O'Holy Night

I watched little Ella drift gently off to sleep last night.

The warm glow from her little Christmas tree lit up her precious face. As the soft voice of Celine Dion sang "O'Holy Night" over her CD player, I knelt down next to my 3 year olds bed and gently stroked her face as she drifted off to lullaby land. 

Time stood still for a few minutes, I'm sure of it, and a sense of peace fell over me.

As her eyes lids fell deeper and deeper into a sleepy state, the corners of her little mouth curved up to show the sweetest little grin. It was then that I knew she had found the sugar plums in her dreams.

I know that this would be a bad habit to start with her, the whole "watching her sleep" routine. But something about this week had me yearning for these few gentle minutes. Maybe it was the howl of the wind I heard echo through the 2nd floor of our home. Perhaps it was the pitter-patter of rain drops falling on her window. Or maybe it was the fact that this week at school she learned all about the number 4 . . . how to write it, how to count it, how it comes very clearly after 3 and before 5. She can recognize all the numbers now, she can write them so very well, and she loves to read them back to me off of sales flyers or cookbooks. But the number 4 . . . it seems like a big one to me.

Maybe it's because in a couple of months, she'll be turning 4.

My baby isn't a baby anymore.

Lately I've been so caught up in the chaotic routines in our home . . . the revolving door of friends and loved ones coming and going . . . and the craziness of our daily lives . . . that I feel like I've been missing too much. Those last leaves on my neighbors bush (that I have been watching for weeks now) have finally given in and taken flight. I missed the day they left, though, as I was too busy with something else.

But for one hour last night, it all stopped.

And I think, for that brief moment, I found my sugar plums, too.

Forgive me . . . please?

Friends,

I have something to share.

I am prepared that some of you might be angry with me after sharing this.

Some of you might be down right jealous of me.

Some of you might think that I don't deserve this.

Others might think I'm throwing it in your face.

And that's all pretty much true.

Because tonight,

my man . . .

this man . . .

. . . made our family dinner.

And not just ANY dinner, my friends.

We're talking home made pasta gravy and meatballs right from the Buca Di Beppo cookbook. 

Seriously.

While I sat working this evening,

this man . . . 

 . . . grated the parmesan, mixed up the meatballs,

and put out one of the most delicious meals I've ever had.

Seriously.

I forgot to take a picture of the before . . .

so here is a little bit of the after.

Don't hate me, friends.

Truth is . . .

if you lived near us, he'd make you dinner too.

Because, you see, he cooks quite often.

I'm married to a regular Mario Batali!

I KNOW!!!

Oh, and right now as I sit here writing to you . . . he's doing the dishes.

Yes, I know how blessed I am.

Tonight, I just had to share it.

Ciao!

(thank you, honey. I LOVE YOU and your pasta dinner, too!)

You're Never Fully dressed without a . . . brassiere!

Now that the love of the Thanksgiving Holiday and my weekend anniversary celebration is behind me, it's time to get real with my bloggie friends and share another one of those classic "Leanne Moments". You know the kind, the one that totally shows me in a silly light (usually in the middle of some sort of embarrassing moment, of course.)

Last Wednesday, PG and I were both off of work and decided to take the girls to our neighborhood fitness center for some family fun swimming. Oh, yes . . . the gym . . .  here is where the story takes place.

We were really running late to the open swim hours at the gym (of course), and to help save time when we arrived at the gym, we put our swim suits on at home with our clothes over them. I then threw changes of clothing and shower items for all of us into a bag as we ran out the door and into the car. While driving to the gym, I realized that I forgot to pack my own undies and brassiere to change into after swimming. Really.

PG offered to turn the car around and head back home, but I looked at the clock and knew that if we did go back home, we would be left with less than1 hour of open swim time left once we finally would make it to the gym. So, I told him to keep driving to the gym and I'd be fine.

But in my head, I cringed. Ewwwww.

You see, this girl is not made to go "commando".

No way, no how.

And, as you can see from self photos I've previously posted on this blog, "commando" would not only be really uncomfortable, but it would also be a pretty unflattering position to find myself in. We arrived to the pool in time to have a good hour and a half of swim time in. The girls had a blast, and I put out of my mind the predicament I would soon find myself in, as I enjoyed not only the pool but about 10 minutes of awesome hot tub soaking. Ah . . . it was . . . heavenly.

Afterwards, I quickly gave the girls a shower, blow dried their hair, and then decided it was time to remove the soaking wet swim suit I was in and get myself dressed for the ride home (it was a bitter 29 degrees out at the time, and leaving the club in a wet swim suit was not an option.) So, I took a quick shower, and put on the only clothes I had, minus those really necessary items that I had forgotten. (Ewwwww! I KNOW!! It was AWFUL!!)

My friends . . . there is a reason I wasn't around in the '60s. And those amazing feminists who protested so hard for equality surely would have excused me from any bra burning exercise, had I been involved. 

PG thought the whole thing was pretty hysterical, but he is a man . . . he WOULD find it funny. Me . . . not so much. I was especially mortified blow drying my hair in the family changing room and seeing many families walking in and out as I wiggled and jiggled. (Yes, I jiggle. I'm not proud of it. But I jiggle.) 

The good thing is that I've learned a very valuable lesson here, and think I will be keeping a bag in the back of my car with extra undergarments. I mean, you never know, right? I wonder - is there anything that you carry along, "just in case"? Leave me a comment, I'd love to know!

He is . . .

a good person

a kind soul

hard working

my very best friend

honest

funnier than anyone I know

an amazing father

so very silly

an incredible cook

one heck of a coffee maker

my rock

the love of my life

my husband

Happy 12th Anniversary, PG!

