artsy-crafty babe

gratitude friday

 

Oh lordy, what a week! I couldn’t be happier that Friday is finally here.  Now that our soccer seasons are over, we have a little more breathing room on the weekends, which is very much looked forward to.  Well, there’s still things going on, but different things.

To end this week on a high note, I’ve decided to reflect on those things that I am grateful for.  On this beautiful Friday, I am most grateful for:

• the gorgeous weather we’ve been experiencing. it seems that we really are having a spring. with a non-existent winter, I was afraid that we’d jump right into the scorcher temps, so this is a pleasant surprise.
• the antics of Ava.  Oh my, that girl. this was yesterday.  I can’t help but laugh at her. it saddens me a little that when I was taking this picture she told me “don’t put this on anything”.  she’s growing up!  and yes, I’m the bad mom who didn’t listen and put her picture on the internet.
• good insurance agents. after a few nerve wracking days, we’re fully insured again.  it’s a long story, but last weekend we found out that our homeowners insurance had dropped us, so there was a scramble come Monday morning to get things straightened out.  I don’t have time for that kind of aggravation!!  thankfully, I was able to find a NEW insurance agent who took care of us, and now we’re good.
• Y’all!!  my goodness, I was blown away at the response to my pattern tester request.  I never imagined that so many of you were willing to help.  I haven’t figured out how I’ll choose, I may have to do a drawing or something.  Thank you!
• my new spring/summer uniform.  this week some dresses I ordered from Target arrived and I love them.  most importantly, they FIT!  they’re comfortable, flattering and easy to wear (and I can nurse in them).  I’m sure my friends and family will get sick of seeing me wear them. now my challenge is mixing them up with accessories and cardis (and maybe some new sandals)
• The Scribble Diary – so much fun!  this book arrived on my doorstep last week from the publisher (surprise!).  it’s a journal, but different.  there are prompts to jog your brain and space to doodle.  I’ve been doing a page an day and really have enjoyed it.  doodling doesn’t come naturally to me, so this has opened a new creative outlet. 
• tax refunds – wahoo!
• feeling inspired again, thanks to working through some mental blocks (my scribble journal played a part in that)

Ah, and now it is the weekend!  we’ve got the kids’ school Spring Festival on the agenda as well as a visit from friend. I’m choosing to not think about all the laundry waiting for me :)

Have a great one, friends!!

gratitude friday

I had plans of writing this post on Thursday night to post first thing Friday morning. That never happened.  It seems that my little sewing fest earlier in the week wiped me out.  Seriously. One night past my bedtime and it takes me days to recover.  Days.

Anyway, earlier this week I started a gratitude journal. It's true that having gratitude takes practice.  My gratitude friday posts in the past weren't regular or frequent, but they didn't take a lot of effort, mainly because I was in the habit of seeing all those good things in my life.  Now, not so much.  It takes effort, and I hate that.  I'm out of practice, bogged down by paying too much attention to those things that aren't so good.   I've decided to practice my gratitude every day with my journal, and on Friday I'll bring back my "gratitude friday" posts to share some of those with you.  I'm not promising every Friday, but some Fridays they'll be here.

On this dreary Friday afternoon I have so many things to be thankful for:

• feeling baby kicks inside my belly - such a bazaar feeling, but reassuring.
• hearing Matt play bingo with the kids while I soak in the tub
• enjoying a meal with friends
• Ruby's smooshy puppy dog lips (sometimes I like to just squeeze them between my fingers!)
• gently falling rain that relieves the scorching heat
• the things Ava says - last night she told me "your belly sure is big.  how much food you got in there?"
• zinnias from the garden to brighten my window sill
• this little blog of mine which turned 6 years old yesterday.  my life wouldn't be the same without it.
• people in my life who listen and encourage (you know who you are!!)

This is only a small sampling of those things that make it to my journal.  When you open your eyes and pay attention, there really is so much good around you!

**my gratitude fridays were started after seeing Autum's gratitude friday posts years ago.  I'm currently reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp which is bringing the idea gratitude home to me again.

