High Maintenance plus 3!

Evidently anyone with a can opener and .50 cents can open a restaurant...

2012-02-06T17:51:00.000-08:00

it's hard working, homework, finding time to get things done and a house being in constant motion. Tonight after long homework and an ill day I pulled the "we have to go out" for dinner. We struck out with Lucia's Italian since evidently in the restaurant world you can take off on Monday's. So we hit Golden Rule BBQ since they are known to have a choice of meat and many sides vs just bbq.

CAnned and processed..that was the experience. I am absolutely calling the owners tomorrow and explain if you are going to have mashed potatoes you dont serve instant.. the so called gravy that was similar to the look of brown road kill was lipton onion soup mix, flour and some gelatin "hold", the meatloaf was the cheapest processed crap available at Im sure WalMart and the butter for their bread was something that will certainly survive the next 100 years.

I picked through my canned veggies and watched the family muddle through their toxic waste. Seriously I should have stayed home and had soup and grilled cheese.

FOR THE LOVE!!

NEXT DAY CALL to owner:
Well the owner could not have been more pleasant and I was kind about my approach. But he did tell me that everything was made fresh daily. I'm sorry, I had to tell him I was shocked he said that. When I explained the gravy, he did say they basically open a packet and add water. I told him he may want to re-think that concept as I described what was served to us. I was pretty detailed on what we ate and how I really questioned it's "made fresh from scratch daily". What also surprised me was "well sometimes it sits for a while before the next serving". This makes me think about any restaurant for that matter...scary how food "lingers" until the next order. If anything I hope he'll pay attention to whats leaving that kitchen.

Speak up and say something when food is obviously not fresh and bland. Lesson learned for me...I should have addressed it when there.

Zumba - Some things you just have to embrace...

2012-02-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

Since January I've added Zumba to my exercise routine. I knew I had to do something else so after many "you can do this" self coaching moments I started classes with Leigh. We tried several classes and found the favorite instructor. Shortly after a few classes I saw people wearing what I refer to as "bells on the ass". Yes, at Zumba, there are these belly dancing scarfs you tie around your waist with a bazillion little cymbals. I was initially shocked and swore I would never...but as more classes went on I began to wonder, am I shaking my ass the right way? Believe me there are moves in these classes that will just make you say "how do they do that, cause my bottom half simply isnt moving like that".

Kourtney is also a Zumba fan and has been going to classes since last August. She invited me to her class this Saturday. I saw her fabulous red cymbals and when she realized I did not have any, before I could blink she had purchased one for me from the instructor. For a brief moment I panicked and screamed in my head "oh, Im not ready for cymbals"! But to my surprise I loved it! Kourtney was right...you shake so much more with cymbals! Leigh... we'll get yours this week!!

So let me just say...Oh yes I did..... and I will be adding this moment to my book chapter of "Oh the things you will embrace"......

thank you Kourtney~

Valentines pictures for the cards...

2012-02-02T14:44:00.000-08:00

I've been fast at work on home made valentine cards and my handy use of glitter! To accompany my cards is the "perfect" photo ....

you can imagine how well it went. These were shot at Buck Creek behind Incahoots..soon to be Papa Sias. I was excited to find a perfect tree with red berry's with the reflection of a creek. This first photo shows how it started and 30 seconds later I get "MOM.....you took like a dozen (had only taken 3) can we go yet"?

Yes indeed...happy valentines to me....

Really?

2012-02-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

Ellen DeGeneres' JC Penney Partnership Slammed By Anti-Gay Group One Million Moms

............so this is the stand that One Million Moms is taking, completely horrified that an openly gay actress is chosen as the new spokesperson for their company. I just find it funny...today in 2012. Who said love, guidance, and well rounded life only comes from a man and woman?

Sadly I heard a story today about a 9 year old girl and 4 year old boy displaced again from a foster home due to horrible conditions. They are the product of a heroin mother..gone...and I believe those children were #5 and #6 for her. These kids have seen sexual assault, drugs and more horrible things than most of us would even care to see in a movie. AGain, picked up and placed with another family...with their things in a pillow case. How about One Million Moms throw a stink about abandoned children, the forgotten faces, the pitfalls of state foster care and the lost who had no choice ..just born into this world.

One MIllion MOms....I say you find something more worthwhile to scream about. Family comes in all colors, shapes and sizes...embrace it you ego maniacs!

looking for spring...

2012-02-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

whenever I drive over Buck Creek I now notice the tree's above the water fall. This shot just seems like the tree's are looking down at their reflection just patiently waiting for their leaves to form....

as I played around with my settings I cant figure out how I got

different colors..I have no idea what I changed to do that.

Clearly I need a photography class..

Weekend of little accomplishments...

2012-01-29T17:32:00.000-08:00

well, since our Helena Heat basketball team games ended I found myself with a totally free weekend. I do recall actually getting dressed before the sun went down both days. I also found time to finish off my recent book obsession More Than Words Can Say by Robery Barclay. I then found myself finishing off Christmas albums on Shutterfly for Seattle sissy and Aunt Janie. In doing so, I became obsessed wtih photo's again, printing and photo projects. I'd also like to thank Leigh and sister S for sucking me into the world of pintrest...I found cool photo projects and am on my way to creating them. I also found that my cheapie photo editer Piknic is going away...which really sucks. I loved using that to make myself look like an accomplished photographer. Boo...

So when I say weekend of little accomplishment I mean that I did all the creative fun stuff I love and chose to fully ignore typical weekend duties. Kitchen is a wreck, clothes ..well, I hope the kids can find something for school Monday, and dinner tonight was my all time favorite and effortless...mac n cheese with hot dogs. Michael says he is waiting for me to snap out of this and revert back to crazy lady controller and the kids find that living in "sure, whatever, sounds good to me" is heaven.

Playing around with piknic for a project...

oh and on another note, in becoming crazy obsessive on photo's again I was hit several times with the reality that my photo's are out of control...thousands...semi organized...and did I mention the nearly 8 years I shot before digital. I mean thank God for the vodka tonic to calm my nerves on the overwhelming moments. Amazing what a little drink will do...takes you from "oh my gosh, how on earth will I ever get this done" to "it's not that bad".

Cheers!

What you can do with a lego..

2012-01-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

We went downtown Sunday to the Lego Brick Fair in Birmingham. It was quite impressive. We met Zinnia and her boys Alex and Julian there. We also took our friend Jackson with us!

What a Kindle Fire and DS wont do....

before we left..

pretty detailed. they all had moving parts, sounds

and funny little features..like the shark below

Jackson was loving this ship..so hard not to touch

this city's from around the world was most impressive..

especially with a $200,000 price tag to create.

Finally I will say that there was a table of pink/purple lego's designed especially for girls.

Now earlier this week Sarah gave me an ear full about the sad fact that Lego's had created

a line just for girls. It targets simple minded pieces and lame sets. If I had not seen it, I may not have given it another thought.

The fire station and countless other Lego creations are very cool to kids. Do we really need to make a pink and purple set with fewer pieces to attract a girls attention?

I also took sisters advice and read this blogger....

it is WORTH the read

http://blog.pigtailpals.com/2012/01/lowest-common-denominator/

Friendship..

