Happy Happy Birthday, Ella!

Yesterday, my Ella turned 4.

Yes, 4!

That's . . . 1-2-3-4!!!!!

There are no more baby bottles in our house. The crib has long been gone. I haven't seen a teething ring or squeaky toy on the floor in forever ... they have long been replaced with Polly Pockets and silly bands.

And while I miss the smell of baby head, we still have the baby lotion on our dresser (and I'll gladly hold on to that a little bit longer!)

I can't believe that it has been four years since this beautiful angel joined our family, and made us complete. She has brightened our lives beyond my wildest dreams, and continues to amaze us . . . and I am blessed. I'm also oh-so grateful that while she has grown and grown . . . she still needs me . . . especially when putting her footie pajamas on.

And I need her . . . more than she will ever know.

Happy Birthday my darling Ella!!!!

Story of a Friend . . . when I needed her most

You know that saying, "Everything happens for a reason" ?

I'm a firm believer in the message behind those words . . . and trust that if something is meant to happen, it will. If it's not, then it won't. I trust the powers that be in this life of mine, and have never been disappointed because of them.

This week I've been struggling with blog writing, with a lack of positivity, and with over all gloominess. Not full blown "Crankville" . . . just feeling like a wet wash rag that has been rung out and is left shriveled up and dry. I've felt that I didn't have a single encouraging or positive thought to write, and that I was done with blogging. I felt that I couldn't keep up with life in our home, and that everything was like one step forward . . . twenty steps back. The demands of my job have caught up with me, and I just feel used up. It's a icky position to find myself in, when I often try so hard to live in positivity. But, it's the truth.

So, I took a break from blogging. Everyone does it. You've done it, I've done it. It's just what the soul needed.

I started wondering if anyone noticed. Would anyone miss me if I didn't update my blog anymore. Does it make a difference what I've shared in the past. Is it time to put a lovely little bow on "From Chaos Comes Happiness"? Why do I spend so much time doing this, anyway.

Then, this very morning . . . I checked my mail.

I'm really bad at checking my mail box. As a kid, I loved running outside to get the mail at my parents home, always excited at the thought that maybe, just maybe, there might be something in there for me. As an adult, I don't meet the mail with the same sort of excitement, as most envelopes received are from people who require my money. And that kind of adds to the gloominess these days.

Inside was a bright red envelope from a dear friend of mine, Mary. I've written about Mary before in this post here and here (click to link to posts.) Mary is a dear friend of my dear friend, Kathleen, and therefore a dear friend of mine. And while I may only see Mary once or twice a year, I adore her. She's real. She's got a heart of gold. She's strong. She's just about the best kind of person one could want in their life. And I received a red envelope from her.

As I walked to the house with envelope in hand, I thought, "Hmmm... Mary's sending Valentine's cards out? That's different ... she doesn't really do that." Then I thought, "maybe it's an invitation to a party" or something like that. Much to my surprise . . . it was nothing like that.

What it was, was a Starbucks gift card. Now, as you know, I love Starbucks. It is my mojo, my reward, my motivation on a gloomy day. So to receive an unexpected Starbucks gift card is like GOLD.

But that really wasn't the best part in this envelope.

The best part was the note Mary wrote to me. Mary. My friend. She wrote an amazingly touching letter to me . . . thanking ME for my BLOG. This blog.  This very piece of online space that has saved my thoughts and words for the past 400+ posts. This very thing I've thought about ending.

Seriously.

Thanking Me for all the times I made her laugh, made her cry, made her think and made her remember.

Thanking ME.

And all of a sudden, it's like a big ol'wind came by and blew that gray cloud far away from my head and said, "GO AWAY, YOU MEAN GRAY CLOUD!!! GO AWAY!!"

You know, I really do believe that everything happens for a reason. And today, Mary's letter was exactly what I needed. Mary, you have no idea how much this means to me. When I drive through Starbucks today and relish in the aroma of coffee . . . I will think of you and say a prayer of thanks that you are in my life. You have no idea how you have touched my heart, dear friend.

With love.

And to all my other dear dear blog friends, I thank each of you . . . with my whole heart. Have a wonderful Friday, all!

Alive & Kickin'

Hello dear blog friends! Just a quick post to let you know that I am alive and well . . . and thinking of all of you. It’s been an absolutely hectic week in our “Happy Chaos” home, and the ability to blog has taken a back seat. But happy thoughts of each of you and your lives have filled much of my quiet time, and good wishes to all usually follow.


