Lessons learned during a visit to the Shedd

In following suit with our visit to the Museum of Science and Industry last month, PG and I decided to take the girls to the Shedd Aquarium on Friday . . . .along with every other parent in Chicago (Casimir Pulaski Day = no school in Chicago and a great day for millions to visit Chicago Museums - yea!!) Anyway - it was . . . a great . . . adventure, to say the least. Instead of boring you with all of the details, let me just sum it up with my top lessons learned during a visit to the Shedd:

• A museum in Chicago is not a fun place to loose a child.
• When you are taking your older child to the bathroom, always look behind you to see if perhaps your younger child is following (even if you think you left her with her father . . . you can never be too sure.)
• Security guards really DO do their jobs . . . and they have probably seen it all.
• Ella can handle pretty much anything without any concern at all.
• Wear water proof mascara . . . you never know when you will be crying hysterically.
• Thinking you have lost your child (for even 30 seconds) is the absolute WORST feeling you could ever imagine.
• This plan to take your children into the city once a month and experience life . . . is OVER!

Ok . . . so I'm pretty sure you got the gist of it. PG thought that Ella was following me and Katie to the restroom . . . however I didn't know that she was. And upon our return, when I asked PG where Ella was, he replied, "SHE WENT WITH YOU!!!!"

SECONDS later (as I ran hysterically to the information desk to get a guard and inform them that Ella was missing), I saw my little Ella, sitting on a chair at the desk, writing on a piece of paper with a pen, and she looked up and said, "There's my Mom!"

I cried. Ella said, "Why are you crying, Mommy?" I think PG was in shock. Katie was scared.

And it was time for our FAMLY FUN DAY in the city to end. You will never know (although I am pretty sure you can imagine) how many prayers I have said since that very moment. I am so thankful that this story ended happily . . . as I know how easily it could have not. And today . . . I'm considering staying in our house until Ella is 30. Ok, well . . . maybe 25. Hug your kids. And your kids kids. And any other loved ones kids who are in your life. And don't ever let them go!

You know that life is pretty great . . .

You know that life is pretty great . . . and this world is full of pretty great people . . . when you go to your mailbox and find a special package waiting there from a blogger friend. Yep, a friend you met online. A person who you have never met in person, and who you would probably walk past on a crowded street without recognizing. Yet it is someone who, because of this thing called the "internet", you've had opportunities to listen to, and have somehow connected with.

You know that life is pretty great when you can think about this perfect stranger and wonder, "Gees, if we lived closer, I would ask her to teach me about photography, and I would ask her to show me how she quilts (and perhaps talk her into showing me how she makes those really cool purses) and our kids would totally play together, and I bet our husbands would get along, and maybe I could actually do that "Couch to 5K" training thing with her, and maybe would have coffee every once in a while and we'd be friends."

You know that life is pretty great when this new blogger friend reads your posts during a particularly stressful rant and comments, "I have a great meditation CD to send to you," and days later, it arrives in the mail . . . all because she cared.

Yes, you know that life is pretty great
. . . when even in this great big world, someone extends a hand and is there for you and does something to show they care.

And you know that life is pretty great . . . and the world is full of pretty great people . . . when it is someone that you have never even met.

Thank you, Kiki, for my package! It arrived today. The card brought tears to my eyes . . . my sentiments exactly!

And for those of you who don't know Kiki . . . she's the Good Idea Girl, and you can check out more about her here.

Bye Bye Baby!

So, last week we had a big change in our house. A BIG one. It was finally time to say "Bye Bye!" to Ella's baby room, and "Hello!" to her Big Girl room. WoW.

This was a big change. For Ella . . . and for . . . me.

Last week, on Wednesday morning, Ella's room looked like this . . . and by 5:00 PM that evening, it looked like this . . .

and like this . . .

Completely transformed into a brand new space for a little girl to dream in, to grow in, to learn in, to CREATE in, and to LOVE. Ellie's new room is all of that, and more!

