|
29
June
2008
|
Wow
- what a weekend! Met some great new people and saw some old
friends. The bands they had were terrific and the BBQ was really
good too, although I think I'm BBQ'd out for a while. There were
tons of people to watch and I had a wonderful time.
Sales were slow, but I anticipated that given the general economic
conditions and the recent flooding. My total for the 4 day BBQ
Roundup was $208.00 and I promised I would donate 10% of my sales to
the Red Cross. HOWEVER, although every little bit helps, $20 sure
doesn't seem like much, so I've decided to donate $100 to the cause.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi and contribute to my
(our) give-away.
Off to eat dinner with my family, who I haven't seen much of this
weekend and then shower and unload the truck. Thanks again to
everyone for your support this weekend and we'll see you at the next
gig!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
If
you've seen the flood pictures from Iowa, it doesn't begin to describe
the devastation. I still can't believe my eyes, or my ears.
I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and to see the
landmarks I was so accustomed to seeing every day in shambles breaks my
heart, as does all of the people who basically no longer have anything.
My husband and I are getting ready to participate in the BBQ Roundup
here in town and I'm trying to decide how I can contribute. I was
going to hold a raffle for a beautiful bracelet, but I don't have a
license from the state. I think I will just donate a portion of
my sales to the local chapter of the Red Cross. It's the least I
can do.
If you are in this neck of the woods, do what you can, pitch in, help
an elderly person - even if that means handing out water and snacks -
every little bit helps when you have nothing. I have to say how
proud I am of our community and the way neighbors are helping neighbors
and strangers helping strangers.
God Bless everyone who was affected by this tragic disaster and come
see me at the BBQ Roundup! 10% of all sales will be donated to
the Red Cross!!!!! See you there!
WOW!
Time flies when you are having fun, I guess! I was dinking around
on my computer tonight and can't believe that I haven't updated my
website in almost a month!
Work is going awesome - I really enjoy it. It keeps me hoppin' and I learn new stuff every day.
A friend and I are in the Cedar Rapids Downtown Market this year and
we're really excited! It's on Saturday mornings for about 6 weeks
(?) but I'm not sure what times. I'll post more about it when we
get the details in the mail.
The kids are off and running - 1 in soccer and 2 in baseball already.
It's hard to keep track of everyone and work, too! One of
these days I'm gonna slip up, I just know it. Thank goodness for
cell phones!
Well, I need to get everyone dinner. Sorry it's been so long!
I'll try to be more diligent about posting. HEY - I found
this little saying and I have posted it on my desk at work - I just
love it!
SHIPS ARE SAFE IN THE HARBOR, BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT THEY WERE BUILT FOR.
Go out and see how far you can sail!
Irie, mon
Sherri
Well, it sounds like we are finally going to get some spring-like weather this week. It's about time!
I've got my first week of work under my belt and I think I'm really
going to enjoy it. Ready to go back next week and keep trying to
absorb as much as I can.
I also had my first ETSY shop sale last week! What a pleasant
surprise! Got that off in the mail, although I had to go to the
gallery in the Amanas to pick one of the items up. It's so
exciting when your art speaks to someone. I love it!
Bought new shoes for the family (yipes!) and a couple of work shirts
for myself and now we're ready for another week (I think!) My
son's school soccer team starts practicing tomorrow and they practice
at 6:00 AM and then again after school. That means mom has to get
up at 5:15 AM, run him to school, get back home, help DH get the
littles ready to go to the sitter, and then! I get to take a shower.
Holy moley!
5:15 is gonna come awfully early tomorrow morning!
Praying for warmer weather to get here and STAY HERE! I think
I'll be able to find time to get back on the torch this week, but with
the way things go around here sometimes, it ain't easy!
Have a relaxing Sunday night and a great week - I'll check back in when I can!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Is it summer yet?
Man, this snow and cold is really starting to bum me out. I
usually become a hermit in the wintertime, but dude, I've been a hermit
since December! At least the storm we were expecting to dump
another 6" of snow kinda petered out last night. Just enough snow
to make the streets slippery as heck. But today, the sun is
shining, I'm catching up on some loose ends, and getting ready to start
my NEW JOB on Monday! I'm so excited - this job I think I'll
really enjoy. It will definitely be nice to be back in the
working world at a job that doesn't make me sick to my stomach every
morning.
I have a lot of mixed feelings - excitement & anxiety definitely
the most prominent. I also feel sad because my littles will be
going back into daycare. Maybe it's the best for all of us.
Just tryin' to roll with the punches these days!
Haven't had the time or the inclination to torch much lately. I
think my mojo is frozen, much like it is outside. A little green
grass or maybe even a tulip bloom would do wonders.
Wishing everyone a splendid week and I'll check back in when I can!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
Good Thursday Morning All!
Well, there are some changes taking place around here. It's a
scary time, but also pretty exciting. I'll keep you posted when I
know more! The weather we have been having has been atrocious, so
it can only get better. Snow upon snow upon snow! My poor
black lab/chow mix dawg (her name is Jynx and she is such a sweet
puppy) has to stand on her tippie toes to pee. Poor thing!
