Finishing and unfinished project...

long time coming.  It has taken me 12 years.  I have not worked on this steadily at all.  Lots of projects have come and gone on to completion. This one was too daunting, too large.  My friend and teacher who was with me when I bought materials and made plans and should have stopped me.  She didn't.  I forgive her for that.  This is a king sized quilt.  I may do some hand work to this now that I see the large blocks of white screaming at me for some detail.  I also plan on making some pillow shams to complete the set and will use the quilt on our bed this fall.  I used flannel as my backing so it is too warm for summer use.  What do you think?  This was hastily draped over my couch hence the wrinkled look.  Not so wrinkled when laid out on the bed.

This boy...

turned 11 last Saturday.  This boy who asks for homemade cakes for every birthday.  This boy who is silly and fun and completely disorganized.  This boy who made me a Momma for the first time.  This boy who is a piece of my heart walking around outside my body.  Love this boy.  He is my favorite boy.  I can't believe he is 11.  Have a good weekend everyone.  I am thankful for the warmer weekend to come.

Change of plans...

I had great plans today.  Drop kids at school, gym, grocery shop, laundry, and get ready for the parents visit.  I come down stairs after my morning shower to find a message from the school district on my answering machine.  No school today due to weather.  For my windows the snow amounts do not appear too bad, but apparently it was bad enough that the school district decided to cancel at the last minute.  I will still manage the laundry today, but I will be recruiting small people to help a bit more in the getting ready for the grandparent visit. Much easier to do since they ill not have any extra homework to do today.  I will have them do their reading time and Ainsley will get her math facts time, but some housework will be required as well.  However, I am not venturing out so we will make due with the food we have as grocery shopping will be postponed until tomorrow.  Thankfully we have plenty of milk and fruit. Plenty with which to make due.

Working on some unfinished projects as well.  I have a large quilt that I am trying to finish.  I started this quilt back before my son was born!  It was just too large and daunting so I keep putting it aside.  I am to the point of  quilting so am just going to do a massive amount of stitch in the ditch and get it done myself.  I promised myself I would finish all my unfinished projects and kits before I buy anything new.  I want to make Ainsley some summer dresses so I have some motivation.  Also, hubby has helped me clear tha kids playroom and set up more of a sewing space for myself.  I have a new table in there for cutting fabrics and other projects.  Both of my children have had many school projects this year so they have had more opportunity to use the space than I have. I am trying to make more of an effort to have more creative time.  I really need it from time to time as it relaxes me.  Ainsley loves art projects and crafting so as she gets older I am hoping this is something we can do together.  Great opportunity to spend time with my girl.  Aidan actually likes to use the space now for homework.  Sometimes when trying to get work done he needs the escape from his sister.

What a way to start the week!  Stay warm and have a great day all.

Another busy week

So it has been another busy week with kids school projects band concerts added to the general running of the home.  I have been feeling good so I have been quite productive.  In talking to my husband in the evenings I find that I almost always rate how good a day I have had based on how much of my to do list I have accomplished.  I need to stop that!  I have more value than how much laundry I get done or whether the floors were vacuumed.  My happiness should not be measured by how much housework I am able to do.  More wrong thinking on my part.  I do this quite often.

 My parents will be visiting for our spring break.  They arrive on Good Friday and I am more than a little excited.  I must confess to them  a health issue I have been having though and I haven't felt like speaking of it.  I feel like a failure even though it is something almost completely out of my control.  More wrong thinking...see the pattern here.  I think I am afraid of being perceived as a failure of some kind.  I don't even feel right talking about this here yet which is unfortunate as it was meant to be a journal of sorts.  Know that I am okay and healthy and will maybe write something soon.  I haven't mentioned it to my mother though because I know that she will freak out and I feel like she worries about my sister so much that I don't need to add to her worry list.  More wrong thinking.

So my prayer today is that we stop the wrong thinking and negative self talk.  I pray that all my readers see themselves the way that the Lord sees them.  We can be our own worst critics can't we.    Have a blessed weekend all.

