In Honor of Marisol Heredia

This is being mailed to the Mother and Stepfather of Army Spc. Marisol Heredia (19)
May her Mother find peace in such a tragic situation. She was a beautiful young woman.

Mailing some love and comfort

This is for a young lady that had a terrible situation occur. In addition to other things, it caused her to lose her vision. The wonderful people of HMB came through on this and sent squares that contain so much texture and raised patterns. The picture does not begin to do justice to the beauty of this afghan. It is just radiating love. I hope it is a blessing to this precious girl.

In Honor of Michael Tayaotao

The first anniversary Marine Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao's death is quickly approaching. The comfortghan here is being sent to his Father. I hope it helps him through this difficult time.

In Honor of Tamara Archuleta

I was able to get this comfort afghan assembled to be sent to the mother of Air Force 1st Lt. Tamara Archuleta. May it assist in bringing comfort and peace.

In Honor of Douglas Dicenzo

This comfortghan is being sent to the parents of U.S. Army Captain Douglas A. Dicenzo. I am honored to have assembled and be able to send this one.

Mailing some love and comfort

I was able to mail out this comfort afghan to the Mother of a friend. Currently her Mom is dealing with some pretty scary and not so fun medical stuff. I do hope she finds some comfort knowing others are thinking of her!

In Honor of Casey Casanova

I was watching NewsHour on PBS and at the end of each program they honor those that have given their lives in service and post the names. For some reason, Marine Lance Cpl. Casey L. Casanova's name caught my attention more than usual and I KNEW I had to find a way to get a comfortghan to her Mother. It became a personal mission to get the information needed to do so. I am very blessed to have great friends at HMB who were able to assist me in the process and never question why THIS one was so important. I am very honored to be mailing the comfort afghan pictured here to Casey's mother c/o her grandparents. Thank you to square donors and HMB for making this possible.

I have been tagged

I have been "tagged" by Debbie Hodge. First, I have to tell you a bit about Debbie. She is the author of the book I won called Get It Scrapped. I highly, highly recommend this book! It is NOT an organizational book. It is much different and helps you get all your pictures on pages and in albums. However, they are done with meaning! GREAT book! Debbie also has on-line classes you can take. More information and sample classes can be accessed via her web site.

Ten years ago.... I was pregnant with DS #2 and still not feeling so great. It was also only a couple of months after my Dad died AND I had started a new job. In fact, I think it was about this time that I told my new employer about being pregnant. I was also dealing with all the financial stuff in regards to my Dad's death. Wow, really glad all THAT stress is in the past!


Five things on my "to-do" list (only five?!?!?)
1-go to work
2-go to the bank
3-A-Stym appt for my knee
4-gym for physical therapy on my knee
5-per request from DS #2 - teach him to scrap

I enjoy....spending time with friends and family. I also really like that time in the morning when I am up before everyone else in the house wakes.

I have lived...for the last 13 years with the most wonderful man and husband a woman could want.

Now, I will tag
Sarah
Caralee
Gwennie
Sara
Courtney

Now I should probably let them know :)

200 cards

Have you ever wondered what 200 cards looks like? I KNEW you had :)
I decided to join in making some cards to send to soldiers to use. When I asked about inexpensive envelopes, my friend Kim volunteered to donate them. She brought over a couple of boxes and so I took it as a personal challenge to need them all. So, here are the 200 cards I made.

In Honor of Steven J. Christofferson

This comfort afghan is being sent with much love and respect to the mother of Army Sgt. Steven J. Christofferson.

Maybe I need to buy a lottery ticket or two

I have to share all the FANTASTIC stuff that has happened recently. Since May 31 this is the list:
paid off the mortgage -YES!!!
my DH gave me roses
won a Bind-It-All
won a copy of Get It Scrapped
won another contest that has a scrap kit as the prize
the books I wanted from the library came in and were held for me
it worked out to go to the Opened Caption showing of Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull
my youngest won an outstanding citizen of the year award at school
school is out for summer
and I know there is more that I haven't listed. I am in such a great place with all of this wonderful stuff happening that I just HAD to share!

In the mail

This comfort afghan is being sent to a very dear lady and friend who is going through a couple of different surgeries right now. She is very loved and we wish her a speedy and easy recovery.

Because I need more to do

HA! HA!!!
Seriously, I have fallen in love with these bags! They are just beautiful and I want one!! I have a friend who is much better at sewing than I and she has agreed to help me undertake the task of attempting to make one. I have scrap denim in smaller pieces left from the quilts I make and I bought muslin for the backing the other day. At least, I think that is what I will need to sew the design on. If not, then I have some extra muslin!
I keep thinking about them and can not wait to make one of my own. I just hope I am not too disappointed with the outcome.

In Honor of Michael T. Lilly

This is for the mother of Sgt. Michael T. Lilly. Thank you again to all who send squares to be assembled and make it possible for HMB OPH to send these comfort afghans.

It is that time of year

School is almost out for the summer. I have been working on end of year thank you gifts for my youngest's teacher, SLP and interpreter. I decided to make these card sets for them and there was also a pattern for a matching tote. Each one is different, but here is one of the sets. I am pretty happy with the end result and hope they like them. Now, to determine what to do for the bus drivers. They are who I entrust his safety to every morning and afternoon. They desire a big thank you as well for doing such a great job.

Recently mailed

My DH had a co-worker pass away recently. This comfort afghan was sent to his wife. I hope it brings peace during this difficult time for her.

Spring Fever

I've got it! I want to be outside enjoying the nice weather. It makes me crazy not to be and the days seem so long! At least the boys will be out of school for the summer in a few weeks so we can start to do some fun things!!!
I have been busy with multiple projects lately, but one of the things I have done is make some cards. I have been playing with different techniques and supplies. LOTS of fun! The dresses on these women are all paper pieced. It really created a lot more visual interest, but they were very detailed to cut out.

