It's My Life

off my game

2012-02-10T14:31:00.000-06:00

I've been off my game for quite a while now. Not sure what the culprit is. I've been searching to find out exactly what is going on but have only been led to dead ends. I feel like I'm living an out of body experience. I really wish I felt like me. Sometimes I actually feel like I'm back on my game only to have the rug pulled out from underneath me and I find I'm back right where I started.

A lot of changes.
A lot of busyness.
Lots of choices and decisions to be made.
But in the midst of it all I've still got my sweet family. My kids seriously are a never ending source of giggles and fun times and the mister...well, he's here when he can be. We try to do what we can when he's off. We spend time doing silly little things most people would probably think is pointless and mundane but what matters is that we are together and we are having fun. And at this point it's truly the little things that count.

So much inspiration flowing all over the internet. One of my fav designers, Rhonna Farrer, was on her local afternoon show in Utah yesterday Fresh Living. Follow this link to her segment. (Currently it's not working but hopefully it will be back up soon!) She dishes on some really great Valentine's Day ideas that are not only easy but they are very affordable. If you go to her blog here you can get the direct link to download a free printable for Valentine's Day. You must open an account over on her digital design store Rhonna Designs but it's so worth it! And if you are so inclined, check out her store with all her digital goodness and be prepared to be wowed!

Pinterest is abuzz with many ideas that are dedicated to Valentine's Day but also to everything yummy! Lots of goodness here on my Valentine's Pinterest board!

(image found here)

I thought this was a great idea from The House that Lars Built. You send a "heart attack" to your intended recipient. A box full of different sized hearts in all different colors of paper. What a fun little unexpected box of love they will open! In fact, if you have time, check out the blog...lots of great inspiration abounds plus there are several other "heart attack" Valentine's Day ideas to check out!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T21:18:00.001-06:00

via here

I couldn't let the end of the year go by without at least jumping on and wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. 2011 has been a really crazy ride and I do hope that with the new year just around the corner things will be a little bit more laid back. Actually, who am I kidding? Really, just when I think things will settle down something else jumps out in front of me and kicks me in the teeth so I'm sort of used to the pace and the lifestyle...just trying to find my center.

A little recap of the past few months:
September found the hubby and I traveling to Hot Springs, AR for a little R&R as we spent our anniversary in a quaint B&B called the 1890 Williams House. It was truly divine. Heck, we loved it so much we ended up staying an extra day. We sampled all sorts of yummy food and spent time on the porches of the house. We were within walking distance to downtown and even had an afternoon at the spa. We had dinner at the Fisherman's Wharf on the lake. We took a duck tour which was the first thing we did when we arrived and it was so much fun and really informative. We even brought back spring water and the taste of it is definitely one you can taste. The springs coming out of the ground are really, really hot. We went to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower and checked out what we could see for miles. Absolutely gorgeous green trees for miles and miles. We had a wonderful trip and would love to go back soon.

Our son also started college in September and so begins another chapter in our lives.

In October I ran the Santa Fe 5k in 32:49. Definitely ran it below what I set out to run it in. I was so proud of myself.

We also had four Halloween parties to attend in October. It was quite a busy month with those on the calendar. I can honestly say by the end of the party line I was totally sick of my costume.

November wasn't overly exciting. Thanksgiving was quiet, as it always is. I ended up seeing an orthopaedic doctor for my leg at the end of the month and was diagnosed with hamstring and Achilles' tendonitis as well as an Achilles' strain. I'm currently nursing my leg and haven't ran since November 18th which is totally irritating to me, especially because I had upped my mileage and my time had gotten much better. Nothing like having to start from scratch when I can finally run again. I've also been really lazy and haven't drug myself to the gym and I SO need to go. I can really tell I haven't done anything at all and it's starting to bug me big time. I would be doing my Jillian DVDs but I can't really do anything that is high impact and that pretty much excludes every single DVD I own so it's either ride my bike or go for a walk or go to the gym and ride the stationary bike, walk on the treadmill or do the elliptical. Choices, choices. I'm also so much more mindful of the food I put in my mouth when I'm working out as opposed to when I'm not. I need to get better about that.

December has also been a bit uneventful. I lost a friend last week. I was unable to make it home to the funeral which saddened me but sometimes things cannot be helped and this was one of those cases. Mother Nature isn't very nice when winter rolls round and going alone driving in winter weather isn't exactly the smartest choice so I opted to stay home where I was safe. There are a few other things on the burner at the moment but those are to be kept quiet for now. Don't want to jinx anything anymore than I may have already done so I'm just going to continue to keep my fingers and toes crossed and see what happens.

Christmas is less than two days away. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Hold your loved ones close, cherish each and every moment you have with them and don't forget to tell people how you really feel about them. We have but only moments....don't waste them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

time passes

2011-08-31T14:15:00.001-05:00

oh so quickly. The last day of August is here and tomorrow we will be entering a brand new month. In just a few weeks fall will be upon us and hopefully we who live in "heat wave central" will be lucky enough to experience cooler temps and be blessed with some much needed rain. We've had a few teasers over the past few days but nothing that's amounted to anything that will make a difference.

The lawn is taking a beating because we need some of this

This has only happened once with any measurable rain since May. I hate to mention it but I say bring on a hurricane because I'm really sick of this

And as you can tell from the first photo....I'm really sick of it because the lawn is really taking a beating now. No, not proud of it....just tired of it. One thing I will always have anywhere I live from here on out is a sprinkler system. So kicking myself in the hind end for not doing it years ago because living here, while not the desert, we need it. Speaking of desert...I so didn't sign up to live in the desert which is why I am in Texas although this year it doesn't seem like I live anywhere but the stinking desert. I mean, 65 days so far at 100+ degree temps. Seriously over it. Like back in May, over it.

The #1 record was set back in 1980 at 69 days of 100+ degree temps and while they say we won't quite make breaking the record I say bring it on....we didn't suffer all summer long, for the past 3 months, all 90-some days, just to fall short of the record. Come on Mother Nature...throw me a friggin' bone, will ya?

With the heat there has been lots of this going on

So many little shaved ice stands have popped up all over. It's a refreshing treat after a long, hot day. This cute stand, in particular, I run by nearly every time I am out for a run and when I run at night it's always all lit up and so festive. The other night I was jonesing for some shaved ice so I took myself on a little date to 1/2 Price Books and then stopped by for a night cap. It was definitely yummy and there are so many flavors to choose from it nearly blew my mind. This is the only stand I've seen with personality - a pirate ship complete with a mermaid on the bow called the Skallywags! Too stinking cute!

The little and I stumbled upon these cute samples of Starbucks at Target one day while we were out shopping. I must say considering the calories in the regular size the sample size definitely did the trick and I didn't have to consume and entire days' worth just to get a fix!

This summer found us attending a 40th birthday party for a family member (family even though not by blood) where we had a date playing broomball at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter.

Tanner getting ready to play

That was absolutely the most fun I had all summer and I tell you what...there is no question that I can keep up with the boys on the ice. I was the only girl who actually played the entire hour. I even scored two goals which had the boys shaking their heads. All I can say is never underestimate this girl, a 42-year-old girl at that!

This summer also found me quitting the job I started right before Christmas to go back home to work for the company I left back in December. It's been a change as I get used to the new account.

I received some beautiful flowers on my last day. I hung around all week long, each day, WAY past my time to leave just so I could hang out with my peeps. I had become close to several people while there. I had mixed feelings about leaving and honestly still do. I know that I made the right decision but it doesn't mean I don't wish I could just take all my favorite peeps from everywhere I have ever worked, bottle them up and have them here with me so we could still work together and have fun while doing it. I cried all the way home that day and it was probably the hardest time I've ever had leaving a job, especially being there so few months. And I have to say that my manager tried everything he could that last day to get me hired on full time so that really spoke to me about how much they thought of me and that they didn't want to lose me but ultimately big business is big business....and you never win against big business. But that's okay...I can still visit and someday should the right opportunity open up maybe I'll go back. Who knows where life will take me.

We've had date nights

Halloumi Salad @ Cafe Malaga

Fondue

Don Piquillo

Cheesecake Martini

even though the man has been working overtime like crazy and hasn't been home much at all this summer. We manage to steal away for dinner once or twice a month but that's about all the "us" time we've had. This basically means everything falls on my shoulders so this would be the very reason why I've been so lax in my blogging lately. Our favorite date night so far has to be our dinner at Cafe Malaga. Ah*maz*balls is all I can say! The pictures above don't even tell the whole story about our evening there because that wasn't all the food we ordered. It realize it looks like a lot but they serve their food tapas style, which is food served on small plates, so it's actually...what is that they say...."objects may be smaller than they appear".

A few of our date nights, but only two, entertained the "double date" theory. We have a couple that we go out with on a fairly consistent basis where we basically schedule 'date nights' a month or two in advance but with the man working so much this has only happened once since May. I mean, I spent the 4th of July with these friends minus the man and I am so thankful they don't mind the "third wheel" hanging around! The other time we were actually able to go out I arranged a surprise visit with one of the man's old friends so they could catch up and I finally got to meet his fiance. They happen to be getting married this weekend and we're looking forward to that wedding. The fun times with them were spent here:

Splitsville

which is the very same place we ate this California roll just Monday night. Yep, you guessed it - another date night for just the two of us.

I've also had mommy-daughter time and this is what we typically eat

The girl is so hooked on this place it cracks me up. She ♥'s it which makes my ♥ happy because so do I! And I think I may have sold her on the grilled onions just the other day when she tried my burger with them! In-N-Out is definitely the bomb! Of course we spend a lot of time shopping so it is a necessity as we need our strength as we traipse from store to store looking for "fashionable" bargains!

I've done a little crafting but considering everything we've had going on this summer I have not spent as much time on it as I had initially planned but I did manage to wrap these delightful little packages for a bridal shower and I do have a wedding gift that needs my attention because it won't make itself and that wedding is three days away! Yikes!

I've spent tons of time with my boy, too, but he doesn't like it when I take photos although I did manage to snap two on the day he turned 18. I can't fail to mention that the very next day he started college. Talk about major changes going on around here lately. Whew!

And that, in a nutshell, is basically an overview of what has happened over the past couple months. I say bring on September, fall, cooler temps, rain, falling leaves that crunch under my feet and all the glorious holidays that happen over the next few months! I'm ready....are you?

a day late & a dollar short

2011-07-05T16:24:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a safe and very happy 4th of July.

Photo taken at Red, White & Boom in McKinney, TX on July 4, 2011 with my iPhone 3G, edited using Labelbox and Instagram.

2011-06-19T21:32:00.001-05:00

Happy Father's Day

(via Sweet Petula)

Today is Father's Day.

I wish I could be with my dad today to celebrate 'his' day in style, to dote on him as it is his day and to tell him how much he means to me and that I love him so much more than he will ever know.

I wish I could be with my dad today to tell him that the woman I am is due to the things that he taught me and that HE is my HERO. I will never stop learning from him.

I wish I could be with my dad today so that I could hug him and feel his strong arms wrapped around me for just a moment.

I wish I could be with my dad today so that I could hear his voice, in person, while he plays his guitar and sings. I want to listen to his jokes, his stories and just spend time with him.

Happy Father's Day, dad.

And happy Father's Day to "the husband", the man who stepped in and took on the role of dad to my precious children, the only father they will ever know. We all love you.

three hundred

2011-06-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

For a month I've been sitting here wanting to make post #300 some big whopper of a deal but somehow that doesn't look like it's going to happen. I've got so many thoughts that run through my head daily and so many ideas/things I want to blog about but time just seems to get in the way. I read on one of the social networks in the past day or two that someone compared time sucking to that same black hole that eats our socks. I can totally relate.

The last month has been a whirlwind and the day I drove home from the airport with an empty car it all came to a screeching halt. Might have had a little something to do with the 3:45 a.m. wake up call, I don't know. I know at that early hour there's definitely a fog in my head! There's always something very hard but also very hopeful for me about arriving at the airport on departure day as I slowly drive by the gate hoping my visitors don't want to brave throwing themselves out of the moving vehicle risking injury then running behind the car to grab the luggage from the trunk to start their trek home. That trick didn't work for me this time as my brother-in-law threatened he knew someone who knew someone. You get the picture.

Truth of the matter is it's always incredibly difficult for my sister and I to go our separate ways. I love the closeness that we share and am so blessed to have her as my sister, we both just wish she lived here. Maybe someday. The husband seems to think it will happen and I really hope he's right. Funny....I don't think we got even one picture of the two of us during this visit. So much going on neither of us thought about it.

There was a lot of celebrating. A lot of eating. A lot of exploring. A lot of everything and it was wonderful.

We're now headed down an exciting new path writing the next chapter in our book. I'm very happy about the decisions my precious boy has made about school and I look forward to watching him continue to grow and evolve.

Tanner,

I wonder where the time went and how we got here so quickly. As I look back on the years remembering all the special moments that touched my heart I find it difficult to believe that you're ready to start down the road to your future, a future that you will write based on decisions and choices you will have in front of you. I recall a day many years ago where I couldn't even fathom the thought that you would be old enough to graduate thinking that the time would go so much more slowly and that I "had time" for everything. I found out all too quickly that that really isn't the case. The time goes so much more quickly than you can comprehend right now and while you grew up much too quickly and have endured so much more than you deserved, you've come out of it on top and learned so much from it. I'm so proud of you for all you've accomplished, how brave you are and all you continue to do and be on a daily basis and I am proud to be your mom. You've so much promise and so much of yourself to share with the world my only wish is that you find what it is you love to do and do it, for life is too short not to.

You have been all a son should be and more. I want you to know that I will always be here for you to support you no matter what because I am your biggest fan.

I love you little boy.

your mommy

Yes, he still calls me mommy and yes, he hugs me anytime he leaves the house as well as before bed. It's official, he's still my little boy and I'll take it for as long as I can get it!

2011-05-08T10:47:00.002-05:00

(source)

whew

2011-05-05T21:49:00.000-05:00

So much has happened in the past week that it's hard to believe it all actually took place in such a short time. And it's May to boot! How is that possible? We're closing in on half the year being over already and I feel like it just barely began. I'll have to start planning for Christmas soon and even I'm not sure I'm ready for that right now! I've got too much to do in the next few weeks.

Let's see, the wedding of the century took place and it was definitely a fairy tale. I was up at 3 a.m. CST to participate in the festivities. It was beautiful beyond words and as my sweet friend Michelle posted over on her blog, these words from the ceremony were magical

"be who God meant you to be
and you will set the world on fire".

How amazing for Kate to be living a real life fairy tale~I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like although I digress I do try to at least picture what it could possibly be like. I will forever consider myself a Princess but clearly I'll never lead a life like she is lucky enough to have been blessed with.

As the mother of a little girl, I sat and wondered the other night how her mum must feel about all this. How is one even able to comprehend the fact that when this child was born how could they even begin to imagine what her future held for her. HRH is quite a title to bestow but heck, I'd place it at the beginning of my name in a heartbeat!

(source)

My own royalty.......

This mom experienced what it is like for her baby to go on a first date.

She also experienced a first prom and all that goes along with it like renting a tux and getting to see her little boy all dressed up with a very sweet and pretty girl on his arm. This all happened in one night. Was I ready? Hell no. I have no problem sharing that I am so not ready for my little boy to grow up.

I'm so blessed though as he's been so amazing at going easy on me. He's right there beside me helping me to let go and that's making it so much easier although easy isn't exactly the word I would use to describe what it's like when you realize that soon your baby will be graduating and off to college finding his own way in the world. Letting go is the hardest part but if the past is any indication of the future it's all good. I couldn't have been blessed with better kiddos and that makes it easier to handle the big changes coming our way.

So with that we've added yet another driver to the family.

See....I told you that it's been crazy around here with a lot going on in a very short time. My little is now driving and we're one step closer to the end of childhood with her as well. Granted I've got a few years left but I know from experience that they are going to rocket by at lightening speed so we're cherishing every moment we have together as a family for too soon it will be over and all that will be left of this chapter will be the echos of the memories etched into my very soul. The kids have reached a place in their relationship where they don't fight much at all. It's now more joking around and giving each other a really hard time and believe me they can both dish it out really well. They're both incredibly funny and that makes for some really great times here. It's fun to listen to them banter back and forth and oftentimes I sit back to listen and watch just to capture what I can to stick away for memories~it makes me smile and my heart so happy.

Something very big happened on May 1st, 2011~ the U.S. was finally able to take out the mastermind behind the worst terrorist attack ever on U.S. soil - God Bless America and all those who fight, have fought and will continue to fight for our freedom.

I so wanna be a princess

2011-04-28T18:11:00.002-05:00

You've probably heard, and if not how could you possibly have missed it, that the wedding of the century is about to take place ~ that is the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. This amazing ceremony takes place tomorrow....Friday, April 29, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. London time.

I look forward to rising very early with the millions of other people across the globe to watch the wedding of the century, just as I did when Diana wed Prince Charles some 30 years ago on July 29, 1981.

I was a little girl going into the junior high (7th grade) and couldn't get enough of the fairytale. I remember camping out on the living room floor and taking it all in, dreaming of that day when I, too, would marry my prince and live happily ever after.

Don't all little girls dream of their wedding day when they, too, are a princess at least for a day as they marry their prince?

(image)

Seriously, aren't these two just adorable? Kate could not be more beautiful and William is so handsome as he resembles his beautiful mama.

(image)

I wish them both a very happy and beautiful life together and I look forward to, as I am sure we all do, watching where life takes them on that journey.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T14:24:00.001-05:00

(image)
A blessed Easter holiday to you and yours.

filthy chaos

2011-04-20T14:11:00.002-05:00

Life on the homefront is complete chaos, filth and total boredom.
Everything is out of it's place and not where it should be.
Because of that we can't get to much of anything.
There is dust and dirt everywhere as we complete things that needed to be done and are so long overdue.
There is lots of noise and many men who are in and out of the house all day.
We've taken to eating out for every meal since for the time being and we're running out of choices.
Today I took off of work so the hubby could try to get some rest as another 10-day stretch is on the calendar. (I feel for him in a big way.)
He'll have to suck it up tomorrow because I will have to go back to work ~ lucky for him I have Friday off.
My weekend will be spent cleaning and getting things back in order.
Until then I'll be pacing back and forth hoping for time to move a bit faster and dreaming of when my house will look like a home again.

