First Day Dress Shopping

First of all, I will say, I got the best advice for wedding dress shopping. Some of it I have to contribute to the mags and some the girls. I went to David's Bridal (yes, I know. . .so not original). I went with the girls. No, not the entourage, but Jules and El-Bel:

(El-Bel with her not twin, checking herself out in the mirror when she saw the not so cute dresses!)

It was like going to Walmart when everyone gets their food stamps! Brides came with entourages of 5 to 7 girls. . . ALL crammed up in one dressing area. . .Advice: Don't bring 50 people to see you try on dresses - Seriously, do you need 50 pieces of advice for each dress??Jules gave some fab feedback and El-Bel just smiled and occasionally giggled! Next step - Headin' to the ALT this weekend with Red and GeeGee to see Aklet. Trunk show for Impressional Bridal at New Natalie's. Should be a blast with two other of my other gals!

We will also get to visit with GeeGee's sister and family(translation - soon to become in-laws!). Hard-core wedding planning, here I come!!

Newest Addition To The FRAMILY

I am very proud to announce the newest addition to my framily:

Everleigh Hayden Buchwald

was born

January 3, 2010

at 10 pm

Weighing: 6 lbs. 14 oz.

to her proud parents, Scarlett & Darrell Buchwald and proud big sister Gracyn

Congratulations Buchwald Framily!!

If I Had A Blog.. . .

One of my friend's emailed me today. I thought I would post it:


I have friends that blog. I think they are very clever and I enjoy catching up with them via their blog. I think about writing my own, but what would I say. I can't even get my Facebook account straight.
However, today was one of those days that a blog would have been the perfect thing to post this cute story:

It was getting close to nap time. Gracyn had gone upstairs to find Otto. I followed to find Gracyn on our bed burring her head into Otto's fur. I thought, "what a good time to go down and quickly look up something on my computer." After rushing through a couple of web sites, I listened closely to hear if Otto had scratched her face off or if she was into some other type of mischief. I heard nothing. So I rushed upstairs; while passing Gracyn's room, I made a quick glance to find that everything was in place. Then I went into our room to find Otto alone and happy in our bed. "Where's Gracyn!" I went back to her room. She had crawled up into her new big girl bed, covered herself, and was asleep cuddling with Lovey Bear.
A priceless moment that I had to share with you.
Love, Scarlett

The RIVAH

I spent the weekend at JJ's rivah house this weekend. I followed her up with the twins on Friday. The house is AWESOME!! The views are incredible!! We spent some time relaxing (when the babies were sleeping). . .other than that it was eating, drinking, walking!

I have decided that this trip must have been planned out with GeeGee. I was SOOOO worn out by the end of the weekend, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it! THEN, it occured to me: I've been chasing and carrying babies all weekend

CONCLUSION: GeeGee is trying to wear me out on being around and helping with KIDS! So, GeeGee, what are you trying to say??

Pre-Memorial Day Pary (a.k.a.- Big DECK Party)

Red and I took most of the week preparing for our annual Memorial Day weekend party. As always, we had some surpise guests, as well as some people we thought we would definately see, but didn't (Aklet, I was hoping you would be a surprise guest . . .boo-hoo).

This year we had a plutherer of children (so, we know what our friends have been busy doing)! It was very awesome to see everyone having a great time!!

We had a new guest to our annual party that even brought oysters to grill (and actually grilled them himself). Needless to say, my grill duty was not nearly as long as it usually is!!

As usual, Scar came down with her family for the party (which is always a hit!).

One thing that really stuck out on Monday morning (besides my throbbing head) was the fact that we nearly had ZERO left overs!! Red even texted me in the morning to see if I could cook her a burger (. . . .really). I had to sadly tell her that there was NOTHING left but potato salad and cole slaw. The only thing that WAS left over, was the bar. . . Yes, if you can believe it. . .We actually had a RIDICULOUS amount of beer and liquor left! What is wrong with our friends!! They must be growing up (and having kids!)!

New Framily: Chelsea & Lexi

Twins born May 20, 2009

Chelsea Elizabeth and Alexandra Blair (a.k.a Lexi) were born May 2oth to Holiday and Dil.

Our New FRAMILY members

GERMS

FIRST, I will have to say, I am not one who gets the flu shot every year. I believe that I am exposed to enough germs during the school year, naturally (not to mention, that I DETEST needles, and will avoid getting them at any cost!). I also believe this is why I have a fairly tough immune system. . . . except for yesterday. .

