Welcome to The Nut House!

Perhaps not the best reasons, but I'm not one to argue.

2012-01-30T09:19:00.003-05:00

Suffering from a bout of insomnia last night, I was up watching TV and came across the movie Annapolis. I know it's a few years old, but I hadn't seen the movie before and the next thing I knew, I was sucked in.

I happen to like James Franco, but I know he doesn't appeal to everyone. And granted, it was by no means a great work of cinema. But if you haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it, based on these 6 reasons:

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's as small as a pin-prick, but it's there.

2012-01-19T14:58:00.003-05:00

These past 5 days have been the longest of my life.

(And I've been pregnant twice and know how it feels to think the baby is never going to come.)

For someone who is a self-proclaimed carb-addict, it ain't been easy eating nothing but protein since Sunday. But.

I had my weekly appointment/weigh-in today and I have lost 8.6 pounds. And my BMI has dropped 2 points.

So, yeah... all the egg whites, turkey bacon, and chicken sausage has been TOTALLY WORTH IT.

(Well, maybe not the chicken sausage... that stuff was awful and I'll never eat it again. Yuck.)

And if that wasn't enough good news, I can add fruits and veggies back into my diet.

Salad. Strawberries. PEANUT BUTTER!

If you couldn't tell, I am feeling much better about Week 2.

I'm trying to take it one day at a time.

2012-01-15T11:36:00.004-05:00

After half-hearted attempts to lose weight and get healthy, I've finally decided enough is enough. I've signed up for a 12-week weight loss program. One that is going to be hard... but thankfully, Shane has signed up with me so I'll have his added support.

Week 1 is going to be brutal (for me, at least). This is what I'll be eating for the next week:

This, for someone who doesn't like tuna or turkey. Or yogurt. Or eggs.

Also, please notice what's missing: Sugar. Coke. CARBS.

I've already given warning to Shane and the girls that I'm not going to be pleasant to be around for the next 7 days.

Here's this morning's breakfast, which took me 30 minutes to choke down:

2 slices of turkey bacon and 3 scrambled egg whites. I couldn't even finish all the egg.

It's gonna be a long week.

Let this be a lesson to you all: Proofread before you post.

2012-01-09T11:39:00.010-05:00

I typed FASTING... or at least I thought I did, but autocorrect obviously had a different idea.

I'll admit, my first thought was to delete the post as soon as I saw the mistake. But it's just too funny.

And if you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at, amirite?

636 Days Down...

2012-01-07T19:38:00.001-05:00

and just 365 to go!

I have one year to complete my 101 Things in 1001 Days list. Since I last updated my list, I've been able to knock a few more off:

27. join a book club

In October, I joined an online book club with some of my blog/Facebook friends. So far we've read What Alice Forgot, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, and The Paris Wife; we're currently reading The Soldier's Wife.

50. meal plan every week

Even though my challenge is still ongoing, I'm going to mark this one completed. Once I started making a meal plan for each week, it's been so easy to stick to it! And I don't see myself getting out of the habit. Yay!

92. buy myself a purse from Coach, Dooney & Burke, or Kate Spade

I'm going to mark this one off, too, even though technically my new Coach bag was for my birthday.

So after 636 days, I've completely marked 18 items off my list. Which means I have 83 more items to go.

I think I had better get crackin'!

I really hope I don't see her on A&E or TLC in the future.

2012-01-07T08:46:00.004-05:00

Found whilst cleaning out Michaeala's room:

Various kid's meal toys, spider rings from Halloween. The plastic ducky is out of the dentist office goody bin... from her last appointment, which was six months ago. Not exactly sure where the penguin frisbee came from, only that she's had it since last Christmas. As in, Christmas 2010.

And she says she's not a hoarder.

An announcement:

2011-12-28T22:37:00.003-05:00

MY LITTLE SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED!

Heather and her fiancé, Josh

Which list are YOU on?

2011-12-23T08:50:00.000-05:00

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Merry Christmas!

Your guess is as good as mine.

2011-12-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Well, not really.

'Cause I do know what this is. But when I first opened it, I had no idea.

A few years ago, this was one of the gifts Shane gave me for Christmas:

Care to take a guess as to what it is? What's the most bizarre gift you've ever received?

Drumroll, please.

2011-12-20T13:18:00.000-05:00

For the last week or so, Hannah has been saying that we all need to go look at how her classmate's house has been decorated for Christmas. The other night we finally went out to take in the spectacle.

The entire show lasted a good 10 or 15 minutes. Hands down, this, was my favorite part:

Catching Up

2011-12-19T11:00:00.001-05:00

Can you believe Christmas is this weekend?! It seems like the last three months of this year have flown by...

Speaking of Christmas, the girls' elves are here and have been getting into all sorts of fun...

A few of the mischievous deeds "Sandy" and "Sophie" have done are: packed the girls' lunches with an odd assortment of things from the pantry, cut out and hung snowflakes over the kitchen table, and replaced the stockings with the girls' "unmentionables". They've also used food coloring to turn our milk green (but something I the elves won't do again, as Hannah and Michaela refused to drink green milk. "It looks like green slime!")

I donated 33 items to my local food bank.

THANK YOU.

We've sort-of adopted a stray cat... which Michaela couldn't be happier about, as she's been wanting a cat for the longest time.

This stray cat has been hanging around the house for the last few months and we've recently started taking care of it. I'm pretty sure it's a female (I haven't yet taken it to the vet) and Michaela has named her Peaches 'n Cream (or just Peaches, for short)...

I know the cat looks a bit perturbed in this picture, but she really is the sweetest thing. And just look at the joy on my girl's face!

Did I mention Christmas is this weekend?!

I see a lot of buttered popcorn in my future.

