Monday morning aches

For goodness sake, I really need this flu virus to leave my household. Let me explain myself...

First, our daughter was sick two weeks ago. Really sick, as in a week out of school. Then I got the virus. Not as bad, but terribly achy and exhausted. Thought I was over it and we were good to go.

HA! How naive of me to think it would be done so quickly. 

Late last week, I was feeling better and wanted to be out and about. I went to the beach with my hubs (Lake Michigan - to collect rocks, of course), I cooked full dinners from scratch, ran to the store for necessities, walked the dogs in the glorious sunshine, and I was even up scrubbing the bathrooms and bleaching the house. And then I woke up Sunday morning. 

Asshat.

This flu, that is. This flu virus is a major asshat.  

I woke up at 7:00a terribly achy Sunday morning. I got up, started the day thinking it would subside. Then I took a nap -- at 9:30a. For TWO HOURS. Got up again and was in a total haze. Took a shower because, that should help wake me up, right?? Seriously, I think I was firing on only 2 cylinders. Decided I needed to change location to get my mojo back up and running. That worked for another few hours. Hubs and I decided to watch a movie. Made it one hour into the show, then took ANOTHER NAP. Again -- it was TWO HOURS. Got up, finished the movie. Went to bed at 9:30p and slept until 6:00a this morning. 

WTF flu virus?? I slept yesterday more than I was awake. This morning, I again am completely achy and am doing my best not to nap. I really want to gargle with bleach and run it through my veins. I have never had my ass handed to me like this from a flu virus. Blerg. I feel like I have been run over by a convoy of trucks, not just one truck.

But enough about my viral hell. 

The reason I am really on here today is because I wanted to show you the projects I DID finish last week during my small surge of energy. 

The gardening planter I was working on? Yep, it is done...and it is ADORABLE! Just what I had pictured. 

Perfection -- Am I right???

Additionally, I had started working on an old, small globe that I purchased at the resale for $1.99. It is about 10" tall and the globe itself is about 5" in diameter. 

I painted the globe black, spray painted the stand gold, and added a cute little message:  "Darling YOU are my Greatest Adventure"... 

Pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself.

I still have to put a layer of ModPodge on the globe, to make sure none of the vinyl peels up. But I just looooooove how it turned out. Now I'm on the hunt for other globes so I can make even more!

Enjoy the rest of your day -- I'm off to take another nap with my heating pad.

Good Morning!

Good morning everyone...

I've been laying low the last few days. My daughter's flu from last week? Yep, I have it as well, but nowhere near as bad as her bout. I have been hanging out in bed with terrible aches (especially in my lower back), occasional cough and some random stuffiness. Some times I'm congested, other times nothing. Weird. Oh, and exhaustion. Crazy exhaustion. I'm talking three naps a day. I feel like I've run a marathon. But no worries, I'm on the mend...today I am only slightly achy so far. I will take that as a good sign. Fingers crossed!

Good thing I am feeling better because I have a project mid-stream hanging out on my kitchen table. I started it this past weekend after my hubs and I went out to the resale shops in the area. I found this adorable small wooden toolbox and I am turning it into an herb container garden. I need a little Spring here in Chicago -- I think this will do the trick. 

This is one of those little boxes they have the kids build at Home Depot. You know what I am talking about... 

I cleaned it out and removed the dowel handle (which I will reattach after it is painted a contrasting color). I've chosen a nice dark purple mixed with a little bit of gray paint. I am thinking the handle will be ivory and gold, then I may create a little vinyl doodad to put on the front of the planter. 

For the herbs, we have four small terra cotta pots that fit neatly inside. I am going to leave those as is...I love the natural color of terra cotta pots. As for the herbs, I'll probably plant our favorites -- thyme, basil, oregano, parsley.

I'm going to try my best to finish this one up today. I have a couple of other projects up my sleeve as well. Stay tuned! 

Here we go again...

Good morning fellow blogsters and blog readers! I'm back thanks in part to my older daughter's relentless prodding. I am definitely not be the best at keeping the blog-o-shpere updated, so please forgive me.  I need to make this part of my routine...treat it more like a 'to do' instead of a 'when I have time to do' task.

Sounds doable, right? Right.

