Friday, April 29, 2011

Freakshow Friday : Fancy Granny Edition

It's time for another installment of Freakshow Friday. Where I ask my readers to come up with a caption or story for a funny photo found on Awkward Family Photos. My best friend will be the judge and she's one hilarious freakaziod. So, bring it! Here is this week's photo, I hope to be this awesome when I'm ancient.

They called her "Legs"
at the retirement home for a reason.

You got a better one for me?
If so, you may just when this awesome award
and have bragging rights forever.
Oh...do I ever have an award for you!
You will win this brand spankin' new award!!

<span class=

If you win then I'll link up to your
Blog and make a big deal
about how funny you are.
Simply leave your funny caption or story
in my comments section.

The winner will be announced on Monday.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

If worrying burned calories I would have lost 40 pounds last night.


Who could sleep when a potentially deadly storm was heading my way? After seeing the images of the devastation in Tuscaloosa, I felt like I should take the impending weather very seriously. My brand new weather radio sat perched beside my computer and I was poised to act fast if an alert sounded over it's tiny speaker. It was 1 am and I had tried to lay down and sleep a few times but my heart was too jumpy.

A live streaming report of the storm played before me on my computer screen as I watched a huge red blob head my way. I was scared, call me crazy, but I wanted to be up when the storm hit so that I wouldn't be taken off guard. Reports of tornadoes touching down all around the outskirts of Atlanta seemed too close for comfort even though they were miles and miles and miles away from my quiet home.

I could hear thunder in the distance and a light rain pitter patted on my roof. The storm was knocking at our front door. Suddenly, my weather radio went off and the computer generated voice announced that a tornado had touched ground in a county about 30 minutes away. The broadcaster on the live stream announced that if you lived in the southeast area of our county to take cover. Being that I live in that area, you only have to tell me something like that once.

Roger and I grabbed the children and we all huddled in the tub. Griffin was nervous and asking tons of questions. I tried to act calm but inside my heart was racing. Would we be okay? Would our home be okay? I know that it sounds dramatic but when a storm that has killed people in it's path is just 30 minutes away, life suddenly feels very real and very fragile.

The four of us huddled in the bathroom and listened to our weather radio. I had my Ipad in my lap and tuned to Weather.com. Uncertainty sat with us as we waited it out. I said a prayer and asked God to station angels around our home. My mother had taught me that I could assign angels of protection as a child when I was scared. I've stationed angles outside my window my entire life and last night, when I prayed that prayer, I imagined a beautiful winged being shielding us above the tub.

Then something amazing happened. The big red blob that was floating our way on the map started shifting to the south of us. The entire storm slipped past us and it looked as if our little town had a protective bubble around it as the atmosphere swirled above and below us. It missed us! We barley even had lightning or thunder. We were safe. Now, I don't want to take credit for moving an entire storm away from my family but I think it's safe to say that my prayer was answered. Thank God I am a praying woman.

As we all breathed a sigh of relief, I thought of all the families in the south that weren't so lucky. My heart breaks for them and I am so grateful that I was being over dramatic when I imagined my house being carried off by a twister. I am holding my children tighter, I am appreciating the feeling of home, and I am praying for the families who lost theirs. The tornado had other plans last night and I am so happy that he didn't stop by to sit a spell. He seemed to be an unruly houseguest.

Please pray for the families of the 194 victims of this storm.

For the Love of Music!

Now, this is a cause that I can stand behind!

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
wanted to know what would happen
if you made instruments accessible to kids.

That’s why the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO)
has started the “When I Play Music” campaign.
Here is the rundown: The ASO is raising awareness
of the benefits a music-rich educational experience has on children
and is attempting to raise at least $300,000
through small donations to sustain music education initiatives at the symphony.

In-fact, a gift of as little as $5
can help provide one hour of music instruction for one child.

Will you help support the campaign and
give the gift of music education to the youth of Atlanta?

Watch what happened when they made
instruments accessible to kids.

It's pretty sweet!


Go here to donate if you're feeling generous!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

An Ode the Wildest Girls in Town.

