Quito Notes

Sol Pompom Anthropologie necklace knockoff

2012-01-13T18:50:00.006-06:00

I have been looking at this necklace for awhile now. I think the design is beautiful. It's a real statement piece - but it's $468.

This necklace, and many others to drool over, are from Akong London. Check them out for so much jewelry inspiration.

For a few weeks I've been looking for a necklace like this necklace with a better price tag. I found one somewhat similar at Cato's for $7. The rest is $20 in extras to complete the look below on the left.

Notes: other chains are from walmart for $2 ea, jump rings were about the same price, ribbon and trims from Hobby Lobby @ about $6, and the two metal sliders at the top were $8 at Michaels. The only other thing you need to make this piece is patience and time. See pics below.

This is the necklace from Cato's. It was three chain's woven together with ribbon and some diamonds on top.

Extra chains from Walmart.

The disassembled Cato's necklace getting velvet ribbon.

I used two rows of the pompoms. I sewed them together with clear thread. This way they were thicker with pompoms in greater intervals around the necklace. I hooked rings through the fabric edge and attached to the chain.

The rest is pretty simple. I wove more trim through chain, attached to the sliders for two necklaces hanging, hotglued my trim and ribbon edges, and finished with a ribbon at the neck.

Picking It Back Up

2011-11-02T09:45:00.007-05:00

I've been gone from blogging for a long time now. Facebook seemed more convenient at the time. Now though, it seems inadequate for sharing. I need a place to put stories about the kids for future scrapbook pages. I also need a place to share a horde of pictures. Couple that with some recipes & crafts and it appears Facebook won't work anymore for me.

So I'm back blogging. I hope I can come up with some defined semi weekly posts. I'd like to pop on here fast with some projects and photos so we'll see what happens. :)

I have been on Pinterest lately way too much. I am loving all the crafts and recipes you can find. It's a really cool place. I finally got around to making some things I've pinned. Here are three:

1. Triple Pumpkin Stack

I found the instructions here at a blog that has several other neat ideas. These pumpkins were found at Hobby Lobby. The cool thing about them is they are already hollow and open at the bottom for super easy stacking. The only thing I wish I'd done to this project was to paint the urn some other color.

2. Yarn Wreath

I have a whole pin board devoted to wreaths. There are simply tons of great ideas on Pinterest for wreaths. This one was a favorite because of the combination of yarns. The idea came from this blog. I'll be bookmarking this site - so many fun ideas here!

3. Restoration Hardware $7 Knockoff Candles

This one was super cheap and easy. I found the instructions here. It's amazing how these people are looking at expensive items and coming up was economical alternatives. I had a good time painting in my monogram too. It's the "vine" font that I use all the time. I love that the P in this font is balanced. :)

Whoo doesn't love an Owl :)

2010-09-25T12:36:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we met Mallory and Adele for a quick dinner and a movie girls night. Girls night with one boy (Markus) I should say. It's always fun to see them. We dressed the girls up in their new little owl ensembles. We had a lovely little bite to eat at Panera Bread. I gobbled up those carbs fast since Monday it's back to Medi. I thought the movie, Legends of the Guardians, was beautiful. It has a good story line about family, hope, and the battle between good and evil. I liked it a lot and it will definitely be on our to buy list for new dvd's. Mallory and Adele gave Helen a little owl ornament happy when we arrived. They are always so sweet and thoughtful. I'm thankful that they take the time to travel to meet us. It warms my heart to know that two years after we moved we are still meeting up with these special friends. It's an effort on both our parts and so worth it! I love, love, LOVE them!

Here's some pics I borrowed from Adele's blog. Enjoy!
Erin

We {Heart} Art!

2010-09-22T09:14:00.005-05:00

Markus had his first art class last week. They made these cute little polymer clay objects and yesterday they got to come back to class to paint them. Markus is so cute about wanting to take art like his big sis and her buddies. He has been begging to go. I was proud of him for taking some instructions. I definitely see that he needs more group functions because he kept interrupting Emilie with all the little comments he wanted to add to the class. His first teacher has her work cut out for her. Overall he was sweet and well behaved and definitely interested. Here's a few pics. Enjoy!

It's Share Time

2010-09-22T08:44:00.005-05:00

Of course I've been crazy busy and it's been fun. The past two weeks I have been cleaning out storage rooms and closets. I have all the kids fall/winter ironed and ready to move into their closets. Today is the first day of fall but unfortunately summer didn't get the memo. We'll see if a cool snap will finally take hold. Until then I'm enjoying the fall signs where I see them. Pumpkins are in the grocery stores. We finally had rain the other afternoon and a ton of leaves fell with it. I see some color in the trees so that's a good sign too.

Other than my mind being on fall, my favorite season, I have been cleaning. I cleaned out the garage storage room for Chad. This is where most of his storage stuff resides. I cleaned out my storage building/studio. That was a job! Leigh had given me all this decor and what not so it all had to be boxed and organized. I'm considering throwing a little Halloween get together just so I can use all the cute stuff she gave me. After doing those two buildings I decided to clean out the sun porch and plant shrubs around the sides of it. Once that was clean I moved to the front porch and I put out mums, fall decor, and a leafy wreath.

With the outside done I headed indoors. I spent three hours one morning in Markus' bedroom. I did it all in his room including baseboards, closet, ceiling fan, furniture repair, upholstery cleaning, and his wood blinds. It was inspiring to see how clean and nice it could be in his little space. The inspiration moved me through the rest of the house. I also had a cleaning lady come one day to help finish the regular dusting and what not on the other side of the house so that by the end of the week I would have everything immaculate. That gave me the option Friday morning to let Markus go to the Y and do the final big clean on all the other rooms in the house. So last Friday I cleaned the oven, I wiped out the refrigerator / freezer, I wiped down all the trim, baseboards, and chair rail in every room in the house including the closets, I dusted all the blinds, I wiped down all the ceiling fans, and I washed all the kitchen cabinets!!! Whew! I can say without a doubt that the house smells fresher and that it's really put me in a good mood to have it in this great condition. Now I just have to resist the urge to get fussy if the hubs and kids mess it up. So far they have been very good and being neat and tidy. I just keep reminding myself of what Chad always says, "It's not a museum!"

So with all that cleaning done I collected a mass of things that we no longer use or want. Some went to Ebay, some went to the Salvation Army, and other's went to family and friends that could use them.

With all this cleaning done, there really is very little to do for me during the day besides play with Markus and keep up with our washing/ironing. So I've made some scrapbook goals and I'm working towards them. It's nice to have the time to scrapbook again. I hope I get some more done this month and next before I have to move it back to my scrapbook closet for the holidays. As it is right now I have it spread out all over the dining room table.

Well I'd better scoot. I am making a cup of hazelnut coffee in the new Keurig coffee maker Chad got yesterday. I just hope my Hoot Owl Cup is clean. :)

-Erin

He's a Little Heart Bird!

2010-09-12T21:30:00.002-05:00

You know, some decisions just get better every day. I almost sent Markus to preschool this year. I hesitated mostly because Chad kept reminding me that he was the last baby, that we didn't send Helen, and that I certainly couldn't get all emotional and not send him next year. I wanted to send him because his twos and his threes had been so bad, and I was sure what he needed was structure and another adult authority. Well, it happens that the decision to keep him home with me has been more than for the best. He has turned the corner on his terrible threes. I actually look forward to spending time with this little man now. He really pushed my limits for awhile there. I'm so excited about the opportunities for just the two of us this fall. We are going to do some activities and little adventures. I can't wait. I'm so glad he's here with me this year. :):):)

Random August/Sept. Photos

2010-09-10T16:11:00.007-05:00

I just a have a few fave photos to share from the past few weeks. Good times. :)

Markus and Chad at the race track before back to school. This was Markus' first time. :)
My silly boy!
Playdates with Kaelyn before Art class.
Some kind of secret handshake
The TWO Timbercreek Rattlesnakes that were mating in my driveway. My neighbor shot them. How's that for "abstinence now!" :)
Yucky snakes.
The other yucky snake.
One morning before school
Waking up Markus
Hats! We love them!
Even silly boys want their picture made.
Both of them on the phone with Aunt Jackie.

The Orange and White Game
My Heartbirds
Markus set the table one night.
Ready for the Pep Rally
Our Buddies
An afternoon outside with our neighbor Jim.
Tico who is being still and calm for once.

:) Later Y'all,
Erin

Conde' Charlotte Museum

2010-09-09T11:57:00.007-05:00

A few weeks back I took Helen and Markus to an Antebellum Mansion in Mobile. I really wanted to take Helen to Natchez this fall but I don't think we'll have the time. It will probably be prettier in the spring anyway. However, we had to find a little 'southern culture' somewhere close by because she's going to be a Southern Belle for Halloween. Hence the trip to the Conde'-Charlotte.

This house was amazing and so were the precious little ladies that gave us the tour. On this particular rainy Saturday morning it was just us three so they gave us a grand tour. :) They were so steeped in Southerness which I adored. They called each other sister and they gave us a great deal of info on everything we saw. They even let the kids sit on the 'do not touch' antique furniture. :)

The cost was only $5 for me since the kids were free so I highly recommend it as a great little history tour for the price. The house has a very interesting history. It is built on the only brick building the Spanish built while they held power in Mobile. This is the jail house next to Fort Conde'. The house flies five flags in the front for all of the governments/nations that have rules Mobile. The house gives a nod to each of the countries as well. Their are French and British styled bedrooms. They also have the Spanish patio. Then the dining rooms and parlors are in either Colonial style or in the style of the Confederate South.

The kids really enjoyed the tour. It was much more up Helen's alley than Markus though. He did enjoy playing with Napoleon's brother's guitar in one upstairs bedroom. :) Helen really loved the tour and I loved how much history she shared while we were on the tour. She's learned a lot in those American Girl books and she was telling us who the king was and who the loyalist were when we were in the Colonial rooms. I think she enjoyed seeing a kitchen in that style since Felicity spends some time in the kitchens in the AG books.

So here are the photos of the day. Enjoy!

Our Birthday Princess

2010-09-05T21:59:00.013-05:00

On Friday Helen turned 7. We celebrated early that morning with a candle glowing do-nut and song. Unfortunately Chad was sick most of the day and was not apart of the celebrations. However, he got better by Saturday. It would not have been a birthday without "Daddy" :)

Helen went on to school where she had cupcakes at snack time. Then she had some balloons brought to the school. A little incident sidetracked their delivery, but they were loved none the less when she did get them. :)

Helen's class won the spirit stick at the Pep Rally. I love watching her and Mary Grace run across the gym floor to retrieve it from the cheerleaders.

We ate out dinner with some new friends. Anne Marie and Teresa joined us later with our other friends Katrina and Mandy at the football game that night. Fun, fun, FUN!!!!

On Saturday we left town early for Hattiesburg. Helen had a blast at lunch. Our good friends Mallory and Adele (who are practically family in every way) joined my family in the festivities. We had a great lunch and enjoyed our visit thoroughly. Helen opened lots of gifts and we sang over a beautiful cake that my sister made. I do adore a Lee Lee creation. They always taste as magnificent as they look. I'm so lucky that she donates so much time and creativity to making my children birthday cakes. They are super special!

We spent the rest of the weekend at Auntie Lee Lee's house or at Marmies. I was sad to leave this morning. I do love my group! I know I am so blessed to be in my family. I treasure the fact that we all really love one another and love to be with one another. It just feels so good to go home to them!

So that wraps up Helen's birthday weekend. She's in her room now playing with her Barbie car and asking me get her laptop set up. Enjoy the photos...I gotta scoot and go enjoy my baby girl and some fun play time. :):):):):)

Winning The Spirit Stick

Whoo doesn't love balloons?

The beautiful cake Leigh made for Helen.

