The Year of Me Project- Week 8- Retail Therapy

This week I decided that a little retail therapy would be a good way 

to spend my me time.

Living in the boonies, I don't have many shopping options,

so when I have a chance to go to a mall,

I like to take the day and do it right!

It was time well spent, as this is the time of year to 

stock up on gorgeous winter clothes that I can wear next year.

I hit the jackpot at stores such as Victoria's Secret, Aeropostale,

and a new found favorite store of mine...Charlotte Russe.

To see the original post with this image, click the picture.

I came home with some new cute as the dickens undies,

the most amazingly comfortable and gravity defying bra ever,

tons of cami's from Aero (B1G1F)

and a handful of super cute sweaters for only 3.99 each!

Oh, and not to mention the rockin' clothes

I found at Charlotte Russe on clearance.

I am set for next winter and I even found some

great short sleeve buys for the summer.

It was a great day treating myself to some yummy clothes.

What did you do to treat yourself this week?

Friday Wrap-Up

This past week was one filled with lots of family time.

Monday was President's Day and the kids had off of school.

Brian and I took them to Arundel Mills Mall where there

are lots of fun things to do and see.

This is where Ladybug took a turn in the Hurricane machine

and she also went for a spin in the EuroBall (which I will show pics of

at a later date ;).

We had lunch at Johnny Rockets and also stopped in Dave and Buster's so the 

kids could play some games.

Don't you just love the kid playing hide and seek in the lower right corner?

Monday night we ended up getting about 5 inches of snow,

so the kids were off of school again on Tuesday.

We all hung out at home and watched Invictus together.

If you haven't had a chance to stop in the "Movies and Books" tab above,

please do and check out what we have been watching so far this year.

Invictus was an amazing film and you can read all about my

opinion of the film and see a trailer at the tab above.

Tuesday night Ladybug had riding lessons and her instructor

put her on a much bigger and more difficult horse.

She had a challenging time with him, but I was proud

of the way she stuck with it and showed the horse who was boss!

Wednesday the kids went back to school and not a moment too soon

as Ladybug's Honor Roll assembly was being held that morning.

Congrats to her for earning her second Honor Roll designation this year!

Wednesday night Ty had his first basketball tournament game

and he had an outstanding game.  

I was so proud of the way he has developed his skills

and knowledge of the game over the past season.

His team won by one point with about 8 seconds left in the game

with a foul shot from his teammate.  

Tonight they will play in the second round of the tournament.

Good luck Ty and the Hawks!

This morning we had the pleasure of attending our second

Honor Roll assembly for the week...this time for Ty.

He too has made Honor Roll both quarters so far this year and 

we are so proud of him.

It has been a crazy, busy week but

one filled with love and family....

just the way I like it!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

See you back here on Monday!

P.S.  Also, please note that I am now on Twitter and Facebook.  If you are on Facebook
and want to follow the craziness of These Nine Acres in *almost* real time,
please click on the Twitter and Facebook Link in the sidebar
and "like" the These Nine Acres page to receive the feed on
your Facebook wall!  
We do not have to be "friends" on Facebook for you to
follow along, so if you are a private person you
can still follow These Nine Acres on Facebook without me 
being a "friend."

The All American Dinner

What would you consider the all American dinner?

Something that screams Made In America.

Something that can make you gain ten pounds in one sitting

and make your cholesterol jump to heart attack level?

What meal is synonymous with a diner?

What do you have to eat when there is a personal jukebox at every table?

When you hear Happy Together by the Turtles, on what food should you be chewing?

A greasy cheeseburger, fries with some Heinz 57 ketchup, and of course, a chocolate shake.

The All American Meal.

And Johnny Rockets is a great place to get it.

Yum.

What food do you think of when someone says All American meal?

Wordless Wednesday- Hurricane!

With winds up to 78.9 mph, this wind tunnel was a blast for Ladybug

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Obsessed With Water

This weekend I spent some time with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law.  

They have recently moved and have adopted two beautiful cats, Lucky and Coco.

One of the cats, I believe it is Coco (the cats look almost exactly alike), is obsessed with water.

He is not obsessed with drinking water, as many cats are...he is obsessed with playing in water.

Any time someone goes remotely near the bathroom, he will race in, jump on the sink and 

start meowing until the water is turned on.

Then he will stay there forever playing and splashing,

making a big watery mess.

I thought it was cute enough to share, so without further ado, 

please say hello to Coco making his web debut:

The Year of Me Project- Week 7- Meditation

This week has been a crazy, difficult week.  Most of my time has been focused on my husband, children, and work.  However, I did squeeze in an hour of me time at home.  I stopped by my local library and found some DVDs to teach myself yoga, tai chi, and meditation.  Because of some health issues of my own, I didn't want to start the yoga and tai chi just yet, but was anxious to give the meditation a try.

