New Look

Guess you could say I'm procrastinating again. I decided to give the blog a facelift. To quote a stylin television show..... How Do I Look?

On The Go

This summer has certainly been busy for my family, With so many changes happening in such a small period of time any news we had probably would have gotten lost in all the chaos.

The newlyweds have purchased their first home together, sounds like a party will be planned, and should be moving in the not to distant future.

My brother, retired June 30th..... July 1st his newly separated daughter and 14 month old grandson moved in with him.

My oldest niece changed jobs. Every few years she gets bored and needs a new challenge. I told her she needed to stay put and start thinking about retirement, ugh. (Makes ya feel old when your "niece" needs a talking to about retirement!) Of course, who am I to give her advice about staying put in a job.

Steve wants to change jobs, too. The company he works for is driving him insane with their unrealistic demands and inconsistent rules and regulations which seem to change depending on who you are and if they like you that day. That roller coaster not only effects emotions and morale -- but wallets. I've never heard of a company that keeps your bonus if you have to take off a few days because you are ill or need to see a dentist to get a tooth pulled. Now I wonder if they want you to work either while sick and/or in pain. If robbery was against the law how do businesses get away with it? My question is when a huge company does that, what are they doing with their "saved" loot, line the pockets of their executives? I'm surprised Steve didn't hand his notice and tell them to kiss his ass.

My middle niece will be graduating with her B.S. degree in Nursing this summer. I can't imagine juggling a toddler (she has a 3 year old), a husband, full time job and going to school full time. She'll be changing jobs of course as soon as she passes the state boards... OMG I just realized, there seems to be a theme in my family this summer.... is the need to change jobs genetic???

And, most importantly, in my youngest great niece who will be one year old in November. Not only is she taking her first steps and talking she's developed quite the sophisticated palate and discovered her favorite food -- PIZZA.

Then, lastly there's me. I have this need to change and fix things so I remodel then remodel again. I'm not sure if I'm indecisive or easily bored. I best get it right now I may not have time in the future.

I'm back on the bandwagon of being optimistic. I guess things happen when they are supposed to happen -- in God's time not when I demand it. Patience is a lesson I just haven't learned. I guess when patience was being passed out I must have been absent that day.

September is just around the corner, a new season, and, who knows, maybe the beginning of something wonderful. So, in the mean time.... I'll just sew, paint, and redecorate.

Happy 4th of July

Steve's got to work today, so I'm spending the day with my "little" Angel and the cats. I'm finishing up the kitchen tile job, sealing the grout, so I'm in the home stretch. Next, I'll move onto the daunting task of reorganizing, completing the drywall refinishing, then preparing the walls for paint. I can't wait until my kitchen remodel will be done.

Hopefully, I won't run out of projects. Oh wait, what am I saying. I have enough projects to take me to the end of the decade!! So, in the mean time.....

Happy 4th of July, maybe if we wish on fireworks hard enough instead of stupid ole stars our dreams will come true -- for our little ones to be with all of us this year.

Queen of Procrastination

I decided I would get off my lazy extra wide butt and get some projects completed that I had started. I mailed off the pair of crocheted cowboy booties last week and now I'm starting to complete my kitchen. The kitchen project has taken us alot longer than it should have. For some unexplained reason we can't seem to finish anything!

So, today I began using the wetsaw and started making the intricate cuts to finish the slate back splash that we started months ago. The one area not only has the tile but I have also put one coat of the sealer on it and will do another coat before I go to bed. In the mean time.... I plan on finishing a baby afghan I started tonight and can put it away with a few other items that I actually completed.

Tomorrow morning I'll finish with the wetsaw and by tomorrow afternoon, hopefully, I'll be able to add sealer to the rest of the kitchen -- that is, if I can keep my momentum going. When Steve gets home on Sunday, hopefully, I can get him to mix the grout and move the refrigerator so I can pull down the border ... wash the walls and get them painted.

