Time to Slumber

That's what I think when looking at my Christmas decorations and knowing I will be packing them up this weekend.  I enjoy every minute they are up, since they only live for 30 days outside of their Christmas crates they are packed in.  Stephanie & I braved the crowds yesterday to get some Christmas deals for next year.  We had so much fun, just the girls no kids, no hubbies.  I always buy my Christmas cards at Target and can usually pick up Christmas themed foil, body wash and candles for 50% off.  Half off ornaments make great gifts for the following year for family & friends.

 Next year I'm going old school with my tree.  I found the fluffiest silver/gold garland and will spend the next year looking for vintage glass ornaments like I had when I was a kid.  They will go nicely with the boys homemade ornaments.  I don't have a tree topper, I may have to take some time finding one of those too.  I forgot my camera so I can't post any pics from Christmas day. 

We used to have a tradition of going to my mom's good friends house on Christmas Eve and eating appetizers and visiting.  My own family doesn't have a tradition on Christmas Ever and I think I want one.  Do you have one?  Cheers.

Where Did December Go?

It's the 17th and I'm wondering how in the world this month flew by so fast.  Normally I have my Christmas cards mailed out on the 1st (I do them over Thanksgiving weekend), and have also been working on a variety of craft projects.  Now I'm worrying when am I going to get my chex mix made, how about the fudge?  I usually make my own containers to give away goodies in now I'm forced to use the ones at the store.  Truly I shouldn't sweat this stupid stuff. 

I'm totally enjoying the radio station that play Christmas music all day long and I try very hard to dress festively for work each day.  Most people who know me know that I'm a freak for all things Christmas, I can assume it's because the holiday was made special by my family.  One of my favorite songs this year and last year was The Bare Naked Ladies version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.  Just fantastic I tell you.  Cheers!  

December Wonderland

Just a little taste of the weather we've been experiencing here. Thanksgiving week brought lots of snow/ice/sleet and brrrr cold. I got the boys outside to snap some pics for our Christmas card. I actually got 3 very good versions. Don't mess with mama when it comes to picture time, thems the rules boys. The middle picture at left is the hood of our truck with 11 inches of fluffy white goodness on it. So pretty but not practical to get around in. I haven't blogged much this month, I'm so sorry. Holidays, life and oh yeah I'm also a Pampered Chef consultant now. As you may know we are paying off bills and I'd like it to go a little faster. Since I like to cook it made sense to me. I'm listening to James Taylor's version of the Christmas Song right now on the radio. I listen to Christmas music every chance I get this time of year. My family doesn't complain much anymore, just listen and enjoy. I'm dreaming of what goodies I'm going to make this year. My thoughts so far are my amazing 2-Step Microwave fudge, homemade marshmallows, chex mix. What are yours? Cheers!

Christmas Mug Thrifting

I decided I wanted to be a little festive and get some Christmas coffee mugs. My absolute love is the mug in the upper left corner. It's a Corningware milk glass mug. It reminds me of Ralph's dad, these are the coffee mugs he always had (gold flower pattern). I went cruising my local Goodwill and found some cute mugs, all Christmas none of them match and that's totally okay with me. I picked up the red transferware teacup in September. The Mrs. Claus plate was $1 and I'm going to put fudge or other goodies for gift giving. You would be amazed at the Christmas stuff at the thrift stores. This Christmas doesn't have to be expensive or budget killing. This is my second year making cookies and candies to give away for gifts. I know my family always enjoys and is thankful when someone gives us treats at the holidays. Enjoy this week and the Thanksgiving holiday. Cheers!

THE THINGS WE DO FOR OUR KIDS

The list is probably so long it would end up being blog infinity.  On Tuesday I got to accompany my oldest son and his friends to a rock concert.  Not just any rock concert, it's called the Nothing & Everything tour.  It consisted of 4 modern day Christian metal/screamo bands.  One of them is called Head, the lead singer is Brian "Head" Welch who is the former lead guitarist from Korn.  His story is amazing, he had hit bottom, found Christ and left his old band.  His first book is entitled "Save Me From Myself", my oldest read it and really enjoyed it.  This is not the music I normally listen to but it truly wasn't that bad.  I wish they had put the lyrics up on a big screen for us parents who had no idea what was being said.  I did catch the words father, love, God, amazing, thank goodness it was a Christian concert.  I have some pictures of the boys with some of the band members, I will post them later because I don't know how to get them off of my phone to the computer yet.  Sometimes we need to do things for our kids that take us out of our parent comfort zone.  Maybe one day my boys will remember the night their mom took them to a heavy metal concert.  Cheers!

