The Joys of Puberty...in My 30's!

While I don't have to worry about picking out a dress for homecoming or whether I should wear my hair up or down for prom, I'm still able to relive my teenage years every time my old friend acne comes to visit. Yes, I'd say about once a month during that fun, hormonal week a giant blemish never fails to show itself on my face. Thanks a lot, Mother Nature. Most of the time my zitty friends show up somewhere in the neighborhood of my chin. But every once in awhile, they'll surprise me. Earlier this week I woke up to a shiny, red zit right smack dab in the middle of my forehead. No big deal, I have great concealer- and way bigger things to worry about in my life right now. But I just couldn't resist sharing this funny story with you. My six year old son walked in the bathroom while I was getting ready a few mornings ago. He caught me before the "magic zit concealer" step of my routine. He immediately sees the crimson peak on my forehead and asks me what happened. I told him it was just a pimple, kind of like a boo-boo or bug bite and that it will go away. While keeping his eyes fixed on the zit he asks me if it can talk! I laughed and asked what in the world he was talking about. I then listened as he told me all about one of the characters on some Disney Channel show and how a big, scary, talking zit appeared on his forehead one morning. We both laughed and I couldn't help but notice that his eyes were still glued to that pesky pimple. His laughter abruptly stopped and he was quiet for a moment. Then, "Well, do you think maybe you could cover it with a band-aid, you know, just in case?" I reassured him that my pimple, nor any pimple ever, was going to start talking to him. He nodded his head a little and then asked, "Well, could you cover it up anyway, you know, so I don't have to look at it?" Thanks a lot, my darling son! I then impressed him with my magic concealer. He was amazed. He said he could barely see it anymore and that I didn't need to wear a band-aid after all! Thank goodness!

And I thought being a teenager was rough! Turns out dealing with high school peer pressure is a piece of cake compared to the brutal honesty and criticism of your children!

Welcome Back Old Friend

I know summer is the season for beach vacations, hanging out by the pool, and soaking up the rays- and that's all great, in moderation. But I personally could not be happier that fall has finally arrived! Fall is easily my favorite season. The cooler temperatures are just the beginning. I love the bright-colored leaves that fall brings; the brilliant oranges, vivid reds, and vibrant yellows. On our morning commute to my sons' schools, we travel several back roads lined with full, tall trees. Their leaves are just starting to change and the boys and I are having fun spotting the bright patches we see. Even the two hour drive to meet their father every other weekend is being made more enjoyable by the beautiful fall foliage.

Besides the rich colors, fall brings many other joys. Carving pumpkins is always a (very messy)blast. Scooping out the gooey pumpkin "guts", carving the perfect, spooky face, and finally watching your pumpkin come to life with a flickering candle. Of course there's also the crunchy treat you get after drying out, salting, and baking the pumpkin seeds! Yum! And don't get me started on the wonderful scents of fall. I just love the smell of cinnamon, whether it's from scented pine cones or spicing up a cup of hot, apple cider. Speaking of apple cider- yet another delicious treat that goes hand in hand with the fall season. I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.

So I'm happily saying goodbye summer and welcome fall! Adios mosquitoes, humidity, and sunburns! Greetings beautiful colors, crisp air, and tasty treats! I know your distant cousin Jack Frost will be here before we know it, but please Fall, my dear, old, long-awaited for friend, please stay as long as you want!