It's been a much happier be-lated birthday...

This year, unfortunately on my birthday I was deathly ill. If you have ever been sick on your birthday then you would know how it feels. It certainly didn't feel like a day of celebrations. I missed an evening out with a dear friend, and a lovely dinner on Thursday. Thankfully we can reschedule dinner with friends, and tonight we celebrated with family. No big deal....its not about the day, its about spending time with the family. I am just happy that I felt well enough to get together with my parents.
Whenever any mom gets sick I am sure the household goes into disarray, but when I get sick all hell breaks loose. lol...For poor Paul anyways, he doesn't only have to worry about going to his job outside of the house, he has to do the job inside the house as well. The poor guy got no sleep Tuesday night, I kept him up vomitting from 3;30am to 7:30am, then he had to get Braden up as our nurse doesn't come in until Thursday mornings. Thankfully Braden was fine with getting up an hour early on Wednesday morning, Paul explained that I was sick and he understood. Paul fed the dogs, made Braden a lunch left him out drinks that he could reach, he filled my bathroom with toilet paper, brought me water, medication and went into work late. I did not get out of bed until mid afternoon, and Paul sent me a text telling me he would stop at Swiss Chalet to bring home some chicken noodle soup. He brought dinner home, cleaned the kitchen, fed the family, did some laundry, brought me some gingerale and medication...and he even agreed to watch American Idol with me once I came downstairs to have a quick visit with him. At bed time he stayed up until 11pm, to put Braden into bed...and once again Braden sacrificed his own time to accomadate my illness. Thankfully Thursday morning our nurse was in and everything started to resume back to normal life. Kailey took me to Sobeys so we could get some food in this house. I probably should have just sent her with a list, but sometimes its good to push yourself a little bit.
I truly am one blessed woman, and I thank god daily for him. He has always been so attentive to my needs, he has always taken such good care of his family. Thank you to all of them who did such a good job while I was down and out, love you guys!!
Before all this went down, last Monday I had a lovely dinner with a dear friend. She treated me out to a wonderful dinner at the Blackshop here in Cambridge. Its a pretty prestigious restaurant, so the meal was wonderful and dessert topped it off perfectly. She also surprised me with these lovely flowers, just so pretty and pink..the way I like them!

  Below is picture of dessert we had, it was so good. Thanks so much Candy for the wonderful evening it was so nice to catch up~

 

 

 

 

 

 

With not being able to celebrate  last night, I had the priveledge to be with family this evening. On a sad note...dear Kailey has caught the bug that I so badly suffered with. My poor girl couldn't join us for dinner, or enjoy one of these yummy cupcakes. It was a quiet birthday, but one spent with those I love. Thank you to my parents for the most beautiful new Fossil watch, I LOVE it!! You guys are the best!

 

 

Ella wore her new party dress to momma's birthday tonight. Its her favorite, its says Mommy's little Princess on it...she's precious~

 

Well my Zeta's, I'm out...its been a rough few days but I am on the mend...just have to get the girl feeling better. On a happier note, I have come to find out that I have a few new little readers' of this blog that I am excited to hear about. Just hoping maybe I could encourage some of them to blog...I bet they'd be great at it~ To those special few...thanks for reading, you know who you are ;) good night my friends and god bless~

I'm Loving It...

