November 27, 2015

Today was one of my most favorite days of the year. It's Christmas tree day in our house! I LOVE this day. There is nothing more peaceful than sitting on the couch with the lights off relaxing by the light of the tree. Something about the tree has such a calming effect. Sigh... just love it. E hasn't seen it yet. We were moving some stuff around to get ready for it but she went to bed before it was done. I can't wait to see how she reacts. We're going to have to figure out a way to keep her out of it. Makes me nervous with all the wires now that she's crawling. All I can picture is that scene from "Christmas Vacation".  You know, the one where the cat chews the wire... POOF!  No more cat. A helped fluff the tree and put the beaded garland on. She even put a bunch of the ornaments on for me.  She's now laying on the couch trying to relax with some Christmas music by the light of the tree.

I can't believe it's only Friday. Feels like I should be going to work tomorrow,  not have 2 more days off. It's been a great couple days though. DH and I were able to go out with some friends Wednesday night. Been a long time since we have done that. I then went out with a few of the friends to a couple bars. It was at this point I learned I was WAY too old for that crap!  There was a good band playing so I thought I'd stop in to check them out.  Oh boy was that a bad idea!  I stayed for half a drink,  looked at my friend, and from the look on her face I knew she was thinking the same thing as me... it was time to get the heck out of there!  We went to a low key place after that and ended up having a fantastic time with a couple of other friends.

Thursday was wonderful. We relaxed at home for a while before heading to my mom's.  We sat and chatted and just truly enjoyed each others company. We ate pizza to limit the amount of chaos in her house, and had some pie. It is not about what you eat on thanksgiving,  it's about giving thanks and spending quality time with the ones you love. We left there and went to my in laws side and had a great time.  The food was amazing and the company was great. My mother in law got a game for A. It's a snowball game. It just consists of a bunch of cotton like balls that look and feel (without the cold) like snowballs. I'm sure there's a point to the actual game, but I think the adults had more fun than A. There were snowballs flying everywhere.  So much fun!

I made 2 hats today and am now trying to find a pattern for the next couple on the list. Got a lot to make now for Christmas. Lots of orders to fill. Keeps me busy so that's nice. 

I'll be going to my mom's to make no bake cookies tomorrow since she had a craving for them. I love that I'm able to help her. I hate that she needs it for the reason she does, but I'm happy I can help. Help, for now at least. I will be scheduling surgery on my ankle. My plan is to do it in February while DH is off of work for the week. I guess that's the one real nice thing about the schools splitting spring break. 

Ok, the relaxing effect of the tree has worked. .. g'night!

November 25, 2015

Today's the day of my mom's endoscopy.  We're finally progressing again. Don't get me wrong,  she's progressing already with the radiation and all, it's just hart to know the cancer is inside and they aren't doing anything yet. They should do the pancreas scan while she's there. Hopefully by next week she'll have her results and we can get the show on the road. Today is radiation 7 of 10. She's been in so much pain because of it.  She had to miss her appointment on Monday since she couldn't even get out of bed the pain was so bad.  After speaking with the radiation doctor, he called in a prescription for her to help with the inflammation. Later that day I talked to her and could already hear the difference in her voice.  One of the guys in the fire dept with my dad brought a walker over for her and she said it helps too.

Tomorrow is thanksgiving... can you beleive Christmas is only 1 month away?!?! I am so not where I wanted to be with the shopping. Santa is unfortunately going to have to be a little cheap in our house this year. I have a few things for the kids, but nothing like I should for as late as it is!  Anyone going black Friday shopping?  I will most likely not be going. For one thing, I don't have the money and secondly, I always seem to end up with more things that aren't Christmas presents than are.  I'm also a lazy bag of bones and enjoy my sleep way too much!

DH and A are off of school today. We talked about how perfect a time it would be to get her room cleaned with her daddy's help. She'd be able to get the toys she doesn't play with out of there to make room for the new... I swear to God her body could sense there would be cleaning today... shes gotten up to vomit twice now. I swear this child is physically incapable of cleaning her room.  She asked for a little thing of cookies at the store the other day. I told her she could get them and have a couple after she did a little cleaning in her room. Wouldn't you know, she put the darn cookies back in order to get out of cleaning her room!  I'm out of ideas! How do I get this child to clean her room?? Anything that works in your house??

