It's a Mann's world

Basketball

2012-01-18T22:43:00.001-05:00

So… let’s just pretend it hasn’t been so long since I’ve posted something of “substance”. I’ll get around to catching up. One day.

Let’s move to the present, shall we…

A few months ago, we signed Jboy up to play basketball in a nearby church league. Practices started last week. The first week he kept complaining about how tired he was & saying the practice took too long. Ha ha! He did much better this week & seemed to have a good time. I’m really curious to see how the games go!

Now, on to what everyone {read: the parents} really cares about: the pictures.

2011-12-30T16:04:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T12:08:00.000-05:00

speechless

2011-11-29T12:58:00.003-05:00

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago how much I love musicals. One of my favorites is Les Miserables. The music & the story are amazing.

In June, PBS aired the 25th Anniversary Concert and I have watched it countless times. The actor who plays Jean Valjean, Alfie Boe, is unbelievable; I've never heard anyone sing like him. Every time he sings "Bring Him Home", I hold my breath through the entire thing. After watching it {again} last night, I decided I ~~wanted~~ needed to share it with you guys.

Enjoy.

where i've been

2011-11-22T21:30:00.005-05:00

1,084 miles. 18 hours 24 mins {approx} over three days. That's where I've been.

What is it?

2011-11-16T00:02:00.001-05:00

A little sneak peek of something I'm working on. Can you guess what it is?

Wicked

2011-11-14T22:08:00.003-05:00

I love musicals! A couple of my favorites are Les Miserables and Miss Saigon. I've seen them both multiple times at the Fox Theatre in downtown Atlanta.

Thanks to my friend, Mae, I now have a new favorite to add to the list: Wicked, which is the "untold story of the Witches of Oz". Probably the most well known song from the show is "Defying Gravity" which I had become familiar with (and fell in love with) thanks to Glee.

Because she's amazing, Mae gave me tickets for my birthday for she & I to see the show at the Fox in September. {is that a really awkward sentence, or is it just me?} Anyway, the day finally arrived and can I just say... the show was AMAZING! I loved every minute of it. Seriously, the music is unbelievable and some parts of the story are so unexpected. I'll never think of The Wizard of Oz in the same way again.

Here are a couple of pics of Mae & I on our night on the town. {thanks, Mae for sharing your phone pics.}

Do you like musicals? Have you seen Wicked?

11.11.11

2011-11-11T23:21:00.002-05:00

I couldn't really come up with anything to post today {or yesterday either, obviously}, so I decided to steal Becky Jo's idea and tell you 11 random things about myself in honor of 11/11/11.

1. I'm kind of obsessed with the TV show C.O.P.S. If it's on, I'm watching it. Love it!

2. My favorite book of all time is Pretense by Lori Wick. I've read it who knows how many times & could pick it up again right now & be caught up in it immediately.

3. In my 35 years on this earth I've lived in no less than 18 homes. I think there are more, but those are the ones I can come up with off the top of my head.

4. It's really hard to come up with 11 things and I'm only on #4. That's sad.

5. In Junior High everyone had to take band & play an instrument. I really wanted to play the flute because it was the instrument the pretty, popular girls played. I got stuck with the trumpet.

6. I have never been out of the country & don't even have a passport. One day I hope to change that. I'd love to visit Ireland, England, Italy, Greece... the list goes on.

7. If I could have any superpower, I would choose invisibility. No question. I'll be the first to tell you that I'm super nosy, so I'd love to be able to just go around & see what people are doing & talking about.

8. For some reason I used to think that if I slept with socks on, or on my back that I'd have nightmares. I have no idea where this came from, but I still have a hard time going to sleep on my back.

9. I'm really bad at math. Really bad. Yet somehow I worked in the accounting department of a large power tool company.

10. I've never really been one to use foul language. {Other than a period in Jr. High when I thought it was "cool" to do so.} However, when I was about three years old I said the grand-daddy of all bad words. My dad was in the Navy, and we were having Easter dinner with a bunch of my parents' friends when I, in my pretty little Easter dress, piped up and said, "Would please pass the effing ribs?". Except, you know, I didn't say "effing". I would be mortified if Jonathan did that!

11. I have never been able to do a cartwheel. I've tried countless times {not any time recently, mind you} but have never succeeded.

So. There you have it. 11 random things about me you probably didn't care to know. ;)

wordless wednesday - kinda

2011-11-09T23:20:00.002-05:00

I just came across this picture from July 2008. I have no idea what's going on here, but isn't he just the cutest?!

the toothless wonder

2011-11-08T12:45:00.001-05:00

As if I needed any more reminders that my baby is growing up, the little stinker lost his first tooth yesterday. It had been loose for several days and it finally gave up the fight.

I had started making a “Tooth Fairy Pillow” when he first showed us it was loose and, needless to say, I went into high gear yesterday.

If you look closely, you can see the space on the bottom.

This, by the way, is the look you get when a certain red-head is tired of you taking his picture. ;)

I’m well aware of how fast time is passing, I don’t need any more reminders for a while. Thank you very much.

a little DIY goodness

2011-11-07T11:44:00.002-05:00

I just sort of assume by now that everyone has heard of Pinterest. I seriously spend entirely too much time there every day. The ideas, pictures & funny quotes are just so much fun! {If you want to check out my boards & follow me you can click the "Follow My Pins" button in my sidebar.}

A couple of weeks ago I came across this super cute idea for a DIY message board. I couldn't resist making one to put on the door that leads to our garage. I'm notorious for being forgetful, so any little thing helps. Especially when it's pretty. ;)

I didn't take any step-by-step pics as it's pretty self explanatory. I bought a frame at the Dollar Tree and painted it white. Then I made a pretty background in Photoshop Elements, but you could certainly use fabric, scrapbook paper, or whatever you'd like. Slip the background in the frame & viola! A pretty message board. The glass acts as a dry erase board!

I used my new favorite thing Command Picture Hanging Strips to hang it on the door. It's also cute to use for messages to loved ones. ;)

If you've made something like this or... well anything... send me a link! I'd love to see!

{flashback friday}

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Halloween through the years:

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Oh my heart hurts. He’s growing up so fast.

Fall Festival 2011

2011-11-03T23:31:00.001-04:00

Last week, Jboy’s school held their annual Fall Festival. I love that they encourage the parents to come & walk around with the kids.

The kids go around to different “stations” to play games & do crafts. It’s always a lot of fun.

Lego Birthday Party!!!

2011-11-02T12:18:00.001-04:00

Since Jonathan has been into playing & building with Legos lately, we decided to have a Lego theme for his 5th birthday.

Let me just say, the internet is such an amazing tool when trying to come up with ideas for any kind of themed birthday party. I only wish I could’ve used every idea I found! {I’m going to put a list of links at the bottom of the post to show where I got these ideas.}

I’ll start with the decorations:

Welcome to the party!

Lego “blocks” hanging from the ceiling in the kitchen.

Banner on the mantle. I made the “blocks” in Photoshop & just printed them & cut them out. The little Lego guy I found on a blog & there was a free download! I thought he was so cute!!!

We also put Legos in jars, and lying around as decorations for the mantle. The jar on the right was a “Guess How Many” game for the grown-ups mostly. The winner won a restaurant gift card.

After a traumatic cake decorating situation at Jboy’s 3rd birthday, I’ve done cupcakes for the last two parties. Saves my sanity for sure! I downloaded pictures of several Lego Minifigures and used them as cupcake toppers. We also made candy minifigs to decorate some of the cupcakes. Apparently they were quite tasty.

Games! In addition to the “Guess How Many” game, the kids played a variation of “Hot Potato”. I built a little block for them to pass around. Whoever was holding it when the music stopped was out & got to choose a Mystery Minifigure out of a bucket.

Goodie bags! I loved this idea for goodie bags. And they were cheap too! I found the bags at the Dollar Tree & used a circle punch to cut out cardstock to put on the front.

I found these minifigure masks to download on the Lego website & put them in the goodie bags. The kids loved them. I also downloaded some coloring pages to put in there as well.

I can’t seem to find a picture of the finished product, but we also made Lego shaped crayons with a mold I bought online. They turned out really cute.

I really enjoyed having a theme for the party. To me, it made everything easier as I had something to work with. I wonder what he’ll want for next year?…

Links:
Lego Minifigure download at Winks & Daisies {the download link is in the comments, a few comments from the top}
Goodie bag idea {and lots more!} at Homemaking Fun
Party Games at Best Birthday Ideas
Minifigure Mask download at Lego website
Lego Brick Mold at Amazon
Minifigure Mold at Lego {I bought mine at the Lego store}
Lego font is Legothick & can be downloaded here

If you have done, or are planning a Lego themed {or really any themed} party, I’d love to see it! Leave me a link in the comments so I can check it out!

Playing catch up

2011-11-01T12:14:00.001-04:00

I’ve been a terrible blogger of late. No real reason, just in a slump I guess. But I miss it, so I’m going to try to jump back in with both feet.

First of all – I want to say Hi! to all of you who have come by thanks to Kelly’s Show Us Your Life – Mom’s of Only Children. Welcome! I haven’t talked at all on here about why Jonathan is {and likely will always be} an only child. I’ll work on posting that soon.

Okay… on to the catching up. I haven’t really posted anything since Jboy started back to school in August, so here are a few things that have gone on since then:

September:

We painted the spare bathroom. {Jonathan’s bathroom}

Jboy had snack at school & the letter of the week was “H”. I made “hamburgers” & “fries”. {Really ‘Nilla wafers with peppermint patties in between and block cheese cut into “fries”.}

October:

Chris turned 37 on October 2nd. Unfortunately we didn’t have a “7” candle so we had to improvise.

Jboy helped me make pancakes for dinner. He loves helping out in the kitchen & always wants to put on his “cooking hat” & apron. This apron is one that came from Publix’s Kid’s Club, but my mom made him a super cute robot one he can wear from now on.

Jboy turned 5{!!!} on the 12th and we had a Lego party to celebrate. It was so much fun & we all had a great time. {I’m planning a separate post on that soon.}
Lego party = crazy amounts of Legos that Daddy & Jboy {mainly Daddy} spent all day putting together. I don’t think any of these are completely put together anymore. Ha!

Jonathan also got a bike for his birthday from my parents {who flew in from Oklahoma for the party & week after}. He loves riding it & is really pretty good at it.

