Saturday, August 27, 2011

WELCOME!

Welcome to 50 is Nifty... And Other Urban Myths. I will be documenting my 50th year by posting ONE picture a day for 365 days beginning Friday, August 26, 2011 and ending Friday, August 25, 2012.

If you have any comments, feel free to leave them under this post, on A Simple Life (www.belindafaulkner.blogspot.com), on Facebook or via e-mail (mfaulkner1306@charter.net).

Hold onto your hats, Ladies! I have the feeling this year is going to be the best yet!

Day 234 - April 15, 2012

Day 234 - April 15, 2012
If all goes well, these two will be appearing on The Dating Divas in the future as the featured "Thrift Store Date." But even if that doesn't happen, I still featured them "here!"

Day 233 - April 14, 2012

Day 233 - April 14, 2012
The W.I.L.D. Women Tablescapes Event was great.

I just wish I had let one of those talented ladies "dress" me!

Day 232 - April 13, 2012

Day 232 - April 13, 2012
A sweet friend, Frankie, remembered Roxie LOVES nutcrackers. She left these at my door today. (Easter Nutcrackers... WHO KNEW?) Roxie and I are fighting over them now, but I think there are enough to share!

Day 231 - April 12, 2012

Day 231 - April 12, 2012
It's official. I'll be speaking at the W.I.L.D. Women Tablescapes this coming Saturday. (Women Living Intentionally Daily for Christ!) New outfit... CHECK! New jewelry... CHECK! Comfortable (but very supportive) underwear... CHECK! Forty minutes of W.I.L.D. stories to share... CHECK! Nerve pills... CHECK! (It's going to be a lot of fun!)

Day 230 - April 11, 2012

Day 230 - April 11, 2012
It's April, so that must mean the Easter Flag is flying high at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842). This one still looks pretty from a distance, but up close... Well, not so much. I see a new Easter Flag in my immediate future!

Day 229 - April 10, 2012

Day 229 - April 10, 2012
Although this is called Crowd-Pleasing Taco Salad, the general consensus of my family was, "This is okay, but we like the old one better."

Well, except for Josh. He declared it a "favorite," and even asked for it to be prepared for his birthday dinner in October. I've officially changed the name to Joshua-Pleasing Taco Salad.

Day 228 - April 9, 2012

Day 228 - April 9, 2012
My brave friend, Dee, has been in Tennessee for the last several weeks receiving treatment for cancer. To welcome her home, we decided to "UP" her!

These balloons are just a SMALL percentage of all of her friends and family who have been lifting her "UP" in prayers these past few months. Welcome Home, Dee!

Day 227 - April 8, 2012

Day 227 - April 8, 2012
I love Easter. I love color coordinating all of our clothes. I have to be sneaky about it now. We were all sitting together in church this morning when Roxie looked up and down the aisle. "We all match," she hissed. "We look ridiculous!" Ridiculous or not... I loved it!

Day 226 - April 7, 2012

Day 226 - April 7, 2012
I'm a food preparing procrastinator. I always have been. But for some reason, I started working on Sunday's Easter dishes bright and early SATURDAY morning. I was shocked and dismayed to discover how much stress and pressure are relieved when you actually prepare ahead of time. Why didn't someone tell me about this 40 years ago?

Day 224 - April 5, 2012

Day 224 - April 5, 2012
The only thing better than a Southern thunderstorm with a beautiful single rainbow at the end... is a Southern thunderstorm with a DOUBLE rainbow at the end. Beautiful ending to a beautiful day!

Day 223 - April 4, 2012

Day 223 - April 4, 2012
Okay. I'm a big enough person to admit it. I'm a Pioneer Woman Wannabe. I'm a SEVERE Pioneer Woman Wannabe. It was fun to go to my first book signing and meet Ree. I just wish I had been able to formulate a real word or two. Thankfully, my neck worked because nodding is all the communication I was able to do that evening. (I tend to get a little startstruck!)

Day 222 - April 3, 2012

Day 222 - April 3, 2012
I went down Bev's street today. It has been four months since her home was destroyed by the January 23 tornado. While the neighborhood still looks like this...

Bev's new home is coming along nicely. Her family is going to have a sweet homecoming in a few short weeks.

Day 221 - April 2, 2012

Day 221 - April 2, 2012
Even though I didn't complete my MARCH Paula Deen Recipe Challenge in March, I have every intention of completing March AND April this month. Every intention, indeed!

Day 220 - April 1, 2012

Day 220 - April 1, 2012
Is there anything sweeter than wrestling with a four year-old? Nope. Matthew is not kissing Roxie. He's giving her a big, wet raspberry on her cheek. He's the King of Raspberries!

Day 219 - March 31, 2012

Day 219 - March 31, 2012
After a five-year dry spell of not catching ANY fish EVER, I think we've found our perfect Faulkner Family Fishing Hole. INLAND LAKE! So far, Mike and all three kids have gone three different times and ALWAYS caught something. We've always heard "fishing is fun," but now we believe it!

Day 217 - March 29, 2012

Day 217 - March 29, 2012
Is there any other smell more Southern than honeysuckle on a warm Spring day? I think not!

Day 216 - March 28, 2012

Day 216 - March 28, 2012
Although I'm an "autumn" chick, I am not beyond appreciating the beauty Spring has to offer. Especially, the dogwood tree!

Day 215 - March 27, 2012

Day 215 - March 27, 2012
Roxie was a Vision in Yellow for Scotty's Wrestling Banquet. (See his matching tie!) I think she may get the Award for Most Banquets Attended During a Four-Year High School Career. (I hope a scholarship comes with that distinction.)

Day 214 - March 26, 2012

Day 214 - March 26, 2012
Ever so slowly, but surely, my Exercise Jar is filling up, up, up with quarters. I'm excited because the way things are going, I'll be getting my first massage EVER in the year 2015... unless I can find a smaller mason jar to replace this current Exercise Jar. (Believe me... I'm looking.)

Day 213 - March 25, 2012

Day 213 - March 25, 2012
The only thing that could possibly beat room service breakfast from The Westin is pictured above. Krispy Kreme delivered by Mikie will ALWAYS, ALWAYS beat room service breakfast. ANYWHERE!

Day 212 - March 24, 2012

Day 212 - March 24, 2012
Sometimes you just need to get away for a day or two. So we did. Huntsville may not sound like a fantastic vacation spot, but when you throw in The Faulkner Five, The Westin Hotel, O'Connors Steak and Seafood Restaurant and a special viewing of The Hunger Games at The Monaco Theater... Well, it's a very good vacation destination! Just ask Josh.

Day 211 - March 23, 2012

Day 211 - March 23, 2012
Unbelievable. Brad celebrated his 20th birthday tonight. It's just not right for our first two guys to be 21 and 20. But what really bothers me is the fact our baby is 14... and a Photo Bomber!

Day 210 - March 22, 2012

Day 210 -  March 22, 2012
Spring Break can be EXHAUSTING! We need school to start again so we can get a little rest!

Day 209 - March 21, 2012

Day 209 - March 21, 2012
You may or may not know these things about me. I rarely return library books and rented movies on time. I usually have to run any and all "payments" for school events to the school office some time the day it is due. I ALWAYS miss the first song at church on Sunday mornings. I know. Hard to believe, isn't it? But one thing I'm very good at doing in a timely manner... I read any and all magazines (subscription and junk) the day I receive them. Always have. And when I am finished with the junk ones, I immediately throw them away. I don't know what has come over me, but I am FIVE magazines behind. FIVE. This is unprecedented, Folks. I don't want to alarm anyone, but I'm a little afraid.

Day 208 - March 20, 2012

Day 208 - March 20, 2012
Banana pudding rules at our house. All of the guys love this dessert. After I made my first one (using the Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding recipe), Mike had only one suggestion... More Nilla Wafers. Okay. Rather than a bottom layer and a top layer, I added a middle layer of Nilla Wafers just for my Mikie. To say he was pleased would be an understatement!

Day 207 - March 19, 2012

Day 207 - March 19, 2012
It is my practice to fly a holiday flag for the entire month. Even when the holiday falls in the middle of the month, I keep it flying until the first day of the next month. I don't know if there is a written rule about immediately changing the flag the day after the holiday because no one has formally complained... yet. Until April 1, Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Day 206 - March 18, 2012

Day 206 - March 18, 2012
I decided to make our "twinkle" light tree into the "Get Well Soon" tree. Hopefully, Austin will get the message and start feeling better TODAY!

Day 205 - March 17, 2012

Day 205 - March 17, 2012
Surgery, or no surgery, March 17 is still a major holiday. Liquid diet, or no liquid diet, the food still has to be green. It's tradition, and even though The Boy was a little queasy, he ate his green soup and green Jello like the brave little soldier he is! Love that boy.

Day 204 - March 16, 2012

Day 204 - March 16, 2012
We went straight from Roxie's Basketball Banquet to the hospital with Austin. After a painful day of unexplained stomach pain, the diagnosis was finally appendicitis. He was a trooper, and he had his first ever surgery at age 21 today. I'm just glad they caught it in the early stages. He did very, very well.

Day 203 - March 15, 2012

Day 203 - March 15, 2012
Roxie attended her first High School Basketball Banquet this evening. Her friend, Scotty, was her date. Scotty is all about matching Roxie's outfit. When she wore a dark blue dress to Homecoming a few years ago, he had the perfect tie. Tonight was no different. That's only one of the reasons we like Scotty... He likes to match, and we like someone who likes to match.

Day 202 - March 14, 2012

Day 202 - March 14, 2012
I absolutely adore making pancakes. I don't know why. It's just a lot of fun to me. I've been making the tiny, silver dollar kind for the past few months, but I decided to step up my game a little. These are big, light and fluffy... Mikie's favorite kind. I guess I'll start playing with different flavors next!

Day 201 - March 13, 2012

Day 201 - March 13, 2012
My Mom used to make this when I was growing up, and I loved it. Shepherd's Pie. I don't know why I waited until I was 50 years-old to feed it to my family. It received FIVE STARS which, if you've known The Faulkner Five for two minutes, you know that rarely happens. (Roxie even ate TWO helpings.) Shepherd's Pie... It's a good thing!

Day 200 - March 12, 2012

Day 200 - March 12, 2012
Cam and I start walking at 8:00. Technically, we finish walking around 8:37. However, the Gardendale clock is usually pointing at 9:00 a.m. when I pull out. That would be because after Cam and I walk a couple of miles, we spend a few more minutes solving all the world's problems. You can thank me next time you see me.