I knew that it was time to get rid of the baby furniture . . . but I never imagined it would be so hard for me. I mean, I am so completely blessed with the life that I have right now. I am content (SO content) with my daughters. The thought of having a third child sends me directly to sleep, as I don't think I could handle 3AM feedings and all of the other joys that come with babies. But, then again . . . the fact that my house is now CRIBfree . . . is so bitter sweet. Hmmmm . . . did anyone else ever go through that when getting rid of their cribs? I wonder.

Anyway - back to Ellie's room. I was going to paint it - cover up the "Me & My Big Idea" characters and make it a true little girls room - but I just couldn't do it. I LOVE those characters on her walls. I painted them, along with my mother-in-law, Rita, when we were expecting Ella. My goal was to create a wonderfully magical fun room for my new baby, and I think we did it! Ella has absolutely LOVED her room since the day we came home from the hospital. And now that the new Big Girl furniture has arrived, the walls look new again (thank goodness!) And Ella . . . well, she doesn't want them to go away yet. So, Big Girl room is how it will be, for a while. And Ella . . . she's getting so big. But for tonight - she is STILL my baby (even without the crib!)

A Letter

Dear Mother Nature,

We need to talk.

Listen, I have always been a fan of yours.
I appreciate the good things that you do and how you walk us through the some beautiful seasons.

I appreciate the gorgeous days you give us here and there.

But, sister . . .
ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

I know that sometimes you have a bad day everyonce in a while. Sometimes you get a little angry and send us some doozies. I get all that.

I don't mean to come down hard on you . . .
but this winter thing has GOT to stop.

Yes, I KNOW that I live in Chicago. I KNOW that the winters are hard.

But girlfriend,
ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

Now, maybe you and that little ol'groundhog had a deal - that's all find and good.

But you let me know where he is, and I'll go bring him some good ol'groundhog grub (I have no idea what that might be, but I'll research it and I'll find it) and I'll convince him that
ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

You see . . . I am tired of these darn winter colds that my family and I keep passing back and forth. I am tired of never being able to get that chill out of my bones. I am tired of looking out my front door and still seeing my Christmas lights on the house (AUGH! Yes, I know they should be down - but that's life in our chaotic house this winter.)

Oh, dear Mother Nature, won't you help?

I am really in need of something warm . . . oh, like . . . THE SUN!

I am really in need of a little Fun in the Sun . . . like this

I am in need of tan lines, and weekends in the backyard. I need BBQ's and fresh fruit in a great big bowl. I need the garden to be growing, and children running around splashing water and blowing bubbles. I need to smell fresh cut lawn (even though it makes me sneeze) and see flowers blooming. I need these winter blues to GO AWAY.

Because ENOUGH is ENOUGH.

Mother Nature, I appreciate you. I really do. But I need your help right now.
So, what do you think?

With Much Love and Thanks,
Leanne

What a Wonderful Day!

Do you know what I absolutely LOVE about life? I LOVE that in the middle of a chaotic week . . . complete strangers can make you SMILE. Complete strangers can give you faith. Not faith in GOD. . . but,maybe. Maybe complete strangers are Gods way of letting you know that you are not alone. Hmmmm . . all this God talk in one week. . . . hmmmmm. My friend PK would remind me that that was one of my "Ta-Da's" for 2010, so it's ok.

I had to run a bunch of errands today and had about 1 hour to do so. In that time frame, and in the three stops I made, I came in contact with three complete strangers who really lifted me up.

The first, was at a shoe store near my house. I ran in to pick up some comfy shoes to wear for a baby expo I am working at this weekend. As I was checking out, the sales girl commented on my Coach purse. You know the one? I've written about it before here. Well, the sales girl commented on it, and my first response to her was, "I didn't buy it. It was a gift." To which she replied, "Honey, don't tell people you didn't buy it. It doesn't matter how you got it. Enjoy it!" and we talked for about 10 minutes about Coach purses how much she just loves them. Then we went on to talk about Real Housewives of Orange County and silly reality shows, and we both laughed until we were in tears. I left feeling happy, after this really fun exchange with someone I never even met before. It was really cool. And I left with a smile.

The second stranger I connected with today, was the cashier at Target. A really nice woman who commented about the sun glasses I was buying. We talked about how I always seem to go through a couple pairs each season because I always scratch them. She recommended I buy Ray Bans because, while they are more expensive, they are scratch resistant. So, ultimately I would be saving money. Then she leaned over and whispered, "We don't sell them here, but I would strongly recommend them. I've had mine for four years!" and she winked. Such a lovely connection with a perfect stranger.

After checking out, I stopped at the Starbucks quiosk to pick up a quick afternoon perk (cup of coffee) to help make it through the day. After ordering and paying for my coffee, I headed to the other side of the counter where I waited for my coffee. The barrista, who was waiting for my espresso to brew, looked up at me and said, "So, how are you?" I think I was so shocked that she asked, that I forgot how to reply. I must have looked like a deer in headlights, because she quickly said, "How's your day going?" I smiled back and said, "It's a really great day, thanks."

These three interactions with three complete strangers made me realize that we are all human - we all have stressful weeks and worrisome moments. However, if you take the time to stop and connect with someone, to share a smile or a laugh, you'll be surprised how good it will make you feel. And today, I felt really good.

Today, I challenge you to connect with someone you don't know. Tell me how it goes. . .

Oh, and here is where I will be the next 2 days . . . The Chicagoland Kids Expo. If you are in the Chicagoland area, stop on by. I'll be at booth 414 with Cuteybaby. If you can't stop by. . . send happy thoughts that I sell lots of decals and diapers, ok? I appreciate it!!!

I'm Giving it Up . . .

Do you ever wish you could do something to help someone, but you know you can't? They have to work it out - figure it out - deal with it - on their own? PG tells me that I empathize so much with others that I let what is happening to them really effect me, and he is completely right. Sometimes I loose sleep over the challenges that someone else might be facing. It gets to me . . . deep inside. But, this week, I'm giving it up. . . to God.

When I was young, I learned a little lesson from a dear friend of mine (thanks, Kath!), that when things seem tough and it seems more than you can handle, just Give it Up to God. He'll know what to do with it.

It's seems like, since Lent is now upon us, that I may have this all wrong. I mean, isn't this the time that I am supposed to be giving something up FOR God? Not TO God? Something tells me he won't mind, though. I have a feeling he'll understand. I have a couple doozies for him this week, too. Illnesses, arguments, loneliness, suffering, and pain. All of them . . . right up to God.

So, look out, God . . . I'm throwing one up to you right now. I know that you'll take care of it! Oh, and in case I forget . . . thanks. . .

Tomato Soup for the Soul

In the midst of my chaotic week, I found solace in something today.

I found it . . . in a bowl of . . . Tomato Rose Marina soup.

I have problems, don't I? Is it wrong that food can make it all better? I'm sure that is, like, step #1 for Over Eaters Anonymous, "Hi. My name is Leanne, and I am having an unhealthy relationship with Tomato Rose Marina soup." Ah, what the heck . . . let's just enjoy it today and not delve into the psychological meaning behind being in love with a bowl of soup, shall we?

There is this tiny little cafe near my work where we will, occasionally, get lunch. By occasionally - I do really mean occasionally. Sometimes it's just once a month. We don't really order lunch out very often . . . but we CALL them regularly (if not daily) . . . to ask what kind of soup they have.

Because, my friends, THIS SOUP is worth calling for. Daily.

Today I brought a sandwich to work for lunch, and a little pack of hummus and carrots. But all of a sudden, I heard Rita (my soup partner in crime) say, "What kind of soup do you have today? . . . oh, hold on . . . " which could only mean ONE thing. . . THEY had IT.

She asked if I wanted any, and suddenly it's as if my little sandwich became the wicked step-mother. I think I replied something like, "HELL, YEAH!" And, in what seemed like an eternity later, I had my little bowl of Tomato Rose Marina Soup. It was actually more like, 5 minutes later. But when you are waiting for THIS soup, it seems like FOREVER.

We haven't had it in months, truthfully. But it was just as good as I remembered. In between phone calls and researching things for work, Rita exclaimed, "I would eat this soup everyday!" and you know what? I would, too.

I enjoyed every little bit of that soup. I think it took me 1 hour to finish it. I would take a spoonful, then work. Then look at the bowl, lovingly. Take another spoonful, then work some more. It somehow felt like I was making it last l o n g e r. It has the most delicious seasoned yummy tomato base with tiny orzo noodles cooked to perfection that truly melt in your mouth LIKE BUTTAH and . . . have I gone on too much? I'm sorry.

I really don't want to know how they make it. I don't want the recipe. I would never dream of trying to duplicate it. And heaven forbid - I might find out that it comes from some sort of Campbell's soup can. So, I have no desire to ask them a single thing about it. You know what they say, "too much of a good thing . . . " So, right now - calling Cozy Cafe and asking them what their soup of the day is, is pretty much the BEST way to have this soup.

Because right in the middle of a chaotic week . . . there is a moment of peace . . . in my soup.

Only in my Dreams

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think to yourself, "Oh, man, what have I gotten myself into?" or "I wish this week was over!", only to realize that it's really just begun?

I'm having one of those moments right now. I have over-committed, again. Augh!

PG is out of town for most of the next 9 days. I am working extra hours at my grown up job, and in addition I have offered to help out a friend at a Baby Expo booth Saturday and Sunday this coming weekend. I have furniture being delivered for Ella's big girl room this week (which means I need to empty out her "baby" furniture.) I have rooms in this house that are disorganized and screaming for attention. Not to mention my two beautiful daughters who need me. I am feeling complete and total CHAOS.

You would think by now I am pretty used to chaos. From Chaos Comes Happiness, right? It's the name of my blog and my life Mantra.

But this week, I'm not used to it.

I went to Michael's Arts & Craft Store this past weekend. I had a 50% off coupon to use, and was in desperate need of a new scrapbook cutter. While I was there, I found myself drawn to the paint aisle. Years ago, I was an artist. An artist with oil paints, that is. I used to CREATE paintings. When I was 13 years old, my parents recognized and supported my LOVE of painting, and they signed me up for an oil painting class at a little art shop not far from our home. I felt so special in this class, because I was the only "child" in this class that was filled with adults. All of us, learning how to paint together. I LOVED IT.

But it has been years since I have picked up a paint brush.

And in this week of total CHAOS . . . all I really want to do is paint. I don't want to clean the house, I don't want to work extra hours, I don't want to read. I really just want to paint.

I left Michaels without buying any new painting supplies. I'm sure I have brushes and palette knives somewhere in a bin in the basement. But right now, I don't even have the time or energy to look for them.

Last week, during a particularly stressful episode, PG told me that maybe I should look into MEDITATION. While I don't think his idea was a bad one . . . I think what I really need to do, is look into MYSELF.

Isn't it funny how we forget to look into ourselves? To look at what our soul really longs for and what will fill our spirit? Hmmmm . . .

The next week, or so, are going to be a chaotic mess for me. And while I don't think I will be able to paint, at least that dream of painting will be alive.

Do you have anythings that you dream of? I'd love to know. . .

Happy LOVEfest Day!

Well, it's that time to shower love on those who mean the most to you! And I've done alot of that this weekend. It's funny . . . in addition to the usual Valentine this weekend (PG!!), I've been feeling LOVE for some other really wonderful things in our home. Including. . .
Our BRAND NEW washer and dryer. They were a necessity and a long time coming! PG and my Valentine gifts to each other! How romantic!!!! But in all seriousness . . . I stood in the laundry room Saturday night in TEARS (I must be hormonal this weekend.) But I stood there looking at these two BEAUTIFUL pieces of equipment and felt so blessed that I was able to buy them. And that they will actually work without sitting on them and without sounding like a dying cow (ok, that might be bad taste - but you seriously should have heard the old washing machine on Friday. It was scary!) Anyway . . . I am feeling the LOVE for these two!

In addition to the washer and dryer, I am feeling the LOVE this weekend for Ella's teddy bear, Teddy.
Poor Teddy, who unfortunately played a game of tug-of-war between Katie and Ella, and LOST! =( Lucky for us, Grandma Lill was quick to repair him, and he has been returned with two arms intact. But prior to that. . . it was all LOVE for Teddy.

