1.25.2010

Weekend Update

We had a nice weekend.

We did things like:

Made homemade playdough. It turned out so well I decided to give it to Caeden's classmates in lue of candy for Valentine's Day (in pink).

Wayne said, "Do you really want to be THAT Mom who doesn't give candy?" Ironic a couple of hours later when Caeden was bouncing off the walls and he suggested Caeden needed to go through sugar withdrawl.

Had sweet potato fries at The Counter. Got on the scale and freaked out to learn I am up 2 pounds over my "my diet starts today" weight. Apparently sweet potato fries aren't a health food no matter how I try to spin it.

Got Wayne hooked on Lululemon hoodies. Super thick, comfortable, and have a "scuba hood" for our vacation coming up (he is diving a couple of the days we are there).

Watched our wood floors buckle from our leaking dishwasher (this is not part of the "our weekend was good" statement).


1.22.2010

For the Home. For My Family.

Claire doesn't turn 2 until May, but I had to order this sweet cupcake topper for her birthday. I am big on tradition, and have a special plate that I serve Caeden's birthday cake on each year, but nothing for Claire. This sweet little "Claire" was custom painted and her sign can be swapped out each year. Adore.

Found here on Etsy.





With Spring and Summer around the corner (or so I keep telling myself), this bottle opener would be so cute mounted by the fridge for sodas. I love it's charm. And for $34, it doesn't break the bank.

Found here at Fluffy Co.

I've been looking for inspiration for a decorating scheme for the dining room. It needs paint, a rug, something on the walls ... so far it has a table and that's it. I found this bowl at Anthropologie for $8 and thought the green was refreshing.

Lastly, last night I stumbled upon a really great link put together by the creme of the crop design bloggers. It lists "daily reads," inspiration, best "up and coming" ideas, "do not miss blogs," etc.

1.21.2010

Home Again




I made it home from Virginia yesterday. Mom & Ken are getting more settled by the minute and have narrowed down their housing choices quite a bit. I wish I had taken my camera so I could share where they are a bit better.

We drove through the smokey mountains, if that tells you anything. So rural! The terrain reminded me of Missouri and the trees (tall, skinny and EVERYWHERE) reminds me of Georgia.

Mom and I had so much fun house hunting and discovering the area. We ate at cute places for dinner, we drank wine with Ken by the fire at Martha Washington Inn (amazing!), we used Google Text for everything (gives you addresses and phone numbers for everything for free via text on your cell), and our GPS for everywhere we went. Discovery has never gone so smoothly, but I will share a story with you tomorrow ...

I flew in yesterday and Wayne and I traded the kids in the airport (he went to Redmond). I brought the kids home and found:

1. laundry all done
2. house spotless
3. groceries in the fridge

It made me miss Wayne all the more! What a sweet man to take care of everything so I can just be home and not worry about a do-to list.

Feels good to be home ...

1.13.2010

On Vacation

Be Back Next Week ...

And please, if you have anything to add to the "Being Informed" discussion (last post), please post!

Being Informed

*I know Wayne is on break. And we are not talking about cancer while he is feeling so good, but today I just needed to get this off my chest.


Since Wayne's diagnosis, I have looked at the world with new eyes. More fearful, less trusting, critical eyes.

I think about the radiation emitting from our cell phones. I think about how sarcomas can be caused by too much radiation (sarcomas can be a horrible side effect from radiation therapies designed to treat other types of cancer).

I think about the plastic we store our food in. About how harmful chemicals leach from it and into our food when heated (in dishwashers or microwaves, for example).

I think about all the things we come into contact with. The food we eat. The water we drink.

And I think of how the cancer rate just continues to climb - especially in the young.

I remember shopping for Christmas presents at Anthropolgie and seeing a large bin by the register. It was stuffed full of plush animals waiting to be adopted and sent to the children of Denver who were being treated in the oncology ward. I thought of those kids and the ones we've seen at MDA and the ones I've come across online, and I wonder why? Why Wayne? Why them? Who next??

