Top Ten Tuesday

My sassy pup Lucy :) July 2012

And yes- she is on the kitchen table. No worries, I washed it well after we put her down.

My friend Char listed 10 random things she is loving today and I thought I would play along.

1.) Having my kids home with me for the summer. It makes for some crazy days but I know my time with them is dwindling so I will take and treasure every moment.
2.) Little Lu - it has taken me awhile to adjust to this sassy little pup but she has wormed her way into my heart.
3.) Roasted Veggies. I toss whatever is on sale at the store into a high oven with a little olive oil and seasonings and yum!
4.) Creativity. I am spending more time on creative pursuits and I am loving it!
5.) The feeling of strength that comes from being the only adult in the house and having to make all decisions alone. It is scary and lonely sometimes but when all is said and done you realize you can do it and do it well!
6.) Air conditioning - can't even imagine living with out it!
7.) A Beautiful place to walk. I feel blessed to have a beautiful walking trail that starts just one house down from mine. I am making a real effort to use it often.
8.) The over head fan in my room. Never had one before and didn't think I would use it but I actually like the feeling of the air circulating and the quiet noise in makes.
9.) Coupons. I don't actually love coupons but I do love the money they save me which really helps.
10.) Friends - both local and far away- both in person and on-line. They ground me and make me feel connected. They entertain me and make me laugh. The love and support me. What is not to love about friends?!

What are you loving today?

Movies or Books?

I just got back from seeing the Hunger Games and I can't help but compare the movie to the book. As always, the book wins out. Don't get me wrong -  I think the movie was well done and I enjoyed it very much but I still felt like something was missing. And something was...the rich detail and back story that can only come from a book. The movie would have had to be 6 hours long to capture all the little details.

I love movies - they are a great escape and I would hate never to see one again BUT given the choice to give up movies or books? No question - books would win out. I feel blessed that I like so many others know the joy of a well written book. How about you? Would you pick movies or books?

Snow Day

I got a call bright and early at 6 am today that there would be no school for the kids today. I will admit to being irritated that they interrupted me during a deep sleep that I could not get back to but now that I am more awake I am happy. The kids get to sleep in and they will be thrilled with the unexpected day off and so will I. It is a great opportunity to spend time together :)

Being raised in a wintery climate, I always think they are wimpy here in Virginia. Calling off school at the slightest flake falling from the sky ~ this is only our second snow of the year and I have no doubt it will melt by tomorrow. I remember winters in Indiana when it would snow in early November and continue to snow through late April - never seeing a patch of grass during that time. No way could they have called off school every time - we never would have gone! BUT I do remember the rare occasion when it was really bad (like snowed in bad!) and we would get off school. What a thrill an unexpected day off is when you are a kid!

So I will take this extra day with my kids and savor it - stay in jammies, bake some cookies and let the hot cocoa flow!

Drive-ins

I finished this layout last month and boy did it bring back memories! Did you go to the drive-in when you were younger? I went a few times as a kids but what I remember most is going as a teenager. We were lucky enough to have one of the few remaining Drive-ins right in my hometown - the good old Y&W! It was so much fun sitting in the car all cozy listening to the movie through those scratchy sounding speakers. Yes - I even hide in the truck a few time to get in for free :)

It seems so strange that my children will never experience going to the drive-in. Just another sign of the times - it just keeps marching on but I can't help but think we lose some really great things along the way. So glad I have those memories!

Fairy Tales

The more I experience life the more I am convinced that we make our own happiness so the whole idea of fairy tales - you know Prince Charming and all that - seems a little how can I put it - far fetched? What I find odd about this is that I am loving to new TV series both based on fairy tales!

Once Upon a Time on ABC and Grimm on NBC are each very different but both enjoyable. I love the creative twist they are putting on age old stories. I am sure these shows are not every one's cup of tea but I am sure enjoying the escape from reality they provide.

Happy Leap Day 2012!

