Flowers

I woke up to my favorite flowers. I am a lucky woman!

11 Years

Many years ago a dear friend suggested that Michael and I would make a good pair. I am continually grateful to her as Michael is an amazing man - smart, kind-hearted, funny, creative, hard-working, and loving. Every day we do this thing called life together and I can't imagine walking the path without him. We have had ups and downs, but we always know we will make it as we are in it together. I love you Michael and look forward to celebrating 11 years together today, but also each day with you!

My Mom's Birthday!

Wishing my Mom a very Happy Birthday! She is spending the day with her granddaughter so I know she is having a very good birthday. Probably enjoying some Dora the Explorer or Elmo Cupcakes.

Happy Mother's Day

My beautiful Mom. Feel incredibly blessed to have a Mom who has such a kind heart and generous spirit. I love you Mom! Happy Mother's Day!

I also wishing Happy Mother's Day to my other Mom - Michael's Mom. I have come to know such a sweet woman and love her dearly! 

M + D

Today is an anniversary of sorts - 10 years ago I moved from Ohio to Colorado to be with an amazing man that I love even more today than that snowy day in 2003. It was the best move ever.

* photo - I took up at Hays Falls when we were there recently. 

Valentine's Day celebrating Love

Today is about spreading love and kindness to others so when we thought about what we could do - we thought of something we did a couple years ago with Operation Nice and that was to leave random notes saying nice things all around town. But this time I wanted to promote www.SpreadGenerosityDay.com. So I made up some little notes that had Spread Love & Kindness on the top with the Spread Generosity web address on the bottom and then Michael and I hand wrote out little messages on them.  We then took and left Love &  Kindness Notes all around Grand Junction.

We saw one person read a note I left on a table outside a coffee house.  He smiled when he read it so I guess that counts as spreading love and kindness as we gave some a good enough feeling that he smiled. I hope people that encounter them get a little joy from our notes. We hope it helps their day be bit better - maybe enough that they will  pass on some love and kindness to others so that it spreads.

As my beloved said today, over the years we have come to realize that love comes in so many forms and Valentine's isn't really about celebrating only the love of lovers, but celebrating the love in the world and around us in just so many little moments throughout our day.

Here are a few photos from our day....

#GenerosityDay

Generosity Day

Such an amazing idea for Valentine's Day....sharing and spreading love in random acts of kindness. Michael and I have discussed what we want to do....recently we discussed that we should do Nice Notes again. So we are going to go leave Nice Notes around town. We have a few other things we want to do too.  I also have some personal things I want to do such as sending thank you notes people in my life that really have supported my dreams and inspire me. I have no doubt we will document our day as that is something I have really been into this year is making sure I remember the joy in my life by documenting it....so there will be a post on Thursday about Generosity Day.

#GenerosityDay

10 Years Together

Most couples have a song that means something to them...that is their song.  I think we also have a movie. I am going to suggest that tonight we watch our movie...Serendipity.

I think it really fits us too. Michael and my life touched in places even before we knew each other. When I was a teenager, I would do Bible Camp in Woodland Park, Colorado. It was one of the reasons I wanted to move to Colorado - because I fell in love with the awesome beauty of the mountains. Michael's family visited Woodland Park often when he was young as his Grandfather had a cabin up in the mountains there. So we were near to each other - but not know each other yet. 

Another moment happened almost a year before he and I started talking to each other.  I lived in Cleveland, Ohio at the time, but had a group of friends from the Kansas City, MO area from when I lived in Topeka, KS.  One of the people in that group of friends was dating Michael in a long distant relationship. When I would visit, she talked about him, but I never knew him.  At one time when he was dating her, that group of friends went to Denver for a weekend getaway. One of the friends in the group was man I was interested in. He and I were talking about me visiting - doing the long distant thing and then maybe eventually moving to KC.  During that weekend away, I called him while he there and was talking him when Michael arrived to his room. He had taken another friend to hair salon.  We were just a few steps away from knowing each other. 

The woman Michael was dating is a friend of mine as I said. After they stopped dating, she suggested that he contact me as she felt we would be a good fit.  So he waited almost 6 months before he ended up emailing me. I was captivated from that first email - I knew there was something special with him. Might be silly sounding to some people that an email would spark enough connection that made me write him back and pursue getting to know this man better, but  I am so thankful I did...as 10 years today we are still going strong. 

Michael is smart, funny, kind, compassionate, hard-working, creative, talented and has endless qualities that I  cherish daily as well as new ones I discover even now.  We have made some priceless memories over the years. I feel extremely thankful to spend every day with him - even when it is just daily life we are moving through  It is each moment that counts and each moment with him counts more then I could have ever imagined. I feel extremely blessed to have taken each step of this journey with him and love him deeply and passionately as I did way back then. I look forward to celebrating 10 years with him and look forward to spending the coming years together too. 

Michael, your love has brought new colors to my world! Thank you! I love you! Happy Anniversary!

