From Chaos Comes Happiness

So . . . . blah, blah, blah, blah blah blahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. . . . (I guess I'm warning you, in some way , that this is about to be a "Blah Blah" Post. I think I'll have to create a new "Blah Blah" Subject on the side bar here - to include any of those posts that are just down right blah - or when I'm feeling in a particularly blah mood.) Ok, here goes . . . . Here I am - at the most Wonderful Time of the Year (my words, exactly) and I'm feeling . . . . blah. My Christmas Club check came from work - and while most of it is going to bills and household "staples" (which included a trip to Costco for TP, paper plates, napkins, abundance of fruits and veggies, cereal, pepperoni . . . gotta have pepperoni . . . and cleaning supplies), I am able to actually put some of it towards Christmas gift purchases. The problem is - I'm having a hard time shopping this year. I mean - a really hard time shopping. The thing is, I think PG and I have been

I almost am! I've been spending some last minutes on my December Daily book and am almost ready for December 1st! This project (created by scrapbook guru Ali Edwards - click here for a link to her site) has been such fun. The project is to prepare an album/scrapbook to hold photos and memories of this December 2009 for my family. Here are a few shots of the album so far: I'm really happy with the cover. I've decided to use an 8x8 chipboard album, and have added additional 6x6 plastic sheets, 8x8 plastic sheets, and 8x8 transparencies in between. My goal was to step out of the comfort zone (which would have been a standard album with same size pages inside). But I really wanted to do something different here. I also wanted to do everything with supplies I had IN MY OWN store! I didn't want to go out and spend any money (or - only wanted to spend very little), and I'm proud that I really followed that idea. Like most scrapbookers, I have a huge amount of supplies th

Twelve years ago, you asked me to be your wife. Eleven years ago, we said "I do." Thank you for sharing life with me. I love you with all of my heart! Happy Anniversary!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! The girls and I just finished these little Thanksgiving bookmarks that we will be giving out as favors for our Thanksgiving festivities this year. We so look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving at my sisters this year - it's going to be a wonderful time! My Grandma Josephine used to always make favors for everyone each holiday celebration. From crocheted Turkeys and Easter Bunnies, to the Angel ornament I showed you earlier this week. Those favors are some of the warmest memories I have of my childhood and the holidays, and I decided that my girls and I will continue that tradition and make little favors for everyone in our family from now on. We had lots of fun making these for Thanksgiving (and the glue is almost off of Ella's fingers!) So Cute! I do wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share a bit of my life and thoughts with you in the form of this blog. I began this in July simply as a way to releas

Isn’t it amazing how angels visit you when you least expect it? Recently my dear friend Peggy wrote about Angels in her blog (click here to visit her post) and I have to admit – when I first read it I was having a hard time understanding or relating to her story. I guess on that day I just wasn’t “open” to it. But, you know . . . since that day it's been rather funny to me that I’ve been visited by a number of Angels. My Angels . . . how blessed I am. We have had a rough financial year in our house. Don’t worry – we are completely fine and still able to enjoy our Starbucks coffee here and there! But we have to really budget our life right now, as late incentive checks and cut in salaries have caused a big strain on our pocket book. The economy has hit so many people – and we have fallen right in line with that. I always tell PG, though, that God always takes care of us, and it is so very true. While we may have struggles week to week with our cash flow, we always have a roof over

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&quo

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

Today my spirit is a little bruised. After a bothersome call early this morning, I feel a bit worn and used. And I'm bummed about that. It's really no big deal. What caused my sudden shift in mood doesn't even matter . . . what matters is that I feel the change, and I want to get out of it as soon as possible. Because I don't feel good this way. No one is hurt, sick or dying . . . I am blessed with so many parts of my life that I've lost count. What is most important for me to remember, is that all things really do happen for a reason. Yes, they do. But how do you keep yourself reminded of that? I went through photos on my computer tonight, because that always seems to help. When my spirit needs lifting, I find I need to focus on what is GOOD. This memory, above, is good. And this drawing is good, too. This laughing little girl is good. And this sweet little girl is, too. This man is good. And this is a really really good life. No matter what tomorrow may bring,

