nice to meet y'all

I blogged before about getting a spot at a much coveted Craft Weekend.  So just in case any of my future craft companions check out my blog, this post is for them.

And for all one of you who might not already know every detail of my life.

* I'm a momma to 3 seriously cute kiddos, Bubba who just turned 7 last week, the ultimate Momma's boy Bruiser who will be 5 in 3 weeks (sniff, sniff), and Doh Doh who turned 2 last month.

* I'm a total outdoor fanatic.  I would rather be outside and barefoot at any given moment of any day.  For reals.

* Most hate the Arkansas heat.  I crave it.

* I'm obsessed with water:  drinking it, swimming in it, washing my hair in it.....  I drink over 100 ounces of water a day.  I just went swimming.  Is all of this weird?

* I think {besides water} Coca-Cola is the greatest drink.  Ever.  Ever.

* I'm a tennis lover.  Wimbledon is currently on every TV in the house.  My kids can watch TV after the finals.  That's just how we roll.

* I have a Super Smeller.  I can smell everything. Bruiser & I put bloodhounds to shame.

* I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind.

* In my past life {before marriage & kids} I did musical theatre.  I have a song in my head at all times.  Which makes me think of Gene Kelly, "there's a song in my heart and I'm ready for love."  I will belt show tunes and tap dance on the table for ya, if you tip well.

* I crave Sutton Foster.  I dig Cecilia Bartoli.

* I'm a vegetarian in a house of meat eaters.  {I hope this doesn't make Meg or Kimberlee feel like they have to do something special for meals at Craft Weekend.  I will eat ANYTHING anyone provides for me.  I never tell anyone I'm a vegetarian...I don't want people to make a fuss!  Besides, I'm still trying to lose 15 pounds. *grin*}

* Golden Girls is my all-time favorite TV show.  And yes, I will be offended if you disagree.  *wink*

* The list goes on and on.  But I prefer to keep an air of mystery about me.  {All my true friends just snorted.}

tremendously terrific tuesday

Yesterday's post was a downer.  Total downer.  My apologies.

It was just something I needed to get off my chest.  I needed to vent.  So that's that.

And moving on..............

Sunday I thought I had a stomach virus.  I really think it was my acid reflux acting up.  After some birthday over-indulgence -- and specifically some movie theatre popcorn....have mercy -- I was feeling horrible.

I'm a wimp.  I know it.

But as an overall healthy eater, I don't do a lot of junk.  Two days of junk and I was BFFs with the porcelain throne.  Wha?  TMI?!?!?!

I spent Sunday here.

a rarity, I assure you
{just posting that pic makes me wanna dive right in.....ahhhhhh}

I didn't really quite know what to do with myself.  {I don't sit still very well.  Big shocker, I know.)

Ok, maybe I did know what to do with myself.  *grin*

But then my bed was invaded....by 3 seriously cute kiddos ready to curl up and share the tube.  So we watched The Parent Trap.  Both old and new.

And b/c my kids don't sit still very well either, they built this while coming in and out to see parts of the movies.

I was a master tent builder as a kid.  The torch has been passed.

Although I don't have the same enormous blanket, sheet, quilt selection my Mom had when I was a kid.

But we certainly make do.  *wink*

I spent the quiet afternoon (while the oldest and the youngest {*grin*} took naps) looking at landscaping ideas online.  I've got to have a master plan.

I've spent our time here focused on the inside.  And while we're not anywhere near finished, I at least have some type of plan.  But I've had no inspiration for the outside.

But that has changed!!  I found amazing inspirational pics and now have a goal.  A vision.

Now I just need to figure out how to narrow it all down.  *wink* 

I also wish I could figure out how to stinkin' pin from my iPad to Pinterest.  Other than copying and pasting.  Grrr. 

Anyone know?  Anyone?  Bueller?

All landscaping pics courtesy of bhg.com.

My backyard is shady.  And I have a few hostas back there....but not enough. I need, crave want more!!!

For years I never opened the cover of a BH&G mag.  I was a little bit of a mag-snob, I admit.  But not too long ago I lowered myself flipped thru one of my mom's...and found a lot of things I loved!  And yesterday I was very surprised at all the landscaping goodies I came across.  Nice resource. 

Enjoy.

By the by, I've spent 2 entire days inside.  For real????  Yes.  I know.  I know.  Yesterday I cleaned my bathroom.  Did laundry.  The boys dusted, unloaded {what they could} the dishwasher, and cleaned up all their own messes.  And then some.  It was a glorious day.

