Tuesday Update

I <3 fall And Tuesdays Oct 2010

2010-11-02T23:05:00.001-05:00

I , originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Current Scent: = all time favorite candle...Root mulled cider + pumpkin spice = at the same time..... best fall scent of all time

What I am reading: that would require some free time...so it has to be whatever textbooks and pacing calendar are on the Oklahoma pacing calendar.

Newest music: Teenage Dream....Katy Perry!

Movie I saw: Jacka$$ 3D....yes, I paid extra for the glasses to see faux peni$es flying at me! Thank you Ashlee and E!

Something Yummy: .. always pumpkin chocolate chip muffins ...

Something that made me cry: most Sundays at 4...if you know me, you know where I am. I pretty much grab 4-5 tissues as I walk in. while I know it is a process, it still hurts. i still cry every single freakin' time

Something that made me laugh: O telling a joke she thought was hilarious: "how do you wake up Lady Gaga? .....O says, "you Poke Her Face" ......Tell me, you laughed too!

Something I look forward to in November: being stronger, realizing all WILL be okay

Something that I will remember in October: My baby girl turned six....life goes on....

Something that I am thankful for: family, friends, a job...and a deep desire to continue no matter where my life path leads..because i will live a life with no regrets

A photo i took this month:
this one.....a lone leaf on the sidewalk to the bus ramp....the bus ramp i man every day in the morning as well as the afternoon..

i heart fall.....and

choose

to

heart

SOMETHING

about

every

single

day

Friday Fill In: Gorgeous Full Moon

2010-10-22T16:05:00.001-05:00

Gorgeous Full Moon, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

So...here we go!

1. one of my strongest beliefs is *only you can control your actions and reactions to things.

there are many things in life we can't control - relationships, when someone we care about dies, other's people's actions . . . the list goes on forever.

the only we can control is our own behavior, our own actions & reactions. even truth is subjective & facts can mislead, it all depends on someone's perspective - look at eye-witness testimony, people don't see things the same way, the forget or get confused.

for me, it entails - treating others as i would want to be treated, being open-minded & tolerant, expecting the best from others, but understanding if & when they fail to live up to that, not asking someone to do something i wouldn't do, being worth of other's trust, not betraying others . . .

it's a high standard & i screw up occaisionally, but it's making the attempt to the best of my ability that's important.

like i said, you can't control anything, but yourself & if you fail that, what's left ----->stepping off my soap box now...dang, that was long winded

2. *made a* huge *decision this week*!

3. the sky is cloudy with a threat of rain and wind and cold, so *i know i will sleep well tonight, i love rainy nights*.

4. *the sound of rain coming down* is comforting to me.

5. i always thought I'd be *a fun mom, teacher, friend*

6. *i was talking on the phone with a friend* and then I went outside to look at the full moon.

7. and as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to *pizza with the kids*, tomorrow my plans include *going to OKC with BFF Traci and Sunday, I want to *make the most of the day*!

PS, i know the moon shot is a bit fuzzy...but i loved the full moon with a bit of fluffy clouds cruising by....it really did have this huge glowing ring around it.

happy weekend, y'all

Oklahoma...on The Straight And Narrow

2010-10-12T22:26:00.002-05:00

Oklahoma...on The Straight And Narrow, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Once again it is time to play Sunday Stealing ... can i play on a tuesday evening? of course i can, it's my blog

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? dang, i have some mongo bags under my eyes! i wonder if i have any cucumbers in the fridge. (ps, i didn't!)

2. How much cash do you have on you? i get out enough to cover eating out at craptastic drive thru food for the month, so probably about $100

3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR? bore....and i do know a few...i hope i don't bore anyone enough they think of me when they hear this word

4. Favorite planet? for reals? Mars....because "girls go to Mars to get more candy bars, boys go to Jupitar to get more stupider" ......but let's totally overlook 1.) I don't eat many sweets and even more importantly 2.) stupider?? is that even really a word...who is more studpider now?? it just may have been those superfluous candy bars

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? my son's soccer coach....oops!

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? only if you promise not to laugh...."bounce" by the Jonas brothers

7. What shirt are you wearing? cute gray T from Target

8. Do you label yourself? with my handy dandy label maker....absolutely Mother of two,Sooner, Photographer, Control Freak, Creative, Curvy, neat freak, Amusing, Sleep Deprived, organized.....should i go on?

9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing? barefoot....but with some lemon verbena lotion on my tootsies

10. Bright or Dark Room? depends...sleeping, total darkness
at home in the afternoon....blinds pulled, sun shining in

11. Did you do anything to celebrate John Lennon's 70th yesterday? not a single thing

12. What does your watch look like? my bulova is my favorite .. pink face.. simple ...exactly like me, okay maybe my face is more tan than pink...but simple, classic...that is me!

13. What were you doing at midnight last night? sleeping, i am a working woman now!

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? "cute enough" in response to my friend Ashlee wanting a "cute pic" to have on her phone for when i call her

15. Where is your nearest 7-11? we don't have 7-11s, we have Stripes now, i think.

16. What’s a word that you say a lot? "i see"....

17. Who told you he/she loved you last? kids...O & W when I put them to bed.....love me some kid love!

18. Last furry thing you touched? muhahahhaa ... I could have so much fun with this! ..but I'll be honest....Josie, the French Bulldog!

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? one word: cramps....so ibuprofen....in large doses

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? None!! It's called digital!

21. Favorite age you have been so far? I would say 42 ... It was probably my most life changing period....it just happened. i have to remember that in the end, it is all going to be okay. Living life on the straight and narrow.

pic taken of a road in Oklahoma....it really is this flat and straight. Life does go on, and just beyond the horizon is something you can't just quite imagine.

so imagine and wonder what will be

is it really October??

2010-10-09T23:04:00.001-05:00

Good Morning! Happy Wednesday, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

right now! (borrowed from Janet)

1. i am thinking… it's been a good weekend

2. i am thankful for… first...family, friends, and a great place to work

3. from the kitchen… will come chocolate chip pumpkin muffins..(W's absolute fav muffins of all time, and a great way to welcome fall!)

4. i am wearing…eeks...it's late.....a grey t-shirt, leggings...and socks! my feet are cold

5. i am creating… an organized home that fits us

6. i am going… to take my mom out to eat for her bday tomorrow

7. i am reading… a book that goes through twelve weeks of lessons of where i am right now in my life.

8. i am hoping… to enjoy each day as it comes

9. i am hearing… cows mooing in the background...i live out in the pawpaw patch

10. around the house… it is very quiet

11. one of my favorite things… Root candles in the mulled cider scent

12. a few plans for the rest of the week… finishing up the first nine weeks of school...knowing i did it. i can do this

13. A picture to share…this is the road behind my house....i drive up it to cross town to get to my school. we get to see the sunrise most mornings. with each new day...

i realize..

i

can

do

this.

it

makes

me

be

me

happy October, y'all

Reach For The Clouds

2010-09-25T19:27:00.001-05:00

Reach For The Clouds, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

i saw these on my way to soccer this morning.

on the way home, i had to pull over to take a few shots. good thing i live out in the paw paw patch.

i love the yellow petals reaching out towards the blue blue sky.

“Bring me then the plant that points to those bright Lucidites swirling up from the earth, And life itself exhaling that central breath! Bring me the sunflower crazed with the love of light” - Eugenio Montale

My dogs are barking

2010-09-10T20:05:00.001-05:00

My dogs are barking, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Current Scent: ...perfume Mirto di Panarea accentuates sensual side and regenerates your body and soul with aromatic aromas of myrtle, along with luminous citruses, Calabrian lemon and sweet, passionate orange, with calming effect of basil. A heart develops with aromas of jasmine, rose and green lilac, which meet sea breeze and black currant leaves. Base notes fondle with accords of precious wood, juniper, cedar and warm amber.<---you totally know that came straight from the website? Like I would really say "a heart develops....anything! "

What I am reading: totally assuming i have time to read. i just went back to work for the first time in seven years...yeah...so not happening, unless it is the latest issue of Real Simple or Better Homes and Gardens

Newest Music added to my play list: Darius Rucker..."History In the Making" love love love this song

Movie I saw: oh goodness...it was some kid movie in OH. How sad is it that i don't even remember the name of it.

Something yummy: made my "world-famous" banana chocolate chip muffins with the kids this past week

The last place I ate: Waynes...after late night soccer practice

Something that made me cry: tonight...connect the dots. surely you will know why

Something that made me laugh: just goofing off with a friend.

Something I look forward to in September: finally getting into a routine at school.

Something I want to remember from August: getting a job, moving into a new house, being the best mom i can be

Something I am thankful for: I'm always thankful for my kids, my job and my health ...

A photo I took this month:...i dont remember how or when the "feet in the air" shots started. but i do love me some cute shoes in the air. just need to remember not to wear them on friday when i am running all over the building

because now, eight hours later..

my

dogs

are

barking

happy friday

bracelet

2010-08-30T18:48:00.002-05:00

bracelet, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

oh where oh where do i start....

i have neglected this little blog of mine for way too long. i have this fun Hipstamatic app on my phone, so I have been taking some fun pics, since i believe all blog posts should include a photo...i might have something to blog.

so

jumping

right

in....................

while the focus of this shot appears to be the outdoor funiture..(which I am glad to say finally has its cushions on it. those cushions were some of the last boxes i unpacked!)

but it is the colorful bracelet i was trying to take a funky shot of......this bracelet has become one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. it matches most of my wardrobe, everything from a white T and shorts to that cute aqua dress i wore to the Smith's change of command.

"I always say that I don't want to be sentimental, that the photographs shouldn't be sentimental, and yet, I am conscious of my sentimentality. " - Robert Frank

it is this "conscious" that brought me to take a picture of something as simple as a bracelet. i love the way it feels as it slips around my wrist....how it gently swings around my wrist all day. the clasp is a toggle that has two little beads on it. reminds me of little fish eyes. i remember the day i bought it and what an awesome day it was. it's cute and fun..

cute

and

fun

two things i need in my life now.

happy monday

with this sunset

2010-08-19T20:57:00.001-05:00

with this sunset, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

in the morning, i am going back to work as a school teacher.

i am trying to maintain a calmness instead of the restlessness that i have struggled with all week. teacher friends have been the best....old ones from my old central (go cougars) to the new ones at pioneer park. without these fellow girlies, i would still be in my room getting things ready.

so with this life change, i am choosing to be calm...

and in the words (facebook status) of one of my OU roomies, a kindergarten teacher in norman:..yes, Mrs. Amy D'Agostino

"to all of my teacher (and principal) friends: I wish you a wonderful first day!

to all of my student friends: good luck and have fun!

to all my parent friends: tears and simultaneous applause is perfectly understandable!"

happy night before school y'all

Fresh pedi with BFF Traci: "I'm Really Not A Waitress"

2010-08-14T21:41:00.001-05:00

Fresh pedi with BFF Traci: "I'm Really Not A Waitress", originally uploaded by tommiea1.

when a bestie tells you your feet in dire need of a pedi....

you don't hesitate to make time to go get them done

wearing "Im Really Not A Waitress"

and i'm not...

I

am

a

teacher

WITH

cute

toes

happy saturday

Friday Fill In

2010-06-25T20:59:00.003-05:00

**this is one of my favorite photos I have ever taken,**

1. On vacation, I like to relax, enjoy the sights, see the kids laughing

2. i love sitting on the sand in the ocean and let the waves carry me just a bit.

3. One of my favorite vacation spots the beach, any beach.

4. During the full moon, i can feel the crazy in the air.

5. Up, up, and away, the balloon floated away

6. Bananas go into my protein shake almost every day. my latest favorite is strawberry, banana, blueberries with lots of ice.

7. As for the weekend, tonight I am looking forward to cooking out with the whole fam damily, tomorrow my plans include birthday party for nephew J, and Sunday I want to take a wild guess......ding ding ding, did you say "sleep in"...my all time favorite thing to do on a Sunday.

