Beauty & The Beast

We got up this morning and had waffles for breakfast.  Mary grabbed my camera & started taking pictures.  We waxed our eyebrows and sat and talked.  Autumn found my old cell phone and was pretending to call someone.

Then she found a camera and was taking a picture of Mary taking a picture of her. LOL.  Maybe she will turn out like me and never go anywhere w/out her camera.

Autumn looks so adorable in this pink dress, but don’t let this cute face fool you.  We had a ROUGH day at church and after church too, b/c she stayed up too late last night and didn’t take a good nap in the afternoon.  Even though she can be a stinker sometimes, I’m so glad she’s mine.

Girl’s Weekend Off

This morning we got up and watched some Disney Channel and then we went over to Mom & Dad’s around 10:30.  They were nice enough to watch Autumn for me so I could go and get my nails done.  She had a BLAST playing in the sandbox.

When I got home, Mary & Christine were over at our house.  They were having a girl’s weekend off.  They were going to go out of town, but a few things came up at the last minute, so they just came and stayed at our house to have a break from regular life and being mom’s and wives.  It was SO MUCH FUN having them here.  They are such incredible women and I look up to them so much and they are a blast to be around.  We went swimming and all got a little sunburnt (except for Autumn, who just got more brown).

We had some fun playing on the barrel.  Dad makes it look so easy to stay on, but it is NOT!  He let Autumn have a try and she did not like it.  I tried it once and fell off the first second I was on it.

Mary tried it too and was able to stay up for about 2 seconds before going into the water.

After all morning outside, Autumn crashed on the couch and took a nice long nap.  I vegged out and watched reruns of America’s Next Top Model.

When Autumn woke up, she went outside to help Dad in the garden.  She helped him pick peas.

And also helped him dig up some red potatoes and put them in the bucket to take in the house so Mom could make creamy peas and potatoes.  It is SOOO good, especially when the veggies are fresh from the garden.

Autumn would NOT let go of these 3 pea pods she had picked, and carried them around w/ her for a good hour or so.  What a funny kid!

She loves being outside and loves nature.  We found this green caterpillar on one of the pea pods and I showed it to her and she wasn’t scared at all.  She kept touching it.

This picture cracks me up!  I had picked some asparagus, and she found it on the counter and was using it to sweep the floor and then she hid it under a blanket so I wouldn’t know she had it.  Then, she was hiding behind it, and then she held it up and I think she looks like the Statue of Liberty (except w/ asparagus instead of a torch).  She can be the queen of the garden for today.

She also “helped” mom shell some peas (when I say help I mean she helped to eat them)!

We were all in the living room talking and laughing and I noticed Autumn wasn’t in there w/ us and it was awfully quiet.  I snuck in the back and caught her red handed trying on some of Christine’s shoes.  I love the guilty look on her face when I caught her.  She wore those high heels around the whole night and alternated between wearing those and some of Mary’s white keds.

Mary & Christine went shopping at the outlet malls and came back w/ pizza and salad from Napoli’s, which is the BEST Italian restaurant.  It’s a little hole in the wall type place, but it’s so dang good.  It’s always a party w/ those 2 around.

Mom had gotten sunburnt and wanted Dad to lotion her legs so they wouldn’t get too dry.  Oh my goodness, Autumn is OBSESSED w/ lotion.  She wanted to have some put on her hands, too, so she could rub some on Mom’s legs.  And then she wanted a turn having lotion put on her legs.  Can you say SPOIELD ROTTEN???

When Mary & Christine got back, I made some semi-healthy cookies.  It is just a box of cake mix (I used devil’s food cake mix) and a 15 oz. can of pumpkin.  I added some chocolate chips just b/c they sounded good.  And of course, I couldn’t bake cookies w/ out my little helper to clean out the mixing bowl for me.  She got it ALL over her face, but she was enjoying it.  I was craving cream cheese frosting, so I made some of that too to put on the cookies (so much for them being semi-healthy).

We watched Nights of Rodanthe (such a tender movie), although I did NOT like the ending.  And then we watched Pride & Prejudice.  I think that Mr. Collins is my favorite, b/c he is so funny and awkward.  My favorite part is when they are eating dinner and he says, “What excellent boiled potatoes.  It’s been many years since I’ve had such an exemplary vegetable.”  That whole dinner scene w/ him is hilarious.  And then when they are at the ball and he asks Miss Elizabeth to dance.  And then when he tries to propose to her…Mary and I were just rolling on the floor from laughing so hard.  By the time the movie got over, it was 12:30, so Autumn & I just spent the night and slept up in Nick’s old room.  It was such a cool night that we opened the windows and got some natural air conditioning.  What an AWESOME day!

