Poofing the Pillows

Pinning and Singing

2011-08-13T20:00:00.007-05:00

Oh my goodness! Did they really have to invent Pinterest?

Between blogging and pinning, I may not leave my chair!

No not really, Friday I worked 10 hours in my classroom. :)

Guess what I've been pinning lately? Well, there is a whole genre of bloggers and pinners who are...teachers. Yeah! My friends and soulmates. The cool thing about teachers is that most of them share and steal ideas. Ideas are free for the sharing most of the time if it benefits the kids. Anyway, here are some neat ideas that I've been loving and reproducing.

"A Good Friend" is from The Inspired Apple.

Finding mean, median, mode, and range. You remember that, right?

This is a simple activity that my students will like.

This idea came from Debbie Diller's blog.

Debbie is a reading & math teacher from Texas.

She has published several books and I hang on her every word. :)

This is such a cute organization idea.

I do like to have my ducks in a row.

Organization reduces stress.

Mmm, now just think with me about three months from now when it's cold.

Doesn't this soup look delicious?

I think it's from foodgawker.com.

In honor of this linky party hosted by 5 Minutes Just for Me, I've picked a special song which should be playing for you right now.

Jack Johnson is singing "We're Going to Be Friends".

Welcome

2011-08-08T09:56:00.001-05:00

Hi girls! Just spending a little time looking at blogs this morning and realized that
Cottage and Vine
is hosting a Room by Room linky. Today it's all about entries.

So welcome to our home!

The front area of our home is pretty wide open.

To the left is my hubby's grandfather clock and the coat closet.

We have this chest in the entry.

It stores magazines, placemats, and all kinds of goodies.

Have you ever noticed how pictures make you realize the need to spiff up an area?

I can see that the entry chest need some love. A plant maybe?

From the entry you can see directly into the living room ahead of you.

The living room has another chest where we store gloves and scarves.

I've considered a rug in there but haven't done that yet.

The dining area is to the right.

It's nice and bright in the mornings with the light coming from the east.

I hope our entry says welcome to friends.

We love to have company. :)

In the Kitchen

2011-07-25T14:47:00.002-05:00

Hi everybody!

Our kitchen is 99.9% complete.

I look around daily and see a little something here and there that could be refined.

You can double click the pics to see something up close.

That's the fun part though.

You know, finding the little things that make it feel like your own.

Below you can see the print that I ordered from Janet Hill Studio on Etsy.

The frame is from Hobby Lobby.

I love this print so much. The colors are just beautiful.

We are very happy with the travertine backsplash.

The granite counters are Key West Gold.

Keeping my old fruit stand at the advice of my decorating girlfriends,

Carolyn and Cynthia.

(Looks like I need to make banana bread.)

This oven makes me very happy. It's blue porcelain inside. It's so pretty. :)

All of the appliances are Kitchen Aid that we ordered at Lowes.

They were super easy to work with.

A view from across the room.

We changed all the knobs and the faucet to oil rubbed bronze.

The sink is granite composite and I Love It!

No more coffee stains!

I removed most of the items from the tops of the cabinets.

Going for a cleaner look with less greenery.

Still loving my blue jar. My honey bought me the little plate.

Eat is spelled out with ants. :)

Keeping my chandelier.

We picked this out when we built the house.

We still love it.

We are happy with the results.

Each day we go back and forth about which part is our favorite.

Thanks for the notes and emails about our project.

Joining Nita for Mod Mix Monday.:)

Chicken Noodle Casserole, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Hallelujah Chorus

2011-07-10T14:21:00.001-05:00

What makes an excellent day?

Baking chicken noodle casserole at the request of Son #2.

Listening to Hallelujah Chorus because its his music of choice.

He's writing a paper about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for his English Composition class.

Hiding from the heat.

Its all good. :)

Blogging Neighbors

2011-07-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

Are you hiding from the heat this Saturday like we are?

Spending time on the computer with a Diet Coke in hand?

Well.....

I've been thinking, in my little part of the world there are some great bloggers.

Want to meet some of my neighbors?

You know Nita at Mod Vintage Life, right?

She lives in a beautiful tutor in Oklahoma City.

She has the most precious dachshunds who love olden homes too. :)

Nita puts her own special touches on her house. It is gorgeous!

I bet you've met Sonia at Miss Bloomers.

She's just a stone's throw from me.

Her gardens and travels are amazing.

You just have to see her yard and the tablesettings she does.

Sweet Rebecca at A Gathering Place is near too.

She can take any old thing and make it absolutely beautiful.

Go by and tell all of these girls I said hi.

No, we haven't met in person. Some day. :)

I've Taken to Cussing

2011-07-08T16:06:00.000-05:00

I went to spend a few days with my mom a couple of weeks ago.

She lives down in South Texas.

The drought is so extreme in her area that she has prickly pear and dirt....that's about it.

Oh, and mesquite trees.

She warned me before I went that she had, "Taken to cussing."

She said it makes her feel better. Of course, she does apologize to the dog.

I was so glad to get back here to the land of pretty and green.

That was then.

Well, mom...we have officially had 16 days over 100 degrees.

I'm breaking all the rules watering just trying to keep things alive.

It's 106 right now...

Mom, I've taken to cussing!

Working on Details in the Kitchen

2011-07-06T09:05:00.000-05:00

The major work in our kitchen is complete. The counter tops have been installed. The backsplash is up and perfect. The appliances are dreamy. Oil rubbed bronze knobs and faucets are in use. :)

I promised myself that we would not reuse all of the same accessories in the kitchen. This little pretty below has been calling my name. When she gets here she has a prominent spot waiting for her.

The print is called "The Seduction" by Janet Hill on Etsy. You can see more of her pretty art HERE.

Don't you think it's just perfect?

Happy Tuesday!

