Becolorful

Easy DIY Brio Table

 

 

We only had a day to pull this together. Crew, our grandson, was coming to visit.

This was going to be our first time watching him without his mom and dad as a backup.

I wasn't worried about us, but I was hoping he wouldn't be frightened in a less familiar

environment without them. So, I was hoping to distract him by pulling

out the Brio set that had belonged to our boys.

 

 

 

 

 

Although we had kept the trains, the track, 

and a number of accessories, we had sold our old homemade Brio table years ago.

So learning that Crew would be coming for a visit, we made a quick run to Home Depot

and purchased a piece of 2' x 4' particle board that was much smoother than the plywood

that we went with twenty plus years ago. I wish the board had been

about six inches wider but this is what they had so we went with it.

 

Particle Board

 

We added these 21" pre-cut Parsons table legs with a hanger bolt already installed, 

 and four Waddell top plates. The plates allow the legs to be easily

removed and reattached. With the legs removed, the table can

be effortlessly stored away.

Parsons Table Leg

Waddell Top Plate

 

While Papa was putting the plates and legs on, I was gathering my craft paints.

 

 

I kept the design simple to allow for limitless track configurations.

 

 

 

 

After the paint dried, I added a water base varnish top coat and voila! A new Brio table for less than $50.00.

 

But, best of all were the hours of smiles and expressions from this little man.

 

I can hardly wait for next week when our little engineer returns for Thanksgiving.

 

xoxo,

p

 

An East Meets West Party

 

via threadless.com

 

Last spring our son married an incredible woman from Seoul, South Korea. Their wedding was beautiful but a lot of James' friends and ours were unable to make the trip to Asia so when they were finally able to come back here in late June we decided to throw a little soiree so everyone could meet Sumi and congratulate James.

 

They met while going to school in Tokyo, a true melding of East and West, so a theme along those lines was the obvious choice here. 

I had fun pulling together ideas that fit my conception of what I hoped the party would be like and this became my inspiration board.

 

 

I started by booking a caterer and because of a tight schedule I went with an evite for the invitation. I really like Greenvelope. They had a design that I could personalize and that worked well with my theme. Besides that, I love the animation of the envelope opening and the follow up logistics that this company offers.

 

After the evites went out I moved on to the decor.

 

I wanted the theme to be obvious right from the start and adding South Korean flags that I ordered online to the American ones I already had to the flower pots out front was an inexpensive and easy touch.

 

 

I didn't have a lot of time so I had to do a lot of my shopping locally or whatever I could score on Amazon Prime.  I found these fun paper parasols and the black and white lanterns at Hobby Lobby for about $6.00. The black and white touches on the parasols are actually coordinating cupcake wrappers that I cut a hole in and taped onto the umbrellas. I liked the idea of having some of them upside down so I hung them from the ceiling, crown moldings and curtain rods.

 

 

I purchased some of the additional solar and battery powered lanterns from Gordman's and a local garden store.

 

 

It was easy bringing in the Asian elements but I really needed to drive home the East Meets West concept. I didn't want just the typical 4th of July decor. Red white and blue seemed a bit too expected and then there is the real reason -those colors just don't flow in my home.

:D

The solution was to incorporate the soft blue greens and imagery of Lady Liberty as my nod to the USA.

 

 

I created this themed piece by using an old Ikea tray that I had. I painted the wooden edges black then printed and cut out some images I found on the internet. Next I   adhered the images to the tray and added a few scrapbook letters that I had. Voila! East Meets West decor without spending a dime.

 

 

The food was an exciting way to repeat the East Meets West theme. We went with traditional Korean dishes such as Kimchi, and spicy Korean beef on skewers and Pad Thai noodles served in take out boxes ( that I later learned were Chinese) Oh well.

:D

 

 

 

We added Mac and Cheese and Midwest Meatloaf for some western flair.

 

 

Little umbrellas for the drinks was a festive no-brainer.

 

 

I always like adding signage to the buffet and drink tables as a decorative, informative and fun touch.

 

 

The desserts, though, were the highlight of the evening. 

Do you prefer White Chocolate and Raspberry Cakes?

 

Or Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt and Caramel?

 

They were amazing! Thank you and a big shout out to Hayley Marie

 

 

And how fun are THESE? Hayley you outdid yourself!

 

 

Sushi Sweets!

Adorbs and delish.

