Learning to Be An Oak Tree

today

2012-02-02T14:01:00.002-06:00

I am home today. Woke up with one of those headaches that get worse everytime you move. And, if you move anyway, makes you nauseous. Then Stephen vomited. Sure, he's old enough to stay at home by himself, but he's still my baby. And besides...this headache.

I like being home. Prefer no one to be ill at the time. If you asked me, I'd tell you I think women or at least one parent should stay at home until the kids are grown. Of course, that is completely opposite of what I've done. Hind sight and all that. I might even elaborate and say both parents being in the workforce has been a major contributor to the downfall of the American family. And I'd assure you, that yes, I really believe that. Quanity will never win over quality. In my opinion.

Anyways, there would definitely be a few less people I'd like to high five in the face with a chair if I could focus on being wife and momma.

My head is full of projects and parties. So many projects I want to do around the house and hosting 2 parties soon - My sissy's (Carla) 50th birthday, and my niece's (Colleen) baby shower. I ♥ family parties. I think I need to make a list of the projects. I don't focus well. Adult ADD?

Healthy eating. I like it. So why do I have such a hard time doing it on a regular basis?

Sugar? Addicted lately and hate the way it makes me feel. So gonna kick the sugar thing in the face. NOT. WORTH. IT.

These things have been on my mind today.

January 365 - Fail!

2012-01-31T21:18:00.018-06:00

The plan was to take a picture a day on manual mode. And keep track of it. And post the photos on the last day of the month. :) I didn't exactly succeed. But it's a start!

We made Pan de Polvo for New Years!

A painting project. I didn't take a pic of the finished project because I am crappy at free hand lettering! But it says Intention - to remind me of my goal for 2012 - to be intentional in my choices, activities, etc.

Our sweet Patchy. Just because he's so pretty!

The end of December through the first week in January, I was a hacking, running, snotting mess! ;)

Crocheting project...still not finished.

And that's where the numbering ends. Because that is when I started forgetting to take my camera with me. The rest of the shots were all taken on manual. Maybe February, I'll actually get a shot a day!

♥

That's so Pinteresting!

2012-01-25T20:51:00.002-06:00

Just a few things I'm loving on Pinterest at the moment!

I need to try this for my laundry needs. Save money and less containers to the landfill!

There are a couple of little fellas in my life who need these..

I love avocados! Going to have to give this recipe a try really soon!

I'm wanting to make this for the newest baby in the family...and one that is on the way!

I'm tired of the table in my entryway..wanting something more useful. I think this is a great solution! Simple to install, and oh so useful. Think I'll add baskets for shoes underneath.

See this?

2012-01-24T11:08:00.005-06:00

See this? The delicious orb of color? This is making me happy right now. It is Glidden's Lime Sorbet and it is destined to adorn my door. The one that leads from my kitchen to my laundry room. Soon people. Real. Soon.

pic from Martha Stewart website

Weird Crap We Do

2012-01-09T10:08:00.015-06:00

What do you do with your leftover pumpkins from the Fall holidays?

Here's what we do with ours!

My word, er...phrase for the New Year

2012-01-01T20:09:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year!

Although January is my least favorite time of year, I always look forward to the new year. Feels like a clean slate, ya know? And although I don't really do resolutions, I do like the idea of having a word for the new year. For 2012, I have a phrase:

be intentional

Intentional is defined as done deliberately.

And that is my goal for the year, to have a purpose to my days, to be intentional in how I approach life. I don't want to float along letting whatever happens happen.

Also, for 2012, I am going to participate in 365 - taking a photo a day for a whole year! I will be posting the photos at the end of each month. My goal is to document the day to day happenings of my family's life, and to practice shooting in Manual on my DSLR. Ultimately, hopefully becoming a better photographer!

And on a different note, look what showed up at our door yesterday evening:

He has no collar or tag! Part of our fence is broken and he ended up on the patio. Stephen put out an old pillow and some blankets and he stayed all night. We've asked around the neighborhood, and checked for signs at the local stores, but no one is looking for him here. He looks well cared for. We brought him in this afternoon and bathed him. He is going to sleep in the house tonight because it is supposed to get into the 20s. Poor little fella. Hope we find his owners.

2011 blog in review

2011-12-31T19:44:00.015-06:00

2011 is drawing to its close. I'm sitting here in my recliner, plans foiled by a nasty little cold that has me a bit whiney and irritable. {Sorry Aunt Vickie - I really wanted to celebrate the New Year with y'all!} My sweet hubs has steaks on the grill, a salad is made and potatoes are baking. (really sitting in the microwave waiting to be cooked when Vee gives me the word!lol) Brownies from the mix my SIL, Julie, gave us for Christmas are baked and sitting on the stove. Their scent filling the house with warmth. And a lovely adult beverage of Anejo, Coke and Lime is within easy reach on my end table. Not a bad way to end the year at all! (despite the cold that needs to evacuate my being PRONTO!)

I've been looking through my blog month by month for 2011 and pulled out the pictures that highlighted those particular months (at least for what I blogged about...)

January - beautiful snow! Hope 2012 brings some too!

February - Wintertime fishing with my guys.
March - silly family fun and weekend getaways

April - Track season drawing to a close..Ste got first place in shot put at each meet.

May - marked the end of Stephen's first year of band and we delighted in the end of year concert.

June - the wedding - Colleen and Eric Frampton

July - we had sweet visitors staying with us in our home for a bit during July.

August - Stephen's first shave

September - beginning of 8th grade football!

October - many [MANY] band competitions

November - girls trip ♥

December - Christmas, Thank you Heavenly Father

Family ~ Friends

Goodbye 2011. You treated us well.

Christmas 2011 in pictures (mostly)

2011-12-30T09:53:00.006-06:00

Our 2011 Christmas card

Christmas Eve at Jill & Kevin's home

With our stockings!

