Monday, September 29, 2008

We've got spirit, yes we do... we've got spirit, how 'bout YOU?




Yes, we're all about Homecoming and Cardinal pride this week. Fun stuff. 
And for me, well, I took it as a good excuse to do a little crafting. Hee hee. 
Those of you who know me know I love any excuse to get crafty. :) Holidays, birthdays, rainy days, Wednesdays... you name it... I love crafts. And ribbon. Lots of ribbon!
So here's the latest. Not even sure what you'd call them, but aren't they cute? I put some bridge mix and cherry sours in the school colors in there and will give these to the cheer coaches at the homecoming game Friday. I think I'll let the kids make something similar to give the their teachers for Christmas gifts. 
Also wanted to throw in this picture of the sunrise this morning. It looked magical out the back windows. I love fall! 

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Mum's the Word...




If you don't know what a mum is, you must not be a Texan. It's okay. You're forgiven. 
A mum is an obnoxious display of school spirit, worn on Homecoming day. And apparently there is a rule when it comes to mums: More is more. 
We're talkin' ribbons and fake flowers and glitter and bells and whistles... and of course, like all things Texan, the bigger the better!
So today I had my first go at mum-making. At a mum-making party. Yes, you read that right. ;) 
It was total chaos. Mix 97 yards of assorted ribbon, 12 hyper children, 3 broken staplers and stringy hot glue together and you've got yourself a Mum-Making Party! 
Actually, it wasn't so bad. Kathryn was a GREAT helper and designer. She came up with the basic ideas and I just stapled my little heart out. In the end, we ended up with this gorgeous creation. We kept it pretty simple this year, it being our first try and all. The other moms were still there, gluing and stapling with no real end in sight. I think one girl's mum was up to about 4 pounds! 
So now we are home and we are recovering. I was barely able to pry the mum out of Kathryn's little hands long enough to snap some pictures of it! But here it is, in all its obnoxious glory!

Friday, September 26, 2008

It's all around you... just open your eyes.




Open them wider now. Get closer. You'll be amazed at the hidden beauty that is all around you! 
I rented a macro lens a while back, just for fun, but I got so much more out of it than some really cool photos. It taught me a whole new way to look at things. 
I remember reading in a photography magazine about an instructor who made his students get down on their hands and knees and spend one full hour photographing a two-foot square patch of garden!! Isn't that BRILLIANT?! I'd love to take a workshop from him!
It's true though... you'd be amazed at what you'll find if you just take the time to slow down and open your eyes. 
Now is a great time of year to do this... leaves are beginning to change as the season shifts. You can feel it in the air, and if you want, you can be a part of it... be attuned to your senses... let them work, and pay attention. You won't be sorry. 
Here's a treasure I found in my garden today... all that was left of the Hydrangea bloom... a lovely little skeleton don't you think? 

If you would like to view more of my macro work, you can do so on my website at www.stacymurphyphoto.com or just click this link: 

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Life is good... um, almost too good?!



Are you superstitious? I try not to be, but I am, about really random things. I don't worry about the usual... walking under ladders or breaking mirrors or black cats crossing my path. That doesn't bug me. But I *do* worry sometimes that my life is TOO good and so that must mean that my bubble is going to burst someday and something horrible will happen. Right? EEK. I mean, think about it, most people you meet have some story to tell... a story of tragedy or sadness or loss. I do not have a story... 
Yet?! 
See... even WRITING that sentence makes me feel like I'm going to hex it. 
One of John's belated relatives, Fannie Pickens, used to listen to our stories and adventures and she'd always say, "Oh, everything is just working out so PERFECTLY!" And it is. It really is. But how long can we keep this up? Living within this blessed bubble, surrounded by the silver lining? John and I both have our health and we love our jobs. We have a very happy, harmonious marriage. Our kids are healthy and happy and smart and beautiful. We have a lovely home in a lovely town. Both sets of parents are still married and living. We have a new niece or nephew on the way. And heck, even our dog is cute and well-behaved, my jeans are getting baggy AND I found $6 in the washing machine this morning.
Life is good. 
But sometimes it seems too good to be true... so I worry. A lot. 
Ha ha ha. 
MAYBE it's just that we are optimists and so things really ARE going "wrong" around us and yet we just refuse to let it get us down. Sure, we've had our moments, but we always seem to come out on the other end, sunny side up. 
I hope I haven't hexed myself by writing this entry. I probably have. You just watch, that means the carpet that is going to be installed today is going to be HIDEOUS beyond words. Ug. I think I'm going to be sick. LOL. 