Do you ever feel....

2011-04-13T18:59:00.003-05:00

....like no matter how hard you try to keep it all together that there are times when there is just so much to do you're not sure how you will get it all done? Sort of like the "when it rains, it pours" theory though I'm aware that you can use that theory for many other things as well, and not all of them positive! :)

We are in the midst of so many things here and while being busy has never been a problem for me~I've always been a go, go, go girl who feels naked without 42 things going on at once~I'm studying the calendar trying to figure out just how we are going to manage everything and still be prepared for all that is on said calendar, and all that seems to be added daily, over the next several months. There is lots and lots of goodness in the works but it's going to be an uphill battle getting there. I know there are good things at the end and our focus is on getting through it together, as a family. There will be lots of celebrating, visits from near and far and tons of family/friend time.

I, myself, have a lot of things I am going through personally so it's probably a great thing for me to have so many diversions to keep my mind occupied as I learn to deal with things like my baby boy graduating high school, a first date, prom, college, my littlest little starting driving school and all the fun things associated with finding out if I have given my children the wing span they will need to fly.

I spent some time creating with one of my favorite little toys, my Silhouette. Oh. My. Gosh. does that thing make me happy and my creating even more fun and easy! With over 13,000 images to choose from just in my library there isn't anything I can't do with it!

I also dug out my sewing machine and have been crafting sweet little zero calorie Peeps out of felt. Remember my post about them here? I couldn't resist anymore and seriously, there is absolutely no guilt at all!

Oh my, have you had the chocolate dipped Peeps? To. Die. For! Honestly I'm not a big Peeps fan but I do ♥ the chocolate bottom dipped Peeps. And you know, it's gotta be good if they have their own website!

We've been visiting the gardening center, Calloway's nursery, with the littlest little. She's having a ball with her garden this spring. She's already got some strawberries and she is patiently watching them turn color.

While we were at Calloway's I got a quick pic of a beautiful little flutterby in this bunch of flowers.

See it? Sort of like a Where's Waldo but with a butterfly!

When you walk into the nursery the floral scent knocks your socks off. A few days later we stopped by Wally World and happened upon our favorite flowers for $5 already nearing bloom. We couldn't help ourselves so we bought a pot of Stargazers and quickly potted them when we got home. Several days later we've already had some absolutely gorgeous blooms and oh my, they smell soooo good!

Other garden residents are chives, basil (of course!), jalapenos, Serrano peppers, parsley, cilantro. She has started some lavender, oregano and pumpkins as well in starter pots.

My layout for first quarter was completed around the middle of March using Best Creation, Inc's Jubilee. I played with some fun butterfly paper and bright colors for spring. I am a cutter. I love to cut. No, not that kind of cutting, I love the dimension and I'm not sure why but cutting is so calming for me.

It's time to go get my goodies to create my 2nd quarter layout for Scrappin' Bunnies. If you're wondering, most of the time I have no idea before going in to pick out paper/embellies what I plan on creating. The paper is usually what speaks to me and since I've stopped adding my photos to the layouts I find it a little harder to decide on what I want to create. I'm guessing it should make the process a bit easier but no one ever said I made things easy!

I've been back on the running wagon, heading out at least 3 times a week and we got the bikes out last night and headed out for 5.5 miles. When we got home I went out for a mile run to top it off. Night off of running means it's time to dig out Jillian and let her kick my ass. Three cheers for bikini season!

another round of ink

2011-03-28T20:15:00.001-05:00

Rob working his magic at Ink, Inc

I would have never guessed that I would have wanted another tattoo after I finally caved and got my first one this past September. It's sort of a funny thing really, especially since I was told that once you bit the bullet and got inked you would want another which I totally didn't believe. One thing is true though, I'll never look like Kat. For me the first one became a bit of a "I'll show myself I can do this" fight within me because I was so freaked out about it but I also knew I really wanted one, and had known for quite some time. I had finally decided what I wanted to wear for life and I was totally convinced that IF I ever got one I would totally never do it again. Alas, that didn't last long because I did it again.....TWICE last night. I got the business from my youngest~she specifically told me she didn't want an "inked up mommy" and that "they shouldn't be visible." Funny being Eric has four and her response to me asking her if that bothers her was no, she was used to them. She's truly been so funny about it and actually told me I was grounded when I got home. She evn stayed up past her bedtime to see them she was so concerned what they would look like.

This time my girlfriend and I got matchy-matchy tattoos which we had been tossing around doing for a while.....a Japanese symbol for friendship on our foot and since we were both born in 1969 she got the number 69 in Japanese under her friendship symbol and I got the number 69 on the inside of my forearm in Greek. There's that typography issue I have rearing it's ugly head again! ( The number 69 has more meaning for me since it was also the number of my dad's race car(s) when I was growing up and that brings back a lot of memories for me.)

Go check out these tattoos on Elsie's blog, especially the ones in this post.....I love them and only wish I could manage to endure the pain to do one similar to it. We actually cheated a bit and applied prescription strength numbing cream then wrapped our areas up with Saran Wrap so when it was our turn we didn't feel much of anything. It worked so well that Rob actually said I looked like I was bored. I don't care if it takes away something from the whole concept of the process, I'm allergic to pain!

Domestic bliss....

2011-03-27T14:38:00.003-05:00

or so we once thought. Crafting & making things has long been one of those beloved ways to make our homes feel cozier and friends feel more special when we gift them handmade lovlies and that to me is domestic bliss whether it be cooking, sewing, crocheting/knitting or even mixed media. These days it seems the time goes faster, the days are shorter and we're all much more tired than our parents or grandparents ever were. There's something to fill our every waking moment and with the need for both adults in the household to work, it leaves little time for us to snag a few moments of uninterrupted time to ourselves to be creative.

I've been tripping over a bag of beautiful fabric & a 14x20 feather pillow form picked up on a shopping trip with a friend back in July of last year at Cutting Corners. As with all things I stuck it in the studio and there it sat. And sat. And sat. Like with most things. Eek! So many unfinished projects as well as projects I have wanted to tackle that I have all the supplies for but I haven't been able to find the time.

As I was cleaning my studio yesterday in preparation for overnight guests as well as graduation in less than 10 weeks, I pulled that bag of goodies out and decided I would make that pillow come hell or high water. I'm happy to say that it turned out wonderful and didn't take me but probably 90 minutes total. That's almost as good as instant gratification!

Getting ready to sew it shut.

Finished!

two posts in one day?

2011-03-23T18:28:00.002-05:00

I really couldn't help myself from posting again today after coming across this adorable Peeps bunting on Pinterest, especially since Easter is only a month away.

I mean really......

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Seriously....isn't this just the cutest thing you've ever seen? I just love Peeps! I refuse to eat them but I love to look at them - they're so stinking cute! Dana from MADE was guesting over on V and Co. last March and posted this adorable tutorial.

Okay, if that doesn't get you, check out this pink one.....you know how I love pink!

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I think this will most definitely be on my list of to-do's for Easter decorating. Let's just hope that list doesn't get left in the dust.

I've so missed lurking around the world wide web recently.

summery goodness

2011-03-23T16:31:00.001-05:00

Matthew Mead and his crew have been at it again and they are teasing us with this little video of his newest release coming soon.....

Pre-order your copy here - it's schedule to arrive in mailboxes around Mother's Day.

hey, hey

2011-03-02T20:57:00.001-06:00

we're alive and kicking over here.....barely.

March has arrived and it came in like a lamb. Will it go out like a lion? Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
It's so exciting to watch the outside world as I travel to and from work each day. The buds on the trees are starting to bloom. The grass is coming alive again and slowly turning green. The birds are chirping like crazy so you know spring is just around the corner. It's funny how just in those few hours I am at work the buds pop out just a little bit more and it looks different every time I drive down my street. Oh the beauty of the world. Spring always feels like a new beginning and it's so exciting when new beginnings lie ahead.

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Don't you just love that house? I dream of living in one just like that with a wrap-around porch and lots of rooms for all kinds of fun to be had in them. A cozy room for each of my family members to stay comfortably so we can enjoy holidays and special occasions together in the same location. Wonderful breakfast buffets and lots of picnicing and barbeques. Ahhh.....one can dream, right? Imagine what it would look like at Christmas. Dreamy!

We've been dealing with the flu around here. My MiniMe was really, really sick last week but finally went back to school Tuesday. She seems to be much better as she was pretty much back to her old self Monday afternoon when she was finally fever free after 4 days. She was able to sleep in Monday morning having kept her home from school which I think did her a world of good. No one else has come down with it, thankfully. The other little person in the family has been taking the preventative the doctor prescribed to him so he stays well. Eric and I decided to take our chances ~ those scripts are not cheap by any means, even with insurance. I bet Tanner wishes he'd a had a preventative before he came down with the nasty flu he got attached with at Christmas time. Boy was that boy sick though luckily everyone else avoided that round of flu as well.

I've discovered this fun site......odosketch via Kal and have been having the best time playing on it tonight sketching away. It's almost insane how much fun I'm having and owning a Wacom tablet really magnifies the fun I'm having as I doodle and sketch to my hearts content. There's only so much one can do with a mouse and drawing isn't one of those things. You can save your art if you create an account. This will definitely be an outlet for me, so I can connect with my art on some level hopefully on a daily basis.

Have you checked out Pinterest yet? I haven't been on the computer much lately with a sick kiddo but holy guacamole there are some great images/ideas that are posted over there almost constantly. It's a veritable inspiration vortex that will suck you in and you'll be so glad you were although that load of laundry might not feel the same.

Tomorrow my company is having a meeting on Help Build Hope for Haiti. I'm excited to find out how we will be able to help.

I've completed my first week of Mouse, Paper, Scissors with Jessica Sprague and Heidi Swapp but haven't done anything with my second week as of yet. The She Art Workshop with Christy Tomlinson started Monday and I've been watching the videos but have yet to get started on my projects as I am waiting on my canvases to arrive from DickBlick. I've got just two weeks worth of videos for Soul Restoration to watch then I can work on that course as time allows. It's a amazingly wonderful course and Melody Ross rocks it - so worth it on so many levels.

in the interest of Pinterest

2011-02-18T20:46:00.002-06:00

Have you heard? Surely by now you have seen it all over other blogs you've visited....Pinterest is a site that allows you to create virtual inspiration boards by "pinning" photos you find on the web that hit that "spot" and make you go all weak in the knees. You can create categories for your favorites, making it easy to find them at a later date and if you need a quick dose of inspiration it's super easy to search the appropriate category that you name so if you're into the crafty creations or homemade yummies or even need a style file for home or wardrobe help it's all at your fingertips.

Like...say.....this super cute idea for party hats

You can also: re·Pin (rē·pĭn): v. to post another person's pin to your own pinboard should you find the goodness among all that appears once you enter the main site. I've started down the road to enabling so if you're so inclined to check out my finds go here. I've just started "pinning" so bear with me as I grow my files of inspiration. I think I'm gonna ♥ this - so much easier than tumblr.

it's a beautiful day

2011-02-17T20:49:00.000-06:00

As sure as the sun comes up each day, the cold temps, snow and ice left us leaving behind an amazingly beautiful past 5 days. Mild temps in the 70s, slight breeze - yep, beautiful! Just as luck would have it a meeting that was scheduled for this afternoon at work was canceled and the quick lunch date I had with a coworker ended up being an all day affair. The mild temps and sun allowed us to sit outside a beautiful store called Patina Green, a place where I would just love to move in and never leave, and have lunch. Seriously this place is stunning.

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*and just for the record, this photo was taken in the bathroom of their store - yes, I did say this place was stunning - I could totally live in this bathroom*

Janie and I both lunched on this beautiful organic and locally grown salad with biscuits that was topped off with a sinfully delicious chocolate chip cookie.

When we finally checked the time it was after 4 p.m. and we realized that we had just chatted away two and a half hours in the sunshine and soft breeze. It was a great way to spend time getting to know one another better and I had the perfect afternoon, something that I don't often take the time to do, and am so happy that I did.

in winter's path

2011-02-08T21:17:00.006-06:00

Once again we're up for another blast of Old Man Winter. He's sending down an arctic front which will bring us another round of rain turning to sleet which will then turn to snow. Not exactly sure on how much we'll get...I've heard 4-6" as well as 5-8". Guess I'll wait until it's all over to calculate just what we actually get. Wondering if the kids will be out of school yet again since it's only going to be a high of 29 tomorrow with a low of 10 which will make for treacherous driving conditions. There are already school closings posted for tomorrow around the area. We're once again going to be experiencing rolling blackouts as the temps dip back to near the single digits.

Remember this little yummy I mentioned to you the other day? If you're aching to take a little peeky-poo you can do it here:

I took the plunge and spent the $3.30 on it to devour the 170 pages with no ads. There are some big name artists in this little baby and I'm excited to take some time to sit down over the next few days, in between all the other creating and deadlines I'm working on right now.

I supposed it's about time I rush off and finish working on these little "lovelies" so I can get another box ready to be shipped tomorrow.

I really should have been on the ball and had it done and sent off today but for some reason I just can't seem to get everything done. Do I sound like a broken record? Alrighty....3, 2, 1....here I go. Wish me luck on finding a box that is small enough but yet big enough so I don't spend a fortune sending it!

well, well, well....

2011-02-05T10:12:00.003-06:00

It's February already? Didn't that just creep up on us and bite us in the tushy? The year is a little more than 1/12th over. The first half of the first quarter is nearly done. Kaput. It's almost time to celebrate all the l♥ves in your life as Big Red Heart Day is now only 9 days away Before I know it I will be dragging that decrepit artificial tree down from the attic and decorating it all over again.

We've been really having a great time with the weather this past week. The week started out well with temps that were way above normal. They actually were that way towards the end of last week as well. We're talking 80 degrees. Seriously. Monday was a good day but overcast. Monday night all hell broke loose and we had storms, rain, sleet, thunder snow. You name it, I think we had it. I woke up to about an inch of ice on the ground and had I owned a pair of ice skates I could have gotten to work really easily. This is what it looked like as I stepped out my front door.

We were literally covered. It was an ice rink out there. And it was really strange. You see that dark spot near the mail box? That's actually water pooled underneath the ice. That was what it looked like all over the place. It was really weird. I have never seen anything like it before even growing up in South Dakota. I had a field day with it as anywhere I walked I would stomp the ice trying to break it. Yes, just as one of the guys from work said, I am reliving my childhood and believe me, I am in heaven over here this week! Work? You ask if I went to work since I mentioned it? Yep. I went to work every day this week and made it on time everyday. Knowing how to drive in this weather I was a force to be reckoned with as I blazed a trail to work every morning.

Remember me mentioning the temps being above normal? Well, the temps have now been below freezing, averaging the teens and 20s and wind chills in the single digits and even below, for more than 100 consecutive hours this week which meant that with gray skies the ice didn't go anywhere quickly. That wreaked havoc when we woke up to what was supposed to be less than an inch of snow yesterday morning really was 6+ inches and it snowed almost all day long off and on.

This is what my trip in to work looked like:

I'm not sure now much we ended up with all total (somewhere between 6-8") but those weather men were way off their calculations yet again. I swear, the only job where you can get paid the big bucks and be wrong almost 95% of the time. I know, I know....Mother Nature cannot be "predicted" and I have great respect for weathermen since I am a "weather" lover. Did I already mention I'm in heaven? I think I might have. I got to play in the ice and play in the snow. I wanted to do "donuts" in a really bad way and "plow" snowbanks of which we have never had down here. It wasn't a total loss though, the kids had a record 4 days off from school due to the weather, unsafe driving conditions and rolling blackouts we experienced.

Superbowl XLV is here this weekend and I cannot even begin to imagine how many people are stranded elsewhere trying to get here because of these storms. I wonder just what all those who actually made it are thinking about the weather. To add insult to injury now there are big sheets of ice sliding off the stadium which have injured people. And to think the weatherman is predicting rain and snow possible tomorrow as well as another round of the same mid week next week.

Did you hear Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow so the prediction is we will have an early spring. Somewhere in the past week or so on TV I heard them say that we will be seeing temps in the 80s by the end of February. Blech!

So aside from the weather I've been trying to score as much time as I can in my studio, braving the cold (these houses down here were so not made for cold weather) and working on my Soul Restoration class. As is typical for me, it's into week 4 now this week and I'm just barely getting through with week 1. Maybe I'll be done by the time part two of Soul Restoration rolls around in June. Honestly I need to get moving on it because unfortunately we do not have forever access to the class so I need to work through it quicker so I can view all the videos, etc.

The little one wanted to learn to sew and we forged ahead on that project, Simplicity Learn to Sew pattern #2286, and hit a brick wall. Still need some time and a huge amount of help to figure out what went wrong. The casing on the skirt is not measuring up with the darts and the sides of said skirt. I've been scratching my head for about two weeks now. And all my Little wants to do is finish her skirt. Hopefully this will not make her shy away from the fun she has had learning to sew, which she says she loves.

The Little had her 15th birthday last weekend. We celebrated and ate like kings around here. A shopping spree at XXI was her gift from us so we headed down to NorthPark Center where we perused the two floors chock full of clothing and the little boutique attached full of fun sparkly yummies. And I got the sparkly floors and chandies made me happy!

She tried on armfuls of clothes and walked out a very happy girl as her wardrobe begins to bust. That girl needs another closet!

I've come across a few really fun things in the 'net' recently. Take a few moments and check all these yummies out!

diy valentine's cakes from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.
As I was reading Heidi's blog earlier this week she had this video up and I couldn't help but smile and knew I had to share. This little lovely was originally featured on Design*Sponge and is from Tiger in a Jar. Total happiness.

A new issue of the little online mag from inspireco to peruse will be released soon. Check out the back issues here. They are divine!

Speaking of divine little lovies to read on the web.....how about this little doozie appropriately named Simply the Sweet Life? Several very lovely ladies, who are also Spark sisters, have some goodness tucked away inside. The very talented, adorable, bubble, spunky and sweet contributors are April Meeker from second sister suaviloquy, Rhonna Farrer who is 1/3 of the House of 3, and Margie Romney-Aslett from The Girls' Paperie/The Girls Loft.