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I think that wild flowers
are the most brazen of all the flowers
and have a deep respect for them.

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No one plants them,
they grow where ever they sprout up.
No one tends to them,
they can take care of themselves.

They are so much more bawdy
than a pruned rose bush that blooms in a person's front yard.
These are not pampered flowers.
They are resilient.

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They usually hang around the side of the road.
Sometimes, they even creep right up to the asphalt.
They almost look defiant as they line up beside the road.
Their beautiful colors seem so bold
next to the hot concrete.

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They bend in the rush of the cars passing by
and the wind flutters their petals.
They must feel so much freedom and exhilaration
as they sway and spin around.

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I'd like to think that if I were a flower
that I would be one of these gutsy girls.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

*Tink*Tink (Imagine that I just tapped my wine glass with a spoon) May I have Your Attention Please?

I have a few announcements to make!
(now imagine that I just chugged that glass of wine)

First off, I am proud to announce that my blog
is officially part of the Blogher Network.
Woo Hoo!!
Let's all take a moment to celebrate!

It's gettin' a little crazy in here.

Secondly, that means that I will no longer be
hosting reviews here but now I have a sister blog
where I will blab my big ol' mouth about products
and host some fantastic giveaways.
Please go follow it now, just click on that little button down there.
Go ahead...I'll wait.


Thirdly, I have decided to come
out of the dark ages and utilize social media.
So, over in my sidebar over there
are some buttons that will
lead to my Facebook and Twitter pages.
Now, click on those and follow me on Twitter.
Do you like me?
If so, go declare your feelings and "like" my Facebook page.

Fourthly, I've turned into a total whiz kid
and even added some share buttons at the end of each post.
So, you can repost your favorite posts
over on your Facebookies
and your Twitter tats,
or whatever the kids are calling it these days.

Lastly, I've updated my blogroll
to include some of my favorite blogs
and most loyal readers.
Please go give them some love!

Okay, enough jibber jabber...
scroll on down for this week's
52 Weeks of Happiness!


52 Weeks of Happiness :: Week 8

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The thrill of an Easter Egg hunt.

One aspect that I love about motherhood
is watching my children experience
things that I loved as a child.

Some things stay constant in this ever changing world
and that is how the hunt unfolds.
It makes me happy that I can count on the fact that
it still happens the same way, every single time.

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The children line up with baskets in hand.
The little girls wear bright
pastel dresses and Mary Jane shoes.

Everyone looks so sweet and fancy
as the tension builds.

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Someone shouts
"Ready, Set, Go!"
and it's unbridled chaos.
Children dart in every direction
and there is squealing and laughter.
Sometimes people get an elbow to the gut,
it's all part of the hunt.

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When all the eggs are found,
they are lined up and sorted.
Then the real fun begins...
hogging out on chocolate bunnies and jellybeans.

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I just love Easter
and watching my children enjoy celebrating
the holiday with rosy cheeks and a head full of sugary delights!

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Want to join me in my quest
to scout out happiness for a whole year?
Simply post a photo of something that
makes you wildly happy and tell us all about it.
Then, steal my button and include it in your post.
Don't forget to link up to Mr. Linky.


Monday, April 25, 2011

Whistle while you work.


I decided it was time to spruce up the ol' blog.
This space needed a little house cleaning,
so I've been working hard to tidy up the place.

I have a shiny new header.
Isn't it awesome?

I lurve it and I hope you do too.

Exciting things are on the horizon for
Leigh vs. Laundry
so I decided to get gussied up.
Don't be scared, it's all good stuff.

More to come soon!

Winner : Catch a Ride Edition

We have a winner for this week's installment of Freakshow Friday. Please take note that my super hilarious and non biased best friend was the judge. Here are the top three in no particular order.
VandyJ
Tom wanted to be sure Mindy knew her
place in the relationship from the beginning.

Snidely Whiplash
"I'm in Heaven" he declared passionately,
"and your big, soft ass is like floating
on an enormous, fluffy cloud."

Karen Mortensen
Giddy up rawhide.

The winner is...
Snidely Whiplash

"I'm in Heaven" he declared passionately,
"and your big, soft ass is like floating
on an enormous, fluffy cloud."

