Study Hell

Stephanie's agenda for tonight is to study for seven tests tomorrow.

New Sneaks

I'm not into shoes, in fact, I'm not into shopping either. But one must have a decent pair of tennies, and today I finally gave up and bought some new Sketchers Shape-Ups. Then I went the whole hog and got four pair of new socks, too. Woo hoo! There was no stopping me -- next, a hair dryer so I don't have to borrow Stephanie's any more.

Starbucks Girl

Rachel likes to pick up a treat from Starbucks and take it to school. I think she likes making the teachers jealous. She has her own Starbucks gift card from her grandparents.

A new friend

Rachel made a new friend at the Region 12 Technology Olympics for Blind and Visually impaired students.

Coffee, Tea or ... Is that your phone ringing?

My new Starbucks app shows the card Dave and Norene gave me for Christmas with the balance. I haven't tried to scan it at Starbucks yet.

Whipped Cream and other delights

 Hannah, Stephanie and Sarah having fun with some Cool Whip.

Mahogany

Mahogany licking her fur on the bed. She had been banished outside for bad behavior but in her old age has decided to play nice.

Sweet Tea

Well, I don't mean sweet as in loaded with sugar as many Southerners like it; rather, I meant how sweet and refreshing (I use Splenda). And especially after I calculated the Weight Watchers points for McAlister Deli's "5 Under 500" French Dip half sandwich and petite Cesar salad at 17 points! And I thought I was being good.

Black and White and Blue all Over

 Stephanie enjoying her newly painted room. She's had her black and white bedspread for a couple of months and has been waiting to use it.

Painting

 Stephanie and I worked all day on her room.

 She learned all about getting rid of wallpaper, cleaning with TSP, and spackling the holes. Finally, we got to do the fun part!

This weather is for the birds!

It's been cold and drizzly all week, at least the birds know where to get their supper.

Rachel

Rachel is reading "The Penderwicks". She likes to settle down with her library book just before bedtime.

Wii Time

Rachel and her classmate Hunter play StarWars on the Wii.

Baby, It's Cold Out There!

The water dish for our outside cat, Mahogany, and our dog, Max, was frozen for most of the day. They've been staying inside, and seem to be behaving themselves. The inside cat, Hunter, is not too happy to be sharing his space.

Prepping for paint

 Stephanie scrapped the wallpaper border off her walls and boxed up her stuff in preparation for painting.

Victoria

Victoria Margaret Davis, baptized today at St. Alban's, with her mom, Diana.

What Goes Up, Must Come Down

We lasted through the 12 days of Christmas and then some and now it's time to put the trees and the ornaments away, wrap up the special Christmas frames and put the furniture back. There are no "putting the tree away" carols.

Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah....

Stephanie and Rachel had dinner ready and the table set on Friday when we got home: hash browns, scrambled eggs and pancakes. They also cleaned and straightened up the house.

Words with Friends

Paul's favorite pastime.

My Lord, what a morning...

My Lord, what a morning!
My Lord, what a morning!
Oh, my Lord, what a morning
when the stars begin to fall.

Somehow, I always thought the verse said, "When the sun begins to shine." No matter, it was a beautiful sky this morning after yesterday's clouds and drizzle.

Orange you glad....

that oranges and apples and other fruits are good for you? Paul and I started on Weight Watchers today, and almost all fruits are zero points.

Chocolate and Strawberry Trifle

Tonight I'm the hostess for our book club. This month's selection is Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson. It's a comedy about tradition and manners with a "mature" love story. I planned to make a trifle like my mother's authentic English trifle but no ladyfingers and no Bird's Custard in Waco! So, here's my twist on it: chocolate cake drizzled with sherry, vanilla pudding, strawberries and whipped cream. What's not to like about that?

Red Jacket

Stephanie wearing her beautiful red jacket on the way to church.

Welcome, 2011!

Rachel broke away from the Wii and her computer long enough to take a spin on her new scooter.
Bigger wheels, longer handle bars and bears weight up to 225 lbs.