Posts
My first attempt at Bokeh
Second Attempt...love this one (and I even like the reflection of the DC-3 propeller in the shiny ornament).
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Silent Sunday
Holiday Tree at The Henry Ford Museum
My first attempt at Bokeh
Second Attempt...love this one (and I even like the reflection of the DC-3 propeller in the shiny ornament).
My first attempt at Bokeh
Second Attempt...love this one (and I even like the reflection of the DC-3 propeller in the shiny ornament).
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A Quick Review
It is finally the end to 2010 and what a year it was for us here. Personally, I am glad to see it go, and have hopes that 2011 will be a better one for us and for our families. The trials that our families went through, with Jim's Dad's accident and loss of memory and my sister Susie fighting (and beating!) breast cancer are not ones that I want anyone to have to experience. On a more personal level, Jim was quite busy with city council, and having to go through two budget cycles to figure out how to cut money was stressful and kept him gone quite a few evenings. This of course left me to deal with the kids and a dog that I thought I was (and really was not) prepared to deal with.
Overall though, I can say personally that the four of us really did not fair too badly this year. Tommi started 2nd grade and has a great teacher. She went through some PT and OT through U of M this summer and really started to blossom and grow and seems to have matured slightly. I can actually see that she is starting to catch up to her peers at least developmentally, though she is still behind academically. I can't wait to see what turning 8 and the rest of the school year brings in 2011.
Jay started preschool, and after a day or so of thinking he was in trouble because his teachers were calling him James, we got everything straightened out and he loves school. He is becoming even closer to our babysitter's son Josh and we all agree that we are definitely in trouble when they become teenagers. My little man makes us all laugh on a daily basis with the stuff that he says and I can't wait for him to start kindergarten this fall.
Jim and I were talking last night about hopes for this year and really could not come up with much we really want to accomplish. But in the next 5 to 10 years we would like to see some things happen with the house. In 3 years our bankruptcy will be over and hopefully we can start saving to update the kitchen and eventually build a garage so we can finish the basement. I hope that Tommi can catch up to her peers academically by the time she goes to middle school, and I hope that Jim's dad will get at least some of his memory back. I'd like a better car, something bigger that can hold at least 7 (my wish would be a Ford Flex) and I would love to see Jim continue to climb the management ladder at work. As far as my work goes, I would love to either be home or have a job that would allow me to be home before and after school (and doing more PMTO).
I would like to blog more, though I always say that and never keep up. I realized how important memories are, and I want to record the important stuff for Tommi and Jay as they grow. So if I were to make a resolution it would be to blog at least a few times a week as a record of what is going on in our lives. I don't have a way with words as some blogs that I follow have, but it's just a record for me really right? It's not like I have followers that read this when I write anyways.
Hello 2011! I am happy you are here. Good Riddance to 2010, may you soon be just a distant memory.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
My new favorite pic....
My hubby shot this of J on the beach at Lake Michigan during our vacation. I love that he is looking back at his footprints and the fact that he is not in the exact middle of the pic (Jim is not usually the kind to shoot something off center, he thinks some of my pics are odd that I shoot differently...)
So I had to just take this pic and do something with it... it reminded me of a poem I have always loved... Footprints So I sharpened the image a bit and added the end of the poem which is my favorite, and created this:
Turned out great, and I have an 8 x 10 on order from Sam's to hang on my office wall.
So I had to just take this pic and do something with it... it reminded me of a poem I have always loved... Footprints So I sharpened the image a bit and added the end of the poem which is my favorite, and created this:
Turned out great, and I have an 8 x 10 on order from Sam's to hang on my office wall.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
A PSA
Today's PSA is brought to you by Jay.
"Lock your car doors or big spiders will get in there and mess with your stuff."
Good to know.... I don't want those spiders messing with my stuff... unless they clean my car. If that is the case I'll leave the doors unlocked and they can come in all they want.
"Lock your car doors or big spiders will get in there and mess with your stuff."
Good to know.... I don't want those spiders messing with my stuff... unless they clean my car. If that is the case I'll leave the doors unlocked and they can come in all they want.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Happy Birthday Jay!