Have a great weekend, friends!

gratitude friday

 
It's been a while since I've listed my gratitudes, so I thought it was time I dusted off one of my favorite topics.  I'll be honest, I haven't exactly been in the right mindset to look for the positive.  It happens.  It really is a shame that I can't always pull myself out of it enough to see all of the good, but believe me, my reason is a good one.  I'll tell you all about it soon enough.

So anyway, on this gorgrous spring Friday, I am grateful for so many things.  Right off the bat, seeing the sunshine is a bonus.  I really can't complain about the weather because we've been experiencing spring for about a month now, but we had some stormy weather the past few days.  Those gray days were the pits!  I know for certain I could never live somewhere with lots of gray days because I would surely be miserable.  When the sun came out yesterday afternoon I was instantly in a better mood.
 
First and foremost, I am grateful for my little family.  Yes, my kids bicker more than I'd like, create messes in an instant, and grow up way too fast, but they're all healthy, happy, and seem to have a pretty good head on their shoulders.  Is there anything more I could ask more?  I think not!  (well, maybe some tidy-up abilities might be nice, but I'm not picky)
 
nachos - ohmygoodness, they're all I want to eat these days.  I keep going between Izzo's and Q-doba. I like them loaded with pico de gallo, corn, onions, beans, everything!  I think I could eat that for every meal.
 
my new $20 dresses from Target (which are now on sale for $16).  They're so comfortable and perfect to throw on with a denim jacket and sandals.  They also hide the midsection fluff quite nicely.
 
Real Housewives of New York are returning next week!!  I've missed them so!  Just seeing the previous season re-runs are making me happy.  I'm also happy that Richard won Top Chef.  Yes, I'm a Bravo junkie.
 
The PRC Shotgun House Tour - tomorrow Matt and I are heading down to New Orleans to go on this tour.  I'm so excited!  Have I ever mentioned how much I love house tours?  As a bonus, I get to see my friend Valorie's house on tour and hopefully meet up with Mitchell.  Remember when I met them for lunch last spring?
 
Last but not least, I am so grateful for finishing up loose ends!  I have a couple of projects in the works that have been hanging over my head.  Getting them finished feels like a weight has been lifted - a perfect start to the weekend.
 
Well, now I'm off to see my boy's first baseball game, then it's off to softball practicefor the girl.  It's a thrill a minute around here, I tell ya!  Happy Weekend, Friends!!

gratitude friday

 
Here we are again, my favorite day of the week.  Friday, a day filled with endings and beginnings and full of possibility. 

When I sit down to write one of these gratitude friday posts, I often feel like a broken record, but can we ever be grateful enough for a healthy family and good friends?  I think not.

On this beautiful fall Friday, I am most grateful for:

• my sweet little family.  When I think about how much those 4 people mean to me, my heart aches.  They are my world.
• fun size snickers (!!!)
• getting my sleepy butt out of bed Sunday morning to go to Mass to hear a homily that spoke to me.  Seriously, I'm still thinking about those words today.  To be honest, I didn't want to go, but Lily was an alter server, so I had to.  I think it was meant to be.
• fall.  I don't think I need to explain.  A cool front came through yesterday to relieve us of the insane heat and humidity.  RELIEF!!
• my friends at work.  If it weren't for my friends, I do believe that place would drive me insane.  And today is special because we're celebrating a birthday, which means going out for lunch.  Yay!
• boots.  Don't tell Matt, but these hopped into my cart the other day...I can't wait for them to arrive.  If you decide to indulge, they run big, so order a half size smaller than you would normally wear - I tried them on in the store, but the on-line deals were better (you can use 3 coupon codes!), so that's how they were purchased.
• Papa  Murphy's (it's nice to take a break every now and then)

• observing my kidlets at play.  They have such imaginations!  That there is a "recipe", as described by Ava (grass, roses, spanish moss??).  I'm so glad my kids love to be outside playing with their friends and each other more than being couch potatoes sucked into the TV.