Our Ste on Christmas morning

Christmas Night at Jules & Tobias' home

A Winter Morning Walk in the Woods

2011-12-27T22:00:00.010-06:00

Today we headed out to Isle du Bois State Park for a morning hike.The air was crisp and fresh. Doesn't cool, winter air smell so crisply clean?
We saw deer, armadillos and all manner of birds.

I didn't have my camera with me, but Virgil had his iPhone so we were able to capture a few shots.

Much of the trail was carpeted in fallen pine needles, so our steps were muffled and the scent was

perfectly outdoorsy.

We never fail to be amazed by God's glorious creation on a walk in nature.

I'm so thankful for these two guys in my life.

And the sunshine.

Christmas Photo - Woods' Grandkids

2011-12-24T16:57:00.002-06:00

How it started...And after eleventy hundred tears, wiggles, and reminders to "Look at the camera!"
we ended up with this:

I can handle that!
And I think the grandparents were pleased with their gift.

Good King Wenceslas (on double bass)

2011-12-22T10:03:00.003-06:00

Exciting times in the Woods' home this week! Stephen expressed a desire to learn the double bass earlier this year. His dad made a deal with him: how ever much money he saved up to purchase a double bass, we would match. Stephen saved and saved and on Thanksgiving evening found a double bass online for 50% off and free shipping. So, yep, we ordered it.

It was delivered this week. Wow! It is huge!

Stephen also bought himself book 1 in a series of Double Bass books. He is already learning chords and songs. I ♥ how he just goes for it!

We arrived home yesterday from work and were greeted with the first part of Good King Wenceslas (which I pronounce wrong in the video [eyeroll!])

Hope you enjoy it too!

Christmas Concert 2011

2011-12-19T20:40:00.002-06:00

Stephen's band Christmas concert was last Thursday night. I absolutely LOVE going to school concerts. Puts me in the spirit of the holiday every time! This year the 5th grade music class (they all play recorders!), the 6th grade band and the high school band performed. Below are a couple of videos from the High School band performances. Hope you enjoy them! [Ste is the only Tuba player. :)]

He lights up our lives

2011-12-18T19:37:00.003-06:00

The Nutcracker Ballet

2011-12-10T21:26:00.003-06:00

I have been looking forward to this day since I purchased the tickets in early November.
Today was the Nutcracker Ballet! Can you believe I've never attended?

Making it extra special was that I took my niece, Megan, with me!

And we went with my dear friend Robbie and her little God Daughter, Lydia.

Photography was not allowed.
So naturally I sneaked a shot at the curtain call (no flash of course ;) )

A great memory maker!
♥

O Vintage tree

2011-12-05T21:48:00.004-06:00

I've been collecting these delicious little morsels for the last couple of years.
Shiny Brites and other vintage Christmas tree ornaments.

I love that they're flocked!

I love that they are made in the USA!

I love how they look on my NOT vintage, Wal-mart brand silver tree!

It's beginning to get festive 'round here!

Meet Matias

2011-12-03T20:54:00.003-06:00

There is a precious new addition to our family!
our nephew
Matias Ifechukwu Ikpah
was born on Tuesday November 29, 2011 @ 7:37 pm.
He weighed 8 lbs and was 20.5 inches long.

Can't wait to watch him grow!!!

Welcome baby boy! Love you!!

Country Kids

2011-11-28T22:20:00.003-06:00

Cindy, one of my oldest and dearest friends, shared these pictures of her youngest and her hubs with me today.

Country kids do things differently! I was a country kid..no animal was ever safe from being ridden!

My son is not a city kid, but he's a town kid. He likes being outdoors, fishing, hunting and camping.

But this? You'd never see my kid do this! Even if Dad was there to break the fall!

Cindy shared that each time Eric flew of the cow (or is it a bull? :) ), Jason fell down too.
She was laughing too hard to get a pic of that.
Darn!
;)

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T00:14:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

From our home to yours!

girls weekend

2011-11-21T21:35:00.005-06:00

I don't think there is any earthly thing that can rejuvenate the spirit like a weekend in the woods. In the Autumn. With a group of lovely ladies.

Stay in a cabin called "Front Porch Lodge" complete with hot tub, outdoor fireplace and massive amounts of porch, and well, all the better!

Visit a folk festival set up in a State Park that boasts a beautiful river,

and gorgeous, tall trees with rusty orange and brilliant yellow leaves

and remember what it is that inspires you in the first place.

Stand at an overlook, on a scenic drive, on a blustery, cold day and remember to be thankful for your sisters.
Because they love you.
No matter what.

happenings

2011-11-18T23:56:00.007-06:00

This time of year is always stacked with tons of activities. {and I love it!}
Earlier this month we went to dinner to celebrate niece Katrina's 14th birthday.
These two cousins are two weeks [and TWO FEET!] apart in age.

We also watched nephew Cole perform in his Junior High One Act Play.
He is quite an actor! So proud of him! (he's the gray haired fella!)

My sisters, Aunt, cousin and I enjoed a lovely, long weekend in an Oklahoma cabin last weekend. I'll be posting more about that soon!

Football and Marching Band season ended for us last night with a loss to Mart at Area. Concert season and track are next for us, but not until after the first of the year.

So...

Bring on Thanksgiving and Christmas!!!

~bonfire! {beat Mart}~

2011-11-17T22:03:00.004-06:00

Our varsity football team plays in Area playoffs tomorrow night.

Tonight the school hosted a bonfire pep rally.
And look who I found there! My nephew, Sam and niece, Megan.
Sam was enthralled with the fire. Love these two hoodlums!

Yep, found their handsome big brother too. Hi Cole!

Me and my huddy love enjoying the event!

And there's our Ste blowing that Tuba!

GO PIRATES!
Beat Mart!

~jazz band concert~

2011-11-14T23:21:00.004-06:00

Tonight was Jazz Band Concert. The Jazz Band is made up of all High School Students.

The young lady who plays Tuba in Jazz Band became ill, so Stephen stepped in.

It was a joy to hear him play with the rest of the band.

The Greater Texoma Jazz Orchestra also performed at the concert.