A Quick Hello

Just wanted to touch base with a few quick updates.  Things have been so crazy this past week and I haven't had much of a chance to blog myself or keep up on all of my favorite blogs that I follow.  Here's short (or not so short) list of goings on and random thoughts.

1. Ryan got the rest of his braces on and is somewhat miserable.  You can only eat so much applesauce.
2. I had a headache last week that lasted 4 days and finally went away on Thursday.  Not so fun.
3. Wes' tuxedo job is ending this week, he will be out looking for other employment.
4. I'm thinking of going super blonde at my next hair appt.
5. I have some exciting news to share with you next week (p.s. it has to do with cooking)
6. I was checking out the Christmas ornaments at Fred Meyer, oh how I love thee.

Cheers!

Speed Bumps

I rarely blog about things in my life that I am struggling with etc.  However today I am, I can't be the only one who feels horribly overwhelmed with daily life at times right?  I'm frustrated that it is taking so long to pay off our bills so that we can buy a house.  I wanted to pay off a credit card this week but the boy just announced he is going to homecoming.  We are so excited for him, not so excited about the expenses that come with it.  The pitfalls (and blessing) of being an uber planner is that I'm always thinking months ahead.  The Las Vegas lacrosse tournament is coming in November, followed by Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Thankfully the plane and hotel are paid for.  I just want to cry.  Why didn't I get a degree at college so that I would have a career that paid better than what i do now?  Oh, Lord give me strength today because frankly I just don't have any. 

Thrifty McLovin

As I scoured my garage finding items to donate for our lacrosse team fundraiser garage sale, it only made sense to buy more stuff to fill those empty spots.  Just kidding, these are some new finds from my thrift store expeditions starting from upper right: wood fall potpourri $2 came with pumpkin basket that I'm currently trying to spray paint white.  I already owned the orange glass purse vase .90 on clearance at Michaels'.  Red/white/blue checked Pier One tablecloth $4, Restoration Hardware sugar canister $2 (for my powdered sugar), small green transferware plate $1 & center two shallow glass plates $1 each.  I got these for the good o'l cream cheese with jalapeno jelly on top appetizer.  My good friend Julie gave me some home grown peppers this weekend and I chopped them up and they are ready to go into a jelly recipe.  The thrift stores are starting to put out their holiday items, you should go check it out.  I found myself getting rid of holiday items I bought and never used and finding items that I always wanted but maybe couldn't afford at full price are a bargain now.  Fall might be on it's way now, not sure yet we got fooled last week.  Cheers!

Halloween Pillars

I just made these last weekend and it was super simple and super cheap.  I first saw a display like this over at The Pretty Neat Company when I was looking for Christmas ideas.  I thought why not use them for other holidays as well?  Then the crafty cogs started turning in my head.  I went cruising my thrift stores and found three pillar candle holders in different heights.  I forgot to take before pics, sorry.  One of the pillars was green, the squaty one was brown and the other was actually a Pottery Barn mercury glass.  I spray painted them all Valspar satin black and wah-lah, three matching pillar holders.  I want to find candle rings for the pumpkins to sit on but love the way they look.  My striped pumpkins are from Walmart $3 for a bag of three.  I'm thinking of changing it slightly for Thanksgiving and then for Christmas as well.  People are so creative and I am so appreciative that they share there ideas. 

Thrift Store Love

Some of my newest finds from local thrift stores beginning at top right: green transferware plate $1, Mikasa jingle bell candy dish $2, brown transferware bowl $1.25, gold star napkins (.50) and sage green tablecloth ($2.50) , white serving platter ($1.99) and blue snowflake tablecloth ($3.99), swirled clear glass serving bowl, ($2), clear specialty drink mugs ($1).  I've been trying to find pieces that I'll be able to use all year round.  The candy dish I will fill with treats and give away at Christmas, it still had it's original tag on bottom.  The clear mugs I've been collecting because I want to make this yummy Dulce De Leche coffee from Pioneer Woman and thought it would look so pretty in those.  And at .50 a piece that's a bargain.  I've been looking for green and red transferware to hang up at Christmas.  Yes, I'm already planning don't judge me.  There are great things out there at bargain prices if you are just willing to look.  Cheers!

