Day 17 of Grace in Small Things

Having family over for dinner today for a birthday celebration and I love being surrounded by family.

Birthday Celebration

My bloggy friend is celebrating her 42nd birthday and wants to receive 42 comments. Please head over there and help her with this small request Mom Cooks

What Kind of Wife Are You?

Okay, I'm not sure about this. I chose the closest selection to what I would do. I am no Stepford Wife. I liked the question of what you did on your first anniversary, being in labor with our first child was not one of the choices lol.

What Kind of Wife Are You?
	You are a(n) Stepford Wife. If you look up perfection in the dictionary you are bound to see a picture of yourself there! You are absolutely flawless and make all the other wives look like trash. You are a super woman and get everything done without even a hair getting out of place. You are always in control and keeping appearances are the most important thing. You cook and clean and lavish your man with so much attention that the other husbands are jealous.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

Five for Five

This looks like a fun meme I found over at Crazy Mom with 4 Boys

Five for Five

Five things in my purse
1. Bills to pay
2. Wallet
3. keys
4. Check book
5. Camera

Five things in my work room - den/computer room.

1. Laptop and printer
2. Books
3. Television
4. File cabinet
5. Office chair

Five things I've always wanted to do
1. Spend the cold months in a warmer climate
2. Have time to walk/exercise daily
3. Quit work
4. Go back to college - I love learning - not that it's easy for me, but.
5. Win the lottery for big bucks (took this one straight from Tammy).

Five things I'm currently into
1. Blogging
2. Sewing
3. Reading
4. Learning about Facebook (or is that Myface?)
5. Purging the cedar closet for Purple Heart

Five people I'm tagging
I liked Tammy's answer here too. You! If you're reading this, consider yourself tagged! Kind of removes the pressure from me and you.

Day 16 of Grace in Small Things

Kind of down in the dumps today, so I'm thankful that I don't have many days like this. Now to grab those boot straps and pull myself up.

Chocolate Bliss Cookies

Like I said in an earlier post, I’ve been cruising the cooking and dining blogs and finding a lot of interesting things. Last night I made these yummy cookies that are CHOCOLATE!!!!

Baker’s One Bowl
Chocolate Bliss Cookies
2 pkg (8 square each) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, divided
¾ c firmly packed brown sugar
¼ c (1/2 stick) butter, slightly softened
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
½ cup flour (see note below about adding more if no nuts)
¼ tsp baking powder
2 cups chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 F. Coarsely chop 8 of the chocolate squares, set aside. Microwave remaining 8 chocolate squares in large microwaveable bowl on high 2 min, stirring after 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla; stir until well blended. Add flour and baking powder; mix well. Stir in chopped chocolate and walnuts. (Note: if omitting nuts, increase flour to ¾ cups to prevent excessive spreading of cookies as they bake.)

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 12 to 13 minutes or until cookies are puffed and shiny. Cool 1 minute; remove from baking sheets to wire racks. Cool completely. Makes about 2 ½ dozen cookies.

For Larger Cookies: Drop dough by scant ¼ cupfuls, 3 inches apart, onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 13-14 minutes or until cookies are puffed and shiny. Makes 18 large cookies.

While making the cookies I was questioning the amount of flour, that’s when I glanced at the back of the Baker’s Chocolate box and saw the same recipe. Only on the box they had the part about adding an additional ¼ cup flour if leaving out the nuts – which I did. When I added the flour to the wet ingredients is when I noticed that these cookies are a lot like my brownie recipe. I got 25 cookies from this recipe. So, if you love brownies make these cookies they will put you over the top. I could only eat one, but MM had three!

Day 15 of Grace in Small Things

I just love it when I "steal time to read a good book". Today a friend brought in the second one of the Twilight series, New Moon. Gotta find some time.

What Tarot Card Are You?

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

I'm Having A Hard Time

I'm having a real hard time trying to find time to blog. Have you noticed? I've been trying to drop ecards every day and that kind of eats the disposable time I had for blogging. I'm sure I'll figure it out, just have to find a good balance. On the ecard note, I'm sure finding some cool sites. I keep getting lost in the cooking and dining sites. Everything looks so good. Then I go to hobbies and start copying patterns of interesting things to make. You see where I'm going with this? The more I find the busier I get. And then a friend introduced me to Facebook or as I used to call it "MyFace" lol. I kind of combined myspace and facebook. Anyway, I can see where that can be addictive too. Oh, to have all the time in the world. I DON'T!! Anyway, that's where I've been lately and I can see that I have to make some changes.

