Grateful Friday

1. Just grateful for Friday! Enough said.
2. I think that the Lochness Monster was just a manatee-like creature, because a herd of them do look a bit monster-ish if you don't know how gentle they are.
3. How are you? Simply Outstanding. That is my catch phrase for the day- week - year. That is the comment I got on my reflection paper that I turned in last week. I was very nervous. We had to turn in 2 of them and I was sure I was going to fail. The comment on my other paper was "This is excellent work as well." Phew! Sigh!
4. Last week I was drowning in uncertainty, questioning WHY- I am doing this whole going back to school thing. I was sure that I could not handle the work. This week I am feeling much better- not completely self-confident- but getting better.
5. Absolutely grateful for the new friends I met this week.
6. Safe- god is great! Almost got smashed up by a car (truck) in the new roundabout. He just pulled out right in front of me when I was in the roundabout. Man- I had nowhere to go. Luckly I was able to stop. And then he had the nerve to make a face at me like I was just a dumb driver. I went and looked up the roundabouts directions and I was in the right lane going the right way- he on the other hand was going straight in a right turn only lane! But in the end= just glad that I am safe. I had a kiddo in the car with me at the time too. God is great.
7. Sunshine
8. Warm breezes
9. New necklaces- this and this- and this
10. New shoes
11. Pizza
12. Homemade chex mix
13. Unicorn birthday cakes
14. Johnny Depp- finally got around to watching The Libertine.
15. Grey's starts up this week- and from the looks of the promos it looks like it should be a good season. Not so sure about Private Practice. I really liked Addison's character, BUT I don't know that I want to watch a whole show revolving around her character.
16. Cleaning up the house- party this weekend- someone turns 2 on Sunday.
17. Thrilled we practiced piano everyday this week- so far- that alone is a big accomplishment, especially on days/nights when I have class.
18. Daughters- how did I get so lucky to have 2 of them! Truely special. Not that my son isn't special. But I am a girly girl and to have all that girly energy running around the house is priceless. (ask me another day and I may say- hey I wished I had 3 boys!)

Grateful Friday

• So absolutely grateful that my furnace did not need to be fixed. Just a little tweeking by my amazing father - the guy can fix anything. Seriously.
• Oh, and speaking of SERIOUSLY, I am so happy that Grey's will be back. Soon, very very soon. Just one problem though, I have class on Thursday nights until 8 o'clock. So I hope my VCR is working properly and that my family does not interfere with it's functioning while I am gone!!!!!!
• Loving pumpkin spice candles
• Warm fleece jackets
• Worn in comfy jeans
• Flannel jammy bottoms
• Hazelnut coffee
• Halloween m&m's
• Not working this weekend
• Finally getting the "other side" of the basement clean, and making it into an office/craft room of sorts. That means all the junk sitting on my dining room table can go down there!!!
• The thrift store is coming on Tues to pick up stuff. Trying to get rid of stuff. I would have a rummage sale- some of it is pretty nice stuff- but I just do not have the time to price all of it. But at least I will get a nice tax donation out of it!
• Thankful that I have good professors this semester- last semester too. I think that when you are older and going back to school, you really value getting your money's worth!
• I have a plan A- and I think I even have a plan B. Whew that is some relief. I really want to work on a plan C though. You know, just in case.
• Went to Michaels today and checked out the Martha Stewart line. Very nice, but it did not really WoW me. And it seemed a little pricey too. But as I stood there listening to my toddler whine while I browsed the display- a nice Michael's lady handed me a 25% off my entire purchase coupon. So hey, I figured it must be a sign and I picked out some girly paper!
• Going into the weekend with most of the laundry done.
• Waiting for a great piece of jewlery from Monarch- see bottom in etsy. (sorry too lazy right now to link.) Love her stuff!

Grateful Friday

• This little one, aka dumb kitty, kit kat, linus, took a nap in an open window and.... accidentally pushed the screen out and went thud- outside. OUTSIDE. Thank goodness we were around when it happened and thank goodness I caught him. He hasn't realized yet that he can climb trees and stuff. Because I do not think he would have come back.


• Survived a week of preschooler fun. Preschool Graduation was today, dance dress rehearsal was today.


• Wrote 3 papers, got 3 A's. How cool is that. And my teacher told me my paper was "fabulous". She made my day, week, month, life....


