2011 Almost a thing of the Past

Not only has Christmas come and gone but the entire year has completely flown by!! Why is it when we are young time just drags on and on and on... But when we get older, WHEW!! It just FLIES right on by. Makes me sad. Not sad sad just sad...The boys are older... there was no letter to Santa this year... No cookies on a plate, ugh!! But that is not to say that we didn't enjoy our grown up Christmas...

Some traditions stay the same... Christmas Eve with friends and family, by far one of my favorites. We are in our pj's... we have soup and yummy accompaniments, dirty Santa, pictures... but I did miss my group picture this year. Makes me sad.

Christmas Stockings...another favorite. We ALL contribute to the stockings. Oh, and we don't have traditional stockings, BURLAP SACKS my friends!! Don't want to be limited to small items. There is some good stuff that goes in the stockings.

Our Christmas dinner is steaks. DELICIOUS!!

Have to watch our favorite Christmas movies...over and over and over again!!

And the bonus this year was going to church on Christmas Day!

Bittersweet because we were missing a family member this year. His presence was missed deeply.

2012 will be full of changes. Adjustments. Goals. And I look forward to ringing in the New Year with friends. Our tent will be filled with food, fun and good cheer!!

Happy New Year!! May your year be filled with all things GOOD to Glorify God ALONE!

Brown Paper Packages...

Tied up with string. These are a few of my favorite things.

Home stretch! I have been shopping online. Seems everything should arrive before Christmas. Still stumped on a few gifts. Mainly Mcsteamy. It will come to me I know.

Since my last post we had a MOMENTOUS Birthday here! Number 1 son is SIXTEEN and burning up the roads! So strange to pass him. But so far he seems very focused. Needs a little work in letting me know when he arrives and departs places. But it sure has been handy having him tote Number 2 around. And run errands... LOTS of errands.

Getting ready for a full house for Christmas. House is clean and ready. Hope we can keep it this way until Friday. ;-)

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There's No Place Like Home

Mercy... We have been on the road the past four weekends between swim meets and Thanksgiving. Now I am not a home body by any stretch but I am ready to be home. I am WAY behind on Christmas shopping. Someone has a 16th birthday on Tuesday. I have a teacher luncheon to coordinate and a little work thrown in the mix. Holiday parties this week.... I need to find a formal for Saturday night's party.

So go ahead... Leave some encouragement or better yet offer to come do my shopping and cleaning :-)




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It's Beginning to Look alot Like Christmas

So how many of y'all have finished decorating? Bought and wrapped your gifts?

Mmmmm, good for y'all! I am still trying to get decorated so today is my deadline. If it isn't out today... It AIN'T coming out! I get so overwhelmed with ALL THE STUFF! Snow Village (sorry, not coming out this year!). Trees... I have 3 that are up and decorated. (listen, one would not be enough for ALL the ornaments!). Of course the NATIVITY scenes are out! (my favorites by far!). Christmas dishes are ALWAYS easily accessible. My favorite candles! Mantel is decorated and of course the PENNY MCALLISTER is out in full force!

I did have a slight epiphany while decorating... I think I love black check and green with accents of red. Just saying' I may COMPLETELY SIMPLIFY for next year. Although with ALL the complaining from the boys I may skip it next year! Bah humbug!!

Anyhoooo, just a few pics for your viewing pleasure...

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Somebody...

Is going to the STATE HIGH SCHOOL swim meet for the first time....

NUMBER 2 SON!!!!!!

It was so exciting watching his team cheer him on!! Even the media got in on the action!! He is so HAPPY!!! He will be one of two middle school boys from our team attending!!

Yep, I'm a PROUD mama today!!

I May Regret...

that i have spent so much time away from my blog. So much has happened since my last posting. some good... some not so good.

Let's start with the good...

number 1 son was inducted into the National Honor Society

my parents came for a visit...

mine and mcsweeties 19th anniversary...

halloween parties...

anniversary {belated} celebration dinner...

Now the not so good...

hospital visits...

parents came for a second visit... {not good}

FIL's funeral

Now the bittersweet...

McSweetie, his mom, brother, sister and his parent's pastor were all with him when he passed. My MIL came out and said, "it was the sweetest thing.... NOW get me out of here!" Oh.. it was a tough couple of weeks of hospital visits, family coming in... the not knowing.... and then finally a sweet passing. Oh he is SORELY, DEEPLY, TRULY missed! And it hasn't even been two weeks. You think because you have time to "prepare" it is easier. NO the loss is still the same empty feeling. Fifty years of marriage they had. Such a wonderful example of loving your spouse... loving your family... working hard... enjoying hobbies...My kids are lucky to have had such a wonderful POP. Some of our most favorite times in the past year was just going down and talking. Not a huge family affair... just us with his parents... talking about just the day to day stuff... the good and the not so good. Treasured visits for sure.

It will be a tough transition... you want to ask how are you doing... well we all know the answer to that.... CRAPPY!! Oh sure... some days it will be easier than others. But the year of firsts... yep that's tough because all the biggies are just around the corner...Thanksgiving... grandkid's b'days...Christmas... his would have been 73rd Birthday...

But still much to be thankful for.. HE is reunited with his FATHER... friends and family that have gone on before him.. and WE WILL join him one day!!

Soli Deo Gloria!!

FALL...

I am out of hiding... for now anyway! Could go back to the blogcave any minute but for now I am willing to be out amongst the blogging world!

The air is so crisp and FALLISH!! I am ready for jeans and a light sweater to be a common outfit... you know any of the cute outfits we have ALL pinned on PINTEREST!!! How i do LOVE that sight! {maybe you would know that by ALL the pins and likes I have!} My PINTEREST buddies and I were supposed to get together this past Tuesday but life sometimes gets in the way... FALL FESTIVAL COORDINATOR, CANCER, just to name a couple... so we postponed for a few weeks! I still cannot wait to get together with this great bunch of friends and CRAFT and EAT again!

My parents are coming in town for the weekend! I always love when they are here! We will settle in for watching some FOOTBALL ALL DAY SATURDAY! My table is already decked out with a DIVIDED HOUSE theme! Now to get some YUMMY tailgating goodies and we will be SET!

Halloween is just around the corner and I am still trying to figure out what McSweetie and I can be.... no huge ideas yet!

Boys are GREAT... lots of schooling and swimming going on here! They have several Halloween activities coming up! They are really mixed in with a great bunch of friends! Makes me SMILE!!

See, really just same ol' same ol' around here... Y'all may just wish I went back to the blogging cave!

Have a HAPPY THURSDAY and a wonderfully FUN weekend!!

Hello October...

