She is . . .

She is . . . captured by her brother's antics.

She is . . . SILLY!

She is . . . serious as a heart-attack. Committed to the task at hand.

She is . . . a quick study.

She is . . . feisty!

A firecracker.

Noise-maker.

Rump-shaker!

She's a million different things, all wrapped into one.

To think some day I'll get to be her friend.

She is . . . already mine.

The Sincerest Form of Flattery

"Imitation is the sincerest flattery."

-C.C.Colton (1780 -1832)

I'm supposed to be original. I suppose I am much of the time. This time, however, I down-right copied a brilliant young woman, mother of three, who's blog I just love.

Have you guys stalked discovered this darling Darby? What about her sister Erica? Whether I want to find a good recipe or the perfect school-house pendant for my kitchen, one of these two savvy chics can be counted on to deliver!


I unabashedly admit to copying the fabulous kilim rug she put in her family room. It's easy-on-the-eye and the family room got cozy just in time for the cool temps! Wish I could copy her loosely-upholstered sofa and custom curtains. Just lack a little time and a lot of money!

Disclaimer!! Still need to sand the coffee table, wax it and paint the sweet baskets below. Need some umbrellas and a couple of walking sticks for the umbrella stand, but am waiting for the wee-ones to get out of the weaponry-stage!

Mr. Potato Head

House Notes

This sweet house is still a work-in-progress. This house and the people I share it with are among my greatest delights. I love the way sun shines in through the second floor windows. I love the view from my kitchen window. Love, love, love the sound of Ben and Cameron happily trotting down the stairs, one behind the other. We've been working hard in the yard, and it's starting to shape up. It's starting to come together. But we have a looooong ways to go . . .

We've had a couple of plumbing disasters. And a couple of weeks ago we noticed downstairs was seasonably warm. As in the A/C downstairs was cooling to an inside temp of 88. So last week we got a brand new air conditioner and furnace!! I can assure you, I'd much rather have some new furniture, a chandelier and of course there is the looming kitchen remodel that I can't stop thinking about. All in good time, right?

Here's one finished project. My parent's old headboard had some new life breathed into it by the adorable owner and artist of The Collection. I love the way it turned out.

Stay tuned for more . . . There's a sweet old rocking chair in my garage that's going to get a big face lift just in time for Cameron's big girl room. Or maybe I'll set a loftier goal and have it ready for Christmas. Think I'd better go get started . . .

So long, Tagalongs!

Anyone else out there obsessed with Tagalongs & Samoas? Gotta love those Girl Scout cookies, but it's a little hard on a craving when something can only be found for a measly three weeks a year . . .

We have a new-found substitute in our house. The great news is that the Walmart brand wanna-be's are every bit as good as the original. The bad news is that they are every bit as good as the original, and available year-round. To my super-cute skinny jeans hanging in my closet, I may need a vacation from you!

We opened the package last night about eight o'clock. There are five cookies left . . .

Make that four.

All Aglow!!

Did ya'll know we finally have a family picture again? As in, my darling daughter is nearing seventeen months and there isn't a single picture with the five of us {we count Ellie} in existence? I've turned into "that girl". You know, the one who's late, sporting dirty hair clothes, running late, craving coffee ten minutes before dinner . . . I digress . . .

I give you, with much excitement, new family pictures! My darling, darling friend Amy blessed us with this gift. The gift of captured memories, of talent, the gift of simple grace. I will treasure these photos forever . . .

I highly recommend that you scoot on over to check out her new site, Aglow, and promptly book your own shoot with this clever gal. She'll capture your heart with the images caught on her camera.

Sticks and Stones

Coco, Big Daddy and I took the little ones down the river one morning in Ruidoso . . . Where Ben found a stick he especially liked. After throwing some river stones from a toddler-safe distance, Ben decided to test the water . . . Nevermind that we had cautioned him to "be careful by the water or your sneakers will get soaking wet" . . . Ben jumped right in! Feet first, naturally.

The pictures aren't necessarily spectacular, but the fun most definitely was.

Dress Code

A precious divinely-talented friend took photos today {more on that in a future blog post} . . .

She lovingly lent Cameron the pink tutu. The purple driving moccasins are mine.

The style, however, is all Cameron's.

Work. It. Girl.

I scream, you scream.

Because

nothing

beats

ice cream.

See-Saws & Spinners

There was no shortage of fun on this vacation. Ben and Paige made the most of the park . . . First it was spinning, then off to the see-saw. Then back to the spinner again. Thankfully all this occured before lunch, an important detail when dealing with small spinners and their stomachs.

Midland, Ruidoso, then Midland again. Benjamin, Cameron & Paige. Sadie & Tess {two month old King Charles Spaniels}. Deer & a rattlesnake. Paige's birthday party. Nine days of non-stop fun.

More pictures soon. Well, as soon as I get caught up in the laundry room.

Boy Toy

This kid digs airplanes. Kate digs this kid.

Thanks for the cool toy, Kate. He's still taking it to bed every night.

Busted!

Caught him, Sunday, quite literally hanging out in his bedroom window. This was his choice of activity instead of resting, or better yet, napping. THAT BOY OF MINE!!!!! Ya'll, he is fun. He is mischievous. He is fast. These traits combined have convinced me that one day I'll be happily doing the dishes {okay, maybe the happy part is a stretch} at my kitchen sink, gazing out at the pretty pool just in time to see Ben do a cannon ball from his second floor window. First on my agenda as soon as we return from our Ruidoso trip, new no-risk-for-strangulation window treatments. Michele, get ready, I plan to put you to work and wear out your sewing machine.

PS Can you see the fear in his face upon being caught? I LOVE THAT!

Squirrel Hunting

Ellie has long held this post {Squirrel Patrol} in all four of the homes she has lived in. Cameron is giving her a run for her money.