ain't life grand

2010 & away

2010-12-27T17:02:00.004-05:00

Here's to a great year 2010...as busy, memory-filled, wonderful as it was.

Best wishes for 2011...for more time to spend with family & friends

tip-toe

2010-12-27T16:51:00.004-05:00

first ballet & tap recital~ my sweet angel...

Coke is it

2010-09-24T18:54:00.004-04:00

I have been wanting to take a picture with a Coke in front of this Pepsi vending machine for a while now....Bryce was all too eager to assist.

Is it really fall? Really? time is not flying, it is dive-bombing

photowalk

2010-06-11T02:06:00.004-04:00

Denni & I went to Oakland cemetery for i heart faces Atlanta photowalk last week. It was fun to go with Denni and be with a group of photographers scouting out shots and having lunch. We will try to forget the part when Denni's van was broken into....luckily our purses with our important items were not taken.

it was cool and kinda creepy at the same time

summer leisure

2010-06-04T02:47:00.003-04:00

so happy summertime has arrived..we have been counting down the days. It was a crazy.. great school year, but I am ready for a break. It has been so nice already this week not waking up to an alarm...moving at a slower pace

Bryce will be going into second grade! I am amazed at how far he has come this year. Avery will go to pre-k in the fall...so strange to close the chapter of our in-home childcare with Ajie. Avery has a lot to learn, but she seems ready for school.

She loves to color- but then moves on to some other activity.

i heart

2010-04-26T23:45:00.002-04:00

smiles!

she is loving that slide....

Visit more smiley faces here ....or join their photowalk here- 20 cities on June 5th.

I can't wait to go with my friend Denni!

The Snowy day

2010-03-07T20:29:00.002-05:00

oh the powder soft snow we had last month
fun to play...and then fun to melt away

.. it was nice, but I am ready for the spring

Please, please let the warm weather come soon! I am way tired of shivering and wearing jackets. Plus I would like to have a valid excuse to get a pedicure =)

ain't love grand

2010-02-13T00:47:00.006-05:00

...that was on the invitation for my couples shower that my aunties threw for Paul & I way back when.

oh love....I heart Valentine's day. Love all the hearts, the pink & red and the lovey-dovey cutesy stuff this holiday brings. Love my huzbin & my two sweeties

I think I have a theme of coffee and Valentine's love goin on. See this post from last year

i had first engagment shoot last weekend. It was sooo fun...

Go and enter yourself here for a chance to win one of Amy's fab jewelry creations by Valentine's day. Love her necklaces! Maybe one day I'll get to own one. {too bad my huzbin does not read my blog}

~
and we have SNoW!! Avery is so excited.

2010

2010-01-12T22:20:00.006-05:00

really a new decade? Hard to top the last one that gave me my babes & when I married the love of my life! Many happy memories.

the first photo was supposed to be a 2, oh well.

.....what will the next 10 have in store?

Christmas come and gone..again

2009-12-30T16:44:00.010-05:00

..Annalise & Austin looking for the elves

I am always sad to take down our tree. Our tree did fabulously this year not dropping needles and sparkling for weeks. This is still one of my favorite ornaments,,it came from my parents' tree way back in the 60's...

Bryce made this one last year..

Had a Wonderful Christmas...fun with friends, family and family to be...cannot believe it's 360 days until the next one. Need to reorganize to fit everything.
Many sweet babies were born this holiday season..little miracles

love this photo of my family & I for my mom's birthday...we set the timer.
My friends & I used to set the timer and our group would be waiting outside, then we all would run inside for the click! ...Not that we weren't bored or anything!

holidaze

2009-12-19T00:53:00.002-05:00

almost here...
off work and looking forward to some rest where I forget about daily woes.... and time with family eating and laughing. Still have shopping left..but I love shopping. Just hope the perfect presents are still out there. ...no idea about what to get my huzbin though.

Merry Merry!

whistle while you work

2009-11-22T17:38:00.002-05:00

I do not like not having extra free time to blog hop and search the web for Christmas ideas...but if good things {& some not so fun} are keeping me super busy that I guess that is fine with me. Spending time with the family on a drive to the North Georgia mountains counts too....

I have had the wonderful opportunity lately to take photographs and I have started a photography blog...with the hopes of one day having my own site. There are still things to learn, but that only comes with practice right, which I do each time I pick up my camera. I just read in an article yesterday~do what you love doing and would do for free and then get good at it so you could get paid for doing it. {something along those lines} I just totally enjoy shooting with my camera and editing photos...I aspire to get good at it.

....Thanksgiving this week?!?! Ready or not the holidays are here.

2009-10-28T20:40:00.002-04:00

It's looking like Bryce won't need to ask for his two front teeth for Christmas. But he has plenty more ideas. ..oh I have been slacking on my holiday shopping.

Haven't been blogging much lately...busy with home/work/play. Looking forward to Halloween at my parents. It should always fall on the weekend I say!

fallin'

2009-10-18T13:20:00.005-04:00

Ok not ready for this ....it's like in the 30's in the morning today. At least the rain has gone away. Winter is trying to push fall out of the way. I am hoping to keep my sandals out for a few more weeks!

We haven't picked our pumpkin from the farm yet, but we went to play at this patch the other weekend. Bryce & Avery were real sweet...here I have proof
poor Bryce needed a haircut badly, luckily after Friday he now does!

speaking of haircuts, Avie has never had one {aside from bang trims} I think she is due for a little cut..it's so long. I love it though. I can't wait til she lets me play with it and try more than ponytails.

Cannot wait until we go to North Georgia soon to visit the colorful leaves and get some yummy apples...prob after Halloween. Need to get some candy for our few trick-or-treaters.

2009-10-09T20:39:00.002-04:00

augh! i have not felt "good" in over two weeks. Looking forward to this 4 day weekend to rest.

Here are some photos of Avery for her 3 year old shoot. She is such a big girl...

...glad pumpkin festivities abound- we need to go pumpkining soon & need to get on Halloween costumes too for the kids. I am looking forward to taking some fall photos for friends this month!

lost

2009-09-24T18:08:00.003-04:00

you know when you forget how to get to a place that you want to find. You want to go back because there was something that sparked your interest & fancy...but now you cannot recall how to get there. What was the name? What lend you to it in the first place?

That happens to me often, well not often..but too many times more than I like. Often on the internet or at work.

this place is not one of those {because my huzbin knows where it is and eats there more than I get too}, but it's simple name makes me think it could get lost....Garden Produce & Country Store

yummy fried okra and mac & cheese...squash cassarole I've only heard about.
We sat on the porch area and enjoyed the milder summer weather. Before the massive rain deluge. We did not have any flooding by my home thank goodness, but we did have two days off of school. The power of water. Funny it's our science unit next week.

speaking of Lost I miss it...but loving the new fall season. Now if Thursday could share some of the wealth with the rest of the week.

butterflies & flowers

2009-09-19T23:08:00.000-04:00

Still cannot comprehend my baby girl is now three!

Love when family & friends get together...it's just never enough. My Auntie & Uncle Bill from AZ came~ and my Uncle Jim & Aunt from MI surprised my mom with a visit!

We had a good time last month celebrating Avery with a butterfly flower garden-ish party.

{love you Duncan Hines!}

Gaddie and Tood made the fabulous personalized birthday tags and round flags...even a butterfly magic wand

The favors were candy flower pots {the boys received sizzler magnets..saved an extra for my class} and make your own goodie bag from the candy jars..

All the kiddos wanted to help unwrap~ it was a blur of princess dress-up gowns, clothing, and tissue paper...
The weather cooperated, unlike last year, so we were able to go outside and splash around. It was a little to hot, but I'll take it.

fun, fun day!

good things...

2009-09-11T22:41:00.007-04:00

two front teeth...lost

{hopefully his new teeth do not fully come in until after Christmas =) }

a sister...my brother got engaged last weekend! It was cute, on the beach.. with the ring in a shell.

wonderful weather...perfect temps for me to be outside

Ben & Jerry's half baked FroYo... shared & eaten in one sitting

III

2009-08-31T00:00:00.005-04:00

make a wish!

hope yours comes true...mine did!