2011-07-05T08:27:00.001-05:00

This is for you mom!

My mom asked me recently if Sophie behaves like a cat.

Well, the answer is yes.

She naps on the kitchen counter and she likes to chew my living plants.

I wouldn't trade her. :)

(See the peek of my counters? Still working on some little details.)

A Frog or Toad Encounter

2011-07-02T22:04:00.002-05:00

Today I went to empty the water from a little pitcher of fresh flowers that sits on my patio. When I tipped the pitcher over, a toad landed in my hand and about scared me to death! It caused me to remember the frog at the bottom of this old post.

So....I'm participating in Miss Chari's Sunday Favorites Party. :)

This was originally posted on 3/17/2009. It has been shortened just a little.

We are enjoying such beautiful weather here that nothing in my house could compare with what's happening outside.

Moving things around a little. Brought out this tin bird picture that I purchased last summer.

Brought out this beautiful dried flower nest that was a gift from my sweet Aunt Jean.

Moved some platters around. Recognize the big white one?

Yes it's supposed to be on my kitchen table that hubby stole!!

The solution to that problem is in the works.

Now let's move outside...

Beautiful redbuds blooming.

One more picture I have to share....

My older son has always had a love of frogs. I have many pictures of him over the years holding frogs and toads of various sizes. He caught this one on Tuesday from our pond. Don't you just want to kiss him on the lips? Well, I think by all of the noise he makes out there he's hoping some girl frog will kiss him on the lips.

Thanks for coming by this blazing hot July day. Be sure to go visit Miss Chari and all the other Sunday Favorites participants.

Guest Posting Today

2011-07-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today I've been invited by my sweet friend Valarie to be a Guest Blogger at

A Glimpse of My World.

I just adore Valarie and her blog.

She lives in the best little blue cottage in McKinney, Texas.

Go over and have a visit. :)

Very Impressive!

2011-06-29T21:35:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday we enjoyed our yearly tradition of touring

backyard gardens and ponds with our friends John and Cheryl.

Of course we wanted to share some of the pics with you. :)

I talked about the tour last year at this spot on the blog.

Nice people open their yards and share the beautiful gardens they've created behind the fence.

You never know what's hiding back there!

I admit to loving the flowers and vignettes that people create just as much as the ponds.

Sometimes the vignettes are so pretty that Cheryl and I would love to see inside the homes.

Wouldn't that be fun?

Most of all I love the tradition with my husband and our sweet friends.

Have you toured a garden lately?

We've Done Our Part

2011-06-27T10:06:00.000-05:00

Today is the day that our kitchen updating begins.

I'm super excited!!

We've removed all items from the counters as instructed.

We removed some of the drawers just in case.

My husband and son even took the refrigerator out yesterday.

Now somebody just needs to show up soon. :)

What are you up to today?

I'll be back later for Part 2 of this project.

It Takes Sweat and Bug Bites

2011-06-14T07:47:00.001-05:00

That is not a very eloquent title.

But it is so true.

I think I need stock in Benadryl Anti-Itch Cream lately.

It's definitely my friend.

We've been working and adding to the flower beds.

Moving, changing, replanting.

I'm willing and so is the love of my life.

It takes a lot of sweating and itching...

Day by day.

To achieve our goals in the garden.

In life too....right?

Joining Miss Jean for Bloomin' Tuesday. :)

Gathering & Swooning

2011-06-13T11:57:00.001-05:00

Made a little trip to TJ Maxx last Friday.

Found the cutest mugs for $3.99 each!!

Aren't they the cutest?

Keeping the same color scheme with my kitchen redo because it makes me happy. :)

These cup towels were $4.99 for two.

That makes me happy too. :)

I've professed my love of cup towels before.

Here & Here

What makes you smile these days?

One More Thing to Smile About:

Have you seen Tina's new cottage colors?

Oh My.

Cherry Hill Cottage makes me swoon!

Rolling Along on a Project

2011-06-10T10:52:00.000-05:00

I told you the other day that we have a project in the works.

We are getting counter tops and new appliances.

It's time. This kitchen has lived with boys.

You understand. :)

Anyway, I don't have tons of accessories sitting around in the kitchen. But lately I'm thinking a collection of rolling pins would be cute.

What do you think? 4 or 5 of them in a basket?

I don't know.

Right now I look at these pictures and think they might be a little too country for me.

So Glad We Divided

2011-06-07T23:30:00.001-05:00

Most years in the fall, we take the time to divide our daylilies.

You know, you just dig them up and kind of break apart the clumps.

Southern Living makes it sound really easy.

It's not.

It takes man power.

I sure am glad we have man power around here.

They are beautiful and filling more and more spots around the yard.

I'm up to another project lately....I'll show you a little peek in a day or two.

Random Thought: Do you ever say or write a word and it sounds really strange to you?

DIVIDED sounds weird to me right now.

I think it has something to do with 14 hours of professional development in the last two days.

My brain is tired.

Meet Baby Malee

2011-06-05T21:28:00.001-05:00

Malee and her mother Asha.

Oklahoma City Zoo.

Oh she's so cute!!

She weighs about 400ish pounds.

Go here to see a neat YouTube video that a family uploaded.

If You Give a Man a Shovel

2011-06-03T21:34:00.000-05:00

If you give a man a new shovel....

He will plant one Red Crimson Japanese Maple.

(Prepare to see the ugly part of the yard. Hanging my head in shame.)

He will also plant 14 hostas found at half price.

One volunteer oak leaf hydrangea.

2 California ivy plants.

Several oat grass clumps that were divided from one huge one in the yard.

And lots of Creeping Jenny.

And all between 5pm and 8pm he will begin to transform the ugly to something pretty.

Now on to the stone pathway...

I love him. :)

Glorious!

2011-06-01T06:53:00.000-05:00

Don't you think it's just a miracle?

