Overrated.

Anxiety is so overrated!  I have a big ball of it just parked in the bottom of my stomach reeking nothing but havoc.

Last year, I had a similar scare at this same time of year which ended up resulting in a miscarriage.  I don't talk about that much because there is a good amount of guilt coupled with that experience because I felt so relieved when it happened.  I don't miss periods, my cycle is like clockwork... That is why I am freaked out a bit.  It has been a stressful 2 months financially and I am still hoping that that is what has me all out of whack.  The only other time I have ever missed periods was when my Dad died... talk about stressful.

Anyway, I'm going to have lunch with my favorite kiddo today.  Besides that I'm just going to try and focus on my 9 t-skirt orders and cleaning up the house a bit.

I have a feeling it's going to be a long day...

Settling Down.

My 3rd test was negative this morning so I am beginning to think that all the stress from the last 2 months messed with my cycle, and if all goes well then my monthly visitor should be here mid week.  If my calculations are right, and that is a big if :)  I am still getting morning and night nausea though which still has me on guard.

I got 3 more orders for VF yesterday!  Woo hoo!  I was able to complete one t-skirt for Kam yesterday, and I am going to try and get some of my current orders cut out and ready to go for tomorrow.

Vince is cooking a late breakfast this morning of orange rolls and cheese grits right now, and the kitchen smells delicious.  After breakfast, he and Bella are going to go pick up Allie for a play date this afternoon.  I need to run to get a pillow insert for Mark's Red Sox pillow and some dog food before I get started on my new orders.

Bella has been reading non stop this weekend.  All of a sudden, letters and words make sense to her, and she has taken off.  I remember when I first started reading, but did it really happen for me as fast as it is happening for her?  She has only been 5 for a month, and she is reading on a first grade level all ready... If you can't tell, I'm kind of impressed.

All in all, it's been an uneventful weekend.  The weather is going to be beautiful today, and I think a late afternoon fire would be a nice way to end the day.

xoxox

Immersion

No testing today.  I'm going to wait until tomorrow because I treated my yeast infection yesterday, and I just want to give everything a chance to calm down.  At least I have relief from that issue.

So today, I'm going to dive into some t-skirt creation.  I have 7 orders that I received this week!  One order is from my client who got her 1st skirt last week, she ordered 2 more!  The weather warming up is a definite factor.  Then I have 3 to make for one of my number 1 clients, Kamran, 1 for a new client, and 1 for a return client.  Go Vintage Fresh Go!

Vince and Bella are going to Discovery Place today after she cleans her room.  During that time I am going to hit up Value Village for the tees I need, and then it will be time to cut and sew.  I think if I turn on some music and immerse myself in creation, then maybe just maybe I can get out of my head for a few hours.

Now,  I'm going to have one more cup of coffee before I get dressed and get this party started :)

Happy Saturday!

and another...

I took another test this morning, and I think I detect a VERY faint positive line.  I could totally be imagining things, but this is all starting to feel a little too familiar.  I am surprisingly calm right now, but I have a feeling that won't last.

Also while Bella was brushing her teeth this morning she asked me, "Mom, when am I going to have a little brother or sister?"  Where the hell did that question come from?!

I need to get out of my head

Everybody just be quiet and let me think

No wait, I don't want to think right now

Deep breath....

Where is it?

It has been a stressful few days... Mainly because my period has still not made an appearance.  I took another test this morning, and it came up negative so I have a little peace of mind for the moment.  But I won't fully relax until I know for sure.

I have psyched myself out at this point, reading into any and every little sign/symptom.  For example, I threw up last night after a wicked bout of nausea, I have a yeast infection, my face has been breaking out, and I'm nauseous right now as I type this.  Do you see why I am losing my mind a bit?!

Besides all that, it has been an ok week.  My client received her t-skirt on Tuesday and LOVED it :)  I made a pillow for Mark Jenkins out of his favorite Red Sox sweatshirt, and today I need to complete a t-skirt for one of Kamran's clients before I meet Jen Hamilton for lunch.  Her days off are getting fewer and farther between with summer theatre just around the corner, so we have to squeeze in a little hang out time where we can :)

After school yesterday, we stayed and met some friends at the school playground.  This is a great alternative to a play date at someone's house because everyone can go and come as they please, and no one has to worry about if their house is clean enough for guests.  Plus the kids have no excuse not to play, and the adults can converse.  Also the weather has been just gorgeous so I have been getting Bella outside as much as possible.  In fact, everyday this week after school when we get home, she has been heading out into the backyard to play with the dogs and explore until bath time.  It has essentially been a tv free week for her which is always awesome.  Too much tv for Bella = bad attitude.