Ragamuffin Bag

Here is my Christmas version of Nester's Ragamuffin Bag.  I had leftover strips of fabric from last year when I made the Ragamuffin Garland for Christmas.  I love it, totally raggy, fun and different.  Only needed a little time on a Saturday afternoon and some hot glue.  I was in the process of making a Halloween one when I sliced my finger open on Labor Day causing an ER visit and stitiches.  Just like Nester suggested the purse came from the thrift store and cost me $3.  It was a woven/bamboo looking, but it doesn't matter because you are going to cover it up.  I used some woven black edging to cover the top.  This is so easy to make and you can customize to your liking.  I may continue the Halloween bag here soon, but I'm a little gun shy about my rotary cutter.  Cheers!

Ocean Alternative

 I am yearning to sit on a deck of a beachhouse looking out at the ocean.  Just relaxing, listening to the waves, reading a book maybe.  The last two weeks have been absolutely crazy, it's hard to keep my head straight.  Have you ever wanted just to be somewhere and not have to worry about anything?  I do, usually when I'm feeling stressed and overwhelmed.  When I lay my head down each night I fall asleep thinking about relaxing at the ocean.  I no longer live within an hour of the ocean, it's more like a 6 hour trip now.  I guess I will need to find an alternative to an ocean trip for now.  Cheers.

Skool Time

I always take pics the first day of school, I have since they both started. They were good sports and let me do it again even in their "cool" states of being. One is driving himself now and the other doesn't quite need us as much. This is going to be a great year for them I can just feel it in my bones. Both of them like their teachers so far, this is a good thing. How was the first day for your kids?

Thrifty Collage

Okay, so I downloaded Picasa from Google and this is my first attempt at a photo collage. One day I will own Photoshop or something like it but not now, bills first. These are my thrift store finds that I am in love with so far. Cheers.

School Shopping on a Budget

It's that time of year, the end of summer, end of warm weather, the carefree days at home for the kids and the days that make our pocketbooks tremble with fear.  These are a few of my tips and I'll share some of the deals I got along the way.  I've been picking up school supplies since they started showing up on display at the stores.  Spiral notebooks for .15, composition books .50, pens $1 per pack, glue sticks .25.  I didn't buy it all in one fail swoop, remember the budget.  But a few here and a few there and you can accumulate more than you think.  I took each boy out seperately this week, shopping with both boys together makes this mom crazy.  This week's shopping focused on shirts and shorts, in a couple weeks we focus on pants and sweatshirts.  We got shoes and shorts on clearance with an extra 50% off.  Score!!  Don't get frustrated if money is tight, there are always options.  Whether it be planning way ahead, shopping clearance racks or paroozing the thrift store aisles.  I've done all three.  Cheers!

Thrift Store Treasures

Japanese Sugar Bowl $2.69

Japanese China $8.48

I have been diligently working to "gather" items that will help me entertain. Remember I only had settings enough for 4 people?  Sandy at Reluctant Entertainer explains that most items can be found at thrift or discount stores. So thrifting I have been doing. I found this Japanese China and was elated, I've never owned a set of China before.  I haven't figured out how to make a picture collage on my blog yet, so forgive the string of photos. I'll be posting over the next couple weeks the treasures I have collected so far. Cheers!

My Aunt Lil's Brown Iced Tea Pitcher

Ever since I can remember whenever we would go visit my great aunt Lil's house she always had a pitcher of iced tea on the kitchen counter in a brown pitcher.  I loved her iced tea and I loved her, espcially her wit and humor.  Come to find out in my adult years that her brown pitcher was actually a Marcrest brand dot and daisy design.  Horribly, my beloved Aunt Cheryl and I used to joke as to who would get the treasured brown pitcher upon Aunt Lil's passing.  Yes, I no it was a tad morbid but we were just kidding around.  One day when visiting my in-laws I went to a local antique shop and there it was a replica of Aunt Lil's pitcher.  With lightening speed I swooped it up and took it home.  Last week while doing my weekly thrift store run I came across a matching cookie jar w/o the lid.  For a meer $2.99 I bought it and am using it to hold my cooking utensils.  The nice memories I get each time I look at them are priceless.  Do you have a family heirloom that brings you joy?  Cheers.

HE IS FREE AT LAST

Free from the mouth full of metal that he has endured since his freshman year (no sympathy from us).  Free to drive in car without his mom or dad with him.  Free to do so many things.  How did this happen so quickly?  Was I not here the last 16 years?  I sure do love this boy/young man/teen.  With freedom comes great responsibility - Eleanor Roosevelt.

