Amazing Women

Who needs plastic surgery

when you have a Fairy Godmother?

"A wolf in sheep's clothing"

NOT a wolf in Grandma's clothing!

Wonder what kind

of conditioner she used?
Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep
and then along came Prince Charming
(that was the end of that)

The Boys of Summer

Topher (at bat)played two games today

one win ~ one loss

Jakob and a friend explored

the woods nearby

(looks like he found some mud)

"The Boys of Summer" was written by Roger Kahn about young men who learned to play baseball in the 1930s and 40s. They went on to play for one of the most exciting major league ball clubs of their time, the Dodgers. Topher plays for Lupton on Saturdays. Jakob plays for Curry on Tuesdays and Fridays.
I have to wonder about the mothers and grandmothers of those boys. Were they staunch supporters of their teams? Did they start out in Little League in the middle of March ~ when the winds were howling and the temperatures dropped when the sun went down?

As you can see from the accompanying photos ~ in Alabama when Little League starts we support our teams whether the wind is blowing or the temperatures are LOW. It's all about being "prepared".

Kim ~ looking stylish

in her headwrap and shades.

This is a "summer" game??

The climbing tree

This is the tree Sarah first climbed at my house. It is covered with lovely blossoms right now and the finches are loving the feeder hanging on one of it's branches. Jakob and Topher like to climb this particular tree, also. They inspired Sarah to climb. Maybe this year Claire will be brave enough to attempt it. The branches are low and easily accessible. . . . every Magra needs a climbing tree, don't you think? While this one is lovely ~ we have another in the back that is daunting. There is a limb low enough to reach and pull down for climbing. So far, Jakob and Topher have climbed it, rode on it like a horse, and dropped down from it. I believe Sarah swung from it last year with a little help. Can't wait to see what the summer will bring. Higher and braver, I'm sure.

I know, right?

Jennifer and Will

Will and fam came to town on Sunday. They went to Atlanta to the Georgia Aquarium on Tuesday. He and Jennifer got this caricature done. If you know them, you know this is a great drawing ~ the eyes and mouths ~ so them! They are headed back to Arkansas today in the rain. Taylor and Hannah were out of school this week for Spring Break. Too bad it wasn't last week when Jakob and Christopher were having their break.

Our visit with Chuck

Last Saturday we visited with Chuck and Rhetta. . . . and company. Celeste has moved home to help with Chuck's care. Alisha and her husband were not on hand but we did get to meet her children. They were a little leery of us at first but warmed up and started playing and talking. Celeste has always been Celeste to Buck and me but now she uses Emily. Too confusing for me so I called her Celeste. She was living in Pensacola (I'm so jealous!) Alisha and family live in the same apartment complex so they see each other every day.

Typical pose for a 4 year old boy

who did NOT want his picture taken

This is Charles

our grand nephew

This is Nic (short of Nicholas?)

I think he is 2? This is Emily Celeste and Nic (not the mom)

Chuck's health continues to deteriorate. They have his bed positioned so he can see outside and watch the kids play or just the comings and goings of neighbors.

Happy Spring

Spring ~ Glorious Spring

What shall I say about spring

that hasn't been said before?

The beauty ~ the majesty ~ the pollen

A rebirth ~ a pageantry of color ~ the bugs

Spring ~ oh Glorious Spring

We welcome you!

WHY you may ask?

Why is my scarf and hat still draped across the chair?

Well, dear one, when you go out in the evening,

if the March winds are blowing,

it can be a bit nippy.But I think it is time to

BREAK OUT the FLIP FLOPS
Paint those toe nails ladies

let your feet have some fresh air.

After a winter of boots, heavy socks,

and closed toe shoes

time for sandals

no stockings

FREEDOM!
And a new swimsuit PLEASE!

Whether you are outside working in the yard or snuggled under a blanket because it is too cold to go out Happy First Day of Spring! I enjoy spring because it's not too hot ~ not too cold. It's a great time to start new projects, whether it is a new diet, exercise regimen, or flower garden. Spring is full of possibilities and the red robins, tiny hummingbirds, first buds lift my spirits. How about you?

Another Birthday

Another birthday greeting!

Uncle Wayne O'Rear
married to Aunt Doris Brown O'Rear
Father of Kathy, Debra, and Nolan

after that ~ forget about it

I can't remember all the grandchildren

and great grandchildren

He has been a part of Mother's family
LONGER than I have!
BIG HUG
(but not too hard so as not to hurt you)

Alice in Wonderland

Johnny Depp is awesome as the Mad Hatter.

He is quite believable as a madman.

Who cares if he wears WAY more makeup

than most women I know??

And check out those eyebrows!

(someone needs to wax)

Went to the theater and saw "Alice in Wonderland".

It stayed quite close to the story as I remember it.

Happy Birthday!

Oakman 1952 - 1953

"so innocent?"Oakman 1957 - 1958
A "little" attitude?

Happy Birthday Uncle Wayne

Mother's second brother

Married to Peggy

Father of Nathan, Natalie, and Nicole

Grandpa of Drew, Elijah, Anderson, and John Hendrix

Kim, the boys, and tiramisu

Yesterday, Kim invited me to go with her and the boys to Birmingham to visit our cousin Nicole Poe. She and Matt welcomed a new son on Sunday. John Hendrix Matthew Poe was born on Sunday March 14th and weighed in at 2 pounds and 5 ounces. Of course we weren't able to see him "in person" but Matt show us several photos. Nicole is doing fine and will probably be released from the hospital on Thursday. John Hendrix will be staying for a while.

