It Is What It Is...The Crews Family

Pro Bowl Here We Come

2011-04-14T08:14:00.005-04:00

My man L.T. (Landon Thomas) was chosen

to play in the FYSFL Pro Bowl!!!!

We are so very proud of him!

He played Tight End.

This is the perfect position for him!

He has grown so much during this spring league.

Before every game and sometimes during games

L.T. would lead the team in their "pump up" chant!!!

I love seeing him do this.

He definetely has some MAJOR team spirit!!

Next weekend we will travel to Tarpon Springs, Fl to watch

the east and west battle it out for the State Championship!

(The Bucs came close, but lost last week!)

L.T. and all the other kids chosen to play on the Pro Bowl teams

will be recognized and given their jerseys!

The following Saturday in Titusville will be the

Pro Bowl game!

Landon has no idea yet.

We are surprising him tonight with a cake!

He is going to be sooo excited!

Lamp REvamp

2011-04-13T11:30:00.003-04:00

I found these brown lamps in my closet the other day!

They were buried in a pile of clothes.

I've actually been thinking about looking for some new lamps.

I wanted a pretty blue for spring.

These were a great shape, just an ugly blob of brown!

So, I went on a hunt for the perfect color spray paint.

Michaels always has a great selection of colors.

I found this one...

It is now my NEW fav!!

LOVE, LOVE LOVE this color!

It's perfect!

New lamps for $5.99!

The shades could use a little work, but I had these too.

So, for now they will do!

We LOVE Football

2011-02-25T08:07:00.002-05:00

We love football so much that we signed up a group of

our players to play in a Spring Football Tournament!

Last weekend was our first game.

It was a beautiful day filled with excitement.

Landon was full of anticipation... The 2 younger boys loved rooting him on.

It was an awesome game!

We won 26-0!!

Oh, yeah baby...

BRING IT ON!!!!!

Go Oceanway BUCS. YOU ROCK!

Gotta Love Spray Paint

2011-02-23T16:05:00.003-05:00

Do you have any of these around your home???

Yes, those. The ugly, el cheapo, cookie cutter ceiling lights??

Well, I did too. Several of them I might add.

But, thanks to this wonderful product...

I don't have those ugly lights anymore.

They almost look like they may have cost more than $5 now!! Ha!

Quite amazing what a little spray paint can do.

I love the way they turned out.

A little time, a can of spray paint and whala...

A totally new look for an old tired ceiling light!!!

Birthday's Galore

2011-02-23T15:07:00.006-05:00

Mom got to enjoy her birthday with both of her children and

ALL of her grandbabies this year.

It made for a very special birthday!

Corbin turned 7 on the 11th!

Crazy.

That's my baby boy and he is 7!

Not sure if I like that.

He wanted his special birthday lunch to be at

Hooters...of all places!

Tickle made him an awesome football cake!

He loved it! He celebrated by having 3 of his friends over for the night! I think they had great fun! And, Toby's grandmother celebrated her 99th birthday!!! Isn't that amazing! BTW, her sister just turned 102. I think my MIL will have some major longevity. Hopefully, that will get passed down to my children!!! It's been a great month so far...only a few more day until March. I am so looking forward to spring.

Gettin' This Thang Off the Ground

2011-01-31T17:06:00.004-05:00

Ok, so it's been a week since my last post {maybe longer}!

I've been totally consumed by the computer.

I've been editing the photos I took of sweet little Joshua.

I even also created my very own website!

This is a free one!

I can upgrade later if I see my photography business take off.

I just don't want to spend any money that I don't have to right now.

I've worked really hard at putting it together.

It turned out well, I think!

I've got a few little kinks I'm working out.

I'll let you see it as soon as it's 100%!

Baby Pics

2011-01-20T11:05:00.002-05:00

I got to take pictures of the

sweetest little thang ever yesterday!

Mr. Joshua is 2 weeks old

Isn't he beautiful?

These were my favorite pics from our session!

I ain't gonna lie...

I was so nervous! I wanted to be as professional as I could.

