Tuesday Twelve & Giving Thanks

1.  Christmas Decorating has begun at our house!  Lights and greenery are up outside, the tree is up and the mantel is almost done.  I've added white candles along the mantel and will be adding some cricut art soon.  I usually decorate with lots of green and red at this time of year, but I wanted to highlight my new book page wreath and it just came together with muted tones this time.  It's so pretty when all the candles are lit, even without the splash of colors.

2.  The book page wreath was another project from ACD.  I've been wanting to make one forever and just hadn't gotten around to it.  I literally clapped my hands in delight when I saw it was a friend's project for the day.  A couple dollars for supplies, a couple hours of time and you have a gorgeous wreath made from the pages of a thesaurus, a whole lot of glue sticks and a foam form.

3.  Our friend Tilly the Elf arrived Friday morning.  He even brought a book so we could read it to the kids and tell them all about our new friend.  He reports back to the North Pole each night to fill Santa in on if the kids have been naughty or nice, each morning reappearing in a new spot in the house.  The older two have had lots of fun searching out his hiding places each day.

4.  I made comfort food for lunch today.  Grilled cheese, tomato soup and dill pickles.  We were out of margerine so I used real butter.  Yum.  I didn't realize what a difference the butter made.

5.  Black Friday shopping was a success, albeit a few hours later than anticipated.  I ended up getting sick Thanksgiving night, so rather than go shopping I went home and slept for 12 hours.  Got up the next day and decided to brave the crowds for a bit, which meant I'm about half done with Christmas and birthday shopping.

6.  One of our kids has a birthday just a week after Christmas and then another 2 weeks later.  Yikes!

7.  I ordered a Compound Miter Saw for myself for Christmas.  I don't think it's going to make it under the tree, I have plans for it as soon as it arrives!

8.  I am the proud owner of a pair of skinny jeans.  I sit somewhere between an hourglass and pear shape, so if I can wear them anyone can.  You just have to find the right top and boots to accompany them.  Check and Check.  It's been years since I shopped The Gaps jeans, but I'll be back...when I have a coupon.  I'm in need of a serious wardrobe update, thank you Black Friday for helping me take a baby step.

9.  My fridge is empty.  Really need to grocery shop but it's raining and I despise going to the grocery store with small kids when it's raining.  Kids, groceries and especially me are always soaking wet by the time I'm done loading everyone and everything.  Guess I'll be pulling a meal entirely from our freezer and pantry staples tonight.  Hmmm, wonder what it will be....

10.   I love ABW and recurring payments.  I remember the days when you had to write checks for everything.  Paying bills is sooo much faster now.

11.  I'm going to take advantage of E's naptime and try to get some crafting done today.  Hoping the Little Miss cooperates.

12.  I'm thankful for Thanksgiving and the reminder that I can chose to be thankful and focus on all the good things big and small.  That mindfulness can sometimes change a mood, or a day, or how I react to a person or event.  Thankful.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my second dad!  Hope you have a great day, even though you're working.  Knowing you, I'm sure there are lots of people you're working with who will celebrate with you during the quiet moments.  Your gift has been hard for me this year. I'll continue working on it after the kids are in bed and hopefully you'll get it before the new calendar year.  You know it would be a lot easier if we just bought each other gifts.  Wait I take that back, what do you buy the guy that can buy whatever he wants?  Guess this is better.  :)

ILY

Happy Thanksgiving!

I woke up this morning, laid in bed listening to the wind in the trees and silence.  No one in our house was up yet and I enjoyed a moment of solitude and thankfulness.  On this Thanksgiving day I have so much to be thankful for.   All month I've been mindful of something I'm thankful for each day.  Many of my thankful thoughts have been small pleasures like coffee, others large enveloping things like the love and support of my family and friends.  No matter how large or small, I've been reminded this month how much I have, literally and figuratively.