I was at school. . you know. . .teaching.. . . And all of a sudden I started to get hot and sweaty, and felt like my hair was standing up on my head! I suddendly got the urge to HURL! I ran to the bathroom and got sick! It was odd. . .The whole "rush" that came upon me suddenly.

Needless to say, I went to my next lesson where I proceeded to excuse myself to HURL some more. . .At that point, I decided to excuse myself for the day. On my way home, I managed to throw up in a plastic bag (which was given to me upon my exit from school). . . and all over myself. I could paint the picture more clearly for you, however I do not feel it to be nessacary.

When I got home I went straight to bed! I barely woke up to try eat something, and went right back to bed. I got up this morning. . .feeling a little less than fresh. However, no more throwing up! It is amazing to me what germs can do to your body. Even if it is just a short term effect.

VOTE

So, we have 3 more weeks until election day. I have been REALLY trying to make an educated decision. It has been quite difficult to see the REAL picture through all these BASHING political ads, the media itself, and the candidates who have a hard time answering questions. ..

I came across this site, that helped me see the plain picture (I am using it with my school children), so it is easy to compare candidates. . . .

I hope this helps YOU make the right decision!!

HOTlanta

First of all, I will say that I have been entirely HORRIBLE at blogging since I have entered my Summer world. The day after I got out of school, I headed out to Atlanta with GeeGee. I have been excited about this trip and a little bit hesitant at the same time. . . .This trip was the start of meeting GeeGee's family:

Once we got to Atlanta, I broke GeeGee in by meeting my right arm, Aklet. He passed that test, by not turning around and running for his life as he saw the reaction of the "Aklet & Honeychild combination". He tolerated. I would even go as far as to say that he enjoyed the company of my best friend and I. We only cause just SOOOO much trouble together. . .

After several days, of exposing GeeGee to Aket, loads of KIDS, and meeting family, we managed to end "our" trip together with a nice dinner at Cafe Istanbul. It was a eye widening experience to the Turkish culture and food.

We started by getting seated on cushions around a table. As we swished in six of us, the table next to us swished in 12 (which GeeGee was soooo pleased about. . .sharing personal space with 5-14 years olds. . .smoking Hukas). It was quite the dining experience. We all enjoyed a nice meal, and finshed it off with a mixed berry smoke.

Quite tasty, if I do say so myself! Oh, and did I fail to mention the belly dancing entertainment (and no Chuk, I am not referring to YOUR interpretation. . . )

After our dinner, we returned to the Vinson household to rock it out with some Rock Band. GeeGee "represented" on the drums, and Chuk, Aklet, and I took turns singing and playing guitar and bass. Good times!!

We ended GeeGee and I's visit in the ATL together, by going to his sister's house for one last hurray. This time, we brought the Vinson family, and case of beer, and a bottle of red wine. The younger kids got along grand! It was a good thing, since I had my bottle of wine to concentrate on. . . .

At the end of the day, my Summer has had a very nice start. I have gotten to visit with my best friend, as well as spend time with GeeGee vacationing.

GeeGee has since flown back to the RVA, and I am still in HOTlanta to finish up my visit. I head to Destin in a couple of days, and can hardly wait. It is going to be a girl's trip from here on out.

Look out, dirty south!!

To My Mexican Children

So, I spent my Christmas this year in Mexico. My good friends are currently living there. When I was there, I spent my Christmas Eve at an orphanage, Refugio Infantil . I was instantly touched by the beautiful and grateful children. . .that had nothing compared to the life I live.

To make a long story short, my friend, and AMAZING photographer, is doing a fundraiser for the orphanage, as well as for a local animal shelter, Centro De Acopio . Please visit her blog to learn more about her mission to raise money for the organizations. In return for your donation, you get a photograph of your choice! I know that seeing her photographs will touch your heart, just as these children did for me on Christmas Eve. Together, we can ALL make a difference! DON'T forget to visit: http://www.innatephoto.com/blog/

The Water Cycle In Richmond

Water Cycle

This is an example of one of my FIRST podcasts. I drew the pictures in Pixie ( I know I should be an artist), and dropped them into Movie Maker. I then recorded my voice in Audacity, and put that in the storyboard. Lastly, I added my music. . .The timing at the end was just LUCK!

I also had to covert it to MP4 after it was published in a .WMV format (Thanks Monty!)