Letter to August....

32

Monday, August 31, 2009

Dear August,

How do I begin to thank you for the wonderful month you gave my family?

You gave us multiple days of sunshine that allowed the chickadees to live in their swimsuits for hours on end and bask in the glow of the sun.

You gave us evenings that offered taste supers from the grill and farm fresh produced to be shared with friends by the pool.

Because of you we gathered family from a far to celebrate the meaning of family. Because of you, cousins were able to make new memories while swimming. This let sisters and a brother watch these children interact with one another. As we watched we found ourselves asking where did the time go.... remember when... we talked and laughed how all of the children have grown and are still amazed that all these children belong to us! And wonder what the future has for them all.

You brought both sets of grandparents to my house. Seeing my children with their grandparents is a sweet sight. Do to the far distance this happens once a year {in a good year} and to have both in one month means this is a very good year indeed!

You let the "grown children" be with their parents.... to sit outside for hours.... together... and praying for many more times to have these moments to be a large extended family coming together for a time. Because of you, we were able to bottle up new memories that will be with us forever.

You also brought us the first week of school. A fresh new start. Because of the amazing days you gave them they are now ready to embark on a new school year and absorb all it has to offer.

Do you see why I am having a hard time "thanking you" for all you have given us?

So today I celebrate the completion of a fun filled, splish splash, junking good time!!! This morning I had my tea outside on my new french bistro chair..... I giggled over the thought of the day I found 4 french bistro chairs with my sister.... the day we junked together while the hubbies watched the mob of kiddos!!

And as I finished my tea I watered my potted plants with my perfectly happy chippy firefly yellow teapot I found when you decided we needed a summer thunderstorm. I wasn't going to let a little lighting stop me from stopping the car and dashing out to see what treasures were to be found from the sweet lady who was having a yard sale at the old abandoned bar. Who knew an abandoned dive of a bar would now have a teapot that had my name all over it!

September has big shoes to fill....

but with a smile on my face I do declare it is going to be a wonderful month.... and it's definitely going to start with a bang!!! So I suggest you stick around.... cause I have a few things planned..... and I promise you there is going to be a Party!!! A celebration!!!

Here's a huge thank you to August and day full of excitement in anticipation for meeting September!

feeling normal....

37

Thursday, August 27, 2009

{image from Country Living}

A couple posts ago I mentioned feeling stuck due to all the changes, firsts, we were about to experience.

I just felt off.

Hubby and the chickadees were moving right along, not fazed by the commotion that was taking place...

It didn't seem to impact them the way it was impacting me....

My usual effervescent spark for life was shining at half the brightness it usually is... and it was driving me crazy!

I was so aware of it but nothing I was doing was bringing my enthusiasm back full force....

One day we were driving home from somewhere and my husband turned to me while driving. I had my eyes closed and he said, "hey I see some junk do you want me to stop?" I didn't even open my eyes and replied, "No, I don't want to be Lulu at the moment?"

His quick remark back was, " Who are you and what did you do with my wife?"

Not only was this shocking to my darling husband but it was just as shocking to me! I was asking myself this same thing, just not the wife part.... you get the idea!

When I posted my first project on Tuesday my sister called and asked me if she was interrupting my painting... my response was, " no I haven't started yet".... then a friend called and out of her mouth came the words, "so what are you working on?" Laundry, dusting, you know the usual trying to be super organized the first week of school.... her response was, What did you do with my friend? Why are you not painting? I know what you have stashed in your garage, remember I'm the friend you called to help you organize it in 95 degree weather... remember that stuff you call treasures? Yes, I know.

Something happened yesterday at 5:24 PM....

I had a break through....

in the midst's of Cheese Enchiladas, Black Bean, Corn and Avocado Salad, and the chickadees swarming with hunger pains.... I felt the shift inside of me.... it was as if the switch was finally turned on. I finally felt that all the change we have experienced now feels normal. Day 2 of school felt like old times, hubby is handling his new command like I knew he would.... smooth transitition.... it was me who was afraid to turn my thoughts in another direction. I wanted to make sure they all knew that I was completely focused on them and their needs. I didn't want anything not to be done that would cause them to feel extra burdened or frustrated that they couldn't find clean socks or food in the fridge.

