It is Monday. The start of a new week; one that is going to be a crazy - busy one...but what weeks aren't? DH is home now, all the training for *The Business* is complete, except for the in-store trainer visit which starts today. A corporate trainer, who is in town from Atlanta, will be in the store all week to make sure that DH understands how to run the business. He actually got in town yesterday and came by the store to meet DH. DH's impression...he will be nothing to worry about. Which is good, because we found out on Saturday when the previous owner came into the store, our 2nd driver quit. Down to one driver going into the holiday season isn't ideal - we can make it work, taking on the extra deliveries ourselves, but DH & I really need to start focusing on the behind the scenes tasks: budgeting the money, ordering supplies, prepping staff and supplies for the holidays, working on the marketing and promotions...and hopefully going out and talking with some different businesses to create corporate accounts. We will get things done and organized, but we are transistioning into this new life - so all the tasks, when incorporated into our personal daily life seems very overwhelming.
DH already left for work, so I will continue with what has become my daily routine - of getting the boys up for school and then taking each of them to their respective school before the school bell rings...then getting myself into my job, too.
I spent most of yesterday afternoon prepping for Robert's trip to Medicine Hat Canada for the 38th annual Medicine Hat Hockey Hounds Bantam (U14) tournament. They leave on Wednesday night and return on Sunday evening. This will be the first trip Robert will be going without DH or I...DH has to stay back here with *The Business* and I will be going to Phoenix with Matthew for his hockey tournament over this coming weekend. As team manager of Robert's team, I have been making sure that I have all the information needed in the travel binder, which I will give to one of the other parents going on the trip. The Medicine Hat stuff is just about completely organized, just need to figure out the group check in process for the flight on Wednesday...then all my responsibilities for that trip will be pretty much concluded; until they come back :)
Well, I will not bore you all any more...time to sign off for the day. I hope your Monday is rich with love and laughter! Lisa
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
November 13...and 14th (oops)
Ugh, trying to blog everyday is difficult! Yesterday I was up at 4:30, got only 1 hour of exercising in before I decided I rather sit and stitch. I am at the point where the Family Sampler calls my name - and the call of stitching seems to be much louder than spinning on the bike. So between the hour of early morning stitching and an hour at the rink in the evening, here is where my Family Sampler is now:
It is coming a long slowly, but surely. I will finish the floral on the right-hand side of the house before planting the tree and flowers on the left-side. Soon my house will be surrounded by the beauty of nature - grass where the boys can play and trees they can climb or sit in the shade to read. Flowers to be enjoyed and picked for quick Mother's Day presents or for a centerpiece for a nice family meal. Now that I have my next stitching steps mapped out, I will make some time today to sit-n-stitch.
However, that probably will not be until a little later this afternoon. Just like yesterday, DH and I will go into *The Business* and help prep the fruit for Sunday fruit bouquet deliveries. There is one employee who comes in on Sunday, as it typically isn't busy - but DH & I want to continue our learning process of *The Business* so that when those very, very busy holidays come up (Valentines and Mother's Day) we can step in where needed. Yesterday, DH and I stood side by side prepping the melon wedges - cut the melon, scoop out the seeds, cut in wedges, peel off the skin and then skewer them for the arrangements. It was fun working side by side with DH, while talking with the 3 women working and getting to know them. We are at that point where we want to establish ourselves as "the boss" but not in an aggressive, threatening way. So we have just "jumped" right in to the "production", as it is called, which also includes cleaning and sanitizing all the utensils & trays. It was a lot of fun...I even got an opportunity to insert some of the cantaloupe and honeydew in several arrangements that were going out that day.
Once the majority of the production was done - which is close to 10am - DH took me home because I needed to get the boys around and head to the rink. Robert's team had a "controlled" scrimmage against a 19U girls team ("controlled" means that they cannot hit - which is always a bummer according to Robert - and it also means that the coaches are playing referees. They will stop the action so that they can create situations that each team is working on). After the 75 minute ice time, Robert had an hour of off-ice conditioning with the fitness coach. During all of this...Matthew and I sat in the restaurant that overlooks the rinks. Here, he worked on his home work packets he received to do over the weekend while eating lunch I fixed him at home (I know, strange to be taking in a homemade lunch into a restaurant...but since we have to watch our nickles & dimes right now this is one of the best ways...and probably the most nutritious). This is when I took out my stitching, which is always a good way to make the time pass at the rink.
Anyway...Sunday is here now...I am up, a little later than I would have liked, but on the bike non-the-less to get in a little workout. DH and I will go in again to *The Business* and continue getting comfortable with all the different tasks to be done. He is the one who will be doing the majority of the running it (payroll, ordering, taxes, hiring, firing, etc) and I will step in where needed when I can. Today is the last day that the previous owner will have a key to the store and today is also when the corporate training will arrive for the week of in-store training. It is going to be a crazy week!
Well, my friend, I will end this post with this thought on positive thinking:
Accenturate the positive today; while remembering to also:
 |
| The tree has leaves and the flowers have their yellow center |
However, that probably will not be until a little later this afternoon. Just like yesterday, DH and I will go into *The Business* and help prep the fruit for Sunday fruit bouquet deliveries. There is one employee who comes in on Sunday, as it typically isn't busy - but DH & I want to continue our learning process of *The Business* so that when those very, very busy holidays come up (Valentines and Mother's Day) we can step in where needed. Yesterday, DH and I stood side by side prepping the melon wedges - cut the melon, scoop out the seeds, cut in wedges, peel off the skin and then skewer them for the arrangements. It was fun working side by side with DH, while talking with the 3 women working and getting to know them. We are at that point where we want to establish ourselves as "the boss" but not in an aggressive, threatening way. So we have just "jumped" right in to the "production", as it is called, which also includes cleaning and sanitizing all the utensils & trays. It was a lot of fun...I even got an opportunity to insert some of the cantaloupe and honeydew in several arrangements that were going out that day.
Once the majority of the production was done - which is close to 10am - DH took me home because I needed to get the boys around and head to the rink. Robert's team had a "controlled" scrimmage against a 19U girls team ("controlled" means that they cannot hit - which is always a bummer according to Robert - and it also means that the coaches are playing referees. They will stop the action so that they can create situations that each team is working on). After the 75 minute ice time, Robert had an hour of off-ice conditioning with the fitness coach. During all of this...Matthew and I sat in the restaurant that overlooks the rinks. Here, he worked on his home work packets he received to do over the weekend while eating lunch I fixed him at home (I know, strange to be taking in a homemade lunch into a restaurant...but since we have to watch our nickles & dimes right now this is one of the best ways...and probably the most nutritious). This is when I took out my stitching, which is always a good way to make the time pass at the rink.
Anyway...Sunday is here now...I am up, a little later than I would have liked, but on the bike non-the-less to get in a little workout. DH and I will go in again to *The Business* and continue getting comfortable with all the different tasks to be done. He is the one who will be doing the majority of the running it (payroll, ordering, taxes, hiring, firing, etc) and I will step in where needed when I can. Today is the last day that the previous owner will have a key to the store and today is also when the corporate training will arrive for the week of in-store training. It is going to be a crazy week!
Well, my friend, I will end this post with this thought on positive thinking:
Although many of us probably didn't get a thorough education in
the value of a positive attitude,
we can teach ourselves. Simply by making a decision to look for
the good, happy and beautiful in all things
and all people, you will have completed the first and most imporant step in learning
to accentuate the positive.
~Sue Patton Thoele
Accenturate the positive today; while remembering to also:
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often!
Lisa
Friday, November 12, 2010
November 12...It is Friday! Thank goodness!!
We have made it to Friday and the week's journey to this day was much better than it was last week. Things seems to go much smoother, maybe because I just felt better about handling the "craziness" here then I did last week. Anyway, off to an early start to the day - which is a positive way to begin as I am getting my morning biking out of the way before anything else starts...I need to get in a good sweat!
