Our pumpkins got some personality!

Me gutting a pumpkin

Michael carving my cat

The finished cat

Michael's Owl

Cat and Owl

Michael, Cat, and Owl

Our two real pumpkins hatin' on the plastic pumpkin

If you couldn't guess we spent the afternoon carving our pumpkins. Rather Michael carved the pumpkins, and I gutted a little bit. I don't really like to get my hands in pumpkin guts hence the rubber gloves I am wearing in the top picture. They turned out great and we had lots of fun making them!

A working man!

This summer we prayed and prayed for Michael to find a job. He didn't find anything, and we were discouraged. At least until God gave us the wonderful gift of financial aid.

Michael has continued to look for a job for now, and a career for when he graduates in may. Earlier this week the place that we really thought Michael might get a job with over the summer called him. They practically begged him to come in ASAP because they are swamped with work.

He scheduled the meeting with them for last night. They hired him for part time layout/surveying/ Autocad. He will be making DOUBLE what I make on the hour and he will be working there on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

He also has received lots of calls this week of people that are interested in him for very nice positions after Graduation.

I am so proud of Michael, and so thankful to God. It will be really nice to have the extra money, and to have pizza more than once a week. :-)

Pumpkin Pickin'

Michael and I went to the Millennium Farms Pumpkin patch yesterday. Here are some of the pictures!

What a co-worker

My Co-worker noticed my love of bright colored Coach items. She brought me this into work. She gave it to me. No charge no strings, just gave it to me because she wasn't fan of it and wanted someone to enjoy it. I looked it up online and it is in fact real.

Thanks Lindsey, you have no idea how much this gesture was appreciated!

Smokey's new home

Thank you mom and dad for burying her with all of the dignity (that a cat can have) I wanted for her!

For Smokey Furball Hammond 3rd grade- October 13, 2009

Smokey continued to get worse health wise, and my parents were forced to do the humane thing and put her down. The vet put her in the box that Michael made for her, and she is wrapped in a piece of one of my favorite blankets, the rest of which was kept for me. I know it sounds absurd but if she could understand me these are the last words I would have said to her:

Dear Smokey,

You have been the most amazing cat that anyone could ever ask for. I couldn't have asked for a better companion these last 14 years. I selfishly wish that I could have kept you forever, but I know you were in pain and it was time for you to go. What a joy it was growing up with you.

I cannot imagine how empty that house and basement must feel without you there.

I will eventually have another cat, and she too will be special to me, but no cat will be as special as you. No other animal has ever held a candle to the love that I had for you.

Even though you hated me sometimes like when I put Christmas bows on your back, or dressed you in a pink tutu, I know that I was ALWAYS your person. You just wouldn't have admitted it.

I love you girl, and I will never forget you!

Love,

Laura

Me gusta mi familia!

I was a little too emotional earlier this week to explain what was going on to make my week so rotten. I will give you a few reasons:

-Smokey, my 14-year-old cat, is having trouble breathing and can barely make it up the stairs from the basement to the first floor. Most likely she will no longer be around in the next few weeks. I am having a really hard time with this.

Me with Smokey today. I sure love that cat!

-My work schedule got drastically changed. Without asking me, my manager changed my schedule from Monday-Friday to Tuesday- Saturday. That situation has not been resolved and it looks like I will be working 6 days straight. Please remember me in your prayers this week. I am battling a bad attitude about work in general, and it is taking all I have to be nice about it!

Now, I did have an absolutely fantastic weekend this last weekend that I will have off for awhile.

Friday night we headed home since Michael is on Fall Break Monday and Tuesday. We made brief stop in Edinburgh because I needed to pick something up for my mom and I had an additional 20% off coupon at the Coach outlet. I ended up getting a really cute scarf that had been $38 for $12. Pretty good deal.

After the Coach diversion, we headed to Michael's parent's house for dinner and to hang out for the night. We had a great time catching up with them.

Saturday mom and I decided to do a little light shopping and get home by 1:00. We went to St Matthews and ended up having a fantastic shopping day! I finally got to spend some of my birthday money. I bought a jewelry box, which is something I have been searching for, and it was 50% off. I also got some great deals on winter/fall clothes. Including a $10 pair of jeans!

The jewelry box

While mom and I were finding good deals Michael spent the day building a wooden box for Smokey, because I was worried about her being buried. He is so good to me, even if it was a sad situation.

Saturday evening I visited with Grandma and Grandpa for awhile. Then, Nick, Christy, and Luke came over to Mom and Dad's house for dinner. We had such a good time. I looove that Luke knows and loves me. I love that he asks for AUNT RARAH by name!

After Nick & Co. left we settled in and watched the movie Fireproof. It was a fantastic movie and I strongly recommend it for couples!

Today we went to CIC, had lunch at Rocky's with Nick & Co, and spent the afternoon together.Luke driving his car!

Mom and Dad @ Rocky's

Luke saying "Cheese" and sticking out his tongue.

We had a great time together, and I cannot wait to see everyone again, I adore mine and Michael's families!

When we got home tonight there was a package waiting for me in the mail. I got a birthday present from Michael's sister and Brother in law. They got me a pair of Victoria's Secret Purdue sweatpants! Super exciting!

Laura and the terrible, horrible, no good, VERY BAD day

If my life were a book today would have read like the story Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, VERY BAD day.

I have had several crummy weeks at work, and have felt like crying every day when I come home. I feel my patience being tested every day at work. I am giving it my best shot at remaining calm, but it isn't working. Please pray for me this week. I need encouragement, and wisdom.

The best thing that happened today was a video that I received from Nick and Christy. They video-ed Luke playing and giving the camera kisses. You can watch Luke here.

Visit with Mom!

Mom and I went to Edinburgh together this weekend. We decided to use my employee discount and enjoy a girly night in the hotel. We stayed at a Hilton Garden Inn, and did some outlet mall shopping and spent a little time in the hot tub at the hotel. We had lots of fun, and I was wonderful to have a relaxing day and night with my mom.

I am more than half-way done with my Christmas shopping. It is so fantastic to be checking things off of my Christmas to-do list. Meanwhile, Michael's family thinks I am nuts for asking for Christmas lists in September. But, I have gotten 3 VERY nice gifts for Michael's mom, and I haven't even spent $15 yet.

Woohoo!

A quick not to my mom

Mom,

I had such a wonderful time with you this weekend. I treasure every moment we get to spend together! Thank you for agreeing to drive up to see me!

I love you!