Monthly Archives: September 2010

Last year, when I sat down to write my first blog entry, I had no idea how must of my life it would become.  As my life has unfolded over the last year, I find myself noticing things I never would have noticed; seeing the humor in things I would have otherwise glossed over; and exposing depths of my emotions that I had previously kept well hidden.  The benefit has been two fold: I’ve touched people’s lives, and perfect strangers have become some of my strongest supporters.  While I’m not where I want to be, I think we’re off to a great start.

2010's Anniversary Pumpkin - last year I posted a photo of one as well

I feel like I’m on to something with DPF, but I’ll be honest, I’m horrible at follow through.  I really want to create a show, and we have hours and hours of footage, but I just can’t figure out how to make it happen.  I want to package and market DPF Spice mixes (Jake and I have at least 10 that are just kick ass).  I want to develop my Scrummy Kits (Party Planning Kits – complete with menu and decor).  I want to create a table decor line.  I want to patent and really, really, really pursue getting my drink tags out to boutique stores. And I’d love to see my jams hit the market.  However, I have no idea how to get things moving.  I have all these things that are pretty damn unique and special, but no idea how to make the next step happen.  I have the product, I just need the motivation and direction, I guess.  I need someone to help me see through the fog and see that it could actually work.  Right now, I just have a hard time with the nitty-gritty.  I never really thought of myself as having the artist complex, but maybe that’s what it is.  I see numbers or an excel sheet, and my brain just completely shuts down.  But give me a party of 200 people to cook and decor to plan for, and I’m a force to be reckoned with!

So………I’m going to TRY to get at least one thing done…not sure if I’ll be able to get through the business side enough to see it to completion, but I think I might be able to manage to make a cookbook of DPF recipes.  Would anyone be interested or would I just be yet another blogger trying to figure out a way to touch the world?

My usual station

“Ok, Ellie Graye, mommy and daddy are going to leave you with teacher, and come back later to take you home.”

“Mommy! Baby! Milk! Look it! Mommy! Ellie play! Mommy!” She picked up a baby doll who was holding a bottle in her hand.

“Ellie, Mommy is leaving now.”

Without even glancing at me, she spit out, “Ok, Mommy.”

Two seconds later, off she scampered.  In my experiences, that wasn’t exactly a typical response from a two year old on her first day of being left anywhere other than at home or Grandma’s or Nana’s.  I’ll admit that while I had suspected this would be her response, there was a flood of relief when my suspicions were correct.  She is definitely secure and independent.  I’ll also admit, that the deep breath I took was one of relief that I would have a couple of hours without a toddler in tow!  The lady at the front desk commented on Ellie’s response being the exception rather than the rule, and I thankfully exited the building!

When I returned a few hours later, I got a warm, fuzzy feeling as I looked at my daughter who was wearing a pink Sleeping Beauty dress and lying on the floor while other children played around her.  Ash she played, she absolutely had “perma-grin,” and her face was glowing with joy.  Her eyes lit up even more when she saw me standing in the doorway.

With her hands shooting straight up into the air, she yelled: “MOMMMMMMMMMMMY!!!!!!! OTRO children!!!!!!!!!!!!”  She motioned to her friends around her. Her animation, doubled with her “SpanGlish” always makes me smile.  “Otro” is easier for her to say than “other,” and her transition from a Spanish accent to solid American one is a riot. She gave a little jump, her hands flying around in the air as she ran around in circles.  There’s nothing quite like seeing a child so incredibly happy!

She didn’t fight leaving the school, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen my daughter so darn happy.  She was just overflowing with excitement.  Her little feet were skipping – not knowing what they were doing.  She had a little dance around me like a puppy looking for a treat.  My heart about burst.

Lucky for us, after some rearranging, Ellie Graye will be able to start at the PLAY boutique preschool on Monday.  With my mother living only a few minutes away, I couldn’t ask for a better set up.  In fact, on the way home, we stopped by Gah-Gah’s for a quick visit.  Of course, Gah-Gah couldn’t stand the thought of Ellie leaving, so I got a few extra hours of solo time.

Yes, indeed, I think that the decision to put her in preschool was the right thing at the right time.  She obviously loves “otros children” and I’m positive she will soak up any new knowledge that might be thrown her way.  I’m excited to have a new energy release for her constant buzzing, and I believe that the few hours that it gives me to go ride Avdoo will do wonders for my own personal health.

Speaking of Avdoo…..the trainer (David) rode him for the first time today, and gave me a great review. “Nice horse, Melissa! Nice horse!”  I love hearing that. I can’t wait to start riding him again on a regular basis! Woo hoo!

Frank is adjusting to his new home, though I can’t say that my heart isn’t aching still.  I so miss his morning cuddle and his silly little antics around the barn.  I miss the feel of him under saddle – when he’s balanced and happy and relaxed.  BUT he’s happy in his new home, and THAT makes it easier!

This week is swamped, so I’m heading to bed.

RANDOM PHOTOS OF THE DAY