Gray Matters

Run Play List

2010-05-19T06:34:00.001-04:00

In my dreams, I run.

Effortlessly.

In reality, I struggle.

I'm determined to improve.

Music makes it better.

Here's what I'm listening to now. I'd love some suggestions.

Windfall Son Volt
Why I Am Dave Matthews Band
Pedestal Fergie
I'm The Man Who Loves You Wilco
So What P!nk
Poker Face Lady GaGa
All Your Reasons Matchbox Twenty
#40 Dave Matthews Band
Sunday Morning Maroon 5
Paparazzi Lady GaGa
Drown Son Volt
Long Time Gone Dixie Chicks
You & Me Dave Matthews Band
Boom Boom Pow Black Eyed Peas
Gold Digger (Glee Cast Version)
Hey, Soul Sister Train
Whatever Godsmack
My Life Would Suck Without You Kelly Clarkson
I Run for Life Melissa Etheridge
Rockstar Nickelback
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) The Proclaimers

Menu Plan Monday - Week 2

2010-02-08T08:12:00.003-05:00

My first week of menu planning was wonderful! I got all my shopping done on Monday at Trader Joe's. I had a few hits and one miss with Monday night's pasta dish. It really does make a difference to be organized and no exactly what we're having for dinner.

Looking forward to this week. Hopefully we can get out from underneath all this snow so I can get to the grocery store!

Week Of: 2/1 – 2/7

Monday

Meatless Monday

Spinach-Black Bean Lasagna

Tuesday

Onion, Ham, and Cheese Frittata

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

Wednesday

LEFTOVERS

Thursday

Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Friday

PW Chicken Parmigiana

Salad

Bread

Saturday

Pepper-Crusted Flank Steak

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Green Beans

Sunday

Pizza

SNOW:: I got a new lens for Christmas

2010-02-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Getting Our House In Order: Menu Planning

2010-02-01T06:00:00.015-05:00

It's time to give this notion of "planning" meals a try. Flying by the seat of my pants while trying to keep my sanity aren't working anymore. I know it's a simple concept, but I've gotten real good at pretending it's okay to decide what to have for dinner at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

Who knows . . . I might be clipping coupons and looking at sales sections soon!

Monday

Meatless Monday:
Vegetable Ribbon Pasta

Tuesday
Meatloaf Muffins
Mashed potatoes
Field Peas

Wednesday
Pan-Fried Pork with Blueberries
Cornbread Stuffing (Trader Joes)
Green beans

Thursday
Breakfast: eggs, Morningstar sausage links (veggie), toast and fruit

Friday
Clean Out Fridge Night

Saturday
Homemade pizza - Trader Joe's fresh dough w/herbs
Veggies w/ dressing

Sunday
Baked Penne with Ham and Broccoli

Our Breakfasts: yogurt and granola, oatmeal, waffles, green smoothies, fruit
Our Lunches: cheese and crackers, pb and js, fruit

A Colorful Valentine: Crayon Hearts

2010-01-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

I came across these directions for making cute crayon hearts. I had everything it called for, so I gave it a shot. I decided to use red, purple, pink and white crayons to make it a little bit festive.

I used Word to create the heart border around the white card stock card. So cute!

Planning Is In Her DNA

2010-01-25T06:00:00.028-05:00

Meg has her 4th birthday coming up . . . in March. She's been planning this party since she blew out the candles on her 3rd birthday cake!

We've decided on an "arts and crafts" theme party at home. The teacher in me is very excited about all the wonderful supplies.

The ideas are starting . . . more to come!

My Heart's Mind

2010-01-20T06:00:00.027-05:00

When tragedy occurs I go through the same process.

I choose to ignore it. If I don't acknowledge it, it doesn't exist. If it doesn't exist, I don't have to compare it to my own tragedy and loss. I don't have to spend hours reliving the day we lost our girls.

I try to control it. I convince myself if I could just get on a plane and hold those orphaned children it will all be okay. If I'm in the midst of it and I can decide who gets the supplies they need it will be okay.

I obsess over it. It gets into my head. I have a hard time appreciating the joy that's right in front of me because of all the devastation.

I give. Everything counts and technology makes it so easy to give in any way you can.

