Places...

Do you have places you would live if you only had the chance? I would never uproot from my small town happy home, but... there are several places I would love to live for just a moment in time. One of the top places on my list is the Upper West Side, NYC. Oh how I wish!! I love the street views, small cafes, Central Park! I probably just fell in love with the west side while watching You've Got Mail, but it definitely seems amazing!








Am I right? In 2008, Derrick and I spent a few days in New York City. We could have used a few more days. Our trip was magnificent!!

Next on my list is Florence. Oh how we love Florence. Derrick and I could have stayed our entire honeymoon there and been perfectly happy! The food is to die for, of course, and I would love to just stay and learn Italian! This urge probably comes from Eat, Pray, Love. I could totally live off pasta and gelato!






Next on my list would have to be The Pioneer Woman's ranch in Oklahoma. Oh how I wish again. Ranch life is so utterly intriguing! I want to wake up at five, hop on a horse, and come back at sundown. I'll do all the necessary work in between, I promise!! It's just every time I see a picture of that ranch, it seems to be the prettiest landscape I've ever seen!


(picture taken from www.thepioneerwoman.com)

Where would you like to live? Other than your cozy little home?

Thanks for reading!

Days get away

Do days ever just get away from you? You think you are going to do this, this, and that, but you just don't get to any of it. This isn't just me, is it??
I had lots on my to do list for this weekend. Everything got pushed back until today. All of today's stuff got pushed back until tonight. And you know what I'm doing tonight... sitting on the couch typing this blog. I like you though, so I just thought I'd take the time to write. You know, I couldn't leave you in the dark on my thoughts for today and my fantastic pool pictures. We'll get to those in a little bit. I wish I was watching The Bachelorette so we could talk about it. But I am trying to get a few things done around here, so I haven't turned on the television. Yay me.

Just to let you in on a little secret, I REALLY like Sonic hot dogs. And I know I'm not the only one. I'm talking about those special hot dogs, like the New Yorker... spicy mustard, sauerkraut, and grilled onions. Yummy!


But you know what's better than the New Yorker? The Chicago dog! I had it today, and it was delicious! Mustard, pickle, relish, tomato, hot peppers, and onions on a poppyseed bun. I ordered mine without onions. I despise them raw.



Enough about hot dogs. Go try them out for yourself!

Madeley got to swim again today. I relaxed by the pool while she slept first. I waited a little too late to apply the sunscreen. I'm crisp!! Madeley, on the other hand, is still sweet and pale.

Here are a few pictures of our day.














Thanks Jan Jan for letting us swim!

Madeley ended the day with a small tribute to Memorial Day veterans. Of course, she was doing great before I started recording, but you'll get the picture. Here's the video:

Thanks for reading. Let's all go to work and have a great day tomorrow!


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Fun in the Sun

I figured Madeley could use some vitamin D, so we played in the sun a lot today. We created a make-shift water park in Dad's driveway. It consisted of a pool (miniature), a waterfall (hose), bubbles, and lots of sunscreen. Madeley and Caroline loved it!

Here's Madeley getting ready to go out. Oh so prepared!


Playing in the pool...





Sweet faces...






Madeley also went swimming at Derrick's parents' house. She's hard to hold on to. I seriously believe she already thinks she can swim!

Many of you have asked about Derrick's mom. She seems to be doing well. She regularly receives treatment and and gets tired often, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to spend time with her family! I know all prayers are appreciated during this time.

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Lately, Madeley loves to lay on her back in the bathtub. I have to watch her carefully, because she'll just head to her back before I know it! Who know's what she's doing with these glasses. I guess she's practicing sunbathing.






Thanks for reading. I hope you have enjoyed the weekend!

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He Just Not That Into You

Derrick and I are watching this movie to tonight, and it is funny. Earlier, Derrick said, "Do girls really act this way?" (obsessive and needy)
I said, "Yes." And it's the truth. Girls analyze all the details of a call/encounter/date to try to figure out what the guy is thinking or why he has or hasn't called. And as people always say, the book is better than the movie. My friends and I used to sit up all night reading it aloud and laughing. We loved it.
Here's the concept of the book... Several girls write letters to Greg telling him about their situations. The girls always have excuses as to why the relationship hasn't worked out yet, or why the guy hasn't called, or why they're still just friends. Then Greg gives it to them straight. He explains that the guy just isn't into the girl. And it's the truth. In all the situations, if the guy really liked the girl, he would be calling, he would be asking her out, and the relationship would be starting. The truth is why wait around on some guy to start liking you, right? That just never makes a happy ending. I'm so glad I'm married!