I used the DVD shown above to learn some techniques of meditation.  I have tried meditating before and have been very unsuccessful.  I can not seem to empty my mind and stop the swirling thoughts from invading my peaceful state.  But, I am not one to give up, so I figured I'd give it one more shot.  

This DVD was an excellent source in giving beginners such as myself some tips on helping to clear the mind.  With the use of sounds I was able to do the best I have ever done with meditation and achieved a peaceful state for a few minutes.  It wasn't long before the thoughts came parading back, but at least I made progress.  

I enjoyed meditation so much that I am going to try to commit to practicing it at least every other day to try and improve my technique.  It is free, I don't have to leave home, and it is a great stress reliever and mind clearer.  And the best part is that it is great for your health...physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.  I can't think of a better way to spend time on myself than trying to improve the person I am.

My Six Cents Worth

TGIF!

Here are the reaming images from my trip to St. Michael's back in December.

Just miscellaneous craziness...things that caught my eye for one reason or another.

Enjoy!

I am proud to say that both Ty and Ladybug made the honor roll

for the second quarter in a row at their middle school.

As a rule, we treat them to a nice dinner if they have a good report card,

so tonight we are celebrating at the Hard Rock Cafe in Baltimore.

We took Ty there last year for his birthday and they loved it,

so that was where they wanted to go again.

The weather is supposed to be warm again today

although they are predicting a 20 degree drop for the weekend.

We will enjoy it while we can.

Have a wonderful weekend, y'all and I will see you 

back here on Monday!

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum- St. Michaels, Maryland

St. Michael's, Maryland is one of the most beautiful places

our state has to offer.

I enjoyed my time there so much and can't wait for 

warmer weather so I can go back again.

These are the last views of the Maritime Museum that 

I have to offer from when I was there in December, 

but I do have a few more macros to share tomorrow.

In case you aren't friends with me on Facebook,

I wanted to let everyone know that 

we are one step closer to adopting our 

two precious foster children.

We are waiting for the finalization date, which

might be at the end of March or more likely

in April.

While this has been a long, difficult process

we are blessed that it hasn't stretched out into 

many, many years like some adoptions do.

Thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts

this past year and a half as we have walked 

through this journey.

When the time is right I look forward to introducing you

to the two adorable additions to the These Nine Acres family.

With love to all of my friends and family,

xoxo

(P.S.  I wanted to wish my dad a very happy birthday yesterday.  

Since it was Wordless Wednesday yesterday, 

I didn't say it then, but I am saying it now.

Love you Dad!)

Wordless Wednesday- A Long Way Down

Dreaming of the Bay

The best Valentine's gift ever was from Mother Nature this year.

The temps around These Nine Acres was very springlike yesterday

and the sun shone bright and promising.

It even smelled like spring as the snow

melted, creating soggy, muddy earth

readying the ground for the spring flowers 

waiting dormant for the right time to escape

their winter prison.

These images from St. Michaels from back in December

reminded me of warmer temps and all the delights of 

summer...crabs, Old Bay, boats, the Bay.

I can't wait!

The temperatures are predicted to get in the mid 60's by the end of the week.

Dare I dream?

Was the groundhog correct this year?

Hoping you all have a fabulous day today.

Until tomorrow, my friends.

xoxo

The Year of Me Project- Week 6- FX Studios

All images in this post are reposted from *FX Studios Website.*

This past week for my ME time, I finally was able to use a gift certificate
my children gave me for my birthday way back in September.
They gave me an FX Studios gift certificate that included a facial and a massage.
In the card that came with the gift certificate the kids wrote,
"Dear Mom, We wanted to give you a break for your birthday."
I am here to tell you it was a most wonderful break
to spend the morning at this amazing salon and spa.

Entrance to FX Studios in Hunt Valley, MD

After having to cancel and reschedule my spa morning two times due to 

inclement weather, the third time turned out to be the charm.

After being greeted in the lobby by a most gracious hostess,

I was offered a drink (wine, beer, soda, water)

before being escorted back to this gorgeous locker room

to change into a plush robe and some spa flip flops.

Women's locker room

This is when I remembered with disgust and horror that I had forgotten

to give myself a pedicure the night before like I was planning on doing

so the poor masseuse didn't have to see or touch my winter feet

that haven't seen the light of day in months.

Crud.

After quickly changing, I entered into the ladies lounge area

where there was soft, soothing music waiting for me.  