Beautiful Baby Bella and Marmie

A PB Owl Pillow and Makeup from Adele and Mallory

A goody bag from Markus

A Hot Pink Barbie Convertible from Auntie Nee Nee and Uncle Slade

American Girl Books from Marmie and Pa Campbell and Brett

An Owl Laptop from Mama and Daddy

Playing on our iPhones waiting for lunch to arrive

Our Party

Daddy's Girl

Singing to the Birthday Princess

The Kiddos and Grandkids (Minus two in VA :) )

Random Monday Thoughts

2010-08-23T11:29:00.002-05:00

I think I love Monday. Yes...check me I must have a temperature. Seriously though, I am enjoying being so organized and busy now that Helen is back in school. I baked cinnnamon rolls this morning. Yes I baked before 6 a.m.!!!! I got Helen off to school and Markus and I went to the Y for some treadmill time. I checked FB and email. I got the car cleaned out and washed, mailed Helen's laptop to daddy, dropped Chad's coat at the cleaners, and got some things at Walmart. It's only 11:32!!!! Maybe it's just that getting up earlier gives you more time in the day? I dunno. But I love it!

I'm about to clean a few rooms in the house, thaw some fish in milk for dinner tonight, and work on a list I made last night of to do's. I love being busy. :) Happy Monday y'all!

PS...here is a recipe I tried last night from Southern Living. It's a really nice and light take on a non mayo style potato salad. Try it!

Lemony Potato Salad

Ingredients

2 pounds red potatoes, cut into eighths
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

1. Bring potatoes and salted cold water to cover to a boil in a large Dutch oven; boil 15 to 17 minutes or just until tender. Drain and let cool 5 minutes.

2. Whisk together olive oil and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Add warm potatoes, green onions, and parsley; toss to coat. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Helen's first day of school and byebye Chad

2010-08-16T20:06:00.003-05:00

Chad had a plane to catch Friday. Here are the babies saying goodbye. Breaks my heart :(

And here is Helen on her first day of first grade.

Sorry for the shortness of words here but we are BUSY and I just want to make sure I add these photos to the blog.

Erin

A bff Weekend

2010-08-16T19:53:00.006-05:00

Y'all know I love Adele and Mallory. Helen and I were delighted to spend the weekend with them. It's always so much fun! Here's some photos of our weekend and a photoshoot I did for Adele late Saturday night.

Erin

Helens Bedroom Makeover

2010-08-06T21:35:00.017-05:00

I have been wanting to redecorate Helen's bedroom for quite awhile now. This summer finally afforded us the time to get it done. I am so pleased with the results and glad we finished before school started. Helen is delighted with several features of her new surroundings. The inspiration for a redo came from her need of a desk. Helen is getting a laptop for her birthday. We went a little beyond a desk. :) Here are the details.

This is Helen's wall on the walk in to her closet/bathroom. She has a calender with all her classes/activities and places to hang her umbrellas, purses, and her little Vera Bradley wristlet. She loves to take this everywhere.
We found room on her counter for another owl and a Buckhead Betty's toiletries bag that EP gifted her.
We also found a place for her guest towels. These were a gift from Juliann.
Helen thought her bottle cap necklaces were better displayed on the mirror she cracked while we were moving around. I'm not sure if she's trying to cover the crack or what. It's good she and I are not superstitious. :)
We put her Vera Bradely glasses case (a gift from Katrina) on her boxes next to her lamp. We also put a favorite family photo in the frame that Lauren gave her.
The hairbows got color coordinated. :) Let's all cross our fingers that she still lets me put them in her ponytail.
Helen took on the task of weeding through baby doll clothes and seperating them from the build a bear things.
She also insisted on a big area in the closet for her "salon" where Markus gets a regular trim. Thank goodness for plastic scissors.
Helen's built ins also got reorganized. Now she has a little shelf for her jewelry and lip gloss. I also got her little boxes to organize her scrapbooking. Now it will be easier for us to do that craft together. :)
More closet.
We got all of Helens books culled. We replaced a lot of 'baby' books with the American Girl series. She's on book 6 of Felicity. She is loving to read and I am loving that!
We held onto a few old things like this favorite photograph taken on a day with Mallory at the Hattiesburg zoo. I adore her in hats!
Because we did way too many photographs in the room (see below) I had to find a different source of wall decor. Luckily Helen had ample art leftover from the art show. The school requested one piece to be framed so that it could hang in the elementary hallway. I had the other pieces framed later this month that placed in the art show. I treasure her little artsy side. :)
We found a great place for the Sweden/Holland treasures that 'daddy' brought back from his last trip overseas. Helen stuffs real and play money in this shoe. :)
A positive word and her graduation autograph puppy.
Her bulletin board is now surrounded by framed photos of the last two years. Her friends and family are up there with her in some of our fave memories. I love this wall the best.
More art. Obviously we had a thing for peace signs this year.
The cupcake is her delicate jewelry box and a lovely gift from the Pete and Patsy next door. I put her ipod radio here and some more photos.
Helen said her flashlight had to go close to the bed so along with it we hung an art sign we made awhile ago and her crayon/marker bag.
Another owl. :) Love it! And more photos! Love it! (and an ipod charger for a touch of practicality.)
More art ribbons, Paris souvenirs, and family photos.
Helen is ready for homework and school with all the pencils she sharpened. She loves it that her daddy teases her with this big eraser acting like it's for use on her. lol.
I put the quilt that Leigh made for Helen on this chair along with her first stuffed owl and a pillow. I was creating this space for a reading area but now I realize with all this junk on top of the seat that she might not be reading much here. Oh well...it's cute.
A favorite phrase is on the wall over her bed along with owl decals that Leigh got Helen last time we were home.
Helen now has a spot to charge her ds and to stack her well read AG books and Bible. She cracks me up on this alarm clock. She is determined to wake up by alarm clock this year for school. We'll see how that goes on the first morning. :)
I almost forgot to mention the desk chair. I was really wanting one of these from PBKids but I really didn't want to spend that much on a desk chair. I totally lucked up at Maycomb Mall in town and found this solid oak chair for $18. I sanded and restained it in one afternoon. I am really pleased with the results.
Green baunk baunk (helen's baby blanket) got a treasured location near the foot of the bed. I can't believe she's still holding onto that blanket. It's so old and funky. At least she lets me wash it. :)
We also placed Helen's stuff animal collection in the animal print bag here next to her tv armoire. I am so pleased she didn't argue about their new 'concealed' home. I was going critter crazy for awhile. I mean you could never find the floor or the bed when they were out. I hate to think how much I have contributed to build a bears shareholders. :)
The little rugs from her old room in MS stayed. We found a place for them in front of the stereo. Helen is dubbing this area a disco section because of the fancy light, rugs, and music. LOL. It's supposed to be an organized toy area but I'll call it whatever she wants so long as she is more tidy now.

We went with simple curtains because Helen loves the natural light. She also found a home for her hanging butterfly collection. It now adorns her ceiling fan.

And those are the new details of my little misses room. I think she's really enjoying it now. I am relieved the paint color worked and that the job is done. Now to enjoy it!

Erin

J&J Day

2010-07-24T00:33:00.004-05:00

It isn't Christmas but it's just about as exciting when my Aunt Jackie sends us packages in the mail. Today she sent a box of Janie and Jack. Markus and Helen love mail surprises and this one was no exception. It was all so cute. The kids called her to thank her and give her their love. I wish we got to see her more often. Orange County is a long way off. It really feels like it on days when we chat and I miss her. At least we have cute photos to share and send her. :)

Splish Splash

2010-07-24T00:18:00.002-05:00

I don't know why it's taken me so long to bring my camera out to the pool. It seems like we've been there at least once a week since the summer began. I remembered today and got a few photos. I have really enjoyed chatting with the Katrina, Julie Ann, Mandy, and Debra there this summer and I know my kids have loved playing with the Casey, Stacey, and West children. I think we will be joining next summer for sure. Hanging with them all at the pool is going to be one of Markus and Helen's best summer memories for sure.

Pre-Tennis Play Dates

2010-07-24T00:13:00.002-05:00

One of the best things about summer is that you get to sign your kids up for lessons and that gives you the opportunity to meet up with friends before or after lessons. Case in point was Thursday's pre tennis play date in McDonalds. Helen and Markus have picked up my bacon and eggs Atkins habit and they do love to play with Kaelyn and Jackson so we met them that morning. They all kept busy while Robin and I caught up with each other since this summer has been so busy. I'm excited that we have Kaelyn in our 1st grade class too. Those two have been together every year since we moved here. I'm glad for them to have each other. :)

Spike - the new 'do

2010-07-23T23:53:00.004-05:00

Above is a great example of Markus's hair. It's Campbell hair - style and all. Chad has been making comment that the 'Franciscan Monk' look is not hip. I know, I know...but in my defense I don't know what to do with boy hair. I haven't even been parting it much less anything else. This is the way my daddy and both of my brothers have been wearing their hair for as long as I've know them. It's just natural I guess that I let his be like what I'm used to.

That said, I was tired of the monk comments and I knew Chad was right. Markus is a big boy now and should have big boy hair.

Haircuts however are a painful procedure. Not in the sense of real pain, but that Markus can be a real pain while getting one. What do I mean? Y'all ever heard of the term "wailing and gnashing of teeth"? Markus gives real meaning to that one during his haircuts.

Be that as it may I was determined on Thursday to get a new style for Markus. So we put up with the crying, the screaming, the kicking, and whatever else he threw or sprayed at us. We replaced suckers that got hair in them and suckers that had been eaten. At one point our stylist (who I try to over tip) handed him her water bottle to play with. It actually worked pretty good. He really got a kick out of wetting her, the floor, and anyone else in striking distance.

After the cut and the crying was done, we gelled it up for his spiky new style. He really likes it now too. He asked me this morning to 'gel him' and he has admired himself many times in our bathroom mirrors. Wouldn't it be nice if this new 'do gets him to quit behaving so badly in the salon chair? One can only hope. :)

Kangarooz

2010-07-23T23:41:00.004-05:00

Tuesday night we stayed in Daphne. We needed to after the long drive to MS and the shopping that I did later that afternoon. The kids loved our hotel but were not so overly tired from the busy day to say no to the pool. After a swim they begged me to take them to the 'garden' so I also got off diet to enjoy it with them. Can you blame me? Olive Garden is a carb lovers heaven or an atkins girl's version of hell. I chose not to suffer in protein silence and instead feast on some bread and pasta. Oh yum!

The next morning we ran a few errands on my "Mobile List" and then went to Kangarooz. Markus loved it! It was his first time and I was proud of Helen for helping her brother up into the jump/bouncer thingys (what do you all those things????). She never left him and they had a blast together.

The kids played for two hours, ate a huge pizza lunch, and then played another hour. I knew the day was over for sure as far as shopping was concerned after all that play time. Sure enough they were passed out before I hit the highway home. And thank goodness for that because after being in that building for three hours surrounded by screaming children I was feeling in dire need of a nerve pill! All in all it was one of the best days of our summer.

Josettes and some Fun

2010-07-23T23:14:00.004-05:00

Tuesday after Lynn Meadows, I took Helen and Markus to Josettes. For those not familiar, it is a huge and very old costume establishment in Biloxi. They have been outfitting Broadway and other theater productions for decades. I came to know Josettes when I was in Jr. Miss. I have been wanting to take the kids there for their Halloween costumes for the longest time, but the drive has kept me from it. Since we were in town on Tuesday we did our trick or treat shopping early. I am so glad I did. Halloween will be that much more fun this year now that we've had such a fun time trying on costumes and making an afternoon of dress up in Josettes.

Helen stood in the crown room for a good half hour just gasping and aahing at all the tiaras. I know how she felt. I did the same thing the first time I came in that room almost 14 years ago. It was that room that inspired our little crown collection in her first bathroom.

When I finally pried her from the glittering head wear selections we went into the rental section that rivals a super center in size. It's amazing to see the detail of these costumes up close as you peruse row after row.