So it has been a few weeks since I have posted... What has been going on? Well, let's see...

The PINTEREST party was a TON of fun! Made some cute stuff and ate some YUMMY food. We have our next PINTEREST day planned for Oct. 17th!! YIPPEEEE, cannot wait!

I am enjoying my Bible study.. A Praying Life! Have been doing alot more of that lately!

My time with Great Life Fraud, I mean Fitness is OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That guy is a nut case! {Why do I have so many nutcases!!??} {speaking of which, JILL~ where is my lesson??} He has given my friend Sellers a hard time about a money back guarantee weight loss plan he gave her. She ended up gaining 2 pants sizes... he had foods on there she was ALLERGIC to and NEVER changed the menu. Come to find out this is the menu... WORD for WORD, BOARDER and ALL!! HE DIDN'T CHANGE A THING!!!!!!!!!! She has repeatedly asked him if he came up with this diet on his own or with a nutritionist. He has yet to answer and resigned to give her her money back. We shall see!

My gig with my attorney friend is going well! REALLY busy this week!

All the gang had Dentist appointments... 41 and still no cavity! Both boys need fillings at the end of the month and Number 1 son needs his wisdom teeth out. Growing in just like mine did. Does insurance cover that?? I sure HOPE so!

Football season has been fun to watch. Last weekend we had friends over and Number 1 and I were the only BAMA fans in the room! Sorry GATORS!!!!!!!!

Oh, I am a GREAT AUNT!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!? Am I old enough for that?? Hopefully we can meet little Alex really soon!

FIL is not doing so well! Makes me sad!

Taking requests for dinner... seems the request is from Jill's recipe box... her pasta recipe or her burgers... I feel a chickfila night coming on!!

Well, that about sums it up!

SOOOOO EXCITED!!

Some girlfriends and I are getting together for our very first PINTEREST party!

Monday!!

CANNOT wait to see the cute stuff we will make!!

Sports, Sports, and MORE Sports

that was yesterday's theme. I went up the road to watch my niece play volleyball. Then I headed back down the road to watch my nephew's football game. Then it was home to pick up Number 2 son for swim practice. Grab Number 1 from swim practice. Then had a free moment, (yay right!) and took Number 1 to our JV football game for stadium clean up. Busy afternoon!

Taught bootcamp this morning. Sore already! That's a good thing, right?

Have Bible Study this afternoon then I get to be a Jordan and help my friend with her kids this afternoon!

Nothing else major! Ready for the swim meet this weekend. Will be nice to get away for a few days!

House Full of Friends...

Good Friends!!

It was a full weekend! Starting with Porch Party Friday... which the weather was so perfect we could ACTUALLY be out on the porch!

Following Friday night we had Homecoming on Saturday. Number 1 son requested an "After Party" with friends so at 11pm I started making waffles, sausage balls, etc for the crowd of about 20! Prior to that was the dropping off for dinner... picking up for pictures, dropping off for yogurt, the dropping off at the dance. Did manage to have a quick bite at our favorite mexican restaurant with my bestie above!!

Sunday was a, s-l-o-w, moving day. Going to bed at 3am is PAINFUL in your 40's. Then we had to regroup for SNF to meet at the house.

No bootcamp this am... my gals had other obligations. So now I am off to house clean. And a lunch date with my friend Lisa! Feeling some sushi...

You is Kind, You is Smart, You is IMPORTANT..

Finally went to see The Help. We have had mucho rain this weekend so yesterday after church we used my LivingSocial Fandango voucher and headed to the movies. I wasn't sure if the boys were going to like it but it was a UNANIMOUS THUMBS UP for all of us!

Afterwards we spent some time visiting with McSteamy's parents. Always enjoy our visits.

Today we ALL slept in! I finally woke up around 9:45. I NEVER get to do that! Now I am leisurely doing laundry, playing on the computer and about to grab my new book The Book Thief. Number 1 son had to read it this summer and LOVED it! So he has insisited that I read it. Lots of thumbs up from my friends so I should enjoy it. Number 2 son is finishing Mockingjay so I cannot wait to get my hands on it as well!

Sad our Royal family did not come for a visit. They were afraid that the weather would be too bad. But we enjoyed time with our friends... watching football... eating... eating.... drinking some YUMMY cocktails in honor of the tropical storm...family worship on Sunday with said friends... lunch at FIREHOUSE.....

Our long weekend has not been dampened by the weather. For us it was the perfect excuse to hunker down and not feel guilty for not doing any yard work etc.

Here's to a short week!

House Divided...

First Saturday of SEC FOOTBALL!!!

Compliments of Pinterest I am making Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies...Crock Pot French Dip sandwiches

and the ol' stand by cheese, sausage dip!!! With some roasted peanuts to snack on as well!

Table is all set up!

Rainy days make me feel not guilty for staying in the ol' pj's and watching FOOTBALL ALL DAY LONG!!

Roll Tide!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAR EAGLE!

Long Weekend...

Who doesn't love a long weekend? We are looking forward to a weekend of leisure and friends and FOOTBALL!!!!

Can I get a big ROLL TIDE and a little WAR EAGLE! Remember we are a house divided!

We have friends coming in town so I have been cleaning like a mad woman! Of course the dogs coming in and out kinda negate the vacuuming and the sweeping.

Working a little today... lessons this afternoon if the rain will hold off. That's really about it...

Have a great day!

Full Swing

We have almost rocked out our second week of the school year {only 34 weeks to go!}

And we are in full schedule mode... I am still getting up EARLY to teach my classes. I have added the job of filing for a friend of mine who is an attorney. Right now I am working with a client to get all paperwork in order for them to go to court. It really has been fun. And the plus is that it is out of the home so I don't have to dress up. In fact today I went straight over in my workout clothes. {I did manage to change out of my VERY SWEATY shirt, lol}.

Trying to receive a package from UPS.. thought it was supposed to be delivered between 2-5 today and so I get home at 12:30 only to see the little sticky note on my door!! I hope I can just sign the back and they will leave it tomorrow. I can check on it at lunch time.

We have the first HS football game tonight. Unfortunately we have to miss due to meetings and a project due for Number 1 son tomorrow.

Have a fun day trip to look forward to on Saturday. {just adults!}

Sunday is the Welcome New Family party for the swim team.

I wonder when the house will get clean... I need the "Cleaning Fairy" to head to my house. You know who you are. You flighted all around today teasing those of us you didn't visit!! But how sweet the ones you did!

Well, I have spent much time getting my hours straight for my bootcamp classes so now I must bust a move to get clean for haircut and meeting this afternoon.

Hey DAD!! I updated!! Love you!!

{How many of y'alls dads read your blog?}

Happy Thursday!