I picked a few excerpts from the book to share with you. They may not be the funniest, but they're good. I would say book is probably PG-18. So here you go...

He's Just Not That Into You
By Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

The "Maybe He Forgot to Remember Me" Excuse

Dear Greg,

Okay, Greg. Listen to this one: I was at a conference for work and met a guy from another branch of my company. We hit it off immediately. He was just about to ask for my number, I swear, when the Big Blackout of 2003 happened. In the mayhem, I didn't get to give him my number. I think the Big Blackout of 2003 is a good enough excuse to call him, don't you think? It's only common courtesy for me to check up on him, right? If I don't call, he's probably going to be all sad thinking that I'm just not that into him.

Judy

Dear Judy Blackout,

The city blacked out. He didn't. You said you work for different branches of the same company. Certainly he wouldn't have to break a sweat to scroll through the company staff roster or interoffice e-mail listing to find you. And should he not be as resourceful as you are...I imagine that he has a mother, sister, or female friend that could show him how, if he was really interested.

P.S.: Shame on you for using an eastern seaboard disaster as an excuse to call a guy up.

Have faith. You made an impression. Leave it at that. If he likes you, he'll still remember you after the tsunami, flood, or Red Sox loss. If he doesn't, he's not worth your time. Know why? You are great. (Now, don't get cocky.)

The "Maybe I Don't Want to Play Games" Excuse

Dear Greg,

This is dumb. I know you're not supposed to call guys, but I call guys all the time because I don't care! I don't want to play games. I do whatever I want! I've called guys tons of times. You're such a square, Greg. Why do you think we can't call guys and ask them out?

Nikki

Dear Nikki,

Because we don't like it. Okay, some guys might like it, but they're just lazy. And who wants to go out with Lazy Guy? It's that simple. I didn't make the rules and I might not even agree with them. Please don't be mad at me, Nikki. I'm not advocating that women go back to the Stone Age. I just think you might want to be realistic in how capable you are of changing the primordial impulses that drive all of human nature.

Or maybe you're the chosen one.

Men, for the most part, like to pursue women. We like not knowing if we can catch you. We feel rewarded when we do. Especially when the chase is a long one. We know there was a sexual revolution. (We loved it.) We know women are capable of running governments, heading multinational corporations, and raising loving children — sometimes all at the same time. That, however, doesn't make men different.

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Madeley was too fun today. She constantly ran between Derrick and me, playing, talking, and laughing. These days are just a glimpse into the summer to come. I simply can't wait!!!

Thanks for reading!

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Madeley's hair

Madeley's hair is out of control. Literally. I know I should get it cut, but maybe I'm just not ready for that. It's okay, right? I mean, I pull back her long bangs and all. I don't want her to look like Cousin It.
The crazy part of her hair is the sides. There's this strange poofy swoop.
Example 1:


Example 2:


See the swoop? Look familiar...



Madeley for sure has my hair!!! In every picture of me, it is evident. I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad for her. I'm one of those people that never likes my own hair. When it's curly, I want it straight. When I decide to wear it curly, it ends up being haywire! Madeley will come to this realization very soon. She's got the same hair!

Do we need to talk about my mom's hair and eyeshadow? Naa.

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Madeley and I hung out with Dad for a little bit tonight. Madeley just loves it over there!! Joe just likes having visitors.








We had a wonderful time!!

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Do y'all want to talk about this picture?


I found it in an album tonight, amongst other pictures, and it made me laugh. Oh how I wish I could post all the fun pictures I found, but my relatives would be sending me hate texts, so I resisted. Back to the picture, it's Easter, of course. I think Mom had just gotten a perm. Can't you tell? Her hair was not naturally curly, so perm is the best guess. And yes, I'm wearing a bonnet. Nice. I also look angry. Jessica looks cute though... a lot like Caroline. Dad looks nice. In the background is the magnolia tree I was telling you about the other day. This is where we always took our Easter pictures. This one must have been taken in 1982. Almost 30 years ago. Eeek!!

Thanks for reading. Nite nite!

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Wednesday Loves

It's time for Wednesday Loves!



I'm loving that this is the last full week of school. It's almost summer!!

I'm loving that our trip to and from Benton was so much better today. Madeley was wonderful! We took a backup bunny... just in case.



I'm loving my Clinique superbalm.


It's smooth and moisturizing. Derrick says I'm dependent on it, and I am! It's great!