Do you ever re-live a moment in your day, out of nowhere...you make a decision and then all of a sudden a whole bunch of strong memories come rushing back? Today I had that moment, Braden and I were driving home from  Hamilton and I was craving a MacDonalds strawberry milkshake. Like I was seriously dying for one...I just had to get it. So I did...we went through the drive through, I got my shake..happy girl I was. My first sip, that beautiful, sweet strawberry deliciousness hit my lips..and it happened. There was a memory associated with that wonderful tasting yummy delight. It must have been about 8 or so years ago when Braden was in MacMaster University Hospital having Spinal Cord Surgery. Once again Paul and I had retreated back to our hospital life style...anyone who has spent an excessive amount of time in a hospital will understand the "hospital lifestyle". It was our routine, it was how we lived inorder to survive whatever  ordeal we were going through.
It went like this, I would spend the day with Braden at the hospital, dealing with doctors, specialist, CT scans, MRI's, therapy, childlife appts, nurses and at times the occassional visitor...and I mean occassional.
Paul would do evenings/nights...during the day he'd catch up on sleep cause typically he didn't get too much especially if he was in ICU, too many bells and whistles, trauma's and interruptions. Then he'd check in on Kailey who was usually shipped off to nana and papa's house for weeks on end never really understanding what was happening...probably unconsciously living in fear and uncertaintly. All the while missing her own stable life at home in the comforts of her own bed. I guess if you really think of her time during all this...it must have been extremely difficult. Not having her parents close, and when they were close, they would be so preoccupied with the upset they were dealing with. How do you truly enjoy a playdate at 8 years old when in the  back of her mind she is constantly worrying about the welfare of her brother...or possibly even trying to comprehend something she may have over heard during adult conversation.
Ok, so back to my milkshake...The taste, smell and cold texture reminded me so vividly of how I felt every night leaving that hospital. Part of my ritual was to drive through MacDonalds in Dundas and grab a cheeseburger and a strawberry milkshake. Almost every night, if Paul didn't come in early with a meal for the 2 of us to eat together..to catch up, to maybe steal an hour together sitting in a hospital room while Braden watched from the vicinity of his hospital bed. Typcially we'd put a movie on for him...while we had some time to catch up.
My drive home on those night were for the most part pretty weighty. Kinda sedate or reflective...what can I do to speed up things? What can I change in Braden's care tomorrow? Who do I need to touch base with? How is Kailey's school going? Is she ok? So many things going on...its what we call Hospital life.
Some nights however...those Strawberry Milkshakes may have been the only pleasure I have had that day...it may have been the force that had stopped me on many occassions from running my van into a ditch. Having that straw take control of the vulgar, angry and very sad emotions and words just errupting from my lips was probably the one thing that kept my mind from being misplaced. On those nights...I was scared, and that milkshake kept me current maybe even real.
During the drive today I even mentioned my routine to Braden, what that milkshake represented. His response was one I hadn't expected..."Mom, I can't imagine at that age..going through all that". I suppose with him in his 21 year..and slowly growing into a mature adult, he can now almost understand the magnitude of that time in our life. I did remind him that in the beginning back in 1995...when the accident had occurred I actually didn't leave his side, I never returned home. Not for four months. We chatted a few more minutes...the sun was shining, I can see small signs of spring coming through, my music was playing and I had my milkshake. Today that shake represented something alot different...it was just plain happiness~ All was well in the world, and there was nothing better that I would have been wanting to be doing. That moment today is literally one of those times when someone says to you "enjoy the small things in life"...seriously, I don't have words to describe how much I was enjoying that small thing in life...that milkshake...
Until tomorrow my zeta's good night and god bless~

My dream wedding..Barn stable style

I have been married for 21 years, married my best friend in 1993 and at the time it was the years of rented wedding halls. Halls that we decorated with balloons, flowers and table centre pieces. Everyone pretty much did the same thing, it wasn't known really to look outside the box and change things up and to be fair we were only 21 years old, really too young to be getting married....To b. It was ale original wasn't really heard of, it was all about the alcohol, dance and reception. My wedding was beautiful, we didn't have a ton of money at the time so we had to make due with certain things...we had to make some sacrifices. With only being 21 years old in 1993, and not having Pinterest available or even the internet for that matter...we pretty much just followed the lead of those who married before us. I did make some personal changes..my cake wasn't the usual 3-tier cake, it was heart shaped, single layered and elegant. Paul and I made our own invitations too..designed with love and of course made to save money on something that we felt wasn't necessary. Looking back today they were very simple invitations..but we made them and at the time we were pretty proud. Some of my originality shined through I suppose. I have always been a simplistist, I love things that are mininal shine, but briliantly sparkles..Lets look below and see what I mean~

 

 

Take a look at these cakes....plain yet elegant, simple yet sophisticated. Just imagine the white cake on the right sitting on top of that wooden/tree stump cake stand. Minimal shine..but it sparkles..those diamonds {fake of course} add so much detail..and the cake stand makes it look down to earth, not too flashy, just the way I like it!!

 

 



Absolutely LOVE this cake stand...I think Paul and I are going to try and make one ourselves this summer with some of our tree stumps from the forest in our yard.

The cake with the beautiful blue flowers and the diamond studded cake wrap is so pretty...once again, just a bit of shine but alot of sparkle.

