Say "CHEESE"

(03-31-09)

I just can't get enough of this cute little fellow. Isn't he adorable? The photos used on the layout were taken before Christmas. I was visiting and Jamie and Jennifer were finishing up some gift wrapping. G decided to try on one of the gifts--the camouflage hat--I have to admit, it suits him fine!!!

Time for American Idol, one of the few shows I'm into. Have a great evening!

A little more scrappin'.......

Photography 101

(03-30-09)

Here's a quick layout of Mr. G trying out sissy Jen's camera. He actually took some pretty good pics. He had quite a fascination with the photos showing up in the view finder! He had so much fun with the camera, sissy couldn't resist getting him one of his own for Christmas.

On another note: I'm so happy the sun was out today!!

Remember this?

What a difference a day makes!!!
The sun is out!!!
(03-29-09)

I mistakenly thought Spring was here. Guess not. Looking outside Saturday morning brought these snowy views. At times, it was snowing so heavy, visibility was very limited. I tried getting Kelsey into town, but we got stuck in our driveway!!! Dear hubby helped me get the car back in the garage and we stayed put for the rest of the day.

I have to admit, it looks really pretty when you don't have to get out in it! I did make a quick trek out to the mailbox, I couldn't get Roger or Kelsey to volunteer for that trip. It wouldn't have been quite so bad if we hadn't had all of the rainfall before the snow. My boots when through several inches of snow, and then down into a soggy, wet mess. Oh well, I got some fresh air out of the deal.....and if we hadn't had all of the snow---we wouldn't have been able to enjoy this......

Nice, warm fire!

(03-28-09)

Here Kitty, Kitty.......

Yes, you heard me correctly, Kitty, Kitty. As in "Melody." Caleb and Christy's kitty came to visit over Spring Break and ended up staying with us. Were we looking for another cat? No. Did we ask to keep the cat? No. Am I a softie? Yes. Here's how it went. The Friday before the kids came home for their visit, someone from the apartment staff went into their apartment unannounced (they are supposed to let them know in advance). They went in to change the air conditioner filters, and of course, they saw Melody in the process. So they proceeded to call Christy and remind her of their "no pet" policy. Since the kids were getting ready to come home, they told the apartment staff they were just "kitty-sitting" for someone, and brought Melody with them. So, they had to find a new home for a sweet kitty they had gotten attached to. Since we were currently without pets, I said I would keep her while they tried to find one of their friends to take her in. I have to say, she has made herself right at home very quickly. She's really a friendly, sweet kitty---and we are already getting used to her being around!

Look at that sweet face!
(03-27-09)

Time to scrap....

I haven't scrapbooked in weeks. And I miss it. I finally had time yesterday to play around in my scraproom--and I had so much fun. This layout was finished today......

I plan on trying to get several pages done this weekend. I think the cold, wintry weather will keep me indoors!! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Coming soon...all of our spring break visitors didn't leave. Stayed tuned to find out who is still here with us!!

More catching up....

Climbing on up!

(03-26-03)

He insists on doing it himself, climbing up and holding on. He was very sure of himself--but don't worry, Nienie was just inches away, just in case.

G and his buddies....

(03-25-03)

G was so excited that we found chairs for his buddies. Meet Elmo and Mickey!!

Mickey loves to swing!

(03-24-09)

Isn't this a sweet photo! G is such a good friend to his buddies, he let's them all join in on the fun!

Bubble Boy....

(03-23-09)

I just love this little baby boy!

Happy Faces.......

Just a swing'in.....

(03-22-09)

I told you he loved to be outside in the yard. Doesn't he look like he is having fun? I can't believe he is swinging all by himself in the "big boy swing". He was so proud of himself!!! Caleb and Kelsey used to swing on this same swing set when they were little, but of course I've updated the swings since then. I should have attached a new glider as well. When G. asked me to swing with him on the opposite end I should have known better. Actually, the thought of the rusty ole' glider did enter my mind. As I sat down very gently (but not gently enough) my side crashed to the ground. Luckily, I had braced myself for a possible fall, and G. was rather amused that "Nienie broke the swing! Roger fix!"