The Laurie Berkner Band is playing on Pandora this morning, one of Bella's faves.  (I will burn a cd of her songs for Grant too.)  I have been trying to turn music on in the morning to start our day, and it has been a nice way to get ready.  I have never met a kid that likes to sing as much as Bella does.

One last thing before we all have to get dressed.  Bella has been learning all the bones of the skeleton this week.  She did a "bone" work at school that took her 3 days and she worked very hard on it.  Right now she is redrawing a skeleton and labeling all the bones again.  She is unbelievable.  Well, what I'm getting at, is that she and her Dad decided it would be fun to write a song about the bones of the body titled "Miss Angie's Phalanges" (Miss Angie is her teacher).  How cute is that?!

On that note... Happy Thursday, and if you see my period will you please tell it I'm looking for it <3

Small Roller Coaster.

After I put Bella to bed last night, I was sitting on the couch and a thought occurred to me... I haven't had my period since January 13th.  Which means, I am almost 2 weeks late.  With Vince teaching class, and Bella sleeping, there was no way for me to put my mind at ease.

This morning on the way home from school, I stopped at Target to get a pregnancy test... It was NEGATIVE!!!  We have enough stress in our lives right now.  Plus V and I have been safe, so I am going to chalk this scare up to stress.

Now if I could just find my motivation...

I have begun.

It was another lovely day for the Ammirato family <3  After some light clean-up, we all got dressed, packed a picnic lunch and headed to the park.  While Vince and  Bella tried to fly her kite, I went for a little half mile run.  Yep, only half a mile, but I have to start somewhere if I want to work up to a half marathon... hence my training has begun.  After my run, we picked a spot to have lunch.  Lots of people were taking advantage of the beautiful weather by enjoying the park.  Post lunch, we did a little more swinging and running around before making a grocery store run and heading home.

While Vince and I unloaded the groceries, Bella turned on Pandora, and went out into the backyard to play with the dogs.  Jane and Emma were in Heaven, especially since Bella was feeding them carrots :)  The 3 of them played for 3 hours before Bella had to come in and take a bath.  Once we were all cleaned up, we went to V's parent's house for a delicious steak and twice baked potato dinner.  Bella had picked out a puppy cake at the grocery store and brought it over for dessert for everyone.  Such a sweetie.

When we got home, the bedtime routine was launched into action.  Teeth were brushed, songs were sung, stories were read, and kisses were given.  Once all was quiet, Vince and I decided to start the fire we had set up earlier in the day.  It was a very lovely fire and a nice way to end a wonderful weekend.

Now, I am home from dropping off Bella at school,  and I am planning out my day.  I think one more cup of coffee is in order before I paint some little birds on Quinn's letters....

Happy Monday  xoxooo

Sunday morning

Vince and Bella are running around the house right now with a long piece of yarn tied to a magic wand, and Switzerland is going nuts!  Bella has a mad case of the giggles because she is so excited, and it's the perfect sound to begin my Sunday morning....

I'm going to go back a bit and talk about the second half of yesterday, and then I will get back to today... So Vince and Bella snoozed too long for us to go to the park.  I tried to wake B-bo at 3:30, but she fell back asleep on the couch.  I gave up and sat at the other end of the couch and read my book.  I only have 30 pages to go and the series is over.  It was sooooo good though, and I don't think I'm going to see the movies because the books were graphic enough.  When Bella finally began to wake up, it took her a good while.  Meanwhile we are approaching 5 p.m. and have missed our window to go to the park.  Realizing I'm about to have a really crabby kiddo on my hands, I come up with a plan super quick.  After I relay the bad news, that we cannot go to the park today, the tears and wails of despair come immediately.  So, here was my pitch...

Bella, it is getting close to dinner time and if we go to the park now, all the kids will be heading home to eat dinner.  Remember, you said you wanted to play with some new friends, and if we wait until tomorrow it will be nice and sunny, we can have a picnic, fly your kite, play with new friends and even go on a nature walk.  If we go now, you are only going to get to play for about 30 minutes.  That will make you mad and we will have to have another talk like we are having right now.  So if we stay here, we can turn on some music, you can pick out your favorite station on Pandora, we can add more squares to your hopscotch board and take turns jumping to the music, you can pick out a board game and after we get a fire going we can play a game on your little table by the fire, then we can even roast hot dogs if you want.

