About A Girl

Yes, this post is an ode to my birthday girl / fashion queen!

The birthday fell on Tuesday of last week. Not the ideal time for partying it up, but she did get to hang out with the grandparents while I went to Big Dan's game. We had a day of fun planned for Saturday of this past weekend and here's what we did.....

We gathered up an aunt, an uncle, and a few little boys....

A daddy to foot the bill and ride go-karts with her....

A mom who played some skee ball with her, followed her around snappping lots of pictures..

cleaned up all the wrapping mess...

and kept up with ALL THOSE TICKETS!!

We went to Playtime Pizza and they had a blast! It was totally a Chuck E Cheese on some major steroids.

With all the craziness of baseball and just life in general last week, she decided she would rather have Cold Stone Creamery instead of a birthday cake. She's not much on cake anyway, and it sure made it easier on me. HOWEVER, we were so full after an all you could eat during the day buffet, we decided we would save that until our "girls day out" which was yesterday....the first day of Spring Break.

We had such a wonderful day yesterday. The weather was gorgeous! Perfect for some shopping....and let me tell you, this little fashion queen hit the mother load. We found some great deals and some super cute stuff including these...

The ice cream trip got changed to this...

Highway robbery if you ask me!! lol. Anyway, the goal of the day was to not come home without an Easter Dress. The MISSION was ACCOMPLISHED, and we had some wonderful quality chick time to boot!! I am lovin' Spring Break.

Eleven

Although it is actually 11:00 and the day has almost ended, it was a very special day....and no, not just because it was "St. Patrick's Day", although it was.

My baby girl turned eleven today.

She was up this morning before anyone else in the house. By the time my alarm went off she had already had a bath and painted her nails green for the occasion. I made cinnamon rolls especially for her birthday breakfast.

While she was at school, I scurried around knowing this would probably be my only chance to get chores done around the house. I'll be baseballing pretty much the rest of the week, but savoring every last moment of it. My parents picked Little Ann and my nephews up from school and they went to celebrate over supreme pizza and a root beer float, while afterwards heading to wally world to pick out a gift. I, of course, went to watch Big Dan, but if I had to guess, she had a great day. We will be celebrating more this weekend gearing up for "Playtime Pizza" and some "Cold Stone Creamery". I'm sure you'll be hearing more about that birthday celebration in detail..(with pictures!)

They grow so very fast. It's hard to believe that my sweet little chubby cheeked baby....


has blossomed into such a beautiful young lady.

Happy Birthday! I love you, my sweet Little Ann.

Birthday Pictures

Yesterday was Pete's 40th birthday. It doesn't even seem possible that we are this old. Although I have at least another year and a half in the 30's, I know that 40 is just around the corner for me too. I let 30 bother me so much, but the rest of the numbers haven't seemed to be that bad. My mom's words "what's your alternative?" would run through my mind each year. Pete commented that 40 made him feel "half dead". I had to remind him of his alternative. Hearing those words will definitely make you look at birthdays in a different light. Even though I am prepared for my life after death, I would rather not go just yet!!

People say you're only as old as you feel and I don't feel old. As a matter of fact, most of the time, I still feel like a school girl....so, I guess that's a good thing.

I took several pictures throughout the day yesterday. All my shooting, of course was in automatic mode, but I tried a new angle.

I was trying new things and found that just turning the camera a little gave this shot a neat look.

I love this picture below. It just makes me smile to see this big grin on Little Ann's face. She is 100% daddy's girl. He loves her so much and believe me, she knows it!! Silly pictures just make me happy.

Pete's sister lives in the big city and although Pete and I already had plans for a night out to celebrate, she called and wanted to celebrate this milestone with us. She called his mom and step dad, our nephew and she and her husband all met us at one of Pete's favorite restaurants. I wish Big Dan could've come, but right now baseball is his priority...(even over the girlfriend, I'm afraid), and he practices late every night. Anyway, this restaurant is the Atkins dieter's dream. They have a selection of every kind of cut of meat you can imagine and bring you unlimited amounts. It was delish and we all left stuffed.

Not to mention this humongous birthday cake we had (and the leftovers we brought home).

I know he had a wonderful birthday. He's all about some food and he's played with his new cell phone all night and all day!! haha.

Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's 40!