I am so glad you picked up the phone that night,

so many many years ago.

I love you.

Dear Black Friday Shoppers,

Wow. That sure was interesting, wasn't it?

I had never gone through a Black Friday shopping experience before, and after this years little adventure, I would venture to say that I will, most likely, not go through one again. It's not that it was terrible, but it was interesting, wasn't it? 

For those of you who decided to travel to my neighborhood Target at 3:30AM this morning . . . have your legs warmed up yet? Yikes . . . so many of you were prepared with blankets, gloves and mittens. Me? Not so much. But, wasn't it nice of those unidentifiable people to offer Starbucks coffee to everyone? Was it just me, or did you think at any point that perhaps it wasn't Starbucks coffee? ;) 

To those people who stood in line for hours and hours and made it to get the LCD Flat Screen T.V. on sale for $298 - call me if you have an extra (we really wanted one.) But, if you happened to be one of the few who snuck in the side door of the store at 4:00AM when it opened (without waiting in line with all the others), may your indigestion from your Thanksgiving dinner sneak up on YOU for a few more days (that wasn't very nice of you.)

To the very nice lady who stood behind us in line and conversed for 40 minutes before the store opened, I hope you were able to find your GPS system. And to the lovely lady in the checkout line in front of us, who let us rest a larger boxed gift in her shopping cart (because mine was completely full) . . . THANK YOU.

To Santa, we did quite well and have a number of goodies for Katie and Ella, including loads of books, PJ's and games. Oh, and the Disney Princess dollies and Disney Princess kitchen (because, you know, we are all about Disney here.) We'll ship everything to the North Pole next week so you can deliver back to us in a few weeks.

And to Katie who said, "Aren't you lucky that you don't have to spend any money on gifts because Santa brings them for us?", I simply say, "Yes, Honey. I am SO lucky. And I hope you stay this way forever."

Happy Christmas Shopping Season dear friends!

With Love,
Leanne

What YOU looking at??

Happy "almost" Gobble Gobble Day, my friends!

In honor of the holiday tomorrow, I thought I'd share the joy of some really bad great Thanksgiving Jokes!!!

(Don't thank me yet . . . you haven't read the jokes.)

1. Which Thanksgiving food has grandchildren? The Gran-berry sauce.
2. What sound does a turkey's phone make? "Wing! Wing!"
3. How many cranberries grow on a bush? All of them!
4. What do goldfish say on Thanksgiving? Happy TANKS-giving!
5. When a turkey picks his nose, what comes out? A Gobble-Goober!
6. What did the pilgrims have to clean after the first Thanksgiving? MESS-achusetts!
7. What do you wear to Thanksgiving dinner? A Har-VEST!
8. The pilgrims' cow came to America on what ship? The Mooo-flower!
9. Teddy Bears have what in common with turkeys? Both have stuffing!
10. Hippies put what on their turkey and potatoes? GROOVY

Sorry if that was painful! I guarantee someone at your Thanksgiving table will laugh at those (it may just be a 7 year old, but hey . . .you'll be a HIT with them!) And if they don't, just blame it all on your really silly blog friend (me!)

I guess that picture above brings the silly out of me, because I every time I see the expression on that turkey's face, I laugh. It's funny to know that turkeys can actually have expressions, don't you think? PG took the photo of that Mr. Turkey during a trip to a pumpkin farm a few years ago. I laughed as PG stuck his camera in the fence to try and catch that perfect turkey pic, and this turkey was having NONE of it . . . he quickly came towards PG and even pecked right at PG's camera lens. PG, being the fast moving snapper he is, got this picture just in time! (AND he was injury free! Thank goodness!)

As I spend today having great family fun (PG is home, I am off work, and we are going swimming at a nearby club and then, perhaps, we'll catch a early evening showing of the new Disney film, Tangled.) I am feeling blessed for so many things this week, and today it is all for my family. These three people who warm my heart and make all the work, laundry, cooking, cleaning, bills and challenges so very very worth it all!

I wish you a wonderful day with you and yours. If I don't get back before tomorrow - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Don't forget to bring your jokes to dinner tomorrow! ;)

Counting my Blessings

I'm a little beind on the "thankful and grateful" wagon, so please forgive me as I spend a couple days this week sharing some of my blessings with you. I have a lot of them.  Many have to do with my children. Others have to do with my marriage. A bunch have to do with my friends. And then there is a whole slew of them that have to do with my family, my extended family that is (sister, brothers, mother, in-laws and all the rest.)

Did I ever tell you that I work with one of my mother-in-laws? I have two of them, you know, because one mother-in-law just wasn’t enough for me! ;) I have a great relationship with both of these ladies . . . which is a blessing all on its own.

But I what I am really really grateful for, is that my mother-in-law Rita, whom I spend many of my days with in the office, totally and completely GETS me. The truth of the matter is that I am not an easy person to get. I’m moody, I’m a big ol’PMS nightmare of a female, and I can be a complete pain in the bottom. Yes, hard to believe, I know. I’m throwing all of the dirty laundry out there for all of you.

Having to share an office with me certainly is no picnic for dear Rita. I talk to myself out loud. Yes, I’m an exclaimer (remember that one?) And when something (or someone) frustrates me, I talk out loud . . . loudly. But believe me, she can handle it. Oh, yes. She gives it out, too.

Like one day last week . . . I had just read a few emails that rubbed me the wrong way, and I was exclaiming. I think the actual words that came out of my mouth were something like, “Is it me? Am I crazy??” or something like that. And Rita, who usually does a really good job ignoring my outbursts, simply replied, “Yes.”

