I'm Ba-a-a-ack!!!

Wow, has it really been over 7 months since I've posted?  I will tell you it's been a busy 7+ months, and I think it's a matter of "somethin's gotta give!"  So let me catch you up...

I've been working on my ancestry research.  I've set up family trees on Ancestry.com and love the fact that you enter a name and a little information and before you know it you have hints to look at census data and other information. I've found a 2nd cousin in Arkansas and a 2nd cousin to my PG in Florida.  I'm working on four different trees, so it takes me in many directions.

Also working on some ATC cards in swaps that I've joined at Jessica Brogan's site.  I've done two other swaps and have received some beautiful inspirational cards in return.  The newest swap is about "found poetry" and looks like it will stretch my creativity a bit!

I been running hot and cold when it comes to cooking and baking.  This winter, I've been in the kitchen quite a bit, exploring Pinterest and Facebook recipes.  Most come out pretty darned good.  I've also been doing more reading on GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in our food and want to do more of watching what I'm cooking.  Which leads to growing more of what I will cook.  So I'm also planning this year's garden, hopefully with more organic plantings.

And, of course, there are the grandkids.  Just yesterday we took in "Little Mermaid" at the local library. I love to look over and see them engrossed in the story.  They had seen it before, and my 6 yr. old grandson remembers some of his favorite parts. What a joy to see the look on his face.

What made my heart soar was as soon as I got to their houser, he asked if I brought any art supplies.  Even if it's just a doodle book, we connect with that.

And Little Miss is getting to be the same way, although she's also becoming a bit of a fashionista.  "Grandma, I love your necklace.  It's so fragile."  (Must be the word of the week!)

This year, I'm working on Project Life. For you non-scrapbookers out there, it's a project that lasts a year, and it helps you capture and scrap your everyday life.  How many times have you wondered what life was life for your parents/grandparents when they were your age?  Now is as a good time as any for me to have those answers for my grandkids. Our Scrap Cellar monthly meet-up includes getting our Project Life in place for the prior month before moving on to our other projects.  I think it will work out great and at the end of the year, there will be at least one scrapbook that shows MY life.  Part of my commitment to Project Life is also a commitment to write more in my blog.  I really do love the writing, and sharing pictures.  I just need to commit to it.

This year, we are heading to Idaho this summer. One of my many beautiful nieces is getting married and I wouldn't miss her wedding for the world. So we've decided to make a road trip of it and hopefully have my daughter and grandson accompany us on the way out.  Plans are to stop at Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone. We'll see what else we can pack into the trip.

Speaking of trips, I've had some wonderful mornings driving to work.  Caught these two pics on two different mornings.  Beautiful way to start the day, isn't it?

Okay, so I can't expect to pack in all the information from the last seven months into one blog post, so I'm going to save everything else for another time.


Oh, one more thing.  There's a new blogger out there, and I'm quite intrigued. He is the son of a fellow blogger and he's looking for truth. Please consider visiting Project Truth and sharing a comment or two. Jackson is a talented 19 year old and has won speech and debate competitions in his state. So if you're up for some good "pondering," his blog might be just the place to get you thinkin' about things.

Celebrating Mother Earth

Courtesy of www.usp.nus.edu.sg

Think about what this means.  Holding the earth in your hands. Sort of like you hold a child's face in your hands.  Lovingly.  Tenderly.  

I've been doing some reading about the foods we eat.  The chemicals that are in our food.  The pesticides and herbicides that are not only used as our food grows, but that are engineered to be within the seeds.  Imagine that.  A seed that has the ability to kill off something before it even attacks the plant.  

Doesn't that make you wonder what you really are ingesting?  

Nine months ago, I had this vision of the new look to my garden.  It would have plenty of perennials.  It would be magical.  It would transport me as I walked thru it.  But the more I read, the more I realized I wanted to have more say in what I eat.  So now, the plan is to expand my garden to grow more vegetables.  I picked up seeds that don't have pesticides engineered into them.  Heirloom seeds.  Organic seeds.  Raising the plants in raised beds.  

I would love to see our village start a community garden.  I have the perfect place in mind.  I think it's time I started being a little more vocal about things like this in our community.  