2012-01-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

Something that I know will always be here...friendship. Our first get together for the new year. Not everyone could make it, but still a great time. We officially began the annual beach trip planning!

as the New Year approached, I was very lucky enough

to spend time with Amy and Brittany. Our families

dont get together as often as we'd like, but when they do there

are always lots of laughter and good times...

Wii dance and band hero.

Matthew Jo Sean Madelyn and Glynn

and the mommy's had a good time as well...

a little to much of a good time..

oh, what seems like a good idea now really isnt so much

in the morning....

Here we are with Flo Jackson Lilly and Amy

Happy New Year and a good year for friendship...

WELCOMING 2012.....

2012-01-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

hum, not sure how I skipped December...oh that's right... it was much more fun at all our holiday party's and basketball and preparing for our Christmas trip to Seattle with family! Soooooo...I'm getting back on track.
2011 was a bit rough so we are very glad for a new year! No resolutions here....I like to set the bar REALLY low so any minor accomplishment is a big deal! Hello to Fabulous and 42 for me as well! I've decided that all through my 40's it will be "Fabulous"!

here we are in Washington the day after Christmas tubing...

my poor little Tyler... "again again"...Uncle Scott dragging him up the hill

and sledding down. But when it was time to go...well, you see below

the devastation.....devastating screaming for 30 more minutes

...and about half an hour later in the car home...everyone sound asleep...

insert note on tylers lone leg in picture...snoring away..only

after trying to take all his clothes off

here we all are at Aunt GG's house Christmas Eve..

The cousin shot!!

oh, and here we have Sydney explaining how she isnt going

to do what mom and dad are asking....

well, at least we have 2 out of 3 kids looking!

Aunt Helen Jane and all the kids!

a little bit of a Christmas miracle that everyone is looking!

can I tell you how much Michael complained about his knee here...

Sarah, Aunt Helen Jane and myself...

There is a reason these two had Grinch jammies for Christmas!

note the beer....

and yes, we had them dress in matching jammies

you can imagine the complaining;...but all a good laugh!

Remembering...why we stop to remember it's not just a day off from school

2011-11-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

We try to always pay extra attention to holidays like Veteran's Day. We talk about poppop and the wars he served. It's very easy to look at holiday's like today as just another day off of school. So I hope that as they grow up they will stop and pay attention to the little things. This morning we picked up flowers and made our way to the Alabama National Cemetary in Montevallo AL.

We found a section of the cemetary that had a small row of

Head stones. All alone in the large field. We stopped here to read

the names and put out our flowers...

Further into the cemetary down the road I looked over and

caught this shot of Seanie. He was reading the name of a

23 year old who died in Iraq. A picture of his daughter (or sister)

was propped up against the head stone.

We did start our day off with a red, white and blue donut!

Thank you Donut Joes!

thank you for all that serve for our country..past present and future....

Football this weekend...

2011-11-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Here some shots at Oak Mountain High School...notice the fall backdrop. It has really been a great Fall this year!

Goodbye to another October...It was FUN!

2011-11-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

I cant imagine an October not being fun. I mean Halloween is a part of this month...and brace yourself...I LOVE it. Baseball ended, football continues and basketball is starting November 6. As I start to embrace a fast November, it is kicked off with the arrival of my nephew Jacob who was born last night to sister Katherine. I will also say most of these shots below are from a wonderful photographer (and one of my best friends) Leigh Bratina...... Enjoy our end to October.....

Here is my fabulous Lilly in N Carolina. I drove up

from GA to spend the weekend with Amy and Lilly. We had

a very crafty time and some fabulous sister time..spooky movie, vodka and

Black Lion...a fabulous trip!

Halloween explosion...

our annual Pre-carving shot. This one is added

bonus with creepy eye shot from Glynn and Sean

looking to see what our neighbors were doing across the street...

Daddy O is our resident pumpkin carver...he's quite

good and can produce some great pumpkins. After all,

he's had 10 years to practice.

Some of the neighborhood gang above and

really did love my new witchy hat below!

part of the Bratina clan!

and here you have Loretta and Conway. Please

note the mirophone. Tom ...I mean Conway...refused

to let Loretta take it with her trick or treating..

I tried Loretta to encourage it..but Conway and Elaina

were pretty much against it!

some creepy treats..we had mummy mush, finger nails, and

the cupcake station

Every year (just about every year) we look to our photographer

Leigh Bratina at Photographic Memories for our annual

family pictures. Each year I beg her to forgive our in-fighting (thats for you

Aunt Toni) and encourage her to take a shot or two to deal with

the Claridy's on a photo shoot. However on this early (7:45 a.m.) COLD (39 Degrees)

October morning she passed on the shots but put up with us for our session..

here are some of the photo's...

oh....such the attitude!

you can see me squeezing Glynn as I whispered

some encouraging words to smile!

some moments of "you're walking to fast", "are we almost finished"

and "where are we going to breakfast"

my so sensitive little Seanie....

There is a good story as to how Leigh got him to smile..

it involved being thrown off guard by a punch in the gut!

Whatever it takes!

Michael's album cover shot.

The End.......

Love my family and friends! Miss everyone a lot!!

THANK YOU AUNT GG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

It's never easy to just "smile please"..........but we always get excited when we see the box from GG!!! Silly String HUGE HIT!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry GG they got to it before I knew it was even here! Silly String pictures to come when they do it!!!!!!!!!!

$4.00 worth of graffiti fun...

2011-10-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

you know...there are the moments in the neighborhood when everyone gets along....take a tub of chalk and you get instant graffiti art. It's also moments like this that I am glad for the creative girls in the neighborhood..they find art in anything and Sean and Glynn will some times stop (like now) to join in...

October 14...mid month already?

2011-10-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

wow...flying by... We started the day by singing Happy Birthday to our cousin Win..he turned 4 today! Then we went to my mother in laws new assisted living...Somerby's off 280. Wow is all I can say. It's for sure resort living. After we moved on to Chelsea High School for our first flag football game!

oh look..imagine that...the famous duo chattin it up before

the game!

The Team: Kansas City Chiefs

"I am not coaching again"

hum...and here we are...coaching again for defense.

Jack and Glynn together again on the same team....

this was one of those.."are you listening to me"?!!!

14 years today...

2011-10-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

wow...how did that get here that fast?!! Our 14 year anniversary was today. Its nice some times to stop and realize how blessed you are. We have been very blessed with many friends and the close knit ties to family members. Over the years though we've found that in our family of friends, we have two other couples that were married on the same day, same time and year....The Bratina's and the Lee's! How crazy is that to run in the same circle of friends and not one but TWO other couples share the same wedding date! Crazy...but another reason to say, "Life is good"....

Celebrating 14 years at a joint dinner with the Bratina's and the Lee's!

October

2011-10-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

October is just as busy as every other month...big changes too. Mother in Law is moved into her assisted living place. I was a little surprised that we'd cut the year short, but overly excited at the same time that she would not be living with us again. I feel happier daughter in law energy now with visits vs the constant togetherness! Sean's baseball is winding down while Glynn's football team has their first game Saturday. Halloween will be a tad different this year...I'll be back bigger and better next year. I'm skipping the official party and doing a smaller after school party since Halloween is on MOnday. Traveling, work and the changes with MIL were a bit more than anticipated. Let's see...what else is going on...oh, and a new nephew is due to arrive any day now. Jacob should be here within the next two weeks! North Carolina trip is on the 23rd as well.... more later...

