Happy Easter!

I hope everyone had a good one! We had some exciting news around here. Looks like the Easter bunny left a ring in Steph's basket. We welcome Nicky to the family (actually, he's already been part of it for a couple of years now)!!

The happy couple. She cried. It was very special. 

This picture does not do the ring justice. It is gorgeous! 

And now you know why I did baskets for the first time in years! Details when I know them!

PS The AYM layouts are posted here.

I'm Back!

I got home from a fun week of scrapbooking at the farm yesterday morning at 9 a.m. Morgan and I immediately left for some shopping. We started with Target---and found her all kinds of really cute clothes. Then it was on to the mall to American Eagle. They were running 40% off your entire purchase! We did some serious damage there. We met Butch for lunch at Red Lobster---Good Friday, you know.

I dropped Morgan off at Steph's office. All the girls were going for manis and pedis. I came home for a quick nap before happy hour---which started at 3 p.m. That was so much fun. We ended up ordering pizza. They all left at 7:45.

Needless to say, I haven't even unpacked yet. And, I have cooking to do, class kits to make, bills to pay. A lot of stuff to do when you've been away. Still worth it.

At the farm, I introduced some to Downton Abbey and others to the first two seasons. We had some questions and I said I would ask my "internet" friends from the UK.

1. Is this show as popular there as it is in the states?
2. Besides Maggie Smith and Elizabeth McGovern, we don't know any of the other actors and actresses. Are they well-known there?
3. A lot of really "big" stuff happened in season 3. We cried all the way through. Not wanting to give anything away to some who may not know---Is it really true? How can it be? I'm broken hearted.

Any insight you might have would be appreciated!

Happy Easter to all!

The Weekend

It was a great weekend---I got everything on my list accomplished (except for one thing), plus a few things for Easter out of the way too. Since I leave on Monday for our annual spring farm crop and don't come home until Friday, I really have to be on top of things. I'm happy to report, I'm ahead of the game. 

I got AYM kits in the mail on Friday and ran a few errands. Saturday, I took Jordan to the mall so she could get a few things for spring break. She got straight A's on her report card, so I was happy to treat her.

I caught myself up on Season 3 of Downton Abbey---and sobbed. In fact, I cried all over again when I watched an episode with Butch tonight. I'm not happy about what has happened. I'm not going to say because I don't want to ruin anything for those that may not have seen it. I'm just sayin'---I hate what has happened. It just won't be the same.

Bunny Booty. I got the Easter baskets put together too. I haven't done baskets in years, but decided to surprise the kids. Now I have to decide whether we'll hide them inside or out. Considering it's still chilly here---unusual for this time of year, I just might have to opt for inside. Plus, that takes away any bad weather issues.

This was an idea I saw in Pinterest and finally got around to implementing it. This is a great way to store your washi tape---just undo a coat hanger, thread them on and hang anywhere. I plan to just use them straight from the hanger. Otherwise, it would be too much trouble to take them off every time to get to what I want. I have about another 10 rolls that did not fit.

 Mindy was buying herself a chair, side table and coffee table. She invited me to meet her at the store to give her my opinion. I love what she picked out and it works perfectly in her living room. Don't let her 10th floor view fool you, we don't have any snow---it just looks pretty white out there.

The chair is mostly red and gold with a little green. Her needlepoint pillow (she made it) of the St. Charles street car in New Orleans goes perfect. The table is a mosaic with all the colors of her chair. She borrowed my car to get everything home. She said it took her 4 trips up and down to the garage to get it all. I guess I could have offered to help, but since I left the house at 9 a.m. and didn't get home until 5 p.m. I was tired. After the furniture store, we went to lunch and then a movie. We saw The Call with Halle Berry. It was really good, but pretty intense and hard to watch in places.

 Today was grey and drizzly all day long. Once I finished at the grocery store, I stayed "in" the rest of the day. I got a head start on my Easter brunch shopping. I only have about 3 things to pick up on Friday---no way am I going on Saturday!

I went to 7:30 Mass at St. Henry's today. I haven't been there in years---not since they remodeled. I was really taken with this mosaic of Mother Teresa. This picture does not do it justice.

Jeanne sent me this picture of the snow storm in St. Louis. The schools are already closed tomorrow. I'd give anything to have a snow like this. We just don't. Maybe next year.