The way summer comes back, I mean.

It just amazes me.

Pretty much everything that grows around our pond is perennial.

When it all comes back each spring it's just really exciting to us.

Linking up with Susan for Outdoor Wednesday.

I can't wait to visit the other happy gardeners out there. :)

A Beautiful Sight

2011-05-29T14:31:00.001-05:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I hope your weekend is filled with watermelon, sunshine, friends, and remembrance.

For a wonderful Memorial Day post please go visit

Becky at Sweet Cottage Dreams.

Ball Perfect Mason

2011-05-22T16:31:00.001-05:00

My love affair with this jar continues.

Remember when it looked like this last summer?

I found this sweet little jar at the farmer's market in downtown Edmond.

Can't wait to go again!!

What are you looking forward to this summer?

By the way, 5 more days of school.

Woo hoo!

On the Move...

2011-05-10T20:46:00.000-05:00

No we are not moving really.

We are just digging up plants and moving them around.

Last year we took several trees out of our yard.

This left some shade plants unhappily exposed to the sunshine.

They had to have new spots. You understand, right?

The other day my husband commented that our new neighbor seems to have a plan for his yard.

Our plan is usually more wildly executed.

It's the whatever strikes our fancy plan.

Joining Susan for Outdoor Wednesday.

Thanks for all the inspiration out there!

This One's For You Mom!

2011-05-09T20:58:00.000-05:00

My first peony blooms!

Planted last year and blooming already.

I couldn't be more happy about this.

I wish you could smell them.

Sigh..

What's New?

2011-04-30T08:42:00.000-05:00

School is officially beginning the wind down process for us.

Four more weeks left! This has been the absolute best year!

Of course, I can't wait to stay home and Poof the Pillows.

This girl's house is sorely neglected right now!

Just wanted to pass the word that Lynn over at

Happier Than a Pig in the Mud

is having a Celebrity Cook Along on May 15th.

This month the idea is to cook something delicious inspired by Ms. Paula Deen!

You know how I love her. I'm going to participate. Will you?

Never Give Up!

2011-04-12T21:10:00.002-05:00

Tonight was the last night of Tuesday Tutoring.

Ten of my students have been staying after school until 5:45 for reading and math instruction.

Whoo!!

It has been fun....I'm tired.

It amazes and impresses me each week that these kids are willing
to make the commitment to stay until after dark.

I'm so proud of them!

That's something they probably will never understand.

Tonight we had pizza and cookies.

Learning and food go hand in hand in my class. :)

They do understand that.

Indulging on Saturday

2011-04-09T15:44:00.000-05:00

Come to me my little pretties!

A Saturday trip to Lowe's.

Time digging in the dirt.

A short little nap.

(You know the kind where you die in the chair and your mouth hangs open.)

Maybe I'll bake some brownies later.

It's a nice day.

How's yours going?

Back in My Element

2011-04-02T17:06:00.000-05:00

Hello geraniums and caladiums.

Hello daffodils.

Tulip, I'm so glad to see you.

Grubby old gloves.

You are my friend.

$3.00 Boston Ferns.

You make me happy.

The promise of a new spring.

My idea of wonderful. :)

Ending a Nice Weekend

2011-02-27T21:24:00.008-06:00

Rediscovered my secret stash of Kit Kat bars.

Finished all of my lesson plans.

Have my honey home for the next week.

Just completed the drawing for the Shabby Apple Dress Give Away.

Want to know who won?

Now remember, the fine people at Ernst & Young are busy with the Oscar's tonight...

so I borrowed the Random Number Generator at Tara Frey's site (because I think it's cute)

and the winner is.....#14.

So if I go scroll back through the 55 entries, I believe the winner is....

Lisa of Hospitable Pursuits!

Lisa is one of my oldest blog friends.

Her site is beautiful and friendly.

Yay Lisa! I'm cheering and smiling for you girl.

Remember if you didn't win, you can receive 10% off of an order from Shabby Apple by using the code poofingthepillows10off

Thank you very much Shabby Apple for this generous give away. :)

The ladies in blog land are very impressed with your pretty dresses.

Happy Talk! Shabby Apple Dress Give Away!

2011-02-22T20:02:00.001-06:00

I am so excited to tell you that I during the long, cold snow days I was contacted by

Shabby Apple

to offer you a beautiful new dress!

Cute! Cute! Cute!

2011-02-20T14:59:00.000-06:00

Dreaming of warm weather cuteness.

How about you?

Good Morning

2011-02-11T09:37:00.001-06:00

Good Morning Sunshine

Good Morning Sophie Green-Eyes

Good Morning Blueberries

Good Morning Red Table Throw

It has been so nice to spend time with you.

Snow Day #8

A Teacher's Snow Day

2011-02-10T14:02:00.001-06:00

Working ahead on lesson plans.
Knowing that my students will love reading this play next week.

Enjoying the sunny snow day outside my window.

Wondering how many days in June we will have to go.

Visiting my blog friends.

It's all great. :)

Layering

2011-02-09T16:57:00.000-06:00

Layering shirts and sweaters.

Layering cheese and noodles.

Layering strawberry cake and cream cheese.

It's a great day!

Snow Day #6 for us.

#7 tomorrow.

I Did It and I'm Not Sorry!

2011-02-06T18:45:00.000-06:00

One Splish Splash pillow on the way to me.

Because I'm rebellious like that!

Won't be here until April but won't it be a wonderful surprise when it arrives.

Thanks Sue for your good advice. :)

Why Must You Torture Me So

2011-02-05T19:06:00.000-06:00

A snowy week...

Four days with no school and lots of white stuff outside the window...

Husband is out of town...

I've been good! I could easily order all of this online...

Have I mentioned that we have two kids in college??!!

Well, Valentine's Day is coming. Oh honey....it's all from Pottery Barn.

