52 Blessings

My Sunday blessing is late getting posted, it's now Monday night!

Sunday I was able to spend a fair amount of time with my handsome son and it was such a blessing to me. We don't get to spend alot of time together because of his school and work, my work, and well, just because life gets busy. The older your kids get, the busier they become, and unfortunately, the time you get to spend with them lessens. It's a harsh reality.

It was such a joy and a pleasure raising this young man and there are days that I long to hold that little boy who loved to splash in the pool for hours on end, or lay on the couch drinking his warm milk and watching Full House, or playing roller hockey in the driveway after school, everyday, for what seemed like years. I'd love one more time to hear that fun, carefree giggle that grade schoolers give so freely...but another harsh reality is our children grow up, all too fast.

My handsome son has grown into a tender hearted, intelligent, loving, hardworking, serious natured, respectful young man...and I love him more than he will ever know.

Decorating Tip

This was one of my projects today. This took me all of 5 minutes to put together and cost me less than $15.00 total.

Supplies:
1). Planter was originally $39.99. On sale at Michaels for $9.99
2). 1 small plant in ceramic pot at Michaels. On sale for $2.49
3). Left over plastic bags from Target and the grocery store
4). Moss. I already had this on hand. It's $4.99 a bag at Michaels

I placed the plant, still in the ceramic pot, in the middle of my new large planter and put plastic bags all around it, securing it and making it snug. I put the moss over the bags to hide them. I had another artificial plant that I snipped a few sprigs off of and sporadically put them in with the other plant...and viola.

I think it looks very classy and expensive...but remember, only you know my secret!

Score!!

We have 2 planters at our front door that have been there for over 10 years. Last year the trees that were in them died and I have not been able to find adequate replacements. I want specific trees...the kind with those 2 shaped balls on them...you know the kind I'm talking about right? Well, I haven't been able to find any of those particular trees anywhere...and I mean anywhere. I've looked for months.

Fast forward to this afternoon...I went to buy more flowers (yes, I'm still working on my flowerbeds and I'll show you a picture in a minute). I immediately saw 2 azalea trees I was interested in but neither one had a price tag on them. I had thought about planting them in my front yard, yes, replacing 2 other plants that had died (hey, we had a cold winter). Well let me tell you, I SCORED big time with these 2 azalea trees. After much effort on behalf of two Home Depot employees, they still had no idea how to price these 2 trees! I was just about ready to say forget it when the cute college manager guy tells the cashier "give them to her for $10 each and then take off another couple bucks." WHAT...DID I HEAR HIM RIGHT!?! The cashier looked at me and said "he's the boss." SCORE!!

When I got home I unloaded them out of my car and it dawned on me...put them in the planters! Granted, it's not what I intend on keeping in them forever, but they look pretty good for right now...better than the empty planters that have been sitting there for months and months.


I also scored big this week with this good mail...


Kacey sent me these two personalized notepads. One of the pads has little cupcakes at the top...she must know I love making cupcakes! The other notepad has cute girls on it holding bags...both are A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E! And if that wasn't enough, she sent me a Fizzy Bomb...yes, you heard me right. The instructions say to fill the bathtub halfway, drop the fizzy bomb in, and relax...

If you want to see some darling goodies just like Kacey sent me, check out her website: www.doodlebugspaper.com

And now, after one week, I want to show you what a little sun, a little water, and a little TLC has done for the flowerbeds...they're lookin' pretty perky!


The nice weather has also been doing this little guy some good...he's lovin' it!

It's That Time of Year Again

for graduations and weddings that is. Today I received these in the mail.


This is the graduation announcement for a girl that we have known since she was only a few months old. Her brother and my son were in preschool together...and then a few years later she and my daughter went to the same preschool together. We attend the same church and so our family friendship goes way back. I would love to have shown you Kayla's beautiful graduation photo but her mother might not have appreciated me posting it over the internet! I think Kayla's heading down to a christian college (Point Loma) in San Diego in the fall. Good Luck Kayla! We love you!