I did some cooking today for my meals at the farm. I just have a breakfast and a lunch. I made pimento cheese, tortellini salad, brownies and assembled all the ingredients for "Gorilla Bread"---another new recipe from Pinterest that I'm trying for the first time. You can't go wrong with brown sugar, cinnamon, cream cheese, butter, pecans and biscuits. I'll be sure to share the recipe if it turns out as good as I think it's going to.

I procrastinated on those taxes. I did sort everything and started filling out the organizer. I'll finish it up in the morning. I'm not leaving until 1 p.m. I'm going to make a run to Archivers in the morning---my treat to myself if I get those taxes done. And, I want to get my nails done. Plus I want to make run through Starbucks.

Right now, I should go to bed. Instead, I'm watching Lisa Bearnson on HSN selling Project Life. The price is fabulous, but I don't need it. I'm going to resist. Actually, I better just go to bed. I know myself. I'll be talked in to it pretty soon.

I'll be MIA all week as there is no internet access at the farm. I will have my phone and can receive emails, but trying to do a blog post from my phone is more than I can handle.

I'll catch you up when I get home. Have a great week.

Nighty night!

It's Happenin'!

Outside my window: This is not exactly out my window, but I had to share this little bright spot as we begin spring.

These are in Connie's yard. I love hyacinths. To me they really say "spring is busting out all over."

These early spring flowers won't last long with temperatures still like this. It's March and here we are with one of the coldest weeks all year. This usually happens in January or February. It's pretty unusual for March.

I am thinking: about all the fun things I have planned for the weekend. Butch is off fishing with his brother. I'm planning on "playing" in my scrapbook room---well, I won't really be playing, I have class kits to put together, kits to get ready for mailing, page planning for our farm crop next week, handouts to write, photos to print, Easter to plan for...and the list goes on and on. I have a lot to do. Oh, no, I forgot about the dreaded "taxes." I have that to do this weekend too. Ugh! I hate it.

I am thankful for: Margarita. If I didn't have her to do my cleaning, I wouldn't have time for much of anything. I'm far too particular about things being just so.

From the kitchen: I already did the grocery shopping for my meals at the farm next week. I'll do my cooking on Sunday. It's just nice to know that I do not have to fight the grocery store parking lot this weekend as people start their Easter shopping. Actually, I've already done most of my Easter shopping too! I'll share my Easter brunch menu next week.

I am wearing: my jammies that I put on when I got home from bridge yesterday at 3 p.m. I'll be wearing them until I have to get ready for my lunch date today. I'll be back in them when I get home. I hardly ever stay in my jammies. They are so comfortable. I don't sleep in them though. I have to change in to something else. I can't crawl in to my clean sheets with clothes I've worn around all day. Plus, I'm a gown type of a gal. My jammies are just for lounging around.

I am hoping: to get everything done on my list so that I can finish watching season 3 of Downton Abbey.  A couple of my careless friends have already let a few important (and unsettling) things slip. I'm not going to spoil it here, but let's just say, I had a tearful night last night even though I knew it was coming. I want to finish it before taking it to the farm this week. We'll watch it again while we're scrapbooking.

I am reading: We Band of Angels---it's been a week now. I should finish this weekend. It is soooooo good---about the nurses in WWII---first women in the military.

I am busy creating: This week, I planned the title page for our AYM album "By the Numbers."

Title: "numbers worth remembering." I found the old shoe tags on one of my flea market trips.

I'm bummed: that our president thought it was a good idea to go to the expense of taking a limo from the US and shipping it to the Holy Land for his comfort, yet decided to close the White House for tours to students on spring break because it "cost too much."

I am hearing: Good Morning America. Always a good way to start the day.

Around the house and garden: getting ready for Easter. I have to get a package in the mail for my kiddos in Charlotte. 

In other news: I have a shopping trip planned with Jordan tomorrow (Morgan next Friday). Both of the girls are going on spring break with friends. I thought I'd surprise them with a few new clothes. Everyone likes to get new things before vacation. Which reminds me. I really need to start planning my clothes for our Mediterranean cruise coming up on April 12. I tried to find out about the weather, but the best I can figure, it's around 60 degrees most all around there.

One of my favorite things right now: cute finds from Target for the girls. I sent these pictures to Stephanie and Mindy and told them to check these out:

 Kind of hard to tell, but they are open-toed. I've always loved shoes, but unfortunately, I have to go for comfort and practicality these days. Still, they would look great on the girls.

My girls have always loved wearing little dresses. I thought this polka dot chambray number looked just like them. 

