a common life

weekending

2011-07-03T19:13:00.002-05:00

the weekend was swim suit wearing

shoe shopping

spending mucho time with the peeps

and with new buds!

pinning like crazy

pondering where I am going

where I have been

spending some time reading

spending some time watching this and this

eating BBQ with my eldest peep coupled with great conversation

helped a sweet friend say goodbye to her dad,

what a brave girl...so proud of her

remembering my mother and the day I said goodbye to her

then I went home and got a hug from Sawyer

now all is right in the world again.

**linking up with the fabulous Amanda

10 right now::

2011-04-27T09:26:00.000-05:00

rain...its a good thing!
this website
warm breezy afternoons on the front porch
dinner out with besties
this song that is on a constant loop on my ipod
this Lisa Leonard must have. and this one too.
Twitter...@StephFromTexas
this cute ensemble...thinking it will be my Summer uniform
flip flops
blog stalking...this fab one. this too sweet one too.

what are you digging right now?

weekending

2011-04-24T19:26:00.001-05:00

this weekend was
a sleep in kind of 3 day weekend.
we slept way too late Friday & Saturday
but it was oh so needed.
there were egg hunts
lots and lots of softball playing
Saturday afternoon BBQs at the sister in law's house
complete with a long drive contest with the cousins
and basketball games too.
gardening
watching Hangover for the millionth time with my mister
cooking of turkeys...Spring style
roasting of asparagus...straight from my garden (yay!).
Sunday brought a drive to Vinton
my mister's sweet little grandmother
89 years young
along with that turkey & asparagus was my fave rice dressing.
more cousins
more egg hunts
remembering of the sacrifice our Savior made for us...As He bled through every pore.
taking a moment to really ponder what that means.

what was your weekend?

**I am linking up with the ever so fabulous Amanda**

How great

2011-04-24T08:47:00.000-05:00

How great the sacrifice.
How great the love.
How grateful I am.

Wishing you all a very happy Easter.

weekending

2011-04-17T21:28:00.000-05:00

(photo credit)

this weekend was nice and slow.
the mister had to work all weekend. date consisted of a quick run to the local bbq joint for steaks. but it was a cherished hour indeed.
Saturday started late. slept in to the unbelievably late hour of 8am.
laundry, meals, snacks, and forest fires. yes, a huge forest fire. it has burned over 5,000 acres so far. including some of my beloved Big Thicket. it is terrible.
watched this movie. it delightfully surprised me. the story and characters were more 3 dimensional than i expected. a tear or two might have found their way down my cheek.
spent way too much time on Pinterest. i might be a bit obsessed.
a little reading of this. and a study of Hebrews that i am devouring. learning more about Gideon. pondering that it is not the amount of perseverance that i have, it is what i do with it.
i HAVE to remember that.

how was your weekend?

10 right now::

2011-04-16T15:04:00.000-05:00

Pinterest.com...inspiration!
photos...especially from this fantastic eye.
homemade yogurt popsicles
listening to these guys daily. and these.
Jackie O sunglasses
Chanel no. 5
heirloom tomatoes...Mr. Stripeys!
flip flops
turquoise & orange
pecks on the cheek

and one to grow on:: dates with the mister.

this moment

2011-04-15T06:47:00.000-05:00

one photo ...no words
one i want to savor to remember always
one that makes me smile

right now: i am...

2011-04-13T12:56:00.000-05:00

having the best time with this guy. it has been a joy to watch him grow and mature.

even though it is his first year in Little League, he has taught his teammates by instruction and by example. a thrill for this LL veteran mom to sit back and just enjoy.

bonin farm daybook

2011-04-12T12:45:00.001-05:00

Outside my window... ~the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and a breeze is blowing. it is beautiful!

I am thinking... ~how much better i feel with this weight loss.

I am thankful for... ~that i have my great grandmother's quilts to snuggle under. so loved Nadine.

I am wearing... ~black tee, jeans, flip flops

I am remembering... ~what it was like to be a senior in high school. just how difficult it is to choose a college. a path.

I am going... ~no where, if i can help it!

I am currently reading... ~ Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand  little by little Court!

I am hoping... ~to get more time to read. i have never had this much trouble finding time.

On my mind... ~Summer vacation destinations

Noticing that... ~my sweet Cameron is turning into a man.

Pondering these words...~A true random act of kindness is one where you do not get noticed for the kindness you spread or did. Be kind for each act creates a rippling effect that is endless.

In the kitchen... ~more grilling, lots of lemonade, and board games. in the freezer...3 of our guinea hens and 1 rooster.

Creating...~special moments with each peep.

Around the house... ~landscaping, gardening, and mountains of laundry to be hung on my new clothesline. well new to me sort of. it was my mother's. have been hanging clothes with it since i was a child.

One of my favorite things... ~afternoon snack & chat with the peeps.

A picture memory to share...~

Sawyer holding the game ball he earned at last night's game.

He LOVES his 1st year of baseball.

weekending

2011-04-10T19:14:00.002-05:00

Jordan at District Golf Tournament

Cameron at the District Golf Tournament

this weekend i...
~~lost~~ mislaid my camera cord...hence the IPhone photos above
watched my garden grow. please hurry tomatoes. i so want to eat you in a sandwich.
read a little. which is a total miracle these days.
went to bed early and awoke way too early.
Saturday's early rising was for a great cause. i took a road trip with my sweet Cameron. we went to the Texas A&M Veterinary School Open House. and i didn't even spontaneously combust when i stepped on to the campus. please would my beloved University of Texas build a Vet School?? in any case, he LOVED it. we saw everything. even a live surgery on a basset hound. very impressive.
on that road trip i saw fields and fields of bluebonnets. so beautiful. so majestic.
while i was gone Sawyer played baseball. thank you Jordan for being the kind of son that i can trust with not even a thought of a worry to take care of your brother. my first baseman is over the moon about his first year of Little League. it has been a blast!
Sunday has brought a serene peaceful day. i oh so heart Sundays like this. mornings with my church family and afternoons with my peeps.
and i am ready to do all again next weekend.

how was your weekend?

since i've been gone

2011-04-09T20:37:00.001-05:00

i have been laughing and crying. watching and reading (a teeny bit). pondering and more pondering. and......

hiking as much as possible
searching until my eyes are about to cross for homeschool curriculum
watching 2 HS peeps play golf
watching a little peep play baseball
not making it to book club (i suck!)
not letting people provoke a reaction out of me
not sweating the small stuff
checking out some zoo animals
checking out Veterinary School with my Cameron
supporting Jordan in his college choices
planting Spring flowers
visiting little Cajun great aunts...boy is she great!
finding out a great deal about myself
and loosing 22 lbs. so far. only 18 more to go. ugh!

i have missed you my sweet friends. i needed some time to process some things and be silent a while. hopefully i am back now.

what has been going on in your world???

a little been gone music for you.

bonin farm daybook

2011-03-20T15:50:00.000-05:00

Outside my window... ~sunshine!

I am thinking... ~i have been away from this space for far too long. i needed to be silent for a while. to just be with my peeps. to just be with myself and my thoughts. it feels so good to be back.

I am thankful for... ~a sweet email from a blogger friend. it meant so very much. thanks Claudine!

I am wearing... ~jeans, green vintagish Schwinn tee, and keens.

I am remembering... ~to judge not.

I am going... ~on a hike with my mister in the morning.

I am currently reading... ~ ugh! there has been no time to read. it is killing me!

i am diving in The Hiding Place ASAP. and i have been looking at a lot of homeschooling literature...Charlotte Mason is looking like a fit for us. decisions, decisions!

I am hoping... ~to get back into a rhythm in my home. Spring Break threw us off...but it was oh so fun. (spring break post coming soon)

On my mind... ~my sweet friend Marlo. she lost her father only hours ago. i know her pain and sadness and wish i could take it away for her.

Noticing that... ~things always turn out as they are supposed to be.

