Day 180 [Fry Baby, Fry]

Mmm, mmm good!

My husband, who is not a fan of bone in meat, is golfing this evening.

I took advantage of his absent to make some good ol' down home fried chicken legs!

My 15 year old LOVES these and since I rarely ever make this he was in greasy, fried heaven tonight at dinner.  These were exceptionally delicious! 

Day 179 [Cat Nap]

As I was walking into the dining room late this morning this image outside the window caught my eye.  The neighbor cat fast asleep straddling the fence. 

I quickly grabbed my camera to capture the moment, just in time too.

As I snapped this shot he was just starting to wake up.

Day 178 [Impending Arrival]

Today I celebrated with many in the impending arrival of the newest memeber of the Rosemond family.  It was a joyous occasion.  I enjoyed an afternoon of meeting and speaking with new people.  The Rosemond's are not only great people, but they have great people for friends.  It's always a pleasure to meet them.  Food was a plenty and delicious.  The baby goodies were fantastic!  A new baby boy will be here soon to fill into all those new delectible outfits. 

Congratulations to the Rosemond's for their upcoming arrival.

Day 177 [Dinner Party]

This is what a dinner party with kids looks like.

We were invited to our new friend's house for dinner.

They have two cute little ones.

ages 1 & 4

We are building a lovely friendship with this couple.

It's nice meeting new people and I'm happy to call them our new friends.

Dinner parties with green dinos and all. =)

Day 176 [Moving Along]

Today's picture is nothing special.

I'm doing project 365 as a way to document our daily life.  Somedays I really work on improving my photographic skills....which really are not much at all, but trying new things.  That's what it's all about.  Other days it's nothing more then getting the photo.

Went to a movie tonight with my husband, took this shot on the way home (at 9:10 pm I might add).  This happens to be just as we reached the top of the hill about 2 blocks from our house. 

Nothing exciting, but certainly marks a sight we drive by quite often.

Day 175 [Arcade Smile]

Today he and I took in a movie.

Toy Story 3

LOVED it!

I was hoping to go tomorrow with my 15 year old in tow as the orginal Toy Story came out when he was a year old.  He had Woody and Buzz growing up, two of his favorite toys.

Lots of memories of my son and his love of Toy Story.

Sadly, he would rather wait to see it when it comes out on DVD.

So, the little guy and I went today, just the two of us.

We got to the theater a bit early so I sprung for an arcade game or two.

He chose to play a snow mobile game after I shot down allowing him to play the 'shooting' games.  One look at the 'demo' of a guy's head being blown off was enough for me to say 'No shooting games'.

He really enjoyed the snowmobile game, as it provided seat vibration and air that blew on his face to simulate really riding a snowmobile! 

Arcade games have come a long, long way since my days of pac-man!

Day 174 [Appreciation]

My son came home from school yesterday and told me he got Certificate of Appreciation at school.  He wasn't exactly sure why he got it from this particular staff member as he said he really doesn't know her.  After some research I believe she's the head of the ASB and social activities.

I'm pretty certain that Bailey was given this certificate for his participation in Key Club, which he enjoys very much.

This morning before heading off to school (his last day is on Friday) he dug out the certificate he had stuffed into his back pack the other day. 

I was a bit taken aback when I saw his name on this paper.

As a parent, we take a lot of time, consideration and pride in naming our children, so when you see your child's name spelled wrong...especially on something from the school, it doesn't sit well.

My son's name is Bailey....not Bialy! 

Of course in Bailey style, he chuckled about it and went on his way. 

I, on the other hand, expect a bit more from the school who is educating my child!

Day 173 [Oh Boy!]

Baby shopping.

I have a baby shower to attend this weekend, so today I did a little baby shopping.

Oh how I love sifting through those tiny little clothes, sweet little socks, precious little shoes.

However, I don't want another one of those little people!

At least not one of my very own.