But in the end what really makes a party are our friends and family. James and his dad and I are lucky enough to have accrued an amazing collection of both over the years and across the miles. 

 

 

 

 

So much fun. Hmmm, what should the next theme be?

:D

I guess I'll give Rosie some time to recover before I suggest another party.

xoxo,

p

 

PS. Thank you to Sumi and ClickSmith Photography for taking pictures for me. I always forget to leave time for that. :D

Crazy Funny Priceless

 

When my daughter was about ten she, my mom and I had our picture taken together. 

We did this three generation thing again almost ten years later and yet again just this past month.

Elizabeth, my daughter, has a wonderful friend who is also a professional photographer.  Well, this friend has made a life decision that is going to take her out of the Des Moines area for a few years. Even though it hasn't been ten years yet we all agreed that we wanted Megan to do these for us this time around. 

I know that years from now we will laugh at our hair or shoes but we will be so glad we took the time to create these memories.

Even looking at these pictures today I realize how these two women, they light up my world.

They are crazy...

 

funny,

 

 

Or should I say uninhibited?

 

 

They are priceless to me.

 

They are stylish,

 

smart, and unbelievably fun.

Thank you Megan Clausen Photography for a laugh filled afternoon and some priceless memories

and thank you to the best daughter 

and mom

 

 

 

a woman could ever hope to have.

Love you both beyond words.

xoxo,

p

 

 

Catching Up

 
A James Update, The Texas Home Show, and a

Wonderfully Wacky Mirror

This has been a harried week.

Thank you again for all of your concern and prayers for our family and our son James.

He is still in Tokyo and other than being a bit hungry he is relatively safe.

 Even so, I now have the Tokyo Embassy on my cell phone

and I read their updates daily.

Never thought that would happen.

While all of this was happening Mike and I were in Dallas.

We loved seeing friends but I'm not sure we were the best of guests.

Our bodies were in Texas but our hearts and minds were in Japan.

Despite everything we did get to see the Home Show in the new Cowboy Stadium.

The jumbo-tron is  truly immense.

It's like they say -

everything really is bigger in Texas.

 

Yes, that is  our boy Ty.

It wasn't a lot different from our home show here.

It was just bigger and in a much cooler place.

I did find a few things to put on my wish list.

 

For example,

I really think I need one of these bad boys to help me bring my Christmas tree up from the storage area and then take it back down again in January.

Yep, that would work.

Then, when we eventually remodel our bathroom

I would love to have one of these ingenious little devices in the cupboard to keep all of my styling tools ready and organized.

I took a picture of the display so I can remember exactly what to ask for whenever that time comes.

I know Mike is hoping I forget. :)

I'm pretty sure I saw an eye roll.

How great would this be though?

Ahhhhhh. Organizational love.

 

We came home on Monday and since then I have been catching up a bit on my painting.

Remember this wonderfully wacky mirror I was painting for a client?

I almost forgot to take the before picture.

I started with green but then I put words on it.

Didn't like them.

Painted it black.

Then red.

Now it looks like this.

 

We are deciding if it really needs knobs.

 

 
 

 

 

I did find some fun ones but they add to the cost.

 

What do you think?

Knobs or no knobs?

Once again,

thank you for all of your prayers and good thoughts.

It meant more than you will ever know.

For now, we are good.

 

xoxo,

P

 Linking up to party here:

 

 

 

 

Thank You For Your Concern. James and Japan - An Update

National Geographic

 

The news out of Japan is truly sobering and the images of the devastation are mind numbing.

For our family this story has definitely hit home.

Three weeks ago I wrote about putting our son on a plane and sending him off to begin a new life and job in Japan.

Our biggest concern was that we might have to go a whole year without seeing him.

That seems so trivial now.

Little did I know that a mere three weeks later my biggest concern would be nuclear fall out.

It was early Friday morning when our cell phones began vibrating and ringing relentlessly. We were inundated with calls, texts and emails wondering about James.

We were in Dallas on business and had not yet turned on the television so we were clueless to what had happened.

Fortunately there was also a brief email from James telling us he was okay. So we were able to retain some sense of sanity. He actually didn't even seem too concerned at that point and mentioned that he had even posted a bit of video to youtube.

In retrospect, it is clear that James had no idea  how serious the quake in Japan was or any knowledge of the resulting tsunami.

Our contact with him for the next thirty six hours was sporadic.

