It was a slow week for me. I had lots of down time, it felt. Lots of things I could be doing but nothing really pressing. Monday was rainy all day (Spot was going nuts). I went to a new friend's house to help plan another new friend's blessing way. I watched all of season 9 of The Walking Dead so I'm all caught up (to wait another year since I don't have AMC). I donated blood one morning, went running, went to an amazing coffee club to discuss the Impeachment Process. Spot and I went to a dog park then walked a trail at Tillie Fowler park. The afternoons had a nice, fall breeze. Voss had a play date with Nico on Friday at his grandmother's house. The kids hung at my parent's house on Friday. Phil and I went to Amelia Island with his bank friends for dinner. Saturday we went to the Amazing Acres farm for the morning. It was a MOPS play date and there was a decent turn out. Cooler than it has been, but still hot! It was a great family day! We took the boat to TCC and swam in the pool. We tried to watch the FSU game but it was terrible. The kids went to bed early. Phil and I did a Winn Dixie date then he made linguine Alfredo. We watched this alleged horror movie called Would You Rather. It wasn't really horror, but it was weird. This morning we went to mass then the girls had CCD. The guys and I went to breakfast. Phil and I went to the Jags game with my parents. The seats were amazing! We were in the 2nd row on the 50 yard line! We could smell the grass and see the facial expressions of the players! It was hot, though. And a real bummer that the Jags lost. This afternoon we worked on science projects and got ready for the week. Ellie and I have had some tough conversations this week. It began on Monday when I got a text from a mom saying Ellie was being mean to her daughter. I sent her over to talk it out that evening. We've been working through it this week. I went on Friday for a spy lunch so I could observe the mean girls table. Yes, my daughter might be the ringleader of the mean girls. I'm thinking of having her watch the movie so she can see what she looks like- but I don't want her to get any ideas! Lots of conversations about being kind and shutting your mouth if you can't say something nice. This afternoon I received another message from another parent saying how Ellie was mean to her son on Friday. So, we reiterated the kindness conversation. She might be loosing her own room this week if the kindness conversation doesn't seep in. Please send some prayers. 

Another fun filled week with the Bravos. Lots of moving pieces and you know sometimes a ball drops. I have this issue where I don't always look far enough ahead. I go day by day and maybe just look ahead a week. So, October kina snuck up on me. I barely got my background check updated in time to go on Marly's field trip. Of course her trip had to be the same time as Ellie's. My mom agreed to go on Ellie's with her. I was late in sending her the link so her background check didn't come back until too late and she missed the field trip. Ellie was bummed. The good news is there are many more fun trips for her this year. But that's how the week began. I went Thrift Shopping and out to lunch with friends on Monday. Caught up with my friend, Katherine. Marly's recycling center field trip was neat and has me double checking what I'm tossing in the trash. We had our 2nd MOPS meeting with my friend, Mae giving us parenting behavior tips. We rode bikes to school on Friday, which was quite the feat! Friday I drove to St. Simon's Island and met up for a book summit. My friend, April organized it all. Check out the agenda in the pics. It was amazing! Plenty of time discussing books, recommending books, working on a puzzle, chatting and just relaxing. It was such a nice weekend! Meanwhile, Phil and the kids did a little camp out in the back yard- but it was too hot to sleep out there. I came back early this morning to get them moving for mass. Ellie served. They went to religion while we went to bfast. We took the boat to TCC to watch the Jags game. Pizza for dinner, most of the rosary. Everyone is tired and ready for bed!