2011-12-12T13:03:00.001-05:00

Now that I've chronicled the top 11 movies I'd want to see in 2011, here are 12 upcoming movies I have my eye on for next year (in no particular order):

The Hunger Games

The Dark Knight Rises

The Woman in Black

The Raven

Les Miserables

Coriolanus

The Great Gatsby

Brave

This Means War

The Five-Year Engagement

Snow White and the Huntsman

The Amazing Spider-Man

Any movie(s) you're looking forward to next year?

11 Movies to see in 2011

2011-12-10T12:40:00.000-05:00

This is the last post in my series of the top 11 movies I want to see in 2011:

#1 ????

There have been a lot of good movies released this year and until now I've not had any problems narrowing down the ones to add to my "must see" list. I can't decide which film should earn the final slot!

If you've hung around the NutHouse awhile, you'd probably think any film starring my movie-boyfriend would be an automatic choice...

But you may also recall that I didn't much like the book. While I do think I will see this movie at some point, there are two others that I'm more excited to see.

The first one is Shame:

Though I have no idea when I'd get a chance to see this one... it has a NC-17 rating, and therefore will most likely not be shown in any theater in my town.

BUT.

Hellllloooooo, Michael Fassbender.

I recently watched Jane Eyre and X-Men: First Class (I also recall seeing him in 300)... and, dare I say it? I think Daniel may have a bit of competition!

The other movie I'm considering is Young Adult:

While I'm not a fan of Charlize Theron (she's in the same category with Cameron Diaz... I just don't see their appeal), I do like Patrick Wilson, Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody. And I think this movie looks sharp and witty.

Sooooooo... which movie would you pick: Young Adult, Shame, or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo?

Game On

2011-12-09T23:10:00.001-05:00

I wasn't the athletic type as a kid... sure there was the occasional baseball or volleyball game in the backyard, but I've never played any team sport (though I did take ballet for 6 years.) Shane, on the other hand, played ball as a kid and soccer in junior high and high school (that is, until he broke his leg and never got back into playing.)

So while our own kids took ballet and tap and even tumbling class, neither Hannah nor Michaela had shown any interest in playing an organized sport. Until now.

Hannah recently finished playing volleyball through our local kids club. At the end of the last school year, she did participate in a 4-day volleyball camp and really enjoyed it. So when she brought home a flyer from school about the winter volleyball season through the kids club, I thought she'd be interested and asked if she'd like to play. She enthusiastically said yes!

Some shots of my star player in action...

Hannah's team, the Red Hots, placed 2nd in the Intermediate Division... not too shabby for a team made up of mostly first-time players!

I know she's just beginning, but I would be lying if I didn't admit I'm already thinking ahead to college scholarships. And maybe even the Summer Olympics...

Giving Back... Again

2011-11-30T14:47:00.005-05:00

As I've done in the past, I'm holding another "Comments for Cans" here on my blog.

For every comment left on this post through Sunday (12/4), I'll donate one canned good item to my local food bank. As I've said before, this is just my little way of giving back. I have so much to be thankful for, least of which is a pantry full of food. Knowing there are moms out there who are struggling to get dinner on the table for their families breaks my heart.

I know I'm not going to end hunger with a few cans of peas and corn, but I do think every little bit helps.

So please leave a comment (or two) and help me give back this holiday season!

11 Movies to see in 2011

2011-11-22T22:00:00.001-05:00

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

#2 Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

scheduled release date: December 16, 2011

2011 seemed to be the year of prequels and sequels (and even threequels and fourquels!) The Hangover Part II, Kung Fu Panda 2, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, X-Men: First Class... just to name a few.

So it only makes sense the next movie on my list is a sequel, right?

When the first Sherlock Holmes movie came out, it wasn't one I really had any interest in seeing. In fact, it was quite awhile after the DVD was released that I actually got around to watching the movie... and I loved it. I can't say I'm much of a Robert Downey, Jr. fan, but I think he's fantastic as Holmes (I really like the way he plays the character). And the chemistry between RDJ and Jude Law is outstanding. Not to mention, both men are hot.

Who else is going to see Sherlock Holmes 2?

I guess it's time I embrace the 21st Century

2011-11-16T08:19:00.000-05:00

Even with today's technology, I prefer doing some things the "old-fashioned" way.

I still write out my grocery list on a piece of paper (even though I downloaded an app on my phone that is specifically for grocery lists.) And it's not just for groceries... I embrace all sorts of lists: to-do lists, packing lists, wish lists, checklists... as long as they're written lists. There's just something oddly satisfying about writing a list and then marking those items off.

Rarely do I pay our bills on-line... I prefer to write checks and send the bills through the postal service.

And even with the calendar on my phone (which I actually do make a point of using), I still like having a yearly engagement calendar in which to write appointments and important reminders.

Is this just me? Or do you find yourself doing things the "old fashioned" way, too?

Money can't buy happiness. But it can buy stuff.

2011-11-11T09:38:00.000-05:00

Being a one-income family means we've had to cut back on the non-essentials. One item ~~Shane~~ we decided I we could do without was our satellite radio subscription.

So I pretty much just listen to the "regular" radio when in my car, rather than CDs or plugging in my iPod. I've been listening to a syndicated morning show, and just about every day the show has a contest where they give away $1,000.

Not that I've ever tried calling in to win, but I've been thinking about what I'd do if I did win and I had $1,000 to spend.

During this time of year, an extra $1,000 would really come in handy for Christmas shopping. Or the wise thing to do would be to set the extra money aside in our savings.

But where's the fun in that?!

If I had to spend $1,000 on myself, I think I'd by a new camera. I've had a point-and-shoot camera for a few years now and feel the urge to update. I'm digging the new compact system cameras, like the Nikon 1... high performance without the bulkiness of a DSLR.

Pretty sweet, right?

What about you? If you had (or won) an extra $1,000 that you had to spend on yourself, on what would you splurge?

