Boo Adventures

Who Knew?

2012-01-25T19:55:00.005-06:00

Who knew that this incredibly cute, crazy-haired, determined looking, brave baby girl would grow into my sweet, confident, loving, funny, dancing girl!

Nine years ago this month, we were informed that a very sweet 13-month girl was meant for us and waiting in the Wuchuan SWI in Guangdong Province of the PRC.

Happy referral anniversary to all of us!

Love you baby girl!

A Transplant of Sorts!

2012-01-22T19:21:00.000-06:00

Maddy and Molly just after Molly was released from the hospital!

Maddy inherited two American*Girl dolls from her older cousin. She wasn't too interested in either doll until just lately. At first, I thought the two she inherited were knockoffs, not official AG girls. :( There was no AG marking, but there was an imprint of "The Pleasant Company" on the back of each doll's neck. Upon further investigation, we discovered that AG dolls were started by The Pleasant Company and two she had were indeed official AG girls!

But, woe -- Molly needed an eye transplant as one eye was not working properly and she could not see very well. No problem. We sent her off to the AG doll hospital in Wisconsin where surgery was performed last week. She came through it fine and recovered quickly, returning home on Friday! She has the cutest little braids and will soon be wearing a jumper just like Maddy's school jumper.

The other girl is Felicity -- we thought she was Rebecca at first. She is in great shape, but kind of needs a little bit of attention to her hair. I thought I had hair problems -- she has some extreme tangles going on!!! :) So it seems we have joined the throngs of AG fans!

Felicity -- hiding in a sleeping bag with her messy hair!

Favorite Photo Friday - Hello Cabbage!

2012-01-13T04:52:00.000-06:00

Last fall I fell in love with so many images in the Southern Living and Country Living magazines of fall scenescapes (is that even a word?) using
decorative cabbage.

I was shocked . . . cabbage . . . could look so good, really??

Then, just before Halloween, I spied some puny little cabbage plants at a local big box store on clearance. Since it was so ~~cheap~~ economical (and I am all about saving a dime here and there, right Mr. Tennis!?!),
I bought a few. I figured that maybe it would enhance our lovely
front porch/door area. I crossed my fingers that the stinking squirrels who
destroy everything
and even eat plastic pumpkins and gourds would not be fans of cabbage!

(FYI -- squirrels have not touched it!)

Imagine my surprise when those puny little cabbage plants started to grow larger and more beautiful as the temps declined. No way!!

Had my brown thumb suddenly turned green?!!

I called my local nursery and was informed that ornamental cabbage likes cool temps and would be fine and grow even more until mid-January.

It does not do well in warm temps.

The time to plant it is in the fall before frost.

Anyway, it is now definitely one of my favorite plants and perfect
to take the place of all of the flowering plants that have wilted
in the fall due to Jack Frost!

All photos in the post were taken just last week -- January, 2012!!

Wordless Wednesday!

2012-01-11T03:03:00.000-06:00

Scootering into Spring!

2012-01-08T04:58:00.000-06:00

I hate to jinx it, but we have been having phenomenal weather here in Nebraska!

Holy smokes -- we've had temps in the 40's (still a teensy bit chilly);

50's (yay - getting out the sunscreen) and even 60's (flipflop weather)!

I'm sure winter will arrive one of these days, but we're really enjoying the

warmth and sunny skies while it lasts!

For those wondering souls, yes, Santa did come through and brought Maddy an

electric (battery-powered) Razr scooter!

ADORABLE!!

Wishing there was one in my size!

It's been the perfect year for it since the weather is so nice. Maddy was out on it the other day and I witnessed two boys across the street with their mouths wide open at the coolness of it!!

Muffy, however, is not a big fan and barks at it when we tag along on a walk behind Maddy. If only my foot were better, it would be a great running exercise to keep up with her. It's supposed to go up to 13 mph! Maybe when the real spring gets here, we'll do that! Mr. Tennis has promised Muffy that he will check into finding a sidecar for her to sit in! :) Silly!

Favorite photo friday!

2012-01-06T04:04:00.000-06:00

This is my most adorable little grandson, Walt.

We took these photos just after Thanksgiving when he was 6 months old.

Isn't he the cutest!

And here he is again with his Mom, Dad and big sis, Janie B!

Sweetest family ever!

2011 - The Year in Review

2012-01-03T13:02:00.000-06:00

2011 was a difficult year with my Mom in hospice care and losing her valiant battle with cancer in February. Grieving is a life-long process. I miss her and think of her every single day.

I hesitated doing a year in review as it has been so difficult without my Mom. But, she loved to hear about and see photos of what we were doing, so . . .

2011 - the Year in Review.

The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her.

Author Unknown

Photo by Donna Boucher Photography

Sweet little Janie celebrated her very first birthday in February!

In March, we learned that Philip would be doing his residency in Omaha and celebrated the 8th anniversary of meeting sweet Maddy in China!

April brought warm temps and walks with our sweet Scottie, Miss Muffy and a trip to DisneyWorld!

May meant graduation from medical school AND the birth of baby boy Walter!

In June, school let out and summer fun began -- including wearing headbands with flowers as big as her head!

July brought warm temps, swimming lessons and a visit to the beach, Hilton Head, to be exact!

In August, it was back to school to time -- now a 4th grader!!

September called for visits to neighborhood parks with the neighbor friends and teaching Muffy to go down a slide!

October brought pumpkin patch visits, Halloween and the Steven Curtis Chapman concert!

We loved playing in the leaves in November and being thankful for our family and friends!

December meant gift-giving, partying, celebrating Maddy's 10th birthday and enjoying time with friends and family!

We are looking forward to all that 2012 will bring!

Thanks to you readers for your support and kindness!

New Year's Eve Flashback!

2011-12-31T18:06:00.000-06:00

More fun to flashback on previous New Year's Eve than to tell you that I'm home this year nursing my poor foot -- though it is is feeling so much better already!!

Love me some good meds! ;)

Happy New Year -- 2009

Usually, we go to our local Children's Museum for Make Believe Midnight with my friend, coworker and blogging buddy, Jodee. Since there are usually about 600-700 people/kids there, the probability that someone would step on my foot is pretty high, so we opted to stay home this year. Jodee bailed too and she will, no doubt, tell you all about her New Year's Eve on her blog in the coming days.

So, without further chatter, photos from 2009. We were having noodles at the restaurant next door before the festivities!!

Maddy and Carson -- 2009

Happy New Year!!

Birthday Update, Christmas Update and Foot Update!

2011-12-30T14:42:00.001-06:00

Hello friends --Just a quick update as I am recovering again from foot surgery!! Whoa -- can I tell you how happy I am that I have only two feet (as opposed to three or four) -- so am done with this agony once rightie heals! Let's do some bullet points today, as pain meds are making me just a tad loopy and definitely sleepy!

Cboo and Maddy with a fave gift!

Miss Maddy turned 10 a few days before Christmas! We went out to dinner at her fave place and she ate her fave dinner -- chicken tenders and fries! So cute, she had her uniform on from school. The servers thought I was a little crazy for pulling out the camera. What?? Have they never heard of the mamarazzi???

And then it was time for Christmas! Connor (Cboo), Philip, Catherine and the most adorable Janie and Walt joined us It was so much fun! Maddy assisted in gift-giving and was such a good little hostess -- helping Janie and Walt with their gifts. It was loads of fun!

And so after all the fun activities of December, I ended the month having surgery on my right foot (as whined about above). I can't wait for it to feel better! I never thought I was a wimp, but oh my, foot pain affects your whole body and not in a good way. It will, no doubt, feel better each day and more powerful pain meds will surely help, right?!

Happy New Year to All!

Merry Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T07:50:00.000-06:00

Sending our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

to each and every one of you!

Celebration on the Avenue!

2011-12-21T04:30:00.000-06:00

Every year, our street, well actually, it is a fancy-pants Avenue, has a holiday cocktail party (adults only, please). We all wait and wait and wait for some ~~sucker~~ sweet neighbor to volunteer to host. This year, it was me and Mr. Tennis. I figured that the house was decorated early due to the home tour (wait, I forgot to tell you all about this --the newspapers totally got my name wrong in every single article and called me Kathy repeatedly -- so I got no credit for that event). Ok, now that I've vented about that again, back to the neighborhood party! Since we were hosting, we got to pick the date, time, etc.

So, guess what -- I scheduled it on a day I had a hair appointment so as to avoid the frizzy and frazzled look that is my trademark!! :) Sometimes it is all about me, after all!! HA HA HA -- are you all laughing? I hope so --I'm trying to be funny, here!

How sweet -- I stuck some gifts in my side cabinet -- have I been reading too many holiday decorating blogs??

The evening before the party when I was prepping and cooking some delicious items, my oven started to smoke -- and I'm not talking cigarettes here! I'm talking Smoke Alarm! I figured it was a fluke and after I wiped it out (after letting it cool off, of course) and airing out the entire house, I thought it would be fine in the morning. Nope, barely had it turned back on to make those yummy Hershey Kiss cookies and the thing started smoking again!!!!!! Do you believe my luck??? Well, cookies are not the only thing I know how to make - stop looking so surprised!! I whipped up some fudge -- oh my word -- so delicious! And I didn't turn on that naughty oven again! All other food items were microwaved! It really turned out ok as neighbors brought food too, so there was plenty to eat!

Connor (Mr. Bar Owner) suggested having hot toddy's along with wine and beer. Since he is young and hip, we went with that idea. The wine and beer were very, very popular. Hot toddy's were delightful, but the wine and . . .

A few of the empty wine bottles!

beer appeared to be the drink of choice!

That box is full of empties!

So many neighbors came by -- we do live on a fun ~~block~~ avenue! It was especially nice to meet some of the newest neighbors -- sweet young couples (one of those couples promised to host next year though they may not remember that promise), and it was a fun, fun time!

So much fun that I neglected getting any photos of moi with party guests.

However, here is one of me at the end of the evening nursing a hot toddy!

This was very late, so please excuse the tired look!

You'll have to take my word that I looked much better earlier and even had lipstick on!!! Woot!

My sweet younger sister was simultaneously partying, but sadly (for me)
she was at a party in Florida, not Nebraska!

She did manage to get some photos (she was having a really good hair day too).

So, here's a photo of her with some cute docs in her hub's group.
Adorable!
Isn't her hair gorgeous? She really has the best smile!

Adorable Amy and friends

You'd think I would be partied out, but the very next day, we had Miss Maddy's birthday party!

And next up, a Santa party at another house on the Avenue on Thursday!!

Almost 10!

2011-12-16T04:30:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday, my little Miss Maddy turns 10! Every year, I think that "this year and this age" is really the best (and, of course, it is). Some of my favorite things about you lately, my sweetie-pie, are . . .

