Getting back into the swing of things!

It has been pointed out to me, by more than a few people, that I am behind on my blog. It is nice to know that there are people out there who are actually interested in what I might have to say or what is happening with my family...kind of gives me that warm fuzzy feeling inside! ;) So sorry for being a slacker...things have just been hectic.

Today seemed like as good a day as any to get back into the swing of things (yep, that pun was totally intended!) Stevie had his very first baseball game today...and I confess, I was absolutely dreading it. I know, what a bad mom, right?! I am just not that big of a baseball fan and was really not looking forward to sitting out in the sun and time dragging...but I was most pleasantly surprised. I love how this league runs their games and these guys did so great! I was super proud of Stevie too! He played second base today; he got a few outs and had some really great plays! (I know I sound biased since I am his mother but, really he did!) He was up to bat 4 times with 3 hits and came in with 2 runs! He was so excited when the game was over...the fact that his team won probably had a bit to do with that but he really had a great time playing. I am actually looking forward to the next game!
















I have been keeping up with my Project 365 although I haven't been posted them each day to the blog obviously. I am trying to decide which pic to use for today...what do you think? First hit or first run?!

I still can't believe it...

I have been a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since I was a kid. My mom and I moved to FL the same year the Bucs franchise began. I can remember my mom taking me to game when they were dressed in their orange and white uniforms - now referred to as the "creamsicle" look. We would sit in the old "Sombrero" stadium and she would hand me the binoculars and tell me to look for grass stains...and alas, my love of football began! ;) (they had white pants back then just in case you were wondering). Probably not the best thing to tell your young daughter to do but hey, it helped pass the time and kept me interested in the game!

I grew up as a Bucs fan...even when they were downright awful. I am not what some would refer to as a fair weather fan. I am a Bucs fan for life. Today though, I am truly disheartened with the whole franchise. Over the years I have not always agreed with some of the choices and changes they have made but today's big announcement really left a bad taste in my mouth and a heavy heart. They let Derrick Brooks and 4 other veteran players go. There are a small few who support the move but I, and quite a few others do not. My heart is heaviest at the dismissal of Derrick Brooks.

Derrick Brooks is a class act on and off the field. He does so much for this community and he has played his entire career as a Buccaneer. Even he was blindsided by today's announcement. I feel so let down by the whole franchise. They don't seem to have any sense of loyalty. Granted, I am not a football expert but I think Derrick could have finished his last year on his contract and then been given the chance to retire as a Buccaneer...let him go out the way he came in. I have lost faith in the whole organization and I think the move they made was disrespectful and just down right classless.

Warrick Dunn is another one who is truly a class act on and off the field and another one they let go. It is really unbelievable to me. Both of these men are tremendous role models for our kids today...man, I just can't believe how sad all of this makes me.

I know I am not alone in my feelings either. I don't think this year is going to be the same for the football fans around Tampa Bay. I wish both Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn, as well as Joey Galloway, Cato June and Ike Hilliard, all the best in their future endeavors. I am so sad to see them go.

"WHO's YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER? ---- MR. DERRICK BROOKS!"

"Who's Your Favorite Player..."

You will be missed!

Project 365 - Feb 9th

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...so what does this one say to you? LOL! That is our little Tiger Lily -- not so little anymore though. She hopped on the couch to keep us company while we were watching The X-Files Movie. Guess she figured since the kids were all tucked in bed we needed a snuggle buddy. She is rather partial to Steve.

Project 365 - Feb 8th

Another beautiful day outside...perfect for a birthday party. One of our neighbors had a party for her son who was turning 8...and for once I did not have a camera in my hand! One of our favorite neighbors, Amy, took some photos though...she probably wanted to make sure I didn't try and take hr little Sophie home with me! ;) Isn't she just the cutest...and she has 2 adorable big sisters too!

Project 365 - Feb 7th

The kids had the day off from school today (won't even get started on how ridiculous THAT was!) but it turned out to be a gorgeous day out and so I took them out for a bike ride around our neighborhood. It was so peaceful and quiet and for that little bit of time there was no fighting between them -- oh wait! I take that back, there was a brief interlude about being "first"! LOL!