My grandkids will be on this earth for a good many more decades.  I want to do my small part to make this earth a safer place for them to live.  

Courtesy of the Northbrook Tower 4/16/13

 Thanks for stopping in.  Eat healthy!!

Sunshine and Gratitude

Met one of my bestest friends for breakfast this morning.  It's been two months since we've seen each other.  Way too long.  We typically take a couple hours to catch up before we head our separate ways.  And I think we both feel more fulfilled when we part.  It's like that with good friends. 

I was almost moved to tears of gratitude this morning on my way to meet her. I looked up and saw a plane landing (I live near O'Hare International Airport) and its path crossed in front of the sun. It was a beautiful sight; one that I wasn't able to capture in a photo, but the image made me realize how blessed my life is.  Not sure what that has to do with a plane.  I just know that I was near tears.  I love this life. 



I captured this just shortly after seeing
the plane cross in front of it.

We had a family barbeque last weekend.  Most of my sibs and their families were there.  My sister-in-law's aunt also came and I just love this picture of Ava and my daughter talking to Auntie Josie. 

And then my absolute favorite human subjects when it comes to taking pictures are my three grandkids.  Such a happy bunch!

No fear in this little one! 
(I need to learn a lesson from her!)



Always one clown in the bunch! 
At 4 1/2 years old, he's chosen to take on that role!
(Maybe I should learn a lesson from this one, too!!)

 I've been reading a book authored by one of my blogging buddies.  Tracy Spaine over at My Thoughtful Spot wrote a book called Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane Doggie-Dog.  My favorite part is that each chapter ends with "I love this life."  Haven't finished the book yet, but I'm liking what I read so far. 

So that's a little bit of what was going on in my life this week.  Oh, and the new food thing...I tried two different dips.  Couldn't bring myself to try the avocado dip my son made (yeah, that's a visual thing about putting that color green in my mouth).  But of the dips I tried, I liked one, not the other.  Hey cut me some slack, people.  I'm trying!!  And I tried some German Potato Salad that my sister made and loved it.  Not too vinegary. 

Okay, that's all for now.  Hope your weekend has some sunshine in it!! And a little bit of cool weather.  And that you can wrap up this weekend by thinking, "I love this life."

TGITW (Thank God It's The Weekend)

What a week!!  I had a wonderful Mother's Day!  Spent some time with the kids and grandkids at my daughter's house.  And realized something...that it doesn't matter whether my kids are 3 or 33, when they are in a good mood I am in a good mood.  It was so much fun

to watch my son play with his nephew. 

And to listen to this little girl declare at the top of her lungs, "I LUB YOU". 

And to look over and see my PG taking it all in. 

And to watch as he showed Ava how to prepare corn for the grill.

And to look at this beautiful daughter of mine basking in this life she has.
 

It was a great Mother's Day.

And then came work!  1700+ manila envelopes stuffed with registration material for the 2012-2013 school year.  Yes, we start preparing for the next school year as early as February.  And these envelopes are the culmination of that work.  So it would be a true statement to say that if I never see another manila envelope for a long time, it would make my day/week/month. 

Oh, except the Pick Your Plum envelopes.  But they're padded.  So that's different.  Have you heard of Pick Your Plum?  Each weekday they have an offer that lasts til they sell out.  I've gotten a number of deals on that site.  Shipping prices are phenomenal when you buy more than one of an item.

Looking forward to a shorter workday starting later this week. Gotta love summer hours!!  Gonna make the most of that additional hour at home by getting my garden in shape.  All I've got so far is:

Lots o'work to do.  I'll take pics of the progress!!

Do you have any garden plans?

The Force Is Strong In This One

My daughter and her family went to Legoland today and made the evening news.  Little Ava is high fiving the Storm Trooper at the beginning of the segment. Cormick is the little Darth Vader putting a choker move on the news guy.     WATCH: Inside Legoland's Star Wars event

Ava high fiving a stormtrooper
Photography by Christine Buti

Trading weapons with a stormtrooper
Photography by Christine Buti



Boba Fett & Darth Vader
Photography by Christine Buti



Happy Birthday, Ava Clare

One year ago, our family was blessed when little Ava Clare joined us. 


