Handing out treats!

Well I would say Halloween was a success! I love this holiday mainly because I love kids so very much. Halloween always reminds me of the neighboorhood I grew up in (good ole BACC.) Even when I was little-before we moved there, We would go trick or treat to see my Nana and Gamby. Then I became too old and did what every teenager did:: rolled yards! My first yard to roll was my grandmothers- she let us practice on hers. Such fun memories:) Even when I was in college, I would love to hand out candy to all my babysitting babies. It was so fun seeing them in their costumes.

Last year, I was so sad because we had very few trick or treaters. This year- being in our new house, I just knew we would have a TON! And a ton we had. Almost to the point of running out of candy. It made me so very happy. I dressed up as the "good witch" and sat by the door the entire night to pass out our treats. Poor Jim- he was doing Annie duty. She would have rushed out the door into the halloween madness.

Yep- this was around 7:30. I was panicking. Luckily, I began to ration the treats. Only 1 per kid. 

 Me and my teacher buddies, Woodward and Kelli! As you can see Woodward's costume is very creative:: 2 little pumpkins for the 2 little babies in her tummy:) We are so excited. 

I enjoyed seeing everyone's babies on facebook!!!! And my mother assured me she held down the fort in the BACC passing out candy and special happies to all my babies. 

Until next year.... 

To Arkansas We Went!

In case you haven't heard, we believed that Ole Miss would be celebrating their first road SEC win. And by the grace of a field goal, We did!! Hooray:-) This football season has been ever so exciting. Now call me crazy with optimism, but I BELIEVE we will be going bowling. Even if it's just in Memphis or Shreveport, we'll take it, Hugh!

We were lucky enough to be in Little Rock for the game with all of our Simpson family. Our favorite brother and sister in law live there so it was double the fun. Josh, who for the record frequents my blog as it was recently discovered on his Ipad favorites, (Thanks. Josh.) was such a gracious host. He even purchased a bagel for me to eat, gum for me to chew, and pizza to enjoy at the game. Such a good brother in law. I also got to spend time with my sweet sweet sister-in-law as well! I think a good time was had by all. And thankfully we left with a big "W." I would NOT have wanted to make that long drive home with Jim Simpson should we had lost.

Fun times at the game! Celebrating a huge field goal!! 

Ahh, victory is sweet. Especially when people don't expect it. 

Hotty Toddy Y'all! 

F is for FALL AND FUN!

I can't say it enough but fall is my favorite time of the year! With the cooler weather and the anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, We are just loving life. However, we have also been so busy; It has been difficult to keep up with all the fun happenings. Here's what we have been up to this season: 

We hosted a sip and see at my parent's house for my mom's best friend's new granddaughter, Elle! It was great fun visiting with everyone. I even got to spend time with one of my favorite people, Mrs. Robin, who I used to work with. I have missed her so much!! We are kindred spirits:-)  It was a fun Sunday afternoon.

We attempted to take Christmas card pictures with our Annie! Despite her resistance, we actually had a couple of choices to pick from. Thanks to my parents who were good sports in helping us-haha! Christmas cards are ordered and have already arrived. It's just around the corner! 

What is fall without a fair?  I was so excited to have a partner to ride with me. Last year, I had to BEG Jim to ride! Carlin was a good sport. 

We are so much more fun than our husbands! 

Jim and I cheered the Rebels on to their first SEC victory!! 

We celebrated our favorite October babies, Julie and Margaret, at Sal and Mookies! 

I've been doing a little fall decorating as well! I can hardly stand the wait to Halloween. I just know we are going to have LOTS of trick or treaters. 

Does my front porch scream "Come Trick or Treat HERE!!?" That's the look I am going for:-) Thanks to my mom for the Halloween lights. 

This is the centerpiece for my dining room table. But I mean really- You could throw coal in Annie Glass and it would somehow look festive! Oh there are so many days I miss working with tabletop.  I went to buy some wedding gifts earlier and I just loved browsing all the new styles. It will always be my favorite. You can tell a lot about someone's style by what they register! ha. Who needs clothes-give me dishes:-) 

We are home for the weekend and I am so enjoying it! I have been very productive. Last night I spent two hours cleaning my house and it was amazing. I feel so put-together when my house is in order. I also finished my grocery shopping today (normally I go every Sunday after church.) Tomorrow, I plan to do some organizing around the house. Oh the things that make me happy now:-) 

Denise turns the big 50!

October has sure been a busy month with all the football games and such. I have been looking forward and planning for October for some time now. My mom celebrated her big birthday and we wanted to make it very special!!

Most everyone knows that I HATE taking off work. If you are a teacher- you will understand that being away is ten times more stressful than just going in! Luckily, I have fantastic classes this year so I decided to slip away for the big day. We (Annie and I) came up for Mom's birthday on Thursday night without her even knowing! This is unheard of considering I talk to her multiple times a day. I was so afraid she or someone else would see me in town- I hurried to Coldwater to stay at Meme's as soon as I hit the Tate county line. 

I had gotten a cake made in Jackson for her surpise lunch on Friday: 

Check out those nice photos!! 

Coach Patterson helped us make our grand entrance. I think she was surpised?! 

Hello Mom!! 

It was a fun lunch with all the teachers! I was so excited we were able to be there. 

I had made this sign for her door. Mrs. Susan hung it up for me! I wish you could see the close-up of all pictures. Meme did a great job helping me find some good ones. 

After school, we headed to Memphis for dinner. Our friends, Stan and Seetala Woods (and Marshal of course!) joined our family. We missed Jim who was at work and Mrs. Susan and Mr. Ricky!

 Mom doesn't look 50, does she?!

One of Mom's special gifts were "50" Happy Birthday messages and memories from family, friends, co-workers, and students! I was so thankful to everyone that participated. It is something special my mom can keep forever! 

It was a great day! Now if only we can top it for when Chuck turns the big 50 next year!! Guess we have some time to plan:-)