What we have BEEn up to....

The last few days things have been abuzz around here...
Emily's school held their annual spelling bee this past Friday. She was one of 9 third grade finalists to compete in the bee. So Friday afternoon, I did picked her up from school, my mom and I made dinner and had it ready when Ben got out of work. We all sat down and enjoyed a yummy, early dinner. Then Em got all beautiful in her dress and we all headed to the school around 6:30pm. We arrived at the school, she posed with the advertisement poster in the school lobby...

Posed with her teacher and classmates...

Went to her place on the stage where the 3 girls checked out the "lucky pennies" that their teacher had given them, each student was introduced by the principal...

And then it was time to spell!!

Each time our girl approached the microphone we were on the edge of our seats. We had total confidence that she could spell any word that would be given that night, but were hoping that nerves wouldn't get the best of her. As promised, I did not take any photos during the actual spelling bee. She requested that I not be distracting and make her nervous. As much as it pained me, I complied. As each of the 3rd graders who spelled the word incorrectly made their way off the stage to join their parents in the audience, I felt so sad for them, but hopeful and nervous for our girl. After numerous words, some stiff competition and some elimination the real contest was on! Em was in the final 2. Em was given a word...she got nervous and mis-spelled. OH, NO! So close to winning...she'd be devastated to make it that far and not win! But there's only 1 winner and we had talked prior to that night about the honor of just getting there at all. So...her competitor was given her word and spelling it correctly. Then he was given his own work..."budget"...if he spelled it correctly he was the champ. Oh, my poor girl! But, wait! He spelled it incorrectly! So my girl spelled it, "b-u-d-g-e-t" and was back in the running. Now she would get her new word and would need to spell it correctly to win. The suspense and the anxiety were so high we can't even remember the word she was given...but she did it! She spelled it and became the 3rd Grade Spelling Bee Champion! WOOHOO! Way to go girl!

Then we continued watching/listening from the edge of our seats as the 4th graders competed. The final two 4th graders went back and forth for quite some time before a winner emerged.
(Ben later commented that he never knew a spelling bee could be so exciting!) Well, the real excitement was yet to happen...keep reading!

Ribbons were distributed to ALL participants, the two champions received there plaques and their was a mini photo shoot! Here's my happy girl with her teacher...

We had a deal that no matter the outcome, we'd head for Rita's to celebrate. So off we went. Custard, gelatis and laughter were enjoyed.

At 8:30pm, just a mere 2 hours since we had left, we arrived home with our champion. Ben went in the house and Em and I were out talking to my mom. He came out and instructed us not to go upstairs...My reply..."ok. WHY?" I thought our canine pal must have done something. Thinking I'd set my things down and stay downstairs while he tended to the situation, I headed in the back door with Em behind me. We came through the back porch and approached the kitchen. It was then that Ben said, "DON"T COME IN!" I stopped, looked and there were swarms off bees around the light panels in the kitchen ceiling. Our house...most every room...was FULL of honey bees! YIKES!

Frantic & frazzled, Em and I vacated to my parents' house next door and I posted to FB from my cell about the situation. A friend replied with the advice to contact another, my dear friend Sarah of handbagsnpigtails whose husband is a bee keeper. So Ben spoke with him, removed a bunch of bees with a shop vac and Em & I had a sleepover at my parents' house.

Saturday, Eric made the trip with his gear to help rid us of our problem. Since we had bees a few years back that just mysteriously moved on before a "bee man" could come rid them, we thought must be we had some honeycomb or something in the wall that was invited more back.

In the process of finding out that the bees had decided not to take up residence after all, Ben ripped out our tub surround and knocked out a bathroom wall. So now we've got a bit of a construction zone. And thanks to the bees...I am in the process of getting a new wall, insulation, tub surround, and faucet. And plans are in the making for the long-overdue paint job, possible new flooring and lighting. Hopefully I will love the bathroom renovation but the bees won't and will not be enticed to come back!

It's been WILD...

May has been a bit WILD around here. On the first we took a little day trip to the Audubon Center for the wildlife festival. It was a hot, sunny day and the drive up the side of the lake was just beautiful. Mid-way into our journey we spotted a young man and his horse team plowing the field. Of course I made hubby turn the car around, go back and pull alongside the road for me to get a photo! That's what crazy camera ladies do, isn't it? But seriously...how often do you get to see this?