Seems like that darn thing called life is keeping me swamped these days. PG has been in and out of town, and while that usually allows plenty of “me” (aka BLOG) time after the girls are in bed, this week a lousy head cold has taken up every ounce of energy. Worse yet, my brain is on vacation – and the ability to create in any form (tactile or written) has left with it. I’ve had witty and clever topics come to mind, and have often thought, “Ooooo, I should really blog about this.” But most of the subjects would come up at the most inopportune moments (like, while stopping off at a Gas City to for a POTTY EMERGENCY with Ella while running from errand to errand.) Yes, not the most realistic times to write a blog post.

So, I just wanted to send out a little post of LOVE - to tell you that I’m grateful for each of you.

To my east coast friends – gees, when is this snow going to stop?

To my west coast friends – gees, could you send us a little of that sunshine?

To my southern friends – gees, will you send me some beignets?

To my European friends – gees, will you send me a plane ticket?

To my Australian friends – gees, will you send me a vegemite sandwich? (what can I say? I’m a product of the ‘80s. I love “Men at Work”)

And to any I may have missed . . . I wish you well. I hope to spend some time this weekend getting caught up on all of your lives.

Until then. . . I bid you peace.

Nine Lives

In my next life, I'm going to be a chef. I'm going to create beautiful masterpieces in the culinary world, and be seen on shows like Top Chef, or Iron Chef America. I am amazed at what comes out of those shows - and how fast they work and create these dishes . . . really . . . it's a work of culinary art. Yep, I think that is what I will do.

Or maybe be a "Real Housewives . . ." lady (because, I guess what I'm living is not 'real' enough.) I'd love to know for one brief second how it would feel to not worry about money - or perhaps how it might feel to walk in a store and buy something without evening looking at the checkbook. Yes, I think that is what I will do.

Maybe I just want to be a reality T.V. star. PG would most enjoy having a camera follow him around day in and day out. Lordy, would I be fearful of what that show would be called . . . perhaps, "Those are the Toots of our Lives" or something like that. (bah-dum-dum)

I think maybe my next life will finally have me discovered as an American Idol star. Oh, how I TRIPLE LOVE that show (and the Steve Tyler/J Lo mix is fanTAStic!).  Yes, I think that is what I will do in my next life.

Oooooo . . . I wonder how many lives that might leave me with?

I already feel like I've been a princess before. I might even have been a queen. I have this absolutely HUGE interest in the the reign of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.  Ooooo . .. could you see me as a QUEEN?

When I was younger, I was absolutely fascinated with Egypt, and swore I lived a past life in the times of Cleopatra . . . perhaps I was even her . . .

But it would have to be the "Elizabeth Taylor" kind . . . because that costume is just stunning, isn't it?

I sure am glad we get nine lives, aren't you?

What "lives" do you think you could live? I'd love to know . . .

Allow me to Introduce you to . . .

. . .  my shadow. 

I haven't seen it in a while,

but yesterday afternoon it surfaced.

All thanks to this little beauty in the sky . . .   

I stood in my driveway for 10 minutes, 

soaking in the rays. 
I'm sure, if one of my neighbors saw me from their window,
they would have thought I finally lost my marbles.
Little did they know,
I was finding them.

Nothing like a little sunshine to warm the soul.

 

PG returned last night.

And I'm taking a few days break from blogland,

as I relish in the joy of my family and sunshine.

My two favorite things.

I'll be back some time this weekend, love!

Random Thoughts on the Drive Home #2

Yesterday was a challenging day at work . . . not home. Home was great. Work, stressful. We all have days like that, I know.

Yesterday was mine.

I had to pick the girls up from my Mom's after work, which allowed me a little more time in the car. Since my home is just about 10 minutes from my office, I don't mind the extra quiet car time. And yesterday, I used it well.

Yes, time for another Random Thinking Moment. I haven't had many of these lately . . . must mean I'm not "thinking" very often. But yesterday was a good one.

After all the stress of the day, the words, "There has GOT to be a better way" kept popping up into my head.

So, I decided that I need to start a business. But not by myself ... nope ... I think my sister, my dear friend 2E, and I should start a business. Yep. Because I think the three of us could really do it.

Oh, wait. What about PK .... she's a genius. We'll definitely need her expertise. Oh, then how about Cindi (our other Scrap Cellar chick), well, how could I start a business without her? Yes, Cindi is on board too. Oh, dear, I wish my blog friend Nicole lived here, because I know with her energy - we could REALLY get things going. Oh, let's throw Nicole into the mix, just for fun.

So, Laura, Touhy, PK, Cindi, and Nicole. Ok. That sounds good.

Now, what kind of business?

Well, what do I like to do?