Project 365 - Feb 6th

My little brother and his girlfriend...aren't they just the cutest? Her name is Christine and I think she absolutely rocks! They came over and played American Idol with us tonight...and can I tell you how proud I was of my brother -- he actually sang! And he didn't do too bad either! Christine totally rocked out, too! She likes Shane West as much as I do! *gasp* Haven't met anyone else who did! Oh yeah, I am totally adopting her!

Project 365 - Feb 5th

Today I had lunch with some friends from high school...haven't seem them in about 10 years! It was really nice to see them both and catch up -- well, as much as you can in about an hour! LOL! It is fun to hear how everyone has "grown up" (yeah, okay, so I use that term loosely! ;)

Project 365 - Feb 4th

Another one home sick...this time it was Stevie. Turns out he has all kinds of allergies...both environmental and food wise. Poor guys has had stomach pains for the longest time. Now that we know what the allergies are, hopefully we can get him feeling better soon!

Is it really February already?

Is it just me or do the days seem to go faster as I get older?!

Feb 1

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY! Our friends Jamie and Glenn decided to have a few friends over to watch the Superbowl and we were more than happy to go. Out of everyone there though me and Jamie's daughter Kathleen were the only ones rooting for the Steelers. Such a close game but the Steelers pulled it out in the end! WOOT!

FEB 2

PLAYDATE! I snapped this pic of The Ribble kids and The Hall kids when I came to pick up Stevie and Alyson from their playdate on my way home from work.

FEB 3

Nothing too exciting today. Took a page out of Becky Higgins 365 album and snapped this pic on my way to work this morning. Do you think maybe the sunglasses are a little too big? (Steve picked them out for me a couple of years ago...I am still amazed they have lasted this long!)

Finishing up January

My last few pics for January and the Project 365 album.

JAN 26

Donut? Steve is in major marketing mode for our Liberty Tax stores and he had an idea to bag up a couple of Krispy Kreme donuts, staple one our coupons to it and then pass them out to drivers on their way to work. It took us 3 hours to bag up 70 dozen donuts! WHEW!

JAN 27

I made it all the way to work this morning only to have to turn around and head to school to pick Alyson up when the school nurse called to say that Alyson was vomiting. When I got there to pick her up I was told that her whole table was out sick that day. So she spent some time cuddled up on the coach watching the Tinkerbell movie.

JAN 28

We love Miss Faith! Steve and I were attending a networking cocktail party and so Miss Faith came to sit with the kids. She is one of the most intelligient, well spoken, well informed teenagers I have ever met! She is a Christian and proud of it and I love that she shares her love of God with the kids. She is as beautiful outside as she is inside too.

JAN 29

Alyson grabbed the camera this morning and was having fun snapping pics while I was combing her hair before school. She is quite the character.










JAN 30

Stevie went to spend the night with his buddy Lucas so when Daddy called to see if his girls wanted to meet up for a little ice cream date our sweet toothed little diva was all for it!









JAN 31

Dinner is served! You know, some days there just isn't much else to take a picture of! LOL! Cheese pizza for the kids and Spinach and Feta cheese for the parents...and everyone is happy.

Project 365 - Jan 25

Every once in a while you have to break all the rules and let the kids have cake for breakfast!

January 24th - FAMILIES GAME NIGHT!

We are starting a once a month game night with 3 other familes. Unfortunately, Dave and Katheleen had to cancel at the last minute because their kids were sick. We still had a great time although we missed having them there -- hopefully next month! We played a little Catch Phrase as well as Beyond Baulderdash. Such an awesome good time!

January 23rd - Family Time

We had pizza for dinner and played a little Family Version of Cranium. It was Mommy and Alyson versus Daddy and Stevie...and each team won once.

Project 365 - Jan 22

HOLY COW WAS IT EVER COLD HERE!

I know for you northern gals 27 degrees is not that big of a deal...but for those of us in Florida, well, that just doesn't happen to often. I actually had to scrap ice off of the windshield -- which I was not really equipped to do and so I resorted to using one of the kids beach buckets that was in the trunk of Steve's car because his garage door opener wouldn't work in the cold either. Oh yes, it was a fun morning. The kids were enjoying watching the breath.

Project 365 - Jan 21

Our Liberty Tax Store hosted an "After 5" event for the CABA association. I snapped a pic of Steve while he was up in front of everyone speaking. I admire his ability to easily get up in front of people. Definitely not something for his shy wife to do!

I can't keep it to myself.