Day 4 - No School - More Snow!

2011-02-04T11:33:00.000-06:00

12" came on Tuesday.

The high this week has been 18 degrees.

I'm not complaining. I'm still enjoying the down time.

My husband is in San Diego. Hmmmm.

I'd rather be here right now.

Playing House and Teacher - Rambling

2011-01-16T16:46:00.002-06:00

I have always loved to play house.

This has been such a nice relaxing weekend. No school tomorrow.

Why do the weekends feel so much more relaxed when you have Monday off?

There's a roast in the oven that smells heavenly.

A fresh pitcher of iced tea.

And my sweet hubby is snoozing on the couch.

We went to Barnes and Noble today and I saw this:

Tuesday I will go back to work and play teacher. My other favorite thing to do.

I am planning to recreate this saying on the wall in my classroom.

The kids might not fully understand but it will make me smile.

They really are lots of sunshine to me.

A Beautiful Winter Day

2011-01-08T15:20:00.002-06:00

Just came in from a little walk around the yard.
Brr...it's chilly but sunny and beautiful.

I love nandina berries. They are just so pretty!

My perfectly hot cup of coffee kept me warm while I walked.

My sister-in-law gave me these fun red Fiesta cups for Christmas.

Aren't they great?

I remember a few years ago, a local radio station sponsored "The Deadest Bed" contest.

It seems like we could win that right now. The pond and all the plants around it are tucked in for the winter. By that I mean they are frozen...and brown.

I have faith that it will all come back. Then I can work on this and this.

Meanwhile, I'm praying for a possible snow day on Tuesday.

I have many hours worth of progress reports to do this week.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Sophie's Holding Down the Fort

2011-01-03T07:00:00.005-06:00

Back to work for me today. It's a New Year and there are many goals to be met with my students.

Sophie is going to make sure everything is A-OK here at home. :)

There's no need for a piece of sculpture in a home that has a cat. ~Wesley Bates

Sons

2011-01-02T08:00:00.003-06:00

Shave?

Haircut?

No.

Just Smile!

These goobers get to enjoy another week off from school.

Back to work for me tomorrow.

The Bed is Made

2011-01-01T12:31:00.000-06:00

It's such a good feeling to have the bed made

and the sun shining in.

A perfect way to start this new year. :)

Because I'm a Copy Cat

2010-12-31T16:35:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year's Eve!

We have been enjoying a great day at home today. All four of us are here...which is rare.

Tonight we are home for New Year's Eve and we have friends coming over.

On the menu: tamales, refried beans, salad, guacamole, chips, queso, hotsauce. :)

And this wonderful smelling Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake which I spied at Cherry Hill Cottage.

Guess what. Tina copied this from Kim at Daisy Cottage.

I may never meet those girls but I like that little connection.

I hope you all have a wonderful evening and much to look forward to in 2011.

It's on the Way!

2010-12-29T11:50:00.000-06:00

OK, I have a confession to make. See that cute flouncy skirt above? Well I asked for it for Christmas. Then I remember telling my husband, "Don't order it without my coupon." Guess I forgot because when this email arrived yesterday I thought, "Hey, I didn't get that skirt!" Spoken like a child, right?

What to do? What to do? I ordered it. Of course!

I tell you this to also confess that I've discovered fashion blogs. These girls post their outfit of the day and they are so cute! I'd never have the nerve to do this myself but be on the look-out...they are inspiring. Look at The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesdays.

One of my favorite fashion bloggers is Silvergirl in Charlotte, NC. Her blog premise is that getting older doesn't mean you have to look like Aunt Bea. Isn't that fun? Go visit her. :)

This Time of Year

2010-12-27T20:44:00.000-06:00

This time of year as winter really settles in....

I begin to wish for summer...

I miss my flowers...

And the green...

I want to sit out by the pond...

Or in my red chair with a Diet Coke...

I miss the sounds of bugs and birds...

Don't you?

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T11:52:00.000-06:00

Taking It One Moment At A Time

2010-12-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

My mantra lately is, "One thing at a time...."

This time last year the tree was decorated.

The gifts were wrapped.

I was pretending that Paula Deen was my best friend while I baked and she played on the TV.

This year none of those things are finished but I'm spending my days with 9 year olds who are loving the season. I can only do one thing at a time and that's ok.

We will do the tree on Saturday.

The UPS man will knock on the door.

And it will all be ok. :)

A Chicago Weekend

2010-12-05T18:34:00.000-06:00

One personal day off from work. :)

Direct flight from OKC to Chicago on United. :)

A perfectly snowy day. :)

8 or 9 stories of Macy's. :)

Giordano's Pizza. :)

His Freshman Showcase performance at

Roosevelt University/Chicago College of Performing Arts.

Meeting his friends and teachers.

It was the amazing!

Such Generosity!

2010-11-28T11:43:00.000-06:00

Cynthia of Cynthia's Cottage Design and Lidy at French Garden House

have teamed up to offer an amazing $100.00 gift certificate. Go here to enter. :)

Whatcha' Reading?

2010-11-26T10:00:00.001-06:00

I have to confess that since starting back to work, my reading pretty much revolves around teaching.

However, Southern Living did a feature in the December issue on Fannie Flagg. Fannie is probably my all time fave! I had to run out and grab this book. Have you read it?

Still a few days until we go back to school.

Although there's so much to be done, I think I'll have a little hot tea and reading time. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-23T20:16:00.002-06:00

When a Girl Goes Back to Work

2010-09-05T19:42:00.000-05:00

The other day I taught our fourth graders a lesson on cause and effect in stories. For example, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.....he's going to ask you for a glass of milk. Are you with me?

This post is When a Girl Goes Back to Work....she will want and need new clothes! Do a little virtual shopping with me.

Love this vest from the Gap.