You are a hard working student, always wanting to do your best. Makes me so proud!
You do your homework right away after school and we study for tests together.
You love animals -- dogs, cats, horses.
You love to watch movies and we often call Fridays -- home movie nights! Recent fave - Home Alone -- the original!
You enjoy hearing about how I sang to you (Farmer in the Dell - for hours on end) when you were a baby to get you to sleep!
You say everyday -"No offense Muffy, but you really have dragon breath in the morning."
You often wonder what Muffy is thinking and what she would say if she could talk. You want answers, so I come up with whatever I think Muffy would say.
You and Dad like to run errands together and plot ways to bug me!!
Donut holes on Saturday mornings are a must have!
You love hanging out with your friends. You especially love that your friend across the street has a Corgi who is BFF with Muffy!
You love getting together with Philip, Catherine and the kiddos and Connor.
You have so much fun playing with little Janie and Walt.
You often say "no offense, but . . . " Kills me every time!
You love to sing along to music in the car and don't even mind if I do too!
Your favorite meal would include chicken nuggets or popcorn chicken or chicken legs and chips.
You are thoughtful and sensitive.
You still like to play with stuffed animals.
You love DisneyWorld and Mickey Mouse.
You dislike Mondays -- in order to make Mondays manageable, we call them polka-dot Mondays and you wear a polka-dot hair bow on Mondays and Mondays only.
You have the most beautiful dark eyes, black hair and big smile.
You want me in to come in school to pick you up instead of waiting in the car.
You still like to hold hands.
You are the very best daughter ever!
You are a blessing in our lives and we thank God for you every single day.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Christmas 2003 Revisited!

2011-12-13T16:01:00.000-06:00

Just found this photo from Miss Maddy's first Christmas at home with us.

She turned 2 just before Christmas in 2003.

Couldn't you just pinch and/or smooch those cheeks!!

Little Miss Adorable with her big brothers

(who may kill me for posting this picture)!

Sorry guys, but I think you two are pretty cute too!

Dear Santa . . .

2011-12-08T13:40:00.000-06:00

Dear Santa: Last weekend when we saw you at the mall, my Mom and I were so excited that the line was not very long. I hadn't had a chance to chat with you yet this year! As we got closer and closer, my Mom mentioned that it looked like you had a weird outfit on. Well really, I didn't think it was that strange as my dad (Mr. Tennis) often wears mock-turtlenecks. But, I did think the color was a little different. I mean, no offense Santa, but a purple colored mock-t doesn't really look very good with bright red Santa pants! Was Mrs. Claus not around this morning to give you fashion advice?

I could tell that my Mom was starting to ~~freak out~~ wonder how the photo would look with you in that purple mock-t! Luckily, she asked the photo lady to ask if you wouldn't mind, to please put on your Santa jacket for the photo. I know it was warm and you were probably roasting with little kids sitting on your lap all day, but you must admit, you look a lot better with your Santa jacket than a purple mock-t! It made my Mom so happy, and you know that it's the little things that Mom's appreciate the most. Thanks Santa, you're the best!

Love,

Maddy

P.S. If it's not too much trouble, please don't forget that electric scooter for me and new chew toy for my dog, Muffy!

Weekend Update!

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

Well, I did it . . . I jinxed our lovely fall weather.

Yep, since I mentioned how nice it had been in my last post and re-posted photos from the

2009 Christmas blizzard, history repeated itself and the weatherman's predictions were actually right on target!

Friday night, Mr. Tennis, Maddy and I attended a festive Christmas concert. Do you remember Mandisa from American Idol? She and Matthew West put on an incredibly beautiful Christmas concert.

Loved it!

We were hoping to rake leaves and do power shopping on Saturday, but that's when we got hit by the triple header -- sleet, ice and snow! It was so beautiful -- but cars were slipping and sliding, especially at intersections! Not the most confident driver in good conditions, my big red Jeep and I slowly made our way home from the mall and only went out again on foot!

A dog needs a walk even when it snows!

Gotta love our sweet little Scottie.

Hello December!

2011-12-01T04:30:00.000-06:00

Why, hello December!

Is it just me or does it seem like school just started . . .

how can it possibly be December already?

2009 Christmas blizzard!

We've had incredible fall weather and have been enjoying every single minute of that because we know that this is what follows and promises to be here soon!

Christmas 2009 revisisted

So many things to do and look forward to in December

Christmas concerts

Looking at the holiday lights

Baking cookies

Wrapping gifts

4th graders singing at church

Spending time with family

Celebrating Miss Maddy's 10th birthday

and, of course,

celebrating Christmas - the birth of Jesus.

Let the fun begin!

Three Word Wednesday!

2011-11-30T03:00:00.000-06:00

Clark Griswold Wannabe!!!!!!

Deck the Halls!

2011-11-27T07:30:00.000-06:00

A first this year -- our house is all decorated and it's not even December!! Woohoo!!

Come on in -- the entryway

I had a big incentive and deadline as Mr. Tennis agreed that our house could be open on Sunday, Nov. 20, for a Holiday Open House tour. Holy smokes, I was sweating it for a while there, but it all came together. It may be true that Mr. Tennis ignored my "theme" of silver/red/white and threw in some other colors, but it turned out fine. I put the kibosh on some of his "special" decorating touches and sent him outside to do his Clark Griswold impression! :)

Reports were that there was a big crowd with a line out the door and down the block to go through the house. Visitors could see five different houses throughout the city and the admission price went to fund a special program for kids at our local elementary schools. So, it was a veritable win/win -- we (somehow -- late nights, etc.) managed to do our Christmas decorating early and kids at schools throughout the city benefited too.

We decorated each room and even have two Christmas trees up!

My favorite room is the dining room!

Love my red and white dishes!

The stairs with polka dot bows are also a fave!

And love our mantel -- so pretty, but hard to photograph due to a large mirror!

How about you? Have you finished your decorating?

It may be a new tradition to get the decorating done early!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T16:00:00.000-06:00

Getting ready to put my apron on and start cooking!!

Those of you who know me IRL (in real life) know that I am not the best cook on the block and my meals are not always balanced. I mean really, is it necessary to have both a vegetable and a salad? Shouldn't one green thing suffice???? You can bet that I always plan a dessert!

This year -- pumpkin pie and fudge!

Last year, I had these fun dinner conversation starters I found on another blog (though am not sure which one, but thank you to whoever thought them up)! Everyone kind of rolled their eyes at me, but I know they really enjoyed them.

This Thanksgiving, like every other big event - and actually every single day -- I'm thinking of and missing my sweet Mum. She made cooking up a big meal seem so easy and effortless. Her homemade dinner rolls and cinammon rolls were always so yummy! She made a special strawberry jello every single year -- I think because Philip loved it so much. One year, we (my sisters and I) put together some little margaritas (of course, margaritas go with turkey!!) and my Mom even joined in and had one. Oh.My.Word! That was the funnest dinner ever! Just a few sips and she was on a roll, talking up a storm and telling stories.

Such a sweet memory.

So much to be thankful for every day.

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving remembering loved ones too!

Favorite Photo Friday - Fall

2011-11-18T09:10:00.000-06:00

Looking down Stratford Avenue

We've had the sweetest weather this fall. I really hate to mention it because I'm sure that will jinx it and/or we'll have the worst winter on record! But, must enjoy it while we can, right?!

The trees have been lovely, though cold temps along with windy days and nights have resulted in loads of leaves on the ground. We had 30 (yes 30!) bags of leaves for the trash guys the other day and we're not done yet! Not to worry, I didn't rake them all myself!

In fact, I didn't actually rake any. I hired someone! :)

I took this photo last weekend (in my robe) when the sun had just come up and there was a rosy pinkish glow in the sky. I wanted to be sure and catch a snapshot of the fall colors before the bareness of winter takes over! Love you Fall -- I miss your beautiful colors already!

Have a wonderful weekend! Have you bought your turkey yet?

Started Christmas decorating? More on that next week!

Think Safety First!

2011-11-17T21:30:00.000-06:00

This little public service announcement is being brought to you by our local fire department and Lifetone Technology. We all know how important smoke detectors are and how they save lives every single day, right? But, have you ever thought -- what about people who are deaf or who have a hearing loss? What if they can't hear their smoke alarm??

I recently found out that our local fire department received a grant to provide special special smoke alarms for individuals with hearing impairments, including families with children with a hearing loss. Miss M has a hearing impairment and qualified for the smoke alarm. Some of our finest firefighters came by this morning and installed it. Whoa -- it's pretty amazing! It's called a Lifetone HL Fire Alarm and Clock, a fire detection system from Lifetone Technology.

Basically, it works like this. In case of fire or smoke, a special smoke alarm installed outside her bedroom goes off and triggers a fire-clock alarm on her bedside table that looks like a clock radio, It works like so (borrowed from their website):

• Sounds a 520 Hz square-wave alarm: This special sound proven in controlled scientific testing as the most effective at waking people up in a fire emergency. The Lifetone HL pumps out the alarm signal at 90 dBA – that’s like having someone start a lawn mower next to your bed!

• A visual signal: The back-lit display flashes with the word FIRE. In a darkened room, the flashing display is another form of sensory stimulation to “break through” the fogginess of sleep.

• A physical vibration from the bed shaker: A small clam shell-like device about the size of the palm of your hand plugs in to the back of the unit. When the alarm is triggered, the bed shaker, placed between the mattress and box springs, vibrates strongly.

• A voice sounds saying: "FIRE, GET OUT".

If you didn't check and change your batteries when the time changed recently, please check the batteries in your smoke detector --

be safe!!

Favorite Photo Friday

2011-11-11T03:30:00.000-06:00

I ~~talked~~ bribed Miss M into a few photos the other day before it got too dark and too chilly. With the holidays approaching, paying her a little modeling fee helps and keeps her motivated!
Plus, she loves this fur vest!

Oh my -- she's looking so grown up here --
how can my baby be almost 10 years old!!!

While temps and leaves are falling, we haven't actually raked leaves up just yet! Kind of waiting for the wind to blow them down the street to the neighbors' yards! :) Kidding -- kind of! We do plan to work on those leaves one of these days!

Our leaves are the dirty brown ones, so she and I were delighted to find this beautiful one!

Christmas Card Bloopers

2011-11-08T17:33:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, Maddy put on her most gorgeous white tutu (love it!) and posed for our upcoming Christmas card. Of course, there were a number of bloopers. That girl dances, makes faces and generally has fun -- for a little while!

Always has a stuffed animal nearby and she insisted on a photo with this one!

The singing and air guitar was happening at this moment!

Don't you love her purple Pumas peeking out!

Singing continues! Doesn't everyone stand on a bench for photos?!!

Wondering when the "perfect" photo will be captured?

Favorite Photo Friday

2011-11-04T04:30:00.000-05:00

I love, love, love my hydrangea plant! I'm the only one in the whole ~~block~~ neighborhood with the purple blooms -- ain't I special? :) It bloomed more than ever this year, and it was so nice to see it holding on through some cold temps recently. However, the lows in the 20's lately have done it in now. I'm not much of a gardner (mowing is more my speed), but I do tend to my hydrangea!! It was one of my Mom's favorite flowers too.

Halloween Update - A Tooth Fairy and A Hotdog!

2011-11-01T12:34:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update as it was almost impossible to get a decent photo of Miss Maddy as a tooth fairy and Miss Muffy as a hotdog prior to Halloween!