• Bought lots of scrapping stuff. The Kelli Crowe kit from SIS was a must. I really love her stuff and it is a bit out of my norm. So the kit will be a wonderful diversion from my own style. Of course the Jenni Bowlin kit went up today and I got some more American Crafts albums too. Also stopped by my LSS and picked up a few things. Now I just need to make the time to use all this stuff.


• Today my husband got paid - double. Just because. No really it was a mistake. So now they have to redo his payroll and tell us how much we owe them back. It was really fun while it lasted!


• So happy it is finally friday. For a short week it was really long.


• Last day of school is Tuesday. Looking forward to having less running around. Not having to worry about whether uniforms are clean. The kids however are not getting along much and summer is just starting - so I will have to make a plan for that.


• I need to get my hands on some art work from this gal. I absolutely love her colors and style.


• It's friday and we did not have pizza. I just cannot remember the last time that happened. We had spagetti instead.


• I had lunch with some old friends today. It was a lot of fun.


• Memorial Day weekend was wonderful. Went by way too fast. But fun. Parades, a cookout and I got lot of homework done.


• Lots of homework done = priceless.


• The weather is warm. Too warm. I am just not ready for the hot sticky summer weather. I hate, absolutely hate air conditioning. And we had to use it one day already. It's may. Hate it. Hate it. Hate it.


• I am tierd of giving Target all my money. Trying to do something about that. Any suggestions.
  
• I love this girlz suggestions. I am definately going to try it!


• Also going to try this, and this!

Grateful Friday

• So glad this little girl is enjoying soccer. She's pretty good too. And very proud of herself! She brought her soccer shoes and shin guards to preschool today for show and share.
• I really liked Grey's finale last night. Not a first- (but that is how I have felt with each finale). If the show was all mushy gushy predictable- who would watch it. And I can live for the next 3-4 months without it. A hiatus is in order. A "break" is good.
• Ok I have officially overdosed on cheese puffs. I had them for a snack last night- while watching Grey's and then for breakfast. I really do not recommend them for breakfast, because I am getting a bad case of gut rot. But oh they were good.
• Watched "The Queen" last night. I thought that Helen Miren's acting was wonderful. But the movie was just very dry. And I love Queen Elizabeth, if you ask me she has single handedly kept that monarchy going for over 50 years. Not an easy thing to do in our times. Yes, it's too bad she isn't more stylish- but you know she is old. She dresses just like my grandmother. And she even looks like my grandmother. It must be all the German in them.
• All my research is done for my paper. Class officially begins tomorrow. Tuition is paid. And I plan to finish writing it this weekend. That's my plan.
• And I am sticking to it.
• My kids have 2 weeks left of school. How can that be? Where did this school year go? It feels like it should be Christmas break- not summer break. Oh how am I going to keep them occupied and getting along for the next 13 weeks? Ok- must have a plan for this.
• My middle child will be a kindergartner. That is beginning to hit me- HARD. With my oldest- it was just so natural. It is in his nature to go and do and be with his friends. But with my middle one. Well we have just been through so much together. I quit my job for her. She is a BIG personallity in a little body. She is just everything. And I cannot imagine what me and the littlest one will do with out her next school year. Who will entertain us. WE will be on our own.
• Sun is out. Weather is warming up again. So tierd of having 85 degree days followed by 60 degrees. I know it is still spring. But just a little consistency would be nice. It is just ridiculous to use the furnace one day and the air conditioning the next. But that is what it has been like.
• Ordering pizza for supper tonight. That makes me very happy. Made fish last night. It was pretty good. And pretty heatlty with couscous and asperagus. But I am really not a big fan of fish. Seafood such as shrimp, lobster and scallops- yes. But fish - I tolerate. So I made up for it in cheese puffs!
• Beds are made, most of the house is vaccuumed, most of the laundry is done. That's pretty good. I need to dust. But am just so unmotivated to do anything domestic.
• Went to mass yesturday. My son was reading some of the petitions. I am very proud of him and so happy that we are able to give him these experiences. His school is wonderful, and the community of kids is exceptional. I hope that he takes these lessons with him throughout his life. They are really reamarkable experiences.
• Need to look up some new tunes to listen to. I will check out the list from Grey's last night- but need more. Hopefully some of you in blog world have some good ones going on your blog!

Grateful Friday

Oh Friday has come and gone, but I am posting my list anyway.