11 Movies to see in 2011

2011-11-04T22:30:00.004-04:00

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

#3 J. Edgar

scheduled release date: November 11, 2011

It's been a bit difficult narrowing down the films I most want to see in 2011... there have been (and look to be) a lot of great movies this year. This next movie on my list surprises me, as I am not a fan of Clint Eastwood (as a director or as an actor). And while I think Leonardo DiCaprio may be one of the best actors of my generation, I'm not really a fan of his, either.

{ducks and covers}

But... just watch the trailer for J. Edgar and tell me you're not intrigued.

In addition to Leo, the cast boasts Judi Dench, Armie Hammer, and Naomi Watts... all of whom I think are stellar. And the story looks so good.

What do you think? Will you go see J. Edgar?

A daughter's request.

2011-10-28T20:34:00.004-04:00

Dear Mom,

Do you know when you're going to the store? Because you need to get some candy corn. Lots of it. You know, I was thinking about maybe 3 bags instead of one. Or at least two. Because uh... those bags go down really fast and I mean really fast. So tell me when and if you'll get candy corn and how many bags of candy corn.

P.S. Please get more than one bag of candy corn.

double P.S. I like candy corn.

triple P.S. I LOVE candy corn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I could be wrong, but I think candy corn is Michaela's favorite.

Only 60 shopping days left!

2011-10-26T11:30:00.002-04:00

When posed with the question, "What would you like for Christmas?"

Michaela's response: "American Girl doll Rebecca, American Girl doll that looks like me, American Girl doll clothes, a camera, a laptop, my own cell phone, a DSi XL, Kindle Touch, iPod Touch, karaoke machine, and money.

Hannah's response: "A volleyball."

I don't know which one to shake my head at first...

Fall Break --- a Photo Essay

2011-10-25T21:10:00.001-04:00

"What are we doing tomorrow?"

2011-10-21T15:30:00.001-04:00

"We thought we'd drive around the (Great Smoky Mountains National) Park. There's a one-room schoolhouse with a presentation about what it was like to go to school there back when people lived on the mountain and before it was a national park."

"Did you go to school in a one-room schoolhouse?"

I'm afraid to ask her just how old she thinks I am...

Little bits of random

2011-10-17T13:27:00.008-04:00

This week the girls are on Fall Break... we're going to spend a few days up in Pigeon Forge, just to get away. Horseback-riding, driving through Cades Cove, outlet-shopping. Good times.

I'm probably the last person to get on board with Pinterest (Get it? On "board"?) but now that I am, I love it! Are you on Pinterest? If so, click the button to follow me and check out my boards!

What new shows are you watching? I am loving loving loving these three:

Two Broke Girls, New Girl, and Person of Interest. I also really like Suburgatory, and I'm giving A Gifted Man and Up All Night a chance.

And, of course, I have my returning favorites: Modern Family, Parks & Recreation, Grey's Anatomy, The Office, Hawaii Five-0, Survivor, and The Amazing Race.

In related news: I watch too much TV.

I've reached a milestone.

2011-10-15T09:32:00.001-04:00

Or, as my husband oh-so-lovingly pointed out, I'm now halfway to 70.

Thanks, honey.

11 Movies to see in 2011

2011-10-11T09:46:00.003-04:00

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

#4 Puss in Boots

scheduled release date: October 28, 2011

Yes, the next film on my list of movies I most want to see this year is a cartoon. Puss in Boots is, hands down, the best character in the Shrek movies. And it's not hard to see why:

"Stay furry, my friends."

Check

2011-10-10T21:19:00.009-04:00

It's been awhile since I've updated my 101 Things in 1001 Days list, but I've been able to mark a few more off:

16. vacation in Hilton Head

29. read 10 books by authors I've never read before

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
The Radleys by Matt Haig
The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife and Darcy & Elizabeth by Linda Berdoll
Millie's Fling by Jill Mansell
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The Other Mr. Darcy and The Darcy Cousins by Monica Fairview
Lydia Bennet's Story by Jane Odiwe
Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Murder at Longbourn by Tracy Kiely

46. attend at least 3 concerts

Dave Matthews Band - July 2010
Kings of Leon - September 2010
Josh Groban - June 2011
Kings of Leon - July 2011

I'm making progress with a few other ongoing tasks... reading non-fiction authors and turning the playroom into an office, for example. But I still have quite a ways to go...

Guess who...

2011-10-01T19:15:00.002-04:00

has the mutha effin' SHINGLES.

AGAIN.

"On the beach, you can live in bliss."

2011-08-10T12:27:00.001-04:00

I thought today was perfect for (finally) posting a few pics from our Hilton Head vacation... this being the first day of school, and all.

This was our first visit to Hilton Head, and we had a great time. Hannah and Michaela loved the beach. This was only our second family beach vacation... the girls were just 3 years and 18 months during our first trip to the beach, so neither one had any memories and wasn't quite sure what to expect. I figured they'd want to hang out at the pool more so than the beach, but they proved me quite wrong!

11 Movies to see in 2011

2011-08-09T11:26:00.001-04:00

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

#5: The Help

scheduled release date: August 10, 2011

I read The Help last year and have been anxious for the movie version ever since. This is now one of my all-time favorite books, and I sure hope the movie gets it right!

Growing up is hard to do.

2011-07-22T10:50:00.003-04:00

It's even harder on the parents.

Every day, it seems Hannah wants to grow up faster and faster. Lately, she's been begging to start shaving her legs.

She's only 10!

My initial response was telling Hannah she's too young... that she didn't need to shave her legs while still in elementary school.

(This will be her last year in elementary school, by the way.)

(Don't even get me started on the fact that I will have a child in middle school next year.)

At first, Hannah seemed fine with waiting another year. But...

She has a few friends who've already started shaving. And she's getting a little self-conscious about the hair on her legs, to the point where she doesn't want to wear dresses or skirts anymore, and is even reluctant to wear shorts.

I know every girl is different, and girls nowadays start maturing at an earlier age than what they used to (I'm pretty sure I didn't start shaving my legs until I was 12.) And I don't want her to have any body-image issues.

Still... she's only 10!

