I've been in a fog.  I guess for about 2 weeks now.  Before I knew it, the dreaded pageant was upon us and my entire weekend was committed to pomp and circumstance.  Luckily no makeup or swimsuits, so my dear Olivia looked just like herself only dressier. 

She amazed me.  Her poise and confidence was beyond her years.  As a nine year old I would have never survived a weekend like this but Olivia actually thrived in it.  I'm completely looking forward to another healthy dose of pageantry next year.  Olivia finished in the top 15 finalists out of 64 contestants and could not be more pleased with her success!

During all this commotion, hurricane Gustav uprooted not only my in-laws but also my sister, her husband and their baby girl.  It was great to have family in town to support Olivia on her big day.  We also got to spend a few days afterward hanging out with everyone -- a rare treat for us!

The most fun I've had in a long time was the opportunity to go to dinner with 2 of my 3 sisters.  Cheesecake Factory was a delicious blast!  Made me wish we all lived much closer : )

After relatives left, the big kids started their fabulous tutorial.  The first day was a big success.  Their favorite part was the "cave" drawings they worked on during art class. 

We have just now settled back into some sort of school rhythm and now it is the weekend.  Tomorrow, our neighborhood is having a community yard sale.  The kids are going to do a bake sale in front of the house and I am going to sell off all our baby stuff that didn't move at our last event.  (Yes, by selling the baby stuff, I am definitely putting a period at the end of a very long sentence.  Or is it a question mark?  A comma,  Oh God please not a COLON:  My poor colon! ) 

Anyway, I wonder if I will ever shake this feeling that I just can't get it all done?  Or, maybe someday I'll just accept the fact that I can't get it all done and I'll be happy anyway....

Later.