"Good Times"

catching up with fall

2010-02-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

here are some of the fall pics we took that never got posted. I think these turned out super cute!

more catching up...

2010-02-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

here are some winter pics and the kids making snowmen.

I'm back, with lot's to catch you up on!

2010-02-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

I finally got a laptop and can post all my recent pics. I've felt like a limb has been cut off without having been connected via internet for so long. I moved to a new rental, which I like alot more than the previous one, (which isn't saying much). I've been sewing alot and have some pics of my latest projects. I've also been inspired to start some new craft ideas thanks to Jeff. I may or may not post these depending on how they turn out, lol.

Here are my recent sewing projects.

some bibs for a friends baby.

a pillow for Ireland

a pillow for Colin, I posted the front and back, which I needle pointed from a poem he wrote about a snowman.

a quilt for Colin made from his baseball t shirts. with matching pillows.

a cable knit purse for me made from an old sweater.

and a dress and matching booties from vintage sheets for my niece. The sheets and buttons belonged to my late aunt.

Currently, I'm working on a tote for Ireland made from her fave sleep shirt.

Totally 80's

2009-08-19T03:28:00.000-07:00

Ireland celebrated her 11th birthday in 80's style. We crimped our hair, donned our leggings, and rocked out to Bon Jovi and Madonna! It was hosted by my super talented cousin and the benefit was getting to visit with my family whom I haven't seen for awhile. We drove to Tennessee for the party. What a gorgeous drive through the mountains. On the way home, we stopped in Asheville for lunch at a super cute cafe with Jenny and Madison. I have dreamed of lunching in North Carolina with them for almost five years now. It was a fantasy of mine come true. I love when that happens. Now we are focusing on starting school and work and getting back on schedule.

In The Kitchen

2009-07-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Ireland and I were in the kitchen this week baking up some goodies. Chocolate Pound Cake with Walnuts and Glaze and Chocolate Cupcakes split with Strawberry Ice Cream. We also made some Birdseed Biscuits Bird Feeders for the birdies and squirrels to hang from trees in the back yard. My kitchen is so tiny that I can't even open the oven door all the way, but I managed to get some baking done somehow.

Movie Day

2009-07-02T16:36:00.001-07:00

My sister In Law and I took the kids to the movies today to see Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs in 3D! We had so much fun and the 3D effects were so cool. The best part was watching Chloe fall through the crack in the chair since she's so small. We had a great day. I'm really going to miss this stuff most when I'm gone.

Sew Crafty!

2009-06-17T04:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am finally posting a pic of my recent sewing venture. A summer top and some cute birdies I plan to attach to branches in a tree. The last is a pic of my knitted beret. It's just so soft and yummy, I can't wait to wear it this fall!

I know, it's getting a little riculous

2009-04-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

But... I'm an aunt again! Three times in three weeks! My gosh, what a prolific family, lol. Ava, Lila, and Mason all made me an Auntie this month, Happy Birthday little ones.

Also, I FINALLY can say that I'm on my way to North Carolina on May 9 to scout out a rental house and job situation. Yippee Skippee! I'm very excited, and also disappointed, (to say the least), that I can't buy a house right away, but I can't complain because at least I'll be there, finally.

Lastly, I'm on a mission to liquidate any and all unwanted items from my home and either, donate them, garage sale them, or toss them, in order to lighten my load and be on the road, lol, hey, that rhymes. It feels so good to take things down from the attic after not seeing them for two years. I forgot most of what I owned, how sad.

I am feeling so many mixed emotions this week and sort of feel the need to protect myself by hiding out in my safe bubble, not letting anyone's negativity and will penetrate my fragile nerves. I wish it were easier, but everyone has such mixed feelings about me going and I only feel one way about it, HAPPY! EXCITED! EAGER! So, I'm sorry everyone, it doesn't mean I don't love you and won't miss you all, but I need to move on with my life and this will be a good thing all the way around. Just trust in me. And to bring this blog entry full circle, honestly, I'll miss all of my new little babies the most.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail... Happy Easter everyone! I had a great day at my brother's house celebrating with my family. Good food, an egg hunt, and dying eggs, and Easter baskets full of goodies. I just love Easter ans spring. It reminds me of fresh, pretty things. My nieces Chloe, Shae, and Ava were too cute. Here are some pics of the day.

Happy Birthday Ava!

