Between Now and Then

2012 = week 4

2012-01-27T11:41:00.001-06:00

Although, it was a little early, Carly had a BIG birthday week.

First, she had her best basketball game of the season.

She scored 13 points and had 13 rebounds!

They won in overtime!

Next, Kenny made it home in time

to see her and the rest of her 6th grade basketball team

recognized at half time of the high school girl's game.

On Saturday, her fan section grew larger

with the arrival of MamMam, G'daddy, and Aunt Kacey.

Her personal game wasn't as good as Thursday but

the team won!

Saturday evening, Carly had her birthday party with a few classmates.

They are growing up so fast.

We had a painting party, and the girls loved it.

It was the perfect tween party!

What a pre-birthday week!

wordless wednesday :: through carly's eyes

2012-01-25T20:31:00.001-06:00

recognition

2012-01-21T17:31:00.000-06:00

Carly's 6th grade basketball team was introduced at

halftime of the High School girls' basketball game.

It was a big night!

2012 = week 3

2012-01-19T17:11:00.001-06:00

This week I purged a lot of clothes from this house

that we can not or do not wear.

I took a bucket of clothes to the kid's resale store

and a bucket of clothes to the teen resale store.

I sent clothes home with Mom to take to a consignment store we use sometimes.

I took a bucket to Goodwill.

It was a little crazy.

Included in all that purging, was a large container of baby clothes.

Carly was 18 months when we moved to this house.

I have already moved these once and stored them for 10 years.

I think it was time to let go.

wordless wednesday :: to do list

2012-01-18T20:48:00.002-06:00

the smoke alarm didn't even go off once!

2012-01-17T21:00:00.001-06:00

Our Christmas present to Mom, Aunt Donna Sue, and Kacey

was for us all to go to a brownie workshop

at Viking Cooking School.

So Saturday, we met up in Greenwood at Viking.

I thought a lot about an activity we could all do together.

Painting class was successful and

seeing Jersey Boys at the Orpheum was successful.

And I think this was too.

We had a lot of fun spending the morning together. We learned a few tips,

made some yummy brownies,

and didn't catch anything on fire. I didn't even burn the caramel sauce!

I could get use to someone putting all the ingredients out

and then washing all my dishes!

Nobody even cared that we got flour everywhere.

Carly almost got left out

because the website said that participants had to be 16.

I called to verify and was told again that the classes were designed for adults.

Kenny talked me into taking her anyway.

So glad I did. She had a great time and we would have missed her!

There were fancy names for all of them but basically we made

peanut butter cheesecake brownies, a raspberry blondie,

chocolate, chocolate brownie pops, and

an espresso mini brownie with caramel.

Fun times!

2012 = week2

2012-01-12T22:30:00.002-06:00

{Caroline #13 and Carly #31}

This week was all about basketball.

MamMam and G'daddy came for the weekend

and were able to catch 2 ballgames.

Carly had a really good game on Saturday

and was even the high scorer!

(that was a first!)

We were also able to catch

2 of Caroline's games this week.

{{Grateful}} 2012 word

2012-01-10T12:02:00.001-06:00

I started my gratitude journal on the 1st.

I'm looking forward to changing the way I approach the day.

Starting the day LOOKING for things that I am thankful for.

There are plenty of things that I can find to complain about.

Plenty of things that I can think

"that's not fair" or "I wish that ....."

But, if I change my outlook to

"I am thankful for ...."

maybe there won't be as much room for those other thoughts!

Happy 2012!

2012 = week 1

2012-01-05T19:07:00.005-06:00

We started our 2012 in Hattiesburg.

We watched Mississippi State win their bowl game.

We ate Chinese on New Year's Eve,

and then made a traditional New Year's Day meal.

Kenny chose black-eyed peas, Carly chose mac n' cheese,

and I chose pork chops.

I tried to choose cabbage but no one fell for it.

wordless wednesday :: cake pop

2012-01-04T21:35:00.002-06:00

christmas in Silver City

2011-12-30T13:20:00.003-06:00

This was the first time in eleven years that we were not at home Christmas Eve,

but with us spread out on opposite ends of the state, we decided this worked best.

Carly opened her 3 Christmas Eve presents -

book, nativity scene piece (sitting camel), and pajamas.

She declared to everyone, any chance she got,

that she knew what was in that 3 present bundle.

I told her after 11 Christmas's that she should know!

Santa came as usual, bearing lots of goodies wrapped in "santa" paper.

Santa didn't forget Sofie and even added Cheerio treats for Buck.

Santa brought cowboy boots along with

new purple crocs, a tennis outfit, books, an alarm clock,

iTunes gift cards, word game books,

and graphic coloring books with markers.

Carly asked for make-up, and Santa came through.

He brought some moisturizer, concealer with sponges,

lip gloss, nail polish, and tweezers.

Santa loves surprises and

this year he brought Carly an email address.

I don't know how long the thrill will last but

so far it is the hit of the holidays.

We had family present opening on Christmas afternoon.

Can you tell we love wrapping paper?

Kacey won the prize for the largest boxes.

I love those two! Aunt Kacey and Uncle Rocky gave Carly 2 pieces of Vera Bradley to match her duffel. She got a small duffel and a "makeup" bag (also on the wish list). MamMam and G'daddy gave Carly a new Northface coat (on her list), cake decorating supplies, and MamMam painted her this super cute study board.

. Aunt Donna Sue and Unc gave Carly some shopping money. She has already spent a little (miracles do happen) on some much needed clothes!

Late afternoon, we got to do stockings! We love stockings, can you tell?

I was going to say, "me with the 2 most spoiled of the group", but I think we all are!

countdown: the final days

2011-12-29T19:26:00.014-06:00

Day 15: new Christmas puzzle

I'm beginning to wonder if the puzzle should just be a gift to myself.

I enjoyed it a lot more than Carly did.

Day 16: an art activity for Clarksdale

Carly got these wooden ornaments

for her and JC to color and hang on Nonna's tree.