She thought about it all, and decided it would be fun to stay home.  She handed me the remote for Pandora and asked to pick her station :)  It's all about giving them options, and making it feel like their idea.  We all ended up hanging out outside for another 2 hours playing hopscotch, Hi-Ho Cheerio by the fire, a little more hammock swinging, and some snacks before heading in for bath time followed by dinner and puzzles.

The night ended with a worn out happy family.  Yea for nice weather!  Come on Spring time!

As for today, we are doing a little light cleaning before we pack up a picnic lunch and head to the park for a while.  It's going to be another beautiful day, and I can't wait to enjoy it.  Now it's time for a little breakfast <3

Saturday.

It has been a lovely Saturday so far... For starters, Bella trimmed and arranged her flowers in a vase that Vince gave her after her performance all by herself. Then while Vince and I made breakfast for ourselves, Bella had eaten a couple hours before us, she got dressed and went out into the backyard to draw a hopscotch board. After our yummy everything bagels with cream cheese, bacon, swiss cheese, and an egg over easy, we got dressed and joined Bella outside for some yard work. While Vince cleaned up the garage a bit, I worked in Pop's garden weeding, pulling up the zinnias from last year, and gathering sticks for a fire later. Next we all played a little basketball before taking a break, and enjoying a fruit plate in the hammock. After some raking and a little more stick gathering, it was time for Bella to take a little snooze, and for V and I to take a shower :)

Post snooze, we are going to pack up a picnic and head to the park for the rest of the afternoon.  While at the park, I'm going to go on a little run on the nature trail, Vince is going to play a round of disc golf, and Bella can't wait to swing and slide on the playground.  The weather has been absolutely beautiful today, and I have all the windows open in the house for some much needed fresh air.  

One more thing before I go and read my book in the hammock for a bit... Last night, Vince and I watched 500 Days of Summer.  It was a really great movie, and I really love Zooey Deschanel.  Anyway, at the beginning of the movie, Vince said, "Sure, I'll watch a chick flick with you."  At the end, when we were both done crying, he said, "I can't help that I'm sensitive, and I really liked that movie."  My Dad also cried at movies ;)

Hope your Saturday has been just as lovely!

Musical Performance

Last night was Bella's first musical performance at school, and she did AWESOME!  Myself, Vince and her grandparents were all there for this very special occasion seated near the back.  I could hear her though very clearly even though we weren't near the front.  She sang every word, and nailed her choreography moves no problem.  For the last song, all 5 Primary classes were on stage, and it was almost too adorable for words.  After the show, we went to pick her up from her classroom, and Vince had brought flowers for her and her teachers... so sweet <3  It was a great performance and not one I will soon forget.  I think this is the beginning of many Bella performances, but this 1st one will always be extra special.

Happy Friday!

Did you see that bird Mom?

As you know, this is Bella's very first school year, and every morning I have taken her picture to document her outfits because she dresses herself and has a unique fashion sense to say the least.  Anyway, I usually snap 4 or 5 pictures and then choose the one I like best.  Today I am providing an out-take because it was too awesome not too.  I know you can't tell from the pictures I post, but Bella is somewhat hard to take a photo of.  She squirms a lot, and she only looks at the camera for 2 to 3 seconds at a time.  For example, today she saw a bird fly by and this was the result :)  Distracted much?

Nighttime Dance Party

Nothing like a nighttime dance party to get rid of that last bit of energy before brushing teeth, reading stories and calling it a night.

Bella got a Hello Kitty CD player for her birthday from her Pap Pap and Jamma, and it has been one big dance party ever since.

One more thing... Bella's music concert is tomorrow night at school.  On the way home today she said to me, Mom I just can't wait to go to sleep tonight!  I asked her why and she said it was because she was just so excited about performing on stage tomorrow for everyone.  Wow, is this really my child?  I would have never said this for sure.

Painting fun

I'm working on a little project for Heidi for her little girl Quinn's nursery.  I've added the trees, grass and few flowers, and after I pick up Bella from school I will work on the birds she wanted added.  I would work on them now, but Bella would be pissed at me because she loves to paint birds and wants to do her own bird painting after school while I paint.  I am pretty happy with them so far, and I hope to finish them today so that I can maybe ship them out tomorrow.  We will see...

