Melanie John - Life on Wisteria Drive

weekend well spent

2011-02-15T14:18:00.002-06:00

after being cooped up indoors thanks to the layers of ice and snow we were blanketed with, the four of us spent a long weekend in austin and san antonio ... we were able to visit with karla, albert & chula ... also took the kids to the capital building and played at the park ... then traveled to san antonio to see mom, jere & grandma ... did some shopping, lots of eating and managed to make time for a movie ... much needed family fun time.

blake, thomas, avery and me | austin captial building

avery | playing at park in austin

blake | playing at park in austin

blake & avery | waiting for mini train at park in austin

karla, chula & albert | austin park

i ♥ faces weekly challenge | hearts

2011-02-07T13:14:00.002-06:00

this week's photo challenge is hearts ... the photo below is avery's snow heart taken last month during our north texas blizzard ... the snow has since melted but it was fun while it lasted. :)

view all the wonderful collage challenge postings at iheartfaces.com

iced in

2011-02-03T11:49:00.011-06:00

brrr ... we are on day 3 of "house arrest" due to a sheet of ice covering the area ... on the bright side i've had some time to work on my photography website ... i'm really hoping the kids go back to school tomorrow ... they have just about worn out the wii and are driving each other and me CRAZY!!

the picture below was taken 8 years ago this week ... i love the vintage look to it but i'm so gratefully i have a better camera now. :)

tween life

2010-11-09T16:47:00.002-06:00

Happy 10th Birthday to Avery!

i ♥ faces weekly challenge | collages

2010-04-19T13:51:00.006-05:00

this week's photo challenge is collages ... i made this one on picnik.com with their quick and fun photo editing tools!

view all the wonderful collage challenge postings at iheartfaces.com

birthday fairy

2009-09-09T13:02:00.005-05:00

e-window shopping gets me into sooo much trouble ... best buy has a canon lens i would LOVE to buy myself for my 37th birthday ... i'll be taking a photography class next month and it would sure come in handy ... what to do ... =}

best buy info

back to school

2009-08-28T13:31:00.010-05:00

first week back at school for avery (3rd grade) and blake (2nd grade) ... so far so good ... they love their teachers and have given me NO PROBLEMS getting up in the mornings ... i, on the other hand, have been a mess ... i'm so worried i'll miss the alarm that i wake up at least 10 times during the night! i guess that is what i get for having a lazy summer with no alarm clocks and sleeping late ... i have watched twilight every night before bed this week and although i haven't dreamt about edward, i can't get this rob pattinson song out of my head. =}

Let Me Sign by rob pattinson

sleepy girls | blake & avery

ultra-case.com

2009-06-05T16:13:00.007-05:00

i found this awesome site today with the cutest phone accessories {http://www.ultra-case.com/} ... ladies, if you have an iPhone you'll definitely want to check it out!

end-of-the-year carnival

2009-06-04T09:26:00.005-05:00

yesterday was 1st and 2nd grade end-of-the-year carnival parties and they were a blast (even with the intermittent light rain) ... avery is excited for school to end - blake has mixed feelings - i'm still not sure ... happy to ditch the morning routine for a while but sad that they are growing up so quickly. =}

gardenias

2009-05-23T14:18:00.000-05:00

our gardenia plants are in full bloom ... i put together a small arrangement and it smells so heavenly in the house. =}

tooth problem solved

2009-05-22T16:30:00.000-05:00

no more soup for dinner ... loose (and stubborn) front tooth problem has been resolved ... i snapped a cute smile photo followed by STOP TAKING MY PICTURE photo below:

dallas arboretum

2009-05-21T20:54:00.000-05:00

today's field trip to the dallas arboretum was HOT - HOT - HOT ... i applied the sunscreen on multiple times so not too much sunburn pain to deal with tonight ... the kids had a great time running around, playing and enjoying our picnic lunch ... last 2nd grade field trip this year ... so sad ... only 9 more days of school left - YIKES!

ps. blake lost her loose tooth - thank goodness - i'll get those pics up tomorrow!

loose tooth problem

2009-05-20T10:15:00.001-05:00

blake has a VERY LOOSE front tooth ... it caused lots of tears and screams yesterday. thomas tried numbing it with ice and pulling it out ... no luck ... avery tried to finish her homework while all this was going on and ignore the screaming but she ended up in tears wanting us to LEAVE BLAKE ALONE! connor was nervous too and as blake put it this morning "this is the worst loose tooth i've ever had!" ... maybe it fell out today at school - hopefully - if not, it's soup for dinner tonight (again) =}

field day

2009-05-13T18:58:00.000-05:00

yet another school function ... i know, it probably looks like my kids only have these orange and black shirts in their closets. good thing the year is almost over. today was field day ... it was HOT and EXHAUSTING ... i am uncomfortably sunburned on my arms and face but both the kids have an awesome tan. =}

rollers

2009-05-11T08:52:00.000-05:00

the girls and i had fun rolling up our hair this weekend ... since the three of us combined have LOTS OF HAIR, we definitely need to get an additional set so we can have more bounce in our curls.