I will look forward to the day the next little person who enters my world comes with the word Grand in front of it!  For that I can wait quite a while, thank you very much!

Day 172 [Line Up]

Yesterday I braved the pits of Hell!

Also known as my 15 year old son's bedroom.

If left to his own devices his room would be a science experiment gone wrong in no time at all.

I do require him to keep his room clean enough for the door to close, not asking a lot am I!? 

I also require removal of garbage and dishes once a week as well as a run through with the vacuum.

His idea of vacuuming and mine are completely different because there was a lot pick up by the cleaner!

My sweet little boy suffers from ADHD and for those of you not educated in the subject, those with ADHD have a very difficult time with organization.  My son is no exception.  We have tried many, many, many different systems since he was 5 years old.  The current system is working pretty well, but inevitably a few misplaced items turns into a few more and then it's overwhelming for the boy to live in and the act of cleaning it is overwhelming.  Usually I go into this room 3-4 times a year to do a "Mom Clean" and I usually have him assist me in the task.  This time I felt a solo run was in need.  I cleaned up and cleared out a lot of stuff/clutter.  He went from two bookcases to one in his room.  Less places to stuff junk! 

What I found most disturbing were the water bottles.  Lined up on the half wall in the hallway are nine of the ELEVEN full bottles of water I was able to create with the abundance of 'empty' water bottles in his room.  New rule effective last night...no more food or drink in his room.  Although we will allow one, ONE water bottle! 

So, I sit here today, having survived the pits of Hell and a happy teenager with a much cleaner and simplified room. 

Day 171 [Celebrating Dads]

Today we celebrate the men who are Fathers.

I have a fantastic Dad!

He's always been there when I need him, even when I don't.  He's been supportive over the years, during the good and the not so good.  Whenever I need an ear I always know I have one to bend on his head. 

I'm definitely Daddy's little girl.

In my early twenties I met a man that shined as bright as my Dad.

Almost 17 years ago I married this wonderful man who graciously and so naturally stepped into the role of Father to my then 4 year old daughter.  She became his own.  15 years ago we had a baby boy of our very own.  He's been an amazing Father to my two children and I could not have created a better person to share in this task called parenting. 

Thanks and love go out to my Dad and my Husband for the unconditional love

and support you have provided throughout the years.

Day 170 [Sun!? What Sun?]

On our way to Starbucks this morning we saw this sign at the intersection.

'Fun'....maybe, 'in the sun'....not today! 

This has been the wettest, dreariest, coldest June I can recall.

It totally sucks! 

I long for a real summer, sunshine, warm weather.  The ability to wear capris, flip flops and sleeveless tops without being cold and wet. 

In any event, the sign gave my husband and I a good chuckle this morning.

Day 169 [Late Night]

This is a sad photo for the day.

It's an 'Oh, crap I don't have a photo for the day!' photo.

I think it sums up our day pretty well though.

After a long week we had a nice and much needed night out.

We visited the newest Zeeks Pizza location that just opened the beginning of the month.

After dinner we stopped at some friend's house for a lovely evening of chatting and adult beverages.

This is the time it was when we got home and headed straight to bed.

That's late for us.  Especially for my husband.  Sad, I know, but when you are pushing 40 (and your spouse is 40) the late nights grow farther and fewer between as well as more difficult to make.

Now, early rising...that we are getting good at!

Day 168 [Coming Up Roses]

In the light of a new day the mood is lifting.

My darling husband brought home these delightful to the eyes and fabulously fragrant roses.

We are content with where this journey called life it taking us, even if it's not the where we want when we want.  All things come to those who wait, so wait we shall.

Blessings to you on this rose filled day.

Day 167 [Burst Bubble]

For six months we have planned, prepared and gotten excited.

Today the bubble burst.