Oooooo . . . then there was the absolutely DELICIOUS and DELECTABLE heart brownie cake that Grandma Lill made for us! (Having Grandma Lill down the block certainly has it's perks!!!) Yumm-O!Of course, Ella was feeling the LOVE for this cake before any of us had a chance. She couldn't keep her fingers off of it. . . but could I blame her? And finally . . . I have been feeling the LOVE for this particular picture of The Wizard of Oz that Katie drew for Ella for her birthday (a few weeks ago.) Remember how much Ella LOVES the WOO (click here to be reminded)? Katie had to make sure she drew a wonderful WOO picture for Ella for her birthday and it has been on displayed in our Art Gallery since January 29th . . .

and I haven't been able to take it down since then. This weekend I spent some time really looking at it. I love that she made sure Dorothy was wearing the ruby slippers, and I love the yellow brick road and corn fields. SO sweet.

So, that's some of the LOVE that I felt this weekend. I hope that you had some wonderful moments of LOVE, too. Let me know if you did anything special. I'd love to hear it!

What is F A M I L Y to you?

My dear friend, Cindi, wrote a wonderful post on her blog yesterday about a special memory she has of time spent with her Grandfather (click here to link to her blog.) The story warmed my heart, and I am so grateful that she shared it (thanks, Cindi!) While reading it, I recalled my own childhood memories that soon had me feeling that warm, fuzzy, comforting feeling. My heart was full of love. And it all has to do with - you guessed it - FAMILY.

What does FAMILY mean to you? Are they a bunch of people who get in your way? Who stop you from being the person you want to be? Who put you down? Who don't understand you and bring you stress? Or, are they like my family? Like living angels who support you, who pick you up when you are down, and who would drive to the ends of the earth for you (if that is what you needed.)

I have to tell you - I don't know if it is because I am getting older or if it is some other divine nature that has me feeling this way, but each day I feel more and more blessed and appreciative for my family. My extended family, that is - just one step beyond PG and the girls. Made up of my mom, moms-in-law, sister, brother-in-law, Papa, brother-in-law's mom. All ofthem. The people who I see and talk to every day, who make my life a better place. (Yes, they really do.) Don't get me wrong - we are all human. We have our issues. We have our arguments. We have our differences. But when all of that is said and done, I know that my family is there for me. Some people may think I see my family too often, some people might not understand why I include them in so much of my day to day life. The truth of the matter is that I could not be the person I am - and do the things that I do - without the love and support and help from my family. I know that. And for that, I am eternally grateful for their presence in my life.

And I am doing my very best in raising my daughters to appreciate family, just as much as I do.

While reading Cindi's story, I started to think of Sunday dinners at my parents house. This is back when I was probably between the ages of 7 to 20. Sunday dinners were a tradition, and are one of the fondest memories I have of my childhood. Grandmother Josephine lived in the city (Southside of Chicago - 45th and California, to be exact). And every Sunday my mom's friend would pick Grandma up and bring her to our home, where we all enjoyed a wonderful dinner around the table . . .together. . . our F A M I L Y. Every single Sunday. These moments . . . these Sunday dinners . . . were some of the best times of my young life. They were full of laughter and cheer, fun conversations (that sometimes became heated with political discussions and opinions). They were followed with games of Kings-in-the-Corner and Yahtzee. They were special moments with unconditional love, and they were wonderful.

I try, very much, to raise Katie and Ella with moments like that. FAMILY coming in and out, laughter, meals together, and stories being shared. I want them to look back on their youth and remember Grandma being there, and Papa playing with them. I want them to feel about their childhood just as I feel about mine - that the time spent with FAMILY were some of the best. And I am so very grateful to have married a man who feels the same way I do. When we repainted our kitchen last year, I found a inspiration quote that I had to put on the wall . . . it reads,

"The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table"

. . . and each time I glance at it, I am reminded of the importance of FAMILY in my life. Thanks again, Cindi, for helping take a moment and remember some great moments of my childhood. And if you are part of my FAMILY - I thank you for all that you do in helping me be the person I am today. I love you.

Happy Birthday to PG!!

To the man whole stole my heart so many years ago, and has had it ever since. To the man who still makes me laugh like knowone else. To the man who first hand deals with all my issues, and loves me anyway. To the man who makes my little girls dreams come true, and is raising them to see how a man should treat them like princesses. To the man who believes in me, even when I don't believe in myself. I wish you,my Mr. Wonderful, a very Happy Birthday!I'm so thankful that God sent you to this world so that I could meet you, fall in love, and walk through this life with you. I Love You, Honey!

The Effects of a Chicago Winter

I love finding little surprises in Katie's school folder. I never know what is going to be there. Today's find was a true representation on this particular winter in Chicago (which has been a tough one!) So, today I was met by a lovely little snowman . . .

And the inside message really sums it all up - "If a snowman came into my house . . .

. . . I would freckout [freak] like Ooooooooo!" SO Funny!

Yes, believe it or not, we are definitely in the mood for some warmer, snowman free, weather in this house! Oooooooooo!!

WE DID IT!

So, I have to tell you about a truly invigorating moment that my husband and I shared today.

WE DID IT!!!! Yes, WE did.

WE PAID OFF A CREDIT CARD. AND IT IS GONE. FOREVER! ADIOS AMIGOS! SEE YA LATER ALLIGATOR! ASTA MANYANA!!! BUH-BYE! And all that goes with it.

Now - Does it really matter that it was for Macy's? Or that it only had a balance of $87.oo left on it? YES, IT DOES. Because, you see, until recently I never really GOT it. I mean, credit cards helped me get some things that I really wanted (notice - I said wanted - not needed. There is a BIG difference there.) And in my desires and WANTS, came a butt load (pardon the language) of bills, interest, and problems.

But, we have started. My husband and I have a goal. To be financially healthy. And it is something that we have really been putting alot of energy and focus into recently. This one little credit card was the start of it . . . and now, I believe that WE CAN DO IT!!! YIPPPIEEEEEE!!!

So, today I applaud our accomplishments and I look forward to the financial future for us. It's going to be a great one! (And thanks for letting me share this with you - it's pretty special to me!)

Oh, and check this link out. While I was searching for images of cutting credit cards, I found this really cool project that you can make with those nasty old cards. It's amazing that something so BAD can make something so COOL! I guess everything is beautiful, in one way or another, huh? I don't think I'll keep my card pieces in the house - I want them GONE. So in case you are joining me in a financially healthy future, but just can't part with your card pieces, maybe this project will be right for you! Happy Debtfree Life for us all!

Top 10 Reasons Why It's TIME!

Well . . . here we go again! Another post on hair coloring. As I was driving home from work tonight, I glanced in my rear view mirror and caught a GLIMMER of silver. AUGH, again. I started thinking of a Top 10 List that I just have to share. So, here we go . . .

You Know It's Time to Color your Hair when . . .

10. you are playing with your 3 year old and she says, "Mommy, what is that white stuff on your hair?"

9. you're husband tells you that you have little silver hairs at your temples that make you look nice . . . and mature. ("Mature" is cool for a 15 year old. . . not a 38 year old!)

8. Christmas has been over for almost 2 months, and you can no longer use the excuse "I was standing too close to the tree and some tinsel fell on my head!"

7. you don't have enough mascara to "touch up" your roots.

6. you're standing in line at the Walgreens Pharmacy behind a "Golden Girl" (aka - senior citizen), and you start to like the shade of her hair.

5. no matter which way you style it (left or right), you can't hide the roots.

4. you notice a gray hair . . . in you eyebrow! (SERIOUSLY!)

3. you actually start thinking about keeping it gray! (SERIOUSLY!)

2. the same "Golden Girl" at Walgreens asks you if you have a kid in college. (SERIOUSLY!)

and

1. you know that the minute you color it - you will feel like your 25 again!

So, my friends, there you have it. My Top 10 Reasons why I know it's time to color my hair. My mother proudly wears her gray hair. My grandma did, too. But then again . . . mom is over 70. Grandma was 88. I think I need to keep my BROWN hair a little bit longer.