This week has been one of distraction for me.  Two of the kids have been a bit more needy, one due to a sinus infection and the other to a cold and random hives (bug bites to her) that keep popping up.  I also ended a friendship with someone I've known for a number of years.  We weren't great friends but more than acquaintances.  It was a mutual decision, we'd both been hurt by the other.  I had a hard time with it.  Not because the friendship was ending, I think that was the right thing for both of us, but because she was right that I hadn't forgiven for past issues and that had played out over the last couple months.  Apparently I needed a lesson on forgiveness, and a reminder of the damage that can be done when you don't forgive.  That said, I'm happy to have cut ties and look forward to moving forward with all the great friendships I've been blessed with.

I also spent some time at a specialist's office this week.  I had some blood taken last week and got news this week that it came back with some abnormalities.  So off to the doctor I went, hoping to get some answers.  Unfortunately, that appointment ended with me having a lot less blood and no more answers than when I'd arrived.  It appears I'm in the category of medical mystery for the second time in my life.  Our unexplained infertility was explained in time, hopefully this will get figured out with the next round of bloodwork.

With all that going on this week, I appreciate this day to spend with family and our family away from family.  I don't have to cook a single thing, yet get to eat a delicious meal.  I get to spend time with people I love and who love me.  I don't have to worry about prepping for company or cleaning up after.  I'll probably get some yummy leftovers to bring home for tomorrow and I get to shop on BF for the second year in a row.  I've perused the ads this morning and look forward to getting some great deals for Christmas and birthdays for the younger two, but really it's about a new tradition with an awesome friend.

Today I am so very thankful!

Tuesday Twelve

Sorry for the lack of posts, we've been busy!

1.  We're watching a friend's dog for a few days.  Having her here always makes us remember how much we love having pets.  I have to keep reminding myself...not until all the humans are potty trained.

2.  E has another sinus infection, poor kiddo just got over one about a month ago.  Thankfully a 24 hour stomach bug for Ryan has been the only other illness in our house this fall!

3.  We had a great week with weather in the 70's, awesome cleansing breezes and lots of sunshine.  The rain blew in last night and while it's cooler and rainy today, the rain pounding against the house during the early morning hours was so soothing.

4.  We have a visitor arriving Friday.  Look for a future post with details.

5.  Ryan had his first basketball game last Saturday.  He did so well and we were so proud.  His team won 13-10 and he made 8 of those points.  I was glad he did so well with baskets but proud that he wasn't a ball hog and knew when to pass instead of trying to make a shot.  Looking forward to the next couple months.

6.  Never thought I'd say I looked forward to watching basketball games.

7.  Little Miss has started displaying some attitude.  It's really hard not to laugh when she stomps her foot and gives me her mad face.  Although, that's often the best thing to do, it distracts her from being mad and she joins in the laughter.

8.  Just found out a friend is going through a really difficult time.  Health and finances are great when you have them, so stressful when you don't.  I found myself praying for her numerous times today, she's going to need lots of strength to get through the next few months.

9.  I'm so lucky to have parents who are doctors.  It's so easy for me to call and ask them questions and get advice about how to handle things.  I realize medical issues are that much harder for those without that knowledge base to draw on.

10.  I've been distracted this week and haven't been very motivated.  Looking forward to a weekend full of accomplishment.

11.  Also looking forward to 5 days off for our whole family!  The Mister was supposed to work tomorrow but unforseen circumstances pulled him out of work.  He's thrilled for one more day of vacation and in all honesty, really needs the time away to recharge. I'm glad he got an extra day...just hope it's relaxing.

12.  Particularly thankful today to have friends that are loving, supportive and always willing to help out.  The kind who watch your kids at the drop of a hat and bake you cookies when you're down can be hard to find, so if you've got friends like that hold on to them and return the favor!

Tuesday Twelve & Giving Thanks

1.  It's a dreary day.  Makes me want to crawl under the covers and take a nap...and it's only 8:30 am.

2.  Little Miss has been obsessed with rainbows and has drawn probably 100 over the last couple days.  Maybe she brought the rain?