I also received this cute magnet telling me to save the date for a bridal shower being given for my cousin Billie. Although Billie and I were best of friends growing up, we've lost touch. I was thrilled to get this so that I can reconnect with her and with some of my other relatives that I haven't seen for awhile too. I can't wait!

Do you have any family members that are graduating soon or getting married this summer? I can think of at least 2 of you with these exciting things happening in your families soon...congratulations Rhonda and Michelle!

SPT - Earth Day

Lelly's challenge: Do you consider yourself part of The Green Generation?

In honor of Earth Day, we were to ask ourselves what we are doing to help out the environment and to reflect on what we have done in the past, hoping we have made advancements in our efforts.

So, do I consider myself to be part of the green generation...no, not really. Part of the baby boom generation, yes, but truthfully not so much a part of the green generation. My family could be doing so much more. There are 1 or 2 things that we are doing right though...
















We use this "green" trash can to keep all of our cans in until we collect enough for recycling.

We use this on a regular basis. Does shredding all of your paper count as being green?








Target sent me this bag in the mail but I need about 10 more for my Target trips. I will try and remember to bring it with me next time!









As you can see, we have a long way to go. So, if Lelly chooses to ask us again next year about this Earth Day SPT, hopefully we'll have made some improvements to report and share with you from this house!

Giveaways!

This is why I haven't accomplished anything yet today...

Check it out...but beware, you'll find yourself spending alot of time at this site.

Hopefully ONE of us will win SOMETHING!

Just a Little Miscellaney...

Right about the time I was having my meltdown last week, I went to the mailbox only to find this...


Boy did it help brighten my day! My blogging friend Holly sent me some adorable red good mail. She had seen me wearing some red shoes in a recent photo and said these red goodies reminded her of me and my red shoes. Isn't that sweet! Thank you Holly!

Oh yes Holly, my hubby, who thinks this blogging and good mail stuff is a little "weird", didn't hesitate to eat some of the chocolate...and liked it ALOT!

Yesterday afternoon we traveled down south to Long Beach for a family gathering and little did I know that my father-in-law had a surprise waiting for hubby and I...


He had secretly flown in little sis (our daughter) from college for the party and just 2 days prior, she had dyed her hair BLACK. I don't know where she was going with this one but she looked cute nonetheless. She normally has light hair like me so the black is pretty drastic against her skin. Little sis, just a quick question...was this some college ritual or something? We're you dared to do this? Oh well, it's only hair...only that gorgeous hair that I've spent mucho bucks on so that you could get it just the right color(s). What do you bet she'll be asking if she can make a hair appointment when she comes home for summer break in a few weeks.

This is a cute picture of some of the teens that were there. My niece is holding the Jakester and no, it is not a real tattoo on her arm...she's only 14!


Even though it does appear that these kids were having a good time, and they were, their glasses were filled with sparkling cider...and they loved it! It also appears that there is some sparkling adult stuff on that counter too!

And last but not least, when I got home from work today I was greeted by these 2 lovely cards...


Thank you cards from Jill and Natasha. Your words were so nice to read after a very long, challenging day away from home...just what I needed, thank you! (Being an RN, everyday is long and challenging...but thankfully I love it.)

Blame It On a Full Moon...Or

Blame it on the bad weather some of you are still experiencing out there or just blame it on life...because from what I've read this week, some of you have had miserable days accompanied by a "meltdown" or two...my meltdown was on Wednesday to be exact.

I'd like to believe I have fairly good coping mechanisms (and I'm pretty even tempered) so luckily I don't have miserable days often, but when I do have a BAD day, it can either go one of two ways. I can either sit on top of my bed all day, laptop in hand, wasting my day away, or I get productive. Wednesday I chose the latter of the two. You wanna see a clean house, just get me mad!

Wednesday morning I was thinking about some of the things my kids have done over the years (and some more recent) and it put me in a funk. Those of you with small kids ...your time is coming! I DO have really great kids but they both have made a few not so smart decisions and remembering these made me cry...intermittently throughout the day...alot...and for no apparent reason. So much so that my hubby and dog Jake stayed clear of me the whole day...smart decisions there!