• I love looking at this picure. There is a 87 year age difference between them- yet they have so much in common. Seriously. They share some of the same passions. Like... saving used wrapping paper just because it is pretty, saving cards, the color purple, the love of birds, and the list goes on and on.
• Started my assignments for my summer classes, even though they officially start next week.
• Received my order from Amazon with 2 books that will help me write all the papers that I need to write.
• The money to pay summer tuition. And the approval for subsidized student loans for next year.
• Sunny weather.
• Baseball has started for my son.
• Maybe taking the kids out for pizza tonight and meeting friends there. Maybe. Not confrimed yet.
• A semi-clean, semi-picked up house at the momment.
• Having lunch with my husband and girls yesturday. Ordering a really good sandwich.
• Making pancakes, bacon, hashbrowns and fruit for supper last night.
• Finally getting my kids to eat pure maple syrup rather that the heavily poisoned high-fructose cornsyrup brands. Now I am working on the yogurt.
• My mother's day presents. Cards, keychain, a ring. Yes I have received them all already. Kids just have to live in the here and now.
• My pre-schooler is speaking kindergarten. "Mom look I made a pattern. Blue, Purple, Blue, Purple.....
• I just feel very blessed that I have plans. That I have family to support me. That I have the resources to go forward. That although I am scared- I know in my heart I am doing the right thing and that it will all work out.

Grateful Friday

• It was a good week. Busy week. Week of Family. A week of Celebrations. My son made his First Communion, my daughter celebrated her 5th birthday, survived Kindergarten screening (big deal for a very shy child), new bikes, lots of cake, and good food.
• Did I say we survived Kindergarten screening. They scored my daughter low in a few places, they never thought to ask about personality. She just doesn't talk to strangers- I am ok with that. I thought they got quite a bit out of her. Really I do not like screenings at this age. I do not like the whole labeling business and stuff and beginning that when they are in pre-school and working with strangers, just isn't good information to have anyway. Whatever!
• The weather is supposed to be great for the next 4 or 5 days. Above normal temps and lots of sun. Can't wait! Really can't wait. Because right now it is cold and damp and dark.
• I really loved Grey's last night. But boy did the hour go by fast! Next week- 2 hours! I am going to have snacks prepared for that one. Maybe even a cocktail or ....2. Or I could just wait until the second half- pop a Tylenol PM and then sleep like a babe when the show is over?! Either way- I am still having snacks!
• I know that my husband bought me something from sundance. And I know it is jewlery. And I know that it is one of 2 rings that I picked out. I know all this - but I have to wait a few days till my birthday.
• I cannot even begin to tell you how happy I am that dance class is almost over with. A couple more weeks of studio classes, pictures, stage rehearsal, dress rehearsal and then finally the recital. Then over! And I do not think she wants to sign up for next year. That's ok with me. It will save a significant amount of money and she will be in all day kindergarten - so she will not need the added activity.
• Soccer starts next week. Happy about this. But I will also be happy when it is over with too. Just a lot of running around, rushed meals, dirty kids, tierd kids and later bedtimes while we try to fit it all in (plus still practicing piano and for spelling tests).
• Hubby is out of town today. So tonight is going to be a McDonalds night. So happy to not have to cook!
• My reign as PTA president is almost up! Now if I could just get the rest of the officers to commit to a meeting time to do next year's budget. I could pass the torch.
• Bought my school books. And the tuition money is in the bank.
• Did I mention that I have a birthday coming up! My hubby asked me what kind of cake I want. And dare I say it.... I do not think I could possibly eat another piece of cake right now. So the kids and I are planning to have Ice Creame Sundae Night instead. With all the fixings. Multiple flavors!

Grateful Friday- Home

1. Grateful for a safe trip home without any major toddler tantrums on the airplane!
2. A great vacation. This view that I got to wake up to each morning.
3. My parents- they are so generous to us.
4. Being home- vacations great, but home is home! And after being away all the things that I hate about my house- actually seems beautiful!
5. Wonderful and thoughtful ladies that I work with.
6. Tacos- Advocatos- Tomatoes, Chocolate
7. Finding a new piano teacher that we really like almost as much as the old piano teacher. Although we can't wait till Sally comes back! Miss you Sally.
8. A new critter that may find it's home with us. Pending application, we are adopting a new kitty. Seems soon- but also feels right.
9. A wonderful break from the computer world. It was much needed and very very pleasant! Although I missed SPT and Sunday Scribblings.
10. Spring, April, Easter, Birds, Tree Buds, Tulips, Pastels and all the stuff this season brings.
11. Dophins, Manatees, Stingrays, Cranes, Palm Trees, Blue Skys, 80 degree temps, swimming, hiking, Mangroves, crabs, snails, horseshoe crabs, starfish, seashells