Day 14 of Grace in Small Things

Don't you love it when you have a good cleaning day. Purple Heart, a charity that picks up, is coming on Saturday and I'm in the mood. What's the saying "when in doubt, throw it out." Hubby's trying to nail his stuff down lol. Thank God for good cleaning days.

I've Been Tagged

My friend, irl, Tammy tagged me for this 9 question meme. Looks like fun.

1. Have you ever been on TV? - No not that I know of.

2. Have you ever sung in public? - Does singing in church count? No solos though.

3. Have you ever dyed your hair blonde? - very long story, but yes

4. Have you ever eaten frogs' legs? - no

5. Have you ever received a present you really hated? not that I can remember.

6. Have you ever walked into a lamp post? - Probably lol

7. Have you ever cooked a meal by yourself for more than 15 people? - Does the shower for 25 two weeks ago count? Yes.

8. Have you ever fallen or stumbled in front of others? -Who hasn't? That would be 'yes'

9. Have you ever done volunteer work? - When the kids were little I did it all, church, school, girl scouts, boy scouts, yes I did it all.

So now you know a lot more about me than you did before. Instead of tagging others, I'm just going to put it out there and say grab it if you want. It's fun, easy and I'd love to learn more about you.

Day13 of Grace in Small Things

We had very good roads and traffic (non existent) driving to and from Chicago. Life is good.

Day 12 of Grace in Small Things

I am so thankful that I am easily motivated or inspired. I can often just see something and decide to get with it.

Aren't These The Cutest?

As I was recovering from a sinus infection last week I didn't want to do anything, but if you know me at all you know I can't just sit and do nothing. I remembered that I hadn't made the new baby any shoes yet. Aren't these the cutest? I just love that you can google anything and find a pattern for it. Little girls are such fun. The buttons are just adorable. The black ones have a rhinestone in the middle of a golden flower shape.



These pink ones have a rhinestone in the middle of a pearl button.

Day 11 of Grace in Small Things

I am so thankful I have a husband that enjoys driving. No matter the weather or the distance he just enjoys driving. This after a trip to Chicago for a baby shower.

Day 10 of Grace in Small Things

I'm really thankful for my sewing talents. Don't know if it's really a talent, but what comes really easy to me is often quite difficult for others. I also enjoy the creativity of sewing - you know you enjoy something if the time just flys by when you are doing it lol

How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

I'm not so addicted. I thought it was a lot worse.

55%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Online Dating

Day 9 of Grace in Small Things

We celebrated hubby's birthday last night and I was truly blessed the day he walked into my life. Our meeting is a fun story for another day lol.

Day 8 of Grace in Small Things

I don't know why I'm always amazed, but when I'm in a hurry and ask for a close parking spot, it never fails that there is one right up front. "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22. This doesn't just work for parking spots for me, but that is the most recent thing that has reminded me how blessed I am. Does this happen to you a lot?

Looking for a Wedding Ring?

Have you seen the new black tungsten rings? They are gorgeous! I really like the 5-205 with the gold inlay. Tungsten and titanium are stronger than the other metals jewelry are made of. My wedding rings are of gold and after 37 years have lost the brushed layer years ago.

A friend was also talking about her tennis bracelet that is starting to weaken. I've got to tell her about these titanium bracelets. These are made of the same compound as airplanes. Let's face it, titanium has to be strong to make airplanes of it. Be sure to check these out, they aren't even expensive when you think about the cost of jewelry. I really like the color of the tungsten and titanium too, more platinum, silver, pewter like. Add lots of shine and you have a beautiful strong product. Do you think I should ask for a new ring for my 40th anniversary in 2 1/2 years? I really do like my plain gold band, but if I were to get a new one I'd definitely look at these.

Day 7 of Grace in Small Things

I am so grateful for my office friends that have helped me through my everyday problems for the last 20 years.

My Maintenance Man's Birthday

I was playing on the internet last night and went to a family web site we've established. Imagine my utter surprise to discover my hubby's birthday is in 2 days. Don't know how that snuck up on me. It'll be hard to do a birthday celebration for him at the house this year because we are under construction again. His favorite birthday would probably include a trip to the Corvette factory and watch his new car come off the line. That aside, I think he'd really like to head out in the motorhome for parts south. We'll probably just go out to dinner and talk about the car of his dreams and how we'll travel later this year.