Finally getting some of the Art Show applications in the mail to fill
out - which is a SURE sign that spring has to get here soon! Busy
taking pictures, making CD's and filling out paperwork. Yipee!
My little ones got ahold of the toothpaste again yesterday and I also
found out that my mother-in-law is visiting sometime today, SO needless
to say there is plenty to be done. I have started the chili for
dinner and next is vacuuming the dust bunnies. *I may need
backup!*
Hope you all have a great Thursday and if you're in my neck of the woods, STAY WARM! Com'on SPRING!!!!!!!!!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Happy Belated Valentine's Day!
Hope everyone had
a terrific Valentine's Day. It was my wedding anniversary and my
husband and I actually got a break and got to go out to eat by
ourselves! It was wonderful! We went to a terrific steak
house and the food was delicious.
I'm starting to get applications for upcoming shows, as as I sign up for them, I will keep you posted.
Tentative
shows are the Snake Alley Art Festival in Burlington - always a great
show and beautiful scenery. The other application I received was
for the Renaissance Festival in Des Moines that I did last year.
I'm trying to get ahold of the guy who let me rent his shop last
year, so as soon as I hear from him, I'll let you know. It was so
much fun last year, I can't wait to go again this year.
Please visit my
ETSY shop if you get a chance. Sale prices will be posted this
weekend, so now's your chance! Enjoy your weekend! I know I
will!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
Are we done yet?
My middle son's birthday was yesterday - he
was so excited because it was his golden birthday! He's really
into Tech Decks, so that's what we got him. He's a wonderful young man
and I can't believe he's 11 already. Wow. I think we are
done with birthdays now. Between Christmas and 6 birthdays in 45
days, LORDY! We have certainly used our share of wrapping paper!
Valentine's Day is almost here! My wedding anniversary is
Valentine's Day - I know, cheesy, right? Oh well, at least my DH
doesn't forget. This year we bought eachother new phones for our
gifts. We picked out the Blackjack II. Man, you gotta be a rocket
scientist to work them, but they are fun to have. We've only had them
for a couple of days and we are still "playing" and trying to figure
out everything they can do! So far, I haven't gotten mine to fold
the laundry or do the dishes, but I'm only half way thru the
manual....lol.
I have some beads in my store - all ready for your Valentine's Day
creations, but you'd better hurry! Free shipping on all items
ends February 15th!
I hope everyone is well and happy. Plugging along here. I
think it would be WONDERFUL if it would stop snowing, but tis the
season, I suppose. Stay warm!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
2 out of 5 ain't bad....
The kids FINALLY went back to school today.
They were out Monday, Wednesday and Thursday because of the
stinkin' weather.
I'm all for family time, but geez. GO TO SCHOOL! Well,
they're out the door this morning, but my mother-in-law is sleeping on
my couch. She's on her way to South Dakota for her sister's
wedding and needed a place to crash last night. I can't believe
she made it this far - she's from Michigan. She said she saw at
least 60 cars/trucks in the ditch once she hit Iowa. Glad it
wasn't me driving all that way!
I have promised myself that I will get down on the torch tonight or at
least this weekend. I have put some hearts in my ETSY store, but
I have some other ideas and I feel like I'm in the right frame of mind
to work on some things I've been thinking about for a while. SO
keep your fingers crossed!
I better get breakfast started for everyone. Have a great Friday
and hopefully I'll be busy posting in my ETSY shop by Sunday.
Thanks for checking in!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
Congrats Dad!
My dad retired from his job of almost 40
years (39 years, 9 months, 22 days, but who's counting....lol).
I'm so excited for him. We went to his retirement party
today and he was grinning from ear to ear the whole time. WAHOO!
Way to go Dad!
Still free shipping in my ETSY shop - check it out!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
TA DA!
FINALLY - new goodies on ETSY.
Good grief. I have been busy making lampwork hearts and
just in time! There are even a couple of bone beads in the mix.
I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since I've updated my blog.
Geesh, where does the time go? We've been so busy with
drivers ed and just run-of-the-mill little stuff, I can't believe it!
I had another interview yesterday. I'm really hoping I get this
job - it would be perfect! Keeping my fingers crossed!
Yesterday it was over 50 degrees here and today, the temps are falling
(now down to -4 with the wind chill) and we are under a BLIZZARD
warning! I wish it had something to do with a sweet Dairy Queen
treat, but no such luck. The kids are getting out of school 2
hours early today, so let's get the party started! I think we'll
hunker down and make some brownies or something.
Stay warm, pray for an EARLY spring and take care! I'll be back soon!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Okay, I lied
I didn't get anything up on ETSY. Dang
it. Got busy doing other things and neglected my beads for
another couple of days.
Things have still been pretty crazy around here. We are going
through some family "stuff" and it's taking most of my attention.
I may just give up and post my beads and YOU can something pretty out
of them. HEY! That's a good idear! Off to get
new batteries for the camera and grab my DH so he can take some pics.
Maybe I'll actually sell something!
