Congratulations!!!

Mandi (my little cousin) and Carley just got engaged...in PARIS (no, not Paris, TX)!!! He took her along on a "business trip" and surprised her with a ring... turns out, the "business trip" was just a bunch of hooey. Good job, Carley. You just got alot of brownie points in my book for pulling off a proposal off like that.

I am so excited for you, MDog! Love ya.

Congratulations!!!

Life's Little Instructions

If you didn't give today your best, what are you saving it for?

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

If you choose to keep good company, your life will be easier and far less stressful.

2 Yr Pics *UPDATED*

Cole @ 2 years:

- 26 lbs

- 34.5 inches tall

- will point his finger at you and give you an ear full

(most of the time we aren't sure what he is actually saying, and probably don't want to know)

- if you tell him "no", he will say "mean, Mama", "mean, Papa", etc

- size 7-8 shoe (I think he's gonna be tall)

- loves chips and Oreo's

- says "please" (mostof the time without being prompted) & "thank you"

- kicks a ball with his left foot really well (potential soccer player)

- still loves "puppy" (101 Dalmations, Air Buddies, etc) movies

(Mama and Daddy are sick & tired of them...we've actually started hiding them)

Thoughtful Thursday

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank

Wordless Wednesday

Life's Little Instructions

Treasure this moment, for it is the only gift that's guaranteed.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Remember that your partner can't read your mind. If something is bothering you, it's usually best to let your partner know about it.

2 years ago...

...all my dreams came true.

As I prepared for Cole's 2nd birthday today, I had to stop and just breath a few times. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of the everyday, I forget to just stop and soak up the little things. My little man is growing up so fast.

These are some of my favorite pictures of Cole over his 2 years of life.

1 month

6 months

1 year

18 months

2 years

Cole,

Thank You for making my lifelong dream of being a mother come true. I was absolutely in love with you the minute I saw the two little pinks lines on that test, or so I thought. When I actually looked into your eyes, 2 years ago today, my heart completely filled with love like I never knew existed. You remind me everyday why I was put on this earth and my heart will be forever yours.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY!!!

I love you, Mama.

Thoughtful Thursday

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow them." - Louisa May Alcott

Wordless Wednesday

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Ask yourself the question, "Will this matter a year from now?"

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Saying "I love you" is one of the most basic and simple forms of giving.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Start the day with love, live the day with love, end the day with love.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Keep your attention fully in the present moment and simply make the decision to do the very best you can in every given situation.

Pretty Please

"Can't we have just one little nibble?"

"Pretty please."

Thoughtful Thursday

"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got." - Janis Joplin

Wordless Wednesday

Get Down In Edmond!!!

Here are some pics Faron took while the tornado was passing 1 mile north of our house.

We are all safe and sound and didn't get any damage other than some marble size hail.

I WILL NOT LAUGH!

Recently, Cole has started this thing where he tries not to laugh when you tickle him. He always caves, but it is so cute to watch him try and be strong willed. (Remind me I said that, when we are right in the big middle of the "terrible two's")

Cheetos Face

YUM-O! *Quesadillas*

*Quesadillas*

One of my pet peeves are "recipes" for quesadillas or sandwiches. So this is not a recipe, just an idea. We grilled steaks last Friday night and they were great. So on Saturday, instead of just having leftover steak, I made steak quesadillas with grilled onions and peppers, tomatoes, black beans and cilantro.

Life's Little Instructions

Accept that once or twice you'll have to hold your nose, close your eyes, and jump off life's high board.

Backyard Fun *Leaves*

YUM-O! *Spinach & Mushrooms*

*Spinach & Mushrooms*

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp butter

1 clove garlic, minced

1 Tbsp Worchestire sauce

1 pkg button mushrooms, sliced

1 bag baby spinach

salt & pepper

Heat olive oil and butter in medium pan. Add mushrooms and garlic, and saute until mushrooms are tender. Add Worchestire sauce and spinach and continue cooking until spinach is completely wilted. Add salt and pepper to taste. I usually add a little extra butter at the end too.

Who needs a hat?

Thoughtful Thursday

"I honestly think it is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate." - George Burns

The Bonoffs - Wash Board Girl!!!

This girl is UNBELIEVABLE! I could seriously watch her all day long. The video might be a little hard to see, but hopefully you can get the idea...

Wordless Wednesday

New Year's 2009

I really have no excuse as to why this has taken me so long to post...

Here are some, actually alot of, pics from our New Year's trip to Louisiana.

Big Mike's LSU room. This picture does not do it justice at all. EVERYTHING, and I mean everything, in this room is purple and gold LSU.

Julie and Big Mike

Tallboy and the Potato Gun

Me and Jules

Group Photo at Big Mike's on New Year's Eve

This is what about $600 in fireworks looks like

Don't worry folks, we are professionals.

This is what it looks like when professionals handle fireworks and one blows up on them. No one was injured, but can you see everyone scattering.

Ashlyn or Brooklyn (one of Big Mike's twin daughter's) twirling around in the yard with a sparkler.

Oooooooh!

Ahhhhhhh!

Weeeeeeeeeee!

Julie and I trying to take a "serious" pic. It didn't quite work out...we could not keep a straight face to save our life.

Driving on the bridge over Lake Pontchartrain. Where does the sky stop and the water start?We decided to take a "day trip" to New Orleans on Friday the 2nd to spend some quality time with a bunch of Alabama and Utah fans before the Sugar Bowl.

Jules and I waiting to eat lunch

The boys don't seem to be so enthusiatic

Cafe Pontalba's...one of my favorite places to eat in New Orleans.

I LOVE me a Shrimp Po' Boy...I get little obnoxious while I'm in Cajun country about eating a Po' Boy, and I love the one's at Cafe Pontalba. Sorry the picture is of a half-eaten one, but I couldn't stop long enough when they sat in down at the table in front of me to take a pretty picture of it. Thanks, Jules, for catering to my obsession.

Street vendor at Jackson Square

The Chapel at Jackson Sqaure

Inside the Chapel...it is beautiful, no wonder so many people want to have their wedding here!

Pat O's...home of the Hurricane

However, this is my favorite drink there...The Pat O's Lemonade.

Water fountain in the courtyard at Pat O's

Girl pic

Old Opera House

The Bonoffs

(stayed tuned for a video)

Washboard girl is UNBELIEVABLE!

Group photo

Girl pic, again.

Pizza-by-the-slice

YUM!

On the balcony at Tropical Isle

Jules and I being silly at the Tropical Isle

Eating at the Acme Oyster House. This place is a nightmare to get in. We walked up and got in line and it was like we were celebreties or something. The guy unhooked the red velvet rope and said "right this way". Needless to say, we just kept our mouths shut and followed him right in.

Raw oysters...iick!

***************************************

Cole got to have his own New Year's fun with Grandma and Papa. They made a trip over to the Refuge to see the Buffalo and the Prairie Dogs, and then to Uncle Larry's in Maysville to play with Winston and Wyatt.

"Where'd he go?"