And so, here is the Tooth Fairy!

With her trusty Scottie, the hotdog!

Boo at the Zoo!

2011-10-29T06:19:00.001-05:00

Maddy and our Zoo Director surrounded by a cauldron of haze!

Our local children's zoo holds a "Boo at the Zoo" every year. In case you can't tell, Maddy is a Tooth Fairy this year. Cool temps meant we had to cover her "tooth" shirt! So many cool costumes to see and fun for the kids to walk through and see the zoo at night. I think the only animals out were the peacocks -- who have their own lovely plumes, so that is probably why they get to hang around. Bonus for them, lots of candy misses the treat bags and they feast on tootsie rolls and caramels for days on end! :)

We went with our neighbors this year and had so much fun . . . even though on our way out, we hopped on the wrong bus to shuttle parking, got yelled at by the bus driver, had to ride around again and then ended up walking to the car anyway! Oh well -- it makes for a good story though my foot was absolutely killing by the time we got home.

More fun booooo activities on the weekend leading up to the big holiday! :) Happy weekend!

Favorite Photo Friday

2011-10-28T04:00:00.000-05:00

I had hoped to have some new photos up, but didn't quite get that accomplished! These are two of my favorites from 2008!

Fall, 2008

Love that Girl in a hat! Fall 2008

Weekend Update

2011-10-24T12:17:00.000-05:00

Time for a weekend update!

Let's do some random bullets this week for a change of pace!

Whoa -- a few days have escaped me as I recover from my poor little foot surgery! Holy smokes -- never believe a doctor who says -- "this will be a piece of cake and an easy recovery!" HA HA HA! So not true! My foot and toes killed me! Oh. My. Word. I had no idea it would hurt so much! Add to that a bit of a reaction to pain meds and I was one hurting cowgirl! Anyhoo, let's put that behind us now! And remember my initial plan to have the right foot done almost right away after leftie heals?? Yeah, am definitely rethinking that!

Since we already had tickets to a Steven Curtis Chapman concert, I hobbled along to that though only lasted until intermission. It was a great concert and I'm sure I would have really enjoyed it had my foot felt better. Seriously, not only is he a great person and musician, he is the cutest guy! He looks like Doogie Howser all grown up! Hope he returns and we can attend again! Maddy had to get a CD and we love it!

And now for the Shutterfly giveaway! Maddy picked and I couldn't find the camera to get a photo of her with the winning numbers, but they were 5, 9 and 10. So, that means, Laurie, Kim K. and Mary have each won 25 free cards from Shutterfly. I will be emailing each of you with the secret code!

I Heart Shutterfly!

2011-10-18T17:11:00.000-05:00

Have you figured out your holiday cards yet? I know it's early, and believe me, I am usually still addressing cards at and/or after Christmas, but this year, I decided to start a little early. My coworker, Jodee, is super organized and told me how she planned her photos a couple weeks ago. She probably already has her cards addressed and is just waiting for the holiday stamps – yep – she is like that – ready way ahead of time! I wish I could be more like her!

One of our family shots from last year! Am still thinking of recycling it for this year!

So, I decided to follow her lead and try to get some photos of Maddy too. Last year, we had a family Christmas card with Mr. Tennis and me too - I loved it and it was from Shutterfly. Some friends told me that my card last year was the best quality and nicest they received, now who doesn't like to hear that! But managing to get my hair looking decent two years in a row in a photo is really asking a bit much, so this year I figured a card with just Miss M would be fine . . . unless I recycle a photo from last year! Hmmm -- I do like deducting a year from my age whenever I can!

What a great family photo-card!

Somehow, I was able to get some photos I liked and went to Shuttterfly to look at their cards. Oh how I love Shutterfly! The holiday cards this year are gorgeous and always such great quality. One of the many things I like about Shutterfly is that I can make as many draft cards as I want while attempting to get the perfect one. This year, I made about four different drafts -- some with just one photo and others with two photos and you can add even more photos! I go for more traditional looks and Shutterfly has those along with lots of fun funky styles too. I swear I could have spent an entire day playing on the site and making draft cards up. This year I made 4 or 5 and then showed them to Mr. Tennis for his input. Luckily (for him!) he liked the very same one that was my favorite. But really, who says you can't go with more than one holiday card? I went with traditional colors + fun polka-dots because Maddy and I DO love polka dots!

Another fave -- love the black and white photo and monogram ornament!

Since I'm not a scrapbooker, am horrible at keeping track of photos and lousy at journaling, I usually do a photo book after a trip and Shutterfly has come to the rescue for me there too!

This sample reminded me of the book we made after our trip to China to meet sweet Maddy as Maddy looked a lot like that adorable little one as a baby!

Bonus -- last year, I even had one of those very cool canvas prints made – be still my heart – it turned out so beautiful! Do I sound like a commercial for Shutterfly? Really, they have the best products and service!

Anyhooo, Shutterfly has some really beautiful cards this year and your satisfaction is guaranteed! And you know what else I love . . . you can also order matchy-matchy return address labels!!! :)

Can you tell that I love a monogram and red/greencombos?

Do you blog?

Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q

And as much as I love Shutterfly, they evidently love me too and have given me prizes of 25 free cards for three of my readers.

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Boots -- All Kinds of Boots!

2011-10-14T04:07:00.006-05:00

The Moon was still out this morning when I left for work!

The cooler weather here has me thinking about boots -- all kinds of boots. No, I'm not mentioning the

s-word (you know which one I mean), but who doesn't love boots!

Last year Maddy and I had some Fuggs -- Fake Ugg*s! I'm sure the real things are super comfy, but let me tell you -- the Tarjay faux brand is also very comfy at a fraction of the cost!

I found some adorable boots on zappos -- don't you love the service from zappos! Zappos is the only place I can usually find shoes for Maddy as her feet are either very small or an extremely popular size as we can never find any locally that work and are comfy for her . . . except at zappos!

Michael Kors -- love him and his boots!

Dansko -- Aren't these fab!!

Who doesn't love a wedge??

While I love all those boots, unfortunately, these are the boots I'm looking at for the next few weeks!

I have bone spurs on my big toe joints --who knew?? My poor feet have been killing me for ~~ages~~ years! I finally went to the doc and was relieved to find out that it wasn't bunions, but bone spurs!
Anyhooo -- I will be having those nasty bone spurs shaved off my left foot next week and then after leftie heals, I will have the right foot done a few weeks later. Hoping to have everything all healed up before bad weather hits so that I can actually wear some cuter boots!!

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-10-12T08:12:00.000-05:00

So Grown Up . . . Sometimes!

2011-10-06T17:58:00.005-05:00

Every now and then (and more often lately as she is almost 10 after all), I can see a glimpse of my little girl all grown-up. So sweet and beautiful! No, I am not at all biased, am I! :)

She asked me recently if I think that she will look like her absolutely favorite singer when she grows up . . . Taylor Swift! I said, well no, but you may look like the very talented and beautiful Ann Curry -- she seemed ok with that, but still wants to be a Rock Star!

And then, there she is again -- my little girl -- still loving those crazy Webkinz and so silly -- getting a bit tired of the camera pointed at her!! Look at that crazy feather in her hair -- guess she is a bit of a Rock Star!

What a funny and lovely girl!

Going on a Pumpkin Hunt!

2011-10-03T12:29:00.002-05:00

In between the usual weekend chores of laundry, grocery-shopping, cheer class and cheering on the Huskers (guess we didn't cheer nearly enough), Maddy and I made our way out to our nearby pumpkin patch.

Can I just say that I love Nebraska in the fall!

It was a perfect day with the sun shining and temps cool in the mornings, but warming up nicely plus low humidity!!! The trees are turning color and it is truly the best time of the year. Such a lovely day out and instead of joining the hordes there at 1 PM, we didn't make it until around 4 PM. Perfecto plan as it was not nearly as crowded and we could enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

Of course, we had to ride the little train, pose with a friendly (?) skeleton,

Goof off with a scary monster,

Take the hayrack ride out through the spooky forest and . . .

hunt for a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch!

Guess who rode in our hayrack ride along with us -- a lovely golden retriever jumped on at the last minute. When we arrived at the patch, he sauntered off to find his own pumpkin -- so sweet. Maddy was so curious as to who he belonged to because he did not even have a collar on AND he acted like he owned the place. Well, he does own the place -- rather his owners do!

We had such a fun time even though Mr. Tennis was out of town and missed it.

Not to worry, Miss Maddy has a return trip planned for him too!

C is for Conferences

2011-09-27T16:30:00.014-05:00

Do tell -- teachers and other parents -- do you have a secret on handling school conferences? What is the best way to get across what you want the teacher to know about your student and be a concerned and interested parent in the 5-10 minutes allowed?

Notice anything different about her hair?

It's nearly school conference time . . . already! Actually, Maddy has received a first quarter progress report and live conferences are scheduled in a few weeks. An article I recently read in a parenting magazine sounded very helpful on making the most of your student's school conference, so I thought I would be nice and share the highlights. Here's the lowdown!

1. Bring questions to discuss your the teacher; write down your concerns ahead of time. I know I think of something I wanted to ask about the time I reach the car to go home!

2. Be open-minded to what the teacher says about your child -- kids often act differently at school than at home.

3. Leave with take-home tips. Ask the teacher for tips on preparing for tests, homework-help ideas, ways to help your child socialize with other students.

4. Follow-up -- with your student. Tell your student what was said -- including praise -- who doesn't love a pat on the back!

From my own experiences, remember if there is not enough time in the conference to discuss all your concerns, make another appointment or contact the teacher by telephone or e-mail. I know our conferences are only about 10 minutes long and teachers have to keep on schedule as there are other parents waiting their turns. Most teachers are more than willing to set up an appointment, make a phone call or e-mail to discuss your questions and concerns.

Feathers are allowed at her school -- Maddy was delighted to get one recently - it's ice-blue!!
This made my little student very happy

Being a teacher is hard. Being a student is work too and the key (I think) is hard work, communication and cooperation. I have found my girl's teachers to be very helpful. Maddy is a very hard worker and wants to please. But, she's also a little afraid to ask questions and she's a worrier. I do all I can to help her feel comfortable and at ease with her teacher and also to find ways to help her learn and excel in the classroom and with her homework. Yep, we are again doing "Jeopardy" social studies and science this year to make learning definitions more fun! What works for you and your student?

Falling Temps = Soup Time!

2011-09-22T14:54:00.002-05:00

I wanted to save this recipe for a Sunday Special post, but I seriously could not wait because it is so very, very yummy!

Can you smell how delish this is?

Have you tried the Low-fat Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup at Panera* yet? Oh my gosh, the first time I tried it, I was hooked. Delicous bits of chicken, al dente orzo, spinach, light broth and low-fat and low calories to boot?!! Whoa -- this soup had my name all over it! So, I searched the trusty internet and found a recipe that sounded right.

Made it last night and and I know it is going to be one of our favorite cool-weather soups.

Heck, I even like it in warm weather! Here it is.