There you have it. My mother-in-law confirmed exactly what I questioned all this time. That, yes, I am crazy. Having Rita say “yes” to my “Am I crazy?” question just tickled me, and I laughed and laughed. Because I know that she gets me . . . crazy and all.

And that is my blessing for today.

Thanks, Rit, for being in my life. I love you like “crazy.”

Greetings and Salutations!

Finally! Time to sit down at my beloved computer and reconnect . . . ah, this feels SO GOOD! What a busy weekend, and so sorry for that unexpected hiatus. I didn't quite see it coming, and would have surely warned you about it had I known. But, you know . . . sometimes that darn "LIFE" just gets in the way from writing a good old blog post. Ah, well. I'm here, I'm happy, and I'm so glad to see you. How are you?

The first thing I read when sitting down at the computer tonight, was a lovely little note from my dear friend Michelle (Blissful Babble lady) who sent me an email asking me if I found my brain yet. (My last post was about loosing it! So silly ... love that Michelle!) She also offered to call the authorities to check on me . . . which I actually contemplated having her do, because perhaps an overnight stay in a padded room would come in handy every once in a while.  However, dear Michelle figured it out when she said, "I bet you even have all your decorations up and are completing your Christmas crafts."

Uh-oh.

She knows me oh-so well! Yes, it's true . . . I have been decking the halls, and all that other stuff, for days now.

I know, I know, I can hear you, "IT'S NOT EVEN THANKSGIVING, LEANNE!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING??"

Truth is . . .

1. I love Christmas.
2. I love decorating for Christmas.
3. I love to sing Christmas carols when I decorate.
4. I love to decorate early.
5. I love to take the decorations down late.
6. I love Christmas (oh, I said that already . . . but I love it so much, it's worth mentioning again.)
7. I love to, traditionally, put all the decorations up the weekend before Thanksgiving. My sister usually hosts Thanksgiving . . . so why NOT get ready for Christmas at my house? 
8. I love to celebrate my anniversary with PG the Friday after Thanksgiving, and to come home after a lovely overnight get-away, finding the house all ready for the next festive month ahead.
9. I love to share the joy of the season with my daughters for as long as possible.
10. I love Christmas (yes, I mention it, again.)

So, here is a little photo montage of some decor we put out this weekend.  I apologize for the blurry photos, but I really felt it was important to post these ASAP, before my dear friend ;) calls the authorities on me!!!

I blame these darn cinnamon scented pine cones for starting the whole "early decorating" thing. You see, early last week I took a little field trip to Michaels Craft Store and was immediately met with the scent of lovely cinnamon and spice. Ahhh . . . I love them! So, I was suckered into purchasing two bags of these yummy smelling pine cones (hey, they were on sale - 2/$5, not bad.) They quickly were put into a basket on our coffee table, and multiple times a day I find myself going into the living room for extra sniffs! So simple and so lovely.

Have I told you that in addition to cinnamon scented pine cones, I absolutely adore Nutcrackers? My sister and brother-in-law have been the biggest contributors to my collection (THANK YOU, LT & CT!!) I'll have to share better photos of them with you next month, and the whole story behind why I love them so.

 The real reason of the season . . . a gentle reminder of this beautiful night.

 I have a "thing" for snowmen, too!

A new decoration, also from my sister (I am so blessed to have my sister!) LOVE LOVE LOVE these letters. You can love them, too, if you have a Costco near you!

Oh, and one more thing to share with you. Something that I have been working on (like CRAZY!!!)  Remember my recent post on my latest Holiday project? Well . . . here is a peek of what I've been doing. It's not completely done yet, so I can't share the full picture. But, I've been spending every evening this past week working on this (which is the main reason I've been absent from here). It's so lovely . . . my Grandma would be proud!!!

So, that pretty much brings you up to date on the land of "From Chaos Comes Happiness", at least for today! I've got lots of fun posts scheduled for later this week . . . from Turkey stories to Pie Memories, there will be lots of thankful moments to share!

Until then, what have YOU been doing??? Leave me a comment. I'd love to know!

The End of the Multi-tasking Diva

Where in the World is my Brain?

Have you seen it?

I seem to have misplaced it recently.

I used to keep better tabs on it, always knowing where it was. I made sure it was easily accessible when needed. But the past few weeks, it’s been on some sort of vacation; however it forgot to take the rest of me with it.

Is it the time-change? (Doesn’t it bother you when people use the time change for an excuse? “Oh, my hip hurts . . . it’s that darn time change!” or “Oh, my coffee is cold . . . darn time change!”) Yeah, that drives me crazy too!

Last week, I missed the deadline for Katie's December "Hot Lunch" order at school . . . and her November Book club order . . . and the RSVP for a breakfast at the school. I had the fliers for each of these activities on the counter, but the days came and went and I missed them. Augh.

During my creative painting evenings last week, I lost a bottle of acrylic paint that I was using just minutes before. It seemed to have walked away. My eyes didn’t see it when it left, and I swore I just had it in my hand. About an hour later, it showed up on the counter in the kitchen, looking at me like I was crazy. I must have moved it there when my scattered brain was multi-tasking. I used to pride myself in my multi-tasking abilities. But now, I’m beginning to think I’m not as good at them as I used to be.

The day after that, I misplaced the instructions to my holiday plastic canvas project. I had them right in front of me, and then all of a sudden . . . poof! Gone. 24 hours later, I discovered them in between the cushions of our love seat (where they slid all the way down to the ground. Both sides of our love seat recline so the pages just fell down between them.) But I swore, I tore our family room apart looking for them (and even looked under the love seat). I couldn’t find them anywhere.