Grateful Friday

1. Getting ready to fly south. Just like a bird. To soak up some sun, relax and enjoy every minute with my family.
2. A good friend who will be staying with my pet.
3. Sunshine... yes a sunny day here.
4. Spring break! Love it when the kids are home. (Ask me later in the week and see if I still answer the same. LOL)
5. My mother-in-law, who sent me my birthday present early(a month and a half early) so that I could spend it on our vacation.
6. That my husband has a good job, got a good performance review and will not be layed off anytime in the near future. (Not so for my brother-in-law, 2nd layoff in 5 years, sucks)
7. Options. I have options, I have choices to make, I have plans to lay down, I have goals to a make, I have classes to take. But I have options. Not stuck, Not stuck at all. A year ago about this time- that's how I felt. What a difference a year can make.
8. A nice reply to my blog regarding my cat. It made me happy. Just a note from a stranger, but it was kind.
9. Two days to clean my house. Yes, I will be cleaning my home for above said friend who will be living here for 2 weeks. So I will be dusting, vacumming, washing floors, changing beds and looking to make sure there are not any leftover christmas decorations visible anywhere. Seriously-glad to have the weekend to do this. It will keep me very sane.
10. Again glass half full- not half empty. Continuously reminding myself of this. It makes all the difference.
11. Another good book.
12. Almond MM's in wonderful pastel colors.
13. My to do list is getting smaller.
14. Did I mention- heading south!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grateful Friday...(ok I'm a little late-Saturday)

1. Oh, I am so grateful for the weather. It's 42 degrees with full sunshine. Melting all the snow from last weeks snow storm. The snow is packy so the kids can play in it. Just what I was in need of.


2. A little road trip to one of our favorite vacation spots. Full of old architecture and dive resturants. A good day!


3. Another good book. It will be out in May 07.


4. Girl Scout cookies. Ok, I'll admit that I really should not be too grateful for these. I have had way too many of them and am already regretting them. However, they arrived at a very good time.


5. Getting a new garage door opener on Monday. Yes, it is one of the major appliances that crapped out on us this month. Grateful to have the cash to pay for the replacement and installation. Too bad it didn't happen when the weather was frigid. But it will be nice not to manually open the door. Especially since there are no handles on the door to pull open or shut.


6. The birds have been singing and getting frisky with each other. Didn't realize how much I missed their constant music. Can't wait to see my first Robin of the season. Soon Very Soon!


7. The realization that I have been looking at the glass "half empty" instead of "half full". It really does make a difference. Another post on this epiphany in the near future.


8. Another realization as to what is at the heart of my dispair. The obvious answer is just the catalyst. But the real reason is deeper. And now that I have discovered the real reason, it makes it much easier to deal with the situation as a whole and put perspective on the whole thing.


9. Eggs, Toast, Bacon and Hashbrowns for lunch with a big glass on Diet Pepsi!


10. Time to love up an old friend, pet, companion. Not much time left to enjoy him. I am coming to terms with the need to euthanize him. It hurts. I just wish he could pass quietly in his sleep. But I really don't think that is going to happen. Something is different in him this week. And a little bit of his spark has left his eyes. The hardest part is knowing when. And we are going on vacation for 10 days. Someone is staying at our house during that time. But, I just would hate for anything to happen to him while we are gone. Yet, I hate to end his life earlier, just because we are leaving. Not sure what to do.


11. Work. I really like my job. And I really like the women that I work with.


12. Very grateful for the shift in my mood. Very Very grateful!

Grateful Friday

1. Meet Isak. He's old.
Going on 17 years. I know that cats can live till 20. But 17 is old. As much as I do not
want him to die. I know (and hope) he does not live for another 3 years.He's skinny, and sleepy and a bit forgetful. Do cats get dementia? So far he is still holding his own. Doesn't seem in any pain right now. But I am grateful that he is still around. 17 years. A lot has happened in 17 years. I was only 21 when I got him. 21. God is that young. God was I stupid back then.

2. VERY grateful that my girls are feeling better. Oh we have
had the sickies in this house. And the little one- well brought her
to the Dr. for antibiotics. Boy did that make a difference. YEAH!

3. VERY grateful that I remembered to make a grooming appointment
for Lucy (our dog). Not only is she shedding like crazy, she stinks!


