The Written Word...

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them.  ~Mark Twain, attributed

No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books.  ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,
And all the sweet serenity of books.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I have a thing for books.

It goes back as far as I can remember.

When I was 7 years old I remember trading books with my girlfriend.

In the 4th grade we both read 'Are you there God, It's me Margaret' probably  5x each

That very same girlfriend and I trade books today, many years later.

In fact I just finished reading a book she recommended to me.

'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett

I highly recommend this book.  The characters were so well-developed they became friends to me.

The story was truly wonderful and I savored each and every page.

This author has shuffled herself right up to the top of my "favorite author list".

Of course, no day is complete without reading, so I have many many books lined up.

These are just a few of the books that are next up.

That girlfriend I mentioned earlier?  We both LOVE Jodi Picoult.

She just finished reading House Rules.

I just started.

She is currently reading Little Bee.

That's next up.

I'm excited to discuss 'The Help' with her.  

We love to talk books.

We also loved The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.

I'm gathering up books that I would like to read this summer.

I hope to find the time to read a LOT of books.

I think if I read every minute of every day, I would still not read all the books my heart desires.

So...

What about you?

Do you read?

What is your favorite?

What's on your bedside table?

My test of a good novel is dreading to begin the last chapter.  ~Thomas Helm

TV.  If kids are entertained by two letters, imagine the fun they'll have with twenty-six.  Open your child's imagination.  Open a book.  ~Author Unknown

Books can be dangerous.  The best ones should be labeled "This could change your life."  ~Helen Exley

A house without books is like a room without windows.  ~Heinrich Mann

One Decision Made, Another on it's way...

Kitchens are definitely the most difficult room to decorate.

I love so many different styles that I really find it almost impossible to make a final choice.

I have gone back and forth between this choice or that.

It's been awful.

Hubby finally stepped up and made a decision.  He said, "Blame me if you hate it".

That has the best thing that's happened.  LOL

So, the floor is chosen and sitting in a huge stack next to me as I type.  Currently I'm living in an ugly mess and I have to keep focused on the end prize so I don't lose my mind.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to leave a comment with their opinion on my tile choices.

Everyone made really great points and when I weighed them all, I have chosen...

White Subway tile.

The next choice I have to make is the countertop.

This kitchen is on such a tight budget that it shouldn't even be getting done.

Seriously, we have NO money.

But, I love love love the look of soapstone.

I'm afraid to even think about how expensive this could be.

Does anyone have this?  Here are some photos to drool over.

What do YOU think?

I need Opinions & Thank You

First, before I say anything, I want to thank you for your kind thoughts during this rough spot in my life.

I have Ischemic Colitis, which does not respond to medications, but on occasion can be quite painful and can do some rather crazy things to my life.  This time was especially bad, but going on a clear liquid diet and moving slowly to a full liquid diet has been the key to a speedy recovery.

Okay, now to more fun things.

We are finally working on our kitchen (the crowds cheer) and things are moving along nicely.

Now I have a dilemma.

I absolutely love white cabinets and white subway tile.  LOVE it!

image source unknown

But, then I saw this photo and thought WOW.  Look at white cabinets with slate tiles.

It really does something completely different in the room.
(click on photo to see full backsplash)

image source unknown

So...

I am asking for opinions.

What do you like?  Why?

Time Out

I'm not well, 

(yes, my colitis is on a rampage and is out of control) 

but trying to avoid a hospital stay, 

so I'm going to be taking a much needed time out.

I'm following doctors orders and

 everyone is hopeful that I can get better without the hospital.

Spring Break Chaos...

It's spring break here.

Chaos is everywhere.

I'm working now and 2 kids will not be at school.

It's a trial run for summer?

So...

I didn't get the upstairs painted.

We did get the van fixed.

I didn't get enough accomplished over the weekend.

I did spend time with my family.

I did get an amazing deal at Target this weekend (more later).

I did not get to the gym this weekend.

This week will be crazy.

Orthodontist...

Eye Doctor...

Work...

Haircuts...

Visiting old friends...

Work and Gym stuff too.

I'm hoping for lots of sunshine too.

Here's to a easy breezy week.

Irish Blessings...

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.

Saturday Sayings...

May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Paris Rain

No, not Paris in the Rain

Paris Rain in a can.

It's a Green with Blue and Gray undertones.

It's calming and energizing all at the same time.

The main living area of my house is going to be painted this color.

I've been living with two smaller walls painted this color for a week now and we all love it.

It's going to snow this weekend, so it's a perfect time to stay inside and paint.