Ava finds the toilet paper roll!

She's sweet, she's mellow, she can withstand rough-housing with her brother, she loves, loves, loves her mommy and daddy, and she makes my heart happy!  She's always ready with a smile for her gram & grandpa...and I melt whenever I see her.

Happy Birthday, Ava Clare!!

Taking Life's Side Trips

Don't you just love spontaneity??

In my two weeks off, I've been working at simplifying my life.  That means boxing up and bagging up all the things that really don't need to be in my home anymore.  And some of the toys and books I've "found" have been here since my oldest grandson was a toddler.  They'll have a better home elsewhere.  So some of them seemed appropriate for my daughter's home or for the daycare her kids attend. 

My intent on Sunday was to drop off these toys and books and get back home for more boxing and bagging.  What a wonderful surprise when my 3 year old grandson invited us to the River Trail Nature Center.  Although it was windy enough to be bitter outside, they do have an exhibit room and playroom.  We were able to play some games, sit in a fox's den, use my new camera to take some pictures of sparrows and woodpeckers and turtles, OH MY!! 

  

"This is a cardinal.  It's my favorite bird."



Cheating at fishing game.  (I'll get him next time!!)



Coming in for a landing.
Hope there's room at the feeder!





Turtles sunning themselves under the sun lamp.



That's a woodpecker hanging upside down. 




Who's watching who??
SIL says that sparrows are boring.
I think they've got some magnificent colors!!

 

In the Fox Den with another visitor.



Watching for deer and coyotes.



Today, Ali Edwards' post is "Long Live Spontaneous Adventures."  I happen to agree. 

Life is Good!!

Practicing Gratitude

Hello again!!  Yes it's been a couple of weeks since I've posted.  I've been a little busy at work, trying to get our high schoolers registered and started!!  It's taken almost six months, but after having interaction with nearly 1700 families (with at least a third of them waiting til the week before school to register) they are in school and things have finally slowed down a bit. 

This time away has made me think about all the things I've missed when my main focus has been my job.  This morning, I had an opportunity to enjoy a video that Brene Brown has on her blog.  Brene has done research on authenticity, shame and vulnerability.  It's an interesting 17 minute video that explains why so many of us have difficulty being authentic in our lives.  Also interesting is that Leslie from Words of Me Project has chosen "authentic" as her one word for this weekend.

One of the things Brene mentions in her video is how to become authentic by practicing gratitude.  I've been a little lax in that area lately.  So I'm glad to have taken a little time this weekend to sit and ponder about the things that really ring my chimes, float my boat, give me flight...you get it!

Things like this little girl vocalizing so loudly as she laid on the floor and watched her mommy on the phone, that I was unable to hear what my daughter was saying,

and like this little guy deciding that life is moving too fast to take the time to call me "Grandma" so he now calls me "Gram" (after all, we are talking about saving the time it takes to speak another syllable),

and this not so little guy who is starting 7th grade with his new school supplies that I've happily shopped for each year (this is a joy for me...I don't want to give up the school supply shopping)

and these two who have made me realize that, in spite of what may have been mistakes in raising them, have given me such joy and pride in being able to say I am their mother,

and this man who has truly been my rock and who after watching "Juno" last night and hearing the dad say "Look, in my opinion, the best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you, the right person is still going to think the sun shines out your ass. That's the kind of person that's worth sticking with." says "That's right" (hmmm...)

and brothers and sisters, their spouses, kids and their spouses, and grandkids (26 in all) who have a most special place in my heart and who can't be shown here because a) I don't have an "All In The Family" picture of them and b) I don't have their permission to post their pics,

and last but certainly not least, a very electic group of friends who, when I am at my worst, always see my best!!!

It is for these and so much more, I am grateful.  My life is incredibly blessed.  And when I remember to express my gratitude, to feel how truly blessed I am, I find serenity.  I guess you could say my cup runneth over!!

One of the challenges from the 31 Days Challenge at Words of Me Project was to come up with a list of 50 things I value.  Well, listed above are just a few.  I'll share more with you in the coming days.  In the meantime, please feel free to share with me what you value in your life.

