Mailbox Full of Magazines!

Better than bills or junk mail, magazines are always welcome in our mailbox. Four of them came today. And even though I don't have a lot of time to sit down and really read them, it's fun to flip through the pages now and then.

This issue of Fortune is all about women in high places in some of America's largest corporations. Impressive. While I'm very much against children being raised by nannies and daycare centers, I don't think all women are cut out to be stay-at-home moms. And I applaud those that are able to balance career and family. It's tough. Let me tell you from experience.

My wife is not a top executive in a big company, but she has a career outside the home and it is a struggle some (most) days to make it all work. Honestly, there are times when we ask ourselves if it's worth it. Sometimes it gets so crazy that I threaten to sell everything we have and move far, far away to fend for ourselves. But I really enjoy hot showers, indoor plumbing and my high-speed internet connection. So I don't envision a 'for sale' sign going up in our yard any time soon.

Comfort Food

Beef and noodles with mashed potatoes.

Autumn Sights Around the House

In the foyer.

On the computer desk. A cute little Halloween tree we found at Michaels a couple weekends ago. We've seen Easter trees, but this is the first Halloween tree we've found. Cute, eh?

Two or three packages of ornaments later.

One of my favorites.

Closeup shot of the runner on the dining room table.

Kitchen Table: Homework, Crafts and Legos

It's true: the kitchen is probably the most popular spot in the house. And the kitchen table, that trusty, multi-purpose surface is a wonderful thing. Tonight we had dinner, did homework, put a Foamies® witch together, drew some Star Wars characters and staged a few Lego photo shoots.

Here, take a look:

Here's the tail end of the homework session. My oldest son wrote a book review at school today and was rewarded with a craft project. So after doing sixty-one (61!) math problems, he was ready for something fun. And what is more fun than some Foamies® cutouts and some glue?


With the glue still sticky-wet, it was time to slide this spooky babe off the table to make room for the ever-popular Star Wars Lego projects. The boys love these things. We recently scored a major set of ships and characters from eBay. It was the pay lode. The best ever. (Until something new comes along, of course.)


I'm not a Star Wars aficionado, but I'm pretty sure this is C3P0 and.....I have no idea who (what) the other guy is. The boys are in bed, otherwise I'd check with them. And yes, another something-or-other ship. (Or $20 worth of plastic.) I'm just sayin!


I think we have a problem here. Like I said, I'm not a pro at this Star Wars stuff. But, I'm pretty sure this car is NOT part of the legend. I see this and think: Star Wars meets Bonnie and Clyde.