Flavor Fest 2-28-14

Dustin and I went to Flavor Fest at Blackbird Cafe tonight. They were sampling all the things they are considering adding to their menu this coming year. They had many delectable creations to try ranging from smoothies to sandwiches to yummy pastries. This is one of the items they were sampling, baked cake doughnuts. They were soft, moist and very rich. Dustin and I split one and then we took this one home. I know sprinkles make such things even worse for you, but seriously they are like eating yummy dipped in rainbow!

Lunch Break 2-27-14

My sister and her kiddos came by our work today and my dad decided to treat us all to lunch. These are two of his grandchildren and their "Papa". Thanks for lunch dad!

Fold It 2-26-14

This is one of those "I don't know what to take a picture of" kind of things. Wednesdays are laundry nights. I am blessed to have a man who helps out around the house....and look at those muscles! ;-)

I Rented A Zoo 2-25-14

My husband had to go down to Little Rock today to attend a meeting for the School District he works for. I decided to tag along, but instead of going to the meeting, I spent the day at the Zoo. I had read that Tuesdays are one of the slowest days of the week at the Zoo, but I didn't really think it would feel like I had rented the place out. I saw around 10 families in the 5 hours I was there. It was such a fun experience though! I got to take my time and watch what ever animal I wanted to watch for however long I wanted to watch it. I got to take tons of pictures and I wasn't on anyone else's time schedule. The weather was perfect. It was my ideal day. I learned the differences between a spotted leopard and a cheetah. I learned more about giraffes and got to eat lunch with one. I watched the big cats and saw many aspects of my house cat in their mannerisms, just with A LOT more power behind their every step. I watched an elephant draw in the dirt with a stick. I realized that Cheetahs make the same noise (just louder) as Blue our cat, when they are ready for dinner. Penguins like to be talked to and so do rhinos for that matter. I even found a new appreciation for the barriers between humans and the inhabitants of the zoo as a big long horn made locked on eye contact with me and jumped and started like he would if he could. Yes, it was a perfect day!

Good Girl Treats 2-24-14

Our pups got some new treats at TJ Maxx tonight. Found a big bag of the good stuff for $8.99! These go perfect in their Kongs every night. I tried one of the treats, and I am not quite sure where the appeal is, but they seem to really like them! No regular milk bones for our sweet fur babies!

Just Gets Prettier 2-23-14

It was our mom's birthday today! I know I shouldn't say her age but, seriously her pretty face does not look 53! She has a beauty that glows from the inside out. I love mom so very much for so many reasons. She is kind, considerate and thoughtful. She is also hilarious and has a strong soul. She has been a beautiful example for my sister and I to look to. She is so very loved more than she even knows! Happy Birthday Momma!

Driven' Crazy 2-22-14

Dad and I went on our dad/daughter date today. We went out to Bull Shoals to listen to a presentation given by Tim Ernst, a nature photographer and hiking trail guide book author. I got my Arkansas Waterfalls book signed by him and proudly told him that I had been to at least 11 of the places in the book. His presentation was fantastic! His Wife, Pam Ernst was fun to talk to as well. We were very glad we went and really enjoyed the experience. After the presentation we went to Gaston's resort and walked around the trails there. We came across this old jeep and I thought it would be an excellent place for our picture! I am pretty sure if my years as a teenager could be summed up into a picture for my dad, this would be it, driven' him crazy!

Hedbanz 2-21-14

After work tonight we picked up pizza and went over to my sister and brother in law's house. We a ate and then played games. We had all kinds of good fun playing games like Headbanz, Pinkalicious, and Sleeping Queens. I then got to read the girls a bedtime story. After I read the story the three of us sat on Natalie's bed and made up stories. We all had a great time tonight!

Dinner and Friends 2-20-14

Thursday nights the Cochran's come over for dinner then Dustin and Kib go play tennis. Tonight they brought over the ingredients and we all took part in preparing it. It was a greek type meal with falafel and a yummy greek salad. Kib also made some real good lime and parsley drinks. Fun times! :-)

Safe Now 2-19-14

Yesterday an Amber Alert went up from Springfield Missouri, a 10 year old little girl taken from her front yard. Today they found the suspect and her body. We see so much senseless violence these days. And with the help of Media it is constantly in front of us. We easily get desensitized by it all. But this little girl was someones baby and she had people who watched her grow and loved her. Her life was unjustly cut short. My heart has been aching for this family all day. I am so tired of the hate and evil, discontentment and devaluing of human life. I have struggled to get my emotions in place most of the day, and I can not even imagine what those close to her are feeling. But as I was trying to wrap my mind around this, this drawing came out. She is safe now.

Rescued 2-18-14

I had a wonderful lunch at the park today. I ate and read my book even took a short walk around the park. Then I came back and tried to start my car....she didn't make a sound. I then realized the headlights had been on for my whole lunch hour.....
Thankfully, I work just down the street with my dad, so I called him and he came and gave polly (my car) a jump. Thanks Dad! :-)

Brush It 2-17-14

This is my husband everyone! I was headed to bed with still no picture of the day so he allowed a getting ready for bed photoshoot.....many giggles and histerics later I give you this piece of art.
He has said before, that his favorite thing is to hear me giggle and this picture brought on a whole side splitting fit. I love this picture and this man!

