Me & My Three

lemon-rosemary chicken & sweet potato waffles with spiced maple syrup

2010-03-16T21:49:00.003-05:00

lemon-rosemary chicken

4 bone-in chicken breast

1 lemon, zested and juiced

3 sprigs fresh rosemary, roughly chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a ziploc bag and massage the chicken. Let marinade for at least an hour for best flavors. Grill.

sweet potato waffles (alton brown)

1 1/2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
2 cups all purpose flour ***I substituted whole wheat flour here but only used 1 3/4 cups)***
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 egg whites, at room temperature
1 cup milk
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon grated orange rind
Vegetable spray, for waffle iron
Special equipment: steamer basket and waffle iron

Put cubed sweet potatoes in a steamer basket. Place the basket in a large pot of simmering water that is no closer than 2 inches from the bottom of steamer. Allow potatoes to steam for 20 minutes of until fork tender. Mash cooked potatoes and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.

In another bowl combine the sweet potatoes, milk, brown sugar, butter, and grated orange rind. Stir the sweet potato mixture into the flour mixture and thoroughly combine. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold egg whites into batter 1/3 at a time. The batter will be thick. Using a No. 20 disher (scoop), place 2 scoops of batter onto a preheated, oiled waffle iron, and cook until lightly browned, about 5 to 6 minutes

spiced walnut maple syrup
3/4 c maple syrup
2 tbsp honey
1/3 c walnuts, roughly chopped
1 tsp cayenne pepper

Toast walnuts on medium heat and sprinkle on cayenne pepper. Mix maple syrup and honey in microwavable bowl for 45 seconds. Stir in walnuts and serve over lemon-rosemary chicken & sweet potato waffles.

Enjoy:)

hide and seek

2010-02-28T16:38:00.003-06:00

Places your brother is probably NOT hiding when playing hide and seek:

the garbage can
the itty bitty laundry basket of towels
the washing machine
the top of the armoire
the 5 in pan cabinet
the refrigerator
the junk closet (heaven knows there is no more room in there)
the stove

Who you say might have looked in these places? One might think the 4 year old...but no, Tristan. He must have thought Tanner was very compactable.

in the end it was merry and bright!

2010-01-06T19:20:00.002-06:00

I've got a blog? Say what! I know...I've neglected. To be honest, quite honest, I haven't really cared. I've had lots to say but no energy to put the words out there. Life has happened, I've been there. Life has jetted by tooting it's horn, trying to get me to laugh. I sometimes acted like a 2 year old...huffing, puffing, and wanting to prove that I could win. I finally gave up all the while waving the white flag. I could either crumble or enjoy what was around me.

I'm a rather grand planner but when it comes right down to it I run, fail, or give up. When I do succeed I really don't realize it because I'm constantly looking at the negative. My patience was seriously tested this Holiday season. If it wasn't one thing it was another. Another trial, another failure, another child testing my string of patience.

I had so many projects to accomplish but instead my sewing machine decided to act squirrly, supplies decided to not show up in the mail, people decided to tick me off (I mean really, really tick me off), and my patience decided to go haywire. I was defeated. I was mad. I cried. Then I put my happy face on and moved on. I had no picture perfect Christmas. I took 2 pictures, yes...2. But I was loved beyond measure and had those I love around me. We were together. We laughed. We laughed some more. We drank. We were merry. After all was said and done we made it through the hectic Holiday craze. I hope you and yours had a happy, love filled Christmas and healthy, exciting New Year!

P.S. I'm ready to get crafty, start painting, and make (and succeed) at the boy's new shower curtain and valance.

goodbye perfectionism

2009-12-04T07:56:00.005-06:00

I have grand plans when it comes to the Advent calendar. I was just picturing my family making memories, enjoying each other, and serving others. It was picture perfect. Day 1 & 2 were a huge success so Day 3 was to follow in their footsteps. The 3rd day was to color a picture and mail it to someone you love. I found these cute, little wooden postcards at Michael's that the boys could paint so I snatched them up...for 50 cents a piece on top of that. Gotta love 50% off.

After school the boys ran to the calendar to see what the day had in store. Tristan read the paper and both of them got super excited. Tristan has to finish his homework immediately after school or it is meltdown after meltdown. So, he got to work on that and I let Tanner start his postcard.

Since his favorite color is blue he got to

painting the sky and ground blue.

Tip: if you have never used Q-tips for painting,

they are great! I always let the kids use these

when they are painting because it's almost like a little

crayon. Plus, having a brush for the 10,000

colors they want just ain't gonna happen.

As Tanner and I were busy at work, Tristan was lolly gagging (you've used those words before, right?). The homework buzz was wearing off and his little meltdown was starting. I tried to ignore the whining, begging, pleading but my patience was wearing thin. We talked, I explained, he pitched one.

Poor Tanner didn't have a clue to what was going on. He was just painting away, so proud of what he was doing. As he was finishing up, he decided to add some more blue (he would love a Smurf). I gently instructed him to not cover up the words because you wouldn't be able to read what the postcard said. That is when it happened. My perfectionism broke his heart. As he burst into tears, my heart left my body then and there. My sin had destroyed his masterpiece. My want to try and make everything perfect had ruined my perfect scene. My child's heart was beaten along with his sweet spirit. As I ran to him to embrace and hug him, my hurt and pain came roaring to the surface. I was in tears for hurting my child. I did this. As I apologized a thousand times, thinking he would remember this for the rest of his life, he simply wiped his tears and said "that's okay mommy". Oh, boy...I couldn't hold it in. He forgave me so easily. Without question...just like my Savior. I gave myself a minute to gather myself and we went right back to our perfect memory. Sometimes our idea of perfect isn't so perfect after all is said and done. There is only One perfect thing. God used this moment to show me just how damaging my sin can be. As much as I hate that I hurt my sweet boy, I am grateful for his forgiveness.

(yes, it was after school time and we were in our jammies)

Usually I would see imperfection in this but this

time, oh this time, is see utter perfection.

Nothing could be more brilliant.

advent-day 2

2009-12-03T08:40:00.005-06:00

Advent calendar day 2 was writing Santa a letter with your wish list. I almost dreaded this because I get nervous that they will ask for something so ridiculous or unattainable. Mom and dad are pretty safe this year....or so we thought.

What is up with Mr. Crazy Eyes?

"Tanner, where did you get all those stickers?"

"From my teaaaachers...I love dem."
"Your stickers?"

"Mommy...I loved my teaaaachers."

Tanner moved on to drawing Santa a picture.

Being a boy, he decided to draw a snowman peeing.

Classic sweetness. Only moms of boys will be rolling

their eyes right now instead of laughing.

Tanner's Dear Santa...

word for word. Never change a young child's words.

Writing our name. He's so proud! and I am too!!!!

This is serious business with Tristan.

He did not want to be photographed.

Oh, wait. Dad and I thought we were in the

clear this year. Is that a DSi and an iPhone

that you think you want?

Sorry sport...

After I told him Santa had a budget this year he

decided to add less expensive

things. Glad he's thinking of the old jolly guy!

Of course, I was not allowed to take another picture

of the finished product.

This might just be our last year

mailing off letters to Santa and the

kid would not even smile.

Oh how I hope he still believes.

Maybe, just maybe...a smile. But of

course we can't be caught dead

looking at the camera.

wordless wednesday-advent day 1

2009-12-02T07:47:00.002-06:00

stop...and listen

2009-12-01T10:03:00.004-06:00

Two posts without a picture...what is wrong? I love a good post that has a cherry on top. A picture is always the cherry on top. It grabs my attention. Having ADD is not a good thing when it comes to reading.

This Christmas I am busy making lots and lots of things. I decided to go handmade or recycled. Not recycled as in regifting...I would never, ever! Well, maybe once. Twice. This new found burst of greatness has also brought a weight on my shoulders. Will I get it done? Will they like it? Will it come out the way I think it will? Then I realized....the people I'm giving gifts to are people I love. I know them. I care about them. I cherish them. Of course they'll like it, it's from the depths of my heart. I've been so worried about all these things I've gotten swept up in the commercial aspect of just giving a gift. This year though, I'm rethinking everything and giving not only a gift but my spirit of thanks. Thanks for letting me be part of their lives, thanks for a greater reason this holiday season than just Santa, thanks for sweet memories that last a lifetime. A gift of purpose. A gift I hope they will hold dear to them. Sometimes you have to stop and listen to the One who gives us everything to truly know what Christmas means.

I'm linking up to Kimba's DIY Day so check out all the creative gals over there!

advent calendar events

2009-11-30T11:30:00.005-06:00

Advent calendars take planning. Something I try to be good at but with the hustle and bustle of the Holidays it is hard to plan your next 25 days and actually stick to each and every day. My plan...write out all our events and service projects and drop them in the calendar the day of. So far here is what I have:

~WRITE SANTA A LETTER AND GO MAIL IT AT THE POST OFFICE.

~GO SEE THE REINDEER AND DROP OFF A TOY FOR CHILDREN LESS FORTUNATE.

~GO SEE SANTA AND TELL HIM ALL YOUR WISHES.

~DRAW A CHRISTMAS PICTURE FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE AND MAIL IT TO THEM.

~MAKE POPCORN GARLAND FOR THE BIRDS.

~CALL SOMEONE YOU LOVE AND TELL THEM HOW SPECIAL THEY ARE TO YOU.

~BAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES AND TAKE THEM TO OUR NEIGHBORS.

~MAKE YOUR TEACHER A CHRISTMAS CARD.

~DECORATE THE TREE WHILE LISTENING TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC.

~DRIVE AROUND AND LOOK AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS.

~MAKE A CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT.

~MAKE A SNOWMAN TO PUT BY YOUR BED.

~WATCH ELF AND DRINK HOT CHOCOLATE WITH EXTRA MARSHMALLOWS.

~TAKE SOME CANNED GOODS TO THE FOOD BANK.

~READ CHRISTMAS STORIES TOGETHER AS A FAMILY.

~HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS AND READ OF HIS BIRTH.

~MAKE REINDEER FOOD.

~GO TO ALPINE VILLAGE AND PLAY IN THE SNOW.

~MAKE MONKEYBREAD FOR DINNER.

~GO SEE ZOO LIGHTS.

~GO TO STARRY NIGHTS.

~GO TO A CHRISTMAS PARADE.

~GO SEE THE LIVE NATIVITY.

~GO TO THE SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE.

What are you putting in your calendars this year?

advent calendar & christmas banner

2009-11-29T22:33:00.004-06:00

I'm going homemade this Christmas, from decor to gifts. I'll probably change my mind on Christmas Eve when I'm still up finishing up last minute touches but for now, I'm so excited to see the finished products.

I have a few friends that have been making Advent calendars so I decided to try my hand at it. One thing I knew for sure was I didn't want to spend a fortune on this. I used a scrap piece of lattice my father-in-law gave me for the base of my calendar. Now, this is not how I want it. I envision it framed out, painted antique white, and then roughed up to all it's glory. Getting that done around here before December 1st just wasn't going to happen so, here it is.

I purchased these little white boxes/bags from the Dollar Tree. To string the boxes on I used ribbon and tied them on each side.

Thanks to my new birthday present, a Cricut!!!!!!!, I cut my numbers, the circles, and squares out. Add some little stickers and other embellishments and viola! This whole project cost me under $10 to make....gotta love that.

Remember that Halloween banner I made? Reverse it, add new ribbon, and now it's a Christmas banner for the amoire.

Don't you just love when your ink pad decides to come lose and smear dark, dark ink on your lovely creations? I guess it's time to rough it up some. At first I didn't think I wanted to but now seeing in pictures I think an antiquing will do it good.

adorable, affordable

2009-11-25T07:13:00.003-06:00

I know I've said before that we love our teachers. God has really blessed us with such caring, loving women to nurture and teach our boys. For Thanksgiving, we gave them a gift of thanks. I used leftover scrapbook paper so this gift was so cheap to do! To cut the letters out, because...once again, I do not have a Cricut, I used some chipboard letters to trace and cut the letters out. We wrapped them up, put a little note in that said:

We are thankful:

for teachers that share!

Teachers share their knowledge with me.

for teachers that love!

Teachers love for me to learn.

for teachers that care!

Teachers care about my well being.

For all you do and more, we are thankful!

You can't get much easier than that. To all the teachers that love our children and take the time to know them, care for them, and mold them...we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

where's breanne?

2009-11-24T07:32:00.007-06:00

Blogging has taken a backseat to birthday parties, being chair of a school fundraiser, a death in the family, and now this....

carpet being thrown out a window.

Let me paint a picture for you. I've finished up all of Tanner's sweet little birthday party craziness...mess still to sit on my kitchen table (pictures of the party to come...I promise!). Move on to a school fundraiser. Again, mess on the kitchen table, floor, and kitchen counter tops. As I'm leaving for said fundraiser crazy day, I open the garage door to find puddles of water...everywhere. Hmm, what in the world. Ooooh, "Tristan, go get your daddy RIGHT NOW!!!". Said hubby jumps out of the shower and comes strolling out in a towel, it was only 45 degrees out and only for our neighbors to be leaving for work. Classy, classy I tell ya! We have a leaky hot water heater, he tells me. The rest, the whole long story, is history. For the comfort of your eyes, I will not bore you with the long drawn out story. It does however involve ripping out carpet and having all of that room's junk in your living and dining area.