Friday Fill-In is hosted by Janet of Fond of Snape

ps. i've blogged about the photo before. most recently here

Manic Monday-on Tuesday

2010-06-22T20:02:00.003-05:00

As an adult, what is your favorite thing about summer: grilling, a chilled white wine, sitting on the deck

What was your favorite thing about summer when you were a kid? running around with my cousins catching fireflies in an old jelly jar at my grandparent's house.

In 2010, it will be the summer of the: monkeys. It is the book I am reading the kids.

Want to play? Lisa hosts Manic Monday at : Manic Monday meme

Relaxin' and chillaxin' at the pool

2010-06-18T12:10:00.003-05:00

It's officially....

Spent the day at the pool

Until the kids were worn out

Made it home in time for quiet time

Munched on dinner outside

Enjoyed their first sleepover with their cousins

Rested in tents in sleeping bags

Ten o'clock when they finally fell asleep

I didn't they they would stay asleep the entire night

Maybe they proved my wrong

Ended up at the coffeeshop for breakfast with the grandparents the next morning

borrowed from J....

2010-06-14T19:49:00.003-05:00

i saw this meme at my friend juliette's blog authenticallybrandt . i thought it would be fun since i have nothing to really post here

my roommate and i once: stole a table umbrella from a restaurant in Norman.
never in my life have i: gotten a tattoo
high school was: fun...though I wouldn't go back an do it again
when i'm nervous i: talk non-stop
my hair: is cute...i really like the new shorter cut
when i was five: i started kindergarten with the best kindergarten teacher ever...mrs. murray
when i turn my head left: i see AND smell my French Bulldog...good thing i found a can of febreeze
i should be: not watching the Bachelorette...i swear i won't watch every time, but I get sucked in
by this time next year: we will have lived in OK a year and we won't be moving
my favorite aunt is: my aunt RoseMary...she is the reason i am a teacher. she used to let me go to her classroom and help her when i was on spring break
i have a hard time understanding: mean people
you know i like you if: i share my wine with you
my ideal breakfast is: coffee and a toasted bagel
if you visit my hometown: don't blink, you might miss it...grew up in PODUNK oklahoma
if you spend the night at my house: i will feed you an awesome meal
the animal i would like to see flying besides birds: pigs..
i shouldn't have been: sucked into another season of the Bachelorette

last night: i enjoyed chatting with a friend
a better name for me would be: i like my name...but i do have a "club name"..or i did..haven't been to a place where i might need to use it in a LONG time
i've been told i look like: Pocahontas...lol
if i could have any car it would be: i love my car..but once the kids are out of boosters, maybe the Volvo XC90

Cute hair bling bling

2010-06-13T20:21:00.001-05:00

Cute hair bling bling, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

It's June. We have moved out of our home in Kentucky. I cleaned like how I would want to move into a home. I always think someone will think the same thing and my house will be clean. Thinking back, I don't think that has happened. If I really wanted a therapy session I could root down to the orgins of my need to obsessively clean,....but not now.

We are staying with my in-laws in OH. For the first time in forever, I have left my kids with a baby sitter.

He was my brother in law

does that still count?

Counted in my book? Especially since he wanted to watch some soccer game....world cup much?

but I went to a wine festival with my inlaws and hubby

had so much fun!

came home with whoopie pies

and a cool water fountain

also drank many sips of wine

favorite was one called vino verde

GIVE ME MY GREEN WINE

Friday Fill In

2010-05-21T07:11:00.002-05:00

1. seeing the kids play in the rain never fails to make me smile.

2. i'm looking forward to seeing my baby graduate from preK today.

3. _Bobby Bones show is what I am listening to right now. best thing i found when we lived in Texas. #justsayin'

4. Potato must have pickles in it. but only whole kosher dill pickles that you cut up yourself!

5. fried egg on an english muffin with provolone was the best thing I ate today. (i know, REAL healthy)

6. today was started very early ( I woke up at 5AM!)

7. and as for the weekend, tonight i'm looking forward to pizza with the kids, tomorrow my plans include finally seeing Husband after a long month, and Sunday i want to sleep in!

Snapshot right now: May 2010

2010-05-16T13:48:00.005-05:00

1. photo of me: my new 'do...i had to cut if off my neck. it is fun

2. current candle scents: i don't have any candles but i have several of those reed and oil things from Pier 1 in the ember scent

3. what i read this month: started reading "Summer of the Monkey's" to the kids

4. top three songs i was drawn to: Justin Beiber "eenie meanie" Glee Cast version "Jessie's girl" and pretty much any other Glee song!

5. movies i saw: i can't remember if it was this month, but the kids and i went to see "How to Train your Dragon"

6. favorite tv moments of the month: Glee.....Sue Sylvester singing Vogue

7. something yummy i made this month: anything to use up pantry stuff: chocolate chip cookies, banana pudding, lemon ricotta muffins,

8. some place i ate out: Kansai for mother's day...Will took me and Livi on a date

9. something that made me cry: off hand, i can't remember.

10. something that made me laugh: yesterday Will fell while riding his scooter (that's not the funny part) but he wanted a "cast" since he is "injuried". LOVE the Will-words

11. this month i looked forward to: finding out where we are moving to

12. something i want to remember about this month: fun field trip to Kentucky Down Under

13. a photo i took this month: act like that cave pic is right here. I couldn't get it to move down here. That is 125 feet under ground. I was seriously trying not to panic!

We've got the fever

2010-05-10T14:37:00.001-05:00

We've got the fever, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

wee little background:

Each week Livi works for some positive reinforcement for getting a stamp all week. A stamp means good behavior from her for her preK teacher. We've done things like eating out, watching "trash" TV like Hannah Montana, a pack of gum in her room, etc. Lately she has wanted to download a song on my phone.

This morning I heard her be-bopping to some song. I "shazamed
it. Turns out it is Justin Beiber featuring Sean Kingston "Eenie Meenie"

oops.....spare me the lecture on how inappropriate it is for a five year to be singing this song. I'm just glad she didn't hear Rhianna's Rude Boy. I think I would have to draw the line at that one.

so, in three short days (she did earn her stamp today), she will be listening to Eenie Meenie on my phone.

oh dear, we have the JustinBeiber fever

ps this pic was taken at the Coke Museum field trip last week. It was the first time she had ever had Coke!

Friday Fill In

2010-05-07T15:06:00.002-05:00

And, here we go:

1. Salsa and *chips* could totally be my dinner if I didn't want to eat the entire bag!

2. *About once a year, I will eat a hotdog BUT only if* you've (even) got mustard.

3. By the time I get home, *well, since I am a SAHM, I am technically always home...BUT..I just want to put my feet up, especially since they are sporting the super cute Stephen Bonanno Lisagh sandals* They are named after a fabulous blogger I "know". I started reading Lisagh of Grosgrain Garage when Husband was deployed and she sent me a random email. She is Monkey's mommy. I have never had a pair of Bonanno sandals. *

4. *Fresh sushi* is what I look forward to most when grocery shopping.

5. And I was dreaming, *I was late to pick Will up from the bus stop. Livi and I were in Sam's. I woke up when I heard them announce on the intercom, "Welcome to Barbados!" I almost started crying since I was worried he was alone in the house for three hours...and how was I going to get back to KY from Barbados! But Livi told me, he knows how to get his own snacks. He will just get an apple and a cheese stick! *

6. *Hearing the quiet of the house once the kids are settled into bed* is there anything else better.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to *going to TKD with Will (he is so close to the first stripe for his green belt!), tomorrow my plans include *enjoying the sunshine*, and Sunday I want to *go to dinner with the kids at Kansai*.

Just a little Reflection

2010-05-04T19:47:00.003-05:00

without sounding too cliche, as we are in the last couple of months here, a little reflection (taken with my phone while waiting for Will at the bus stop)

To be honest, this has been the hardest place i have ever lived.

Despite being moved how many ever thousands of miles it is from Oklahoma to Alaska, even that was easier. I guess since EVERYONE was far away from home, you either made friends or b!thched and moaned for three years. I choose to make friends and get involved. I made lifelong friends there.

Then we moved back to Oklahoma

It was going home. I already had friends. I went right back to my old job at my old school with my same old friends. Nice easy....I made a new lifelong friend again.

Then we moved to California.

I was big honkin' pregnant. Will was barely a year old. Despite having two kids under 16 months. I got involved in a MOPS group and an awesome playgroup. We were only there a year, but again.....I made awesome friends there.

Then we moved to Kansas.

Two kids under three, living on post in close knit living quarters. Many bottles of wine were shared with friends and neighbors. I made awesome friends there.

Then we moved to Texas.

The kids were two and three. Husband deployed after just a few months for fifteen months. So did 3/4 of the other husbands on the street. The wives that were left there not only survived but we bonded. Again, lifelong friendships were made.

Then we moved to Kentucky.

I have made a lifelong friendship. (Will hopes they will someday be his in-laws!) Seriously he told me that he will marry E, he just has to grow up and learn a job so he can earn the bacon to take care of E. It's so adorable how much he loves this little girl.

The other people in this community don't seem as welcoming and friendly to anyone that doesn't have three or more generations living here. It has been hard. Just now after almost two years here, do people seem to be opening up. As a military wife, I don't have two years to break the ice and just now start making friendships.

Even as hard as it has been, I have made a lifelong friendship. It is the little grain of hope that I take to our next duty station. I can make friends, I will make friends.

In honor of my cheesy reflection: I leave with some lyrics to Nickelback's "If Today was Your Last Day"

My best friend gave me the best advice

He said each day's a gift and not a given right

Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind

And try to take the path less traveled

The first step you take is the longest stride

ABC's of me

2010-04-28T08:02:00.003-05:00

a: alarm went off at 6 AM this morngin

b: bed was very warm

c: cold: it got down to 38 last night

d: hope my flowers DON'T die

e: eat the same thing for breakfast most mornings

f: foggy day this morning

g: grilling chicken tonight....Will asked for a home cooked meal after having McD's last night!

h: have had two cups of coffee already this morning

i: i have a sick baby girl home today

j: jeans, wearing my skinny jeans! woo hoo

k: KY derby is this weekend...they are serious about the derby here. the kids don't even have school on Friday!

l: love to do the sudoku in pen

m: most days i solve it

n: number of bruises on my legs: 3

o: fell OFF a stepstool while cleaning out my closet

p: was not a PRETTY sight

q: quit laughing, it hurt

r: really hurt, like I almost cried

s: but STUFF is purged from my closet

t: that makes me happy

u: i don't store stuff UNDER my bed....bad feng shui

v: very excited the house is sold

w: washer is going already

x: expect to be ironing this afternoon

y: yes, i iron 90% of our clothes

z: gives me a ZEN feeling to see the wrinkles go away

happy Wednesday

Manic Monday and a self-pic

2010-04-26T11:52:00.002-05:00

Big KY hat, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

If you could write your own bill of rights, what would you include?
*a right to a cup of coffee with lots of creamer and Splenda BEFORE anyone can ask a question

What is going on in the world today that affects you the most?
*husband is gone TDY again...i never realize exactly how much he helps out until he is gone....thanks husband for all that you do!