Day 199 - March 11, 2012

Day 199 - March 11, 2012
I'm not an ECP (Extreme Coupon Person), but I have my own little stockpile just by doing the Winn Dixie Buy One/Get One Free deals (plus the $5 off of $55 purchase) each and every week. Let's just say, I will always have cereal, Ragu and mac and cheese. Oh. And pickles. You cannot forget the many, many jars of pickles!

Day 198 - March 10, 2012

Day 198 - March 10, 2012
If you've known me two minutes, you know one of my favorite Birmingham places is The Botanical Gardens. I go there several times a year... sometimes alone and sometimes with Mikie. This beautiful Saturday was a perfect day to take a picnic to the Gardens. We weren't the only ones with this idea. We ate our delicious picnic, wandered through the Japanese Gardens and listened to live music provided by a wedding reception. It was a very good day. (And this is a very good picture of my Mikie standing in the bamboo forest. How cute is this guy?)

Day 197 - March 9, 2012

Day 197 - March 9, 2012
I love to walk into a room and find one of the kids reading a non-assigned book. Roxie is finishing up the Hunger Games series in anticipation of the movie opening March 23. The Mountain Dew is a nice touch. This is a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Day 196 - March 8, 2012

Day 196 - March 8, 2012
Roxie and Mikie used to go to the church's Father/Daughter Banquet each and every year. But there's an age limit. And when Roxie became too old to go to the Banquet, she and her Dad decided they didn't want to give up that special evening. Although they usually have their special Father/Daughter Date in February, we had to bump it to March 8 this year. That's okay. As long as we never, ever skip a year, we'll be fine. They enjoyed a nice steak dinner at Firebirds. (Fun fact for you... Roxie is a big steak eater!)

Day 195 - March 7, 2012

Day 195 - March 7, 2012
Since we are going to be on vacation this St. Patrick's Day, I decided to celebrate a little early. I know. It's a box mix and ready-made icing, but I tried to make it special by squeezing the icing out of an icing bag, decorating with tiny mint candies and adding a festive green carnation. (I even put a little St. Patrick's Day bracelet at the base of the cupcake for the recipient of the cupcake to wear on the 17th. See. I thought of absolutely EVERYTHING!)

Day 194 - March 6, 2012

Day 194 - March 6, 2012
Spring has sprung... and since I had my camera ready to go, I decided to snap some shots. It's really getting beautiful, and while I LOVE gray days, the colors popping out right now are something to behold.

Day 193 - March 5, 2012

Day 193 - March 5, 2012
I'm making a baby quilt.

I found a lady who was asking for 8" x 8" squares to be made into baby quilts. She and her friends are sewing them together and sending them to an AIDS orphanage in Africa. I have a lot of work to do, but the deadline is June 12, so I think I can make it. This quilt is going to have two different shades of blue, as well as yellow, white and the patterned squares. This quilt is going to be for a precious little boy.

Day 192 - March 4, 2012

Day 192 - March 4, 2012
You know BLAST is officially over when all the kids come home wearing the same shirt. Don't let these smiles fool you. I told them, "No smiles, no nap!" They all passed out after this phony pic.

Day 191 - March 3, 2012

Day 191 - March 3, 2012
BLAST Weekend! All three of the Faulkner kiddos participated. (Austin is too old to attend, but he's not too old to help!) Even though severe weather cancelled the Friday night activities, the kids were ready to go bright and early Saturday morning. The 9th Grade Girls were Team Tebow during the Derby Car Race... and Roxie was rockin' the look.

Day 190 - March 2, 2012

Day 190 - March 2, 2012
I have a confession to make. Sometimes when I go to Winn-Dixie, they have Buy One Get One Free Lucky Charms Cereal. I always get it because it is Roxie's favorite. However, we save one box for breakfast cereal, and Roxie and I eat all the marshmallows out of the second box while we talk about her day at school. It's a wonderful bonding mother/daughter moment... so don't judge me!

Day 189 - March 1, 2012

Day 189 - March 1, 2012
Ta-Da! The February Paula Deen Recipe Challenge... Sugared-Rose Layer Cake. I guess you know I tweaked it. The original cake was supposed to have two red velvet cake (from scratch) layers and two white cake (from scratch) layers. Each layer was 10". My cake was three layers (white, red, white) and I used 5" rounds. Even with only three layers, I could NOT put the cake plate cover on top. It was too tall. The original recipe used one pound of cream cheese and over a pound of butter. Since I halfed the size, I halfed the recipe, too. Instead of having a few sugared rose petals on the top of the cake, Paula used 95 sugared rose petals ALL OVER THE CAKE. I had other things to do... and I didn't have a host of paid helpers to give me a hand. Thus, the little rose "thingy" on top of the cake. My tweaked cake was delicious and pretty... and it took 21 less hours to make than Paula's!

Day 188 - February 29, 2012

Day 188 - February 29, 2012
Ahhh! Paula Deen's Sugared Rose Petal Three-Layer Cake made from scratch! Wait! You think something is missing? Okay. I still have to add the sugared rose petals. But for the record, Rome wasn't built in a day... and neither was Paul Deen's Sugared Rose Petal Three-Layer Cake! (But so far, it looks pretty good, doesn't it?)

Day 187 - February 28, 2012

Day 187 - February 28, 2012
Is there anything funnier than an almost 70 year-old beagle running, ears flapping in the breeze? I didn't think so either.

Day 186 - February 27, 2012

Day 186 - February 27, 2012
Remember the flag story I told you on Day 173? Well, I have a new one. I walked into Goody's today and they have a little "home" section. These flags cost $32... each! However, they were marked down to $8 each. I HAD to get them. When I got to the register, the girl checking me out said, "Uh, oh." I thought we were going to have a little confrontation. (Again, see Day 173 story.) But she had delightful news. The flags had been marked down further! Only $4 each! I bought $98 worth of flags for $12. Can someone say, "Way to go, Enchanting Belinda!" Thank you. Thank you, very much.

Day 185 - February 26, 2012

Day 185 - February 26, 2012
MamMa turned 91 today. Ninety-one! I'm the oldest of her five grandchildren. She is an excellent grandmother to all five of us... and the spouses we've added over the years. It was an honor to celebrate another year with her!

Day 184 - February 25, 2012

Day 184 - February 25, 2012
The Boy turned 21. He's smiling on the outside... I'm dying on the inside! Happy Birthday to my firstborn! He has been a true joy! (Not perfect... But still, a true joy!)

Day 183 - February 24, 2012

Day 183 - February 24, 2012
I gave Mikie two tickets to the play Wicked as a Christmas gift. And guess what? He invited me! It was a wonderful play. We both said we wouldn't mind seeing it again (and again)!

Day 182 - February 23, 2012

Day 182 - February 23, 2012
The Boy turned 21 today. And since he was in Jacksonville, we grabbed Melia and took a little road trip. As you can see, he was thrilled!

Day 181 - February 22, 2012

Day 181 - February 22, 2012
Tomorrow is The Boy's 21st birthday. Since it is in the middle of the week, he won't be home. He'll be in Jacksonville. (And so will I!) I baked him a Pineapple Angel Food Cake to help him make it until his party on Saturday. (I'm thoughtful like that.)

Day 180 - February 21, 2012

Day 180 - February 21, 2012
Let's see. Saturday we had blue skies and 57 balmy degrees in Tennessee. Sunday we had pea soup fog and 59 degrees. Monday we had two inches of snow and 34 degrees. We're back home in Alabama this beautiful Tuesday. Blue skies and 65 degrees. Want a surprise every day in February? Come live in the south! (We'll probably have an ice storm tomorrow!)

Day 179 - February 20, 2012

Day 179 - February 20, 2012
Did someone order snow? We had just enough snow the night before we left to make everything beautiful.

And the guys didn't look too bad either!

Day 178 - February 19, 2012

Day 178 - February 19, 2012
Sad, but true. The "baby" of our family is officially 14 years-old. I don't know how many birthdays Zac has celebrated in the mountains, but there have been enough in the last 15 years to make it a "tradition."

Day 177 - February 18, 2012

Day 177 - February 18, 2012
Can anything beat Carribean Pancakes (bananas, cocount and powdered sugar) with a side of bacon in the mountains? I didn't think so. Pancake Pantry is a favorite!

Day 176 - February 17, 2012

Day 176 - February 17, 2012
Nothing says "little cabin in the woods" like a king-size bed, flat screen television mounted on the wall...

And a big ol' jacuzzi!

Day 175 - February 16, 2012

Day 175 - February 16, 2012
Roxie has several friends trying out for the school dance team. She wanted to Ding Dong Ditch (in a nice way, of course), so she made cards and attached Lucky Socks for each of the girls to wear during tryouts. No doubt about it... they are all going to make it!

Day 174 - February 15, 2012

Day 174 - February 15, 2012
Josh and Roxie are the American Idol fans in our home. I only watch the first auditions. They fascinate me. However, for some reason, I am drawn to Hollywood Week this time around. My reality television schedule is FULL. (Survivor, Amazing Race, Dance Moms, 19 Kids and Counting, Swamp People, etc.) I cannot add ONE MORE SHOW to the list... and yet I find myself looking forward to Wednesday night and seeing Ryan, Steven, Jennifer and Randy. I know. It's just too, too much!

Day 173 - February 14, 2012

Day 173 - February 14, 2012
Did I ever tell you the story about my Valentine's Day Flag? I didn't? Okay. Here goes. A few years ago, we were coming home from our Annual Mountain Trip and we stopped at a little store so the kids could buy one last souvenir. I saw this BIG Valentine's Day Flag marked for only $10. Now, if you're a flag person, you know flags can run between $20 to $45, but rarely do you find a full-size flag for $10... much less a cute full-size flag. I grabbed the flag and ran to the front of the store to pay for it. The owner of the establishment took one look at the price tag, shook his head and called an employee from the back of the store. "Did you mark this flag for sale at $10?" he asked, semi-angrily. "Yes," she replied. "I marked all the flags on that rack $10." I turned to run back to the flags to pick up a few more "bargains," but the owner stopped me in my tracks. "Whoa, Ma'am!" And to the poor, about-to-be-fired girl, "What possessed you to do that?" Before she could answer, he turned his attention to me and said, "This was a mistake. I'll sell it to you for $20, even though it is worth $30." Nope. I didn't want a $20 flag. I wanted a $10 flag. "No, thank you. I'll just get one another time," and I turned to leave. "Wait! I'll let you have it for $15." Hmmm. This guy was obviously desperate for a flag sale. But I stood my ground. "I appreciate it, but that's okay." I was almost out the door when he called out his final offer. "Fine. Ten dollars!" SOLD!

Day 172 - February 13, 2012

Day 172 - February 13, 2012
I know it isn't officially Valentine's Day, but The Boy will be in Jacksonville on the 14th. Thus, if we have The Annual Faulkner Five Valentine Banquet, we must celebrate Monday MORNING, February 13. That being said, it was a very nice Banquet... and I only had to get up at 5:15 a.m. to prepare. Easy, breezy!

