Saturday, August 31, 2013

243. Guard cats



Sweet Ms. Sylvia lives across the street from us.  I love when I her cats are sitting in the window watching the comings and goings of the neighborhood.

Friday, August 30, 2013

242. August's fury




August is a rough month in the garden.  The intensive heat and humidity take a toll on the flowers from spring and early summer.

There are just a few flowers surviving.

Come on fall!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

241. Two things



Today she said she was two things -- a rockstar AND a movie star.  How she loves her dress up time!

And what a fashion statement she makes.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

240. That dog




She is the only dog I've had from puppyhood to old age.  After work, I kicked off my shoes and we rolled in the grass for a bit.

She may pee on the floor but she will always have my heart.

Now You
52 of You - Heart
34/52

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

239. Too late



Another parent night meeting had us at school late.  Julia was red faced and happy to come inside when I checked her out of the after school care.  We came to my office so she could cool down and get her homework finished before the meeting started.

We got home just in time for bath, reading and bedtime.  Ah!  Where does the day go?

Monday, August 26, 2013

238. On the way home



It could be said that I wrestled a gator today.  Apparently, it was either time to gator wrestle or watch that kid run out of the school towards the highway.

The good news is that I'm stronger than he is.  The bad news is that all the places he kicked me are probably going to bruise.

I'm thinking of sending in a request for combat pay.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

237. Foamy


For just a minute, I slowed down and enjoyed a foamy beverage.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

236. Baby love



Baby Autumn was born just a couple of weeks ago.  She is the granddaughter of a good friend (my former assistant principal).  There was a shower of gifts for her today.  She slept until the very end.

What a sweet baby!

This was such a happy day.  About a year ago, Autumn's parents lost a baby when he was born ill and too soon.

I'm so glad that there is such happiness in this family again.

Friday, August 23, 2013

235. Rainy



The rain, oh the rain.  Another tree fell in our neighborhood.  This one on a house.

Maybe the sun will shine the rest of the weekend.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

226. "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back." ~ Irish Proverb



Or better yet, may there at least be a bit of wind.  Sticking with the training plan has been harder in the steamy heat.

Now You
52 of You - Negative Space
32/25

I forgot to post this picture last week.

234. Ignored


Despite that I have not paid good attention to the orchids living on the back porch, they have bloomed and bloomed.

233. Happy, happy, happy



The theme at our school this year is based on Duck Dynasty -- a show I've never watched (I just don't like reality TV).  I love the Happy, Happy, Happy quote  on the t-shirts this year.

After work, I sat outside for a while.  Another storm had just blown through and the weather was cooler and pleasant... for a moment.  I needed the time to sit and think and just listen to the burbling sounds of the fountain.

Now You
52 of You - Water
33/52

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

232. On the other side




On the other side of that building is a plane that is going to take my boy back to school.

I already miss him.

231. Road Closed




Ever have one of those Mondays?

Kids who threaten adults (or anyone) are just not cool. Reminds me of my mantra when we deal with tough kids and not so supportive parents.  They are ours until the end of 5th grade and they are their parents for all the rest of their lives.  

Sunday, August 18, 2013

230. Making wishes


I hope all her wishes come true.  The party was complete and total chaotic fun!

Happy 9th Birthday, Julia.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

229. Birthday wishes



Julia turned 9 today!

Nine things to know about Julia:

1 - She loves pink.
2 - She will sing along to pretty much any song.  Knowing the words is not important.
3 - She is currently a little obsessed with "Teen Beach."
4 - She likes to clean things.  And she can spread her stuff far and wide.
5 - She wakes up talking.  And she goes to sleep talking.
6 - She has the biggest sweet tooth known to man.
7 - She likes to sleep with lots of night lights.
8 - She is very giving.
9 - She can spend hours playing dress up.

Happy Birthday to sweet Julia!

Friday, August 16, 2013

228. Talking about a revolution


Around the sun that is.  46 times and counting.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

227. The August heat



Actually, the heat was tolerable today.  Mili had worked herself up barking in unison with the dog that lives somewhere behind us.

That crazy dog...

On a different note, the discipline referrals have officially started at school.  From toothpaste filled Oreos to climbing on top of the bathroom stall, these kids kept me busy.  Seriously, where do they get their ideas?

Those crazy kids....

If Mili were a kid, I'd probably be getting phone calls about her.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

225. Start


Life is a race to get it all done these days.

Monday, August 12, 2013

224. Mamarazzi



Her first day of dance class and I got busted taking her picture through the window.

Her favorite part of dance?  The jazz part where they danced to beach music.  I think we're going to like Monday afternoons.

223. Last minute




Just before bed time last night for a picture for Sunday.  A quick snap of some flowers the man brought home last week.

A long run.  Cooking a couple of side dishes for the cousin's birthday dinner with family.  A grocery store run.  Visits from family and friends.

A busy Sunday in our world.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

222. Popcorn and a movie


After cleaning house all morning and then going for a run, I took Julia to rent a couple of movies.  We popped popcorn and just chilled out for the evening.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

221. Friday after work



We went to visit some friends after work.  While we sat around talking and laughing on the porch, Dalton helped Julia put together a Lego firetruck.  After 10 minutes or so, Julia left this project in the hands of the physics major.

It was so sweet to watch Julia interact with Dalton.  She loves attention.  And she loves chocolate (as evidenced by the smudge on her face).

Thursday, August 8, 2013

220. Puppy love



Just playing around with a homemade bokeh filter and one of Julia's toys.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

219. First day of 3rd Grade



There were at least 20 conversations about what she was going to wear.  "I'm going to go insane trying to decide," she said.

At the end of the day, I asked what was the best part of the day.  "The whole day," she replied.

Supper was full of talk and laughter with brownies on the side.  So much went right on the very busy day.

I will sleep well tonight.  And so will she.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

218. Miss Personality


Now that we have Julia, Mili has rather taken a backseat to being the queen of attention -- unless she is outside.  When she is outside, she is in total control of the back yard.

Monday, August 5, 2013

217. Wispy



Only when you look under the leaves do you see the purple.  This nondescript plant with Lilliputian flowers doesn't command much attention but when you look... really look, you see the beautiful parts.

Open house was today and it was wonderful getting to see the students.  I've missed them -- especially the ones with purple leaves underneath and Lilliputian flowers.

216. More birthday celebrations




All in all, we celebrated four birthdays this weekend.  August is a big month for birthdays in my circle of friends and in my family.

Sunday, a group of girls met for yoga and Indian food to celebrate one more trip around the sun for Kippy.  Great conversation and great food.  The laughs throughout the evening were just what I needed.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

215. Happy 7th Birthday, Ray



My little muse had his 7th birthday party today.  Seven.  I still can't believe this little boy is growing up so fast!

Ray is such a wonderful and caring kid.  Instead of presents, he asked for donations for a local charity that feeds children.  What a fantastic way to celebrate a birthday!

I hope seven is his best year ever!

214. Neglect




Most of the pencils need sharpening.  And my journal needs some attention.

I have really missed my writing time lately.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

213. A little frazzled



Muggy.  Gill growing, soupy air muggy -- that is what the weather has been lately.

Then there is the beginning of the school year.  Scrambling and rushing and dashing about -- I can't seem to get it all done.

The kids will be returning to school on Wednesday whether we are ready or not.  I just need a few more hours in the day so I can feel ready.