Okay, that picture of the cake has me going. How about checking out the lovely and uber talented Rosie over at Sweetapolita? Oh my gosh that girl can bake a cake!

Sweetapolita

Holy guacamole, doesn't that look yummy.

Is your mouth watering? Do you want a piece? Or two?

Wait for it.......here's the whole deal:

Sweetapolita

I think I've just died and gone to heaven.

I may be jumping off the Boston Creme Pie bandwagon and doing a quick exchange for this dreamy darling for my birthday cake this year. I actually was thinking about this cake by Allrecipes because it's awful divine in and of itself but I think some very deep soul searching is in order here. I mean, it is, however, a cake fit for a princess, dontcha think? And if you want to bake one for yourself head over here, or click on the link underneath each photo, to snatch up the recipe quick!

Now that oughtta keep you busy for a while!

reflections

2011-01-26T22:25:00.001-06:00

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Reflecting on little snippets of life that mean so very much. Those snippets are tucked away in a very safe place within and I pray I will forever remember them. A very special little girl is getting ready to turn 15 in a few days and the idea that we are already here at this stage, she at this age, is so hard to believe. The time has flown by so quickly. I can remember her as a baby and it seems like last week. Seriously, it honestly seems like she was my "mini me" literally weeks ago. She can't be my "mini me" anymore because she's as tall as I am now and we pretty much wear the same size clothes though the one thing that will never change is the fact that she will always be my baby. She's so excited about her birthday and cannot wait to be 15. Here's a little secret - she's actually even more excited to turn 16 but thankfully we still have another year to wait for that big milestone.

I need more time. More time to swallow what is happening here. A bit of a chance for me to absorb all that is going on in our lives. So many changes are taking place and as much as I long for my little people to not grow up so quickly, for them to give me just a little bit more time, I know that is not what is in the plans. So many chapters will end and so many new stories will be told.

So happy and blessed she chose me to be her mommy (yes, she chose me and she will tell you she chose me because God gave her the choice between another mommy and me and she chose me because she says I was pretty) and so excited for the special birthday party that is on the horizon.

daily mail

2011-01-19T21:01:00.001-06:00

I l♥ve the daily mail I get from The Brave Girls Club. A little bird delivers a message to my inbox that helps give me a boost during my day just at the right time. Somehow the message is always the one thing I need to hear and it always contains a truth I need to be reminded of. Each message is accompanied by beautiful artwork of a bird by different artists from around the world. If you are interested in receiving these wonderful and uplifting truths, please sign up here.

Here is today's message:

Dear Traveling Girl,

Life is a trip with a perfect itinerary that we cannot see. Imagine it this way -- that there really IS an itinerary, but you just can't see it. There is an amazing destination, but you just don't know where the stops along the way will happen where you will have to refuel, where your best memories and your greatest lessons will happen.

We don't know that what may seem like useless detours are where we might meet the most amazing people of our lives, or enjoy the best scenery, or learn the most important things.

Sometimes we fail to enjoy the trip because we are so hung up on wanting to see the itinerary. You will have the best times of your life when you just TRUST that you are exactly where you are supposed to be, doing exactly what you are meant to be doing, and that tomorrow you will be lead to the next destination.

You always have been, you always will be.

Remember to travel light, only take what you need with you. It will make things so much easier.

ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT, little birdie!

xoxo

courage

2011-01-14T21:26:00.003-06:00

As I travel down the road on my journey to Soul Restoration I heard a song tonight by Orianthi featuring Lacey for the first time tonight on Sirius as I was leaving 1/2 Price Books. (Gosh how I love that store! Used books/mags are so wonderful!) This song really made an impact about how I feel about everything in my life in general and truly touched me deep in my soul. If you are not familiar with Orianthi, she sings the song "According to You" and was actually Michael Jackson's guitarist which is where I first saw her when we went to see the movie "This is It". I was so enthralled with what this girl could do I watched the credits after the movie just so I could find out who this amazing guitar chick was and came home and searched her out on the internet. You can watch her shred the strings here. Honestly, Orianthi is amazing and her music is phenomenal so if you have a second go check it out.

This song called "Courage" has the perfect lyrics and fits the bill quite nicely. I have officially deemed it my theme song throughout this next six weeks of my life, and may possibly adopt it for even longer. My official theme song has always been "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty for obvious reasons as it is so fitting to who I have had to be throughout my life considering my circumstances. I've always had to fight for what I believed in and for what I want so I'm not sure if I will ever give up my "official" song but I do think "Courage" will be definitely be added to my playlist of life. Check it out and see if you don't think it's pretty darn good. Just remember to push pause on the Playlist over on the sidebar of the page before you take a listen to it. (The vintage feel to the video really is wonderful.)

Courage

Take all my vicious words
And turn them into something good
Take all my preconceptions
And let the truth be understood

Take all my prized possessions
Leave only what I need
Take all my pieces of doubt
And let me be what's underneath

Courage is when you're afraid,
But you keep on moving anyway
Courage is when you're in pain,
But you keep on living anyway

We all have excuses why
Living in fear something in us dies
Like a bird with broken wings
It's not how high he flies, but the song he sings

Courage is when you're afraid,
But you keep on moving anyway
Courage is when you're in pain,
But you keep on living anyway

It's not how many times you've been knocked down
It's how many times you get back up
Courage is when you've lost your way,
But you find your strength anyway

Courage is when you're afraid
Courage is when it all seems grey
Courage is when you make a change,
And you keep on living anyway

You keep on moving anyway
You keep on giving anyway
You keep on loving anyway

icebox

2011-01-12T20:37:00.002-06:00

For the fourth day in a row we've had icebox temperatures and the snow we received Sunday is still sticking around. I'm not complaining. No. I'm merely reveling in the fact that the snow is still on the ground, and on the rooftops, and icicles are hanging off the homes around me. I'm loving each moment of the chilly air and wishing it would last just a bit longer for the heat comes too quickly 'round these parts and I can never cool down enough during those long months of summer. I enjoy going out to my car in the morning and scraping windows if I must. I enjoy the crisp scent in the air. I really love it. It is refreshing and I feel so alive. It reminds me of home. It reminds me of being a kid. It reminds me of so many things.

Yesterday's post was heavy. It was about feelings. Feelings that I think we all have and that some people never express. I read a lot of blogs, or shall I say I stalk a lot of blogs. It would appear that everyone is leading a perfectly happy life and everyone is incredibly happy. They never encounter disappointment, frustration, anger. It seems they never have a bad day and that the cards always just fall where they should. And a lot of the blogs I read that are art-related never really touch on the fact that they're in a creative rut ~ not sure where to go next creatively. I know that can't possibly be real. I know not everyone out there whose blog I read has a perfect life and everything is hunky dory. It's just not how things work. I'm all about keeping certain things private but for just a moment it would be nice to know that everyone has the same struggles, the same frustrations, the same disappointments and the same fears as the rest of us. To know that we aren't alone. To know that we, too, are human. To know that we are normal and that this is just that silly little thing called LIFE we are all trudging through together.

I started Brave Girls Club Soul Restoration last night and ran out today after work for a few last minute supplies. I tried to get to class tonight but had several important phone calls to make (yes, calling my grandma is important) so did that and now it's almost time for the House of 3 webshow and time to chat during the show with a dear friend. So much to do yet this week.....wish me luck in accomplishing the tasks!

it's all "1's" today

2011-01-11T20:41:00.005-06:00

Today's date is 1/11/11. All 1's today. It was really fun writing the date today at work. It was funny how varied the dates that I did write looked. Try writing that date on your own and see for yourself. It's crazy to see how slanted or not slanted the 1's were each time you write them. How much space was between them, or not. How they looked when you used the "/" between the numbers. I realize that's really random and off topic but it was just sort of fun!

Today is the first day of class for Soul Restoration.

It is time, truth time. Time to dig deep and find me. I'm in there. I know I am. When I look in the mirror I see someone who does not look like me. I feel like a stranger. I don't feel like I know who that person is staring back at me. I'm uncomfortable in my own skin.

That girl looking back wants to know what happened. She's lost. She's confused. She's disappointed. She's hurt. She want to be set free. She wants to feel like she used to. She wants to believe like she used to. She has a pretty good idea how she got lost and what happened. It wasn't just one thing, although one very specific thing did have a very large impact on her life, but so many things over so many years. The baggage that we all carry. Each and every one of us. We all have it.

If we all were just a little more caring of one another. Had a bit more understanding. Were less self-centered and selfish. If it was less about the "me, me, me" and more about the "what can I do to help" or just extending an ear or maybe just a smile. We all have to go through this life.

The girl in the mirror is tired of all the pressure. She's tired of all the lies. She's tired of the blame. She wants everyone to take their part and quit giving it to her. She's tired of being strong, and brave. She's always been strong, and brave. Brave and strong are good...but sometimes it's too much. Too much to handle all the time for just one person. It's good that she has that in her. That will always be in her. No matter what and will be what always keeps her going.

When does it stop? How does it feel to feel alive? How does she know what to do, to make her life what she wants it to be? How does she live her dream? When do the "why's" stop? When does the blaming stop? When will it be okay?

She says she is always okay. That's her standard issue statement. Always okay.

She is aware she is blessed beyond measure. Sometimes it is hard to see because all she sees is "everything else" and all she hears are the lies. All the stuff that everyone is filling her head with. Sometimes she's filling her head with the lies as well. She's doing that because that's what she has been told. And she wrongly believes it. The tapes are looping and never end. She's not good enough. Not pretty enough. Not smart enough. She's not enough. She's not the artist she wants to be and never will be. She's just not an artist. She's selfish. She's not nice. She doesn't understand. It's her fault. She's wrong. She did it. She made me do it. It's like constant chatter that does not stop, even when she is sleeping. She even dreams like that.

Free.
She just wants to be set free. So she can fly.
She wants her wings so she can once again fly.
Fly.
Free to fly.
Soaring. (My word of the year.)

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-10T21:01:00.001-06:00

Sunday morning we welcomed a winter storm and ended up with 5" of the beautiful and fluffy white stuff on the ground. Over night Sunday night it drizzled which added to the treacherous road conditions and ultimately resulted in the canceling school. The kids spent a second day out playing in the snow and taking in all they could of the white stuff that doesn't visit often enough. At the end of the day today there was still snow sitting atop tree branches and rooftops as the temperature did not get much above freezing and that sight was just like one out of a photography book. It was perfectly picturesque everywhere I drove today. I really don't think any snow has melted but the roads seemed to have cleared up a bit and are much drier than they were when I headed out to work this morning.

The sun was trying to peek through right around dinner time last night but that only lasted a few minutes before the clouds won that battle.

I have to say it was absolutely gorgeous and makes my heart skip a beat. I honestly miss winter so much and with the weather the way it has been this fall/winter I wasn't 100% convinced we would see this much snow this year, if any, and even the weatherman was off in his prediction of how much we would end up getting. Truth be told, we weren't supposed to get anything from this storm as it was supposed to have been a dry storm for us. So glad he was wrong. Taryn loves the snow and weather just as much as I do and has spent so much time in the past two days doing the things I did when I was growing up. Tanner isn't liking it so much anymore because of the hazardous driving conditions as well as the need to clean off the car and scrape the windows. Honestly I could care less. Something about being out there in the morning doing that task makes me feel so alive and Jack Frost is nipping at my nose keeps me on my toes. The beauty of the snow and the frost truly never ceases to amaze me.

I'll always be a South Dakota girl. Always.

changing things up a bit

2011-01-02T20:08:00.001-06:00

A new year comes with it a new look. As I was searching the web for some new and super*fun backgrounds I came across quite a few awesome places to find some pretty fun things. I got the blog header from this wonderful place here. The *free* background came from Shabby Blogs. (This girlie loves free!) I found another cute little blog here that I will have to go back and look deeper into at a later date. I learned how to make my border around the header invisible! That border was driving me nutty and I'm so glad I figured that out! I love learning new things and applying them to the blog. I'm still working on trying to figure out how to change the little icon, called a favicon, which is next to the URL, and will hopefully figure that out one day. I had given that up way back when and am feeling the desire to tackle it again.

Now on to changing up the music and my blog's new look will be complete. Too bad it can't do the cat walk like Taryn does when she gets new clothes!

One Little Word ~ the 2011 edition

2011-01-01T21:51:00.003-06:00

Happy 01/01/11!

For the past two years (here and here) I've done a little thing called the "One Little Word". It started as a project from the now defunct OLW blog here and has grown into a fairly huge phenomenon in the paper crafting world. I learned about OLW by reading Ali's blog and decided that it would be a really fun thing to do myself. I've had some trouble trying to decide on the word for 2011, basically struggling with what it was I was trying to accomplish but when I met with my sweet friend, Michelle who is a very good friend to unicorns and princesses and we exchanged gifts, I knew at the moment I opened the package with this beautiful necklace in it that my word for 2011 was right in front of my face and the decision had been made.

I feel it's the perfect word for twenty eleven and one I'm looking forward to remembering daily as well as striving to accomplish in my own little world of craziness. December was met with so many trials and ironically just as many amazing things that I'm looking forward to beginning this year and working towards everything I have been putting on the back burner. The new normal is waiting to be put into action. Many things are on my desk waiting to be worked and/or completed. Oodles of ideas are bouncing around in my head and waiting to be put into action. (I so need to be jotting these things down and have received a beautifully decorated book in addition to that awesome necklace to do just that. Thank you Michelle! How is it you always know just what it is I need? Thank you for always being there and for always being so supportive. You are one of my greatest cheerleaders!)

I just have this feeling that it's going to be a wonderful year and a year of so many blessings. I'm ready, are you?

And to tell you just how beautiful 2011 already is, behind me sits my littlest little and my hubby playing the Wii together. Their laughs and dialogue is music to my ears. Life is good. Unfortunately the biggest little is off playing games in his room and missing out on the fun right now but he spent several hours out here with the bigs earlier and we had many laughs together while it was just the three of us while the littlest little was off playing with friends. The time with each of them alone is always so awesome and the time we spend as a family is the best-est ever! AND I've spent the weekend doing absolutely NOTHING which is so wonderful. I have the best hubby as he's allowed me time to decompress and has taken over all the laundry and has even been cooking for me. It's been such a wonderful thing and such a nice break. Thanks baby~I l♥ve you.

Yes, so blessed.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T16:47:00.000-06:00

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It's amazing to think that another year is coming to a close. I feel like it was just yesterday that we turned the December 2009 calendar page to January 2010. Twenty ten was such a crazy year and it went by much too quickly. It seems that I'm feeling that way more and more ~ that time is flying by at the speed of light.

So much ahead for us in 2011.

So many memories made in 2010.

With December being such a crazy month I'm ready for a new month, a new year and a new beginning.

I say bring it 2011!

a few random things you may not have known

2010-12-26T18:53:00.001-06:00

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1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?

salted caramel hot chocolate from Starbucks

2. Turkey or Ham?
ham

3. Do you get a fake or real-you-cut-it-yourself Christmas tree?
pretend but I'm really yearning for a real one - hopefully in a few years when we move

4. Decorations on the outside of your house?
lights on the house/shrubs, greenery with lights around doorway - i forgot the wreath for the door this year

5. Snowball fights or sleddin’?
without a doubt ~ BOTH!

6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
love going to the square and i loved going downtown in my hometown as well

7. Favorite Christmas song?
i want a hippopotamus for Christmas

8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?
love them

9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?
never - as soon as they start playing it on Sirius I'm tuned in for the entire season

10. White lights or colored lights on the tree?
prefer classic white but for the past few years it's been clear/white/blue

11. Go to someone else’s house or they come to you?
we live too far away from our families so we spend the holiday alone with the kiddos - it's perfect and we love it that way

12. Do you read the Christmas Story? If so when?
no

13. What do you do after presents and dinner?
clean up then play games/watch movies/nap

14. What is your favorite holiday smell?
the smell of a fresh cut tree

15. Ice skating or walking around the mall?
ice skating outside

16. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day?

as a child my sister and I always opened one and now my kiddos open one on Christmas Eve also - the rest are left for Christmas morning after Santa presents are opened

17. Favorite Christmas memory?
Christmas morning with my sister opening Santa presents and Christmases with my grandparents who are no longer with us

18. Favorite Part about winter?
love the cold and especially the SNOW

19. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?
nope

2010-12-25T12:34:00.003-06:00

(source)

May your Christmas be merry and bright.
And a very happy birthday to Jesus who is the reason for the season.

christmas eve

2010-12-24T14:19:00.002-06:00

A little of this going on around here today.

There's also a little of that ~ 24 hours of A Christmas Story! It's a yearly tradition.

The weather is cold, rainy and definitely not Christmas-y but Christmas is coming anyway. I am wishing, as I always do, for the white Christmas that won't arrive. Somehow it's just not Christmas without the white stuff and knowing it's snowing at home makes my heart hurt just a little.

Here's hoping you've been good this past year so Santa will deliver that special gift to you and as you celebrate with loved ones, please do not forget the reason for the season.

on repeat

2010-12-18T20:18:00.006-06:00

Last week was one of those weeks that make you go "hmmmm...."
This week was a repeat of last week.
Literally.
Except that it didn't take 24 hours between the good AND the bad to happen, it was mere hours.

Late night phone calls are never good.
And they are even worse when the person on the other end is your child.
At the moment I could not begin to even remotely summarize all that's happened but in brief I will share that with yet another wonderful blessing unfortunately came a horrible accident.
Count is now two in 8 days' time.
So much happened in that span of 8 days that it's still resonating.

Our family is piecing things together.
We've spent several days walking around in a daze.
This was one of those situations where I needed my daddy and as soon as I heard his voice I broke down.
I don't break down often or easy.
My dad surprised me with his support and with his words. (If you know me, then you know my dad and why I say that ~ that's just how we roll. I was taught to stand tall and tough and that's just the way it is. I've always had to be the strong one and sometimes I am frustrated by that fact because sometimes I am just so tired of being the one who has to be strong. But so be it.)
The thought of what "could have been" is too much for me.
"What was" is too much, too.
My appetite is slowly coming back and I'm not as sick to my stomach as I was.
My blessings have been counted over and over and over again and then over again.
All of them.
Every. Single. One. and not one of them, regardless of how small or simple, was left out.