Day 171 - February 12, 2012

Day 171 - February 12, 2012
Big day today! Lauren's Baby Dedication (she was excellent) AND Mr. Faulkner's 85th Birthday Celebration (he behaved very well, also). So why am I posting a picture of the Lovely Melia and Austin on Lauren and Mr. Faulkner's big day. I just thought it was cute... and it is!

Day 170 - February 11, 2012

Day 170 - February 11, 2012
Roxie and Kelci received gift certificates for acrylic nails as their Dirty Santa gifts at the Volleyball Banquet last fall. They wanted to wait until the end of the basketball season to get their new, gorgeous nails... and today was the day. Pretty fingers equal happy, happy chicks!

Day 169 - February 10, 2012

Day 169 - February 10, 2012
Guess where these happy guys are going? If you guessed the Rascal Flatts concert, you are correct! Melia had this idea several months ago, and tonight these four had a really good time with several thousand other fans.

Day 168 - February 9, 2012

Day 168 - February 9, 2012
It's beginning to look a lot like Valentine's Day around here! Everyone has their own little mailbox, and by February 14, they should all be FULL of candy and notes of love and encouragement. Unless, of course, I get a hankering for chocolate and I empty those little mailboxes. Tampering with mailboxes is only a federal offense if you get caught!

Day 167 - February 8, 2012

Day 167 - February 8, 2012
Will the fascination with Pinterest Crescent Roll recipes ever end? I'm guessing not. As long as there are spreads and toppings out there, the possibilities remain endless!

Day 166 - February 7, 2012

Day 166 - February 7, 2012
Many people may not know this about Miss Roxie, but she is very sentimental. Tonight was the last JV basketball game of her Freshman year... and she was sad. Now, she wasn't going to let everyone know how sad she was. That's not her style. After the game was over, she walked right past me and said, "Let's get to the car... quick." And I obliged. She's an enigma... just like her Mama.

Day 165 - February 6, 2012

Day 165 - February 6, 2012
If you had ever told me one day I would own not one, but TWO, little beagles, I would have laughed at you. If you had told me one day I would love both of those little beagles WAY too much, I would have shook my head and walked away. If you had told me one day I would say to Mikie, "I really, really want to get a rescue basset hound. Please, please. Can we? Can we? Pretty please!" I would have said, "Have you ever even met me!" Mikie did say something similar to that when I posed the question to him a few days ago. "Do I even know you?" Heavy, heavy sigh. I guess not.

Day 164 - February 5, 2012

Day 164 - February 5, 2012
I have pictures from two different events today. Bev and I took a much-needed "sister" shot to fill a Sister picture frame we both own. (Do you like the large arrangement of orange flowers behind our heads? I thought you might!)

And then we had a little thing called a Super Bowl Party later that day! (I'm never taking a picture of The Boy again without the balloon backdrop. It just adds so much!)

Day 163 - February 4, 2012

Day 163 - February 4, 2012
We're having Sunday lunch at Grandmother's tomorrow after church. Actually, it is our annual Breakfast Casserole and Fixins' Meal. This year, I'm in charge of muffins and pancakes. I tried this new recipe (Banana Peanut Butter Muffins). They were good, but a little bland. I think next time, I'll add more peanut butter... more bananas... and definitely some chocolate chips. (Yeah. Lots and lots of chocolate chips!)

Day 162 - February 3, 2012

Day 162 - February 3, 2012
This is not a daily event, but I had a hankering for a PB&H (Peanut Butter and Hamburger) from Mugshots this afternoon. We had not planned on eating out this Friday, but when I mentioned it to Mike, he jumped on board... as did Austin and Josh. (Roxie had other plans.) Throw in Melia and her roommate, Sarah, who happened to be eating at Mugshots that night, too, and you had a big, happy booth.

Day 161 - February 2, 2012

Day 161 - February 2, 2012
You may recall I started an Exercise Jar. Every time I walk or attend a Body Pump class, I put a quarter in the jar. When the jar is filled, Cam and I are going to do something special. She has suggested massages, and I have agreed as long as I don't have to get a massage by myself.

As you can tell, the jar doesn't look much "fuller" from this angle either. I have a feeling I'll really be needing a massage by the time this jar gets filled.

Day 160 - February 1, 2012

Day 160 - February 1, 2012
It's the first day of the LOVE month, so I'm going to start a little prep work for the "Big Day." This is a simple Pinterest idea... so simple even I was able to pull it off. There's more to come, but this will have to do for tonight!

Day 159 - January 31, 2012

Day 159 - January 31, 2012
Today was a "cooking" day. I made gourmet baked hotdogs, a beautiful salad with cranberries, almonds, bacon and cheese, poached eggs,and ham and black-eyed pea cake "Benedict" and a chocolate cherry pound cake which literally melts in your mouth. Literally! I am COOKED OUT! Thank goodness tomorrow night is Wednesday Night Pizza Delivery. (I live for Wednesday Night Pizza Delivery. And I am not kidding!)

Day 158 - January 30, 2012

Day 158 - January 30, 2012
If you had ever told me I would be a lover of dogs, I would have shook my head and laughed. I am not an animal person. I am a people person. But then I met two beagles. Copper is goofy, sweet and believe it or not, he's a hugger, too.

And Sparkle... Well, Sparkle is prissy and sweet. She's a very deep thinker. She loves for Mikie to hold her on his shoulder like a baby and snuggle. She is precious. I guess you could say I'm more of an animal person today than I've ever been. And it's all because of two little beagles.

Day 157 - January 29, 2012

Day 157 - January 29, 2012
I have a million goals. Some of them are silly. Some of them don't matter at all. But this goal... Well, this goal is very important. I want to read the Bible through marked with notes and thoughts not once, not twice, but three times. And I want to give each of my children one of my "read through" Bibles when they start their own family. As you might imagine, I've got a lot of reading to do!

Day 156 - January 28, 2012

Day 156 - January 28, 2012
After we helped Bev and family move into their new rental home, I took Roxie down Bev's old street. I guess you have to live in Alabama, but even though hundreds (perhaps thousands) of people are working as hard as they can work, six days after a tornado can actually look worse than the actual day it hit. I think it must be the piles and piles and piles of debris stacked six feet or higher along either side of the road. It's a sad, sad sight, but again, anyone you talk to says the same exact thing... "Our family wasn't harmed. We can replace things and start over, but we couldn't replace our families." It's another one of those things that makes you stop and appreciate the people in your life.

Day 155 - January 27, 2012

Day 155 - January 27, 2012
Roxie enjoys her art class. It's fun. It's relaxing. But if you ask her if "art" is her passion, she would have to tell you, "Nope." Passion or not, I'm glad she enjoys a number of activities. It will make her a more well-rounded person, I think. (She would roll her eyes right about now. Oh. And she would sigh. Really, really loudly. Do I know my chick, or what?)

Day 154 - January 26, 2012

Day 154 - January 26, 2012
When you're a mom, nothing is more exciting than watching your child participate in something they love. I don't care if it is band, choir, basketball, ice hockey, dance, etc. It is thrilling to watch your offspring pursuing their passion. (And to be perfectly honest, it's just a little more thrilling when they win. Oh, yeah!)

Day 153 - January 25, 2012

Day 153 - January 25, 2012
I love Pinterest. So far, I've tried 21 recipes (18 were good), 3 cleaning tips and I've collected ideas for each and every holiday. I'm going to implement at least 5 Valentine's Day ideas this holiday alone! I love new ideas and creative minds... because that is where I get most of my ideas, you see. I'm a "borrower." Always have been. Always will be. Yea, Pinterest!

Day 152 - January 24, 2012

Day 152 - January 24, 2012
This isn't an everyday occurrence in my life, but it occurs WAY too often. Tornadoes tore through our county early Monday morning. Our house was spared, but my sister's home was hit hard. Although it looks "okay" from the front, what you can't see in this photo are the tree limbs poking through all the rooms located in the back of the house... or how the back wall is leaning into the house.

Or the three out of four cars which were destroyed. And yet, we are beyond blessed because Tommy, Bev, Brad, Katie and Zac were not injured. Not even a scratch. And when it's all said and done... that's what matters most!

Day 151 - January 23, 2012

Day 151 - January 23, 2012
I thought the Cake Mix Cookie recipe was the best recipe ever invented. But I was wrong. Add a package of cream cheese to the mix and it makes a great recipe even better. Pure genius!

Day 150 - January 22, 2012

Day 150 - January 22, 2012
Pinterest is definitely part of my daily life. I love all of the new ideas, and I love trying out new recipes.

Baked Hot Dogs turned out to be a hit. Super Bowl Party... Here they come!

Day 149 - January 21, 2012

Day 149 - January 21, 2012
I took Mikie to Whole Foods Market for the first time today... and he loved it. (I knew he would!) I couldn't help but take a few pictures. I know. You're shocked. These are Chayote Squash from Florida... but I'm going to call them Baby Butt Squash. Get it?

Day 148 - January 20, 2012

Day 148 - January 20, 2012
How lucky am I to be married to this sweet, good-lookin' guy for 24 years? I am SO glad I waited for the one God picked out personally just for me!

And if you asked Mikie, I bet he would say, "Ditto!"

Day 147 - January 19, 2012

Day 147 - January 19, 2012
I know. It's a little bland, but in a few days when I do the BIG REVEAL, I think you might be impressed. Or maybe not. But I think I'M going to like it, and that's really all that matters, isn't it? Well, me AND Mikie. I'm thinking 30 or so more pillows and a luxurious dark brown throw. Yeah. That sounds good!

Day 146 - January 18, 2012

Day 146 - January 18, 2012
Tempurpedic, Baby! Expect to see me and Mikie looking 20 years yournger in a few days because we are SO refreshed from our "good night's sleep." (I'd be happy looking 40 again!)

Day 145 - January 17, 2012

Day 145 - January 17, 2012
Can you say Sporty Roxie? How cute is she? Fresh off the basketball court from practice, she comes in, slaps a pink cap on her head and she's ready to be seen out in public again. If only life were this easy for The Enchanting Belinda!

Day 144 - January 16, 2012

Day 144 - January 16, 2012
I think I put a pic of this bowl on my very first Picture-of-the-Day blog... way back when! At that time, I was trying to find two more bowls exactly like it, so all three kids could have their own bowl to take with them when they left home (for good). Well, no luck finding two more bowls, so I guess I'm going to have to keep this for the grandkids. I think they'll like it!