Well, I like to write. I like to draw. (I know, I sound 7.) I like to scrapbook (doesn't help in the maturity department, does it?) I can throw one heck of a party. Oh, and Touhy is in the trade show biz, so perhaps we incorporate her brilliant planning skills and my brilliant party skills, my sisters organization and business skills, and PK and CE's creative skills, and Nicole's brilliant marketing and PSA skills, and . . . . girls, we've got ourselves one kick ass business.

I hope they don't mind if my salary is the highest (the random thinking continues).

I mean, I'm the one who is coming up with this kick ass business idea.

Oh, speaking of kick ass . . . I wonder if my blog friend Michelle would relocate here . . . because I think she's really funny, and we'll need someone to make us laugh in the office for those days when we are all PMS'ing really bad. So, maybe we'll have to add Michelle to the business.

Ok, back to the business.

So, we've got looks ;), brains, creative ideas, energy, marketing, humor. Yep, I think we are good.

Oh, I wonder what we'll have for lunch when we have our business (random thinking usually turns to food when I'm hungry.) Maybe we could open our business up in Oak Park, near Penny's. I love Penny's. Oh, did I ever tell my blog friends about Penny's? I don't think so, I'll have to tell them about that place some time. Oh, wait . . . I'm loosing myself. Let's get back to to the business.

So, food. I wonder if we'll work next to a Starbucks . . . or if we'll need a coffee pot. Maybe we can have  our office in the same building WITH a Starbucks . . . . NOW we're talking.

Yes, this will be lovely, won't it?

Hmmm . . . so, what did I say our business was going to be?

Oh, it doesn't matter. I'm in a room, with my favorite people, having my favorite foods . . . Oh, wait, Mary from Food Floozie, she's wonderful! Maybe she'll relocate and join our business, too. I mean, we'll need a chef in the office . . . won't we? Yes, she'll have to join us.

Ok, I digress. I'm in a room, with my favorite people, having my favorite foods . . . who needs work?

And with that . . . I pulled into my Mom's driveway, and the reality set in.

I felt a little sad . . . but then really happy. Because I knew I had to drive home from there . . . and could only imagine where my Random Thinking Moment would take me next!

What about you? Done any "Random Thinking" lately?

Saddest Day of the Year, for real?

I was totally surprised when my blog friend Jules from "Ad Bits" comment yesterday that she wasn't surprised I was a little gloomy, as researchers have said that the third Monday after the New Year is historically the "saddest day of the year". Seriously?

Not that I ever thought for a minute that my dear friend would steer me wrong . . . but I googled it. And can you believe it . . . there is lots about it. It's also referred to as Blue Monday, the third Monday after the New Year, when the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over and we are left with some sort of philosophical equation to support our woes. 

If I would have read about this last week, I would thought it was a bunch of malarkey.

But I wonder why it is that I felt so gray yesterday? Can there be some truth to it?  How did YOU feel?

I will say that, aside from waking up with a head cold (yes, I felt that coming on yesterday - and it has kicked in), my spirit feels TONS better today. Maybe there is something to do with Blue Monday. Hmmmm . . .

Or maybe I just need something to warm my heart a little . . . that's all.

Let's try that, shall we. Here are a few random photos from last summer that make me feel  . . . happy!

That was lovely. I feel a little warmer. Just a little.

But I am wondering . . . did you have the blues yesterday? Leave me a comment, I'd love to know. And, how do you feel today?

Sunshine Girl lost in a sky of gray

The days have been cold, wet, gray and so so gloomy lately. I think the winter blues have settled into this otherwise cheery head of mine. It's oh-so cold, and I can't seem to get warm enough. Could I be fighting something????? Oh, pray tell, NO! Now is NOT the week to come down with something . . .

PG returns home on Wednesday (wahoooo!!!). . . and with his return, I'm sure the sunshine will follow.

Then Friday night, I am heading out for some creative rejuvenating with these lovely ladies . . .

Aren't they gorgeous? My Scrapbook Cellar Girls . . . we haven't been together since early December, and we are gathering on Friday evening (for laughter and tears, of course, because there are always a few tears shed each gathering! But those are "good" tears. You know, the healing kind.) I NEED to create . . . and can't WAIT!!!

What about you? What do you do to fill your soul? I'd love to know . . .

My Weekend Pick-me-up that would make Martha Stewart proud!

In addition to my word of "Believe" this year, I'm trying very hard to organize a few things in my life,like:

1. me
2. our kids lives and schedules
3. our bills
4. our home (i.e., cabinets, drawers, closets, photo albums, laundry room, pantry, um. . . pretty much every part of it.)

It's a big ol'pain in the tuckus, but a necessity. The driving force behind it all is one simple question that I ask myself, "What would Martha Stewart think if she opened this cabinet {closet, drawer, whatever it may be}?" 

