my afternoon

After my Dr. appointment this afternoon, I cam home and planted more mondo grass on the other side of the patio. This project actually goes fairly quickly. It went much faster after I evicted Brad-o back into the house. While planting I got a special call from my oldest friend in the whole world who had some very exciting news!!! I have known this sweet angel 30 years in October. I love her dearly and I am tickled pink (or blue?) for her!

my recycle bin runneth over

Yeah Earth!

She is a happy driver

Here is a picture of my friend Tiffani driving the Mario Kart. She surprised me with a visit this afternoon. We went to Sonic, Home Depot, and Old Tyme Pottery. Tiffani took lots of fun pictures with her camera phone and I am sure she will update her blog soon for you all to see.. after all, she only has a blog for my reader to stay updated... haha!

May 7th

I am getting my hair cut on Wednesday, May 7th at 3:45pm. Any suggestions on hair styles??

Mario Kart

Since it was raining, we went to Cozumel for a late lunch/early dinner. We then went to get Mario Kart which was released today. I took the steering wheel out of the box and pretended to drive home. Mr. D. would turn the wheel every time I did. It was funny. It wasn't until about a half our later until I realized that this was not how you are supposed to hold the wheel. I couldn't figure out why the car on the game would turn the opposite way as I was turning the wheel. Thank goodness Mr. D. was here to turn the wheel around correctly so I could drive. TOTAL BLONDE MOMENT!

yard work

Today, we decided that there was no more putting it off- we needed to work in the yard. Yesterday we went to Home Depot and purchased some supplies we would need. We needed mulch and sand. We also needed Mondo Grass. Mondo Grass is one of only a few ground covers I can find that a) I like and b) isn't poisonous to dogs. Having Brady has truly changed my gardening habits (ie.. bye bye caladiums!) I also got a new pair of gardening gloves that I think go nicely with my gardening clogs. Mr. D. found a toy he couldn't live without. I don't know what it is called but it is a tall stick with different attachments for the end to cut down tall limbs and such. We have so much growing over our fence from the back side neighbor's trees. Early this afternoon, the three of us set out to work. Brady mostly supervised. I pulled weeds and planted more mondo grass between the mondo grass I had planted last year. It didn't spread as much as I had hoped. Weed had grown in between each plant. (before on left, after on right). Brady had to personally inspect each hole I dug, each plant I planted and then walked (more like trampled) on the plants to make sure they were securely in place. Mr. D. chopped down the limbs. Brady liked dragging the limbs around the yard after Mr. D. cut them down. If only we could train Brady to brag them to the side of the street for pick up. The day ended pretty abruptly when it started pouring down rain. I was glad because it meant I didn't have to water the new plants!

the cake

While there is no photo evidence of this, I did make a super yummy cake to take to a cookout this afternoon. I baked a two layer Duncan Hines yellow cake mix. I then used dental floss (thanks for the advise Mom!) to split the layers in half making 4 layers. I spread Mayfield Homemade Vanilla ice cream between the layers. I froze the cake for several hours. Then I iced the cake with Duncan Hines Milk Chocolate frosting (2 cans) and returned it to the freezer. While we had a few challenges getting the cake into Rachel's freezer once we got to her house... the cake was a hit. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and I must admit it was very tasty! We ate a wonderful dinner consisting of steak, corn on the cob, salad, mashed potatoes and rolls. The appetizers were amazing too! We had so much fun hanging out with Rachel, Charlie, Leah, Reid and of course Tyson- the American Bulldog. We also got lots of training tips to try on Brady.

treats for the week

Today we took a trip to the produce stand. We bought lots of wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables. This place also makes super yummy boiled peanuts!

dinner of mystery

Tonight Mr. D came home and announced that he had chosen where we were going for dinner. I got to invite Meghan and Kelly. Meghan is sick, Kelly went. Here are the clues we had.
1) It was in our city
2) It was cheap
3) We could dress casual
4) They have french fries (this turned out to be false)
5) That I had eaten there and that we also had eaten there with friends.

Click here to see the top notch place we ate at.

The 13 random pics

I know you were all sad not to see the 13 random pictures.. so here they are. Enjoy!