Thanks for stopping back, and thanks for hanging in there with me!!

Random Thoughts

• Having a dream about the death of a friend of a friend is disturbing. Especially when you're pretty sure the friend of your friend is pretty healthy.  Do you tell your friend about your dream and risk upsetting him, too?
• Crawling up into the attic (thanks to help from my older grandson) is sort of like a treasure hunt.  Things have been up there for so long you forget what's there.  It can be both a sad and a joyous adventure.  And a walk down memory lane.
• I'm hooked on Starbucks' Caramel Frappuchinos. 
• Once you forget about expressing gratitude every day, you open the door for the negativity to walk right in.  Makes getting angry so much easier.  YUCK!!
• Having a weekly chat with a friend sort of centers me and gets me focused all over again.  I hope I give her the same "feel-good" feeling. 
• It is amazing how spending time with your grandkids will fill you with such joy that it changes your outlook on everything!!

• Accomplishing some long neglected things around the house gives me an incredible high.  I love marking things off my to-do (or as Leanne says, TA-DA) list. 
• Digi-scrapping can be the quick fix to fulfill the creative need.  I've found that I enjoy digi-scrapping while my beloved PG sits watching TV.  We can both be in the same room, yet do what we enjoy.
• I love making pasta sauce, love the way my house smells as it cooks and even though it was a weird day to be make it (given that it was 90 outside), I'm glad I took the time!
• I've begun a daily gratitude email with my girlfriend.  We make sure we tell each other each day what we are grateful for.  First steps in getting the law of attraction to bring you more of what you can be grateful for.

So, if you were emailing me your gratitude for the day, what would it be??

A Day to Celebrate

Today, I'm tooting my own horn!  Did you know that I'm #1 Grandma!!  See, you had no idea!!  Y'know how I found out??  My grandkids told me!!  And let's face it, they would NEVER lie!!  

 This is my latest photo of me being #1 Grandma!

Actually, my kids and grandkids stopped by

today to celebrate my birthday!! 

Happy Birthday to me!!

Life is Good!!

Old Souls Among Us!

As I was visiting my fave blogs, I visited Ali E's place and was inspired to take one of the pics of my grandson and add some journaling directly onto the picture.  This joy in my life recently turned 12 years old.  I've always sensed he's had a lot going on in that noodle of his.  This is a perfect photo to capture that.  Of all the roles I've had in my life, I have to say that being a Grandma is just about as good as it gets!

How about you?  What's the best role you've played so far? 

"What Is My Angel's Name?"

Well, I got one scrapbook page done this weekend.  And I put it in a frame and gave it to my daughter, the mother of two of the most beautiful grandkids a Gram could ask for.  She really is an incredible mom.

I wish I knew the author of this poem, but all my research comes up with "Anonymous".  It's titled "A Newborn's Conversation with God." 

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy." God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?" God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

Who will protect me?" God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore." God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom." 

And I made a matching card, inspired by Leslie at Running with Scissors.  That's about as far as I go with my creativity this weekend.
 
Hope everyone had as wonderful a Mother's Day as I did.

Just Like a Koala!!

Don't you just wish you could fall asleep like this? 

Just wrap your body around a branch or limb and drift off!!

Happy Mother's Day to all my
friends, family and blogging buddies!! 

I'm so very grateful for your visits and comments!!

I'm Still Here!!

It's been nearly a week since I've posted!  I'm so sorry!!  It's state testing week in Illinois, so it seems all my energy goes to ramping up for it!!  Haven't worked on photography, haven't worked on scrapbooking or cards, haven't posted anything on my blog! 
BUT, I have had time to read some other blogs, as I fall asleep at my computer at 6 p.m.!!   There are some incredibly talented bloggers out there!  Check out some of my links on the right.  And there's more that I've found that I'll need to add!!
My son-in-law posted this picture on Facebook, so I felt compelled to grab it and share it with you. 