3.  I'm contemplating cutting up a perfectly good GAP sweater.  I won't wear it again, and I have ideas for ways to use it.  Problem is, it's a nice sweater that wasn't cheap and someone else could wear it.  I think I'm gonna have to suck it up and cut up a perfectly good piece of clothing for the greater good.  That greater good being decorating/craft projects in my house.

4.  The bridge of my nose hurts, as in sensitive to touch, for no particular reason.  It's been this way for a number of days.  Weird.

5.  Christmas is only 39 days away.  Yikes!

6.  I'm in the process of helping a friend put a quote on her wall.  Makes me want to get some vinyl on my wall too.  My Cricut is getting quite a work out lately.

7.  The boy kept us busy last weekend.  Within three days he had a cub scout meeting, basketball practice, a birthday party to shop for and attend and a family event with cub scouts.  Wondering what we're going to do when all three of them have that much going on.

8.  My iPhone rocks.  I love it and how useful it can be.  Unfortunately, it's helped me become even worse at responding to email.  I read something on my phone and know I need to reply, but the reply will be long.  So I wait until I get on the pc, and by that time...well, I've forgotten about it and moved on.

9.  The boy was on the phone with a friend from school for an hour last night.  A girl friend.  He's quick to clarify that she's a tomboy and that they talk about sports.  Glad we have a house phone now, I think the calls are going to continue.

10.  The baby (who is no longer a baby but we aren't talking about that) is a dare devil.  I have a feeling he will cause lots of grey hair and wrinkles over the years.  His favorite trick right now is jumping off random things.  Sigh.

11.  Little Miss is the biggest creator of mess in this house.  Within any given day, she brings 3/4 of the toys from her room to every other room in the house.  Top that with hitting her non-cleaning phase and we have a grumpy mommy.  E, on the other hands, makes a mess just so he can clean it up...and sing the song.  I'm cherishing it since I know it won't last.

12.  And finally, day 16 of being Thankful...  Today I'm thankful that I'm able to stay home with my kids.  Some days they drive me crazy.  Some days I want to pull my hair out, run away, cry with frustration.  Some days I wish I could be anywhere but here.  But most days, I'm thankful that I get to see all their phases, I get hugs and kisses, I get to color with M, dance in the kitchen with the boys, listen to the big boy talk about school and friends, cuddle on the couch while we read stories...and the list goes on and on.  We really do appreciate how short these years are, and while they've been a bit longer for us due to the length of time between R & M, they've been worth it.  Having a little time to myself, with the younger two in preschool twice a week, helps my appreciation and thankfulness. *

*I may need to be reminded of this thankfulness tonight when my kids are screaming and fighting and don't want to eat the dinner I've made, take a bath, do homework, clean their room, etc.

Diamonds and a drill bit?

My second craft for our ACD (annual craft day) was a lighted wine bottle. I got the idea because of a pretty bottle with a B molded into the glass that we had. Monograms are huge right now and I knew my friend Jacy, who has a wine themed kitchen and a last name that starts with B would love a pretty bottle. But what to do with it? I searched the web and came across wine bottle lamps and wine bottles with lights inside. The second option was cute, inexpensive and quick, so I went with that. Off to my local big orange box for a diamond drill bit so I could drill through glass. They didn't have one....but the other chain in town did. Expensive drill bit, I'm going to have to make a lot of lighted wine bottles to justify it, or maybe I'll make this.

Armed with my new bit, The Misters cordless drill, a spray bottle, protective eye wear, gloves and a vice, I set to work trying to drill a hole through the bottle. Let me first say, it was really hard to get the bit to start a hole on a round, slick surface. So, I resorted to spraying the water while The Mister drilled the holes. For the record, he thought it was difficult too.

One set of mini lights shoved through the hole in the back of the bottle...

