Ode to a Picket Fence

Warning: This post is oozing with sentimentality

When I was little girl and I envisioned
what my home would be like when I grew up,
there was always a cute little picket fence.

I had daydreams of being a mommy
and my children running free in a yard
like free range chickens with our sweet little fence surrounding us.

I know that it was just a small childhood fantasy but
...my fantasy came true.

We are creating a play area for the boys
on our property and
there is an seven foot drop off beyond the play space.
So, we had a picket fence installed as a barrier.

I can see it from my kitchen window
and the morning light is just so beautiful
as it shines on our new glorious fence.

It is so much more than just a fence though.
It is also a vision that Roger and I had for our home
when we first moved in.
I can remember walking the property
while I was pregnant with Griffin
and making plans for our future children.
It was exciting as newlyweds
and soon to be new parents
to imagine our family playing in that space.

We have needed a play area so badly
for the boys to run free and be wild.
So, here it is...
our hopes and dreams for our little family
coming to fruition.

It is so much more than a simple picket fence
or a gateway to our new backyard.

It is a picnic waiting to happen.
It is a game of freeze tag.
It is drinking sweet tea in the shade.
It is a bonfire.
It is laying on a blanket beneath the stars.
It watching the fireflies flicker at night.

It is a dream come true
for a silly little girl
who is all grown up.

Vaccines and Autism

My weekly column is up over at Athens Patch.

This week's topic...
conflicting reports about
the link between vaccines and autism.

Please head on over and join the discussion.
I would love to know your
thoughts and experiences.


Click here to jump to the story!

On becoming who I am meant to be.

I am a writer.
It felt good to write that.

You see, I have been selling myself short for some time now. The words have been part of who I am and I have felt comfortable with their place within me but I've been making excuses to keep the words to myself. Lacking experience, short on confidence, and a bit lazy-my yearning to be a paid writer has been squashed.

Until now...

A few months ago I discovered that a few fellow local writers that I know were a part of an on-line publication called Athens Patch. When I saw the work that they were doing about local news, I felt jealous. Why wasn't I involved? I'm a local writer, right? I suddenly felt very left out until it hit me...no one knew that I was writer. Sure, I'm a blogger, which is a form of writing, but much more fluid and personal. I wanted to write features and editorials. If that was going to happen, I was going to have to put myself and my talents out there for the world to see.

Suddenly, I felt brave and capable as my desire to be a writer forced my fears to subside. Somehow, good booga booga must have been released into the universe at that moment. Circumstances led Athens Patch to me just a few weeks later. The editor contacted me to see if I wanted a platform for my blog. Her phone number was on the bottom of the e-mail so I put a phone call in. After a very long conversation full of laughter and mom confessions, I hung up the phone with a story assignment and was suddenly a freelance writer.

Just like that.

My first story was a success and so another story was sent my way. Before long, I was offered the weekly column "Moms Talk" (thank you to my most loyal readers who hop over and comment!) where I open discussion topics about parenting issues. The money I make is next to nothing but I can splurge now and get a pedicure if I need it. It feels good to pay for things with my own money. Being a Stay at Home Mom for the last six years has not afforded me that pleasure in a long time.

Now, even more editorial stories are coming my way. It feels so satisfying to call a contact for a story and say "I am a reporter for Athens Patch and I would like to ask you a few questions for an article that I am writing." I find deep satisfaction in the process of writing an article. From conducting the research, to first drafts, to snapping photographs to accompany the story, I feel excited. It may seem a bit silly but I feel inherently that

I am becoming who I am meant to be...
a writer.

It's amazing how life just works out sometimes. I sense that I am at the beginning of my writing career and even though some may consider my new writing gig to be small potatoes, to me it is a super fancy gourmet baked potato topped with all of the most delicious toppings. It's time for me to dig in!

52 Weeks of Happiness :: Week 17

Impulse buys at the grocery store.

I have talked before about how
much I LOVE going to the grocery store.
I always have a well thought out list in hand
as I grocery shop
but I get so excited when I see fantastic treasures
that are not on my list.

Like big plump juicy cherries.
They just looked so delightful
that I decided that I had to buy a bag
and find a recipe for them.
Instant inspiration!

They look so cheerful and happy.

My new favorite grocery store
discovery is over in the floral department.
They have a shopping basket full of flowers that
have been around a while
and no one wants.
They are super duper cheap!

Fresh flowers have not been in our tight budget
so these tea roses were a special treat.
I love imagining that the flowers
are sad and lonely
until I walk up and smell them
and take them home.

