Hail Yes

Atlanta always surprises us with the weather shifts.  70s one day, snow flurries the next, speedy hail storm the next.



See the tiny little hail on the patio table?  Gotta love the South.

Basket Case

You never know where inspiration will hit you.  Check out these Costco shopping carts.



Thank goodness for my teeny tiny camera that is always in my purse.  The camera came from, of course, Costco.  Love me some Costco.

Notice Anything Missing?

I often see this.



I often wait to see who will refill this paper towel holder.  Same thing goes for the empty soap dispenser.  Guess who usually does it?

You Forgot Something

"Matt, get your shoes out of the van."



These shoes stayed in the van for about a week.  Of course.

Far Away Eyes

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.



Nuh uh.

Sparkling

I cleaned the fridge.



Your welcome.

Jealous?

This is what our pool looks like after a lot of rain.



We here in Atlanta have had a lot of rain.  A lot.

Pucker Up

I made a lemon cake for Matt's birthday the other day.  He loves lemon stuff.



When I was pregnant with Matt, I craved lemons all the time.  I used to drink huge glasses of water with two whole lemons in them.  The week he was born - four weeks early - I kept asking his dad to bring me a piece of lemon pie home after work.  He kept forgetting.  I was so sad.  The day before I went into early labor, I finally had my lemon pie.  Life was good.  Then Matt decided he was ready to join the family.  Now, now, now.

Breakfast Surprise

Madison was thrilled to find a car in the Cheerios.

I didn't realize there were still cereal prizes.  When I was a kid, my 3 siblings and I would fight over whose turn it was to dig into the cereal for the prize.  Of course, way back then, the cereal toys weren't outside the sealed bag of cereal.  We would shove our hands into the box of cereal, putting our probably not washed fingers all through it.  Delish.

Sweet Tooth

The cookies are here!!!

The cookies are almost gone now.  We can't help it.

Counting Sheep

Mackenzie's boyfriend gave her this cute little stuffed sheep.  She wanted it to be famous.  Here you go, Sweetie.

Dang, this thing is almost as big as Mackenzie.

Chicken Little

More like Chicken Big.  This is what happens when three chicken breasts hang out in a crockpot all day long.  This is only one of the breasts.

Yummy!  I have been trying to prepare hot meals for dinner every night during the week, especially on the days that I work.  We got several meals out of these little/big chicken breasts.

A Penny Saved

Yeah, yeah, yeah, a few more days off from uploading my pix.  No rules, baby.

I've been clipping coupons again.  I am saving a lot this time around.  Check out couponmom.com.



I just love the challenge of finding a deal.  I wish there were such excellent coupon deals on pretty, shiny, sparkly jewelry. (hint, hint)

My Dawgs Ache(d)

I got acupuncture for the first time last week.  Mostly for my wretched back.  But my feet were giving me fits, too.  Yep, I actually went for a long walk that week.  Silly me.

P.S.  Yes, I have ugly feet.  I am at peace with that.

Bam!

Doesn't this just scream, "GOOD MORNING!!!!"

I Give My All

I try to put a little of myself into everything I do.

Maybe I should back off a little with the "sharing" thing when I cook.  I somehow managed to cut my finger while cutting butter...with a butter knife.  Geez.

Almost Spring

Can't wait to place my larger-than-life order from this catalog.

My back seems more eager to wait.

Aw, Mom!

Every Saturday morning, the kids know exactly where to look for their morning instructions.

It's the dreaded Chore List.  They alternate chores each week.  I have lovingly prepared this list so they can check off each task as it is completed.

You're welcome.

But It's Good for You

It was the last day of the kids' Winter Break.  I wanted to make it really special.

"Hey, kids, let's go get our H1N1 vaccines!!"



Yep, I did that.

The Morning After

Hay yawl!  Where in the world have I been???  Livin' la vida loca??  Uh, that about sums it up.  Anywho, I have been WAY LAX in posting my 365 pix.  I've been shooting, just not posting lately.  Read my other blog for details.  Cuz I know you really need to keep up with me.

Okay, so here we go.  Remember our blizzard WAY back a couple of weeks ago?  Okay, not blizzard, but really cool, really fast, really over with quickly snowstorm?  Matt and I, really speedily, built a snowman after I got home from work.  It's not every year we get snow.  Our guy was awesome.

I woke up early the next morning to catch a few more photos before our Winter Wonderland disappeared.  That disappearance occured by lunch time, seriously.  But this guy was hanging in there.