You can thank me later for finding this easy and tasty soup for you! :)

LEMON CHICKEN ORZO SOUP (LOW FAT)

• 8 cups fat-free, low sodium chicken broth

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken tenders - use more if you like a lotta chicken.

• 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into small pieces

• 1 medium celery stalk, sliced

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional -- i do not like onion)

• 1/3 - 2/3 cups chopped spinach

• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 tsp oregano

• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

• 1 cup orzo

• Juice of FRESH lemon (about 1/4 cup)

1. Place all of the ingredients except the lemon juice in a 4-quart pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the orzo is cooked al dente.

2. Remove the chicken breast from the soup, slice into strips or small pieces, and return to the pot. Add the lemon juice, stirring well to mix.

3. Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls and serve immediately. Bread sticks or baguettes go perfectly with this soup. Add a small salad and you've got a meal!

Panera*'s soup -- photo from . . . Panera*

So Long Summer -- It's Almost Officially Fall!

2011-09-21T04:27:00.008-05:00

Now that school has started and for all intents and purposes, summer is over, and the squirrels are trolling the neighborhood knocking down copious amounts of acorns, it is time to do my annual farewell to summer!

First of all, let me say, I love summer! I love the hot weather, pool time, bicycle rides, walks with the dog and all those fun hours spent outside. However, I do not love my frizzy hair in the summer! Anyhoo, I did snap a few photos now and then and so, we now sadly say - ta-ta for now to warm weather!

Goodbye to:

Train rides at our friendly children's zoo!

SO LONG to pool time!!

Swimming lessons and noodle rides!

4th of July!

Firecrackers and the 4th of July!

Vacations and Sweet Cousin Time!

Bye bye sweet beach and beach flowers!

Hello Fall Spideys and Squirrels!!

Sunday Special -- Fast and Light Chicken Potpie

2011-09-18T05:02:00.004-05:00

Photo also from Cooking Light, Jan/Feb. 2010 edition

I admit it, I'm one of those people who keep old magazines because I just know there is probably something there that I might want to refer to later. Recently, I was looking through some Cooking Light magazines from Jan/Feb. 2010 [actually, I was trying to put myself to sleep without any Advil PM]!

So happy I saved that one and you will be too!

Look what I made the other night! It was speedy and delicious -- two requirements for me to cook! Plus -- there are loads of good recipes in this old issue, so stay tuned for more of my delightful Sunday Specials!! :) The strips of piecrust on top are so delish!

Here's how you make it! Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light, Jan/Feb. 2010 edition.

SPEEDY CHICKEN POTPIE [printable recipe]

• Cooking spray
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups refrigerated diced potatoes with onion (such as Simply Potatoes)
• 2/3 cup frozen green peas and diced carrot blend
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
• 1/4 (15-ounce) package refrigerated piecrust dough

Preparation
• 1. Preheat oven to 425°.
• 2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chicken to pan; sprinkle with salt. Sauté 5 minutes or until browned and done.
• 3. While chicken cooks, bring 2 1/2 cups broth and bay leaf to a boil in a large saucepan. Add potatoes; cover and cook over medium-high heat 8 minutes. Stir in peas and carrots; cover and cook 2 minutes. Stir in chicken. Combine remaining 1/2 cup broth and flour; stir into potato mixture. Reduce heat to medium; cook 2 minutes or until bubbly and thick. Remove bay leaf. Stir in thyme, pepper, and sage.
• 4. While potato mixture cooks, cut piecrust dough crosswise into 12 strips. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 7 minutes or until browned and puffy. Top chicken mixture with piecrust strips.

Enjoy! Plus, since you've saved all those calories,

feel free to have something chocolate and yummy for dessert!

Fun With the Littles!

2011-09-15T03:46:00.004-05:00

Maddy loved pushing Jane around the zoo! The goats ran off when we didn't shell out some $ to feed them!

Last weekend, we had some fun with the little ones in the family! Philip and Catherine brought Janie and Walt to spend the night with us while they went to a football game and had a night out. If you remember the last time we did that, you might guess that I was a little nervous this time around! But, I figured there was no way we could possibly have a dreadful storm knocking out power and downing a tree in the yard again when the babies stayed over. And luckily there were no storms!!

Looking at zoo animals is serious stuff!

We had so much fun with Janie and Walt! Maddy and I took Jane to the zoo and she loved it. Maddy had a blast pushing her stroller around and pointing out the red panda, the ponies, the new penguins, the smelly goats, the birds and the screaming lemurs. Wow -- those things are loud and were a little scary! From the looks of them when they were screaming, they have very large, sharp teeth! We also saw this incredibly cute crocodile who gave us that really big smile when he saw us!! :)

Nice to see you too, Mr. Crocodile!

Then we had even more fun and introduced Janie to some delightful cuisine -- McD's!! She loved it!! Walt is a bit too young still for fries and nuggets, so he opted for another bottle of formula.

As sweet as Janie was a baby, I thought there was no way that their second baby would be so sweet and easygoing too. Wrong! He is the most mellow little fellow (poetic, aren't I!). I got him to smile and giggle for me. Later, we stuck the poor guy in an umbrella stroller to take him for a walk with Janie in another stroller and Muffy tagged along too. I'm afraid little Walter didn't look too comfy, but he never complained. He reminds me so much of Philip as a baby, but Philip didn't sleep through the night until he was at least one year old and Walt is already sleeping through the night at 3 months! Maddy is the best auntie and it was a really fun visit!

Look at that sweet, adorable face!

Ready, Set, Slide!

2011-09-13T14:30:00.002-05:00

Ready . . .

Muffy, our most adorable little Scottie, has a BDFF (best doggie friend forever) who lives right across the street from us. She's a little Corgi named Dixie. Those two dogs rule the street . . . or think they do!

Set . . .

On some of these nice evenings lately, we (the Moms, the kids and dogs) have been visiting a small nearby park. The kids swing, go on the slides, teeter-totter and so do the pups! Really!!! Dixie knows how to go down the small slide and the twisty tornado slide! She's taught Muffy (with Maddy's help) how to go down the small slide! Luckily, when we've been there, not too many other kids were there, so Dixie and Muffy had plenty of turns on the slide!

Done! That was fuN!

A Tart and Brownie Sundaes!

2011-09-04T20:26:00.001-05:00

Beef, Mushroom Onion Tart from Better Homes & Gardens (mine also looked this good!)

Took a little break from my usual holiday weekend of no-cooking and having fast/frozen food meals to actually prepare a meal! Guess what -- it turned out yummy!!

I found the recipe in the Better Homes & Gardens Prizewinning Recipes book they recently sent me. They said someone had requested the book be sent to me? Hmmm-- wondering who that was???

Anyway, it was easy-peasy to make and very delish! Even Maddy kind of liked it. And what's really great about it, is that you could easily add all kinds of things, like green peppers, more mushrooms, sauce, etc. to it to make it even better.

Those who know me, know that I must have chocolate -- preferably at every meal!

So I also made brownie cupcakes!! Add some vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce -- voila -- a delish brownie sundae!!

My friend, Ina Garten, loaned me this photo. My brownies were cupcakes and actually looked even better! There were none left or I would have taken a photo!

I really outdid myself today, so am definitely taking Labor Day off tomorrow.

Hoping for more cooking adventures soon. Maddy and I may try to make chocolate dipped rice krispie treats on a stick! Stay tuned!!!

Photo from Rice Krispies -- who else?!!

School Days and Reading Out Loud

2011-08-30T13:03:00.001-05:00

Maddy the 4th Grader in her classroom

Happy to report the first week of school went very well -- even though it was very hot and there is no AC at Maddy's school. Yikes!

That made for a couple of toasty days!

But just like that -- we're back into the school days groove of pop quizzes, real quizzes, a math test coming up and nightly reading. Nightly reading is about my favorite time of the day! Yes, for real, I mean that! Since Maddy is just a 4th grader, she and I read together . . . out loud. And truthfully, I hope we're still doing that in 8th grade! Yes, I am one of those moms who is trying to enjoy my youngest at every single age and school year. So, anyhoo, back to reading.

Maddy -- Reading in 2008!

We (Maddy and I) have discovered that we get so much more out of books when we read aloud to each other. During the summer, we read Shiloh. It started off slowly, but as we read it out loud, it came to life. At school now, they are reading A Dog Named Kitty -- another one that started off a bit slowly. Truth be told, at first we both thought it was more of a "boy's" book. But we are enjoying it too and talking about what we think might happen next, why did the character act that way? I loved reading when I was young and hope that by reading aloud she develops that same love for reading and books. These days (gah -- I sound like an old hag now, don't I) kids just don't read enough and everything is electronic and fast-paced. I say, it's time to sit back and take turns reading out loud before lights out!

First Day of 4th Grade!

2011-08-22T12:55:00.000-05:00

Today marked Maddy's first day of 4th Grade! She's been alternating between looking forward to seeing her friends again and worrying a little bit about her classroom. Even though she has some good friends in her room, her two bff's are both in the other 4th grade classroom and that has really concerned her. Reassurances that she'll see them at recess have helped a little bit.

One of her sweet friends yelled her name when she saw her this morning and gave her a great big hug.

I loved watching that and seeing the girls be so sweet!

We kept very busy on the last weekend before school with a trip to the pool, the miniature golf course, the zoo and visiting my Dad. And, of course, we had to shop a little. The stores called our names, after all. The bad thing about wearing a uniform is that those most adorable first day of school outfits are unnecessary. The good thing is that it really cuts down on morning decisions! :) Hmmmm -- what color polo to wear today . . . navy? white? yellow? green? Love that about uniforms! :)

Is it just me -- or is there something too cute about that backpack with her name on it! I love it! No more backpack mix-ups like happened last year!

Don't worry -- she put that silly Elmo in her backpack for the photos --

he did not go to school, but waited in the car!

Her sweet baby niece, Janie, loves Elmo and since Maddy loves Janie --

Maddy also loves Elmo all over again!

Beach Dancing - Outtakes from a Windy Day

2011-08-18T04:07:00.016-05:00

These photos just really make me smile!

She is such a card and loves to move and groove! Plus, it was so windy!! Are you wondering where she got those cool moves from!?! Possibly moi. I have tried to educate her in the finer art of car dancing! Somehow, I just don't see Mr. Tennis doing any car dancing!

And . . . a few more!

Black & White Wednesday -- Back to the Train

2011-08-17T04:55:00.005-05:00

This photo was taken in our Haymarket area -- it's a fun part of town and love the vibrant colors of the rail cars. I am especially fond of trains because my Dad is a retired railroad engineer!

So, here's the photo in color!

And again in Black & White.

Check out Lisa's blog for more B&W Wednesday posts!

Summer Camps

2011-08-11T12:02:00.005-05:00

This summer Maddy spread her wings a little more than previous summers and tried a few of the summer camp programs put on by our local high school.

First up -- theater camp -- who knew my quiet girl could sing and dance too? She had so much fun! For her age-group's performance, they sang and danced a bit to Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast songs -- "Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match, catch me a catch . . . "

Next -- cheer camp! She had a couple friends at this camp along with 165 other girls! Wow -- that's a lot of girl power in one place. All of the girls did a great job on their final day performance.

And then it was on to dance/cheer camp. She was worried -- she didn't know anyone there at all. But she still had a lot of fun and learned a ton in only 3 mornings!
One day she, said, "wow, the dancers [teachers]really shake their booty"! Funny!

So proud of her that she tried new things this summer and really enjoyed all three.

Both the cheer and dance/cheer groups will perform at the first football game of the season.

So exciting for my little fourth grader!

Weekend Update -- The Good and Not-so-Good Report

2011-08-08T16:34:00.002-05:00

Oh my word -- what a weekend!!

Let's start with the good stuff, shall we?

The grandbabies came to visit and stay overnight! What fun! And their parents left -- so we had them all to ourselves. Love those kiddos with those little smoochable faces. Miss Janie (almost 18 months) seems like such a big girl now. She and Maddy were joined at the hip. They had a blast -- they colored, they played with stuffed animals, with zhu zhu pets, went to the park and watched a little Barney. When Janie cried about going to bed in the pack n play, Maddy climbed in to be next to her and helped her go to sleep. Janie gave Maddy so many loving hugs and held her hand almost non-stop. It was so so sweet. At one point, Maddy asked if Janie could live with us forever! (Hmmm -- well, I think her parents might object!) Last night when Maddy headed to bed, she said she really missed Janie and shed a few tears. She has the most tender heart!

And little baby Walt -- he's a sweetheart! Seriously, look at this face -- is that not the face of an angel?!! He was so good and only cried occasionally when he was hungry or needed a diaper change. He reminds me so much of Philip when he was a baby though Philip used to chug down his bottles fast and demand more!!! Walt is more easygoing and takes his time drinking a bottle, savoring every drop! :)

Now to the "not-so-good"!

We had a huge storm blow in Saturday evening and I mean really really big. Winds were extremely strong resulting in enormous tree branches falling and destroying our fence. Power was knocked out here and there in town and most definitely in our neighborhood. We had no electricity from 8:20 PM on Saturday night until 1:30 PM Sunday afternoon. Holy smokes!! Plus, it was SO hot and NO AC!! But, go me -- somehow I figured out how to make a baby bottle in the dark at 4 AM with the help of only a flashlight!

So, to recap -- grandbabies -- Very good!!

No electricity, no air conditioning, fence broken -- No Good!

Black and White Wednesday - To Train Tracks!

2011-08-03T04:29:00.011-05:00

Black & White Wednesday has been speeding right by me lately!

But, Summer is like that, isn't it!

This photo was take a month or two ago in our downtown Haymarket area - a lovely little urban oasis. I talked Miss Maddy into going there one Saturday morning for the farmer's market.

The free kettle corn was all gone by the time we got there. :(

But, bonus for me, she was agreeable to a few photos!

So here it is in color.

And here in black and white.

Actually, her picture was also taken there about 3 years ago -- fun to see how tall she's gotten lately! Isn't she the cutest?!

Check out Lisa's blog for more B&W fun!

MM Sighting!

2011-08-01T17:16:00.002-05:00

Can you guess whose sign we saw at Hilton Head??

Even though we saw his sign, we didn't see a whole lot of evidence that he was around, so we have decided the best place to see the Mouse is Orlando or maybe California.

And, of course Disney Hong Kong is also on the wish list! :)

Let Them Eat . . . Cheesecake!

2011-07-29T12:49:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow, July 30, is National Cheesecake Day -- a special day set aside to celebrate cheesecake -- I just love holidays, don't you!?!

I almost hate to admit it, but I am not a huge fan of cheesecake -- well, unless chocolate is involved. And so, I thought I would share with you my favorite recipe for a marble cheesecake. It's actually called Chocolate and Vanilla Marble (flourless) Cake, but let's be real -- it taste like cheesecake (only better), so I'm calling it cheesecake!

CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA MARBLE CAKE

VANILLA BATTER

8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature

2/3 C sugar

1 large egg

1 t vanilla extract

CHOCOLATE BATTER

10 oz bittersweet chocolate (sometimes I use half bittersweet, half semi-sweet)

10 T butter, cut into 6 pieces

3 large eggs

1/3 C sugar

1 T rum or espresso

1 t vanilla

pinch salt

Move oven rack to middle and heat oven to 300. Lightly grease a 9x2 round cake pan and line bottom with parchment.

For VANILLA BATTER: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and keep beating until well blended. Add egg and vanilla and beat until just blended. Set aside.

For CHOCOLATE BATTER: Melt chocolate and butter together. Whisk until smooth and set aside to cool slightly. Beat eggs, sugar, rum, vanilla and salt on high until mixture is pale and thick, about 3 to 4 minutes. Switch mixer to low and slowly pour in melted chocolate until well blended.

Spread half of the chocolate batter on to the bottom of the pan. Alternately add large scoopfuls of each batter to the pan. Use a knife to gently swirl two batters together so they're mixed but not blended [it will look swirly and marbleized.] Rap the pan against the counter a few times to settle the batters.

Bake 40-42 minutes. Cool and then refrigerate until very cold - at least four hours. You can even make this ahead of time and freeze for later.

Serve to your very happy guests!

Last year, I also made a little raspberry sauce to go with it -- super delish!

The Beach!

2011-07-25T15:02:00.002-05:00

Somehow the beach and my camera were not in sync this year. It was often way too humid which resulted in a fogged up lens, often very windy, or just simply operator (moi) error, as my beach photos were not quite up to par. Nonetheless, I did get a few on the very last day of my girl that I kind of like -- even with windblown hair all over the place!

Flowers on the beach!

Cute Cousins -- Now and Then!

2011-07-22T13:50:00.000-05:00

Grace - 12 years old and Maddy 9-1/2 years old

Besides getting to spend a whole week with so many wonderful friends, our time in Hilton Head was special because the two youngest cousins in the family were together -- yes, I mean the fabulous duo --

Grace and Maddy!

Those two have a very special and fun friendship. Grace really looked out for Maddy and kept her involved in all the activities. Plus, those two can play a mean game of War (cards, that is), and it was so nice to have someone besides me for Maddy to duel it out over!

Maddy at 8 years old and Grace -- 11 years old.
Larry (the bichon) was 1 year old.

Over the years, the girls have had many fun times together. Distance (we live in Nebraska and they live in Florida) keeps us from being together as much as we would like. The girls are sweet and funny and silly and maybe a little diabolical together!! Can't wait for more cousin fun!

Pirate Night -- Maddy at 4 years old and Grace 7 years old.

I searched and searched for this last photo and just found it! Look how adorable they were!

This was taken the first summer that Maddy was home.

Maddy - 1-1/2 and Grace 4 years old

Vacay Recap - The Beach and the Pool!

2011-07-20T20:29:00.008-05:00

Time for the vacation recap -- you've all been on the edge of your seats waiting, right?! :) Okey, dokey (we say that a lot in Nebraska), here goes.

Our flights to Hilton Head were a breeze with no flight delays (gotta love that)! But ... there was one little glitch! On our very first flight, Mr. Tennis was the last person to get on the plane! Due to his hip replacement, he has to get the full-body scan at security, so that takes a bit longer. Yikes! Maddy and I heard last call for our flight, so yelled the gate number to him and took off running without him and jumped on board! Well, we didn't quite ditch him, we did tell the flight attendant that he was on the way!

It didn't take us too long to reach our condo and greet the CCAI travel group 182 families and their adorable 12-year olds! Oh my - those girls just get prettier and prettier and they are all getting so tall! Beach time, pool fun and catching-up were the main things on the agenda with a little sightseeing and shopping thrown in. Since I traveled with my sister to meet her sweet daughter, Grace, I got to know the 182 families and their sweet baby girls in March, 2000. You could not wish for a nicer group of people. The girls and the grown-ups all pick up right where we left off since the last reunion in 2009. Such a sweet group and we are so thrilled to be included!

The girls were fab hula hoopers -- note -- no Moms even attempted to hula!

The first few days were a bit smokey out due to a fire in the Okefenokee swamp -- thus, my morning photos look a little hazy and the sun took on a reddish glow. I did run -- well, walked more than ran -- every day (go me!) :) The day's activities ranged from beach time with sand creations and hula hoops, pool fun, crafts, bicycle-riding -- there was always something going on!!! There may have a bit of giggling happening too. Due to the extreme heat and humidity (heat index was 120 one day!), my hair went totally berserk. Yes, it's true, a collection was taken up for me to have a straightening process done!

Pool fun!

Nearly every day, I tried to get some beach photos -- one night it was so humid, it took all night long for my camera lens to de-fog!! Oy -- that was so frustrating!! Even the photo issues couldn't change the fact that it was a wonderful vacation and we loved every single minute!

Stay tuned for cousin fun and finally -- the elusive beach photos!

Look -- it's a swim conga line!

Boogie fever

2011-07-18T16:24:00.002-05:00

Morning fisherman at Hilton Head

Since Nebraska is a wee-bit landlocked, you might say that boogie boarding has been pretty much unheard of around here.

Watching for that perfect wave to ride!

We were at the beach last week -- Hilton Head -- to be exact and Miss Maddy was introduced to big waves and boogie boards. She was a little tentative at first, but got right into riding the waves. Bonus that her cousin and the other older girls there watched out for her and helped.

Riding it in to the beach!

She did take a bit of a dunking once and then retired to sand activities! Very fun times at HHI with hot temps and high humidity. More posts to come as I finish laundry and get the sand out of the suitcases! :)

Cousin Grace showing her mad sand skills!

Going Back!

2011-07-08T19:45:00.002-05:00

Going back to Hilton Head for a China travel group reunion.

Plan to do some lounging on the beach!

Morning bicycle rides!

And . . .

Jumping for joy and spending lots of time with family and friends.
[Photos above from HHI - 2009]

See ya when I get back!!

xoxo

jboo, mr. tennis and miss maddy

Weekend Update and a Look Back

2011-07-06T12:25:00.004-05:00

Maddy-- July 4, 2011

We had a fun 4th of July!

We spent the day doing a few things around the house, buying firecrackers, going to the pool and taking Miss Muffy for walks. Our sweet neighbors organized a little get-together which was wonderful and then we watched a fireworks show put on by their daring teen sons and other neighborhood kids. How I remember fondly (HA HA HA) the days when my two boys were blowing things up! Funny (and nice) how much less we spent on fireworks this year for Maddy as compared to the years with the boys at home!

Muffy and Maddy -- July 2010

This time last year, we had just met our sweet pup Muffy. She was only about 8 weeks old. Oh my, she was the most adorable of pups. Funny how I have forgotten (not really) all the time I spent getting up during the night with her to take her out, protect her from opossums and urge her to go potty quickly. Of course, those months passed by quickly (who am I kidding -- last summer was the longest ever!!) and now, she is the best little Scottie. Have heard Scottie's described as little dogs with BIG personalities -- that fits her to a T! She was a teensy 4 pounds when we met her last July and now full grown at almost 16 pounds. She loves to be outside guarding the house and yard from naughty squirrels and rabbits. She even caught a trespassing mouse a month ago! Yay Muffy!

