Shouting Alfords: October 2009...a terrifyingly awesome month!

1) As you all know, Wes and I are about to be an aunt and uncle to a fabulous baby girl, Mackenzie (she's due to arrive the end of March). As you all also know, I AM AWFUL AND TERRIBLY UNCOMFORTABLE AROUND KIDS! They make me kind of ill and i tend to cuss a lot around them because of these feelings. SO, in order for Jon and Brie to actually let Wes and me around our new niece, I spent some time in October with my best cousin ever, Jennifer, her husband Matt, and their 3 little kiddos Reiley (about to be 5), Addison (2) and baby Lucas (7 mths). This was a wonderful time for me and a great experience! No one got hurt. No one got cussed at. I was also left alone, at the house, ALL BY MYSELF with baby Lucas for a whole 20 mins and nothing bad happened!! This is a HUGE accomplishment for me :) I know it doesn't sound like much but when you don't like kids as much as i do, it takes very small baby steps and the little wins to make a huge difference. Thanks for all your help Jenn!! Pictures to be added soon :)

2) My life-long friend from Benton, Kristin, got married this month as well! I was super thrilled and honored when she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. Kristin has known me longer than anyone else, except my parents. Seriously, we became friends in pre-school...that is pre-elementary time too. Kristin is one of those friends that even when we weren't best friends and talked on a regular basis, when we did talk, it was like we never missed a beat. We just pick up where we left off and continue on. I love that! I had a fabulous time at all of the pre-wedding festivities (wedding was in Frisco where she and her new hubby live) and got to meet some wonderful new friends of Kristin's and of course see her family. Now, mama Bragg (Kristin's mom) had a lot to do with my not being grounded for 3 years straight...just ask me about her sometime and I'll be happy to tell the stories of home-made donuts, frozen orange juice, roman numerals, and going on choir tour at the VERY last minute. Pictures to come when I get back to Benton...they're on the computer at mom and dad's...my bad.

3) last but definitely NOT least was our annual Halloween par-tay at the Eans household in Litte Rock. Most of you know, have met or heard Wes and me talk about some of our best friends, Bonnie and Jerry. Halloween is Bonnie's Christmas, birthday, July 4, Thanskgiving, etc. all rolled into one. Seriously, SHE LOVES THE HALLOWEEN!!! and we love her for that. it generally results in the six of us (bonnie, jerry, mom, dad, Wes, and me) taking the day off of work (that's right, that is how important this holiday is), drinking whatever spooky concoctions Bonnie has thought up, sitting in their yard holding signs "honk for halloween" for hours on end, eating, and just having a good ol' time. that's pretty much all i can say...just take a look for yourself!