What do you think is the secret to a good life?
*simple: know what you want and follow through with that instead of whining and complaining of how rotten things are

Example: i have embraced the whole KY Derby mindset for a simple Run for the Roses at Will's school. It was a great excuse to find a fun dress I wouldn't normally have chosen. Also, I just added a fun peony to a straw hat. It is held on with pop up dots. I can take it off after the party. Or I might just keep it on there!

happy monday

Manic Monday can be found here: http://manicmondaymeme.blogspot.com/

Right now: april 22, 2010

2010-04-22T19:39:00.003-05:00

i am thinking: i wonder if it is going to rain...and therefore ruin our field trip to the zoo tomorrow.

i am thankful for: the sale of our home!!!!! (admit it, that is way worthy of multiple exclamation marks!)

from the kitchen: i think i'll grab a glass of wine (pic taken last weekend because clearly it is evening here!)

i am wearing: a cami top that i wore under my shirt today and jammie pants.

i am creating: the perfect backpack to take to the zoo....did I forget anything??

i am going: to watch Sober House with Dr Drew later

i am reading: just finished "look again" some book my SIL gave me! Very good but worried me. I can't fathom if something ever happened to one of the kids.

i am hoping: i can continue working out at least 3x a week.

i am hearing: ANTM (America's Next Top Model DVRd from earlier in the background)

around the house: i actually have a few messes... i feel so free to NOT have to keep it "show ready"

one of my favorite things: listening to the kids playing outside...jumping on the trampoline, running through the sprinkler, swinging, trying to vacuum bugs with the bug catcher

a few plans for the rest of the week: hopefully a zoo trip, enjoy the last few days with husband before he goes TDY for most of May

a picture to share: see above..i took this with my phone either last weekend or the weekend before, a gorgeous weekend with a glass of wine

happy thursday

My baby can break boards

2010-04-18T13:32:00.002-05:00

This weekend my baby boy tested for his next belt in tae kwon do. For each belt, a student has to earn three stripes:

*a new 23 step form

*do a board break and free sparring

*terminology and a tenant. Self -control.....one must exhibit self control inside and outside of the do-jang. Self control must be practiced to avoid injury to self and others.

I was so proud, Will was able to recite that definition from memory! He was very confident in his form. Very soon, he will be a green belt!

Best of all, my baby can break boards!

happy weekend

Make a wish

2010-04-15T08:41:00.001-05:00

Make a wish, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

my wish would be for

*Will to be utterly confident for his 6th degree orange belt testing this weekend

* there to be a box of kleenex puffs plus in every room (i'll take the pollen over winter any day)

*for Livi to continue to have a song in her heart as long as she doesn't want to become a popstar

i had to insert this song as i do love me some Nickelback!

happy thursday!

Friday Fill In

2010-04-09T12:51:00.001-05:00

Do you see what I see?, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

And...here we go!

1. In 1992, I was *teaching in L-town America.

2. The trampoline (aka "the bounce in our house) brings * laughter and smiles. Since everyone needs a little bounce in their life, please listen to this video!

3. Do what you *can*, with what you *know now*, where you *are in your life*.

4. *Just where I am, but in a smaller pair of jeans* is where I'd like to be.

5. The trees and flowers are telling me *go grab a Kleenex. But I will take spring and pollen over dreary winter every single day!

6. *Laundry* that just keeps going on. *Though I can say I am finally caught up after all the spring break laundry.*

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to *garlic chicken pizza with the family*, tomorrow my plans include *planting some flowers and putting out the hanging baskets* and Sunday, I want to *sleep in and enjoy the sunshine*!

i heart spring

2010-03-30T19:58:00.001-05:00

broken heart, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

i took this picture last fall

the grass is almost back to being this green

there was frost on the ground this morning

BUT it was melted quickly

it was warm enough to ride scooters to the bus stop

a bird made a nest in the wreath on my door

she laid two eggs as well

i had to move the wreath since she was dive-bombing people coming in the front door

we are trying to sell the house

can't have some little bird dive bombing potential buyers

i love spring

Right now: 3-25-10 Self portrait

2010-03-25T19:37:00.001-05:00

Self portrait, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

1. I am thinking… I am so over the spitty dreary rainy day.

2. I am thankful for… my family, sounds cheesy I know!

3. From the kitchen… I made my favorite Greek pasta salad.

4. I am wearing… jammie pants and the shirt I had on today.

5. I am creating… an organized home with routines that work for us.

6. I am going… to bring cookies to Will's class since he is the Star Student this week.

7. I am reading… The latest Land's End catalog!

8. I am hoping… that realotors will quit calling me and wanting to show the house in less than thirty minutes!

9. I am hearing… Gene Simmons' Family Jewels on the DVR. Don't laugh, he is fairly stable and very funny!

10. Around the house… is little to no mess....see #8!

11. One of my favorite things… is a quiet house with a cup of warm coffee and my sudoku puzzle from the newspaper.

12. A few plans for the rest of the week… cookies at school, pizza Friday, and rent a kid movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs or something fun!

13. A picture to share…My hair is getting really long. I haven't cut it in almost six months. I still get my roots touched up (don't look too closely, my color appt is next week!)

happy thursday...

I just wanna fly

2010-03-24T19:53:00.002-05:00

Fog fog go away, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

frequently i have this dream i am flying

it is dark, i assume it is dusk

i can tell people are on the ground....i feel like they are my people

if i fly high enough i can see a path

i try to land as gently as i can on the delicate limbs near the top

the limbs are like these in this pic, kinda flimsy and frail

i try to land on them anyways, just so i can see the path

i usually wake up after flying from treetop to treetop

i never fall...i just wanna fly

so, I leave you with Sugar Ray's "Fly"

enjoy

maybe you can fly, too

just another monday

2010-03-22T12:01:00.001-05:00

Short sleeves!, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

great weekend:

* impromptu s'mores around the firepit with the neighbors

*movie and popcorn in the living room

*sunday nap on a rainy afternoon

and since i haven't done one of these in forever: manic Monday

What do you value most in other people? just one?? how about a few: creative, open minded, honest, hard working, fun,

If you could only see black and white except for one color, what color would you choose to see? shades of grey

You have a 10 minute speech to give at a high school, what is it about? there is so much more to life than high school, move on, have fun!

happy Monday

**pic of me and livi taking on friday, when it was nice and warm...and not overcast

Cute Liberty of London shirts

2010-03-15T20:56:00.001-05:00

Cute Liberty of London shirts, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

these adorable shirts are now hanging in my closet.

now if the weather would cooperate, one would be hanging on my back.

please, sunshine, come back.

ps, i was completely giddy this afternoon. i spent at least an hour organizing Livi's closet. i moved the spring clothes to the "current clothes" side of her closet.

so, please, sunshine...come back and make two girlies really happy

Friday Fill In

2010-03-12T17:19:00.002-06:00

Ginger pear muffin, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

And...here we go!

1. I am so looking forward to *the spring flowers blooming*?

2. *See you* later.

3. When you get *soft pears, make ginger pear muffins*.

4. *Routines and organization* is a big part of my life.

5. If you need anything *call me cell, I am never home*.

6. *Livi is* a trip.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to *PapaMurphy pizza and ginger pear muffins*, tomorrow my plans include *a little grocery shopping* and Sunday, I want to *remember to set my clock...spring forward*!

Friday fill in questions courtesy of the talented Janet

Friday Fill In hosted by --

Rain clouds rolling in

2010-03-11T20:00:00.002-06:00

Rain clouds rolling in, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Livi had school this morning until 2:30. They missed so many days in February, they are doing extended days on Thursdays.

I had all kinds of plans to go up to Louisville. (I had to take my car to the Volvo dealer to look at some headlight problem.)

THEN this is what we woke up to. This dark gray cloud rolled just as Will was getting on the bus.

I am not one to drive in the rain. I am really not one to drive in the rain with just one headlight.

so...

I came home, did a few chores, and took a nap!

happy Thursday

do you see what i see

2010-03-10T09:37:00.001-06:00

Running in many directions today, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

can you see those teeny tiny little things on the branches?? i do believe they are little blossoms.

bring on the allergy meds, i'll take the fluffy stuff flying all around.

ps...the people that came for a second look asked for some more information about the subdivision rules about fences!!

whew hoo!!

Sunday in the sun

2010-03-08T20:23:00.001-06:00

Sunday in the sun, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

first of all, don't faint.....I really am blogging again. i felt overwhelmed for a bit. i felt obligated to post here. i felt like it was one more thing i had to check off my list each day. i threw a little temper tantrum, stomped my foot, and said, "i won't! i won't do it!"

but then the sunshine came out. i felt the warmth of the sun on my face. i felt like i had a picture i did want to share.

i still haven't picked up my camera. this is just taken with my phone, but it is a start.

we listed our home this past week. we already know we will PCS (army speak for move) this summer.

at the drop of a hat a realtor will call. i am too scared to say, 'uuh, no, you can't come." so, i load the kids up and head to a park. this is the bridge to one near our house.

i loved the symbolism as well....i think i am ready to cross that bridge one more time and blog.

just maybe, notice Will is only about a fourth of the way across.

but it is a start, i still feel the sunshine

happy monday!

ABC's of gingerbread houses

2009-12-04T14:33:00.001-06:00

Gingerbread houses at grandma's, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

G-Grandma bought the kids gingerbread house/train kits while we were there for Thanksgiving

I- I piped the icing on the seams.

N- NO candy was consumed by me

G- Guess how much the kids ate.

E- eager to work alone

R- really proud of their work

B- brought them home to their

R- rooms

E- Enjoyed it

A- ate some of the candy as they were making them

D- Delicious

the kids had so much fun making these. thanks Grandma, for some fun memories!

laughing in the leaves

2009-11-23T19:03:00.001-06:00

laughing in the leaves, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

how we spent the weekend...

gorgeous day

lots of sunshine

taking down the trampoline

fall is almost over

laughing in the leaves

happy monday, y'all

Friday fill in

2009-11-13T19:57:00.004-06:00

**act like this picture is just above #4....blogger is acting picky this fine evening!***

1. The last band I saw live was......oh man, I sure it was some kind of Disney on Ice or the Wiggles. lovely, I really should get out more.

2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is.....being surrounded by my loud chaotic family, lots of kids, great food, wine. oh yeah, bring it on!

3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is .....a mere figment of my imagination. though i am starting to make a list of ideas.

4. Thoughts of Will fill my head. he wants to walk from the bus stop to the house all by himself!!!

5. I wish I could wear those wide leg long trouser pants....but when you are barely 5'3", you just look silly!

6. Bagpipes always make me cry...

7. As for the weekend, I am looking forward to taking Will to tae kwon do then pizza with the family, tomorrow my plans include a cut and color, and Sunday I want to ....take a wild honkin' guess: sleep in, baby!

Thursday 13: letter D

2009-11-05T08:13:00.004-06:00

1. dated: engaged, and married in eleven months....that was twelve years ago this month!

2. decorated: for fall, my favorite time of the year

3. dyson: love my handheld one....the kids think it is fun to "get" to help clean

4. distraught: when I walked into Will's classroom yesterday, .....and he wasn't in there! but, he was in another class doing math.

5. downloaded: Glee-the-Music-vol-1 can't get enough of that show! love it

6. dinner: or do you say supper?

7. drink: of choice, diet DP

8. don't: think I will ever be a morning person

9. do: wish i were...it would totally make my mornings easier

10. dang: my choice of words....just waiting for the day that pete and repeat say it.

11. Disney world....best vacation ever.

12. dillards: used to be the place to shop when i was younger....are those even around any more?

13. daylight savings....still working on getting used to it

Thursday 13: Letter D 2008

time for soup and sandwiches

2009-11-04T12:39:00.002-06:00

on winter nights when it seems like we are bouncing from school to ballet to tae kwon do and every where in between, i love to make soup.

on tonight's menu: roasted butternut squash and shallot soup. it is a simple three step process: roast, blend, simmer. this soup is so good! better than that, i can do everything but warm it up earlier in the day.

then we finally get home, warm it up, make some grilled cheese and dinner is served.

sunset in KY

2009-11-02T18:49:00.001-06:00

sunset in KY, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

as i write this at 7:43 pm, both kids are already fast asleep. daylight savings time has taken its toll on the kids.
as

well

as me!

this morning when the kids came in between 5-5:30, i was seriously wishing they had a snooze button on them. i can honestly say i would totally be the first one to bop them on the head for nine more minutes of sleep!

thankfully they didn't have school today. something called FDEA on the school calendar. i don't know what FDEA is, but I am ever so grateful for it.

