Another First For The Day

So we had a first today. My son got suspended from school for tomorrow. For fighting. Funny thing is he didn't start it and he basically was getting beat up but because he fought back he gets kicked out for a day. Gotta love it. :sigh: Don't you wish we could just put our kids in a little bubble sometimes? Or sit on the sidewalk with a sling shot and shoot some rocks at the brat kids? Just kidding about that last part...

After we got home I worked out in the yard cleaning up winter's mess. Everything is just about weeded except for the unfinished area that I'm some year going to put bricks in. It's now one big pile of bermuda grass. I'm really really tempted to get some Round Up. I've never used it before and I hate the idea of using chemicals in my yard. Most likely I'll just dig it all out (again). I got it soaked up a bit today. I think I'm going to make it a goal to get that part done by Easter this year. Bricks and all. Wish me luck!

Yesterday I started working on the Pinterest Valentine's Wreath I wanted to make. I probably should have started it earlier than 8:00 pm though lol. I worked on them for about 2 1/2 hours than decided to call it a night.

 The "recipe" called for some book pages. I got it in my head that I wanted to use dictionary pages. I went on the hunt for a dictionary (no I didn't have one!) last week. I was looking for one that was a little older too, maybe with some pictures. I ended up with a "short hand" dictionary and a "names" dictionary. I figured I could do something with those. Then the other day I found two old real dictionaries at the thrift store.

I think I should type "dictionary" at least 10 more times because I haven't typed it enough already.

I didn't want to cut any of the pages since I might want to use them again for something else and I can't quite bring myself to do that. So I scanned them, cropped them up a bit, put them together on a couple pages (Print Shop I love you) and then printed them out on cream and beige colored papers. The colors still came out pretty interesting since the pages in the books were discolored.

I cut out some different sized hearts with my Cricut and then traced some onto the dictionary pages to capture the words I wanted. I also cut some out with my Creative Memories heart paper punches.Then I Mod Podged them onto some cardboard. This was my stopping point last night. I have a ton more to cut out. I love the way the "heart" one came out.

It's a bit time consuming but I am enjoying it. It's been so long since I used any of my scrapbooking and paper crafting stuff I've been having to "re-find" it all!

Skiing Fail

I was just thinking about the one and only time I tried to go skiing. My best friend in high school was Audra. Audra and I were together most of the time the last year of high school. I pretty much lived at her house. (this picture is from Freshman year I think)

Each morning I'd drive my POS car to her house (listening to oldies because that was all that came in on the am only radio) and pick her up. Then we'd go down the street and go to school. Unless we didn't. Sometimes we'd keep driving straight instead of turning and find some other adventure to go for the day. Yes, I did AWESOME my senior year!

So for some reason we decided to go skiing. We loaded up my car with some warm clothes and stuff and drove up to the mountains praying that it wouldn't actually snow since we had no idea how to do chains and probably no extra money to pay anyone to do it for us. Strangely enough I think I actually had some chains for that car although I don't think it ever had any put on it.

We get to the ski resort (can't remember which one) and go through the whole process of renting skis and boots, etc. I had never went skiing before and she had told me that she'd help me out. We get all equipmented up and we head out on the snow. She gives me a few pointers as we head towards the bunny hill area.

I start "skiing" aka sliding down the hill when I fall. I can't get up. I try every direction, but I cannot get up. I finally give up and take the skis off the boots and then I get up. I did this a few times and then realize that my friend has left me.

I look all around and she's gone. I am PISSED.

I keep attempting to ski, doing my slide, fall, take skis off, stand up routine. Eventually I get tired of that. It's really not fun. I sit up at the top of the hill and wait for my "friend' to come back.

Eventually I see a snowmobile pulling a gurney and I know. It's her.

They take her into the first aid area. Apparently she fell and kind of blacked out a bit. We sit there for awhile and eventually they tell her she can leave if she feels better. She wants to go skiing again.

I told her forget that! We're leaving! I don't think she was too happy about that but I was sick of this whole thing already. So we take all the equipment back and drive home.

I've never been skiing again. Somehow I don't think it would be better on a second try!

Mugarrific

After I got home from work yesterday I worked in my yard. I started tidying stuff up and ended up pulling out a few dead plants and stopped when it was so dark I couldn't see anymore.  I went in and made dinner, ate and then decided I was exhausted and went to bed. I read for about an hour and gave up at 8:30. I'm officially old!

I remember when I was younger and we would make fun of my Dad and Step Mom because they were always in bed by 8:00. I so get it now. Although they get up at like 4:00 in the morning, which, I guess I still have a few years for that one.