I'm stalking it at the store, waiting for a sale, and the luck to find a small.

Love this sweater from Ann Taylor Loft.

I have pinstripe pants that would match this perfectly.

Yes, please! Jacket from Talbots. I love the cut and color of this.

Perfect with slacks, skirts, or jeans on casual Friday.

Speaking of Talbots. Have you seen their fall catalog? Swoon!

Adorable combo from Boden.

Perfectly professional outfit from Eddie Bauer.

I only buy things on sale. How about you?

Thanks for coming along with me.

I want to say, "Thanks" to so many of you who have sent comments lately.

School is great. I absolutely love my kids and co-workers.

I'm a lucky girl!

Back to School Time

2010-08-11T19:52:00.000-05:00

It's time! I start back to school tomorrow. The students don't come until next Thursday.

I'm so excited.

This is a perfect time for me to go back to work.

My nest will be empty in a week and I'll just tell you there have been plenty of tears on my part.

Be back soon!

Mysteries Abound

2010-08-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

Mysterious Monday.

I like the alliteration.

We used to have 6 of these bowls. Now there are 4. I broke one.

No one will confess about the other.

Do these things happen at your house?

I hope you all have a very Happy Monday.

I'm working in my classroom today.

Have You Met Roxanne?

2010-08-07T06:00:00.004-05:00

Roxanne the Artist.

Roxanne's blog is one of the most creative and fun places I've discovered lately.

She is a very talented painter. Roxanne shares her love for painting, life, and family with others.

Visiting her blog is uplifting and makes me smile every time. :)

Can you imagine the talent?

I just love how she captures the simple and important things in life.

Please stop by her blog and say a big ol' Texas HI!

You'll be so glad you did.

(Confession: I totally stole these pictures from her blog without permission.

Only out of utmost admiration.

Please don't sue me Roxanne!)

It's Rooster Party Time Again!

2010-08-05T17:22:00.001-05:00

The rooster loving tradition continues!

I have to tell you....when I was in middle school, my friend's mom had a collection of roosters.

At the time I thought that was so bizaare. Hmmmm....times change. :)

Today I'm just showing a few new ones that have joined the flock.

This pretty white rooster was a gift from my sweet friend Cynthia.

He's really a pitcher but he came outside for better picture taking today.

You know I love my cup towels!

Couldn't pass this one up.

Would you like a Diet Coke while you are here?

We have beautiful napkins to go along with your drink.

Curse my picture taking skills!

Turn your head sideways please. Can you see that pretty rooster? He's on the side of a beautiful photo album sent to me by Dawn at Cottage State of Mind.

She also sent a really neat rooster trivet.

Did you know that awhile back Dawn held a give away on her blog.

The girl is so sweet that she sent a gift to everyone who entered! Wow, I still can't get over that.

Thank you Dawn!

Thank you also to Barb at Barb's Bella Vista for gathering all of us together to flaunt some roosters again today.

Table Top Tuesday

2010-08-02T19:38:00.001-05:00

Good Morning Friends!

Today I'm joining Marty for Table Top Tuesday.

This is just a little peek at a shelf in my family room. It's a fun place to layer and move things around.

You can barely see the picture of my boys taken so long ago.

Having new family pictures taken in the next week or two is on our list of things to do!

Time flies too quickly for me.

When did you last have pictures made?

"A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams."

William Arthur Ward (1921–1994)

The Secret of Life

2010-08-01T11:37:00.001-05:00

Strapped on my walking shoes and hubby's Ipod the other morning. Reminded me that some of life's most profound thoughts can come from a little time with James Taylor. Enjoy!

My Helper

2010-07-31T09:44:00.003-05:00

Sophie loves to ~~dash under the covers~~ help me make the bed.

I'm sure you can imagine how well this really works. :)

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Starting With Fresh Ingredients

2010-07-30T15:52:00.000-05:00

BLT Pasta Salad is on the menu tonight.

Started with onions, celery, and tomatoes.

Of course, there's pasta and...a pound of crispy fried bacon.

I'll share the recipe tomorrow if we like it. :)

Happy Friday!!

Yes I Know It's Hot Outside

2010-07-29T17:54:00.002-05:00

But if you don't come outside with me you'll miss the view!

Just look at that wisteria reaching for the sunshine.

Puffy clouds on a summer day.

Do you think it will rain?

Spotted this butterfly from inside the house.

I came outside to look at her and she didn't seem to mind.

The pennywort is filling in very nicely in the path.

Little baby frogs or toads jump all around here when you walk by.

Do you remember studying about Pavlov's dogs?

These are Paul's fish.

Same thing.

I just love a summer day!

Linking to Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home.

Please visit Cindy's beautiful blog to find a list of other participants.

Friday Blessings

2010-07-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

Met the nicest lady named Diane the other day at the Edmond Farmer's Market.

She's living a gardener's dream.

She grows all these pretty flowers and sells them in vintage and reclaimed containers.

Aren't they wonderful?

I just love them.

Water Garden Tours 2010

2010-07-20T18:31:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends!

I'm so glad you could join me today to see a few pictures of the water garden tour we attended last Saturday. It was a blazing hot day but we took off with our water and Diet Coke to have a look at the beautiful ponds and gardens that people have created.

My pictures are of gardens and flower beds as much as ponds. I just love to see the plants that people put together and the spots they choose.

Here in Oklahoma we fly our university flags proudly. See the OSU whirlygig?

Cathy and Carol, the OSU pictures are for you. :)

The huge yard above belonged to an elderly couple. They still do all the work themselves. It was park like because it was just so beautiful. They had a lovely pond in the trees. Guess I didn't get a picture.

This pond was huge and meandered through a large area of the yard.

You know, someone commented last week that they could never participate in a pond tour because her pond is little. Truthfully, on a tour like this you see every size and shape. It's really all about meeting the nice people, sharing ideas, and visiting.