- some of the kids in the neighborhood..playing 4 square

-we are learning to step into our swing...

-Michael was in charge of kids while Flo and I went to a wedding.

clearly the aftermath of crafting 101!

Halloween decorations...

He's my favorite addition this year..

Fall Ball....

2011-09-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

Sundays at the baseball park......

Football and Baseball..

2011-09-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

this year we are on two different teams..and sports for that matter. Glynn is on NFL flag football and Sean is on Fall Baseball. Now, for the mommy nerves, we've only played baseball once..two years ago. This is instructional baseball with Pelham High School with kids that have been playing for years. Needless to say I worry all day every day about Sean catching on. Our first game was today. I nearly passed out when they moved him to first base. These pitches come in upwards of 50 mph. Serenity now....but he held his own. Flag football starts in two weeks...so it's all baseball right now....

many practice days in the front yard

On our way to the first game. Sean and some team mates

walking to the field

Going up to bat for the first time....

Glynn watching Sean at first base....

and..here you have the look of

"for the love of God mom...STOP with the pictures"!

So I did.....

for now...

A lazy end of Summer Sunday...

2011-08-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

playing around with colors today.............

Raymond MS

2011-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

in my quest to get back with photography (or at least my attempts) I took my camera with me while working in Jackson MS this week. I didnt find to much to shoot in the horrid heat and travels...except this little Catholic church on the campus of Hinds College. I was there working with them and had to stop to snap a few shots of this ....the pictures do not do it justice. Just a small shot gun looking church with beautiful windows.... the bird house was perfect next to it.

hum...pretty sure this shot is crooked!

looks like our birdhouse entrance needs a little HGTV remodel!

Back on track....

2011-08-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

whoa....fell WAY off the documenting road. July really sucked. There really isnt a better word to use there. Well there is but I in my quest for being a better person, I refrain. For now. However, with some inner peace and regrouping...a little red...a little white......Im hoping to stay on track.

Here is a flash of summer...home made ice cream with our yummy vanilla from the Bratinas travels, many days at the pool, friends, and of course we're back in school....5th grade!

I picked up Leigh and dusted off the camera to get motivated for

pictures at Pepper's Place downtown. it's a very large farmers

market with vendors. Everything from veggies to plants!

t-shirts dyed with Alabama dirt. Really should get one for Tyler!

These bird houses were so neat!! However very very expensive

...the donald trump look for birds!

...this is the pent house of bird houses! $275 ..yes, I said it right.

ok, I dont have a cat anymore but this yard teeter totter was to cute!!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

July 4th...Katherine Paul and Winston joined us this holiday.

We had an added bonus as we also celebrated the arrival

of our new cousin Wyatt Scott in Seattle....

Ice Skating with Aunt Brittany and Madelyn...

2011-06-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

The boys have really never had a lot of time at the ice skating so when Aunt Brittany offered an afternoon of fun on the ice..they were thrilled! THANK YOU AUNT BRITTANY!!!!!!!!!!!

Madelyn Sean and Glynn

thank you Madelyn for the instructions.....

Wyatt Herzog...9lbs 6 oz

2011-06-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

today we said hello to our new cousin Wyatt in Seattle!!!!! See you very very soon!!!!!!!!!!!!

Forgot my camera for most of the weekend...

2011-06-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

..but here we are at our good friends the Lunds and Steve's 40th birthday and CPA accomplishment! Abby and the boys have been playing together since they were 3 and lived across the street from each other.. Always friends....

Annalise..Abby's younger sister here...always smiling. I didnt

catch any of Aubry..always running...

Me and Kourtney! Never enough time together!

and still working on our compound plan!!

goodbye long and fun weekend...

2011-06-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

a slumber party...Vizzini Winery with the Lunds...RAIN...yes...much needed RAIN...Wedding chitty chat with the girls at Panera Bread Sunday morning..attempts at house cleaning and topped it off at the pool.....

                                               I met Patty about 7 or 8 years ago..shortly after we met
                                           she started throwing fabulous girls night out slumber parties!
                                                              Here we are....2011!

considering flying this from my front steps during mother in law tours of duty..

Yes, I took pictures of it raining. it's been so long!!

Gobblers Knob Sunday evening......

SUMMER...a time for learning..

2011-06-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

oh yes...to see those faces in the midst of reality....daily chores, reading/math work, learning how to wash clothes, clean bathrooms, kitchen detail, cooking...... I love it. They dont, but I do. The boys are learning how to be self sufficient and responsible. I will be stark raving mad by August 10 when school starts, BUT I will have accomplished my goal.

Week 1 - Sean is learning how to manage the kitchen and Glynn is learning how to do laundry. I tell you what, it will scare the hell out of any mother when you realize your kids dont know how to load a dishwasher or sort laundry. Serenity now!

a BREAK for everyone

2011-05-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

May 28th hit and we loaded the kids for Little Rock. My sister in law picked up my mother in law later that day after we'd left. Its silent. No kids..No responsibility with Alzheimers....SILENCE. So I am re-grouping and re-energizing...

Here are some pictures of our trip to LR...

cousin shot! But did this come easy....

um, no....it's like a 3 ring circus getting these guys to look at the

camera. Especially Winnie the Pooh...he was on a role...

katherine danced behind me to try to get Win's attention..

somehow though Win thought he'd try this tactic..

looking on to see if we thought it was funny...

finally after several "win stop choking your cousins"..we got a few..

a little piano time. Glynn really was into playing and learning

the sheet music..Grandma Brown would be smiling...He learned

all the notes and how to read them ..

of course, yummy BBQ. Here you see Michael looking over

regulating daddy...I think that regulator gene runs in the family..

Win loves...LOVES the water.

his older cousins were not to helpful in really taking

turns with squirting eachother..it was mostly

"lets chase Win and get him wet"

sissy time...somehow I was playing around with the editing and

got this picture to a point where I couldnt turn it back to color...oops..

hell comes to an end..48 hours and counting..

2011-05-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

and Im very grateful for this group for getting me through and who will also be there for the next tour of duty... and thank you to the sisters and girlfriends not pictured...thank you ;)

photo courtesy of Photographic Memories :)

Serenity NOW

2011-05-25T05:06:00.000-07:00

last 3 days of an 8 week experience with mother in law and alzheimers. REally....could I have not ended this last week without incident? Of course not. If I get to Saturday without throwing myself off the roof, it will be a miracle. Never again will this be this long.....4 weeks. tops....

worth the wait...

2011-05-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

so far we're finding out that it is pretty great to join a pool. For years we've really thrown the idea around and this year we saved and decided to try it. We joined the Gobbler's Knob pool here in Helena. This was our first weekend to go and although I could use more shade (I'll be creating my own shade next trip), it was fun.

yes folks, here he is...already bossing someone at the pool..we've been here 10 mintues

Im sure Glynn was telling them something...

a little diving...Sean liked this but Glynn loved it

Adult Swim...Sean smiles at the fact I packed half the kitchen for snacks

and Glynn "chills" below

A countdown, some random thoughts, a festival and stuff...