Such a nice event to bring to our small community.

♥

~headache~

2011-11-09T15:21:00.003-06:00

i have a headache and i don't like headaches. headaches make me sad and weepy. they make me wanna go home and sleep and hide deep in the soft comfort of my duvet. if i had a duvet. which i do, i just don't have it on my bed yet. that is all.

~Nose Miner~

2011-11-07T19:22:00.003-06:00

When I was wrapping up October I forgot about this!

Each year the marching band dresses up for the Friday night game closest to Halloween.

This year Stephen decided to be a Nose Miner. Nose Miner is a term Virgil and I use jokingly in reference to little kids. Ya know, 'cause they always seem to have a finger up their nose. {grins}

A big, pink felt nose on a tshirt, hard hat, light and suspenders - pretty easy costume.

Notice the bag of costume noses hanging off his belt loop?

Nice touch, Ste.

I love my quirky kid!

~a little October catch up~

2011-11-05T21:51:00.007-05:00

October was filled to the brim with activity for our family.

There was 8th grade football every Thursday evening.

We ended the season with a tie for 1st place in district.

Way to go Pirates!

Stephen also participated in 3 Marching Band Competions in October.

October 1 was the Aubrey Marching Classic where our 1A band competed against 1A, 2A, and 3A conference schools. They held their own competing against these larger bands finishing 8th place overall!

October 15 was the Regional Marching Band Competition, where our kids scored 1's across the board and advanced to the Area competititon.

October 29 was the Area competition. The mighty, might Pirate band finished in the top 6, but only the top 4 advance to State competition. That's ok...we'll get 'em next time!!!

Other marching activities: Friday night games babeeeee! Our varsity team has advanced to the playoffs so were hoping for several more Friday night games!

Most favorite Tuba player evah!

We also celebrated Stephen's 14th birthday in October. I posted about the Silly String Attack.
But we also celebrated with dinner at Ernesto's in Pilot Point.

Hannah Banana was our waitress!
I can't believe October is gone for another year.
I ♥ Fall! Ready to enjoy November now!

~Halloween 2011 in pictures~

2011-10-31T23:11:00.005-05:00

~baby come back!~

2011-10-30T12:19:00.005-05:00

[Stephen, At the Pumpkin Patch, Kindergarten, 2003]

How can this not be yesterday?

♥

~best halloween card~

2011-10-27T11:35:00.000-05:00

From my niece Megan!

~birthday sneak attack~

2011-10-24T07:22:00.013-05:00

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

Stephen turned 14 yesterday. He was a great sport with Mom & Dad's sneak attack.

Stephen - I am so proud of you. Your humor and kindness are a bright part of our lives. I love how hard you work at your commitments. And I especially love that you are my son!

~Region 25 Marching Band Contest~

2011-10-19T21:35:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday {October 15}, the Collinsville Pirate Band competed at Regionals.

I love hearing these kids perform!

The crowd always gets into it!

The judges liked it too...we got all 1's!!!!! WoooHOOOO!

That means we are moving on to Area Competition on October 29th.

You can see/hear their show here

Oh, and here's my favorite Tuba player. Recognize him?

~Little Brown Bean is ONE!~

2011-10-17T19:55:00.006-05:00

Elias turned 1 on Saturday!
We didn't get to attend the Birthday Bash because Stephen had a band competition the same day.

So we stopped in for a visit on Sunday bearing gifts!

I think the Poppity-Pop Musical Dino was a hit.

And he was AdOrAbLy ready for Winter in his RACOON HAT and MITTENS!

♥

I love you sweet Elias! Happy Birthday precious boy!!!

~band treats~

2011-10-13T14:16:00.004-05:00

Disclaimer: Photos taken with my crappy camera phone. {le sigh}

If you've never mixed candy corn with roasted, salted peanuts you are missing out on an essential October treat, babeee! I LOVE the stuff. So, when I realized it was my turn to provide some treats for the band, this mix flashed immediately onto the smartboard of my brain!

Then, of course, I had to come up with packaging! I bought a this pdf
from etsy and LizAnn customized it for me. Bonus good luck: It was already had one of our school colors [maroon]. *score 1* Which worked out really great because I was just going to print them in black and white (color prints are expensive peeps!) But FedEx messed up and printed them in color for me for the same price I would have paid for black and white! *score 2*
{eye twinkle}

Score 3? Lots of snacking as I assembled the bags!
♥

~FOOTBALL~

2011-10-10T13:05:00.017-05:00

My best girlfriends ever are Sam and Cindy Shuppert. Except, their last name is no longer Shuppert. They're twins and we've been best buds since we were 4 years old. They are identical, but I've always been able to tell them apart!

Friends like this are awesome because no matter how long it has been since you last talked to them you pick up right where you left off. No discomfort. No "getting to know" each other again. You just fall right back into the comforting cushion of your friendship. And you know it's a safe place to rest. I have never in my life worried about being talked about, judged or misunderstood by these two women. It's an awesome thing! And I know I'm blessed!

So what does that have to do with football?

All of our boys play! In the same district, but different schools.

Sam's son, JD, is in 8th grade just like Stephen.

Their teams played each other last Thursday.

Stephen got a few tackles on JD.

And JD got past Stephen for some SCORES!

It was awesomeness.

Cindy's son is a Sophomore and plays on their High School varsity team.

{We text each other throughout the games. Silly fun!}

Cindy got some great pictures of Stephen and JD on Thursday.

And, of course, she shared them with me!

That's what best girlfriends are for!

~meet Madalynn Sue~

2011-10-05T14:39:00.007-05:00

Complete sweetness!

I have a new grandniece - Madalynn Sue, born October 3, 2011. Miss Madalynne - October is the absolute BEST month to be born in! ;)

I haven't officially met this bundle of deliciousness yet. But, I will. And soon!

