The Hug Award

Corinne was sweet enough to send me the hug award this afternoon. She is one of my new blogging friends and I think you would love her too. You should head over to her blog and read what she has to say about her two adorable kids.

I'm supposed to pass the cute hug along to a few others... here's a few bloggers that I think could use a hug:

Abby at Show Some Lovin

Sarah at Mommy Boo of Two

Cindy at Just Another Reason to Eat Chocolate

Sharon at Mom Generations

Rhonda at Mimi's Toes

These are all people that I look forward to reading every day. I hope you take the time to visit them too. I could have sent this award to so many of my new friends, but it did say to send it to just a few. A big hug to all my wonderful new blogging buddies!

Can you say flexible?

This is my son-in-law the yoga master. Can you believe that he can do this? He's been doing yoga for 15 years.

This is also my son-in-law with the new book of poetry that was just published. If any of you live in northwest Indiana and are looking for something to do this weekend, feel free to stop by his book signing on Saturday...

You Capture

Beth at Folding Laundry started a new weekly photo challenge. The first week was to take a picture without using a flash of something you love. You may all be tired of my flowers, but I'm really not. They are almost two weeks old and they still look great. This picture is of one that just opened on Monday. I'm hoping this challenge will make me a better photographer. I take tons of pictures, but that's not saying much. Here's my picture..

New Giveaway

Hey, Adventures in Babywearing is having a great giveaway with Lisa Leonard Designs. If you like cool jewelry, this giveaway is for you. Go check it out at http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/2009/02/its-personal.html

VACATION!!!

Hubby is home and all is well. It was good to see him. He loves all the remodels. Thank goodness. I thought he would, but you can never be sure.

The great news is we just booked a house in the Smokeys for spring break. You have to go check this place out. I can't wait to go. Check it out at http://www.thepreserveresort.com/cabin1-b.asp Let me know what you think. I think the view is breathtaking!

Rhonda got me sucked into The Bachelor, so I better get back to it.

Third Time is a Charm!

It's my third post of the day, but it's the best. I just got off the phone with my hubby who was coming through Indy. That means he's only two and half hours away. He was supposed to stop somewhere in Kentucky for the night, but didn't. Maybe he missed me as much as I missed him. Screw the rest of the housecleaning. I have to get in the shower.

Great Giveaway

Hey, head over to http://myflipflopz.blogspot.com/ for a great giveaway. If you post something on your blog about it, you get four more entries.

Giddy

This is going to sound crazy, but I feel like a high school girl waiting for her boyfriend to show up for a date. Hubby left this morning to come home and I'm so excited. I can't wait to see him. I missed him so much this trip. I don't know what it was, but I really did. When he left, I was happy to think about some alone time, but I've had enough of that. I'm giddy at the thought of coming home from work tomorrow and seeing him. It's going to be a great day!

Now, project number two is finished. If you thought my bedroom was small, wait till you see a 1930's size bathroom. Check out the radiator cover. Custom built by my brother and me. I'm not thrilled with the front. I still need to find a different front that covers the actual radiator more. I used hardware screen and it doesn't cover as well as I was hoping. I actually had to paint the front of the radiator gold, so it didn't look so dumb. My son-in-law said maybe I could put another layer of screen to fill in the squares. That might be something to try being I still have some left. Anyway, here it is...

Now, another daughter has decided to join the blogging world. Stop by and welcome her. She's at http://mommyboooftwo.blogspot.com/ Funny how they all want to follow in mom's shoes. One more to go and they'll all be on here.

I have to get the laundry done and the house cleaned. I'll let you all know that hubby got home safe and sound and how happy I am about that. 3:30 tomorrow can't come fast enough for me!!!

First Project Complete, Finally!

Project One, our bedroom is finally done. The one thing I have to tell you is that my house was built in the 30's, so we don't have the large rooms that a lot of you probably have. I've learned to live with it. My husband is either going to like this or think it's totally dorky. I'm hoping for the first. I went with the "us" theme. You'll see what I mean. Here are a few pictures...

Sorry, I'm not the greatest photographer. I don't know how to not have the windows look like that. Here's a few more....
The pictures in the room are just us. They span about 37 years. It's kind of our history. I sure hope he likes it because I really do.

Now, back to the other projects!

Moving Right Along

I didn't get as much done this past weekend as I had hoped for, but I'm doing okay. The bad news is that I think I'm getting sick. The pressure in my sinus is crazy and my ears won't pop. Not what I needed right now. The good news is that I am totally done with two projects and about three quarters done with a third. That only leaves me two more. I have bunco tomorrow night and a birthday party on Thursday night, so that will slow things up. As long as hubby sticks to his plan to come home on Monday, I should be okay. The problem is that when he called tonight, he was talking about coming home a day early. Well, being on the computer isn't getting anything done, so I better get to it. One more thing though...my wonderful brother came through today and totally helped me out with a building project. I love him!!

