~New Beginnings~

~Weekend Travels and Visits~

This weekend the kids went to visit their Grandparents.  Here's some lovely pictures of their trip and who they saw. 

Grandpa B, Amber, RonII and Grandma B---I love this picture!

Grandpa B, RonII (who is getting way to tall) and Grandma B....just lovely!

 

Then...they were in for a great treat! 

Linda and PeeWee were there visiting.  I had such wonderful time when I was growing up hanging out with them.    I know the kids enjoyed seeing them.

PeeWee was a riot to be around...somethings never change. ;)

Uncle Howard...still just as sweet and kind as ever.

Mom with Uncle Howard--what a lovely picture.

And because our pooches are such a part of our family and lives...here's some with them.

Random shots...

My mom....lovely!

Our sweet son. :)

My Dad....a big ole sweetie!

The trip was great.  Next time pictures with the other grandparents.

 

Monday's to do list:

• Algebra 1, Biology, Hen-le Latin 1, Grammar, Scarlet Letter, SAT Vocabulary,  A Patriots History of the United States, Health-The Brain part 1
• Finish up the laundry, fold and put away.
• Cook a mean dinner--today were having parm chicken with couscous, mango and peach salsa and green beans.  I needed a change from the menu.
• Run over the floors--vacuum up the dog hair.
• Pick up yard trash...leaves from this darn pin oak.  Dad...I may need to borrow your chainsaw in the near future.
• Clean the front door from Ella Bella -- permanent nose prints. grrrr
• Get in some embroidery  time on Taliyah's blanket..these poor kids will get them when they're 5 at this rate. 

Collaspe into bed to read A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell.

Happy Manic Monday!

New pictures of our sweet grand babies.

Little Miss Adorable figured out how to unlock and lock doors.   This could be good or bad.... lol.

Taliyah loves her brother. 

 

Mr. Adorable Isaiah...I just adore those eyes and cheeks.

 

Our little princess.  She is now given up the bottle....she's getting so big.

 

Traveling to Texas was hardwork.  

Mr. Adorable hanging out with Auntie A.

Love that smile!

 

Goldfish and smiles.

Sweetness!

Look at those cheeks!

Goldfish and mini M&M's ...life doesn't get much better than this.

Smiling and growing........

Nana's little angel. 

Going on a car ride......zroommmm!

The boy side of the nursery.

The girl side of the nursery.  

