45 years to celebrate

I could say a lot about the fact that today, my parents have been married 45 years.  But I'll let this photo stand on its own.  Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom!

celebrating an eleventh birthday

Rhett turns 11 tomorrow. Without me getting all weepy, I will attempt to explain how lucky I am to be his mom.

Rhett is curious.  He wants to know everything about everything.  He also thinks he is right about most things and never thinks his mom knows what she is talking about, especially in subjects such as Math and Science.  Or English...excuse me, I meant Language Arts.  Or anything else.  He always questions me.  "Are you sure about that?"  He doesn't do it so much with his dad yet. 

Rhett likes to talk.  Especially when he is happy.  And that is what I remind his dad, when Seth is getting frustrated because Rhett has not stopped talking.  I just say, "That means he is happy," and Seth smiles and can't be frustrated anymore.  Funny enough, he wanted to look up what the meaning of his name was the other day.  It means, "speaker."  We were right on the nose with that one!

Here Rhett is, with his Dad and Pop, at the Philbrook Museum.  I am sure Rhett is wondering if the fish get cold or why they are the color they are, or maybe he is asking the meaning of life.  No telling with that child. Though I get exasperated, I secretly love it.  He will never just do something without questioning the why of it.  And that is a good thing.   

Rhett loves to help.  He also loves to please.  In this picture, still at the museum, he climbed onto the tree branch quickly, but then turned and helped his brother.  Without being asked, he just grabbed Noah's arm and pulled.  

Rhett is such a sweet big brother. Too sweet, sometimes. The other day, the boys were fighting and I went to them to see what the big fuss was. Fighting over legos and Noah got his way. Again. Rhett just didn't know what to do. I told him that he needs to be assertive. If Noah is being mean, I said, then Rhett had every right to kick him out of his room, even if the legos belonged to both. Later that night, after the boys were in bed, Seth and I heard a loud bang upstairs. Seth ran up to see what it was.  A few minutes later, Seth came down and asked me, "What did you tell Rhett?" I repeated that he needed to be assertive and asked why.  Seth answered, "Because Rhett said Noah would not stop talking, so Rhett just pushed Noah out of bed."  So he is trying, even if it is not in his nature to do so.

Rhett still gets scared, still gets sad enough to cry sometimes and can be silly and goofy and, well, a boy.  But he is growing up.  I can see glimpses of what kind of man he'll be and it makes me proud.  But it also makes me happy to see this:

He is as excited as Noah is to open a card from our elf each day.  He still wants to believe in magic even when his logical mind is screaming it cannot happen.  He still believes in the wonder of childhood and I, for one, am so happy that he does. 

Happy Birthday Rhett. 

elvis likes owls too. whoo wouldn't?

Yesterday, our little elf left stickers to decorate the boys' dad's presents:

 A Chick-Fil-A sticker.  That is the answer to your question, "What is on Rhett's head?"  I don't know.  That is the answer to your question, "Why?"

Today, we found this:

You see, Elvis used my craft supplies to make his cards.  And he must have found my owl stamp and just loved it so much that he couldn't think of anything for the boys to do today.  They were so excited to get to go play the Wii though and thought it was quite hilarious. 

I have to say that Elvis has made this December the most fun for the boys.  I'm glad he came around this year. 

ode to all things peppermint-y

One of my favorite things to do this month is make peppermint bark.  It's easy, it's yummy and it is a good little gift to give away.  (Except the one year I made it and didn't give it away and I ended up eating the whole batch by myself.  Ugh. Because of that, I didn't make it the next year.  I needed time to reclaim my love of peppermint bark.)

Usually, I make it to look like this:

One bag of creme de mint baking chips, one bag of good quality white chocolate baking chips, and crushed up peppermints (I used the softer kind this year so it's not so crunchy).  Melt the creme de mint chips in microwave, spread out and let harden.  Melt white chips, stir in a few peppermints, spread on top of chocolate, top with some more peppermints, let harden.  Break and enjoy.  I like keeping it in the fridge because it tastes super yummy cold.