Whew. Well, that gets me through up until the last couple of weeks. Hopefully I’ll be a posting fool from now on. :)

Stay tuned…

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T23:34:00.002-04:00

Here are a couple of pics of our "Ginger Ninger". I hope to have a "catch-up" post up in the next day or so to get back in the blogging groove. I miss it.

{flashback friday}

2011-10-28T10:42:00.000-04:00

10.27.06

{flashback friday}

2011-10-21T09:30:00.000-04:00

10.21.06

ABCs of Me

2011-09-29T12:49:00.002-04:00

So, obviously I'm in some sort of blogging slump. Rut. Block. Whatever you want to call it.

Here's a little something so that there's at least a new post. ;)

A. Age: 35
B. Bed size: Queen
C. Chore that you hate: Can I say all of them? No? My lease favorite would probably sweeping/mopping. Hate!
D. Dogs: Don’t have one. I do have a psychotic “fur-sister” named Zoey, though.
E. Essential start to your day: Not sure I really have one.
F. Favorite color: It changes all the time. Right now I’m really liking Turquoise & other shades of blue.
G. Gold or Silver: Gold. Though, silver is nice too. ;)
H. Height: 5'3". “Shorty, shorty two by four”.
I. Instruments you play: None, really. I took piano lessons for a bit as a child & played the trumpet in Jr. High but that’s about it.
J. Job title: Mommy, wife, taxi driver, daughter, sister, friend.
K. Kids: Jonathan. The sweetest red-headed boy ever!
L. Live: Loganville. Though we’re toying with the idea of moving to Grayson in the next year or so.
M. Mother’s name: Donnesia. If only I knew how to spell it phonetically so you could see how to pronounce it.
N. Nicknames: Baby, Mommy, Momma, Mist, Misit, Mistrola
O. Overnight hospital stays: Having Jonathan, ectopic removal (I think I stayed overnight) and gall stone removal while pregnant. Good times.
P. Pet peeves: Inconsiderate people, impatient people, wearing keys on belt buckles.
Q. Quote from a movie: Goodness, there are so many I love, and use quite often. Hmmm…. “You know I love ya more’n my luggage!”
R. Right or left handed: Right.
S. Siblings: One younger sister, Haley. We’re about as opposite as you can be, but also very alike in some ways.
U. Ultimate Vacation: Ireland. It’s so beautiful in pictures. Also, Chris & I both have ancestors from there.
V. Vegetable you hate: It may be easier to list the veggies I LIKE: carrots, celery and green beans.
W. What makes you run late: I’m so not a morning person so I tend to sleep as late as possible. Usually too late.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Hmmm. I think I had my foot x-rayed once. I’m sure there are others but that’s all I can think of right now.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Snickerdoodles. Yum. Now I need to make some. Ooh, and Poppy Seed Cake.
Z. Zoo animal: I love all of them really. I’m especially fond of the big ones like elephants, hippos & giraffes.

Play along & let me know so I can come check it out on your blog. (If you have one.)

Trying something

2011-09-16T19:48:00.001-04:00

Maybe if I can figure out this mobile blogging app I'll post more often. One can hope, right.

wordless wednesday :: cause & effect

2011-09-14T17:55:00.000-04:00

Cause

Effect

back to school

2011-08-24T00:22:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was Jboy’s first day of school. He’s been so excited & counting down the days. I can’t believe that this is his last year of preschool & next year he’ll be in Kindergarten. Where did my baby go?

Of course I took a bunch of pictures. What kind of mommy/blogger would I be if I didn’t?

First school lunch. Ever.

My gosh he looks so grown up. Doesn’t he?

Ready to start the day!

He had a great first day! His favorite part was definitely getting to stay for “lunch bunch” because they got to go outside & play again.

My mom called this evening to ask him how his first day went. She asked him if he’d learned anything new & he replied, “Yeah, but I still can’t read”. Trying not to laugh she told him it might take a day or two & he said, “Yeah, probably”. He’s such a goof!

I’m way behind on blogging. {Obviously} I’m hoping to do a “catch-up” post in the next day or so.

wordless(ish) wednesday

2011-08-10T15:40:00.000-04:00

1.) That book case he's laying on is at least 6 feet tall.
2.) Chris put him up there to hide from me before bed one night.
3.) He laid so still. Probably because he was terrified.
4.) There's no chance of him ever deciding to climb up there on his own.
5.) Yes, I realize he's not wearing pants.

what I’ve read :: July 2011

2011-08-09T17:24:00.001-04:00

I’m a little late getting this post up but, hey, what can you do? July was a good reading month for me. I read four books & enjoyed all of them.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Summary from Goodreads:
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

This was a really interesting concept for a book. I had heard/read so much about this book before reading it & had really high expectations. I have to say I was a little disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, I liked it, I just didn’t seem to be as moved as others. It did make a good point though that you don’t realize how your words & actions, small as they may seem, can really affect someone.

Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King

Summary from Goodreads:
A new collection of four never-before-published stories from Stephen King.
1922
The story opens with the confession of Wilfred James to the murder of his wife, Arlette, following their move to Hemingford, Nebraska onto land willed to Arlette by her father.
Big Driver
Mystery writer, Tess, has been supplementing her writing income for years by doing speaking engagements with no problems. But following a last-minute invitation to a book club 60 miles away, she takes a shortcut home with dire consequences.
Fair Extension
Harry Streeter, who is suffering from cancer, decides to make a deal with the devil but, as always, there is a price to pay.
A Good Marriage
Darcy Anderson learns more about her husband of over twenty years than she would have liked to know when she stumbles literally upon a box under a worktable in their garage.

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Stephen King book. Sometimes his stuff is a little too weird for me. I don’t mind “scary”, but his can be really out there. This one was really good though. It’s actually four short stories and I liked all of them. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Big Driver. If you don’t mind “dark” stories, I would definitely recommend this one.

Every Last One by Anna Quindlen

Summary from Goodreads:
In this breathtaking and beautiful novel, the #1 New York Times bestselling author Anna Quindlen creates an unforgettable portrait of a mother, a father, a family, and the explosive, violent consequences of what seem like inconsequential actions.
Mary Beth Latham is first and foremost a mother, whose three teenaged children come first, before her career as a landscape gardener, or even her life as the wife of a doctor. Caring for her family and preserving their everyday life is paramount. And so, when one of her sons, Max, becomes depressed, Mary Beth becomes focused on him, and is blindsided by a shocking act of violence. What happens afterwards is a testament to the power of a woman’s love and determination, and to the invisible line of hope and healing that connects one human being with another. Ultimately, in the hands of Anna Quindlen’s mesmerizing prose, Every Last One is a novel about facing every last one of the the things we fear most, about finding ways to navigate a road we never intended to travel, to live a life we never dreamed we’d have to live but must be brave enough to try.

Great book! Not a “light” read by any measure, but still good. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style & plan to check out more of her books.

Room by Emma Donoghue

Summary from Goodreads:
To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.

I really liked this book. It was so interesting to “see” everything from Jack’s perspective. I felt for him & his mom trying to re-enter the world. Or entering it for the first time in his case. How scary everything must be if you’ve never seen or experienced it before. I would highly recommend this one!

August is off to a slow start as far as reading goes, but it’s still fairly early so things could turn around.

wordless wednesday

2011-07-20T14:54:00.002-04:00

wordless wednesday :: july 2007

2011-07-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

what I’ve read :: June 2011

2011-07-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

I had misplaced my book journal for a few days & was worried I wouldn’t be able to remember what I’d read to do my post this month. Thankfully I found it a bit ago so here we are…

The Castaways by Elin Hlderbrand

Synopsis from Shelfari:
Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed. Once again, Hilderbrand masterfully weaves an intense tale of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of endless summer island life.

This book was pretty good. It’s another one told from several character’s points of view. I was interested in this story right from the beginning & enjoyed the author’s writing style. I didn’t really care for the adultery in the story, but otherwise it was good. I’ll definitely be looking for more of her books.

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Synopsis from Shelfari:
A dazzling novel in the most untraditional fashion, this is the remarkable story of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who travels involuntarily through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare's passionate love affair endures across a sea of time and captures the two lovers in an impossibly romantic trap, and it is Audrey Niffenegger's cinematic storytelling that makes the novel's unconventional chronology so vibrantly triumphant. An enchanting debut and a spellbinding tale of fate and belief in the bonds of love, The Time Traveler's Wife is destined to captivate readers for years to come.

Loved this book! I was a little unsure at first as I was quite confused by the time traveling, but it became much easier to follow. It’s books like these that make me wonder how authors come up with their stories. The story is so detailed & complex and yet easy to read. It’s also been made into a movie, but I don’t hear good things about it. I’ll probably watch it anyway. I would highly recommend this book.

Breaking Silence by Linda Castillo

Synopsis from Shelfari:
When Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder, is called to a farm in the Amish community of Painter's Creek, nothing could prepare her for the horror and tragedy she encounters. Solly and Rachel Slabaugh, and his brother Abel, have drowned in the hog pit leaving the four children as orphans. As the investigation progresses, it seems that the Slabaugh deaths were not an accident, and the case suddenly becomes a murder enquiry. Agent John Tomasetti and Kate have worked together before, and now he is called back to Painter's Creek to help seek out the perpetrators of what appear to be serious hate crimes against the Amish. Whether these crimes and the Slabaugh murders are linked is hard to establish because the Amish are very proud and private people who do not enjoy involvement from outside. As the case deepens, Kate develops a bond with the children, particularly the 15-year-old daughter, Solome. Maybe she is reminded of herself at that age, and maybe there's something about this case which stirs up memories for her. The events surrounding the deaths puzzle her - something doesn't feel right. As more information comes to light, a tragic incident turns into something much more shocking.

This is the third book in a series about Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder & the small town of Painter’s Mill, OH. {you can read my thoughts on the first two books here and here.} As with the first two, I loved this book. The author is really able to convey the emotions & suspense of the story. It seems there are going to be more books in this series & I couldn’t be happier about that.

I’m six months into keeping a journal of what books I’ve read & posting about them here. I don’t know about you, but I’m really enjoying it.

Here are the links to this year’s posts so far:

January, February, March, April, May

swimming lessons :: June 2011

2011-07-05T16:51:00.001-04:00

Our neighborhood doesn’t have a pool, nor does anyone we know. Therefore, we don’t go swimming very often. It seems that each year, the few times that we do manage to get to a pool, Jboy is either super cautious or super comfortable. There’s not a whole lot in between. {you can read about past pool experiences here, here and here.}

This year we decided that he needed to take swimming lessons to become more comfortable. Thanks to Chris’ parents, we were able to sign him up for lessons at the local YMCA.