To my little man,
4 years ago today I was headed to the doctor for a check up after an ultrasound that was measuring you at over 10 pounds. I was still 9 days to my due date and was tired of being pregnant and anxious to meet you, though you seemed pretty content to be hanging out inside me kicking me and moving round quite frequently just to let me know you were still there. :)
It was decided that I would go to be induced because a scheduled c-section could not be done for another week and I refused to be miserable that long. When we got to the hospital we were pleasantly surprised that the doctor was willing to do a c-section.
So, approximately 4 hours later, we got to meet you. Here is my first view of you after you were born:
You looked bigger than you actually were, you only weighed 8 pound 14 oz. You were such a handsome little thing and with your addition our family was complete.
Now you are turning four and you amaze me every day. You are a smart, delightful, funny and sometimes crabby boy, but I wouldn't change you for the world. You are very literal minded and very interested in how things work. I joke that you have OCD tendencies (a joke only a social work mama can make because she loves you so much, and she has been told she was like that a little as a child). You are interested in lots of boy things: trains, trucks, cars, tools, and everything else, but you still love to cuddle with me.
You know how to spell your name and Tommi's, you can pick out some letters (K is a favorite thanks to the Kmart commercials) and can write the letter J. You are great little brother and your sister loves you as you love her even as you tattle on each other.
You are healthy, though a little small for your age, but you are growing and that makes me happy in ways you don't realize. We survived a Gluten Free Diet for a year and tubes in your ears. What a champ you were to go through ear surgery, a colonoscopy, upper GI and countless blood draws. Whew, I am glad that it is over.
You are excited to start preschool in the fall and I am excited to continue to see you learn and grow and embrace the world. I love you Jay Bird. Happy Birthday. :)
Monday, June 7, 2010
A family update...
As I promised, I am back with an update on the medical status of my father in law and my sister. Who to start with? Hmm.... there is much to tell about both.
My father in law physically is doing fantastic since his fall. He is done with occupational and physical therapy and is only now receiving speech services. His headaches have almost disappeared due in part to a great massage therapist and new glasses (he went to a new eye doc that specializes in TBI's and it was discovered the eyes were a little off kilter so his muscles were working overtime to try to bring everything into focus...hence the headaches).
As he continues to improve physically, he gets more frustrated and a little depressed. He is realizing just how much he lost memory wise. He learns and remembers a lot, but gets upset if people expect too much. On the other hand, it has been fun reintroducing him to some things, like taking him to Greenfield Village when we took the kids to see Thomas and seeing how excited he was to ride the train himself. We are taking him to his "first" Detroit Tiger's Baseball game on Father's Day.
Sometimes though it is sad to hear him talk. He will openly tell you he was "born" in December and is only 6 months old. But other times, he has some amazing insight seeing things with new eyes.
My sister is doing remarkably well to, she has had her downs and challenges... but the news is a 6 cm tumor shrunk to 2.7 cm after 1 round of chemo! Instead of waiting to lose a lot of her hair, she ended up shaving it and sports her wigs and scarves with pride. Her second round of chemo has given her a symptom of neuropathy which is interfering with some of her daily life and is scary since it makes her hands and feet numb and if it gets worse could be permanent. Thankfully she has a great oncologist that is taking everything seriously and taking precautions.
She is scheduled for surgery in July and then the plan is for radiation and then reconstructive surgery. If all goes well then she will be cancer free by Christmas. :) So we pray and wait and pray some more.
Another update soon!
My father in law physically is doing fantastic since his fall. He is done with occupational and physical therapy and is only now receiving speech services. His headaches have almost disappeared due in part to a great massage therapist and new glasses (he went to a new eye doc that specializes in TBI's and it was discovered the eyes were a little off kilter so his muscles were working overtime to try to bring everything into focus...hence the headaches).
As he continues to improve physically, he gets more frustrated and a little depressed. He is realizing just how much he lost memory wise. He learns and remembers a lot, but gets upset if people expect too much. On the other hand, it has been fun reintroducing him to some things, like taking him to Greenfield Village when we took the kids to see Thomas and seeing how excited he was to ride the train himself. We are taking him to his "first" Detroit Tiger's Baseball game on Father's Day.
Sometimes though it is sad to hear him talk. He will openly tell you he was "born" in December and is only 6 months old. But other times, he has some amazing insight seeing things with new eyes.
