ArtcTrish's Musings

2011-04-17T19:40:00.005-05:00

Yes I'm still alive!

2011-04-08T18:00:00.002-05:00

I don't know if anyone is still reading this thing but I have been so busy! I am now working full time and I don't get time to blog anymore....well thats not entirely true. I am blogging but on my new blog about my classroom! I am teaching art and drama now and love it! We are knee deep in Annie,jr rehearsals right now and I have local, district, and state art shows to prepare for. Please come by and say hi if you are one of my old followers. I'd love to hear from you! Blessings! http://lsartroomblog.com

hello???

2009-05-24T17:02:00.004-05:00

Captain, Maria, and me on opening night!

Ashleigh is the second to smallest child "Marta"

I am getting so bad about posting on this thing.... life is now even more consuming and so is Facebook. Its easier to keep up with friends there and post one liners on a daily basis or not so daily basis. Photos are easier to post, etc, etc. So I highly reccommend all join! Not that many of you are still reading my posts...God bless you if you are.

Well, to bring you up to date...ALL WENT INCREDIBLY WELL! I was stunned myself. After directing for the community theatre for 3 springs and having pretty fully houses though great response to what ever production...I was stunned to have 3 SOLD OUT houses...and not just 80 or 90 seats. We sold 180 tix per show and then sold another 20-50 on top of that. We were dragging chairs from the classrooms near by to accommodate everyone attending! And I haven't even gottne to the show itself yet....which was amazing! I was so proud with how professional the show went. I think everyone expected since we were a "sports school" that we couldn't possibly know anything about theatre. The kids thouroughly enjoyed themselves...even begging for one more show. And truly I was so calm about it all- know God was in control and I knew the kids would pull it off. My Maria was fantastic and I was stunned to hear she had never been cast in a show in the public school she came from. Well, aside from the one little part of the voice of the radio in 'Grease"! She absolutely carried the show with maturity and professionalism. My captain was talented as well and a good match for my Maria. Ashleigh certainly enjoyed her time on the stage as well! I enjoyed the whole production so much...even after the 70 hours of rehearsal time! The headmaster was super pleased and very complimentary...apparently nothing of this magnitude had ever been pulled off in the history of the school. We made a very nice profit! Now I just need to decide on the show for next year- no musical...we've decided that comes every other year. Its alot of hard work!

Its summer now, officially and I look forward to reading scripts by the pool and sleeping in, and maybe going to they gym. Have a good one!

Holy cow!

2009-04-25T11:59:00.002-05:00

I know- its been forever! Yes I am still alive and kicking! I've been MIA because The Sound of Music opens tomorrow!!!! It has been the easiest though the most time consuming show I've ever done. Rehearsals were 3 days a week and for at least 2-3 hours. This has been "hell week" for sure. But from costumes to sound and light- everything has worked out. Fundraising and donations have been amazing....I expect to end up very much in the green as we have already sold out Sunday's show! We will run Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. And then I can rest. Everyone who knows me is impressed wiht how calm I am this show. God took control of everything and with a cast of 33!! we've worked long and hard to make a beautiful show! Ashleigh was cast as Marta, she's the second youngest and God bless her, she is taking after her momma. She loves the stage is not even nervous about tomorrow....well that part she doesn't get from me...lol. And next week she makes her First Communion. Big week for her! Big week for both of us!

Celebrate!

2009-02-03T13:00:00.002-06:00

Well the Lord does provide indeed...we will have our lights. I'm so excited about it!!! Its been a ggod week so far as school is concerned. First the news on the lights and then I'm really enjoying my music classes right now. Since Mardi Gras is right around the corner I thought I would spend the month of February intruducing my K-3 kids to jazz! I started this week with Dixieland Jazz and Louis Armstrong. YouTube is fantastic and was able to find a great video for them to watch of him singing "What a Wonderful World" and "La Vie en Rose" was more of a slide show with all sorts of great photos of Louis...welll...being Louis. I chose those songs because they have been in Disney movies recently and I knew the kids might recognize them...and I was right. I also read a great book called Satchmo's Blues- a story of Louis as a child dreaming of playing the coronet and saving up for it. I also found on iTunes a children's intro to dixieland jazz cd...and the first song basically takes you through the band... and they could hear each intrument then all together...much like the end of a concert...when they show off. I know there is a name for it and I cannot for the life of me think of it- but the kids enjoyed it and I did too. Teaching is supposed to be fun. I'll pick up some Mardi gras beads when I'm in Mobile for Mardi Gras and bring them back for each of the students...have a party....did I mention I love my job?

Ouch!

2009-01-28T16:01:00.002-06:00

Did you ever want something for someone so badly it hurt? I understand what I am about to say isn't remotely on the level of say, wanting a child for a childless couple....food for the hungry...but....

I want lights for our little stage at my school. I just got the price quote and it hurts...bad. To know we are doing The Sound of Music and we may not even be able to have decent lighting. It makes me sick. I am trying to stick to my vow of believing that in all things in this show...everything will turn out fine. We can make do with so much..or rather without so much- our little stage with beautiful new curtains, sharing my actors with sports, two pianos instead of a full orchestra, two shows instead of three because there is too much on the school schedule..... sigh.... but is it too much to ask for decent lighting? $5000 is what its going to take for lights and sound. Looking at my profit potential if we sell out both nights....it won't cover it. But the Lord will provide right? Maybe somewhere some generous person or people will give to our little program..... I'll keep you updated....and I'll be praying.

And...they're off!

2009-01-24T17:43:00.003-06:00

Its 2009? Where the heck did 2008 go? I have hit the ground running and had our first Sound of Music meeting to get things going. I firmly and faithfully believe that God is going to take care of every minute of our production. After all He suggested it.:) (See earlier post.) God knows, I hate talking about money and dealing with it- so when our parents meeting came, I handed that part over to Amy to head up. I've worked with 2 of Amy's 3 kids and will now have the pleasure of working with the 3rd....and she will play Gretl. But Amy took the reigns and tossed fundraising ideas out for the parents and the VERY next day I had M&M jars and a little sign for the table so peopel could "guess how many M&Ms?"!!! Monday we are having our last home game and its already been set up to have the "Half Court throw" to win $10! So here we go!

On a whole 'nother note. We got a wii! And a wii fit. The kids have really been enjoying it....Matt will hopefully get a full scholarship to college since he is a pro at golf...Carnival mini...that is. Speaking of scholars...Ashleigh has had her 6th straight quarter of straight A's in school. Math and science are her strengths...though spelling is up there too. We've very proud of both of them. Matt is a model student too we are told. Very patient, very sweet. Who wouldn't be wrapped up in dimples a mile deep when he grins.

I'm still a brunette, though I'm getting itchy to be blonde again. I really think blondes have more fun....not that I'm not having fun! Who wouldn't be having fun teaching what they love!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-28T18:04:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone had as blessed a Christmas as I did. Everyone got everything they wanted. We even took a quick trip to Mobile and I got to have a nice visit with my daddy. He is 82 and is early stages of Alzheimers and getting around ok with a cane. My daddy has never acted his age so you have to understand that to see him acting his age is ...difficult at best. But he was aware and laughing and enjoying the kids, so that was good. We left yesterday... and came back today with some fresh Gulf shrimp...looking forward to dinner as John is reving up the grill....YUM! I'm trying to concentrate on the good of this blessed season as there was plenty of bad, not the worst of which was our hot water heater going out on us on Tuesday...Christmas eve eve. Thankfully, we had neighbors who let us shower at their house and we boilded water to wash dishes by hand. If Laura Ingalls could do it, so could I.

I have attached pics of the kids...our Christmas card and the kids on the steps of the altar after Mass Christmas eve. Ashleigh is getting so growny. And she sang so beautifully with the choir Christmas eve and even lead "Joy to the World" at the end of Mass. I was all teary -eyed!! What a gift!

Well, here's hoping that you have a blessed and wonderful new year!

YAY!!!

2008-12-15T16:32:00.005-06:00

Hooray! I finally have the Grandparents' Day program over and done with!! My kids sang so beautifully it almost made me cry. I didn't get my 120 kids together until Monday and the Program was Friday- we'd been working on all the musical numbers since October...wasn't sure the 2 part song was going to work until Wednesday....I had been only working with each class individually so I was anxious to put it all together. It was just beautiful. The program got lots of compliments too- some from grandmothers that taught music in other schools in other towns. My principal gave me an A+! I wanted so badly for it to go well...I love my job and want to keep teaching there!

Well, we had our auditions for Sound of Music too and I am excited about my cast. I am excited to announce that Ashleigh will be playing the part of Marta!! She had a surprisingly very good audition! I say surprisingly because she'd been kinda quiet in giving speeches in class so I really encouraged her to use her big voice...and that she did! She's terribly excited about it too! We'll start rehearsals in February and I will really be wrapped up then..:)

Lets see...what else.... oh! Did I mention I've gone brunette??? I'm trying to test the theory that blondes have more fun...;)

Enjoy the pics...I've been neglectful about posting any recently...

Me directing nearly 120 little angels...

Ashleigh played the choirmaster in "The Littlest Angel"...I was hoping at least a few would find the humor in that.

Matt was a skeleton for Halloween( he looks a bit like Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes to me) and Ashleigh was an astronaut (which she wants to be when she grows up...good thing shes awesome at math and science!)

From a photoshoot I did of the kids in November...

Broken records

2008-11-25T09:43:00.002-06:00

I know, you are so tired of hearing me say this.....I am so busy!!! I logged on this morning to realize I had not posted since the election!!! That is sad. I have been wrapped up at school getting ready for the Grandparents Day Program and also getting ready for Sound of Music auditions!! And then taking the kids everywhere they need to be! Matt and Ashleigh both are taking gymnastics and are loving it. Matt needs a place to run off all that extra energy and Ashleigh needs to build some strength and coordination. She's been dealing with alot of migraines too and our insurance won't cover her medicine because she is not 12. Is it her fault she has migraines so young???... And being a new teacher I am getting "acclimated" to the school and its germs. I had a virus so bad I was in bed for 24 hours and felt like I had the flu. But I am back at work and on the mend.
Did I ever post about Halloween? Ashleigh was an astronaut and Matt was a skeleton...very cute. And we did Trick or Trunk at school becasue it was our last home game of the regular football season. Good stuff!
Thanksgiving is Thursday...and some of you know what that means for me....besides hot cocoa and the Macy's parade on TV. Think about me if you would, please.
AND Friday!!! Friday my high school alma mater, Davidson, is going to the semifinals...whooo hoo! They beat Murphy to get there - but unfortunately have to play the big Powerhouse of Prattville. Go Warriors!!! Anything can happen on gamenight...or day...which leads me to the Iron Bowl. I know...its looking bleak for us Tigers...6 years was a good run, right? Well you know what? Didn't some Beavers beat some big team this year? Wasn't Bama undefeated in '89 goign into the Iron Bowl and we spoiled it for them???? Miracles Can Happen!!!!! GO TIGERS! We Believe!!!!

wellllll,,,,,,,,

2008-11-05T17:22:00.002-06:00

I went, I voted, and I am sad that my guy did not win. I have watched the banter on Facebook go back and forth - some fairly nasty and accusatory. There are so many double standards evident with the results of the election...one of them being.... feminists want a woman in the White House but it has to be a democrat. Apparently, by some comments, that if you didn't vote for O then you were racist. I beg to differ...I voted on character. I made those opinions loud and clear. But unlike many others, I am not running screaming "I'm moving to another country!" (Which is quite ironic..if things were so bad here why were we having to patrol borders for so many wanting in!?) I'm going to pray. Pray that this man's heart will change- that the first thing he will not do is push for late-term abortions to be an option- as he has said he will do. God is watching, I have been assured. We shall see....

