It's Official!!

After four and a half months, I finally bit the bullet and did it. Gathered my resolve, wits, juice boxes, suckers and a grande Peppermint Mocha and went for it. Now lest people think I was headed for some crazy car trip - allow me to burst your bubble. It's waaay scarier than that. Drew, Anna and I were off to visit the one known (at least to me) drivers license center in the county, in order for one half of the Stigall parenting team to be recognized as as an official, legal, driving resident of the state of Pennsylvania.

I have never had much luck with DMV's. The last time I attempted this I had to renew my Missouri license,I had all three kids with me, all necessary documents and after an hour wait in line, complete with a baby in a carrier, and two very loud, active toddlers, I was informed I had the wrong birth certificate. Major problem cause the license was about to expire and if memory serves me, I was about to travel (albeit driving) back home and felt pretty confident a current license would be useful. Which became an even bigger problem when I started searching online through the Illinios for the most efficient way to get a birth certificate and after no luck, just decided to get the birth certificate while in Illinois for a visit. Fast forward to the Vital Records people only being able to find some weird, abbreviated version of this important document (it contains three lines of info, as opposed to my sister's and husband's birth certificates, which e each contain a page filled with info).....but I took it, paid for it and hoped that it would work. And back to the Missouri license center for attempt #2. The very unfriendly, stern state employee was not a fan of said birth certificate but I helpfully pointed out (about 5 times) the official seal of Cook County, IL. And was allowed to leave as a valid driving resident of Missouri.

So I had very little confidence or positive thoughts running through my brain about this adventure I was off on. The only input from my darling, ever-so-helpful husband was "Good luck...I can't imagine what a pain it will be" and "I'll just wait until you get yours" so enthusiasm was low. The kids and I had a heart to heart chat in the parking lot where I let them know I was not above dumping out all Halloween candy in the trash if they misbehaved, had Daddy on speed dial, and dammit, they WERE going to behave, then I grabbed all identifying proof-of-residence documents I had and marched in to that office, ready to drip sugar sweet helplessness or smart ass attitude...whatever works, right? And had, by far, my most pleasant experience in a place of business EVER.

No lie. Up until now, the only state run office my children behave in is the liquor store - cause they get suckers. I walk out with a case of beer, they walk out with sugar. It's win-win. And today, my darling angels listened to me, used their manners, were polite to the woman helping me, and she was friendly and talkative with me as well. I thought I heard Twilight Zone music playing in the background, but that could be me. There wasn't a single bit of attitude - from anyone. Which, frankly, out here, is an accomplishment all on its own. There wasn't a single eye roll or huffing of breath. Just good, old fashioned manners on the part of everyone, myself included. I was stunned when the woman, I think her name was Jessica, said "You are a great mom." I did a total double take, said thank you and then she followed it up with "And you have great kids. So many parents come in here and act like they don't care what their kids do. You should teach classes." At that I laughed out loud and told her I was hardly a role model; after all, there was the bribery/threatening talk I had in the parking lot earlier. But still, as a mom, those are moments I treasure and thank God for. I do have great kids, but they can be holy terrors and I've been known to dive into the vodka/beer/wine/whatever's handy around noon- cause there are days that are just that HARD. But nonetheless... it was a sweet reminder of why I do what I do, day after day.

So then I strolled over to take the picture, which did not turn out half bad, if I do say so myself, and got registered to vote. Surprisingly, I had to officially declare my political party affiliation...I think unknown was a choice, but I couldn't justify that, so I clicked on Republican with a small anount of pride and only had one short, choked up, catch my breath moment - when the picture taker lady handed me my temp license and said "Welcome to PA." Bittersweet....but since it felt like I was in some whole new dimension this morning...it just seemed to fit.

So now, I can drive legally in Pennsylvania, I added one more one more registered Republican voter to the state and walked out with two sweet little angels, one in each hand. It is definitely official.... life feels pretty good.

Fall Fun

I realize for many, fall is all about football.... and there is definitely a place for it in my loves about fall. But I am not a diehard fan... I enjoyed watching the Bears (or Da Bears) growing up... but then when I headed to the real Midwest... aka Missouri... I spent some good times as a NW Bearcat. And I knew fall arrived each year when multiple football game announcing could be heard across campus. And I started watching the Chiefs and 17 years later - I am still watching the Chiefs - so that's the jersey I'll wear, even out here where the red shade is similar to that of the Redskins and I get ridiculed. I will watch college ball but I don't understand the Big 10 vs. Big 12 fiasco, nor will I try. I'm proud of myself that I can list a few teams in the AFC and the NFC. And that I even know there is a difference. But it struck me the other night as I shifted through boxes looking for our fall decorations that I love this time of year for much more than football.

