Happy Halloween!

Today we are deep in the Halloween festivities as we prepare for 14 family members to gather and have some fun. I've been really surprised this year by the people who have become so anti-Halloween, but it's alright - I truly support whatever you choose to do, or not do, in your home.

In our home, Halloween is NOT a day to celebrate death or evil things, it is NOT a day to beg for anything from anyone, it is NOT a day to judge anyone.

It is a day for our family to have some silly fun. . .

To dress up as whatever we want. . .

And a day for me to wear my ridiculous headband while making silly cakes, ghost cookies, witches brew punch, hot dog "bug" bites, pin the nose on the pumpkin games, Halloween charades games, and a super big pot of chili for all to enjoy.

(Sorry about the photo without the make-up. Katie wanted to take my picture. While I do have my headband on, I'm not completely ready for our guests. You get the idea, though. I LOVE this headband. How can I NOT enjoy this day - as I wear this???) However you spend the day - I wish you some laughter and fun with you and yours.

NO Scary Movies!

I don't care what you say about them . . . scary movies are NO FUN for me. I just came to this realization a couple years ago - right about the time I was sitting in our local movie theater with some dear neighbors and friends, watching that Rob Zombie's Halloween Movie. It was 2007, and I remember the moment like it was yesterday.

. . . it was about 30 minutes into the movie, and I couldn't see anything. Why? you ask? Because I had tucked the greasy buttered popcorn napkin over my glasses (I was desperate) in an attempt to block out having to look at the horrific scenes being played on the screen before me. Then I decided to block out the sound of the movie as well, as I stuck my buttered popcorn hands over my ears, and started rocking back and forth in my seat. Yes, I was that terrified (and I was quite a scene to those around me, I am sure.) That movie was so gross and scary and horrific to me. I could not watch it, or hear it, at all. So there I was sitting in the theater, next to my dear friends, with a napkin covering my eyes and my hands over my ears. . . . until I actually starting scaring MYSELF with my own heavy breathing. I must have said "J.C." (not the abbreviation, but the real words) 100 times during that film. . . forgive me, Father (the dear Lord up above must have thought I was calling him all night). When the movie was finally over, my neighbors were quite entertained, and I made a promise to never return to a scary movie AGAIN!!!!

. . . fast forward one year, to 2008, and The Strangers. Not sure how it happened, but those same dear neighbors and friends convinced me to go to yet ANOTHER scary movie (they do this to me ALL OF THE TIME - something happens around this time of year - it's as if I feel a scary movie is required.) Liv Tyler starred in this one. I like Liv Tyler, so I thought for sure this would be a little more of a "story" than just a horror flim. Nope, I was wrong. However this time. . . I was prepared. My friends laughed as I pulled a black eye mask out of my purse (it took me a while to get the popcorn butter off of my eye glasses the year before, so this time I was prepared.) And believe me. . . .I wore that eye mask through probably 70% of the movie. If you have seen The Strangers, you'll know that there is a scene from the movie when a "bad person" character knocks on the door and says to Liv Tylers character, "Is Tamara Home?" That line has been shared between my friend Sherri and I quite often since that movie, as it always brings us back to that evening in the theater. . . when I, once again, was scared half to death and probably called out for the Lord about 100 times. At the end, I swore I would NEVER return to a scary film.

. . . . this year. . . . I DIDN'T DO IT!!! NO SIR - NO WAY - NO HOW!!! Even though my dear friend Sherri begged me to go with her to see Paranormal Activity, I said "NO"! This film was just released this month, and I don't know if you've heard anything about it . . . I have heard a couple things, and let me tell you - I knew very early on that there was NO WAY I was going to see this one. SO, tonight . . . my dear husband went in my place. SERIOUSLY! He has been dying to see this movie - so he went with my dear neighbor Sherri, as Sherri's husband and I stayed home. SERIOUSLY! I don't mind, at all. I actually think it was the best decision I could have made. Tonight, I will be sleeping with the lights off and getting a good nights rest. While my husband will probably need some assurance that there aren't any visitors in our bedroom tonight. . .

Nope . . . No Shining, No Exorcist, No Amityville Horror for me.

Instead, a good "Chick Flick" like Moonstruck, Steele Magnolias, Little Women, When Harry Met Sally, Julie and Julia are just perfect. I now prefer to enjoy my life through "Rose Colored Glasses" . . . not "Buttered Popcorn Glasses" . . . . and I find that it's a much better view, for me!

The Butcher and Me

Did I ever tell you that my Dad was a Butcher? I thought of him yesterday as I stopped at a local meat store. CP Meat Market is a great little shop in our town and I just love going into that store - because when I am there, I always feel closer to my Dad. My Dad worked for a meat packing company in the city - around 39th & Morgan, actually. I don't know much about the company that he worked for, because Dad didn't talk about his work much. He was a hard working man, Dad was, and he left his work AT work. When he was home - he was Dad. Doing Dad things. So, I don't know much about the company he worked for or what the building looked like or even what types of meat he cut at work. He took care of all of that. And I was just . . . his kid.

I remember shortly after Dad had passed away I wanted to make a beef stew. Now, I have to start off by telling you that I know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about meat. Never did, and probably never will. I never had to, as Dad took care of that in our house. And let me tell you, my Dad used to make the absolute BEST beef stew (boy oh boy, I so wish I knew how he did that.) One cold weather day I really was craving it. So, I found a recipe online, printed it out and brought it to CP Meat Market. I stood there looking at the case of meat having absolutely no clue what I was doing. One of the owners was all ready to help me, as I nervously asked for what the recipe told me I needed (I'm so bad with meat that I can't even tell you what the recipe called for, or what even goes into beef stew.) Ken, the owner, said, "OK, dear, what are you trying to cook?" I said, "Beef Stew." He said, "Nope, you don't want that meat [whatever it was that I asked for]. Let me tell you what you're going to get. . . " and he proceeded to pick out the best piece of whatever it was and told me exactly how to prepare it. It was as if my own Dad was right there, telling me what I needed to do.

The next time I went into CP's, I remember buying ground beef (or something simple like that). The same owner was there, and he remembered me and my beef stew. He asked me how it turned out, and I told him it was fantastic. "You probably won't believe this, but I gotta tell you - my father was a Butcher." I said to him. "You've got to be kidding me!" he said. "Nope," I told him, "I'm not kidding. He worked for a meat packing plant in the city." "But you don't know a thing about meat," he said. "I know," I replied, "I never had to. Dad took care of that growing up. I never had to." "Alright," he said, "we've got ya covered here, then."

Since that day, any meat question or any special meat purchase has to be made from CP.

While I didn't know much about Dad's profession - there were some things (being the daughter of a butcher) that I did understand:

Air Conditioning was a MUST in our house. It seemed like as soon as the temperature hit the mid-70's outside, the air went on. I imagine Dad would probably feel pretty crummy working in cold fridge-like conditions and then dealing with hot summers in the 90+ degree heat.