We love each other,
me and my cheap flowers.
We smile with gratitude at one another
as I pass by them
in a pretty vase on my dining room table.

It's a beautiful thing.

Oh...and the seasonal area always
has special little items.
Right now, they have a summer grilling area.

I found these fantastic retro-inspired
condiment holders for cheaper than cheap.
We fell in love too.
They make dinner seem so much more fun.

I truly celebrate unexpected happiness
that can be found at the grocery store.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://leighvslaundry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae172/leighbug_photo/thumbnail_camera_ads-6-3.jpg" /></a></div><br />

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.

Friday Night Dates :: 5

To Drink : The Princess Cocktail

2 oz lemon vodka
1 splash 7-Up® soda
1 splash cranberry juice
1 splash sweet and sour mix

Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into glass.

The Menu: Honey Drizzled Cherry, Goat Cheese and Pistachio Crostini

4 ounces goat cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh orange rind
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
12 diagonally cut French bread bagette slices, toasted
1 cup fresh pitted cherries
1/4 cup pistachios
2 tablespoons honey

Combine the first 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Spread goat cheese mixture evenly on one side of each slice. Top evenly with pistachios and honey. Drizzle evenly with honey.

The film: The Princess Bride

A classic fairy tale, with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and yes, some kissing (as read by a kindly grandfather).

This is THE perfect date night movie. When I first saw it in seventh grade, I remember wishing that I could watch it with a boyfriend. It would be a few years before I even had a real boyfriend but it made it even sweeter to watch it with my husband. We each new almost every single line to the movie and had so much fun saying the script with the actors. At one point, as Roger left the room to refill his glass, I asked him if he would mind filling mine up to. His response was "As you wish." My heart swooned.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://leighvslaundry.blogspot.com/search/label/Friday%20Night%20Dates" target="_blank"><img src="_blank"><img src="http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae172/leighbug_photo/tumblr_l5nmxtmABc1qcz6gno1_250-1.jpg" /></a></div> <br />

Why not invite a little romance into your life?
Just leave a comment with a link
to a post about your fantastic Date Night.
It doesn't have to be a Friday night date...
any time is a good time to reconnect.
Be sure to include that sweet little button in your post!

Winner : Leprechaun 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.

Jenn
Few people know about Grizzly Adams'
double knit polyester period.

Ms Dreamer
Bob Ross's younger brother was ok
with the 'happy little trees' behind him,
but not the 'happy shiny green suit'.

w
1970's hobbit. still livin' in the woods. but doin' it in style.


The winner is...
Jenn

Few people know about Grizzly Adams'
double knit polyester period.

Jenn

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.

Thanks to all the people who played.

Tune in this Friday for another instalment of Freakshow Friday!

Freakshow Friday : Leprechaun 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. My best friend will be the judge and she's one hilarious freakaziod. So, bring it! Here is this week's photo, I couldn't resist stealing the caption from Awkward Family Photos, it's just too good!

If you’re guarding a pot of gold, you better shine.

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!!

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.

You Capture : Bathrooms

The assignment over at You Capture was Bathrooms.

At first I was thinking
who wants to see my stinky ol' bathroom

Then I remembered how much joy that
my shower curtain brings me.
So...here is a picture of my shower curtain that

I am madly in love with.

It was just $19.99 at Target.

Can you believe that business?

It's the best $19.99 that I've spent in a while.

Don't be jealous.

Wait...don't go yet.
If you are stopping by for the
first time from You Capture
I just have to tell you about some projects going
on here on my little ol' blog.

Click on the buttons to read all about them!

A litlle bribe works wonders

My column is up over at Athens Patch!
The topic today is
all about bribing our kids,
(I prefer to call it positive reinforcement)

I'd love to hear your thoughts
and experiences.

Please come join the conversation.

Pretty please with sugar on top?
Here is a jar of candy to entice you.

Click here to read the article
and comment away!

Places We Love : Treehouse kid and craft

I cannot stop gushing about my new favorite store.

I went into Treehouse to interview the owner, Kristin,
for a story and fell in love with the place.

The store is bright and cheerful
and oh so very kid friendly.
It's jammed pack with awesome toys
some of which are made by local artists.

The children's book section is to die for.
I could spend all day looking at dreamy little books.

I couldn't resist buying the boys
this awesome cardboard rocket
that they can decorate.
I have it stashed in the closet
and I'm waiting to bring it out on a hot summer day
when we are antsy and bored.
I think that day is coming sooner than I think.

Okay, here's the best part...
they have a super sweet DIY area
where the kids can be creative.
They offer drop in craft times
as well as summer camps.