Great News

This is my new favorite song. The music is so fun and upbeat. I have to confess that I had to go and google the lyrics b/c I had no idea what some of the words were! This song just fits my mood for today.

I got the best news this morning...Jason wants to give up his parental rights to Autumn. That means he won't have to pay child support anymore, but that's ok b/c that means if anything were to happen to me then he would have no rights to her. That is an answer to prayers and such good news to get, and I thought it was kind of fitting that I get that news from him today...3 years to the day after we got married! Happy Ex-Anniversary to me! :)

It makes me sad for Autumn's sake that some day I will have to tell her that her father didn't want any rights to her, but I'm never going to say bad things about Jason to Autumn. And if she ever wants to see him when she's older, I will make sure she does. It's what is best for Autumn in the long run. It's very bittersweet. Anyways, everyone keep your fingers crossed that all goes well and that it will happen!

Go Girl ~ May

“Kisses, even into the air are beautiful.”

~Drew Barrymore
(Actress and Producer)

I just realized that I forgot to do the Go Girl picture of the month for the month of May.  First of all, I didn’t like the quote for this month…I thought it was kind of dumb.  And secondly, I was busy w/ the move and just found the pictures and frame in a box.  Hopefully the quote for June will be more inspiring to me.  Does anyone else think this quote is kind of lame, or am I just being a stinker this month?  The past few days I’ve felt kind of blah and can’t figure out why.  Hopefully I’ll snap out of it soon!

My Joy In Life

It’s a good thing I’ve got Autumn around to keep me young and active.  If it weren’t for her, I would just come home after work everyday and crash on the couch and watch TV until bedtime.  But, w/ Autumn around she keeps me on my toes.  Every evening when we get home we eat dinner and then she wants to go on a walk to see the baby ducks.  She runs while I speed walk to keep up w/ her.  She’s a fast little runner.

Look at that cute little face!  I’m so lucky that I get to be her Mom and that she’s in my life every single day.  There are times when I get frustrated and feel tired from working full time and being a single mom, but this little smile of hers makes it ALL WORTH IT, and I wouldn’t trade it for the whole world.  Jason has NO IDEA what he is missing out on.

This girl does NOT hold still…not even for one second (unless she is asleep).  She’s turned into quite the little monkey and is always climbing on me, park benches, the couch, etc.  She is in constant motion and it wears me out just watching her.  I can’t believe how big she is getting, either.  She’s only 2 1/2 and she’s already wears clothes that fit most 4 year olds.  She’s going to be big and strong and tall like me.  I just wish I had her beautiful brown skin.  She’s going to get so dark this summer.

Thank You, Aunt Jeri

Tonight after we got home from work/school Dad called and said a package had arrived at their house from Aunt Jeri for Autumn.  We rushed over to see what it was.  It was this ADORABLE dress that Aunt Jeri had made for Autumn, along w/ some cute hair accessories to go with it.

This is a picture of Autumn twirling around the kitchen in it.  She loved it so much she just kept touching the fabric and spinning around while we told her how pretty she looked.

Aunt Jeri is so talented and hand-made the top by crocheting it and then she also made these flowers on it.  The other day I found the blessing dress she made for Autumn, and I am so thankful that she is so talented and is willing to share that amazing talent w/ Autumn & I.  What a fun surprise to get in the mail!

THANK YOU, AUNT JERI!!!

An Attitude Of Gratitude

I can’t even begin to express how thankful I am for generous and giving people that have been put in my life.  My whole house has been furnished by people that have donated furniture to me.  First of all is Maggie, who pretty much furnished my whole house.  She gave me her mother’s couch, loveseat, washer, dryer, computer, book shelves, dishes, silverware, etc.  Last week the Atkinson’s called and asked if I wanted a table and chairs that their mother had bought but only used about 10 times.  It is so nice and I was so thankful to them for thinking of giving it to me.

Here is the dining room table and chairs I found on craigslist.  We had to sand down the top of the table and stained it.  There are still some spots that are weathered, but it looks great.  We moved it into the kitchen.

I got a suggestion from my cousin about some artwork I could put in the dining room.  You can go here for the link.  I think they turned out pretty cute and they were cheap and fun to make.  If I were to do it again though, I would pin the ribbon around the edges instead of gluing them, b/c up close they don’t look so great.

