Weekend in Review

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!  I hope that you had a day that was filled with love and laughter.

I had a wonderful day, thanks for asking.  Saturday we had hoped to go to dinner at the restaraunt that Tim is working at, but he said that he expected to be very busy and probably would not be able to come out and chat with us.  So, we decided to wait for a more conducive time to do that.  After all, we don't want to go into DC and not have the opportunity to see him.  Since Mr. Wonderful was going to be working on Sunday, we decided to celebrate on Saturday instead.  Michelle and I were both asked what we wanted to do or where we wanted to go and neither of us cared much, so Mr. W took things in his own hands and made reservations for us to go to  Medieval Times.  If you have never been, I highly recommend it!  They have a number of different locations and it is a lot of fun!  FOr those not familiar with it, Medieval Times is a dinner and entertainment venue set in the middle ages.  We got to the castle at about 3:15 which was the recommended time.  We got a drink and sat at a table in the lobby for a while and listened to the revelers and looked at some of the suits of armor.  Then the King started to give the appointment of knight, dame, etc. to various people and we went up to watch.  Bella was standing there and watching and said that she would love to get called up.  Well, the next thing she knew her name was announced!  Mr. W had arranged it but had not told her.  (This of course is for an extra fee!)  She was so shocked that she didn't move at first and we had to encourage her to go on up.  She was so excited to be given the title of Dame Isabella!  She was cloaked in a cape and then it was announced that she was there as a celebration and she received a tiara with long strands of pink fabric that hung down each side.  (Another fee for that.) 

She looks so grown up in this picture!

Here she is as the king appoints her 'Dame'.

She just loved it!  By then it was about time for the castle doors to open and we found our seats.  Again, Jim upgraded our seats to 'King' and we sat in the front row!  It was great!  Soon the waiter came out and told us that we were to cheer for the Black & White knight and he encouraged us to practice.  Then dinner was served.  As we started on the first course Tomato Basil Soup, the show began. 

This was our knight.

The knights were all introduced and they were each given a couple of flowers from the Princess.  The knight then choose an audience member to bestow the flower upon and he choose Bella.  When she realized that he was tossing the flower to her, she about squeeled! 

As the courses were served, we watched the jousting, horsemanship, fighting and had a great time!  We cheered for our knight and booed when he was defeated by another knight.  It was really a lot of fun!  The dinner was delicious too!  In addition to the soup we were served: roasted chicken, bbq spare ribs, garlic bread, potatoe wedges and apple turnover.  We were all full by the time it was over. 

Bella really got into waving her flag and cheering!

After the show Michelle, Shawn and Bella posed with the young woman who demonstrated the 'Sport of Kings' (falconry) earlier in the arena.  Those birds are really quite amazing.

After  we were done, we walked around the mall for a little while and by the time we got in the car to head for home we were all pretty tired.  Isabella was asleep within minutes and she continued to sleep the whole ride home! 

Sunday, Jim left for work at 3:50 am and the house was quiet which allowed me to sleep in until 9:15!  That is really sleeping in for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it!  I fixed myself a cup of tea and some yogurt, and was even able to work in my craft room for a little while before Jim came home.  We then went for an early dinner at Caraba's before heading home.  Once home, we both took a short nap-it was a great day!

Chaotic Goddess Swap

So, it's time to reveal what I received in the mail from the Chaotic Goddess Swap.  Actually, it is past time but my swap partner had some family obligations to attend to out of state and got the package out late.  No big deal for me, but it meant that I couldn't post the reveal on time.  So, ready?  Here goes:

Look at that loot! 

To refresh your memory, the swap was called Mug O' Comfort and we had to include a mug and then some other items that were tailored to the recipient.  Can be a little difficult as we've never met each other, but by reading  her blog, I was able to get some insight into Sarah and she obviously got some insight into me!  I love the green polka dot mug and have used it several times already.  There is loose tea, a couple packets of Sweet & Spicey tea (yum!), hot chocolate, a book that Sarah had read and passed along, an adorable tulip shaped rice crispy treat, Jelly Beans, a Munch bar and a family favorite of hers that she mixed up and sent along.  Can't wait to try that one out!

I thought this swap was lots of fun and I will certainly do another one.  If you think this is something taht you would like to do, go over to Chaotic Goddess Swaps.  Sign ups are going on now for the next one!

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May Already?!