And, most butchers are missing fingers. Dad was missing the tip of his right pinky finger. I used to think that he did that on purpose, just so our little fingers would match in size. I remember being a kid, sitting on his right side, and matching up my finger little finger with his. Oh, how I LOVED that his was little, just like mine.

That's pretty much it. And let me tell you, Dad would want it no other way.

I Love Fall Days like Today

What better way to spend a day than . . .

playing in the leaves

Collecting leaves (and the kids) in garbage cans . . .

Cleaning out our pumpkins . . .

Carving the pumpkins . . .

Lighting them . . .

and getting all ready for Halloween?

To me, there was no better way to spend today.

(Well, maybe a nap would have made it a little itsy bitsy bit better.

But that's ok. We'll catch up with that later!)

My Sanctuary

Shhhhhh . . . . I've got a secret . . .

I have a little place I like to go . . . when I need to get away from it all . . . it's a tiny space . . . not far from loved ones . . .

where I can hide away from all of the chaos . . . there are no windows . . . no telephone lines . . . only gentle reminders of a good way to live . . . a positive way of thinking . . . with hopes and dreams . . . like this one . . .

and this one . . .

it's my quiet time space . . . my place to rest and reflect . . . with only one "seat" and a small "desktop". . . it is a tiny tiny place . . . but it's my sanctuary . . . .

Where is this place, you ask?

Yes, it's true.

My bathroom.

And I find that I often visit this space to just get away from screaming children, loud televisions, phones ringing, and blackberries going off. It's my place where I can wash my face, paint my toes, play sudoku, read a book, meditate, pray, all in a quiet (and mostly uninterrupted) space. It may not be the most ideal place, but for where we are in life right now . . . it's the only space in our house that is free of markers and toys, unmatched socks, crumpled receipts and DVDs.

A little space like this is really all I need.

My husband doesn't get it. As a matter of fact, when I added the "Miracle" quote up above, he joked at me saying, "Yeah, so . . . uh . . . What kind of miracles are happening in there?"

No, he doesn't get it. And that's ok. I get it. It is my sanctuary.

And I LOVE it.

Where is your sanctuary?

Thankful, Grateful, and Why

It's Friday. We made it through another week (Thankful). And while I'm feeling a tad bit drained in the brain, (and am spending this wonderful day off getting caught up on laundry laundry laundry) I seem to be having a big ol'Love Fest in my heart today that I just had to write about. You see, I feel like I'm in a good place right now (YEA!!!) Those of you who have been reading along in my blog have witnessed some "not so good" emotions the past couple months. But lately . . . Clarity. Peacefulness. Balance. Thankfulness. Gratefulness.

Ah. That feels good.

The thing is. . . . I am blessed, and I know it. I've written before about my ARMY . . . and today I feel I have to write about some more blessings. You see, I am surrounded by amazing people. People who I know, and people who I don't know. People who I speak with daily, and people who I've never spoken with at all. People who, by their words and actions, have managed to fill my heart with joy . . . all in the past 24 hours.

For My Mother-in-law: I am so very Grateful for my mother-in-law, Rita. Why? Well, she'll kill me for writing about her right now. But I feel the need to mention, albeit brief, how grateful I am for her. After my "Million Dollar Plan" post on Wednesday, Rita sent me an email that included some of the kindess things ever said to me. Honestly. While I will keep the message private between us (as she requested), I want to acknowledge that her belief in me is stronger than what I have in myself, and that is something special and something I am so grateful for. Thank you, Rita.

For A New "Blog Buddy" - Kiki: I am so very Grateful for the internet. Seriously. Why? Because it is amazing how you can become connected with someone who you would otherwise never have an opportunity to meet. I have a new "friend". . . well, let's call her a new "Blog Buddy". Kiki. (Visit her blog and get to know this Good Idea Girl a little more.) I have never met her, she happened to stumble upon my blog after reading a comment I wrote on another one. How amazing . . . that through the words we write on our blogs, we have identified our similarities and enjoy what each other writes. It's blows my mind that she can write something about her day in Minnesota and while I write of mine here in Chicago, and the internet brings us all together. Today, Kiki paid me the nicest compliment I think anyone could ever receive . . . she said, "I so wish you lived down the street so we could go have a cup of coffee!" I mean, to have a cup of coffee with someone is to say, "Hey, I want to hear more of what you have to say, and I want to say some things, too . . . let's talk." And really, isn't that the best compliment? For someone to want to hear you "talk". . . for someone to truly want to hear what you have to say? Kiki also happens to be the first "unknown to me" person who commented on my blog when I first started writing one. I was so excited to see that this person who I didn't know took the time to comment on what I had to say. You became a friend for life at that time - Thank you, Kiki! I wish we could go and have a cup of coffee, too!!! Someday I do hope we can!

For Christina: I am so very Grateful for my neighbor and friend, Christina. Why? I've written about her before (yes, she was my summer Sudoku fling that I told you about). Christina is 100% total KINDNESS. Seriously. The past 2 days, I made sure her daughter got on the bus for school and got off the bus afterwards. Nothing big. (Christina had to work during that time and I was already going to be there getting Katie on and off, so it really was no big deal.) Last night Christina brought me the most beautiful bouquet of flowers to thank me. I can honestly say, without a doubt, that Christina is one of the most thoughtful, caring people I have ever met in my life. And I am so grateful for her. Thank you, Christina.

For my Dear Friend, Cindi: I am so very Grateful for Cindi. Why? Cindi and I have know each other for over 20 years. We were out of each others lives for the past 8 years. However recently, with the help of the internet (another reason I am grateful for that darn internet), we reconnected. And it feels as if we have never been apart. Cindi knows my past, understands my present, and believes in my future . . . all without saying a word. Having her back in my life is one of the best gifts given to me, and I truly believe there was a higher power involved when reconnecting us. Thank you, Cindi. (And yes, I took this whole "lovefest" theme from your blog this week! Sorry, but you inspired me, yet again, to do something good.)

There are so many other people and things that I am feeling grateful for today: PG, KJ, EB, LT, PK, CB, LM, being able to have days off during the week, being able to spend them with my daughters, my toddlers laughter, the rain, heat, dishwashers, pasta, Coffee, plenty of clothing to keep us warm, popcorn, Halloween costumes, being able to see/hear/speak, blogs, etc., etc.. The list really can go on and on. Thank you . . . all of you.

One of the things Cindi spoke of the last time we were together, was the idea of putting together a Gratitude List of 100 things You Are Grateful For. I am working on that right now and will share it with you when I have it done. Until then, I challenge you to do the same. It's a pretty awesome feeling to really recognize what you are most grateful for.

Thank YOU for reading todays post. Tomorrow . . . maybe I'll write more about you.

Million Dollar Plan

That's it . . . I've got it. This time, it's gonna work. Definitely. I've got a plan. An idea. Something that I want to do - that is going to really make my dreams come true. Something that is going to help me become SOMEONE. Something that is calling me. Something that I believe in.