But you know, organizing this house is not as easy as it sounds. I often wish I had some magical powers where I could stretch my arms out and expand each cabinet just a few more inches, or each room just a few more feet, just so I could have a little more space. I love my house, I really really do. And I don't really dream of owning a big ol'mansion any point in this life of mine. But a few more feet here or there would be so lovely.

Ah, well.

Until then, we must work with what we have. And let me tell you, I'm working it. . . .

Friday, on my weekly trip to Costco (yes, I pretty much shop there weekly - because I LOVE ME my COSTCO!), I was on the hunt for new tupperware, or food storage containers. My tupperware cabinet has been a thorn in my side for some time. It seems most of our containers have been microwaved and dishwasher spotted for way too long. Covers were missing from so many of what was in my cabinet, that finding a match was a nightmare. Where do the covers even go? I'm certain there must be some tupperware fairy who flies from house to house taking covers from everyone, because I always seem to loose mine! That, or perhaps I should buy the girls a REAL Frisbee. Hmmm. . .

Anyway, back to Costco, where I purchased a beaUtiful set of Rubbermaid food storage containers. Absolutely lovely, decorative, MATCHING, so lovely.

I came home, and with garbage bag in hand, I cleaned out my cabinet. Well. . . ok. Not really the WHOLE cabinet. But one shelf. And let me tell you . . . I have a new shelf that would make even Martha Stewart HERSELF proud. See for yourself . . .

Beautiful, isn't it? Everything has a place. All covers are located closely to their counterpart . . . waiting to be selected. Just lovely.

I feel so lucky to have this shelf. I joked with my girlfriend that when the going gets tough (and the disorganization of the rest of my house really gets on my nerves), at least I have this ONE SHELF to remind me of a simpler, organized life.

Of course, the rest of the cabinet isn't looking so good.

But that's ok. I'll work on that another day. For now, let's just enjoy the ONE, again . . .

Isn't it pretty?

Do you have "A" shelf in your home? Leave me a comment . . . I'd love to know about it.

This Week I am Grateful for . . .

There has been a dark, ugly, stormy cloud over many blogland friends this week. I seem to have come across post after post of heart breaking news that many in our blogland community are dealing with, specifically some really tragic  unexpected loses of spouses, siblings and parents.  2011 is starting as a year full of horrific times for so many.

While I spend my quiet time reflecting on the friends whose lives have been drastically changed, I am reminded of the blessings in my life. Today I thought I would participate in "Maxabella Loves..."  wonderful weekly gratitude post . . .


This week, I am grateful for . . .

• My Sister: I have to say that this week, like so many many weeks before, I am grateful for my sister, Laura. You may know her from her blog "The Adventures of Mr. CT and Me." My sister is my rock, my cheerleader, my supporter, my confidant, my personal shopper, my nanny, my encourager, my reminder, my comedian, and above all else, my friend. I am very grateful to have her in my life.
• My Job: I realize how blessed and grateful I am to be employed, in a time when so many around me are still out of work. While I am not the main bread winner in our family, loosing my job would still be detrimental, and I am forever grateful to have a place to work, a job to do, and a pay check to receive. Seriously. 
• Forgiveness: After years and years of hard feelings, I've worked diligently on the whole idea of FORGIVENESS this week, and I am grateful to both receive it and give it, when it really really matters. 

Of course, there are so many other things I am thankful for. Today, it was my hope to highlight just a few of them.

Wishing you all a Grateful weekend, my friends!

I'm Bad ...

I must be a bad mother. I must be a bad wife. Yes, that must be it.

When I tell you my plans for Sunday night, you might agree.

You see, I love and adore my children. I love them with my whole being.

And I love and adore my husband, with every ounce of love that I've got.

But, I'm counting down
the days . . . the hours . . . the minutes . . . the seconds . . . for Sunday night.

You see, PG is out of town until the 19th.
And Sunday night, Ellie and Katie are going to sleep over at their dearest Auntie and Uncles house (praise the Lord!)

And me? Well, I have . . . a date.

Yes, I do.
A date, with this ...

and this ...

and maybe even a little of this ...

All by my lonesome.

And I can't stop thinking about it, or talking about it, or dreaming about it.
I mean . . . it's what is keeping me going this crazy busy week.

I mean, look at it again . . . doesn't it look like the perfect way to spend an evening alone?

Is it wrong that I am looking forward to a night alone?
Is it wrong that I am looking forward to the kids going for a sleep over?
I'm sorry. I guess . . .  I am Bad.

So very very bad . . . 

and that is SO GOOD!

Care to join me? 

:)

Tag ... I'm it? Again???