Finding my feet...

(03-21-09)

Photo a little blurry--but I think it's so cute when they play with their feet. Cheap entertainment!!

Hanging out with Mickey

(03-20-09)

Can you tell who his favorite buddy is?

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E
Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse...

Adorable Smile

(03-19-09)

Such a happy baby......

I'm back!!!!

He's a builder...

(03-18-09)

G. loves playing with Leggos, and he insisted most of the time on building the same exact structures on the side of the box ------ and then stacking ALL of the pieces together into one HUGE piece. He's so talented, isn't he??

Little M.

(03-17-09)

Look how much he has grown! He is such a cutie pie!!!

Going out to PLAY!!!

(03-16-09)

His favorite place to be at Nienie's house---out in the yard!!

And of course, his favorite buddy Mickey had to go with us,

he couldn't miss out on any of the fun.

Morgan & Caleb

(03-15-09)

Aren't they just the sweetest together! Caleb hadn't seen little M. in a while. KK could really make him smile!

That's all for this evening, more coming soon! We had a great time with the kids last week, to say the least. Now, even all the kids, are resting up. I'm thrilled we got to spend so much time together. Thanks, kids!

Photo of the Day

I'm Ready & Waiting.....

(03-14-09)

The house is clean, the food and snacks are purchased, the chicken tortilla soup is simmering on the stove, the juice is chilling, the laundry is folded and put away, the toys are out (old & new!), library books are waiting, and a small red chair is pulled up to the table just waiting for a certain little cutie pie to join me. Of course, I'm also getting very excited about everyone else who is joining Grayson this week for a fun-filled "Spring Break"--Caleb (home from college), Jamie & Joel (he is so sweet to take off work), baby Morgan (cannot wait to cuddle!), Jennifer (she is coming Monday), and of course Kelsey and Roger will be here too. I'm sure I'll have lots of fun pics to share soon. Have a great weekend!!!

Photo of the Day

Coffee Pot, by Wilson & Wilson

(03-13-09)

Another one of my favorite art pieces,
painted by Wilson & Wilson.
It makes me smile.

A visit.....and some bright table fun!

These two are coming to visit for a week--and I cannot wait to see all of the FUN we get into together! We are going to have such a great time. I thought it would be fun to decorate the table in something bright and colorful. I found a tutorial on sewing some stuffed Easter eggs out of fabric scraps (we all know I have plenty of that!). I searched around the kitchen and found different sizes and shapes of glassware for the candy, and the bunny tray was something I found last year. When I put everything together, I thought it looked pretty cute. Especially all of the colorful candy!!!! The only thing I spent money on was the sweets!!!!

Photo of the Day

Yellow Cake Mix Cookie

(03-12-09)

Remember this post? I had a yellow cake mix in the cabinet---so, I decided to try it in this recipe. All of the other ingredients were the same, I only changed the cake mix. I love butter cookies and spritz cookies and wondered if these would taste similar. They had more of a cake texture, but they were still yummy. Especially HOT, right out of the oven!!!

Bargain Find & Photo of the Day

I'm not well known for finding good bargains when I'm out shopping. Truth is, I'm not a big shopper at all. If I need to get something, I like to go find it, purchase it, and be done with it. I don't spend hours upon hours searching and shopping like some of the other women (I won't mention any names here, you know who you are!) in my family. But, I have found a great food bargain--like no other--that really excites me. The $1 chicken strip sandwich at Sonic hit the mark! It's just the right size for me and I love the cost, can't beat it! Pair it up with a large Sonic sprite, with extra ice, and you've got a quick, cheap lunch....and best of all, you don't even have a kitchen mess to clean up!!!

As promised...

Remember these?
Well, I made some more and turned it into this!

A fun little pillow, full of Yo-Yo's. It helped me use up some of my fabric scraps and now it's dressing up my couch in the living room. Mission accomplished!

Photo of the Day

...a little Bling! Bling!