Overall he seemed to enjoy them… until it was time to jump into the pool at the end of each session. He did NOT care for that. At all. By the end of the two weeks, he was doing better, though he still hated the jumping in.

We’re going swimming with Pam & Ethan in a couple of days so hopefully he’ll get to practice some of what he learned.

Here are a few pictures:

These last two are really blurry, but they crack me up. He would be FREEZING at the end of class & just look so pitiful.

I told him every day that we need to get some meat on his bones so he wouldn’t be so cold! Ha ha!

Are your kids good swimmers?

stay tuned...

2011-07-05T01:06:00.001-04:00

I have much to blog about. Including, but not limited to, the following:

Swimming Lessons

the 4th of July

Also to come: the busiest month of June. Ever. My latest obsession. What I've Read, June 2011 edition.

let’s go to the movies

2011-06-24T23:41:00.001-04:00

It’s a well known fact that I love movies. It’s also a well known fact that I love books. I also happen to love books that have been made into movies. So many people get all caught up in how the movies differ from the books, and how the books are so much better, which is almost always the case. I, however, just love seeing my favorite characters & stories on screen. I try to appreciate the movie as a separate entity.

In the next several months {and years} there are a lot of movies based on books that I’m looking forward to. Here are a few:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2
Opens in theaters 7.15.11

Chris and I both have come to really love the world of Harry Potter. Jboy loves the movies too, though we haven’t let him watch Deathly Hallows Part 1 yet, as it’s pretty dark. Though it’s only been in the past few years that we’ve become fans of this series, I know we’re both going to be sad to see it come to an end.

The Help
Opens in theaters 8.12.11

This book was one of my favorites from last year. Rebecca & I even got to meet the author, Kathryn Stockett & get our copies signed. {You can read my post about it here.}

I am so excited to see this story on the big screen. The book really made me think & I’m sure it will make a great movie. Not to mention it has one of my new favorite actresses, Emma Stone, in it.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
Opens in theaters 11.18.11

You know I had to include this one. My love of all things Twilight is no secret. I’m not ashamed to admit that the first couple of movies in the franchise weren’t the best, but as I said before, I just enjoy seeing my favorite characters on screen. The most recent movie, Eclipse, was the best of the three so far, in my opinion. A lot happens in the last book, Breaking Dawn, so they’ve split it into to movies. It should be interesting to see how it translates on screen.

The Hunger Games
Opens in theaters 3.23.12

I can’t begin to say how excited I am about this movie. This book was another of my favorites from last year. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend that you run out & get it. I’ll wait.

While reading this book I was really hoping that they’d turn it into a movie. It’s such an interesting story & I think it will be awesome on the big screen. They’ve already signed on to make the second & third books in the trilogy into movies too, so we have something to look forward to in the coming years.

Do you enjoy movies based on books? Are there any movies coming out soon that you’re really looking forward to?

wordless wednesday :: bowling

2011-06-15T16:04:00.000-04:00

goofy boy

2011-06-07T00:28:00.000-04:00

what I’ve read: May 2011

2011-06-01T23:38:00.001-04:00

Are you ready for the May 2011 edition of “What I’ve Read”? I know you all wait for it with bated breath. Here goes:

The Raising by Laura Kasischke

Synopsis from Shelfari:
The accident was tragic, yes. Bloody and horrific and claiming the life of a beautiful young sorority girl. Nicole was a straight-A student from a small town. Sweet-tempered, all-American, a former Girl Scout, and a virgin. But it was an accident. And that was last year. It's fall again, a new semester, a fresh start.

Craig, who has not been charged with murder, is focusing on his classes, and also on avoiding Nicole's sorority sisters, who seem to blame him for her death even though the police did not.

Perry, Craig's roommate, is working through his own grief (he grew up with Nicole, after all, and had known her since kindergarten) by auditing Professor Polson's sociology class: Death, Dying, and the Undead.

Mira has been so busy with her babies -- two of them, twins, the most perfect boys you could imagine but still a nearly impossible amount of work even with Clark's help -- that she can barely keep herself together to teach (Death, Dying and the Undead), let alone write the book she'll need to publish for tenure.

And Shelly, who was the first person at the scene of the accident, has given up calling the newspapers to tell them that, despite the ''lake of blood'' in which they keep reporting the victim was found, the girl Shelly saw that night was not bloody, and not dead.

I have to say, I didn’t really care for this book. It was written from several different points of view, which in other books I’ve read in this style I’ve liked. However, in this book, there didn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to who was “speaking” when. Also, the story jumped from present day to flashbacks without warning. It was quite confusing. I also didn’t feel there was any closure at the end. Needless to say, not one I’d recommend.

Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner

Synopsis from Shelfari:
Some bonds can never be broken... Addie Downs and Valerie Adler will be best friends forever. That's what Addie believes after Valerie moves across the street when they're both nine years old. But in the wake of betrayal during their teenage years, Val is swept into the popular crowd, while mousy, sullen Addie becomes her school's scapegoat. Flash-forward fifteen years. Valerie Adler has found a measure of fame and fortune working as the weathergirl at the local TV station. Addie Downs lives alone in her parents' house in their small hometown of Pleasant Ridge, Illinois, caring for a troubled brother and trying to meet Prince Charming on the Internet. She's just returned from Bad Date #6 when she opens her door to find her long-gone best friend standing there, a terrified look on her face and blood on the sleeve of her coat. "Something horrible has happened," Val tells Addie, "and you're the only one who can help." Best Friends Forever is a grand, hilarious, edge-of-your-seat adventure; a story about betrayal and loyalty, family history and small-town secrets. It's about living through tragedy, finding love where you least expect it, and the ties that keep best friends together.

I’m kind of on the fence about this book. I think maybe I misread the book jacket because I was expecting more of a mystery. It was more a story of friendship, making amends, and finding love. Perhaps if I’d gone into it with that mindset I would’ve enjoyed it more. Overall it was a good book, and I sympathized with Addie on many levels, especially when it came to her weight. I think I would recommend this book, but just make it clear what it’s about.

Reshaping it All by Candace Cameron Bure

Synopsis from Shelfari:
Candace Cameron Bure first became known to millions as a co-star on the hit ABC television series Full House. Today, like her brother Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains, Fireproof), she is the rare Hollywood actor who is outspoken about her Christian faith and how it helps overcome certain obstacles, like her struggle with food addiction. Bure's healthy lifestyle has been featured in US Weekly and People magazines as well as national talk shows including The View and NBC's Today. In Reshaping It All, she continues the story, inspiring women to embrace a healthier lifestyle by moving faith to the forefront, making wise choices, and finding their worth in the eyes of God. Candace shares a candid account of her struggle with food and ultimately her healthy outlook on weight despite the toothpick-thin expectations of Hollywood. More than a testimony, here is a motivational tool that will put readers on the right track and keep them there. In addition to practical advice, Candace offers a biblical perspective on appetite and self control that provides encouragement to women, guiding them toward freedom. Includes 16-page black and white photo insert.

I LOVED this book! I remember watching Candace Cameron Bure on Full House back in the day. She & I are the same age, so I really related to her. This book chronicles her struggles with her weigh {boy, do I ever relate to that"} and how she’s been able to overcome those struggles with God’s help. It’s not a “diet” book, but really a book on how to change your lifestyle, spiritually AND physically. I originally read a copy from the library, but had to go out & buy my own. I know I’ll be referring to this book often in the future. Seriously, read it.

So, that’s what I read in May. Right now I’m reading The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand. So, stay tuned for that one next month!

What have you been reading?

final game of the season…

2011-05-18T00:04:00.003-04:00

Last Friday was Jboy’s final TBall game of the season. He’s had such a good time playing & we’ve really enjoyed watching him. Sign-up for “Fall Ball” started yesterday, and he seems really interested, so maybe this will be his sport of choice. We’ll see.

Here are a few pictures from the last game {most, taken by my sister} and their “party” at Dairy Queen afterwards.

Mouse over this pic!

Gooooo, Muckdogs! {sidenote: I just googled “Muckdog” because after all this time I still have no idea what it is. Maybe that’s because it’s not an actual creature. Alrighty.}

I don’t know if he even has the ball in this picture but he’s going after the other guy no matter what!

Hangin’ in the dugout with his buddies.

On deck!

Post game ice cream!

I’d love to know what he’s laughing at here. Love that smile.

Trophy time!

Jboy & Coach Tim

I’ve really enjoyed watching Jboy play TBall this year. It will be exciting to see if he continues.

sweet baby Oliver

2011-05-11T23:33:00.000-04:00

A sweet baby boy named Oliver needs our prayers. I met his momma, Brandi, a couple of years ago through my sister. We all went to the New Kids on the Block concert together & had a great time. She & I have a lot in common {namely our love for NKOTB & anything vampire related} and have become friends.

Brandi & her husband, Chris, welcomed their sweet boy, Oliver, into the world on May 2. He was born at 27 weeks 5 days. Oliver has a long road ahead of him, but our God is bigger than anything and can do great and mighty things.

They have set up a CaringBridge site for him here, where you can read his story & get updates.

I have put a "button" in my sidebar to let everyone know to be praying for baby Oliver. I'm going to try to put a code under it so if you'd like, you can add it to your blog/website too.

Thanks y'all!

extreme couponing

2011-05-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

Have you seen the show Extreme Couponing on TLC? It's a show about people who save hundreds on their grocery shopping by using coupons with items on sale. It's facsinating.

Since the first special aired a few months ago I've been inspired to give it a try, although on a much smaller scale.

There are several websites that you can go to that will give you the sale/coupon match-ups. The two that I use most frequently are Southern Savers & Coupon Mom. Basically, by using coupons on items that are already on sale, you get them for next to nothing. Or sometimes nothing.
Last Sunday, I was checking out the sites & came across some deals I just couldn't pass up. Here's what all I got:

8 boxes of pasta
4 bottles of Propel Zero
2 packages of American cheese

My total spent? $2.67!!! The retail value of this purchase is around $28.00. I saved 91%!

Now, what in the world am I going to do with 8 boxes of pasta? Especially since we'd just gone grocery shopping the day before & bought a box of spaghetti & penne. Our church is taking donations right now for a local food co-op, so I'll probably take most of it up there.

Over the past couple of months I've also been able to get toothpaste, deodorant & body wash for free! You can't beat free!

