Happy Birthday...

CASEY!

Happy 35th! You are still such a young lady! I hope you have the best birthday yet!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Terry!

I love this picture because they are being silly, and I love silly! I was looking through my Picasa files to find a great shot of these lovebirds. I guess this was copied off her camera - because, I didn't take it. Ryan got Terry and Mom some tickets to the Cardinals game for Father's Day this past summer.

Anyway, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! We love you guys, and hope you are having fun today!

Blurb

I have a new 'find' that I want to recommend. After 9 months of blogging, I have started to wonder how I might capture all this information as sort of a family journal each year. I start wondering what would happen if, God forbid, Google/Blogger crashed. There would be no information!

Add this to the fact that I am, in no way - shape - or form - a scrapbooker! (like my sister Leah) and I don't immediately print and catalog digital photos (like my sister Leslie). [BTW Leslie, I promise to get copies of those Christmas photos to you soon!] I really wish I could be a little more like either of them when it comes to capturing family memories. However, I am not. So, the next best thing is Blogging. After that, I need a hard copy to keep.

I have downloaded the software that is on the Blurb site, and have uploaded my blog (they do it for you!) from 2007. I have also uploaded my blog from 2008 and have already started this year's book. There are tons of page layout options, and it is taking me a little longer because I am substituting hi-res photos for the ones on the blog (you don't have to though).

Anyway, I have several friends that have just started blogging - do this before you get too far! I'm so excited about seeing the blog in hardbound form! Click the link below for more info.

BLURB!

My Girl

While I understand that this is certainly not a unique maternal characteristic, I just love my girl! I could just eat her up. She is growing up so fast. Tonight, she woke up crying (she does this rarely), and it just breaks my heart. She was cold and confused, as she was not under the covers, and I whisked her up into my arms to comfort her.

Casey did remind me tonight that she is starting to realize her dreams. Of course, I only wish her sweet dreams - but, who knows. Maybe Vi licked her face, and she is dreaming of that. Maybe she remembers something scary from a 'G' rated movie (seriously - be careful!). Who knows, it just may be that she heard something in the house and was startled. This too shall pass.

Sweet Dreams My Baby Girl

If At First You Don't Succeed...

TRY, TRY AGAIN!

Well, after an entire year of having (1) a really exotic humidifier and (2) everyone asking, "Where are the fish?" - we decided to try again.

Now, we know lots of people that manage to keep carnival fish alive for years with no filter or special treatment. That just isn't us. At some point - we feel terrible about the carnage leaving our home via public waterworks! We have a filter, and we make sure to add the proper chemicals to the water long before the fish arrive. We don't overfeed, and we even have real plants! What could be wrong?

Well, we have 3 (scratch that) - 2 new fish in our tank. We bought this beautiful large comet goldfish, a 'sucker' fish (which we have named Lollipop), and a really nice black moor fantail (that didn't make it 24 hours).

HELP!!! We need your help with any suggestions. Suggestions for (1) keeping the remaining 2 fish alive and (2) naming this pretty fish. There are only so many 'orange' names I can think of.

(side note: when I was a teen, I always thought that people with names for their animals like Blackie, Brownie, Blondie and Spot were SO unoriginal. Now I understand that parents were just tapped out in the naming department! I learned this after the onslaught of pure white animals that our little one received around the holidays, and after trying to name our fish something besides Aubie!)

Swing, Swing, Swing

This topic has been discussed a great deal by this blogger. My Sweet Girl LOVES to swing. We couldn't pass up the opportunity (the temperature was almost 60 degrees) to take a family trip to the park. She tried out each of the four types of swings at our park (as she does each time we visit). Needless to say, she was there to...

SWING!...
SWING!...
SWING!

The More Things Change...

The More Things Stay the Same.

We went to guess where for play date today. While I am no proponent for fast food (should I have blurred out the name?), and I wish her sweet little digestive system knew nothing of such places (except Moe's - I LOVE THAT PLACE!) - we do, on occasion go here or a couple of other places to play on the playground equipment. Of course, these places know that we will - that is the point.

Anyway, when I was a wee lass - there weren't nearly as many fast food joints, and we certainly didn't go out to eat as often. However, I do remember the pure joy that I received obtaining the 'ever-fabulous' crown from Burger King. It was such a treat! There is no plastic, no moving parts (unless you count the excited toddler underneath) - and, I'm guessing it wasn't even Made in China. So simple. We passed the place on 6th Avenue in Decatur quite often, and I always wanted a crown (Mom wanted a Fillet o' Fish).