Table, who needs a table to sit at?

jealous yet?

In the midst of my crazy, hectic Monday....

I received this!

O.H. M.Y. G.O.S.H!!!!!

My mother sent me my birthday present and being the impatient one I am, I had to rip it open right away. I died, cried, and my heart melted. Nobody loves you like your momma. Your mom doesn't just give you a simple present. She spends hours upon hours making you exactly what you wanted that you never even knew you wanted.

This is a beautiful pearl necklace that she made, on the right. Look at that cute

button and seashell! Pearls, seashells, and turquiose. DONE!

One thing about my mom is that she always coordinates the wrapping of a present with the present itself. I almost died when the box she mailed everything in was wrapped to a t. Seriously, we wonder where I get my ocd tendencies. An adorable, aqua, chunky picture frame and a super cute fluer di lis. You can't see in the pic but she did some aaaa-mazing bead work for the handle.

Now for the creme de' la creme. A sewing basket.

Swoon, pass out, try to pick my self up.

Monogrammed. Enough said.

Handmade pinwheel flowers...lots and lots of them.

With mother of pearl buttons.

Someone, please start my heart back up.

Then, I opened the basket up, as if that just wasn't enough in and of itself, to find notions galore, bobbins, threads, scissors, and...drum roll....vintage buttons. Three bags to be exact! I seriously cried and cried. I have received many, many presents in my lifetime but this one hit the spot. I can't believe someone cared about me so much to sit for hours and make all this. Be still my heart, I love her. Not for the gift alone but for knowing me. For taking the time to really, really know me. For listening to my frustrations about having nowhere to put my sewing knick knacks and coming up with not just a sewing basket but a memory. A memory I will cherish for years and years to come. That I will, hopefully, be able to pass on to my daughter-in-law or grandchild.

And because the front and top aren't cute enough...

the back is detailed too.

A millions thanks can't top how I feel even when life is crazy!

birthday sneak peek

2009-11-12T08:43:00.004-06:00

Party hats with the kiddos initials.

I'm addicted to birthdays...even more addicted to details.

Tanner's birthday party is Saturday so check back to see all the cuteness!

Favor Chinese take-out-boxes for the candy bar.

Pinwheels!

mostly wordless wednesday

2009-11-04T07:33:00.003-06:00

yummy cupcakes

presents

why so smiley?

double hearts for miley...hannah.

my mom says she is going to disguise herself as hannah on the phone. she just wants her boyfriend's heart back.

one thousand four hundred and sixty

2009-11-03T09:33:00.011-06:00

For 4 years I have been blessed with your sweet shining face.

Always to gaze into the unknown.

Full of love.

and surprise alike.

Laughter

Loving to kiss

because that's all you've ever known.

Dressing up in mommy's shoes...binky never to leave.

Cheering on...the only REAL Tigers.

Living innocently.

Taking the wrap for your brother liking to drive a purple girl's car.

Loving God's creations.

And feeling the water between your toes.

Coming to mommy's rescue and going head to head...

with, the biggest, most scariest animal on earth.

Being the sweetest, chocolatelist Wonka bar on Earth.

Living life to the fullest...and taking a break when needed.

Praying for all

with the most kissable cheeks.

Letting mommy put you in knee highs after 3.

Turning 4.

And into a young man.

With the innocence of a child.

Playful.

And silly at the fact that green giraffes

wear tutus.

Four.

One thousand four hundred and sixty

days I have been blessed with you.

I am grateful beyond measure to our Savior for

letting me... b.e. ...your mommy.

The happiest of happy birthdays to you...

our Tan, Tan Man, Tannerboy, Stink.

I could eat you up I love you so!

a surgeon is not a doctor

2009-11-01T13:47:00.003-06:00

I love to come up with unique Halloween costumes. When I had my second son, it was even better. I could now come up with duos. I usually take it easy and purchase one costume and make one. So far we've been Curious George & The Man in the Yellow Hat, Willy Wonka & Wonka bar, and Batman & Robin. This year, I thought, was going to be the best. Tristan was going to be a surgeon and Tanner the Operation Game dude. That was until Tanner saw Tristan dressing up like daddy. I teetered with the idea of making the costume in hopes that he'd change his mind but then I realized...he's 3...don't waste your time on making him wear a red nose and a pink body leotard with bones and brain freeze pieces on it. Save your time woman! So, both the boys were surgeons...not, I repeat, not doctors. Or so Tanner said.

Note to self: If you wait to look for their Halloween bags, you know the ones you spent good money on, until an hour before trick-or-treating begins you probably won't find them. Especially in those closets you supposedly organized. If you forget you will probably have to use their Easter buckets.

rain gutter bookshelves

2009-10-27T10:46:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you but we have books galore in our house. My husband made some really cool hanging shelves years ago for my oldest son that were passed on to Tanner and they finally called it quits. So, in my haste to find something pronto I started researching shelving units and happened upon these. I loved them and thought they'd be fairly easy. Now, just finding the time for my hubby to do them was another. He hesitantly agreed and up they went. Wasn't hard at all....I mean, you can sit back and watch your handsome hubby put them up all the while telling him....left, right, up, no back down, right, left...perfect. I love him!

I did however change a few things from the above tutorial. Afterall, I wanted this to be affordable! We used L brackets instead of the gutter brackets. The gutter brackets were $8 for 2 sets of them. L brackets....$6 for 4 sets. I also chose not to use end caps as those ran $6 something a piece! With the supplies we used the total project cost was a little over $11. Can't beat that! Oh and I painted mine with a brown wash since the white was too much for Tanner's cowboy motif.

Tanner loves them because he can reach the shelves. I love them because they have sparked his love for reading...oh and they were oh so affordable!

cupcakes with a hunky cowboy

2009-10-26T07:46:00.003-05:00

Tanner's class is having a Halloween party today so last night I made these yummy cupcakes. Go over to Stirred Love for the recipe. I like details....no question about it. Sometimes I even get made fun of for being so detailed but to me, details show you care. Last night while making 20 cupcakes and cutting out 20 pumpkins (because I do not have a Cricut, another example to my dear husband that it is needed) my hubby laughed and said "you're so cute cutting out your little pumpkins while threading some funky ricrac to make it look like a leaf and icing those decadent cupcakes". Okay, so maybe those weren't his exact words. Maybe it was more like "you are so cute...you just can't go buy something, can you?". He's right....I can't. Because if I were to go to the store to buy cupcakes that would come with icing that stains your teeth and a skull cupcake topper that turns into a ring. Not for me I tell ya!

While making cupcakes Tanner decided to help. Notice his tongue...it stayed out the entire stirring session.

And then he posed for one last picture all the while telling me he was sick of me taking his picture. I've got cupcakes to cook, he said. Mr. Martha....I love it.

Try these out during this fall season....you'll be glad you did.

christmas blocks

2009-10-23T09:12:00.001-05:00

Head over to Martha Mondays to see these cute Christmas blocks. They are so simple and make a great gift.

caramel & miley...i mean hannah

2009-10-22T08:29:00.006-05:00

It's fall y'all! Ok, so it's been fall for awhile now but last week here in Memphis we skipped fall and dove right in to winter. It was coooold! The boys and I made some scruptious caramel apples to try and warm us up one afternoon. They are so very easy (which I totally swoon over!). To add a bit of rustic charm to them I added tree branches instead of popsicle sticks for the handle. To do this, without getting nasty tree branch germs inside our apples, I sanded down the branches. Only the part that was going in the apples though. Throw some caramels into a sauce pan with a tbsp of cream and heat. Roll your apples in the mixture and then in nuts. Or no nuts if you are not a nutty person. The boys also rolled them in chocolate chips. We put them in the fridge for awhile to cool.

Then sit down, while watching Hannah Montana the Movie, with a 3 year old and enjoy. Yes, Tanner picked the movie out. Lovely, huh? I have to say...not too bad of a movie. And the dancing, in our living room, was the best! Tanner hearts Miley.

pink party hat

2009-10-15T13:47:00.002-05:00

I'm in birthday mode. My baby is turning 4 and I want this to be a really special day for him. I don't know if it's the fact that my hubby and I have decided we are done having kids or that time has literally flown by. I am a little teary eyed thinking about him turning 4. For some reason, 4 is big to me. It's the start of growing up, getting ready for kindergarten, and learning that your mommy can't be with you all the time. Oh tears!

Ok, joyous...let me celebrate in him learning new things and get off the teary eyed psycho momma talk. Yesterday I wanted to do a test run for the party hats I'm making to see what size I needed to cut my paper. So, I just grabbed the first piece of scrap paper I saw and made my hat. I asked Tanner if I could try it on him for size and he told me I needed to finish the birthday hat so he could wear it. Being a good momma, at 8 o'clock at night...I threw some crepe paper and ribbon on it and boy...was he excited. His brother made sure to make fun of him for wearing his pink hat. Bless his heart, it didn't bother him one bit. And so much, he is wearing it again today. Even at naptime.

twenty five

2009-10-14T07:46:00.003-05:00

On many occasions I've told you I have obsessions. One of my obsessions costs me alot of money....or should I say costs my hubby alot of money. Children's clothing. I'm Obsessed with a capital O...did you notice? Trunk shows have been my best friend when finding unique, sweet, Southern clothing for my little guys. Since the boys are almost 5 years apart, I only had about a year where I bought them both clothing from trunk shows. Now however, Tristan has grown out of it. Saves me money, right? No. He has aquired a taste for Vineyard Vines. Not the most economical line of clothing.

Anyways, I decided it was time to start pulling their summer clothes so I can store them. I knew Tanner had a lot of shorts but boy, it hit me when I saw them all stacked up. Unfortunately the picture above doesn't include all of them. Some are in the dryer. Would you like to guess how many pairs there are? 25. Yes people...25. I don't even own 25 bottoms much less just shorts.

After I saw it all, the money popped right into my mind. The money I've spent. Oh, I can't even go there. Seeing this just gets me excited because I am now ~~a sewer~~ trying to make the things I love so much with my own hands. I've gotten frustrated with the bobbin/thread/needles on my sewing machine but I am learning. It feels like such a great accomplishment...until your little one wears pants that you made and splits the seat. Yes, one of the first pairs of pants I made is ruined. I'm blaming it on the fabric. Sometimes cheap fabric is just that...cheap. Oh well, at least Tanner has a breeze.

chalkcloth opinions

2009-10-13T20:30:00.003-05:00

Calling all my crafty friends....have you used chalkcloth before? I am wanting to make placemats for party favors that will be used by children. I need about 20 of them and am trying to see if buying vinyl placemats and painting them with chalkboard paint would be cheaper and easier than sewing chalkcloth and fabric into a placemat. It would certainly be cute but is it a pain? It seems kind of expensive. What do you think?

fabric pumpkins

2009-10-12T14:38:00.002-05:00

I got this great idea from Rachel over at A Little Bit Vintage. It was seriously the easiest project ever. For the tutorial, click here. I did all different sizes and shapes by cutting the toliet paper rolls at differing heights and using less or more shopping bags. I think some really funky fabric would be cute too!

teton trek

2009-10-10T08:56:00.002-05:00

Here in Memphis we have a really great zoo! After we were fever free for 24 hrs we decided to make the track out to the zoo. It was a gorgeous day and boy...was I happy to leave the confines of my home.

They have built this huge log cabin where you can go out on the porch and sit in the rocking chairs, watch educational videos about the animals in the exhibit, and view the beauty that really emulates nature.

Behind the boys are the "geysers" and the cabin.

Grizzly Bears

View of where the bears roam.

Tanner did not want to leave this area. He loved just
watching the waterfall.

If you are in the Memphis area and haven't seen it...go!

enough already!

2009-10-09T15:49:00.007-05:00

It has been one of those weeks. A week that I want to erase from my ever.so.loving. memory. Last night I told my hubby that I've reached my limit this week. He so quickly and loving reminded me that there were two more days. Heck!

It all started last Friday...with...the...dreaded...FLU. Last weekend we had one of those jam packed, 100 million things to do weekend and don't you know...Tanner caught the flu. Tamiflu we started and wiped most of our weekend clear. Tanner decided to share in his ~~run mommy to get jello, sprite, gatorade, chicken noodle soup, tissues, motrin, vicks, movies, toys, games~~ germs to Tristan on Saturday. My thought was great...at least we will get it over in one fellow swoop. Tristan however decided to get the flu really, really bad. Yacking and all. Me + yacking= more yacking. Plain, simple.

Then the week just slid down the drain from there. Cleaning, coughing, car trouble, other car tire trouble, kid off adhd meds bouncing off the wall, no school, hives...the list goes on. I don't want to bore you and make you feel sorry for me.

In all this glorious time I had ample opportunity to feed a new addiction. Applique time!

Monster madness. Tanner is into all things scary without having to be scared.