Muffy shares guarding the house duties with a ceramic Scottie!

Muffy and her best friend Maddy - July 2011

For some unknown reason, Muffy has taken a liking to sitting in this pot --weird, I know. I think she may have buried a favorite treat in it known as a bully stick (chewy stick thing). Maddy often asks if she is Muffy's best buddy? The answer is a most definite yes!

Flashback 4th of July!

2011-07-02T10:33:00.004-05:00

Evidently, I was seriously negligent in some July 4th festivities in past years. When attempting to put this together, I had to search high and low for these photos and they start in 2007. Oops -- oh well, promise to do better in the future!

Maddy and girlfriends from our neighborhood -- 2007 -- Maddy was 5-1/2 years old!

Sweet little black and white from 2008!

2009 - Maddy had just gotten her haircut -- love this cut on her!

2010 - 4th of July spent in Chicago on our girl trip with Amy and Grace! Can you guess where we were? The Hershey store - yum!

PLease -- Come On In!

2011-06-29T18:37:00.002-05:00

We live in an older home -- a home that I just found out has absolutely no insulation in any of the walls! Yikes -- you don't want to know about our utility bills in the summer and winter for this quaint, two-story home built in 1924 without any insulation whatsoever. So, to take my mind off the rather pricey cost of insulating (the house is brick so that makes insulating a little trickier and probably costlier!), I thought I would share with you my recent entryway re-do.

Do you love it? I do!! That striped cabinet makes me smile every day! Plus, more storage and . . . bonus -- the inside is painted a gorgeous aqua-blue which happens to be my and Maddy's fave color! Previously, I had a blah-looking table in the entryway that lived there for years and years. It was fine and functional (no storage though), but I really wanted something different for this little space. I tried zzzzing it up with a DIY-redo on a mirror. Do you remember how that turned out? Yep, DIY-disaster! Then I had to also replace the mirror! Oh bummer, more shopping!!

Though I didn't get a photo yet, there is an equally adorable little black bench across from the cabinet from none other than Hobby Lobs. I forgot Hobby Lobby even had furniture! Coworker and shopper extraordinaire Jodee (who frequently visits Hobby Lobs-do not tell Chef Daddy) reminded me and I just happened to find the bench last weekend! Bonus, it was on sale plus an additional discount due to a couple minor itty-bitty scratches. Love a good deal, don't you!

It's Flower Friday!

2011-06-24T12:01:00.002-05:00

Here it is Flower Friday!

Maddy's hairband kind of looks like a flower, so I'm starting out with her photo! Love that little face!

Also, time to celebrate one of my favorite flowers -- the hydrangea!!

Note to self: buy more to plant in other spots in the yard. This one would be white like so many others you see, but I give it some very special plant food in its water once a month, so the flowers are this lovely bluish-purple.

Love these red Bee Balm's (or is bomb --see, I'm no gardener!). They are usually all blooming by the 4th of July and kind of look like a firecracker, don't they!

Sweet Girl

2011-06-20T16:11:00.001-05:00

My sweet little tender-hearted girl!

Swimming lessons -- week 2 -- are going . . . swimmingly, but still make her a little nervous. She is really doing great and learning so much in such a short amount of time. But, every day, before her lesson, she says that her tummy hurts. I told her that mine used to do same thing before my swimming lessons and that seems to make her feel a bit better. Wish that she really loved it and would sign up for another two-week session!

And she's a little worried about and missing Mr. Tennis -- who is attending a horsey camp!

Yes, don't laugh -- it's some horse camp so he can learn to ride his stinky old horse better (bet you can't guess how I feel about the horse, eh?). Fingers crossed that he doesn't fall off and break his hip, leg or head. When Maddy learned he would be gone a few days, she cried and cried about how much she would miss him! Her little face looked so sad and then tears just started flowing. We're counting down the days and trying to think of things to keep her busy and happy -- like collecting the latest McD's happy meal Pokemon toys! Yep, I'm not above fast food to get her feeling better!

Swimming Lessons - Week 1

2011-06-17T08:05:00.012-05:00

TGIF!!!

Last night Maddy was recounting the week and what a hard week it's been!

First, swimming lessons started. Normally, she loves going to the pool and has never minded swimming lessons before. However, after some really hot days the prior week, Monday dawned very cool -- like 65 to 70 degrees at swim lesson time . . . at an outdoor pool that is not heated. They say it's heated, but if it is, it's not heated very much. Each day has been a little warmer, but with lessons in the morning, it's been a bit on the chilly side. Plus, one day the lessons were cancelled due to rain and a make-up lesson is scheduled for Saturday. That totally bummed her out -- she's not supposed to have swimming lessons on a Saturday!!

Second, a little baby bird that's been hanging around the house has disappeared! Pray that the neighborhood cats have not done him in! We think the bird was just learning to fly. After it sat on our porch for hours, we saw it fly from the porch to the garage roof and then it hopped along the roof for awhile -- only to disappear and not be seen since about 8 PM Thursday evening. She's worried -- what could have happened to that baby bird?? Such a tender heart!

Next, some little flower seeds she planted that were growing fabulously seem to have suddenly stopped. I think they need more soil! Fingers crossed that a replanting will help those little sprouts!

So, we are hoping for warmer temps and a warmer pool, sightings of the baby bird and flower re-potting along with some celebrating of the special Dads in our family!

Happy Weekend!

Scooters + Summer = Smiles

2011-06-14T16:28:00.016-05:00

Doesn't summer just say scooter to you?

I never thought it would to me -- as I have a very cautious personality. Although I hate to admit it, sometimes I'm a bit like Eeyore -- something bad is going to happen, I just know it! And I've always felt that way about motorcycles and motorscooters too. Well, until Mr. Tennis got one, that is. I was still a bit nervous about them, but he took a 15-hour motorcycle safety course and passed with flying colors. He is very cautious and wears a NEON orange vest whenever he rides.

Recently, his motorscooter needed a new battery or something, so his friend (the dealer -- that sounds kind of bad, doesn't it) gave him a loaner. Oh my word -- it is the cutest scooter ever! If I could, I would ride it all over the place! Maddy was not too keen on it -- after all, does Taylor Swift ride a motor scooter?? I think not. But somebody else loved it! Look at Cboo - he's putting it at the top of his list of things he's saving for and it definitely put passing the motorcycle test at the top of his "things to accomplish." Probably a good thing this one was a loaner and the standard issue one will be back soon as I have a feeling the "green machine" would not be sticking around our place once somebody got his license!

Happy Birthday Jodee!!

2011-06-12T05:48:00.002-05:00

Sending birthday wishes to my real life friend and bloggy friend,

Jodee, at Follow The Leaders!

Jodee and I have worked together for many years (not even saying how many, but a LOT)! As you may be able to guess from her blog, Jodee lives life in a big way! She's a planner and a party-girl in the very best sense of the word! She organizes her household and keeps her two kiddos and Chef Daddy happy while working full-time at a sometimes hectic (often stressful) office. She always has a smile on her face and a good word for everyone. She's sweet and sensitive and a very good friend -- she's one of those people who boosts you up when you're down and would do anything for you. Plus, let me tell you -- she keeps the office running and fun (if that is even possible), while keeping the attorneys she works for organized and efficient.

Since she was celebrating a bit of a milestone birthday (40!), we managed to surprise her with decorations, balloons and cake on Friday. Her actual birthday is today, June 12! Have a great birthday Jodee -- can' wait to hear all about how the Hubs and kids spoiled you rotten!

Friday Flower Feature

2011-06-10T01:32:00.000-05:00

Something new as I try to work through yet another case of blogger block -- Friday Flowers!

These are some lovely flowers from our yard. Unfortunately, shortly after these photos were taken, Nebraska became Arizona and it was over 100 degrees earlier this week! Holy smokes -- that is very very hot for early June! Now, the highs are in the 70s -- yes, weird weather indeed!

Here's my question -- how is that weeds continue to grow and grow and grow when it is beastly hot without rain or watering??

We "Heart" Taylor Swift!

2011-06-02T22:27:00.007-05:00

After Maddy's slight obsession/love for High School Musical waned a while back, her taste in music moved on to sweet Taylor Swift! She devised a great plan to get Taylor into our family which involved Taylor meeting Connor, falling in love with him, marrying him and then . . . voila - Maddy and Taylor would be sisters!!

Great plan and even Connor agreed that it sounded good to him.

Months ago, I heard that the bigger city near us would be the start of Taylor's North American "Speak Now" tour. I quickly joined her fan club (yes, I did!) and was alerted to an early ticket sale time. She evidently has a huge fan club as the seats I got were still a bit up in the rafters - even after buying them months and months ago before they went on sale to the general public.

[Doing the Taylor wave!]

Anyway, it was an end of the school year treat for Maddy and me. The concert was last Saturday and was fabulous!!!!!!! No kidding -- she was amazing! I think it was more like a Vegas show than just a concert. Of course, never having been to Vegas, I wouldn't know what the shows are like, but it was quite a huge production! We enjoyed every single second and it was so fun to watch Maddy singing along. Taylor is so sweet and beautiful and has such a lovely voice! Although we weren't able to manage a meeting between her and Connor, we are still hopeful! If anyone out there knows Taylor, would you put in a good word for Connor!!

[Still plotting on how to get Taylor and Connor together!]

On Being an Auntie - Sunday Snapshot

2011-05-29T18:28:00.001-05:00

Maddy had the opportunity to be a hands-on Auntie yesterday when Miss Janie stopped by to spend a few hours with us!

They read books, shared toys, munched on snacks and Janie listened intently when Maddy showed her how to do something. Of course, we couldn't help ourselves and stuck a big bow in her hair!

One of Janie's favorites, besides checking out numerous stuffed animals, was Maddy's Glo-doodle. What a talented toddler -- she already knows how to draw on the Glo-doodle!!

At one point, Janie saw a photo magnet of Maddy on the refrigerator, pointed to it, said "Maddy" and then gave it a big kiss! So much sweetness!

A stroller ride and visit to the park for some swinging was next on our schedule. Janie enjoyed it when I pushed her on the swing, but when Maddy gave her a push, she laughed out loud! Being a Auntie is so special! Once Baby Walt is older, it will definitely be double the fun!

Come again soon Janie!

So Long 3rd Grade!

2011-05-25T20:47:00.002-05:00

Hard to wrap my mind around the fact that the school year has ended!! Miss Maddy is finished with 3rd grade! When my son, Philip, started med school, he told Maddy that when she was finished with 3rd grade, he'd finish medical school. At the time, I thought -- whoa -- that's a long ways off, and . . . here it is already!

This has been a big year for Maddy. I've heard that often the odd-numbered school years are tougher and are bigger challenges for students. I believe that! This was really the year that Maddy had to study more for each class and prepare for tests. Once she (and I) figured out the best way for her to study to learn all the nuances of 3rd grade subjects, her positive outlook returned, her grades improved and she didn't worry quite so much about tests. There seemed to be tests galore this year along with book reports and writing projects. Even though she was worried at the beginning of the year, I could see her confidence and abilities grow as the school year went on.