Finally, Monday afternoon I realized I misplaced my debit card. I was in my car, in line at the ATM machine, waiting for my turn. When I opened my wallet to pull out my debit card, the usual place it is housed was empty. Panic quickly came over me and I looked through my purse and found . . . nothing. I pulled out of line and moved to the side of the parking lot, where I then got out of my car and began to look through my car for any sign of debit life (I have a bad habit of placing the card in my visor when in a drive-through, and thought perhaps I put it there.) Let me tell you, I gave passer-by’s a great show of behind as it was stuck up in the air while I my searched under mats and seats, under car seats and stuffed animals. I had just about given up hope . . . and was about to walk inside of the bank to report it lost . . . when I checked one last * * special * * compartment in my purse. There, staring back at me was my debit card. And all of a sudden I remembered placing it there, in a * * special * * place, so I wouldn’t loose it.

Yeah, right. It seemed like a good idea, at the time.

I think it is all to do with trying to do too many things at once (like signing a check and writing out a deposit envelope while at the ATM, or like making dinner and painting at the same time.) I think all of these little episodes of forgetfulness are my brains way of telling me to s--l--o--w  d--o--w--n.

So, effective immediately, I'm taking a break from multi-tasking. I think these recent unsuccessful attempts are a clear sign of  STOPPING THE MADNESS . . . and slowing down.

Just in time for the holidays.

How about you . . . ever feel like you missing your brain? Or is it just me??

Being Brave

A few weeks ago, I was presented with a really wonderful medal of honor. "The Bravery Pin".

And it was presented to me by Katie, Ella and their Grandma Lill.

I have to share it with you . . . it's quite remarkable . . . and it was made by Ella and Grandma.

The reason I was granted this lovely award . . . for being Brave.

For fishing this summer (when I really am not a 'fish and worms' sort of girl), for gardening (when I really am not a 'dirt between the nails' sort of girl), for digging up the garden at the end of the season (when I really am not a 'icky rotten bug eaten tomatoes' sort of girl), and for killing a nasty spider in our basement (when I really am not a 'nasty spider' sort of girl, AT ALL.).

So the girls decide that I deserved something in recognition of the things I did outside of my comfort zone this summer.

My Bravery Pin.

The other day, while cleaning the house, I wore my pin.

And when reading a homework assignment with Katie about spiders (with actual photos of spiders in the book), I wore my pin.

When doing our household bills this past weekend, I wore my pin.

And when rescuing a lady bug and setting her free outside, I wore my pin.

This pin has turned into quite the symbol to me, and my daughters. After Ellie's recent visit to the pediatrician, it was determined she needs eye drops for the sinus infection that is working its way through her beautiful blue eyes. Ella is not a fan of eye drops. As a matter of fact, the mere mention of them sends my little 3 1/2 year old into a tizzy. But the Bravery Pin has come in handy, because dear Ella will hold it in her hands every so gently, as Mommy and Daddy put the medicine in her eyes. It wasn't that easy in the beginning, but now we have it down to a science.

While this pin has brought even more courage to all of us, what I think is most amazing about it is the fact that we recognize our fears, and work together at conquering them. Whether its spiders, wiggly worms, or eye drops . . . I'm so proud of my girls for their bravery, and I'm so grateful for my Bravery Pin.

Do you have anything in your home that you refer to when need some extra strength? Feel free to share in the comments . . . I'd love to know.

Never Letting Go

I've been watching the top of a bush in my neighbors yard for days now . . . holding my breath . . . watching . . . and waiting . . . and watching.

It's kind of turned into a little game I play with myself. Every morning when I open the blinds in my kitchen, I look for any changes.

And for the past 8 days . . . nothing.

Just me and the tree.

And these 5 little leaves that just won't let go.

Winter is right around the corner here in Chicago. I've been raking leaves for weeks now, and the whole "batten down the hatches" to our outdoor summer life. The patio table is put away, along with all of the outdoor toys. Most trees on our block have lost their leaves already, and 10 houses in the neighborhood put their Christmas lights up this past weekend.

Yet this little bush in the corner of my neighbors yard just can't seem to let go. We've had windy windy days and rainy down pours, but these 5 little leaves still hold on tight. After a particularly windy night a few days ago, I was sure I'd wake to find the leaves had finally given up their fight, but nope. When the morning came, there they were, still attached to the branches. Never letting go.

It makes me think about my own life, and how part of me really understands the need to hold on.

Like those moments when sweet little Ella will stop running around just long enough for a hug from me. Or those times when dear Katie will ask for a special "Mommy and Katie" day with just the two of us. Or when I hear laughter coming from both of them when they are having fun together. These are moments that I wish would go one forever, and that would never let go.

But it seems the days are going by faster and faster each year. I see my daughters growing and changing just as fast as the clock is ticking. And while I am so in love with who they are becoming . . . I am so scared that some day they'll be leaving home, starting their very own adventures and stories.

Oh, how I wish I could hold on to them forever . . . and never let them go.

But I guess all the leaves must fly away, when the time comes.

Van Gogh has left the Building

Is it really Sunday night already? The thought of starting another week has left a pit in my stomach. But I refuse to give in to the fear, and am putting 'positive' out there. This is going to be a better week. Yes, it is. (How's that, PK?)

Although, my Ellie is sick . . . has been fighting something for way too long, and I fear it has grabbed a hold of her. Runny nose, watery eyes, and coughing coughing coughing. Nebulizer treatments are not helping. Over the counter meds are not helping. And this evening . . . fever. So, a trip to our trusty pediatrician is in store for tomorrow. Poor thing. . . :(

Even though she isn't feeling 100%, she still put on the biggest smile while playing "Vanna White" and holding up my final masterpiece yesterday. Here is the final gift for the recent additions to the world (our friends twins, Addison and Joseph):

If you missed my post from a few days ago, this is a little baby gift I have been working on for dear friends of ours who gave birth to twins a couple of weeks ago. I decided to make a special gift for them (instead of opting for the standard baby sort of presents). I think this was a selfish gift, as painting always soothes my soul. And I sure needed some soothing this week.