As promised, here is a photo post of the status of Family Sampler:
With the roof complete (but still, not all the white shutters on the house...I will get to that soon), I started to plant the garden on the right handside of my house...the grass, some flowers and the tree. Did you know that it takes a tree about 3 years to firmly establish its roots? And it is around that third year that it has one of its largest growth spirts...at least that is what my grandmother always told me; I haven't googled it to find out if she was correct...not sure if I really want to, for there is something about "grandma advice" that should be assumed corrected and left at that. Anyway, I think since we have entered our 7th year here in California, still living in the house we purchased in 2003 (which is the longest that DH and I have lived at the same residence since we met - over 25 years ago)...and now purchased *The Business*, I feel that our roots are burrowing deeper into the California soil; that we have really started to grow into the community that we've established here. It is like, I have given myself permission, after 7 years of living here, to call it "home" and to feel like we can "settle down". It is a good feeling.
Tonight DH comes back from the East Coast, where he has been training for *The Business* at the franchisor corporate office. While I know that he is ready to be home...done with training and ready to get into the store and make it our own, it sounded like there were some good things that came out of the corporate training. Most of the information was Business 101 lessons, which he & I have experienced while working in the party goods industry and other retail businesses. But it is always good to have some refresher courses as well as learn the expectations of the franchisor! Which will prove useful, because after 2 weeks of training outside the store, next week a trainer comes into the store to work side-by-side with DH - so he will have to follow some of the procedures as set by the franchisor. I am sure that he will do fine, but will probably look forward to him being gone and, again, just making *The Business* ours.
Well, my friends, I leave you with this thought and question:
As promised, here is a photo post of the status of Family Sampler:
Tonight DH comes back from the East Coast, where he has been training for *The Business* at the franchisor corporate office. While I know that he is ready to be home...done with training and ready to get into the store and make it our own, it sounded like there were some good things that came out of the corporate training. Most of the information was Business 101 lessons, which he & I have experienced while working in the party goods industry and other retail businesses. But it is always good to have some refresher courses as well as learn the expectations of the franchisor! Which will prove useful, because after 2 weeks of training outside the store, next week a trainer comes into the store to work side-by-side with DH - so he will have to follow some of the procedures as set by the franchisor. I am sure that he will do fine, but will probably look forward to him being gone and, again, just making *The Business* ours.
Well, my friends, I leave you with this thought and question:
"To affect the quality of the day--that is the highest of the arts." ~ Henry David Thoreau
We are the sculptors of our day. We can mold it creatively into a wonderful masterpiece. We control the amount of moisture we mix into our clay. We pound it, shape it, stroke it, love it. Others can offer suggestions, and we gain new perspectives from their advice, but it is finally our own creation. our knife may occasionally slip, or our mixture of earth may be too dry. Any great artist suffers temporary setbacks. Besides, imperfections in art make it all the more interesting!
How creative can you be in your life today?
(from the book Today's Gift by Anonymous. copyright 1985, 1991)
Knowing most of you - I am sure that you will be very creative in your life today!
Take care my friends and remember:
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch Often!
Lisa
Thursday, November 11, 2010
November 11 - Veterans Day
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| My Grandfather, who was stationed in Africa during WWII |
On this day, we remember and honor all those who have served and who are serving and say "thank you".
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
November 9...and 10
Well, I kind of missed a day - but if I blog about yesterday and today does it count as blogging both? :)
I am playing "single" mom again this week as DH is on the East Coast for the corporate training for *The Business* this week. This is the last week of official training, at least out of town...I think that someone from corporate comes in to work with us, but not totally sure. Anyway, it has been busy as Robert (older son) has added wrestling to his sporting activities - something to do after school when he doesn't have hockey. Just hoping that the wrestling coach understands that he will not be able to make every practice and/or every wrestling match if Robert has a hockey practice or activity. We shall see.
Yesterday, at Matthew's school (younger son) they had their monthly assembly where they discuss the character trait of the month, as well as announce the students of the month and acknowledge the student who exemplifies the designated character trait - the Integrity in Action Award. Each teacher in the school nominates one student from their class(es) for the student of the month...thus, there were 50 kids who were called up to receive the October Student of the Month certificate as well as a Student of the Month pencil...Matthew was nominated by his Science Teacher.
In addition to being 1 of the 50 Students of the Month, Matthew was chosen as the student who exemplifies the October character trait: Responsible. Again, nominated by his science teacher, it was pointed out that: "Matthew was a responsible student who turned in all his homework on time, was never late to class, and when traveling for his hockey tournaments made sure to approach each teacher ahead of time to inquire what he would be missing so that he would be able to keep up with his classes." For this acknowledgment, Matthew received a special t-shirt and a certificate.
I am playing "single" mom again this week as DH is on the East Coast for the corporate training for *The Business* this week. This is the last week of official training, at least out of town...I think that someone from corporate comes in to work with us, but not totally sure. Anyway, it has been busy as Robert (older son) has added wrestling to his sporting activities - something to do after school when he doesn't have hockey. Just hoping that the wrestling coach understands that he will not be able to make every practice and/or every wrestling match if Robert has a hockey practice or activity. We shall see.
Yesterday, at Matthew's school (younger son) they had their monthly assembly where they discuss the character trait of the month, as well as announce the students of the month and acknowledge the student who exemplifies the designated character trait - the Integrity in Action Award. Each teacher in the school nominates one student from their class(es) for the student of the month...thus, there were 50 kids who were called up to receive the October Student of the Month certificate as well as a Student of the Month pencil...Matthew was nominated by his Science Teacher.
In addition to being 1 of the 50 Students of the Month, Matthew was chosen as the student who exemplifies the October character trait: Responsible. Again, nominated by his science teacher, it was pointed out that: "Matthew was a responsible student who turned in all his homework on time, was never late to class, and when traveling for his hockey tournaments made sure to approach each teacher ahead of time to inquire what he would be missing so that he would be able to keep up with his classes." For this acknowledgment, Matthew received a special t-shirt and a certificate.
I guess Matthew had a feeling that he was going to be nominated as a Student of the Month, but didn't' know that he was going to be the one receiving the Integrity in Action award too. It was very exciting! Congratulations Matthew...mom & dad are very proud of you!
Yesterday, when I needed to leave and pick up Robert from school I couldn't get out of my driveway:
our neighborhood turkey herd was walking down our street and hanging out on my driveway. Don't they understand that Thanksgiving is around the corner? You have to admit - it is a little strange to have these birds just walking around and living nearby. We found several places on the main street where they cross, for there are little turkey prints on the concrete....I wonder if we need to contact the city to put up some "Turkey Crossing" signs around the neighborhood?
This morning I woke up a little later than I like, but instead of getting on the stationary bike I sat down and did a little early morning cross-stitching on Family Sampler...not enough for a photo posting, but hopefully soon. Tonight is a night without hockey obligations, so I am hoping to sit and stitch tonight so that I have something to show you soon. I know that many of you visit for the stitching, so I apologize that I haven't done much show and tell...I will soon.
Well, I will not bore you anymore. I will sign off with a few snippets of fall for you...and then bid you good-bye until tomorrow. Take care and remember....
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often!
Lisa
Monday, November 8, 2010
November 8...for another hour and a half
Just got home from hockey practice - it is now 10:30pm - and I realized that I didn't post a post yet. Since I committed to posting every day during November I decided to log in while the boys were getting ready for bed. There really isn't much to write about - same routine, different day.
DH called from Connecticut to report that the corporate training was going pretty well, that it was cold back east and there were big snow flakes falling from the sky. It was cool here today, but still had on our short-sleeve t-shirts and shorts.
The boys received their 1st quarter reports cards and I am very, very proud to report that both of them earned all A's. They worked hard and it shows.
Well, it looks like everyone is in their pjs and teeth are brushed, lights are out and all are tucked into bed. So I bid you good night as well! Take care! Lisa
DH called from Connecticut to report that the corporate training was going pretty well, that it was cold back east and there were big snow flakes falling from the sky. It was cool here today, but still had on our short-sleeve t-shirts and shorts.