Guess Who? This is my dear husband who goes by bloggy name..."Pistol Pete". He is 40 today and I am not too far behind. We've got a big day planned which includes meeting up with some of his family for dinner tonight. I'll be filling you in on all that later on and hopefully be including some pictures, but for now, I'm anxious to do this "husband" meme that I've held onto until this special day. Let's just see how much I know about this man.

1. Where did you meet?
Haha. I think I've mentioned this before, but we met at a Prison Facility. I was working as a transcriptionist for a Psychiatrist in the Mental Health department and Pete was the Jail Sergeant..(actually at that time he was working as a Lab Tech over the drug testing too). He had come over to my building for a seminar and saw me walking down the hall and that was all she wrote! haha. Of course, I told you I went out with him to make someone else jealous, but I guess he was too hard to resist!

2. How long did you date before you were married?
Only 6 months. Things just fell into place. We were both at a point in our lives where we were ready to settle down. We both had good jobs, and I was a single parent. He fit the mold for everything I was looking for in a mate and father.

3. How long have you been married?
It will be 16 years in July. Wow.

4. What does he do that surprises you?
Nothing that he does really surprises me anymore. I think after 16 years, I've pretty much got him all figured out. I think though if he would try something "romantic" occasionally (hint, hint), I might BE surprised.. lol.

5. What is your favorite feature of his?
I love his hands. He has beautiful, soft hands.

6. What is your favorite quality of his?
I love how he has it all together. We are complete opposites, but that's ok. I'm looking for something like a mad, crazy woman, and he hands it to me. He never loses anything. He's always prepared for any catastrophe. He always has a backup plan and I fly by the seat of my pants. He is a perfectionist and although sometimes it drives me crazy, most of the time it's his best quality. (and I don't have to iron his jeans because I don't do it well enough! lol)

7. Does he have a nickname for you?
Usually I'm just referred to as honey. (or other things depending on his mood!)

8. What is his favorite color?
I don't think we've ever had this conversation.

9. What is his favorite food?
I would have to say Chinese, but BBQ would have to come real close to that.

10. What is his favorite sport?
He's not a big sports fan, but he does watch an occasional football game..(ie Super Bowl or something big)

11. When & Where was your first kiss?
Our first date. (I know...You're not supposed to kiss on the first date...Who came up with that rule?) Wow. That's so hard to remember..especially for me, because I never remember anything! Were we in your car? Or at your apartment?

12. What are your favorite things to do as a couple?
We watch movies together occasionally when we aren't glued to our laptops. He likes it when I do things with him that he likes such as deer hunt. Most of the time he goes grocery shopping with me, but I think our favorite thing to do as a couple is just go out to eat and enjoy each other's company.

13. Do you have children?
Yes, our son who is 18 and daughter, age 10. (who acts just like Pete, I might add!)

14. Does he have a hidden talent?
He is a great cook. If he ever left me, I'd for sure miss his homemade hash browns, milk gravy and omelets!!

15. How old is he?
40 years old TODAY!!!

16. Who said I love you first?
He did of course.

17. What is his favorite type of music?
He listens to lots of different music, but I have always known him to be into hard rock. Right now, I catch him listening to Foo Fighters and 80's big hair bands on you tube.

18. What do you admire most about him?
He would do anything to ensure security for this family. I love this about him! And given some certain recent situations in his life, he has developed a closer relationship with God. I am so happy I am married to someone who will go to church with me.

19. Do you think he will read this?
Most definitely!! He's my most faithful reader..lol.

20. What color are his eyes?
He has beautiful brown eyes and Little Ann inherited them.

Anything you want to say to him?
Sweetie. You are a special person and I thank you for what you do for us, the sacrifices you make, and what you mean to me and to this family.

I hope you have many more happy birthday's!!

I love you!!!

I Love This Man

That's the best title I could come up with.....because I really do love this man.

This is my dad. He's been my dad for 38 years and I hope he's my dad for many more. Today is his birthday. And I know the day is almost over, but I just couldn't go to bed until I told you just how special he is to me.

November 2008

I have spent the last few hours going through albums, and searching folders on my computer for my favorite pictures of my dad.

Me and My Dad, July 1973

Dad's a handsome fella, isn't he? You know, unfortunately, I have a terrible memory, but I have a feeling I was quite the daddy's girl. I have pictures of me and my dad with puppies. I have pictures of me and my dad with watermelon, me and my dad wrestling. Pictures of us together sporting our dead ducks and dead squirrels. I must say, I'm sure my dad was happy to have his boy come along. Not that I lost any rank as his firstborn. My daddy and I have always had a good relationship and I love him more today than I ever have.