Ok - so I've been sharing the "LOVE" the past few days, and am now ready to VENT a little. Don't mean to spread any negativity, but I just have to get this off of my chest. So, please bear with me, and allow me to emote. . . Do you play any computer games? Or games on Facebook? Staries? Bejeweled? Cube Crash? Any of those sound familiar? I do . . . and right now, I'm almost ready to STOP all together. Because a few moments ago . . . in the middle of the "Christmas Crunch" game on Facebook . . . I was told by the game "You can do better!" SERIOUSLY!!! It's bad enough that I am faced with my own issues of guilt and not doing enough , or not doing good enough, in this life of mine. . . that now I have a FACEBOOK GAME telling me "You can do better?!?!?!!!" YES, I RECOGNIZE THIS, you darn Christmas Crunch Game!!! I KNOW that I CAN DO BETTER! Do YOU have to remind me??? I recognize that I can do better every time I : Pay the bills .

To continue my hope of spreading love in the world, a remembrance of love for all of the veterans who have given so much of their lives - so that I can have mine. Happy Veterans Day and Thank You. With Love. PHOTO CREDITS: V-J Day in Times Square, a photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt, published in Life in 1945.

While folding laundry this weekend, the song "Put a little Love in Your Heart" started playing in my head, and I began singing. Ella was in the family room, and came in to see what brought my sudden performance on. She stood there watching and listening to me for a few seconds. When I finally turned to her, she had the biggest grin on her face and said, "Good Girl, Mommy. That is a good song." Think of your fellow man Lend him a helping hand Put a little love in your heart You see it's getting late Oh, please don't hesitate Put a little love in your heart And the world will be a better place And the world will be a better place For you and me You just wait and see This song, written and sung by Jackie DeShannon, was released in 1969. DeShannon also sung the familiar "What the World Needs Now is Love" song (that also appeared in my head ysesterday.) DeShannon was quite a visionary, wasn't she? 40 years ago - she got it. She knew that this mes

During this weeks installment of Sunday Thankful Moment, I am shining some light on someone new, and saying "Thanks for being a part of my Life" to my neighbor and friend, Sherri. Sherri is my Scary Movie friend, my Coupon Queen hero, my super Mom idol, my WW buddy, my Room Mom partner, and someone who always makes me laugh. She is my hard headed Italian friend, who would give the shirt off her back to anyone if they needed it. And she'll give you a 1/2 gallon of ice cream from her freezer, too, if you really really need it (which is kind of funny - since she is my WW buddy!) This week, Sherri and I were to join the dreaded WW ( Weight Watchers ) together. Being the totally awesome Mom that she is, Sherri forgot that she signed up for a school event with her youngest son on the very night our first meeting was to take place. She felt awful that she could not join me, but made sure I knew she was IN and next week would be at the meeting with me. She just called me last

I don't completely mean to stay on the "Coffee" subject (especially since yesterdays post on coffee cups), but this is something I just have to share with you. It's just another one of those truly unique "Leanne" moments. Before I begin . . . . A DISCLOSURE: I DO NOT SUPPORT OR CONDONE MY BEHAVIOR IN ANY WAY. MOST IMPORTANTLY - NO ONE WAS INJURED AND NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MYSELF, ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL, MY AUTOMOBILE, ANY OTHER INDIVIDUALS AUTOMOBILE, OR THE STARBUCKS BUILDING ITSELF. So, Thursday morning, I kind of . . . . tapped . . . . a Starbucks. I like to think of it as a "LOVE TAP". Because, you know, I LOVE my Starbucks. But, yes. Tapped. Let me explain what actually happened. I was going through the drive-thru on my way to work, and sort of got distracted as I pulled up to the window. Do you know how cars have those "things" sticking out on the side? You know . . . those, um . . . side mirrors? Yes, those things. Well, mine jus

We love coffee in this house. Always have. Always will. Any kind of coffee; brewed, espresso, iced, hot, whatever it may be in any way that it comes. Both my husband and I have this great appreciation for the beverage, and we have the coffee cups to prove it. The other day I read a post on Facebook that inspired me to write about my love for coffee. It was: "Need to ask my Starbucks fan friends. . . what's the deal with the excitement for the red cups?" and my heart immediately skipped a bit . . . SERIOUSLY !!! If she has to ask . . . then she just doesn't get it ! I LOVE the red cups as much as I love the holiday that accompanies them (and you already know how much I love the holiday). So this morning I went to pour my cup of coffee, thinking about about the cups that we have . . . and the location of where our cups are. We have "nice" cups that go with our everyday dishes. However, it seems every morning I reach for some other type of cup . . . one that

