birthday bullets

*I woke up on my birthday with Megan asking me what I wanted for breakfast because she wanted to make it for me. I thought that was the cutest offer and let her make my cereal. Had to come up with something she could do on her own.


*I had a stack of gifts, some of which I had been looking at all week long, waiting for me when I got up with a delightful handmade card from Adam. I actually resisted and didn't open them up right away...the kids had no idea how I was able to do it.


*My mom invited to take me out to lunch, but what I didn't know is what she had planned when I got there. I walked in the restaurant and found a chocolate cake, candles, and balloons. She knew I would be mortified, and I was, but it was so sweet of her I didn't even mind...as long as there was no singing.


*My other surprised happened when my dad, brother Chris, and Adam all walked in the restaurant to eat with us. I should have noticed there was 5 places settings, but I was so distracted by the other things it didn't even register.

*It was a snowy day...I kind of liked it.

*Adam and I went to dinner and to see Valentine's Day. It was what I expected so I handled it much better than he did. We actually ended up with another kidless night Friday so we hung out in Park City then came home and finished off my chocolate cake. So good.


*All our birthdays fall within a week of each other so we usually have a big party for the three of us. FYI I really wasn't going to blow the candles out it was just for show. So glad I didn't take Jared's route, I could have look decent in the photo. We were showered with gift and think we all got what we wanted...I know I did.


*Meg has a thing for Randy. Poor Randy. He had to sit and listen to her go on and on about who knows what. It's nice to get some Megan on someone else for a change.


You know who else I celebrate my birthday with? My mom. She was over tonight, I made her dinner. Poor mom she doesn't get a birthday this year (leap year). In the photo we're laughing about the sparkler candles, they never did sparkle. They worked more like trick candles. Happy Birthday Mom!

What more can I say, it was a great birthday and fun to have it extend into the weekend.

the hunt

I can't believe it's been days since I've updated my blog and yet it seems just like yesterday that I sat down to post. My days are melting into each other, especially now with the holidays upon us. I hadn't really thought about the season at all until a couple of days ago. My mom called with our gift exchange list and my mind has been swarming ever since with Holiday gift ideas (sorry to say I can't share at this time...too many family readers).

It was then that I realized I should start shopping for my own children and then that I realized the one thing Megan wants is the one thing I can't find. Have you ever heard of Zhu Zhu pets? I hadn't until Tuesday and apparently they're all the rage and can't be found anywhere. They're listed at Walmart for only $8, but people are selling them for $50 a piece online. Crazy! What has the world come to when we're trying to make money off desperate families who are just trying to make Christmas magical for their child (no judgments, I'm just saying). Although it's kind of a pain to have to search for this toy, I admit to feeling this excitement about trying to find it and racing to be the first one in line. I remember last year thinking, I wish we wanted a Wii. I felt like I was missing something not trying to locate one for my family. I guess the hunt for the perfect gift just seems part of the Holidays.

So we'll see in a few weeks if I still feel the same way or if I'm cursing these Zhu Zhu pets. I just told a lady today at Target not to panic that she had 7 weeks to look for them...I hope I don't find myself in a panic come Christmas.

Have you started shopping for Christmas yet?
Are you looking for the hot item this year?

st. george & projects

I never did mention how great my vacation was to St. George. I guess I never know what more to say than it was fun, and fun seems oh so blah. For all intends and purposes though, it was such a good time. My sweet dad treated us to good meals and when we weren't eating, we shopped, golfed, played games, and saw movies (007). We really didn't do a whole lot, but that's how I like it...low key and just spending time together. It was so enjoyable having just the adults together and hope we can make a tradition of it.


[my dad & sister]


[these were hot, right out of the fryer, donuts that melted in your mouth. oh so delicious!]


[scarf info: I used size 6.0 needles, cast on 23 stitches, and knit every row (alternating black&gray every 10 rows) until reached desired length.]

Due to the nice long drive on the way there, I finally finished the scarf I had been working on for Adam. It's black and gray stripes and if I do say so myself, it looks very handsome on him. Hopefully sometime this winter I will get a photo of him wearing it. As for now you are stuck with me.

Here is a sneak peak at my latest Christmas project.



It's a stuffed animal for Bella. I'll give you all the details when it's done and I can show you how cute it is, but I had to give just a peak since I got it all stuffed. I'm so excited to give it to her. I think she will love it.

roses

I have a friend in my neighborhood who's almost twice my age and I'm not quite sure how we came to know each other as our lives are completely different. Perhaps it was the times we spoke about life and how much I valued her wisdom on motherhood or it could have been how much I admire certain qualities she possesses, namely the way she always sends notes to people just because. I noticed this from the beginning and decided to make her some cards for Christmas hoping she would get some good use out of them.

