I am not lost.....

Yes, I am still here!  We are closing in on the end of the year, and I realized many things have gone undone.  For instance, my linen closet door needs re-hung.  My sister's room needs painting.  My carpets need shampooed.  And most important, my poor little blog has gone untouched for 2 months.  No worries.  Sometimes life gets in the way of good intentions.

The love of my life injured his back 2 months ago, and has been off work.  Fortunately, he returned to work last night.  That injury cost him a lot, not only financially, but emotionally.  He does not have to have surgery, at this time.  He returned to the job that caused the injury, and I pray he does not re-injure himself.  We are looking at other options for him.  Hopefully, we will figure this out before something else happens.

During his 2 months off work, we were able to take a much needed vacation.  Nothing like a week away from the stresses of everyday life.  I'm so thankful we were able to get away.  I believe the respite was healing for him.  I know it was for me.

During all of this craziness, my son moved into an apartment with 3 friends.  So, for the first time in 25 years, neither of my kids are living in my house.  I won't lie....I am struggling with finding my purpose.  It's a very strange feeling.  I'm proud of both of my children, and I can appreciate their need for independence.  However, their independence has left a gap in my heart.  I know they will always need their mom.  And, more honesty, I enjoy having a hot shower.  Less laundry to do.  No dirty dishes left in the living room.  When I want to eat a banana, there are plenty.  I think what I feel is a lack of focus.  I had to get up every morning, and make sure they got off to school.  I came home after work to make sure they ate dinner. I had laundry to do, schedules to keep, and all that goes with being a busy mom of young children.  So...now what?  I am struggling to find out.  And figure it out, I will.  My love is very supportive, and patient!  My circle of friends are the best!  Most important, no matter how they get, or how far away they go, they will always be my babies.

Make it an awesome day!
Lori

Wonderful Wednesday!!!!

Oh my goodness!  I am the world's worst blogger!  So sorry....no excuses, though.  Just disorganization.  Or laziness.  (Don't judge me.  I'm keepin' it real!)

By now all the kiddos are back in school.  My "baby" started college.  For the first time in a very long time I do not have to deal with all the stresses of a new school year...or do I????  Instead, my son is now responsible for his classes, homework, etc., etc.  It's been strange, but it's ok.  I'm learning to let go, and let him be an adult.  I realize my purpose on this earth is more than being a mom.  I guess you're never too old to learn, right?

Anyway....you all know I've been on Weight Watchers, and I've lost about 13 lbs, so far.  Not bad in 2 months, but I've hit a plateau.  I need to get activity in somewhere.  My complaint with WW is as you lose weight, you lose daily points to use, unless you earn them with exercise.  NO FAIR!!!!  In my mind I should get more points for losing, but since I'm the one who needs to lose the weight, what the heck do I know???? So, I need to get active.  Give me your input.  What are your favorite ways to be active????

While you think about activity, contemplate this delicious little recipe.  My love makes it for me, and it has quickly become my favorite dish!!!  Two reasons, big flavor and only 1 point per serving!!!!!!  That is a WIN in my book!

Thai Cucumber Salad 

(this is the name I've given the recipe.  Not sure what it's really called,
but when I ask for Thai Cucumber Salad, he knows what I want.  He's good like that!

2 cucumbers, sliced paper thin (save 1/4 of a cucumber
and shred it)
1 tomato, sliced paper thin
1/2 serano chili, seeded and deveined
Juice from 1 lime
5 shakes fish sauce
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp sugar

Mix all together, and let marinate a few hours before serving.  My love likes it at room temp.  I like it at any temp!  He does not measure anything, so this is approximate and to taste.  This makes 3-4 servings, depending on who you're serving.  If I'm eating, it's 3 servings!  Have I told you how much I love this dish?  At just 1 point per serving, it's all good!!!  Give this a try, and let me know what you think.

So what is your favorite way to get some activity in?  I need ideas!  Exercise is not my most favorite thing in the world to do!  And a person can only eat so many cucumbers!

Make it an awesome day!

Lori

Hello dear people!  Did you have a wonderful weekend???  I did not get into my craftroom, but I went to Ej's first football game!!!!!  It's so much fun watching those little guys play their little hearts out!  A wave of memories washed over me, remembering his Uncle's first football game.  Ahhhh.....

