Nature is truly amazing....
quietly blooming....
soft and elegant....
Have a BlOoMing Friday!
Looking For...
24
Thursday, May 28, 2009
the silver lining in a busy week.And realizing I didn't have far to look....
he was holding my hand the whole time,
my son!
I've been hit with a head cold this week.
Sinus pressure, ear hurts, ache teeth kind of sinus pressure!
Of all weeks!
This is the week that I needed to feel healthy and strong to tackle the decorations for the 8Th grade graduation reception that has been looming over me like a dark cloud.
When I accepted this task I was not excited about it...
I felt burdened by it and now I have to say I feel ashamed about those feeling.
As I ran around town getting the items I need for Friday, I dragged my son with me.
In and out of the car multiple times...
holding my hand and being so good as I grabbed the items, checked them off my list and headed to the next place.
We were out all day...
he thought it was such an adventure the whole time!
In his eyes all this rushing around was fun!
I wanted to be doing anything other than this...
and then it hit me!
and he asked for chocolate milk from Starbucks....
{how can I say no to that request!}
I quickly turned the car in that direction,
and my attitude about this task changed!
I realized he didn't care what we were doing as long as we were doing it together!
and getting fun drinks in the process!
The kids graduating from our school are about to embark on a new phase of their life...
I was thinking if it was my child about to graduate how would I feel...
I would want their day to feel so special.
These kids I'm doing this for do not have to be related to me, for me to get my act together and have a better attitude.
I want to do it for them. Their moms, dads and relatives.
I want to do it for the teachers and staff attending the reception.
It's my way of thanking them for all they do and caring about the education of our children.
I want to do it for my children so they will know the act of volunteering and the rewards it has.
I'm sorry it took me this long to have a change of heart about this task...
but this morning I awoke to the same amount of work that needs to get done,
but with a new fresh perspective.
refreshed spirit!
With that refreshed spirit I drove my daughters to school this morning and
I passed 4 friends driving to their morning destinations and they all waved.
Such a simple act of a wave made my day!
We all could have been in our own world...
thinking of lists and chores, work that needs to get accomplished today...
but all 5 of us had our eyes and hearts open to a new day...
fresh start
and
waved to each other...
a sign of hello,
so good to see you...
wish we had a moment to talk,
wishing you a great day!
This is my hello, " my wave" to you all today!
and if anyone feels like wrapping 200 place settings with ribbon my door is wide open!!!
the music is on.....
it's a eat a cupcake at 8 AM kind of a day...
why not...
my son thinks it's a great idea...
and today I tend to agree!
It's Offical....
28
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
{photo from Coastal Living}Swimming Season has arrived!!
This special occasion calls for a daydream while I fold all the freshly laundered towels the kids used this weekend.
I am daydreaming about "a perfectly rustic mudroom" that I would love to place the beach towels after they have been folded.
This is the ideal room for...
wet feet,
and a very wet four legged doodle dog who loves water just as much as the kids do.
Wet bathing suits left hanging to dry for the next trip to the pool.
This is my "dream room" that doesn't care if Bomb Pop Popsicles drip on the floor. Or the wrappers are left on the counter!
Old tin buckets filled with every kind of sunscreen reminding everyone to lather up before they head outside.
A room made of recycled wood.
Painted to the perfect weathered colors of summer.
Flip flops left on the floor for anyone to use...
What is not to love about a room where kids can be kids and moms can sit back and say,
"Se la vie"....
buzz... oh darn, my daydream has been interrupted by the dryer buzzer..
Off to do more folding.
What are you daydreaming of today?
Life, Ladder & Love....
38
Friday, May 22, 2009
This morning I needed a moment to sit and process my thoughts.
And as I was thinking my ladder, that found junking a couple months ago, caught my eye and in a split second everything I was feeling was best described by my ladder!
I really have no good explanation of why I was searching for an old library ladder.
There is just something about library ladders that I love.