This year, I also made it like this:

In this batch, (that is still too soft to break apart) I melted bittersweet chocolate chips, and topped it with a layer of Hersey's Peppermint Kisses.  Topped it with peppermints.  It's pink!  And it is sooo good.  This stuff is dangerous. I need to give it away. Don't want a repeat of a few years ago...
I dare you to try it and not love it. (I am bringing this stuff with me wherever I go, so if I'm coming where you, get ready).

Oh peppermint bark.  How I love you.

it's all over but the sharing...

Please, Aimee, can you show us pictures from your birthday? Why, yes...yes, I can.

The cupcakes:

They had Cinnamon-Caramel Cream in the middle, iced with Chocolate Ganache, topped with Sugar Pearls to make them snazzy.  Pink candles because I try to add a little girly in my family's fun every once in awhile.  :)

My Beautiful Boys:

I forgot to mention that Rhett told me "Happy Birthday" at least a dozen times yesterday and, AND, Noah got up all by himself yesterday morning.  This is huge. It meant I didn't spend 10 minutes trying to drag him out of bed. 

My Sweet, Handsome Husband:

Seth got contacts a few weeks ago and is lovin' them.  What do you think? Do we look 17 years older from when we first started dating?  Maybe I really don't want an answer.  Hee. Hee.

The end:

visiting St. Louis, quick recap ahead

Labor Day weekend we went to St. Louis to visit our friends. I love St. Louis because they have such neat places tucked in the city. One such place is called The Magic House and it is a children's museum full of cool things:

I could see this hanging in my house. Couldn't you? 

When you walk in, there are all of these glass balloons on the ceiling.  It was such a neat image.

This 'music wheel' played a song by Bach.  Each chime played a different note and Rhett just held a metal stick to the chimes and we listened to classical music. 

They had a whole section devoted to our governement.  Here, Noah is in the Supreme Court. 

Don't they look like they would be really touch judges?  ;)

Another something I would like in my house:  a giant kaleidoscope.  The boys thought of Grandmom because she has a couple in her home (not this big!)

We also went to the zoo, went to a Cardinals game and rode a train in the woods (is cooler than it sounds) and went swimming but I didn't bring my camera to those things.  It was a nice little getaway. 

The rest of the week went by slowly because I kept forgetting what day it was.  'Its only Thursday?!?' I would think.  Saturday and Sunday were sports days for us, with Rhett beginning Fall Baseball.  He only plays double headers on Sunday and for only 5 weeks so it isn't so bad.  And Noah didn't complain at all. 

Of course, I felt reflective yesterday and made sure to enjoy my family.  I need to do it everyday but 9/11 is a good reminder that life is short. 

This week I have some projects planned.  I have already finished one which I'll show you tomorrow that I am excited about. 

I hope everyone has a great Monday!

nothing is sweeter than with you*

Good Monday to you! I'm happy today. 13 years! Yea us!  I made Seth a picture cd using a song that is my very favorite ever.  It is called Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and describes perfectly what I feel for my sweet husband.  The chorus goes:

Ahh. Home. Let me come home.

Home is wherever I'm with you.

Ahh. Home. Let me come home.

Home is where I'm alone with you.

I'm a lucky girl.  ♥

In other news....

This picture will tell you how our weekend was:

It was busy and went too fast as usual.  However, I will say that those 2 and a half hours we were outside on Saturday afternoon was pretty awful.  The boys did great at their flag football game and I think had a pretty good time.  But it was so so so hot and humid.  I drank down 2 bottles of water and a half a gatorade and I was just sitting!! We were so sweaty and wet and I hope to never relive that experience.  When I got in my car after that games, the thermometer said 116 degrees.  I know it wasn't that hot but it did feel like it at times.  Whew. 

I will say I did enjoy using my camera! It does great for capturing the action.  I was a little afraid for it cause it got so hot, but I would put it in a cooler bag for awhile and luckily it survived.

Here is Noah:

Don't you love his green mouthguard? :)

Rhett got to play quarterback some and was cool and collected.  (Well, maybe just collected):

He also caught a pass perfectly and scored a touchdown!

Sunday came and Rhett came down with a fever, so he is home with me today.  (Feeling better but you have to be fever free 24 hours before going back to school.  I think it would be fine, but I don't want someone else breaking that rule, so I won't either).  I hate that he is already missing a day of school though.  Seriously. I guess you can't help it.