Pondering these words...~"Let children alone... the education of habit is successful in so far as it enables the mother to let her children alone, not teasing them with perpetual commands and directions - a running fire of Do and Don’t ; but letting them go their own way and grow, having first secured that they will go the right way and grow to fruitful purpose."

~ Charlotte Mason

In the kitchen... ~lots of grilling. so glad that Spring has sprung and we can enjoy the out of doors!

Creating...~pillows on the sewing machine. balance and purpose on the brain and soul. even deeper love for my mister in my heart and soul.

Around the house... ~SPRING CLEANING! washing, organizing, mending, planting...i love it all.

One of my favorite things ~my Spring garden. we have started planting! only 5 types of tomatoes...is there a 12 step program for tomato addiction?!

this moment

2011-02-25T06:03:00.000-06:00

one photo ...no words
one i want to savor to remember always
one that makes me smile

from the kitchen:

2011-02-22T17:39:00.001-06:00

::honey oat loaves slathered with loquat jelly
::fresh, sweet strawberries...some dipped in dark chocolate
::lots of handmade pizzas...mushroom and asparagus for me please
::tons of clementines...we can not get enough of them
::greek yogurt drizzled with honey topped with walnuts
::strawberry banana protein shakes every morning
::and eggs from my girls...they are laying again hooray!
::banana cake for my bookish peeps

monday
grilled pork chops
baked sweet potatoes spring peas w/ mushrooms

tuesday
rosemary lemon & garlic roasted chicken
brussel sprouts broccoli & brown rice
green salad

wednesday
pinto beans
cornbread cole slaw

thursday
frittatas
*one with asparagus & chevre
*one with bacon & cheddar
heirloom tomato salad crostini

friday
handmade pizzas
roasted cob corn green salad

saturday
dinner out @ The Pickett House...yum chicken & dumplings here i come!

sunday
grilled burgers & boudain
oven roasted sweet potato fries
avocado & tomato salad
?what's for dessert??

there is also puzzles being put together, dictation being taken, secret wishes being revealed, paintings being creating, and much love being shared.

what is happening in your kitchen this week?

a walk in the woods

2011-02-21T22:30:00.000-06:00

i may not have traveled down the Appalachian Trail with Bill Bryson and his hilarious friend, but i did some hiking today. Though that is on my bucket list. loved, LOVED that book. but i digress.

this morning, Kevin and I hiked a couple of trails in the Big Thicket. it was the most peaceful, serene morning. walking and talking. planning and pondering to the soundtrack of squirrels scurrying, birds calling and woodpeckers knocking away.
it was a perfect monday.
how was yours?

weekending

2011-02-21T06:25:00.000-06:00

ET
the great horned owl

this fab lady is 86 years old
travels the country educating us about and saving the raptors.
she was too precious!

if you look close you will see he is checking himself out in the mirror.

screech owl

crested caracara

okonomiyaki

this weekend was super full. everything seemed to be happening all at once. oh my did we have some good times.

friday started with Save Our Raptors at the Ice House Museum was fantastic. the cute lady in the picture not only travels the country with her birds and saving others along the way, she sleeps in her van with them...even when she is home. she was a hoot!

saturday morning we picked up trees from our local Arbor Day foundation.

maybe a little antiquing/thrifting along the way.

lots of puzzles were put together. Sawyer and Cameron are masters.

saturday night my sister in law made us the most fab Japanese dinner. can you say yum?! our most favorite couple, Robert & Laura, joined us. the highlight of the night was Kevin showing us his dance skills on their Xbox Kinect. too funny that mister of mine.

sunday was the best kind of sunday. started with a wonderful church service...best music ever! a matinee ballet date with my Sawyer. our local civic ballet company had their spring performance...featuring Snow White. LOVED it. ended the weekend in true bonin fashion. with food of course! we came home to Kevin and the peeps grilling steaks.

perfect ending to a perfect weekend.

i am linking up with the fabulous Amanda.

what was your weekend like?

this moment

2011-02-18T08:30:00.000-06:00

one photo no words
one i want to savor to remember always
one that makes me smile

bonin farm daybook

2011-02-17T12:32:00.000-06:00

Outside my window... ~the front yard is covered in Robins. 70 degree weather with a little sun. we are finally thawing out a bit.

I am thinking... ~about making a change. home schooling seems like the right path for us.

I am thankful for... ~simply put: my life. my relationships, my spirit, and the blessings that have been bestowed upon me.

I am wearing... ~blue shirt, black cardigan, GAP jeans, and zebra flats.

I am remembering... ~a terrific trip to Houston with my sweet sister-in-law Erin last year to Japan Fest. so looking forward to this year!

I am going... ~to have a fantastic weekend with my peeps...SOAR:Save Our Raptors (yay!), hiking the Big Thicket, a trip to the art museum, okonomiyaki at my brother & sis-in-law's home (yum!), and lots of reading. maybe even the ballet...Snow White.

I am currently reading... ~Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

I am hoping... ~that my love is received by others.

On my mind... ~education for my peeps. are making the right decisions.

Noticing that... ~God is everywhere if we just look for Him...and listen.

Pondering these words... We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving, and we all have the power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing.

Louisa May Alcott

In the kitchen... ~lots of strawberry/banana protein shakes...maybe green shakes this week, pita pizza margherita, clementines and more clementines.

Creating...~peace and harmony

Around the house... ~paints, pastels, dogs, snacks, mud, and mucho smiles.

One of my favorite things ~homemade pizza

From my picture journal...

the heart day

2011-02-14T23:03:00.001-06:00

started early for me. 5:30 in the am to be exact. that is when my mister came home with the bag of Chanel. Chanel no. 5 parfum. my oh so favorite. tucked away in the bag was a sweet gift card to Barnes & Nobel of course. because the book he went to get for me wasn't on the shelf. what a dear, sweet man. well, until the "happy pills" were discovered. while at the health food store he spotted them this weekend. naturally he picked them up for me so i was sure to happy this day of love. that's my guy....sort of romantic, ALWAYS a good laugh.
the day was perfection. thoughtful gifts and a sushi lunch. golf balls for my older peeps. a new camping lantern for Sawyer. chocolate dipped strawberries all around. and even a special heart bentoish lunch for mister 1st grade.
i love this day of love, hearts, and chocolate. the day we celebrate loving each other. the day of roses and tulips, of hugs and kisses, and of cards with hearts. the day we remember that Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes...

**today was a doubly good day...a package arrived from one of my favorite blogging friends, Amanda. full of fab goodies. thank you Amanda!

this moment

2011-02-04T10:24:00.000-06:00

one photo ...a blurry one this week
one i want to savor to remember always
one that makes me smile

right now, i am

2011-02-02T09:17:00.000-06:00

...jumping for joy. i oh so heart Matthew Meade. with the summer issue fast approaching, they did a give away. that's right. i am a winner winner chicken dinner! made this dreary cold day a ray of sunshine. it is the simple things that make me smile.

a well stocked pantry

2011-02-02T05:14:00.000-06:00

once again the amazing Amanda has been an inspiration. she listed the foods she could not live without. and boy is she living my kind of life! naturally i began mentally listing what i must have. i mean it is a list and food = heaven to me.

*avocados...how can you live without them? i don't know and i don't want to.

*grainy mustard

*horseradish

*tomatoes

*homemade bread

*chicken...esp. the perfect roast chicken

*homemade chicken stock...can't waste that chicken carcass from that perfect roasted chicken

*fish

*lemons

*rosemary...oh how i heart my rosemary bush. see photo above^

*basil

*garlic

*onions...yellow please

*shallots

*good olive oil

*eggs...my girls

*honey...with the comb if i am lucky

i need my own bees!

*bacon...ok ALL PORK.

*homemade pizza dough

*mushrooms!

*parmigiano-regiano

*havarti

*pasta...mamma mia

*walnuts

*pears

*strawberries

*yogurt...greek with honey

*grits

*marinated artichoke hearts

*spring peas

*spinach

*figs...may my trees be abundant this year!