Hope everyone is staying warm - it's FRIGID here. I'll get those
pics taken tonight and be sure to check tomorrow afternoon for some
beads!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
WOW
The last few days have been a flurry of
activity around here and I'm finally feeling a little caught-up.
Ever get that feeling you are chasing your tail? I have
learned a lot of lessons in the last week and when the time is right,
I'll share them with you. I'll just say that you should never
stop learning - especially from your past mistakes.
It's time for me to start focusing my energies on some positive and fun
stuff, like my lampworking and my jewelry! I have some beads made
and they
have just been sitting on my counter, all cleaned and awaiting new
homes. I have been neglecting them and it's about time I got back
at it! Look for some new goodies on ETSY this weekend!
Yipee!
Otherwise, if you are in Iowa, my 16 year old son is driving for his
driver's ed class this weekend, so if you see a 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
with a big "STUDENT DRIVER" sticker on it - RUN!!!! You have
been warned!!! LOL
Irie, mon.
Sherri
Dang day.
I feel really bad for my hubby. He had
to put his dog to sleep today. She was 16 years old and her health was
getting worse, she could hardly stand on her back legs because of
arthritis, and she could barely see or hear anymore. We both knew
it was time, but I feel really bad for him. She has been his dog
since I met him in 1999. Our other dawg (Jynx) is kinda bummin'
today too. She knows something is up. She tried to go with
my husband and his dog this morning on his way to the vet. She
jumped in the truck with Bailey (his dog) and he had to drag her back
into the house.
It's always sad to say goodbye to our furry kids. Give yours an
extra hug today......Jynxie is getting lots of extra pets. Have a
good rest of the weekend. I'm gonna put on my bunny slippers and
watch some Steelers football tonight. Go Pittsburgh!!!!!!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
New Year's resolution
It has recently occured to me that I have
been an idiot. My new years resolution this year is to stop being
a doormat and get my life back. I won't go into the gory details,
but suffice it to say, I am a woman on a mission. Karma is a
booger......
Irie, mon!
Sherri
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope your year is starting out better than mine - wishing you all possible blessings for your 2008.
Irie, mon,
Sherri
LMAO!
We took the kids sledding this morning.
It wasn't too cold outside and there was very little wind, SO we
spent 45 minutes bundling and booting everyone up and away we went and
I'm SO glad we did.
It was hilarious! The big boys were terrific with the littles,
they sledded down with them, crashed with them, and then pulled them
back up the hill on their sleds. It was so fun to watch - my
little girl is quite the dare-devil! "Mama - I wanna crash
again!" as her hat slides down over her eyes, I can still see her
grinning from ear to ear. What fun. It seems there is
always something to do around here - unclog toilets, dishes, laundry,
lunches.....on and on - but I sure am glad we left it all behind for a
little while and went out and played. I think you have to do that
once in a while!
Off to bowl with my family soon, but had to share that with you - HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!!!!!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE!
I can't believe it's almost 2008. Wow.
I'll actually be glad to see 2007 go, I've had better years.
We are leaving the littles with a sitter tonight and taking the
big kids (yes, including my hubby) bowling for New Years Eve. We did it
last year and had a lot of fun. A great way to party it up with
my family!
Wishing you all great hopes and dreams in 2008!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
Oh what a beautiful morning!!!!!!
Okay - being sarcastic here. My 5 year
old flushed a "lego guy" down the toilet Friday and lo and behold, the
toilet ceased to work by yesterday afternoon. Since my hubby
"hates doing that stuff" I decided to take care of it this morning.
Cause I LOVE IT. Stupid dork. Who the hell likes
that? Anyhoo, after an hour and a half, we freed the lego guy, who I
must say, had seen better days and is now on his way to the local
landfill, made a huge mess, cleaned up my mess and now it's done.
Had a little chat with my 5 year old, too. Told him next time he
flushes anything but poo and pee and a little bit of toilet paper down
the toilet, I was flushing him down to get it. Probably traumatized
him, but he'll get over it.
My teenagers are back and armed with all kinds of gift cards, so they
are chomping at the bit to get out and shop. I'm not goin'
anywhere until I finish my beer.
I need a shower, so I should get moving. It's turning out to be a pretty busy Sunday. Drat!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATE!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
Today is my oldest sons birthday. He's with his dad for his birthday this year, so I'll have to give him a call soon.
My Dad sent me this little story - I thought I would share it with you.
It's so easy to vent on the ones we love......take the time to read
this.
I hired a plumber to help me restore an old
farmhouse, and after he had just
finished a rough first day on the job: a
flat tire made him lose an hour of
work, his electric drill quit and his
ancient one ton truck refused to
start.
While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On
arriving, he invited me
in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front
door, he paused briefly
at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches
with both hands.
When opening the door he underwent an amazing
transformation.. His face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small
children and gave his wife a kiss.
Afterward he walked me to
the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got
the better of me. I asked
him about what I had seen him do earlier.
"Oh, that's my trouble
tree," he replied "I know I can't help having
troubles on the job, but one
thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong
in the house with my wife and
the children.. So I just hang them up on the
tree every night when I come
home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up
again." "Funny thing is," he smiled," when I come out in the morning to pick
'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night
before."