It is Monday

And do I know it! Actually, it wasn't super bad, I am just frustrated. I continue to end up in situations at work where my plans get messed up because someone else isn't doing what is needed for me to be able to finish my work. My day off tomorrow? Not happening. Why? There is a presentation out of town on Friday that needs to be ready to go. It is not ready to send to print because some decisions -that I don't make- still have to be make. I can not finish my work on it until they are. Consequently, I have to go in tomorrow and HOPE the decisions get made so I can finish and send it to print.
The worst part, we have two meetings next week (Thurs and Fri) that are going to end up in the exact same situation because I know there will be complete refusal to work on them (or even look at them) until Monday. I do not operate on last minute at work well. I hate it in fact.

Now, I will admit that my job has a pretty nice schedule and they are very accommodating. However, I signed up with the understanding that I work 4 days a week. If you want me to attend the meetings at the end, then the work preparing for them has to be done so I can have a day off in the beginning of the week. Just they way the calendar works. I know that the presentation work isn't not getting done with any intention of me not getting a day off, it is just how it is happening. However, there also isn't any thought given to me getting the day of either. So not intentionally malicious, but not courteous either.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. Feel a bit better for venting, but not as much as if it all wasn't happening OR if I thought it would stop happening.

Quilts away

I have finished making and am mailing off a couple of quilts for TLC for Angels. I really enjoy making these. My sewing skills are basic and my machine is not fancy, but more than sufficient to make the baby quilts I do.
It is hard to see, but the all flannel one has the cutest little dragons on the front print.

In Honor of Stuart A. Wolfer

This is being mailed out on Monday to the widow and children of Major Stuart A. Wolfer. It has been my honor and privilege to be able to assemble all these squares from different donors to express our love and concern for his family.

Here is an article from our local paper.

I'm a homebody

It has taken me a while to admit it, but I am truly a homebody. I would love to just hang out here most of the day and putter around. Do projects on or for the house. I love to get my flower beds looking as I want -it is a lot of work though! Right now with Spring around the corner they are just calling to me to to be worked on. I think that is a lot of why I don't want to go to work. There are things I WANT to do here as opposed to things I am SUPPOSED to do there. KWIM?

Mailing another comfortghan

This is going to a wonderful lady who's Mother recently passed away. I hope this helps to comfort her during what must be a very painful time. Thank you so much for all the wonderful and talented people that make and send squares for me to assemble into these expressions of love and concern. It could not be done with out all of your help.

In Honor of Nicholas A. Gummersall

For the mother of Army Sgt. Nicholas A, Gummersall. I hope she finds peace and comfort.

Not my favorite day

So, I have never been a big April Fools Day fan. I always thought it was a bit mean spirited. However, I like it even less now. Now it has very little to do with the "holiday" and more to do with it being the day my Dad passed away. I am having a hard time believing that it was 10 years ago. 10 years~! It really seems like just yesterday in so many ways.
This entire week is just a tough one as his birthday is April 3. I just do my best anymore to ignore what the days represent and not to talk about it with my family. I just don't have the energy to commiserate and/or get them through it. I really thought it would get easier with time, but it hasn't. Just different.

You have got to be kidding!

So, the neighborhood boy that comes over every evening to see if my youngest son can play is here. One of the first things he does -after asking if they can play videos games - is proceed to announce that he has pink eye. LOVELY!!! Highly contagious and they are playing with and touching all sorts of toys. I would NEVER EVER send my kids out with pink eye. ACK!!!

Hope all the things they use can go through the dishwasher, because if not, they are going in the garbage!!

End of Spring Break

Spring Break is coming to an end. Today is it. The boys go back to school tomorrow and I return to work. I had most of Spring Break off work with them. It was WONDERFUL! I am dreading the return to the routine. I like the company of my kiddos and finding activities to do with them. I would like to have done more, but with the oldest being 14 it wasn't always cool to do the things I thought of or he was in the company of friends which hindered it some. Just part of the equation now though.
I hope that summer starts to work out better. The last 2 have been ok, but I really didn't feel like we got the fun time I was wanting with them. Looking forward to finding out if we can schedule better this year!!

Some days

are just that way.
So, mine was ok. Not great, not terrible. Then I came home......
Had an electrician here to install a GFI in the kitchen - we didn't have one, not real safe. Had him do some looking around while he was here because of some concerns I had. So, $63 dollars later I need to replace two light fixtures that have surged or run so hot that the wires in the fixture are burned. Need to check all the attic wiring and at minimum replace what runs from those fixtures to the junction box. Ok, we'll be safer, right?
Next, as I am trying to get dinner on the table my boss calls. He has a $90 bill from Qwest for 2 months of website hosting service that they (not Qwest but another company) are saying I authorized. Now, I clearly remember in Jan. talking with someone who wanted to send information to review and multiple times they assured me that nothing would be activated or charged unless we called to authorize it. I said, sure send it, we would be interested. Well, they have ME on tape with that part, but nothing about having to authorize it before it starts and are claiming I did! Guess what, after I fight with them more tomorrow I figure I get to write my boss a $90 check and possibly another $45 if they have some 30 day cancellation thing. I can't expect him to pay if I am the one that got scammed, but I am NOT happy.
THEN----in the process of cleaning up from dinner -BIG thanks to my DH for doing the cleanup- we find that if we turn on the garbage disposal it trips the GFI. Oh, not good. Well, guess we put it on the list with the light fixtures. Even worse, same thing with the dishwasher. Guess it happens sooner rather than later. Like maybe tomorrow? This is not going to be cheap and looks like the can of worms is open. Now, time to squish them all!!

ARGH! This stuff all STRESSES ME OUT!!!

Comfortghan completed

and ready to mail to a gentleman who had his Mother pass away recently. I hope this helps him through what must be a very difficult time. Thank you so much to all who donated squares.

