It's just one of those days.

You know, the type of day where you're struggling to stay awake.

And there is a light drizzle of rain outside, so it's constantly cloudy. And, it's November, so that means it's cold too.

And I just want to crawl into bed, heap on some blankets, and doze all afternoon. Because I'm tired. Physically, and mentally.

Despite this little cold thing going on, Ansley is in a surprisingly good mood. Until something happens. Like she falls. Or the dogs decide to run through her. And then the crying starts. And the whining. I can't handle whining. Cry all you want, but whining, different story.

And each and every night (with the exception of Friday), I'm by myself. I'm by myself to do dinner. And playtime. And bath time. And bedtime. And, it's just getting so.flippin'.old.

I am so thankful that I have a husband that is willing to work and provide for his family. Many people don't have that, and I can only imagine how much more difficult that is. But I don't like this whole "single parent" thing. I don't like that Ansley never really sees Mommy and Daddy at the same time.

And now, I switched to whining. And I hate that.

So, I suppose I'm left with simply one option: deal with it.  Forget that the day is gloomy. It doesn't mean that I have to be. Make the best of evenings at home alone by drawing a warm bubble bath and grabbing the latest Sophie Kinsella novel (Mini-shoppaholic. omg. So hilarious. Even on the cloudiest of days). Eat pancakes for dinner. Watch TV without feeling guilty for doing it while the hubs is home.

I think if I look just slightly to the west, 10 degrees past the tall building with the weird windows, I may see some angel rays poking through the clouds. It, sometimes it sounds like Ansley's snorting laughter. Or looks like some half baked ice cream (which, I will admit. I have not partaken in the frozen goodness of such a thing in months! Except for that day a few weeks ago when I just needed one bite. And then put it back in the freezer two bites later.) Despite how minimal an amount, those angel rays are sunlight. And it does brighten the skies, even if ever so slightly.

Do you have any personal angle rays?  Something that always manages to bring a smile to your face, not matter how many different shades of gray you happen to be wearing?

Dumpy.

She's the eighth dwarf. And she's my daughter.

She's sniffly. Snotty. And occasionally screams bloody murder. And she's unable to be calmed. Which makes her sniffly. And Snotty.

Is this teething, or something else I am entirely unprepared for?

::hides head under desk, hoping Dumpy the Dwarf transforms back into sweet little Ansley::

We always dress this cool!

Considering we celebrated Halloween at a local fall festival on Saturday, our Steppin' Out pic will be quite monumental!

Ansley:

Pink sparkly shoes from Walmart (you've seen them before)

Elephant costume from Target (she was "Ansley hears a Who," but her fluff ball didn't seem to make it in the picture)

and the two constants, Binki, Mam pacifier from Walmart, with Playtex Binki clip

and Bear, a "Baby's first Christmas" lovie from K-Mart

Me:

Black with white polka dot leggings, Walmart

Knock-off Converse, also from Walmart

Jean mini skirt, ages old, originally from Goody's (Can you believe it! I am able to fit in it again! A little pick-me up that day)

Ghostbusters shirt, Walmart (I needed a costume, quick. Seeing as we don't have a Target closer than 45 minutes away, we have to deal with Walmart. Bleh.)

FAVORITE sunglasses, Old Navy

Special thanks to a bestie who snapped the photo. I didn't manage to take a single picture of the kiddo in her costume all day. I actually had to work the costume contest for the festival, so soon after this pic, Ansley was handed off to the Nana for her first round of Trick or Treating, resulting in a surprising amount of candy (which was then distributed to the 4 Trick or Treaters that left the festival with gobs and candy and came to my house and rang my doorbell DESPITE my porch and lamp post lights being off. Grr. I should have let them put Ansley back to sleep.)