Day 143 - January 15, 2012

Day 143 - January 15, 2012
Technically, Katie turned 18 Saturday, January 14, 2012... but she was a little busy getting manicures, shopping, etc. We celebrated her 18th birthday with ice cream cake on Sunday afternoon. It doesn't seem possible Katie is already 18 (or that Austin is 20, Brad is 19, Josh is 18, Roxie is 15 and Zac is 13), but she is (and they are). And when you get right down to it, "Mom" and "Aunt Belinda" being 50 years-old is pretty mind-boggling, too. This fact has been true the last 20 years... It is much more fun to celebrate THEIR birthdays than my own. (I like their numbers so much better.)

Day 142 - January 14, 2012

Day 142 - January 14, 2012
I know what you're thinking. "There's a lot of food showing up on this picture-of-the-day blog." You're right. There are weeks I cook EVERY day... and then there are weeks we eat a ton of cereal. This is The Pioneer Woman's Spicy Pop Pulled Pork. I actually cooked it Sunday for lunch...

But all of the prep work was done Saturday night. Thus, Spicy Pop Pulled Pork is officially my picture-of-the-day for January 14!

Day 141 - January 13, 2012

Day 141 - January 13, 2012
When things start getting hectic, instead of automatically ordering pizza (which I already do on Wednesday nights), I declare it "Hootenanny Night." I make one giant pancake (and cut it into big squares)...

And I bake a pound of bacon (foil under AND above). If I use the correct paper products, I have to wash one 9" x 13" glass pan and four forks. The plates and cups can be thrown away! And the best part, the foil used under and over the bacon can be tossed as well. Ahhh! I wish every night was "Hootenanny Night!"

Day 140 - January 12, 2012

Day 140 - January 12, 2012
I love this. This is the back of Roxie's basketball backpack, but it could belong to any chick at the high school. They decorate their straps with mismatched bows. She won't wear them in her hair (of course), but I'm happy to still have a remnant of the "little girl" hanging around... fad or not.

Day 139 - January 11, 2012

Day 139 - January 11, 2012
Ahhh. The Christmas Break is officially over. And while I will miss the kiddos (I most definitely will), I don't mind telling you, I'm going to sit down for just a minute or two and enjoy a cup of hot Candy Cane Lane Tea in my snowman mug in a totally quiet house. Heavenly!

Day 138 - January 10, 2012

Day 138 - January 10, 2012
Okay. So this is the sixth time Austin has left for college. And I have to say, I still don't like it, but I don't sit on my bathroom floor and cry for two days now. (I've got it down to four hours. I know. I'm amazing like that!) He's off to finish his Junior year at Jacksonville State. Unbelievable, isn't it? I'll miss him, but I'll see him in four days. He'll survive and maybe, just maybe, I will, too!

Day 137 - January 9, 2012

Day 137 - January 9, 2012
These little bits of goodness are called "Cuties." I've been hearing about them on television commercials, blogs, etc. They are supposedly so easy to peel a toddler can do it! Well, if a toddler can do it, so can The Enchanting Belinda. I bought some very expensive Cuties. I brought them home. I started to peel one. It was very reminiscent of the tangerines I ate when I was a little girl. Easy to peel. No seeds. Just pop it into your mouth. As a matter of fact, it is EXACTLY the same thing as the tangerine of years gone by. They just gave it a new name. CUTIE! Kind of like me. I changed my name from plain ol' Belinda to The Enchanting Belinda a few years back. It does make a difference!

Day 136 - January 8, 2012

Day 136 - January 8, 2012
I know Austin missed his family and Melia while he was away, but all he could talk about were his new cowboy boots. He wanted to take the brand new, NOT broken in cowboy boots with him to tour London, but his Dad and I both thought that would be a very bad idea. He's happy now. He's back home and reunited with his boots. Life is good.

Day 135 - January 7, 2012

Day 135 - January 7, 2012
All right, Matthew. My great-nephew turned 4 years-old. Such a big boy. He loves Mickey Mouse, so his mom, Brandi, had a Disney themed party... and guess who showed up. Our old friend, Mickey. Don't worry. Josh and Roxie didn't knock the 4 year-olds down to have their pics made with the Mouse. They waited patiently... but in the end, they DID have their picture made!

Day 134 - January 6, 2012

Day 134 - January 6, 2012
Austin brought everyone a souvenir which was very sweet. But this is the only thing he bought for himself. The 2012 London Parade T-shirt. While this is a great souvenir, I was hoping he would get something VERY British... like a beautiful wool scarf or an I LOVE London hoody. Everyone is different, and he was happy with the T-shirt. The Boy has simple tastes.

Day 133 - January 5, 2012

Day 133 - January 5, 2012
Austin and I were home alone the day after he arrived home from London. I decided to try my Pinterest Pancake Maker and have a special breakfast... just me and The Boy. Ahhh! It was so pleasant to hear ALL about his trip over a stack of perfect pancakes. But it's pleasant to talk about almost anything over a stack of perfect pancakes, don't you think?

I LOVE Pinterest!

Day 132 - January 4, 2012

Day 132 - January 4, 2012
After EIGHT days in London, The Boy decided to return to the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Oh, how I missed him, but what an adventure he had... and that makes me so happy. He even wants to go overseas again. Maybe to Greece or Italy. I'm all for traveling, so I gave him some very good advice. "Save your money, Babe. And save a lot!"

Day 131 - January 3, 2012

Day 131 - January 3, 2012
Again, no school today, but a game was scheduled for 4:30. The last day of Christmas Break, and Roxie's dribbling the ball down the court. But she didn't mind. History she would have minded (a lot), but basketball... she was more than happy to play!

Day 130 - January 2, 2012

Day 130 - January 2, 2012
It is the Monday after New Year's Day. The kids don't have to go back to school until Wednesday, January 4. But Roxie is up bright and early ready to go... wearing her Lady Rocket Basketball Pullover. It's time to practice, Baby! Christmas Break or not, it's time to practice!

Day 129 - January 1, 2012

Day 129 - January 1, 2012
Happy New Year! A new year... and a new game. I always try to buy the family a new game for Christmas. Bananagrams was recommended by my friend, Ann. We played it for the first time today, and I liked it. And not just because I won "liked it." I really liked it. It's a lot like Scrabble, and since I like words and tiles (and yelling "Bananagrams" when I win), this is going to be played a lot the next year. (Oh. I also LOVE the attractive carrying case!)

Day 128 - December 31, 2011

Day 128 - December 31, 2011
I know it is New Year's Eve, but I think I forgot to mention what Mikie and I gave each other for Christmas. Mikie has problem heels. I found this little product at Bed, Bath & Beyond and I bought it and wrapped it so Mike would have several gifts to open Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, he opened this first. I might as well have given him new underwear. He was very, very unimpressed. When you ask him what he got for Christmas, he will immediately say, "I got heel cream." He will totally forget to mention Wicked tickets. That's right! WICKED TICKETS!

Because when someone asks me what Mikie gave me, I do not immediately say, "A stuffed Angry Bird." No, sir. FIRST, I say, "A Pandora bracelet and a charm." NEXT, I say, "And a cute little stuffed Angry Bird." It's all about presentation!

Day 127 - December 30, 2011

Day 127 - December 30, 2011
It's time to hang the new flag. The Santa Flag came down today and my brand new, never been used before Winter Birdhouse Flag is taking it's place. Isn't it just beautiful? I love all my flags... but especially the new ones!

Day 126 - December 29, 2011

Day 126 - December 29, 2011
Someone forgot to tell my little holly bush at the end of my house that Christmas has come and gone. You can stop looking so festive now!

Day 125 - December 28, 2011

Day 125 - December 28, 2011
This is most definitely NOT a daily event in our lives. Austin flew with the Marching Southerners to London, England today to visit the Queen. Well, to march in the Queen's 60th Jubilee New Year's Day Parade to be more precise. He's never flown. He's never flown overseas. And he's never been gone eight full days without seeing us (or vice versa) before. These are his friends, Brad and Tyler, at the airport. So young. So excited. And I'm so old, but excited for them!

Be still my heart!

Day 124 - December 27, 2011

Day 124 - December 27, 2011
There's no denying it. It was a weird Christmas Break. It was busy. It was here and there. It left little time for our annual Christmas Puzzle. We have decided to try to finish the Christmas Puzzle by January 31. Since I am SO flexible and "go with the flow," it was an easy decision.

Day 123 - December 26, 2011

Day 123 - December 26, 2011
One of my favorite annual traditions is the Day After Christmas Movie we go to together. We also try to go to a new or favorite restaurant before the movie. This year we chose Mugshots. Two out of the Faulkner Five had eaten there before (Austin and Roxie), but the rest of us were in for a new and exciting culinary experience. The best hamburgers EVER! In case you're wondering, this is Roxie's "mugshot." Get it? "Mugshot."

Day 122 - December 25, 2011

Day 122 - December 25, 2011
Christmas Day! The day every amatuer professional-photographer-wanna-be lives for. The day when twinkly lights abound. Everyone fixes their hair and their make-up. Everyone is wearing brand new clothes hand-picked and left by Santa himself. Our family and friends NEVER look better than on Christmas Day! Never! (And a special "Thank you" goes out to Roxie for tossing my brown suede flat in front of Uncle Tommy's face at just the PERFECT moment! You have to love 15 year-olds at Christmas. No. I'm asking. Do you have to love 15 year-olds at Christmas?)

Day 121 - December 24, 2011

Day 121 - December 24, 2011
Finally, Christmas Eve! After lunch with the Faulkners, Christmas Eve Service with The Faulkner Five and Melia's Family, Chinese Chicken Dinner at our house, it was time to exchange a few gifts. The Brothers gave Roxie her pink Polo cap, and Mike and I gave Melia her cap. I think they're planning a trip to the beach this summer.

Day 120 - December 23, 2011

Day 120 - December 23, 2011
I went by Mom's today for a little visit. This is a picture of her tree. It is (and has always been) absolute perfection... from the very tip top to the perfectly placed packages wrapped neatly underneath. It is lovely.

Day 119 - December 22, 2011

Day 119 - December 22, 2011
Austin will be leaving for London three days after Christmas. However, we are not "doing" London until after Christmas. I cannot wrap my mind around two HUGE events like Christmas AND London. It cannot be done. However, I did allow this one item to make it's way into the middle of our Christmas pics. It is a friend's European Man Bag (my name for it). He is going to let Austin take it to London with him. No wallet... no fanny pack... no backpack. The European Man Bag. I love it... and not only because it is borrowed and can be returned, but because it simplifies many of the London questions we will be asking ourselves the day AFTER Christmas. "Where will he carry his passport?" "What will we use as his carry-on?" "He'll need to take extra undies and a toothbrush on the plane with him. Where will it all fit?" The answer to all of these questions and so many more... the European Man Bag!