It looks like he partied a little too hard the night before.

Goin' Green

I recycle.  Sometimes it just takes me a little time to get everything into the recycle bin at home.

A bit of a backlog here.

Specs

I have reading glasses all over the house.  Many are from the Dollar Store.  But for work, I need something that looks very proper for a law office.  You know, glasses that look important.

Girl's gotta have good looking specs, you know.

You Have A Point

A couple of years ago, we went on a 24-day family vacation out West.  Matt excitedly purchased cactus seeds to grow when we got home.  We planted those seeds and waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Finally, a little teeny tiny cactus started growing.

Then the just-walking little girl of a friend stayed with us for a couple of hours.  She proudly (and quickly) came running into the kitchen with the cactus that Matt had been growing for months.  The upside-down cactus.  Ooops.

When Matt left to visit his dad later that next summer, Mackenzie and I came up with a plan.  We bought a teeny tiny, already grown a bit, cactus in a teeny tiny pot.  We put that pot on the window sill and waited for Matt to return from his summer away.  We told him that his cactus had a growth spurt while he was away.  He almost believed us.

This imposter cactus was repotted last year.  I can't believe how much it has grown.  It's probably close to 4" high now.  Must be my amazing gardening skills.

A Kiss For You

We seem to have these gel window cling things for every occasion.  Oh joy.

I'm Outta Here

I got to leave a little early from work yesterday.  This is what greeted me.

As I made my way home, it seems LOTS of people got to leave a little early from work yesterday.  Traffic was crazy.

Dipstick

My oil light started flashing and dinging recently.  That can never be a good sign.  I know, I know.  I am usually really good about keeping up with that kind of thing.  I've been busy, I got a job, I have to take Matt to Scouts every week, it was Christmas, I had a kidney removed, I got a weave.

Okay, whatever.  But I DID finally get my oil changed.  Whew.

My Sunday Ritual

We don't have the newspaper delivered to our house everyday.  I don't like wasting all that paper that I know I will never read.  But come the weekend, I must have my Sunday paper.  I love it so much that I usually get it as soon as it is available on Saturday. I'm addicted.  When neither Doug nor I make it to the store on Saturday, I have been known to put a jacket on over my comfy clothes (a/k/a/ pajamas) and head straight to Kroger as soon as I wake up.



Isn't he handsome?

Now Hear This

When I went back to school a couple of years ago, my sweet hubby bought something to keep me company on my ride through traffic on the way to the train station everyday.  Now I can't live without it.

Do you know just how fast I can scroll through ALL those channels with the remote?

Squishy Ride

This is what my morning looked like on the way to work the other day.

Soggy, squishy, yucky.

Just Killin' Time

I love my teeny tiny camera.  I have it in my purse just in case something really important happens.  Like this.

I was stopped at a red light, and I got bored.  So I am now gracing you with this spectacular self-portrait of my in the Mommy Wagon.

You're welcome.

It Shines

Before the kids were born, I visited my grandparents in Florida for a weekend.  During the quick visit, my grandma showed me several of her prized possessions.  She never really had much of anything, but she was proud of what she did have.

During this show and tell session, Grandma showed me a set of silver that she was trying to sell in her weekly front porch sale.  It was like a little store, only not.  Anyway, she told me that when my mom and aunt were young, she decided she wanted a nice set of silver.  She paid $1.00 down, $1.00 a week until the set was paid for.  It appeared that only 4 of the 8 place settings were used on a regular basis.  I am sure Grandma was saving the others for special.

I couldn't let this set go to some stranger, so I bought it from her.  Of course, in true Grandma fashion, she tried to give it to me.  Nope.  I needed to pay her.  I knew she could use the cash; she would just never, ever say that.

I love this set of silver.  Imagine all the memories it holds from years gone by.

Only The Best

When I was married in my past life (a.k.a. before the Big D), I had a beautiful set of bone china.  I registered for this stuff just like a good 21-year old bride.  Through the years, I ordered a few extra serving pieces.  I tried to use this china whenever I could find an excuse.

After about 13 years or so, I finally got a really big china cabinet.  Ooooh, now everything would fit in one place, and it looked so pretty, too.  Well...........life has a way of making necessary adjustments.  The Big D passed through and took with it lots of furniture.  Yep, that really big china cabinet.  I got to keep the china, though.