Perfect Ending 2-16-14

The sun setting on a beautiful weekend... This morning my sweet husband and I slept in and did yoga together. This afternoon we took our dogs Push Mountain Road to a serene spot where there is a cascade, waterfall and a trail to hike. We spent lots of time at the cascade and waterfall taking pictures, eating lunch and enjoying the sounds and company. We walked the trail and saw another waterfall we weren't expecting. As we drove back home we stopped at a place on the side of the road and sat in the back of our CR-V, with our dogs, and watched the sunset. It was an absolutely wonderful weekend and this was a perfect way to end it.

A Bit of Color 2-15-14

Dustin, the dogs and I went on a walk around the trails that are behind the ballpark today. We were walking and I saw this read leafed vine contrastng with all the brown of the dormant trees. I especially liked the effect the afternoon sun had on the scene as well. We had a wonderful time on our walk and got nice and muddy!

My Valentine 2-14-14

I had a wonderful Valentine's day! My sweet valentine sent me roses at work, cooked a marvelous meal that we ate in front of the fire place and made an ibook about our 5th anniversary trip for me. We had yummy cupcakes from QT Cupcakes for champagne for dessert. It was a memorable night and I loved every minute of it! I love this man so very much!!

Playing With Danger 2-13-14

Our friend, Kib, likes to play rough with Blue, and this kind of pain is usually what the outcome is...

Sunshine Finally 2-12-14

The sun was wonderful today! So great that I just had to take the pups for a walk at lunch time.

A Few of My Favorite Things 2-11-14

My Sister, Corinthia, is a sweet, caring woman. She has always loved me very much, if not a little too much. These are a few things I have gotten from her over the years. The inspiration for this picture though was the sweet little owl mug she brought me tonight. Isn't it adorable? Thanks sis, not only for the things but for being a great sister!

Winter Blues 2-10-14

I drew this tonight! This sums up how I feel about gloomy, cold Mondays.

Flaming Mad 2-9-14

This is Theodore the turkey. He is Kib and Sarah Cochran's Turkey. Last time we were over at their house, Zipper, my Aussie/Collie mix attacked this guy. She came away with a feather in her mouth....this time, Theodore was ready. She came running up to him and he puffed himself up and ran at her and jumped at her. She was so startled she didn't know what to do. She wasn't sure whether to keep trying or run away. After the chickens came in for backup she decided she better give up. This is a picture of Theodore right after the battle. His wattle and snood are flaming red in frustration. Zipper learned her lesson and I don't think she will mess with Theodore very much in the future.

Ice Shelf 2-8-14

On our way to mom and dad's house to pick up more wood, we stopped at Pigeon Creek access. There is a big clump of cypress trees right next to the water in this area. It is always a really neat place to go walk among the trees but today it was especially interesting. On the bases of the trees closest to the water you could see where the water line had risen and fallen by the ice rings that where wrapped around the trunks of the trees. These where some of the larger ice shelfs that we saw. It was a beautiful sight to see, and I am so glad we stopped here today!

Love Date Night! 2-7-14

On our 7th of the month date night tonight we went out to eat at Arena Sports Grill and then out cosmic bowling. We had such a great time together. I am ao happy to get to go out on dates with my best friend! So Happy :-)

Thursday Nights 2-6-14

Most Thursday nights our friends Kib and Sarah come over. We have dinner and then the boys go to the Tennis Club and play tennis while Sarah and I typically find a movie to watch and settle down with blankets, tea and a good movie. Tonight we had veggie pizza before they left and then Sarah and I watched Life of Pi. It was a good evening after an eventful day at work.

Little Soot Sprite 2-5-14

Ok, this is the last picture of the bunnies (for awhile atleast)!
I got home from work today and had some last bunny snuggles with this sweetie. I nick named her Soot Sprite. She looks just like the little round furry critters called soot sprites in some of the Studio Ghibli films. She loves to snuggle up by my neck and is just very snuggly. This is the sweetest little rabbit I have ever met. She went back to her home tonight, and I will miss getting to take care of her and her sisters! Thanks Sarah and Kib for letting me watch them for a while, loved every minute of it!!

Nice Timing 2-4-14

I headed to work an hour late and wound up driving in the snow. However, I got to follow this sand/plow truck all the way down the bypass. The roads were pretty slick, so it was really nice of this guy to escort me to work this morning.

Yikes! 2-3-14

As the snow melted in the sun this chilly Monday, a blustery front of new job folders blew into my office. All those in the top basket, yea those are all new orders. Whew....this is what I have to look forward to in the morning....a thought that is sure to help me spring right out of bed.....

Smile! 2-2-14

Little Gracie was getting her belly rubbed and her expression just frooze here. Made me laugh so hard. I love this little girl.

Bunny Love 2-1-14

Third day in a row for a bunny picture! A little redundant, I know, but it is not every day I have a bunny in the house!
This picture was taken right after we had fed them breakfast. They are super snuggly bunnies and so very soft. This one loved Dustin's warm hands and settled down safe, warm and happy. We have enjoyed having these sweethearts in our home these past few days. Tomorrow night they go back to their home, I will miss their sweet little whisker kisses!