We were ready to bail out of suburbia earlier then we thought we would with the blessing of our 15 year old son.  Today, after weeks of deciding on the place to move to we were ready to secure a new place to live in the city.  Unfortunately the harsh reality of rates that change daily, hidden fees and the desire to live in a luxury setting within a reasonable comfort zone finanacially has caused us to switch gears and stay put for now.  While my husband and I are greatly disappointed in the wait to moving on to a new chapter, we want to be sure a move is for the better and not the worse.   Our son is more then disappointed that he will not be getting the change he was hoping for.  In all honesty, I think it's more the fact that he told everyone he was moving and is fearful they will all think he's a liar. 

I feel badly he has to feel this way, but it's all a part of life.

Not everything goes the way we want all the time.

So suburbia, you are stuck with us for a few more years.

Urban/city living, you have beat us down and for now we are over your games...but we will return stronger and ready to fight!

Day 166 [City Living?]

We took a drive into the city tonight.

We are going back tomorrow to fill out the paperwork for a place in the city!

We are totally excited and ready to get this show on the road!

Barring any unforseen circumstances, we hope to have confirmation by the weekend that we are in.

We are looking at 6 weeks til move and a new chapter in our life.

Stay tuned....

Day 165 [The Middle]

Have you ever seen the show on ABC 'The Middle'?

If so, you know the oldest boy, Axl? 

Well, that's our son. 

The actor who plays Axl, not our son,

but the character potrayed is our son to a tee!

On the show, Axl spends most of his time at home in his boxers. That's it, no shirt just boxers.  Bailey does this a lot.  This is how he came down for dinner tonight.  Now, he did have on a pair of shorts over his boxers, but we informed him he will no longer be welcome at the dinner table sans a shirt. 

Everytime we watch an episode of The Middle my husband and I always end up looking at each other shaking our heads at the similarities between this character and our son.

Day 164 [Fresh Paint]

Friday I took those cans of black spray paint and got busy.

I turned the former too reddish espresso table to a beautiful black table.

I posted it on craigslist Friday night then today I changed my mind and have decided to keep it.

Mainly because we were able to look at the place we are leaning heavily toward moving to and there is room for our table.  Make me happy as I'm loving the look of it in black and all the natural distressing on the table top.

Day 163 [Cat & Mouse]

The kitty loves his toys.

This mouse is by far his favorite.

I tried to get a picture of him carrying it around by the tail...seriously cracks me up when he does that, but I wasn't quick enough.

Do you notice the 'paw' on the right of the mouse, it used to have a matching one on it's left but Roamin chewed that baby off!

*his name, Roamin....he got this because my husband found him roamin' the parking lot at work.

He was in such sorry shape when Michel brought him home 3 years ago...knocking on deaths door.  We were more then happy to nurse him back to health and provide him a good home.

He's definitely my baby...he loves his momma!

Day 162 [Broken Pair]

My favorite everyday earrings.

Tonight, after returning from a few errands, I realized that one of my earrings was missing.

I'm hoping that I will come across it here at home, but I think the likelihood of that is slim to none.

Such a bummer!
*Update...my sweet husband set out on a mission to find my missing earring. He drove to where we ran our errands, re-traced our steps but no earring.  He went upstairs after returning home and FOUND the earring on the floor by his side of the bed.  Must have fallen out when I was changing the sheets before we left.  So the pair has been reunited! =)

Day 161 [Spray Paint]

My project for tomorrow.

A few years ago I spray painted (yes you read that right) our dining room table and chairs from the light maple color they were to what was suppose to be an espresso brown.

I did this because over the years the table top suffered some terrible abuse from the kids' forks, writing utensils, and one particular child's colorful words etched into the table.   I filled the scratches, dings and enlightening words with wood filled, primed and painted.  I figured it couldn't look any worse then it did before I started.  I will say it looked ten times better, but in the end the color was more reddish then I cared for.  I have decided to paint this baby black.

Once I get done with that I will list it on Craig's List hoping for top dollar.  The set is really in great condition, and I love it, but with the upcoming move to a much smaller place we won't need such a large table.  I'm probably going to like the new black that it'll be hard to list it!

