Wordless Wednesday

From a recent hiking trip:

Hollowed out tree

Close up of carving on hollowed out tree! 



10 on Tuesday

I originally named my post "Random Thoughts", but then read  The Chronicles of Marla and decided to play along on her 10 on Tuesday bloghop.

1.  My treadmill is still folded up in the corner of the living room (where it's been since Christmas)!

2.  We had to postpone our Disney trip from April 29 to September 15...ugh!  I was already in the "we have this many days till we leave" mode.

3.  It's weird picking out which font you want on your Mother's headstone!

4.  I got free tickets to Kenny Chesney, but can't find anyone available to babysit on such short notice.

5.  Spring is on the horizon.  I'm smiling everytime I walk outside because blooming tulips remind me of my Mom!

6.  I need a manicure!

7.  We're building a new house in September.  T has been making changes to the plans for several months.  I can't wait to get them back to the architect so we can see the final layout.

8.  Reese still tells me daily that she misses Grammy.  That makes me sad 'cause I miss her too.

9.  I've turned into some type of food snob.  If someone brings goodies to work, I decide whether or not to partake based on my preconceived notion of the maker's cleanliness.  If their hygiene is not up to par (in my opinion), I skip the treat.  I often wonder if people judge my goodies that way too of if I'm just strange.

10.  Maybe I'm turning into a germophobe, 'cause I just thought of something else I do.  I always tear off the first few sheets of toilet paper (in a public restroom) and throw them away.  I don't know who touched them or what they may have left behind (pun intended).  Weirdo, I know!

I'm out of sorts today, so that's where I'll end.  I was so proud of all the things I had to post last week and here I am today with nothing...

Conversations with Kayla

Last night T was out of town, so Reese and I stopped to get something to eat (McDonalds) and headed to the park.  It was a beautiful night although a little windy.

We ate our scrumptous dinner (ahem) and then headed to the playground with our drinks in hand.  I put them down on a ledge near the sandbox and we began to play.

I kept looking over at our drinks in case they blew over (I wanted to make sure we didn't lose them in the wind and end up littering our favorite playground).

We went down the slide when a young boy rudely asked "aren't you too big to be doing that?"  My first reaction was to point out that he and I weighed about the same thing and that if he could do it, I could too, but I bit my tongue and simply said, "nope, are you?"

We continued playing and were on the swings when I looked over to our drinks only to see this same boy drinking Reese's apple juice.  I had to do a double take because really, who drinks someone else's drink?  He took several sips and then proceeded to dump the rest and bury the box in the sand.

When we got ready to leave, we headed over to collect my drink.  As we were walking that way I told Reese that someone drank her apple juice.  She, understandably, was upset.  Here's the conversation that ensued with the culprit:

Me: "Did I really just see you drinking my daughter's apple juice?

Kid: "No, I just poured it out."

Me: "Ok, but I SAW you drinking it.  Why would you pick up someone else's drink and drink it?"

Kid:  "I didn't know it was hers."

Me: "Well, was it yours?"
Kid: "No, but I didn't drink it, I just poured it out"

Me: "Ok, I SAW you drink it, but whatever"
Kid: "Well, I just had a couple of drinks"

We turned to leave and he walked up to Reese and apologized for drinking her juice (which I thought was nice).  Where were his parents, by the way?

We walked toward the car and I mentioned how weird it was that someone would think it was ok to drink a strange drink.  Reese corrected me and said it wasn't weird, it was mean.

I said, "well, just don't drink something if it doesn't belong to you or someone in your family."  She replied, "but I didn't do it".  I smiled all the way home...and then we got her a new juice from the fridge - and I didn't even have one tiny sip!!

Wordless Wednesday

Spotted this on our recent trip to Arkansas.
Is this common? -  'cause I've never seen anything like it in Oklahoma.



To Walk or Not To Walk

I received a random email on Friday.  It wasn't even in my "in" box, but in my spam.  Something made me move it to my "in" box and open it.  It was from Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.  Now, I have run in Komen races every year since 2001 (even walked it when I was pregnant), but have never heard of 3-Day for the Cure.