I relaxed here, sipping my water, until my masseuse

greeted me and led me down a hallway into a massage room.

Ladies lounge area

The room was so relaxing...low lights, soft music, a soothing smell

and a heated massage bed awaited me.

I am all about the heated massage bed, I am here to tell you.

Ahhhhh...it doesn't get better than this.

My masseuse was excellent, finding and working out 

the kinks in my neck, shoulders, back, arms, and legs

during the deep tissue massage.

After a delicious hour of my body being pampered, 

I was ready for my facial.

The esthetician was so informative and professional, 

not to mention talented.

I had never had a facial before and had no clue 

it would include another massage of my

neck, shoulders and arms!

I even had my hands treated and put into warming gloves

to help the moisturizer sink in!

She used only organic products

on my face and it was a delight to the senses.

The smell was amazing!

I am here to tell you I don't know how I will be able

to beat this "me" time.

Not that each week is a competition, but wowzers...

two hours of pampered bliss. 

I would be lying if I said I didn't want to do it again, and soon!

After my spa morning, I met two of my best friends for lunch.

How could this day get any better?

It  couldn't.  It was pretty much perfect.

Thanks, kids, for the gift certificate!

You surely did give me a break and it was very much appreciated and needed! 

It refueled my tank to be able to take care of 

sick kids the rest of the week without too much complaint.

Three doctor visits in three days would normally have put my under,

but since I was rejuvenated with this day, 

I was good to go!

(Pssssssttttt...hey kids....I wouldn't mind that same gift next year!)

Love,

Mom

 ;)

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day to all. 

I hate this holiday, but will wish you a good one nonetheless.

xoxo

*Please check out the new tab at the top called Movies and Books ;)

When Pictures Go Bad

I thought you all could use a laugh on a Friday to start your day off right.  

I have been going through some old pictures recently because we are preparing the basement for the second part of our renovation project.  

I have tons of old albums tucked away in storage that became uncovered during the cleaning out process.

It has been fun humiliating, to say the least, to go through these old pictures.

At least now I know WHY I like to be BEHIND the camera and not in FRONT of it!

Make sure you have on your Depends and don't drink any fluids while viewing these pictures

or it may inadvertently come through your nose.

You have been warned. 

This one shows my mom, dad, brother and me.  Leave it to me to ruin the family picture.  I have told you before that I hate that I smile with my tongue sticking out.  Apparently this started at a young age.  I am pretty sure that this picture belongs on Awkward Family Photos.

Um, not sure what to say about this one.  This must have been one of the few times we took a vacation to Ocean City, Maryland.  Or it could have been taken on a beach in Florida while visiting my grandparents.  Either way it should have been a crime for anyone to allow me to get in a photo booth looking like that.  For anyone who couldn't understand why I talk so poorly of my hair or question why I got my hair permanently straightened, this is living proof.  I also know now where Ladybug gets her big eyes.  *sigh*

You have to admit Glamour photos were all the rage in the late 80's early 90's.  

Right?  

*crickets chirping*

Well, I thought it would be a good idea for Mother's Day to take my mom out and have Glamour shots of the two of us.

Now you can see why this rage didn't last so long.

Again, a top candidate for Awkward Family Photos.

Holy cow.

How do you like those clip on earrings?  

Or the wispy bangs?

I remember considering shop lifting that leather jacket my mom is wearing.

Not really...I was/am a rule and law follower, 

but I LOVED that jacket.

It was steel gray and it looked HOT!

Needless to say, I did not steal it but every time I

see this photo I want that jacket all over again.

My mom is gorgeous, is she not?

I, unfortunately, did NOT inherit her most amazing eyes!

You wouldn't be the first to tell me she looks like Liz Taylor.

No need to thank me for the giggle this morning.

I bet you are feeling a lot better about your own hidden family portraits, now aren't you?

I am a full service blog...offering a self confidence boost by belittling myself

anda laugh along the way too.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Be sure to stop in Monday to hear about my "me" time this week.

It involves a massage and a facial.

You won't want to miss it.

xoxo

Winterberry

I am so darn ready for spring.

For more reasons than one.

That's all I've got today, folks.

Have a good one, y'all!

Wordless Wednesday- Mosaic~ Texture Study

This image is available for sale on an elegant, fully customizable notecard.  A pack of 10 cards is discounted and makes a great gift.

White Flower Mosaic by NineAcresDesigns

Have a great Wednesday, everyone!
xoxo

P.S.  Thanks for all the support you showed for Ladybug's debut guest post.  She got a kick out of all of your kind comments.  You all are the best!