But, AAAAh! was screming in my head.

Sweat was tripping from my forehead and everything!

This was even a friend of mine...

And I was crazy nervous.

Can't imagine not knowing the person.

I wanted it to be a great experience for them and to end up with some

amazing shots! I think I accomplished what I set out to do.

Now, I'm hooked.

I want to get better and better...

I need babies, please!!

Get Set, Get Fit, Go!

2011-01-18T09:35:00.002-05:00

It sounds exciting, but

it's NOT!

I'm just trying to get into a routine.

I need to lose som L-Bs.

The Holidays weighed heavy on me this year!

Really!

Yuck!

So, a friend and I are planning to walk this morning.

We tried several mornings last week, but

none of them worked out.

This is a new week and I know it will be great.

Fresh air.

Good company.

And exercise!

Yesterday was a bad day.

Rainy.

Cold.

And lots of screaming boys!

But, today is a new day.

And, the sun is shining!

Lampshade Revamped

2011-01-17T10:55:00.004-05:00

The office space I've been working on is coming along pretty good!

Now I'm working on all of the little things...

the details!

I love this lamp! I think it has been in almost

every room in my house! Ha!

At one time there were 2.

I believe one of the kids knocked over the other.

It ended up in pieces on the floor.

I like it on the desk.

It looks nice, adds light when you need it,

but it seemed to be missing something.

So, I added rolled flowers to the shade!

These rolled flowers are so easy to make.

You can do so many things with them.

Aren't they so pretty? Next I added some ribbon to the edges! What a difference a few details can make! To make your very own rolled flowers check out this site for directions!

A Little Visitor

2011-01-14T14:49:00.003-05:00

We had a "little visitor" last night!

Mr. James.

As you can see he had some major fun!

He played with monster trucks,

Thomas the Train,

ate dinner

and jumped around like s SiLlY man!

Emerson had a ball too.

Yes, it was another stinkin' boy,

but at least he was her size!

Not so nice

2011-01-13T13:28:00.003-05:00

What is wrong with people?

Crazy!

Someone stole my debit card info and racked up a ton of charges!

Thankfully, the bank and Yahoo have been great!

They gave us our money back ~ thank the Lord.

They think someone either stole my information from a website

where I made a purchase or

from a resturaunt.

They were eager to find love.

All of the transactions were for dating sites!

It's not like the old days, that's for sure.

Seems you can't trust anyone or anything for that matter!

Now that all of that is cleared up I need a fresh cup of hot coffee ~

It's cold here in Jville!

And I can't get warm!!

One Room at A Time

2011-01-11T11:46:00.004-05:00

It's the smallest room in the house,

but it's the first room people see!

The FOYER!

Ours is quite small, but still needed some

personality and some color.

I don't have a before picture (I'm a dork).

But, here is what it looks like now.

I love this old vanity.

I've had it for several years and used itas my

bedside table.

Look at the chippy blue paint ~ love it!

Now everyone can enjoy it!

Remember, moving furniture and items from room to room will

give that piece a whole new look, feel and purpose.

Try it ~ you'll be surprised!

Inspiration

2011-01-07T09:50:00.006-05:00

Oh, how I love spending hours and hours

jumping from one blog to another!

It is crazy how many creative people are floating around out there!

Layla, at The Lettered Cottage is Ahhh-mazing!

This is her dining room.

Oh, how I looooove the wood wall...I want one!

But, I am lacking $$$, time and oh yeah, a Handy-man!! LOL! So, for now I will settle on a more realistc plan... STRIPES!

Below is Layla's version.

Again, LOVE!

Here is my Formal Living Room turned Dining Room BEFORE.

After a few hours of work. Ya know, the pain-staking part ~

measuring, leveling, penciling and taping!

Blah!

It's getting more exciting! Here it is!

I love how it tured out!

Now I just need a light fixture.

I'm thinking about a nice large Drum Pendant...hum??

Yum, Yum...

2011-01-06T08:32:00.004-05:00

I made PW's Chicken Parmigiana last night!