I pray. I pray for those who have lost loved ones. I pray for those left to put it all back together. I pray for the people who have so easily given of their time to help. I pray the next time a tragedy happens, I'll start praying and I'll remember how powerful God's grace can be.

From Goodwill to Pottery Barn

2010-01-18T22:23:00.001-05:00

A few months back I picked up this beauty at Goodwill. I was drawn to the little rope detail of the frame. It was only $5 and in great shape. I definitely hid it from the kids though - have you ever seen a scarier clown?

I'd forgotten I'd ordered these from Pottery Barn awhile ago. I can't remember what my original plan was for them. I thought about the Goodwill frame and decided there was probably a good way to put the two together.

I covered a self-adhesive foam board in linen. Popped out the clown paining and used a staple gun to attach the board. Then I simply hung the keys from some finish nails pushed right into the foam board. The project cost around $25 and makes a nice addition to our living room.

Check out Kimba's site for more DIY projects.

The Way I Roll

2010-01-18T08:19:00.004-05:00

I usually don't make resolutions, but I did have a realization recently. I've missed blogging. I'm going to give it another go and start by sharing a most wonderful trip we just made.

For Christmas, Bob surprised me with a trip to LA for the National Championship Game. He booked the flights, hotel and rental car. He was not willing to spend $1000 per ticket so we took a chance and waited until we got into town to buy tickets.

Thankfully my dear friend Jenny was able to broker us tickets for face value. We had them in our hands and made our way to the stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off. I was a nervous wreck just before and pretty much right through the game.

We sat in the Tide Pride section so we were surrounded by Alabama fans, with the exception of the two young Texas fans who sat right beside me. Kenny Stabler "The Snake" and his family sat in the row behind us. There were former coaches and players all around - the energy was great!

This was my first trip to California, and hopefully not the last. The weather was unbelievable! I usually don't enjoy flying, but we had a direct flight which made it more bearable!

It was one of the most fun trips I've ever taken (and not just because my team won). I got to spend time with a couple of old friends and meet some great new ones. We also went to a party at a real Beverly Hills mansion - believe me - it was like country come to town!

Thank you honey. I loved spending time with you. I think you're definitely an Alabama football fan now! Roll Tide!

My 3 Day Journey

2009-10-19T06:00:00.010-04:00

EVERYONE DESERVES A LIFETIME was the motto for our Susan G. Komen walk.

It was such an amazing experience. I haven't processed it all, but I do know I'll walk every year for as long as my body will let me. I had the privilege of walking with an amazing group of women. Our team, Big Buoys, raised $30,000!

Many things inspired me on my journey: the sons' walking for their mothers, the sisters' walking for each other, and the people walking because they must - because if they didn't, who would?

The photo above was part of the opening ceremony at National's stadium. As the sun was rising, survivors formed a circle and held these inspirational banners to remind us why we were walking. Yes, those are bunny ears - Energizer was a sponsor for the walk.

Our Team

Laura, Wendy, Jennie (our captain & 2nd year walker), Christy (Jennie's mom, 2nd year walker & SURVIVOR), Me, Sarah (SURVIVOR), Heather O. (our captain & 2nd year walker) and Heather M. (my roommate and mommy to be).

Here we are at one of the pit stops. This event was so well organized - no detail was missed. The route was incredible. We walked all around Washington, DC, which brought back some incredible memories for me!

These were two of my favorite volunteers! They were full of life and always motivated us to keep walking. There were hundreds of energetic and caring volunteers cheering us along the entire route.

The closing ceremony was incredibly moving. The same survivors from the opening ceremony formed a circle, but his time a family member joined them and held up the flag in the center which read, "To A World Without Breast Cancer".

Here we are at the finish. On a very small scale, this walk was a lot like pregnancy. You start off all excited and giddy - can't wait to pick out cute maternity clothes and eat Big Macs!

You start feeling a little uncomfortable and have to pee all the time. Then you go into excruciating back labor and swear you'll never get pregnant again.

They place that baby in your arms and the pain subsides - joy and pride feel your heart and you can't wait to do it again!

Thank you all so much for your support. I'd also like to thank Bob and Mary Ann, my mother in law. Honey, you did an awesome job with the kids! Thanks for already putting it on your calendar for next year!