Enjoy and have a lovely weekend.

~~~Happy Friday~~~

Hi Everyone!  I hope that you've had a great week.  It's been busy around here and in our family. Here's the scoop.

• Jon is now home from Afghanistan and back with his family.  Jessica and the kids are thrilled beyond words.  Welcome Home Jon!!
• Amber had her 32 week  appointment yesterday and our little princess is nice and healthy and happy.    
• RonII got in a good week of school work and we are making progress....I love it!
• This month I've stuck to my meal plan and budget...we are striving to be debt free again by the end of the year.  Paying cash only for everything puts things into perspective when shopping.
• Ron (dh) has been working hard this week and we are looking forward to a little down time this weekend.

 

The kids will be traveling starting tomorrow to see their grandparents.  Safe travels kids!!  I've got loads of lesson planning work to do and that will keep me busy. 

Happy Friday everyone and hope you all have a great weekend!

 

Happy May Day!

May started off here in Virginia with lots of loud noise....thunder that is.  It was pouring rain this morning and storming...good thing I could just roll back over and sleep.  :)

Here is a lovely picture of what May 1st looks like in Germany. : )  I love a good Maypole. 

Happy Tuesday!

~Meal Plans~

Foley Family Menu

(16 meals)

Dinner Menu--I love our family dinners!

Monday:  Chicken and rice casserole, roasted green beans, carrots and rolls.

Tuesday:  Taco soup with all the trimmings

Wednesday:  Chicken parmesan with pasta, salad and bread

Thursday: Take out-- mom has to go grocery shopping--:)

Friday:  Homemade veggie pizza and salad

Saturday:  Split pea soup w/ crusty bread

Sunday:  Hamburger steaks, macaroni cheese, peas and rolls

Monday:  Chicken strip wraps with veggies and dressing, tostados and Mexican dip

Tuesday:  Ham and cheese sliders, veggie tray and ranch dip

Wednesday:  Enchiladas with Spanish rice

Thursday:  Deep dish chicken pot pie with salad

Friday:  Filet Mignon w/ Madeira sauce, roasted brussel  sprouts and twice baked potatoes

Saturday:  Chicken chipotle sandwich with homemade fries

Sunday:  Bulgogi with stir fry veggies and rice

Monday:  Rib-eye steak, bake beans, hash brown casserole

Tuesday:  Oven roasted smoky beef brisket w/ coleslaw and roasted mix veggies and Texas toast

 

Lunch:

We will be using our leftovers from dinner to create yummy lunches for everyone.  Also PB&J’s and sandwiches w/ chips are always available. 

 

Breakfast:

Choice of:

Homemade muffins, oatmeal w/ fruit

Bagels w/ cream cheese, scones w/lemon curd

Omelets and toast, scrambled eggs with sausage and biscuits

Bacon, egg and cheese English muffins, Pancakes w/ bacon

 

~Reflections~

I've been waking up to my little calendar beside my bed.   Here is Fridays and the weekends calendar pages.  

• The emotional climate you live with begins with you.  If you are agitated, nervous, frantic and frustrated, it's unrealistic to expect that the other people in your home are going to thrive.

• When you are calm, patient, and loving, you bring out the best in those around you.  By being an example of peace, you open the door for others to be more patient, accepting and gracious. 

These both spoke to my heart.   Yesterday when I got up I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders.   I don't want to do a disservice to Ron II by not providing an excellent education.  I know in my heart up until this year it has been top notch.   I was grumpy, stressed and felt defeated.  My sweet husband can read me like a book...we going out to lunch he said.   So off we went....I could fell the stress melting from my shoulders and heart.  It felt good to sit and have a conversation with him.   We came home and puttered around, talked and planned a menu.  We had wine and watched a movie.  It was so wonderful to reconnect and spend sometime together.  Amber and RonII went shopping and had supper out.  They watched a movie and had ice cream.  It feels really good to just "be" and relax.

Today....the world is a much brighter place.  Yes the chores and work are still there, but I feel different about it.   I guess as I tell the kids....how do you eat an elephant...one bite at a time.    Slow and steady....we will get there and I would like to do it with grace and peace. 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

With the exception of doing....

3 loads of laundry....I've done nothing worth while today.

 

I slept in to 10:30am...bliss...only to hear Ron screaming at Ella Bella to let Rascal back over the fence.  Rascal is our neighbors little poodle.   We really like our neighbors and I was praying as I was running down the steps that Ella wouldn't hurt her.  She didn't...Ella is not a good sharer of her yard. 

Then I frittered away the day doing nothing, but drinking coffee and reading the paper. 

Alas, it was time to get dressed and hubby took me out to a new restaurant.  

 

If you have one of these in your neighborhood..go...you will not be sorry.  The food was great and the service excellent.  We had a great dinner/supper.

Then we came home to work on our menu plan for the next two weeks.  This is work....I'm cooking more raw ingredients and better food (it hope).   I'll publish my plans on Monday.  

Then we watched a great movie  \\

we definitely got our Europe connection tonight and really enjoyed it.

 

Now I'm off to bed....the rain is pitter patting on the window sills...we should sleep well tonight.

Happy weekend!

...

The hardest part of homeschooling for me....is the lesson planning.   I've sequestered myself in my craft room and I'm putting together 7 weeks worth of school work in the next three days.

I know most everyone is wrapping up their year, but we are just now really finding our groove.  With the babies and moving and such, it' s been a rough educational year.   We have until December to finish up our 180 days of school.   We have decided to work some on Saturdays and have 10 days of field trips planned.  It's going to be a busy year for us...but one I will look back on and know we did a good job.  I have to know in my heart that I gave him 110 % in effort to make sure he has a great future.

Happy Friday...now back to the books. :)

 

 

Wednesday

Hi Everyone...hope your week is going well.

It's been a successful week so far.  We have been hitting the books and getting much accomplished. 

Amber arrives home late this evening from her trip to TX.  I can hardly believe the kids have been 

gone a week.  It seems like so much longer since I've had a Nana hug.    Anyway..all is well with everyone

and Jessica got her home completely put together.  Go girls!

Looking forward to getting back to our new normal.

Have a great day!

 

 

Happy Monday to you!

The weather has  been crazy, but all projects are finished and it's time to hit those textbooks. 

Hope you all have a great week! 

Update on our girls and grandbabies.

 

