Cell Phone Photo Dump

This afternoon I realized I had close to 70 photos on my phone that I needed to download.  Doh!

Look at this girl.  I can't believe how grown-up she's looking.  She's such a charming, sweet girl--even when she drives me batty. ;o)

 I purchased the outfit yesterday and she couldn't wait to wear it.  I had originally thought it to be for spring, but Dani found some leggings to go with it and paired with her favorite blue boots, it works beautifully.  That hot pink is wonderful on her.  :o)  I swear, I get a huge smile on my face just looking at this.  What a lady.

Oh, lest you think otherwise, she's still a kitty most days.  She plays kitties on the playground at school, at home, outside playing with Sadie and Alicia.  I got a killer deal on a fleece yesterday--a fuzzy, black fleece.  "It's perfect cat fur!!" Oh, my sweet, odd little duck, I do adore you and your imagination. 

The other morning she was terrified Big Foot was going to be looking in her bedroom window.  Wha...?  It seems some of the girls in our RE class had been talking about watching some "Big Foot in Virginia" show or another and Lil was afraid he was around here.  Um, yeah.  We had a bit of a talk about mythical creatures and such, and discussed the fact Big Foot has no desire to be around humans and hides himself well away up in the mountains.  So far we've had to repeat comments, so I think that took care of it.  :fingers crossed:

Ellie and I are continuing with our morning walks.  I've created a number of wonderful loops and they range in distance from 1.5 to over 3.5 miles in length.  I can lengthen them or shorten them depending on mood, weather, etc. and we walk every morning the weather is "fine" (read: not raining). 

I recently added this one to mix.  It goes around a HUGE chunk of farmland which is currently fallow.

I discovered this massive cedar (with some hurricane damage?) along the path.

There are also a couple of tractor crossing signs facing the pedestrians, and this one facing the farm equipment drivers. 

I've been running more and more on our walks.  I feel myself getting stronger each time I go out.  I love to go on Saturdays when B is home because he keeps the girls and I get a chance to get out without having to push the jog stroller.  Who knew that would make such a difference?? I can only run with one arm swinging at a time when I have Beanie with me, and while it works, it's definitely more effort. 

All this movement and careful eating has resulted in the weight coming off once more.  I was hefting Beanie up the stairs after lunch, thinking how much more work was required to to carry her than to just haul myself up.  This in turn led me to the thought that she only weighs 6 pounds more than the weight I've shed, and holy cow I've been asking a lot of my body and legs and lungs and heart.  :shakes head:  It's all a matter of perspective, isn't it? 

I plan to keep up the walking--even once school is out.  Lil can just come with us, and it won't hurt her to walk/ride her bike along with us.  :o)  I'm also looking forward to getting out and working in the yard.  The sun and the quality of the light are beginning to look like "spring" and I feel my heart getting lighter at the thought.  Too bad hot, humid summer has to follow...:oS

My goal is to keep this up, no matter the weather.  Wish me luck!
****************************
Sparklies:

1.  Have I mentioned Miss Bean likes to help with the laundry?

Every. Single. Time.  She pulls items out and then hands them to me, identifying the owner as she does so. :o)

2.  I was struck by the light shining through the water collected on the branches. 

Icy trees look similar when the sun shines on them.  I guess I was reminded of that.

3.  Every afternoon I'm greeted with these:

Tiny rainbows on my garage door.  They bring such a smile to my face.

4.  Um, maybe notsomuch a sparkly...

 She was however quite pleased with herself.  Doh.

5.  Have I mentioned how much my children love to be under blankets? 

They get it from their daddy.  If he's sitting down watching TV--even in the dead of summer!--he wants a blanket.  The girls frequently join him.  Ellie has a blanket in her lap every morning on our walks, and if it shifts, she's none too pleased until I fix it.

6.  My fuzzy girl:

Look at that sweet face.  She's mellowed so much as she's grown older.  I know she misses Waylen, but she seems to enjoy being the only dog.  I'm glad about that because there is no way in the world we could have a puppy in the house right now.  OY!

7.  Visiting with Dani and Mom (her mom, Claire) last night.  :o) 
8.  Monster trip to the 'jay with Dani yesterday.  We hit the big one on the other side of town.  When you live in Germany and come home for a visit, a trip down every aisle of the store is in order.  :o)  I found a number of excellent deals and got some fun new duds for the girls.
9.  The sunshine--it just feels SO good on my face. 
10.  The daffodils will be blooming shortly.  I can't wait!

No milestones.