LSNED Sept. 19th

Today the girls spent the day with Grandma Tere, and they had a blast. They went shopping at Whole Foods Market and had a fun filled hour of face painting, arts & crafts, baking and they received a goodie bag filled with organic treats.


Then it was off to Lordes' house, and a pizza party and play date with her girls. They can not wait for another day of fun!

LSNED Sept. 18th

Not crazy about how this turned out, but I am not going to sweat the small stuff. A lesson I try to adhere to daily!


Journaling: I have been going to Dresser Hill all of my life. A trip to Dresser Hill entails a special treat of icecream and watching the sunset, from high above the valley.


Today however, Shelley and I decided to meet there for lunch. A platter filled with fried clams, onion rings and of course dessert. A wonderful treat and a must have for a late summer afternoon.

LSNED Sept. 17th

My husband may say he married me for my height, my athleticism and even my all around gene pool. The real reason he married me is for my cookies!


These colossial cookies are a combination of oatmeal, chunky peanut butter and chocolate chips. Of course the magic ingresient is love, and THAT is why my husband married me!

LSNED Sept 16th

I absolutely adore a sunny afternoon where I can curl up on the couch, with a great book and a diet coke. To me, these are the essentials to a relaxing afternoon

LSNED Sept. 15th

Some days I just wish I had no dogs, and then days like this, I share my husbands's train of thought...all boys must have a dog.

Journaling: These dogs love this little boy. They follow him where ever he goes, they sleep with him at night, and they can not wait until he gets home from school.

It is just wonderful to watch them, and watch their relationship grow. They truly are best friends!

LSNED Half Way Point

I am half way through this journey, and I am so glad that I am taking the time to Learn Something New Every Day.

The process has been simple...slow down, open your eyes and look for the simple pleasures in life. I am simply amazed at all the little things that make my life so special.

LSNED Sept. 14th

Today's lesson is one that I have been working on since I have had children. I really love to spend one on one time with each child.

These "dates" are a wonderful time of sharing, joy and much appreciated snuggles. They may be few and far between, but both Mom and children look forward to these special times.

LSNED Sept 13th

Every Sunday, my boys hassle me about going to church. As a kid I did the same thing to my Dad, and I am so happy he woke me every Sunday.

JOURNALING: Growing up I never realized the wonderful gift my father was giving to me. It did not come wrapped in pretty packaging, it did not cost lots of money, but this gift was priceless. This gift was my faith in God, and all the strength and love it gives me.


Now as a parent, I know how special this gift can be. I have used this gift to live my life, and I know some day my children will pass this gift to their children.

Most of you know, that Teddy the Dog is a chow hound...well this is a lesson I know, but seem to continue to do on a daily basis. Do you think Teddy learned his lesson? I doubt it.

Journaling: How many times have I put food in the trash, and Teddy the Dog gets into it?? Too many times to count!

Well today the little beast got what he deserved. He got the trash can cover stuck on his head, and he could get it off. Unfortunately for Teddy, we were gone all day, so he got to wear the cover for quite some time.

LSNED Sept. 11th

I can never forget the horrific day America was attacked by terrorists. The day began with a clear, blue sky, but sadly ended in darkness. No one could ever imagine the horror and pain that would affect us. So many lives were lost, and all of America was devastated.

When I see this photo of the twin towers, it gives me hope. Hope that eternal life will prevail. Hope that a new light will guide us, and hope that some day we may all find peace. May God bless America.

LSNED Sept. 10th

There are many days in my hectic life, where I spend more time in my car than my home. Between running errands, running the kids to their various activities, or the numerous trips to the supermarket...it just feels like I live in my car.

Luckily, I don't mind driving, and as long as the tunes are cranked, I am happy in my car!

LSNED Sept. 9th

I originally thought that on 09/09/09...I would journal about that for LSNED. When I received Shimelle'sprompt and she spoke about being grateful, I knew immediately my subject.

Karen and Jay Dunn had just stopped over the other day and gave me bags of slightly worn clothing for the boys, and even 2 darling little jackets for the twins. They are always so generous with their friendship, and we love them dearly.

Journaling: Chris and I have been very blessed. We are surronded by so much love from family and friends. One of the families we are so thankful for meeting is the Dunn family.

Karyn and Jay are filled with so much joy and kindness. We know that they are always there if needed. Their generoisty of clothes, rides and just someone to talk to means the world to us. We love them dearly and we are gratefulfor their friendship.

LSNED Sept. 8th

After 21 years, all six of my children have left the nest and headed out to school. I never thought this day would arrive, but it has...and I am very lonely.

It just seems surreal. The house is quiet (I am hearing funny noises), it has stayed clean, and I can actually sit down and enjoy my lunch.

Today I am lonely, but I am sure I will keep busy.

The Empty Nest

The last of my little birdies, have left the nest to attend school. Annaka and Eda are now full day kindergarten students. Annaka was so worried, that she kept asking me, "what will you do all day, will you miss us, will you be ok?"

After wiping away the tears this morning, and getting used to an unusually quiet house, I think I will find myself busier now...than ever before.

LSNED Sept. 7th

Many people celebrate Labor Day, as the unofficial last day of Summer.

Labor Day is a tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well being of our country.

During these hard, economic times I am going to stand up and celebrate America.

LSNED Sept. 6th

Little girls love to play dress up and host tea parties. Abigail, Annaka and Eda hosted a tea party and their guest of honor was Ross.

Now, you don't see many 25 year old men as tea party guests, but Ross enjoyed his special time with his cousins.

LSNED Sept. 5th

The phrase "football is life", truly describes our household. Chris is a high school football coach, Ryan plays college ball, and Christopher and Alec play youth football. Every night and weekend is September, October and November is consumed by football

Luckily, the girls and I love football.

LSNED Sept. 4th

September is my favorite month of the year. The weather is probably the best, because it falls between my two favorite seasons.

Crisp, cool, mornings and evenings, and low humidity with temps in the low 70's. A beautiful blue sky and you have perfection.

LSNED Sept 3rd

Annaka just loves to work out doors with her Daddy. She works out in the shed, does yard work, and even helped to build the stonewall this summer.

Like her Daddy, she knows how to kick back and relax...now only if her Mother could learn to do this!

LSNED Sept 2nd

Most of you know that I am a total fashionista. It started at a very young age, and it is what drove me to spend most of my working years with Estee Lauder. I love clothes, acessories and make-up. My new love however, are these fabulous rain boots. They are so fun and sassy. I wear them with everything...and some days I even wear them when it is not raining!

LSNED, September 1st

Today I learned, that no matter how many “first days” you experience…it is always very exciting!

Learn Something New Every Day

As many of you know, one of my hobbies is scrapbooking. Through this craft, I have met some wonderful and creative ladies. One of those lasies is Shimelle Laine. She hails from the UK, and is extremely talented. She hosts a fabulous webite and inspires all of us to find our creative side in the every day ordinary.

For this month I am participating in her Learn Something New Every Day on-line class. With this class, we must look around our busy life, and try to find out something new, and journal about it. I am so excited to begin this adventure.

So, for the month of September I am going to LIVE and LEARN. I will live by these words. I am going to slow down a bit, and look at the simple things going on around me. I promise to take a moment each day to Learn Something New...won't you join me?

The "Big Yellow Bus" has arrived

and I have sent four out of six children to school. Big Daddy has also gone back to school, and I am hoping to get back to my boring, scheduled life of house keeper, cook and taxi driver.

Annaka and Eda will attend kindergarten orientation this afternoon, and will start school full time next Tuesday. Then I really will not know what to do with myself (yeah, right!)

Here's to a successful and happy 2009-2010 school year!