It's a Bella Kind of Day

So, what have we been up? Not much really.......we've watched ALOT of movies this summer. I'll come out with my summer movie review before school starts in a couple of weeks. Really, I can't believe how many times we have been to the movie theatre. The other day, we decided to go paint pottery at Bella's. B/c of course I had a coupon. They both decided to do bowls. It wasn't bad for their first time. We'll get the finished products next week. Can't wait to see how they really turn out.

I changed a toilet seat and resealed a door on the same day we went to paint pottery. I really felt so accomplished. Not that changing a toilet seat is that complicated. Anyway, we will be enjoying a couple more weeks of summer vacation. Things are already starting to heat up and school hasn't even officially started. Gotta love football and all that other stuff that goes along with the start of a school year.

Chess Anyone?

We have no idea where this comes from, but Tug LOVES playing chess. T had to figure out the rules, not having played a day in his life, then teach Tug how to play. This is almost an every night occurence; sitting down at the kitchen table to play. Haven't I said all along this kid is smartest than us???? And he's only 7!!!!

Girls Blowing Rock Getaway

It is always so great to get together with some of my closest friends. We decided to head to Blowing Rock for the weekend. What a wonderful time!!!! We basically ate, talked and shopped and then ate some more. It's so nice to get away with girlfriends and just relax. I didn't have to worry about wiping anyone's bootie the whole weekend.
Taking a pose on Sunset..........near our hotel. It was rainy both days but that didn't dampen our spirits. The weather was awesome and I was lovin' it!!! I don't think it reached beyond 70 either day. In fact it was so nice to wear some jeans in mid-July!!!!

We ended Friday by having dinner at pshaghetti's. I am pretty sure I am spelling that wrong. Great dinner. It's funny because all weekend long we really didn't have very good service anywhere we ate but it was great because it gave us a chance to just talk and cut up.

We headed to a mansion right off the Blue Ridge Parkway on Saturday afternoon. What a beautiful place and scenery. The house is approximately 14,000 square feet. A and I read some info. and the man who bought these 30,000 acres paid a little less than $8 an acre!!! Crazy!!!

Confessions of a Fat Girl Part 8

I didn't realize it has been so long since I had written under this title. I should really call this one "stall out" not confessions. I am disappointed at my summer weight loss. I was hoping to get rid of an additional 10 to 15 pounds before school started back. Putting me at a 70 or so pound weight loss by the year mark. I am still hovering around 50 to 53 pounds. Going back and forth. I am happy to be maintaining, but I am not losing. This is contributed to alot of things. I am not drinking as much water as I do when I am at work. I am not exercising on a regular basis. Dance is over until September, which I think I already mentioned I was sad about the summer hiatus. I am hoping to get back into regular exercise. I am going to start a zumba life group tomorrow night. And then there is zumba at the studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I got a great deal on a Biggest Loser dvd at Ross. I thought, 'hey I have been working out for about 10 months, how bad can this be?" Oh boy!!!!! I had muscles hurting that I didn't know existed. Although that is a good type of hurt. I thank God for people in my life who are encouragers. Just this morning two people encouraged me greatly at church. I unwittingly had one in tears telling her my story. She said I inspired her...........What? Me? An inspiration?? All this hard work, sweat, and sometimes frustration is so worth it........just to hear that.

4th Vacation

We headed to Williamsburg this 4th for a mini-vacation. Not going to the beach this summer since we just went in late April. The kids really enjoyed seeing all the people dressed up in period costume.

In the gardens outside the governor's palace. The kids weren't really into touring old buildings and listening to people talk but we got through it. They were interested in the fact that the kitchen was separate from the house.

Our second day is Wmburg, we went to Water Country USA. Great water park but no pictures of the day. I was glad we got there early and were able to ride some rides with short wait times.

Day three we headed to Busch Gardens. I didn't realize but it's very much like Epcot which was our favorite Disney park. BG is set up into different countries. We walked the entire park. The above picture was taken in Ireland.

This was in the Land of Dragons, my dare-devil children especially Nor.

Tug showing off his mask in Italy. I really don't like these things. I guess it's too close a relation to clowns, but I humored him.

This was the dance show in Germany. We shopped Monday and then went back to BG Monday night. However, bummer, no fireworks, bad storm came through. We had to trek back to the car in rain, but at least I thought ahead and brought towels and an umbrella. Good thing for season tickets to Carowinds. Hopefully we can catch the fireworks there this summer. One thing we learned about this area of Va..........there is a pancake/waffle restaurant every 100 yards. Oh and no sweet tea for my poor hubby.