Markus chose his costume based on the accessories he could have. We decided on a roman warrior including a huge shield and sword the size of his body. At least his aggressive behavior will come in handy one night of the year and I can say justifiably that "he's in character" :)

Helen wasn't sure about what she wanted to be for Halloween, but since she's into the Felicity books I suggested a Southern Belle to match that era. While we waited Helen tried a few belly dancers (gasp because I hated to ruin the fun with the "we are not baring our midriff conversation lol) and she also did a Star Wars princess. All of these were from the for sale sections and were nice, but I knew those would be no match for what the clerk was pulling from the rental isles. I was right. Helen took one look at that poofy skirt on the first Southern Belle costume and I knew she had chosen her Halloween character. We tried on six stunning "Belle" sets before selecting a royal blue taffeta creation that included the hoop skirt, petti skirts, lace parasol, lace gloves, and bonnet. We also got a ringlet wig piece to attach to the bonnet. Every year we do a wig because it just really changes your appearance. I can't wait to see this one with that bonnet. I think we may have to sharpen our southern drawl and charm before Halloween so netflix will be delivering "Gone With the Wind" next week. I can't wait to hear her try out "I'll nevah be hungry again!"

We finished with a little beach walk which was pleasant and not at all oily. :) I didn't, however, let them test the water just to check.

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

2010-07-23T22:51:00.011-05:00

Tuesday we spent with our RBC friends in Gulfport. I was very impressed with the price for the fun at Lynn Meadows. The online pictures don't do it justice. We will be making this trip again for sure. I'm so glad Mallory and Adele thought to invite us. The history hotel, art room, market to market, science room, tv news lab, train station, boat dock, world we share center, and amazing climbing spulture kept us so busy and having a blast.

-Erin

Indepence Day @ Leigh's

2010-07-18T13:22:00.004-05:00

Y'all know I love a themed event. Well there is no better place to spend any holiday than with Leigh at her home. The food and decor are always fabulous.

There are too many fun stories to write from that day...suffice it to say we had a blast. I love being with family!

On our Christmas List

2010-07-18T13:07:00.001-05:00

Toy Story 3 was amazing. It will be on our Christmas list for both kids for sure. We went opening day way back in June. Helen and Markus each took a character from the movie. I thought it was so cute and funny how Markus was just "Wow" and "Amazing" through out the whole movie. He was an interactive audience member. :)

Arting Around

2010-07-18T13:02:00.002-05:00

Helen loves art as you all well know. This summer she took a week long art camp at the Hole in the Wall downtown Monroeville. This art boutique is owned by our friend Emilie, and she is an amazing talent. She sent Helen home at the end of the week with amazing projects, some of which we will enter in the state competition again next Spring. I just love it when my child delves into her artistic side. :)

Pretty Paint & Polish

2010-07-18T12:57:00.002-05:00

One of our favorite activities (for Helen and I) has been getting our nails done this summer.

Instead of just the two of us this time, we invited our Zoomba buddy Caroline to come along for a little primping.

The girls had a blast selecting their colors, their big toe designs, and in general oohing and aahing over all the prissy things they were getting done. Love it!!!!

A Little Birdie or two...

2010-07-18T12:51:00.003-05:00

One of the coolest things we've seen this summer is a little nest of birds hatch. The mother bird made her nest on our shoe rack by the back door. In fact...it is literally on top of one of Chad's New Balance.

All summer we've watched the bird scoot off just as we walked out or drove up. The kids have been so careful around the nest not to bump it or touch the eggs.

I thought we would not get to see the actual hatching but just as we were leaving one day for swim we saw an egg crack open. Later that afternoon came the other two chicks.

By the next morning the bird had left the nest and moved the babies. I think we will miss them.

Swim Lessons and Little Warriors

2010-07-18T12:43:00.003-05:00

We took a second set of swim lessons this summer at a home about three houses down from mine.

Every afternoon we took Helen over where she would swim with her friends (and hopefully learn something) and Markus would play with his friend Grant. Grants sisters are Helen's friends. It's always good fun when we all get together.

Markus and Grant usually played on the patio while we watched the girls, but one day it was really hot so we just headed back to my home. I have never laughed so hard at the silly games those two came up with. At one point they were in full armor attacking each other and myself and Katrina. Grant takes Karate and he was loving that Markus was so aggressive. I was not loving it but Grant sure was. I think I may need to get Markus to take Karate too now. Those two are quite the playful pair.

smore time!

2010-07-18T12:33:00.001-05:00

Just one of the treats we had the week I got off my diet was smores.

Now y'all know I'm not an outdoorsy type girl. That doesn't mean I can't enjoy camping food. :)

Helen and Markus thought this was too funny that we were baking these instead of making them over an open fire. Oh well...I'm just not for a blaze in July okay?

It was fun and yummy. Just my kind of afternoon treat!

Our BFFS in MS

2010-07-18T12:25:00.002-05:00

One of the treats we had while in MS a few weeks ago was getting to see Adele and Mallory. We can never get enough of those two. :) We let the girls play at a jumping station while we shopped and chatted. Then we had a little lunch before leaving town. It was wonderful and the girls as usual got along perfectly. I am so blessed to have such treasured friends in my life.

My American Girl

2010-07-18T12:19:00.003-05:00

Helen has a new hobby. Reading American Girl books. She is on her second Felicity book and we ordered a third yesterday. I hope that doesn't mean I have to hunt down a retired doll for Christmas lol. I do think we will be getting a set of American Dolls and clothes for Christmas. It seems to me a good time to do it now that she's really into it. It will fill the "big present" gap for me since I am doing a laptop at her birthday instead. I'd really like to take her to Atlanta and let her get the doll at the store. Maybe that will have to be a January trip. We'll see how the Christmas season fills up. :)

Me too!

2010-07-18T12:09:00.004-05:00

I've been enjoying my summer too. I've been reading. A lot!
I've been spending a lot of time at the pool with friends. I have really enjoyed Katrina and Mandy this summer. Great girls and their kids are so sweet and well behaved! It's a nice plus!

I've gone to Birmingham with Adele. (and spend way to much and eaten way to much so you know it was a fabulous weekend!)

I've gotten my hair colored twice this summer. I love my highlights.

The diet is going wonderful. I kept off weight the 2.5 weeks that I was off the diet. Very good indeed. Now I'm back on and I'm 183. It feels fabulous. A whole lot better than 217 and I'm no where near done.

This new diet has my nails growing at amazing speeds. I get a mani/pedi every week religiously now.

I'm enjoying a lot of new music. I'm also doing a new exercize class that I love!!!! It's called Zumba. It's awesome!

I'm revamping Helen's bedroom. I'll do a reveal post later next week when her furniture order arrives.

I've been cleaning out closets and ebaying like crazy. I love some extra money for stuff that otherwise would be taking up valuable closet space. :)

OH and of course I saw Eclipse. Three times. I thought this one was the best book to screen play yet. I took Helen to see it finally and we had to get up and leave several times for scenes I thought inappropriate. She was having a fit to see it. I told her this was the last time/last one she could see. I am not going to show her a feather strewn room on Isle Esme...no way!

Erin

Despicable Me

2010-07-18T12:00:00.003-05:00

Last weekend, after a marathon cleaning, I asked Chad if he minded me taking the kids to the show. Of course he didn't :)

The kids and I perused Walmart for a little bit. I love that Markus is nice enough to accept the "let's put it on the list for Santa" comment more than once or twice. He always finds things he wants. He will say, "You gone buy dat for me momma? I need dat." so cute!

Helen and I looked at school supplies. Lucky for us we don't have to try to hunt anything on our list down. All you do for MA is call the central supply office store in town and tell them you need a first grade supply bag. Then the next day you go pick it up and they have put it all together for you. Just pay and leave. Nice!

So the movie was later that afternoon and really cute. Helen and Markus laughed a lot. I didn't care for it that much so luckily I had tower/bars in the darkened theater. I shopped online. :)

Later we had a lovely little dinner of shrimp and pasta before heading home. I will be missing days like this from the summer where you are entertained and not on a schedule to get back and do something. Summer is wonderful. :)

Erin

Little Man is on his own this Weekend

2010-07-18T11:53:00.003-05:00

Momma invites Helen every summer for a "private" trip to Mississippi. Helen loves that she is the only one of us staying at Marmie's. It gives her exclusive time alone with Marmie and family. She does like to be the center of attention.

So our little man Markus is home with just Chad and I for the weekend. We have really enjoyed him. I got him a new lego toy Friday night and he hasn't been without it since. He has not clue nor care that it doesn't resemble what he was supposed to build on the box. He is delighted with it. He has cracked us up showing us how many times and way you can take apart the little men/characters that come with the set.

We've had a lot of fun outside, going to town and to a few other places, and in general just spending good quality time with him. He's growing up so fast, sigh :)

-Erin

Tea with EP

2010-07-18T11:34:00.003-05:00

As y'all know, we have a wonderful group of sitters from MA. One in particular that we adore is Emily Prather, or EP as well all call her.

EP invited Helen to tea last Tuesday. EP works at the Beehive downtown. She is leaving soon for college and she asked Helen to come have tea. Helen thought she was something else in the get up she put on for tea. I had to keep my giggles to myself.

See Helen got this dress at Dirt Cheap and there is a story behind it. We were out junking a few Saturdays back and as a thank you for being so sweet letting me shop all day I told her she could get something in the store. As you know, we've been letting her play as a superstar on Stardolls since Dec. One of the stores in the shopping plaza is Candies by Kohls. Helen was so surprised to see this little dress by Candies in the store because she didn't know the things she did on Stardoll were "real life". (I can't wait until she sees Chanel/Louis Vuitton somewhere and asks me to get her some of that lol! I'll be delicately explaining to her that virtual 'dress up your doll clothing' doesn't equate to real world prices.)

Anyway, I digress. Helen begged for this silly little dress and I said okay. I didn't think she'd wear it. I thought she'd put it in dress up. However, I was wrong. No sooner had I said she'd been invited to tea did she run to her closet for this dress.

She was too cute in it. I had to take a wet wipe to her face before we left though because she'd not only chosen evening wear for her daytime tea, but she'd applied her playtime/dress up rouge and lipstick too. lol. I do love that even as she is nearing 7 she still knows how to be a silly kid and play dress up. So many children grow up too soon. I love that Helen is not in that group.

So EP let her pick out the table at the little coffee boutique in town. EP served them a blooming tea, sweet little cookies and other dainty treats. They stayed for an hour or more just reading books and chatting about their summers. EP is a lovely girl. I hope Helen will grow up to be such a beautiful, amazingly thoughtful young woman.. I would be a very satisfied mother for sure.

Here's a few pictures of the tea. I wasn't "allowed" to stay for her tea lol. Helen said she was the guest. :) So here's what I got before I exited.

Erin

Um yeah I know

2010-07-18T11:33:00.001-05:00

I haven't been here in forever. But hold onto your seats because I'm about to do 10 posts in one day and catch up my blog. If I don't I won't ever remember all of this for my scrapbooks :)
Erin

And June Went Where?

2010-06-14T15:19:00.012-05:00

Forget May where the heck has June gone? So much for planning my summer right? Obviously it goes without saying that I'm a bad blogging mama since it's been nearly a month. So here's one of those lengthy posts. Hope you have a diet coke on hand to carry you through it. :)

We've had Aunt Leigh for a visit. So much fun. But unfortunately she left early because we all got sick. As of this past weekend I haven't heard the kids cough so maybe we are over it finally. Summer crud is difficult to overcome. :)
I've been doing some photo work for momma and daddy. I love working for them and with their beautiful pictures. I can't wait to finish the church directory and share some pics.
Helen got her backbend kickover and standing to backbend this past week. Way to go girl! She has been working hard. I'll get some video of this to share this Wednesday. We are also starting Cheer/Tumbling class this summer too. I think she'll like it as well.
I ordered Helen's cheer uniform for the fall this past week. Isn't it cute! I hope she can keep that white skirt clean. :) (Of course it will be in our colors. This is just a sample photo.)

We got very good news about Uncle Raymond a week ago. For those of you who don't know, Uncle Raymond had open lung surgery. Even before that he'd been very sick. The good news was, that while they did take almost all of one lung, it wasn't cancer. It is black lung disease. This is good news. Below is a recent photo of Uncle Raymond and his family.

