It's that time of year

So last night was our little city's Christmas parade. It seems that EVERYONE shows up to either participate or watch and catch candy. MK walked with her Girl Scout troop. Our intention was for us to park, I would walk her to her starting place, then I would walk back to join the Big Man and T. Willy at our designated place in the crowd. Ha! I forgot that last year I left very early and the Big Man drove separately and through the magic of text messaging we were able to find each other. This year we all rode together and encountered the rest of our town heading to the parade. We finally found a parking space, got T. Willy settled in the stroller and parked The Big Man and T. Willy. Then MK and I took off for her starting point. We were so relieved and saw many groups of walkers, but no troop. Yikes. A kind soul asked if we were from Cluster 3, which we did not know because we only know the troop number, and she said if we were they had already started walking. So MK and I ran to catch them and sure enough, they were already in the parade. We finally caught them, there was no way I was going to make it back to the Big Man, so I just joined the parade. What fun! Here are a few pictures of the biggest night of the year in small-town Florida!!!


I was able to snap a picture of my guys while we walked by. Too bad T. Willy's face has the orange safety wire straight through it. Can you just see how secure it is, holding the raging crowd back? The lady on your right was so helpful. She gave T. the lollipop he has and was very vocal when people got in front of him.

















You cannot predict how a 2 year old is going to act, but T. was great. He just stood and watched. Even when MK and I walked by, he just waved and kept watching. That is usually a signal to him to run after us. I think he was just enjoying time with his dad and the lady who was supplying him with sugar.

















This is the only picture I was able to get of MK in which her face was not obscured. I normally would not include such a fuzzy picture but I didn't want her to be left out!!!

Please read the entire post before passing judgment!

A few months ago, the Big Man and I bought some new lamps to replace lamps that had been broken. We were very happy with these new lamps and thought they added some warmth to our living room. We really liked these lamps.

One of the lamps broke.

It turns out that the part that held the shade was just soldered, even though it bore weight, and it snapped off.

So the Big Man complained about it.

Every time he walked by it, he complained about it.

Every time he thought about it, he complained.

This went on for a while.

Today he complained again...with vigor.

So I did not complain about it, but went to Lowe's, bought two pieces for it, and fixed it. Hooray for me. It is actually better than it was before because the replacement piece is a solid piece of metal, not just two pieces shoddily soldered together.

Is this a chance to bash the Big Man? No...it is a commentary on balance and how we complement each other. Because even though the Big Man complained and did not take action, I took action only because he complained. I was apathetic, er, content, to just adjust it every time the shade fell. You will note that I did not suggest that the lamp just broke today. It was probably 1 1/2 to 2 weeks ago.

So thanks to the Big Man...for the lamps and the balance!

Political Humor

So with all of the political commercials we've watched lately, I was reminded of something MK said when she about 3 1/2. She was watching t.v. and a political ad came on. One candidate was addressing the incumbent by name, saying things like, "Bob, you've let us down," and "Bob, you should have done this." MK watched this ad, and then said to me, "Mom, why does that man keep calling me Bob?"

Have a good day!

Trick or Treat

So here are some pictures of the kids tonight. We had a great time and Mk was such a big help with T. Willy. She led him around and he finally got the hang of it. We tried to get him to say "Trick or Treat," but he didn't do it...he did say, "Elmo," as he held up his bucket, which we interpreted to mean, "Feed Elmo!", and "Thanks." We walked with some friends for awhile and they offered T. Willy a ride in their wagon, but he did most of the walking himself. It was fun and we have toooo much candy (if there is such a thing.)

Fun weekend

This weekend was busy and fun! MK had a Halloween party on Saturday night. We roasted hot dogs and made smores and played a few games and then just sat around the campfire and the girls told stories. They put up with me because I wasn't leaving nine 6th graders alone with the fire. They were all well-behaved and loud and fun! The Big Man's mom came over and watched T. Willy which was a big help.