Today's Post...

Is sponsored by my new addiction. PINTEREST!!

Whatcha think!?

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We ALL Survived...

the first week of school! And to celebrate we are going to a sweet friend's house tomorrow night to CELEBRATE just that!! I have missed seeing ALL my buddies this week!

How have I filled my time?? Well, I am still getting up at 4:55 to teach my bootcamp classes M-R! I am helping a friend of mine who is an attorney with some filing, that was 2 days this week. I spent Wednesday reading THE HUNGER GAMES. Couldn't put it down! I now have the second book and CANNOT wait to get started!! My Wednesday morning prayer time with my friend Amy. A nice run by the BAY on Tuesday and weight workout on Wednesday. Of course the usual afternoon SWIM TAXI mom!! Plus a random school meeting thrown in. Then we come to my "REAL" job as art teacher on Friday!

Whew! And it is still so stinkin' hot here!! We did get a nice cool snap on Tuesday morning! It was almost chilly down at the BAY! Makes me so READY for FALL!! Football!! And HALLOWEEN! I love decorating for Halloween and with PINTEREST i have found some really cute new ideas!!

Well, I am going to surprise the boys with "Chicken on the King" for dinner! Have a wonderful weekend!!

First Day of School Picture

Taken after they got home! Still all smiles from this morning!

I have a feeling it is going to be a great year!

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M,M & M

One of my most favorite events....

Moms, Muffins, and Mimosas!!

A yearly tradition!

Such a fun time this morning with friends.

Thirteen to be exact....

I only took a picture of the food...

My friend FlipFlopsandPearls took one with her iPhone...

Now I remember why I didn't want my picture made...

Still in my sweaty workout clothes...

She was all CUTE as always!!

May have to steal her shoes!

Now the wait is on for the First Day of School run down...

Before we run out for our afternoon activities.

AKA swimming!!

Happy First Day of School!

Summer is OVER??

No, that is not quite accurate. Summer vacation is over, Yes, that's the one!

If summer was over it would be cooler outside, right?

Nothing COOL about our days!

Went to the pool yesterday and about melted!

Hard to read with sweat rolling into your eyes.

A mudslide helped that problem a bit! ;o)

Trying to get the house straightened up

for the annual Moms, Muffins, and Mimosas tomorrow!

Because tomorrow is the first day of SCHOOL for the kiddos, SAD!

We FINALLY bought the lists of school supplies but you know that "new" list will come home tomorrow.

Many little details to go through today.

First some time for worship!

So, if your kiddos start back tomorrow....

hope they have a great year!

If they have already started back...

Have a great week!

If they are too young to start....

enjoy the ride cause it goes too fast!

If yours are leaving the nest...

I pray for peace as your heart is breaking!

If yours have already moved past college...

give them a call and just say hello!!

Happy Sunday!

Newest Addiction...

PINTEREST

haven't tried it?

Well, since i have used it on my phone then

moved to my computer..

HOLD MY COW!!

I can't seem to get away from it..

food

crafts

decorating

gifts

entertaining

LOVE, Love, love!!

Check it out this weekend!

Happy Friday!

Delete Button...

Don't you wish you had one in life sometimes. Just, "click", DELETE the things/people/situations that are making you unhappy? Then I stop and think... these things/people/situations are not here by chance. They/it are here for a reason. Then I reflect on Romans 8:28:

And we know that in ALL THINGS

{people, situations}

GOD works for the good of those who LOVE HIM,

who have been CALLED according to

{here is the critical part}

HIS PURPOSE!

you mean it is not MY PURPOSE..

what I think is best for ME

My family??

Happy Wednesday! Here's to being JOYFUL in all my circumstances, people and things!! And LOVING HIM through it ALL!! {ps but I still think a delete button would be kinda fun!! ;-) }

I LOVE Quotes..

Found this one yesterday... and it is VERY APPROPRIATE for what is going on with our lil family right now..

"Be fair with others, but keep after them until they're fair with you!"

Alan Alda

Just a little thought for the day!

R&R

Nothing like going home for a little rest and relaxation! Not to mention time with friends! Good food! Sleeping in! Good shopping! May not want to go home. Plenty of people would let us stay with them... Hmm!

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Registration

Sophomore... REALLY?!?!?!?

8th grader.... LAST YEAR OF MIDDLE SCHOOL??!!

I don't have boys anymore... I HAVE YOUNG MEN living in my house. We were sitting at the dinner table last night and I just looked at Number 2 and thought... WOW, you are not my LITTLE BOY anymore. He has seemed to have really matured this summer... Not in behavior but in looks. {His behavior is just fine!! LOL}

So off I go to get a shower after a SWEATY morning of bootcamp! Still going strong! Had 5 this morning several are out of town and some have had sick children. Life happens. I hate the alarm going off at 4:45 but I do enjoy my time waking up with these sweet ladies! They brighten my day {literally it is dark when we start but by the time we are done.. Presto, let there be light!!}

Happy Wednesday!

Reflection

I went back and read my very first post on my blog. Hard to believe I have been blogging since 2008! That's 3 years. That is 3 years of our life here. It's 3 years of a diary of my family's day to day happenings. Over the past 3 years I have had the pleasure of reading many blogs... some focus on fashion, some on home improvements, some are craft related, some of you are like myself and just blog about your day to day life. Some of you I know personally and some I don't. I think if you are like me it's just a way to keep up when i can't hardly remember what I did yesterday.

My blog is for my own personal use. Not to brag about my life, good or bad, but just to remember what we have done... who we have done it with.. How our lives have changed so much over the past 3 years.

I hope over the past 3 years I have not been offensive in any of my posts. I don't think I have. I have written about my FAITH and how GOD has worked in our lives. If that is offensive to any of you, I cannot apologize for that. I can only pray that HE would work in your life and that you would have that FAITH as well.

Some blogs I have read have made me sad. Blogs about loss of children and loved ones. My heart has broken for you.

Some have made me most joyful for the addition of children that have been prayed for for YEARS!!! And in GOD's PERFECT timing that addition was made to your family. AMAZING!!

Others I have read have made me sad realizing that words were written in a manner that was meant to be hurtful to others. I have always thought it's your blog and you can write about what you want... but really to write words that would only hurt somebody's feelings?? My feelings have been hurt... friendships lost.... I have written posts only to leave in the SAVE NOW. Just writing it made me feel better but I didn't need to put it out there for others to read.

I write tonight wondering if it is time to make Just Another Day on the Bay my own private journal. Just a thought. If I do and you truly want to stay in the loop Hollah and let me know. It's not a done deal. Just a thought! You can still find me on FB doing my day to day as well, running, working out, teaching, cleaning, taxi driver, cook, scrapbooker, pool goer, sun lover, enjoying days/nights with my friends and family, you get the idea.