Husband did have to get up to go to work, so he fed them breakfast. thank you Husband! whew hoo....got to sleep in just a bit anyway.

happy monday, y'all

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T15:38:00.001-05:00

jack o' lanterns, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

pumpkin time is here again,
time to play trick or treat.
pumpkin time is here again,
our spooky friends we'll meet.

see the costumes we have on,
monsters, ghosts, pirates too.
see the costumes we have on,
hear us all shout "boo!"

happy halloween from the tuesday update family

Mike and Ike virgin

2009-10-29T18:02:00.001-05:00

Mike and Ike, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

my name is tommie

and......

i am a Mike and Ike virgin. i mean seriously, who eats these? this is the candy i was given to hand out at livi's pre-k halloween party today.

i guess one in fifteen mom's there has had it at least once.

so are you a virgin? i mean, a mike and ike virgin?

it's fall, y'all

2009-10-28T19:54:00.007-05:00

five things i love about fall

*pumpkin spice creamer*

*a warm bowl of hearty soup: we had chicken tortilla soup tonight (i even cheated, it was from Sam's)*

*a fire in the firepit*

*the color of all the leaves*

*roasted pumpkin seeds*

view of my shoes last fall

sweet caroline......oops sweet livi-loo

2009-10-27T19:40:00.001-05:00

drive to WDW, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

livi has started watching the song and dance parts of Glee with me. this afternoon she BEGGED me to download "Sweet Caroline" that Puck (Mark Salling) sang last week. just imagine her singing dancing. kind of scary she knows how to put it on repeat on my iphone.

**picture is just a random shot of her from the drive down to Disneyworld. we stopped in macon, ga. this is some fountain by this fun little place we had dinner.**

Let's get this tractor started

2009-10-26T20:44:00.001-05:00

Let's get this tractor started, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Not sure if I am ready to jump back into blogging......

but then I remembered I could blog straight from flickr.

took this shot at the field trip to the pumpkin patch. you can always tell he is concentrating when the lips are like that. he really was trying to start the tractor.

makes me wonder what he would have done had it started.

happy monday

August Snapshot 2009

2009-09-03T12:43:00.003-05:00

Interrupting the ABC Thursday 13, for a monthly snapshot.

1) photo of me: oohhmmmm, I couldn't find one.

2) current candle scents: still burning Tonka Bean...dang, how many of those did I buy?

3) what i am currently reading: rereading the second Twilight book.

4) newest music i added to my playlist: "Alright" by Darius Rucker (yes, the guy from Hootie and the Blowfish). I don't usually like listen to too much country, but I really liked this one.

5) movies i saw: does the Lifetime channel count? LOL

6) something yummy i made this month: homemade meatballs from an old Cuisine at Home magazine.

7) the last place i ate out: McDonalds...or as the kids call it Old MacDonald. Kids' choice since Husband is still TDY.

8.) something that made me cry: recently. I am sure just about anything about a week ago. I do recall someone laughing at me because I said I cried at a Kendra episode! LOL

9) something that made me laugh: Livi....after she piped up about 'scaring the craps' out of me

10) something i looked forward to this month: exploring part of Kentucky. We are going to Mammoth Cave soon.

11) something i am thankful for: Husband

12) something i want to remember about this month: My baby boy tested for his next tae kwon do belt. He is now a 9th degree white belt: a goo gup.

13) a photo i took this month: a little mosaic since I couldn't decide on a favorite

borrowed from Janet at Fond of Snape who borrowed it from Dawn

tuesday with tommie

2009-09-01T19:22:00.003-05:00

WHAT I’M READING: This months Better Homes and Gardens finished as much of it as I could this afternoon at tae kwon do. But the tooting man next to me just about put me over the edge!

WHAT I’M WATCHING: don't laugh....but I have a DVR'd Kendra on right now.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Yes, that would Miley "Party in the USA" though I do like this Youtube video of it. It makes me crack up laughing every single time.

WHAT I’M WEARING: pink jammies. I am going to bed with the sun since the boy's bus comes at the a$$ crack of dawn. No lie, we get out there and the sun is just coming up.

WHAT I’M EATING: nothing, to late.

WHAT I'M ENJOYING: the quiet of a house with two kids asleep.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Tonka Bean candles still. Though I am so ready to find me a pumpkin spice. Nothing says fall like Root candle flavors mulled cider and pumpkin spice!

Thursday 13: the letter C

2009-08-28T06:56:00.002-05:00

1. Catalog: I received my Hanna Anderssen catalog yesterday. I am loving the rayon Cafe dress. But I am on the fence about that ruffle on the sleeve. Will it annoy me?

2. Crazy face pics, even at the preschool "rodeo days".

3. Crazy: Speaking of crazy, (I am totally using crazy twice!) Yesterday was major crazy. I went from home, preschool, hair appt, cowgirl party, school, dr appt, tae kwon do, PTA...before finally heading home for the evening.

4. Cowgirl pics...What is better than one little cowgirl cheesing it up? Two cowgirls cheesing it up!

5. Camera: I really do need to pic up my camera more. Lately my camera mojo has just left me.

6. Computer: I somehow messed up my laptop while Husband was gone. He was home a few minutes and fixed it. I love it that he has computer skills! Otherwise the GeekSquad would be my new BFF.

7. Cry- I cry at the drop of a hat during that time. It drives me crazy. I cried during "Kendra" the other night!

8. Children: While I always saw myself as a 'three-kid' mom, I now know I was always meant to be a mom for Will and Livi.

9. Cut

10. and Color....I had my appointment yesterday to get my hair 'did'. I can't be letting my gray show through, I still have one in preschool!

11. Caves: We have a trip to see Mammoth Caves soon.

12. Can't: I can't wait, it should be fun.

13. Can: I can see the end of the tunnel with Livi's baby scrapbook. Yes, I said BABY scrapbook. Remember I so so behind on it.

Letter C: round 1

Thursday 13: the letter B

2009-08-19T08:32:00.007-05:00

Happy Thursday, y'all! Want to play: the new thursday-13

1. For the letter B this week, I have a story about my little boy:

2. Last week, he informed me after one full week of school, he was ready to ride the bus.

3. Husband found out the time the bus ran past our neighborhood. We went to bed a little earlier since he had to be out there at 6:55 AM. Yes, that is BEFORE 7 AM....crazy I tell you!

4. I woke up the bowhead.

5. She put on her bathrobe (note to self: make sure she wears shoes next time. Just in case we have to take the boy to school!)

6. I know this shot is kind of blurry. But at oh-dark 30, a little boy is way too excited to stand still for a phone shot. (I have come to love blurry shots so much, I made them a set on my Flickr!)

7. As the minutes start ticking my, we see bus after bus, pass us. He looks up at me with his big blue eyes, "Mommy, will it ever show up? Do you think they know where I live?"

8. Finally, an older kid shows up. He starts giving us bits of advice. "this bus passes by first, etc" Will asked him if he was ever nervous riding the bus. He said, "Not really." **Mom note here: I was like, "Boo on you kid! This is the first time (besides the practice bus ride at Open House) he has ever ridden on a bus. I did not say this, but did think it.

9. Bad answer...BUT then he recovered and said, "Well, I am pretty sure I was nervous the first time." High five, kid!

10. Just beyond the trees, we see it coming around the corner.

11. He grabbed his backpack and lunchbox.

12. My baby is growing up.

13. I did the hug and kiss before the bus stopped. I don't know if he would be embarrassed in front of the other kids. "Bye bye, Bubba.....I'll pick you up this afternoon."

Dang, I am getting more teary-eyed now than I was this morning! I know this is posting late Wednesday night, but I have to get to bed. A little boy I know wants to ride the bus again!

Letter B (round 1)

tuesday with tommie

2009-08-18T11:26:00.005-05:00

WHAT I AM ENJOYING: Livi never ceasing to make me laugh.

Just last night: I screamed because she made the lid slam on her step stool. I said, "Girl, you scared the ........" I paused because I was trying to think of something besides "bejesus".

She piped in, "the craps out of you." Husband is snickering while he is pulling her curtains shut, because he KNOWS I am the one that says that!

Nice one, score another "mother of the year" effort on my part

WHAT I’M READING: The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World ....now planning our days while we are there.

WHAT I’M WATCHING: the kids do an art project....Will is working on a ABC book about himself. It is killing me not to go in there and get all "McCrafty" on him.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: ....just pushed "most recently played" on my Ipod: Wicked Game by Chris Isaac. I think this might be one of my all time favorite songs.

WHAT I’M WEARING: shorts and an orange top ...(how funny, last week, I was wearing orange as well!

WHAT I’M EATING: had apples and a cheese stick for a snack

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Tonka Bean candles still....

Photohunt: artificial

2009-08-15T18:45:00.002-05:00

that is one big honkin long neck, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Artificial dinosaur at Dinoworld .....who knew there were dinosaur's in Kentucky??

hosted by the wonderful TNChick....Next week the theme is ripples

Thursday 13.....second time around

2009-08-13T08:23:00.004-05:00

I have missed doing a Thursday 13. So I am going to start the ABCs again. Without further ado, this is the very first ABC Thursday 13 I did in Dec. 2007.

1.....duh........adams (I asked my hubby these as he wondered in here at 11ish) Our monogrammed silver we received as a wedding gift. It belonged to his grandparents.

2. a spoon

3. apples..it has to start with an A....the kids favorite snack

4. how many times you gonna change the rules......he says......

5. accordion....my aunt Brenda played the accordion

6. it has to be something that has to do With us

7. I didn't ask to be "blog-accosted"...he says, ".i am trying to get a snack and go back to bed

8. apple....I already did apple

9. there is another rule

10...nothing starts with a ....how about animals (PS, this is a picture I took yesterday at Livi's preschool. These animals were glued down to the hood. Even funnier, a grandpa was the one driving it!)

11 ...apostrophe.....Good golly, he is almost done with his creme brule'....he cannot think of anything else that starts with a

12. albacore...okay, he is really reaching now....

13....and the big finale....

I think I am going to start the new year ....okay let's really act like it is the new year .....with the ABCs

tuesday with tommie

2009-08-11T12:17:00.003-05:00

WHAT I’M READING: The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World ....now planning our days while we are there.

WHAT I’M WATCHING: Whatever is on the DVR.... I think there is a Gene Simmons Family Jewels on it. For as crazy as that man seems, he is fairly down to Earth!

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Livi sing. Honest to Bob she told me, "I sing so beautiful, I can make a bird pop!" Oh girlie.....you never cease to make me laugh! I am pretty sure she is talking about Fiona in Shrek.

WHAT I’M WEARING: shorts, orangish top that matches my new "Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It" pedicured toes. I am so not the matchy-matchy girl but the color caught my eye.

WHAT I’M EATING: I had cereal for lunch, does that count? Just drinking the standard diet DP now though.

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: The kids both being in school....whew hoo!!

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Tonka Bean candle from Partylite....what is a Tonka Bean? I don't imagine it is a little yellow truck shaped bean?? But it does smell good, kind of spicy.

As for a self pic, I decided to take a pic of my toes. I love me some freshly painted toes. I almost wrote: me + pedi'd toes = TLA ....but it wouldn't all fit.

Happy Tuesday, y'all

Back to school for a sassy little girl

2009-08-10T19:54:00.006-05:00

Livi started Pre-K today. Both kids are natural morning people....(I am so not a morning person. Coffee with plenty of creamer keeps me going!) Sure enough this morning, she hopped out of bed just a bit after Will.

It seems like the summer has flown by, but she is very much ready to go back to school. She us very excited to be in Will's old class. She is very independent. She went right in and started coloring on the project the teachers' have out for a 'transition' project. Some of the kids in there have never gone to preschool, so they were having a hard time seperating from their parents.