♥

~a great day for a parade!~

2011-09-24T13:46:00.006-05:00

Small town parades! I love 'em! Love watching my Ste march and play and love seeing the kids in our community participating!
I'm feelin' the love today! ;D

Pioneer Day 2011

~birthday celebration weekend~

2011-09-17T19:00:00.004-05:00

We celebrated nephew Cole's 14th birthday today!
His birthday is actually September 11, but this day worked better so more family could be there!
He chose a Chinese buffet restaurant for the location.
What is with teenage boys and Chinese buffet? Stephen loves them too.

His momma made cheesecake for dessert!

Happy Birthday Cole! I'm proud of the young man you are becoming! Love you to pieces!

~Happy Birthday to my LOVE♥~

2011-09-16T07:58:00.005-05:00

Today is my husband's birthday!
He is 39. I like that he is older than me. { Even if only by a month. ;)}
I have loved him since I was 17 years old. I'll never stop!
There are many reasons to love him:
We fit each other.
He seeks wisdom.
He is GODLY. {One of the things I love most!}
He loves our son. And shows it!
He is quiet...but not.
His laugh is a burst of hilarity from down deep.
He is a lover of nature and doing right and doing for others.
He enjoys traveling..even if it is just a day trip.
Learning is a passion.
So is fishing.
He's a hard worker. A provider.
He loves me for me - warts and all.
He's pragmatic...but still has dreams..{he'd call them goals, and that's ok too! ;)}
He enjoys spending time with me as much as I enjoy spending time with him.
He's trustworthy, honest, sincere.
He tells it like it is, and doesn't concern himself with pettiness.
I could go on and on, but I don't want him to sound PERFECT or anything!!
hahahahahahaha

I love you with every ounce of my being, Virgil.

Happy Birthday!

~Aiden at 14 mos~

2011-09-13T22:15:00.004-05:00

He ♥s to hollar!

He ♥s to play!

He ♥s to smile and laugh!

And Aunt Mamy ♥s him!!

~our boy likes reptiles~

2011-09-12T20:54:00.007-05:00

Our boy L♥VES reptiles.
I know. Ick.

or at least I used to say, "Ick!"

But now?

They're kinda growing on me.
Stephen found a reptile show online and we headed down to Arlington on Sunday afternoon to take it in.

He is holding a Crested Gecko here. That's what he wants next.

Besides lizards and geckos there were snakes. Lots and lots of snakes.
All different sizes and colors of snakes.

Ste's favorite snake...

I kinda liked her too!

No, Stephen, you still can't have one in my HOUSE!
;)
Dad enjoyed the Reptile Show too...
But this is what he thought about draping a python around his neck! :D

~cross country~

2011-09-10T20:13:00.008-05:00

Today we traveled to the land of thistle and cacti.

{In these pictures you can tell we have had basically ZERO rain in the past 3 mos. Sad!}

We had a special reason for traveling (ok...it's less than 40 miles from home)

Miss Katrina was running in her first cross country meet of the season. She did a great job! She barely seemed winded at the end of her 2 mile run. We loved watching her run and getting to yell for her!

Afterwards we drove around the countryside.
I love old barns and outbuildings!

Virgil composed this shot. He was inspired by the juxtaposition of old energy sources and new energy sources in the same frame.

~game face~

2011-09-09T09:39:00.002-05:00

{First 8th grade game. Sept. 8, 2011}

~lamp re-vamp~

2011-09-08T09:27:00.005-05:00

I've had this lamp for a million years. Well, maybe just a thousand. But it definitely needed a change, and I definitely need to add color to my living space!

I painted it with eleventy hundred coats of Krylon Bauhaus Gold paint. And I must say, I LOVE it! Then I bought a small drum shade from Target and trimmed it with burlap I had left over from my niece's wedding decor. I like it. Alotta, lotta, lotta!
Oh, and here's something I made this weekend. I've seen this quote all over etsy and blogland and had to have it on my wall. I made the printable up on picnik, sent it to Wal-mart for printing and stuck it in an inexpensive frame. Lovely. Now I need to actually get it on the wall. ;)♥

~garden snakes~

2011-09-05T09:42:00.003-05:00

Saturday morning Virgil cleared out our flower bed to prepare for planting Fall color.
He found a family of garden snakes.
Which Stephen promptly decided to house in this plastic bin to observe.

This morning, we decided it was time to release them back to the garden.

But we had to let them crawl all over us first!

Did you love doing this as a kid? I loved playing with them then...and now!

~TEXAS fan~

2011-09-03T12:26:00.001-05:00

~Reading with Ste~

2011-09-02T13:28:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite things to do is read with Stephen. He's not always eager, but once he gets into a book, he truly enjoys it.

He's currently reading Spite Fences. After he goes to bed at night, I read to catch up to where he is. And sometimes we read it aloud together. It's fun to see what he thinks of books and to get to share my perspective with him.

I hope this is a tradition that lives on!

(photo from amazon.com)

~Things I'm lovin' Thursday~

2011-09-01T04:00:00.001-05:00

I'm trying something new! I got the idea from Rachel and she sweetly said I could copy!

On Thursdays I'm going to blog about things I'm diggin' at the moment. And for now these are a few:

Have you tried Greek Gods Honey & Strawberry Greek Yogurt? Umm...YUM! I want to eat it everyday topped with:
ground flaxseed! Which has a yummy, nutty flavor and heart healthy Omega 3s. I must warn - the yogurt has a bit more Carbs and Sugar than I like to have for breakfast on a regular basis. But an occasional treat? Hells ya!

Something else I'm lovin':
www.skinnytaste.com
Gina has packed her website with light and delicious recipes. I've tried several and haven't been disappointed yet!

Vintage pillowcases! Love 'em! Want to use them on every bed pillow in my house..everytime I change the sheets. A little bit of whimsy. Makes me smile!

This print will be hanging in my kitchen soon. MUST. HAVE. ;)

(from etsy)

And last for today, Carried Away body spray from Bath and Body Works.

Wear it everyday. Head to Toe. LOVE!

So, what are you lovin'?