A new job was dropped in my lap and I start Monday.
Perfect timing as I have been off since my accident as I was being treated and was released back to work as of this coming Monday.
I wasn't looking even though I knew my current job was going to be less and less lucrative due to the electronic medical record (the workload has decreased substantially just since the accident) and the toll it's taken on my wrist was starting to get worse by the day.
It's for an amazingly wonderful company and it's LOCAL!
Perfect part-time hours.
Perfect wardrobe ~ street clothes!
Beautiful facility.
Think foot in the door to what could potentially turn into something even more awesome.
Wonderful co-workers and the icing on the cake is one of my besties works there!
Did I mention it is PERFECT?
And PERFECT timing.
Since I've spent the last 5 years in scrubs and pj's I didn't have much in the way of a wardrobe so I tackled the mall early today, yes the weekend before Christmas means I must be CRAZY, and by the time I was done making my purchases I realized I had missed the horrible holiday crowds as it was just starting to get crazy.
Score!
Did I mention the blessings?
Let me say that the little voices I hear sitting behind me playing video games together fills me more than any one thing in this world does, or ever will.
They keep us in stitches and right now that's what we need, especially what comes out of the mouth of the little one.
........my two biggest and greatest blessings.

crash & burn

2010-12-12T12:08:00.001-06:00

A little R&R is being forced upon me and totally unexpected.
Time to heal.
Time to slow down.
Time for me to "just be".

The bad news is that I was hit on Wednesday while out and on my way to tackle my Christmas list since all of our loved ones live so far away. I was hoping to have all the gifts I needed to purchase ready to be on their merry way Monday morning. That didn't happen. A random man had other plans for me as he decided to turn left onto a crossing street and basically ran me over. He decided turning left from a right hand lane as we were traveling down a two-lane, one-way street was a good choice. Ummm....not so much. It's not the best scenario but also not the worst as things could always be worse.

The good news is that although it's been a huge irritation having to deal with all the phone calls, appointments, etc. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the car is okay and only suffered some minor damage.

I was beat up a bit and am now resting and taking it much easier than I am used to.
It's hard for me to say I am hurting.
It's hard for me to say I need help.
Hard for me to be "down".
My family counts on me.
I count on me.
I need to work and I can't because of my job requirements.
I'm used to going and going and going.
I'm used to just "gettin' 'er done" but right now the best I can do for myself is to relax and listen to my body.

For the time being there will be limited typing and sitting at the computer while I get treated and heal and as usual, just as I started getting myself back into the routine of working out and running that is also on hold.

I am told I should be good as new in about 3-4 weeks and I will be so ready to get back to normal.

I have so much to be grateful for. And thankful for a son who is always there for his mommy. Without him I'm not sure I would have remembered to take photos of the vehicle damage and with that it was a cut & dry case. Grateful he was able to come down and help me out. So, so grateful for my sweet little family.

what a day

2010-12-07T21:16:00.002-06:00

Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse this week I literally heard the brakes squeal and the day did a complete 360. Seriously, I had been talking about how I still believe in Santa....believe being my word of the year....believe being all that I can do at this point.

Then the littles and I get a text message that the hubby is now in possession of this sweet thing. I am so looking forward to playing with her when hubby gets home in the morning to deliver 32 gigs of Apple wondefullness.

His place of employment, or maybe it's just his group, doesn't have the typical Christmas party so today was their "party" day and they had gifts galore to give away and for the first time that hubby attended a party he walked away a winner. Missing a little sleep is so worth this, for sure!

We're busily preparing for the holidays around here. The lights are up on the exterior. That was so much fun and the end result is gorgeous, the most gorgeous ever. It took about a week to get it all in order and ready to go up but it was so worth it.

I've not done one thing in my December daily yet but I do have photos to add to it just as soon as I have a few spare moments. I'm currently working on the gift list in my cute little book I made two years ago at Janet's super fun class in October 2008. I totally was not coherent through this class but this holiday organizer has withstood use for the past two years and it's once again in commission for this year so apparently I did follow directions well enough for it still be intact.

I did spend about 20 minutes scouring the house looking for it earlier this evening but I've located it and am now getting down to business. I can hardly grasp that Christmas is 17 days away and I've barely scratched the surface and knowing I need to ship gifts hundreds and hundreds of miles away I need to get on the ball.

The weather has been quite chilly recently and we're loving the change although I'm so cold I am having a hard time being motivated to do much of anything because I'm constantly trying to get warm. Sitting at my desk all day my feet are like ice blocks since I don't move at all. My fingers are slow to respond until I get moving and they get warm when it's so cold. It almost feels like there's a wind chill when I walk through the house. We haven't turned the heat on because it's only 67 degrees inside and not really cold enough to need the heat but my how different 67 feels when it's 'winter' compared to what 67 feels like during the summer. Definitely good sleeping weather! I had to break out my footie pj's last night because it was so chilly. Those are my major cold weather jammies and I felt like I was 3 years old as I walked around the house in them. In fact, today was one of those days where I went from pajamas to pajamas. Work was just crazy busy today so I never moved from my desk and only went to the door to retrieve packages the brown truck delivered. Forecast for snow/sleet over night but nothing measurable. A year ago today we had sleet/snow.

I do believe that we will get at least one winter storm this season and winter has not yet arrived so all is not yet lost. I will just keep believing.

Are you following along over here and being inspired daily? Only 5 more tags to go. That Tim, his wheels never stop churning.

happy December 1st

2010-12-01T22:47:00.001-06:00

It's been a very busy day around here and we've started out December with a bang!

Early this afternoon I had an absolutely amazing gift bestowed upon me, an early Christmas gift. All I can say is that I so don't deserve it and there are not enough words I can say to be able to thank her properly but what I do know is that I have got to be the most blessed girl because I have the dearest and most wonderful friends a girl could ever dream of having. Friends who are there for me, who support me, who love me and accept me for who I am despite my faults and quirks. Having girlfriends that just 'get' you is a rarity and it's such a wonderful feeling to have a handful of them that are just that.

We headed down to Watters Creek this evening, just the Mini-Me, hubby and I and caught many glimpses of things like this:

It's always gorgeous down there but this time of the year it's stunning. It's one of my most favorite places to be, to shop and to eat. Best part about it is that it's so close to the house.

We then came home to help one sweet little girl with her wish of putting lights on the house again. It's been a few years since we've actually done it and she's been the driving force behind it. Lucky for her she's got Eric wrapped around her little finger, even if she doesn't realize it. I purchased the 100' strand at the local hardware store (I totally love hardware stores) and she chose the bulbs, red and white transparent, which she placed in all 100 sockets tonight. Tomorrow we will hang them and also decorate the bushes and entry way.

She told me next year she wants green and white. We'll have to see what goes on sale after Christmas. If she's willing to change out the bulbs we just may have to change it up a bit!

and just like that

2010-11-30T21:36:00.001-06:00

the month of November is gone. This means that a new month will be upon us and I will finally dig out my "December Daily". This cute little book is our last project we did at the fabulous Janet Hopkins' last local class. It's a sweet little project that will be used to record something for each day of December leading up to Christmas. By the way, if you are local and can make it, you NEED to join us for Janet's local classes. She's adorable and quick witted and always has us in stitches. If you follow her blog you'll see her post about the local classes or better yet, send her an e-mail (just look under her profile photos on her blog) and ask her to add you to the e-mail list for the local classes.

Have you ever heard of Ali's December Daily? It's worth checking out if you want to document your holiday season. This doesn't require any large commitment other than throwing together an album and making sure you have a place for 25 entries. It's a perfect way to keep the memories safely tucked away and easy to pull out when you want to reminisce about what you did, what traditions you may have or what activities you may have participated in. You can add photos or recipes. You will surely need to journal. Please make sure to do at least some of the journaling in your handwriting so those you love can see what it looks like. I know for me I am sad that I don't have all my letters my grandmother used to send to me. Her handwriting was lovely. My dad's is just as wonderful, and mind is eerily similar to his. I do have a few cards and things he has written notes on that I have tucked away., even for my kids. I do have another grandmother who still sends me handwritten letters and I hold on to them so I can go back someday to see what her handwriting looks like.

This shows a few pages of the inside of the book. One page for each day, 25 pages in all. I'm all set to document each day as I start a new tradition, one I hope to pass along to my children. Here's to the next 25 days. I sure hope they don't speed by so fast I miss half of what is going on!

December is right around the corner

2010-11-29T19:56:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving week seems to always rush right by leaving us with warm fuzzy memories of days spent together, games played (our yearly Rudolph Monopoly game was brought out early this year and Taryn kicked everyone's butts this time!), lots of snacking and basically more food than we care to eat again, at

least for another month when Christmas arrives and we do it all over again.

I'm not a big fan of Mondays. Not a big fan of a new start to the week, even though new beginnings are good, no matter how you slice it. It was apparent Saturday evening as I realized yesterday was Sunday and today I'd be getting back to the regular routine of work and being everything to everyone. It's really easy going around here when I'm not fighting with work. So glad we only have three weeks until Christmas break. I really love it when my kids are around. There's never a loss of giggles, memories or of things to do. I just wish the kids would quit being so darn picky when it comes to the menu.

I think I may have mentioned how much we've been cooking lately (or maybe I tweeted that, I can't remember) and my, oh my, I've been cooking up a storm again using the new love of my life, my Le Creuset pot. That pot is completely no fail and so fun to use. I'm on a soup kick right now and in the last 24 hours I've made homemade tomato basil soup via Jennifer Stewart's blog.....

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (double the recipe and freeze some for another autumn night ~ it freezes wonderfully!)
source
4 c. crushed tomatoes (I like the brand Cento- yellow can)
2 1/2 c. tomato juice (I use an organic brand in a glass jar)
1/2 c. cream (I use half and half)
1/2 c. milk (your choice, but whole milk is creamier; You can use all milk and no cream if you prefer a lower fat version, just won't be creamy)
1 c. chicken stock
12 fresh basil leaves
1/4 lb. (1 stick) butter or margarine
salt and pepper to taste
fresh grated parmesan cheese

Simmer tomato juice and crushed tomatoes for 30 minutes in a large stockpot over medium low heat. Remove about 2 cups of the tomato liquid from the pot, pour into a blender, and add the 12 basil leaves, blending together until basil leaves are chopped. Add tomato mixture back to stockpot. (Alternative: If you have one of those hand mixers that you can stick right into the pot, use that to blend the basil leaves into the tomato mixture. Easier!) Add the cream, milk, stock, butter/margarine, and some salt and pepper to the pot and stir. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with fresh grated Parmesan sprinkled on top. Yum!

and the mushroom soup via The Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen site! Oh. My. Gosh. I think I have just died and gone to heaven. This is so good. (I just wish my photos were better....the lighting sucks in this house more than you could ever imagine.)

The Mushroom Soup! = click on this link to be taken to the Tasty Kitchen webpage for this recipe

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 whole Small Carrrot, Finely Minced
1 whole Celery Stalk, Finely Minced
1 Tablespoon Garlic, Crushed And Minced
1 pound White Mushrooms, Sliced Thin
4 ounces, fluid Chablis White Wine
4 ounces, fluid Tomato Juice
4 ounces, fluid Chicken Broth
1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, Freshly Grated
1 teaspoon Cornstarch
¼ cups Water
1 pinch Salt And Pepper, to taste

Preparation Instructions

Heat oil, over medium heat, in a large deep pot.

Mince the carrot and celery nice and fine. Too big and the soup will end up chunky. Toss into the pot and allow them to soften while you slice the mushrooms. (Please remember to clean the mushrooms first. You probably already knew that … I’m just sayin’.) Next, add your garlic, right as the carrots and celery start to cook down.

Add the mushrooms to the pot and allow them to reduce and soften. Pour in the Chablis, and let it cook with the mushrooms for a few minutes.

Add the tomato juice, and the chicken broth. Allow it to boil for about 5 minutes before adding the heavy whipping cream, and bring to a soft boil.

Grate Parmesan and add it to the pot. Let this cook for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and blended with the soup. Add the cornstarch to 1/4 cup of water, then pour into the soup.

Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes or so, until thickened. Salt and pepper the soup to your own tastes.

Serve with French bread or just plain ‘ol crackers. Whatever floats your boat!

Note: this recipe can be easily doubled, which you may want to do anyway, cause it won’t last long if you have to share it!

tradition continues

2010-11-27T22:26:00.005-06:00

I look forward to Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas each year and for 12 days it's fun to see what the master comes up with. Each day from December 1st through the 12th you can go to Tim's blog and see for yourself what he has up his sleeve.

source

And even though scrapbook.com had a big sale on Friday with 20% off all Sizzix I've still got the Vagabond on my list and am waiting patiently to call one my own. That little machine is a beast and is powerful enough to not only cut through paper and cardstock, but it will also cut Sticky-Back Canvas, Grungepaper, Grungeboard, metal, acrylic, fabric, and chipboard as well! And it has a motor ~ eeekk! It's definitely a workhorse and oh my what fun I will have!

December 1st is around the corner so grab a mug of tea or some hot cocoa and enjoy some crafty goodness that begins in just three short days!

thankful

2010-11-25T14:17:00.001-06:00

source

We woke up to dipping temps, cold north wind and cloud cover. Within the first few hours that I was up the temperature had dropped 10 degrees. We are sitting at 37 with the "feels like" temp at 27 so it's definitely a blustery day. It cracks me up when I see that "feels like" because it's just a fancy way of saying wind chill. Why try to hide it, just say it already...that's what it is. I'm just sayin'! Yes, for all you haters of cold I am truly reveling in this and so is my sweet family. This makes us so happy! The only thing we are missing is snow! Seventeen years ago, when Tanner was just a newborn in 1993, on this day we had an ice and sleet filled day but no snow. Since Dallas always hosts one of the Thanksgiving Day games they hosted the Miami Dolphins in what has been referred to as the Ice Bowl. It was a crazy, crazy day that day and I spent it with friends in The Colony with Tanner. Read more about that day here.

The husband and I have been doing a lot of cooking the past few days so we're going to relax and enjoy all the goodies we have cooked up and spend time being thankful and to try not to eat til our bellies feel like Santa Claus! That's what Taryn says when she eats too much and her belly feels so full and it's funny how she does it.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and family. I am so very grateful to be able to be a part of your lives and sad we couldn't all be together for the holiday.

Blessings to you all.

The Brave Girls Club

2010-11-22T16:30:00.001-06:00

I'm pretty sure I'm unofficially a member of this club. I've been very interested in what is going on over at BGC lately. I receive their daily e-mails which lift my spirits, if only for the time it takes me to read them. You can go here to sign up to receive them for yourself if you would like. They do have the tendency to make you smile and feel loved. I have been reading the BGC blog when I have the time. About a month or so ago I ran across a blurb somewhere out in cyberspace about a class that starts January 11, 2011 and runs through February 22, 2011 called "Soul Restoration....the original YOU is still in there". I've been a little curious as to what it's all about so today I *finally* watched this video and was nearly brought to tears. I was convinced I was not going to take it, thinking that I didn't need to spend the money on yet another class (read: spend more money on me) but I'm thinking about asking for it as my Christmas gift this year from my family. You see, being an unofficial member, and I only say that because although I have not officially been a participant in Brave Girls Camp yet, I know that my story is that of a brave girl. I'm about to add another chapter to my brave girl story and I am being pulled to the class in way I cannot describe so I am thinking that I need to jump in feet first and go for it.

It's day 18 of the {21} challenge with Rhonna. We're nearing the end of the challenge and I must report that I've continued to fall off the wagon now and again. My challenge hasn't been easy and those tapes are definitely trying to stay on continuous play mode. I'm fighting it but I'm not always winning. I'm going to keep trying.

I've been working away on my metalsmithing class with Stephanie Lee and having a blast. Power tools and fire are definitely way too much fun! No pics yet to share.....I keep forgetting to take my camera out to the garage and snap a few of what's going on out there. I will try to remember tonight.

here I go again

2010-11-15T22:35:00.001-06:00

This totally is the opposite of who I am but man, don't I wish that it was who I was right about now....a woman of leisure. I'm barely keeping my head above water at this point and so ready to just have some time to go with the flow instead of swim against the rapids.

I've got so many ideas percolating in this little had of mine and I'm trying so hard to manage it all. (same story, different blog post, right?) Work is nuts. My calendar is nuts. I'm being pulled in 14 different directions. Recently I'm telling the family to "get in line" or "take a number".

Several good things....I ran into some old neighbors the other day after art club when I stopped into Michaels. So happy to see them again after so many years and so happy I decided to stop, because I sort of was not really wanting to. We even have a date on the calendar to get together and catch up. I cannot wait!

I'm on a winning roll again and I've won yet again over at Erin Bassett's blog. I'm going for three's a charm!

I owe people e-mails and I need to get chugging along on my class. I have a list of gifts I want to get started on. Work is stupid busy and I'm up until much later than my usual bedtime recently trying to make sure things are caught up and handled. I'll be glad when the hubby has normal hours, or at the very least, somewhat normal hours. We're still dealing with the upset apple cart due to his schedule change and that's part of what's throwing the wrench into things for me since the routine was routine and now it's not.

The little one and I got one very important project started tonight and we'll finish it up tomorrow night. She was ready for it so I decided if she wanted it and was going to help we would go ahead and do it since this is our favorite time of the year.

Oh, and Sirius/XM started playing their holiday music today. This makes me so happy. I understand some like to wait until after Thanksgiving but I'm not advertising it outside my house where it looks like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation so I feel that it's okay to enjoy warm and fuzzy feeling that it brings to us inside our home.

I'm all about the traditions and routines that will be carried on as well as remembered by the little people in my home and we've already made some long-lasting impressions on said little people by the way we do things around here and that's all I really want in this life....something that they will take with them so that they know they were loved with the thought was put into things for them and that they will feel that love when they think back on the way things were. It's funny, as I was working away tonight on that little project before the little one came out to help after her shower I realized just how much my kiddos have helped me to keep things normal because there was a time when I only did things because of the kids when things were so bad even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. It forced me to keep things normal. They kept me sane. They were my saving grace. They are the reason for my being.

sometimes I feel

2010-11-13T21:16:00.003-06:00

that the week just needs to come to an end. I need to close the door and start anew and move on holding on to faith and hope that the next week will be better with less ick and more goodness.

source

It's been one of those weeks full of thanks, disappointment, anger, sadness, surprise, fun, happiness, frustration, irritation, joy, blessings and hope.