 So like I had said, My dream wedding in todays world would have to be a barn wedding, we are not farmers..and do not claim to be. We are not even cowboys or cowgirls...so there is no faking the cowboy boots and bandana's going on here. Not trying to rip off any identities from those who live hard and die young with rodeo stampede blood flowing through their viens. BUT...we are a down to earth family who very much loves the outdoors, quiet Saturday afternoons, reading a book, sipping a cool tall glass of lemonade while listening to the nature that surrounds us. Seriously, we as a family has always loved the outdoors. Technically if I could do it all again, we would be living on a small hobby farm with a few chickens maybe a goat and just a few more dogs. If I ever own a small barn one day..it would be my sanctuary...my quiet place. With all that said, we have always been a camping type family..when the kids were little we would go all the time, Tents, fires, music, bug spray, games, swimming, beaches, boats and family time. One of our favorite things to do was to have a campfire {still is a favorite} and we'd of course make S'mores...the best summertime treat. A barn wedding wouldn't be complete without S'mores...my wedding would have to have that option..because how much fun would this be?

 

 

A S'mores buffet table set up for guest while they wait for the bride and groom to return...pure heaven and of course you can't forget the sparkle...

 

Every wedding has those last guests who stay late and just can't seem to pull themselves away from your night...having a partially outdoor wedding wouldn't be complete without a campfire and hopefully someone who attends your wedding can pull out their guitar and some tunes can be sung. This is me....this is what means the most to me, family, friends a fire and drinks, reminicing, singing and having a good'ol fashion time~

I just love the cowboy boots look underneith the dress...how seriously cute is that?! Going along with my theme...the boots are down to earth, rugged, distressed, classy and comfortable but the dress shines...with alot of sparkle.

This cute little idea is perfect for a farm wedding. When the sun sets and you feel a slight chill, nothing is better than a warm cozy blanket to cuddle into. See its the small details that make a wedding unforgettable. I LOVE THIS!

 

 

 

 

 

This is absolutely gorgeous...it looks so elegant and beautiful. The dance floor is perfect...I love the set up and all the white lights...stunning~

I think I actually like the picture below's set up...I am in love with chandeler's, and just think you can make any room look perfect with the right chandeler and some good lighting. I love the table set up as well...Both pictures shown are dazzling.

 

 

 

 

 

Shown below are two amazingly cute idea's..S'mores kits as wedding favor's are just brilliant, especially if you have incorporated the whole fire and s'mores idea into your reception.

S"mores' Love

Ring for a kiss...absolutely fantastic idea!!!

Can you believe this first-class little flower girl dress...how sweet is that? I mean imagine this little girl with a pair of cowboy boots on? Precious...and perfect!

I kinda liked this little drink, cookie and flower station set up..with the crates and lemonade..again having this set up just outside of the barn for guests while they wait for you, so refreshing and adds character to your set up, gives a cute quaint area for people to come together and chat and enjoy eachothers company.

These two old antique doors set up outside, would be the coolest looking entrance ever..this isn't exactly something I would put with my barn wedding but it would work perfectly with an outdoor one. I just love it and think if the bride was coming through those doors while all her family and friends were waiting patiently...what an entrance she'd make!

Kinda like the S'mores idea, as a wedding favor I really do love this cute little idea. Small jars of homemade jam or red pepper jelly would be so cute. You could have your own personal labels made for the jars...and together with your bridesmaids you could make homemade jam. What a wonderful evening together, some wine, good music, strawberries, sugar and laughs...you've got yourself some good ol'bonding time~

Again...loving the cowboy boots with the dresses...

You definately have to have a photo booth...how much fun is that! Again it gives you something to do while you wait for the bride and groom to come back from pictures..etc.

 

So there you have it my Zeta's..in a nutshell this would be my perfect wedding. This was thrown together in the matter of an hour, maybe two..and I am well aware that I have missed many other things that are vitally important to a wedding. My pictures were taken from Pinterest...but my thoughts and feelings came from me! Hope you enjoyed my dream wedding makeup...i had alot of fun with this~

Until tomorrow my friends, good night and god bless~

He's Home....Family Dinner Night~

Tonight we had my parents over for dinner, Braden got home yesterday so they were anxious to see him. It was a lovely night, they even stayed to watch a movie. I tried a new recipe that I thought I would share, It was really good..simple but good.

So half way through dinner I had remembered that I wanted to blog about this recipe, I didn't get any prep pictures..Below I will share the recipe..