Great Giveaway

Hey, I just entered a great giveaway and you can too. Head over to Beth's blog at http://www.ishouldbefoldinglaundry.com/ and check it out. If you like jewelry, it's good one.

I'm still in project mode over here. The alone time was not what I was hoping for. Some of my kids didn't quite grasp the concept. It's okay though. Hubby doesn't come until the 23rd and my daughter is going to Purdue next weekend to visit friends, so I'll have another shot at it.

I have to get back to work. I have to go back to work tomorrow, so I'd like to get as much done now as I can. If it all turns out okay, maybe I'll post some pictures.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Happy day of love to you all.

I've decided that I might as well tackle a few projects while I have all this time to myself. A few surprises for hubby and daughter to come home to. Nothing major, just a little sprucing up. I decided last night that just sitting around was a little boring. Might as well use my time wisely. I don't go back to work till Tuesday, so that gives me a big chunk of time. One of the projects will include a little help from my brother who hasn't bothered to call me back yet. I shouldn't have mentioned I needed a favor in the voicemail.

I hope you all have a wonderful day with your sweeties. I'll just keep looking at my beautiful flowers and remember how much I love my valentine.

Sorry

Sorry about the yellow on the last post. I have no idea where it came from. Someday, I'll understand all this blogging stuff!

A Lovely Surprise

Hubby left on his Florida trip at 3:30 this morning. His plan was to not be driving through Indy or Louisville during rush hour. Why else would you leave at that ungodly hour. At 10:30 there was a knock at the door. Imagine my surprise when there a lady with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my hubby. This is a very rare thing for him to do. I don't even remember the last time he got me flowers. I called his cell to thank him and he told me a funny story. He had it set up to have them delivered to school today to make all the girls there jealous. Imagine his surprise at dinner Tuesday when he found out I didn't have school today. Luckily, he found out in time to get it changed. Just look at how gorgeous these are...

Also, go to http://www.ishouldbefoldinglaundry.com/ and visit my friend Beth for a great giveaway. It includes one of her very favorite people.

So, it is 3:21 p.m. and I am finally starting my day to myself. It was suppose to start early this morning, but I got talked into going shopping with two of my daughters and the granddaughters. It was fun and I'm glad I went, but now it's me time. That was what the card said on my flowers, "Enjoy your time to yourself this weekend". That is just what I am going to do!

Honest Scrap Award

My new blogging friend, Corinne has awarded me the Honest Scrap Award. The object is to post ten scraps of information about yourself and then pass the award on to seven other bloggers. Being new to blogging, I don't know how to get the actual award picture on to my blog, so you'll just have to trust that I really got it. Here goes---

1. I am a total giver, but not a very good receiver.
2. I love Bacardi rum.
3. I would walk through fire for any member of my family.
4. For the first time in more years than I can count, I will have my house to myself for three whole days this weekend.
5. My husband is the only man I have ever slept with.
6. I could live without tv, but not without music.
7. My granddaughter can get me to do anything.
8. If I didn't color my hair, I would be totally grey.
9. I love my job at the prechool and have no desire at all to retire.
10. I love my faith.

Okay, here are my seven picks to receive the award--

Abby at Show Some Lovin
Erin at A Peach Livin in the Evergreens
Vicki at Bunny Tracks
Beth at I Should Be Folding Laundry
Kat at Just a Beachkat
Rhonda at Mimi's Toes
Sharon at Mom Generations

I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did. Let me know when you post your info.

Too Much of a Good Thing

The last time I posted, I had just had a great dinner at my daughter's house. We were invited back the next night for jalapeno and cheddar brats on the grill. Can you say Yum? So, tonight they came here for chipotle tilapia and shrimp with potatoes, green beans and rolls. I have eaten way too much good food in the last three days.

Also, two days later and I still haven't started my book. I tried to start on Sunday night and I kept falling asleep. Last night, we weren't home and tonight I was getting my valentines ready for school tomorrow. I think my book might be the first thing I do on Friday when I get my house to myself for three days.

And, if you would, please say a little prayer for my friend, Beth. Some of you know her and she is suffering from a broken heart right now. Thanks!

Yummy Night

My husband and I were invited to our daughter and son-in-law's house for dinner tonight. It was the best dinner ever. We had marinated pork chops on the grill. I can't even tell you how good it tasted to have something off the grill. It made me think that spring maybe isn't that far off. They fixed homemade twice baked potatoes, broccoli and cheese, stuffing and bread with atomic cake for dessert. I am so stuffed, but so happy. It was a great night.