4. Had a good night sleep last night. (without a Tylenol PM!)


5. Clean sheets on the bed. Can't even begin to count how many
loads of laundry I did yesturday.


6. A sleepy baby. She is finally taking a good nap. This morning she put on
her snow boots, grabed her blanket and layed down on the kitchen floor and...
GASP...fell asleep. Stayed sleeping...another GASP... as I carried her to her room.
And...a final gasp...she is still sleeping 2 hours later! Maybe it's the boots.

7. Got a raise at work. OK just an itty bitty raise. But a raise none the less.
Hey I don't work at a bookstore to make big bucks.

8. The fall 07/Spring 08 (so weird to write 08) class schedules are out
at school. Registration begins for fall in April. According to the class offered,
I will be finshed in 1 1/2 year from now. Graduation should be December 08!
So happy to be finishing up my degree. It just opens so many doors. In so many ways it
is very stupid. The classes I have to take to finish up are not going to make me
a better employee, and they have very little to do with what I want to do.
Do you really need humanities classes when you are almost 40, very well read, and
have worked and volunteered for years. Not really. So much life experience at this
point in life. Enough life experience to just suck it up and get a good grade.

9. Get to scrap tonight. Our Ladies Guild at church is hosting a crop night.
Yes I am psyching myself up for this. It's Friday night- I would much rather
be at home in my jammies, cuddled on the couch with one of my snuggly offspring.
And then later cuddled up on my pillow reading another VERY GOOD BOOK.
I really do not like crop parties. I am not good at them. I cannot talk and eat and
scrapbook. It is a bit surprising to me, since I am usually very good at multi-tasking.
But it really takes up most of my cerebral muscle just being social. It's not really in my
nature. I am a bit of an introvert! I just have learned to hid it very well.
So I am printing out a few pictures tonight and am going to take my January and
February Jenni Bowlin kits and scrap like a mad woman! Because I need to dig into
those kits before the March one arrives. Haven't scrapped much lately and well, I like
to hoard my Jennie Bowlin kits. They are just too pretty to use.

10. Gotta have 10! Grateful that my parents made it to Florida safetly. They drove.
And got there before the storms began in the South. God is Great!

Grateful Friday

1. Yes this is how my kids eat their pizza.

Half with cheese, half just sauce.

Crazy... but it works.

Grateful that I can make this homemade.

You do not get a discount at the local pizza

place if you order without cheese.

2. Rented Marie Antoinette. Hope it's good.

Well, actually I don't care if it is good just

as long as it is entertaining. Can't wait to

see the costumes. Love historical movies, novels, etc.

3. Ok so I heard that it is supposed to warm up

next week. Oh I just keep my fingers crossed.

4. Glad our car is fixable. Not cheep but fixable.

If it can just last a while longer.

5. Grateful for my new printer. Finally.

My old one was 10 years old. Still worked.

But how was I supposed to know that printers

have come so far! Should have replaced it years ago.

6. I have gone through 5 boxes of tissues in the past 2 1/2 weeks.

I think I am finally starting to feel better.

7. Finally made a hair appointment. Next week baby.

Cut and color!

8. All the house if vaccumed. PRICELESS!

9. Finished a good book. Not great but good.

10. Grateful that I have at least 4 more books just

waiting for me!

11. Grateful that this week did not go by as fast as last week.

I just felt as though I lost time. But also grateful that this

week didn't drag either.

12. Enjoyed Grey's last night. Much more than last week. More storyline.

But I really hate that I have to wait a week to find out what happend.

Enjoyed seeing Dylan and Denny.

Process?!^#*****

Usually on Fridays I am all get up and go about

all the wonderful things in my life.

Just not feeling it this week.

So this is a most ungrateful Friday- Sorry.

But I think I need to just get it all out and move on.

1. I know that crafts and art should be about the process.

The undenyable bliss that comes from creating.

This week the process sucks.

I committed to making some jewlery pieces for an auction.

Haven't worked on jewlery in a while.

But it is a bit like riding a bike

(haven't done that i a while either).

I have slight arthritis beginning in my thumbs.

Not bad,

mostly just achy at times.

However, I was just that

while trying to make a few necklaces,

all thumbs.

They got in the way,

they hurt,

they hurt a lot.

And on top of it, the ache radiated to my other fingers.

I finished the necklaces.

But I did not enjoy the process.

I knew this would happen one day.

It runs in the family.

But I guess that just doesn't make it any easier

when the time comes.