The bus situtation was a little better on Friday but you know, everything has its positives.  I have met so many neighbors and have become friends with a few of them over this bus thing so you just never know.  :) Plus Noah actually rode his scooter to the bus stop this morning with a friend and her parents and that is big in itself! haha.

I hope everyone has a great day!

*I love you Seth! Thanks for everything you do.  Happy Anniversary.

13 years and he still surprises

My anniversary is Monday.  I'll have been married 13 years.  Woo!  Seth surprised me with a gift though a few weeks ago. 

Any guesses?

my rockin' pair of boots

I start horseback riding lessons today!!  Every Friday, I am going to learn how to ride and take care of a horse.  It may sound silly to some of you, but I am most excited.  I love horses, think they are beautiful animals and am looking forward to learning all there is to know.  I have a helmet and everything.  I'll let you know how it goes.  If it goes even a little better than the bus situation, then it will be a success. ha!

Speaking of busses, Rhett was on his for almost 2 hours yesterday afternoon.  Didn't get home til 5 pm.  Crazy!! 

Have a great weekend!!

PS- Happy Birthday Pop!!!

the time: a little before sunset

The boys were playing basketball with their dad and I sat outside and noticed the rays of sunshine coming through the clouds.  I had to grab the camera and take some shots.  I love clouds.

Here are some other things I'm lovin' right now:

• Rescue Me, the tv show with Denis Leary (catching up on Netflix)
• Purplish gray nail polish for my toes
• Feta Cheese tossed onto a salad with Italian Dressing
• Boo's little dream barks--when she is sleeping, she sometimes makes small "woof" sounds and it makes Seth and me laugh everytime.
• the fact that Rhett can put in and take out his contacts all by himself now!!!
• the fact that Noah wants to be a mascot for his summer job during college (specifically, a shark named Chompers)

See ya!

some love for my blue-eyed son

Rhett is such a ham in front of the camera, but I did manage to get two good shots of him.

First, his serious side:

Then, my favorite, one of him laughing. He just lights up when he laughs. It is uninhibited and loud and sometimes he just falls down cause he has no control.  That is a good laugh and I really love it!

                    


Christy, you said that Noah looks like me. Well, Rhett looks so much like Seth but the other night, Seth and I looked at Noah and Rhett and for the first time said, "Wow, they really do look related!" I don't know what it was (was it the blue shirts they were wearing, their sun-lightened hair, the way they were eating ice cream?) but we just stared at them for a few minutes.

I wish I could show you a side by side picture of them, but instead, here is something they thought of on their own:

So goofy.  Love it!

 

They are having a blast this week at Tennis Camp. They come home exhausted! I, myself, can't believe how fast this month has flown by but then don't we all say that every year during summer? I know that Seth and I have forgotten a couple of important dates and we are working on making that up to people. I kind of forget to look at a calendar when summer rolls around. Oops.

 

I hope everyone is beating the heat! Yesterday, it was actually pretty nice but the heat is back on today, so I'm sure the pool is in our immediate future.  Have a great day!

 

 



and, you, my brown-eyed boy

I found this photo of Noah on my older camera that I took to Charlotte.  I had forgotten that I had taken the camera to school for his Thanksgiving play.  It kind of took my breath away.  His eyes.  Could you not just get lost in those eyes?

a weekend away with my sister

This past weekend was so much fun!  I loved getting to see Krista and hang out.  It had been too long.  I really didn't take that many pictures but we did a lot. 

The photos we did take are from the Segway Tour of Charlotte.  Segways are the funnest way to travel for sure. 

Here are two beautiful pictures of my sister and me:

But, really, we do look awesome.  These were taken before we were allowed to get on them.  You should have seen us once we were though, zipping along.  I was amazed at the muscles you use in your feet, legs and back.  I don't know how much we learned about Charlotte (the tour guide was fun, but didn't know much) but honestly, I didn't care. 

We went through one of the oldest cemetaries in Charlotte and it was segregated.  Here is a poignant headstone that our guide pointed out:

This one was interesting as well:

The man was killed by a lion! 