Day 17: a container of nail polish remover pads

The Saturdays when we are out of town

are hard to accomplish activities.

Day 18: Make gift tags

Each year Carly makes gift tags

to put on her presents to grandparents, aunts and uncles

(typically the photo calendars that we make in which she is the star).

This year she made button trees on hanging tags.

They turned out super cute and nothing like I was imagining.

(the traditional one in the foreground is the one I made)

Day 19: decorate a gingerbread house

Last year, after Christmas, I must have been feeling very industrious

when I bought this gingerbread VILLAGE on clearance!

I think we will go back to a traditional house next year

even though Carly said she had fun.

Day 20: tennis clinic with friends

Carly and some friends went to Tunica foran indoor tennis clinic.

It ended up being 2 days which was great.

Carly was glad to get on the court even though she was sore afterwards.

It had been a while since she played.

Day 21: making Christmas sweets

Carly chose and made

gingerbread cookies, oreo balls, and white trash.

I made chocolate toffee.

Day 22: a Christmas doodle book for the trip

It was a hit,

maybe more with me and MamMam,

but it was fun.

I packed it up in the Christmas stuff for more drawing next year.

Day 23: Cooking with MamMam

They made a Hershey Pie.

I would add the recipe here, but I don't have it.

Something about 26 marshmallows.

We will just call it a family secret.

Day 24: a pair of cute striped fuzzy socks

Day 25: card game

The last box is always a game to add to our collection.

This year Carly got Phase 10.

We haven't gotten to play much yet,

but I'm looking forward to keeping a running game going!

wordless wednesday :: stick of dynamite

2011-12-28T21:27:00.002-06:00

wise family christmas

2011-12-27T20:27:00.000-06:00

christmas dinner in Clarksdale

2011-12-26T19:34:00.000-06:00

Better grab one before Carly and Beege get their hands on them.

Celeste putting on the finishing touches. Beef tenderloin, homemade ravioli, salad, and rolls.

Nonna with her grands.

John Camp with his plate of goodness.

Doug right before he declared "I'm Italian".

countdown week 2

2011-12-19T13:06:00.009-06:00

Day 8: Act of Service - Take food to the food pantry.

Our church was collecting food, so

we bought some of the items they were requesting

including peanut butter, pasta, and cereal.

Day 9: Take Daddy out for Mexican.

Kenny was home for the weekend, so

we had a special night out

at one of our favorite restaurants.

Day 10: New Ornament for the Christmas tree.

It was a cute plush cupcake

that Carly decided to hang in her room

rather than on the tree.

Day 11: Christmas movie night.

Carly chose Santa Clause II

{and popcorn}.

Day 12: Art project

Carly decided she wanted to make more

glitter ornaments.

She now has a whole bowl full.

They turned out really pretty.

Day 13: Bubble bath in Mom's bathtub.

{the jets make lots of bubbles}

Day 14: Act of Service - Make "thinking of you" Treats to handout.

Carly used printables that I found by way of Pinterest

to make these cute bags of Hershey Kisses.

She handed them out to our sweet neighbor, the secretary at school,

her hairdresser, and the mailman. She still has a couple to

hand out as needed.

wordless wednesday :: christmas

2011-12-14T23:48:00.000-06:00

where we spend all our extra time

2011-12-11T21:23:00.003-06:00

Sometimes I don't know if we are coming or going -

practice, practice, game, practice, practice, game.

But I don't know who enjoys it more, me or #31?

the countdown begins

2011-12-08T05:53:00.003-06:00

Life might be crazy but it goes on!

It's December and the countdown box is out.

Here is the first week's fun.

Day 1: "Paint your nails" with a new bottle of glittery purple nail polish

Day 2: "a new Christmas T-shirt"

Day 3: "unpack your nativity scene"

Day 4: "bake for your teachers"

We made mini loaves of egg nog pound cake,

wrapped them all cute,

and delivered all 16!

{thanks doodlebugspaper for super cute stickers}

Day 5: "Go to the Christmas Parade"

For the first time since we started doing the countdown box,

Hernando's Christmas Parade was cancelled due to rain.

Carly talked me into going to Starbucks for an apple cider instead.

Day 6: "Go for a special after school snack"

Carly chose chips and cheese dip at the Mexican resturaunt.

Day 7: "Act of Service: Buy and take supplies to the animal shelter"

This is the first year that I have incorporated service into the countdown box.

We bought dog & cat food, dog & cat treats, and dog & cat toys.

Carly tried her best for us to leave with a cat-

begging, pleading, trying to make me feel sorry for her, bribery, even a guilt trip.

It didn't work.

wordless wednesday :: snow #2

2011-12-07T23:34:00.001-06:00

wordless wednesday :: thankful

2011-11-23T14:04:00.000-06:00

watch out for the wildcard

2011-11-14T17:07:00.000-06:00

My tennis team was awarded a wildcard slot to play in the

Mississippi state tennis tournament.

So this weekend, I got to spend a long weekend with friends in Jackson

enjoying tennis, beautiful weather, and girl time!

We were 4 and 1 which was not enough to make the finals,

but it was tons of fun.

I am so thankful that I got a chance to spend this time with these girls

having fun, making new friends and getting to know each other better.

wordless wednesday :: team work

2011-11-02T21:51:00.001-05:00

trick-or-treating

2011-11-01T21:43:00.000-05:00

Good grief! she's growing up too fast.

Trick-or-treat? or not to trick-or-treat?

Thankfully, some friends invited her to join in.

And, once again Halloween = fun time with friends.

Five Minute Friday

2011-10-28T12:40:00.003-05:00

START.

Randomness.....

Last night at 9:00, I opened the refrigerator for a little diet coke, and decided that I couldn't stand how icky it was one more second. At 11:00, it was all sparkly and shiny and leading me to ask, "how does all that ick get inside my refrigerator?" or maybe the question should be "realistically, how often should I be wiping out the inside?" Mom, you don't' have to answer that.

