Just checking in....

I cannot believe summer is almost over!  Truly, it has flown by!  What have you been doing with your summer?  Me, I've been learning to knit!!!!  Because what else would you do in 95 degree weather, but create items to be used during 45 degree weather!

A new family member at The Veranda.....

Sometimes, I have an idea in my head of something I want for my house.  Something specific, with a specific price in mind.  Well, I was out shopping the other day, looking for this little item.  (I am searching for a tray to use on the ottoman in our den to corral the remotes, coasters, etc.)  I know the size, style, and even price that I want.  I have not been able to find it, but I will!

Anyway, I stopped into HomeGoods Sunday afternoon, seeking my tray.  Of course, I was unable to find just want I wanted.  But what I did find was........THIS!!!!

Sweet Sister Hope....

You've seen this photo before, but I wanted to share it again.  I love this photo of my little sister, Hope.

  

Welcome to the World!!!!

Look at this beautiful boy!  Lucas Paul was born Thurs. June 20.  He is my baby brother's son.  He weighs 8 lbs. 4oz, and is 21 3/4 inches long.  He is perfect in every way!

More gift-giving at The Veranda

See this?  I call it the ugly quilt.  I made it a little over a year ago with the intention of giving it to my daughter.  I love how the embroidery came out, but I hate the border.  What was I thinkin'?  So it has laid in my craft room, waiting to be loved.

Gifting at The Veranda

Oh I have been so excited to share this with you!  I had to wait because we gave this sweet little wreath to My Love's Mom for Mother's Day, and it was waayyy late!!!!

I 

Redo's at The Veranda

What do you get when you take a $2.00 desk from the Thrift Store?

Do you remember the feeling in your heart the first time you held your newborn child in your arms?  I remember this feeling of complete awe.  Wondering, can I do this?  Can I be a mom to this perfect creature God gave to me?

Thrifting at The Veranda

See this girl?  Love her!  I got to spend all day with her yesterday!   Anytime my adult children want to spend the day with me is a day in paradise!  It does not happen often enough!

It's done!!!!

 Remember these sweet little granny squares?  Well, I stitched them all together, whipped up a back, and tah-dah........

Honey-do list at The Veranda

I want to vent for just a minute.  I am sooooo frustrated with myself.  I still cannot find my camera cord!  You know when you put something someplace because you think you will remember it being there?  Yeah, well that's what I thought I did, but it's not there.  I will continue my search (my house is only 1200 sq. ft. for crying out loud.  Not too many places it could be!), but in the meantime I tried looking on-line to purchase a new one.  No luck so far in my search.  I can find my camera, but no cords.  So I put My Love on the job.  He will find a compatible cord, or the original cord.  Either way, I know he will fix this for me.  He always does!

Happy Mother's Day!

How was your Mother's Day?  I worked in long-term care for many years as an Activity Director.  I loved it!  Every year we would have a Mother's Day Tea, in honor of Moms everywhere.  I remember some of the residents telling me they couldn't attend because they weren't a Mother.  I told them that was nonsense!  Everyone has a Mother, so we all should celebrate this day!  Where would we be without our Moms?

Friday Evening on the Veranda

Happy Friday Evening!  Are you enjoying the start to your weekend?  Any plans for the night?  We are getting ready to watch this week's Idol episodes.  I still don't know who went home this week, and please don't tell!!!  Our winner this year is Candice!  She is incredibly talented, and whenever we hear her sing we are mesmerized!

Creating on the Veranda

Have you heard of Cre8time?  It is a movement launched by the Craft and Hobby Association, dedicated to encourage creativity in all of us.  I must say, I went to the website, and I joined.  And that is all I've done.  Well, not really.  I have been creating, but I haven't shared it on the site.  Instead, I want to share with you.

Coffee on the Veranda....

I love coffee!!!  Nothing fancy, just plain ole' Chock full o' nuts!  Add a little sugar, some fat free French Vanilla Cream, and I am in heaven!!!

When I was a little girl, I remember my mom getting together with neighbor-ladies for a cup of coffee.  Sometimes they would enjoy iced tea, but usually it was coffee.  They would sit at the kitchen table sipping away, while catching up on the latest news.  Often, they would work on some sort of crochet or embroidery project.  Those are good memories.

It's Wine Night....er Craft Night.....

Or as My Love calls it, Girl's Gossip Night.  No matter the name, it means the same thing.  A fun, inexpensive, night with the girls, where something is actually being accomplished!

It really does work!!!

Most of you know I have been on Weight Watchers for a little while now.  I have had some success, but like all weight-loss programs, they only work if you work them!!!!  

During the holidays, I definitely slacked on my program.  Indulging in sweets, good wine, and rich foods did not work on my program!  But I'm okay with that.  I will not beat myself up.  Today is a new day.

Needless to say, I felt yucky and bloated after all of this indulgence.  I remembered reading about a detox drink on Pinterest that Jillian Michaels recommends.  I though I'd give it a try.  Let me tell you, it really does work!!!!  

How can it be February?

Isn't it January 3rd?  Where did the month go?  It cannot be February 3rd, already!

Talking about February, are you the kind of person that thinks Valentine's Day is just another Hallmark Holiday?  Or do you celebrate love and romance?  Me?  I'm a celebrator of love and romance!

Some randomness.....

I love these two.  Can't believe they've grown up so quickly.  She will be 25 in a week.  Really?  I remember turning 25.  My sister told me I was officially a quarter century old.  Now my girl is a quarter century old.  Time flies.

This photo was taken on Christmas Eve at my mom's.  I love it.  I'm reminded how quickly they grow, and how many times did I mean to journal something they said?  Or take a photo?  Oh well, we do what we can.

I found this awesome idea for journaling on Pinterest, of course.  Here is the link:

http://wendolonia.com/blog/2011/08/11/summer-fun-for-mom-homemade-smash-book/

Copy and paste into your browser, and it will take you to the blog.  I know I can just attach a link, but not sure how to do it.  If anyone knows, please tell me!!!  I am soooo technologically impaired!

Here goes:

1.  LISTENING:  to the dishwasher, and Law and Order on tv.  (One of my favorite shows!)

2.  EATING:  I just ate Dreamy Clusters by Skinny Cow.  Delish!!!

3.  DRINKING:  Nothing, but I could use a glass of water.  Too comfy to get it, though!

4.  WEARING:  Khakis, and a rust colored sweater.  Getting ready to get my jams on!!!

5.  FEELING:  Kind of tired, but looking forward to craft night tomorrow after work!

6.  WEATHER:  COLD!!!  I think it's 19 degrees outside.  Why don't I live in Florida?

7.  WANTING:  A drink of water!  I should just get up and get it!

8.  NEEDING:  To go to bed.  I loved my 4 day weekend, but work just wore me out today!

9.  THINKING:  About our date-night this Friday, and what snacks I will take to craft night, and what kind       of craft do I want to work on, and....and....and.....

10.  ENJOYING:  So much....I am very grateful for my life.  Sometimes my heart is so full I think it might burst!     

    

Now, it's your turn......use my journaling prompts if you'd like.  I'd love to see what kind of randomness is going on in your life.

Make it an awesome day!
Lori