My friend posted 29 things she loved as a way to celebrate Leap Day (check it out: Lee's Blog ) and I thought it was a great idea! I have been wanting to get back to blogging but different things have held me back. Leap day seems like a perfect day to start posting again! I may post again tomorrow or in a week or maybe next leap year :)

29 Random things I love Created on Leap Day 2/29/12

1. Abbie's brand new smile
2. My home
3. The weather in Virginia
4. Roasted Vegetables
5. The way Lucy stretches in the morning
6. Pandora internet radio
7. That Sam is trying harder in school
8. Creating
9. Pinterest
10. My cozy bed
11. Helping Jacob learn to drive
12. Trees that are budding
13. Lazy Sunday morning with the kids
14. Having a friend that lives close by
15. My camera
16. Salted Dark Chocolate
17. My teeth
18. Word games
19. The ability to fast forward through commercials
20. Having supportive parents
21. Dreaming up crafty projects with Kristin to do together
22. When Abbie asks me to do her hair
23. Reconnecting with old friends
24. Getting a great deal
25. That Jacob still kisses me goodbye every morning
26. Lucy laying on my lap when I watch TV
27. The scent of the Yankee candle in the kitchen
28. The birds chirping outside (hello spring!)
29. Feeling inspired again

What are you loving these days?

Hello Friends!

Some of you have noticed me "missing" on-line (thank you for the sweet e-mails!) Around Thanksgiving, I was feeling stressed about all the things I wanted and needed to do over the holidays and at the top of the list was to enjoy the time with my family. The only way for me to do this it seemed was to get rid of some of the stress I was feeling and the only way I could find to do that was to eliminate some things from my daily routine.

As much as I wish I could have gotten rid of laundry and cleaning to add time to my day - I ended up giving up the computer (for the most part) and scrapbooking. Gasp! It was hard at first but the time I usually spent doing those things was quickly filled up with holiday preparations and then holiday traditions.

The weird thing is - I am having a hard time getting my grove back after being away from it so long! I am over whelmed with my google reader (apparently everybody did not take time off from blogging!) and I find myself thinking - I will blog today but then it never happens. But here I am now on the 7th of January and I hope this will be the start of regular postings again.

With the New Year comes goals and resolutions for a lot of people and I am no different. Of course, I am on the weight loss ban wagon but I am also interested in focusing on a few small projects that I don't like each day so that I can do the things I like guilt free. Working out a plan for this now and hope to have it in effect by the 15th.

Hope you are all enjoying 2010 so far and I look forward to spending part of it with you!

Blog Award :)

My friend Stacey gave me this award on her blog so I thought I would play along :)

This award comes with some rules and a survey I have to fill out.

Rules

1. You Can Only Use One Word!

2. Pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers!

3. Alert them that you have given them this award!

4. Have Fun!

The Fun Part

1. Where is your cell phone? kitchen

2. Your hair? clean

3. Your mother? Indiana

4. Your father? Indiana

5. Your favorite food? Thai

6. Your dream last night? kids

7. Your favorite drink? water

8. Your dream/goal? positive

9. What room are you in? studio

10. Your hobby? Scrapbooking

11. Your fear? heights

12. Favorite place to eat? MeltingPot

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. Something that you aren’t? Athletic

15. Muffins? lemon

16. Wish list item? camera

17. Where did you grow up? Indiana

18. Last thing you did? lunch

19. What are you wearing? jeans

20. Your TV? Off

21. Your pets? Cute

22. Friends? wonderful

23. Your life? blessed

24. Your mood? frustrated

25. Missing someone? Mom

26. Vehicle? MDX

27. Something you’re not wearing? jewelry

28. Your favorite store? Scrapbook

29. Your favorite color? pink

30. When was the last time you laughed? yesterday

31. Last time you cried? recently

32. Your best friend? Abbie

33. One place that I go to over and over? Target

34. One person who emails me regularly? Judy

I will give this award to:

1. Char

2. Shirley

3. Kyla

4. Lee

5. Tracy

6. Stacey

TGIF! Have a good one!