Does that make sense? Ha, one of those hard to explain things.

This is his pumpkin monster...or so he says.

FINALLY finished the car applique.

T applique to go with his aqua pants that my mom

says are girlie. Go on...leave that comment for me, mom.

"Oh Chrimas Tree! Oh Chrimas Tree...

How lovely are youuuu branches?"
This is how Tanner sings it so we

can not break tradition.

Polka dots + curly headed boy=lots of

"what a cute little girl" comments

an afternoon in the gardens

2009-10-01T10:23:00.004-05:00

halloween decorations & a banner

2009-09-29T10:44:00.006-05:00

Usually I decorate for fall and not Halloween. This year though I thought I try something new. Paper and mod podge were definitely my friends. BFFs actually.

Remember the dirt cheap wooden, bird tray? Thanks to my trusty ole' spray paint and some mod podge it's transformed.

I framed a notecard that had a little Halloween lovin' going on.

I'm all for different heights when you are decorating.
I'm hoping to come home to some warm, banana nut bread on

this cake plate though.

Halloween banner. Since I only scored a few of these banner pieces I thought I'd double duty them. On the reverse side of this banner is one waiting to be decorated for Christmas. All I have to do is change the ribbons.

Thank you Dollar Tree for cheap, cheap frames. Scrapbook paper, stencils, and spray paint changed the whole look. Now all I have to do is change out the paper for the different Holidays...oh yeah, and come up with three-lettered words.

This little box was one of those cheap Christmas boxes that you use for cookies. The lid decided to disappear so I wrapped it in scrapbook paper and mod podged it. How many times do you think I've said mod podge? I'm shooting for a record here peps!

Recently I was talking about the beautiful, vintage music books my father-in-law gave me?

I used mod podge (yes, I'm addicted...do you see a pattern here?) and a simple tile. Simple stickers that spell out our last name and seasonal ribbon.

I love seeing other people's ideas. It really gets my juices going and sometimes...I just copy. Okay, most of the time. Holiday decorating doesn't have to be expensive. Use what you have and make the most of it.

move over nancy

2009-09-25T12:22:00.002-05:00

Nancy, she is the queen. With her melotone voice, mom-do, and customized denim she teaches us to sew. I remember as a young girl seeing her on PBS on Saturday mornings and thinking....does it ever end? It was the worst thing evah! Well, Nancy has some competition now.

That's right ba-bay...momma finally got herself a sewing machine! Happy Birthday to me...2 months early! This is only a decision that I've been pouring over for months. I have no clue whatsoever so this should be quite interesting. My mom might be sick of me calling to ask what I need, is this alright, and what the hey? A couple of summers ago my mom tried to teach me and it seemed like such a pain in the...whoop, you know! So, here goes.

ps: if I start to wear button up silk blouses with coordinating tapered pants while video taping myself for a PBS show on how to cut quilting fabric....stop me.

sweet giveaway

2009-09-24T16:53:00.001-05:00

Kasey at Lola B's has a great giveaway in honor of her 300th post. I am drooling over everything in her store. Go over and check her out! You'll be happy you did.

chalkboard plates

2009-09-23T08:03:00.006-05:00

Obsessions can be a good thing. My obsession as of current is decorating for Halloween. I'm on a rampage and nobody can stop me. One can of chalkboard paint is taking over. I've been chalkboarding everything from clay pots, trays, picture frames, and now plates.

These 3 plates are above my shelves in my kitchen/dining area. I love them but am wanting to change my whole style. Unfortunately, my kitchen/dining/living area is all one big (okay....cozy) space so changing it out all at once is just not possible for me. I'm trying to live and be content with what I have without dwelling on the changes I want to make. Babysteps as Bob would say. I have been really blessed with hand-me-downs from my mom but even she says...get rid of it. Isn't it funny how you love something and the next minute you want to change it?

So, in decorating for fall/Halloween I needed to change up those plates. I thought some cute damask plates would have been adorable up there but wanted instant change. No patience for shopping here. I had 3 plates that I found up in my cupboards as I was cleaning them out so I chalkboarded those bad boys up. Chalkboarded...it's a noun, a verb, an adjective. You know, like mod podging, mod podged, that's mod podgey. Brakes on, enough of the English lesson. I thought it'd be cute during Holidays to write things on them....like Boo, Joy, and ummm...okay, that's all I got. 3 letter words for other Holidays?

I need to get some of those plate hangers that you can't see. Have y'all seen those? If not, check them out here. They would make a huge difference in these plates.

I might find these plates addicting. I will have a new appreciation for those 25 cents plates at yard sales now. Happy Halloween y'all!

filler blocks

2009-09-22T08:08:00.005-05:00

Is it wrong that I steal blocks from my youngest? Yesterday I was decorating for Halloween and needed a filler for a vase. The iredescent marbles at the hobby store weren't calling my name. Black jelly beans were....but that meant a trip to the store and well, nobody wants to see me in my yoga pants with a paint stained shirt. This I promise you! So, off to the toys.

I spray painted 2 sides but since it's spray paint it got most of the block. The orange one in the background was an already painted toy block. Just roughed it up some.

Next, I cut some strips of scrapbook paper and mod podged the paper and 4 sides of the block.

Wrap it up. Easy and beyond peasy! I put a protective coating on because I have a feeling that the little one will want his "blocks" back.

I just used a flower vase I had on hand and added stickers to it, tied some ribbon around the vase, and added the blocks.

quick happy gift

2009-09-21T09:28:00.004-05:00

Tristan is getting a new teacher. At first I was a little upset because we love (with a capital L) his current teacher. Every May at his school a letter comes out for you to choose next years teacher. You get 4 picks and are guaranteed one of them....usually it's one of your top 2 picks. Anyways, didn't mean to bore you with all that, our school is overflowing in K and in 5th grade so our school was allotted 2 new teachers. Why you say then is Tristan getting a new teacher since he is only in the 3rd grade? Well, his current teacher was a 5th grade teacher and one of the new teachers they hired was a 3rd grade teacher so they did a floparu. As much as we are saddened by losing Mrs. Peterson we know our new teacher, Mrs. Somers, is wonderful. She has children at the school and has been very involved.

What is a girl to do for a new teacher that is being thrown into a class after the school year has started and has my ~~comedic, talkative, somewhat disruptive~~ energetic child? Bribe...hello!?! This is my somewhat of a' peace offering. I love to shower the boy's teachers with little gifts throughout the year. Teaching is a hard job (or so I can imagine) and they certainly don't make enough money for all the work they do.

So, I took a 30 cent mini-notebook and cut out scrapbook paper. Glue the paper on the front and back. Next I took ribbon that has adhesive on the back and stuck that on the binding of the notebook. Sand the edges and ink them to make them look worn a bit. Embellish to your hearts content.

For the pen I just took scrapbook paper and cut it to cover the white part on the pen. Put a little Mod Podge to adhere the paper to the pen. Let dry and put a protective coating of Mod Podge on the paper. Again, embellish.

This was the easiest, cheapest project and you can use what you have on hand.

Make sure to thank all the teachers that have such a profound impact on our kids...and for my homeschooling friends...thank yourself! It doesn't have to cost a fortune to say "thanks!".

i wonder where he gets it?

2009-09-20T21:34:00.002-05:00

The other day my ziploc stash had dwindled by quit a bit.

Today, I realized why.

Someone has taken over his momma's obsession to organize.

crafting mojo

2009-09-18T15:09:00.006-05:00

I guess getting rain for 6 days straight gets your crafting mojo going. I've been lacking it big time lately. A Ballard catalog in the mail always gets a girl excited though. Does everyone else drool when it comes?

I recently bought a bunch of frames and have yet to decide what I want to do with all of them. I know I want to do some chalkboards, cork boards, and a tray but this dreary weather got me in gear without all the supplies I need.

Before:

After:

My father in law bought some music books at an estate sale that I hesistantly ripped a few sheets out of. They are so lovely. One was from the 40's and had a calendar tucked inside. I almost died! Don't you wonder what was going on in 1943 on December 16th? They smell old and bring my heart great joy. Maybe one day I'll put them to use and actually play the music.

For now though, I'm using them for decoration. This is a picture of my mom and 2 of her siblings. I love how the photo boasts of ripped edges and stained spots. It is irregularly perfect. The sheet music is a song from Bach that is in English and French. I am starting to think I've turned into an old soul.

(guess what I learned...this is not my mother but my father, his sister, and I'm guessing one of their cousins. oh well, you learn something new each day, ha!)

My other project was for Tanner's teacher's birthday. Since I can tend to procrastinate I thought I'd jump on it since her birthday is next week. She is young so I thought I do something a bit more funky. Remember those banner pieces I got for pennies? Well, I decided to part with one of them. I made the ribbon flower by just looping and stitching so it would stay secure.

We have puzzles galore in our house and pieces seem to walk away. I used the leftover pieces from our alphabet puzzle to create this plaque. I can't wait to show you what I'm doing with the base of the puzzle:)

the invite

2009-09-16T08:40:00.005-05:00

I hope I don't bore you all with birthday party plans but this is what I'm doing these days. I can't help myself. I get so focused in on something and it becomes my life. Ridiculously loserish, I know.

So this year I decided to do my own invites. Do you ever see a vision in your head but you can't describe it? I have a wonderful gal who does all my stationery and invites but I knew I wouldn't be able to get out what I wanted. If you've never visited scrapblog before you will be sucked in...kinda like etsy. I wanted a color theme and this is pretty much it. For the party I will do some variations but I think it's pretty darn cute.

i'm going mad

2009-09-14T18:51:00.003-05:00

It's officially birthday season here in our house! My mind gets to whirling and creativity brews. I love it. Of course, Tanner's birthday is not until November but one can never be too prepared.

First, you gotta come up with a theme. I'm not one for character stuff but we all know how kids can be. As of now, I don't ask Tanner what he wants his birthday to be like. I figure I've got plenty of time to hear of Transformers, Batman, and all things superhero. I just try to make it as magical as possible for him and he'll never know what he's missin'. I know...I'm a mean mom. Our theme this year is the letter T. I'm a monogramming fool so anything with an initial on it is just for me! Oh wait, this is not my party....or is it?!?!

Next, choose your colors. For us, it will be aquas, orange, red, and celedon/lime greens. Lurrrrve it. Oh the colors are devine.

Third...oh yeah, it'd be nice to know where you are doing it. 20+ kiddos in your house doesn't sound like fun to me. This year we are doing ours at the pumpkin patch. We'll have it all to ourselves so it will be great!

Now, get your shopping shoes on and shop, shop, shop. Or, if you are like me and are trying to stay on a budget (is that really possible for a birthday party?) get to creatin'. I made my invites on ScrapBlog to try and save some money. They turned out really cute. Will post those soon...I promise. I'm also going to make all the favors.

For food we are doing all things T. I'm going to have a taco bar and make a tortellini salad (Mexican style). We are also going to do a candy table. I know, parents are going to KILL me but hey, it's a party! We'll have Twizzlers, Twix, Tootsie Rolls, taffy, and toffee. I'm trying to find bottled drinks in my colors. I'm thinking those cute Izze drinks wrapped in some cute scrapbook paper with the letter T on them would be adorable. Unfortunately, those run about $4 for 4 of them. Since we are inviting about 30 kids and their parents and siblings...it's totally out of the question. I think that drink purchase would be my entire budget. If you have any ideas shoot them my way!!!!

Finally, I'm going to try my hand at making some paper pom poms. I've heard they will make you pull every last hair out but surely it can't be that bad. I just think they will be oh so cute hanging from the trees. (This may very well be a purchased product for me. Since they aren't very expensive it might just be worth my time..and sanity....to purchase them. If you've done them before give me your thoughts.)

Does anyone else get obsessive about your kid's birthdays?

pronto pups, funnel cakes, & cotton candy

2009-09-10T12:06:00.002-05:00

It's fair time. I love the fair and expected to be entertained this year as we decided to give up our old faithful Mid-South Fair and venture to the burb's new fair. This is, I believe, the 3rd year we've had 2 different fairs to pick from here in Memphis.

Fairs are not the most classy but they do boast some fine eats. Tanner had his first ProntoPup and decided he didn't need the hot dog...he settled for the fried part covered in mustard. He is so my child! If you like fried foods you've got to get to a fair near you. Our arteries were clogged just looking at the food boards on the front of all the carts.

I was geared up to be entertained, like I said before, but was totally let down! Where were the toof-less carnies, the cutoffs, the mullets? Oh how I was let down. Seriously. We even went to the tractor pull to get some action and nothing. We did however see some beer branded bikinis for sale. Do girls really wear those?

Tanner decided he wanted to ride the ferris wheel. Momma was FREAKED.
Since we conquered the ferris wheel we thought we could ride anything. Do you see the terror?

Monkey ride...both were happy. And hooooootttt!

What is a fair without posing in the cheesy face cutout props?

or being locked in jail with a mouse as your guard?