Sunshine Therapy

Yesterday the sun was shining, the temperature was moderate and the wind wasn't too strong. I put on my sweatshirt and ear covering headband thingy and went to clean up the flower beds. Oh the sun was WONDERFUL!!! I got a lot of work done, but there is much more to do. However, the therapy a bit of sunshine provides is truly amazing. Once I get out there, I could stay for hours. Sometimes it takes hours to get out there, but if the weather is right I love every second of it.
My teenage son joined me yesterday. Not because he wanted to, but I asked him to (in that you don't have a choice Mom voice ;) ). He was a bit of help and great company. I like that he was able to breathe a bit of fresh air at the same time. He was a bit amazed at the amount of work required and at how much was still left to be done. Yes, beautiful flowers grow naturally, just not at my house without a lot of work. However, the weeds and grass in the flowerbeds do FANTASTIC! LOL!

For a Friend

This comfort afghan is being sent to the mother of a dear friend. Her mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I wish them both all of the best during this difficult time.

Calling in to work

Can I call in uninterested? How about just an I don't want to work today day? I know it wouldn't fly, but I really do understand why they say so many people lie and call in sick when they aren't. Sometimes, more than others, a person just really doesn't want to go. I am mentally stomping my feet and throwing a big ol' temper tantrum. Of course, my clothes are all out and the shower is warming up so obviously I am going. I just plain don't want to. I know I can't be the only one with days like this........................

Happy Valentine's Day!

The prelude to mine, wasn't as uneventful as I would have liked. DH called me from a basketball game and asked me to get a bucket of ice water ready and see if I could get some crutches rented from the pharmacy. When he got home, his ankle looked like this only even more swollen. After a few minutes in the ice water his foot started to swell and I told him we were headed to the ER. He didn't put up much of fight so anyone who knows my DH realizes he was in a LOT of pain.
After several hours, the end result is a really bad sprain with follow up in a week'ish to be certain there isn't a stress fracture or ligament damage. Everyone, including the nurse, was surprised that the x-rays didn't show a break.
After we got home, about midnight, I was turning off lights and closing up the house for the night. I came into the bedroom and there was a Valentine's card waiting for me on my pillow. Despite what we had just been through, he surprised me with the card. He typically hides them someplace for me to find in the morning, but decided that he might have a hard time accomplishing that this year :) I think I'll keep him.

Significant moment - ?

I was with my teenage son the other night at a department store. I witnessed his debate about which of two items he was going to purchase since he could only afford one. After much debate and walking around the store with both in his hand he decided on the one I would not have guessed. The Sports Illus. Swimsuit Calendar won out over the video game. Guess this is one of those growing up moments? It was a bit tough on Mom regardless :)

In Honor of Blake C. Stephens

This OPH Comfortghan is being sent to the parents of Army Sgt. Blake C. Stephens (25).

CALGON, TAKE ME AWAY!!!

'nough said.

New Year - Yadda, yadda

You are getting short and sweet from me. I have given it a lot of thought the last couple of days and decided that my plans for the new year really need to include revisiting/reviving a previous one. I am going to attempt to do at least one (and preferably three) things each day that I have been procrastinating. This post is today's :).
The other thing I would like to do is start a "thankful journal". I want to take the time each and every week to list 5-10 things I am thankful for. I hope it will serve as a reminder of how blessed my life truly is. Sometimes it is so easy to get wrapped up in the day to day and forget how awesome the big picture is!

Comfortghan for a dear friend

This comfortghan is being sent to a wonderful woman who is dealing with one thing after another at the moment. She has always been extremely kind and generous whenever I have dealt with her and it breaks my heart to think of her in pain. I hope this helps her through this difficult time.

Withdrawals, ideas and pay it forward

It never fails. At this time of year, my scrapbook things get put up. There just is not enough room in our house for my obsession AND a Christmas tree. Yes, the tree wins. I am in scrapping withdrawals! I have all these ideas running through my head and want to scrap pictures. NOW! I could pull out a kit or two and work with just what is in my tool bag, and I will this next week, but I am longing for a full out crop!
I recently found Tim Holtz BLOG. For those of you who have not seen it before, the inspiration and ideas are WONDERFUL! I just look and need to play with ink, or paint, or paper, or something!! I hope you enjoy it as well.

Pay it forward. Not only is it a movie that makes me bawl, but it is just a wonderful thing. I was reading Lila's BLOG and she offered to send a little something to the first 3 people to leave a comment and post on their own BLOG the same offer to pay it forward. Well, here we are :). The first 3 to leave a comment and commit to PAY IT FORWARD - your participation is to post on your blog a PAY IT FORWARD notice and send something (I know we all have extra cards, bookmarks, or projects just begging to be sent to a new home) to three people. Leave in your comment PAY IT FORWARD and I will email you for your address (be sure your email is available to me).

Have a great week!!! The baking is done at our house :)

Joys of Christmas

One of my very favorite things about Christmas is all the baking I get to do. A few years ago I began baking several different kinds of cookies and packaging them up in tins to give to friends and neighbors. It has now become somewhat of a tradition in our house. One that I LOVE.
There are times when I want to just enjoy the process of baking, by myself. This rarely happens. My youngest loves to bake as much as I do so always wants to help. I have given up on trying to sneak it in and am learning to enjoy sharing the process. He is old enough now that he can help read the recipe and hold the mixer in addition to dumping items in.
Last night both boys helped me make gingerbread cookies. It isn't necessarily the fastest to have them cut the cookies out, but it certainly created memories. That really is what it is all about. :)

Comfort Afghan ready to send

This comfortghan will be going out in tomorrow's mail. I hope it does the work we intend and brings the recipient great comfort and peace!

In Honor of Dane R. Balcon

This comfortghan is being sent to the mother of Army Pfc. Dane R. Balcon (19).
I hope this is helpful during a time of year that probably only serves to make things more difficult.

What a Saturday! Two great ones in a row!!