I consider clothes from Target to be disposable. They are not the best quality, but then again, they are also pretty darn cheap. That always worked for me. I'm too fickle---I like that by the time I tire of something, I've just about worn it out anyway. That doesn't happen with good quality stuff. Then the guilt sets in and before you know it, my closet is stuffed to the brim with too many clothes.

I appreciate: the reflexology appointment I had this week. There's nothing better than having your feet rubbed for an hour. Thank you Groupon.

I remember: how much I love to dance---and did it constantly since the 5th grade. I never really had any aspirations to be a dancer---just wanted to dance all the time. I could hardly sit still during Flashdance. Simply fabulous! Those dancers are athletes---no doubt!

 My picture is blurry because Connie took it. Obviously, she moved!

Here she is getting her "dance" on.

I forget - the general that Matthew Fox played in The Emperor. Tommy Lee Jones played General MacArthur. It was really good. But I'm skeptical as to whether it was all true, or glamorized for the big screen.

I regret - Butch got rid of my bowling ball years ago. He didn't even ask me. Considering I haven't asked about it in over 20 years, I guess it's not a huge loss.

How the weekend is shaping up: Besides all the "chores" and shopping, I'm going to lunch and to see the new movie with Halle Berry as a 911 operator. Looking forward to some one-on-one time with Mindacious. We're also going to look for a chair and coffee table for her living room.

I guess that's pretty much "it" for this week. Hope your weekend is shaping up! To all of my friends off on spring break---have fun and be safe!

It's the Little Things....Update

Shortly after posting, I got this from Sandy:

Mom,

After reading your blog this morning, I thought you might get a kick out of this.  We too got a new tv for the bedroom well over a month ago.  I haven't said a word but am wondering how long our old tv will continue to sit in the corner.  Maybe we should place a bet on whose will sit the longest!

Sandy

I probably shouldn't take your bet. I'm pretty sure that after your dad sees my blog, he'll get rid of our "elephant" in the room!!

It's the Little Things...

...that make me happy! I've always said that. Now I have to make a confession. It's also the little things that drive me nuts! Case in point:

 The kitchen has been his office for 3 years now. I get that. I'm even okay with it (well, at least it's not worth fighting over). But, seriously, does he have to use EVERY chair? They are constantly all askew.

 I'm pretty used to this now. Do I like it? Not really. But, it's his house too---I keep reminding myself.

 Luckily, he doesn't mind the tablecloth. I asked him if he wanted me to remove it, but he said, "no." I'm good with that. However....

I don't understand why he can't close the pantry door.  I realize that it's a little thing, but still...

 He has this really nice office. Granted, it can be a bit dark and cold---and it doesn't get internet access.

No internet would even be a deal breaker for me. Still, it's a nice room with all his stuff---well, except for what he's "storing" in the kitchen.

Then I couldn't resist snapping a shot of this. We got a new tv on my Birthday, January 11th. JANUARY 11TH!!! At the time, I said, "why don't we get the boys to take this out to the garage at happy hour tonight?" It weighs two tons. He said, "okay." But when the time came, he said, "no, we don't want to mess with that now." I said, "well, if you don't do it now, it will sit up there for a month!" Hmmphh! It's been two months now! I'm telling you, that "thing" is not moving any time soon. I'm betting it will be at least June before it's gone. (Go ahead, bet me).

Then we move on to the master bath. When you walk in, it looks like this (notice the 3 pairs of shoes on the floor). I have to see this so his closet can stay like this:

 Absolutely perfect!

Absolutely

Perfect!

Now in all fairness, I have my fair share of messes in the bathroom. I think that could be a throwback from my teen years. And I'm sure there are tons of little things that drive him crazy about me. But really, I can't think of any. Only kidding. Don't you think it would be fair for him to snap a few shots of the things that drive him nuts? If he does, I'll give him equal time!!

Luckily, after 42 years, we're both pretty laid back about stuff like this. These little things might drive me crazy, but they don't raise by blood pressure. At least not to the strokeenducingpoint!

Flea Market Finds

I finally got everything cleaned up and photographed so you can see what treasures I found.

As you can see, I found all kinds of goodies.

 I found several cool clocks for my collection. The frame is pretty awesome---it has a vintage pin at the center of the bow. I also picked up a couple of old cameras. One will go to Morgan for her birthday. I'll keep the other for myself.

 I couldn't pass up this old coffee percolator. Very 1950's with the turquoise flowers.
 I love bargains. It was $4.50.

 The little date book is from the 1940's. The pages will turn up in an AYM kit soon. The vintage flash cards will too.

