Friday, November 30, 2012

Insta-Friday


It's Friday and it's been a few weeks since I've posted my instagram pics, so here are a whole bunch.  Happy Friday everyone!
 1. Ellie went missing, so Little Miss made a sign, it was complete with the address and everything so she could hang it on the telephone pole.  2. Little Miss trying out the horse at Home Depot.  3. E doing the same. 4. The husband and I took a trip to IKEA...wowsers that store exhausts me. 5. Courage. 6. Grace.
7. Thanksgiving bike ride (run for me) 8. Heart Rock 9. Place Cards made by Little Miss
10. Me. 11. Thanksgiving Table 12. Thanksgiving feet.
 1. Mem skyping with my uncle (her son) 2. Weekend away with the husband.  3. Starting the weekend off right.  4. Antiquing  5. Antiquing 6. Antiquing-How fun it would be to be able to afford some of these treasures.  7. The view from our room.  Did I mention that I have the best parents EVER...they hooked us up with this beautiful spot AND took our kids for the entire weekend.  Thanks Mom and Dad, you're the best. 8. More wine.  9. A movie- a good one.  You may want to read this before seeing it. 10. Tea drinking 11. More Antiquing 12.  Tree Trimming
1. The view from the couch 2. Some favorites 3. An oldie of a chubby Little Miss 4. An oldie of sweet E 5. Zart has resurfaced, but I think he may need to return to elf school.  He can never remember to fly back to the North Pole each night...it's a problem.  6. Zart Hanging around.  7. Silly faces 8. Praying to Baby Jesus 9. My spontaneous hugger made the paper hugging Mr. Feinstein

I'm Linking up with Jeannett at Life Rearranged.

"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best
of everything they just make the most of everything that comes along their way."

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Just to say hello....

So I get to see my caring, compassionate, competent, intelligent, adorable surgeon today.  He is removing my port.  I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't tell you I'm having some anxiety about it.  Apparently it's much less of a big deal taking it out as compared to putting it in, but still, I'm not a fan of any of it.  I'll be glad when it's done.  Having the port removed is like some sort of symbol or milestone to my recovery....it's one more step to "fitting in"...exhilarating and nerve-wracking all at the same time. Although I'm not thrilled to be having a procedure today, I'm comforted by the thought of seeing the doctor and checking in.  It's been almost an entire month since I have seen any doctor.   Do you think he'd mind scheduling me to see him at least once a month, you know, just to say hello?


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Roads...

Have you heard this song? 




I heard it about 10 minutes ago on the Today show.  I was always one to listen to the lyrics of songs, but now, even more so. This one hit me, it made me cry, but in a good way.  I'm certain it will not have the same meaning for you, but it's worth a listen (and a cry if you're anything like me).  

Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!
Bob Marley 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Just one...


The day before Thanksgiving, I set aside some time to get a picture of Little Miss and E for our annual Christmas card.  I just needed one picture....




 Taking pictures of these two makes me sweat.


 Charm and personality...they have it all (if I do say so myself).





 It was hard to pick just one, but I did (and it's not one of these)... you'll have to wait to see it on our Christmas card.

“I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn't photograph them.”

-Diane Arbus

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Sixteen years ago...


I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, all the days of our lives.   When we spoke those words sixteen years ago, we were young and naive and madly in love; I was sure there was no way I could love my new husband any more. 
Sixteen years later I know this to be false.   Prior to this past year, we have definitely had our share of difficult times, but this past year  has certainly put what we spoke into hard reality. 


It hasn't been easy, but we did it and we're still doing it and we're stronger now because of it. I can honestly say I love my husband more today than I did yesterday and I'm sure I will love him more tomorrow than I do today.  There is no one I would rather have by my side as I go through the good, bad and ugly of this wild and precious life. Thank you Vic for being you, I love you. Happy anniversary! Xo
Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up. 
James A. Baldwin 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Grateful...


Whatever we are waiting for - peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance - it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.
Sarah Ban Breathnach 



I think it goes without saying that these days, I am VERY grateful.  It would be nearly impossible for me to list all the things I am grateful for in one post, so I'm going to refrain from doing that.   Life can be hard, life can be sweet, life can be good, and sometimes very ugly.  But, right now, in this moment, I am grateful for all of it.  Grateful for the cancer that reared it's ugly head almost one year ago?  NO!  But, grateful for what it has taught me and how it has helped to mold who I am in the present moment.  Grateful for what it has helped to uncover about myself and the people that walk along side me in this "wild and precious life."  

And really, looking at these two faces, how can I be anything but GRATEFUL?

May you all have a Thanksgiving filled with many blessings and grateful hearts.  Happy Turkey Day or Tofurky Day for all you vegetarians. xo











Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Manic...

I know I'm starting to feel more like myself again because I have been a bit manic around here, doing various projects and cleaning, much like my typical personality and behavior.  I'm baaaaaacck!

One of my most recent projects was a canvas with our family rules posted on it.  I've been wanting to make one for a while, but haven't had the energy.  There are many ready made family rules signs available online and in stores, but there always seemed to be something that didn't quite fit our family.  When you make your own, you can customize it to fit perfectly.  I compiled a list of rules from signs I saw and then got to work. 

Place stickers 
Paint
and Peel 

Super Easy.  I'm not one for making things perfectly straight.  I'm too impatient for that.  My letters are a little wonky....perfect for us...wonky and imperfect. 

I added antiquing medium to to make it look a little old and warn. 

You could modify this project and make fun Christmas Canvases for gifts using holiday words....JOY, BLESSINGS, FAITH, WINTER, SNOW, ANGEL, etc...the possibilities are endless. 

I hung our rules and then added other things from around my house.  



This frame from Michael's seemed like the perfect finishing touch after it was painted in a shade of red.

Our new wall makes me happy when I look at it.  

The manic end of is a lot of fun. Carrie Fisher 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Family Photos...

I wrote about our family photos in my Great Debate post here.  Here are some of our favorite pictures by the talented Tyler of Blue Lily Photo.













Thank you Tyler for capturing us in this moment of our lives.  You're the best!

2010 Photos

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. 
Buddha 

Friday, November 16, 2012

Insta Friday and a birthday...

It's Friday people and today I'm linking up for Insta-Friday and looking back to see what we did during the past couple of weeks.

We had our first snow.

 The kids couldn't wait to get off the bus and take advantage, even if there was only 1 inch on the ground.
 And Little Miss had her last soccer match.
 We packed our boxes for Samaritan's Purse.

 This past weekend, we (meaning Vic mostly) tried to conquer the enormous task of picking up all the leaves, while Little Miss conquered her fear of wearing mismatched outfits...(oh, wait a minute, that's my fear)

 I've been doing some wall makeovers (still a work in progress...)
 A behind the scenes look at the Family Rules canvas (shown above)
 My comic relief...
 My inspirational tea bag at 10:00 at night.
And now, onto more important things.... 
Today is Little Miss B's 5th Birthday.  Look at how little you were.  I'm pretty sure that in this picture you might already be making it known that you needed to say something. :)
You certainly brighten up so many people's lives.

 And we are blessed to have you in ours.  

 We hope you have a very Happy 5th Birthday and may the year ahead be filled with fun and happiness.
We love you!

When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance. 
Joel Osteen