Anyway, on another note, you guys complain to me when I post with no photos, so here are some I took of the kids last week. My photographer friend, Gillian, fussed at me when she saw a picture of this road on my blog. She said, "OH MY GOSH, why haven't you taken photos of your kids on that road?! You should be using that location all the time!" and she told me to go THAT day and do photos. So Gillian, these are for you. :) Thanks for inspiring me!


Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Innocence...


"While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about."
~Angela Schwindt





Look at all these smiling faces. So much promise and hope in them. I was surrounded by these lovely little people in California and I already miss them all terribly. 
I was really wanting to get my baby fix today, but instead of getting to hold that warm little body in my arms, I had to make due with looking at his sweet face in the photographs I took during my visit. I've never known a more smiley newborn! Isn't he the sweetest!? I look forward to watching this little guy grow up. It's been so fun to watch his big sister grow up too! (She's the gorgeous 3-year-old blondie in the photo above.)
Here's a look back at her, when she was just nine days old... I'll never forget! 

Monday, September 22, 2008

There's No Place Like Home...

So Kathryn and I clicked our heels together 3 times and we're home. Ahhhhhhh. Feels fabulous. It's always wonderful to go on trips and always equally wonderful to return home. 
I asked Jasper if he missed me and he said, "You know Mom, I didn't miss you and it felt like you were barely gone at all..." and I was about to feel a little sad that he didn't miss me at all until he finished his sentence and said, "I didn't miss you because you were ALWAYS here in my heart." 
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. 
He melts me into a big puddle. 
He looks HUGE. After holding baby Aidan, yes, my "baby" looks huge. Sigh. 
And my dog... looks like a KITTEN!! HA HA HA. My friend Terri has dogs that are about as big as a manatee. Yup... so Roxie looks like a wee little kitty. HA HA HA.
Going to bed right after dinner... and tomorrow I get to PLAY with ALL the pictures I took! FUN! 

Sunday, September 21, 2008

A little sneak peek...



Today is a sad, sad day for me... because it's my last day in California, with my friends. I wish I had 17 more days to visit, hold Aidan, see more people... but I'm missing *MY* baby boy back in Texas, so I need to go tomorrow. 
It's been a crazy, hectic few days. Today will be no different... we've got dozens of things to try to accomplish after church this morning, before we collapse into our hotel beds tonight. 
Anyway, I thought I'd post a quick sneak peek of photos for my friend. I haven't had time to really play with the pictures yet, but grabbed a few out of the bunch to show her. 
Do you see now why I'm having the best time? How could you not with these precious bundles looking at you? Look how divinely peaceful Aidan looks, asleep in his Daddy's hands. He is Mellow Yellow. Renee says I'm going to hex it if I keep saying how perfectly behaved and sweet he is... she's afraid all hell will break loose next week. 
That wouldn't matter anyway because Renee doesn't know it yet, but Aidan is going in my carry on bag tonight. Do you think she'll notice he's missing? 

Friday, September 19, 2008

Vasectomy Reversal...