 The girls like vintage jewelry. The white beads are vintage---they look like something my grandmother would have worn. The other two necklaces aren't that old, but they're still nice. I loved the frame with the little girl in her school uniform.

 This is the vintage frame I found for Connie. It's an 8x10 opening. I was really tempted to keep if for myself, but I don't need any more as my wall is complete.

 This is my new latest obsession (thanks to one of my blog friends). It's Staffordshire Liberty Blue china. This dessert plate has Monticello on it. The color is perfect for my kitchen!

I don't know what it is about old stuff. I didn't really start to appreciate it until about 15 or 20 years ago. I don't have many family heirlooms, but I treasure the ones I do. I always wonder about what the stories are behind all this stuff. Who owned it? Did they love it? I wish I knew more about the family things that I have. I guess that's why I'm so passionate about telling the stories of our lives. I just know that there is going to come a time when someone will want to know about my stuff. Of course, I can't document everything, but I can make sure to leave behind the stories of the important things. At least I'm trying.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Folks 'round here started celebrating yesterday. I drove Steph, Nicky and Mindy to East Nashville to meet up with friends to party at the many St. Patrick's Day festivals going on.

Both of the girls were wearing their green. Do you still get pinched if you don't? Mindy even saw a fellow wearing a St. Cecilia plaid skirt. Here's what she had to say about it:

"You know how I know it's almost St. Patrick's day? Because there are grown men voluntarily wearing the same uniform I was forced to wear in highschool for 4 years. Real talk: this was our uniform skirt."
I have to add, that the girls never wore them this long---even though they were supposed to!

I guess there's something about drinking on a Sunday that just doesn't work---especially since most people have to get up and work on Monday! Still, here in Nashville, they are offering free cab rides until 2 a.m. for those that over-imbibe. I really like free things, but I don't think I'll take advantage of this offer.

Speaking of "free" things---if you have a kindle, there are all kinds of free books available. Connie is reading Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker. When I went to buy it, there was another "free" version by the actual woman who was the dressmaker. It's rated 4 stars---totally meets my criteria for me to read a book---at least 4 stars. You can get it here:
Behind the Scenes or, Thirty years a slave, and Four Years in the White House

I'm going to be giving "Operation Organization" a break for awhile. I've got so much going on lately, that cleaning out stuff is going to have to take a back seat. If you continue on your own, be sure to let me know and I'll post your success.

On our "mystery trip" earlier in the week, I came across a few old phones. Since the topic for April's AYM/By the Numbers is an important phone number, I snapped some shots of old phones.

 This is probably the first phone I remember growing up. We had this exact one hanging in the kitchen. That was back when we had a "party line." Sometimes, when you went to make a call, someone else was on it. With our large family, that didn't last long.

 I also saw quite a few unique decorating ideas. Here, they bordered a room with old book pages. I loved it!! It would be especially cute in a library. They're not even completely glued down. They were along the chair rail too. Clever.

 This is a bed made out of old doors. The headboard is one door in the middle and another cut in half for the sides. They even left the hardware on. The footboard is another door laid on its side.

Here's a hall tree made out of doors. Even the bench/storage is a door. The owner of the store was telling us that the people that made this furniture "rescued" all of it from an old Voctorian house that was going to be demolished. They had some really neat furniture.

Later, I'll share my vintage finds---when I get them out and cleaned up!! I just stuck them in the dining room when I got home and that's where they still are. I'm hoping to get to them later today. At least it's on my list!

Happy St. Pat's to you and I wish y'all the luck o' the Irish!

Wassup??

Outside my window: Nighttime. Still warm.

I am thinking: About what I want to watch this evening.

I am thankful for: Free days. I got a lot accomplished today---and some reading too!

From the kitchen: Mindy and I went to the mall, so we had dinner at 5th and Pine---no cooking today.

I am wearing: jammies. Just got home at 8:45 from the mall. I found 2 pairs of comfortable shoes from The Walking Store for our upcoming trip in April. I'm going to start wearing them now to break them in. 

I am hoping: to sleep in a little---that means 6:30 for me.

I am reading: We Band of Angels. It's a true story about 77 nurses on the Pacific front during WWII. It is EXCELLENT! So good. In fact, I'm going to see the movie The Emperor on Tuesday to learn more about the Pacific side of the war.

I am busy creating: Today, I got caught up on The History Project. I got my scrapbook room in order and put some materials together for my next AYM kits. I worked on the class handout and will finish the kits on Sunday. I edited and printed some pictures too.