mama goose

2009-04-22T10:14:00.001-05:00

okay, i know i have posted lots of school function photos lately but what can i say - it is the end of the year and they just keep on coming ... although we arrived more than an hour early for the first grade Gettin' Down with Mama Goose performance, we were stuck in the third row behind some tall people so the photos came out so-so.

smiling eyes

2009-04-20T20:17:00.000-05:00

my instructions to blake were: smile with your eyes ... this is what she gave me:

avery = girl power!

girl scouts - pet care clinic

2009-04-19T19:04:00.001-05:00

today the kids attended a girl scout pet care clinic at a plano park ... it was very informative and a bit windy ... they attended 7 different learning stations and made a huge friendship circle at the end ... fun afternoon! =}

safety town

2009-04-15T18:14:00.000-05:00

blake's class went to frisco safety town for their field trip today ... she and her buddies had an awesome time maneuvering through the mini frisco-land setup they have to teach roadway safety ... thankfully the weather cooperated long enough for their outdoor adventure. =}

letter to connor {from blake}

2009-04-14T10:40:00.001-05:00

i came across this letter for connor left near his "bed" by our fireplace ... after watching marley & me last weekend, blake must have been inspired to let him know how much she loves him ... it is too cute! =}

blake & connor - january 2007

Textures

2009-04-09T19:29:00.001-05:00

I have been testing out TEXTURE OVERLAYS on adobe photoshop ... not too complicate but the possibilities are endless ... here is what i came up with today:

{avery's feet}

{avery}

{blake}

{me}

Seussical the Musical

2009-04-01T10:57:00.000-05:00

Yes, another school performace! Avery's class sang songs from Seussical the Musical. Lots of catchy tunes ... some I still can't get out of my head. We got there an hour early to get good seats and Blake brought two lil'kinz to watch with her.

I'm a Believer

2009-03-27T09:38:00.000-05:00

Blake's class sang "I'm a Believer" today at Celebrate Smith. It was very cute. They even did the monkey moves. Avery watched on from the crowd.

More Goofing Around

2009-03-26T09:17:00.001-05:00

here are some pics taken in our kitchen while practicing for school performances, finishing homework and trying to get dinner ready ... believe it or not, they are trying to work on their "modeling poses" so i get less goofy shots of them .... i know, they still got a long way to go! =}

Spring Break - Day 5

2009-03-18T19:21:00.000-05:00

Today Avery, Blake, Mom & I went to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch just north of San Antonio. It had been about 5 years since we visited the park and the line to get in today was crazy! We drove through safari style and it was so much fun. I hand-fed a zebra ... really cool ... and the kids loved the petting zoo with all the baby goats. We grabbed a quick lunch at the cafe and saw giraffes, parrots, lemurs and funny looking chickens. All-in-All GREAT DAY!

Spring Break - Day 4

2009-03-17T20:49:00.001-05:00

Last day in McAllen was spent at the Quinta Mazatlan birding center, lunching with relatives, saying goodbye to Dad and Grandma Janie, picking up some goodies (pan de polvo & el pato) and another LONG JOURNEY back to San Antonio.
So glad to be out of the car ...

Spring Break - Day 3

2009-03-16T21:56:00.000-05:00

Okay ... another long day in McAllen. This town has TOO MANY PEOPLE and TOO MUCH TRAFFIC! It has changed so much over the past 20 years. I did not get to have El Pato today but I did have Lotus Inn for lunch - sooo good - their beef and broccoli is still the BEST.

We also painted ceramics at Made By U, visited Dad & Grandma Janie, shopped at La Plaza mall and got a Chamoyada for dessert (yum). Tomorrow we leave and head back to San Antonio. I'm tired and I miss home.

Spring Break - Day 2

2009-03-15T21:33:00.001-05:00

We finally made it to McAllen!! Yea!!

After our long road trip we checked in to our hotel and made a quick trip across town to visit with Grandma Janie and Dad.

Tomorrow's plans: visit more relatives and get some EL PATO tacos.

Spring Break - Day 1

2009-03-14T22:08:00.000-05:00

Avery, Blake and I traveled today from Frisco to San Antonio. We left home at 10:11am and arrived in SA at 4:11pm. It was a VERY LONG 6 hours of stop-and-go traffic but the kids watched DVDs and didn't fuss at all. After some playing around outside and admiring nana's wisteria blooms, we rounded off the evening with dinner and games. Now for some sleep before we head on south to McAllen (another 5+ hour trip).