No doubt Cormick is telling Ava that he loves her!  This is an everyday occurrence with this little guy.  He just adores his little sister and is just so kind and gentle with her.  And it looks like she's enjoying the attention.  She's starting to really smile at things!  Y'know... I get goosebumps when I look at my grandkids!!  I'm just embraced in serenity when I look at them!!
I've got a long list of photos I need to take for my Picture Spring class at BPS.  Good thing I'm not being marked down for having late homework!!  I'll have to take advantage of what looks like will be a beautiful day to take some pictures after work, in order to catch up with my homework.  I'll be sure to post some of the nicer ones here!!  Have a great Tuesday! 

They've Got My Heart - The IRS, Not So Much

Don't you just love it when boys eyelashes are long??  My grandson graciously agreed to "model" for me to help me with my Day 10 "Capture Light" assignment in my Picture Spring online class at Big Picture Scrapbooking.  Love the freckles, love the eyelashes, love the kid!!

Then, just to see if I could do it (it's never easy capturing a dog that is constantly moving) I took some shots of Barney, our 14 year old cockapoo.   He's such a loving dog.  And it's so sad to see them slowing down as they get older.  I've been trying to work on a scrapbook album all about our little buddy, using prompts and messages from another BPS class called Celebrating our Pets.  Maybe I'll get some pages posted once I finish. 

What's not to love about this sweet face??

That's all I've got right now.  Today is Tax Day.  Hope yours is done and the damage wasn't too bad!!  Each year I say I'm going to complete and submit in February, yet end up submitting at the last minute.  Since I owe this year, I was willing to put it off until the final hour!  How about you?  Are you a last minute filer?  Or do you get it done early?    

"Do You Need Privacy??"

As my daughter nears her due date, the logistics of frequent doctor visits, cross country meets that her husband coaches, parent-teacher conferences, and all other kinds of things in a young family's life, it gets a little more difficult to fit everything in.  So I was fortunate (wouldn't feel any other way) to babysit Cormick for a few hours on Wednesday while Mommy went for her weekly prenatal visit.  He truly amazes me with his command of the English language, given that he's only 2 1/2 years old.  Although this could easily turn into a braggin' Grandma post, I do have a story to tell.

I was actually reminded of a post that my blog buddy Leanne shared with us a while back when I had the following exchange with Cormick: 

(Let me preface this by saying that those who have been alone with a 2 1/2 year old know that you never close the bathroom door when it's just the two of you in the house).  So I need to go potty, leaving said door open and Cormick, standing with one hand on the door jamb and one hand on the bathroom door handle, says to me, "Do you need privacy?"  (Did I just hear that correctly, I ask myself).  Yes, honey, I need privacy.  To which he closes the bathroom door, staying outside the bathroom.  Then immediately opens the door, again one hand on door jamb and one on handle and asks, "Do you want a little or a lot?"  (Seriously, the kid is 2 1/2 and he's asking me this!?!).  Just a little, I say.  To which he then closes the door halfway.  If I had been fully clothed, I'd have wet my britches!!!!

This is when I realize that my life is incredibly blessed with this little guy.  He brightens my day beyond my ability to verbalize.  My heart dances when I'm around him.  So, my questions to you today are: 

What makes your heart dance? 

And what was so funny this week that you nearly wet your britches??

A Decade in Review

I was chatting with my girlfriend on Sunday, talking about the crazy medical issues that have hit our families in the last two weeks.  We both mentioned that, due to the rocky start, we either want 2010 to be over or maybe just start February now...fresh start. 

It made me think about all the things that have happened in my life during the "aughts".  To wrap it up in a neat little package, let's just say that I come out of this decade with bones repaired, bones removed,

a bachelor's degree

a couple new family members

(my son-in-law

and my #2 grandson),

the opportunity to call myself a two-time cancer survivor,

additional nieces and nephews by way of marriage,

   

 a job lost,

a job gained,

weight lost, weight gained, much more serenity than I had going into the decade and gratitude for each and every day of my life.  All in all, a good decade.  Of course, I choose to focus on the positive.  Focusing on the negative only accentuates the negative.  To what end, I ask??  I'm 10 years older than I was at the beginning of that decade.  That's 10 years more of experience and wisdom.  I'll take it!!!

I really do have a good life.  Looking forward to seeing how good it gets in February!!