And I love an eclectic home... so why not.
That is my simple uncomplicated answer.
I have a longer explanation, if you have a moment.
When I took one look at the feet, I had to have it. They were so stable.
Planted firmly on the ground giving the rest of the ladder support.
So much like life.
You need a good foundation to carry you through life.
There are times when life feels like you are climbing a ladder trying to reach for what you need.
When my children saw me bring it in the house they said, what I'm sure my husband was thinking, "Why are you putting a ladder against the wall?" and out of my mouth came the words so you can "reach for the stars"...
I said it jokingly {cause I told them never to actually climb it}
but the saying has stuck and that's what they tell their friends when they ask them why their mom put a ladder against the wall! followed by an eye roll and don't ask!
It also symbolizes growth.
to break out of your comfort zone every once in awhile and take a risk.
Do not be afraid of falling.
If you have a stable foundation your loved ones will be there to support you and to cheer you on even if you don't succeed.
Because sometimes the best experiences come for taking a risk no matter what the outcome is.
As I reflect back on the school year I see that my daughters have all taken a risk this year in their own way and have grown tremendously from it.
From trying out for the talent show when my daughter would have never ever before done anything in front of an audience before. And out of the blue when talent show sign ups came home she said she was going to play the recorder.
As I watched her up on the stage I thought my heart was going to burst.
She did it. She conquered her fear of audiences and now can't wait for next year.
My oldest daughter does not like to talk on the phone.
Every time an invitation comes home and she needs to RSVP she makes me do it.
no matter how I coached her she refused to do it.
Well, she received an invitation to a good friends birthday party and it was time to RSVP.
Last night while I was cooking dinner she came to me and said "She was going to call her friend to RSVP!"
I couldn't believe it. I stood by the door listening to hear and watched her pace as she spoke and my heart swelled again.
She conquered her fear of the phone at her own time.
Then my sweet little Kindergarten daughter is over coming her fear of separation from me.
It popped up out of the blue she started crying when ever I left acting like I was not coming back. She is still working hard at our pinkie promise we made to each other and hasn't cried in 4 days! She gets a Chick- Fil- A milkshake after school!!!!
&
my little guy conquered his fear of the big boy toilet!
How cool is that!
Very Cool!!!!
So there you have the story of my ladder and how it started out like a whimsical accent in my home and now when ever I look at it, I think of so much more.
I know, I am being a heavy thinker today, but this weekend is the anniversary of when I met my husband 17 years ago.
I opened the door and there he stood.
On the doorstep to my parents house in Southern California.
I opened the door to my future on that sunny Memorial Day weekend....
that was beginning of our foundation.
Here's to a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and strong foundations!!!
Truck Loads of Summer Time Fun.....
17
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The day has finally arrived!!!
We heard them coming before we saw them!!!
I have never been so excited to see....
5
Yes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 trucks....
with a very special delivery!
H2O
they filled the pool to the tippy top....
Let the splish splashing fun begin...
Beauty Amongst The Commotion....
22
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Life is busy!The end of the school year is jam packed with activities....
my home is swarming with construction trucks...
{they are frantically moving at a fast pass .... thank you doesn't even express the relief I will feel when the construction is over}
Chickadees coming down with end of the school year colds....
but
in all the commotion there is the sweet sight of my Peonies!
How I wish I could freeze time to get all I want accomplished and sit and watch them bloom....
Vintage Monday.....
32
Monday, May 18, 2009
Good Morning Monday!
I'm determined to get you back on track....
it started with quite a few hiccups!
Time to refocus...
and the perfect way to do that is by taking a moment to smell the roses
that just so happen to be in my new favorite find!
And what is my new favorite discovery?
Vintage Floor Registers
I took one look at this and was completely thrilled with the concept!It has been repurposed into a new flower container!
I've placed in my sun room for the time being.I love the feel of a rustic "flower box" sitting on a table, but I also plan to use it on my patio table outside when we are entertaining.