Being away from home we haven't had as much access to television so our phones have been our connection to what is happening on the other side of the world. What did we ever do before smart phones.

We must have checked  the news services, facebook and our emails sixty times yesterday.

It brought tears to my eyes to hear from so many of you, people I only know through blogging, and people I may never meet physically. Thank you for your words of comfort and your prayers. It has meant so much to us.

Finally last night my cell phone rang and it was James. There were, of course, tears of relief. It was so reassuring to hear his voice.

It was obvious that he was exhausted. He is working for NTT Docomo which is like ATT here in the US..They had sent his team up the eastern coast of Japan to help restore emergency service to an area devastated by the quake.

It was sobering to hear last night that he doesn't think they will be sending his team that direction again. The way he tells it he said, " Mom, we can lay all the cable and repair the connections but it has to have something to connect to and that isn't there anymore"

He has seen some things that will be burned on his brain forever and that is difficult to think about but knowing that he is able to help in any small way definitely makes his family proud.

James was interviewed by WHO in Des Moines yesterday by phone. You can see that interview here.

  

We love you James.

Stay safe.

xoxo,

MDLPAGDandP

Motivated Monday # 18

It was a busy weekend for us.

Our middle is moving -

all the way to Tokyo.

We are so excited for him but it also a bit bittersweet.

I expected him to eventually move out.

I wasn't prepared for him to live half a world away.

Thank Heavens for Skype.

I'm hoping it will make the distance  tolerable.

As we were watching the Super Bowl tonight this commercial had us rolling.

This is a dead ringer for our James.

 

 

 

This really took us back.

It seems like just a few Halloweens ago that he was dressed up just like this.

I love how this commercial drives ( no pun intended) home the point that it sometimes takes a big guy to "get" the little guys in our lives. :)

Oh gasp.

I am really going to miss him.

Love you James.

You always make me laugh.

 

I don't have a good segue so I'll just move abruptly onto Motivated Monday.

I reviewed last week's post and I was flabbergasted by some of the submissions. From Snowman and Princess Parties to altered sweatshirts there were so many motivating projects.

So many great posts but I just can't feature all of them. I did think that these dining chairs from Wise Designs and Inspirations, 

 

this subway art frame from Paisley Passions,

and this great dresser redo from Lucy Designs were especially epic.

Amazing aren't they?

So what are you working on these days?

What projects are you hoping to take on?

Did you see an image that is motivating you.

Do share.

I will try and get a feature button done this week.

So please keep checking back.

In the meantime, bring on the creativity.

xoxo,

P

Not sure why my linky list is not appearing.

They just started charging for this and I subscribed earlier this week.

I am looking into this.

Argh!

Okay, that was annoying but it looks like we are back on board.

Favorite Memories of 2010

 The Year in Review and Motivated Monday #14

I'm such a blogging slack but I have a good excuse.

Since it was such an unusual Christmas for us we decided to take unconventional to the limit and head for Vegas!

We were actually here for Christmas day but left on the 27th for the gliz, glam and shopping that is Sin City.

The holidays in Vegas? 

Spectacular!

It really was a terrific way to top off another fun filled year.

2010 was a full one and I had a tough time editing but here are a few of the highlights from my BeColorful filled year.

The year started for us at the GMAC Bowl and meeting Sir Charles.

 

Then in February we learned that the casinos really do mean it when they say, "No minors".  We had gone for the crab legs but Mike and Adam stopped by the slots.

 

We were quickly ushered out and told we were banned for two years.

Seriously.

I know, bad parenting, but hey we always have the most interesting stories to tell at parties.   :D

 

On Easter I spent a very memorable afternoon with my mom. The flowers at the garden show were stunning and made for some great pictures.

 

In May Elizabeth and I hosted a bridal shower for her BFF. So fun.

Then in June we watched her walk down the aisle.

This past summer was the second anniversary since the floods.

I took some pictures for a post on our flood recovery. It was one of those days that the kindness of strangers brought me to tears and will be a memory that will never fade.

My high school reunion was in July. 

I didn't even think I would go. 

You can read about my anxiety here.

So glad I went, though, and I would advise all of you to do the same.

Some things really do get better as we get older.

The morning after? Well that might have been a low point. :D

Thanks for that honey. At least I have make up on..... because I never bothered to wash it off.

This was also the year I had to learn how to make peace with hot flashes.