Tales from The Treadmill - TERROR

I'm trying to cut things in our budget.

You know, reduce costs.

Live more frugally.

I admit, we pay a pretty penny for our gym membership.

I do love our gym though.

But, I decided to look into other gyms so we can save money and still go to the gym.

One gym was just a gym and had nothing for children or families.

One gym not only was just a gym, but they tried to tell me what days I could work-out.

One gym was family friendly, but there were time limits on equipment and it was more a social hang out than a workout focus.

Then came the horror.  The last local gym to look into.

We walked in and I was immediately taken back by the unclean environment.

I tried to convince myself that it was old, not dirty.

The gal at the front desk yelled at a member and his guest.  Yes, YELLED.

The locker room was so old and nasty that it was literally disgusting.

They had no family locker room.  None.  Your 9-year old son?  He goes to the men's locker room.

ALONE.

The child care center?  Just sign your kid in and out.  No, we don't check i.d.'s.  The gals who work here just "remember" your face and which kid is yours.

Swimming Lessons?  Yes, we have them, but parents aren't allowed in the pool to sit.  You can sit OUTSIDE the pool and look through the glass.

I asked our "guide" if he watches the news or reads the papers?  He was quite confused by my level of concern.

When I said there is no way my 9-year old son is going into a men's locker room alone, he asked me if he couldn't dress himself.  (yes, I almost punched him)

When I said there is no way I would leave my child where you expect some woman to "remember" who he belongs to, he asked me if my child was prone to leaving places with strangers.

So, I left there and in a quick hurry.

I'll stay at my gym.

I'll pay the premium rates.

My gym is clean and beautiful.

My gym has amazing security in place.

My gym has a family locker room where ONLY parents with children of the opposite sex are allowed.

Yup, I'm a gym snob.

I'm an over - protective parent.

And I'm okay with that.

Happy St. Patrick's Day...

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun.
And find your shoulder to light on.
To bring you luck, happiness and riches.
Today, tomorrow and beyond.

May the sound of happy music, And the lilt of Irish laughter, fill your heart with gladness, that stays forever after.

May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.

A friend's eye is a good mirror.

An Irishman is never drunk as long as he can hold onto one blade of grass and not fall off the face of the earth.

Face the sun, but turn your back to the storm.

Oh No...Whatcha gonna do???

My baby girl, my only daughter, is turning 16.

In 2 months, she will be 16 years old.

Sweet 16.

Driving a car.

To celebrate this huge event, we are having a party.

A B-I-G party.

We're talking close to 125 people.

Here. 

 At. My. House.

So, I need ideas.

What would YOU do for a sweet 16 party?

She's not a fancy girl.

Casual.

Down to earth.

She's pleased to be having a simple backyard party.

But, I want her to feel special.

So, I need ideas.

Please.

Books & Movies

I love books.

Reading is my deepest passion.

I also enjoy movies.  

I love to do my stitching while watching movies.

Here are some of the books and movies I've read or seen recently.

Animal House - Classic Movie, Always Funny

Fast-Times at Ridgemont High, another silly comedy that hubby adores

I finally finished the Twilight series of books.

I absolutely loved them and I'm sorry I fought it for so long.

Now I need to watch the movies so I'm ready for the opening of #3 in theaters.

I watched Where The Wild Things Are with my son Thomas

we both cried and cried.  What an emotional movie.  But it was wonderful and well done.

I'm still reading this book.  There's a lot of information to digest, but it's amazing!

I think that she's really nailed things with this book.  I highly recommend it.

I'm reading this now.

My gal pal highly recommended this book.

So far it's quite good.

In the immediate future I am planning on watching...

The book is one of my all-time favorites.

Fingers crossed that I love the movie too.

I have some books in line for next up and some movies on the shelf or on their way.

What about you?  

Read anything good lately??

Seen anything worth seeing??

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary to my hubby of 18 years.

Happy Anniversary to my dear dear friend and her hubby as they celebrate their 24th anniversary.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8a and 13
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails....And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Ephesians 5:33
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Song of Solomon 2:16
My lover is mine, and I am his.

Proverbs 30:18-19
There are three things that amaze me—
no, four things that I don’t understand:
how an eagle glides through the sky,
how a snake slithers on a rock,
how a ship navigates the ocean,
how a man loves a woman.

Song of Solomon 1:2
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine. 

Saturday Sayings...

Whenever there is happiness
Hope you'll be there too,
Wherever there are friendly smiles
Hope they'll smile on you,
Whenever there is sunshine,
Hope it shine especially for you to make each day
for you as bright as it can be.

I'm going on a treasure hunt...

This weekend I'm going on a treasure hunt.

The plan is to hit TWO places.

Grayslake Antique Market

and

Volo Antique Mall

What am I looking for?

A farm table for my kitchen.

Fingers crossed...

Pride and Breaking

So, I'm on a quest to get my youngest son, Thomas, active this year.

He took an 8-week fitness class at our gym and he loved it and did really well.

Now he's enrolled in a basketball skills class and had his first class last night and loved it.

He also takes swimming lessons.

He's never had formal lessons, but can swim like a fish.

His instructor could not believe he is self-taught.

This week they decided he's too advanced for his class and they're bumping him up TWO levels.

Yes, I'm a proud mama.

But, he asked me a question the other day about why I don't like swimming.

I told him the truth.

He actually felt so bad for me he cried.

When I was 9 years old my mother enrolled me in swimming lessons.  I had never ever been in a large pool or a lake or ocean.  I was terrified.  I can remember my teacher's name was Sal and he had red hair. I remember my mother walking up to the teacher and telling him to push me in the water and I'd learn to swim real quick.  I remember my mother embarrassing me and humiliating me by calling me a baby and telling me how disappointed she was in me.  I've never liked swimming.  But I can still hear her voice and feel the embarrassment of that moment.

I had forgotten about that moment in my past.

I must have buried it deep inside somewhere.

My children?  They all swim and have taken lessons to be life guard certified.

Me?  I'm thinking that maybe it's about time I took swimming lessons.

Maybe someday I will swim as well as my son.

Maybe he'll be on the swim team someday.

Regardless, I'm proud of him.  He's stepping outside of his box and showing himself that he can.

A Little Pottery Barn Shopping...

So a couple of weeks ago, hubby and I were having dinner with my oldest girlfriend and her hubby.

Pottery Barn is minutes from the restaurant we chose.  (Yes, I chose it, but shhhhh...)

So of course, we did a bit of shopping prior to dinner.

I only bought 3 things.  

I was a good girl.

Here's what I got.

I cannot wait to use this outside this summer.  I just love it.

This will be awesome to tote wine or bottles of sparkling lemonade.

A very beachy pillow for my new slip-covered sofa.

and a close up...

I think I need to get another one or two...

They are really perfect for summer.

So...Do Ya Wanna Know?

Do Ya?  

Huh?

Huh?

Do ya wanna know what I decided?

It's kinda funny.

Saturday, I was soooooo buying the car.  

It's cute.

It's fun.

It's in good shape.

It's a good price.

Then it was Sunday.

My practical conservative girl came out.

The car is too small.

I can't lug around an extra 5 or 6 kids.

A convertible is impractical in Chicago.

So, I was absolutely NOT buying the car.

Then it was Monday.

She was still in the driveway.

I had to take the kids to school.

I had to drive to work.

And then we bonded again.

And I knew that regardless of all the reasons why I shouldn't buy her...

The right thing to do was say , "What the heck" and do it anyways.

Be crazy for once.  

Crazy and I used to be friends.  

We hung out a lot.

But we lost touch.

Until today.

I bought her.

She's mine.

And I love her.

But she needs a name.

A name on her license plates.

Any suggestions?

Make A Difference Monday (week 6)

I have decided that I want to do little things to Make A Difference in life of another.  

This could be anyone, anywhere, at anytime during the day.

Maybe it's leaving my husband a note for when he gets up in the morning.

Maybe it's giving my child an extra hug or kiss in the morning and a treat in their lunch.

Maybe it's paying for the coffee of the person behind me in line at Starbuck's.

Maybe it's a simple as telling someone that I value them.

But I think Monday is the perfect day to Make a Difference.

Will you join me?

I hope you will.  Do share what you choose to do and how it was received and how it made YOU feel.

Let's make Monday - Make a Difference Day!!!

Last week I told an acquaintance/friend just how special she was to me and how thankful I am to have her in my life.  She's been going through a lot lately and I made her day.  Made her feel special and happy.  It made ME feel good.

Did you join in?  What did you do?  

Will you join in this week?  Come back and tell me what you did.

Last week...My husband's aunt has severe M.S., she also has had an infection that has caused her to be bed-ridden for the past 8-months.  This week I am going to go over to her house and I am going to spend the day with her.  I'm buying her a couple of dvd's and books on tape to add to her collection.  I am also bringing a bouquet of flowers to bring some spring cheer into her world.