I have finished the dinosaur hat and it's been delivered, I have also finished a super cute anchor hat and have to put the face on a puppy. The last 2 will be going to fill an order today.

Isn't that just so cute!! The puppy will be super cute once it's together too!  I have 2 more I need to make tonight/tomorrow and after that there's a huge list. I will be crocheting ubtil my hand falls off! On the plus side,  I've gotten much faster at it! 

November 19, 2015

Anyone else out there ever have days where you know you were busy all day but feel like nothing got accomplished?  That was my day. I know I got stuff done, I guess it just wasn't the stuff I originally planned. Tomorrow is another day, and I have big plans for it!  I planned on taking a half day tomorrow as we have A's parent-teacher in the afternoon, but I'm letting A go to the program at the school so I'll have a little extra time to work. I'll probably still take a little time off and hang out with my mom or just come home and relax in the quiet as a birthday present to me.

The tooth fairy will be visiting our house tonight as A lost tooth #2!  Can you beleive how high inflation has made this payout?  Her daddy pulled it out for her before school this morning. I made my way upstairs and as I passed the bathroom I heard her singing to herself. I backed up and peeked in and saw her standing on the toilet talking to herself in the mirror. She's so excited about it. Hopefully the tooth fairy transfer will go smoothly so I can get some sleep tonight. It's pretty rough trying to make your way through the day after 2 nights with only 3-4 hours of sleep. First night was just me not being able to sleep, and last night we had a little baby who coughed herself awake, decided she was hungry and then wanted to play. That is just not gonna fly here. Mom and dad don't operate on 3rd shift. 

Tomorrow starts a new chapter at work. Today was J's last day. She's been there for 8 years, and has accepted a new position. She's staying with the agency but is going to be at a different site.  It's really nice to work for an agency that has so many opportunities. There really is something for just about everyone. J was looking for a change and was able to do so without having to start over somewhere.  We are getting someone who already works in finance and I'm sure she'll do great. She's a fast learner and very thorough. No doubt she'll do well.

Mom has had 4 radiation treatments so far. She's still in a lot of pain as they said she probably would be. They told her it would probably get worse before  it gets better. It is awful for the short term, but I'm trying to only see the long term positives.

As busy and stressful as my day was, I'm ready to start the next... definitely need some sleep first!

November 15, 2015

<What a busy weekend!  I went to a movie with A at her school Friday night. It was so much fun. The PTA plays a movie for free and then they have cheap snacks available for the kids. Such a fun time for the kids. It is so much fun to watch A with her friends. She's growing up so fast!  We had pulled in the parking lot and I was gathering my things and shutting off the car and she looks at me and says "c'mon, my friends said they'd be here! They're waiting for me!"  She's just too much! I had planned on writing when I came home but when I sat down on the couch and opened the program, I fell asleep.  Woke up long enough to get in bed and back to sleep I went.

Yesterday was a fun day!  I got to go to a baby shower for my sister in law!  I am so over the moon excited for her and my BIL!  They are going to make great parents!  A got to help with the games and give out prizes and E got to play with her baby cousin and cuddle with all of her aunts. I also get to finally post a picture of the cute little shark hat I made for the new baby :)

My sister came to town to see my mom. It was so nice to have her here and the kids just loved playing with her. A cried and cried when it was time to go home. She misses her Auntie Em. We wish she lived closer. It's Auntie Em's birthday today. We had monkey bread for cake last night... a delightful break from regular cake! A was pretty amused by the name of it. I however had such abad headache all day that I fell asleep in my mom's chair while everyone else socialized. It was so great to hear everyone happy and enjoying themselves if even for a short time :)  

My fantastical DH let me take a nap today as I work up with that awful headache again today. I really hope I don't have it tomorrow too. I have way too much to do at work and I plan on staying late to accomplish that.  We're losing one of our coworkers at the end of the week. It's going to be super weird without her even in our building. We've been friends for about 17 years... will be so strange not to see her everyday.  Her first day at her new site is also my birthday... talk about bad timing!! I'm happy for her though, as it's where she wants to be.