She became more willing to ask her teachers about assignments when she had questions -- which was huge for her. She loves her teachers. We kind of wish they would move to 4th grade with her!

We are so proud of the great year and all her hard work! Way to go Miss M!!

Weekend Update

2011-05-23T15:10:00.002-05:00

What a perfect weekend!

The peonies are starting to bloom! Peonies were my Mom's favorite and they are mine too. I only wish they lasted longer! I was able to cut a couple from my yard with many more blooms just waiting to open a bit more! Love their beautiful look and wonderful scent!

Miss Maddy and I spent some time on the weekend taking Miss Muffy for walks! She (Muffy, I mean) is scheduled for her summer short haircut later this week!

Maddy and I also spent some time Saturday getting pedicures and shopping . . . shopping for baby boy blue!

Yes, Philip and Catherine had their baby on Thursday evening very late. He weighed in at 8 lb., 13 oz. and looks so much like Philip did when he was a baby. They named him Walter Eugene and will be calling him Walt. We met the little bundle of joy yesterday. He is so precious! We are so thankful that little Walt, his Mom Catherine, Dad Philip, big sister Janie (and Monty, the dog) are all doing so great.

It's a Zoo!

2011-05-20T12:05:00.001-05:00

We have a membership at our local little zoo -- it's a fabulous place and just the right size. It doesn't take All. Day. Long. to get through like some zoos. And bonus, since we have a membership, we pop in and out whenever we feel like it. I love that, don't you!

[The peacock was hiding -- some cranky, wild children were chasing him!]

Our zoo closes for the winter and just opened up last month. Miss Maddy and I visited for the second time on Mother's Day - and enjoyed a free train ride! I like anything that's free -- well, that's not exactly true. I could have had a free ice cream cone, but their ice cream tastes really weird, so we opted to not get that. Plus, it was very warm and I guess Maddy and I are a little fussy --we don't like melting ice cream that tastes weird, even if it's free.

Anyway, we did get to see the new penguins swimming around. Are they the cutest or what?? They are warm weather penguins. If I was a penguin, I would definitely be a warm weather one too -- who wants to be freezing all the time???

We loved seeing this adorable little colt -- Maddy thinks she is just about too big for pony rides. She loved them so much when she was smaller and she always had a pony ride.

Everyone who visits our zoo meets "Leo the Lion" -- he's a trash-eating lion!

So cute -- he's been around forever and tells everyone to feed him some trash!

We love our zoo!!

The Scat Cat Hustle

2011-05-17T16:03:00.001-05:00

[Maddy's in the middle in the green shirt]

A few weeks ago, Maddy started singing a "cat" song and doing some rather strange movements. Now, I dance a lot like Elaine (from Seinfeld), but hoped that Maddy would not inherit my lack of rhythm and luckily, she is a good little dancer with a great sense of rhythm!

She finally let the "cat out of the bag" (tee hee hee!) -- it seems the 3rd graders always do a Scat Cat Hustle song and dance at the end of the school day towards the end of the year.

[Maddy's good friend, Ian, in the white shirt!]

It happens on a random day and only 3rd graders and their parents know when it will occur. So happy that I knew so I could be there to see it. Wished I could have caught it on video!

Oh my word -- it was the cutest thing ever! Of course, it would land on one of our incredibly windy days, so they had to hold on to their hats!

[Adorable!!]

A Little More Disney

2011-05-14T12:26:00.021-05:00

Just a bit more Disney and some random photos!

Cboo(aka Connor) joined us for a few days!!

But, do you believe this -- he did not know who The Beatles were??? A group called The British Invasion was playing and I mentioned that they were doing Beatles songs -- he said, "who???" Aaccck -- I have failed miserably in the music department, haven't I! Am just hoping he doesn't say he has no idea who Bob Dylan or Simon & Garfunkel are! OY!

I love Epcot in the spring for the flower and garden shows and all the incredibly beautiful topiaries! Holy cats! Is that Captain Hook amazing or what?

And look here - pandas in front of China!

Maddy absolutely loved seeing Mulan and Mulan was so sweet with her, taking time to talk to her in a special way. So beautiful!

Mother's Day and Black and White Wednesday

2011-05-11T00:28:00.001-05:00

Mother's Day weekend was a combination of wonderful and hard this year.

Wonderful because we celebrated Philip's graduation from medical school and Mother's Day together. No better way to celebrate than spending time with the very people that made me a mother! Plus, it was fun celebrating Catherine being a Mother too and awaiting the arrival of Baby No. 2 !

Come on baby -- it's time -- we want to meet you!

When we got home, Maddy and I did some of our traditional Mother's Day photos. She wanted us to dress alike that day, so we did. Always follow instructions from your 9-year old!

And it was hard because it was the first Mother's Day without my own sweet Mother.

We miss her so! Maddy and I kept very busy that day with a movie, visiting the zoo, shopping, playing with the dog and cleaning house (yep, I did say that!) and still, that giant hole in our hearts is there and always will be. Yet, I know that she would want us to celebrate holidays, be happy and live life fully, and so, that's what we're attempting. Our love for her and the bond between us will never end.

Joining Lisa for Black & White Wednesday this week -- check her blog out!

Graduation Weekend

2011-05-08T16:12:00.025-05:00

Interrupting my Disney posts (yes, there are a couple more, maybe), to report on the graduation of my oldest son from medical school. Now, if I hear, "somebody call me a doctor!" I know just who to call!

On Friday afternoon, we attended the hooding ceremony where all the med school graduates are presented with their hoods. It was a sweet and special ceremony. We found out that Philip also received an award from the Nebraska Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Doctors! He didn't even know about it ahead of time!

Saturday morning was graduation and that included others in the medical field -- nursing, physical therapy, etc. It was a lovely ceremony and we were all so proud. Unfortunately, the lighting was terrible inside, so no pics of the ceremony actually came out. It was a lovely day, so we snagged a couple photos outside in the bright sunlight!

Afterwards, we all went out to lunch with my Dad, Al, who told stories of his youth. We missed my Mom terribly, but know that she was with us in spirit. Connor also joined us to celebrate, but had to leave before we talked the sweet waitress into taking a group photo. It was a special weekend. As you may have guessed, Philip and Catherine are expecting a new baby any day now. I have been hoping for a "Mother's Day" arrival -- I think Catherine is too!

[My 3 kiddos -- being their Mother has been the most fun and greatest honor ever!]

Congrats to Philip and Catherine! Such a great accomplishment and I know it has been a lot of long hours and hard work! They are the sweetest young couple and little Janie is going to be a spectacular big sister!

P.S. Philip has a blog and would love it if you would read it! Find it at http://www.thedoctordad.blogspot.com/ .

Pool Time!

2011-05-05T07:33:00.002-05:00

Orlando was hot -- even for those living there, it was hot for being so early in the year. The temps were in the high 80s or 90+ every day! I must say, I loved it -- the sun felt so nice and warm (yes, it was a long winter and chilly spring in Nebraska).

Firstly, a little public service reminder to those who might not be used to working or playing in the heat. Be sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink lots of water and Gatorade, eat bananas, suck down packets of mustard, drink ice tea (why yes, I'll have a long island ice tea, thank you very much)! PSA done - on to the story. We visited the parks in the mornings and usually returned to the hotel in the early afternoon for . . . you guessed it - pool time!

Don't be scared - there are no pictures of moi in a swimsuit! The first day, we spent most of the time at the sandy beach pool. It was crowded and noisy and fun! However, Miss M soon realized that sand gets everywhere and so opted for a non-sandy beach pool the rest of the time. The other pool was very relaxing, refreshing and quiet -- perfecto after a busy day at the parks!

She thought she might have forgotten how to swim, but she did great, though swimming lessons are still on tap for summer. We shared the pool with these most adorable little creatures who followed their Momma (or she followed them) everywhere!

Fave Characters -- Part 1

2011-05-04T12:04:00.007-05:00

Who's your favorite Disney character? I've been trying to come up with our fave --- the problem is there are so many great characters at Disney and, surprise, suprpise, we love them all!

On our first morning there, we headed out fairly early (9ish) to a character breakfast at the Crystal Palace - located very close to Cinderella's palace. Woohoo -- double thumbs up and four stars for that breakfast! Yes, I am patting myself on the back for arranging it (yay, me)! It was a great breakfast with tons of yummy food and included table visits from Winnie the Pooh (who doesn't love Pooh bear?), Tigger (love, love), Piglet (adorable) and Eyore (so sweet)!

At random moments, the characters paraded around with children joining in. Ooops, Mr. Tennis didn't get the memo that the parade was for kids and tried to join in too, but thankfully got distracted by the biscuits and gravy and jumped out! I would book this breakfast again and again as the food was delicious and the characters delightful! We did not feel rushed at all and really enjoyed it. Perfect way to start the day and get some nourishment and fuel for the rest of the day.

Maddy and I did enjoy another character breakfast on our next-to-last day at Chef Mickey's. Since Mickey is truly her favorite character, we were really looking forward to it, especially after the Crystal Palace had been so fabulous. While good, Chef Mickey's was a bit of a letdown. The characters, while friendly and sweet, seemed in a big hurry to sign her autograph book, get a quick photo and speed away to the next table.

Oh yes, there were more characters to see in the parks,

so don't worry, Part 2, will be up next!

Spring Break/Easter Update

2011-05-02T07:08:00.001-05:00

As usual, I am a bit behind in the blogging world. I'm not sure exactly why -- maybe blogger's block, spring allergies; inability to string together a coherent post -- I don't know? But, I think the best way to get past this temporary dullness is to just jump back in, so here goes.
We had a little getaway over Maddy's spring/Easter break. When my Mom was so ill last winter, I felt like I really needed something to look forward to, so planned a trip to Florida for spring break. Maddy's break was late compared to other schools. Since she attends a parochial school, her spring break was over Easter -- which seemed a great time for a warm weather trip.

And knowing her love of all things Mickey, I'm sure you've guessed our location -- yep -- DisneyWorld! We had fabulous sunny and very warm weather -- it hit 88 or 90+ every single day! We hit the parks, the pools, the eateries, met loads of characters and then the parks again and again.

Maddy surprised me with her love of a rather big roller-coaster. In other trips, she and I loved a Goofy roller-coaster in the kid's area. That area is being redone currently and closed. Mr. Tennis suggested Splash Mountain. I thought --oh no -- she won't want to go on that one. Wrong again -- she loved it! We went on it a couple times and if the lines weren't so long, I'm sure we would have ridden it many more times.

[The Mayor of Magic Kingdom and his wife -- a lovely couple!]

Up next, our favorite characters . . . !

A Mouse in the House!

2011-04-22T16:22:00.001-05:00

No, not that kind of mouse! I'd be up on a chair screaming if I had seen one of those critters! Nothing scarier to me than a mouse! I won't even look at them at the zoo. And seriously, what is with our zoo that they have mice on display???? I'm talking about the one who used to have a club on TV every afternoon -- you know-- big ears and all!