All in all a very fun day but man, it was scorching hot! I still don't understand why the fair doesn't come later on in the year when it's cooler. I'm thinking the carnies like to get their tan nice and leathery while it's warm. Starting to wonder if that is a requirement on the fair job application.

my new spray paint

2009-09-07T20:38:00.003-05:00

I have a new "spray paint". Spray paint has become an obsession of mine....along with modge podge, scrapbook paper, and fabric. I have turned into somewhat of an old soul lately and want to make everything. Be it my cheap self or my creative side...I'm learnin' to save while creating. I'm a trunk show lovah' but seriously, the prices make me want to scream.

A crafty friend of mine, Maribeth, taught me how to applique. I'm hooked! and then some! I can't believe I've been paying $26+ for appliqued t's. Now, I'm learning...perfectionism not required.

car tee...not finished yet though.

monkey see

Goooo Tar Heels!

Just gotta add the tar to the heel.

Halloween tee.

We have to scare everyone when wearing this

because it says "boo" and not his name.

It's a work in progress. An addiction to be tamed. I have a feeling I will be investing in some band-aids. I have some serious numbness in my thumbs from all the needlework.

I won, I really...really won!

2009-09-07T20:11:00.003-05:00

My sweet bloggy friend, Beth at Raising Three Sons-Not a Bow Insight, gave me an award! She has boys too so I feel like we connect on being that "boy mom". She is such a sweet, godly woman who tells of real life and the emotions that go with it. Check her out!

Here are the rules of this award:

- This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming.

- These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.

- They are not interested in self-aggrandizement.

- Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.

- Please give more attention to these writers.

- Deliver this award to other bloggers who must choose others to pass it on to and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

- I will pass this award to some of my bloggy friends that I find exceedingly charming...

Rachel over at A Little Bit Vintage.

Andy at Poppies at Play.

Maribeth at pigtails & pjs

kicking & screaming

2009-09-04T09:58:00.005-05:00

Do you think you know your children and their personalities? Well, I did until we decided to play sports. Tristan has always been my artsy child....I totally gobble it up. One of his favorite things to do is cook. I dream of a cooking show (totally like Paula) where he calls me "momma" at 30 and comes in to kiss me right on the cheek. I do love my boys.

Tristan is 8 and has played sports in the past but they were never his "thing". No biggie. Well, this fall he decided he wanted to play flag football. Great, let's give it a try. Wouldn't you know...my artsy child is a true blue football guy. I love how my kid's prove me wrong.

Unfortunately, hubby's dreams to watch Tanner score the winning play in a State Championship may be a bit off. He was going to be our athletic guru. He's rough and tumble and loves to get dirty...well, not his hands but other than that we love getting filthy. We talked to Tanner about playing soccer and he was thrilled!!!

Our first soccer practice:

We've got our cleats...check.

Socks...check.

Here we are singing I love soccer:
(notice the rhythm in the hand motions)

all smiles

Until, we have to play. If you look to the right of the coach,
2 children over, that is Tanner.
Standing still, screaming his eyes out.
Oh wait, it does get better.
Unfortunately I didn't get the pictures of him
throwing his little ole self down on the ground and screaming.
Sometimes we even throw some dirt around.
It was great. I was one proud mom.

there's no santa?

2009-09-03T07:42:00.002-05:00

Recently Tristan and I have been talking about salvation. It's been a really hard topic for me to try and explain to him. I've been praying for God to give me the right words but still, I can't seem to explain it on a 8 year old level. He is questioning everything. I embrace his thoughts and love that he is trying to find his answers in his time but it's hard for me to sit back while he says "God just couldn't be around forever....he had to have been created at some point.". I have explained to him that is where faith and His Word step in.

Becoming a Christian at a young age and not really knowing what I was doing, I want Tristan to accept Christ when God moves him. Not because he feels like he has to or because he is scared not to.

One of the greatest moments I hope to experience with my boys is watching them live for God. Having two boys is challenging at times. I try to live as Christ-like as possible and know that I'm not perfect. I hope they see how great a God we have. Over and over He heals all wounds and forgives when we surly don't deserve His forgiveness. I pray they are successful and happy but most of all...have God in their heart. It brings tears to my eyes to know that I am raising boys to be men. Hopefully men after God's own heart. What a great task our Savior has given me.

So, our last conversation was about faith. Me being beyond brilliant, tried to explain believing in things you can't see. My husband said air and brainiac here decided to use santa as a metaphor. Thinking that I had just belted out what would make his heart and brain click, Tristan broke out the "I think it's just parents that leave the presents out!". Whaaaat? So now, not only am I trying to explain salvation...I'm explaining why there is no santa. It's that time....my boy is growing up.

butt station

2009-09-01T09:06:00.005-05:00

Everybody loves a good catalogue. Delivered right to your door are pages upon pages that bring a sparkle to your eye. A new blouse, a kitchen gadget you can't live without, toys galore....

or,

the butt station.

There is also the snuggle blanket.

What happens if you have to go to the

bathroom suddenly? A fire?

You always know the kids can find something they want.

Hmm, Batman scares me!

The Holidays are coming so what better

way than to decorate your computer screen!

Come on bloggy friends...

I expect at Christmas to hear about

all the garland that abounds while reading my blog!

Don't know what to get the man in your life?

How about some knit jean loungewear?

Really...should the words knit and jean

be able to describe any attire?

Oh, drawstring included!

Deer, they are cute. Bambie stole my heart long ago.

Somehow, I don't remember Bambie's legs being this long?

If you are an avid hunter you need,

yes...need, to showcase your hunt

on fine china. Deer china that is.

I think Spode has some competition.

After a long day of hunting you need to hang those

orange duds on your gun coat rack.

Don't forget to put a

coaster under your Natural Light.

You wouldn't want to ruin your side table.

And if ever you need to wrap a present,
what better way than to camouflage it!
I bet they'll never find the present....
you know you want to keep the butt station
for your very own.

And last but not least....
Fido.
How could we ever forget about
man's best friend!

I think my hubby and I giggled for an hour over our new found coffee table book. Thank you postal service for delivering 387 pages of laughter!

blast off!

2009-08-26T08:16:00.006-05:00

What?!?! Not everybody dresses up like a astronaut

to go to school?

i'm dreaming

2009-08-23T20:36:00.003-05:00

I'm going to be oh so busy this week selling THIS adorable, affordable children's clothing. I'm drooling over all the girlie cuteness!

I've got lots on my mind! I need to sand and paint a dresser/hutch for Tristan's room along with my dining room table and chairs....oooh how I'm dreading this one! I'm so torn on what color to go with. Since my ultimate goal is to completely change out my colors I need a color that will work now and when all redos are complete. How I wish I could do it all at the same time.....and have money left over. Is it bad that I'm wishing for fabrics and paint for my birthday? It's official, I'm old. Since I'm buying a sewing machine, finally, I dream of gorgeous fabrics and decadent paint....and a handy man to do it all would be GREAT! Oh wait, it is a dream. So, my current colors are goldy yellow, cherry & deep red, khakis, and hints of green. What I want is whites, creams, khakis, and shades of aqua and celedon/limey green (ooh look, I made up my own color!). My kitchen, dining, and living rooms are all open to each other. So, my question is...what color would you paint the dining table and chairs?

dear world

2009-08-21T16:48:00.004-05:00

Dear World,

I have some serious issues with what goes on in your little world as of late. These strange, annoying things keep happening to me. I'm peeved and annoyed but let's just say I'll deal. I'm just going to lay it out in bulletin style because I want to get directly to the point.

will you please let the lovely ladies that wear white cotton tank tops know that a bra might be needed?
will you please tell the neighborhood association guy to quit taking joy rides around the neighborhood just to look at my dead plants? i know it's him leaving me a 'warning' in the mailbox. and hey, fyi...my adirondack chair is much cuter than his folding sports chair sitting in his driveway. isn't this against code?
can you please let the nice, old lady at the do it yourself check out lanes know that scanning one item per minute is not acceptable? especially when we are buying toliet paper because three days of using paper towels does not award you mommy of the year.
hey guy....in the white jeans, with the jersey on...tell your wife with the white tank top to put a bra on! y'all might want to stay away from the white. i'mjustsayin'.
i need, yes NEED, you to let my hairdresser know that bangs and curly hair just don't go together. it's like water and oil...not so good. maybe i could use the oil to tame these curls? wait, he does speak english, right?

for freeeeeee.....

2009-08-19T08:57:00.008-05:00

I love redoing anything that was given to me. My mother recently gave me her old sewing table. Oh, how I love this table! The definition of the lines in the legs of the table are great. I knew I wanted to paint it and make it into a little desk for Tristan's room.

Thanks to Glidden's FREE paint...this whole project was freeeeee! When I first ordered my free paint, I thought the color was fantastic. It's called Icy Waterfall. But when I went to Home Depot to get the sample, because we all know the color on the computer screen is waaaay off, I was second guessing myself. Well, fast forward to actually getting around to painting the piece....I double love it! It's the slightest greyish, baby blue. At first it looks white, then out pops a greyish blue. Roughed it up some...viola! Desk painted.

Oh wait, I didn't paint the back panel underneath the desk. Redo! How ya like that freeeee chair?!?! One of my girlfriends gave it to me...giddy am I! Recovered the seat cushion and done. Well, for now. I think I'm going to paint it an ever so slight orange. What, orange you ask. Yes orange....totally roughed up of course. We'll see what the spray paint selection is. Heaven knows I hate to sit there with a paint brush these days when I've experienced the ease of spray paint. Oh how I love that stuff! I promise I will stay away from the neon orange though. I think I'm going to remove the bulletin board, that started off as a piece of artwork, and put some small shelves up for his crayons, pencils, and knick knacks. I'm also going to put a piece of glass on the top since it is ~~old~~ irregularly beautiful. We wouldn't want our homework "jacked up" (or so he says).

Since I had lots of freeeee paint left I had to find other things to paint.

Hopefully my mail will stay off the counters now.

abc's & 123's

2009-08-18T09:28:00.005-05:00

It's here...hallelujah! A day for me learning and building social skills. Tanner started MDO back yesterday and it was heaven sent. Oh how I've missed it!

Guess what I accomplished? Absolutely nothing. I spend half my day getting more track marks embedded into my arms so we can find out all that is going on with my allergic reactions....totally fun stuff. After being in a lab for a couple of hours I now see how people's lab results get mixed up. I guess if I'm told I have erectile dysfunction I need further testing.

total score

2009-08-17T12:22:00.007-05:00

Are you a bargain shopper? I am impatiently, most certainly....NOT! I don't like digging, sorting, or scouring for a bargain. I do however like when a bargain finds me. That is when I know I just can't say no. Often things that are on sale are not clearly marked. Today was one of those days. I had to hit Michaels up for something and I saw the glorious 70% off sign. Usually, the thought of sifting through used up, broken, nobody wants it shelves makes me itchy. (Does anybody else get itchy when looking through old things?) There they were....wooden banners. Well, the bases to make a wooden banner. I quickly got giddy and started throwing children's foam sets out of the way. I MUST have 6. As a little old lady came my way, I planted my feet and widen my arms. You know...as if to stake my territory. Afterall, this was my 70% off pile! So, 6 banner pieces later (and lots more goodies) I scored all of the above for, get this.....$18.64! I had a super, sweet cashier that didn't mind my nickel and penny mind set. I don't know what got into me? I guess I wanted the best of the best bargains. I can now see where it becomes addicting.

Two of my favorite things are below. A cute birdie pencil holder ($.59) and tray (hello... $.89!). Since they weren't clearly marked so I didn't realize how much they were. I should have gone back and scooped up the rest of them. I originally bought this to make into a present for Tristan's teacher but I think I will have to keep this for myself.

diy

2009-08-13T08:46:00.002-05:00

I ~~attempt~~ love all things DIY. Kimba over at A Soft Place to Land is having her DIY day and she is giving away some
super cute stationery. There is everything from recipes to redos so check her out!

change

2009-08-13T07:26:00.002-05:00

Do you ever sit in your home and dream up new decor? I'm constantly envisioning different curtains, new pillows, painted furniture, and dazzling accessories. I'm in the midst of changing my style. Well, in all honesty...wanting to change my style. So what is a girl to do when she wants new things??? Redo the kitchen window seal. Have I lost you yet? Not too exciting, eh. Of course, being the bad blogger I am, I did not take before pictures. Let's just say that the window seal included meds, ugly soap dispensers, dried bay leaves, and a wooden plaque.

Now it holds a cute old tin coffee pot, thank you mom.

A plain candle can be spruced up with ribbon and a shell. An old picture frame that lost it's back can be painted. I loved the {in}courage post so much that I printed the definition of "encourage" and taped it to the back of the frame. Of course I had to add some starfish.

Because hand sanitizer and soap dispensers are ugly...you can add wrapping paper, stickers, ribbon, adornments. I just used what I had on hand. Think of all the cute labeling you could do!!!! These make really great gifts too. How fun for a teacher to get lotion decorated cute....and hello, inexpensive. Think Dollar Tree. Yes, I know...it can be a bit frightening to step inside but really, deals galore!