But for now I leave you wishing you a fabulous week, doing the things you love, with the people you love.

Sweet dreams!!

SUNSHINE on my Shoulder...

Makes me HAPPY!!!

YES!! The sun is finally out! It has been quite elusive the past week! What to do? Go out and soak up some rays?? both boys are gone for the day...

Number 1 son at the river... Number 2 going rock climbing. Hmmm, what to do??!!

I hope all YOU DO makes you HAPPY today!!

Happy Friday, thanks for stopping by!

RAIN!!!!

AGAIN!!

Positives:

• Don't have to run the sprinklers
• Means lower utility bill
• Don't feel guilty for staying inside...
• And watching a movie
• Or reading a book
• Or scrapbooking

Negatives:

• Feeling a little Vitamin D deficient
• Dogs HATE to go out in the rain!
• I hate the stuff they track back in the house
• I hate their wet feet on the furniture

The rain did hold for my class at 5:30!! We watched all the storms {about 4} dance around the BAY! Very neat!! The breeze felt so good this morning! Would have stayed to run but I knew it was just a matter of time and the bottom was going to fall out! It has! Not good for the ol' iPhone! So I came home to chill and drink my Kefir smoothie! YUM!!

Hope the boys had a fun night with the grandparents. I'm sure they did! Wonder who is the POKER champ!? Wonder how many "hot nows" they will eat this morning!?

Happy Thursday! Thanks for coming by!

Sweetest Bag Ever...

This was my treat from my friend's recent trip to South Florida! And inside I found...


These! I cannot wait to use my agenda! I will be so cute as I plan my days! An of course I can always use a new t-shirt!

Thank you sweet friend for thinking of me! I missed you bunches while your family was gone! Next year.....

Happy Wednesday! Remember I am supposed to be cleaning, lol!



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80% Chance of rain...

and thank goodness it ALL came in tonight! The youth group went tubing today and I just knew it was going to rain on us. But we had an AWESOME day. I say WE because I was able to go as a chaperon. Of course as soon as I walked in the door, I rinsed off the river water... put on my pj's and hopped in the bed. I slept for at least an hour and woke to the 80% chance of rain... and it is still storming!! LOVE IT!! Of course it needs to not be raining at 5:30am!

And tomorrow I MUST clean the house!! MUST!!!! May possibly have house guests this weekend and it is a DISASTER HERE!!

Boys are headed to the grandparents tomorrow for pizza, poker, and sleep over with their cousin! Should be a fun night out!! Complete with donuts for breakfast on Thursday!! Maybe I should spend the night too!!

Watching 101 Ways to Leave a Game Show.... Merciful... It makes me nervous just to watch! Night ALL!

Hello Monday...

it was tough to see you this morning! {After a weekend of a whole lot of FUN!!} 4:45 just comes too early!

It was a fun productive weekend here! A good day of yard work, car maintenance, furniture painting, piano singing, and to top it off a visit with an childhood friend of the family makes for a pretty perfect weekend!

Which in turn makes it hard for Monday to arrive. But Monday is now upon us! I have 1 hour of class behind me... caught up on FB, made my smoothie for the morning, about to start the laundry. Number 1 son has a lesson to teach this morning. So maybe a little pool time. It has been cloudy and rainy so some Vitamin D would be nice.

A run to WalMart is in order as well as the boys keep complaining that "WE HAVE NO FOOD IN THE HOUSE!! WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO THE STORE??!!"

So Happy Monday to all! Thanks for stopping by... hope you have a wonderful week!

Ahhhhh...

a GLORIOUS morning of sleeping in... and with a lovely rain shower to top it off!! I have enjoyed my week of training but I must not lie... the getting up is PAINFUL!!

I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend. We are going to see a childhood friend of McSweetie's this weekend! I am sure there will be some stories told!

Well, I am off to enjoy a leisurely morning.. Number 2 son is making waffles. :-)

Happy Weekend to ALL!

8 & 9...

Those are the magic Numbers of yesterday and today's campers!! I am so excited! It has been a great week! I even have my first REAL client who signed up for the next month after her Living Social deal expires!! Yay ME!!!!!

I won't lie to you... getting up early, not my FAVORITE thing to do! But once i am out the door, ALL is good! And I REALLY enjoy each of the girls that are there!! They are FUN and FUNNY!!!

And the best news is that I could even stay awake until 10pm last night. Night before I was in the bed BEFORE 8pm!! It could also be that I didn't run or workout after teaching... i rested yesterday. Today I didn't run but do plan to attend my cardio chisel class this afternoon!!

House cleaning is what is in store for today!! So tomorrow we can PLAY!! Hoping to get to the BEACH so I can see my friend. Not sure yet, but that is my GOAL!!

Happy Thursday!!

Today's Magic Number....

Was 7!

I had 7 motivated ladies this morning! And I can account for the other 4 so I feel pretty good! They are so fun and I am REAALLLLLY enjoying getting to know them! I hope I am making it fun and motivating! 'Cause if you are getting up before dawn, it NEEDS to be fun!

Afterwards since I was already SWEATY/GROSS I hit my Nike app and went for a little jog! So by 730am I have accomplished alot.

The house is quiet... Boys are still asleep. I am about to make a little breakfast then head to the pool for a little nap!

Hope you all have a great day!


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ELEVEN!!!!!!!!!

I had that many motivated ladies... {you HAVE to be motivated if you are going to get up and out at 5:30} in my FIRST class this morning!!

They were FABULOUS!!! I knew several of them. That makes it nice as well!!

One had not even been to bed because her husband had been in the ER since 10pm and is having surgery this am!! Now THAT is motivated!!

Afterwards I ran 3 1/4 miles...

Time for me to get back on the wagon... If you are gonna teach it you gotta live it!!

Here's to a new BEGINNING!!!

Mischief Managed..

as one of my sweet friends so aptly put it! Harry Potter has been a monumental part of my boy's life. I cannot imagine Halloweens, book parties, midnight premieres without it. A huge piece of their history has ended. And it makes me sad!

I have loved ALL the books and ALL the movies. I know there are some haters out there... well, you missed out.

Driving to the movie last night I wanted to take it all in... it was dark {given}, rainy {quite fitting}, but the best part was the car we followed over there... its license said HGWRTS!!!! Had NEVER seen it before! Cracked us up! Had to get a pic in the parking lot! Cars around us were snapping pics as they were driving. Had to laugh.