My sister is doing remarkably well to, she has had her downs and challenges... but the news is a 6 cm tumor shrunk to 2.7 cm after 1 round of chemo! Instead of waiting to lose a lot of her hair, she ended up shaving it and sports her wigs and scarves with pride. Her second round of chemo has given her a symptom of neuropathy which is interfering with some of her daily life and is scary since it makes her hands and feet numb and if it gets worse could be permanent. Thankfully she has a great oncologist that is taking everything seriously and taking precautions.
She is scheduled for surgery in July and then the plan is for radiation and then reconstructive surgery. If all goes well then she will be cancer free by Christmas. :) So we pray and wait and pray some more.
Another update soon!
So I am not a good blogger....
Something I knew but since it is June and I haven't posted since January... it really proves the point. Not that anyone actually reads my blog anyways..LOL.
I need to come back for an update on my sister and father in law, and I will do that later. But for now... in the spirit of summer and grilling I give you BBQ in a Jar.
Found on Craft Gossip, I love their site, I have bookmarked a bunch of things all lovely crafty goodness. To hopefully get to someday. :)
I need to come back for an update on my sister and father in law, and I will do that later. But for now... in the spirit of summer and grilling I give you BBQ in a Jar.
Found on Craft Gossip, I love their site, I have bookmarked a bunch of things all lovely crafty goodness. To hopefully get to someday. :)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Stuff...
So, here it is January 18, and I am writing my first post of the year. I could use the excuse that I am busy and stressed... but since my last post was in November, I am right on target for my blogging style...nonexistent.
What can I say though... it is 18 days into the new year and 2010 kind of sucks so far. Two major medical issues have happened with extended family members. I'll just do a rundown to catch up.
On Dec. 30, my father in law suffered a fall at work and now has what is termed a TBI (traumatic brain injury). He has lost most of his memory for people, places and things. He is home and able to do things like dress and feed himself. He can read and is accepting of what he is told for the most part, and little memories have come back. It is sad to see and have conversations with him sometimes... I just can't imagine the heartbreak that my mother in law felt when she walked into the ER and they had to tell him that she was his wife. He is in rehab though, and prognosis is good...and each day that passes brings more hope.
And 5 days ago, my 39 year old sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Not many details are known yet, she is undergoing testing to find out exactly what type, stage and everything else that they need to know to begin treating it. It is aggressive and she has an 8 mm lump in her right breast. After the initial shock has worn off.. she has a great attitude about it.. no matter what has to happen in terms of treatment, "death is not an option". So they are finding out whatever they can that can be done, and putting everything in God's hands, as it should be.
So, prayers for my family and Jim's... it has left us all emotionally drained.
And, the normal stresses at work and all.... but that is nothing new.
On a positive note, I bought some material to make myself something... I will post about the details later.
I am going to make Jim a gift for his birthday... he has been complaining that I have not made him anything.
T got all her spelling words right last week. Yay!
J has been doing well sleeping in his bed all night..(hope I didn't just jinx it....)
And, I actually participated in one of the Smartypants Quizzes on The Pioneer Woman and am hoping that I am eligible to win one of the Amazon giftcards ... there are a ton of books that I want. I have been following her blog for a while and decided to try a quiz. I hope I got the answers right.. there were quite a few that I actually knew.
It's back to work tomorrow for me... my vacation in February can't come quick enough.
What can I say though... it is 18 days into the new year and 2010 kind of sucks so far. Two major medical issues have happened with extended family members. I'll just do a rundown to catch up.
On Dec. 30, my father in law suffered a fall at work and now has what is termed a TBI (traumatic brain injury). He has lost most of his memory for people, places and things. He is home and able to do things like dress and feed himself. He can read and is accepting of what he is told for the most part, and little memories have come back. It is sad to see and have conversations with him sometimes... I just can't imagine the heartbreak that my mother in law felt when she walked into the ER and they had to tell him that she was his wife. He is in rehab though, and prognosis is good...and each day that passes brings more hope.
And 5 days ago, my 39 year old sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Not many details are known yet, she is undergoing testing to find out exactly what type, stage and everything else that they need to know to begin treating it. It is aggressive and she has an 8 mm lump in her right breast. After the initial shock has worn off.. she has a great attitude about it.. no matter what has to happen in terms of treatment, "death is not an option". So they are finding out whatever they can that can be done, and putting everything in God's hands, as it should be.