I have a new and wonderful life now with my soulmate hubby.  We have spent the last few years being true to ourselves and our families.  So far, I just haven't spent a lot of time thinking about replacing that really big china cabinet.  So I store my china here:

Under the stairs, right near the Swiffer and crockpot and dustpan and really big box of cooking oil for our turkey deep fryer.  hehe  Isn't that just hilarious? 

Still Here

I feel it is my duty to report that Matt is STILL wearing braces.  Yes, we are a little bummed.  He was set to get them off this week...or so we thought.  What Matt and I understood to be a "take these things off" appointment was actually a "let's see how straight your teeth are" appointment.  Argh.  BUT...we did set that "take these things off" appointment.  Two more months.

I need to compliment the kid, though.  His teeth are doing what they should be doing.  He HAS been wearing those rubberbands that I showed you yesterday.  It's just that the orthodontist did not schedule a long enough appointment.  Man oh man.

But look at the cool "power chain" that Matt got put over his bands.  He thinks it looks really cool.

I think it looks like it's already paid for, so I'm good with it.  Does this power chain now make him a Power Ranger?

They're Everywhere

Both kids have had braces over the last several years.  It seems like this is a neverending story.  First Matt had a limited set.  Then Mackenzie got an appliance to adjust her jaw for over a year.  She spent the following 1 1/2 years in braces - the last 1/2 year was because she, um, "forgot" to wear her rubberbands as the orthodontist had directed her.  She was liberated in July 2008 just in time for Matt to get a full set of braces a couple of months later.  His braces are now in their extended stay period.  Yep, same reason.

In order to remind himself to wear the rubberbands, Matt keeps little packs of these things all over the place.  Consequently, those little things escape all over the house and car.  All over.

One of Matt's favorite storage facilities for these little beauties is in the van catch all tray.  Right near my pens, spare change, XM remote, and cell phone rests one of the MANY packs of rubberbands.

One day, I will be able to report that these things no longer reside in my van.  Or on the kitchen island.  Or on the dining room floor.  Or in his jeans pockets that he forgot to clean out before he threw them in the laundry room.  Uh huh.

I Heart You

I am definitely gearing up for Valentine's Day.  Ready or not, here I come.

Nothing celebrates the season like the proper foot attire.

Just A Little Snack

Matt asked me to make muffins for breakfast.  Sure.  No problem.  I baked 12 large blueberry muffins.  We had a few left over.  Matt was hungry for a snack later.  A teenage boy finds 5 leftover blueberry muffins to be the perfect appetizer to the snack that he will eat before he has a real snack before dinner which leads to an after dinner snack then another snack before bed.  All washed down by numerous large glasses of milk and juice.

Teens boys - it's like having an infant in the house again with the every hour feedings.  Except these feedings are GIGANTIC.

This is why I go to the grocery story just about every day.  Yep.

And Then The Bottom Fell Out

Doug had an excellent idea for a fun dinner. He's good like that.  He decided we would cook our dinner on the patio over our chiminea.  We would have hotdogs and marshmallows.  Sounded like a great plan.

Doug went outside a few minutes early so he could get the fire going before we were all to load up our roasting sticks with yummy fun food.  I could almost taste the hotdogs.

And that's when our dinner plans changed.

Uh, seems the chiminea had seen better days.  Ooops.  Okay, pizza is it.

Start Me Up

How long have you had your current key chain?  I bet I can beat that.  Feast your eyes on this beauty.

My sister Sheri gave this to me when my first child was only a couple of weeks old.  That was 17 years ago.  If I remember correctly, we were all shopping for baby stuff with little Baby Nicholas in tow.  At some point, we went back to the car so I could quickly change Nicholas' diaper.  Aunt Sheri was so generous as to offer up her leg as a changing table.  And Baby Nicholas was so generous as to pee on Aunt Sheri's jeans.

Now THAT'S some funny stuff.

It's A Date

I have lived by a datebook since my mid-twenties.  Before that time, I used to forget everything, especially appointments.  When I started my photography business in 1986 (I was only 10), I HAD to use a datebook.  Otherwise, I would never know where and when my weddings were.  I also had a large wall calendar that I could see from the phone when brides called asking if I was available.  We currently keep a monthly calendar on our fridge.  I use a datebook planner on my computer.  And I bought a lovely red datebook to keep with me while I am running around during the day.  Can't miss those important dates.

Hey look!  We are finally getting together with Kim and her family in March.  Wheee!  And I wrote it in pen, which means it MUST be important.

It is.

I Can See Clearly

Me:  "Oh, hey Sweetie, hold still.  I need a picture for today."