There's so much more I need to learn about couponing, but it's certainly addictive.

Are you a couponer?

lucky number 13

2011-05-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Thirteen years ago today I married my best friend. We've been through a lot, and I can't imagine life without him.

I love you, babe. Here's to a lifetime more of anniversaries.

What I've Read :: April 2011

2011-05-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Well, it's time for another exciting edition of "What I've Read". Sadly, I only managed to finish one book in April, so this is going to be a pretty short post. Hopefully May will be a better reading month.

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond

Editorial review taken from Amazon:
Popular blogger and cookbook author Drummond shares the story of her courtship and marriage to her husband, whom she refers to as Marlboro Man. Though Drummond grew up in Oklahoma, she never imagined she'd end up there for good. After four years of college in Los Angeles, Drummond was only making a pit stop home before moving to Chicago. A chance encounter with a devastatingly masculine cowboy in a local bar changes everything. Though several months elapse before Marlboro Man calls her, the spark between them ignites as soon as they start dating. A rancher with deep roots in the land he works, Marlboro Man isn't going anywhere, which means Drummond has to decide whether, to be with him, she"s willing to give up her dream of moving to Chicago. By the time Marlboro Man proposes, the decision is made, and Drummond prepares to marry the love of her life and discover what being a rancher's wife will entail. Charming and bright, Drummond�s story will be an inspiration to those who despair of finding old-fashioned, lasting love. --Kristine Huntley

I loved this book! I've been a fan of Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, for years. Twice I've been lucky enough to meet her when she's been touring to promote her two books. {You can read those posts here and here.} Having been a reader of hers for so long, I kind of feel like I know her. You know, in that "I don't really know you but I read about your life" kind of way. After reading this book I feel like I "know" her a little bit better. I loved reading about her romance with "Marlboro Man". Even though I know how it "turned out", I still got caught up in the story & got anxious as to what would happen a time or two. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

Yep, that's the only book I finished in April. I did start the following book though, so be looking forward to it in next month's post.

The Raising by Laura Kasischke

What did you read in April?

wordless wednesday :: superstar

2011-05-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

Easter 2011

2011-05-03T00:03:00.002-04:00

I'm only a little over a week late posting these pictures but, hey, who's counting. {Other than you, Mom. LOL}

We had a wonderful Easter. Service at church was great. I think we really need to attend next year's Good Friday service. It sounds like it was amazing.

After church we headed to Chris' parents house to hang out & have a late lunch/early dinner. Before we ate we took some pics of the little man & went out to hunt for eggs in the front yard.

Doesn't he look so grown up in this picture? Sob.

How do you like the bunny ears? Adds something extra to the outfit, don't you think?

Found one!

Thinking he's pretty hot stuff!

Jboy & Aunt Bevvy.

I hope you & your family had a great Easter too!

as promised...

2011-04-27T23:33:00.002-04:00

Here are more pics from Jboy's school Easter Egg Hunt that was held at a nearby park. It turned out to be a beautiful day even though there had been talks of rain.

On the hunt. The eggs were labeled with the kids' names so, not only was it fun, it was a learning tool to help them recognize their name.

Me & my boy.

The whole gang!

Jboy & his teachers. Mrs. Ruth (left) & Mrs. Julie (right). We love his teachers!

I'll be posting about Easter Sunday soon, so keep checking back!

Easter egg hunt preview...

2011-04-21T11:45:00.000-04:00

stay tuned for more!

please stop...

2011-04-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

time from passing, please.

This past week the fact that Jboy is growing up has been glaringly obvious. It's been a week of milestones.

Jboy's been potty trained for over a year, but, he's still been wearing Pull-Ups to bed. The vast majority of the time he wakes up dry, but occasionally he'd be wet. Earlier this week we were down to one Pull-Up and it was in pretty bad shape as he'd worn it a few times. It seemed like the perfect time to try sleeping in big boy undies for the first time. We made sure he used the bathroom before bed & told him numerous times that if he woke up & needed to potty to get up. He's worn undies to bed every night & has done great!!! No more diapers/Pull-Ups for us!!!

After my car broke down on Tuesday we had put Jboy's car seat in the kitchen so Chris could put it back in my car. {how many times can I say the word "car" in one sentence?} Jboy thought it was a good time to sit in it & "drive". While playing in it he also figured out how to buckle himself in! It still takes him some time to do it, but if we're not in a hurry I let him do it himself now. Saves me a step!

The next one isn't necessarily a good development. He was trying to get into the junk drawer yesterday and figured out how to work the child lock! I guess it's time to move the scissors & Sharpies!

Every day it's becoming more & more evident how much my little man is growing up. I have to say I don't like it one bit!

happy birthday to me!

2011-04-16T19:04:00.005-04:00

No, it's not actually my birthday until July, but one of my besties, Rebecca, was feeling impatient & gave me my gift today. I'm so glad she did!!!

Lookie what I got!

Primary Confection Measuring Spoons from Anthropologie

I have loved these ever since I saw them on her blog who knows how long ago. I can't wait to get home & measure something!

Thank you so much, Rebecca. I've really got to step up my game when her birthday comes up in August!

what a day

2011-04-12T23:49:00.004-04:00

Today started off fairly normal. I overslept {that's actually really normal}, took Jboy to school {thank God for the carpool line when you're in your jammies} and came home to eat breakfast & get ready for the day.

After my usual killing time on the internet, I hopped in the shower & headed to WalMart. This is where it gets dicey. I was only in WalMart for about 20 minutes as I was just exchanging something. When I got out to my car to leave, the dang thing wouldn't start! What the heck?! It had been just fine 20 minutes ago.

My very first phone call was to Jboy's school to let them know I was going to be late picking him up. I was supposed to be there about 20 minutes later & knew that wasn't going to happen. After calling Chris, we both agreed it probably wasn't the battery as we'd just replaced it not even 6 months ago. To be safe, though, I went into the Automotive Department & asked one of the guys if he could come out & look at it. He tried jumping it with a battery to no avail. Well, poo.

Finally I called Chris' grandmother to see if she could come pick me up & take me to get Jboy. Thankfully she was available. If she hadn't been, my friend Blythe, whose son Porter is Jboy's bestie, was going to pick him up with her kids. We finally got the boy picked up, thank goodness. He was in the sanctuary helping his teacher, Mrs. Julie, set up for Moments for Mom.

Grandma & Bevvy took us to lunch & then we headed back to their house. Chris' car was at their house since he rides to work with his mom, so I was able to drive home.

Shortly after leaving I realized I'd left my wallet in Chris' grandma's car, so we had to turn around. Then, on the way home I realized that I didn't have a garage door opener, and I was pretty sure I didn't have a house key either. I stopped at the house to try the two keys I have... neither of which are for our house. {note to self, get a house key ASAP}. So, then I had to drive back to WalMart to get my garage door opener & then we could finally get home.

Chris & his dad were going to go check out the car after work, so Jboy & went back over to Chris' parents to bring him a change of clothes. They got home around 6:00 & headed straight out.

After a couple of hours I finally got the good news that they were able to fix it!!! Apparently the gear-rod {or something or other} came undone. My car didn't recognize it was in gear and therefore wouldn't start. I can't say how thankful I am that it turned out to be something simple & {fairly} easily repaired. We're really working on paying off our debt & are on a really tight budget. I don't know what we would've done had it been more involved & expensive.

Needless to say, the day didn't exactly turn out like I had expected it to, but that's okay. It all worked out in the end.

OH! and PS.... today is Jboy's half birthday! He's 4 1/2 years old now! Only 6 months til he turns 5. I can't handle it.

wordless wednesday

2011-04-06T00:45:00.002-04:00

what I’ve read :: March 2011

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

** Rebecca had a great idea of having a "What I've Read" linky party! So, if you're interested, blog about what you've read & enter your blog post into the linky at the bottom. Think of all the book ideas you can get! **

March was a really slow reading month for me. Somehow I only managed to read two books. Sad.

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

Synopsis from Shelfari: On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a thirty-two-year-old realtor, had three goals—sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever-patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she’s about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all. Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent as the captive of a psychopath in a remote mountain cabin, which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist, is a second narrative recounting events following her escape—her struggle to piece her shattered life back together and the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor. The truth doesn’t always set you free. Still Missing is that rare debut find—a shocking, visceral, brutal, and beautifully crafted novel.

I really enjoyed this book. The way the author told the story through Casey’s therapy sessions was clever & interesting. At each session you could tell she was healing to some degree. I don’t know how to say one thing I felt about the book without giving something away. Basically at the end I kind of felt there were two different stories & one I wish there was more background to. This is definitely a book I would recommend.

Still Life by Joy Fielding

Synopsis from Shelfari: New York Times bestselling author Joy Fielding delivers a riveting tale of suspense about a young woman caught in a nightmare somewhere between life and death. Beautiful, happily married, and the owner of a successful interior design business, Casey Marshall couldn't be more content with her life, until a car slams into her at almost fifty miles an hour, breaking nearly every bone in her body and plunging her into a coma. Lying in her hospital bed, Casey realizes that although she is unable to see or communicate, she can hear everything. She quickly discovers that her friends aren't necessarily the people she thought them to be -- and that her accident might not have been an accident at all. As she struggles to break free from her living death, she begins to wonder if what lies ahead could be even worse. "It is Fielding's ability to get under the skin of her characters -- and her readers -- that has made her such a dependably bestselling author," says the Calgary Herald . Smart, suspenseful, and overwhelmingly addictive, Still Life is a novel her fans won't soon forget.

This turned out to be a really good book. I was a bit unsure at first, but it really drew me in. The concept of being able to hear everything around you, but not see or communicate is kind of terrifying. Especially if you realize those close to you aren’t necessarily who you think they are. By the end of the book I was definitely on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. Another one I’d recommend.

How funny is it that the two books I managed to read in March both had the word “still” in the title. Weird. Well, here’s hoping April is a better month for reading. Maybe it’s time to switch to a different genre for awhile. I’ve been reading these dark, crime books for a few months. Something “fluffy” might be on the horizon.

What did you read in March?

Join the party!

weekend recap

2011-04-04T00:09:00.001-04:00

This weekend was mostly busy & definitely wonderful.

Friday evening Jboy had another TBall game. He’s doing so well & really learning how to play. I think at the next game the coaches may start actually telling them when they’re out. So far they haven’t gone over that at all, but it’s time. This game may have been played in April but, boy, was it cold out there. The wind didn’t help matters at all. Chris has been so cold natured lately & he was freezing. He made good use of his mom’s About Town Blanket from Thirty-One.