Well, well, dear blog friends! How is your week? Me? I'm good . . . busy . . . focused . . . and good. PG has been gone for 4 days, and I must say that the ladies I share my house with (Ella and Katie) are being VERY GOOD and keeping Mommy (Me) great company in Daddy's absence. We've had volleyball, homework, friends, and all the other little things that keep us busy doing just that . . . and life is good.

Loved hearing all of your "stalking" stories (comments) on my last post! So glad that I'm not alone!!!

Turns out that telling you my deepest darkest stalking story wasn't enough Leanne info for all of you. Well, that is, for ONE of you. Dear Saimi over at "Archie and Family" has tagged me with some fancy questions to figure out how this brain ticks . . . Thanks, Saimi!!! SO, let us begin . . .

1. if you have pets, do you see them as merely animals, or are they members of your family? Ok, I'm sure I'm going to loose some friends here. The thing is . . . I not really a pet person. I know . . . I know . . . I guess when you aren't raised with them, you never quite get them. I appreciate them . . . from afar. Like, WAY FAR! and totally appreciate people who love pets ... but me, I'm good. (SORRY PET LOVER FRIENDS! PLEASE don't give up on me!)

2. if you can have a dream to come true, what would it be? That's a hard one . . . because I'm all into the whole "jinxing" thing. But since I know that blogland is off-limits to "jinxing", I'd have to wish that both of my daughters life long, happy, successful lives surrounded by people they love and who love them just as much in return. That's it. It's all about them.

3. what is the one thing most hated by you? Being disrespected, or seeing something being disrespected. It's not right.

4. what would you do with a billion dollars? Seriously . . . hmmmm . . . I think I wrote a blog post about that once. Check out my DETAILED answer here.

5. what helps to pull you out of a bad mood? Cheesecake. Oh, and Starbucks coffee (works every time.) Oh, ok . . . maybe a hug from my daughters, or perhaps a bit of funny movie. Ok, and my husbands hug. Yep, that's it.

6. which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone? Oh, tricky tricky tricky . . . can I say both? Most definitely!

7. what is your bedtime routine? Hmmmm . . . I might get sleepy if I start talking about it. Have to say, not a big bedtime routine person (for myself, anyway.) Usually do the whole "check the house" routine before heading down for the count (doors locked, lights off, etc..), then check each of the girls rooms and watch them for a few moments. Finally . . . rest room stop, brush the teeth, lotion on the hands, lights off, prayer, sleep.

8. if you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner? PG was room-mates with a friend of mine from college. I called my friends apartment one night and Phil answered the phone. We talked for what seems like hours, and I think I fell in love with him at that moment (seriously.).

9. if you could watch a creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be? Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Ali Edwards. Hmmmm . . . I'm sure there are MANY more - but my mind escapes me at the moment.

10. what kinds of books do you read? I love fictional stories written with a heart showing lessons learned. TRIPLE LOVE  historical fiction from 16th Century Tudor time frame (Phillipa Gregory is a favorite author of mine!) and really enjoy American History. Biographies on people in the Arts always interest me.

11. how would you see yourself in ten years time? Still having the time of my life!

12. what’s your fear? Not being around to see my children grow and have happy lives of their own. The thought of ever not being here with them (or dieing young) scares me terribly.

13. would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit outer space? Uh, no.

14. would you rather be single and rich or married, but poor? Just as I am (the later)!

15. what’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Go potty. For real. (Well - YOU asked!)

16. if you could change one thing about your spouse/partner what would it be? You know what? I wouldn't change a thing. Because even the stuff that drives me crazy would make me sad to loose.

17. if you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be? That's such a strange question . . . hmmm, well, I'm not really a "Betty" (although I adore Bossy Betty), and "Liza" is kind of taken (love that Minelli lady). I don't feel like a Susie, Dawn, Donna, Joyce, Cassandra or a Theresa. Hmmm . . . I think I'm going to stick with me . . . Leanne. Yep, sounds just fine.

18. would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done? Forgive? Always. Forget? Honestly? Never.

19. if you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be? Cheesecake. (Is it wrong that Cheesecake is 2 of my answers? Ask my sister - she'll vouch for me . . . I love cheesecake!)

Wow . . . That was long, huh? Are you as bored with me as I am with myself right now???
 
Thanks to dear Saimi over at "Archie and Family" for tagging me. If you don't know Saimi, check out her blog . . . you'll enjoy her so very much, just as much as I do!
 
Now, it brings me great joy to tag some fine blog friends of mine!!! (I KNOW!!! I hate this part!) But, I'm playing along and the RULES are that I must tag 4 . . . yes, 4 . . . of YOU!!! (But I love SO MANY of you, that I decided to send these questions to 5!!!)
 