Hopefully soon I will also be using this blog as a product review page too. I've applied for a few different things, so we'll see what happens. I'm excited to be able to give an honest opinion and have my voice heard... not to mention, people are also probably getting g sick of hearing the same boring stuff about me everyday!!   Going to get some crocheting done tonight! Finally... seems like life has just been crazy lately! 

November 12, 2015

I should have taken a picture just to assure everyone thay my taco ring does not look like the picture from yesterday's recipe, but let me tell you, it sure as heck tasted as good as the recipe picture looked!!  I have to give my hubby most of the credit for it though.  He made most of it. I stepped in when he was too scared to open the package of Cresent rolls and tried to make little miss A do it for him.

I swear, it feels like all I did was run this afternoon. Left work, grabbed the baby at the sitter, grabbed the hubby at work. Dropped hubby and baby off at home, got A from school and went to dance. I was able to sit for a bit at dance and then we were on the run again. Dropped A off at home and went to the store. Came home and it was time to make dinner. I did relax a bit and cuddle the babes while DH (dear husband) worked on dinner.

I was thankful for the break and to get off my feet. My right foot was especially thankful since it was in a fight with the screen door this morning, and lost.  It seems we are always running late in the morning and I had just stepped out the door when I realized I had forgotten something. I turned around quick to run back in and the door slammed shut on my heel. It hurt soooooo bad! I couldn't breathe!  I was then forced to just throw on a flip flop and run out the door praying I wasn't leaving a trail of blood!  Have to say I'm a little worried that tomorrow is Friday the 13th... my Thursday the 12th was bad enough!

Mom went down to cancer care today to set up her radiation schedule. She'll start next week and go for 2 weeks I beleive. It's nice to know that something is finally happening to help her.  She had a friend stop over this afternoon and my sister is coming into town this weekend too!  I went to visit on my lunch break so my dad could help doctor my wound. Just goes to show, no matter how old you are, you still need your parents!   ❤

November 11, 2015

Why on earth is is to hard for me to move data from my phone to the computer?  I like to think that I know a bit about technology, but for some reason, the ability to move stuff from phone to computer eludes me!  It's like I completely stroke out when it comes time to do it.  Whatever, over 800 pictures and about an hour later, I have finally made some room on the phone to update some of my apps!

Just got A to bed… Yes, 10pm and I was still fighting with a  6 year old to get in bed.  I swear, she's a professional staller!  She's really good at the "Ok, but wait…" routine.  She was one "oh, I forgot…" away from being grounded, although that usually ends up as more of a punishment to me as she complains that she's bored or there's nothing to do when I've taken TV and tablet away.  E has a super runny nose, and I can still hear her up in her crib flopping around, with the occasional moan or whimper.

Gave E spaghetti tonight at dinner time.  She was a mess!  I had to strip her right at the table to avoid getting it everywhere.  There were pieces in her clothes… I even found some in mine when I changed into my loungers.  There's a reason babies are so cute… Big people could never get away with that!

Talked to my mom for a few minutes today.  She sounded like she was feeling a little bit better.  It's just too bad that the pain meds make her so groggy.  She still can't enjoy anything.  Still not sure what the future is going to hold for us, but I know we will make it through.  She's a tough gal, and nothing is going to stand in her way!  She's got an amazing support system ready to hold her up through it all.  My sister and I are reminded all the time of just how many people are there for us.  I know I'm asked a bunch of times a day how I'm doing, and how my mom is feeling.  Just know that even though I don't say much on the subject every time, I'm very thankful to be thought of and appreciate the support.  I know my mom does too.

Ooh, side note here… I was tagged by someone on twitter today as being someone who shared a story on a webpage.  I was super shocked to find my blog posted here!  I keep checking, and I have quite a bit of page views.  I hope people are following me.  If my randomness can give at least one person a laugh, or a "oh, we've been there", I've done what I wanted to do.  Writing this helps me get through my days, and I hope it can help others too!

I'd also like to take this opportunity to remember the veterans.  Thank you for putting your life on the line so that I can live mine!

November 10, 2015

Thank you to all who have been following so far.  I forgot how much I enjoy doing this.  The meds seemed to help mom feel a little better today, so hopefully by the weekend she'll be feeling ok.  All the prayers and the well wishes are really helping.  It will be a long road, but she won't be traveling it alone!

