What a Dish!

Whew!  Today was great.  We had our JDRF photo shoot for our gala.  Our theme is Run for the Roses, and it's a Kentucky Derby theme!  All the little (and big) kids were decked out in their derby best.  I mean adorable little boys in seersucker and girls in flowers, flowy dresses, and HATS!

Group Picture outside!

Upstairs inside the Barn

Inside one of the horse stalls : )

Mary Claire went in a mint dress with an ivory cotton lace overlay.  It had a little mint leather bow belt..so cute!  We really looked for an ivory or mint fascinator (since she won't wear a hat!!), and we got a cute ivory one at Dillard's with a tiny bit of pink on it.  I thought she looked darling darby prep in the pink sweater with the mint..but she said no.  And then her daddy backed her up, hmph!  My fashion gurus.

I told her if she kept that sassy face up, I'd use these pictures.  So..I told you so, Sissy!

Pretty. : )  She got her hair highlighted on Monday.  A big girl first.  *Tear*

Happy now that pictures are all done!  And she got the sweetest coke float Friend necklace from Ashley!  Love  her and her sisters!! : )

Anyway, they were all adorable.  They seemed to loosen up a little after the big group shots. I think they all felt Sunday-stiff at first and a little awkward around each other. ; )  We were at Pratt Place Inn and Barn (so beautiful!) (except the horse poop), and did the group shots out by a fence..I totally would've gotten the huge red barn in the shots (but they didn't ask me).  We also did some inside at the end of the barn where there are a couple staircases converging and turning.  Then we did individual shots.  We stayed until some friends got their turn..last.  It was fun, we went to get some lunch while we waited on their turn. ; )  The girls were SO sweet!!  I only wish I'd gotten pictures of them at Chick-Fil-A!

I'm making slow progress on the house.  I'm happy with it, and it is starting to feel like home.  Thank Goodness! : )  We have a lawn!  And landscaping now after several shopping trips to local nurseries, deliveries, and lots and lots and lots of plants.  The first three days were a total of 89 plants and trees.  Talk about a lot of dirt-digging.

The pool is all filled and sparkly.  The fence is finally up! (and the trampoline, hooray!)  We are waiting on the city to come and do our final inspection for the pool, so we can take down the permit and signs out front.  I think that's our last hurdle.  Well..we need to get our seasonal meter hooked up for the irrigation so they can make sure it all works..but that'll be after our last hard freeze.  Which could be a while!  We just had another 2" of snow yesterday!!  Good grief.  We have THE weirdest weather.  Especially for the South.

We went with a four foot fence, and iron.  Ches wanted to see the (scrubby) trees and the view behind us.  Clay got a gate to walk over to the creek way back behind us.  He is keeping it busy!

But all those flowers I planted?  Gorgeous!!  The daffodils are waning, the hyacynths are amazing (albeit strong-smelling), and the tulips are budding.  Love!  (..except when I need to open my front door.  The smell kinda hits, and I get all sneezy.  I have to even tell the Collier's Pharmacy delivery man to step inside since I have to hurry and shut the door!)  (Sorry Fed Ex!!) 

I have been working on the drapes in the dining room.  I think I showed you my fabric a long time ago.  (December, maybe?)  I finally have three of them hanging up.  I then jumped to another little project..plates!  I have been really wanting some plates to hang in there.  I thought the navy would just sing with some white or blue and white plates.  I have been scouring flea markets and even Craigslist!  (and can I say that I'm seeing navy EVERYwhere now?  Magazines, catalogs, and online!  Just got my Traditional Home in the mail yesterday..and yep, you guessed, navy blue!)

This is the layout I decided on..I still have four more to hang!

The white collection : )

First, I planned one huge grouping..but then realized I didn't have a wall big enough!  So..I broke them down into an all-white grouping and a blue/white grouping.  I am using these really cool plate hangers this flea market lady (ok, that sounds bad.  She doesn't have fleas..she works/owns it) told me about!  They stick to the back of the plate (after a good wash, wetting and sticking them, and then letting them shrink-dry all night!)..and they don't chip the plates or show from the front!  Only thing is..they are $4 each.  I think it's kinda steep for a hidden sticky pad.  But that's me.  I guess if the plates don't fall off the wall..and my Johnson Brothers plates don't bust that's worth it!  (ok, I have no knowledge of plates, but this lady kept telling how valuable and important they were!)

And I finally got that beautiful gray rug out of its packaging.  It's open, in place, and I really love it.  I feel like it's finally starting to come together.  I also got a call yesterday, and the furniture I ordered is on a truck headed this way.  (Yippee!!)  It'll be delivered on Wednesday morning.  I hope I'm all ready.  I need to move some stuff out of the way..and decide where things will go!  Green chairs upstairs!  Upstairs chairs gone!  Kitchen table-find a new spot!  Kitchen Chairs-need a new home!  Etc.!)

