Simple Man

This is my quote on my hall chalkboard. You have to walk by it to get to the laundry room, so we pass it everyday, often more than once. The boys and I love Lynard Skynard and particularly this song. So, with all the changes going on around here, I thought this was an encouraging and inspiring quote.

Hog Heaven

Heading out today to attend orientation at the University of Arkansas with my middle son. I can't believe he starts college in August. Before I know it my youngest will be graduating.

Ballards Love

I received my June Ballards Design catalog yesterday, and I have two things I am just in love with. I have been waffling back and forth on getting these panels and think I have decided to try them in the black.

I also am in love with this lamp base, which at $59 is a pretty good price. I would love it with a bright floral print on the shade.

Well, off to make cookies. We go through dozens of them on the weekends with all the kids here boating. Have a great weekend.

American Summer

I had to go to the Walmarts today to restock after a weekend filled with hungry teenagers. While shopping I just happened to see the cutest red, white and blue drink dispenser. I try every year to buy a couple of red, white or blue items to add to my collection. A friend got me started about 5 years ago. It looks really good with my tray I bought last year at WM and the utensil holder that started it all. All the metal pieces are only $10, so great price!

Memorial Day Fun and Thanks

Since we live on a lake summer holidays are spent in the boat. My two youngest sons have friends come over and they are tubing and wakeboarding all day. Here's what my kitchen looks like.

Here is what the deck looks like. This is only the top deck. The lower deck has even more towels hanging off it. Guess what I'm going to be doing tomorrow!?!

But most of all we want to thank and remember all those who have served and are serving in the American Armed Forces for the sacrifices and those of their families. Thanks to them we get to live in this great country and proudly fly this flag!

Shutters

When we bought this house there were very few for sale that were lake front. We had 3 others to choose from besides this house. One was way out of our price range and the other two were treks down the side of a cliff to get to the lake. The house we like the best had the steepest walk to the lake. They had put rope pulls in along the walk way to help you pull yourself up! Slowly I have tried to add a little cottage charm to this house. It is a basic ranch look on top. Here is part of the front before. There were sage green cheap plastic shutters up, but I forgot the before pics of that. Here's the window with nothing.

My dad helped me make shutters for the window. I painted them and the window box black. Very little sun hits this window box, so I went for mostly green plants with some red accents. This led to me painting the house numbers red. I'm thinking of painting the house numbers onto the window box. Not sure. Here is the after pic. So much better!

Now I have got to get to work on landscaping!

Graduation #1

Heading out to Waco Tx and Baylor University today for graduation of my eldest. He is graduating with a BS in Environmental Science. We are so proud of him. He attended Baylor on a National Merit Scholarship. Sic'em Bears!

Lady Antebellum

Hayden has been in Louisville KY for National DECA Conference. While there, he got to attend a Meet and Greet with LadyA before their concert. Doesn't he look like he's having fun?! Mom was definitely jealous!

Out The Window

This has been the view out the back window for the past week. We live on a small lake and there is a thin layer of ice over most of it. The ducks and geese have loved it, playing around and gathering in the small pockets of water. The boys went out yesterday throwing rocks and could only break thru in a few spots. Hopefully the warm up this week will melt all the snow and ice and we can get back to normal, or at least above freezing!

Coffee Break

Well, here is my Christmas gift. I have wanted a Keurig for a while and after my dad and stepmom got one last year, I have been a lot more vocal about this want. My boys finally heard me and made sure this is what Glen bought me. If you have one, what is your favorite coffee flavor? I drink Green Mountain Breakfast Blend if I don't put my good old Fogers Half Decaf in the filter. I'm not one for strong and it seems most of their flavors are BOLD! I use French Vanilla creamer and I want to be able to taste that and the bold seems to overwhelm it. Do you love Keurig or an old-fashioned coffee pot?