Just a couple "shout outs" and blog updates for you and yours . . . in case you were wondering: Yep, today is Thursday. You know what that means. . . bum bum bum bumm . . . WW night. Starting my new way of thinking . . . and new healthy life . . . How Fun . . . (Click right HERE to review what I am doing tonight.) Just imagine. . . in about 48 hours I should be really REALLY CRABBY. (Lucky You, as I should have some really great posts from that!) Congratulations to PK . . . .who made it through Halloween! (Click right HERE to review PK's post about Halloween.) PK - I'm glad you made it! I'm thinking next year you and your PG are coming to my house. I'll make a believer out of you yet! Major Congrats to an old High School friend, Lynn, who started a blog! Yea!!! (Click right HERE to get to her blog.) Lynn sent me an email a couple months back, telling me she was a closet writer. Well . . . WAY TO GO, LYNN! for stepping out and sharing your thoughts with us a

Yesterday I got into my car and immediately had CHRISTMAS smack me in the face. Well, in the nose, to be exact. My dear husband hung the most wonderful little Yankee Candle Cinnamon Spice Air Freshener in my car, and the scent pulled me 51 days ahead - to CHRISTMAS! (Yes, I know that I'm a little early. PLEASE forgive me . . . I'm just in that CHRISMAS MOOD! I know! I KNOW! It's crazy . . . . but I LOVE IT!!!) I LOVE CHRISTMAS and EVERYTHING NICE about it! I LOVE that it is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus - and our nativity set, with twinkle lights glowing by its side, brings me to that special night so many, many years before. I LOVE that it is a time to unpack charming, magical decorations and turn the house into the VERY BEST place in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD. I LOVE that it is the one time of year when I can walk through stores singing aloud to the BEST SONGS EVER WRITTEN, and not have too many people look at me like I'm crazy. I LOVE that we can bake thou

Just a few photos of the fun this Halloween!!!! We made this AWESOME non-alcoholic punch that really was so yummy , I wanted to share the recipe with you. I don't know about you - but I LOVE a good punch bowl recipe. It's so classic to me, as I remember a punch bowl was a must at every big family gathering in my house growing up. I found this recipe for "Witches' Brew Punch" and we made it for our Halloween gathering, and it was a BIG HIT! The only thing that made it "halloweenie" was that I took 3 packages of fruit snacks and put them in 2 plastic gloves, then poured cold water over the fruit snacks and placed them in the freezer. Once frozen, I peeled the gloves off and placed the "hands" in the bowl (although, all the "fingers" fell off during this step, but everyone still enjoyed the effort!) But this step could totally be omitted, if you wanted to make this punch for something non-halloween related. Witches' Brew Punch The

So, I did it . . . . AGAIN. You may recall my " 6 Mistakes in Hair Coloring " post I wrote back in August (click on the title of the post to be reminded), and how it didn't quite turn out like I planned. Well . . . I'm no dummy . . . . but in this case - I just might be . Because, I did it again. I don't know what happened. That's not entirely true. I know exactly what happened. And this time, grocery shopping with a toddler is not even part of the story. This time . . . it was a sale on hair coloring at Jewel. Yes, Jewel. $2.99 for Revlon Colorsilk Coloring (IT'S A STEAL!!!!) So, I bought the $2.99 coloring, and hoped for the best. I went with #47 - Rich Medium Brown this time. I mean, it's Fall, right? Why not go a little darker. Well, I'll tell you "WHY NOT" Because. . . . Rich Medium Brown is actually REALLY REALLY DARK BROWN ALMOST BLACK! Oh, gees. Let me just show you. . . Saturday (on Halloween) my hair looked like this: Today, my

What a great time of year . . . the Month of Thankfulness. This month, I am taking lead from my blog buddy Kiki and am going to do my very best to remember those for whom I am most thankful. I hope to share my Thankful Moments with you each Sunday in November . . . for I feel there is no better way to start the week than remembering those I am thankful for. Today, I am feeling a great amount of gratitude for my F amily - f or those who have become my family and who fit my definition of family. I had each of those people in my home yesterday, and after spending a great afternoon and evening with them I am feeling such thankfulness for having this group in my life. We, together, are dysfunctional, quirky, fun and totally honest. We are what we are. And each of the people here yesterday are so important to me. I took a moment yesterday and watched this group who gathered in my home as they conversed with each other. I thought about all the people in the world who don't have their f