2009-03-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

My new niece was born this week. She is so sweet and beautiful and pink. I'm lucky enough to be honored as her Godmother. She is the new light of my life, (aside from her sister, Chloe), lol.

Happy Birthday Colin!

2009-03-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Colin's 13th birthday at Jaxon's Ice Cream Parlor with
our family. He had a great day. I still can't believe he's 13 already.
My little Bear is getting so big!

Stunning Scrapbooking!

2009-02-28T14:08:00.000-08:00

So, I was window shopping and came across a store going out of business and I walked inside and found these gorgeous shelving units for a steal! I really mean a STEAL! I instantly thought, "Darn, I'm going to have the hottest Scrap Room in North Carolina)! And the bookshelves can be used for my extensive book collection and or mudroom, since I have two of them. It looks just like custom shelving in nice mudrooms when you take out all of the shelves. I just feel so lucky this week.

Also, keeping on my lucky streak, I scored the most fabulous find at Goodwill. A Banana Republic silk coat for $6!!!

It's Official!

2009-02-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

We're Moving!!!!
To North Carolina!
Yippee-Skippee!!

I'm just so excited I cannot describe the level of elation and relief I'm feeling this week. I am finally fulfilling my dream and getting on with my life and fulfilling the rest of my dreams which I feel like I've had to put on hold for a few years now. I will be posting more details as I get them. I guess you will all have to be patient with me in the coming months, since I'm going to be cramming my joy down your throats! lol

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

2009-01-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

I know what you're thinking,... What??? It's the name of the show my mom took us to. It's a children's classic, and they did a really great job on it, too. Not my favorite show I've seen but very enjoyable. The kids were memorized by the singing and the costumes and the flying car.

Gina's Baby Shower

2009-01-04T18:26:00.001-08:00

My cousin Gina is having her first baby, (first of many???) lol. We went to her shower this weekend and had a great day. Chloe was gorgeous, as always, and Ireland went swimming. Gina and Craig are very excited about Fetus Taylor, Gina's name for now for the baby girl, ???, and I can't wait to meet my new niece! There seems to be a pregnancy epidemic in my family right now, since Gina is the third expectant mother among my cousins and sis-in-law.

Holiday Shows

2008-12-22T18:00:00.000-08:00

It's holiday time again and that means SHOWS! Colin had his Band Winter Concert in which he played the Trumpet. He did an awesome job, I was so proud.

Ireland had her Winter Musical and sang Christmas songs. She was so cute.

She also had her first school dance this week and was
so excited and got all dressed up.

Colin Ty: My Natural Side

2008-11-30T12:51:00.000-08:00

lol, just having fun with my title.
I got some great shots of him this week at the beach.

My little pumpkins

2008-11-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

Me and Arthur's pumpkins below.

I took my little pumpkins to the pumpkin patch and snagged a few good shots. I'm also including some of our pumpkin carving pics. We always give our pumpkins silly names. Ireland and I painted ours and the boys carved theirs. Ireland got all "art student" with hers. She amazes me.

These are our Salt Dough creations. Fall leaves and on the back we wrote what we are thankful for. We also made candy apples which you could chip a tooth on, lol. The candy coating came out too hard.

Random Shots

2008-11-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

I took a few random pics this week here and there. Some cute stuff, although not very exciting subject matter. I also added some pics of Ireland's Girl Scout Troop. She went to camp this weekend, so I'll hopefully share some camp pics soon.

reaching for the stars!

2008-11-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

Colin and Ireland have a planetarium toy which projects constellations and planets around the room. They played with it the other day and I got the idea to expand on their interest and log them onto NASA's website to follow the Hubble telescope's path and to check out real planet and comet pics. They loved it and surfed the site for hours! They looked so cute together at the computer.

The Puppet Master

2008-10-18T17:18:00.000-07:00

Ireland was in a silly mood the other day and disappeared into my room to raid my craft desk. An hour later, she popped out with this...

Busy, Busy...

2008-10-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's fall already! It really came fast this year. I am knee deep in renovating the kids bathroom, which I'll be posting pics of soon. Also, I've been super busy with my Christmas shopping and am almost finished, which feels great, since I'm always dead last for being organized at anything. Ireland and I are starting piano lessons soon and taking yoga/pilates together. I a, dealing with lice and fleas all at once, and I'm ready to send the kids and Jinxie packing any day now! Disgusting! Otherwise, all is well. We're decorating for fall and I am trying to foray into the world of Homemade Paper Making, which is fun and messy. I'll let you know if I'm succesful at it. My birthday is coming up soon and here are some things on my wish list... November 12th, by the way...