{sigh}

While I'm not ready for Hannah to grow up, it looks like she's gone ahead and done so.

11 Movies to see in 2011

2011-07-21T17:12:00.001-04:00

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

#6 Crazy, Stupid Love

scheduled release date: July 29, 2011

Am I the only one who thinks it's borderline criminal how HOT Ryan Gosling is?!

All joking and ab-deliciousness aside, I think this looks like a really good movie. I'm a big fan of films with a large ensemble cast, and I have much love for Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, and Emma Stone.

And for Ryan, of course.

I think I see a date-night coming soon...

11 Movies to see in 2011

2011-07-10T23:12:00.004-04:00

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

#7 Horrible Bosses

release date: July 8, 2011

I'm a bit late getting this posted, seeing as how this next movie was released 2 days ago:

"I'm gonna be your murder consultant."

"Word."

Has anyone seen this yet? I think it looks like it will be really good... not only hilarious but also well-written.

And you can't go wrong with the totally a-dork-able Jason Bateman.

She's having way too much fun with this.

2011-07-03T21:20:00.010-04:00

Looks like someone discovered Photo Booth on my new MacBook...

I have a feeling this is just the first of many Photo Booth posts to come...

My Week(s) in Pictures

2011-06-03T22:30:00.001-04:00

Here's how we've spent the last few weeks (and all photos are from my phone, so please excuse their poor quality)

The girls and I took Shane out for dinner to celebrate his 39th(!) birthday:

And speaking of celebrating, on the last day of school I took the girls our for ice cream:

They look so thrilled, don't they?

Shane finally came around (or he was tired of my nagging) and read:

This sight brought a tear to my eye... I'm so proud!

Hannah, Michaela and I joined my mom and sister in viewing Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Our local theater had pirate-y props in the lobby which the girls found amusing:

I hope that last photo isn't a sign of something to come...

Adventures in Buckhead

2011-05-26T14:42:00.000-04:00

I can mark another item off my list!

~~28. attend a book signing~~

A few weeks ago, (my partner in crime) Angie and I made our way to Atlanta to finally attend a book signing for our favorite author!

I actually have Angie to thank for introducing me to the awesomeness that is Jen Lancaster. And I'm so glad she did! (So, um... thanks, Angie!) I love Jen's wit and sense of humor... her books are literally laugh-out-loud funny.

Angie and I've tried in the past to attend a signing for Jen's books, but for reasons neither of us can remember, something kept us from attending... so when we found out Jen would be going on tour to promote her latest book, we knew we had to go!

We made it to the bookstore right at 5:00 (which was the time passes for the signing were beginning to be handed out). The signing wasn't scheduled to start until 7... so we passed the time with a yummy snack:

And the next thing we knew, it was time for Jen! After reading an excerpt from her new book and answering some questions from the audience, everyone lined up to get their books signed and pictures taken...

While we waited for our turn, Angie came up with the idea of us asking Jen to do something fun and crazy for our photo. I have no idea why, but the thought of us posing like Charlie's Angels popped into my head! We asked Jen if she would mind doing the pose and she was so cool about it.

Not the best picture... it's a bit blurry, and Angie and I were both trying to pucker our lips, but it was too hard trying not to laugh! However, I love it... the photo is a reminder of a fun and fabulous night with my bestie!

They know me so well.

2011-05-08T22:54:00.002-04:00

Did my lovely daughters gift me with chocolates or perfume for Mother's Day?

Jewelry?

A day at the spa?

Nope. My girls got me this:

Best. T-shirt. Ever.

11 Movies to see in 2011

2011-04-21T11:20:00.001-04:00

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

#8 Water for Elephants

scheduled release date: April 22, 2011

Sometime last summer, Angie was kind enough to let me borrow her copy of Water for Elephants... little did she realize it would take me almost a year before I got around to reading it.

I'm not sure why I waited so long to read it, because the book is fantastic. Once I got through the first chapter, I couldn't put the book down. And it's one of those books that while reading, it played out in my mind like a movie (if that makes any sense). I could see (in my head) every detail that was written. Even though the narrative jumps back and forth between the main character's past and present, the story just flowed and it was easy to picture it all in my mind.

Which is why I'm really excited to see the movie...

To be honest, I'm also a little nervous. When books are made into movies, it's usually the book that fares better, and I'm usually left disappointed by the film version. But I'm going to keep an open mind tomorrow night when Angie, Jane, my mom and I all go to see the film.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that I'll be spending two hours staring at this:

Have you read Water for Elephants? Will you see the movie?

UPDATE: Well, we saw the movie and my verdict is... it's okay. Not great, but not bad. The book is definitely better (as I had a feeling it would be). The movie has a few changes from the book, but nothing really too major and I didn't feel the changes took away from the story. Unfortunately, I didn't feel any chemistry between Rob and Reese. If you saw the film, what did you think?

Bartender, I'll have one of those, please.

2011-04-19T23:45:00.003-04:00

Actually, make it a double.

tap tap tap Is this thing on?

2011-04-17T19:15:00.000-04:00

Has it really been almost four weeks since my last post?

Is there anyone still here?

Anyone? Bueller?

I think that's the longest break I've taken from my blog. Not that I was really busy with other things... there's just not that much going on around mi casa de loco at the moment, and therefore, not much to write about.

One thing I did manage to start was a new blog with Angie. We're both going to Disney World in a few months (though, sadly, not together) and we're both determined to lose weight before our trips.

So if you want to check out our weight-loss journey (and cheer us on!) come visit us at Dieting For Disney!

These are the thoughts currently swirling around in my brain. No wonder I have a headache.

2011-03-22T13:03:00.000-04:00

The girls are out of school this week for Spring Break... and they're currently at my sister's until Thursday. You'd think having the kids out of the house for five days I'd be a little more productive with my time, but... notsomuch. I did color my hair this morning, so there's that.

