Summary: Gray Matters
I decided it was time to catch up with technology and create a blog. I am writing about life with my wonderful family, our efforts to make responsible eco-friendly decisions, grief, my faith, and anything else that boggles my brain!
My first week of menu planning was wonderful! I got all
my shopping done on Monday at Trader Joe's. I had a few
hits and one miss with Monday night's pasta dish. It
really does make a difference to be organized and no exactly
what we're having for dinner.
Looking forward to this week. Hopefully we can get out from
underneath all this snow so I can get to the grocery store!
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Week Of: 2/1 – 2/7
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
LEFTOVERS
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Thursday
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Friday
Salad
Bread
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Saturday
Green
Beans
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Sunday
Pizza
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Date Published: Feb 08, 2010 - 6:12 am
Date Published: Feb 04, 2010 - 4:00 am
It's time to give this
notion of "planning" meals a try. Flying by the seat of my
pants while trying to keep my sanity aren't working anymore.
I know it's a simple concept, but I've gotten real good at
pretending it's okay to decide what to have for dinner at 3 o'clock
in the afternoon.
Who knows . . . I might
be clipping coupons and looking at sales sections soon!
Monday
Date Published: Feb 01, 2010 - 4:00 am
I came
across these
directions
for making cute crayon hearts. I had everything it called
for, so I gave it a shot. I decided to use red, purple, pink
and white crayons to make it a little bit festive.
I used Word
to create the heart border around the white card stock card.
So cute!
Date Published: Jan 27, 2010 - 4:00 am
Meg has her
4th birthday coming up . . . in March. She's been planning
this party since she blew out the candles on her 3rd birthday
cake!
We've decided on an
"arts and crafts" theme party at home. The teacher in me is
very excited about all the wonderful supplies.
The ideas
are starting . . . more to come!
Date Published: Jan 25, 2010 - 4:00 am
When tragedy occurs I go through the same process.
I choose to ignore it. If I don't acknowledge it, it doesn't
exist. If it doesn't exist, I don't have to compare it to my
own tragedy and loss. I don't have to spend hours reliving
the day we lost our girls.
I try to control it. I convince myself if I could just get on
a plane and hold those orphaned children it will all be okay.
If
I'm in the midst of it and I can decide who gets
the supplies they need it will be okay.
I obsess over it. It gets into my head. I have a hard
time appreciating the joy that's right in front of me because of
all the devastation.
I give. Everything counts and technology makes it so easy to
give in any way you can.
I pray. I pray for those who have lost loved ones. I
pray for those left to put it all back together. I pray for
the people who have so easily given of their time to help. I
pray the next time a tragedy happens, I'll start praying and I'll
remember how powerful God's grace can be.
Date Published: Jan 20, 2010 - 4:00 am
A few months
back I picked up this beauty at Goodwill. I was drawn to the
little rope detail of the frame. It was only $5 and in great
shape. I definitely hid it from the kids though - have you
ever seen a scarier clown?
I'd forgotten
I'd ordered these
from Pottery
Barn awhile ago. I can't remember what my original plan was
for them. I thought about the Goodwill frame and decided
there was probably a good way to put the two together.
I
covered a self-adhesive foam board in linen. Popped out the
clown paining and used a staple gun to attach the board. Then
I simply hung the keys from some finish nails pushed right into the
foam board. The project cost around $25 and makes a nice
addition to our living room.
Check out
Kimba's site for more DIY projects.
Date Published: Jan 18, 2010 - 8:23 pm
I usually
don't make resolutions, but I did have a realization recently.
I've missed blogging. I'm going to give it another go
and start by sharing a most wonderful trip we just made.
For
Christmas, Bob surprised me with a trip to LA for the National
Championship Game. He booked the flights, hotel and rental
car. He was not willing to spend $1000 per ticket so we took
a chance and waited until we got into town to buy tickets.
Thankfully
my dear friend Jenny was able to broker us tickets for face
value. We had them in our hands and made our way to the
stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off. I was a nervous
wreck just before and pretty much right through the game.
We sat in
the Tide Pride section so we were surrounded by Alabama fans,
with the exception of the two young Texas fans who sat right
beside me. Kenny Stabler "The Snake" and his family sat in
the row behind us. There were former coaches and players
all around - the energy was great!
This was
my first trip to California, and hopefully not the last.
The weather was unbelievable! I usually don't enjoy
flying, but we had a direct flight which made it more
bearable!
It was one of
the most fun trips I've ever taken (and not just because my team
won). I got to spend time with a couple of old friends and
meet some great new ones. We also went to a party at a real
Beverly Hills mansion - believe me - it was like country come to
town!