My last change today was a piece of artwork for Tristan's room. My brother painted these next two pieces and I've been eyeing them for years. Since he moved recently I was finally handed the apples of my eye! Oh how I l.o.v.e this one. It just makes my walls POP! I'm in the market for a new lamp...the monkeys have got to get back to the jungle.

This is the one I am using in Tristan's room. I had purchased one of those wall decals awhile back with a quote from one of Tristan's favorite Dr. Suess books as a young preschooler. After lots of pressing, peeling, words muddled under my breath......

this was the end result. Hubby hung it up on his wall above his bunk beds today and I just love it. Since Tristan is a huge art entheusist, I think it's extra special that he has one of Uncle Zack's pieces in his room.

brotherly love

2009-08-12T08:02:00.002-05:00

Sometimes canoodling with your brother lends for a really good snooze.

noodle do

2009-08-11T08:50:00.004-05:00

so good it makes your eyes cross

{in}courage

2009-08-10T08:37:00.003-05:00

There is a new site out in the blogging world that is DYNOMITE! I love it. These are real women at the heart of God sharing the work He's done in and around their lives. At least that is how I view it.

What {in}courages me?

my Savior Again and again he is always there. In my heart, around me, always {in}couraging me. I have failures that He sees as hurdles and only with Him can I conquer.
my boys Showing me how to be a kid again....to let loose and not sweat the small things. To be carefree and have passion. To let the ice cream melt and get dirty.
my husband Teaching me to never give up on a dream. To work hard and use your dedication as a means to strive. To love and be loved.
my mom Such a woman of grace and love. I could write a book on this but I'll spare y'all. She is much loved beyond any words!
my sisters in Christ I've been blessed without measure. I'm amazed at what a true friend is and how God puts them in your life at just the right time. I love my girlfriends!
cooking I find comfort in the kitchen. There is nothing better than gathering around the table with friends and family to eat, drink, and most of all...be merry.
imperfection Now this would not have been anywhere in my vocabulary a couple of years ago...heck, even a couple of months ago. But now, as I sit and embrace all my imperfections it is my {in}couragement through and through. Because I was inslaved to perfection, I have given it all to Him. He takes it all and leaves me burden free. I love that my house isn't perfect, afterall...that means we have giggled, played, and loved in our home.

From Merriam-Webster::

{in}courage: to {in}spire with courage, spirit, or hope

i've turned into my mother

2009-08-07T12:19:00.007-05:00

Do you remember when you were younger and your mother did something that you just couldn't stand? You would then go on to say "I'll never do that!". Well, the time has come that I'm my mother through and through.

When I was younger, my mother did not cook from a box or from frozen meals. She was the real deal. We ate so many odd things it wasn't even funny or cool. Her culinary skills are ridiculous and still to this day amaze me. I loved absolutely everything she cooked but one thing. One itty bitty vegetable, no matter how it was cooked stood in my way of saying "I love everything my mother cooks". It was horrible. So horrible that my brother and I were given a table for 2 outside when she cooked these. BEETS!!!! Why you may ask were we eating outside when our parents were inside??? Oh this is because we would physically get sick from eating them. If only I could say I was allergic to them my problems during childhood would have been resolved. I thought this was child abuse. Lock them up and charge them...or so I thought. Yesterday I found myself in her shoes. I am standing my ground and making Tanner eat everything on his plate...or at least try it. Tanner has a new "beet" but it is the cucumber. As I watched my baby chew with the funniest face ever, it started. The gagging. Most mothers would make sure their child was okay but I could do nothing but laugh. Laugh at the fact that I am my mother. Tanner thought it was so funny that he decided to put another piece of cucumber in his mouth to gag again. Boys!!!!

So, what do you do now that you said you'd never do?

thankful

2009-08-06T09:22:00.004-05:00

Facebook....it's a lifesaver. Really, how did I live without it for so many years? It's where you post about your life, relive your life, and make plans with your life. I have gotten in touch with long lost friends and boy is it fun to recap years gone by. I recently found one of my best high school friends, Chris, and in a mere second my heart broke for him. As I asked him how he had been he let me into his world. His life lately has been filled with heartache and pain. Back in May him and his fiance (a gal we went to high school with) were riding motorcycles when she was hit head on. She literally died in his arms he said. It is a life event that has forever changed his world. I can't begin to imagine the gut wrenching pain that takes over him everyday. He said my love for her literally consumes me. Wow! As I messaged back and forth with him he keep saying never forget those you love.

As a someone who has been close to death on 2 occasions I know this but I sometimes quickly forget. I get so hurried in my daily life that I forget to mention those sweet I love yous. When your life is going well, do you forget to praise our Father for what he has given you? I do but I pick right back up and thank Him for all His many blessings because without Him I could do nothing!!! Hug your loved ones and never forget how precious life is.

stirred love

2009-08-05T15:14:00.005-05:00

After some pushing from friends and me in turn saying "I don't wanna" I have started a food blog. I'm no expert, so if you are looking for perfection or thinking you'll be the next Emeril from my tips don't look. But if you want real life cooking by a Southern gal who just loves getting in the kitchen check me out!

http://stirredlove.blogspot.com/

mimi lovin's

2009-08-05T07:55:00.005-05:00

Moms...what would we do without them? I have an extra, extraordinary mom! She is my best friend, a constant. She is the first person I call no matter what. She loves me for me and nothing else. I know in years past I had to have disappointed her but she'd never show it or tell me I've let her down (you know those teenage years when you think you know it all). I love her dearly and thank God for giving me such a gracious, loving mother. Many of times we get called sisters and of course she eats it up...heaven already knows, I would! When I was I was young I loved it but now I'm wondering if my age is showing! Ahh, the joys of being 30.

So when Mimi comes we get to.....

take pictures of ourselves

(she is so going to kill me for putting this on here!)

phone call in 5,4,3,2,1.....

shop for figs

then drizzle them with honey and make
the BEST salad ever!
(lettuce, figs, pancetta, walnuts, blue cheese, and mom's famous dressing)

have the scrumpdiddliuptious artichoke dip
(mayo, cream cheese, parm, artichokes)
ahhh, it's heavenly
if you are wondering where the rest of the
pictures are from the meal...well, lets just say wine was involved so
the rest is history!

sleep with Mimi
with an awesome tuxedo shirt on

make a palet next to Mimi's bed

because it's not our night to sleep with her

take a ride to Nashvegas to eat Cheesecake Factory

feed Mimi the most devine carrot cake cheesecake

steal sugars from Mimi

make Mimi laugh

We double heart our Mimi!!!!!

lickey, lickey

2009-07-17T09:08:00.003-05:00

Forget that new stainless steel dishwasher.

::my cheaper option::

::there's nothing like wearing lunch and an afternoon snack on your shirt::

shells

2009-07-16T07:43:00.005-05:00

I love the beach! Living in Destin for almost 4 years got my juices going for all things beachy. The closest thing to a beach here in Memphis is my girlfiend's backyard sand pit. Hopefully one day soon I will have the sand between my toes on a near daily basis. My dream....an all white, shabby beach cottage somewhere on the Emerald Coast. Ahhh, dreamin' is fun but the price tag is not. I'm addicted to starfish and sandollars...shells just bring some sort of pop to a picture frame or an apothecary jar. Makes me feel at home.

2009-07-15T08:11:00.003-05:00

There are some big changes going on in my family's lives. Change is good and usually I'm up for adventure and the curves in the road. This time...I'm a little sad. My parents divorced when I was 17 and they've since remarried and both live WAY far (like as in 18-20 hrs away). But my one immediate family member here in Memphis is now moving. My brother. He has an awesome experience to go to a incredible innovation design school in Chicago. It's one of the top 3 schools and he was accepted. I'm so very proud of him for following his dreams no matter how hard and challenging it is. He is trusting in God fully and whole heartedly. My selfish side wants him to stay here. I guess I feel comfort in knowing he's just around the corner. I still have my grandmother and 2 aunts here but there is something about having him here that brings me peace. I will have to say that I'm totally stoked about going to Chicago and having a free place to stay...oh boy, is he in for a good time when we all crash at his place!

Good luck Uncle Z!!!!

oh ye of little faith

2009-07-14T08:07:00.002-05:00

hubby: babe, your blog is really good.
me: uh, have you never looked at it before?
hubby: yea, but it's really good and you're funny. I just wouldn't have a clue how to do all this stuff. (this coming from gadget guru)

So, thanks hun for the vote of confidence! He always thought I was crazy for taking all these random pictures of furniture, crafting, and the kiddos. Now that he sees it all together he thinks it's good. I love him!

without Him

2009-07-13T09:37:00.003-05:00

As a child of God, I often wonder where my life would be without my Savior. It's only by His grace that I'm forgiven for my short comings and sins. I'm not perfect and I never will be. Thank goodness for an ongoing relationship. I've slipped and fallen and tried to get right back up and follow Him but sometimes I chose the wrong way. I'm tearful in thinking of God's arms just waiting and calling me back Home. He's there with arms wide open to hug me and tell me how much He's missed me. I am so comforted in knowing that if I fail I will not be shunned. Here on earth I have problems with perfection. Little by little I'm learning to let go but some days I find it ever so hard. Freedom comes on the weight of God's shoulders. Let Him carry it for you...it's amazing what giving it fully and honestly to Him can do for you.

sweet

2009-07-10T13:02:00.003-05:00

Today is cookie and cupcake day for the shower. I'm not a baker by any means but thought I'd try my hand at these cookies a couple of weeks ago when my kiddos were craving snickerdoodles...ok, I lie...I was craving snickerdoodles. The boys were just happy to get their sugar rush on. This is the BEST cookie recipe and almost reminds me of those yummy Lofthouse cookies you buy at the grocery. You know the ones that melt in your mouth and are literally covered in icing that boasts a perfect circle. MMM! Ok, so try them!!!!

1c buttah
1 1/2 c sugar
2 lg eggs
2 3/4 c flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter, sugar, and eggs. Once combined mix your dry ingredients. Chill dough for about 15 minutes. Now, since these are normally a snickerdoodle cookie you scoop out a ball and roll them in cinnamon-sugar BUT I used the dough and rolled it out to about 1/2 in thickness and cut them in squares. I tried a cookie cutter but the dough is so buttery my body heat was making the dough too wet. I used a basic royal icing that I added some bittersweet chocolate too and then made a buttercream that I colored pink.

Buttercream:
1 c butter
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 1/2 c powdered sugar

I cream my butter and vanilla then add the milk. Slowly add the powdered sugar so you aren't looking like a ghost from the first swirl!

Sit back with a yummy cookie and a tall glass of cold milk....ENJOY!

happy birthday grammy!

2009-07-07T08:57:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my precious grandmother turned 78. She is one of those women that lives for family. She would do anything and everything for you without asking anything in return. Since she has everything under the sun and is hard to shop for, I decided to make her a frame.

Happy Birthday Grammy!

or grandmom, nannie, grandma

no-sew is always bettah!

2009-07-06T22:32:00.006-05:00

I don't sew...period. It might be a patience thing but all I know is it's not my thing. Growing up, I lived in Hancock's with my mother. She would drag me to the fabric store so we could get all the necessary items for my bubble suits. {You know you wore them...with your Keds or Sam & Libbys}. Ha! I used to hate all the measurements. Trying pieces of fabric on so it would fit just right. My mother would stay up night after night sewing the most beautiful dresses for me so I could match in our family's Holiday attire. That's right folks, we were THAT family. The ones who wore coordinating outfits. I love her for caring so much! Plus it gives us all a good laugh.

Ok, ok...on to my current state of affairs. These "curtains". Since I don't sew and my budget as of late doesn't call for custom curtains I decided to shake it up a bit. By shaking it up I mean digging into the basket of fabric my mom left me and finding something "new" to satisfy my shopping bug. These were completely made using hem tape. It's my 2nd new obsession...my 1st being spray paint...or is it Mod Podge? Too many choices! Anyways, I envision these curtains with a big monogrammed initial in the middle of the curtain between the ribbon. I'm not digging the ribbon but it's what I could find on a whim. I don't know what it needs but the sheer ribbon just ain't working for me. Any ideas?

pretties for a sweet baby girl

2009-07-06T07:54:00.006-05:00

Those who know me well know I live for all things girlie. I love the big bows, smocked bishops, and anything monogrammed. So, since God blessed me with two boys I live for the chance to do anything for those little princesses. Ooh, I get so excited just talking about it. I know I will be blessed with grandbaby girls...right, God?

My sweet friend Sara had Miss Olivia Faith 10 weeks early. Let me just tell you, this sweet angel has pushed every envelope since she was given life. Sara had problems throughout her pregnancy and with every problem she trusted, without wavering faith, that God had Olivia in His hands. It was awesome and powerful to see. Ten weeks early Olivia decided she wanted out and ever since has triumphed. She's gained a little over a lb in a month and is getting cuter by the minute. I really love her. The first time I saw her I cried. I don't know if it was the sheer joy of seeing my girlfriend's dreams come true or the miracle of what God can do. We praise Him daily for his blessings! Keep this precious family in your continued prayers as they've endured over a month with Olivia in the NICU and have about 2 weeks left, God willing.