~look what I found!~

2011-08-25T11:04:00.002-05:00

Animal Crackers now have OwLs! I LiKe owls!
{snicker, snicker}

~1st day of 8th grade~

2011-08-22T19:15:00.001-05:00

~first shave~

2011-08-21T22:50:00.002-05:00

School starts tomorrow and Dad looked at Stephen's furry face and said, "It's time to shave!"

Dad got a new shaver and Stephen got Dad's hand-me-down.

Apparently, shaving is ticklish stuff!

Such concentration! :)

Smooth as a baby's bottom! {He'd love to know I said that!}

This growing up stuff is rough on Momma! ;)

~Not a FAN Friday~

2011-08-19T07:00:00.007-05:00

Virgil picked up some fabric softener for us because we were running low.

We always buy downy (pink lid, thank you.)

He grabbed the one pictured above. "Oh well," I thought, "I can live with it for 60 loads."

WRONG.

I'm officially NOT A FAN of Mountain Spring scented Downy.

Smells like Irish Spring soap.

Not a fan of Irish Spring soap either.

Is the Irish Spring commercial the one that the people's eyes pop open because they are so refreshed from the scent of the soap?

They're really thinking, "What the hell is that sour grass smell?

Reminds me of when the dog eats grass...

and then does #2 in the house.

So, yep, I don't recommend Downy Mountain Spring fabric softener.

Not at all.

~stephen's feet~

2011-08-08T12:58:00.002-05:00

Just a quick little share:

On the way home from San Antonio yesterday, we stopped at the San Marcos Outlet shops to buy Stephen some shoes for school.

We had to get a size FOURTEEN!

I guess that adage, "Act your age, not your shoe size!" won't work on him for a bit! ☺

~elias at 9 1/2 months~

2011-08-01T06:45:00.002-05:00

Oh my...I could just nibble those toes all.day.long!!

~random stuff with pics~

2011-07-27T20:42:00.003-05:00

I ♥ pumpkins.

I dis♥ hot summers.

On Sunday, in an effort to forget that it was eleventy million degrees outside, V, Ste and I made paper pumpkins - Halloween version.

Here's where I got the idea.

I also whipped up this throw pillow cover out of a piece of vintage sheet I had in my fabric stash. I made it envelope style for easy cleaning.

Here's the tutorial I used to learn how.

I love it in our old rocker.

And on a completely different note: Stephen got his eyes dilated for the first time.

☺

~a few cell phone vacay pics~

2011-07-26T21:39:00.003-05:00

Can't believe it was over a month ago!

I spend so much time planning for vacations and they're over in a snap!

So thankful for cameras and memories, and my lovely, lovely family!

~rescue me~

2011-07-23T13:00:00.001-05:00

~vbs finale~

2011-07-21T22:10:00.003-05:00

{Meg, 8 and Sam, 5 - VBS 2011}

We've been getting previews each evening, but tonight we were there for the finale!

Virgil, Stephen and I visited each of their classrooms and watched them perform their music with the whole VBS group.

Meg and Sam had a great time and we were blessed to share it with them!
♥

~your kind heart~

2011-07-20T12:48:00.002-05:00

There's been a new situation at our house. Something out of the ordinary. A bit stressful and definitely contrary to our *beloved* routine!

But you've taken it all in like a champ. Pitching in, taking initiative, displaying your ready smile. I'm always amazed at your kind heart. I guess it's because the world has cliches for 13 year olds in general and teenagers too. But here's what I know:

You are kind.

And Dad and I love you.

So very much.

~bride and groom at sunset~

2011-07-15T14:00:00.001-05:00

I'm finally getting around to posting about the wedding!
Thought I'd start out with some photos of the bride and groom on the beach, in the sunset just after the ceremony.

I had great fun with these shots. I am a novice photographer and enjoy trying different apertures and shutter speeds.

I love how the photos turned out.

Not perfect...but definitely

captured memories!

~vacation sunsets~

2011-07-14T21:51:00.003-05:00

Bradenton Beach Florida June 2011.

It was so relaxing to sit on the beach with my hubs and my sister and watch the sun set over the Gulf.

~blessed~

~he makes us laugh~

2011-07-10T21:48:00.003-05:00

Even a trip to Wal-mart on vacation for extra swim trunks turns into something to laugh about.

That's our Ste!

~summertime = pool time!~

2011-07-07T22:37:00.005-05:00

family time at the pool~

lovin' it!

~a little monster turns 1~

2011-07-06T11:00:00.006-05:00

Aiden turned the BIG ONE on June 30th. His Mom and Mamaw gave him a big monster themed bash!

Now that's alotta cake for a little guy!

He wasn't quite sure what to think of it, but made quite a mess anyway.

His Great Aunt Mamy is quite smitten!

~a couple of summerlicious recipes~

2011-07-05T14:11:00.006-05:00

I have a couple of summerlicious recipes to post and I'm starting with dessert!

Making homemade ice cream on the 4th of July is a tradition, and eventhough circumstances weren't such that we had a big family gathering, my fam still had to have it! Usually both of my sisters and I have a machine cranking out the delicious creamy stuff. Since there would only be one ice cream maker whirring this time, we chose chocolate. I mean who wouldn't choose chocolate?!

This stuff tastes just like a Wendy's frosty. I use a 6 qt ice cream maker.

Chocolate "Frosty" Homemade Ice Cream

16 oz Cool Whip
1 can condensed milk
1 gal chocolate milk

Mix cool whip and condensed milk in ice cream freezer container until blended. Pour in chocolate milk to fill line. Stir as you add the milk to mix together.

Freeze according to ice cream maker instructions.