I once had a wise friend tell me that I needed to get things ready and when I was our children would be ready to join us. shhh don't wake me up ... I can dream can't I?

Dreaming ... for out of such fragile things come miracles.

Happy Father's Day

For those of you fathers who follow adoption blogs, Happy Father's Day. I'm sure that all you hopeful dad's that are waiting to be fathers you can't wait until you hold your little one. Hopefully it won't be much longer now. So for those of you who are just waiting for your referrals Happy Father's Day To Be.

Changes ......

Steve and I have been busy over the past few weeks and I'm ready for a break. First, I drove several hours to Michigan two weeks ago on the weekend of Memorial Day was a bridal shower that I catered, then Memorial Day itself was more bbqing and cooking for a 81st birthday party for my dad. At the same time, Steve stayed home and attended the high school graduation party of his cousin that was junior bridesmaid in our wedding. Tina, who went thru commencement this past weekend left for boot camp. Tina has been in the National Guard since December and had enlisted in the Army. They delayed boot camp until after she went thru commencement. While I am proud of this 18 year old, and I wish her well, I worry that Tina's made the right decision and will be safe.

Last weekend, we had to say goodbye to an old friend. Steve inherited his father's Australian Shepard, Roscoe, a few years before we got married. Roscoe, passed away last weekend in the middle of the night. It's always hard to say goodbye to a member of the family. It's so quiet around here without him. He'll be sorely missed.

While cousin Tina's commencement was going on this weekend, Steve and I drove to Michigan to attend our nephew's wedding and to go to our niece's dance recital. I don't think there's anything that can put a smile on your face any easier than a 5 year old in a tutu strutting their stuff. It was a hectic tho, we had only an hour in between the recital and the wedding.

I have never been to an outside wedding, and it was beautiful. The wedding was at the bride's sister's home in the country that looked like a castle and was catered by a local country club. I had never been to a wedding that had bagpipes played instead of piano's, organs, or violins. The bagpipes were perfect for the castle setting.

After briefly attending the reception we said our goodbyes and congratulations and drove the six hours home so Steve could go to work the next day. We were both exhausted when we got home, and I don't remember going to bed. With all of that behind us, we're looking forward to some other changes. But for now, I'm looking forward to a few quiet weeks at home sewing, quilting, and crafting.

Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day is I believe the kick off for the backyard barbecue for most of this country. Let's not forget the reason behind this National Holiday and remember those soldiers that have fought and are fighting for our country. Every year my family visits the cemetery to honor my uncle and brother, and Steve will be doing the same here planting flowers in memory of his parents and lighting a candle. This will be the first Memorial Day that Steve and I won't be together in Michigan since we met and it'll seem strange that he's not manning the barbecue with my nephew-in-law and father but I have a bridal shower in Michigan and he has to work until Sunday so it makes no sense for both of us to drive 5 hours for the day. So I'll do a little cooking before I leave so he'll have something in the fridge and won't have to go to McDonalds for the day. I think I'll even try Barbara's black bean and corn salad, it sounded yummy.

So, have a happy and safe Memorial Day for those that are traveling. Are any of you doing anything special?

Cookin Time AGAIN ....

Well, it's that time, again. My nephew and his fiancee are having a bridal shower next Sunday and my dad's 81st birthday is on Monday so it's back to the ole stove to bake and cook what I can and put it in the freezer so it'll travel well. I can't believe how I get volunteered for this since I have two sisters, a brother, and adult nieces and nephews with families of their own but I do. I guess I'll be rolling dolmas tomorrow and get a few appetizers in the freezer. The cakes, cookies, desserts, salads, and other tidbits can wait until next week. It seems to take a whole day to make the dolmas so if i get them done early I won't feel so rushed. Driving several hours with food all by myself doesn't sound like fun. I'll be hungry...ugh

There goes my diet again!!

Happy Mother's Day

For all those hardworking moms and that includes those that have children now or hard at work to bringing children home, Happy Mother's Day. I hope that you have a wonderful day.