2. I made a submission to CK Hall of Fame.

I really do not think I have much of a chance.

My origional layouts maybe,

but I have to tell you that scanned copies are just not the same.

And since my printer decided to literally freeze up on me,

I was completely at the mercy

of another unfamiliar printer.

To top it all off,

our Kinkos here in town, d

oes not havea scanner that is wider than 11".

And neither does our scrapbooks stores.

But one of them did happen to have the Epson software

that "sews together 2 scans."

It does a wonderful job.

But a bit time consuming.

And then their printer-YUCK.

So I sent in my entry with less than perfect scans.

I am very proud that I did the work.

I think that I challenged myself artistically.

OH WELL.

3. The weather here sucks. SUCKS.

I know I feel this way about this time every year.

But we are going through a warm spell,

High of 12 degrees with a windchill of 0.

Yes people that is the high.

This is our warm up.

I know it is so much better

than the previous days when the high

did not even top 0 degress with windchills in the -30's.

But 10 degrees is still flippin' cold.

I need to move. Someplace warmer.

Someplace that does not have excruciatingly hot summer

(hate that too).

And some place that has a reasonable amount of bugs.

Hate bugs.

4. I have the GLEEP.

Last week I posted that we had NO Nasty Viruses in the house so far this year.

Well, I got one.

A big one.

A sinus bug.

And now I think its a full fledge sinus infection.

And it is just too cold to go out to the doctor.

I have been a bit of a hermit this week.

But I think some antibiotics are in order.

I have gone through 3 boxes of Kleenex tissue

and my nose is sore and chapped.

5. My daugter is on a Cinderella kick.

So I have watched it everyday for many many days.

I am a little Bibity Bobity Booed out!

6. Ok I really don't have six.

I am racking my brain for a number six.

There must be more adding to this really yucky attitude of mine.

Hey maybe it is not so bad after all.

Maybe I am an just sick and cold.

Maybe there is a grateful list hanging out on the horizon.

Maybe I should just take a nap.

Maybe I will be back later with a better attitude and a better blog entry.

Maybe getting this all down - has helped.

Grateful and Frigid Friday... Brrrrr

Since my last post was a little whiney, it is time to add a post.

I love grateful Friday!

Love Friday, Love paying tribute to all the good things happening.

Love reflecting on things

I may notnormally take notice of.

1. My furnace. The warmth of my home. (The artic blast has hit us-HARD!!)

2. Good food for dinner. And it's all pre-cooked.

3. A semi-clean house.

4. Clean flannel sheets to sleep in tonight.

5. Despite the cold- the sun was out all day. Very grateful to have sunshine.

6. Time to scrapbook, time to read, time to watch Grey's last night.

7. Warm coffee (with hazelnut creamer of course) and cold soda.

8. My kids have been healthy so far this winter. No nasty viruses in our house.

(Knocking really hard on wood right now!)

9. Chocolate. Must have chocolate and husband came through for me!

10. Playstation. I am really diggin Lego Star Wars II. (Got to help out the little ones you know)

11. Just finishing a really really good book! And a galley read at that. Love it when I find a galley read that is good. Ghostwalk, by Rebecca Scott

12. Did I mention my house is semi-clean.

13. Laundry is complety under control- at least today.

14. Nice blog comments and emails.

15. A 20% off coupon to Jen Wilson Designs!! Yep, I used it already. On this, this, this, this and this.

16. Cuddly kids.

17. Homemade soup!

Grateful Friday

Oh isn't Friday perfectly lovely- I've been waiting for it all week!
This is a picture of Buzz Buzz III (Buzz Lightyear). He's our 3rd Buzz Buzz. Found these pictures laying around my hard drive and decided to put them on a page. Not very inspiring, scrapping a hamster. But my son was happy to see this. He's very sentimental. Oh, the day we had to bury the first Buzz Buzz was so sad. My heart broke for him. He was 4 and he was so brave. Had to look at buzz one last time (darn hamster died in may hand you know). My dad buried him in the back yard next to Gilda (the wonderdog) under the lilies. I am sure Gilda welcomes the company. No 2 buried there as well.

He is getting used to owning small pets. Already talks about the next buzz buzz. He would really prefer a gecko next time. And as much as I like amphibians, I just really prefer warm blooded animals with fur. Maybe tomorrow I will show you a picture of George- our frog.

1. Thankful for the letter I received in the mail yesturday- a love letter....from my husband.
2. Chocolate and hazelnut creamer. They are my comfort food right now.
3. Some wonderfully nice e-mails I received this week.
4. Thankful that my mom bought my girl some new jeans this week. 5 pair. It was so nice as she was outgrowing her old ones and a few are very close to having holes in the knees. Five is a bit excessive- but they were majorly on sale and now I do not have to stress over having the laundry done just so my girl has pants to wear to preschool. Thanks mom!
5. Getting through all my meetings this week.
6. Grateful that tomorrow is Saturday! I can take a Tylenol PM tonight and sleep soundly until whatever time I decide to roll out of bed. No school, no work, hubby home. He's an early riser so he doesn't mind that I like to sleep in on the weekends. (Is 8:00 considered sleeping in?) At least I don't think he minds- he hasn't complained the past 9 years.
7. Grateful that I have enough money to pay all my bills this month. Had some big ones. God is Great!!!
8. So loved Grey's. So glad that they ran a new one. So glad that on the blog that they said they were not running re-runs for a while. So glad to look up the songs on I-tunes. I need some new ones. Anyone have suggestions for some new songs. What are you listening to right now?
9. Grateful that the weather has been warmer than normal. But a little sad that that is coming to an end this weekend. I suppose it is mid-January.
10. Glad my PMS is gone.
11. So happy to be reading a book I really enjoy. Not a masterpiece. First time writer. Learned lots of stuff that you should not do when writing a novel. However, I am enjoying her work. It's regional fiction whick makes it kinda fun to read.
12. McDonalds- so happy not to have to cook. And why do there fries have to taste so good when they are sooooooo bad for you?
13. Pink cashmere
14. Orange wool slippers
15. Flannel jammy bottoms

Grateful Friday

• a long holiday weekend
• being able to link pictures in my sidebar
• this and this
• having fixed a meal that the whole family ate- without much complaint- PRICELESS BABY
• coffee with hazelnut creamer ( a new love)
• having scrapbooked 2 pages yesturday - haven't scrapped in months
• skipping a holiday party tonight - will not have a hang over in the morning
• Payday - need I say more
• finally buying new winter boots for the kids - we will eventually have snow this year
• Warm cuddle duds to keep me extra warm on this damp rainy December night
• finally being able to let my son use his target gift certificates from his birthday- and lots of good sales too - except for the things he bought.
• thankful for a generous child- my son gave $10 of his gift cert. to his sister so that she could buy something too. ( I must be doing something right ) And she did - on sale.
• thankful for cute mermaid costumes and the cute little girl who is parading around in it. Did I mention that she ate her supper without complaining?
• new soft hand towels from my brother and his wife for Christmas
• cute black patten leather shoes - my one year old is a shoe lover (gets it from her mom)
• thankful that we have wine in the fridge - I could have a glass if I wanted too
• thankful that I did all my grocery shopping for the week already.
• thankful for the good long book that I just finished reading. And the new one that I am going to find tomorrow
• grateful that in a few weeks I will start school, start a new chapter in my life, starting new goals and new purpose

I hope that you are able to find a few things in your life to be grateful for. It feels good to write them down, acknowledge the big and the small in our lives. It feels good to share with whoever is willing to listen.

Oh Such a Grateful Friday

1. This boy. He has been my JOY for the past 8 years. Today was his special day. He has been planning, scheming, and anticipating this day for the past 365 days. He loves his birthday so much. At school mass yesturday they blessed the birthdays for the week. I cry each time. "May God bless and keep you, may God's way shine on you. May God be kind to you and give you peace." It is a very powerful prayer when all the children, teachers and parents are signing it as the birthday kids are standing on the alter together.

2. Lego Star Wars II. Oh I am so grateful for this game. This morning my son came to the side of my bed after checking out the presents I wrapped. Each birhtday I let him pick one to open before school. After opening the one he chose he came upstairs and declared "I got my hopes up for nothing. No Lego Star Wars." My response of course was that it was only 7am he had the whole day ahead of him. And yes he got it from his grandparents.

3. The beginning of advent season. I love advent. I love it more than Christmas. And I love that my kids go to a christian school and can celebrate it. Today my preschooler came home with her hand made advent wreath. And today I volunteered in my son's class to help them make their handmade advent wreaths. They are beautiful, all paper. I will take a picture when it comes home. Its a scrapbookers dream- elementary school style. Each week they will make a flame for one of the 4 candles. And not just any ol' flame. It is a bit 3D.