My first activity Saturday was a scrapbooking crop/class with Melody Ross, the founder of Chatterbox. I had an absolutely fantastic time and am soooooooooooooo glad I decided
to go. It turned out to be a small group and it was even more personal than I expected. When I arrived Melody welcomed me and had me sit next to her at the table and we began by doing some gathering things with create paper. She then previewed her new Christmas Quick Pages and we each got a packet. We also got the matching stickers, alpha stickers in 3 matching
colors, tacks, a ribbon roll with several different ribbons and a beautiful 12 x 12 red album for it all.

There were several Chatterbox employees there. The graphic designer had done a Christmas card and conducted a class where we all made one. Lots of fun and at the beginning when Melody was introducing him she teased that he had "lost his man card" a long time ago :).

The next class was taught by Melody's sister (btw- she is one of 9 children!) who was probably one of the most immediately genuine people I have ever met. We used the new Christmas line - LOVE IT - and made a tree with paper loops as a decoration.

Our next class was taught by another Chatterbox employee who's name a can't remember (and feel terrible because she was very nice!) and we made super cute ornaments.

We all spent a lot of time just chatting and laughing. It was a great group of people.

I can tell you that Melody was very friendly and humble. I got the feeling it is difficult for her to be thought of as a scrapping celebrity. She just sees herself as a working mom.

The card on the left shown on the site is the one we made
http://www.chatterboxinc.com/home/DefaultHomePage

Holly who hosted the event is a very sweet person and I really admire what she is doing. The work she is putting into the fund raising and preparing to run a half marathon is amazing.

Anyway, it was a great way to spend half my day and I would do it again in a heartbeat!!!


In the evening my DH and attended a work party. This is a Harvest Festival instead of the usual Christmas party because everyone is just so busy that time of year. Now, I know that for most people this would be an obligation type of thing. However, not for us. I truly enjoy several of the people he works with and their spouses so it was a good time. It also was nice for DH and I to have a night out together.

What an AMAZING weekend

I spent this past weekend at a Charity Crop. This is an annual event that is put on by the local scrapbooking group I am part of. As a group we nominate and then vote on which charity will be the recipient of the money we raise. This year it was the Idaho Special Olympics.
We all make items to donate to the silent auction portion. Then we all get to bid :). As usual there were some truly amazing things and I know more than one person got some Christmas shopping done!
There is also a raffle portion. Several LSS and many members donate items to the raffle. They are then bundled into assorted baskets and winners drawn from the purchased tickets. One of our LSS - World Class Scrappers- donated a seperate top secret Grand Prize. The owner of WCS is a member of our group and one of the most generous people I know. She has done this the last few years and the prize is always AWESOME! The Grand Prize has a seperate raffle to purchase tickets for.
I WON THE GRAND PRIZE AND IT WAS A QUICKUTZ SILHOUETTE!!!!!
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
As a group this year we were able to raise almost $3000 for the Idaho Special Olympics. What a wonderful and giving group of women I have the honor of associating with!

In Honor of Bradly Conner

This OPH comfort afghan is being sent to the parents of Sgt. Maj. Bradly D. Conner. It is being sent with honor and respect as have all the others.

delivery of comfort afghan

I was able to deliver the completed comfort afghan to my SIL yesterday. She was involved in an auto accident and is going to be recovering for quite some time.

In Honor of Erik R. Heldt

This OPH comfort afghan is being sent to the young daughter of Marine Lance Cpl. Erik R. Heldt. I am honored to assemble this for her and many thanks to all who donated such beautiful squares!

In Honor of Jeremy E. King

This OPH comfort afghan is being sent to the mother of Army Sgt. Jeremy E. King. I hope it will provide some small measure of comfort with regard to the loss of her son.

In Honor of Michael S. Zyla

This is the OPH comfort afghan that is being sent to the mother and stepfather of Army Staff Sgt Michael S. Zyla. I do hope it provides them with some comfort and the knowledge that others care for them.

Update

I have to tell everyone that I am married to the most amazing man. He is truly a phenomenal person. For a little over a week he has quite literally waited on me hand and foot and taken care of everything in our home and with our family. He has driven me to and from my therapy appts. , made certain we have had meals, my ice machine is ready and that the meds are close at hand. He has done all of this without a single complaint, mumble or grumble. I could not have survived this without him.

The surgery ended up being a bit more than originally anticipated. It also didn't help that the graft was too long and so the way they had to anchor it is different so requires I wear an immobilizer for some time.

I am still not very mobile. At therapy today I experienced some of the worst pain I have EVER felt in my life. The good news is that it faded after being iced and I actually was able to do some things I haven't been able to since the surgery, even if it did hurt. I am starting to see some progress. My fondest hope is that I will be able to work a clutch soon so that some of the presure on my DH to drive me around is relieved. That will also allow me to return to work even if for a few hours at a time. Daytime television is really lame, even on pain meds :).

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the big day. I am having my ACL repaired/replaced. I am looking forward to the end of this process. I have spent the last six months trying to rehab so that everything would be strong enough to compensate and it just hasn't worked as well as I would like. I still can't take any impact or tork on the joint. I can't do the elliptical or treadmill at the gym. I can't jog alongside my son while he is learning to ride his bike. I have had to modify how I do so many things and it is always just a bit stiff and sore and sometimes more than a bit. I am not old enough to have a joint acting this old. Since it is a daily issue, I have decided - with my surgeon - to do the replacement. This show about the type of injury and here is the type of replacement I am having done - the patellar tendon one. These are not for the faint of heart, but are drawings not actual pictures.

Wish me luck! I don't know exactly what my recovery and rehab process will be as it depends somewhat on how much meniscus damage they find and have to deal with.

How many?!??!