So, prayers for my family and Jim's... it has left us all emotionally drained.
And, the normal stresses at work and all.... but that is nothing new.
On a positive note, I bought some material to make myself something... I will post about the details later.
I am going to make Jim a gift for his birthday... he has been complaining that I have not made him anything.
T got all her spelling words right last week. Yay!
J has been doing well sleeping in his bed all night..(hope I didn't just jinx it....)
And, I actually participated in one of the Smartypants Quizzes on The Pioneer Woman and am hoping that I am eligible to win one of the Amazon giftcards ... there are a ton of books that I want. I have been following her blog for a while and decided to try a quiz. I hope I got the answers right.. there were quite a few that I actually knew.
It's back to work tomorrow for me... my vacation in February can't come quick enough.
Monday, November 16, 2009
My Sewing Area
Thought I would finally share pics of my sewing area since it is clean.. :) I wish that I had a space I could customize to what I want...but our upstairs is also our spare bedroom and computer room.
This is standing by Jim's desk looking at my machine. I use the futon we have up there as a place to lay projects out on. The dresser has various notions in it and other supplies.
Standing by my sewing table. Along the wall is my fabric stash... I need another tote, though I would love to have some type of bookshelf to be able to see all that I have.
What I did with my ribbon supply..
My fabric stash...I also have a storage cube (like a trunk) full of scraps.
And, that is pretty much it. I cut material on the dining room table, though I will use the ironing board for cutting out small things so I don't have to run up and down the stairs.
Not really to fancy... but it works for me.
This is standing by Jim's desk looking at my machine. I use the futon we have up there as a place to lay projects out on. The dresser has various notions in it and other supplies.
Standing by my sewing table. Along the wall is my fabric stash... I need another tote, though I would love to have some type of bookshelf to be able to see all that I have.
What I did with my ribbon supply..
My fabric stash...I also have a storage cube (like a trunk) full of scraps.
And, that is pretty much it. I cut material on the dining room table, though I will use the ironing board for cutting out small things so I don't have to run up and down the stairs.
Not really to fancy... but it works for me.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Awesome Giveaway!!
Check out this giveaway on Totally Together! A $200 Best Buy Gift Card....
C'mon you know you all want to enter... ;)
C'mon you know you all want to enter... ;)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Fabric Giveaway!
Check out this gorgeous fabric made by Lila Tueller. And she is having a giveaway...go check it out!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!
Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!
Love this backpack from Made by Rae on Grosgrain today. :) Go and check it out!
Love this backpack from Made by Rae on Grosgrain today. :) Go and check it out!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Sunday Stash
This is some material my mom pulled out of her stash to give to me at my last visit up north.
There is a bunch of various cuts and types of material, from flannel to terry cloth and from up to a few yards in a cut to some fat quarter size scraps. I am excited to get my hands into it and make some things. Up on the list is some hand towels/oven mitt combo for the kitchen. I also want to make Jay some black corduroy pants.
I also have some WIP I need to finish, some swap material I need to figure out what to make (though I have a couple ideas) and I need to finish buying material and get started on Halloween Costumes and Trick or Treat bags.
Guess I better get busy.
There is a bunch of various cuts and types of material, from flannel to terry cloth and from up to a few yards in a cut to some fat quarter size scraps. I am excited to get my hands into it and make some things. Up on the list is some hand towels/oven mitt combo for the kitchen. I also want to make Jay some black corduroy pants.
I also have some WIP I need to finish, some swap material I need to figure out what to make (though I have a couple ideas) and I need to finish buying material and get started on Halloween Costumes and Trick or Treat bags.
Guess I better get busy.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Highs and Lows
It has been such a busy week and since I am not the greatest blogger, I failed to even write about what all was going on. So I guess a rundown is in order....
Highs
1. Jim and I celebrated our 8th anniversary on Tuesday the 1st of September. It is hard to believe that we have been married 8 years.. it has gone by so fast. Come October, we will have been together 16 years. There have been ups and downs, but that happens in any relationship. I consider myself very blessed to be married to the love of my life.
2. After posting the above on Facebook I had lots of well wishes of course... but the best was from my Mother-In-Law who posted that 8 years ago she gained a wonderful Daughter-In-Law. She is the best MIL anyone could have.