*hummus

*dark chocolate

Sawyer wanted to add his list....

+pizza...especially with roasted garlic & chicken

+donuts

+pancakes

what is on YOUR list?

10 things :: must reads for 2011

2011-02-01T13:06:00.001-06:00

i have been considering 2011 for a month now. really? a month has passed? a list of accomplishments i seek, wishes, and so on was taken care of as i blew the candles out on my birthday cake last week. what sweet wishes and warmth i received on that day. thank you!

now it is time for the bookish list. my true love! as most of you know, a list is always in the making with me and usually growing. so here are the top 10 on my list....so far.

::Coop

::The Dirty Life

::Tender at the Bone

and i haven't read this one yet and think i must!

::Franklin and Eleanor:An Extraordinary Marriage

::The Backyard Homestead

::The Autobiography of Mark Twain

::Sarah's Key

::Unbroken

::The Art of Photography

::A Grief Observed

from the kitchen...

2011-01-31T20:34:00.000-06:00

::bread baking...still tweaking the recipe. weigh in if you have a go-to recipe.

::cookbook reading

::secret telling

::many math problems

::some reading aloud too

::menu planning...ugh! what to cook this week??

::granola envy...i need a fab recipe

::soaking up the warmest space in my home

monday

grilled pork chops (thank you Kevin)

brown rice & peas w/ mrooms garlic sauteed spinach

tuesday

lemon talapia

asparagus pesto pasta

romaine salad

wednesday

beef stew

rice cornbread

thursday

chicken paillard

oven roasted sw. potatoes broccoli

friday

chicken & roasted garlic white pizzas

cob corn italian salad

saturday

?????

sunday

??????

lunch box

::graham crackers

::cashew butter

::yogurt & granola

::edamame

::pesto pasta w/ chicken (from paillard)

::beef stew

bread box

::sandwich loaves

::cornbread

cookie jar

::chocolate chewies...back by popular demand.

what is going on in YOUR kitchen this week?

bonin farm daybook

2011-01-31T05:46:00.000-06:00

Outside my window... ~the frogs are singing and the birds are chirping, and the first crows of the morning from Mike...my very own symphony of nature.

I am thinking... ~that life is what you make and that i am thrilled i learned that lesson.

I am thankful for... ~repentance.

I am wearing... ~black yoga pants, tiffany blue tee.

I am remembering... ~my book club that met on my birthday. how beautiful they made it for me...complete with my mother's signature cake. can't think of a better bday cake!

I am going... ~for my yearly well check this morning. just might have to stop by the book store on the way home.

I am currently reading... ~Coop by Michael Perry

Reading Aloud...~ Stuart Little by E. B. White

(Sawyer choice and is LOVING it)

I am hoping... ~Jordan to do well at his golf tourney today. Cameron to have a productive day. Sawyer to continue loving learning.

On my mind... ~finding and keeping balance. being a better mother, wife and friend.

Noticing that... ~simplicity makes me happy.

Pondering these words... In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.

Robert Frost

In the kitchen... ~bread is baking for breakfast.

Creating...~pillows from bank bags i thrifted and Valentine fun

Around the house... ~all are asleep and quiet. Kevin left for work an hour ago. i am having some quiet time.

One of my favorite things ~snuggles.

From my picture journal...

weekending

2011-01-30T21:15:00.000-06:00

*haircuts for all...we LOVE miss brandy

*lots of grilling...burgers, steaks, pork chop = no more cooking this weekend!

*birthday wishes

*a little office time...but my peep kept me company

* much blog stalking

*letter writing

*catching up with friends

*redbox time

*best birthday dinner ever...my mister's steak & asparagus

*a little sleeping in

*a lot of snuggling

*another simply wonderful weekend

check out Amanda's weekend.

how was yours?

happy sunday

2011-01-30T13:28:00.000-06:00

on this rainy sunday this video brings a little sunshine my way. i hope it does yours as well.

let us start the week with smiles and hugs.

do something kind.

give free hugs.

from the silver screen::

2011-01-29T10:43:00.000-06:00

a list of 25 movies (plus a few) that i adore. i could and have watched these over and over.

Les Divorce
Lemon Tree
The Pianist
Mildred Pierce
The Man Who Came to Dinner
The Big Chill
O Brother Where Art Thou
Urban Cowboy...hey i'm from Texas!
The Color Purple
What About Bob?
Shenandoah
Gone With The Wind
Julie and Julia...really only the Julia part
Vicky Christina Barcelona
The Shawshank Redemption
The Godfather Series
The Pianist
To Kill A Mockingbird
Despicable Me
Less Than Zero
Chocolat
You've Got Mail..."i would send you bouquets of sharpened pencils"
Out of Africa
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
The Remains of the Day

honorable mention

::A Room with a View

::Meet Me in St. Louis

::Pride and Prejudice...Keira Knightly version

::Howard's End

::The King's Speech

the very cool Amanda also listed hers. go check it out!

this moment

2011-01-28T06:00:00.001-06:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

39 candles

2011-01-27T09:46:00.001-06:00

on my birthday today. 39 is a good number. i welcome it with open arms. happy to have had these years. to live and learn. to know better and do better.
in honor of this big day i am going to list a wish for each of those candles.
i wish...

for many hours of reading
to continue down the path i am traveling...to know me and love me.
for picnics with my peeps
to grow the best garden yet...with new raised beds (fingers crossed)
to be a good example
to be more of a hiker and biker
to present in each and every moment
to be an encouragement
to go on lots of movie and bookish dates with my mister
to be frugal
to listen and heed His direction
to relearn French
for smiles and giggles
for a beach cruiser
to be the kind of mother my mother would have been proud of
to speak less and listen more
to write more letters...anyone want to exchange letters??
to go on more camping trips
to be a more accomplished photographer
for a new camera to help with #19
to continue to learn to sew and to sew often
to travel
to be a friend that a friend would want
to learn to make cheese
to become a knitter
for learning opportunities
for a peace filled rhythm in my home
for self confidence to grow and self doubt to dwindle
to always show others respect
for much homemade ice cream!
for many read aloud hours with the peeps
for a trip or two to my Eureka
to remember what my mother and her mother before her taught me...and to live it
to volunteer more of my time
to organize my pantry
to never raise my voice
to spend more time with my friends
to incorporate pilates back in my life
to love and be loved

right now, i am

2011-01-26T09:45:00.000-06:00

::not taking photographs...i have been under the weather.

::healing from being feverish

::pondering.

::pondering what tomorrow's birthday means.

::pondering where this country has evolved. on facebook last night during the State of the Union my eyes were opened.

::looking forward to my book club meeting tomorrow night. will the girls have loved The Help as much as i?

::planning vacations...weekend camping trips...family vacation-maybe Shenandoah National Park-maybe the Grand Tetons...hmmm?

::looking deep in myself. trying to push away that old nemesis self doubt.

::getting my new spectacles today. letting these eyes get a rest from the contacts a while.

::thankful for this space and each of my sweet readers!

today i meant to....

2011-01-24T16:35:00.001-06:00

*
wash all the bedding
*

bathe Sadie...Mathilda got hers last night
*

bake a little something for the cookie jar...at least the bread got baked
*

scrub the bathrooms...just "hit the high spots" as my grandmother would have said
*

finish a book with Sawyer...check
*

put new hay out for the girls
*

plan my menu for the week
*

finish the second reading of The Help for book club...LOVE that book
*

finalize seed order
*

did you have a more productive day than this feverish girl did?

weekending

2011-01-23T16:56:00.001-06:00

*pinewood derby day...Sawyer came in 5th place overall

but gain so much more. he and his dad and brothers building, sanding, test runs and much smiling.