I clicked the link and was taken to the website overviewing the event(s).  I was intrigued.  3 days of walking, 20 miles each day, an experience of a lifetime.

As some of you know, I lost my Mom in January to breast cancer - a long journey that ended this year.  Is this my "something" to do this year to honor her and celebrate her life?  I signed up for the information packet which should arrive in the next 2 weeks.

Why not do it: 

1) must raise $2,300 to participate - that's alot of $$

2) I hate asking others for money

3) there is no race in my area, not even in my State

4) unknown costs (travel, registration, food/board)

4) 60 miles in 3 days (enough said)

Reasons to do it: 

1) honor my Mom and celebrate her life

2) raise funds to help find a cure for breast cancer

3) an experience of a lifetime

4) something in my heart is telling me to do it

5) I just "happen" to have $2,300 laying around

I've thought about this all weekend.  I don't know any specifics - never even knew this event existed before Friday, but something's telling me I'm supposed to do it.  Why do I happen to have the exact amount that I would have to raise just sitting in an account all by itself? - not $2,200 not $2,400 - EXACTLY $2,300...I'd still want to do the fundraising, but if I totally suck at it, I already have the minimum to get me in.

I think it's a sign - what do you think?  I need some advice.  Anyone done this walk or heard of it before? 

Crafting with Reese

Reese has recently shown a huge interest in anything crafty, which is ok by me, because I love to cut and paste!  I purchased a ton of craft supplies before Valentines Day and we've been crazy crafters ever since.

A couple of weeks ago, I thought we'd try something different so we went to our local ceramics store.  We went on a Sunday afternoon where we totally scored on the "studio fee".  Instead of $10 for me and $6 for Reese, we only paid $4 each.  We'd never been there before, so I really had no idea what to expect or what it would cost.  We each picked out a piece (ok, I picked out what I wanted Reese to paint but she totally got me back later by picking a second piece herself).  I thought it would be really cute to have her paint a plate - put whatever she wanted on it and then use it to eat from.  I guess I put a lot more sentimentality into it than she did though, because she was finished with it in about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, I was barely beginning.  I chose a large serving bowl and decided to be a little fancy with my painting (or at least try to be).  I'm pretty sure I was still drawing circles inside my bowl when Reese finished her plate. 

She decided she wanted to paint a cupcake and I couldn't think of a valid reason to say no, so she picked out what SHE wanted to paint and we went to town with our paintbrushes.

She still finished her cupcake before I finished my bowl, but was patient while I trudged on.  By the time we left (2 1/2 hours and $55 later), I was just done...I didn't even get the 3 recommended coats of paint on my bowl, but by that time, I didn't care -
I wanted OUT!

Our pieces were left behind for firing and we went last night to retrieve them.  Behold, our masterpieces:

So what did I learn from this outing, you may ask?  1) it's super fun to go painting with your daughter and 2) let her do it by herself - you can sit back and "help" if needed and you'll both be more sane when you leave!

I'm totally making pasta tonight to put in this dang bowl!

Conversations with Kayla

I've had my car about 2 1/2 years.  In that time, I've probably had 9-10 nails/screws in my tires.  I've even had to replace 2 tires that couldn't be patched.

The last 3 mornings, I've had to stop on my way to work to put air in yet another leaking tire.  I took it to the shop today.  Here's my conversation with the mechanic once he was done with my car.

Mechanic:  "Ok, you're ready to go"
Me: "Did I have a nail?"
Mechanic:  "Yes ma'am you did"
Me:  "Man I can't believe I'm such a nail attractor"
Mechanic: "Well, that happens sometimes"
Me:  "Yep, you're right...and I'm sure my husband would much rather I be a nail attractor than a male attractor"
Mechanic:  "Well, I guess that totally depends on your perspective"

I like to mess with this guy because I like to think we've formed somewhat of a relationship over the last year or so.  He's fixed numerous tires and changed my oil a few times.  He's also one of those guys that looks at you a little too long and a little too intently...it makes me a little uncomfortable, so I always try to be a jokester to ease the tension.

