Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Another Back-to-School Project
MMMmmm.... Day Two
Day Two -- New York Strips. Yes, I'm a big fan of eating. I'm not one of those "Oh, just a salad" kind of girls. I take everything I do quite seriously and my meals are no exception. These were our main course from 
Back-to-School have a meal at the table challenge Day Two and boy were they good!
My Back-to-School Goal
If you've been reading my blog or if you know me very well, you know that I do not try to and/or claim to be a "domestic diva" (as I call it). Quite honestly, I am not one of those mommies who "has it all together." My house is usually a mess, there are piles of laundry to do, I look a fright and there is no doubt that I will be late anywhere I ever go! I would love to be that woman that's always put together, always gets everything done, has an immaculate house and is always on time. Thus far, it's not happened. I have good intentions. I really do, but it always seems that one of those opportunities I can't pass up presents itself. You can guess the ones I'm talking about --- an opportunity to create a little something, to take pictures of my kiddos, or just to do something else that's a whole lot more fun than cleaning toilets! What good is it going to do me to have sparkling toilets and miss my little boys growing up?
My back-to-school goal is to have dinner at the table every week night until we start having soccer practice. So far, so good. This was night one's supper. Not exactly Top Chef cuisine, but it tasted quite alright. Hamburger steak, fresh buttered squash and purple hull peas. It appears I am a southern girl after all!
One more thing I MUST add -- No! This is not the normal portion size at our home!! These are all the extras after dinner. I piled them all on one plate to take to my mom (broken arm, remember?) and dad.
Back to School Project
I was completely surprised when Lane picked out a totally plain black notebook when we went school supply shopping. I was sure we'd have to buy some Transformers or Spiderman or some other highly decorated version
but instead a plain black spiral was cool with him.
I love plain. I see plain as a blank canvas, an inviting opportunity an outlet for my creativity. Of course, with little boys there are limitations. Can't be too over-the-top with little boys. Lucky for me, Lane loves his school and loves being a "Hornet." His plain black notebook was just asking for this cute little hornet to be painted on it!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Sweet Dreams
Fun Family Float
Yesterday was the last Saturday before school starts back for the fall. Our family simply couldn't let it pass without doing something. One past time that we've discovered this summer is floating the Caddo River, so we invited another family to join us for the adventure. We knew it would be a blast for the kids and hoped we weren't in for a harrowing experience. Funny thing is, we have 2 children, they have 4 and I was much more concerned about our children's behavior, but I suppose that's my job as a mom, huh?
Even after several hours of floating, this gang still had plenty of energy -- Photo 1 is of the whole gang after the float!
At around the half-way point of the trip, there is a deep portion of the river with a rope swing. Several of our gang were game to give it a try -- Photo 2 is of Rick as Tarzan!
Of course, I was a bit concerned about how the little ones would do. Kenny, Cohen, Lane and I had floated before, but Cohen has a bit of a stubborn streak so when we approached the first little area of rapids, he refused to get in his tube. The result? He was left screaming in the little area of rapids while Laney and I floated ahead. Don't worry folks, we're talking Class I rapids --- at best. I ran our tube aground and called to him to walk down (yes, it was that shallow) to us. Of course, he was in full meltdown mode at this point and required the kindness of a stranger who held his hand as he walked to us. After a bit, the little ones decided that the best ride on the river was with me. Aren't they cute? A bit heavy after a while, but cute --- Photo 3 is of Cohen, Laney and I loaded up on the tube.
I don't know about your family, but in my family, I am the designated photographer. I love the assignment of capturing our family's memories and snobbishly think I'm far superior at the job. The downside of this is that very, very few photos ever exist to document that I was present at said activities. Occasionally, this fact comes to mind and I'll hand the camera over and ask someone else to take a photo with me in it. Oddly, making this request makes me feel quite self-centered but I'm generally glad that I've done so in the end. From the friends that I've spoken to, it seems this is the mommy's fate in many families so I couldn't let the day pass without capturing one of those rare photos -- Photo 4 actually captures two of the rarely seen mommy of the species.
Photo 5 captures the often photographed daddies!
Photo 6 is the whole brood of children at the beginning of the trip. From what I can tell, we ended the trip with the same kids we started with so I guess we can call it a successful trip.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Hobby Number 906
This one, I inherited directly from my mother. She is a total pro at floral arrangements. I can pull off a thing or two... nothing compared to her skills. My parents have been married 46 years. Obviously, last year was their 45 wedding anniversary. I don't know about you, but I find that to be something to celebrate!! My dad is the really quiet type and doesn't care much for parties, so I tried to come up with something special that I could do without making him uncomfortable.
Since my parents came from modest backgrounds, they didn't have an actual "wedding" but were married in the home of their pastor. This meant, of course that they didn't have two of the things we most likely think of when we think of weddings -- a bridal bouquet and a cake. There was my idea! In celebration of their 45 years, I wanted them to finally have these things.
My mother has a deep love for flowers, so I knew it would mean even more if she knew I made her bouquet myself. Deep breath..... I could do this. I hit up our local grocery store, purchased a couple dozen roses and some filler. By God's grace, all went well and this was the end result.