We’ll definitely need to be getting one of these soon. I have several items from Thirty-One & love them all. Have you heard of them?

Jboy spent Friday night with Chris’ parents, so we had a little mini-date. Every day that I take Jboy to school I pass a little Japanese restaurant called Sake Express. We decided to give it a try that night & it was good! I think next time I’ll ask for some teriyaki sauce for my chicken, but overall we were both very pleased.

After searching on Netflix we started watching a really lame horror movie, The Legend of Bloody Mary. About ten minutes into it we decided to turn it off & find something better to watch. Haha. We finally decided on Black Swan.

What an interesting movie. Natalie Portman definitely deserved her Best Actress Oscar for this role. The movie is very dark, and not one that I’d recommend watching in mixed company or with your parents. LOL

Saturday morning we slept in a bit & then Chris’ parents picked us up at around noon. We went to lunch at one of Chris & his mom’s favorite wings places & then headed to a cemetery. Wait, what? Ha. Chris’ dad is really into the Civil War, and for his birthday last week we had given him a picture of his great-grandfather we’d found on Ancestry.com. He had fought in the Civil War & turns out he’s buried not too far from where we live. It was a beautiful day {really windy, though} and it was interesting to visit where some of Chris’ relatives are buried.

We came home & had some time to kill before heading over to the Clavell’s house for dinner & games. I’d been working on reorganizing the pantry {yes, again}, and needed a few more baskets so I made a quick run to The Dollar Tree to pick them up. I don’t go in there too often, and hadn’t paid much attention to their baskets, etc, but they have a lot to choose from. Here are the one’s I chose.

The pantry’s all organized now & I love it.

I bought a shelf for our canned good & it’s the best thing ever. My OCD self hated just having the cans in there all willy nilly. Much better. And, now it’s easier to see what we have & will need to shop for.

After my {kinda} quick pantry re-do it was time to head to Michael & Lisa’s. We enjoyed a tasty dinner of turkey burgers, chips & dip! I discovered something that may sound redundant, but boy was it delicious; dipping sour cream & onion potato chips in french onion dip. Oh. Em. Gee. Probably not a good thing for me to know because I love me some french onion dip & chips.

After dinner we played one of our new favorite games, The Game of Things. Such a simple concept but, oh, the hilarity that ensues.

Today was a pretty low key day, which was nice. This week is Jboy’s Spring Break, so hopefully the weather will be nice & we can get together with friends a day or two.

What did you do this weekend?

“caketastrophie” averted

2011-03-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Bakerella? If you haven’t, make sure you have some free time before you click on her site. Trust me, you’ll be there awhile.

Anyway, she’s made a name for herself by making Cake Pops. I can’t even express how cute these things are. Here’s a picture of some “Spring Chicken” Pops that would be perfect for Easter.
photo source

Are you kidding me?

Anyway… we had “game night” here on Saturday and I had baked a cake for dessert. Lisa’s birthday is this week, as is Haley’s boyfriend, Joe, so I had plans to decorate it all cute to celebrate.

Well, Saturday afternoon I get started on decorating and the top layer of the cake fell apart. I started freaking out at first because… hello?! People coming over in a few hours. I started trying to figure out how to salvage the cake when Bakerella’s Cake Pops came to mind.

Thankfully several months ago I had purchased the supplies to make the pops, but had never done it. So, I turned to the trusty internet to find out how it was done. This video on YouTube came in very handy.

Chris & Jboy got in on the act & with their help we were able to whip up some Cake Pops. I use the term “whip up” loosely here because it was kind of time consuming. Though, I think had I been able to plan a little better it wouldn’t have been so stressful.

Here is our finished product:

All in all I think they turned out really cute. Everyone seemed to really like them & said they tasted good. {For some reason the thought of actually eating a cake pop does not appeal to me, so I didn’t partake.}

I’d love to make these again sometime when I can plan ahead & put more thought into it.

Have you ever made Cake Pops before?

jboy’s obsession

2011-03-28T23:36:00.001-04:00

My child is obsessed with these Banana Muffins. I mean seriously, the recipe makes about 18 muffins & out of the last batch I think I ate 4. They are super good, though, so who can blame him.

It had been a couple of weeks since I’d made them last & he’d been asking me to make more. Who am I to deny the child his obsession? This time he decided to help.

Please don’t mind the mismatched pajamas with the shorts on inside out. ;)

Next to the muffins, I think he likes this part best.

The finished product. We made the muffins on Friday, I took this picture today… and these were the last two.

Again, here’s a link to the recipe that I got off Cathy Zielske’s blog: RECIPE, but just to make things easier I’m going to paste the recipe here too.

Jean Otteson's Banana Bread (or muffins!)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
8 oz (1 package) Philadelphia Cream Cheese (softened at room temp)
2 ripe bananas
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/4 cups of sugar
2-1/4 cups of flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Mix oil, sugar, bananas, cream cheese, eggs, vanilla until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Makes 18 muffins.

Each muffin is roughly 180 calories of deliciousness.

Option: sprinkle a little sugar on each muffin before baking to give it a nice little sugar crust.

Option two: Bake two loaves of bread in a greased, floured pan for 40 minutes.

Best eaten warm and often.

Seriously, make these muffins. I promise you won’t regret it. Your waistline might, but you won’t. ;)

wordless wednesday

2011-03-23T09:59:00.000-04:00

Season Opener

2011-03-18T22:51:00.001-04:00

{Get ready for picture overload!}

Tonight was Jboy’s first TBall game! He played so well & we’re so proud of him. Watching kids this age play baseball is so much fun.

Now, for the onslaught of photos:

Safe!

“Good game. Good game. Good game.”

Tomorrow morning we have team pictures, and then our next game is Monday evening. I kind of hope that he decides he really likes playing baseball. I sure like watching him play.

wordless wednesday

2011-03-16T17:19:00.000-04:00

last practice

2011-03-15T00:13:00.000-04:00

Tonight {or last night since it's now after 12a} was Jboy's last TBall practice before their first game Friday night. He's doing so well! I can't wait to see him in his uniform out there on the field.

Nice form, buddy!

Super cute!

the nutty professor

2011-03-14T18:04:00.000-04:00

Meeting Pioneer Woman… again

2011-03-12T23:45:00.001-05:00

Something I spend an inordinate amount of time doing is reading blogs. The nosy person in me loves the peek into other people’s lives. One of the first blogs I started reading, and also on of my favorites, is Confessions of a Pioneer Woman. The Pioneer Woman, aka Ree Drummond, documents her life as a city slicker turned rancher’s wife. She’s so funny, an amazing photographer and a great cook!

In December 2009, she was on tour promoting her cookbook and Rebecca & I were so excited to go. You can read about it HERE and HERE.

A few years ago, Pioneer Woman started writing about when she me her husband, who she calls “Marlboro Man”, and posting the story on her blog. After a time she decided to turn their story into a book; Black Heels to Tractor Wheels. It was released last month & she’s now on tour promoting it.

Last night she was in Atlanta so we made the trek down to Borders for the signing. Rebecca, Laurel, Jennifer & I had a great time hanging out in line.

Just like last time, Ree was so super nice. It’s amazing that she takes the time to meet each & every person and have her photo taken with them.

Speaking of photos, here are ours from last night. Thank you to Rebecca for sharing her pics!

We’ve really enjoyed each of the author events that we’ve attended. Here are the links to those posts, if you’re interested:

Jodi Picoult – March 2009
Ree Drummond – December 2009
Kathryn Stockett – March 2010

wordless wednesday :: lunch time

2011-03-09T13:47:00.000-05:00

wordless wednesday {NINO}

2011-03-02T22:25:00.000-05:00

Nine Months In :: 10.11.06

Nine Months Out :: 7.16.07

I saw this on Susan Weinroth's blog & totally stole the idea. ;)

home management binder

2011-03-01T11:41:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I came across a post on one of my new favorite blogs, A Bowl Full of Lemons, about putting together a “Home Management Binder”. I really liked the idea of having everything together in one place; to-do list, menu planning, contacts, etc… so I went about putting my own together.

I’m sure I’ll be adding more to it as I see what else I need, but here is what I have so far:

Gotta make it pretty, you know. :)

The categories I have so far are: To Do, Menu Planning, Contacts and Birthdays/Anniversaries.

There are several places online where you can find free printables for cleaning lists, etc, but I decided to just make my own.

In “Contacts” I have section for Family, Friends, Doctors/Dentist, Insurance, School and Church. I didn’t put everyone we know in here, just people we would want called in case of an emergency or something.

I’m sure you can guess what’s in the “Birthdays/Anniversaries” section. I also put the addresses on the sheet too in the hopes I’ll get better about sending cards.

I’m sure this will help me on my quest for a more organized life.

Do you have a binder or something like this that you use? I’d love to see it!

what i’ve read :: february 2011

2011-02-28T22:08:00.001-05:00

Last month I started what will hopefully be a monthly “feature” here on the old blog called “What I’ve Read”. I always enjoying seeing what other people are reading & getting ideas for new books & authors. So, here’s my list for February 2011:

Heartbreaker by Julie Garwood

Synopsis from Shelfari:
Bless me father, for I will sin.... In the still shadows of the confessional, a madman tauntingly reveals his plan for a murder he is going to commit, pulling Father Thomas Madden into a twisted game by disclosing his next intended victim: Tom's sister, Laurant. In a frantic race to protect her, Tom calls upon his best friend, elite FBI agent Nick Buchanan, to track the predator who is closing in on Laurant. Now, as an electrifying attraction grows between Laurant and Nick, so does the danger -- and one false move will cost both of them everything that matters. Let New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood take you on a thrilling excursion into the soaring heights -- and the darkest impulses -- of the human heart.

One of my besties, Rebecca, recommended this book and I’m so glad she did. Up until the moment the identity of the “unsub” {unknown subject} was revealed, I had no idea who it was. I love when the author can surprise you like that.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Synopsis from Shelfari:
Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared, the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood, but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.
The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school.
Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.
The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night.
Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves.
But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

I had really high expectations for this book based on another blogger’s review but, unfortunately, was disappointed. The story was interesting, but I never really felt an emotional connection to the characters. I just feel like it was missing something. It’s the first in a series, so maybe I’ll give the others a try when I’m lacking for a book.