5 year check up

Bella-bo had her 5 year check up today.  It started with filling out a whole bunch of paperwork, which is always fun, and a $75 co-pay due to no insurance... The appointment total was $157 which is way cheaper than paying $500 a month for insurance when we only go to the doctor once a year.  We are hoping to be insured this summer, we are just trying to get all of our ducks in a row so that we can afford it.  Trust me, I am terrified about something big happening and us owing like 10 grand, but for now I like the house we are living in and want to keep it, so insurance is lower on the list at the moment.

Now back to the appointment... First things first, height and weight.  After slipping off her cowgirl boots, Bella stepped on the scale.  She is a whopping 34.5 lbs and 41 inches tall.  She gained a whole 2.5 lbs in a year...wow.  She is in the 15th percentile for weight and height which her doctor said was perfectly fine because she is proportionate and progressing accordingly.  Awww, I love my little shrimp <3

While chatting with Dr. Harvey, we were talking about the importance of knowing her address/phone number in case she was ever separated from me.  She knows her address, but we need to work on phone numbers.  We also talked about who she should approach if she got lost like a policeman/mom with stroller/store clerk.  Here is what Bella had to say... "My teacher, Miss Angie, has a brother that is a policeman.  He sleeps all day and then works at night.  He's nocturnal."  Did I mention how much I love her?!

All in all, she is very healthy and growing up right before my eyes.  I am so blessed that she is my little girl and that I get to be her Mama <3

Friendship Day Lunch

Today is "Friendship Day" at Bella's school so I decided to have lunch with my little sweetie <3  She had a rough end to last week, and I wanted to make her smile and do a little observing.  It seems her bullies, Stella and Nora, are back to antagonizing her again.  I emailed Angie, her teacher over the weekend to give her a heads up of course, but I needed to make my presence known so to speak.  Stella could definitely turn out to be a Regina George if her mom doesn't wake up and talk to her daughter.  Same goes for Nora.  I will not allow this behavior to happen to my sweet B-bo, it is unacceptable.  I was bullied in elementary school by one Sheri Johnson from 4th through 6th grade, but I was too shy to talk to anyone about it so I suffered in silence.  So Stella and Nora, I'm on to you and you better watch your steps.

Clean Car

Yesterday, Vince and I each spent 2 hours cleaning our cars.  It was a beautiful day outside, and both of our cars needed some extreme elbow grease for sure.  Kiddos are so tough on things, who knew?!  Anyway, my car is so sparkly and shiny, and I couldn't be happier.  The ride to school this morning is going to be a very pleasant experience that I can't wait to enjoy <3

Happy Valentine's Day  xoxo

Good times

Yesterday was a great day.  After I dropped Bella off at her friend's house, Vince and I had 6 hours to do whatever we wanted too.  For starters, Vince made a delicious breakfast pizza and coffee for a late breakfast.  Post breakfast, we enjoyed each other for a bit and it was nice <3  Then I made a Target run for a few essentials plus a new shirt and necklace for me, new jeans for V, and gift from the Valentine fairy for B-bo.  I love walking around Target, but it can be very dangerous...

When I got back home, we showered and got ready to meet his parents for dinner at Dolce.  It was so yummy!  Lobster bisque and ravioli stuffed with butternut squash topped with a creamy sauce and bacon, a bottle of wine and cappuccinos for dessert = perfection!  During dinner, I asked my mother-in-law if someone told her 10 years ago that she would be having a nice dinner and then going to a play with Vince and his lovely wife would she believe them.  First she said, "No I wouldn't."  Then she said, "Wait you two have been together now for 10 years... wow we should toast!"  How sweet!  After dinner, we headed to the theatre for the fabulous production of Sweeney Todd.  It was a really great show, and I am always impressed by the talent CPCC is able to find for their productions.  Sweeney was an amazing actor, and the ensemble was especially creepy.

After the show, we went to Jen and Hammy's for some mimosas and conversation.  It was 1:30 a.m. when we got home, and wow, it's been a while since we have stayed out that late.

Vince is still sleeping and I am enjoying the quiet morning with a cup of coffee.  I hope Bella had a fun night too, and I can't wait to see her in a bit because I miss my little mooga bear <3

xoxox

Saturday Morning

Good morning.  I woke up around 7:30 to a happy kiddo and husband, always a plus :)  I should mention that I just texted Vince to ask if he would make me a cup of coffee.  I'm in the office and he's in the kitchen and I didn't want to shout across the house... He just texted back, "on it!"  Love that man <3

So today, I'm taking B-bo over to Allie's house around 10:30.  She and Allie are actually spending the night with Allie's Lily, but Adrienne, Lily's mom, can't pick them up until this afternoon so they are going to play at Allie's for a bit.  I have got one excited little girl on my hands right now, and thankfully we will be leaving in an hour and a half.

I'm not really sure what I will be doing this afternoon, but tonight, Vince and I, along with his parents, are all  going to have dinner at Dolce, and then to see Sweeney Todd at Jen Hamilton's theatre.  I'm pretty excited because it should be a fun little night.

One more thing before I go work on Bella's unicorn mosaic with her... When Kamran comes to visit, he always brings little gifts, it's what he does.  On a previous visit, he brought Bella a stuffed mouse from IKEA that she named Dorothy.  This time, he brought her a tiny stuffed version of the big one and she named this one Pumpkin.  Why am I mentioning this, only because she names every single one of her stuffed animals and remembers all their names.  I did that too, and I also slept with about 10 of the same animals every night lined up just so on my bed... So does Bella <3

Happy Saturday <3

Mom, you just need to shut...

Yep, today my 5 year old told me to Shut up!  Well she only got the shut part out before she realized who she was talking to.  She immediately threw her hands up over her mouth and gasped.  I didn't lay into her too hard, but I guarantee she won't do it again anytime soon.  The stern voice coming out of my mouth though sounded a lot like my own Mom's and that kind of freaked me out to be honest.  After it was all said and done, we were both quiet for what felt like 10 minutes... I'm sure it was only about 30 seconds.  She was very sorry, I could tell, and I was a bit mortified due to the bit of BB that came out so easily.  I am my mother's child so I shouldn't be that surprised, but it still catches me off guard.

So she got the 1st time out of the way, when will the next time be?  Not any time soon I hope <3

Unmotivated

Since Wednesday, I have not really been myself.  I haven't really been able to put my finger on it until this morning, but I will get to that in a second.  I haven't been depressed, but I have been completely unmotivated this week.  Let me explain that a little.  I have still been taking care of my family, the house, and all my stay-at-home Mom duties, but I have been ignoring my sewing machine like the plague.  I was unable to bring myself to the kitchen table to sit down and create.  Thankfully I don't have any orders due until next week...  I keep telling myself it is ok, and I have given myself off until Monday to try and clear my head so that I can have a fresh start next week.  In the mean time, I have been beating myself up over feeling this way, and for being unproductive when we need any extra money we can get right now, and if I don't sew, I don't have inventory to sell.  Vicious cycle.

Now back to my light bulb moment... After I dropped Bella off at school, I was headed to Vince's work because Bella's ballet shoes were in the back of his car and she has ballet today.  Anyway, a song came on the radio, and without even thinking I said out loud, "Hey Dad."  I really caught myself off guard to be honest.  So, I started to think back over the week and what not, and I realized that my Dad has been on my mind subtly all week here and there.  I was instantly relieved to realize I have been working through a little more of my grief probably since Bella's birthday.  I can remember thinking, wow, B-bo is 5 and my Dad is not here to enjoy it...

Now that I have figured things out, so to speak, I am already feeling a little better.  I'm sure the weather has also played a part in all of this since it has been nothing but awesome this winter.  If anything, it's FRIDAY and a fun weekend is just around the corner.  So for now, I will leave you with a picture of my favorite coffee mug.  It was given to me by my Mother-in-law after I told her that when she died one day, it was all that I wanted.  She gave it to me the next day so that I can enjoy it while she is still alive <3

Pink Cowgirl Boots

Bella has a new love.... pink cowgirl boots.  She tucks her pants down in them with pride, and then dances and stomps anywhere she goes while wearing them. There is no quiet walking, no, no, no... Only the happiest little stomps, taps, and shuffles can be heard :)  2 other little girls also have pink cowgirl boots in her class, Rachel and Stella.  One of these days, I am going to have to get a picture of all of them in their cowgirl boots together.  I'm going to take another picture of these same boots at the end of the school year for a little comparison.  Let's see how much they are really loved... <3

Yesterday.

