From Chaos Comes Happiness

So, the tree didn't quite make it up yesterday . . . turns out that cold both Phil and I have been dealing with took more energy out of us than I first gave it credit for (that, and, our kids took alot out of us, too!) It wasn't until around 4:00 pm that we thought we'd start - then I looked at the clock and said, "Are we crazy?" (You know the answer to that one already!) However this time we decided against the craziness and did not put the tree up. It's o.k., and as my dear friend PK reminded me - I haven't even had my turkey yet. So, looks like we'll have our Thanksgiving sans Christmas tree. Speaking of turkey (and since it IS Thanksgiving week) I ask you . . . Have you hugged your Turkey today? This photo was taken by Phil a few years ago, during a visit to a local pumpkin patch and farm. We stood watching this turkey for a quite a while when Phil braved getting up close and snatched this shot just in time. The second the camera "clicked...

Ok - I can't wait any longer! I am bursting at the seams with Christmas SPIRIT!!! The tree is going up today (yes, TODAY!!!) and I am having a wonderful day at home with my family. So today, I am thankful for LIFE . I am thankful for waking up, for Starbucks coffee and laughing little girls, for a husband who makes me laugh many many times every single day, for a loving home, for a mother who still tries to take care of me, for Christmas music and decorations, for art and being able to express myself in so many forms and ways, for a great sister who understands my craziness and still loves me, for a mother-in-law/co-worker who I can call my friend, for another mother-in-law who helps me at every turn, for lavender lotion, for Costco, for Mucinex and for going to sleep at 9:00pm, for days off with the family, for new internet friends ( Hi Kiki ! and Scrapwordsmom ! ) and great longtime old friends (Kath, Karen, Cindi and Pam), for baby dolls and fuzzy blankies, for twinkle lights ...

I ran into a dear old friend of mine tonight, who I haven't seen in many months. It was so wonderful to laugh and connect with her (thanks, Pam!) As we were talking, she saw my purse and said, "Hey, nice Coach!" and it made me smile. So, I proceeded to tell her the whole story about My Coach and Me. When I finished, I knew that it was something I wanted to share with you. So, before I begin . . . . let me show you my Coach. Eh-hem. . . . my Winter Coach, that is. She's a beauty, isn't she? And I can't even believe she is mine. You see, I am NOT a "Coach" kind of girl. Not that I don't LOVE my Coach, (this Coach is my most cherished purse), but I have never in my life owned a coach purse, until this one. I take that back - I do believe my sister gave me one of her's probably 20 years ago. But that is about it. So, now to my story of My Coach and Me . . . Last summer I visited a Coach Outlet with my dear sister-in-law, Maria, and her dear hu...

(PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE ADDTIONAL NOTE AT END OF POST!) Ok, before I begin . . . to all my male readers out there (do I even have any male readers?), I am apologizing in advance if this may offend you - I know not what I am doing. To my husband (if you so happen to be reading this, dearest sweetheart), let's just pretend that this isn't directed towards you in any way - because I DO love you so. (Truthfully, honestly, and totally.) I'm going to try to write this post without begin too catty. . . honestly, I am. But sometimes when I get on a roll - you know what happens. But seriously, ladies. . . . WHAT IS IT WITH THE MEN IN OUR LIVES? Ok, let me explain. I am wondering how women, in general, can: take care of the kids, feed the dogs, wash, fold and put away the laundry, work a gazillion of hours a week, shop for groceries, plan for holidays, mail birthday & anniversary cards, pay the bills, do the homework with the kids, buy the birthday presents, drive the kids...

The funniest thing happened as I was sitting on the couch Friday night, watching TV. I started thinking to myself, "Gees, I really wish I had an exercise bike. Then I wouldn't be sitting here on the couch doing nothing. I could be riding my bike getting a little exercise into my night." Then . . . . a voice in my head said, "Hey . . . . goofy . . . . you HAVE an exercise bike in the storage room. Now what's your excuse?" And you know what . . . . yep, I do. I have an exercise bike. So, this weekend we moved our exercise bike from here . . . . . . . to here . . . Right into the family room, where I can SEE it. You see, all of a sudden I realized that I am a VISUAL person. I need to SEE and touch things, to totally "get it". I can't always close my eyes and imagine patterns of papers or finished layouts when scrapbooking - I need to actually SEE the paper and SEE the pictures in their layout on my table. If I SEE it, then I can easily get it al...

Even though I am spending some much needed positive spirit time, I could not forget this weeks Sunday Thankful Moment. And this, I must say, is the tops! This week, I have to say, hands down, that I am so very very Thankful for my absolutely amazing, supportive, and wonderful husband, Phil. My Phil Guy is truly 1 in a million, and I am so blessed that he asked me to walk through this life together, hand in hand, with him. He has been working so hard the past few weeks (years is more like it - but especially hard the past few weeks) and putting so much into his job. I have probably seen him a total of 10 hours in 2 weeks. While this is not good (and I worry constantly about him), I am so incredibly proud of him, all that he has accomplished, and all that he continues to do. He is an absolutely amazing father - truly - probably the best father I've ever seen. And our daughters adore him with all of their heart. And he truly makes me laugh like no one else on this earth. I don't t...

I'm taking a couple days off to renew that spirit that was a little torn this week. Today I am visiting the Scrapbook Cellar to work on my December Daily Book . SO excited to be spending time with some ladies who totally fill me up with "GOOD" . . . and SO excited to be getting this book completed and ready to use for December 1. (Read about this project here , if you didn't catch it before.) Tonight Phil and I will be acting like grown-ups (note: acting . . . ) as we have been invited to a friend/coworker of Phil's for a lovely dinner at their home in Hyde Park. Hyde Park is a GREAT part of the city (Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House is there). Wonderful architecture, culture, and SPIRIT . . . I can't wait to take it all in! Tomorrow, a restful day at home with my family. Nothing better than that. I hope this weekend allows you some time to fill up with "GOOD" and do something you enjoy. I stopped by CP Meat Market yesterday- that always lifts ...