Griffin is going to Superhero Camp in July
and we are just beside ourselves with excitement.
They still have spots left
so if I know your kid and your kid likes Griffin
and superheros and being creative,
then please sign them up today!

A few weekends ago,
they invited EarlyGirl Photography
to host a photography session
called "Littles and Lovies".

I took the boys over with their
special stuffed animals
(you have no idea how much they love these lovies)
and took some pictures to give
to Roger for Father's Day.

Aren't they the cutest little boos ever?

I'm done gushing for now...
go to Treehouse and have some fun!
Maybe I'll see you there.

52 Weeks of Happiness :: Week 16

The adventure of going
solo to a dinner party.

I was invited to attend a dinner party
for the staff of Athens Patch,
the on-line publication that I write a weekly column for.

I left my husband at home with the boys
and ventured out to spend the evening with fellow writers,
most of which I had never met.

I felt a bit nervous as I knocked
on the door
and wondered if I was out of my league
to attend a party with local writers.

Until the hostess
answered the door with a smile
and a hug.

Meg pulled me into her beautiful home

that was dripping with southern hospitality
and I somehow felt drawn into her life
as I encountered each beautiful room.

Her warmth and charm put me at ease.

As other people arrived and
the party got underway,
I spied Meg working hard in the kitchen.

My mama taught me
that it can never hurt
to ask the hostess if she needs any help.
So, I made my way over to her
and offered my assistance.

Somehow, we fell into the most
fantastic conversation about scouting out happiness and
I discovered that she is also a firm believer
in looking for the joys of life.

Our conversation was a blessing
and I found a kindred spirit
over mushrooms being tossed onto tiny pizzas.

The evening progressed
and with each tiny sip of white wine,
I felt more and more at place
amongst so many interesting people.

Floating around the room
and chatting with other writers
about the craft of arranging words,
I found a candy dish
that I kept returning to throughout the party.

The sugary goodness filled my head
as I would sneak bite after bite of Jellybeans.
It reminded me that life can be so sweet.

After my tummy was full
and Meg had sent me home
with a to-go box full
of homemade peach cobbler
and a promise to see each other again soon,

I drove home happy and
the sunset was insanely beautiful.

So much so that I pulled over
on the side of a country road,
sat on the hood of my car,
all by myself,
and watched the sun go down.

My spirit felt full and content.

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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.

Friday Night Dates :: 4

Cocktail : White Sangria
{Recipe from About.com}

Ingredients:
* 1 Bottle of white wine
* 2/3 cup white sugar
* 3 oranges (sliced) or may substitute 1 cup of orange juice)
* 1 lemon (sliced)
* 1 lime (sliced)
* 1/2 liter of ginger ale or club soda (ginger ale for those with a sweeter tooth!)

Preparation:
Pour wine in the pitcher and squeeze the juice wedges from the orange,lemon and lime into the wine. Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out seeds if possible) and add sugar. Chill overnight. Add ginger ale or club soda just before serving.

Menu: Peach and Brie Quesadillas
with Lime-Honey Dipping Sauce
{Recipe from myrecipes.com}

Ingredients

* Sauce:
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
* 1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind
* Quesadillas:
* 1 cup thinly sliced peeled firm ripe peaches (about 2 large)
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
* 1 teaspoon brown sugar
* 3 ounces Brie cheese, thinly sliced
* 4 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas
* Cooking spray
* Chive strips (optional)

Preparation

* To prepare sauce, combine first 3 ingredients, stirring with a whisk; set aside.
* To prepare quesadillas, combine peaches, 1 tablespoon chives, and sugar, tossing gently to coat. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange one-fourth of cheese and one-fourth of peach mixture over half of each tortilla; fold tortillas in half. Coat pan with cooking spray. Place 2 quesadillas in pan; cook 2 minutes on each side or until tortillas are lightly browned and crisp. Remove from pan; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining quesadillas. Cut each quesadilla into 3 wedges; serve with sauce. Garnish with chive strips, if desired.

{Photo credit IMDb}

The quick synopsis of Spanglish goes like this...
a breathtaking Hispanic nanny moves in with an all-American family and
the cultural struggles that unfold when her daughter comes to live with them too.

It' s really so much more than that though,
there's a bit of romance but what I like about it
is the way that the characters relate to one another.
It's a complex tale that delves into
family dynamics, parenting, marriage, and love.

Every time my husband and I watch it,
one of us will say-
"This movie is really good."

