A little ad goes a long way

So much for the JC Penny's ad. It was so worth it though, for the 20 minutes of entertainment it provided.

Image of Today

It's the end of the day, and I didn't have a good "picture of the day." As I sat at the computer, I saw this scene, and thought, well ya know, that does kind of sum it up. Went up to the Woodlands and had lunch with my sister and dropped off her canvas picture for Mother's Day. We roamed around Francesca's, a cute little gift shop, and I got a couple of surprises for some birthday presents. The rest of the stuff on the table surrounding the Francesca's bag - well, that's just a mess. I was gone pretty much all day, and the house just looked pitiful by the evening - stuff everywhere! Laundry on the couch, kitchen a mess, tons of stuff migrated to the kitchen table - completely uncacceptable. So, this evening I did manage to pick up enough that I could sleep easier and not be freaked out by the tornado-like conditions of the house. I'm sure by sharing this information, everyone reading this entry will sleep easier as well, knowing that I didn't leave the place a wreck.

The Ring

I swelled so bad with my pregnancy, I couldn't wear my wedding rings starting around this time last year. Or maybe it was later in the year, I can't quite remember, I was pregnant and losing brain cells. Since giving birth, my hands still have not gone back to my "normal" size (thankfully my feet did!). I finally gave in and had my wedding ring re-sized so I could wear it. I've really missed wearing it!

I couldn't decide how to take the picture of the ring. Here it is on my salt shaker. But almost blends in.

Went outside for the light. Here it is on my crappy, falling down rocking chair. Hmmmm still don't like this angle.

Gave in and took a pic of it on my finger. Taking pictures of jewelry is harder than it looks!

Today's antics

What have we here? Some type of knob thing. And it moves....

Oh wow! This opens! There's stuff in there.

And then it can close again! How cool is this? Mom, why haven't you shown me this toy before?

Reusable

For the first time, I FINALLY remembered to take my reusable bags to the store and actually used them today! Yea me!

Giddyup

Beautiful weather for the annual church picnic. We didn't stay very long after the service and lunch, but long enough to get some pictures (of course).

Ok, so he didn't really RIDE the pony. Just posed for a photo op. Maybe next year. Ok, maybe in two years. Or more.

What are the odds?!

Remember this picture from my post about antique shopping about a month ago?

Doug posing by the...uhhh...interesting lamp.

WELL. Listen to this. Or I guess Read This. On Saturday, Doug and I had a day date (for our anniversary), while Mom watched E back at home. We had lunch at the Ruggles grill in the Village.

Here I am enjoying my sugar free lemonade. Forgot my camera, so forced to use the phone camera. My least favorite kind of camera. Anyway....after lunch we walked around antique shops on Westheimer. And lo and behold what do we see......

THE LAMP!

What are the odds there are two of those lamps in existence? The guy who bought the lamp was actually there, so we were able to ask him about it - and sure enough, he bought it earlier in the month out in Warrenton. Pretty funny huh! It's following us!!!

Bath Time

We're getting squashed!

Inspected the garden today, and I swear these were NOT here yesterday -

Yellow flower thingys on the squash!

How did they get so big overnight?!

And look, several more little buds, so I guess more squash to come.

AND, a second flower on the eggplant. Things are moving along out here!

Four Years

Four years ago today, I married my best friend.....oh bleh, that sounds so hokey!
Let's try again.
Four years ago today, I married the love of my life....hmmm, slightly better, still cheesy sounding.
Well, as cheesy or cliche as it sounds - I am married to my best friend, the love of my life, best daddy to our son, my partner in life....it's been a wild ride, these past four years.

We've dug our way out of credit card debt (and stayed out), bought a house, became dog parents before becoming parents to a real, live human being, traveled to four different countries, found a church that we BOTH like and feel is our home church (if you know us, you know this was a BIG deal for a while), survived job changes, survived two rounds of fertility treatments that didn't work (but doesn't matter since E came along, all in God's timing, on his own!), done multiple home improvement projects.....I know there's more, but those are some big ones that came to mind.

I've learned a lot too - how not to be so critical. Keep requests short and simple. And by all means, don't write too much in an email to his work address - it won't get read. Not saying this in an upset way, just matter of fact, that's how it is. And I'm ok with that, now that I've learned it. Have to say, never had duct tape on my car (or anywhere else in my apartment, etc.) before getting married either. Marriage is full of surprises.

I remember when Doug and I were talking about taking the plunge with fertility procedures, and me saying something like, here we are, on the edge of a cliff, holding hands, ready to jump off in faith - and he responded there was no else he'd rather be holding hands with and jumping. That meant (and means) so much to me. Just a simple comment, but for some reason, for me, loaded with meaning.

So, here are some pictures of our "celebration" for today - we're going to go on a real live date on Saturday, so today was pretty simple......

I love that my hubby still brings me flowers. I think these green thingys were in the bouqets at my wedding. Bouquets. However you spell it.

Cheers for our past four years!

Spike

We bought this shirt with Uncle Dave in mind - maybe E can wear it when we go visit him and go on his boat!

He's worn a bib all day but still that drool gets through...whaddya do.

Just enough out of focus you can't see the peaches on my face!

Another Update on Garden. And, a good lookin' Senior!

Wow, look at how high the tomatoes have gotten!

The eggplant flower doesn't look so good. Not sure if that is what is supposed to happen or not. Hmmmmm.

Future tomatoes!

Why put on your own shoes when it's so easy to put on your husband's boots that are next to the back door already?

This is Tom, the son of a friend of mine. He's a senior in high school - I swear he could model! For some reason I am in really into placing my subjects on the sides of the frame. Guess it's a composition trend for me.

Hi Tom! Can't wait for your mom to see your pictures!