*movie watching

*popcorn eating

*fetch playing

*book reading

*heart to heart talking

*khakis shopping with Jordan

*best girlfriend couch time spending

*bucket list compiling

*vacation planning

*fever in the middle of the night (poor Saw)

*art supply organizing

*fantastic life acknowledging

how was YOUR weekend?

this moment

2011-01-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

10 right now

2011-01-20T20:52:00.000-06:00

*fresh new 2011 calendars ready to be filled in

*audio books

*fluffy pancakes with warm maple syrup for dinner

*freshly vacuumed cars

*bamboo cutting boards

*Top Chef...go Richard Blaise and Fabio cracks me up!

*teenagers...my guys are so fun.

*Coop...great read

*Avett Brothers...I and Love and Avett Brothers

*sweet validation

right now, i am

2011-01-19T09:38:00.000-06:00

on my way to the eye doctor.

ulcer on my eye!

looks like spectacles for this girl for a while.

which is just fine with me.

on the bright side....new glasses!

this i know for sure....

2011-01-18T12:57:00.000-06:00

*bread made by your own hand tastes better than any other

*listening to Jack Johnson makes a sad day glad

*finding your own style is way less exhausting than chasing other's

*loving yourself through your own eyes has far greater reward than what others see

*being a mother of 3 boys = marine corp basic training + some.

*toasted french bread rubbed with garlic & drizzled with a good olive oil always means yum!

*add fresh brandywine tomatoes to above and that means heaven

*forgiveness is freeing

*making mud pies is the best

*love is patient*love is kind

*love liberates...it never binds

what do YOU know for sure?

from the kitchen...

2011-01-17T14:25:00.001-06:00

much has been going on. the center, the heart of our home. with the cold finally making it to Texas, comfort food was definitely in order. warming to our bodies and oh so warming to our souls.
last week's menu did not go quite as planned. i was under the weather and things changed. we still ate well! pizzas by our own hands...our favorite. so much more than food happens in that room. rounds and rounds of Rush Hour & Apples to Apples. painting (portraits of mom & dad) and sketching. planning life and reliving the week's triumphs and spelling words.
this week the plan is:

monday

pinto beans

rice cornbread cole slaw

tuesday

Dorie's beef daube

country loaf

wednesday

rice dressing

sweet potatoes garlic sauteed spinach

thursday

chicken spaghetti

haricot verts italian salad

french bread

friday

pizzas

roasted cob corn salad

saturday

(jordan's meal to cook)

coconut chicken

glazed carrots spring peas w/ mushrooms

salad w/ handmade croutons

sunday

steak frites

caesar salad garlic toast

apple tarte tartin

lunchbox

::oven chicken tenders

::cheese crackers

::basic crackers w/ gouda

::teriyaki jerky

::hard boiled eggs from our girls

::granola & yogurt

cookie jar

::chocolate chewies

bread box

::sandwich loaves

::french loaf

::croutons from day old french loaf

::cornbread

what is happening in YOUR kitchen?

words of wisdom

2011-01-16T13:19:00.001-06:00

thank you Eleanor

hello weekend

2011-01-15T09:07:00.000-06:00

hello waking with the sun

instead before it

hello grits for breakfast

oh how i love thee

hello pjs till noon

how wonderfully lazy

hello movie date with Jordan

am super excited to see

The King's Speech

hello wool socks & hot cocoa

hello book & blanket

hello movies & popcorn

and maybe a ferrero rocher

hello board game marathons

Apples to Apples is a favorite

though Sawyer is learning & loving Chess

hello hikes & bikes

maybe some geocaching

hello 4 day weekend

it is so very nice to see you

this moment

2011-01-14T05:47:00.001-06:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

10 right now

2011-01-13T21:04:00.000-06:00

*rounds of Rush Hour

*seed catalogs...want more heirlooms in the garden this Spring

*cold, crisp weather that is perfect for hot coca

*my uggish boots...ok maybe they are from American Eagle

*taking photographs

*looking back...and learning from it

*roasting the perfect chicken

*True Grit...best movie i have seen a while

*quiet conversations in the dark with my mister

*being recognized by this blog for having a stylish blog. thank you Erin!

now to follow the rules of the Stylish Blog Award. Seven things about me.

i crave a simple life.
i love calendars. i love filling in the calendars. planning ahead. sending birthday cards. i may have bought 3 last week and 1 for my dad. i just may be addicted.
i love being in my garden. new plans for a revamped spring garden in the works right now...sorry Kevin but that means i need some things built.
i have a husband that makes me laugh everyday.
i very much dislike root beer, fennel, or anything remotely similar.
i am a quotes junkie.
i am a ponderer. i love to sit in the stillness and think things through.

thank you Erin for thinking of me. i am truly flattered.

right now, i am

2011-01-12T11:15:00.000-06:00

...trying to remember to look at the glass as half full. i don't want to be the half empty kind of girl. that lesson has been learned...finally. it took a while to realize that i had to like myself to be truly happy. the authentic me.the me that loves books, that is pulled to the kitchen, that simple is better and that quiet is music to my ears.

that my story was my story. and no one could write it for me.

life couldn't be better than to see that glass half full.

note to self

2011-01-11T11:55:00.001-06:00

watch the tone of your voice. ALWAYS speak kindly.
be true to yourself.
schedule your time wisely. do what works for me & my family when it works best!
take time daily for yourself. i know i can only be better if i take care of my needs too...why is it so hard to remember that?!
make freezer meals = make life simpler.
get the Spring garden planned.
take a class
smile more

from the kitchen...

2011-01-10T11:01:00.000-06:00

monday

chili

rice cornbread sour cream cheese

cole slaw

tuesday

pork loin chops

roasted sweet potatoes

spinach salad

wednesday

chili topped baked potatoes

salad

thursday

fajitas

baranco beans spanish rice

salsa guacamole

friday

build you own pizzas

roasted cob corn spinach/arugala salad

saturday

hen sauce piquant

rice green beans crowder peas

cornbread

sunday

fajita burritos

refried (baranco leftovers) spanish rice

green salad with jicama & avocado

chocolate chewy cookies

::banana fritters

::graham crackers

::sandwich bread

::parmesan crackers

::strawberry banana smoothies

::dutch babies

what is coming from your kitchen this week?

this moment

2011-01-07T06:57:00.000-06:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

from the kitchen...

2011-01-05T12:21:00.004-06:00

this week.

monday

pulled pork sammies

(from leftover new years roast)

rosemary sweet potato oven fries

tuesday

Lasagna

haricot verts green salad

roasted garlic french bread

wednesday

fried catfish

black eyed peas cabbage

cornbread

cream cheese pound cake

thursday

chicken milanese

garlic broccoli green salad

friday

build your pizzas

roasted cob corn

saturday

grilled burgers

italian chicken sammies

home fries

sunday

cheese enchiladas

spanish rice charro beans

kevin's salsa & chips

::french toast & brown sugar bacon

::french bread

::hot cocoa mix

::after school snacks::tortilla pizzas, oven chicken tenders, mucho cheese & butter crackers, satsumas galore

what has been coming from your kitchen?

right now, i am

2011-01-05T09:29:00.002-06:00

pondering, planning for the new year.

seed catalogs, cookbooks, urban homesteading, cheese making.

planning new raised beds, building a headboard (i think).

making lists...books for 2011, skills to learn...knitting,
new cooking techniques to master,

what to grow in the Spring garden, places to travel to.

simplifying life.

staying home...just where i want to be.

