The Puzzle of 11 Months and a Day

 Last Christmas, one of my bestest, bestest in the whole wide world bestest friends gave me a gift. Yes, we all receive gifts, but THIS one is the grandaddy of them all! It is/was a puzzle... a Vintage Coca-Cola puzzle. You see, I collect all things Coke (the Classic Style) and she (yes, YOU, Karen!) thought this would be the best gift in the universe.

Alrighty... puzzles are grand, but... THIS puzzle is 2,000 pieces. Yes, you saw that right. TWO THOUSAND PIECES!

And so... my wonderful helpful husband broke open the packaging late night on New Year's Eve of last year... December 31, 2009. We worked diligently until 3 a.m. The frame was set and a couple of patches of pieces were placed together. And that was that.

The puzzle sat on a banquet table in my family room from that day on. Sure, it got pieced together bit by bit, piece by piece. It was difficult and time consuming. Various friends and family members helped when they could. Many pieces were extremely odd-shaped. May pieces had so many shades in them, and the puzzle itself was made up of areas composed of reds and browns (cola, ya know!). My eyes would start to burn and I'd grow dizzy from working on it too long.

And yet... after months and months of slowly being put together, this puzzle started to take shape... until you see what it has become (above). Today was the day! I pieced together the last remaining pieces, as best I could. Until... this is all that was left undone:

The completed puzzle is approximately 34 inches by 42 1/2 inches. HUGE! See the missing piece? I do! But you know what? I'm still going to Modge Podge it all together, then create a frame and UP it will go onto my wall! After all that work, I am not going to let a missing piece get in my way. What about the missing piece? Heck! If anyone even notices it... it'll be a great conversation starter of my grandaddy puzzle story.

It was a marvelous experience and took 11 months and one day from start to finish. But next year? I think I'll get more scrapping and crafting done!

November was a "Challenging" Month

I've been a bad, bad blogger.

I haven't written in over a month. This, in and of itself, is B-A-D... BAD. Hopefully tomorrow will begin something new. I am challenging myself to post each and every day. (Please don't let me fail!) Whether it's a quickie Christmas/holiday/winter-y quip or a run-down of shopping or crafty to-do's... I hope to make it better in the month of December!

This month (and last month, too!) have just been a whirlwind of things. Too many things to go over. Basically, I/we've been busy with the kids, putting on different school-related things (remember Kindergarten?), dealing with everybody's drama on a day-to-day basis, birthdays, school projects/essays, living life, and when I can... being lazy.  But... this past month, I accepted a challenge that was really hard for me. I had to think of a different thing each and every day to be thankful for.  Yes... it was on Facebook, but heh... it's a great way to relate to people (and a wonderful outlet if you are an addict - Family Feud ROCKS!). So, here, just to sum it up, I'll give you the day-by-day summarization of my month:

The challenge (should you choose to accept it) is to post something you are thankful for each day until Thanksgiving. For some of us, this may be harder than for others. SOME of us complain. a. lot. But... in the spirit of being thankful to everyone and everything, I am ...willing to accept this challenge.

(And so it began with...)

Day 1 - I am thankful for healthy, happy kids. Kids, who no matter what trials they put me through, are still here and pretty much only provide me with mental anguish (on a daily basis). I love my girls!

Day 2 - I am thankful for the freedom to vote for my beliefs/non-beliefs and opinions and the freedom to choose whether to vote or not. Basically, no matter what, the decision is mine. So... I'm thankful to still be able to make that decision!

Day 3 - I am thankful that friends, who I once thought lost, can now be found.

Day 4 - I am thankful that although my kids may not be "happy" all of the time, I know I'm doing my best, and that in the end, they will be better for the decisions I have made.

Day 5 - I am thankful that every morning I wake up, I'm still alive. It's as simple as that today. What a wonderful day!

Day 6 - I am thankful that I can do (almost) everything I want, with the little time I have, and when I'm almost OUT of time, I can STILL take a power "nap" and have LOTS of energy. (even at this old age!). See you at the pool! Enjoy the beautiful day!

Day 7 - I am thankful I work with so many awesome people who can accept my mistakes and let me know they do the same thing; then we all laugh about it. (Thanks, guys!)