Snidely Whiplash
is the funniest blogger in all the land.
Now head on over to their blog
and marvel at this fantastic award that they just earned
to proudly display forever.

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Thanks to all the people who played.

Tune in this Friday for another instalment of Freakshow Friday!

Friday, April 22, 2011

A Family Lives Here : Exhibit 1

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It's so fun to stumble upon evidences that children live in my home.
Like yesterday, I was unsuspectingly folding laundry when I discovered
a little bitty boombox resting in the bottom of my laundry basket.
It was a very clean boombox because
I washed and dried it without even knowing.

Yes...little people live here and they like to rock!

I'm linking up to the lovely Queen Scarlet's new weekly carnival.
It's such a sweet idea.
You just scout out evidence that a family lives in your home.
I think that everyone should join in the fun!



Freakshow Friday : Catch a Ride Edition

It's time for another installment of Freakshow Friday. Where I ask my readers to come up with a caption or story for a funny photo found on Awkward Family Photos. My best friend will be the judge and she's one hilarious freakaziod. So, bring it! Here is this week's photo, I am so confused.

Everyone suspected that Mike married her to get a free ride.

You got a better one for me?
If so, you may just when this awesome award
and have bragging rights forever.
Oh...do I ever have an award for you!
You will win this brand spankin' new award!!

<span class=

If you win then I'll link up to your
Blog and make a big deal
about how funny you are.
Simply leave your funny caption or story
in my comments section.

The winner will be announced on Monday.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Leigh vs. Cookies

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I don't mean to toot my own horn but things have been
looking up for yours truly in the homemaking department.
My misadventures suddenly feel more like happy little adventures.
I'm not sure what's happening but it's been at least 3 weeks
since I burned some taco shells in the oven.
Otherwise, my oven has been burn free.

I decided to test my luck and make these cute cookies
for a Spring Celebration at Griffin's school.
I found this recipe over at the one of my favorite food blogs, The Picky Palate
(the good Lord knows that I have a picky palate sitting at my table every evening).

Here is the recipe.

White Fudge Dipped Easter Oreos


Bag of Oreo Cookies

Bag of Wilton White Candy Melts

Food Decorating Paste or Food Coloring (red, yellow, blue and green)

White nonpareils Sprinkles

1. Take half of the Oreos out of the package and set on plate so they are ready to go. Melt candy according to package directions until smooth. Divide white chocolate into 4 separate bowls then add paste or food coloring until desired color is reached. Start with just a tiny drop so you get pastels :) Stir then dip tops of oreos in chocolate. Use spoon to spread evenly. Sprinkle with sprinkles then place onto foil, parchment or wax paper to dry. Continue dipping until Oreos and chocolate is used up. Serve room temperature or chilled, Enjoy!!

Guess what?
These cookies were a smashing success.
I'd say that in the battle of me against my kitchen
that I totally took this one!
Let's look at the score card for those that are keeping track!

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

52 Weeks of Happiness :: Week 7

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Going out on a date with my dad.

My father took me out to lunch
at a great little BBQ joint up the street...
just the two of us.

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I tried my hardest to eat healthy and my food was yummy
but I'm not gonna lie, as we sat and chatted about childhood memories, I was having serious food envy.
Somehow my grilled chicken strips and salad
didn't measure up to his plate of fried goodness.


My dad's french fries were taunting me.
When he pushed his plate away, I noticed a few stragglers.
"Are you going to eat those?" I asked him.
He took pity on me and I had his french fries for dessert.

It wasn't pretty.


Then, he did something super special.
He took me to the mall and bought me make up.
I felt so pampered and loved as
we approached the Bobbi Brown counter.


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He splurged and got me whatever my heart desired.
New rosy lipstick and two fancy eyeliners
came home with me.
I had to vamp it up, I felt so girly.

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He was even a good sport and didn't
complain too much when all that money
he had spent fit into a teeny tiny bag.

It didn't stop there though.
He then offered to take me clothes shopping.
I cried I was so excited!
I've lost 20 pounds
and even though I have more to lose,
it felt good to try clothes a size smaller.