No one else may think this was funny, but I totally crack myself up!

Wordless Wednesday

A combination I never knew exited...hot dogs and meatballs!



Book Review

I have an awesome Aunt and Uncle who gift us a book every Christmas.  This has been going on as long as I can remember.  When we were little, a check was always tucked deep inside - I think it was their sneaky way of seeing whether or not we actually read the books.

We were allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve and always chose the one from them knowing it was a book.  I'd like to say we chose it because of our love of reading, but the truth was, we wanted to get the book out of the way.  We were avid readers, but what kid wants a book for Christmas when you might have some awesome toys under the tree?  Now that I'm a grown up (and so much more mature, hee hee), I have grown to treasure receiving those books and look back at this longstanding tradition with fondness.  I lost my Uncle in October 2009, but the tradition continues with my Aunt now at the helm.  

This year, I received An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin, which I have read and will review, but later.  The one I want to talk about today is the one my Mom received - Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks.

Now, I have been a fan of Nicholas Sparks a long time.  It all started while walking through the mall one day.  I walked past Waldenbooks (anyone remember those?) and a book called out to me.  It was The Notebook.  I had no intention of purchasing this book because I was a poor college student who didn't have that kind of money to spend on a book (it wasn't available in paperback yet) especially by an author I'd never heard of.  I walked on by but couldn't get the feeling that I was supposed to buy it out of my head.  I ended up walking back past the store again where the urge overtook me.  It was the best purchase EVER!  If you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about.  I had seen the movie "Message in a Bottle", but had no idea it was inspired by Nicholas Sparks first book until after I became a fan.   

Since that time, Nicholas Sparks has never failed to make me shed a tear.  Safe Haven is no exception.  It's the story of Katie, a girl who runs away from her previous life and lands in the small town of Southport.  She gets a job as a waitress and slowly finds acceptance, friends and love.  I thought I was going to make it through without crying, but ole Nick threw a twist in the end that brought me to tears.   

If you're a fan of the happily ever after love tale, even when that love has obstacles along the way that can be life-threatening, then this book is for you.   It's kinda predictable since we all know the main character will win in the end, but still worth the time.  It's a book about new beginnings and hope - an easy read and a good love story.

The only Nicholas Sparks book I haven't read ironically is Message in a Bottle.  I couldn't bear to read the book after I'd already seen it on the big screen.  And conversely,  I've never seen any of the movies inspired by his other books.  I like the pictures I have in my head and don't want  to let anyone else in who might screw with my perceptions.

Anyway, read the book - you won't be sorry!

Cupcakes - Part 2

Reese and I went to eat at Chik-fil-A Tuesday night because T was out of town and I DON'T cook when T's out of town :)

We walked in to see several tables pushed together to form one long one.  There were several girls sitting there expertly decorating cupcakes.  My first thought was, "I didn't know Chik-fil-A did birthday parties".  They even had someone painting the girl's faces.  Toss in the play area and I don't see how one could resist!

Reese immediately asked if she could get her face painted and I gently told her she could not because she wasn't a guest at the party.  Believe it or not, we made it to our seats before she asked the 2nd time.  I mentioned that we hadn't been invited, so we could not partake in the festivities (I didn't use those words EXACTLY...I kinda toned it down to 4 year old speak).  We got about 1/2 way through our meal before she asked again.  I barely got the words birthday party out of my mouth before another Mom put me out of my misery.

She said Chik-fil-A was helping the Girl Scouts celebrate their birthday (turning 93 on March 12) - the cupcake decorating and face painting was for everyone.  Reese heard this and was miraculously done with her meal.  We iced and decorated her cupcake before waiting in line for face painting behind several little girls who had on enough war paint to head into battle.  I had a momentary glimpse of Reese at 21 showing me her new tattoo and saying it was my fault since I had spent so many years priming her for the real thing.  Facepainting at the circus, at birthday parties, then there was that one time at Chik-fil-A, etc. etc. etc.  Not that I think there is anything wrong with tatoos...I just don't like the thought of my LITTLE GIRL with one.  She decided on cherries which turned out super cute!  (If you ever read this Reese, I am NOT advocating permanent tattoos on your face - it hasn't done much for Mike Tyson!)