We've been swimming at the country club with our friends the Casey's almost every day. Sunscreen and splashing have filled almost every afternoon. I'm so lucky that Katrina has sweet kids that get along so well with mine. She's been so generous to invite us. I've really enjoyed spending time with their family.
We did tennis last week with Grant Casey, Kaelyn Thames, and many other of our MA friends. Helen is digging Tennis so we signed her up for private lessons. I think it's an excellent sport so we hope she continues to enjoy it.

Brett was with us last week for swim lessons as well. Helen is still taking lessons this week to sharpen her skills. Brett did fantastic. I don't know how momma let is slip by that he's 15 and never learned to swim. He is a late in life child so I guess that's the reason.

Helen has Art next week at the hole in the wall. It's Georgia O'Keefe week. I know she's gonna love her style. I studied her art in high school and college. I think I've still got some of it around here. She was a favorite artist of mine.

I've been working on a new project called Listography. I'm having fun filling this book out all about me. I am going to save it for Helen.

Two weekends ago Helen and I spent the evening being entertained at Jr. Miss. I just love Jr. Miss. That program has a special place in my heart. I've been thinking about contacting my director back in my hometown in Mississippi and making a scholarship donation for the Spirit Winner since that was the award I received. I tell Helen every year all about Jr. Miss. This year she was a hoot all the way home from the program as she talked about what her talent might be. She's got years to get ready, but I'm glad she's showing interest. She knows I think it's not at all about winning. Participating teaches you so many things. I feel like that learning experience alone was enough to prepare me for the $8000 Leadership Scholarship I won to USM which was solely on GPA & a little round table interview. I don't think I could have done as well if not for being in Jr. Miss. I can't wait for Helen to have her turn. Below is a picture of Helen and I before we left for the auditorium.

I've been shopping too. I am loving shopping for me. Very exciting. I've been ordering for Helen and Markus too. I got some precious Lilli Pullitzer, Mis Tee V Us, and Zaza Couture the other day. All my boxes arrived and I was very pleased. I also added to Helen's fall/winter wardrobe when my friend Brandi at Gymbo in Spanish Fort called with some holdbacks from her storage room. I got about 12 outfits for $109 from last seasons lines. It's wonderful to spend to little to add a filler to her closet to go with our newest stuff. I feel like once I get my Gap, Hannah Andersson, and Boden then we'll be set for back to school. Oh except for shoes. I'm waiting until the last minute to do shoes. The child's feet are just growing like crazy this summer.
Chad told me to order Helen and I a passport last night. I'm working on those documents today. I am so excited at the possibility to going with him to Finland. I've always wanted to tag along on his European adventures.
We were bought by Georgia Pacific. ARP I mean. That's definitely newsworthy. I guess if they could stamp Alabama over Leaf we could just use Chad's old hard hat from New Augusta. We are excited about this news. We really like working for Koch. They are great people.
Chad's project at work is going good I guess. He's back to getting home at a more regular dinner hour so I equate that to good progress. :) He brought Markus a Metso hat the other day. Markus thinks wearing a hat like daddy is the coolest. :)
When the kids and I haven't been at the pool we've been at the theater. Thank goodness for new movies and air conditioning in the hot summer. We saw Shrek 4 in 3D the other day.

Markus and Helen just keep dragging me near popcorn. I am still off carbs so I'm proud that I've been able to withstand all the opportunities for temptation. This Friday we'll see Toy Story 3. I am looking forward to that one. And then on the 29th it's Eclipse. Y'all know I'm REALLY looking forward to that one. :) Love me some twilight.
I'm going home to mommas for a few days that week. We'll spend the 4th with family at Leigh's house. I'm getting off the diet those days too. I plan to eat 1500 calories on those days!!! Woohoo!!!

The diet is going excellent. I fit back into my wedding dress on Thursday night and Helen pronounced me fabulous lol. I also bought my first size 14s in over 9 years. So I guess I've taken off 9 years of fat. Wow, wow, WOW!!! I feel so much better too. All these vitamins are making my nails and hair grow. I have more energy. My muscles don't ache in my legs anymore. I haven't taken motrin (which I was taking 2 of every night for like the last three years) for back pain since I started the diet on April 9. I also haven't cheated or kicked out of ketosis once. I haven't eaten bread in over 66 days. Amazing right? I've lost a total of 33 lbs. so I'm really excited. The funny thing is that my relationship with food has changed so much until I'm not sure I'll ever go back to eating some things. It's not just junk it's garbage. The food I eat now does so much for me and the food I used to eat did nothing for me but create flubber. :) lol. I mean seriously I've been considering having popcorn while I watch Eclipse, but then I think about it and it's like I feel like getting out of Ketosis at this point may not be so wise. It is 4 or 5 days of pure protien to get back in and my results have been way more fun than a bag of popcorn is to eat. I may just end up sneaking in an atkins bar and sipping diet coke. I mean I may just break down on one day and have some potatoe salad and some of Leigh's Red Velvet. It's not really the carbs per se that I miss the most. I'm over bread, mashed potatoes, and fries, but I still crave sweets. I'd love some of Leigh's fabulous cake. So that may be my splurge.

So that's what's been going on. Lessons, pool time, cleaning, running errands, and dieting. I hope I get back here before another month goes by. Don't hold your breath though. :)

xoxo
Erin

A Million LIttle Things

2010-05-26T09:53:00.005-05:00

You know it's a million little things that make up for an interesting summer. I finally came to that conclusion last night when I was trying to make lists and plans for what we were going to do this summer. You see the kids have already completed one official week of summer. I'm not sure why it just seemed to sneak up on me, but summer has arrived.

With the shine off of summer now 7 days in, Helen is beginning to get bored. She's bored with her stardoll account. She's bored with her movies. She can't come up with any games to play with her toys. She just can't think of anything to do that will entertain. I can't help but marvel that when she is another ten years older she will wonder if she was ever at a loss for what to do. I'd love to have a day that wasn't fillled to the brim with to dos where I was pondering exactly what I should do with myself. Yet another addition to the list of things wasted on the youth. Markus is getting into things he shouldn't which leads me to conclude that he too is bored even if he doesn't know how to verbalize that feeling yet. I even found myself feeling bored yesterday afternoon. While it's nice sometimes to feel that you have nothing nagging you to do it can get old after awhile.

Last night I resigned to make our summer a little more fun starting today. The first things I thought to do were expensive outings and big events. I don't want to blow my budget though on making a memorable summer.

To save my pocketbook, I went down memory lane to some of my childhood summers and tried to pull a list of what were the best times. They were mostly simple things. I remember riding my bike with my sister to the country store to get penny candy. I remember picking black berries along a country highway. I remember running through the sprinkler when it was too hot to do anything else.

I also just want to note that it made me sad that those were not the first things I thought to do with my kids. Why is bigger always better to me? It wasn't when I was a kid. My budget should not feel as a constraint, but instead something that puts a fun twist on my planning. And what of budget...I should be thrilled about what my budget is especially when I consider those around me less fortunate. I should be excited to see if I can keep things in perspective instead of bemoaning that I can't just go all out monetarily. Conveniently expensive is how I usually operate and it's not smart and it doesn't always make me happy anyway. I just feel like I had to write this down for myself. My priorities seem skewed in a big fancy way so this paragraph I hope will serve as a reminder for me later.

So with this new list in hand I hope to make our summer a little more fun than it has been this last week. Hopefully the next post I share will have great photos of this fun too.

Happy Summer,
Erin

May Updates

2010-05-22T18:06:00.009-05:00

Well it's lucky no ones life depends on me posting to this blog frequently. :) I have been overwhelmed lately with so many things. This has been on the back burner obviously. That said, I found a few minutes this afternoon to post. Here goes:

The above photo is just one example of Markus' recent shenanigans. That child is trouble. :) On this particular night he found his old box of baby powder and redecorated his room and his self. Luckily he didn't suffocate. I've heard that's possible. Anyway, nothing a little wet rag and a vacuum wouldn't clean up.

We went to the movies a few times this month. Helen and Markus loved "How to Train Your Dragon." We'll be buying it on DVD for sure.
Helen had a sleepover with Kaelyn this month too. She joined stardoll.com with us so I'm sure this summer will be full of playdates where Addi, Kaelyn, & Helen are all playing online together. :)

We've been book shopping too. We aren't getting a summer reading list but Helen doesn't know that. There is nothing wrong with being well read. We are going to be doing a lot of reading this summer. I look forward to this because this will be the first summer when Helen is reading to me. :)
I did an art class this month. Loved it!!!!! It was refreshing to get out and do something different. I enjoyed the girls that were there that night too. I'll be going back soon.
Helen got another perfect checkup this month. I hope she can stay on the cavity free wall. You have gotta love this dentist we go to. Checkout the lobby. Pacman and other arcade games, flat screens running movies that are simultaneously playing in the flat screen above your chair in the back so that you never miss anything, and a boat to play on too - Very kid friendly. :)
To celebrate graduation, Helen and I met up with our Mississippi BFF's Mallory and Adele. They jumped forever at Kangarooz and then we ate some fabulous seafood at Ed's. The girls fed everything we left on the table to an alligator that stopped by below our deck.

We watched a movie together, did Build A Bear grad bears, shopped in Claires for fun girlie goodies, and finished up with another wonderful dinner before heading home. We love to share our time with these two sweet friends.

The diet I'm on is going well. I've lost 26lbs in 48 days. Whoo hoo and I'm not done yet either. Hopefully by August I'll be done. I can't wait to have bread lol!
Marmie and crew came in to see Helen graduate this week. We all watched American Idol together. Fun, Fun, FUN! Then Brett showed us he was AI material. :)
Helen was recognized at the Elementary awards ceremony this week for her art show 1st place ribbons and best of show ribbons at District and State. We were proud to come watch her accept with other friends who also placed.
The day of graduation was a busy one. My Uncle Raymond went into a serious lung cancer surgery just about the time the ceremony started so I felt a little distracted all day. I got a few photos, not as many as I should have, but here they are.
Here is Helen's cheering section. :)

Happy Summer Y'all! As of Wednesday morning we are out of school and officially on vacation. I hope that means time is slowing a bit for me and I'll be here more often with photos and stories.

'til then,
Erin

May is running away from me!

2010-05-04T10:48:00.006-05:00

Wow this month is moving fast. There is so much going on right now: Birthday parties for school friends, "How to Train Your Dragon" movie afternoons, gymnastics, art classes, my diet, working out, cooking good healthy food, playdates for Markus, ARP day, Dental appts., Dog Appts., losing not one but two teeth (Go Helen!), End of the School year parties, End of the school year gifts, Graduation teas, Shopping for graduation clothes, New books for Kindle, AI winding down, Housework, MA Day.... and so much more I'm sure I could list if I'd dare to crack my planner.

Did I also mention that Chad is two weeks away from the first installation of his Fluff Project. The man is in the zone: At work by 5 something;Home by 6 something;More computer work after dinner. This shouldn't be called the zone. It should be called the cave of responsibility or something more odious. I feel a touch sorry for him for taking on so much. He is just such a darn over achiever. ;) He's obviously qualified and capable, but I can't help feeling sorry for him (and myself) for the lack of time he has right now. Hopefully this will pull off without a hitch and June will be better. (Making mental note to cross all fingers and toes and say a many a many prayer.)

It's also monkey on my back month apparently. I have the broke down car monkey. :) Last year we had to tow my van twice for starter issues. Not pretty. I am one of those gals who like to pay her car note and never have to do anything to the car except gas and oil changes. Arg! So I had hoped that we were over that car issue thing for at least a year or more.