I am going to vent right now. And yes, it is in regards to politics. Consider yourself warned. I have held my tongue long enough and since this is my blog and I can say whatever I want…I am going to do just that. I respect other people and their opinions, but right now I get to express mine.

No, I did not vote for Obama. Yes, it is a wonderful thing for this country that we have our first African American President and I certainly do not take that away from him. It would appear that our country has come so far. I however do not agree with many of his policies. I will pray for him and our country. I will treat him with the respect that he deserves as this country’s President.

That being said, I am utterly disgusted with the vast majority of this country’s democratic party as well as the obviously liberal media. How anyone can say this country’s media is NOT biased most certainly has blinders on. I am not one to be easily offended but that latter part of the benediction given by Rev. Joseph Lowery at the inauguration yesterday was uncalled for, and I am absolutely offended. This was beyond the realms of simply being rude. This was downright insulting. I can hardly believe this was considered acceptable and actually allowed at a federal ceremony. I can not see how a comment about “whites embracing what is right” will ever help unite this country. People are people – not their color. We are the human race. Why must whites be stigmatized for things that were done well over a hundred years ago – which, by the way, many white people died trying to stop?! Had a white person made any sort of derogatory comment like that about another race it would be all over the news and “racist” shouts would be heard from miles away. I am utterly sick and tired of it. Enough is enough already.

The lack of class shown by some who call themselves democrats is pathetic as well. I saw a lot of people commenting to others less than thrilled to have Obama as President that they should at least be respectful of him. I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. However, what about that lack of respect shown to George W. Bush yesterday?! Apparently that is different?! I find it nauseating how he was treated. It shows a complete lack of class and an absolute inability to even behave in a civilized manner. The behavior was reminiscent of drunks at a sporting event. I don’t care if you liked him or not – how dare people in this country treat a man who took one of the hardest jobs in the world like that! No he didn’t always make the right choice for everyone, he isn’t perfect – nor is any other president. They ALL make mistakes. They ALL make Americans angry at some point. They ALL deserve respect. Period.

As much as I would LOVE to see and be a part of an actual “ United” States of America, I don’t see it happening any time soon. I was hardly inspired after some of the events of yesterday and, try as I might, I am not full of a whole lot of hope either. Yesterday had so much potential but unfortunately left me more disappointed than anything. Disappointed and tired. The hypocrisy in this country is enormous.

Project 365 - Jan 20

This week is our week to drive the neighborhood carpool, which right now means that Steve is driving. I actually managed to leave on time this morning and I was in front of Steve and the caravan of kiddos most of the way to school. I snapped this pic in the side mirror of Steve's car. I miss driving my Sequoia when he has to drive the carpool. Of course I miss my magic van even more. :(

Catching up.

I feel like I am in constant "catch up" mode these days...who knows, maybe someday I actually will be! We had a busy weekend with Stevie's soccer tournament, getting ready for peak time for this tax season, laundry, some deep housecleaning, etc. I made it a point to sit down tonight and get my Project 365 pics uploaded if nothing else!

PROJECT 365 - Jan 15

Steve called and asked if I wanted to meet for lunch today. He was going to be nearby so we met up at Pizza Hut for the All You Can Eat Buffet -- not really my favorite place but I'd be willing to have lunch with my handsome hubby just about anywhere. <3

PROJECT 365 - JAN 16

My brave little boy. Stevie had to go for blood work this morning and I was pleasantly surprised when he wanted me to take him rather than Daddy. I know that he was a little nervous at the idea of having blood drawn but he put on such a brave face -- right up until he had to sit in the chair. That's when I saw his big blue eyes start to well up with tears and I could see the fear all over his face. I sat with him and held his hand and he did great! They really took a lot of blood - more than I would have expected. I was so proud of him and I have to confess, it felt really nice to be needed.

PROJECT 365 - JAN 17

This weekend Stevie had a soccer tournament. He really enjoys playing and he is really good too! I know, I am his mom and a little biased but I have heard other parents say the same thing - yep we are proud! His favorite position is goalie, but on the few occasions a goal has gotten past him he tends to take it just a little too personal. It is exciting to watch him play -- although there are times when I really wish he wasn't the goalie!

PROJECT 365 - JAN 18

We had another soccer game bright and early today. While we were sitting on the sidelines Alyson asked if she could see my camera. This was one of the pictures I found later. We seem to see this face from her a lot these days. She is quite a challenge lately with all the whining, crying and attitude. Unfortunately, I hear it doesn't get any better. Great.

