Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween Blast From the Past
Thursday, October 30, 2008
"Another post about GRASS? Seriously?"
We have done some work in the backyard, as I alluded to a while back. The grass was pathetic (weeds, really) and we weren't feeling the wobbly brick surrounding the patio. In our dreaming, we had envisioned a deck for this area. But we've come to the decision that perhaps it's just not worth it for this house. So now we are embracing the patio, like it or not!
As a reminder, here is what we started with....
We planted grass, and as of today it's about 50/50. Half mud, half green guys. Not exactly the lush green carpet we were hoping for, but I guess that's the best you can hope for when you have an insane dog who does 100 mph laps around the yard on a daily basis. Her paws can do more damage in 2 seconds than you would imagine... see below.
The area around the patio was taking the worst hit - it just WASN'T growing - and the patio just looked kinda stark with no border.
So we gave up and shoveled up what little grass had grown around the patio and put in plant beds. We planted gardenias on the sides, and hostas on the front, with a little walkway in the middle to get you out into the yard. They are small now, but we know the gardenias will eventually be huge, and we're hoping they will close in the patio and make it nice and cosy. Even now, the beds make a HUGE difference!! They define the space so much better.
Unfortunately, Roxy does not understand the concept of stepping stones. We have had to line up the chairs in a barricade to force her to go on the path. Usually, she just jumps the chairs. We have had some minor casualties, but so far I think the plants are all still alive. The gardenias even have a few blooms, so they must be doing alright at least!
And as for the grass, I guess that's what reseeding is for.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Family Photo
Monday, October 27, 2008
...Motivation...?
Last week, Tony and I joined a gym. It was a long time coming. We had done such a great job working out before the wedding, that apparently we felt we didn't need to do anything for FIVE months after... bad idea.
They had a special - buy 3 months, get one free. So from now til February, we have no excuse not to go. Although, somehow, we have already found "excuses" not to go, except for once. However, I suppose that excessive dirt raking and carpet scrubbing kinda count as exercise... right??
My point in writing this is to put it out there - if everyone knows we are trying to get in shape and lose weight, and come February we haven't, then that's pretty embarrassing.. And now that it's almost November, that means that the non-stop food eating binge known as "the holidays" has begun..
And have I mentioned I work in advertising? People try to bribe us with food ALL the time - AND IT WORKS! Bagels, cookies, etc come through our doors on a regular basis. And somehow I feel the need to eat some every time -- what is it about free food that causes that "I should get some now because it's free and it might not be there in a minute so I need it" reaction??
So enough of my complaining. Please make fun of me if I'm still fat a month from now!! :)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
i LOVE fall !!!
And of course one of the most exciting parts about the season is the excuse to decorate! Last year I scoped out the 70% off sale at Target on Nov 1 (which I plan to do again this year, duh) and got a few things. But I definitely could use more! I guess it's one of those things that you accrue slowly - stuff.
I've included some pics of my decor-on-the-cheap "autumnal display" - as my mom so eloquently puts it! I've decided to go the pumpkin route for a theme - cliche, no? But I think it's seasonal enough not to be limited to October 1-31. And plus, I like them! I've got 8 right now - Tony has forbidden me from getting more! For now..
My fun DIY project for the season was buying those foam faux pumpkins and painting them "classy" colors, then adding glitter to ruin the classiness!
I'm excited that it's 50 in the morning and 70 in the afternoon, but in about a month, I'm sure my Georgia self will be freezing!!!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Baby
Monday, October 13, 2008
Winky!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Mom's 2nd 49th Birthday!
My aunt Patty came in town for the weekend from Virginia to surprise her, so I think my mom figured that was all of the surprising she was in store for.
We were all on Elaine's porch when they drove up, and you could tell she was definitely surprised! She was decked out in UT orange and even brought cupcakes, thinking she was contributing to the dinner!
We had wonderful food and drinks, and an awesome cake, thanks to Sabra's talent (she made my awesomely delicious wedding cake too)! It was a great time, and I hope it was fun for mom! She deserves to get all of the attention for once! Love ya mom!
Three generations!
My lovely sis's!
Hampster and Tony - chatting it up
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Ta-Da!
But we really are excited about our yard re-do, since it is one of the first major things we have done to improve our house. It was prefaced by lots of discussions (not fights, surely..), saving $, and wishing. It is a very visible change and we are so excited to actually be doing something!
The dogs had an eventful day watching!