Day 8 - I am thankful that I live in a country where Justice is served (for the most part). Thank goodness that the wonderful judge saw the fitting need for a restraining order against a psychotic neighbor. Now maybe I'll be able to sleep better! (Court was today... and THIS is why the delay in my posting of thanks...)

Day 9 - I am thankful for fresh starts. Everyday is a new one. Getting up and starting fresh is always a good thing. Open your eyes, rise and shine. Take a brisk walk and let it clear (and soothe) your head, your heart, your body...

Day 10 - I am thankful that although my kids (or kid) may upset me and tempt me to blow my top, I have enough patience to deal with it calmly... (today is one of those days...)

Day 11 - I am thankful for people that can change. Something may be needed in one's life, and it is okay and acceptable for people you love to change to fulfill those needs. (Thank you to my wonderful husband for finally letting us have a dog. We love Xanadu!)

Day 12 - I am thankful that no matter how much our world and surroundings change, there are STILL 24 hours in the day... a constant that I can count on. And with this constant, it gives me just a couple more hours, in my busy day, so that NO MATTER what, I am still able to post this... and not be late into another day. Whew! (did ya catch all that?)

Day 13 - I am thankful for wonderful internet friends and family. With all of our technological advances, we are able to connect and "see" more people than ever. Whether we use them as a sounding board for things gone good or bad or even just to lend an ear, our more-extended and available friends and families make everything better and allow us to be part of a true "global perspective" with everyone working together. Thank you to all of you. And it truly is wonderful to meet up in "real" life sometime. (Thanks for yesterday, Jenn and girls, Barbara, Kim and Zach! We had a great time!)

Day 14 - I am thankful for the brilliance of the stars at night. They allow me to look up in awe and wonder that things of nature can be so beautiful and peaceful at the same time the world is at war, in one way or another. There is still a light up in the sky... a brilliance, shining down upon us.

Day 15 - I am thankful for a little friend that came into my life. She walks with me every morning, doesn't talk back, and is an awesome listener. Thank you for my itty bitty puppy! I love my Xanny!

Day 16 - I am thankful for the peace and quiet I have (momentarily) that allows me to think and feel serenity each morning. It's a time when I (you) can believe the world is calm, even if it is only for a moment.

Day 17 - I am thankful for a husband that "allows" me to "stay at home" (if you can truly call it that) and that his job has a decent enough income that I can supplement it just a little and we're ok, barely making it, but ok. This way, our kids are taken care of daily and get to and from school safely AND are able to participate in sports and enjoy life. Sometimes... I even enjoy doing it. (lol!)

Day 18 - I am thankful for all of my Family Feud peeps that keep my glued to the computer, helping to complete my Fast Money rounds and sending me Fast Money requests. Thank you to all of you! Keep 'em coming! (lol!)

Day 19 - I am thankful for my coffee in the mornings (my hubs usually brings it for me... he works nights, so it's still warm...). Without it, I don't think I could get a great start in my day. (and so you know... on weekends, I'm on my own for the coffee thing. It sucks!) Thanks, Juan!

Day 20 - I am thankful that my puppy is still alive. She was diagnosed with parvo last night. While we can't afford to do the hospital stay, we got up round-the-clock last night to give her medication and treatment. She is still hydrated and her gums appear to be back to a healthy color. Please post happy sick puppy stories for me. I'll be reading them and hoping she recovers from this, although I know... the chance is slim. Thank you to all of my wonderful friends that help me through this time. We love our puppy!

Day 21 - I am thankful for the support of all of my friends. They (you all!) shared encouraging thoughts and stories with me yesterday. They have given me hope and courage to look at my poor puppy with a new perspective and dream of the day (very soon) when she will be all better. Thank you everyone! And keep those happy thoughts coming!

Day 22 - I am thankful my kids don't have school this week, so we all get to "sleep in" (if that's what you call waking up by yourself AND early... YAY!) and not rush around in the morning. (and YES, our puppy is doing MUCH better!)

Day 23 - I am thankful that there were still turkeys to purchase when I went in "last minute" shopping earlier today... Gotta have time to get that sucker to thaw!

Day 24 - I am thankful that even if I go to bed tired, grumpy and full of blahs, I wake up to my wonderful facebook friends, who usually post fun, happy, positive and sometimes HILARIOUS comments to start my day off a little better.

