Sunday, March 29, 2009

Two Reads

I'll get to the Washington DC pictures eventually. We had a great time and I am wrestling with how to present the pictures. Three of us, Peanut, Pumpkin, and I, took pictures. You can only imagine what they look like! I will work on that this week.

On the book front, I finished two books recently.

The first was Against Medical Advice by Patterson & Freidman. It is a nonfictional account of a boy's battle with Tourette's syndrome. The book opened my eyes to those that struggle with any afliction. The power of family is an underlying theme throughout. In no way was the book light-hearted but it was a quick ready. It is organized in shorter chapters typical of James Patterson.

The second book I read was The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve. I know it was an Oprah book years ago. My mother in law gave it to me in February. It is a quick read too. The story touched my heart as I was thinking about the two Fedex pilots that lost their lives in Tokyo. This book is fiction. The idealist in me loved the ending.

I've started another book and am in the middle of three knitting projects. Here's to a productive week!!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Stocking Cap II & Growing Up

I got this stocking cap finished for Peanut just in time to take with us to DC. There were a few days that he needed it. However, brother pressure got the best of him and he wore a baseball cap instead. I really did not mind as I did not want him to lose this hat on the streets of our nation's capital. The cap is made from the same pattern I used for Pumpkin's hat. I really like the Karabella 8. It is lovely to knit and is machine washable. The hat is lined with a band of royal blue fleece just to make it extra cozy. The Big Guy liked the colors of Peanut's hat. So, I used up all my odds and ends to make him one. I had plenty of time to knit on our drive to/fro DC. I actually ran out of yarn and could not complete his. I got another skein this morning to finish it up.


On the first Friday of spring break Pumpkin was invited to spend the night at a friend's house. We were busy with Peanut's soccer tournament and could not drive him there. He decided to ride his bike. His friend's house is about a mile away. The streets are not too busy with only one busier intersection. I felt like this was a monumental moment as he went out by himself. He was thrilled with the responsibillity. It was a bit chilly. This is a picture of him arriving home safely. Even Buddy was happy to see him home! I was proud and doubly impressed as the boys actually went to bed by about 1 am!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

DC - Here We Come!


Can't wait to show two boys the People's House!

I'll be back in this space upon our return.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Dinner, Goofy, and Organized!

I stopped into a rummage sale this weekend. It was not that big, but I found a few good reads. I am not sure about some of the books. I was standing next to a lady that is an avid reader. She kept telling me this one is good and this one is good. The paperbacks were only 50 cents. I figured I'd appease her, buy them, and discover a new book. I don't normally buy clothes at rummage sales. I found this tie-dyed shirt. I love the colors. It has a V-neck and may just become one of my favorites.

This weekend we went to dinner at Old Venice Pizza Company. We had pizza the night before - our Friday night staple. All of us steared toward alternatives. We had a certificate from restaurant.com to use. If you haven't gone to this site, try it out. It will save you a few bucks and will give you the opportunity to try a "new" restaurant. Anyway, the food was yummy at Old Venice. One of the Saturday night specials is a bottle of house wine for only $5.55! That is less than just a glass. We ordered the Chardonnay. It turns out it was a Fetzer. It tasted okay just a bit sweet. We decided to go with the white as the reds tend to leave me with a headache. I can't tell you the last time the Big Guy and I shared a bottle. I think I got the majority as he was driving. I am not sure what the boys thought. They were a bit concerned we might get drunk. Too funny! I did not think to pull the camera out until after the meal was done and wine consumed. As you can see we were silly!!

I know you want to curl your lip up and smile!

Go 'Dores! The women won the SEC tournament!!

I am thinking he is proud of the ability to stick his tongue out. Just a few short years ago he was not able to do that!

Peanut has to use his hands to curl up that upper lip. The things he needs to learn!! You may think that is wine on my sweater. Sorry to disappoint you. It was the dripping water glass. Either way, I was slightly embarrassed.

What is it with kids liking to take pictures of themselves?

My family is all jealous. Their noses are just not as long as mine. I can touch the tip of my nose with my upper lip. That is something to be proud of.

After seeing the pictures, I realized I needed to do something about my make-up - - or lack there of. Dillard's is running the Clinique special. I stopped in yesterday walking out with lots of new very much needed treats. The spring fever must be starting. I cleaned out my cosmetics drawer and organized it! Doesn't it look good?

I've procrastinated long enough! I have ironing to do. Ugh! It might just have to wait until I get back from Peanut's school. I've started going in once a week to tudor some 3rd graders. Thanks for sticking with me for this entire blog and feel free to send good ironing karma this way!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Week Wrap Up

Sunday was the best Sunday ever according to Peanut. We got 5+ inches of snow. The Big Guy and Peanut got up and headed to the few hills in the area. One good one is at the high school. Peanut was thrilled to tell me all about it. Look at him standing up on the sled! We really need to take 'em skiing. Do you see the fence? Apparently, the Big Guy did not see it on one of his runs. He is fine just ended up with a few scratches when the chain link popped him in the face.

Buddy loved the snow too! It brought out his crazy side. He did not even want to retrieve the ball like normal. He just wanted to play with it in the snow. He was a mess and spent some time drying off in the garage.

Pumpkin and I were in Nashville for the swim championships. Believe it or not, we did not get any snow in the heart of the city of Nashville. He was bummed about that. But, he had a great meet. This is a building year as he is at the bottom of the age group. Even so, he did well. We got to have some fun. We went to the Vandy vs. South Carolina game. The Commodores won! It was wonderful and we are routing for them as we close out the season.

Peanut started the soccer season. Pumpkin has the week off from swimming. Boy! We have so much extra free time. I feel like we've turned into TV junkies. I guess it doesn't help that American Idol was on three nights in a row. I like this part of the show when they get down to the "real" singers. I am working on some knitting. When I make more progress, I will post a picture. Last night the boys grabbed the Mac. Each one took an ear piece and they settled to watch an episode of Night Rider. We don't have a DVR and they had to resort to this. I don't know what to think of it. It was sweet to see them smile and respond to the episode as they watched it.

The snow is gone and the weather is going to be in the 70s. I think we will be out in the yard this weekend. We need to get the beds ready for spring. We hope to catch the Vandy game on TV on Sunday and I hope to finish up some knitting.

I'm off to ride with Peanut to school. This is the first time we are bringing out our bikes. I am going to add a few miles on after I drop him off. The only thing is - it is extremely windy! I hope my thighs can hang in there.

Happy Weekend to All!!!