Shattered by Karen Robards

Synopsis from Shelfari:
After Lisa Grant loses her job at a Lexington, Ky., law firm in this seductive romantic thriller from bestseller Robards (Pursuit), she heads home to Grayson Springs, a once thriving Kentucky horse farm, owned by her mother, who's dying from ALS. Lisa becomes a research assistant for former crush Scott Buchanan, the Lexington-Fayette County DA. While she initially finds Scott's grumpy personality unappealing, she begins to feel differently after looking into a cold case: the inexplicable disappearance of Michael and Angela Garcia and their two children, Tony and Marisa, in 1981. Astonishingly, Lisa discovers that both a treasured childhood doll and herself as a young girl resemble Marisa. Lisa's informal investigation leads to dangerous repercussions, including an act of arson at Grayson Springs, in which she and her mother almost perish. Scott's timely rescue tightens their budding relationship as the action builds to a startling if far-fetched conclusion.

It took a long time for me to get into this book, but I think that was mostly because I didn’t pick it up often. I thought it was pretty good. Sometimes it felt kind of rushed and others it was slow. It seemed to take forever to get any real info as to what was going on. Overall I’d say it was good.

Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo

Synopsis from Shelfari:
In the quiet town of Painters Mill, an Amish family of seven has been found brutally murdered on their farm. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and her small force have few clues, no motive, and no suspect. Formerly Amish herself, Kate is no stranger to secrets, but she can't get her mind around the senseless brutality of the crime. State agent John Tomasseti arrives on the scene to assist. He and Kate worked together on a previous case during which they began a tentative relationship, but each is wary of commitment. The disturbing details of this case will push them to their limits and force them to face demons from their own troubled pasts. When Kate discovers a diary, she realizes a haunting personal connection to the case. One of the teenage daughters may have been leading a lurid double life. As the case develops, Kate’s list of suspects grows. Who is the attractive stranger that stole the heart of the innocent young Amish girl? Did her estranged brother—a man with a violent past who was shunned by his family and the Amish community—come back to seek out revenge? Driven by her own scarred past, Kate swears she'll find the killer and bring him to justice—even if it means putting herself in the line of fire. Topping her own bestselling debut, Linda Castillo once again immerses readers in the world of the Amish with a chilling story that is both a fast-paced thriller and compelling psychological puzzle.

This is the second book in a series about Chief of Police Kate Burkholder. Last month I read the first in the series, Sworn to Silence, and loved it! This one was just as good! I had the killer figured out fairly early, but there was still a twist that I wasn’t expecting. I love it when that happens.

I felt like I hadn’t read very much this month, but four books isn’t too bad.

Did you read anything good this month?

batter up!

2011-02-25T23:16:00.001-05:00

Last month we signed Jboy up to play Spring T-Ball, and tonight was his first practice.

Ever since we bought his helmet, bat & glove he’s been over the moon excited about playing. All day today he kept asking if it was time for his T-Ball game.

Practice was at 6:00, and we got to the field right on time. The coach had the kids running the bases, learning how to catch “grounders”, and hitting pitches in no time. Jboy was doing such a great job listening & doing as he was told.

After about 30 minutes or so, the team mom was going around giving everyone their schedules. She came over & asked what our child’s name was & we told her. I was concerned when she couldn’t find his name on their roster. We’d paid the fee {well, Chris’ grandmother had} and I’d been to the team meeting the week before. I asked what the team name was & she said, “the Mud Cats”. Oh! Well, there’s the problem. Jboy is on the “Muckdogs”! Oops! We’d been practicing with the wrong team for the first half of practice. I was so embarrassed.

Across the way his real team was practicing. We all had a pretty good chuckle over it. I’ll know better next time.

Anyway, here are some pictures of his first practice. Some of them are from when we were with the wrong team, but they turned out too cute to not share.

The look on his face in this one cracks me up!

And, this is the look of a boy who loved playing T-Ball & was VERY upset that it was time to go. He cried for the longest time & kept saying he was sad because his game was over.

We’re really looking forward to the rest of the season & seeing how he does once the real games start.

wordless wednesday - blast from the past

2011-02-23T17:55:00.000-05:00

2.22.07

wordless wednesday

2011-02-16T18:19:00.000-05:00

little projects

2011-02-08T17:57:00.001-05:00

I’ve been continuing on the journey of getting the whole house organized. Here are a couple of little projects I’ve done over the past week or so:

Under the kitchen sink. Before:

After: I *heart* these baskets from Target.

Spice shelf. {I didn’t take a before picture.}

Baking shelf. Before:

After. I downloaded the labels from IHeart Organizing & changed them to work for me. I still need to make one for the basket on the far left.

I can’t begin to say how happy it makes me to be getting everything so organized.

thursday, 2/3/11 9:04pm

2011-02-03T21:08:00.000-05:00

bedtime stories

what I’ve read :: January 2011

2011-01-31T23:48:00.001-05:00

For a couple of years now I’ve been thinking of keeping a book journal. I love to read, and read a lot, but I’ve been known to forget what I’ve read. Sadly, I often forget what a book was about. So, this year I started keeping the journal & thought it would be fun {for me at least} to post at the end of each month what I’ve read.

So, here’s my list for January:

Blank Confession by Pete Hautman

Synopsis from Shelfari:
Shayne Blank is the new kid in town--but that doesn't stop him from getting into a lot of trouble very quickly. The other kids don't understand him. He's not afraid of anything. He seems too smart. And his background doesn't add up. But when he walks into the police department to confess to a murder, it quickly becomes apparent that nothing is as it seems. There's more to Shayne--and his story--than meets the eye. As the details begin to fill in, the only thing that becomes clear is that nothing about Shayne's story is clear at all. Blank Confession is a compelling mystery that will keep readers turning pages, from National Book Award-winning author Pete Hautman.

I picked this book up on a whim at the library. It’s only 170 pages so I read it in one day. It’s pretty good. There wasn’t anything about it that made it super memorable. Just okay.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Synopsis from Shelfari:
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade — a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift. Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up — the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

I’m not 100% sure where I heard about this book, but I’m thinking it was on Miss Zoot’s blog. This book was very interesting. If you’ve read the Hunger Games trilogy and enjoyed it {I LOVED it} I think you’ll really enjoy this book. It’s truly amazing the stories that people come up with.

One Day by David Nicholls

Synopsis from Shelfari:
15th JULY 1988. Emma and Dexter meet on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways.
So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that?
And every year that follows?

Honestly, I didn’t finish this book. I read the review in PEOPLE magazine & thought it sounded interesting. For whatever reason though, I just couldn’t get into it. I did skim through it & think I know how it ends. Also, I’ve heard they’re making it into a movie starring Anne Hathaway, so maybe I’ll try that instead.

Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo

Synopsis from Shelfari:
A killer is preying on sacred ground.... In the sleepy rural town of Painters Mill, Ohio, the Amish and English residents have lived side by side for two centuries. But sixteen years ago, a series of brutal murders shattered the peaceful farming community. In the aftermath of the violence, the town was left with a sense of fragility, a loss of innocence. Kate Burkholder, a young Amish girl, survived the terror of the Slaughterhouse Killer but came away from its brutality with the realization that she no longer belonged with the Amish. Now, a wealth of experience later, Kate has been asked to return to Painters Mill as Chief of Police. Her Amish roots and big city law enforcement background make her the perfect candidate. She's certain she's come to terms with her past until the first body is discovered in a snowy field. Kate vows to stop the killer before he strikes again. But to do so, she must betray both her family and her Amish past and expose a dark secret that could destroy her.

Loved, loved, loved this book! I was hooked from the first page & couldn’t put it down. I would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys this genre. Also, there’s a sequel, Pray for Silence, and I’m so looking forward to reading that one.

What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman

Synopsis from Shelfari:
Thirty years ago two sisters disappeared from a shopping mall. Their bodies were never found and those familiar with the case have always been tortured by these questions: How do you kidnap two girls ? Who—or what—could have lured the two sisters away from a busy mall on a Saturday afternoon without leaving behind a single clue or witness? Now a clearly disoriented woman involved in a rush-hour hit-and-run claims to be the younger of the long-gone Bethany sisters. But her involuntary admission and subsequent attempt to stonewall investigators only deepens the mystery. Where has she been? Why has she waited so long to come forward? Could her abductor truly be a beloved Baltimore cop? There isn't a shred of evidence to support her story, and every lead she gives the police seems to be another dead end—a dying, incoherent man, a razed house, a missing grave, and a family that disintegrated long ago, torn apart not only by the crime but by the fissures the tragedy revealed in what appeared to be the perfect household. In a story that moves back and forth across the decades, there is only one person who dares to be skeptical of a woman who wants to claim the identity of one Bethany sister without revealing the fate of the other. Will he be able to discover the truth?

I’ve read a couple of Laura Lippman’s books, and I don’t think this was my favorite. It wasn’t “not good” per se, it just wasn’t great. It seemed to me the story dragged on, and I figured out the “twist”, but it did take most of the book.

Right now I’m reading Heartbreaker by Julie Garmond at Rebecca’s recommendation. I’m still pretty early into it, but it’s really good so far. I was hoping to have it finished by today so I could add it to my January list, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

So, do you like to read? What kinds of books? Do you keep record somehow of the books you read?

my heart hurts

2011-01-28T17:46:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken three years ago today. Where is my baby?!

If anyone knows of a place where I can get an inexpensive time machine I would appreciate the info.

Thanks.

just because...

2011-01-24T12:46:00.000-05:00

garage: before and after

2011-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

The purging/organizing streak continued on Monday with the garage. Chris took two car loads to Goodwill and we have a huge pile for the trash. It looks so much better in there now!

Before: After:
Before:After:

wordless wednesday: new shoes

2011-01-19T11:43:00.000-05:00

back to life, back to reality

2011-01-18T11:42:00.000-05:00

After 3 weeks of Christmas vacation, followed by a week of snow days, Jboy finally went back to school today. While I enjoyed our extended time off together, I have to admit that I'm looking forward to getting back into a routine.

what’s for dinner?

2011-01-17T23:05:00.001-05:00

Some years ago, in an effort to save money, I started planning out our meals for a week or so at a time. This also helps with the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” conversation. I can just look at the calendar & say… meatloaf muffins, or spaghetti, or… whatever you’re fixing. ;) j/k

Sadly, my repertoire isn’t very big so we tend to have the same meals over and over. {and over} Poor Chris. I made a list some time ago with meal options, sides, etc. and just refer to that as I plan our meals.