Wish I had a picture to share...was too busy eating it!! :)

The next recipe is a salad I tried over the weekend. This recipe comes from the July 2011 issue of Taste of Home Healthy Cooking:

Tortellini Chicken Salad

Cook 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini (I used whole wheat); add 1 cup frozen peas for last 4 -5 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water. In a 2- 1/2 qt serving bowl, layer 5 cups torn romaine, 1-1/2 cups shredded carrots, 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast, tortellini mixture and 1/2 cup julienned sweet red pepper. Combine 1/2 cup fat-free (I used light) mayonnaise, 3 oz jar pesto and 1/4 cup buttermilk; spread over peppers. Sprinkle with 2 TBSP minced fresh parsley. Refrigerate until chilled. After it was chilled I mixed it all up so everything had a nice coating of the dressing! Serves 6.

I just poached my chicken breasts in water with salt, fresh ground pepper, garlic powder, and bay leaf and herbes de provence. This made the chicken juicy, tender and tasty. A light tasting meal that didn't heat up the house to make!

~happy 4th of july~

2011-07-04T00:14:00.001-05:00

Giving thanks to the Lord today for the freedoms of the USA.

Happy 4th of July!

~sister time on vacation~

2011-06-29T23:12:00.003-05:00

One day towards the end of vacation, we three sisters decided to get dolled up and hit the town in search of thrift stores and antique shops.
We made to exactly ONE thrift store and decided it was too hot and what we REALLY needed was some of these:

Hey...it's the time spent together that counts, right? :)

~vacation pizza making~

2011-06-26T18:38:00.002-05:00

During the first part of vacation, Virgil was in Orlando for a conference for work. To occupy our time one evening, Ste and I decided to make pizzas.

Of course, we made Ste's favorite: Canadian bacon and tomatoes!

It turned out FABuLouS!

~boys will be boys~

2011-06-20T11:20:00.007-05:00

ok..girls like to have fun too....

~an upstyled dress for Meg~

2011-06-09T22:00:00.003-05:00

Later this month we will be attending a Quinceanera. A Quinceanera is a hispanic tradition. A celebration to honor the passage of childhood into adolescence of a girl on her 15th birthday.

Miss Megan will be attending too.

I saw this dress for $12 and grabbed it.

Made a few blingy flowers to adorn it. (flowers are pinned on so they can be removed for washing.)

and Voila! I think it has a party panache, don't you?

~the post in which i proclaim my love of etsy~

2011-06-07T08:39:00.003-05:00

Dear etsy,
I ♥ you!
I cannot sleep because I must browse your shops and mark a million items as my favorites.
My adoration has prompted me to ask my dear hubby if I could add you as a line item within our family budget. [still waiting for a reply]
I have purchased countless gifts from your lovely shop owners.
And they truly are ALL lovely.
Except the hag who took my money for two items just before Christmas and then promptly removed all the items from her shop and never answered my many and varied emails. :(
But, that is only one transaction out of, {gasp}, hundreds.
I also steal ideas from you. I see lovely handmade items and I think, "I could SO do that!" And then I do. Sometimes.
Thank you etsy. I love you forever. For always. Really!

♥♥♥♥♥♥

~patriotic printable~

2011-06-06T11:27:00.003-05:00

I love making printables in picnik! So much fun!

Feel free to print this one if you want - but note, when I tried to print on my regular printer it cut off the right side of the print.

HOWEVER, when I sent it to Wal-mart's one hour photo, it printed just fine! (8X 10)

I don't know why, but there ya go! ;)

~can you stand it?~

2011-06-04T10:01:00.004-05:00

I had to peek into my Elias photo folder this morning.

I was missing those luscious brown eyes and that precious smile!
Can you stand it?
My sweetie brown bean and my lovey hubby!

♥

~puppies and cookouts~

2011-05-31T23:50:00.003-05:00

We cooked out for Memorial Day. One dish was fresh jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon and cooked on the grill. The bacon was rather fatty, so I trimmed it off. Virgil put it in foil and grilled it for the puppies.

They ♥'d it!

~I ♥ him!~

2011-05-30T16:18:00.003-05:00

So.Very.Much!

~for Joplin~

2011-05-25T10:58:00.002-05:00

Dana over at Old Red Barn Co is awesome.
I've had an inkling for a long time.
But now? She's gone and PROVEN (or is it PROVED? IDK!) it!

Visit her post on Joplin.

Then donate to help these souls in their time of great need.

Bonus: For each $ you donate to the American Red Cross through Dana's site, you get a chance to win one of her beautiful quilts.

Go ahead... I wouldn't put this on my blog if I didn't think you could trust her. ;)

~band banquet 2011~

2011-05-24T06:12:00.003-05:00

Last night we attended Stephen's Band Banquet. There was a Mardi Gras theme.

Next year's marching show is "Jazz Club", so Mardi Gras seems appropriate to me! :)

We had fun visiting with other parents and watching our kiddo in his element.

Stephen received 2 awards! Most Improved Player and Rookie of the Year!

Proud of your hard work!

We ♥ You!

~i remember when~

2011-05-21T11:39:00.003-05:00

Our family vacation in Colorado in the summer of 2004. You were 7. So sweet! You, Dad and I had such fun. The Royal Gorge, riding the train to the top of Pikes Peak, tram rides, mountain picnics, fishing and jeep rides.

I ♥ our family memories!

~you~

2011-05-19T10:25:00.008-05:00

Today is your last day of 7th grade. Wow.

You are 3 1/2 inches taller than you were on the first day of 7th grade.

Your spelling and math skills have grown by leaps and bounds.

You continue to excel in reading, science and history.

You received the Most Improved 7th Grade Student Overall award.

You scoffed at this award.

But Dad and I smiled. We are so proud of you!

Because what you don't realize at age 13 is that being "Most Improved" doesn't mean you were "bad" to start with.

For example, Dad and I don't have to be BAD parents to strive to be BETTER parents.

This award says, "Hey I can overcome obstacles!"

You have perserverence. You made 2 Cs on your report card the 2nd 6 weeks of the year, but since then its been all As and Bs.

You are becoming more organized.

More responsible.

You kicked High School Band in the FACE. As a 7th grader!

You have mad tuba skilz.

You are excited for the challenge of next year's marching season...where you will learn 3 difficult pieces of music.

You excelled in football. I love watching you pancake block!