Our new double oven/stove decided to stop working Thursday night but thankfully after we had dinner. We're now without a way to bake anything for approximately a week. So much for having two ovens - now we have none. At least the stovetop works. Good news is that it is still under warranty so it's just an irritating minor inconvenience and how ironic that the reason we got this new oven/stove was because my original one had issues with the control panel but it was too old and they were unable to find a replacement.

Due to the minor inconvenience having no oven has caused, this afternoon Tanner and I decided we needed to head to the market to try and find creative meals for the next few days. We had to just laugh when we arrived at the big Kroger and found they were having store samplings while being serenaded by a traveling violinist on one side of the store and a grand piano having its ivories played on the other side of the store. We got full plates of Thanksgiving dinner and salads and drinks and dessert and ham and chicken wings, coffee and sushi. We hadn't had lunch so we made the best of it and sampled whatever they were willing to dish up. Tanner made the comment of how he thought that the ambiance of the market was like that of the Titanic right before it started sinking. The music even actually sounded eerily like it as that traveling violinist made his way around. I guess he was thinking about the movie the Titanic that he watched on TV a few weeks back. I remember standing in line at Best Buy at midnight back in 1998 when that movie came out and he was just 4. There's that issue of time flying again.

I was pleasantly surprised today when I found out I had won this. I was at the mall reading my e-mail on my phone when I saw that Rebecca had posted a comment on my blog so I went to her blog and saw this. Having my name "in lights" is the coolest thing ev*ah and I thanked her for that as well. I ♥ it. You totally have to go check out Creairtive over on Etsy....she has some adorable stuff and I totally adore these and especially these.

I received my much anticipated Holiday with Matthew Mead magazine in my mail yesterday but didn't get my hot little hands on it until right before hubby and I walked out the door to have dinner with friends. It's still waiting for me to devour it in its entirety and believe me when I tell you I have been waiting a long, long time for it. If you want to know more about it check it out here. Mathew Mead is a genius! And a little birdy told me an article with NieNie is nestled inside the covers as well.

Today was a good day although still a bit more crazy than I wanted it to be. I attended my weekly techniques class at Williams-Sonoma this morning. I believe very strongly that attending is making me a better cook.

I actually remembered and spent 45 minutes in line to get my free $10 mall gift card after cooking class. I'm a bit behind on my metalsmithing class but I'm confident I'll find some time yet this weekend to play.

It's pretty chilly tonight and we are expecting 31 degrees over night so since my house is clean, the candles are burning and the laundry is basically caught up (honestly, is laundry ever caught up?) I think it's time to curl up with a mug of hot tea and a cozy blanklet (Tanner always called blanket, blanklet and now it's just what we call it around here) with my Holiday magazine. Need a little me time. Tomorrow is another busy day.

P.S. It's day 9 of the {21} challenge. I've slipped and fell a time or two but I'm picking myself back up and moving forward. I am worth it.

so many good things on the ticket this week

2010-11-11T18:46:00.000-06:00

{that's my motto and I'm sticking to it!}

Still here.
Busy, busy week.
I've been working.
I have been getting birthday gifts ready and sent a package to special little person who lives hundreds of miles away for her 4th birthday. I miss her and her big sister so much and her mommy just happens to be my awesome baby sister who I miss just as much.

I've been working on my metalsmithing class and getting my workbench in order. A bench grinder was my latest power tool purchase. I think at this point I own more power tools than the husband. Soon my garage will look like my dad's garage. Well....maybe not.

I've been visiting a beautiful and totally inspiring friend who will welcome a new bebe to the world and her family very, very soon. I was so lucky to have been able to lay my eyes on her absolutely gorgeous nursery that she has put so much love, attention and detail into. You literally feel the love when you walk through that door to the bebe's room. It's amazing and I was close to becoming teary when I was taking it all in.

I've been surprised by a visit from a friend we haven't seen in quite some time who does not live local anymore. So nice to see him and catch up, even if it was only for 45 minutes. We so need to go to San Antonio to visit him.

I've been spending time with my sweet hubby and had a wonderful intimate and yummy dinner last night.

We finally cleaned our filthy house - oh my goodness I hate when my house is dirty and boy do I ever love it when it is clean.

I've been helping little people get a handle on their rooms by getting clothes hung up in the closets instead of having them falling out of their dresser drawers.

I've finally got back out running in preparation for the 5k I'm participating on the 20th.

It's been raining and I absolutely love to hear the rain hitting the roof and every other thing those beautiful little drops may fall on.

I've been feeding the family and let me tell you they are spoiled around here. The buzzer just went off, it's time to eat....this mama is hungry.

one week in & day 4 of {21} challenge

2010-11-08T20:50:00.001-06:00

So I just took a gander at the calendar {ooohhh....I made a rhyme} and it reads today is Monday, November 8th. Now that may seem like a *duh* moment to some of you but to me I am trying to figure out just where that first week of this short month has gone. I really hope this month isn't a repeat of last month and I'm sitting here on November 30th scratching my head asking myself what the heck I just did for the entire past month and going crazy trying to figure out why time is passing by at the speed of sound. Geez...slow down already.

It is day 4 of The {21} Challenge. I've been doing okay so far. I will tell you that I have to think and be conscious in my thoughts. I've been working on being very present and accepting when Eric pays me complements which is never a rare thing...he is always talking me up and he truly means it. That's been a big struggle for me considering the best complement I ever got in my prior life was that I looked like a "beached whale" when I was pregnant and that I looked good enough to work at a strip club. Yeah....that's what I was told, among other things, by my ex. I won't bore you with the disgusting details, although at this point sometimes I feel like I should write a book because it would read just like a Lifetime movie and that sort of enthralls me to think that maybe I could become rich due to all that shit I dealt with. That would be a positive payoff, I'm telling you! I know I am lucky now to have such a great guy who thinks I am great and he truly means it. And it's really nice to know he is always "looking" at me and reminding me of that as well. Oh, the perks of being a Cougar. On a more serious note though, it's been a bit difficult but I'm trying very hard to make this stick and to make a new tape to play over and over in my head. Years and years of what I hate to call abuse (but honestly, there truly isn't another way to define it) really can stick it's ugly little tentacles in and hang out for periods of time you would be surprised by. It isn't something that just goes away. You have to consciously work on it and be aware because it creeps back and bites you in the butt when you least expect it. You can follow Rhonna's prompts on her blog daily here. It's not too late to join in or heck, do one on your own. We all have things we can work on, things we want to do better, things we need to change, things we need to find the time for but just don't make that time to do. It's all about becoming your best self.

The "red" cups are finally in at Starbucks for the holiday season. I love the messages on them...there are several different designs. Here is another design. Sadly I didn't actually keep my cup or the sleeve.....not sure where my head was that night. But never fear, I will be visiting as often as I can to get my fill of my favorite holiday drinks before they are gone until next holiday season and I will probably hoard the cups and use the excuse that I am going to create something with them. *smile*

Ahhhh.....my favorite time of the year happened at 2 a.m. Sunday morning when we knocked our clocks back an hour, better known as "falling back". An extra hour of sleep, an extra hour of darkness at night...only my two most favorite things about being on normal time and saying buh*bye to that goofy Daylight Savings Time. Sorry...I sort of function better when it's dark. I also like it when my kids don't have to go to school in the dark. I'm just sayin'. It sort of seems a little wrong for the kids to be fetching the bus before Mr. Sun comes up for the day.

Imagine how mortified I was when in 2007 after the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005 extended the time change a month, pushing it back two weeks in the fall and pushing it up two weeks in the spring....a whole month less of standard time....hoping it would save 10,000 barrels of oil each day through reduced power of businesses during daylight hours. Somehow I'm not sure that really helps save any oil because it's just as cold as it's going to be and the days are just as long as they always have been no matter what the clock says. I don't see how that will ever change the use of oil because business do not adjust their business schedules by when the sun comes up and goes down. But hey, I'm just a little person whose opinion doesn't amount to much.

Today was my first day of my Homesteader's Metalsmithing e-course by Stephanie Lee and I am loving it already. Tomorrow we break out the fire and I couldn't be more excited! Good things ahead....I can feel it!

I've found a few really fun and inspiring online magazines with wonderful ideas for the holidays. Please go check them out.

Inspired Ideas

Gifted Magazine from Creature Comforts

Now get to it~you have absolutely no reason not to get crafting for the holidays. Consider this your gentle reminder....only 47 days until Christmas.

The {21} Challenge

2010-11-05T23:17:00.001-05:00

I'm participating in The {21} Challenge again this year and today was the official start. Find out more about it here over on Rhonna's blog. My challenge is a bit more personal this time around since I feel that I've really conquered a few of the things on my list recently; one being blogging more often which I think I've been really successful keeping up with it recently. You see, I've got this habit of berating myself and talking negatively to myself when I really should be embracing and loving myself much more. I should be my biggest fan, not my biggest enemy and believe me, I've got plenty of those so I don't need any more of them in my life. I have a hard time sharing certain things on my blog because there are those out there who are haters as well as there are other things that keep me from sharing too much about myself and my family simply because I am not really sure I want certain people knowing too much about my life and the lives of my children right now.

I don't talk much about my horribly ugly and very costly divorce where the ex ultimately terminated his rights to MY children simply so he didn't have to pay child support. I know that he and his family and friends have internet access and while I don't like to put too much thought into these people who mean absolutely zilch to me or my children for that matter, (their words, not mine) I have to always be on guard because of how often and consistently we have been stalked by the ex since he decided to make that choice and how my family back home has been attacked verbally as well as physically (no, that was no typo and it was an over-exaggeration) due to this divorce and subsequent termination, that I wasn't in support of, except to get this man out of our lives because he wasn't doing what he was supposed to do as it pertains to being a father and taking care of his children and following the law. And they are not and never will again be his children because said children decided, on their own mind you, that they would like to change their last name to my maiden name to rid themselves of the ex's last name nine months of the termination. Pretty bold move on their part, if I do say so myself. Anyway, I've tried to lead a somewhat quiet life minding my own business and raising my children with my current husband but with the knowledge that we always have to watch our backs because we have no idea what to expect, and everyone knows that anyone who terminates their rights to their children knows that that person must be a total whack job so it's best to always be aware. Add to it the stalking and all the other things that he does (and there have been some pretty scary things go on where ex-husbands go on random witch hunts and end up doing very bad things to their ex's and their children), when he clearly signed his rights away makes one wonder just what his sick, sorry ass is capable of doing so with that, I find it hard to really be completely open on my blog about all the things that are ever present in our lives. I mean, he seriously stalked my son outside his place of work back in May....the man was in the parking lot for 5 hours after going through my son's line at his place of business, then approached him when he left work to come home that night. But I'm taking a leap of faith and sharing just a bit more simply because this blog is not just for me, it's for my family and friends who love me and think I'm simply all that! So with that....I'm going to work for the next 21 days trying to make it a habit that I stop beating myself up for what it is I think I screwed up/will screw up and have done wrong/will do wrong and focus on all that I have done right/will do right and work on talking myself up because I know who I am, how very strong I am and I can honestly tell every one out there reading this entry that I must have done something very right to have the two most wonderful and beautiful kids in the entire world, and that is no exaggeration. I swear that I have had absolutely, without a doubt, the easiest children to deal with that I have ever come across, and I've talked to a lot of parents. I'm not saying that we are above anyone else....I'm just saying that my kids are really easy save for the bickering every now and then but even that isn't as bad as it could be because the kids have a very rare close relationship, I feel, because of what they have been through. Now tell me, who shouldn't be patting themselves on the back for that?

It's time I start building myself up instead of tearing myself down so here's to the journey of loving and accepting myself more than I could have ever thought possible because I am worth it and I AM ALL THAT!

2010-11-04T13:37:00.000-05:00

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“You are Braver than you Believe, Smarter than you Seem, and Stronger than you Think.”
Winnie the Pooh

Hump Day

2010-11-03T20:03:00.000-05:00

While off last week I spent a lot of time perusing aisles of favorite stores and malls just for inspiration. When I'm not stressed out about work and dealing with the 23 things I deal with at one time my mind tends to work a little bit better with the "thinking outside the box" mentality. While at Ikea I found this fun little silver garland for just $1.99. My mind started swirling with ideas on what I could do with it and I immediately got to work when I got home using my Cuttlebug to dry emboss the silver angel, star and heart shapes. They were super easy to remove from the clips and just as easy to slip back on. I've already warned the husband that I will be making another trip back to Ikea very soon to pick up a bunch more to play with.

Today I thought it was time to check out the new Whole Foods that just opened a few miles from here as I was on my way home from my chiropractor. I have been patiently waiting for this store to open now for probably a year and a half. It was slated to be open quite some time ago but the date got pushed back, which is typical when it comes to building anything it seems. The wait was definitely worth it and I know I'll be making many visits to that store in the future. One of my favorite things, though, was sitting outside the store and I forgot to take a photo of it, of course. It's a fire pit with Adirondack chairs circling around it. After the rain stopped today turned out to be the perfect day to be sitting around the open fire relaxing.

a wonderfully dreary day

2010-11-02T15:50:00.001-05:00

The cold rain, blustery wind and the clouds in the sky make for the perfect day to get cozy and warm and drink my favorite drink of the fall, salted caramel hot cocoa from Starbucks. Never mind the calories...I always do it skinny and since it only comes round once a season I am okay with going a little overboard.

I decided since it was finally a cool, rainy day that it was the perfect time to whip up some wonderful baked potato soup from allrecipes.com.

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I broke out my new black Le Creuset 7-1/4 quart round french oven that I purchased over at the Le Creuset outlet store in Allen about a month ago and went to town. I absolutely adore this pot and have waited for so long to get one. It is amazing what a thick bottomed pot will do for your cooking! Baked potato soup is always a hit with the husband and kids and it's super simple to make plus it leaves the house smelling oh so wonderful. The icing on the cake is mommy has fun playing with her pot and her littles and the husband are with happy bellies! Top the soup with some freshly cooked bacon, a little freshly grated cheddar (yes, freshly grated, not the stuff you buy in the packages at the store already grated-yuck!) and some sliced green onions and you're in for a treat. If you want to add some sour cream to the top of it feel free - it just makes it taste even more like a loaded baked potato.

Have you ever heard of The Brave Girls Club? If not you need to check them out. It's two sisters who set out to create something fabulous for us women who want to live the best, happiest, most productive and fabulously bravest life possible. I get e-mails from them nearly every day and more often than not they speak directly to my soul. The latest message I got was this:

Dear Beautiful Girl, (I love how I am referred to as a beautiful girl so often in the e-mails - makes me feel so happy when I wake up and read my e-mail first thing int he morning.)

That thing that's been lingering on your mind, burning in your heart, that scary beautiful thing that you can't get out of your whole soul because it wants to be heard and acted upon. Guess what lovely? It's not going to go away.

It's not going to go away because it's the deepest wisdom and authenticity of you trying to get you on exactly the right track. It is your truth.

What would a leap of faith look like? What is it that is holding you back? Would it be so bad just to take that first step? Would it be so bad to stop and really honor yourself and at least listen to that longing?

This is where your choices will make every difference in the world. This is where the fork in the road just might lead to the place you've been praying to be.

Get quiet, dear friend. Listen closely. Then be brave when you know exactly what to do next but can't quite get the courage to do it. Be brave and go for it, then do it again. Live THAT ONE PRECIOUS LIFE OF YOURS - - really really live it.

It is time.
xoxo

More often than not the messages come at the right time in my life when I need a boost and lately there have been so many changes taking place in mine, and my family's lives, that right now that I'm beginning to sense a pattern to the message. I am feeling the tide changing, though if you have been reading the winds of change have been blowing in for a while now, and I am not sure which way to go. I've so many thoughts and emotions going on inside me that sometimes I cannot even make sense of what to do next and as much as I want to hold on to what I have right now I know it will not be possible to do so for much longer so I think it's time to take that leap of faith and see what I can do and finally see if I have wings to fly.

November 1st....

2010-11-01T21:45:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for a challenge? The new {The 21 Challenge} start date is merely days away? Check it out here and see for yourself if you'd like to join in and make or break a habit. Think you don't have time or that it's not enough time to make or break your habit think again. Experts agree that it only takes 21 days to change a behavior. That's only 21 days, 3 weeks, 504 hours, 30,240 minutes....you get the picture. Skeptical? Give it a try and see for yourself.

And if you want more information, click here find out what is in store for Webshow Wednesday on U-Stream and to hear more about the process of {The 21 Challenge}with Rhonna and Heidi. Be there or be square.

we interrupt this program for a very important announcement...

2010-10-31T19:10:00.000-05:00

Lots of holiday stamping goodness.....making my own tags this year and how wonderful would this set from 7Gypsies be?

Divine holiday paper tape. I would have to tape everything in my path. Trust me, I have a paper tape fetish and it all started with that boy whose name rhymes with Jim.

And super fun 12 Days of Christmas ATC (artist trading cards) kit. You wouldn't have to use these as ATCs...you cold use them for creating your gift tags or making a 12 Days of Christmas book or whatever your imagination can conjure up. Remember, one is only limited by their imagination.

This is the first holiday line that 7Gypsies has done and even though it is small it packs quite a bit of punch. I can think of at least half a dozen things to do with them right off the bat and the wheels haven't stopped turning. Check out all the deets right here and sign up for your chance to win a set of their goodies!

October 31st

2010-10-31T11:15:00.001-05:00

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It's that day of the year when all the little ooglie-booglies come out once dusk beckons and they travel house to house in search of sweet treats and are occasionally tricked.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween.

the 29th

2010-10-29T16:56:00.003-05:00

A text from my little one this morning:
Taryn: Exactly 3 months til my birthday!!
Me: Yesirree!

I think someone in this house is very excited that her birthday is coming (how can I blame her - birthdays are for Princesses, this I know) but I think she is more excited by the fact that she will then be able to take her driving course so she can learn to drive.

Yesterday I spent the day running a few more errands and then made my way to the NorthPark Williams-Sonoma to see Bakerella at her booksigning for Cake Pops.