It's still so hot, but they are calling this fall. We had a good, busy week. Not much down time for me. After dropping off all kids on Monday, I went to the zoo. I know that's a little bizarre. My MOPS group was having a play date so I went and hung out with them for a while then walked around on my own. Got in some steps and saw the sights. It was kina neat. I'm so proud of Abby and Voss. They both learned how to ride a bike without training wheels this week! I took off Abby's training wheels months ago- she wore through 2 sets! I've been trying to force her. It was actually on our summer list, but it was just too hot to practice. Monday afternoon was nice so we gave it another try. She and Voss just took off! Abby's still a little cautious and can't start on her own. Voss has been riding his bike before school in the morning and all afternoon just around and around. He's fast! He figured out how to start himself, too! A run and trip to the grocery store on Tuesday. Wednesday I hosted a back to school brunch- moms with no children at home! I pulled out all my crystal and china, even polished some silver! It was nice! It forced me to do some organizing and cleaning, too. That was an early release day, which is tough. Voss and the girls get out at the same time so I have to be 2 places at once. There was a spirit day at Whits so we went there for frozen custard. Even Spot got some! Then those are our long days at the park. I didn't do well packing dinner because I ended up with all these extra kids. Marly and Ellie were fighting and Marly fell and scraped up her leg. Luckily, Phil came home early and was able to come grab her so she didn't have to be at the park with a bloody knee all evening. It was a doozie of a day! Thursday was a morning of meetings. Voss had his VPK assessment. There was a PTA meeting- I'm hitting all sorts of people up for sponsorships for the fall fest. Let me know if you'd like to help! I met my parents and sister for breakfast to celebrate my Dad's 72nd Birthday! That was fun! Then, I met Phil to sign some papers on the other side of town. Whew! Tues & Thurs afternoons are always so therapeutic with a walk in the park with friends. Friday, my pal Anne took Voss and I to a gymnastics play date then to CFA for a late breakfast. The boys had so much fun together! Ellie spent the night at a friends house. I took the rest of the kids and Spot to Yappy Hour at TCC. It was a dog play date. It was kina crazy at first, but ended up being really nice. Phil came later after playing in a golf tournament. We went back and had dinner with a bunch of people after they played in the wine and 9. We even met some new friends. Saturday we tried to sleep in. I dropped off Phil and the kids to pick up our boat (it's been in storage for hurricane prep). Marly went to see Toy Story 4 with her friend, Lily. That was a sweet play date. I played in a tennis tournament. I casually joined a league. I'm all over the place and thought the match was right down the street at TCC. No, I had to drive to Fleming Island and barely made it in time! Luckily we won after having to go into a 3rd set tie breaker! It was hot and I even got sun burnt! Blah! I took Marly to Sophie's house for a sleepover. Phil grilled burgers then we hosted a mafia night. I was bummed 2 couples bailed so we didn't have a full 10 to play for real. We still had a good time with the mix of people! There were some great players! This morning was rough getting to mass. Pancake breakfast after for the kids. The Hershorins joined us at Cool Moose after. Laurie is so sweet! We put up our Halloween decorations. The kids are so excited! Phil played tennis. I took the kids to the Halloween store while Ellie was fitted for her Nutcracker costume. Then we all took the boat to TCC for dinner and to watch the Jags game. Another win! We cleaned up and said the rosary and did an early bedtime. I'm hoping to head that way soon.