Anyhoo...since we last met, let's see...here are the updates in no particular order:

• I'm no longer working outside the home! Squee! Loving being home again...
• I am now working as a project manager for my hub's company. Right up my alley.
• Tony is finishing up his college years -- should be graduating in December. We are so proud of him.
• Drew has graduated high school and is off to college -- holy cats!
• Girlies are officially in 8th grade and 6th grade. Accordingly, fashion/makeovers are now some of our top priorities. Love it!
• We have officially booked a family vacation to Florida -- our first in FOUR years! Cue the Hallelulah Chorus...

Phew. It's been busy!

Good busy though. I am so proud of my hubs for following his passion and making this company a reality. I've never seen him happier with work. To quote the Life Is Good guys... "Do what you like,  Like what you do". It doesn't get any simpler than that!

Being home is just what I needed. I have been able to get back into the groove of running our home (which got a little wonky while I was working, no offense honey!) and I have become more involved in my kids activities -- volleyball (Go 13 Purple!), school activities, family nights, etc.

I feel calmer, more in line with  life. Sounds all weird and new age-ish but it's true. Things are right where they should be for now.

Enjoy your weekend! And I WILL talk to you soon!

Updated blog...

Yep, changed the blog. Again. Oh, and I updated my 'about me' tab. I'll save you the time on clicking over... here's the scoop.

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Welcome to my little 'ol slice of blogtopia, The Lovely Home.


Initially, I created this blog to highlight my creative projects. Huh...yeah, that did not work out so well. I found that while I have unending artistic drive, I do not have unending available time. A hubs, 4 kids, and 3 dogs will do that to you -- not that I mind. I love all the crazy this life sends me on a daily basis.

So where was I going? Ah yes, my blog content....Anyhoo, I found that as I shared my seemingly boring everyday observations aloud with friends, they were cracking up. See, I thought our life was boring and sane; you know, NORMAL. How silly of me. That's why I decided to include the insanity along with the creative -- less pressure to deliver on the artsy, more postings which highlight our (apparently) collective crazy. It's a win-win for everyone! Who knew?

But I promise, there will still be craftasticness, because I run on inspiration (seriously people, I can see the potential in an empty jar). And just so you know, some days it may be a small project, other days I may be found elbow-deep in paint and sawdust. Nothing is safe in our house...if supplies are available, the room will be changed when the hubs gets home. And yes, this has happened more than once. And involved plumbing. Or electrical. And perhaps a staple gun. Pffft....as if I'm the only one who does this...

In closing (it does seem like a speech, doesn't it?), I hope that you get a good laugh or an astounding inspiration from something you read on my blog. There's always something going on over here and I intend to share it all with a smile. Enjoy!

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Better? I thought so too.

blah, blah, blah...

Ever feel like...Meh.? That's me today. I am at home with two sick pre-teens and well... I'm bored, ergo, Meh.

I cannot find the energy to get out of my sweats even though it is a lovely day. Part of the problem is that while I can go outside, I can't actually go anywhere. Remember? Sick kids? I could work on one of my long-awaiting projects, I could clean (yeah, that won't be happening), I could make cookies... but I'm not in a Martha Stewart mood. I'm just ...meh.  Dammit.

How is it that days like this can just remove all of my mojo? I had better find something to do soon or I just may take a nap.

Ooh, nap.

Gotta go. Meh.

Dog teeth brushing...

So I have these 3 lovely dogs...Gus, Angus & Bailey.

The big guy, Gus, never ever has funky dog breath...

Gus

Our two weenie dogs....ugh. It's bad. And we regularly get their teeth cleaned! The problem is that they inhale their food instead of chewing it. Does not matter what size the kibbles are, they still forget to chew.



Angus



I decided I could not take it any longer.

Last night, I whipped out our spare electric toothbrush, put on a new bristly toothbrush head and went to town with a dollop of kids' sensitive toothpaste. They were not happy. But minty fresh? Oh yeah baby.



Bailey



Then I did it again this morning. Good thing they are only 9 lbs or so!



They really don't want to be by me now, seriously. They keep skittering away when I see them. That's okay. They'll be back here cuddling up as soon as it is nighttime.

So what did you do this weekend? Did you have as much adventure as I did?

Hee.

Chicago weather....seriously?

Happy Sunday everyone...
It has been a doozy here in Chicago. Sit back, relax, and let me fill you in...

So this past week, our temps have ranged from 45ish, gloomy and rainy, to 60ish with spotty sunlight. I have been hoping for a nice warm, breezy day where I could open the windows. Did I get that? No. Because today it jumped to -- wait for it -- 85 & HUMID!!

Seriously?
It is waaaaayy-ay-ay too soon to be hoping (praying) that I fit in my warm weather clothes. And for the record, I didn't. Yeah, yeah....yuck it up. You know you are in the same place I am.

Now, don't get me wrong. I totally enjoyed the sunny day and all, but it is just too soon. Really. It sets the bar far too high for the coming weeks. For the record, we here in the Midwest know that it will be cold, stormy, and chock full o' tornado warnings right up until the end of May. And it will smell like worms most of the time, just so you know. Generally in Chi-town, we do not schedule our kids summer swim lessons until at least the end of June. Preferably after the 4th of July. But even then we wind up with blue-lipped children whining about how cold the pool is each and every day.

Hey, just saw the weather update -- we are apparently in for some thunder-tastic storms tonight too, so that is going to make for a fun evening for kids and dogs alike. Thunder? Check. Lightning? Check. Dogs in the closets & kids in our bed? Checkity check. No electricity? Planning on it like clockwork.

Gosh I love Chicago.

Gotta go. I need to make sure I have my flashlights ready.
Hope your evening is just as much fun as mine will be!

Yum! Banana muffins...

So, I've been up since 6:15 this morning puttering around the kitchen. I had told my colleagues at my new job that I make a mean banana bread, which totally piqued their interest in my culinary skills.

With that said, I promised I would bring some of my baking finery in this week. However, instead of a loaf o'bread, I opted instead to make it in muffin form (better portability and no need to schlep a knife into work).
Here's the result:

Too bad there is no Smell-O-Vision on the Internet! Oh, wait, that probably is a good thing...considering some of the ahem, stuff, out there.

But seriously, mmmmm....Chocolate chip banana muffins.....and yes, I totally feel like Martha Stewart having accomplished all of this yum-tasticness by 8:00 a.m. The only problem now is keeping myself from eating them before I have a chance to bring them to work! It smells soooooo good throughout my house.

Willpower....I can do it....
I think.

Spring fever...

Spring Fever has hit this household. Unfortunately, we live in the Chicago area, so it is only 40ish. The tulips and crocuses are starting to grow, but I want warm days and open windows. I know, stop whining....It's time to put on my big girl pants and deal with it.

Here is a recap of my weekend dealing with Spring Fever. I know you feel my pain.

My children -- they all are a bit squirrelly and NEED to spend some time running around outside. Arguing? Check. Screaming at your sister for *GASP* playing the guitar? Check. Retaliating by playing the coronet -- which by the way this sister DOES NOT know how to play? Check. Blaming each other and trying to pick fights all day? Check, double check, and would someone please get these parents a drink ?!

No, not bothering me at all (and yes, I am lying through my teeth...they are totally making me nuts).

As for my hubs, unfortunately his Spring Fever truly is a fever -- in the form of a lovely flu virus... poor guy! As for me, I can't clean this house fast enough. Today I kicked my flu-ish hubby out of bed so I could vacuum our room. I know, not nice. But I had to get it done before the mojo left my system.

So, anyhoo, I need it to be warmer so I can shove the kids outside for the whole day. I love them, but they need fresh air in their systems. I need Spring to REALLY arrive so I can open the windows because seriously -- another round of flu virus in here? Not good. And my hubby, sweetie, I need you to feel better so I have a help dealing with all this whack-a doo around here.

Jealous? I knew it.

Yes, I still do exist...

Seeing a pattern here?

Yes, I have been missing in action for the last month or so. But this time, it was with good cause not just poor planning. Nothing extraordinary -- I have re-joined the ranks of the full-time employed. And it is kicking my butt! Gah!

I love my new job. I am working in the front office of a local company -- seriously, it takes me 2 minutes to get to work (LOVE that!) and the people are just fab. I feel like I am finally getting my 'work legs' back and am no longer going to bed by 7:30 p.m. And yes, I know I am a wimp. But as I said, I love it. My hubs said that I am more energized when I get home. That I am finding my groove again. Yay...that is always good to hear.

The only thing I am missing is having an orderly method to keeping the house clean. We are starting to figure out the laundry and who cleans what each weekend; I think it is good because the kidlings are realizing just how much I DID do when they thought I was just hanging out eating bon-bons all day.

With all that said, I hope you will continue to check in to see what is going on over here. It may not be frequent, but it will be fun, or funny....you'll just have to wait and see!

Enjoy your weekend -- I know I will!

Yes, I still exist!

Holy cats! So sorry to all of you lovelies who follow my blog -- I haven't been writing at all in the last month... That icky cold I had? Yep, it turned into a monthlong nightmare of a sinus infection. I was prescribed an antibiotic that apparently is also used to treat anthrax exposure.

WHAT THE HEY??

Exactly. That was my reaction as well. Unfortunately, the antibiotic kicked my butt as well as my infection, hence the non-writing. Seriously, when the major side effects are joint pain, nausea, and the possibility of tendon rupture (yes, rupture), is it a good idea to put it into your body? Probably not. But of course, I was thinking, "eh...I can deal with achiness and an upset stomach". Now I know better. I will not be taking that ever again. EVER. On the plus side, all my tendons are still intact.

Oh, and did I mention the blizzard?

That's right. Chicago was smack dab in the middle of that snow-tastic mess a week ago. We had almost two feet of snow drop within one overnight storm. School was out for a couple of days, the end of our driveway was covered in HUGE mounds of snow. Of course, we already had about 18"of snow on the ground before the storm started. It was quite impressive Mother Nature. Kudos to you.

So, yes, I am still here. And I pinky swear that I will be oh-so-much better at writing. It really does keep me centered.

I hope that all of you enjoy your Valentine's Day weekend!

A new design??

A new look???

Yessiree...Happy 2011 to me!

I have been sitting here since 2:00 a.m. not sleeping (which I will hate myself for later) musing about the things that I have on my list for 2011. I've been trying to 'resize' my caboose since the new year and since that endeavor seems to be not happening anytime soon, I figured I would see what I could do to perk up the ol' blog. Yay -- one thing off my list. I didn't even know it was on my to-do list...perhaps that is the best time to let your creativity loose because, I have to say, it worked for me!

I like it.
It feels more like ME.

And now, I should try to sleep before my kids are up in an hour. Yeesh.

I hope you are all having a lovely week!

Happy New Year!

Wow...has it really been a few weeks since I posted? Yikes. I really need to be more punctual in 2011. Ah, there is a resolution for the new year. So what have you been up to? I am currently lying in bed like a blob due to what appears to be the Flu. And yes, I did get a flu shot this year. So much for that $25.

Anyhoo, while sitting here, I was reviewing my photos from the last couple of months and thought I would share some with you. Here they are in no particular order...

Our pup, Gus. Did you notice he is laying on a pillow, TUCKED IN? Spoiled....um, yes indeed.

My girlie-q's. I cannot believe how much they look like their dad. I am starting to wonder if I had anything to do with their birth....nope, I remember the physical pain. And did I mention that my blondie was almost 10 lbs?? Gaah.

This is my daughter's dog holiday vignette. She set it up and she took the pix. Great, huh?



My lovely kidlings. My oldest is 23!
How is that possible if I am only 29? Heh.

So there you have it. A slice of my December. I hope you and your families had a wonderful New Year's celebration. I will be back at the craftiness once I feel better. Hopefully soon!



Laughing at myself...

So I have this iPod app that is called Period Tracker. Yeah, too much info if you are a guy.

Anyhoo, ladies, I have this freebie app because, you know, my mind is essentially Swiss cheese after having 4 kids. It is really nice for me to just be able to check the app and know when Aunt Flo will be here and for how long. Is that too much to ask of a simple app? I thought not.

Well, I may need to stop putting my faith in technology and go back to the good old days of a red dot on the family calendar (I know you did this too). So imagine my shock when I check today and see that I have THIS MANY days left in my cycle!!! WHAAAT???

 

Clearly the application is not working correctly. Or I am about to experience some serious PMS.

Thought you would enjoy my horror. Heh.