Angie is so adorable and sweet. My only regret is that I did not purchase the book and have her sign it. I had big plans of getting down there early expecting there to be a line but by the time I actually got there the line was really pretty long and I decided I didn't want to stand in line that long even though now I wished that I had. Hind sight is 20/20 vision and I will probably never get that opportunity again but I did get to see her and hear the Q&A session so with that I am okay about it. Now, if I actually win the signed copy of the book from The Nerd's Wife blog that would be the icing on my cake pop, for sure! Head on over to sign up for your own chance to win. I've got my fingers and toes crossed!

I then walked through the mall visiting my favorite stores ~ Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, XXI, Juicy, Paper Source, Lush ~ for inspiration and eye candy, had lunch at Tin Star and then headed out. When I walked through WS to get to the parking lot where I parked the car there was still a line of people waiting (they were all finally inside the door) to have their books signed and the last person in line at that time had #143 on their sticker which meant there were a lot of fans waiting to meet and talk to the super awesome Angie. I'm planning on making cake pops and when I do I am ready as I bought the cutter to do just that!

Last night I spent time with my sweet friend, Michelle, who is always a source of inspiration and support. A true beacon of light in my little world. She is weeks away from giving birth to her second baby boy, Luke, who I am so excited to finally meet. I covered nesting totes for the nursery and made a couple of fun tags to decorate the gifts with. I've had the best time with this super fun die by Tim Holtz Alterations. That Tim....he never ceases to amaze!
Making rosettes has become an addiction!

Super simple adding a beautiful touch to packaging. I wish I had gotten photos of all the tags I made because I broke out the crepe paper as well!

time off is good

2010-10-27T23:11:00.000-05:00

Day 2 of my 3-day hiatus and all I can say is it's been good for my soul to be off of work. I have been filling my days with all things wonderful. I had so many things worked up in my head earlier that I wanted to say but it's all left my overfull brain and this is what I am left with.

Yesterday I spent the day with 'the husband' yesterday. We had breakfast that we had cooked together

I know, the photo makes the food look a little sick, sorry. I used Lo-Mob again trying to make it look appetizing but even the original photo looks a bit off. I swear it is amazing though, promise!

By Everyday Food via Seattle Times

Corn-Tortilla and Egg Scramble
Makes 4 servings
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 corn tortillas, torn into small pieces
1/2 white onion, diced small (1 cup)
1 large poblano chili, seeded and diced small (1 cup)
1 medium tomato, diced small (1 cup)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
8 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
Salsa or hot sauce (optional), for serving
1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add tortillas and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Discard all but 2 teaspoons oil from skillet. Add onion and chili and cook until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato and cook until it begins to break down, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Add eggs, tortillas and cheese and cook, stirring constantly, until eggs are set, about 3 minutes. Serve with salsa or hot sauce if desired. [I serve it with my awesome homemade salsa via Pioneer Woman]

Nutritional information per serving: 391 calories; 26.4 grams fat (7.4 grams saturated fat); 18.9 grams protein; 21.9 grams carbohydrates; 3.3 grams fiber

We then we went antiquing on the square where more of my childhood memories were conjured up because of this:

(circa 1969 date stamped on back)

That pumpkin decorated our home for years as I was growing up. I have no idea where it is now, or if my mom even still has it, but Eric told me to buy it if I wanted it and even my sister said I should get it. I have not yet gone back to get it because I'm not sure I can part with the 23 big ones it has on the price tag but when my eyes caught sight of that little fellow I was taken back just as if I were a little girl yesterday. The only thing he needs is a light popped into his back to illuminate him as he was missing the original.

Antiquing was followed by an afternoon snack of portobello mushroom fries on the patio at Sauce on the Square. We met up with a friend and then spent the evening watching a movie called Winter's Bone, winner of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival's Grand Jury prize as well as catching up on Sons of Anarchy.

Today I spent the day running around gathering supplies for a class I am taking over at Stephanie Lee's blog called the Homesteader's Metalsmithing E-course. Jumping off my box and taking a leap of faith hoping that this will be something great. A few other friends of mine are also taking the class so it will be fun to see how we all progress. Another friend from our art club has already taken the class and her work is beautiful. I hope mine turns out half as good as hers because she is amazing at everything she does. I do still have a few more items to locate and then I will need to get "the husband" out in the garage so we can get it cleaned up and I will be able work on my workbench without anything in the way. I'm really not too swift when it comes to knives and scissors....let's hope that doesn't also crossover to fire, heat and torches. And I can finally make some creme brulee since I now own a small torch. I never thought it too cool to bring in the old, fat and nasty one from the garage to cook with. It just seemed so unsanitary and surely the city food inspector would frown upon it if he were inspecting us at that very moment I was using that to harden my sugar atop my yummy, creamy concoction. So glad we actually did make creme brulee in cooking class a few weeks ago at Williams-Sonoma. Doesn't seem as hard as I thought it was. Why do I always make things harder than they really are?

So I leave you with one more recipe:

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This was heavenly just as the recipe reads which is how we ate it. Chef BJ Harms, the chef for our local Williams-Sonoma said to firm the custard up a bit you can use 2 egg yolks and 1 egg. Personally I don't really think it needs to be thicker so it's simply personal preference.

Creme Brulee courtesy Williams-Sonoma

A classic dessert, vanilla crème brûlée should be experienced in its purest form before embellishing it with additional ingredients. You might try steeping lemon or orange peel with the vanilla bean, or adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom. Either way, this simple recipe will produce a smooth, velvety custard with a delicate caramel topping.

Ingredients:

1/2 vanilla bean
2 cups heavy cream
3 egg yolks
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup plus 4 Tbs. sugar

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 300°F. Have a pot of boiling water ready. Line a baking pan that is 2 to 3 inches deep with a small kitchen towel.

Using a paring knife, split the vanilla bean lengthwise down the middle and scrape the seeds into a 2-quart saucepan. Add the cream, stir to mix and set the pan over medium-low heat. Warm the cream until bubbles form around the edges of the pan and steam begins to rise from the surface. Remove from the heat and set aside to steep, about 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, salt and the 1/4 cup sugar until smooth and blended. Gradually add the cream to the egg mixture, whisking until blended. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Divide the custard among four 5- or 6-oz. ramekins and place the ramekins in the prepared baking pan. Add boiling water to fill the pan halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake until the custard is just set around the edges, 35 to 40 minutes.

Transfer the ramekins to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 3 days.

Just before serving, sprinkle 1 Tbs. of the sugar evenly over each custard. Using a kitchen torch, melt the sugar according to the manufacturer's instructions. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

carving pumpkins

2010-10-26T09:26:00.002-05:00

The annual tradition of carving pumpkins happened last night. We are down one child who doesn't like to touch the "guts" [plus he was at work] but the little one is still holding steady as she takes carving very seriously not allowing anyone to help her with any situation she feels too difficult to tackle when it comes to carving her pumpkins. She judges her pumpkins too harshly when she finds a cut she doesn't like and needs tweaking but beware, don't ask her if you can help her because she's all about doing it herself. Now who does that sound like to you? We had to have a little discussion about how it's okay to ask for help and to receive help though that didn't go over too well. Ahhh....she's definitely mine! Yes, the apples never fall far from the tree, ain't that right Dad?!

Precision.

Cutting through the flesh creating a second eye in order for him to see.

He's taking on a look of his own.

My friend, Jack.

pumpkins all aglow.

And if you were thinking I had actually forgotten about my countdown to Christmas and how many days we have left....think again. Yesterday was October 25th which means as of yesterday it was two months until my most favorite day of the year. And if you're looking for the number of days so you can count them down, it's exactly 59 days until the big day! Time to get cracking on those homemade gifts and searching for sales for the others on your list that you just can't figure out the perfect gift to make for them.

I'm off for the next three days and so in need of the break from work. Whatever shall I do with my time? Lucky me though - I woke up to a "!" = high importance e-mail in my inbox from the office. It'll have to wait until Friday....I'm off the clock! (Besides...I read it and it's nothing THAT important. I think they just like to make it seem like everything is a life or death matter.)

Time to go play............

estate sale

2010-10-23T23:14:00.001-05:00

Friday morning after taking my Mini-Me to the walk-in clinic after begging to go to the doctor because she still wasn't feeling well (it had been a week since I picked her up from school) I drover over to my first ever estate sale. Or at least my first estate sale as an adult. I'm sure I probably went to one when I was a child. I know we went to auctions. I'll never forget the stern lecture I would get as the auctioneer was about to start the bid-calling to not raise my hand in the air or scratch my head or do anything that might make them think that we were bidding on anything other than what my parents may want. As I walked up to the sale I saw this Tote-A-Toy roller cart for toys.

I had one of these nifty toy holders when I was a little girl and the second I saw it I nearly choked on my own spit. I had not seen one of these in so many years I had forgotten all about it and since I do not have my childhood photos in my possession I'm sure there are other wonderful things I won't be reminded of until I see them again. I can remember how badly I wanted to sit in it and I think I actually may have. Oops..... You know, when you are little anything that you can crawl into, through, on or around is fair game. I tried to do a web search to see if I could locate any information about this item but I came up empty handed as I am not even sure who made these. But wow.....did I ever get a trip down memory lane. I didn't bring it home but I did bring these three books home.

I finally got my hands on a vintage Dick and Jane book. I got Fun with Dick and Jane and We Look and See. They are from the 1946-1947 curriculum and Ride with Us is from the 1954-1955 curriculum. Fun stuff and when Taryn texted me later that morning to see if I picked up the Anscoflex camera I actually went in search but unfortunately was unable to find one she just laughed at me and told said "haha....OMG you and dick and jane."

I'm still in search of that camera so I can take TTV (through the viewfinder) photos. My grandfather had one but apparently it is not in the possession of my mom and that truly is a huge bummer. I'll keep looking.

boring is for bores

2010-10-21T18:15:00.001-05:00

On October 1st I went to Canton with some friends and had a great time. Maybe you remember the post about my adventure. If not, you can read it here. I picked up this fun piece at Laurie Anna's because I felt it was so fitting for who I am. It really did speak to me and was the first thing I picked up for purchase that day.

I love reading it every time I pass by the spot it now occupies on our wall. (and I read it every. single. time. I pass by) It reminds me that even though I am a crazy girl who enjoys being nutty, and I am always afraid people are looking at me thinking I've obviously just escaped from the State Hospital, that it's okay and I'm just enjoying life........because the last thing I want to be is BORING!

and can I just say that I'm still having so much fun with Lo-Mob - oh be still my ♥

gone batty

2010-10-20T21:00:00.001-05:00

Sunday I met with my art club for our monthly meeting and the project was these super cute bats. Member Traci Hutton from Art-T-Dolls whipped up this really cool pattern for the clubbers to get their Halloween groove on.

It was so much fun and we were able to complete our project in the two hours' time we had after swapping our spooky swaps.

My swap was fun to put together and it's always good to have something to hide behind on the most spooky of nights. I had purchased these pumpkin shaped masks last year at JoAnns and covered them with the Phantom background paper from House of 3. I distressed with scattered straw and pumice stone Tim Holtz Distress Inks and of course had to add some bling. Every project needs a little bling!

halloween fun

2010-10-16T15:07:00.000-05:00

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If you've ever done Secret Santa or dropped May baskets at friends' homes on May 1st, the Halloween version is just as much fun. Stop by Rhonna Farrer's blog for the free download printable and then print two copies of the BOO poem and two copies of the BOO sign. Add them to a small treat bag/gift bucket then deliver the BOOs secretly to a friend's doorstep and watch the BOO signs multiply. It's such a fun way to celebrate the kid in all of us.

I'm about to head on over to Mike's to start working on makeup for the Halloween party. Wish me luck....makeup is definitely not my strongest point considering I rarely wear it because I don't really need it. Ahhh.....the simple blessings in life.

where to start

2010-10-15T14:04:00.002-05:00

Or rather where to stop. It's been one of those weeks and I haven't had one of THOSE weeks in a great long while. Call it one of life's wonders, the "when it rains it pours" phenomena or whatever you want to call it but I don't want to have one of those again for a very, very long time. I am so glad it's Friday because I do not think my spirit can take much more. It's time for some fun and the fun is about to start now.

I'm about to call it day, or rather a week, in the work department. No good news on the work front - sounds like my job will most definitely be ending sometime in December/January. It wouldn't be a surprise if it goes before that though as that's how it works in my field. This definitely doesn't make me happy but I'll take some time off for a bit and see how things go. There is a saying that goes a little like this: "when one door closes another one opens" so we'll see just how that plays out. I don't want it to sound like I'm complaining, because I'm not, but I do need some time to just stop. I have been going nonstop in overload for about eight years and have had very little time to just breathe so with this chapter ending hopefully I can get things in order, the way I like things to be in order, around here and see where the road leads. I feel so lucky to have such a supportive husband on every level. He really is wonderful.

I've got a little one home sick having had to pick her up from school this morning. She was truly miserable this morning but she somehow managed to get to school to take her 1st period test so that she wouldn't have to make it up. I know how rough that must have been for her, especially since she got sick on the way to school, but now she's resting peacefully in her room and she looks like an angel. I hate it when the kiddos are under the weather. I know there will be some cuddle time later while we watch a movie and rest together.

I was asked to do makeup for one of my good friends tomorrow before they head out to a Halloween party. He's going to be the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland so I've been studying up on how to apply the makeup, exact placement as well as colors. I sure hope what he gets isn't less than his expectations. I warned him yesterday that I have only done makeup a couple times like that so being a completely amateur he can't make fun of my skills and the end product. All he keeps saying is, "you're so artistic, it's easy, you can do it." My mind keeps telling me he's expecting WAY too much so it's making me a bit uneasy because I do not want to disappoint.

source

I saw a post on CNN.com the other day about a blog that ABC is planning on turning into a show, much like CBS did with the Shit My Dad Says twitter feed. If you've ever been to the Awkward Family Photos blog and you love it as much as I do you'll be happy to hear that is the show they are adapting into a TV series. I've seen Shit My Dad Says several times and haven't been all that impressed with it. I think that William Shatner tries to hard. It just feels forced but it could just be that I don't see him as a great actor. He was in Star Trek for pete's sakes....not so sure he ever made the transition from Star Trek to anything else he has ever done. I am hoping, though, that the new show will deliver good humor just as the blog does as it is known for its hilarious snapshots of families sporting matching mullets, garish couture and uncomfortable poses in strange places. CBS also purchased the rights to Shh... Don't Tell Steve, another Twitter account in which a guy secretly documents his roommate's strange, booze-addled behavior and reads much like that of two 15 year olds and their quest for independence and exploration of the world and adulthood via the immature route.

I've been searching for some spooky wine labels and found some here at Boo-it-Yourself and I found the ones above here at Censational Girl. Just download, print on some sticker paper and slap on your bottles.

Time to go check on my sweet girl to see how she's doing as my weekend officially begins. I say BRING IT!

there once was a little seed

2010-10-11T20:38:00.005-05:00

that was showered with tender loving care all summer long from a little girl who has a green thumb just like her great grandpa and from that little seed she lovingly cared for grew these three little beauties, perfectly smooth and green

cutting into them revealed their beauty on the inside which was just as perfect as their outside beauty

we mixed them up with a few other ingredients in mama's pink Kitchen Aid food processor and now we have fresh salsa for the boys who are now two very happy boys indeed

*I got my recipe for restaurant style salsa while surfing the web as I recovered from surgery this past February when all I had was time on my hands - I do it The Pioneer Woman way! And while you're there....click around on the site.

glitter, glitter everywhere

2010-10-09T19:42:00.001-05:00

Nine plastic skeletons covered in glue and sprinkled with beautiful Martha Stewart black licorice glitter from this super fun holiday glitter pack were turned into spooky, sparkly Halloween decorations.

I'm having so much fun with the Lo-Mob app on my iPhone. So many effects are offered (28 so far) and they're all so awesome! When I don't want to lug around my DSLR (read: too lazy) or need really good pics it's the perfect companion. You should see how many photo apps and photo editing apps I have on my phone now and I'm not done collecting. So much fun!

imagine

2010-10-08T14:46:00.001-05:00

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Tomorrow, October 9th, is what would have been the 70th birthday of John Lennon, one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time. The song "Imagine" reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 here in the U.S. As Wikipedia reports, Yoko Ono, John's wife, indicated that the lyrical content of "Imagine" was "just what John believed — that we are all one country, one world, one people. He wanted to get that idea out."

Sadly at the age of 40, on December 8, 1980, John was murdered by Mark David Chapman, a man who Lennon had signed a copy of his comeback album "Double Fantasy" for earlier that evening. "Double Fantasy" had only been released three weeks earlier. I was 11 years old at the time and vaguely remember hearing about it on the news.

If we all would just 'imagine' all the world as one.

Imagine (click to watch it on YouTube)

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Happy 70th birthday to a dreamer.

life's an hourglass

2010-10-06T22:53:00.002-05:00

".....see the sand in my grasp
from the first to the last
every grain becomes a memory of the past
oh, life is an hourglass" ~mindy gledhill *anchor*

I realize it doesn't seem like it should be such a big deal but when you have had something that has stood by you for so many years and the time comes to say goodbye it's a bit heartbreaking.

This 1995 Nissan Altima SE has been by my side since the day I laid the cash down for it back in April of 1998. I wasn't even considering a 4-door car when I saw her that spring day in April at Carmax. She looked at me from the showroom floor and I fell in love. She may have had 4 doors but the fact that she had a spoiler, a sunroof and she was a standard meant I would still be driving a cool car and not a family car. I never liked the look of family cars or vans. Never wanted to drive a "bus" as I call them. And I dealt with a 2-door car for many years getting the kids in/out of their car seats in the back seat without the accessibility a 4-door would give me and it never once bothered me. I know, I'm a little on the cuckoo side. If it looks cool I'll sacrifice. I'm still like that today and my next car will mimic those very details. Thing is I never thought I would be so sad watching the new owner drive away in the Altima but that's when it hit me. I will be honest...I did shed some tears. Something about all the memories, good and bad, each and every one quickly replaying in my head. Eric was so sweet telling me it wasn't silly that I was so sad and my friend Diane also told me I wasn't crazy. It seems dumb, I know.