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Now that everyone is in school and things are getting back to normal, I'm having to figure out my new life as a free woman. It's really nice. It feels amazing to drop them all off at school and skid out of the parking lot. It turns out there is a whole lot to do and the school day goes by so quickly. By the time I clean up from breakfast and clear off the counter to prepare for the afternoon chaos, walk the dog and answer my email- it's time to go pick them all up again! I've worked out some carpool systems so I only have to spend 3 afternoons at the park by the dance studio. Dave takes the middle two to school every morning so I can take a breather. I'm thankful! I had planned on reading Whistle Stop cafe all day Monday in preparation for book club that evening. I realized I got the date wrong and was a week off. I've been casually reading. We had the MOPS Meet & Greet on Tuesday. It's finally here! The long awaited kick off week! I sorta threw together the M&G just bc I'm a visual learner and like to know where I'm going before the first day. We had a decent turn out and kina did a run through. It is more work than I was thinking. Since I'm kid-less, I pick up a lot of the slack. It is nice to not have to worry about kids during the meeting, though. I've never had that before. I met Fr. Donal for lunch and a beer in honor of "buy your priest a beer day". Not sure that's an actual thing, but I figured what the heck. He loved it, too! That night I dipped out to have drinks and apps and an evening with Amor Towles, the author of Rules of Civility. He mainly talked about his other book, which I hadn't read. So, that was kinda a bummer. I still enjoyed being there in that packed crowd! April and I went out for wine and cake after which is always a bonus! I finally got back out there to run this week. It felt good and no hip pain. I met friends for Steph and Molly's Birthday lunch. I had to sew Ellie's elastic and ribbons for her first pointe class! Thursday was the first MOPS meeting. I am so impressed with the turn out and how well it went! I went over the basics, we did introductions and talked about upcoming meetings. Then we played my favorite ice breaker, the chair game. It was so fun! The conversation got real and authentic- already! We have a great group! It was a whirlwind of a day! I made dinner for some friends who just had a baby and raced to a PTA meeting. I need to get some sponsors for the fall fest! That night, Phil and I went to the Jags game. The weather was actually chilly! Hello fall! We met up with the Applegates and had lots of fun! Friday, I watched the youngest Applegate boys. Voss and I took them and met up with the Spencers at MOSH. The space exhibit is so good right now! We rode the skyway and had such a nice day together with all the boys! That afternoon we had dinner at the pool and took it easy. Saturday we took Spot for a family walk. Then, Marly and Abby went on a girls retreat with the nuns at Assumption. Ellie had Nutcracker practice. Voss took a nap and Phil and I had a golf date. It was a gorgeous afternoon! Last night I got picked up by boat and went to a Stockton moms night out. It was too much fun. I stayed up late on a swing on the dock with some moms. Today I was so tired! I tried to sleep in. We took the kids to religion class and had a delicious Cool Moose bfast. We got a new smart TV and I'm trying to sync it with all our other google devices. Blah! We put up the lights in our backyard finally. We went to 5:30 mass then McDs for a quick dinner. Rosary, baths and bed! We're all ready!

I was stressed a bit this week getting into a new routine. Voss had his first week of preschool (finally)! That first day was a doozie. I got the start time of school wrong, didn't realize there was a school supplies list for the free state wide preschool and of course he threw a fit when I dropped him off. I went home to detox for a bit. I didn't even do anything amazing. Checked email, walked to dog, I don't even know. Tuesday I did better. Rachael and I went to the gym then sat in the pool. Wednesday I went to brunch with Laurie to brainstorm fundraising ideas to support a charity her mom loved to honor to her mom. Thursday I met Tracy for donuts and coffee. The girls had dance every afternoon. I worked out a carpool with Marly's dance so that's one less day I have to be up there. It was almost like the first week figuring out a new routine- how to figure out dinner, pack bags and get organized. Wednesdays we have to eat dinner in the park due to dance classes. Ellie and Marly did some babysitting for a friend who just moved into a new house so she could do some unpacking. I even got to go home and watch Ellen one afternoon alone! I'm going to like this new routine! Trexler and I went out to poetry night on Wednesday. It got started late but was pretty good. Friday we pulled the kids out of school early and headed over to Panama City for my brother's promotion ceremony. Congratulations to the newest Commander! We picked up Aunt Susan from the airport. My parents and sister met us there, too. Matt had a whole fan club. It was a neat ceremony with my parents pinning him. He gave a great speech, I am so proud of him! After we did a "wetting down" at a bar at the beach. We got to meet his work friends. I had some amazing baked flounder. Later, Matt and I walked on the beach and caught up (barely got in my 10K steps)! We got up super early the next morning and drove back to Jax. The drive was fast but tough. No one but Phil napped so everyone was crabby that afternoon. Phil took Ellie to Nutcracker rehearsal. I unpacked, washed the dog and the car, did some laundry and a Birthday gift for Ellie's friend. MOPS had a playdate at a brewery. There were some authors that did a story time. We checked it out but it was kind of a bust. Just so crowded! Phil played some tennis. I got the kids all to bed early. Phil and I met the Bentons out and sorta did around the world. We started at the German speakeasy then margaritas and queso at a Mexican place, El Jefe then French wine at the Brick. It was nice to catch up with them. This morning we went to mass then stayed for donuts (part of our new routine) and socialized. Then we took the kids to religion class and had breakfast at Cool Moose. My plan is to try everything on the menu! This afternoon we went to a surprise Birthday party for Stephanie. I was so impressed with Carl for pulling it off! They even had an awesome jazz band! Ellie left for a bit for a Sweet Pete's Birthday party for her pal. It was certainly a Funday Sunday! Happy to be back into a routine and lots to be thankful for!