Did I tell you my barstools finally came too?!  I *love* them!!  But a little too much.  They have white slipcovers..and I don't really want anyone to sit in them.  Except I did once..but I was very careful..and didn't eat.  (Tiny problem for my roudy fam of six.  Maybe I just need a break-in period.)  (As of 3/17, Ethan has now christened them.  With fruit punch.)

Oh..and I should mention that the Apple iPhone 5S is super breakable.  I got a new one last week (thank goodness I bought the insurance!).  And..Friday the new one shattered.  I know..Suck City.  I called them all weepy again.  And/But..get this.  First, I can have it replaced four times in my two year agreement (yay!).  Second.  I can't open a new claim until they receive the phone I returned via Fed Ex and close the last claim.  So..I'm razor slicing my finger.  Again.  I even added *fancy* scotch tape over the broken glass so I don't cut my finger..it seems to be a sucker for shards.  I tell you, I'm stylin' with my tape and chippy case.

And I DiD already order a new case (so this might not happen again).  I know this cutesy one I have obviously isn't doing the trick.  I ordered the new one from Lipstick Shades, which is where I got the last good monogrammed Otter Box.  And that old iPhone 4 is still kickin'.  No shatters or anything.  Here is my new design:

I know, cute, right?!  It's sweet, Southern, and ready for SUMMER!!!

I can't wait to see it.  And hold it!  And put it on my newest (third!) iPhone 5s, haha!!!  Let's pray it's my LAST one.  Seriously.  At $49 a claim..I don't want to waste another penny.  I could be buying FABRIC! ; )
 

Just cause you might want to see what I really like for my entryway..but it's still too much for this piece (IMHO).  And I'm not sure I like the hanging down wood in the middle.  I'd really like to be able to put a little bench/stool underneath.

..because no post is complete without my littlest handsomest man!

Hope you are keeping your fingers un-bloody (unless you are checking blood sugar of course..) and your phone in one piece, ha.  (If not..just use Scotch tape..I've heard great things about it!)

Have a great weekend, hugs!

Grubby Hands

Some people drink, some take a hot bath, some people shove their mouths with chocolate, and some just write.  I do a few of those.  When I have had it up to here, and I just can't handle much more.  God is trying to hand me some grace, and I'm trying my best to receive (with grubby little hands).

Today is not quite halfway over, and I just need a time out.  For me.  And apparently some airing of my complaints!  Today we'll not use any more mechanical thingies with glass screens.  We've broken two already.  Today.  Fortunately, thank you, Jesus, I purchased the warranty for my new iPhone, so for the deductible of only $49, a new one will be here tomorrow (thank you, Square Trade).  (and Lord help me transfer all my stuff over, since I don't have a clue how!)   Unfortunately, I don't have a warranty on the iPad.  Another trip to the fixer for $100 will do.  (Crap, says my husband.  Or what he'll say when I break the news.)

We've also lost a sensor again to crazy blood sugars.  Last week I called to find out when the bad ones would be replaced, and they did come immediately, but I also have $1500 in new charges on my credit card.  They are just too expensive.  When I told the girl that Medtronic agreed to replace them, she said since we are using them "off-label" (under 16 years of age), they don't replace them for free.  So..that's the charge?  I didn't get a bill or ANYthing.  Frustrated.

We're on like the 14th snow day this year.  The kids are loud, riding Carter's toys around, and they are generally bored with the Apples to Apples we've been playing.  I can't let them go wild, since ambulances and fire trucks happen when I'm not looking.  (Yes, had both here on Sunday when oldest hit youngest accidentally with the swing.)  (Try explaining that one to the 911 operator.  And then to the paramedics.)

My husband has been teaching online only this semester (but he still goes in for office hours Tuesday through Thursday, so don't be all sorry for me), but this week he's a ghost.  He was out till almost 10 last night, and out the door before the kids were up today.  So..they never saw him.  (Of course I didn't tell them there was no school today! ..so they bathed and were in bed by 8:30.  This momma's got s-k-i-l-l-s.)  He's out all day, but said he'd be home by six, and not to make dinner. (No need to tell me twice.)  We're going out!  (Ok, with kids.)

Anyway, my days continue..and I did sheets today.  After my bed was nice, fresh, and scrumptious (don't you *love* sheet day?!), my baby wallowed all in the big pillows up at the top.  All 11 of them.  They were all squished in, messed up, and flattened, and he was laying right in the big middle, almost passed out from the intoxicating Downy softness and comfort all around him.  Ok, I've always wanted to jump into them too, but you just don't.  'Specially when you're the one making the bed. 