What are your recommendations for my book list?

consider 2011

2011-01-01T19:44:00.000-06:00

1 January, 2011. the first day of the year. the day we look forward. we consider, we ponder and resolve to make this year a better one. i considered this while cooking the traditional new year's meal of pork roast, rice & gravy, black eyed peas, cabbage and cornbread...or at least traditional for a cajun family in the deep south. i considered how i so enjoy cooking for my family. how it fills my soul to fill their stomachs. but am i feeding them? am i giving them what they need? the only way to do so is to be the best me i can be. but what does that mean? for me, it is to continue along the path i started last year. to simplify. to scale down...activities, running here & there, television and computer use, and even things in my home. i have been and will chose to live a simpler life. to grow much of my own food. to cook that food showing it the greatest respect. to clean out and not bring more in. to rest in the solitude and find my center. to (and i think most importantly) be present in the moment. less can truly be more.

the usual book list and accomplishments i want to make will follow in the coming days. you know i like nothing more than a good list!

happy new year my friends. may it bring you joy beyond measure.

a year in pictures

2010-12-30T20:57:00.000-06:00

2010

January

gifts from my girls

February

careful eyes on the road

March

cowboy day

April

bread baked by my hand

with mayhaw jelly

May

prom

June

the bounty

July

a day at the ocean

August

first day of 1st grade

September

his first truck

his great grandfather's hunting truck

restored by his grandfather for him

October

beauty in Eureka

November

movie night

Harry Potter!!

December

Christmas

The Versatile Blogger Award

2010-12-28T20:32:00.000-06:00

All Things Beautiful just blew me away with The Versatile Blogger award. Phyllis is such an example to us all. She worked as a counselor until the birth of her first child. She homeschooled/homeschools her children. With some of these children having special needs and her battling her own physical limitations, this can be challenging. However, she does it with love and creative intensity. Luckily, she shares this journey with us on her blog All Things Beautiful. Thank you Phyllis!

Now for the rules:
::Thank and link back the bestower of the award ::share 7 things about yourself. ::Pass along the award to bloggers you enjoy

i love being at home. more and more i choose to stay here.
i want to camp at every State park in Texas and every National park in the US.
taking photographs makes me smile.
cooking for others makes me smile even brighter.
i know the value of the lessons taught to me by my mother that were taught to her by her mother and so on.
i LOVE banana pudding
my life has improved 10 fold as i have made a conscious effort to be present in all i do.

I love each of these blogs. These ladies inspire me and make me a better person with each post.

*Our Story Isn't Finished Being Written Yet...

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-12-28T19:48:00.001-06:00

Outside my window... is the quiet of night. the stars are shining and there is a crispness in the air.

I am thinking... of how my home is my haven.

of how i want to be nowhere else in this world.

I am thankful for... a new day to do better than the day before.

I am wearing... my absolute favorite black lounge pants, black silk tee, and smart wool socks.

I am remembering... that I can't be everything to everyone. That I have to just be me.

I am going... to start preparations for the Spring garden

I am currently reading... ::In the Company of Others by Jan Karon

::Around my French Table by Dorie Greenspan

I am listening to... Jack Johnson, of course!

I am hoping... to become a better version of me...

::listen more and speak less

::judge not

::be present in the moment and slow down

::become more frugal

On my mind... ::this blog and the future of it

::how to set a more peaceful tone in my home

Noticing that... more and more, little by little, I am finding my true self.

Pondering these words... "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."

~Atticus Finch

From the kitchen... pork tenderloin, mac & cheese, broccoli, eggnog bread pudding

Around the house... ::the guest bathroom is getting a little make over

::books are being read

::games are being played

::laughter is abundant

from the school room... ::spelling words

::reading the classics

::learning to cook

One of my favorite things... being loved.

sweet Janice

2010-12-27T21:15:00.001-06:00

Janice Faye Fortenberry Jackson. I loved my sweet aunt like she was my own mother. Maybe that is because my mother loved her aunt like a sister. That is how they grew up, like sisters. My mother lived with her beloved grandparents, Tate and Nadine Fortenberry, from the time she was 2 years old until high school. Janice was younger than her but very close in age. They were as close as close could be. They did everything together. They even dressed alike often. Mother, as did the entire family, thought Janice to be an angel here on the earth. She was special. Always a kind word spoken softly. Always there to help whenever needed. Even though she had every right to be bitter and in poor spirits. She was sick from the time she was nearly graduated from high school. It was Lupus. And she was sick. so sick. But never a unkind word spoken from my sweet Janice. Never. We lost her when she was my age, 38 years young. So young. Leaving behind the child she so desperately loved, Kevin. She was an example to all that knew her. That example and her spirit lives on.
Rest in peace my Janice. I know you and Patsy are together again.
I love you.

the day after Christmas

2010-12-27T20:36:00.000-06:00

is the best day ever. I love the stillness. I love to watch my peeps with their new treats, having a good time. I love that I don't have to cook...leftovers are my friend!
I hope your Christmas was merry and bright. I hope you it was filled with family, and love and warmth. I know mine was. There was a missing piece or two. Of course, my mother was missed. She oh so loved the holidays. Kevin's mother and step father were missed as well...1st Christmas in 18 years without them. They traveled to visit Carroll's sisters. He was diagnosed with Large Cell Lymphoma a few days before Christmas. Naturally, he needed the arms of his sisters for comfort and support before the chemotherapy starts. So, this Christmas was low key and quiet for us. It was our first to spend with just the 5 of us on Christmas Day. Can I tell you a little secret? We loved it. It was a no fuss day. A all day in your pjs day. A day I will forever cherish.

Right now, my fellas are playing new games and reading new books. Sawyer is tapping away on his typewriter. Many newspapers have been written since Christmas morning. I am devouring my Around My French Table ~Dorie Greenspan. I see pumpkin & gorgonzola flan in our future.

Good night my friends. I hope that you too are soaking up the end of this season and getting ready for the newness that is fast approaching.

Merry Christmas.

A Christmas Prayer

2010-12-25T09:56:00.000-06:00

Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds,

and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,

and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.

Amen.

-Robert Louis Stevenson

this moment

2010-12-24T09:26:00.000-06:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Wishing you a magical Christmas!

merry Christmas to...

2010-12-22T20:09:00.000-06:00

to us, everyone. On this eve of Christmas eve I am thinking of all those people still running around getting that last gift or worrying about turkeys and ham. Thankfully this year that is not the scene here. We are "ready". We are ready to spend a quiet Christmas together. Tomorrow night Kevin's sisters & families will join us for a couple of hours and then it will just be us for the rest of weekend. We are ready to read of Jesus's birth. We are ready to watch It's a Wonderful Life. We are ready to just be.

Wishing you the merriest of Christmases.

right now, i am

2010-12-22T08:01:00.001-06:00

...thinking (and smiling) of this boy at The Nutcracker. Oh how he loved it.

We all did. He feels like he needs a typewriter so he can dream up a story

that people can dance to. That just may have been arranged.

Thank you Amanda for the magical Christmas gift! It truly made the holiday for the Bonins this year.

now playing @ the bonin farm...What Child is This?

merry Christmas to...

2010-12-20T16:20:00.002-06:00

the making of lists. If you are a regular reader you know my LOVE of the list. Here is my list for today...less than a week till Christmas Day oh my!

::grocery shop
::make rosemary swag for front door
::finish gift shopping...only Kevin to go
::make chocolate dipped fortune cookies with my peeps
::watch Miracle on 34th Street with my peeps and a girlfriend
::conquer this sea of laundry we have here
::nightly Christmas light crawl
::Planet Earth puzzle with Sawyer
::smile, laugh, giggle, soak up my fellas
::not let stress into our space...enjoy this time!

What is on your list?

now playing @ the bonin farm...O Holy Night by Harry Connick Jr.

merry Christmas to...

2010-12-18T09:26:00.000-06:00

our teachers.