After our visit everyone was starving so we made our way over the mountain to Hoover and "Olive Garden". I tried something new (my usual is shrimp alfredo). It is called lasagna fritta which means fried lasagna. It was really good and not as filling as you would think. . . I had room for dessert, but isn't there ALWAYS room for tiramisu?

What's with the face Topher?

Do you know something we don't?
The waiter brought Jakob's milkshake in
a cup with a lid. He informed me he is
too old to order off the "kids menu" since he will
be a teenager soon (3 years) LOL
Kim had a yummy looking dessert of chocolate
cake, vanilla sauce, and fresh strawberries.
MMMMMMM
My tiramisu ~ ahhhhhh

creamy delicousness with

expresso soaked cake.

Bowling in Montgomery

Lisa and I went to Montgomery this past weekend so she could bowl in the Women's State Tournament. I headed out on Saturday around eight and stopped in Pelham to pick her up. When I pulled into the parking lot I called her ~ NO answer! So, I sent her a text "I'm here". She quickly answered by calling me "I just woke up, my alarm didn't go off. . . " I pulled out the book I'm reading and waited for her to shower and throw a few things in a bag.

Lisa and I on our "adventure"

(code for we got lost)

Lisa, Alana, Sheila, and Kristie
Time to bowl!

What would a trip with Lisa be

without the tongue photo??

Kristie and Lisa were doubles

partners. Kristie bought them

matching tee shirts.

The first day went well then we headed out to find our hotel (another "adventure") Lisa and I went to "Red Lobster" for dinner ~ she had her favorite ~ crab legs. We ventured on to the mall which was a BIG disappointment because their "American Eagle" had closed! HOW DARE THEY!?!?

Lisa was exhausted.

The Gutter Girls

Before the games began

Lisa and her hat

Tournament rules stated "NO HATS" and Lisa always bowls with a hat. Sunday, she took her hat with her and left it on the counter in front of me ~ between turns, she would come sit by me and put her hat on. She bowled a 178! She told her teammates "it's all about the hat!"

We've got blooms!

Just as I was thinking the daffodils were going to get totally drowned I walked outside today and these beautiful blooms greeted me. And it has been a hard day today so they were a welcome sight. This morning when Buck went out to his truck to head to work, Kaycee and Mac were out of the kennel. Thunder is NOT Kaycee's friend and once she got out. . .Mac followed. I worked on the kennel and got it secured so no more escapes today but it was dreary for most of the morning.
Hope you are having a blessed day and that your weekend is restful.

It's raining

It's raining

It's pouring

But the old man isn't snoring

We get up at 5:30 a.m.

Our day has already started!

The daffodils are trying to survive long enough to bloom. These, along the side of the house, are almost ready to POP open. . . if the rain doesn't beat them down or the dogs don't trample them. (gotta be tough around here) LOL

I had an opportunity to work in the yard yesterday before the rain started. It was great just to be outside in the fresh air with the dogs running around. According to Mother there are still some cold days ahead and of course there is tornado season but isn't Spring a wonderful season? Anyone know when the first day of Spring actually is?

Let's pretend it is today....Hurrah for Spring!

Photos

Here it is the month of March. I need to start carrying my camera around with me everywhere so I will have photos to post. The daffodils have started to pop out of the ground ~ but no blooms yet. I am going to start working in the yard this week IF we don't have rain and I am itching to pull the cover off the pool even though I KNOW it is too cold.
Lisa and I are going to the State Bowling tournament next weekend (her to bowl ~ me to watch) so I will tote my camera in my pocket and hope for some fun candid shots.
Have a great week! Kiss Kiss

Happy Birthday Archie!

Happy Birthday Archie Joe Best

Son of Wanda Kehler and Danny Best

Husband of Tanya

Father of Ivy and Lilly

My nephew

Archie, I haven't always remembered your birthday but I'm trying HARD to remember everyone's this year ~ you should see the calendar I carry around with me! Have a great day!

Sick????

Topher is staying with me today because he has STREP. I picked him up at seven this morning. He doesn't have a fever but he DOES have an annoying cough. Kim sent along some "yummy" cough syrup. He and I agreed that he would read, play a game for a bit, then read, play, "rest", read and then play some more. He's going to try and get ahead of Jakob on the "JAK II" game (our new obsession)

Does this guy look sick?
"Read Acoss America" list.

Topher brought his Read Across America list with him and a few books. If the students at Lupton can read 1,500 books this week the vice principal will get a pie in the face! I think they can do it if everyone is reading as much as Topher.

Finally!

At last, an explanation as to WHY I can't lose weight ~ and I thought it was that pint of ice cream I ate for dinner the other night when Buck was late coming home. . . or maybe the sixteen OREOS I had after the boys were here and didn't want to take the left overs home with them. Good to know there is a "medical" explanation.

"I have metal fillings in my teeth.

My refrigerator magnets keep

pulling me into the kitchen.

That's why I can't lose weight!"

March

What better way to kick off the month of March

than to acknowledge the family birthdays??

March 1st ~ Aunt Peggy Brown

March 4th ~ Nephew Archie Best

March 11th ~ in memory of Aunt Pernie Panter

March 17th ~ Uncle Wayne Brown

March 19th ~ Uncle Wayne O'Rear

March 27th ~ Cousin Nicole Brown Poe