Was sad that Number 1 son was not with us to see it! It was CRAZY!! Line wrapped around the theater just to get in {we already had our tix thank goodness!} Had to sit on the very front row... but it was still fabulous! Of course will see it again; I assume Number 1 will let me go with him!

Thankfully it is a cloudy day. I have chores that need to be "managed"....

Hope all have a FABULOUS weekend!

Sleeping in..

what a nice feeling! Of course now I feel like I need to BUST A MOVE to be productive. {this is productive right? How would YOU function w/o knowing what I am DOING today, JK}

Number 2 son spent the night out so I took advantage of that. {Seeing as how next weekend my sleeping in is O-V-E-R!! Why you ask? I am going to start teaching some early AM BOOT CAMP classes!! 5am early!!! YIKES!!! I am giving it a whirl... See how it goes... Calling Josh today to get it all finalized!! Just call me DRILL SARGEANT from now on. Ma'am, Yes Ma'am!

Number 1 son...

is off to camp today! He is SO EXCITED!!! There are about 30 people going with the church including chaperones. He is packed and ready to go! That just leaves me and Number 2 for the week.

Our plans are to continue our Harry Potter-a-thon! So far we have watched The Sorcerer's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets. I hope we can watch the 3rd today but it is a FULL day!

• pick up Number 1 from swim and drop him at the church
• Shop for swim banquet tonight
• drop off HS registration
• drop by MS and drop off my 31 order
• set up for banquet
• maybe somewhere in there straighten up the house from the weekend.
• And someone is going to have to tape the Bachelorette for me! I missed it last week, can't miss two weeks in a row! ;o)

I know Number 1 would love for me to redo his room while he is gone... not going to happen. Not enough time or FUNDS this go around. Maybe I can surprise him during the school year and kick him out of his room for a week. My schedule is a little "FREER" this year!

Ta ta for now.... have to go get ready for all the running around! Here's to a good and productive {Sleeping in} kind of week!

Third Post for the Day

It's just easier to separate them... LOL!!

I hope all had a Happy 4th weekend! We had a great time! We started with dinner and a fashion show Friday night with some friends. She wanted to borrow a dress for our dinner cruise so her family came over Friday night after we all worked out.. ate pizza {I know...} then tried on some dresses. Found the perfect dress...

Then it was the dinner cruise Saturday night. Thought we would be the youngest couples on the boat.. We were not! It was so nice cruising up and down the River!!

Sunday we spent watching some tennis... Then a little celebration for someone's 42nd Birthday!!

Afterwards we went to the HOTEL to watch the fireworks!! Ran into McSweetie's boss! He was very kind a bought me a very festive cocktail that didn't have quite the effect McSweetie was hoping for!! LOL I think I fell asleep faster than he usually does! { And that is saying something!!}

Monday we went to the beach and NUMBER 1 SON forgot the CAMERA BATTERY!!!!!! REALLY?!?!!! Lucky for iPhones I guess! Not the best pics but at least I have something to document the day!! Then we went to Gran and Pops for dinner with the entire clan + our friends! We had a blast... wonderful food, great conversation, cards.... Fun night for us!!

Now I am writing recruitment letters for some incoming Freshman... DZ could have some great members this year!!

Have a fabulous day!! Pics to follow later!

Room Redo Pics.. {if blogger will let me load them}

I love the color on the walls! I was a little hesitant at first but I think it is a GREAT color!!
Annie and Chloe checking out the new digs!
So Fresh looking! Of course Number 1 son is wondering if I will have "Operation While You Were Gone Part Deux"... not sure if I want to tackle his room or not... It has issues... sloping ceilings being the main issue.... We shall see if I feel brave and all!!

A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words....

I love the expression on his face!! Number 1 son was waiting in his room to capture the moment! I'd say he captured it well!

Operation "While You Were Gone"

was a HUGE success!!

Number 1 son was sitting in the room waiting for us to get home! Got a great picture of him seeing his room for the first time! Will post pics later but wanted to say...

JOB WELL DONE!!

Just on the off chance...

That someone would spoil the surprise for Number 2 son, I will post the big REDO pics on Saturday.

A little rearranging, brought in an old comforter that was in the closet...

Makes for a cozy new space!

Can't wait for him to get home from camp! Haven't heard a single peep from him since he has been gone! Must mean he is too busy having fun! Wonder what funny stories he will have when he gets home......


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Walls are FINISHED!!!

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"while you were gone" Part 2

Wow, that was a really BAD iPhone pick in that last post! Anything will look better than that!!

So I got the room cleaned out...

Paint purchased....

Cut in has started...

Now to get painting....

Operation "While you were gone..."

Is about to begin!

Step one: strip it down to the bare bones....

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Make New Friends But Keep the Old...

one is silver and the other gold!

Well, I had the joy of spending yesterday with one of those GOLD friends! She and her family are on vacation so I drove over to soak up some rays with her and catch up! Don't you just love friendships that even if you haven't seen each other in YEARS {yes, waaaayyyy too long} it still seems like yesterday. The conversation just flows. You have a genuine thirst to know ALL about what is going on in their lives. You see how spiritual and Godly they are and you just want to capture the essence of their spirit.

Well, that is exactly how I spent the day. Basking in the glow of a friendship that I have missed since moving away. A friend who is just HONEST about who she is and makes no apologies for who she is, what their family believes in and it is just so apparent that God has called her BLESSED!!!

Not only is that how I spent my day but my evening was spent with my Bible study ladies. It was our last lesson {Yes, very sad about that... VERY!!} It was another delightful evening with ladies who love the Lord. Who want to follow His commands. Women He has called BLESSED!

The food was delicious but the spiritual feeding was and has been even more filling. It came at such a time as this.... These mentors have prayed for me for a year now. And what a year it has been. What if I had not been covered in their prayers... I don't want to think about that. I thank God that HE has perfect timing. At the end of the evening one of the mentors shared the observations they have made about us 8 Appleseed girls... It moved me to tears to hear what these Godly women came to know about me and my family and the other girls there. I asked to keep the card so I could be reminded. 'Cause you know some days you just need REMINDING!! I hope those days are few and far between but if they aren't... Well it is just one note card and a phone call away!

I look forward to the next year and seeing how He continues to work out all things for His Glory!

Tonight I am taking McSweetie on a date!! I can't wait!! I love that man of mine!!

Happy Weekend!!

So I Couldn't Sell My Mom on the Kefir...

But we have been enjoying the smoothies for breakfast in the morning. Little banana, protein powder, strawberries, honey and a splash of coconut milk!! YUMMY!!

We woke this morning to a FABULOUS thunderstorm!! Perfect way to wake up.

They boys are leaving this afternoon for a team swim meet = parents stay home!!