This is a picture of Brady with his favorite toy. This is the only toy he has that he will fetch consistantly (ie. actually bring back to be thrown again). I was in the kitchen loading the dish washer and he was wanting to play fetch. He won.

This is the rock that a friend of mine put infront of my passenger side tire as a joke yesterday. When I tried to go forward it wedged in and the car wouldn't go anywhere. I thought I had a flat tire and got out and saw the rock. I had to back up, unwedge the rock and then get out and move it. I got back in, called him on the phone and he was laughing hysterically! Funny guy!!!




This is fried chicken I made on Thursday. I have been trying to replicate chicken that I made when my cousin was living with us. Mr. D. is always saying "I wish you would make the chicken like you did when Shane lived here". The thing is I have no clue what I did when I made it that was any different than the usual. So, I was trying again... It was pretty good, but he said it wasn't as good as when Shane was here.


This is the piece of art we bought for our home on the day we closed on the house. It is the motto of our home.










These are the lily pads growing in my pond. I don't know how they are blooming through all of the yucky algae. I am not looking forward to cleaning it out!








These candles I LOVE.













This is the best gift I have ever received. I have no clue what is in it, but my brother sent it to me for Christmas. I love this seasoning.











This is the wren nest in the eve of my house.
These are the carnations growing in my yard. My mom planted them 3 years ago. They were pale pink. They have gotten darker every year. I wonder if one day they will be red.
This is the flag out front. I changed it a few days ago. We are a Braves family!

This is the little seed holder where I feed the wrens in the nest above.

This is a clothes hanger that Brady took off of our bed, took into the guest room and put it on the bed there. Now that is pretty random!

I think Brady looks like he is laughing in this picture. It is so funny to me!

Thursday 13: thirteen movies I can not believe my friend Tiffani hasn't seen

I was going to do a Thursday 13 about 13 random pictures I took today. However- while talking to my friend Tiffani on the phone- this seems more pressing. I can't believe Tiffani hasn't seen the following movies. While she is 5 years younger than I am, I am still in shock.

1) Pretty in Pink -this and movies #2 and #3 I will stop whatever I am doing just to watch.
2) Breakfast Club
3) Smokey and the Bandit
4) National Lampoon's Vacation (I know- she even tried to act like she had .. silly girl!)
5) St. Elmo's Fire
6) Heathers- (love this one!!)
7) One Crazy Summer
8) When Harry Met Sally
9) Goonies
10) About Last Night
11) Lucas
12) Princess Bride
13) Can't Buy Me Love

I could keep going as my list is a mile long! She isn't planning on watching any of these movies either! Can you believe it???????????

a little game

Guess which one belongs to me by leaving a comment.

To read about our day, click here.

surprise!

Here is a picture of Leah K. (not to be confused with my co-teacher Leah C.) on the way to what she thought was a dinner out with friends. In reality she was on the way to her SURPRISE 30th birthday party. We had to tell a few fibs to get her there- but she was totally shocked. The party was so much fun. It was on the deck at a local tex-mex place. The spread was a taco bar with all of the chips, salsa and cheese dip you could ever want. There was also a local band playing. It was such perfect weather for the fun night... until about 10 or so when it started raining (but it wasn't a tornado like every other Friday). We didn't care though because the deck was covered. It was so much fun. I definitely would recommend this setting for a party!

here I am

Here is a picture of me in the dress (I wish it included my cute shoes).

my two dresses

OK.. Here is the story. About 4 weeks ago, Mr. D. and I were in Ross Dress for Less. I know this is torture for him but I needed a dress to a wedding. While looking for said wedding dress I found a super cute sun dress. I instantly fell in love with this cute dress. SOLD.. or so I thought until Mr. D. took one look at the dress and preceded to go into a whole dissertation about exactly how ugly the dress was. I didn't buy it. I have thought about it though. I thought about all of the places I could have worn that cute little dress like barbecues, birthday parties, or any social event we get invited to. I thought about it so much that I went yesterday and bought it. I tried it on for Mr. D. last night and he still didn't like it. He said the dress itself is fine- but he doesn't like that pattern on the dress. Anyway, I like it and so I am wearing it just for me. It makes me happy. Here is the dress. It's hard to tell- but it is gathered on the top and the flowers are outlined in glittery like thread. I am wearing it tonight to dinner with a friend. Maybe I will get a picture of me in it. Here are a few pictures of my oh so ugly dress.