Domestically Driven

Remember my post from months back that my word for the year is driven?  Well I'm still striving towards new things that make my stretch, physically, emotionally, spiritually.  My drive right now is learning and equipping to entertain people in my home.  I frequent the local thrift stores and my current finds include a beautiful tablecloth, crackle vase, clear glass pyrex platter, 4 glass salad plates and a secret find that I'll share later when my camera is handy.  I also bought 3 clear glass plates from Bed, Bath & Beyond to give me a total of 8 dinner plates.  Total cost under $15.  I'm now moving on to 4 bar stools, my kitchen table is bistro height.  So, if my friends come over I need to be able to seat them somewhere other than the couch.  Many thanks to my girlfriends, Kelly, Sandy & Amy who let me ask many "stupid" questions about what they do and what they have at their homes.  The info I've gathered from them is priceless.  I'm trying to come up with a menu for my first gathering my Reluctant Entertainer book says cook things you know so I'll be working on that.  I've always thought that having people over didn't mean having  to serve prime rib or crab, why not spaghetti??  It's the friends not the food right? Wish me luck.

Beach Boat Church Camp

I ask for prayers as our high school youth group leaves for summer camp.  It sounds like an terrific place, they get to stay on house boats.  How COOL is that?  I want our big guy to have an amazing time, have so much fun he doesn't think he could pack one more thing into this "fun" schedule.  I also pray that he is amazed by the Lord.  On a more evil note, I'm going to clean and rearrange his room while he is gone.  MUAHAHAHAHA.  Cheers!

An Old Dog Can Learn New Tricks

So, I've been reading my new book The Reluctant Entertainer.  I'm feeling like I have gained some new confidence that I to can do this entertaining thing.  It's not hard, or at least it's not supposed to be.  I purchased a new steno pad to take important notes for myself from the book.  I've been going through my own stash of dinnerware etc., I've been making bi-weekly trips to the local thrift stores to see what I can pick up to add to my own (advice from the author).  So far I have found 2 packages of 4 cloth napkins, dark sage green $1 each, clear decorative bottle for flowers $1.50, round red placemats on clearance for .88 cents a piece.  I did notice that I am lacking on the amount of dinnerware I have.  Don't judge me but I only have a service for 4 in my all white cafe style dishes.  If I do have people over what are they supposed to eat on?  I'm hoping to add a few more dishes in the next couple weeks, I also noticed that our fork population has decreased.  ????.  I'm thinking they may be hiding in the boys' rooms.  Have a great week, maybe you'll be the victim, I mean lucky person who gets to be a part of my entertaining experience.  Cheers!!

Finally, My Waiting Is Over

I've been waiting for 7 very long days for the book I ordered to arrive.  One of the blogs I love and follow is Nesting Place and while reading one day she blogged about a book that a friend wrote and was just published.  It spoke of entertaining people and how it didn't have to be fancy, complicated or hard.  I was instantly in love.  I always long to have friends over but seldom do.  There are 1000 excuses I could come up with, like my house is to small, food not fancy enough, not enough seating and on and on.  The book is entitled The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin, her lovely blog is of the same title.  I am the reluctant entertainer and am sooo hoping this will help me venture out into the unknown I desperately desire.  I will surely keep you updated on my progress. Cheers!

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

I repeat, the eagle has landed.  Yesterday right after lunch I got the happiest phone call from the receptionist at work.  My new sewing machine had arrived.  I quickly sprinted up front to retrieve my prize.  I decided to go with the Brother cs6000i.  It is a moderately priced machine and has 60 stitches and some slightly fancy features.  I was so excited because it came with a hard carrying case and extended table attachment.  Yipee!  I will probably take it for a test drive later this week.  I appreciate all who helped out by giving your opinions and letting me know what you sew with.  Cheers!

Hot Days of Summer

We are planning our first (and inexpensive) outing tomorrow night.  Our local pool is open on M, W & F nights from 6:30-8pm.  The cost is $1 for kids up to age 17 and $2 for adults.  It's supposed to be over 100 degrees tomorrow and I thought it would be a great place to visit.  I don't get in the water yet, maybe another 50 lbs from now.  But I do take my baseball chair and book, I find a shaded spot and just enjoy myself.  Of course I'm bringing my camera to get some pics of the boys.  Cheers.