Gotta love a friend that gives you a flower fan for your birthday. 

There were fun memories of times with friends,

new ventures,

great trips,

 

 

great shows,

 

 

great shopping,

and some amazing holiday moments.

 

Sadly, this son left Christmas morning for Tokyo.

I am reluctantly acknowledging that I am not the center of his life anymore and, if I'm honest, really? what a fabulous adventure.

Can't wait to hear all about it and see more of his pictures.

 

The family was dropping like flies because the very next day this son left to go skiing.

 

and dog sledding in Colorado.

Talk about adventure! I would really like to try that too.

So we figured we would have to make our own fun and  we headed to Vegas with our girl child and her hubs.

The Bellagio is always glamorous but it was spectacularlly decked out for the holidays.

These life size polar bears are covered in carnations. This guy was getting a bit of a touch up.

It truly is eye candy over load in Vegas.

 it It was a very good and colorful year.

Here's to an even better 2011 and yes, somebody needs a few more blue cheese stuffed olives in that martini. :)

Happiest of New Years.

XOXO,

P

A new year requires fresh inspiration. I hope you will share yours here on BeColorful's Motivated Monday.

Look at what Gail made at Can't Stop Making Things shared last week - a New Year's Wreath. How timely!

 

What inspires you? What are you working on? We would all love to see it.

 

 

What Did You Wear For Christmas?

 

It was a really different Christmas here this year.

Our first born is in Missouri with her hubby's family.

We will celebrate with them in a day or two.

Our middle had to be at the airport VERY early this morning to make a 6:00 AM flight to Japan.

Our baby was here but he left earlier tonight to go skiing in Breckenridge.

When did this happen?

My kids live better than I do!

If I was feeling a bit underwhelmed by the holiday,

my mom upped the party vibe and went all out.

You have to know my mom.

She is the priestess of sparkle.

She definitely didn't let me down today. :)

Yes, she's a damn tough act to follow. 

I'm leaving for Vegas in the near future.

I may have to borrow  steal  that top. :)

If silver sequins weren't enough,

she topped her sizzling little look off with faux fur.

Really? It's like hanging with Ann Margaret or a blonde Elizabeth Taylor ( in her leaner years).

I had been pretty proud of myself for just running a brush through my hair and getting out of my P.J.'s .

I may not have even done that but you know, even as old as I am, I still worry about what Mom thinks so I felt the pressure to get dressed.

Then she arrived in all her glory.

She and my dad did this to us about fifteen years ago.

We were having them over to our house to celebrate my dad's birthday.

I think we were having hamburgers.

You can imagine my surprise when I opened the door to see them dressed in party clothes and a tuxedo!

When I saw what Mom was wearing this morning I gave about a two second thought to changing out of my leggings, fleece top and stocking feet when I noticed my hubby going to town in the kitchen decked out in his comfortably worn and broken in ski team tee shirt circa 2002.

I felt better still when Adam came blazing through the door in his proverbial hoodie and jeans.

The kid must have fifty of these zip up sweatshirts.

 

Anyway, I decided not to give it another thought.

Denim, diamonds, furs, Pj's or yoga wear,

when it comes to Christmas, it all works. :0

It's being with the people that make you happy that really counts.

Awwwwww. :0

 

XOXOX,

P

Look Who Came to Dinner and a Motivated Monday

Isn't she delightful?

That is how I would also describe our Thanksgiving holiday.

We spent the weekend at the Galena Territories.

Those of you who know me are aware of my culinary challenges.

So to save my family from the train wreck that is my cooking ability, I made a phone call.

Yes, I had dinner delivered.

Who am I kidding.

My kids have always thought that Thanksgiving dinner came in a huge cardboard box.

This time, though, we mixed it up and celebrated in Galena and had our dinner delivered by the Pilgrims and Indians.

An interesting twist on what for us is an old tradition.

The days of having everybody together are few and far between so the big guy and I just relished having all of our babies with us.

These people are the loves of my life.

They make me laugh until I cry,  pull on my heartstrings, make me unbelievably proud, amaze me with their talents and yes, occasionally frustrate or annoy me but not very often.

Family. It really does make the world go round.

These are the two that know their way around a kitchen and we let them have at it.

The rest of us are more interested in our cameras

or getting our pictures taken. :)

Doesn't he look thrilled?

Ta Da - the dinner

It came from The Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort and it was amazing.