Me and My Dad, Father's Day - June 2006

For what's not to love. The only thing that has changed about my daddy over the years is that he has only gotten sweeter. I love his sweet, tender disposition. This man has never met a stranger and everybody loves him. All of my "simplicity" comes from him, for he is happiest doing the simple things in life.....much like his own father. I love that he raises vegetables in a garden and shares with me. I love so much that he raises animals and delights when his grandkids come help him milk the cows..(and drink it).

I love how much he's earned my respect over the years because he fought and and was wounded in Vietnam for my country. How he sacrificed so much of his time and many years of his life making a living at the Railroad for us to have the nicer things in life. He is a wonderful husband of 40 years to my mom and would literally die for her. I love how he is a hard working man...not afraid to tackle any job. Even cutting and sawing down the very logs that were used to build his and my mother's home and even mine and Big Dan's first house.

I love how he loves me and has been there for me through thick and thin....even when I've dissapointed him and made him cry.

My Daddy holding his first grandchild, Big Dan. October 30, 1990

My Wedding Day - July 1993

I love how he makes me laugh...because he is quite comical. And the funniest thing is, he doesn't even know he is. It makes me laugh at how he can sit down in a chair and be asleep in 10 seconds flat. It makes me laugh that he gets coffee from sun up to sun down no matter what temperature it is outside. It makes me laugh that he strikes up a conversation with anybody anywhere. I laugh (with him, not at him) when I think of all the cuts, scrapes, bruises and "smashed" toes he's had over the years, and the stress he's caused my mom because he's just an accident waiting to happen. It makes me laugh that he annoys my mother so much by collecting these and storing them in her yard as his new retirement day hobby. (but she doesn't complain when he brings in the money off ebay...lol)

I love how he wants to spend as much time as possible with his grandchildren and takes them on hunting excursions and enjoys every second.

Papaw and Little Ann (and of course, Susie and a squirrel) - November 2008

and how he has been my traveling companion to every away basketball game Big Dan has ever played....(and baseball too). How he has rooted him on and praised his efforts for a job well done.

My dad loves his family and that is no secret. What a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather he is.....and what a legacy to leave behind. My dad is none less than the most precious person I have ever known and I thank God for him every day.

Christmas Eve at my Brother's - December 2006

and I am also so very thankful I am so much like my dad. Happy, loving, forgiving....simple. There isn't anyone I would rather replicate.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Wrapping it Up...

birthday presents and the month of October....that is.

If you read my letter to my firstborn, you know that Big Dan celebrated his 18th birthday Thursday. He had a good day complete with a birthday breakfast, a lunch his sister packed for him to take to school, and an evening spent with our family and the girlfriend at a Japanese steakhouse/sushi bar in the big city. I wanted it to be a special night and it was. The food was soooo good and the atmosphere was hysterical. The guy that cooked our food on the hibachi was so comical and he really made the kids laugh.

I love watching the tricks these guys do on the grill. They are pretty amazing if I do say so myself. After we ate our meal, several of the cooks came out pounding drums and singing Happy Birthday to both of the kids as they brought out the fried ice cream. The girlfriend will be turning 20 (yes, he's got an older woman) on Tuesday so it was kind of a 2 for one birthday dinner.

Can you say spoiled??? Oh. my. goodness. I bought Big Dan several items for his baseball career. He had told me his coach said he would be working on 1st base some this season and so I went all out on a really good 1st baseman's mitt. I didn't mind spending a little more because it was a special birthday and he is talking of playing baseball on the college level if able. I also went ahead and got him a really nice new bag, and a new pair of cleats. The girlfriend got him 2 Ed Hardy tees, a fossil watch and a Lacosta cologne gift pack. Not to mention that she has already bought him a Ralph Lauren cap.

He got several cards (that included cold hard cash) in the mail and tomorrow we are having Sunday lunch with my mom and dad and so the gift giving will continue. I know he has had a great 18th.

Last night we had our 2nd annual "Trunk or Treat" at the church. We decorate the trunks of our cars...or in my case the back of my mini van..lol.., dress up and pass out candy from the parking lot. I like it alot because it gives us all a chance to fellowship with friends while giving the kids a safe place to trick or treat. I also like not having to take Little Ann door to door. She loves to trick or treat, but she has never eaten the candy. Yes, my child is a unique one indeed. Not only is she a major germaphobe, she is convinced all Halloween candy is evil and laced with cyanide. Most every year I end up taking the candy to my students just to get it out of the house. Anyway, with the trunk or treat, she gets to play with her friends while in costume and I don't have to bring home lots of extra calories.