My favorite part is the really cool giraffe ribbon I glued along the edge of the canvas . . . 

I think it really ties it all together, don't you think? 

PG will deliver the gifts to our friends within the next few days, and I am so happy to have done this for them.  I hope it will bring as much joy to Addison and Joseph as it brought to me while painting it. And I thank you for allowing me to share in the project with you. Maybe this will be my next million dollar idea, huh? (Remember those? Click here to be reminded.) We shall see! ;)

Now that I've cleaned my brushes and put away my paints, I'm back to my Holiday Plastic Canvas project! Yes, I'm a regular Martha Stewart these days (hmmm . . . does Martha Stewart do plastic canvas? I'm not so sure. It seems too tacky for her, huh? Maybe my people should call her people and share my projects with her. Oh, wait. I don't have any people. Ah, well. Maybe next time!)

How about you? Have you been inspired to start anything creative lately? I'd love to know about it, so leave me a comment and share.

Here is a little inspiration, from Mr. Van Gogh himself . . .  

"Happiness... it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort."

- Vincent Van Gogh

Have a wonderful week, dear friends. Hope you find something to bring your soul great joy this week.

A $20 Good Samaritan

What a week . . . what a crazy, stressful, busy, non-stop action week.

And I am SO GLAD it is over.

Have you ever gotten to that point, after a few stressful days, that you really just don't care what else happens? This is going to sound so much more negative than I mean it to, and I really wasn't cranky about it, but I just had that whole, "Ok . . . whatever . . . we'll deal with it." kind of attitude.  I'm not often the "whatever" kind of person. But yesterday, I totally took on the "whatever" persona. I'm not proud of it . . . and it's since passed (thank goodness). . . but it was just one of those weeks.

However, in the midst of all of the stress . . . was one wonderful and inspiring moment at my very favorite place in the world.

Ok, maybe it's not my VERY FAVORITE place in the world, but it's certainly close.

So, here's the story.

Heading out to a client's office yesterday, I decided to stop and pick up a little gift card for one of the people at that office who really goes above and beyond in helping me when I am there. So, I stopped at the best place I could think of . . . Starbucks.

At the register, I handed the gift card to the barrista and contemplated whether I was going to get myself a coffee beverage. With the holidays coming, I have actually been cutting down on my Starbucks intake (the budget, you know.) It's actually been more of a self questioning "Do I really need to spend money on a coffee today?" to which the answer is usually "No. I really don't need that."  So, I stood there ready to take the gift card and run, when the barrista said, "Can I get you something to drink?"

He twisted my arm.

Ok . . . not really.

I thought long and hard, and decided that a grande coffee (with cream ONLY - no sweetener) would really cheer up this stressful chaotic mood I was in, so I splurged and order just that (going against every bit of my recent "do I really need this right now?" mentality. Actually, I think I answered my own question . . . that after a really stressful couple days, "YES. I NEED IT BAD.")

"Ok, this is going to sound weird, but the customer before you left me with $20 and told me to pay for the next 4 drink orders. So, your coffee is free today," said the barrista.

"Are you kidding me?" I asked.

"Nope," he said, "really, here's his $20. And here's your coffee."

I've seen the movie "Pay It Forward" and I've heard about those silent Good Samaritan's out there doing wonderful things like this, but have never before been the receiver of such generosity from a complete and total stranger, who wasn't even present to thank. For a minute, I thought I was on one of those ABC News programs, like, "What would YOU do?" and found myself looking around waiting for the camera man to come out and a bright light to be shining on me. Then again, it was only a $1.95 cup of coffee. But I have to tell you, it felt like I won the lottery.

 I think my eyes started to fill up with tears.

Because after a week of really frustrating scenarios, I realized that in the midst of all of that, there are still some amazingly generous people out there in this world. Kind people. People who want to do something good for others. People who want to do something good for complete and total strangers.

It gave me hope.

It gave me happiness.

It inspired me.

And when I next have an extra $20 in the wallet, I will be doing the same exact thing. Yes, I will be paying it forward.

I wonder if that man who left the $20 has any idea how much he did for me yesterday morning. How he pulled me out of a really crummy pity-party and made me realize that people can and are good to each other. And how there must be some sort of stronger force out there in the universe to make good things happen.

So today I am dedicating this post to the $20 Good Samaritan who visited my Starbucks yesterday. Thank you so much for treating me to a wonderful cup of coffee, and for reminding me of the good in the world. May good things come back to you, tenfold.

My Inner Van Gogh

What a wonderful night I had with my inner Van Gogh. I LOVE when I let it out!!

If you are an established blog friend of mine, it's no secret to you that I like to call myself an "artist". Yes, I'm pretty sure I've written once or twice before about the strong joy I get when I create. And if you caught my post earlier this week, you know that I have something up my sleeve for the holidays (a special creation, but of course!) I've worked on my holiday creation for a few hours already this week, and all I will tell you is that it is REALLY taking shape!!! (You're going to LOVE it!)

But tonight, I had a fantastic reason to pack up the holiday crafts and pull out some good ol'fashioned paints, brushes and canvas . . . and this, my friends, is what I REALLY love working in.

