Suzanne McGrath Photography

Not Six on Sunday

I really don't have an excuse for not blogging last night.  Honestly, it was a busy weekend and I was tired.  And it was the season finale of The Good Wife.  I really only have a few shows - ok two shows - I watch and that is one of them.  The other?  The Voice.  I think that's all.  But I digress...

1.  #4 has two little speech impediments.  Is that what you call them?  Anyway, it's really cute.  She pronounces her "c" sounds like "t" sounds.  She asks for tookies (cookies) a lot due to a major sweet tooth she inherited from her dad.  She also runs around the house yelling for "Taroline!"  (Caroline.)  Of course we don't correct her because we knew it will disappear all too soon.

Her other one?  She loves to go to gymnastics and gets all excited about it.  Saturday morning she told me, "I'm going to go on the wings because I weally yike them ayot!"  Translation?  (I admit I had to ask #2 to translate the first part.)  "I'm going to go on the rings because I really like them a lot!"

2.  We seem to have bad luck quite often.  And last week was so exception.  Our microwave broke.  Again.  After the second time in a year or two, the hubby decided it was time for a new one.  I didn't really care either way - I just wanted a WORKING microwave.  Well, it's finally up!

After the hubby got it home, got the bracket on the wall, we tried to hang it up.  We tried for three DAYS to hang it up.  Finally, last Friday at 6:30am, we realized it was too long for the space.  Since we have tile on the wall that goes all the way up to the bottom of the microwave, we had to cut the top of the cabinet.  And by "we", I mean the hubby.  Thankfully, it was Chad to the rescue again.  The hubby borrowed some handy-dandy tool and cut off about 1/2" of the cabinet front.  And now?  The microwave is installed and working.  WooHoo!!

3.  Tonight I had a parent meeting for #1 at the MIDDLE SCHOOL!  Yes.  I said middle school.  I can hardly believe #1 is almost done with fifth grade.  Man, did that time fly?!  I'm excited for her and a little nervous.  I remember junior high.  It wasn't great.  It wasn't terrible.  I was teased mercilessly but took it well.  And I hope I was able to give a little crap to the teasers, too.  I hope my girls have a slightly easier time.  We shall see...

4.  I was able to work on the french chair I bought last September.  It's completely reupholstered.  I just have to glue the trim on to the hide the staples.  I'll reveal it soon.  I think it turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself.

5.  Sunday morning I woke up at 6am, got dressed, ate my peanut butter toast, and sat drinking my coffee, all ready to go for a nice, long run...when BOOM!  Thunder!  Ugh.  After texting Carmen and consulting the radar, we decided to stay put.  I don't mind running in the rain but I don't do lightening.  So sad.  I got up early for nothing.  

But...when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.  I decided to make homemade donuts thanks to Peas and Thank You.  They turned out so well.  They tasted like a cross between donuts, Christmas cookies, and sugar cookies.  

And aren't they pretty?

6.  Other than all that, we had a nice weekend.  Gymnastics, two soccer games, volleyball...nothing crazy.  We're sort of in the groove and our weekends have a nice flow to them.  

Have a great week!

 

Six on Sunday

It was a great weekend!  I'll recap in my traditional style.  Shall we?

1.  I had a great visit today with an old friend and her hubby.  My friend, Stacey, is pregnant and they have a Canon Rebel but wanted to learn how to take it off auto.  Who better to talk to, if I do say so myself?!  It was fun to be able to talk photography with someone who actually wanted to learn.  (The hubby usually feigns interest - but not very well.)  I hope I was able to give them the basics - enough to get them started - but not information overload.  

2.  Yesterday was almost perfect.  The little girls had gymnastics in the morning and #2 accompanied me since #4 loves it when she comes.  Afterwards we headed to Dunkin Donuts for our weekly treat.  Coffee for me and treats for the girls.  When we came home and played outside 'till lunch and naptime.  Aren't my roses beautiful?

Yeah, well, I cut them down.  They are pretty for about two weeks and then they look like crap the rest of the summer.  Plus, they are planted in a really odd place that makes it hard to train them.  I also managed to trim another big, overgrown bush in the backyard.  All the while I was doing this, the girls were playing on the swingset.  I love that we can all spend time together - OUTDOORS!  It was such gorgeous weather.