I'm soooo proud of our girls.  They have done such a remarkable job with this move.  This is Jessica's first time dealing with movers(2 sets that were less than professional)  and the poor girl has had some bumps...but as I knew...nothing she couldn't over come.  Amber (her big sis) has been there through it all to help, support and I absolutely love how these two have stuck together.   Girls....You Rock!   I'm thinking for Christmas I'll get them both a took set in pink.   They certainly know how to use tools now.

They have installed....

 

washer and dryer.   Even though the dryer needs a service call....they did everything just right!

They built two huge baby beds.  These were those kinds with drawers and changers on the end.  It took them hours and hours...but they did it!  Way to go girls!!

They have unloaded countless boxes, and put together a house in less than a week.  Girls....Mom and Dad are so proud of you and knew you could do it.   The grandbabies haven't suffered one bit as they tag teamed them and feed and gave care that is always needed.    I love all the daily calls and talking to Taliyah on the phone...I miss them so much, but know that they need to be together and Dad is coming home.  I'm sure he's gonna be so surprised to see a home completely put together.   

 

On another note.  I have been using a great little calendar and I thought this weekends quote was very fitting.

Take a deep breath and express gratitude for your lovely home.  Despite it's imperfections, it's yours. You live in your home.  It protects you from the elements of hot and cold, and against everything from insects to strangers.  It helps keep you alive and comfortable.  Yet, for the most part, it is taken entirely for granted.  

 

Have a lovely Sunday my friends!

 

PS>>>>I would love to hear from my readers.   Please leave me a comment. :)  I adore hearing from you!

 

 

Update on our girls and grandbabies.

 

I'm soooo proud of our girls.  They have done such a remarkable job with this move.  This is Jessica's first time dealing with movers(2 sets that were less than professional)  and the poor girl has had some bumps...but as I knew...nothing she couldn't over come.  Amber (her big sis) has been there through it all to help, support and I absolutely love how these two have stuck together.   Girls....You Rock!   I'm thinking for Christmas I'll get them both a took set in pink.   They certainly know how to use tools now.

They have installed....

 

washer and dryer.   Even though the dryer needs a service call....they did everything just right!

They built two huge baby beds.  These were those kinds with drawers and changers on the end.  It took them hours and hours...but they did it!  Way to go girls!!

They have unloaded countless boxes, and put together a house in less than a week.  Girls....Mom and Dad are so proud of you and knew you could do it.   The grandbabies haven't suffered one bit as they tag teamed them and feed and gave care that is always needed.    I love all the daily calls and talking to Taliyah on the phone...I miss them so much, but know that they need to be together and Dad is coming home.  I'm sure he's gonna be so surprised to see a home completely put together.   

 

On another note.  I have been using a great little calendar and I thought this weekends quote was very fitting.

Take a deep breath and express gratitude for your lovely home.  Despite it's imperfections, it's yours. You live in your home.  It protects you from the elements of hot and cold, and against everything from insects to strangers.  It helps keep you alive and comfortable.  Yet, for the most part, it is taken entirely for granted.  

 

Have a lovely Sunday my friends!

 

PS>>>>I would love to hear from my readers.   Please leave me a comment. :)  I adore hearing from you!

 

 

Happy Friday!

What a week!  Babies left for TX .....all is good there.   Jess and Amber are getting the house put together and getting ready for Jon to come home.    I'm so proud of my girls....they had a few bumps on this adventure, but they handle it like pros!

Jon passed his boards....he will be promoted to E-5 soon...we are so proud of you!  WAY TO GO!!  I know he's so excited about coming home!

Lots of projects are getting done at our house.  This weekend we will:

• mow and weed yard--Done..thanks guys!
• give Ella Bella a bath--Done--thanks honey! :)
• relocate closets and get rid of unwanted items--done...:)
• finish up all laundry and iron...booo!!! --Done--
• finish up plans for next weeks school--saving this for Sunday afternoon  ;0)
• get groceries at commissary--Done--
• RonII needs a haircut--Done--
• vacuum, dust, mop and clean bathrooms--done---:)
• menu plan for next week--Done--
• watch a movie and relax a little --saving this for Sunday afternoon

 

Hope you have a great weekend and Happy Friday!

Hope your day is full of good stuff.

 

I didn't know it was possible to love Grand babies so much!

The kids left last night to go back to Texas and start their new life.   It was exciting for them as I know how much I missed my husband and the kids missed their Dad while he was deployed.   But...there's always a but....when those babies drove off it felt like a part of my heart when with them.   It was so hard!  I adore those babies and their Mom.   I have good kids and so enjoy spending time with them.  I try not to be a bossy Nana and go with their wishes.  I really feel like it was a blessing having the last 10 months with them and greatly appreciate Jess and Jon letting us spoil those babies.  

 

So...here are so pictures of Isaiah I took last night...he started smiling.  Melt my heart will ya!

Precious little man...I'm going to miss ya like crazy!

 

I didn't know it was possible to love Grand babies so much!

The kids left last night to go back to Texas and start their new life.   It was exciting for them as I know how much I missed my husband and the kids missed their Dad while he was deployed.   But...there's always a but....when those babies drove off it felt like a part of my heart when with them.   It was so hard!  I adore those babies and their Mom.   I have good kids and so enjoy spending time with them.  I try not to be a bossy Nana and go with their wishes.  I really feel like it was a blessing having the last 10 months with them and greatly appreciate Jess and Jon letting us spoil those babies.  

 

So...here are so pictures of Isaiah I took last night...he started smiling.  Melt my heart will ya!

Precious little man...I'm going to miss ya like crazy!

 

The many sides of Taliyah's personality.

Shy.....

 

Adorable....

Spunky....

Hollywooding......

My little ham! 

Happy Monday!

Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary to us!

It was 25 years ago that I married the man of my dreams.  He's a wonderful husband, a great Dad and my best friend.  I'm so blessed.

We have three great kids---Amber, Jessica and Ron II.

We are blessed with two sweet grandbabies....Isaiah and .....

Taliyah.  

We will be having another new grand-daughter in June.   We can't wait to meet her.  

Life is good and we are so blessed.

Here's  one of my favorite pictures...it just makes me smile! 

Have a great Wednesday!

 

Busy.....

I feel just like this lady....I have so much to accomplish and so little time.   I wish I could clone myself...one to do the work stuff and one to do all the fun stuff.   There simply isn't enough of me to go around these days.      

 