Aren't the fish pretty?

Love this view. These nice people were hanging out on their porch in the shade.

I took so many pictures that I'll have more to share on another day.

Today I'm linking with Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.

Please stop over at her blog to find many more inspiring participants.

Don't You Just Adore...

2010-07-18T21:01:00.000-05:00

...the way ooky-smooshy-forgotten-black bananas can be transformed

into the most wonderful banana muffins?

Ooky-smooshy is an adjective I just made up. :)

A Touring Tradition

2010-07-17T06:47:00.000-05:00

Each summer our friends John and Cheryl, my Dad, my husband and I attend the pond tours that take place in our area. That's where we are today!

Here's a few pictures from last year. Come back later this week to see what we saw today. :)

Peeking Under the Glass

2010-07-15T18:03:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday Girls!

Today I'm joining Marty for her Summer Cloche Party.

What do you have under your cloche?

Pretty birdnests?

A few red apples?

Maybe the perfect plant?

Can't wait to see what you do!

I know you will inspire me. You always do.

Sunflower Days

2010-07-15T10:36:00.002-05:00

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do."

-Helen Keller

This sunflower is a little gift from the birds.
Growing right in the middle of hostas and impatiens.

The Books You Wish Wouldn't End

2010-07-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

If you love to read like I do, then you know that you finish some books and think, "That was pretty good."

Then there are the very rare books that you just absolutely hate to see end.

Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt was one of those books!

Girls, I thought I would write down some of my favorite parts of the book to share with you because I loved Beth Hoffman's writing style so much. However, after awhile there were just so many parts.

Here is a short synopsis in my own words:

Cee Cee Honeycutt is a young girl whose mother, the former Vidalia Onion Queen, is mentally ill. Cee Cee's father is absent most of the time because he can not deal with the situation. When mom is killed in an accidental run in with the ice cream truck Cee Cee is sent to live with her Aunt Tootie in Savannah, Georgia. For the first time at about age 12, Cee Cee has people who love and take care of her.

I call this genre southern fiction and it is my favorite!

If you enjoy stories about women, the south, and loving relationships you must read this.

A Very Sincere Thank You

2010-07-07T21:59:00.001-05:00

Thank you so much to all of you who sent very sweet notes about our dog Katie.

We've all been through the loss of a pet and it's not easy.

It really does help to know that people care and understand.

Thank You Sweet Friends

Sweet Old Katie

2010-07-03T13:28:00.002-05:00

At the veterinarian's office there is a sign that says,

"Heaven is the place where all the animals you have ever loved are waiting to greet you."

That's what we are believing in our home today.

Katie was with us 7 years. We think she was about 15 years old. She passed away this morning.

It's a very sad day for us.

Fertilizer Friday

2010-07-01T22:16:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday Girls!

Today I'm joining my Canadian friend Tootsie for

Fertilizer Friday.

Everything is just beautiful here in Edmond, OK right now.

We've had cooler than usual temperatures and the plants are lovin' it.

What's blooming at your home right now?

We have happy geraniums, several varieties of daylilies, crape myrtles, hostas, and more.

Our pond is looking great this year.

Hubby has it down to an art now!
We've had the pond four summers and it has been a learning process.

By the way, never let anyone tell you that a pond is not much work.

It's very worth it though.

The path that we put in recently is filling in very nicely with pennywort.

(Please ignore the random weeds and volunteer oak trees.)

And last, this is the bed that we put in just a few weeks ago.

We planted this bed with abelia, crape myrtle, and duckfoot coleus. The coleus grows in a mounding ground cover manner. Love it!

Can't wait to see what the rest of you have happening outside.

I'm off to supervise a little tree trimming. :)

Be sure to visit Tootise and the other Fertilizer Friday participants.

Loving the Ruffles

2010-06-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

I heart ruffles! Do you?

I just can't seem to get enough of the ruffled blouses and sweaters that are so popular right now.

Look at these beauties from the Talbots website. Each item shown here is on sale right now.

Sigh.

Let's Have Cake

2010-06-28T08:49:00.000-05:00

Someone in our house had a birthday this past weekend (me). You know how that goes...way too much eating. :) The men in the house made me this Hummingbird Cake and it was to die for! You have to try it. Of course, this recipe is from our trusty Southern Living Cookbook.

Hummingbird Cake

3 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained

1 cup chopped pecans

2 cups chopped bananas

Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not beat. Stir in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans, and bananas. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire racks.

Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake; then sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans on top. Yield: 1 three layer cake.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8 ounce) packaged cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 (16 ounce) package powdered sugar, sifted

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Hummingbird Cake is a southern favorite. Definitely one of my favorites!

Happy Monday!

An Awesome Give Away!

2010-06-26T13:18:00.000-05:00

Girls, in the last few weeks I've discovered a completely new to me kind of blog.

There are lots of gals out there who love fashion and love showing off their clothes.

Classroom Chic is one blog I've been following closely.

Now she's having an amazing give away sponsored by Talbots!!

I hate to tell you about this because I don't want to lessen my chances, you understand right?

Classroom Chic is having a give away for a $250.00 gift certificate to Talbots.

True!! Go there now.

Sweet Summer Time

2010-06-25T15:49:00.000-05:00

It's a Hot Tamale kind of day today!

The kind of day when you could be tempted not to leave the air conditioning.

But the view outside is so much clearer.

The locusts are singing just like I remember from childhood.

I just love summer!!

Hope you are having a wonderful day today.

Summer Fun in The Great State of Texas

2010-06-21T12:09:00.000-05:00

We took a quick trip to the beach.

Perfect company.

Fun times.

Wet and cool.

Sweetest sister in law in the world and cousin Jill.

We had supper at Willie Gs that night.

Heaven!