And this is what you get...

This isn't the pretty bottle with the monogram but a bottle that we've kept around for a number of years because the label fits us. It sits on my kitchen counter right now and I love the soft glow that comes from it when the rest of the lights are off.

*No wine was spilled during the making of this craft, and none was consumed until after the drill was put away.

Kidisms

The 9 year old - "Mom, it's like you know everything."

The first and probably last time I will hear those words come out of his mouth. At least until he's 30 or so.

Little Miss - "Eli is my favorite boy, I think we should keep him."

Ummm, glad you like him and yes we will be keeping him.

Little Miss - "Mom, why do fish swim?"

Me - "I don't know, why?"

LM - "Because they're silly...bwahhahahahahaha...that was a joke...bwahahahahahahaha"

3.5 and already telling jokes. Is she destined to be the class clown?

Giving Thanks - Day 10 & 11

Missed a day of posting my thankfulness here, but did get it on facebook. Yesterday I was thankful for a perfect fall day, one that encouraged lots of outdoor play after school. Also thankful for the backyard full of grass to play on, thanks to The Mister and his determination.

Today I'm thankful for all the people who have given their service and lives for our country. Especially thankful to my dad, FIL, Grandfather, all my BIL's and my uncle who lost his life in Vietnam.

Wordless Wednesday (with a title)

The Budding Decorator Strikes Again

Tuesday Twelve & Giving Thanks

1. Day 9 of my month of giving thanks. Today I'm thankful for fabulous friends, old and new. They know me and love me and make me feel better when I'm being too hard on myself. They support me and offer words of encouragement. They make me laugh and let me cry. They join me in making great memories. I get so much from my friends, I can only hope they feel the same.

2. I had a brainstorm a few days ago. It involves my desire for a pantry, built in cabinets and a window seat. I can picture it all in my head. It will be gorgeous. One day.

3. Brand new house and I'm already thinking of ways to change it. I have a problem.

4. The kids and I went for a great walk yesterday afternoon, it ended with me riding down the street on a princess scooter while Eli yelled at me to "GO!!!". Little Miss and I were in a race. She won...wink wink.

5. Love the beautiful fall days, which allow for said walks.

6. Eli's favorite word is bus. We counted 9 on the way to and from school this morning.

7. I can't believe I haven't mentioned this before now, guess it speaks to my lack of blogging, Ryan got straight A's on his report card and is now reading at a 5th grade level. Proud mommy.

8. It's the 9th of November and I haven't even thought about what we'll be doing for any of the holidays this year. Then we have two birthdays right after. Time to start planning.

9. I love my house. Love having enough space for all of us, and love dreaming about all the decorating potential. I've never been a fan of unused space, and this house is big, but with 5 family members, we really do use it all almost daily. The dining room is the only exception and it's been home to my crafting for the last week. Love having more space.

10. Don't love cleaning it though.

11. Already thinking about Black Friday shopping. I got some great deals last year and had a lot of fun in the process. I'm glad my shopping buddy will be in town. Maybe a few more will join us too!

12. Eli has been called a girl a lot lately. I really need to stop postponing it and get his hair cut. I love his curls so much, but with less humidity it's looking pretty big. A Baby Nick Nolte after his nap. Can't cut it until I get a picture.

Giving Thanks - Day 8

A quarter of the way through the month, and no lack of things to be thankful for. Most days there are so many I have trouble picking just one. Today I'm thankful to be finding joy in blogging again. Finding the time and inspiration can be rough, but I love the outlet it provides. I also love being able to go back and read about our life. Regarding that, I really wish I'd been blogging through our IVF's. For a while I was so knowledgeable about the process and meds, I almost sounded like I was in the medical profession when I talked about. Now that we're 4.5 years out, I've forgotten a lot. In all honesty, I probably don't want to remember a lot of it, those weren't fun times. It's a shame though because an acquaintance is in the beginning stages of IVF and I wish I had more to offer her. What do you wish you'd written down for future reference?

