So I needed something else to do and a little encouragement to go along! I started a group on Facebook called The “HILL” Project… want to join? It stands for Healthy is Life Long.

Corny? Maybe, True? YES!!! After signing up for Weight Watchers today, I thought it would only be fitting to ask my friends to be a part of the journey.

Do you like my logo and name of the group? It has to be cute if I’m gonna do this!!!

I'm strong and sweet!!!

Today, I’m at the beach with my friend Leslie. We both love and cherish the first morning cup of coffee! I know it’s only a picture of my coffee cup on her coffee table (kinda an ironic name for a piece of furniture), I know for some it’s just another day at the beach, but for me it’s a rejuvenating few days that I’ve been needing for more reasons than most care to read about.

SO as for this cup of coffee… it’s the epitome of what my “days off” are about, relaxing, enjoying and simply being me!

The morning cup of coffee has an exhilaration about it which the cheering influence of the afternoon or evening cup of tea cannot be expected to reproduce. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Thanks to the folks at skirt Magazine for getting me jump started for the summer here at Life to the “T”!!!

I'm the Bomb!!!

1 shot Blueberry Vodka
2 shots Blueberry Pucker
4 shots Grape Kool-Aid
*Ice to shake it
*Glass to make it
**Please note: You can NOT taste the alcohol, so tip toe lightly!!!

Look for me in the upcoming Issue of “skirt Greensboro” in August… so EXCITED I had to make myself a BB this morning just to blog about it!!!

Okay, so another week gone by and I “still wasn’t still” (shocker). I did however take a walk with my oldest son G-. I saw our walk through his eyes and took pictures of things he saw. I love this child on a level unlike my second born. Not more, not less, just different. I see a BIG life ahead for him… a GOOD life! He has had to be a stronger child than I was at his age, he has had to watch his little brother (who is special needs) go through so much and I often wonder what he thinks about it all.

a moment with Me & G

from a different point of view...

G- has the most caring heart of any child I know (except when he fired his little friend last week from their new “business ” venture… but that’s another blog post). What do I see as his most valuable asset, the compassion he has learned from his 8 short  years. I, as a mother, could have ever taught him this skill (but cherish that he knows it!). He will be a bigger and better man than most for what he has to deal with in our home living with his little brother.

Walk past this all the time...

Only in our yard!!!

So even though I might not have taken much time for me this week, I took the time to take a walk with G-! I took the time to take a few pictures from his point of view (and look at him with pridefull eyes). I stood still long enough to see that my son is one unlike most his age (on the inside)… yet he yearns to be like all the others. I dread the day someone says something bad to him about his bro… the two share the same heart and I hope they always do.

Just a random flower bush growing

on our front porch

SO to you G-… Mommy’s day to “be still” is dedicated to you.  In hopes that one day too, you will be still long enough to know what an amazement you are to our family and I love you dearly!!! (even if I don’t keep up with your blog well

my boy!!!

Your favorite past time!!!

“T” here with a linkey love note: Make sure to check out my girl MJ at onenuttygirl.com:

Another Linkey love of mine… my BEST blog designer, Darcy!!!:

Wearing leopard print is a way to be a little bit daring, having it strategically placed in my home makes me feel like I have something from Ballard Designs… sorta like living a little bit on a wild side in my not so wild life (except for my boys that is). I have learned quickly though that a little goes a long way!

My fave shoes I don't wear often

So what’s a girl to do with all this leopard print stuff? Where it of course!!! If we don’t make it simple, we can turn a fabulous and chic outfit into something tacky!!! There are a few rules a girl/woman should keep in mind when wearing an animal print, or any print at all:

my fave shirt I can't fit into

Worn almost every day... just could'nt get my own great picture

everyday cuties

What about in the home you say? Again… a little goes a long way! Keep it contained to only a couple pieces in a room. Make it a focal point, or make it an accent. The tid bit of black can go in most any room… in the context. I don’t think this is a trend going away any time soon, it’s been a round for years and I love it so!!!

Note: the picture below is actually a regular leopard print color pattern, but I was having fun on Picnik and had to post. I think it’s very Andy Worhal.

My newly recovered fave chairs!!!

I made it myself!!!

My lateset find which EVERYONE can get for only $2.79 are these cute little beauties from Office Depot.

who doesn't love these?