But today....well, today we swim.  Being inside {when the sun is out} just really ain't my thang.  Soooo, what are you doing today?

this too shall pass

Check out the new craft post on my favorite blog.  She uses one of my all time favorite quotes.

this too shall pass

In my mind, with my children, this too shall pass has always meant a bittersweet thing for me.  Most people use the phrase as a coping mechanism during grief or other hard times.  I've used it then, too.  But I often think of it in another light --

soon my children won't tell me every little detail of their day

soon my man and I will have an empty house

soon Doh Doh will have a full vocabulary, instead of mispronounced words here and there

soon Bubba will be driving

soon Bruiser will be chasing girls.

This is why I spend every moment with my children.  This is why I'm a constant presence in their lives.  This is why I skip girls' night out and opt for gazing at the "bed bugs" at night.  (That's lightening bugs in Bruiser-speak.)

Last week was one of the worst weeks we've had in awhile.
{strep throat, a ruined phone, every day crammed full of activities}

Last week for a couple of days someone robbed me of my joy.
{I'm working on getting over it}

It's been a very long time since anything like that has happened.  A very long time.

tit for tat

I've taught my children that's wrong.
I've also taught my child to stand up for himself.

Bubba has always been so shy, reserved....and in most cases a doormat.  When you see that child become assertive, strong, unafraid....well, it makes me proud.  But the lesson still has to be taught.

We don't return evil for evil.

While teaching our children lessons, we often learn the biggest lesson along the way.

My children are not perfect.  Far from it.  Children are sinners, just like adults.  I believe my children capable of almost anything.

I'm not a perfect person.  But I serve a perfect God. 

I have to remind  myself that my perfect Savior loves my little man even more than I do. 

Doesn't seem possible, does it?  But it's true.  He even died for my little man.  Amazing.

friday's confessions

* Yesterday I dropped my iPhone in the swimming pool. The deep end. I dove in. No luck. I had to fish it out w/ the net.

* Yesterday I thanked God for the insurance plan - which I never ever buy on electronics - that my man told me was a waste of $$. *ahem*

* Bruiser is 3 weeks shy of his 5th birthday. My kids have all had growth spurts, personality/demeanor changes all about a month before birthdays. Bruiser has had an ENORMOUS personality change recently. After years of sympathy b/c of his speech impediment & being the ham, yet still very well behaved, he is making up for lost time. IN A BIG WAY. The last few days he has tried my patience like never before. I'm cracking the whip. And lacing up my boots. I don't tolerate attitude issues. Boot camp starts soon. *wink*

* My phone is being replaced. But I have to wait 3-5 days. In the meantime, they so graciously loaned me a phone. A flip phone. An I-only-have-12-keys-on-my-keypad flip phone. I'm in withdrawal. I have jitters. No email? No Facebook? No Wimbledon app? *gasp*

* It's summer. Summer = 60s music. The radio in my car is set to 60s on 6 on XM radio. There's just something about summer that screams CCR (one of my top 10 favorite bands), Simon & Garfunkel, Dave Clark 5, The Beatles...... Love. It.

* Yesterday Bubba was thrilled with his presents. But it was a rough day. Hoping today, & his little "party" we're having, is much better. Much, much better. (Name that musical!!)

* I'm hesitant to type this next one..... But I'm uh-gonna. I am always paranoid over my kids' birthdays. *sigh* We've always done family parties, never really invited friends. So I'm always paranoid that they're not going to feel special enough. Not going to feel like their day was fun. It's silly, I know. But growing up birthdays were never a big deal. I found myself doing the same w/ my kids. Once I decided go change it....the paranoia set in. *sigh*

* Last night the boys got to have a slumber party w/ Momma. In honor of Bubba's big day. Which means I got to listen to the snoring of 2 tuckered out little fellas, have flailing arms nail me in the face at all hours, be snuggled by a boy hotter than a space heater, and get whiffs of aromas that made me absolutely sure I'll be washing my sheets today. And yet wishing slumber parties could last forever.

* This has been a tough week. My head is throbbing. I plan on drowning it with caffeine.

* I'm ready for Sunday.

* Cars 2 opens today. If you know Bubba at all you know this is a big day. We've already purchased Saturday matinee tickets. Bring on Mater!!!

* Happy weekend, y'all.

* If you're waiting for an email from me...well, you might have to wait another 3-5 days.

{hb, bb!!!!!}

Today my boy, my oldest boy, is 7.