I've grown my kids with that car. Not literally but you know what I mean....it's been there throughout almost all of their entire short lives. It's been with me through thick and thin. It's gone across the country and back more times than I can count. Eric drove it back and forth to work when he worked in downtown Ft. Worth for several years. I taught my son to drive in this car and then for his 16th birthday it was given to him as his first car. It was a veritable rock in my world for so many years but today I said goodbye. I watched it drive away and my heart broke into a million pieces as another chapter of my life closes.

It's quite unheard of these days that anyone keeps a car for that long and I had her for 12 1/2 years...almost exactly to the day. It was a great car and she rarely let us down. She was in awesome condition for being so old and she was just a few hundred miles from turning over 200,000 miles. Don't be surprised when I say this but I think I would have had to celebrate. (yes, I would totally do something silly like that because I do crazy things. life is about being spontaneous and crazy so celebrating something like that seems only right.) Recently she has been costing us more and more in the repair bill department so the boys are happy she's gone. Not so sure my mechanic will feel the same way....that was his bread and butter!

But for me, I know it's just a car but it's a car with so many memories.

Spark No. 2

2010-10-06T08:10:00.003-05:00

This may officially be my 15 minutes of fame. That's Margaret on the left, me and Suzette, my sweet friends from Florida. We had an absolutely amazing time, the 3 of us.

In all seriousness though, take a moment to watch this teaser about our time at Spark No. 2. I have been patiently waiting for our DVD to arrive in the mailbox and word on the Spark blog is it will be shipping in early November. I am anxious to relive the sparkin' good time I had with other creative souls. Our private outdoor Mindy Gledhill concert on Friday night was to die for - she is absolutely precious and the candy bar, not as in chocolate bar, a real candy bar ~think candy store~ was absolute heaven. I totally forgot to take a picture of the old fashioned popcorn popper. Check this out and you'll know exactly what I mean (and this was only half of the candy bar):

I really need to get on the ball and get some photos uploaded to share. Everyone else shared theirs within a couple days of the event. I go through this idea of having to edit all my photos and that just puts me behind and I need to go ahead and just upload what I have and forget about it but regardless I'm telling you, time is a precious commodity for me but let's look at it like this - I'm able to stretch out the goodness delaying my Spark No. 2 post. (at least it sounds good, right?)

And for all of you who may be wondering ironically enough I am still sparkin' even though it's now nearly a month after the event. I would have to say that the little SPARK that found a place deep down inside was well worth cost - priceless. I just won't let you in on my pathetic secret that I haven't had much time to use that SPARK in my studio which makes me sad but I am trying really hard to fix that little problem.

please welcome the newest member of the family

2010-10-03T18:09:00.001-05:00

We have a new addition to the family. She's quite adorable and obviously my favorite color. She goes fast and she's got all my "requirements" of what I want in a car. She's not loaded but she's perfect just the way she is.

We've been busy over at our house playing musical cars. Tuesday was a really slow day (read: no work) for me so Eric decided he wanted to go do something fun after we dropped the Accord off at the dealership for some warranty work. Driving off to find something fun to do he suggests that we just go look at cars. Apparently he thinks that looking at cars is fun. It's only fun in my book when you're planning to buy and usually that ends up really bad because for some reason you can't find what you want. So we parked and got out and proceeded to walk the lot and check out what they had. Of course we were immediately pounced upon by the salesman whom we quickly told we were "just looking" so he left us alone. We spent about 20 minutes looking around and as we were leaving the lot we walked by two cars we had not seen, one of which Eric was immediately smitten with, a little black '09 Honda Civic Si. This little beauty was sitting there with her sister but he didn't see her since she was not the right color, I found this little tid bit out just last night. He told me he wanted to drive it so I thought, what the heck, we've got time to kill so he might as well have some fun. It's not like we are planning on buying a car right now anyway. So yes, he got to drive the little darling and he was even more in love. When we got back to the dealership the Accord was ready to be picked up but our salesman (a different one than the one who pounced on us whose name is Michael Johnson and no, he's not THAT Michael Johnson and I know that because I asked!) said he would be willing to talk numbers just to see what they could come up with. Anyway, at that point I looked at Eric and told him if he wanted the car I would be more than happy to see if my sweet boy wanted to take over payments on the Accord which meant that we would still only have one car payment and he would have the car he really wanted when we bought the Accord. The reason we got the Accord was because we got one hell of a deal on it. Tanner absolutely loved the Accord from the day we brought it home and he was wanting to buy a car earlier this summer but we nixed that idea quickly citing it was not a smart thing to do at the time. When I made that call and asked him what he thought about taking over payments on the Accord there was no hesitancy. There was simply a "are you serious" followed with a very happy yes. I told him it would be a sick and cruel joke to play on him calling him up to make an offer like that to him so yes, I was completely serious. So with that we went ahead and bought our newest member, welcoming her with open arms into our family. This is the first car I have never test driven before we bought it. The hitch was the fact that I was supposed to the next in line for a new car and I can tell Eric felt so bad that he was getting another car. He kept saying "I feel bad", "it's your turn", "we don't have to do this" and he was even saying this stuff to the salesman which really cemented the fact he felt badly about it but I told him it was fine and that it made sense to do it this way. Tanner needed a better car and he is more than capable of making the payments. He's only got 3 years of payments left on the Accord and they are really low so that means he gets a really great car that will take him down the road for a good while as he heads into college next fall and begins the next chapter in his life. Taryn will need a car in a little more than a year so I can drive the car I have until she needs a car and then I will definitely get a new car and let's just say that with all the collateral I now have racked up I will be getting the exact car I want and there will be no hassles from the husband. Ahhhh....life IS good.

This also serves a great purpose in teaching a life lesson to Tanner about what it takes to own and care for a car, what it costs and the sacrifices one must make to have the things in life that you want to have. It's all about working hard to reap the benefits. And I will be the first to say that he makes me so proud being willing to take on this sort of responsibility at his age. He truly is a great kid.

I also need to make sure I make mention of what Eric has done and will continue to do when it comes to us. He has stepped up to the plate when it wasn't his place. He has been there for these kids and he has taken care of them when the person who was supposed to decided he didn't want to give up his money to me to take care of said children. That's fine....as much as it sucks for the kids and for us it's been so rewarding for Eric, and for me, to see the bond that he has with the kids. So many times been told that I have the perfect husband and many people are continually in awe of what support I have in relation to what the kids and I have been through, having a guy step up like that but I have to remind them that he is, after all, a guy as well a human and while he's really wonderful he is in no way perfect and neither am I. I now they mean perfect as in that he is completely 100% supportive of me and he cooks and cleans and goes to the supermarket and does laundry, etc. I think that it wasn't only me and the kids who got lucky, it was also Eric. What the kids have brought to his life has been immeasurable and he has told me many times that my kids are the best kids he's ever come in contact with and that he loves them like they were his own. And I believe that the kids feel the same way - they adore Eric. And if you could have been the fly on the wall that I was while Eric was having a conversation with Taryn about a car for her (after we came home with the new car because she was under the impression she was going to be getting the Accord) when it comes time you would know just exactly what I mean. It was precious as he promised her he would do his best get her the car she wanted when the time came though thing is she will probably have to do what Tanner had to do, drive a car we already have for a little while before that happens. Kids need to not be given everything and they also need to learn how to be humble.

Never in a million years would I have thought this would play out the way it did but I didn't hesitate once when the transaction was taking place knowing in my heart this was the right thing to do. Let's just say that this wasn't in the plans. It's funny how so many things really "aren't in the plans" when you sit down and think about it.

Ultimately for me it was all about what was right and what was best, not that I was getting the shaft. I won't lie, I am a little jealous but it's my car too so it's not like I won't be driving it. The kids are what is important here and making sure they are taken care of is key. And Eric has also sacrificed and he deserves it as much as I do. I have done, and will continue to do whatever it takes to help them along and grow their wings so when the day comes and they fly from the nest they can do it with the confidence that they know what to expect in life and I will know in my heart that I did whatever I had to to make sure they were able to do just that.

Although there is one little moral to this story.....there is never a time when you say you are going to "just" go look at cars because you always end up buying.

it's the 1st

2010-10-01T23:43:00.002-05:00

It's been a wonderfully full day of girl time and shopping at First Monday Trade Days Canton and Laurie Anna's Vintage Home in Canton, TX.

The weather was fairly cooperative as it wasn't overly warm settling only in the low 80s. If you were in the sun though you could definitely find yourself sweating a little more than you really wished you were but all in all it was a beautiful day to be out searching for treasures.

I was able to snipe a few shots with my iPhone before I got found out by the photo police of Laurie Anna's. Seriously, I'm not sure what the big deal is...it's just a photo people and I love to photograph my own little portion of the world. I just don't see the harm in capturing a little beauty here and there. They're definitely a proud little store only open 4 days a month during First Monday Trade Days. How nice would a job like that be?

I used Lo-Mob from iTunes to change the look of the photos and to add frames. I am really loving the variety of choices I have taking photos with my iPhone. It is so much easier than lugging around my DSLR all the time and the photos it takes aren't too bad. I've got a few different apps that I have been enjoying recently: Lo-Mo, Toy Camera, Hipstamatic and Kiwi Camera. I've also downloaded some editing software (only the free apps thus far) and need to sit down and figure out exactly what to do with them. There is an article in the most recent Somerset Digital Studio that caught my fancy so I picked it up to try and learn from it which is where I got the names of the editing software apps. Stampington & Company has so many wonderful publications I just wish they weren't so pricey. I have to use my coupons when I can otherwise I just can't bring myself to sink the money into them. But the ones I do possess do find a permanent home in my stash of eye candy to peruse.

can't let this slip by

2010-09-30T22:41:00.004-05:00

Oh my, it's been 50 years since the debut of one of my favorite cartoons of all time. The Flintstones is 50 years old today! The show debuted on ABC on September 30, 1960 and was the first animated prime-time series. (Before you click to watch the video pause the music on the side bar to the right.)

I used to watch The Flintstones and The Jetsons religoiusly when I was a kid....really loved them both and to this day I still do. After thinking about it I think there may be a reason for that. I honestly think it had something to do with the idea of a wholesome, tight-knit family and how that intrigued me. The mom's were home to take care of the family unless, of course, you were Mrs. Jetson and had a robot for a maid. The dads went off to work at jobs where they had asses for bosses. That totally was the way it was at my house, minus the maid and the wholesome tight-knit family. The Flintstones had wonderful friends who were neighbors which is always a huge perk. With the Jetsons it was 360 degrees opposite of The Flintstones since they were flying around in flying saucers as their transportation and everything was so "techy" even then. Maybe a hopeful peek into the new millennium? I think my love of these two shows was related to me truly wanting something that I really longed for in my family.

Here's a little something that makes me shake my head though:

It is so funny to think that they actually were able to broadcast this commercial on TV. A family cartoon selling cancer sticks is so not cool. We all know that this so would not fly in this day and age.
I say BOO to Winston Cigarettes

Happy 50th birthday to The Flintstones!

dream big

2010-09-28T08:08:00.000-05:00

You must check THIS out.

We all need to do this.
Each & every one of us.
Every day.
For each dream we have.
No matter how small a dream or even if we think our dream may be too big & simply impossible.
Just dream it.

dream big

CHECK

2010-09-26T16:20:00.003-05:00

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House clean and smelling wonderful, finally (I am happily home this weekend for the first time in four weeks so our abode has been suffering a bit from neglect) - CHECK

Laundry washed, folded, put away (at least mine is) - CHECK

Luggage unloaded (finally) and put back in attic - CHECK

Temps cooler and windows open letting the cool breeze flow through the clean house - CHECK

My favorite fall candles burning - CHECK

My studio in order - NOT SO MUCH (I have totally run out of storage space which means the solution to that is that I need more time to create so I can deplete the stash - anyone else have this problem? My MO is that at least I'm ready when the mood strikes but my current reality is I create when I am feeling up to it. Totally need to change things up around here.)

A run in the cooler temps - IN A FEW HOURS (with any luck I can drag the hubby out with me - nothing like a nice romantic run that leaves you looking like a drowned rat with a red face smelling like *sunshine*)

A decision on what I want to work on during the next installment of The 21 Challenge with Rhonna Farrer over here starting promptly on October 1st. (I am sure I know what my hubby would like me to change...quit buying art supplies.) Check it out and join in. Reality is that 21 days will pass regardless.....make it worth your while and make or break a habit. (To see the current deets, scroll down to the end of the post.) - CHECK

a story with a yummy ending

2010-09-23T18:33:00.005-05:00

So......when I moved to Los Angeles (Culver City, actually) some 20 years ago at just a mere 21 years of age, I discovered this great place called In-N-Out Burger. I frequently visited the West L.A. In-N-Out on Venice Boulevard just a few miles from my apartment which was on the northeast corner of Washington and Overland Avenues, literally across the street from what is now known at Sony Pictures Studios. To think I lived across the street from where, in 1939, they filmed my favorite movie of all time "The Wizard of Oz" though at that time it was known as MGM Studios. Ironically enough in 1990 MGM was purchased by Sony Entertainment of Japan which is home to Columbia Pictures as well as TriStar Pictures, each a division of Sony.

If only I could have been a fly on the wall(s) of that studio when I lived there. So much happening literally right across the street from where I lived. *sigh* I wonder if I was ever smart enough to take a photo of what laid right outside my apartment door? I'll have to search through the photos from that time though I'm thinking that it probably didn't even cross my mind, since I lived right next door. Just one of things things, you know.

Anyway.....

In-N-Out had a very simple and limited menu. The drive-thru line was always busy, and long.

They had the best burgers, yummiest shakes and fresh fries but then came the day I left L.A. in 1992 and my life has not been the same since. Back in 2008 when I attended Creative Escape in Chandler, AZ near Phoenix I nearly died just from being that close to an In-N-Out and not being able to indulge in one of my favorite fast food weaknesses. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass was just a teensy bit out of the way and we didn't rent a car so there was no walking to the closest In-N-Out for us that trip. We drove by and my mouth watered on the way to and from the airport as well as on the Bazzill bus tour as we passed by and my heart palpated because it had been sooooo llloonnnggg since I had had me some yummy! At that point it had been 17 long years. Thank goodness I was out spending money and playing with all kinds of yummy paper goodness otherwise I'm not sure what I might have been capable of doing as my ♥ was breaking

Fast forward to my 40th birthday trip to Vegas in March 2009 and I was able to eat In-N-Out each day we were there for lunch since we made the trek over the I-15 from the Excalibur to the closest In-N-Out, 19 years after I first made eye contact. And then two weeks ago when I was in Utah we made the trip to In-N-Out. I mentioned to Suz that if there was one close I would love to stop and eat and since we only had one meal we had to get on our own she was so sweet to map it out and off we went. I felt I had died and gone to heaven.

Now today I hear on my local news that not only are they bringing In-N-Out to Texas (which I knew back in May but they were going to put their first location in Firewheel in Garland which is a ways away but it is do-able ~ just makes for a little trip, that's all) but they are bringing one to Ft. Worth as well as 121 & Preston Road. Those of you who know me know this is like my back yard so that makes me incredibly happy and I'm not embarrassed to admit to some jumping up and down squealing like a little person that may very well be going on in the privacy of my home.

Now, can I wait until sometime next year for my next bite? And to sharing all it's yumminess with my sweet family is something I cannot wait to do, but I guess I'll have to.

Boo*yah!

2010-09-22T22:41:00.000-05:00

source: photo and article

Welcome FALL.....otherwise known as the autumnal equinox arriving at 10:09 p.m. CST. And now I know the real definition of a harvest moon. I must say the moon was beautiful this evening as I was out for my run.

"Tonight a rare event will occur that hasn’t happened for approximately 20 years – a harvest moon. This is when the sun is setting over the horizon while the full Moon is rising over the opposite side. The Moon will look even bigger than usual due to a phenomenon known as the Moon illusion. If you want to watch this spectacular event, you don’t need anything special except a view of the east and west horizons.

The sky will look stunning as the sun and Moon combine to light the earth from 360 degrees, especially because it is a full Moon.

In addition to this spectacular event, at 11:09pm Eastern Time, Jupiter will be right next to the moon and visible with the naked eye". ~eWorldPost.com

back in the daily grind

2010-09-20T14:03:00.001-05:00

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and waiting patiently for the arrival of the beginning of my favorite time of year.

A few of the reasons why I ♥ fall:

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate:source

Starbucks has brought back my favorite fall drinks, especially the one above.

The air will be turning cool and crisp (obviously if you live anywhere other than here in Texas, it seems). We're still in the high 90's with the heat index above 100 daily.

The days will be getting shorter (definitely not a good thing when the majority of my runs are at night) but I adore getting settled in at night in my warm jammies and fuzzy socks or slippers nestled in at home all cozy and comfy. Something about it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I think it has something to do with my childhood memories.

Burning my favorite fall scented candles and decorating for the upcoming holidays.

AND

We're back from a super fun weekend away with some great friends. We had an amazing time with tons of laughing, way too much food, a bit of sightseeing returning home completely exhausted.

one last summer hurrah

2010-09-18T09:05:00.002-05:00

image found here

We're stealing away one last time before Summer comes to an end. It's been a whirlwind past four weeks for me as I've been away three out of the past four weekends. I have loved every second of my adventures as I took some totally awesome classes with the fabulous Tim & Mario; I've traveled to lovely and much cooler Salt Lake City, Utah for the wonderfully inspiring Spark No.2 and now back to Oklahoma City with friends for a weekend away. I am really looking forward to spending time at home again readying for the fall, for Halloween as well as the upcoming holiday season. This time of the year always goes lightening fast and this year I want to (yes, I think I say it every year) be in the moment. While I am feeling so blessed to have been able to experience all these wonderful things I am really excited to decorate and get our sweet home into the spirit of each holiday/season. I am looking forward to finally spending some time at home to create, decorate and cherish the moments we have together as a family.

Once I return and have settled in I will be posting some fabulous photos of my weekend in Utah as well as some yummies I have made.

Until then......happy trails. {I've only got 90 minutes before departure and I MUST get in a morning run.}

It's official....I'm a badass!

