Second Post of the Night

Can I whine for two minutes? Okay, just give me a minute. I'll make it quick. I hate hate hate, can I say I hate?! when I type a post, get it juuuussstt right only to hit the publish button and have the post NOT be what I wanted it to be. I'm having an issue with Blogger not putting space between paragraphs. I put it there during the creating and editing stages, so why isn't it there for the final post? Anyone out there having this same issue and if so, did you find an answer?

UPDATE! See??!! I just published the above and notice that there is more space between the lines than there is on the next post! aarrgh And NOW there is a space between the paragraphs! Why can't I do that on posts with snapshots?!

A Neat Project & A Busy Day

Check out this idea for creating art! I found it at a new blog I'm stalking and just love it!! It's done with paint samples and after reading about it, I intend to hit the Sherwin Williams here in town. Oops, you did NOT just read this and you will NOT be going there to ask first. Right?! Project: Domestic Bliss, check it out. But of course, finish my post first!

By the way, I love blog hopping and would love for you to visit the 'NEWbies'. There are two {over on the left} that I added this week and I think you'll enjoy them. If you like arts and crafts, begin with The Feathered Nest and use Dawn's site as a jump off point to visit other sites with that theme. If home decor is your cup of tea, then visit Kimba at A Soft Place to Land or Susie at Bienvenue. Just be careful, this is an addictive pasttime. You just can't visit one. One always leads to another which leads to another. And that one opens the door to yet another. See where this is headed?

Here at our home, it was a busy day! And guess what!! I bought groceries! The first time. in. two. months!! Two months of eating out and really enjoying that, BUT I was hungry for a home that smelled like food, like roast, and fresh squash, and biscuits, and brownies. And now. it. does. Got the groceries put up {and we will NOT tell Johnny how much it cost to replenish two months of not buying anything}, got the roast on, baked three chicken breasts with a mediterranean seasoning, got that squash cooking with a sweet onion and some butter, added nuts to the brownie mix, and while that was cooking

I mopped the kitchen floor {it's a small area} and kept two loads of wash going. Rearranged our tiny little foyer, added a rug {guess who will be soooo glad when the outside construction work if finished!!} and even managed to read the newest People magazine while eating a deli sandwich. Am I a super woman or what? By the way, the umpteen pictures of the newest additions to the Jolie-Pitt family are precious. I'm such a sucker for celebrity and royalty articles. So sue me.

Now, if I were a really neat blogger there would be snapshots of the groceries on the counter, as well as snaps of the cut up squash, etc etc etc. Well, I was tired and just glad I had the energy to do what I did. I can remember less than a year ago, I couldn't even buy groceries without Jenny or Johnny. Hmm, I can remember not even caring if groceries were bought, much less if anything was cooked. Which reminds me that two years ago, there was a feeding tube through my nose. Wow, makes me glad my feet are hurting right now because I've been on them all day long {insert a huge smile here and a prayer of thanksgiving}.

The mirror hasn't gotten hung yet, but with Johnny on vacation you will see pictures soon. He has a 'honeydo' list and promises to get it all accomplished. So stay tuned, stay cool, and stay focused. And if you can't stay focused, then at least have some really neat and productive day dreams.

Lovin' Sales & Curious Little Boys

Found this pillow on sale at Kirkland's yesterday afternoon and got two for the price of one!!! $14.99 each and they are down-filled. So comfy and love the blues and browns. The snapshot looks shiny, but the pillows aren't. I think I need a new battery in my flash, or something. However, the real steal was this mirror!!!

Only $29.99! and the glass is beveled. It's sitting on the sofa at the moment, but will soon be hung. I'm thinking two sconces on either side to balance it out. I also have to get two heavier lamps to flank the couch. The buffet lamps aren't cutting it.

And while Ian was hamming it up for the camera Monday morning, I noticed his brother had gotten awfully quiet. He'd just walked through wearing John's hat, so I knew he had to be close. That and along with the fact that this apartment isn't that big. Noooaaahhh, what are you doing?

The child loves buttons. Of any kind. And if they can't be pushed, then they should be able to be pulled. Or torn off. Such a curious soul, can't wait to see what field his career will be in~

Not an ounce of guilt on that face. Didn't even bother to put the towels in before turning the washer on. I've got to teach that boy better.

Bits & Pieces

Friday, I was able to hold this sleeping sweetheart against my heart because
this trach 'necklace' I wear kept me alive when I couldn't breathe on my own. And yes, I would do it all over again just to have this curly head of warmth under my chin~

I just love these babies and know they have to grow up, but I just wish it didn't have to happen so quickly.