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://leighvslaundry.blogspot.com/search/label/Friday%20Night%20Dates" target="_blank"><img src="_blank"><img src="http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae172/leighbug_photo/tumblr_l5nmxtmABc1qcz6gno1_250-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Why not invite a little romance into your life?
Just leave a comment with a link
to a post about your fantastic Date Night.
It doesn't have to be a Friday night date...
any time is a good time to reconnect.
Be sure to include that sweet little button in your post!

Winner : Glammed up 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.

Jenn.
Susan wondered if having purple LED lights installed
in her new doo to match the ground effect lights
on her boyfriend's car was going a bit to far...
but when she saw his pleased look all her doubts faded away....

w
big hair. big flowers. big tan line

Linda D.
Fran loved the way her hairdresser worked with the pet grooming store.
Who would have imagined that purple dye
and recycled Pomeranian dog hair fur
would make such a glamorous wig shot?

The winner is...
w

big hair. big flowers. big tan line.

W
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.

Thanks to all the people who played.

Tune in this Friday for another instalment of Freakshow Friday!

Freakshow Friday : Glammed Up 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. My best friend will be the judge and she's one hilarious freakaziod. So, bring it! Here is this week's photo, this lady means business!

Do these flowers make my hair look big?

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!!

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.

We Would be a Mess if We Lived In a Little House on the Prairie

Last night Griffin's worst nightmare came true.
A huge storm blew over our sleepy town
and brought with it all kinds of lightning, thunder, and wind.
Now, he comes about his fear honestly (exhibit A)
so I can't blame him for freaking his freak
when the wind makes the world look wonky and scary.

Then, the worst thing happened...
the power went out.
It was dark and flashes of lightning illuminated
his frightened little face.

We lit an oil lamp and candles and tried
to pretend like we were pioneers.
I was the only person
that thought it was cool to
be just like Laura Ingalls and her Pa.

Although, Koen thought that it was pretty awesome
and sang the Happy Birthday song
over and over to all the candles.

Griffin was not so excited and was
scared to death.
I told him to pray for safety and comfort.
He said this dramatic prayer-

"Dear God,
Protect us and
make me not scared
and make the wind stop blowing
and don't let a tree fall all on our house
and let us live.
-Amen"

A few minutes went by and
the storm let up a little bit and then
he said this earnest little prayer of thanks

"Dear God,
Thanks for looking out for me.
If you ever have some sort
of problem in heaven,
I hope that I can help you out too.
-Amen"

Time to Reconnect

I'm preachin' about date nights again!
Please head on over to Athens Patch
to read this week's Moms Talk column.
Join in the discussion,
I'd love to hear about your experiences
with love after baby!

Click here to hop on over!
Love ya!

Places We Love : Menchies

I've decided to feature local places that we
love to visit from time to time.
If you live in my town
then you should visit Menchies.

It's a new frozen yogurt store
that we stumbled upon recently.
As we walked by a cute lady
pulled us into the shop and offered us free ice cream
because it was "Friends and Family" night.

Since I was neither part of her family
or her dear friend, I was a bit surprised by the invitation.
Who is gonna turn down free ice cream?
Not this girl!

So, in we went and a magical place shimmered
right before my eyes.
A huge row of frozen yogurt awaited.
When I saw that they had Red Velvet cake
and cake batter swirl, I swooned.

The toppings looked all dreamy

as the sugary delights

beckoned to me.
I swear, they blew kisses my way when I walked up.

I was in a euphoric haze as I
topped my frozen yogurt off with caramel sauce.

Even my picky little eater
got in on the action
and ate blueberry yogurt with Fruity Pebbles on top.

We have been back since
and it is like heaven.
A fluffy heaven with
Marshmallow Cream and Cherries on top.

My fellow Athenians...
I'll see you there!

52 Weeks of Happiness :: Week 15

Seeing the world through
the eyes of a two year old.

Koen recently became big enough to
climb up the play structure at Chic-fil-a.
This was a HUGE deal in our world
and you can tell by the smile on his face
how proud he is to be so big.

This opened my eyes to the happiness
that exists in his little world
and I think that I should take notes.

Like the simple joy of transforming
a storage bucket into a swashbuckling pirate ship
and being on the lookout for "piwates".
Just looking at his little
smooshed up feet makes me smile.

Oh and the fun to be had
when sprawled out on the floor
with a huge coloring book and a box full of crayons.
I love seeing his grubby little fingers
hold a crayon.

So much creativity is unleashed on
my living room floor.

It must be so splendid

after a long day of playing
to lay on the couch with rosy cheeks,
beneath a handmade quilt,
snuggle up to your big brother,
and watch cartoons.

Witnessing my little one enjoy
these simple pleasures makes
my life feel so much richer.
His happiness is a blessing for me.

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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.