Planned a date night with McSweetie... then found out we have to go to a work related function. Thought ok, let's check into staying a night at the casinos. Uh, not this Friday night! But I am working on a little surprise for someone's b'day....

Fun weekend with my parents.. yummy food, Hot Air Balloon Festival {kind of a DUD!} and just a relaxing weekend. McSweetie's parents came over for lunch for Father's Day. Nice to have all the men together.

Planning a dinner cruise with some friends for the first weekend in July. Wow, one month of summer has slowly slipped away.

Met with our new headmaster yesterday. I will be teaching Art only this year. Probably only one day a week. Wonder how I will fill the other days....After breezing through our local Pottery Barn the other day I would love to work there!! Maybe even just in the stocking room. It is so pretty, the tablescapes... cozy sofas... luxurious bedding, soothing paint...

Or even next door at Williams Sonoma. I really want this! My Bible study this summer has inspired me in the ways of cooking and really focusing on the importance of my family. Having pure thoughts and intentions. Putting my HUSBAND second {God is first ya know}. I have had mixed up priorities over the past years but beginning this year I have REALLY tried to change that. I think we are seeing some good fruit from our new choices.

Happy Wednesday to all y'all out there. I am off to make some oatmeal raisin cookies for the boys to take to the meet!!

Got Kefir??

Well I do. I have been attending a FABULOUS Bible study. One week our lesson focused on healthy eating. And I was introduced to the benefits of KEFIR. It's wonderful for your digestive tract. Probiotics, good protein... So with so many friends at church that use it, I thought I would try it. So Wednesday I went to my friend Sarah's house and got a quick Kefir 101 tutorial. So after a quick trip to the local farmers market and a gallon jug if Raw Milk I was good to go. Actually I also had a stop at Target to get a strainer/small holed colander to use, nonmetal. Now I was goo to go.

So this am I made my first smoothie.... Kefir, frozen mixed berries, a scoop of protein powder and some honey. I feel healthier already. I already have two jars going. Thought my mom may want to give it a try.

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First Summer Project...

Is complete! Totally cleaned out and organized the master closet! It was a DISASTER! (and that is putting it mildly; just ask McSweetie)

-
I feel very accomplished! In fact so accomplished I am heading to the pool for a couple if hours if girl time! Wahoooooooo!

What's on your to do list? If you haven't started make today the day! You'll be glad you did!



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It is early on a BEAUTIFUL Sunday morning...

And we are cruising to the neighboring state for the 3rd time this weekend for a swim meet. The car is quiet. It has been a fun weekend but we would have loved to have slept in. (makes getting up for early service a luxury since we were in the car at 6:30). It is nice that I didn't have to drive!

-
So I sit catching up with all my busy FB peeps, word with friends, war of words... And presto we are almost at the pool!

Here's to A fast swim. Yes, all this way for one swim.... 100 free!


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Just a Regular Week...

around here! Enjoying summer!

I did teach a set of lessons this summer. It is a sweet little boy who came to me last year. He didn't do so well. McSweetie said, "you FAILED and she still called you back??" Uhmmmm, I did not fail. He was just way too scared and it would not have mattered who it was or what they did he WAS NOT going to get it!!

But this year.... MUCH different story! He was awesome. Told me at the beginning of the week he was not going to swim in water over his head... well, HE DID!!! It was wonderful to see that sweet smile on his little 5 year old face! His 2 year old brother took as well. ADORABLE!!! No FEAR!!

Had our second Porch Party Friday last night! Again the weather was yucky before everyone got here but we still hung out on the porch... toads and all!!

Have my MG societies summer party tonight! Bought a FABULOUS dress[es] to wear tonight. Just need to figure out which one! Maybe I'll let McSweetie pick!!

Have a meet all weekend for Number 2 son! Number 1 missed 3 weeks of practice due to studying so I pulled him out of the meet. So he is doing his own workout with his buddies from Honduras {which he was so excited to see this week. They are back in the STATES for the summer}

Well, I could prattle on forever but I need to get ready for some ZUMBA!! Hope you ALL have a wonderful weekend with the one's you love doing what you LOVE!!

First Summer Cooking Lesson

The million dollar question "what's for breakfast?". So, give a man a waffle feed him for a day; teach a man to make a waffle, feed him for a lifetime!

Here's to a lifetime!

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First Beach Day!

This is where we spent our day! After early church we packed a cooler and headed south and east! What a BEAUTIFUL day! Friends to share it with make it even better!

Here's to more summer days like this one!

New Summer Tradition...

We had our first installment of

Porch Party Friday

last night despite the nice early evening thunder shower that popped up. We had about 8 families come over and several that said they couldn't but would come the next time. Well, the next time is this coming Friday night.

Just a fun way to get people together... no mess... low key 'cause everybody brings something. I provide the location and everyone else does the rest.

Now next week I would like to try a new cocktail... any suggestions?

Have a great weekend!

Well, that WASN"T part of the plan...

For the church youth bus to break down at 11pm last night. Two hours from home!! So McSweetie and two other families left around 12:45am to pick them up! Mercy!

And here is the BEST PART... NUMBER 1 Son still got up at 6:45am to go to swim practice! He deserves something for that....

A DONUT perhaps??!! It is NATIONAL DONUT DAY!! GO GET YOUR "HOT NOW"

Have a great weekend!

First Summer Movie is....

Pirates 4.

Number 2 son and I are going on a date today. It is so stinkin' hot here already. My temperature gauge said 104!!! I think today is a good day to stay in.

Number 1 checked in from HOTLANTA and it was HOT!! Hopefully the water park will cool them down!

Have a Terrific Thursday!!

First Summer Trip Goes to....

Number 1 son! He is off to the ATL for a Braves game and some wet and wild fun! While us non-High Schoolers are left behind!

We may just have to come up with our own wet fun... Go to the local ballpark and check out a game or just relax at home and get started on some of those oh so fun SUMMER CHORES... y'all know the ones

• cleaning out closets
• washing windows
• baseboards
• day to day cleaning
• etc
• etc
• etc

Happy Hump Day....{which has new meaning in our house right now....the dogs are going CRAZY!!!!}

THE Summer Reading List

So Number 1 Son wanted to get a head start on his summer reading so we stopped at Barnes and Noble on our way home from our Memorial Day adventure. His mandatory book to read is THE BOOK THIEF by Marcus Zusak. Then he had to choose one other from a list. Had it been me choosing I would have picked MY LOSING SEASON by Pat Conroy. He chose THE PAINTED HOUSE by John Grisham. I am a fan of John Grisham but I LOVE Pat Conroy. So I decided that I would bag that one for myself. Then Number 2 son said he had never read THE LORD OF THE RINGS by JRR TOLKEIN so he bagged that one for himself.