7
7
7
7
7
7
7

s e v e n

Unbelievable.  No, it doesn't really seem like yesterday when he was born.  It kinda sorta feels like seven years.  Well, maybe 5.  Ok, maybe it feels more like 3. 

Yes, 3 sounds about right.

But seven????

Impossible.

Bubba, it's funny to think that you were my biggest baby.

And my hardest delivery.  *ahem*

And worth every hour, all 9 lbs 1 oz and 22 inches of you.  Absolutely.  Again and again.

I miss our naps together while watching Playhouse Disney.
I miss bouncing you in your bouncy seat.
I miss smooching those chubby, chubby cheeks.  (They're still chubby....they just don't smell as good.)
I miss holding you while you sucked your plug.

To say we love you seems like an understatement.

To say having you made us a true family seems just about right.

You make us proud every day.

You make us laugh every day.

We are anxious to see who the Lord is making you. 
We are anxious to see how you decide to serve Him.
We love the way you love.
We love your heart.
We love that you are the perfect big brother.

There are days we wish you weren't obsessed with keys.  Or key chains.  Or bluegrass music.  Or cars.

But we know all of that just makes you......YOU.  And we wouldn't have YOU any other way.

You amaze me.
You astound me.

And I praise God every day that He gave me YOU.

grateful heart

Today I'm grateful.  Grateful for...........

* safe travels.  Which brought my fellas back to me.

* my man, who loves his family.  I just love watching him with his kiddos.  And especially how that baby girl has him twisted around her little finger.

* a country with antibiotics.  And doctors.  All which help my baby girl feel way better today than she did yesterday.

* ibuprofen.  And caffeine.  {Sick little girls can be high maintenance.}

* brothes who missed their sister.  And bailed outta the car before it came to a complete stop just to see her.

* grandparents who love to spend time with their grandchildren.  Even cleaning up vomit from car sickness.  More than once. *sigh*

* my firstborn, who will turn 7 tomorrow.  And I honestly can't believe it.  So many things I've forgotten over the years, but I pray I never forget those big brown eyes staring up at me, without crying, the moment he was born.

* a little lady who loves her brothers so much she felt lost without them.

* nap time.

* senses of humor.  And great personalities.

* complete strangers who bless me with wonderful kindness even though they don't know me

* 2 little fellas who are at my feet playing Monopoly.....and cracking me up every roll of the dice.  I really don't think their rules are quite by the book. *wink*

* a big brother who chased his sister through the whole house.  And both loved every minute of it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow is Bubba's birthday.  He is struggling with the fact that his b-day has fallen on a weekday (apparently he didn't realize this was a possibility) but his party isn't until Friday. 

So how do you make a fella feel special on his big day?  When you've got 9,000 other things that need to be done b/c you've held a sick Doh Doh for the last 3 days???

I offered up my idea of what we could do tomorrow.  He informed me that was not what he wanted to do.

So I informed him to keep up that attitude....and he won't have a birthday at all.  In case you didn't know, parents do have the power to veto birthdays.

{B-I-G N-E-W-S}

No, I'm not pregnant. *grin*

Yesterday I posted a pathetic post had a very whiney post about not getting a spot at a super duper awesome Craft Weekend.  It was a total pity party.

My apologies if you read it.

If you didn't, here's the condensed version:  I didn't get a spot at a Craft Weekend.

Until this seriously awesome, total and complete stranger named Danielle discovered she had a conflict in her calendar.  And sold her spot to me.

I kid you not.

And so now - yours truly - will be spending my very first ever weekend away from my children and crafting with my two favorite bloggers -- plus another blogger quickly becoming a favorite. *wink*

I. Am. Fired. Up.

But I'm not gonna lie.......I've struggled, as I'm sure all mothers do, with taking time for myself.  {An entire weekend!  Unbelievable.}  And with spending money on myself.  {I have a tendency to think of others way money can be spent:  feeding hungry children, supporting missionaries....}  And with asking others to help so that the weekend can be successfully pulled off.  {Yes, my man's gonna need help.}

But I've done it anyway.  Come September I'll be blogging all about it.  So just you wait. *grin*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other {B-I-G N-E-W-S} .....and this is the BEST!!!!.....

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you'll remember me asking y'all to pray for my childhood bestie K and her baby Glory.  Glory has lived her entire 10 3/4 months at Children's Hospital.  Mostly in the Cardiac ICU.

Well, guess what?????

This gorgeous girl is home!  For the first time in her little life she left the hospital.  And is now living in their temporary home not far from the hospital.