It just happened that their anniversary fell on a Sunday and I was singing at church that morning (hobby number 907). I invited mom and dad to come hear me sing in early service so that they could avoid missing worship at their church. Generally, I'm a bit nervous before I sing, but this morning, I was terribly excited because I was going to give my mom her bouquet before church. She was so surprised and proud. I think she told everyone she saw that day about her bouquet.
It's amazing how much in life we take for granted. We all have so much and waste so much. Our society seems to subscribe to the philosophy that bigger and more expensive is always better. If we only stopped to realize how untrue this is. Platinum ceremonies and designer gowns do not a good marriage make. What makes a good marriage can't be found on any runway or in any boutique, but can be exchanged between two people without cost. I am thankful to have been witness to such a marriage and the recipient of such love. It was truly my privilege to reinvest this love into a gesture that made my mom light up and my dad don his famous sheepish grin. It may have been their anniversary, but I feel that I am the one who received the gift. 
Update on My Mom
Thanks to all of you who are praying and have shared your concern for my mom. She seems to be doing well this morning. For those who may not know, she fell yesterday and fractured her upper arm. She is having some pain but is doing well with the pain medicine she was prescribed in the ER. Our hopes are that she will be able to see her orthopedist Monday morning to assure that no other treatment is needed. Please continue to pray!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Hobby Number 936 -- Pageant Coaching
As I look through my photos, I'm beginning to overwhelm myself with all my pasttimes, but I couldn't leave this one out! Of course, old beauty queens never die, they just go on to coach the next generation. My niece, Bre wanted to enter the Miss Deaf Arkansas pageant hosted by her school, the Arkansas School for the Deaf. She's a beautiful girl and sooooo full of personality. I knew she'd do well. In fact, she won! She was very proud of herself. I was elated too and almost got a little choked up when she signed to me "thanks for making me win." Priceless!
(Pardon the picture quality, after packing all my hair and makeup equipment, I left my camera behind and had to take this one with my phone)
More of My Creations
This is one of my original bag designs. Each of my bags are hand-painted and completely different from any other. Quite a few hours of work go into these, but I really enjoy making them. A friend ordered this one for a baby gift. I think the orange/turquoise/brown combination is cute and atypical. Hope Ashur has enjoyed it!
More of My Face Painting
Fourth of July, of course! This one didn't last long. He started to say it itched shortly after everyone got a chance to see him. Truth be known, I think he was ready to get into the swimming pool!
My Day as a Chef
In December, to celebrate our 8th anniversary, my husband and I took a cruise. One of our favorite experiences was taking a cooking class while in Cozumel. Imagine! Some of my favorite things all wrapped into one. I'm pretty sure I would be the next Rachel Ray if I could prepare meals in an open-air kitchen two steps from the beach overlooking the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico. I'd at least love the opportunity to test my theory!
Picture 1 is of all the food we prepared during our class --- fresh guacamole, frijoles, mexican rice and stuffed poblano peppers. Yum!
I'm sure you're really admiring the beautiful hat I'm wearing. Class requirement --- if you wanna cook, you gotta wear the hat. By this time, I'd forgotten I was wearing it. I was ready to EAT!
Doesn't That Look Good??
Another of my favorite things? Why, eating of course! No comments about how that's obvious are needed, thank you! I have a huge weakness for seafood
, my favorite being crab legs, but boy did I enjoy these Royal Reds I happened upon while in Gulf Shores. I love the ocean and the beach, so I really don't need another reason to head south, but if I did, these would certainly be one! On this beautiful plate, they're accompanied by some ribs (also wonderful), whole potatoes, corn and buttah! Mmmm....
We do our best not to eat out a whole lot when we're at the beach. The more we "eat in" the longer we're able to stay and I have my priorities! I think we ate out 3 times on this trip and I had Royal Reds twice.
Oh, gosh! Now I'm hungry!
My Photography - Jessica's Bridal Portraits
Here are some of my favorite shots from my first semi-serious shoot. It can't hurt to have gorgeous subject matter, right? These are my niece, Jessica. I was 12 when she was born and thought she was like having a real-live baby doll. As you can see, she's grown a bit since then. It was an honor to do her bridal portraits but shocking to realize she's a grown woman. Wow! Where does the time go? 
Hobby Number 611 =)
Yet Another Thing I Like to Do
If you've read any of my blog, it's apparent that I like to create things, lots of things. I simply love it but almost as much or even more than I enjoy creating things, I enjoy photography. I take advantage of any opportunity to hone my skills and I'm not afraid to do anything I can think of to get the shot I'm striving for. My mom and dad assisted me during my shoot with my gorgeous niece Jessica for her bridal portraits. Their backyard was the perfect site for the shoot, so before they knew it, they had been wrangled into being my assistants. They were amused by the lengths I was willing to go to for that perfect shot and mom just couldn't resist snapping a shot of me hanging from this ladder in pursuit of it!
Another Lil Thing I Like to Do
Here's another little thing I like to do --- paint faces. Since Lane enjoys being the comedian, he's game for funny faces whenever I'll oblige. This bunny face was one we created for the Easter Egg hunt in 08!
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