Stone Mountain Fun

(I would love to write more for you today, but I'm not feeling 100%. Just to sit here at the computer and upload these pictures is taking a lot out of me. My body is screaming at me to rest while my mind is racing in all directions of things I need and want to get done. I'm not good at resting. It is so not in my nature, but I'm gonna try and take it easy and actually listen to my body for once.) So for now here are some pictures from our picnic at Stone Mountain yesterday. Hope you enjoy them:

Beach Bags

I so totally have to share this with you guys. I absolutely loved this idea and probably in some capacity will rip this idea off at some point. Rhonda, Lacey's room mom, made beach bags for the teachers' as their end of the year gift. What was so cool about them was she had all the kids pictures sewn onto the outside of it. Then all of the parents were suppose to send in stuff to fill the bags with like flip flops, beach towels, coolers, sunscreen, etc. You get the idea. Here are a couple pictures of what she did:

Working Hard...Landscaping

With all this rain we have had lately, I have definitely used it to my advantage. A few post ago I mention about the landscaping. Well, the front pine island is completely done with the exception that my birdbath finally died. I'm not sure how long we had it but it bit the dust. :( So, that is the only thing we are lacking from it. When everything gets established good and blooms, I just know it is going to look so good.

The other area that I have been working hard on is around our patio and under the stairs. I have designated this my escape area. The more I plant the more excited I become. It looks so good and green. I've gotten the majority of it done, so you can definitely get a feel of what the finished product will look like. Now I just need some chaise lounges, pots, table and chairs, etc.

...and then the garden. I planted some squash, cherry tomatoes and zucchini. I'm not real sure what to do now considering this is the first time we have ever had a garden. I definitely think next year I will plan it out a little better? I bought a bunch of veggie plants not really realizing how big our box was. I know now. Next year I will plan a little better.

Just Playing Around...

Ever since I bought my new camera I've been experimenting with it quite a bit. I've really had a lot of fun taking pictures with it. I will be honest when I say I would rather take pictures of objects than people. I don't know why, but that's just me at least for the time being. Here are just a few of the shots I have taken recently:

This is an orchid Kevin bought me. This is such a special picture for me because when he orginally brought it home it was not blooming at all. Now look at what has happened to it - two beautiful purple blooms. How awesome!

My dirty ole' tennis shoes. I had been working out in the yard one day and just took my shoes off to rinse off my feet. So, I grabbed my camera because I just like the feel of how my shoes looked in the grass.

My morning ritual consists of a cup of coffee and me sitting down to journal. Here is a shot of two of my very favorite things. Well, three if you count the pen.

One of my beautiful day lilies that was blooming in the yard after one of the many rain storms we had. I'm hoping that now school is over with I will be able to sit down and actually paint a picture or two of them.

Back To The New Normal

Now that school is finally over. Now that the parties are done. Now that summer is around the corner, I can hopefully resume my attention back to the blog. For the past few weeks it has literally driven me crazy that I haven't been able to devote the time I need to our blog. Everytime I wanted to sit down at the computer and type something would need my attention. Needless to say the blog would then get pushed all the way down on my list of things to do. Now I can officialy breath and enjoy spending the time I like on my "little project."

As you know I've spent a lot of time talking about Lela and her graduation, the quilts I made for the teachers, etc. But Lacey also had a lot going on here at the end of school as well. Yesterday in her class, she had a Luau Party complete with "hawaiian t-shirts" the class had made. I wasn't able to spend a lot of time at the party because I had a graduation to attend to but while I was there alot of things were happening. Miss Cynthia and Miss Jodi had games set up and down the hallway. There was hunting for treasure, mini golf, ring toss, and more. Talk about fun! Lacey must have been enjoying herself because I was able to sneak out without to many tears being shed.

Graduation

Talk about a day of ups and downs, well that would be me emotionally. I have gone to the top of mountains and then in the next down in the valley. I swear I think I need to be medicated these days, but I will say despite my emotional uncertainty it was a day of excitement. Our Lela officially graduated from Kindergarten and is now headed to first grade. As I heard someone say this morning "Kindergarten today, High school tomorrow." I so believe it! I'm just trying to figure out where in the world the past four years have gone since she started school? I realized that not only is her life changing by entering into first grade, but my life is changing as well. No longer will I have to hear arguing over which way to go to school - Lela's way? or Lacey's way? No longer running from one class party to another and being so stretched thin that I have no idea if I'm either coming or going. So many changes for all of us. But it's all good despite the tears and unknown of what is to come next. Life is a journey and we are about to embark on just another leg of it.

Congratulations, Lela Kaye Daniell

The End Of The School Year Party

was this afternoon. Yeah, I made it with my sanity still somewhat in tack. Can you believe it? I'm so glad to have that behind me and now onto graduation tomorrow. I'm wondering how many tears I'm gonna shed. I honestly can't believe that Lela will be starting first grade in the fall, where in the world has time gone?