Unlike year's past where I may or may not have sat in my car and cried, I suddenly found myself free for three whole hours! My first thought was, "Wow! It is so quiet!" I just ran my normal errands. (though this town is in serious need of a quaint coffee shop!!)

When I picked her up, she was the first one called. She was very excited when she came out: "Mommy, I didn't get in time out!" Of course, all the moms waiting out there laughed. She had a great time telling me all about the things the big kids do in PreK.

PS: it was so humid here when I took my camera outside to take a picture, it immediately fogged up! I had to use my phone.

Even though these are the Manic Monday questions from last week, I am still going to answer them. I haven't participated in one of these in forever!

Would you rather go a week without bathing, but be able to change your clothes, or a week without a change of clothes, but be able to bathe? I think I would be able to keep one set of clothes clean much easier than not bathing. That just grosses me out thinking about it.

If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose? Ellen....she makes me laugh, I would get to dance. I am sure there is a fun place to eat around there!

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

Snapshot-July 2009

2009-08-07T20:45:00.004-05:00

Snapshot of Thirteen Things during the month of July

1) photo of me: taken with my Iphone: just after I got a cut and color. (Yes, I need some lip color. No, I am not driving, just buckled up!)

2) current candle scents: some Partylite candle, kind of spicy flavored

3) what i am currently reading: I did get the new Real Simple in the mail today.

4) newest music i added to my playlist: does a podcast count? I listen to my old radio station from Texas.

5) movies i saw: We took the kids to see G-Force last weekend. Kind of cute, Livi danced most of the way through it!

6) something yummy i made this month: Cilantro lime shrimp with a corn and black bean salsa.

7) the last place i ate out: Chick-fil-A

8.) something that made me cry: recently...when I was late to pick Will up from his first day of kindergarten ....dang early release! (okay this happened in Aug, but I am totally counting it!

9) something that made me laugh: Livi and her 'princess muscles' . (See post below this one)

10) something i looked forward to this month: hanging with the cousins in OH for the fourth of July. In case you have wondered, this is what a sugar high looks like!

11) something i am thankful for: living close enough to drive up to OH for the long weekend.

12) something i want to remember about this month: These gorgeous pink flowers: the first time I saw them, I thought they were fake flowers. They grow on top of these very straight thick green stalks about two feet tall. A lady had some in her yard in a circle around a lamp post. I wondered why on Earth she would put such fake looking flowers in her yard! Then I saw them in my neighbor's yard! They look so fake, but are so gorgeous!

13) a photo i took this month: My baby girl, lips stained red from eating a "rocket pop", and always with a flower in hand.

borrowed from Janet at Fond of Snape who borrowed it from Dawn

Fantabulous Friday

2009-08-07T07:17:00.005-05:00

Top "livi"-isms from Thursday:

Her head can just be used for a basketball. (This was after Snow White's head seperated from the body of her little polly pocket one.)

Don't worry. I have special princess muscles. (After I told her the Snow White polly pocket would have to go in the trash since I couldn't get the head back on it.)

We went to get Livi's hair trimmed for school. She starts PreK next week. After posing and admiring herself in the mirror, she said, "Don't you love my hair? It looks 'fantabulous'!

Yes, sweety, it looks 'fantabulous'. I do hope she continues to have this kind of self-confidence.

Once we got outside, she asked, "Aren't you going to take a picture to send to Daddy? I know he would want to see my 'fantabulous' hair." This is the picture we took....

I am sure we will have a 'fantabulous' Friday, wishing you one as well.

Back to school and back to blogging

2009-08-05T14:51:00.005-05:00

Will started Kindergarten today. Last week we went to Open House. I really liked his teacher. She reminds me of my favorite aunt (who was a second grade teacher). He knows one other kid in his class from pre-K. So this morning when we were getting ready to go, he was fine. Husband took him. I wondered how many parents Mrs. W had to kick out crying!

Unlike year's past , I didn't cry (yet). I did get a little misty-eyed but that is about it.

Livi is still home with me until Monday. So I did some errands around the house. Then we ran a few errands around town. At lunchtime, Livi and I went to Chick-fil-A. She found another little girl to play with in the playarea. I asked her dad if she was in preschool. He commented, "No, she is in Kindergarten." I must have had a "UGH??" look on my face, because he added, "We live over in such and such county." I knew for a fact such and such county school started today as well. We just drove out there for a playdate yesterday. Immediately he got on the phone with his wife....."oops". I left feeling kind of sorry for the guy. Pook kid missed out on her first day of kindergarten!

Feeling kind of proud of myself for not getting too boohoo-ey all day, Livi and I went home. We dropped off some stuff, then I realized I better to get to school to find a parking spot for 2:15 pickup. We live a hop, skip and a jump from school. On the way out of our neighborhood, I see kids walking home.....WTH?? DANG....I totally forgot early release this week.

Talk about a big ol' honking OOPPPPSSS. Feeling like "mother of the year" I rushed into the cafeteria to pick Will up. Here I was feeling all smug I hadn't cried all day! There were a few other kids in there as well. On the way out, I said to Will, "I am so sorry I didn't pick you up on time. I guess some other moms forgot as well."

He looked around and said, "Nope, Mom, you were the only one!" Yeah, yeah, yeah......Just add it to my mother of the year application.

happy birthday to me

2009-07-08T20:03:00.004-05:00

Happy birthday to me...I don't know what I thought 41 would be like...I don't feel 41. I don't look 41. Though I do notice a bit more gray, a few more 'cracks' (as Will called them) around my forehead where I scrunch it. Midlife is not at all what I imagined way back when I thought 41 was OLD. I guess two kids under six will keep you young.

I look back at my teen years: always being the good girl, getting good grades, making it into OU. In my twenties, I was still the people pleaser. Now I was just pleasing my principal and fellow teachers. It took me a year or two to learn to say "NO" to various things I was volunteered to do.

I got married when I was 30. We moved from Oklahoma to Alaska, leaving everything I had ever known. Thank goodness for the good friends we made there. I also had two babies in two years. Now that will make life interesting. It was then that I finally learned to stop trying to please everybody.

I also figured out I might not ever fit back into those pre-baby clothes. My body is definitely curvier in places it didn't used to be curvy. But I can find and wear clothes that fit my body and look good. Clinton and Stacy (from What Not to Wear) are fountains of info! A good under garment (as Stacy and Clinton would say) is not something to skimp.

So, slowly, over the past years I have learned to realize while I might not be perfect, I am alright and I have some great bras!

Here’s what I want you to do for my birthday. Send someone an e-mail and tell them how much you appreciate them, or love them. Do it right now. Then tell me about it in the comments. That’s what I want. It’s my birthday so you have to do it.

PS, these cupcakes are definitely in my future. Here is the recipe

tuesday with tommie

2009-07-07T19:44:00.003-05:00

Long time no post! We went to OH for the long fourth of July weekend. We had so much fun! Husband went to a bit of his twenty year reunion. We had some awesome fair food. Will rode the roller coaster twelve times. This picture of me and him was taken at the top of the ferris wheel. Right after I took this picture, he started freaking out since he thought I would drop my phone!

WHAT I’M READING: The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World ...still reading this. I got all of the reservations we wanted. There is one minor glitch, but it worked to our advantage!

WHAT I’M WATCHING: DVR'd Here Come the Newlyweds. Very cute show.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: just turned on Pandora. It played "If Everyone Cared" by Nickelback. I love this song!!

"If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
We'd see the day when nobody died"

WHAT I’M WEARING: shorts, t-shirt, freshly washed face

WHAT I’M EATING: nada, it is late. Had my favorite pasta for dinner though

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: having a working laptop cord. It had been delivered to my neighbor's house!

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: the Crystal Light lemonade I am drinking

tuesday with tommie

2009-06-30T20:36:00.005-05:00

I will spare you a self portrait pic this week. I have been experiencing some vertigo, so I thought this pic of Will exemplifies how I feel, going round and round ....everything very blurry!

WHAT I’M READING: The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World ...still reading this. Next week is the day I can call to make my advance reservations.

WHAT I’M WATCHING: DVR'd Hitched or Ditched...the momma doesn't like the guy's girlfriend, so you know it won't work out!

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: just turned on Pandora, Nickleback station. It played "If Today Was Your Last Day" I love the words to this song:

"My best friend gave me the best advice. He said each day's a gift and not a given right. Leave no stone unturned. Leave your fears behind. And try to take the path less traveled by, That first step you take is the longest stride"

WHAT I’M WEARING: jammie pants, t-shirt, freshly washed face.

WHAT I’M EATING: nada, it is late. Had quesadillas for dinner though

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: thinking of the long weekend

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Crystal Light lemonade I am drinking

Manic Monday and a fun new car

2009-06-29T20:11:00.004-05:00

What is the longest love relationship (partner) you have had, and if it has ended, why? Being married to Husband. We have been married twelve years this fall. It certainly doesn't feel like it. I guess it is true, time flies when you are having fun!

What is on your bedside table? a Tiffany style lamp that my sister gave me, a Bose Ipod docking station (that I got for Husband when he got home from Iraq....I wonder how it ended up on my bedside table???) and usually whatever book I am reading.

How many pillows do you have on your bed? 7: two in pillowcases, two in some mustard yellow shams, two in one that coordinates with the duvet cover, and one foo foo pillow (that has somehow ended up on Livi's bed)

Do you make your bed every day? Are you kidding me? Of course I do!

Husband came home with this fun little sporty coupe. (This pic is straight from the Volvo website.) After his head on collision, it made it all too clear that despite you being a safe driver, you never know what the other guy is going to do. The car is so fun and is Safety's friend. Will called it a "go speed racer".

Friday fill in: weekend update style

2009-06-28T19:32:00.005-05:00

Graphic courtesy of Tonya! And...here we go!

6. At Dinosaur World the sun was shining. It was so hot, I felt like I was melting!

1. She had a great sense of style. Despite the fact that I laid out her outfit with matching shoes, Livi choose to wear these pink MaryJanes. But she did mention that they were NOT the proper shade of pink. This was a battle I chose not to fight.

3. I know this: Will has the bluest eyes.....even today, someone commented on them when he was getting his hair cut.

2. Husband is by my side, always. Thankfully, even after this weekend started out with him getting in a head-on collision, he will continue to be by my side. He is fine, though a bit bruised and sore. He is sad to have to say goodbye to his convertible!

4. I still hope Husband finds a car that he loves as much as this one.

5. These words apply to me: organized.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to pizza with the family, tomorrow my plans include dinner with Will's future in-laws and E and Sunday, I want to take the boys to get haircuts and start looking at cars for Husband!

PS, so sorry my Fill In is all wonky! I couldn't move the pics around, I could only move the text. Oh well! Happy Friday fill in on Sunday!!

Friday fill in questions courtesy of the talented Janet

Photostory Friday: wanna flower

2009-06-25T19:59:00.005-05:00

Livi has a gift to see the pretty in every day things. A couple of weeks ago while we were waiting on Will at his soccer camp, she found another little sister there. Before you know it she had a little bouquet of flowers.....or are those weeds? Either way, we brought them home, put them into a little vase for our dinner table.

I hope you don't ever stop seeing the beauty in things, Livi!

PS, my favorite picture of her was also taken that day.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

tuesday with tommie

2009-06-23T19:21:00.003-05:00

WHAT I’M READING: The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World ....pouring over all the food selections, character dining, etc. I am getting so excited!

WHAT I’M WATCHING: DVR'd Here Come the Newlyweds...love this show!

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: the hum of my laptop. The babies are sleeping.

WHAT I’M WEARING: jammie pants, t-shirt, freshly washed face. It was hot today. We were outside quite a bit, so I was sticky. I can't like being sticky!

WHAT I’M EATING: nada, but we had grilled chicken and wild rice for dinner. That is one of my all time go-to meals. I can use the leftover chicken in some quesadillas soon. Yummy!