Ooooh it is so good!

And easy!

picture courtesy of pioneer woman

How how I wish I cooked like this every night...

The kids just gobbled it up!

You should definitely try it!!

Yum! Yum!

BTW...

2011-01-05T09:31:00.004-05:00

Just in case you were wondering...

I hate my front door!

Not trying to offend anyone, but it is just so cookie-cutter!

Every house in our neighborhood is sporting the exact same door!

See what I mean?

Zero personality!

This is more like it!!!

Simple, clean...and wood!

Hopefully, this year I will be able to treat myself to a new look!

Yeah...So what!

2011-01-04T18:16:00.002-05:00

Happy 2011!!

Yeah, I know. I'm like 4 days late.

Look, I haven't even downloaded my Christmas pics yet. Crazy? Right?

I am determined to be a better blogger this year. Ya never know I might actually stick to this one!

Before I go I want to give you a little something from a new blog I have discovered.

HowDoesShe?

Check it out. Lots of great stuff for moms!

Also, this is the best gift ever...a free 8x10 canvas of your favorite photo! You can upgrade to a larger size if you want! I have one on the way!! Yay me!

Also, I have a few new projects I'm working on at the moment.

Just to keep you guessing it involves paint!!!

I will keep you posted...

A Bethlehem Visit

2010-12-11T09:44:00.002-05:00

Last night we loaded up the Crew and met my mom and Terry for yummy pizza @ Al's in Ponte Vedra! After our dinner we drove to our Main Attraction, The Bethlehem Visitby The Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church. This is not your typical Nativity Scene. This is a town! It is filled with Knights on horses, beggers, pottery makers, leather makers, Bread makers, belly dancers, everything you imagine to be in the town of Bethlehem that very special night, including Baby Jesus! It was amazing. This video does not do it justice! Before the tour you are welcomed by the pastor in the sanctuary followed by a beautiful musical piece by two talented musicians and vocalist. We were then asked to stand and sing Silent Night! Beautiful! I was tearing up! You could feel the love! Then we were led out to a candle lite path that took us into the town of Bethlehem.

Again, this is a nice video, but this is only a small glimpse of what you actually see and experience! There was even a camel!! It isn't just a path that you walk on and look at the attraction. You actually interact with everyone! The kids had a blast. Onceyou leave the town you are welcomed to stand around the bonfire and drink your hot chocoalte and eat your cookies!!

In the last couple of years nearly 30,000 people travel through the town of Bethlehem during this 2 night event! It is SPECTACULAR!!!

Thanksgiving, Birthdays, etc...

2010-12-08T09:25:00.003-05:00

Well, for all of you out there wondering if Landon stayed home for Thanksgiving or went to Georgia, well, he stayed!! I have to admit I was thrilled with his decision. We had a great day at my Mother's house. We spent time with 2 of my Uncles and my Meemaw and GG Curt. We haven't done that in years! It was nice!

We ended up at Toby's parents house and watched football and The Elf with his sister, her husband and their three girls! It was a great day. So much to be thankful for!

We also, celebrated Landon's bithday. I cannot believe he is 11 and will be in middle school next year...crazy! BTW, I totally would have made him a cake, but he insisted on the Edwards Chocolate Hershey Pie. Hum, I wonder why??

Last Sunday was Emerson's 3rd Birthday. She invited a few friends and lots of cousins! It was a perfectly themed party for our little Princess!

Tickle made her a beautiful Princess cake!

We have been filled to the brim with festivities! This is a busy time of year, but my absolute favorite!

'Tis the Season

2010-11-18T08:25:00.002-05:00

I am so looking forward to getting up in the attic and pulling down all of our Christmas decorations! Most people hate that part, but the kids and I love it! We get all gitty reminiscing while we unpack. I love watching the kids pull out things from when they were younger. Every year I try to find ornaments that represent the phases they are in. Like, I have a Hershy Bar to represent Landon's love for chocolate. You should see the Barney and Lion King ornaments that we have collected over the years! People think I'm crazy, but our tree is filled with memories, as well as all of my pretty stuff! I have the kids help decorating the tree too. They decorate the layer of the tree that matches their height. We always have our Christmas music in the background. It is always such a treat.

We usually decorate sometime during the Thanksgiving weekend, but this year we just might have to push it back. Landon has been invited to go to Athens, GA to watch the GA vs. GA Tech game with some friends of the family. The Pickrens live in our neighborhood and are HUGE Georgia fans. It is a little bittersweet, because they will be traveling for Thanksgiving as well! Landon has been dying to go to Athens and he now has a chance! I will just miss his stinkin' butt during Thanksgiving. He hasn't quite made up his mind yet, but I think he is leaning towards going. We have given him the opporitunity to decide for himself whether to go or not. It is a real honor that another family wants your kid to travel 6 hours in the car and to enjoy Thanksgiving with their family! Keep in mind, they have 3 boys of their own!!!

I'll be so happy for him, but I also hate not being there to see his excitement!

Storytime

2010-11-17T14:58:00.003-05:00

I so longed for a sweet little girl and now that I have her I don't know what to do with her! I know for a fact that I am so not into the whole "playgroup" thing anymore. It's like I don't know what to do with a toddler. They need interaction. I feel so bad for her. She is here at he house with me all day long...with nobody to play with!

I can't lie. I just really don't want to sit down and play with her. There are way to many other things I'd rather be doing. And no, I don't mean laundry!

So, today I strapped on my "good mommy" boots and took my little "sweet peaches" to the Main Library downtown! They are celebrating their 5yr. birthday for the new building! It was great fun for us both. I enjoyed watching her during the sing-a-longs and the storytelling. She had such a sweet smile on her face the whole time. She also really enjoyed the art and craft part! It was a great afternoon!

A few fun photos...

2010-11-16T08:55:00.002-05:00

Here are a few random photos...

Halloween with all the creepy peeps, except for Emerson!

Baylor enjoying his Birthday Brownies...

Toby and Landon enjoying their Bowl Game victory...

I took a few (150 to be exact) pics of Emerson. Trying to play around with my camera! Here is my FAV from our "photo shoot"...

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

Forever and A Day

2010-11-01T15:37:00.002-04:00

Yeah! So, it's been awhile. I've been in hiding. Ha! So much has gone on that I cannot even begin to back track...so, I'm starting fresh from today! Today is Baylor's 9th Birthday! I am amazed at what an incredible person he is. He is so smart and responsible, as well, as handsome and sweet. I love him to pieces. Toby and I picked him up from school early and took him to Zaxby's (his choice) and then we went to the mall where he picked out the jersey of his choice - Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons! Now to cook him some brownies and some steak and chicken for dinner!!

TWF

2010-07-12T15:18:00.004-04:00

I want a pair of these...

Just to take me away for a little while!!

I'll come back later.

I promise.

I've been hearing, "Ding, ding, ding!" ALL day!

Thumb Wrestling!

There's little peices of paper all over my house.

And tape.

They are having fun.

I guess a little paper can't hurt, right?

Make your very own right here! Have fun!

The BEST Place On Earth

2010-07-11T10:51:00.004-04:00

This is our Favorite place.

It's my Aunt's Lake Place.

The kids look forward to going here every summer.

Compass Lake.

Relaxing.

Beautiful.

FUN.

We had friends join us for a few days this trip.

I always hate leaving!

Thanks Uncle Larry and Aunt Cheryl!

Wedding Day

2010-05-02T11:45:00.004-04:00

Sunday, May 1st mom married Terry Murphy. It was a georgous day! Lots of preparation, but everything turned out great! We meet Terry's 2 daughters, Sabrina and Victoria. Our kids really hit it off with Sabrina's children and granddaughter! We meshed together like we've known each other forever. It was an amazing day filled with God's great love. Here is a sampling of pictures from the day.

Our new extended family!

Sabrina and Victoria, Terry's daughters from Alabama

Four Generations

It was so beautiful!

Wishing mom and Terry a lifetime of love and happiness!