Yes, I've had these plans before. My sister reminded me of them this morning, as I spoke with her on my way into the city. We were talking about life/work/money and I said something like, "Whatever is meant to be . . . will be. I'm not worried. I'm on a new mission. I have a new quest that I am going to embark on." "You are?" she said. "What is your new quest?"

"I'm going to write a book. I'm going to be an author. That is what I am going to do."

"Oh," she said, "You are, huh? Like your Witches??"

OUCH!! There she goes, again. Bringing up the Witches. You see, the Witches were a "Million Dollar Plan" I came up with when I was about 17 or 18 years old. I was going to make these decorative art pieces . . . well, these Witches, to be exact . . . and I was going to make $$millions$$. I was certain every house in the world would want one. I mean, every house needs a Witch on their door at Halloween, don't they?

No, they don't. And they didn't. And the millions never came. I think I stopped somewhere around 30 witches. I mean, my fingers were blistered and bruised from the hot glue gun . . . I had my HEALTH to think about, right? So, no, the Witches didn't quite work out how I planned. I tried to find an old photo of the Witches, but I couldn't turn anything up. I guess they were such a million dollar idea, that I couldn't wait to forget them. (Note to self: FORGET about the witches!) This little drawing to the right is something I just put together today, just so you could have an idea of what a "brilliant" idea it was. I mean, wouldn't you LOVE one of these on your door? The head was . . . . . . a stuffed nylon. Yes, seriously, a nylon. The hair was yarn, the hat was felt. Once the head was done, you simply glue it on a broomstick, and call it a day (or, call it a Witch Head on a Broomstick).

A few years after the Witches, I had a brilliant idea to do decorative painting . . . on T-shirts. This would have been the early '90s and, believe it or not, it was cool then. (Well, cool for grandmas, maybe. As a matter of fact, I did do quite a few for MY grandma. Hmmmm. . . . ) Anyway, I was hired to make 30 of them for a cheerleading squad that was going to a big competition, and it sounded like a really good idea at the time. But I had to personalize each t-shirt with what the cheerleader looked like (matching hair color and eye color) and had to do a couple over because they weren't what the teenage girl wanted to look like (Note to self: Don't try and please a teenage girl), and I ended up LOOSING money on that job. Hmmmm . . . . the Painted T-Shirt business didn't quite turn out like I had planned, either.

Then there was my idea to open a Scrapbook Store . . . that pretty much ended after actually meeting with a finance guy who put a little reality into my dream-like state. (Note to self: Don't try to open a scrapbook store unless you can invest a good amount of $ into it.) Yep, that didn't quite turn out like I planned.

Then I wanted to delve into Childrens Decorative Painting. . . to hand paint rooms and murals for children that would encourage imagination and play. Not sure where that idea went to. Perhaps I will have to take another look at that business at some point in the future. (Note to self: Don't forget to look into that decorative painting business.) But at the time, it didn't quite turn out like I planned.

Recently I decided to do some freelance Art Work for a company. I'm enjoying the process, but not quite making the millions I thought I would (Note to self: Don't forget to call and see where my millions are.) Nope, not quite like I planned.

Entrepreneur is defined as a person who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks or a business or enterprise. I don't really think I am an entrepreneur.

Dreamer is defined as 1) one that dreams and, 2) one who has ideas or conceives projects otherwise regarded as impractical. Yes, I think I am more a dreamer.

Right now, I am dreaming of writing a Book of Essays - My View on Life; From Chaos comes Happiness. Not sure how far I will get into this journey . . . . but like every journey I have taken before it, I sure am going to enjoy the process. I will keep you posted. . . .

Oh, and to the Witches, T-Shirts, Murals, Scrapbook Stores, and Art Work that have come before - Thanks for helping me keep my dreams alive!

In Memory of a Great Lady

My Auntie Sylvia passed away on Saturday afternoon. Sylvia was my fathers sister. She lived 84 years on this earth . . . pretty wonderful, don't you think? She was a great lady. In honor of Auntie Sylvia, I wanted to share just a couple things with you about her.

One of the things that was true "Auntie Sylvia" behavior, was her ability to weep openingly at pretty much . . . anything. If she was happy, she'd weep. If she was celebrating a wedding, she'd weep. If she was mourning the loss of a loved one, she'd weep. If she was celebrating the birth of a baby, yep, you guessed it . . . she'd weep. I remember my Mom telling stories of how Auntie Sylvia would call her on the phone and ask her how all of us kids were doing. When Mom would tell her we were all doing well, Auntie Sylvia would break out in tears and say something like, "Oh, Carol, you've got such good kids." So funny . . .

Another thing that is probably my very favorite memory of Auntie Sylvia is how she would sign her cards. Every single greeting card or note you would receive from her would have her stamped name on it. It would always make me smile, because she would always take the time to write "Love, Auntie . . . (STAMP) Sylvia" It just tickles me. I drove home from the wake tonight wondering if I had any cards with her STAMP on it, and I remembered that I had kept all of the cards we received from our Wedding. I quickly found the storage bin of wedding memories and looked through every single card, until I found it . . . . the STAMP of Sylvia.

So, Auntie Sylvia, this is for you. I thank you for being a part of my family and a part of our history. I thank you for the many tears you shed for each one of us (your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews) through the years. I thank you for the smile you gave each time you would see us. And I wish you everlasting Life and Peace.

Say "hello" to Daddy for me.

S l o w D o w n . . . you movin' too fast

Do you ever feel like you really need to s l o w down? I do.

So, today I did what is probably the s l o w e s t thing I've done in a while . . . I started a puzzle. Seriously. I needed to do it. You see, the name of this Blog "From Chaos comes Happiness" was chosen not only because I really liked it - but because it is quite fitting for me. Ask anyone who knows me. It's really me. And lately, I've been making a conscious effort to s l o w it all down (a little, anyway.)

Phil is home (YEA!!) He was here by lunch time, and let me tell you - all the ladies in this house are THRILLED to have him back! As the late afternoon approached, I found myself with some free time - and that hasn't happened in quite a while. So I decided to take advantage of it and start a puzzle.

I bought this particular puzzle probably 8 years ago - when I had alot more free time and alot less responsibility in my life. Funny . . . I never opened it 8 years ago. Even with all of that free time. So, today was the day to take the wrapper off, and start. I laid out one of those handy dandy puzzle mats (yes, bought one of those 8 years ago, too) and spread out all the pieces and got to work.