Birthday Wishes

Wishing my Mom a very Happy Birthday! I know she is spending the weekend with her grandkids so I am sure she is having a good weekend.

Anniversary

Wishing my Mom and Dad a very Happy Anniversary! I 'd like to toast my parents as they celebrate 45 years together! Love you!

Party

Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.

I can certainly say that my sister's wedding and her wedding reception at my parents were the parties of my year. I am very grateful that I was able to attend both. We really didn't think we could afford to go to her wedding. And in the end it hit the budget but it was so worth it - to see her get married. My sister looked beautiful. Her dress was almost Marilyn Monroe-like. And my Mom did her flowers and they were beautiful bright orange and yellow.

At my sister and brother-in-law's wedding reception that was held almost a month later at my parents in Minnesota - again my sister looked beautiful. My Mom is the hostess with the mostess so the flowers, the food, the candy bar were great! The candy bar is what it implies - my Mom had several jars of different candies and then little paper bags with April and Joe's names and wedding date on them and people could fill a bag or two of candy up to take home with them as favors. Oh and the other wonderful thing about the reception my other sister made cupcakes - red velvet, coconut and then one other that I am not remembering at the moment. All of them were so good.

As I said above I am just so grateful I was able to attend both. I am glad I was able to see my baby sister marry her love.

Auntie!

My sister had her baby today! I had to go get a blood draw for lab work (just yearly check up) this morning and I kept thinking about my sister and wondering if she would have her baby today. And then I got a call from my Dad telling me she had Chloe Jo! I can't wait to see photos of her! And to hold her!

I am an Auntie!

Nice Day

I had a very nice birthday. Michael and I spent the day together. We went out for a late lunch to my favorite Chinese place. And then we took a drive to look at all the beautiful fall colors. It was just a nice quiet day without a care in the world but just spending time together. Perfect.

I received cards, emails, messages on facebook and phone calls all day long. I am so grateful to everyone remembering my birthday.

Tomorrow is my baby sister's birthday! I hope she has a fabulous birthday!

Nearing 43

When it nears my birthday, of course I become a little introspective. And this year is no different as it nears my 43 birthday, I have really been obsessing about it. I know I am not where I wanted to be at this age. It isn't that I don't love aspects of my life. I do of course - but there are other things that I thought I would have accomplished by now. But do I really want those things anymore? And I guess that is what I am still working on. I had someone ask me what I wanted to do recently and I know I just looked at them with a deer in the headlights look because honestly I am not sure I know right now.

I am going to be 43, you think I would know what I want to be doing, who I want to be but really I don't think I am even near to the point to see it clearly. And that bothers me so much. I am sure because of all the deaths that I had in my life this past year too - makes me worry more that I will never figure how to live my life.

I am thankful for all the wonderful things life has given me and thankful for many amazing things that have happened in my life. I am just wondering if this next year will be spent focused on where I want things to be in the next 5 years.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

I leave tomorrow for Minnesota. I won't be home until August 17th.

My parents and sisters will be so busy getting ready for April and Joe's wedding reception (that is on Saturday) so my cousin is going to pick me up at the airport. I am very grateful that she is able to do that for me/us. And I can't wait to chat books with her. She is an avid reader - even more avid then myself though.

I look forward to seeing all of my family. Almost everyone will be there for the reception. It is at my parents home. And I am sure my Mom is in uber hostess mode getting ready for it.

My Grandma and I are having a slumber party on Saturday night. I am staying with her in a hotel room as she has trouble with my parents steps to their guest room so on Saturday night she and I will stay in a hotel room. I look forward to just chatting with her.

I am staying until August 17th so that I can be there when they bury my Uncle's ashes. I wasn't able to go the funeral so I really want to be there for this. It is at the small country church cemetery. I know my Uncle had many good memories associated with the church so it will be a good place for his ashes.

When I get back from Minnesota, I will be home a day and then leave for Denver for several days. So lots of traveling coming up for me but for good reasons.

From 2009 to 2010

Happy New Year! It is hard to believe it is in 2010. Usually I am one to really self-examine the outgoing year but I am not feeling like it at the moment. I have been so busy since Thanksgiving that I didn't get to do most of the things I do for the holidays so I am feeling kind of off entering the new year. 2009 of course had many good things but it was a hard year because of health and economy. I know 2010 will be better. And glad it is here.

I started rereading Eat Pray Love just before Christmas and am taking my time with it....savoring it. It is what I need right now - it has been my solace during this busy time. And also for ringing in the New Year.

Wishing everyone a Happy 2010!

Just Rolling By....

* celebrated Michael's 40th birthday this weekend with his parents. It was nice. Made him a maple butterscotch cake that turned out perfect in the new oven.

* Saw New Moon this weekend - I liked it a lot more than Twilight.

* I lent Michael's Mom my Twilight book. She has seen the movie but not read any of the books. I am guessing will want to see the movie again after reading the book.) It was kind of cute how excited she was to see New Moon.