Such a weird day.  I didn't have to get ready for work until 3pm and didn't go in until 3:30.  It was nice to have the day at home with E.  She was so cute.  We got to cuddle and play.  It was very weird not being at work though.  I was just going in when everyone else was going home.  Unbelievable how much work I was able to get done when no one else was there.  It was so quiet… So quiet in fact, that when the ghost made a move I was able to hear it.  That Margret caught me off guard and made me jump, but she's nothing to worry about.  I know, I sound like a nut, but there is definitely an extra person in my office!

I'm looking for a good recipe.  I bought some steak strips that said they would be good for a stir fry.  I'm thinking more of a fajita… any suggestions on what I should season the steak with?  I was thinking maybe I could just cook it with some peppers and onions… but the steak should still have some flavor I think.  I'm not so good at this cooking thing apparently lol!!  We did tacos tonight, and I made enough to have leftovers so that can make a taco ring!  We love those here!!  So easy to make and super yummy!   

I have another question… What's everyone's favorite yarn?  I've been using a lot of Caron Simply Soft, but I'm wondering what some of the others are like.  I'd hate to buy a whole skein and not like it.  Any suggestions??  Ok, time to go play with the yarn I do have… The hats aren't going to make themselves, even though that would save me so much time!!  

I kinda feel like maybe I should mention this whole Starbucks debacle. Is it really that big if a deal?  Now, this is just my personal opinion, but weren't we as Christians taught to accept people for who they are?  Whatever. I really think it's stupid that so many people are worked up over it. It's a freakin cup, not like someone forced you to get a tattoo or something.  Maybe we should focus some of that energy on some real issues. Ok, done for now ;)

 

November 9, 2015

Well, the news was not great today. They found cancer. A few more tests are still needed to be able to form a chemo plan, but she will be starting radiation on her back asap, in hopes she won't be in quite as much pain.

The call came around three... after having panic attack upon panic attack all day, her number finally flashed on my screen. I whispered to my co-worker/bff "it's her".  We talked for a little bit, as she explained what the Dr's had told her and what still needed to be done. We hung up the phone and I just sat there silently sobbing into my hands. I heard my friend ask what I had found out, but I was rendered speachless. It was all I could do to not make crazy gross crying noises. After a few minutes I pulled myself together and told her the news. I let the other people in the office know what was going on, even though they could see it written all over my face... then, a calm came over me...

Yes, the news was bad, but it wasn't as bad as what some people hear. There is a plan to move forward. She has very thorough doctors who know what they're doing. They are already setting her up to lessen the pain while they go forward to get a chemo plan in place.  I know it has already helped my mom just to have a plan.  The pain she's been in has been weighing her down, but it won't be for long.

I ended up working pretty late this evening. It was really nice being there in the quiet getting some stuff done. It was also nice to have something to focus on.  Work is going to be super busy for a while as we are going to be short staffed. It's nothing we haven't been through before, so I know we can handle it. We have a good system and a boss who is willing to help with the work load. It will be nice to put in some extra hours.

After the bad news and the working late, there was no way I was cooking. I'm pretty sure that I couldn't even boil water at this point, so it was a hot and ready pizza night in our house. Would have been good if I hadn't taken a chunk out of my lip on the first bite!!  

Seeing as its almost 10, I think I'll start the eyes on the dinosaur and then maybe head to bed. I'll be home with the baby tomorrow so I'm gonna work hard to get some crocheting done. Lots to make as the holidays approach.  Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. Keep it coming, I appreciate it!

November 8, 2015

I finally got some of that darn dinosaur hat done!! Hat part is done and the spikes are half sewn on. All I have left are the eyes and the  ties. I will definitely finish it tomorrow, so I'll be able to start another.  Not sure what I'll start, but I've got a list a mile long to chose from.

Got absolutely nothing accomplished at the house today. I think my hubby washed some work clothes for me, but other than that... nothing. Had put some dinner in the crock pot, mostly just to get it warm, and headheaded to the neighbors for football and good company. Definitely forgot dinner was in the crock pot... oops! I was able to salvage some of it, but it was definitely burned.  Chicken all black and crusted to the side...  mmm, appetizing.