~~~Happy Easter~~~

\

Saturday prep for Easter.

Today our kitchen is baking and prepping central.  Here's what's cooking.

Ham is being prepped to bake tomorrow.

Pasta salad, deviled eggs, cranberry sauce, green beans wrapped in bacon, veggie dish and yummy rolls.

Dessert will consist of sour cream coconut cake and chocolate pie.    Yum...lots to do, so I'd better get with it.  

Have a great Saturday getting things prepped. :)

Mr. Adorable and Miss Sugar Lump at least that's what Nana calls them. :)

Here we have Mr. Adorable.  They cheeks just beckon me to kiss them...and I do! :)

He's just the sweetest little bundle of love!

Then we move onto.........

Miss Sugar Lump!  Isn't that just the sweetest face you have ever seen.  I think so!!!

She's got skills....she really improving her walking.  Oh...and those cheeks are definitely for getting sugar as well....and I do!

 

Then we move onto more baby news.....

Here we have our lovely Amber at 29 weeks...she's positively glowing.   Both mother and babe are doing well.    Can't wait to get some more baby love!

Then onto....

These beauties!  I love spring and flowers....my kids know me well. :)

 

Here's what I made for dinner tonight....

There's taco meat inside and it was delicious!  The kids devoured it...that's always a good sign. ;)

Hope you have a great Friday!

~~A Prayer for our Nation~~

Billy  Graham's Prayer For Our Nation 

THIS  MAN SURE HAS A GOOD VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR  COUNTRY!

'Heavenly Father, we come before you today  to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and  guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call  evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have  lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We  have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have  rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed  our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists  and called it justifiable... We have neglected to  discipline our children and called it building self  esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We  have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it  ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and  pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have  ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and  called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our  hearts today; cleanse us from sin and Set us free.  Amen!'
With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over  our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we  once again can be called 'One nation under  God!'  