When you avoid Walmart shopping for long enough, you start to run out of everything. And when you give in and go to what I like to call The Heart of Darkness, you can spend $150 dollars without buying anything fun at all. Well there was a couple bags of Halloween candy. That's fun.

I'm feeling a little down about Halloween. I really like Halloween. The start of Fall. The start of the holiday season. Fun family time. Pumpkins. Cute witches and ghosts. Combining orange, lime green and purple. First of all, it has really snuck (is that a word?) up on me. Then there is the fact that I forced myself only to get a few fall type decorations out so that the house didn't look cluttered (if someone actually comes to look at the house).Then I decided not to try and have guests Halloween night - without Kenny here, because it is a Monday night, blah, blah. But the tipping point is not really knowing what to do with Carly? Too old for costume and trick-or-treating? Really not wanting to give in and stay home and hand out candy?

Yeah!! Kenny is coming home for the weekend. Should I still say he is coming "home"? It is home until someone else decides they want it to be their home. Then I will pack all our junk and actually hire a mover. Until then, he is coming "home".

STOP.

burying st. joseph

2011-10-25T21:04:00.001-05:00

He's not just any st. joseph statue.

Celeste says he has a good history.

Not just any old statue. This one has been there, done that.

He is going to bring us a buyer for our house.

So Carly dug a hole.

We buried him upside down and facing the house.

That's what the internet directions said.

So, St. Joseph, patrol saint of home and family,

we are ready. Send us a buyer!

happy fall, ya'll

2011-10-24T20:18:00.004-05:00

We have had a few weeks of fabulous fall weather!

There have been a couple of winter-like and then summer-like,

but overall perfectly fall-like.

And all I can say is, "bring on some more!"

Carly passed out a few fall happies -

New Orleans pralines

all cute with

Doodlebugs Stationery!

kinda like a pinata

2011-10-20T06:35:00.000-05:00

The party favors that I found today

left by the roofers.

I see a flat tire

or tetanus

in the future.

{can dogs get tetanus?}

wordless wednesday :: peace

2011-10-19T06:13:00.000-05:00

deep breaths

2011-10-17T21:46:00.002-05:00

All I can say is that it is done.

I think that the leak might even be repaired.

I guess we will see tomorrow when it rains all day.

his new digs

2011-10-16T17:00:00.000-05:00

It's been 3 weeks since Kenny moved into his new place.

He is settling into apartment living

and trying to make the furnished digs feel like home-

minus Carly and me.

This past weekend, we made the trip to see him

and his new place.

It really hit home that he has moved,

and we are living 300 miles apart.

The girls made themselves at home.

Hey, Daddy has TLC, and we brought snacks-

what else can you ask for?

Glad Miss MM made the trip with us,

it kept it more like a vacation.

I asked Carly what she thought.

She said she was surprised because

she thought it would have a bunch of old lady furniture.

hmmm?

I found it interesting to check out Kenny's pantry and refrigerator.

Unless Kenny is grilling or preparing a big meal,

I do all the everyday grocery shopping.

Mini Shredded Wheat? who knew?

new orleans ... day III

2011-10-15T16:30:00.004-05:00

We started the day back at Cafe du Monde.

The girls thought that was the best choice.

I decided on a repeat too.

A Bloody Mary from across the street at the Corner Bar.

Might be the best one I have ever had.

Next was a visit to the Insectarium.

I'm not much of a bug fan, but it was really well done.

There were all kinds of interesting insects.

They even had a garden spider just like the one we had in our yard.

There was someone standing by the spider that told us all kinds of things about her. We saw ants and beetles and mosquitoes, katydids,

flies, walking sticks, spiders, butterflies, ladybugs and more.

The Japanese garden was cool. There were butterflies everywhere.

They really liked Carly's shirt and Kenny's white cap.

We ate lunch at Mother's.

I'm still torn by what I should have ordered.

There were so many choices and it all sounded good.

I decided on a crawfish ettouffee omelet with grits and a biscuit.

I'm still sad that we were too full for the pecan pie.

When we left, we walked toward the Warehouse District.

Although not on our original plan, we ended up at the children's museum.

It was a great way to wrap up our weekend. The bubble room was one of their favorites.

Big bubbles, little bubbles. It took practice!

There were a lot of interactive exhibits

and surprisingly there were a lot of great ones for tweens.

We haven't been to the Children's Museum in Memphis for a couple of years

because Carly has really outgrown the exhibits there.

Carly decided that she needs a light table in her room.

Her and Miss MM spent a lot of time there

drafting out a house plan.

What a fabulous weekend!

Looking forward to going back.

Five Minute Friday

2011-10-14T16:09:00.005-05:00

START. . What's up? Well here it is in a bullet list.

The spring was full of concern for Kenny's job.
August brought job loss.
Interviews.
Discussions. Decisions.
Job offer.
More discussions and decisions.
Job acceptance.
Kenny moved 300 miles to start new job.
"For Sale" sign goes up in the yard.
Carly and I are continuing on.

Today's little points ...

new roof finished just in time for the rain storm so we could discover that the new roof leaks, flower beds a wreck following 3 days of careless roofers, the dumpster that was placed in the front yard for the roofers was removed last night at 9:00 while the yard was still muddy (yep, big ruts), still no T.V because the roofers removed the satellite and as the helpful (NOT) lady from direct T.V says "you can't just put it back up".

Today's big points ... .

All that to be said... thank you for a little tennis on a gorgeous day with friends; thank you for lunch outside with more really good friends who showed concern, offered help, and then distracted me and made me laugh; thank you for a beautiful October night and the desire of Carly to go hang out with friends at the high school football game. And thank you for a sweet, loving, caring husband who is worrying 300 miles away that I might be losing it. I love you Sweetie. Really, I'm fine!

STOP.

new orleans ... day II

2011-10-13T22:16:00.008-05:00

Where else would you start your morning?