This past Sunday, Angie and I (finally!) went to see "The King's Speech". If you haven't seen this movie, you really should. The story, the acting... everything about it is fantastic.

I think our official high temp yesterday was 80... and it's supposed to be 81 today! This is my pet peeve about living in the South... the weather goes from one extreme to the other. It's like we have only two seasons here... HOT and COLD.

We're considering vacationing in Hilton Head this summer. We've never been there (I can mark it off my list!) and the last time we were at the beach was in 2004. I'm excited to go but on the other hand, it's been 7 years and 20 (or more) pounds since I've been in public in a bathing suit. Eek!

I finally decided what book(s) to read next (which you can see over on the right). Yes, books... am I the only person who reads more than one book at a time?

I think that's enough random for one post...

I can't decide...

2011-03-18T16:27:00.007-04:00

which book to choose from my current "to read" pile:

And this doesn't include the following titles I've downloaded to Eliza:

Lydia Bennet's Story

What Would Jane Austen Do?

Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife

The Two Lives of Miss Charlotte Merryweather

Eliza's Daughter

What would you pick? What book are you currently reading?

I now know which one of us would get the kids in a custody agreement.*

2011-03-10T11:06:00.004-05:00

Shane usually calls me from work at least once a day. Most of the time it's just to chitchat, but yesterday he called to let me know there's a slight chance he may have to go out of town.

Which isn't unusual... he's had to travel to cities all over Tennessee and Kentucky for his job.

But this latest (possible) assignment is in...

ALASKA.

For SIX. MONTHS.

After the initial shock, my response was pretty much, "Well, if you must." I mean, I understand he has to do the job he's given, whether it's here or 3,000 miles away. Sure, it would be a difficult six months, but we'd get through it.

However, when the girls were told of this latest (possible) assignment, they had a different reaction: "NO." Hannah and Michaela are adamant that Shane will not be going on this trip, no matter what.

Why?

Because they "don't want to live with just Mom for six whole months!"

Yes, those were their actual words.

Guess who's no longer feeling guilty about going to Disney World in September without her kids?

*Moms, don't worry... this title is all in jest.

"one of these things is not like the others..."

2011-03-02T09:08:00.006-05:00

These are the books currently being read by myself, my 10-year-old, and my 8-year-old:

Two classic works of literature and one paperback cozy mystery.

Guess which one is mine?

Just another jumble of thoughts...

2011-03-01T10:33:00.000-05:00

I have a ~~somewhat irrational~~ fear of spiders. Most of the time I let Shane dispose of them (that's what husbands are for, right?) but there have been a few times where I've had to kill a spider myself. And every time I do, I always look around for more. I just have this feeling that the now-deceased spider's family is lurking around, just waiting for their chance to seek revenge...

More items have gone missing from my kitchen. This time it's 2 wooden utensils that have disappeared. I'm starting to think someone in this house is trying to mess with ~~what's left of~~ my sanity.

While I did manage to complete NaBloPoMo last month, I did give up on something. My "photo-a-day" project. I don't think I can even count on one hand the number of times I picked up my camera last month. Oh, well.

Shane and I have decided to give Hannah a bedroom makeover for her birthday. She's been wanting to change it for awhile... she wants something more "grown up". Her current bedroom is a garden theme, and I'll be sad to see it go. Mainly because it means my baby really is growing up, but also because Shane painted the murals on her walls.

Anyway, Hannah has decided she wants a loft bed, one that has a desk underneath. Originally she wanted this bedding:

But I was able to talk her into this one:

Thank goodness.

Your turn! Hit me with a random thought...

I did it!

2011-02-28T23:00:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-02-27T19:15:00.004-05:00

Remember what a dork you were?

'Cause if not, I have photos.

You know I love you, Matty! Happy Birthday!

this or that?

2011-02-26T22:05:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-25T23:05:00.005-05:00

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

2011-02-24T16:07:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-23T23:50:00.000-05:00

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

2011-02-23T01:25:00.000-05:00

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.

2011-02-22T08:30:00.008-05:00

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

2011-02-21T17:10:00.001-05:00

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

2011-02-20T09:50:00.002-05:00

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.

2011-02-19T16:11:00.003-05:00

February 19, 2003

February 19, 2011

Perhaps not my wisest parenting decision.

2011-02-18T20:30:00.001-05:00

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?

2011-02-17T20:35:00.002-05:00

Either I drink way too much Coke...

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

partypalooza

2011-02-16T16:20:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-02-15T15:57:00.008-05:00

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?

2011-02-14T21:51:00.001-05:00

Let us count the ways...

(more things) I love...

2011-02-13T18:15:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-02-12T11:17:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-11T17:00:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-02-10T23:13:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-09T20:00:00.002-05:00

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.

2011-02-08T12:40:00.011-05:00

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

2011-02-07T15:08:00.000-05:00

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

2011-02-06T13:30:00.000-05:00

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

2011-02-05T16:30:00.000-05:00

Our getaway to the Hide Away

2011-02-04T01:00:00.001-05:00

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

2011-02-03T00:00:00.001-05:00

A decade.

2011-02-02T00:00:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-01T00:00:00.004-05:00

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!

bring on the cheer

2011-01-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

I know I'm not the only one who is D-U-N with Winter. The cold weather. The snow. The dreariness.

In fact, I think Winter and I are breaking up.

But good news... Brandy's "Cheer Up!!" swap is just the thing to get over the winter blahs!

Sign-ups close tomorrow... so if you want to spread some cheer, click the button below and join!

beautiful blooms

2011-01-28T08:00:00.002-05:00

Once again, I'm participating in Frizzy's Fab Five Friday... showcasing my 5 favorite photos from the past week.

These pictures are ones I took of the bouquet of flowers Shane brought home for me. Just because I was having a bad day, and he wanted to cheer me up.

I love that man.

What's your favorite flower? For me, it's a toss-up between calla lilies and tulips...