Below, you'll see the Master Bath. It's not one I use, except when my hair is wet and needs drying. It's not quite finished, but getting there. John is thrilled to have it decorated with prints we've gathered over the years of the Cades Cove areas and that there isn't anything 'girly' in there. He's loved all of the past baths, but says this one is his favorite. Awww~

And then there's the kitchen. A room needing help, although not as much help as the Master Bedroom, which still has unpacked boxes. I'm thinking the area coming down the wall needs a long frame. I need something to keep the cabinet door from hitting the wall edge. John wants me to add something more to the cabinet tops, too, but I'm determined not to bring in silk stuff! I promised Jenny. And Brandon. And Leslie. But it's a hard habit to break! See me sitting on my hands?

Leave me some comments with ideas, please! I'm realizing that now I wish I hadn't packed everything. I can think of an item we have but can't remember which box it went into or whether it's stored in the garage or the storage facility~

Okay, so this is Ian's scary face. I'm scared. Aren't you?

and a new best friend, Nancy Maddox. We both have been busy this summer, but as soon as the dust settles, I'm going to make some time for the two of us to go do some girly fun things!

By the way, I've had this blog playing in the background and have loved singing along and dancing to the fridge for a classic icy coke. Even sang Shama Lama Ding Dong while paying the Sears bill. Yeah, the lady heard it. And commented on it. Maybe it left her with a smile. It did me.

Catching Up

Let's play Catching Up With Nancy. There were several snapshots on my camera from our last trip to Mississippi, along with a few I took this morning. So here we go~
Sweet 'Laina. She will be three this December and growing too quickly. Austin begins kindergarten this year and we're having a difficult time trying to figure out where the last five years went. Alaina likes getting outside, hugs, her big brother, and exploring. The child knows no fear and is such a curious little person! Can't wait to go over this month and take her some more 'pretties'! I love this little girl.

We stay with Leslie when we go over and she has such a calming and relaxing home. I sleep so good when we're with her and I always love it when she goes to help me find new pants and jeans! She and Jenny make it so easy for me. They say 'here, this will look good on you' and I just pay for it. Suits me. And it works. Now I'm looking forward to more time in her guest room! Yep, I'm in love with this little girl, too.

Guess who has a computer?! Mine hasn't gotten here yet and John's mouse hasn't been delivered, but it's so nice having computer access inhome again! The key pad takes some getting used to, but he had a grand time checking in with Bama Online this morning before the boys got here. John loves keeping up with the recruits. It's all Greek to me~but I am so in love with the man.

Ian Todd, holding his medal for being a winner with the YMCA. He's eating the ice cream cake the coach brought for the boys. His coach was a very patient and kind man, and for that we are grateful. Ian loved T-ball and is already talking soccer. He and Austin will both be on soccer teams this fall and I'm sure Alaina and Noah will be all over the side lines. The older Ian gets, the more he looks like his daddy, which is a good thing. Have I said lately how in love I am with this little man?

Noah James this morning watching the large dump trucks and other heavy equipment trudge up the hill to the construction sites. He was enthralled and kept running back inside to jabber about what was taking place. He stood in this same spot late this afternoon watching for his daddy to come get him. This child is so in love with his mommy and daddy! and his Nan is so in love with him.

and me. Ian took this a week ago when I went with Jenny and the boys to Montgomery. I'm learning to like this person. Prior to the accident I tried to be someone for everyone. So much so, that I never really knew who Nancy was. Jenny says I'm less vain and Leslie says I'm more honest since the accident. It's been a painful journey, one that continues.

The accident left many changes and along with issues in my extended family prior to the accident there has been much to think upon, pray over, and learn to make peace with. But remembering the Garden, its beauty and peace keeps me grounded and at peace with the choices of others. I've learned to enjoy this person that stares back at me in the mirror. She will never be the person of April 20, 2006 but she is no longer a victim. She is a survivor, a witness that Paradise is only a breath away, a miracle. She is me and I know what she's been through, where she went, and what she dreams of. There are many good days ahead.