The last time I posted I mentioned a cleaning schedule.  It has worked so well for me.  It helps me to keep the house tidy, and I didn't feel guilty this weekend when I was gone all Saturday afternoon at the football field.  Here is a copy of the schedule.  I found this on pinterest.  I believe the blog it's from is tipsandpix.com.  I printed it, and now it lives on my fridge.

Remember I talked about vinegar and Blue Dawn????  Well I mixed some up in a spray bottle, sprayed the tub, and 2 hours later my tub looked like I had been scrubbing for those 2 hours!  And I NEVER lifted a scrub-brush!!!!  I was amazed!!!  Another bonus, besides saving time, no toxic fumes.  Yes, it smelled like vinegar in my bathroom for a little while, but that smell was gone when I rinsed the tub.  Much better than all the toxic fumes!!!!  I have a new love affair with Blue Dawn dishsoap!

I am ordering a new battery for my camera.  Soon I will be taking photos, and hopefully things will be a little more interesting around here.  Lots of ideas running through my head!!!

Make it an awesome day!!!
Lori

Blue Dawn....

Hello good people!  I hope you are doing well.  So many kids are returning to school this week.  I pray the transition into this new school year is smooth as silk for you!

I found an awesome idea on pinterest, my favorite website, for a cleaning schedule.  She breaks it down into little bits each day.  This week I've actually been implementing this plan, it's been hanging on my fridge for the last month, and I must say it's great.  A little effort every morning before work leaves my evenings free for other fun stuff!

Also on pinterest I found an awesome idea for a shower cleaner.  I tried to upload a photo, but haven't been successful.  Anyway, take one  f those little scrubbie things for the dishes that have a tube attached, and you fill with dish soap.  Fill it half full with vinegar, and the other half with blue Dawn dish-soap.  Use it on the shower wall after your shower.  Then I squeegee my shower, and oh my goodness!  How easy to keep those showers looking good, with minimal effort.  I love this mixture so much I'm going to mix a batch and put in a spray bottle to use on the tub.  It seems I cannot find a tub cleaner that works well, that I don't have to wear a gas mask to use.  I'll keep you posted on the results.

Another use for blue Dawn is to mix it 1 part Dawn with 2 parts peroxide.  This is seriously the best stain remover in the world.  There was a stain in the corner of my dining room carpet that had been there before I bought the house.  I've used various cleaners on it, and nothing worked.  Enter blue Dawn and peroxide.  Spray it on, then used my carpet cleaner on it because I was actually cleaning my carpets that day.  Voila!  It's gone!!!  Gotta love it!

One last thing I'm going to try with the blue Dawn is to make glass cleaner.  I used to make it with 1 gallon of distilled water, minus 16 ounces.  Add 16 ounces of rubbing alcohol, and 2 tbsp of Prell shampoo.  Shake it, then pour into spray bottle.  Clean windows to your heart's content!  Instead of the Prell, I'm going to substitute the blue Dawn.  I have a sneaky feeling I will like the results!

I think that's all I have to say about cleaning for now!  It's really not one of my favorite past-times, but I do love to share a good product when I find one.  Blue Dawn....it's the bomb!!!!

Make it an awesome day!!!
Lori

Change is in the air.....

Well, I've been playing around on a website called picmonkey.  Have you heard of it?  Soooo cool.  Photo editing for FREE!!!!!!  I came up with this banner I've added to my blog.  I will be changing the photos, and tweaking, but this is a good start.  Besides, it's late and I need to go to bed, so this is what it is for now.  You must check it out!

My next big undertaking in cyber-world is to start an etsy shop.  Lots of ideas running through my head, and it will be a little bit before I get started.  Look for it, though, cuz it's coming!!!

Any plans for the weekend?  I'm going to clean my house.  It needs a scrub.  And maybe get a few leftover things from the garage sale listed on craigslist.  Some stuff will go to Good Will, but not all.  And I hope to get some crafting done.  Actually, I will get some crafting done.  That's all there is to it!!!!

Make it an awesome day!
Lori

Coming full circle....