I'm Defying gravity!

2008-10-14T17:05:00.003-05:00

Holy cow, lots has happened since I posted last! All is going well....just incredibly busy!!!! In fact last week alone I took my drama kids to see Wicked at the Fox in Atlanta, had my high school reunion, and went to the beach!!!! Thats ALOT of miles in a few days! Not to mention alot of "Are we there yet?" and "How much longer?" on both my kid's and my student's parts!

Me in front of the Wicked window at the Fox.

But OH MY GOSH! Wicked was so amazing and worth every penny!!!! I was dying to go see it and my students were so well behaved. So we boarded the nice new school bus and headed up on Thursday morning.....35 kids, 3 teachers, and a handful of parents. We ate at the Varsity first and while we were there I ran into an old CSO friend, Wayne, and snapped my picture with him! So then we walked to the theater...I hadn't been there since I saw The Secret Garden in 1993. WOW... the actress playing Elphaba was incredibly talented as was the whole cast. I was nearly in tears by the time they sang "For Good".....the music all finally made sense together with the play. I even wore my silver shoes..not even realizing that Dorthy's shoes were originally silver in the books but made red for the movie version.(Thanks, Leslie!)

Me and some of the girls I graduated with.... we all still looked pretty much the same!

So that was Thursday. Friday we left about lunch and drove to Gulf Shores. Normally, Panama City is our beach of choice but since I was driving to my reunion we stayed there instead. We got there about 4:30 and I got ready and left for Mobile about 6...arriving right on time for our gathering at Felix Fish Camp. It used to be Pier 4- where my husband and I had our wedding rehearsal dinner. It was cool because it was a sand floor (thank goodness I skipped the heels!) and there were colored lights hanging and a mini bar. We had about 80 people....none of them my close friends but it was still fun. I skipped Saturday night's party and stayed at the beach all day with the family. A much needed vacation...no matter how short. All the hurricanes messed up our usual trip time. It was a tad cool, but I got some sun, ate some great seafood, and relaxed!

My cute little Matt-man...what a smile!

Now, its on to working on the Christmas program and moving right along! And here's hoping for peace after the election...which ever way it goes!

Happy dance!

2008-09-24T14:24:00.003-05:00

Oh man...are you enoying the gorgeous weather like I am? I hope not....I hope you are actually outside! I take that back...I did take my drama class outside yesterday. Nothing like testing "vocal projection" by making the students read poems into the wind, right? Love my job!!! The weeks fly by and I can't believe its already Friday when that day comes. I've added pre-K onto my class schedule. Which means I have Mattman and Ashleigh now on the same day for music! Good stuff. And I'm finally learning more names now.....the little ones in his class are so cute. The older classes are learning real music stuff (like how to read music!) so its nice that I just get to sing and do the Hokey Pokey with the Pre-K.
AND...I'm so excited!!!! I am taking my drama kids to see "Wicked" at the Fox in Atlanta!! I saw "Secret Garden" there and fell in love. Now over 15 years later I am going back to see the show I have been DYING to see! happy dance! And my bud Elizabeth is coming too. We got a new bus at the school and we are taking it. All 48 of us!!!
I've got to sit down and pick out the Christmas music....I just realized...October is next week!!!! Time to start working on the Christmas program!!!!!
Ok...guess that means I shouldn't be updating my blog right now.....better go!
I promise to post more pics soon!

One other note...

2008-09-14T21:36:00.002-05:00

I just got finished watching an hour long show about Sarah Palin put together by Greta Van Sustren(FOX). I proceeded to check my e-mail and Facebook before I went to bed and was actually able to see, via Youtube, the clever SNL skit with Tina Fey as Sarah Palin. (NBC was pulling it from Youtube earlier today.) Somehow I found a link to a story about Tim Russert's son, Luke, and his interview with McCain and Obama. Then from there I was linked to his personal blog. It was quite an interesting read. Thought I'd post it for you. Enjoy.

The hills are alive with the "Sound of Music"

2008-09-14T17:19:00.002-05:00

Well, I've made my choice for the Spring Musical! The Sound of Music! I am nervous and so excited at the same time! This is such a favorite of everyones- I hope it brings all sorts of talent out for auditions- which will be in December before break.

God made it very clear this was to be "it" by some VERY obvious coincidences!
1} I had watched it on tv a few weekends ago. I thought I would look up on the internet to see how much royalties were. AS I was about to type....
2} The other music teacher was playing the movie for her class. I had no knowledge she was going to do this.
3} I went to my drama class and one of my students started quoting from "Do Re Mi"- I asked him why he was quoting from that and he said he didn't know.
4} A tube of posters in my daughters room ended up downstairs for some reason. It fell over and 1 poster fell out....you guessed it......The Sound of Music!
I decided I had gotten the message LOUD and CLEAR!

R&H has already sent the contract which I am putting in the mail tomorrow. Musicals- especially well know ones- are VERY pricey to put on...I hope I can find some sponsors. Never done that before. Anyway...this will be my first musical to direct. Wish me luck!

I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free....

2008-09-12T08:15:00.002-05:00

This teaching/going back to work thing is tough but it does allow for some interesting conversation. I teach at a conservative private Christian school- but balance that with the field in which I teach...the arts. And most artists are quite liberal. I happen to be the exception. I get along wonderfully with everyone I work with- I'm actually very blessed by this...not everyone is so fortunate. But yesterday, it came to light I was Catholic with a fellow teacher and she said she used to be. We got into a light discussion about the ways of the church and the world. I'm not sure what statement led to a comment by me to the effect of "There is a difference between being pro-life and the crazy people who bomb abortion clinics."(This has always struck a nerve with me since I read an article about the Birmingham abortion clinic bomber being called a pro-life advocate.) So my co worker says to me "Well I just wonder how people can claim to be pro-life and pro war." Ok.....see Trish speechless. Rare thing, I know. So I thought about it. And thought some more. Because that's what you do when you want to find the best answer and what you do when you wake up at 3:30 in the morning and can't sleep!
So here is my answer..... Its all about the little guy who can't defend himself. That's it. I am all for our troops being able to come home. But no one forces a gun to their heads and says "Go fight this war!" (Last time I checked enlisting was voluntary.) Unlike in other countries....which we are at war with. We have the freedom to come and go as we please, make what ever statements we please....unlike other countries. We went to Iraq to hunt down a tyrant who made the lives of the Iraqis unbearable. Did we kill him when we found him? No. Do our men go to any war ready to just kill for no reason? No...I think they prefer taking prisoners. There are foreigners who believe it is their god's will for them to kill as many lives as possible in contrary to their own beliefs. We view that as horrid and atrocious, right? So whats the difference between that and abortion? This little life God created and is killed- without rights, without a choice, without a say. Not much different than the people we go to war to help be free...to have rights, to have choices, to be free to be.
Someone recently made a comment about Sarah Palin on their Facebook "status". This person "couldn't believe she had to tell her 13 year old daughter/niece (not sure) that- no -it was not ok to be a teenager and pregnant. Thanks, Sarah Palin." I had to kind of laugh. Seriously? Soooooo, the media glamorizing unwed mothers like Jamie Lynn Spears and other Hollywood stars had ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with it???? So Sarah shouldn't show the example of unending love by encouraging her daughter to save the life of this unborn child and by not shunning her from the family? What an amazing example of a strong woman...of family. Bristol is going to need support and love over what will probably be the most difficult time in her life. Isn't that part of the reason why women have abortions? They don't have any love and support to get them though what must be an awful lonely time?
I know- I don't post for a while and then I go and get on my soapbox. I know most people who read my blog are probably conservatives so I guess I am preaching to the choir. But thats what makes this country so great. Once again- I am free to have a voice.
God bless the men and women who died in the attacks on 9/11 and their families. MAY WE NEVER FORGET!

I'm legally blonde...

2008-09-01T14:50:00.003-05:00

OMG, you guys! I just downloaded "Legally Blonde:the musical" to my shuffle (pink, of course) and I love it. Sigh- Makes me play that what if game......I guess I would have had to have been born 15 years later and actually gone to Broadway. Guess I'll live vicariously through my students...lol. I got hooked on the musical through MTV's reality show "Be the next Elle Woods on Broadway". It was really cute and with a real competition involved. I think my favorite song is "What you want".

Well, we enjoyed our first home game and win (34-0!) of the season. And all of us went ...including the kids! This after going to the Friday night school game! It was a shutout too....but the other way. Boo! Life is good and we are settling in to fall very nicely!

I finished another portrait. My hard drive crashed so I haven't put photoshop back on my computer yet so I'll post a pic of it later when I can correct the color.

Hope you are all well!

Fe Fi Fo Fay....

2008-08-26T14:17:00.003-05:00

I am done with the rain.....or maybe just the bad weather. I'm getting broken in as a new teacher early with the tornado warning that had us all in the halls at school yesterday. Kinda scary since Enterprise is not too far from here and a tornado tore their school apart a few years ago...maybe a year and a half. True irony that there was a golf tournament scheduled to benefit EHS yesterday and it was cancelled due to bad weather. Now Gustauv is out there. We shall see what havoc it plays on our lives. It looks to be headed to the gulf. Not that hurricanes and storms are anything new to me. I survived Frederic '79 and Opal '95.....and all storms in between. Opal was the one that did quite a bit of damage as far up as Auburn which is where we were when it hit. We were without power for quite a few days. I'm fascinated with hurricanes actually. I am glued to the weather channel usually when there is one to track. Thankfully, now I am distracted all day (you know, by my job) so by the time I get home the storm has actually moved. I'm definitley watching Gustauv though.....the beach is calling........

Ahoy, Matey!

2008-08-20T16:40:00.003-05:00

Well, I have survived a week and half of my new job and took a trip to Mobile in between! It was my niece's birthday and while we were down there we ate some seafood and went to the Exploreum to see an exhibit on FROGS and we went to the Battleship! My kids thought that totally rocked. Matt really thought it was neat to be on the submarine. I'd include a picture of me butI had reeeeaaaaally big hair...have you ever felt the humidity in Mobile?