I was going to write a post w/ the title of, “When It Rains, It Pours” b/c I had to spend over $1,000 to get my tooth fixed, I went to go to church on Sunday and my car wouldn’t start b/c the battery was dead, the check engine light came on, and then on the way to work this morning my tire blew and went completely flat, so I had to buy a brand new one!  And it’s scary how expensive it is just to set up things for a new home such as electric, gas, water, etc.  The set up fees are ridiculous and add up so fast.   Anyways, I decided to focus on the positive instead of focusing on all the little things that have gone wrong lately.  Here are some blessings I’ve been given:

• I was able to borrow Nick’s car for Autumn & I to get to church on Sunday
• Dad came over while we were at church and jump started my car
• I have dental insurance
• Even though the tire blew, we were close to work and were able to make it into the parking lot
• One of the techs at work helped me change the tire
• I had to wait for 2 hours at Costco for them to fix the tire, so I went and bought a book called, “Something Blue,” by Emily Giffin and I just sat and read it while eating my caesar salad
• I came home and finished reading it while cozied up in this purple settee from the Atkinson’s while listening to a rainstorm and watching the lightning through the windows

I think of the saying, “Into every life a little rain must fall.”  Well, it’s a good thing that I LOVE rainstorms, and think of all the good that rain does.  I’m thankful for the little trials I have in life, b/c they really are small compared to some of the hardships others go through.  And these little trials help me to remember how truly blessed beyond measure I am and make me thankful for all of the things I’ve been given.

Happy Memorial Day 2009

Today we had a pool party.  The Monzingo’s came over.  We enjoyed swimming and eating and spending time together.

I wanted to get a picture of Autumn & Cora looking so cute sitting together at the little kids picnic table.  I told them to smile and Cora was so cute and put her hands up under her chin.  Autumn just looked away and even after a few seconds of making funny noises to get her to look at me, she wouldn’t…such a little stinker!

No party at the Johnson’s is complete w/out AMAZING food.  We had Ollie North chicken, red potatoes from the garden, corn on the cob, cantaloupe, watermelon, and then cupcakes and mini cheesecakes for dessert.  YUMMY!

After playing outside for a while, Autumn got tired, so it was time for a nap.  I went to take off her swimming suit and she had a screaming and kicking fit.  So, instead of fighting w/ her, I just put her diaper on her on the outside of her swimsuit!

Last year I did a post on Memorial Day w/ an amazing story.  You can go HERE to read it.  I really am so thankful to the men and women who have given their lives for freedom (both patriotic and religious).  I appreciate so much that b/c of their sacrifice I get to enjoy many of the luxuries and freedoms that make America what it is.

Awww…

This morning Autumn came in and woke me up b/c she wanted me to put this outfit on her.  She has one in a smaller size, so I thought it was cute to get one in a size that fits her now.  It’s crazy to me to see how much she has changed in such a short amount of time!

She loves the LOVE bunnies in her room.  She looks so precious in this sailor outfit.

Dad came over to see Autumn after he went to church this morning.  I thought this was so fitting for Memorial Day…he’s wearing his American flag tie and she’s wearing her sailor suit.

She disappeared in her room and then came back out wearing just the top (her pants got a bit of a blowout from a diaper on them) and her pink cowboy boots.  What a look!

After lunch we went to get ready for church, went and got out in the car, and the battery was dead b/c a door wasn’t shut tight.  I tried calling Mom or Curt or Nick, but they were all at church, and Dad was at work.  So I had to wait until Nick got home and I took his car to church.  While we were gone, Dad was able to leave work b/c he was just on back up and he came over and jump started it.  He also left a little bag of swedish fish under Autumn’s pillow!  She is so spoiled rotten.

After church we came home and had dinner and then went for a walk.  There were a LOT of people out fishing around the ponds (it’s a catch and release only pond).  Right as we were walking by, a guy caught a fish and Autumn walked right over to him and wanted to touch the fish.  She’s not afraid at all.

I know this picture is blurry, but it was a fun action shot b/c she was running back and forth non stop chasing the ducks.  She always has a big old smile on her face when she gets to spend time outside.

Good Tears

Tonight I decided to treat myself to some TLC.  I got in bed somewhat early and lotioned my feet and legs, savored one of the chocolates that Jonesy sent me and watched Little Women.  It was on TV, and I forgot what a good movie it is.  I LOVE that Christian Bale plays Laurie, b/c I’ve had a crush on him ever since he was in Newsies.  It’s such a good and clean and wholesome movie.  It’s one of those rare movies that I would feel comfortable watching with my Grandma.  I had forgotten how much I love that movie.

The acting is incredible, the story line is touching, and the take-away messages are uplifting.  I totally had tears streaming down my cheeks more than a few times during the movie.  I just love rediscovering an old classic.  A few of my other favorites (I used to watch them ALL the time in college) are Steel Magnolias, Hope Floats, Sense & Sensibility, Chocolat, and Pride & Prejudice.