Clue #2

2011-01-24T14:55:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning, I found another note from Shane... this time, posted on my closet door:

I daresay, he is rather enjoying this.

I don't think he will ever learn.

2011-01-22T12:03:00.001-05:00

I knew something was up when Shane asked if we had any plans for next weekend...

me: (looks at the calendar) "It's The Boy's birthday, but nothing else is written down."

Shane: "Okay. Don't make any plans."

me: (looks at Shane)

me: (raises eyebrows)

{crickets chirping}

me: "Well?! Aren't you going to tell me what we're doing?"

Shane: "Nope."

Then, as I got in my car yesterday morning to take the girls to school, I found this note stuck to the dashboard...

Honestly, my first reaction was to think,

"Really? We've been together for ALMOST SEVENTEEN YEARS... HOW CAN YOU NOT KNOW ME BY NOW?!"

Because he knows I don't like surprises.

So far, the only info Shane has given me is, when we're leaving... we don't need a passport... and we're not flying.

Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful that my husband is trying to do something nice for me. And I love him for it.

But it's so hard for me to not know the details!

After the third or fourth (or tenth) time of pestering him about where we're going/ what we'll be doing/ how we will get there/ what I need to pack/ why we're going/ where we'll be staying, Shane exasperatedly announced,

"It's going to be a long week."

Yes. Yes, it is.

2011 in pictures: Fab Five Friday

2011-01-21T10:45:00.003-05:00

Once again, I'm participating in Frizzy's Fab Five Friday... here are my five favorite photos from the last week (in no particular order):

strawberries... my favorite fruit! Yum!

strawberries & cream scone... double YUM!

Michaela turned her head away right as I took this

my favorite stuffed animal when I was a kid

holiday lights in my church's sanctuary

Have a great weekend!

The reasons are threefold.

2011-01-18T08:15:00.003-05:00

1. My kids FINALLY return to school today after last week's snowpocalypse. That calls for a celebration, and there's nothing like a little eye candy to get the party started.

2. MGM got their money troubles in order and "Bond 23" is on for a November 2012 release.

3. Just because.

But let's be honest, do I really need a reason?

I didn't think so.

At this rate, I'm going to need a new liver.

2011-01-17T11:47:00.001-05:00

Hannah: "Mom?"

me: "Yes?"

Hannah: "Where is my... never mind!"

Michaela: "Hey, Mommy!"

me: "Yes?"

Michaela: "Do you know where... never mind!"

Hannah: "Mom?"

me: "Yes??"

Hannah: "I can't find... wait, never mind!"

Michaela: "Mommy?"

me: "Yes?!"

Michaela: "Where's my... never mind!"

*repeat at least 12 more times daily

And they wonder why Mommy drinks...

2011 in pictures: days 8 - 12

2011-01-14T01:27:00.000-05:00

My bloggy friend, Frizzy, over at Heaven's Gift, is starting a weekly linky to share your five favorite photos on Friday.

She's calling it Five Favorite Photos Friday.

I may have mentioned this, but in case you didn't know, I've been stuck IN MY HOUSE SINCE LAST SATURDAY due to the snow and ice. So the photos I've taken this last week are no great works of art. But I'm determined to complete a 365 photo project this year, and I figured I'd go ahead and share my photos from the last five days:

(Ok, well this one is a work of art... my gorgeous girls!)

Hopefully next Friday I'll have better photos to share. But if you want to check out some fabulous photos, go see Frizzy... her photo titled "The Beauty Within" blew me away!

Snow Day #4

2011-01-13T08:51:00.002-05:00

Hannah and Michaela have been out of school for the last 4 days due to the snow and ice.

School has been canceled for tomorrow, as well.

I have not been out of this house since LAST SATURDAY. And it looks like it won't be until this Saturday before the weather will cooperate enough to give me a chance to venture out somewhere.

aslkd jasmlasp dkdsfkfajsfos ldkm

(that was my head hitting the keyboard)

SNOMG

2011-01-10T21:26:00.005-05:00

For the second time in just over two weeks, we woke up to find a winter wonderland outside... this time with 8" of snow on the ground!

To the rest of the country, 8" may not seem like a lot. But the South just isn't equipped to handle weather like this. I don't think anyone down here even knows what snow chains are... nor are there enough salt trucks to maintain the roads. Meaning our city pretty much shuts down when winter weather hits.

School was canceled today and has been called off for tomorrow as well... since temperatures won't get above freezing until FRIDAY, it looks like school will be out all week.

Which means there will be more time for ~~me to go stir crazy~~ fun in the snow!

We don't even have a sled (let alone appropriate snow apparel) so Hannah made do with a plastic tray. Turns out, it works pretty well...

Unfortunately, Michaela missed out on all the frivolity as she is not feeling well. She's running a low fever and has a bit of a cough, but so far that's it. However, I am sure she will get worse before she gets better.

So.

Just in case you need a refresher, I will (most likely) be stuck in my house ALL WEEK and with a sick child.

At least I have this...

2011 in pictures: week 1

2011-01-08T14:00:00.002-05:00

One of the items on my 101 Things in 1001 Days list is to complete a 365 photo project. I attempted this last year... even went as far as creating a blog just for the photos. I was able to get through April before abandoning the project and deleting the photo blog.

It is a daunting task, but one I'm determined to give another shot.

I'm not sure if I'll post the photos daily (probably not), weekly, or monthly (most likely).

But here, for your enjoyment, are my photos from the first week!

Only 730 days to go!

2011-01-07T10:03:00.000-05:00

I have exactly two years (!) to complete my 101 Things in 1001 Days challenge.

Since the last update, I've been able to cross two more items off the list:

24. take another family trip to Disney World

We had so much fun taking the girls to Disney World for Fall Break back in October. I just realized I've not posted any photos from that trip...

77. buy a smartphone

This was Shane and mine's Christmas gifts to each other... new phones! We both chose the Droid X.

(If you have an Android phone and want to play Wordfeud, look me up! I'm NutHouse Shannon. Go figure.)