Yesterday was a really great day.  After I took Bella to school, I dropped her car seat off with Pap Pap.  They picked her up from school because Vince and I had a meeting to go to at 5:30.  More about that later in the post... When I got home, I gave myself an hour and a half to just kind of piddle around and drink coffee.  Then, around 11ish, I turned on Pandora, chose my Fiona Apple station, and began to pick up.  I danced all through the house as I picked up each room, and put everything back where it belonged.  Then I unloaded/loaded the dishwasher, wiped down all the countertops and cabinet fronts, swept ALL the floors, did 2 loads of laundry, cleaned the hall bathroom, and had a small fire in the backyard while the doggies ran around for a bit.  I found out there is a cat living in the yucky shed back there... Emma kept sniffing and whining all around it, so I thought I would take a look, and when I opened up the door I saw a kitty... I sure hope there are not any kittens in there too.

After everything above, it was time to take a shower and get ready for Tech After 5, a networking meeting for creative minds.  I have a few clients who attend these meetings, and I was hoping to meet a few of them face to face... That didn't happen, but it was still a great function.  Kamran, and our friend Shawn (she is a girl :) were both there and I did pass out my card and talk to a few new folks.  It is so much easier to talk to people I don't know when I have people that I do know around me... I forget how shy I can be sometimes until I am in these sort of situations, and it can be pretty intense.  But when I have a wing man/woman so to speak, it makes it a lot easier, I guess because it gives me a moment to get my thoughts together.  Anyway, I just wanted to mention my outfit for the evening because I really liked it... brown tank top, white flowy 3 quarter sleeve shirt, brown/cream striped sweater shrug, dark skinny jeans, tall brown boots with 2 inch heels, gold hoop earrings, and my pearl necklace I have had since I was 3... <3

After the event, I had a total Q moment... I could not find my car in the parking garage, yeah I know, I am awesome.  After walking around for 15 minutes, I called Vince.  We drove separately because he came from work and I came from home.  Anyway, of course he finds it no problem, and he wasn't even with me when I parked... Stupid parking garage was numbered a little strange, but whatever this isn't my first time ever to lose my car in a parking garage.  I picked up a sleeping little mooga bear on my way home and carried her straight to bed.  She didn't even flinch... sweet thing.

Kamran spent the night, and we all stayed up for a while and watched 4 episodes of Parks and Rec... hiliarious!   Around 11 we all called it a night, and Vince and I fell asleep talking about our day.

It was a really good day <3

Valentine Fun

After school today, B-bo and I worked on her Valentine's for Friendship Day.  We decided to make a heart bean bag for each kid in her class plus a few extra for all her teachers.  I had already cut the fabric she chose into heart shapes using my pinking shears, and then I sewed around the edge leaving an opening so we could fill them up.  She decided to make one type for the girls and a different one for the boys.  She helped me fill each one with lentils, and I think lentils are the best to use because they are so smooth it makes the bean bag feel kind of silky.  Next, she sat in my lap in front of the sewing machine and helped me sew each one shut.  This was impressive because we had 32 to sew shut and she sat their patiently for each one and did her part which consisted of raising/lowering the presser foot, pushing the reverse button, and pushing the scissors button.  She LOVED every second of it.

Now it was time for phase two.  I had made some heart crayons last year for an easter egg hunt that never happened, and I just happened to have 24!  Score!  I made them by melting all our crayon bits in a silicon heart shaped ice cube tray.  I cut pink tissue paper into little squares, and Bella wrapped each crayon sealing it with a glittery heart sticker.  I had her wrap them so that the crayon doesn't mess up the bean bag.

Next,  I grabbed the list with all of her classmates names on it, and put it on the coffee table along with glittery letter stickers and cellophane bags.  Pink for the girls and red for the boys.  She sat and went down the list one by one putting each of her classmates names on a bag with the letter stickers.  Man that kid can focus!

This was a super fun project and I look forward to many Friendship days in the future <3

Lazy Weekend

Just what the doctor ordered... one big lazy weekend!  Friday night, we went to bed pretty early and Vince let me sleep in on Saturday morning.  I made it to 9 a.m., and that's a record for me these days :)  I finished cutting out Bella's heart shaped bean bags that she is helping me make for all her friends for Friendship Day at school <3  She has also selected a heart crayon for each of her classmates and we will be making paper pouches for everything today after school.  So fun!  Saturday afternoon, we all took a 3 hour nap and it was fabulous!  Vince and I watched Shutter Island Saturday night.  Good movie - I really liked it.

Now on to Sunday.  My husband was definitely pitching some woo because he let me sleep in again, but this time I only made it to about 8...  While he took Bella to the grocery store, I finished watching my latest Project Runway disc, and read some more in my book.  All in all, great quiet time <3  We all ate lunch, and then took a two hour nap in the afternoon before getting ready for some Superbowl fun.  Bella went to hang with her grandparents while Vince and I dropped in at Russell's party for a bit.  We played some pool, had a couple drinks, and I ate way too many chips and dip.  Close to half time, we left to go get B-bo... we were supposed to drop in at our friend Steve's party as well, but it was already 8:15, and it was a school night, so we decided to call it a night, pick up the kiddo and head home.

It was a very nice and lazy weekend which I think we all needed after the week of the super virus attack.  I am starting to feel normal again, which is always nice, and it looks like it's going to be a beautiful Monday.

Time for me to get sewing!  xoxo

A couple more things...

Two more things...

On the way to school this morning, Bella was telling me a little more about her Grandma.  Just as a reminder, Grandma is totally imaginary, she does not exist except in Bella's extensive imaginary world that includes a younger sister named Mya, and older sister named Lucy, and 6 poodles.  Anyway, apparently Grandma speaks 2 languages, English and Indian.  Dot not feather.  This is where it gets good, Bella says, "You know what it's called when you speak 2 languages?  Bi-lingual, it's called bi-lingual."  This kid of mine is wicked smart.  Am I a proud mom?  You bet I am!

2nd thing... I am wearing my fabulous tie-dyed shirt purchased while on Spring Break '95 in San Francisco with Jen and Kate.  I also pierced my left ear for a second time with a safety pin, got in a huge crying fight with Jen, and I'm pretty sure Kate peed on her shirt at some point in the night... We drank a bottle of Peach Schnapps and things took a turn for the worst... obviously, but at least I can look back now and laugh :)  So my shirt is almost 16 years old, and it still makes me smile every time I wear it.

Friday at last!

Whew... We made it to the end of the week.  The house is kind of a wreck, and I was totally off my game this morning.  It didn't help that Vince told me that there was a 2 hour delay this morning due to freezing rain, only to wake me up at 7:30 to tell me there was no delay... argh!  So this morning consisted of a lot of rushing around, discovering that we have no food in the house (Bella's lunch is kind of lame today, poor kid), dressing quickly, and getting to school on time.  We made it, no problem, and now I am going to tackle this house.  It sure would be nice to start a rainy weekend with a clean house so that we don't have to feel bad about being completely lazy for the next 2 days... 2nd cup of coffee, here I come!

Sweeney Todd Rehearsal

I went to the Sweeney Todd rehearsal Thursday night to take pictures for Jen Hamilton.  She is the stage manager at CPCC and always gets us free tickets to any show so I figured it was the least I could do...  It was a lot of fun, and it looks like it's going to be a great show.  They had a bit of bad news tonight though.  Their music director just found out she has leukemia and has to stay in the hospital for 7 days to begin chemo right away.  She is in her late 20's or early 30's... what the fuck?!  I feel like I am hearing about too much tragedy in such young people.  Thankfully her odds of beating this are extremely high so everyone is thinking positive thoughts for now.  So because the music director could not be there, they found an amazing lady to come in and play the piano for them.  Tonight was the first time for her to ever see the music, and she just sat down and began playing... amazing if you ask me.  Because of the late start, they only ran through the 1st act.  It was a lot of fun seeing how a show comes together,  and to see Jen in action.  She is really good at what she does.

Bummer

So I picked up my prints today, and they sucked!  I should know better than to use Wolf Camera, but I was in a time crunch and needed them quick... big waste of time, and I will have to return them tomorrow.

Because they sucked, I will have to wait for the next photo show to exhibit.  That's ok though, because my idea came to me kind of late, and now I will have more time to execute it fabulously instead of rushed.  I want to do something similar to what my Jenny did for a project in college.  She took photos and  then made them bigger by painting.  She put the pic on a larger canvas and then continued the photo using paint, and I have always loved that project of hers a whole lot and wanted to try it.  I hope you don't mind ;)  Here are the pictures that I want to use...

This project is still on the horizon... It just will not be finished in time for this show, but it got my creative juices flowing and I have been picking up my camera more often which is always a good thing <3

Finally!

Bella woke up fever free for the 1st time in 4 days!!!  I am still keeping her home today just to make sure all is well, and so that she has a chance to gain some strength back.  I am so glad that this sickness is coming to an end.