Space Cadet

2008-08-08T20:36:00.002-05:00

We just saw the International Space Station fly across the sky! NASA buff that my FIL is he made sure we knew when it would be visible. It was too over cast last night but it was crisp and clear tonight and we were able to see it fly for about 4 minutes. VERY cool! The kids actually sat and watched too! You should be able to see it the next two nights as well in the eastern US at least. Go here to see whne you might be able to get a glimpse of the ISS where you are!
In other worlds.....I have been getting ready for my new teaching job. I have been absolutely overwhelmed and exhausted the last two nights. I haven't really seen my kids in two days...Matt looks like he's grown a foot! His 5th birthday party is tomorrow so I'll be posting some pics soon. I hope!

2008-08-04T20:06:00.003-05:00

No I'm not in hiding. I'm trying to enjoy the last of my summer. I go to work on Wednesday for new teacher orientation! I can't believe it! I have also been helping my sorority get ready for rush...or as they call it now, recruitment.

We went to Six Flags on Friday and the kiddos had a blast! Ashleigh actually rode the Georgia Cyclone with John! Then I rode a rollercoaster with Matt in the Warner Bros. area of the park and he was soooo mad he was too short to ride anymore! Blogger is having issues or I'd post some pics!
I also admit I have been spending waay too much time on Facebook. If you know my real name come find me and be my friend!!! You can search for me under my maiden name too! Anyway....I will try to post more........ soon!

Its Official!

2008-07-25T10:13:00.002-05:00

I didn't want to say anything until it was a go but.....
I am so excited to announce that I was hired to be the drama teacher at the local private school!!! I will have 8, 9, & 10th graders. Along with that I will be the music teacher to K-3. I'lll have a weird schedule but I'll be at the school and have an office and its all wonderful!

Hello.....

2008-07-25T08:52:00.003-05:00

I know its been a while. Sorry about that. I've been a tad overwhelmed.
The performance of Musical Theatre Camp went off without a hitch! The parents were thrilled and we were very pleased. The glow bracelets and strobe effect going in Xanadu totally rocked!
I saw so tired I spent the rest of the afternoon and some of Sunday napping to catch up on sleep. I hit the ground running on Monday doing laundry and trying to clean the house. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were spent at the Sorority chapter room helping with recruitment decorations and ideas. Its been 13ish years since I set foot in that room- so strange yet so familiar. I started my days there in 1990 when we moved there. Now they are going to be moving to a new chapter room next year.
I've also gotten some not so good news about my dad....he's not doing well and it breaks my heart. Please pray for our family.
Thats all for now.

Surfing U.S.A.

2008-07-18T18:25:00.002-05:00

Camp is so much fun this summer- (is it ever not?)!!! We have 24 terrific kids who have embraced every bit of enthusiasm we have had for the music we chose this year! Usually we have to give them a pep talk by Thursday and it just didn't have to happen. We don't have any prima donnas this year or kids who don't want to be there (i.e. my mom is making me come). This makes life so much easier. This is our 5th camp and I guess by now we all have our jobs down pat and so there has been no stressing, no panicking- we've actually said "Are we forgetting something?" because its been so smooth! So yesterday after camp we took off to the lake with the kids and Ashleigh's buddy Cater in tow and had a great afternoon! The kids enjoyed tubing.....Ash and Cater just wanted to keep on going. Matt was done after one run....lol...a little too fast for him. They were all beat at the end of the day...falling asleep in the car on the way home.:)

Tonight? I'll be spending the evening glittering up the posters we hang as our backdrop.....oh yeah!

You can't stop the beat!

2008-07-11T17:37:00.007-05:00

Its one of my favorite times of year!!! Musical Theatre Camp! This year we had an unbelievable waiting list...enough to make almost another camp! We are growing!!! And we have found the perfect week apparently. Yay! Well, I'm very excited and love the numbers we've chosen...especially the opening and closing. I've been working on the t-shirt design and the posters we hang as our "backdrop". So much goes into getting ready. I've even tried to get the choreography ready ahead of time....though I usually do it on the spot. We chose one number from 4 different musicals. Boy did we do a variety this year!!!! Take a gander at the cool animated poster!

Grumble, grumble....and Wall-E!

2008-07-09T15:54:00.003-05:00

I can't be perky all the time...
So DeAnna did not choose the ever-loved-most-popular-ladies-choice Jason. She's welcome to fall in love with anyone she chooses. I just wish ABC hadn't played most of its audience into seeing the fairytale ending with Jason and not Jesse-the-friend. I'm done with that show.

I went to the dentist this morning. I dread the dentist...not my dentist in particular....but the dentist in general. I had two sets of adult teeth that were remove as a child. 5 in one day and 4 the next week.....when I was about 9. I've had my share of fillings and crowns. And because of one dentists sloppy work (I've never been happy with this crown) I've now got to spend more hours in the "the chair" and get it removed and repaired. I found this out today after what was an otherwise uneventful trip. Grrrr.......

On a happier note..... We went to see Wall-E today. Can I say how much I hate being preached to at a kids movie? "Happy Feet" was awful for just that reason. I feel like Al Gore jumped in my face during an otherwise cute movie and stuffed global warming down my throat. While there is a message in Wall-E, I felt it was not overtly pushy. Seeing Mother Earth in piles of trash and thick smog did tug at my contience a little. One of my favorite scenes was when we see Wall-E after a hard days work come "home" to his shed and pull out his new found objects. Its very much a nod to The Little Mermaid when she takes her stuff to her cave. I also LOVE LOVE LOVED that Louis Armstrong's "La Vie En Rose" played during one of the scenes. And, sure, the scene with all the fat-blubbery blobs of humans on the spaceship being lazy didn't offend me because I see so much of that in this country now. In fact when I went to the lobby I saw a couple sitting in "massage chairs" that looked very (scarily) like the people portrayed in the movie. Anyway- its cute- take your kids to see it.:)

Monday, Monday

2008-07-07T08:28:00.002-05:00

Ahhh, its Monday. One month or so before school starts again. I've got Musical Theatre Camp next week (!!!) and the kids have VBS. Lots to do but nothing at the same time. Nothing but try to enjoy whats left of the summer.
We so enjoyed our annual 4th of July party that was on Saturday. It only rained momentarily when the fireworks got started. The food was great and company even better. Even with 15 kids running around it wasn't so bad. They were plenty entertained by the Snap/pops we gave them and the sparklers. Ashleigh really enjoyed the band too and was so mad when she couldn't go back with daddy over there. It was 11pm and she was tired and we made her go to bed. Mean Mommy and Daddy. The band quit a little after midnight. They played some really great music pretty late. I heard MJ's Billie Jean. I thought that was cool considering they'd been playing alot of classic rock. Next year I will get up the nerve to ask to sing with them.:) I'll post a great pic with all my girlfriends when I get them. (They were on John's camera.) I did end up throwing up all night again. I didn't even drink that much. I guess 2 drinks are 2 too many. Never again. I guess I'm done with alcohol. Its just not worth it. And all the rich food didn't help.
Now, I have to admit the biggest thing on my agenda is getting dinner done in time so I can watch "The Bachelorette" tonight. I know, cheesy. But like I posted a while back....I want to see Deanna's happy ending...as long as its Jason. I picked him at the beginnning and will be so mad if he's not the "one". I've been reading the ABC boards and reading too much. All signs seem to point to Jesse. Sad. I know its just TV. They just look so cute together. Ahh, well we shall see...TONIGHT!

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T11:31:00.002-05:00

Mmmm....I've got my highly acclaimed BBQ pork sandwhiches in the making....the Boston Butts are on the stove right now...boiling up, getting ready! Its a long process and I have 15lbs. to cook up but its going to be oh so good! We are having our annual neighborhood 4th of July party tomorrow! Yipee! I'm cooking the pork up today so I can relax tomorrow and its alwasy better the next day after the sauce has had time to soak into the meat anyway. Yep, got it down to a science....thanks Dad!
We have no plans today except for a trip to Lowes and shoot fireworks tonight. I am waiting for a call from the pediatric nurse. There always has to be some drama for the holidays, right? Matt has has a nosebeed 2 days in a row. Pretty good one, too. He's fine...but it worries you, you know?
LOL...I thought my butts were on fire becasue I heard a cracking, popping sound....haha ends up it was the kids throwing poppers on the sidewalk! Whew! No more drama, please!
Have a great weekend y'all!

Fore!

2008-06-30T09:13:00.003-05:00

The kids have been chomping at the bit to go golfing. Other than playing mini-golf at Callaway Gardens last year I'm not sure what prompted this excitement. So a friend of John's gave him a junior set of clubs and off we went! Ashleigh showed promise....Matt was just silly and had fun. (Note to self: Never wear a push up bra to a driving range. Things tend to, um, get in the way!)

New LOs as promised!

2008-06-27T14:22:00.002-05:00

You could easily go to my DST gallery but I'll just post my latest digital scrapbook LOs here for your enjoyment. I was finishing up the free Shutterfly book I was making for the ladies at the preschool for an enjoyable 2 years working with them. I blurred out the kids faces. Alphabet Soup Kit by Melissa Bennett and Templates by Melanie Colosimo at Oscraps. TFL!

Things that make you go hmmm.....

2008-06-26T19:01:00.003-05:00

Well, I just read that they changed the date of my HS reunion. Its been moved one week. Normally that wouldn't be a big deal, but its in October...during football season! And it just so happens to have gone from an off weekend to the Auburn v Arkansas game...in Auburn!!!! Dang....decisions...decisions......
On a good note my best friend is due the 11th but will have a c-section the week before so now I will be there for it!
Other good news..... My watch suddenly reappeared today! I thought it fell of my wrist due to a faulty clasp a few weeks ago. I swear I looked in my purse over and over....where do you think I found it?????
8 ball, side pocket...

Why?

2008-06-25T17:43:00.002-05:00

I have to say something happened Sunday night that baffles me. I found out about it on Monday about mid- day. Apparently someone went to our church and spray painted "Religion is a croc of sh*t" on the doors and on a window painted "You don't want to know the truth". Why- why vandalize and desecrate something so precious and needed by so many. God's house. Is this person so hurt, confused, or lonely that he has to lash out like this...does he need attention? Sad...so sad.

OMGosh!

2008-06-23T08:07:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe that I have my first Photo of the Day over at Shutterbugs.biz!!!

I'm so excited! I really was thrilled with this photoshoot and glad it tickled the judges as much as it tickled me!

Seriously?

2008-06-22T08:50:00.002-05:00

Nice to know there are still HEROS. And the 2nd to last line of the story reads:
"... an official position should not be used to promote a moral model."
Seriously? So the officers and government officials shouldn't expect to be upstanding, selfless, moral people that our youth can look up to?

Alert!