We have a new baby coming in March and I really want to be around for that. March is going to be hard time of year to be here for her 1st birthday party next year. It's important to establish a theme and get supplies and decorations to compliment that theme. For a first birthday it would be fun to do some sort of Disney theme or Princess theme for a little girl. I know we missed Peanut's 1st birthday last year and I was really bummed. For Peanut's birthday they had lots of family (just not me and Papa) and friends. Our son did take lots of photos though so at least I felt a part of it. My SIL built a real cute playhouse on part of the deck and she had lots of climb on toys. They did the traditional cake just for Peanut to delve into and of course she's been taught better than that and didn't want to at first. But they somehow got her to put her hands in it and then eat the frosting. I always love that part of the first birthday party, besides the hats and horns. The older parties are a lot of fun too when they really know what's going on and want everything. My niece just had a winter birthday party for her daughter and they had a sledding party. The weather cooperated and the kids had a ball. Who would think something so simple would be so much fun. Of course, there was lots of hot chocolate for all when they came in.

Day 6 of Grace in Small Things

I love that I still have my Mother around to visit often and play Scrabble with. She's 86 and I try to go visit her after work a few times a week. She still has it all together and is hard to beat at Scrabble. Oh yeah, she loves to win!

Eight Random Things About Me

I saw this over at Michelle's and thought this would be fun. I love to get to know others and maybe others would like to learn about me.



This tag is supposed to be 8 random things about me. This should be simple, but I don't like to talk about myself.

1. I'm currently reading a book by Suzanne Somers - Breakthrough

2. My hubby is 4.5 years older than I am. Is he a cradle robber? lol

3. I have two children and wish I'd had 6.

4. I've been married to my husband for the last 37.5 years. We had our first baby one year and one day after our wedding.

5. My hubby and I love to camp and travel.

6. I have to be busy at all times - sewing, knitting, reading or even playing a hand held game.

7. I love to work in the flower garden in the early morning hours.

8. Blogging is fun for me, but I do find it time consuming.

Now here are the RULES for this tag:
1. Each blogger starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged and to read your blog.
5. For the recipients, leave a comment for the person who tagged you, so they can go and read your answers.




Now it's time for me to tag some of my blog friends. I'm going to put this one up for grabs. If you want to play along please feel free.

Making a Baby Quilt

I've been busy lately with baby stuff. The shower was just over a week ago so now I can show you how to make this adorable quilt. It looks like a lot of work, but friends that wanted to learn the process are amazed at how simple it is. You begin by finding patterns that you want to use. You can either buy a book of patterns (childrens coloring books work well) or if you are creative like Tammy you can just design your own.

This first picture shows one of the patterns I used.


Then you trace the pattern on the fusible webbing

Next you iron the wrong side of the fusible webbing to the wrong side of the selected fabric.

There are a lot of fusible webbings out there, but this is the one I used.

After it is fused to the fabric you cut out the pattern on the exact cutting line and remove the paper.

I usually set up all the pieces on the main fabric before fusing it on.

Once I've finished fusing all the pieces onto the squares I use a zig zag stitch around all the pieces to make them stronger for the many washings these little quilts will receive in their lifetimes.

For this quilt I used a two inch border between the pieces so I cut the strips 3 inches using 1/2 inch seams.

Once I have the strips done I connect them to complete the top.

For these baby quilts I then cut a back to fit and stitch around three sides leaving the bottom open.

I then turn it inside right and give it a good pressing so the edges are sharp.

Then I turn it back inside out and lay the batting on it. I cut the batting to fit and do a whip stitch to hold it all together for now.

Then I turn it back inside right and do a lot of pinning. On this particular quilt I stitch around each of the white squares and close up the bottom. Below is the finished quilt.

I've done over 2 dozen of these quilts over the years. The one for little Peanut was a different design, but all the other are this design in different fabrics.

Looking for Spring

I can’t wait for the weather to warm up and to actually see the lawn again. Right now everything is WHITE. When the weather is warm my MM is of the opinion that he just wants to keep it mowed as few times as possible and have it look presentable. I’m pretty sure he’d be in favor of an artificial turf. I was just reading about San Diego Synthetic Grass. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a beautiful synthetic lawn all the time and not have to do any maintenance? I know my neighbors have a nice lawn and have it sprayed on a regular basis to maintain this beautiful green. An artificial turf would stay green without having to be concerned with your pets or children running on it. No more dangerous chemicals coming into your home on the shoes of your family. I think the part I would like the best is not worrying about the drainage around the house. And if I didn’t have to worry about the lawn I’d have more time to spend in my flower gardens. I know I really missed that last year while we were traveling in Alaska. The part that really makes a lawn look nice is to have it trimmed out with the trimmer and MM hates that part so it doesn’t happen often.