I think she was about 2 weeks old in this picture.

They had taken all her oxygen and feeding

tubes out to clean her off. Do you see how te-tiny she is?

When she was born she weighed 2lbs 12oz.

On Saturday me and two other gals are throwing Sara a shower so I crafted all day yesterday. Here are a few things I made:

Baby sleeping sign.

Back

Picutre frame for the food table:

Of course it had to have her initial!

I'm going to put this on the mailbox. Balloons are over rated, ha.

I wish you could see how cute this "ribbon" is.

The camera is not being nice!!!!

Sweet plaque. Got the idea from Jen . She is one talented momma.

Check her out!

I used some old little pearl flowers I took off

a hair clip. Look around your house...you'll never believe

what you have hiding!

Can you tell I'm addicted yet? I think I'll use this tag

to adorn the cupcake stand.

Sara lost her mother recently and she loved butterflies. We decided to

do the shower in choclate brown and pink, her nursery colors.

I thought it'd be sweet to add little butterflies throughout

so Sara would feel a little bit of her mom here. I'm

going to hang these from the ceiling above the food table

and hopefully find some baby pink paper lanterns.

I can't wait to post pics of the shower!

a little clean up

2009-06-29T07:43:00.003-05:00

I'm tired. Really tired but the show must go on. Our weekend consisted of cleaning up and out. When you clean out, you all know what that means. You must part with things. Sometimes I'm just happy to get things out of the house because clutter can make you feel bogged down. Wait, not every kind of clutter just the clutter that ain't cute! Examples of uncute clutter...toys with missing parts, Nascar t-shirts, potty seats, bikini clad torso-ed drinking mugs (I must take a picture of these). Ok, I better stop before I make my family look like uber rednecks.

On to said projects. I had to paint this sweet little Bombay table because one of my ever-so-loving-sweet-little-precious-innocent children decided to climb the chair and soar off of it like he could fly like Batman and tip my sweet little table over! See the big chip on the top left side?

Before: (but after said sweet child knocked it over)

And after:

Now, if only I could get rid of the above plaid chair!

This is my now project. I'm sanding the doors down because I had the grand idea,

oh 8 years ago, to paint these doors with a crackle finish. Grand idea...NOT!

Getting that off is a nightmare! I'm painting the inlay of the doors black

and am painting a fleur de lis on the top 2 doors.

A little spray paint for the knobs and hopefully it will look great.

If not, my husband might ship me and the amoire back to

China where I'm sure it was made.

Happy Monday...now off to sand.

it's not tinker toys

2009-06-26T07:10:00.004-05:00

The best Christmas movie in the world has got to be Christmas Story! Hands down. Growing up, we always started our Christmas Story marathon on Thanksgiving Day. I looked forward to the glee of watching Ralphie and his family's antics. It brought laughter the first time and 500 times later I can still laugh so bad my gut hurts. I don't know what is funnier...."F.R.A.G.I.L.E" or the "electric sex" lamp. Surely everyone, yes everyone, has used a quote or two from that movie at one point in their life.

So, when Ralphie's mother asks him what he wants for Christmas he's afraid. Afterall he wants an official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200 shot range, air riffle. He then settles and tells her....tinker toys. Well, our PawPaw didn't get Tristan tinker toys but instead this:

How great is that! I'm not a gun person at all. Actually, I'm scared of them.

But this, oh this....is magically. This is memories.

Now, if we can just keep Tristan from "shooting his eye out".

Because, we all know, those icicles are known to kill people!

Tanner's room is done in an antique cowboy theme. My father in law is an avid estate saler and an awesome carpenter. I had wanted to do Tanner's initials on a piece of tin with a chunky frame around it. He whipped this up and I couldn't be happier. It has a story too. The wood frame is from an old arbor that he replaced. It's cedar wood and smells divine. The hooks are from an old Midtown Memphis house that my hubby lived in years and years ago. I made the letters and decoupaged them...not too much of a story there except they were my first attempt at decoupage. The little silver stars were off a child's belt my father in law found at an estate sale. I wonder if they were some little boy's treasure. You know how they love their little boots and I can just see the belt as a grand accessory. I love it! I'll post as soon as hubby hangs it today.

little ole' man

2009-06-24T18:55:00.004-05:00

it starts early ladies.

a good read.

summer staple

2009-06-23T09:10:00.003-05:00

Ahh, summer. I hate it! Today our heat index is reaching 107 degrees. What is good about that? Nothing I tell you, nothing. Here in Memphis, humidity blankets the city and you are trapped inside where AC provides you a heavenly escape to the sweltering heat outside. I don't mind heat if I'm sitting on a beach letting my toes burn in the white sand but somehow sitting in the heat with my toes in dirt doesn't quite do it for me.

Being a Memphian, Jerry's Snow Cones is a tradition. You know it's summer when the Jerry's parking lot is packed. So last night we made our summer night a wee bit better by driving to the hood to get a snow cone. For a $1 and some change you can pick from their cheesecake flavor to fire and everything in between.

Now as you can see, Jerry's isn't in the best of neighborhoods. The first incident happened just as we got our cones. With the recent storms that came through we have tons of trucks going around to pick up all the tree limbs. One of those trucks pulls up and out comes him. When I say him, I mean the dirtiest of dirty men....but totally not in an inappropriate way. Just in the 'I've been working in the 95 degree heat for 12 hours and I smell like a dead yak' kinda way. So of course, my kids bring attention to themselves by talking to every person that wants to strike up a conversation. Here is how the conversation went:

Dirty man: Is that snow cone good?
Tanner: Yes, it boobubble goum!
Dirty man: That looks good, can I have a bite?
Tanner: Yes (and literally scoops a bite out and tries to feed the man)
Me: Tanner!!! (screaming) that man doesn't want your nasty germs!!!!
Dirty man: laughing

So the man walks up to the counter, gets his snow cone, and before I know it he is offering Tanner a bite! My body could not move fast enough to stop Tanner from dipping his spoon into the strawberry goodness of a Jerry's Snow Cone. Oh my, my germ wheels were freaking! Most of you are asking, pondering through your little heads....did dirty man eat out of it first? And your answer is no. I guess I shouldn't be too freaked but O.H. M.Y. G.O.S.H!!! Ok, first freak out over.

The following pictures are from Tristan and Tanner spotting a man with a snake, yes...slithery, slimy, germ filled, eat your head off snake, around his hands coming to Jerry's to get some nachos. Ok, ok...it was little snake but ick!!! Mommy was freaking.

Freak outs over and enjoying a cone!

And then they were gone!

a wee change

2009-06-20T11:32:00.004-05:00

Every year I grow older I really do grow wiser. I've always heard women talk about

how great of a virtue wisdom is. Well, for me...that wisdom is admitting that I

have absolutely no attention span! One project always leads to another without fail.

Really.

So yesterday I decided to tackle the boys bathroom. Since we live in a ti-tiny house, our guest bathroom is our sons' bathroom. If you have boys you know what a challenge mantaining cleanliness is. I don't think we need to go any further with that one! While I'm cleaning the bathroom I get a whim and think it needs a little sprucing up. Being on a budget these days I decided going shopping is out of the question.

So, when all else fails...go out to the garage and look for the paint. Paint can change so much with such little effort. I'm completely challenged when it comes to paint....I hate to prime, wait for the paint to dry, sand....ughhh. Just thinking about it makes me impatient. I had one of those simple everyday frames around my builder-basic bathroom mirror.

Here is what it looked like:

This is the bathroom curtain that I decided to pull some green out of:

And here is what a little paint can do:
Not a huge difference but enough to make me feel like it's new!
I had the green paint left over from a recent project so it cost me nada....which
always makes you feel good.

So on to the next 'project'.

A little frame I had from when my 1st son was born.

Needs some TLC so again, paint. Yes...paint, sand, sand some more

because I'm impatient, suddenly realize that the paint is coming off

because it's not completely dry (like too much is coming off, paint again but this time

wait patiently overnight). Viola!

I had everything on hand so it cost me zip, zilch. I heart F.R.E.E!

My hubby looks like a baby! This picture was taken right after my

first son was born and he's 8 1/2 now...my how time flies!

It's new home in the bathroom on the shelf.

I guess sometimes a short attention span can be a good thing.

To cloth or not to cloth...or paint?

2009-06-16T08:38:00.005-05:00

This is my bedroom...it's a total work in progress. I was blessed to have my mother give me her old bedroom suite along with my grandmother's lamps (which I absolutely love beyond words).

This is the table in question:

To cloth or not to cloth? Or paint?

Since I have a teeny bedroom I like how the bare table lends for a more open feel but

I'm hating being able to see those cords...OCD? The table alone is pretty so maybe I should leave it alone. This table was my grandparents and then my parents so it means a lot to me.

If I painted it would be a aqua/cream/brown combo.

This is one of my favorite things. Tristan wrote a little card to me so I cut out the I love you and framed it. That little circle is a ringlet from Tanner's first haircut.

This rock is one that Tristan chalked for me. I love having little special things
on my bedside.

sunkissed cheeks and a knarly fall

2009-06-10T14:22:00.004-05:00

This is what happens when you are going 20mph down a hill on a scooter (and the camera is being very nice...looks so much worse!)

As Tristan put it "that was a sweet fall. did you see me roll over mom?".

Some seriously cute sun kissed cheeks if I do say so myself!
and some more patiently waiting for swim lessons.

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Those leg raises have really paid off!

2009-06-08T10:32:00.003-05:00

I'm admitting that on occasion, when nothing else is on, I watch America's Next Top Model. I really have no idea if they are re-runs or the current episodes but laughter comes with such great episodes. Yeah, yeah Tyra is great but the true jem of the show is Miss J, runway coach extraordinaire. The real reason ANTM is still on air has got to be him. I long for the chance to see this fierce diva in action. Rarely have I seen such a character as Miss J. The lip glossed, pouting lips, the bows that fan out as big as a peacock's feathers, the hips that pop at the end of the runway, and the scolding eyes that pose as if the camera is calling his name. Ah yes, Miss J.

Guessing Tanner is liking the show too!

amoxicillin, septra, augmentin...oh my!

2009-06-04T09:14:00.013-05:00

It's official...I'm joining the Medicare club at Walgreens. You know, the ones that sit in the chairs by the pharmacy waiting for the golden speaker to come on and let Ms. Mildred Evergreen know that her prescription is now ready. This after 21 trips to the counter to ask if her prescription is ready all within 10 minutes. Or the one that walks up and the pharmacy tech says "Well good afternoon Mr. Walter". I am now known by my name. I'm drawing the line at the tennis ball walker....totally not my style. I really started to wonder if I'd ever come back to blogging. Craziness has become embossed on my forehead like the Scarlet Letter. Here is the skinny....Tanner (my youngest) has been sick, sick, sick. Long story short, we have endured sinus surgery along with new tubes and countless antibiotics and specialists. He's been tested for immune diseases to cystic fibrosis. All negative...PRAISE GOD! So for now we wait until he gets sick again and go from there. Would you ever think that the sweetness above felt bad? He's a trooper.

The problem that I find with blogging is that it becomes an addiction because if I blog then that means I've got to go through everyone's blog to see what they are up to. Then, my craftiest friends wow me with their thrift store finds and uber creativity. Their uber creativity leads me to feel inspired. Me feeling inspired ends up tearing through the house to see what I can rearrange so that it looks like I've gone shopping. Me realizing that going shopping would feel so much better than rearranging ends up in running out for that perfect find...which leads to major meltdowns from the boys saying it stinks, I'm bored, and I wanna toy, I wanna toy, I wanna toy (all the while shoppers are scattering out of the store like cockroaches because of ruptured ear drums from the screaming and crying Tanner can do). Their screams bring out the bribing mechanism in my brain that says if you behave I'll take you to McDonald's to get a toy. McDonald's leads to me seeing the coffee but wanting Starbucks instead. My craving leads to sitting in a long line for Starbucks but wishing I had gone to Muddy's . After all, what goes better with coffee then a cupcake. Then me being gone all done leads to laundry looking like Mt. Kilimanjaro and empty pocketbooks. See why I haven't blogged? Anyone else go through this?

Not even Calgon could help

2009-04-01T20:45:00.002-05:00

As moms I think we've all used the phrase "Calgon, take me away" at least 10 times a day....maybe even more if you have a house full of boys. Over these last few weeks I have coined the phrase. It's my new mantra....should I buy some stock? We've obviously got some major germs in our house because the kids are swapping weeks to be sick. Tanner didn't get the update that this wasn't his week though....2 weeks in a row. Shameful...how dare he!

Someone asked me the other day if I've been keeping to my 'use everything in the cupboards without going to the grocery store' for unnecessary items. Well, yes and no. When you are dealing with cranky kids and hungry tummys...you'll give in to anything. So, while I've really done good at the store, we've eaten out entirely way too much. I'm back to cooking this week so I'll have some concoctions up later this week...hopefully, because once again we have a sick baby boy.

Boards of Smorgs

2009-03-09T18:55:00.011-05:00

One of my biggest downfalls is spending. Alright, alright...my biggest. I love to shop.

