a little of this and a little of that

Happy Sunday to you! The sun is shining here today. An unexpected but very welcome friend. We haven't seen him in awhile. We expected bad weather and a fishing trip was canceled. Happy for me, sad for the husband. Oh, how the sunshine and the fish are calling his name!

We've had a relaxing morning...fresh bagels and cream cheese, hot coffee, the Sunday paper.Plans to attend night church.

A little more decoupaging and the project that has been cluttering my dining room table for the last week is almost done! I've had a great little helper who does almost all my gluing...

The littlest is out of sorts...a carryover from last night. Hope he stays well, he is snugly and has sick eyes. You know those eyes...poor little fella.

Read the new Pioneer Woman book yesterday from front to back...completely finished it in just a few hours. It was so good and I wished she hadn't ended it...just keep writing, just keep writing!

Working on something that I am really excited about but also a little nervous about...!

Enjoying this free printable hanging in my kitchen...
thanks Andi!

And I'll leave you today with a sweet little note that looks at me while I'm at my computer. We found this recently when we were looking through stuff found in my Grandma's sewing chair. Stashed in a plastic bag of old thread was a little piece of paper. On one side in my Grandma's pretty cursive are a few scripture references on the Great Commission. And on the other side a joke. I just wonder what she was thinking about when she took the time to jot that down? Did she think it was so clever that she wanted to remember it to tell my Grandpa, her friends? She has been gone for several years now but seeing her sweet cursive writing and this silly little joke makes me smile.

"What did the shrub say to another?"

"Boy, am I bushed!"

Thanks for the smile Grandma!

Catching up...

Well, I've left all of you stuck in the eighties a bit long, eh?

We have been busy, busy with life.

The Farm Chicks bug has hit hard.

I've been thinking about it, daydreaming about it,
even dreaming about it.

Seriously.

And in my dream I had double the
booth space and some really cool stuff.

I wish.

So, seeing that I only have four months to be ready for it - I have been busy, busy.

Crafting, painting, decoupaging, inventorying...
I need to get all my inside preparations done while the weather is oh so cold. When the temperature warms up I will be crazy busy outside with the paint can and sandpaper!

I've gotten some projects started, some finished and a lot dreamed up.

I finished the yellow lamp project.

For now she's dressed in a simple little flower and red rickrack - can't go wrong with a little rickrack!

Rearranged some pictures on the walls to make room for my "House Rules" art.

Don't you think rearranging your wall art just gives your rooms a breathe of fresh air?

It's like rearranging your furniture
- except a little easier on the back!

Finally hung in a place of honor the lovely photos of Q that
this talented girl took almost a year ago.

Moved the kid's silhouettes here ...

So I had to fill the empty spot it left with something.
A work in progress...more on this later!

This little man has started Awana thanks to this friend's boy.

He is IN LOVE with it.

So excited to do his memory verses and earn badges.

He is really awfully cute about it all...he LOVES Mr. Bob.

That's his group leader.

I went to Awana as a kid and have really fond memories of it,
even though my Mom says I never wanted to go.

Got invited here again by my sister...girl's weekend wrapping up into a family weekend. Yay!

So funny that my next visit there will coincide with the year anniversary of when I first visited. Really wonderful memories of getting to meet up with such a special group of blogging friends that are now "real life" friends!

Oh,I lost a few pounds...and I'm already gaining it back!

Getting ready for V-day around here...a couple of really special friends have birthdays and another sweet friend is about ready to have her third sweet baby!
And along with a few other friends that have just had little babes or are about to...I'm dreaming up a lot of little sweet baby gifts! Wow, I'm sorry. That is a lot of sweets. I guess friends and babies bring that out of me! And how could I almost forget...my SWEET baby girl turns four at the end of heart month!

So that's a little catch up for you friends...I've overcome a bit of that ADD and gotten projects done!

Now for that laundry...

{ Ode to the eighties }

So I've been rockin out to my favorite soundtrack ever!

I was so excited to find it on iTunes the other day...I had looked for it awhile back but could never find it.

I used to rock out to my cassette tape
of this in my parent's Honda. Or was it the Mazda?

Scary how I can't really remember the
exact car I drove as a teenager.

Oh, but does it ever bring me back.

I caught the last twenty minutes of this movie surfing channels the other night and it reminded me of how much I l.o.v.e the movie and the music...and Eric Stolz.

Did I mention I thought he was HOT when I was younger.

BIG crush on him.

I suppose you are wondering how old I am to be completely
infatuated with a movie that came out in the mid - eighties.

Not that old.

Let me just say, my oldest sister was deep into teenage angst
when all the good movies were made.

Can I hear a Hip Hip Hooray for John Hughes...anyone, anyone....?

And she wasn't very good at editing what her little sisters
saw when Mom and Dad were out of the house.
(Sshhh...don't tell my parents!)

So I feel like I grew up entrenched
in eighties music and movies.

I heard that Starship song "We built this city" the other day....totally took me back to my sister's room and listening to that boom out of her clock radio.

This movie...have you seen it?

Best kissing seen ever. Seriously.

Now, I know this is a family blog here but really.

Best. Ever.