Day 25 - Today, I am thankful for... a whole bunch of things. As this challenge comes to a close, first of all, I am thankful that so many of you jumped in to this challenge and shared it with me. There are so many things out there for us t...o all be thankful for. I am thankful for all of my friends and family, for being okay (even when I think it's "really bad"), and most of all, that I have SO many things to be thankful for... that each day, I was able to post a different one. I am so grateful and humbled. Life IS good. Happy Thanksgiving to all, even to my friends in Canada, Australia, Brazil, and every where else in the world. Enjoy the holiday season, no matter how you celebrate or not. We're all here and sharing the world together. And for that... I am truly thankful. Good night!

(And it ended on Thanksgiving night)

I was able to complete the challenge above, a little later some days than others, but still... it was completed. YAY! Now... here's hoping a great beginning (and ending) to my own challenge of December! Woohoo! See ya'll tomorrow! 

 

Joined a New CLUB! and made some cards...

Wow! I only posted O-N-C-E last month. That is absolutely horrific.  There are those that would say, "Uh... you are a stay-at-home mom, so... what the heck DID you do? You don't really do anything, do you?"

*Sigh* I only work every waking breath of every waking day 'round-the-clock trying to keep up with two active teenage girls (Varsity Tennis, homework, both with bf's [yes... I "allow" them to have those...]), an extremely active 5yo daughter (newbie kindergartner), volunteer commitments (working at the schools is rewarding, but not necessarily easy), and a husband (who seems to think everything is not enough for me to do).  Like so many other SAHMs, I get frustrated. I get disgruntled (GREAT employee to piss off, people!). I get irritated and annoyed. And I just plain get pissed off with those rude, ignorant comments. We are valuable employees people in the community!

But, I'll save that soapbox for another day, some other time... when I might possibly feel like fighting and ranting. Not now.

I joined a new club on Monday. Well, it's new to me. OMGosh! I turned 40 and entered the "over 40" category/club.  How do I feel? Bummed that I have been "upped" to another category on surveys and other information seeking things.  The cake was cute. My darling teenage daughters (16 & 17) stayed up the night before and made me the cake, decorated it, cleaned up the mess (I know... SHOCK!), and made me a sentimental card that brought a couple of tears to my eyes. I was surprised, to say the least.

There were the closer relatives and friends that called and offered birthday greetings; there were the friends that sent email greetings (I keep these and look back on them throughout the year(s) to make me smile. There were my Facebook Folk. They never let you down and the wishes flowed all day. Then there were the generic texts... you know, simple, non-personal, etc. But hey! What can a girl in her 40's wish for in this overly electronic era? A quick call or email? I simple shout-out on Facebook? I even had a Twitter friend send me greetings everywhere she sees me in the electronic world. It was cool... cyber-vibes everywhere... And yet...

I still feel the same. Not a day older. Not a year older. Just me... adding another number to my age. (Let's just not take it to the triple digits, k?)

Then I rushed to get some cards done that were due for a swap.  I actually thought I was on time and running  a little early. Yeah, right. (Have I met myself lately?) It seems procrastination and forgetfulness follow me into this new club, as well. But here we go... I actually got into the craftroom and hustled up these beauties. Each of them uses different techniques, because, well... I don't want to be known as the "whatever-trademark-technique-she-always-uses girl".

Here are my Thanksgiving Cards... I inked (love me some Ranger Distress Inks!) and Prima'd and bling-ed  some Cricut-cut Co'ordinations Cardstock turkeys over Mary Engelbert cardstock. The turkey was sanded to bring out the orange, then inked and Stickle'd and spiced up with a little natural Raffia. The inside was supposed to say, "Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness... Gobble it up!" But I forgot to adhere the inserts in and found them this morning when I was cleaning up... Whoops!

Here are my version of the Christmas Cards...

I took those cool foil dies that Michael's sells and ran it through my Cuttlebug (Snowflakes). Glue dots hold them well atop green-inked argyle/holly paper (in beige tones) and green cardstock edged with golden ink. The inside is embossed with glittery red and says, "Seasons Greetings."

And here are my Birthday Cards...