So, without further delay, I present the same questions to the lovely:
 Nicole from Destination Unknown, Mary from Food Floozie, Lady Fromage,  Nat from Just Nat, and as always, Leslie from {Words of Me Project}.

 
So, ladies, here's the story . . . copy the below 19 questions and answer them on a post of your own. OR . . . don't. I really don't mind!  But, it's a fun way to learn a little more about your blog buds, and I'd love to learn more about each of YOU!
 
1. if you have pets, do you see them as merely animals, or are they members of your family?
2. if you can have a dream to come true, what would it be?
3. what is the one thing most hated by you?
4. what would you do with a billion dollars?
5. what helps to pull you out of a bad mood?
6. which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
7. what is your bedtime routine?
8. if you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner?
9. if you could watch a creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be?
10. what kinds of books do you read?
11. how would you see yourself in ten years time?
12. what’s your fear?
13. would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit outer space?
14. would you rather be single and rich or married, but poor?
15. what’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
16. if you could change one thing about your spouse/partner what would it be?
17. if you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?
18. would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done?
19. if you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?

Have a great day, everyone!

Once Upon A Time . . . I stalked

While recently exchanging emails with my friend and fellow blogger Nicole, a memory of my youth came to mind that made me chuckle. It was when Nicole wrote, “promise me, we won’t go on a stalking spree” that I had a flashback - pizza and records and John Tesh came to my mind. A moment from my past when I exuded a behavior I would now consider to be in such bad taste and serious loser-ness, that of course I must share it with you.

Yes, my friends, I once stalked.

Now, before you call the authorities on me, or send an anonymous email to PG warning him of my troubled past, let me set the scene for you.

The year was 1987, when big mall hair with banana clips, swatch watches and cavaricci pants were all the fad.

I was 16 years old, and a junior in high school.

And I was in love. I mean, SERIOUSLY.in.love, with the man who worked at Coconuts Music Store on the corner of 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. Yes. Love.

However, there were a few problems with that Love. . . .

1. He was an older man (like, 19, at least)
2. He didn’t even know I was alive
3. And I think he had a girlfriend

But, my friends, it was LOVE.

I remember visiting said Coconuts Music Store at least once a week, just to see him (and therefore building up a really cool collection of music.) He was dreamy . . . a cross between Michael Bolton, John Tesh, and John Taylor from Duran Duran (hey … it was 1987, ok? Cut me a little slack, will you?) He had long wavy blond hair that some might now categorize as a mullet, but back then, was SO gorgeous. And he had facial hair – which most boys my grade didn’t quite have yet. He was so . . . cool.

I remember one night, sitting in my Dad’s Pontiac with my friend Karen, waiting for Mr. Coconut himself to close up the record store. We waited and watched, because where ever he was going, we were going, too. I remember following him to a nearby take-out pizza place, I think, and then on to what I assume was his parents home. Yep, we followed him all the way home, where we did what any 16 year old would do . . . we drove back and forth pass that house about 20 times that night. Just waiting . . . For what? I have no idea.

And I don’t think I ever did it again. That is, I never followed him home again. But I am almost certain that my girlfriends and I passed his house a few times that summer. Just waiting for a glimpse, perhaps, of dreaminess. Ah . . . to be young and in LOVE. ;)

Luckily, 10 years later I married my TRUE love, PG. And never looked back again.

I rarely visit the old neighborhood. But when I do, I still glance in that store front and laugh when I think of the night I stalked Mr. Coconuts, so many many years ago. Then I put on my Duran Duran CD and dance.

Life is Good. Even when you stalk.

A Conversation Overheard

As PG packed for his business trip this morning, I overheard the funniest conversation between him and Ella. It went something like this . . .

PG: Ella, do you like Daddy's new pants?  

Ella: Ummmm . . . . they're silly.

PG: Silly?

Ella: uh-huh.

PG: Silly?

Ella: Yep. They look silly.

PG: Hey, Ella?

Ella: Yes?

PG: Have you seen your pants today?



Photo of Ella today . . . . with her silly pants.

Hope you're having a wonderful Silly Sunday, dear friends!

Duck, duct, duck . . . TAPE!

Have you seen the latest?

No?

Don't worry. I hadn't either.

That is . . . until recently, when Katie came home from school and declared, "Mom, we need to go buy some duck tape!"

"Duct tape," I corrected her, "and why do you want to buy some of it?"

You see, I know all about duct tape. Yes, I do. ALL about it. I happen to have been raised in a house with the KING of all things duct and taped. Oh, yes I was.  My father.

When something broke, my Dad had just the thing to fix it ... duct tape. And it looked something like this . . .