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I felt so spoiled as I tried on summer dresses.
"When do you ever do anything for yourself?"
My dad said as I came out in outfits.

He was so right...
I do deserve a little splurge now and again.
We actually had a great time shopping together.

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He meandered around the store while I tried on clothes
and somehow I always found him by the swim suit display.
He eventually took refuge in the Misses department

We left with shopping bags full of clothes and make up.
It was such a fun and amazing day.

I love you Dad!

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Want to join me in my quest
to scout out happiness for a whole year?
Simply post a photo of something that
makes you wildly happy and tell us all about it.
Then, steal my button and include it in your post.
Don't forget to link up to Mr. Linky.

Monday, April 18, 2011

A Good Man is Hard to Find.


As I primped in the mirror I was unaware that I had an audience. Dipping the mascara wand and feathering the make up onto my eyelashes, I felt a gentle tug on my skirt. Koen had been on the couch, immersed in a Richard Scarry book when I began applying my make up in an antique mirror in the living room. I looked down to see my sweet two year old boy gazing up at me. He studied my face that was adorned with eyeshadow and lipstick and exclaimed "Make up mama, I like it, pretty."

I had had pink eye for a week and had been unable to wear make up while my eye sweltered and weeped. I had never been so happy to put on a little eyeshadow, without it I feel like I might look like Napolean Dynamite. Anyway, back to my sweet two year old, we shared such a tender moment as he noticed that I finally had taken pity on the world and put on make up. He seems to be mesmerized by the feminine parts of me. He studies my red toe nail polish and calls my toes lollipops. I can tell that it takes some major self control for him not to just go ahead and lick them as they must look like bright cherry flavored treats.

A few years ago, when Griffin was just four years old, he sprawled out on my bed and watched as I got ready to go out for girls' night. I scanned my closet, holding up potential outfits as he played with Stars Wars Action figures and watched me out of the corner of his eye. I put on an outfit and studied myself in the mirror. Turning to him I asked..."How do I look?" half joking because what woman would entrust her wardrobe decisions on the opinion of a four year old boy? I was taken aback by his response. "How do you feel, mom?" he asked earnestly. "I feel great" I said with a smile. "Well, then, ya look great." I was floored.

It makes my mind wander into the future, when they are grown men. I wonder what type of men these boys will become. I try to instill in them a sense of chivalry. Griffin jumps to open the door for just about anyone and you should see the old ladies swoon when he does. He knows to offer his seat to a girl if all the seats are taken as we wait at the doctor's office. These are the actions that I can teach them to make them both be gentlemen one day.

Yet, there are things that you just can't teach, like sensitivity and the gift of being perceptive. As I gazed down at Koen and he admired my make up, I saw him in the future. Perhaps he will be the type of husband who admires his wife as she primps in the mirror. Maybe Griffin will sit patiently as his wife tries on outfit after outfit and tell her that she looks beautiful in every single one. Maybe these early identifications that they have with me as the first woman in their lives will influence how they view women forever. It makes me want to stand up taller. It makes me want to take pride in myself.

Of course, they need to see some grit on a woman too because no woman is perfect. Sometimes I just give up on shaving my legs. Koen will touch my legs and say "Prickly mommy." Sometimes, I walk outside barefoot and come in the house with filthy feet. "Dirty mommy" he will say as he studies my feet. Between lollipop toenails and red clay covered heels, I hope that I can live up to all the beauty and imperfections that dwell within a woman.

I hope that being the woman that I am
will bring a few good men into this world.

Winner : Band Geek Edition

We have a winner for this week's installment of Freakshow Friday. Please take note that my super hilarious and non biased best friend was the judge. Here are the top three in no particular order.
Linda D.
"Yeah, my date for prom was a flute.
And, yeah, I wore a sweater instead of a prom dress.
Want to make something of it? I didn't think so!"

Asha
"One time at band camp..."

Ben
Unfortunately, the blur feature
on the camera could only do so much...

The winner is...
Asha

"One time at band camp..."

