Life With "L"

2007-05-28T12:29:00.000-05:00

2007-05-22T10:18:00.001-05:00

Relax

2007-05-17T08:24:00.000-05:00

Sorry - I've been behind on posting here. I'll try to keep up a little better. :-) Mostly I've been on Tabblo so if you still wanna see what's going on you can always bookmark my spot there and check out my photos. The kiddos are out of school now and so I'm busy trying to keep them entertained along w/running back and forth for TBall games!

Big Hitter

2007-04-25T08:35:00.000-05:00

JT is playing TBall this season and I took a few posed shots before his game last Saturday. Looks like a "Big Hitter" doesn't he!

2007-04-23T21:19:00.001-05:00

Joey turned 2 years old last week! His actual birthday was early last week and so we had a small celebration at home. His big party was yesterday (that'll have it's own tabblo) and so we had homeade pizzas and homeade yellow cake w/real cream cheese icing (not that stuff from the can) it was the real deal!. I can't believe this precious boy is already two - he's getting too big, too fast for momma. I love the last few pics of the two boys eating the cupcakes and being silly. Just such sweet innocence. ... See my Tabblo>

2007-04-21T09:49:00.001-05:00

Looking Back

2007-04-17T08:56:00.001-05:00

These photos were taken last May 2006 when we did some work on our property. Jimmy was on cloud 9 this day b/c he got to help drive the big "Scoop" with Dad. For those of you that don't know - "Scoop" is the name of the backhoe on the popular kids cartoon Bob the Builder. Jimmy was very impressed that Scoop was actually at his very own house. At first he was terrified of the big beast of a machine but after much coaxing by Dad he finally agreed to climb aboard and then we couldn't get him off!

Jimmy saw these pics again this week and has wanted to look at them over and over so I made this Tabblo just for him - I'm planning to poster this one for his room!

Thanks Easter Bunny!

2007-04-09T10:40:00.001-05:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

2007-04-08T10:44:00.000-05:00

Easter's Past

2007-04-07T09:09:00.001-05:00

2007-04-06T12:00:00.001-05:00

2007-04-06T10:15:00.001-05:00

2007-04-02T10:58:00.001-05:00

The boys had a blast rambling around this old caboose - Jimmy is still talking about it this morning. After playing on the caboose we went to two playgrounds to play some more! Nothing like a little outdoor fun on Spring Break!

2007-03-30T08:19:00.000-06:00

2007-03-26T09:18:00.000-06:00

2007-03-19T18:37:00.001-06:00

2007-03-17T08:03:00.001-06:00

I have to say this was a sight to behold! 10 little 4yr olds learing the basics of baseball is really quite humerous. We practice twice a week, and this is the third practice. I finally had a chance to attend this one since it was on a Sat morning instead of at 6pm which meant I didn't have to stay home to put lil brother, Joey to bed. The coaches really have to work hard at trying to keep everyone's attention - especially when it comes to fielding the ball after one of the kids has batted. I'm hoping to get up a little closer for some better shots this week. I was trying to stay out of the way and not be too much of a distraction and so some of these are a little farther away than I wanted but I think I still got a few good ones! Can't wait till our first game in two weeks!

2007-03-13T16:04:00.001-06:00

2007-03-09T10:56:00.001-06:00

Welcome Spring!

The weather has been gorgeous the last two weeks! I've been out of the house and in my yard nearly every day. Cutting back trees and bushes & I've been laying out new flower beds & rearranging old ones. Shoveling out fresh mulch and planting some bulbs (hostas, elephant ears, bleeding heart etc...)for the spring. Gardening is one of my passions and so I'm totally stoked that Spring is nearly here. Each day I walk my yard looking for little green shoots of perrennials to start peeking up and checking all of my trees and azealeas for buds to start bloming out. If you don't see any Tabblos from me don't worry - I'm just outdoors these days! I'm planning to try and capture each stage of my flowers/gardens so that you can see how things are progressing! Yahoooo for warm weather and sunshine!

2007-03-06T18:29:00.000-06:00

2007-02-26T08:38:00.000-06:00

My Mom brought my son home w/a brand new box of FLOAM last weekend after their day together. Jimmy was WAY excited as he's been asking me for this stuff nearly every time we are at the store. Guess he's been watching too many commercials on Nick Jr and Noggin!

2007-02-24T10:51:00.001-06:00

2007-02-18T10:06:00.001-06:00

2007-02-16T10:51:00.000-06:00

Nothing like a good game of T-Ball in your PJ's and boots! These were taken back in October when it was still warm enough to get out and goof off. Ahhh what fun!

2007-02-16T10:50:00.000-06:00

Sweet babe, in thy face Soft desires I can trace, Secret joys and secret smiles, Little pretty infant wiles.
Author: William Blake

2007-02-14T11:29:00.001-06:00

2007-02-14T10:39:00.001-06:00

A Day At The Races!

I took Hubby to the races over the weekend for a little birthday surprise! Sunday we played the ponies and then stayed at a wonderful bed and breakfast on the lake. I didn't take my new SLR b/c it's so heavy and I didn't want to lose it so all these shots are w/my little Olympus Camedia. (It easily fits in my purse and wasn't to heavy to tote around all day.)

We didn't win big but we broke even and were able to have lunch and some cocktails too!

2007-02-09T10:46:00.001-06:00

2007-02-09T10:21:00.001-06:00

Dinner

2007-02-06T18:32:00.001-06:00

Instead of chicken I had turkey cutlets in the fridge so it's turkey parm tonight!

You'll need the following for this recipie:

3-4 Turkey or chicken cutlets

1 Jar of pasta sauce (or make own if have time)

8oz can tomatoe sauce

olive oil for frying and a little for the pasta

1-2 eggs

bread crumbs

parm cheese

mozzerella cheese

spaghetti

2007-02-02T13:27:00.000-06:00

Snow

2007-02-02T10:35:00.000-06:00

Pinnacle Mtn State Park

2007-01-27T03:59:00.000-06:00

Beauty for Free

2007-01-22T05:05:00.000-06:00

Sunday Drive

2007-01-22T04:05:00.000-06:00

Hubby kids and I were out taking a little Sunday drive yesterday. We are considering buying some property and building a new house so out we went yesterday in search of some places we'd found for sale on the computer. There is some beautiful stuff out there but it is a good bit farther out than where we live now which means it's a longer drive to the grocery, shopping, liquor store, out of pizza delivery range, out of DSL range, etc...... However the mountain and lake views are amazing especially for the price of the lots. The lots are all 3-5 acres and are well within the price range we are looking to spend but I'm not sure if I can handle being quite so far out - wondering if our friends will come visit us! Ha! Kinda feels like you're headed the secret route to the bat cave. I imagine if we had to give directions it'd be, "go down X road for 10 miles then when you think you've gone to far go another 4 miles! and turn right past the cow pasture!"

Buddies

2007-01-18T07:59:00.000-06:00

A Bump in the Bed

2007-01-16T08:10:00.000-06:00

Sugar Cookie Kinda Day

2007-01-15T12:09:00.000-06:00

"nack" momma! Mmmmmm!!!!!!!

Joey snatched about two or three whole cookies and didn't leave a single crumb! Cookie Good!

Hats Hats Hats!

2007-01-15T06:06:00.000-06:00

Garden Show (last year)

2007-01-12T13:13:00.000-06:00

Garden Show March 2006

I look forward to the Garden Show every March. My mom and I always make time to go and we always have so much fun "oohh'ing and ahh'ing" over all the exhibits. Each year brings something new that we want to try in our own gardens and we always walk away with some new plants to try our hand at cultivating as well. With a weather forcast of rain rain and more rain followed by 30 degree highs for next week I thought I'd dream a little and remind myself I've got this to look forward to in another two months.

To Those I've Loved Before

2007-01-12T05:44:00.000-06:00

Open your heart and Rescue a friend for life!

These are a few of the dogs I have helped rescue, foster, or have helped to place in new "forever homes." I volunteer with the Boxer Rescue in my area and these are some of the sweet smooshy faces I have rescued over the years. All these darling dogs come to our organization through no fault of their own. We rescue them from certain death at pounds or shelters, and some are owner surrenders (he digs, we're having a baby, he ate my couch, she jumped the fence, I can't afford her anymore, blah blah blah and on and on the excuses we hear.) Our organization gets them vet care (most have to be treated for heartworms), we nurse them back to health if they've been neglected, and we board them or foster them till we find new homes for them.

Once More, Who Wouldn't Want to Be 4!

2007-01-07T06:02:00.000-06:00

Once More, Who Wouldn't Want to Be 4!

2007-01-07T05:53:00.000-06:00

Happy 4th Birthday Little Big Boy!

2007-01-04T04:21:00.000-06:00

Today you'll be 4 and I honestly don't know how! Seems like Daddy and I were just in the delivery room w/you just last week!

You have grown into such a smart, kind, sweet wonderful young boy right before my very eyes. You are a wonderful son and I couldn't ask for anything more! You are my light, my love, my hap, my hope, my SON!

Happy 4th Birthday "little" Big Boy!

My "Big" New Year's Eve Plans!

2006-12-31T10:49:00.000-06:00

As you can see no wee hour partying for me this year. Littel "J" has been sick w/fever for last three days and all our sitters have plans anyway. Ahh how priorities and plans change as you get older! That's okay - I don't care. Hubby has to work a little today but should be home early in time to grill the steaks and then we'll hang out w/our boys and relax!

Wishing EVERYONE a safe, healthy, prosperous, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Pass The Popcorn Please!

2006-12-28T08:05:00.000-06:00

My Favorite Flicks!

No particular order here on these. Just a small collection of some of my all time faves that I can watch over and over and never tire of them.

If I had to pick one it would be A River Runs Through It. I think it was just one of the movies that I "needed to see" at an important time in my own life - it sort of spoke to me in a way that no other movie ever had till that point or has since for that matter.

I'm getting published!

2006-12-27T09:32:00.000-06:00

I submitted a photo to Parade magazine of JW and it is going to be published! I received a letter and a small check from the magazine this week. I don't think mine made the actual magazine - I think it's going to be in Parade's online gallery but still I'm very excited! You can look for the photo this Sunday the 7th at
http://snapshot.parade.com/

Christmas 2006

2006-12-27T09:10:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve 2006

After having gotten back from Dallas we kicked back and opened up "The Cat in the Hat-opoly" game and made some queso. Snacking and eating and watching our San Diego Chargers on the tube made for a great Christmas Eve afternoon. After it got dark we put the boys in their PJ's and got out the books. The book reading tradition continued with "Twas the Night before Christmas" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Christmas in Dallas

2006-12-27T06:16:00.000-06:00

This is Christmas in Dallas w/my family. We got there on the 22 and left Christmas Eve to go home so that we wouldn't miss Santa at our own house. There was a houseful at my Uncle's - 16 of us all! We had a wonderful time till a Grinch of a Christmas bug struck the family! First one of my cousin's got ill and had to go home then my aunt started vomiting then my sister, and then the darn bug just continued to spread throughout almost my whole family! The Pukerson's my cousin dubbed us! My sis even had to be taken to the ER b/c she got so dehydrated. Luckily, though, hubby, kids, my MIL and myself were the only ones that did not get ill! Have no idea how! On Christmas Eve we awoke early, I looked at hubby and said let's pack up our stuff and get the heck out! Quick as we can - I didn't want to be sick for the 5 hr drive back home! We made it! This will be one Christmas we will never forget!

All Lit Up, Inside!

2006-12-21T12:12:00.000-06:00

We made it back to the capitol last night, and were able to go inside to see the decorations. The boys had a blast b/c there is so much open space to run and so many stairs to climb. The first floor has these nutcrackers, tree display, bridge over the ice pond and the life size Santa statue. The boys were delighted - they especially liked the train display.

Good Friends=Good Fun

2006-12-20T03:50:00.000-06:00

All Lit Up!

2006-12-16T07:23:00.000-06:00

Here is the Capitol of my home state all decked out for the holiday. We stopped by last night so the boys could take a peek at the lights.

Seriously?

2006-12-15T11:23:00.000-06:00

I admit I'm a little dog crazy. I belong to a Boxer chat group. Every year we organize a snail mail Christmas card exchange (about 35-50 people participate each year)and send each other photos of our Boxers. So these were some of the shots I took for this year's card. My dogs are never amused at photo time, but the result is I get to enjoy going to the mailbox each day in December knowing I'll be seeing some cute smooshy Boxer faces and some pretty cards. ... See my Tabblo>

Light up my life!

2006-12-11T10:53:00.000-06:00

I was looking through photos this morning while online and found this lovely shot that I took this summer. Just thought I'd share a little sunshine w/you - especially since it's raining here this morn!

Christmas 2003

2006-12-09T06:40:00.000-06:00

First Baby's First Christmas

Mom and Dad went all out for Baby's first Christmas. A special hat and a monogrammed blanket too! And just look at that cute puppy dog sweater and all those fun toys!

There are not as many photos this first year b/c this was also the same year that mom got her digital camera. (And I didn't open it till after Santa time was over) These were all taken on an a kodak panoramic camera we used to have and then scanned into the computer. Not too bad, I guess, but things have certainly changed!

Christmas 2004

2006-12-09T06:13:00.000-06:00

Here's me and Jamma & Dad doing our book reading tradition! I love this time - it means Santa will be here soon! ... See my Tabblo>

Christmas Eve & Christmas Morning 2005

2006-12-09T05:15:00.000-06:00

Peek A Boo!

(Above and left)A little fun on Christmas Eve just chillin in the swing. Just passing a little time till Santa comes! "You can't see me!"

Below Dad and I catchin' a few ZZZ's before dinner on Christmas Eve.

Happy Holiday!

2006-11-25T17:14:00.000-06:00

Getting ready for the holiday season! We drug out all the boxes yesterday and started to put out a little holiday cheer. We managed to get the tree out and up along w/some of our other favorite Christmas items. We even decorated a gingerbread house too! Was a good fun filled family time!

Cheers everyone!

Gobble Gobble

2006-11-23T10:30:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!
(above image credit www.its-ming.com/bird_html/turkey.html)

WORDS TO LIVE BY TODAY!

(From my pal Bonnie)

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY, MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP. MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP, MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS, MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE, MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF YOUR THIGHS!

A Thanksgiving Day Rhyme

(courtesy of my 1yr old)

The Turkey is a funny bird.

His head goes "wobble, wobble."

The only sound that he can make,

Is Gobble,Gobble, Gobble!!!

Go Chargers!!!

2006-11-21T20:03:00.000-06:00

On Sunday night I made a big pot of Chili and we boiled some hot dogs and had Jamma over for the Chargers vs Broncos game. Dad and the boys and Jamma were all decke out in the "team gear" for the game. Here are a few cute photos of the evening.

Sunrise

2006-11-20T12:16:00.000-06:00

Sorry I haven't posted much lately - been busy Tabblo'ing!
Check out some new pics!

Taken last Sunday morning. (Nov 12, 2006) The one morning my boys sleep in and hubby is out of town I woke up early. I started the coffee and then trundled out down our long gravel drive to get the morning newspaper out of our mailbox. I looked up and realized the sun was coming up! Then I started to look around and realized how beautiful everything looked so I raced in for my camera and this is what I shot. ... See my Tabblo>

Costumes, Kids, Hayrides and Haloween 2006

2006-11-01T04:24:00.000-06:00

A Little Fun in Costume!

My two are the "Biker Baby" and the "Little Black Bat"

The top photos were taken on Sunday - a little fun on the Harley - a dress rehearsal for Tues night. The rest of the photos were taken last night - it was a wonderful evening except that lil bro was so tired he cried alot - notice the pic of him on the floor.

A few More Pumpkin Pictures

2006-10-31T09:14:00.000-06:00

A few more good shots from the Pumpkin Patch. My MIL shot most of these w/her camera. I had forgotten to charge my batteries the night before, and so I was only able to shoot a handful of shots, but she made sure to get plenty for me. (My personal favs are the series of three on the third row down.) ... See my Tabblo>

More Haloween Photos

2006-10-27T16:57:00.000-05:00

Haloween's past

JT's costume got passed down to lil bro JW, last year - one costume but it made for two cute little spiders though!

VOGUE

2006-10-23T12:43:00.000-05:00

Come On Vogue! JT being EXTRA silly one morning! He begged me to take his picture (as if I don't enough?) and he came up w/these fabulous poses all by himself! Do I have a future model on my hand here? Hmmmm.....
I also really like the faded t-shirt w/the tool pajama bottoms - really makes a statement, don't you think?
HA! LOL! Gotta love the mind of a 3 year old - he absolutely loved these shots!

We'll Miss You Rocky!

2006-10-10T19:12:00.000-05:00

Monday my good friend and fellow "crazy Boxer buddy" had to make the very difficult decision to have her Rottie, Rocky, put to sleep. Rock had developed a degenerative disease that had recently left him unable to walk and he was in a great deal of pain. Rocky was a wonderful dog and will be missed by many. Lori could sure use any prayers and vibes you can send her way to get her through this tough time.
My pets as anyone who has been to our home knows, are considered family members in every sense of the word. Lori is the same way - Rocky and Jax (her Boxer) along w/her two kitties are her family too.
God Speed sweet Rocky boy - I'll miss you!

Wooooo Pig Soooie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-10-07T15:36:00.000-05:00

How bout them Hogs today! We beat the No 2 ranked Auburn today27-10! Hell Yah!
I'm stoked! I can't believe this upset and at Auburn, no less! This currently makes Arkansas the number 1 team in the SEC West division at the moment. Let's revel in this glory for the moment!
Go Hogs Go! Go Hogs Go! Go Hogs Go! Go Hogs Go! Go Hogs Go! Go Hogs Go!

Sing the Fight Song with me fellow Hog Fans!

Hit that line, Hit that line, Keep on going,Move that ball right down the field.Give a cheer, Rah! Rah!Never fear, Rah RahArkansas will never yield.On your toes Razorbacks to the finish.Carry on with all your might.For it's A-R-K-A-N-S-A-S for Arkansas,Fight, Fight, Fi-i-ight.

How to eat spaghetti

2006-10-05T13:43:00.000-05:00

ONE big pot of homeade spaghetti.

TWO hungry toddlers.

THREE spoiled Pets waiting on the leftovers.

May I present Spaghetti 101!

Fall Fun

2006-10-03T15:10:00.000-05:00

We took a visit to Hidden Valley Farm today to pick pumpkins. It was HOT but we still had a good time! This place is SO BEAUTIFUL! It really is hidden away but it's only about 15 min from town. It is just gorgeous - worth the short trip just for photos. We picked our own pumpkins, a few gords, and the boys were able to run free and enjoy the morning. Fun was had by all! They also do hayrides for $1.50 and I think they have a small petting zoo area as well - although we didn't see any animals this morning.
Enjoy the photos! I'd have more to share but...wouldn't you know it my darn camera's batteries ran out after about 20 shots and so we used Jamma's camera the rest of the time. She is going to burn me a copy of all the stuff we shot on her camera so I'll have more photos to post later - will prob put them in a tabblo.
Have a good Tuesday!

Pumpkin Picking

2006-10-03T12:43:00.000-05:00

FABULOUS FALL AT HIDDEN VALLEY FARMS! ... See my Tabblo>

Haloween is on the way!

2006-10-02T10:18:00.000-05:00

Been working on ideas for Haloween costumes for the boys these last few weeks. JT has decided he wants to be a bat so he can scare people. So...Jamma, w/her wonderful sewing talents, made him a bat costume. Problem is......JT is scared of the costume and now doesn't want to wear it. Ha! You have to admit there is some humor in that!
We are hoping that by the time Haloween gets here at the end of the month he'll have gotten over the fear.
We haven't come up w/anything for JW yet. We have JT's frog costume from two years ago but I don't think it'll fit little JW. He's half the size that JT was when he wore it so I imagine it'll drage the ground on JW. So....we've been looking at all the cute little costumes for toddlers. Haven't found just the right thing yet. Suggestions are welcome! I'm hoping to find something that doesn't have a huge head piece on it as JW is not very cooperative about wearing a hat.
I've included a few photos of Haloween years past - so enjoy. I don't have JT"s first Haloween saved on my "puter" anymore but he was the same spider that JW was! And I've passed that darling little costume onto my cuz, Linz, for her little boy, Travis' first Haloween this year. So that little spider has been through three little boys! How fun!
P.S. the cute cowboy in the top photo is my best friend's son, Sam! We miss you Sam!

Big Dam Bridge

2006-09-27T19:23:00.000-05:00

Okay - seriously could the folks that worked on this amazing and really cool project not come up w/a better name for this bridge!
It's a bridge built specifically for bikers, walker, joggers, etc..(no vehicular traffic) and it crosses over the Arkansas River at the Lock and Dam. The Army Corp of Engineers built and oversaw the project - wonder if they were the ones who named it? Sheesh!

It is really called "The Big Dam Bridge."

Check out the website!
www.bigdambridge.com

Bikes

2006-09-17T18:21:00.000-05:00

Went to the bike rally yesterday and had a blast. Rode the bike there and back and had such a good time. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day. I created two other Tabblo's, of photos in color, so if you click on the Tabblo link for this one, go take a look at the others while you are there.
Ride ON!

Can I Take Your Order?

2006-09-14T16:30:00.000-05:00

Monday JT spent the day w/his Jamma. Jamma had a surprise for him which was a large cardboard box she'd saved to make a "play house" for him. JT didn't want a play house he decided he wanted to have a restaurant - a Sonic to be more precise! They had a blast painting & cutting out the drive up window, doors, etc.... Jamma took the pics and sent them to me this week. It's amazing how much fun you can have w/a good ole cardboard box!

BORN TO BE WILD!

2006-09-14T16:12:00.000-05:00

Get your motor running ..... Get out on the highway......Looking for adventure......Whatever comes my way!

Snapped these last week and had no idea how darn CUTE they were till I downloaded them today. What a kid - he LOVES the little Harley! He's not too good at steering or pushing the pedal to make it "go" but he adores mashing the buttons that sound like the throttle. He mashes them over and over and listens to the bike "rumble" and just giggles! Just looking at these pictures make me giggle too!

Go get em little motorcycle man!

First day of school

2006-09-14T16:05:00.000-05:00

Here are the pics of the first morning before we went to school last week. Took me a week to find the time to download em and get em up to the blog - sorry. The boys would not stand beside each other long enough to get a shot of both of em at the same time nor would they hold backpacks, oh well....
So far JT loves MDO but JW is not so sure. JW has cried all three mornings but seems to be in good shape when I pick him up. I know I've enjoyed the few hours I've had to myself lately!

9/11 Remembered

2006-09-11T09:11:00.000-05:00

MAY WE NEVER FORGET!

(The photo is from Reuters off a news web site)

Turned on the TV this morning to watch the weather. and instead found the 9/11 tribute being covered by GMA on ABC. I knew that the 11th was coming up, but forgot till I saw the coverage, that it was today.
I remember that fateful morning so well - it is one of the historic events of my adult life that will probably stick out in my mind forever.

Hubby and I were both getting ready for work and had Good Morning America on as always - listening to the news/weather as we migrated back & forth between the bedroom and bathroom getting ready for the day. I even remember what I was wearing - a blue jacket with white pants - don't know why but I remember that I had that blazer on for whatever reason.

Just as I was about to leave for work the news reported that "something" had hit one of the World Trade Centers. At that point Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer were both just totally confused and reporting that maybe it was a missile and maybe it was a small commuter plane. They really had no idea till they had some ground reporter, who happened to be in the area, called in on a cell phone sounding totally in awe of what he had seen as he was trying to explain to Charlie & Diane that this was not a commuter plane, but something much bigger.

Although both late for work at this point, hubby and I both stood directly in front of the TV and watched as the second plane hit tower two. We grabbed each other and said "oh my god" is that what I think it is? From that point we both left for work listening to the radio the whole way and just in total disbelief. When I got to the bank that morning all of us in the bank were glued to our tiny little TV in the break room - we finally brought it out and put in on the teller line on the counter so we & our customers could stay tuned. Shortly after that we saw the breaking report of the Pentagon being hit. I distinctly remember grabbing my boss's arm and she and I both looked at each other with complete panic, shock and terror - not speaking a word but we knew exactly what the other was thinking. The unthinkable had happened - the very symbol of our nation's armed forces and security had been breeched. Everyone in the branch just stood still. Not long after that we heard about the crash of the 4th plane - the one that was headed for the White House - even more disbelief. Then, other people that worked for Smith Barney, and Merrill Lynch in the building were coming down saying that they were shutting down b/c of all the chaos and so we decided it was best to close up the bank for the day, too as we didn't want to be the only financial institution open in the building. (When the country starts to panic it brings "crazies" out and the first place they come is to rob a bank. ) At some point during all of this I called my mom and sis to make sure they'd heard the news - I vaguely remember doing that. I then cashed a check for some "whatever money" took off , gassed up my little BMW on the way home, as I was worried about having gas, and sped home as fast as I could. I pulled on some sweats and spent the entire day glued to the tube. Calling hubby and mom and sis every hour it seemed to talk about it. I remember hubby and I didn't even want to go to bed b/c of the TV coverage.

Other thoughts I remember about that day were:

looking at the sky all day, thinking, planes had become weapons?

where was the President, and was he safe?

realizing all air transportation (not just commercial but all aircraft except the armed forces) had quickly grinded to a halt.

would we soon see military in the streets?

what else is happening? are there other attacks to follow?

I remember it took me awhile to realize that the planes were full of passengers. When I first heard about the crashes I don't know why but it never occurred to me that the planes were full - I was only thinking of the people in the tower and the Pentagon. After I realized that the planes were full I remember I began to feel sick.

Five years later and is America any safer? Who really knows. I just told hubby this morning that America is pretty lucky that more damage wasn't done on that day. Not that what happened wasn't huge b/c it was massive but just imagine if there had been more operatives on more planes in other big cities. I mean seriously we had no clue about something of that nature happening on an airplane. That idea was totally "off our radar" at that point - especially for the pilots and airport security people.

Things are better the country is healing but we will never forget and never should.
We must continue to be vigilant in our everyday lives - I think that is the key. We are busy on cell phones, and iPods and in our own cars - we live in our own little "bubbles" and are often unaware of what is going on around us. Mostly b/c we don't want to be bothered but I think we need to be more aware on a daily basis. I guess being a mom of two makes me more skeptical these days but seems I'm always on the "look out" when I'm out and about.
Today I say a prayer for each family member who lost someone in that horrific act of hatred and I also say a prayer of thanks that our nation is still free today.
Fly a flag today and take a moment to remember those lost today.

1st day of "school" tomorrow

2006-09-06T19:06:00.000-05:00

Both the boys will be going back to Mother's Day Out for the first time tomorrow. Mom can't wait!!!!! I have seriously been struggling w/staying sane these last 3 weeks of summer!
Every Tues and Thurs I get a little time to myself - ahhh - I can't wait. I can actually go grocery shopping without JT asking me ten million questions while we are in the store and also not have to say "stop touching EVERYTHING" every 5 seconds while at the same time also trying to keep JW from climbing out of the cart.
It'll be nice to be able to just be by myself - alone - in solitude.
Did I mention that I'm excited about the boys going back to MDO?
The photo for today is one taken the very first morning JT ever went to MDO two years ago. He was 1 1/2 then, and now he's 3 1/2. How time does fly.
We've already had a bath tonight and I'm getting ready to head down and pack backpack so we don't have to rush in the morning. I'll have new photos tomorrow of the boys all dressed and ready for the big day. By the way JT is STOKED! He's been asking for the last two weeks how much longer till school starts - he's as ready to go back and see his buddies as I am for him to go!
Peace Out!

Not much today

2006-09-01T08:37:00.000-05:00

Not much "doin" around here for Labor Day weekend. I'd thought about taking the boys to the pool for one last "hurrah" before it closes, but the weather is so incedible (in the 80's) that I think it'd be too cool for the water anyway.
Today we are stuck at home waiting on the Sears repair guy to show up (sometime between 8am and 5pm how convienent)to take a look at our washer. The darn thing quit on me on Tuesday morning. The motor runs but the tub won't turn so hopefully it's just a belt or something simple b/c I don't want to have to spend big bucks to repair it or buy a new one.
The wind blew our outside patio umbrella over last week and I'm hoping to find one on clearance at Garden Ridge or somewhere of the "likes" to replace it. This is the second brella we've lost to a little high winds this season - I often fail to remember to go outside and put it down in time and then the wind picks it (along w/the patio table) and heaves it into our bbq grill and the side of the deck and "wammo" the wooden ribs break and the fabric usually gets a big tear. Not really worth the trouble of trying to repair as a new brella is usually only $25.
Guess I'll be watching the Razorbacks this weekend as my main form of entertainment for the holiday weekend. I am seriously hoping we don't get spanked by USC as bad as last year. Wishing I could go to the game b/c the weather in Fayetteville would be awesome this weekend!
I suppose not much else to say today - sorry no pics - hopefully I'll have something after the weekend is over.
Peace Out!

Unlucky or Lucky?

2006-08-29T09:31:00.000-05:00

Friday night I went to scrapbook w/my regular group and as I was rummaging around in my bag a black widow spider crawled out! I just happened to see her as she ran up over my folders I saw the red on her back. (My entire bag is black so it's a miracle I spotted her before she bit me) All of gals gathered around and killed the spider w/a rubber mallet and then we took all my stuff outside and emptied it out and looked it over to make sure there were no more creepy crawlies in there. I've since decided not to keep my bag in the garage - lesson learned!
This morning I'm outside pruning some of my plants and bumped into a decorative birdhouse that some red wasps have decided to call home. Well out they came and one right after me. Both the boys were outside so I got JT to go in and thankfully JW was far away from them but one had it in for ME. He kept chasing me and I was swatting him off and then he got me right on the palm of my hand! OUCHHHHHHH!!!!!
It hurts SO bad. My palm is so swollen and it hurts to type, but I had to tell my story! I've put baking soda paste on it, iced it, and taken a benedryl tablet so I've got my bases covered but it still HURTS! Did I say it HURTS? Because it HURTS! Next time I go to Wal-Mart I'm going to get some spray and 86 those little bastards! Die Wasps Die!

A Day at the Park

2006-08-26T17:15:00.000-05:00

I took the boys to the park this week to run off a little energy and have some fun. This was not JW's first trip to the park but it was the first time he had been where he was big enough to be independent and climb, slide, swing, and run free. He tried so hard to keep up with brother toe to toe!
JT was so wound up w/energy he LITERALLY ran laps around the playground area for several minutes at various times while we were there. JW was a little upset when it was time to go b/c he was having such a good time but I promised we'd go back again another morning. I had just as much fun watching them play but it sure it hard to keep up with pushing one on the swing while making sure the other isn't falling off the playground equipment!

The Greatest Show on Earth!

2006-08-25T09:51:00.000-05:00

Since I had close to 20 photos I wanted to share about our trip to the circus last night I put them on a Tabblo layout. We had an amazing time and it was good to getaway w/just JT. Ci-Ci stayed home and kept little toot for us and so I think JT really enjoyed having a special getaway time w/just mom and dad by himself. We all enjoyed the show - it really is fun for all ages!
Enjoy the photos!

A night of fun and surprises at the circus. We had a blast! We started off the night having a quick dinner downtown at an old hole in the wall (but presidential favorite) restaurant. Then we headed over to the arena for "The Greatest Show on Earth!" I wish I'd been able to get some better shots but it was dark 90% of the time so I did the best I could. We had great seats - only 4 rows up from the floor so we got to see it all up close! JT"s favorite was the Tigers - he liked the elephants too, but thought they were very stinky.

Fun was had by ALL!

A little Rain

2006-08-24T12:36:00.000-05:00

Watching the rain the last two days has been wonderful. We only got a small shower on Tues but it was nice and JW really enjoyed looking at it coming down. I just happened to have the camera handy when he was looking out the glass. The natural light coming in made for a beautiful photo (without a flash) all on it's own. Sweet picture - I'm glad I caught it.

Tonight Ci-Ci is coming to stay w/JW so that hubby and I can take JT to see the circus. JT doesn't know where he's going. We've only told him it's a really big, special, surprise. I'm planning to take a lot of pics - in fact I need to go get my camera and empty my digital card and make sure the batteries are charged up. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some great circus photos to share!

My Garden

2006-08-23T06:05:00.000-05:00

These are a few of my favorite things in my garden this summer. It'll soon be time in another couple of weeks to start putting the pots away and start planning for mums, cabbages, and pumpkins. Sigh.... ... See my Tabblo>

Goofing Off

2006-08-21T17:55:00.000-05:00

Boys bein boys. Caught these two being silly and having a good time goofin off one morning after breakfast last week. Not much doing around here lately except trying to figure out house plans and looking at lots.

A big thanks to my cousin who reformatted my blog and gave me a wider layout this week!

Dream House?

2006-08-15T12:39:00.000-05:00

Dave and I are talking of selling our current home and building a new house just down the road. It's a subdivision that currently has 1-5acre lots that just opened up some new lots. These lots are all going to be 1-2 acre lots, prob a gated community, paved roads, city water. Specs are that houses will have to be 2,000sq ft and up, sodded/landscaped front yard, all fences and out buildings will have to be approved. We are so excited and have found a nice 2 acre lot at the end of a cul-de-sac that is still available. So....I've started calling around to banker buds to find out about a construction loan and we are currently looking at house plans. We prob are just going to rebuild our house that we have now w/a few changes downstairs - specifically the kitchen area.
Check out this link to see the floor plan we currently like (disreguard the outside rendering).
http://www.eplans.com/house-plans.hwx/Q/Plan.HWEPL08573

Check out this link to see what we'd like the exterior to look like (hate floor plan on this, though).
http://www.eplans.com/house-plans.hwx/Q/Plan.HWEPL09152

Guess we'll see how it goes! We really would like to be in a neighborhood setting w/paved safe roads where the boys can play and we'd have neighbors, but still have some property w/some privacy, so we are really excited about this idea!

Hello TABBLO!

2006-08-11T10:32:00.000-05:00

Ok, Im obsessed with Tabblo! www.tabblo.com
For any of you photo buffs out there this site is "uber" cool! It's made me look at my pictures and the way I take them in a whole different way.
You can click on this Tabblo of the horse photos (which I've posted previously) and it should take you straight to Tabblo and you can then see the other stuff I've put on there. It's so much fun. I think I might even order a few to frame for the house.
Be sure to check out the other Tabblos on the site - the "featured" ones each day/week that they put up are especially great. Sort of inspires me to start taking more photos of things I hadn't thought about before.

These amazing creatures live at the stables right next door to our house. They are so amazing to look at everyday and are sometimes such clowns! They are good photo subjects too, b/c they stay fairly still and in one place - especially if you have some carrots in hand!

Been sick!

2006-08-09T09:32:00.000-05:00

Sorry there's been no posts or photos in the past week. Last Monday (a week ago) I had to have surgeryfor an abcess in an unmentionable area - prob as a result of the last two surgeries I've had over the last year. Actually, had the surgery planned for Friday but alas things didn't wait that long and so Monday after a quick "look see" at my surgeons office I was admitted to the hospital. I then had to stay till Wed. Bummer. However it's a week later and I am feeling better. A huge THANK YOU to my MIL, my Mom, and my Sister for all pitching in and helping hubby and I with making sure my boys were well looked after.
I don't have any new photos b/c I've not felt up to getting around over the last week.
I do however have this one sweet (at least I think it's sweet) photo to share. I took this one on the night I came home from the Faith/Tim concert. I noticed the light still on in the master br and peeked in thinking hubby might still be up. Instead I found hubby and JT fast asleep. Lady and the Tramp was still going in the DVD player on a loop. Guess they were having a little movie fest while I was out. I couldn't resist a little photo of this sweet moment.

Faith and Tim

2006-07-29T08:49:00.000-05:00

Went to see Faith Hill and Tim McGraw at Alltel last night and it was wonderful!
Faith sang close to 11 songs NONSTOP and Tim sang at least as many. Then they sang about 6 duets. There was no intermission and very few breaks - it was just back to back music. Even if you are not a country music fan you still have to be awed by the voice of Faith - she is truly a very beautiful and powerful singer. I'm not a huge C&W fan but I do like Faith and Tim. Such a great time and great seats. I thought about taking my camera in but even w/my zoom on I don't think I'd have gotten any shots worth sharing. There was just too much lighting going and those concert photos just never turn out the way you hope they will. So...I got link from Oprah.
http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200602/tows_past_20060207.jhtml

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME TODAY I'M 33!

2006-07-27T11:14:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I'm 33 today. My how time does fly! I picked out a few photos of myself and family and friends to add to the blog today. Many of the photos of the kids and I are "self portriats." I never could have imagined- not even 10 years ago- that I'd be so blessed w/such a great family of my own. I've not been looking forward to getting older but 33 ain't so bad. Seriously - life could be so much worse. I'm happy to be healthy, have a healthy family, a house, a car, and an all around good life. Cheers to 33!

CLICK!

2006-07-26T10:12:00.000-05:00

Going to try uploading a Tabblo layout to get some photos up today. Enjoy!

Click Click

JW has found the remote! This child grabs the remote at any given chance and starts "clicking" away. Annoys his brother to no end b/c he often changes the cartoon that JT was watching and then the annoyance ensues. Happen to catch JW on our bed (which he climbed up onto by himself) working the remote over pretty good a few days ago.

I hate Blogger today!

2006-07-26T09:58:00.000-05:00

Can I just say I am sick of not being able to upload photos to Blogger this week! I have tried several times a day for two days now to upload pics and I keep getting an error message or the darn thing takes forever and then never uploads the photo! Maybe I need to find a new blog site! Sheesh - this is irritating!
Sorry for the lack of posts - promise to get something up when I can get some photos uploaded.

Lonely

2006-07-24T15:24:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I adopted out the female pup, Sweetheart, to a nice young guy from Memphis. I'm so excited to have found a home for one of the pups but Dexter (the male puppy) is so SAD. He is so lonesome it's just hard to watch. Last night I put him in the laundry room in his usual spot around 9pm and he cried. Then he woke me up at 1:30am crying and barking. I checked on him and he was fine just lonely. Then he woke up at 5am and barked and cried till hubs got up at 7am. Poor guy - he misses his sisters. My two big dogs don't mind him but they won't wrestle and play w/him like the other pups did. He was out on the deck bigger part of the morning and he's been moping around. I am however proud that when I let him in the house this afternoon he went back to his spot in the laundry room and tinkled on the paper instead of just using the floor. I brought down a big stuffed Tigger from the boys toybox and he has snuggled up to it for a long nap this afternoon. Maybe Tigger will help comfort him tonight so I don't have to wake up to all that howling again! Please spead the word that Dex needs a home soon! He needs a buddy big time!

Splish Splash

2006-07-22T15:20:00.000-05:00

These photos were taken by my MIL, Sherry about two weeks ago when we all went to the pool. I never get to take pics when I'm at the pool by myself w/the boys b/c I'm always having to keep a close eye on the two of them. If I want to take pics of JT then I can't leave JW alone and vice versa - so my MIL brought her camera one day and she & I both, got some great shots. I especially love the one of JT with the big grin on his face while he's jumping off the side.
The pool makes for the best photos - it's blue background always does wonders for a little photo session!

Attaack of the Puppies!

2006-07-22T10:08:00.000-05:00

This morning I managed to get some good shots of the two pups, still here at my house. JW went outside with me and a little puppy mahem ensued as they decided to gang up on little JW. Pretty Cute!
By the way - puppies STILL need homes for anyone that is interested!

A Tisket A Tasket.....2 Boys in a Basket

2006-07-22T09:23:00.000-05:00

How much fun is this? JT and JW climbed into the laundry basket last week and had fun goofing off together for a good 15-20 minutes. Who knew laundry could be so entertaining! I printed these pictures off and did a scrapbook layout for JW's book last night and am planning to do one for JT's next time. Check out the photos!