Day 160 [A Little Blue]

Feeling a bit blue today.

A combination of crummy weather, horomones and life in general.

I hate when I get to feeling this way =(

I'm hoping for a brighter mood tomorrow....I'll at least try my best to put on a happy face.

Day 159 [The Graduate]

He made it through preschool and will be heading off to Kindergarten in the fall!

The little guy I watch during the day....Boo Hoo!

He's been coming to my house every weekday morning since he was 12 weeks old.

The past 6 years have gone by so fast!

I have had the pleasure to watch him grow, learn and change in those years.

I've been with him through 3 years of preschool.

He really is like one of my own.

So proud of the little graduate tonight!

Day 158 [Goin Bananas]

What do you do when you have a bunch of really ripe bananas?

Make banana bread of course!

I made two loaves and 20 muffins.

I love warm goodness from the oven.

Today I also got my car back.  Last week I mentioned car problems that I was hoping were not going to be too hard on the budget.  The leaky problem turned out to be only one of two issues! =( 

The water pump went out and the drive belt needed to be replaced...to the tune of $1076!

We also have a leak in the rear main seal, hence the very slow oil leak, which will cost an additional $1250!  Since this leak is very slow and has just presented itself, we have decided to wait on that spendy repair.  In any event, I'm happy to have my wheels back!  Makes life a bit easier to get around out here in suburbia.

Day 157 [Eat Your Greens]

Greens!

They're good for you!

Tonight's dinner was a healthy serving of greens by way of a big chicken ceasar salad.

Since I'm not a fan of dressing I had mine dry.

Day 156 [Nine PM]

That's right...it's 9 pm!

June 5th at Nine O'Clock in the evening this is what it looked like out my front window.

We live just south of Seattle WA, I have a friend who lives in San Diego who has made mention a few times over the years how she finds it so odd that it's still daylight out at 9 pm during the summer up here.  By late June, early August the we usually are this daylight until close to 10 pm.

It's great in some respects and not so much in others.

What does it look like out your window at 9 pm on a summer evening?

Day 155 [Cheese!]

Around here we love good cheese!

This one in particular is a favorite for an excellent grilled sandwich.

Applewood smoked cheddar.

It's a spendy cheese, $16.99/lb, so it's an every once in a while cheese for us.

Tonight we grilled bacon, lettuce and cheese sandwiches on some fresh from the bakery roasted garlic artisan bread.  YUMMY!

Day 154 [Zoom Zoom]

I came around the corner of the living to see this set up in the foyer.

Nothing better the racing your hotwheel off a track stabelized by little boy Nike shoes.

I give him points for creativity.

Day 153 [Best Wishes]

My first commissioned piece!

Granted...it was my Dad who commissioned it, but the fact he felt I had the talent to create what he needed made me feel good!

His office pooled together enough money to buy the newlyweds a romantic overnight package at a fancy hotel for a wedding gift.  He requested I create a custom card to include a 'brochure' detailing the overnight trip and a place for the extra money.  I am thrilled with how it turned out.  You can see more of the card at my regular blog.

Day 152 [Coming To A Close]

This is soon to be a thing of the past.

:::sniff, sniff:::

As I'm excited to see the little guy go off to Kindergarten in the fall and for my family to move onto a new chapter in our lives, I'm a bit melancholy about the coming loss of these simple sights in my home.

I'm learning to enjoy and really relish in the simple everyday things of life as they are often so fleeting.

I have two months to relish in the little shoes that grace my foyer everyday, the little voice that greets me every morning, the funny things that sweet face says to make me giggle, the daily hugs and snuggles.

I'm ready to move on, yet I'm going to miss the daily with the little guy.

6 years, he was 12 weeks old when he entered my daily life...it's been a joy to watch him grow into in the little guy he's become, to share in the milestones of his life.