Where does the time go?  Honestly it feels like Christmas was just last week and now it is May already.  I also realized that my darling Isabella is going to be nine soon and then she reminded me that ten is next and she'll be a teenager and driving and dating before I know it!  Like I needed to be reminded of those days.  Ha!  I think her father has been getting busy polishing his gun.  (Kidding!  He doesn't own a gun, but you know what I mean.)
So, Spring is here in all its glory and with it comes a very busy season.  I have a baby shower to attend on Sunday and the mom to be is a dear friend of my daughter's and the two of them have spent many, many hundreds of hours together over the years and her mom and I are good friends too.  I offered to do a few things for the shower which has a bird theme, so I have been busy working on those few things.  (Pictures next week.)  Additionally, there are several graduation parties for which I have been asked to do some crafting for and of course, the main event is Isabella's birthday party which this year is on the 1st of June.  My plate is pretty full!

 When I was thinking about what to get Brooke, the mom to be,  for the shower I wanted it to be something special yet pratical too.  Hmm.  While I was browsing on Pinterest one day I came across an adorable hat for a girl.  It was a baseball hat and Brooke loves baseball! 

I was going to order it but it was $23. and I wanted to do something else as well so instead I called my sister. I asked if she'd be willing to make one and sent her a picture and she said sure. Now, my sister Susan, is freaking amazing. She got the creative genes in the family and is a whiz with any type of craft needle-knit, crochet and sewing-she can do it! She won a blue ribbon for a poncho she entered at the county fair when she was like 13. Anyway, she whipped it up and sent it to me and voila!  The hat above is the one I saw one Pinterest and she replicated it without the little brim and I had the baseball button so I sewed it in (that's about all I can handle!) 

I also decided to make her a Diaper Cake, as what mom doesn't like diapers? Brooke spent a great deal of her childhood and young adulthood in ballet classes and is all about the ballet, so I decided to go with a ballet themed cake.  Here is what I came up with:

Sorry about the picture, it won't stay turned!

Anyway, I made the little tutu  on the bottom layer, they layers are formed around a large bottle of baby powder, the top layer is a headband and the little shoes are sparkly.  The lamb is from some TV show that I've never heard of, but it was the only thing I could find that was a ballerina.  The picture really doesn't do it justice, but it came out really cute. 

I also made the invitations for Bella's party.  The theme this year is a Red Carpet Movie Party.  Here's what I came up with:

                                                                   And the inside:

(I put a little piece of paper over the address and phone number, but you get the idea!

I liked the way they turned out and Bella's thrilled, so that's what matters.

As you may have guessed, these projects have been occupying any free time that I have lately.  Gotta tell you, working really gets in the way of my social and crafting life!

What have you been up to?



20 Questions

Getting to know me, a little bit.  Twenty questions and answers.  Honest, answers.  Promise or try anyway!


1.What is your road trip essential snack?

  CANDY!  I am a sweet freak and sugar is my favorite food group!  And as someone once told me there are no calories when you are on the road.

2.You've been handed two free round-trip tickets...who are you taking and where are you going?

First, woo-hoo!  I love free! First, I would go to Florida with the hubs to visit my parents.  Both my Mom & Dad and my Dad & Bonus Mom live in Florida and I don't get down there to visit. Like ever!

Second trip, I have always wanted to visit Italy! (and Greece and Australia, and on, and on.).  And I've always wanted to go there with my daughter, Michelle. I think that would be so much fun!

3,What was your high school jam?
I had to call my sisters about this one.  I really liked the Eagles way back then, still like them as a matter of fact.  Hotel California, never really understood the song but I liked it!  
4.Would you rather have a perfect bum, or a flawless face?
  Flawless face, no doubt!  Everyone sees it coming and the bum only going and it can be easily camouflaged!

5.What shows are you ashamed to admit are on your DVR?
Dance Moms-my dirty little secret.  It's like a train wreck that I can't  tear myself away from.

                                                                  Abby is SO Evil!
                                      
6.What's your ringtone?
I've never downloaded one, because I'm cheap.  Currently it is a tweeting bird.
7.How old were you when you had your first kiss? Was it meh or toe-curling?
I really don't remember, but I think it was in 5th grade on the playground.  Who can have a toe-curling kiss in the 5th grade?  Definitely meh!

                                                        
8.Do you have any siblings, and if so, where are you in the birth order?
Siblings?  Boy, do I have them!  My parents were divorced and both re-married people with children so I grew up with lots.  My mother however, gave birth to 4 girls-of which I was number 2.  Born 21 months after my older sister.  Susan, Karen, Laura and Jenn.
When I add in the 3 that my Dad brought and the 5 that my step-mother brought it went like this:
Eddie, Michael, Susan, Peter, Susan (I know, 2!),Cindy, Karen (Me!), Garry, Laura, Scott, Luanne and Jenn.
Interesting facts, other than the fact that there are two Susan's.  My brother Peter and my sister Susan are one month apart in age.  My sister Cindy, Me and my brother Garry are all born one month apart from each other.  Cindy October 24, Me November 24 and Garry December 26th - all the same year.