On Sunday we went to church then MK had a Fall Festival with the Girl Scouts. It was a cluster event so several troops participated. MK let T. Willy tag along with her and they both seemed to have a good time. Today was back to school and something I have long awaited: since the time changed, MK did not have to walk to her bus stop in the dark!!! It was completely daylight and we couldn't stop laughing at how strange it felt.

I'm sorry that I don't have pictures to post but all of the pictures have friends in them. Tomorrow is trick-or-treating so I promise to post some from that! Have a great day!

Early Thanks

Thank you for the early birthday wishes. Wednesday is the big day. The "anonymous" donor is my mother in law...so now I will get Martha Stewart Living! Yea! Thanks, V!

Also, Thom, we do get Bon Appetit (I told you...it's a real addiction) I just made a flourless chocolate cake from it and it is my absolute favorite dessert!!! I also made dressing last week from the Thanksgiving issue. It was really good but I'll doctor it just a little when I make it again. It has crawfish, bacon and collard greens. I have officially embraced my "southernness" and have started eating and enjoying collard greens. I also say, "fixin' to," which is something I did not say before.

I took MK to visit her friend this afternoon out in the country. The family used to be our neighbors but now they live on 40 acres and built a beautiful home and barn. I am always so happy when MK gets an invitation because I enjoy the drive out there so much, but even more this time. We had a big surprise this time because their road is now paved. It made such a big difference.

So, there's a little update. Have a great day!!!

Hello. My name is Annette and I am an addict.

My drug of choice??? MAGAZINES!!! I cannot walk past a magazine aisle anywhere. A great evening out for me would be a trip to Barnes & Noble where I can just sit in the magazine section for hours. More specifically though, a magazine that has the word "Living" in the title...Country Living, Southern Living, Coastal Living, you get the idea. I get those 3 magazines delivered to my home but the Living magazine that I do not get anymore is "Martha Stewart Living." But I did pick it up the other day and have enjoyed it so much. I am no Martha Stewart, nor do I aspire to be, I just love the way magazines feel in my hand and, apparently, the way they look in the basket beside my bed. Now, if only I can find "Organized Living."

Checking In

Whew...I have not posted in a looong time. So I will break down what has been going on.

* The Big Man had knee surgery. He has been home since early September and goes back to the doctor on Thursday to see when he can return to work. He had torn his ACL years ago, had surgery on it once before, but aggravated it during the summer after falling off a ladder. We have all enjoyed having him home but realize it will be over soon.

* Mk had a vicious bout with strep last week and missed school for the whole week. We tried 3 different antibiotics, 2 doctor's visits and a shot before her fever dipped below 101 on Friday for the first time since Sunday. She is back to school today and feeling fine.

* T. Willy is developing a cold but it isn't keeping him down. His vocabulary is finally expanding to more than 2 words at a time and he is really going to miss his daddy when the Big Man goes back to work. They have really bonded. Usually when I get him out of bed he says "Mommy" as soon as the door opens. Yesterday he said "Daddy", so that should give you an idea.

* While MK was dealing with her illness, I developed a fierce sinus infection. Usually I am a DEEP sleeper but I was up for several hours Thursday night with a burning sore throat. To show how unusual that was, I woke up Friday morning to the sounds of the Big Man making a doctor's appointment for me. He knows I would have put it off, but he wasn't taking any chances. So I had a shot too and felt much better after a long nap.

* And...my washing machine died a horrible death and we had to get a new one. I didn't mourn it long. It went just the way it would have wanted to go...full of clothes and water.

Whew! We are finally enjoying some cool(er) weather and are looking forward to the full onset of fall and some good health. Thanks for checking in!!!

Happy Birthday to the Big Man & Melissa!!!

I met Melissa the same day I met the Big Man and in that order. The powers that be at the university put Melissa and me together and they put the Big Man in a room with Matt, a friend of mine from high school. We soon realized that the three of them had sequential birthdays, Sept, 1,2 and 3. So Happy Birthday to all of them!!!

Middle School Vernacular

Two things that MK said this week made me laugh.