It would make a great centerpiece.
Or I can place it by my front door on a wooden bench filled with fresh cut flowers to greet visitors.
The possibilities are endless...
Wishing you a day full of possibilities!
Got Milk?
24
Friday, May 15, 2009
{photo: Counrty Living}Is it really Friday?
I really hope I'm not dreaming!
Just saying the word ....
f r i d a y
is pure music to my ears.
It was an "up hill" kind of week.
Even with all the goodness from last weekend it was a strain.
More emotional than task related, which I find to be harder.
Each child needing something different from me.
All the different ages makes me really wish I got my degree in childhood psychology!
And if that was not bad enough...
I'm plum out of milk!
Last drop went into their cereal bowls.... visions of my morning latte evaporated right before
my eyes....
What's a girl to do?
Don't even say go to the grocery store... bit your tongue.. I'm not in the mood for that task!
It's F r i d a y after all!!
Stop the presses....
Who needs a latte now!
I just perked up without the caffine....
Why?
The pool man just arrived and waved to me as I sit by the window typing my post... oh ya!!!
It's a good day after all!!!
P.S. something about a giveaway
and a
thank you is in the very near future at LuLu & co.!
I love a good treasure hunt especially when it's for YOU!!!
It's Party Time....
21
Thursday, May 14, 2009
and Surf's Up!!This party is for the little Boy in my life!!!
My theme is the letter B!
I used Beach Balls as the invitation.
I inflated the beach balls and wrote the party information on them with permanent marker.
{tip - if you have an air compressor for a blow up mattress, I suggest you use it. After the 3rd beach ball I was light headed and my cheeks hurt!}
Then, I deflated the balls and put them in a large flat envelope and off they went.
The guest have to inflate the beach balls to read the invite!
We are having his party on Memorial Day and sticking with my B theme it's a
Swimming Birthday Bash...
So bounce on over for
Burgers, Bratwurst {soaked in Guinness Beer} and Shrimp Kabobs grilled on the BBQ
with side orders of
Boardwalk Fries
fresh summer Berry fruit and Tossed Green Salad
Root Beer Floats
Beer, Lemonade, and unsweetened Ice Tea
and the grand finale is
Shark Attack Cupcakes!!
What are you waiting for?
Grab your flip flops, towel, swim suits and head on over!
{pool update: should I be worried? The pool is still under construction! yep, still needs plastering and water would be helpful...
hmmmm do you think I should send an invite to the pool company? Would this be an incentive to finish my pool?
Right now it would be great for skate boarding... fun for some but not the theme I'm going for!}
Here's to staying positive!!! remember I'm a glass is full kind of gal!!!!
More Than A Door....
42
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
so much more!
I am struggling with the words that I want to type....
none of them them seem fitting enough for my feeling...
they don't articulate the emotions that I've been feeling since Sunday morning.
they don't articulate the emotions that I've been feeling since Sunday morning.
I awoke to kisses from the kids, "Happy Mother's Day" wishes and laughter all around.
And in a matter of minutes I was simply a woman who felt loved.
This post is about the man I call my husband.
He surprised me with a gift!
Not only is it a gift that he knew I would love...
but he did it in complete secrecy with the kids and my favorite store,
{I am shocked that the kids were in on the secret and no one told!}
He bought me a door!
Yes, a door! the most romantic gift ever!
"A Vintage Screen Mirrored Door"
With closed eyes and being guided by the kids they took me down to the basement.
&
when I opened my eyes this is what I saw...
...the glass knob, the iron gate and not to mention the added touch of the mirror.... simply beautiful to me! But what I saw reflecting in the mirror was so much more..
my husband!
he was smiling and enjoying the reaction he was getting,
squeals of delight, laughter from everyone and I was a dancing fool.
When I finally stopped long enough to breath, I looked into his face.
In a quiet voice for just the two of us, he said,
"I love you"
Those words and the look on his face...
is the only gift I ever need!