I'm feeling rather melancholy this evening, so please bear with me.  I took my grandson to football practice, and made a comment on my facebook about it.  A good friend commented, "football has come full circle for you."  Yes, it certainly has come full circle.

My son started playing football in the 2nd grade.  Last fall was his last season because he graduated from high school this year, and chose not to play in college.  Tonight I kept thinking about the first time Jordan stepped onto a football field.  I remembered Friday nights in the football stands, and Saturday mornings in the concession stands.  For 11 years Jordan poured his heart into football, and it was a huge part of all of our lives.  I'm not sure why he no longer has the desire to play.  He said it's because it becomes a full-time job at the college level, and I have to believe what he says.

I remember his last game, and the seniors were recognized before the start of the game.  I thought to myself, "What will I do during football season next year?"  I don't have to worry.  My grandson started this year.  What a difference watching a 6 year old play for the first time, compared to my 18 year play for the last time.

It's different now.  I loved watching my boy play ball.  I loved watching him do something he enjoyed.  I loved watching the relationships that developed because of this sport.  I enjoyed watching Elijah tonight, but it's not the same.

I am forever grateful to his coaches for the endless hours they spent with Jordan.  During his football career Jordan played every position except quarterback, safety, and corner.  During high school, he played center.  He was a team captain senior year, was awarded the Sportsmanship Award his junior year, and Coaches Award his senior year. (Sorry.  Proud Mama speaking.)

After watching my son play for so many years, it is my opinion that football teaches teamwork more than any other sport, and for him it was all about the team.  If a team-mate needed a ride, an ear to listen, or a couple of dollars, Jordan was there.  He stayed after practice to clean the weight room, and never missed a weight-lifting session.  My dad passed away when Jordan was in the 9th grade, and Jordan showed up the next morning for his game.  Yes, it was all about the team.  He wouldn't let them down.

Football taught Jordan some important lessons, the first being never give up.  Play until the final buzzer.  There is no such thing as a quitter.  The second thing is to defend your own.  His final 4 years were spent on the offensive line as center, and his job was to protect the quarterback.  Defend your brother.  Don't let the opponent get to him.  Third, hard work will payoff.  He never missed a weight-lifting session, nor a practice.  He gave 110% when he walked onto that field.  He gained the respect and recognition of his coaches, and team-mates.  Lastly, football gave Jordan the brothers he always wanted.  There was a camaraderie that I, as a single mom, could not give him.

I'm going to miss watching my boy play the sport he loved to play.  My prayer is football will mean as much to his nephew as it did to him.

So, this fall if you need a friend to go to a football game with you, give me a shout.  I'd love to go.

Make it an awesome day.
Lori

Oh goodness, last week was nothing but CRAZY!  My doodlebug started football, we are trying to wrap up college stuff for Jordan, I helped my Love get through inspections on a real estate deal, we had a garage sale this past weekend, and my sister and nephew came from Chicago for a visit.  That doesn't include everyday life of working, cleaning, cooking, etc., etc......I know.  Put my big girl panties on and quit whining.  Everybody is busy, too!!!!



I have an indulgence, or a special treat for times like these.  A reward, if you will, for all of my hard work.    Have you ever tried these Weight Watcher's Dark Chocolate Dulce De Leche ice cream bars?  One word....DELICIOUSNESS!!!  (Is that a word?)  They are divine, and only 3 ww points.  They are so delicious and creamy I feel like I'm cheating.  I still can't believe they are only 3 points!  That's my kind of special treat!

Another indulgence?  Crafting!  It really helps me relax.  Last night I finally had a little time to crochet these cute little hearts.  I've made several dozen because they crochet together so fast!  I don't remember where I found the original pattern, but I think instructions can be found on ravelry.com. You can vary the size depending on the fiber you use, and crochet hook.   They are so cute and quick to make!  It really helps to calm me down after a busy week.  And the best thing is I can whip up a bunch while watching Craft Wars that I dvr'd this week.  Double crafting!  Woohoo!!!!!!

Again, please forgive my lack of photography skills!  I'm borrowing my daughter's camera, and don't quite know all the little settings!

What's your secret indulgence?  How do you relax?  Please share!  I'm always looking for new relaxation techniques!

Make it an awesome day!
Lori