October Update

I can't believe how fast October has flown by! I know Daisy looks so excited here! :) This picture is from our pumpkin carving night and camouflage day at school. We had Red Ribbon Week this week and I dressed up as Pippi Longstocking for Book Character Day. I have also included a picture of the pumpkin that Brad and I carved. We didn't go with the traditional Halloween pumpkin, but the butterfly template that Brad made for me years ago while teaching kindergarten. How crazy is it that teaching kindergarten was "years ago"?? Things on the home front are going well.  The job search is still going... nothing really popping up but Brad is applying for every position that pertains to him. I've been busy at school with my 4th graders. We have booked and paid for our cruise over Christmas and we are looking forward to a fun time with friends and family. We are going to start  planning our trip to Florida now. Hooray!! I've been working on a healthier me. First, I gave up caffeine. I thought this was going to be impossible but I haven't even wanted a diet coke or mountain dew. Then, my doctor gave me a blood test and it listed foods that my body is sensitive to. On that list I had 30 foods including some of my favorites: bread, chicken, scallops, and wine. I have tried to stay away from these things as much as possible, with an occasional splurge. Giving up bread and chicken has been the hardest. However, in the past 2 months I have lost 11 pounds so it is working! I'm hoping to hit the 20 pound mark before we go to Florida. Then, the challenge will be to keep it off during the cruise. We don't have any plans for Thanksgiving. We'll probably do our own thing and stay in town. I hope you all have a Happy and safe Halloween!