What’s one of your favorite movies you’ve forgotten about?

Ikea, Motorcycles, and Purses

Today we lounged around the house for most of the morning.  I am addicted to the TV show Clean House.  Amy called and said she had some more clothes for Autumn & Andrew.  So, Autumn & I got cleaned up and headed over to Ikea to burn some time before we met up w/ Amy.  Autumn did great and we went and got some food upstairs after walking around.  That chocolate almond pie dessert is so delicious.  However, the food court is right near the children’s section and Autumn saw some stuffed animals she wanted, but I told her no and she had a melt down in the Ikea parking lot.  It was NOT PRETTY!  We went over and met up w/ Amy and got bags and bags of clothes.  I can’t even begin to express how thankful I am for Amy and her kindness to us.  Getting clothes from her has been such an incredible blessing.

We stopped at the clinic to see Dad while he was working and had juice, candy, and played w/ toys.  Curt called and said that he and Jesse was over at our house to say hi, so we rushed back home to see them.  Autumn was so proud to show Curt & Jesse her big girl bed in her room.  She was hyper and jumping all over the place.   Curt is so good to Autumn and I am so glad they live so close.

Curt drove up and down the street w/ Autumn standing on the motorcycle, and she loved it.  She thought she was hot stuff.

After they left we went for our nightly walk, but this time little miss diva brought a purse along!  She cracks me up w/ how much she loves shoes, clothes, hair bows, purses, dolls, and everything else that’s girly.

Yummy Things

This morning when we went and picked up Alison, I noticed some new flowers in her flowerbeds.  I liked the bright vibrant orange color of these, but I think my favorites are still the ones w/ the purples tips and white centers.

Tonight for dinner I decided to try a new recipe that we got at Alison’s bridal shower for chicken BBQ pizza.  Y’all, it was SUPER yummy and SUPER easy.  Instead of doing the premade pizza crust, like the recipe calls for I decided to do little individual pizzas on wheat english muffins.  It was scrumptious!

BBQ Chicken Pizza (Teri C.)
2 plum tomatoes, sliced
4 slices turkey bacon, diced
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 favorite BBQ sauce
2 c diced cooked chicken
1 premade pizza crust
1 c shredded cheddar & Monterey jack
1 Tbs snipped fresh parsley or cilantro
1 onion, sliced (optional)

Over med heat add onion, bacon & garlic. Cook & stir until onions are tender & bacon is crispy.  Stir in BBQ sauce, remove from heat.  Stir in chicken & set aside.  Place pizza crust on pan.  Spread chicken mixture over dough.  Arrange tomatoes evenly over top of pizza, sprinkle with cheese.  Bake @ 425 (pre-heat) until crust is golden brown.  About 18-22 minutes.  Remove & let stand for 10 minutes.  Sprinkle w/ parsley.

However, the star of the meal was the corn on the cob.  I don’t have those cool little things you can stick into the end of the corn, so we improvised and used forks.  You would have thought it was Christmas morning the way Autumn lit up when Dad gave her a cob of her own to hold and eat.  I love this picture of the two of them looking at each other out of the corner of their eyes.  I’m so glad that Autumn likes broccoli, asparagus, corn, and pretty much every vegetable.

After dinner we went over to the Atkinson’s and got a table and chairs that they gave to me (pictures to come later).  Then we came home and went on a walk around the ponds and then came home to have a purple cow.  As you can tell from this cute picture, Autumn wasn’t too keen on sharing w/ Dad.  She wanted to eat all of it.  They are so stinkin’ cute together.

Little Things

The past few nights when we get home from daycare/school, Autumn wants to take off her school clothes and put on her Christmas dress.  At first I kept telling her no, but then I realized it doesn’t hurt anything for her to wear it and it makes her so happy.  Dad came over tonight to help me move the craigslist table from the dining room to the kitchen, and Autumn got a ride in the chairs!  She was laughing so hard and having so much fun.  I am so thankful that Dad is so cute w/ her and that he loves her so much.

We went for our nightly walk around the ponds so Autumn could chase the ducks.  I took a picture of this sunset (the picture really does it no justice) and it was GORGEOUS.  That is one thing I love about Texas…the breathtaking sunsets.

I think I’ve created a purple monster, b/c we came home from our walk and I made Autumn a purple cow.  It’s just like a root beer float, except you use grape soda instead of root beer.  She LOVED it and after she ate that big cup of her first purple cow, she wanted another one.  I’m glad she liked it so much, and I thought it was so fitting, b/c she was also wearing a purple outfit.  She’s the cutest little purple monster that I’ve ever seen.