I'm the type that tries to choose organic when the option is there. I go to Whole Foods when I can. I do not, however, bypass the conventional when it's on the grocery list and it's a lot less expensive. And then I feel guilty.

I wonder if Wayne was exposed to something toxic that caused his cancer and I wonder if I was exposed to it, too. And is it just a matter of time before I get it? What if it's genetic and what are the chances my children will have cancer? These are horrible, horrible things to think about. I obsess about all it, though.

Why this alarmist post today?

A couple of our non-stick pans are starting to show their age, the non-stick coating is coming off. They need to be thrown away. Do you need to do this too? Yes.

I use a lot of plastic to store food because I haven't wanted to spend the money by replacing everything with glass - but I am going to do it anyway. Have you thought about this? You should.

We are getting a land-line for our home phone again. We disconnected it when we moved to Rapid, and never reconnected it to save a few bucks, but our children are not going to be using or talking on cell phones until I figure out their risk. Already many publications I have read talk about the horrible danger associated with radiation exposure and brain development/or cancer.

This year I am following my in-laws lead and planting a garden for our veggies. I would have my own chickens, too, if I could. :)

Wayne has started taking multiple vitamins and drinking a lot of green tea as steps to keep his body fighting his cancer while on break.  I am so proud of him!

I don't know if any of this will help, but thinking for myself instead of letting advertising influence me- and being more proactive in my family's health - is a long time coming.
 

Glass Containers and  Food Storage found at Container Store.

Organic vegetable seeds for gardening.






1.11.2010

I see a Bikini in my Future. And a Scuba Suit in Wayne's ...



We just booked our vacation! Remember ages ago when I asked you all for ideas on where to go? I loved all the responses (I think it is my biggest commented on post ever), and we almost went to Hawaii with the kids - but in the end, we decided to not take the kids and do something with an 'adults only' vibe.

We're headed to the Turks and Caicos Islands in late Feb!! We cannot wait!

We're staying at Point Grace Hotel - which comes highly recommended by Nik and John. Powdered sugar beaches ... water so amazing you'll want to pinch yourself (or your spouse's bum ...) ... the hotel staff brings you water and misting bottles while you're soaking up the rays ...

Cannot wait.

I pulled out my bikini this afternoon and have it laying across my bed. I plan on plastering it to the fridge as a friendly reminder that I can do ANYTHING for 5 weeks (until vacation), including not eating a single carb.

Cannot wait.

Wayne is going to scuba. We're both going to read and nap and walk around and watch sunsets and swim and swim and swim.

Five weeks and counting. I'm giddy!!

Image is from Etsy. Love this artist!


Storage Solutions

Everyday I trip over all the shoes in the laundry room/mudroom as I enter and exit from the garage.

Everday I think about what I should do to contain the mess that multiplies by the  hour.

Everyday.

So, I did a bit of research for ideas to contain the mess, and came up with nothing for the laundry room, but something very cute for the playroom. Go figure.



Claire has a closet, but what I like about this "closet" in this picture is how cute a little display like this would be for baby doll clothing or 'dress up' clothing for your kiddo. I like it out, so you can see all the fun fabrics and patterns.



I am sure I have shared this picture before, but just incase you missed it, these crates would be very easy to make yourself. Caster wheels can be found online in fun colors or at your local hardware store if you want black or silver.




My uninspiring solution for shoes. Something everyone has and totally not blog worthy, but whatever. The first two redeem this one. Found at Target, Container Store, etc.

1.10.2010

Down South

My Mom & Step-Dad, Ken, are moving to Abingdon, VA on Thursday. The moving company will be here this week to pack them up ... and there's lots to do before they go.

And lots to do once they get there. SO.
I'm flying out with Mom on Thursday morning and staying until the following Wednesday to help her house hunt, discover the area, find the best: neighborhood, grocery store, hair salon, yoga, place for breakfast, best place for "nesting stuff," etc. etc.