The containers don't look too pretty but clean up was a dream.

The menu:

Turkey Breast

Smoked Corn and Sausage Chowder

Waldorf Broccoli and Grape Salad

Bourbon Creamed Corn

Green Bean Shitake Mushroom Casserole

Roasted Garlic and White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

Baked Praline Brandied Yams

Cranberry Orange Zest Relish

Sweet Potato Walnut Bread

Carmelized Pear Onion and Sage Stuffing

Pumpkin Pie With Fresh Whipped Topping

Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Yummmmmmmmmmmmm

Easy and sweet.

Very simply, a weekend we won't forget.

Thanks ladies.

I hope you will be back next year and please bring your men folk!

I can't believe it is Motivated Monday again already.

If you have a project, recipe, decor idea ... whatever I hope you will share it with us here.

You know the drill and please by kind and comment on other posts too.

xoxo,

P

 

 

 

 

The Acorn Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

This is how we usually think of our son James.

 

 

So we were pretty impressed  and definitely surprised

when our son, at nineteen, bought a home.

We didn't buy the house.

He did.

It wasn't our plan for him. 

We thought he should stay in school.

I'm learning that maybe college isn't for everyone.

 He has his own plan and with his determination, work ethic, sense of humor and his extensive technical knowledge and ability his plan may just work. 

(That last sentence was a shameless Mom's brag out)

His dad and I love houses and have shared a passion for renovating and building since we were married. 

I'm beginning to think James has that same love.

How else do explain buying your first house at such a young age?

This blue heaven is the place he calls home.

 

Earlier this spring we helped him redo his bathroom.

 

This is the only before picture but imagine a whole room of lime green tiles.

 

  

Now I tried to sell him the idea that they were vintage and cool.

I tried to convince him to work with it.

We could come up with a workable color scheme like green and navy.

Maybe green and his favorite bright blue.

Green and brown would be good.

In the end there was no winning that argument.

I am a stubborn Norwegian and apparently so is our son.

So in the end we schlepped over to Sherwin Williams and bought a primer and a paint that works on tile.

Then he picked out this great granite color for the walls.

It really did look pretty "sweet" when we were done.

 

 

He and Mr Rosie added this cabinet/sink combo and a new faucet.

 

 

Don't even get me going on the plumbing issues.

 

 

Let's just say that the rule should be that after three trips to the hardware store looking for the right part so it won't leak, 

it's time to just admit defeat

and call a plumber.

Well this past weekend I was busy painting my front door yellow and thereby probably becoming fodder for gossip amongst my neighbors.

The phone rang.

It was James.

He was asking for decorating advice.

The Heaven's opened and my heart sang.

My little guy was growing up.

He really was starting to take an interest.

His decorating style was moving beyond posters and beer bottles.

Better yet,

he values MY opinion.

This is huge.

He wanted to make some minor changes in the bedroom.

He was rearranging his wall art and buying new bedding.

I guess he thought he was getting too old for snowboard bedding.

Really? When did that happen?

I still kind of liked it.

He told me he was working with a khaki comforter he already had.

A great start.

Frugal too.

He had a black bed skirt 

and black panel curtains.

This was all working in my mind.

Then he told me he had bought navy sheets.

Hmmmmm. I just didn't see it.

I suggested something like creme or even black.

He told me the high thread count he was looking at didn't come in those colors.

When did he ever learn about thread count?

Who was this in my kid's body and what did he do with my son?

We talked a bit more and he told me he was returning the navy set of sheets.

He would call me later.

He did and sent these photos from his phone.

 

 

 

Dark red. Good choice. It ties in with the Japanese art on the opposite wall.

 

I love this wall of built ins. This is the great stuff you find in this era of home.

Nicely done James.

You decorating dog you.

One more thing, 

when did you learn to make your bed? 

Love you,

Mom 

 

 I thought I'd link up our story of painted tile with the Power of Paint at Domestically Speaking. Jump over there for more painting inspiration.

An Afternoon With My Mom

People say we look alike

my mom and I.

I consider that a compliment.

We can talk for hours

and after we go our separate ways

I can still think of more to tell her.

She knows all of my faults

but loves me anyway.

I can't say that about very many people

except my family.

She knows when I'm not telling her the whole truth.

She has that mom radar.

I have it too

with my babies.

This past weekend my mom and I spent the afternoon together.