Asha

is the funniest blogger in all the land.
Now head on over to her blog
and marvel at this fantastic award she just earned
to proudly display forever.

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Thanks to all the people who played.

Tune in this Friday for another instalment of Freakshow Friday!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Freakshow Friday : Band Geek Edition

It's time for another installment of Freakshow Friday. Where I ask my readers to come up with a caption or story for a funny photo found on the web. My best friend will be the judge and she's one hilarious freakaziod. So, bring it! Here is this week's photo, this girl has got some swagger.

With a flute that fancy,
Gina could afford to be cocky.

You got a better one for me?
If so, you may just when this awesome award
and have bragging rights forever.
Oh...do I ever have an award for you!
You will win this brand spankin' new award!!

<span class=

If you win then I'll link up to your
Blog and make a big deal
about how funny you are.
Simply leave your funny caption or story
in my comments section.

The winner will be announced on Monday.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Happy Breakfast to the Rescue!

Koen had a nightmare last night.
I found him screaming in his crib.
He had a bad dream about his monkey night light.
I know this because he was pointing
to it with a trembling finger
and saying "Monkey light!" between sobs.

I swooped him up and held him tight.
He shook in my arms as I removed
monkey night light from his room.

We settled back down and he fell fast asleep.

He then decided to wake up
on the hour every hour last night
to tell me about his bad dream
and to make sure that the light was still gone.

He wanted hugs and sweet songs.
I took pity on him and had a long night last night
that was full of many discussions about night lights
and monkeys and the removal of monkey night lights.

I woke up in the doldrums this morning.
My poor brain unable to process my thoughts,
I thought for sure that I would
have nothing to post today.


Then, I saw The Breakfast Project
and perked up right away.
Who can be grumpy with toast smiling at you?

Not me...
my day officially has turned around.

I hope that it made you smile too.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

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Today is Koen's second birthday!

We had a celebration over the weekend and
even though we are on a tight budget,
I didn't let that stop me from making his day feel super amazing.

My plan is always to put a little extra love
into the planning and preparations
so that he can feel how important he really is to us.

I make it a point to enjoy the process.
I just love when extra special "doings" pop up in
my normal weekly schedule,
it makes life exciting.

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Like the fun of sneaking off alone
to the toy store to fetch a little gift that I
know he will adore.

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A special trip to Party City, just the two of us,
so that he can pick out his party theme.

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Making homemade cupcakes and sprinkling them
with stars so that they feel extra magical.

Then, gathering up our loved ones
in one place to shower him with love.

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A trip to his most favorite place on earth,
Chuck-E-Cheese.


It may seem simple but I am always happy to discover
that the simplest moments in life
are the ones that are the most important.

I know that he could feel love
that was put into his special day.

It was a Happy Birthday indeed!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

52 Weeks of Happiness :: Week 6

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When the oven is busy baking.

I just love how the smell
of something sweet
cooking in the oven
attracts curious little noses to the kitchen.


It amazes me to think
how much I've grown to enjoy making treats.
Me, who was once a self proclaimed disaster in the kitchen.

Griffin's class is having a bake sale
to raise money for the people of Japan.

I was more than happy to spend the afternoon baking.


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It makes me feel feminine somehow as my kitchen
becomes a flurry of activity.

The sound of the eggs cracking and
the spoon swishing to mix the ingredients,
these sweet kitchen noises make a house
sound more like a home.

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I used to be so afraid of cooking
but that was just because I was inexperienced.
I feel empowered now when
something yummy
comes out of the oven.

Baking can be a very healing experience.


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Last night, after the oven was off
and the muffins and brownies
were all wrapped up lovingly for the bake sale,

I languidly rocked Koen to sleep at bedtime.

The smell of chocolate and powdered sugar
lingered on my spring dress.


It made me feel like a Mama.


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Want to join me in my quest
to scout out happiness for a whole year?
Simply post a photo of something that
makes you wildly happy and tell us all about it.
Then, steal my button and include it in your post.
Don't forget to link up to Mr. Linky.

P.S. Did you know that I'm hosting a giveaway?
Scroll on down for the details!