We were driving in the neighborhood and went past a house where the garage door was off its track. MK looked at it and said, "That's jacked up, yo."

Before I start worrying that she is growing up too fast:

The subject of Britney Spears (maybe I should worry) came up. MK said, "I feel sorry for her baby. I really think Social Security is going to come and take it away."

Whew!!!

Ch-ch-ch-changes

This was a milestone week at our house. MK started middle school! Wow...I do not know where the years have gone. We attended Open House on Monday and were able to take her schedule and find all of her classes and practice with her locker combination. Big stuff! I can't say that Thursday was the most relaxing day for me, but school began and she did great. She really enjoys it. She had a few struggles with the locker combination but nothing major. She has found all of her classes with ease and even reunited with a good friend who had left her elementary in 4th grade. She is enjoying band and playing her clarinet. Whew! Life is good. I searched and searched for a picture of her on the first day of Kindergarten, but I cannot find the CD with the archives on it. I am not happy about that. But I did find one of her in 2nd grade on a trip to Disney World. So I've posted that and one of her on her first day of 6th grade.

























Also, today the Big Man and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary. He actually worked and I took the kids shopping but we made plans to get a babysitter on Tuesday. So we'll go out then. I had to get this old to realize why there are so many cliches about time flying...they're true!!! Have a great day!

What a great idea!

One of my hobbies is touring homes for sale via realtor.com. I pick a city and look inside homes and get decorating ideas. It also satisfies my incurable nosiness. Boomama (see sidebar because I STILL can't figure out how to insert a link. Duh!) took it one step better. She has asked bloggers to post pictures of their own homes. So, here are some pictures of our Florida home.


Front Door:















Blog Station:













Main Living Area - a couple of views:












Kitchen eating area:














My choice: I chose the media room and T. Willy's room. MK's room is getting a makeover soon. School starts next week so that is my next project. The paint is here and ready, I just have to get motivated.



















So, that's some of our house. Please post your own pictures and let me know if you did! Have a great day and thanks, Boomama (see sidebar)!

MK - don't get too used to it!

Each year MK goes to New Orleans to visit the Big Man's family and to attend VBS at their church. This is actually her last year to go to VBS as a "kid" but hopes to be a helper in the next years, especially when T. Willy can go. This year we were debating how to get her there. It's a 3 1/2 hour drive, not a big deal, but everyone had things going on so we were trying to figure things out. It turns out that my in-laws have some friends who own a beach home in our area and were there and returning to the N.O. area on Sunday on a private plane. It worked out that they were able to take MK with them! I think I was more excited than she was. I was so excited that she was willing to try this adventure. It wasn't her first flight, but it was the first time she had flown without me. Fortunately, she knows the family and they have a son near her age. So here are a few pictures of her big adventure. I just hope that flying coach isn't going to be too hard for her after that! We appreciate the family and their willingness to let her join them. The Big Man has some days off at the end of the week so we'll all drive over to get her.





































Please don't forget the Gulf Coast in your prayers! Things are NOT normal and won't be for a long, long time. Take a look at my sidebar at the FBC site if you get a chance. It's my in-law's church and there are pictures of some of the work the teams have been doing.

Have a great day!!!

Look what MK found in our garage today!!!!

I am not afraid of spiders, but even this was ick! I took the picture first and then killed it!











We aren't quite sure what it is...it was in its web and its death was swift so I didn't check to see if the red marking was on its abdomen or back. But still...yuck.


MK had her first band practice today. She really enjoyed it which was a relief to all of us. I finally had a chance to go inside her new school. It is much bigger than her elementary but I think she is going to be just fine. It starts August 3 so this is a good chance for her to meet some people and get used to being there. T. Willy and I went to the library which is conveniently located across the street. Then we came home and she practiced for us all. It took her a long time to make a noise but once she figured it out, she did really well.

Old Friends, New Friends

Whew!!