We went to the cemetery 

which sounds like a creepy way to spend our time.

It wasn't creepy at all though.

I wish had thought to take my camera.

Now maybe THAT would be creepy.

I don't know.

We had a few special spots we wanted to visit.

To remember.

To know that although the pain is still there

we are not letting it conquer us.

She is a survivor

my mom

and she is surviving with Grace.

We walked up and down 

reading rows of names

unknown to us.

There are so many stories to be told in a cemetery.

Most of them I will never hear.

So I make up my own to go with some of the old tombstones.

After letting our imaginations run amok

 

we stopped at a garden exhibit.

I remembered to take my camera here.

I am a certifiable flower killer.

I love them

but they do not love me.

The kindest thing I can do is to leave them at the nursery

and be happy just taking their pictures.

 

 The Tulips

 

 

and Hyacinth

 

are my absolute favorites.

I think it is their shapes and the brilliant color that I am drawn to. 

For years I would plant annuals by the carload around my yard.

But by the 4th of July I was tired of taking care of them.

I would forget to water them.

Then, to make up for neglecting them,

I would unintentionally drown them.

I know ... flower killer.

My mom doesn't do well with flowers either.

Maybe it's a genetic thing.

So we will both just plant a few simple pots this spring

 
 

of Impatience

petunias

geraniums...

the stuff that is more resilient to torture.

 

and be content to see exotic beauty at the flower exhibits.

 

Less time gardening will give us more time  for what we really love

Just spending an afternoon together.

XO,

P
 
 

 

Progress Temporarily Sidetracked

Life can imitate art or sometimes it can side track it. 

That was the case with my sideboard..

That could be put on hold.

Some things, though, just  can't wait.

 

Meet the fam.

These  crazy wonders  are four of  the most important pieces of my world. 

 When one of them needs me I will drop everything to be there. 

That doesn't make me unique or noble or earn me any special recognition.

It's what we all do ...

as parents, as friends, as family.

This past week was one of those times when somebody needed me. 

It's interesting how when things are clicking along effortlessly we are allowed the luxury of focusing on our own dreams, talents or ambitions.

But when one of us is met with a life challenge or disappointment, 

the focus shifts.

Then we roll as a team. 

And what a winning team I have. 

I am one proud mama.

That said, I'm getting back on track.

 I'm putting  the finishing touches on my latest creative endeavor.

 If all goes as planned,

tomorrow will be my big reveal.

Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Hugs,

P.

Happy Golden Birthday Lizzie

There have been so many happy days in my life, but of all the magical heavenly moments  this one has to be the most priceless. It is etched on my mind as if it were just moments ago. Weddings are, of course, beautiful and memorable occasions but they rank a distant second to the birth of your first child. I guess that is because unlike so many marriages, a baby is forever. It is the connection between our past and our future. I look back on this picture and realize that Mike and I really were young and so green. We thought we were prepared. We had the car seat,  the crib, and a months worth of diapers. We had spent the previous months going to bed at night reading stacks of baby and parenting books  and I'm glad we did because after this picture was taken I don't think we ever had the time to pick up another one again. The truth was, though, we didn't have a clue, not an inkling of what we were doing or where we were headed. We never could have guessed how this wrinkled blothcy pink bundle of bliss would become one of the three greatest accomplishments in our life together. 

It's too bad we didn't have a digital camera. I would have taken so many more pictures but seriously I never even dreamed I'd have my own computer that is like another appendage or that I would someday be blogging  and posting pictures about my baby's 26th birthday. It's been a wonderful life that is passing by way too quickly.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okay, so this one makes me misty too.

 

From blotchy baby to best friend and beauty. Love you.  You always make me smile.  Keep the memories coming our way. Happy birthday.
  
  
  
 
 
  

 
 
  
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Now that the Thanksgiving holiday is already behind us I am looking forward to tackling the not so insignificant task of decorating for Christmas. As I am packing away my ambers, browns and golds and pulling out the numerous totes of greens and reds I have time to reflect back on yesterday.

I have a lot to be thankful for. Yes, there were some empty places at our table and we will miss those loved ones forever but all of our babies are well and safe and two of them were with us.

 

 
 

How lucky am I?   I am married to the kind of guy that chips right in and helps  to make the day a relaxing and enjoyable one for all of us. One of my favorite times of the day is when we are alone and we are cleaning up after our big meal. We  are able to bond over the private jokes, concerns and the pride we share for our family.