Day 118 - December 21, 2011

Day 118 - December 21, 2011
New and different inflatables are getting hard to come by this year. I took a picture of this one last year... the only differences in 2011 are the sleeping/unconscious/dead donkey and lamb. People have got to get their inflatable "act" together!

Day 117 - December 20, 2011

Day 117 - December 20, 2011
These are some of my favorite handmade ornaments we hang on the "Family Tree" each year. Josh made this when he was five years-old.

All of the kids made a version of the "Singing Coke Can Angel." Roxie made this one.

And, of course, they kept on making them in elementary school, too. Roxie's missing a tooth in this one. I love them all, and I hope they last as long as I do.

Day 116 - December 19, 2011

Day 116 - December 19, 2011
I left these candy canes on our foyer table to give to anyone who just happened to stop by. Within two days, all the candy canes were gone, but I had not seen anyone "new" in our house. Four out of five of The Faulkner Five obviously steal candy canes... and leave clear candy cane wrappers all over the house for me to pick up and throw away. The morale of this story... If you stop by the house unexpectedly, you will receive a very warm Christmas hug, but no candy cane!

Day 115 - December 18, 2011

Day 115 - December 18, 2011
When everyone else in our house goes to bed, Austin and Josh stay up a little longer and spend some quality brother bonding time playing X-Box or watching movies. I'm all for them staying up until the wee hours together... as long as they KEEP IT DOWN!

Day 114 - December 17, 2011

Day 114 - December 17, 2011
I had two very important events on one single day. First, our 13th Annual Christmas Tea with Carrie, Tonya, Me, Dee, Dawn, LeAnna and Debbie. Thirteen years and 13 different tea rooms. We've only just begun!

And we attended my MamMa's Family Christmas Celebration at Palisades. MamMa is our senior family member and Tyler is the youngest (on my side of the family). It was a very good day!

Day 113 - December 16, 2011

Day 113 - December 16, 2011
Dirty Santa wasn't quite so dirty last night at Mikie's Office Christmas Party. I walked away with a Mini Doughnut Maker... and Roxie couldn't wait to try it out! I don't know if this is going to be a "good thing" for The Faulkner Five over the next few years, but right now, we are lovin' it!

Day 112 - December 15, 2011

Day 112 - December 15, 2011
The Lovely Melia has her very own stack of gifts under our tree, AND her very own Christmas wrapping paper. Everyone knows to STAY AWAY from the "blue snowman paper." Don't worry, Melia. I've got your back!

Day 111 - December 14, 2011

Day 111 - December 14, 2011
I love anything which displays my favorite Christmas word... "JOY"! Don't get me wrong. I like "love" and "hope," too, but if I have to pick a favorite (and you know I do), "JOY" wins every time!

Day 110 - December 13, 2011

Day 110 - December 13, 2011
Shouldn't there be more cards taped to my doorway by now? Hmmm. This is perplexing... and disturbing... and stress-inducing. I'll have to see if there is something I can do to help fix this HUGE problem.

Day 109 - December 12, 2011

Day 109 - December 12, 2011
A tradition continues. When some of these chicks were as young as four and five, we started baking cookies together and caroling. When they hit 14 years of age, we tweaked the tradition a bit. Now they get together all dressed up, enjoy a finger food dinner and head to The Alabama Theater for a Christmas movie and some popcorn. (This could go on FOREVER!) Ragan, Ally, Kendall, Ciara, Roxie, Hannah and Savanna.

Day 108 - December 11, 2011

Day 108 - December 11, 2011
As you can see, the Christmas Puzzle Table is progressing nicely. (Much better than the "Christmas Card Collection.") I don't think we'll have any trouble finishing this puzzle by Christmas Day... especially with school out of the way next week!

Day 107 - December 10, 2011

Day 107 - December 10, 2011
Sometimes I wrap gifts using a theme... all red, camo, a different solid color wrapping for each child, etc., etc. But sometimes I just throw my hands up in the air and wrap with whatever I think is pretty.

That kind of sums up this year's "theme."

Day 106 - December 9, 2011

Day 106 - December 9, 2011
Okay. So Cam and I decided to start an Exercise Jar. (I got the idea from Pinterest... SHOCK!) Everytime we walk or Body Pump, we add a quarter to the jar. In a few weeks (MONTHS), we're going to treat ourselves to a lunch or pedicure or shopping day. It should be fun. Right now, it looks like it will be a LONG WHILE before Cam and I are doing anything "fun" together.

Day 105 - December 8, 2011

Day 105 - December 8, 2011
We attended our FIRST EVER HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL BANQUET! And it was a lot of fun. Fancy dresses. Jim & Nick's. Dirty Santa. Certificates. Volleyball-shaped cookies. As Roxie would say, "High school is just awesome!" (Yes, it is!)

Day 104 - December 7, 2011

Day 104 - December 7, 2011
My angel tree is a work in progress. I added my last little angel to a branch this morning. I love little angels and white lights. It has a very calming effect on me during this busy Christmas season. Very calming, indeed.

Day 103 - December 6, 2011

Day 103 - December 6, 2011
Josh participated in the Christmas Visions Talent Show at the high school. I would never have done this. Not in a million years. Again, my kids have more coordination and guts than I do. When I try to think what traits they might have gotten from me, more often than not, I come up a little blank. I'll keep trying!

Day 102 - December 5, 2011

Day 102 - December 5, 2011
This is another difference between me and Miss Roxie. She can dribble AND run down the court... without falling. This is no small feat. (I have mastered eating cereal and walking to my chair in the den. It only took me 48 years to master this skill without spilling the milk. I think I may have gotten the wrong baby from the hospital, but it's too late now. I'm keeping her!)

Day 101 - December 4, 2011

Day 101 - December 4, 2011
This has become a little tradition. I always take a picture of Austin and the Lovely Melia under our Christmas tree. The red dress was definitely a plus!

Day 100 - December 3, 2011

Day 100 - December 3, 2011
This cannot be a good thing. I mean... it is a good thing. A very good thing. But I fear the adverse effect it will have on my family over the years. This, my friends, is a Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. It is hot... just out of the oven. What is missing? A half gallon of vanilla ice cream and five spoons. That's right. You don't wait for it to cool. You don't wait for someone to cut it into pieces. You just put it in the middle of the table and dig in. I call this picture "Happy in a Skillet!"

Day 99 - December 2, 2011

Day 99 - December 2, 2011
Our annual Family Christmas Movie night. There were 11 of us in attendance, and MOST of us enjoyed The Preacher's Wife. There may not have been enough car chases, shooting and medieval weaponry for some of the guys, but the chicks loved it. You can't beat a young Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. The best music ever! Austin and Grandmother.

Day 98 - December 1, 2011

Day 98 - December 1, 2011
My old Angel Tree bit the dust. It was beyond old, tired and really kind of short. It had to go. And because I'm "tree-lighting" challenged, Mikie bought me my first pre-lit Christmas tree. I... am... in... LOVE! I never knew putting up a Christmas tree could be so easy... and perfectly lit! My angels are going to be so happy on their new tree. I just know it!

Day 97 - November 30, 2011

Day 97 - November 30, 2011
Okay. Okay. Mike and the kids didn't buy into the "all-natural" Christmas tree, so I broke down and added lights... and a tree skirt. And I'll admit it, I feel the need to add ornaments, tree topper and gifts, too. I love a sparkly tree, don't you?

Day 96 - November 29, 2011

Day 96 - November 29, 2011
It's that time of year. The 12 Days of Inflatables has begun on A Simple Life. My friend, Evelyn, called and told me about this RV inflatable with Santa popping out the door every few seconds. Can I just say, I think we already have a winner this year. If you've known me two minutes, you know how much I love RVs. And a RV inflatable... Well, it just goes without saying, I'm a little partial.

Day 95 - November 28, 2011

Day 95 - November 28, 2011
I'm seriously considering just going for the natural look this year. Our tree is full and well-shaped. It's free of bugs and squirrels. It smells good. Why mess up all that with lights and ornaments? (I wonder if the kids would buy this new idea? I'm thinking NOT!)

Day 94 - November 27, 2011

Day 94 - November 27, 2011
Okay. Okay. The Christmas Puzzle Table is officially ready to go. Of course, Austin is usually the one who gets us started, so maybe this weekend. It's a big commitment... but a lot of fun.

Day 93 - November 26, 2011

Day 93 - November 26, 2011
I finally had time to go through all of my Black Friday goodies, and what did I find? Be Enchanted. Some of you may not know why I call myself "The Enchanting Belinda." We played a game one time and you had to pick an adjective you WISHED described you. I am not "enchanting," but I would love to be. Thus, The Enchanting Belinda was born. This bottle of body lotion was supposed to be a gift for someone, but I think we all know who will be using it, don't we?

Day 92 - November 25, 2011

Day 92 - November 25, 2011
I know why they call it Black Friday, but don't you think we should change the name to Glorious Friday or Most Fun Ever Friday or Let's Stay at the Wynfrey Friday? Black Friday doesn't really capture the fun which Bev, Katie, Amy, Monica, Roxie and I had on this particular day... at all!

Day 91 - November 24, 2011

Day 91 - November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving Day... We ate. We played with babies. We visited. And then Roxie took a power nap to get ready for Black Friday at the Wynfrey. She was a very wise chick.

Day 90 - November 23, 2011

Day 90 - November 23, 2011
Thanksgiving Day and Aunt Becky's birthday fell on the same day this year. Roxie asked to prepare her Birthday Cupcake Cake and after checking with Grandma to make sure it was okay, Roxie went to work. She really outdid herself, didn't she? Not counting the baking of the cupcakes, it only took 2 hours and 30 minutes. (And I will have to add, Austin came in and helped with the crow. "We" were getting a little sleepy... and grumpy, so his help was greatly appreciated.)

Day 89 - November 22, 2011

Day 89 - November 22, 2011
My first Christmas card of the season! Aunt Connie did good! Now I only need 74 more to meet my goal. What are you waiting for people? Let's start addressing those envelopes!

Day 88 - November 21, 2011

Day 88 - November 21, 2011
My very crafty friends, Joan and Lauren, were making these beautiful crosses for a Craft Show. I decided I wanted a Christmas cross for my kitchen, and they were happy to oblige. (And just so you know I don't take advantage of a friendship, I paid for it! Well, I'm eventually going to pay for it! Really, Joan, I am!)

From the time Josh was very little (three or four), I would ask, "What is your favorite part of Christmas?" He has always answered, "I love it when we lift the candles high and sing Silent Night." Yeah. That was my one of my favorite parts, too.

Day 87 - November 20, 2011

Day 87 - November 20, 2011
I bought these hats in October. They were in the $1 bin at Target. Can you believe? Only $1 apiece? It was a bargain I couldn't pass up. No one was expecting us to walk into Mom's Thanksgiving Celebration wearing these hats, and we received several different responses. Of course, Roxie was in charge of the "eye rolling into the back of her head" response. MamMa gave us the, "Oh, well," response. Some of the other cousins actually laughed... but no one was willing to have their pictures taken in the Turkey Butt Hat and the Gobbler Hat except for me and Mikie. When you turn 50, you kind of quit caring about the little things. Wearing a Turkey Butt Hat seems small in comparison to a lot of stuff going on in the world, and I don't mind bring some "comic relief" to an event. I don't mind a bit! (NOTE - I have been unable to find the Turkey Butt Hat and Gobbler Hat since our return from Grandmother's. I think Roxie may have thrown them away... or burned them... or perhaps she is saving them to wear for her children one day. Yeah. That'll happen!)

Day 86 - November 19, 2011

Day 86 - November 19, 2011
We've raised her right. Roxie is almost as obnoxious an Auburn fan as her Dad. (He is SO proud!)

Day 85 - November 18, 2011

Day 85 - November 18, 2011
Sweet Sparkle had a little growth removed from her eyelid. Before her surgery, the vet called and asked me if I wanted him to remove some other tiny growths on her body. "Are the growths dangerous?" "Well, no," he replied. "Are the growths causing her discomfort?" "Well, no," he replied, again. "So basically, you want to remove unsightly little growths from my dog. Kind of like puppy plastic surgery. Right?" No answer. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If anyone gets any "improvement" surgery in this household, it's going to be me! Not the 70 year-old beagle. (Even though she is well thought of and very loved.)

Day 84 - November 17, 2011

Day 84 - November 17, 2011
This is most definitely an every day occurrence. I iron... every day... always! After Austin went away to college, he mentioned to me ironing was very relaxing for him. He enjoyed it. It makes perfect sense he told me this after he moved into the dorm. He could have had a VERY relaxing summer at Faulkner Farms. Very relaxing, indeed!

Day 83 - November 16, 2011

Day 83 - November 16, 2011
This isn't an every day occurrence, but I still try to do three or four pages a week. I still love scappin' after all these years.

Day 82 - November 15, 2011

Day 82 - November 15, 2011
Pinterest said to bake potatoes in the crock pot. And I kind of did...

They didn't specify the kind of spud. Sweet potatoes baked in the crock pot are wonderful. I just gave everyone their own "dippin' bowl" of melted butter and brown sugar. So good!

Day 81 - November 14, 2011

Day 81 - November 14, 2011
Happy!

Sad.

Depths of despair. Heavy, heavy sigh!

Day 80 - November 13, 2011

Day 80 - November 13, 2011
Our Fun Fall Rides are ending for the season. There are more leaves on the ground than on the trees, and the colors are beginning to fade. We squeezed in SEVEN Fun Fall Rides this year, and while the Big Gold Van wasn't always full, it was always fun. I think we'll keep this little tradition.

Day 79 - November 12, 2011

Day 79 - November 12, 2011
Josh worked the sound for two plays tonight at the high school. Mike and I attended both plays (20 minutes each), and can I just say as an unbiased mother, the sound was the best part. That's right. I even heard other parents talking about it after the performance. (I know they weren't talking about THEIR kids!)

Day 78 - November 11, 2011

Day 78 - November 11, 2011
Give The Boy a paycheck! That's right. Austin is a "professional" journalist. I know that because he has a check from The Anniston Star. An actual newspaper. Not bad for a college boy!

Day 77 - November 10, 2011

Day 77 - November 10, 2011
This is what I smell like tonight! Sauteed onions and celery... seasonings... broth. I smell delicious. Mom, Bev and I made eight batches of holiday dressing today. We all smell good. The only problem with smelling so divine... I have to cook SOMETHING for dinner. I cannot serve sandwiches or leftovers to my family smelling as delectable as I do right now. It would be torture, I tell you. Sheer torture!

Day 76 - November 9, 2011

Day 76 - November 9, 2011
Do you know what this is? It is the horned melon I told you about from Whole Foods Market. I came THIS CLOSE to buying one yesterday. And while this melon intrigues me, I never thought to look at the price. Are you ready for this? They cost $4.99 EACH! EACH, I tell you. I picked it up... it pricked me... and I put it down. I will buy it, but I will probably wait and use some of my Christmas gift money.

Day 75 - November 8, 2011

Day 75 - November 8, 2011
I was feeling a little crafty the last few days, so I decided to knit a couple of Christmas dish rags. These rags last FOREVER... and they are soothing to make. Not that I need soothing, mind you. I am one of those totally and completely calm chicks. (NOT!) I'll probably have a set of 25 of these Christmas dish rags before Saturday morning. (Let me know if you want one!)

Day 74 - November 7, 2011

Day 74 - November 7, 2011
I'm one of those people who can never find their car keys OR their glasses. (I know. You're shocked, aren't you?) Maybe you can explain to me why I felt compelled to buy new glasses which are practically invisible. Because I can't explain it. I don't know what came over me while I was looking at hundreds of different frames. It makes absolutely no sense... and the next time you see me you probably won't see my new frames because I was unable to find them... ANYWHERE!

Day 73 - November 6, 2011

Day 73 - November 6, 2011
Roxie willingly (NOT) took a picture of me at Christmas Village with the photo op deer. Hey! I wanted proof that I attended... and that it is an annual tradition... and that I can look cute beside a fake reindeer. Yeah! That's the ticket.

Day 72 - November 5, 2011

Day 72 - November 5, 2011
I love ALL Southerners... but I have to admit, this one is my very favorite. (I know the pink glove is a little disconcerting. I thought Austin had washed his white gloves with something red. However, the whole band was wearing them for Breast Cancer Awareness. Another reason I love the Southerners.)

Day 71 - November 4, 2011

Day 71 - November 4, 2011
Roxie calls me a "Tree Stalker." "Where did you get this picture?" she asked. "I saw the tree in a yard, and I pulled over, stood underneath the tree and snapped a couple of pics looking up," I replied. "Did you ask permission?" "Uh. No. There was no one home at the time," I said, getting a little defensive. "You know it's not normal to jump out of your car with a camera and take pictures of a tree or an acorn or a squirrel in someone else's yard, don't you? You realize it is strange?" she continued. "It may be a little strange, but it is harmless," I defended myself. "I hope I didn't get that gene," she mumbled as she walked away. (I'm betting she did!)

Day 70 - November 3, 2011

Day 70 - November 3, 2011
I know you must be tired of all of the foliage pictures... and the pumpkin pictures... and the Fun Fall Ride pictures. And I'm almost finished posting them for this year. Really, I am. But you have to admit, this is a really pretty red leaf, isn't it? I mean, it is stunning! Okay. I'm through for the day.

Day 69 - November 2, 2011

Day 69 - November 2, 2011
We have like the best yard ever! Tank, our neighbor dog, climbed over our fence (and Roxie) for an afternoon of play with Sparkle and Copper. Sparkle was totally unprepared to receive guests Wednesday afternoon, and she didn't do a good job of hiding her displeasure. Copper was excited for a few minutes, but he was soon worn out by all the chasing and running Tank wanted to do. And when Copper and Sparkle finally limped to their water bowl to refresh themselves, they were ANGRY to discover Tank had beat them to it and with just two laps from his huge tongue, he had drained their water. Don't worry. I refilled the bowl (twice), and we eventually put Tank back where he belongs... on his side of the fence.

Day 68 - November 1, 2011

Day 68 - November 1, 2011
Is it just me, or does The Boy look unbelievably natural sitting behind a radio microphone? I know! It's not just me, is it? Austin loves working on a weekly radio show on campus. If I remember correctly, isn't that how two guys named Rick and Bubba got started? On a radio show at JSU? Hmmm.

Day 67 - October 31, 2011

Day 67 - October 31, 2011
Well, this tradition is definitely over. While we still get together for a nice autumn meal, the dressing up/trick-or-treatin' part has become decidedly more low key. Tonight, Zac, Katie and Roxie grabbed some candy from a few neighborhood houses. Zac threw on a basketball jersey. Katie went as a high school Junior. (Katie IS a high school junior.) But Roxie...

She bought a Flapper Girl costume, and by golly, she was going to be a Flapper Girl. You go, Roxie. You hang on to your youth as long as you possibly can! (Because when you're 50, you can't really pull off the Flapper Girl costume any longer. Just saying.)

Day 66 - October 30, 2011

Day 66 - October 30, 2011
I'm so blessed. This is the view from my back door. Ahhh!

Day 65 - October 29, 2011

Day 65 - October 29, 2011
This is what it is all about for Austin. He loves being a Marching Southerner. It's nice when one of your kid's dreams come true.

Day 64 - October 28, 2011

Day 64 - October 28, 2011
I got this idea from The Dating Divas blog. These chicks have husbands and kids, but they noticed they were spending SO much time with the kiddos, they were kind of neglecting the hubbies. They come up with cute, creative, inexpensive ways to let your mate know he/she is still important... even though your time may be stretched a little thin. This was an easy, breezy Halloween idea. Little bats. Little gift bag. Little chocolate. And a note that reads, "Frankly, my Dear... I am batty for you." So easy, and it put a smile on Mikie's face this morning. And that's always a good thing.

Day 63 - October 27, 2011

Day 63 - October 27, 2011
What to be? What to be? Roxie and Kelci had a Costume Party tonight. One problem. Roxie didn't have a costume. Roxie didn't know what she wanted to be for Halloween this year. NO IDEA! I picked Roxie and Kelci up from school, dropped them off at the house, went to exercise class and picked them up again at 4:45. They had to leave for the party at 6:00. We headed to K-Mart. Roxie and Kelci didn't have much luck, and by the time I reached the costume aisle it was time to go. I randomly picked up a Flapper Costume. Roxie said, "Oh. I like that." It was 50 percent off. I liked that. It was the right size. We both liked that. DONE! Easiest costume in the history of Roxie! (Kelci had already picked out her Dorothy costume. All she was missing was ruby red slippers... and her mom took care of that yesterday. Good to go!)

Day 62 - October 26, 2011

Day 62 - October 26, 2011
Two out of three of my kids now have Senior Portraits. That's just not right. Thankfully, two out of three of my kids look really, really good in their Senior Portraits. (I have no doubt Roxie will photograph well when her time comes along. No doubt at all!)