2011-05-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Oh yes indeed...we are in the 8th week of my mother in law being here..and leaving...in 6 days. School is ending in 4 days..kids are going to nanna and popops in 5 days and WE WILL BE ALONE FOR 6 DAYS!!!!!!! Which is a good thing because I now know what my breaking point is and it's not pretty.

With that ...Im also going to start getting back on track with the blog and pictures. Travel has been kicking my *** and it's not letting up through August. We are working on a new summer plan...our babysitter is watching the kids this summer and we joined a pool. I have a calendar that is jam packed with free movies, bowling, library events, tutoring, pool, dentist and ortho appts...I pray my babysitter doesnt run in horror at the schedule! According to my calculations this is less expensive than full time summer camp so I do hope my master plan pays off.

a early may swim at our friends the Dassau's

a moment of brotherly love in helping with math...

we headed out for our city's yearly Buck Creek Festival...

we ran into the Bratina's...so the boys stood in line

for the jump/flipper thing... well, you can see..

then we needed an icy

then for the first time, I agreed to let them roam the amphitheater with their

friends...and there they go

and then we see them again with a larger group. Melissa

teased me that they just finished off a bottle of Jack by

the back side of the creek. Humor was not found in that!!

shocker...Tom...Michael...Beer truck...

at the festival you can buy a little duck and at 1:00 they do the duck

rance off the Buck Creek Falls...

chilling outside with their new bey blades... yea, I have no idea.

so challenging to get pictures...

2011-05-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

that and getting caught up. Im so behind in everything I cant see straight.

Thank you notes half done with pictures that had to be re-done.

Way behind in blogging.. having a hard time finding effective stmts to make

Sarah feel bad for not updating her blog. I see Michelle updated hers....

Lord knows how many fur critters were born on the farm at Aunt Janie's..

The Biggest thing... The downward slope of having my mother in law here ..which I am

so grateful that it was only 8 weeks because I would have never made it.

God bless the people that dont have another option.

Let's see, my organic/couponing frenzy continues...and we

have several places to go still in May for our family outing ..

we are also still stocking up on lots of things for those impacted by the storms.

will be catching up this weekend...

still saying prayers...

2011-04-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

In all my life I have never seen any weather event like this. Tonight I still have friends who are still looking for information on family. I hope I never see this again...

*photo courtesy of ABC3340. this was a shot from a live feed that I and my neighbors stood and watched on TV in disbelief. This wedge tornado stayed on the ground from Tuscaloosa AL into Birmingham AL..an hour on the ground.

Easter weekend...

2011-04-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

just trying to stay above water these days and stay as normal as possible. We are in week 4 of 9 with my mother in law and stages of Alzheimers. It is not easy. Especially since I am here working so we are TOGETHER ALLLLLL the time. That detail has proven to be harder than anything. Another, "I didnt see that coming" moment. But, we're above water and working on normal. I went with SEan to his MOntgomery Field Trip last week to the state capitol and Rosa Parks Museum. Really...how did I not know so much about history. Sean and I love the Rosa Parks Museum...it was simply amazing interaction and detail. I am sorry Id not been before now. Glynn goes next week but I"ll be in Atlanta so he'll be solo with his class.

this flame burns throughout the year in honor of our military

sean, do not climb under the liberty bell

class picture on the capitol steps

taking pause to talk about the men and women from AL

who have lost their lives ...

by far one of the most amazing museum's I have ever been to...

Here we are doing our Easter Dye project...it's a little sad though as the interest is almost gone.

I think they are simply playing nice and acting like they really are still "into" the Easter Bunny moments.

boo......In fact, as we started our little tradition, Sean said "hey, lets invite Christian and Nate"...insert

eye roll and sigh. of course I was like "sure"...but really those who know me know I am

missing the years past fun of dying eggs with my boys. But, I'll take what I can get...

I just love all the colors!

let me insert what was said above "mom, ugh, this pose is so lame"

for the love....

janet came out for egg dying but the chaos of neighbors and

"hurry up so we can play football " ended this Easter egg moment.

again...for the damn love.......

Another monday?

2011-04-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

well we're just rolling right along here. My mother in law is living with us for about 9 weeks. We're in week 2. Working with Alzheimer's is a bit of a change to say the least. thank God for my sisters in laws for advice and one of which already had her live with her for about two months.

Boys are in flag football and we're having a hard time focusing on the last semmester of school. Apparently we're ready for summer. Which then brings me to the fact that I havent done a damn thing to prepare for where they will be for summer. Good times...good times. and lots of $$$ that will soon be thrown that way.

I have a new gardening bench and garden. Not quite sure how this garden is going to work out. My sugar snap peas are yellowing, the lettuce doesnt seem to be growing and the beets are shriveled. Damnit. I may break down and fertilze with chemicals. Ive been trying to do organic/natural fertilizing but clearly...Im doing something wrong.

working on homework...I really agree with Sean, Math stinks

football game Saturday

this is why Leigh has better pictures...she camps out

on the sideline for the action shots...and she has the big girl camera

I figure its a matter of time before Michael is thrown off the field for

coaching on the sidelines. he's NOT a fan of the boys' coach and Saturday

you could see Tom and Michael moving up and down the field mumbling

and side line coaching....

you gotta love the ice cream man. 89 degrees Sunday and the boys

were taking a break from water playing to grab a $100 ice cream treat.

I clearly am in the wrong profession.

thank you Aunt Toni for our slip/slide and water guns

we've been using it every weekend!

the neighbors thank you too!

I think of you while the $$ click away on the water!

starting a new journey

2011-03-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

March has certainly been a quick one with big events.

Turning 10 was especially fun and a little hard for mom.

on the other side of our new journey is my mother in law who will be

living with us on and off this year. this is a bigger step than I really

thought it would be as her move in date is coming in 3 days.

lots of new things in March..........

My day.....

2011-03-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

could never be as bad as these days for the very people who are suffering in Japan

............Police said the official death toll jumped past 10,000 on Friday. With the cleanup and recovery operations continuing and more than 17,400 listed as missing, the final number of dead was expected to surpass 18,000......

Taken from AP this morning....

My donation through red cross seems like nothing to help with such tragedy. The radiation leaks scare me and I'm half way across the world. Imagine the mother who is actually there with no place to go, holding her babies, wishing to be half way across the world ...safe.

Spring Break and Happy Birthday 10!

2011-03-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

We have enjoyed the last 6 days in sunny San Diego with family and celebrated the boys turning 10....TEN! Oh, its hard to type that!

I grew up going to San Diego during the summers and playing with my cousins. Suddenly, Im 41 with kids of my own and Im laying in the same room I use to stay in 30 years ago.... time flys. With kids ranging from 18 months to the teenage years of 15, there wasnt a whole lot of time to get away and chat, but we managed a little in between San Diego's Old Town, Sea World, La Jolla Beach and a birthday!

the picture above is a shot of my aunts amazing back yard...

this is a shot looking out of the windows in the living room..

Cousin shot!

about 10 years ago we took a picture at Cousins Candy Shop..

here we are again...with a new generation of cousins!