After the little girls were down for naps, I turned my attention to our picnic table.  I was able to sand it down to get it all ready to seal.  In the meantime the hubby started dismantling our fence.  It actually makes our backyard look much larger just by taking out a couple sections.  I can't wait for the whole back section to come out!

After the little girls woke up, we headed out to Deanna Rose for a girls afternoon out.  The little two had a blast (#3 met up with her "boyfriend", Will) and #4 just chased them around.  To make up for the slightly boring outing in #1 and #2's eyes, I took them to Sonic for a slushee.  All around, it was a fabulous day that ended with Greek Gyros.  Just lovely.

3.  We had two soccer games today.  I only made it to the first one at 9:15am out at Heritage Park.  I swear, it felt like it was about 30* out there.  The littles and I made it through the first half before we took refuge in the car.  I didn't make it to #1's soccer game tonight because it was late and I had to stay home to get the littles in bed.  All in all, it felt like a pretty light weekend.

4.  I decided to go for a run this morning.  I ran 8 by myself.  I'll admit it took me 3 miles to get into the groove, but it ended up being a great run despite the gale-force winds.  It was a fantastic way to start the day today and I'm glad I got my butt out of bed at 6am.  

5.  I haven't posted a Thrifty Thursday in several weeks.  Really, I just hadn't had a chance to photograph my projects.  I was able to rectify that situation today.  I photographed a couple different rooms and hopefully I'll be able to get a post up this week.  Fingers crossed.

6.  South Beach diet update if you're interested.  Phase 2 is much more fun than Phase 1.  Fruit is back - halleluiah!  I'm down about 7 pounds which is pretty much where I wanted to land.  So I'm a happy camper.  Below is a delicious snack that I'm getting ready to make:

Chocolate Covered Strawberries, serves 2:

8 strawberries

2 squares semi-sweet chocolate

1/2 tablespoon whipping cream

dash almond extract

Combine the chocolate and the whipping cream in a glass measuring cup or bowl.  Microwave at 50% for 1 minute or until the chocolate melts, stirring after 30 seconds.  Stire in the almond extract and cool slightly.

You're supposed to dip the strawberries in the cholate and refrigerate to cool for approximately 15 minutes.  But I don't have patience for that.  I just eat it straight out of the bowl!  

That's all!  Have a great week.

Six on Sunday...a Busy Weekend

It was a busy weekend!  

1.  Last week I talked about the South Beach Diet.  The first time I tried it was after #1 or #2 was born.  (I can't remember which one!)  It was the first time in my life I had to lose weight and I didn't know the first thing about "dieting".  I thought the SBD sounded the most realistic and it was/is really more of a lifestyle than a true diet.  So the hubby and I did it.  It worked.  We've done it (phase one - very restrictive) a few more times through the years when we've needed it.  (Mostly after babies were born!)

The hubby and I started two Mondays ago, so today is day 14.  It has worked.  I lost about five or so pounds.  And the hubby?  He's down about 10! Woo-Hoo for us!  Just in time for swimsuit season.  However, after running a half marathon yesterday and subsequently gorging myself/ourself, I'm probably up a pound or two!  On to Phase two - which is much happier (fruit comes back into play!).   

2.  Yesterday the hubby and I ran the Rock the Parkway half marathon.  I was gunning for a 2:05 but was three minutes off.  I attribute my horrible race to the SBD in #1.  Of course, the humidity didn't help, either.  But I really think the lack of carbs was a factor.  Don't get me wrong - we carbed it up for dinner Friday night.  But I really don't think that was enough.  Eating protein and vegetables for two weeks straight is great for getting rid of belly fat but not so great for energy.  Oh well.  You win some.  You lose some.

3.  #2 played in a soccer tournament this weekend. It wasn't a bad schedule - one game each on Friday, Saturday, and today.  They won, lost, and tied.  I think the competition was really good for our girls.  They're not used to losing but they played a pretty good team on Saturday and it showed them what passing can do in a game.  I hope they take that knowledge and run with it!