Nothing says Merry Christmas and a big thank you for all the hard work than red velvet cupcakes in a jar.
What is your favorite homemade yummy this year?

right now, i am

2010-12-15T06:44:00.000-06:00

...soaking up a little bit of new color in the kitchen. Soaking up the feeling I get when I am in that space. Soaking up the love and service it was for my mister to transform the kitchen walls. Knowing how he dislikes to paint, I know just how much he cares for me to do the work. Each time I see these walls, I will see & feel his love. Thank you Kevin. I love you too.

now playing at the Bonin Farm...Do they Know Its Christmas? -Band Aid

around here

2010-12-14T11:32:00.000-06:00

(a little painting in the kitchen as well)

there is much Christmasing going on. trees, snowmen about, cards hanging, my favoritest of all favorites, The Nativity....so love this time of year. it has become a bit melancholy for me. my mother so loved decorating and painstakingly choosing gifts for her friends and family. pounds & pounds of fudge made, dozens of cakes baked, and cookies too. i do miss her so. what a beautiful Christmas legacy she left. she taught me what Christmas was truly about...goodwill towards men.

now playing at the Bonin Farm...It Came Upon a Midnight Clear and Please Come Home for Christmas sung by the Eagles

18

2010-12-13T19:23:00.001-06:00

18 years ago I married a boy. A boy who made me laugh. A boy who I knew would be the best father. On that cold, winter's night, so many asked if I were nervous. Maybe it was my youth, but the answer was not one bit. I was young, but I knew marrying my best friend was right. Here are some of the reasons why...

You are the funniest person I know. My cheeks hurt on a daily basis from laughing with you.
You love your boys....from pinewood derby cars to advice to simply loving them.
A chick flick doesn't scare you.
You know how to fold in a batter.
You "face painted" a spider web on your head just to make us smile....that and you want to tattoo one on said head.
You bought me chickens and built them a wonderful home to live in.
You can still spin on your back...and will at any moment, any place.
Your laid back attitude evens out my OCDness...especially when it comes to our peeps.
You are so intelligent...you can fix anything and seem to know Everything.
You painted my kitchen turquoise even though you HATE painting.
You always notice when I have something new on...actually that may be a bit annoying.
I learn something from you everyday.
I don't know a harder worker than you.
You taught me to love Blizzards.
Every time someone asks you for your telephone number, you spit Mike Jone's rap...281-330-8004.
When your neck was hurt and we took you to the doctor. The form had a picture of a body and asked you to label where it hurt. You drew an arrow towards the neck and put "ouch" in a speech bubble.
You love your mother and are willing to do anything for her.
You give the best hugs & kisses.

May we live to sit in rocking chairs while watching our grandchildren play on our lawn. I love you to pieces!

Listening to at the Bonin Farm...River sung by Robert Downey Jr.

this moment

2010-12-10T06:45:00.000-06:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment that is oh so special to me.

10 right now

2010-12-09T20:39:00.000-06:00

houses with Christmas lights shows choreographed to music...that thrill my peeps.
decorating my sweet friend's Christmas tree with my bestest bud.
Christmas parties
SmartWool socks...especially blue striped ones!
serving my fellow man
wishes
Man Shops Globe...Keith Johnson truly has the best job on the planet.
Christmas novels
Christmas cards in the mailbox...i LOVE to get mail.
french limonade

What is your passion right now?

~now playing at the Bonin Farm...What Child Is This

right now, i am

2010-12-08T08:55:00.001-06:00

...savoring a moment from this weekend. A family tradition. The lighted Christmas parade. It was different this year...warmer than usual. But oh so special. The twinkling lights, the children's faces, the time spent together just being together. These moments that many call simple, refer to them as "nothing special" are just that to me, special. These ordinary moments are what makes life extraordinary.

~now playing at the Bonin Farm...Silver Bells sung by Harry Connick Jr.

this moment

2010-12-03T08:10:00.000-06:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment that is oh so special to me.

25 things to do before Christmas

2010-12-02T10:14:00.002-06:00

Put up the Christmas Tree...check, thanks to Sawyer
Bring out the Nativity Scene
Make reindeer food for Jordan & his peeps
Make reindeer food for Sawyer & his class
Read a Christmas story to Sawyer's class
Make chocolate covered cherries for my dad
Mail said cherries
Make Sawyer's fence for his animals...and a barn?? how am I going to make that barn.
Ask Kevin to make Sawyer a barn for his farm animals present
Decide on an ornament to make with Sawyer's class
Stencil the front door mat for Christmas....thank you Lisa for the idea
Find the turquoise balls I want to add to my tree this year
Sew Sawyer's pencil wrap gift
Decide on a gift for the swap @ Sawyer's scout pack meeting
Attend the Nutcracker Suite ballet!! ....thank you my sweet friend for the fantastic gift!
Read The Christmas List before book club
Read A Christmas Carol just because it is Christmas
Read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with Sawyer ( and because it is my favorite Christmas fiction)
Read the true story of Christmas with my family at least weekly to keep our focus where it should be
Watch An Avonlea Christmas and The Man Who Came to Dinner
Fill our Christmas bag for the homeless...hand warmers, cough drops, homemade cookies, toothbrush/paste. I wish that sack was larger.
Bake cakes & cookies and make candies for our friends gifts
Take our Christmas lights nighttime drives with hot cocoa & popcorn...one of my favorite traditions we have.
Buy and donate groceries to the Southeast Texas Food Bank
Address and mail Christmas cards
Make eggnog and hot cocoa mix
Make a rosemary swag for the front door
Remember to enjoy this season...to not focus on the commercialism of the holiday, to stay low stress and high love & warmth. to make gifts from my heart and to be of a generous spirit. to never lose sight of what this season is truly celebrating.

Whew. That is a few more than 25. I am over the moon with this list. Every single item on it is something I truly look forward to doing.
What is on your list?

hello December

2010-12-01T10:06:00.000-06:00

I have been waiting for you. On this first day of December, I woke up to 29 degree weather! That is not the norm in Texas....I have worn shorts on Christmas before. The ice on the foliage, the hot cocoa with breakfast, and bundling up to get out the door was the perfect way to start this Christmasy month off right. Today, I will finish the decorating of the tree (Sawyer decorated it for us Thanksgiving evening) and put my sweet Nativity scene out. Oh how I am a fan of this time of year.

and I am a fan....

of this Christmas beauty
and I am so making this
of wrapping with these
hanging a wreath in the kitchen like this...of course with copper & turquoise ribbons
of this pandora station
of these recipes. and this one. oh this is the peeps favorite Christmas treat!
of handmade gifts. and more. and these.

A month of gratitude

2010-11-23T10:10:00.001-06:00

family. i am thankful for my sweet family. for the unconditional love and support they supply me with. i am thankful for that same love that came from my mother and father. for their teaching me to love in that way.
i am thankful to understand that family is not confined to the bounds of blood relation. i have those in my life that love me as if i were there own. for that i am truly grateful....

for Brenda who treats me as if i am her own daughter. who includes me in every way as if i were her 3rd daughter. she has made losing my own mother sting a little less and for that i am eternally grateful.

for Laura Lee who is a true sister to me. one who i can run to in need. one who i can giggle with, have literary discussions with, share recipes with, or just veg with. for those comforts i will be for ever in her debt.

for Christine & Cathy who are my sisters...my partners in crime. who love me and my family as if we were their own. who teach us about love, no matter what, no matter who. who are a good time! who i love to pieces.

for Sarah, ahem Amanda. my dearest, bestest bud. who from the second grade has had my back. in good times and bad. who has taught me that doing the right thing is always in vogue. who taught me the value of friendship. who builds me up everyday. for who i am better for having her in my life. i will always love you!

for Laura E. who is my friend, my teacher, my business partner. who has shown me what a good parent looks like. who has shown me what a good friend looks like. who loves my peeps and has the best conversations with them. who wants the best for them and isn't shy in letting us see that. who teaches me that sometimes its OK to jump without looking. who i am on a terrific journey with and grateful everyday that she asked me to join in on.

Family is the most important thing in the world.
Princess Diana

this moment

2010-11-19T08:07:00.000-06:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment that is oh so special to me.

