Horses and Whales

We enjoy feeding our neighbor's horses, and they love when we bring apples.  Reed also has a horse that isn't very people friendly.....We were down at the hayfield recently with Maddie, and she wanted to feed it, too.  We didn't have any apples, but we did have some whale cheese crackers.  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves on just how that went!

First, feeding the neighbor's horses is always fun!

We always save some to enjoy ourselves......

Now, notice how Bonnie Rose enjoys the whales!

We came back later with apples, and Bonnie Rose still wasn't too sure at first!!!

Maddie noticed this little fellow at the edge of the woods before Pop or I saw it......

My Favorite Things

A Few of My Favorite Things-

A warm sunny day

The smell of rain and clean sheets

The changing colors of fall

Frost covered trees on a sunny winter morning

The feel of a child’s hand inside of mine

The smell of fresh spring air

The sun setting over the river

 A good laugh

Words of encouragement

A sincere thank you

A friendly smile

A nice warm hug

The smell of fresh-cut grass

Watching the sunrise

 The beach

A gentle morning rain

Playing hooky

Watching my family on Christmas morning

Making someone smile

And watching her  play-

 
No amusement parks or fancy toys -- just sand and fun!

Oh Happy Day

Reed and I recently attended the wedding of a very special cousin of mine at Old Waverly in West Point.  This was the perfect setting for the beautiful bride and her sweet groom.  I always enjoy any opportunity to see family members that I don't feel I see nearly enough.

The Happy Couple-Cassandra and Gil

My Sweet Aunt Doris, also known as the Mother of the Bride

And my favorite(just kidding Gerald) Uncle Michael, also known as the Father of the Bride

 Sisters-Adrian, Cassandra, and Bethany

The reason you are only seeing Cassandra's eye here is that these beautiful flowers are the focus. Her bouquet was made in honor of our Grandmother, who LOVED anything red, especially flowers. Grandmommie would have loved this so much!!

 There were many beautiful arrangements throughout, but this table was also made in remembrance of our Grandmother.  How Special!!

Bob and Kathy-I simply love them both dearly!

 Doris and Reed

Other than the bride and groom, this little guy was the hit of the day. 

Adrian and Bubba's new bundle of joy-Harrison!

Have I mentioned that we have another one on the way?  Holding him only reaffirmed how excited we are about that!  There is nothing any sweeter than a newborn!

Except maybe a precious 2 year old-like Tyson!  He's about 6 months younger than Maddie, and he really reminded me of her as I watched him play.  They are both at such adorable stages!

How cute is this?  You placed your thumbprint on this tree and signed your name as a remembrance.

Did I mention that they had a photo booth complete with props?  Reed and I were about 16 the last time we were in one of these. I had to do a little persuading to get Reed in there.  We also had a little trouble finding out exactly where the camera actually was, but it really was fun!!

Good Food, Good Friends

Good food, good friends and heartbreaking football............

Our Chef

Good Friends.......

Good Food.......

And a heartbreaking game.........

Still love the Tide!!

Yay Alabama!!

Embracing the Big 50

Since there is nothing I can do about turning 50, I've decided I may as well just embrace it. As I told Caleb, my only 2 choices are dying or getting older......I think I'd prefer to get older.  I am a little amazed at how fast time flies! Anyway, Reed arranged for an early birthday celebration that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Reed and I, along with Caleb, met Lindsey and Maddie in Birmingham. (Josh was working.)  We first  ventured to Home Goods, which is a store I truly love!  I bought myself some great birthday gifts including a new cookie sheet, a toothbrush holder, dishtowels and some napkins!  Then we went to see the new movie "Puss in Boots".  We had hoped that Maddie would enjoy it, and she did for about an hour.  It was just a little too much for her.  I, on the other hand, thought it was pretty cute.  Following the movie, we headed over to The Cheesecake Factory.  I think I'll borrow one of Maddie's favorite sayings - "It was yummy!"  We all ate very well, (except for Lindsey, who is just a little sick these days). I truly love spending time with my family, so I would have to say that this was a perfect birthday treat!

We met Lindsey and Maddie in the parking lot of the theater.  After I opened a precious present from them, we headed inside to the movie.

This was a cute movie, but it is really suited for more of an older audience.......We think Maddie did great though!

Reed and Lindsey

Maddie was not too sure about the waitresses singing Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to me!!  Yummy!!

 

Thanks for a special day!!

Playing Hooky

After 28 years of teaching, I love an occassional day of playing hooky.  I especially enjoy it when I get to do something as fun as going to a pumpkin patch with a group of daycare children.  The weather was wonderful, and it was simply (Caleb says I use the word simply too often!) a perfect day- or as perfect as a day can be with 23 toddlers and 25 adults!  The day was filled with a pumpkin patch, tractor ride, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, and more!  Everyone was well behaved, and we all had a great time!!

"Miss" Angela's Sweet Blessings! (And it was impossible to take a picture with everyone looking.)

The Whole Gang

Finding the Perfect Pumpkin

This face pretty much sums up the day!  We had a ball!

Craft Time

I recently became acquainted with Pinterest.  It didn't take me long to become addicted.  If I make/cook just a small portion of the things I like on that site I'll be doing great!  If you're not familiar with the site, check it out.  I promise you'll be hooked.  Anyway, I had all the supplies for one of the crafts, so I decided to give it a try.  I headed outside to the old  picnic table where I like to do projects on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and got busy.  I also need to add that Caleb was a great assistant.  I will do things a little differently next time, but was pretty pleased with my first attempt.

Coasters/Trivets-The site recommends using your favorite pictures or even scrapbook paper- so I did both!

The pictures show a slight glare that's not acutally on the coasters. 

I also made this easy calzone from a recipe I found on Pinterest.  I simply spread the pizza dough out on a cookie sheet.  Spread pizza sauce down the middle.  Next, I added pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, cheese, etc.  Then, I took my kitchen scissors, and cut the edges into strips and criss-crossed until finished.  Bake and enjoy!

I am hooked!  I have found lots more projects that I want to try!