I did it!

Whew.

NaBloPoMo is (finally) over.

I posted every day for one month. Granted, most some of the posts were rather hastily written. But, still... I posted every. single. day.

While I can now mark this off my list, I'm considering giving it another go sometime. Though it's definitely a challenge, I'd like to try NaBloPoMo when I can give it a little more thought ahead of time.

I figured February would be a good month to participate, purely for the reason that it's the shortest month. But I must have forgotten how February is always so jam-packed for us, and this month was no exception. This month also proved to be one we'll never forget.

Have you ever participated in NaBloPoMo? If not, do you think you'd like to?

Happy Birthday, Brother!

Remember what a dork you were?


'Cause if not, I have photos.

You know I love you, Matty! Happy Birthday!

this or that?

Here it is, the end of another day... and I'm just now getting a post up. So we're going with something fun (read: doesn't require much thought on my part)


apples or oranges?

print or cursive?

socks or slippers?

diamonds or pearls?

scented or unscented?

vegetable beef or chicken noodle?

sausage or bacon?

gold or silver?

11 Movies to see in 2011

Continuing with my series of 11 movies I want to see in 2011:


#9 Bridesmaids

scheduled release date: May 13, 2011


I hadn't heard anything about this next movie on my list until the trailer was released... but now that I've watched it, this is definitely a must-see!



Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Melissa McCarthy are hilarious actresses! I think this looks like a female version of The Hangover, don't you? I totally want to get a group of girlfriends together to see this one.

(You know who you are. LET'S MAKE THIS HAPPEN.)

hook, line, and sinker

I swore I was finished. Vowed to never watch another episode. Ever.

I was fed up with the show and already thought the "host" was a tool (and I still do, actually).

I managed to stay away from the last four seasons. I couldn't tell you who was on the show, let alone who won.

But American Idol has reeled me back in.

It started when I read about the guy from Chicago whose fiancee was in an accident just 2 months before they were to get married.


Who else needs a Kleenex? {sob}

After that, I just had to watch so I'd know if this guy made it through or not. Hollywood Week and last night's Beatles episode just sucked me in further... there's a lot of talent this year and I already have a few favorites!

I also like Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler as judges this year... and I love that Seacrest seems to not have as much airtime as he's had in the past (which is great, because when he is on, I want to throw things at my TV).

Will I stick with this season until the end? I haven't decided yet.

(Most likely what will happen is my favorite will get voted off in a "shocking elimination", I'll get mad and declare American Idol is a crock, and vow never to watch again... which is what happened when Chris Daughtry was eliminated way back in Season 5)


Are you watching American Idol? What do you think of this season (so far)?

the cheer was brought

With the events of the last few days, I definitely needed something to bring a smile to my face.

And I got it... my Cheer Up!! package arrived!



I was partnered with Katherine... and here are the goodies she sent me:

Some fun Post-its and pens, yummy chocolates (that I have had to hide from my kids!), scented candles, and some much-needed hand lotion!

Thanks, Katherine!


And thanks to Brandy and Sheila for being awesome swap hostesses!

In Loving Memory

Papaw Watts

February 29, 1924 - February 19, 2011

Shane's grandfather passed away Saturday morning. We laid Papaw to rest yesterday, which also happened to be the 4 year anniversary of Shane's dad's death. Needless to say, it's been a rough couple of days. Much thanks to all our family and friends for their support and love.

Perplexities, bogus holidays, and other random stuff.

My vegetable peeler has gone missing. I am completely baffled because this is the second time it's gone missing, and it's not like it is an item that one would take to another room of the house and forget to bring back to the kitchen.


Being the night owl that I am, I'm almost always the last person to go to bed. And usually, I've been downstairs watching TV or using my laptop... so when I do go to bed, I shuffle up the stairs and down the hallway, into my room, stop to take off my socks/slippers, go into the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face, and then crawl into the bed. All this time, there is not one peep from Shane... but the second my head hits the pillow, he starts snoring. LOUDLY.


According to Michaela, it's not a holiday unless she gets candy and/or presents. In other words, President's Day was totally not worth celebrating.


I love (and, at times, loathe) Angry Birds. Also? I need to find someone willing to make one of these for me:

a song for the birthday girl -- part deux

The Academy must know what they're doing, right?

Of the 82 movies that have (so far) won the Oscar for Best Picture, I have only seen 28.

To watch every Oscar-winning film is one of the items on my "101 Things in 1001 Days" list... I guess I had better put my Netflix membership to good use, huh?

But going over the list of films I have yet to see, there are some that I really have no interest in watching: Million Dollar Baby. Unforgiven. No Country For Old Men. Just to name a few.

Obviously these must be good movies... they're Oscar winners, after all. But I'm not a big fan of Clint Eastwood. And Javier Bardem, with his coin tossing and awful hairstyle, just creeps. me. out.


{shudders}

Speaking of the Oscars, will you be watching this year (next Sunday, 8 p.m., on ABC)? You bet I will! I love award shows, and the Oscars are the mac daddy of them all. In fact, I've put together an Oscar pool... let me know if you want in!