Why do I allow myself to do that...cry over spilled milk that is? I'm guessing it's because I'm a Mom and also because I invest alot in people and I want the same in return. Maybe that's my first mistake, expecting so much of others. I need to cut people more slack, namely my family...but they in return need to think of others and think smart...and they generally do!

One example of the stress of being a Mom to older kids: "Son...I'm not trying to be on your back all the time when I say please don't ever drink and drive. It would be a terrible thing to do. It's against the law and nothing good has ever come out of drinking and driving" I say. Well, for the last week, my son's new roommate has been in critical condition due to a drinking and driving related motorcycle accident. Son, please know that I just don't talk to hear myself talk, I'm thinking about you and your safety...

Daughter, please remember that you're in college to get a degree yes, but not the MRS. degree. Remember last year when you almost gave your Father a heart attack... due to all of the yelling...because you said you would choose the current boyfriend over us...

So, on days like Wednesday, when my mind chose to wander, I chose to be productive, work outside in the gorgeous weather, and pray while doing so. All of these in combination helped me to get out of my funky mood. When you have a funky day or your mind chooses to wander...what works for you?

What Was I Thinking...Update

It was beautiful outside today and I really enjoyed working on the flowerbeds..."what was I thinking" didn't even enter my mind, not once! I'm almost done with one side of the yard, only a small area to finish. I would have completely finished this one side today but I ran out of flowers. I had made the trip to Home Depot once already today and didn't want to go back. I'll finish it up on Friday along with the other side of the yard.

You may want to click on the picture to enlarge it to really see the flowers. If they look a little droopy, it's probably because I had just given them a good watering.


See, I've only got that little area over there on the left to finish up.

I can't tell you how many times I've spent hours and hours planting flowers only to wake up the next morning to find out that they've been eaten by the snails. And I mean ALL of the flowers eaten up, gone, finished! So now, I make sure I have this on hand...


Also, yesterday I took about an hour and trimmed back some of my rose bushes. They had gone wild with their blooms and I had rose pedals everywhere. I planted these 4 rose bushes/trees over 10 years ago and they're still going strong.


This is some of what I ended up with after my trimming...aren't they gorgeous!


Keeping up this yard is a big job indeed, but it's always been a labor of love for me!

SPT - What Was I Thinking

Lelly's challenge this week: "what was I thinking!?!

I love to work in my yard, I find it very relaxing. One of the things I most enjoy is planting flowers. They add such beauty to a yard.


But every year when I take on this project I say to myself, "what was I thinking!?! I painstakingly follow the brick curbing all around the flower beds throughout the entire front yard...it's really a job!


And...


Just think, only this much more to go and about 3 more of those flats of flowers and I'll be done!

It's Here!

Spring is here...

And so is the tax deadline. You should have seen the line at our post office yesterday. I wouldn't have braved it except I had lots of springtime GOOD MAIL to send on its way!

52 Blessings

I've seen "52 Blessings" around on other blogs and thought I would mention a few things that I am thankful for today.

I can't believe I'm showing you my feet because they are not one of my best features...


But today I'm thankful that:

1) The weather was hot enough to wear flip flops
2) The foot massage I got today during my pedicure helped to ease my hurting feet
3) No matter how unattractive your feet are, cute flip flops and a pedicure help to make any feet look better

Tonight I was also thankful for this...my all-time favorite food. It was so warm today that I didn't have much of an appetite. A big slice of watermelon was just right for dinner.

A Win/Win Situation

I love days like today. I was able to do things that I wanted to do yet I also got alot of things done that I needed to do. It was a win/win situation!

After picking up hubby from dropping off the motorhome for some minor repairs, I headed over to the salon for my scheduled appointment. I knew it was going to be a good day when I left the salon HAPPY...hair not to short, not to long, just right! Hopefully I'll feel the same about it in the morning when I have to style it myself.