So I got a full night of sleep. Except for waking up about 12 times thinking it must be time to get up, but it wasn't.

Someone added an owl mug I have on Etsy to their treasury list. These things are so much fun :) That roller skate one is pretty cool too, wouldn't mind having that one!

Do you have a favorite coffee mug?

In other exciting news Jessica took herself to the eye doctor yesterday so she could get her contact prescription renewed. She did it all by herself (well except for making the appointment). Kind of nice not having to cart the kid around for that kind of stuff!

Another Book Club Day

Today we finally had book club for Talk Before Sleep. Pretty much everyone liked it although one person that said she helped take care of her mother in law while she was dying from cancer said that she got about twenty pages in and couldn't read anymore. Totally understandable.

We had some yummy snacks today, all from Costco. I have a tiny headache and I'm pretty sure that's from the two glasses of wine I had.

I had a nice time visiting with everyone. One thing really bothers me though, and that's how racist a lot of older people are.  Just last week we were watching the Gran Torino on TV. That generation, that Clint Eastwood plays seem to be really racist.  People in the 70-80 age bracket. Do you see it? I didn't grow up in a racist home at all so it's always shocking to me when I hear people saying negative things about other people. Judging them by where they are from and such. I'm glad that my kids don't think that way. At least I hope they don't.

Another topic of conversation was about a recent widower and how he was telling people how much women are chasing him now. They all didn't really think it was happening but I've lived out here long enough to know that that does happen here. Someone's spouse dies and if the remaining spouse is with it, you know, fit and of sound mind, they get flocked to. You'd be surprised how fast older people hook up. I say go for it if it makes you happy. Who wants to be lonely and by yourself when you can have someone that makes you happy and fills your days with companionship.

So our next book is Leslie Meier's Valentine Murder. Awhile back we read another one of her books, The Wicked Witch Murder. Apparently I didn't blog about it but I gave it 4 out of 5 stars so I must have liked it.

Here's what the new one is about (From Goodreads):

It’s Valentine’s Day in Tinker’s Cove. And while the cupcakes Lucy Stone is baking for her children will have pink frosting and candy hearts, Lucy’s thoughts aren’t centered on sugary sentiments. She’s barely arrived at her first board meeting of the newly-renovated library when Bitsy Howell, the new librarian, is found dead in the basement, shot only minutes before story hour was to start. The agitated board members assume that Bitsy was killed by an outsider, until Detective Lt. Horowitz arrives on the scene and announces that the killer is among them. 

Lucy was already aware that Bitsy’s uppity big city ways rubbed some people in Tinker’s Cove the wrong way. But she has a hunch that motives for the librarian’s violent death run a lot deeper. From Hayden Norcross’s elegant antique shop to Corney Clark’s chic kitchen, Lucy relentlessly snoops into the curious lifestyles and shocking secrets of Tinker’s Cove’s most solid citizens—secrets that will plunge her into a terrifying confrontation with a conniving killer…


Sounds like a good one! I need to get busy reading!

Wedding Dresses and Fugitives

I'm so tired. I really should go take another nap. Yes I said ANOTHER. Although I think I really only slept for five minutes the first time, but I'm not sure. It's hard to sleep with people yelling at video games. And just when I did really fall asleep my daughter came in to ask if I would drive her to her friend's house. SURE. After I get done trying to SLEEP. Sheeh.

I got up this morning and went with my friend to a big wedding dress sale. It was at a place that gives prom dresses for girls that can't afford them otherwise. But today, it was just wedding dresses. We got there at 9:30 and the doors were to open at 10:00. The line wasn't TOO long when we got there. Shortly after it wrapped around the building behind us.

The weirdest thing about the whole deal? I found out the two people standing behind us in line work right across the courtyard from me at work. Talk about a small world! We weren't even in the same city or anything.

So they let us in 12 at a time they said. When we got inside they had the dresses arranged by size. A lot of them seemed like older dresses and I thought maybe they were used (although on that website they said they were new). But for $50? After trying on about 10 my friend found one that she liked enough to buy. I told her even if she decides not to use it she can probably resell it and get her money back. 

I actually bought a veil that had a rhinestone base. It's really pretty. For $10 it's worth at least that much. 

Last night my girls and I went to dinner and the movies with my Mom. We went to Red Robin for dinner (am I the only one that doesn't really think their food is that great?), then walked across to the movies and saw 

One For The Money. 