2008-06-21T08:49:00.002-05:00

I forgot to post about this. I received a phone call from Lifesouth Blood Center asking for a donation the other day. There is a nationwide shortage because of the flooding up north and the fires out west. I don't particularly do well with platelet donations but those were requested as well. So if you give blood, by all means make an effort to get out TODAY and give!

Free Shutterfly!

2008-06-20T17:54:00.003-05:00

To my surprise I got two free 8x8 Shutterfly books via two e-mail messages (different accounts). I went and checked and sure enough there they were in My Shutterfly! I have to order them by the 24th though so I am busy busy trying to make them! I've decided to make one book as a gift to the preschool where I have worked the last 2 years and my kids have gone since 2003. It will have pics from the last two years....halloween, music class, graduation and what not. The other book hopefully I can get done in time. I want to put together a book for all the theatre stuff I have done with the AACT spring show for the last 3 years. MTC if I can get those paper pages scanned in in time. Ashleigh has sports camp next week and with ga$ what it i$....I'll probably stay in town while she's there. Thats the down side to living in the country. Anyway, I'll posts some LOs from it as soon as I can! Until then- enjoy this pic of my happy little mailbox.:) It looked so "welcome"-ing I had to take a pic of it!

God Bless Tim Russert

2008-06-19T08:59:00.003-05:00

I'm a little behind in posting about this, but like many Americans across the country, I will miss the great political journalist icon that was Tim Russert. A dedicated journalist, sure, but also a dedicated father, son and Catholic. I am intrigued by the fact he named his son after St.Luke the Evangalist...a name I considered for my own son because of St.Luke. (St.Luke is the patron saint of Artists.) St.Luke said "To whom much is given much is expected." I don't think he meant material things...he meant talents and wisdom. Tim Russert said something in an interview about his dad that really struck me. He said, and I paraphrase, while his dad made sure he knew he was loved every day of his life, he was not "owed" anything. And I think that just hits the nail on the head of whats wrong with todays generation. Entitlement- Its everywhere and a tad rediculous. But I digress. I watched some of the tributes and interviews and I'm thankful that his son knew what a "force of nature" his dad was and that Tim was so proud of Luke. I'll never forget the election coverage and Tim with the white erase board. I think thats how most of us will remember him. I imagine he's enjoying a good conversation with PJPII right about now. God bless his family.

Summertime

2008-06-18T08:40:00.004-05:00

Well, swim lessons are over and Matt now will put his head underwater! Which means he'll be swimming in no time! I'll feel better being on the lake with both the kids being stronger swimmers. Even though they wear their lifevests, I still am nervous about the lake. You can see the bottom of the beach, you cannot see the bottom of the lake and its 400 or more feet in some spots!
We went and saw Kung-fu Panda yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised. I am not a huge Jack Black fan (though I thought he was cute in The Holiday...reminded me of my ex-fiance.) But it wasn't over the top Jack Black. I found myself watching the movie and enjoying the character instead of thinking of the actor behind the voice. And I was surprised that Dustin Hoffman was the voice behind the Master! It was very fast paced and the animation incredible. I always enjoy watching the "how the movie was made" shows...each hair on the fur, the actors bringing in their voices, etc. I give it an A...take your kids! WARNING: Your kids will leave the theatre trying every karate move they can invent and YOU will be singing "Kung-fu Fighting" the rest of the afternoon!
I also went to a director's workshop last night. It was fun! More about it after the last session Thursday!

Happy Father's Day!!!

2008-06-15T14:40:00.003-05:00

My daddy turned 81 in December. I got to see him at my sister's wedding and was glad to get my picture with him too. He's been the most wonderful, loving, and supportive daddy a girl could hope for. (Aside from the summer I came home from art school with my portfolio and he said "I'm paying $25,000 for you to draw naked people?:)) My memories of him are dancing on his feet, washing his VW Bug, trips to Auburn to drop me off at school, Coppertone, bucket hats, trips to the art store to buy me the medium of my desire, jelly beans, my first Pink Panther doll, and nearly getting bucked from the carriage by a spooked horse on the way to the church my wedding day....not necessarily in that order! Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

HFD to my dear husband as well! He's a terrific dad to the kids and is teaching them so much about the outdoors that this city girl cannot do. Have you ever seen the floor of the woods at dusk? They are covered with fireflies- like little fairies coming out of hiding. Its an amazingly beautiful sight....and I'm thankful he's shown them things like this!!! Here's John on his new boat on the lake for the first time! Oh captain, my captain!

To all you fathers, step-fathers, and Godfathers- Have a wonderful Father's Day!

Soapbox

2008-06-12T15:28:00.003-05:00

(tap, tap) Is this thing on? Gosh, there's lots I'd like to use my American freedom and right to free speech to say at this point. With our country about to elect a new leader of the free world... everyone has their opinion of what is important. For me? The tinest of lives..the unborn.
I feel like I need to post about this after reading the post of my friend Glynis. She posted a link to an article about surgery done on a 25 week old fetus to remove a tumor on her tailbone...to save the babie's life. She makes a point. The doctors did an awful lot of work for something that is not considered a baby.
Obama voted AGAINST BANNING partial birth abortions. Seriously? McCain wants to overturn Roe vs. Wade (except in rape situations , which is btw 1% of abortions.). McCain 100% Pro Life. I saw how fully formed my son was at 17 weeks. I understand his lungs were not developed enough to survive outside the womb. But if even one person considering an abortion could see what I saw, hold what I held, they would change their mind. A friend of mine just adopted a little girl. You think gas is high? Have you checked into the price of adoption? What do you think the supply/demand numbers are for adoption? Wait 6 years for to adopt through Catholic Charities and pay less or adopt in 1-2 years and pay out the ear!
I know this doesn't seem like such a pressing issue to life as we Americans know it. I know the economy and the war in Iraq seem much more important. I know Bush may not be the smartest man we've ever had in the Whitehouse, but I'd rather be remebered for fighting for the little guy...than the guy who made a name for himself with cigars and interns and gluttony. Bush fought for LIFE and I am thankful.
Gosh- gotta love being able to express an opinion without fear of being shot or jailed. I thank the American soldiers who volunteer to serve our country. God bless them!
Ok...getting of my soapbox now.....

Allergic much?

2008-06-10T08:45:00.002-05:00

Well the good news is.....I am NOT allergic to seafood!!!!! I can give up chocolate and soda, but please don't ask me to give up seafood. Ok, I lied, I can't really give up those other things either but I can eat less of them and have already. So I got my allergy panel back yesterday. Apparently I am off the charts allergic to dust mites. But that was the only thing I scored a 4/4 on. Molds and milk showed up as 2s...moderately allergic. So, maybe I need to give up milk. And you know you have a good friend when someone knows you well enough to say "But you have a bowl of cereal every morning!" I live on cereal really. I could eat it every meal. When we are having the "fend for yourself night" because John is working late or something, I opt for cereal. So I will have to find another morning vice I suppose. Lets see- Panera's is on the way to the kids school......;)

Adding on....

2008-06-06T18:12:00.002-05:00

Looking at Elizabeth's photo reminded me I wanted to finish it. I took pics of her baby and combined the two in Photoshop. Tada! Who wouldn't think this was intriguing yet beautiful?

Isn't she a cutie?

2008-06-06T12:44:00.003-05:00

I had a photo shoot on Wed. and I am thrilled with how the pics turned out! She had just turned one and we took cake pics too. Fun! These were a few of my favorites.
Speaking of favorites....remember this photo of my friend Elizabeth at 33 weeks pregnant I took? Well, apparently there have been so many complaints from old women about it John had to take it out of the store window!!!! Never in a million year did I anticipate that photo being offensive to anyone! But John said they made comments like "Thats a private thing." What? Showing off a big beautiful belly? Sheeesh...whatever.

Me, Type A Personality?

2008-06-05T19:32:00.003-05:00

I've never considered myself high matinence. (I actually wondered why the frat boys in college preferred to date the girls who expected expensive dates and gifts...but I digress.) But "Type A personality- your wife" were the words used today by my gastrointerologist after my endoscopy revealed nothing. NOTHING! He said my stomach was squeaky clean. I was sure I had an ulcer the way I've spent the last 6 months throwing up violently in the middle of the night. But he said reflux could cause that brought on by stress and lifestyle. Ok, I admit- 2 back to back plays and the anxiety of seeing family I don't speak to anymore at my sisters wedding may have had something to do with my attacks. I enjoy theatre. I enjoy the thrill of seeing the kids work hard to pull off fantastic enjoyable shows. I enjoy watching audiences laugh and enjoy themselves. I don't enjoy throwing up for 4 hours in the middle of the night. I don't enjoy being afraid to go to sleep at night wondering if the boogey monster of nausea will attack. So I will follow the Dr.'s directions. I will give up my chocolate and Diet Cokes(whaaaaa aaaaa). And fried foods. (Is it lent again?) And I will lose 10 lbs. And I will try to be less Type A...even though I swear I'm not!

Tagged...

2008-05-30T09:00:00.003-05:00

I was tagged by Mommy, Esquire and so here is the meme-

4 things I was doing 10 years ago: (1998)
1. Being pregnant for the first time after 3 years of trying to conceive. (I went on to lose it , but its the first thing I think of for May 1998.)
2. Children's photography- ironic, no?
3. Recovering from the devistating loss of my son at 17 weeks...on Thanksgiving day. 1998 was a rough year for me.
4. Enjoying my nephews.

4 things I was doing 5 years ago: (2003)
1. Enduring, I mean, enjoying my pregnancy of my soon to be born son!
2. Enjoying my little princess of a daughter.
3. Teaching drama to 3, 4, 5th graders.
4. Enjoying my new Tahoe.

4 things I did yesterday:
1. Scrubbed the tub,
2....the toilet,
3.....the sink,
4. Went to see "Made of Honor" at the movies. Patrick Dempsey is so yummy.

4 shows I love to watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy- did I mention Patrick Dempsey was yummy?
2. Law & Order:SVU
3. Dancing with the Stars
4. The Bachlorette- I admit this is cheesy but I never watched that show until "Brad" and I was bummed for DeAnna. Now I want to see who she ends up with...southern girl and all. I'm routing for Jason....the one with the 3 yo boy.

4 things I love to do:
1. Give and recieve hug and kisses from the kiddos
2. Most things internet
3. Act and direct
4. Go to the beach

Now, I tag Loonyhiker, Tink, Melanie, and Bretta. Go and post and link back here, then tag 4 more!

Vacation all I ever wanted....

2008-05-28T12:35:00.003-05:00

I think I've used that title before (haha) but boy did we need it last week! When it rains it pours! After getting a new dishwasher to replace the broken one and getting our oven's gas valve fixed so we could use our oven....look what happened on Tuesday!