I tossed place mats on the table. Scooped out food portions on to 4 plates. Called the chickadees to the table, ran for the primer, tape and paint brush. Said the meal blessing, kissed the kids and thanked God for all our blessings, grabbed the mail that was neatly stacked in a pile on the counter and used it as my drop cloth on the kitchen counter! As they ate, I primed!!!! I'm sure health services would have been mortified.... can of primer and food all on the same counter with me chatting away to the kiddos while they ate.... paint fumes mixed with Mexican food.... yum!

I primed the sweet mirror before they asked for seconds... I ran for one of my orphaned chairs! Plopped it down next to the table and started painting it as well. It was dinner time after all and I had to be their with them... just not eating!

Off they went and humming to my own beat the garage door opened and in walks my husband....

food everywhere, dishes still on the table.... bath time chaos was in full swing... phone ringing...

paint brush in my hand and primer on my fresh manicure I looked up grinning to see his face.

He smiled back and said, "Ah Lulu's finally back!" "You've been missed!'

I flew across the kitchen scattering my paint as I went... not caring cause i felt normal again and I had to wrap myself around my husband as fast as I could to thank him properly for loving me just the way I am and not caring that his dinner was amongst the can of paint and needed to be reheated... nothing a cold Corona couldn't fix!

Alarms & Schedules....

29

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Good Morning School Day... sounds of alarms were heard throughout our house this morning.

Everyone has their own alarm set for different times... it's a constant beep beep beginning at 5:30 am and the first set of beep beeps is coming from my own room...

Last night's agenda was early to bed after hubby and I discussed schedules!

I bought myself a "new calendar" from Staples....

Have I ever told you how much trouble I can get into at Staples? Oh sweet organization I can! Pens and pencils, stationary, folders, and day runners.... makes my heart beat fast like my obsession for vintaging!

So armed with my fancy new day runner and glass of vino within hands reach I jotted down darling husband's schedule for the month of September.

{ after a few gulps of wine to get over what I already knew was coming}

I let my mind quickly process the facts... no use dwelling... after all I have all of you to share my latte and vino with... sounds all good to me! Right!!!

You guys are there for me right??

Few!!!

I had a panic attack thinking what life would be like without my blog friends.

Now that I have that all worked out, I came to the most giddy realization.....

I now have time to transform my treasures that have been tucked, packed, and stored away in all the nooks and crannies I could find until I could get to them....

So, after multiple hugs, kisses and wishes of good luck, "you'll do great" Looking so cute in their fresh uniforms, new shoes and backpacks....
I'll see you at 12:30 PM
{yes, our school eases back into a schedule.... it's half day for the first week.... not so sure how I feel about that...}

As I unstrapped my little guy from his car seat I saw my mirror peaking out at me in the garage! I picked her up at my last auction I went to! I instantly fell in love with it's charm.

For one it sits on a dresser or table! I know!!! So cute!!! and I love the flex and aged spots all over the mirror. What she needs is a coat of paint on the wood and she is all set to go!

I now have my first day of school project! Let me go write that down in my day runner....
I'm so excited, I can keep track of all my projects!
I just might be able to get back on schedule for a September LuLu & co. sale after all!

Happy first week of school to all! I look so forward to sharing my days with you!!!

change of command

40

Friday, August 21, 2009

It has taken me all day to write this post.... I started before dawn, was interrupted by children and by my own loss for words. I hit delete countless times, came back and then walked away to get things done. Maybe it is was just what I needed, time to process my thoughts and feelings about yesterday, August 20, 2009 a day of a change.....

What happened yesterday..... a band played, flags were paraded, The National Anthem was sung, Generals, Colonels, all ranks of military personnel, colleagues, family, friends, special VIPs from far and wide all gathered for a traditional Marine Corps Change of Command ceremony.

Why did this have such an affect on me?

Because it happened to my husband. The man I refer to as, darling husband, on my blog. The guy who takes me to auctions looking for vintage treasures after just arriving home from travel. The man who buys me a door for Mother's Day and smiles when I sing out loud {off key} and laughs when I do the happy dance over junk! The father of my children.