Wow...what a busy month!!! It goes something like this: school for me, busy fun for my parents and the kids, work for the Big Man, drive from FL to NC to visit wonderful family we haven't seen in tooooo long, drive from NC to DE to visit wonderful family and friends we see more often but still not enough, crabs and a softball game, a trip to VA to visit our college alma mater - all I can say about that is wow!!!fireworks, swimming, ice skating - FINALLY meeting up with Melissa (wish I would take the time to learn to insert a link there, oh well, check out the sidebar)and her wonderful kids and sister(the last time I saw Thom I think she was a teenager!!!), a trip to "John Boy's" homeplace (and getting in the middle of a catfight between the proprietors of the museum and a gift shop), good bye to the Big Man who drove home while I rode back to DE with my brother, a fun 4th of July party with more friends, sending MK on a trip to NYC with my mom, brother and a new friend, K, one day of sinus trouble and rest, a sub, a trip to DE's famous Dairy Palace, and 2 unremarkable plane rides home. I'll try to sum up in photos. Whew!



MK and T. Willy on the front porch of the CB where the Big Man was working when MK was born. There were still some employees there that remembered him.







The Big Man and MK standing outside of my dorm...I lived in this dorm for 2 years, on the first and then the second floors...it's where I met Melissa and where I lived when the Big Man and I first became friends and then started dating.








MK and me at the new church on campus.

And what a month it's been

Actually, it hasn't been an action packed, mile a minute month. It has just been kind of boring and not much to write about. It's 2 in the a.m. and I'm up finishing some homework. I'm in the middle of a 10 day class which I am really enjoying but, between that and the other, there are many projects due in a short amount of time. I finish on Tuesday and then we leave for DE on Wednesday. My parents are here and helping with the kids while I'm in school. I am barely missed. They are having a great time and really filling in the gap. I just have to make it till Tuesday. I am sure I'm rambling and punchy due to the late hour. I just wanted to fill you in and let you know we're still alive!!

School Ends - School Begins

MK's last day of school is Thursday. They are having a ceremony for their last day of elementary and then dismissing them early. We are excited about the summer before us. We have a trip to DE planned, a trip for MK to visit the Big Man's parents and then an undetermined vacation. It's hard to believe how early they are out of school, but when they go back the first week of August, I remember why they are out in mid-May.

While MK's year is ending, a new semester begins for me tonight. I am looking forward to it. This class is T/Th through June. Then the class in late June when my parents are here and then July is free! T. Willy and I picked up my books yesterday so I'm ready to go.

Othewise I've just gotten some housework accomplished and some fun with the family. Last night we discovered that T. Willy is a big basketball fan. He has enjoyed shooting baskets for quite some time but last night we watched a basketball game and he squealed and clapped every time someone made a basket. It was hilarious to watch. We are not actually basketball fans as much as football and hockey fans, so we'll have to see how he reacts to those sports.

I planted some gardenia plants in the front yard and discovered my first bloom. I am including a picture of it, although it's out of focus. I was just so excited and they smell wonderful!!!







So, there's that. Have a great day!

Another birthday

MK turned 11 on Friday the 5th! Wow! We kind of threw together a last minute party with 7 girls swimming in the backyard. It was probably my favorite party ever. Just the 7 girls and my sister in law and me. It was great. They swam, ate cake and opened presents and swam some more. The girls were so well behaved and polite. What a nice day! The Big Man and I gave MK a new bike for her birthday, so I've included a picture of her on it. Happy Birthday, MK!

Twin Deeres

Today MK is taking a field trip to visit her middle school. She is getting excited about it. I cannot believe she is almost finished with elementary school! It is a nice middle school, but it's still MIDDLE SCHOOL.

My semester ended on Thursday. I am taking 2 classes over the summer but I'll have the entire month of July free. It isn't like my schedule is that taxing but it will be nice to just have a month to not think about school. I am taking one class that meets for 10 days in a row for four hours, then the other class is on Tuesday and Thursday nights for 4 hours. The overlapping T/TH will be tough but my parents are coming here to help out. Thanks so much, Mom and Dad. That will make it much easier on the kids when I'm gone all day. Then when the classes are over we are driving home with my folks and will fly back here a week later. If you have been a reader for awhile you may remember my last flight did not go that well but we only have to fly one way and I'm not going to lug the carseat all around the airport. Let's hope it goes better!