Pink Ribbon Fabric Flower Pins

2009-10-06T08:24:00.007-04:00

I leave in 2 days for my 3 day walk for a cure. Our team, Big Buoys, has raised over $25,000 for Susan G. Komen.

There are 8 ladies on my team. I haven't met some of them, but I think this shared experience we are about to have will forever change and connect all our lives.

I wanted to make a little something for them to wear as they make their journey. These pink ribbon flower pins can be worn on their hats, tanks or fanny packs. Just a small gesture to let them know how thankful I am to them for their commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer.

Check out Kimba's for more DIY projects.

Open For Business

2009-10-05T06:00:00.006-04:00

I took the plunge. I opened an Etsy shop. I must be crazy.

Those two ladybugs are in honor of Ellie & Kate as is the name EK Designs

I have a few things listed. I'll be adding some Halloween things this week.

Come Visit!

A Simple Chair Update

2009-09-10T08:51:00.004-04:00

I'm slowly getting some projects done around the house. Here's the before picture.

I've had the fabric for months.

It's was just a matter of locating the staples and the staple gun at the same time.

In the amount of time it took for Max to prove to Ruby, once again, that he knew what he was doing . . . I was finished with all six chairs!

Go check out some great DIY projects over at Kimba's place today!

Hello, Anyone Out There?

2009-09-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

Bob just pointed out that I haven't posted in a long time. I've been wanting to, but just haven't had too much to say. So here's a brief update of sorts.

Our summer was fast & furious. We got in some great family & beach time! Bob and I even had an opportunity to celebrate our 10 year anniversary . . . . alone . . . for two nights thanks to Doll Doll and Grandma!

I've raised $1800 for my 3 day walk in October - only $500 left to go! If you'd like to donate, you can click here. If you've already donated - THANK YOU! Our team of seven has raised over $22,000 to help fight breast cancer!

Davis starts afternoon preschool today - we're hoping for a smooth detox from the Wii and legos. This will be my first experience with a carpool line, so that's exciting! Meg will do preschool and couple of afternoons, ballet and art class. Kale will continue to require 100% supervision and melt my heart on a daily basis.

I'm working on a few projects I'll post about soon involving fabric and wallpaper removal . . . the last of the wallpaper in this house!!!

Take care. I hope to be back soon.

Self Portrait of a 4-Year Old

2009-08-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

What happens when you let a 4- year old use a digital camera?

You end up with 124 photos similar to this one!

3,214

2009-07-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

3,214 . . . the number of miles I've driven in the past six weeks.

124 . . . the number of times Davis hummed the "Star Wars" theme song on the drive home.

1,298,212 . . . the number of grains of sand brought back to Maryland from the beautiful Florida beaches via shoes, luggage and little bodies.

92 . . . the number of sunscreen applications I administered while on vacation.

6 . . . the number of new teeth Kale decided to grow on our trip.

We had a great southern vacation. I'm glad to be home and hope to catch up with blogging very soon.

Hand-Me-Downs

2009-07-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

He loves his sister's hot pink crocs.

And she's okay with that because they're too small for her now.

Tri-State Tour

2009-06-05T21:43:00.004-04:00

We leave in a few days for our summer vacation. We'll be spending time in Georgia, Florida and Alabama over the next 6 weeks.

We're looking forward to seeing family and friends. Bob and I will even have a weekend at the beach sans children (thanks to a dear friend's wedding)!

Hopefully I'll get to check in a little while we're away.

Giving Handmade

2009-05-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

This past weekend we went to a birthday party. Happy Birthday, Scarlett! We had a great time!

I loved how Meg's apron dress turned out and wanted to make one for little Scarlett.

Of course, at the last minute I decided I needed to have a cute little bag to wrap it in. I found this great tutorial for a reversible patchwork bag. I see lots more of these bags in my future.

From T-shirts To Throw Pillows

2009-05-21T06:00:00.003-04:00

My aunt, Andrea, visited a few weeks ago. She brought up a couple of her favorite old t-shirts and wanted me to make pillows out of them.

Side note: Have I mentioned "To Kill A Mockingbird" is one of my favorite books (I know so original for a southern girl). Have I mentioned the author, Harper Lee, was a Chi Omega at The University of Alabama, and I met her during Homecoming week.