Dear blog....

How I have missed you!  I spilled water on my lap top and essentially killed it.  Not completely, but mostly anyway.  We had to make some modifications to our computer situation and now I am up and running at full speed again.  Mobile with my ipad and using the computer with our mac mini attached to the living room TV instead of a monitor.  I kind of like the situation as I can monitor closely what the kids are using the computer for.  The laptop still works for now, but needs to remain plugged in as I seem to have fried the battery.  We will let the kids use it for internet purposes, but all vital information, banking. photos and taxes had to be moved to a more secure location because that computer can go at any time.  The kids like using the computer here in the living room so I am not sure how much that laptop will get used.

We had another health scare with the in-laws so if you would please add them to your prayers.  FIL came home from a cruise with a cough.  Every time he gets a cold now, he ends up drowning in fluids. Congestive heart failure and pneumonia kick in and he waits until the last possible minute to seek treatment.  This time he got a nice ambulance ride to the hospital in the middle of the night and a few days hospital stay.  My MIL was scheduled to have her knee replaced later that same week.  My Sister in law was headed away for a long weekend in Vegas.  She lives in another city but within driving distance to them.  Needless to say, B had to head down south a few days to take care of them.  He got there in time for MIL to be released from the hospital.  FIL had already been released at this point but was not functioning at full capacity.  B was there a few days in SIL came back from her trip to relieve him to he could head home.  I guess we have officially become one of the sandwich generation to a degree now, caring for young children at home and having to care for elderly parents.  I still don't think of my parents being elderly as they are still in good health at this point.  My in-laws are not in as good of health.  MIL is struggling with pain management now after surgery and I just pray that she has the strength to actually do the therapy.  I had a discussion with her when she was here last summer that the worst thing she could do for herself was to stop moving.  Before her surgery, she was already headed that direction.

So I leave you for now with a silly photo of Miss Ainsley during lunch at a local sandwich shop from a few weeks ago.  Cold outside but so bright and sunny that she needed my sunglasss indoors.  Silly girly.  So happy it is Friday and an unscheduled weekend.  We have been so busy with activity these last few weekends it will be nice to have the down time to regroup. Happy weekend all!  Have a safe St.  Patrick's day if you partake in such things.

Sunshine...

leads to an improved state of mind for me.  Wow, today's sunshine has truly been a blessing.  I received an answer to a small prayer for some guidance.  Blessed my socks off.  Something minor.  In search of a babysitter so I could attend a work function with the husband.  The neighbor girl I would normally used was not available.  The other recommendation I received from the girl did not work out either.  Wasn't sure what to do.  Contacted the Children's ministry director at church to see if she could connect me with some teens who babysit.  She sent me a few names and the first girl I contacted is able to sit.  Also, turns out we have worked in the nursery together so we are not total strangers.  Husband is happy.  I did not go to this function last year because he mentioned it the day before.  No time for me to find a sitter!  Big praise for a small blessing.  Happy day!

Ainsley's 8!

Happy Birthday to Miss Ainsley!  She is 8 today and posing here with her new buddy.  We took her to Build a Bear as a her gift.  I have actually avoided build a bear for all these years.  The kids each have one from their first birthday but that is it.  Ainsley saw an ad for the store a few months ago, so I said we could take her for her birthday so I made good on my promise.  Happy Valentines day to all!

Cough Cough...

Hack hack hack.  Cough cough cough.  That is what has plagued this house for a while now.  Not flu just bad cold/cough.  Ainsley had a mild fever for 3 days.  Better today.  She is having a birthday this week and a party this weekend so I am glad she is on the mend.  Aidan is coughing as well, but no fever for him.  He seemed to come down with this a day before Ainsley girl did.  I am trying to stay well.  Drinking plenty of green tea and sinus rinse.  I even nicked a few of the kids Immune C gummies.  They taste much better than Airborne.  Anyway, tons of baking to do tomorrow and Thursday, brownies for Ainsley girl to share with her class and cookies for the Valentines class party.  Ah well, that is all for now.  More later when there is hopefully less hacking going on.