A month of gratitude

2010-11-18T18:13:00.001-06:00

thankful ....

beauty...purple pansies, perfect pecan tarts, Autumn nail polish, Robert Frost poetry, and eyes that dance
Jordan's sensitivity and his smile
homemade cocoa on cold mornings
my sweet friend Marlo
spelling bees with Sawyer
watching Cameron solve the hardest puzzle ever...in no time
being comfortable in my own skin

a month of gratitude

2010-11-16T17:42:00.000-06:00

wisdom. I am thankful for wisdom. Thankful that Kevin's doctors had great wisdom in performing and reading his procedure today. Thankful for the wisdom a judge and attorney had today to have a court case of a fantastic father we know fall in his favor. Thankful for the wisdom teachers have to help educate my boys. Thankful for the wisdom of the Lord I listened to when choosing my sweet mate. I do love him so. Thankful for the wisdom of my mother and her mother & grandmother before her. That I listened and learned and use all that wisdom in taking care of my family...and treating others. I am also thankful for......

crisp cool weather
friendships that have stood the test of time and those who i hope will
imagination...mine and my peeps. love LOVE to watch their imaginations in motion
broccoli cheese soup
burt's bees lip gloss
Jan Karon

What are you grateful for today?

An Autumn Weekend Day Planner

2010-11-13T20:58:00.001-06:00

Outside my window... the chickens cluck, the birds chirp, and there is stillness and cold.

I am thinking... of ways to be a better mother and wife.

I am thankful for... knowing the importance of the little things in life. not getting caught up in keeping up with the Jones and the drama that goes along that.

From the kitchen... homemade hot cocoa, carrot cake cupcakes and some yummy greek grilled chicken.

I am wearing... cardigans and wool socks.

I am creating... on the sewing machine, Thanksgiving napkins and in my mind, Christmas wish lists.

I am going... to stay right here under this blanket with my book!

I am reading... In The Company of Others by Jan Karon.

I am hoping... to find rest in Him.

I am hearing... peeps involved in a game.

We are learning...sign language, spelling lists, The first Thanksgiving

Around the house... smells of pumpkin brulee candles, the sound of a few Christmas songs (a little early but oh well), and cleaning out that terrible garage.

One of my favorite things... being with all my peeps on a lazy weekend.

I am looking forward to...cooking and baking for my family this Thanksgiving...especially my dad who is coming in!

You really like me!

2010-11-13T19:04:00.001-06:00

I feel like Sally Field accepting her award! My little blog has been nominated for Babble.com's Top 50 Mom Blogs for 2010. Can you believe it? I actually am in the top 100...which doesn't take much. So if you are so inclined, hop over there and give me a vote.

http://www.babble.com/babble-50/mommy-bloggers/nominate-a-blogger/index.aspx

I hope your weekend is as luscious as mine. Lots of nothing and everything all at once. Can you say restful?

Today I am grateful for...

:: sweet folks that have given me some recognition

:: cold, rainy days

:: movies and homemade hot cocoa with my peeps

:: groovy wool socks...a souvenir from my last Eureka trip

:: a little guy that has walked around singing Jingle Bells ALL day

:: that same little peep that has decided learning sign language is for him

this moment and weekend to look forward to

2010-11-12T11:40:00.000-06:00

I have so many moments to savor from this week. Unfortunately, I have no image. My camera was not in it's usual spot...right by my side...this week. So sad. There has been some fun going on around here. Kevin and I had a fantastic date night with our pals. A beautiful Sunday. Tuesday night I had a mini girl's night out at my fave deli. And last night a terrific and much anticipated reunion with some of my high school girls. And yet NO CAMERA. So, picture my favorite moment...8 giggling women at the sushi bar reliving times gone passed.

Now for the future. This weekend we have big plans. We plan to do a lot of NOTHING! The list includes....

pizza
movies
jump rope contests
board games...lots of apples to apples & sorry sliders
bike riding and nature walks
snuggled up under blankets with hot cocoa and good books

Mom also plans to

bake crackers and bread. oh and a chess pie
mani & pedi @ home
read, read, and read some more
laugh with my fellas and wish Kevin didn't have to work
NOT do laundry, polish floors, scrub bathrooms or clean windows

A weekend like that sounds simply divine to me!
What is on your weekend list?

A month of gratitude

2010-11-09T12:24:00.000-06:00

The wind is blowing crisp, the birds are chirping, the chickens are clucking away and my mind is instantly drawn to my mother. Oh how grateful I am to have had a mother like Patsy Elizabeth. She was a beautiful southern lady with auburn hair and a sweet spirit, inside and out. I learned something from her every day. That was one of her gifts...educating. She knew a little something about everything and was never stingy with that knowledge. I am better for having had her in my life. Today I am grateful for that because she...

above all else loved
taught me how to cook
taught me to garden with an organic hand
was an example of righteousness
was articulate
gave me the gift of education and a love of learning
taught me how to mother...breastfeeding & cloth diapers when it was NOT the norm, lead with a quiet voice and understanding heart, and be generous.
loved the past and learned from it
loved me

a month of gratitude

2010-11-07T19:10:00.000-06:00

that love is patient and love is kind
for family date nights
and adult date nights
a church and church family that loves you as if you were family
fall flowers...i adore violas and pansies
reading a good book

this moment

2010-11-05T06:39:00.000-05:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment that is oh so special to me.

a month of gratitude

2010-11-04T20:44:00.000-05:00

studying spelling words with my littlest peep
chatting with old friends and new on facebook.....so thankful for that venue!
a sweet boy, future veterinarian, who loves Sadie's puppies
educating myself with good books, good videos, and great examples. thank you all you fantastic mamas, papas, and friends!

right now, i am

2010-11-03T09:03:00.000-05:00

soaking up these cousins.
i am in complete disbelief that one has graduated high school and moved on with her life. while that sweet blonde and her boy cousin will do the same this spring.
all 3 special people.
all 3 going to do great & wonderful things.

a month of gratitude

2010-11-02T16:53:00.000-05:00

to right and privilege it is to vote. i have never taken that for granted. my love for politics began in middle school when my father ran for county judge. today i stand at the polls with our friend Chris Ingram while he bids for the Justice of the Peace. still exciting and still my duty....my honor.
for the cooler weather that blew in last night. please oh please let the 90 degree days be gone.
the ride to school with Sawyer each morning. we do spelling words. makes my day.
our fantastic dog groomer. she is a former classmate of Kevin's. and she is wonderful....and super cheap. only $20!
my job. working at ClassSearch.com is the bomb.

a month of gratitude

2010-11-01T05:55:00.001-05:00

"When a person doesn’t have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity. A person can almost be defined by his or her attitude toward gratitude."
Elie Weisel

here it is again. the perfect time to reflect on what is important. what makes you happy. focusing on what we should be grateful for.

this guy. my heart. i am over the moon grateful for this guy. one who would "tattoo" a spider web on his head for a giggle (but really wants one!). ever our hero. ever the coolest dad out there. one who...

::spins on his back

::can spit a Beastie Boy rhyme anytime, any place

::is known as Mike Jones

::a reader of books

::~~eater~~ lover of buffalo wild wings

::is totally MacGyver...the man can fix anything

::listens to my stories over & OVER again and will still laugh with me

::wore a mullet wig to the Kindergarten fall festival just to make us smile

::is a reluctant chicken farmer

::works so extremely hard for us

::loves his mother oh so much...i do love that about him ( and i love that sweet cajun lady too!)

::is a Godly man

::sings along with the radio with me

::indulges me in chick flicks (Julie & Julia, Atonement), shopping for kitchen everything, and even shoe shopping just because he loves me.

::has my heart right there in his hand

Today I am thankful for:

*this space. a place where i can share my thoughts and beliefs. my hopes and dreams. my successes and failure.

*friends. old and new alike.

*my 3 peeps. i love you boys so.

*this season of my life.

*Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me.

lately

2010-10-31T10:32:00.001-05:00

i have been

making Halloween costumes
catching up with childhood friends...and smiling because of it
realizing some things about myself...some good, some not so good
reading the classics...and some terrific Jan Karon
having a house full of teenagers = more smiles
soaking up long conversations with 3 sweet peeps...teenagers (& 1st grade fellows) are a ~~good~~ great time!
enjoying the journey
missing talks with my mother...and her fried chicken
spending mucho time in my rocking chair in the Autumn breezes
still in love with my new boots
thinking of going to see her when she comes to Houston...anyone want to come with?
in deep thought
thinking of Thanksgiving preparations
making Christmas wish lists
not sweating the small stuff

this moment

2010-10-29T07:16:00.000-05:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment that is oh so special to me.

right now, i am

2010-10-27T21:57:00.001-05:00

...thankful for these 2 special woman. these traditional cajun ladies. one, Kevin's sweet 89 year old grandmother. the other, her younger sister. they mean the world to me. being in a time in my life where i have lost all my grandmothers and my mother, they have become those things for me. and i am the better for having them in my life.

about a boy

2010-10-25T11:35:00.002-05:00

playing his harmonica on the street in Eureka Springs
"i can play like the other street performers mom
do you have a hat i can use for tips?"

Harry Potter himself

named Sawyer

you are a curious little guy. never a stone left unturned. never a question left unasked.
you have a giver's heart. whether it be your last dollar or a bite of something yummy, you want to share. you share your things, but more importantly you share your faith with whomever will listen and your love.
you are my helper. i watch you clean your room without being asked...even your brother's room to surprise him. yesterday i found you with vacuums in hand to clean the living area rug. thank you my sweet boy!
you are up for anything. no matter what i suggest you are there with a smile.
and that smile. those electric blue eyes smile along with your precious face. it is medicine to my soul.
you have a love of learning. lately i hear you walk around sounding every word out in sight. music to my ears! and you proclaimed that "math is fun!!". that's right, learning is fun. may you never lose that feeling.
you have an amazing imagination. oh to be your age again. to be fighting off dragons in the morning, building a castle from rocks at noon, and by nightfall have climbed the eiffel tower.
you believe you are or can be any and every thing. you proclaim yourself as an artist, as a photographer, as a musician, as a chef, as a golfer, and as a scientist. you my friend are exactly each of those things and so much more.
you are your own person. what others think and do are not defining to you. I LOVE THAT ABOUT YOU! you eat what you like. you wear what you like. you come up with your own ideas and think for yourself. i love that you are going to be your own version of Harry Potter for Halloween...complete with a cape you want me to make and a wand found on a nature walk. may you never change.
you are my pal. always by my side. i wouldn't have it any other way.

am a fan

2010-10-22T23:56:00.000-05:00

:: of running into long lost friends and picking up where we left off.

:: of heartfelt apologies.

:: of the Rangers going to the World Series.

:: of building another up.

:: of this

:: of a weekly email from a friend that puts things in perspective for me. a friend that has been the best of examples to me since 2nd grade. i love you!

:: of my new boots i do so love thee

:: of my bookish peeps. the conversations and deep friendships we share.

:: of this author. i am smitten by his descriptive, romantic even, writing. it is poetry to my ears. he transports me into his story and will not let me go.

:: of all things Autumn...pumpkins & gourds, leaves being carried away with the crisp breeze, cardigans & boots.

what are you a fan of?

no, i haven't run away

2010-10-18T09:54:00.000-05:00

i am still here. missing my space and therapy it provides. where have i been? what has been happening? well, since you asked....

my sweet mister has been battling gall bladder attacks. i feel terrible for him. they come out of no where and are so painful.
girl's day trip to Nachitoches, Louisiana for the Fall Pilgrimage. post to follow.
spelling tests
handwriting work
PSATs
ACTs
kevin's darling cajun grandmother's 89th birthday celebration. post to follow.
my work...so busy!
date nights with my Sawyer....nothing better than a movie and popcorn with this guy.
teenagers taking over my house...lots of apples to apple being played and tons of food being consumed. where do they put it?
canning of some yummy peach butter
hands of go fish being played
babysitting of my precious 3 month old niece until her permanent babysitter could begin. wow is she fun!
chickens & ducks to feed and eggs to gather
puppies being born and held....sweet puppy breath
signing up for cub scouts

whew! that is quite a list. its a busy time in our lives, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

what has been on your list?

this moment

2010-10-08T06:07:00.000-05:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment that is oh so special to me.

my Eureka

2010-10-07T11:07:00.001-05:00

this passed weekend i took a road trip. just me & my peeps. kevin had to work. oh how we missed him, but oh what fun we had. these are just a few photos from the weekend. i plan on introducing Eureka Springs, Arkansas in post to come later....for instance the million stairs i climbed time and again. i will see you soon my friends.

right now, i am

2010-10-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

...thinking of a grand time with 3 boys.
a road trip. just mom & peeps.
thankful for the talks & laughter.
the books & food.
but mostly for just being.

10 right now

2010-10-03T17:34:00.000-05:00

Autumnal weather....cardigans, jackets, hot chocolate and fires
weekend road trips to Eureka
going on an adventure with my peeps....they are such a good time
Walden...what is better than reading about nature?
Eureka Daily Roast...my most favorite coffee shop on the earth. the best dark chocolate cocoa ever!

6. mums and pumpkins and gourds and crotons, oh my!

7. new boots!

8. lunch on the balcony of the Basin Park Hotel

9. truthfulness

10. playing marbles with my littlest guy

right now, i am

2010-09-29T08:19:00.000-05:00

....thinking of this weekend. saturday to be exact.

i got to spend some time with my cameron, my 2nd born son.

we watched Cruising Silsbee, car show and parade. he has always loved cars that boy. it was fun watching him watch the hot rods and classic cars drive by and "burn out". but the fun really began when the rain did. that is when the good talk came.

10 right now

2010-09-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

gyoza
a sweet little boy singing himself with the ABC song
chatting with a childhood friend's mother...thank you facebook!
planning my weekend getaway with the boys...Eureka here i come
laughing with my sweet Kevin
pandora
working for a company where God comes 1st, family 2nd, and then the work
the Apostle Paul and how his writings uplift me...feed my soul
2 giant bags of peaches dropped off to my doorstep from a dear friend who is like a mother to me...i love you Brenda
listening to the birds in the stillness of the morning

this moment

2010-09-24T09:01:00.000-05:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

right now, i am

2010-09-22T08:38:00.000-05:00

...thinking of this boy. this sweet boy who tries his best to be good guy. a leader. to his brothers and peers. and he is. oh how i love this boy!

words of wisdom

2010-09-21T11:27:00.001-05:00

Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations.
Henry David Thoreau

today i am

2010-09-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

wishing i was in Eureka Springs. eating at the Oasis. feta, spinach, and black olive enchiladas please. walking up and down the street. snapping photos. people watching. soaking up the atmosphere.

going on a date with my guy. i am taking him to lunch for his favorite thing. wings. spicy garlic from Buffalo Wild Wings. i am going for the trivia game. even more fun because our Christine is coming along. too bad she can't beat me at trivia. maybe one day.

ready for a new book. maybe i can sneak in the bookstore. my favorite place. smell the aroma of the coffee. hear the music playing. see the rows and rows of books. ahhh that is my place.

making chicken and dumplings for my peeps. chicken and thyme dumplings. so yum. i may be feeding their stomachs, but when we eat at that table. that family table. they are feeding my soul.

wearing my turquoise snake skin flip flops. turquoise. the color that my mother wore so often. it would make me cringe. i would beg her to pick a more subdued color. then one day, a while after she had passed away, there i was in Target with those shoes in my hand. it is true....we turn into our parents.

what will this day bring for you? i hope much love and happiness. laughter and smiles. and wings.

having a relaxing weekend

2010-09-19T09:12:00.000-05:00

with kevin working this weekend and sawyer on the mend, this weekend we have stayed in. we have watched movies, surfed the net, ate fried fish, laughed, and loved. there is no better medicine for my soul than time with my peeps. i hope your weekend was equally as fab. here is some net fun.....

i want to go to maine

on my must have list for fall and these please

i am in love with these

one of my new favorite blogs....love her

this guest blogger makes me smile

finding balance as mother and a woman

here are a few posts you might have missed
*a day in the life
*how dare they
*a wonderful gift