My Mom and I read all the books and I was really hoping that the movie wasn't going to be a piece of shit. Don't you hate when they take a really good book and ruin it when they make it into a movie? But we didn't have to worry too much because the movie was pretty good! Although, I was a bit disappointed in their selection of Morelli. The guy that played him seemed too old. In my mind he was much cuter and younger :) And I don't know about you but I always kind of pictured Ranger as someone that looked a bit more like The Rock.  And Grandma? I always kind of pictured her like Estelle Getty in Golden Girls. 

All in all I thought it was a cute movie. I would go see a sequel.

I thought I was going to go out and have a drink with my friend tonight but looks like she's flaking on me. I have nothing else to live for tonight. Kidding. Kind of.

Christian Book Club for January

Last night I went to the "Christian Book Club". I almost didn't go because I was tired and didn't really feel like going anywhere. I decided to just go to at least find out what the new book was going to be. The last book was Under The Banner Of Heaven. Which I got from the library, saw how big it was and decided not to read. Only about four people actually finished the book. Here's what it was about

From Goodreads:

In 1984, Ron & Dan Lafferty murdered the wife & infant daughter of their younger brother Allen. The crimes were noteworthy not merely for their brutality but for the brothers' claim that they were acting on direct orders from God. Under the Banner of Heaven tells the story of the killers & their crime but also explores the shadowy world of Mormon fundamentalism from which the two emerged. The Mormon Church was founded, in part, on the idea that true believers could speak directly with God. But while the mainstream church attempted to be more palatable to the general public by rejecting polygamy, fundamentalist splinters saw this as apostasy & took to the hills to live what they believed to be a righteous life. When their beliefs are challenged or their patriarchal, cult-like order defied, these still-active groups are capable of fighting back with tremendous violence. While Krakauer's research into the history of the church is admirably extensive, the real power of the book comes from present-day information, notably jailhouse interviews with Dan Lafferty. Far from being the brooding maniac one might expect, Lafferty is chillingly coherent, still insisting that his motive was merely to obey God's command. Krakauer's accounts of the actual murders are graphic & disturbing, but such detail makes the brothers' claim of divine instruction all the more horrifying. In an age where Westerners have trouble comprehending what drives Islamic fundamentalists to kill, Krakauer advises us to look within our own borders.--John Moe (edited)

So as you can see if you read all that it's kind of deep. No one really "liked" it. I got the idea it was more of a text book to what's wrong with being Mormon. I'd much rather just read something that makes you feel good and/or entertains, wouldn't you?

So after like an hour they finally decided on the next book. I don't really like the way they pick the books here. My other club works much more smoothly. We go in alpha order by your last name and when it's your turn you tell everyone what you picked. These people are so worried that others won't want to read their book they can't even pick on. Like make a decision already! If it's dumb it's not your fault, you didn't write it!

Tending Roses From Goodreads

While living in a remote Missouri farmhouse-and struggling to care for her husband, baby, and aging grandmother-Kate Bowman finds inspiration in the pages of her grandmother's handmade journal...

 

So this one seems a bit more promising. It's a series too so if it's good I'll have a few more to read.

 

I still don't really feel like I fit in with this group. It's funny to me listening to them talk sometimes because they seem so out there. Like one gal talking  about how when she reads a book and gets to a part with sex, which she didn't know it was going to have she has to skip through because she doesn't want to read it. Now I don't know about you but usually that's a high point in a book for me ;) I'm such a heathen.

 

And other people saying how they don't like books with swearing. Now I'm the first to admit that I have a bit of a potty mouth. I don't really think it's such a big deal. It adds flavor.

 

So, not sure if I'm going to continue going. I just don't seem very bonded with the whole group, although there are a couple people I could see myself hanging out with for a cup of coffee or whatever. A few of them are just so prudish I don't think I'd want to.

 

Violets and Wall Flowers

Isn't it funny how you can see something and that sparks a memory? I saw this picture of African Violets on Pinterest (of course) and it reminded me of my Grandma Pecka. She had quite a few African Violets in her kitchen nook window. She had a little shelf in there so she had probably 3 rows of them. I think I might have had one or two at some point but I have no inside plants now so they obviously didn't make it. I might have to pick up a couple just because they remind me of her.

Source: ana-rosa.tumblr.com via JJ on Pinterest

So we went to the eye doctor. Trevor doesn't need any reading glasses. He said he thinks his eyes were just stressed. He had been playing my Kindle for about an hour before we went in there last time so maybe that was part of it. The Dr. said it's like a cramp in your arm only in your eyes. Weird. So after ten minutes he said take a break. Probably good for the computer too.

The receptionist woman that works there is usually a real dud. She's not real friendly and doesn't seem to have very good social "receptionist" type skills. You know, like "hi, how are you" and "can I help you" and "thanks for coming!". Simple things like that. She kind of reminds me of Eeyore. 