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Labor Day was Monday but it didn't really feel like it. Everyone was anxiously watching Hurricane Dorian turtle crawl up the east coast. Time was spent making and changing hotel evacuation plans as the storm kept slowing down. Steph invited us all to the FYC pool and we spent the whole day on a overcast, windy and sunny day. We met some TCC friends at Lillians for dinner. Claire and I snuck out for dance practice. Tuesday we hurricane proofed the house (moved all outdoor and porch items into the garage, put towels and tarps and things against doors and windows facing the water and moved important things up high, gassed up cars, packed bags and filled up on wine and snacks to go). We checked into the Holiday Inn in Orange Park (the same place we stayed for Irma. This time Spot came, too. The best news is that he was allowed to be there (during a mandatory evacuation). We hunkered down, went swimming, had the buffet and watched Americas got Talent. The next day we had the awesome bfast buffet and took turns taking Spot out. We read, watched TV, played games and had some close family time. It wasn't long before cabin fever set in. We decided to check out that evening when light wind and drizzle happened. I think we moved all our stuff back out during the worse time of the storm. I unpacked and re-packed for MomCon. Hell or high water, I was going! My parents saved me by coming back from Pensacola in time to watch all the kids for me (since school was canceled). They helped with Voss all day Friday, too. Lori Ann finally picked me up Thursday morning and we were on our way! We checked into the Swan & Dolphin as VIPs! Pina Coladas at the pool as we waited for the first session to kick off. The first session was a welcome and got us all excited. We went out for sushi and karaoke. On the way back to our room we saw the CEO of MOPS and took some selfies. Facials, wine and chit chat before bed. We had to get up super early the following morning for our dress rehearsal so it was a long day! Coffee in the green room as we did make up, practiced, prayed and took pics with Mickey Mouse! It was surreal. Our moment of fame finally came as we lined up and went on stage. It felt awesome to be up there! I was able to pull off my cartwheel and jump off the front of the stage like some kind of rockstar. Incredible! I'm so proud of our group for pulling it off! The theme for this year in MOPS is TO THE FULL and this is the best example of that! The rest of the day was pretty good. I went to a mentor mom meet up (since that's what I hope to eventually do for St. Matts) and then a session for new groups (which put me in a bad mood because they wouldn't retroactivate the half off discount offer even though I started ours a few months ago and were not very helpful). The purposful parenting was okay and I felt like the life balance had me ask myself some good questions but was meh. I didn't have time for lunch so ate a RX bar in one of the sessions. The main gathering was okay but ran late thanks to a long winded (semi-anoying) lady for Operation Christmas Child. It was feeling a little too salesy and we were late for the dinner reservation in my name. Luckily, dinner was great! We rode the water taxi around Hollywood Studious then had a girls night pool party. I was wiped out and in bed by 10:30. We got to sleep in on Saturday and the sessions blew me away. They did a Ted Talk format and had the 4 best speakers. The first talked about Anger and I was sitting in the front row with the big lights right on me (sitting next to Mandy's sister-in-law) and crying my eyes out. It was just so powerful! Then, there was a talk on promoting peace, JJ Heller (we listen to her CD all the time!) and spiritual yoga! What a way to start the day! Cheese platter thanks to Emily for lunch. Then, I went to a session on Serenity. She was a fantastic speaker. I even subscribed to her Podcast to keep listening. Next a session on marriage that was nothing new but a great reminder. The final session was with Bob Goff who is just amazing (talking about authentic conversations- YES!) and some Christian rock. Crazy! Phil is blowing up my phone to come home, which was lame. But we got back on the road and didn't even stop for dinner! Great processing conversations! This morning we got up for mass and then headed to religion class. Gotta work out the schedule for that with my #5thchild. We met the Freemans and Hershorins at the pool to watch the Jags loose. It was so hot we had to be in the pool! We came home and had quesadillas for dinner, said the rosary and went to bed. Everyone was tired! Me too!