Have you seen No Country For Old Men? Or Million Dollar Baby? Would you recommend either one? Does Javier Bardem also freak you out, or is it just me?

Happy Birthday to my baby girl.

February 19, 2003

February 19, 2011

Perhaps not my wisest parenting decision.

Michaela's 8th birthday is tomorrow... so to have fun with her last night of being 7, I let her have a bowl of seven different types of candy:

• plain M&M's

• peanut M&M's
  

• Tootsie Rolls
  

• Mike & Ike's
  

• Valentine candy corn
  

• Nerds
  

• a DumDum lollipop
  

I may regret this decision in a few hours when she crashes from the sugar high.

Maybe it's time to cut back?

Either I drink way too much Coke...

...or I need to start redeeming some point codes.

partypalooza

One benefit of having both Hannah and Michaela's birthdays in the same month is that I can get away with throwing one birthday party.

Well, one party for their friends, that is. This year (and last) the girls had a friend party... then a separate get together for family.

Last Saturday our house was Grand Party Central, as the girls had their friends over in the afternoon... and family was over later that evening for dinner.

The afternoon party was an ice cream themed one, with "ice cream cone" cupcakes and make-your-own-sundaes.

Our family dinner that night was a Taco Fiesta along with... you guessed it... more cupcakes!

But, really... can one have too many cupcakes? I think not.

These thoughts are so random, I can't even link them together for a post title.

Shane took today off from work... the two of us went out for lunch and then to the oh-so-romantic Home Depot to look for lumber.


The first day of Spring is 33 days away. While I'm ready to kick Winter to the curb, I'm honestly not ready for shorts and flip-flops. One: I need a pedicure like you wouldn't believe. Two: I was hoping to be in a little better shape before I had to bare my legs in shorts.


Flipping through the channels the other night, I came across "The Holiday", which was just coming on. I'd seen bits and pieces before but never the whole movie from start to finish, so I figured I'd watch it. My opinion? Cameron Diaz has ruined a perfectly good romantic comedy. I never have understood what's so great about her.


WARNING! Adorable Nephew Alert:

How do we love thee?

Let us count the ways...

(more things) I love...

Sleeping in.

Weekend getaways.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Starbucks.

Milkshakes.

Brownies.

Elastic-waist pants.

Hearing my girls giggle.

Sharing a laugh with my husband.

Mornings at Panera with my BFF.

Asiago cheese bagels.

Vera Bradley handbags.

Getting lost in a good story.

Black & white photos.

Costume dramas.

Slippers.

That my little sister may soon move back home.

Lists.

What do you love?

Motivation. I haves none.

This whole posting-every-single-day is kind of easier said than done.

I'm not even halfway through NaBloPoMo, and I already want to throw in the towel.

I actually do have some post ideas floating around in my head... but finding the time to make those ideas into coherent posts is proving to be the challenge. Hopefully things will calm down after this weekend, and I'll be able to pull some posts together.

So, in the meantime... here's what I want to know:

Have you ever wanted to quit something, but decided to stick with it? How do you stay motivated when a task seems daunting?

dance with me

Last night was the Father/Daughter Dance at the girls' school... Shane has been taking Hannah and Michaela every year since their school started hosting one. The girls love dressing up and spending the evening with their daddy.

I'm not sure how Shane feels about wearing a tie, but I know he's thrilled to get some special time with his two special girls.

Hannah and Michaela, gettin' their groove on...

Just under the wire!

Whew!

Less than one hour left in the day... and I've just now had a chance to get something posted (curse you, NaBloPoMo!)

School was delayed two hours this morning... because of this:

Thankfully, we didn't get much this time. But school was delayed because it's better to be safe than sorry, right?

Anyway, after I dropped Hannah and Michaela off at school I had a few errands to do, and didn't get home until about 15 minutes before the bus brought them home. After unloading and putting away groceries it was time to get dinner started... eat, clean up the kitchen... then get the girls ready for the Father/Daughter Dance at school (but more on that later).

Needless to say, I haven't had time to get a coherent post together... so you're stuck with this one!

traditions

Family Game Night on Fridays.

Christmas Eve with my family; Christmas Day with Shane's.

Easter egg hunt with all the Rogers cousins.

We have a few traditions as a family, but my favorite is one that's rather silly... yet it warms my heart, nonetheless.

Every year, Shane gives a "spanking" to Hannah and Michaela on their respective birthdays. It's something he's done as long as they (and I) can remember. The girls make sure Shane doesn't forget... in fact, it's usually the girl whose birthday it isn't that is reminding Shane that the other one needs her spanking!

It's a lighthearted tradition, but one that we all love. I think (and hope) that it's a tradition my kids will have fond memories of once they're grown. And maybe they will even continue this tradition with their own families.


What are some traditions your family has? Which is your favorite?

I have a full calendar but an empty stomach.

For such a short month, we sure do have a lot going on in February. Hannah's birthday, Michaela's birthday, my brother's birthday, Valentine's Day, class parties for Valentine's Day, father/daughter dance, "friend" party for the girls' birthdays, family dinner for the girls' birthdays... can we pack anything more into this month?!