According to Wikipedia, duct tape was "originally developed during World War II in 1942 as a water resistant sealing tape for ammunition cases. Permacel, then a division of Johnson & Johnson, used a rubber-based adhesive to help the tape resist water and a fabric backing to add strength. It was also used to repair military equipment quickly, including jeeps, firearms, and aircraft because of these properties."

But in my house, the King of Duct Tape didn't use it for military equipment or jeeps or firearms. Nope, not at our house. In our house, we used it to tape the side of the furnace that kept falling off, or the back of a ceramic calendar that dad must have dropped without any of us knowing. Duct tape was also used to secure handles on an old basement refrigerator, hold up certain parts of automobiles, and even used to secure the washing mashing hose to the sink. Yep, duct tape was a staple in the house I grew up in.

So, I wasn't surprised when Katie said she wanted some - because Katie is alot like my Dad. What I wasn't expecting, upon our arrival to our local Target store, was finding that there is a brand of duct tape called, of course, "DUCK TAPE" and it appears to have taken on a whole new persona. Nowadays, duct (or 'duck') tape is available in every color under the sun . . . red, green, blue, white, purple, zebra pattern, tie-dyed, peace signs. You name it . . . it's out there. So, being the lover of all things duct, we picked up a few rolls of it.

Then when we came home . . . I got to work. Turns out, you can pretty much make ANYTHING out of duck tape. We did a little googling (I love Google, don't you?) and before long, we had a lovely rose AND a wallet. Seriously . . .  

Oh, but wait . . . there's more!

Weeks passed, and then Katie received a phone call from her dear friend, Megan (who happens to live a few doors down, and whose Mom, Christina, I just adore.) Megan invited us over for a special Duck Tape Purse Party!!! IMAGINE!!! What a sweetheart. Except, my dear friend Christina wasn't aware of her daughters plan. So, after a little more Googling and putting our heads together . . . we came up with our Duck Tape purses. . . . WITH BONUS PHOTOS!!! (I KNOW!! IT's HEAVEN, isn't it????!!!!) Could you imagine????

We really got fancy when it came to the purse straps. . . I mean, who would have thought . . . DUCK TAPE BRAIDED straps!!!! Look out Coach! We're DUCOACH!!! (Ok, maybe not . . . I have to work on the name a little more.)

But look at our creations . . . I even made a Nintendo DSI-XL holder (that's the purple one below):

Seriously!

What I failed to mention, however, is that about 1/2 hour into the Duck Tape Purse party, all the kids left to go play as the moms sat around the kitchen table making the purses. A couple hours of silliness and slap-happiness, we had some really original duck tape items. We laughed and said we should start a demonstration business going to homes and sitting making these purses night after night. Heck, with the right glass of wine by my side, anything is possible, don't you think? (Ok, maybe NOT!)

So, just had to share the latest creative adventure from "From Chaos comes Happiness!"

Next time you are in Target (or Walmart, Lowes, Menards or even Walgreens), pick up a few roles of Duck Tape and see what you can make . . . the SKY is the limit, my friend!

My Swan

 Two weeks ago, I enrolled Ella in a Twinkling Ballerina class.

Then last week, PG and I went and saw "Black Swan",

and I wasn't so sure I wanted Ella to take ballet afterall. 

But this week, my littlest Ballerina emerged.

And she is . . . beautiful.

"Dance is the hidden language of the soul"

-Martha Graham

Feeling a little . . . unsettled today.

Not completely sure why.

PG is leaving for his next trip on Sunday - he's been home for weeks now, and it's been so nice. I'm already feeling a little anxiety over the days when he'll be gone. 15 out of 20 from January 9th through the 29th. Augh.

I'm so blessed, I know. I'm blessed that we are employed. I'm blessed we have a home. I'm blessed that he isn't in a field that has him away even longer than that. I am blessed. I know.

But I still am feeling . . . heavy in my chest. Like I can't catch a breath. So many things I want to accomplish in the New Year . . . I love how the New Year allows you to refocus, don't you? But I think I'm putting too much pressure on myself, already . . .

That's not good.

It's January 5th, for Pete's sake. Pressure already?

Ella starts ballet today. Katie starts volleyball next week. School. Religious education. Oh, and work. Home. Laundry. Homework. Closets to organize. Bills. Pray. Cook. Clean. Oh, work, again. Nothing more than you, I'm sure. And all blessings, I know.

But still . . . I'm feeling off.

Just a little.

But, no worries.

I * * believe * * that this, too, shall pass.

How are you feeling today? Ever have moments like mine? How do you snap yourself out of it? (Perhaps time to put "Moonstruck" on the DVD, eh? Cher and her "SNAP OUT OF IT!" works like a charm, every time.)