Literally, after looking for years, I finally found some new pots for the 2 topiaries that sit on the mantle above my fireplace. I have had these topiaries forever but never liked the look of them in their original containers. I like how they look in these tuscan/italian looking ones. What do you think?


Hubby and I went to Costco and look what I found. Isn't it cute. I haven't worn a two-piece in ages. This is a skirt with the bikini bottom sewn in. They had some darling designs to pick from.


I think I've mentioned before that I rarely eat meat. No certain reason really...just not a big fan of it. I am a HUGH salad fan though. I survive on them. I had this most delicious spinach salad tonight...yummy!


I readied some good mail that I have been wanting to send out. I had alot of fun putting these little gifts together. Watch your mailboxes people!


I also did some banking, paid some bills, hubby secured an apartment at ASU for little sis for next year and sent off the payment for that, and I hosed off the back patio which I love to do. It's so relaxing to me and as I've mentioned before...there's nothing better than seeing dirt roll away!

So this was my day in a nutshell but I almost forgot to mention one of the best things about today...the weather. It was perfect...82ish!

Let's Try This Again...

We were empty nesters...once...for about 2 months.

Handsome son had already been living in Hawaii for 2 years when we took little sis to Arizona for college this last August. I'm not lying when I say I cried the whole drive home from AZ to CA. I had a broken heart. My life had revolved around these two ~ the loves of my life ~ and now I felt strangely without purpose...and really didn't have a choice in the matter. I was amazed, and saddened, at how fast the time had gone by since they were little. It had gone by REALLY REALLY fast!

It took weeks but I began learning to adjust to my new life...and then we got the call. Handsome son wanted to move back home...again.

Handsome son moved back early November and has been home since. Truth be told, I was a little worried about living with him again. I remember his late teen years and cringe...but it's been wonderful. I hadn't realized just how much I had missed his physical presence. I have loved looking at his gorgeous face everyday and have loved getting to see and know him as a young man. He makes me proud.

He announced a few days before our recent roadtrip that he was moving out again. So more tears...but I'm happy for him. He's 22 and not wanting to live with Mom and Dad forever...and in my heart of hearts I know I don't want to live with my kids forever either. So, here we are empty nesters again. Liking it and not liking it all at the same time. I wish my handsome son luck in his new home (although this one will always be his true home!)

Oh, did I mention, we pick up little sis for summer break May 9th. She will be home for a good part of the summer. Empty nesters, huh!


A cute picture of handsome son and beautiful little sis in Hawaii a few years back.

Serious Eye Candy!

There's just something about this man (and his Dad).
I may be "over the hill"...but I'm not dead yet!

I just LOVE this song...and this face

Yep, I Did It

and...

it went ok I guess, but as my friend Misty so greatly put it...

ME + RUNNING = HATE!

What do all of you like about running anyways? It's grueling. I did better than I expected but was only able to run for a block, walk for a block, run for a block...you get the idea.

I think you could probably hear me breathing for at least 3 blocks away and it truly felt like my ankles were gonna snap. It seemed like I was running soooo slow, in slow motion almost. But I did it! All in all, my route took me about 2 miles. It's my regular route I take when I walk so it was very familiar.

I've decided to give it one month. I will commit to running 3-4 times a week until we leave for Phoenix in a month. I like the cardiovascular benefits running brings but if I don't see a change in my body shape (namely my thighs!)...you'll be talking to an "EX" runner!

I do have to say I've felt great all day. I felt like I accomplished something special...and so far, nothing hurts too bad. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

My next run will be on Wed night or Thurs morning!

Good Mail, Initiating a Goal

I received 3 adorable thank you notes last week...a beautifully written note from Kacey and a note each from Lucy and Griffin. Thanks guys!


On another note...today I am finally going to initiate a goal that I set for myself for 2008.

I've always wanted to take up running but have never followed through with it...but today is the day. I don't know how far I'll get and I know I'll be sore tonight but you have to start somewhere...and I'm starting now.

