So Thankful:

• For those two rugrats pictured above



• For my husband who is currently practicing the guitar in the living room. I'm so glad he is still with us, able to walk (albeit with a limp), and able to enjoy a new safer hobby.



• For time spent with my precious family last night. We enjoyed the John Conlee (Rose Colored Glasses, Common Man) concert and I couldn't help thinking how much my dad would have loved it.




• That my FIL came by this morning and helped Tommy move the gargantuan television out of the hallway. Since it bit the dust a few weeks ago and we bought a new one for the bedroom, it's been sitting in the hall. Not anymore! :)



• I can take a nap later today. I'm not a fan of Daylight Savings Time.

So, I'm b-a-c-k! I'm not going to even make excuses for how long it has been since I posted an update to this poor neglected blog.

It's just like a soap opera around here, you miss a couple of months, and you can catch up by just watching one day.

A brief recap:

June 2010

Built a pool (well we didn't, the pool company did)


Grandpa planted watermelons and we enjoyed them by the pool. So much so that the seeds which were spit out into the yard began to sprout and we had our own little watermelon vine.

July 2010

Celebrated Jack's 4th birthday with a Thomas the Tank Engine pool party


Owen became an artist

August 2010

Owen started Kindergarten


Jack started PK4

October 2010

Tommy was in a horrific four wheeler accident in Georgia which left him unable to walk for 3 months.
No pictures of this event, well there actually is one, but you wouldn't want to see it.




We celebrated Halloween

November 2010

We went to the fair and took lots of pictures since Tommy couldn't be there with us.


Jack's first trip to the ER.He ran in front of the swing while his brother was swinging.


We celebrated Owen's 6th birthday with a party at home. We also went out to our favorite Japanese restaurant the night before. We opted to forego the huge party this year and just let Owen go to Target and pick out three toys he really wanted. His choices? A Leapster Explorer, a new game, and some Legos.

December 2010

You can barely see Tommy's wheelchair in this one. Thank goodness he doesn't need it anymore.







Jack serenaded everyone at his grandparents' house before opening presents.

This poor neglected blog. I need to be much better about updating so I have some record of how quickly time is passing by.

It's been a great summer break so far. I'm willing it to go by s-l-o-w-l-y. I'm enjoying spending time with the boys and pulling weeds out of the flower bed on a daily basis. I'm not quite sure why we went through all the trouble of putting down weed blocker when it doesn't even work. But, pulling weeds is kind of therapeutic, if you're into that sort of thing.

We're looking forward to seeing Toy Story 3. I think I have talked Owen into setting foot in the movie theater once again. I traumatized him by taking him to see New Moon. Poor mommy judgement, but he fell asleep about fifteen minutes into it.

My whole family is asleep and I've once again turned into a night owl. I've rented Final Destination (which I'd forgotten I'd already seen) and Shutter Island. No wonder I can't sleep!

Wow. Just wow.

Where has the time gone? Well, I can tell you that we are officially moved into our house. I can't tell you that every box has been unpacked. Because that would be a lie. I also can't tell you that some of the windows don't still have paper coverings. We haven't quite gotten around to hanging the window coverings yet.

But, we're here and it's home and we're loving it.

I'm on day 5 of spring break and I'm willing time to slow down. So far, it's not working. So much unpacking to do, so little time.

I shall return. This time it won't take me two months to come back.

Still here!

We have a new member of the family. Thank goodness he only eats bones and boulders. He's louder than any other family member, though.

I'm still enjoying my kindergarten class. It's been so much fun doing craft activities again! Next week we are making Halloween t-shirts to wear for Fall Fun Day. I'll have to post pictures of those once we make them.

We're celebrating my niece Erica's birthday tomorrow night at our local Japanese restaurant. I can't wait for that. Plus, the fair is in town and we have that to look forward to, as well.

In house news, we are waiting on the plumbers to come so the slab can be poured. We're already behind schedule, but that's MY schedule not anyone's official schedule. ;)

Lots to do...

I have a cold. Ugh.

I'm ready for fall. Too bad all of our winter clothes are in storage, though. We really need to hurry up and get this house built!

The boys are adjusting to both of us working just fine. It's really a good thing that they are able to stay with their grandparents while we are working.

I am REALLY loving kindergarten. I'll admit I was a bit apprehensive at first since it had been so long since I was in the primary grades, but I adore my kids and the curriculum.

I stayed at work until around six tonight preparing the room for fall. I'm so ready to start making bats, spiders, and pumpkins.

I'm still alive. Setting up a kindergarten class is a little exhausting! One night I was at the school until 11:30 PM. We have an excellent principal who allows us to stay and work in our rooms. I've been so blessed throughout my career with fantastic principals. Each one remembered what it was like to be in the classroom and that is refreshing.

I'm going with my mom and sister to a scrapbook class today. We'll be making an acrylic recipe book. I'd promise pictures, but I'd probably not make good on that promise any time soon. ;)

Life at the beach is good. It's so surreal leaving the beach to go to work. Waking up to the ocean at your back door can put anyone in a great mood. The boys love building sand castles, playing in the water, and fishing. I just wish we were able to enjoy it more, but we're hardly ever there.

We still haven't packed all of our stuff from our house. The renters want to move in on October 1st, so we have a little over a month to get ALL of our stuff out. I think we're going to need all that time.

I'm currently at my mom's house visiting with her. It's been so nice spending more time with her lately. :0)

I have more pictures/projects to post, but they are on my computer at home.

I've been thinking about what to make for the Halloween fabric charm swap I am hosting on TwoPeas. I'm thinking a skeleton would be cute? I'll have to post pictures when I make the prototype.

What I'm loving right now
Other than my family, of course. We're talking about inanimate objects here.

1) Gingher Knife Edge Craft Scissors--I will never buy another type of scissor again. In fact, I'm asking for the pinking shears and embroidery scissors for my birthday. I can't say enough great things about these little scissors.




2) Turbo Kick classes at my local gym. A fun and strenuous work out! We're currently on Round 36, but I love the fact that we can go back to the earlier routines when the "new" one gets boring. I feel like a slug if I don't attend at least twice a week.




3) 48 Hours, Hard Evidence- I love this show! It's not a terribly great idea to watch right before I go to bed at night, though. It can really make for some strange dreams. Inevitably, the DVR cuts off the last few seconds when Maureen Maher is explaining any important updates to the cases since filming, though.

4) E85 Flex Fuel-About seventy cents cheaper per gallon that regular gasoline. The only problem? There's only one gas station in our city that carries it.

I'm having issues signing on to blogger.com with my laptop, so I'm having to use Tommy's. I'm working on resolving the issue, but we'll see how fast that happens!

The boys went with Tommy to the race this past weekend, so I had three days at home all by myself. It was quiet and lonesome. I went to a stamp class on Saturday with my sister and have pictures of that project to share, as well.

Right now, I need to get busy making meatloaf for tonight so that I can make it to Turbo Kick on time.

One Long Post to Appease My Mother
Wow! It's been awhile! I can't say where the time has gone. I've been participating in some swaps on TwoPeas as well as Swapbot, but other than that, not much else is happening

Tommy and I were able to get away for a couple of hours on Saturday which was nice. We ended up eating at Zea's and just stopping and shopping at various places on the way home. It felt kind of strange not having the boys with us, so we really didn't know what to do with ourselves.

I did find the time to order these for Jack. He was so excited he loves "Doo." That is all I hear all day long, "I wanna watch Doo now." Nope, no please...we're working on it. ;)

Owen's favorite new saying is, "What the for Pete's sake." The first time he said this, he said the first two words and then paused for a few seconds before he finished the rest of the sentence. I was paying close attention because I was worried how he was going to finish the statement. Not that anyone talks that way around here, or anything.

The following are for Project 365 from the past week or so:

Project 365 Tuesday, February 24 (Day 59)

I'm really glad we have a play room, because if we didn't, I think I'd lose my sanity if this mess was all over the house instead of confined to one room. The play room is usually kept pretty clean, but since the boys are playing more together instead of parallel, these messes tend to occur more often.


Project 365 Monday, February 23 (Day 58)

When we wake up each morning, I bring my laptop to the corner of the bar so I can jump on the computer when I get a free moment. It's like my connection to the outside world.

Project 365 Sunday, February 22 (Day 57)

This Handy Manny toolbox (given to Jack from Aunt Cindy for Christmas) seems like a fifth member of the family. Jack is constantly carrying it around the house and trying to take it everywhere. I'm constanly making sure all the tools are present and accounted for.