Okay, I have seen the billboards... and have talked to ACTUAL people who have had it done successfully... so I *know* you can have a vasectomy reversal. 
I wonder how John is going to feel when I go home Monday and ask him for one. 
Seriously... 
Ohhhhhhhhhhh my gosh. I am SO in love with Aidan, my friend's new baby boy who turned one week old today. 110% MADLY in love. 
He is a perfect baby. Totally perfect. Did I mention that I love him? 
I go over to Renee's house and get to just hold him. Pure and simple. He sleeps and eats. Not much else yet. They SAY he cries, but I haven't heard him, but then again I haven't been there at 3 a.m. I still don't believe them. Cause he's too perfect. A baby that perfect would never cry. ;) 
Anyway, I go and I hold him. Sometimes I give him a bottle and I just close my eyes and listen to his sounds... his suckling and sighs... and it takes me right back to when I had my own newborns to love and hold. Only it's better now cause I'm not insanely exhausted and my nipples aren't cracked and I know I'll get 8 hours of sleep tonight... ha ha ha. I just get to hold a tiny little perfect sighing bundle and then hand him over and go my merry way. Although he's REALLY hard to hand over.
Yes, I love him. 
It is almost frightening at times to hold someone else's baby and find yourself under their spell... because you start thinking in the back of your mind, "Hmmm, I could do this again." And then you remember... that big "V" word. Yeah, I guess we're out of commission. Sigh. 
Probably a good thing cause otherwise I'd be SOOOOOOO tempted... and then when I was about 7 months pregnant and came to my senses I'd be saying, "WHY THE HELL did we do this again?!?!" Ha ha ha ha. 
I guess I'll just have to settle for loving Aidan. And I do. With my whooooooooole heart. 
I will post pictures of him soon, when I am done holding him. But for now, I'd rather hold him than my camera. :) No contest. 
He's perfect. I am so happy for my friends. I think their family is complete now. They needed Aidan. He knows that. You can just tell. 

Thursday, September 18, 2008

My journey...


I'm on a weight-loss journey... trying to get back to the Land of the 120s! It's been a while since I've visited that land. I believe it was 3 years ago when I got down to 128 pounds before our trip to Cabo San Lucas... but then 7 days of piƱa coladas and nachos on the beach and it all came right back!
Gotta get back into shape before we go on our cruise in 87 days!! I never realized photography would make me fat. Ha ha ha. Too much time sitting around on my computer. *Sigh.* And I know that some of you are reading this (Mom!) thinking I don't need to lose weight... but if you say that to my face, I'll come right over there, strip, and make you watch my rump walk across the room!!! THAT'LL change your mind! BWAHAHAHAHA. Not a pretty sight. *Shudder*
Last Monday I hated my scale. Tuesday was better though cause remember I said if you weigh yourself on tile instead of carpet you lose an instant 5 pounds?! Yup. Anyway, my goal weight is 120 and since last Monday I've gone from 143 (but I don't think that was right... that was on carpet) to 131 this morning! WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO. SO incredibly psyched!!!! :) 
The thing I hate though, is the FIRST place I gain weight is on my butt. I can THINK about food and it makes my butt bigger. Then, when I start to lose weight, first I lose it in my fingers, then my elbows, then my boobs (wah), then my face, my arms, my big toe... are you getting the picture? Yup... the LAST place it goes is from my butt and thighs. So not fair. But I'm workin' on it... determined to look FA-BU-LOUS. Thanks for all of you who have been so supportive!! I need all the cheering I can get! 
*I am also going on ANOTHER journey today to California to meet my friend's new baby boy, Aidan. I can hardly wait to hold his warm little newborn body!!!!!!! :) :) Will be posting pictures of him soon... stay tuned!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

"Oh, and Mom..."