Now, as I was digging though the racks looking for my dress, the following dress found me. It was in a size smaller than I usually wear but I decided to try it on anyway. It fits and I love it! I am planning to wear it to a wedding we are going to on June 13th. It is so sassy and fun. I love the buttons in the back.

Thursday 13: thirteen fun facts about my week

1) My class is going on a field trip to the park tomorrow. It is one of my favorite days of the entire school year.
2) I bought a new book that I haven't started reading yet. It is the new Oprah book club book titled The New Earth.
3) I can"t figure out how to turn the underline thing off. I think it is so funny.
4) I just figured it out :)
5) Brady is getting a new cousin tomorrow. Keep checking Meredith's blog for pictures.
6) The bake sale raised lots of money for the people who lost their home to a fire.
7) I bought not one...but 2 new dresses tonight (more on this later..).
8) Mr. D. is asleep on the couch but pretending not to be. He is snoring, but every once in awhile tunes in and tried to discuss the tv shows with me like he has been watching all along. It's SO funny!
9) I am getting my toes done on Saturday- and the friend I am going with has never had a pedicure. I am so excited for her... and me too!
10) The same friend also wanted me to go with her for a haircut on Saturday.. but I freaked out and so I guess I am not ready for the short hair yet.
11) I got my cell phone bill today and last month I sent 412 text messages and received 386 text messages. I am glad we switched to the unlimited. This is currently my favorite form of communication.
12) Go here to see a super cute and oh so tiny baby. You'll love the pic. She is wearing a bib that is like a million times bigger than she is.... SO cute!
13) Despite the daily stresses and bumps in the road, I have has a really fun week. I am so happy with all of my friends and how much fun I have had with them this week. Everyone has just been so much darn fun! I have probably laughed more this week that I have in months. My house has been filled with people off and on just hanging out. I love it! (Oh, and the cutie pie next door has started calling me.. it is so funny!! )

bake sale ready

Everything is sealed and tied and ready to go to the bake sale. Tonight I made Caramel Apple Muffins. They are pretty cute. It is a carrot cake mix with apples folded in, topped with caramel and pecans. Then the cutest part is I put popsicle sticks in to look like caramel apples. Fun! Now, to be honest, I didn't like the taste. If I were to make these again I would use my Mom's Fresh Apple Cake recipe. Another mistake I made was I bought the caramel bits instead of the wrapped caramels. I do not think they taste the same at all. So, I will stick with the squares next time. One another note, I also made yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting- but they weren't for the bake sale. They were for Mr. D. because they are his favorite and he deserved a treat too!

fun for all

I stopped at Books A Million tonight to get Mr. D. a book and this caught my eye. Of course I bought it. Meghan is going to help us train Brady to do all of these neat tricks. Maybe if he actually learns one- I will make a video for the blog.

betrayed by the DVR

Dear Readers,
I have been betrayed by the DVR. While I was at the Mexican restaurant laughing and having fun, my DVR made the decision to record Big Brother 9 and Hell's Kitchen instead of The Deadliest Catch. I now have to wait until tomorrow - because the show doesn't come on again until 1am. ARRG!! Obviously, the DVR isn't a regular blog reader or it would not have made that mistake!

snack mix

They are having a bake sale at Mr. D.'s work on Thursday to raise money for a family who lost their home to a fire. I am making a few things to send. Today, I made this white chocolate covered snack mix. Mr. D. LOVES it. It is so simple to make. You just take peanut M&M's, pretzel sticks, and rice chex and pour melted white chocolate over the mixture. Then you just stir it up and presto- you're done. I even bought cute treat bags to put the mix in.

things have taken a turn

As you can clearly see.. haha, my crack has made a u-turn and is now heading back down the wind shield.

it's time!!!