After reading about Kimba’s addiction to candles, I couldn’t help but share my latest with you (well maybe it’s been going on since this summer, but who’s counting?)! Don’t forget to check out my post from Chrstmas called “I Spot Christmas”. Want to see my friend MJ at One Nutty Girl? She shares my love for this fabulous fun fur! She has the most fabulous coat EVER and if I EVER get to wear a size small… it’s MINE!!! The only thing is I have so much more I didn’t even take pics of… UGH!!!

Actual color may seem different than it appears

My one true love

Yes it’s true… In February, I’m on my way to the Blissdom Conference in Nashville TN. I’m so excited to be going with my gal pal MJ from One Nutty Girl and PIC in Seek the TRIAD! We are of course going for business to “work” on Seek the Triad and learn how to make it even more fabulous (that’s no lie!). But the fact that Harry Connick, Jr. is going to be there live and in person for me to drool on watch in concert and maybe even lick his face get a picture of? Now that’s what I call divine intervention!!!

Here are a couple videos I found of HC… I could post weeks worth, but I have to go dig up ALL my CD’s so we can brush up on EVERY song on our 9 hour trip (UGH… but worth it!!!). I’m posting a couple oldies, but goodies of my man Harry… isn’t his name just dreamy?!?!?!

Harry will be a participant (both speaking and performing) at the closing keynote session at the Blissdom ‘10 Conference in Nashville, TN on Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2010.

From the Blissdom website:
And to help tie things up in celebration, we’ll tie one on with a very special guest whose community efforts in his hometown of New Orleans helped Katrina victims keep the spirit of their community alive. Help us welcome an accomplished performer, a dedicated philanthropist and a consummate family man, the one-and-only Harry Connick Jr.! Because BlissDom will never be without exciting entertainment, we’re so incredibly honored that Harry Connick Jr. will join us and perform a few songs!

Harry fully grasps the power of community by conceiving the Musician’s Village in New Orleans along with his friend and fellow New Orleans native, Branford Marsalis after the Hurricane Katrina tragedy. As of September 2009, 72 homes were built for the Musicians Village by Habitat for Humanity.

Harry’s new album ‘Your Songs’ was recently nominated for a Grammy and so Harry will be heading to BlissDom after he hits the Grammy’s in LA on January 31. (Um, yeah, seriously…how amazing is that?)

For more information about the conference, visit their website: blissdomconference.com

Oh and by the way… I’m linking up to one of my favorite sites over at Melissa’s, The Inspired Room! I’m super excited to be hanging with a few celebes other than just Little Harry” (and no I’m not talking bout my husband!). She just wrote a post today about what to wear at Blissdom, winter bliss and her ADD moments. Oh my word… I didn’t even fathom this thought till this morning that we’d have to have some great outfits… I was more worried about getting the laundry done and what snacks to wear!!! So I’m off to grab a few great tops to go with my, regular ol jeans and black pants (definitely staples in any girls closet). And P.S…. I do have great new blog cards to pass out to whoever thinks I’m cute too!!! It’s going to be a HOOT!!!

As 2009 is winding down today, It got me thinking of what a great year it turned out to be. Thought I’d share with you what a whirlwind it has been and how you never know where you’ll be. I didn’t plan on most of these things, God just has a way. I also didn’t put all the bad the year had brought, seems no point to focus on that.

I’m usually am not good at making New Years resolutions (not good at keeping them either). I’d pre-fer the “Winging It” method and see where I land most days. Thanks to ALL my friends and family who have enjoyed the year with me… can’t wait to see what 2010 has in store for us!!! Please note: this list is in no particular order… too much work to make my brain choose!!!

1. Spent ALL day at home for Christmas!!!

Home Sweet Home

2. Started a new business venture,

“Seek the Triad“.

Seek the Triad Logo

3. Have learned to take better photos

(not perfect, but better).

why not?

4. Helped start a new fundraiser,

“Blasting for Boobs“.

what a hoot!

5. Week trip to Vegas

Vegas Baby

6. Went to Disney on Make*A*Wish with the Family!

7. Raised almost $60K

for the GSO CP through the DNI.

DNI logo

8. Learned to “let go”

of what I have no control over.