My mom made our costumes and I thought they turned out so cute. Little Ann picked out her pattern and then we just ran with the rest of a 50's theme. She wanted to be a 50's car hop and so I went with the poodle skirt thing.

A couple of nights ago I went up to my mom's attic and dug out my old records to hang from the back of the van. I also had a cd of oldies but goodies playing which really set the mood. I just laughed at the kids though. I can't tell you how many kids came by and asked me what the records were. They honestly had no clue. Isn't that funny?

Anyway, I can't believe how fast October flew by. I am sorry I have been so lame lately. I know several of you have given me awards, memes, tags, gifts by real mail, and even boo-ed me and I haven't responded to any of that. I am going to, I promise. I know the rest of the year is going to be just as hectic...for all of us.

I tried to do a little something new with the blog this morning too. And if you noticed..or if you didn't, I have changed it about 10 times trying to get happy with it. This seems to suit my fancy at the moment, but don't be surprised if it comes up different again soon.

Enjoy your weekend.

Birthday Cakes and a Recipe for Leigh Ann

When I was a little girl, my mom could do everything....(well, she still can actually), but I didn't even realize how much she did nor appreciate it then. She was a stay at home mom who spent most of her days sewing, cooking lunch for my dad, and cleaning the house. I can remember running up our long driveway as we got off the school bus, only to spot my busy mom in the upstairs window of our house, sewing the day away. Most of our after school conversations were held over the buzz of the machines, and the sound of the steam from her trusty iron.

One thing that seems to stand out in my mind is the time in my life my mom lead my "Brownie" troop. Several of my friends and I met in a little classroom in our old elementary building for our weekly meeting. Mother had an entire set of Wilton Cake decorating tips and an assortment of cute little Disney cake pans, so one day our troop came to my house for "cake decorating lessons". We have pictures and I wish I could've shared them, but they are at my mother's house tucked away in the "sticky" kind of album.

I attempted a cake or two as I got older, but never really got into it, until I had kids. When Big Dan turned 1, I got out the hippo pan and tried to show everybody what a good mother I was. Why look at me!! I made my baby's 1st birthday cake, but despite all compliments, I quickly decided ordering was much easier and faster.

It wasn't until I was grocery shopping one night just before Big Dan turned 5 that I decided to give it another try. I ran across a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pan on the cake decorating aisle and knew I had to have it. Big Dan was a turtle fan and had already expressed interest in a Turtle party. It must've been fate. I bought the pan, got out the old faithful star tip and...here ya go...

I was so proud of myself, but.......not enough to tackle it again for quite a while.

The next years would be spent ordering Walmart cakes that included figures on top such as "Power Rangers", "Space Jam" and "Pokemon whatever they are". For the last several years, Big Dan has requested the easy route..his favorite...Oreos Ice Cream Cake, which, I'm sure will be his request in a couple of weeks as well.

Mr. star tip and I became friends again when I drug out the Winnie the Pooh pan for Little Ann's 1st birthday. But as the years quickly passed, I continued to take the easy way out and it wasn't until Little Ann's 9th birthday that I mustered up enough courage to try my hand at cake decorating again. My brother and sister-in-law had just opened up a party store and she was carrying the entire Wilton line. She volunteered to gather everything up for me and allowed me to come to her house and use her supplies. Little Ann was having a puppy party and I just had to make it up as I went along. This is what we came up with....

It was just the cutest thing ever. The cake was strawberry flavored so it was pink inside. I found some "Littlest Pet Shop" toys in her room for toppers and walla..it all came together. Haven't done it since, but I'm getting braver with each birthday!!

Leigh Ann is having a puppy party for her little Ella Grace and has requested this recipe for homemade puppy chow. We put this in little doggie bowls for the kids and they had to race on their hands and knees to their bowls and gobble the chow down (no hands). It was such a hoot!!

So.....this is for you Leigh Ann. Hope your party is great!!

Homemade Puppy Chow
2 cups chocolate chips
15 ounces of Rice Chex
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup butter
3 cups powdered sugar

Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter together in the microwave or stove top. Toss in the cereal. Place the powdered sugar in a large bowl or a baggie. Add the cereal mixture and toss. Spread out on a large pan to dry.

Looks gross....but taste great!!