My weekend trip.

I spent a lovely weekend with my parents.  We had a blast being together.  Thanks Mom and Dad for making my stay so wonderful.  Can't wait to do it again!  SOON! :)

We spent lots of time on the front porch with Miss Candy.   Mom and Dad haven't spoiled her at all...not! 

Can't wait to see you guys again!

Love ya!

Tam

 

Hi Y'all I'm back. (said in my best Paula Deen voice)

Did you miss me? :)

I've had a busy week and half off from blogging and I'll be back on it tomorrow.   

See ya then!

Exciting Monday!

Taliyah started walking today! We are so proud of her.

Taliyah Walking from Melissa Foley on Vimeo.

 

This made for an awesome Monday!

Sunday Supper

We had a busy weekend around here.  We cleaned house, did laundry and loved on babies.

I like a nice Sunday evening dinner.  Here's what we had for supper. 

We roasted two large sheets of veggies with olive oil and Crazy Jane's seasoning salt.  

Next, I cooked 6 ribeyes.   I salted this lightly with Lawry's seasoning salt and a good dash of lemon pepper.   This put them in heavy skillets to cook.  We left our grill in Germany with friends and haven't gotten a new one yet.  This method works beautifully and it's delicious!

To round out our meal we had parmesan couscous.  

Sunday supper was a great success.  

 

 

 

A Rainy Saturday

We haven't had one of these in awhile.  I'm so glad...for rainy Saturdays make good house cleaning days.   There's much to do in our humble little home.  Sheets to wash, beds to make.   Bathrooms to clean and such.  So....have a happy and productive day!

Heading to the movies.

Ron II and I read the book and are excited to see the movie.  We are even dragging Dad alone.  Thanks Amber for the IMAX tickets.  Review to follow.

~Birthday in Review~

Yummy cup cakes....

I think this picture says it all....

There has to be a little beauty in this craziness.  

Handsome fellows! 

Sweetness!

Sleeping babies are the most precious. 

Amber at 26 weeks. ;)

We had a great day!  :)

^*^*^*^Happy 14th Birthday, Ron!!^*^*^*^

Our sweet baby is growing into a fine young man and we are so proud of you!

Happy Birthday, Ron!  

Today will be filled with yummy cupcakes from Persnickety Cakes and Baskin Robbins ice cream. Dinner will be Olive Garden.   Happy Birthday! 

I turned around and it's Wednesday....

how can it be?  My weeks are going by in a blur.  Between homeschooling, babies and being outside...the days are rolling by to fast. 

 

Today's agenda includes....

• homeschooling
• cleaning house
• cooking dinner 
• ironing 

It's gonna be a busy one.   

Have a great Wednesday!

What I accomplished last week on spring break.

I wanted something pretty for our sliding glass door.  So I purchased this wonderful design and cut and made it fit.  We get the beautiful picture during the day and our neighbors can only see the design at night.  Lovely and nice and private.

I also did the window panes at the front door.  

I mowed, weeded flower beds, Ron reshaped bushes,  cut back rose bushes and basically gave the yard a good tidying.   We plantd flowers and added a new flag.  

Pretty flowers.

Ron sanded and refinished our fest table.  It looks so much better.

We put together our tables and got an umbrella ...I need to plant something in our pot. 

Our backyard will be a work in progress.  We cut out a lot of weeds and it looks so much better. 

So there's a sampling of what we accomplished this past week.

Ham...it's what's for dinner. ;)

I have a lovely little ham in the refrigerator and decided this would be a great day to make it.   So, this morning I started all the fix-ins for a big dinner...deviled eggs,  pasta salad, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green beans, corn and rolls.  We will have brownies for dessert.  Yum!  I hope to have enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow. 

I also cleaned the 1st floor, mopped, vacuumed, dusted.  I clean our bedroom, bathroom and did 2 loads of laundry.  Played with Ella Bella and brushed her.   It's been another productive day on spring break.  Have a great Tuesday! 

I sort of felt this way this morning....could it be daylight savings time?

On today's agenda...