Once there we had a fabulous time checking out various displays, learning about birds of prey and seeing a few up close and personal, making cat tail paper and various other fun activities. The highlight for me was having our portraits taken with a bald eagle! Mine turned out amazing with the eagle and I turned and looking straight at each other. Here's my pal during the presentation. (I'll try to get my portrait scanned and posted soon!)

Once we left the center, we headed back down the lake and decided to find some dinner along the way. We stopped at a neat restaurant and were the very first customers of the season! We were seated out on the deck where we had an amazing view, delicious food and I enjoyed the company of my two dates. Here's me with one of them...

After our meal we took a moment to wander down to the flower garden where I encountered some gorgeous tulips. Again, camera lady couldn't help herself.

The setting sun over the lake was stunning...

It was great to just get away from it all, be together and somewhat without a schedule and just enjoy the day!

The rest of the month has continued on the wild side with hectic schedules and routine craziness. I have, however, made some time for a little bargain hunting where I found an incredible deal on some really WILD shoes...


I have a feeling (with heels that high) these will only be worn for tame events where I'll stay in my seat and off my feet!

Hope you're all doing well and having adventures of your own! And stay tuned for me to "buzz" back soon with a report about the exciting event we're attending tomorrow evening...

Slacking...

I have been slacking again. Seriously...I have to be one of the worst bloggers ever. I do an awful job at posting and keeping up to date here. One of two things happens. I either feel like I have nothing exciting to share or my life gets so busy and exciting that I don't take the time to share. I'm really going to make an attempt to do better.

Time MARCHes On...

March has proved to be another hectic month. As usual a good portion of time was spent on the routine of work, school, karate, dance team, praise band, bible study group, church, appointments...There have been some difficult moments (won't go into details here), some really fun times and the opportunity to be so very thankful and grateful for the blessings in life.

Here's a glimpse at my month of March:

• Had a night out with Ben and a group of folks from church. About 18 of us went to a local restaurant for dinner (bless our waitress!) and then on to a night of dessert/music at the church food pantry fund-raiser. Great time with great friends!

• A somewhat last-minute road trip to Binghamton, NY to see one of my favorite groups, Selah and the lead singer's lovely wife, Angie Smith (whose touching story I've been following for a couple years on her blog). Went with my dear friend and her husband and ran into an old MOPS friend (who happens to be my favorite handbag designer) and her husband. AMAZING evening of friendship, music and testimony. The real highlight was meeting the members of Selah and Angie. Love them all! Such sweet people!
  

Here I am with Todd and Angie Smith and my friend, Sarah.

With the group: me, Amy, Allen & Todd

• We welcomed a new dog into the house..."Geo" the geometric dog. Emily made him as her 3D shape project for the elementary school project fair. So cute! And he doesn't make noise, require food, need walks or need to be let out. The best kind of dog! (Don't get me wrong, I do love our real dog!)

• "Spring" has showed itself here and there and my flip-flops made an appearance.
• We've had outdoor playtime.

• I hosted lunch for a couple sweet girlfriends, we attended the elementary school carnival, I've been creating "gabbead blessings" jewelry and so much more.

And to top it all off...

• Em and I won her these awesome jeans from a blog giveaway hosted by Brassy Apple.
  

March has served as a beautiful reminder of all the blessings and special moments in my life amongst the chaos. I hope this post finds you all well and enjoying life!

Share Your Creative Thoughts & WIN!

***UPDATE: Contest moved to Facebook!***

Since re-connecting with an old love (making jewelry), I have been told by several people on numerous occasions that I should sell my creations and have been contemplating it for some time. I have officially decided to take the plunge!

I am trying to come up with a creative, catchy name for my jewelry business and I NEED YOUR HELP!

So...who's up for a little friendly competition and a "Name My Business" CONTEST?

Leave a comment with your suggestion(s) by this Friday, February 12, 2010. Winner of the Name My Business Contest will receive a handmade beaded bracelet. Each individual who participates will be entered into a random drawing for a pair of handmade beaded earrings. (Be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you are a winner!)

*A few facts to aid in the brainstorming process: My designs are primarily beaded, I sometimes go by "Gabby" and one of my favorite pieces I've created is the "Truly Blessed" necklace...

Can't wait to see all of your great ideas!