Hmmmmm . . . where do I start? (I thought to myself.) Come on, this can't be that hard. You remember how to do puzzles. (The truth is, the most challenging puzzle I've done in the past 6 years was a 100 piece of Polly Pocket, and I have to admit - those are kind of easy.) Focus. Relax. Enjoy this time. (Then a song popped into my head . . .) Slow down, you movin' too fast. You gotta make the moment last. Just kickin' down the cobblestones. Lookin' for fun and feelin' groovy. Ok, Leanne. Stop singing. Look for the straight edge pieces. Come on. (Just then, the buzzer on our dryer went off.) Oh, the clothes are done. I should go and fold them. NO! No . . . I'm trying to s l o w down. They can wait. Just relax, Leanne. (Then some kids rode their scooters pass the house, which disrupted my concentration. I found myself daydreaming looking out the front door . . . until I realized I was singing again . . . ) Slow down, you movin' too fast. You gotta make the moment last. Oh, this is silly. I really should just enjoy this down time. Focus. (Then Phil came upstairs and said the girls wanted their Dora tent up and he couldn't figure out how to set it up, would I mind coming down and setting it up for them?) Oh, good, a diversion. (Heading back upstairs, I noticed our camera and thought . . . ) Oh, good idea. I'll take a picture and blog about how I'm trying to s l o w down. (Here's the photo:)

That will be great! That's a great picture. I should go blog now. NO! No . . . I'm trying to s l o w down. That can wait. (I thought to myself. Just then, the phone rang . . . . ) NO! No . . . don't answer it. I've talked to that person twice already today. They can wait. (And again, the song popped in my head.) Slow down, you movin' too fast. You gotta make the moment last.

This went on for about 1 hour. At which time Phil came upstairs, sat on the couch, and started to watch a show. I sat at the kitchen table and looked over at him and thought . . . You know, what I really want to do right now is sit down and watch a program with my husband. That looks like a really good idea. I rolled up the little bit of puzzle I had completed, boxed up the remaining pieces, and did just that - I watched a television program with my husband. And it was good.

Now, it's not quite the same s l o w d o w n concept I imagined when starting the puzzle. But I did relax a little. I don't think I had the patience and discipline required for focusing on the puzzle this afternoon. But, I'll try again. I'll get there. And I have plenty of time. Afterall - I chose a Christmas puzzle, so I have a couple months to complete it. (Guess I knew it wouldn't be an easy task for me to complete.)

I'm interested, though, in what you do to s l o w down. Do you have a hard time slowing down? Do you have any pointers on what you do to relax? Let me know. I'd love to hear about them.

I touched her Heart, just by being her Mom

Katie and I shared a really sweet moment this week, and I want to share it with you. It was so special, that just thinking about it right now is putting tears in my eyes. I received a HUGE awakening into what my child needs most from me, and it came at quite an unexpected moment.

This weekend she was introduced to the whole idea of "playing card houses". She has seen a deck of playing cards before, and is just now starting to take an interest in learning different suits and learning how to play different games (she will learn "Kings in the Corner", as that was a major favorite game of her Great-Grandma Josephine!) But a couple days ago we started building a house out of playing cards and she absolutely LOVED it. It was the coolest thing she had ever seen! (It's just amazing to see your child learn something new and actually witness the sparkle in their eyes!)

Because she was so fascinated at how you could actually build a house out of the cards, I went online and looked for images of HUGE playing card houses, to show her examples of what people have actually made with cards. That amazed her even more! (Google images yourself, and you'll enjoy seeing some of them, too. Really . . . it can be a work of art, I swear!) After spending about a good amount of time looking at photos and images of card houses online, it was time to go to sleep. So, up to her room we went.

After the story was read and the covers were gently tucked around her, she said, "Mom, weren't those card houses amazing?" "Yes, they certainly were," I told her, "and you know what? YOU could build houses just as big as those we saw on the computer." "Oh, No Way, Mom. I could never build card houses as big as those. No way!" she said to me.

Well . . . . there was "no way" I was going to let her go to bed thinking that. I remembered that moment during the first day of school when I had so much I wanted to say to her (to refresh your memory and read my old post from that day, click here.) I wasn't going to let this opportunity get away from me again, so I took her face in my hands and looked directly into her eyes and said:

"Katie . . . . honey . . . . you could do absolutely ANYTHING in this world, honey. You can do anything that you put your mind to. Anything. It takes a lot of hard hard work - but if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. If you are a good student, if you listen to your teachers, if you are nice to people and treat them well, if you try hard and never give up - you can do ANYTHING. You could be a doctor, a teacher, an architect, a baker, an inventor, an artist, an actress, a musician, a PLAYING CARD HOUSE BUILDER . . . ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING. And, honey . . . . I BELIEVE IN YOU. I BELIEVE that you can do it. Do you understand, honey?"

With that sweet face resting in my hands and her big bright eyes looking up at me . . . she smiled and said, "Oh, Mommy. . . . you are talking so sweet to me. I'm going to cry, Mommy." And we hugged.

And with that, a connection . . . between a mother and a daughter.

I'm telling you. . . . I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again: Life doesn't get any better than this.

I have a buddy . . . in UPS!

Yes, I do. I realized it this morning. I used work out of my home for almost 5 years, and regularly received packages from the brown truck. (This was before our office became more cyber based, as we now are able to do most, if not all of our work, electronically.) But back in the day (a whole 5 years ago) we would do a lot of mailing of items through UPS. It was natural that the UPS guy became our friend. I say "our", because in those early years, Katie and Ella were right by my side answering the door and receiving packages - since I was lucky to work from home and have the girls with me.

We have had the same delivery guy for years. I don't know his name (I'm a little mad at myself that I haven't asked him), but at somepoint in the past few years I started to refer to him as "BUDDY", and the name kind of stuck. When we (the girls and I) would greet him at the door, they would say, "Hi, Buddy!" and he always responded back with a great big, "Hello, Girls!" and showed such kindness to them. Really a nice guy.

Our deliveries were not always work related. Many a Christmas was saved by the packages delivered by Buddy. I remember one week before Christmas telling him I was waiting for a really special gift to arrive, and he said he'd look out for it. Sure enough, Christmas Eve morning the doorbell rang and there was Buddy with the special package.

During the last year of having the office in the house, our visits with Buddy started to come few and far between. And now that my office has moved out of the house, and to a new location, I rarely get to see Buddy. Except everyonce in a while, as I drive down Gougar Road in the morning. He must have the same schedule each day, because I often see the UPS truck driving by at the same time. He'd always honked his horn, and I would do the same, followed by a nice wave of "Hello!"

It has probably been over 6 months since I've seen Buddy. Today I was driving down Gougar, on the way to work, and wouldn't you know it . . . there came a UPS truck. As the truck approached, I saw Buddy. Sure enough, he recognized our van and honked his horn. I waved back, as did he, and smiled. I started to think about how funny it is that I wave at Buddy. (Then I started thinking, "I wonder if Buddy thinks I'm that crazy lady in the minivan and wishes I'd stop waving at him.") Then I thought about how it's even funnier to hear Katie yell, "Hey, is that Buddy?" at any and every UPS truck that passes us in the street. Ah, well. Whatever it is - Buddy is our buddy, for sure.