He has a new role. One that will greatly affect him and one that will have a rippling affect on me and our children. If this were about me I would share the beautiful invitation, but for his privacy I feel it's best not to.

It's funny, but I never put myself in one role. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend.

But yesterday, my role was a military wife.

I sat in the front row with our children holding our son's hand for dear life praying he would sit still for the hour long ceremony, and I felt like I was seeing my husband for the first time... it sounds strange, but it was that emotional for me.

I listened to the many speeches but my eyes kept going back to his face.... wondering what he was thinking... we would make eye contact and he would wink at me... reassuring me that the children were "behaving perfectly" and all was well.... i didn't want to take my eyes off him for fear something would change.

I sat there as an audience member. Witnessing this ceremony and was reminded what serving your country really means.

As my husband approached the podium for his speech I sat and listened to his eloquent words.
I was watching a man in his element.
This is who he is.
This is what he does.
For 22 years he has worn the uniform of a Marine and will conitue to do so.
He is embarking on a new road.
Filled with challenges, obstacles, late nights and many flights.

One can not fully prepare for what this new role will involve, but what i do know is that I am his wife, his confidant, his safe haven to come home to. And our love will sustain.

My world tilted on it's axes the day I met him and it has never been the same again... love like that grows and knows no limits.

Yesterday, he said to an audience of over four hundred that his life is blessed because of me, what I have to say to him is, "I love you and you have forever changed my world "

And today I laugh about the case of hiccups our 6 year old had during the ceremony, and how our 4 year old son took off his new shoes and toss them on the floor cause they hurt his feet!!

And when I asked the kiddos their favorite part they all said, "When daddy talked about us!"

Happy Friday and wishing everyone a weekend filled with belly laughter.... hiccups and bare feet good times!

Times Of Change...

28

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

I've been feeling rather nostalgic this week.
Amongst all of the activity that is swirling around me I feel as though I have been caught in a little riptide that has left me "feeling stuck".
I am moving and getting things done but without the usual zest that I am more familiar with.
It struck me yesterday how my children all grew in a matter of weeks this summer.
It must have been the sun and the water that made them sprout.
It left me thinking of what a new school year will bring.... new challenges, new firsts, but hopefully somethings will stay the same!
Change is in the air,
I can feel it swirling around us.
As much as I see the kids changing I find myself with new challenges, new firsts too.
In order to get myself unstuck, I cleaned my way through the day...
determined to steady the feeling I was having,
determined to enjoy the moment of change and relish in the now.
This morning I awoke to a steadier feeling of confidence.
Ready to face the newness we are fast approaching.
Knowing that this new road is not being traveled alone...
hand and hand
all linked together as a family we welcome this new faze of firsts!

Happy Wednesday and here's to sweet roads traveled!

Seeking...

15

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Image from Cottage Living

I'm not asking for a week or even a month.

Just a moment.

Of reflection.

To close my eyes and picture the events of this summer.

To recall the first swim of the season and hear the noises that have filled the yard with enough laughter to get us through winter.

I love seasons but I have to say I am a summer girl and this summer has gone by way to fast...

I find myself staying out longer and longer in the evening picking up all the dive sticks and damp towels that find themselves everywhere but hanging to dry.

Just to be outside to enjoy the moment when the water is still, and it's just me.

Of course I am like other mothers out there whose kids are needing to get back to school....

the lazy days of summer are starting to get to them...which in return is getting to me!

But guess what?

Somewhere along the way I didn't get my moment to have a lazy day... a day of escape...

to just be...

does that even exist when you are a parent?

but this weekend I was simply tired.

Worn out.

I didn't want a to do list...

nope...

I traded my list of duties for a swimsuit and a floppy hat and floated on a raft...

and didn't want the floating to stop....

until I heard "mommy I have to go to the bathroom" which quickly broke my pretend escape I was seeking and had me hopping out.