Super Bowl Spread!

We do our special spread every year. B is recovering from a mild case of the flu so some more items than normal were prepackaged. In this case chips and popcorn which is not typical for us. Hubby grilled chicken wings, and crab legs. We also had fruit salad and kid prepared ants on a log. Banana pudding for dessert.  I also had a treat, Malta.  It is a cereal beverage.  Something popular in Puerto Rico that I grew up drinking.  Made from the same ingredients as most beer, but surprisingly sweet and non-alcoholic.  Hubby came across these large bottles at the store and bought me a few.  Funny thing, Ainsley got one for me from the fridge and knowing that was my second one for the evening admonished me not to get drunk.  I laughed and laughed!  Number one it is a non-alcoholic beverage, and number 2 I have not been drunk in years!  I rarely drink.  I can count on one hand the number of cocktails I have had since my children have been born and I rarely drank before that either.  Too funny.  Anyway, we had a good time watching the game.  I stayed up too late watching and am feeling the pain this morning as hubby was up at 3:15 to catch an early flight out.  Napping today I tell you.

As an update:  dinner with our friends went well.  Hoping to have them over again sometime.  They are quite an interesting couple.

Currently planning a birthday party for my baby girl who is not such a baby anymore.  We are actually having a party with the girls from her class this year.  Invitations went to school with her today.  I have purchased little fabric treat bags and materials to decorate them as an activity and will serve cake and ice cream.  Just a couple of hours and 15 girls invited.  Not too bad.  We shall see how many are actually able to come.  I feel a bit pressured to invite all the girls in the class so as not to have anyone feel left out.  My other choice was to invite the whole class though and I was not up to having that many kids over.  I am thinking of serving chocolate cupcakes with pink icing to go with our pink theme.  That is if I can find pink icing.  So cute.  Ah well, have a good week all.  I think I am going to head to bed for a bit.

Stepping out of my box...

So sorry for not having written since new years day.  I have been busy with some things and will hopefully talk about that at another time when I am more ready to talk about them.  Husband has been traveling quite a bit since the start of the new year which makes my life a bit more busy and not busy at the same time if that makes any sense.  Anyway, on to the title of this blog post.  Last school year, Ainsley had her favorite little friend from school.  We have had her over several times throughout the summer and the current school year with both girls constantly asking for a sleepover.  At the end of school year picnic, we actually sat with her family and had a really good time.  We talked about getting the families together and have just never gotten around to it.  If anyone has a crazier schedule than my husband it is the head of this household.  He is in law enforcement.  Enough said.  Well, I finally invited them to dinner and they have accepted!  Please say some prayers for some much needed fellowship and openness on my part.  Hopefully we can continue to develop a good relationship with this family especially since our girls seem to get along so famously.

 Hope everyone in the midwest is surviving this cold snap.  I was out shoveling snow this morning and felt completely underdressed.  I was lacking a hat and had my lighter gloves on as I shoveled after the morning drop off.  Definitely needed that hat and a scarf and thicker gloves.  I believe more snow is expected tomorrow as well.  At least the hubby will be coming home so hopefully he will clear snow for me!  Take care everyone and I will let you know how dinner went next week!

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone has a blessed new year!  Above I have the photo of a previously unfinished project that I have since finished to display this holiday.  I have started another rather large project as well.  I will keep my posted of my progress.  The hubby is home from the store and I must get off of this computer. Working on a home improvement project as well.  More shelving for the boy's legos and lights for the bathroom as I am preparing to paint.  Have a great day, week, month, year.  Many blessings to you all.

Merry Christmas

From our house to yours!  Take care and safe travels to all.  Midwest folks especially as we are under a blizzard warning starting tomorrow.

Made it!