Isn't it interesting - how people come in and out of your life? You may not really get to know them, but they become something in your day to day routine that is familar. Think about all of those "same" people you come in contact with throughout your day; the Starbucks barrista, the mail carrier, the gas station attendant, the cashier at Jewel, the person on the treadmill next to you at the gym. You probably see these people more often than you see members of your own family. You don't really know them - but you see them everyday. I'm wondering, do you have any "buddies" in your life?

It's a GOOD MOM Day!! Yea!!

Today I had a GOOD MOM Day! and I want to share it with you. It started around 9am when my dear friend brought her daughter over for the day . . . . and from there on . . . . it was all GOOD!

We hand made cards and craft projects. We made a card for a beloved aunt's birthday, and a get well sign for mu-mu.

We made HOMEMADE Oatmeal Clay and played and played (thanks, Lill, for the recipe and support! And, no - I have NO IDEA what is on these plates. But, it's what our little artists created - and they're perfect!)

We had a yummy chicken/pasta/peas/carrots salad for lunch. And a yummy cookie for dessert.

We played a game of "I am a . . . " (which I made up about 5 minutes earlier). I wrote down the name of about 30 different animals/persons/things and put them in a bag, then picked them out one at a time and had the girls act out what it was. This occupied at least 45 minutes (yea!) Above they are a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, can't you tell? (I think Katie is in there somewhere.)

We held a concert. Katie was the headliner. She actually started by saying "GIRLS!!! ARE YOU READY TO ROCK!?!?!?" (I have no idea where she got that from) to which duckie, teddy, Ella and Maggie each yelled, "YEAH!!!!" We each performed during the concert.

Ella didn't want to give up her microphone! She has such a way with her public. (So funny. . . she kept pointing at us and talking to us. She was all serious - and I couldn't stop laughing. A true entertainer, for sure!)

We watched Flushed Away (or, as Ella calls it; Flushed Down the Toilet!)

We let Maggie carry her "checkbook" around with her all day. (Yes, that is a small little doodle board that Maggie insisted on carrying with her. And she kept calling it her checkbook! Totally cracked me up!)

We laughed. We cried (Ella bumped her head twice). We had a fantastic day. Thanks, Mags, for joining us in what I feel was a really great GOOD MOM Day. I can't wait to do it again!

Ok. . . Let's Do It.

Alright . . . . here we go. So, this afternoon I was sitting here at my desk, playing some nonsensical (I love that word) game on Facebook, minding my own business . . . when a dear friend of mine sent me an instant message. It went like this:

She wrote: "Hi"

I wrote: "Hi"

She wrote: "How are you?"

I wrote: "Good. How are you?"

She wrote: "Good. I was wondering if you wanted to try WW with me again?"

And there you have it. . . . WW = Weight Watchers. Try + Again = I've been there before.

For a brief moment, I thought about quickly signing out of Facebook and calling her to tell her that my computer crashed and I didn't get her IM. But then I realized that I would be actually TALKING to her, and she could just ask me the question DIRECTLY . . . on the phone. So, no . . . that wouldn't work.

Then I thought about telling her that I was moving to Yemen (Friends reference, for all you Friends lovers out there), but she lives next door to me. So, no . . . . that wouldn't work either.

Then I thought about all the people in my life who are making positive changes for themselves right now . . . and I thought . . . and I thought. I thought about my family members and other dear friends who are making commitments to exercise, to eat healthier, to loose weight, to turn over a new page and live longer, healthy lives.

Then I remembered all of the souvenirs I collected the last time I was going through WW. And I got mad at myself that I needed to go through this . . . again.

See, the thing is . . . I'm bitter right now. I don't understand why "chubby" can't be healthy. Why cheesecake doesn't provide the same nutritional value as carrots. Why exercise is necessary to loose weight, and why sitting at my desking blogging isn't.

Then I thought about . . . me. My daughters. My husband. My life. I thought about actually becoming the person I feel I am, on the inside. I thought about wanting to go to Europe when I turn 40 (in 2011) and not wanting to be exhausted when doing it. I thought about my jeans . . . and how they don't feel as comfortable on as I'd like them to. I thought about this blog, and how posting this on my blog is probably the most real and honest emotions I could share. And perhaps doing that would truly make me accountable (as if going to a weekly WW meeting and standing on a scale in front of a "stranger" doesn't make me accountable enough). I thought about my dear friend who sent me the IM, who has all the same struggles I have, and who is willing to take a chance on ME and go through the process with ME.

I thought of all of those things. In just a matter of minutes.

I wrote: "I need to do it. Yes, Let's Do it."

So, we are starting the first Thursday in November. "Why Wait?" you ask? Well, it just works out better for us to do it then. So, that's what we decided. But believe me . . . I've already worked through too many thoughts in my head to make the next 2 weeks turn into a food fest for me. I'm there in my mind. It's time. This time. . . I'm doing it for me.

I'll keep you posted.

Sweet Sisterhood

Years ago, long before I had daughters and long before I was married, I was browsing through an antique shop in downtown Naperville and came across this photograph (above). In my eyes they are two sisters. I don't know who they are, or where they are from, but I had to buy this the minute I saw it. It reminded me of me and my sister - the way the older sister has her arms so protectively around the younger girl is both familiar and so endearing to me. I've often wondered about the girls in this picture - what their names were, where they lived, how did they interact with eachother. Don't you wish you knew the stories behind those old photographs that you've seen? I do. Especially this one.

This photo (above) is of my sister and me. I am blessed to have a sister. No matter what happens in this world and what happens in my life, I know that my sister is there for me. We may not always agree, but we care about each other enough to never walk away. My sister is my rock. She protects me to this day and constantly lifts me up when I am down. (K - if I haven't told you lately . . . . Thank you for all that you have done for me, and for all that you continue to do for me.) Yes, I am very blessed to have my sister.

And here are Katie and Ella, caught in a beautiful, touching moment on Katie's birthday this year. Tonight, I was folding clothes in the family room when I caught Katie and Ella in another truly tender moment that prompted this blog post on Sisterhood. Katie had just finished putting a bandaid on a small scrape she had on her leg, when Ella came up to see what she was doing. Ella immediately took quick action to try and identify anything that resembled a scrape on her leg, as she clearly was in need of some sister attention. Katie, being so observant and totally understanding what Ella was doing, decided to give her all the attention she needed. Katie picked up Ella (yes . . . she picked her right up) and placed her on the counter. (I watched the whole thing and didn't want to stop her - I wanted to see how far this would go). She immediately got to work - cleaning a little "scrape" on Ella's leg with a wet paper towel and small amount of soap. She ever so gently patted the area dry and gently blew on it to make sure it wasn't the least bit wet. All through this process Katie gently spoke to Ella, saying, "There, there, sweetie. You're going to be just fine. Sissy is taking care of you." And Ella gently replied, "Thank you, Katie." After the area was cleaned, Katie took out a bandaid (or "Dandaid", as Ella calls them) and put it on Ella's cut. Katie gently patted the bandaid and counted to 10 (I guess that's just something all good doctors do), and lifted Ellie off of the counter. She then said, "Now, I want you to take a sip of water and if you need me to replace this at any time, you just let me know." (Obviously, those were Ella's discharge orders.) Ella, in return, gave her a big hug and said, "Thank you, Katie. I love you." And I just about melted. . .