La Jolla Beach California

Hope to add more birthday pictures soon...

although a little quirky, this cake rocked!

Hand made by Michelle Sarah Glynn and myself..we had

palm tree and glitter decorating by the ever so talented cousin Reid too!

Hey, you can get a "10" just any ol way you know!

And lent begins.....with rain.....

2011-03-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

Ive committed to staying on task during lent.

Taking some extra time to really work on what is hard to do at times...

these weeks are really going to be LONG....

I would love to be relaxing today wathcing the rain........

slowly I am getting there...

2011-03-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

If you are one of the 1.2 readers that read my blog you will know I went on a rampage earlier about how the better things for us (organic etc..) cost more and my quest to fit this back into our lives without going broke. Well after my Sunday shopping spree, I was successful. I was forced to go back to my coupon /grocery stock up program. I use to practice this every week. But, I let busy life and "oh, I"ll do it next week" get in the way. Really that could be summed up as lazy, but I like to make myself feel better.

So, with my list and coupons and plan I saved $50 this Sunday. I followed a simple list and got my meat, eggs, milk and 3 other items that I can use to begin stocking up for making meals. Of course, I did have more than that ...but my goal was to start incorporating more in season, organic and local groceries and those tend to be the most expensive. I was able to get the important organic items I needed plus stop my Frankies near by for local produce vs buying out of season tomatos that were ripened by gamma rays from Neptune.

Its a pain in the *** but it was rewarding enough to keep going....

Zen moments in crazy town...

2011-03-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

this week has certainly just sucked. I have these weeks when I dont seem to juggle things well. I dont know anyone who has a perfectly juggled life nor do I strive for that constant perfection because that would be exhausting. But still when you live in crazy town, you need to be able to juggle.
I do pretty good for the most part. But not this week. I am trying to create moments ..moments to just chill and regroup. While "re-grouping" with a hot cup of coffee outside by the red bud tree some poor unfortuante critter surfaced from the woods in the back and Sam our 70 lb dane mix took off. She has no sense of "self control". I tripped running after her so now I have mud all over me. Once recovered from that I go back to try and get some sort of zen moment..but no. I now get to smell of the poop as Sam decides its bathroom time and after that she hurls up some ill funk right next to me that clearly she ate prior to the critter race. Coffee is cold, it stinks and I think...yep, it just really sucks this week.
I wonder if I just stare at a picture of spring, I can get that zen moment?

ugh, Sunday afternoon already? March is next week?

2011-02-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

Every year I say Im going to slow down so time doesnt seem to fly by. I dont think its possible. Here we are at the end of the weekend, end of February and March is on Tuesday. For the love....I cant keep up!

- reduce reuse and recycle....on Friday we had an old swing set left my previous owners.
By Saturday, it's a garden frame. We took a trip to Jemison AL Petals From the Past
for lettuce, beets, snap peas and strawberrys. After our storm Monday, they will be planted.

Friday night I met up with the girls..a quick trip to our favorite little

thrift place..and I fell in love with this rustic birdhouse.

While cleaning out the garden I saw this little guy peaking out.

77 degrees today...

and back in the garden again..... it is not fun gardening without

a tiller. I hope the $$ tree grows a lot this year..cause let me say it again..

not fun to create a garden without one.

and 1700 miles away my little nephew Tyler

(in the plaid shirt and sunglasses with his big sis) is getting baptized.

boo hiss for 1700 miles away.....wish I was there.

This was also the end of the first week for my mother in law

to be living in Birmingham. She is getting along in her years and

it's hard to remember a lot of things. So family is splitting up time

and coming up with a more permanent situation over this next year.

She was with us during our gardening adventure Saturday.

She may be a bit challenge with memory, but still very witty

and sharp with what is going on!

Why do we pay more for something that is better for us?

2011-02-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

Really not letting this go..... I try not to stop at fast food while on the road but I was soooo hungry. I stop at Chik Fil A..tea, chicken strips and fruit. Fruit caused my price to jump by $2. Then I started thinking about $3.99 for a half gallon of organic milk vs $3.29 for a whole gallon that is not organic. I feed a family of 4 so with coupons I can stock up with quite a lot. But is it really a better deal? I dont want anything "added" to my food or milk but it is. I buy it because it's cheaper.

when my kids were little, I only shopped for organic and only bought organic. As we grew up and budgets became tighter, I had to give up on a lot of items that are organic. So I ask myself, why isnt all milk and food healthy for us...why is there such a demand to buy milk and foods with added hormones and other ill processed means. Shouldnt that demand be in reverse?

If obesity is out of control for our children and adults for that matter, shouldnt it cost $2 more for the fries vs the fruit?

SO....Im on a mission. I've created my spreadsheet on cost and how to ensure organic CAN be in even a limited budget..... and to find out who is driving the bad choices / prices we see in the grocery stores and fast food.

We didnt win...

2011-02-19T06:55:00.000-08:00

While in GA we played the lottery. If I had won, I would be watching a team of creative memory scrapbookers working hard at getting 9 years worth of albums created and finshed, a cleaning team in the bathrooms, a personal chef whipping up something yummy, laundry would be done and I would be standing outside watching a team of fabulous landscapers re-do my lawn.

but Hell no...Im standing here in the kitchen that looks like a mack truck hit it, my picture project explosion, laundry, more laundry, 1000 house projects...and I think Im going to sip coffee for a bit longer. Boo HISS!

.................see this is what happens when you dont stay organized with your pictures and albums...for 9 years. Dont let this happen to you!

for the love...

2011-02-15T06:24:00.000-08:00

You know, I'm just not myself these days. To top it all off, Im sick. I know no one likes being sick, but I really really dont like it because I just dont have time to be sick. My house is a wreck, clothes everywhere, rooms look like an explosion, kitchen looks like locust have moved through and this morning I just stood there while kids ran around looking for socks.

While I managed to work most of Monday, I decided to stop around 4:00 to regroup, take meds and stand in the kitchen to figure out if cereal for dinner would go over well. I came up the stairs to a loud thud and "you better hurry before mom hears you"... That is never good let me assure you. So I walk through the kitchen, pick up my camera to catch someone in the act of something bad and see this..... one of my bedroom window curtains ripped down and Glynn hanging out the window trying to catch the basketball from SEan down below. At one point (when I started to yell after getting a picture) the ball came through the window and into my room at full speed. Sean is on basement level and Glynn is upstairs...

for the love...serenity now.........

Good morning snow...and school is IN..

2011-02-10T05:12:00.000-08:00

oh, the sad little faces on the school bus that looked out to the winter wonderland! So sad and funny...I just smiled an evil "sucks to be you" smile at them as I strolled through the yard with Sam taking pictures.. Yes, it's going to be one of those days.

Here comes the snow...

2011-02-09T18:57:00.000-08:00

Just not sure what we'll see by morning, but it is really pretty coming down. I was outside a bit later from this picture with Sam I Am and it was thicker and starting to stick. Most all the neighbors have their deck lights on doing the same thing we are....admiring a lovely evening snow fall. We just dont see the "white stuff" that often!

Valentines day...