The boys received their 1st quarter reports cards and I am very, very proud to report that both of them earned all A's. They worked hard and it shows.
Well, it looks like everyone is in their pjs and teeth are brushed, lights are out and all are tucked into bed. So I bid you good night as well! Take care! Lisa
Sunday, November 7, 2010
November 7
It has been a rainy Sunday, but that is a California Winter day. Did you all enjoy the extra hour of sleep? I actually went ahead and got up at 3:30am (which use to be 4:30am) and got my 2 hours of exercise out of the way before I had to get Robert up for breakfast. He had an early morning exhibition game against another local hockey team down in San Jose. The team came out strong in the 1st period, but couldn't keep up the energy during the 2nd or 3rd period and the game ended up in a 1-5 loss. During games like this, I typical would have brought out something to stitch on in the 2nd period, but couldn't because I was texting DH. He was staying home with Matthew (who took the opportunity to sleep in) until it was time to leave for the airport, so I needed to give him the blow-by-blow of the game.
Once home from the rink, I ran to the grocery store to get my weekly shopping out of the way so I could veg out at home the rest of the afternoon. It looked like the grocery store was gearing up for Thanksgiving which is just a couple of weeks away. I know that they are having some sort of Thankgiving turkey promotion...one being a free turkey with some sort of purchase...which might be something I look into for our holiday meal; however, why get one from a store when we have fresh ones across the street?
Once home from the rink, I ran to the grocery store to get my weekly shopping out of the way so I could veg out at home the rest of the afternoon. It looked like the grocery store was gearing up for Thanksgiving which is just a couple of weeks away. I know that they are having some sort of Thankgiving turkey promotion...one being a free turkey with some sort of purchase...which might be something I look into for our holiday meal; however, why get one from a store when we have fresh ones across the street?
Just kidding, don't think it is legal to shoot a wild turkey in the residental area...maybe if it was road kill :)
Well, blogging friends nothing else to report right now. Just looking forward to continued vegging out tonight and getting in some stitching. Maybe I will have something to show you tomorrw.
Take care and remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch Often!
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch Often!
Lisa
Saturday, November 6, 2010
November 6
It is Saturday and today I feel a little more "normal". DH got home last night and it is nice for him to be back, even if it is for a day and a half (he leaves tomorrow morning for the East Coast). This morning he and I got up and went over to *The Business* and helped to prep the fruit. I worked with a couple of the employees and learned how to dip strawberries in chocolate, bananas in white & dark chocolate and apples in chocolate. The I helped to create a bouquet. It was fun to finally to do some hands-on work in *The Business*.
I got back home around 10am to get Robert around for off-ice conditioning, which he got a ride to the rink and I was able to stay at home with Matthew, who has been under the weather. Poor kid was up last night coughing and sniffling. Seems that he has caught one of those colds going around. While at home I found a little time to take a nap (that was sweet!).
That is about all for Saturday activities...just nice not to have a lot of things to do. Maybe I will take some time at get my stitching out while watching the NHL Sharks game this evening.
Hope your Saturday is going well. Until tomorrow, remember...
I got back home around 10am to get Robert around for off-ice conditioning, which he got a ride to the rink and I was able to stay at home with Matthew, who has been under the weather. Poor kid was up last night coughing and sniffling. Seems that he has caught one of those colds going around. While at home I found a little time to take a nap (that was sweet!).
That is about all for Saturday activities...just nice not to have a lot of things to do. Maybe I will take some time at get my stitching out while watching the NHL Sharks game this evening.
Hope your Saturday is going well. Until tomorrow, remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often,
Lisa
Friday, November 5, 2010
November 5
Hello all, thank you for the wonderful comments - they bring much warmth, support and strength for me and I appreciate them all.
It is Friday...thank goodness! It has been a long week - lots of driving the kids to and from school/hockey, dealing with life and missing having DH home. He comes home tonight from Southern California where he has been training all week to get "hands on" experience in *The Business*. It will be nice to have him home, even for the short time...for he leaves again on Sunday, heading out to the East Coast for the "corporate training" of *The Business* - he will be gone the whole week again, getting home on Friday, Nov. 12. He is anxious to get into "our" store and really start working...and I am anxious to work in there as well, when I can.
Last night was a late night at the rink...Robert's team had off-ice conditioning in the fitness room at the rink for an hour and then we had to go to another rink (the HP Pavilion, where the NHL Sharks play) where they had practice until 10pm. The older the boys get, the later their team practices are...boy, it is times like these that I miss them being "mite" age (that is about 6-7 years old). The long night at practice wasn't ideal, but we made it work for us. Matthew (younger son) had to go with me because I wasn't going to leave him home alone from the time we left the house until we got back...so he brought his homework, a bag dinner I fixed him, and sat in the restaurant to work - while I was in the fitness room working out at the same time Robert & his team were in there. Then we all went over to HP to watch the on-ice practice. However, we all were ready to get into bed when we got home!
I don't know if it is just because I am tired and feeling a little worn out after this week w/o DH, or stressed out some...but I am also feeling a little melancholy. Buying the business, the end of DH's severance pay...is a creating a little worry and anxiety. I know that we will be ok, but it will take time. I also am worried about my younger sister who is going through a tough time...it is situations like this that I remember times back when I was a teenager and going through that emotional roller coaster that all teenagers go through; my mother would sit on my bed and hold me saying, "it is hard growing up." Yes, it is!!
Now, I can dwell on this melancholy feeling or I can look at my life and note the wonderful things that I do have and be thankful!
It is Friday...thank goodness! It has been a long week - lots of driving the kids to and from school/hockey, dealing with life and missing having DH home. He comes home tonight from Southern California where he has been training all week to get "hands on" experience in *The Business*. It will be nice to have him home, even for the short time...for he leaves again on Sunday, heading out to the East Coast for the "corporate training" of *The Business* - he will be gone the whole week again, getting home on Friday, Nov. 12. He is anxious to get into "our" store and really start working...and I am anxious to work in there as well, when I can.
Last night was a late night at the rink...Robert's team had off-ice conditioning in the fitness room at the rink for an hour and then we had to go to another rink (the HP Pavilion, where the NHL Sharks play) where they had practice until 10pm. The older the boys get, the later their team practices are...boy, it is times like these that I miss them being "mite" age (that is about 6-7 years old). The long night at practice wasn't ideal, but we made it work for us. Matthew (younger son) had to go with me because I wasn't going to leave him home alone from the time we left the house until we got back...so he brought his homework, a bag dinner I fixed him, and sat in the restaurant to work - while I was in the fitness room working out at the same time Robert & his team were in there. Then we all went over to HP to watch the on-ice practice. However, we all were ready to get into bed when we got home!
I don't know if it is just because I am tired and feeling a little worn out after this week w/o DH, or stressed out some...but I am also feeling a little melancholy. Buying the business, the end of DH's severance pay...is a creating a little worry and anxiety. I know that we will be ok, but it will take time. I also am worried about my younger sister who is going through a tough time...it is situations like this that I remember times back when I was a teenager and going through that emotional roller coaster that all teenagers go through; my mother would sit on my bed and hold me saying, "it is hard growing up." Yes, it is!!
Now, I can dwell on this melancholy feeling or I can look at my life and note the wonderful things that I do have and be thankful!
- I have 2 wonderful, healthy, thriving, smart, caring, loving sons!
- I have a wonderful, smart, caring, loving husband!
- I/we have our health!
- I have my extended family (mom & dad, mother & father in law, sisters, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces/nephews/cousins, grandmother)!
- I have friends - near and far!
- I have a job to go to and the support of wonderful employers!
- We have a house; a roof over our heads!
- We have food in the pantry, in the refrigerator!
- We have clothing!
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often!