And...

Best ever last line of a movie.

"You look good wearing my future."

You've gotta watch it.

Now I'm in no position whatsoever to offer a real unbiased review of this movie or music.

If you hate it, please don't tell me.

I'm lost in the memories and feelings of being young.

And for your listening enjoyment the first four songs on my playlist are from the movie.

Although the version of "I go crazy" is slightly different and not nearly as good.

Nicole, Nicole...? Back me up here...I know you might be the only one out there that feels the same!

Here is a little synopsis of what you are missing out on...

Keith (Eric Stoltz) is finishing up with high school. A sensitive loner, he prefers to work on his art over going to sporting events and hanging with the cool crowd. Instead, he platonically whiles away the hours with Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson), the pixieish drummer girl he's known since grade school. But Keith does have one popular obsession: Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson), the most desired girl in school--and girlfriend of obnoxious rich guy Hardy Jens (Craig Scheffer). When Hardy and Amanda part ways, Keith finally has his chance---and true blue Watts will do all that she can, even it that means biting her tongue and suppressing her true feelings for her longtime friend. John Hughes' follow-up to the classic PRETTY IN PINK takes essentially the same story and flips the gender roles, with another positive "follow-your-heart" message and a great soundtrack featuring the Jesus & Mary Chain, Flesh For Lulu, and the March Violets.
(source)

I posted the You Tube videos of the kiss and the ending line but couldn't figure out how to get them on this post.

.....Enjoy.....

Some kind of wonderful. Keith and Watts kiss

Some Kind of Wonderful --- ending---

{ House Rules }

Wow, an entire week has passed since

I've visited this little spot.

What have I been up to?

I was really good at ignoring my domestic responsibilities...you know; laundry, dishes, vacuuming....the fun stuff!

I had a self-imposed snow day where
I kept the first grader home.
Half way through the day I declared nap time for everyone....last time I keep him home when he's not sick!

I had a lovely book group with girlfriends where we didn't talk about the book at all but caught up on life and dealt with abnormally loud -upset-screaming-hyper children. It shows how much I love my friends though...didn't mind the crazy children at all.

I re-wired a thrifted yellow lamp...all by myself!
Photos on that to come. I found a plain white shade for it and am planning on dressing it up a bit.
Any ideas?

Spent all day yesterday organizing our basement...clean desk, organized craft dresser, toys picked up, storage boxes gone through...wheww...it feels so good!

Set my mind to doing a project and getting it done..... I had this photo in my inspiration file -

(via michelleums, gluestickgirl)

I decided a little embroidery would be awfully fun.

I used a thrifted frame....spray painted it red while holding it out the back door...it was cold that day!

Just a little reminder of the important things in life - and yes, I count chewing with your mouth closed as one of the very important things in life!

**************

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.
-- Charles R. Swindoll

life : beautiful

For those of you that know me or have ever just visited my home, you know I am a total magazine hoard.

I love me some magazines.

Especially "shelter" magazines as those in the know call them.

Who am I kidding? I'm totally just wanting to be "in the know"!

I was grocery shopping at a very large and very affordable spot yesterday...

(my first time - I needed to save moola on food to justify the moola spent on thrifting yesterday!)

and what to my wandering eye did appear?

You guessed it!

A beautiful and totally new to me magazine!

Now this has been around since 2007 and apparently I've been shopping all the wrong stores for the last four years because I've never ever, ever seen it!

Have you?

It is the perfect combination of beautiful images, inspiring articles, sweet DIY projects, delicious recipes, and I could go on! The sweetest part is that it is all tied up around a Christian perspective!

Now I love my design mags and will read them all day long if I can....but to come across a beautifully done magazine that encompasses so much of what I love and encourages me along in my faith is something really special.

They only publish four times a year - sniff, sniff.

They include a beautiful three month daily Bible reading calendar in every issue.

It's so pretty it would make a lovely addition to your fridge, bulletin board or bedside table!

And it's bonus time here....no advertising!

The back cover shows other issues...I would totally buy these just because of the covers!

You can find out more and subscribe if your heart so desires (I know mine does) at this lovely little spot:

life: beautiful

******************

“ Have regular hours for work and play;make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success.
- Louisa May Alcott

*******************
And thank you all for the really very helpful thoughts on my ADD post...I'm
geared up to put some into practice! I'll let you know how it goes!

a love affair

This silly boy.

He has had a long enduring love affair with chalk.

Crayons - well, they are a tasty treat too but chalk?

Chalk is like the filet mignon, the sundae with the cherry on top.

We've got chalk everywhere. Thanks to my heavy population of chalkboards.

I caught this boy stealing this new box of chalk from the kitchen counter the other day.

He got a scolding and a "No, no, no!"

Of course.

I quickly became distracted with my kitchen duties and lo and behold, what do I find when I go on a Q search?

Man, this boy was desperate for a chalk fix.

The sneaky thing.

Hiding in the bathroom eating it through the box.

(And yes, that is the toilet plunger that appears to be in his mouth)

(I think this was the day that he stuffed loads of toilet
paper down the toilet and made the potty supremely unhappy.)