 He's not mad, just concentrating while cooking :>) 

 My mom was also here to complete my family circle and like the rest of us she knows how to tell a good story. We had some real belly laughs and some great food. I sometimes think I could easily downsize and have a home with out a dining room, but when it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas I am also thankful for all of the space this big old house offers up. It is the space and the home I always dreamed of and when it fills up with the people I love I know that I am truly living the dream. Wow, I'd better stop or you'll all be hating on me. :) Does it help if I tell you that 2/3 of my Christmas tree will not light up? It's true.

 Thank you too for Liz who has taught me to have my camera handy so I never forget these days and thank you to James for taking this picture for me.

 

 

Road Trip

    

Two years ago my hubby saw a downturn coming in  the economy and more specifically in the auto business. He decided he wanted to diversify and started talking about a towing and recovery company. He knew nothing about this line of work other than his fascination with the cable show Wrecked. I didn't think he was really serious but I should have known better. He was looking for something that was a bit more recession proof to supplement his current business and he has always, as he says, "loved big trucks". A year and a half ago he bought his first tow truck and a building to keep it in. I would have preferred a diamond. It was fun, though, to see him excited about this new venture. He has always been a risk taker but he is also a pretty smart guy so I encouraged him to take that leap of faith. Six months later he bought a second truck and hired his first employee. Wow. The employee thing made it a bit scarier because now this wasn't just about us. Two years after the dream began he is up to four trucks and three employees. There is even a Hook'er Towing  website  ( be sure to watch the intro. I love the flash on this) thanks to our tech savvy son-in-law and Page Smith Designs (I love his intro too. Check him out in the top left corner of his site. Funny).

Lately all I have been hearing about is a red Feather-Lite car hauler/trailer that he has been bidding on via eBay. This same trailer has been up for auction three times and each time it goes unsold because the minimum wasn't met.  I know now that once my guy sets his sites on something like this he will probably end up with it - or at least one like it. For him the thrill is first in the hunt and then how cheaply he can purchase it. He sometimes tends to overlook the logistics such as where the item is or how to get it home. This latest acquisition was no exception. The trailer he found ... and by the way, do you know how hard it is to find a RED Feather-Lite??? Do you care? I have been told repeatedly that it is like finding a needle in a haystack. Anyway, the trailer he found was in North Andover, Massachusetts - a mere 1268 miles from home - EACH WAY. Being the fabulously devoted wife that I am, I didn't  want him to make this trip alone. So I actually volunteered to ride along. Such a sap. I'm thinking there must be a diamond in this for me some day. 

I was kind of dreading this trip and I can't lie and say it was awesome but the reality was much better than I anticipated. We did have fun rocking to the tunes, listening to the game on Sirius, and just sharing an adventure together. Instead of cosmetics and blow dryers I packed my ipod, iphone loaded with an audio book since I can't read in the car, a set of bad boy headphones and my laptop for when we stopped. Add in Mike's ipod, Blackberry, the invaluable Garmin GPS and his laptop and we were loaded for bear. We had more chargers than we did clothes. You can tell which item is mine. Even though I didn't wear much makeup I still moisturized :)

When I got bored I took pictures of myself or whatever was around me. 

 

The upside was I had only flown and had never driven this part of the country. It is truly beautiful. We drove through Pennsylvania on 9/11 and I really wish we hadn't been squeezed for time because I really would have liked to have stopped in Shanksville, PA for the memorial services there. 

Our reward when we got to Massachusetts was an incredible dinner of lobster, steamers, and shrimp and the discovery that  after two days in the car we still had stuff to talk about.

and of course a cosmo.

And yes we did get what we came for. TA DA.... here is the newest addition to the Hook'er Towing family.

I'd still rather have that diamond !:)

Relish Each and Every Day

People come into our lives for a reason. Bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them.  
~ Wicked

This is a photo of my mom with her friend and partner who passed away this week.  It is bittersweet to see this picture of her looking so happy and yet I realize it is another reminder to relish each day for the gift that it is. 

It's a Woman Thing

 A piece I did for last year's Traveling Door sale. Sometimes we don't realize until we are pushed that we can fly.

  FYI - this is a rare sentimental post - rather unusual for me but sometimes blogging is an exercise in therapy. I guess this was my catharsis.