Couldn't Pass It Up

I found this little baby while cruising the book aisle at one of my local thift stores.  I saw this small, probably 3x4 book on a shelf by itself.  The deep green cover caught my eye and when I read the title "A Christmas Anthology" I knew it had to come home and join my other Christmas books I display during the holidays.  The pages are prestine and appear to never have been cracked open.  Poor little book, I will have to break it in this year.  Whenever I drop off items to be donated I always have to "cruise" the store looking for a deal.  It's been a huge help with clothes since I started losing weight.  I don't want to spend a fortune on clothes until I am a comfortable size.  VIVA LA THRIFT STORE.  Cheers!

Super Summer Debt Payoff Begins Today

I am so excited about this I can't even put it in the right words.  Starting today we are using my paychecks to pay off bills and only live off of Ralph's income.  It takes several weeks of "preparation" and tightening to get the cushion to start.  Although it may seem radical to some but here are some of the specifics we do:  we only eat out every 2 weeks on my payday, the grocery budget has been decreased, our entertainment will primarily be doing things together that are at no cost or the Redbox dvd's and no debiting or atm visits.  Last year we did this but then stopped when Sept came, this year however we are going to keep going until the debt list is all paid off.  So every two weeks when we get to eat out it's a celebration dinner and I announce which bill got paid off we toast each other.  We found a water park within an hour of us which is owned by the city so admittance is only $4 for adults and $3 for kids and you can be there from 12-8 and bring your own food in.  How great is that?  If you are budgeting or paying off bills keep it up.  Cheers!

OH, THE SUMMER FUN WE WILL HAVE

I am so excited and almost giddy about this summer.  Why you ask?  Because it is pretty much open this year.  Ryan isn't playing tournament ball this summer like he has for the last three years, well one tournament in July but that's it.  Wes is going to lacrosse camp and was asked if he wanted to do some lacrosse tournaments this summer.  Generally summer baseball is very intense (practice every night and tournaments on the weekends) and will end around the end of July.  So if your boy is doing this they have played baseball from March 1st to August 1st.  So this summer we only have a few random tournaments to go to and I am trying to think of FUN summer stuff to do the rest of the time.    I am a planner, planner, planner so of course I want to get things on the books to do.  So far we have LAX (abbr. for lacrosse), BASEBALL, WATER PARK, HIGH SCHOOL CHURCH CAMP FOR WES, MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL GAMES.  Not a huge list but fun anyway, we are squeezing some visits with friends as well into some of the tournaments.  I've added a couple baseball pics.  Wes gets one of the biggest leads off a base in hopes of stealing.  He is usually successfull and makes pitchers nervous.  Ryan always rocks it behind the plate.  Those pictures of him are a bit harder to get because I have to stand up and block others view of the game.  Hee hee I don't really care, I have scrapbooking opportunites to get.  Enjoy the beginning of summer. Cheers.

1st Birthday Milestone "16"

Do you remember how exciting and cool it was to finally turn 16?  It meant driving, certain freedom from your parents, status at school and too many other great things to count.  My first born is "16" today and I can't believe how emotional I feel.  He's been an amazing kid and now that we are in the home stretch with only 2 more years of high school I think I'm feeling panicked that it's not enough time.  People always say how quick it goes, yeah yeah whatever.  Well they are right.  When Ralph gets home from work he's taking him down to take his drivers license test. Hmmmm, am I tearing up?  Not yet.  Tomorrow night it's a birthday dinner with his choice of where to go and noone gets to complain (that's our house rules).  Your birthday your call.  And even with him being a "cool" guy, he still hugs me and tells me I'm the best mom even in front of his friends.  My cousin James taught him that, "never be embarrassed of you mama".  So Happy Birthday big Wes, next milestone "18".  XOXO.

Homemade Gifts

My initial thought was I was going to knit a gift per month and by the time Christmas got here I would have 12 gifts ready to go.  Okay, so I only have 3 which is half of my quota.  I am definately not a speed knitter but have things like lacrosse, baseball yada yada that suck up my knitting time.  Those are all just excuses, I usually knit after the boys have gone to bed and Ralph & I are up watching tv.  I came to the realization last week that I hated everything I was currently knitting and that's why I hadn't touched it in a couple weeks.  So I fixed my slump by taking the four projects I had going off the needles and starting fresh.  Ahhhh, I am so excited!  I am doing an afghan blanket.  Normally that utter thought of knitting something that big would be to much, but this one is 24 squares, all different patterns and coordinating colors.  Kind of similar to putting quilt blocks together (another love of mine).  I'll post the square when I'm finished but for now you can see the Feather and Fan Scarf I finished.  Not sure who will be the recipient at Christmas but it was fun to do.  Homemade gifts are the best to give and receive.  Cheers!