Not so. Last month we had an oil leak that had to be fixed. $900 later I now have a van that won't leak. This month it's the AC. (not to mention the same week the AC in the house broke too. Double ARG!!!!) Well the AC was fixed last week and that was $1034. So the Pope house is done right? I had hoped this was true. I was just thinking this morning that the last thing we really have to do car wise this summer is get Chad's timing belt changed. It's just regular maintenance for his VW and if you don't do it and it breaks you pretty much have to junk the car. That's gonna cost somewhere around $1200. So I was thinking of this new VW thing this morning when bam Chad calls to say his car overheated and broke down on 84. Now we have a new problem. I'm beginning to wear thin in the pocket book from all these vehicle issues. If it's not one thing it's another right? Oh well. Y'all pray that it's a cheap fix for I am about to be car trouble poor. :)

On a brighter note, we had ARP day this past weekend. Helen and Markus live for this day lol. They love it. Have fun enjoying the photos. More soon I promise.

-Erin

(This is Helen's first lost tooth! She got it all wiggled out and free while in the back of the van on the way home from the car dealership. I was so proud. So the tooth fairy brought her a bike since she hasn't gotten a new one since the days of Petal, MS where she left it behind the van and it got ran over. Also, she was informed that the tooth fairy doesn't bring big gifts like this ever again. Only on the first time and if you are very, very brave. ---- one other note. Helen has repeatedly asked how a fairy could possibly lift a bike. LOL)

Busy Weeks

2010-04-19T16:14:00.018-05:00

I know I should have blogged before now. :) So busy is all I can say for an excuse. So here's some highlights.

We've been moved up in gymnastics again. I'm sad for Helen to be leaving her bff's but I'm sure they aren't far behind her. She's going to be learning new tricks in the older girls class and that's a good thing.

Helen's class completed their 1st grade entrance exams and I gave them an ice cream social to celebrate last Friday. They loved smothering that Blue Bell ice cream in sprinkles. It's amazing that I wasn't the least bit tempted to try a taste. That's what major weight loss does for you. I just can't stand the idea of messing up no matter how tempting something might be. Pass the Diet Mountain Dew please. :) and I can withstand anything. I even made the kids cookies this weekend and wasn't phased. Amazing.

We attended Helen's art teacher's studio opening in town this past Friday night. She had Helen's winning pieces on display. That delighted my sweet girl.

I weighed in for my new diet on Friday as well and lost 10.2 lbs. Whoopee!

Markus has been a sweetie per usual. He's got a little allergy that we can't seem to beat. Maybe we'll be right as rain when it does rain and washes off the pollen outside.

A box of goodies arrived Friday from Aunt Jackie. I love how that woman shops!!! She is so fabulous.

She also sent a disk of her photos from her recent cruise in Europe. Very cool stuff.

Saturday night was Prom for our school. I let Helen go see Leadout (think that's what it's called.) She loved all the fancy dresses and limos. That girl was born with glitter in her veins. We stayed to say hey to our two favorite sitters and then scooted out. I think she would have liked to put on her party dress and dance the night away too. :)

Sunday we were supposed to be going to the Preschool's open house. We sat it out instead because of his runny nose. That and the fact that Chad feels he shouldn't go next fall. Now I'm torn about it too. He's my last baby and this really would be his last year at home with me. He has to go to K4 so now I'm on the fence with Chad. We'll see how the summer plays out.

So here's a few photos (some borrowed from FB friends Emilie and EP since I forgot my camera.) Enjoy.

-Erin

1st place State Art Show!!!

2010-04-15T16:50:00.004-05:00

Helen took first place in with her hoot owl art at State Today. We are so very proud of her! We had a good time walking around with our sitter EP looking at all the artwork. It was a great day. I'll write more later but I just wanted to share a few photos. :)

-Erin

Our sitter EP who came along for the ride. We so enjoy her company. She's a really sweet girl.

Markus thought this car was great. :)

A Day out with Thomas!

2010-04-13T12:34:00.009-05:00

We had our day out with Thomas the Tank Engine this past Saturday. Markus was thrilled. Really that's an understatement. He didn't hush talking about Thomas the whole day. He was a Thomas tee and hat wearing wistle blowing maniac all day. He loved it! I am so glad we took him. I saw many good ideas for Christmas presents in the souvenir shop. We also rode another little train besides Thomas and we also got to go to story time with Thomas. He was a hoot the whole day chattering on about Thomas and other trains. He climbed onto everything in the Dixie Railroad museum. It was a great family outing. Here's some pics. Enjoy!

Pomp and Circumstance

2010-04-11T13:06:00.001-05:00

So I'm totally excited today and ready to share photos!!!! Helen is finishing Kindergarten in May and will be doing a graduation ceremony. I borrowed a cap and gown (because ours aren't in yet) and took these photos this weekend. I am so excited about how they turned out. We will be sending announcements to family and friends next week. :)

District Art Show

2010-04-08T08:23:00.020-05:00

Yesterday we traveled to Wilcox Academy for the District Art Show. We rode with out friends Robin, Kaelyn, and Jackson. We had a good visit along the way with a stop for Pizza too. I always enjoy having someone else to chat with and Robin is a sweet friend as is her daughter Kaelyn.

I was a bit nervous that Helen wouldn't place because District has a lot of competition from the Academies in South Alabama. Imagine my relief and surprise when she got two first place ribbons again for her categories! Her friends Kaelyn and Virginia Ann also got ribbons for their artwork. Go Monroe!

Helen also took a best in division ribbon for her charcoal. She was really excited last night and she told all our family how she got a 'best' ribbon.

Next week is gonna be so busy with 1st grade entrance exams and the little ice cream social I'm throwing afterwards in honor of the class finishing their exams. Now we'll add a trip to the state art show as well. It's gonna be fun and busy.

I'll post again Sunday about Helen's new gymnastics class, pictures of that, and photos and stories from our day out with Thomas the Tank Engine this Saturday. Markus can hardly wait.

-Erin

Helen with her 2 time first place and best in division Charcoal drawing.

Helen's Commerical Art "Hoo Hoo" pastel drawing.

See that little bracelet above. That's her charm bracelet we started for her at her 6th birthday. I'm so glad that she has went on further with her art because one of her graduation presents is a few charms for the bracelet. I've got to sneak it off of her sometime next month and get it to the jeweler in town to attach them. We did a peace sign because she's obsessed with those :) and a star for stardolls, and lastly an artists pallet. I can't wait for her to see them!

Markus was a very good boy yesterday. We are officially through potty training. I don't offer candy anymore and he doesn't have accidents. He is really doing great! He was a pleasant addition to our group yesterday and I was so happy to enjoy him with us.

BFF's Helen and Kaelyn. Our little budding artists!

Our neighbors and classmate Virginia Ann and family. She also placed at District.

One of our sweet sitters and her mom. She is very talented and so precious!

Our friends Kaelyn, Robin, and little man Jackson.

Lauren and her friends at the art show.

Our other sitter Alice Lawson with the girls and Markus. Doesn't Markus look like he's up to something. :)

Great new artist

2010-04-06T11:27:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to share this. I can't seem to find her for download on iTunes yet. Maybe that's because she is British. Anyway...it's catchy.

Easter Weekend

2010-04-03T15:01:00.018-05:00

Well we've been having a lot of bunny fun around here this weekend. This post is going to go backwards in time because I loaded the photos backwards on accident. So here goes:

This morning Markus and Helen tye dyed eggs. I'd have more pics to share but Markus tye dyed himself so his shirt had to be in the wash instead of on him for photos. :)

This is a birdhouse Markus and Chad hung outside. Markus loved this at Michaels a few weeks back because it looks like Marmie's coo coo bird house in her garden. :)
This is a fake reptile, one of many Chad and Helen have bought, and have scared me with all weekend. They even put one in the pantry. Yes I swore when I put my hand on it. Oh I can't stand those things. I am trying to round them all up and put them in garbage so they can't have anymore "fun" at my expense. :)
Chad helped hide eggs all over the yard around lunchtime. We were spared a few minutes of overcast weather with no rain and the kids hit the yard three times to find them all. :)
Aren't the dogwoods just beautiful!
My little family .... a hunting they will go. :)

A real reptile found it's way into our egg hunt. It totally freaks me out that Helen will pick up lizards.

It wouldn't be right if we didn't make an Easter sweet. Helen and Markus helped me make these bunny ear sugar cookies this morning. So cute!

Helen's graduation dress arrived in the mail today. I went with an angel sleeve white smocked bishop. The only detailing on it is little seed pearls sewn into the smocking. It will be pretty with her Lamours and pearl earrings. :)
I also got Markus a shirt today in the mail. He is going to Thomas the Tank Engine next weekend and the shirt was a must.

I also hung two new Spring Portraits in the hallway. I'm having to downsize from doing so many 16x20s because I'm running out of space. I'm going to try to fill it the rest of the way with 8x10 and 11x14's this summer of the family. I need to get Bella, Brett, and Brayden in here.
This is Chad this morning doing work on his laptop for the mill. Sad to say it but this is becoming the norm on nights and weekends. I guess it will be this way for another year or so. :) Oh well. At least he can squeeze it in here in the den instead of going into the office.
Markus playing his matching game that was Helen's. Yes an arguement ensued when she found him with is even though she hasn't played it in over 3 years. :) Somethings never change.
Helen read all her new Fancy Nancy books to me this morning. I love that she doesn't have to sound out words like elegant or dilemma. Her vocabulary is expanding thanks to Nancy.
After her egg hunt the other day Helen decided to have a sale. This is so funny. She raided my coin purse and had Markus "buy" her leftover candy from the egg hunt. Love that sign. :)

Helen's Class Easter Party and Egg Hunt

This was so cute. The yard and weather were beautiful for the party. The tables were set so cute and all the little details added up to a special event.

Helen found a special egg and was really happy about it.

Our buddy Kaelyn

Our Buddy Addi

The class before running around chasing eggs.

Markus went along with me to the party to take photos. There is a funny story about this that I must share. First of all isn't he adorable in his jon jon. Well he didn't think so. He said it was a dress. He said he wouldn't wear it. He said I not a girl! He told me to put a jacket over it. LOL. Okay so this is going to be the last one I buy I guess.

So we are full on potty training so of course I made him go before we left. He spent the whole party in the Harrigan's play room. He yelled for me to go potty and I came in to find him in the bathroom with every button on top of the outfit snapped off so that he could get out of it to potty. LOL. It's lucky we are only 2 houses down since I had to take him home to change.

A Nail Salon Play Date with Addi

We invited our buddy Addi to the salon this morning. They both got glitter toe nails and talked to school, egg hunts, and stardolls. The girls are so cute together!

Good Friday with Grandpa!

Friday we spent time with Grandpa. He came over and we went out to eat lunch at Ruby Tuesdays. Then we took the kids to the book store at Malbis. Helen picked out a bunch of new reads as did I. Grandpa and Chad kept Markus occupied at the Thomas the Tank engine tables.
We took them to the pet shop where they went crazy over the animals. Then we went to the Bass Pro store to check it out. They loved all the stuff in there. The waterfall was most impressive. Chad took aim on a target game and wowed me with his skills. Who knew he was a keen shot? I guess if we have to live off his skills one day we won't starve. :)
Later we ate out at Ed's Seafood. My word the royal reds were fabulous!!! I can still remember how good they were.

And that wraps it up. Tonight I'll be making Easter baskets. Look for another post tomorrow.

Erin

Plants and Tales from the Potty

2010-03-31T13:34:00.005-05:00

Wow this week has been productive. I love it. I'm getting so much done. So here's what we are doing:

This is a picture of the last coke I'm buying. Well...okay the last non diet. I signed up for Medi Weight Loss at the Dr.'s office and I start my lab work and consultation next week. I'm very excited. I think I am mentally in the right place to make some significant changes to my eating habits. This is gonna be great!

Helen's art teacher has a new website, "The Hole in the Wall Art Studio" that I want to share.

I'm hoping I can get Katrina and some other girlfriends to go to an art class with me soon. So much fun! Helen is going to be taking at least 1 week camp if not two. We've got to try and squeeze it in between Tennis Camp and Swimming Lessons and of course our weekly Gymnastics class. Fun, fun, FUN!