Monday & Possibilities...
15
Monday, May 11, 2009
Good Morning Monday!I'm grabbing hold of today and all it has to offer....
Journey of A Mother....
35
Friday, May 8, 2009
I remember my first Mother's day like it was yesterday....
My daughter "I" was five weeks old and my husband was on travel...
and now when I look back on it, it was the perfect day
Me and my daughter.
Just the two of us and it was magical....
because there were no "frills" of flowers and cake or cards!
Just her and I...
home alone and having a new discovery everyday.
Exhaustion and pure joy all at the same time.
I remember looking at her face and being so hungry.
I had not learned the art of multi tasking yet... that came later!
So I had not ventured to the grocery store and my husband had been gone for a week by this time.
My hunger pains won out and I placed her in her car seat and off we went in search of food for myself.
I only had one option though....
it had to be a drive through
cause I had not learned to shower and dress and have a baby all at the same time yet...
so where did I go?
McDonald's drive through!
the most amazing thing happened.
I placed my order and drove around.
The lady at the window took my money
and when she turned back to give me my food she peeked in the backseat and saw my daughter.
She looked back at me and with the sweetest look on her face she said,
"You are a new mommy!"
Happy Mother's Day!
I glowed the whole way home.
Beaming with the acknowledgement that,
my world has truly changed.
Yes, I was now a mommy.
It's not the "gifts" of mothers day that are special.
For me everyday is mothers day.
Everyday I am a mother to my children is a gift.
it's the everyday gifts of watching them grow, learn, play....
and the crazy zany times that come with being a mother.
It's the hardest, most emotional job on earth 24/7 of constantly thinking about my children...
and I love it.
Being a mother is constant learning.
Really learning about myself.
How I handle situations.
What brings me to my knees of pure exhaustion and what lifts me up.
I have no fancy title.
I am a mother.
Who will fight to protect her children!
Who will celebrate who they are!
Who will rejoice in their milestones!
Who will cry with frustration!
and
admit when I was wrong because I do make mistakes.
They teach me something new everyday.
At the end of the day I just want them to know they are loved from the tops of their heads down to the tips of their toes.
unconditionally loved...
{photo taken by my 3 year old son}there is no greater gift than the gift of my children....
thank you, God, for making it possible
Happy Mother's Day to all of you!
P.S. My husband is on travel again but is arriving home tonight... yippee!!!
New Best Friend...
29
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Meet Mrs. Meyer's...
Look out! Cleaning just got a whole lot brighter all because of Mrs. Meyer's.
on the bottle it says,
"Uncomplicated products for a clean and happy home"
It should also say you will want to "dress-up" to clean.
cute packaging
all natural
and
smells incredible
I selected a necklace just for the occasion.
Here's to a little bit of fashion fun and a clean smelling home...
and embracing the day!
The Search Is On!
26
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
One down...
five more to find!
We were heading out to Panera Bread for breakfast last weekend...
I was still half a sleep from the busy day before and awoke to hungry children and an empty refrigerator... not really completely empty, but enough so that eating out seems so much easier!
We were all in the car and only 3 house away from our home and I spill my hot tea that I was attempting to take a sip of, to tell my husband to "stop" the car!!!
My neighbor was having a yard sale....
the car erupted into a fit of groans and pleas of .... "no, we are hungry!"
I promised to be quick {my quick and the kids quick are not the same, but I'm working on it}
From the comfort of the car I already knew what I had found.
I saw it from a distance...
with each step I took I was hoping the price would be marked right...
bargaining with a neighbor makes me feel uncomfortable.
{which drives darling husband nuts, but I'm working on that too}
I like to remind him I'm a work in progress...
Are you curious to what I saw from a distance?
this chair
a wicker chair!for $5!
Sold with a grin and a nod from darling husband that he approved... double score!!
as we were walking back to the car and towards the hungry children patiently waiting for us
he asked me,
"Why was I looking for a wicker chair?"