So far I have found a few things to note:

1. We fly into Knoxville, and it's the closest major city. It is, however, not pronounced Knoxville. It's NOX-VULL.
2. They do BBQ there.
3. In the Spring, pink Dogwoods bloom all over the region, making for a sea of pink goodness that I cannot wait to photograph. I wonder when Spring happens there?
4. Traditional homes with lots of built in detail will make house hunting fun.

(We'll leave the abandonment issues for another day.)





1.09.2010

Inspiration




I think I could make my own, though. After living in Parker for three years, I have found the secret shop in Castle Rock (15 minutes from here) called The Barn that carries all sorts of vintage goodies. Maybe an old dresser that needs some love?

Bet I can make my own number dresser for under $50.  Bet I can.

1.08.2010

Sharing Blog | Web Goodness



Burlap place mats and table runner.

 
Fabric flowers on a headband/ponytail holder.




Making it Lovely is a blog full of humor and really good style.

 

Clips to girlie up your shoes (in lots of colors).
Found here. I'd put them on flip flops.

Also these headbands.
Perfection.




I love the vintage feel her work has. 


Last but not least, a friend of ours from Kansas City is an extraordinary artist who uses oil paints to create magic. 


1.07.2010

By the Numbers

25. The number of years my little sister has clocked since her birthday yesterday.

3. Number of lemon drop martinis I drank while celebrating with her.


0. Productivity today.

1.04.2010

Quotes & Play List




I have always loved this quote and feel so empowered when I read it like I did today on another blog.


I updated my SORRY workout playlist. It was the same play list that I used to run to in Kansas (Hi Lisa Lou! I miss our runs!).


Here's my new one.I am quite confident it will get me through ... I'm up to 3 miles and am trying to not walk in between each mile (walking .25 miles between runs).









1.03.2010

I'm Bringing the Mustache Back.



Found a pack of mustaches at a little shop and instantly knew they had to come home with me. Hil-Ar-Ious! You know my super fun mother in law (aka Mom), Donna.
I'm not going to lie. She rocked the stache'.



A bit scary that John looks so comfortable in his. I think he secretly wished it was his own.


It's time to bring the mustache back... Yeah! 
Those other boys don't know how to act... Yeah!

I don't have a picture of my father in law in his - it was gray and awful. I found it on the floor the next morning and thought it was a dead mouse. I screamed like a little girl.


Good times.

1.02.2010

Horoscope

I don't read mine, nor do I even know my children's "signs."
But, somewhere today I came across my 2010 statement:




Kinda sums me up. Strange to be reduced to 5 sentences so completely.

Granola Recipe from the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills

I think I found a way to reconcile my love affair with cook books and cooking magazines while losing weight. Bon Appetit just published a yummy granola recipe from the Four Seasons that a reader had requested. I made a batch last night to try this morning. Served it with vanilla yogurt and pineapple. Yum!

Honey-Cinnamon Granola
Makes 11 Cups

4 C. toasted whole grain cereal with almonds & dates (like Mueslix)
3 C. old fashioned oats
1 C. chopped walnuts
1 C. chopped almonds
3/4 C. chopped hazelnuts (I used pecans)
1/2 C. honey
1/4 C. vegetable oil
1/3 C. dried blueberries (I used 1/2 cup because the granola looked naked)
1/3 C. dried cranberries (I used dried cherries)
1/3 C. golden raisins
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

Mix whole grain cereal, oats, and nuts in a large bowl. Bring honey and oil to boil in small saucepan; drizzle over dry mixture and toss to coat evenly. Spread mixture onto large rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and dry, stirring every 15 mintues, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Scatter dried fruit over. Sprinkle cinnamon and mix.
Cool completely and store for up to 2 weeks.

1.01.2010

Joining The Masses


1. Ate cheerios for breakfast (and probably lunch).

2. Surfed the web for new workout clothing that I have no intention of buying.

3. Worked out so hard that:

a. I can hardly lift my arms to type.
b. My legs buckled when I (finally) got up off the floor from doing lunges like a lunatic.



12.31.2009

For Them.