Thank you
honey. I loved spending time with you. I think you're
definitely an Alabama football fan now! Roll Tide!
Date Published: Jan 18, 2010 - 6:19 am
EVERYONE DESERVES A LIFETIME was the motto for our Susan
G. Komen walk.
It was such an amazing experience. I haven't processed it all,
but I do know I'll walk every year for as long as my body will
let me. I had the privilege of walking with an amazing group of
women. Our team, Big Buoys, raised $30,000!
Many things inspired me on my journey: the sons' walking for
their mothers, the sisters' walking for each other, and the
people walking because they must - because if they didn't, who
would?
The photo above was part of the opening ceremony at National's
stadium. As the sun was rising, survivors formed a circle and
held these inspirational banners to remind us why we were
walking. Yes, those are bunny ears - Energizer was a sponsor for
the walk.
Our Team
Laura, Wendy, Jennie (our captain
& 2nd year walker), Christy (Jennie's mom,
2nd year walker & SURVIVOR), Me, Sarah
(SURVIVOR), Heather O.
(our
captain & 2nd year walker) and Heather M.
(my
roommate and mommy to be).
Here we are at one of the pit stops. This event was so well
organized - no detail was missed. The route was incredible. We
walked all around Washington, DC, which brought back some
incredible memories for me!
These were two of my favorite volunteers! They were full of
life and always motivated us to keep walking. There were
hundreds of energetic and caring volunteers cheering us along
the entire route.
The closing ceremony was incredibly moving. The same survivors
from the opening ceremony formed a circle, but his time a family
member joined them and held up the flag in the center which read,
"To A World Without Breast Cancer".
Here we are at the finish. On a very small scale, this walk was a
lot like pregnancy. You start off all excited and giddy - can't
wait to pick out cute maternity clothes and eat Big Macs!
You start feeling a little uncomfortable and have to pee all the
time. Then you go into excruciating back labor and swear you'll
never get pregnant again.
They place that baby in your arms and the pain subsides - joy and
pride feel your heart and you can't wait to do it again!
Thank you all so much for your support. I'd also like to
thank Bob and Mary Ann, my mother in law. Honey, you did an
awesome job with the kids! Thanks for already putting it on your
calendar for next year!
Date Published: Oct 19, 2009 - 4:00 am
I leave
in 2 days for my 3 day walk for a cure. Our team, Big Buoys, has
raised over $25,000 for Susan G. Komen.
There
are 8 ladies on my team. I haven't met some of them, but I think
this shared experience we are about to have will forever change
and connect all our lives.
I
wanted to make a little something for them to wear as they make
their journey. These pink ribbon flower pins can be worn on their
hats, tanks or fanny packs. Just a small gesture to let them know
how thankful I am to them for their commitment to finding a cure
for breast cancer.
Check
out Kimba's for more DIY
projects.
Date Published: Oct 06, 2009 - 6:24 am
I took the plunge. I opened an
Etsy shop. I
must be crazy.
Those two
ladybugs are in honor of Ellie & Kate as is the name EK
Designs
I have a few things listed. I'll be adding some Halloween things
this week.
Come Visit!
Date Published: Oct 05, 2009 - 4:00 am
I'm slowly getting some projects done around the house. Here's
the before picture.
I've had the fabric for months.
It's was just a matter of locating the staples and the staple gun
at the same time.
In the amount of time it took for Max to prove to Ruby, once
again, that he knew what he was doing . . . I was finished with
all six chairs!
Date Published: Sep 10, 2009 - 6:51 am
Bob just pointed out that I haven't posted in a long time. I've
been wanting to, but just haven't had too much to say. So here's a
brief update of sorts.
Our summer was fast & furious. We got in some great family
& beach time! Bob and I even had an opportunity to celebrate
our 10 year anniversary . . . . alone . . . for two nights thanks
to Doll Doll and Grandma!
I've raised $1800 for my 3 day walk in October - only $500 left
to go! If you'd like to donate, you can click
here. If you've already donated - THANK YOU!
Our team of seven has raised over $22,000 to help fight breast
cancer!
Davis starts afternoon preschool today - we're hoping for a
smooth detox from the Wii and legos. This will be my first
experience with a carpool line, so that's exciting! Meg will do
preschool and couple of afternoons, ballet and art class. Kale
will continue to require 100% supervision and melt my heart on a
daily basis.
I'm working on a few projects I'll post about soon involving
fabric and wallpaper removal . . . the last of the wallpaper in
this house!!!
Take care. I hope to be back soon.
Date Published: Sep 09, 2009 - 4:00 am
What happens when you let a 4- year old use a digital camera?
You end up with 124 photos similar to this one!
Date Published: Aug 06, 2009 - 4:00 am