 

It is like asking, "When did it get dark?" I don't know when things began to change and I'm not sure the change is even complete, but somewhere along the way the robes that my mom and I have worn for years don't fit like they used to. Lately, it seems we have needed to exchange them. My mom is a person I have leaned on, whined to, and confided in. We have shared a great number of martinis, laughs and bits of gossip. In recent years, though, there has been a slow but steady shift in my psyche. I used to worry about not disappointing my mom or if I was feeling rebellious just hoping she wouldn't find out about what I had said or done. There is an honesty about getting older and now I realize that it wouldn't have mattered if she had found out about all of my falls along the way. She would have loved me in spite and maybe because of my weaknesses. I know that now because I am older, wiser and also a mom.  I know that my children will stumble and make bad choices and I will be here to listen, console, and if asked, advise them. Now instead of worrying about pleasing her, I worry about being here for her. Now it is me wondering if she is eating right and wondering if it is my imagination or are her steps wearier? My mom is going through an especially difficult time in her life and although I know her circumstances are certainly not unique, this time it is my mom that is hurting and I realize that she needs me. I am reminded of Kelly Corrigan's Transcending Women and a post I did earlier about this book. If you haven't seen the video yet be sure and click on the link. My mom was my first girl friend and I guess I am lucky because even though we suffered some tumultuous times between my sixteenth and probably thirtieth year, I now consider my mom one of my best friends.

Recently, it has become my turn to be the listener, the counselor, and the open arms for my mom. I believe this is something rather unique to women. We are the caregivers and we cannot ignore or turn our backs on a soul that is hurting. Men are certainly not uncaring but they seem to be able to respond to someone's needs and then shift gears and move back into their own routines without skipping a beat. Sometimes I envy them that but there is also a bonding that goes so much deeper between women. So when we feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities and the feelings that everyone wants a piece of us maybe we should be reminded that the role we fill has been passed on for generations and that we are passing on the nurturing skills that are ingrained in us. It is a fluid event. We take, we give, we take. This is what it is to be human and a woman. I love all of the women in my life and I love you Mom.

...Priceless

Recently we went to Des Moines to visit the kids and to buy some living room furniture for our son James and his fiance. Years ago we naively thought that when we got our kids through school we would be off the hook.... not so. They get apartments and condos and homes. They get married. Someday there will be grand babies. No, now I know we are on the hook for life but actually, it is a lot of fun. This is how our weekend went.

Gas to Des Moines in a truck pulling a trailer $60.00

Breakfast with the kids before shopping $48.00

leather sofa and chair and a new coffee table $ ???? - Mike signed the ticket.

Bottle of Advil after unloading the furniture $4.50

Dinner and drinks at The Latin King $250.00

Drinks downtown after dinner $55.00

Motel room for the night - free with Marriott points

Breakfast Sunday morning $32.00

Time spent with family...... Priceless.

This Has All Been Wonderful But Now I'm On My Way ~Phish

 

Yesterday Adam finished his last day of high school. I went looking for this picture of his first day of kindergarten. Now why did I think this outfit was appropriate? I'm really surprised he didn't get beat up on the playground! Adam if your friends see this, I am REALLY sorry. 

 

It is painfully obvious to me that I don't have any "first day of school" pictures after his sister left for college. She would thankfully guilt me into taking these pictures. Now I am so glad I have them.

 

As I heard Adam leave for his last day at high school, I couldn't convince myself to get up yet. I remembered he would be back home after second hour. I felt better that I could take the picture then and I rolled over for another thirty minutes of sleep. As it turned out, he didn't get home before I had to leave so his dad took these pics for me. Look at him... all grown up!

 

 

 

Where did the time go?

 

I did get this picture, though. He decided to make his own t-shirt for the day to commemorate the occasion.

 

 

This has all been wonderful but now I'm on my way.  ~Phish

Night at the V I - Vernon Inn - The Greek Place

 

It was James's birthday and he chose to celebrate at The Vernon Inn - the Greek Place, a fabulous and fun Greek restaurant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The owners are Godparents to our youngest and we have been the closest of friends for years. Consequently, we have toasted a number of life's important milestones within these blue walls and tonight we commemorated another one.

It was a night of laughs and saganaki,  birthday toasts and gyros, Greek salads and camaraderie

 

 

This one hates to have his picture taken :)

    The Vernon Inn: for quiet dinners or big celebrations, you'll love it.                       Opa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!