Friday Fill-ins 9/25/09

Taken at the Botanical Gardens 9/09

Friday Fill-ins

1. One week ago I was doing about the same thing I am now.

2. I loved to eat peas for breakfast when I was young.

3. Mama told me not to sing at the dinner table.

4. ---- you and me. Hmmm - usually something just pops in my head when I see the prompt but not so for this one. So instead of forcing something I'll just leave it blank :)

5. Take your time when spending time with your kids - really be there.

6. These allergies will pass!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching a movie with the family, tomorrow my plans include Abbie's soccer game and a bit of furniture shopping and Sunday, I want to go to the state fair!

Happy Friday!

Friday Fill-ins 9/18/09

Taken at the botanical gardens last weekend.

Friday Fill-ins
1. My car still has that "new car smell."
2. My Mom's birthday is coming up next. (and I have no idea what to get her!)
3. Lately, things seem a little "off" guess I am just not settled into the fall routine yet.
4. My scraproom is one of my favorite 'hiding' places.
5. What happened to the summer?
6. Changing your attitude is not impossible!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a lazy evening with the family, tomorrow my plans include watching Abbie play soccer and shopping for new skates for Jacob and Sunday, I want to sleep in and then play!

Want to join in? Check it out here.

9-11-01

I will not forget.

Friday Fill-ins 9/4/09

Sam and Abbie with Zoe (the kids where calling her a river rat)

She can swim well but would rather be on the rocks sun bathing! Aug 09

Friday Fill-ins :)

1. I feel bad taking Zoe to be boarded - I know she is fine but I still feel sad leaving her there.

2. Traveling is always fun.

3. Right now, I can hear these things: county music playing softly from Abbie's room, a lawn mower outside, a video game and Don talking on the phone.

4. Summer is almost over and I'm glad we packed in a lot of fun activities!

5. The last time I scrapbooked with friends was July - I miss having friends to scrap with!

6. Looking forward to a family trip this Labor day weekend.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to arriving in Baltimore Maryland and checking out the harbor a bit, tomorrow my plans include taking in more of the city and a Baltimore Orioles baseball game and Sunday, I want to go to the Baltimore Aquarium!

Hope you all have a great weekend! Oh and Happy, Happy Birthday to my friend Lee!!

Friday Fill-ins 8/28/09

The prairie dog enjoying a feast :) 8/09

Friday again? The weeks fly by! Here is my weekly Friday fill-in, if you want to play along just visit here for the prompts each week.

1. He was a distracted, sweet boy and he is a distracted, sweet teenager (speaking of Jacob - my oldest child).
2. Enjoying the last few days of summer before the kids head back to school is what I look forward to most this time of year.
3. My best friend is much better then a counselor!
4. I hate getting up early, to be honest with you.
5. Appearances can be dead wrong.
6. The last person I gave a hug to was my daughter, Abbie.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing Don (he has been gone all week), tomorrow my plans include...hmmm...not sure yet - but it will involve playing with the family and Sunday, I want to relax and scrapbook a bit!

Friday Fill-ins 8/21/09

Headed to the woods later today :) Photo 8/09

1. I remember, I remember when my babies were born and I couldn't picture them any bigger then they were then. Little did I know how fast they grow!
2. Dear Stacey, I want you to know I am thinking of you today and wishing you a smooth delivery.
3. Is that my dog !!??? (She got a *really* short haircut and looks like a shorn sheep!)
4. I'm trying to resist the temptation of sweets.
5. I'm saving a layout just for you! (I have several to share next week)
6. If I made a birthday list a new camera would definitely be on it!!!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending our first night away for the weekend, tomorrow my plans include hiking, swimming and lots of outdoor activities with the family and Sunday, I want to spend the day on more of the same!



See you all on Monday!

10 things I am Thankful for Tonight

My sister, Kristin, and I - July 3, 2009

• My sister - celebrating her on her birthday and hoping she moves to VA!
• My bed - I get to sleep in later then 6:15 tomorrow.
• Scrapbooking - I have been scrapping a bit everyday and loving it.
• Books- Jacob, Abbie and I had so much fun at the library together today.
• Facebook - love the quick catch up with friends and the games too.
• Asian food - yummy!
• Toothpaste - ok a little weird but my teeth feel so nice and clean right now.
• Trees - so happy I have some in my backyard again.
• Caller ID - no more sales calls, thank you very much.
• My MDX - really happy with my new "ride"

:o),

Car shopping

I absolutely hate car shopping. We leased a car for the first and last time 2 years ago and now that the lease is about up - I was forced to do the dreaded job. You would think they could make it a more pleasant experience considering how much you are spending - but no - same old "I have to talk to my manager: - How about I just talk to your manager since you do not have the power to actually sell me a car? Grrrrr....