4.  #1 is in St. Louis tonight.  Her Girl Scout troop took the train this morning and went to a museum where they get to spend the night.  I sent her with my point and shoot and strict instructions to take lots of photos.  I hope she complies!

5.  Our yard is haven for birds and butterflies.  Check out the proof:

6.  Today was #4's birthday!  I can't believe my baby is three years old today.  She really didn't understand the significance of the day, but she loved opening her presents.  We also went out to Orange Leaf and had cupcakes tonight.  We missed having #1 here, but celebrated nontheless.

At three years old you are:

• STUBBORN comes to mind!
• You love to make us laugh but then you tell us not to laugh at you
• You still love your bobbie but tonight was your last one.  Sippy cups or cups from now on, kiddo!
• You love all your sisters to pieces and seem to have a special connection with #2.
• Your favorite food is chocolate.
• You love your babies.
• You dress yourself - in some crazy outfits
• You are so very loved, my dear!

 

And there you have it!  Six on Sunday.  Have a great week!

 

Six on Sunday...playing catch-up

I'm back.  I have to admit, the break was nice.  I have no reason for not blogging except for the fact that I was busy and something had to give.  This was it.  So let's catch up, shall we?

1.  The hubby had a birthday about a week and a half ago.  Of course it was very low-key, which is how we celebrate birthdays above - say - 20 years around here!  He opened up a few presents and we had chocolate chip cookies for dessert.  (We had our date night the weekend before, so we called it a birthday date night.)

2.  My sister moved into a cute little townhouse last weekend.  My mom and I both helped her with the move.  (Thank goodness she had movers.)  I have to say, I was really happy for her to be able to make this move but I was more than a little sad to see her go.  She has been staying with us a couple nights a week and every other weekend for the past year.  We all LOVED having her around!  My kids would always ask if she was coming over.  It's not like we won't see her anymore, but it just won't be the same for us.  (She, on the other hand, is probably doing the happy dance to get a little peace and quiet!)

3.  We finally had #1's 11th birthday party.  She choose to invite 3 friends to Coco Key for the afternoon.  Then we came back here, pigged out on pizza, and they had a sleepover.  Of course all her sisters had a blast swimming, too.  And I have to say, I love this age.  They are finally old enough to just leave them alone.  I can go to bed and know they will be just fine.  It's awesome.

4.  The day after the birthday party found me in a little Pontiac Vibe road tripping down to Bella Vista, AR with my mom.  We were on a mission.  And unfortunately, we were not successful on said mission.

My parents sold their house in Sioux Falls and now they are headed down south.  Naturally, they need a place to live.  We thought with 300 - 400 homes for sale in the area we could find something.  Uh, we were wrong.  We looked at about 12 - 14 homes (I can't even remember anymore) and the only one that would have worked was a new build but it was already under contract.  Nuts.  It's looking like they will have to build.

5.  The hubby and I started South Beach Diet phase one last Monday.  It's hard.  But it's working.  He's losing a pound a day!  We'll see where I land, but I'm positive I won't be down anywhere close to 14 pounds!  I'll be ecstatic with five.  The worse part is that I really miss crackers.  Seriously.  I'd kill for a bowl of Cheezits!  

6.  As for this weekend, it's been really nice.  Yesterday was busy - gymnastics, Dunkin Donuts, and two soccer games along with an 8 mile run.  Oh, and we also dyed Easter eggs and hung out with my sister and her kids.  

But today?  Awesome.  We got church in last night and just hung out around the house today.  Awesome, no?

I was able to finish sanding a beautiful chair so it's all ready for stain.  And we *almost* finished sanding the table on our deck.  It was a $20 Craigslist purchase last year and when it got hotter than hell last summer, we just let it go.  So it was finally time to help it out.  After an hour of sanding, it almost looks brand new.  Seriously.  We just have to finish sanding it and give it a coat of sealer.  Can't wait.

We did manage to squeeze in a bike ride to the playground this afternoon, too.  It was such a beautiful day that we all wanted to be outside the whole day! 

Anyway, now you know what we've been up to lately.  Have a great week!