My boy's clothing is probably at the top of my happy shopping list. It makes me so giddy to see them dressed cute. Anyone who knows me in real life knows how Tanner is being taught how to spell his name and initials by wearing them on everything he carries or owns. It's a southern thing. As everyone has always said, I should have a girl. The thoughts of ruffles, bloomers, English lace, bows (and not just a bow but a 'big as your head' bow), monograms in wispy fonts...

my heart is fluttering at the thought. Rewind...back to the matter at hand. With my eyes being open to my "problem", I have really started looking into what I spend and how I can cut back. You wouldn't believe the money I spend at the grocery store! I've tried couponing and it takes waaaaayyy too much time. This might be another problem of mine...patience. I'm not going there. Not going to do it.

So, my goal....cutting the grocery bill!

Over the next week or so, I'm going to clear the pantry and fridge out. I will only go to the store for the staples. With that said, I hope to only spend $50 over the next 2 weeks on grocery neccessities. (If the hubs reads this he's going to die out of sheer delight). I will try to post everyday with what I came up with for dinner. My mom is the ultimate guru at putting stuff together out of nothing. Maybe her creativity in the kitchen will shower me.

Day one was pretty easy as I went to the grocery store 3 times last week. I had grilled some chicken out the other night so I fine chopped it (only one breast) and heated it in a saucepan

with a can of enchilada sauce and some green chilis.

Add a teaspoon of fat free sour cream for a little added taste.

Take a can of regular old canned biscuits and line a muffin tin. Use the bottom of a cup or a fancy

"cup" maker to press them out.
Top the biscuits with the chicken mixture and top with shredded cheese.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes or until bubbly.

For my side I had some left over rice to which I added about 3/4 cup frozen corn
and a can of drained and rinsed black beans. To zest it up some I seasoned with cumin,
chili powder, and garlic salt. Throw it in the microwave for 3-4 minutes and stir it all together.

Top rice and enchilada cups with chopped cilantro and a dab of fat free sour cream.

Viola...dinner in less than 20 minutes.

This is going to be interesting but hopefully I'll be able to pay a huge chunk on a credit card

with what I've saved in groceries.

It's totally worth eating a smorgasboard of food to be debt free!!!!

k-i-s-s-i-n-g

2009-03-05T08:47:00.004-06:00

So it's here...the first official girlfriend. As a mom of boys I knew this day was coming. I knew one day I'd have to let my boys go and here it sits like a wounded solider. Another girl has stolen his heart and mommy won't be marrying her son anymore. It was fun while it lasted. Tristan came home with a dedicated story all to him...from a girl. His eyes lit up and sugarplums were dancing all around his angelic face as he spoke of his new flame. He was so excited as it was typed in a whimsy font, laminated, and even told tales of his trip to the pet store to get a monkey. It was the most precious thing in the world! If I can admit...it brought a tear to my eye. This sweet, little gal took the time to write a story about Tristan and knew one of his favorite animals was a monkey. What a kind spirit she is! I will be happy to lose my son's heart to a precious gal like that. He wrote her a thank you note adorned with his name and a dinosaur. He thanked her and told her how much he loved the picture. He even went to tell her how he hung it in his art portfolio on the wall. Ahhh, young love... full of creativity and sparks!

**click on the picture to read the full tale**

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-04T07:47:00.008-06:00

Not Me! Monday

2009-03-02T15:26:00.005-06:00

It's Munday...and yes, I've got a case of it.

Today while in the grocery store, I most certainly did not turn into a cupcake mom. I mean, whoever would let their child bully them into buying 2 boxes of fruit snacks, Golden Grahams, and the most expensive, decadent, organic granola bars known to man? I never bribe when trying to get said child dressed to go run errands all the while chasing him around the house to only get a pair of pants on. Never would I! No, not me!

I could never bring myself to practice child labor. Putting my 8 yr old to work would be insane and I would surely feel so much guilt for making him unload the dishwasher instead of playing outside in the wet, cold snow. Nevah, evah...not me!

I never put rainboots on the littlest one because they are easy to slip on and blame it on the fact that he loves wearing boots everywhere. I would think that mom is lazy and doesn't want to take the time to tie those shoelaces. I wouldn't, couldn't.

Head over to http://mycharmingkids.net for more Not Me! Monday fun!

You mean I'm not perfect? Are you sure?

2009-02-24T08:31:00.002-06:00

Dear Father,

You've recently brought to my attention that I may be falling short of my perfectionism. Why, at 30, are you just now bringing this up? Can't I keep pretending that I can juggle it all? That I can handle anything that is thrown at me? I'm guessing those things of the past have brought me to the place I am today. Worried, scared, anxious, let down but at the same time free, comforted, calm, and thankful. It was a rude awakening. I guess you thought that laying it on my heart would do me some good....and you are right. Your always right but I'm too stubborn to see it sometimes. For that, I'm sorry...really, really sorry.

I can't stop getting caught up in all the thoughts of what will people think or I could've done better. I'm not a perfect mother or wife or nearly as good a friend and heaven knows my house isn't always perfect. You've told me over and over that this is okay. You love me just the same. It's good to know that no matter what shortcomings I have you are there to tell me you love me unconditionally, without fail. How can you do this? I wish I had a sweet spirit to forgive and let live. You already know I'm working on this. I have found such freedom in the things I have laid down at the cross. It's so hard for me to realize that you'll carry it all. Don't you ever feel so burdened with all my problems, demands, and concerns? We both know I have a lot! Speaking of concerns, when will the little men in my life learn to put the seat down and flush? Wait, don't tell me if it's going to be a long time or never ever. I'm really get sick of seeing pee in a toliet (I won't even burden you with the smell). I'm afraid to ask for patience in this matter so I guess I will ask for guidance. Yes, that sounds much better than patience. We both know what happened last time I prayed for patience.

I need your help with a few things. Some of them I need alot of help with but I'm ready to start where ever you might lead me.
~ I haven't a clue how to really reach Tristan. Did you make him like me? I see so much of my stubborn self in him. He's always got to be right! Hmm, where oh where did he get that from?
~ Help me love myself again for who I am and not what I want to be. I know I've got to be easier on myself for not reaching those expectations of perfectionsim. I'm NOT PERFECT! I'm NOT PERFECT! IT'S OKAY, IT'S OKAY! It's liberating to say it out loud.
~ Show me that having it all is empty and things fade away. I have so many wants of material things. This is something I've struggled with since I can remember. Ok, let me get this off my chest real quick....I might, MIGHT, have a little problem with shopping. I am trying to get it under wraps or at least with a budget in mind. I can't help myself when it comes to all things southern..you know-the monograms, smocking, etc. I am giving this budget thing a try. I know, it's about time. You've been telling me this for years now and I know I haven't listened but to you I give. All I ask for is wisdom and maybe a bit of patience....geez, there I go again. I'm in for it...aren't I?
~ Give me strength to mend relationships that are broken and finally forgive. I know, I know...I'm one for saying I forgive but not meaning it. I tend to make those that hurt me pay dearly. I push and I push. Help me to find the words to say I'm sorry and mean it for not truly forgiving. To help and not judge. To love and not just like.
~ Teach me to slow down and hold on to what matters. You've really helped me say no. It's kinda nice not having a full plate all the time. Thanks for showing me that I matter and taking time for myself is much deserved.
~ Help me not be ashamed of all my skeletons, shortcomings, failures, and insecurities. You've forgiven me and that is all that matters.

With the deepest love and admiration,
a not so perfect gal

Do you have imperfections? I was recently told that "there is no healing in hiding". Take the chance to let all your wounds be healed and find forever freedom in letting it out. You'll be happier you did. There is always Someone there to wipe those tears, heal a broken heart, and be your FOREVER FRIEND.

a new obsession

2009-02-23T11:05:00.004-06:00

It's Monday....right?

2009-02-23T10:09:00.005-06:00

I had such a great weekend....besides the growth of our home pharmacy. Will there ever be a week that goes by without a dr's visit or antibiotics? I just got off a z-pac about 2 weeks ago only to find out a week later that I have a double ear infection along with an ear that is missing a tube, that I just had put in less than a year ago. To top it all off, Tristan has an ear infection too and now Tanner has got the gunk and is only getting worse. Another ped visit in my near future? I'm sure.

So, weekend projects. Who knew decorating an older boys room was so flipping difficult! I've literally searched for months, ask any of my friends and family as this is all I ever talk about, for bedding for my oldest son who is 8. Half my problem is the fact that I vow not to paint the room. It's a golden, butter color and finding bedding has been a real test. I guess I should say, bedding that I can afford and won't cost as much as a house payment before it's all said and done. I finally settled on some PB Kids bedding that I found at the outlet for 75% off. It's simple and cute...and predominately white. Whatever am I thinking. Oh, I know...they were only $30 something a piece and since we have bunkbeds I settled. My next task...sheets. Again, am I too outrageously picky or is there nothing out there?!?! I will say I found some cute ones from Pamela Kline's line but with a price tag of $159 for a twin sheet set my better instinct says I'll pass and instead buy groceries for a week. I joined the bandwagon that all you crafty people call decoupaging. For year and years I've called the stuff modge podge until my husband, yes I said husband, informed me that it is mod podge. What??? Why has no one corrected me? Thanks friends. I would ultimately love it if someone commented and said...oh no Breanne, there is a brand called modge podge. Humor me people! I went crazy with this stuff...how addicting is it? Every one now has their initials coming to a room near them.

I hit the "Big One" Saturday. Our local flea market has such a catchy name, eh? There wasn't much but I did find a set of bullhorns for Tanner's cowboy room. Yet again, another work in progress. I can't wait to post pictures of the finished project. My little ole' brain is cooking up so many thoughts on decorating lately. Problem is my checkbook hasn't caught on the bandwagon. It takes so much! I also scored a cute little iron planter for my bathroom, another (hubby was oh so excited about this) smocked outfit for Tanner, and a picture frame and lampshade for said little one's room. Then with a little visit to Hobby Lobby for some 80% off home accents my heart was content and my account didn't go into cardiac arrest. Pictures coming soon!

Somewhat on the subject...can someone inform me on how to add pictures after you type your post out? Or can you only post them from the get go and type around them. I've typed all this out and now realized that I didn't add any pictures!

Friday Favorites

2009-02-20T08:54:00.005-06:00

Do you ever have to ask your 8 yr old what the date is? Or do the days run into each other? This is me on a constant basis. I've caught myself leaving a message for someone on their voicemail and having to pause to think of what day it is. I'm horrible! Since staying home doesn't require me to date the top of my memos, I hardly ever know if it's Tuesday or Friday. Never fear though, Wednesdays are always safe...it's MDO day! A gal can never forget when one's free day is. After pondering solutions, I felt a calendar would do no good. If I don't even know what day it is how on earth would I get the date right. And then my answer...the creme de'la creme...I could get a Lil' Reminder. I would never forget where I parked my car and could even tell little Johnny that I'm going out to the mailbox to get the mail and in case of an emergency...call 911. You know, just in case you need a Lil' Reminder.

You're fired!

2009-02-19T18:26:00.006-06:00

So, let me first start off by firing my Thursday protege. He's thrown in the towel, given up, raised the white flag....for now at least. I'm all you get!

Projects, projects, projects! I vowed the other day to really get my house in order...once and for all. I'm so sick of searching 3 different closets and 2 cabinets to find the Motrin. Time to 'try' and get organized. I first thought I needed to find some storage bins. I was really excited about this until I got out there. Here in Memphis, we have no Ikea, no Container Store. I've searched high and low at Target, Lowe's, Home Depot, and yes...I even went to a Walmart. You now know how desperate I am to get it all over and done with. I want it to be cute too...hence the problem. For now, here is what was (I still can't believe I'm posting the most embarassing closet in my house!):
And here it is now:

Ahh, it feels good to know that my gift ribbons are all color coordinated, gift bags are in one place, and when fevers spike I can know where to go to (the first time that is) and find Motrin! Whew.

My next project was recovering my desk chair. My mom gave me the most devine fabric to match my room. You really can't tell but the cheetah print is aqua, cream, and a linen color. To die for...and if only I had more of it. One of my projects is to get all of our bedrooms completely decorated. I made the call, finally, to get a new dust ruffle made. So pictures will be coming soon...hopefully!

eight is great!

2009-02-16T17:39:00.011-06:00

I'm birthday-ed out! I thought this year I'd get off easier by not doing a big party for Tristan. Since having 2 kids, we decided that every other year the boys could have a full blow-out bday party. I'm a little ocd when it comes to parties so I tend to go way over board which leads to $500 bday parties. Something that I'm not proud of but it adds up quickly!!! So, on odd years we get together with the family and do a small party. This year Tristan wanted me to cook breakfast for everyone. I thought I was saving so much money because a few eggs and some bacon won't break the bank...or so I thought. Remember when I said I went a little ocd on parties...homemade waffles w/ homemade blueberry syrup and fresh strawberries, baked cheese grits, eggs w/ sauteed mushrooms, avocado, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and green onions, Panera bagels w/ loxs and cream cheese, steamed asapargus, bacon, turkey sausage, biscuits and gravy, and homefries....I think that rouned off the list. I did make some cute bacon and egg cupcakes. The bacon was a real thorn in my side. This picture was taken before the bacon set up and "dried". I rolled out gum and dusted it with cocoa powdered and used food paint. Lets just say that all the cupcakes did NOT have bacon on them.
Tanner got a present too because heaven knows it's his birthday too. He exclaimed that "I knew I always wanted this!".

