3 Speeding Tickets

In the past month I have now received 3, that's right, 3!!! speeding tickets.  I haven't had any tickets in 6 years.  Now, all of the sudden, the police can't stop chasing me.  I don't think I've significantly changed the way I drive the roads.  I think it is because Oklahoma is in a budget deficit and has to get the money somehow before the end of the year.  Rodolfo has made me promise to be an alert, careful, obedient driver.  I have vowed to do my best (and am considering purchasing a radar detector-- are the legal?)  When we are in the car Georgia now asks me at an interval of about 5 minutes or so, "Mom, are you driving the speed limit?"

Tumbleweeds!!

The tumbleweeds rolled in about two weeks ago.  We've had fun running and swimming through them!

Chandelier Hunting

Been on the look out for lighting for my house.  In the process I have discovered how much I adore chandelier stores!  They are always locally owned, small spaces packed full of shiny, beautiful objects.  When I go into one I feel like I am being transported back to Paris.  Here in Oklahoma City some of my favorites have been Lillian Strickler Lighting, Mockingbird Manor, and two stores on Britton Road, unfortunately I forget their names at the moment.  And then I have discovered two outstandingly gorgeous designers in other states.  In California (now Idaho) is Chandi Design.  And out of New Orleans is Julie Neill.  MY GOODNESS!  Their work is beautiful!  Just thought I'd write down this little love affair I am having right now.  I go to bed dreaming of chandeliers and wake up with them as the first thought in my mind.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Family Resemblance

Here is a photo I recently received in an email from my dad.  I think my grandmother looks so beautiful.  My dad is the little guy with the fuzzy head.  Funny how much he and Anne Charlotte look alike!  Below is Anne Charlotte about a month ago.  I guess like grandfather like granddaughter. :)

Busy weekend

What do people do when they have more than one child?  We've been on the birthday party express for the past 3 weekends.  This past one was no exception with 3 invites, a luau and the children's symphony.  Tonight is ballet and I am too exhausted to budge from my computer.  The great thing about all these activities is that I have had terrific opportunities to take some pictures.  Here are a few of my favs from the weekend.

Extreme Couponing

Good morning!  A very good friend of mine continues to amaze me with the savings she gets from couponing and shopping at homeland.  She has a blog that documents her feats!  I thought I would share it here because it is just amazing.  Check it out:

http://guesshowmuch.wordpress.com/

Happy reading.

love, JoDee

Meet the Bees

 Here we are at the amazing gardens that were created just this year as a place for employees to grow vegetables, flowers and fruit.  We went to "meet the bees" and learn about the beehives they have in the garden.  It was a fascinating experience and I can't wait to get my own beehive!  We are going to put one in the backyard at our new house.

 Here are Georgia and Rodolfo hugging and being silly.

 The beekeeper.  Apparently bees are very docile creatures as long as you respect their space.

 Ah!  Purple flowers and a blue sky.  Two of my favorite colors.

This is a 70 lb. watermelon.  I'm not sure if such a large watermelon would be very tasty but what a grande dame to admire!

Highlights from September 2010

 Mom and Janie with two of the newest additions to the family.  Janie is holding Brileigh Ann and Mom is holding Anne Charlotte.

 Gigi playing beauty salon with Wally.

 He is such a loyal, loving dog.  I couldn't have asked for a better family pet.

 Here is Georgia and Rodolfo at the fair.  We had very few minutes before Disney on Ice began and just snapped some very fast photos.  I wish we had time to really take photos of the fair.  There is always so many great backdrops there.  Maybe next year!

 Me and Georgia girl.  She did not want to take pictures b/c she was ready for the show!

Adorable Anne Charlotte.

10 Things I Love

The weather outside is GORGEOUS.  I've been blissfully happy all day long.  This golden time of year always makes me feel gloriously alive.  Do you like the roses above?  They are "Eden" from the house of Meilland.  I planted these roses in my parents garden in 2001-- 9 years ago!  They are stunning but only bloom once a year.  Do you like the photo below?  It is a field that is down the road.  Isn't the sky magnificent?