Last time when we were in there I had my Kindle and she asked me what I was reading and SHAZAM! she came to life. She started talking about her favorite author and books we've both read and the libraries. Totally different person.

So today when we went in she was super nice and friendly. After we were done I had to make an appointment for Jessica and I told her she had ripped her last contact so she went in and talked to the Dr. and brought out a pair for her to wear until her next appointment. 

I told Jess and said "see, I told you she liked me now!". 

I think I'll bring her some of my old books next time I'm in the area.

Versatile Blogger My Favorites and more

Loressa at Curious Wisdom and Other Every Day Practicalities gave me this "Versatile Blogger" award. 


I guess I am pretty Versatile. I'm all over the place! Probably why it took me 4 years to get up to 100 followers ;)

Recipients of this award are asked to:

Thank the person that nominated their blog for the award with a backlink to them. (check!)


List 7 things about themselves. (Hmm is there really anything I HAVEN'T told you?)


 I'll go with 7 weird food things about me.

• I hate grated carrots (there's a story that goes with that)
• I hate raisins
• I can't eat raw pineapple (kills my mouth!)
• The skin on apricots and peaches grosses me out (fuzzy, ick)
• I don't like to peel oranges with my fingers. The thought of getting it under my nails makes me want to shudder.
• I make a killer potato salad (was my mil's recipe but since my husband doesn't ever think it's exactly like hers I'm claiming my version as MINE)
• Dried fruit scares me

Award 10 versatile blogs with the award and notify them of the award.

Hmmm I always feel kind of weird with the awards thing. I think I'll just tell you ten of my favorite blogs and then if they want the award they can take it?

1. Straight Up No Chaser I look for her blog first before I read anyone else's every day.
2. Diet Coke Rocks The daily life of Chris from New Zealand. LOVE!
3. Sara's Organized Chaos Mom blogger and crafter that talks like me (unfiltered)
4. Annster's Domain She's in work out mode right now but she blogs about all kinds of things and works in nature, which is awesome!
5. Finny Knits Talks like a sailor, gardens and has bees in her backyard (gotta watch the video when she loses the queen bee, I cried, so funny although not for her at the time)
6. African Kelli is a kind soul who loves crafting, cooking entertaining and has the cutest dog ever. Well right behind my Rusty anyways ;)
7. Ashley Quite Frankly has two adorable boys who say the funnies things. 
8. Domestic Fashionista down to earth thinking and she is great at entertaining and decorating
9. Saucy's Sprinkles cupcake extraordinaire. Seriously, they are awesome. 
10. Juggling Life has 4 children with the last one getting ready to fly.
11. and one more, my good friend Mary at Rufflebutts. She has the most adorable little girls, big girls and 2 little grandsons.

If only there were more hours in the day...

Does anyone else have a hard time getting up in the mornings this time of year? It's just so nice and cozy under the covers! I seem to keep pushing myself to the limit of how long I can stay in bed.

So this afternoon I'm taking Trevor back to the eye doctor to see if he needs reading glasses. I'm really hoping not since I'm sure he'll break them 5 minutes after I shell out a bunch of money for them. Let's pray.

I really want to make this (or something like it)

Source: diycraftstomake.blogspot.com via Mom Taxi Julie on Pinterest

Isn't it cute? I picked up some paper and glitter glue pens last weekend. Although I probably already had a ton of paper. It's been so long since I scrapbooked I don't even know what I have anymore.

I used to have a bunch of stickles but somehow they all disappeared. I'm sure my girls know nothing about where they went.

That's what happens when you have girls. You're craft supplies disappear.

Not to mention make up. And hair brushes. It's like a quest every morning trying to a hair brush and all my make up. I guess I should be happy it's not all my clothes too (although sometimes those disappear too).

I'm thinking about trying to make some of these too. They are so pretty!
I should probably finish making the apron I started a couple months ago first though right?

Source: aquiltingsheep.com via Mom Taxi Julie on Pinterest

I was attempting to make my own apron without a pattern. I made a ruffle and decided it was too heavy after I sewed it on so I need to take it off and redo it. So it sits in a pile :) Yes, yes I should finish that first!

Are you bad about not finishing projects? I try not to do that but I do have a few abandoned ones.

Usually it's things that I become frustrated with but have too much time and or money into to just toss!

I'm not allowed to buy anymore vintage sheets until I actually make a dent in my "collection". I think I can definitely call it a collection now.

Just need one more follower to get to

I'm so excited! You guys are AWESOME!!