I think I may be loving fancy hairpieces. I think. They are so not me, but really cute anyway. My friend Sarah wore one to the wedding last weekend. She looked precious! So I decided to shop etsy and find some cute buys.
White Flower (probably for a bride)



Ivory and Red (expensive, but pretty)



And the cutest...
Mini Feather (Is the feather piece cute? Or is the girl just adorable?!?)



If I can find an inexpensive flower/feather hairpiece, then I may try it out. I'll let you know.

American Idol:
I'm loving that it seemed like Lauren and Scotty are in love! Did anyone else think that?? Congratulations Scotty!!

One more Madeley love... Derrick was working on colors with her tonight. She can say blue and red now! We are just so proud of every little word. First time parents. She can also say coqui. Random, huh? It's a word from Dora that means little frog. Who knew?!

Thanks for reading.

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Oh please

Oh please stop crying Madeley, please. This is what I said over and over this morning... and yesterday morning... and this afternoon. You know those kids that zonk out the second they get in the car seat? Not my child! Madeley has NEVER liked the car. There's a movie playing, she has her paci, and she has her bunny... what else does she need? I wish I knew. Anyway, yesterday she threw her pacifier about 5 minutes into the ride. I looked at her in the mirror and said, "Now Madeley, why'd you do that?" Then the fussing/crying started in. It lasted all the way to the babysitter's. Today, she dropped her bunny. Then she cried, with the paci in her mouth, for the next 20 minutes. After that, she decided to throw her paci too. Then she came unglued! I really wish she would throw them at me. That way, I could easily get my hands on them to give back to her. But she doesn't throw them at me, she throws them to either side of the backseat. I finally decided to reach back and grab the bunny when I was stopped at a red light. I handed it to her. And in anger, she threw it down and cried. Still stopped at the light, I turned around and said, "Madeley, we DON'T act like that!!!!"
Ummm... who's we? Madeley and me? I don't act that way? I think I do cry, sometimes scream, and maybe even throw something when I'm really mad. So maybe WE do act that way. But I still want her to learn that throwing a fit won't get her anything. Derrick reminded me tonight that she's just one year old. I mean, I hadn't forgotten that, but when is it too early to start teaching her?
To finish the story, she really lost it when I told her we don't act that way. She cried the rest of the way to the babysitter, got better when I gave her the paci and bunny, then gave me a kiss. She seemed fine. I said, "Why don't you you go nite nite?" as I handed her to Sue. Madeley immediately buried her head in Sue's shoulder and started sobbing. It was so hard to leave her.

This is when she was crying on the way home (snapped the pic while stopped at a stop sign).


Can you see the crocodile tears? She would not look at the camera. Needless to say, I don't think she's functioning well when I wake her up in the morning. Maybe she isn't getting enough sleep. I put her to bed an hour earlier tonight, hoping she'll feel better in the morning.

I recorded this video earlier this evening. The infant swing holds up to 22 pounds. Madeley is 21 pounds and 7 ounces. I guess she can still play in the swing for now. Also, she got in there by herself. Surprised me!

She's just a crazy little thing. This picture is too cute. She looks so relaxed!


(ignore the clothes... they're goodwill that just haven't gotten there yet)

Thanks for listening to me vent (or read, not listen, whatever). I just love my Madeley so much, and I hate it when she's unhappy. Maybe this is just a phase. We don't have to make the drive much longer.

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So much on TV!!
There is just too much to watch tonight. Let's start with American Idol. I loved Lauren's mother song. Just beautiful! So I thought I wanted to vote for her, until I saw Scotty's face at the end. He was being so supportive of Lauren, and he's just so good! Goofy, but good. I can't bring myself to vote for either one!! I want them both to win!

Then... hearing "For Good" on Glee was just sensational!! I had chills from beginning to end. If you ever get a chance to see Wicked, do it! Derrick and I LOVE it. I'll have to blog about that sometime.

I haven't seen any of DWTS tonight, so I still don't know who won. Let me know if you've seen it.

We are now watching Deadliest Catch. There's some fishy stuff going on, and I'm not talking about the crab. Those of you who are watching know what I'm talking about. Strange.

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How sad is the weather right now? I feel terrible about the people in Joplin. Their stories are heartbreaking and unbelievable. And with more storms popping up all over the place, this may not be the only devastating event. We need to keep all storm victims in our prayers!