Speaking of the upcoming dance, I need to get new dress shoes for the girls. Seeing as how each girl already has about 12 pair, they need more shoes like I need a hole in the head. Boots, Crocs, tennis shoes, flip flops... but no dress shoes.



Is this not the sweetest birthday card EVER?

I'm in the mood for some comfort food (read: CARBS.) Doesn't matter in what form... mashed potatoes. Chicken pot pie. Mac & cheese.



Now I'm hungry.

a child's plaything

His name is Elmer the Elephant.

And he was my most special toy as a kid.

I'm not sure what age I was when I got him... 3 or 4, maybe. But I do know that it was my dad who gave Elmer to me. Dad had brought toys home to my brother, sister, and I when he returned from a road trip... and Elmer was mine.

Growing up, I took Elmer with me everywhere. He's been to sleepovers, camp, even to Disney World.

Elmer now has a place of honor on Hannah's bed. It's my hope that she will keep him, and one day pass him down to her firstborn.

What was your favorite toy as a child? Do you still have it?

11 Movies to see in 2011

Continuing with my series of the top 11 movies I want to see in 2011:

#10: Red Riding Hood

scheduled release date: March 11, 2011




As with Cowboys & Aliens, I am intrigued by the trailer for Red Riding Hood. I think the story looks interesting, and the movie itself looks stunning. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have Gary Oldman in the cast.

It also doesn't hurt to have hotties Max Irons and Shiloh Fernandez in the cast, either.

Rawr.



What are your thoughts? Does this look like a movie you'd like to see?

2011 in pictures: days 1 - 30

Our getaway to the Hide Away

I like to travel.

Well, maybe I should rephrase that.

I like the idea of traveling, and visiting new places... but the actual getting there? Notsomuch.

I try to avoid flying, if I can. Sure, it's convenient... but I don't like being in an airplane at. all. The cramped seats, the cabin pressure, the turbulence. UGH. I would rather drive to a destination than fly there.

However.

If I'm stuck in a car for more than 4 hours, I tend to get a tad cranky.

I think this is why Shane waited until the night before we left for our weekend getaway to tell me that the place he was taking me was eight hours away.

EIGHT. HOURS.


When I read the first note from Shane, I figured he was whisking me away to a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Which are just about 2 hours away. Boy, was my guess way off!

Because not only were we driving somewhere that was EIGHT HOURS away, we were going to spend the weekend at a bed & breakfast in the great state of...

OHIO!

You may be asking "Why on earth did he take her to Ohio?" or "How did he find that place?" (because I sure did!)... well, there were several reasons. First, Shane found the inn on Living Social Escapes and it was a great deal. He decided to go for it since he loves a good road trip and he had never been to Ohio before. (I think the last time I was in Ohio was 1988, maybe?)

Anyway, we set out Friday morning after taking the girls to school. It wasn't until after we were on the road that Shane let me know what state we were headed to. I'm not sure when it was that he finally told me the name of the city. But we ended up at the Hide Away Country Inn in Bucyrus, Ohio. Which is literally in the middle of nowhere (so much so, that when Shane programmed the GPS, he had to use co-ordinates and not a street address!)

the inn

our room

After being served breakfast in bed Saturday morning, Shane and I dressed and decided to drive to Lake Erie, which was about an hour north. This was Shane's first visit to a Great Lake, and he got a kick out of seeing people out on the frozen lake ice-fishing!

We drove a bit farther to Marblehead to see the lighthouse...

And we could just barely make out Cedar Point (which I can remember going to as a kid!) across the Lake...

(For someone who has lived his entire life in Tennessee, seeing and driving in all this snow was a novelty for Shane. For me, a transplanted Yankee, it was a reminder of why we moved to the South!)


Saturday night we had a delicious dinner at the inn. And once again, breakfast was brought to our room Sunday morning... and then, sadly, it was time to leave.

breakfast in bed... a girl could get used to that!

All in all, we had a great weekend. Even with the EIGHT HOURS in the car and the snow. It was nice for Shane and I to get away, just the two of us... something I think our relationship needed.

My only question for my husband now is,

Where are we going next weekend?

a song for the birthday girl

A decade.

10 years.

521 weeks.

3,652 days.

87,658 hours.

Put that way, it seems like her birth day was such a long time ago.

But on the other hand, it feels like it was just yesterday.

aimless prattle

I've seen many of my favorite bloggers participating in The UnMom's Random Tuesday Thoughts... I love a good random post, so I thought I'd join in.




This is, quite possibly, the most adorable video I have ever seen on Youtube...


Am I the only one whose allergies are acting up? Boy, are my eyes watery...



I created a fan page for my blog... if you want to keep up with my posts on Facebook, give me a "like".



I'm pretty sure I mentioned before that one of the items on my 101 Things in 1001 Days list is to participate in NaBloPoMo... to post every day for a month. I've decided February is the month to get it done, mainly because it's the shortest month of the year.

Yes, I am that lazy commitment-phobic lazy.



When Rice Krispies Treats came out with their new "write-on" wrappers, I don't think this is what they had in mind...

One post down... just 27 more to go!