In my recent efforts to get more organized {we cleaned out the garage today, stay tuned for pics}, I decided to put together a “meal planning” notebook so everything would be in one place and when it came time to do the menu I could just pull out the notebook & have everything I need.

I printed calendars for the entire year, typed the meal list with pretty fonts, and printed enough copies of our grocery list for the year. {I’ve always been a little OCD about some things and we have a typed grocery list that, before they changed everything around, was in aisle order for the WalMart we shop at.} Then I put it all in a 3-ring binder & made a pretty cover.

Here are some pictures:

It’s already made planning our meals easier. Do you plan your meals ahead of time? How far ahead do you plan?

finally, a before AND after

2011-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we finally tackled the playroom. I’ve said before that this room often falls under the “out of sight, out of mind” umbrella. Generally, Jboy doesn’t actually play in his playroom much, it’s more just toy storage. He usually winds up bringing his toys in the living room to play. Over the last week or so though, he’s been playing in there more often. I wanted to organize his toys and make them as accessible as possible. I’m hoping that now that it’s more organized, and we intend to make sure he picks up every night, that he’ll be more apt to play in there.

Anyway, here are the before & after shots:

I think I’d certainly be more likely to play in there now, wouldn’t you?

the miracle pill

2011-01-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

I haven't talked about this much ~~at all~~ on my blog, but for several years I've struggled with depression and anxiety. It's something I've dealt with for a long time, but just kept writing it off to being lazy, or hormones, etc. In December I finally decided that I needed to go see my doctor and discuss my options. Every time I'd see one of those antidepressant commercials & they'd list the symptoms I'd be like, "Yep, yep, yep. That's me."

On December 6th I met with my doctor and after some discussion we decided for me to try a medication called Cymbalta. You've probably seen the commercial: "Depression hurts. Cymbalta can help." According to the doctor it would give me energy, improve my mood, lessen my anxiety and possibly help with the headaches I was also dealing with. I started taking the medication and let me tell you, this one is NOT for me. I have never felt so fatigued in my life. I could {and sometimes did} sleep the day away. It wasn't uncommon for me to sleep until noon. Poor Jonathan was getting no attention, playing way too many video games & watching too much tv. I stayed on the medicine for 4 weeks thinking maybe my body just needed time to adjust. Not so much.

I scheduled my follow up appointment & when the doctor asked how the medicine was working for me I immediately told him that it wasn't. We talked about what I was experiencing & {obviously} agreed that was not the right one for me.

My doctor decided that I should try a different drug called Pristiq. The commercial for this one has the little doll that you wind up. {Can you tell I was paying a lot of attention to the antidepressant commercials?}

This medicine has changed my life! Within days I felt like a whole new person. The fatigue was completely gone, and I suddenly had the motivation to do all kinds of things. My mood had improved tremendously and I had so much more energy. I feel like me, only better.

My friends & family have been joking around that they need to get some of this stuff because they've never seen me like this. Every day when I wake up I'm able to get up & going so much easier. And, well, you've seen the pictures of all the purging/organizing going on around here. For the first time in a long time, I look forward to getting out of bed everyday. That in itself shows that this is the right medicine for me.

** My little disclaimer:: I'm certainly not trying to say that antidepressants are for everyone. If you think you might be dealing with depression, please go see your doctor. He/she will be able to help you figure out the treatment that's right for YOU. **

for posterity's sake

2011-01-14T16:41:00.000-05:00

{also known as something i can use to blackmail him with when he's 16}

When we were first potty training Jboy, we obviously spent a lot of time in the bathroom. One day, while waiting for him to "do his business", I was getting kind of bored so I started chanting "Push it out, shove it out, WAY OUT!" {a la Bill Cosby "Himself"} Well, he apparently really liked this song & now requests it almost any time he needs to... well, you know. He's been potty trained for almost a year now, and about once a day {sometimes more, sometimes less} you'll find us in the bathroom; him sitting on the porcelain throne & me singing "The Poopy Song". Push it out, shove it out, WAY OUT! Sometimes he'll ask me to sing it louder, or faster, depending on his "needs". Occasionally I'll also do a little dance. Suddenly I've never been more thankful that there isn't a camera in our bathroom.

And since we're on the subject of "intestinal" issues... for some reason, of which I am completely unaware, my child calls passing gas "butt smoke"! Where in the heck did he get that from?! I will say I laugh hysterically every time he says it, so I'm sure that doesn't deter him any.

Do your kids have any funny bathroom "routines"? Please say yes.

i’m on a roll y’all

2011-01-12T18:43:00.001-05:00

Well, my purging/organizing adventure didn’t stop at the laundry room. Here are the after shots of some of the other areas that have been tackled over the past week:

our bedroom closet:bookcase in our bedroom:

pantry:

I can’t say how good it feels to get these areas organized. There are still more areas around the house that need attention, but I’m just taking it one at a time.

snowmageddon 2011

2011-01-10T15:31:00.001-05:00

As is always the case when it snows in Atlanta the whole area shuts down. Thankfully we already had enough “supplies” and didn’t have to brave the store with the crazies.

Starting last night around 9:00 the snow started falling, and falling, and falling! It was so beautiful to watch. When we woke up this morning we had about 6 inches! I don’t think we’ve had this much snow in the area in almost 18 years!

Of course we had to get out & play in it this morning. It would’ve been cruel not to do so. There had also been freezing rain last night after the snow, so there was a layer of ice on top.

Since the temperature was only about 27 we bundled up good & headed out. Jboy had on a pair of pajamas (the snug kind since he doesn’t have long johns), a long sleeve t-shirt, fleece sweatpants & a fleece hoody. He also wore a hat, two pairs of mittens & the two hoods (from his hoody & big coat)! We weren’t taking any chances. LOL When it had snowed at Christmas, Lisa told me that she tied grocery bags around the girls shoes so their feet wouldn’t get wet. Brilliant! We did the same to Jboy today & it was awesome!

We had a great time playing in the snow, even though it was too powdery under the ice to really make any good snowballs or a snow man. Chris & Jboy attacked me good a couple of times & I almost fell on my face trying to get away. Thanks guys!

Here are a few pics to enjoy!

From the looks of it the snow & ice will be here for a couple of days so we’ll be marooned for a while. Thank goodness we have food & that I went to the library yesterday & checked out five books!!!

snow 2011 - sneak peek

2011-01-10T12:16:00.000-05:00

Come back soon for more pics!

just the after

2011-01-06T16:44:00.002-05:00

I really wish that I had taken a before picture of my laundry room. Only those who had seen it in its previous state will truly be able to appreciate the change. I blame it on the fact that I didn't really intend to completely clean it out & revamp it today. It started with just emptying the trash can, and before I knew it I couldn't stop until it was finished. I am so pleased with how it turned out. Now the hard part... keeping it looking this way!

2010

2011-01-03T21:15:00.002-05:00

from our family to yours...

2010-12-24T10:39:00.000-05:00

a boy and his momma

2010-11-19T00:17:00.000-05:00

wordless wednesday :: right now

2010-11-17T20:52:00.000-05:00

Hanson

2010-11-12T23:42:00.003-05:00

My sister, Haley, and I may be very different, but there's one thing we have in common: we love music & going to concerts. During my Clay Aiken phase (don't hate) she came with me to several shows. Once, after standing outside in the cold after a show in Winston Salem, NC, he even touched her hand. Boy was I jealous. Anyway, that's another post for another day.

All that to say Haley and I enjoy going to concerts together. This Wednesday, we added another to our list when we saw Hanson here in Atlanta. Yes, I said Hanson. Most people probably remember them most for their hit MmmBop from the early 90s. They've come a long way since then. I have to say, their show was one of my favorites so far.

We got to the venue early enough to hear the last few songs of the opening act, Jarrod Gorbel. He was pretty good too.

The tickets were general admission, so we were able to stand pretty close to the stage. I will say, the next time I go to a general admission show where I'll be standing the whole time, I'll definitely wear different shoes. Stupidly I wore ballet flats & my feet were KILLING me very early on. Add that to the heat & my rising anxiety due to the close proximity of the other concert goers & I was having some ishahs. (I don't like crowds. I know, then why do I go to concerts? What can I say, I love 'em.)

Once Hanson came out though, I was able to forget about my feet, etc & really enjoy the show. They are fantastic musicians & performers. Especially the middle brother, Taylor. He's my fave. ;)

Here are a few pics from the show. (Haley was in charge of the photography & took 217 pictures!!!)

Taylor Hanson

Isaac (far left), Zach (middle on drums) and Taylor (right)

Isaac

Zach

Taylor standing on the piano during the encore. I was scared to death the thing was going to tip over.

Taylor making nice with the fans.

Unfortunately I didn't take any video, but I found a few on youtube from that night. Here's a good one called "This Time Around":

It was a great show & I'd love to see them live again sometime. If you haven't yet, you should check out their newest album Shout It Out. My favorite song right now is "Thinking 'Bout Somethin'" off this cd. Love!

4 years ago today...

2010-11-11T23:48:00.001-05:00

look how little he was. Oh, my heart hurts.

how do you make a hankerchief dance?

2010-11-10T08:24:00.002-05:00

put a little boogie in it! One of my besties, Rebecca, told this joke one evening after a long day of scrapbooking and I don't think I've ever laughed so hard. Sometimes things just strike you as funny, you know?

Anyway, that's not really what this post is about. Get to the point, you say? Fine.

I came across a fun post this morning by Sophie at BooMama discussing the very important topic of songs that you can't sit still to. I love to dance. Mostly in the comfort of my own home & car (you're welcome) so this got me thinking of the songs that get me going. So... here's a list:

1. "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins :: Seriously. Can you sit still when this comes on? I certainly can't. This song brings back fond memories of a slumber party I had in the third grade where we watched this movie & also held a "talent show" where we impersonated our favorite people. I think I was Michael Jackson.

2. "Rock with You" by Michael Jackson :: Speaking of the King of Pop. He may have been a little strange there towards the end, but no one can deny he was a musical genius. Really, pretty much any song of his could be on this list.

3. "Let's Get it Started" by The Black Eyed Peas :: I had quite the personal dance party in the car to this one very recently. There was a moment or two that I was sincerely hoping there wasn't a hidden camera in my car.