With my little Peanut now into the running stage I want to put a play gym in the yard and it sure would be nice to have a beautiful soft lawn under it. She was just walking last year and it wasn’t always easy for her, but I’m looking forward to us spending a lot of time out there this year just playing and rolling around on the beautiful green lawn. Okay, I really need to look into some artificial turf. Just the thought of the time and money spent on regular upkeep would have to offset the initial cost of installing a beautiful, no maintenance lawn.

Day 5 of Grace In Small Things

Does having a day off work count? It sure does for me. Nothing but fun stuff for me today.

Day 4 of Grace In Small Things

Oh yeah, get to see my little Peanut today. Lots of playing around with hugs and kisses.

What Breed of Dog Are You?

Ever wonder what you would be if you were a dog? Well, here's you chance to find out. I would have thought that I was more of a lap dog, but what do I know. Do we ever really know ourselves?

You Are a Boxer

You are playful and energetic. You bring joy to everyone who crosses your path. You are hyper to the point of being a comedian. Everyone is wondering what you will do next. You energy can get the better of you if you're not careful. You can have a destructive streak when you're bored. You're very strong willed and powerful. You get you way without even trying to.

What Breed of Dog Are You?

Day 3 of Grace In Small Things

I am so grateful to be able to sleep in today. I'm fighting a sinus infection (still) and just need to sleep.

Day 2 of Grace In Small Things

With the temperatures so cold I am really thankful for my gorgeous spa type robe. It is really warm when I'm walking around my freezing house. Thank you for warm robes.

Resolutions

Another year and as we start I always resolve to live a healthy lifestyle. It's not too hard for me, but I remember that I do have alcoholic tendencies in my family and it is something that I've always made my children aware of too. A family member is currently in a drug treatment center and is doing quite well. I've heard that there is a certain part of the brain that actually make one more excess compulsive. And that, to me, is what makes an abusive behavior. When you can't stop drinking, using, smoking, whatever. I sometimes have a day or two that I have a problem with eating. I just can't stop! And that is the same problem with any substance.

I am so thankful that there are treatment centers out there that can do the job that we as families have a difficult time with. It is so hard to practice 'tough love'. You can't allow them to continue whatever it is that is slowly destroying them. And to look the other way is to enable that behavior. I wonder how long a full recovery would take? Or is there such a thing as a 'full recovery'? I know I still have to say 'no' to cigarettes occassionally. The pull is a lot less that the first few months, but these 30 years later, once in a while it smells good.

I once read that when a person is removed from their surroundings that it can be very helpful, but my experience is that persons with an abusive tendency seem to find another with the same problem no matter where they live. So the desire to be and stay clean will follow them for their whole life, and they just have to resolve everyday to stay clean and sober. I'm just really thankful that there are treatment centers available that have qualified persons to help loved ones through the difficult times.

365 Days of Grace

I found this meme over at Canned Laughter who found it at Schmutzie and I think it's a marvelous idea. So maybe this will get me back on the track of being appreciative of all the blessings in my life. Not that I'm not appreciative, but to become more consciencely aware and share my many blessings. For my first one (okay, I'm a little late, but I'll carry it into January 2010)

My car that started on the first try today in this frigid weather.

Talk About A Deep Freeze

I woke up this morning and the temperature at the kitchen window was -12F. We have well insulated windows and even a couple of those had frost on the inside. About an hours later MM came downstairs and there's a thermometer at ground level and that one said -18F. I'm cold just thinking about it. The sun is shining beautifully now, but not to be deceived - IT IS COLD!! Listening to the news this morning they were talking about animal control is going to pick up patrol to rescue any animals left outside. Who would ever do that? Leave an animal outside in this kind of weather that is. I think the news even said that they picked up a couple of frozen dogs. Inconceivable!

On a better note, my car started without a sputter. A friend at work had to take her husbands car because her's has a diesel engine and it was too gelled up. Guess you have to plug them in or something to keep the diesel from gelling. Okay, between you and me I've typed 'jelled' and 'gelled' and neither one looks right. I hate when that happens. I think it's this stupid sinus infection that still has me wonky. I had to call in for another antibotic because 10 days on this one hasn't really knocked it out of me. How's anyone supposed to get better in this weather.