Earlier this afternoon I posted a blog entry that maybe I was ready for a blog break. Nothing extreme or permanent, but just a break. 


A couple of friends (you dear friends you) posted in response to NOT take a break. While that was sweet, and I love you for it, it would not have stopped me. I can be stubborn (but you know that already).


I thought about it this afternoon when Claire repeatedly called me "Daddy." You see, she does not call me Mommy. She never has. It is always "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy." And while I think this is sort of cute, it would be nice to know that she knew who I was. I pleaded with her, "I'm Mommy, Claire. Can you say Mommy? Mommmmmmm-eeee."


"Daddy," she would say. But even louder than before.


Tonight I was looking through some old pictures of my family and I came across the one posted here tonight. It was a warm, sunny day in the middle of the summer. Wayne was going through another round of horrible chemo but mustered up the energy to go to ice cream with us at Bonnie Brae. It's an old, local ice cream shop that sports a red and white awning outside and old fashioned black and white tiled floors inside. While the flavor choices change, they always have multi-colored jimmies for the kids.


Wayne, not feeling good, came along anyway. And that's when I got this shot.


The "melted-ice cream-still-on-my-lips-pout" that I never want to forget.
The "I only want to snuggle with my Daddy" look.
The "I got a bit too much sun" flush on her cheeks.
The sweet way he talks to her is right here for all to see.


And I realized that is why I blog. I blog because I don't ever want to have pictures like this lost forever in my hard drive. Because I do not have time to scrapbook, and I am not the type to develop photos to put into albums ... 


This works for me - to tell my story. Their stories. Ours. 


And this story is essentially this:


Claire adores her Daddy. Prefers his lap to mine in the mornings when she wakes up. Toddles into his office, holding a book, chanting, "read, read." - And most days, no matter what else he is doing, his world stops for her.


And someone needs to say that. To witness that. And sometimes I really question my memory. It's horrible at best, and never - ever, ever, ever - do I want to chance losing moments like this.



And that's why I deleted my "taking a break entry" as there will be no blogging break.

Plus, the day she finally calls me "Mommy" you'll get to see a picture just as sweet, but with me included, too. Chances are, I will be flying high.


Happy New Year sweet friends and family. 
Love to you all.









Photography Class

I started my path down this photography road when I took Karen Russell's class last year. I learned so much about my camera, composition, and other technical aspects that have made the world of difference in my abilities.

She does not talk about advanced techniques or photoshop, but she gives the best information to get you started. The binder is THICK with info. Looking at it, I estimate it's about 6" tall with all the printed information in it.

She just announced people are now able to AUDIT her classes without the wait list (which is over 1,300 so far. Getting into her class is a very big deal.). Auditing means you have access to all the info, but you are not able to ask questions. It's a bit less expensive, and the major bonus is there is NO wait.

Just wanted to pass it along because it was a fantastic class.

More information here: Snapshots Class Info.

12.28.2009

The Night Before Christmas





 

 

 







12.26.2009

We Had Ourselves {A Merry Little Christmas}


It was filled with two little kiddos. One of which could hardly stand the count down to Christmas.
Who played non-stop with all his visiting relatives.
Who ripped open his presents.
Who experienced Christmas in such a way that made it all the more magical for the rest of us.

Our Christmas was filled with sugar cookies and chex mix.
And booze.
Lots and lots of booze.


 
 
We had someone in the kitchen who, with his sous chef (not pictured), whipped up beef stew with horseradish mashed potatoes and blueberry bread pudding (both now are tradition).



Gifts of dolls and toys. Books and movies. Games and clothing.
All gifts from the heart.



And more food.


There were stockings and greenery.


And more booze.


There was laughter and lounging.


Playing and visiting.


Bonding and more booze.


Ice cream in 10 degree weather (magnetic and SUCH a hit!)


Crowns and smiles.

Prayer and Thanks. Blessings and happiness.



In all this, not for one second -- not for a moment, did we take it for granted.

It was everything Merry, joyful ... and more. Much more.

 
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