Matt:  "Mom, I don't want to look.  I'm trying to read."

Mom can never not take a picture.  Come on, it's what I do.

I'm taking it anyway.

Oh So Sweet - Not!

I picked up these narcissus bulbs before Christmas.  I remember growing some indoors maybe 20 years ago.  I remember that they were so pretty.  I FORGOT that they really don't smell so pleasant.

The other day, Mackenzie said, "Mom, these flowers don't smell very good."  Doug remarked that they smelled a bit like urine.  I hate to admit it, but they are both right.  Eeeeew.



But they are so pretty.  Won't they look good in my outdoor garden next year?  WAY out in my outdoor garden, far away from the door.

It's Crunchy

I am VERY lucky to have a super hubby who LOVES to cook.  He doesn't just like it, he LOVES it. And boy, do I love that he loves it.  Doug made these tasty baguette croutons to go with his homemade tomato basil soup.



Those little garlic bits are still calling out to me.  Aaaaaahhhhh.

Get To It, Kids

Child labor.  It's the best.  Oh, the perks of being a parent.

Look at these sweet teens loading up our Costco goodies.  And it's raining to boot.  Love you, kids.



No Moms were rained on during the creation of this Picture Of The Day.  Just as it should be.

hehe

A House Divided

Everyone in this house knows I need to take a picture of just about anything that goes on.  I know, I know.  But's it just what I do.  Imagine my surprise when I discoverd that someone had destroyed the long-overdue-to-be-destroyed gingerbread house...WITHOUT TELLING ME.

I, I, I, I'm speechless. Okay, not really.  It's just that I wanted to watch.  Sigh.

Lean On Me

My sister was so thoughtful with my gift this past Christmas.  She saw this really cool ornament that she knew would remind me of my trip to Pisa.  Except that I haven't been to Pisa just yet.  But I really WANT to go.  (Does that count?)

You may wonder why I am taking a picture of this ornament in January.  Well, when my sister gave me my gift in December, I was in my car.  And I sorta forgot to take my gift out of the car.  I am lame.  Or maybe just very early for next Christmas.

Yeah, that's it.

Hey Kids, Mom Cooked Dinner

I was dead tired after work.  I really wanted to cook a special dinner.  But I also really needed to feed the kids before 8:30 p.m.  Soooo...



My hubby, the master chef in the family, wasn't as thrilled with this dinner as I was.  A girl's gotta do something when her hubby the master chef is out of town.  Oh, heck, you mean I should COOK?  Uh.

I promise to do better.  Grill cheese, anyone?

I've Got Sole

A couple of years ago, our oldest asked what I wanted for Christmas.  I told her that I REALLY needed a new pair of bedroom slippers.  My toe was shoving through the front of my old ones.  I realized that I had been wearing those old slippers for something like 10 years!  But they were comfy.

I asked for slippers with a sole and without an open back.  She picked these out for me.  She said that she tried on a pair and found that they were so comfortable that she couldn't resist buying them for me even though they had open backs.  She was right.  These things are soooo comfy.  I wear them ALL the time when I am home.

Meet my little (size 10) friends.

I wish I could find a pair in black leather so that I could wear them to work.  No?

Pretty In Pink

Our 22 year old daughter gave these beautiful flowers to Doug for his birthday.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE taking pictures of flowers.  Since it is still far from Spring in the ATL, I took advantage of these beauties being in the house.

Aaaaah, soon.  I can almost hear that freakin' bunny chewing on my lilies now.

Handy Woman

I do not profess to be a master carpenter.  At all.  I do, however, proudly claim the honor of being a woman who loves a challenge.  Just try telling me I can't do something.  Just try.

This stinkin' kitchen drawer kept gobbling up utensils so that the drawer would become difficult to open.  The staples (classy, yes?) in the back were no longer holding together the bottom of the drawer to the end cap.  I got out Doug's wood glue and clamps and got to it.  One day later and Voila!

Now, if I could just find a way to raise the height of the back of the drawer so that the utensils no longer jump to their death into Behind The Cabinet Drawers Neverland.

Soup's On

My hubby Doug is the main cook in this family. Yay for me!! He seriously loves it. He said that cooking to him is like photography to me. I now finally understand his passion for it.

It's homemade soup season here in our house. Another yay for me (and the kids, of course). There's nothing like having extra soup in the freezer for those nights when Doug is out of town. I mean, why would a girl cook when her man has left a ton of delish eats all ready to go?

So I take a picture instead. Scoop me up some of that soup, Babe.