Longwood Gardens Through Ladybug's Lens~ A Guest Post

Hi, this is Ladybug.  My mom decided to take the day off from blogging and invited me to post some of the pictures I took when we spent a mother/daughter day at Longwood Gardens.  I hope you like seeing through my lens instead of through my mom's.

At Longwood, I used my mom's G11 camera because I forgot to bring mine along.  My mom and I both have a passion for photography and I am glad because my mom and I have a lot of fun together.  She takes me to different places.  Sometimes I pose for her and sometimes we take pictures with our own cameras.

When I am older I want to work at National Geographic as a photographer.  I want to travel around the world and be a wildlife photographer.  Since I love animals and I love photography, that would be the perfect job for me.  I like to practice along side my mom.

If any of you have children who enjoy photography as much as my mom and me, be sure to take your kids out to practice and have fun.  Trust me, it is a blast!

Thanks for checking out my pictures.  I hope you enjoyed them.  

Maybe my mom will let me guest post again some day.

From,

Ladybug

The Year of Me- Week 5- Rest and Reading

This past week has been the toughest week to get some me time and fulfill the obligation to myself to refuel.  On top of having another winter weather event, causing the kids to have more time off of school, I also threw out my back (a combination of doing P90X and then slipping on some ice) and had a horrible head cold.  Brian was out of town for a day and then had other obligations another night, leaving me as the only parent home for part of the week.  But, as any mother knows, there is no rest for the weary because housework still needs to be done, kids need to get to school and practices, and dinner needs to be made.

So, when Sunday creeped around and I still had not made time for myself, I decided that all of my "me" time did not have to be spent away from the house.  I was tired and not feeling well, so after making sure the kids were being watched, I snuck into my bedroom, closed the door, put in some earplugs and finally cracked open a book I had been wanting to read for a few years.

I haven't had much time to read lately, so it was a gift to myself to let all the housework go for an afternoon and indulge in a good story.  I didn't get too far into the book because I decided that another way I could recharge my batteries was to take a nap.  So, I did.  I closed my eyes and snoozed for about an hour!

When I awoke, I was refreshed and ready for dinner (which Brian so thoughtfully made for us) and then to watch some Super Bowl action!  I want to take the time to whole heartedly thank the Packers for kicking some Steeler butt.  I would have only been happier if it was the Raven's who were doing the butt kicking.  

The moral of this long winded post is that I can find me time in my own home with everyone else home. All I need is a closed door and some ear plugs :)

To read other posts about The Year of Me Project, check out the tab at the top of the blog for links to previous weeks.

Friday Reflections in Quotes

We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, 

not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn.

~Henry David Thoreau

In every winter's heart there is a quivering spring, 

and behind the veil of each night there is a smiling dawn.

~Kahlil Gibran

Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter.

Who would think that those branches would turn green again

and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.

~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

That's All I've Got

It has been a horrible day.

I wish I was sitting there, next to you, my friend,

chatting about unimportant things.

But I am not. 

So, instead, I will meditate and visualize it.

Thank you to all my friends who make this journey 

so much more enjoyable.

Love you all.

Wordless Wednesday- Through the Looking Glass

Today is Wednesday, isn't it?  With the kids home so much, I have forgotten what day it is.

For some reason, this shot reminds me of a Norman Rockwell painting

Hopefully our power is still on and we don't have the 0.5 inch of ice they are calling for.  I am typing this on Tuesday night, just in case the power goes out.  

If I don't get out  of this house soon the men in white coats are going to come take me away.

Actually, that may be enjoyable.  

At least it would be a change in scenery!

Until tomorrow!

Goodbye Florida

Well, I am happy to say this is the last of the Florida images.  I am glad I took my time editing them so I could at least revisit my time in warm, sunny Florida this past November in the midst of all of this gloomy, gray, cold, winter weather we are having.  But I am glad to be finished editing all of those images...it gives me a sense of closure and accomplishment.

Levels 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Hyatt inside Orlando International Airport

Levels 7 and 8 as seen from Level 9

My favorite image of this group.  Will be added to my Inside Out series

Looking out onto the runway.  Look closely to see a plane taking off right of center.

Air Traffic Control Tower

Moving to and from the gates and the terminal

Delta and Jet Blue

I am happy to say that as of right this minute, we have not lost power here at These Nine Acres.  However, I am stuck at home again...too icy to get out of my driveway.  The kids are off school again and "they" are calling for more freezing rain, snow, and sleet today, tonight, and into tomorrow morning.  So, the chances are still great that power will go out still.  I will enjoy it while I have it.

I hope everyone is having a great week.  Anyone know how many days left until spring?