She in time, brought me articles we'd talked about, bread, even a birthday cake. Then the other day she asked me to make her some more cards. I, of course, was more than willing and last night dropped them off at her house. As I approached she came to the door, thanked me for the cards, offered to pay (I declined), and told me her friend had sent her a gift and told her to keep them for herself of share them with her friends. She then told me she wanted to give me first choice. I had no clue what she was talking about or what it could be until I walk into her kitchen a saw a box full of four dozen roses. I was sort of confused and in awe that she would want to share them with me (it must be in lieu of payment). I mean we're not that close and they were beautiful...beautiful enough that it must have been quite the decision to want to give them up. I tried to say I couldn't possibly take them, but she insisted. So I chose the pink ones because I've never had pink roses before and thought maybe it would be the last ones that someone else might choose. I walked away feeling appreciated and happy.







So today I have a dozen pink roses to remind me that even a little gesture (a thank you, a smile, a card etc...) can make all the difference in the world to someone. Another lesson I have again been reminded of by her.

Changing the subject...

Yesterday in the late afternoon hours I painted. It really is so therapeutic to just let my mind go and paint. Perhaps that is why I am prone to do it over other creative activities these days.



Have a fabulous weekend. :)

Finally I feel like I can stop the charade.

Phew.

For the past six weeks I've been bottling secret after secret for my Mom's 60th birthday and it's been killing me. I've wanted to share what I've been up to and show my mom the gift my Dad asked me to make for her, but of course I've had to sit back and wait patiently. Well, let me paint a more accurate picture, I shouldn't say sit back and wait because every moment I had went into making her gift. Seriously hundreds of hours sifting through box after box of photos, scanning, and putting the gift together on my computer was all I did since the moment I was asked to do it.

But before I get into all of that...my sister is back in town. Yes that would be twice in the last 3 weeks. The first time was to take a family photo to go with the gift and this time to surprise my mom for her birthday. I'm actually shocked it ended up being a surprise at all with my multiple almost slip ups that could have given it away.

So today while trying to keep the charade going we headed to boondocks, a family fun center, and had a day of it.





After the all day event, we were so exhausted, we headed for the party. It was fun to see my mom completely surprised to see my sister and then equally surprised that my dad had invited all her family and friends to join us in celebrating her 60 years or what she likes to say, 15 years (leap year baby).



I must admit I was a bit nervous and on edge the entire time. It's so hard to give someone something you've worked so hard on and that everyone is counting on to be the big thing, but I knew she would love it so I don't know why I was so nervous. How could she not right? I mean it is a treasure to me how could it not be a treasure to her.


I made her a blurb book of her life thus far. Like I said it was quite an undertaking, but I'm so so glad I did it. I learned so much about my mother and came to understand her in a whole new way. I cried on may occasions as I remembered times and experiences with my family and almost wished I could go back to those moments when all seemed right and less complicated.

a few of the 166 page book

You know with everyone there she really didn't have that much time to sit down and read it all and soak in the photos, but I'm certain when she does she will feel loved and see that she has had a full life, and really that is all we wanted to give her...to know she is loved.



Happy Birthday Mom! I love you.

the next chapter

If life is a book then I just ended a chapter, a chapter featuring titles like:

done with diapers - beginning of SPT - weekly projects
finding myself at a photography workshop - a library at home
Letting go (fears) - getting my body back (surgery) - the crazy lady
traveling to Europe with one outfit - the five we are and will always be
making new friends- meeting bloggers - Doing - new music
first 9 paintings (1491 to go) - a new studio - booked Tuesday nights
finding a love for literature - 83000 hits - falling more in love
enjoying it all while the world spins madly on

And since endings always bring with it beginnings, today I celebrate the beginning of another chapter of my life. I can't wait to live it and watch what will unfold and the moments it will feature...because with life all things are possible when you're willing to live fully.


So today I publish this post, not for you, but for me. So when the bad days come, and they will, I can remind myself just how much I am loved.

I woke up to find this waiting for me from my Adam


these 3 waiting to say happy birthday


a beautifully wrapped gift from my friend Crystalyn waiting at the door for me (a book and chocolates not pictured)


calls from
my mom and dad (separately)
Kathy (my mother-in-law)
Jeni, my sister, and her kids singing Happy Birthday
Jill
Robyn
Grandma Dot

Texts from
Adam
Crystalyn

Lunch with my Mom, Megan and Tess

a Saturday night of celebrations

photo by robyn

cake & ice cream (thanks for the cake Lori)
games (I think Robyn had just won in that photo. By the looks of Adam's disgust she killed us. Me I'm in the scum spot loosing...hard)
gifts (thanks for all the books Jill and Lori)
Thanks for the awesome evening!

In the mail

Cards from
Dani (sorry card isn't featured it's in my bag and my bag is lost at the moment)
Michelle (darling ice-cream cone card)
Kristi (she managed to send the biggest card I'd ever received),
Natasha (included a book of stamps),
Amie (included yummy candy cane suckers),
Kathy and Tom (included $ to go shopping :))


Jill (included handmade cards and a list of 32 reason why she loves me...she made me cry)


A hand delivered frame a few weeks ago from Lara. Love it and wish I could have actually seen you.