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: Husband made it home for dinner tonight. He has been working some long hours these past two weeks.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: new dryer sheets I tried this last time...something lavender.

PS...several people asked me about my eyelashes in one of my tuesday with tommie posts. First off, I have VERY straight thin eyelashes. But my little secret that I have done every since I ever started wearing makeup...(some where along the same time I used a can of Aquanet on my hair!), I have heated up my eyelash curler with my hairdryer before I curl them. For the life of me, I can't remember who showed me this. After that, I use the mascara in the pink tube: blackest black. I have tried the waterproof, but I use the regular one.

Disclaimer here: this pic is taken pre-makeup. Not that I wear that much anyway!!

Happy father's day, Husband

2009-06-21T13:28:00.003-05:00

Happy Father's day, Husband. Keeping things simple with a little interview with the kids.

I really love it when my dad:
Will: tickles me.
Olivia: tickles me and snuggles me.....Oh, and makes good food.

My dad likes to:
W: fly planes.
O: love on me.

My dad always tells me to:
W: strip my bed on Sundays.
O: Go to bed because I don't like to go to bed. He is a good daddy, the most good Dad.

The best thing he does is:
W: let me scare him when he gets home from work.
O: make is famous cheesy pasta.

It makes him happy when I:
W: try to make him laugh.
O: help him clean the kitchen.

My dad loves to:
W: hug me and Stister, and you. **tommie note: Will still calls Livi his Stister even though he can say sister!**
O: read. And I like to read too.

I like it when:
W: he cuddles me.
O: he tickles and snuggles me.

The best thing he cooks is:
W: his famous cheesy pasta.,.....Oh and pizza!.....pizza pizza, I love pizza.
O: cheesy pasta.

When my dad shops he likes to buy:
W: Daddy chips (sour cream and cheddar ruffles potato chips)
O: strawberries and blueberries so they can be mixed in ice cream.

My dad's favorite household chore is:
W: Can we just take this one out?
O: to clean the tables.

My dad's favorite TV show is:
W: Mythbusters
O: dangerous shows, NOT our kid shows. But sometimes we watch kid shows together. I do not come in here when Daddy is watching mean shows.

At the hotel he likes to:
W: swim.
O: snuggle me.

If he could go on a trip he would go to:
W: Disneyworld
O: Disneyworld.

Friday Fill In

2009-06-19T20:10:00.004-05:00

Friday fill in questions are from Tamy at 3sidesofcrazy; thanks, Tamy since the talented Janet is recovering from surgery today. I do hope you are doing well Janet!

And...here we go!

1. All children alarm their parents, if only because you are forever expecting one kid or the other to break a bone, or at least something to require a visit to the ER. **ps,every post deserves a pic, so I had to throw in this "crazy face" pic. I do think this was the first crazy face pic we ever took (circa fall 2007). These started when Husband was deployed. I would take a pic of them for something, then they would say, "Let's do a crazy one for Dad!"

2. Show me a good loser and I will show you a person who is still a loser.

3. Ugh this makes my tummy ache just thinking about it is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one time.

4. Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy being cool and smacking flies. This Youtube video cracks me up. I do hope someone ran up with a baby wipe or some hand sanitizer after this.

5. I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine moisturizer and tinted sunscreen. I do this in the summer when I run out of my favorite makeup with sunscreen built in!

6. It is impossible to think of any good meal, no matter how plain or elegant, without carbs or butter in it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on some blogs , tomorrow my plans include movie and popcorn with the kids and Sunday, I want to take a big honking guess......sleep in!

Photostory Friday: magnolia blossoms

2009-06-18T18:35:00.006-05:00

This past winter we had a fairly severe ice storm here in Kentucky. Many people were without power for weeks. Our power flickered on and off, but we never lost it completely. Just when you didn't think it could rain and freeze anymore, there would be another day of it. Hearing the trees limbs moan, groan, and creak with all the weight of the ice was like some horror show. We lost several branches of trees.

Most significantly was this magnolia in the front yard. I seriously didn't think it would come back. One branch snapped right in the middle of the main trunk. Another branch was touching the ground from all the ice on its branches.

So this past spring, I was pleasantly surprised to see these gorgeous blossoms on our little tree.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

tuesday with tommie

2009-06-16T16:17:00.001-05:00

self portrait tla, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

**pic taken at the dentist yesterday** just keeping it real here

WHAT I’M READING: the latest Real Simple magazine

WHAT I’M WATCHING: The Bachelorette...DVR'd from last night

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: rain and a bit of thunder

WHAT I’M WEARING: black leggings and a black swingy top

WHAT I’M EATING: crunching on ice, does that count?

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: that the kids aren't too bored not being in school. Today Livi asked to clean the baseboards! I was doing the "house blessing" and she wanted to help. Go crazy, baby girl!

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: cinnamon apple candle

Happy Tuesday, y'all

tuesday with tommie

2009-06-09T15:45:00.005-05:00

1) photo of me: taken with my Iphone this afternoon! Love that thing!

2) current candle scents: apple cinnamon. I just went to a Partylite candle party, can't wait for those to get here!

3) what i am currently reading: Cookie Magazine

4) newest music i added to my playlist: Some princess relaxation stories for Livi for when I had to take her to my hair appointment.

5) movies i saw: Listened to the kids watch Madagascar2 on the drive to soccer camp every day.

6) something yummy i made this month: lemon chicken...oh my, it was heavenly!

7) the last place i ate out: sad to say, McDonalds

8.) something that made me cry: recently...Will's graduation

9) something that made me laugh: getting sprayed by the slip n slide

10) something i looked forward to this month: summer break

11) something i am thankful for: family, friends, food....brought to you by the letter F

12) something i want to remember about this month: my baby turned six and loves his Superman jammies

13) a photo i took this month: Livi, at Will's soccer camp final day. She wanted to wear her hair in a headband. I agreed. I swear I said, "Get your hair out of your face." at least 1000 times!

borrowed this from Janetwho borrowed it from Dawn)

Interview with Claudia Hall Christian

2009-06-08T08:28:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago, Claudia of On A Limb with Claudia asked me to be a part of her blog tour promoting her new book. I immediately agreeded to do this. I am very excited to be able to interview Claudia. Several people have already asked the questions about the book, so I went in the other direction. Without further ado… the interview:

If you were a car, what kind of car would you be?
Book mobile. Large and sturdy with just the right story for everyone who comes to visit.

If you were on a desert island with only one thing to eat, what would you want an endless supply of, and why?
I’d want a laying chicken and a rooster so I could have eggs – which are my favorite food. I’d grow chickens for food. Mmmmmm. And you know, people say that snake tasted like chicken. But it does not. No. Snake tastes like snake.

What do you really want to do with your life?
I want to live my life to it’s fullest. I’d like to make the most of every single minute of every single day. I enjoy helping people, but I don’t need to leave my ‘mark’ on them.

In more practical terms, I want to continue to write novels and serial fiction about interesting people, who try hard, fail miserably, but keep doing their best.

Do you have any plans for the summer?
We are hoping to get backpacking over the forth of July weekend. Right now, our lives are fairly uncertain right at this moment, so other than a little backpacking we’ll stay close to home. Between the gardens and the hundred year old house, we have plenty of “adventure” to enjoy before the snow returns.

If you were on American Idol, what song would you sing?
“When you wish upon a star” That’s a song that plays a significance in The Fey, my thriller novel. It’s the only song I can play on the piano. I just love the song.

Do you remember a favorite teacher?
School was never really my thing, Tommie. I endured Elementary School and Jr. High. In high school, I worked so much I basically didn’t go. I never had a problem with the school work, so was passed from grade to grade. My favorite teacher in college was Dr. Jasper Rine. He was wicked smart, and very kind to me in a moment that I needed smart kindness. In some ways, he’s a major factor in my learning to listen to my own wisdom.

What is the hardest thing you ever had to do?
My first thought was surviving my parents’ home. My next thought is getting through the aftermath of my father’s death. My father was the glue that held my sisters and I together. When he died, we fell away from each other in a way that’s irreparable. Even though childhood was tough, I always thought I’d have my sisters. Now, they are just strangers in a sea of people. It’s truly broken my heart.

Tell me about your favorite book?
Wow, there are so many. My favorites growing up were the Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare and the Lord of the Rings by JR Tolkien. As an adult, I admire so many writers. I admire Ursula Le Guin for writing excellent, entertaining fiction with deeper meanings. I admire James Joyce for his obsession with language. I love Mark Twain’s dedication to writing for ‘real people.’ James Lee Burke writes amazing characters. Sue Grafton has an unbelievable capacity to hold to her era, her time frame in the Alphabet mysteries. Jasper Fforde’s fiction is so quirky, wild and brave. Gosh, I could go on and on.

Who is someone you admire?
I’m kind of funny. I don’t admire famous people or accomplished people. I admire people like you, Tommie. I admire anyone who gets up in the morning and do their best regardless of the circumstance. It’s so easy to give up or give in to the overwhelming press of modern life. The choice to just keep moving, one step at a time, is truly admirable.

I have a particular soft spot for military families because they give so very much. Every member of a military family gives up something so that the soldier can do his or her job. They work so very hard and get very little credit for all they do.

Favorite music/song/ or band?
I’m a huge Breaking Benjamin fan. Right now, my favorite song is “Forget it”

What is the easiest organization tip you have implemented in your day to day routine?
Uh, other than emailing Tommie in a panic for advice! *g*

The best tip I learned from Tommie, the organizational Queen, is to create a weekly meal plan. There are so many benefits to just having a simple meal plan. My husband is gluten intolerant, so we cycle wheat products. I love any kind of cookie, muffin, bread, you name it. With a meal plan, I know what I can eat and what’s not the best choice. Bless you for being such a great teacher.

While I did not know this was going to be a tommie lovefest, I enjoyed being a part of her tour.

Claudia has generously offered a copy of The Fey to Operation Shoebox for active duty soldiers.

With this discount code, you can receive 10% off, if you want to purchase the book. Just enter : HLV7SKA2 when you visit https://www.createspace.com/3369215

Five little fingers......Photostory Friday

2009-06-04T20:37:00.002-05:00

While we were in OH for Memorial Day, my sister-in-law had her baby. He is such a good baby. These hands are baby A's and his daddy's hand. We were all sitting around the fire, munching on s'mores. He was so content, lying there so peacefully, while all the crazy cousins were taking full advantage of a sugar high.

That is one of the few things about being in a military family that I don't like. You never know if you will be close to family. Close enough to be there for births, birthdays, and long weekends. We are only 5 hours from OH...close enough to go for the little things. I have loved being close to family again!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Happy Birthday, Will

2009-06-03T16:15:00.006-05:00

You've come a long way, baby! 9 months

Happy Birthday, little Man! Six years ago, I went to my 38 week OB appointment. Little did I know that by midnight, I would be holding a precious little boy. I looked over at you with tears in my eyes. I couldn't believe you were here.

Around Christmas time that year when you were almost seven months old, you said your first words. Your daddy walked in your room while I was changing you. You looked up and him and said, "hey Dad!".....I just cracked up laughing. For the rest of the month you continued to say that just for grins and giggles from everyone around you. This was the beginning of your silly boy self.

Tonight when I was doing your bedtime routine, you commented, "Mommy, I am now two hands years old." Holding up your left hand and right thumb, you let me sing your night time song, "Hush little baby".

Happy birthday, Will!

tuesday with tommie

2009-06-02T19:33:00.003-05:00

Keeping it real here, I had to get my hair colored this morning at my favorite Aveda salon here. I have never had to take a kid to a hair appointment. But she did okay. She wasn't quite sure what to think of the entire process!

WHAT I’M READING: the latest Southern Living magazine.

WHAT I’M WATCHING: Hitched or Ditched....yes, it is a real show!