Someone asked me the other day how many comfort afghans I have assembled. Out of curiosity I went to the databases and counted. Since I first started with Heartmade Blessings, I have assembled 110 comfort afghans!!! This doesn't include the squares I have sent to other assemblers. I can not even begin to imagine how many squares I have made in this amount of time. Each assembly takes approximately most of a full Red Heart super saver skein (7oz) and the same size skein make 3 - 3 1/2 squares depending on the pattern. That is a LOT of yarn!!! I won't even go to the postage calculation. And there are members who do much, much more than I!! I guess the old saying about eating an elephant is true. In my world it just happens to be one square at a time. :)

Recent completion

I took a quick break from OPH comfortghans to assemble this comfort afghan for a gentleman who lost his wife very suddenly. She was only 27 years. The picture does not do it justice. The square makers sent me the most beautiful squares in shades of tan and brown and it is assembled and edged in forest green.

In Honor of Charles B. Hester

This comfort afghan is being sent to the mother of Army Pfc. Charles B. Hester in his honor. Some of these are very, very emotional for me to assemble and this was one of them. They are all difficult because each one is representative of someone who has left behind a grieving family, but this one got to me even more than normal. I hope it provides some small measure of comfort.

In Honor of Emerson N. Brand

This is the comfort afghan for the Heartmade Blessings OPH that I completed last night and I am getting ready to mail. It is being sent to the parents of Sgt. Emerson N. Brand. I saw some pictures from his funeral on a tribute site and his mother's face broke my heart. I can not begin to imagine the pain. I hope that this brings them comfort in some very small way. Thank you to all those that contributed squares.

In Honor of John G. Borbonus

This is the comfortghan I finished assembling this weekend for Heartmade Blessings Operation Purple Heart. It is being sent to the mother of Army Pfc. John G. Borbonus

In Honor of James Holtom

Another comfortghan I was priveledged to assemble for HeartMade Blessings' Operation Purple Heart for the parents of Army Sgt. James J. Holtom.

In Honor of Ross Clevenger

This comfortghan has been created as part of HeartMade Blessings' Operation Purple Heart. Hopefully it will bring some comfort to the mother of Army Spc. Ross A. Clevenger.

The difference between boys and girls

Having a teenage son I am learning some things. He just spent 9 days in Japan as part of a tour that we paid for him to go on. Lots of preplanned activities and things to see, 5 different cities, a ride on the bullet train,etc. For Christmas I felt it was important to get him the digital camera he had been asking for. Keep in mind I don't have a digital camera. He has been very excited - at least as much as he can be and still be cool! I didn't send him with a phone card, but he promised to email us. The daughter of a friend went as well.

The friend had a phone call and an email from their daughter after the kids first day in Japan. She emailed several more times and even attached some pictures for them to see.

My son emailed his Dad -not me!- the last full day they had in Japan and did not take a single picture! NOT ONE!!

He did seem to have a wonderful time. When I ask about what he saw I hear about the 8 stories electronics building and seeing the Bandi building, etc. However, if I just let him tell me things as he thinks about them I hear about the Golden Palace and some of the gardens, etc. I am glad to know that he enjoyed some of those things as well :)

The old lady in the mirror

KEEPS SHOWING UP!! I swear I do not know who she is and why she is here, but I would really like her to go away. Now she is bringing all these strange places for adding some extra weight. What is with that? I have been very consistent about going to the gym and have never had to fight a weight issue, gain issue anyway, in my life. I am that person you all hated that had problems gaining weight. NOT NOW!! This really sucks and I don't like it and I don't even honestly know what to do!!! This is all new territory. Why it is starting at the same time I am actually trying to exercise, also a new thing for me, I do not understand.
Ok, I just had to vent someplace because most people I know look at me like I have three eyes or something and tell me I look fine and to quit worrying about it. Obviously that is NOT going to happen :).

Summer is here!

All the things with my Mom have been resolved. She is still very much in the healing process, but well on her way to recovery. That was a very difficult time for everyone and I am glad we are through some of it :)

The kids are out of school for summer. This is so exciting!!! I really look forward to getting to do things and spend time with them. I would love to take the summer off work as well, but I do get to cut back my hours so we can participate in more activities. Of course, my oldest thinks he is too cool to do stuff with his mom, but if I let him invite a buddy he is more open to the whole thing. Time to enjoy the outdoors and the fun!!!!

McFly!

Have you ever had a time when life just comes up behind you and smacks you on the back of the head? Not fun! I have had some things happening with my Mom medically that gave me the first real experience that brings her mortality to the front of my consciousness. This is not a pleasant experience and I really prefer to have my head in the sand. The good thing is that she and I have been able to have a couple of those very important "what if" discussions. I now know her feelings on life support and a few other of the big topics no one likes to discuss. This actually provides me with a lot of peace to know that I can honors her wishes if needed in the future.
Now, we just deal with what is in front of us one day at a time.