We had to wait in line for a table and

Carly asked "is it really worth it?".

By the time we were finished,

she was asking if we could order another plate full.

Lesson learned ...

on a windy day, do not sit down wind of the the beignet table,

you will get covered in everyone's powdered sugar!

Jackson Square on a a beautiful October morning.

We spent the morning in the aquarium

(on a post beinget sugar rush).

We had a good time

although I want to go back and catch the otters when they are frisky and playful.

It makes me think of us going to the Memphis zoo, and taking a section at a time.

I could see Carly camped out at the otters for hours.

While I made a bathroom stop,

they found this tank that you could climb in and look out.

When I downloaded my pictures, I found about 20 shots a lot like this one.

The girls liked the interactive section and

had to be run off from petting the sting rays.

Looking for the sea turtle? or maybe the sharks? or the biggest sting ray?

The closest thing to an amusement park ride that we found.

The girls rode this glass elevator.

The first 3 stories are inside the mall

but then it goes up several stories on the outside of a hotel.

It is probably a good thing that Kenny clarified

"only once" before they went up.

Back outside and enjoying a beautiful day.

We hung out on some steps and

listened to these guys.

They were really good.

Kenny and I loved the washboard player.

The girls loved the dog.

Another lesson learned ... we snacked early afternoon and

then went to the Acme Oyster House at about 4:30.

We were able to walk right in, sit at a good table, and not feel rushed.

We got a dozen raw oysters and

the girls tried their first oysters

(we even got the T-shirts to remember it).

This is the good picture of Carly's experience!

Miss MM, on the other hand, ate a 1/2 dozen.

We had more po-boys, and I had a sampler plate with

jambalya, red beans and rice, & gumbo...Super Yum!

Back to our favorite corner to listen to more music.

The girls really liked these two girls.

They even bought one of their CD's.

I heard Carly singing to hers in the shower yesterday.

Have you ever seen that Pixar short film with the 2 street performers that are trying to get the little girl to give them her coin instead of her throwing it into the fountain?

This guy came through and joined in one song. He reminds me of those guys in the film.

We hung out and listened for a while --

making requests - Wanted Dead or Alive by Kenny

Coldplay by Miss MM.

I don't know if Carly ever made a request?

They didn't know Little Pink Houses but they played Jack and Diane. We were there long enough for it to get dark.

We saw a small "Get Your Pink On" parade

and then this wedding party

new orleans ... day I

2011-10-13T17:06:00.006-05:00

We arrived late afternoon on Friday in time for a walk down Canal Street,

onto Royal Street and into Jackson Square.

It had been years since Kenny and I had been to New Orleans.

It was Carly and Miss MM's first trip.

I told them that I was 12, when I went to New Orleans the first time.

We went to the World's Fair in 1984.

We hadn't been in the Quarter anytime and

the girls had gotten their first beads

and seen living statues.

They were hanging out in Jackson Square

while I was wandering around with my camera.

There is no shortage of photo material in N.O.

Andrew Jackson and St. Peter's with the sun setting.

Kenny making friends.

Hanging out, watching Ole Man River. Getting our first taste of street performers.

These guys were really good.

Then discovering our favorite street performers this trip.

Carly and Miss MM were just standing on the sidewalk listening.

I went into this little shop, looked out, and

discovered that they had just made themselves at home.

I think Carly and Miss MM were won over when they played

Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars.

Enjoying the French Quarter at sunset.

We thought we were going to eat at Acme Oyster House,

until we saw the line.

So we went across the street and ate at Felix's.

We all had po-boys and gumbo...YUM!

Back down Canale, headed to the hotel,

one last stop,

frozen yogurt at Pinkberry.

wordless wednesday :: the big easy

2011-10-12T14:58:00.001-05:00

wordless wednesday :: toadstool

2011-10-05T15:17:00.003-05:00

silly cousins

2011-10-04T20:12:00.002-05:00

From a recent visit with Beege and Libba.

I'm not sure what Carly and JC were doing.

Kind of looks like the end of a jazz number?

B.E.A.U.tiful

2011-10-02T22:25:00.003-05:00

We had fabulous weekend weather.

We took advantage of it by spending a lot of time outside.

Saturday morning, we hung outside in the front yard (so I could sit in the sun).

Carly and Sofie played. I read.

I didn't even mind picking up sticks and cleaning some in the garage.

We had two perfect afternoons for tennis &

time to play on the playground.

Sofie has run and run and run.

Thank you God for beautiful weather and good days.

just make yourself comfortable

2011-10-01T18:39:00.002-05:00

Sofie continues to leave her bed and make herself comfortable in the chair.

She doesn't seem to understand that she can join a human in the chair,

but she is not allowed to just use it as her bed.

Although, she looks like "if I keep my head down, she can't see me"

5 minute Friday

2011-09-30T05:57:00.002-05:00

START.

Chaos. I don't deal well with chaos. Possibly another box to check on the OCD checklist. I like neat. orderly. organized. planned. laid back. stress-free. I like closure. None of which is going on here right now. But let's talk about that some other time.

What I am thinking about is the fact that all this chaos is messing with my "to do" list for this year. Yep, I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish in 2011. Not new year's resolutions. Not weight loss or exercise type goals. More like a daily check list but on a year time line. There are several items checked off like picking blueberries, taking photos at Como Cemetery and seeing the Blue Angels. There are several more that are on track like reading the New Testament, shopping at the farmer's market, and playing more tennis.

A couple of weeks ago, I was reading a post by a blogger friend (hi lelly). She was posting about not having a bucket list. She was explaining why, and all I could think about was my stupid list. She was explaining when it all starts to fall apart for her.... "right about the time I start to hyperventilate because there are no apple orchards around here for me to schedule a mid-Autumn photo shoot".

Right about now, there is stupid chaos.

STOP.

No T.V. Wednesday

2011-09-29T06:48:00.000-05:00

Back-to-School Resolution #3

(I know it is the end of September. Don't judge.)

One day a week with no T.V,

an opportunity to focus on other things,

not a day of torture as my daughter thinks.

1. "Face Time" video chat with Dad.

2. Tennis - perfect day for outside play

3. Play time with Sofie

4. Dinner at the dinning room table

wordless wednesday :: mums

2011-09-28T11:51:00.002-05:00

sleepover dinner

2011-09-04T19:40:00.001-05:00

it's game night

2011-09-01T22:01:00.002-05:00

It's all about the food and beverage.

and win #1

Mississippi State 59 Memphis 14

friday night football

2011-08-27T15:13:00.004-05:00

It was a fabulous night for high school football.

The weather was cooler and there was a little breeze.

I love sitting on the grassy knoll.

It is great for hanging out and visiting with everyone.

It's like tailgating through the whole ballgame.

The actual football was good too.

After a strong second half, we won 45-14.

It was navy night. It was fun seeing everyone in blue. Although I discovered I only own 1 navy shirt - a homecoming T-shirt from a few years ago.

Carly and her friends love being able to hang out with seemingly more freedom.

wordless wednesday :: heebie jeebies

2011-08-24T20:46:00.003-05:00

photo by Kenny

(because even my zoom lens

would have put me too close)

good thoughts to start the day

2011-08-22T21:53:00.003-05:00

Resolution #2 of a new school year: daily devotion.

We slacked off during the summer (in many areas).

We decided a good time to add a devotion to our school day was on the way to school.

So each morning, Carly is reading a devotion a loud to us

from Heads Up! Sports Devotions for All Star kids.

Today's Bible verse: I Peter 2:12 -

Live such good lives among the pagans that,

though they accuse you of doing wrong,

they may see your good deeds and glorify God.

court time

2011-08-21T09:31:00.002-05:00

Resolution #1 of a new school year: Move more!

We've been spending more time here.

Thankful that it decided to cool off just a little.

back to school lunch

2011-08-11T19:35:00.008-05:00

What a fun way to start a new school year!

Lunch with friends after the first 1/2 day.

Carly picked the menu - tacos, rice, fruit and ice cream sandwich dessert.

This year there were 2 eighth graders, 4 sixth graders, 2 fifth graders, and a third grader.

9 kids and 9 navy uniform shirts.

There are 4 color options and they all wore navy.

They all wear shorts under their skirts and they had all taken their skirts off.

back-to-school eve dinner

2011-08-09T23:04:00.000-05:00

Carly gets to choose the menu for dinner the night before school starts.

This year, she chose homemade pizzas - no argument here.

She wanted Alfredo sauce, chicken and bacon.

I could not talk her into a vegetable.

The good thing about homemade pizzas is you can throw on whatever toppings you want.

So, Kenny and I added an assortment of spinach, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and basil.

Later, Carly was seen eating pizza with all of these.

What a way to kick off a new year!

a fabulous fourth

2011-07-21T17:37:00.007-05:00

We spent July 4th weekend in town because

the lake house wasn't ready after the flooding this spring.

We all made it for a long weekend

including Josh's first 4th in the States in several years

and Woody's 1st.

We spent most of the weekend in or around the pool.

We missed the lake house and the boat but enjoyed the ease of going in and out of the house,

as well as making at least one trip to the grocery store everyday!

Even Sofie took a little dip to cool off. She wasn't all that excited about swimming but wore herself out in the fenced-in backyard hunting anything that moved. As usual, we ate all weekend. We had surf and turf Friday night, fried fish Saturday night, and traditional 4th fare on Sunday. Carly and Nonna worked extra hard on a special dessert - cannoli. Yummy! Sweet Woody and I enjoying the shade. The kids playing in the pool. Nonna enjoying her turn with sweet Woody. Sofie discovered she liked a little margarita while at the pool. Carly discovered that she liked homemade peach ice cream while hanging out at the pool.

wordless wednesday :: summer color

2011-07-20T21:39:00.001-05:00

wordless wednesday :: gnudi

2011-07-13T21:30:00.002-05:00

I want to go to camp

2011-07-12T06:32:00.004-05:00

Well besides outdoor activities in 98 degrees.

Dropped Carly off Monday and I know she is loving every minute of it!

picking blueberries

2011-07-10T17:19:00.000-05:00

Carly and I made a trip to the blueberry farm.

It was on the summer outing list,

at least on mine.

Carly enjoyed it for about 45 minutes

and then she decided we were finished.

It was rather warm.

We did pick about a gallon of berries of which, Carly ate about half on the way back to the house.

She decided it was worth coming back for a bag full of fresh blueberries.

something besides T.V.

2011-07-09T14:04:00.004-05:00

Carly had her bow and target out this weekend.

{For the first time in months.}

Look who really wanted to go chase arrows!

life's a beach...part 3

2011-06-17T21:36:00.005-05:00

a week at the beach is so much better with a friend!

life's a beach...part 2

2011-06-15T06:51:00.006-05:00

Just so we didn't turn to mush, we planned an outing.

We finally made a practice session of the Blue Angels.

We have been wanting to go for years

but they are typically out of town performing the week we go to the beach.

There were more people there than I expected for a practice session.

The website said there was seating for a 1000 or you could bring your own chairs/blankets.

We were sure that was plenty of seating.

Later we were glad that we got there early so that we had a seat.

It was as neat as I thought it would be.

They are amazing!

In some of the formations there is only 18 inches of separation.

Carly said she didn't even like riding bikes that close to anyone.

There was a man working there who was unofficially chatting with the crowd.

He didn't have a microphone so we were glad we were close enough to hear some of it.

Not sure why he didn't have a microphone?

I should have taken notes because he was a wealth of knowledge,

but now I can't remember.

He did say that these are 2 year volunteer positions

and there are lots of requirements for eligibility like fighter jet hours and carrier landings.

There are only 6 pilots, one is always a Marine and the others Navy.

There was also an aviation museum.

The girls were ready to go before we stepped in the door

(evidenced by Carly's face in this picture),

but we decided that our husbands would have wanted to stay all day.

life's a beach....part 1

2011-06-13T16:10:00.006-05:00

We made our annual girls' beach trip.

There is nothing like a week at the beach.

Except maybe 2 weeks (one day!).

"Our" house got a new coat of paint and a new deck! We spend more time outside than we do inside.

We decided this was our 6th summer here.

We started the trip with our annual stop at the Farmer's Market.

Dominoes was the game of choice this year. I think I won - no need to verify that with anyone.

We spent a lot of time on the sand especially in the mornings and late in the evenings. The best time on the beach is sunset. We are officially bums....we decided that when we realized that the most productive thing we did one day was get dressed. Of course we didn't do that everyday, we didn't want to wear ourselves out.

We had another great week.

Fun downtime with family.

it's an honor

2011-05-28T15:26:00.006-05:00

Carly receiving her Scholar-Athlete award -

for those who maintained a 3.5 and above while participating in at least one sport,

as well as having excellent conduct and sportsmanship.

Carly also received a certificate for making Achievement Roll (3.5 and above).

She was disappointed that she didn't make Honor Roll.

In all the pictures of her getting her certificate, it looks like her dog died.

Even though she has known since January, that she made a B in Math for the 2nd nine weeks.

(To make Honor Roll you have to have a 4.0 at the end of each 9 weeks)

After Christmas when she found out she made a B, she set a new goal for herself to have a final A average.

She did. She has a 4.0 for the whole year.

{ proud parents}

Notice that she is only showing off her Scholar Athlete Award.

{ even MamMam and Aunt Kacey are proud}

Mom is the tallest out of all of us and she managed to get blocked?

{as Kenny said "lots of brain power in this group"}

Five Minute Friday

2011-05-27T14:28:00.003-05:00

START.

Mother Nature has been busy this spring. I'd be wishing for summer, but I'm a little concerned about what hurricane season will look like! I wanted to say thanks again for everyone who has been thinking and praying for us.

The water has receded enough to get out of the lake house. There is a big, well more like huge, mess but upon first look the structure looks ok. They are going in by boat to start a long process of clean up.

My parents dodged a bullet and water didn't make it to their house. A lot of water made it all around them and many people lost everything. The water is still really high behind the levees, way above flood stage, but so far the levees are doing their job.

My grandmother moved back to her nursing home yesterday. This might have been the most stressful situation of all but she is settled back in.

We are tired, really tired, of tornadoes. We are thankful, really thankful, that there has only been potential for severe weather here (way too much time in the bathroom - aka the storm shelter). But, we are sad, really sad, about all the destruction that has happened all around us. Keep praying for all those whose worlds have been turned upside down. And maybe look into making a donation to the Red Cross because they have to be stretched thin right about now.

STOP.

the library - one of my favorite places

2011-05-26T22:47:00.000-05:00

Don't you love that you can browse around picking up books throughout

on this topic and that topic, anything that catches your interest.

And walk right out, for free!

wordless wednesday :: mum

2011-05-25T23:07:00.000-05:00

just when I am worried she is growing up too fast

2011-05-21T13:13:00.002-05:00

field day

2011-05-20T23:34:00.005-05:00

Today was field day. It was a gorgeous morning to spend outside.

By 5th grade most of these kids have participated in 4 previous field days.

It is a well organized event.

Sometimes I wish there was a little bit more chaos.

There are times I can't tell if anyone is having fun.

The fun seems to be in the stands.

The games are what they put up with so they can spend the morning hanging outside?

There were games

Carly was on her class's tug-of-war team

and she participated in the ball throw.

There were ribbons.

Carly won first in ball throw

and her tug-of-war team won second.

But mostly there were friends.

and more friends and lots more friends!

bulldog baseball

2011-05-19T07:54:00.004-05:00

Kenny and Carly had a date night this week. Mississippi State was in Memphis to play the Tigers.

Even more fun was that they played at AutoZone park down town.

They had a wonderful night at the ball park. They ran into friends, ate lots of junk {first time for chicken-on-a-stick}, enjoyed some baseball, even took a couple of pictures {for mom}

and cheered on the bulldogs to a win!

{couple more snaps from friends}

wordless wednesday :: magnolia

2011-05-18T05:40:00.000-05:00

because Kenny said

2011-05-14T12:34:00.000-05:00

every good Southern photographer has railroad shots

back to court

2011-05-12T18:29:00.000-05:00

Carly missed spring tennis with her regular group because of softball.

With the softball season over, Carly was able to squeeze in the last couple of sessions.

She's was excited that she was able to get back on the court.

wordless wednesday :: brushes

2011-05-11T05:41:00.000-05:00

seemed perfectly normal to me

2011-05-10T21:13:00.009-05:00

my mother's day outing to the cemetery in como, ms established in 1876

for some quiet time with my new camera

because they know me {and love me}

water, water everywhere

2011-05-09T06:27:00.006-05:00

Carly and I on the roof of the Madison Hotel

overlooking the Mississippi River

I40 bridge from Memphis

to Arkansas

north end of Mud Island under water

looking south at the I55 bridge over the Mississippi River

Tom Lee Park and Riverside Drive on the left mostly under water

Looking over the Mud Island Amphitheater I40 bridge into Arkansas the River typically stops at the first tree line all the water after that is in Arkansas but still inside the levee

{the paper reported that the river here is typically 1/2 mile wide and it has swollen to over 3 miles wide}

south end of Mud Island Park nearly under water Water as far as you can see!

Sunday, May 8th the River stage in Memphis was 47 feet

and is forecasted to crest Tuesday at 48 feet.

The record is 48.7 feet in 1937.

what a start!

2011-05-08T22:21:00.003-05:00

Kenny and Carly showered me with Mother's Day cards and gifts.

They gave me this Peter's Pottery duck soup tureen and Carly painted me a beautiful painting based on one of my photographs.

Carly's snapping away with my camera and says

"I gotta have one of these"

I told her she better stick with the one she has

that mine is tad bit out of her price range!

master chef

2011-05-07T15:27:00.006-05:00

Carly made us breakfast this morning...biscuits, grits and cantaloupe.

When I woke up the grits were made and the biscuits were in the oven.

Now, if she would only enjoy cleaning up the kitchen

as much as she enjoys cooking in it!

a whole lot of ROCK and roll

2011-05-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Carly's class took a field trip to a gravel mine.

We had perfect spring day.

So glad we got to enjoy it!

rocks, heavy equipment, machinery, and cool orange hard hats listening to the geologist that gave the tour {kudos to him for putting on an interesting,

well organized, and kid friendly tour)

watching work in progress Then for what might have been the highlight of the trip.

Climbing up this huge pile of rocks.

or maybe it was sliding down to the bottom?

Either way, they did it over and over again.

They gave them a big plastic bag and let them rock hunt.

Carly brought home a few but some kids had filled up that bag

and couldn't even carry them to the car!

I took 5 pictures of them sitting here (supposedly) posing.

This is the best one!

the whole gang - 5th grade 2011

hot, dirty, and tired from rocking and rolling!

Five Minute Friday

2011-05-06T18:27:00.009-05:00

START.

Water. Lots of Water. Flooding in fact. That is what is going on here. Last week we had unprecedented storms. Thankfully my family, my friends, my community were spared from the destructive tornadoes that plowed through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Others were not so lucky. There was damage that I can't describe with words and many people lost loved ones. In fact there are people still unaccounted for. But we did get rain. Lots and lots of rain. That's when the flooding started. Flash flooding. Rivers and streams and city drainage could not handle it. There was so much of it and so fast that there is no where else for it to go. A farmer friend jokingly {because that's all you can do} said no row crops this year, he was going to raise catfish.

Then comes the mighty Mississippi. Already above flood level. Spilling out of its banks and pushing water with no where for it to go. {insert worry}Now my in laws lake house has a foot of water in it and rising. They're hoping it doesn't end up in New Orleans. {insert more worry}My parents have some concern that backwater from the Yazoo River will push its way up stream to their house. {insert more worry}Yesterday, we found out that they are evacuating the nursing home that my grandmother is in. {insert big worry} We all have our homes, businesses, livelihood, way of life, future tied to man made levees that are trying to harness mother nature.

Pray.

STOP.

finally ... a beautiful [ballfield] day

2011-05-01T09:17:00.002-05:00

wordless wednesday :: 11 months

2011-04-27T23:17:00.001-05:00

more spring

2011-04-25T14:48:00.004-05:00

We came home from our Easter weekend, to find the neighborhood geese have 3 little goslings.

easter weekend

2011-04-24T19:37:00.007-05:00

{egg dying} {daddy's birthday dinner} {carly and finn} {carly with grandaddy and mammam outside church} {daddy with kacey and I} {favorite one all weekend} {ready for easter baskets}

{happy easter 2011}

wordless wednesday :: 1st baseman

2011-04-13T20:55:00.004-05:00

gone in 60 seconds

2011-04-05T05:08:00.001-05:00

Sofie got a new toy Saturday.

It had 3 interlocked rings.

2 were harder plastic textured rings.

The middle ring was a mesh-type material.

Her little tail was wagging so hard that I thought it might wag her.

I gave her the toy and watched her happily dance around the den.

I got my camera for a couple of pictures.

I took my camera back to the other room.

When I got back,

she had chewed through the mesh ring

and was shredding it all over the rug.

Now she has 2 hard plastic rings.

They seem fairly indestructible?

Nope.

The blue one is down.

Now she's down to 1 hard plastic ring.

through the front door

2011-04-04T17:03:00.002-05:00

It was loud. It was scary. It wasn't even in my yard.

My neighbor is just happy it fell that way instead of on top of her house!

have you ever?

2011-04-02T09:01:00.004-05:00

Carly was invited to a birthday party last weekend-

a limo scavenger hunt party.

Have any idea how excited this group of 11 year olds were?

The limo driver took the birthday girl, her mom, and about a dozen of her friends

around Memphis in this gigantic zebra hummer limo.

(I can only imagine how loud it was in the inside)

The driver gave them clues to each Memphis local, then he took them there.

They would all pile out and take a picture out front.

(I wish I had been there for the pictures!)

They wrote their names on the wall at Graceland,

they took pictures at the FedEx Forum & Gibson Guitar Factory,

they went to the roof of the Peabody,

they climbed on the statues at the zoo,

they sang in front of the Orpheum, and

danced in front of the McDonald's (for a snack break).

Even though Carly had been to all the places (except Graceland),

it was an experience she won't forget.

I'll take it.

2011-03-29T19:26:00.008-05:00

It was cold and wet for Carly's first game on the 5th & 6th grade softball team.

Much different than 100 degrees summer games.

All of Carly's stuff is muddy, but there was no sweating!

I'll take it.

Carly played first base, catching a few throws for outs.

I told her good work for doing her job.

She told me that they were all easy,

and I reminded her how important it is to consistently do her job.

I'll take it.

Carly got a walk, was hit by a pitch,

and got a hit to first base that scored a run.

I'll take it.

I only took this shot of the girls warming up

before I was asked to keep the book.

I'll take it.

Until next time!

Oh, and we won the game 17-0.

I'll definitely take that!

Five Minute Friday

2011-03-25T18:18:00.004-05:00

START.

Kenny and Carly really enjoy American Idol. They have watched it from the first auditions and now have favorites and guess who is going to get kicked off each week. I typically go take a really long hot bath while they watch it together. Last night we were really late eating dinner so we sat down in front of the T.V. to watch the results show.

There were some good performances. And as usual I like those with good stories and good personalities and fun performers. Not necessarily good singers because I can't really tell when they are "pitchy" or not. Sometimes I think "that just doesn't sound good"?

But, what might have sent me over the edge was Jennifer Hudson's performance. She looked beautiful. She has lost a lot of weight. She was dressed nice. She had long straight extensions. My point is that she did her best to make a good impression, and then she sings a song with the title "Where you at?" Seriously? It was not a fun, spoof-type song. It was a serious type song. And the back-up singers are constantly singing "Where you at?"

All I could think was "between the A and the T"!

STOP.

one is better than none?

2011-03-24T21:48:00.006-05:00

I don't know if it is the SD card or my camera. I think it is my camera. We won't say much more about that because I might just burst into tears. {I mean one of those ugly crying fits not the little-watery-eyes one.} But Carly's birthday party pictures were lost.

Yesterday when I downloaded a few pictures from my point and shoot, I found this snapshot. This was Carly's birthday. The kids got out at 11:45. We ate lunch at Subway. Then we headed to Tunica for some tennis. Glad I found this one of the girls but again it reminds me about the ones that are gone....tennis, silly car shots, birthday cake, blowing out candles, presents. You get the picture {no pun intended}!

Did I mention that my camera is acting up?

Did I mention that I have started dreaming about a new one?

wordless wednesday :: lunch break

2011-03-23T23:24:00.000-05:00

like the commercial says

2011-03-22T05:15:00.001-05:00

$160 "training" collar

Carly and Sofie able to play in the backyard together.....PRICELESS!

I'm so excited that the 2 of them are able to go outside together

without Sofie running away!!

I continue to be amazed by the differences in Sofie and Gabby just because of the difference in their breeds. Gabby was a retriever and did not have to be taught to fetch. She would go get and bring back anything. Sofie doesn't retrieve.

As a pointer, it is amazing how aware she is of birds and movement. She can track birds in the yard and into trees. She loves to chase and flush out birds, leaves, squirrels, a ball. But she then stands at it (sometimes actually pointing) and looks back at you like "ok, I found it for you. are you going to come get it?"

having friends over

2011-03-21T05:04:00.000-05:00

When you were growing up and your family had friends over,

what did you and your friends head off to do?

Typically, Carly and her friends play outside -

the rope swing, bikes, 4 square, basketball, rollerblading, etc.

But the other night they headed off to Carly's room.

When I went to tell them dinner was ready,

I found them painting nails and writing on the dry erase board.

spring break hideout

2011-03-20T12:51:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since she has built one of these.

Yesterday, she watched a movie on her iTouch, colored (wanted to know if I had a new coloring book?), read, and took a nap (gasp!!).

I wonder what fun will find its way in there today?

back in the kitchen

2011-03-20T05:58:00.000-05:00

Carly making cake truffles. Mmmm.

Glad we sent most of them to the woods with Kenny and the guys.

spring evening on the patio

2011-03-19T14:16:00.003-05:00

Right before I tried to explain to Carly

that you have to at least get the marshmallow warm to make a s'more.

Happy St. Patty's Day

2011-03-17T11:42:00.004-05:00

Looks like it might become a tradition....

green mac & cheese, edamame, and frozen green grapes!

wordless wednesday :: oblivious

2011-03-09T17:35:00.001-06:00

Five Minute Friday

2011-03-04T10:27:00.004-06:00

START.

Crazy. The weather that is. Not me this time. So goes Spring. Two days this week it was more than 25 degrees warmer when I picked Carly up from school than when I dropped her off. Yesterday the high was 76. Today mid 60's. Tomorrow mid 50's. The lows this weekend are going to be close to freezing again!

I just folded a load of clothes that had equal number of turtlenecks as short sleeves. The load I just put in the washer has fleece and shorts in it. Did I say crazy?

And of course with these crazy temperatures comes crazy rain and storms. The other day we were under a tornado watch and tornado warnings all around us. We got our storm shelter (aka the half bath) set up with flashlights and such. Put on shoes.

Carly was aggravated that the weatherman was messing with American Idol. when we heard the tornado sirens on the TV and briefly thought it was our sirens. Carly said "I think this might be the first time I have eaten dinner in the bathroom." Luckily, we didn't have to eat dinner in the bathroom...this time. Because Spring is just getting started.

END.

wordless wednesday :: sunshine

2011-03-02T21:50:00.001-06:00

as the world turns

2011-02-28T20:45:00.006-06:00

Science Project ::

Make a model of the earth and dissect it in order to label the interior layers.

Use materials of your choice.

Carly chose a styrofoam ball and felt for the continents.

She wanted to paint the outside and the inside layers,

so we chose spray paint for the outside and acrylic for the inside.

Give Carly a can of spray paint and watch out,

there is no telling what all she might paint!

FYI...some spray paint has acetone in it, and it will melt styrofoam.

Who knew?

Kenny helped her use a hand saw to cut the dowel rod (I left the room so I didn't have to watch) and then to position them on the styrofoam base.

Anyone else know just how big a mess styrofoam makes?

Carly also had a science test today.

I was encouraging her to look over her notes because "you really need to do well".

Carly said "it's okay mom, I'm going to get a 100 on my Earth project"

Nothing like a little confidence!

and it was going so good

2011-02-27T14:51:00.004-06:00

Kenny bought Carly a kite last year that we never flew.

It has been hanging out in the garage just waiting for spring winds to come around.

This morning Kenny got up with a plan to go fly a kite.

I had planned to stay inside while they went kite flying.

Then I got the guilt trip that I should join them to take pictures. It was cloudy and windy. Thunderstorms are forecasted for the evening. I made it in time for them to pull it down and add more string.

I was able to get some good shots in between silly faces.

The kite was really soaring now

right before it took a nose dive into a tree.

I think I might have brought bad luck.

Not only did we lose the kite to a tree,

It started pouring down rain on the way back to the house!

How pitiful is this?