NEW YEARS EVE - 3 DAYS AND COUNTING!!!!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
Yipes
Man, I don't know what was wrong, but I have
been sicker than a dog since about 2am this morning. Just finally
got out of bed and MAN OH MAN the house is a disaster! It looks a
little better than yesterday (you can actually see the floor) but it's
still total chaos.
We had a wonderful Christmas and now we are looking forward to starting
a new year. This year has been tough, so hopefully 2008 will hold
some goodies for us.
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous new year! I may be able to
get some new stuff up on ETSY by the end of this week (if my stomach
decides to cooperate) so please stay tuned!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIENDS!!!!!!!!
I would like to wish each and every one of you a splendid and magical Christmas!
And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and
clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
Cuz I don't need
boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a
chance that maybe we'll find better days
I wish everyone was loved
tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll
find better days
Peace, Love & Beads,
Sherri
Owie
Well, my hubby is having tennis elbow
problems, so I got to shovel yesterday. I did it long enough to
pull every muscle in my back and legs and then gave up and called my
dad. He has a quad that he has a blade for and (bless his heart)
he came over with that bad boy and made short work of what surely would
have been an all-day project in freezing cold weather. Yipee!
Now, it's blown and drifted so much that you can barely tell we
shoveled at all, but I'm not gonna sweat it today. My muscles may
rebel if I should go try anyway (that's my story and I'm stickin' to
it). Unfortunately my chiropractor isn't open again until Friday,
so I shall hobble around the best I can.
I forgot to get the cats and dogs something for Christmas (just when I
thought I was done - haha) so it's out to pick up a couple last minute
goodies and DONE. I can't believe it's Christmas Eve already.
Wow. Looking forward to having my older boys back home this afternoon so we can all be together for Christmas Eve.
The kids are running amok and freaking out and all that fun "SANTA IS
COMING" craziness, so I might try and get them to help me make cookies.
Maybe that'll chill 'em out for a while.
Don't forget your furry friends this Christmas (like I almost did) and have a wonderful and magical Christmas EVE!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
OKAY OKAY!
We have a white Christmas! Enough
already!!!!!!!!!! Holy COW! It snowed again last night and
we have about 6" of snow, although it's hard to tell because it's
BLOWING and DRIFTING all over the place!
I had to shovel a path to the hot tub this morning (priorities ya know)
and then I went to shovel the front and the snow had drifted up to my
knees in front of the steps to the house. Yipes! We are
plowed in, but my hubby took our big diesel Excursion and romped on it
and got out of the driveway, so he's at the store stocking up on stuff
until things get better around here. It's a winter wonderland,
that's for sure!
I'm all hunkered down in my bunny slippers waiting for the Green Bay/Chicago football game to start.
GOOD NEWS! I finally hooked my torch up last night and got to
make a few beads! YIPEE! Gonna work on a necklace this
afternoon and if I get it done, I'll try and get it put up on my ETSY
site. Stay tuned!
ooooo - actually sitting behind a nice warm torch doesn't sound like a
bad idea for today, either. hmmmmmmm.......I may have to sneak
back downstairs......bwahahaha.
Enjoy your Sunday and I'll try and make it back tomorrow!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
It's started!
Well, at my house the Christmas season has
officially started. The kids are done with school until after the
first of the new year, my hubby is home until after the new year and
I'm going crazy! Admittedly a short drive, however, all of this
togetherness is a little much!
Looking forward to watching some bowl games, wrapping some gifts (not
so much) and listening to some Christmas music. We still need to
bake cookies, but I think I'll hold off on that until Monday or Santa
won't stand a chance of getting any!
Oh yeah, we are now under a Winter Weather Warning - it's gonna ice and
snow (4-6 inches supposedly) so we'll all be cooped up in the house for
a day or so. I am looking forward to sitting in our hottub that
is outside during the snow, but otherwise, blech.
Only 3 shopping days left! I'll check back in a day or so - if I can get to the computer.
Irie mon!
Sherri
Holy Cow
Just when my teenagers have gotten on my last
nerve, my 3 year old decided - sometime last night or early this
morning - to take her poopy diaper off and, well, make a mess.
She was covered from head to toe when she came out of her room,
so now I have more laundry to do, I've already given her a shower, and
after dealing with all the poo, I feel like I need a shower too.
The room smells like a cowbarn, so it's off to scrub and
disinfect and Lord I hope we have some Fabreze in the house......
I had planned on working on cookies this morning, but the poop has
kinda ruined the mood.....lol. Maybe this afternoon. My
older boys get out of school early today, so I'm sure they would be
HAPPY to help. If they want to eat any, they better pitch in.
Heh heh heh.
I should get at the cleanup - but one last thing. I would like to
wish my "Ye Olde Fossil" huband a happy and fun 40th birthday! I
sent some pictures to a friend of ours where he works and he has been
instructed to post them about.....I don't think my husband had a clue,
but he will soon, if he doesn't already. I would love to be
there, but he works at a nuclear power plant and they'll shoot me if I
try and get in....seriously.....so I hope his co-workers take care of
him for me.