                                                 Jenn, me, Laura and Susan

9.What was your first car, and did you name it?
My first car was one that my Grandfather gave to me when he got a new one.  It was a 1961 Chevy, I think.  I got it in 1980 and I did not name it.

10.What would you request for your last supper?
 Don't really know.  Probably anything that my Mom would make me!  Love her soups, and her Italian and pretty much anything else she makes.

11.Have you ever been hospitalized, and if so, what for?
  YES!  Far too many times!  Once, when I was 18 for a foot re-construction.  Twice to give birth.  ('81 and '86) Then I had a hysterectomy, I was hospitalized for 5 days for a migraine, then an appendectomy, an oophorectomy (ovary removal), and finally a gallbladder removal just last year.
 
12.How tall are you? Do you wish you were taller, shorter...or are you just right?
I am 5'4" and growing up I always wished I was taller.  Now, I'm fine with my height.  (Especially since I am the tallest of my 3 sisters and my mother.)
  .
13.Do you prefer to DIY or hire it out?
Will, I prefer to hire out, but often find myself DIYing!  I do get a certain amount of satisfaction doing it myself and I like to paint.
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14.What do you eat for breakfast?
Most days I have cereal (either hot or cold) or Greek yogurt.
 
15.What would you do for a living if you didn't need money?
When I was younger I would have said an actress or a singer, but now I think I would be a party planner.  .

16.Finish this sentence: Every room needs....
Paint!  Even if it is a good White or Beige. I can't stand to see builder's paint on walls and I think that your paint colors and types of paint say a lot about you.

17.How frequently do you wash your hair? Do you have any hair secrets or tricks?
 I wash my hair every other day and it usually looks best on the second day.  I always use hair spray, even if I am just pulling my hair back.  I have thick hair and it helps it to keep the style and helps with fly aways.

18.Will you leave the house without makeup?
  I have, but only to be hospitalized.  Otherwise-NEVER!

18.You just unloaded your Halloween haul...what candy do you go for first?
   Jelly beans-God's perfect food!

19.What totally inane talent do you possess?
  Oh my, so many to choose from.  I can touch my nose with my tongue!



20. What would you consider a perfect day?
This is a tough one!  I like to do so many things and love to have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, but if we are talking just a 'regular' day?  It would be snowing outside and a roaring fire in the fireplace.  I would have something warm and wonderful cooking on the stove or in the crockpot (obviously, someone put it there for me if it's wonderful!) I would spend the day in really comfy clothes and warm cozy socks, reading and crafting and finish the day with a nice glass of wine.  Simple.
Or, any day at the beach!

Addicted!

First, I'd like to say that I am horrified by the events that occured at the end of the Boston Marathon.  It was another beautiful day with a blue sky, not unlike that back in September of 2001, when tradegy hit and horror rang out.  My hearts and prayers go out to all those involved, to the victims and their families-May God be with you during this time of healing and pain and may you find comfort.  To those who perpetrated this terrible crime, know that you will not bring us down as we as one Nation Under God, will only pull together and become stronger.  The evil that lies in your heart comes from Satan and we will not let him

win!

So, on to my topic at hand-Addicted!

Serious topic.

What is an addiction?  The dictionary defines it as such:

ad·dic·tion/əˈdɪkʃən/ Show Spelled [uh-dik-shuhn] Show IPA

noun

the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.   Reading that definition the first part of it convinces me-I'm addicted.  Now, addictions come in many forms; narcotics, alcohol, cigarettes, food, gambling and perhaps one of the most perplexing addiction of all and the one that I am currently suffering from- CANDY CRUSH SAGA!   I am totally addicted.  How did it happen?  Well, like many it started slowly.  One day I was feeling a little bored and a lot lazy.  I didn't feel like going and doing something, but I didn't want to just sit and watch TV.  So, I picked up my i-Phone and downloaded the App.  I had heard that people were playing it and had even seen some post on FB about it so I decided to try it.  The app is free, so what do I have to loose I thought.  Ha! 

Bright colors, fun music and a fairly simple idea.  Clear the candy.  And so it began...

One level down, easy enough. 

Next level was somewhat more challenging, but not a big deal-onward ho!

Level after level I moved on and I didn't really even know how it worked at that point.  I was just putting three of the same colors together, no strategy involved. 

Then a friend noticed me playing and she asked if I knew what I was doing.  Doing?  No, just playing a game.  That day we took our lunch break together and over lunch, she explained the strategy of the game.  Huddled over my phone, she showed me what the striped candies do and the wrapped candies and OMG have you gotten those multi-colored beauties?! 

Now I was hooked.  It wasn't just about the luck of the draw or how the candy fell, there was a real strategy involved. 

Then I started getting a little face showing up on my screen that emitted tears and told me I had so many minutes left before I could play again.  Out of lives! 

What is this?  But, I'm not done.  I haven't completed this level.  More lives, I need more lives!