More importantly, there are quite a few items I'm actively working on...

2. convert playroom into an office

This one is slowly coming into fruition. I've been able to remove most of the toys and added a small desk for my use. The room has been painted and Shane built a closet... eventually I'd like to buy a bigger L-shaped desk so we can move the Mac out of the den and into the new office.

32. read 10 non-fiction books

My Fair Lazy by Jen Lancaster
The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich

45. attend at least 2 theater events

We went to see A Christmas Story ("You'll shoot your eye out!") at our local theater back in December.

46. attend at least 3 concerts

Shane and I saw Dave Matthews in July... and Angie and I took another road trip to see Kings of Leon in September.

79. eat at 10 restaurants that I've never been to

With our trip to Disney World, I could knock 4 off this list (Whispering Canyon Cafe, Liberty Tree Tavern, Yak & Yeti, and 50's Prime Time Cafe were all new to us) but that somehow feels like cheating...

87. hold a "comments for cans" post at least once per year

Thanks to your comments, I donated a total of 58 items to my local food bank in December 2010.

I think I've made pretty good progress so far... but it's time to get crackin'.

Operation: Keep Kids Occupied Whilst on Winter Break is finally over.

2011-01-05T13:55:00.002-05:00

Over the last 19 days, my girls and I have:

made glitter ornaments

painted ornaments

painted canvases

made no-sew fleece blankets

made gingerbread houses

baked, frosted, and sprinkled Christmas cookies

held (way too) many Christmas scavenger hunts

If I never do another art project/kid activity, it will be too soon...

And the gifts just keep on comin'.

2011-01-02T00:04:00.000-05:00

Going through the photos from Christmas Eve, I came across this one:

My brother totally photobombed me.

In related news, my brother is a total dork.

11 movies to see in 2011

2010-12-29T06:37:00.002-05:00

Inspired by Jen from Daily Mish Mash, this is the 1st post in a series where I'll highlight 11 movies I most want to see in 2011 (in no particular order).

#11: Cowboys & Aliens

scheduled release date: July 29, 2011

On paper, the pedigree for this movie is outstanding:

Steven Spielberg.

Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.

Harrison Ford.

And, of course, my movie boyfriend.

What do you think? I don't know anything about the graphic novel it's based on, but from the trailer I'm intrigued. Yet I have a very strong feeling this movie could be really good... or reeeaaaallly bad.

One thing I'm not sure about is my man's "Western" accent... after all, part of his appeal is that he's a Brit.

But Daniel Craig in chaps?

Oh, yeah... that works.

a look back at 2010...

2010-12-28T00:37:00.001-05:00

And a few of my favorite posts from the past year:

what's in a name?

Their plan is foolproof.

I can call you Betty. And you can call me Al.

Yeah, that's EXACTLY what it feels like.

I'm looking forward to seeing what 2011 will bring...

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T11:44:00.007-05:00

All that shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, and general mayhem getting ready for Christmas?

Totally worth it.

A few days before Christmas, we celebrated with my Dad...

And spent Christmas Eve at my mom's...

Hannah and Michaela were thrilled and surprised with the American Girl dolls... and I was completely surprised with a Flip camera! (Thanks again, Mom!)

We headed home to put the girls to bed and wait for Santa's arrival... and woke up to a White Christmas!

If I remember correctly, the local weatherman said it had been over 40 years since it last snowed here on Christmas (or at least snowed enough of a recordable amount). There was at least 4 inches on the ground when we woke up and it snowed pretty much all morning long. Unbelievable!

After a yummy breakfast of waffles and hot cocoa...

Hannah and Michaela were ready to open their gifts...

We then celebrated the rest of Christmas Day at Shane's mom's...

Besides the American Girl dolls, other hits this year were toe socks, Pillow Pets, and LEGO sets (including Harry Potter LEGOs!) As well as Wii games, DS games, books, and clothes (yes, my girls were happy they received new clothes for Christmas... even socks and underwear!)

Needless to say, my girls are very ~~spoiled~~ blessed... as are Shane and I.

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, too!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,

born this happy morning;

Jesus, to Thee be all glory given!

Word of the Father,

now in flesh appearing!

O come, let us adore Him

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord.

checklist

2010-12-23T17:02:00.000-05:00

Holiday shopping?

Done.

Wrapping gifts?

Done.

Christmas cards?

Done.

Shannon?

DONE.

let it snow!

2010-12-18T19:19:00.004-05:00

Our first Winter Break Activity is one for the books... homemade snow globes!

The instructions were fairly easy. In fact, the task that turned out to be the most difficult was finding the figures to go in the snow globes. I was finally able to locate two snowman figures that juuust fit inside the glass jars.

They turned out pretty cute, if I say so myself!

P.S. Thanks for supporting my "comments for cans" post... in all, 58 cans were donated to the local food shelter!

O Christmas Tree

2010-12-15T09:02:00.000-05:00

"There's nothing to do!"

2010-12-13T16:03:00.005-05:00

Today has been a "snow day" for the girls.

Too bad there wasn't any snow.

Actually, we did have some snow showers yesterday and last night... just enough to get a dusting of snow on the ground.

It was more due to the below-freezing temps and blustering winds that school was canceled for the day.

And if there is anything I've learned from today, it's that I had better have activities planned for my kids to do during their Winter Break... or I'm gonna go nuts.

The girls have argued/fought/picked on each other all. day. long. I'm almost to the point of locking myself in my bedroom, letting them have a go at each other, and who cares about the outcome!

So to keep them occupied (and to keep my sanity) during their two and a half weeks off from school, I'm trying to plan things for the girls to do. Here's what I have so far:

bake Christmas cookies

make handmade snow globes

make "no-sew" fleece blankets

watch holiday movies

We've seen "Rudolph", "Frosty the Snowman", and the Charlie Brown Christmas special. It just occurred to me the other day that my kids have never seen "Home Alone", so that one is definitely on the list. What other movies should we watch?