It was a beautiful Tuesday but windy and this sweet gum branch decided to break off and land right on the line from the pole to the house ripping the electrical box off the side of the house! So we were without power Tuesday and Wednesday and cable through Thursday!!!! I was pretty dumbfounded that this had to happen right before we left to go to my sisters wedding! So instead of getting ready to travel to the beach, I was getting my house put back together. UGH!

But we finally did get on the road and the wedding was beautiful and weather pretty...at least on the wedding day. But a bad day on the beach is better than a good day inland, right? And we got this very nice family portrait! The cousins played together and had a blast...it was a great trip!

And runnin', runnin'.....

2008-05-20T08:13:00.003-05:00

Well, I suppose I should start out with a little apology to my faithful readers (all 5 of you) for not blogging too much this month. Last week was once again "h*ll week"! And I mean that.....yes, it was the opening of Laura Ingalls Wilder, but I started the week in the emergency room. On Monday morning I went to the ER about 4:30 am and returned home shortly thereafter with some phenegran (without even being physically examined, mind you) and returned back to the ER a few hours later with worse stomach pain. I had a CT which the doctor said was normal. I saw my doc the next day who said my CT was not normal and set out to help me heal of these "attacks" which have plagued me for 6 months. They feel much like gallbladder attacks but I have already had mine out. So....I missed my own dress/tech rehearsal but made it for tech on Tuesday. We opened Wednesday morning with our first ever school performances which were well received. I constantly walked around with crackers and gatorade, but I survived. The rest of the 7 performance run was wonderful, the audiences receptive. Its nice to get laughs in all the right places. This was a particularly close cast and very talented as well. I couldn't have been prouder of them.

Of course, I posted that Matt graduated from preschool on Thursday. I taught my last Sunday School class of the year on Sunday and Ashleigh had Field Day yesterday at her school which I helped out with. I will slow down........... I promise!

Have a great Memorial day!!!

Sunrise Sunset...

2008-05-15T12:59:00.002-05:00

Is this the little boy I carried?

Is this the little girl at play?

I don't remember growing older,

when did they?

My baby graduated from pre-school this morning. I was so proud of him. He still looks so small next to the other boys. We are holding him back, so technically he has one more year of preschool but he did graduate from the only school he's ever known. He'll be joining Sissy at her school next year. So proud.

Think of me

2008-05-05T21:46:00.002-05:00

I pick this title for no other reason than that I got a bug to listen to Phantom of the Opera and forgot how much I love the music. I just couldn't leave the news about Kitty at the top anymore. Sigh....and I am entrenched in LIW right now. We have a set...I just need to paint it...and get sound...and lights........

R.I.P. Kitty 1994-2008

2008-05-02T10:53:00.002-05:00

My poor Kitty. She was my first baby. I got her about a week after John and I got back from our honeymoon. He came in one day saw a bowl on the floor and said "ok, where is it?" She was a tabby with the softest fur and impeccably clean. She didn't like it when we got Belle in 2002 and Buddy Lee in 2003 and proceeded to let us know by peeing all over the house. So she became an outside cat and snuck in the basement to sleep at night. Well, she is no where to be found. She never missed a meal either and we haven't seen her in two days. But she was nearly 14 years old. I'm so sad. Bye bye Miss Kitty....you were loved.

Happy Webkinz Day to you.....

2008-04-29T21:13:00.003-05:00

So Sunday we went to our local Webkinz haven and bought two new Webkinz for which we received 2 free. I gave in. I am now the proud owner of a Tiger-kiz. I named him Fajita McDreamy, after my favorite food and tv character , of course. ( I couldn't exactly call it Patrick Dempsey.) The kids played "gem hunt" in the store and we registered for the Webkinz day give away. Well, guess who's name got picked today out of the hat to win 3 more Webkinz???? Um, that would be Matt. Ashleigh and her fountain, now Matt and his Webkinz.(He promised to share one with Sissy:)) I think the store opens at 9am...........

Breathe...just breathe

2008-04-28T10:00:00.003-05:00

"Trinity" by Tricia, watercolor 8x12

WOW...life can settle down just a little bit...or at least it returns to "normal" (I say with a stack of bills in my lap to pay). I had no time to post since last Monday night because we have just not slowed down! The show on Tuesday night was A+ perfect. The kids were totally on, relaxed and loving it! The audience was very responsive and laughing at everything! I just couldn't have asked for a better ending to the story. And everyone had a great time and THAT was my goal!
Now I am onto Laura Ingalls Wilder with the community theatre. We were at Cityfest Saturday in the AACT booth all day, kids in tow because John was moving the shop. They were pretty well behaved considering the "all day" part. A couple of my CBTD kids came and took them to the inflatables for a while and bought them cotton candy. I got away from the booth and took them to the art table and bought lunch. I sold my painting that I entered in the Cityfest art show! That was a big bonus. And Asheligh won a fountain at another booth! The booth was selling "artwork" by children to raise money to drill wells for children in Africa (I think) so after she won the fountain, I ended up buying the "art". There was a craft booth selling beautiful wrought iron planters from Louisiana and I about went nuts. I bought something for me and for my MIL for Mothers Day so my painting paid for the day...lol. I made a digital copy of the painting and can print it on artist's paper if you'd like to buy one (maybe for your mother on Mother's Day?). Now off to pay bills and do housework! Oh Joy!

I've got the world on string!

2008-04-22T09:11:00.003-05:00

WOW...what an evening. I fought through the nausea (with the help of a little Zofran) and went up to the school around 4:30. It was all absolutley wonderful. With a full house, the kids were totally on and feeling it. I was so proud of them all. They presented me with a HUGE bouquet at the end and one for Mrs.V(drama advisor) as well. I've got people telling me their kids are signed up for drama right and left. Yipiee! Aside from this headache I have this morning, I am on cloud nine!! Can I tell you our box office took in over $1000 so far? And we still have one more show to go!!!!!! Success!!!!

Big girls don't cry

2008-04-21T13:41:00.002-05:00

Its just not fair. I threw up all night. 12:30am until about 4:30am. I still feel like crap and in less than 5 hours I'm going to have to be up at the school with a smile on my face and introduce the play! Last night's tech rehearsal was wonderfully funny and while not perfect, I was still proud. The kids, the set, the support, the dog, the lights, the music ...all of it fell into place....just the way it was supposed to....except the throwing up part. Poor John, I made him be up with me. I'm afraid I'm not a very good patient.

I wanna know..what you're thinking

2008-04-18T22:11:00.002-05:00

Boy, is this right on...especially the random part!

Your Thinking is Abstract and Random

You are flexible, adaptable, and creative.

There's many ways that you can learn - and you're up for any of them.

You relate well to other people, and you do well working in groups.

You can help people communicate together and work with each other's strengths.

You don't work well with people who are competitive or adversarial.

You prefer to work toward a common goal... not toward conflicting goals.

What Kind of Thinker Are You?

Oh yeah!

2008-04-15T15:51:00.001-05:00

Ok! I have to shout! My piece got in the Juried Show!!!! I'm so excited! AND my best friend had her baby boy today!!! He was due on April 18th but decided to come on Tax Day instead! LOL...:)
I'm a happy camper!

Walkin' on Sunshine!

2008-04-12T15:21:00.002-05:00

Well, its trying to come out. I love the fact that we are actually having spring this year. Spring in the south means, of course, at least 4 weeks of weather where the highs are between 60-80. Seems like so many years we go straight into the warm humid days.
Last night I took the kids to see "The Wizard of Oz"- the play. I have to say I left quite envious of the support and resources that the director had.....though I know what must have been spent to put this production on too. They rented both lights and costumes. I'm happy if I can get most of my cast to show up and skip their respective sports for the day. Its all good. My husband reminded me ...there is a pattern. They totally are at a loss with the words, I get tough, the lights come on, then they bring it. It doesn't make it any easier. One day we'll have the funds for big shows.....one day.....
I have really big news about one of my dearest friends (my suitemate and pledge sister and she read at my wedding). She called to tell me she is pregnant with twins and due on my birthday!!!!! While I know that they won't be born that day, seeing as they are twins, I am still thrilled as they have struggled and prayed for this!!!! Yay! Had to share!

I need you tonight...

2008-04-10T20:55:00.003-05:00

'cause I'm not sleeping. (INXS)

I was so exhausted after yesterday I had trouble going to sleep and then Matt woke up in the middle of the night and I again had trouble going back to sleep! SO I thought the title fitting.

But, the presentation went well, rehearsal did not, had a shoot this morning that went well, and I got to take a 20 minute nap this afternoon. I also finished a piece of art work that I am entering in the Annual Juried Art show. Its called "Saints and Sinners Reliquary". Its been months in the making but I am pleased with it and pleased I finished it! (Accomplish!) You can't see all the details but there are two porcelain hands holding up the "relic", a pearl stitched to a satin pillow. The image of the little girl is soldered in glass. The text reads "the only difference between a saint and a sinner is that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future."

Anyway, Happy weekend!

Linky Meme

2008-04-09T20:25:00.003-05:00

A Linky Meme
I've been tagged by Tink! ALL are invited to join in The Links MeMe fun! PLEASE just follow the rules! Just copy paste THIS and everything below up until my Five links:

I thought it would be cool to have a meme where we post links. We can post up to five. Then we tell five more people to share their links. If we all share who tagged us, our links are sure to be seen!They can be business links, favorite sites, affiliate links, whatever you want…
There are Five Rules:
1. MUST be clean. No R rated sites.
2. Only FIVE links.
3. MUST tell 5 people.
4. A link back to the person who tagged you
5. Lara’s Place is the meme originator. (an active link is appreciated)

My Links:
1. Ali Edwards- She is a fantastic artist and very inspirational.
2. Mommy, Esquire- A high school friend of mine's blog. Her wit and humor exudes from her posts and leaves you dying (from laughter) to read her next post. If you don't read any other post but this one....
3. Michelle Ward- another fantastic artist!
4. Couch 2 5k- ok...I'm off the program right now because I don't have an extra ounce of energy to give, but its a great program so I had to share! Hopefuly I'll be back on it in 3 weeks.
5. And last but not least, it bears posting again http://www.lovecarly.com/. This is the site that links you to the 7 year old little girl at our church who has cancer. She is doing well and had all the cancer removed in the second surgery. Now she is having radiation and we all hope that she will go on to live a healthy, long wonderful life!

I don't know who to tag.....so if you read this.....you are tagged!

With a wink and a smile....