• Cleaned the front yard and planted flowers.   Trimmed the bushes.
• Declared this week spring break....I really need to get a handle on my home so I can school without interruption.
• Ron's back molars are coming in and perhaps wisdom teeth...he's in pain...so soup and sammy for dinner.  

That should just about take care of this day. :)

Happy  Monday to ya!

 

Don't forget to....

It's been a beautiful Saturday at our house.  My honey got to sleep in and I'm sure he feels so much better.

Here's what we did today. 

Ron mowed and cleaned up our yard.  I'll spend a couple of hours this week pruning and cleaning out flower beds to be ready next weekend to put in flowers.  

Ella Bella went to the dogie spa.   She was a week overdue for her bath and she is snow white a super clean.  She had a divine time. :)

Both vehicles got a bath and cleaned inside.  Gassed up and ready for another week of good service.

I hit Aldi for a weeks provisions.  It was my first experience at shopping at one in the states.  A little different from the ones in Germany, but still good.  Produce was great!

After getting home, I decided to make sliders for dinner...so I hit Harris Teeter for some great meat and buns.    

It's been a busy day here...but loads of stuff got accomplished and it feels so good to be back on top of things.  When I hit the bed tomorrow night...I'll be completely ready for a new school week and have pretty much everything back in order. :) 

Hope you had a productive Saturday! :)

~Fine Art Friday~Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

The beautiful gardens at the Residence in Wurzburg, Germany....how I miss that place!

Born: 5 March 1695/6, Venice Died: 27 March 1769/70, Madrid   GIOVANNI BATTISTA TIEPOLO was the unchallenged lion of Venetian painters of the Rococo period and, indeed, all of the 18th century. His characteristic style displays numerous active figures in vivid pastel colors ranged across vast, airy spaces. Critic Robert Hughes describes Tiepolo's work as "full of soaring and twisting space, transparency and delicious shot-silk color -- a place dedicated to the imagination and filled with idealized personages from history, myth and fable." Yet arts historian Paul Holberton has observed that Tiepolo "could temper the graceful, operatic posturing typical of the Rococo school with an Olympian grandeur." Tiepolo began his career as a student of Gregorio Lazzarini (and perhaps of Piazetta) but his elegant and sumptuous style was perhaps most heavily influenced by his study of the work of his predecessor more than 100 years earlier, Paolo Caliari [Veronese]. In 1732 Da Canal wrote that Tiepolo "was Doge [Giovanni II] Cornaro's painter at [the Doge's] San Polo [palace]; he used to supervise the distribution of pictorial things in [the Doge's] rich home, and . . . painted several overdoor decorations with tasteful portraits and paintings." He painted for the palace (c. 1715) a portrait of the Doge himself now displayed in the Egidio Martini Collection at Museo Ca' Rezzonico in Venice) and aportrait of the Doge's ancestor Doge Marco Cornaro (B-1). Tiepolo executed paintings and frescos throughout Venice and the Veneto, with excursions to Bergamo (Colleoni Chapel) and Milan (ceiling, Palazzzo Clerici). Among prominent installations of his work in Venice are the ceiling panels of the Scuola Grande dei Carmine (early 1740s). His earliest surviving frescos were created, 1734, for the then newly-rebuilt villa of Count Loschi at Brion de Monteviale near Vicenza. In 1750, however, Tiepolo removed for a period of three years to Wurzburg, where he executed magnificent ceiling paintings and frescos for the Archbishop's palace. In 1761, at the invitation of Carlos III, Tiepolo left Venice again, this time to create frescos for the royal palace in Madrid, where he remained until his death. Tiepolo is buried in Venice in his parish church of Madonna dell'Orto, where he is represented by the giant canvas The Worship of the Golden Calf and byThe Last Judgment. In recent years Tiepolo's reputation has suffered from the condemnation that his work is artificial, even frivolous. The spate of grand exhibitions marking the 300th anniversary of his birth have, however, brought still another reappraisal. Now the "distanced, self-aware theatrics of his style" are seen as precociously modern -- but with a virtuosity unique to Tiepolo himself.

 

It's a warm, but windy day here.   Were trying to get everyone well and just resting today.  Fingers and toes crossed this virus leaves here soon!

Have a great Thursday!

