Heading down 45

We're traveling today! Hopefully, after such an exhausting week of family time, the girls will be doing alot of this during our 8 hour trip...

Picnic in the Park

Poppa and I took the girls on a picnic in the park this week. This park was a little older than others in Jackson, BUT it was empty and SHADED. In 90+ degree weather, shaded playgrounds are valuable!



Woohoo! Both girls were able to climb up this fancified ladder thingamajig. Audrey is a little monkey! She was making us nervous with her climbing.


Julia's helping her sister!

Beauty Shop

Meme went shopping last week and got the girls lots of beauty supplies. She got sponge rollers, pretty hair clippies, fake pink/purple hair extensions, fake fingernails, sticker nail decorations, etc. We have had a good time trying all of this stuff out!



Even Little Bit got some extra volume in her hair thanks to the rollers.


We even had a non-female participant in the beauty shop fun.


I'm not sure that there's anything Pop won't do for his granddaughters!

Visiting with Great-Grands!

The 3 of us with my Grandmother and Granddaddy Ford


The girls and my Memaw Taylor.


Granddaddy Bowman, the girls, and Pop!


We were also able to visit with Matt's maternal grandparents, but no pictures were made. Sorry about that!

I'll be posting more pics from our trip soon! I finally found the cord to hook my camera to the computer. Shock, shock, shock (said with much sarcasm) that I couldn't find it for the last few days. I'm always losing something!

This & That Thursday

* We're in Jackson this week visiting family. We've been having LOTS of family time. We've seen all the girls' grandparents, and 5 of the 6 living great-grands. The 6th will be seen before the weeklong visit here is over!

* The girls and I are sharing a room at my moms. I'd been half hoping they'd sleep in my brother's room, but no. The first night there was a lot of giggling going on. Nights 2 and 3, though, were full of whining and crying. BLAH! Maybe tonight will be better!

* We've been showing family the girls' VBS video (Vacation Bible School). They seem to be proud to show off their performances.

* Last week I mentioned that I was excited to have bought a smaller pair of pants, but this week I've probably put some weight on. We've been eating more elaborate meals (that include dessert...mmmmm...) plus I haven't been able to get in my daily time in the pool.

* I think it's really sweet to see the girls sitting next to their great-grandparents. Sometimes they warm up to them during our 2 or 3 visits a year, sometimes they don't.

* I'm missing my Matthew. I sure do hope he's missing me too!

Fireworks!!!

Happy 4th of July!!!!


We'll be heading up to church around 6 for a big cookout. The church is only providing drinks & watermelon. We're supposed to bring meat to throw on the grill and some sides for our family. As we were getting into the jeep after church this morning, one of the families we've gotten to know here suggested we just eat some of their meat. Apparently, they had a freezer full of ribs, chicken, boston butts, etc. that they're looking to share! All that sure does sound better than the hamburgers we'd been planning on! I've made up some cookies and brownies already and I'll think of some sides to bring too! Should be some yummy food there!

Then, after dark we'll have an easy view of the city fireworks. Julia's been excited about these for a few days. She's really hoping some of the fireworks are pink.

What all do you have planned for today??? Click on the 'comments' button and share how you're celebrating!

About ME

I write alot about my kids, but I'm in the mood right now to write about myself. I think I need to do that alot more often...

I hate using measuring cups and spoons b/c it slows me down - therefore eating food of mine can be risky. I like having a clean house, but I absolutely hate to clean. I get frustrated easily. I hate dealing with my hair so I've jumped on the "it's not good to wash your hair more than twice a week" bandwagon and then put it all in a ponytail. I'd love a cute, short haircut, but I'm just not brave enough to do it. I've never had a pedicure. I reflexively start hitting people who touch my feet. I've always been sensitive about my weight. I was thrilled last weekend to be able to buy a size smaller than my usual. I tend to remember embarrassing moments from years (and now decades) ago that still make me blush. I like staying home with my kids, but I'm starting to need something more. I get along really well with my in-laws. My favorite way to start the day is with a big family breakfast. I write in a journal every year on mine and Matt's anniversary - noone (including Matt) has ever read it. I worry alot. I have no sense of style, be it in fashion or home decor. I wish I was really great at something. I like to wear perfume, but rarely do. When I'm wearing a t-shirt and a ponytail I always also wear dangly earrings in order to feel 'girly'. I'm afraid of the dark. If I "hear a noise" while home by myself I punch 911 into my cell and put my thumb ready and waiting on SEND. I don't sleep well if Matt's not at home. If I have to go outside after dark, I usually have Matt watch me from a window. I used to love Law and Order S.V.U. but it got to where I'd sleep on the couch with all the lights on if I watched it. You could say I'm paranoid, especially since this list of fears could go on and on and on...

I love to read, and I go to the library weekly. Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, James Patterson, and Karen Kingsbury are some of my fave authors. I cannot remember the last nonfiction book I checked out of the library. I'm always losing my keys, my phone, etc. I wouldn't consider myself to be shy, but I've been described as such recently. After years of rarely/never going swimming, at age 23 I had to relearn how to go underwater without holding my nose. I'm still scared to dive. I prefer any and all meat well done. I hate paying retail price for anything. I wish I'd traveled more before I had kids. I hate having to repeat myself. I love back massages. I bite my nails. I rarely wear makeup. I don't know how to put on eye liner (not that I even own any). I like to watch romantic comedies and psychological thrillers. I'm not interested in going to my 10 year high school reunion this year. I still feel way too intimidated by the people and memories of that time. I've had a rough time adjusting to our recent move, but I'm doing alot better! I love to take family snapshots, but I wish I could actually be in more of them.

Whew - I rather enjoyed the last few minutes of just typing whatever came into my head. Perhaps I'll do that again! :)