Track? Fuhgettaboutit! First Place in shot put. Every. Single. Meet.

You are blessed. You possess integrity, kindness, grit, determination, and the best laugh known to mankind.

You rock, dude.

You're mine. (for a little while)

And I love you.

~wedding invitations~

2011-05-14T19:39:00.004-05:00

~a beautiful saturday shared with family~

Today my sisters, nieces and I got together to assemble the invitations for Colleen and Eric's wedding. I love the message in the bottle idea. Especially since the ceremony will be on the beach.

I love how the aqua pebbles give a hint of ocean color to the invitations.

And, bonus! We got the bubble bottles decorated too!
Here's the label:

I'm honored to be a part of the planning and creating for this special day!

~new necklace~

2011-05-11T10:00:00.002-05:00

I'm sporting a new necklace today. ♥ it!!!!! Bunches!

You can get one too from Sweet Apple on etsy.

Here's a link to her shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetapple30?ref=seller_info

~mother's day 2011~

2011-05-08T15:59:00.002-05:00

♥Blessed beyond measure♥

~painted jar vase~

2011-05-06T15:45:00.005-05:00

Today is my SIL's bday!

Happy Birthday Lizard!

(I hope you don't read this before supper tonight or you will see your gift!)

I got the idea here.

I rounded up a Ball jar, grabbed my Krylon Gum Drop paint, some ribbon and some tulle.

And..

Voila!

(flowers from the Wal-marts!)

I'm tucking a gift card into the tulle and I think this makes a mighty fine gift!

~christmas tray to entryway welcome~

2011-05-03T20:41:00.003-05:00

This tin Christmas tray has resided in my craft room since right after Christmas. I bought it on clearance at JoAnn's. ♥ that place!

I knew it would eventually become a chalkboard for my entryway.

And this weekend it finally did!

~easter 2011~

2011-05-02T19:43:00.003-05:00

I've finally gotten around to uploading my Easter photos!

This year we went to my sister's house (Jill) on Saturday to watch Little Aiden have his first Easter egg hunt. He couldn't be with us on Sunday, so we got some early Easter fun!

On Sunday, my sisters and their families and Virgil's parents, sisters, and families gathered at our house.

Menu: Egg Fu Yung, Chicken Fried Rice, Steamed Rice, Spring Rolls, Cream Cheese Wontons, Banana Pudding, and Carrot Cake!

We only had three hunters this year! Our kiddos are growing up!

Here's Elias (aka: Brown Bean) enjoying his first Easter egg hunt!

Sam and Meg are 'ol pros!

I love having my family in my home! ♥ them!

~biscuits~

2011-04-25T08:22:00.004-05:00

One night last week we decided to have breakfast for supper. A favorite meal in our household! My guys like breakfast foods, and, me? I like it because it is easy! And Stephen is usually eager to make the eggs. :)

On this occasion, we decided we wanted biscuits so I pulled out my favorite cookbook, Cookin' with the Chicks, and found Jenny's recipe for Baking Powder Biscuits.

After adding all the dry ingredients to the bowl, we added the shortening and Stephen got busy "cutting it in."

After the cutting in, and adding the rest of the ingredients, Stephen gently kneaded the dough.

Flattened it to about 1/2 inch and cut out the biscuits. He used an alfredo sauce jar to cut them out so they were kind of small!

Small.....but delicious!

If you would like a copy of Cookin' with The Chicks, leave a comment and I will let you know how you can purchase one. Everything I've ever cooked from this book has been wonderful!

~crappy picture~

2011-04-19T16:56:00.003-05:00

A crappy picture from my cell phone to display my plant stands! They were a rusted mess and I painted them these lovely pastels. I'm quite smitten.

~my dinner date~

2011-04-18T22:00:00.005-05:00

I had a very special dinner date this evening. My son. Just him and me. Virgil worked late, and I had a case of the Mondays and didn't want to cook. When I walked in the door I said, "Let's go to dinner. Just you and me." And he said, "Ok!" We decided on Italian only to find out that the little Italian restaurant in the neighboring town had closed. Our choices were then limited to pizza, Sonic, McDonalds, the chicken strip place or mexican food. We decided on Mexican. We talked about school, the service of our waitress, funny restaurant experiences we've had {V- reminiscing about the shouting waiter in Austin and your reaction to him got the most laughs!} and how he's glad I'm not one of those Moms who go without a bra in public. [thank you very much!] Nothing earth shattering, yet altogether perfect. A delightful time spent with my son. I like him. A lot.

~boredom~

2011-04-14T12:59:00.001-05:00

~twinkle~

2011-04-13T16:24:00.003-05:00

That twinkle in my eyes tells one story...I've been to JoAnn's on my lunch break! WOOT! And I found fabulous fabric for {alliterate that!} the napkins at Colleen's reception. double WOOT!

~district track meet~

2011-04-11T17:58:00.003-05:00

Stephen's district track meet was today and I was finally able to attend one of his meets! BUT, I forgot my good camera - so these are all with my el cheapo cell phone. No iphone for me! LOL

{waiting around to throw}

{Junior High boy cluster}

{Stephen throwing} {Markers after the last throw}

Stephen got 1st place! His throw was 36 feet 6.5 inches! He placed first in every meet this year!

Good work Steezle!

~weekend in Austin, TX~

2011-04-05T22:59:00.011-05:00

Last weekend we took a quick trip to Austin, TX. It was a beautiful, delightful weekend. I just love traveling with my guys. {The puppies were naughty on this trip. We left them in the hotel room in their kennels for a short time so we could see the bats of Austin. We got a phone call from the owner of the hotel...our little doggies were fussing major and 5 separate guests had complained about them. Ah...the joys of traveling with pets!} ~ We took a little walking tour on the capital grounds:

We traveled down to Lockhart, TX to feast on some famous BBQ. Awesome brisket and turkey breast. Virgil and Stephen said the pork ribs were fabulous too. I personally could do without the sausage, but Virgil liked it alot.