Here's some good news... Buffalo won today!  They squished those fish... that aren't really fish, but we call them that because it rhymes... that's fun to explain to children by the way.  The three of them just stood there staring at us when we said that. Classic. 

All in all it was a good day. Had a great time with friends, and all the kids (theirs and ours) had a great time playing together. Tomorrow is results day for my momma. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Going to relax now with a little Vicious Circle (Dane Cook) and get my laugh on! 

November 7, 2015

How was everyone's Saturday?  I'd have to say that mine was pretty good!  My house got a quick clean up (amazing how fast things get done when company is coming), I have some fantastic smelling chicken in the crock pot, I made a pie, AND I got to take a nap on the couch!    Can't complain.

One thing I didn't do is get the dinosaur done. The night is still young, even though I feel like it's about midnight. I am having the hardest time with this time change. It's rediculoucs! 

A is learning how to crochet today.  Her little fingers don't want to hold the yarn quite right, but she's sort of getting it.  Better than the last time she tried,  so it's a step in the right direction. I have to keep showing her where to put the hook. After a few stich she puts it down and asks if we can take a break.

It's so weird. For those who know me, you know I always have an opinion about something. This week I haven't really had a chance have an opinion about anything, let alone write about it. I need something to review. Anyone have a topic or a product?  Feel free to comment. Could be a recipe, or anything! 

Time to get dinner rolling. It smells so good I can't stand it!  3 ingredients... chicken breast, salsa, and a pack of taco seasoning.  So good, we're having chicken enchiladas!  Yum! 

November 6, 2015

Sometimes friends are more like family.
I was reminded of that today... more than once actually.

I had posted yesterday about how my day was not great. This morning I got to work and there was a card waiting for me. One of my coworkers was letting me know she was there for me. It might be tough now,  but I'll get through it, and she's there to help.

Tonight my mom got a surprise. One of her very best friends drove up from Ohio to spend the evening with her. They have to go home tomorrow afternoon, but she was determined to make it up here to see mom. My momma is so lucky to have these people in her life.  It's been a while since I've seen her this happy.

Overall a pretty good day. Learned some new things at work today. Got to play a fun game with the neighbors and kids. Then got to see my parents and our out of town family.  Got no crocheting done at all today... again, but the family time is well worth it!!   I will get that dinosaur done this weekend if it kills me!! 

G'night

November 5, 2015

What a beautiful day! Hard to beleive it's Nov 5th! I feel like this year has just flown by!  I guess that's what happens when you have a bitty baby!  E was born in February, and time has just sped by since then.  

Mom had her bone scan today. I guess we wait until Monday for the results. As fast as time has been going, you know it's going to like stand still now. Crazy how that works.  Thank you for all the prayers. They are very much appreciated. 

So, I know the title of this blog says handling it... today didn't feel that way. You know how there's just some of those days where your on the edge of a breakdown and you're not sure why.  It's not that something particular happened or there was something new to worry about. Maybe it just all came to a head today.  Whatever it was, it wasn't fun. I was able to switch up my routine at work a little and that helped. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. How could it not, it's friday!  I get to wear jeans! Hey, it's the small things right! 

I absolutely have to get that dinosaur done tomorrow. I've been getting so caught up in the evenings I haven't worked on it like I should have been. We had some people over this evening and then I made dinner... I was asleep on the couch with both kids on me, wide awake, by 8pm.  We finally got them to bed and now it's gonna be lights out for Mommy and Daddy in a few minutes. 6:30 comes WAY too early! 

Again, thank you for the prayers for my momma, and thank you for taking a few minutes to listen to my story! Any positive feedback would be greatly appreciated :)

G'night!

November 4, 2015

Can I just start by saying cancer sucks?  It sucks hard. I had to go to to the funeral home for a 26 year old tonight. That's just not right. We only knew him from football, but this is the type of person you never hear a bad thing about. A family guy who would give you the shirt off his back.  I cannot express how sorry I am to the family.  No parent should have to bury a child. This breaks my heart.