Of course, my family indulged me with some drive by time.

Our trip included Gaido's and Moody Gardens.

Can you guess where we went?

Home

2010-06-15T18:50:00.000-05:00

There's no place like home...right?

I know you bloggers will understand that sentiment. Please say a little prayer for my sweet friend Ellen and lots of other Oklahomans who had their homes flooded yesterday.

It is quite uncommon for flooding to occur here.

My friend and most of the others affected do not have flood insurance because they do not live in flood prone areas. Insurance isn't going to cover any of the expense at all.

It's quite overwhelming.

Thank you to those of you who have checked on my family. We are fine here.

We are off for a few days. See you soon!

McKinney, Texas Home and Garden Tour

2010-06-13T18:54:00.001-05:00

Just spent the last couple of days in Texas with my BFF, Rochelle.

She's the beautiful blonde in the picture. :)

We made our way to McKinney for the Home and Garden Tour.

It was spectacular!

Just look at these gardens....

We had the best time!

There were gorgeous gardens, sweet and inviting homes, and friendly people everywhere!

One great bonus of this trip - got to meet Valarie of Glimpse of My World.

Hi Valarie!!

Walking In the Yard and a New Project

2010-06-08T10:46:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday. I'm linking up today with Ms. Jean for Bloomin' Tuesday. :)

We've been spending the evenings and mornings out in the yard. It's pretty hot here already!

Fortunately, it keeps raining and that's what we need to have beautiful plants and flowers.

We have happy hostas all over the yard.

I didn't get a picture of it but the moss that grows on the boulders is gorgeous!

The nandinas all have these flowery things on them. Honestly, I don't know if that's flowers or the start of berries. Whatever it is..it's gorgeous.

Just a pretty pot at the edge of the pond.

You know I'm partial to this pathway.

The new path on the other side of the yard is coming along nicely too. The pennywort is taking off.

What? You've never seen red gummy soil? Well that's what we have here.

Took me forever to get used to it. It's not very pretty but it's fertile.

This is a new bed going in behind the house. It's the sunniest spot in the yard and will still only get about 1/2 day of sun. Hubby would like for us to have it planted by the time he lands back here on Friday. Can we do it? Sure!!

Yesterday son #2 said, "You know, really, our yard is kind of epic." Not a bad compliment coming from an 18 year old guy. :)

A Little Drive By Time

2010-06-06T18:02:00.050-05:00

On my way to take hubby to the airport today, I diverted from the path and took some pictures in one of my favorite neighborhoods here in Oklahoma City.

This pretty flower bed below is in a median. Isn't that a great way to beautify a neighborhood?

Now doesn't the home below just make you sigh? Love that ivy!

A great Beaver Cleaver type home.

I would have loved to take more pictures but Paul said, "Stacey, you know you are kind of eccentric." I said, "Wouldn't you just love to live in an older established neighborhood like this?" He said, "I don't think these are my kind of people....it all looks a little too ~~hoity toity~~ civilized."

Why is it that most men think they are Daniel Boone at heart?

You can see more pictures of this gorgeous neighborhood by clicking HERE.

Pie on Saturday

2010-06-05T17:06:00.001-05:00

Hi Bloggy Friends! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. It's hot here. We just finished a wonderful meal with ingredients from the farmer's market and this homemade by hubby pie.

Lemon Cream Pie

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 can Eagle Brand milk

Mix all ingredients well. Pour into graham cracker crust and top with Cool Whip. Chill.

So easy and so delicious!!

June

2010-06-01T12:34:00.000-05:00

"What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the

promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh

young beauty will ever fade."

- Gertrude Jekyll, On Gardening

I Know You've Seen It...I Can't Stop Watching!

2010-05-27T13:06:00.001-05:00

In Bloom

2010-05-25T10:30:00.007-05:00

My favorite clematis.

I've been waiting patiently for this one. :)

She welcomes friends to the front porch.

A Little Fashion Talk

2010-05-24T14:48:00.017-05:00

Girls - grab a Diet Coke and let's talk about clothes!

Going back to work this fall has had me thinking or obsessing alot about clothes. I love clothes and I always have! I do like to shop although I don't often find things I have to have.

The other day I discovered Merona Mondays on the Target website. Those smart people show you how to put together three different outfits with a few pieces from Target. Let me confess that I see things at Target all the time that I think are cute but then I think, "Well, everyone in Edmond will be wearing that and we will all know which rack it came from." Silly, I know. Look at how they are changing up these outfits, though. I just love looking at this kind of stuff.

(All pictures from Target website. Please don't sue me.)

Where do you like to shop? Do you know of any fashion (term used very loosely) sites or blogs that are fun and for real people? Please share!

Oh, as a teacher I do dress professionally but suits are not required. Thank goodness!

Book Talk

2010-05-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

Just imagine it...

a good book, summer sun, and iced tea.

What's on your reading list?

I'm planning to join the Summer Reading Challenge hosted by

Susan at A Southern Daydreamer Reads.

The following books are on my list for now.

I'll be adding more as time goes by.

Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore

Ms. Gilmore's writing was compared to Fannie Flagg's in one review I read.

That's all I need to know!

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

I haven't read Ms. Hoffman's books before but I read the reviews on Amazon and this sounds like my kind of book.
The story takes place in Savannah. Woo hoo!

Can't wait to read

The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews.
Mary Kay Andrews writes about women, friendships, and the south.
The best combination!
I've really enjoyed her other books.

I want to be the very best teacher that I can be so I'm revisiting

Practice with Purpose by Debbie Diller.

This is a fantastic book for upper elementary teachers of reading.

Also, Lisa hosts The Hospitable Book Club that I'm going to join.

She usually names a book that we read and discuss.

You can see my thoughts on

Cherries in Winter here.

What else do I need to add to my list?