And the floor.  I swear I dust mop at least 7 times a day.  And I've already met my quota today.  Sucks.  I try to think of meals that don't require crumbs.  Lasagna (if you don't allow extra parmesan).  Broccoli, chicken, rice casserole (ditto).  Spaghetti (if you don't let them cut up any noodles) (and no bread).  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans.  Chicken and dumplings.  Beef stew, no crackers.  Potato corn chowder, only shredded melty cheese on top.  Ok, that list took me a while.

And I got this beautiful new Pottery Barn gray rug (took six weeks to get back into stock!), and it's in my entry way floor.  Rolled up in plastic. (I'd snap you a picture.  You know, if I had a camera that didn't cut my fingers when I *slide*.)  There hasn't been 30 minutes to get help to cut it to freedom, and put it in the middle of the living room floor.  (again, probably need help, and not from kids!)

My baby doesn't stay in bed anymore.  He's not quite ready for a big boy bed, but he scales the sides and plays around before he goes to sleep.  And when I ask him to "Look at Mommy", and say "Don't Get Out of Bed. (!)"  He laughs.  Like throw your head back, and find your unshowered mommy hilarious.  She just wishes.  Silly old thing, wanting a shower.

So, there's the lack of shower.  I had a bath last night, but hate to wash my hair at night, 'cause then I have bed head.  So, I still need a shower.  I mean, hey, I'm going OUT tonight!  (remember, for dinner?)

And also, the (girl scout) Cookie Invasion of '14.  They need to be delivered, yo.  And they don't drive themselves.  I had a flat last week (long story short: nail too close to the edge of my tire, didn't want to replace just one or two tires, so I got four new ones).  Then Ches had a flat on Saturday (long 4" screw).  So, let's just say we are being extra cautious now that we have wheels again.  And there's ice on the ground hiding the nails and screws just waiting to nail us.

My laundry is making babies faster than me, and I'm just trying to stay in the clean.  They wear them and dirty them faster than I can say, Stop Wearing Clean Clothes!  So, there's the constant music of my washer and dryer (no way to silence the machines' sing-songy happiness).  And then, I have to vacuum the floor/rug to fold them, and then the actual folding, and then the putting away, and repeat.

And the ice (again).  We are this Arkie family that creates stupid solutions.  We actually put our electric blanket out over the pool pump and equipment to keep it from freezing up in our 6 degree temps.  Yes, we covered it with a waterproof air mattress.  And six just-washed quilts and blankets and comforters for insulation.  (I told him they'd just been washed! and he asked if I wanted to buy a new pump after it busts or wash the quilts again.  Duh.)  At least they're in the back of the house.  (No, those dinosaurs and denim and stripes hanging out there are not for sale.  We're using them.)

K, I'm feeling all aired out.  Thanks for that!  No need for me to continue.. with the baby carrying around the toilet brush (touching only God knows what-seriously, He knows!), or the snotty noses around here.  Or the prescriptions that need filling.  And missed conferences and appointments due to snow and no babysitters.  Like my missed mammogram today.  (I better not have cancer, or I'll be ticked I didn't find it sooner.) (My make up date is in APRIL!).

It's a good thing I have good color on my hair.  And my heat is working.  And we have food to eat.  And faces to kiss.  And you know, the clean sheets.  And dinner out. ; )  God is giving to me, let me just open my hands.

Praying you are feeling the blessings, and you open your little hands too. : )
Hugs, y'all.  Stay warm.

Physicals

I'm sneaking a few minutes..my baby is still sleeping since he only took a quickie nap in the van yesterday while I ran an errand.  Less than 45 minutes, but it got him by all day!  Guess he's catching up on his sleep now. : )
 

with Ches' edible arrangement ; )

My sweetie is 22 months, I can hardly believe it.  He's not a baby anymore.  In fact, I think he's getting ready to potty train.  We've been reading potty books for a while now, and he keeps telling me *diaper* when he's about to go (well..it's still clean!), then when he goes he says "ut-oh, momma".  So sweet!  When I ask if he wants to use the toilet, he says no.  We'll see. ; )

Sweet boy playing with all the toys we've finally gotten back from storage!

After lots of hurdles (ha, no pun intended!), Clay has begun track for junior high.  He had to have a physical.  He couldn't go to the regular free ones for everyone else since he had a pre-existing condition, so we went to see our endocrinologist.  He wrote him a release, and wrote that he had to check himself at 3:15 and 4:30.  The coach told him it was a "poor excuse for a note".  Umm, hello?  Rude maybe?  And the doctor is a specialist, his diabetes specialist?  And his a1c last Monday was 6.5-rockstar!!  So, we tried to do it the nice way.