Girls Weekend at the Farm Chicks Antique Show

Oh! the fun I had with my funky vintage junk loving girlfriend Amy at the Farm Chicks Antique show in Spokane. Never heard of the Farm Chicks? You can check them out on here and here. I first read about them about 4 years in my favorite magazine Country Living. I was so excited when I learned that they were located so close to me here in Washington. You just may be a Farm Chick too. Amy and I have talked for a couple years about going and this year booked hotel and took a short road trip. We were totally amazed at how many people were there, we overheard ladies from Iowa and Michigan. Wow, now that’s a love for antiques. We each came home with a few “must have” finds. Like my vintage Christmas apron that I loooove, black handbag w/ original coin purse, glass doorknob and a couple antique Ball canning lids. We ended our trip with the most delicious breakfast ever in Spokane at Franks Diner. My favorite breakfast spot when we visit there. We have decided of course that this is a yearly trip for us. Next time we might have to add in Friday for some additional shopping downtown. Cheers!

What A Great Man

Two weeks ago tomorrow Ralph lost his dad.  He had reached the precious age of 90 and we feel was so blessed that he went in his sleep.  No pain, no suffering, how thankful we are.  Marty was such a dear man and I cherish the time I got to spend with him.  Especially the two years we spent in his hometown after moving from away from our friends and family in northern California.  What a lucky 2 years I had with him.  He taught me how to cook quite a bit 20 years ago, we had coffee once a week together, he raised two small boys by himself (not so popular in the 1960's) and was the best dad ever according to Ralph's friends testimonies at his funeral.  We LOVED him dearly but are so glad that he is with our Heavenly Father.  He was also a Chicago Cubs fan, having spent the greater part of his childhood in Chicago.  So this year, along with the Oakland A's I will cheer on the Cubbies.  Cheers.

Start It Up

It's the time of the year when we rev it  up and begin baseball season for the boys.  Our oldest didn't make the high school team.  At first we were all sad but he has a wonderful outlook.  He told me "Mom, if the Lord had intended for me to be on that team I would be.  I guess there's something else I need to do."  He thought for a half second about tennis and then Ralph suggested lacosse.  He started the same day he was cut and I have to say it has been a total blessing.  He LOVES it, we haven't seen a spark in him over a sport in a while.  Maybe because it's new?  I don't know but he talks about not even trying out for baseball next year and focusing on lacrosse.  Wow!  He says he still wants to play Babe Ruth after the lacrosse season is over, we'll see.  Short man made the "A" team at school and says life is good with his new shinguards and new catcher's mit.  I've been lucky enough to scrapbook a few times this past month.  I am done scrapping Wes' early years.  I am not a painter like my grandma was but like to do other things that let my creative side come out.  And honestly sometimes I need to be around girls and leave the testosterone X3 at home.  More to come about lacrosse later, it's a crazy sport.  I'll take pics soon.  Cheers.

Nervous Nelly

Not sure why I'm nervous right now, okay I really do know.  It's baseball season and both boys have tryouts at school.  We survived day one at high school tryouts and have 2 more days of agonizing anticipation to get through.  I think it's toughest on Ralph & I.  Why is that?  Both of the boys love the game and are skilled but neither would jump off a cliff if they didn't make the cut.  I told them last year that being a ball player only enhanced who they already are, it wasn't ALL they are.  So, send some good ju-ju our way and we'll see what happens.

I Think I Found My Word

I think I figured out my word for 2010.......Driven. As I read other blogs and was touched by the words others have chosen but nothing popped into my big head. I waited and waited and last weekend wah-lah DRIVEN. Now by nature I am not a "driver" personality. I'm more of a laid back cheery girl. But this year things have to change for me, I joined Weight Watchers right after Christmas. I've not care of my body for far to long, although the fact that amount of weight I have to lose a hefty sum I needed to learn to eat healthy again. I won't lie, I don't like exercising at all. But a couple weeks ago I told Wes I wanted to do the 5k Thanksgiving morning and he said he would do it with me. What a champ! On Sunday I rounded up the family and we took a couple mile walk along the river. It was beautiful and you know it "exercise". I still haven't downloaded Christmas photos from my camera, bad mom. But I started knitting gifts for Christmas this year and scrapbooking with Sandy on a regular basis. I don't know why I'm amazed at how happy I feel when I let my creative paths run free here and there. So out of my comfort zone I am Driven.