And what other ideas do you have? Again, I have TWO AND A HALF WEEKS to fill up with holiday fun... so please help!

Yeah, that's EXACTLY what it feels like.

2010-12-09T00:23:00.000-05:00

First, let me set the scene...

Hannah and Michaela's Magic Elves are here for a visit... they've been getting into mischief, as elves are wont to do.

The other morning, the girls woke up to find that, for the 2nd time, the elves had taken off all the ornaments on the Advent tree...

And I overheard the following...

Hannah: Again?! We just put these back on!

Michaela: This must be what it feels like to have children.

for a worthy cause

2010-12-07T14:13:00.006-05:00

As I did last year, I'm once again holding a "comments for cans" post... for every comment on this post through Thursday night (12/9), I will donate one canned good item to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

It's just my way of giving back. I have so much to be thankful for... including a fully stocked pantry and fridge. Maybe a few cans of peas and corn won't end hunger in this country, but it will surely help! I firmly believe every little bit does.

So leave a comment for a can!

Updated to add: There's no limit to how many comments you can leave... it is for a good cause, after all (but please don't go crazy!) I donated 30 items from last year's "comments for cans" post so I was hoping to beat that. Thanks to Lizzy, I'm well on my way!

blah blah blah

2010-12-03T16:15:00.006-05:00

Let's see how many random thoughts we can get in one post!

Thanksgiving was good. Ate way too many carbs, but what else is new? I don't like turkey, but I do love me some stuffing. And mashed potatoes. And gravy. And... well, you get the idea.

There are some pretty cool giveaways going on over at my review blog... seriously, check these out:

The Bowtique $20 gift certificate

Classic Christmas Gift Basket from GourmetGiftBaskets.com

Inspire Your Walls $20 gift certificate

The Original Christmas Classics 4-box Blu-ray set

Angie and I went to see "Love and Other Drugs" a week or so ago. Pretty good movie... and there is a lot of TEH SEX between Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Not that I'm complaining, or anything. They are both smokin' hot. Rawr.

My wedding rings (my engagement ring and a a wrap which were soldered together) broke apart...

I can't decide how to fix them. My first thought was just to have the diamonds re-set onto a wider band... that way they would all be on one piece, not two. But then I saw something similar to this at the jeweler's...

I really like it! I would have my solitaire mounted onto the one band... so, yes there would be two bands but they wouldn't be fused together like my original rings were. I could wear them both, or just the bottom band if I wanted to. Of course, this leaves me with two trillion cut diamonds to do something with, but I think those could easily be made into a pair of earrings.

Two things are holding me back from going with the separate bands, though. One, this is the more expensive option. And two, it's a totally different look... those aren't the rings Shane gave me. Those aren't the rings he put on my finger on our wedding day.

Shane says it's up to me... he's fine with either way. He's not bothered by the rings being different from what they were, so maybe I shouldn't be, either. Decisions, decisions...

Now, wasn't that fun?

Always a day late...

2010-12-02T17:58:00.004-05:00

Not to sound like a broken record, but as I said recently, my desire to blog has been waning.

I had the notion of participating in NaBloPoMo for December... I could end the year with a bang by posting every day. Not a bad idea, right?

Yeah, I thought so, too. Until I realized today is December 2nd. Meaning I missed Day 1.

This is the story of my life, people. Story. Of. My. Life.

{sigh}

Welcome to The Nut House!

Perhaps not the best reasons, but I'm not one to argue.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's as small as a pin-prick, but it's there.

I'm trying to take it one day at a time.

Let this be a lesson to you all: Proofread before you post.

636 Days Down...

I really hope I don't see her on A&E or TLC in the future.

An announcement:

Which list are YOU on?

Your guess is as good as mine.

Drumroll, please.

Catching Up

I see a lot of buttered popcorn in my future.

11 Movies to see in 2011

Game On

Giving Back... Again

11 Movies to see in 2011

I guess it's time I embrace the 21st Century

Money can't buy happiness. But it *can* buy stuff.

11 Movies to see in 2011

A daughter's request.

Only 60 shopping days left!

Fall Break --- a Photo Essay

"What are we doing tomorrow?"

Little bits of random

I've reached a milestone.

11 Movies to see in 2011

Check

Guess who...

"On the beach, you can live in bliss."

11 Movies to see in 2011

Growing up is hard to do.

11 Movies to see in 2011

11 Movies to see in 2011

She's having *way* too much fun with this.

My Week(s) in Pictures

Adventures in Buckhead

They know me so well.

11 Movies to see in 2011

Bartender, I'll have one of those, please.

*tap tap tap* Is this thing on?

These are the thoughts currently swirling around in my brain. No wonder I have a headache.

I can't decide...

I now know which one of us would get the kids in a custody agreement.*

"one of these things is not like the others..."

Just another jumble of thoughts...

I did it!

Happy Birthday, Brother!

this or that?

11 Movies to see in 2011

hook, line, and sinker

the cheer was brought

In Loving Memory

Perplexities, bogus holidays, and other random stuff.

a song for the birthday girl -- part deux

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

Happy Birthday to my baby girl.

Perhaps not my wisest parenting decision.

Maybe it's time to cut back?

partypalooza

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

How do we love thee?

(more things) I love...

Motivation. I haves none.

dance with me

Just under the wire!

traditions

I have a full calendar but an empty stomach.

a child's plaything

11 Movies to see in 2011

2011 in pictures: days 1 - 30

Our getaway to the Hide Away

a song for the birthday girl

A decade.

aimless prattle

bring on the cheer

beautiful blooms

Clue #2

I don't think he will ever learn.

2011 in pictures: Fab Five Friday

Money can't buy happiness. But it can buy stuff.

She's having way too much fun with this.

tap tap tap Is this thing on?

Operation: Keep Kids Occupied Whilst on Winter Break is finally over.