Jasper starts every sentence like this. Drives me crazy in its own special way. :) 
So the other day, we're hanging out in the office, Jasper and Roxie on the floor near my feet, when Jasper says, "Oh, and Mom, I'm really glad we got a dog, cause you know, if we DIDN'T have Roxie, I'd be sitting here right now with nothing to do, but instead, I get to sit here and rub her tummy." 
How sweet is THAT? :) 
Jasper loves his dog. Truly. And Roxie loves him right back. I think she loves him best of all (okay, second to John, The Master) because Jasper has the stinkiest feet and the stickiest hands and so they're much more fun for a dog to lick. Jasper is also closer to the ground than the rest of us, so that must make him seem like the runt of the human litter. 
Yesterday, Roxie got a special treat... time in Jasper's bed (she's normally not allowed on any furniture!). It really was a sight to see... both of them relaxing on the bed, gazing out the window at the birds and squirrels. Of course I had to grab my camera!! Oh, and we crack up because Gramma sent Jasper this book about a dog named Ribsy... and the dog, as illustrated on the cover, happens to look JUST like Roxie! We're going to try to send a copy of this to the illustrator. :) 

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Wish You Were Here...


Doesn't this look like a postcard?! (Click on image to view full size!)
It's not. 
It's a picture I took this morning, after my jog. :) 
This is the road I have the extreme pleasure of walking on each day. I can go 4 miles without seeing a single car! How AMAZING is that??!! And if you DO see a car, you can be sure the driver will wave at you. :) Such a friendly town! I just love it. 
Anyway, not too many cars on this road... but what I do get to see are donkeys, horses, roadrunners, bunnies, birds, wildflowers, squirrels and sometimes even a squished armadillo. 

Monday, September 15, 2008

What do you think?

Obviously made some changes to my blog design... what do you think? 

It is Definitely Monday.



No doubt about what day of the week it is today. 
There we were, all snuggled under the heavy quilt... enjoying the open windows and the fresh cold air (yes, COLD!) rushing in, listening to the owls chatter to each other... then the hideous screech of the alarm clock had to intrude into our peaceful little happy cocoon. Ug. Monday. 
I am whiny today. Care to listen? 
I have a SERIOUS mountain of clothes to put away. You know, I do not really mind doing laundry or most housework for that matter... but I despise putting away clean laundry! If it were up to me, we'd just get rid of all the drawers and dressers in the house and just live off of the countertop in the game room. You could just stagger in there each morning to pick out the day's attire. No need to make all those trips back and forth from dryer to dresser!! Think of all the TIME we'd save! But seriously, I'd rather go to the dentist or take the SAT tests again than put away this laundry. 
And another thing... I've lived in blissful denial all summer... pretending (and lying to myself!) that my wood floors were as clean as if Cinderella herself scrubbed them this morning. It's a funny thing, wood floors... when the sun is not shining directly on them, they DO hide an amazing amount of hair and dust. BUT when the sun shines on those floors........ whoooooa boy... it's a SCARY thing to behold! So imagine how they looked this morning, mocking me, as the sun shined in, showing me the reality of three months' worth of neglect!!! EEEEEEK. I cannot pretend any more. It's time to face the music... and get the mop. Sigh. 
But it's not all bad in the Land of Stacy today. The sun, as I said, IS shining and it's a delightful 56 degrees out and all the windows are open and my cinnamon & sugar candle is lit and so alas, life is still good. 
And hey, check out this fun little doohickie... these are falling off our Burr Oak tree in the backyard and they're just so funky. I love them. They make a super loud THUD as they fall onto the patio and they look like something from War of the Worlds or from deep in the ocean. I think they're cool. 

Sunday, September 14, 2008

If I could bottle up the wind...