4. "Thinkin' About Something" by Hanson :: I actually heard this song for the first time on BooMama's blog several months ago. It's my happy song right now. In fact, I love it so much, my sister and I are seeing them in concert tonight! I should probably apologize in advance to the other concert-goers for my sweet dance moves.

5. "Hey Ya" by Outkast :: Fabulous! Outkast had several songs a few years ago that I loved.

6. "Baby" by Justin Bieber :: Here's a song that will get stuck in your head for days! Jboy was even singing it out of the blue yesterday. If I was about 20 years younger, I would have quite the crush on young Mr. Bieber.

7. "My Life Would Suck Without You" by Kelly Clarkson :: Ah, our first American Idol! Her "My December" album was a bit of a dud, but there are a lot of great songs on her others. I love her rock sound.

8. "That's Not My Name" by The Ting Tings :: Such a catchy song! I dare you to sit still when you hear it. Not possible, in my opinion.

So, there's my (very incomplete) list of songs that get me moving? I know you have some too. Won't you share?

"I love trick-or-treating!"

2010-11-09T23:47:00.005-05:00

I just realized I never posted about Halloween! Oopsie (as Jboy would say)! This year, Jboy decided to dress as Woody, from one of his favorite movie series, Toy Story. I must say, and I'm sure you'll agree, he made an awfully cute Sheriff!

Sunday afternoon, our church had a fall festival for the kids with games, bounce houses & trunk-or-treat. One of Jboy's friends, Ava, was dressed as Jessie from the movie, so of course we had to get their picture. Don't they look cute together!

Some friends of ours from Sunday School had a t-ball station set up & Jboy did a great job hitting the ball! Maybe we'll sign him up in the spring.

After a visit to Grammie & Grumpy's house (where apparently I didn't take any pictures!) we headed home to trick-or-treat in our neighborhood. At the first few houses, as we'd walk away he'd say, "I love trick-or-treating!" He's too funny.

One worn out boy.

The loot! We actually still have some left, though all of the "good" stuff is gone.

Jboy not only liked getting the candy, he also enjoyed handing it out. A couple of times, as the kids would walk away, he said, "Enjoy your day!" Where does he come up with this stuff?

Just for grins, here are the posts for Halloween's past:

2007 :: 2008 :: 2009

exclusive interview

2010-11-08T16:08:00.001-05:00

You may, or may not, remember me posting an "interview" I did with Jboy back in April. Well, I decided to ask the questions again to see how his answers have changed. I give you Jboy v. 4.0:

First, questions about Mommy & Daddy:

What does Daddy always say to you? Don’t hit Mommy
What does Mommy always say to you? Don’t hit Daddy
What makes Daddy happy? When I listen
What makes Mommy happy? When I listen
What makes Daddy cry? When I don’t listen
What makes Mommy cry? When I don’t listen
How old is Daddy? 13
How old is Mommy? 14
What is Daddy's favorite thing to do? Go to work
What is Mommy's favorite thing to do? Hit the remote (huh?)
Where does Daddy work? At work.
What does he do? I don't know
What does Mommy do while you're at school? Get some gas for the car
What is Daddy's favorite food? Chicken-fil-a
What is Mommy's favorite food? Chicken-fil-a

Now, questions about Jboy:
What is your favorite color? All the colors
What is your favorite food? chicken & fries
Who is your favorite friend? Porter & Josh
What is your favorite toy? cars
What is your favorite movie? All the movies
What is your favorite TV Show/cartoon? All of them
What is your favorite book? I don’t know
What is your favorite song? Old McDonald Had a Farm

I'm going to try to remember to do this every 6 months or so. They would make really cute scrapbook pages too!

blast from the past

2010-11-05T20:15:00.000-04:00

I was going through our pictures for a project & came across this one from Christmas 2006. The look on Jboy's face cracks me up. Apparently he's not impressed with his new Exersaucer. Ha!

sorta cheating

2010-11-04T22:22:00.000-04:00

This is sorta cheating since it's the same picture from yesterday, but I thought I'd show the before & after. I *heart* Photoshop.

wordless wednesday

2010-11-03T15:13:00.000-04:00

ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls...

2010-11-02T00:31:00.000-04:00

children of all ages! A couple of weeks ago Chris' grandmother called to tell me she'd heard of a circus that was going to be in town & wanted to know if Jboy & I would like to go. Of course I said yes! Jboy had never been to the circus and, honestly, I don't remember ever going either. Though, after talking to my mom, she assures me we went when I was a kid.

It turned out to be a small traveling family circus. Jboy enjoyed it a lot, though he kept asking where the clowns were. Unfortunately they didn't have any. They did, however, have lions, tigers and elephants. Oh, and some adorable little dogs that did tricks. I think Jboy's favorite part was the motorcycles in the "Globe of Death"! I, personally, did not like that act AT ALL! I was terrified the whole time they would make some small mistake, crash & die right there in front of us. I couldn't even watch. Jboy kept patting me on the arm & saying, "It's okay, Mommy, they won't crash." Oh, my sweet boy. Here are a few pictures from our circus adventure:

Jboy & his cotton candy

Jboy & Bevvie (Chris' aunt)

The lions & tigers. I honestly wasn't too thrilled with this act either. I just knew one of the animals was going to "snap" & eat one of the trainers. Yes, I have issues.

The elephants were fun. Though they did keep pooping & it smelled pretty gross. Ha!

All in all it was a great time. Maybe we'll have to make this an annual event!

there's a snake in my boot!

2010-11-01T11:24:00.000-04:00

A little Halloween highlight! There are many more pictures to come, so stay tuned. Also be on the lookout for circus pics and Fall Festival pics!

wordless wednesday: tounge out = concentration

2010-10-20T12:02:00.000-04:00

there’s a party goin’ on right here

2010-10-19T11:07:00.001-04:00

or, well, there was on Saturday. Little man(n) turned four last week (what the what?) and we had a little shindig to celebrate.

We are so blessed to have such great friends & family that love our son and want to celebrate him with us.

Here are a few highlights:

Yummy cupcakes. (If I do say so myself. Ha!)

Goodie bags for the kiddos.

Can you guess how many m&ms are in this jar? Kevin won, and was only off by 19. Amazing!

The kiddos. Minus Nate who was feeling kind of shy. No, they’re not all looking at the camera and no, they’re not all smiling. But, hey, you take what you can get.

And, finally, the birthday boy gives his party a thumbs up!

I think next year we may try to have his party at a park or something. Our house isn’t very big, and the noise level was crazy!

Thanks everyone for celebrating with us!

first beach trip

2010-10-18T00:10:00.001-04:00

Last weekend Chris’ cousin was kind enough to get married on the beach. Sounds like a great excuse for a vacation to me! Saturday morning we hit the road with Chris’ parents, grandmother and aunt. Our two car caravan made the 7+ hour drive with a few stops. I had never been to Wrightsville Beach, NC before, and it was beautiful!

Jboy had never been to the beach and I was really curious to see how he’d like it. He’s not really one who likes to get dirty (he’s like his mommy) so I wasn’t sure how he’d do with all of the sand. He loved it though! I often joke that I have the ocean in my veins since I was born in California, so I was very happy that he liked it.

Here is the view from our hotel room. Gorgeous!

Jboy and his cousin, Aiden.

Ahhhh, feet in the sand! Not much feels better, in my opinion.

He loved the water, at first. Every wave that would come he’d get so excited. Then, all of a sudden he decided he was scared. This, is obviously before he was scared. :)

This, unfortunately, is the best picture I have of him playing in the sand. The sun was in his eyes and he was making some sort of weird “cheese” face, but you get the idea. Ha.

We had a wonderful time & the weather was perfect! Hopefully we can take another trip next year. I would love it if both sides of the family could plan a trip together soooo…. let’s all start saving up, shall we! ;)

there are no words...

2010-10-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

four years ago today you came into my life. you turned it upside down, made it better & helped me to live my dream.

i don't understand how so much time has gone by. you're growing into such a wonderful, loving, active, stubborn, sweet little boy.

i don't want to blink for fear that if i do, you'll be grown.

thank you for being my little man(n). i love you more than words can describe.

cuteness

2010-09-30T23:12:00.004-04:00

Have you ever seen such cuteness? (Other than Jboy, of course!)

miniature amigurumi teddy bear

Seriously? I need one of these. For Jboy, of course. *cough*

Spring Chickens Cake Pops

I've become a bit obsessed with cake pops. I haven't tried making any yet, but after watching this video, I'm inspired.

I'm going to check out her book soon to get some ideas.

What cute/fun things have you seen lately?

Book Beginnings and The Friday Five: Mockingjay

2010-09-24T23:16:00.002-04:00

Both excerpts are from Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I found both memes on Proud Book Nerd.

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Becky at Page Turners. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read making sure you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. Here's mine:

"I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather."

The Friday 56 is a fun meme hosted Storytime with Tonya. Here are the rules:

* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

* Turn to page 56.

* Find the fifth sentence.

* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you'd like), along with these instructions on your blog or (if you don't have your own blog) in the comments section here.

* Post a link along with your post back to this blog.

* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Here's mine:

"In his hands he holds a piece of thin rope, less than a foot in length, too short for even him to fashion into a usable noose."

If you play along... let me know!

your mission, should you choose to accept it...

2010-09-22T22:49:00.002-04:00

is to find affordable, yet cute shoes for a three (almost four!!!) year old boy without losing your mind. The losing of your mind can come in various forms. It could be the lack of affordable, cute shoes or possibly your child running around the shoe store like a crazy person & not listening to a word you say. Either way, the kid needs shoes.

We took Jboy to Stride Rite to have his feet measured a week or so ago and realized that the shoes he's been wearing are about a size too small. Oops! He never complains about them hurting his feet, but surely they can't be comfortable. They had several cute options in there, but they're pretty pricey.

So, yesterday I began the shoe shopping process. Now, it should be noted that I appear to be missing the "enjoys shopping" gene that most females have. Add into that a child that's been struggling with being obedient & therefore just runs crazy in the store & you pretty much have a miserable experience.

We went to five stores yesterday with no luck. Today we went to two more. I had just about come to the conclusion that I was going to have to spend $50 to get a cute pair of shoes. (I know they don't have to be cute, but humor me, okay?) I don't spend $50 on shoes for myself, let alone someone who's going to outgrow them in 6 months (or less). We wound up back at the original Stride Rite & finally found these for $30. Still a ridonkulous price for kids shoes, but more reasonable, in my opinion.

Now, hopefully his feet won't grow for the next, oh, ten years & we'll be good.