4. Grateful that my kids Christmas concert will be in the church. This has been a hot topic since last year. Someone must have complained that they did not think the school should be using the church and alter in such a way. You know little kids singing their heart out in praise of God. Must not be allowed in a church. So our spring concert had to be in the gym. A gym without any acoustic panels. Awful. But Christmas concerts just shouldn't be that way. So we convinced the principal to try just a little harder to get Christmas in church. Spring concert can be anywhere else, but Christmas belongs in the church. Amen!

5. Very Very grateful that I got around town without any accidents. We were not supposed to get snow. Just light flurry- dusting. But we got enough to ice the roads. And I was supposed to turn left to get to the grocery store at a semi-major intersection and my car would only turn, skid to the right. So to the right I went. And the road was so icy I was not about to turn around. So I took the long loop back and stopped by a different grocery store that was in that direction. But we were all safe. My sister in law- however was not so lucky. Her car was towed after someone smacked into her while she was stopped. But still grateful she was not hurt. Made sure she has a couple glasses of wine tonight!

6. Grateful that I found the recipies from a cooking class that I took 10 years ago. Gourmet recipies, pasta recipies, dessert recipies. Even if I don't make them (although I do plan to try) they bring back some great memories.

7. Grateful that I had time to do everything I needed to do today and enjoyed myself every step of the way!

8. Grateful that I can get my hair in a ponytail again.

9. Grateful that I finally found my missing slipper. Could only find one. Yeh they are a little bit used up, with a very well disguised hole and all, but they are prefectly broken in, wonderfully warm and orange boiled wool. Wearing them right now and probobly everytime I post on this blog this winter.

10. Grateful that we are putting up our tree this year. Probobly going to put up the artificial one this year ( I prefer cutting down our own from the tree farm, but there just isn't a good time to do it this year). And especially grateful that my husband is planning to assemble it (this has been my job each year we use it). I am hoping he does the lights as well, since I am more than willing to let that job go to.

(digital kit by Holly McCaig, Plain Digital Wrapper)

Grateful Friday

1. New friends that are becoming GOOD friends. Scrapping friends!!!
2. My children's school. It started this week. And as much as I love having my kids home with
me. Love knowing they are in a good school. And it was dress down week. Didn't have to
worry about clean uniforms.
3. My savings account actually has enough in it to pay our property taxes. Relief.
4. Napping baby. She's finally at a point where I can put her down for naptime or bedtime when
she's tierd and she will get herself to sleep.
5. Last night having a my baby fall asleep on my shoulder while I watched Grey's Anatomy.
Hubby put the other 2 to bed. So the house was quiet and the baby was warm and snuggly.
6. Speaking of Grey's. This and this is coming soon. And the new season is starting in less than 3 weeks
now. Seriously.
7. Fall weather. Good sleeping weather and sunny days. The best.
8. A 4 day weekend. Kids didn't have school today.
9. Taco Bell Chalupa's!
10. This video that I bought for my hubby. Watching it tonight with the kids, Pj's and
snacks to boot.
11. Having the laundry done. Not put away. But done.

Grateful Friday

1. Cool August Weather- we were just on vacation in St. Louis. Oh boy St. Louis is August is just a killer. Nothing like home. I do not know how you gals south of the mason dixion do it!!!

2. Fun pictures from our vacation. Love this one. Had to lay down on the ground to get it. Lots of people were staring at me like I was nuts. Hey I'm a scrapbooker!!!!!

3. School starts. Not only do my kids need it- but so do I. I co-chaired the teacher back-to-school luncheon. It was wonderful seeing those eager faces (the teachers that is!!!) Those smiles won't last for long!!!

4. Catholic education (any christian educ. that is)- love that we have prayer service the night before school. Love that we bless the backpacks. Love that we feel comfortable praying with and for each other. It's worth every penny.

5. Did I say cool weather. It's only 74 degrees here today.

6. Gap - favorite T. Went on an outlet mall spree at Gap and scooped up a few juicy colors for myself since they were only $7.50.

7. Sunflowers. Went to the farmer's market yesturday and bought a few bunches.

8. Scrapbooking friends.

9. New Heidi Swapp products!!! And my August Jenni Bowlin kit. Haven't used it yet. Didn't want the mess of it before vacation. But can't wait to dig in this weekend. Seriously love her kits!!!

10. Glad to be home. Home is so wonderful when you are on a 10 hour car trip (one way)!!!!