Lisa
Thursday, November 4, 2010
November 4
OMG...15 comments and birthday well wishes from you, my blog friends. I was totally overwhelmed when I saw that. Thank you so much! It means a lot to me. My day was just ok, aside from a funny "Happy Birthday" surprise from my boys, it was just a typical day for me. What did the boys do? I will tell you...
My day typically starts at 4:30am, when I get up to ride the stationary bike while catching up with my emails, facebook and blogs. I get off the bike around 6:30am to wake up Robert (older son) who comes down for breakfast and gets around for school (Matthew's gets up at 7am as his school starts 1/2 later). Well, I walked down into the kitchen and noticed that the placemats that I keep on the counter were laying near the sink...thing just looked out of place. But then I noticed it...a handwritten sign and card:
Before the wonder of how they pulled this off without me knowing, I picked up the card and read:
My day typically starts at 4:30am, when I get up to ride the stationary bike while catching up with my emails, facebook and blogs. I get off the bike around 6:30am to wake up Robert (older son) who comes down for breakfast and gets around for school (Matthew's gets up at 7am as his school starts 1/2 later). Well, I walked down into the kitchen and noticed that the placemats that I keep on the counter were laying near the sink...thing just looked out of place. But then I noticed it...a handwritten sign and card:
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| Birthday sign, handwritten card and bday hat from my boys |
Happy Birthday Poem - by Robert
43 is just like,
any other birthday - Sike!
You are 1 year older now,
1 more year of experience under your bow.
But that is not bad,
think of all the fun you've had.
This is a good bday indeed,
with digits addint to 7...this year you'll succeed!
Birthday Quotes
"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter" ~ Mark Twain
"Old isn't so bad when you consider the alternative" ~ Maurice Chevalier
"Don't regret getting older. It is a priviledge denied by many."
"40 is the old age of youth, so is the youth of old age."
"Your only as old as you feel."
Notes from the kids
"Have the happiest of happy birthdays!"
Love, Robert
"Mom, I am sorry for all the bad things I have done to upset you. I wish I could take them back. You do alot for Robert and I. I hope your birthday is peaceful and we will try not to upset you."
Love, Matthew
"Don't worry; 43 is no big deal. Not as bad as 50, which is rapidly approaching me. Have a wonderful birthday!"
Love, Bruno (that is the dog)
It was very sweet and fun to receive first thing in the morning...but I couldn't figure out how they accomplished this without me knowing, so I asked Robert when he came down for breakfast...
Me: "Robert, thank you so much for this birthday greeting. I love the card!"
Robert: "Did you read the poem and the quotes? The quotes were fun to find."
Me: "Yes, I read them all. I love it! But when did you and Matthew do this? Was it while I was riding the bike this morning?"
Robert: "No....you don't want to know." (he says with a smirk of guilt on his face)
Me: "Well, it couldn't have been in the evening, because we all went to bed at 9:30pm and Matthew was asleep. He was so tired from practice because of all the skating they did..."
Robert: "Well...we got up around 10pm...we both went down stairs and wrote the card. Matthew started to get worried that you would wake up, he went back upstairs and we started to chat to each other...using our iTouches and the Facebook chat. He would tell me if you were moving or if he thought you were getting up."
Me: "You mean that you and Matthew got up last night and did all of this and I didn't hear you? Wow, I must have been tired. This was a wonderful surpise. Thank you."
So...facebook chat on the iTouch comes in handy...allows for my boys to sneak around the house at night :) And in this case, it was a wonderful thing :)
Other than that surprise, my day was just a typical one...drop the boys off at school...go into work...pick up Matthew from school...pick up Robert from school and then drop him back off in the evening to try school wrestling (and then pick him up again).
Well, off to get this day going...take care my blog friends and thank you again for your well wishes! Take care and remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often,
Lisa
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
November 3
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| Me with my mom & dad when I came home from the hospital |
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| Dad and my birthday celebration - I was 2 years old |
And not only did Dad and I celebrate any birthday together, but because I was born on his 25th birthday - every milestone birthday for him is one for me.
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| A Milestone Celebration 18 years ago - Dad's 50th and my 25th |
Unfortunately my parents live in Minnesota and I in California - so dad and I will not be able to blow out our candles together, but I wish him a very happy birthday and many, many more! Love you Dad!
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Well, the birthday celebration is probably going to be minimal this year, with DH out of town...the boys have school...I have work...but, there is no hockey tonight so I will be able to veg out with my boys at home; and since evenings at home seem to be a rarity during school and the hockey season, I look at it as a gift :)
And...the temperatures are back up in the 80s today and the sun is forcasted to shine! Another gift that I am looking forward to enjoying :)
And in the mailbox yesterday, there was a card...from Valerie (fogcitydweller):
Well, I had to jump off the stationary bike to finish my post for the day on the old "big" computer...typically I do a lot of my blogging, facebooking and emailing in the morning on a laptop that I put in the book holder on my stationary bike, but we have some laptop issues (one doesn't seem to want to turn on and the other got a virus again and was acting strange).
So for now, I wish you a happy Wednesday and remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often!
Lisa
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
November 2
Thank you for the comments and the well wishes left yesterday. One post-Halloween memory I want to share with you, which surfaced as I read Natasha's comment about walking around the neighborhood looking at Halloween decor...before we lived in California, we lived in Minnesota. DH and I worked for my family's company, which was a competitor of Party City. My position was Public Relations/Marketing/Advertising...and I was the Party Planner Expert who would be interviewed on the local tv talk shows explaining and showing how to throw a party with a budget. One of the things that I would have fun doing is decorating my house up for Halloween...complete with the gravestones in the front yard, the skeltons dancing around a caldron, ghosts in the trees and the fog machine going. Several times one of the local tv crews would come to my house a week before halloween and we would do several segment from there (yes, I did that remote reporting from my house with the ear piece in my ear, answering questions from the reporters who were back at the studio). It was definitely a fun chapter of my life...doesn't life seem to have chapters like that? Anyway...thank you Natasha, for allowing that memory escape from the depths of my mind! :)
Yesterday morning, before the boys even got up, I went over to *The Business*. It was fun to use the key and let myself in, for now it is feeling a little more like it is really ours. I didn't stay very long, for with the boys off of school there were things that I wanted to do with them, but I did stay long enough to meet the remaining employees (the ones who weren't there on Saturday when DH and I went over to introduce ourselves). The previous owner took me through some of his daily routines, basically prepping for when the 1st shift came in to do the prepping and creating of the fruit bouquets. When the staff came in, watching them prep the fruit was like watching a well choregraphed dance. Within an hour fruit was cut, fruit was dipped, and baskets were ready to be assembled. I was able to see the magic of how one was created before I had to leave to take Robert to his ortho appointment. We are very fortunate to be taking over a very well run business!
The ortho was quick, so as we made our way home we got a few mundane errands ran - gas for the car and groceries for the house (boy do we go through milk in this house hold...I just purchased 4 gallons on Friday and we were down to our last one on Sunday evening-maybe we should have bought a dairy farm). For the rest of the day, I just hung with the boys at home until it was time to drive down to the rink.
Both boys had practice tonight down in San Jose...but due to the timing of their practices it was a late night. Robert's practice started at 5:30/ended at 6:45 and was at the HP Pavilion, which is where the NHL Sharks place. Since our club has an affiliation with the organization, each of the Jr. Shark teams get some ice time there to practice on during the season with the BIG Sharks are traveling.
While Robert was on the ice, Matthew and I sat in the stands to watch. Matthew ate his dinner, which we packed up from home, while I got in some cross stitching. It was just enough time to get the roof finished on the house of Family Sampler...
From a far, the roof looks good...but if you were to look close up, not all of the X's are laying straight, especially the lighter brownish color of the roof. On one hand it give the roof a texture look, but then there is a part of me that feels disappointed. I was too lazy to get out my laying tool, but tried a few techniques to keep it smooth...but I guess it just doesn't look "perfect". I know, I know, perfect is in the eye of the beholder and I should just let it go and move on...which is what I will be doing.