Normally I would have started decorating in September, but the weather here was decidedly "un-fall".... it was humid and warm and rainy. ALL. THE. TIME. I couldn't get into the mood with the A/C on each day. But the weather changed, finally, and we had a few nights where it was cool and dry enough to open windows....and leave them open all day. And my excitement really kicked into gear when we had to turn on the heat for awhile. So now I am in a full tilt "fall frenzy" and October is looking gooooood.

When I found a box of fall items I mainly found the Halloween pieces - the plastic pumpkins, the witch night light, our candy corn drinking cups and ghost placemats. And I allowed myself a little bit of nostalgia because they are all reminders of our old house and the fall fun we had in KC. But after a little wallowing, I started thinking ahead to this year, and new traditions. Which led to to total distraction as I started ticking off the fun fall activities we are going to do this month. There is an orchard 5 minutes away that we'll head to this weekend. And they sell apple cider and apple doughnuts. We have the smallest front porch in the world but our rocking chairs fit and I am going to get a scarecrow for one. And set out mums and pumpkins... and I might even buy a hay bale or two. This week I think we'll make caramel apples - with extra goodies to roll the apple covered deliciousness in. If you're gonna do it, go big, right?

And it isn't just kid fun, either. One thing I love about being out here is how pretty and picturesque it is as I drive to the post office or school. The leaves are changing colors and there are SO MANY - they float down all the time as I drive the twisty roads to get wherever we need. The other day I had a salted, caramel mocha in hand (thank you Starbucks, for that new invention) about 5:30 in the evening as I was out running errands. It was cloudy and misty, I had a few layers of clothing on, and I was looking at table runners and dark wicker baskets and wall hangings that described all sorts of sentiments about being thankful. I picked up some new fall pieces to add to what we have for decoration and realized I was feeling happy. Which is nice because I think it means I am finally getting used to my new home. Bittersweet, but leaning more towards sweet than bitter.

I kept looking through boxes to find our fall garland and leaves and ceramic pumpkins but no luck....but I still have some time before Thanksgiving. And I can always shop for more! So this week I'll make some crockpot meals, take a few fall walks and look forward to the changing season. And on Sunday, I'll grab a beer and cheer on some football teams - because it is, after all, fall.

A Bubble Bath, A Beer...and a Blog!

While destressing after a long day, I sat in total quiet (save for the hundreds of frogs and crickets sounds coming from the window), sipping my beer, enjoying a bubble bath and decided that I would finally hop onto the blog train. I have friends much wiser than me who seem to laugh when I tell them ridiculous stories of my kids, or poignant stories of marriage and momhood and figured "what the hell"... family and friends are over 1200 miles away. If nothing else, it is my outlet and as my friend Katie says, a record of daily life. I want to remember these days that go by in a total blur.... that stretch on endlessly at times, yet I turn around and one or more of my babies are doing something that proves they're no longer babies.

Some examples:

Will is riding his bike to the corner so he can ride in the cul-de-sac UNSUPERVISED. I want to point out that this is not my idea - it is all Chris. Again...heart stopping moments as he disappears from view and then comes racing back, full of pride and independence. Bittersweet, really....i figure it is just prep for driving and multiple other experiences he'll have, out of my sight.

Drew announced today his training wheels were coming off, and rode his little self up and down the driveway, across the street, turning and stopping, and smiling from ear to ear. As he picked up the bike for the 17th time from the ground, he very seriously said "Boy this is some haaaard work...but I'm gonna figure it out." That's right, my little man. Go kick some two wheeler ass, I say.

Then there is my precocious little Anna. She's annoyed she can no longer ride Drew's bike....decided her three wheeled scooter was no good, and is now flying around on Will's unused scooter shouting "vrooooom vroooom....get outta my WAY guys!" And her moment? FINALLY using the big girl potty and enjoying the attention that is lavished on her almost hourly for being "Such a big girl!!" She responds with "Yup. I am." Guess it's good to know your strengths, right?

As for Chris and I, we muddle through.... he is super busy but God bless him...his hard work is what keeps me at home so I don't miss what's happening. And I....well, I enjoy the highs of the day.....today's high being that it's over, and I kicked back with bubbles and a beer.