I called the principal to see what we needed to do.  He called the school district's athletic director (can you believe we have one?!).  We had to have a physical FORM filled out that was on the website.  This was never mentioned at the big meeting for parents.  Guess they just had copies of it at the physicals for the other kids?  I don't even know.  Anyway, we filled it out, and went to see our regular doctor.  Only, we couldn't get a "sick" appointment (same/next day) for a physical.  Has to be a well visit.  And well visits are scheduled 4-6 weeks in advance.  Oh my.  Call on Jesus.

But, she checked for any cancellations, and got us in on Monday. Whew.  He gets to go back to practice now.  It is super hard parenting these special kids!  Hope they n-e-v-e-r find out how hard.

My baby is up, my baby is up!  Sometimes I just can't wait to get in his room to get him.  He's so happy, and he's calling my name.  Momma...momma!  Love, love.

Hope your days are going well!  I'm getting my hair done today.  Love fresh color.  (wha?  You didn't know I colored my hair?!  God blessed me with a few things, but good colored hair was not one of them.) And I've started taking things to do while I sit and process.  Like it's office time.  Address changes, bills, etc.  That's so wrong.  Duh, it should totally be magazine time.  Until you're a mom, home manager, loving laundress, chef, expert dishwasher unloader, and diaper-changer-extraordinaire!  ..Hugs!

Valentine's Minute to Win It and Kitchen!

So..I had this big horizontal space. And I had a big steel J.  I used vinegar to take off all the rust, painted the edges then rubbed some olive oil on, and repainted the wings to match my cabinets. ; )  I think it's way country, but I like it.

My shelves!  Obviously I need to unload the dishwasher since I'm missing some bowls!

Left of sink.  Love my ovens.  (except I got foil stuck to the bottom of the bottom oven.  Oops.

I washed a big box of delicious fresh strawberries to chocolate dip and drizzle!  Can't wait!

I had to have this sign!  Isn't it sweet?  They had "I Love You More than Chocolate"..but I didn't know if I'd be lying.  You shouldn't lie to your kids.

I finally hung some drapes!!!  I take a terribly long time to make up my mind..then after they are in my house it takes another long couple of weeks to actually put screws into my wall.  That's called a commitment issue, I think.

Yay!!  I know..I'm trying to commit to new chairs.  Still can't decide to reupholster these or get new ones.  Way cheaper to get new ones.  But I *heart* them!

I've been knee-deep in Valentine's Party fun!  I've planned Ethan's classroom party, and it's been a blast.  Really.  I planned a lot of Minute To Win It activities, and I can't wait to watch them!  I've had parents volunteer to help gather stuff, and prepare some things, so I'm THANKful!! : )

Ok..so it's the only picture I had.

For fun, we tried it at our JDRF Mom's Lunch on Monday!  I did it with the girls to practice.  It was hilarious.  Adults blowing on Twizzlers and Pixy Stix.  It looked a bit like Coke lines.  That's all I'm gonna say about that.

First, you have to unwrap a kiss one-handed.  Next, you tear the top of your pixy stix (these eluded me!!  I ordered a pack from Amazon.com for $7 before my friends found some locally!  After searching five stores.) and pour it into the circle.  Bite off the end of your Twizzler, and blow through it to move the powder out of the circle.  Last, sort your Skittles (moms prefer M&M's in a local taste-test), and add up the number of colors.

None of us finished in a minute.  I think our mouths were too full of kiss and Twizzler to blow really hard!  So..I'll give the kids longer than planned!  I think maybe the first graders might listen better also.  Just sayin'.

We are also stacking empty soda cans on a plastic plate floating in a big bowl of water.  And picking up mixed candy with chopsticks (they're motivated since they get to keep whatever they move!) called Chopstick Pick Up, Carry the Crunch Berries (sucking up Crunch Berries with a straw to move to their plates).  Let's see..Heart-a-Stack (stacking conversation hearts as fast as they can), Cookie Face (moving a cookie from their forehead to their mouth without touching it), Nose-Diving (a contest of two with Vaseline on their nose, picking up cotton balls and moving them to a bowl..with the sticky nose!), Gumdrop Architecture (each child gets a baggie with 14 gumdrops and 14 toothpicks to build SOMEthing!) and we were going to make balloons with rolled up messages inside..but not only do we have a peanut and egg allergy. . .we have a latex allergy!  And I just found out.  I'm glad we made the balloon valentines at church last week, they were fun!  I also have some back-ups.. 

Don't Break My Heart (passing a tissue paper heart around the room from child to child-and they all have clothespins..no hands! Oh, and tearing it is a no-no..so don't speed!)  We have Fly Fishing (waving tissue paper fish to a finish line with paper plates, competition-style), and we have pizza, heart-shaped cucumbers and heart-shaped carrots, we had to have some healthy in there somewhere! :)

Woohoo, I can't wait to watch them.  Seriously!  I hope I can remember pictures in those precious -minutes- of each game! : )