Here are a couple of pictures. The first is my redneck boy and the next is his new birthday present next to the Big Man's tractor.

MK before school today

MK Behind the Camera

Here are some shots that MK took yesterday.

Happy Birthday, T. Willy

Yes, he is wearing Christmas pajamas. Our a/c is on and his room is cold.

T. Willy is 2!!!

Happy Easter!

I'm just including some pictures of our weekend. We colored eggs on Saturday. Due to a commitment to the nursery at our other church, we went to 2 churches yesterday. The Big Man hid Easter eggs so after church we had our egg hunt and a traditional Easter ham dinner. Then T. Willy took a nap and when he woke up we celebrated his birthday. It's actually today (he's 2!!!) but the Big Man is working tonight so he opened his presents yesterday. We are going to have dinner with the Big Man at his work but I didn't want to drag presents in there.

T. Willy at the Strawberry Farm

Pickin' and Grinnin' (An ode to Buck Owens - RIP)

Okay, this has nothing to do with Buck Owens or music. After dropping MK off this morning at school, T. Willy and I went strawberry picking. He didn't actually get to pick because I wanted to be allowed back there again, but he sat in his stroller and played while I picked. I picked about 7 pounds and then we came home and enjoyed a few while I cleaned the rest of them. We have been in desperate need of rain and finally got some on Saturday so I thought today would be a good day.

Saturday was the 90th anniversary of our little city. They had planned a big celebration and wouldn't it figure that it rained for the first time in months? They still held it between downpours. We went toward the end and it was pretty much wrapped up. But we had fun looking at different booths and saw one of my former students. He is trying to get on the police force and was there helping out. He is a great kid (man really- gulp) and it's so nice to see him pursuing his dreams.

Today is my nephew's 16th birthday. Time goes so fast! One of our friends is being induced today so I will easily be able to remember Mallorie's birthday. So Happy Birthday to Benjamin and (if it goes quickly) Mallorie!!! That also means that T. Willy turns 2 one week from today! I really need to get out of the habit of thinking of him as a baby...he is growing up!

Pictures from Field Day & Swimming in April!

An actual post

MK had Spring Break last week and it was so nice. She was back to school today and it was Field Day. It was a great time. Last year her class was not terribly competitive but this year the blue ribbons were flying. MK won in the Hula Hoop. Of course, so did 5 or 6 other girls but it was a victory nonetheless. She has won the Hula Hoop every year since 2nd grade (her first year at the school) but it was a nailbiter for me anyway. She does not have a competitive bone in her body but was happy with the results.

We tried a new church yesterday. I don't think that I've given my blog address to anyone local but I'm still hesitant to comment about it. We've been at our church for 4+ years and just recently have felt like it's time to move on. This is difficult for me because I don't think of myself as a "church hopper" but we just feel led to find something new. One of the reasons is that the children's department has not been a good fit for MK. She likes "Sunday School" where you are taught a lesson in a quiet setting. Currently she is thrust into a room with children from K - 6th grade combined. This church had a class of 5th and 6th grade girls and she really liked it. The style of this pastor is more teaching and I really like that, but I can't make a decision based on one week and the Big Man didn't even get to come. So we'll see what the future holds. T. Willy did fine. I have one specialty and that is the ability to take him to the nursery and leave. I don't linger and let his crying get out of control. I do, however, stand out of sight and make sure he doesn't cry long and he doesn't. As soon as I am out of sight he stops crying and when I picked him up, he was standing at the table with other kids and coloring a paper happy as can be.

And would you believe...we were swimming today!!!! So I'll post some pictures of that too. It was quite cold but, after standing in the sun at Field Day, we were happy to cool off. T. Willy even got in a little bit but will like it more when it isn't as cold. He loved watching MK perform her flips and handstands.

That's it for us. Hope your day went well too!