When I returned to floating my raft quickly turned into a taxi. I wanted to protest... but I knew it was helpless especially when I saw the smiles and heard the laughter ... and received hugs from protecting them from the shark that was busy trying to eat toes and then wanted to be tossed high into the air so they can make the biggest splash... seeking my own "time out" was not going to happen anytime soon.

Few, now that I got that off my chest and have accepted the fact that "lazy days" are not meant to be, I somehow feel so much better...

venting has a way of making that happen...

So on that note and an attitude adjustment I am determine to smile my way though this new day. I will grab hold of it and all it has to offer cause no matter what it was a wonderful summer full of Popsicle licking goodness, bare feet, family, late nights, and pj mornings!

My Love of Color....

22

Thursday, August 13, 2009

{dreamy image courtesy of Cottage Living}

That's it!

I'm sending my letter to our homeowners association kindly telling them that I am going to wrap our house in fabric!

And if they receive any complaints kindly send those homeowners my way and I'll offer them a glass of lemonade while we walk around the yard and discuss the dreamy fabric on my house and how much better it looks than their all so normal cookie cutter house!

And hopefully by the second glass of lemonade they'll ask for my decorating services on how they could spiff up the outside of their home so they too can be as happy as I am living in my colorful home!

Wishing you a day full of color!

{I need to cc my husband on this letter too! Just so he knows how serious I am!}

Let The Game Begin

28

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Can I interest anyone in a game of musical chairs?

Don't worry ice cold refreshments will be served under the umbrellas on this "blazing hot" summer day....

and of course a dip in the pool will be needed after a serious competition takes place!

And you cannot have a good competition without a prize for the winner...

hmmm, what could it be?

Let me think about it a bit! And I'll get back to you on that one.

But lets first focus on the game at hand, shall we!!

I would like to introduce you to my collection of "eclectic chairs" that are accumulating her at LuLu & co.

I cannot pass up an orphaned chair,

that would be seriously heartless of me and that my friends is not me!

One of these chairs had me veering off the side of the road when my sister was visiting....

{She doesn't like my driving. I have no idea why?

I drove her to all her favorite shopping places and to some new shopping places she would have never thought we would venture into years ago!}

One chair quickly became five chairs...

{I just love it when that happens. Don't you?}

There must have been something in the air this weekend that told orphaned chairs to be on the side of the road looking for the gal who loves bringing home castoffs being sold from the cutest elderly couple!

As I was loading the chairs in my friend's car the gentleman kindly asked me,

"Do you mind me asking what you are going to do with this assortment of eclectic chairs you are taking home?"

With a twinkle in my eye and a smile on my face cause just seeing this couple made you smile, they were so sweet....

I said,

"I just can't help myself! The more eclectic the better!"

He looked totally confused but smiled just the same,

{he was just that kind of sweet old man that had a happy disposition with life and was thrilled that my new chairs made me so happy}

So what are you waiting for? Get your flip flops on and a cool sundress cause I'm telling you we are having a serious heat wave...
and let's have a game of musical chairs!

And in case you are wondering what else i could possible use these chair for I'll tell you...
after the competition though!

I'm off to check the ice for the refreshments.
See you soon,

I'm back...

21

Monday, August 10, 2009

I took a breath and had to hit the ground running. The girls wanted to get their school supplies. I wanted to protest but fear of being sold out had me agreeing. Especially when I received the back to school letter announcing the date of back to school night and that they are to bring their supplies at this time... it's no denying it now, school is right around the corner!

This had me realizing I needed to get back on track.

I had just the thing to get back into my groove... an early morning outing of junking. Awwww,
it felt so good to roll out of bed, grab my latte and run out the door when my friend pulled up into the driveway... after a quick kiss goodbye to hubby and a reminder to feed those hungry kids breakfast, I was off.

Before I go any further, I have to back up to 2 weeks ago prior to the arrival of my house guest....

2 days before everyone arrived hubby and I took a day to ourselves and you can probably guess what I wanted to do....hit an auction!

I had the most glorious time standing in the blazing heat in flip flops which made my feet so dirty from the dry fields we were walking in. This is the only time I am thrilled to feel dusty and sweaty!

Amongst the fields of stuff I made a discovery!

My heart has made room for another passion....