2009-08-30T15:01:00.003-04:00

well, now that August is over & all the fun busy/crazyness that it was,, maybe I'll have time to post about it!

School started off totally great..I am loving my school. my team is awesome & students are wonderful to boot! Avery turned three {really that day she started talking even more and saying such big girl things} Oh she'll always be my baby girl.

My mom, Auntie, and Avery went to see Dora at the Fox theatre. Avery's first! It was a good show and Avery was into it the whole time. I thought she'd sing more, but she was totally entralled at the stage.

Auntie Connie {Avery's Godmother} with Avery and my mom

athens

2009-08-08T00:42:00.005-04:00

..if only it was in Greece.

No, our Athens here...University of Georgia was my adopted school since mine was small {i.e nothing to do} ..so we would go there for concerts, eventful shopping, etc. My brother graduated from there and my huzbin has grown up a UGA fan. Anyways my point is that now Bryce is a fan and wants to go to UGA. Although he has declared he is never moving away {oh help me} ever. We took Bryce & Avery to the countdown to kickoff day last month and Bryce got his {play} helmet autographed by some of the current & past football players.

We checked in on the Georgia Theater that suffered a fire in June. I wasn't sure what had burnt down, so I was happy to see this still standing...

I have seen some awesome shows there... I hope they are able to rebuild the theater {I believe it's over 100 years old} We ate at one of my fave restaurants there and roamed around a little..

it's the end of the summer as I know it

2009-07-31T01:48:00.011-04:00

card from here.
I am back to work Monday, tho we are furloughed until Wednesday. So much to do with opening a new school. It never all gets done, but the important things {like putting up Cat in the Hat magnets from Target's $1 bin} get accomplished.

....love lavender. I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before..Paul had dried some lavender and then boiled it in a kettle. The smell was wonderful throughout our abode,,ahhh we can let summertime linger

{the lanterns were only out for Paul's birthday movie night... & again forgot to turn them on}

easy as pie...or cake

2009-07-28T13:38:00.003-04:00

Try this real simple & yummy ice cream sandwich cake that looks cool when served. The original recipe can be found here... I just tweaked it a little. It also can feed many people, which is not good when you just make it for a family of 4. =) I used Blue Bunny sandwiches.

Ice Cream Sandwich Layer Cake

Take
1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip Whipped Topping, thawed
1 tub Cool Whip chocolate topping, thawed
8 Mint Oreo Cookies, chopped (about 1 cup)
12 vanilla ice cream sandwiches

Stir in chopped Oreos into the chocolate Cool Whip.

Place 4 ice cream sandwiches, side-by-side, on 24-inch-long piece of foil. Top with lots of the the Oreo/Cool whip mixture. Repeat with the sandwiches and Oreo/Cool whip mixture. Top with remaining 4 sandwiches. Press down on the cake just a little bit. Frost top and sides with Cool Whip. Bring up foil sides; double fold top and ends to loosely seal. Crumple an Oreo on top {you will not use all the cool whip, save for garnishing later}

Freeze for 4 hours.

Slice and enjoy!

2009-07-21T00:52:00.006-04:00

this is great.. by Edina Tokodi

reminds me I would love another skip day with Paul... just not the so chilly outside part..but everything else

zoo

2009-07-20T00:39:00.003-04:00

so like her mommy...

ROAR!!!!!

our second playdate at the zoo was fun with Addi, Ethan, Leah {& their mommies} & the MITs....6 hours flew by quickly. Our lil animals had a good time laughing at the animals, feeding birds, eating icees, riding the train, petting the goats, and being tour guides! To the children's museum next week.

the end

an apple a day...

2009-07-15T00:12:00.003-04:00

the southern way

I have been eating such yummy fruit! I cannot recall eating yellow watermelon before this past weekend. Paul & I were doing taste tests with Bryce who declared he only liked red watermelon. I could tell a slight difference. My faves are berries...really I don't like peaches so much. I have been wanting to go blueberry pickin at a local organic farm, but this heat & thunderstorms have other ideas. mmmm

hooray for Harry tomorrow night! Girls' nights are essential, I do believe. can't wait!

90...

2009-07-09T13:08:00.013-04:00

here are more pictures from Michigan ...

I just wish these times weren't so far between. But wedding bells are ringing in the future, so we'll have more excuses.
my Grandpa teared up after we sang to him,,,then he gave a speech thanking us all

cheers!

Ashley, my sister-someday soon-in the future-to-be & me

This was the first time some of our family got to see the newest little ones....

Jax found someone he knows.

more cousins...

my Avery playing in the grass

Now my mind is on moving into my new classroom...lots to do. But first up swimming in my parent's pool finally this summer

time flies

2009-07-07T00:48:00.002-04:00

when you are making s'mores

...our trip to Michigan went by too fast. We had such a awesome time being in the same place with everyone. Our Grandpa's loved his 90th party...we just partied nonstop all weekend =) The weather was perfect, the stomach bug finally stopped, and we had an uneventful pane ride!

bbfcousins in the making!

isn't that sand crazy!

2009-07-01T19:57:00.005-04:00

I was the featured artist on HATCH's online shop.

You can take a peek here. I wish I could go visit the gallery in person and let my kiddos attend the kids art camp. If you live near Lancaster, PA you are in luck! ..Look what they have been doing.

Where is summer going?? Is it really July? Well yes the a/c says! Looking forward to fireworks and concert this weekend. Hope the weather cooperates for everyone's plans!

gotobeach

2009-06-23T22:26:00.004-04:00

that is how Avery said it "gotobeach" ..every time she woke up, looked out the balcony, or when we talked about what we were doing. She loved it! She was running into the waves like it was nothing to her and wanted to go so far out in the water. Bryce was a little more timid. I do hate anything touching my feet. Luckily there wasn't much seaweed and the water was pretty shallow for a while out sea. We had such a great time on our vacation. {sigh} Couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. Only problem was we needed to stay longer, right?

One thing we hadn't tried there before was Hope's cheesecakes...now I know why they have mail order. let me just say...chocolate covered peanut butter cheesecake on a stick. oh my. Dessert was a major part of my day there, ok is.

shouldn't they always be this sweet

can you tell the beach is one of my favorite places??

me & my shadow

2009-06-19T22:58:00.002-04:00

find your shadow...

follow it.

up & down, over & under

around & around.

it is always yours.

where does it lead you?

home.

can you tell I have been at a writing & reading workshop all week? Glad I went, but glad to get back to summer. It is officially summer here in the south with soaring temperatures. Too hot for me that is fo sure.

never had the itch

2009-06-15T21:56:00.003-04:00

happy eight years on the 16th to the man of my dreams... anniversary, birthday party, father's day, birthday all this week & into the next....lucky guy

ah more happy..

2009-06-09T01:40:00.000-04:00

my two babes indulged me...they allowed me to take actual photographs of them in the same frame and looking like they love the life in front of the camera. ha! I have a feeling time for matching clothes is slipping away from my fingertips..I had purchased this dress & shirt months ago in favor of taking their photos, together *gasp*. I just told them to get close and they did the rest =)
my lucky day

love this one too...

find your constant

2009-06-08T01:09:00.002-04:00

my cousins & about 20 years ago... really that long ago?? {All of us pictured have children of our own..except for my bro & James. The youngest is having a baby girl due any day now =0 }

more family..Christmas Eve in Arizona about 11 years ago

2 years ago...

at the end of this month I get to be with my family again. I cannot wait!!! We may not get to see each other as often as we wish {we are spread across the country in Arizona, Georgia, & Michigan}, but when we do it is as the time spent apart does not matter. The littlest cousins are growing up & changing for sure...but the rest of us are constant =) I swear I am still 13 years old. We will be celebrating our Grandpa{my mom's dad} turning 90!!! Amazing to think what will happen over my next 60 years. Mind boggling,, I feel that there has been so much goodness already in my life.

my Grandpa & Grandma Virg when we still lived in California...

everything leads back to my Grandpa!
I am still pretending this season of Lost is not over...and that I still have more Twilight to read

little cousins

2009-06-03T13:02:00.007-04:00

I had fun photographing Katie's one year portraits...we had been having rainy days upon rainy days then, so I was happy to have the sun come out. Look at this sweet lil ladybug..

... then Ava stopped by and I had to get some shots of her of course. Makes me think of my cousins I get to see oh so very soon!!

I am loving summer vacation...already shopping with friends and to the zoo tomorrow!!

siblings..

2009-05-31T00:14:00.004-04:00

sometimes it's
screaming
throwing toys
not sharing
crying
fighting
and
whining the other has (insert random item) and they don't

but sometimes it's this...
and I forget about the other times.

I am so lucky to have my two babes and that they have each other. My fave thing lately is Bryce reading books to his baby sister. And when they say goodnite to each other and hug/kiss..it is too precious. I wonder how Bryce will look upon being the big brother in a few more years. =) {they are 3 1/2 years apart}

summertime on it's way..

2009-05-22T22:59:00.004-04:00

remember {this} post a year ago...

I have post planning still next week...but we are ready for sunsetting romps outside..no alarms...lazy days...& the beach in less than three weeks!!!

Vacation plans for you & yours??

2009-05-20T23:20:00.001-04:00

so we know this school year has been nuts. Moved away from my friends teaching first grade last year to new system...started in second..displaced to different school, teaching Kindergarten,,, now transferring to a brand new school in the fall back to teaching first.

schooool's out for the summer!!!!!!!

My Bryce..no longer in kindergarten.

We did have some fun this year. I do not know what I would have done without my awesome para Gena. She kept me from totally losing my mind. I will miss her next year!

Some random photos to share,, trying to get without faces~

..one of my super parents demonstrating grinding wheat into flour for making bread...smelled so good all day! Having parents help out was something I did not have in my former school. what a difference!

celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday...

almost green ..looks gross I know, but the were yelling for 2nds & 3rds!

outdoor classroom after the snow day

dancing queens

block masterpiece...

{but we haven't had lunch yet!}

busy

2009-05-13T20:01:00.006-04:00

I hate that I haven't had time to blog. Though my huzbin sighs anytime he hears me at the computer. School is sooo close to the end I can taste it! Checking off things of the EOY checklist and just telling myself I can make it 5 more days. My kids are nuts and ready for time off. They worked hard this year, but boy did kindergarten do me in. I so looking forward to being back in 1st next year. {it helps that I meet my whole grade level last week and they are fabulous..woo hoo!}

so I'll leave with some more Martha Baby zine wonderfulness..

who's that left-handed girl??... {@ Avery's age}

aahh the Lost finale tonite. Sad, happy all in one.

Hatch

2009-05-01T23:15:00.005-04:00

I have some news to share!!! I have a few photographs on display at

~Hatch Studio and Gallery~

Lovely Bethany has designed and opened her studio which will feature various artists. I am so excited to have my work on display along with the other talented artists. I so wish I could visit up there! I am thrilled to be a part of her opening this May. Click here for her post on the opening. Go visit the site and see all the fun going on at HATCH!

my week: spending time outside, a cold, a year older, ice cream 3 times one day, presents, gerberas, getting together for dinner with friends,,hooray!, rounding up boxes for packing, surviving another field day, headaches from screams in the car, needing to clean house, big hugs from Avery, buying shopping for myself, watching butterflies emerge, not getting to work on time {surprise..ha}, java chip frappucinos, cappucino with Nutella

spring break at the park

my sweet Goddaughter
~super delightful news....I am going to be an*aunt* again and my friends are having their second babes this winter!!! it cannot get much more wonderful than that!

more eggs

2009-04-27T21:18:00.004-04:00

there are just not enough hours in the day. so busy, so lazy, so much to do to end the school year. Only 18 more days!
Here are some photos from Easter weekend. We were able to spend time with Paul's family at Granny & Popper's and then to my parents'.

Granny decorated so fun and had a egg hunt for all the kiddos.

they brought home so many eggs & candy....all Avery wanted to eat was candy for the next days, so I had to hide it all. Then it was outta sight outta mind

Connor baskethead!

Easter Sunday looking for more eggs....

my mom, me, & my baby brother days from a year older

birthday plans

2009-04-18T02:34:00.001-04:00

I had been looking at old photos to send to my cousins who are planning a slideshow of sorts for my Grandpa's 90th birthday extravaganza in June. I have enjoyed seeing the old photos from my parents and my stash. When I was digging in boxes for more photos to upload from college onto facebook I found my Martha Stewart Baby & Kids magazines from 2002 & some. That is how I got to thinking about ideas for Avery's Third birthday, which is not until the end of August. I am sure it's not any way related to my birthday the end of this month. =) I have always loved butterflies, so since I have already done a cherry party, I guess I will do a butterfly/summery/floral thing. I suppose this is the last party before she requests princesses...which will be fun too though...maybe I can persuade away from the whole Disney princesses theme. These are fun ideas...dress up party, dolls. This is from Parents. Does anyone miss Child magazine? Loved their fashion spreads. Now back to this year's. I think these butterfly & flower cupcakes are darn cute...

Can you guess which is Martha's? This was for Bryce's first birthday party oh so long ago. I cannot believe he has only one month (& three days) left of kindergarten!! I bought a size 2 shoe for him today!! & boy are those sketchers ugly. I tried to talk him into some black Vans, but he was so not into the laces. He may never learn to tie his shoes!

2009-04-16T22:50:00.001-04:00

I got to visit Ellie and her girls.. the cutest twin girls evah.

Addison & Hadley

Addison & Hadley were so sweet and so good..their mommy has taught them well already! I wish I lived closer...as it is with most of my friends, everywhere is a drive and if you factor in Atlanta traffic it can get downright nuts!
These precious girls loved to be near each other. They are already showing their preferences for Auburn and Ga Tech (Hadley spit out the pacifier!) ha!

Part of their nursery..

...they are sleeping together in one crib, but we put them in their respective cribs for the photo=)

Lil'er bunny

2009-04-08T15:50:00.002-04:00

Paul put this up as our wallpaper....Avery @ almost 8 months. Miss those chub baby rolls!

I had to get rid of this box setting in my pantry from Ellie...

so I had an idea which I saw on here, via this blog...
chockylit had made Walnut cupcakes with rose white chocolate mousse topped with baklava, but I thought chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting topped with baklava discs would be as good. I hadn't made baklava in forevah.

So I made baklava discs...
then baked the cupcakes the next day and frosted with the peanut butter goodness..

and topped with the baklava

they were so yummy and messy =) I think the discs should be bigger, but that is the size cutter I used. Here is Ina Garten's recipe..you have to try the PB frosting!

Avery diggin' in..minus the baklava which she declared eww! I have a matching apron from Avery's birthday thanks to Missy!!

Spring break has been chilly...hope the weekend is warmer for Easter!

EggS

2009-04-04T21:45:00.010-04:00

spring break is finally here! Now that there is a chance of snow flurries Tuesday =( But I am glad to be off work. I get to go over my parents and catch up with friends..& hopefully organize the toy chaos.

Here are some eggs my class collected. I let the kids keep there favs & then took turns with the rest. With twelve classes there was a whole lotta eggs to be hunted....which took all of two minutes! looking forward to two more egg hunts next weekend!! We forgot to die eggs last year!...hopefully we will get to this year. Every year my parents helped my brother & I make the best swirly tie-dyed Easter eggs. Later on I would take a bite or two...but never! the yolk. My mom would eat them so they wouldn't go to waste.

I am ready to break out my spring/summer clothing and the kids' too!
...I had a Boden coupon & their free shipping 15% off stuff ,,so I bought these two shirts for a total of $27. I am a sucker for sewn appliques I like this too, but I am not paying $39 for it... Now this is from Mini Boden too...for the girls. How great are these outfits? hey I would wear that blue tank & yellow skirt and rock the sunglasses with the eight year olds =)

lil bunny

2009-03-30T20:30:00.003-04:00

here is my lil bunny hoping Easter is quickly on it's way...

Two other bunnies were born! Ellie had her healthy twin girls...Addison & Hadley. cannot wait to see them!

everything is blooming and the sun has been out for more than two days!!

four more days until spring break!! RHOSB =)

mo green

2009-03-24T20:56:00.002-04:00

Spring soccer is in full swing. oh that neon green again. Much better than the neon orange I say. Paul is coach again and our coed teams happens to be all boys this time. It's fun to have some of his same teammates from past seasons. I just wish they had real uniforms...it just really bothers me.

a week and a half until spring break!!!!!!

St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T22:04:00.002-04:00

all green from today. My dad's fave color. ...celebrating my 25% Irish =)

snow daze

2009-03-10T16:05:00.004-04:00

hooray for a snow day from school!
We had a blast in the snow, having hot chocolate by the fire, and eating too much. I had fun taking photos in the wet snowflakes with a bag over my camera..ha! Avery acted like she played in the
snow every day

so beautiful against the bright blue sky the next day, melting snow, crisp air, the tinest buds awaiting to bloom...

...it reminded me of cotton

I FINALLY started on Twilight. I do not know what took me so long, but I am now addicted!!! I have read two and cannot wait to start the third!!

....now the weather is in the 70's!!!!

2009-03-04T20:49:00.002-05:00

Winter's last hurrah..hopefully. It snowed on the first day of March and still lots to play in the next day. In fact, there are still traces of snow left around. We enjoyed the snow, but I am glad to see it go.

...more to come

Dinah

2009-03-02T11:56:00.002-05:00

our sweet, crazy, smart {at least to me =) } doggie is now is doggie heaven. ...with Avery's fish Bryce said. Paul and I got Dinah in the late summer of 1998. We saw a flyer at a gas station near Paul's school about some dogs that needed homes... so we drove to the house/farm to see. Paul saw a cute little puppy named Lulabelle and we had to take her home. The name was not a fit...so we named her Dinah {somehow came from Diner}. She was so hyper and nuts running around, jumping so high. She was a ball! No one was quite sure what she was, but she has some whippet and beagle in her. So glad we had her in her puppy stage in the college house we lived in that's for sure! I'll never forget when she ate a box of moon pies or nibbling on the batteries. Oh how she loved to watch other dogs on TV. She was our first baby... and then when Bryce was born, Dinah never bothered him or messed with his baby toys. But she never quite took a liking to him either. Dinah just wanted to be loved on by adults rather than the kiddos. She wasn't good to take on walks~ oh how I tried when we lived in our apartment when I first started teaching. But she was there to greet you when you got home her tail waggin'. She loved to curl up next to you or rub your legs wanting to be pet. I think she thought she was part cat. =)
She was really a sweet dog...I miss her tons.
love you Dinah!

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt Giveaway from Grosgrain

2009-02-27T23:22:00.004-05:00

Click

the ..

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!! to own your very own pettiskirt,, like the ones you have seen for much $$. Maybe just maybe I can win one to add to Avery's dress-up essemble. No whammies!!

photo from Grosgrain

2009-02-24T23:07:00.002-05:00

happy fat tuesday..

if only I was eating beignets....

..St. Valentine's..

2009-02-18T19:41:00.007-05:00

or as we used to say live, love, lunch
WellI have been trying to post this..well it's now Wed,, LOST!!! It's been crazy busy at school with parent conferences and getting ready to assess for the end of the 9 weeks..with no President's day off either. oh but fun too. ..girls nite in at Ellie's. The twins are due in a lil over a month!!! We had much fun chatting and drinking & eating...

Denni's camera rocked. I love this photo she took! When a wine bottle is opened at Ellie's she has it signed & dated and placed in this container. How fantastic is that?!
Went to the Thrashers vs Blackhawks game last week, my cousin James did not play,, Boo coach! =( But at least we got to spend time with him & my family. The kids always love all the music/food/just plain loudness

much love this St. Valentine's Day weekend. thanks to my wonderful parents who watched my babes so Paul & I could spend time together...just us.
Love~shopping
Love~holding hands
Love~shoes

Love~ Lush

Love~kissing
Love~yummy drinks at the W
Love~food to be shared
Love~lattes
Love~the biggest & best Reeses
Love~time a l o n e w/ Paul
Love~sleeping in
Love~brunch...love the wait also b/c that means extra time together =)

Love~having my babes run to hug me

cup o soup

2009-02-09T22:44:00.004-05:00

It's been nice out lately..hooray for the afternoons sans jackets!!!
...It's not typical soup weather now, but I made this just a short while ago when it was freeeeeeezing here. I found this soup recipe in Real Simple & I haven't tried new recipes in a while, {& I do love soup} so I decided to make...

Squash and White Bean Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (4 cups)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed
1 bunch spinach, thick stems removed (4 cups)

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until soft, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.

Stir in the squash, thyme, 5 cups water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the squash is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the beans and spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted and the beans are heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.

Tip: To make this satisfying soup even heartier, add 1/2 cup orzo or other small pasta at the same time you add the water. {did not try}

It's real good the next day!!! & I promise it tastes better than it looks in the photo =)

! 3M TA3

2009-02-06T19:03:00.004-05:00

I so blame Publix for having these yo-yo cookies that are soo yummy...I made this smaller version for Bryce's class for his birthday, then again for the Relay for Life bake sale. I had to keep myself from eating too many of them. I just used the soft Chips Ahoy sandwiched with frosting and dipped in chocolate bark. I hope to have another excuse to make them again =)

here are some attempts at an indoor photoshoot for Bryce's sixth. He was a good sport...

goofball..

love that toothless grin!

100

2009-01-31T10:26:00.012-05:00

well it's 100 officially! Will there be 200 ...300? Hopefully, I know there will be tons of things to post...but I just want to make it t0 101 =) I just found out I will be back to teaching first grade next year..at a brand new school. with the exception of the school I was at for the first 6 weeks of this school year, the schools I have been teaching at have quite the years pass by. So now to be at a spankin new school with all the updates & newest features sounds quite nice. Then along with that will be countless meetings to "set up" & I am sure things will not be totally completed for when school starts. Interesting no less.

I have some fave posts, click away if you are bored...
No jackets
Walk this way
A whole hand
spoiled
Just another manic Monday
Blue eyes
Kokeshi dolls
Lost Soles
Cherries on top
Squeaky clean
Boo!
turn, turn, turn

gotta post photos from over the past 100..

>
this one always makes me laugh~

Dude, where's my car?

thanks to Jessica
The rules are: I have to list 5 addictions & then pass the award on to 5 other fabulous blogs.

1. Peanut butter & chocolate

2. Buying girlie things for Avery
3. Taking photos

4. DVR- to watch my shows
5. my huzbin

I read all the blogs on my blogroll..all are great

go check out~

..I can't count =)

.........AND the giveaway winnah is --->

hooray!!

a wish to Mr. Groundhog for Monday~

pretty please!

99...a giveaway!

2009-01-26T20:22:00.005-05:00

it's my 99th post!!! so I decided to have a giveaway! I really never thought it would get to this many. so many things to celebrate this week~Bryce is six, the year of the Ox, 100 days of school last week, 100 posts {almost!}, Valentine's Day coming up,

here is Bryce for the

101{dalmations}st day of school...

I made these ladybugs to put in the girlie goodie bags for Bryce's Transformer party...

so since I am into the Valentine love already, I decided to make this for my lil giveaway. A...
& a

If you would like these for you ...or for perhaps a sweet gal, just leave a comment by Friday January 30th at midnight and I shall post the winner this weekend. I'll ship anywhere..as long as I can contact you for your info.

Ahh the carnvial is going on here..giveaways galore!

party like you're six

2009-01-25T23:26:00.004-05:00

oh Bryce has left his fives...now older than a hand. wow,,really?! We celebrated at the Jump zone {indoor inflatable playland} with friends & family and then my parents came up Sunday and we celebrated again...then on his actual bday we will eat more cake! He was upset that his part was not on his real birthday and we had to explain why weekends work for parties better. ..then he was okay with it =) my Brycie .

I think everyone had much fun bouncing!
Ashley & Avery....

playing air hockey with Logan

make a wish!

FYI

2009-01-22T22:07:00.007-05:00

These peep toes from the 60's are available for sale from GLS....in case you need to rent shoes and are on the Lower east side of Manhattan you can contact them for an appointment.,,you know just in case.

otherwise I think these are sweet..for a lil blue eyed gal

Tea collection still has winter sale items {here too}...& has their early spring collection

grabbed a dress & shirt for Bryce. Gotta have the matching fabrics while I can get away with it!!

sweets

2009-01-19T01:00:00.002-05:00

I love how photographs are a way to capture a memory..or so to speak. & when I have the privilege to take the photos, I get to share in that memory with my friends and family...it all means a great deal to me. Here are some faves...
this taken most recently...

how darling is that look? She was a little under the weather, but you would have never known. She was so much fun to photograph...all one year old.

look at those blue eyes

my precious Goddaughter this fall...

growing too fast!

....with her brother who has the best manners I have ever seen! They are too sweet together for sure

....I love this one

my FIL's wedding

I have so much to learn about this all..it is just so much fun. The next thing I want to play with is indoor lighting. Denni & I want to take a class from someone who knows what they are doing!

pink x 2

2009-01-17T21:29:00.004-05:00

Ellie's shower was oh so fun...after we got it all together we showered Ellie's twin girls-to-be with much pink & love. Sara, Sarah, Denni, Pam & I all shared in decorating and making yummy food {which was my lunch & dinner!} Happy that many friends were there. Shari won the prize right?.. Ellie & her girls received many lovely gifts....even Grandma & Aunt Katie got to be there!!

Denni ordered the petit fours from a local bakery which is quite yummy...Bethea cake would have been great, but not under the circumstances..

Diaper cake...one for each

Peanut M&M's of course....

now I just need a photo of the "ruined ice cream" that we all drank from in the punch bowl "glass" {send me the photo Denni =) }

thanks girls for throwing a great shower as always!

2009-01-15T20:38:00.001-05:00

I thought about posting a warm, beach photograph...but that would make me too sad. this one from the fall doesn't make me long for barefoot days outside sans coats,,ok enough

It is too cold here! I am so not a cold weather person and thank my parents for moving out to California before I was born. I feel for my fam up north....brrrrrrrrr!

magic

2009-01-08T21:50:00.002-05:00

on vacation avery & I played outside on one of her fave outside toys~ the slide. {which was like the best deal ever,,,$5 at the kidsignments sale}

Avery starts out with her Barbie & magic wand in hand {essential sliding accessories}

then she works a little magic

& abracadabra...

down the slide barbie goes

the only way after Barbie is..

now off to do it..again & again... & again

practice

2009-01-04T22:52:00.003-05:00

just few more months until soccer starts again for Bryce...but quite a few more before Avery can play. until then she plays her own games. I so wish I had played soccer. but dance was more my thing...I hope Avery will do both =)

...now back to the real world with alarm clocks & schedules tomorrow. countdown until the next holiday!!

two thousand and nine

2009-01-02T20:34:00.004-05:00

another new year to look forward to...many great things happened last year and I hope the trend continues. Also many things I hope are overcome this year for my family...like my mom's cancer, the housing market, & job situations.
My grandfather {my mom's dad} turns 90 this March so a big shindig is planned for this summer....it's been a year and a half since we've been to Michigan and my cousins in Arizona haven't met Avery yet...cannot wait!!!
on another note...my school is losing about 400 students to a new school, which I probably will have to transfer-again!- since I am the very last person on the list...which is ranked according to county senority not years of teaching experience....rightfully so. I just want to teach first or second grade...filling out paperwork and should know placement by the end of the month.

on NYE my parents came up & we went to the chinese restaurant we always go to on NYE....they fill the restaurant with tons of balloons!!

What a difference a year makes... I just know many good things are to come.

{hats from last year & 2006}

...planning Ellie's shower for next weekend. hooray pink x 2!!!!

nothing says Christmas like high 60's degrees

2008-12-27T22:08:00.011-05:00

Happy Birthday to my mom on the 21st!

We had a warm Christmas..with Bryce asking when is it going to snow every morning. Maybe someday we'll have a white Christmas..but I am happy with what we have. It was so great to celebrate with family and enjoy this miracle of Jesus' birth. I love this nativity set my parents passed down to me a few years ago. Some of the pieces belonged to my papa {my dad's father} and he gave it to my dad. My parents used it while I was growing up and I loved to help my mom set it up. Now I have the honor of setting it up in my house. I still laugh at how Bryce used to say baby cheez-its.

Right before Christmas we had the kids' annual Christmas party with Walter, Ava, & Addi. Here is Bryce & his BFF Walter posing for me...
Then up late trying to finish wrapping gifts & off to Julie & Paul's dad's house on Christmas Eve. Connor, Bryce, & Jacob unwrapping their presents. The boys play real good together... Avery liked the princess "cd player" she received.

Next down to my parents' for mass & then dinner afterward. Oh it was so yummy. Do try Chateau Ste. Michelle riesling if you have not yet...I fell in love earlier this year. The kids opened a few gifts & Uncle Ryan (& Guinness} and Avie played sleepy. She is a pro at it!

I love driving by this house in the neighborhood next to my parents....I wonder how much their electric bill is.

We put cookies & carrots out, sprinkled reindeer food on the grass..somehow I threw it in the downpour...kids to bed & then whoosh! finished Santa's presents & made spinach dip and finally off to let visions of sugarplums dance in our heads

Hooray!!!! Christmas mornin' the babes slept until 8:30 and then opened their goodies from Santa. Santa was sure good to me as he always is. Bryce was happy with his million Bakugan toys & video games.

Avery sporting her "pretties" from her stocking while on her new tricycle (pink & purple of course}...,

my dad was happy with is own brew..

We love Christmas...& now it's gone already!

ahh it feels so good to be off school and sleeping in...& eating cookies in my pajamas all day. I have a feeling this week will go by too fast.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T00:19:00.002-05:00

...to all!

more Christmas cheer

2008-12-22T10:58:00.000-05:00

Saturday we went to see Twas the Night Before Christmas children's puppet play and had our Christmas with Paul's grandparents at his dad's. Then straight to my parents for cookie decorating {love making those butter cookies} and my mom's birthday dinner Sunday...with Ryan & Ashley too. So much cleaning still to do, grocering, ....& wrapping left to do. will do it while watching the Christmas Carol with the babes in bed . Looking forward to the kids' Christmas party tomorrow hooray!

{enjoy the holidays!!}

the pink pig

2008-12-19T23:06:00.008-05:00

An Atlanta tradition is taking a ride on the Rich's pink pig. Although Macy's took over. I rode it for the first time last year...along with Bryce & Avery's first. Paul is a veteran, riding it since he was Bryce's age on the original. The 2 minute ride is worth the long wait in line. Well do it again next year...

here is the original behind us

I like this photo from last year...

our tree is starting to droop now...I put some presents underneath to make it happier!

hooray the Polar Express party kept the kindergarten kiddos calm & the ice cream the other day was a success..& learned to use 2 baggies for containg the ice cream mixture instead of just one. Also the dancing queens went without a hitch for our holiday show. But bestest of all....Christmas VaCaTioN has started!!!!!!

Nutcrackin

2008-12-14T16:26:00.004-05:00

My friend Tiff & I took my two crazies to the Nutcracker last weekend, a local one that I had never seen and it was really good! They even had the lady in her big dress like Atlanta Ballet's. Avery enjoyed it & at times was trying to dance...so cute. I'll keep that vision in my head rather than her yelling at Bryce to not share with Tiffany's i-phone.

after 130 photos of ones like these..

I got
one that will work. Maybe next year bribing will work with Avery.

...it's gonna be in the 60's this week. Snow next perhaps? We are going to make snow ice cream manana. remember rolling the cans? Well....we are going to try in baggies. Hopefully it will turn out okay.

wishing list

2008-12-04T18:35:00.002-05:00

I thought if I could have a wish list, I mean a wish list...then I'd write

Dear Santa,

I have been awfully ever so much good {oh tried to sound like Lola} so I think you would love to give me....
a second honeymoon back to Negril...

a new perfume, or five
this ~but with minus the 1400 calories....

this lens..

tickets to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Walk-in closet, pre-filled of course. While you are at it Santa, why not one for each season?

...plus a new house to put it in

trip to a cabin Flagstaff with all my family together..including airfare for everyone.

~Ok I am so not a gold person, but I really like this necklace for some reason. I don't even like hearts that much, except in February...

ok, so for real I want some boots and a new lens....and peanut butter soap too maybe

~k

baby it's cold outside

2008-12-02T00:07:00.005-05:00

Too cold for me outside! A few snow flurries swirled down Monday, but that's all.
So, I made semi-homemade chicken soup...Sandra Lee would be proud {maybe}.
I used~ Weyer's chicken soup starter to 10 cups water..and added a quartered onion, 2 bouillion cubes, & 1 lb. chicken breasts. Cook for only 45 minutes, shred the chicken and finally add separately boiled egg noodles at the end {in your bowl}.

Bryce said I want Shrek soup and Avery slurped it up...& a third of it went on the table..

...can't believe it's really December. Though we have been listening to the Elf soundtrack since October! We cut down our tree this weekend and still need to decorate...shop...clean...order Christmas cards. I need another one of these....

tat ewe!

2008-11-29T12:26:00.003-05:00

I swear Bryce's first words were Thank you...more like tat ewe back then. Avery's are clearer now. iT's amazing how much more she can say now~ My favs are Hehwoah & Daddy's sillwee.

I am very thankful I could spend time with my family...though I miss all my family & Paul's. I am glad I had time to sleep in, to eat waaay to much food, & this year I wrote the recipes down so I will not forget! {It's hard when you only make stuffing once a year.} Someday I'll be able to do it all by memory & taste like my momma.
Hope everyone had a relaxing Thanksgiving!...or at least happy & tasty

Here are my little turkeys on Thanksgiving day...

Bryce with my daddy

...but not as much as tomorrow

2008-11-23T13:00:00.007-05:00

Paul & I have our wedding anniversary that we celebrate...of course. But I think of another date as an anniversary. {November 18th 1995} The first "date" Paul & I went on. We went with friends to Beth's brother's place to hang out and then back to Paul & Michael's dorm room. How many times to sneak in through the window...what would we have done if they weren't on the first floor?! The next day the two of us went out to eat at Burger King...no whopper hopper that time. =) I didn't even order fries!! Seems like forever ago.so, I am happy to have been with my Paul for 13 years now....the bestest, most wonderful 13 of my life! I am glad he saw snow on the ground when he visited Piedmont and I am glad my friend Tiff & I went to visit Wendy. & I will always remember November 18th no matter how nuts Paul thinks I am. xoxo
So of course in my shoeboxes of stash I have the receipt... I keep way too much stuff! Call me a pack rat. I get it from my dad..although he is organized and very neat about it. Tickets, cards, tons of notes from 4th grade all the way through college, other random memorbilla....& of course photos. I purged some a while back when my parents gave me boxes from their attic. I have to keep my Barbies and Cabbage Patch kids for Avery, huh? I also have things stashed in my classroom.

Glad I have got to see so many girlfriends lately. miss them tons..wish we could get together more often! Can't wait for Ellie's shower for the girls!!

& speaking of friends...if you are not on facebook you must! I just gave in and I am so glad I finally did. There are so many people from my high school & college on Facebook that I have not seen in ages. I found my friend from Cali that I have not been in touch with for 21 years!!! My friend Leigh has been in Atlanta all this time and have not known...now we are getting together. Plus I can keep in touch with friends that I don't get to see daily anymore. =)

already?

2008-11-15T01:10:00.008-05:00

avery 2 & 2mths
366? cannot believe it's been a year since I started to blog away. I always kept a journal in elementary school about how I loved Ricky Schroeder and what I played with my best friends. In eigth grade I wrote every single day! I revisited it a few months ago and boy are some entries boring!! Ha things don't change much =) I love how I have a journal of the last year with photos and moments I might have otherwise forgotten had I not made a post about it. I love reading about my family & how much they have grown over the past year. When I started last November~ Avery was not walking and Bryce had all his teeth =) My goddaughters were just 6 months old...friends' babies were not even born yet..I was still working with my friends!!!

Also this is another mode I can keep in touch with friends with! ...& with the world at our fingertips I can read others' blogs & in turn have met such awesome people. I have picked up so many creative ideas that I want to create {& wish I had more time to} & links to things to purchase! Sometimes it's quite addicting to hop around ... I click and click and get lost on someone's site.
What will my babes accomplish this year? What grade will I be teaching next year? What will the girls x2 look like? Will we ever move? Will I learn to sew? What surprises does Paul have for me? Will I get to eat the peanut butter stuffed french toast at Highlands bakery?
I cannot wait to see what this year brings.

photo from my very first post....
>

catching them lately...

oh how I love these 2!

turn, turn, turn

2008-11-08T15:16:00.007-05:00

Here are some photos of our day trippin' in North Georgia. The colors were fabulous and the weather was so perfect! The only disappointment was no dried apples at Jaemor Farms =( ....oh & Avery screaming NO! and yelling so freakin' loud when she wasn't getting her way at Mark of the Potter. I guess she's not to blame entirely because she didn't nap in the car and it was the first day of the dreaded time change. Terrible 2s that is fo sure.... & then some.
We went to Toccoa Falls...

but skipped the Gorge this time...and then we drove to the Mark of the Potter {annual shot =)} Where we ran into the ladybug and her parents & grandparents!! We feed the ginormous trout & swung on the swing watching the Soque river. happy Fall day!

Avie & Addi swinging

there are
so many more I like, so....

To every thing there is a season, and a time
to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time
to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is
planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to
break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time
to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather
stones together; a time to embrace, and a time
to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to
keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to
keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war,
and a time of peace....I swear it's not too late!

look who...

2008-11-05T20:27:00.005-05:00

lost his very first tooth!!!!

We were over our friends yesterday house eating lunch & I looked over at him and exclaimed "Bryce you lost your tooth!! Yea!!! ....where is it?" Well it was nowhere to be found. Yup, it must be in your belly I told him. He was totally fine with it all. The Cheetos must have dislodged it and he had no idea anything happened. That night he wrote a note to the tooth fairy explaining to her that he lost his tooth and "it was in his tummy". I knew I was carrying that golden dollar around in my wallet for a reason. Bryce was so excited when he told me what he found. Now the one next to it is loose!

more exciting news... the pitt pair are both GIRLS!!!!! So excited for Ellie & Trevor & all the pink x two!

leaf perspective

2008-11-04T00:19:00.003-05:00

went up to to north Ga and basked in such beautiful weather. More photos to share soon...
Hope no one has to stand in long lines....I mailed.

{hope the pair reveal themselves today!!} Cannot wait!!!!!!!!!

All Hallows' Eve

2008-11-02T00:31:00.001-04:00

love Halloween! We had fun at school this week...We took the class on a walk to get some pumpkins from the car lot/pumpkin patch, rotated through fall centers in each of the classrooms..hayride, ate pumpkin bread, danced to the monster mash & more. His class and mine are teamed together for lunch, recess....we get to do a lot together. It is so awesome to be teaching and being able to be involved with Bryce's class at the same time. His teacher is great... lucky to have her.
SO glad Halloween was on a Friday though, I don't know if I could have handled teaching the day after.

My two trick-or-treaters this year..

fun! We took our 50's gal & Darth Vader {w/ no cape} trick or treating with a cute ladybug. Just look at the darling shoes Denni found for Addi. Would make Dorothy jealous!

We went to Denni, Earl & Addi's house. They have a massive neighborhood that houses go all out decorating {just as fun for me as it is for the kiddos} Avery was so in to it and was grinning ear to ear the whole time. except of course when I tried to take photos. She wanted said trick or treat and thank you to everyone...so sweet. Bryce was so patient waiting to move onto the next housed. I was able to steal candy from Avery and then hide it when we got home. out of sight outta mind still works =) It had been beautiful that day and wasn't too cold that night. I think we all had a great Halloween. ..finally a photo of all 3 of them at the last minute.

Pumpkining

2008-10-26T13:37:00.002-04:00

We had so much fun last weekend with Sean & Summer at the Widepread Panic show.hooray they played it & blight! Wish this too. It was quite chilly Saturday and I was sad to put on socks~ but it was worth it. Summer had chicken to keep warm. We always run into our other friends from college, it's good to catch up. Then we stayed over my parents and my brother Ryan & Ashley came over Sunday.
oH how they GrOw..

Here are my 2 babes October 07

Saturday we went pumpkining!!! Here are all my babes this year at the pumpkin patch....

Will we get this big fat ol pumpkin...or this pumpkin?

hmm.. We'll get an orange one for sure!

Next, we went to lunch..Bryce's pick. The lovely Burger King. the Tendergrill chicken sandwich was pretty good though.

Then off to Bryce's soccer game where we cheered for the green washing machines. Go!

....and also read some books.

such a nice day to open the windows and let the breeze in. {even if the windowsills haven't been cleaned since last Fall}

Then, watched Georgia beat LSU. Couldn't keep up with the beer bottles in the grass. SEVEN!

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-10-25T16:08:00.002-04:00

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

Kathleen @ Grosgrain is up to more good......check out her stuff if you haven't already. She is giving away reversible skirts & tops to match. Super cute fabrics and pockets... to hold goodies to feed the ducks with she says.

boo!

2008-10-11T21:53:00.012-04:00

yea!!! I had my Matilda Jane trunk show this past weekend. Avery {& Bryce too!} got some cute wares. I wished there was more for adults though....well actually maybe I don't ;) I am glad my friends took the time to come....always fun to have girl talk & eat!! Tiff & I got a chance to go off and see a movie afterwards. hooray!! Then to celebrate Austin's 3rd birthday at INK. Was glad to have Columbus day as a much needed workday, even if it is in honor of such a mess of a man. rice krispie balls...look odd, but oh so yummy.

It's not Halloween without candy corn! I personally don't like it, but it's fun to look at. So grab yourself a handful. Bryce likes it, so he can eat the leftovers.
The best pumpkin candle from The White Barn (Bath & Body works)..still burning years later. Can you smell it?
I love love the smell of cinnamon, so the Yankee Candle company is still my all time favorite place to shop for candles. They usually have the best gift sets for Christmas presents. Paul cannot stand to walk by, let alone walk into the store. He complains of headaches....anyway back to Halloween.

Here is Bryce on his first Halloween, as a giraffe boy of course!..with Walter

This was always my fav Roseanne Halloween episode. I can't believe it's almost 20 years ago..

For some great places to visit, check out a fanciful twist for Vanessa's party & her links {thanks Nathalie}. Now to find some orange & black boots....

boo!!

"The Dubers"

2008-10-11T20:47:00.006-04:00

Finally getting around to posting the trip up to Columbus Ohio. The looong drive was beautiful {well except for the flat rows upon rows of cornfields in OH..sorry} Leaves were starting to change and the hills and valleys in N. Tennessee & Kentucky made it enjoyable. Also, the way the road cut through the mountains & exposed the layers of rock was crazy. I love road trips with Paul & all the time we have to talk & eat junk food!
A hightlight was Elvis in TN working at a gas station sporting a tee with the statement-> Bigger is Better. Oh & the touristy fireworks store with random statues/carnival items outside such as this ferocious lion..

& later at the hotel Earl with Minnesota's beaver...what is it again???

That night the 4 of us met up with the wedding party in the Short North {had to learn the area}

In case we needed to call a cab again, I opted to take a quick photo of the phone number...you know if case we forgot it.
We had a grand time partying {in my ten dollar dress} with Sarah & Michael the newlyweds and our friends Denni & Earl, Ellie & Trevor, Kate, & Holly. I miss them so!!! My feet hurt sooo bad after all the dancing that Denni & I had to take our heels off as we crossed the road from the Statehouse to our hotel. Such beautiful grocery store feet we had. I don't think my feet hurt that bad since Music Midtown in '99. Surely not as bad as the man that ran a half marathon barefoot in the snow. So I guess I survived alright =) ,,,don't know why I didn't take off my heels..

oh the dress I originally bought to wear will be saved for our prom. If we ever move!

I am glad we had the chance to go...and thanks to the grandmas for babysitting the kiddos. Hope M & S are getting some good photographs on their safari!

ain't love grand?

Shenandoah Costume GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-10-11T20:44:00.003-04:00

Shenandoah Costume GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!
How great is this costume? Grosgrain of course! Click on her link to enter. There is such great detail and I know I would have fun wearing it. Now what will the weather be like this Halloween? We are lucky here that we don't always have to wear coats over our costumes trick-or-treating. Already started buying candy...and eating it too!

food on a boat

2008-10-05T01:41:00.003-04:00

no, no boat trip...just Bryce's kids meal arriving on a boat

from our recent dinner at a local Thai/Japanese restaurant. yum-e.! Who doesn't love fried rice.... & ginger dressing? Not Avery that night {the rice part} More for me =)

Happy half birthday {almost} to my baby brother Ryan. I haven't seen you in forever!

He has been working mucho...good boy, but I wish he would take some time off & come and see us!!! If you bring pizza, I'll get the ice cream cake again.
Happy Birthday to Denni in 6 days & Austin in 8!!!!!!!

...next post {hopefully soon} on Sarah & Michael's wedding. We had a real good time and I think my feet are finally back to normal.

It's the end of the summer

2008-09-20T19:33:00.004-04:00

...as we know it

Well, I am now a kindergarten teacher. Soooooo glad I did not end up with fifth grade. Plus now I have a much shorter commute and a later start time....must have an in with the sleep gods. I have met the other teachers and my para and {everyone!} is super nice & helpful. I start my class on Wednesday. Anxious & excited & scared

Bryce is adjusting alright. His teacher is my team teacher, so I will see him at lunch & recess.

{Avery is playing in her Kennedy & Friends Co. tutu she received for her birthday...chocolate love indeed.}

Farewell summer

hello fall!!! Fun things to come!!! First up... wedding in Ohio!

INK

2008-09-15T17:41:00.003-04:00

The four of us & our friend's family of four took a trip to INK, a children's museum. I was very impressed with all they had to offer. ...

there was an old firetruck

a wonderbread airplane
(the whole plane too...well minus the right wing)
A 50s diner

Today's special...

Annalise!

A supermaket

everytime you hear that beep...

Anyone remember supermarket sweep?

A police car...

Breaker Breaker 1-1-9

a hair salon...

Michael as the stylist

wait! there's more!!...a vet clinic, doctor's office complete with x-rays, a bank, trainset, a stage, & a playset of course. whew!

We will be back!

more retail therapy

2008-09-07T14:28:00.005-04:00

Craziness is going on with school...our enrollment is down and I am about to be involuntary displaced. =( But I have a contract and a salary, so that is the main concern! so I have been shopping, shopping...for me! and for Avery & Bryce & friends kiddos' Christmas presents. One of the treats I rewarded myself with was this lovely tote from anthropologie.

I did need a new purse for the fall you know.

I did eat(for lunch) frozen yogurt from Yoforia finally. Yum-e! I got pomegrante with granola, milk chocolate chips & strawberries. Then that evening the four of us went to the lazer show and had cheese Krystals (no meat please). So a good long day filled with fun kept my mind off work.

& why are all these TCBY stores closing? Do they not care I have to travel far to get my peanut butter & white chocolate mousse fix?

This past weekend avery & I shopped for more christmas at one of our fav places Target{probably the last year I can shop where she won't remember} & bought these.... & shopped here too.

Can't wait to see my GNOC tomorrow!!!!

Avie's party

2008-09-06T15:58:00.010-04:00

Well, even though I have not been blogging a go go lately....I have finally had time to post Avery's party. I was very pleased with the cherry cake from a local bakery...the cupackes I made are supposed to look like cherries...oh well they tasted good. oh the bakery supplied us with their homemade ho hos, petit fours, and a cupcake for the actual birthday celebration on the 26th! Bryce is still referring to that as the birthday party where no one was invited, just us! =)

Happy Second Birthday!!!!

Happy!!

Avery & her godmother!! Love Auntie, one of my mom's sisters. Avery received so many wonderful girly presents!! Lots of cherry clothing(me happy) and winter clothes! Plus dress-up clothes, toys for her kitchen and even a handmade cherry apron with a matching one for me!!

Avery loved us singing to her and she sang Happy Do Do for days afterwards. She couldn't wait to eat cake and that's pretty much all she wanted to eat anyway.

A is for Avery and Annalise, Addi, & Ava!!!!

The kids really did have fun..promise!!! everything went great, I just wish we could have played outside in the play pools. But then it would have been 100 degrees in the house! So I'll take it.

Avery with her baby carrier...lovin Elmo!!
It was a fun day and I still can't believe we celebrated her second birthday!!!!

all girl

2008-09-05T23:43:00.002-04:00

after her bath with her favourite things to wear~ shoes and a
purse.
Smart girl...but you forgot one thing =)

Two much

2008-08-27T18:59:00.005-04:00

Surely Avery is not two and it is not about to be Labor day weekend. Seriously my son cannot be having his first soccer practice for the fall next week and curriculum night is not tomorrow! What?!!! It cannot be the end of August. Though I am excited about the fall and all the extravaganzas it brings, but really what is going on? So busy here and crazy life going on.

i want to post on trip to INK with Annalise & Austin, aunties, & Avery's fun party...but here are 2 photos with a promise of more to come...

too funny!

LYLAS

2008-08-14T20:20:00.005-04:00

I like my new school I do! But I miss my friends dearly. I miss running down to their rooms & next door for advice or throwing things on the floor =) It's just not the same not being able to see them everyday. Now we are all spread across three schools and one at home!

I feel for all the college freshmen going off to college and embarking on their new adventures. I had my longtime friend Tiff with me @ college, but it was so hard meeting all new people that i would be spending so much time with. Luckly I didn't quit because that fall I met my husband!!! anyway...change is good for the soul, right?

well two years ago a soon-to-be 2 year old was in my tummy past her due date...

off to clean up...much ado for next weekend's cherry party =)

peanut better

2008-08-12T22:46:00.004-04:00

oh I have been so bad...I should be eating this for dessert

but I have been having Paul get peanut butter fudge sundaes from Sonic and thisfrom Publix the past few days.

don't get me wrong~ school started off well and Bryce absolutely loves it, but all this newness has got me stressing and eating sinfully. & these cookies too. Oh well.
I am so sad Starbucks has gone to the mini pre-packaged black & white cookies, but isn't that how it always is?

I see this is my future..yeah whenever I have the time to make it. I found it on my new favorite site~ The Chocolate Peanut Butter Gallery a site dedicated to the world's two best ingredients.

Nigella Lawson’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Sundae

Yields 4 servings
Ingredients
3/4 cup heavy cream, 4 oz milk chocolate, chopped1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, 3 Tbsp golden syrup, 4 scoops toffee or caramel ice cream, 4 scoops chocolate ice cream, 4 scoops vanilla ice cream, 4 tablespoons or 1/4 cup salted peanuts, roughly chopped or left whole to taste, 4 chocolate cigar cookies
Directions
1. Put all the cream, chopped chocolate, peanut butter and golden syup into a saucepan and put it on the heat to melt, stirring occasionally. In about 2 minutes you should have your sauce ready.
2. Get out 4 sundae glasses and put a scoop of toffee or caramel ice cream in each, followed by 1 of the chocolate and then another of vanilla.
3. Pour over some chocolate peanut butter fudge sauce and sprinkle with salted peanuts.
4. Stick a chocolate cigar cookie in each sundae glass, hand them round and wait for people to weep with gratitude. {love it}

must stop now. I'll dream about it..along with word walls and leveled books

the artist in us all

2008-08-05T20:25:00.004-04:00

aren't these wild?

The artist Yeondoo Jung has done this amazing photography project. Haven't you wondered... What would children's artwork look like in real life? I have imagined it, but I nothing like this. crazy. I found this on yellow balloon. You need to see them all.

hmmm...what would he have created for Bryce's picture?

da winnah

2008-08-02T13:40:00.002-04:00

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Timestamp: 2008-08-02 17:39:43 UTC"

So, the winner of the giveaway is...... Luke & Katie.
I'll be contacting you now, but if you see this let me know too =) Sorry for the delay on posting. I couldn't get on yesterday and today I figured out sitemeter was having some probs, so hooray I got on =)

Check out this new site http://www.momdot.com/ {the name cracks me up} They are launching their new bloggy site featuring lists of blogs, boutiques, & posts of their own. Contests too!

I wish I was at the beach going on this ferris wheel again....but off to buy school supplies for a certain kindergartener-to-be this weekend & visit my parents & Aunt Susie & Uncle in town from Arizona.

Have you seen Wordle? This one is of my blog a couple weeks ago. Just enter your blog address or a list of words you type in here and it generates word art...many colors, many styles.
...here is random happiness

My sunshine

2008-07-29T20:11:00.001-04:00

my little sunny pigtails Can't believe she can say ice cream {who taught her that ;) } & I got it!, tell me to go away, run in high heels, eat a banana is less than a minute, sleep through our loudness, be so content then so stubborn...oh how I love my babe!
& less than 2 weeks until Bryce is a kindergartener!!!!!

Here is Avery playing outside in bubble mess & the splash bomb... I so love playing with sunbursts. I am just dying to take a photography class...it's super interesting & i have so much to learn!

I have moved into my classroom & set up. 2nd grade is shaping up to being quite a grade. I am excited/nervous. No windows!!!!!!!! I am not digging living a box, albeit it is a big box {with my own sink & carpet!!!} Thanks to my honey for helping me move in xoxoxoxo

ChRisTmAs in J u l y

2008-07-27T14:14:00.005-04:00

{Santa baby 2006}

hooray it's giveaway time! I have been making hair clips again...so I decided to give away a set of hairclips & this pin {you can pin it to the bottom of your skirt..or on a jacket!}For you or a fine lass in your life!

{Hairclips}

{pin}

*Giveaway ends 7.31.08 @ 11:59 pst*
If you would like to be entered in the giveaway...just leave me a comment below. Just say hi...or let me know how you found me or your fav Christmas movie lol =) I'll picka random winner on August 1st. You don't have to have a blog to enter...just a way to contact you. I'll post the winner back here.
Check out the bloggy giveaway carnival from July 28-Aug 1 going on for more prizes {click here}. I am off to enter some more...

oh I snapped a photo of the present I had bought myself....I love the off-centerness of the pendant. I am slowly building my necklace reserves. I will never have as many as my friends Missy & Ellie though! =)I just not good about putting them on. I have my staples, all from my husband Paul, that I just leave on {sleep with on..shower with on}

I'll leave you with this little guy who wanted to see what I was up to while photographing the hairclips.

...new visitors if you are just longing to read more of this & that click here.

Brycie

2008-07-26T01:47:00.001-04:00

Breaker breaker

one one nine

Open his door...
What do you see...I see many toys over Bryce's bed..needing to be put away.

Bryce likes to line up. This idea from PB would be quite swell....hmm maybe Joann's has some unfinished wood boxes I could paint to match his room. Now idea this from Cookie {one of my fav magazines} is good also...but his collection consists of many small pieces: legos, action hero figurines, playmobil...

Now to store his artwork...a digital portfolio will do for the biguns.

& binder for the smaller artwork. He calls it that {artwork} =)

Grosgrainis at it again...

2008-07-26T01:42:00.001-04:00

Check out Grosgrain's Reversible Bird Seed Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!..hooray!

Avery loves pockets...& who doens't love birdies?