If I had scruffy little Toto by my side today, I'd look at him and say, "I don't think we're in Texas anymore Toto." It does not seem too much of a stretch of imagination to believe that we may have been transported Somewhere Over the Rainbow today. It is quite dreamy, indeed.
How is it, that if you stand outside today and close your eyes, you could swear you were on the islands of Hawaii, being caressed by those delicious, hypnotic Trade Winds? 
Today is the most peaceful day I've witnessed in many years. It is astoundingly fabulous. 
It's one of those days that makes you wish you were a poet... so you could find the words to describe how luxurious the delicate breeze is and how intoxicating the smell it carries is as it gently wafts into your nose. (It's the insanely tantalizing sweet smell of grape jelly and honeysuckle, from a lovely vine we still cannot identify!) Or how the trees seem to be whispering to you, that they too are happy. It's like a secret that really isn't a secret at all because you cannot be outside today and not know it... that today is a Perfect Day. Today God must be happy. The wrath of Ike has passed and has left the earth and its creatures relieved and cleansed and renewed. There is not a speck of dust in the air today. It's as clear and clean as if it was just breathed down from Heaven. Even the birds and insects are quiet today, I believe hushed to sleep by the gentle swaying and rocking of the limbs that hold them. I'm envious of the golden leaves that are falling ever so gently from the trees, being carried as by an angel's touch, so slowly, twirling and swirling until they reach the ground, soft and light as feathers. I doubt the Earth even feels their touch as they make their final landing. Today embodies peace and tranquility. 
Oh how I wish there was a way to bottle up this day! This GLORIOUS day. There is no doubt that today is definitely the Lord's day. And I thank Him for it!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Everything's bigger in Texas...



Even the storms! HA. Yup, Ike is a monster of a storm. What are they saying? 300 miles across? WOW. 
But I tell you what... even a tropical storm can't keep Texas football fans at home. We went to a game this morning since Kathryn was cheering and everyone was there, getting soaked, hair blowing, umbrellas flipping inside out... crazy. 
I'm just sitting here watching the windows and the clock... since 3:00 is when they're expecting things to get ugly. Just trying to stay calm. I'm going to make a big pot of tortilla soup (isn't that just the perfect stormy evening food?) and we're going to put on our sweats and stay put. Hoping we don't lose power... 

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Ike and other ramblings...

Well, I have a few things on my mind this morning... Ike for one. 
Hurricane Ike is causing quite a stir and looks like he is definitely heading our way. New reports this morning say he's getting stronger as he nears the Texas coast. Now, I'm not taping up the windows just yet because Gustav petered out and we didn't get a SINGLE DROP OF RAIN from that one... but I think Ike is determined to show him how it's done. Please say a prayer for those in the path of destruction and pray that if they were told to evacuate that they did!! 

What else? Oh yeah, yesterday I kinda fell off the ol' diet wagon a teensy bit and treated myself to some HOMEMADE pesto! I grew the basil myself (preeeeeetty excited to actually EAT something out of my struggling garden!) and made a small batch of this green deliciousness for dinner. Slapped it on a lightly toasted baguette and OH.MY.GAWD. Heaven on bread people!!! YUM. OH WAIT... and there's more good news... here's a nice little weight loss tip for you: Did you know that if you put your scale on the tile instead of on carpet you'll lose an instant four pounds??!!??!! YES... it is true! I SQUEALED with delight this morning when I finally schlepped the scale over onto the hard surface and VIOLA!! YESSSSSSSSSSSS. God I love small victories! 
Anyway, I emailed this picture (yes, I am a total dork and take pictures of my food sometimes) to a few friends yesterday and have had several requests for the recipe. I hesitate to post it because it's embarrassing how simple it is... and yet it looks oh-so-impressive and Food Network-like in the photo! Bwahahaha. But as you know, I'm a loving, giving person... so here it is. :) Enjoy!

1cupbasilcleaned and dried
3eachgarlic cloves
1/2cuppine nutsor walnuts
1/2cupparmesan, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, gratedgrated
1/2cupolive oilgood quality

Directions

In a blender, combine basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese. Slowly add oil while blender is running.