A new collection...

Would you like to see what has captured my attention?

Crown Crocks!!!

they have me weak in the knees...

They had me running in the dry fields with my arms out stretch {just picture Maria from the movie "Sound Of Music" singing the "The Fields Are Alive"! Is that even the name of the song? I have know idea and I've seen that movie a thousand times}

I didn't just find 1 but 2!

How much excitement can a girl take! This had me in quite a tissy! Plus, we ran into my new friend Gail from the kramer angle blog at this auction we had the best time during the whole auction process! I was cheering for her purchases!! She witnessed my tissy over these crocks.

The crocks made it home. Safe and sound.

And are enjoying their new home....

I just can't help but smile when I look at them and recall that hot summer day spending it with my husband and running into a friend I met through blogging, Gail.

Another wonderful memory made while junking..... a new treasure with a new story behind the find makes these crocks so much more.

Happy Monday and so glad I'm back.

And be sure to stop by tomorrow for a game of...musical chairs!!

Wings Of Love

18

Thursday, August 6, 2009

The last of my guest "flew away" today...

we all awoke to rain... tons and tons of rain.... the skies were crying over the departure of my parents...

and as I ran outside to gather "all" the pool towels that were left outside and now soaked from the rain I spotted a yellow butterfly

it made me stop and run back inside....

not caring that I was still in my pj's and getting soaked...

to grab my camera to capture my morning visitor....

it must have know that my heart would feel heavy and a lump would be in my throat...

as I was snapping the pictures I realized it must be asleep {who knew butterflies sleep}

so I guess I still have a visitor after all... camping out in my blooming Crape Myrtles.... needing only a bloom to land on to rest its wings after a very busy day.... so happy it chose my yard, my tree to rest in. Especially on the day I would need it most....

and as it flies away I know it will not be goodbye, but more like "I'll be back"... to greet me on another day, another morning for a latte...

until then, fly safe and know that you are taking a little part of my heart with you....

Give me a day to catch my breath and then I will be back to regular posting and raring to go to get seriously busy spiffing up my latest vintage finds..... it feels like forever since I picked up a paint brush... and boy do I have some treasures awaiting me... ready to be transformed and up for sale... if I can bare to part with it!!! hee hee

goodnight.... until we meet again,

Morning Thoughts....

29

Monday, August 3, 2009

I'm savoring my "extra hot" tea this morning... and listening to the house come alive this Monday morning...

Some of our house guest have started to trickle home to their own house's... cars being packed...

hugs and goodbyes being said... and promises of seeing everyone "hopefully next year" at another destination.... the logistics of schedules is always tricky with multiple families... but promises of "trying" are being made...

Hoping it's not another 2 years before we all see one another again...

I've been going non-stop for a week... I am getting ready to hang a big "closed" sign in my kitchen. It's been a constant food fest in my home.... we are a family who loves food, but I'm at the point of "I don't want to cook a meal or wash a dish for at least a month!"

Even though it's a ton of work being the hostess, I do love opening our house to everyone. I love a home that is used... rooms full, games out and being played... of course it does make a mess but it can all be put back together.

When the grandparents pack for their flight home and I am alone with my thoughts while I put the house back together, I will reflect on the this time... having the house brimming to the top... and wondering what I can do better for next time.

What needs to be added or changed before another big group arrives.

And in all of this commotion, some how some way, I managed to sneak out with my sister to vintage... oh yes I have!!!

It's amazing what you can find on your way back from the car rental place, or taking 2 hours on a Sunday to search a building for junk... and stumbling upon an antique store that had something that was perfect for LuLu & co. but had the wrong car... drats... no problem though. A quick drive home to switch out cars and tell darling hubby to hold down the fort I found a treasure I'll be right back! Just offer everyone a cold beer and throw the kiddos in the pool and crank up the pool tunes.

So with 4 days remaining before the house will seem very quiet, I will continue to love the humm of a busy house... because before I know it the last goodbye will be said and I will be sad that this time has come to an end.... but am so thankful to have fantastic memories of our time together.

I just hope they will all go home with their own special memories and felt comfortable in our home and can't wait to come again.