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.