Yesterday, I worked to wrap my head around what we will be doing next week for school.  I'm going to tweak a couple of our classes and make a few bigger changes.     I've got 4 more days left to finalize my plans and get my paperwork in order.  It's going to be super busy.   Also, I'm  trying to get my student well.  Lots of hot soup and cold medication.

 

I've also got to get this house cleaned top to bottom and make sure everything is in order.  I can't operate under messy conditions.  ;)  If you really know me...you understand my quirk. :)  I'm a neat freak.  

Dinner plans for tonight...pot roast w/ potatoes and carrots.  I'm going to make pasta salad and rolls to go with it.   I might even make dessert. ;)  

I've noticed that some of my neighbors have been putting in pansies.  I'm itching to go flower shopping. :)

 

Have a happy hump day!

 

 

Not much to say today...just managing the craziness. 
Have a great day!

 

Thankful Monday

 

I'm so happy to start a new week and I've much to be thankful for.

• Our littlest grand baby has been sick with RSV.  He's spent two days in the hospital, but is home and doing much better.  I'm so thankful because this is not always the outcome.
• Our oldest grand baby is sick, but has an immune system thankfully that can fight off this nasty stuff.  Again...it's hard to see them sick, but thankful they will be better soon.
• I'm way behind with school due to babies and now my baby is sick (Ron II).  He feels rotten, so he has the day to rest and hopefully will feel better soon.  I don't like being behind, but this last month was not anything I could control...so I'm thankful that he's home and can recuperate and hopefully be better in a day or two.
• Amber...again...we have another sic ky.  She has the same stuff.  She has worked so hard to take care of her niece while the littlest one was in the hospital, she caught it.  She feel lousy, but hopefully she will recover quickly as well.  Again, I'm happy she's home and we can help care for her.  

Gratitude is all in the attitude!

• Got up early, put crisp new, clean sheets on our bed.  
• I put a turkey breast in the crock pot..well have a yummy dinner and the house will smell yummy!
• It's snow flurring...so winter isn't over yet.  I love snow.
• This weekend...I talked to my mom and dad on the phone....I was lovely to hear their voices.

 

Today I'm going to spend the day getting errands caught up.  I'm really behind in that area as well.  I need to hit Wal-Mart and restock paper products and have some mommy maintenance done.  I'm beginning to look a little scary. ;) 

Have a beautiful Monday and be thankful for all you have!

~Fine Art Friday --Floral Edition~

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:  when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.  ~Charles Dickens

Have a beautiful Friday!

My personal 3 in 30 challenge.

Good Morning!  I'm so glad it's a new month...it means I survived the last one.  It was touch and go there for a little bit.  LOL!:)    We awoke this morning to beautiful sunny skies and nice mild temperatures.  Bliss I tell ya!

Well..since it's a new month I decided to create a little challenge for myself.  It's called my 3 in 30.  Three things to concentrate on for 30 days...pretty much the month of March.

1.  Knitting.  

Yes...this is a childrens book.  I've tried the nice dignified adult ones...and well...I. just. can't. get. it! So, I figure if this book can teach a child, then it can certainly teach me...right?      I'll keep you posted on my progress...I'm waiting for said book to arrive...come on Amazon!

2.  Exercise.

For my birthday last month my darling Amber got me a pair of these babies.  They feel soooo good.  My goal is to walk 30 minutes aday around my neighborhood...I want to get to know people and walking is a good way to accomplish that.  Also, I need to walk off those yummy girl scout cookies.

3. Cooking.

These dear little cookbooks arrived yesterday.  This month I'm going to put them into action.  I'm going to be very careful of what food goes into my body.  No more junk.  I loved watching the show and it's basically trading really fattening foods for better choices.    I can do this!  

 

Other goals:  

Get some beautiful flowers planted...I can't wait to get my hands dirty.   I love spring!

Get all schooling caught up ....we got a little behind due to babies in the house.

Be positive in everything!

Work through my Bible study.

Clean out the garage.   It's a jungle in there!

Write in my journal daily.  I've gotten away from this...I miss it and I need it.

Email my parents daily and go for a visit.  It's been almost 7 years since I've been home...it's time to go. Mom and Dad if you read this...don't faint. ;)

 

 

So, what are your personal goals for the month of March? If I don't have a plan...I'll never accomplish anything.   

 

Also my comments have been really slow lately.....I would LOVE to hear from you! 