Day 61 - October 25, 2011

Day 61 - October 25, 2011
Roxie KNOWS what she likes and she KNOWS what she doesn't like. However, when you pin her down to describe what she wants for her room in detail, she becomes very vague. So I usually end up buying this and that, and she either accepts it or dismisses it. It's a process, I tell you. If I take her shopping with me, she will inevitably find something she likes better... in a totally different color scheme. That's not good. But we're getting there. Slowly, but surely... we're getting there!

Day 60 - October 24, 2011

Day 60 - October 24, 2011
There's some pressure when you have a CLEAR Fall Cookie Jar. If you keep it "out" September, October, November you have to plan on doing a lot of baking. These are Pumpkin Muffins. They are big, and they fill the Cookie Jar up nicely. However, when these are gone, I think I'm going to bake something inedible... and that will give me a few days off from filling the Cookie Jar again. I'm a genius!

Day 59 - October 23, 2011

Day 59 - October 23, 2011
I can't help it. If I see a pretty leaf, I have to stop what I'm doing and take a picture. It is like a sickness or something. I must stop the car. Get out. And snap a photo of any and all pretty foliage. I think it may be part of my genetic make-up.

Day 58 - October 22, 2011

Day 58 - October 22, 2011
Much to Roxie's chagrin, my Pinterest hobby is turning into gourd crafts which are popping up all over the house. "It's not normal," she says. I cannot wait for her first bridal shower. I think a box of homemade "People Gourds" from Mom might be a huge hit. Much better than a place setting of her good china!

Day 57 - October 21, 2011

Day 57 - October 21, 2011
I still need to "spread the limbs" a little bit, but you can still see how beautiful my fall wreath is... See the glittery pumpkin in the middle? My friends, Joan and Lauren, made this for me last year. I love it, and I love them for making it for me!

Day 56 - October 20, 2011

Day 56 - October 20, 2011
This is a "canoe map." I was willing to try to get to Prudes Creek (2.5 miles away), but then Villefort, France caught my eye. It might take a long weekend, but I think it would definitely be worth it!

Day 55 - October 19, 2011

Day 55 - October 19, 2011
Oh... my... goodness! Look at the colors and shape of this pumpkin. Absolutely beautiful. I must have it. While my pumpkin, Homer, falls under the category "Gourds only a nut would love," this little gem is just too pretty to pass up. I shall name her "Gloria."

Day 54 - October 18, 2011

Day 54 - October 18, 2011
Josh looks like he's in pain, doesn't he? "Does he hate wearing a tux?" Nope. In fact, he loves it. Dressing up is one of his favorite things. He even likes the tight, uncomfortable shiny shoes. "Does he hate to sing?" Nope. Again, one of his favorite things. He looks forward to each and every Choir Concert during the year. "Does he hate his music teacher?" Nope, again. Ms. Hughes is awesome and one of his favorite people. We're just going to have to work on his facial expressions before the Christmas Concert. A lot!

Day 53 - October 17, 2011

Day 53 - October 17, 2011
Is there anything in the world better than a belly rub? No. Really. Is there? Looking at Copper's paw, I might say a mani/pedi is in order, but I know for a fact he doesn't enjoy those as much as the belly rub. It takes so little to make a beagle happy. We could learn a lot from Copper!

Day 52 - October 16, 2011

Day 52 - October 16, 2011
Roxie's first driving lesson with Mom. Nuff said!

Day 51 - October 15, 2011

Day 51 - October 15, 2011
One of my favorite sounds of Fall... the crunch you hear when you walk on leaves and acorns. LOVE that sound!

Day 50 - October 14, 2011

Day 50 - October 14, 2011
This is a sad, sad sight. If I'm taking a picture of a lone suitcase, it means one thing. Mikie has the other one and is away on a business trip. This time, he is in Washington, D.C. so I know he's having a good time. I'm thankful he only has two or three business trips a year... and sometimes I get to go with him. So I'll stop complaining and do something productive while he is gone... like buy new living room furniture. Won't he be surprised!

Day 49 - October 13, 2011

Day 49 - October 13, 2011
Did I ever really think this day would come? That the baby of our family would be old enough to start driving? I guess I live in a constant state of denial. It's a nice place to live. I highly recommend it for all parents of teenagers. Of course, if you ever decide to leave the state, reality will KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF... but that's not the point of today's Picture-of-the-Day. The point of today's Picture-of-the-Day is to warn all the other drivers out there... Roxie's behind the wheel of a car! Be afraid. Be very, very afraid!

Day 48 - October 12, 2011

Day 48 - October 12, 2011
This makes my heart sing. The bluest sky mixed with beautiful green AND red leaves. Every day will get a little more colorful over the next few weeks... and that makes me happy.

Day 47 - October 11, 2011

Day 47 - October 11, 2011
I remember the day I had my first ever "soup in a bread bowl." It was pure genius. A filling, hot meal with little or no clean-up. One spoon and a glass. I loved it. And then I tried a taco salad in a giant baked tortilla bowl. Oh... my... goodness! Will the brilliance of others ever end? I made these mini taco salad bowls myself. Not too shabby! And I'm going to be making cookie bowls which will hold ice cream in the next day or so! I'm telling you now... I am inventing the pretzel fork and spoon. Don't even think about getting a patent on that one!

Day 46 - October 10, 2011

Day 46 - October 10, 2011
I have always LOVED Roxie's hands. Her fingers are long and delicate. When she hugs family or friends, they rest on shoulders, around waists or in the crook of an arm. They are pretty, but they are also strong hands. They dribble basketballs and serve volleyballs and give "high fives" to teammates for a job well done. And last night, they held her new cousin, Lauren. And Lauren's tiny, precious hand held Roxie.

Day 45 - October 9, 2011

Day 45 - October 9, 2011
I know. It looks awful. But this is what Josh asked for... and this is what he got. A FRESH-OUT-OF-THE-OVEN-CREAM-CHEESE POUND CAKE! It was hot, Baby! And then the candles started melting inside the cake. And then we had to pull them out really quick so everyone wouldn't get wax poisoning. And then Josh had to blow out just one melted red candle. But that was okay. He was happy. NOTE - Since the children have insisted on growing up, I still like to use "kiddie" tablecloths, plates and napkins for Mikie, Austin and Josh. It's kind of my little joke. They may be too old for a birthday "theme," but Mom is not too old for Phineas and Ferb. (I didn't buy the Phineas and Ferb whistles and yo-yos. I do have a little dignity left, you know.)

Day 44 - October 8, 2011

Day 44 - October 8, 2011
It was a wonderful night for a birthday cookout. Josh, Katie and several friends roasted hotdogs and ate s'mores to celebrate Josh's 18th birthday. And everyone smelled smokey. I love it when everyone smells smokey!

Day 43 - October 7, 2011

Day 43 - October 7, 2011
New Fall Cookie Jar filled with...

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. Something about this weather makes me want to eat soup and bake, but not necessarily in that order. Even some of my non-pumpkin loving family enjoyed these. They liked the sugar and cinnamon. I liked the nice orange color.

Day 42 - October 6, 2011

Day 42 - October 6, 2011
Basketball practice started today. Two words... Fetal position!

Day 41 - October 5, 2011

Day 41 - October 5, 2011
Don't ask me why, but of all the pumpkins out there in "Pumpkin Land," this is my favorite. It's different. It's edgy. It's the pumpkin you look at once, twice... and maybe one more time because you can't really grasp why someone would purchase this lumpy punkin'. (I think it's like "rooting for the underdog" or "always picking the runt of the litter." Yeah. That's my explanation, and I'm sticking to it!)

Day 40 - October 4, 2011

Day 40 - October 4, 2011
Oh, to be 15 again... or 18! Wait a minute. Was I physically coordinated enough to kick my heels together when I was 15... or 18? I'm thinking the answer is "NO." But it was definitely a more "carefree" time. (Don't worry. There will not be a picture of me tomorrow trying to kick my heels up at age 50. I do have some pride, you know. NOT!)

Day 39 - October 3, 2011

Day 39 - October 3, 2011
Well, on the eve of his 18th birthday, Joshua was inducted into the Tri-M Club. (It's a Music Honor Society.) I almost bought him a new maroon dress shirt since our school colors are maroon and gray, but then I stopped myself. "Why not go a little crazy?" I asked no one in particular. "Let's go with the GRAY shirt." I like it. I like it a lot. Roxie and Josh look great in gray. Me... not so much!

Day 38 - October 2, 2011

Day 38 - October 2, 2011
We went on our FIrst Official Fall Fun Ride this afternoon. We rode ALL the way to Mountain Brook. Since the colors are still ALL green, we decided to walk along the shady running trail and enjoy the beautiful, cool weather. You may be asking yourself why I chose black and white when I am SUCH a color person. Melia was wearing a hot, hot pink t-shirt... and Austin was wearing burnt orange. Nuff said.

Day 37 - October 1, 2011

Day 37 - October 1, 2011
YES! The first day of my favorite month! I put on my new autumnal sweater... and I didn't even break a sweat. Life is good. (Oh. And please note I have on something other than "baby poop" green, which in the past, has been my favorite autumnal color.)

Day 36 - September 30, 2011

Day 36 - September 30, 2011
Two high school students... three years apart. Roxie embraced everything Homecoming this week. Josh picked a few fun things to do. This is their pre-date picture, and I was glad I caught Josh before he left. They clean up SO nice, don't they?

Day 35 - September 29, 2011

Day 35 - September 29, 2011
Really? Really? My Fall magazines are 25 DAYS LATE, and this is what I find in my mailbox this beautiful, cool fall day. I don't think so! If this is someone's idea of a cruel joke... Well, I ain't laughing!

Day 34 - September 28, 2011

Day 34 - September 28, 2011
Pick a decade... any decade! Today the kids had to dress up in a decade costume for Homecoming Week. Thank goodness for old dance costumes. Today was an unbelievably easy day! Tomorrow? Well, we'll just have to wait and see!

Day 33 - September 27, 2011

Day 33 - September 27, 2011
This makes me think of Toomer's Corner in Auburn. Happy memories! But this lovely rolled tree is in our fair city... and this is how the kids end our Homecoming Bonfire... and I am so glad I didn't have to buy toilet paper... or clean this up! Rolling is good when it isn't in your front yard!

Day 32 - September 26, 2011

Day 32 - September 26, 2011
There are two things mothers around the globe fear. Play Dough in carpet AND red glitter. "Mom! I have to make SIX posters by tomorrow morning for Homecoming! Don't worry. I'll clean up everything!" Roxie made this announcement at 8:35 this evening.

Two days later... Well, I'm going to break down and clean it up today. Homecoming week can be a little stressful to say the least. (Oh. The posters looked great. The music room... not so much!)