Miss Nancy is Back!

2010-05-19T15:29:00.005-05:00

Miss Nancy is now blogging at Southern Graces.
Be sure to go by and welcome her back!

We'll Remember Always - Graduation Day

2010-05-18T20:28:00.001-05:00

For Woo Hoo Wednesday this week I just couldn't pass up the chance to share a little of Tanner's graduation with you. At my request, we took a picture of the four of us before leaving.

Do you kow how hard it is to get three men to take a picture?

The graduating class of Edmond North High School.

There were about 530 graduates!

These brothers love each other.

Great friends since 3rd grade.

Loving his graduation presents.

We had a big family gathering for most of the weekend.
The food was great and the company was even better.

For all of you who advised me to take Kleenex, you were so right! Graduation wasn't as bad as the Senior Recital on Sunday. Let me just say it was embarassing.

We are so proud of our sons!

Be sure to visit the other Woo Hoo Wednesday participants hosted by Marla at Always Nesting. You don't want to miss this party.

There are cupcakes!

Table Top Tuesday

2010-05-17T21:54:00.000-05:00

Joining Marty today for Table Top Tuesday.

When I walked past my dining room table today, I just knew this vision had to be included in the Table Top Tuesday celebration.

This is Sophie's favorite place to nap!

My husband always said that this table throw looked like a cat bed.

She agrees. :)

Can you see how much she's growing?

New Blooms

2010-05-17T13:56:00.007-05:00

Stepping outside this afternoon to enjoy fleeting moments of Sunshine.

Beautiful feathery spiraea

Honeysuckle

Hundreds of buds on a clematis

Poor scraggly rose that I actually cut off at the ground a couple of years ago.
It keeps trying to live even though it's very shady in this yard.

I do hope the Sun is shining on you today!

It's Time!

2010-05-14T08:28:00.005-05:00

Graduation Day!!

A Little Blog Talk and a Song

2010-05-11T21:38:00.009-05:00

I was reading a blog the other day and the owner spoke of her likes and dislikes on blogs. One of the main issues she addressed was music. She absolutely doesn't like music on blogs and many of the people who commented didn't either.

Hmmm....I do like music.

When I was painting my son's room a couple of weeks ago I listened to Tina's music from Cherry Hill Cottage and also Valerie's music from Glimpse of my World. Of course, I constantly go around humming "Stranger on the Shore" after visiting Kim at Dear Daisy Cottage. I can just hear that clarinet in my head!

We don't all listen to the same music but that's fun to me.

Anyway, my son had his very last vocal concert in high school tonight. Those kids are so amazing I can't even begin to describe it. One of the songs they sang was "Perhaps Love". I don't have a recording of the kids singing it but do you remember the John Denver/Placido Domingo version?

My mom and I loved it years ago and played it over and over!

I hope you like this song today. It's playing on my Playlist. Let me know your thoughts about blog music. You won't hurt my feelings.

Good Morning Sunshine

2010-05-11T08:26:00.008-05:00

It's a beautiful morning here in tornado land.

We are safe at our house but many Oklahomans were affected yesterday.

Saying a little prayer for all of those people.

Thanks to all of you who have been checking on us. :)

A Neato Gift

2010-05-10T14:27:00.003-05:00

A wonderful gift idea from one of my favorite people in the whole world!

Two Paula Deen magazines and a candle. :) She knows what I love.

Isn't this a fantastic idea?

2010-05-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

I love you.

Sophie on the Move

2010-05-07T13:37:00.011-05:00

She sleeps.

She wakes.

She explores tables.

And lamps.

And the fringe on pillows.

"Mom, I promise not to tear up that fringe."

She loves us!

We love her!

Seeing Red

2010-05-05T17:38:00.012-05:00

Pure Excitement

describes how I'm feeling about this red transformation!

Above you see the before shot. Now I could tell you these are vintage chairs. However, they are only two years old! That's what the Oklahoma weather has done for our chairs. With company coming they had to be jazzed up.

This is the after! Aren't they cute?

Come sit with me and have some iced tea. We even have a quilt if we need it later.

There are already several coats of Regal Red paint on here but I can see that we need more. Tomorrow is another day. :)

I'm joining It's a Very Cherry World for Rednesday.

And The Shabby Chic Cottage for Transformation Thursday.

Thank you for coming by. I sure enjoy our visits.

Whatcha Been Up To?

2010-05-03T18:30:00.005-05:00

There's nothing like an upcoming event to make you kick everything into high gear.

We've been working like maniacs in our yard because graduation is 11 days away!

Put some geraniums and sweet potato vine in this old basket.

I just love the rustic look it has.

A flat of impatiens still waiting for me.

We planted three flats of pennywort in between the stones on the new path.

It looks great but I wish we didn't have to wait for it to fill in.

Loving this honeysuckle.

Transforming my adirondack chairs with spray paint.

The list goes on and on. :)

Outside

2010-04-29T16:41:00.005-05:00

Some days absolutely sparkle and shine.

And the wind comes sweeping down the plains!

Sophie is a Girl!

2010-04-28T19:57:00.003-05:00

I promise not to continue regular pictures of the kitten

but right now I'm just overwhelmed with kitten love.

We went for our first vet visit today. She is a girl and she's only 5-6 weeks old.

Sweet, sweet baby!

Now moving on from kitten talk...I'm almost finished in my dining room. Just waiting on slip covers. :)

Little Blue Eyes

2010-04-26T07:56:00.002-05:00

Look what we found yesterday!

We went to the mall to return the senior prom tuxedo and a lady had just found this little baby in the bushes. We were more than happy to bring her home. She's so tiny she fits in my hand. She has already made herself at home and the dogs love her.

Now I'm saying "she" but you know she's really too young to tell.

If she's a girl her name is Sophie.

If he's a boy his name is Tux.