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Josie snoring, at least she isn't tooting

WHAT I’M WEARING: Halloween jammie pants from Old Navy....they are so comfortable I just can't bear to put them away

WHAT I’M EATING: Nothing...without giving TMI, I must have eaten something that doesn't agree with me this afternoon.

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: seeing Will learning so many soccer skills, though he is worn out after three hours in the sun every morning.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: cinnamon apple candle

Happy Tuesday, y'all

Manic Monday

2009-06-01T20:25:00.003-05:00

Imagine you're packing a picnic lunch. What would be in your basket? Are kids involved? PBJs, apples, baby carrots, juice and water. Adults: cheese and crackers, olives, some crusty sandwiches, and wine.

If your life were a weather vane, which direction would it be pointing right now? Which ever way the wind is blowing? Since school is out, it is going to be fairly laid back summer.

What's something that people do in traffic that really annoys you? Kind of funny you should ask this, I took this pic with my Iphone in traffic today. Do you see what I see on that truck? Look closer, just below the tag....yeah, those are truck balls. Now who in their right mind decides it is a grand idea to hang balls from their trucks? Not only that, but when Will asks, "Mommy, what is that?" Nice.....wait until your dad gets home, ask him!

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

Awesome weekend here....we did a little kite flying.

Will had his final soccer game. I had a Mother-of-the-Year moment: I had another game on my calendar for him. So I left before the end to get dinner started. I was so sad when he walked in the house beaming with his new trophy! Oh smell, it happens.

This morning, I dropped him off at his first camp. He is going to a half day soccer camp. He looked so little out there with all the big kids. He didn't say much to me about it except a minor problem in the bathroom: he couldn't get the faucet on to wash his hands! But when he was telling Husband about it, he went on and on about it. Husband said he hasn't heard him talk that much about anything!

First week of summer vacation has started!

Friday Fill In

2009-05-29T19:38:00.004-05:00

...here we go!

1. It's cold and forming condensation on my wine glass, it sure is humid here.

2. I love tomatoes with mozzarella and balsamic vinegar.

3. My favorite health and beauty product is Aveda hair products....if my hair were longer, I imagine I would walk around sniffing a lock of hair all the time.

4. After a nice long ride....and we were at the beach. (taken Memorial Day '08)

5. Well, first of all I did not realize Will's birthday party is in a week. I am on the hunt for some great party favors, since my old standby of the foofoo cookies will take too long. I really do not like putting together that bag of crap kids get at parties.

6. How sad, I don't even remember; those were the cast of characters in a recent dream and it was fairly unremarkable since I can't even remember.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to veggie pizza with the family, tomorrow my plans include menu planning and finding the birthday party favor crap mentioned above and Sunday, I want to sleep in!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Photostory Friday: Giving up Bunny

2009-05-28T16:22:00.003-05:00

Livi is a thumb sucker. She has always been a thumb sucker. I think I even have a sonogram of her sucking her thumb. Trust me, I tried to get her to take a "binky"....but no, she has always wanted her thumb. Along with the thumb, she wants her bunny. My brother calls her a "secret sucker". She holds one ear of her bunny in her thumb sucking had, while rubbing the other ear with her other hand. Over the years she has rubbed a hole in that ear.

One year went by then another....

Six days before her second birthday, her Daddy deployed for 15 months. This shot appearred in the Austin paper. It was also one of my first blog entries: Stuff Portrait Friday: Freedom. Probably not the best time to try to take the bunny to stop the thumb sucking....(the only time she sucks is when she has the bunny.)

Fifteen months later in Dec '07, Bunny is the one thing she wanted to bring to the welcome home ceremony. She was worried her Daddy forgot Bunny. Again, not a good time to take Bunny away.

That summer we moved......remember the chaos of that summer:
Went to the beach '08 for a week
We SOLD a house.
Lived in Oklahoma for almost a month....most of it without Husband
Lived in Ohio for three weeks
Bought a house in KY and painted every square inch of it

By now Livi is three and a half years old. She still has Bunny

Last night, on her own free will, she announced she was ready to give up Bunny. We have had a tiny gold ring in a princess Limoge box. We promised her when she was ready to put Bunny away for good, she could have the princess box and the ring. Going to sleep was a bit rough, there were a few tears., but she did it. All by herself! First thing this morning...Thursday, May 28, 2009, she earned that golden ring!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

ABCs of our weekend

2009-05-27T20:38:00.003-05:00

For some reason I am in a severe blogging funk....these ABC posts are such an easy way to get my random chaotic thoughts together. So, from last Friday until now....

Attended the kids preschool graduation

Brought to tears to see my little boy and girl end another year

Cried....okay, I cried. I did. But not the big honking "ugly" cry, just a few leaky tears.

Drove to Ohio for the long weekend

Eat (okay it should be ate, but I need an E word) lots of good food

Finally downloaded the pics from my camera...eeks guess how many I took?

Grandkids galore...all of my in-laws grand kids were there this weekend. It is so nice to live close enough to drive up for the long weekend.

Happy to get to hold my new nephew.

I love seeing how patient and gentle Will is with his younger cousins.

Josie's toots make me keep a can of Febreeze very close by me.

Kids played on the slip-n-slide

Love that my mother-in-law keeps pinot grigio on hand because she knows this is my favorite!

Made it home from OH in less time, despite getting lost. I used Google maps on my Iphone mid trip to find our way back! whew hoo!

Nine shows on my DVR from the long weekend...."Medium" is playing now.

Olivia has a song in her heart that is bursting out of her mouth 24/7....how's that for a positive spin on she talks non-stop!

Photos are finally downloaded. I need to make copies for my in laws.

Quite the rain showers today....soccer was even cancelled, a rescheduled rain game.

Really nervous for Will's first half day camp next week.

S'mores by the fire....sugar 'em up and hope they crash right at bedtime. Very fine line of timing there.

Today was the first real day of summer break for us! The kids even slept in just a tad.

Ugghh....is this thing almost done.

Very good grilled burgers tonight...cumin and oregano, then topped with cheddar and cilantro. Yummilicious

Welcomed Baby A into the world...congrats to my sister-in-law M and her husband A.

Xpect lots of grins and giggles when a new baby is around.

Ya'll still reading this because I need to go get some

Zzzzzsss.

Nighty night, y'all!

Peony surprise

2009-05-21T16:50:00.002-05:00

When we moved to this house, it was late summer. The flower beds behind the house had already come and gone. So I cleaned them out, saved what I thought wasn't weeds, and hoped for the best. Then even in March or so, I cleaned out some more stuff. I seriously did some weeding and digging up stuff.

I wondered what would come up back there. To fill in some of the blank spaces, I ordered a complete foundation garden from Spring Hill Nursery. I mean, it comes with a diagram and all the plants! How easy can it get?

Much to my surprise one of the few things I thought might have been weeds were these peony bushes! The bushes are so full that the blooms make the branches droop. They are so gorgeous.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Manic Monday

2009-05-18T20:40:00.003-05:00

If you could completely redecorate any room in your house at no expense to you, what room would you choose? The master bedroom. Every other room in the house is pretty much done. I absolutely love West Elm or Pottery Barn. One day we will get to it. It definitely always seems like our home is a work in progress.

Which hour of the day do you feel goes the slowest? That moment just before my alarm clock goes off....I wish kids came with a snooze button. You know, just bop them on the head and they go back to sleep for nine more minutes! Yeah, wishful thinking...I know.

If your birthday could be in a different month of the year, when would you have it? Anytime during the school year. I never got to bring cupcakes in for my classmates since my birthday is in the summer. I did have one teacher that did half-birthdays! I would totally bring my chocolate chocolate chip cupcakes with cream cheese frosting!

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

Friday fill in

2009-05-15T21:32:00.004-05:00

1. If we had no winter, the kids would never get to ride those fun sleds.

2. Things that come out of the kids' mouths a perpetual astonishment.

3. If I had my life to live over I would try to relax a bit. *pic taken at the pool from my neighbor in TX**

4. I try to live in the time of here and now inside of four and twenty hours.

5. If you've never been thrilled then I am sad for you.

6. To be interested in the changing seasons means I need to check my allergy meds.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to pizza with the family, tomorrow my plans include soccer for the boy and Sunday, I want to veg!

Photostory Friday: sunshine

2009-05-14T16:35:00.004-05:00

This week we finally had some sunshine and warm weather that I have so desperately been craving. The kids were able to play in the sprinkler for a bit. The picture below the big hair post just below this one was taken this afternoon as well.

After getting a handful of shots of the kids, I thought I would take some pics of the flowers in the garden. Yellow flowers against the blue sky are one of my favorite things.

As I ventured over to the flower beds, Will and Livi both had to come over to hop in the frames. The crazy pics never get old for a 4 and 5 year old. I think he is still missing Monkey!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

tuesday with tommie

2009-05-12T19:15:00.003-05:00

WHAT I’M READING: the latest Real Simple magazine

WHAT I’M WATCHING: Whatever is on the DVR, I haven't watched TV the last two nights! So I know Gossip Girl, Castle, Charm School, Medium, House, Desperate Housewives, Daisy of Love....oh yeah, some good "trash TV" as Will calls it.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Josie snoring.....and Gossip Girl.

WHAT I’M WEARING: jammies

WHAT I’M EATING: had chicken quesadillas for dinner earlier

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: first day to let the kids run around in the sprinkler. They would run through the sprinkler, then come hug my legs. Lots of silly laughter!!

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: not much, spring allergies are not my friend. My nose is kind of stopped up!

Happy Tuesday, y'all

Note: tuesday with tommie pic circa summer 1991....bride's face blurred to protect the innocent.

Let me just say, a great deal of hair product and Aqua Net went into that hairdo.

Mother's Day: an interview

2009-05-11T18:40:00.000-05:00

Picture of Will and me at the Mother's day tea at his preschool. Blurry, but the only one I could get on my Iphone. Also he is smooching his lips, so that I wouldn't see his food! silly boy!

Will: I really love it when my mom tickles me.
Livi: I really love it when my mom snuggles me.

W: My mom likes to snuggle.

L: My mom likes to love on me.

W: My mom always tells me, "Stop, chewing on baby." (**a little baby he sleeps with, no child is getting gnawed on my my little boy!)

L: My mom always tells me to "Clean my room!"

W: The best thing she does is love me.

L: The best thing she does is snuggle me.

W: It makes her happy when I kiss her until she laughs.

L: It makes her happy when I love on her.

W: My mom loves to cook
L: My mom loves to do the house blessing.

W: I like it when she hugs me.
L: I like it when she cooks dinner.

W: The best thing she cooks is pasta.
L: The best thing she cooks is cheesy pasta.

W: When my mom shops she likes to buy Cheese Its and chex mix

L: When my mom shops she likes to buy food.

W: My mom’s favorite household chore is getting it up and down (cleaning both floors)

L: My mom's favorite household chore is to clean the floors and use her new vacuum.

W: My mom’s favorite TV show is 'trash' tv
L: My mom's favorite TV show is the news.

W: At shops she likes to apples and bananas.

L: At shops she likes to buy mommy chips (tortilla chips).

W: At the hotel, she likes to swim in the pool.
L: At the hotel she likes to help us go to bed.

W: and L: If she could go on a trip, she would go to Disney world

W: I love my mom because she is my mommy

L: I love my mommy because I just love her.

This weekend, Will's soccer game got rained out.....so both he and Husband were able to go to Livi's first ballet recital. She is in "creative dance". It was quite cute to see all these 3 and 4 years old dancing to their songs.

Friday Fill In

2009-05-08T20:23:00.002-05:00

And...here we go!

1. Apples are to oranges as laundry is to cleaning.

2. So happy it is the weekend and that's all I have to say about that.

3. I think I hear the quiet house, kids are sleeping.

4. You're a grand ol' flag. (Will is learning this for his preschool pre-K graduation.)

5. Do what you want to do, but have fun while you are doing it....it was raining cats and dogs today. This is the street in front of our home....when it rains, get your raincoat and boots.....Then go have some fun!