Nina by Nina Ricci

Daisy by Marc Jacobs

Ireland's Art Class

2008-09-25T15:05:00.001-07:00

These are Ireland's creations. She is learning computer graphics and photoshop in her art magnet class. I am so impressed with her. She only practiced for an hour in school and came home and made these and a ton more! She just blows me away with her capacity to learn. Now if I could just get her to clean her room now and then.

First Day of School (belated)

2008-09-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Oops! Sorry, I am forever taking pics and forgetting to share them with you all. Our first day was delayed a couple days due to Hurricanes, but we finally managed to start the school year, Thank Heavens! I can't believe my little bear is a 7th grader! Jeez! He is in band class and playing the Trumpet and just absolutely LOVING IT!

He's happy here because their are no witnesses.

Here, he's miserable because we're at school
around Many Witnesses.
So classic!

Ireland looks so pretty with
her curly curls.

And her second day in her new sweater, which she loves.

Horsing Around

2008-08-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Ireland's Tenth Birthday last weekend by going Horseback riding for the day and barbecuing with my family at the park. Ireland led us on the trail and we had a blast. She opened most everything she wanted and then had dinner at Cracker barrel. The next day, we went to see Mama Mia, the movie, and went shopping for new clothes at Target. She enjoyed her birthday and I got some great pics of her on her horse.

things I can't live without

2008-06-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my fave things I use in my everyday life. Not very exciting things, but I do love them anyway.

This pedicure cream is perfect for a foot rub. I love the Lemon one and it's not greasy and smells clean and light, not overpowering. It also has exfoliating microbeads!

I love, love, love the Downy Ball!

Japanese Cherry Blossom perfume from Bath and Body Works is delicious, musky, and not too strong. I wear it for night or day and always get compliments.

I love these slipper socks. They are so yummy around the house after work and not as bulky or hot as slippers.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask simply puts everyone else's to shame. It's cheap and sold at every drugstore around my house. It works awesome and tingles a little while it's drying so I feel like it's working. I use this once a week or before a big outing. It helps my makeup go on smoother and I end up needing less foundation.

I can never remember to charge my cell phone at home. Ever! So I can't live without my car charger. I charge it while I talk in the car and kill two birds with one stone.

Vanilla Lime Yankee Candle Tarts are irresistible! I know everyone has their own fave scent, but they are a must. Every time I light one, I get inspired to clean my house and the delicious, clean smell relaxes me and I feel like I'm treating myself. I've been tarting for years and it's still among my fave things, thanks Jenny!

Crazy Kids

2008-06-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

I went to Publix the other day and told Colin to get me a cart. He came back with this truck cart and I laughed so hard. We haven't used those in a few years. They didn't even fit in it and were falling out the doors. I couldn't help but take a pic to share with you all. They are some crazy kids!

Chloe's Baptism and Birthday!

2008-06-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

My sweet little niece was Baptized on her first birthday, so we had a 2 in 1 party. The kids had so much fun and she opened beautiful presents. Every time I look at her, I just smile so big. She makes me so happy, I love her so much. Happy Birthday Chloe!

Oh Shoot! Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

We had a busy, fun-filled weekend.
On Sunday, my dad joined us for some target practice. Colin got to try out his new gun, handed down from my dad, and Ireland got to shoot a gun way to big for her britches. Arthur BBQ'd some burgers for us at the range, and afterward, we went swimming and grilled some fish out back on the patio. It really was a nice day together.

P.S. - My dad got his truck stuck in mud at the range and we got stopped by police on the way home for a weapons check, lol. Very exciting!

On Monday, we decided to build a pond in our back yard as part of our ongoing effort to improve our home in order to sell it. Here are some before and after pics. Afterward, we enjoyed the new back yard with another BBQ in our smoker. I just can't pull Arthur away from that darn smoker!

I Am Lion, Hear Me Roar!!!

2008-04-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

My little Jinxie had an appointment with the groomer yesterday and had to be dipped and shaved to rid him of fleas. So, I thought I'd share his before and after pics, since I can't look at him without laughing. He got a "Lion Cut". I didn't realize how skinny he was under all that hair.

Before... After...

Art Show

2008-04-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

My little budding artist had her first art showcase! It was a showcase for all students in the Art Magnet program at her school. I was so proud of her and her enormous talent. She just shines when the spotlight is on her. My parents came to see her work, also. It was just one of
those great days to be a mom.