So I started this yesterday but was unable to get back to it.  My apologies.

This has been the longest week!  Aside from all the issues going on in CT, school security has become a huge internet discussion in our district.  Some weeks ago some threats were made at the local high school.  Local police were involved.  Investigations were conducted and the conclusion was reached that this was all rumors and was sort of like a game of telephone.  He said she said and nothing could be proven or substantiated.  However, security at the high school and middle school was to be increased.  Namely only one door available for entry, school IDs required etc.  As an outside observer, it seemed like a bunch of kids trying to get out of a day or two off from school.  Then last Friday happened, and parents have started to panic.  Criticism of the way today was going to be handled is rampant on the district FB page.  (This is where I stopped yesterday) The afternoon had parties scheduled and I was to help out in Aidan's class again as I was in Ainsley's on Monday morning.  I was greeted by a police car in the front parking.  I headed in to the back door which was going to be open due to the high volume of visitors and was happily greeted by a local policeman.  Apparently he had been at the school all day making his presence known.  He also stopped by the classroom while the party was going on.  I am making the assumption that he was stopping through all the classrooms.  Aidan had said he had stopped by to visit the classes several time throughout the day.  I so appreciate our local police officers.  They are truly an amazing group that protects our town.  They make their presence known and crime is really at a minimum.

 This weekend we begin to prepare for our holiday meal.  B wanted to head into the city this morning to hit a local market.  He is coming down with a major cold so I am not sure how much time we will spend shopping.  Sunday and Monday will bring visits to church and the kids are singing in the childrens choir.  Not sure when I will have a chance to post again.  Merry Christmas!  I leave you with some photos of our holiday lights.  I also have a completed cross stitch project that I need to get photographed and posted.  So cute!  Take care everyone.

ENT

So I finally went to the ENT today.  After much poking and proding, the Dr was quite unimpressed with my sinuses.  He asked about my teeth, which are good.  I only have 2 fillings.  Not bad at all.  Turns out he seems to think my issues are TMJ related.  I have a mouthguard from the last time I had episodes of pain, but don't wear it regularly.  He recommended a soft diet for a few weeks, to minimize pressure on the jaw.  Also, he recommended to wear the mouthguard again or get a new one that is a better fit in case of jaw and/or bite changes.  Who knew!  Hopefully I will be on my way to feeling a bit better.  SO many problems I have had go back to the stupid TMJ, and just when I feel as if I am not having any problems with my jaw it comes back in another form.  Dr recommended motrin as well.  Hope you all are having a good week!

Pre-Concert Photo Shoot

My handsome boy.  My beautiful girl.  And when they cut loose they know how to be silly.  I am hoping to use some of these pictures for Christmas cards this year.  I need to get a move on.  Getting ready to help in classrooms a couple of times next week.  Ainsley has a cookies and books morning with parents so to even out my time I will help with Aidan's Christmas party.  Say some prayers for me if you think of it.  I am heading in to the ENT tomorrow.  Have a great week if I don't get back on here.

Long time...

no post.  It has been an interesting time since Thanksgiving.  I have been trying to get holiday shopping done and visiting the Dr.  Last week I went in for my annual physical and wanted to talk about some issues I have been having.  Mostly sinus related.  I had a CT scan this week and am going next week to see a ENT specialist.  Apparently I have had a sinus infection for quite some time.  I am thinking months now, but the weird thing is that I haven't had a cold or anything that ever made me think a sinus infection was actually my problem.  I am on a round of antibiotics now and see the ENT next week for this plus the deviated septum they found on the CT.  I am not going to have the surgery to correct that if it is not necessary, but I am curious what the ENT specialist has to say about this sinus infection.  I can date symptoms back to at least this summer that have flared up seriously recently.  Months and months and months.  I also caved and got a prescription for migraine medication.  I have hesitated on this always because I have been told how expensive it is.  While I paid a larger than normal co-pay, it was not as expensive as I had anticipated.   I have been so grateful that I was able to get this medicine.  Oh my word!  I took one tablet this morning as I awoke around 4am with a terrible pounding hormonal migraine.  2 hours later it is gone!  Oh what a blessing.