This little man has been fabulous! I mean it. I can't stop signing his praises. It's like a light turned on in his head when he turned three. I mean he has just been incredible. I have been praying for patience with him and my momma has been counseling me on how to deal with him and his terrible twos. It looks as if all that work has paid off. We've went three days with no nighttime accidents and he's even going on his own some now without being reminded!!!!

He has also been so sweet. I think he is loving getting all this praise and positive comments from me. He sang me a song this morning that goes something like close your eyes, close your eyes, go to sleep I love you momma. He is just a doll!
Helen is of course always being perfect. That little stinker:) She just really is a well behaved kid and has the best heart. I can't go without saying that I adore her behavior too. We don't praise it like we should because we are so used to it and with all the Markus praise we've been doing I think my little miss was feeling left out.

Look at what a cute little story she wrote us last night. She is always writing down sweet thoughts and kind words. Ooh I just love her heart!
Now here is something interesting we are doing. Nothing strikes more fear into this gal than someone asking me to grow a plant. I repel live things. Seriously. I killed a rubber tree plant once that had a gauge on it that told you when to water it. I heard it was near impossible to kill those and I did it in a month.

So Helen's class is studying plants and every child has to grow something at home for a month and track the progress and upkeep. Then you bring your plant to the plant show.

I just hope these little flowers make it until then. I picked out a precious pot for Helen. I just knew she'd love it so I splurged on it. I guess I could have just done something cheap but maybe the pot will make our soon to be dead flowers look a little livelier? LOL.

Helen thinks this is a cool project and she's keeping it on her art table. Cross your fingers it isn't DOA at the plant show.

Helen has been making a ton of art projects as school recently. I loved this one because her teacher put them in groups and everyone had to say something nice about someone. A little boy in her group who we think is so sweet said that Helen had a good heart. Now you know I think that is just adorable!
This is another great thing about her school. She loves to tell you that God is always with her and God is always in her school. It's true. They did this little Jelly Bean prayer this week about Easter. Helen read it to us last night too. I love that God is a constant topic in her classroom. It shows.

Let's see what else. As for my to do list it's coming along nicely. I'm getting a dress ordered this week for Helen's graduation. I've got to borrow a cap and gown to get her pictures done in time to mail invitations and a keepsake photo to our family and friends.

I'm still working on what we are eating for Easter Sunday. Got any suggestions? I so need to get that all bought and done tomorrow but I can only think of a Ham and Potato Salad.

I've got to cook up a storm this afternoon so we can make it to gym. I like to have dinner ready before we leave. I'm sure Helen will have some homework to do too. Her First Grade entrance exams are coming up soon. I was just planning with her teacher yesterday to do a little celebration party when the four days of testing are over. I am going to be doing an ice cream social for the class at school. I love a party. '

I've still got to call the dentist. I did go ahead and get my dog an appt. and me a doc. appt. I also have to get some button sewing done tomorrow. I got the time today to finish 4 loads. Now if I can just put them all away. I painted 4 rooms for touch ups today. I also cleaned the refrigerator, the oven, the vent hood under the microwave, and re-organized my spice cabinet. The menu thing is on the list for tonight. Maybe after AI I can concentrate on it. Speaking of AI I felt sorry for Sibbohan last night. She's always perfect and I like her vocal style but she was bad off last night. I hope she doesn't go home tonight.

Brett's auction ended and that was a source of happiness yesterday. He made $581 and was totally thrilled. The kid thought he was rich LOL! I love it! It gives me a lot of pleasure to have something going on with him. Just those few hours listing it and talking about the progress of the auction were fun. I just love me some Brett! He's the best of us.

Well that about wraps up what I have on my plate. I am going to save my next post for Easter Sunday night.

'til then

Erin

Sickness and Spring Break

2010-03-29T21:07:00.068-05:00

NOTE: This post is long, full of photos and typos. I can't get spell check to work on this laptop. Please forgive me. :)

Neither mix real well do they? :) Nah.

Well that's what we've had for the past two weeks. I was completely planning on updating this blog on Monday night (the 15th) but sickness struck. Boy was it a doozy.

I had cleaned all day that Saturday previous in preparation for my parents arrival on Sunday. Chad took the kids all day to Malbis for shopping, ice cream, and lunch. He even got them each a little watch which they both adore. (Helen recently learned to tell time at school so she gets a real kick out of telling us what time it is. She's our coo coo clock.)

Well Saturday night we ate out because I didn't want to mess up the kitchen. I "think" that's where I got sick. Or ate something that made me sick rather. Well Sunday came and so did a lovely visit from my parents.

href="http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/ecpope/IMG_5069.jpg">

We played Blokus, flew the kites my parents brought the kids, visited while acted generally silly outside on anything that had wheels, and overall had a wonderful visit!

On Monday we had a Spring Photoshoot at Monroe Academy. It was wonderful. Such beautiful children showed up for pictures so I know it all turned out perfect. After that momma and daddy walked over to the Monroe Academy Art Show where we found that two of Helen's pieces placed first!!!!!

We were so excited for her and we borrowed her from class to have her picture made with her art. That afternoon I did a Senior Drape Photoshoot for a friends child. Molly did beautiful in the studio.

It was about an hour after that when I began to fell a bit "off". Later on into the night I found out that off led me to the conclusion that I had stomach flu. I toughed it out until I dropped Helen off at school on Tuesday morning, but after that I could take no more. I called Chad and begged him to come home and get me some phenegran. Luckily I had two friends in town that generously provided some of their own prescription until my doctors office called in some around 5 that afternoon. I seriously wanted to die for a few hours that afternoon. The stomach flu that is going around is some kind of serious sickness. Chad, who is in the middle of a major conversion process at work, was a dear to stay home two days and care for the house, the kids, and me. I married a good man. :)

Wednesday we missed gymnastics and I stayed in bed all day. It wasn't until early Thursday morning that I braved traffic to take Helen back to school and tried to rejoin civilization. I was whooped. I had an appt. that morning with an electrician so I had to put myself together for a few hours. I tidied up the house a bit and let them work in Markus' bathroom. I am glad I didnt' cancel because what they found in the wall was disturbing. It probably wouldn't have burned the house down but it wasn't good for sure. See all this time the outlets on the hallway wall to his bathroom and the outlet at the bathroom sink have been on a switchleg so that they didn't operate if you had the over sink light on. Wierd right? I mean you could never have enough light to plug in a hair dryer???? So it's irked me for a while. Well the weekend previous while Daddy was here I gave him a project. He tried to fix it for me but I gave him little tools or time to check it out so all he could come up with was remove the light and call an expert. What he found was that as you began to unscrew the lightbulbs on the wall fixture that the lamp plugged into the outlet began to come on!!!! Hello! That's not right! So needless to say I am thrilled that I kept the appt. and got the whole situation squared away. The electrician, T&B Electrical, and his son were top notch. I'm having them come back soon to add lights to my living room and an outlet in my scrapbook closet.

The rest of our Thursday was spent sleeping. Poor Markus right? I mean I had to let Chad go back to work, but I really wasn't up for any Mommy action. Friday was truly no better. It made matters worse that by this point we were out of groceries, laundry had begun to pile up, not to mention ironing, and I needed to balance the checkbook and pay bills. So Friday I tried to do all that and ended up just feeling worn out. I wasn't sick anymore, but obviously the virus had taken it's toll if I couldn't catch back up in not one but two days.

So now here's the sad part. Poor baby Markus was to celebrate his 3rd birthday on Sunday. I had big plans all week that we were going to take him down to Gulf Shores to Lulu's and let them play in the sand and eat burgers. Then we were going to take him two blocks over to a great go cart track and let him race the rest of the day away with Chad. He was really looking forward to it. Helen as well for that matter wanted to go. However, all that sickness just wasn't good and we were so behind on everything so I decided to let this year be his Katrina birthday. Now what is a Katrina birthday you might ask? Well that's a Pope family thing I'd guess you'd say. A few years back Hurricane Katrina came 3 or 4 days before Helen's birthday. We left after the storm to stay with my sister Leigh. She'd lost power for only 45 minutes even though the rest of her town was still without power. So she had air conditioning and hot/cold food. Helen's birthday came while we were evacuated. I had no party plans. So we went to the Dollar General - the only store open in town and we bought her some cheap toys. Then we raided Leigh's deep freezer and came up with probably the only ice box cake in all of Mississippi that wasn't spoiled. We celebrated right there on in her carport atop that deep freezer with mismatched candles on a too small cake with cheap toys. She was surrounded by laughter, family, and love and the moral of this story is that it is okay to do less. Less is more in our case some days. Helen didn't know her party wasn't the posh celebration that I usually put on and we had a blast celebrating her birthday none the less.

So Saturday I had Chad pick up a little cake at Winn Dixie. I pulled out the gifts that I luckily had picked up at Walmart before the sickness set in. We didn't dress either of the kids up like I would usually do. In fact Markus is wearing an old racing shirt that was once Helen's. We sang, he blew out candles, and we spent the rest of the afternoon helping him put his toys together and playing. It was a great day and the perfect Katrina birthday.

Now Sunday was a busy day for sure. I spent most of it packing. I was so anxious as this point to get out of dodge for Spring Break. I was feeling recovered and ready to see my family in Mississippi. Well wouldn't you know after loading the car up and laying out clothes for an early morning departure that Markus was the next one to come down with the stomach flu.

Ugh right? Luckily for us it didn't last long. He took his medicine and ate popsicles all morning. By Monday afternoon he was back up and around. It's amazing to me how a kid can take a bad virus like that and keep on playing but it knocks an adult for a loop. Go figure.

So Tuesday, with refrigerated meds packed with me just in case, we headed out for Mississippi. My momma is tops for taking us knowing we may be bearing a viral plague. My sister, with her 3 month old baby, couldn't take the risk so unfortunately we didn't get to see her this time around.

Marmie kept us entertained all day Tuesday in Hattiesburg. She treated us to wonderful dinners and lunches. She cooked amazing food as always. Everything tastes better at Momma's house amen? She took us shopping in town on Wednesday. We watched a few movies together. We made an applique craft tee shirt for Helen which turned out adorable! She even did a little Easter happy for the kids and gave them eggs to hide for a hunt in the yard.

It's wonderful to go home to Momma's house. Even the inflatable bed I slept on felt wonderful. It's just something about being home at Momma's house - it makes everything feel just right.

I have to share a funny story while I'm thinking about it. Wednesday night, after I thought everyone was asleep, I crept into Brett's room to hang out with him for a bit. Soon after Helen snuck in after me. We decided that since he didn't have a second joystick for the xbox that we should instead play cards. We had no instructions as to how to play so I googled it on my phone and we started a hand of gin rummy. I won the hand quickly. Then Brett said let's play something easier like go fish. This turned out to be very funny. With Helen laying all her cards flat in front of her (because she said she couldn't hold them in a fan with her tiny hands) we were forced to try not to go fish from her open stack. LOL. We had us some giggles for sure. I can't remember who won but it was definitly a funny game. Then Helen said she wanted us to play her game. She said we'd played mine and Brett's game and now it was her turn. So she told us that we should play matches like she does with her daddy. She got a little flustered when I took the deck of 52 and pulled out about 10 matched sets. I tried to explain to her that the bed wouldn't hold all those cards. Not to mention we'd be there until dawn trying to remember where the matches were. Now remember, this isn't a match deck. This is a regular playing deck. So I did it by number and thought we'd be able to match it all up. I did it quickly too. Helen and Brett weren't paying much attention because they were being silly so in the end I got most of the "sets". The funniest thing was that the last set was not a match at all but instead an Ace and Jack. Go figure. LOL!

Thursday morning I helped Brett list his "College Fund".

Earlier in the week Momma mentioned that she needed to clean out his closet and that she was getting rid of all of his Star Wars Legos. Being the crazy Ebay gal that I am, I looked them up. Hello jackpot!!!! Some lots, with not half as many rare mini figures or sets as Brett owned, were going for a whopping $800+ so of course we got down to some serious Ebay business and listed it all. We have been jokinly calling it his college fund and he has high hopes that he's gonna be "rich" now. LOL. It closes in a few hours and I hope he's happy with the results.