Have a restful weekend filled with many moments of laughter~

POSTNOTE ~ ha ha John just read this and commented that I was always honest before. I didn't mean to infer that I wasn't, Leslie simply meant that I'm more straightforward now and don't mind telling the truth, even when the truth hurts. Before I would've kept silent for too many things. Interestingly enough, all three girls and John like this 'new' me better :)

Mississippi Babes

Doesn't she look comfortable? Our granddog and Leslie~relaxing, chilling, and waiting for Brett to finish grilling hamburgers, salmon, sausages, and something else that I've forgotten at the moment. When Brett cooks, he feeds an army!! And we love to oblige. And here are our Mississippi babies! Alaina and Austin, in the backyard, in their pool, that probably won't last too long by the looks of things. These two have such fun together, but you never know what will happen next!
Like this. You knew it was bound to happen, didn't you. I did. And I'm blonde.

and he's got such an innocent face.

So here's some pics I found on camera. This is a grainy shot of a cabinet we found at Paravicini's in downtown Prattville a couple of weeks ago! It's a perfect fit. I'll get another snapshot tomorrow. Maybe.

And this is the dining room set we found also at Bill's shop. Paravicini's is such a neat place to find anything you need to decorate. Great prices, and there's always something to ooh and aah over. Again, a not so good shot with the promise of a better one to come~

Family & Fun

Here are some recent snapshots that bring smiles to my heart~
This one of Ian riding on Johnny's back in the swimming pool continues to bring a smile to my face. We have it on our laptop screen at the moment and we both remember what a great time we had that afternoon. Ian is a little waterbug and swims the length of the pool already. Well, he dog paddles~

Jenny took this picture at Ian's last T-ball game. You see Brandon patting Ian on the back at first base. We are so blessed to have men that love our grandsons and take an active part in spending time with them.

This snapshot? This one just brings pure laughter. Ian and Noah were plumb tuckered out after a day of running errands. It had been a very lengthy day and they had been so patient, but headed home they both gave in to staring at the inside of their eyelids. {And yes, 'plumb' and 'tuckered' are so words. Look them up in any Southern dictionary.} Ian was so sound asleep, he was drooling all over his left hand. At a traffic light, I had Jenny turn around and we both laughed out loud.

For those of you that read Jen's blog, you've already seen these. So look at them again. They're cute.

I worked in the apartment this evening while John was at work and will be sharing pictures this weekend!! There's still much to do, but I'll show what's going on thus far~

It's IIIIIINNNNNN!!!!!

It's in, it's in, it's finally, finally in!!! Can you see me dancing around our little apartment??!! Can you see the grin on my face and the waltz in my steps?! John was too sweet to help me connect all the wall hookups and even called Knology to have them connect us! I was too embarrassed to call Brandon and whine, "Brandon, why can't I connect?!" And for the moment, I'm still not sure how to upload photos and how to connect the printer, but ~~~~~

I HAVE COMPUTER ACCESS AND I AM NOT AT THE BUSINESS CENTER!!!! WHAAHOOOO!!! I AM ONE HAPPY UPPER MIDDLE AGED WOMAN!!

And I can't wait to catch up with everyone, read your posts for the last three weeks and see how many of your dreams have come true or in the process of coming true. Jenny called today and asked what I thought of the glass knobs on Layla's page ~ The Lettered Cottage ~ and I haven't seen them!! That will be remedied tonight!! And Lynne is adding a new addition to her house!! I have to go over and see if she's posted snapshots yet!

I'm back online, I'm back online, I'm back online {insert one of the hip swaying, arms moving in an oval, chanting teenager moves}

Kate Wolfe

I read of this young mother in the Montgomery Parents magazine Thursday and looked up her blog site. I urge you to go there, read, pray, and lift this talented young wife in your prayers. She is the daughter in law of Jay Wolfe, pastor of First Baptist in Montgomery, Alabama.

Gotta go, my time's up in the Business Center!

Quick Note

I've been at Jen's part of this afternoon and thought I could update this a bit more but Noah had other ideas. He's very clingy this afternoon, so what could I do but cuddle on the sofa with both him and Ian {insert a huge smile here}

Ian has a T-ball game tonight, so they are in the kitchen eating and getting ready to head out again. Young families stay on the go. I can't remember that we did, but I do remember my mother claiming as such, so maybe we did also.

We still have cable, but now the sound is off :/ and Knology is still wondering if the cut is in the ceiling between the two floors or in the wall. Hmm, wonder where the hole will be?

LINDA!! This is a shout out for you!! It was good to spend time with you and know that you enjoy the blogs!! When you came into the store saying, "I know you! I know you!" I wasn't sure what I'd done {wink, wink} Jenny is looking forward to meeting you also, unless you went by the shoppe this afternoon. Come back and visit!!

It's Wednesday

and I'm at the Business Center. Still. Waiting. Patiently ;) on my laptop! I'm so excited at having one, and it will make things easier. The Business Office here stays open during the day, but I'm not here much :/ so until then, I'll have to update you when I can.