We went through beautful parks and greenways and made our way to Uptown (which is Charlotte's Downtown) and I had to take a picture of this for the boys:

The Carolina Panther! This is emabarrassing to admit, but Krista and I couldn't remember the name of the NFL team that plays in Charlotte.  Had no idea.  When the tour guide said something about the Carolina Panthers, we both were like, "Oh yeah!"  So yes, here is the panther.  Looks kind of scary.

We also went to Ikea (spent 3 hours there!), and did some shopping at a mall and basically did things that you don't want to do when your kids are around because it is too much work.  It was great!

Hold On*! We also watched Bridesmaids and laughed and laughed.  So funny. 

I can't forget to say that I also saw Krista's husband.  He was there for a Heroes Comic convention and so I didn't see much of him but it was nice to catch up.  He has a new blog called The Temple of Kemple which showcases his art. Pretty amazing if you ask me.

But it is back to life.  Rhett is at Vacation Bible School (Noah refused to go) this week.  We'll probably go to the pool a lot because its hot, hot, hot.  Rhett also wants to go to church camp this weekend but I think I missed the deadline on that one.  Oops.  He won't be happy with me but I think we may get to go to a baseball game on Saturday, so that will make up for it, hopefully. 

I'll leave you with something that Krista made.  It is my favorite thing ever:

Isn't it adorable? I love it.  And he is waving! Aww... Be still, my heart.  :)

{thanks, sis for a fantastic weekend and my owl.  thanks, chris for getting the boys awesome comic books! they've been busy drawing their own after reading the ones you got for them.}

*a surprise from the movie-one of my favorite (girl) bands from the 90s had a cameo.  Can you guess which one?

this has been a lot of fun

I was thinking this morning about how I would begin my blog post and I thought of That 70's Show episode where the gang goes to Canada to get beer, then Fez loses his Green Card and they get caught by the Canadian border guard.  Leo (who is played by Chong, of Cheech and Chong) answers all the Mounties' questions with the same question, for example: 

Mounty:  What are you doing in Canada?
Leo:  What are you doing in Canada, man?

It is hilarious (and I know I am not doing it justice by writing about it here) and anyway, the reason I thought of it was because I imagined you, my blog reader, saying, "Where have you been lately?" and my immediate response was, "Where have you been lately, man?" 

But to answer your question (that I imagined you asking), I have been reading.  And sewing pillows.  And cleaning carpets.  Some other things too.

Books:

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is such a good memoir. It is a story in the same vein as Angela's Ashes (alcholic father, very poor growing up, ect) but didn't make you feel as sad because of her tone.  This book I read for my book club, which was last night at my house.  I made pinwheel sandwiches and brownies and it was so fun to sit in a group of women and just talk. 

I will admit, I never wanted to read this book.  It looked boring to me.  And then the movie came out and Robert Pattinson stars in it and all of the sudden, it looked a little less boring.  ;)  So I read it and kicked myself that I didn't read it before now.  Love, love, love this book. 

And my new obsession:  The Mortal Instruments series by Cassadra Clare.  These books remind me a little of Harry Potter (in a good way, not a totally copying-sort-of way.)  A science-fiction/fantasy/romance (my favorite combo) story about supernatural beings, both good and evil.  Really love these books.  I think she wrote a trilogy, then decided to write six instead and the fourth book has been just released. She also has written a prequel about The Mortal Instruments so there is that too.  Plenty to keep me busy during the hot summer months.

Today:

Rhett has his graduation ceremony today.  His elementary school only goes through 4th grade.  I do know they are going to show a slideshow and sing a song, a combination that will no doubt make me cry.  I really try not to cry but I can't help it.  Kids singing brings tears to my eyes and I have found it doesn't matter what it is--the kids' choir sang for Easter at our church and tears streamed down my face, when Rhett had his musical and sang about pioneers, I cried at that too.  And slideshows--forget it.  I'll just bring plenty of tissues and try not to embarrass myself. 