As a side note, my mother doesn't eat 'real' fish, only processed Fillet o' Fish and fish sticks - go figure! I never thought of that until now.

Anyway, I digress. It just seemed cute to me that after all the plastic Snoopy toys with moving parts, flashing lights, and batteries (not kidding) - she loved the crown the most. Just simple.

Tools of the Trade

Have you seen the price of really good kitchen tools these days? They are through the roof! Well, if you want to minimize your efforts and maximize the output - I can recommend a few.

First, if you don't have a good knife - just suck it up and get one. I know, the choices can be daunting (with prices to match!). However, if you get really good, sharp knives - you only need a few (not hundreds). I currently have a couple of really nice chef's knives, and a couple of bread/slicing knives. They were on sale, or I wouldn't have duplicates. I need to get a really good paring knife next. I can't think of any others I would need.

Ok, now that I have the knives - I am supposed to hone them frequently (I'll get to it), wash them immediately after use (never 'soak' in dish water or the dishwasher), and put them up immediately after drying. It is much easier with the knife strip - and, I have them at my fingertips when prepping. If you would like to read some more tips - just visit this link to the Alton Brown Fan Site (yes, he is AND I am, a geek!). It has a transcript of one of his shows discussing knife use. http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/GEFP/index.htm

Anyway, the other item above is Watkin's Black Pepper. If you are in a hurry, and don't use the freshly ground pepper - this is great! Since it will adhere, I keep it handy on the knife strip.

Here's to GOOD EATS in your home!

Happy Anniversary Dad and Brenda!

How gorgeous are these two? Could they look more 'hip' and 'cool'? That is what 1972 will do for you.

(I guess that sweet little girl is cute too! Gee, I wonder who she is!)

It has been 36 years today. We are sending LOTS of love from our little village to yours!

We miss you, and hope to see you soon.

Village People

Just a few of the special treats around our area yesterday!

Shadow Dancing, or

More Playing in the Snow!

After Church, we took some more time to enjoy our rare treat, SNOW!
When we said her prayers tonight, we finished with our usual "what are you thankful for today?" She said, "Snow". It was a good day.

SNOW DAY!

When you look at these next few photos, you will think that we haven't had snow accumulation in 15+ years in our area. YOU WOULD BE RIGHT!

This is our Miss Priss getting her first taste of snow. Somehow, I'm sure it tastes better than regular water and ice!

We just couldn't wait for more to fall before we built our first 'snow family' on the chaise lounger in the back yard. Of course,

We didn't stop there! We built a genuine 'Frosty'! We had a blast putting it together. Well, Daddy did most of the heavy lifting - he may not have had as much fun. I think our little one was a little disappointed that Frosty didn't come to life when we added the top hat (leftover from New Year's Eve).

While we didn't get him 'perfectly' white, we did get some tips from Papa (my Dad). I was telling him that we were going to build one, and that it would probably not be pretty (with all the leaves/grass) - because we just don't get that much snow. Without hesitation, he said, "you know that you are supposed to roll and build it, and then pack it with 'pretty' snow that you find on clean surfaces. DUH! I hadn't thought of that! We did a little of that, but, alas - it was just TOO COLD to stay out there any longer!

We would love to thank Mrs. Louise (our wonderful neighbor) for those cool buttons, and the spot-on red scarf for Frosty!

Happy Birthday...

"Amy-Lee"!

We had so much fun at your party - we can't believe you are already 4!

She enjoyed the yummy birthday cake, that his Mommy made!

Sprinkles!

Why is it that no matter what you might be serving (tapioca pudding in your daughter's mixing bowl from her kitchen set), if you add SPRINKLES you are the Queen!

Steph's Mom dropped off some things the other day, and included some sprinkles she no longer needed. Priss loved them! Thank you Norma!

You Better Work! Work It Girl....

Does this look like the face of a girl that has CLEARLY been working her parents over for a week and a half? No?

Well, think again! We have been averaging 1 1/2 to 3 hours trying to get her to be still, lay down, and go to sleep. And mind you, that is TWICE a day! We were DONE!