Tomorrow night at 8pm (central....9 at your house Karen) the new season of The Deadliest Catch starts. I am so excited about it!!

guess who is one

The sweet little cookie monster next door has turned one. We went to his party today. He didn't get as wild with his cake as some of the others one year olds I have seen. He was actually very neat with his cake. He got lots of wonderdul gifts that I just know he is going to love. It was a good time with our good friends. The cupcakes were so cute. Caleb's mom is so creative!

my advice

My advice to anyone who shops at Costco is to get a "Costco Buddy". I have been going with another girl for 2 months now, once a month and we split everything. We each only spend around $50 and no one goes home with 8000 rolls of paper towels. It is really working out well for us. Plus- the shopping is fun too!

It's Friday... must be tornado time

Here I am again on a Friday with possible Tornados. My Friend Kelly is here doing her laundry and we are watching the news and keeping a watch on the weather.

Thursday 13: thirteen things I loved about meeting Ceci

Today, I went to the hospital to meet the 34 hour old Ceci. I was very excited about it all day- and could hardly wait to go. Mom and baby are doing great. There was a lot of love in that hospital room. Here is a list of 13 things I loved about meeting Ceci.

1) She is tiny- about the size of a bag of sugar.
2) She is as sweet as a bag of sugar too!
3) You could fit about 4 of her in her newborn outfit.
4) Her face is so pretty and her skin is smooth with the prettiest coloring.
5) She was perfectly quiet. (unlike the baby in the room next to Natalie- who Natalie reported screamed all night long and all day today)
6) She smells so sweet.
7) Her toes were so cute! They should totally make tiny newborn flipflops!
8) She has long fingers and as her Grandmother put it she has "such elegant hands."
9) Her hair is wavy.
10) She looks good in a hat.
11) I got to change her diaper and the diaper swallowed her up too. She is as small as dolls I had as a child.
12) She makes cute little faces.
13) I love how happy she makes her Mom (I didn't see her Daddy- but I am sure she makes him happy too!)

Ceci is here!!!

Here she is! Cute as a button! I can hardly wait to meet her in person!

Congratulations Natalie and Jesse!

seven years ago today...

Seven years ago today, the funniest kid I know came into this world. He won my heart instantly. Here is a picture of us when we first met when he was about 3 months old. I know what you are all thinking- my that was a super cute hair cut. hahaha. Donovan lives a million miles away. I think about him and miss him each and every single day. I am always looking forward to seeing him again! Happy Birthday Donovan Troy! You are my #1 favorite (and so far only) nephew!

the recipe

Here is the recipe.. remember it makes approximately 8 dozen cookies. Enjoy!

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

3 sticks for butter, softened
1 1/4 C white sugar
1 1/4 C firmly packed dark brown sugar
4 1/4 C all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
12 0z package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat over to 350. In a large bowl, beat sugar, brown sugar, and butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs and blend well. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. **At this point you can freeze dough if desired. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw to room temperature for 1-2 hours. Bake as directed.
Drop cookies by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 11 minutes or until light golden brown.

94 cookies

This morning, I was going through my box (pile actually) or clipped and hand written recipes and I came across this recipe I got about 2 years ago from a mom at my school. She had made the cookies at a school function and Mr. D. told me he liked them. I tracked down who had made them, got the recipe and threw it in the box and forgot all about it. Today, I resurrected the recipe and baked up some yumminess. The mom didn't write down how many cookies the recipe made-- well, the answer is 94. It just kept making cookies and making cookies. There are pretty yummy. I shared with the neighbors. It was a great thing to do on a rainy day.

2 random facts

Mr. D. got a ticket today at the campus of a local college for parking in the wrong place. Just like the tickets he got when he was in college- he says he is not paying it.

My wind shield was hit by a rock on the drive home and there is a small crack in it.

all clear

I am now out of the safe zone. Brady is back to having his free roam of the house and as usual he is just where ever I am trying to be.

don't worry

I just braved the danger and walked into the kitchen to get some girl scout cookies for Brady and I to enjoy in the safe zone. My how that pup loves a Do-Si-Do!

blogging from the safe zone

Brady and I are in the safe zone due to the tornado sirens going off. I don't know how long we will be here. Mr. D. is still at work. He keeps checking on us. I heard hail earlier and Brady was all over the house trying to figure it out. I have since gated him into the safe zone with me (you know incase part of the house blows away). It looks like we are in for a rough night weather wise.