PROJECT 365 - Jan 19

Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No school. Steve called to say the kids wanted to meet me for lunch. Subway it is.

Charlie Bit Me - Remix

Came across this today...just cracked me up!

A friend, fun and smores!

I snapped this picture tonight while we were all out back after dinner making smores. Stevie's friend Lucas is staying the night with us. I know, kind of a weird night for a sleepover but unfortunately Lucas's grandmother is dying and so his mother went to be with her and his dad had a commitment. Please keep their family in your prayers if you wouldn't mind.

Stevie and Lucas became close friends last year when they were in the same class at school. I still remember the first Saturday morning that Lucas called. Really a great kid! And he and Stevie get along so well.

And as you can tell, they were all having fun tonight out by the fireplace! LOL!

My favorite LO right now

I am working on my goal of 31 completed layouts in the month of January and last night I finished this one up. It is a bit out of my norm but it is my favorite right now. The papers are all from Love Elsie - they are funky and a little sassy...just like my little superstar! ;)

I am really not the best photographer.

Maybe I should work on my photography skills this year?! I don't think I am all that great at it! LOL! Oh well. Even if they aren't the greatest pics, I will at least have something to look back on, right?


PROJECT 365 - JAN 12

After everyone picked me up at work today we had to stop by the grocery store. I prefer to just go straight home after work but we have to eat, right? We opted to have a taco night...a family favorite.







PROJECT 365 - JAN 13th

Tonight at dinner Alyson wanted to serve everyone a little tea. ;)

Weekend is almost over :(

Man, this weekend went by so fast! I got so much done around the house...finally got all the Christmas decorations all packed away, laundry is all done, and I managed to get 2 more entries done for my Christmas Journal...actually getting 31 done in the month of January is looking pretty tough though. I believe my current total right now is a whopping 3! LOL! I need more time and energy...but who doesn't, right?

PROJECT 365 - JAN 8

Thursday Stevie took his very first science project into school. He was pretty excited about it. A big thank you to Uncle Christopher in helping him out with an actual title! I have to confess, I hated doing science projects when I was in school and I think I hate them even more now that my kids are going to have to be doing them - BLECK! Who ever decided these things were a good idea?!

PROJECT 365 - Jan 9

YOU'VE JUST BEEN CERTIFIED!

Yeah, okay, so since you don't work in my office you won't get it! LOL! But my brother and I do so I guess that's all that counts, right? ;)

PROJECT 365 - JAN 10

Typically on a weekend I will stumble out of bed and find that the kids are already up and laying on the couch watching TV. This morning as I was making my cup of coffee I realized they were not in their usual spots. I peeked around the corner in Stevie's room and the two of them were hanging out together. There was no fighting, no bickering...it was just pure contentment. Damn shame it didn't last long!

PROJECT 365 - JAN 11

I spent most of today packing away Christmas decorations finally and had planned to use a picture of that for today. But then, as I was putting away some laundry in Alyson's room I saw this little note on her chalkbord. It absolutely touched my heart. So, of course, I had to grab the camera. Madi was over yesterday playing with Alyson and she obviously left a little love note before it was time to head home. I expect it will be a while before Alyson erases it. I am so happy that Alyson and Madi get along so well and have become such great friends. A few years from now I hope I can show them both this picture and they will still feel the same way about each other. It is just too sweet for words.

It's only Wednesday?!

Wow. It is only Wednesday. This is week has been so busy with way too much work, science project deadlines, stress galore...I am so ready for the weekend and a little rest. Of course the key word there is "little" since I am sure our weekend will be busy as well. I am just crossing my fingers in the hopes that I might be able to squeeze in a little scrapbooking before the weekend comes and goes!



PROJECT 365 - JAN 5
Monday brought my littlest sister (Anna, a.k.a Tinkerbell; she is the one on the left) over for a little visit. She wanted to introduce me to her friend Dani. Very nice girl. The kids really liked her - they were hamming it up like I haven't seen in ages! Even Aunt Tink thought so! The fact that Dani is a nanny for 4 y.o. twins plus their 6 y.o. sister made it extremely comfortable for her to be at our house and apparently Stevie and Alyson were pretty comfortable with her! Can I just tell you how jealous I am that they are at Disney World right now? *sigh*




PROJECT 365 - JAN 6

After 2 weeks off of school for the Christmas holidays, it was back to school on Tuesday! (Much to Daddy's relief, too! LOL!) I don't think the kids were too excited to go back but they put on a nice smile for me while they were waiting for pick up from the carpool.