So, I read a couple of books (well, articles in 2 books) about getting your child to stay in the bed/transitioning to the ever-illustrious 'Big Girl Bed'. The books suggested that we simply state that it was bed time...offer comfort...maybe a little night light...leave the door open, etc. If she continues to get up (and run her parents ragged) - put up a baby gate (while leaving the door open). When she cries (and boy did she), don't get angry...simply point to the bed and remind her 'It is bed time'. It was so much nicer, not loosing my cool and getting frustrated!

You would think that putting up that gate was pulling out her fingernails! She HATES it. It doesn't obstruct the view, just the passage through the doorway. Then we tell her that if she remains in her bed, we will not put up the gate. It has taken 2 naps and 1 bedtime (that's all!) to get through to her. 30 minutes for yesterday's nap, 30 minutes last night, 20 minutes today's nap, and NOT ONE TIME DID SHE GET UP TONIGHT!

Needless to say, we were WORKED!

Geocaching with Daddy and Jimmy

On a nice, crisp Sunday afternoon - Daddy decided to take Priss geocaching with Jimmy. (and luckily, he snapped some photos with his camera phone)

You can see just what she initially thought of the GPS! Always with the phone - I'm sure we are in trouble there!

The group shot.

Always a great day when she gets to hang out and have fun with her Daddy.

We found it! What is it, Mr. Jimmy? A log? What is that about? The adventure was fun, next time we may have to find one with hidden treasures!

The Reason You Do Background Checks on Babysitters!

So, this morning, I noticed something in the playroom from last night. I wanted to 'Save the Baby!' Priss, apparently, is getting a jump start on her Sci-Fi directorial debut. What should we call the movie?

Evening with Good Friends

Well, I didn't think my head cold would allow it - but, we ended up going out for the evening, and meeting up with Steph and Bill and Amy and Bill. (and having a great time!)

The evening started off tame enough, I suppose. It was great that we got to see Bill (Daddy), as well as, Steph (Mommy).

We enjoyed dinner and laughed...

We enjoyed some excellent beverages (courtesy of the Streeton's fine taste and wine cellar)...

Things started getting a bit crazy.....

Then, we had to leave. Bill was just too full from his dessert to go on another minute!

Mommy To Be...

One of the reasons I came back into town yesterday, was to go to a baby shower for my good friend, Stephanie. She and Bill are expecting. She is 7 1/2 months - doesn't she look great! Here is a shot of her opening gifts that were made by her Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-Great-Grandmothers (and wrapped up by her Mother!). How sweet! After this shower, I'm not sure if she and Bill will have to go get anything (they just had to get it back to Chattanooga). Congratulations!

Ibby

Funny story about the drive home from Grammie and Grandpas. Of course, 'Priss' never took a nap. We ended up not getting home until about 10pm on Friday. As we were pulling in to town, she asked if I had remembered her toys that Aunt Leah, Uncle Darren and Ethan had given her. "Yes Sweetie". She said - "I love Aunt Leah". Sweet Girl. So, as we were finally pulling into the driveway, I hear from the back seat......"I love you". My heart was melting. I said, "You love Mommy?" - She said "Ibby, but I love you too Mommy". This is a photo of her 'Ibby'. (some call it a wooby, blanky, etc.) She sleeps with it, and I gave it to her for the trip, in an attempt to encourage sleep.

I see how things measure up now!

Off to Grammie and Grandpa's House

We went to visit and pick up a love seat with pull-out bed to add to the ever-popular playroom. Recovering it will be one of my first sewing projects of the year (I think!). Anyway, as we were leaving town, we shopped a little and went to lunch at one of the new restaurants their town has. It is turning into such a little yuppie haven.

Again, I will make an effort to include Mommy photos more this year!

Tulips from My True Love

To say this has been a tough week would be an understatement. On top of the frustraiting change from crib to big girl bed (I'm sure we are going about it the wrong way!) - I have been sick. I mean, my head is stuffy, I can't breath or sleep. I've been in one of those 'I've Had It!' moods. Well, my sweet hubby sent me some flowers to brighten my spirits. He is such a sweetie! I love tulips, and here is one showing off it's goods!

The Last 31 Comments

Well, I finally gathered up the last 31 things I "Betcha Didn't Know" about me. If you stuck it out, and are interested in the entire list, click here! (This was tough!)