I love blue. So... I decided to make them non-gender specific, as b-day cards I usually receive in swaps are for women, girls, or other people who like pink/purple/other girlie colors.  I reversed the fold and made it fold over the top (love this!). I then applied a band of brilliant blue cardstock and punched the border with this really cool cupcake design (the inside white shows through the blue-it "pops" well all by itself!). Then... I taped off sections of a Valentine stencil I had (cupcake that said, "Sweet Thing") and Glimmer-Misted it onto the bright white. I added glitter glue doodling and stamped the inside with "Happy Birthday" in Making Memories typeset.

Anwho... the swaps got mailed in. There wasn't much in the sign-ups, so I really didn't make that much, but here they are... And thanks for looking!

I've been doing much more than this... but thought I'd show you the latest and play catch-up later. Toodles for now!  lisa

Mama's Losing It! Writing Prompts: "4.) Your pets least likable character trait."

We don't really keep pets in this household. For various reasons...

I have an issue with hair.  With myself and three girls having long blond hair (so some of us lighten it, big whoop...) and the hair falling out whenever and wherever, I really can't handle all of the hair around the house (and neither can my vacuum).  So, enter a cat or dog... Simply ick.  Don't get me wrong... I love animals, I would just have a massive coronary if hair floated into my kitchen or food or my craft room. (I use glue/adhesives and fluffy hair-attracting fabrics all the time.) I don't believe animal hair would be an additive that would be well-received.

I also have an issue with feces, POOP, that is.  It was hard enough for me to change children's diapers. I am a total gagger (if that even is a word), and the sight and/or smell of crap - no matter the source - sends me into fits of involuntarily air-vomiting. Another ick. So, simply put... You KNOW the kids aren't going to clean up after a pet (no matter how much they lead you to believe the contrary). Sure, they might do okay for a couple of days or even a week, but after that? Mom ends up picking up the slack, or someone steps in it, and then it is everywhere, including inside your house, on the carpet, etc.

And so... with all of my "issues"... We have fish.  We had a pretty full tank. And then they started dying... or so I thought. (This leads into the writing prompt... hee, hee!) We currently have two fish. And I'm not getting any more (until these two either die off or kill each other). Why? Because the other fish didn't die of their own accord... they were killed, and some were partially eaten! So... that being said, my pets' least likable character trait is... CANNIBALISM! Another ick to add to my issues.

These fish are African Cichlids. Ok, okay, alright... I know they are aggressive fish. BUT, I was told (by "experts" trying to sell me fish) that they are 1) territorial (so move things around when adding more fish); 2) aggressive (so add equal amounts of new fish to not single any fish out); and 3) they won't attach fish of same type and/or size.  This is W-R-O-N-G, people!

1) I totally got that. I re-arranged ALL of the plants, rocked, shells, hiding places... even gravel.

2) I had three fish and added three more (who ALL came from the same tank... so they were "used" to each other).

3) All of the fish purchased and blended were two inches long AND African Cichlids.

Guess what? I have two remaining fish. One is from the first batch, the other from the second batch. I had to dig for little fish bodies, because well... my fish are serial killers and HID the bodies (under a rock, in gravel, etc.) THEY ATE THEM, TOO! I feed these fish (and they eat what I feed them), but I guess that wasn't enough.

If I didn't believe in life (and saving money, too), I'd simply flush them down the toilet and send them to Little Fishy Heaven. I'm just biding my time, and waiting for them to duke it out. And next time, I won't count on a salesperson (no matter how expert he/she is!) to tell me all about the fishes of the sea (yeah, yeah... lake, river, stream... whatever).

Life Goes On... Lasting Memories Linger, We Learn...

On Tuesday, my dearly beloved great-grandmother passed into another great adventure.  She had lived on this Earth for over a century (104 years, to be exact).  That's a lot of life.

Oma, as we young folk called her, was a wonderful woman... a little old lady that had lots of stories to tell, and lots of things to teach.  She was a strong woman, full of life and a strong belief - in people.  I'm not going to get all religious now and tell you she has left to be with Jesus, because, well... different people believe and think differently.  But no matter, I believe she (at least her spirit and her memory) is off to galavant the next mystical experience.

And she has left us to learn from her.

I met her when I was 20.  (I know... a little late in life to meet a grandparent or other relative, but hey... it's a little complicated.)  I spent almost a year getting to know her.  I learned her stories. I also learned how to make a pie crust (with perfect flakiness) and Stollen (German fruitcake).  I skipped on the sauerkraut, as the smell made me nauseous.  I developed a love for gardening and came to know all the flowers. (My 5yo can name a bunch of different flowers, now, too!)  I nurtured a love of bird-watching.  And I wrote.

I left and semi-kept in touch over the years. My two oldest have met her. My youngest... didn't. But, I teach my children what I know, what I've learned from her. I also pass on her stories.  Stories tell of a true life.  A life that was long and full.

I won't be able to attend services, but that is understandable. Everything is so far away.  But her memory is not. Yes, I am saddened at our loss. But... she lived a long and full life. She left in peace. She deserved that.  She taught me a lot, and for that, I can pass that on as well.

Rest and fly in peace, Oma. Your memory and teachings will be cherished forever.

**Note: If you would like to read the obituary for my Oma, please click on this link.  Thank you for understanding my randomness and all-overness, as that's where my mind is... at the moment.

Blog Her '10 for Some... Home Her '10 for the Rest of US!

This week has been a whirlwind of busy-ness.  There have been babysitting jobs, tennis practice, fun trips to LAX, doctors' visits, playdates, Chuck E. Cheese, cooking, food, drinking, driving (not together... don't worry), school registrations, car-pooling, and I could go on...

Lots of my Twitter, Facebook and Bloggy-World friends are in NYC, living it up at BlogHer '10. I envy them. They are visiting, socializing, eating, networking, learning, and hopefully... having a great time. I've never been.  First of all... I don't blog enough to "make it worthwhile." Other reasons I didn't go? Um... finances being what they are, I seriously didn't have the cash (or the credit, for that matter) to go.  I have lots of reasons:  school starts next week. Ick! Our summer is O.V.E.R.!  Also, my 16yo European traveler was coming in Wednesday night (yes, she arrived quite safely, thank you for your concern...) and had late registration Thursday morning.  I also had tons of laundry to do (vacation stuff + regular everyday stuff = LOTS of laundry). AND not to mention there would be no one to take care of my three lovelies here, at home.

My kids are old enough to stay by themselves. Uh, yeah. Well, they should be. And yes, they (the older two at least) could probably watch the 5yo. However... how would they all get to practices, babysitting jobs, etc. AND how would my husband be able to sleep during the day without me to keep the place quiet? Hmm?  You have no answer? Well, I do! I am staying home.  Yes, that IS in my job description... SAHM (stay at home mom). But... today, I met someone in the bloggy world is also a SAHM, but the end letter refers to something entirely different. He is a student, who I believe stays at home otherwise, with his kids. This is fantastic. I believe it's greatness.  Anyway, he is fabulous. His writing his witty and fun. AND he created Home Her '10!!!

For all of us who didn't getta go! Now there is a great network of people who are enveloping this experience and making the best of it.  There is lots of fun, and lots of charm, and a whole lotta incredible people. They might not all be SAHM's (moms or men), but they all blog to some extent. (Most are a lot more on top of it than me...)

Oh! What's his name? So sorry... I got so excited about the whole thing... @BackpackingDad on Twitter and you can visit his blog (Backpacking Dad). If you're interested in checking out other writers (complete with some giveaways!) of HomeHer10, check out these linked up blogs... We're all in it together, and making the best of it! (And thanks to Toni for hosting the link-up!)

I'm just glad to be a part of it and see so much participation. FYI, though... Next year, I hope to actually be able to go to BlogHer... I heard (from a little bird... Thanks, Tanis!) that it will be in San Diego (August 5th and 6th).  Hmmm... I could even commute there... (provided SCHOOL doesn't start even sooner next year!)

Another GIVEAWAY - Something to Cherish FOREVER!

I've recently discovered something, thanks to Linda, at MyTrendyTykes.com. First, let me tell you... I don't wear jewelry. I usually tend to think it's rather gaudy and not my type. But... I found a place that makes classic, unique jewelry, customized to you, and includes everything important (FAMILY!). The Vintage Pearl is this such place. Yes! It really does exist.

I'm shooting for the eternal heart (on the "Unique" tab). I would actually wear it! It is gorgeous, hand-stamped artwork that fills my heart with WANT!

You can choose to order one on your own, or you can take your chances and enter TrendyTyke's giveaway (for a $75 gift to The Vintage Pearl) and wish yourself luck. Hurry, though. It is only until tomorrow (August 2nd).