Bathroom Remodel

We replaced the bathroom vanity when we remodeled our bathroom. Wish we'd seen these discount bathroom vanities before starting our project. I like the simplicity of this one

The way it hangs on the wall gives you an illusion of open space. We ended up with something real similar only there’s a full drawer that pulls out from the bottom with perfect storage for more paper goods. We also ended up saving our counter top from the original bathroom. It has different shades of brown pebbles suspended in Lucite. Everyone that sees it makes a comment about it because it’s so different. We were thinking about a double vanity but that would have involved a lot of plumbing and who needs that?

I think what I like the most about our remodel job was the 10 jet Jacuzzi tub. We tried like the dickens to try to fit in a bigger tub, but the original floor plan was the best. I’ve discovered that most builders have already established the best floor plans when building homes. The other big change for me was the new ceramic tile floor (I hated that nasty carpet).

When my little Peanut comes over she loves to get into the tub. There’s no water in it, she just loves to walk back and forth and play with the buttons of the Jacuzzi. Fortunately, when we installed it MM was smart enough to put a main switch for the electricity in the closet nearby. We just leave it turned off until we’re ready to use it. Okay, once in a while I get in and discover that I forgot to throw the switch in the closet. I sit there for a while screaming and hollering, then I give it up and step out and turn it on. I hate when I do that.

How Much Do You Remember of 2008

I found this quiz over at Michelle's. I'm thinking I don't listen to the news or maybe I don't retain trivia. Please don't ask me about the 1970's - I know I flew through that time period.

You Remember 50% of 2008

Okay, you were somewhat paying attention during 2008. But you're not going to impress anyone with your knowledge of what went down. You know the basics about what went down, but little else... Let's just say you won't be writing the history book for 2008.

How Much Do You Remember 2008?

Come on somebody - be worse than me. This is embarrassing.

Outdoor Gear

Talking with my friends lately, I’ve heard a lot of people are applying for concealed weapons permits. I wonder if all this doom and gloom that you hear on television is the reason for it. There’s a cool website 5.11 Tactical that has everything you could every want to secure your home and family. They have flashlights, clothing, boots and lots of other tactical gear. A lot of the stuff would just be good for hiking and camping.

Last summer when we were hiking around Mendenhall Glacier – way back in the woods and up the mountain – I would have loved to have a portable liter to be carried back on. Joking aside, that wouldn’t be a bad thing to carry with you. These words coming from the couple that kept forgetting the basics like water and bear repel. We had to laugh because every time we were way out in nature enjoying all the beauty we’d discover that once again we forgot the basics. We didn’t laugh too hard when we had to stop for the bear to cross the path when we were biking around Diamond Lake in OR. Talk about scary. We were in several outdoor situations that more would have been better – oh yeah – we would have had to carry all the stuff. I think it was a combination of thought processes that went through my head, from ‘I can’t wait to get outside’ to ‘I don’t want to carry anything extra’ that left us unprepared so many times. More often than not, when we were prepared it was my Maintenance Man that would carry the backpack with the essentials. Boy, I miss those wonderful days. It’s all taking me back to the perfect vacation – not a bad place to be on this snowy, blustery cold day.

It's Snowing Again

Is this snow ever going to end?! I noticed last night when I left the office that the snow was squeaky. That is definitely COLD in my book. One of my friends said ‘you know it’s cold when the little hairs in your nose freeze up when you walk outside’. Ain’t that the truth. So there was more snow overnight and today it’s snowing again. Actually this morning there was a misty kind of stuff all around and there was a layer of ice on the walkways that had been cleared.

The one thing I’m happy about is the local ski mountain is really busy. Not that I ski, but it’s good to see something that’s promising for our local economy. More skiers mean more people at the local restaurants and that’s a good thing too.

The snow is a BEAUTIFUL blanket of white everywhere. MM took some great pictures of a red cardinal in our cedar pine out back, too bad I can’t find the cable to download them right now. Oh well, this is the northern country and this is January so I’m sure it’s not going to end soon. I’ll have to be happy reading about my friends that are traveling south.