Blessings


Today is a day we all remember. But I will not be sad. Instead, I will rejoice on this day and will focus on the many blessings in my life... the life I treasure, each and every day. The life I am utterly thankful for, each and every day. 
Today marks not only the anniversary of 9/11, but also our one-year anniversary in our new home! We got the keys to this house on September 11, 2007. I cannot believe a whole year has passed already! 
Do you remember as a child, lying around, daydreaming... daydreaming about what you would do if you won a million dollars? Or wondering how it would feel if Santa actually did bring you a real live pony? Or how you'd feel if the cutest boy in class asked YOU to the dance or if you won a gold medal for ice skating in the Olympics? Did you dream about being Princess Diana as you watched her wedding on television? I did. I was a dreamer. Still am. 
The first time I ever laid eyes on this house, I *KNEW* it was the one I wanted. The perfect dream house! I wanted it so bad I could hardly stand it! I knew it as we drove up the driveway, without ever having to go inside to just know it. I remember walking very slowly through the house and yard, falling more in love with every step, daydreaming about what it would be like to be the luckiest person in the world, to be able to live here. And I remember my blood running cold at the thought that John might not be sharing my emotion, as he was surely looking at it more with his reasonable brain than with his heart. I was terrified that I might not get this house. This lovely, amazing, gorgeous house, surrounded by so many trees and flowers and birds and butterflies. The last time I remember wanting something this badly (and being terrified that it was out of my league and therefore unattainable) was the night I first laid eyes on the man that would become my future husband. :) 
But we got it! Praise the Lord, we got it! And to this day, I still wake up every single morning deeply grateful for this place, our home. It's everything I wanted. Everything I dreamed about in a place to raise my family. I wanted a home where I could sit inside and see nothing but trees out every window. I got it. I wanted a home where I could sit on the back porch with my family and not hear nearby neighbors having another marital dispute. I got it. I wanted a home that I loved so much that I never felt sad to be going back to it after a fabulous vacation. I got it. I wanted a home closer to my mom, dad, niece and cousins Holly and Tiffany. I got it. I got all of that and so much more. 
I love Melissa, Texas. I love the small town charm. I love the school and the school pride. I love my new friends... Kate and Maureen and Buffi and Phyllis, to name a few. I love the thunderstorms adn the wild flowers and the lightening bugs and the cardinals. I just love it. I still walk around in awe, amazed that this is MY home and yard. Afraid that I might wake up and realize it's not... because sometimes it seems too good to be true. 
Yes, today I am happy. Today I am blessed. Today I rejoice. 
I have Today.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

A little treat for you this morning...

So as you know, I've been walking/jogging a lot and so I've had my iPod in tow each morning, music cranked as high as it'll go. I'll deal with the deafness later... 

Anyhow, this is my current favorite song. It's "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. I just adore it. I sing it LOUD (one of the perks of walking in the country... no one to look at you like you're crazy!) and it just always puts me in such a happy place. So if you haven't heard it, enjoy it... and listen to the lyrics. If you have heard it, enjoy it again! :) 

And have a FABULOUS day!


Cellulite and other annoying things...

I have cellulite on the brain today (okay, okay, it's really on my THIGHS... but you know what I mean). 
Why am I thinking about cellulite? Well, I checked the weather and am keeping a close eye on the all the hurricanes brewing out there... begging them to stay clear of the Caribbean because we're going on our Carnival cruise in 96 days (woooooo hooooo!) and so I don't want them messing up all those gorgeous white sandy beaches. 
96 days. Hmmm. So that got me thinking. That means I have about 2,296 hours and roughly 57 minutes to lose at least 10 pounds! ACK! Do you think I can do it???? 
You know, there aren't too many things I miss about living in Modesto, but it wasn't ALL bad. The top five things I *do* miss most are:
1. My BFFs Terri & Renee (Ohhhhhhhhhhh I will see you SOON!!! Only 3 more days until Renee has her "baby with balls." Do you have a name yet?) and Jodie and all of her yummy leftovers, free decorating tips and of course her three gorgeous "children," one who happened to be the BESTEST babysitter in the universe!
2. PRODUCE. PRODUCE. PRODUCE. Oh how I miss the wonderful beautiful delectable produce from O'Brien's market!
3. Living driving distance from Mammoth Mountain. 
4. Being able to walk the kids to school.
5. Living ONE MILE up the road from a killer Gold's Gym. 
Yes, that's right... it used to be SO easy to go work out. No excuses. A HUGE gym packed with all the latest equipment and super fun spinning classes. At one point, I was in the best shape I've been in in a very long time. All muscular and sorta skinny. 
But not anymore. Wah. I've pretty much let myself go to pot since we moved. I've been walking, but it's obviously not enough. There are no gyms nearby. They're all a haul. But is that a good enough excuse? 
It really sucks getting older (yes, I'm creeping up toward the big 4-0!). Everyone tells you that, but you can't truly appreciate it until you're there, experiencing it first-hand. First you start to get tired more easily. Then you gain weight just by thinking about food. Then these weird hairs show up in places you just really shouldn't even ever have hair. And the cellulite and the achey joints. Ahhhhhhhhh. And the cellulite. We can't forget that. 
So anyway... wish me luck on my 96-day journey towards getting back COMFORTABLY into my jeans!! ;) 