After listing his lot of Legos, I started packing for home. Momma homeschools Brett now so she rarely gets any time off. Couple that with the fact that they are still running a full time Professional Photography studio and well....I knew that she needed us to clear out so she could do some catch up work. They have been so busy lately with Church directory work, school portraits, spring portraits, and Senior photography. Busy, Busy, Busy and that's great!

I, however, wasn't ready to officially end our Spring Break. The temptation of Hattiesburg and my BFF Adele up there was enough to get me cooking up a plan to stay until to dinner if not a hotel all night. I took the kids to get some fun crafts at Michaels. Then we went to Chucky Cheese. It was only us and one other pair of kids in the whole place so it was somewhat germ free and definitly not crowded. Helen and Markus LOVED IT!!! Seriously, Markus is still asking when are we going to "play games" again. I love letting them have this kind of fun. After that we went to Chilli's for our favorite snack of sweet tea, cheesy fries, and the awesome molten lava chocolate cake. Yum!!!! Adele and I texted out our dinner plans while the kids snacked. Later I went to Target and Ross's. Love me some Target shopping. We saw to die for cute girls sandals in there with adorable seahorse enamel wear on them. So cute! I also got Mallory an iCarly birthday gift which was belated. Then we met them at Olive Garden. What is so ironic is that two years ago we met for Mallory's birthday at Olive Garden. Helen had tears in her eyes when I told her we were going to see Mallory. She still loves and adores her BFF in Mississippi. They've got a special friendship. They picked back up like they hung out everyday. I love that.

While we ate Adele and I cooked up some plans for after graduation. We are taking the girls to Whynfrey in Birmingham. We hope to do mani/pedis, a movie, the cheesecake factory, the zoo, and the McWane center. Oh yeah, and obviously their will be some serious shopping. LOL. I can not wait. Helen will be very surprised and it's the perfect sweet friendship and fun filled weekend to top off a fantastic year of Kindergarten.

Friday we spent the day unpacking and cleaning. Or rather I did. Markus played with his new "tay-doh" playdoh and Helen stayed all day on Star doll. Now Stardoll is definitly something blog worthy that I need to cover. We have been on Star doll for about 3 years now. I was introduced to it by Barb Pfeffer. She said her girls loved it and so we started letting Helen dress up dolls on the site. This past Christmas our BFF Addi wanted Helen to join up with her. So we bought her a $50 membership as a superstar with a years worth of money and gifts for her stardoll and suite. She gets a new room in her virtual home everymonth, free stardoll presents and hair, and she gets $200 stardollars everymonth to spend in the Star Plaza.

What we didn't know then is how addicting and fun Stardolls can be. It has really been great for Helen and I. It gives us something we can share in playing together and lots to laugh and talk about. I love that! Helen has been so occupied with playing too. Their are learning games on the site and ways to earn money by playing. They have role model dolls and historical figures as well as famous actresses ect. I like that she gets to be creative with her hair, accesserories, and fashions. It teaches her to budget her money to buy what she wants. She's also learning about perspective and interior design as she builds her house. Stardolls is totally cool!

We squeezed in one play date with the BFF just mentioned on late Friday afternoon.

The girls were hilarious. First they did a little Peace Sign necklace craft. They both dig peace signs. Then they used Helen's Halloween hair color from her toy salon to spray paint all the Barbie Dolls hair. So funny!!! We love to have Addi over. She's a cute kid and really sweet to Helen.

The rest of the weekend was calm and relaxing. The house was clean. The laundry done. I even had our groceries bought by Friday night. I watched a movie, started a new book, and made a scrapbook page on Saturday. Chad played with the kids outside and we did some inside arts and crafts projects too.

We ate out at the catfish house on Saturday night. I am sure that my BIL Slade will have some funny jokes about that. He is always kidding me about catfish, coon, and the general small southern town that we find ourselves in with very few options for eating out. It is very similar to where he used to live and so we kid each other back and forth on that account.

Speaking of which we love us some Leigh and Slade!!! and Bella too. I hope they will not keep up quarantined for too long. We are missing them dearly and really want to visit soon. And hey if y'all are reading this that ain't no subtle hint. :):):)

Sunday was a busy planning day. I spent most of it catching up on where we left off the week before Spring Break when everything was in shambles. I had papers to sign for Helen and lunches to make. To do lists are going out the wazoo this week. We have definitly begun spring.

That afternoon I went alone to the movies to watch Valentines Day. It was a very cute movie.

When I got home we made Spaghetti, steamed veggies, and crisped french loaves. Helen and Chad had cooked up the idea that we'd eat al fresco so we dined on the sun porch as sunset. Quite romatic and very out of the ordinary. It was just a lovely family meal and made very special by the atmosphere and company.

We spent Sunday night watching TV with Chad. He's into this new Discovery show called Life and so Helen and I watch it with him. After that we had a little impromptu trip down memory lane. I was sitting at my desk doing some editing in iPhoto and we began to look back at our lives. We watched a few videos of the kids. It was fun. I am at April 2008 which is right before we found out that we were moving here. That was such a busy and fun filled time. Almost all my photos are of me, Leigh, Momma, and the kids or of Helen and Mallory. We had so many parties and events and soccer games and just general fun stuff going on. I miss that a little bit. It's been hard to get a friendship here started up quite like I had with Adele. She really is a gem. I am so blessed to have had that time in my life to share with her and for our daughters to share with each other. :)

And so now we are up to Monday which means we are all caught up. What are we doing this week? Well our top priority is Markus potty training. We are having great success. We had two accidents on Sunday afternoon and only one today. He actually did number two for the first time on the potty today as well and he did it TWICE!!! and if that wasn't enough both times I didn't ask him if he needed to go he went on his own! Hallelujah!!!! I mean if that's not fabulous what is?

Oh and did I mention that I was up at 2 AM this morning, and 6 AM making breakfast? Why so early? Because LE Limited Edition clothing was to be released today on Stardolls and I promised Helen we would buy it at least once. This line was divine so I got $3000Stardollars early last week in advance of the line being issued. We bought everything except two skirts and one ugly black dress so now Helen has a load of LE. I consider it an investment because one day she will tire of stardolls and I can sell her account on Ebay for a small fortune since by then the LE will be vintage/rare making it even more valuable. :):):) Plus it was totally fun buying all of that exclusive clothing.

What else today? Well I ironed from 10-5 except for the hour we picked up Helen. Two weeks worth of laundry is a timpire to get ironed and back into everyone's closet. We picked up Helen's two winning art pieces from the framery today as well. They had to be matted in black for the upcoming Academy District Art Show in Camden at Wilcox Academy. She, Markus, and I will be joining our friends Robin and BFF Kaelyn (who also won in a category) to check out of school early to ride to the art show together and grab some lunch too hopefully. I'm sure that's going to be a fun day. I always look forward to things like that.

I also got Helen signed up for Swim Lessons. I have to check on joining the country club too this week so we can have pool access this summer. We get boored so easily plus the blasted heat makes you just want to have something cool to do so I'm sure the kids will adore going to the pool everyday in the summer. While I was on the phone with the swim coach, I found out the dates for Tennis Camp this summer too. Helen adored Tennis last summer and that's a great sport in my opinion so we are signing up for that too. If all those lessons weren't enough we also got an announcement about our Art teacher, Emilie, who just opened a studio on the downtown square. She is fabulous! So we are siging up for an art week camp as well. I just have to get Helen to pick an artist so we can narrow down a week. I love that she will be teaching them a little about the artist's life, their style, and then some core art principles as they apply it to making some pieces inspiried by the artist. How cool is that! She will be learning early the tools she needs so she can use her own creativity and ideas to make beautiful masterpieces!!! I can't wait.

The rest of the week will go something like this:

Pull out Easter Decor and find baskets

Fill and Decorate Eggs for Helen's class Easter party and Egg hunt

Take Helen's hierloom necklace to the jewelry. She damaged the clasp on the necklace Marmie gave her. :(
Call for an appt. at Dr. Smith's Medi Weight Loss Clinic. This has me excited!!!!

Get Charm catalog for Helen's graduation gift. (we are adding to her charm bracelet that we started on her sixth birthday. I don't want to do a grad cap or year because obviously we'll do that when she's a senior. I'm leaning towards a butterfly, a cross, or peace sign. We already have the perfect charm - an adorable owl!)

Call the bank, make deposits, mail bills, balance checkbook - oh the drudery of money right? :)

Make me a dentist appt. I'm two months overdue for a cleaning. Yikes!!!! To make matters worse they won't be open on a Friday when I could use the Y so Markus will have to either come (OY! that's a disaster waiting to happen!!!) or poor Chad will have to try to swing an afternoon off or work at home that weekend to catch up.

Get poor Tico his appt. He is also late by a month and now we are out of her tick collars, flea and heart worm meds. Yikes again.

Make book list and go to library.
Ask Helen's teacher about Pizza party after 1st grade entrance exams

Helen asked for a playdate...consider scheduling a Monday for the class afterschool at McDonalds...something like Sundaes after Sunday or something.

Call Gymnastics Coach...yikes again. We've missed three classes. Luckily Helen is constantly flipping through this house so I doubt she's backtracked in any of her skill areas but still now we have to either make them up or something. :)

Sell Helen's Keds...she miraculously outgrew them at Marmies and Marmie sprung for another pair. I believe this will be our last year in Daphne Keds. I love them. They are comfy and they go with all her casual play clothes.

Fix my recipe book. It is literally falling apart. I had to pick up two recipes off the floor in Walmart on Friday night. It's in need of some glue and a prayer.

Paint damaged areas in Markus' bathroom. After having electrical work done I have a few boo boos to fix on his wall. I'm also going to touch up where Helen damaged her paint in her room and where Markus knocked the tar out of the living room wall while playing on the recliner Kids!!! I keep child proofing my home but somehow they keep getting in!!! (ha ha joke)

Clean and deoderize fridge and check dates on everything. Something in there just smells wrong. rut ro!

Clean under microwave and replace little silver filters. I noticed some grime when I wiped after frying a hamburger the other day. I guess it's time again to do all that cleaning and I have to do it because I can't stand to think of cooking under something that is funky. Plus I have to clean the oven because I got a spill while I was making a peach cobbler on Sunday. I can just imagine what that will smell like if I heat it up again before cleaning out that burned up mess. Yuck but it's a job I gotta do.

Make meal plans. This is something I was talking abou with Momma. I throw away too much food and overcook for our group so I am makin some menus and shopping lists in the hopes to cut down on that prep time before I get to go to the grocery store. We'll see. Lol!

American Idol Tues Wed. Thurs. Helen and I love to watch this. I think the Crystal girl and Sebhohan (spelling) are the top singers. Again we'll see.

Order Chad shirts for his birthday. Order him a surprise iTrip for his car/iPhone.
Order Markus a Thomas the Tank Engine shirt for our trip in two weeks to see Thomas the Tank Engine. He is gonna be so excited!!!!

Order American Crafts page protectors. A few weeks back I went through all my scrapbooks except for years 2003 and 2004 and I reorganized by Helen, Markus, Me, and then general family stuff and holidays. Now all those loose pages have a home just no page protectors. Organization. It's a good thing. At this point I have two shelves full of about 15 12x12 albums. At that rate my kids will HATE me if I don't have them marked to go to one or the other's homes. It would be a nightmare if I let it go on much longer so disorganized.
Friday - no school and Chad's home so we will be dying eggs and hunting them and having a wonderful weekend.
Call Lester for Easter Sunday plans

Buy Cards for Family for Easter

Write down Helen's Dentist appt. and make her summer eye appt.

Write down ARP family day - we had so much fun at this last year. It's a do not miss!
Ask about Helens summer reading list
Place MiniBoden order

Burn March disk and check to make sure I did my February back up.

Find the Time to Do It ALL!!!!!!!! Goodnight! -Erin

Spring has Sprung!