Some of you may know that while Miss Maddy is a very girly-girl who loves a manicure and pedicure and wearing dresses, she does not like the color pink or flowery wallpaper. Well, guess whose room was covered in flowery wallpaper?? Yep, Maddy's room was home to a wallpaper flower explosion! I should have known she didn't like it when as a baby, she started to peel the wallpaper off through her crib spindles. Then she would quickly lie down when she heard footsteps approaching! She loves to hear that story!

[Part 1 -- still working on wall art and it's not crooked, it just looks that way in the photo!]

We live in an older home and a majority of the doorknobs are glass ones. Love that her bedside table lamp has a similar look, don't you!

[ Her bedside table is not usually this clear, but it always has her fave perfume and a Mickey snow/globe!!]

So, she needed a little room re-do recently and guess what she picked -- Mickey Mouse! I know, I know, you may think it is a little boyish looking, but she loves it and that's what matters. Plus, bedding can always be changed! She does have a lovely chandelier though I forgot to get any photos of it, you can see it in this very old post (hers does not have pink shades, of course).The walls were de-papered (thanks to a super job of a friend's boyfriend) and repainted a lovely soothing gray. New carpet installed that is so soft and cushy, you could sleep on it.

[The two side photos above are from a calendar -- yep, I'm clever like that! Sorry about the flash glare there!]

Once the wallpaper was down and the room repainted, I almost hated to hang anything up -- it looked so beautiful and clean! Don't you just love new paint?

That Mickey-- he HAD to sneak into another picture!

Black and White Wednesday!

2011-04-20T05:25:00.014-05:00

Miss Maddy and Miss Muffy out for a walk on a very black and white day a couple weeks ago. We had not gotten to spring quite yet and nothing was green!

Happy to report, that spring has arrived, the grass has turned green and pinkish-purple and beautiful. It would be perfect if only my Mom were here to enjoy it too.

[Do you see the little bee in there?]

Head over to Lisa's Black & White Wednesday for some really cool links!

An Apology!

2011-04-17T11:36:00.012-05:00

Evidently, my rather strong reaction to Muffy's escape from the yard was noticed by both Muffy and her best friend, Maddy.

Look at the sweet little gift bag I found on the dining room table the next day! :)

Along with that adorable Pooh, there was a pack of sugarless gum, a little box

with a $20 bill in it (!!) and this sweet note!

Sneaky Little Scottie a/k/a The Great Escape

2011-04-14T15:15:00.020-05:00

Who would ever think that this sweet little Scottie would sneak out of the back yard?

Have no idea why she would ever want to escape from the life of luxury she leads,

but escape she did!

Miss Maddy went out to get her for bedtime they go to bed at the same time

- around 8:30 PM).

Well, Maddy goes to bed and Muffy snoozes on a comforter on the floor and then crawls happily into her kennel.

Contrary to what some people think (one neighbor looked horrified

when I mentioned Muffy sleeps in her kennel), she loves it.

Anyhoo, back to the escape! Maddy went out to get her and couldn't find her.

It was getting dark out and guess what -- small black Scotties are really hard to see

in the dark! We both ran in to get shoes and a flashlight and tore out again to search for Muffy.

Of course, all I could think was small black dog running in the street would be pretty much invisible to cars!! Luckily, before I freaked myself and Maddy out too much,

our neighbor arrived carrying the little escape artist.

She hadn't gone far and was at another neighbor's trying to make friends with their cat!

Whew, disaster averted!

A gate had been left unlatched by unknown persons (I have my suspicions!).

Mr. Tennis has taken on the job of fixing the gates in the yard, so fingers crossed

that he gets that accomplished before the lure of the outside world, cats and other dogs has Muffy hatching another plot to get out and explore.

Spring Means . . .

2011-04-11T19:50:00.003-05:00

Well, I think it's here to stay now -- finally Spring!! YAY!!

And so, it is time to . . .

Force daughter to stand in the bright sunlight for a photo!

Time to put daughter to work spreading mulch that smells like chocolate!!

Seriously -- the mulch must have had an infusion of Hershey kisses --

it smells that delicious!!

Also, time to finally take down the Christmas lights from around the faux birdhouse!!

DIY Disaster

2011-04-04T12:02:00.009-05:00

You know all those cool blogs where bloggers show their latest craftiness and how they saved lotsa dough by re-vamping something they already had?

Yes, of course you do. I love those too!

[From Wisteria -- like this -- but it's not quite right for my space]

Well, this isn't one of those DIY success stories. It's a bit of a sad story of a mirror done in by novice DIY'ers! We had a framed mirror in our entryway that had been there for ages and called out to me for a little pick-me-up.

[Pottery Barn -- bit too ornate for me]

The frame just needed a little repainting -- that would make it look like new (or so I thought)! How SIMPLE, eh? Well, first the mirror sat on the dining room floor for a couple weeks waiting for me to get around to it. I sanded the frame, which was kind of a goldish color with swirls on it like S's. I taped up the mirror covering it with newspaper.

I consulted with Mr. Tennis on how to go about painting it. He suggested spray paint (I had been thinking of sponge-painting it???). Anywho, he rigged it up in the garage and got a little trigger-happy with that can of spray paint. Coat after coat was sprayed on (the goldish color was a bit hard to cover). When it was finally dry and looked fairly presentable, we hung it back up and removed the newspaper! OOOPS -- our mistake was evident -- the paint had bled through the paper and covered the mirror! As in, covered A LOT of the mirror! Can you say now need to purchase a replacement mirror?

[Pottery Barn --love this, but it is really a large mirror!]

The morale of this DIY story is . . . use a lot of newspaper to cover whatever needs to be covered AND take your time.

Not to worry, I have not been deterred by this small setback. Am currently painting a number of frames -- the good news on those is that there is nothing inside that needs to be covered. Fingers crossed for a successful DIY project in my future!

A Day Brightener

2011-03-30T16:44:00.001-05:00

Lately, we have been faced with what seems to be a never-ending parade of day-after-day dreary and chilly days! Plus, here on the plains, it hasn't really greened-up a whole lot yet. Where, oh where, are the sunny and warm days that the arrival of spring should bring?

Isn't it amazing how sunshine can improve a person's mood?

Hey, I'm not asking for 60-degree temps here -- just seeing the sun out again would be an incredible boost and day brightener.

So, having been in a bit of a funk lately, I decided to buy myself some flowers.

There were so many to pick from at our new Trader Joe's -- love, love, love their flowers.

And daffodils really say "spring" to me.

How about you? What's your favorite spring flower?

Weekend Update

2011-03-29T07:59:00.014-05:00

Yes, it's Tuesday and I'm just posting the weekend update. My excuse this week is that I haven't been sleeping well, so have been hitting the sack early because I'm so tired. Yesterday, my look at work was frizzy hair and bags under my eyes. Cute, I tell you, very cute!

Anywho back to the weekend, let's go! Last Friday ended a week of dreary, wintery mix weather with no sun around and chilly temps. Boohoo -- come on sun and spring!

Maddy and I took her BFF Janie to see a play at our local playhouse. I wasn't too sure how it would be -- it was called "My Son Pinocchio" and I have never been a fan of that story. However, the play was fabulous! It was so much fun! Somehow, I scored front row seats -- perfect for the shorties in attendance. Both girls loved it and now both want to learn how to act and sing!

I've continued to work on my Lenten project of 40 bags in 40 days -- of course, some days I do better than others and I definitely count trash and recycling bags. It's amazing the stuff I am finding and donating!

[Crazy that I am posting a photo of my bag for recycling!]

The weatherman has promised sunny skies and warmer temps by the end of the week and I'm holding him to it! Come on already -- we want spring!

The Three Rs!

2011-03-24T08:23:00.000-05:00

Back when I was in school, the 3 Rs meant "Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic."

Things are definitely different in schools these days. Maddy's current science lesson is on the 3 Rs - "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." She wondered if we followed the 3 Rs?

Oh yes we do!

We're not perfect, but we make a big effort. I pointed out the bag for newspapers and boxes often overflowing in the hallway waiting to be dumped into our recycling container. My weekly goal is to try to fill up that recycling container (and it's a large container). Hmmm, maybe that's why Mr. Tennis raises his eyebrows at me when I'm taking food out of the box so that I can recycle the box! Go figure, he wants to wait until the food or product is gone?! Crazy!

[Look at that hair! She had just finished lunch and ran her fingers through her hair!]

Don't you love that hand-me-downs are now looked upon lovingly as having been recycled and reused!

I especially love to pass on an object or toy that either I or one my kids used a lot and loved.

In fact, we recently recycled a little Sesame Street step stool that Philip had when he was a baby. Guess who got it? Sweet Miss Janie!

I did whisper in Janie's ear and suggest that she not haul it all over the house and try to get into closets or cupboards that are not toddler-proof.

She promised she wouldn't even think of such a thing!

She'll just sit on it to play with other things and tell Elmo secrets!

Using What you Learn

2011-03-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love it when your student can use something she learned in school and apply it to real life? Yes?

Oh good, I knew you'd agree!

Maddy just put some newly-learned skills in action!
Yes, 3rd grade and she is applying school lessons in our home -- how cool is that?

No, it's not the metric system she just had to learn. Whoa -- that was difficult for me to assist as I don't believe I ever learned the metric system of measurements! And really, did the metric system ever "take over" as had been theorized? I don't think so.

The last few weeks at school, the 3rd graders have been writing instructional narratives -- i.e, how to do something. Hers was on how to make a fortune teller thingy -- not sure exactly what they are called (cootie-catcher?) but she called them "fortune tellers."

She did a great job and wrote-up the whole series of "fold this and then fold that, then fold this" all on her own. And then she taught her class.

Some kids showed how to play a game, make a smoothie, make a root beer float, make chocolate-covered strawberries, etc.

Wait-- back up a little -- "chocolate-covered strawberries" those really caught her attention!

So, we bought some strawberries (happy they are in season again) and made some chocolaty delights!

Oh yum! I think this is definitely a skill that she will use over and over again -- much to the delight of the whole family!

And possibly to the delight of the neighborhood as she thinks it would the perfect item to sell at garage sales!!

What a little entrepreneur, eh!

Can't say that I've ever seen strawberries dipped in chocolate at a garage sale!

It's a Match!

2011-03-18T08:50:00.001-05:00

The luck of the Irish was with us yesterday!

For the last few months, we have known that March 17th, besides being St. Patrick's Day, was Match Day for my oldest son.

For those not in the medical school world, that means that on that day, he would find out where he will be doing his residency.

While part of his medical school career is nearly over, another part will be starting up.

Wow -- when he started 4 years ago, I remember thinking - that's a long ways off

and here it is . . . time for a new adventure for him and his family. Mr. Tennis and I met Philip, Catherine and Janie at the festivities. You could feel the nervous excitement in the room.

He's going to into pediatrics -- my son, the doctor (just had to say that!!). He matched with his first choice. Bonus -- they don't have to move and are fairly close by!

We're so proud of him and his hard work. Congrats!!