Day 31 - September 25, 2011

Day 31 - September 25, 2011
Roxie's Birthday. She's 15. and I'm 50. She's in puberty, and I'm in menopause. She's feisty, and I'm too tired to be feisty any longer. She's one of the reasons I wake up every morning, and she's one of the reasons I pass out before my head hits the pillow every night. We're a good pair, and I couldn't be prouder to be her Mom.

Day 30 - September 24, 2011

Day 30 - September 24, 2011
We didn't make it to Austin BEFORE he became a sweaty mess. However, Melia doesn't seem to mind. The JSU football team won, AND the Marching Southerners sounded and looked amazing. It was well worth the trip!

Day 29 - September 23, 2011

Day 29 - September 23, 2011
There's a lot of different plaids in this picture. But no matter. Josh and Brad went to the Josh Turner concert at the Alabama Theater tonight... and a good time was had by all! Brad came back to the house after the concert for a little X-Box Gears play. It was a good, good day!

Day 28 - September 22, 2011

Day 28 - September 22, 2011
Every fall when the acorns start to fall, the Faulkner Five like to play a game we call "Nut Wars."

If you play this game with Josh or Austin, you end up having MANY acorn-sized red spots ALL OVER YOUR BODY.

If you play with Roxie and Mikie... Well, let's just say you will experience little or NO pain if you play with those two!

Day 27 - September 21, 2011

Day 27 - September 21, 2011
There's nothing quite like a boy and his truck, is there?

It had to spend a little time in the shop to have a few small items tweaked, but it's home where it belongs now... And Josh is one happy truck owner!

Day 26 - September 20, 2011

Day 26 - September 20, 2011
Thank goodness this isn't part of my daily life! I've gone two years without having to run to the ER with a panic attack acting like a heart attack. This one had some different symptoms, so off Mikie and I went for a little two hour visit. Hopefully, it will be another two (or twenty) years before I have to go again!

Day 25 - September 19, 2011

Day 25 - September 19, 2011
I needed one more thing to complete my fall dining room table theme. My Suede Fall Leaf Table Runner. Isn't it lovely? Roxie has declared it "too much," but she is only 14 years-old. What does she know about fall embellishments. (On second thought, she may be right... But it's so pretty.) Wait until she sees my massive mum/pumpkin/scarecrow front porch decoration. It's going to be epic! Or in the words of Roxie, "too much!"

Day 24 - September 18, 2011

Day 24 - September 18, 2011
I FINALLY made it to the Birmingham Zoo this beautiful September Sunday. The lion cubs were precious. All five of them. While they were sleeping. And totally nonresponsive. However, Dad did not disappoint. He even licked his giant lips. That's a lot of action for a lion in the middle of the day. I was pretty happy at least one member of the pride "put on a show."

Day 23 - September 17, 2011

Day 23 - September 17, 2011
Thank goodness for high schools that have air conditioning on the weekends. Thank goodness for high schools that have flat screen televisions mounted on the walls outside the gym during Volleyball Tournament. (I wish I could say, "Thank goodness we won," but alas, it was not Auburn's day. Not to worry. We'll get them next week, Mikie. As always, War Eagle!)

Day 22 - September 16, 2011

Day 22 - September 16, 2011
We're attending a Volleyball Tournament this weekend. Roxie is so ladylike... so graceful. She's the picture of poise under pressure...

Or maybe not!

Day 21 - September 15, 2011

Day 21 - September 15, 2011
This is a very sad picture. There are FIVE of these within walking distance from my house. Tree stumps. For some reason, tis the season to cut down trees. I understand if trees are diseased or struck by lightning, but as far as I could tell, these were healthy trees. There ought to be a law, I tell you! Or at least a ruling by the local Neighborhood Association. (OBSERVATION - The same Neighborhood Association that might actually save a few trees would probably not allow me to put a giant penguin inflatable in my yard every Christmas... so I might need to leave well enough alone!)

Day 20 - September 14, 2011

Day 20 - September 14, 2011
It's finally here! The 2011 November/December Faulkner Five Christmas Puzzle. Does it look hard to you? It was between this one and the black background and white snowman puzzle (which I knew we would never finish). Hopefully, this puzzle will not frustrate.

Day 19 - September 13, 2011

Day 19 - September 13, 2011
Sad, but true. Jon and Kate Plus Eight was a huge part of my "weekly" television life over the last few years. I'm going to miss those babies. Kate... not so much.

Day 18 - September 12, 2011

Day 18 - September 12, 2011
What do you do when you can't decide on JUST ONE dessert from Whole Foods Market? You pick five "mini" desserts... and try to make it home without eating all of them.

Day 17 - September 11, 2011

Day 17 - September 11, 2011
We've all seen these before, but this is The Boy's very first Passport. That's right. He didn't receive it by mail on a Sunday, but he did open it when he came home. It was very exciting, I tell you. He gets his very first stamp in a few short months. London... Here he comes!

Day 16 - September 10, 2011

Day 16 - September 10, 2011
It was such a go-to-a-college-football-game kind of day. Roxie and Mikie represented the Faulkner Five at JSU's game in Chattanooga. The day would have been fall perfection but for one, small detail. JSU lost. Roxie and Mike will get over it, but The Boy... That's an entirely different story.

Day 15 - September 9, 2011

Day 15 - September 9, 2011
There was no breeze today, so I had to stretch the flag out on the grass for you to get the full effect. This is our September flag. War Eagle! Nuff said!

Day 14 - September 8, 2011

Day 14 - September 8, 2011
Roxie is my third child, and my only daughter. Austin and I are alike in temperament. (We can be a little moody at times.) Josh and I think alike. (Poor boy.) And Roxie... Well, Roxie and I are very different. She fixes her hair in a different style every day. (I've had the same hairstyle for 30 years now... and that's okay with me.) She applies her make-up with an expert's hand. (I believe less is more, mainly because when I apply more I start to look older and older and older.) She doesn't care for chit-chat. She likes a conversation with substance. (I am the queen of chit-chat. Substance tends to make me think too much.) And those are only some of the things that make us different. Take a look at this picture. Look at that reach. The lean. The "I don't care if I fall, I'm going to hit the ball over the net" stance. I would be the chick who says, "Never mind. I'll just get the next one... if you hit it a little closer to me." Yes. We're very different, but that's okay. "Different" can be good. You can learn from "different." In fact, I find that I learn something "different" almost every day from Miss Roxie.

Day 13 - September 7, 2011

Day 13 - September 7, 2011
Ahhh. The glow of candlelight... in pretty autumn candle holders... makes me SO happy. The cooler weather has me yearning for autumn, even though I know it is still several weeks away. But I'm NOT putting these candle holders away. No, sir! They are here to stay. We may sit around and eat our chili wearing muscle shirts, tube tops and Daisy Dukes because of the 100 degree temps outside... but the candles stay! (You know I'm kidding... right? Fifty year-old Southern Baptist women do NOT wear tube tops and Daisy Dukes. That was a joke. Please tell me you know I was kidding!)

Day 12 - September 6, 2011

Day 12 - September 6, 2011
Still no power. Still rainy. Still cloudy. Still cool (YEA). And to make things totally perfect, my 14 year-old teenage daughter said, "It's time for a Family Nap!" Yes. Now there's a tradition I can really sink my teeth into!

Day 11 - September 5, 2011

Day 11 - September 5, 2011
Power is out! Our evening was spent sitting around a few of these talking and playing games. It was definitely "good bonding time," but as a Mom, I knew it would be short-lived if the power wasn't on by morning. Oh, how well I knew!

Day 10 - September 4, 2011

Day 10 - September 4, 2011
The best thing about going to the Dollar Theater isn't the cost. (Only $5 for the Faulkner Five!) And it isn't the newly upholstered chairs in Theater Number 3. (Although they are very nice.) It isn't watching a good movie with the family either. (Zookeeper was hilarious, by the way.) Nope. The best thing about going to the Dollar Theater is the close proximity to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts AFTER the movie! Yes, sir. That would have to be the BEST thing!

Day 9 - September 3, 2011

Day 9 - September 3, 2011
We are a "blended" family. We'll yell "WAR EAGLE" at the top of our lungs... but we'll do so holding a JSU cup. Lucky for us, both of our teams won this week!

Day 8 - September 2, 2011

Day 8 - September 2, 2011
I'm unveiling my September/October/November place settings today. I know what you're thinking. "Who uses olive green plates?" Just me! But I bought the patterned yellow napkins and polished brass napkin rings to give it a little pop! The only thing I would like better than my olive green plates... would be SQUARE olive green plates. Well, square plates and a big ol' piece of chocolate cake right in the middle of the plates. Yeah. That's the ticket!

Day 7 - September 1, 2011

Day 7 - September 1, 2011
What a good way to start a new month! The JV team won their game tonight... and I got a picture of Roxie's contribution. (Yes... The ball went over the net!) We are getting used to this "high school" thing. It took us a little longer than I thought it would, but we're going to make it after all! (Some of you will get the "Mary Tyler Moore" reference. Alas, some of you are WAY too young!)

Day 6, August 31, 2011

Day 6, August 31, 2011
It has taken me five days to organize and arrange my many birthday cards in this attractive manner.

But, wait! There are more! (This makes me want to start working on my Christmas cards. NOT!)

Day 5 - August 30, 2011

Day 5 - August 30, 2011
Josh has been truck shopping... and I think this is THE one! Not a scratch or dent on it. I am fighting the urge to name it, because I know most people do not name their vehicles. (Long, long pause.) I just can't help myself. Behold! The Big Blue Truck! (I know. I have a knack for naming inanimate objects, don't I? It's a gift, I think.)

Day 4 - August 29, 2011

Day 4 - August 29, 2011
No. Fireworks in the sky above our house is NOT an everyday occurrence. But since we live so close to our local community center, whenever the city has a fireworks display, we kind of make it our own. Not bad for a Monday night, huh?

Day 3 - August 28, 2011

Day 3 - August 28, 2011
No one tells you this, but when you turn 50, you receive a tiara. I know! I was shocked, too. But it makes sense. I mean, if you turn 50, you DESERVE a tiara! Just saying.

Day 2 - August 27, 2011

Day 2 - August 27, 2011
I love having pictures taken by candlelight. Very flattering. That being said, please notice my cool Zebra Cake. Katie, my niece, makes my birthday cake every year... and this year she totally outdid herself. It was a work of art, I tell you. And she went for presentation AND taste. It was delicious! (It was almost worth turning 50!)

Day 1 - August 26, 2011

Day 1 - August 26, 2011
Ahhh! My 50th birthday! What a fun way to start the day! Some of my friends decorated my yard and front porch (and the Big Gold Van) with posters, cards and Diet Dr. Peppers. (They know me very, very well.) I had over 50 cards to start my day... and it was wonderful!