I'm starting a new book tonight that comes highly recommended. It's called The Shack. One of my good friends says that I will love it. She said she has bought eight copies and given them for gifts. I'll let you know what I think when I finish it.

What I am about to say might sound selfish, but I'm going to tell you anyway. I am so looking forward to next weekend. It is the President's holiday at school, so I have a four day weekend. My oldest daughter and her husband are going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for three days. My youngest daughter is going to stay at their house and take care of the animals. My husband is leaving Friday morning for Florida to visit his dad. What makes me so happy about all this is that for the first time in many years, I am going to have my house all to myself. I don't have a clue what I am going to do, but the thought of being able to do it all by myself thrills me.

It's time to start my book. I hope you all have a great week!

Fireproof

I just have a minute because I am off to spend the afternoon with my grandaughters. I just wanted to tell you all about an amazing movie I watched yesterday. It is called Fireproof. Whether your marriage is faltering or solid as a rock, it is well worth your time. It really puts things in perspective.

It is 58 degrees here and the snow is melting. Enjoy your weekend!

My Interview

My new blogging friend Kat was looking for people to do interviews and I volunteered. Here are my questions---

1. Why do you blog?
I was introduced to blogging by one of my favorite preschool moms. Her name is Beth and I know that a lot of you know her from the blogging world. She said that I would love it and I really do. I started just last month and was amazed when I started getting comments. The main reason I started blogging was for a form of journaling, but it really is more than that. I have already made new friends, even if I don't really know them. Does that make sense?

2. What is your most prized possesion...apart from people or your pets?
I think it would have to be my photographs. They tell the story of my life and hold all my most precious memories.

3. What is your greatest regret?
I actually have two. First would be not being able to carry my second baby to term. There will always be an empty place in my heart that that baby would have filled. Second would be not having more time with my dad. I actually did a post recently about him. I was only 22 when he died and I only had one of my four daughters then. I just feel like we both missed so much.

4. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
I would live exactly where I am now. I love living in a place that has four distinct seasons. My entire family also lives here. I don't think I could live away from them.

5. Where would you like to be in ten years..and why?
I hate to repeat myself, but I would like to be right here. Same reasons as #4. Maybe having unlimited money would be a plus. I suppose in ten years, I would be retired too.

Thanks, Kat. This was fun!

My New Love Affair with Snow

Call me a hypocrit, if you want. I know I just told you last week that I was tired of snow. This morning, I changed my mind. I can't believe how pretty it is outside. I don't like the fact that we have just gone to Saturday school or the next week in June to make up snow days, but I'll worry about that later. Right now, it is magical outside. Mimi said we should all take pictures and share, so here are some of mine---

Out my front window--

I think it might be awhile before we use the hot tub again--

This is a six foot fence--

This is where my daughter's car would be parked if it wasn't stranded at Purdue-

But, God made it all so beautiful---

Was I right or what? It is totally beautiful!!!

The Parrot Head

I've been asked to post my Parrot Head martini recipe. It is the best. It took me years to find a martini that I liked, but it was worth waiting for.

The Parrot Head Martini

one shot Bacardi Silver
one shot Kahlua
one shot Godiva Chocolate liqueur
one shot half and half
Add to cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, pour and enjoy.

We went to a party on New Year's eve that had a Jimmy Buffett theme. There were about 20 different Margaritaville themed martinis. This was my personal favorite. There were a few others I liked too. I'll post those another day.

Please keep a real life friend and blogger in your prayers. She's going through a very sad time right now and she doesn't deserve it.

If you live in Northwest Indiana, you are probably sick of snow. I didn't know if I was going to make it home with the white outs and I only work about a mile from home. We have a two hour delay tomorrow. I hope that's all it is. We have too many days to make up now. Stay warm tonight and enjoy the beautiful sights you'll see outside tomorrow. It is going to be a total camera day!

The Letter Game

My new blogging friend Mimi gave me an assignment to name 10 favorite things that start with the letter "B", and 10 least favorite things that start with the letter "B". Here goes---
Favorites--
1. Beaches
2. Baths
3. Bagels
4. Babies
5. Bacardi
6. Bible
7. Books
8. Buffett (Jimmy)
9. Blogging
10 Brownies
Least favorite
1. Boats (afraid of deep water)
2. Bugs
3. Bikini
4. Blood
5. Boogers
6. Boots (snow)
7. Bullies
8. Bitches
9. Beets
10. Beer
This was fun, but not nearly as easy as I thought. If you'd like to play too, just let me know and I'll give you a letter.