Things are a bit more settled. Not. We have managed to organize the garage and I have hung some pictures. No curtains yet, no bed in the Master, the Master Bath is finished!, the guest is pretty much finished, etc. etc.

Have to go, so all of you stay cool, keep laughing, and continue to Praise the King! He is truly One that I can't wait to see~

Okay, So This Isn't Mine

I had hoped to be able to upload pictures I took today, but not sure how to do it since this computer in the business center doesn't have a Flickr Uploader on it ~ and I'm so spoiled!! I don't want to miss up and be banned from the Business Center, so you'll have to wait until Jenny can upload them for me.

There are some good ones of Leslie taken last weekend and some cute ones taken today at the pool here at our apartment complex. Ian has turned into a little fish! Noah, not so much. I'm looking forward to getting a swimdress, yes you read right!, and being able to get in the water. It's only five feet at the deepest part and I like that. I may be an Aquarius, but I don't like deep water. Nor do I like getting my face wet! Even in the shower. Go figure.

Saturday, John and I worked in the garage and got it organized and arranged! My cute little car is right now parked there, staying cool. We went over to the storage building and realized we'll be able to rent the smallest one they have! Johnny would love to put one over at Brandon's, but part of me still wants a climate controlled area. Bet I don't win this discussion, though. I'll keep you informed.

We're still settling in and it's looking a bit more like our place. Still much to do, as far as I'm concerned. Johnny's happy his part is over. He has agreed to buy a couple of fans and a new light fixture for me!! So, stay tuned!!

A New Way of Living

Living in an apartment, and a brand, brand new apartment at that!, is a new experience for us. Not for me as much as it is for John. I've lived in numerous apartment from Georgia to Colorado and each has been different, but then, basically the same. I've never lived in a trailer, except for a few months while our home was being built. John, on the other hand, has lived in trailers and homes. Never, ever an apartment. I guess it's been the toughest on him. And I've worried a bit about that.

He just told me this morning that he's beginning to really enjoy himself and that he wonders now if he wants to go into another house! {I've been subtly pushing for a condo for months now} He's liking the time we spend together, his time resting and catching up on movies, the time we will have to visit our daughters in their homes more, and not having to deal with the upkeep of a home and yard. He surprised me! What a nice surprise!

At this time, we're saving our money and waiting to see if Prattville will begin building condos either downtown {our dream!} or even out near The Legends. Either way, until then, we'll continue being happy with our cute screened in porch, the fitness center, and a pool we don't maintain. If you see us weeks from still grinning like the Cheshire cat, you'll know why. Until then ~

Sitting Here and Missing

not you :) I'm missing my computer!! The office/whateveryoucallit thingie near the pool and that houses the fitness center also has a business room with computer, printer and fax!! So I snuck out of the apartment for bit while John is playing a racing game on the PlayStation. Knology is coming out tomorrow to hook up Internet, phone, and cable BUT we have to wait for our laptops to come in before we're online once more.

Johnny has a problem. Or maybe it's me that has the problem. But each time I get one box unpacked, the floor vacuumed, and step back and grin ~ another unpacked box arrives!! argh He seems to think he's helping. I think he's just trying to help me loose weight. Which I have to get serious about before this surgery that is, rapidly approaching, in October (insert a really scrunched up face here!)

I have missed visiting with all of you on your pages and have so much catching up to do once I get the time to sit down and get comfortable. Please keep coming back and thank you for being patient. I won't be able to post snapshots of the apartment until I can get online with my laptop, but I have some for you (imagine happy, proud grin here!)

Have a beautiful weekend and stay cool and in love~

Ouchie WaaWaa

"Weswie has a monste in her home" So says me!!! And this is what it looks like!!There, you have it!! A ferious little piece of meat! Nah, she actually appears to be an abused pet that just doesn't trust humans. I had been able to pick her up, pet her, even kiss the top of her head until today. Until this afternoon. Until just a half hour ago! Les is doggie-sitting this weekend and Belle has already bitten Leslie. And all Leslie was trying to do was take her outside. All I wanted to do was give her some lovin'. Forget that!
This is Marley. This is Leslie's baby.She doesn't bite. You can even pick her up from the front. Take my word for it. Be careful, though, around these little buggers!! I have a big gash on both sides of a finger right now. And it bled. "It bleeded and bleeded awot!"Devil Dog. I'm not lyin'. Devil, Devil, Devil Dog.