2011-02-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

Just simply NOT a fan. However, I did have fun changing the background. I think I shall change the blog according the season or goings on. But I'd like to say again....NOT a fan. I would also like to give a shout out to all the women who got screwed on this dumb celebration event...especially those that got sock totes. May all the flowers wilt within 24 hours and.... well, I should end now.

ATTITUDE

2011-02-08T18:08:00.000-08:00

Attitude....

it's black or white, hot or cold, on or off...no in between.

I really must be getting pay back for something I did years and years ago..

on the eve of 10, I am beginning to wonder if this is God's way of
preparing me for the teen years....Serenity now

crafty Sunday..

2011-01-30T14:42:00.000-08:00

Here you see my crayon molded creations for sister Sarah. She attempted this crafty project and it ended in melted stink and mess! Ah, big sister to the rescue...packed up and mailing to my poor craft deprived Sydney and Tyler

and here Michael is making vanilla ice cream with sean glynn and jack...

and this is why...

2011-01-29T23:34:00.000-08:00

....I started a family project last year . experiencing things beyond our "back yard". I may get a lot of "ugh" "mom, that is so boring" or "Ugh, do we have to"... or other typical 9 year old response. But today, It confirms that although initially my ideas may be considered "boo hiss" by your average 9 year old, in the end, I get a lot of "wow"...."this is so cool" and "did you see that"! Its even more fun when you do it all with the Bratina Family.

We started off the day with a lake side picnic at Lake Guntersville....

We then started our hiking adventure...

our main goal was to hit the Guntersville Lodge for the "birds of prey" event at 1:00..

This is Glynn with a skreetch owl..native to the SE United States..

We then learned that the red tail hawk is also native to Alabama.

The boys and I are researching this bird as the one very similar that I photographed

last year at our house. She is so beautiful..

We then learned about the Barne Owl...

This was the most amazing "bird of prey" that we

came to see though...the bald eagle. To hear how they came about

after the 1970's was so amazing. To see a bald eagle up close....within

several feet....was quite an experience.

After the "BIRDS OF PREY" presentattion, we went to the

Lake Guntersvnille Lodge balcony that overlooked the lake.

And our ever so fabulous tour guide...Leigh Bratina....said

"let's look for deer as we head out"....

that of course held a whole new meaning .....

they almost ate out of our hands...

this shot was fabulous...we spent quite a bit of time

watching Jack, Elaina ( see below), Glynn and Sean, working

very hard to touch the wild deer..

it's a great day when you experience something like this....

A special thank you to Leigh (with limited sleep) for guiding us through a

WONDERFUL time in Lake Guntersville!!!

Magazine finds..

2011-01-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

Ive learned to never pay full price for magazines.

I go to my favorite little thrift store in Alabaster.

Sure, they are not always the current month, but within the last 7-9 months.

Ive actually found several along the way that were less than 30 days old.

Here are some that I picked up today during lunch...$2.39 for all seven..

perk from home office...

2011-01-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

you get to eat in your own kitchen and play with pictures during lunch!

Playing on our day off of school...

2011-01-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

on our extra day off of school, we met up with

friends for army/picnic/football/tag/ fun ..fun these guys

seem to always have together...

like ringing the dinner bell for lunch...

many army moves can be found in the woods...

a quick pose...

from army to football....

thinking who he will tackle first...

..waiting for the play...

a quick defense chat..

AND....the tackle..

Tell him Forrest! He called the play but no one listened!

so he's resorted to pulling them out!

well, If they dont listen...

..jump in and join them!

Alabama Auburn Arkansas....

2011-01-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

Sean and I seem to switch our loyalty often in football teams.

I mean, I think it's fine but clearly I cant take any more conversations

about why this isnt normal from Michael..so I caved. As did Sean.

So after a few weeks of discussion, Michael declared

that we must choose.

The only exception is if you have a winning team withhin the SEC that is going

all the way with a championship. For example, our current Aubrn in the SEC is

in the championship, so although normally not Auburn fans, we will root for them in full because they are in the SEC and state of Alabama.

So I have officially declared Arkansas as my team!

Glynn and Michael are Alabama.

and

Sean broke out and is now an Auburn fan.

How is Michael with that? Well, he's supportive of Sean. he even

went out and bought him an Auburn t-shirt for the Championship game tonight.

War Eagle!

ROll Tide!

and

Go Hogs!

Michael is soooo happy!

Snow snow...where are you?

2011-01-10T06:09:00.000-08:00

Well, on Sunday the weather started to move in

and there was quite the excitement that we may get several inches...

Sam I Am goes crazy in the sleet and snow trying to

jump and eat what's falling...

Ah, no school....but the child that can never sleep in is up at 6:30

wanting to go outside on the ICE...

we didnt get any snow....just ice.

Boooooo

Sean found it fun to slide and Sam found it fun

to try and dig up the ice to eat it.

So special is our dog....

nothin like ice from the car for breakfast.

eww...

eventually on the ice, one does fall when free fall sliding

on ice out back....

January 6

2011-01-06T17:43:00.000-08:00

Today is January 6..we say goodbye officially to Christmas

holiday and welcome the start of Mardi Gras!

Since we lived 6 great years in New Orleans and the boys

were born there...we try to keep New Orleans memories

alive in our traditions here in Birmingham.

Of course, our yearly home made King Cake may be quite sad

to native New Orleans but we like it.

It was gone in less than an hour!

yes, I am quite aware this looks really ill.. I clearly

need help in the "twist" of the king cake look.

what can I say.

Goodbye Santa's....

all lined up for the trip to the attic!!

See you in 11 months!

Happy Birthday to ME! Queen for today...

2011-01-01T11:43:00.000-08:00

...and tomorrow... I have usually made my standard call to Patty about how I cant believe I have another birthday and that I am just not ready. However, since experiencing "Fabulous and 40" last January 1st, I've concluded that it is still true....40's are fabulous and I am embracing 41 with a smile..and several glasses of Champagne! Cheers to all my fabulous and 40's circle of girlfriends (and those FEW that havent quite made it there yet)!

...and yes, I own this ring and wore it bringing in the New Year!

Hello 2011.....I see you....

2010-12-29T06:09:00.000-08:00

You know, Ive really been thinking about January 1. Not because I now start the count at birthday 41, but because I'm really going to try and stay on track more than I did in 2010. I stopped with the New Years Resolutions. I mean why, WHY make a list. Who keeps to it. If you are one that makes a list and keeps to it, well, stop reading now and move on to the next blog! I enjoy folks that have an inability to follow list.

I think its fun every year as the first day of the new year creeps up to think about all the fun things I can accomplish. I dont worry so much about staying on track as I THINK I've accomplished the mental ability to realize I'm off track and can some what get back on. I'd like to just not fall off as much. But I dont know why its so fun to me to be at this stage again...pondering....planning....wondering... you may want to try it! It makes the hard things that I know are out there seem less overwhelming.

Happy December 29th!

FINALLY! Our laptop is working again!!

2010-12-27T19:03:00.000-08:00

Boo Hiss...we've been without a laptop for quite a while ...wireless router had to be replaced!

Will be updating December this week!

Here is a little look at our celebration on the Disney Cruise

we took the week of Christmas!

this way to warm weather in the Bahamas....

everyone loves Pluto!!

