Random Photos From Ordinary Days

Occasionally, I go through the camera roll on my phone and delete pictures that I have already printed or shared with others. Before I do that, I like to post certain pictures here to preserve the blissfully ordinary moments of our lives. Have you ever gone back and read an old post from your blog and thought about how glad you are that you have those memories documented? It is a great way to relive the moments of long ago, ones you remember, but more often, ones you forgot. I was looking for a recipe I shared years ago and came across these photos from THIS POST  from 2013! My little Flynn was but three and a half years old! 

So, for that reason, I am sharing a few photos of some recent ordinary moments in our lives.

Last night, the moon was so beautiful that Flynn and I paused a movie to go outside and see it.

My Madison and her Nicolas are off on another adventure.

I do actually have a front yard, although most pictures are of the lake out back. And yes, if you look closely enough, you will see the handle of a snow shovel leaning up against the house. We are trying to decide whether we should make an effort to put it in the garage, literally right beside it, or keep it out until next winter. Stay tuned.

I was out to dinner with my dear friend Heather, and we happened to run into these two lovely young people! My Peyton and her husband Chris were celebrating their third wedding anniversary!

 I love it when Madison cooks. She made the most delicious chicken soup with all the fresh ingredients.

Meanwhile, I threw together a quick little lunch this week. Cutting up regular sandwiches makes them much more delicious. It's a fact.

 

 My Flynn and her pup. Always happy that one!

My Rhett still loves movies. When he was little, he helped his friends who owned a movie theatre, and they let him watch for free. He is still loving movies and sees them with his lovely girlfriend, Kyrstin.

That is what I have for today, my friends. This weekend is packed to the brim with family and friends. We are going to Steve's brother Todd's house for dinner with him and his wife, Beth. She is making stromboli, and her stromboli is amazing! We have mass tomorrow and a quick road trip with friends. And the highlight of my weekend is a visit with my Mom. I hope your weekend is full of all the happy, my friends. Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo

Sometimes

 Sometimes, you need this to get your day started...

And other days, you need things more like these...

It's all about balance, my friends!

Have a happy Wednesday.

Billie Jo

( Google for the fun.)

Monday Morning Coffee

 

Good Monday morning! The sun is shining today, and when I stepped outside to take Mocha and Cosmo out, I felt spring. Each season has a distinct feel to me, and although I am not good at describing it adequately, you know what I mean. It may be specific to each of us, but today, I felt spring here in Pennsylvania for the first time this year.

Along with that feeling came a brief nostalgia and memories of spring mornings past ~ Rushing out the door on my way to high school without a jacket and without having to wait for the car to warm up and the windows to defrost ~ Driving to work in the light of day knowing my precious second graders would start asking me if they have to wear their coats outside at recess ~ Snapping two little ones into the blue and white double stroller for a morning walk and pointing out the buds that will bloom and the leaves that will appear ~ Rising early to watch the world wake up as I sip my morning coffee. 

Although I am, at heart, an inside girl, content to watch all the goings on from the comfort of my cozy home, I am happy that spring has arrived. I look forward to open windows, longer days, green leaves, and afternoons on the porch. Now, I am off to check my supply of allergy medicine, which will surely come in handy along with all the good spring brings. Just saying. 

Have a lovely day, my friends!

Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo

( Photo is from a favorite website, happi )

The Good, The Good, And The Ugly

Hello, my friends! Happy Friday! Before we jump into the weekend, I'm sharing a few pictures of the past week in Pennsylvania. First up, the good.

~ This little guy right here  ~ 

Cosmo is the sweetest, cuddliest, most loving dog ever. 

~ So much yummy food ~

Lobster Alfredo at Red Lobster when we went to dinner with my bestie Heather and her husband, Dave...

Our first summertime meal of Steve's smash burgers and fries...

 And avocado, soft-boiled egg, and tomatoes on a multigrain English muffin Madison made for me!

Another Good? 

~ This cookbook ~

I recently purchased this cookbook on Amazon and received it this week. It is a beautiful cookbook written by a dear blog friend of mine, Marilyn. It is filled with delicious recipes inspired by her time spent in the kitchen with her mother, made with fresh, homegrown food. I made the coleslaw the very day I received the book! If you want to have an opportunity to win a copy, just click Right Here to go to Marilyn's blog, Mountain Top Spice!

Now, The Ugly.

~ A Sticky, Smelly Mess ~

May I ask a favor? Please remind me never to buy the huge, heavy laundry detergent containers with a sickly floral scent. I don't know about you, but wiping thick laundry soap off a bathroom floor is not something I want to repeat—ever. Also, I will be purchasing scent-free from now on.

Well, that is enough for today! I hope you have a lovely weekend, my friends. Quiet here with mass and a visit to see my mom. More good things.

Billie Jo