Sunflower Patch

2008-02-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

I took advantage of this sunflower patch across from my house to get some cute pics of Ireland. Everytime I tried to take her, something delayed us. By the time I finally got there, the season was ending and the flowers were wilting. But we managed some good ones. Classic summer!

Down By The Water

2008-01-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

We went down to our fave spot today. A little out of the way place by the water in our neighborhood. I got some great pics of the kids today and wanted to share. Enjoy!

Gingerbread House

2008-01-18T16:46:00.000-08:00

Ireland made her annual Gingerbread House. A bit messy, but always worthwhile. I love this tradition.

This is my little Dominic, my handsome
little nephew. I'm in love with him. And my cutie niece, Chloe. How cute are they together? Awwwww

In The Kitchen...

2007-10-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight I made my first lasagna. I followed a recipe and it turned out superb! Funny how the Italian girl who cooks every night has never tried a lasagna.

I also made homemade blackberry preserves. I got the recipe from Country Living magazine and it was super easy to make. It tasted like heaven. I canned it in my mason jar. I can't wait until I move up to North Carolina. I plan to grow my own berries and use them for jam. I'm going to try making peach preserves this weekend. I just love finding out you're good at something new.

Shoe Sale!!!

2007-09-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Today was the Grand Opening of the new Goodwill Superstore near my house. I swear to you that there was a line to get in nearly an hour before it even opened. Patience was never a virtue of mine, so I decided to hit it up later on the day.

When I was shopping the shoe isle, I came upon a glorious pair of shoes, (two pairs, actually). One was a pair of the cutest espadrilles ever! All natural color weaving on the bottom with sheer golden pleated material across the toes and a rope tie around the ankle. I tried them on and what do you know? They fit! Perfectly. So then I check out the name on the instep and... Stuart Weitzman!!!!!!

I almost fell over. These shoes cost well over $250 in upper-scale department stores. I snagged them for $5!!! I'm still in shock. I tried desperately to find a pic of them to share with you, but alas, zilch. Perhaps another time. I'm going to go and try on my shoes, again, in front of the mirror, if anyone needs me.

"My Big 9 Yr. Old"

2007-08-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! My little Ireland is turning 9! I swear i was just changing her diapers not too long ago and now she's almost all grown up. I might cry thinking of it. We are keeping it kind of quiet with the celebration this year, hopefully a trend which will catch on. We'll shop for new clothes, eat at Samurai, her fave restaurant, and then go to the zoo with my parents. I'll post some pics of the day. Yesterday, my parents took them horseback riding! You can imagine how much Ireland enjoyed that! She just loves her horses, and she rode one named Sgt. Pepper. Hopefully some pics of her and the horse will soon follow. I'm sure it'll be a great birthday. I just can't believe there have already been 9 of them, my god, where does the time go?

Dallas, Texas

2007-07-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so not impressed with this city. Though, I had an awesome trip! I went to visit some of my girlfriends whom I met online and we all gathered in Dallas for the RWA, Romance Writer's Awards! Our friend, Farrah Rochon, just wrote her first book, Deliver Me, and was signing and promoting it at the conference. We had a big turnout to support her, like 70 girls, and she hosted a special dinner for us. The highlight of the trip was meeting my literary heroine, Judith McNaught! She was the epitomy of grace and what a lady should aspire to be. Just lovely. She signed my book and hosted a fabulous party for all of her Dreadnaughts at a super-swanky hotel in Dallas, where she lives. I also met J.R.Ward, the talented writer of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, of which I can only explain as HOT! I reccomend this series to everyone! She hosted a luncheon for us and was very patient with all of our book signings and questions. I also met Julia Quinn, author of countless awesome books, including the Bridgerton series, one of my faves! A definite must read. All in all, it was a great trip. I loved being able to get away for a few days and indulge my passion of reading. And meeting my friends in person was a huge treat! They didn't dissapoint, we had a ball.

"Summer Update"

2007-06-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are, halfway through summer. I still don't have a camera to take pics of anything. We have gone riding on the ATV's several times this summer and the pool a few times, too. Today I took the kids to Matheson Hammock Beach. They just love it there. We took turns burying eachother in the sand and found hermit crabs and shells. It was a beautiful day. I keep promising to squeeze in a movie, so we'll see if we can make it to the Pirates 3 movie before summer ends. So far, just another lazy summer, as it should be.