I was so proud of both of them. Katie for taking such amazing care of her baby sister, and Ella for remembering to thank her sister for what she did. Don't get me wrong - we aren't living in lala land here - about 10 minutes before this they were ready to beat each other up and I had to have an EMERGENCY FAMILY MEETING (I'll tell you about those another time - but they have to do with me making them both stand in front of the refrigerator and listen to me lecture.) However, soon as the meeting was over, they had this wonderful exchange. And for these few minutes, they were just about as kind and sweet to eachother as any mother could wish for. Life doesn't get any better than this. . .

I "heart" GLEE - both PAST and PRESENT

Last night I spent 3 hours getting caught up on “GLEE”. Phil and the girls were all sleeping, and although I probably should have been doing the same – I had a date with my DVR. I find that I rarely have time to sit down and watch anything on T.V. these days. That is probably a GOOD thing. But last night, it was me, and “GLEE”. Do you watch that show? It’s – silly . . . and I LOVE it. Now, if you are one of my conservative readers, I will tell you that I do understand it is sometimes raunchy and probably not very PC – but you have to take it with a grain of salt. It’s plain silliness from start to finish. That’s what it is meant to be. It is on primetime, so definitely not something that young children should watch. But for me – it’s 1 hour of silly fun, and brings me back to my own high school years and makes me smile.

I was in my High School’s “GLEE” club – although we called it Show Choir. (However, in honor of the Fox GLEE television show, I will refer to my high school show choir as "GLEE club" from this point forward.) My GLEE club was one activity that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s funny – because I must be getting old. The memories of my time in high school are so very different than many people I have come in contact with recently. Even though I was involved in “drama” (the Drama Club), my memories are not about THE drama. Well . . . let me first show you a couple photos.

Here I am in sophomore year (second on the left) in “True Blue Dancin’ Crew” (yes, seriously, that was the name, and yes, seriously, that is me. I was not involved in picking the costume. That cumberbund needs some serious updating, and I'm not even going to talk about the bowtie.) True Blue was for all the girls who just didn't quite make it in the varsity glee club. I mean - this was high school. You know how the auditions work . . . 100 girls auditioning for 10 female spaces, and 5 boys auditioning for 10 males spaces. So, True Blue was created. Recently I gathered with a few people from the ol'High School drama group, and it made me laugh to actually hear someone comment about this little True Blue group, as if it was choir for the degenerates. Hmmm - I'm not sure how I feel about that. I mean . . . I was in it. I didn't turn out that bad.

Here I am in junior year in “Ramblin’ Rams” (yes - that is seriously the name of this one.) Don’t you love our costumes? I remind you – it was 1987. (I'm the one circled on the right . . . with my mouth wide open . . . I can't tell you how many photos I have of myself with my big mouth open. Some things never change.)

GLEE club to me was some of the best times I had in high school - an opportunity to be someone else - a reason to sing and dance (and not look that ridiculous doing it, because you had 19 other people next to you doing the same thing), and it was something that made other people smile. Seriously. I find that one of the reasons I enjoy doing this blog is because I like to tell you stories that will make you smile – stories that might even inspire you. That wish to make people smile didn’t happen overnight. It was always there – even in my GLEE club days.

As I said, my memories of GLEE club are not of the drama that ensued between this group of teenagers (remember, we were teenagers). My memories are not about who was dating who, or which BFF decided not to be a BFF with someone for that day. My memories are about piling in the big old High School Bus and loading it with equipment; driving to a school gymnasium, a church social hall, or a nursing home, performing, and seeing the smiles on the faces of those in the audience. I remember vividly a particular Christmas performance we did at a Nursing Home. I remember the room and how the stage was set up. I remember all of the elders sitting there waiting with great anticipation for our performance to begin. I remember the happiness on their faces watching us. We brought JOY. It was touching and sweet and kind. Those are my memories of my GLEE Club - that’s what I choose to remember.

The last time we were together, my dear friend Cindi was talking to me about the “GLEE” show on Fox. She said that she wishes we were (in our day) as good as the kids on that show. You know . . . in my memories; we WERE as good as the kids on that show. When I think of the faces of those people in that Nursing Home that Christmas – with the smiles and twinkles in their eyes as they watched us perform – I KNOW that we were that good. Seriously.

Those are my memories. And I’m going to keep them – just as they are. If you are reading this and happened to be in either True Blue Dancin' Crew or Ramblin' Rams, leave me a message with 1 POSITIVE memory you have about your experience in our GLEE club. I'd love to hear what you remember about this time we shared together.

Oh, and if you are one of those people who went throught his time with me . . . I remind you . . . "Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm!" ; )

History of Halloween Costumes - Leanne style

With Halloween swiftly approaching, I thought I would share with you two of my most favorite "grown-up" Halloween Costumes. (Actually, I'm in the midst of trying to organize old photos and just came across these two and thought, "I'm not meant to enjoy these all alone . . . I must put them on my Blog!") So, without further ado, I give you . . . .

Elizabeth Taylor - on the way to the Betty Ford Clinic!!! Now, you can't quite get a good look at the whole thing, and mind you . . . this was probably around 1995 or 96 (when I believe Liz Taylor had been in and out of Betty Ford) - so it probably was a little bit funnier back then. I already wrote briefly about - that is, I told you what happened to me on the way to this party. (Read my old Scrapbook Cellar post to refresh your memory.) Yes, this was the outfit I was wearing when Mr. Officer Man pulled me over for speeding, when I was then prompted to "Step out of your vehicle, Ma'am", and be seen by all the passerbys on 103rd and Central in Oak Lawn . . . . in rush hour. (Yes, I learned my lesson.) What you can't see in the photo is that I have empty pill bottles taped all over the front of my mu-mu, and the black necklace around my neck had an empty bottle of vodka tied to it. (Nope - I did not have the bottle around my neck when the police man pulled me over. Could you imagine trying to explain that one? "I swear I didn't drink this before getting in the car, Mr. Officer Man! Honest!!! The bottle is empty and washed and I didn't have any of it! I swear!!!")

Enough of that one. My next, most favorite "grown-up" costume, includes partnering with my Phil Guy. I give you . . . .

Barbara Bush and Al Gore!!! This was Halloween 2000, when Al Gore was running against George Bush for President. Phil must have heard 100 times during that campaign that he looked like a younger Gore. We had a great party at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio to attend this year, so we took advantage of his similarity. And, since I look SO MUCH like Barbara Bush (wink), we played it up. Our costumes were a hit! I think we won 2nd Prize to the costume contest at the party. So fun!!!

This year Phil will home for Halloween! He has been out of town for work the past 3 Halloweens - so it is a BIG TREAT that he will be here with the girls. We going to gather as much of the extended family as is available and have a fun party this year - but I haven't come up with my costume yet. Any ideas? ? ?

Potty Training. . . . Here We Go!

Oh, my goodness, it's TIME! (And boy, is it rough!) How did I do this once before? Yikes!!

We are trying to potty train Ella. The girl just cracks me up - which doesn't make it any easier. She has a number of "conditions" in which she must have to using the potty. Please, let me share them with you, if you don't mind (if this is TMI - then join me tomorrow when I'll do my best to blog about something less potty related.)

Condition #1: She has to pretty much strip to nakedness to use the potty.

Condition #2: You must kneel on the floor in front of her . . . but DON'T look at her (which leads to condition #3).

Condition #3: She will instruct you to "close your eyes". I mean, the girl needs her privacy, you know? She will not make any move until your eyes are CLOSED!

Condition #4: She must celebrate! Once she feels she has completed the task at hand . . . she screams "I DID IT!!!" The kicker, though, is that she usually hasn't really DONE anything (meaning - she really hasn't gone potty. She just likes screaming "I DID IT!" when nothing was really "done").

Condition #5: We wash our hands immediately after (she has no problem practicing good hygiene). However, I don't really think it is necessary to use 6 pumps of soap. We'll work on that.

Condition #6: To repeat the steps of condition 1-5 . . . . over and over . . . . all without anything really "happening". Oh, yes. We had to go through this about 8 times this afternoon. And . . . . nothing.

BUT . . . . we are getting there. Slowly. . . .

Do you have any potty training stories or suggestions? Please share. I am so interested in hearing what others have gone through (and looking for any tips!)

Emoting Update!

Just a quick update from my "Emoting" post on Saturday night. . . things are looking up.

If you read that post, I just wanted to first let you know that Ellie is doing a little better each and every day. We return to our pediatrician on tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1pm. I'm keeping my fingers, toes, legs, arms and eyes crossed that she will continue to improve each minute of the day. I'll keep you posted . . .

Also, regarding my "Emotion # 7" from that same post, I have to tell you - Our "cleansing" didn't just stop on Saturday closet cleaning day. No, Sireee! Dearest PG awoke Sunday morning feeling energized and decided to hit the garage! He cleaned, he swept, he painted walls and floors (seriously!), he packed away pool toys and pool, he hung tables and bikes, he was AMAZING! We honestly could host a 5 STAR meal in that garage right now - it looks that GOOD! And just when you'd think that was enough . . . oh, no, oh, no! We did the ever dreaded cleaning out of the shoe bins and baskets. See, I had the brilliant idea to purchase 2 very large shoe storage containers a few years ago. And unfortunately, they became the final resting place for a large amount shoes - and not quite the easy access storage unit I had hoped for. So, after months of aggravation and frustration, I decided we needed to gather EVERY SINGLE SHOE in the whole entire house into the family room, and do a major "Am I really ever going to wear these again?" Clean-up. I'm proud to say I dropped another bag off at Goodwill today, and now can actually open the door to the closet in our living room (prior to this weekend, the shoes kind of fell out of the closet the minute it was opened.) Whewww . . . I'm telling you - I'm feeling so cleansed, it's AMAZING!

30 Random Photos Project

As I mentioned earlier this week (and all due the creative brain of my dear friend Cindi), I have begun working on a "30 Random Photos" Scrapbook. I first started scrapbooking almost 6 years ago - after Katie was born. It started as just a thing to do with a couple neighbors/friends and has totally become my creative outlet. I LOVE IT! But lately I've been feeling like I have so many events and memories that I want to scrap, that I am never going to get caught up. So, last week I forgot about the piles of photos I have to scrapbook, and decided on making cards instead. Well, my dear friends allowed me to take the easy way out and make my cards . . . that is, until I appeared bored and done with the card business. My friend Cindi said, "Grab 30 pictures [from your stash] right now, random, and put together an album." Huh? She said it again, "Right now, just grab 30 pictures. Grab some paper. Start cutting your paper and adhere 1 picture to each page, and go." And I did. It became a race . . . me against . . . me. And I have to tell you, I'm LOVING the whole concept. Here are just a few pages of what I've completed so far. There really is no rhyme or reason to what you include in this album. That is what makes it so great. It's completely spontaneous without any over-thinking about what you think you should put in it. Just . . . random. Awesome.

I have all of the pictures on their pages and some embellishments on each page, but am still working on telling my story of each picture. What is so easy about the project is that I can sit down and just write the journaling for 1 page, and then put it away until another day. No need to pull out all my supplies or anything. Just the album itself, and my trusted Mr. Sharpie. SO easy. Earlier this evening I thought I would do a few more pages of story telling, and Katie came to me and asked if she could make her own album. "Of course!" I told her, and immediately found a few extra photos I had laying around for her to use. Well, let me tell you . . . she is a Scrapbook Genius just WAITING to create. I had to scan a few of her pages to show you . . . they are awesome.

Now, really. . . isn't that just the most adorable cover? She did all of it - from selecting and cutting her paper, to adhering her pictures, and doing her journaling. All of it. Inside, her pages were cut a little bit shorter than the cover, which is really so smart and quite creative. (She is learning how to spell, so please don't mind the errors. She does her very best "brave spelling" and when she is finished we go over any spelling corrections.) She is so amazing to me.
She took alot of time when drawing me . . . . I sat working on my book but glanced up at her every few minutes, just to see that look of concentration on her face. She saw me looking at her one time and said, "Mom, I am taking my time on YOU because I want to draw you as pretty as you are." (Yes, she knows exactly how to get to my soft spots.)
The page right before this one says, "Wi do we haf to hav a family Wi Wi Wi" - which, translated, is: "Why do we have to have a family? Why? Why? Why?". I love her answer above on this page. It's quite simple, don't you think? "Beecus we haf to hav a family" (no need to translate, I'm guessing). Yep. Pretty cut and dry. That's my Kate.
I love that at the end, she pretty much sums up what the book is about. Yep. "I Love My Family" by Katie. That's the best ending I have ever read - to any book - ever. (And a special "thank you" to Cindi, for the great idea!)

Emoting

Tonight I am feeling a plethora of emotions, and have nothing witty or exciting to write about - but just thought that if I sat down and wrote a little about what I am feeling, I might just be able to work through some of this. . .

I feel completely and totally distressed (emotion #1) about my Ella. She has been sick for about 4 weeks now, and I've had her at the doctor a total of 5 times. It first started as the croup. Then she was bit by something on her inner leg and developed a bad reaction to the bite. Then this allergy she was battling from the bite turned into a really BAD rash. Then the antibiotic she was taking started to cause another reaction to the first reaction and she developed an ever WORSE rash that has been spreading, off and on, for a few days. After another trip to our pediatrician (who I absolutely respect, cherish, and trust whole-heartedly), we've been told that this really is a virus that is working through her system. Our physician has decided to discontinue the antibiotic and start all over with a new stronger allergy medication, steroid, and anti-itch skin creme. The poor thing. She goes from completely fine, to completely broken out in a matter of 10 minutes, and her emotions are on as much of a roller coaster as mine (believe it, or not). The doctor has assured me that this is by all means NOT life threatening and we will most certainly work through this. But I have to tell you, I feel in a constant state of worry for her and think I'll continue with those feelings until she is clear and free from this virus. Keep her in your thoughts, OK?

I am also completely and totally disgusted, disappointed, bummed and in shock (emotions # 2, 3, 4 & 5) over some recent activities that have taken place on Facebook. When I started on FB, I was introduced to a group of grade school friends who started a FB group for what FB is meant to be . . . a means to socially network and to simply reminisce about "the good ol'days". Sounds like fun, right? A "non-formal Reunion" was planned, memories were written about good times in the school, discussions ensued over who was the best teacher. It was all fun. Harmless. Innocent. Then . . . all of a sudden . . . someone posted something absolutely insulting, appalling and downright evil about an individual the rest of us all respect, adore and admire. To make a long story short - the "non-formal Reunion", which was to take place later this month, has been canceled - as comments on FB went from insulting to honestly . . . threatening. And all of a sudden, it turned awfully scary. Not to me, directly. However I was able to read all the things written and quickly decided that I truly have enough drama in my life - I don't need any more. Thus is my decision to turn facebook off for a while - and break away from this most recent scenario. But my emotions about what took place are so very real, and this is really bothering me. Not because the reunion was canceled - but because of what one particular person said, and how it was said with such complete and total hatred. It scares (emotion # 6) me to have been witness to this strong written anger. It bothers me, terribly.

I am also feeling, on a positive side, very cleansed (emotion # 7) tonight. While trying to erase emotions 2-6 from the universe today, I finally spent some time organizing the girls rooms and closets in preparation for Fall. This project may sound like a simple task - however if you saw the closet prior to today, you would understand why the completion of it is a "cleansing", you would also understand how I was able to bring 6 BIG bags of clothing to Goodwill this evening and why I am in the midst of doing 5 loads of laundry. I'm very lucky to have 2 girls, that are 3 1/2 years apart. Ella is receiving a whole new (to her) wardrobe this fall - thanks to Katie. So many things still had tags on them, so really - it is a NEW wardrobe. Phil helped this morning by bringing down 11 bins from our attic, and I truly spent 8 hours today going through these bins and sorting through mounds of clothing for their next destination. I also realized that I don't think I did this major overhaul and organizing of their closets for 2 years (thus the reasoning for it being such a huge task). Let me tell you - the closets and drawers in each girls room would make you proud.

So, there you have it. My plethora of emotions, in 734 words, described as: distressed, disgusted, disappointed, bummed, in shock, and [yet] cleansed. Hmmmm. Thanks for letting me talk it out. I actually feel better. I wonder what emotions tomorrow will bring.

May I Share My Roses With You?

As I blogged earlier in the week, last Saturday I was a lucky girl who got to spend a day in the Scrapbook Cellar with dear, inspiring friends. And while I was there, all kid-free with creativity flowing, my dear husband was home playing Mr. Mom. Let me tell you, he is an incredible Mr. Mom. The girls love nothing more than a day with Daddy all to themselves.

And me . . . SO INCREDIBLY LUCKY. Not only for my "day", but because when I returned home I was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of the most gorgeous red roses. Katie was so excited to show them to me, "Mommy, we bought you Roses! We bought you Roses!!!" she squealed. And I was equally as excited to receive them. Phil doesn't give flowers very often, and believe me, I am NOT writing this to make him feel bad (HONESTLY, HONEY! I'm NOT!). He just knows that I would probably not want him spending money on flowers for me and would rather he use the money for something else (like, maybe a bottle of wine, or something like that - hee hee). But I admit - I do occasionally joke that Phil's idea of giving flowers is usually when I receive a phone call from him stating, "Ummm - Roses are on sale at Jewel. Do you want any?" Seriously, though. Not getting them very often makes the moments when I do get them that much better. And these on Saturday . . . are . . . . beautiful.

Tonight as I was going up to bed I honestly stopped and looked at them . . . for at least 10 minutes. Then I had to go and grab my camera and take their picture.


Each flower has opened so perfectly - I can't remember ever seeing a dozen roses open as lovely as these. After shooting a couple photos, I had to come and immediately share them - with YOU. I don't know if you have flowers around you often, or not. But whatever your case may be, I truly want to share mine with you.

Just beautiful. Do you want to know what else makes these so incredible? He didn't go to a special florist or an expensive shop. He picked them up while grocery shopping with the girls at Walmart! (SERIOUSLY!!! I don't know what I love more, 1)the fact that he was grocery shopping with the girls, or 2) the fact that he bought me flowers while doing it.) Yes, as I said, I AM a LUCKY GIRL, for so many reasons. And PG . . . . he did real good!!!

Happy October 1 !!!

I MADE IT! After a pretty exhausting work week, I am proud to have just completed my last client visit and am officially DONE! Wahooooie! I'm pretty tired right now, but have about one hour before Katie is home and thought I would just put a little note out here to wish you all a HAPPY FALL!!!! My favorite time of year is NOW upon us, and now that this work week is done for me, I can relax a little. I am feeling . . . wonderful!

I hope you take some time during the remainder of this week for yourself. Take some deep, relaxing breaths to release some stress right now . . . it feels oh so good. Tonight I am going to return to work on my "30 random photos scrapbook", and will share some pages with you this weekend. It's a cold, rainy, gloomy day out - but I feel like there is a bit of cleansing going on in the universe right now. Have I ever told you about the "Gong"? Oh, it's too much to get into right now. I'll save it for another day. Until then . . . enjoy the rain, focus on your breathing, and may you have a wonderful evening . . . filled with Peace, dear friend.

PS:Time to bring out the pumpkins!!! Ooooo - I'm SO excited!!

PPS: Oh My Goodness!!! Happy 51st blog post! Thanks for celebrating with me and for reading my blog! I can't believe I have now written 51 blog posts! Holy Cow! What ever will I write about tomorrow?

PPPS: I just looked up "p.s." and "p.p.s" and "p.p.p.s". Here's a bit of info for you, although you probably already know it, taken from Wikipedia (I love that website): "A postscript, abbreviated P.S., is writing added after the main body of a letter (or other body of writing). The term comes from the Latin post scriptum, an expression meaning "written after" (which may be interpreted in the sense of "that which comes after the writing.") Sometimes, when additional points are made after the first postscript, abbreviations such as PPS (post-postscript) and PPPS (post-post-postscript) are used, though only PPS has somewhat common usage." Pretty interesting, huh?

PPPPS: Looks like I'll always find something to write about! ; )