3. I closed a case for a client who was turning 18 this week... she started with me 5 years ago and went from an actively suicidal, depressed cutter to a lovely young woman, who has goals and visions for her future. It was the very first case that I ever have worked with exclusively that has been successful. I wish her the best of luck for her future.
4. Jim received a promotion at work that he has been working toward for quite a long time, he is now the branch manager of the Redford Location of the Harry J. Will Funeral Home. I am so proud of him.
Lows
1. Some sleep issues with Jay this week, some nights getting him to go to bed is a struggle. Once he is asleep is it not so bad, he generally sleeps all night unless he has night terrors.
2. Money issues as always.... it sucks to be barely making it some weeks.... hopefully Jim's raise will help ease that a bit.... and allow us to save a little.
3. Work is crazy busy as always lately.... and they keep adding more stuff for us to do. I seem to be always behind and it is stressing me out.
But all in all, it has been a great week. :)
Highs
1. Jim and I celebrated our 8th anniversary on Tuesday the 1st of September. It is hard to believe that we have been married 8 years.. it has gone by so fast. Come October, we will have been together 16 years. There have been ups and downs, but that happens in any relationship. I consider myself very blessed to be married to the love of my life.
2. After posting the above on Facebook I had lots of well wishes of course... but the best was from my Mother-In-Law who posted that 8 years ago she gained a wonderful Daughter-In-Law. She is the best MIL anyone could have.
3. I closed a case for a client who was turning 18 this week... she started with me 5 years ago and went from an actively suicidal, depressed cutter to a lovely young woman, who has goals and visions for her future. It was the very first case that I ever have worked with exclusively that has been successful. I wish her the best of luck for her future.
4. Jim received a promotion at work that he has been working toward for quite a long time, he is now the branch manager of the Redford Location of the Harry J. Will Funeral Home. I am so proud of him.
Lows
1. Some sleep issues with Jay this week, some nights getting him to go to bed is a struggle. Once he is asleep is it not so bad, he generally sleeps all night unless he has night terrors.
2. Money issues as always.... it sucks to be barely making it some weeks.... hopefully Jim's raise will help ease that a bit.... and allow us to save a little.
3. Work is crazy busy as always lately.... and they keep adding more stuff for us to do. I seem to be always behind and it is stressing me out.
But all in all, it has been a great week. :)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
It's craft time!
I got this idea from my friends Tracy and Lisa! Thanks for the idea girls!(though I think I will have to post on my FB as well since I don't have many followers...LOL)
Here's how it works....The first 5 people to respond to this post will get something made by me, especially for you.
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1-I make no guarantees that you will like what I make but I hope you will.
2-What I create will be just for you.
3-I have a year to get it to you.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It’s a surprise to both of us at this point.
The catch? You must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog.
Here's how it works....The first 5 people to respond to this post will get something made by me, especially for you.
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1-I make no guarantees that you will like what I make but I hope you will.
2-What I create will be just for you.
3-I have a year to get it to you.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It’s a surprise to both of us at this point.
The catch? You must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Checking In...
I am still here, just been really busy at work and too tired to do more online than just read.
Trying to find time to sew, I have many projects cut out and some I want to do. Plus I need to start picking up material here and there for Halloween costumes, I have four to make by the middle of October. Ideally I would like to start the beginning of September and have them done by the first of October. Hopefully once T goes back to school and I just have J on Fridays I will be able to get some time in at my machine. :)
Plus, Jim bought a Wii with his work bonus! Yay! So we have been fiddling around with that. I'd like to get some more games, all we have is the sports one that comes with and Jim bought Madden Football for himself.
Ugh, gotta get back to work. :( That's what I get for taking a few minutes to myself....
Trying to find time to sew, I have many projects cut out and some I want to do. Plus I need to start picking up material here and there for Halloween costumes, I have four to make by the middle of October. Ideally I would like to start the beginning of September and have them done by the first of October. Hopefully once T goes back to school and I just have J on Fridays I will be able to get some time in at my machine. :)
Plus, Jim bought a Wii with his work bonus! Yay! So we have been fiddling around with that. I'd like to get some more games, all we have is the sports one that comes with and Jim bought Madden Football for himself.
Ugh, gotta get back to work. :( That's what I get for taking a few minutes to myself....
Sunday, July 19, 2009
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