Anyway...after Robert got off the ice, Matthew & I packed up our stuff - we left HP Pavilion as soon as Robert came out of the dressing room and headed down to the SharksIce facility where the boys normally practice - and where Matthew had his team practice from 7:45-9pm. While he was on the ice, Robert and I worked out in the fitness room that overlooks the particular rink that Matthew's team was practicing on. You couldn't ask for a better set up...doing a 60 minute walk/jog on the treadmill while watching your kid's hockey practice! It made the rest of the evening go pretty fast and before you knew it we were pulling into our garage around 10pm...and after a quick unpaking of the hockey bags and showering the boys and I were in bed by 10:45pm.
It was a good day - and DH sounded like he had a good day down in SoCal at his in-store training...but I think that he might have been jealous that I was the first one in "our" store and not him. But as soon as he returns from training, with all of his skills and knowledge of *The Business*, he will be in that store a lot!
Today...the agenda says: "Back to school for the boys and back to work for me, with hockey practice in the evening for Matthew only". So, until tomorrow...
Yesterday morning, before the boys even got up, I went over to *The Business*. It was fun to use the key and let myself in, for now it is feeling a little more like it is really ours. I didn't stay very long, for with the boys off of school there were things that I wanted to do with them, but I did stay long enough to meet the remaining employees (the ones who weren't there on Saturday when DH and I went over to introduce ourselves). The previous owner took me through some of his daily routines, basically prepping for when the 1st shift came in to do the prepping and creating of the fruit bouquets. When the staff came in, watching them prep the fruit was like watching a well choregraphed dance. Within an hour fruit was cut, fruit was dipped, and baskets were ready to be assembled. I was able to see the magic of how one was created before I had to leave to take Robert to his ortho appointment. We are very fortunate to be taking over a very well run business!
The ortho was quick, so as we made our way home we got a few mundane errands ran - gas for the car and groceries for the house (boy do we go through milk in this house hold...I just purchased 4 gallons on Friday and we were down to our last one on Sunday evening-maybe we should have bought a dairy farm). For the rest of the day, I just hung with the boys at home until it was time to drive down to the rink.
Both boys had practice tonight down in San Jose...but due to the timing of their practices it was a late night. Robert's practice started at 5:30/ended at 6:45 and was at the HP Pavilion, which is where the NHL Sharks place. Since our club has an affiliation with the organization, each of the Jr. Shark teams get some ice time there to practice on during the season with the BIG Sharks are traveling.
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| Robert (the orange jersey in the middle) leading stretching exercises |
Anyway...after Robert got off the ice, Matthew & I packed up our stuff - we left HP Pavilion as soon as Robert came out of the dressing room and headed down to the SharksIce facility where the boys normally practice - and where Matthew had his team practice from 7:45-9pm. While he was on the ice, Robert and I worked out in the fitness room that overlooks the particular rink that Matthew's team was practicing on. You couldn't ask for a better set up...doing a 60 minute walk/jog on the treadmill while watching your kid's hockey practice! It made the rest of the evening go pretty fast and before you knew it we were pulling into our garage around 10pm...and after a quick unpaking of the hockey bags and showering the boys and I were in bed by 10:45pm.
It was a good day - and DH sounded like he had a good day down in SoCal at his in-store training...but I think that he might have been jealous that I was the first one in "our" store and not him. But as soon as he returns from training, with all of his skills and knowledge of *The Business*, he will be in that store a lot!
Today...the agenda says: "Back to school for the boys and back to work for me, with hockey practice in the evening for Matthew only". So, until tomorrow...
Take care and remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch Often!
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch Often!
Lisa
Monday, November 1, 2010
November 1...welcome November
Wow, it is hard to believe that November 1st has arrived. That means:
Last night, Halloween night, the boys and I fired up the grill and cooked some burgers & sausages (they enjoyed those while I had a salad)...and then we basically hung out at the house - vegging out. The boys opened the door and passed out candy to the few trick-or-treaters that we get (some local real estate ladies host a costume parade and party at a park up the hill from us, so when it comes time to trick-or-treat many of the kids/parents stay on the hill and go around to those houses - thus, we don't see too many people at the bottom of the hill). We turned on Forrest Gump to watch - while I stitched on the Family Sampler and the boys played a computer game. Nice and quiet evening.
Well, that is about all for now. I am hoping to have the roof of the Family Sampler complete so that I can post a photo of it tomorrow.
Take care and remember...
- there are only 2 months left of this year - yikes!
- that means that the holiday season is upon us; although I think that Michaels and Target have had Christmas stuff out well before the Halloween was put out.
- that means my 2 year blog-o-versity is coming up (that is what the little number on the left handside of my blog represents) at the end of the month
- that means my 43rd birthday the beginning of the month (Nov. 3rd to be exact). It also means that my father's birthday is also coming up - for I was born on his 25th birthday.
- it means that I need to finish planning for Robert's team's trip to Medicine Hat, Canada for the upcoming tournament and my own planning for Matthew's & my travel to Phoenix, AZ for his tournament
- it means that I definitely need to package up Angela's ornament and get it in the mail
- it means that we are now "officially" owners of *The Business* (which is an Edible Arrangements franchise, but will be referred to as *The Business*)
Last night, Halloween night, the boys and I fired up the grill and cooked some burgers & sausages (they enjoyed those while I had a salad)...and then we basically hung out at the house - vegging out. The boys opened the door and passed out candy to the few trick-or-treaters that we get (some local real estate ladies host a costume parade and party at a park up the hill from us, so when it comes time to trick-or-treat many of the kids/parents stay on the hill and go around to those houses - thus, we don't see too many people at the bottom of the hill). We turned on Forrest Gump to watch - while I stitched on the Family Sampler and the boys played a computer game. Nice and quiet evening.
Well, that is about all for now. I am hoping to have the roof of the Family Sampler complete so that I can post a photo of it tomorrow.
Take care and remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often!
Lisa
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday's night off...a good start to the weekend
With no hockey practice to run to last night, we actually sat down as a family last night and watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!". It is funny, how around the holidays, I tend to crave some of the comforts of my childhood...like sitting down and watching the good ol' Charlie Brown holiday shows. I remember when it was a big event in my childhood household, we would be able to eat dinner in front of the TV (remember those old TV dinners in the aluminum tray?) and watch Snoopy and all the Peanuts gang. Remember the Dolly Madison commercials that were shown (last night it was pre-Christmas commercials for Toys R Us...at least it was a break from all the election commercials!!!)
Speaking of feeling nostalgic, I found the box of old photos of me that my grandmother sent me as she has been trying to clean out her drawers of old photos...
Me at the age of 2. My family had this tradition of taking formal photos at the age of 2...and my sisters & I all wore this dress. My younger sister, who had a daughter, continued the tradition and had her photo taken in the dress at the age of 2 (although I think that photo was done in color :) ).
Ok...this was totally off the topic...ooops...
Back to the topic of Friday afternoon/evening...I was hoping to do some stitching on Family Sampler during Charlie Brown, but chose to lay my head down and just enjoy the show with my family. However, yesterday afternoon I took the opportunity to put the finishing touches on the ornament I stitched for Angela for the Ornament Swap. I know that I haven't posted anything about this in a long time, as I finished stitching it back in September and boy, am I glad that I got it stitched back then...don't think that I would have had the time or the energy to get it done if I waited! Now that it has been finished, I can get it off to Angela so that she has it before the holiday really set in. When she receive it, I will post a snap of what I stitched & finished for her!
Saturday is starting off cloudy, cool and rainy. DH took Robert down to the rink for his 6:30am practice. Had to wake up around 4:30 to get breakfast around for them before they left. Also, took the opportunity to fold laundry and get it ready for the boys to put away their clean clothing...as well as jumped on the stationary bike to get my spin in while catching up on facebook, my emails and blogging. Later today, DH and I go over to *The Business* to be introduced to the employees. The previous owner will be making the annoucement this afternoon that he has sold the business and we will be there to be introduced and answer any questions they have. Tomorrow we will walk through the store front with the previous owner and take an inventory of everything in there - for on November 1, it is officially ours. DH leaves tomorrow evening for his first week of in-store training down in Southern California and then he will fly out to the Corporate office on the east coast for the 2nd week of his training. After all these weeks of work to get the deal made, the time is here for the real work!