6. The kids were dragging every tw0 and four wheeled toy out of the garage and behind him was a Radio Flyer wagon; in the wagon was a bucket filled with bottles of bubbles and sidewalk chalk.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Livi's ballet recital, tomorrow my plans include grocery shopping and Sunday, I want to have my favorite meal for Mother's Day!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Having a week like this

2009-05-06T21:29:00.002-05:00

Louisville Zoo, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Ever feel like this....?

yeah, me too.

Photostory Friday: No Monkeying Around

2009-04-30T16:54:00.004-05:00

These are no ordinary plate of cookies. Oh no, it is not.....

and a close up of just Monkey..

If you missed Livi's original performance of : Have A Rainbow Day movie, take a peek.

After Monkey visited us in early March, I wanted to send his mommy an unforgettable thank you gift. I knew she had blogged about a fabulous cookie-maker extraordinaire...Laura of A Dozen Eggs. Here is her where she blogged about them.

She even has a blog of all her other fabulous cookies. But, the most awesome thing about Laura and these monkey cookies.....She sent a sample of the cookies she mailed Monkey's mommy! We
absolutely enjoyed them!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

tuesday with tommie

2009-04-28T20:25:00.004-05:00

I am sure this is supposed to be one of those one word memes circulating on Facebook. But this is my tuesday with tommie...I get to change it.

Where is your cell phone? sitting beside me
2. Your significant other? Husband
3. Your hair? newly cut and colored
4. Your daughter? talkative
5. Your son? methodical
6. Your favorite thing? right now it those cute red sandals I bought last week
7. Your dream last night? I don't remember
8. Your favorite drink? diet DP or white wine, do I really have to choose
9. Your goal? peacefulness
10. The room you’re in? living room
11. Your church? the kids' preschool is at a church
12. Your fear? Something happening to one of the kids
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? HAPPY
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you’re not? messy
16. Muffins? Monday
17. One of your wish list items? not much really
18. Where you grew up? podunk Oklahoma
19. The last thing you did? put the kids to bed
20. What are you wearing? jammies
21. Your TV? playing DVRd 90210
22. Your pets? Josie, the tooting French Bulldog
23. Your computer? laptop
24. Your life? is pretty much an open book
25. Your mood? relaxed
26. Missing someone? friends from various places we have lived
27. Your car? Volvo XC70
28. Something you’re not wearing? socks
29. Favorite store? Gap
30. Your summer? coming up pretty soon
31. Like(love) someone? yes
32. Your favorite color? cranberry red
33. Last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? last time I was a "woman"

Manic Monday

2009-04-27T20:10:00.003-05:00

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

What's the best summer job you ever had? babysitting...the mom would tip really well after having a glass or more at the end of the evening.

Tell me about the worst date you ever went on.: I had been teaching for a couple of years. There was this super cute student teacher. We did the standard first date: dinner and a movie. When he picked me up in this car that looked like its next stop should be the scrap yard...I really tried not to judge. He was just finishing up school. He walked around to open the door, kind of impressed. He was a coach, didn't seem like the type! Once he got in on his side, he said, "That door is a wee bit loose." uumm, excuse me...what do you mean loose, define loose. I kid you not, after the dinner on the way to the movie, the freaking door fell OFF! Now that I look back at it, it just sounds funny.

Do you think the age for a driver's license should be raised (currently 16 here in the U.S.)? Since mine are more than 10 years from the age, I really have no opinion. Granted most of my friends did get in wrecks within a few months of getting their permit.

future driver in 2019

future driver in 2020

pics randomly found on my Iphone from recently....the kids love taking pictures of themselves.

Friday Fill In

2009-04-24T20:26:00.003-05:00

1. Apparently there's some sort of diva at Will's soccer game...she is modeling Husband's sunglasses. She was striking poses as I was trying to take pics of Will at his game.

2. Soccer on a sunny day is the best.

3. 2009 has had WAY TOO MUCH winter so far.

4. Moment I got sentimental.....Will's kindergarten registration this morning that was it.

5. For too long I've been waiting for spring.

6. I am not obsessed with my Iphone; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Will's soccer game, tomorrow my plans include more soccer and Sunday, I want to surf Etsy for some fun stuff....bet you thought I was going to say sleep in!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Photostory Friday: Shake your tail feathers

2009-04-23T18:37:00.001-05:00

This week I was able to chaperone a field trip to the zoo with Will's class. Just as we entered the zoo, we could hear a peacock....it was hooping and hollaring very close by. You can only imagine how startled eleven four and five year olds were when this beauty swooped down just in front of them. I, myself, didn't realize peacocks could fly! I was hoping he would fan his feathers. But he just walked on by, still rambling his distinct cry.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

tuesday with tommie

2009-04-21T15:31:00.005-05:00

Doing something a wee bit different for tuesday with tommie: The ABC’s of me…
A - Age: 40
B - Bed size: Queen, not nearly big enough when one kid or the other climbs in
C - Chore you hate: cleaning the shower
D - Dog's name: Josie
E - Essential start your day item: coffee with lots of creamer
F - Favorite color: cranberry red
G - Gold or Silver: platinum
H - Height: about 5'3"
I - Instruments you play(ed): clarinet
J - Job Title: domestic diva
K - Kid(s): 2 - Will and Livi
L - Last movie seen: Twilight
M - Mom's name: Ramona
N - Nicknames: tommie
O - Overnight hospital stay other than childbirth (if applicable): jaw surgery way back when

P - Pet Peeve: While in waiting areas, (like at gymnastics), people who have to talk super loud, like you are really interested in what they have to say.
Q - Quote from a movie: "Son, you got a panty on your head"
R - Right or Left Handed: Right
S - Scared of: the kids getting run over in a parking lot. I still make them hold my hand.
T - Time you wake up: 7 or when the kids wake up
U - Under the water or Up in the air:..under the water.

V - Vegetable(s) you dislike: brussel sprouts
W - Ways you run late: I rarely run late...but not setting the alarm would be a reason
X - X-rays you've had: do dental ones count?
Y - Yummy food you make: I can make some mean muffins.
not sure where Z went!!

borrowed from : Juliette at Wait 4 the News, my old TX neighbor who now lives in Maine

Manic Monday

2009-04-20T18:29:00.004-05:00

Just another Manic Monday…

Describe to me your favorite lounging clothes. Believe it or not, the t-shirt pajama pants from Old Navy are super soft. They are too long for me, of course. So I usually just cut them off. They just roll up a bit and do not fray. Now, the flannel ones I do have to hem...

PS, you know it has been a good weekend, when most of the laundry on Monday morning is pajamas and outside play clothes! Let's just say, it was a good Monday today!

If you promised to never lie again in your lifetime, in what area would it be hardest to uphold the promise? I am a people pleaser, so this is a hard one. Probably along the lines of making an excuse to do something that I really don't have to do.

Give a one word answer to the question “why is life worth living”. Absolutely easy peasy one....one of the happiest days of my life: Husband coming home from his deployment

Friday fill in

2009-04-17T20:54:00.004-05:00

1. Join me in a great afternoon of fun and sunshine.

2. Put a little sunshine and happiness in your day!

3. Happiness is seeing tulips along the walk around the neighborhood.

4. Dressing in her brother's swim suits and confused is how Livi dressed while we were washing my car this afternoon.

5. I'm waiting for spring to stay.

6. A glass of wine is hard to resist.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to veggie pizza with the family , tomorrow my plans include haircuts for the boys, yardwork, and just being outside in this gorgeous weather and Sunday, I want to sleep in & make some crab cakes!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Photostory Friday: What Do You See

2009-04-16T19:56:00.003-05:00

What do you see? Just a wee little candy that holds magical powers over the kids. I am so not above bribing them. These are the mini M&Ms. Yes, those tiny ones that barely register chocolate in my mouth. But for the kids, they are magic. Will and Livi both practically potty trained themselves using them. Once for pee pees, two for.....well...for two!

But this afternoon, the mini M&Ms were used in a sorting activitiy. Using the animal characters from one of my favorite children's books: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Yeah, yeah...still making them work for those itty bitty pieces of chocolate.

Page printed from : Making Learning Fun

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

tuesday with tommie

2009-04-14T15:00:00.004-05:00

yes, this is really what I look like first thing in the morning....

WHAT I’M READING: the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2009.

WHAT I’M WATCHING: nothing, listening to the kids watching a Care Bear movie

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: podcasts of the ..Bobby Bones show out of Austin

WHAT I’M WEARING: chinos and a springy top...though it is only 50 degrees! I am really Jonesing for some spring weather

WHAT I’M EATING: snacking on popcorn

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: these adorable Miss Trish of Capri starfish sandals ...they are a true cranberry red. I guess I better get a pedicure soon! (pic taken with my handy dandy Iphone)

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: airpopped popcorn with butter and salt.

Manic Monday

2009-04-13T20:27:00.003-05:00

Do you recycle? We switched to our own grocery bags last year. Why or why not? I had way too many of those plastic sacks. I can only line so many trash cans. We don't do anything else primarily because our trash service doesn't offer it. I don't think I have even seen any of the drop off sites in town either.

Would you rather be a pirate or a prince/princess? Princess all the way! I already would have the best teacher. These pics are from her fourth birthday party We do have a Princess Primer

Are you into astrology? Not really, I know I am a Cancer...and I can be really crabby! But other than that, not at all. If yes, how does it affect your life?

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T20:39:00.001-05:00

taken Easter 2005-Livi

Friday fill in

2009-04-10T20:34:00.004-05:00

wow, has it really been a week since I posted.....

1. Anonymous...this is totally a G rated blog, but if it were something other than that, it would say something along the lines of grow some _____(fill in the blank with your choice of words) and say what you have to say under your own name.

2. Livi is a cheeseball....Liv and Grandma during Spring Break a couple of weeks ago.

3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity huh?? reminds me of a DrDrew quote I saw recently: "If you are going through hell, keep going". ~ Sir Winston Churchill

4. Flowers and green, anything green what I look forward to most about Spring. ps, this shot so reminds me of spring here in KY....kind of like a tease, one day we have gorgeous 70 degree weather, the next day snow. No lie, that happened last week. It is like spring is not quite sure she is ready to come into focus.

5. Who needs therapy when you have a blog.

6. Paper grass, chocolate bunnies, and Dove chocolate eggs MUST go into the Easter Basket!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Will's soccer game and pizza (game was cancelled though, tomorrow my plans include making chocolate chocolate chip cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for a dinner at friends and Sunday, I want to take a wild honkin' guess!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Friday Fill In

2009-04-03T21:51:00.003-05:00

And...here we go!

1. Angel or not, I will take care of myself and my own first and foremost.

2. Bend me, shape me any way you want me. (what is this?? gumby??)

3. As my mother used to say, you're full of it.

4. Sweaty and thirsty after I'm done working out or doing something strenuous.

5. Even in the most crowded of rooms I can find someone to talk to or at least have a drink with.....

6. Usually Tuesdays....Mondays are busy...Tuesdays are busy, so by the evening, I am so ready for a mellow Wednesday... is a day fraught with peril.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to starting out on this road to go home, tomorrow my plans include making a menu and list to go grocery shopping and Sunday, I want to sleep in!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Photostory Friday: froggy friday

2009-04-02T20:25:00.002-05:00

This week the kids and I are in OH at my in-laws. Earlier in the week, we headed to Dawes Arboretum. Despite the cooler temps, the kids and their cousins had best time running along the trails. At the end of one part, there was a little bridge they could follow. It led to a little island. Will started throwing pine cones into the water. The little cousins had to imitate Will. Cousin S would crack himself up laughing with each splash in the water.

As they got a bit closer to the water, they spotted a very sluggish frog. I guess he came out of hibernation just a wee bit early!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek