So here's this....

Has spring sprung?

2012-01-27T19:36:00.000-08:00

It would be an understatement to say that this has been a really warm winter. (Trust me, this is not a complaint! If we aren't going to have snow, I'm just as happy to have it warm.) This is evidenced in the picture that I took today! My azaleas are trying to bloom...in January!!! If we get a cold snap, I seriously don't know what that will mean for them in spring.

No snow here.

2012-01-23T04:27:00.000-08:00

Since we are having temps in the 70s, and there is no immediate hope of snow, I'll post a couple of pictures that my dad sent of their snow. It didn't look like they were going to get any, so it was a pleasant surprise this weekend.

Like mother like son.

2012-01-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

People frequently comment that MK and I look alike. I rarely hear that about T. Willy. I call him "Little Erik" sometimes, because I think they look alike. However, with the pictures my dad has been posting, I've seen more similarities between T. and me - especially in the mouth. So here are a couple of pictures that illustrate it to me.

Before & after? Before & during?

2012-01-17T06:44:00.000-08:00

My dad sent me a link with some old pictures that he had loaded from slides. So here is a picture of me, perhaps on my sixth birthday, and a picture of me yesterday. There are noticeable differences, but the Big Man pointed out one thing that seems to be the same - my pointy chin.

My favorite

2012-01-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

With a 9 year gap between kids, I had concerns that they may not get along or play together. MK is a great big sister and does play with T. Willy quite a bit. I hope he will remember it!

Changin' it up.

2012-01-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

I was in need of a change - so I chose to change my hair. Here is what it usually looked like (okay - if it looked like this more often, I may not have changed it, but it rarely looked like this) and how it looks now (as long as I keep straightening it - we'll see how that goes.)

Before and after

2012-01-08T07:18:00.000-08:00

T. Willy has a new haircut. The look on his face in the "after" cracks me up.

We made it to Sunday! We are exhausted but can recharge today to take on the new week. It's exam week at school, so that will be a little more taxing for the students, but it also means half days, so I'm looking forward to that.

Again hit send too soon

2012-01-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

Ooops, hit send too soon.

2012-01-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

So, now we're waiting for all of the events to finish, then we will have closing ceremonies, and I can go home!!! I am so glad that church doesn't start till 11 tomorrow.

A friend of mine took this picture on the California trip. I think it was right after Bandfest. I love it!!!

Sunday's comin'

2012-01-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

This very very long week is almost over. It hasn't been miserable, there is just so much that needs to be done, and I haven't had time to do it.

I'm at our district Thespian festival right now. T. Willy is with me, so we're just hanging out supporting our school. We did the one act yesterday, and it was better than we'd ever rehearsed. I'm so proud of them!!! I must admit that it was hard to keep my eyes off the character of Yuma played by the marvelous MK!!!!

I can make it to Sunday; I know I can.

2012-01-05T21:46:00.000-08:00

We have been non stop since we returned from California. Thespians (the club at school that I sponsor) is participating in district competition tomorrow. We will spend two full days in a neighboring town, and then I can relax. I may actually be able to go right home after school. Due to districts, I haven't done that in quite awhile.

So, I'm just going to post a quick pic of T. Willy and his new penguin and call it a night.

Dorothy said it best.

2012-01-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

There's no place like home. That isn't original, but it's great to be back. I missed the Big Man and T. Willy, and it's great to have the family back together again.

We should have had a nice quiet day, but it was pretty busy. I was up early to spend time with T. Willy before school, we had an appointment, I went to school to work with the drama club, and then went to scouts with T. Willy. I just keep reminding myself that I'll be able to relax next week; I just have to make it until then. Our district competition is Friday and Saturday, and then drama club is pretty much finished for the year. It's a lot of fun, but I look forward to spending more time at home.

So I'll add some of our last views of the trip (including a picture of the roses the Big Man left for MK and me when we got to the car at school) and I'm going to try to get some sleep. It was a dream vacation, but we're back to reality tomorrow.

My favorite parade ever

2012-01-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

Today was the day! I cannot explain the excitement we felt as we walked down Colorado Blvd. to our seats. We had a great view of the parade - especially our band. We had programs so we knew the order of the parade. My job was to announce to those around me which float was which and how many floats until our band performed. And when they did, the sea of red around me screamed! I teared up; I just couldn't contain the emotion.

And then they performed for the television cameras. We could see them pretty well and thought they were great. We've read a lot of Facebook comments and texts, but I think my favorite came from one of the announcers: "Can you believe this is a high school band?"

Our hearts are full; the kids are tired, and we are ready to go home. We hope to be in our house by 3:00 a.m. This has definitely been the trip of a lifetime, but we miss our homes, and I really miss the Big Man and T. Willy. So, here are pictures, the best I could do on my phone.

Also, something funny: we were frequently teased or cheered for by Oregon and Wisconsin fans, because there was red everywhere we went, and people thought we were Wisconsin fans. We'd just say, "Go, Badgers," and move along.

Almost time...

2012-01-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the entire reason we came to California. It's parade day!

We've had a blast. I am ready to see my Big Man and my Little Man, but I'll be sorry to leave too. California has been wonderful; however, my home is pretty wonderful too.

We spent today at Universal Studios, and ended the day at Jillian's which is a Dave and Buster's type place. It was really neat. We had the entire place to ourselves, and the kids could play all the games and had unlimited soda, pizza, nachos and salad. A kid's dream!

Now we're on the bus heading back to our hotel to get a few hours of sleep before getting up at 3:00 a.m. We are feeding the kids bagged breakfasts and getting on the road at 4:30. If you can, watch the parade and look for #53: the Big Red Machine!!!!

What a Band!

2011-12-31T20:36:00.000-08:00

That is the phrase that the band director uses to describe our band. It's accurate! They are a great bunch of kids, and they really made us proud today!!!

Today was Band Fest at Pasadena City College. The bands marching in the parade performed their shows in front of a crowd. Since the entire band wasn't able to come, they asked some moms to fill in as prop holders. I was one of those moms, and I confess to being completely terrified. However, right before we went out, another mom encouraged me to just enjoy it, so I determined that I would, and I did. (In the picture, my prop is the "O" without James Bond on it.) It was a thrill to hear the crowd and be right in the middle of the band. They did such a great job, and the moms did okay too!

After the performance, we went to the Rose Bowl where the band had their official portrait taken. We were able to tour a tent where floats were being decorated, and it was neat to see them hard at work to have the floats ready before they are judged tomorrow.

We had the first free time of our trip this afternoon, so I took a nap. I felt refreshed after being in the heat all day. It was amazing how different the weather is around here. We were really hot in Pasadena, but needed jackets when we got back to our hotel which is in El Segundo.

The hotel had a buffet dinner for us, and I'm writing now from the New Year's party. They have a DJ, and the kids are all dressed up and having a ball. They'll call it a night after they're able to watch the East Coast ball drop.

Another big day tomorrow. We're going to Universal Studios and a place called Jillian's. We are busy and tired but truly having the trip of a lifetime, and we still have the parade to look forward to!

Whew!

2011-12-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

We had a very full and fun day. Oh my goodness.

We toured Los Angeles, saw the La Brea Tar Pits, lots of landmarks, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theater, Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills, then we ate at the Farmer's Market. I ate at "Chipotle" which is a place I'd wanted to try for a long time.

After lunch, we went to the Santa Monica Pier. I'm chaperoning, so the kids I am chaperoning stayed with me much of the time, and it was a lot of fun. It was really cold and foggy, but we still made the best of it. We walked to the water and put our feet in the icy cold water, and then we went to the pier and rode the Ferris Wheel. It actually reminded me a lot of Atlantic City, NJ. They had some free time to walk around, and I was able to pick up a couple of souvenirs.

We are now on the bus on our way back to the hotel. We are supposed to freshen up, then we're headed back out for a dinner cruise. We are packing a lot into a little bit of time, but we're making great memories!

Tomorrow is Bandfest. We are to perform at 10:30. It will be broadcast on the Internet -http://tournamentofroses.com/bandfest-webcast - just remember 10:30 is PST.

Wow. I think I'll rest for a little while. Pictures!

First name - Annette. Middle name - Adventure.

2011-12-30T00:48:00.000-08:00

What a fun day!!! We spent the entire day at Knott's Berry Farm. I kept up with 3 other moms/chaperones, and we really had a great time. We didn't ride too many thrill rides, but we had a lot of laughs.

Now is when you get to find out what a crazy person I am.

First a confession: some people like music. They spend money on it and are quite devoted. For awhile, I thought I should be that way, and I'm not. I was almost apologetic for it. The beauty of age is when you realize you are who you are, and you are okay with it. So, music is not my vice/passion/distraction... It's television. There, I said it. It's out in the open. I can breathe again.

I really do like to watch television. I commented to a friend tonight that I can't believe I don't know what is happening in the news right now, because I watch Headline News every morning as I got ready for work, and I haven't seen it since we arrived. (Sure, that was yesterday, but news travels fast.) It is refreshing.

I digress.

So, amongst all of the different things I watch, Food Network is my newest fixation. I enjoy watching them go places and trying foods from all over the country.

One of those foods is "In-n-Out Burger." I've been fascinated with it for a few years and even had it in my theoretical bucket list. I wanted to try it.

Today I marked it off my list. With the permission of the band director, three other chaperones and I got a cab tonight and we went to In-n-Out burger tonight. What fun!!! This is something I would do with the Big Man and not think twice, but it was an adventure to do it without him. He suggested the cab, and that made it so easy!!!

So, I'll go mark it off my bucket list, and you may see pictures of our evening. I talked to everyone and learned a lot about our cab driver. I even had my picture taken with him, although it is a bit dark. He hesitated when I asked, so I said that it was okay - I didn't want to make him uncomfortable. He explained that his hesitation was just because in 12 years of driving a cab, no one had ever asked to take a picture with him. I couldn't tell if he thought that was good or bad.

Tomorrow is the day I'm really excited about...Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, L.A. Farmer's Market, the Santa Monica Pier and more!!

Queen Mary

2011-12-28T22:30:00.000-08:00

Tonight we ate dinner on the Queen Mary. They had a celebrity speaker. He had been an actor on a Disney show, and he was a lot of fun and had a lot of good advice. We are exhausted, so here are some pictures, and I'm going to bed. Knott's Berry Farm tomorrow!!!

La La Land!!!

2011-12-28T14:49:00.000-08:00

We are in California! Our hotel is directly across from the airport, so we are feeling like we're really here. We are checked into our rooms and going to eat on the Queen Mary tonight. Here are a few pictures of the hotel and one of MK and friends fresh off the plane!

Photo recap

2011-12-27T23:14:00.000-08:00

My alarm is set for 4:00 am. It's 1:03 right now, and I'm just too wound up to sleep. We are getting up so early to go to Pasadena, California so that MK's band can march in the Tournament of Roses Parade. We are so excited. The kids have worked so hard, and now they're going to see the reward.

While preparing to go, I realized that I need to clean out the photo album on my phone. So, I'm going to just choose a few favorites from my phone before I transfer them to the computer.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

And on earth, peace, good will toward men.

Notes to self part 2

2011-12-24T20:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!! Here are the things we did to celebrate Christmas Eve. We kept up with our regular traditions and started a new one.

The Big Man worked today, but the kids and I stayed busy. We baked and cleaned and made things ready. The the Big Man came home, and we all went to church.

Christmas Eve services are my favorite of the year. Tonight did not disappoint. They did something that other churches probably do, but I hadn't seen before. When they passed out candles for the candlelight service, they offered the kids glow sticks. Of course we aren't eager for T. Willy to hold fire yet, so it was a great way for him to feel involved.

After church, we drove around to look at Christmas lights. If you know us, you'll know that we do this each year. Then we came home, and I finished making our dinner of finger foods. I think I overdid it a little this year, but we won't waste our leftovers.

The kids open one gift on Christmas Eve, and this year I chose something for them to open together. I can't remember why, but we learned and sang the "Dreidel" song recently. I found a set of dreidels, and the kids opened that tonight. We played our version of it using chocolate covered pretzels to trade, and we had a ball. I really hope it's going to become a tradition.

Now the kids are in bed, and the Big Man is asleep, and I'm on my way. I'm trying to remember to relax and just enjoy tomorrow. On Monday, MK and I will be packing for our trip to California, so I need a little bit of rest before we go!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

What's going on...

2011-12-16T03:44:00.000-08:00

The Big Man's work had their Christmas party Monday night. There was a 70s theme, so we dressed up. T. Willy had a lot of fun with his big hair, and even though his blonde hair was peeking out, he felt it necessary to tell people that he was wearing a wig. I love his sincerity.

Today is the last day of school until January 2. I really love my job, but I admit I'm excited about the break. I have so much to do to get ready for Christmas and the Tournament of Roses parade!!! California, here we come!

Picture day

2011-12-11T22:38:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to take a Christmas picture for awhile, and today we were finally able to do it. I had some ideas, and they actually turned out just as I'd hoped. In case you're someone I know in real life, here is a teaser of T. Willy waiting patiently while we set up.

The bears are up.

2011-12-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

We still need to buy one for this year.

Still busy

2011-12-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

We aren't slowing down a bit. I am a homebody at heart. I love to stay home and be with my family. There just hasn't been time for that lately - maybe in January.

Yesterday was closing for the fall play. It continued to improve with each show, but it was always a lot of fun! The audience participation was my favorite part, next to the character "Holly Holgrave." MK enjoyed it and did really well, but I know she's glad for a break.

Last night was our town's Christmas parade. MK marched with the band and became a bit sentimental when I mentioned that it was the next to last one she'll be in. We calculated that she's been in one every year since probably second grade. I can't believe it's almost over. T. Willy rode on a float with the Cub Scouts, and I walked with it. We pretty much have the parades down to a science. The Big Man is our meeting point, and he stands around the same place each year at the end of the parade. MK finds him once she finishes, and then as soon as we get near, I pull T. Willy off the float, and we watch the rest and leave. We park conveniently at the end of the parade, and we have little trouble getting out. It is our low stress solution to a situation that used to cause stress due to traffic and getting the kids where they need to be. After we left, the kids and the Big Man went home, and I joined some friends for dinner at the Big Man's restaurant. MK was exhausted, and she was already asleep when I got home.

Today we are getting our Christmas tree after church. We plan to spend the rest of the day decorating and just enjoying the quiet. I hope it goes as smoothly as the parade did.

Opening Night

2011-12-01T21:37:00.001-08:00

This year, I am the drama club sponsor, but I'm not directing the plays. A very courageous mother volunteered to direct, and the show started tonight. MK had a role in it, and I'm possibly not objective, but I thought she was great!! So here are some pictures. Her boyfriend was on the tech staff, so they enjoyed working on it together.

(MK is seated center stage with a pink sweater and black skirt.)

Note to self

2011-11-26T14:27:00.001-08:00

We spent a fun Thanksgiving dinner with our friends, the McKinleys, while the Big Man worked. The food was delicious, but the downside was that the Big Man didn't get to eat with us. So, since he was off today, I cooked a turkey dinner for the family. I kept some notes, so I'm going to document them here in case I forget.

1. Turkey breast is the way to go. The Big Man bought one at work, and it was so much easier than a whole turkey. I'm the only one who will eat dark meat, so much less is wasted. Plus it cooks in half the time.

2. Garlic powder - not actual garlic. I make a garlic-rosemary turkey recipe that was given to me years and years ago. Honestly, it is the perfect match for turkey. I used garlic powder, and it's so much better - less pungent and lingering.

3. Pioneer Woman's Rosemary Rolls in the cast iron skillet. Yes, that's a lot of rosemary, but it worked (and came from my garden!!!) The recipe is online, but i also printed it and put it in my recipe binder (for MK.)

4. Apple crisp is a must. Here is how I make it. Peel and slice 6-7 cups of Granny Smith apples. Add cinnamon and sugar just enough to cover. Mix Place in a shallow pan. Cover with crumb topping - 1/4 cup butter - 1 cup flour - 1 cup brown sugar. Use pastry blender to mix until it looks like crumbs. (Takes awhile - but use butter - not margarine.) Cover apples with crumb topping. Bake in 350 oven for 35 minutes.

5. Homemade cranberry sauce. Seriously the easiest and the best. Make the night before, because we like it cold. Directions are on the back of the bag of cranberries. Boil one cup water with one cup sugar. Add cranberries. Boil and the skins will split. Cool and refrigerate. Yum.

6. Crock-pot macaroni and cheese. Recipe also in the binder. Use cheddar cheese. Only double if you're having company. It makes a lot.

7. Add sugar to the water when making corn. The sweetness makes it taste fresh.

So, that what I learned this year. It turned out really well, and I'm going to nap now so that I can have leftovers soon.

Random pics

2011-11-21T21:06:00.000-08:00

We went out to dinner with MK's boyfriend and his parents this weekend. Matt's birthday was last week, so we went out to celebrate. It was at a Japanese steakhouse, and it was so much fun. T. Willy had a ball. We went shopping after dinner, and here are some pictures.

One more day of school this week - then we are on break. I have something fun planned tomorrow, so it will be a good day!!

Whew!

2011-11-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

It isn't even 3:00, and it's already been a really busy day. I took MK to the school for theatre rehearsal, and then I met the Big Man at the field for T. Willy's football game. Then both kids had to be downtown for the Veteran's Day parade. It was fun, but I'm looking forward to heading home!

Lots of chips

2011-11-11T14:49:00.001-08:00

T. Willy earned a free waffle through his school reading program, and he was excited to use it today. He and I went this morning and had a fun time out. We ran into some old friends who hadn't seen him since he was tiny and couldn't get over what a sweet little chatterbox he is. He really is our sweet little blessing.

My nephew

2011-11-09T21:17:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of my nephew - the personal trainer. Sure wish he'd move down here and train me - hint hint.

Quiet now

2011-11-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

I've been away from the blog because my parents were in town! We had a wonderful visit, and I'm so glad they came! They left this morning to visit my mom's sisters in North Carolina, and I know they'll have a great time there before returning home.

Here are some pictures - kind of random. The first is one my nephew took awhile ago. The others were taken while my parents were here.

Trick-or-treat

2011-10-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

MK had some great friends over tonight to take T. Willy out for candy. It was a really fun time! So here are pictures of the Army Man and Made"lion" and the pumpkin carved by the Big Man.

Homecoming Dance

2011-10-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to MK's friend's house to take pictures before the kids went to dinner and the dance. I may be a bit biased, but I think MK looked beautiful, and she and her boyfriend made an adorable couple.

Homecoming!!!

2011-10-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Homecoming Day! Our float came in second (technically third since there was a tie for first,) but it wasn't last and we had a good time. We had a pep rally at school, and the Big Man even made it to watch. We won our game, and it was a great time.

My dear friends, Darlene and Cindy, gave me the most wonderful birthday gift today! It's the shirt in the pictures. I love it!

Dance tomorrow. Pictures to follow!

The float is finished.

2011-10-27T20:15:00.001-07:00

The parade is tomorrow, and we have high hopes that the judges will appreciate our hard work. The students and parents who worked on it were wonderful, and I will miss them. However, I will also be glad to go home after school and just be home!!! I miss my family and my house!

Evolution

2011-10-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

This week has been spent working on a float for the Homecoming parade on Friday. We're almost finished, and here is a sneak preview of part of it. We're playing the Dolphins, so here are some pictures of the stages of making the Dolphin.

P.S.

2011-10-25T20:58:00.001-07:00

Today was my birthday! I'm still like a kid when it comes to my birthday. I had so many kind messages from people, my students sang to me, and my family gave me some great gifts! T. Willy was so sweet and excited about the card he gave me. It was sweet to see the joy he had in giving. MK and the Big Man taught it to him. They also gave me my favorite cake!

It was a long day, though. I'm the sophomore sponsor at school, and I've been working on the Homecoming float. It's coming along nicely, and I have some really hard working students and parents doing it. It's been fun, but I will admit that I will be happy when it's finished! I miss my house.

Today's picture is a craft I made at camp this weekend. It is proof positive that when I say I'm not crafty, I am not being falsely modest. I am just not crafty.

Spirit week!

2011-10-25T04:45:00.001-07:00

Today is Class Color Day. MK's color is green - check out the tips of her hair.

LOL

2011-10-24T19:17:00.001-07:00

This is an ad that I saw today that made me laugh.

Home warm home

2011-10-23T20:34:00.001-07:00

We had another cold night at camp, but it was still a lot of fun. It's also good to be home. Here is one last picture of camp - T. Willy enjoying a s'more by the fire last night.

Camping

2011-10-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

We are camping this weekend with the Cub Scouts. We've survived one night and are heading to town for T. Willy's football game then back to camp again tonight. It was really cold last night, but we stayed fairly warm bundled up with extra blankets.

MK had a game last night, so she stayed with a friend. She has a band competition tonight, so the Big Man will join her at that, and T. and I will stay at the campground.

On our way out of the campground, the Big Man and T. Willy stopped to watch a passing train up close. It's been a fun time already.

Bond, James Bond

2011-10-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

While the Big Man worked last night, T. Willy and I drove past Pensacola to watch MK's band in their district competition. They did wonderfully - straight superiors - which is the highest score they could get. It was a lot of fun to see them. I absolutely love being a band mom!

We went to church this morning then went to a friend's church for their Fall Festival. It felt like we weren't home at all this weekend, but we only have three more games unless we make the playoffs, so things will settle down soon. We are going camping with the Cub Scouts next weekend, so it isn't slowing down yet.

How we roll

2011-10-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

MK had a band event today, and the Big Man had to work after T. Willy's football game, so T.W. and I had some time together. We stopped at a pumpkin patch at a local church, so here are some pictures.

Busy as ever

2011-10-15T05:37:00.001-07:00

I just haven't had the inclination to post lately, but that doesn't mean things have been quiet. MK is busy each Friday night with football games, and now T. Willy has joined a flag football team. They had their first game last Saturday, and while they didn't win, he seemed to enjoy it. Better than try to explain it all, here are pictures!

Guard Mom

2011-10-07T20:28:00.001-07:00

That's me!! MK and I found this pin quite some time ago, but I just bought it. I wear it proudly because I love being the mother of a color guard girl!

Picture Day

2011-10-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

MK and I had pictures taken at school today. Like last year, I took a picture just before. So here is this year and a reminder from last year as well as some fun pictures Maddie and I took.

Siblings!

2011-10-05T20:15:00.001-07:00

My niece and nephew sent me this picture. They love each other!!!

Seriously

2011-10-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

I found this picture of MK all made up for a show from last year. I may be a little biased, but I think she's beautiful!!!

Game night

2011-10-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

We played Spongebob Bingo and had lots of fun. MK may not agree.

Flying by

2011-10-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

Time is going so fast. I can't believe it's October already, but I'm so glad that it is. October brings a welcome change in the weather. The nights have been cool, and we've had windows open. We went to Cracker Barrel for dinner twice this weekend and enjoyed the fireplace. Now it's tine to start a new week. I hope you have a great one!

The pictures today are of MK's guard makeup (the theme this year is James Bond,) one of the fireplace, and then T. Willy acting silly in the gift shop.

Football night!

2011-10-01T04:23:00.001-07:00

We had another great night at the football game. Although we didn't win, we were playing a high ranked team, and it wasn't too bad. The band was great, and we had a fun time!!! I wore a t-shirt, and it actually got chilly, so blankets from the car were great!

My wolf

2011-09-28T21:03:00.001-07:00

T. Willy moved up to Wolf in Cub Scouts this year. I love the way he looks in his uniform.

Time to go car shopping.

2011-09-27T18:18:00.001-07:00

The car can be replaced; he can't!!!

Thankful!!!

2011-09-26T19:26:00.001-07:00

My dad was in a bad car accident today, but I'm happy to report he's okay. He will likely be pretty sore for awhile, but he's going to be fine. So, Dad, if you're reading - I hope you feel better soon!

Weekends go too fast.

2011-09-25T19:30:00.001-07:00

We had a fun and busy weekend. T. Willy started flag football and had his first practice. He had a fun time and looks forward to the next one.

Here are some pictures. One is T. Willy at football, then one that the kids took with my phone, and the last is a picture that T. drew on my phone of MK and her boyfriend (in his bad uniform.)

I'm it!

2011-09-23T03:10:00.000-07:00

There is a car decorating contest at school today. I'm not entering, but my car was decorated anyway. On one side it said, "Tag," and on the other, "You're it!" It was courtesy of MK's friend, and I got a big kick out of it.

Miami

2011-09-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

The Big Man is at a conference, and he had a chance to drive to Miami today. I'm jealous but so happy he has this opportunity. He has sent me pictures and updates. I can't wait to hear more!!!

Last step

2011-09-19T18:23:00.001-07:00

I've almost finished the entry hall. I'm going to hang these as soon as I get the measurements precise. It will feel good to finish another project.

Goofy golf

2011-09-18T20:37:00.001-07:00

Last night, the kids and I went out with MK's boyfriend and his mom to play Goofy Golf. Wow, did we have a fun time! We each made a hole-in-one, but MK made two! One was on the last hole, so she won a free game! We'll have to go back soon.

MK uses my classroom for a locker

2011-09-16T21:34:00.001-07:00

Even she will admit from time to time that having her mom at the school isn't the worst thing.

Gangstas

2011-09-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

MK and T. Willy posed for me before school this morning. They had a fun photo session.

Scouting and a haircut

2011-09-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

T. Willy started back to scouts last night and had a haircut. The Big Man and I went to scouts with him while MK was at band, and here is a picture of him helping T. Willy with a project.

Oh, that's right, I have a blog.

2011-09-13T03:58:00.000-07:00

Did you think I forgot? Whew. I've been busy and neglectful. Sorry.

Here are pictures of MK and T. Willy. She is being her pretty self, and TW just got a tool kit, so he was measuring. Maybe he's going to install new counters! I love how he's concentrating so hard that his tongue is sticking out.

There is no doubt...

2011-09-06T19:38:00.001-07:00

Whose cat this is. She sits by the door any time MK is in there.

Progress

2011-09-05T12:40:00.001-07:00

I bought the cabinet earlier in the summer, and finally today we were able to hang it. Okay, the Big Man and his dad did it, and I'm very thankful that they did! My job will be to fill holes and touch up the paint, but for the most part, it's finished!!!

May the force be with you

2011-09-04T20:24:00.001-07:00

T. Willy has been playing a Star Wars game for awhile now, but he hadn't seen the movies. They are on tv this weekend, so we're watching the first one together right now. Here is T. Willy watching.

My favorite door

2011-09-03T22:40:00.001-07:00

I am crazy about this door. It doesn't quite fit the style of my house, so I'll just admire it.

Missing "E"

2011-09-02T22:08:00.001-07:00

It's spelled right for the bus company, but we've passed these buses many times, and I cannot get used to it without the "e" at the end.

Sing out!

2011-08-30T19:52:00.001-07:00

MK and I went to a music festival on Saturday with her boyfriend and his mom while the Big Man and T. Willy had (according to T. Willy) "the best day ever."

Our festival was at a really neat venue in Panama City, and we had a wonderful time. We saw Jamie Grace, Peter Furler, Family Force 5, Switchfoot, and (the highlight for me) Toby Mac. They were all good, but Toby Mac was definitely my favorite. Here are pictures.

My dad is a ray of sunshine!

2011-08-28T19:20:00.001-07:00

My family made it through an earthquake and a hurricane in the last week. My mom sent this picture of my dad dressed to fight the elements last night because he had to go outside to empty the pool as it overflowed.

It's that time again!!!

2011-08-26T22:33:00.001-07:00

The kids and I went to an away football game tonight. We didn't come away the victors, but the game didn't carry any importance, so we still had a great time. We had boiled peanuts and a lot of fun cheering for our Bulldogs!

Also, the Big Man did inventory at work tonight, so he had to spend time in the freezer. He sent a picture of himself dressed for the cold.

In case of Nerf war...

2011-08-25T20:50:00.001-07:00

We will be safe.

T. Willy asked me to video him doing this.

2011-08-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

So I'm putting it here for posterity.

Pictures - take 2

2011-08-23T19:57:00.001-07:00

First day

2011-08-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

The first day of school was yesterday. MK and I ride to school together, and she snapped the picture of herself on the way. She wasn't happy to go, but I think she left happy. The Big Man puts T. Willy on the bus, so he took a picture of T. waiting at the bus stop. It's very convenient to have our house on the corner where his bus stops.

Ready or not....

2011-08-19T15:26:00.001-07:00

Monday is coming. I think I'm ready. Here are some pictures of my finished room. You'll notice we still have props left from the plays last year.

It's shaping up

2011-08-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

The painting is finished, and there are desks in the room. Open house is tomorrow. I still have a lot to do before I'll be completely ready, but I'm closer. School starts Monday!!!!

T. Willy takes the camera

2011-08-16T21:08:00.001-07:00

I can't explain them all.

MK and the Man

2011-08-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of MK and the Big Man tonight.

Today was my first day back at work. I really enjoyed it. It's so great being back there. We had a wonderful and long summer, and we're ready to go back. MK likes most of her schedule, and T. Willy's teacher comes with high recommendations. I'm teaching English, my first love in education; we are looking forward to a great year!!!

The thought does count!!!!

2011-08-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

MK loves peach rings. The Big Man's restaurant sells them, so he surprised her today with a box of them. Unfortunately, he left them in the truck, and when they made it home, they were a bit liquified. However, after some time in the refrigerator, they should be okay. And she appreciates how kind he was to bring them for her.

Brightening up

2011-08-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

This year I'll have the same classroom that I had last year. It was a dull yellow, so I decided that I wanted to paint. MK recruited some friends, and they helped tonight. We are about half finished, but it already looks better. Pictures!

Hot Dog!

2011-08-12T22:22:00.001-07:00

We had a good first day back home. We cleaned and mowed and laundered and grocery shopped. We are ready to get back into our routines.

There was an arts festival in our little town tonight. We had a great time walking around and sampling some local foods and listening to music. MK was able to catch up with friends she has missed since we were away.

She also debuted her new shirt, so here is a picture.

Home sweet home!!!

2011-08-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

I took one last picture of our beautiful cabin view, and we hit the road! We are home and glad to be here. We brought with us wonderful memories!

On our way home, the Big Man surprised us with a trip to my favorite place for lunch in Birmingham. If you know me, you'll know that's Cheesecake Factory! I had the same thing I always have, and I loved it!! Thank you, Big Man!!!

We are unpacked; laundry is going, and it is good to be home!

Last night

2011-08-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

We did some shopping today for school clothes and shoes, and we rested at the cabin for awhile.

For our last activity we played mini-golf. It was really fun (and I'm not just saying that because I won!) We all did really well. Before we went, the Big Man offered $10 to anyone who made a hole-in-one. I made two, but I only took $10 for one, because the second happened when my ball was bumped. T. Willy also earned $10! He is saving his, but we were all hot and thirsty after golfing, so I spent mine on Icees. They hit the spot!

Now we are back at the cabin. We'll get up early and clean up then get on the road.

This trip exceeded my expectations! We have had so much fun. T. Willy was saying how sad he was to leave Tennessee, but I said that while we've had fun here, we're taking the best part home - our family. It sounds corny, but I truly mean it. Everything we did was a blast because we did it together. The kids were great and adventurous even when they didn't think they would be, and the Big Man made everything fun. He is a great navigator and had really good ideas. I will be forever thankful that we had this time to reconnect and make memories!

River Rage

2011-08-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

We spent a couple of hours on the Little River today. We rented tubes and floated down the river on them. A shuttle picked us up, and we could have done it all day if we'd wanted to, but we decided once was enough. I'm so glad we did it, and I'd definitely do it again. The river was low, but we still had plenty of fun. Since we left our phones in the car, we don't have pictures of us, but I was able to snap some pictures of others enjoying it.

Hello, Dolly....wood!!!

2011-08-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Another fun day! We didn't fight crowds; we had really great weather...oh my goodness, it was a great day!!! We rode things that were too scary for Ty (and me, but I ride them anyway,) and we rode a lot of things perfect for our whole family.

MK led the way; she is so brave! The Big Man and I took turns riding with her and watching T. Willy. MK even sat with him while the Big Man and I had an adventure. I nearly chickened out, but I did it, and it was fun. T. Willy rode several things that he said he wouldn't and liked all but one. We found Dollywood to be a really family friendly place. People were so nice, and we are exhausted. We're back at the cabin for awhile, then we may do some shopping later.

Waiting to go into the Dixie Stampede!!

2011-08-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Before we go into the DS, we are listening to bluegrass and having snacks.

One of my favorite pictures.

2011-08-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

More pics...

2011-08-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

More fun!!

2011-08-07T17:53:00.001-07:00

We spent a lazy morning at the cabin then went to the Apple Barn. It is a complex of shops and restaurants. We ate a delicious lunch and did some looking around and shopping.

After that we went to the Titanic Museum. We learned a lot, and they had some really neat hands-on exhibits.

We spent the afternoon enjoying the cabin, then we went to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and drove and drove. We stopped along the road and walked in a creek which has been my favorite thing so far. The water was cold and felt great, and we were all adventurous.

I can't describe how much fun we're having...not just the sights and activities...just spending time and doing it all together - not thinking about work or school for awhile. Bliss.

Dinner

2011-08-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

We ate at the "Old Mill" tonight. We had such a fun time. So far this trip has been great. The kids have been wonderful, and the Big Man is an excellent navigator.

Scenery

2011-08-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

We stopped for some scenery.

On our way to Tennessee.

2011-08-06T07:09:00.001-07:00

Busy days

2011-08-05T22:36:00.001-07:00

We've had some busy days around here, and I haven't been writing about any of it. We are leaving for Pigeon Forge in the morning, and I suspect I'm too excited to sleep. We are all looking forward to this trip - even the long drive tomorrow.

Today was our 22nd anniversary. We usually celebrate by the Big Man planning something fun for us. This year, I took over. I surprised him with a lunch and then a trip to the spa. He had a pedicure, and we both had massages. We had such a great time together!

Then tonight was "Meet the Band" which means football season is coming soon! The band was great, and we loved watching them show us a preview of what we have to expect this season.

Here are some pictures of what we've been up to. I hope to post many more from our vacation.

Hands across....rocking chairs.

2011-07-31T19:09:00.001-07:00

Cracker Barrel has a summer travel program going, and on their website (crackerbarrel.com) you can participate! The kids and I did today.

They're creating "the world's largest front porch." It's a collection of pictures of guests on front porches of Cracker Barrels and homes all over the country. We took our picture today and are waiting to see if it makes it to the site. If you submit a picture, let me know!!!

Here is the picture we submitted.

The summer of dentistry continues.

2011-07-28T18:24:00.001-07:00

T. Willy has had a lot of dental work done this summer. Yesterday he had the biggest one and, hopefully, the last for awhile. They used nitrous, and he was absolutely hilarious. He was really loud and said he felt like he was in a video game. He asked me to take this picture while he still had the nitrous mask on.

The summer of teeth

2011-07-25T12:46:00.001-07:00

This has been a summer full of dental appointments for all of us. T. Willy sees a children's dentist out of town and near the beach. Today we used the opportunity of his appointment to go to the beach for a little while first. We cleaned up and are now heading to his appointment. What a fun day! Maybe not for MK, though. She is in band camp and had already been outside most of the day. Hopefully the dentist's office will be nice and chilly for her before she heads back to band camp this evening.

Multi-tasking duo

2011-07-24T22:43:00.001-07:00