10 Things

My daughter is headed to New Orleans today for a bachelorette party weekend.  I'm so excited for her because I just love N.O.  When Tom and I were first married he was working on a long audit in N.O.  He would come home on the weekends and occasionally I made several trips there.  It was fun times and the food is fabulous.  This is her first time to go so we gave her lots of advice and warnings before she left. 

She had a long week at school.  The kids were taking the dreaded TAKS test and it was very stressful for her and especially them.  Don't get me started on what I thinks about this test!  Anyway I decided to give her a top 10 for her trip to N.O.  Here's how the string of messages went.  I thought it was funny.

Me

Molly

Hows it going baby girl?

Sorry I haven't called...I've been exhausted...

You need to rest before your fun trip!!!

1.  Take and wear comfortable shoes.  You will be on your feet and walking or dancing all the time.

2.  If you drink toooo much you will feel really bad the next day.

3.  It will rain, it always does.  Play in it.

4.  You will see some really crazy people at night.  They talk to themselves and people you can't see.

5.  Eat.  New Orleans has the best food.

6.  Con Air guy is there filming a movie  He got arrested for public intoxication.  Bahaha.  In New Orleans?

7.  There are some bad things in shop windows.  Do not look at them.

8.  Don't wait to go to the potty.  There is always a line.

9.  Stay together and hold hands.

10.  I love you!!

I love you too!!!

 WE love you!!!



Me and T in New Orleans on Saint Patricks Day 1983. 
My hair had been perm fried.
The St. Pat's headband helped.

Easter Dressing

A few Easter pictures.

Molly about 18 months old.  I love this picture.

I think she was about 3 and a half in the picture below.  I love the dress and pink bows in her curly hair.

That was probably the last time she let me comb it.

Us Pre-Jackson

She was quite a mess that day. 

Sugar overload probably. 

I know my dad took her outside for a walk because she kept playing with her hat and putting it on backwards.

 

Here is Jackson at the annual Easter egg hunt. 

Barney shirt and shoes.

I sure miss all the pudge on this little guy or "Big Guy" as Tom has always called him.

Pudge is gone. 

You would think that the Sonic tie I bought him would make him happy. 

We were at brunch at the club. 

Probably no chicken nuggets to be found.

So tell me what in the world was I thinking here? 

I have no clue where we were headed but

by golly they were going to standout in the crowd!

It makes me laugh a lot.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Rag Wreath and Blue Bonnets

I finished the garland.  It was very easy to make and could actually be finished in a day but I can't sit still for very long.  Once you figure out pattern of your ribbon, it's just a matter of tying it on the cord.

I put it on my old Hoosier.

I think I like it.  I know I love the white rose strip the most. 

I'm thinking of all the possibilities for a Christmas one now.

On another note, it's Blue Bonnet time in Texas.  We have not had much rain and the Bonnets are not as pretty as they were last year but I found this field of them not far from our home.

A little closer.

Love the color.

Happy Day!

Finishing and Starting New Projects

Before I get into my projects.  I have to say I am now the proud Great Aunt of my 4th Great Niece!  Hollis Barrett was born this morning weighing 8lbs 13 oz.  She is so beautiful just like her mama.  I wish I could be there to hold her and touch her little pudgy feet and hands.  So sweet. Welcome to the world Hollis you have many who love you here.

I have been in a spring organizing mode.  I have so many undone projects but I did tackle a big one.  Recipes.  I keep my recipes in several places.  My tried and true I have on a Rolodex file.  I use sheets of shipping labels to print the recipes out on and then attach them to a Rolodex card.  It makes it easy to read and follow when I cooking.  

If it takes more than one label.  I put it upside down on the back of the card.  This way you don't have to pull it off...just flip it over.

By the way.  If you haven't tried Pioneer Woman's meatloaf recipe, it's a must if you like meatloaf and even if you don't like meatloaf.  It is now my favorite too.

Other recipes that I pull out of magazines or off the Internet, I put in a binder.

I use sheet protectors because they flip so much easier and smoother.  I even have a spreadsheet index of my recipes.  Am I organized or what!
 

 
So with that done.  Instead of moving on to another undone project like xmas cards, organizing pictures, transferring home movies, and a thousand other things.  I am taking on a new project.  I loved my valentine garland so much (see below) I decided to make one I could use all the time.  I've gathered up lots of ribbon, felt and cord in browns and whites with a little blue thrown in.
   

I just love these rosettes.  I think it will add so much to it.

 

So I'm ready to start any day now,  I really am...stay tuned.

A Valentine For You

I found the cutest old fashioned Valentine cards.

And I'm still just loving my rag garland.

 

This picture makes me think of how special my friends are to me.

You'll never know what you mean to me,
And how important you've come to be.

We share special days as our lives entwine,

And that's why I send you this Valentine.

By Karl Fuchs

Actually, You Are All Special To Me Everyday

Happy Valentines Day!

Super Bowl Fever

You remember when O J was being chased by the police down that long highway in California for what seemed like days?  That's all that was on TV his white SUV and lots of police cars and lights flashing.  Yesterday was kind of like that here only it was the arrival of Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers.  We watched their jets land, then they got on coach buses.  They were greeted by lots of fans, police and we watched their journey to their hotels escorted by a police motorcade...All Day!

Super Bowl fever started here in Dallas about 360 days ago.  The news has been inundated with the preparation of it and quite frankly it's gotten really old.  The Dallas Morning News website has had this timer on their home page I think since January 1st last year.  The picture is not an accurate time as I took it a couple of days ago but you get the idea right?

On Sunday there was a whole section in the newspaper devoted to the many "expensive" parties and events going on this week.  Seriously if you can afford to buy a game ticket for $1,000 and pay $500 for parking you might as well buy a helmet for $453.99.

I really want to know who set that price.  Not $450.00 or $455.00 but $453.99.

Now don't get me wrong.  We really are excited about hosting the Super Bowl here.  We just wish the news stations would lighten up a little about it. 

So, as 300,000 extra people arrive in our city I will be tailgating along with the rest of them.  Only "my tail" will be in the recliner munching on snacks in the warmth of my house.  Watching what is really important. 

The commercials!

In second place.

Grainy but so funny.

And my all time very 1st favorite is............................

Just Love It.

So what ever floats your boat, game or commercials it will be here in:

5 Days

10 Hours

15 Minutes

and

31 Seconds

Enjoy!

Pantry Before/After and Sweet Stuff

I accomplished something on my long to do list. 

Pantry Before

Pantry After

I feel so organized now!

I threw out two bags of trash and discovered I had 3 cans of vegetables and four boxes of popcorn.

You can see where my priorities are.

Once I realized what I didn't have, I made a trip to Target.  Michael's is next store so I popped in there first. 

 I found the sweetest valentine rag wreath.

It makes me want to make one or five for other occasions.

I also found the last bag of Halloween candy in the pantry. 

Mom and I tested it out to make sure it was still good.

It was.

Have a sweet day!