PROJECT 365 - JAN 7

We are a one car family this week (hopefully not for too much longer though!) and so Steve takes me to work in the morning and then the 3 of them pick me up. Today after work Steve had to go to a meeting and so he dropped the kids and I off at Barnes and Noble while he took care of his meeting. The kids absolutely love going there and it is kind of nice for me too. I can peruse through the latest scrapbooking magazines and then put them back on the shelf. SHHHHH! Don't tell though! ;)

Happy Sunday

Well, really I don't know how happy it really was but oh well. I spent most of my day working...between writing specs, laundry, housekeeping...I am just wiped! I did take some time to scrap a LO though which felt great! Got another one done for the Christmas Journal -- yep, I am half a month behind on that. But I WILL finish it this year! And with that LO I did manage to get one done towards my goal of 31 this month...

PROJECT 365 - JAN 3

Last night, even though I was in a really lousy mood, Steve convinced me that some time with friends would be a good thing...and I am glad I listened to him. We had a really fun time hanging out and having dinner with our favorite neighbors and so I asked the waitress to take a picture for me and wouldn't you know it...it is my picture for Jan 3

PROJECT 365 - JAN 4

Today's picture is of the cute little turtle that was making his way down our neighbor's drive way. I am pretty sure we have seen this guy before. I was at my desk working when Steve called and told me to grab Alyson and go outside (always a sure sign that I should bring my camera!) Kind of cute, don't you think?

Jan 2nd - Project 365

Alyson has a friend from her class that, as it turns out, lives less than 2 minutes away...literally! We discovered this a couple of weeks ago when Alyson was invited to her birthday party. The girls were super excited to learn this and so a playdate was planned. The night before however, Alyson started getting nervous and didn't want to go.

Thanfully when she woke up in the morning her fears were gone and so Steve took her over around 10am....by 6:30pm she still wasn't ready to come home! LOL! I was so thrilled that things had gone so well and hope these two will get together more often. I was also proud of Alyson for getting over her fears -- something she is having trouble with lately.

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone had a nice NYE. We had such a great time last night with friends and today we got to hang with more friends...we are so blessed to have some truly great people as friends...not too mention they are just so much fun! Not that you could tell from the pictures or anything! ;) My son was the one with the camera in his hand...he didn't too bad, and he was definitely better behaved than some -- no that I am naming names or anything! ;)

Today I am starting Project 365 and after some frustration this morning when trying to order along with the other thousands of people, I was lucky enough to get one of the kits! So excited about that and can't wait until it arrives...will make it so easy to actually complete this project. Project 365 is definitely the biggest project I have ever taken on but I think it will be a lot of fun and awesome to go back and look at the pictures we take every day in 2009.

And since we are talking about that, this is my picture for January 1st...

I thought it would be nice to start the year off with a family picture, taken by our friend Kathleen while we were all together with friends celebrating the beginning of the new year. Will be fun to look back on this in another year and see how much the kids have changed!

I had another fun start to my year as well. I am now a Friend of PageMaps! YEAH ME! I guess it is not exactly like being published in a magazine, but I am over the moon nonetheless! I am a big fan of Becky Fleck and her PageMaps, even bought her book, so it was an honor for me to be asked to do a LO for her January Sidemaps. So exciting for me!

In addition to Project 365, which will last all year, I have also taken on the challenge of doing 31 LOs in the month of January with the girls at The House of Paper. I was talking to Steve about all of this while we were making our coffee this morning and he just looked and me and asked "Why do you do this to yourself?" LOL! January will be a very busy month for us since we own a couple of Liberty Tax stores and we are heading into peak season but I am determined to do my best regardless. I will not stress out if I can't complete all 31 because I am sure I will be able to get a lot done and Chiara always has such great challenges posted, not to mention all the fabulous inspiration from all the girls at The House...it is a win-win situation in my book! :)

Hope you all have a wonderful 2009. Be sure and take time for the little things and find at least one thing to be grateful for each day. I'll bet even on your worst day you can still find one thing to be thankful for...even if it is just that you didn't pull all your hair out! ;)