Happy 1st day of March everyone! 

 

 

~Wednesday~

 

Yes...it's Wednesday!  It's also pouring down rain and thundering.   Nothing like rain to make you want to stay in bed.   :)  I did however pull myself away and get dressed.  Things seem to move along better when I get up and get dressed and put on my makeup.   Probably don't scare the kids that way either. 

So...family news.  The kids arrived back home yesterday afternoon.  They are bushed and have one sick little baby.  They are taking him to the clinic today to have him checked.  Poor little man...hopefully he will be better soon.   

Jon will have to return at the end of the week to the sandbox...I'm sure he's gonna miss his little crew.  He's a great Dad and has a real soft spot for his little girl.  She adores him and lights up when he walks into the room.  Hopefully, time will pass quickly and they can be reunited soon.

Amber is doing great.  She's acquiring lots of cool baby things she's gonna need in the coming months.  I can't believe in June we will have another little one to love.  What a huge blessing!

RonII is plowing away through school.  We are a little behind, but working daily to get caught up.  He's doing a great job!

So...today is going to be another busy one around here.  Lots to do!

 

 

Terrific Tuesday!

Today is going to be so much better.  After a rotten no good Monday....sick kid is better.  I'm feeling better after some good sleep and I'm going to make this a good day. 

Oh...did I tell ya...my sweet kids sent me flowers yesterday.  A beautiful vase of tulips.  I was having a horrible morning, beaten down emotionally and they lifted me up with sweet words and flowers.    Thanks kids!

So. I'm making today a good day!

 

Just trying to get through this week.

 

 

Just when you think you've got everything under control.....

Your student gets sick during the night.    We will try again tomorrow.

 

What's your game plan for the week?

 

I'm a planner.  I like to see things written down and ticked off my list.   I'm a list girl. :)

~Food for the week~

Sunday:   Chicken divan, garden salad and million dollar pie.  One must have dessert on Sunday. ;)

Monday:  Weight watchers comfort macaroni and beef, salad and rolls.

Tuesday:  Half time chili with fritos, sour cream and cheese. 

Wednesday:  BBQ chicken, baked potato, green beans  and garden salad.

Thursday:  Beef roast, potatoes, carrots, corn and rolls and garden salad.

Friday:  Talipia, baked potato and coleslaw.

Saturday:  Taco soup with the fixins.

Sunday:  Pizza --cheese and pepperoni, salad.

So now...we have food covered for the week.

 

~Laundry and household stuff~

Since we did our shopping Saturday, I stayed home yesterday and worked around the house.  Clean sheets on the beds, clean towels in the bathrooms.  The house dusted and vacuumed.  Bathrooms all wiped down.  I love starting my week with everything in it's place and nice, tidy and most importantly clean.   My OCD is definitely coming out again.

 

~On the school front~

I'm spending several hours this afternoon grading papers, going through notebooks and getting everything caught up for the week ahead.  

I'm making Spanish 1 flash-cards.  Getting things prepped for upcoming test this week.  Making verse cards for Bible class.  Looking at maps for Geography.  Getting him ready for his first big Algebra test.  Relearning matter for Physical Science....gosh I feel like a 9th grader again. ;)

This week I'm going to continue lesson planning through mid-June.   Amber should deliver around mid-June and we will take a break them.   Probably for 2 weeks and hit the books hard again the first of July.

This week will start our tae kwon do program for the year and also our swimming and gym program.  Ron will have tae kwon do classes 3 days a week M-W-F and this swimming and gym T-Th-Saturday.  It's gonna be busy around here.   If the weather stays nice, we would also like to take a walk after lunch for about 30 minutes.    Exercise really helps one focus. 

 

The babies come home today.  They have been away since Wednesday visiting family.    I'm looking forward to seeing Miss Taliyah and my sweet little bundle Isaiah.   It's been quiet around here, but I know the kids enjoyed seeing Jon's family.  It will be nice to have them back.  

We will be seeing Jon off the end of the week...he will be returning to the big sandbox....yuck!  I know the kids can't wait until mid-May to be back together as a family again.    We will miss having them, but plan on enjoying them as long as they are here.

I hope your week will be full of great things.  Enjoy your family and hug those babies. ;)