I'm laughing on the car ride home with you

The 3 day trick or treat marathon kicked off tonight with my sister taking her kids to the Halloween activity at the nursing home my mom works for. She let me and Jr tag along:) 

Someone told us (Danielle and I) that we looked like my mom and it made me so happy.

Katy as a cat and her stuffed cat (Snarfie) as a witch

James. My sweet baby James. 

So strange and yet so awesome. 

These are the days I've been waiting for. The days when the kids are old enough to not be running wild but young enough to still be caught up in the magic of Halloween.

Kudos to my sister for practically making every single costume by hand. 

And thanks for letting me be part of the Halloween magic.

It means the world to me. 

Lori Ann

(the one that looks just like her mom)

About nothing and everything all at once

Today I went to therapy.

It's a little bit crazy that I have been a therapist for several years and this is my first time going.

I could explain the complicated history of how it was never my intention to become a therapist and how I've always perceived therapy to be something of a hustle, but that's a long and tedious story.

Anyway, my therapist's name is Judy.

Her office looks like a place Freud might have worked. Stuffed with therapy books, a well worn sofa, and pictures of her kids.

It's probably 1/3rd the size of my office but I found myself envying her cozy, cramped office.

My office looks like an IKEA version of a therapist office and it's a little generic and cold.

Anyway,

I think therapy is going to be a struggle for me.

I felt intense guilt the entire session that I was talking so much about myself. I felt like I should be listening to her. Anytime she did mention something personal, I attempted to get her to elaborate on it.

Like I do for my clients.

So... 

She gave me a few ideas for dealing with various life issues and we set up another appointment.

I am committing to at least 6 sessions to see where this takes me.

Already I feel greater empathy for my clients.

I also feel kind of bad for her. My nightmare is to get a therapist as a client.

I would just imagine that they were criticizing me in their head the whole time.

This is one of my bucket list goals and I am excited to cross it off the list!

Lori Ann

Please allow me to introduce myself

The red eyes make Elly look like the devil.

I love it:) 

Lori Ann

Til the day I die

James, you evaded my camera almost the whole day. And sang "Bad Company" to your family over breakfast. James Ray, you make me laugh more than your mom and Aunt Erin. And that's saying something. Tomorrow, I promise to teach you 'the X word'. 

The opposing team's coach kept saying "watch out for the girl in the pink" during Elly's soccer game today. Elizabeth Mae, you are a star. It doesn't surprise me to know that's where you came from:) 

Katy came out to try and befriend a stray cat in her backyard today. She spent twenty minutes standing by the fence (after the cat ran away) calling "here kitty kitty". Katherine Danielle, you are my example of kindness and caring. 

Jack made a 'snicker doodle cookie" (sugar cookie with a mini snickers on the inside) during our cookie baking party today. With a mint and brownie garnish. Jack Allen, you are creative like no one I've ever known before.

On the way to soccer Elly asked me again when I was going to have a baby. I gave her my usual speech about when I find a man who is either A.wealthy B. has a hot accent C. gay or D. all of the above-
then I will have a million babies with him.

(Don't pause to question my logic about 'C' like my dad always does. This is my fairy tale, dammit)

I also told her that I would be ok if I never had my own babies because just getting to spend some of my life with them had made me so happy.

She responded to this sentimental declaration by demanding that I buy her a slushie after her soccer game.

So heartwarming.

Never change, Monrobies.

I love you more than my own life.

Lori Ann

Tripping in the Bathroom

Random Life Commentary

So, I was out sick from work today. A totally wasted day. I didn't exercise or walk. I have to keep reminding myself that; unless it's deathbed illness, its just better for me to go to work. I go stir crazy at home. 

I am kind of a pumpkin carving master

The Sugar cookie.

Lately I have been trying to ask myself "what is God trying to teach me?" in every situation I find difficult. 

It's helping me, I think.

I had a dream that my sister Erin died last night. I woke up SO HAPPY that I had been dreaming. I kept calling her to tell her that she can NEVER die.

I was super obsessed with that song "Royals" last week. I wish I look like Lorde. 

I can't stop singing it.

Gold teeth, grey goose, tripping in the bathroom. (which I interpreted as literally tripping until I had sung it about 100 times.)

Sorry this is so random. 

I am getting back on track tomorrow. I've got 12 miles to walk in the next two days. Wish me luck!!

Lori Ann

And runnin', runnin'

Ok,

So I got almost everything on my weekend to do list done. 

I love accomplishing things. I am a 'to do' list junkie. It's kind of like an adrenaline junkie but without the feats of daring. Also, there is more cleaning involved.

This week brings a new challenge. 

Danielle, Jack, and I are all trying to push ourselves with exercise, etc.

So, though I've attempted it in weeks past, I've never completed it.

I'm going for 15 miles this week.

I want to run as many of those as possible. 

(which hopefully will be helped by my brand new insoles and bright PINK sneakers!)

Speaking of pink, my hair is fading already. Now that I'm living an 'edgy' lifestyle I am learning that vibrant hair color doesn't last long. You have to keep up with it. 

I am totally changing this blog to be called "TSC: Lifestyle tips from an edgy Mormon".

It will include such gems of wisdom as:

Keep up with your pink hair- dye frequently.

Hide your tattoo when you are subbing in primary. 

Don't get buzzed on caffeine right before your temple recommend interview. 

Lori Ann

p.s.- I lost 3 lbs yesterday. Thank you, Valley Forge trail of evil unexpected inclines. 

Not without a star

Ok, so I went to Valley Forge today. 

It was intense. 

Because you all couldn't be there with me, I have graciously prepared a somewhat dizzying 2 minute recap of my trip.

You're welcome.

Lori Ann