weren't 3 children here!

Enjoy the rest of your weekends. Outside, cupcakes, and 2 little punkins are a callin'!

Pumpkins, Spiders, & Candy Corns...Oh My!

Oh, my! It would appear that Halloween is right around the corner at our house. The beloved "Costume" catalog showed up while we were in Chicago and this has been the scene around the house ever since...anybody else understand this phenomenon?

Florida State, Florida State, Florida State, WOO!

Go Seminoles! Way to start the 2008-2009 football season. The Swaine's are all hopeful that the Seminoles have a great winning streak ahead for this year. Good luck to all you college football fans. We absolutely love Football Season at this house!



F-L-O-R-I-D-A S-T-A-T-E

FLORIDA STATE, FLORIDA STATE, FLORIDA STATE...WOO!!!

Chicago Photos

Bobby picking out Madeline's American Girl!

American Girl purchased!

Mary, Bob, Bobby, Jody, Mike, Wayne, & Sandra @ Wildfire

More to come later, we are off to lunch. Love Jody!

Good morning from Chicago!

Hi and Good Morning to you all! We have made it to the beautiful city of Chicago. I have been a diligent little photo opp girl, yeah I know you are all proud. I did however think it would be a great idea to leave my usb cord at home...she's a smart girl. I will be in search of a Sony store today to see how much an extra cord will be. Don't give up on me yet.

On a better note, Bobby and I were able to get in some browsing yesterday on Michigan Avenue and then had a delicious supper with Mr. Foltz, Mr. & Mrs. Swaine, and Mr. & Mrs. Harris at Wildfire Steakhouse. We all decided to take the appetizer way in with some Calamari, Mushrooms stuffed with four cheeses, and Mussels. So delicious! Seeings as how we were at a Steakhouse, everyone at the table had a steak. I am more a fish eater, so I would have to say that the almond crusted Halibut with a warm mustard sauce, fresh broccoli, & asparagus won over for the evening. Because we had already eaten our weight in appetizers and main course decided that dessert was the only way to go! Strawberry, lemon, & mango sorbet on a bed of fresh strawberries, blueberries, & blackberries, a fresh blueberry & peach tart, and a hot chocolate chip & walnut cookie sundae later and we just about rolled out into the cab!
So, all that being said, go to Wildfire Steakhouse when visiting Chicago...yumm-o!

This morning Bobby and I went running down by Lake Michigan and watched the sunrise. It was gorgeous! The run on the other hand wasn't so pretty, but it felt great to be moving again and what a great and inspiring place to put my running shoes back on. It is so neat to run here. People are up and moving all over, it's awesome!

I am going to scoot and see if I can find a usb cord to get you all some photos, but a much needed shower awaits. I can't wait to share. Toodles!

Ready to fly.

Hi all and Happy Labor Day! I hope this blog finds you all well. We are having a fun day at home today as Bobby and I are leaving tomorrow for Chicago. So, alittle packing, playing, lounging, and lovin' and hopefully I will be ready to fly. Bobby and his Daddy do some work for clients based in Chicago, so every once in a while, the spouses are invited too. This is wonderfully exciting because Chicago is a beautiful city, and hard too in that my Mother-in-Law is usually the one who cares for our children when we are out-of-town. We are so grateful for Aunt Ci-Ci's and Ms. Heidi K. and Ms. Heidi S.'s that this trip is possible. I appreciate you all more than you know. I know you all will have a fun time! I am taking the computer so I can blog while up there. The kids love to watch all the fun blogspots with Mama!