Anyhow - we have it narrowed down to an Acura or a Volvo. I am feeling lots of guilt about not buying from an American company especially with the state of our auto industry but it is exactly that state that has made us choose not to buy from them. I am concerned about dealership closing and where I will have to go for service or how my warranty will be handled.

Anyhow - can't wait for this to be over with and hopefully by this weekend I will be driving a new car.

Friday Fill-ins

1. All children alarm their parents, if only because you are forever expecting someone to get hurt.

2. Show me a good loser and I will show you an easy-going person.

3. Car shopping is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one time. YUCK!

4. Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy running their own households and businesses.

5. I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine a kids activity and an adult activity.

6. It is impossible to think of any good meal, no matter how plain or elegant, without Family or Friends in it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to take out, tomorrow my plans include finishing up the car buying and Sunday, I want to celebrate Father's Day and the birthdays (mine and Jacob's are on Monday!)

Sleeping in - way in!

9:15 and all three kids are still sleeping...I need to go wake them up to start the day but I am enjoying the quiet! Problem is they won't want to go to bed until late since they are getting up so late - and the summertime cycle begins in this house...

Last Day of School

Today is the last day of school for the year. There is always a charge of excitement in the air leading up to this day and I am thrilled for the kids. I remember the joy of that last bell ringing and racing out the door with my friends feeling the freedom of summer and knowing I had all the time in the world to just be. Ah, sweet summertime! (I hope I will have a few photos to share tomorrow.)

Friday Fill-ins:
1. I grew up thinking I had all the time in the world.
2. Google Reader was the last website I was at before coming here.
3. Why don't you go to bed? (Said to myself every night lately - I just can't seem to get to bed at a decent hour!)
4. Scrapbooking helps me relax.
5. Thanks for the inspiration. There are so many genuine and talent people who inspire me to be a better person!
6. Long finger nails on men is very off-putting. (Ewwww)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to celebrating the last day of school with the kids, tomorrow my plans include a day of play with the family - maybe a little day trip and Sunday, I want to sleep in then do something creative!

Have a fun Friday!

Happy Mail

For as long as I can remember, I have loved to check the mail. Even before I actually got mail - I was always excited to walk down to the end of the drive and open the mailbox to have a look at what was inside. I remember coming home from school and looking at the box before I would walk up to the house - but I would wait until I walked up to the house and dropped off my books then I would walk back down to the mailbox to do the daily check. Loved that part of my day!

To this day, I still love to check the mail - you never know what you are going to have waiting for you! Never a day goes by (except Sunday) when there is not something waiting in the mail box. Sure - many days it is just junk or worse yet bills but other days it will hold magazines or catalogs that I enjoy looking through. But what really keeps me checking with excitement each day is possibility! You may just open the box and find a letter, card or package waiting for you. Happy mail = happy day!!

Just recently, I got a fun little goodie from my friend Lee for participating in a give away she hosted on her blog. (Thanks Lee!!) Have a look at this little piece of fun that was waiting in the mail box:

Making today a good day,

Friday Fill-ins :)

A busy bee on Cape Cod

Friday Fill-ins (want to play along? Check it out here.)

And...here we go!
1. I am loving my new home. I feel like I am really settling in!
2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been food on the grill.
3. So glad that my dog isn't one that does much bark! bark! bark!
4. A nice long walk is always refreshing - I really need to do it more often!
5. Love to share some good news.
6. When all is said and done, I am happy with my life.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to settling in with the family - maybe some TV, tomorrow my plans include lots of sports - both soccer and baseball and Sunday, I want to go new car shopping and decide what we are going to buy!



Happy Friday!