Monday, September 8, 2008

Coming up for air...

Monday mornings. Ouch. Never did like them. Still don't. 
Just trying to get my head screwed back on straight after a crazybusyhectic weekend. Will try to blog about something later. :) 

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Decade...



One decade ago today, I gave birth to my daughter, Kathryn Rose. 
One decade ago today, my life changed forever. 
One decade ago today, the world became a better place, because she was now in it. 

I cannot believe an entire decade has passed since I first held my squishy, sticky, squirmy warm newborn in my arms. 

During these past 10 years, Kathryn has brought us an immeasurable amount of joy and laughter and pride. We have watched her grow from a tiny wee thing into a tall, lanky, gorgeous, intelligent young lady. Ten. Wow.

She happens to be one of my favorite people in the world. 

Things she is: Funny, spirited, generous, smart, witty, caring, silly, sentimental, passionate and lovely inside & out. She is afraid of spiders. She loves fruit and loves to read books. Lots of them. And sing. Loudly. She loves Broadway shows, her purple watch and her pierced ears. She is a cheerleader, a swimmer, a Christian, a Harry Potter & Little House on the Prairie fan, a great joke teller and a straight-A student. She is a loyal friend, an animal lover and an excellent masseuse! She loves the Sunday comics and her Daddy. She loves her real dog, Roxie, and her stuffed one, Murphy, too.

Things she is not: Shy! Or quiet! She is not afraid to pull teeth or answer the telephone. She is not fond of broccoli, meat or cobwebs. She does not like bed time. She does not like being alone. She does not like most bugs and she does not like to be hot. She is not afraid to eat sweets.

Today is Kathryn's 10th birthday. A big one! Double digits. A decade. I hope she has a fabulous celebration. She deserves it. 

Happy Birthday my darling sweet Kathryn. We love you beyond words. 

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Oh what I wouldn't give...



To, ahem, see Jude Law in a kilt!!! BWAHAHAHA (evil laugh). Oh honey, you need some help getting that shirt off? Here, let me help! But first, would you hand me that towel so I can mop this drool off my chin?


You see, I'm kinda having trouble pulling my mind out of the 18th century Scottish gutter right now. I just finished the second book in the Outlander series, so my dirty dishes and dirty laundry are stacking up and I don't think I've brushed my teeth yet today, but by golly, I finished my book. And I'm still swooning, reluctantly trying to bring myself back to the present... back to my boring ol' reality... away from Jamie Fraser. Sighhhhhhhh. 
Ladies... can I tell you, just suck it up and don't be shy... march right on into the bookstore, head held high, right to the harlequin romance section, and GET THESE BOOKS! You will NOT regret it! TRUUUUUUST me on this one! They're each about 1,000 pages of sublime escapism with one of the most lovable (oh yes!) characters you're ever likely to meet... Jamie Fraser. 
Let me just say a few things about Mr. Fraser. 
Mr. James Alexander Malcom McKenzie Fraser.
*Drool*
He is hot. 
He is romantic. 
He is SEXXXXXXXXSAY...
And he is Mine. 
So just take one giant step backwards sistahs... go get your own kilted Scottish warrior. This one is taken. (Sorry Missy! I know you saw him first... but you can still have Justin Timberlake! Fair trade?)
I think I'm kindof picturing Jude Law as Jamie. Yeah yeah yeah okay, so he's English, not Scottish. And he's got brown hair, not red hair... but still. He works for me! Seriously, can you just picture him in a kilt? Remember in the movie "The Holiday" where he cried in that one scene?! OH. MY. GAWD!
Um, okay, I'm off to a cold shower... 

(And while I'm gone... here's the link to the books on Amazon. You can thank me later.)
http://www.amazon.com/Outlander-Diana-Gabaldon/dp/0440212561

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

One more thing...


Hmmm, think I ought to go turn off the spriklers? LOL! Here comes Gustav! Not sure how bad it'll be. The forecast doesn't look too crazy, but it's already starting to get blustery outside. (We're just north of that little town, Plano, right smack dab in the middle.)

Monday, September 1, 2008

Peek-a-Boo!


I see you! And you know who you are! ;)
This is a map that Statcounter made of my most loyal followers... those of you who read my blog most often. I love that by looking at this map, I know who you are!! And I love seeing how I have friends all over the country. 
You know, being a military girlfriend/fiance/spouse wasn't easy. It meant a lot of lonely times without my beloved John, who was overseas for 18 long months during our early years together. It meant a lot of airmail. And high phone bills. And worry. And moving. My mom still complains that I made a mess out of her address book since she had to change our information so often. Sorry Mom. 
But being a military girlfriend/fiance/spouse also meant getting to meet a ton of awesome people, literally all over the country! We always joke that there's a couch available for us to crash on in pretty much every state in the good ol' US of A. :) 
Anyway, for those of you who continue to come here and read my drivel, thank you! It's been fun sharing with you! And hey, don't be shy... leave me a comment sometime! I love comments! I get a lot of feedback via email, but I know my readers also like reading what you say on here! So come on back y'all and let me know what you think! 

A day with Papa.







Yesterday we had the extreme pleasure of spending the day with my Papa and his dog Schnitzel. They are both characters. One has beady brown eyes, one has spectacular sky-blue eyes, and they both have boundless amounts of energy and affection to share with anyone who will afford them the opportunity. 
My Papa is a great man. He hails from the Chickasaw Tribe of Oklahoma. He served under General Patton in Germany. He taught me how to waterski and taught me about the constellations when I was a child. He loves bread & butter pickles, OSU and basketball. He adored his wife of more than 50 years, cared for her until her death and keeps her memory alive with endless stories of the woman he still lovingly refers to as "my bride." He is a hard-working, honest, generous man who cares deeply about people, the earth, animals and integrity. He is concerned about "youngsters" and their futures. He preaches about the importance of doing the right thing. And he has more friends than most people I know. It's not hard to understand why. 
He also happened to raise my mother. He is one of the most inspirational people in her life and helped shape her into the woman she is today. For that, I am forever grateful. :) 
It was delightful to spend the day at the lake with him. The kids swam non-stop, buried themselves in the sand and ate fistfuls of lemon drops. We got shuttled around in the "Carry-U-All," (Papa's pride and joy... a beastly 1971 Chevrolet he calls "Molly Brown") and had a picnic on the patio. It was a very relaxing day. 
All the while Papa told stories while Schnitzel and Roxie played underfoot. Roxie was the epitome of cute with her red bandana. Why is it that a red bandana can instantly send a dog's cuteness factor through the roof? 
As we were saying our goodbyes, Jasper gave Papa a hug and a high-five and said, "You're cool." I agree.
We drove home last night with three tired and happy kids, a soggy dog, sand in places we didn't know even existed and very happy hearts. 

(September 7 is National Grandparents Day. If you're fortunate enough to still have a grandparent living, pick up the phone and give them a call. It will make their day!)