Thank you for praying.  She still needs our prayers!  She still has surgeries in her future and is still on her feeding tube.  But while they wait for the future surgeries, she gets to be home.

K, I love you guys so much.  And I am beyond thrilled for that beauty.  I can hardly wait to see what our God does next!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now for the not so pleasant news.......

5 1/2

We beat our winter streak of 3 weeks.  We made it 5 1/2 weeks before anyone got sick.  Precious Doh Doh woke us up at 11 last night.  Actually, a text from my MIL woke us up at 10:44.  {thanks a lot, Nona!!!}  I never went back to sleep.  At 11:15 Doh Doh joined us in bed, burning up with fever.

No meds were working.  Her fever wouldn't budge from 102.

Strep throat.

Please pray for us.  Bubba's birthday is this week. 

I was suppsoed to use this time the boys are gone to plan, clean, shop, decorate.....  Instead I've held my little lady.  (way better than all that other stuff!!)  The boys come home tomorrow and I have no birthday presents purchased, nothing decorated for the party, and nothing cleaned. *sigh*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are new to my blog you need to know that I'm horrible at updating my post labels.  So even clicking on topics you probably won't find much. 

If you wonder why my kids go by nicknames -- and yes, that's what we truly call them, at home AND in public -- click here. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Enjoy your Tuesday.  It.  Is.  Gorgeous! Outside!  But sadly, I'm inside.  Holding a fussy girl.  And watching Bubble Guppies.  She's been good as long as she can.  *wink*

Oh, and guess what?  One of my Roma tomatoes is turning red!  Yee-tothe-haw!!!  My cherry tomatoes have been producing but so far only gorgeous green maters.  But last night while watering I saw a gleam of red!!!  True story.

it's stupid. really stupid.

Blogging is therapeutic.

I had my heart set on this.  An entire weekend of crafting, hosted by favorite blogger extraordinaire numero dos. 

An entire girls' weekend of crafting?  Sign me up.
Antique shopping at an awesome barn?  I'm packing now.

Only 10 spots were available.  It was kinda expensive.  In fact, I hadn't even told my man about it.......

...............until I found out favorite blogger extraordinaire numero uno was gonna be there.

Oh. Have. Mercy.

So I asked my man.  And he was completely obliging.  As he usually is whenever I ask something of him.

He, of course, milked it for all it was worth.  I gave countless back rubs.  Fixed favorite meals.  Promised....well, never mind.

But alas.  I did not get in to the ultimate party craft weekend.

And I'm not gonna lie.  I cried.

Oh yes, I did.  I should probably give a little backstory here though.  You see, I've never left my children.  I haven't been gone from them for more than 10 hours.  Ok, 8 hours.  Maybe 6 hours.  *sigh*  Once when I was pregnant with Bruiser I left Bubba and Dad and went to a Beth Moore conference and a month or so later a Women of Faith conference.  For both I was gone less than 24 hours.

That was the last time I've ever been away from my kiddos.  I love being a mother.  I love being with my kids.  I love being a family.  I don't like being away from them.

But after 7 years of motherhood, I think I'm ready for a short get-away.

I tried hard not to let myself get all worked up about this.  With only 10 spots available, I figured it would be a long shot. 

* I had my trusty ipad ready at 11:40.  Registration opened at noon.
* I refreshed.  Closed.  Refreshed the webpage until the magical button appeared.
* I pushed the button, the ipad screen now sweaty from my fingers.
* I was transferred to paypal.
* Nothing happened.
* I repeated everything.
* Nothing.  Happened.
* I repeated.  Like, another 30 times.
* Nothing.  HAPPENED!!!

Meanwhile, my daughter is lovingly entertainging herself.  Hungry, but content.

So let's fast forward this, shall we?..........................Comments were reporting a glitch.  So I kept trying.  Then a comment was left with a link.  It was from some guy....I clicked it and got a ticket.  But then got nervous about paying.  I mean, that's a lot of dinero if this dude made a link as a scam. 

So I went back and tried again via the official link.  Nada. 

I put on my big girl undies (I detest the word panties.....ick), sucked it up, and decided scam or no scam I was gettng a ticket.

SOLD OUT.

And I cried.  I know, it's totally ridiculous.  I had prayed over this.  Prayed that if it were the Lord's will, I would get a spot.  And I didn't.  So normally I just pick up and move on.  I'm not one to get heartbroken over trivial things.  I trust in Him for everything.  So apparently this was not meant to be.