Well, enough rambling. Take care, my friend, and remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often!
Lisa
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the waters...
Tonight DH and the boys are down at the rink. Robert (older son) has team photos and then ice practice afterwards...Matthew (younger son) just has off-ice training with his team. So I am home enjoying some "me" time. My "me" time is dwendling - starting Monday, when DH goes to train for *The Business*, driving the boys to school and to hockey practice will become my responsibilty again. It has been nice to have him around the last 5 months to help out and/or do most of the transporting of the boys to their activities. But it will be nice to have him working again.
Well, I did put a few stitches in my Family Sampler, but not enough to "show and tell". I am hoping to allow myself to sit and stitch this evening before all the boys come back home.
Take care and remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch Often!
Lisa
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Did you know that Halloween is right around the corner?
Ugh...where did this month go? When did Halloween get so close? I am getting to the point where I think I can pull my head up out of the sand and see the light, but the month is quickly disappearing.
All of the paperwork to buy and transfer *The Business* we are buying was completed on Monday with some last minute things to be chased down yesterday - that is what DH's job was yesterday. There are still a few minor credit apps and forms to complete and fax, but considering all the papers we have printed, copied, faxed, scanned and overnighted, the last few arn't bad. While all the paperwork seems to be done, we don't "officially" take over until November 1...however, DH will be going to training for the first 2 weeks of November so the previous owner will stay in the store to make sure that everything runs smoothly and status quo. After I get off from my job, during those first two weeks I might try and get over to the store and shadow the previous owner so that I can have a little idea how things are run. But I think that I will have my hands full between all the current projects at my job and dealing with the kids without DH at home!
Speaking of kids...I am putting the finishing touches on the details for Robert's hockey team's trip to Canada, which is next month. All the airline reservations for 24 people have been made and paid for (yahoo), so now I am just finishing up with the bus rental contract and the 2 hotels they will be staying at. When this trip is planned, I think that I will be ready for my hockey trip with Matthew, which is in November. I will be going with him to Phoenix, Arizona. And when we are all back...it will be the week of Thanksgiving...no school, no hockey...just home. I would normally add the word "relaxing" but I think with *The Business* and the website project at my job, life will be busy. Yet, I am sure that we will find to time relax on the holiday of Thanksgiving!
So, looking at all of the action in this household, I guess it is no wonder that the month has slipped by. Tonight I have to get a pumpkin and carve it. We are having a pumpkin carving contest at work and the contest is tomorrow...not sure about this project. Any ideas out there?
Well, I have been rambling on and on and on...and with no mention of stitching, I should probably just tell you I have been too busy to wip out the thread and needle and conclude this post. I hope all of you are having a good week. Take care and remember...
All of the paperwork to buy and transfer *The Business* we are buying was completed on Monday with some last minute things to be chased down yesterday - that is what DH's job was yesterday. There are still a few minor credit apps and forms to complete and fax, but considering all the papers we have printed, copied, faxed, scanned and overnighted, the last few arn't bad. While all the paperwork seems to be done, we don't "officially" take over until November 1...however, DH will be going to training for the first 2 weeks of November so the previous owner will stay in the store to make sure that everything runs smoothly and status quo. After I get off from my job, during those first two weeks I might try and get over to the store and shadow the previous owner so that I can have a little idea how things are run. But I think that I will have my hands full between all the current projects at my job and dealing with the kids without DH at home!
Speaking of kids...I am putting the finishing touches on the details for Robert's hockey team's trip to Canada, which is next month. All the airline reservations for 24 people have been made and paid for (yahoo), so now I am just finishing up with the bus rental contract and the 2 hotels they will be staying at. When this trip is planned, I think that I will be ready for my hockey trip with Matthew, which is in November. I will be going with him to Phoenix, Arizona. And when we are all back...it will be the week of Thanksgiving...no school, no hockey...just home. I would normally add the word "relaxing" but I think with *The Business* and the website project at my job, life will be busy. Yet, I am sure that we will find to time relax on the holiday of Thanksgiving!
So, looking at all of the action in this household, I guess it is no wonder that the month has slipped by. Tonight I have to get a pumpkin and carve it. We are having a pumpkin carving contest at work and the contest is tomorrow...not sure about this project. Any ideas out there?
Well, I have been rambling on and on and on...and with no mention of stitching, I should probably just tell you I have been too busy to wip out the thread and needle and conclude this post. I hope all of you are having a good week. Take care and remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often
Lisa
Saturday, October 23, 2010
It is the weekend...remembering my happy place
Well, we are this ---| |--- much closer to being business owners. Some of the big pieces of paper work got signed and sent off to their respective places on Thursday, only thing left to do is to "officially" close on it, which happens early next week and then it becomes officially "ours" on November 1. It is getting very exciting.
It will be nice to have the purchase completed and start learning the business - the daily operations. DH will be the one who will work it full-time, so he will be the one who will go to training (one week in Southern Cal and one week on the east coast at the corporate headquarters). I am definitely looking forward to being in the store, to help out and to work on the marketing side of it...however, I am also keeping my current job because I really enjoy being there (it is something that I feel is mine and I enjoy all the people I work with!). So, while it sounds like things are settling down...they really won't feel that way until the week of Thanksgiving - when the business is ours and DH is done travelling; when Robert (older son) had gone and come home from the Medicine Hat Hockey Tournament; and when Matthew (younger son) & I return from Phoenix from his hockey tournament...that will all happen around November 22 :)
It will be nice to have the purchase completed and start learning the business - the daily operations. DH will be the one who will work it full-time, so he will be the one who will go to training (one week in Southern Cal and one week on the east coast at the corporate headquarters). I am definitely looking forward to being in the store, to help out and to work on the marketing side of it...however, I am also keeping my current job because I really enjoy being there (it is something that I feel is mine and I enjoy all the people I work with!). So, while it sounds like things are settling down...they really won't feel that way until the week of Thanksgiving - when the business is ours and DH is done travelling; when Robert (older son) had gone and come home from the Medicine Hat Hockey Tournament; and when Matthew (younger son) & I return from Phoenix from his hockey tournament...that will all happen around November 22 :)
Well my family from Minnesota (my parents and sisters) are taunting me with their current travels to Lutsen, MN. Lutsen, MN is a ski resort which is located about 50 miles south of the Canadian border on Lake Superior. Back in the late 1970s, when my family moved from Kansas to Minnesota, the household was filled with stress...Dad needed to move us for a job, but mom wasn't really happy about moving (they did work through their differences and built a stronger marriage by doing so), I started going through and struggled with adolescence at that time; my younger sisters also dealt with the move in their own way. But as per a recommendation from a friend, to "get away from it all", we started driving up north to a small ski resort in Lutsen in Mid-October.
Back in the late 70's and early 80's, Lutsen consisted of the ski lodge and a few cabins, which were situated right on the shores of Lake Superior. The only restaurants around was the one at the lodge or the pizza place at Aspen Lodge, which was 10 miles back down the road. The cabins had a kitchen, family room (no reception for tv or radio back then) and, depending on the kind of cabin you got, it either had a couple of bedrooms or a bedroom and a loft (that is where we, girls, liked to stay and hide out). We would travel up there in mid-October, when we would have a school break - we would leave Wednesday afternoon and stay until Sunday mid-morning. Kids at school always asked me: "Why do you go to Lutsen in the fall? There is no snow to ski on. What do you do?"