I got in lots of family time this week! Voss and I rode to Mississippi with my parents. We spent the night at my Papa's old condo in Pensacola on the way there and back. My brother, Matt met up with us and rode with us the 2nd leg. We had to get to Covington in time to pick up Uncle Bobby's ashes before the funeral home closed. I also forgot Voss' antibiotic and had to transfer it to a pharmacy in Natchez. Good news is we made it all and got to Aunt Del's and had a BBQ dinner and even got to stop in McComb to see Uncle Bill & Aunt Jean and the Scovilles. Matt and I walked around the neighborhood to get in enough steps and had a great tour of Aunt Del's new neighborhood. The next morning we got up and had bfast. My cousins; Amy, Jenny and Leigh (and her daughter, Avery) all came over. We all went over to the church- the same basilica where most of my cousins were married. It was a nice funeral mass. I read both readings and did the prayers of the faithful. It was nice to see so many aunts, uncles and cousins. There was a nice reception. We took a bunch of family pics. Then, we headed back to Pensacola. Matt had to get back to Panama City from there. I walked a bunch of steps back and forth the halls to get to my 10K. The next morning we got up early and drove back to Jax. What a long car trip- plenty of time to bond with family and tell Uncle Bobby stories. I was home in enough time to do the evening activities. Phil met us at Pizza Hut (need to figure out a better Wednesday dinner plan going forward). Thursday was not back to normal. My sister, Katie and her husband and baby flew in that morning. We had a morning PTA meeting then I was able to meet up with them and snuggle baby Henry. That night we were treated to a Jags suite with the Wojeskis. Too bad the Jags lost- we still had lots of fun! We met my MOPS dance pals out at a German speakeasy. Friday morning, Voss had his orientation at school. More paperwork, met some new friends and saw his classroom. We visited with the Kuklas then met up with Matt for lunch (he came in town, too) to his favorite Larry's Giant Subs. That night my parents hosted us all for a fish dinner. It was nice to see everyone and have all the kids play together. Saturday morning we had breakfast then spent the day at the club. We played tennis, went to the pool then watched FSU loose. Ugh. That night we went to a surprise 40th Birthday party for one of my childhood friends, Garrett. It was a blast from the past to see my neighborhood friends from the 80s! This morning we went to mass then bfast then buzzed around the house. I'm still trying to get settled from being gone the first part of the week and now we are trying to Hurricane-proof our house for this next week. Blah! 'Tis the season!