*****************************************
While typing the Pity Party Post above, I heard the back door open.  My boys are out of town with my parents for a few days.  So I knew Doh Doh had made the escape to the backyard.  I found this.......

Two different flip flops.  Her brothers', not hers.
Garden shovel in hand.

She set off for the sandbox.  A favorite place of hers lately.  Please tell me you notice the stare-off going on between her and the squirrel.  He's perched on the sandbox.

She won, by the way.

friday's confessions

* I didn't wash my hair last night. I'm growing it out. So since it's getting longer it looks like I fixed it. Even though I haven't done anything to it since yesterday morning.

* Today is actually Thursday. Not Friday.

* It's a very cool 70 degrees right now. We are supposed to be swimming. Instead the kids are driving the Gator. In their swimsuits.

* I don't wear makeup in the summer. Just mascara, sometimes. I've been makeup free for a week now. Have I mentioned how much I heart summer?

* I heart summer.

* We've gone full throttle on chores. Using myjobchart.com the boys can login, see their chores for the day, and check off what they've completed. I love it. They love it. They even asked for more morning chores!! So they dusted their room. Have I mentioned I love it?

* I ordered a new swimsuit from LL Bean. It came in this week.

* I'm back on the diet bandwagon.

* I also ordered a new swimsuit from Boden. It hasn't come in yet.

* I may be giving up food altogether.

* No, I won't.

* Doh Doh is wearing new pink striped shorts. I so love her chubby legs.

* Bubba was just picking his rear end. He said the swimsuit liner was stuck up there. Super duper class my children have.

* In one week my Bubba will be 7. I may or may not be in denial. sniff, sniff

* Have you tried the new Crayola Color Wonder Bubbles? They are a mess of colorful fun. I love them. My man thinks they're the dumbest invention ever. Creativity just really ain't his thang.

* I'm ready for the weekend. Looking forward to some tennis with the boys. Or maybe a bike ride. Or maybe just some lounging in the backyard.

* Next week is WIMBLEDON!!!!!!!!(Go back & read that in an Oprah voice.;) I am so excited! Yes, I've shared before I'm a tennis nerd. And I LOVE Wimbledon. The history of it, the grass, the change in my schedule (British accent for that word, please) as I incorporate an afternoon tea complete with biscuits as treats. I'll probably flit about using British words like quibble. And talk about cleaning my garage. (Again, Brit accent please.) I might even wear a hat. No worries....I won't share pictures. "Now spit-spot, and off we go!!" Name THAT musical!!!!

Have a great weekend, everyone!!! Whatever you do, do something outside! (Oh, and watch a little of the US Open, too.) Enjoy!

it. is. time.

I have decided it's time.

Yep.  Time.

Time to share with you something I've never shared with anyone ever before.

Ever.

Yes, you should feel the honor.

Today I'm sharing with you..........my meatballs.

Um, well, actually,...my meatball recipe.

{insert trumpet fanfare HERE}

Today I'm sharing with you what my mother shared with me what her mother shared with her.  That her mother shared with her.  That her mother shared with her.  And so on.  I'm sharing a recipe from at least 9 generations.  Yes, I said NINE.

Or it could be Giada de Laurentiis' recipe from the Food Network.

Or it could be the whole nine generational thing. 

Anyway, these are the BEST meatballs.  Of course, I can't really give personal testimony here.  But judging from how my man devours them, cries when he discovers it's meatball night, has to change shirts mid-meal, and requests them as his last meal if ever separated from me, and how Bubba eats the meatballs and leaves the spaghetti, then yeah....I'd say these are the best.

{I just reached for a pair of reading glasses only to find one lens missing.  That's what I get for making Bubba take them off and return them. *sigh*}

It is at this juncture of the post that I'm going to try to refrain from any jokes while sharing this meatBALL recipe.  I'm gonna take the high ball road and keep it all age appropriate.  And not make any immature remarks.

But just know that I'm thinking them.

Recipe:
1 small onion, grated


1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

1 large egg

3 tablespoons ketchup

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

2/3 cup grated Parmesan

1/4 cup dried Italian-style bread crumbs

6 ounces ground beef

6ounces ground veal**

6 ounces ground pork

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (if frying them)

 
There is just NOTHING appealing about that picture.  Ick.  But stick with me (ok, that's funny).  That's what it looks like all together.
 
Whisk together first 7 ingredients.  Stir in bread crumbs and cheese.  Add meat.
 
**I have never found ground veal around here.  I add extra beef and pork.**
 
Form them into balls {teehee} whatever size you like.  (Oh, my.  I need to grow up.)
 