Thoughts on deafness

I feel the need to share my thoughts on a topic that in all fairness, I am in many ways not entitled to have an opinion on, and that is deafness. First a bit of background. My youngest son is deaf. He was identified during the newborn screening process and at the time still had a significant amount of residual hearing. He was wearing hearing aids by the age of 6 weeks old. This was NOT fun as a parent and even less fun when he began to take them out and use them as a handy teething option. The first set cost approx. $3000, none of which insurance covered, and water destroys them. See the problem?
Anyway, he is now in second grade and his loss has continued. We learned a couple of years ago the cause of hearing loss is a genetic condition and he is rare in that he had any hearing at all when he was born. I fully expect him to loose all of his hearing at some point in the near future. As it is he has days that he hears better than others. My son currently has very understandable speech due to the hard work he has put in since the age of two and the ability to utilize the residual hearing he had when he did. He is also intelligent and understands the rules of phonetics and applies them to new words he encounters. Unfortunately the English language is full of exceptions to the rules. I also credit much of his success to his early exposure to sign and later American Sign Language (ASL). He was exposed to language from the beginning even if much of it wasn't through auditory means.
I have learned more in the last 8 years about ears, hearing, hearing aids, FM Systems, language development and speech than I ever even knew existed, let alone wanted to learn. This is good as it helps me be a better parent for my son.
So, you are probably wondering where the opinion comes in. I am horrified by the number of parents who have deaf children that never take the time to search our a deaf adult (or 2 or 3) to learn more about what being deaf is like. What they learned growing up and suggestions they would make. The decision is ultimately the parents, but a person who has lived the life is much better experienced to give opinions and advice than ANY doctor, audioligist or speech language pathologist EVER will be. They can provide medical information and opinions, but they are not deaf and so do not truly understand.
In the area where I live there is currently a large emphasis and push for cochlear implants and oralism. I believe cochlear implants have a place. Do not misunderstand and think I am anti-cochlear. I do not, however, believe that at this point I would implant my child without it being his decision. There are too many factors. There are also just as many or more stories when it was not successful (as defined by the hearing community) as there are success stories. When it doesn't work out, the parents are made to feel as if the failure is their fault. If they had only provided more speech therapy or not allowed the child to sign, etc. The truth is that sometimes it just doesn't work. The opinion that if you allow a child to use sign they won't learn speech is the stupidest thing I have heard. As my husband says, "That is like saying if a child eats with their hands, they won't learn to use a fork." As a point of education, speech is not a language, but a means of communicating a language the same as writing.
I don't believe that the burden of communication should be placed on the shoulders of a small child rather than the parents. When parents refuse to take any approach but to implant and then work on speech, and only speech, all communication responsibility is the child's. I can honestly say that I have never met a Deaf adult who said how they wished their parents hadn't learned to sign. However, I can tell you many, many stories of adults who feel their parents didn't care enough about them and were just plain selfish when they refused to learn to sign in order to communicate with them. That the parents did not love them enough or accept them as they are.
I NEVER want my son to think this. My husband and I have spent many hours learning ASL and work to expose him to others in the Deaf Community. I want him to have role models and mentors available that are Deaf with a capital "D". Proud and successful Deaf adults.
Those in the medical community and the parents that follow who are insisting the implants are the way forget that there are many for whom implants are not an option. Depending on the reason for the hearing loss it just may not circumvent the issue or be of any potential benefit. What do they propose for this group? At the moment, nothing! They pretend as if this group does not exist in an effort to further their cause.
I have rambled on for some time, but I will say that as the parent of a child who is deaf, I am proud of who he is. I can honestly say that if I had been asked before he was born that I would never have wished for this. I am still sad at times. That does not make him any less of a person or a success. It does not mean he needs to be "fixed". I love him as he is and hope he does the same.

In Honor of Brandon Titus

I had the honor and privilege of assembling this OPH comfortghan for the father of Brandon Titus. I was only recently able to obtain mailing information with the assistance of a friend or it would have been sent to him earlier. This one has haunted me and was one I have wanted to assemble since the first reports of Brandon's death. I am glad to have been able to complete this assembly and send to Mr. Titus.

What a day!

This has been an interesting day. Yesterday afternoon my boss announced that the office would be closed today so I had the day off. FANTASTIC! I planned to get a ton of things done and have some me time as well. I started off the day with working out after the kids left for school. Just as planned. I then went to use my %off coupons at some of the craft stores to get some things I really need for upcoming projects. I got some things for the ABC baby book I am making (gift) and new blades for my cutter. Unfortunately, stop #2 was not what I had hoped. I needed the page protectors and they did not have what I needed. Since I had a 50% off coupon I really thought I should use it. So I wandered for waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy too long. The good news is I did NOT spend money just to spend money. Bad news, can't get the time back. Went to another store to get the page protectors and then went to visit a LSS that I hadn't been to in some time. I actually didn't need anything, but I noticed the owners vehicle and just wanted to say "Hi!". It was a great time and I am so glad I did. She shared some of the upcoming changes for the store and showed me a bunch of things. It is going to be really neat and it was good to see her so excited again. I did get some ribbon she had that matches perfectly a page kit I have and it is just the thing for it!
After all of this though, the day was pretty much gone. I really should have tried to catch up with some friends or something, but I just didn't plan well. The good news is the weather is sunny and nice so I have spent as much time as my bum knee with allow cleaning out flower beds. There is still a TON of work to do. This has brought on quite the pity party however. Earlier this year I talked to my hubby about spending the raise I got the have the front relandscaped. I wanted the big ugly junipers gone and flower beds that looked planned instead of mish mashed and overgrown. I wanted them easier to maintain. He agreed so I began to get quotes. As it went along it was decided to find out how much it would cost to replace the grass with something more suited to our climate. Then we added on how much to do the grass in back as well? See where this is going? I have spent several weeks in landscape hell and guess what? We have all new grass, but I still have a front bed that needs to be rototilled, prepped, planned, planted and mulched. Not quite what I had planned. Now, I admit the junipers are gone and the bed is edged in beautiful rock as are my beds in back, but it is not ready to go and done. Hence the pity party. Guess I best get over it soon because it isn't going to get done by itself!!!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Dad! I love and miss you!

Mixed emotions time

This time of year is so hard for me. I love Spring. It is my favorite season. There is nothing like seeing the trees in bloom and the first colors of tulips and daffodils (one of my favorite flowers!). The grape hyacinths remind me of my grandmother and playing in her yard.
This is also super tough. April 1 is the anniversary of my Dad's death and April 3 is his birthday. I try to avoid all the April Fools stuff as it just serves to remind me what day it is. This year it has been 9 years since he died. It isn't easier, the pain just isn't as sharp.
I dread the phone ringing on either day. I always worry it is a family member wanting to talk. I don't want to talk. I just want to pretend it is any other day. Not very adult, but also the only way I get through.
So, enjoy the sunshine and the daffodils, I will be. The rest will come as it will.

ATCs

I have really been admiring ATCs and over the last year participated in a few trades and received some amazing artwork! This is certainly the way to go for me and creativity without pressure. As long as it is 2 1/2 in by 3 1/2 in I can't do it wrong!!! This the latest one I made for a "celestial" themed swap. My one before that can be seen at Scottish Borders Stamping.