I love pillows. I used this as an opportunity to learn a new skill - making and sewing piping onto a pillow. I searched YouTube and found some great videos on how to make your own piping.

I hope you like them, Andrea. See you later this summer!

If you think you might want to try these, prep the t-shirts by ironing on some feather-weight interfacing.

My Fancy Camera

2009-05-19T12:07:00.004-04:00

Bob gave me this fancy camera for Christmas. To date, I've used it once.

On Christmas Day.

My goal is to spend the next few days figuring it out. I thought sewing had a lot of terminology I'd never heard before.

But Aperture?

Wish me luck. I'm hoping this DVD will help.

My Husband's Heart

2009-05-14T16:22:00.005-04:00

My husband has a good heart. It's not sappy or romantic. It's not full of fear or anxiety.

It's just good.

Many times after we lost Ellie and Kate I wondered if he was angry at me. If somewhere deep in his soul he held me responsible for taking his little girls away from him.

He didn't.

I wish I could say I would've handled the situation the same. That I would've never questioned or wondered if he could've done something different to keep them safe.

Even when his heart was broken it was good.

Photo by Madolina

Quilts in Progress

2009-05-05T06:00:00.002-04:00

I love quilts. I love that I (almost) know how to make something I can give to my kids and they can give to their kids.

I'm really great at starting a quilt. Finishing . . . not so much!

I have four in the works right now. I haven't finished one yet, mainly because I haven't learned how to bind them. I'm hoping to get help with that this week in sewing class.
Warning: This post contains multiple pictures of quilts. If you're not a fan, you may not want to read further.

This is my first quilt. I followed along Crazy Mom Quilt's quilt along to learn how to do it. It's called a sampler quilt - a little more traditional than I like, but I learned a lot of different techniques and patterns. I know it's hard to see the fabric, but it's very "girlie". It has lots of flowers, hearts and teacups. My hope is to finish it for Meg before she goes off to college.

These are the first of my 9 patch blocks for Crazy Mom Quilts: One a Day Quilt Along. The idea is to sew one block a day, but I've found it's easier for me to do a few in one sitting. Days can go by before I have a chance to get on the sewing machine, so I do it when I can.

So far this is my favorite! It is called a Disappearing Nine Patch. There's a great tutorial for how to do one here. I'm hoping to add more to this one to make it a twin size - not sure for who. The fabrics are from the Wee Play line.

This is a quilt for my nephew, Nate. It's more like a quilted play mat. It's the closest one to being finished - all I have left is to sew on the binding. I thought I was basing this one on the Disappearing Nine Patch, but when I reread the directions, I realized it's not. I like it anyway and hope he will, too.

Do Phases Have Time Limits?

2009-05-04T07:43:00.004-04:00

People tell me it's just a phase.

The defiance. The back talk.

Please tell me it will end. I'd like to unclench my fists and release my jaw!

7 Quick Takes Friday - Volume 1

2009-04-24T06:00:00.003-04:00

My friend, Megan, introduced me to a great blog, Conversion Diary. Every Friday people link up and share 7 things they have taken away or are thinking about from the week. I thought it sounded like a fun thing to try.

1. With the right tool, even a toddler can pitch in around the house. He walked around with this Swiffer all afternoon. He even wanted to take it to bed with him. He was not happy when I pried it out of his chubby little fingers.

2. If you look closely at the picture above you'll notice that's not a sock on my Swiffer. I have gotten lazy with my green efforts and plan on jumping back on the wagon next week. Keep an eye out for the revival of Three R Thursdays.

3. It's been raining a lot. I was beginning to get a little down on the rain and ready to hurt the next person that said "April showers bring May flowers". Then I saw these blooms. Sorry rain - you don't have to go away - just try to avoid Mondays and Wednesday so my child can play soccer. Thank you.

4. It gives me great satisfaction to buy clothes for the kids at consignment stores. It really is worth looking on a regular basis to see what you can find.

5. Even though preschool only lasts 2 1/2 hours, I will totally miss it tomorrow when school's out for a professional day.

6. I'd like to get better about praying when things are good. I've become very experienced at reaching out for God when things are difficult. But life is good, and I need to be more generous with my prayers of thankfulness.

7. All it takes is one little play date with a good friend to make you remember how important relationships are. I've always had wonderful women in my life. I want to work harder to nuture those friendships.