Financing Our Latest Project

Now that I've spilled the beans that we're back on the home improvement path it's time to think about financing or getting a small loan for the project. With Rainbow services they search for the best loan provider specifically to meet your needs and they have great rates. The great thing about this lending service is you get your money quickly and you know I want to start yesterday. Fortunately this home improvement won't be as much as the last project, but all that trim cost money. We have lots of different wood trims in the living room and dining room so we'll have to decide what wood to use as well. I was also thinking about having a small moulding piece on the living room wall about 3 inches from the ceiling and painting the ceiling color down to this moulding. I've seen it before and it really makes the room look larger. Can't wait to start looking at the paint chips.

And with Spring just around the corner I know Maintenance Man will be looking at Car loans. Does this happen to everyone else? Spring makes my man want a new car. He's drooling over Corvettes now. He had a Corvette when I met him and we had one together til we sold the last one in 1984. He's been kicking himself ever since. Now that we're empty nesters we don't need to seat 4 anymore so this Corvette thing just might work. Who knows what the future holds. What color do you think we should get? We've had green ('67), gold ('69) and the last one was gun metal blue ('65). I think I liked that last one best, it was a coupe and MM built a cute little seat in the back for the kiddies. That worked for awhile if our oldest ducked her head a little. But that's not a worry now. We'll just have to keep our boys away from it (they like to drive FAST).

Time to Start Putting Holes in the Walls

For the last five or six years I've been wanting to paint the living room, dining room and hallways and for one reason or another there was something else to do. I think in that time frame we've gutted and remodeled the bathroom, put hardwood floors in two of the bedrooms, and not that we did the work, but the funds were going into the pole barn and then a front porch. Well, it was time to finally get around to the painting and as we were looking at it the project started snowballing. My brother's house has a recessed space that punches out to hang over the stairs going downstairs (does that make any sense) and I thought I would like that and put doors on it to make extra storage for some of my kitchen stuff. So once again the painting has to wait for the demolition. We're (I shouldn't be saying 'we're' because it's really MM) also going to put a 6-8 inch shelf around the dining room to display my 'tea for one' sets. I'm sure it'll be lots of dust and fun so come along I'll take lots of pictures of before and after.

Get the Cutest Baby Clothes!!

I just found this really cute site for Baby Clothing as I was looking for new stuff for our up and coming new granddaughter and of course I can't resist buying for little Peanut. While shopping I found this adorable pink polka dot froggy dress I know Peanut would love the little froggy and I love the little tie at the shoulder.

There are both Baby Boy Clothes and Baby Girl Clothes. I found some cute onsies for my niece's twins born in August. One says '1 of 2' the other '2 of 2'. Is that cute or what? They also have matching outfits with one boy and one girl which is what this set are. With personal monogramming also available you could get a special gift for that someone special.

If you're like me you can't walk by those adorable little cloths for the little ones while walking through the store. If you shop on line you can just find a lot more selection for just about any occassion. I wish I'd found this earlier. We're having a baby shower this weekend and they have the cutest eco friendly elephant diaper cake. What a great centerpiece and we all know how many diapers a baby can go through.

My daughter has also started me thinking about buying eco friendly baby toys. I've found the cutest wooden blocks and building sets along with wooden rattles. These are the kind of gifts that would become heirlooms to be handed down from generation to generation. When buying 'eco friendly' toys you don't have to worry about plastics or lead paints since they have no toxic finish on them.

Quick Easy Dinner

Still battling this sinus infection and then we had company last night. I thought I had a frozen lasagna in the freezer, but we had that last week. So I did some quick thinking and had MM pick up Cabbage Rolls from Gordon's Foods. They were so yummy and all I had to do was pop them in the oven. I don't like being unprepared like that, but they were as good an any home cooked meal I could have whipped up. I think I'm going to start checking out more of what they have available. The only problem usually is that they come in large quantities, but this served 4 of us with enough for 2 more meals (leftovers tonight). Are there any favorites that you like from Gordons?

What's Your Word

Talk about right on. This is really me. Thanks Michelle for leading me to this quiz.

Your Word is "Hope"

You see life as an opportunity for learning, growth, and bringing out the best in others. No matter how bad things get, you always have at least a glimmer of optimism. You are accepting and forgiving. You encourage those who have wronged you to turn over a new leaf. And while there is a lot of ugliness in the world, you believe that almost no one is beyond redemption.

What's Your Word?