* We go to Denver this week - leave Wednesday won't be back until Saturday.

* I am so behind on all my holiday things this year and it is really annoying me.

* I finished An Echo in the Bone - the 7th book in the Outlander series...and it left me wondering when book 8 will be out. It frustrated me at times. I love Jamie & Claire and Roger & Brianna so I was eager to keep moving through the book. And it had surprises for me that I never thought I would see....so it was very good over all. But I want book 8 NOW! (imagine me stamping my feet like a four year old.)

* I doubt I will be reading much more until after the holidays as I am just so behind on everything. But I did pass my total for last year on reading. I am at 130 right now. I have 2 books I am reading now that I will finish before the new year I am sure so it will probably end at 132.

That is about it for now. Doubt I will be able to update again until after we get back from Denver.

Book Review: The Art of Giving

The Art of Giving: Gift Ideas to Delight the Senses by Liezel Norval-Kruger


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is from description from publishers:

Gift giving is a universal custom, but in today's harried world many of us have moved away from the more considered and creative aspects of what should be a very personal act. It should be a gesture of love, friendship, celebration, acknowledgment, and thanks. The Art of Giving is filled with inspirational ideas and practical information for the discerning gift giver on how to achieve beautiful, artful, and thoughtful gifts.

Taste, smell, and touch are the pivotal chapters. They draw on our capacity to indulge ourselves and those we love through each particular sense. Each chapter is filled with ideas and tantalizing images, as well as practical information on how to create and present wonderful gifts. Another chapter, on wrapping, will show you how to achieve expert finishing touches and inspired solutions to the most awkward of gift shapes. From handcrafted soaps and homemade potpourri to beautifully wrapped candies and an entire picnic for two, the endless variety of ideas in this book offer something for everyone. Turn to the back of the book for recipes, templates, diagrams, labels, and other do-it-yourself essentials to tell you how to do it all. For anyone who wants to create and give gifts that are more expressive, meaningful, and heartfelt than something grabbed off the shelf or ordered over the phone, The Art of Giving offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice.

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the photos and the style of the gifts and ideas. The Art of Giving is filled with quite a lot of DIY gift ideas that are inexpensive, attractive and simple to make. Also this is a great book to find ideas for those on your gift list that are impossible to shop for people. The book I previously reviewed about green giving...was good but this book has better ideas that could be implemented with green options. Such as it has tubes covered with paper, photos or postcards. Or gifts wrapped in newspaper and then tied pretty ribbon that don't look cheap but look like it was wrapped professionally because the folds are so crisp and the ribbon perfect for it. Or gifts wrapped with felt and embroidery thread to do simple stitches to close it. All their examples were lovely and I can't wait to try some of them out this year for holiday giving.

The book includes recipes, craft and label templates and instructions in the back of the book also.

Some crafts and recipes I want to try and give....
Milk & Honey Bread
Infused Brandy
Fresh Feet Bath
Shoe Bags
Sewing Kits (that would be good for men or women)
Beaded Coasters
Hot Chocolate Cream

Plus MANY MANY more ideas. It is an inspirational book and one I would love to have on in my home to refer to often.

View all my reviews >>

Birthday Re-cap and Reflection

I had a good birthday weekend. Michael started out my birthday at midnight on the dot. And had a scavenger hunt all set up for me. When he did that, while I was in the house - is BEYOND me. But he pulled it off without a hitch - okay one hitch. I can't see worth anything in the dark. And he sent me outside and I couldn't figure it out because of not being able to see in the dark. And there was even a little light from the street light but still couldn't figure it out. So he had to come rescue me.

Then for breakfast he made his famous omelets. It is something I can't make but he makes a killer omelet. He put lots of red bell peppers in mine...which are my favorite. I would eat them on almost everything if I could. I made homemade pizza with chicken spinach sausage and roasted red bell peppers on it for dinner. We are going to go out to dinner this week. I didn't want to fight the crowd we would have on a Sunday.

I made Robert Redford for dessert instead of a cake. Robert Redford is a layer of crust, then a cream cheese layer, then a homemade chocolate pudding layer and topped with cool whip. I will be posting that recipe and photos soon.

I feel though I am going through a lot of reflection of my life right now. And that is normal for this time of the year - my birthday causes me to do that. I don't feel at all depressed about turning 42 this year - which is a good thing. But I am doing a little reassessment of my life and things I haven't accomplished and want to. That kind of made me depressed. But I need to do. I checked out a book that I hope will help me in writing up my goals and trying to work through it realistically.

So that is where I am at....very good birthday! Thank you EVERYONE for the well wishes, cards and presents. I am a very lucky woman to have so many wonderful people in my life....I feel very blessed!

Also a very Happy Birthday to my baby sister tomorrow! Happy Birthday April! I love you!

Birthday Wishes....

Wishing my beautiful sister a VERY Happy Birthday! Michael and I hope your day is filled with celebration of YOU! You are an amazing woman and I truly blessed to call you my sister! I love YOU!