Sewing on paper?

Oh, yes! I swore this was a thing I would never do. It looks really neat, but just seemed like too much effort to me. Keep in mind I have a very old and very heavy machine with no craft room, so everything has to be gotten out each time. Well, I caved. I joined a card swap and the other evening I created the card in my mind and the sewing was part of it. I have to say that I am pleased with how it turned out. It is almost as nice as I imagined which is much better than usual :).

Christmas gift finished

I have been experiencing some problems and pain with my wrist so have not been able to spend the time crocheting and knitting that I usually do. I decided to pull out the sewing machine and see what I could get done.
I have actually managed to FINISH a Christmas present. I know it is March. Can you believe it? I can't! Now the trick will be not to forget where I store it between now and then..............

Anyway, this is a flannel rag quilt I made for a little girl who loves Blue's Clues. For size reference, that grey thing on the side is my 12 inch paper cutter I use for scrapbooking.

Who elected these morons?

I work very hard to not post things that might offend someone. Politics are a subject that is often prone to that and so I don't usually "go there". However, this is just so outrageous that I can not believe it! These morons in the Idaho State Legislature killed a bill in committee that would set MINIMUM safety standards for daycare facilities and require background checks of workers. The reason it was killed? Get this! Mothers shouldn't be taking their children to daycare they should be staying home with them. WHAT!?!?!?!?!? Not every parent even has that option even if they wanted to. So those kids aren't important to keep safe? Ones that aren't raised by two parent families and stay at home moms just don't matter? This is the most amazing thing to me. Talk about hicks! And I thought we looked stupid for having elected someone like Bill Sali to represent us in Washington. However, this really takes the cake. I often wonder WHY I live here and if this is really such a great place to raise kids if these are our elected leaders.

New Quilts

I finished the binding on one and started and completed the other for a total of two additional quilts to be sent to TLC for Angels. These are really fun quilts to make! The colors in both of these just seem so cheerful to me and it was a nice feeling to have something COMPLETED!! Need to do more of that ;)

Never Ask

Never ask "what else could happen?". Why? You will find out. My youngest (and I) were up all Wednesday night because he was sick. He is much, much better today and headed to school. I just hope it either hurries through the rest of the family or stays away. I can't bring my brother here to recuperate if we are all sick!

My niece is scheduled for her cardiac surgery on Monday. The Dr.s say they don't find anything else and expect this to be a very straight forward surgery. She will probably still be there for another 4 weeks, but at least now her Mom has been able to join her. That is a very important part of the process, for both of them!

On a brighter note, I am all signed up for a scrapbooking retreat in April. I can hardly wait! I feel like I am in paper withdrawals. There hasn't been time for me to touch much of my scrap stuff lately. I have made a few cards, but not much else. I picked up 10 rolls from the developer so I really NEED to get busy :). I have gotten some sewing done though. Made great progress on Brandt's denim quilt and finished up a few in progress projects. That feels GREAT!

It continues

My niece was born yesterday, but they have determined that she has what is called transposition of the great artery. Basically her heart has some backwards wiring and so the blood recirculating has not been oxygenated. She will require surgery to fix this and she has been transported to another hospital and the surgery is scheduled for Friday. My SIL will be released from the hospital tomorrow so she can join her daughter.

If all of this seems a bit familiar, this is the same thing my nephew was born with last year. Now keep in mind, this is not genetic. Yeah right! They won't get me believing that anytime soon! It just means they haven't found the marker yet!

Busy, stressful, good

Today was THE day. Transplant day. My sister is receiving a kidney from my brother. Add to that another brother and his wife are at the hospital working to provide me with a new niece. There are some phone calls going back and forth today!!!

The great news is both my brother and sister are out of surgery and seem to be doing very well so far. They are tired, really exhausted is more like it, and have some recovery ahead of them, but so far, so good.

Last I heard, my SIL was being taken in for a C-section. Although I wouldn't wish for this, there is a time when it is just time and this was one of those. My SIL is in fantastic health and shape and will recover quickly. She also has the advantage of a couple of SIL who will be making certain her husband is taking proper care of her during all of this ;).

Well wishes and prayers are welcome, but the news so far is GOOD!!!

Black and White - love it!

I have finished my first rag quilt. It is a style I have wanted to do for a long time, but just haven't. This one is baby sized (36 x 48) and is headed to TLC for Angels. I just love the black and white contrast and can see myself doing this again very, very soon!

Out of the mouths of babes

I got the opportunity to watch that incredible football game Sunday evening - Colts vs Patriots. Toward the end there was a fantastic play by the Colts and it had me cheering. My youngest son, who is 8, turns to me and says "Let me guess, Peyton Manning's laser rocket arm?". The answer in this specific instance also happened to be "Yes".

I still have not stopped giggling about this. Anyone who ever doubts the power of advertising obviously does not have small children.

So, I need a goal?

I actually accomplished my goal of turning out the cookbook shelf. It is not empty despite how much I threw away. Infact, it is still pretty full. However, there are no longer books on top of books :). The next day I accomplished my mini goal of getting some things gathered and completely ready to mail. One more item off my "to do" list. However, on Friday, nothing! I sat and wondered what happened and realized that I hadn't actually made anything my goal for the day. How could I do something if I didn't know what to do? Hmmmmmm the long term problem seems to be defining itself right before my eyes! LOL!

After some thought, I made a mini goal for yesterday, and got it done! Now, I need to figure out what it is for today. Maybe even write a list of 4 or 5 and select on each morning with the flexibility to add to it as I think of things, but not pressure myself on getting it all done. Just one thing at a time.

Goals

I have given this quite a bit of thought and really think that I need to continue in the same vein as last year. If I can work each day on a task that I have put off or finish a started task/item then I will make a lot of progress and much more than I would have otherwise. To select a task daily to complete that is on my list of "projects". Not the entire project, but a step. Eventually, I hope, to be overwhelmed by my progress :).