A delicious cake from my Neighbor Ann and flowers from the YW presidency.

Also my friends Dani, Tiffanie, Tami and Amber who took me to dinner last Thursday night. I had a blast just spending the night eating good food and chatting.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you to everyone for taking your time to make this day special for me. I appreciate your calls, cards, gifts, and words. You seriously made my day a memorable one...One I know I will visit frequently and never forget.

Bye Bye 31. Hello 32!

it doesn't get any better

I apologize for another bday post, as I don't what to monopolize my blog time with just birthday stuff, but I wanted to share with you my favorite gift.


After all my love did/gave me last weekend this was my last & best surprise. Adam bought black chalkboards and had each of the girls draw me a picture. It melted me when I saw it. Truly all I could have asked for on my day was a little piece of my family. I am so grateful he thought to do this for me. Now on a daily basis I can see their creativity and love...what more could a mother ask for? A very special gift indeed.

"good mail"

I didn't even know I had a package until 6pm and we were walking out the door. Adam told me it was from Jill and I was eager to open it, but waited so I could enjoy the moment.

What an awesome thank you. I really wasn't expecting anything since I already received the wind chime, which I enjoy so much. Not only did it come in the cutest pink box ever, it held such a delightful stash. A very thoughtful card, double circle stamp (love circles), packet of pink cards, and a book that looks like an interesting read. Jill thank you for your thank you. It was so very thoughtful and I loved it. It made my evening. I hope you know I am always willing to help and so appreciate your willingness to help me as well.

Most of you know Jill or at least know of her from her blog. She is an amazing woman. She's one of the most thoughtful generous people I have ever known. She's so very talented behind the lens. She has been an inspiration to me in so many ways...scrapbooking, photography, generosity, organization....just to name a few. Jill, thank you for everything. I'm lucky to have you as a sister-in-law.

Happy Birthday Jill!

gift bags

I had been trying to come up with a good gift to give Bella's kindergarten teacher. I like her a lot. I think she's a great teacher and has been really good to Bella. So I decided to make her a personalized bag. Inspired by (now I know) the fabulously talented Kristi.

Bella picked out the fabric, she said her teacher loves butterflies, and Kathy my busy mother-in-law was willing to embroider the name for me. Anyway, Saturday night after all the craziness I was able to sit down and finish it. Not only was I able to finish the bag for Mrs. White, but I was able to make one for myself. I have for sometime wanted to make another one for me and when I saw the polka-dot fabric at Joanns I couldn't resist.

I wish I sewed more; however, when I get into these kind of projects I know why I only sew what I do. It takes so much time and then there's the unpicking that it drives me nuts. Kristi I could sure use a few pointers is you don't mind sharing with me on Friday.

I am glad that I took the time and made them. I love the way they turned out. Especially mine. It makes me very happy.

a day to celebrate.

My sweet husband made me this card that I love. I always love the cards he makes for me. He also gave me the new Jewel CD which I have heard is good. I haven't had time to listen to the whole thing, but will give my review when I do. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband that is willing to work with me and love me through it all. Love him dearly and couldn't do this life without him.

Here are the gifts from my dear sweet girls. Getting a homemade gift just couldn't get any better. I remember making things for my parents and being so thrilled to give it to them. I also was excited when I would go to my dad's office and see them on display. So receiving them now is such a treat.




from tess


























from megan








Mother's Day has always been the holiday where I reflect on how I am doing and what I could do better. All I will say now is I am pleased with my outlook on the coming year. I know what I need to do. I feel confident. Of course I am no fool. I know it is very hard...they sure can drive me nuts, but they constantly keep me laughing. Constantly keep me feeling loved. Constantly pushing me to be the best mother I can be. And that makes it all worth it.

thought i would share

since i am up (since 4am) i've been looking through and trying to organize my photos and came across these layouts I did for my parents for christmas. I made them an 8x8 album of layouts of each family and grandchild. A few of them i like so much i want to copy and make into 12x12.

Thank you robyn and family

This morning one of the many guys working on our house came to tell me someone was here for a delivery. Thinking it was just something for the house I was surpised by a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I figured they were for me because who else would they be for. I also figured it was for my birthday since they called and left a message Saturday telling me they were trying to make a delivery. I had know idea who they were from and was quite excited to find out since I knew it wasn't Adam....he had told me as much. When I opened the card I saw that it was from Robyn and her adorable new family. It made me so happy and so sad at the same time. Happy that they would think of me, especially with all that is going on and sad that I will be unable to see them when we celebrate. Thank you so much robyn it meant a lot to me and made my day. Now everytime I look at them I will be reminded of how blessed I truly am.