Labor Day Success

We've had a great Labor Day weekend! Maw-Maw is in town and it's been nice getting to visit with her. Friday was Judy's and Uncle Bill's birthdays. We went out to dinner with Uncle Bill, Maw-Maw, Tom, Kathy, and Michael to celebrate. Judy- Happy Birthday to you! I hope you enjoyed your day! Tom and Kathy are some of Uncle Bill's long-time friends and Michael is their son. We went to this place called Jasmine Cafe and it was really good. I enjoyed it. Afterwards, we met up at Uncle Bill's where Maw-Maw had made a German Chocolate Cake.

On Saturday, Maw-Maw and I went shopping. We went to Macy's, Penney's, Nordstroms, Lady Foot Locker, Zales, and Old Navy. I got a new pair of tennis shoes, a brown pant suit at an extremely good deal, and a shirt (courtesy of MawMaw). I also turned in my rings to have them soldered together at Zales. They said it would take about two weeks to get them back. MawMaw found her a pair of comfy pants, a shirt, and a suit. We really did find some excellent deals. We had a wholesome meal of McDonalds for lunch and then went to Wal-Mart. I think I have decided to give up on Wal-Mart here. You just think it's bad in B'ham, Tuscaloosa, or anywhere else in 'bama. Not the case! This Wal-Mart is awful! 'Course, I should have known better than to go on a Saturday afternoon, Labor Day weekend, with schools starting here tomorrow. Everyone was school shopping. But--it is really disorganized here too. So that doesn't ever help. Saturday evening Daniel and I grilled a steak, had a baked potato, broccoli, and squash for dinner while watching the Bama game. Roll Tide!! That was a great game. So much for the sucker who was a Clemson fan in our complex. HeeHee...she quickly took her flags off her truck. I'd like to think that it's because we have our flags up on our cars and porch. :) We both thought the team looked better than it did last year. I don't want to jinx us though so, I'll stop.

Sunday, we picked MawMaw up and went to church. I think we've decided to join this church now. We've really grown to like it and have adjusted to the small differences. I've learned the new mass parts. The things that do bother me still but I guess are negligible, is that not everyone joins hands at the Our Father, sign of peace isn't very welcoming in that people don't seem willing to shake hands outside of their own clan (I mean they do shake hands if you stick your hand out, but otherwise...I don't know, it just seems a bit awkward. Maybe that's 'cause we don't know anyone yet.), and finally the Priest sits down before the Eucharist is back in the Tabernacle. I guess he does that because it is such a large parish and for older folks, but it does bother me. And of course as always, people leaving early. I do like that after Mass is over the whole congregation (at least what's left) claps for the musicians. That's always appreciated. Anyways, Sunday evening we went over to Tom and Kathy's for dinner with them and Uncle Bill and MawMaw. It was delicious. I had barley for the first time. I liked it probably better than rice. It was different but in a good way. I think I might try cooking it sooner or later.

Today, we cleaned in the apartment and invited MawMaw and Uncle Bill over for dinner. We fixed sweet potato casserole, marinated some chicken in Dale's, broccoli, corn, blackeye peas, and crescent rolls. For dessert, we made a strawberry cake. It turned out pretty well considering it was my first time cooking a real layer cake in a gas oven. I think I'm finally getting the hang of cooking with gas. I know it cooks faster, but I think really deep down, I'm an electric girl. I don't like having the open eyes. I know these are on electric stoves too, but I think I want a solid surface whenever that option comes available for me to utilize. We've started to really get used to our little 4 in 1 grill too. We cooked the chicken and the steak on there the other night and it really does a great job. I mean it's not got that full grill taste but it works. On a more thrilling note, our toilet over flowed this morning. That was semi exciting but luckily I heard it and got the water turned off pretty quickly. Daniel got to sleep in til like 11 or 1130. I think he really liked his sleep. I talked with Brian for a little while this afternoon and got to hear Sam talk a little bit. Mostly some ooo's and gargles...the norm but I think it won't be long. She seems to be getting some of the right sounds out. I learned that she got another tooth within the last couple of days and that she's starting to try to pull up. That's so neat and I wish I could be there to see it! Congrats Sam!

Today is Day 1 of the Health-A-Thon. I weighed...did you? In actuality, we may need to post-pone the start a few days because of Gustav and because of Labor Day. I forgot that it's Labor Day and everyone probably had big plans of good food. Plus it was a big weekend for football. I don't know. We'll see what some of the consensus is. I sent out an email with the guidelines. I do hope everyone is doing well and that all family is safe from Gustav. I hear that Mom and Dad potentially had a large crowd, but now it's just looking like it may be Mary Margaret and Keith from New Orleans pending how much damage Gustav does. I know they are in Florence or at least should be in Florence now. Aunt Therese, I understand kinda went in the Northeastern direction , but not all the way to Florence like she had originally thought she would. Hopefully, the levees will continue to hold. Our prayers are with each and everyone in the storm's path.

I guess that's it for now. We miss everyone so much. We are looking forward to coming home at Christmas and seeing everyone on Daniel's side at Uncle Bill's wedding. I plan on taking some pictures of the apartment in the morning and getting those up tomorrow. So no more waiting...hopefully. TTFN. Love Always!