(03-09-09)

...as seen on my living room table.

Photo of the Day

The "Work Hard" Machine

(03-08-09)

We've had this work-out machine for several years. I used it hit-and-miss. It's easy to find excuses, you know. It was in a corner of the computer room and wasn't easy to get to, it wasn't convenient at all. I finally moved it into the back bedroom where I can leave it pulled down and ready to go!!! I'm trying to fit it back into my schedule--I'll let you know how it goes!

Photo of the Day

Budding out...

(03-07-09)

My hydrangea plant is working hard.....soon I will have big, bright, fluffy blooms!! Well, maybe not soon, but they are beginning to bud out. I started with 2 small plants given to me for Mother's Day from the kids, a couple of years ago. Accidentally, I killed them. But, not wanting to totally give up I cut the tops off and replanted the roots in my front flower bed. To my surprise, the roots took hold and the plants began to grow. They were still pretty small by the end of the fall season, but they were still alive! Last summer they grew into large bushes with tons of huge blooms--so I can't wait to see what they do this summer. I even started 2 brand new plants last summer from the original two--so I'll have 4 bushes, if they all make it, that is!!! I'll post photos of their progress as they begin to grow and bloom.

Photo of the Day

Trying to do my part...

(03-06-09)

My two oldest daughters have inspired me. They are so dedicated to recycling things. I always used the excuse of not having the recycling facilities that they have available to them in Dallas. Actually, I was just being lazy--and doing what I have always been used to--I was taking the easy way out. After seeing how much "throw away stuff" can accumulate I started in a small way. I've been recycling newspapers for several years, but nothing else. Now, we have a small recycling center close to us and I'm expanding to plastic, cardboard, cans and foil. It has really made a difference in our weekly trash. Our large trash bin has barely been half-full the last 3 weeks!!!

How about a layout.....

Isn't this a sweet photo of my cute, lil' Grayson? I started to scrap it with a few other photos that were all taken at the same time, all on one page. But, I kept going back and looking at his long lashes and decided to highlight this picture all by itself. Thanks for looking....

Photo of the Day

Feed the Birds

(03-04-09)

old, stale bread

perfect for the birds!

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Jennifer!

(pictured with Morgan Wiley)

(03-03-09)

I remember exactly what I was doing at this time 36 years ago. I was holding and cuddling my sweet firstborn, Jennifer Lou, trying to believe she was really mine. She was the prettiest baby I had ever seen. A parent always has big hopes and dreams for their children, and I can truly say, Jennifer has outdone them all. She is a beautiful daughter, sister, friend and aunt---all rolled into one. She has a huge heart to match her cute little smile. And, don't even think about getting in between her and her 2 adorable nephews----she's without a doubt the "BESTEST" & "COOLEST " aunt Sissy I've ever encountered. I love you bunches, Jen!!! Happy Birthday!!!

Photo of the Day

Streaming Sunlight...

(03-02-09)

Here's what it looked liked in my bedroom this morning when I woke up. Yeah for sunshine! I have so much more energy when it is bright and sun-shiny. Unfortunately, by the time I came home from work around 1:00 pm--it was already cloudy!!! Oh well, there's always tomorrow...

Photo of the Day "Yo-Yo's"

Yo-Yo's

(03-01-09)

Here's a sneak peek at a project I finally got started. Been wanting to get to it for a while. Be back in a few days with the completed project!!!

Photo of the Day "Asiago Cheese Bread"

Asiago Cheese Bread

(02-28-09)

Oh, my goodness!! This bread was so, so yummy! Hubby and I love to eat at Panera Bread. And they have this Sierra Turkey Sandwich that we love--we always get it served on the Asiago Cheese Bread. So, I started wondering if I could find a similar recipe to make it at home. I searched on the net and found this one to try first. We finally found asiago cheese at Albertson's. I'd never noticed seeing it before---but we finally found some. And we loved the results! We made sandwiches with turkey, bacon, cheese, tomato and lettuce--toasted in the oven. All I can say is YUM!!!!