Feeling Crafty?

What do you get from 3x3 wooden cubes, a piece of a 2x4, numerous srapbook papers, some Mod Podge, a little spray paint, sand paper, elbow grease, vinyl and a Cricut? (Can you find my little helpers?)

Lots of Mod Podge and a few hours of dry time later, you have these.....

Countdown to Christmas Blocks!

I've been wanting to make them since I saw them on a few crafty blogs last year. (Wish I could remember which blogs so I could give credit.) ACD (Annual Craft Day) inspired me to get off my butt and dowit! I went with a red and aqua theme because mine are sitting on a table between two aqua lamps. Everyone else at craft day had more Christmas inspired paper, and they all looked sooo cute. I can't wait to make more.

By request, a basic tutorial...

Supplies:

2 3x3 cubes. (I've seen 3x3x~30 at the big orange box. They cut the piece of wood into cubes for me at no charge.)

1 2x4 cut to 7"pieces for the base

6 t0 13 coordinating papers

Mod Podge

Sand Paper

Spray Paint or acrylic paint in your chosen color

Sand the pieces getting rid of sharp and splintered edges. Wipe clean with a wet paper towel and paint. I used spray paint, flat white, but you could use acrylic paint too. Cut your papers for the front of the base and all sides of the blocks. Paint the back of the paper with Mod Podge as well as the block and apply to all sides. Once dry, you'll add the block numbers and then another coat of Mod Podge.

Details:

Block 1: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Block 2: 0, 1, 2, 6, 7, 8

(make sure the 6 can double as a 9)

I cut my block paper to 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 and the base was 1 1/4 x 6 3/4

I used Alphalicious font on my Cricut and vinyl for the letters and numbers. Numbers were cut at 2" and letters were 3/4".

To add character, you could use paper for letters and numbers, distress the paper, add finishing nails at the corners, etc.

Giving Thanks - Day 7

Today I'm thankful for the scent of baking pumpkin loaf filling my house. And thankful I bought the big can of pumpkin puree so I could make a double batch! I look forward to delivering some mini loaves to friends and still having some left over for the freezer.

Giving Thanks: Day 6

Thankful for ACD...not to be confused with OCD. ACD = Annual Craft Day and is one of my favorite days of the year. Better than my birthday, almost as good as Christmas. Seriously. ACD is a group of crafty friends coming together, each bringing a craft, and each walking away at the end of the day with a number of completed projects. There's food and fun and laughter but the day is about the love of crafting. I planned to take pictures, unfortunately my camera never left my purse. Distracted by the crafting I guess....and the suh-weet book wreath I saw the minute I walked through the door. Have I mentioned how much I love this day?

Giving Thanks: Day 5

Today I'm thankful for a husband that is always willing to help me when I need it. I had a great idea for a craft project and but didn't have the strength or maybe the skill with power tools needed to make it a reality. He helped me without question and despite being tired after a long day at work. Love that man.

Giving Thanks: Day 4

Today I'm thankful for TV...sad but true. The Mister and I watch a couple shows on Thursday night that we really enjoy. They pull us out of our lives and allow us a couple hours of mindless enjoyment. To piggy back on that, I'm also thankful for DVR. Often the shows we enjoy are not kid friendly yet are shown during the munchkins waking hours or bedtime routine. DVR is the best of both worlds...mindless enjoyment, when we want it, without commercials. Full of win!

In other news...

While at the grocery store today, I came across dark chocolate covered pretzels with York Peppermint Patty in the center. Two words. Diets. Suck.

Giving Thanks - Day 3

Today I'm thankful for the cute pink rain boots I bought on clearance last summer. They've kept my feet warm and dry on a cold and rainy day. Plus they're bright and fun on a dreary day.