Tonight I started working on a special baby gift for a dear co-worker of PG's who gave birth to twins (a boy and a girl) a couple of weeks ago. Mary Liz and her husband are the most wonderful people, and they are going to be absolutely FANTASTIC parents. I remember when they first told us they were expecting . . . do you remember that trip I took to Washington D.C. with PG in May? Well, this was the couple we had dinner with during that trip, and it was during that special "couples" dinner that they shared their pregnancy news with us. I just adore them! And I'm so thrilled that their little bundles of joy have joined the world, that I wanted to do something really special for them.

So, I pulled out a couple 18 X 24 canvas, painted a neutral color on it, drew up a couple of sketches that included the babies names and some of the characters in their nursery bedding, and re-drew them on the canvas . . .

Then grabbed a brush and took off . . .

When I was a young child, I used to sit and watch Bill Alexander every single weekend (do you remember him at all? With his "Magic White"? He was amazing.) I would sit and watch him with a pad of drawing paper and a box of crayons by my side, and I would copy everything he did with my crayons and paper. I learned all of my paint colors from watching is show . . . Alizarin Crimson, Prussian Blue, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre. Those colors are music to my ears. Mr. Alexander was as amazing to me as Van Gogh. I remember how fascinated I was that he could make mountains look so real . . . all with a palette knife.  What a gift.

I may not be painting "MOUNTAINS" this time around, I'm still having so much fun with it. It's been a while since I've picked up a paint brush, but it's like riding a bike. The biggest challenge I have when doing an art piece like this is having patience to wait for the colors and layers to dry before digging in and adding more details to the painting.

I still have quite a lot to do to finish the gifts, but it seemed like a good time to break from it and re-visit it tomorrow. I'll be sure to snap a few photos of the finished work as soon as I'm done. Maybe next week I'll have to pull out the ol'palette knife and see where it will take me!!!

I'm so glad to be creating again . . . it does so much for my soul. So much.

I really do prefer to "Play Nice"

It’s so hard to keep a positive outlook on life when people get in the way, don’t you think? Sometimes I wonder if I would be happy all of the time - if I lived in a secluded part of the world, just me, my Katie and my Ella (oh, and my blog friends. I’d have to take you guys with us.) Yes, I think we’d all be pretty happy.

I had a cranky day today, which I find really frustrating since I’ve been trying so hard to live a "happy life". Today, situations outside of my control made me very aggravated. I felt like I was in the middle in a bunch of "not nice games" all day long. Not fun games (like Yahtzee or Uno.) No, these were "not nice games". I don’t like playing “not nice games". I prefer to play nice.

So, I was in a foul mood for most of the day.

Sitting at my desk at work, I could feel my eyebrows slanting down towards the middle of my face, and the frown lines taking shape on the sides of my mouth. I could feel the tension in my shoulders and neck, and I felt the blood pressure rise (that’s never a good thing.) It was almost as if people didn’t realize that I’m "living a happy life." Maybe I need to send a big ol'mass mailing out to every person in the world, advising, “Listen, folks. Leanne is living a Happy Life. Don’t mess with her.”

I’ll have to work on that.

I knew today was going to be an off day. It started as I walked Katie to the bus this morning. One of the neighborhood kids ran far ahead of his mom and quickly crossed the street to the bus stop without looking both ways. He came within just a few feet of a car heading in his direction. Luckily, the approaching car was moving slowly and cautiously, so the driver was able to stop well in advance of any tragedy. I could see it happening though, and when the little boy arrived to my side, I warned him that he really could have been hurt badly and he needs to be mindful of the road and make sure to look both ways before crossing. The boy, who usually is o.k. with me, turned and said, "I'm not talking to you." and turned his back towards me.

I'm not a fan of spankings, but have you ever wanted to haul off and smack somebody before?

Right then and there, I knew that this was going to be a challenging day.

Yet I would not let this 6-yr old get the best of me!!! I said, "Excuse me???" just as his mother made it to the group. After being scolded by his mom, I received dirty looks from the little crapper (affectionate term, of course) for the remaining 3 minutes, as we waited for the bus. I wanted so badly to stick my tongue out at him, but that really wouldn't have solved anything, would it have? (hmmmm . . . maybe tomorrow.)

My day went from bad to worse, and in my own little mind, I imagined sticking my tongue out to 4 or 5 people throughout the day. Augh.

I'm really trying to live a happy life.

I came home to this . . .

And for the first time all day, I felt . . . happy. Really happy.

How do you pull yourself out of a cranky mood, when you really don’t want to be in one?

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful (or . . . not)

Well, I'm still feeling that awesome Christmas Spirit!!! (I know, I know . . . but, I can't help it!)

After a wonderful weekend with PG home and lots of family time, I've been inspired to start my next holiday project.

Remember my fun crafty project last January? You remember, the one when PG christened me the "Queen of Geritol"? (click on the link to be reminded ... it's a good one!) Anyway, I am feeling in that "geritol mood" again. So, I've come up with a perfect little project to start on that is sure to bring even more Geritol comments my way.  I won't give it all away (just yet). I'll share only a few parts of it. It starts with this . . .

 Then, you add a little of this . . .

And in the end, I'm sure to have something spectacular!! Maybe the tissue will come out of the chimney this time. . . . Ooooooooo! Could you imagine??

Do you remember those Pantene commercials in the '80s? The "Don't hate me because I'm Beautiful" commercials? Well, I've decided my new holiday project slogan is going to be:

"Don't hate me because I . . . I . . . plastic . . . canvas." (Eee gads!!!!) Oh, and remember - I do this because of fond memories I have of my dearest Grandma Josephine. So, it's not all bad!

Hang in there with me, you KNOW I'll share my finished project with you! And when I do - you'll be KNOCKING DOWN MY DOOR just begging me to make one for you!!!

;)

So, have you started anything craft project recently? What are you waiting for?

Oh, What a Beautiful Day!

Ellie and I have been working in the kitchen all day long, preparing a lovely meal for PG's homecoming. Daddy has been gone for one week this time, and we are missing him terribly in this house. We thought it would be a fantastic surprise to plan a lovely home cooked meal this evening for this #1 man in our lives. The menu for this evening . . .

Green Beans

Roasted Butternut Squash

Stuffed Chicken Breasts

French bread

And, for dessert . . .

Homemade Apple pie.

Can you smell it? It's delicious . . . if I do say so myself.

I was telling my blog friend, Nicole, that I often have some really productive days when PG is out of town. I am usually really focused on the things that need to get done, and find that I accomplish so much when in this focused state. Primarily because I stop waiting for someone to do things in the house, and I do them myself. When he is here, my expectations are raised. And when he is gone, I don't rely on anyone. Plus, I focus so much more on ME. Strange, isn't it, how sometimes all we need is a little alone time to clear up the chaos. I love this man like crazy and I've missed him terribly this week, but sometimes I think it's a good thing to have these days here or there to get myself together.

This past week has been a particularly good one, as I kept focus on quality time with the girls, kept up with laundry and the house, and worked. In addition, I read . . . each and every night (finished "The Help" yesterday afternoon . . . I'm telling you, I highly recommend it. You know a book is good when, after finishing it, you really wish it wasn't over and you wish you could follow the characters longer. I'm going through withdrawals right now.) I'm still feeling that PEACE I wrote about earlier in the week. It's a good place to be in, and I am going to do everything in my power to keep this feeling as long as I possibly can.

PG just called, his airplane has landed and he is waiting for his bags. The house smells delightful (cinnamon and butter . . . hmmmm) and I can't wait to have a wonderful remaining weekend with this family. I so adore them all.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family, dear friends.

Bake a pie . . . that, alone, will make you smile.

Wishing you peace.

Haul out the Holly . . .

Is it too soon?

I know what you're going to tell me . . . you're going to say, "HELL YES, LEANNE!!!"

But, my friends.

I'm in the mood.

For twinkling lights and bells ringing (no, I'm not talking about Marti Gras).

For Bing Crosby and David Bowie.

For ornaments and nut crackers.

For candy canes and fruitcake (blah).

Yes, I need a little Christmas. Right this very minute.

I've been thinking about the holiday because I'm starting to work on my "December Daily 2010" album. You might remember the project I did last year (the 2009 album). Simply put, it's a daily collection of memories and activities during the the Holiday month. You can look back at my posts from last year here and here. The idea originated from Scrapbook guru Ali Edwards (one of my many idols. Link to her site with Q&A about the project by clicking on her name.)

Here are a few shots of my book from last year:

This album has been, by far, one of my very favorite scrapbook projects that I've ever done. We have spent so many times this past year pulling it out and taking a look at it, over and over again.

So, I'm starting to gather pieces for the 2010 album. The idea is to have the whole thing set up and ready before December, so that when the month starts, you can simply add notes and photos to it as the days unfold. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

I've also been in the Christmas mood after stumbling upon an awesome blog called "Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive, 365". Since finding it, I spend a number of times each week visiting her site and taking in the spirit of my favorite time of year. No matter what my mood is when I arrive, within seconds I am smiling.

If you need a little Christmas, stop by and share some of Natasha's joy.

Ok, friends. . . that's it for my holiday annoyance this lovely morning. Don't hate me for this post . . . I know this is WAY to early for many of you. Remember ... I'm focused on EMBRACING lately. Let's EMBRACE this one, shall we?

Time to pull out the CD's . . . .

;)

Giving up the "help"

About a month ago, I reluctantly accepted a book from my mom named "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. I use the word "reluctantly" because I usually dread when Mom shares a book with me. Not because I don't enjoy the book, but because Mom will usually ask me (over and over) if I started it or what I think of it, when I haven't even had a minute to open it.  It usually finds its way to my "Nightstand of Novels" where it waits in line with all the others.

I talked to you about this nightstand a while ago, remember? Back in August, when I came to terms with the fact that I wasn't going to complete any of my summer reading.  Nothing has changed with my nightstand since that post, except my stack of books has grown by three or four, creating even more pressure to find time in this chaotic life to read. I really do enjoy reading, but I just have had a hard time finding time to do it.

Then, it happened.

That "Ah-ha!" moment.

All while dusting my nightstand of novels. 

You see, it appears that many of the books on my nightstand are "Self-Help" books. You know the type . . . .books about finding happiness, books about finding yourself, books about accepting yourself, books about being positive, books about having peace, finding peace, keeping peace. All of it. You name it, I have it. Just sitting there. Collecting dust.

It's not as if I haven't tried to read. I've picked up so many of these "help" books from time to time and read a page or two, maybe even a chapter or two. But I usually get lost somewhere between the lines and back it goes, to the bottom of the stack, until it's next up in rotation. I usually tell myself, "Oh, I'm just not ready to find that 'peace' in my life right now. Maybe later."

All of  sudden it hit me. You may remember that PG is out of town on business this week, so I'm solo on the home front with the girlies. It's been a fantastic week with them . . . focused and organized, productive and peaceful (no worries, remember?). Tuesday evening, I visited that nightstand to dust it off, when my eye caught the stack. Right on top was a book about coming to terms with not being perfect. Underneath it, "The Help".

All of a sudden . . . 

Ah-Ha!!!!

Maybe I need "The Help" . . . but not all of the "help".

Get it?