2010-09-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

So I'm officially inked on the outside of my left ankle. The story goes a little like this......
A few years ago as I was going through the most ridiculous divorce ever I had this idea that to honor the occasion and to be rebellious and all those other things I felt I needed to do which is just another way of saying I needed to celebrate, as I was finally free of the waste of air and space that was once my ex-husband and nothing more than the donor of sperm to my children, I decided that a tattoo would be the perfect way to mark my new beginning. Sort of like jumping out of an airplane, if you will. I talked to one of my girlfriends who had actually gone through her own divorce around the same time, minus all the shit, and told her what I wanted to do and I if I remember correctly I think we pinky swore to seal the deal. The ironic thing about Kelly is that she and seem to have been traveling down very similar paths so for us to do this together was sort of a big deal. Fast forward to when my drama was over (actually, it has never been over but that's a completely different story) and the time came when she and her now husband, Wes, decided to go out and get the tattoo I, of course, chickened out being the needle phob that I am. The official word for that is trypanohpobia just in case you were wondering- although most medical professionals rarely use it so it is simply called needle phobia. Anyway I bailed on them and they went off and they both got tattoos that night. That was, ironically enough, Labor Day weekend four years ago. So, Saturday night the four of us went out to our favorite pizza place, Palio's. During the evening's many conversations someone brought up tattoos and since I hadn't done mine they decided we should drive by the place they went so that we could just go check it out.

(I think I've been to one tattoo parlor in my life when I was down in Deep Ellum some years ago when Eric and I were dating. The art is amazing and being an artist myself, I can appreciate what goes into it and since I cannot draw a straight line to save my life it amazes me to see the things that these artists do.)

We did "take a little trip" to go check out the tattoo parlor Ink, Inc. and lo and behold they were having an anniversary party marking their 4th year in business. We went in and checked out the art but they had no availability left that night so appointments were made for Kelly, Wes and I to go back Sunday evening and if I didn't want to follow through it was no big deal. Let me just say that the whole time I was in there checking out the art I completely was adamant that I was not about to do it (remember....I'm a needle phob) though I did think quite long and hard about what I would have done. Four years ago I had thought I wanted a cross on my hip but never really felt right about it being what I truly wanted. Saturday night I decided that if I was to actually put ink to skin I wanted something that would be meaningful to me. I wasn't about to get a heart or angel wings or even a butterfly. I simply wanted the birth dates of my two kiddos with me to take to my grave. I decided that I wasn't about the dashes or slashes between the numbers. I contemplated having the 0 before the number of their month but eventually decided against it. Plus it was just one more number on each line to have inked which ultimately meant more pain. I wasn't sure if I wanted the numbers going around my ankle or just stacked. What I knew though that those numbers were what I wanted and that was it. Something simple was all.

Sunday night we went back for our appointment and I was still not about to sit down in that chair. Wes went first, having a dragon fixed that he had placed about 20 years ago. It looks amazing but it is quite large. It seems the rule of thumb is you have to go about twice as large to cover something up to make it look good and hide what was there before. Kelly added to her cute little dragonfly by bringing in two adorable ladybugs and one more dragonfly The sweet bugs represent her family. Toward the end of the session the artist made a statement which made a lot of sense. He said that I wouldn't be there if I really didn't want to do it. My reasoning for being there, though, was that I really wanted to see it being done. And even though I hate needles coming anywhere within a 5 mile radius of me it really doesn't bother me to watch. I was more interested in the process as well as to see just how much pain those two would be in during the process. But once he was done with the other two he convinced me (actually it was peer pressure) to let him draw it out so I could see what it would look like but I still could choose not to go through with it. I agreed. (For those of you who don't know me well, I adore typography so the numbers for me are fitting. Also, think Angelina Jolie and the tattoos she got of the coordinates of the birth places of her children. See, I'm not so strange after all considering my kids were born in the exact same hospital but she isn't why I did what I did. In fact, she has absolutely nothing to do with why I chose birth dates.)

ty·pog·ra·phy (t-pgr-f)

n. pl. ty·pog·ra·phies

a. The art and technique of printing with movable type.

b. The composition of printed material from movable type.

2. The arrangement and appearance of printed matter.

Once I saw the numbers I really liked them but was still quite apprehensive about the process and how much pain I would be in so he told me he would basically "demo" without ink so I could see just how it felt, that way I was not committed to something I didn't want to do. He was so cool about it even waiting for me to say "go". It hurt but it was tolerable so I gave him the green light to ink me up. When we were ready for the real thing he waited again for me to say "go". It took about a total of 5 minutes to have it done and while the "demo" was quite a bit less painful than the actual process it was not as bad as I had made it out to be in my mind. I walked out of there with a new attitude....and while I didn't believe when they all told me I would be planning my next one by the time I walked out, they were right. I've already been thinking about what I would do next if I do decide to get another. No worries....I'm not about to go Dennis Rodman on anyone.

Ultimately for someone who hates needles as much as I do I'm in awe of the fact I actually followed through with it. And I might have been 4 years late as per our pinky swear but everything happens when and how it should and four years later I'm not so sure I would have been happy with what I chose to permanently put on my body had I followed through then so I am really glad I waited.

Maybe I will form those numbers into an ankle bracelet of sorts. We'll have to see how much more pain I want to endure....and I'm sure it won't be $20 like the first one was. Time will tell.

ooohhh.....

2010-09-03T20:35:00.002-05:00

my, my, my.....I wonder what is in this box all wrapped up and tucked underneath this pretty packaging.

ssshhhh....it's a secret for several very special people.

T-1 week and counting

2010-09-02T09:24:00.005-05:00

before I head off to attend this lovely event

source

So excited to be hanging out with a dear friend and her sister who I will meet for the first time.
So excited to be traveling somewhere new and not just driving through.
So excited to be creating with those whose creative genius I adore.
So excited for some much needed time off work to nourish my soul.
So excited to use this new addition to the family on my trip.

So happy for the l♥ve and support of my sweet husband and wonderful kiddos....I am truly a lucky girl.

So much to do, so little time.

new day, new month

2010-09-01T22:16:00.000-05:00

Happy September....so glad the calendar has now flipped to the month of September and fall is just a few short weeks away. I have been not so secretly wishing that it was winter. Everyone knows my stance on this. The summer has been so miserable this year and I'm ready for some cool, crisp weather. I am happiest when I can wear my jeans and a sweater or t-shirt and warm, thick socks because at least if it gets warmer I can pull off a layer and still be comfy. I'm so totally ready for soup and pies and fall scented candles and leaves crunching under my feet and needing a jacket when I go out.

The heat has taken it's toll on all of us this summer and for a while we felt as if the life was being sucked out of us. School started last Monday and we had 100 degree temps for several of the days during the first week so it didn't feel too different than it had for the oh, past three months or so. Regardless, the kids are getting their routines back in order and I'm trying my best to keep everything on track here at home. It's a good feeling to have started our new chapter for the last part of 2010 and having both kids in high school now is definitely a chapter all its own. I am doing my best at keeping up with my yoga practice and have been running again since the evenings are a bit cooler as it cools down a bit quicker at night now. This new routine though, I will admit, has been a bit more difficult since we have one that is working now so at times it's just me and my pumpkinhead here for dinner and let's just say she tells me in no uncertain terms that she wants a meal. She has this insatiable desire to eat real meals (and I can't blame her, who doesn't....I love it when we have real meals and eat them as a family) and isn't really into the whole "something easy" routine. Tonight I had to explain to her that with regards to cooking a meal when everyone else is at work and it's just her and I it is pointless for me to make an entire meal for us to eat because the two kiddos under this roof refuse to eat the left overs. There are lots of little meals being made now so that Jack can get to work and the other times Eric and I are in the kitchen tag teaming. It's so great to have a husband that shares in that aspect of our lives. We actually work really well together and cook some awesome meals and when we can all sit down at the table and have dinner that is the highlight of my day because I will never get to do that again....not that day and not that time with the two mini loves of my life. That day will never happen again and that is something I realized a few years ago as I got to thinking about how quickly the kiddos have sprouted. Eric hears me tell him all the time about how we will never get the chance to do this with the kids again because we will never get that day back or that hour back or that moment back. I tell him that even though sometimes I get annoyed with folding load after load of laundry (which, by the way, he also rocks at managing since he does more laundry than I do) or cleaning up the bathroom or whatever little mundane task it may be we will very soon be missing the reason why we do these things.

I try to never forget to cherish each precious moment I have been given with my sweet family.

We do not remember days....we remember moments. ~Cesare Pavese

celebration day

2010-08-21T15:13:00.001-05:00

Another year has passed us by and now my baby boy is officially 17 years old. In just two days he'll be off to his senior year of high school. Fortunately my sweet Angelface has a protective brother who will be there with her as she enters her freshman year. I'm confident he'll show her the ropes and keep the boys at bay, teaching her all she needs to know before he heads off to college and she is left alone to finish out her high school years.

As I was thinking back on the day I delivered this sweet boy, and the awesome story behind it, I also remembered all the wonderful memories I have of him throughout his childhood as he has grown. God truly knew what he was doing when he brought me the best son a mom could ever have. He's loving, thoughtful, kind, caring, considerate, smart, funny, articulate, brave, responsible and oh such a special soul. It's hard to even grasp the fact that he's now 17. Where, oh where, did the time go? I never believed anyone who told me just how quickly the time passes but truly it does.

I'm off to spend the day with my family as we celebrate my sweet boy's birthday. Let the party begin.

the dog days of summer

2010-08-08T22:25:00.000-05:00

The summer of 2010 has seemed as if it is never ending. The heat has been sucking the life right out of me and all I can think about is fall and cooler weather ~ leaves falling from the trees crinkling under my feet as I get back to running, cozy sweaters and blue jeans and soup. The temps are still over 100 with the heat index even at 9 p.m. at night so I've put running aside for now and am staying sane with my yoga practice. I'm not a morning person and have no desire to get up at 6 a.m. to get in my 3 miles though the low to mid 80s temps at that time of day does entice me somewhat. Eric and I managed a few runs before he petered out running with me when I did get up in the morning (before I start work) and he was home from work after his shift. I've really been missing my runs though. It's so freeing to get out there and just pop those ear buds in and go. I tend to think about so many things as I try to solve the world problems (ahem, I mean my problems) and make plans. I think about my art, my fears, my hopes and dreams and even my wishes for the things I desire. I give myself pep talks. I attempt to concoct menus for the week and secretly wish I was best friends with The Pioneer Woman. Hell, I don't secretly wish that, I totally wish it. Yeah, that's me shouting it from the rooftops - were you able to hear me?

The past few weeks have seen so many things, from senior photos (hello, is it really possible?) to precious time spent with wonderful friends, to cooking with my sweet hubby (man, did I ever get lucky there), to time creating (sorry, no photos - I forgot), to work and obviously the mommy/wifey duties, etc.

School starts in a few short weeks and I expect the days of those weeks will fly by as they always do. Two in high school and all I feel is blessed that they have a year together. I still think I am the luckiest mommy in the entire world.

Honestly, feeling blessed for so many things right now. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.

I will leave you with one thing I have been smitten with for some time. This refrigerator in all its pink glory WILL be a fixture in my home at some point and I am happy to report they are now being sold at Sears. Can we say "enable"?

And I am still under the assumption I was born in the wrong era. You think?

long and hot lazy days of summer

2010-07-18T14:10:00.003-05:00

image found here via here

It does look as if Betty and Patti are having a wonderful time at Catalina Island during the summer of 1941.

I do believe those were the days, my friends. Something still tells me that I was indeed born in the wrong era. How I long for the days of yore even though I wasn't even a glimmer in my parents' eye since they weren't a glimmer in eyes of their parents either at this time.

We're stuck in the throes of some major heat with no relief in sight. Our two weeks of lower than average temps and higher than average (and I mean higher people - proof is in the pudding, or rather the lawn as my lawn is greener than it has been in quite a very, very long time) rainfall we experienced a few weeks back is but a distant memory. One memory we are all wishing we could relive again because let me tell you, the temps combined with the humidity this past week have been enough to halt any outdoor activities causing one to resort to hibernation in an air conditioned establishment longing for the days of snow and below zero temps. Or maybe that's just me living in my own little world again. You aren't surprised, are you? The only thing that does not have me even remotely thinking about packing up (okay, maybe I'm thinking about it just a little) and moving to the great state of Alaska to be Sarah Palin's new neighbor is that the entire country is also suffering during this sweltering heat wave as it seems everyone is dealing with it in some way.

The past week has done it's typical "fly by" and that means that July is nearly 2/3 over. We have five more birthdays and three more anniversaries to celebrate this year. And just so you aren't left out on a limb wondering just how long to some of the most important calendar events remaining in the year, it also means that there are 50 days until Labor Day, 104 days until Halloween, 116 days until Veteran's Day, 130 days until Thanksgiving, 160 days until Christmas and 166 days until New Year's Eve. Unfortunately I have 237 days left until the one day of the year I can legally act like the Princess I truly am and get away with it. This site has quite the little handy dandy "how many days until" calculator. And now that I have made it official as it has crossed my lips, or rather my keyboard, you now have been put on alert and can start tackling that Christmas list because if you are like me and you like to make gifts for the loved ones in your lives getting started early is the best way to go. Not only that, if you are like me and you like to wait until crunch time because there's nothing like stress, sweat dripping down your face and a blank stare at said Christmas list to make you kick it into high gear and get 'er done, you are most certainly free to wait until the day after Thanksgiving when you should, in all reality, be getting those boxes ready to be shipped to far away lands so you miss that Monday before the week before the Christmas holiday rush at the post office (you all know that day which is the busiest shipping day every at the PO-they never fail to mention it on the news) and spend the entire day waiting in line to ship your lovlies to your loved ones.

So, now that I have spent my morning baking fresh banana bread for my Angelface, folding laundry, emptying the dishwasher, making lunch for my oldest before he heads out the door to work, playing with all my wonderful yummies I picked up at the farmer's market (oh my goodness fresh tastes so wonderful) bright and early yesterday morning with my girlfriend, Kelly, it's now time to go get ready for yoga so I can come home and make more yummies for dinner, spend some time with my beautiful family I am so blessed with and continue working on a few lovlies that should have been finished at least two months ago so I can get them in the mail only to turn around and begin the next round of lovlies I am behind on. Geez....the madness. Oh, and also peruse this site for some more wonderful ideas for meals to make my family's bellies happy! Or as my littlest would say "I feel like Santa, mommy!" Ree always makes my mouth water and my belly growl with all the great recipes/step-by-step photos she posts. I would so love to meet her some day. She is, in a sense, one of my heroes. And to think she lives so close, too. And another really great place to go for yummies....it's called Tasty Kitchen. Trust me when I tell you I have found some wonderful recipes there as well. I'm kinda liking this little place, too....Annie's Eats.

Okay.....yoga is calling. Off I go to find my foundation.

it may be a few days past the 4th

2010-07-09T22:26:00.004-05:00

but it is never, ever too late for this.......

May we all stand and salute our soldiers.

On my flight home from North Carolina in May I was honored to be aboard a flight with a soldier who sat in the row in front of me. When I saw him in his fatigues my hair stood on end and I knew at that point I had to thank him for his service, for his dedication and for his love of this country ~ the land of the free and the home of the brave. I waited and waited hoping he would look back but finally I just lightly touched his shoulder to gain his attention and when he looked back at me I thanked him to which he responded "you're welcome". It wasn't much, just a few words, but I do hope that they meant something to him and that he knew that I appreciated his sacrifice.

happy independence day

2010-07-04T13:28:00.001-05:00

image found here

Thankful to live in the good old US of A.

Thankful to those who have fought for my freedom.

Thankful for independence.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

popping in

2010-07-03T13:37:00.000-05:00

image found here

It's crazy here. I am trying to be a better blogger but things are getting in the way. I guess maybe it's because it is summer and summer always brings with it it's very own schedule and way it wants things to be done. Schedules are always wonky during the summer months and it seems like we go, go, go from dawn until dusk falling ever so happily into bed at night drifting off once our heads hit the pillow.

I've been busy painting walls and "spring cleaning" if you will. We've got plans and we've got goals to meet. We do have a big event coming up next spring and with it brings many guests from far and near so things are getting attention that need attention and new looks are emerging from the corners or our lovely little home that keeps the four of us cool and comfy during these hot summer months. So much to do, so little time.

We are graciously enjoying the blessing of cool, cloudy and rainy days recently with the arrival of Hurricane Alex into Mexico the other day. The remnants have brought with it some much needed precipitation as well as a bit of a reprieve from the horrible heat and humidity we have been having this year. Such a welcome relief.

Must get busy with a few things before I head out the door this afternoon to meet a friend. We will be doing some thrifting and antiquing as well as grabbing a bite to eat. So lovely to have friends who share the same love of things that I do as well as understands my crazy quirks, silly ideas and just simply gets me and loves me just the same - no matter what. To those girls who are that sort of friend to me, you know who you are and I want to thank you for being my friend and for taking the time and sharing a part of yourself with me.

It's My Life

off my game

Merry Christmas

time passes

a day late & a dollar short

three hundred

*whew*

I so wanna be a princess

Happy Easter

filthy chaos

Do you ever feel....

another round of ink

Domestic bliss....

two posts in one day?

summery goodness

hey, hey

in the interest of Pinterest

it's a beautiful day

in winter's path

well, well, well....

reflections

daily mail

courage

icebox

it's all "1's" today

Winter Wonderland

changing things up a bit

One Little Word ~ the 2011 edition

Happy New Year

a few random things you may not have known

christmas eve

on repeat

crash & burn

what a day

happy December 1st

and just like that

December is right around the corner

The Mushroom Soup! = click on this link to be taken to the Tasty Kitchen webpage for this recipe

Ingredients

Preparation Instructions

tradition continues

thankful

The Brave Girls Club

here I go again

sometimes I feel

so many good things on the ticket this week

one week in & day 4 of {21} challenge

The {21} Challenge

Hump Day

a wonderfully dreary day

November 1st....

we interrupt this program for a very important announcement...

October 31st

the 29th

time off is good

Ingredients:

Directions:

carving pumpkins

estate sale

boring is for bores

gone batty

halloween fun

where to start

there once was a little seed

glitter, glitter everywhere

imagine

life's an hourglass

Spark No. 2

please welcome the newest member of the family

it's the 1st

can't let this slip by

dream big

CHECK

a story with a yummy ending

Boo*yah!

back in the daily grind

one last summer *hurrah*

It's official....I'm a badass!

ooohhh.....

T-1 week and counting

whew

one last summer hurrah