2008-04-08T20:21:00.002-05:00

So while I sit on the phone waiting "for the next available associate", I think I'll blog.
Two weeks and counting for "Cheaper". I couldn't keep my hands off the set any longer. I decided to go to the school on my afternoon "off" and see what needed doing. "Detailing." Its pretty much done. And looks pretty nice considering we are starting this program from square one....no flats, no teacher, nada. I'm it- well, and Mrs.Vickie- the appointed advisor who has gone above and beyond- and is making me look real good. The teachers are loving the buttons I made to promote the show...I see them wearing them from the car line. It makes me smile. I feel so much support and have bonded well with the kids. I'm starting to get nervous and am so distracted and losing my appetite some. (Not a bad thing considering my 20 year hs reunion is in October!!!!!!! Did I say 20? Say it ain't so!) I am supposed to speak to the Founder's board tomorrow. I will be all nerves. Give me a script any 'ol day- but make me use my own? Guess I better practice- we're lined up for a radio spot too!;).....still on hold.
So in the middle of all my "drama" my dh decides to move his store. Not like, up and decided, but moving none the less. At the same time. And he's landed a big account too. Good stuff....but we are both exhausted at the end of the day.
Do you think the phone might grow into my ear? Hey look...Reinaldo just sent me some spam. You still here?
Ok...I will post the meme tomorrow...promise!

You be illin'

2008-04-06T18:11:00.003-05:00

LOL..ok that title is reaching waaay back...a little Run DMC for 'ya. BUT...it pretty much sums up my weekend. As my sweet friend Tink calls me on her blog "southern comfort" I hate to post about being mad, lol, but you gotta know, with that southern comfort comes a "wee bit 'o Irish temper"! (Look for a meme from me soon...she tagged me!) Actually the weekend was not all that bad, but I got pretty upset yesterday when I got a post card in the mail for the next show without the beautiful artwork that I had spent hours on. Instead was some pretty crappy vail attempt at clip art that hardly screamed (or whispered) "Come see this show!" Advertising is everything, no? But I calmed down later, only to get a migrain after working in photoshop for hours on some pics I had taken in the studio. Today, I want to throw my beloved laptop out the window as it has frozen up on me twice today in my attempt to make the poster for Cheaper by the Dozen. 6:20pm...still no poster. UGH!

Yes, I am feeling a tad overwhelmed. I know this time would come....2 weeks out of showtime....I'm getting stressed. Kids don't know their lines....etc, etc.

BUT....in an effort to close on a positive note.... look what my darling daughter brought home from school this week. I cried. Honorable mention.....I was so proud!!!!!

Love to love ya, baby!

2008-04-03T20:44:00.008-05:00

I'm so tired I can't even think of at title. Aside from the usual music classes and 4 rehearsals a week...add on two photo shoots and helping set lights for the show opening next week. In fact, I am a little behind in my posting. I would be remiss if I did not pay homage in some way to my beloved Javy Lopez.

Javy Lopez, as I mentioned recently, was back with the Braves vying for a back up catcher role. I was so sad when he left a few years back. I mean, this was a man, that my husband knew I would leave him for...yet took me to see him play in Atlanta. Even walked half way around the stadium to get a better photo of him for me. (Good man....maybe I'll keep him....not that he was worried Javy would show up at my door or anything.) I was soooo looking forward to dragging out that worn, soft Lopez #8 Braves t-shirt...you know, the one I can only wear to bed or the beach it is soooo worn out? Anyway, I'll miss you Javy- happy retirement.....you were great! (Thanks to my friend Tony for letting me know Javy threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Pirates- Braves opening day!)

You spin me right round, Baby...

2008-03-30T16:59:00.002-05:00

Do you blog? I want to read it! Leave me an addy so I can go check it out!
I've been busy doing theatre stuff as it is theatre season for me. LIW is going ok but I have a few few kids in another play that I am sharing so this week may be tricky. But, once again, my casting choices have been right on with the leads....my little Laura is wonderful but is growing like a weed!!!! She has grown at least an inch in I cast her a month ago...her mother verified it!!! I told her she is not allowed to grow anymore or she will be taller than Mary! My "Cheaper" cast continues to thrill me. Such nice kids. God is good. There is a little church group that meet in the school cafetorium on Sundays and they are going to let us use their lights for our show since we don't have any of our own. Yay! Less out of my budget!
I met with Elizabeth and her mom this week to talk about Musical Theatre Camp...we got most of the songs selected.... a Mary Poppins montage, "Show people" from Curtains, possibly something from Xanadu, and a little Cole Porter.:) How's that for some diversity!!!!
Has anyone seen the warm weather??? It was hear yesterday and now its gone!

Thats what I like about you

2008-03-24T13:14:00.002-05:00

This is the blog prompt for the day via my blog buddies. I actually did a LO about this a few years ago. So I'll just post it!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T13:20:00.000-05:00

We ended up at Callaway Gardens on Friday and I took the big guns camera and got a some great shots of the kids. They were really "ham"ing it up and being silly so I was thrilled to get a few!

Vacation all I ever wanted...

2008-03-20T08:38:00.009-05:00

Good Holy Thursday to you.

I can't believe Spring Break is almost over. I have gotten one 2 page layout done (see below). Its the first scrapbooking I have done in over 2 months. Considering this is an obsession of mine- it shows you how busy I've been! So, yay on that! I'm nearly done with a second 2 pager. I've even caught up with my blog buddies!( Will post to you guys in a bit.) What was my word for the year? Accomplish? I even have nearly made it through week 1 of C.2.5k. Tomorrow morning looks to be chilly. I'm a wimp so we shall see if I hold off until Saturday to finish. I am even half way through a theatre book. Yes- me- reading! (Sorry Glynis, I'm not a reader:))Accomplish!

Credits: Shabby Princess Promise Kit and Melanie Colosimo's Squeeze Template

Perusing my favorite blogs, I see Ali Edwards is attending "Artfest" this year. Um, yeah- that so neeeds to be on my "Accomplish" list! I just scrolled through a list of all the art workshops that they are offering and it looks like so much fun. It goes right up there with Master classes for drama teachers- in New York! With teachers from Juliard! One day......( oh and i must get over my fear of flying.:))

Take my breath away

2008-03-17T15:56:00.002-05:00

Day 1 Week 1...done. I was able to log onto the iTunes store- finally- and get the Couch to 5k podcast again. I am making myself start over. I hate I ended up getting off schedule and then sick in October. I was disappointed in myself for not running the 5k. But as I promised- it is warming up so here I go again.....

I can't believe I did get to catch up on alot photoshop work today. Its been fun! So far I'm enjoying spring break!

Wake me up before you go go....

2008-03-15T16:40:00.002-05:00

(Do you sense an 80's theme?)
It is officially spring break and I am soooo ready. I'm tired. Its been a while since it was go- go- go like this and sometimes I forget to stop and breathe. Kwim? So while I ponder getting back to my couch to 5k running program, I also think about sleeping in the next week.
We were rained out of having Ashleigh's class Easter egg hunt at our house Friday. Bummer. We ended up having it in a warehouse and the kids didn't care, but Ashleigh really wanted her friends to come over. But now we have a really clean house to start spring break with!
We also went to Carly's "Welcome home" party. What an amazing little girl! The mayor came and a ton of other people. She was showing her scar on her leg where they took muscle to rebuild her face. She was singing into the microphone her theme song. She was smiling and playing. She was beautiful. I was impressed with how well her scar was healing on her face. I was amazed with how many people's lives had been touched by this little angel. God is good.
And we have adopted another pet....Lee Lee the penguin. Matt pulled the "but sister has one" card in Hastings. You would have thought I learned my lesson. But the Barbie movie we rented didn't play and I went inside to get a credit....meanwhile my son decided he thought Webkinz were cool after all and needed one. When we got home and told Daddy about it Matt turned to him and said "I tricked her!" Stinker! So if any of you are wondering why I haven't been updating my blog? My kids are busy playing "cash cow"!

Xanadu

2008-03-10T09:40:00.005-05:00

We're doomed. Its done. We've entered the world of Webkinz. We went to rent movies at Hastings and unbeknownst to me they carried Webkinz. So there is Ashleigh bawling her eyes out for a Lil' Unicorn. I guess she is the last living 1st grader not to have one, and she did rub John's feet last night (and I only bought her the lil' Kinz?) to which he promised her $15.00. So I gave in. She is now completly obsessed. We spent many a hour on the 'net yesterday earning enough kinzcash to buy "Fluffy" an outdoor room. And lots of clothes. Fluffy now has LOTS of clothes and has been to fashion school even. Aren't you impressed?

At least Matt had Pee-Wee's Playhouse, Curious George, and Thomas Tank dvds to watch while since his best friend was busy shopping for a virtual unicorn.

Good day, Sunshine

2008-03-09T15:26:00.002-05:00

I think I'm going to title all my blog posts with song titles from now on. :)
We are rebounding nicely from the blast of cold that came through with the surprise snow yesterday. Its probably low 60's right now and the kids have even found the waterguns. Hoping nobody gets soaked...but we shall see.
I'm enjoying a little quiet time with my iPod and some laundry. I'm certainly feeling better since the sun has come out and it has started warming up, which leads me to believe that I do have seasonal affective disorder. So maybe I will invest in one of those sun boxes for next year.
While I am rambling, may I share with you what I saw the other day? Friday afternoon as I was coming home late afternoon, there was the most visually stunning sunset I've ever seen. I was sick I didn't have a camera with me. This was not your typical sunset...ala the beach. There were so many different kinds of clouds, all different colors....dark blue, white, bright light blue, pink, grey...all scumbled across the sky. Scumbling is a painting technique-like loading up a pallete knife with colors and dragging it across dry textured paint and both colors coming through. I just can't justify with words but scumbling is pretty appropriate for the texture and layering of the clouds. It was just beautiful. Its the kind of thing that makes me appreciate my eyesight and life.
Speaking of life.....they actually caught the man that killed Lauren Burk, the AU freshman. I am very surprised but so glad for her family. Watch my name come up for jury duty. How will anyone go into this with an open mind? Although I have to give the local police credit for not giving too much information away to the media. "I will not allow this case to be tried by the media." Good for him.
Did I mention I am enjoying some quiet thinking time?

SNOOOOOOOwWWWW!

2008-03-08T08:10:00.001-06:00

Its been snowing for about 2 hours now but with no accumulation. Its still nice to see and the kids are enjoying it! 70 degrees yesterday and 32 today.....go figure. Its the South!

Sad day to be an alumni

2008-03-07T08:06:00.002-06:00

I guess you all have heard the sad news about the Auburn freshman that was murdered off campus Tuesday night. I'm rarely on the side of town where she was found and am baffled why she ended up there. There's nothing there but a country church. And her car, by the dorms where I lived in college, was set on fire. I'll be very surprised if they find her killer.
I just found out that a young man at my high school, which was never a violent school when I was there, walked into the gym where a 150 people were and fired a shot into the air then killed himself yesterday. Tragic.
How many young kids have been devestated by witnessing all this? I pray my kids don't have to be. Prayers to the families.

Its clear!

2008-03-04T19:24:00.003-06:00

Her CT was normal so she is just having migrains. Thanks for the prayers! Maigrains in and of themselves will be awful enough, so I'm ready to find out how to head these off.