A Huntin We Will Go.....

I've tried to keep busy this past week, and hope to do the same this week so I'll stop feeling sorry for myself. My nephew helped. He sent me this picture of his six month old daughter, himself, and their turkey. He swears you can't "start 'em too young" when it comes to huntin..... I can't imagine what the nephew and his daughter will be doing in another six months..... fishing maybe?

Heaven help her, we've gotta get that girl some dresses, quick!!!!

Easter Time

As I think I told you previous, Steve is Eastern Orthodox and this coming Sunday is his Easter. So, over the next few days I'll be baking, cooking, and roasting. Right now I have an antipasto salad and two cakes (lemon poppy seed and a carrot cake) cooling so I thought I'd take a break before I went back in the kitchen. Tomorrow I have to dye eggs and do desserts leaving Saturday to bake bread and salads, and Sunday to do vegetables and meats. Tammie, would you believe I finally get to take down Easter decorations next week?

I have noticed something, every time I try and eat healthy a holiday creeps up on me, and I spend about 75% of the week in the kitchen. I haven't yet figured out how to cook and bake without tasting, darn it. I hope I just don't gain weight this week. I'll have a week off from holiday cooking then will have another Serbian family holiday on the May 6th, a catering job for the 24th, my father's birthday at the end of the May, and my nephew's wedding on June 7th. I think this is family sabotage. How does anyone diet and eat healthy when so many holidays center around food?

These Boots Are Made For Walkin

I promised to post pictures of things I was making for my little ones. I couldn't resist getting out the old crochet needles to make these adorable cowboy boot booties. I'm planning on making a few pairs for gifts, and will even make a pair in pink and cream. Aren't they adorable?

See what I get into when I'm bored? lol

It's Sewing Time

My little angel has decided to help me. She dumped out my fabric tote on the livingroom floor and as you can see decided to do some sorting. She selected a few of her favorites and took them into the diningroom. Of course, her choice would have to be the imported silks not the cottons which I have purchased to make quilts and bedding. Is she's hinting that I need to get motivated and start sewing again.

As soon as I start making and completing projects from this mound of fabric I'll post the completed items.

For The Stylin New Mommy

For the mommy that wants only the best for their little tike, I present to you the ultimate in stylish diaper bags. I suggest you take a gander at this one, by Gucci, which is highly recommended for the woman with discriminating taste. It is a bit oversized for those women that are always prepared for whatever their little darling needs on those little trips out of the house. Yes, it's a tad heavy, but it's worth it. All eyes will be on you as you stroll about town with Gucci on your arm. Besides, remember it takes work to look so good.

It's simple, has that Gucci log standing proud on the middle, the famous chained 's' print on quality sturdy fabric that is easily cleaned, even has a complementing black zip and shoulder strap. This huge diaper bag is the biggest in Gucci handbags class can be found at cooldesignerhandbags.com and purchased for the unbelievable low price of $935.00.

Now I know what you're going to say, that's outrageous, but don't you want the best for your little one? It is promising to be all the rage this year.... besides, it's a Gucci!!!! Now, the real question is, how in the world do I talk Steve into it?

Happy Valentine's Day

For those of you who are fortunately enough to have your significant other home with you today, Happy Valentine's Day. Steve's away so I'm getting my Angel to be my Valentine this year. She's already given me my present, nooooooo, she's not had an accident in the house for two days now, so I rewarded her with a new toy for Valentine's Day. After several minutes of kisses she ran off to play with it.

I think that the most Romantic Holiday of the year is for teenagers and their first loves, but I do have to admit, I love the chocolates. This year, however, I've decided to refrain from eating a one pound box in favor of something more healthy. So, that let's Steve off the hook as far as chocolates go. But now, the real question, what should replace my chocolates this year, hmmmmm, how about jewelry?

Hope you have a wonderful day with the person you love.