Sunday was actually Tristan's birthday and we decided to take him out for a fun day. He decided he wanted seafood so we went to Flying Fish downtown. I don't know who was more excited....afterall, Sundays is 50 cent oyster day! Tristan had a little plate of snow crab legs and oysters on the half shell. The boy can eat I tell ya! Here is tour guide Tristan showing me all the Memphis landmarks in the trolley.

Since cheesecake is Tristan's all time favorite food, we took him down to Cheesecake Corner. He tried the lime cheesecake, Troy had mint chocolate cheesecake, and Tanner and I split the caramel apple cheesecake. If you've ever been there you know 4 people can really split 1 piece! Here is what was left of Troy and Tristan's.

My aunt gave us tickets to the circus and since I love free I gobbled them up. Let me just tell you that after 2 light up swords, 2 light up snowcone cups, a Diego balloon, a Spiderman balloon, 2 elephant rides, box of popcorn, 3 sodas, a funnel cake, and a corndog (all in a 3 hour time frame mind you)...I really paid for those tickets!!!! Thanks Aunt Linda!!!!

This is a really bad picture but the boys are in the very front.

My sweet, precious boy is 8...isn't it great!

Friday Favorites

2009-02-13T13:33:00.004-06:00

If you know me well, you know how much I really can't stand Valentines Day. I LoVe all the cute little crafts and what not...check out Love, Laughter, & Lyrics for adorable ideas, but the day itself just doesn't do anything for me. What I really hate is all that cheesy, commercialized junk. The stuffed animals, Zales' $99 jewelry specials, boxes of chocolate (well, if anyone wants to send me a box of Vosges' chocolates I will not hurt your feelings and turn them down), balloons, and grocery store 'spring' bouquets. It's sends me over the edge...really. It's not that I'm not romantic but it's such a huge pressure cooker to try and match the expectations of one day of "love". Dealing with all the newly dating couples while they whisper sweet nothings to each other at the Melting Pot doesn't seem to tickle my fancy. So, in honor of my chipper spirit of the lovefest day... What are your favorite things you love to hate?

1. the self-check out lines at the grocery store...they seem to always want to beep at you!
2. people who like to pick their nose or their fingers/toes...no names here.
3. aol
4. voice mail...it's a love hate thing. I'm really bad about checking it...seems like a big ole' pain.
5. cbs news...mainly katie couric these days.
6. music while you are on hold on a call.
7. screaming musicians
8. sleeveless boy shirts
9. light-up shoes
10. and while we are at it....cartoon character apparel even though I have given in to the cries of my children.
11. POTLUCKS!
12. most chain restaurants...I will say one of my fav places is Pei-Wei though.
13. public potty mouths
14. Germantown Pkwy
15. rude waitresses/waitors
16. Walmart!!!!!!
17. ground beef
18. excessive pda
19. cell phones ringing during church
20. K-swiss

Well, that is it for now. I'm sure there are many more that I'm not thinking of right now....and I'm sure my husband would highly agree with this. What can I say...I tend to be picky at times.

My dearest 20 yr old Breanne,

2009-02-11T13:27:00.009-06:00

Oh how you are young and stupid! That's right, I said stupid. You think you know it all but you really don't have a clue. Step back down to reality and live in the moments of today. Being a decade older, I can tell you that life is not all peaches and roses. After a while the peaches start growing mildew and the roses start to lose their petals. Here are a few life lessons that may be of help during tough times:

1. Be yourself! Stop trying to impress every guy you meet with your ever so bubbly chest. They will always find another bosom buddy around the corner. Yank up that shirt hun...enough said.

2. Get a degree for something you love. If not you'll be 30 before you know it and with 2 kids in tow, it will be harder than ever to make the track to back to school.

3. You think you are really cute now with your oh so leather like tan. Get out of the beds...haven't you heard they cause cancer!

4. Don't throw away friendships for a boy. You'll get the boy but will regret the friends you forgot about and didn't make time for.

5. Get involved in church and surround yourself with Christ followers. You've turned your back to God and will be weaping on your knees plenty in the near future. Remember...he heals all wounds and will wipe away the tears.

6. Stop drinking so many rum & cokes with a squeeze of lime...they only lead to many embarassing moments at Benihana's!!!!

7. Do you really think you look good in that cherry dress? Anyone over the age of 8 should not be wearing cherries on a dress...especially one who is 20. Throw the dress away now and stop holding on to it like you are going to fit back in it! Would you really wear it in 10 years anyways? If you are digging the cherries, try the chocolate covered ones instead. You'll never regret you did.

8. Stop trying to be perfect! You never will be and that is okay. God loves you just the way you are...mistakes and all. Years from now you'll still be telling yourself this but it's good to have it in the back of your mind now...maybe if you listen to me now when you are 30 you will let loose you perfectionist!

9. You don't know it now, but in another year you'll be married and in no time flat you'll be having a baby. My how life can change in the blink of an eye. Don't be afraid to admit that you are lost and lonely. Having a baby is hard and let the ones you love in. You will have a very hard time after the birth of your 1st child and will be very sick and nearly die. Don't blame yourself for not knowing what to do. And thank your husband for taking such good care of you....he earned it BIG time.

10. Always remember that you are worth God's sacrifice. Right now, you blame Him for so much pain and hurt but you will soon see that all those burdens will fall quickly if you release those fears to Him. Feel free to put yourself first at times...you'll be a better wife and mother for it. You will be one of those soccer mom, PTO types but embrace it for everything it is....except for the mini-van and the decals. You've got to draw the line somewhere! You are who you are and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Love~

your forever 29 year old friend that still can't claim she's 30

~want to read more letters? go to Beth's blog: Not a Bow in Sight and join in the fun!

All in a Day

2009-02-10T22:40:00.009-06:00

So my recent trip to Louisiana lent me a few funnies. With all the genius marketing people out there lending their expertise in business names and concepts, I wonder how long it took the owners of this fine establishment to come up with this name....and yes, it was the name of the buisness.

And as if Pizza In A Box weren't bad enough, apparently Macy's is going thrifty (and Redneck:)

I seriously crashed as soon as I walked in the door. As if shoving candy and junk food down the boy's throats for 6 hours wasn't bad enough...we turned on the tube and played the Wii so momma could rest her eyes. I tell myself every mother does this...right?

Since I long to keep up with June Cleaver I realized tomorrow was Tanner's Valentines party to which I commited a sweet treat. Then, as every holiday, I have to bring the teachers a little something to let them know how much we love them (or as Tanner says...lub them). Off to my ribbon mound and craft basket to find something to whip together. I won't lie though, I did buy the scrapbook paper to try my hand at modge podging but time didn't grant me enough of it's ever so sweet glory. I found some buckets that I had from Easter (the $1 section at Target is great!) and threw some 'store made' blueberry scones in it along with a cute little Valentine Day ornament.

Thank goodness for Betty Crocker because she never lets me down! I tried my hand at using applesauce instead of oil in a cake mix and I do have to say I love it! You'd never know the fat bottle wasn't popped open and poured in.

Mmm, cupcakes. Aren't they devine?

Friday Favorites

2009-02-06T07:41:00.010-06:00

Since I'm sick I have a few favorite things geared toward sickness. Now the norm is to have a hot, piping bowl of homemade soup. Don't get me wrong....I love this but only if made by the hands of my mother and since she is 18hrs away I highly doubt I'll be getting that this time around. My go to comfort food this time was chicken curry. Something about the mixture of everything but the kitchen sink and coconut milk on top of steamy jasmine rice coupled with the extra hour of workout time tempted my tasteless buds. You know when you're sick nothing seems to taste the same but this time it did. Pure pleasure and worth every sore muscle in my body!

There is a certain way to eat curry...at least in this house. It must, MUST have a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro! To top it off try katki...pickled mango of sorts. I got this in the mail the other day which sparked my need to have curry. I haven't been able to find it in Memphis but thanks be to my mom and her hubby it arrives on my doorstep when needed. A MILLION THANKS you two! You can't forget the toasted Naan bread either.

You might say that when sick you have to drink a cup of tea with lemon and honey. Great, but something about fizzy Diet Coke did it for me. I've cut carbonated beverages out but the goodness of hazardous chemicals tempted me once again. Thank you Coca-Cola for providing the world with this beverage of goodness! Don't forget the drugs either....a Z-pac will do you good:)

Thursday Tidbits with Tristan

2009-02-05T17:07:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I've decided that I'm dedicating Thursdays for Tristan. He will enlighten you with all his elementary knowledge and hopefully make you laugh at the same time! The floor is all his.

BAD STUDENTS IN THE CAFETERIA
Let's see alot of people have been getting in trouble lately. So I plan on helping them behave themselves. I will teach them how to eat for the first 15 minutes so they can behave themselves. I like to behave too. Sometimes people throw food and even share their food when they are not suppose to. I don't want to share my food because then I will get an S- on my weekly report. My favorite thing in the cafeteria is eggrolls and baked beans. The eggrolls have lots of good stuff in them like chicken, cabbage, and carrots. Me and Torriq like to eat together and we never talk when we aren't suppose to. Today I remembered about the jokes in a Captain Underpants book. I told my friends: What is cold, green, and is topped with whipped cream? A snot fudge sundae. They laughed their hearts off. The end!

saying goodbye

2009-02-04T20:27:00.002-06:00

Well, I wanted to have a cheerful post about my day. I had the sickness fairy visit rapidly last night. It wasn't even taking prisoners...instead she decided to conquer and defeat without sparing one soul. I have felt it trying to squeeze in my life for a week now and I guess I just gave in to the temptation of lounging around for a few days. Of course, that would be nice but I did nothing of the sorts.

I sat down to finish up some trunk show orders when I saw an email from my mom about my great Uncle. He has been in the hospital for few weeks now and his dear soul just couldn't hold on anymore. At 2:30 this morning he went to be with Jesus. He told my Aunt Ga a few days ago that he was ready to go Home. Hearing that made me rejoice but at the same time my heart is aching for my aunt and his children! Although here on earth we are sad, our Heavenly Father is embracing one of His children. My great uncle was a true testiment of how one truly lets Jesus' light shine. I am tearful but soon think of how he is dancing and worshiping next to the One who saved him from a life without cause. Wow, what a awesome day that will be when God makes us whole again. When every wound is healed and we are perfect in every way. What a day when we see Jesus face to face. My little brain can't begin to comprehend.

Nothing else seems to matter about my day. Not the countless pants Tanner went through today or how I had to tell Tristan a 1000 times to stop running at my grandmothers. No, today is a day to think about a man's life and how his testimony impacted my own.

In the quiet of the night.

2009-02-03T22:08:00.008-06:00

Some- thing is so charming about a quiet house. The sheer joy I get when my kids lay their soft, sweet head on their pillow at night gives me chills. Yes, they are cute and innocent but the real joy is...the quiet house. It is as if the house is saying ahhh, a moment to breathe and relax. It got me to thinking about how God feels when His house is full. We know He is with us all the time but oh how He must feel when we simply lay our heads to rest! What relief He must feel when all His children just stop and rest. I think we get so busy in our daily lives that we forget to just be. Believe you me, I'm a go getter. The busier the more important I feel and the more I'm needed but at the end of the day I'm exhausted and am so thankful I can crash. Our Father never gets that and I have come to the realization that He welcomes the chaos. I lift burden after burden and friend after friend to Him and never once does He refuse my pleas. What an awesome feeling it is to know that He is the one to carry it all!

so here goes everything!

2009-02-02T15:53:00.005-06:00

Since everyone else is doing it why not me. Blogging seems the norm now and since I long to be cool here I am. I hope this is a fun journey and helps to keep friends and family up to date on what is going on in and around our lives. I want this blog to be fun and quirky but also hope to expose our hearts and be a bit serious at times. If you know me well, this you know to be true about me in general. I started a blog awhile back and never went anywhere with it. Half my problem was that I wanted one of those really cutsie blogs..the ones you pay someone a bunch of money to put every little southernesic touch on it. Somehow I can't justify $90 to my hubby for an 'adorned' blog and truth be told I haven't even tried. So for now, I will go with the plain ole' template unless someone who is tech-savvy can show a little love.

As I was thinking about titles for my big debut in blogging, I had a bit of a time coming up with a name that suit all of us. Did I want to go with the Bozant family? can't I come up with something a bit more unique? So here we sit with me and my three. And no, that isn't three as in "surprise...we're having #3!". It's me and my three...boys. I hope to get Tristan on here at times. I'm not promising much but it'll be fun to see him in all his glory.

So, here's to lots of laughs for years to come!