Off with my rubber suit to clean the poo-room. Hope your Friday
is going better than mine so far and I'll be back this weekend!
Only 4 shopping days left! Don't forget to check out my ETSY store - just click on the link on my home page!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Scrooginess has set in
Bah Humbug. Still have gifts to wrap,
although I went out last night and finished up my shopping.
Cookies for Santa, money is tight, house is a disaster and
I don't feel like doing anything about any of it. Grrrrr.
Oh well, tis the season, I suppose.
My husband's 40th birthday is on Christmas Day, so I'm trying to figure
something out for that. My 40th birthday was in September and he
never planned anything and used the excuse "I figured you wouldn't want
me to make a big deal...." WHATEVER! He made plans, but they were
at the last minute (at least he tried). So I haven't decided
whether to ignore his like he was gonna ignore mine, or really get him.
I think I'll really get him........now if I can just figure out
HOW!
Well, the weather outside is supposed to be frightful again this
afternoon, so maybe today I'll be brave and let the kids help me make
cookies for Santa. Or maybe I'll just poke forks in my eyes now...lol.
I should get something done before the littles get up and start dogging
me, so it's off to work I go. Hope your holiday season is going
smoother than mine!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Teenagers....
I tell ya. It's no wonder I have gray hairs.
My two teenage boys are giving me a run for my money lately.
I will tell you that there will be no more "oh Mom, I need money
for my class today" first thing in the morning. The more I
investigate, the more I find out they are lying to me. From now
on, when they say stuff like that, I will be checking with the teacher
FIRST and sending the money the next day. And if that jams them
up at school for being a day late with their money, so be it.
Then they need to tell me sooner than the day they need money.
My one son has told me so many lies about his homework and what he
needs to do to catch up in a couple of his classes, he can't keep
anything straight. So I'm e-mailing the teachers. We'll see
what his excuses are tonight when I have those e-mails in hand.
The littles are impatiently waiting for the garbage man today.
All summer, they wait for him and "help" him with our garbage and
he is the nicest garbage man - he actually enjoys it. He lifts
them up so they can push the buttons on the garbage truck and then
gives them both a quarter for "helping". So, my husband and I got
him a roll of quarters and wrapped them up for a little Christmas gift
and since this is the last garbage day before Christmas gets here, the
kids are on the lookout for him so they can give him his card and gift.
They are all bundled up and sitting on the front step waiting
patiently. I haven't the heart to tell them that he probably
won't be here for another hour or so....lol. We'll see how long
they sit out there.
Housework awaits - and applying for more jobs. Hope everyone is
happy and healthy and looking forward to a festive holiday season.
Irie, mon!
Sherri
OY, it's Monday again!
We are almost done shopping, so now we get to start wrapping. YUCK! I hate wrapping gifts.
Went to visit my Grandma's gravesite yesterday. I broke my
husband's new ice scraper trying to get through the 2 inches of snow
and ice in order to find her gravestone. (Sorry honey - I'll buy
you a new one). Luckily, there was a smart guy who had brought a
shovel and he let us borrow it, unfortunately it was after I had broken
the new whamadine scraper into 5 pieces.....but it was awesome that he
had come along and offered us his shovel. I left my scarf wrapped
around a vase with some Christmas flowers in it and hung a purple
ornament along side. It was hard, but I'm glad I did it and I
feel a little more "at peace" with things now. It's been a year
today that she's been gone. It's that wierd? I was thinking
that I got to have her in my life for 39 years and never counted those
years, but now that she's gone, I think of her every day and it seems
like she's been gone much longer than a year. Miss you Grandma!
It's almost time for lunch around here, so I better get a move on.
My kids freak out during lunchtime like they are starving, but
after I make lunch for them, they don't eat anything. ARGH.
Better make something anyway. Hope everyone is getting
closer to being done with their shopping and is staying warm - Happy
Holidays!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Happy Friday!
I can't believe Christmas is just around the
corner, although I must admit, I'm getting a little tired of the
littles asking me if they can open their presents yet! I still
have some shopping to do - mostly stocking stuffers - but that
shouldn't take me long. Maybe I'll send my hubby out this weekend
to get some of that taken care of.
You know, teenagers sure are expensive! My oldest boy needs to
take drivers ed, which used to be FREE when I was in school. Now
it's $339! And he wants to take it in January. And he needs
$20 for one class and $25 for his woodworking class and $5 for a new ID
card so he can eat lunch ( I spent $50 before 7:00 this morning!) and
my next youngest son wants to play soccer for school, which means we
need to buy him a uniform, specific shirt, shorts & socks, new
cleats, they both want to do "chores" so they can earn money for gifts
for their girlfriends.......argh! It's Christmas time people!
Somedays I sure miss my job, or at least the paycheck.
I need to get busy on more laundry. I have been a naughty elf
lately and trying to ignore the laundry, but it seems to multiply like
rabbits around here, so I better get at it.
You all have a great Friday and weekend - I'll be back soon with more "coffee talk!"
Irie, mon!
Sherri
PS
Also on GMA this morning was part of an
interview with Oprah and Denzel Washington. Diane Sawyer asked
them both what their favorite gift to give was. Now, Oprah could
buy half the world at this point and I get a little frustrated with her
at times, BUT the answer she gave was very thought-provoking,
especially at Christmas time.
She said her favorite gift to give was a letter - to whomever -
expressing exactly how she felt about them. All anyone ever wants
is to know how you feel about them and how much you love them.
People need to know they matter and the fact that someone took the time
to sit down and personally write you a letter with thought and feeling
seems like it would mean a lot. Just knowing they took a little
time to think about you and do that for you would speak volumes.
Of course, diamonds are always nice, but with all of the
commercialism of the Christmas season, if my husband did that for me, I
would love it. I think I'll do that for the older boys this year
as stocking stuffers.
It seems like such a little thing, but it would come from my heart.
If you're stuck for a gift idea this year, maybe that's the
answer!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Nothing earth shattering today.
Just got done giving the babies a bath,
looking around at the last remaining mess from our room-moving mess on
Monday. I'll have to get into gear and get things picked up
today. Tired of looking at the mess and besides, I need to
vacuum! The dogs are shedding terribly and with 2 big black hairy
dogs on beige carpet, well, it's lookin' a little rough.
I have to tell you - my teenagers were wonderful on Monday. I
have two boys that are 16 (on the 28th of Dec) and 15 (on the 17th of
Jan) and they fight like cats and dogs most of the time. They're
brothers, right? Anyway, during our moving adventure on Monday,
they had been fighting about all kinds of petty stuff. When I
started taking apart and moving beds and dressers, those boys chipped
right in. All I had to do was direct traffic. They worked
together! It was amazing! When we sat down for lunch, we
had most of the moving furniture done, we just needed to get drawers
back into the dressers, misc toys put away, etc. We all sat down
at the kitchen table for lunch and I looked at them and said "It was
wonderful to stand back and watch you two boys work together to help me
and I can't tell you how proud and grateful I am for your help."
They looked at eachother, shrugged their shoulders, and kept on
eating. LOL. First of all, I should know better than to
interrupt their eating and secondly, I think they knew what I was
saying was true. Little turkeys.
Along those lines, I watched Good Morning
America this morning and they had the mother of the boy (he really was
just a boy) who shot all of those people in the mall in Omaha on the
show. My heart goes out to all of the families who lost loved
ones, it's such a sad and senseless act. I don't know how anyone
could come to grips with such random violence. Anyway, I was
listening to the mother this morning and she kept calling her son "her
little boy". I can totally understand what she was saying.
Although I wanted better answers than what she was able to give, my
heart goes out to her, too. He was her little boy and he was
lost. I can't imagine what she must be going through either.
It makes me wonder if my boys know that I'll be there for them no
matter how many times they feel that they've failed or when they're sad
or ANYTHING no matter what! How do you make sure that they know
that there is a "soft place to fall" instead of turning their
anger and frustration outward or inward? I guess all I can do is
make sure I keep the lines of communication open and show them (not
just tell them) that I'll be here no matter what. The whole thing
is just so sad - and scary.
ANYWAY, I hope you are all safe and sound and have your Christmas
shopping done. I am far from done, but getting closer. Have
a great Thursday and I'll stop back by tomorrow for another cup of
coffee and a chat!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Watch your step!
Stupid ice storm! It's raining and
freezing all over the place and the kids are home from school today and
already fighting over the new video game. Ahhhhhh........family.
I figure I'll let them play for a while and then put them to
work. Lord knows there is plenty to do around here - especially
before Christmas gets here! The good news is that I went to the
store last night before the storm started and got a few groceries so at
least I can feed the kids today.
I heard from one of the gals I went through training with last night!
It was great to hear from her! Sounds like everything is
going okay - people are getting out of training and getting placed,
which was our ultimate goal since we started on October 1st.
Congrats to everyone and best of luck to you! Toni - thanks
for calling!!!!!!
Well, off to round up my lazy teenagers so we can get started moving
furniture, or at least cleaning enough to find it. Yipes.
Have a great Tuesday and stay safe and warm. I'll be loading some new goodies onto ETSY shortly, so stay tuned!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
Happy Monday!
Well, for starters, I watched my movie last
night and I thought it was pretty good. I liked the book better
because it seemed like it had more detail, but enjoyed the movie just
the same.
We are going to get hit with an ice storm after midnight tonight and
tomorrow - they are predicting 1/2" of ice. Yipes. I
wouldn't be surprised if the kidlets are home with me tomorrow.
Guess I'll just have to put them to work! HAHA!
I heard from one of my co-workers today, she got placed in the call
center. She said it's not as stressful as being in the training area.
I envy her moxy and sometimes I wish I had stuck with it.
But I didn't, so onward and upward, I suppose.
My girlfriend was reading my blog from yesterday and left me a voice
mail that my Grandma only has a headstone - not a gravestone. I
knew that, I just didn't write it right...lol. Guess I'll
have to wrap that scarf around the vase or something - I'll find a way.
I made it for her and that's where it's gonna be.
I hope you all had a great Monday. It's almost over here - at
least the workday part. Bowling tonight (yeah!) and then I need
to stop at the store and get some food just in case I'm stuck at home
with my teenagers tomorrow. They eat everything they can outrun
anymore!
Stay warm and safe!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
One more thing...
I read the book "One More Day" by Mitch Ablom
last year, and tonight the movie is on ABC. I read it before my
Grandma passed away last year and I would give anything for one more
day with her.
I plan on getting what I can of my chores done today, taking a nice hot
shower, putting on my fuzzy jammies and watching that movie tonight.
I wasn't ready for my Grandma to go, I can't imagine anyone would
be "ready". I still grieve for her today - every day I wish she
was here. She is kinda "here" for she will always be in my heart.
But at the same time, my heart aches because I know she's not
here. I talk to her a lot, and have somehow convinced myself that
she's listening and sometimes I feel like she even answers me, but GOD
I miss her.
She taught me how to knit a long time ago and I asked for all of her
knitting and crocheting stuff after she had passed. A few days
ago I felt like I needed to knit her a scarf, so I sat down and started
knitting.
My 11 year old said "Mom, what are you making?" I said "A scarf
for Great-grandma." He got the wierdest look on his face and
didn't say anything else. I plan on visiting her a week from
today as it will be the day before the anniversary of her death.
I plan on wrapping that off-centered, uneven scarf around her
gravestone. I can't bear the thought that she might be cold and I
guess it's my way of letting her know that I remember what she taught
me. All of it. And I'll treasure it forever.
Stay warm, Grandma and thanks for always listening to me. I love you. Ahhhh, for one more day............
Overwhelmed!
There is so much to do this time of year, and
I have a big project staring me square in the face. My daughter
has had her own room and my 2 youngest sons have shared the other
upstairs bedroom. Well, that hasn't been working out so well lately as
the boys goof around and the older one teases the other one, among
other reasons. Besides the fact that my daughter has completely
destroyed her room.
Yesterday I had a Lampworking class at Facettes and by the time I
returned home, my hubby had gone and bought a huge Visio HDTV and my
guess is while he was unboxing and setting that up, my daughter went
into what is currently her room and dumped the toybox upside down AND
pulled all of her drawers out of her little dresser and proceeded to
unload those as well. I walked by her room yesterday afternoon on
the way to mine and almost fainted. I shut the door and
ignored it, but I know what needs to be done. The bunk beds in
what used to be the boys' room need to be taken apart, one of them
needs to be moved into my daughter's room (which I plan on making my 11
year olds room) but I can't even see the floor at this point.
Then the dressers need to be switched around, her little bed
needs to be moved into the bigger room, the toys need to be sorted out
and we need to get rid of what we can........and I have no idea of even
where to start. To make it better, my hubby had to work today, so
I have about 6 loads of laundry, breakfast, lunch, diapers, jewelry for
an order, wrapping, and a thousand miscellaneous other things to take
care of.
My husband says the only way to "eat an elephant" is one bite at a
time, so I guess getting a start on it is at least a way to take the
first bite, so to speak.
I'm just dreading it! Not to mention, the Steelers play New
England today (I'm a Steelers fan!!!!) so I'll have to find time to
sneak that into my schedule.
Hope you are having a great weekend - it's freezin' cold here, so I should be thankful I have a home to clean.
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Had to share a little Christmas Spirit story!
I decided that this morning I should sit down
with my 5 year old son and my 3 year old daughter and play Candyland.
I have been working on the computer and on new jewelry and
laundry, etc and felt I should try and spend some time with them.
Everything was going along fine until my daughter thought my
son was taking her turn and before I knew it, there was a knock down
drag out fight going on and she was wapping him on the head with the
top of the box and he was screaming like a banshee.......OY. I
sat there and laughed until my eyes started watering, yes, while
they were beating on and screaming at each other. I finally
broke the fight up and sent them to neutral corners so I could clean up
the debris. Nothing like the Christmas spirit! It actually
reminds me of shopping the day after Thanksgiving!
Smile at someone today - you never know who's been beating them over the head with what.........
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Tis the season for Christmas parties!
My hubby and I get to go to one tonight, so
that should be fun! I wanted to get some shopping done today, but
it doesn't look like that's gonna happen, so I should just hang out and
clean. Yuck.
I have to say that the people I got to know from my job have been on my
mind this week. I hope they are all doing well and I wish them
all the best of luck.
Maybe I'll work on some new jewelry goodies for my ETSY store today -
not in the mood to clean (BIG surprise - lol). Everyone stay
warm, it's colder than heck here, and I'll check back later!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
I must say....
I almost
miss my job. (I said ALMOST) At least getting out of the house
and being someone besides "mom" all day. I missed my kids when I
was working, but my 5 year old just dumped an entire pitcher of red
juice across the stove, onto the counter, under the toaster, and it
dripped into the silverware drawer, the cupboards, splashed onto the
fridge and stained my counter and the little rug in front of the stove
and is still dripping out of the stove. ARGH! He's at that
age where he thinks he should be able to do everything on his own, and
as much as I appreciate his sense of independence, sometimes it makes
me want to bop him on the head.
I'm out there searching for jobs every day, hoping that
there is something that will come up. I am planning on taking the
littles to the lady who was doing our daycare tomorrow so I can finish
up Christmas shopping and wrap some gifts, but if it snows (like it's
supposed to every dang day this week....) I may have to put it off
until the weekend.
I miss the people that I got to know while I was at my
job. It was nice to have adult (for the most part - *s*)
conversations and everyone I got to know was really nice. I hope
they are all doing well and that they know I'm pulling for them!
**wave!**
For now, it's off to put some jewelry together for my
ETSY shop while the laundry is drying, so I'll catch up with ya later!
Have a great Wednesday!!!!!!!!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Chalking it up to a learning experience......
Well, I quit my job yesterday. I feel really bad
about it, because I think it may have worked out, but it just wasn't a
good fit for me. I'm not the type of person who is able to fit
into a "tidy little box" and that fact was reinforced for me during
this time. I did learn a lot about myself. Sometimes that's
what it's all about. My hubby wasn't very happy with me, being so
close to Christmas and all, but my ability to be a Mom won out over the
job this time. It was very stressful for me as I put a lot of
pressure on myself. I would come home tired and frazzled and
GRUMPY and didn't like feeling that way. I feel like I gave it a
shot, and decided that it was like trying to pound a square peg (ME)
into a round hole. I could pound and pound on myself but I would
never fit into their round hole - so to speak. Anyway, my Grandma
would always say everything happens for a reason, so I believe there is
something better out there for me.
My Grandma passed away on December 17th last year and I
miss her everyday. But it's wierd, I talk to her more now than
when she was physically here. When I was driving to work
yesterday, I was contemplating quitting my job. I was stressed,
felt like I was going to be sick just driving to work. My Grandma
told me you always have a choice and the fact that you feel like you
have to make a choice tells me you already know the answer. If
you liked your job, there wouldn't even be a choice.........
She was always a wise woman, and she was right. I
talked to my older boys when they got home about what I had done.
I suppose my quitting wasn't the best example for them, but what
I hope they take away from it is that they always have choices.
Even choosing to not make a choice is a choice. I think
they understood and they were glad to have their mom back. I'm
glad to be back, too.
ETSY is working great for me - I now have 6 items in my
shop and will be adding more as I take more pictures. If you have
any questions about anything you see, please e-mail me and I'll be
happy to answer.
Have a great week and be sure to check out my ETSY shop! The link is on my homepage!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
Well, I've got good news and bad news.....
Because of the threat of nasty weather this Saturday, I
won't be demonstrating at Catiri during their Prelude to Christmas
festival. (FYI - that was the bad news) *s*
The good news is I'll have more time to work on getting
the sale items up on the website for the sale that starts Monday!
I'm not sure I can get all of the paypal "buy this now" buttons
up and running, so if you see something be sure and e-mail me and we'll
get you fixed up!
Everyone have a safe and warm holiday weekend and I'll see you MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Irie, mon!
Sherri
I was just thinking.....
My 15 year old turned on a radio station the other day
that was playing Christmas music. I looked at him and wrinkled up
my face and said "what are you doing? That's Christmas music!"
He looked at me and said "I know, mom. It makes me happy."
WOW. Now, first of all, I understand he's only 15 and he
still gets presents and time off of school and that's all he really
cares about at his age, but the more I think about that conversation,
the more it bothers me. I grumbled about putting up the tree, I'm
worrying about who gets what presents and what we can afford, I only
get 1 day off for Christmas, blah blah blah. It seems perhaps I
have lost the "child-like" Christmas spirit and that makes me sad.
To all of you (or the two of you who happen to read
this...lol) who are in the Christmas-rush-mode, take a minute to listen
to some Christmas music and check your mood. I'm going to listen
to it on the way to work this morning and I'm going to do my best to
get in the RIGHT spirit.
Out of the mouths of babes, I guess.......have a great Monday!
Irie, mon.
Sherri
Let the games begin!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, it's officially the Holiday shopping season.
Since I had to work Friday, my poor hubby didn't get to go out
and fight the crowds for all of the good sales, so he was kinda bummed.
We have so many to buy for, and we have a few things already, but
MAN we still have a lot of shopping to do. Shopping for the kids means
you can't take them with you, but neither one of us wants to go out and
shop, so we've been working the laptop overtime! I ran away to my
favorite bead store (Facettes - Hi Kathy!) and put some new goodies
together so I have a few things to take with me to the Prelude to
Christmas in the Amanas next weekend. I have a few more things
that I want to make yet, just trying to find the time between putting
up the lights, the Christmas tree, the stockings, laundry,
dishes....I'm sure you all know the drill. Whatever
I bring home with me after the show is going on the website. I
know things are tight - with the price of gas and now even groceries
going so high - SOOOOO - Plan on checking back here for beautiful
handcrafted one-of-a-kind jewelry at bargain prices. I hope to
see everyone back here in a week! Did I mention FREE SHIPPING?
|