He didn't know we needed one...
I forget to tell him about all my "ideas"..... it works better if they just happen... slowly...
As he drove us to breakfast, I explained my vision...
He cracks me up... he does the funniest thing, he nods, which is
followed with silence, with a little smirk on his face... I always wonder what it really means... to me it means...
what the heck have gotten myself into...
I just smile back and say,
"love you too"
sorry, I got distracted thinking about my husband...
back to my chair and the vision.
I found the perfect picture that will explain my vision....
Painted wicker chairs!It screams...
eclectic colorful fun!
to me....
I want to pull up a chair and eat a fresh grapefruit at this table...
and watch the kids eat and laugh...
it makes me have visions of barefoot and fancy free days....
I'm off to the paint store to select my first color.
I can't decide which color to paint first!
My search is on...
One chair down
and'
five more to find!
With Pulp or Without Pulp?
28
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
How do you like your orange juice?I like pulp but my kiddos prefer without...
So, that means no pulp in our orange juice but I do sneak in the calcium fortified juice!
sneaky, and it works!
However, my morning glass of juice just got so much sweeter because of my new obsession....jelly jars!!!
I fell head over heels for these cuties... I know it's so silly a jelly jar? Yes! They are the perfect size and not to mention the star pattern on the glass!!!!
That in itself perks me right up in the morning.
And do not think these will only be used in the morning...
oh no...
I'm already picturing using them outside in the evening by the pool with...
wine!
I don't like using a traditional wine glass outside in the summer months and plastic cups just don't seem the same...
but these jelly jars will be sweet!!!!
And don't think you can only use these jelly jars for drinking...
how about little vases!!!!
All lined up! Down a table with one gerber daisey in each glass !
and when they are not in use I will just stare at them on the shelf in the kitchen.Here's wishing you all a Happy Cinco de Mayo....
ohhhh, I think I will pour part of a Corona in my jelly jar with a wedge of lime tonight to celebrate,
care to join me?
How about some chips and salsa to go with it. And if we "all" ask Tracy really nicely maybe she'll bring her delicious "California Guacamole" she brought to the last gathering!
a Day of Rest....
18
Sunday, May 3, 2009
I'm spending the day being thankful!The "Shopping Fundraiser" is over...
and I have to admit I am so relieved.
All went off without a major catastrophe if you don't count showing up to a gym full of tables and chairs that were set up for a function the previous night and were not taken down and put away...
And it was a gym full of tables and chairs!
As all as I can say is pure adrenaline and fear of the principal of the school showing up and seeing that we were not ready for the fundraiser, that got the tables and chairs moved....
let me add that it was me and my friend who did it all!
bit of advise.... never take on a fundraiser without a friend....
friends rock!
We rallied each other not to give up... don't let them see us sweat... even though we were looking at each other wanting to collapse.
Thank goodness for a sound system in the gym and my ipod!
We were pretty much rocking out in the gym.
if only our kids were with us... they would have thought we were being quite rebellious!!
Besides very sore muscles from lifting improperly I'm focusing on the positive side of things!
And there are a few...
the vendors showed up and contributed a percentages of their profits... 15% - 100% {amazing}
the principal showed up and "loved" the decorations and refreshments...
all the potted plants were returned to backyards and doorsteps... gotta love good neighbors!
how can I not mention....
the police were called....
yep, only at a shopping event would you have a drunk man show up in search of free food and getting upset that we only had cookies to offer.
wow this caused quite a stir.... and he would not leave... even after we {okay I say "we"
but I mean my friend.... she approached him to offer a plate of cookies to go and a cup off coffee from the Dunkin Donuts vendor {she was selling bags of coffee and had coffee to sample}
she even asked him if he takes cream and sugar... which gave everyone there a huge laugh after the fact!
and he still would not go...
thank goodness for cell phones and a local police station down the street...
volunteering is hard work but rewarding!
So with that I sitting back and
"watching"
the world today....