Maybe it IS brain surgery

I have to brag a little. I have to brag because if you know me, you would know that I deserve to brag for this one. I have to brag because, my friends, I am getting my s*** together in the New Year! Yes, I am! (Sorry . . . there just isn't any better way to put it than that way.)

You see, I am disorganized. Ok . . . not disorganized . . . I mean, I understand where things are and why. Let me put it another way, as my dear blogfriend Doris has brilliantly named her blog, I am "Organized Chaos". Or, something like that. Whatever it is, I'm not totally proud of it. And it has made for a really stressful and hard time keeping track of the comings and goings of our house between the girls, PG and myself. I seem to always be a day late (and a dollar short) for everything. So, one of my additional goals for 2011 is to be a little more organized in my chaos.

And, friends . . . it's going to be fab-U-lous! Absolutely FAB-U-LOUS!

Each year I have done one of those big and pretty photo calendars for our family, with lovely pictures of the year before, and hung that on the inside of our pantry door. While it was lovely to look at, it was never very functional (one of those "out of sight, out of mind" sort of things), as I rarely remembered to update it and keep dates and appointments on it. And a workable calendar was greatly missed in my life. I had my blackberry for work and PG's schedule, a weekly paper tablet on the refrigerator for the girls weekly items, and my own small pocketbook calendar that stayed in my purse all year (and, when looked at at the end of the year, looks like we did NOTHING in 2010, because I never updated it.)

So, I was on the hunt for the perfect calendar this year. One that would be functional but pretty enough to leave on the frig, and one that would organize my chaos. I found it . . . and I'm in love . . .

Isn't it pretty? (And how cute is Ellie's little finger pointing at it?? Love that!)

I picked up this beauty at Walmart for $7.00. Seriously. I never knew that a $7 calendar could make me so HAPPY!!!! I then spent a good hour on Sunday with all the calendars from Katie's school, Ella's school, Religious Ed, Phil's work, and our household schedule, and wrote EVERYTHING down for the year. EVERYTHING. It even came with these really cute little stickers to easily identify the days activities. (BIG TIME family meeting with the girls to tell them these stickers were for the CALENDAR and for MOMMY and not to be taken and stuck anyplace else!)

Ok. . .ok . . .I get it. I know that this is not brain surgery. And I know that there are millions (I'm sure) of it people out there who juggle 100 x's what I juggle, and who have 20 x's the kids that I have. I've probably read their blogs (yes, those are the people who blog brilliant posts each and everyday, too!), and I'm envious of all of their abilities ... really, I am. 

But for me . . . maybe it IS brain surgery. Maybe, in my little organized chaos mind, a simple $7.00 calendar is like brain surgery, and it can make MY BRAIN better. Yep, I totally BELIEVE that it can!  

"Not Knowing", Trust, and Letting Go

Very early on in my marriage to PG, I realized something rather important - and something that has probably saved us from hundreds of senseless arguments in our home . . . that lesson is that sometimes "not knowing" is best for me, and I must trust, and let go.

This is especially true when it comes to the electronics of our house.

You see, I am not an electronic person.  Not at all. And PG, well, he is a genius. Seriously.

I wouldn't know the difference between a subWOOfer, which I like to pronounce it with emphasis on the WOO, ;), to  any other part of a speaker system. To me, it's just a black box with a hole in it from which sounds comes. That's it. And Blue Ray? Poor PG gets SO MAD at me when I say I don't see the difference.

So, every once in a while I need to give up, "not know", trust, and let go.

But that is not always an easy thing to do. You see, sometimes "not knowing" means that your husband may head to the basement and drill a whole up through your kitchen floor, just to wire some speakers above the cabinets in the kitchen. Or, "not knowing" might mean that you have wires leading from the basement, through a hole to the family room, out the window, to some lovely rock-like speakers in the backyard. (The basement is "Electronics Central", by the way.) But, I've realized a long time ago that music is important to my PG's life. And surround sound . . . a MUST. So, I must TRUST. LET GO.

Like yesterday. As I worked feverishly on taking down the Christmas decorations and boxing things up for the season . . .

I found that my darling PG had plans of his own.  After much time had passed, I found it necessary to seek him out and see what had taken him away from "our" cleaning up the decorations plan. Much to my surprise, I found him . . .

. . .  working feverishly on his own project.

Now, in years of past I may have been alarmed at what PG was doing, why there were a million little wires AND a scissors involved, and wondered what the end goal was. But, the 2011 Leanne BELIEVED in her PG, and let go.

And by the end of it all . . . we had a beautifully rearranged family room with lovely sound coming from all of those little black boxes protruding all over our walls.

Yes, you never know when those Words of the Year will come in handy.

BELIEVE. That's 2011 for me, my friends. And it's already coming into play.

Wishing you a WONDERFUL day!