I'm bummed: that the day went by so fast. I don't always get to have a full day at home. I love them.

I am hearing: just the tv.

Around the house and garden: not a darn thing.

In other news: I spent an hour and 45 minutes catching up with Sandy yesterday. Mitchell had some good news. He made the track team at Charlotte Catholic. At the very first meet, he came in first in his event---the high jump. You know that one where you throw yourself over the bar backwards. He also does the triple jump, but 3 hours after his first event, he did his warm up jump. Sandy noticed that just as he was ready to make his jump, he stopped and put on his clothes. Turns out that they called the meet since it was getting dark. Track meets are very long! The coach told Mitchell that he showed great athleticism and leadership ability---so, he was made the team captain! 

I'm not surprised! He's such a likable kid! He's a great athlete, but this is first time with track. So far, he really likes it. He loves all sports.

One of my favorite things right now: planning my food for book club on Monday night, my meals for our annual farm crop the week before Easter and planning our Easter menu. I've pulled out all the recipes and put together the grocery list. 

I appreciate - the good life that I have. I try to remember to appreciate the little things every day.

I remember - all kinds of things from my childhood as I do the history project. I'm all about the story.

I forget - how much I love the spring---before the mosquitoes start up.

I regret - I still haven't gotten back to my workout routine. I really have to get back to it.

How the weekend is shaping up: ---it's busy. Hair appointment in the a.m. On to Michaels for some Easter things. A meeting in the afternoon. Grocery shopping and some cooking to do for my new "freezer club." There are 4 of us. We each prepare a double recipe and divide it by 4. Freeze the meals. We'll meet on Monday before book club to make the exchange. That way we all get a variety of meals without cooking. 

We'll go to 4:30 Mass and meet the Potters for dinner at El Palenque. I'm hoping to scrapbook on Sunday. Another day of no cooking as Butch is leaving for Birmingham.

That just about covers it! But one last thing:

For your entertainment:
What happens AFTER happily ever after... this guy is really good. Enjoy! Thanks, Mindy!

The Mystery Trip

I picked the girls up at 8:30 a.m. We stopped at Starbucks on the way out of town for our tea. Our first stop was Cadiz, KY where we antiqued.

There were decorated pigs all over town. I almost forgot to get a picture. 

I had planned to take us to a cute little tea room there, but sadly, it was no longer in business. We ended up going to Patti's Settlement---from the 1880's. We split the most amazing grilled cheese clubs---8 different cheeses, turkey and homemade fries on the side. We had to have the coconut and chocolate cream pie---with about a 6" meringue on top. Everything was delicious---no way one person could eat a whole sandwich.

After lunch we stopped at Sister's and Friends antique shop. Here we are---Nancy, Barb, Pam and Karolyn.

We continued on to Sikeston, MO and checked in to our hotel. After  a brief rest, we went to some lame outlet mall---we didn't even stop. We went to WalMart to buy yarn so I could teach Nancy and Karolyn how to crochet.

 Lambert's Cafe is the reason we went to Sikeston. It's the "home of the throwed rolls." It's a meat and three type place. They have what they call "pass arounds"---where people walk around with pans of fried okra, stewed tomatoes with macaroni and black-eyed peas. They do throw the rolls if you want one!

Karolyn and Pam enjoying the rolls with apple butter and sorghum. I would have liked a second one, but I resisted! It was a fun and unique experience.

We went back to the hotel room and had a glass of wine while the girls practiced crocheting. Then, we started playing "dice with friends"---just like Yahtzee---on our phones. At one point I said, "look at us---all sitting here playing on our phones when we could actually be playing the real game!" I guess it's true, with all this technology, personal communication is really being lost. I don't think we have to worry about that. We talked pretty much non-stop for hours.

On Wednesday morning, we had a quick breakfast at the hotel. We stopped at the Old Timer's Antique mall before heading back to Nashville.

Our final stop was for the best hamburger in Paducah, KY---The Station Burger Company.

It was started by a couple of volunteer firemen. The burgers were out of this world!

After, it was an uneventful ride home. We all made several purchases---old mirrors, frames, lamp, coffee pot and other assorted stuff. I'll share my purchases later. We all agreed that it was so much fun---we need to do it again. And even though we were only gone a little over 24 hours, it seemed like a long time---with some much needed time with girl friends!

I keep saying, life is short and you just never know what might happen. Grab some fun any time you can!!