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It was kinda a weird week as I tried to figure out a new normal. On Monday we went to Voss' new school to register him and fill out paperwork. Turns out they don't begin until after Labor Day. So, now we have the never ending summer! I read Where'd You Go Bernadette in about a day; just in time to go see it in the theater for my friend, April's Birthday. My parents watched Voss for me (I had originally though he'd be in school). I took Voss in for his infected bug bite and as it turns out, its now a staff infection! So I was feeling pretty low about that. He's on an antibiotic and after a few days it cleared up pretty well. We layed low for the majority of the week. My uncle passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's. So we made plans to head to Mississippi. We had a great dance practice on Thursday. We crashed mens night at Lillians for an after party and made some bad choices that made Friday rough. I powered through and went to the water park for another day of fun. That night was April's surprise party. I think I was mainly tired, but there were some good conversations. Saturday morning, Ellie and I got up early and headed downtown to the arts magnet middle school for her Nutcracker audition. I'm so happy we did the Village Dance prep class because she was ready. It was nerve racking waiting there, and then they announced that they wanted them to come back for the advanced auditions later that afternoon! I was nervous and excited. We met up with the fam and headed to the Holland boys pool party. We left early from there and went back to the afternoon auditions. Luckily, Ellie's friend Kennedi was in the same boat so I had a friend. Also, one of my childhood friends, Karen had a daughter auditioning, too. We waited in the school cafeteria all afternoon! Finally at 8pm they came out and announced that they were cherubs! We were elated! It was a neat experience; not sure I'm cut out to be a dance mom! Nutcracker practice here we go! Sunday, Ellie served at mass. The girls had their first day of religion class. We switched to St. Paul's since they do class on Sundays. They even had a waffle breakfast before class! The boys and I went to Cool Moose. Voss and I packed up and got picked up by my parents to head west for the first leg of Uncle Bobby's funeral. My fab friend, Laurie took the girls to the Suter girls Birthday party. Phil took the afternoon off and played 4 hours of tennis. We are all over the place!

The girls had their first week of school this week! Abby is in first grade with Mrs. Moore (an awesome teacher we've been trying to get for years- and one of the sponsors for patrols), Marly is in 3rd grade in Mrs. Cogswell's class (another favorite who was runner up for teacher of the year last year- she even has people praying and writing notes to each one of her students each year). She was super excited this week about a science experiment to do a gender reveal for her baby. It's a girl according to the exploding volcano! Ellie has a new teacher, Mr. Smith who seems to be very nice. He's new to teaching after a navy career. She loves being a patrol! It's going to be a great year! It was an odd week for Voss and I. Still no school for him. He's still rockin' the waitlist. I'm going to have to put him in my 2nd choice, which I'm pretty bummed about. It's just the hours, really- which I know is selfish. I'm going to have to figure out how to be 2 places at once since his school will start the same time as the girls 4 days a week. We had a few bum days, where I just sorta answered emails, cleaned and piddled around the house. It was needed, I think. We hosted a rager, last minute play date on Monday. It rained so hard Sunday night, it knocked the power out around town- including the indoor playground where the play date was supposed to be. I had the first MOPS girls night- a pool party. There were 5 of us there, which was nice. Good conversations. Voss and I had a pool play date with my doula, Sherry. It was nice to catch up with her. We had dance practice then I met the Hershorins out to celebrate Brian's 40th. Friday we went to Adventure Landing for more water park fun. The older girls had friends spend the night Friday night. I got off easy because we went to the dive in movie at TCC. It was fun for all! The following morning, the Bentons picked us up and Ellie was fitted for point shoes! My friend, Emily met us there. Super neat having a ballerina help with the fitting. We celebrated with lunch after. It was a rainy day. Ellie convinced Phil to take them to the daddy daughter dance that night. They had such a nice time! Voss and I went to McDonalds. He has this nasty rash on his leg. I thought it was getting better. I think it was a bug bite that got infected or some chaffing from his bathing suit. But over the weekend I've noticed it spreading so it's time to have the dr take a look. I finished reading 1,000 White Women. It was pretty interesting. I'm excited for the conversation. Today we went to mass then bfast then just took it easy. I walked Spot over and visited with my parents. Marly and I played Trouble. Ellie and I tried to read a chapter of HP but Abby and Voss worked on potions and tried to destroy their room so we didn't get too far. We've been reading a lot this week, though. No activities yet and not much homework. The Hershorins had us over for dinner so we ended up having a Sunday Funday. Gotta get into the routine!