I digress - my point really is how awesome I think

Chik-fil-A is.  The last time we were there, they had storytelling night where the kids could sit on a mat and listen to a children's book written and read by a local author.  I love how they promote community -

there aren't many places around like that anymore. 

And sacrificing profits to be closed on Sundays? 

There's something pretty special about that too.

And, to our benefit...
 we ate dinner, got a facepainting, decorated a cupcake and played for a mere $1.41 more than I spent at the fancy smancy cupcake place. 

Now, that's a bargain  - no matter how you slice it!

P.S.  It tasted just as good as the 'spensive ones!

 

Wordless Wednesday

It's never to early to become a fashion diva!

Conversations with Kayla

Can you tell I already ate 1/2 before this picture was taken?

After meeting friends at the movies Saturday, Reese and I decided to stop by the fancy smancy cupcake store before heading home for our nap.  We didn't so much plan it as I'd heard of this place before, we were passing right by, traffic was at a standstill in front of us, so why not go in?  We'd never been there, so I thought it would be a special treat.  Our entry into the store made us the only customers there. 

Here's the conversation that ensued:

Employee:  "Welcome to Kupcakz"

Me to employee:  "Thanks" while scanning the 5 varieties of cupcakes in the window along with the 10 empty spots.  "We've never been here before so we're excited to see what you have".

Employee:  "Well, too bad we sold out of all the good ones...

I snicker and raise my eyebrows before she corrects herself. 

Employee:  "I mean, too bad we're out of my personal favorites"

Even with this glowing endorsement, we forked over a lot of money for 2 cupakes.  They were certainly pretty, and looked very promising.  We sat in one of the leather chairs in the lobby and proceeded to get down to our cupcake eating business.  I cut mine in half and handed the other one to Reese.  She licked the icing and said "ok, I'm done" before I could even get mine close to my mouth.  I ate 1/2, packed the rest in the cute box they came in and headed for home.

I ate 1/2 of Reese's when we arrived home and decided we'd made our one and only trip to Kupcakz 'cause these were nothing to write home about.  And how can a cupcake place run out of 10 of their flavors by 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon - am I wrong in thinking of this as prime cupcake eating time?

All my visions of becoming hip and telling my friends to meet me at the cupcake place are gone
- out the window - and all because
they'd already sold out of all the good ones!
It could have been such a beautiful thing...

We're off to see the Wizard



So, the party is over and it's only taken me 5 days to post about it.  Before I go further, let me just say that it was a smashing success.  Here's the lowdown on getting it all pulled together:

To decorate the cake, I wanted to make a yellow brick road surrounded by a field of poppies -
it looked so good in my head...

I baked a cake Thursday night but ended up starting over Friday because I didn't think what I had (10 inch rounds) was going to be big enough for the decorations.  I worked on that cake from 2:00-11:00, but finally got it done.  It's certainly not perfect, but I was happy enough that I wasn't going to run get a last minute cake from the bakery.

I had a plan for getting everything done, maybe I should say I had a dream of how it should be done, but none of it worked according to schedule.  T kept telling me not to worry, we'd get done in time - then proceeded to go to bed.  Ugghhh...

I left the house at 11:00 to run to the store for last minute items and then fell into bed about 1:00.  I was up at 7:00 cleaning and preparing the food
(we served lunch).

I'm very thankful for T because without his help, we may have had a party, but it would have been in a filthy house!  He cleaned all morning and barely had time for a shower before our guests arrived.

Here are a few pictures from Reese's special day:

Our yellow brick road - can you see the witch?

The decorations

The table



The infamous cake! 
Little known secret - it took 5 cake mixes to make this sucker

And the thing that made my daughter think I rule the world...



The rainbow inside the cake!



 Happy Birthday Reese! 

Can't wait to see what you dream up next year.

Maybe Chuck E Cheese?

Wordless Wednesday

When you turn 4, you start to get chores!