*****************
A small boy, mischievous to the imp degree.
-- Rea Murtha

ADD...unofficially

I think I have it. ADD. You know....Attention Deficit Disorder.

What are the chances of being diagnosed as an adult?

Anyone? Anyone?

Everyday I feel like I have a thousand things -

I want to do

I have to do

I should do.

I know you all feel the same. My life is not a unique one.

What do you do?

I move from one unfinished project to another without every accomplishing anything.

Oh! I wanted to embroider that saying!
So I go dig out a frame and paint, put it down where it doesn't belong to look on the computer for the "saying".....get distracted by computer....hear my kids in distress...oh, yeah. It's lunchtime. Fix lunch. Feel really tired and lazy and sit on the couch to watch mindless t.v.....oh, let's unload the dishwasher and load but not really finish the kitchen because I move on to taking cute photos of my kids. And in the middle, let's work some more on that one craft project. Finish it? Oh, another day.

I'm driving myself crazy!

I just want to have the sense of accomplishment of finishing ONE thing to completion! I crave that, I desire that to the very cells of my body! I want to feel that sense of "I did that and it is done!" Usually these feelings have more to do with creating something or making something prettier than it was but sometimes that even applies to the laundry, the dishes, or the toys strewn all about the house!

What's a girl to do?

This really is a plea for thoughts, ideas...anything that has helped you focus on your tasks and check them off your list.

More coffee?

Already trying that one.

I just want to feel successful in some areas and not so scatterbrained and unsuccessful in all areas.

I need focus.

FOCUS!

I did have a little focus unloading the dishwasher.

It seems I have a little helper in the house.

Look at that focus!

Let's look a little closer shall we?

Maybe that's the key!

Maybe my tongue needs to be sticking out of my mouth for all of my focus, determination and ambition to be accessed!

I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

For now, I guess I'll be thankful for the help I do have.

Sometimes.

And today will be one of those days.

You know the ones where when your husband walks in the door you say...

"I know you can't tell but I did run the dishwasher today...and I did pick up some toys...I did do things, really I did...."

Please tell me you've had those days too.

And really: advice, help, information, twelve step programs.

Whatever you've got.

I'm listening.

*************
"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment."
- Jim Rohn


(And with that I think I've answered my own questions folks....)

It's a new year and a new coffee folks...

Well, it's a new way of life for me in the morning.

I used to start my day with two full cups of coffee.

And I like my coffee blond people.

Like Nordic blond.

And very sweet.

I can probably attribute my addiction to blond coffee with my inability to lose weight.

And with my amazing ability to gain it.

It's time for a change.

And I must surprisingly admit that the water here is fine.

I might still shock some of you though.

Ssshhhh....

(I use artificial sweetner)

And I use a lot.

Wow, I feel a little like I'm in a confessional.

And it's goooood.....

My day is looking a mighty bit chippier now.


I'd stop drinking coffee, but I'm no quitter. ~Author Unknown

a bowl of cherries

I caught the kids getting into some cherries.

I actually wasn't mad.

That's how rarely they ever initiate eating fruit.

But just to balance it out we had to break into Daddy's Trader Joe's
Chocolate Orange slices.

Yum.

(And my diet totally starts tomorrow.)

For real.

"Life is just a bowl of cherries, don't take it serious, it's mysterious.
Life is just a bowl of cherries, so live and laugh and laugh at love,
love a laugh, laugh and love."

Bob Fosse

Blog Love

I recently found a blog that is a joy and inspiration to read....

Chatting at the sky

Emily threads words together in the most beautiful fashion.

Go check her out and you will be blessed too.

I just know it!

....and a Happy New Year!

(Source)

Well, I hope you all had a safe and sound New Year's Eve and a lovely and relaxing New Year's Day!

We were invited over to my in-law's for New Year's Eve and since I am a seriously nervous Nellie I prefaced my acceptance on whether we could have our entire brood sleep over. So sleep over we did...in fact we stayed over for almost twenty four hours! Thanks in-laws for a fun-filled and safe New Year's Eve.

My three year old daughter was an eager beaver to get ready to go to her Grandma & Grandpa's yesterday. This is what I found early in the day -

Let's take a closer look shall we?


Pillow - Check

Silver "rella" shoes - Check

Pink ballet leotard - Check
(You can't seriously expect a three year old girl to go anywhere without her leotard and silver glitter shoes now can you?)

And her beloved "bodie" or in layman's terms - blanket

One Tinker Bell bag containing:

Two lip glosses

One American Girl Mini Kit doll

One tiny dog

One tiny bear

And one teeny tiny pink pony

And for her clothing options for one night away?

She makes her Mother so proud...the apple doesn't fall far from the tree now does it?

One pair of jeans

One pair of leggings

One pair of jammies

One long sleeve shirt

One pink velvet blazer

Two pairs of socks

Two tights

Two dresses

and to top it off....

Eight, yes eight pairs of underwear

oh, and a partridge in a pear tree.

We all felt a little embarrassed by the amount of stuff our little family of five hauled over for one measly night. And to continue with the theme....better to be safe than sorry, right?

We did some of this:

(and I kicked some serious battleship butt people)

and a little of this: