The empty seat.

It's banquet eve.  As is our yearly tradition, it's also Mexican night.  But it wasn't quite the same.  For the first time in seven years, we had two empty chairs.  I know that I should be thankful that they'll be here tomorrow, but this "kids growing up" thing is for the birds.  I'm sure one day I will get used to it, but it's not today.

I'm sure with the chaos of the day, I won't get a blog in tomorrow.  I'll make up for it on Sunday...I promise.

Have a great weekend!

Granny!

Oh my!  I think I'm in love!

At 9:00 tonight, I was officially "banquet-ed" out.  Jeff and I worked our tails off this evening and weather permitting, this weekend is going to be great!

But I needed a break.  Will was at work so I couldn't bother him.  Hunter was busy studying for his accounting class so I decided it was a great idea to bother him either.  Jeff was taking a well deserved break and playing games so I was left to my own devices.

When I need to relax, I grab some yarn.  And find my way to YouTube.

Here's my project.  It's a granny square.  I just love the way it looks.  And if you make a bunch of them and stitch them together, they make a beautiful blanket.  And it took me about 15 minutes to make (that's all I could spare!).

This blanket will be my first...and it's looking for a home.  So if you're interested, just let me know :)

Just a few more days.

Ok, so I have to start blogging in the morning.  Or the afternoon.  Or I just have to give it up the week of the banquet.  I'm so tired.  I don't know if I'm coming or going.  But I do know that this crazy week can't last forever so I promise that by Sunday, I'll be back to normal.

And on time with the blogs.  And not a wreck.  And easy to talk to.  So bear with me for a few more days!

Why, oh why?

The banquet to do list.  Just a few more days to go.  Why does the list keep getting longer?

It's a vision.

Ok, so tonight's post has absolutely NOTHING to do with the boys.  Or the family.  Or Jeff.  But I'm hoping that each of them will find a tidbit in it to keep in mind.

Ones whole life is about a vision.  The boys have a vision of the car they'd like, the house they'll build, the wife they'll marry and the perfect family they'll have.  Most of us do.  But the true gift of life is helping someone else see their vision become a reality.

Creating things is my passion.  I love scrapbooking, trading cards, sewing, designing logos and tags.  I love to color, paint, upcycle and decorate.  I see the color palate in my sleep.  New designs come to me during band meetings and banquet planning.  And seeing a finished product makes my heart skip a beat.  Every. Single. Time.

When I share my work, it's not for a pat on the back.  It's the joy of helping someone else "see" their vision.  Joya had an idea for a dress for Pippa's birthday.  She can't sew a stitch.  So I searched for patterns, fabric and her vision.  And still, seeing it on the hanger, I wasn't sure I'd done it.  But the dress reached it's two year old birthday girl today and it was perfect.  Not because of the work I'd done, but because someone else saw their perfect birthday dress become a reality.

It's hard to have a million visions and ideas in your head, all of the time.  Being creative isn't always a gift.  But using your skills to help someone else, that's a true gift.

So here's my dress.....

And here is Joya's vision....

Goodbye..for now.

Apparently I'm not the only one sad to see this weekend come to an end.  When I tried to snap one last picture of the boys, this is what I got!  We've all got a lot of week ahead of us, but knowing that we'll get to spend next weekend together will make it go a little faster.  

What a great day!

Any day that allows me this moment is a great day!  A trip to the casino and lunch with Jan and Gary at Bobby Flays, a trip with everyone to Jungle Jims and a warm, fuzzy dinner was the banquet break that I needed.  

Unfortunately, everyone will be heading home tomorrow and it'll be back to work for me.  But for 24 hours, it's been awesome!

One week to go!

Duck, duck....banquet.

Can you tell what I've been working on?

I have a lot done....and so much more to do.

One week and counting.......

Dear Mother Nature....

Dear Mother Nature,

Just let me say

I'm so very thankful

for your beautiful day.

The snow is all melted.

The grass is now free.

Its the little taste of Spring

I needed to see.

I'm so very thankful

and I don't want to gloat.