I usually do about 1 1/2"-2".  This last go 'round I think I came out with about 28-30 meatballs.  Some I made smaller for the kiddos though.

The original recipe from my great-great-ever-so-great-grandmother says to fry them in olive oil.  And you can certainly do that.  I used to.  But I got sick of standing there babysitting them while my inmates ran the asylum.  So I now bake them at 350.  Not sure for how long {sorry, but you should be used to my cooking by now} flipping them over halfway thru baking.

Tip:  foil line your rimmed baking sheet.  Less clean up.  Rah-rah.  Shishkoombah.

Add them to your marinara sauce.  {Recipe to follow}

This particular night I toasted ciabatta bread for my man and made a sub, complete with melted mozzarella.  You could also use provolone.  Last night I made spaghetti for the leftovers.

Do you have a good marinara sauce recipe?  I'll share mine.  But it's nothing fancy.

Saute a few cloves of garlic (depending on taste) in olive oil.  Do NOT burn.

I've shared my burnt garlic story before, right?  I'm known at Big Cedar Lodge as the Garlic Lady.  Apparently some neighbors didn't appreciate the smell.  And asked for another room.  They should've just come on over.  I would've shared.  Stingy I am not.

Add crushed tomatoes.  Or crush them in the blender or food processor if you have whole, diced or fresh. Add pepper.  If using canned tomatoes I never add salt.

Right now, with fresh herbs growing like weeds in my garden, I use fresh basil and oregano.  In the winter when I don't have those I use dried oregano my parents brought me from Greece.  {hands down, the BEST dried oregano ever!!!!}  I don't typically use dried basil in this. And occasionally I add crushed red pepper.  But last time I went a little heavy with it and Bubba and my man t'weren't happy with me.

Add everything to your taste.  I have no idea amounts I use b/c I just throw it in til it tastes yummy.  {Don't you love getting recipes from me????}  This sauce also tastes better if it's simmered for awhile.  So start it first, before whatever you're serving with it.  And make extra for bread dipping.  *wink*

So what's your secret ingredient in your marinara?  Have a good meatball recipe?  Proud that I limited myself in my immature humor?  Me too.  Me.  Too.

a tutorial {of sorts}

Ever stumble on those blogs with tons of tutorials? 

Some I love.

Others leave me thinking, "At what point did this person decide they were so uber fantastic that they decided to show tutorials????"

Am I the only one?  I think not.  Some of these blogs slay me. 

Don't get me wrong.  Y'all know my favorite blogs offer constant tutorials.  I say bring it on.  It's the off-the-wall blogs that give tutorials on how to put on a roll of toilet paper, or how to open a can of green beans, or how to change a diaper in 42 easy moves, or.....well, I think you get my point.

So this is not really a tutorial.  Cuz everybody knows this stuff.  I'm just gonna show before and after photos.

It's at this point I wish I had just called this a before/after post and skipped the ranting and lunatical rambling.

Is lunatical a word?  Loon-uh-tickle.  That's funny.

Hmm. 

Moving on.........

I showed you yesterday the mirror on my deck.  Here was the before.

Behind that stool, which is another before/after tutorial post for another day, is the mirror.  Lousy picture.  I get it.

That's me gearing up for the paint job.  Nice hair.  I get it.

And here's my PIC -- Partner In Crime.

Love that kid.  Always on my heels as I attempt any type of project.  Love love love it. 

In fact, working with him on projects this past weekend reminded me of always helping my Dad with things.  I even heard myself saying -- in the exact same voice -- the same things my Dad said to me.

Some women turn into their mothers........  I am not one of those women.

You can see in this photo above that the painting has already begun.

I didn't sand or really prep the surface in any way.  I knew it was going to be outside on the deck so I just painted it.

Here's a tip.  Free of charge.  Paint the chalkboard paint on the mirror FIRST.  This project took way too long b/c I painted the frame first.  In my defense, I thought I was out of chalkboard paint.  I did find it.  While the frame was already drying.  Niiice.

That's the frame finished.  How cute is that pic, by the way????  Chalkboard paint is next.  If you're still following along with me.....

And that's it.  Cheap.  Easy.  Just like...........  Ahem.

The glare is just the lighting.  It's just a matte black when it's all finished.

Bubba has already drawn a man.  On springs.  On stilts.  With zigzag pants.  And spikey hair.  And polka dotted clothing.

Bubba really adds that je ne sais quoi quality to our family.  *wink*