I Need A Good Nights Sleep

Since I have this sinus infection I can hardly breathe and I feel so bad for people with sleep apnea. I don't think I really have it, but I can relate to not getting a full nights sleep because I can't breathe. My sister who has sleep apnea says that she actually stops breathing in her sleep and wakes herself up gasping for breath. I was just reading up on the condition and have learned that the disorder can actually be cured. I wonder if anyone has actually 'died' in their sleep from this? Sis says she didn't like wearing the head gear that is required but what are her choices? Good thing there are lots of doctors and medical facilities that recognize this as the severe problem that it is. What's also interesting is that my sister isn't overweight or a smoker which are usually strong considerations in sleep apnea. Her doctor didn't really indicate to her why she has this disorder and I know it really frustrates her.

A friend's husband also went through a whole sleep study and he can't get good sleep without wearing the mask that attaches to a machine that keeps oxygen going to him throughout the night. He doesn't really even know that he stops breathing, but he's always tired in the morning because his sleep was disrupted repeatedly. It's the whole oxygen deprivation that is the major problem. If you stop breathing for more then 10 seconds or are getting less that 25% oxygen for more than 10 seconds then you would be considered a person with sleep apnea. Glad I just have a sinus infection and I'll be able to breathe again in a couple of days hopefully.

Is Everybody Else Still Busy??

I thought things would slow down a little once the holidays passed, but I always find new things to fill my time. I'll be doing a post next week with full detail of the baby quilt I made for my newest granddaughter. The basic principles can be used to make just about anything. Besides quilting and knitting I'm helping with a Baby Shower for this weekend. Everything is coming together nicely, but you know all the last minute details that take so much time. And to top it off I just don't feel good. And...it's snowing again. I'm trying to find time to visit a few of my bloggy friends too. With everything going on I've just been slacking. Hope you're all doing well and know that I'm still here.

Time for Renewal

Is January the time for renewal in your life? I’ve found that I want all new things in January – like a ‘do over’. I’ve been looking at different procedures that I can do at liposuction surgery uk where they have experienced skilled surgeons. At Mya Cosmetic Surgery they guide you through the whole process from initial consultation through to the end answering all your questions and making you feel confident that you’ve made the right choice. They have no hidden costs either which is always a good thing. I have seriously considered eyelid surgery before and I’d definitely like someone that has done several before, so experience is important to me. Droopy eyelids are hereditary thing in my family and I can look at my beautiful Mom and see what’s coming. When checking out the basics of this surgery it looks pretty simple and one would need about one week off work for recovery. Not bad for a whole new look. I know several people that have done this and are happy with the results.

Liposuction is another thing that I would consider to finally get rid of that little 'pouch' that we ladies get from childbirth. As well as those thighs that just aren't giving it up no matter how much I work out.

Another procedure that I’ve needed for the last 10 years is microdermabrasion. I have a large scar from an auto accident and I’ve been told that this kind of deep exfoliation would really improve the appearance of my skin. This is a non-surgical procedure and you could almost have it done on your lunch hour since it just takes 30 minutes. The list could go on and on, if only I had the time, money and courage. When my ship comes in I will definitely be making some appointments.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I have been so busy lately that I forgot to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Hope you have a healthy happy new year filled with all your wishes and dreams come true. Did you make any resolutions? Mine are the usual... lose weight, keep a better house, you get the drift. My little Peanut wanted to give you a greeting too.


Happy New Year!!

As Snug as a Bug in a Rug

We plan on doing some redecorating soon and I'd sure like one of these new metal beds. Talk about a wide selection. It sure would be hard to make a choice. I wish they had those cute children's single beds when my kids were little. They also have a selection of mattresses to choose from. I've found that as long as I have my memory foam mattress and fleece sheets I don't care what the rest looks like. When I crawl between those sheets I am cozy warm immediately and fall right to sleep. But back to the redecorating, I don't know if I want a new comforter set or to just stick with the old one. It has lots of colors in it that I'll be able to change the wall color with no problem. I think that's what I really want - change the wall color and maybe get a new bed. Something with storage under would be an added bonus. I often thought of one of those Murphy beds too, that's one that folds up into the wall. Talk about giving you more room to move around. The one thing I won't change is that there will be no television in the bedroom. When I want to sleep I want to sleep. No voices in the background.

I just found out I have an acute sinus infection and the only thing I can think about is getting home and going straight to bed. The doctor gave me a couple of new medications and they're still not working. Why do doctors always give you the latest most expensive drugs they can find? I'm sure the one with the $10 co/pay would have worked just as well and I would sleep just fine in a nice new bed.