2010-03-11T08:38:00.006-06:00

Photos borrowed from the internet :)

I saw a Dogwood tree blooming this morning when I took Helen to school. Yea!!! The humidity is so high here that the concrete outside is sweating. If those weren't enough signs I also killed two spiders in the garage this morning. Spring is finally here so let me wish y'all a happy one. I am happy to be in a tshirt and flip flops today and I plan to turn off the heater for good. :):):)

So we've been out sick for two days and everything has kinda went to the back burner for the last 48 hours. It's also been nasty weather. We had hail last night that woke the whole house up. It figures right that if we waxed the cars on Sunday that it would rain 48 hours later. :)

I'm playing major catch up this AM. The lovely thing about having them home for two days is that dinner and bath time were easier. Also, they stayed in PJ's all the time so thankfully there really is no laundry to do today! If that wasn't enough, yesterday afternoon I got an hour gap and put together another layout that I missed doing on my beach scrap trip. Fun fun!

Helen had her day as a fairy tale character at school and went dressed up as Ariel. And yes I am a bad momma for not taking photos. You can't always have a camera in your hand. Okay, maybe that's not true. I do usually but I guess I'm just out of habit. Soon I'll be back to my paparazzi self.

Markus is working on making tracks and trains this morning in his room while I cook chicken on the stove. I'm making White Chicken Chilli tonight. Here's the recipe in case anyone wants to try it out. My family loves to eat this with cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

Indgredients:

1 poblano chili, chopped

1 lg. red bellpepper chopped

1 med. sweet onion chopped

3 garlic cloves minced

2 tbsp olive oil

1 can of zesty chili style tomatoes by Del Monte

1 pack of chicken tenders, seasoned and boiled

1 can of navy beans

1 can of black beans drained and rinsed

12oz of chicken broth (use stuff from the boiled chicken)

1 packet of McCormicks White Chicken Chili seasoning

So here's what I do. I boil the chicken in some chicken seasoning. I put the oil down in the crock pot and then throw in all the veggies. Then come the beans and the chicken. I pour broth out of the pot until it's covered and then I add that packet of seasoning and stir. I leave it on med. high in the crock pot for about the whole day. Around 3 I turn it back on low. This makes a fast and fabulous dinner. It's not too spicy either so my kids will eat it.

So what else....

Helen's school had over a 100 cases of Swine Flu this week. We didn't get it but we got a nasty chest cough instead. That's why she was home. Markus ran a low fever and had a runny nose so I guess he had some kinda cold bug too.

Markus has a birthday coming up. Oh my word I feel like a bad momma for not making a bigger production of it. I bought him a few toys the other day. We are going to take him the weekend of down to LuLu's to eat and then to a nearby go cart track. This is the kinda thing I think he will like. I guess we'll sing and do presents at the house that night.

Later in April we are taking him to see Thomas the Tank Engine in North AL. I think he'll really enjoy this. I have got to find him a Thomas tee before then.

I ordered him some pants this morning from Old Navy. He hasn't grown taller but his 2T are cutting him at the waist so I guess it was time. I got two pair of jeans and a pair of cute khakis for spring. Not bad for $33. :)

Oh yeah, I haven't mentioned ebay. I have been doing some major ebaying here lately. I did all of Markus' smocked little items from last year. I made close to $200 on those. Then I did 40 of Helen's outfits from spring/summer that wouldn't fit. I made $600 back on that. Then I did one of her old Barbie RV toys that she never played with. I made $96 on it. Crazy right that people will pay that much for used clothing. I mean yes it's in great condition because I'm nuts about laundry care but still...that's a heap of dough and we still have 15+ outfits in her closet for the spring.

I have to thank Adele while I'm writing about ebay. She started me in on several brands I was unfamiliar with about 2 years ago before we moved. They proved to be a real investment and didn't cost more than what I was already buying. It sure paid off/back this time.

Also, I've been reading again. Yep. I had taken to doing it so much (seriously like 5-6 books a week) and then around Christmas I quit. But I've had a hankering for a really good read. You know what I mean. The kind you just can not put down and you start your whole day around trying to figure out time for reading. :) Well I can't seem to find any books!!!!! But I'm really wanting to read so you know what I do, I read my favorites. I re-read Pride and Prejudice again last week and I started Twilight again. Not that it's considered a classic by the masses yet but for sure it's on my classics list. I'm in book 4 as of today. Speaking of which...the Eclipse trailer came out today. Whoo hoo!

Funny thing is that more than half of book three is spent in a tent and there are no tent scenes in the trailer. I also couldn't pick up what music was in it if any other than a ballad for the movie so I guess the soundtrack is a mystery still. If that wasn't enough to make me thirsty for more Twilight, the movie New Moon comes out next week I think. I've already prepaid for my copy and I really wish I could get a group of moms together over here for popcorn and a double feature of Twilight. I'd love to go buy those cute little popcorn holders they have at Micheals and make them my favors. Oh and get some ticket stub invites because I've always thought those were so cute but I've never had any reason to buy them. Will I do it? Probably not but it sounds like so much fun.

Oh and another thing. I joined this app on my phone called scrabble with friends. I'm totally addicted. If you play let me know in the comments. I'd love to add another game with my friends.

Another great app I got was goodreads. I have made an extensive book list of to reads so if I ever get back near a BAM (oh how I miss having one a few minutes down the road) well I'll have plenty to peruse and buy.

Guess who got an iPhone? Adele and Chad! Yippee! Now if I could just get Chad to use it to play games with me. He's always so busy at work and he thinks that kind of thing is a total waste of time. Chad is just not a goofing off kinda guy. Straight arrow always down to business - that's my Chad. :)

Speaking of which he is back in the cave called "coverting a machine" and I'm not sure when he'll be seen again. Maybe next March? I remember this time when we were at Leaf River and I can tell ya it was like being a single mother. He tries to be here to see the kids before they go to bed but when he does get here on time he ends up in front of his work laptop doing spreadsheets and other things. I know I shouldn't complain and really I'm not. I'm proud of how smart he is and how valuable his knowledge is and I'm thrilled that in this economy we have a job and good income. So no I'm not complaining. I'm just stating fact. :) He is missed that's all.

Hey let's talk music while I'm at it. Markus is loving some rock and roll. The child has a jitterbug I guess. He loves to play like he's a rock n roll dude with his drums and mike. He is becoming as bossy as Helen was about music selection too. He whines if a slow song comes on my iPhone and he almost demands we put some tunes on repeat. LOL. I remember this time with Helen. She was the same way.

Besides a few dancy tunes for Markus, I've been downloading some of the Dear John soundtrack. I definitely love "The Moon", "Paperweight", "Little House", and "Amber" which is by 311 and is an oldie but goodie. I'm going to have to start getting some of the American Idol songs too. Helen and I are watching this year again. It's interesting to me how some of them are so bad and off key all the time and yet others seem ready to take a huge stage and cut a CD. I have my favorites but I'll keep it to myself at this time. AI is another post in itself. For that matter so is Stardolls. Next time I blog I've got to blog about that for sure.

Let's see what else is there to discuss....I don't know. I guess that's it for now. I've got to finish the crock pot dinner and start on my ironing. Ironing is usually Tuesday but that was put off this week. I've also got to go get batteries because it seems as if all 15 fire alarms in our home are beeping now. Spring really has sprung when it is time to change the batteries. Oh and I guess the clocks will be turning back soon. Yuck. Now there is one thing I don't look forward to in the spring.

Friday will be cleaning I think. Or maybe grocery shopping. Saturday will be cleaning day I guess since I may have company on Sunday.

I guess I'll post sometime again at the first of next week. Y'all have a blessed weekend.

Erin

Winter 2010

2010-03-08T15:53:00.012-06:00

I guess that is the only title to encompass this next post. It's a catch all for a few things we've been up to....

It snowed last month and the kids loved it. It's a shame it did it the day Chad was coming home from Finland. He pretty much missed it.

Speaking of Finland...cross your fingers for me. It looks like Helen and I will be going with Chad at the end of the summer. Whoo hoo!!!!

I hosted Helen's Valentines party last month. We did cute foods and balloons. I think everyone enjoyed swapping sweetheart notes in the mailboxes I made for the class.

Helen's entering the art show at school

She loves her teacher!

This is Helen dressed up for Wacky Wednesday. They all came dressed crazy and ready the Wacky book. too cute!!!!!

Markus and his antics.

We are still not potty trained. Insert eye roll at any time. I am waiting for a spring warm up so that he can go pantless around the house.

Helen is still going strong in Gymanstics.
We've been going places with our buddies from class too. We enjoyed watching the MA cheerleader tryouts with them last week and the week before that it was the MA Beauty Review.

Fun girlie stuff for sure!

The kids finally met Bella Leigh last month too. They adore her!

Helen had to dress up for pirate day. Have I mentioned how much I love K5 and all the cute things they do in class?
They have also done a diagram of the major organs and circulatory system. It was so cute seeing her bring home a life size drawing of herself all figured out with organs here and veins there. Funny stuff. They did a Dr. Seuss day last week too complete with hats and green eggs and ham. Helen said it was delicious!

Wednesday Helen is going to school as a Fairy tale character. It's just another thing they are doing in her class to promote reading and a love of books. She has to dress as a character and bring that book. I think we are doing Belle and Snow White. So there are some cute pics coming soon.

Erin

So here's the thing

2010-03-08T12:27:00.002-06:00

I missed this place. I missed this blog.

I wanted to stop blogging because sometimes I found it redundant considering all my facebooking.

It's also a time hog. Or Tymepire as Urban Dictionary likes to call it.

Time suck, Time Vampire, anything that sucks useless amounts of time.
Facebook is a tymepire.

Edit photos, upload, check your writing so you don't have misspelling that makes you look like the idiot you sometimes wonder if you really truly are. You know what I mean.

However, all that said I missed it. I think I'm leaving facebook. Not permanently. Just not posting there anymore.

I'm also not going to share as many photos. This saves time.

What's important is the story. So I will try to make it readable. We'll see how that goes. I'm notorious for misspelling and poor grammar. (To think I wanted to be a lit professor ha ha ha!)

So those adjustments should/ will give me my blog time back. I plan to try to blog once a week again. Maybe more sometimes but once a week for sure. This is something I know I can schedule and keep up with.

So I'm back. I hope someone reads this blog. I guess if they don't it doesn't bother me either way. I need it to vent my frustrations and share all my triumphs / joys. I also need it because my mind is not perfect and I tend to forget things. I've found that in the last three months of not blogging that I've taken less photos and recorded zero stories about my kiddos. That's what counts....remembering these days.

Look for a post soon,

Erin

There is no place

2009-12-29T15:47:00.003-06:00

like being with family. I know this because home is a term applied to where you hang your hat. I can be with my family anywhere and in their company is the real term of home applied for me.

I have just returned from stay in Fairhope with my momma, daddy, and baby brother Brett. My husband joined us and our children for this little after Christmas venture. It was perfect. So perfect in fact that I have little to share in the way of pictures and instead have heart warming stories and memories to think on instead. It was a trip full of fun, humor, laughs and shared moments. I love them as always. The only sad thing with meeting up with them is that it has to end when I travel back home. I always feel just a touch deflated outside their warmth and company.

Oh well. I know we will have more visits shortly. I will spend my time between those visits storing up stories of what their grandchildren do and looking forward to my time with them again.

To occupy my mind and spare time I am prepping for a weekend away with some girlfriends on the coast. Divine intervention struck last year at Gigi's crop when Adele and I were seated next to the kindest of Christian hearted women from Tuscaloosa, who like us wanted to crop, share stories of our children, and our love of our Lord. As with any large group gathering, you get a mix of morals. I like to share my time with gals who share my strict morals. We love Gigi and her crop will always be special to us because it brought our group together. However, Adele and I look forward to a cropping weekend at a beach front condo with new found friends who do not stir up animosity, who never connive or compete, and who are in the whole service of the Lord in their hearts so that we all may leave our trip just a little more lifted up. What more can I ask then enjoying the creation of some memory keepsakes for my children with such friends as these? It will put a wonderful perspective on the new year for me and I can hardly wait.

-More soon,

Erin