Jer 29:11

9. Have given up scrap-booking

Nice and Neat

10. Bought my first Coach Purse

(I know, I know… it’s a real shocker)

A True Classic

Do you have a “Top 10″ for 2009? It’s a great way to look back and focus on the good! Start one for 2010 if you want to have a little more fun… I’ll probably wait till December 31, 2010 to try this again ~*~*~

What can I say, friends, sweets, support, coffee and fun… all in one fantabulous room at Maxi B’s. I was able to host my M.O.M.s group from Family Support Network at this great little find in Greensboro. We meet once a month to talk about our “special needs” kids. Most days it feels like we are the ones who have “special needs” and that our kids are just fine!!!

Fun time by ALL

We are able to be with other MOMS for one night a month that just simply “Get It”! While we were having a chance to chat and catch-up in this awesome place…

Fantabulous Room!!!

we were able to enjoy checking out the new trends in cakes around the room, part of the “decor”!

Can we have a piece of that please?

We meet to give the “new” moms a shoulder to cry on and the “seasoned” moms a chance to catch-up on the latest information floating around about doctors, events, support and schools in the area. It’s not that we are “gossiping”, just that we need to share vital info about ALL the overwhelming news and resources that are available to us. It’s amazing how each time I leave with a new perspective and fresh ideas from those who “Get it”!

our MOMS are special too!!!

Great Space!

Just want to say thanks for just being you!!!

MOre MOMS

Another beautiful display to eat!

Doesn’t hurt to enjoy the goods from the bakery while catching up with each other! They also have a GREAT cup of Joe, yummy ice cream and frozen yogurt… and FREE Wi-Fi. What more could a girl ask for in a place?!?!?!?

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes?!?!?!?

My last thought for M.O.M.s group is this… Thanks for letting me change things up a little to share these wise words from a mom out there in the www (Love Notes for Special Parents by Terry Mauro). As I sat one night and read each and every one of her 28 verses, I thought she was writing them to me. Then the light came on and I knew I had to share them with you ALL. Check Drake’s blog for more quotes in the near future! If you really like these, please check back if you’d like to read about “you” as a parent, or if you choose, read about a parent of a Special Needs child who just might need you to understand how some days it truly is. Thanks to my friends and family who have stuck through my child’s ins/outs, thanks to my SN moms for just getting it with-out saying a word!

Quote 4

ABL

MJ

Today I am writing and linking to a post “A Beautiful Life“. I have a “Beautiful Life” with my Family, Home and Friends (just to get started).
Well what can I say? When I was a child, I was ALWAYS the new kid on the block. I was a “move a rounder” every couple years growing up. (And no I wasn’t a military brat). Just how life was with a single mom trying to move up the ladder and make the best living for her and her kids (me & bro). Anywho, leaping forward 30 some years, I have a beautiful life (not that it was horrible while being younger)! I’m blessed with not just family who I’m crazy about (most of them anyway), I have the BEST group of girlfriends EVER!!! (Thanks Knet, Essie and Chels!!!)
Most of my dear friends are not bloggers (I’m still working on that), but for those who are there is truly a different connection (not in a Face Book kind of way either). I’ve tried my darndest to start a blogger support group to encourage EVERYONE to start blogging. I use to be the Scrapbook Queen, blogging is so much easier, neater and more fulfilling (in a comment giving sort of way).
One day I’ll write more on my friends who mean the world to me, but today is dedicated to a friend MJ who maybe not “completes me”, but “gets me” in the need to do something BIG. We started out meeting through a mutual friend (isn’t that how most relationships start?). We had so much in common… She was in the F.B.I., I was a GSO Firefighter (two quite masculine jobs, even though we ARE cute and NOT masculine!)… She bakes the BEST cookies, I eat them… She started blogging about her life(One Nutty Girl), I started blogging about my second son’s life (Drake)… she has this beautiful, unique watch, I had never known anyone to have, I have the same one (what*a*kawinky-dink!)… she wanted to start something big in the “blog world” with someone, I agreed!!!

Seek the Triad Logo!

We now have started a business blog called Seek the Triad.
Several months ago, it started out just a fun “girl thing” to do. As of last week we have gone with a full blown ‘On-line Magazine” about our town and ALL it has to offer. We are having a blast, our business ideas are so in sync and our talents complement each other so much that is scary. When we are hanging up the phone at the end of the day (or logging-off), we know what we are doing all started with the love two friends have for each other, our families/friends, GOD and the need to just do something that tells the world we care.