As I was browsing the summer reading table I also noticed the book CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES by John Kennedy Toole Which a friend had recommended to me so I grabbed it too. And then I find out that my most favorite author MARY KAY ANDREWS has a new novel coming out June 7, SUMMER RENTAL. I am excited to get that as well.

So those are the new books on my nightstand to accompany the ones that I have already started.... THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNETS NEST by Steig Larsson, DEAD IN THE FAMILY by Charlaine Harris, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS by JK Rowling,(to refresh myself before the final movie) and lastly PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen.

Whew!

What are you planning to read this summer?? Any thoughts on our selections?


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Summer Fun has OFFICIALLY Begun!

So we have had a great weekend of kicking off our 2011 Summer of Fun! Some of our most dear friends came to visit. We had a full weekend of wet fun! (also celebrating a dear friends HS graduation!)

Also being a teacher brings the end of the year teacher gifts! One being an apple app card hence the blogging from my iPhone! This will be fun!

Number 1 son wanted to get a jumpstart on his summer reading so we stopped at Barnes and Noble this afternoon.

Tomorrow's post will be on my summer reading.

Happy Summer Y'all!!


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Hello Summer time....

Not sure where i got this image from {sorry} but it sums up the weekend... Summer and Memorial Weekend!

Be safe and...

HAPPY SUMMER VACATION!!!!!!! { WE MADE IT!!}

This is it...

The end is almost here... well I guess the end was supposed to be Saturday but we are still here! {Who puts any stock in these crackpots anyway??}

Cannot believe the 2010-2011 school year is ending on FRIDAY!! Can I have a big AMEN!!!!???

Two more PE days for the YEAR!! And it is going to be a HOT week! But I can do anything for 2 days! Then field day is Friday and at NOON it is OVER!!

Company coming in town for the weekend!!

Graduation party to attend!

Hello SUMMER!! I have be ANXIOUSLY awaiting your arrival!

Final Stretch

Two more weeks...

Only one more Monday...

I actually have only 6 more days...

Not sure how many more lunches need to be packed...

Kinda depends on Number 2 son... {He is the one who mostly eats the hot lunches}

Then SUMMER!!!!!

Lots of fun stuff has been going on...

• teaching swim lessons
• Number 1 son was accepted into the Leadership Program through the Chamber of Commerce
• Number 2 son had his luncheon for being inducted into NJHS
• Celebrated Birthdays with some Crawfish
• Relay for Life
• Pool day {self imposed me day... 4 hours at the pool with friends = good mental therapy}
• Dinner at the fav Mexican joint with my McSweetie

• 
  

And some not so fun....

• studying, studying, studying for Number 1 to finish strong his Freshman IB year
• FIL made a trip to the ER this weekend but seems to be doing well and should not have to have surgery!

Today it is a VERY cool crisp morning... Perfect for a quick run before I come home to clean house then off to school to sign my contract for next year!!

Another set of lessons this week YAY me!

Going to go golfing {for the first time EVER with a friend this week, should be interesting}

Now here we go out the door...

Happy Monday to everyone! Continue to keep all those affected by the storms in your prayers and now the flooding... MERCY!!

Happy Mother's Day!

She has taught me so much! {Although this skill did not take too well for me!} I love her more than my luggage for sure! I hope she has a wonderful day! And that you all have one as well!

So it's May, huh?

I let alot of time go by since my last post and so much has happened.

I think I left with Spring Break in full swing... we so enjoyed time on the beach/pool and with friends.

And of course we ended it with Easter Sunday. We went to the sunrise service in our town. Let me just say a sunrise service on the BAY... well it was pretty spectacular. It may just be our new tradition. We met some friends there and it was a great way to start our day. For lunch we had friends over... I provided the meat and they all brought the rest... And BOY was it ALL good. We had an egg hunt for the "little" ones! "Weird games" were set up... croquet and badminton. And then a good game of basketball/horse ended the afternoon. We were all worn out. But much fun was had.

I guess it was just a regular work week last week. Just a few short weeks left of school, YIPPEEEEEEE!!

Spent this past weekend on The Plains for our first Long Course meet of the season. No dramatic time drops... but alot of great technique?? Hmmm, we had fun! So that is good too!

News has been pretty big since we last visited...

The ROYAL WEDDING... did you get up to watch? I did! Yep alarms set for 2:30am so I could make my cucumber sandwiches. Of to the "royal" location by 3am with my tiara on! We ALL had them on! Perfect cocktails to enjoy the festivities...As I was driving home this truck kept honking at me. I really don't think I knew him then it dawned on me.. I still had my tiara on, LOL!

Horrible storms cut across the south last Wednesday. All of my immediate family are safe but the devastation to my beloved UofA makes me so sad! I am about to go and clean out my linen closet and clothes to take to the truck ready to roll out tomorrow. Have any of you "liked" the Toomers for Tuscaloosa? Those people have it going on! If there is a truck close to you, we here in the south sure could use the help!

And the first thing that popped in my head with the breaking news last night was "ding dong the witch is dead,. which ol' witch, the wicked witch!!" But I must confess that I REALLY wanted to see his dead body! Closure, not paraded around town but a shot {no pun intended} just to say well done soldier, well done!

So, that about wraps it up! I'll try to leave you with some pics....

{of course they won't upload! Sorry!}

Sense of Humor...

You gotta have one!

Example: It is 7:47 am on Tuesday. It is our spring break. And I have already delivered Number 1 son to swim practice AND been to WalMart with everything unloaded and put away.
Ummm, I'm usually just finishing carpool! HEADED to WalMart.

Example 2: My sweet friends scrapbooked this weekend at our usual retreat. One of my girlfriends slipped and fell while unloading Friday night. Thought she had just sprained her ankle. Turns out she is having surgery today at noon b/c it is broken. But she cropped all weekend like a woman on a mission!

Also....talking about FUNNY...

Number 1 son is really clever and quick witted! {One might say he gets a little of that from his dad. McSweetie is known to be a smart a$$ and that is what SOME of us find so ENDEARING about him... others... Not so much! {well, they are just missing out!}

Example: Number 1 went on a kayak/camping trip this weekend {this in itself is funny if you know ANYTHING about Number 1 son}. So I head to WalMart on Thursday to get his supplies for the weekend. You know camping food... jerky, bottled waters, trail mix, POTTED MEAT {b/c it was standard food when I camped with my family when I was little... Deviled Ham, Vienna sausages, sardines, you get the picture} and while going down the aisles I see sunflower seeds. I think yes that is fun camping food so I grab the bag. WELL, when Number 1 is packing has backpack Friday morning he runs across the seeds and says, "Hmmm, Well I guess all I need is to hear the banjo's playing now." I just died laughing. He has never even seen Deliverance {neither have I for that matter} but we all know that the banjo's mean BAD THINGS ARE GONNA HAPPEN MISTER!!