Project 365 Saturday, February 21 (Day 56)

Tommy and I spent the day out while Thomas and Kathy kept the boys. We were able to go out and eat lunch, but we brought back a toy for the boys. This racetrack was a big hit with the kids as well as the grown-ups.

Project 365 Friday, February 20 (Day 55)

Pictures from our playdate today. Jack could not understand why the dog had the ball in her mouth and didn't want to give it up. The boys had a lot of fun playing with their friends and expending some energy outside. It was a beautiful day.





Project 365 Thursday, February 19 (Day 54)

Tonight I went to "Stamp Club" where we learned a bleaching technique. I've been really into stamping lately...not just collecting supplies either. I sent this card to mom after I snapped a picture of it, of course.


Project 365 Wednesday, February 18 (Day 53)

Jack's hands are in his hair often. He falls asleep holding his hair and twirling it around his fingers. He usually does it when he's tired, fussy, or concentrating. We are mindful of this fact when it's time for haircuts and we have to leave enough hair up there for him to grab.


Project 365 Tuesday, February 17 (Day 52)

A rare occurance around here. I couldn't help but to take a picture. Also, I just love those little boxer shorts!

Project 365 Monday, February 16 (Day 51)

Jack found a net that was supposed to be hidden away. The boys tend to try to catch each other until the nets are confiscated. Today, he actually decided he'd hunt for "feesh.

A Night of Reality Television
Watched The Bachelor and True Beauty, recorded Superstars of Dance. Sad. Pathetic. Know it. I should be doing something a little more creative.

Currently reading Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell. Also midnight sun, but it doesn't seem like I'm actually reading a real book since I can't hold it in my hands. I guess that rules out me ever getting a Kindle.

Project 365 (Day 9)


Today we received Jack's four wheeler. Since the "elves" are off after Christmas, the boys helped their dad put it together. Of course, we had to ride it around inside for a while using the battery from Owen's. There are always batteries charging on the counter. I think I better get used to that idea.

A few bonus pictures for grandma.

Spent some time sitting in the sun reading while the boys rode the four wheeler and Tommy built a ramp into the shed. We needed a ramp so the boys could drive their four wheelers out of the shed.

He then proceeded to build a VERY large sign for his new neighborhood while I went inside and made chicken and dumplings. I remember helping my granny roll the dumplings out and helping to cut them with a knife. The only thing I cut was the plastic bag of the frozen dumplings to put into the pot. They were delicious, but not as good as hers.

All in all a pretty good Sunday.


Love this picture of Jack. He was thirsty! Look at how dirty his little face and hands are. He is most definitely all boy.


Project 365 (Day 8)

I really hope people (prospetive homeowners) can see this sign that Tommy built for his neighborhood. It was as tall as our house. Of course, he had two little helpers and a couple of neighbors stopped by to see what in the world he was doing, I'm sure.

Some love and just a little dislike

Today the holiday decorations came down. I won't lie and say that I didn't say a few choice words dragging the boxes down from the attic, despite the fact that I asked Tommy to get them down fifteen times. Looks like four wheeler riding was more important than box retrival. But I'm not bitter. I'm loving that things are back to normal around here.

I am loving this Project 365 idea. I love the fact that it is forcing encouraging me to take more pictures.

Went to see Twilight and have dinner with a friend. Good times.

Project 365 (Day 7)

On the way out the door to see twilight with Christy. Tommy snapped this picture of us when Owen came to give me kiss goodbye. When Jack comes to kiss me goodbye, he always tells me to "Hurry home."

Well, Happy New Year to you

After much drama this morning, I was finally able to order a Project 365 kit. I was very frustrated which isn't a very good way to begin 2009. I was just about ready to give up and make my own when the order finally went through.

I bought Seasons 1 & 3 of Bones yesterday at Target. They had those 2 seasons on sale for less than $20 a season. Season 2 was still $45, so I couldn't bring myself to buy that one to complete my little collection. Why do I have such a hang-up on watching new shows when they actually premiere on the television? Probably because I've been burned so many times in the past by the networks cancelling some of my favorites.

I'm on Day 5 of Project 365 and will post days four and five tomorrow. I'm too lazy to get up and get the memory card out of the camera to post them now.

Project 365 (Day 5)

Shopping at Toys R Us on New Years Day. The store was empty. People must be as sick of toys as I am. Owen discovered Planet Heroes on a recent shopping trip to Target and wanted to spend his gift card for his birthday on a new action figure (Ace the Earth guy) and the Turbo Shuttle. Of course, Jack didn't come away empty handed either. Tommy can't resist...and he gets on to me! ;)

Time to start putting the Christmas decorations away before the new year. I think we actually might have New Year's Eve plans (along with a babysitter) this year, that is if we don't chicken out and decide to stay home. It could happen.

We had babysitters today and were supposed to go to a movie, but instead we spent hours running around looking for Jack a four wheeler like Owen's. Something much too technical for me, was wrong with the accelerator on his Gator so we had to return it. We decided not to get another Gator because they both seemed to like the four wheeler so much, why not get two?

We should have just went to the movie since every Wal-Mart/Toys R Us, etc. within a hundred miles of us was sold out. Each store had about six Gators in stock, though. We ended up ordering one online and they'll just have to share until it gets here.

On a more random note, I finally got around to watching The Happening today. I didn't hate it. I expected to since I've read so many bad reviews. I'm not an actress, but there was some pretty awful acting going on. I'm a fan of Zooey Deschanel, but she was channeling Juliette Lewis in that role.

We made these little ornaments at the Christmas Craft Playdate at my house on Friday. I wish I would have taken a picture of all of the ornaments made by the children, but it was a busy day.

Friday night I attended a small Christmas party with three friends. It's such fun getting together with them. Good times.

Yesterday is just a blur. I had to be up at the crack of dawn to be at the college to take a test to renew my teaching certificate. I parked at least 400 yards away from the actual building, along with five other people. We met four other lost souls on the way to the proper building. We all walked in about five minutes late. Embarrassing. But, at least I wasn't by myself! To top it all off and make the day even crappier, I left my calculator in the car! I had to do all of the math by hand. Not an easy task. I've never done anything as irresponsible as that in my life. Like I said, crappy day.

Today, we are going to meet Tommy's family for lunch. We're going to Bass Pro Shop (the boys love it) and to see the lights at Bellingrath. Hopefully, between those two places, we'll come home with pictures of the boys with Santa. I know, bad mom, not taking them to see Santa yet.

And just because I can.

I love this picture. They look like best buddies just hanging out.

Less than 2 weeks until Christmas

I lost a few days because we were all sick with some cough/cold/fever/flu mess. Owen and I seemed to get the worst of it, or maybe Tommy & Jack just bounce back faster than us. We're wimpy.

Somewhere in those lost days, my sister had another birthday. She's still nine years older than me, though. So Happy Belated Birthday, sister.

I also tried to catch up on missed workouts at the gym. Especially since I'm participating in the aerobics challenge this month. The things I'll do for a long sleeve t-shirt!

Tonight, the boys are going to Parents' Night Out at the church. They'll have fun visiting with Santa, climbing the rock wall, and watching a movie. I'm not sure what we are going to do in those four hours. I'd love to go see Twilight, but I'm not sure if we have time for movie and dinner. The latter being the most important.

Happy Thanksgiving

I finally decided upon Tommy's granny's pecan pie after I found the right recipe. There were three in her cookbook. Guess she liked variety.

I'm thankful most of all for my two precious boys, and a husband who doesn't mind my craft supply buying addiction. I'm also thankful that my hairdresser wasn't off on Wednesday so I wouldn't scare the families today. I'm NOT thankful for grey hair.

The turkey above was purchased at Hobby Lobby, where I buy pretty much everything in my house. I have a serious addiction to that place.

Trying to decide what to make for Thanksgiving. I know I want to make Veg-All Casserole to take to my sister's house for the afternoon. I'm still trying to decide on what to take for dessert. I'm also not sure what I'm making to take to Tommy's aunt's house for that Thanksgiving morning. Decisions...decisions.

I'm thinking I'll take a pecan pie. I use the recipe on the back of the Caro Syrup bottle and have for years. Tommy's granny's recipe is very different, so I think I'll step out of my comfort zone and try her recipe. Her pecan pies always had about an inch of jelly with chopped pecans inside the jelly and more pecans on top. But, we're talking about a lady who had pecan trees scattered all over her property.

I really need to drag her cookbook out more often. Tommy's aunt made us all a copy of her recipes one year for Christmas bound into a book. There are recipes for about fifteen different pound cakes including red velvet pound cake...who knew there was such a thing?