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Mondays

I saw a tweet today that said "can we change Monday's name?" Sounds great to me!! What can we call it? It's never easy to wake up on Monday morning, and the kids definitely don't want to be at school. But once it's finally over, Monday doesn't seem that bad... especially when Monday night arrives. I definitely like the Bachelor over the Bachelorette, and I'm iffy about Ashley... but it's still good. If you watched, you know what I mean. What's under the mask? What happened to Tim? Poor guy was nervous! I like William. I think it's his dimples. I also like the recipient of the first impression rose, Ryan. I think since she was warned about Bentley, she should send him home. He said he's not "overly attracted" to her. Really Bentley? Do you ever want a girlfriend after this experience?
I do hope I can get over Ashley's accent. We'll see.

Did anyone see Kirstie Alley's free style dance on DWTS? I don't usually watch, but I did and she was fantastic!!

I do hope you'll join me on Mondays to talk about the drama on tv.

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During the Bachelorette tonight, abc showed a trailer for The Help, a movie that comes out in August. It looks so so good and I can't wait to see it. Click here to see the trailer. Have any of you read the book? Let me know!!

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I'm going to get up and do a few things around the house now. And yes, it's 9:41. I'm getting a late start.

Thanks for reading!!


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Feed the birds

I haven't mentioned it lately, but our bird population has grown tremendously over the past few weeks. Derrick stays on me about keeping the food out, and Madeley definitely likes to help. I would like to state that she was pouring bird seed perfectly before this video. Every time I handed her the cup, she would pour the birdseed directly into the feeder... until this video. It's a little off balance and not always focused on Madeley, but oh well.

She does absolutely love feeding, listening to, and watching the birds. She must be a bird lover, like me!

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When I was growing up, my grandparents had a magnificent magnolia tree. It was the best climbing tree, and it produced beautiful blooms. There is also a large magnolia tree outside Dad's house. Earlier today, he was telling about when my Mimi used to cut blooms and put them in water on the kitchen table. He said the aroma of magnolia would fill the entire house. Then he decided to cut me a couple of blooms. They are gorgeous and smell amazing. I knew I had the perfect bowl for them, as well as a few orchid blooms to add color.


I love the curled feet on the bowl!


Thanks Dad!!

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I have a new favorite, and I can't wait until Wednesday to share it with you. It's a magazine I ordered through the school called Whole Living. It says its body+soul in balance. Who can't use that? It's a Martha Stewart production, and I love it. I'll share more with you on Wednesday!

Thanks for reading!!


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Evening with my husband

Derrick and I went to a wedding tonight at the Clinton Library, and it was beautiful!! The food was scrumptious and the evening was perfect.


Congratulations Clay and Mary Lee!

When I went to the shower to begin getting ready today, this is what I saw...


Someone's been playing in my shower and left me some puzzle pieces. Who could have done that? Probably my adorable daughter!! She must be in the business of leaving gifts for me all over the house. Sweet thing!

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Just a note to girls in Sheridan...
I went to Merle Norman to get a dress for the wedding tonight. I ended up with the dress in the picture above. I had no idea they carried such cute and trendy clothes. Next time I need a new outfit, I'll definitely stop by there. You should go by too. See if they have anything you like. It sure is convenient!

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Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga are on Saturday Night Live tonight. Derrick and I are cracking up!! I don't know if you've ever seen JT on SNL, but he fits right in with the cast and does great!! Turn it on!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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Not much

I'm going to be honest, I have not thought about this blog all day. I have not contemplated what I am going to write, I've just been focused on other tasks. Tasks such as redirecting children, writing a professional growth plan, paying bills, cooking dinner, cleaning just enough to get by, giving Madeley love, and visiting with my husband. I just wasn't in blogger mode. I usually try to snap a few pictures to share, but that didn't happen either. Golly geez... I need to get my butt in gear!! 9:50 is a little late to be thinking about what to blog. Not that I'm running out of ideas, because I really like to share our daily lives with you, but today was muggy and bland. Did the humidity ruin your hair today? It sure did ruin mine.
Anyway, Craig O'Neil was on B98 with Jeff and Lisa thus morning. Crack me up!! I laughed the whole way to school. They played a prank phone call Craig did on Lashonda Reed several years ago. It's too funny, and if you want to hear it, click here. My favorite part is when she says "you honky fool!!" Ha ha!!