These shots were all taken on Disney's island Castaway Cay..

yeah...we're here!!
Sean was shooting for a while....

this is about as far as Sean got in the water..unless its 85 degrees "bath water"

this child is NOT going any further. It was a little chilly initially in the water...

Glynn was all about it!

toes in the sand...you just cant see the beachie drink I had

in the other hand while taking the picture!

After a while...Sean threw on the straw hat and hung out

with Daddy O after the Beach Celebration for their age group

on the island. They had kids activities everywhere and all the time!

the kids loved it!

our ship.....Disney Wonder

Glynn....getting a tan...

this shot is actually the day prior while we were in Nassau...

the boys were playing basketball on the top deck...

..thanks Leigh for the photo idea!!!

"WE LOVE DISNEY"!!!!!

Before we left for Disney my fabulous sisters and I put together

daddy's 70th surprise birthday party...

working on loading all of those photos this week!

Of course we had great direction from the ever so fabulous Aunt Helen Jane!

Oh the joys of getting a holiday picture!!!

2010-12-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

I was laughing so hard I"m surprised I got any shots!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving...

2010-11-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Sunny day ...

2010-11-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

a great day for finishing the picnic table. We really needed a over sized picnic area for below the deck where the grill is. Here we have Michael finishing the stain..... Glynn helped with one corner. Imagine that...

eventually the boys ran off to play and I decided on a

shot of my part...standing on the stairs taking pictures!

Goodbye October...Hello November

2010-11-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I had a lot of fun with Halloween! We celebrated Halloween on Saturday this year then went to Vestavia AL with the Kenny's in their neighborhood who celebrated Halloween like normal parts of the country...ON the actual Halloween day! So we trick/treated two days in a row..had lots of laughs and a GREAT time!

Michael is always are pumpkin carving expert....below

is one of his pumpkins

playing around before trick/treating

I set up a painting station for those not interested

in the skeleton hunt, eye ball toss or mummy wrap!

..assembling the skeleton and our winners below!

I had 3 teams and everyone had to find their teams

skeleton parts..first to assemble won!

..losing table had to eat mummy brains and bat goop...

totally gross but they loved it!

this house was in Brittany Kenny's neighborhood...at night

it was super spooky and cool....her block was THE block

to be one...I mean hundreds of kids!

really.....cant we just smile...

before heading out we were invited in a hot dog roast!

it was lots of fun!

How fun is it to get a Halloween package from your Aunt GG?

2010-10-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

BIG FUN!!!! Thank you Aunt GG!!! Laser fingers are a HIT!

Of course I love the "If the Shoe Fits"!!

getting ready for Halloween..

2010-10-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

black webbing....CHECK Spiders...CHECK WITCHY Witch....CHECK.... I had a fun sign done by a girlfriend who helped develop a business called FaithInspired (check them out on Facebook). I had one sent to le witchy sister in Seattle too as she is equally as Halloween crazy as I am!

On the Claridy side...

2010-10-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

we spent an afternoon with cousins Matthew and Lindsey. Janet was in town so we went to dinner afterwards. I thought it was funny how it took some arranging to get everyone together!

well, with older cousins comes the bigger toys and the toys

I would soooo not be allowing. But, they had fun!

..for the love.

Trip to Arkansas

2010-10-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

we drove out to our little Win's 3rd birthday. We dont hold it against Win that his mommy never sends me pictures for the sister project. The project we started in July of this year.

funny, I lost count years ago how many times I pass this sign. Use to be it was the sign at the Louisiana stateline when we lived in New Orleans...now it's the one at the MS stateline.

My sweet Win LOVES LOVES cake. I tried to get

shots of him really chomping down on his fire engine cake!

..um, not so sure on the red icing...

mmm.mmm GOOD!

playing at Aunt KK's (the non participating sister project sister) before

going to the air show!

it was HOT...but fun. Sean was thrilled there was food.

we were eating within 20 minutes of being there.

..love this shot...3 cousins watching the air show..

so you can guess which sister this is with me....

Finally!

2010-10-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Our year old computer died and I've been without one for nearly 4 weeks! I elected to move to a lap top and so far, pretty happy with it. We've had a very busy October so far. I'm spending this weekend preparing for my Halloween party next weekend. Lots of pictures to come.......

Crazy busy October! and it's only the 3rd..

2010-10-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

We started off October with a baby shower, my Godchild Nina's 4th birthday party

and a Alabama/Florida party ..all in the same day.

My only wish...that I could have spent more time with my Ariel the Mermaid Nina and had
more than 30 seconds to talk to my oh so fabulous friend..Kourtney. That's what
happens when you have 5 kids ranging from 2 to 9 running around the house!

Here are some pictures on our relaxing (well busy decorating) Sunday...

ah, the ever so popular look from Michael..For the love...

he grilled out today and clearly just never will like having

his picture taken. What a boo hiss

I stashed my bazillion little pumpkins in my plants and garden...

yep he's fake.

yep he REALLY looks fake..but he's my little fake rat

eating away at my pumpkin :)

...another pile of Halloween in the background...

well this is for Michelle and Sarah Glynn...only fitting with the post and talk

over spiders. Sarah, I think this is the one living in the basement. YOUR basement.

oh, and I told mom you and Scott really dont "spider check" before she comes when

we were chatting in LR. She said "I KNEW it"!

for the love...

2010-09-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

I'm throwing a baby shower this Saturday. In the spring we hired a lawn specialist to come 6 times during the year to treat the run away weeds that wont die. Tuesday while picking up kids, he evidently chose this day to come for a "spot" treatment. No, we never know when he comes and its never mattered until now. I drove up to a spotted yard. Shower....4 days. First day you can water...Friday. So Friday after work Michael and I will be watering and spraying to rid the front of the spots. Reallly?

From the Butter Bean Festival to the Greek Food festival....

2010-09-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

well, as it seems I am always saying.."this month really flew by"! Lots of traveling and family time with friends here and a trip to LR. I have also found that we're going to be a little picky when it comes to which festival to go to. The Butter Bean Festival was a big ole pot of beans and high prices ..the Greek Food Festival was a oversized cafeteria style event shoved into a parking deck. While we did learn a little something and got to say we were there....I think we're going to stick with the more small town festivals around Alabama. Just seems we get to experience more and really get a feel for the traditions they hold.

poor hogs....SO close during the game against AL...

well you have to have your monthly girls night out....

we had the Starr's visit from North Carolina...here are the boys

at the BMX track at Oak Mnt

Friends since 1st grade...

The Greek Food Festival in downtown Birmingham ..yummy but not real family friendly

And of course we visited Pinson AL for the ...well you can read...

Another favorite picture...

what seemed to be a good idea..letting the boys wrestle down a pig.

oh my damn...the smell...Sean bailed as soon as he got a whiff.

Jo and Glynn took on the challenge.

This picture is classic...look at Amy's face!

Poor pigs....Amy and I went through a 1000 wipes after this!

oh, a trip to LR. Here is a picture of my nephew. I'd love to see more

pictures but Katerine wont send any. She has yet to participate in the "sister monthly picture" project.

See, I can talk bad about her because she also never goes to my blog.

She is up for the Slacker Sister Award..

But my nephew Win is so adorable!

oh, and a code Margarita...can never have to many Girls Night Out..

If I hear one more countdown to football kick off...

2010-08-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

well, I shouldnt be surprised. Michael is crazy about football and the boys are following right along. I am seeing a lot of other kids in the neighborhood out playing in their yards..it's not 110 degrees with unheard of humidity lately either...

I'm not sure...but I dont think Glynn is listening. Just a guess..

Front yard football..always good for not wearing shoes...

Happy Birthday sisters!!

2010-08-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

happy birthday to my sisters...

august 24 and 25 birthdays!

miss you

another toy...gone

2010-08-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

you know, I dont believe the tags when they say "Tough/Large Dog proof"..

or "Lab puppy proof". Now I dont have a lab, but if something is puppy lab proof

(cause I hear they can eat anything), you would think it would last longer than 45 minutes.

Happy 1st Birthday to my nephew TYLER!!!

2010-08-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

My nephew Tyler is celebrating (1700 miles away in Seattle) his first birthday today! Well, he wont remember but he had a huge party Saturday with about 60 people.. so today (the actual day) is the real deal! Not a fan of the distance...not a fan!

Tyler is 1 today!!!!

School is IN! Hello 4th grade...

2010-08-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

well...another first day. This year we had some snappy attitude with pictures. Shocking. But I told them I would sing with the windows down in car pool line if they didn't smile and give me some good pictures. Funny how that immediately changed the tone. it didnt help my pictures though...

ah..another year of car pool line.

4th grade! Wow...another year ..another memory

2010-08-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

I think what I'll remember is different than what the boys will remember growing up and the "first day of school". I hope that the boys remember the end of summer fun. For a long time now Michael and I plan a "end of summer" event to celebrate the end of summer and start of a new school year. Fun places to go, a splurge on a special lunch or dinner and just that something special. But I dont think they will ever know the things I will always remember.... always the night before our first new day of school we have butterfly's in the tummy. Always the night before we can never get to sleep. Always the night before we ask "what if I forget what I"m suppose to do" and "where do I go"?

The one thing I know we'll both remember...mommy's constant obsession with the morning of the new school year "ok everybody...let's get our new first day of school pictures"!!!!! It's getting more torturous as they get older. In a way...that is a lot of fun for me (as the intermediate and middle school bus stop is right at our corner so we're never alone) to watch them squirm. I can hardly wait for my favorite comment.."cooperate or we'll take even more pictures"!!!!

Our first day of 4th grade pictures soon to come....................

just a little more fun before summer vacation ends..

2010-08-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

they called it the castle...The castle of Ross Bridge

in Birmingham. Each year we try to do something super fun

to celebrate the end of summer and "hello school"!

this year we found out that this Marriot property in Birmingham

had a deal to good to pass up..so we joined the Bratina family for a

last fun summer event!

Glynn Jack Sean and Elaina

A great shot from the Bratina's room

the hot tub looked like so much fun..but you had to be 10 to get in.

if you notice the boys are gazing at Elaina as she soaked in the glory that

she could get in but they couldnt!

Mr. Bratina gave Tennis lessons as well while we were there....

Before we hit Ross Bridge the boys ..the "wild hawgs" as

they call themselves had a sleep over at the Heacocks.

everyone loves..LOVES guitar hero. I had to hear for 24 hours how much

Sean and Glynn "needed" guitar hero.

lots of good times this summer...to many to post.

But I can say this for sure....LOTS of smiles.

Goodbye summer!

Goodbye July..Hello August!

2010-08-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Before saying goodbye to July, we certainly had fun!

We recently visited our family in North Carolina and wrapped up the month

at "Camp Dassau" for Leighapalooza and Happy Hour Birthday Celebrations.

See..the Clematis Club, as we are named, have birthdays throughout the year so we

group them together to celebrate. Summer time celebrates a few..this month was

Leigh and Sharon.

birthday girls!

kids swam into the evening...

"SMILE"!

1 1/2 weeks til 4th grade. funny how they all have at least once been

in a class together. This year, Jack and Glynn will be in the same class.

North Carolina trip with Aunt Amy!

Lilly Amy Glynn Sean and Jo

it's always fun riding to the pool in "Bumble Bee"..named after the

Transformers movie!!

Playing with Lilly at the YMCA pool..but is no ordinary Y pool..

5 slides, a HUGE kids area like you'd see at a water park...BIG FUN!

POOPED...always fun with Aunt Amy in N Carolina!

A little Garden time for the salad...

2010-07-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

We are finally starting to see our cucumbers and tomatos that are ready to pick. Today the kids went down and picked for our salad. It's kind of fun!! I need a new garden spot though next year with good soil mixed in.

I have recently been getting the boys to do more prep work for dinner.

They seem to like it.

It summer...it's blueberry time....

2010-07-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

all the pictures below are courtesy of my fabulous and talented friend and photographer Leigh Bratina. We started the day with our kids who are all 9 who said NO to blue berry picking..but said YES to their own play date! So Leigh and I left the kids with Michael and headed out to "Petals from the Past" about 20 minutes south of here. It was hot but it was fun...we hit the 75% off table and then hit the $1 trailer with LOADS of plants (all perinnials) for sale...we then hit "The Peddler" in Alabaster for great finds....

Did you just take a picture???

Leigh has a wonderful fascination for bird nest and the details....

20 minutes south of Birmingham....fruit, veggies, and character...

see it for yourself!

..a cool moment after picking blueberries....

Leigh left with LOADS of these bushes that attract butterflys....

ALL for a $1...........!!!!

EWW....ICK...alll for the wild hogs!!!!!!!!!

I'm going to open a restaurant...

2010-07-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

I'm going to serve the cheapest food, charge a high price, hire employees that do not know how to interact with consumers, and see how long I can last! Im going to model it after 122 Tree Lane in Helena. Hell, its just another restaurant in Helena that I give ..um, 6 months. Let's see..that great location Incahoots did last a while..but believe me it was NOT over the food. A CLEAR winner on how to serve cheap. It lasted for the location and outside bar.

Clearly these business men and women think the residents here in Helena are lacking a basic sense of taste and common sense. They hire people that quite frankly..not full of common sense. Oh, who am I kidding..they're idiots.

If you're going to open a restaurant in this town then damn..do it right. If you are going to charge me $10 for a tuna on wheat (122 Tree Lane) then for the LOVE OF ALL....step it up and buy the expensive tuna...starkist tuna with "your own spices" just means spicy cheap tuna. Tell your employees that when you clearly dont have money to be open yet alone buying cheap shitty food, let them know NOT to tell the consumers your buying cheap shitty food. I could have quessed starkist but thank you loud talking waitress for clarifying.

Helena Restaurants and chains (mcDonalds in particular) ..........Helena Residents are sick of the shitty service and crappy food. I will continue to reach as many people as I can to ban your shitty attitude and food establishments...It may take me forever but I will WIN!!!!!!!!!

122 Tree Lane - BANNED

Before.....After

2010-07-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

amazing what $20 will do...

shutters are next...but I'm electing to wait until its NOT 95 degrees outside.