The Way I Roll

I usually don't make resolutions, but I did have a realization recently.  I've missed blogging.  I'm going to give it another go and start by sharing a most wonderful trip we just made.


For Christmas, Bob surprised me with a trip to LA for the National Championship Game.  He booked the flights, hotel and rental car.  He was not willing to spend $1000 per ticket so we took a chance and waited until we got into town to buy tickets.  

Thankfully my dear friend Jenny was able to broker us tickets for face value.  We had them in our hands and made our way to the stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off.  I was a nervous wreck just before and pretty much right through the game.  


We sat in the Tide Pride section so we were surrounded by Alabama fans, with the exception of the two young Texas fans who sat right beside me.  Kenny Stabler "The Snake" and his family sat in the row behind us.  There were former coaches and players all around - the energy was great!

This was my first trip to California, and hopefully not the last.  The weather was unbelievable!  I usually don't enjoy flying, but we had a direct flight which made it more bearable! 

It was one of the most fun trips I've ever taken (and not just because my team won).  I got to spend time with a couple of old friends and meet some great new ones.  We also went to a party at a real Beverly Hills mansion - believe me - it was like country come to town! 


Thank you honey.  I loved spending time with you.  I think you're definitely an Alabama football fan now!  Roll Tide!

My 3 Day Journey

EVERYONE DESERVES A LIFETIME was the motto for our Susan G. Komen walk.

It was such an amazing experience. I haven't processed it all, but I do know I'll walk every year for as long as my body will let me. I had the privilege of walking with an amazing group of women. Our team, Big Buoys, raised $30,000!

Many things inspired me on my journey: the sons' walking for their mothers, the sisters' walking for each other, and the people walking because they must - because if they didn't, who would?

The photo above was part of the opening ceremony at National's stadium. As the sun was rising, survivors formed a circle and held these inspirational banners to remind us why we were walking. Yes, those are bunny ears - Energizer was a sponsor for the walk.

Our Team

Laura, Wendy, Jennie (our captain & 2nd year walker), Christy (Jennie's mom, 2nd year walker & SURVIVOR), Me, Sarah (SURVIVOR), Heather O. (our captain & 2nd year walker) and Heather M. (my roommate and mommy to be).

Here we are at one of the pit stops. This event was so well organized - no detail was missed. The route was incredible. We walked all around Washington, DC, which brought back some incredible memories for me!

These were two of my favorite volunteers! They were full of life and always motivated us to keep walking. There were hundreds of energetic and caring volunteers cheering us along the entire route.

The closing ceremony was incredibly moving. The same survivors from the opening ceremony formed a circle, but his time a family member joined them and held up the flag in the center which read, "To A World Without Breast Cancer".

Here we are at the finish. On a very small scale, this walk was a lot like pregnancy. You start off all excited and giddy - can't wait to pick out cute maternity clothes and eat Big Macs!

You start feeling a little uncomfortable and have to pee all the time. Then you go into excruciating back labor and swear you'll never get pregnant again.

They place that baby in your arms and the pain subsides - joy and pride feel your heart and you can't wait to do it again!

Thank you all so much for your support. I'd also like to thank Bob and Mary Ann, my mother in law. Honey, you did an awesome job with the kids! Thanks for already putting it on your calendar for next year!

Pink Ribbon Fabric Flower Pins

I leave in 2 days for my 3 day walk for a cure. Our team, Big Buoys, has raised over $25,000 for Susan G. Komen.

There are 8 ladies on my team. I haven't met some of them, but I think this shared experience we are about to have will forever change and connect all our lives.

I wanted to make a little something for them to wear as they make their journey. These pink ribbon flower pins can be worn on their hats, tanks or fanny packs. Just a small gesture to let them know how thankful I am to them for their commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer.

Check out Kimba's for more DIY projects.

Open For Business

I took the plunge. I opened an Etsy shop. I must be crazy.

Those two ladybugs are in honor of Ellie & Kate as is the name EK Designs

I have a few things listed. I'll be adding some Halloween things this week.

Come Visit!

A Simple Chair Update

I'm slowly getting some projects done around the house. Here's the before picture.

I've had the fabric for months.

It's was just a matter of locating the staples and the staple gun at the same time.

In the amount of time it took for Max to prove to Ruby, once again, that he knew what he was doing . . . I was finished with all six chairs!

Go check out some great DIY projects over at Kimba's place today!

Hello, Anyone Out There?

Bob just pointed out that I haven't posted in a long time. I've been wanting to, but just haven't had too much to say. So here's a brief update of sorts.

Our summer was fast & furious. We got in some great family & beach time! Bob and I even had an opportunity to celebrate our 10 year anniversary . . . . alone . . . for two nights thanks to Doll Doll and Grandma!

I've raised $1800 for my 3 day walk in October - only $500 left to go! If you'd like to donate, you can click here. If you've already donated - THANK YOU! Our team of seven has raised over $22,000 to help fight breast cancer!

Davis starts afternoon preschool today - we're hoping for a smooth detox from the Wii and legos. This will be my first experience with a carpool line, so that's exciting! Meg will do preschool and couple of afternoons, ballet and art class. Kale will continue to require 100% supervision and melt my heart on a daily basis.

I'm working on a few projects I'll post about soon involving fabric and wallpaper removal . . . the last of the wallpaper in this house!!!

Take care. I hope to be back soon.

Self Portrait of a 4-Year Old

What happens when you let a 4- year old use a digital camera?

You end up with 124 photos similar to this one!