2008-03-03T21:08:00.003-06:00

I had a photoshoot with a very pregnant Elizabeth today! It was so fun and she was a great model! I really, really liked how they turned out. This was one of my faves!

No news on the CT yet. The pediatrician called to say she probably would know tomorrow.

Will update you then. Love to all those lifting up my baby in prayer!

2008-02-29T07:35:00.002-06:00

Normal bloodwork. CT Monday, though now I expect that to be normal too. I fully expect this si just old fashioned migrains, though it is just pitiful to see them in a 7 year old....my baby at that.

No word yet...

2008-02-28T20:31:00.001-06:00

CT set for Monday. No word on bloodwork. No news is goodnews right?

prayer warriors needed.

2008-02-27T19:39:00.003-06:00

First up...Carly's surgery was a success. They removed ALL the cancer and margins as well with no trach. She is still sedated but already healing nicely. Keep on praying.
Now for a personal prayer request. My daughter had another migraine yesterday. She's been having them for 2 years and is only 7 1/2. So I took her in today, our peds doc said she really thinks its just a migraine but we are being cautious and ruling other things out. So she was brave and had some blood drawn tonight and will have to have a CT Friday or Monday. Then we will be referred to a pediatric neurologist. My poor baby. She gets a headache, spends hours needing/wanting to throw up, finallywill, then gets tylenol, then passes out until the next morning. She then hits the ground running because she feels fine. Starting this early...she's in for a long road. Bless her heart.

Another Miracle Monday....

2008-02-24T16:24:00.002-06:00

Carly Parker is having surgery again to remove the rest of her tumor. They got 95% before and are goign to try to get the rest and margins. You can read about her at www.lovecarly.com. Please keep her in your prayers!

Dance baby!

2008-02-24T13:46:00.004-06:00

I meant to post this sooner...this is my little growny girl and John at the Daddy Daughter Dance. Why she didn't show her pretty smile I don't know. Why my husband looks like a deer in the headlights I also do not know.:) Ohhh but I loved her dress...Kate Mack's Little Mermaid line!

Oh and the lyrics from the post the other day were from "Magic" from Xanadu!

Dang it, Tink....

2008-02-24T13:14:00.002-06:00

Tink posted another meme on her blog, dang it and now I have to do it. Because thats what good blog buddies do, right?

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now? Booster seat and books.
2. When was the last time you threw up? Geez, last Friday, don't remind me.
3. What’s your favorite curse word? Shasta
4. Name 3 people who made you smile today? Matt, Anna, Stacy
5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Eating breakfast while checking my e-mail.
6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Washing dishes.
7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now? Hopefully getting some pizza...having a craving!
8. Have you ever been to a strip club? No.
9. What is the last thing you said aloud? "Is it cold outside?"
10. What is the best ice cream flavor?Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia (chocolate covered cherries)
11. What was the last thing you had to drink? Diet cherry Coke
12. What are you wearing right now? Gap jeans and Auburn baseball t-shirt
13. What was the last thing you ate? Snickers bar
14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Don't think so and certainly not for me.
15. When was the last time you ran? Yesterday trying to (pretend to) beat Ahsleigh on her bike.
16. What’s the last sporting event you watched? The end of the Memphis/ Tenn. game last night. Sorry Tigers.:(
17. Who is the last person you emailed? My new cast for Cheaper by the dozen.
18. Ever go camping? yes back before kids.
19. Do you have a tan? Not right now...give me a month or two.
20. Do you drink your soda from a straw? Sometimes from a glass.
21. What did your last IM say? Hellllloooooo?
22. Are you someone’s best friend? Yes.
23. What are you doing tomorrow? Borrowing a tree from the highschool's drama dept.
24. Where is your mom right now? Probably on the sofa.
25. Look to your left, what do you see? Stacks of pics and picture cds.
26. What color is your watch? Silver and gold
27. What do you think of when you think of Australia? Lets go Outback tonight...which is waaaay better than the Wiggles theme song!
28. Would you consider plastic surgery? Yes then say no. lol...well depends on whos paying!
29. What is your birthstone? Turquoise
30. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? Depends if we are staying to play.
33.How many kids do you want? I have all the ones I want, thank you.
34. Do you have a dog? Yes...130 lb black great dane, Belle
35. Last person you talked to on the phone? Not sure...
36. Have you met anyone famous? John Stamos back wehn he was on General Hospital
37. Any plans today? Nope, nada,....try not to stress
38. How many states have you lived in? 4- Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. I also lived in Venezuela.
39. Ever go to college? Yes.
40. Where are you right now? At home.
41. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? I plead the 5th.
42. Last song listened to? Not sure, but I can't get that stupid Miley Cirus song out of my head.
43. Are you allergic to anything? Dust.....
44. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? FLIP FLOPS over 65 degrees
45. Are you jealous of anyone? A little...but not in a bad way.
46. Is anyone jealous of you? Yes.
47. What time is it? 1:40pm
48. Do any of your friends have children? Um, yes.
49. Do you eat healthy? Um, sure. Ignore the Snickers comment above.
50. What do you usually do during the day? Eat bonbons and look at the internet all day. Um, yeah right.
51. Do you hate anyone right now? Hate is such a strong word....I reeeealy don't like a few people.
52. Do you use the word ‘hello’ daily? Yes.
53. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?38
54. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Which one? Yes...Over Georgia
55. How did you get one of your scars? Car accident in high school...small scar on my knee. I wasn't driving.
And there ya have it. The longest meme in history.

There's no place like home....

2008-02-22T19:21:00.002-06:00

Is it really Friday? I feel like I haven't been home all week. I finally cast the show...down to 16 kids from almost 100. Yes, I said 100 kids! Can you believe it? I hated cutting so many good kids, kids of friends and teachers. There were so many cute talented kids. But I am comfortable will my choices. We read through today and I was pretty pleased overall. There were issues that we'll have to figure out. Cheaper by the d*ozen was written way back in a time when talking about minstral shows was ok. You know, mistah bones and black face? Its just not necessary in this day and age so we'll have to change it to straight man type delivery. Changing the word "teddi*s" to "th*ngs". The kids actually laughed through the reading and poked and teased each over over things. I think I have their respect but they know it will be fun too. Here we go!

Planets align so rare........

2008-02-20T20:16:00.004-06:00

As I sit and wait for the lunar eclipse to be, well, more eclipsed...time to update....
We survived the bad weather just fine. The bad stuff broke up just before it arrived here, though it did do some pretty bad damage to a few cities in the center of the state. We feel pretty lucky.

With the kids having Monday off it feels like another rushed whirl wind week (no pun intended). I had auditions at the school today for "Cheaper" and we had 51 kids come through! For a small private school I thought it was a fantastic turnout! I still have to see some more kids tomorrow as we ran out of time today. I knocked down the 51 to 28 plus a few from tomorrow and will cast 16 from that. I don't enjoy cutting anyone, but I immensly enjoy casting. I love leaning on my intuition to see if I have cast correctly. I am ready to get by "Alice" next weekend and get to the auditions for "Laura Ingalls Wilder". Good stuff!

Hmmm......maybe the moon will peek out once from behind the clouds???
Anyone remember what song the lyrics in the post title is from???;)

Stormy weather...

2008-02-17T13:12:00.002-06:00

Its Sunday and we just got home from church. We are anticipating some bad weather....lots of tornadoes in the center of the state. It will be few hours before it arrives here but it reminds me of the Palm Sunday Outbreak of 1994. 42 people died that day...22 in the state of Alabama alone. Why do I remember the year? Because that was the day I was having my bridal portraits made. It was an unusually warm day. I spent a few hours in the upstairs studio that remains part of a historical building of downtown Auburn. It still has the pressed tin ceiling tiles that restoration companies of today would pay big bucks for. Despite the humidity, my curls seemed to remain obedient. I was nervous and excited at the same time. Why? My own future husband would be photographing me in my dress. And yes, he would see me in my dress before the wedding, but it just didn't make sense to have any other professional capture those images. Anyway, it was a Sunday. And it was in March the year I was getting married....nearly 14 years ago. My husband is, ironically, at a bridal show today. We'll stay glued to the tv. Praying it lightens up and goes away.

Happy Valentine"s Day

2008-02-14T17:59:00.002-06:00

Happy day to you all! My day was made by the hugs and "I love you"s from my little preschool munchkins today. I don't normally take the kids to school on Thursdays but John had to go into work early so I did and I hung around a little. I'm glad I did as I received many hugs and kisses....and some chocolate...some of which melted in the car after a looong day of Valentine parties and grocery shopping. We also had lunch with Matt's little sweetheart, Erin, and her mom. I found out yesterday that apparently he's already asked her to marry him. lol....mark my words...we have always said and I countinue to believe.... that he will marry a brunette.:)

A good laugh...

2008-02-13T12:16:00.002-06:00

I'm finding out what a neat thing Google is. Especially since I subscribe to the joke of the day and it made me laugh so hard today! See, my dh owns a camera store/photolab/frameshop so the following was particularly funny.

Snow White received a camera as a gift. She happily took pictures of all the Dwarfs and their surroundings. When she finished the first batch, she took the film to be developed. After a week or so she went to get the finished photos. The clerk said the photos were not back from the processor. She was very disappointed and started to cry. The clerk, tried to console her and said, "Don't worry. Some day your prints will come."

Bwhahahahahahahahahah..................

Spring?

2008-02-11T13:51:00.001-06:00

Its no secret I HATE the cold...with a passion. Mind you, I'd love to try snow skiing once in my life and I love snow. General grey cold days? Bleh....

So I'm driving through my little town today when I notice flowers blooming on a bush. They only caught my eye so I didn't really see what they were. Its been warm a day or two in the last few weeks. Could the groundhog possibly be wrong? (Oh please, oh please!) So it got me thinking...

Its Azalea Watch time! Every year Callaway Gardens posts almost daily pics of the gardens so you can see when they are in full bloom. Full bloom is usually around the first week of April but Azalea Watch begins March 15th!!! See, I grew up in Mobile- nick-named "the Azalea City". Its stunning to see all the color. I especially love the monster blooms on the larger bushes like the kind in my yard growing up. We have a few small bloom variety bushes we transplanted from one place to another in our yard when we moved in our current house over 10 years ago. Obviously the previous owner did not know that azaleas thrive in full sun.

Here's a pic of us from last year. The cherry blossoms and wisteria were in bloom too! I looooove the smell of wisteria! Oh I am feeling better already!

Land of the living....

2008-02-07T17:34:00.000-06:00

I have returned! I got a touch of the kids bug early this week and felt pretty crappy. From reading my fellow bloggers I see I was in good company. Hope you are all feeling better! Now onto ramblings....