In other family news, Tuesday was a milestone for me.  The big 40!  Ugh I hate to type that.  At least though I am blessed enough to still be having birthdays.  Hubby took the day off to hang out with me though.  We went to the gym, breakfast, and the movies while the kids were at school.  Fun day!

Last night was Aidan's 5th grade choir and band concert.  So fun.  I was able to take pictures of the kids last night that I hope to use for our Christmas cards.  I will post some here once I get them down loaded.

Have a great weekend all!

Happy Thanksgiving...

from our house to yours!  Just the 4 of us this year.  We are not traveling this year and our families for various reasons of their own could not make it.  We will be alone for Christmas this year as well, but I sure can make a spread.  Currently watching football and resting a sore back while hubby cleans up my kitchen.  Pie awaits us later.  Happy Thanksgiving all!

Poor girl...

This was my sweet Ainsley last night.  Monday night she complained of a headache and went to bed early.  Tuesday morning the kids were off from school, but Ainsley awoke very early complaining of a stomach ache.  She was not herself all afternoon but we went about some of our daily business.  We went to vote and parent teacher conference.  On the way home I stopped at the pharmacy to pick up a sprite hoping it would settle her stomach.  She did not make it home before becoming quite ill.  She sipped on sprite and later pedialyte before crashing for the evening.  She only had two episodes before conking out for the evening which was odd.  This morning she was still quite peaked, but by this afternoon she is fine.  Not quite her normal appetite, but feeling much better and barring any other issues she is going to school in the morning.  I had to take her picture though because it is not often this child is so still and quiet.  Most days she just has ants in her pants and will talk your ear off.  Love my poor sweet girl and so thankful she is better.  Hoping that this steers clear of the rest of us!  At least it was a mild case of whatever bug this was.  Blessings to all this week.  Thankful that so many took the time to exercise their voting rights.  Thankful that our school levy passed!

Trick or Treat!

Trick or treating in our town was postponed due to bad weather from Hurricane Sandy.  Never in my life did I think we would be affected here.  Horrible wind and rain Monday night into Tuesday.  School was cancelled Tuesday.  Originally the city did not plan on rescheduling Trick or Treating activities, but at some point the city mayor relented and made some changes.  I had already told my children they were not going out on Wednesday night and with all the rain we had they agreed easily.  So above we have Merida from the movie Brave as well as a minimally scary zombie football player.  No blood or gross for my Aidan as requested.  Wednesday held class parties at school and this time I volunteered in Aidan's class.  He was playing a game where they had to put a paper plate on top of their heads and had to draw a complete jack-o-lantern.  The best one got a prize.  It was hilarious to see some of the drawings!

Thankful that we did not sustain any hurricane damage.  Some of my neighbors were not so lucky.  We did not lose power either.  So thankful.  I was without phone or internet for a few days, but I was able to manage just fine with my cell.  Also thankful that was working.  My hubby during all of this was in Wisconsin.  Missed all the excitement.  I did drop the hammer though.  I told him that if for whatever reason his flight was cancelled on Wednesday, he needed to get a rental car and drive himself back.  Not having any more of that.  Thankfully as well, the local airport did reopen on Tuesday afternoon and he was able to catch his Wednesday afternoon flight without any issues.  Prayers for everyone on the east coast!

Trunk or treat

A few weekends ago our church hosted a Trunk or Treat.  The event is a non-confrontational way to get families out to visit the church and have children able to trick or treat in a safe environment.  We took Ainsley as Aidan was at a friends slumber party.  We had such a great time!  We told the Associate Pastor who organizes the event to put us on the list to host a trunk for next year.  People had their cars all decorated and handed out candy all in a non-scary environment.  There are some very creative people out there.  Love it!