• beautiful pink sunsets
• Matt :)

Friends, take a look at your life.  I challenge you to find the extraordinary in the ordinary - it's there, I promise.  It's amazing what a difference a change in perspective makes.

Happy weekend :)

gratitude friday

It's time to fall back to an oldie but goody - gratitude friday.  I do believe a gratitude friday is long overdue.  Things around here have been pretty darned good, but very busy and a bit chaotic at times.  When the busy and chaos start to overshadow the good, I know it's time to pull back and set things back in focus.

On this fine friday in may, I am most grateful for:

• making new friends
• being inspired
• Ava's giggle
• my new earrings
• finding the first pea pod in the garden
• the housewives of New Jersey (don't judge! - they make me grateful for my own drama-less life!!)
• being in the company of creative people
• hearing Alex read to Ava
• the beautiful blooms in my yard
• thunderstorms
• feeling loved
• my smart & talented Lily (who I can't believe will be 9 on Monday!!)
• crab cakes
• being a mom
• the end of the school year
• my beloved Matt, for putting up with my fabric/craft supply hoarding and incessant project craziness

TGIF!  Have a great weekend, friends!!

gratitude friday

Hello there, October!  I'm so happy you're here!  Yes, I do love October.  It's one of my favorite months.  This is the time of year when we finally have pleasant weather down here.  This past week was no disappointment - temps in the low 80's, low humidity, just perfect!  Of course, as I'm typing this the rain is pouring down, which is nice too.

Thank you for your responses on my last post.  Really, thank you.  Who needs therapy when you have blog friends?  Since writing that I've done a lot more thinking, talking with Matt, and made a shift in my attitude about the whole situation.  A change in attitude can do wonders.  So here it is, a new month, a new attitude, and lots of good things to be grateful for:

• Ava's new favorite hair-do - finally, after 7 months of growth!  Shall I refresh your memory?  She now loves wearing little front piggies, so cute!
• friends
• beautiful weather
• the scale moving in the right direction (yes, I'm back on the weight-loss wagon)
• casting on a new project (I haven't completed any of my wip's, but I'm so tired of sleeves!)
• being amazed by the creativity of Lily - I'm so proud of that girl!
• the support of Matt
• the sound of pouring rain this morning
• early mornings when I'm the only one awake - this happened by accident once this week, but I think I'll make it a habit
• Alex's new found love of soccer
• feeling inspired again

This little life of mine, it's pretty darned good!  Have a great weekend, friends.

gratitude friday

Here we are, Friday again.  Yet another week has flown before my eyes.  Truly amazing.  I'm not complaining about all the possibilities of another weekend before me, but I wish I knew where my week went!  I suppose I should just get used to this, especially with the kids getting older and more involved in their own activities.  Before I get too depressed thinking about that, how about some gratitude?

This week I am grateful for:

• GNO (girls night out) tonight, second Friday in a row for me *wahoo*
• a newly painted living room
• puppy kisses
• hearing the excitement in Alex's voice when he talks about his day (kindergarten is sooo exciting!)
• the return of Mad Men and Project Runway
• Ava's constant smile.  Even when she is in a bad mood, that smile will come out eventually.
• finally turning my ISO off automatic - duh!  what's the point of shooting in manual mode with automatic ISO?? 
• seeing my name and face in print :)
• my hard working husband
• planning another new quilt in the works
• the brilliant fallish weather we experienced early in the week - can't wait for more
• woot wine
• my blessings, which are too many to count
• the camaraderie of my piggy peeps *oink*  just knowing  you're not alone makes a world of difference, doesn't it?
• watching my Lily blossom before my eyes.  She's growing up *so* fast.  I'm so happy that she still thinks the world of me.
• coffee
• light laughing cow french onion cheese on oat nut bread with a slice of ham - my favorite snack at the moment
• watching Ruby slide down the slide - that dog cracks me up - I must get that on video!