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The promised ratatouille recipe:

1 large eggplant, cubed, salted, and set aside
1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 to a whole onion thinly sliced
1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow) chopped
2 crushed garlic cloves
2-4 zucchini, chopped (thought there was squash too, but I was wrong)
4 tomatoes, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup chopped, fresh basil
Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

Pat the eggplant dry. Heat half of the oil in a large saucepan and briefly sauté the eggplant until brown, then add the onion and pepper. Next, add the garlic, zucchini, and tomatoes. Cook until a soft stew has formed, about 15 to 30 minutes.
Add the salt, pepper, and basil. Sprinkle with the cheese and serve. The ratatouille can be served over rice.

It is just so good!! Thanks to Leah for the recipe.

Thanks for reading. Goodnight!!


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Be creative

Okay, so I'm NOT creative, but I did attempt to be tonight. I desperately wanted a Walmart veggie pizza. In my opinion, Walmart deli pizzas are the best on the market, and the veggie is delectable! Well, no veggie pizza in Sheridan (surprised? no), so I got creative! I bought the 5 cheese medium pizza, covered it with fresh vegetables (red peppers, yellow peppers, baby portabella mushrooms, and sliced Roma tomatoes), added some mixed Italian cheeses, and baked it. You better believe me when I tell you this was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!!! I really ate more than I should have, but it was just so good!



I know I promised you the ratatouille recipe tonight, but... you see... I'm very comfy in the recliner with the horse blanket, and the recipe is in the car. I can't seem to talk myself into going out to get it. I'll post it tomorrow... I promise!!

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Target trip

Madeley and I went to Target today to spent my Mother's Day gift card. I'm in desperate need of some shorts for this summer, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to purchase some. I may have been wrong. The problem is that I don't weigh 90 pounds... I don't have slender, great legs... I grew a butt last year... And with all these circumstances, the little bitty 1 inch inseam shorts they're selling at Target just won't work! I started shopping at the front of the clothing section, but kept having to move back, back, and back with no shorts in hand. And you know the further you move back in Target's clothing section, the less likely you are to find something you like. Am I right? I finally settled on a pair of Merona blue jean shorts. Yes, Merona. They have a 6 inch zipper and a 7 inch inseam. Mom shorts!!! I felt I had no other choice. On the flip side, they're super comfortable! I attempted to roll them up, if that's even acceptable. Here's the result...



Can I please pull this look off this summer? If you see me in my solid white V-neck tee with these mom shorts on, please chalk it up to I have no fashion sense. Don't judge me! Thanks!

I did make a tiny little purchase for some tiny little feet though.


Now tell me those aren't cute?!?! Madeley's getting better at flip flops... just in time for summer! She was excited to get new shoes.

I'm so sleepy, so I'm going to start the dishwasher and head to bed. Thanks for reading!


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Wednesday Loves

It's Wednesday again! Well, you know, it comes once a week. So here I go telling you what I'm loving...



Today, I've been contemplating this post. What do I love right now? What should I say? Well, I will start with a given. I love Coca-Cola Classic!!


Crack open a cold one, and I'm in heaven. I disregard the calories and savor every sip. Delicious!

I'm also loving ratatouille. Really. Not just the movie, but the classic French dish. The foods class made it today at school, and I was more than surprised at how delicious it was. Colorful bell peppers, with eggplant, zucchini, and squash. Oh so good! I'll get the recipe and post it tomorrow. You'll love this fresh summery cuisine!

I'm loving that Dial just came out with a new line of lotions.


Each one has a light fragrance that is completely refreshing. I'm picky about smells, but these are great! And if you're a girl, admit it, you put on lotion every day. If you don't, you should. And you should try these! Look for Dial NutriSkin Replenishing Lotions at your local Walmart or Walgreens. (Dial did not pay me to say this. The lotions are just great. I had to tell you!)

I'm also loving my candles. This one in particular...


This ocean minerals candle makes you feel like you are smack dab in the middle of a sandy beach. Nice, huh? Pair it with an ocean waves sound machine (such as the sleep sheep I stole from Madeley) and a tropical drink, and you just might think you're in heaven!

I'm loving this little purse shop on Etsy. CINDYMARS7
She's got some interesting clutches, purses, and scarves. For the month of May, free shipping anywhere in the US!
Right now, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and liking prints. I mean, I've always been a solids/stripes girl. It's just who I am. But anyway, I DO like this hobo purse.


And this scarf.


And this purse.


Don't you?

Last, but not least, I'm loving my little Madeley's crazy smile. I may have to call her Popeye!! Watch the video, you'll see!

Thanks for reading. I hope you're loving life on this Wednesday!

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