We had a lot of fun at the party today giving the teachers their gifts, eating hot dogs and celebrating with cake. Have I told you how cute the cake turned out? I got this lady, Tammy Moore, to make it. She did a fabulous job! I told her what I wanted and well, she did it. Not only was the cake cute but it was delicious, too! I can promise you one thing that won't be last cake we get from her. Now how many more weeks till my birthday?

I'm completely exhausted as I sit here typing. I still have a lot to do before the morning comes. I need to get Lela's graduation gown out and ironed, lay out her dress, wash everyone's hair and oh, yes sleep. Can't wait for to tomorrow, it will be here before you know it.

It Was Costume Day!

Yes, yesterday at dance the girls got their costumes for the upcoming recital. Lacey was beside herself with excitement. We had to have a fitting in the studio and she was told that she could only wear the costume three times - right then, for their pictures and then again at the recital. Well, my child being the child that she is immediately started asking me if she could wear it home in the car? Great! Now for the next few weeks I'm gonna have to hear about her wearing her costume. I will say it is the absolutely cutest costume I've ever seen and I don't have to do any sewing on it. Yeah!!! Those are the best. She is so proud because she gets to wear a flower in her hair and carry a fan. She is going to be a Japanese fan dancer.

Lela's costume on the other hand will require me sewing on it. (Yuck.) Her costume is very pretty. It's a red and black plaid with a red tutu. She is a Scotish dancer. She is not real crazy about it that's for sure. She even has a hat and choker to wear with it. I wish you could she the look on her face when she put the hat on. I could tell this wasn't going to be good, but she keep composed about it. I keep telling her how pretty she looks, but I just don't think she is buying it because she doesn't like it. Oh well, at least I won't have to hear her ask about wearing the costume everyday between now and the recital.

Here is a picture of what the costumes look like:

One Week To Go...

Yes, we have a week to go until Kindergarten graduation. Where has the time gone? I remember just like it was yesterday, that precious little baby girl being placed in my arms and now here she is six years old and graduating from kindergarten. From here on out we are pretty much busy everyday with something. I'll be so glad for it to be over with! I'm ready for a break and I know the girls are too. I can promise you one thing come next week, we are not leaving the house unless it's absolutely necessary. :)

Somedays

it just has to be about you. I took a much needed break today from all the chaos going on. Wendy and I put the girls in lunch bunch and took a trip to Atlantic Station for a little shopping at H&M and then off to lunch. I'm so glad that I blew off what I needed to be doing - i.e. putting the finishes touches on quilt #2, cleaning the house, laundry, planting flowers, working on the end of the year school party, etc. It occurred to me that sometimes you're more productive when you walk away and then come back to what you were doing. (Well, at least that's my hope.) But I will say what a treat to go shopping and have lunch with a dear friend. I can't wait to do it again! Thanks, Wendy!

Creativity

Despite the fact I'm extremely busy these days I'm feeling so creative and that feels awesome. I can honestly say that I haven't felt this way in a long time. It's nice to finally start honoring my creative side again. My photography/writing e-course is really helping me to get in touch with my alter ego. I have a picture that I absolutely have to share with you. I've gotten so many positive comments that I honestly can't believe that I took it. It's a reflection of me in a red gazing ball. The picture has so much meaning to me. The things in my life that I take for granted can be seen as well as the things I love and cherish. It's amazing when you actually open your eyes up to yourself and your life you start to see the world anew.

glowing beauty by julie holland daniell

Mother's Day

I hope everyone had a very relaxing and happy mother's day today. Mine was very pleasant and quiet, that within itself was a gift. Kevin and the girls gave me a K-Cup Carousel Tower to hold all my coffee in this morning as well. I love it! Not to mention Kevin spent the entire afternoon building our raised garden. I'm so excited. This year we are starting a garden; a project for the entire family. The girls are besides themselves with excitement when we talk about it. I don't know exactly how happy they will be when we have to snap beans later on, but hopefully it be something they will remember.

At church this morning, our sermon was entitled The Joy Of Gardening and was based on scripture from John 15:1-8. I know you know it, it's the lesson on The Vine and the Branches. It's one of my favorite lessons in the Bible. In the lesson, Jesus speaks about how God is the gardener and He prunes and cleans us up in order that we might bear more fruit. As a mother, I feel that God has also made me to be a gardener. A gardener in the fact that I'm to nurture, love and care for my children. I'm to prune them by teaching them right from wrong, have compassion for others, using good manners, etc. Being the gardener is not always an easy job because many days you think the work you are doing is not going anywhere, but then one day you will wake up and see the harvest it has produced.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS.