I could go on and on about all the little things that make me smile, but I don't want to bore you.  It's  the weekend, life is good.  Happy weekending, friends!

gratitude friday

Another week has flown by.  I shouldn't be surprised.  Our summer time rhythm seems to be falling into place nicely.  The long days, late nights, lack of homework, it's all good :)  This week I have bunches to be grateful for, some of which are:

• matt making it through his wisdom teeth extraction okay (and hearing that it isn't so bad - i'm supposed to get mine out in the near future)
• eating an entire meal from my garden - baked eggplant with a side of sliced cucumbers :)
• ava's laugh...i need to remember to record it
• the never ending inspiration I get from all you lovely crafly folks
• everything that my MIL Brenda does for us.  we don't tell her enough how much we appreciate her.
• my day with Cathy and the kids, i can't wait to do it again
• watching lily dance on stage at her dance recital
• eating peanuts at the ball park
• finally remembering to pick up a new container of margarita salt (it only took me 2 months)
• the phone call saying that my sewing machine is ready...i'll pick it up this afternoon
• the excitement in alex's voice at an afternoon rain shower (yes, i let him play in it)
• my new microwace (yep, we've started getting new appliances.  i can hardly wait until we get the new range!!)
• getting things accomplished
• letting things go

Happy weekend, friends!

gratitude friday

Where in the world did this week go?  Seriously.  This week flew by.  Shoot, where did May go?  How can this month be almost over?  Totally mind boggling.

Like most people, this time of year is totally crazy.  I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and a little lost, which means that it's time for me to pull back and survey the situation.  What better way to slow down and appreciate the moment than to count my blessings?  Yes, it's time for a gratitude friday.

This week I am grateful for:

• the end of the school year - schools out for the summer
• the lessening of the load (now that school is done)
• no more graduate school for matt *yay*
• my wonderful smelling roses
• our first harvest from the garden - 1 ichiban eggplant and 2 summer squash
• my friends, for putting up with my wackiness
• the 3 day weekend
• some girl time with Lily
• seeing my Mema at Wal-Mart, a total surprise and a nice treat
• watching my little guy perform at his preschool graduation - too cute
• having all my laundry washed, at least for today
• my new orange skillet *love it*
• plans to see a movie this weekend
• my new knitting project
• a cool front that brought us some glorious weather
• the health and well being of my 3 beautiful children - really, could I ask for more?

Life is good.  Sometimes I feel like I should pinch myself to make sure that I am awake.  Have a great weekend, friends.  I plan to make the most of mine!

gratitude friday

Well, I kind of dropped the ball on my "everyday beauty" series.  Oh well.  I had good intentions, but this isn't the easiest time of year to take photos.  These last few days have been very overcast, and with the short daylight hours, finding the beautiful with camera in hand just wasn't happening.  The photo above is one that I took for the series, but I wanted all the kids in the picture, because well, my kiddos are beautiful to me, but getting them all together isn't easy either.  These two are usually together, getting into some sort of mischief.

Finding my everyday beauty was an attempt to pull myself out of a fall funk (I'm stealing your phrase, Rachel).  Yes, it has helped.  I'm not totally out, but I'm getting there.  The combination of too much Halloween candy, the shorter days, and a whole slew of other things was a recipe for disaster.   The good news is that I quickly recognized it, and made changes.  Progress.

To further remind myself of how good I have it, I'm counting my blessings.  This week I am grateful for:

• my goof-ball kiddos, who usually bring a smile to my face with their antics
• a husband who loves me, warts and all
• a comfortable home
• supportive friends, both here and across the internets
• my creative outlets, which keep me sane
• beautiful blooming flowers in November
• scrumptious yarn
• new magazines to get lost in
• white chocolate bread pudding
• my soft, warm bed
• this little ole blog, which keeps me connected to all of you
• the warm, autumn light
• a scrap basket full of possibility :)
• a day off from the day job this past week
• pumpkin spice candles
• a long soak in the tub

I could go on and on, but I'll stop now.  Happy Friday friends, have a great weekend - I sure plan on it!!