But I just have to say

Look, no need for a COAT!

Gnome Home!

Whooops!  I was too busy talking to get the posting in on time!  Those that know me won't find much surprise in that!

But I wanted to share the gnome home again.  It's amazing what a difference 24 hours and 50 degree weather can make.

I found the gnome home!  And the gnome!

And a smile.  I've soaked up enough Vitamin D to get me through the cold weather forecasted for next week.

No Place Like Gnome.

Oh, what a wonderful day!  It doesn't take much to make us smile anymore.  Just one short day about 45 degrees.  I seriously considered running around the neighborhood in shorts when it reached 53!

So I thought I would document the next few days.  This morning, it was impossible to find our little gnome home.  

Hopefully, by tomorrow morning, we'll actually be able to find the gnome himself.  

Happy first taste of Spring, everyone!  

Congrats!

Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.

Ok, so I can just sing it.  But Will can make it..with his eyes closed.

I was one proud mom the day he took the job at McDonalds.  A job could teach him things that Jeff and I just couldn't.  Eight months later, he hasn't missed one scheduled shift.

And today, he got a promotion!  Just when I thought I couldn't be more proud.

Great job, Will!  You thought it would stink.  Now you love it.  Thanks for going that extra SMILE.

Freebie!

Buy a cat a toy and she plays with it for two minutes.  Give a cat a box and she'll play with it forever.

Just a little break.

I'm pretty positive that we won't see these piles melt until June!

But at least the break in the snow gave us a few hours in the sunshine.  We got some much needed banquet shopping done and made it home in time for yoga and a yummy dinner.  An evening of The Walton's rounded out a quite relaxing day.

Relaxing days don't show their face around here too often lately, so when one sneaks up on us, it's a blessing.  Which is more than I can say about the next round of snow that's due to start in an hour or so.

It's Valentines Day.

And as you know, Jeff and I aren't huge fans of the holiday.  We don't exchange gifts or cards.  We don't go out to dinner.  The florist has never been to our house.  It's always been our thought that we LOVE each other (and the boys) all 365 days of the year.  And it comes at such a bad time.  In the last six weeks we've celebrated Christmas, the New Year and three birthdays.  By February 14th, we're just holiday-ed out.  It's never, ever once bothered me.

Until today.

When I realized our lack of enthusiasm for the biggest LOVE day of the year has rubbed off on the boys.  They grumble and growl about it now too.  It's an obligation...not a LOVEfest.  Their future wives will curse me for it.  

So I'm making a change and sharing some LOVE.

Jeff, I love that you let me sleep until the very last minute.  

Hunter, I love that you call for two minutes between classes.  I'm thinking of you too!
Will, I love that you go to bed every night and will yourself to grow a little taller.

Jeff, I love that you pick music you know I'll love before I know it.
Hunter, I love that every time I say goodbye to you, you tell me how many days until you'll be home next.
Will, I love picking you up from school.  It warms my heart to be the first person to hear about your day.

Jeff, I love the way the towels smell when you do laundry.  One day, I might figure out how you do it.
Hunter, I love your messy desk.  At least I know you got something from me!
Will, while I may roll my eyes, I love your one liners.  A sense of humor is one of the best traits a person can have!


I could go on for a million years, listing thousands of things I love about each of you.  Even though I tell you every day, there's nothing wrong with going all out one day a year...just as a reminder.

I know all three of you are rolling your eyes at me as you read this.  But please remember, loving someone is celebrating things that are important to them...even if they're not important to you.

So hug someone today.  Just a little tighter than you did yesterday.

Happy Valentines Day.   

Just a sign.

It's been one of those days.  Actually, it started before I rolled out of bed.  So by 8:30 this morning, I was looking for some sort of sign.  A sign that I was thinking the right thoughts, making the right decisions.  A sign that things are going to change...for the better.  Actually, any sign that would help me make it through the day vs. going back to bed and hanging out under the covers all day.

So I strolled out in the brisk morning air to see if the cold would help.  Dang, it was cold...that didn't help.  But I did see this.  I'm not sure if it was an "A" as in a grade or a "A" as in aaay, your an idiot.  But either way, it was a sign, right?

An early Thanksgiving!

I'm surrounded by turkeys.  Literally.

Yesterday, I came home to find at least a dozen of them in the back yard. I wasn't quick enough to get a shot of them.

Today, this is what I find in the driveway.

Thanksgiving dinner, anyone?

Just a bit behind.

The ballroom is reserved.  The menu is done.  The theme has been determined and the DJ is paid. 

But yep, that's it.  To say I'm a little behind with banquet planning is the understatement of the year!  But I have secured the best help on the planet!   Mom, Hunter and Will will be my right (and left) hands again!  

Let's just hope we can pull it off in time!

Good Morning!

At least McDonalds has a sense of humor about setting the alarm on a Sunday.  To no one's surprise, the weather required we chauffeur Will to work this morning.  I figured that at least deserved a Sausage McMuffin and a hash brown.  It's the only thing that made me crack a smile before 10am!

Yes it has.

It's been that kind of day.  

Happy Birthday...oh, wait. No.

Well, it's official.  I'm no longer forty.  I'm in my forties.  Last year, I embraced the transition.  This year...I'm dragging my feet, going in kicking and screaming.  Want to know why?

1.  My back hurts.
2.  Reading the clock across the room is becoming difficult and the eye doctor used the "b" word.
3.  My hearing must be going.  I can only understand every 3rd or 4th word in Will's favorite songs.
4.  I prefer Little House to Big Brother.
5.  I buy knick knacks instead of cool, new CD's.
6.  How my house smells is now VERY important to me.
7.  I've officially given up on wearing a bikini every again.
8.  Slippers have become my favorite form of footwear.
9.  I wouldn't leave the house without makeup.  EVER.
10.  Seriously, my back hurts.
11.  Flirting or crying my way out of a ticket is a thing of the past.
12.  Being punctual is now a requirement.
13.  The jar of change has become my retirement, not my beer money.
14.  I can't name all of the Kardashians.
15.  I wake up before the alarm clock.
16.  I think twenty somethings guys are cute.  They think I'm friends with their mom.
17.  My bathroom sink has become a magnet for anti-aging anything.
18.  I used to think other peoples kids are cute.  Now, someone needs to teach them manners.
19.  The puppies remind me of other peoples kids.
20.  OMGosh, my back really hurts.  I'm not kidding.
21.  When the boys talk about their friends, I still picture Ross and Rachael.
22.  My closet is organized by season.
23.  I'm quickly learning where every rest room in Greater Cincinnati is located.
24.  Coffee is my very best friend.
25.  Every you tube video posted on Facebook makes me cry.
26.  I would prefer to crochet by the fire than dance until dawn.
27.  I'm considering buying a golf cart to go get the mail.
28.  Yoga pants.
29.  My Ipod now has a playlist of 70's music...and I love it!
30.  Did I mention how much my back hurts?
31.  Everything now has "sentimental" value.
32.  I can't name one person on Saturday Night Live.
33.  Which restaurants sell wine in Disney has become important to me.
34.  I remember the first season of Survivor.
35.  50 Shades of Grey only refers to my yarn collection.
36.  I prefer the scenic route and appreciate a TripTik.
37.  I compared Bruno Mars to Elvis.
38.  Date night is now dinner and a movie...at home.  Who wants to go out on a Friday night?
39.  I'm older than the internet.
40.  I've considered a shower seat to make shaving my legs a little easier.
41.  Ok.  I'm not kidding.  My back is killing me.

I know that I should dive right in and make the most of it.  But each and every minute of this year that goes by reminds me that next year, I'll be saying goodbye to the last of the brood.  My heart skips a beat just talking about it.

But today, thanks to all of my favorite guys...I was able to ignore the number and embrace the love!

Thank you to everyone that made the day wonderful!

Throwback Thursday!

Cancelled flights, delayed flights, re-booking nightmares, American Airlines.  Man, they sure know how to make a lady worry.

I remember it like it was yesterday....

Oh wait, that was today!  It felt like a throwback to July....when the SAME THING HAPPENED.  

But instead of complaining, I'd go to bed a happy girl because Jeff finally made it home.  It was touch and go for hours, but someone bigger than me was looking out for him.

Welcome home, honey!  We all missed you (especially Willow!)!

Hello?

Is anyone out there? 

Can anyone hear?

I'm tired of WINTER.

It's lasted a year.

No more ice.

No more snow.

No more salt.

I must go.

To the south?

No, not there.

To the north?

Oh heck no.

I'm not sure I can find

many places without snow.

The east coast has been pounded.

The south's bitter cold.

Flakes have been spotted in Texas, 

at least that's what I'm told.

California was frigid, 

The Midwest's nothing but ice.

So I guess it'll be hard 

to find anywhere nice.

So I'll shovel and sigh.

I'll snow blow and pout.

Will Spring ever arrive?

I'm starting to doubt.

Words of encouragement.

That's what I need on this day.

Anything that says

Winters not here to stay.

Send me sunshine and warm temps,

I'd love either one.

But if you can not send either,

then please just send RUM!

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday, dear Jeffrey!

Happy Birthday to you.

Since I couldn't figure out a way to get a cake to you, I'm so glad that Brent and the team found a way to "party up" your birthday.  The sparkler was a nice touch.  And my gift for you, a warm sunny day was delivered a little early.  Thankfully we got to enjoy it together. 

So I'm blowing you kisses and hugs and counting the minutes until you get home.

Until then, know we all love you and wish you the happiest birthday.  You're cake is waiting for you :)

I've moved!

Jeff's gone for 5 minutes and I've transformed the kitchen!  He said he wanted to do a little remodeling, so I thought I would help out.

The dogs didn't care much for the new arrangement.  I don't know if it was the printing, the cutting, the lack of males in the house...but they didn't want any part of it.

Unfortunately for me, my redecorating will be short lived as Jeff will be home on Thursday and I'll have to move it all back!  But for now, it works!

See ya, Phil! You need to go!

Is it any surprise to ANYONE that poor Punxsutawaney Phil saw his shadow today, indicating six more weeks of winter?

Instead of crawling into a hole with good 'ole Phil, I decided to make it my mission to prove him a fool!  We're anxiously awaiting Spring and I refuse to let him ruin it for me.  So here are a few facts you may want to tuck away and re-read when it's snowing tomorrow night....

Since 1887, Phil has seen his shadow over 100 times.

Since 1988, March temperatures have been above average fourteen times...all in years that he saw his shadow.  And twelve of those years, February temperatures have also been ABOVE average.

In 1943, he didn't even come out of his hole (thankfully, it's a little warmer this year!).

According to Stormfax, Phil has only been accurate in his forecast 39% of the time.  That means that we have a 61% chance that Spring could arrive any day now.  You'd be better of flipping a coin and planning from there.

So you get my point.  I spent yesterday at the campsite and heard the hills calling out my name (yes, I feel a little like Maria von Trapp).  I'm positive that Mother Nature is as tired of the snow and cold as we are.

Stand steadfast in your belief...that this groundhog needs to go.  Spring will be here soon and we'll be complaining about how hot it is!

Hello February!

Good bye and good riddance to January!

February first drifted in with beautiful temperatures, sunshine and a jam packed day!

Jeff and I are probably the LEAST spontaneous people you will ever meet.  So we surprised each other when we rolled out of bed at 10am (yes, I said 10...still not sure how that happened) and realized that the rainy day forecasted last night had changed to warm and sunny.

Within 1/2 an hour, we had brushed our teeth, packed up the car with camping supplies (for Spring!) and headed off to Hocking Hills to make sure all was well.  Aside from the gates being frozen to the ground, all was well.  The camper is just waiting for us to descend on her come April.

We finished up the afternoon scouring the antique stores...just window shopping.  And of course, guzzling Starbucks.

It was an absolutely perfect day!

Welcome February.  Thank you for reminding me that Spring is just around the corner.  I hope you have more days like today in store for us!