So, right here I am stating that my goal for today is to turn out the cookbook bookshelf. I did a tiny bit of this before year end by removing the most obvious items. Cook books that I had not used in more than two years. However, this area needs more than just that. Tonight I will empty it, clean it off and selectively restock/organize it.

I am anxious to see how this process of daily goals goes and hope I am able to report a lot of success!!

Recent Comforghan

I completed the assembly of this comfortghan for a woman who's husband passed away and mailed it out just before year end. Didn't I get some beautiful squares to put together?

In Honor of Spc. "Doug" James Lee Bridges

This OPH Comfortghan is being mailed tomorrow morning to the Mother of a young man who was killed in Baghdad while on patrol. This is in honor of Spc. "Doug" James Lee Bridges. I hope she can find a small bit of comfort and peace in this time of loss.

Great Friends

I am very blessed to have some wonderful and amazing people as my friends. Unfortunately, it seems that some of them move away. I guess it is inevitable and part of life, but it is still a big bummer.

One of my very dear friends moved to Alaska. (For those of you that know me, can you see a pattern;)). I would love to see Gayle more often, but am able to keep in touch via email and occasional phone calls.

The other day a package arrived from her that I was not expecting. I opened it and found this beautiful advent calendar she had made. All of the stitching is hand done. She has to have spent hours on this. It is wonderful and I love it! Needless to say, the minute I opened the box and saw it I began to bawl like a big ol' baby. She really made me feel special and important. Thank you so much Gayle for the wonderful gift of your friendship!!!

In Honor of Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker

This OPH comfort afghan is being sent to the parents of Army Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker. I can not imagine the pain of their loss and the difficulty this time of year must bring. I truly hope they find some comfort in knowing others care.

Basketball

We went to the season opening game for the Idaho Stampede basketball team. Well, I use the word team loosely as they really seem to be a bunch of guys who want to shoot the ball, but not play defense or follow through on any of the shots. They have some potential, but the game we saw was a bit sad.
My youngest son had a fantastic time and I think this is going to turn into a good family activity for us. With the age gap of the boys and that the whole family (except me) is boys and all our varied interests, finding things we can all enjoy is a bit difficult. This one seems to be a winner!

Got Flowers?

I love, love, love the Prima flowers. I know, you are wondering what I do with them with a house full of boys. I have gotten pretty creative about using flowers, ribbon and sparkle on my scrapbook pages. I also have two (soon to be three) nieces so that helps :). For cards they are always a welcome addition.
I have found it a bit hard to use entire bottles of colors though. I like the assortments, but they don't always have a new mix of combinations. I am so excited to share my recent find with you!

Cafe Prima!!!!

She has free shipping on minimum orders and you can literally order one flower at a time. I you only need six leaves, then order six! How cool is that? She has some neat assortments as well and even better, a monthly kit club!!!! Look at the past assortments and you can see she definitely has a knack for combinations. What fun!!!!!! I think this is a FABULOUS idea and hope she is extremely successful! WTG Jennifer!!!

What does a word mean?

Especially if the word is "clean"? I have been reminded, once more, that the definition of a word is sometimes situational. In general, I keep my house clean. It is by no means spotless, we definitely live here and it shows, but the general cleaning is kept up. Dishes done, floors swept and vacuumed, etc. This is day to day clean.
Then there is friends and family coming over clean. The run around and pick up some of the lived in look. The toys on the floor and magazines on the edge of the couch (2 months worth that I keep meaning to finish reading).
There is however an entirely different level of clean when company is coming who is not as familiar. People who you doesn't know well, have never been to your house before and may never be again. That requires the assistance of the entire family and a room that you know the door will stay closed for a bit of dash and stash :). Your eyes suddenly see things they have never noticed before. You become aware of the fact that just because you keep something on the floor in the corner, and the same place all the time, it is not the same as the item truly having a home. That is not really a "place" and you currently don't have a "place". Hence the dash and stash!
Now, I have to admit that things look pretty great cleared off. Until I bring out all the stuff that has been piled in the room with the door closed. Now what? Well basically, there is just too much stuff and some things need to go! This is the real project and what requires the real cleaning. So, my ongoing challenge is to reduce the amount of stuff in our house. Then the family level of clean will be pretty much the same as the unknown company level of clean. Wouldn't that be fantastic?

Eyes Wide Open

Yesterday my family and I visited an exhibit that was very sobering. It is called Eyes Wide Open and it a visual display to represent the National Guardsmen who's lives have been lost in the Iraq War. Regardless of your thoughts or opinion of the war, this is a powerful exhibit. There are a pair of combat boots displayed for each soldier. Locally they also included a pair for every Idaho soldier that has been lost. I was emotional, but holding it all together until I found the boots for 3 of "my soldiers". These were three different Idaho soldiers that I assembled OPH comfortghans for their families. At that point I lost it and the tears began to flow.
As I walked around I was reminded of a comment my oldest son made several years ago. We visited a traveling representation of the Vietnam Wall Memorial. As we walked the memorial and read the names on the wall and the letters left by loved ones my son turned to me and said "Mom, I think that anyone who is looking at sending people to war should have to write all of these names first. Maybe then they will remember what happens during war." WOW! If only the adults could be as intelligent as the children.
If you get a chance, do visit this memorial. Eyes Wide Open is a wonderful tribute to those who have paid such a high price.

Mailing some comfort

I completed assembling and mailed two comfortghans for HeartMade Blessings. The fall colors is for a gentleman who lost his father and the pastels is for a young mother who has been widowed.

Boy layout about friendship

I guess it doesn't have to be for boys, but I like the idea of a friendship theme that could be used for boys. We think about this with girls, but friendships are just as important for the little boys as well :). The colors in this are so beautiful. A deep red and turquoise blue. The chipboard coasters by Gin-X are soooooooooo fun!!! The one between the "U" and "I" has an & in red in the center and the outside ring has friendship things like "friends always", etc.