Last night I saw Black Swan and it was a really great movie.  Quite scary, but in a psychotic thriller kind of way.  Natalie Portman should definitely win the oscar because she gives and absolutely amazing performance.  It's making me think twice about the dance world Bella is getting involved in... just kidding :)

As for today, I need to go pick up my pictures for the photo show, and I think instead of framing them, I'm going to mount them on painted canvases.  Which means I need to get canvases today and paint like a mad woman for the next 2 days.  If it turns out anything like it is looking in my head then it should be pretty cool...  We will see, I'm still tossing around some ideas.  Also, B-bo and I are having lunch with La, Adrienne, and Kelly today at La's house.  It is kind of a monthly lunch crew, and we all bring something.  La is making butternut squash soup which is sooooooo good.  Kelly is bringing a salad, Adrienne is bringing dessert and I was pegged to bring a bottle of wine this go round... I can do that ;)

The rest of the day should be low key.  Tonight, I am meeting Jen Hamilton at the CPCC Theatre to take rehearsal pics for Sweeney Todd for her.  The show starts in a little over a week, and it is looking like a great one so far.  We are going to see it with Vince's parents, and I can't wait to see how it all comes together.  Jen and I are attempting to go to a play a month this year to support local theatre and to see some stuff we've never seen before.  Since she is a stage manager, she knows about all the previews of shows and we are able to go to most of them for free.  Nothing better than free!

So let's get a handle on all my monthly activities right now... Book Club with Laura - we are finishing the Dragon Tattoo series up this month with a much lighter selection chosen for March... Theatre club with Jen -this month is easy because it's Sweeney Todd.  I need to research a bit for next month's show... Pot Luck lunch with the ladies - we are all young moms who realize the importance of adult time so we are trying to make an effort to get together for a yummy lunch and adult conversation.  Last but not least I am blogging with Jenny Sue - my favorite of all my projects going right now.  I think that covers it, and it keeps me connected to my friends in this crazy busy world we all live in.  

It's going to be another gray day as the storm moves in today.  Thankfully, it looks as though we are going to get a bunch of rain, not the fluffy white stuff.  Happy Thursday <3

Day 3

Both Bella and Vince are home today... B-bo still had a fever when she woke up this morning, but her temp was normal in an hour with a dose of Tylenol, and she just wolfed down breakfast.  She hasn't really eaten in 2 days, so this is a good sign.  She should be able to go to school tomorrow and I know she is ready.  Although, this fever has been a huge blessing in disguise because the lice epidemic that has been circulating around her school finally made it to her class, but she hasn't been there for 3 days now, and hopefully it has been taken care of.  GROSS!  I have already been checking her scalp like a mad woman on a daily basis, imagine how I'm going to be now...

Vince really just needed a day to rest.  He has been fighting the same thing right along with us, but still going to work.  I made him stay home today because I could just tell he needed to.

As for me, today I have a few things on my agenda.  I spent about an hour this morning choosing 6 photos to have printed as 8x10's for a photo show at the Mint Hill Art Gallery next weekend.  Intake is this Friday and Saturday and I thought, why not give it a try.  I decided on a vibrant color series that will be printed glossy, matted on white and framed in black.  Exciting stuff, I will let you know how it goes :)

I also need to make a Target run for a few essentials, and then I need to stop by the Library to pick up a book I have on hold.  Oh, and have my pictures printed...

Tonight I am going to see Black Swan with Laura and Christine and I am SOOOOOOO excited!  Then we decided on grabbing a drink post movie... Girl's night!  It's going to be a fun night <3

Ok, time to get dressed, check on my patients and then head out of this house for the first time in 3 days!

Love you too...

Welcome to the Sick Ward

So after about 2 weeks of this crap, I am ready to feel better again.  And more importantly than that, I am ready for B-bo to feel better again.  This high fever shit is for the birds!  Thankfully I have it regulated down to 99 today, because yesterday she kept having spikes up to 103.  If I can't get it under control today, then we will have to go to the doctor tomorrow.  I don't want to though because it is going to cost me $50 for Dr. Harvey to tell me do exactly what I am already doing and to just let the virus run its course.  But, like I said, if it isn't under control with our Tylenol/Motrin rotation, then we will go tomorrow.  She seems better today, and the fever has been much less severe, but it is still lingering...

As for me, I am low energy, and I have had a low grade fever for a couple of days now too.  Boo!  The weather is gray and cold outside, with a snow storm headed our way getting here just in time to ruin the weekend.  Needless to say, I am ready for Springtime...