We Got the Party

2009-03-13T09:23:00.000-05:00

Blake's class sang today for Celebrate Smith. She was so excited this morning to get to school that we were there before the doors opened. It was fun to watch them sing We Got the Party by Hannah Montana.

Goofy Kids

2009-03-07T16:40:00.000-06:00

Okay, I asked these two little monkeys of mine to pose for some cute "i really do love my sister" photos and this is what i got ...

The 80's

2009-01-23T09:18:00.000-06:00

Today was rockin'-to-the-80's theme at Celebrate Smith. Avery's 2nd grade class danced away to the Go-Go's WE GOT THE BEAT. It was lots of fun and quite amazing to see her up there on stage shaking off the shyness and letting loose! We tried to beat the crowd for some good seats for photos but we found our cafe-atorium packed by 7:30. Our seats were not too bad but I had to break out the zoom lens. =}

Icy Monday

2009-01-05T16:11:00.000-06:00

Today's weather was miserable ... continuous drizzle and ice on everything. The kids went back to school after a two week break. The holidays are over and my Christmas tree is still up. I need some sunshine to wash away these winter blues.

Photo Shoot

2008-12-26T18:14:00.000-06:00

We had a family photo shoot today at the mall. The girls had their picture taken together, a family shot and we did a generational one with Grandma Bea. Mom and Jere got their portrait done too.

Holiday Parties

2008-12-22T15:46:00.000-06:00

The kids had their Holiday Parties at school last Friday. Blake's class made a mini gingerbread house and Avery's class made a snowflake ornament for the Christmas tree. It is hard to believe half the school year is already over.

Photo with Santa

2008-12-22T14:43:00.001-06:00

This year Avery and Blake went with a more grown-up "jeans/t-shirt" look for their picture with Santa at the mall. I usually insist on the poofy holiday dress for this yearly photo but this time I was out-voted.

Snow Day

2008-12-16T16:31:00.000-06:00

Frisco ISD was closed today. Some freezing rain and snow flurries managed to shut us down for a while. The kids got to throw some snowballs around but there wasn't enough to make a snowperson. Lets all keep our fingers crossed that school resumes tomorrow. =}

Santa Hats

2008-12-07T20:48:00.000-06:00

Today was Santa Hats 2008 picture day. I've been taking pictures of them in these Santa Caps since 2004. Here are the pictures going back the last 5 cycles:

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Chilling out in SA

2008-11-24T21:57:00.000-06:00

Our first day in San Antonio was spent chilling out and doing not much of anything. We had dinner at Taco Cabana - wonderful frozen margaritas! Tomorrow we are going to the movies to see BOLT in 3D. The weather is beautiful and Thanksgiving Day should be just lovely.

Packing up for San Antonio

2008-11-22T20:27:00.000-06:00

We are attempting to get packed up for an early take-off tomorrow morning .... so far, so good. This week flew by and of course I waited until the last minute to get all the clothes washed. One load to go!
I have been craving "Thanksgiving Food" for months now so I'm really looking forward to Thursday. Nana said I am in charge of the mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Hope I don't screw them up.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Avery is 8!

2008-11-03T10:08:00.000-06:00

Today is Avery's Birthday.

We had a fun party for her this past weekend.

Make a Wish ...

Free Obama/Biden Sticker

2008-08-24T19:42:00.000-05:00

Hey,
Want a free Obama/Biden sticker? MoveOn's giving them away totally free--even the shipping's free. I just got mine, and wanted to share the opportunity with you.
Click this link to get a free Obama/Biden sticker:

http://pol.moveon.org/barackstickers/?id=-9694538-DEuqCax&rc=

Thanks!

Free Obama Buttons!

2008-08-19T19:25:00.000-05:00

Want a free Obama button?

MoveOn's giving them away totally free--no strings attached.

I just got mine, and wanted to share the opportunity with you.

Click this link to get a free Obama button:

http://pol.moveon.org/obamabuttons/?id=-9694538-DEuqCax&rc=taftest.viz

Thanks!

Nice Surprise

2008-08-14T15:15:00.001-05:00

Thomas sent me, Avery and Blake some lovely flowers.
We can hardly wait for the weekend to finally get here!

Big Day Tomorrow

2008-07-30T17:18:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is H.U.G.E for me - I start marketing for my new job!

Hopefully this will generate a lot of new leads and referrels to get my career off with a successful bang.

Wish me luck!

Princess Party

2008-07-28T21:15:00.000-05:00

Saturday was Blake's 6th Birthday Party at Sweet & Sassy in Frisco.
She had 9 guests and they all got to dress up and get made-up with nail polish, updo's, makeup and lots of glitter hairspray. They also had a fashion runway show, conga-line train and dancing. It was a lot of fun and the cake was delicious!