A funny: (not meant to embarrass my hubby)

I tried a different recipe for my brownies for the book club meeting last night.  While Rhett was eating one for his dessert last night, he told Seth, "These taste different."  Seth didn't know I made them and he thought for a split second that maybe, just maybe, they were "special" brownies that one of the book club ladies made.  So he tasted it but decided they were fine.  When he told me about it later, I asked if he would have known what "special" brownines tasted like and he said that surely he could have.  Then I asked if he really thought one of the women could have done that!  He said, "I don't know them!"  We had a good laugh.  The more I think about it, the more I laugh.  And, strangely enough, it reminds me of That 70's Show because there is always a point in each episode that they are sitting around a table, getting high and laughing.  Stranger still, I have referenced that show twice and I really never watched it while it was on and hardly watch it now. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

sharing a list of loves today

I wish I could say that I was so busy last week, that it flew by so fast, I totally didn't have a chance to blog.  But, that really isn't true.  I was kind of lazy last week.  Fighting allergies, the blahs, whatever.  Anyway, here's hoping this week will be better.

Things I'm loving right now:

Netflix.  We have an account now and I am so loving it right now.  I can watch things on my IPad while the boys are watching something else on the tv! Right now, I am enjoying 30 Rock (can I say that I love that show and have never watched it before now? But it is so funny) and we've already enjoyed (or not depending on what it was) 4 movies.  4!  I feel like I have to break up with Blockbuster though.  Imagine, will you, me sitting Mr. B down and giving him a coke from his own chilled beverage holder that is at the checkout counter and saying, "Look, I know we've had good times.  You were there during my True Blood marathon.  You had some great movie selections.  And in the last couple of years, you didn't charge late fees.  But, you are pretty expensive.  And there is that whole bankruptsy thing going on...I mean, how long are you still going to be around?  Plus, your "guaranteed" titles weren't always there.  In fact, more often than not, they were all gone.  So, this is good-bye.  And good luck."


My Aladdin water bottle.  Since moving to Tulsa, I started buying bottled water again and  until recently, just didn't care.   Then I started feeling guilty again so I stopped cold turkey but found I wasn't drinking enough during the day.  I basically filled my glass half full then drank a sip, then forgot for an hour or two.  Plus, you can't really take a glass with you whereever you go.  So I tried filling my Camelback water bottle up with water but (and this is where I reveal something weird about me that I only recently figured out) I don't like drinking water from anything but clear cups or glasses! Because my blue Camelback would just sit there, untouched too.  Instead of reverting back to bottled water, though, I bought a clear water bottle, which is also BPA free.  So I am happily drinking water again. 

The fact that there is only 6 (or maybe 7) weeks of school left.  Yay! I am looking forward to summer, very much so. 

My sister Krista's crochet critters.  Look on her blog (link off to the side) and you too will fall in love with the cuteness.

Have a great Monday!

setting myself up for a fail

Good afternoon. If anyone is counting, it is Dogs 1 Me 0 as far as the garden is concerned. Somedog (I'm not naming names, but a not-so-little puppy has dirt written all over her face and fingernails) totally ignorned the Boundary dog spray and went right for a plant in one of my pots and also one of my grasses. She totally dug that up and took up some weed fabric along with it. I had that tacked down! She also pulled up some plastic that was under pea gravel which was by the air conditioner to keep the dogs away. (I read that they don't like the feel of pea gravel under their paws. I guess that was wrong). So, wait, that means it is Dogs 2 Me 0.

Sigh.

After blowing a fuse, I am calm now, the garden is halfway back to normal and the dogs are put away in the laundry room. I realize that I was just asking for it by planting grass. What dog doesn't like grass? And mulch? And apparently, fabric? Back to the drawing board...

Mangos.  Delicious, yummy fruit.  I found them at Sam's.  We've yet to eat all of them but we are working on it.  I took this picture last week when it was sunny.  I don't mind the clouds, really, I don't, but I do wish it would rain if there were clouds.  And spring is the only time with decent temperatures to enjoy here in humid Oklahoma.  Summer is coming up fast and the hot temps await. 

Wow, I really trailed onto another subject there.  I was going to say that I'm working on taking photos inside with no flash and I have found that lots of light is helpful.  Everyone probably knows that so I won't say anymore on the subject.

I'll end this post on a good note:  This morning, I awoke to the sound of my boys laughing.  And that was a really nice way to start the day.