Since I'm in such a good mood I've decided to share 10 things (other than friends and family) that make me happy.  Here they are in no specific order:

1.  Garlic simmering in olive oil

2.  Effortlessly smooth pens that make writing and signing a delight

3.  Sunsets in Oklahoma

4. THE LIBRARY

5.  Swimming

6. Hot showers

7. Gardening flowers and vegetables

8.  The sound of an airplane flying high above in the clouds on a lazy summer day

9.  Hammocks

10.  Twinkle lights

Happy Friday everyone.  Hope your weekend is grand!

Hopscotch Kids

Learned about this non-toxic nail polish for children.  Since Georgia adores painting her nails I'm rather attracted to this product and think I will give it a try!!  Thought I'd share with all those out there who have girls that love to "go to the beauty salon" as mine does!  The link is: http://www.hopscotchkids.com/ .

Getting to Know You

We are in the midst of new beginnings.  Georgia started pre-school, we switched preschools and now we are settling in.  I've just upgraded to a Mac and I have to learn all the new buttons.  I am slow and it is frustrating.  I just wanted to hop on and magically, intuitively figure it out.  I've realized that I need to break down and watch a tutorial or two.  And then, the house.  We are still renovating but it is on a rapid downward slope.  The electrical is done, doors have arrived, the kitchen is in and waiting to be installed, the plumber will be done this week, the heating and air will be done early next week.  Inspectors need to be called and then we can begin drywall.  What a fun time but how hectic it is too!  I am considering starting a blog for Clementine Road and if I do I may merge this personal blog with my business one.  I have yet to decide.  If I do I will provide a link.  But for now I will still use this one.  Dinner is calling.  I will write more later.

Bubble blowing in the tub

Okay, Georgia and I are just not ready to give up the pool yet.  I've often thought of swimming ever since the last day passed a week ago.  I guess Georgia has too.  When we were at Target last Monday I told her that she could get one thing from the dollar isle if she sat politely in the cart while I shopped.  When her time came she hunted and hunted looking for the perfect item.  I thought for sure she would end up with another fairy wand, they seemed to have a lot on the shelf.  When she pulled out the above pair of goggles I was pleasantly surprised.  "But Georgia," I said, "remember the pool is closed now until next summer".  She barely blinked when she replied "Not the swimming pool, mom!!  I can wear these in the bathtub".  And that is exactly what she did!  :)

I read about some silly holidays to celebrate with your preschooler.  Besides April fools there is:

National Tell a Joke Day (August 16), Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19), Bathtub Party Day (December 5), National Chocolate Covered Anything Day (December 16), Fruitcake Toss Day (January 3), Backward Day (January 31), National Goof-Off Day (March 22), and Dance Like a Chicken Day (May 14).
 
Talk like a pirate day is very soon and would fit perfectly with Gigi's current fascination with Peter Pan.  We picked up an abbrieviated (down to 127 pages), non-Disney version of Peter Pan on the dollar isle when we purchased the goggles.  I couldn't resist buying it too, although I had told Georia only one item.  We are on the second reading of the book and she can't get enough of it.  It is not like the other books we have read, tidy and pleasant.  This more authentic version of the classic talks about the color of Hook's blood, about Peter's dislike and need for a mother and about crocodiles eating limbs, etc.  Not politically correct at all, but what an adventure tale indeed!!  I'm really enjoying reading with her now-a-days.  We have hashed through about 12 chapters in Little Women.  She finds this story interesting mostly when Laurie is mentioned.  I think overall she may need to wait a while to read Alcott.  We have also been reading Paddington Bear and Beatrix Potter stories.  I feel like a British mum when I read and I imagine myself sitting in a cozy Mary Poppinsish nursery spinning tales that will enchant my child for a lifetime.  I sure hope they do!!  Anyone blog readers out there have suggestions for other great books?  I'm on the lookout and love suggestions!

Baby Katherine

And voila my next newest neice, Katherine Livia!  Two and a half weeks after the birth of beautiful Anne Charlotte we have been blessed with another beautiful girl in the family!  I'm thinking we should start an all girls club.  It just seems like the boys are out of luck in this family.  Wouldn't it be funny if all these girls someday have boys???  :)  Rebecca and Randy will be terrific parents.  Welcome to the family little one!  love you and Anne Charlotte so much already, Aunt JoDee

Last Swim of the Summer

Farewell turquoise waters, splashes and jumps.  Farewell sunshine and sunscreen.  Farewell after-pool popsicle.  Farewell barefeet and bathing suits.  Until we meet again next summer, you will be thought about often and missed!