Not just for the 4th of July!

Today is a holiday.  I live in the suburbs of Atlanta, so it's also a big race day for all those people who think it's fun to get up BEFORE the crack of dawn to run.  Hmmmmm.  Well, to each his own, I guess.


Me?  I got up around 7:30.  My husband came downstairs first to put the "butt rub" on the big pork butt we bought yesterday and to crank up the smoker.  Ten hours from now we'll have a yummy pulled pork dinner, with roasted corn (recipe is listed on past recipes!) and yellow squash and zucchini on the grill.   Oh, and caramel/chocolate chip brownies for dessert!!  (Today's recipe....look on the side!!!)


I can't believe it's been over half a year since I posted anything on this blog. 


Here are some highlights and lowlights of the last 7 months:

The ETSY business is doing pretty well.  I find myself painting more and I've added lots of collectibles to my inventory.  It's fun searching for unique items to include in my shop.

I love the old planters!!

One of my original paintings...

My daughter got engaged around Christmas time.  She's getting married in 10 days!!!  Christmas was exciting as we welcomed Erik and Faith into our family.

the kids at Christmas

Kelli's (almost) family!!

Bride's room at Kelli's Venue...the Cotton Warehouse

I did a special diet starting early in March.  I went to the doctor and did the HCG diet.  You inject yourself with the hormone every day for 30 days and eat like a bird for a month, then add some calories for a couple more weeks.  I lost 25 pounds and have kept all but 3 pounds off!!!  

(Okay...I ate this AFTER the diet...)
Dark Chocolate Covered Key Lime Pie on a Stick
from the rehearsal dinner
(Best Thing Ever)

My son got married in April in Panama City.  It was beautiful and we had a wonderful time!  There's something special about seeing you child marrying his sweetheart AND getting a beach vacation all at the same time.  I ate until I almost popped!!!

Cutest Ring Bearer EVER

Vows

Family (minus Amanda, Erik, and Faith)

Beautiful sunset AND couple!!

Love this one!!

Before the final shading, fingerprints for leaves, and names and date,
 I painted this for the newlyweds to use as their guestbook.

During the reception...!

Our grandson turned two in June...he's growing like a weed. I can't believe he's been here two years, but it's hard to remember life without him.  We keep him every Monday and most Wednesdays and he's SO much fun!

Add caption

David and I both turned another year older, but those birthdays aren't as much fun as turning two... 


On a much sadder note...


We had to put down all three of our big dogs.  January, two weeks apart, took Bo and Buddy.  They were our oldest two dogs and it was so terribly hard to lose them both.  Kirby, our husky, was diagnosed with mouth cancer about a year ago.  We had to take him in last month and tell him goodbye.  (I'm crying now...)

Bo Girl, the old lady of the house

Sweet Buddy Dog, going for a ride

My Kirby

 So the little munchkin Aubie is the only canine left in our house.  Going from four to one is hard.

I'm sure lots of other things have taken place in seven months, but between planning rehearsal dinners and weddings and receptions, finding dresses and shoes, going to wedding showers, and losing our (furry) family members, I can't remember anything else.  Oh, and writing checks.  There's been LOTS of that...!


So if you see either of us on the side of the road begging for change or if we show up at your door looking for dinner, take pity.  We're broke!