Bye for now...

i really love my two goofballs

I took this about a month ago.  I took several pictures of them and believe it or not, this is the only one that they are both smiling a little.  The others they are making funny faces or pouting (Noah) or I can see pink gum (Rhett).  Yes, they are goofing around but don't they look adorable doing it? :)

If I can ever get us up and around on a Saturday, I would love to take some family shots in our living room.  With the light coming in from the windows, it really is beautiful.  Maybe someday.

I'm cold today.  I haven't recovered from this weekend where we sat in 35 degree weather watching Rhett's baseball tournament.  Every two minutes, Noah would say, "I really wish we could go right now."  And I would say, "I know.  Me too."  But still we sat, huddled underneath a blanket and freezing our you know what's off.  I am beginning to think Mother Nature doesn't like baseball. 

Speaking of cold, the ice cream experiment is a breeze.  hee hee.  Seriously, so easy.  All you need is:

1 gallon size freezer bag
1 quart size storage bag
3 cups of ice
3/4-1 cup of ice cream salt
1/4 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
1/4 t vanilla


1.  Add the sugar, milk, cream and vanilla in the quart storage bag.  Seal securely.
2. Put 3 cups of ice into the gallon storage bag.  Add 3/4 to 1 cup of salt to the bag of ice.
3. Place the sealed quart bag inside the gallon bag and seal the gallon bag securely.
4. Gently rock the gallon bag from side to side for 10-15 minutes or until the contents of the quart bag have solidified into ice cream.
5. Remove the quart bag, open it and serve!

You might want to wear gloves for this.  The bag gets really cold! Also, make sure the quart bag is sealed, otherwise your ice cream will taste salty.  One boy had really salty ice cream, but he ate it anyway. Blech.

The experiment was too see if the temperature of the ice got colder or warmer when salt was added to it.  It really is kind of cool (forgive all the puns) to test it out. 

The ice cream didn't get too hard but the kids liked it that way.  They used straws and had milkshakes. 

I think I'll do this with my kids this summer because it was so easy.  Enjoy!

flowers, flowers everywhere; Rhett's a hitter!

I love my camera. I have never taken better pictures of flowers than I have with this camera. I love my photo editor too. It is so fun to play around with my images and find things that make my pictures better.

These flowers are from my front flower bed.  The pansies were buried under a foot or more of snow and are still beautiful.  I don't know how they do it but what an amazing flower. 

Here is a tulip.  My first tulip to bloom.  I'm so proud.  :)

The next two pictures are of the same tulip, but different filters.  I kind of like the bottom picture better but the top is a brighter red.  Which do you like?

I have different filters for the next shot as well.  I liked both so I put them both in.  This is my favorite tulip color. 

Ahh...spring. Finally. 

And this is what I've been working on yesterday and today.  My back flower bed.  I planted some grasses and just love this striped grass.  Boo has been eyeing it so she much love it too.  She also eats this mulch for breakfast so I sprayed some Boundary dog spray (very stinky) around the flower bed in hopes that the dogs stay out.  They love to go behind the bushes and dig.  Actually, they love to dig anywhere in the bed.  So I am hoping that the weed fabric, rocks around the back edge and the spray deters them.  Hope with me, will you?  Do you think it is a lost cause?  I don't want to pen them up but I may have to when we aren't outside.  It may just be too tempting for them. 

I'm not done with the back yard but I ran out of gas.  That wore me out.  And I need to do some other things too.  Maybe tomorrow I will get back to it. 

Rhett update:  Last night he batted an RBI! I didn't see it because I took Noah home so he could go to bed ("It's not fair Mom.  Rhett gets to stay up late and I don't.") but he hit one right to the pitcher and even though he was thrown out at first and tangled with the first baseman and bruised his knee pretty badly (you should have seen him limping proudly), his teammate made it home.  That's pretty cool.

Oh and don't tell his eye doctor that he played.  His eyes were dilated yesterday afternoon and the doctor strongly discouraged him to play.  He was bound and determined though. 

Noah update:  He is bound and determined to not let me forget how much he wants a Pokemon DS game.  That is all.

Hope everyone has a great day!