There are alot of you runners out there who I know could give me some good sound advise. Please leave me a comment or two. I would love to hear what you have to say about this sport/hobby. Do you have a love/hate relationship with running? I'm curious.

I'm not kidding myself either...it's gonna be very difficult! I'm already preparing myself for the worst but hoping for the best. Stay tuned...I'll update you later on today's outcome.

Pretty Interesting...

There are 3 people in the United States with my same exact name...makes me wonder about the other 2. Are they around my age, where do they live, what's their life like, are they similar to me???

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 3 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Convection Cooking...

Ok...I need the low down on convection cooking...and fast! I'm already NOT a good cook but now this oven is making matters worse.

We updated our appliances this time last year. We replaced our old, outdated oven, microwave, dishwasher, and trash compactor. We got this oven and microwave combo...


I love the stainless steel look and all but I can't cook or bake worth a darn in it. We were told that we had to buy a convection oven because "regular" ovens weren't being sold anymore...that the newer homes were all being built with convections. Who knows...all I know is that I just wanted a regular oven...but didn't get it! And I don't like this new one! It's very intimidating!

Are there any secrets I need to know or any little bits of information I should be following in order to cook in this darn thing? I can't even get good cupcakes anymore. Case in point...I was voted to bring in cupcakes to work tomorrow. I have to mention that I'm pretty much the "Cupcake Queen" around here and truly bake a mean cupcake...or so I did. That's why I was voted to bring them in tomorrow. Well, my last 4 out of 5 attempts have produced cupcakes with hard tops but they are perfectly moist inside. Very frustrating. I've tried placing the pans on different shelves, different temps, you name it.

So what am I doing wrong? I'm very depressed over my cupcakes tonight!
Do any of you cook with convection and have been able to master it successfully?
PLEASE ADVISE!

Oregon 2008

After traveling over 2300 miles this last week, we made it home safely at 1:00am this morning. And like I've said before...as much as I like to go and see and do...there's no place like home!

This is a picture of Netarts Bay. We stayed at an RV park that is for sale right here on the bay. As you can see, it's beautiful but the business was not. This park would need some work to get it to our liking...too much work I'm afraid. And besides, no Target for miles and miles and miles! Also, we're not fishermen. This business catered to the person who enjoys fishing, crabbing, and clamming...and we know nothing about any of the three! So, scratch that one.


A few pictures of the Oregon Coast. The Oregon coastline is quite different from the coastline I grew up near. The Oregon beaches don't have the white sand or sunbathers. You can drive along the coast for miles and never see one person near the water. These two pictures show the rocky coastline but there are areas where you could walk along the shore and get your toes wet.



This is a picture of the Smith River. I have never seen a river with water more clear and beautiful. The water was a gorgeous turquoise color.


And finally a shot of me and my Jake on the Rogue River yesterday morning. Jake is the perfect traveler...always content to just sit on my lap and sleep or take in the views. I love this dog!


We didn't come home with any good leads as far as businesses are concerned (I was interested in one but that's another post) but the trip was a success none the less. It was relaxing, the company was great (hubby and jake), and we experienced more of this beautiful country of ours...but it's still good to be home!

SPT - I Will Remember You

Lelly's challenge: So, for next week, a simple challenge. Take a few moments to take a great self-portrait. Fix your hair, freshen your lipstick, wear your favorite shirt. Get outside, or stay inside, but take the time to find a shot that you love. I want to see beautiful photos of my beautiful friends, something to remember you all by as I wade through the next few months.

Boy oh boy did she get me...a self imposed blogging and SPT hiatus my eye...it was all a joke...and a pretty darned good April Fool's joke I might add. But yes, thankfully only a joke. So, on with the SPT.

This post is a little late but as the saying goes...better late than never. I took this photo yesterday while traveling back home from Oregon to CA. I don't love the photo but I think the scenery is great. The fast moving Rogue River is behind me.


Oregon was beautiful...more pictures to follow.