Today's Notes to Self

1. If you hear the doorbell ring at 9 pm during the month of October, you don't have to be scared half to death. The bag of Halloween goodies on the porch won't bite.

2. You might melt into the floor when you hear your 2-year old say this: "You make my heart feel happy, Mommy." It will take a few repeats to catch exactly what she is saying, and once you do, you'll wish you had thought to say it first.

3. Cleaning under your son's bed will take more than just a few minutes. Don't be surprised to find a wealth of treasures: dirty socks, books, and at least one piece of every multi-pieced toy you own. You might even want to take a picture to show his future wife someday.

4. When you put your wallet on top of the car while filling up at the gas station, remember to take it off again before you drive to McDonald's and do the "oh-no!" when it's time to pull out the debit card. Then when you find that it's still up there, thank your lucky stars that the McDonald's Angel prompted you to stop and buy a hamburger.

5. Just when you get really tired, ready for dream-land, you'll remember the mile-high mountain of laundry waiting to be folded on top of the bed. It has no patience for late-night bloggers. You'll start thinking about Mary Poppins and her finger-snapping trick. At that point, you'll know without a doubt that you're in no mental state for folding.

6. When you have a sweet-tooth and no sweets in the house remember this: a toasted tortilla topped with cinnamon and sugar works wonders. It will tide you over at least until you discover the Halloween treats on your doorstep.