This time, I splurged on a $9.99 bottle of hair coloring (Excellence by L'Oreal). The color: Medium Maple Brown. Sounds lovely, don't you think? Oh, and it's supposed to cover grays 100%. Hmmmm. . . wish me luck! ; )

My Goodness . . . this is maddening!

Does Blogging ever drive you NUTS?

Me? YES . . . tonight, specifically.

I have not been a good blogger as of late, and I decided this weekend that I truly missed sharing and writing my little bits of chaos to my dearest blog buddies. I also decided that I wanted to, once again, change up the whole blog look.

BAD IDEA!

Maybe I'm just too tired to do this right now.

Maybe I should have listened to the old "If it's not broke . . . don't fix it" words of wisdom that those far wiser than I have followed.

I've spent the past few hours trying to "change it up" and have, instead, been left with some things that aren't working, posts that are printing twice and a bunch of things that aren't making me happy. So . . . what's a girl to do?

Well, I think I'm about to listen to the words of dear Scarlett O'Hare, who said "After all . . . tomorrow is another day!" Please hang in there. I'll be back soon, and promise to be back to lots of inspiration and smiles!!!

Introducing!

Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of all ages! Introducing. . . . GERITOL #2!!!!!

AKA : Plastic Canvas Project #2!

I was going to call it PCP2, but I thought better of it!

So, now that the second plastic canvas project is complete, I have officially joined the Geritol club. You see, I do clearly recognize that ONE plastic canvas project could be viewed as a "weak point" in ones life, or perhaps a temporary lapse in judgement. However, TWO plastic canvas projects clearly prove the PCC (Plastic Canvas Creater) has truly lost her marbles and joined the ranks of true GERITOL status. It's not all that bad, though. Trust me. I'm sure there are much worse clubs I could join, right? And take a look at them . . . Geritol 1 and 2 . . .

I mean, seriously . . . aren't they the cutest pair? And, let me tell you how cute they look on the counter. So sweet. Well. . . let me show you. Because, in addition to finishing Geritol #2 this week, I also revisited that thorn in my side (the kitchen corner) today, and have finally completed it's major transformation. (Which, translated, means: I FINALLY cleaned up and put away the mess that has been collecting there for the past few months.) Before I show you what it looks like now, let me remind you of the FIRST transformation of that counter about a week ago, when I first changed it from this . . .

to this . . .

While I was happy for the work I did then, I still wasn't feeling it. I needed to put some additional attention on the flow of the corner, and the function of it. So, after purchasing a little file box (in that Robin's Egg Blue color I love) and after completing Geritol 1 & 2, I now feel really happy with the corner. So, here it is . . .

Again, don't they (Geritol 1 & 2) look lovely? Not bad. Not bad, at all.

So, just another silly update on my day. Be glad I didn't share my pantry, junk drawer and spice cabinet with you. Each of them also received some major much needed attention from me today, but I thought I would have really crossed a line if I was blogging about my spice cabinet. Hmmm . . . maybe tomorrow! ; )

p.s. Thanks for the thoughts for my friend . . . and keep them coming, if you don't mind. The next few days are going to be particularly rough for her, and I know she feels our energy. I'm certain of it.

A Hope and A Prayer

I was feeling kind of stressed tonight. A little overwhelmed with the chaos that is our home. Feeling suffocated by the kitchen corner (yes . . . it is a mess, again.) And just feeling the need to get away from it all.

Then, about 30 minutes into my private pity party, I learned that a friend of mine is going through a bit of a health scare. And all of a sudden, everything turned around. Isn't it amazing how life happens like that. That something happens in a minute that can make you stop and count your blessings.

So, if you don't mind . . . I'm throwing a little request out there to all my blogger friends. Please, if you can, keep my friend in your thoughts. She has some challenges ahead of her, and many questions that won't be answered for a few days. But I believe very strongly in the power prayer and positive thinking. I believe that everything, good or bad, happens for a reason. I believe that laughter can heal.And I believe that together, we can be strong.

Thank you, for thinking of her. And thank you, for being my friend.