Lacey And Her Muffins With Mom

I got to spend part of my morning with Lacey having Muffins with Mom. She was so excited and proud that I was in class with her. For her Muffins, we had a picnic complete with teeny tiny bugs scattered across picnic blankets. Lacey was such a good host making me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (which had more jelly than anything), bringing my plate to me and fixing me tea to drink. But before we sat down for our morning picnic we got the pleasure of attending music class with them. Lacey loves to sing, so I was excited that we were going there. She is so animated when she sings with her movements and looks its the most precious thing you have ever seen. Lacey also did a questionnarie like Lela's and as you can imagine they had no two answers alike. Here's what Lacey said about her mommy:

• My mommy is 20 years old.


• She weighs little lbs. and is 3ish ft. tall.


• Her hair is black and her eyes are blue.


• My mom loves to relax by going to sleep and she likes to wear shirts.


• She loves to cook corn.


• Her favorite household chore is to clean the kitchen.


• Her favorite TV show is Grey's Anatomy and her favorite song is Hannah Montana.


• Mommy always tells me to clean up my mess.


• It makes her happy when I clean up my room.


• When my mom shops, she loves to buy sweet milk.


• If she could go on a trip, she would go to Texas and she would take me and my sister and some cups.


• I really love it when my mom cleans up my mess.

I Feel So Bad

because I'm not getting to blog like I want to. There is so much exciting stuff to tell; but this end of the school year "stuff" is keeping me, well, busy to say the least. I woke up this morning with my sinuses bothering me. That's all I need is another sinus infection. I will definitely say this is not how I wanted my Mother's Day weekend to start.

Yesterday, Lela had Muffins with Mom and today Lacey will have her turn with me. Lacey is bouncing off the walls about it. Lela was excited but nothing like her sister. One reason, I'm sure is because Lela has been doing this for 4 years now. She is 'ole pro. My favorite thing they do is the questionnaire. Lela I will say did really well. I can't wait to see what Lacey has to say about me. Here is Lela's questionnaire:

1. How old is your Mom? 37 (correct)
2. Where was she born? i don't know (Atlanta)
3. Her favorite thing to eat? Cinnamon Toast Crunch (we don't even own of this cereal - what she meant to say I later found out was Cinnamon Toast)
4. Her favorite movie? Enchanted (I don't know if I would say that, but it does have Patrick Dempsey in it, so that could pass)
5. What is your Mom's favorite thing to do? Sew (I have many, but again this works)
6. What does your Mom say alot? "Mommie is going to get the spakin' spoon out." (I only use this when things get really bad and honestly I would never use it, but don't tell them)
7. Why do you love her? because she takes me places (yeah, like Target and Rita's)

I'm Done!!

Yesterday only confirmed my suspension that I'm in a much need of a break. I know the girls are there as well. Every morning it gets harder and harder to coax them to get dressed in order to leave for school and every morning I feel myself slowing down. I feel like a car running on fumes! I now understand spring fever because it is running wild through our house. The girls are just as ready as I am to be footloose and fancyfree. I'm so with them.

Lacey asked yesterday while on our way to dance is she could just sit and eat her animal crackers and watch the other little girls dance? Are you kidding? Your dance recital is four weeks away and trust me when I say she needs all the practice she can get. I've discovered that I have to leave the studio and walk next door to the grocery store in order for her to pay attention and actually dance. Have I told you that I spend two hours on Tuesday at the dance studio with the girls? I can promise you that after nine months of doing that that is something I won't be missing anytime soon!!

But despite how I'm feeling at the moment this has been a great school year all in all. Lela is so excited about going to the new school in the fall. I'm excited for her even though as a Mom I worry. The good thing is I can actually see the school from our front porch, so she won't be that far away. I'm looking forward to walking her to/from school with Lacey in tow. Maybe in some ways our life will be a little simpler come August. Smile....

Here We Go...

Yes, I'm stepping out of my little box again. What is it this time? Well, I signed up for an e-course called Unravelling: Ways Of Seeing My Self and today I began the journey. I'm feeling excited and a little fearful as I open myself up to the unknown for the next eight weeks. The course is led by photographer and writer Susannah Conway. It was while reading one of my favorite magazines Artful Blogging, that I became introduced to her. I really found her story very moving and powerful which led me to her blog and ultimately to finding her online course. Wish me luck. I'm taking a deep breath and throwing caution to the wind as I set out on another exciting journey in my life.

One Down And One To Go

Yeah! I just finished one of two quilts for the Kindergarten teachers. I'm so happy! Talk about a sense of accomplishment. It looks so cute! It turned out better than I even anticipated. Hope the teachers think they are as cute as I do. This is definitely taking a lot more time than I thought. Would love to stay and chat, but gotta run I have another quilt to sew.