Big Girl Bed

Well, we have removed the baby crib from her room and replaced it with a Big Girl Bed. It hasn't been an easy transition for us. She loves it. It takes her FOREVER to go to sleep, because she wants to play. First day nap - 3 hours, next day - 1 hour, next day - 30 minutes (seems great?), we are at 2 1/2 hours so far today. Needless to say - she is enjoying her freedom to roam about the room.

Any pointers out there? I have put the box spring under the 'mattress only' plan we had going. Next step, the bed rails too. ARGHHH!

Betcha Didn't Know...

It has come to my attention that you are supposed to post '100 Things You Don't Know About Me' when you make your 100th posting. Well, I didn't know. So, this is my 200th posting - and I am putting the first 10. If you would like to see the others, just click the link below. (I know, who has the time!)

1 I am a very left brain (math/logical/analytical) girl….most of the time. However, I have a very strong right brain tendency (random/creative/intuitive). You will most probably notice my initial math tendency in my lack of grammar/punctuation skills. Sorry!

2 I hope that this list will prevent the need for therapy?

3 Parking (even though I didn’t go ‘all the way’ or even 'far') and under-aged drinking were a big part of ‘hanging’ out when I was in middle/high school. And that was before cable (no MTV/HBO) – go figure! I can’t imagine how we came up with these ideas with 3 – no 4 (with PBS) TV stations?

4 I became an engineer because I wanted to build a bridge. It made no sense to me that I could see the much ‘cooler’ town of Decatur right across the water – but, couldn’t get to it in a matter of minutes. Bingo – build a bridge! Well, as it turns out – that bridge still isn’t there. It would have to be really long, and would connect federal property to privately owned business property. Oh well!

5 I wonder how many friends that I have invited to look at the blog actually do? Then I want them to leave comments (so that I know they are looking)- most don’t. That’s ok too. It is my issue, not yours.

6 I am capable of killing, the ever-resilient, peace lily plant. Much to my chagrin, this is not an ‘indicator’ plant (being that you water it when it ‘indicates’ , by wilting, that it needs water). It must be watered on a regular, although not frequent, cycle. Who knew?

7 I think that people, including myself, are afraid to break out and meet new friends. I don’t mean acquaintances, I mean – friends. Now, I understand that the nature of friendship is a bond that is built over time, etc. However, people are too quick to get set in their ways and lay ‘claim’ to certain people. Maybe I’ll work on that for myself. Let’s be friends!

8 I don’t understand that I can’t ‘fix’ everything. This can often pertain to extended family issues. It isn’t always something that is my business – or anything that I can do ANYTHING about. People just have to work it out.

9 To me, divorce is the ugliest word in the world.

10 I am terrified of sharks in the ocean – but, I really want to see another one when I dive (the nurse shark in Turks & Caicos just got me started!) I’m not kidding – there is not ONE single time that I get in the ocean that I don’t think about sharks. Primarily – bull sharks – THE most aggressive shark I would probably come in contact with in the Gulf/Atlantic areas that I would be most likely to haunt. For this reason – I prefer to dive in the Caribbean. Like they can’t travel there!

If you would like to see the entire list (well, I'm still working on it) - click here!

Ding Dong, the Cast is Gone

After just 3 1/2 weeks, Priss is going to get the cast off her leg! We finally signed a few messages yesterday.

She was cool as a cucumber as they sawed into the fiberglass. What a brave girl!

Happy Birthday Mommy Brown!

My grandmother is 83 today. Here is a photo from back in October with Priss. When I talked to her tonight, she said that she couldn't believe she made it to 83. I told her she was too stubborn not to! (a family trait, if you must know!)

Here's to Good Friends!

Tina wasn't able to join us on NYE, some lame walking pneumonia excuse! Anyway, after some steroid/antibiotic shots - she came on over. Also, Randall joined us this year for NYE. It was great to be able to visit with good friends, especially when they can stay for a couple of days!

Happy New Year!

We celebrated our 6th New Year's Eve in our home, and with good friends. This was the 5th year for 'Chad's Ball of Light'. So, here is the traditional midnight shot!

After the clock struck 12, in the glow of the waning Dick Clark celebration on tv. We always have one of the many tvs outside to keep up with the count down. Also, this year it allowed some of the party guests to enjoy seeing Auburn beat Clemson in overtime. War Eagle!