OH my...making me want more brisket.

My sweet guys!

That evening we went down to Lady Bird Lake for a tour of the Lake which is located on the Lower Colorado river {not the same river that goes through the Grand Canyon!} The tour leaves at 7 p.m. We enjoyed a lovely evening on the lake which culminated in viewing the bats come out from the Congress Street bridge as they headed out for their nightly feeding.

This tower used to be the highest building in Austin. I'm not sure what it was originally, but it became a tower that fireman trained on. Meaning fires were set in the tower and the firemen in training put them out!

This is the Congress Street bridge that the bats live under. In the peak of summer up to 1.5 million bats reside here. It is a female colony and this is where they come to have their babies.

This is another bridge that crosses the lake. I just thought it was a pretty shot!

Kayakers! I don't know them...I just liked the shot! :)

Swans that nest on the lake. I think they will be heading north soon.

These are people lined up on the Congress Street Bridge waiting for the bats to emerge.

Those smudges are bats!

and more bats...{These are Mexican Free-tailed bats, BTW.}

The bats flying out over the trees. Heading out for a night of insect munching!

Austin is a cool town with a great laid back vibe. If I weren't such a country bumpkin, I could probably live in Austin.

Stephen says he's going to UT for his Master's Degree...maybe I'll just visit him there and remain a small town girl.

~a certain teenage boy~

2011-04-04T16:20:00.009-05:00

I’ve been the mother of a teenage boy for a little over 5 months now. Here are some observations:

Teenage Boys:

like to comment on their Mom’s gray hairs

and on the size of their Dad’s stomach

enjoy spending time with their parents, except when they don’t

define clean way differently than their Mom’s do

make jokes out of their (or anyone else’s)bodily functions ·

don’t want you to ask them if they have a “crush” on anyone

have odors. All.Kinds.of.Odors.

eat constantly

ask, “What if..” (yes, STILL)

hate to wake up

are empirically funny

like to laugh, and laugh, and laugh

frown on their parents acting silly in public

enjoy practical jokes

Want to be taller (even if they are already tall)

are independent – when it suits them J

are completely, utterly enjoyable…most of the time

shhhh…{still like to be tucked in at night}

-I had to come back to edit this post to include loud. In my experience teenage boys are LOUD! ;)

~silly. fun.~

2011-03-31T18:36:00.004-05:00

Family travel = time for silly fun!

~we had to get away: wrap up~

2011-03-30T15:30:00.011-05:00

It was rather warm as we traveled around on Saturday, but as we were enjoying a comfortable nights sleep a cold front filtered down to Texas! On Sunday, the temps stayed near the high 40s and low 50s. No matter what time of year, a Texan appreciates a cold front!

After enjoying silly time and a filling breakfast at Ihop, we decided to visit Scottsville, Texas. Virgil had read about an old cemetary there with lots of statues. Though the weather was crisp, it was still lovely to be outdoors and the cemetary was beautiful!

After the cemetary, we made a quick stop at Caddo Lake State Park. Most of the trees were verdently spring green. However, the cypress had yet to bud and the gray spanish moss against the gray bark of the trees and the gray tint of the overcast day lent an eerily surreal atmosphere to parts of the park.

We wrapped up our trip perusing a few antique shops and having lunch {complete with sugar free coconut cream pie} at Kitt's Kornbread Sandwich and Pie Bar .

Now...where we goin' next?

~we had to get away: part 2~

2011-03-29T20:06:00.006-05:00

Part 1

After a day of driving around East Texas, our eyes feasting on luscious pines, and taking a boat tour of a bayou, we booked a ride on the GHOST TRAIN!

The Ghost Train departs at 9:00 p.m. and winds through the woods alongside the bayou. The conductor tells *true* ghost stories and, ahem... on our trip, BIGFOOT was spotted.

Wait, no...that's just Stephen!

{Of course, I needed a picture of all of us together on the train.}

~we had to get away: part 1~

2011-03-28T21:45:00.007-05:00

Spring fever settled in on our household heavy last week and we knew we had to GET AWAY! Saturday morning found us up early and driving east to the land of pines. Three and a half hours later we found ourselves in Jefferson, TX. Jefferson is a fun little town full of antique shops, fun eateries and tons of steamboat history. We decided to take part in a boat tour of Big Cypress Bayou.

This gnarly, old tree is one of the first sights we enjoyed as our tour began.

Cypress trees have really unusual root structures.

We saw TONS of snapping turtles. These two were sunning themselves as we floated by.

A lovely view down the bayou (which I pronounce BY- YOU; but the locals pronouce BY-O)

Our tour guide shared local stories and historic tales.

My honey and me!

Love the light playing on the water.

~arbuckle wilderness - march 19, 2011 - in pictures~

2011-03-20T14:38:00.006-05:00

~my last minute St. Patrick's day gifts~

2011-03-16T21:11:00.005-05:00

My friend, Jenny, inspired me when she signed a recent card, "Hugs & No pinches!"

I found this video on youtube for crocheting little four leaf clovers. I hot glued a pin on the back, and printed up these cards that say, "Wishing you luck & no pinches." Next, I punched two little holes in the card to run the pin through.

Can't wait to give them out tomorrow! ;D

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

~mo mo maker~

2011-03-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday evening we made mo mo together. Virgil made the sauce, Stephen prepared the mo mo, and me? I just had to make the rice! WOOT!

~peek-a-boo spring~

2011-03-13T17:30:00.003-05:00

Peek-a-boo Spring. I see you....

~part of me~

2011-03-11T14:09:00.006-06:00

Back when my dear son was this little guy, he had some awesome sayings.

{a unicorn was a hornicorn}

{a skunk was a stunk} - how great is that one? :D

But, one of my favorites was >>

Mimicking his Dad or me saying "parden me" after a little gastrointestinal eruption, if he burped or tooted, he would triumphantly announce, "PART OF ME!" {as if a little piece of him was getting away!}

Why do I have the sudden urge to take folic acid and buy an ovulation kit?