Turns out  you can ask your friends to give you more lives, so the requests began.  please , just one more life.  I have to complete this level. 

I am consumed.  Committed to getting through this stupid game.  I am a bit of a newbie, only been playing for a couple of weeks.  Currently I am stuck on level 38.  It's driving me crazy!  I can't get rid of the stupid jellies!  I'm out of moves with just one jelly left.  Oooh!

I knew it was a problem when I dreamt of  calling out sick so I could figure the stupid thing out.  Kidding!

Help!

I can't stop playing.

Have you gotten sucked up in this never ending vortex? 

(What level are you on and can you spare a lifte!)

Swap Me-I'm In!

I'm so excited I just have to tell y'all about it!  For a while now I have seen some of the bloggers that I read talking about 'swaps'.  I never thought too much about it because I thought that it was a private thing or maybe only open to an elite group of bloggers.  Imagine my surprise and delight to find out that I was wrong!  Any blogger can join the swap-even me.  And so, I did just that.  As soon as it was posted that the sign up was starting for the April swap I signed myself right up. 

So what is a swap and how does it work, you might be asking yourself.  I'm here to help you out and tell you all about it.  So this really clever couple of bloggers who are over at The Chaotic Goddes Swaps (don't you love that name!) created swaps for bloggers.  Each month they have a new swap theme and they pair up all of the participants and give you the theme of the swap.  This month's theme is Mug O Comfort.  They set a price range and once you are paired up with someone you write to them ang get an idea as to their likes and dislikes, that kind of thing.  Then comes the fun part-shopping!  You go and choose a gift for the other person that is in keeping with the theme.  This month one requirement is that your gift must include a mug.  That's easy enough!  Then is the ultra cool part-your partner sends you something.  Who doesn't like getting a package in the mail, I ask you?!  After we have all received our little packages in the mail we post the contents on our blogs.  What fun, huh?

I bet by now you are asking yourself how you can get in on this fabulous idea too, aren't you?  Easy Peasy!  Just follow the simple steps over at The Chaotic Goddess Swaps and you too can be part of the fun. 

http://cgswaps.blogspot.com/

Easter

I love Easter!  My heart always feels so full and I get very emotional during this season.  As I think of the sacrifices that have been made, the pain and the suffering, all so that I can be forgiven from sin!  I think of the journey that Jesus made, His teachings, the miracles performed and everything that led to His arrest and crusifixion, and ultimately to the Resurection.  Alive! 

Many of you who know me know that I associate so much with music and to specific songs.  Lyrics set to music make me feel more, experience more, because it is about so much more than words and music for me. 
Lately, I have been playing The Story CD.  Constantly.  The songs are beautiful and the artists who perform them are amazing!  One of the many songs on this 2 disc set that I love, love, LOVe is Alive.  It is sung by Natalie Grant who sings with such passion as Mary Magdalene.  Here are the words that so move me:

Who but You/ Could breathe and leave a trail of galaxies/ And dream of me?/ what king of Love/ Is writing my story until the end/ With Mercy's pen?/ Only You/ what kind of king? Would chose to wear a crown that bleeds and scars/ To win my heart?/ What kind of Love/ Tells me I'm th reason He can't stay/ Inside the grave?/ You. Is it You?/ Standing here before my eyes? Every part of my heart cries// Alive! Alive!/ Look what Mercy's overcome? Death has lost and Love has won/ Alive! Alive?/ Hallelujah, risen Lord/ the only One I fall before/ I am His because He is alive// who could speak/ And send the demons back from where they came/ With just one Name?/ What other heart/ Would let itself be broken every time until He healed mine?/ You. Only You/ Could turn my darkness into dawn/ Running right into Your arms// Emmanuel, the promised King/ the baby who made angels sing/ Som on Man who walked with us/ Healing, breathing in our dust/ the author of all history/ The answer to all mysteries/ the Lamb of God who rolled away/ The stone in front of every grave

Alive! I say that to myself over and over and think about it, He is Alive!  We are alive because of Him!  Death has lost and Love has won! Those words hold such meaning.  Death has lost, because upon death we are reborn into His kingdom because He loves us.  What an amazing thing to know, to believe and to trust.  We, those left behind, we hurt and we grieve but doesn't that sting hurt a little less when we trust in the knowledge that we will be reborn?  That our life truly begins again after death.  I am overcome, overwhelmed and Blessed.  We all are. 
Alive!

We had a wonderfully quiet Easter.  Just Mr. Wonderful, myself, Michelle, Shawn and Isabella.  Tim and Esther were not able to make it.  :(  Of course we understood, but we missed them none the less.
Bella was delighted with the whole day!  Her joy is truly contagious!  A few pictures from our day!

Hope you all had a Happy Easter!

Rejoice!