- Growing out Blake's bangs is driving me CRAZY especially when she objects to wearing any hair clips!

Blake's Birthday!

2008-07-25T11:15:00.001-05:00

Today is Blake's 6th Birthday!
We've got a weekend planned with a Princess Party,
Disney Channel Hannah Montana concert and some serious shopping.
Happy Birthday Baby - We Love You (mommy, daddy, avery & connor)

Pretty Flowers

2008-07-16T16:33:00.000-05:00

I received these beautiful flowers today from my husband.
Aren't they pretty ... Just thought I'd share! =}

Food Journaling

2008-07-13T17:49:00.000-05:00

I started a food/excersice journal today at www.myfitnesspal.com. Hopefully this journal along with morning Spin Class will help me lose 20 pounds by my birthday - September 18th. This is my first serious "weight loss goal" in a long time. Keeping up with each meal (bite/crumb) is so teadious but I have seen it work for me in the past and hopefully again in the coming months.

Inspiration for this (besides better health): An upcoming 2009 Summer Cruise and desperatly wanting to shop at White House/Black Market (www.whitehouseblackmarket.com) without feeling like a whale.

I love this dress - I have a lot of hard work ahead of me ...

A Moment in Time

2008-07-12T23:28:00.001-05:00

While looking at picture slide shows today, I came across this photo from Dec 2002. It is one of my favorites of the two of them getting to know each other. It's too bad back then my digital camera didn't capture the same quality photos I get now but I guess the grainy-ness adds to the sentimentality.

Green World Bags

2008-07-11T17:09:00.000-05:00

Found another cute Going Green item today.

A little pricey (4 pack for $20) but probably worth it.

Find out more about these cute shopping bags at:

http://www.greenworldbags.com

Cup Couture

2008-07-10T16:12:00.000-05:00

Okay ... in my attempt to research How to Go Green for dummies

I came across these coffee cup sleeves - Cup Couture.

Aren't they cute? Not to mention Eco-Friendly.

They come in different patterns. I'm thinking stocking stuffers!

Visit this website for more info:

http://wishingfish.com/cupcouture.html

Our Summer Trip

2008-07-07T16:32:00.000-05:00

Yes, we were crazy enough to attempt Sea World in scorching heat and torrential downpours. Although hot and wet, we did have a great time and our cabana rental was worth the money (even with the short-term rain evacuation). Avery and Blake rode their first "Big Girl" rollercoaster, Journey to Atlantis. Avery rode again the following day while Blake decided that once was enough for her. The kids got soaked on the Rio Loco and Thomas and I rode the Steel Eel and the Great White rides. What a blast!

Blake and Avery - Sea World Fountain

25 Things I Love

2008-06-30T12:10:00.000-05:00

In no particular order ...

the color red
scent of gardenias
damask prints
sound of the ocean
photos at sunset/sunrise
tattoos
chamoyadas
sci-fi shows
tuscany
interesting rocks
cashews
the words happenstance, serendipity, & ergo
watermelon with lime and salt
sunflowers
italian movies
glazed pottery
barry manilow songs
roller coasters (even though i got sick at disney world)
my pink ipod
amber colored roses
frozen margaritas
salsa dancing
coffee ice cream
sepia colored photos
and of course my family (immediate and extended)

Musical Sunday

2008-06-29T18:55:00.000-05:00

We spent today at Guitar Center picking out instruments for the kids.
Avery chose a pink guitar and Blake chose a silver keyboard.
Now they are ready for some much needed lessons!

{Blake attempting Jingle Bells}

{Thomas tuning Avery's Guitar}

Lazy Summer Day

2008-06-27T14:56:00.001-05:00

It's Friday afternoon and the kids are playing school upstairs, Thomas has gone golfing and Grandma Bea returned to San Antonio with Karla. It sounds like a perfect time to take a nap!

Here is a picture from Father's Day of Blake, Thomas & Avery at Benihanas in Dallas:

06.15.2008

TGIF

2008-06-20T09:39:00.000-05:00

This week flew by quickly. The kids are off to the Fort Worth Zoo and the house is quiet again. I wish we lived close to a beach ...

Happy Birthday Dad!

Finally got a blog!

2008-06-18T21:36:00.000-05:00

Okay ... this was way overdue.
It's been a busy week. We signed up for a family membership at the Frisco Athletic Center and their 5:30am Fit-Cycle class is kicking my butt! Grandma has gone to Denton to spend time with the Wilson clan. The kids are looking forward to the Zoo Trip on Friday with their cousins. - That's it for now.