An Anniversary

Yesterday was my mom and stepdad's 25th wedding anniversary. They celebrated it by flying to the other side of the world. Literally the other side of the globe, people. It's safe to say, this is not a trip I would have done well with. I'm more of a beach, umbrella drink, take in the sites and eat yummy local delights kind of girl. I must have been adopted. Anyway, the Rents and Hot Brother will be camping their way through rural villages on a continent far far away for a bit. While it's not my thing, I'm so impressed by their desire to know the world and learn about it by visiting the good, the bad and the ugly. So without further ado...Happy Anniversary to M&G! May their travels be plentiful, their packs be light, their tummies unaffected, their shoes unstolen, their pictures beautiful and thought provoking, their stories interesting, their soundtracks evolving and their love enduring.

LYBMTYK

Giving Thanks: Day 2

Today I'm thankful for Democracy and the chance for our voices to be heard.

Tuesday Twelve

1. Basketball starts for Ryan this week. Much less time intensive than baseball and a sport he really enjoys. I hope his coach is good and Ryan enjoys the season since this will be his first time playing organized basketball. I'm not particularly excited about his teams practice time....6 pm, Friday night, across town. Ahh, the joys of parenting.

2. I'm amazed at how much I can check off my list when I'm not toting kids with me. In preparation for our annual craft day I went to Target, Dollar Tree, Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart and Hobby Lobby, along with lunch at Panera, Grocery shopping and unloading today. All within the 5 hours the younger two were at MDO. I felt so accomplished.

3. Speaking of craft day, this week I'll be prepping wine bottles and wood for two different crafts. Can't wait to see how they turn out.

4. The Mister and I actually had a dress up, adults only Halloween party to attend this year. I knew people attending the party would be bringing their A game for costumes so I spent some time trying to figure out what we would be and then shopping for the pieces to pull it together. We ended up going as Peace and Quiet. The Mister is a very believable Hippie. Me as a mime, not so much. I started talking about 3 minutes after walking in the door.

5. The kids had a great time TOTing. Eli wore a costume that Ryan wore when he was just over a year old. <3

In his Tigger costume and eating candy before we even made it to the end of our street.

Makenna who was running and stopped on dime to pose for this picture.

Ryan with our neighbor Mitchell. We ran into them while we were out and spent the rest of the night walking and chatting.

Enough with the pictures, Mom! Can we go now?!

6. I love my first Halloween Mantel in our new house. It's pretty sparce but the cotton was picked at a neighboring farm. Wish I had video of the Mister pulling it for me. I turned the pumpkins around today since Halloween is over.

7. I love the look of all white pumpkins. They're all over the place again this year. Trying to decide if I want to paint mine or keep them orange. For now I'm leaning towards orange, all the fall colors may not match my decor but I love the feelings they inspire.

8. This is the first year I've really had to rake leaves, our house is surrounded by tons of trees. So pretty in the spring and summer but a mess during the fall. We need to hire someone to come clean out the gutters because we can't get on top of the roof with our extension ladder. Annoying, but the kids have had so much fun playing in the big piles and I've enjoyed raking them up. I'm weird.

9. I pile. Papers, clothes, kids things. I put things in piles. Horrible trait but I can't seem to break it. Was just going through one of my said piles and realized the tags expired on my car. In September. Oopsie.

10. I started singing Christmas Carols yesterday. I know, The Mister wanted to pull out the duct tape too.

11. I heard a statistic today. For every piece of Halloween candy that your child eats, you'll eat two. Fabulous.

12. I'm in lust. I look from afar and wonder what it would feel like to act on that lust. I dream about the object of my lust. I've spoken openly with The Mister about my lust. I may need to join a twelve step program. I'm in lust.....with. a. sofa.

Giving Thanks: Day 1

Today I'm so thankful for a fantastic Mother's Day Out program where my kids feel safe, happy and loved. We couldn't have asked for better teachers or a better program. Both kids are blossoming socially and learning new things every time they go to school. All that, and it's only about 5 minutes from the house. Good stuff.