What did we do? We read, we listened to my father's music (classical and new age composer George Winston)...my sisters & I would play school, play house or come up with other ways to entertain ourselves...we played family board games...I wrote poetry and stories...we talked, we discussed, we bonded as a family. We also found gorgeous places to hike - Gooseberry Falls, Superior Hiking Trail, to name a few. We explored little cities, like Grand Marais, (about a 45 minute drive north from Lutsen, had a little doughnut hole store - they only made cinnamon doughnut holes. If you didn't get there before 11, you were out of luck).
This was our haven...it is my "happy place"
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| A view of Lake Superior from our favorite cabin I-6 |
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Well, over the year, just like every thing - it grew and developed. The last time we were there was the weekend of my parent's wedding anniversary several years ago. There are shops, restaurants, houses...the roads have been widened, trees cut down, our quiet nature walks have become official parks...it has totally taken on a new character. The little, quiet heaven of a place only exists in my mind...in my memory.
Well, as I said my family, who are up there as I type this, have been taunting me. They are all staying in one of the cabins we requested year after year...and my sister found one of the journals that the cabin owner leaves out for guests to sign and found this entry:
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| My entry from the Lutsen I-6 cabin journal from when my family and I stayed there in October 1983. |
I guess you can say that I have "officially" left my mark on this world :) (well, I probably have in more ways than one).
Well, enough of my "memory walk"...back to reality. This weekend we have a hockey weekend on tap. Robert's team is play a league weekend here in San Jose. They already placed 2 games yesterday - lost 1 and won 1. They have 2 more today and one on Sunday. Other than hockey, I am looking forward to catching up on a few things...sitting and stitching being one of those things on my list.
So, my blog friends, I bid you a good weekend. Take care and remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often!
Lisa
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The foundation & the roof-surrounds us like a good hug
With the foundation complete and 3 windows left to put the white trim on, I decided to get a start on the roof before the winter rains begin. As crazy as things are right now, it was nice to take the time last night - turn on the NHL Sharks hockey game (even though they aren't playing very well) and loose myself as I stitched the dark brown shingles of my house. Each little pull of the thread seemed to relase some of the stress I have been holding on to over the last few days. Each cross of the "X" seemed to remind me that with the love of my family, we can get through whatever we face...as long as we face it together.
I know that I am getting a little overly...oh, what is the right word...dramatic, maybe? Well, aside from all the stress that organizing my older son's, Robert's, hockey team's airline travels to Canada and back home for next month (that is all done and worked out perfectly in the end)...we are getting ready for the finalization of all the closing paperwork and the closing costs of purchasing this business. And, it is coming in a little more than we anticipated, which might leave things tight for a while. Just like planning the hockey travels, I am sure that things will work out :)
And speaking of the hockey front, we do have some good news...some news that this proud hockey mom can brag about. Both boys' teams announced Captains and Assistant Captians this week...and...drum roll please....
Robert is an Assistant Captain of his Bantam AAA Hockey Team
Matthew is the Captain of his PeeWee AAA Hockey Team
Pretty excited and proud of my two boys - nice to have their hard work, discipline, respectfulness, dedication to the sport and to developing themselves recognized. So, now we have to get an "A" to apply to Robert's hockey jerseys and a "C" to apply to Matthew's.
Well, have a great Wednesday...this is the one day of the week where we don't have any evening activities and can enjoy some family time...even if it is just being together while the boys do their homework.
Take care, my blog friends, and remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often!
Lisa
Saturday, October 16, 2010
OMG...what a week!
Was it really just last Sunday night that I got back from the St. Louis trip? Was it really Monday that I went back to work, the kids back to school and the last time that I posted? It has just been crazy around here...just when I thought that I could come home from a hockey and family reunion weekend and just catch up, the damn opens and there is more work to deal with...
But before I whine about all the craziness, first I want to thank you for the wonderful comments regarding my trip to St. Louis. Yes, my grandmother is 92 and my mother is young too. Good genes perhaps? Or maybe because my grandmother keeps active and has a very good social lifestyle...and maybe because my mother exercises 7 days aweek, eats healthy, takes her vitamins and keeps a positive attitude. Well, whatever it is - there were no typos! Those were photos of my grandmother and my mother!
Also, as promised, here is the status of my Family Sampler.
I have just about finished the foundation of my house...just one more row on top and then I will add the roof. Building the foundation of a household/family - love, caring, respect, support, honesty, etc - is important. It is what holds you up during times of sorrow, uncertainty...times of stress. Every marriage and every family has its hills and valleys. I know that in my and DH's marriage (it will be 20 years next April...and we started dating the first week of our freshman year in college...so I have been with this guy for 25 years...more than 1/2 my lifetime) we have experienced both ups and downs - but our love, support & respect for one another keeps us going - - - - which is a good thing because it has kept us plugging away during our crazy week!
But before I whine about all the craziness, first I want to thank you for the wonderful comments regarding my trip to St. Louis. Yes, my grandmother is 92 and my mother is young too. Good genes perhaps? Or maybe because my grandmother keeps active and has a very good social lifestyle...and maybe because my mother exercises 7 days aweek, eats healthy, takes her vitamins and keeps a positive attitude. Well, whatever it is - there were no typos! Those were photos of my grandmother and my mother!
Also, as promised, here is the status of my Family Sampler.
Ok...the week...take a deep breathe.
Cleansing breath in...and let it out.
Cleansing breath in....and let it out.
We are 2 weeks away from owning our own business, which DH has been working hard on getting all the forms filled out; information filed with the different departments of different levels of government; meeting with lawyers, CPAs, brokers; (deep breath in...and let out) dealing with setting up business checking accounts and other accounts, etc. And as co-owner, I have been helping him out where I can...in between working outside the house, doing laundry, feeding the kids, preping for hockey practices, etc.
Crazy ain't it?!?!?!
And then on top of that...on the hockey related side of life...Robert's team has been accepted into the Medicine Hat Hockey Hounds 38th Annual Bantam Tournament which is next month. Because of the travel logistics, the fact that many of the boys travel w/o parents and they will be crossing the Canadian border it is important to make reservations for the whole group to travel up there, together, and then make it back home. This is what I was working on yesterday all afternoon - it took longer due to the flight that we wanted to get onto coming back home was full. I have arranged for the team to get up to Calgary/Medicine Hat, but still struggling with the details to get them back home. Oh, I know I am dumping on you...and I know that it will all work out...but right now my head is still spinning from trying to get it all organized (challenges of a team manager :)) Thank you for listening!
Well, I will let you go and end this crazy post. I hope that you all had a good week and that your weekend is filled with laughter, fun and love.
Take care and remember...
Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch often!
Lisa
Monday, October 11, 2010
Back home
Hello all, we are back home. Pulled into the driveway around 11pm last night...the boys unpacked their hockey bags and put their "stinkies" into the washer before heading off to bed and I got the rest of the luggage unpacked ready for a large laundry day after I get back home from work. We had a wonderful time in St. Louis...
Our flight was suppose to have left California Thursday at 10:55am, however due to some weather around Colorado and Utah our plane didn't arrive into California until after 11 so we didn't take off until 11:45am...which made us all nervous about our connecting flight (they assured us, since there were several others going to St. Louis that they would hold the flight for us when we arrive in Denver...but how many would trust that bit of information?) So, while we waited to board, the boys found the nearest power station to "waste sometime". :)
We did get into Denver 45 minutes later than scheduled - actually we landed when the connecting flight was scheduled to take off - but they did hold the plane for us and any other passenger who was on our flight going to St. Louis. So, once we all found seats (had to sit separately, but just grateful that they held the flight), we wiped our brow and settled in the for 60 minute flight into St. Louis. Once we landed, we headed over to the baggage claim to collect all of our things and then waiting for Robert's (older son) hockey team to arrive. I needed to accomplish my Team Manager requirements (make sure that all the players were accounted for - several were flying on different plans - and make sure that the chaperones received the team vans we had made reservations for) before handing Robert over to the coach and then heading out with Matthew and DH. By the time we got the team vans, all of the players had made it to the car rental place and were ready to load up and find food. DH and Matthew, who had gotten our car, were impatientally waiting for me to finish up so that we could head out, get Matthew some food, and meet up with his team.
