Loading some photos from yesterday...John's birthday celebration in the morning and Lily cheering in the afternoon.

Not so sure why everyone looks a bit wonky in the photo, but they really were having fun. Daddy and girls with his gifts.

Playing with Silly String! One of daddy's presents from the girls.

Shelly & John at his birthday breakfast.

Lily's last football game of the cheering season. Created these little treat boxes for Lily & Shelly's teachers. There are cool scented candles in each.

10.29.06

A big ol' HAPPY BIRTHDAY to John. We started the morning with presents and cards. Then went to Mimi's Cafe for a yummy breakfast. He'll be golfing all afternoon while the girls and I hit the football game and cheering. And, I am thinking that this is so interesting...read this little blurb:

Attitude is everything. Have a Good Day! Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
Just felt like the part in red was so true...everyone is dealing with something. So, be nice to one another.

10.28.06

I was at Target (gasp...really????) awhile back and saw these cute little cubes that you alter and make a photo cube out of. I started to buy them and then thought...oh, John makes boxes for a living, I guess he could create something like this for me. So, he did and I love the size he made...about 2" bigger than Target's. Here is what I did with them. It is now sitting on our kitchen counter and I really like it. Fun, too.

Today, we have been busy. After a breakfast of cinnamon rolls, bacon, and eggs the girls and I headed out for groceries and gifts for John. They picked out some cute items for him. We'll celebrate tomorrow with cake and ice cream and gift opening. After that, we went to the pumpkin patch and then to a late lunch/snack at the Center Grove Grill. Tonight, we are off to the neighbor's house for a dinner in honor of John's birthday. A fun day.

Pumpkin Patch Photos:

Blogger is being temperamental...will add more photos in next post!!!

10.25.06

Found this nifty little shoe storage item at Target yesterday. It went together in no time and holds more than 30 of my shoes on it. Loving it.

Thinking about this little girl and hoping she does well post surgery. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

10.24.06

My half birthday...40 1/2!!! I remember when I actually celebrated those...how fun. Nice weekend...cool temps, cheering, and relaxing. Here are some shots of the girls . Enjoy.

10.17.06

Can I just tell you how addicted to this movie and CD I have become???? I think it may even border on obsession. The whole family is in on it, too. John is loving the CD (and that is saying A LOT!!!) and Lily asks for it to be played constantly. AND, Shelly even has her own little dance moves to the tunes. If you haven't seen the movie...get it and then go get the CD!!! Love it.

10.16.06

I have had some really great days, lately. Saturday afternoon Lily had her football game to cheer for and it was so beautiful outside. A perfect day to watch little girls and pom poms. Then John came home and told us to pack our bags. So, 30 minutes later, we were in the car heading south. We spent the night in Monroe, NC and woke up on Sunday to travel 30 more minutes to Carowinds. The girls absolutely loved the time we spent there. Shelly flipped over Dora and Lily said, "this has been the best day of my life." Today, Lily was out of school for a teacher's workday. So, we stayed in pajamas until almost noon, took a trip to Bath & Body Works for my BUNCO gift (for tonight) and then out to lunch at Jay's Deli. Just a simple and sweet couple of days. Here's the photo record of some of it.

10.14.06

Just want to send out a little request for extra prayers for my parents. On Wednesday night, they were in a car accident in Virginia Beach. They are both doing much better, but we'd all benefit from some more prayers. My dad was hospitalized for one night with a fractured sternum and my mom has some bumps and bruises. Please keep them in your thoughts. Thanks!

10.14.06

Ok, so after many futile tries to post pictures...I finally got them on here. So, these are the pictures from the post below. Thanks for looking.

The scampering deer on the golf course. The big Target sign as we approached the new Target on Sunday.
Lily, the princess, with her prince, Raleigh.
The girls on the train ride at the Fall Festival.
The shy princess with her trophy.

10.11.06

· So, yesterday 10/10 was our wedding anniversary. John and I have been married for eight wonderful years. Marriage is a constant learning experience and every year gets richer and more fulfilling. We each learn more ways to balance our lives with one another and how to create a loving family. I think that’s what a lifelong partner is all about…balance and love.

· We aren’t big gift givers. We watched Walk the Line the other day and it really stuck with both of us. So, I got John the CD soundtrack from the movie. If you know John, you know music isn’t his thing, but he really enjoyed JC’s music. The combo of the love story and the songs made this the ideal gift for him on our anniversary. I presented it to him at breakfast with his card, his bowl of Fruit Loops, and his coffee. Lovely. He surprised me with flowers, wine, and cheese before sweeping us all off our feet and heading out to dinner. Perfection.

· The big PTA Fall Festival has come and gone…in the blink of an eye. We plotted and planned for three months and now…poof – it’s over. The weather was iffy, but we pulled it off with a few last minute changes here and there. I am pleased to have been a part of the event this year and hope to improve upon it for next year, as well. The girls had a fantastic time at the Festival. Lily was the princess for her class this year. She was a bit reluctant to have her photo taken, but mommy snapped some anyway. Shelly went nutty over the train ride. Her enthusiasm for it was evident!

· We saw three little deer scamper across the golf course last week and I had to take a few photos of them. Here they are…look closely; they were in our neighbor’s yard.

· Oh, big news…our new Target had their Grand Opening on Sunday and we were there for it. I have a little montage of photos from the day. And, although big, it is NOT a Super Target. Oh well.

Blogger is being difficult...hoping to post the pictures with the words soon!!!
So, there are my tidbits for you. Hope you find happiness in your day.

10.05.06

A layout of the fun Halloweeny things in my home. Thanks for looking and Boo to you!!

10.04.06

Layouts I created from some pictures I took of myself:

Today I am getting geared up for all of the hoopla that is the FALL FESTIVAL at Lily's school. We will be occupied with the festivities from Friday morning until 8 PM on Saturday night!!! This is going to be a long few days, but the payoff will be worth it...we all hope. The money raised from the Fall Festival goes to the PTA and then on to the teachers for various items they need for their classrooms. All a very worthy cause.

John is starting his referee classes and soon basketball season will start up for him.

I booked my first Pampered Chef show for October and I am excited about it all. Hoping to get some catalog shows added to my shows for the month. Oh, and I made some cool business cards!!!

Loving the Fall and hoping that some cooler temps will come our way soon. Can't wait to visit a Pumpkin patch, pick out some pumpkins, and take some photos of the whole thing.