Work was good.  Finally started the dinosaur on break today... it didn't go well. I think I ripped it out and started over about 5 times before I decided to use a base hat I had made before. Apparently I am unable to crochet in multiples of 9 today. Took A to dance class and got some work done on it while I was waiting for her... then I dropped my bag (upside down of course) and got leave stuck all over the yarn!  What an evening! I'm ready to crash.

Bone scan for my momma tomorrow, so say a little prayer for us. Hug your babies tight tonight! Thanks!!

November 3, 2015

Ugh, what a day. Up until this minute, I was ready to relieve my frustration with some rough writing here... then I took a bite of dinner and my tone has changed.

I had never pan fried anything. It's never been anything I've even considered. I always use the oven because it's so much better for you.  Tonight I thought, why not. I'm sick of eating the same things and soggy chicken. There are some things I would do differently next time, like follow the recipe closer, but holy hell in a hand basket was it good!  The people in my house were fighting over the last one!  My cooking never (and I mean NEVER) does that! Good end to a day that I can only describe as the definition of Murphys law.

I did however get the cutest little shark hat you've ever seen done today!!  Now I really need to work on the dinosaur!!

The recipe I based dinner on can be found here. I highly suggest it!!

Have a great night!

November 2, 2015

Monday down!  Well, there's still three hours left, but I plan to be sleeping as soon as the Voice is over. I don't know about the rest of you, but for me, this Monday lived right up to the typical standard of the day! 

There is no motivation to be had for me tonight. I stopped at the store, grabbed the cat food and some dinner supplies. Came home made dinner, put A to bed and finally sat down just a few minutes ago to relax. I'm desperately hoping the dishes do themselves tonight.  Hey, we can all dream right? If I want to hope that my kitchen turns into an excerpt from Beauty and the Beast, that's my dream to dream.  I've had the grey stuff... it was delicious.

Normally on a night like tonight I would grab my hook and yarn and whip up a soft little hat but tonight I don't even feel like doing that. There's so much on my mind tonight right now. Aside from the usual... bills, messy bedrooms, laundry... I'm thinking of my momma. She had to go in for a biopsy this morning and will have to wait until next week for results. She's already been through so much, but she's one of the strongest people I know. We WILL get through whatever is next. While I'm sure that it's going to be fine, any extra prayers are welcome.

On tap for tomorrow, a super cute dinosaur hat!!  I'll be using the pattern I found here.

November 1, 2015

Even though I've done this before, I feel like I could use one of those self help books to help me get started!!  First of all, I'm going to apologize in advance for any typos I don't catch. My computer is in the 'shop' and this is coming to you tonight via a Samsung Galaxy S5! 

The kids are finally in bed and hopefully sleeping, so it's finally mommy time!   What does that mean in my house you ask... the recliner, a crochet hook, and the latest hat I'm working on. Tonight that happens to be a shark. I can't lie, I did get some crocheting done earlier today before the kids got up. I finished two Elsa hats. By the time I was done, my house was complete chaos! Both kids were up, and being that yesterday was halloween, the six year old, 'A', was already asking for candy.  The day spiraled out of control from there, as I threatened to change my name and decided I wasn't fighting anymore and let her have the candy.

So, I've decided it's time I start writing again. I've been thinking about it for a while now and couldn't come up with a theme.  I finally decided that it was just going to be about life and how I make it through my day... the light at the end of the tunnel. And right now, that beacon is crochet.

Crocheting has been something I've dabbled in for a long time. Little things here and there. Nothing huge, a bone yard of unfinished projects and yarn just everywhere in my craft room, which let's face it, is just a crap room. Now with winter upon us up here in WNY, it's time for some super cute (and cozy) hats. Time to pull out those half used skeins of yarn and use them up, because if I walk in the house with a new one before I use an old one, the hubby is gonna go nuts. Let's not even talk about his crazy obsession. That will have to be another day entirely.  

It started with me making E (the baby) a cabbage patch hat. I decided that was pretty easy, and that A needed a hat so I made an owl. Once those were done, I was at a loss of something to do. Pintrest is only fueling the fire. I'm constantly saving this pin or that. People tag me all the time in fun hats. Orders are flowing in like hot lava and I'm just over here crocheting.  Time to start a little business/group I guess. Leslie's Crocheted Cranium Covers.  Look for some cute new things!!