Yes...both our boys were playing in the same tournament and we all were actually staying in the same hotel. So, even though Robert travelled on the plane with us, we handed him over to the team as soon as we got things organized so that he would be able to get the "team experience" as much as possible with us staying at the same place. Definitely a nice was to "cut the umbilical cord" slowly :)
Friday - both boys had 2 games each: both around 9:30am & 9:45am and then again in the afternoon at 3pm & 3:30pm...and both at the same arena (definitely the perfect situation!). Both boys lost their first games - Matthew's team only lost 0-4, which we were very happy with...not the loss, obviously - but the way they had played; for they worked as a team. Robert's team's loss, we weren't so happy with because they have enough talent on the team to have won the game, but they just didn't play well. After the morning games were over - DH, Matthew and I headed back to the hotel so that he could eat and rest up before the afternoon game.
At the 3-3:30pm games, the boys had a cheering section. As mentioned in several posts last week I was expecting my mother's side of the family and my grandmother to be in St. Louis during the same weekend and attend the Friday afternoon games. Well they did and it was fun!
Matthew's game started at 3pm, so we started out watching his game until Robert started (around 3:30pm). This was one very exciting game! Matthew's team is the one I have been writing about, regarding the disgruntled parents due to the team's continue losses and its schedule to travel once a month all over the US. This is the team which wasn't "expected" to win many games throughout the year, but they were "expected" to develop throughout the year. Well, if my foreshadowing isn't working, then I will come out and tell you that Matthew's team won their first game on Friday afternoon with a score of 5-4...and Matthew scored the 2nd goal of the game. And it was witness by his 92 year old great-grandmother and all his family who sat in the stands during that game. It was wonderful to watch that time to come together and really, really play hockey!
Once Matthew's game was over, we all moved over to the other rink to watch the last half of Robert's game. They were winning their game too, but it was one of those blow out games where you win "a lot" to zero...and no one on your team is playing good hockey for they are all focused on scoring and increasing the amount of points they have. So, while we were somewhat happy they won, too, we knew in our hearts that it just wasn't a good game. But, with my family there - they were excited to watch Robert and his team play and were excited to be present for their win, too.
While we were waiting for Robert to come out of the locker room, we had some photo oportunities:
And when Robert finally came out of the locker room all dressed, we had more opportunities for family photos:
We were able to get a photo of 4 generations (front to back): Robert, great-grandma (my grandmother), grandma (my mother), Matthew and me. How cool is that? To get a 4 generation photo taken at a hockey tournament !!!
We left the rink with both boys and headed out to dinner and a little "family reunion" so that the boys would have an opportunity to visit with all the greats and grands. After dinner we got in one more family photo of all of us at Joe's Crab Shack:
It was so wonderful to see my parents and uncles...but amazing to see my grandmother!
Saturday and Sunday were filled with more hockey games for both boys. Matthew team continued to win - YAHOO! Their Saturday morning game they won 2-1 which qualified them for the 3rd place consolation game...how exciting is that? Well, not as exciting as the consolation game because they won that game 6-3 and Matthew scored a hat trick (3 goals in one game). The boys played so well the whole weekend winning 3 of their 4 games. It wasn't so much that they won their games - it was that they passed well, they skated hard and consistantly worked in every game...they did so well in fact, they got the thumbs up from their coach :)
Robert's team didn't do well...they lost their Saturday evening game to another team that they should have beat, which placed them also into 3rd place. Their 3rd place consolation game was Sunday @ 11am...which they won easily in another lopsided blow out. As excited we were for Matthew's team...we were definitely bummed for Robert's team. Hockey tournaments can definitely be compared to riding roller coasters :)
Well, back home now and back to reality and routine. Up and going this morning so that I can get the boys around for school and me off to work...and the hockey gear washed for practices tonight. I was able to get some stitching in over the weekend - I have been stitching the house some more, almost done with it. I will do a status post on that later in the week. In the meantime, it is time to catch up on some blog reading and facebook reading and emailing.
Our flight was suppose to have left California Thursday at 10:55am, however due to some weather around Colorado and Utah our plane didn't arrive into California until after 11 so we didn't take off until 11:45am...which made us all nervous about our connecting flight (they assured us, since there were several others going to St. Louis that they would hold the flight for us when we arrive in Denver...but how many would trust that bit of information?) So, while we waited to board, the boys found the nearest power station to "waste sometime". :)
 |
| Matthew (left) and Robert (right) playing some sort of game while waiting for the plane to board. Both boys have on their "travel attire" which includes: dress pants, dress shoes and the Jr. Shark polo shirt. |
Yes...both our boys were playing in the same tournament and we all were actually staying in the same hotel. So, even though Robert travelled on the plane with us, we handed him over to the team as soon as we got things organized so that he would be able to get the "team experience" as much as possible with us staying at the same place. Definitely a nice was to "cut the umbilical cord" slowly :)
Friday - both boys had 2 games each: both around 9:30am & 9:45am and then again in the afternoon at 3pm & 3:30pm...and both at the same arena (definitely the perfect situation!). Both boys lost their first games - Matthew's team only lost 0-4, which we were very happy with...not the loss, obviously - but the way they had played; for they worked as a team. Robert's team's loss, we weren't so happy with because they have enough talent on the team to have won the game, but they just didn't play well. After the morning games were over - DH, Matthew and I headed back to the hotel so that he could eat and rest up before the afternoon game.
At the 3-3:30pm games, the boys had a cheering section. As mentioned in several posts last week I was expecting my mother's side of the family and my grandmother to be in St. Louis during the same weekend and attend the Friday afternoon games. Well they did and it was fun!
 |
| In the stands at Matthew's game (front to back): me, my mother, my grandmother who was reaching back and can't be seen very well, my uncle (my mother's brother), my other uncle (my mother's other brother) and DH. |
 |
| In the stands of Matthew's game (front to back): my father, me, my mother, my grandmother (fyi...she is 92), my uncle and my DH. Other uncle was taking the picture. |
Once Matthew's game was over, we all moved over to the other rink to watch the last half of Robert's game. They were winning their game too, but it was one of those blow out games where you win "a lot" to zero...and no one on your team is playing good hockey for they are all focused on scoring and increasing the amount of points they have. So, while we were somewhat happy they won, too, we knew in our hearts that it just wasn't a good game. But, with my family there - they were excited to watch Robert and his team play and were excited to be present for their win, too.
While we were waiting for Robert to come out of the locker room, we had some photo oportunities:
 |
| Matthew with his great-grandmother (on the left) and his grandmother (on the right) |
 |
| Matthew posing with his great-uncles, his great-grandmother and his grandma |
 |
| 4 generations |
We left the rink with both boys and headed out to dinner and a little "family reunion" so that the boys would have an opportunity to visit with all the greats and grands. After dinner we got in one more family photo of all of us at Joe's Crab Shack:
 |
| Family Reunion |
Saturday and Sunday were filled with more hockey games for both boys. Matthew team continued to win - YAHOO! Their Saturday morning game they won 2-1 which qualified them for the 3rd place consolation game...how exciting is that? Well, not as exciting as the consolation game because they won that game 6-3 and Matthew scored a hat trick (3 goals in one game). The boys played so well the whole weekend winning 3 of their 4 games. It wasn't so much that they won their games - it was that they passed well, they skated hard and consistantly worked in every game...they did so well in fact, they got the thumbs up from their coach :)
 |
| Good Job Boys! Coach Derek Eisler giving Matthew and his line mates the "thumbs up". |
Well, back home now and back to reality and routine. Up and going this morning so that I can get the boys around for school and me off to work...and the hockey gear washed for practices tonight. I was able to get some stitching in over the weekend - I have been stitching the house some more, almost done with it. I will do a status post on that later in the week. In the meantime, it is time to catch up on some blog reading and facebook reading and emailing.
Take a deep breathe and remeber to:
Live, Love, Laugh
and Cross some X's.
Lisa
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