So we are already in camping mode when I get a text about outdoor tents to which he immediately replies, "and explain to me what an indoor tent looks like." We all just cracked up! See funny! Quick!

I think his humor came out this weekend while camping with the guys from church! Number 1 son doesn't give himself enough credit. He is funny, athletic, smart, courteous, and just plain fun to be around and talk to! I love him to pieces!! Good jokes, bad jokes and all!!

Here's to Sense of Humor... you gotta have one, especially if you are on your break and you have done all I have by 8:01am. Where is the sleeping in??

House Guest...

The little one on the sofa...

Isn't she ADORABLE??!!

My friend is involved with an organization that

rescues...

She has this little cutie!

I've named her Buttercup

{like from the Princess Bride}

I think she fits in well...

McSweetie,

Not so much!

Time for Change...

actually I did this several weeks ago and just haven't blogged about it yet... Did something I have Never done before... Has made life pretty simple for me... May keep it up.. May not... Here it is...

{sorry it's an Iphone pic....

all I had at almost midnight last night!}

Whatcha think??

TGFG!!!

TGFG= Thank Goodness for Girlfriends!!!

Our school's fundrasier is tonight... semi-formal! Uhmmm, the PE teacher has waaaaaayyyy too many funky tan lines for her usual "black strapless love my dress" dress. So, after working out last night I made the rounds to Michele's, Emily's and Kim's house and raided closets!

I have narrowed my choices to two....

Saved some pennies on this venture and had some quick girl fun time too!!

Thanks gals! Y'all ROCK!!!

Now off to make some more funky tan lines!!

{two more days until SPRING BREAK!!! but who is counting??!!}

Procrastinator..

Nothing like waiting until the last minute... I am usually not this late... but was fearful that we would owe....

And we did!

Seriously.... OBAMA needs MORE of my $$$$$$??!!

Well, "The check is in the mail"

How many more days until Spring BREAK!?!?!!?

The light at the END of the Tunnel...

Oh Spring Break... you are almost here! I cannot wait... and entire week of nothingness!! Please be a BEAUTIFUL week... one worthy of pools and beaches... With some scrapbooking thrown in for good measure... Maybe even a little shopping for Easter... Update on Number 1 son's Lady GAGA experience...

• he had a BALL


• loved walking around NO


• took some of the same pics I did when I was there...{the same leprechaun, cracked me up!}


• Silver people


• Ate at the Gumbo Shoppe


• Loved the Pralines


• Wants to go back ASAP...he is his mother's child!


• Didn't enjoy the opening act of the concert... RAUNCHY!!!!! to the nth degree!


• But was completely gaga for GAGA!!


• Here's to the Born this Way tour... he said I could go next time... how sweet ;o)

If I Could Be a Fly on the Wall...

i bet Number 1 son is about to just DIE!! One hour til show time! I know he is going to have a great time! He has walked the streets of NO.... And ends his day with some GAGA!! I know he is going to have a BALL...

Monster BALL!!!

that is!

Can't wait to see all his pics!

One Happy Camper...

Number 1 son!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BECAUSE....

His First Concert is going to be......

tomorrow night!!

Ok...

can you just imagine it!??

He says all others he will ever see

will NEVER COMPARE!!

He's probably right!!

Just One of THOSE Days..

... that has turned into just one of those WEEKS! We REALLY for our spring break to get here... Or maybe I just need for spring break to get here!!

PRONTO

ASAP

WITHOUT DELAY

IMMEDIATELY

NOW

HURRY

YOU GET THE PICTURE!!

Suffering..

We had the pleasure of a guest speaker in our SS class yesterday. She was PHENOMENAL to say the very least. She is from another country... and she is a principal of a school of which she is one of 10 in the ENTIRE country!! She told us stories of having to hide her students... {alot like a modern day Hiding Place, CTB} She told us stories of parents being threatened that their children would be taken from them FOREVER if they were caught at the school! She told stories of how God opened doors so they could have a permit! She told us stories of SUFFERING for God's sake! And she counts it JOY!!!! People... there are those out there that REALLY know what that means and feels like EVERYDAY! We don't have a clue! Would I be willing to send my boys knowing that if caught they would be put in a Government home forever? I'd NEVER see them again! That is TRUE FAITH! May we be challenged to step out in FAITH and do the work GOD has called us to do!

Our Life in Pictures...

History...

another weekend that is. They come so slowly sometimes but always leave WAY too QUICKLY!! It was a busy one {as always}

Friday night Number 1 son had swim practice while we chaperoned Number 2 son's Spring Ball {cotillion} that is! It was bunches of fun. Even had a mother son/ daddy daughter dance. Boutonnieres and corsages... lots of fun! Got home late and tired but well worth it!

Saturday up bright and early so Number 2 son could get to practice {swim} and Number 1 son play practice.

I managed to watch my friend's daughters soccer face off! Mom and dad each coach a team and they had a showdown on the fields bright and early Saturday am! The teams played well. I wonder what will happen in the rematch!?

Afterwards brought lunch home to McSweetie who is working on a little backyard porch extension project. He then picked up Number 1 son and dropped him at his Coaches house to help lay sod.

Their friend Will brought them home then it was homework time!

I was busy CLEANING for our last night of SNF which was last night.

Saturday evening we spent with friends eating pizza and playing cards... till after midnight!! So fun!

Church...

Grocery Shopping for breakfast for dinner food... {for the HUNGRY teenagers!}

Bowling for the Son's and a pit stop at the Grandparents for this little baby...

Number 2 son's birthday gift... {from ALL the family!}

Whew... lots of stuff ALL fun!

Monday am brought some sleepy heads... kids not up at 6:40! Little rushed around here but all was good! Decided to run this am instead of this afternoon! Much cooler! 3.1 miles! Plan to attend the powerlifting class this evening before Bible study and in between carpools to rehearsal and swim!

Also trying to get grades done and ready to turn in by this afternoon! My LEAST favorite thing about teaching! YUCK!

Happy Saturday...

time to get productive...

Read this on my calendar this week and thought I would share....

"Let's face the music

and Dance."

Irving Berlin, American songwriter

Catching up...{ a few pics for y'all}

Pre Race...

{wouldn't you KILL for those eyes??}
Post Race...
Not sure where McSweetie is...

Post Race the whole

Family!!!