Saturday......OMGosh! Cystal and I had so much fun driving to Atlanta and attending the seminar! I'm all set to get back in the game of babies and pics. Bring 'em on! Sam Puc' was fantastic! I can see why she is a fantstically successful photographer. I wasn't bored for a minute! And I got to speak with other photographers about NILMDTS and talk about handling a photoshoot. One in particular, Lori, had lost her son 5 years ago and promised me you go into photographers mode. She even shoots available light. I was worried about dragging a bunch of equipment into a hospital like I imagined. Now I know I can just bring a camera. Whew!

Super Bowl....great game...no personal interest but happy for Eli Manning. Nothing like a Super Hero family.

Monday...what was Monday? It was alll a blurrrr.....

Tuesday...HAPPY MARDI GRAS Y'ALL! I made my first King Cake- a really easy recipie out of the Catholic Week Newspaper.

It was also Super Tuesday. I was feeling a little lost as my man Thompson and had dropped out. No matter, McCain has pretty much sealed the deal today with Romney dropping out.

Wednesday....BUSY BUSY music at preschool, photoshoot, (skipped PTO meeting)...and then Bunco!

Today? I finally mailed out almost all my eBay stuff. At least the stuff that had been paid for. Not too shabby overall.

This weekend holds 2 baby showers. One I am helping give. Did I say busy?

More good stuff....

2008-02-02T12:29:00.000-06:00

In half an hour I'll be on the road to a photography seminar in Atlanta! I can't believe its already here!...make that FINALLY here! When I get back half my eBay auctions will be done too. And my husband will have finished tileing the laundry room floor! Not a bad reward for being taking care of sick kids all week!:)

Yay!

2008-02-01T19:57:00.001-06:00

Both my babies finally went back to school today. P'nut missed 3 days this week and Man missed 2. But they are good now.....95% maybe.
While they were at school I met with the headmaster and I will now be directing a play at P'nuts school! Yay! There will be over lap between my winter and spring shows with the community theatre but its do-able. The parents are very excited and so am I. I get to pour over script titles this weekend. Its hard to know, starting a drama program from scratch who will show up to audition. Gotta pick something with lots of appeal....for the actors and a potential audience. Ah, the BIG picture. Good stuff. Oh, and a new hot water heater and a half tiled floor.:)

LOL...new meme

2008-01-30T15:15:00.000-06:00

My friend Tink just posted a new meme on her blog that I had to try!

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random The first article title on the page is the name of your band.
2. http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3 The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.
3. http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/ The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
4. Use your graphics program of choice to throw them together.

Here is the result! I admit...I kept coming up with peoples names and didn't think that would be fitting so kept doing #1 until I got something do-able and on the 4th try, I kept it.:) Everything else was by the book...I promise!

poor babies....

2008-01-30T10:18:00.001-06:00

Well Ashleigh is healing quite nicely and should go back to school tomorrow. But now my baby is sick. His fever hit 103.3 last night. Poor little buddy. Apparently there were 4 kids out from her class yesterday so its going around. At least I didn't have to take her to the Ped clinic! Little buddy has to be better next week....we are celebrating Mardi Gras at preschool! His teacher is from Louisiana and is bringing a king cake and I am bringing fleur de lis shaped cookies and icing and green, yellow, and purple sprinkles for the kids create-a-snack! We'll dance to some jazz in music and toss out some beads! iTunes has a great cd with jazz for kids for example Ella Fitzgerald sings "'Ol MacDonald". Its fun. (I'd hot link you but for some stinkin reason my iTunes is not connecting to the iTunes Store!)
On another note- its quickly becoming THEATRE season! I am midway through directing my theater class and we have 2/3 of Alice in Wonderland blocked. I can't wait till they have their lines memorized so I can get into helping them with character.
My daughter's school has approached me about directing a show for them! The head master did mention the word "pay" so I'm kinda excited to see where this might lead.
And I'm starting to think on "Laura Ingalls Wilder:Voice of the Prairie" too, the young actors spring show. Busy, busy.

Ramblings of a tired woman...waiting.

2008-01-28T13:23:00.000-06:00

Now I have everything listed on eBay,ah with the exception of some capri pants in the wash, I get to sit and wait. and wait. And while I wait.....
My daughter started throwing up last night about 10p.m. I heard that cough she does and she fell asleep at 7 without dinner....A + B= throw up. She went back to sleep and woke up again at 2am and continued, off and on, until about an hour ago. Now she gets horrible migrains when she throws up for some reason. I called the Peds clinic this morning somewhere in the 8 'oclock hour and have yet to hear back. So I wait...and wait some more.
Did I mention that our hot water heater that has been on its last leg for years is now leaking into the basement? So in preparation for a new water heater I have been washing every item of laundry. We've been in our house since '96 and the floor in the laundry room is that plastic flooring. Yuck. So when we take the heater out, we willl take out the washer and dryer too and put down tile flooring to match the hallway. And paint. So now John is on the hunt for the heater. So I wash and dry, and wait.
This is what I get for rolling my eyes the other day, taking in a breath and asking God for patience. Aaaaannnnd I'm waiting. :)

eBay, eBay, eBay.....

2008-01-27T17:00:00.000-06:00

I am googley eyed right now! I have to take a break. I am lisiting a TON of stuff on eBay! A few weekends ago I spent the whole weekend going through every tub of clothes and sorting down to this:
keep for sentimental reasons
keep to sell next winter or wear
sell on eBay
sell at consignment shop
give to thrift store
give to Women's Hope Clinic.

Its hard to look at all the clothes and realize...you are done with this chapter in your life. Moving on from the thought of more children. Its just too hard. And John seems to think he is an old man at 42...lol.

Now I am listing all the items. I am up to 40 items sizes infant to girls 6. I have 8 more to go. It took me 2 hours to list 21 items yesterday. Its taken about the same today to list the rest. If you are interested.... go to my eBay! I think I am a tad overly honest in my selling. I tend to admit every little speck. But it makes me mad when others don't so....
Anyway...hope you're having a great day! Can I add...
HUNTING SEASON IS ALMOST OVER????!!!!!!

Life's soundtrack....

2008-01-24T11:00:00.000-06:00

As I am waiting on my cd to burn recently downloaded songs, I think I'll blog!
So what would your greatest hits cd hold? I did make a CD last year that was a mix of songs that reminded me of people or events in my life.

1. Summer of '69- Bryan Adams
2. Save a Prayer- Duran Duran
3. Never say goodbye- Bon Jovi
4. What a Wonderful world- Louis Armstrong
5. Groovy Kind of Love- Phil Collins
6. More than a feeling- Boston
7. Everything I do- Bryan Adams
8. A whole new world- Aladdin Soundtrack
9. Wonderful Tonight- Eric Clapton
10. Bring it on home- Little Big Town

There are actually 19 songs on the cd. Multiple songs about events or certain people....I could have added a gazillion Duran Duran songs, or the Go-Go's, or Harry Connick , Jr. but I think this sums it up best. Wouldn't you love to know what they all mean????LOL

Update on Carly:

2008-01-23T16:36:00.000-06:00

They got 95% of her tumor. The other 5% they are planning on getting with radiation. She is doing better today. She does have two lesions on her lungs that will be screened on Monday. Keep the prayers up!

Miracle Monday

2008-01-20T13:40:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is Miracle Monday. Why? Because a little girl named Carly is having surgery to remove a tumor in her sinus cavity/cartilage. She's 7 and goes to our church. Our church is having a prayer vigil duiring the day for her while she is in surgery. The parents found out right before Thanksgiving about the tumor because she had a stuffy nose that just wouldn't go away. She was diagnosed with another cancer first and began chemo. Now, the diagnosis has changed to a rarer form of cancer. The chemo did not even touch the cancer. In fact during those weeks, it actually grew 20- 30%. So the doctors are going to go in and remove as much as they can. Please say a prayer for her....she's going to need a miracle! If you want to read her story you can go to www.lovecarly.com . From there you can go to her Caring bridge site. Thanks.

Ok.....we found snow!

2008-01-19T19:33:00.000-06:00

So after it was abundantly clear we were not getting snow at our house, we hopped in the car, met John at the shop and drove to the hunting camp. Its about an hour north. And the kids got to play in the snow! We stayed about an hour and half then came on home. Brrrrrrr.....but it was fun. Matt loved the snowball fights and Ashleigh loved building her snowman!

Things that don't humor me......

2008-01-19T12:48:00.000-06:00

NEARLY getting snow. Its not gonna happen. Not here. The line of snow is right on top of our county. By the time the cold air gets to our county the snow will just about be gone. We had some sleet/ mixed with snow come through, but it quickly turned back to rain and we went back inside. I'm soooooo bummed. My kids went to bed with their mittens, scarves, coats and hats by the door......they were ready and very excited! I'm still holding out a little hope.:(

The things that humor me....

2008-01-18T15:38:00.000-06:00

-The Backyardigans- with Queen's "Bohemian Raphsody" playing as their music theme.
- my 4 year old son singing "Oh what you do to me, oh what you do to me" by Plain white t's. Tells you how much they play it on the radio as we do not own this cd. LOL

-and this comic strip-

Bwahahahahahahahahhahahaha..............

Apologies to my HUGE fan base....

2008-01-15T19:10:00.000-06:00

LOL...apparently I have been too long without posting. We started school back last week and I have been a tad overwhelmed. I was diagnosed with reflux right before Christmas via a trip to the radiology dept at the hospital. I can't drink alcohol, o.j., more than a coke a day anymore, really, and I'm scared to eat alot of the food I was used to eating so I feel like my life has been turned upside down...at least a little. "Alice in Wonderland" started rehearsal last week....and this is my class so I don't get to choose who is in it....I've got some really great kids but there will be challenges.
I also got approved to be a photographer for "Now I Lay me Down to Sleep". This is an organization that is so wonderful, providing photography totally free for families of babies stillborn, miscarried as early as 20 weeks, or infant death. I'm a nervous wreck about that once I learned what the worst case senario could look like. My son was born at 17 weeks and other than being small, thin and purple, he looked like a little doll. THAT I can handle. Apparently babies who die in-utero will have black lips and well, worse. I pray that God works me into this slowly. I have blurry polaroids of my son...I know what beautiful photos could mean for a grieving family.
So in practice for this and getting prepped to go back into the photo business- I had two photo shoots in the past week. Friday morning I took pics for a Bunco friend of mine....maternity pics and she gave birth today! I also got to take some pics of another Bunco friend's newly adopted baby girl on Monday! She's beautiful and teeny! BTW....never tell the photographer the day before the session "My baby sleeps like an angel!" I got there and she (mom and baby) had been up since 1 a.m.!!!!!!!! Jinxed! We got some really sweet shots and I'm looking forward to getting those pics up on my new photography website. I did professional photography for a few years before I got pregnant with Ashleigh. I took a break to be there for the kids...now I'm working my way back in. I'll link y'all when its up. I had fun playing in PS the other day if you are wondering about the header.:)
Ok..is that enough to satisfy?????