Maybe I'm not doing so bad, afterall. Maybe it's time to move all those self-help books to the book shelf, and clear up the nightstand for some good ol'fashion novels. Not the kind that are trying to change me. Not the kind that are trying to improve me. Perhaps I don't need to change. I mean, I'm happy. Really. Do I need to read a book about making myself "HAPPIER"? If I get any happier . . . I'm going to be even more annoying than I already am.

Maybe that's why I haven't been reading this year . . . because my selection of reading has turned into a therapists waiting room. Perhaps, just perhaps, I give myself a break for a little and stop trying to IMPROVE myself. (Back to that whole "embracing" myself.) Maybe just EMBRACE . . . .  and stop reading about how to do it.

So, Tuesday evening, I moved the "help" books, and opened up "The Help".

The book is incredible.

I can't put it down. I'm at page 243 . . . and found myself waking up at 3AM today wanting to read some more. Can you believe it? Thanks, Mom. You were right . . . I am enjoying it so very much.

I am happy.

And I didn't need a "self-help" book to get me there. 

Any ah-ha moment in your days recently? Share it in the comments . . . I'd love to know.

No Worries

GREETINGS MY DARLING and BELOVED FRIENDS!!!

How do you do??

Here I am, FINALLY,  returning to the land of the living . . . and feeling so much better than this time last week. Don't you hate how those nasty little bugs can come upon you, really working hard to tear you up? I thought I was a goner last week, but one incredible weekend of friends, chicken soup, and family, was just about all I needed to shake these nasty germs away.

I woke up today feeling . . . fresh, energized, and alive. More than I have in the past few weeks, for sure. I may not be 100% (and have a cough that still sounds pretty nasty). But, what's most important is that my spirit is feeling better, too. After an incredibly restful Friday evening and Saturday (thanks to my dear friend Kathleen and her husband, Mike), and a wonderful chicken soup dinner on Saturday (thanks to another dear friend, Karen), I was able to host our annual Halloween shin-dig yesterday. The good part - it was a BEAUTIFUL day full of good food and Halloween fun. The bad part - I don't think we took many pictures. Not sure what happened, but we kind of . . . forgot. Just too busy "be"ing. You can see a few photos from of the girls over at my sister's blog here, if you wish. (Tell her I said "Hi"!)

All in all, I'm glad to put this most recent bought of nasty cold and cough behind me, and get on with life. . . .

And there seems no better time to do this, than right now.

All of this down time over the last week left me with many many minutes to . . . think. These random thinking moments usually bring up some good blog topics, but this time, my thoughts were a little more serious. This time, I started to think about something I do in my own life that I want to get control of. Something that takes a great deal of energy from me, and causes a great deal of stress in my day.

What is it?

Worry.

You see,  I am a worry wart.

All of the time.

I worry about life. Mine. Yours. Ours.

I worry about my kids. Are they eating enough? Are they learning what is important in life? Am I doing enough to raise them to be good people? Are they focused in school? How can I help them be excellent students? Am I doing enough as their mother? Am I teaching them enough? Are they happy?

I worry about my husband. Is he happy? Is this what he thought his life would be? Is he feeling well today? Is his heart strong? Does he like his job? Does he still love being married?

I worry about money. Will we make it this month? Can we get a pizza for dinner tonight? How much will a new couch cost? Can we swing it before the end of the year? Do we really need it before the end of the year? How many pay days until Christmas?

I worry about my extended family. My mother, my in-laws, my sister and brother-in-law. My brothers and their families. Their health. Their jobs. Their challenges. Their happiness.

I worry about my house. The laundry. The pile of dishes that find themselves waiting quietly for me at the end of a busy day. The windows that need washing. The siding that could use a good cleaning. The lawn furniture that needs to be covered and moved aside before colder weather is upon us. I wish there were more hours of the day. But something tells me that if the days grew in time, I wouldn’t necessarily get more things done. I probably would just have more hours to worry.

Often I find myself driving down the road lost in the thoughts of my own worries. . . I know that it is happening, because when I glance up to check my rear view mirror, I catch a look of my own reflection and see that little wrinkle between my eyebrows starring right back at me. It's the worry wrinkle. I usually try and iron it down with my thumb. But them I'm just a strange lady driving with her thumb on her forehead.

What drives me really most crazy about the whole worrying thing, is that worrying really doesn't solve anything, does it? It certainly doesn't make anything easier.Worrying is exhausting. It takes up way too much energy and often leads to some really unproductive anxiety. Don't get me wrong, I do count my blessings . . . hourly. I am forever grateful for the good I’ve been given in this life of mine. But still, I worry.

However, I do remember a moment in time when I didn’t worry. I remember it very clearly. Our honeymoon. The wedding planning was over, the dress was hung up and put away, the big celebration had come to a close when PG and I hopped a plane to good ol’Key West, Florida. The minute we arrived, we were in our own little heaven. It was glorious. I remember lying at poolside one afternoon when PG looked at me and said, “Honey, you look so relaxed right now. What are you thinking about?” and I said, “Absolutely nothing.” And I remember him telling me that he had never seen me so relaxed and calm and at peace the whole entire time he had known me.

I long to find that place again.  While I know that I can't think of "nothing" very often, I sure wish I could find that peace inside.

Friday night, when my dear friend took my kids and told me to rest and "not to worry about anything", I found that place. It was wonderful. I like it there.

So, I’ve decided to start a new journey. A peaceful journey. As we approach the last two months of 2010, I am giving it up. My new motto? NO WORRIES. I think it's a great time of year to bring this to the front of my days, as the holiday season usually brings up a whole new set of worries. But this year, I'm taking a break from the worries.

Want to join me?

I think it’s going to be a wonderful time, don’t you? No Worries. At all.