2 tablespoons melted butter
One roll refrigerated biscuit dough, 8 count
6 thin slices fresh mozzarella, 1/4-inch thick
1 cup Smithfield cooked, crumbled bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and brush a 9-inch cast iron skillet with melted butter.
Unroll biscuits from can and place into bottom of skillet. Top with slices of mozzarella cheese, bacon crumbles then shredded cheddar. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and biscuits are cooked through. Serve warm.
8 servings

Of course I had to decorate for him...everyone deserves a Welcome Home sign. Well back to normal this week, back to work and back to cooking regualar meals. Its all good though, I wouldn't want it any other way~

 

Until tomorrow my Zeta's, good night and god bless~

Throwback Thursdays...and Congratulations Canada on your Women's hockey Gold medal!!!

Well thats one day of the week that I for sure have a plan. Probably the easiest evening of the week cause I usually upload to instagram a throwback Thursday. Todays Throwback was to Paul's 27th birthday, I think? Close enough!! This picture was taken at our old residence when we lived in Paul's parents basement apartment. We had moved there that November 1994, it was our plan to save some money in order to buy a new home. Paul was working at Fasco motors as a mechanical engineer and I was finishing up an ECE college diploma program. I was also working part time at a Catholic school in our community for an afterschool program. Unfortunately that following March, I had my car accident which turned all of our plans and life goals totally upside down.

 I was recently talking to friend of mine over the phone about a common friend we both know. He had lost his wife to cancer and was just starting to make some changes in his own life, personal changes. My friend was expressing how our mutual friend had been feeling around his life, and how he didn't ask for this...to loose his wife was not his choice. He was struggling to move forward, make life decisions regarding issues that he never dreamed he'd have to make.  I felt for him...I could relate to his fear, I could understand his uncertainty. Having your life change, completely out of your control..is like sitting in the middle of a burning house. Fire all around you, stinging you, flickering hot sparks at you...all while you try to get

out. Sadly the fires too hot, you can't get out...and everything around you burns to the ground, you know you have to keep moving in order to survive..but in the end the smoke takes you down, its the slow steady dark cloud that doesn't hurt physically like the fire does..but it chokes you out, slows your breathing and snuffs out your life. No control. Its the scariest thing in life, and its how we felt on this day.

 

 
Yep we are smiling, we are moving...a moment caught in time. I have to say, in that moment the smiles were real. We had everything we wanted right there, it wasn' t completely how we wanted it. Everything had been altered, changed...and it was not the way we wanted. Much like our friend...this life we didn't plan for, we had no idea where to turn, what to do...and even at times how to move forward. How to breath with our lungs still filled with the smoke from that burning house that surrounded us. Its been just about 20 years since this time, since we smiled for this picture. The feelings of uncertaintly has faded, well for the most part! We still are unsure of the future, but I guess its safe to say that I can look back and say with certainty that we did a great job. We didn't always know what was going to happen, our plans for our family didn't turn out the way we had thought they would... but we did our best and I truly couldn't be happier with the outcome of these past 20 years. Its been a long at times terrifying road filled with uncertainty, pain, guilt and grief..but behind every tear shed..we have felt love, passion, commitment and togetherness.
Our dear friend will find his way, he will continue to move forward..each step he takes will be with caution. But I know deep down, eventually it will all feel right again. He will stop worrying, questioning his choices and feeling fearful of new adventures. The smoke will clear, and so will his thoughts...within time, within limits and boundries...he will rebuild, he will love again and all will feel right in the world again. Maybe not how he had planned it too be, not how he may have envisioned his future...but I will say with validity that in good time he will enjoy his new journey.

OH CANADA

So proud!! All us Canadians are celebrating with pride today!! Way to go Women's Canadian Hockey team...GOLD!!  It was such an exciting game, the American's played so hard...it really was an even game and between both teams either could have won. But I will give credit where credit is due...we won fair and square, worked hard and came out on top! WELL deserved win and bringing home the gold where it belongs~

Emergency lights

 I thought I would share with you an idea I found on Pinterest. I really liked this, so simple but so practical. How many times has your hydro or power gone out and you find yourself scrambling for candles or flashlights? I have been in situations where we've gone to get the flashlights...and they are not where we put them last. Probably because one of the kids have moved them. Well I have made these little Emergency candle kits to place in various spots around the house so I know where they are in case of an emergency.  You know, this is such a cute idea and really you could jazzy up these jars, add a cute card with some sort of rhyming verse and give it away as a small gift. The pictures are self explanitory, no need to go into a supply list...the only thing I will say is that everything I purchased was at the Dollarstore. Simple, cheap and practical...perfect~

What to do with my time off...

Well I thought I was going to get a full week off when Braden told me he was heading to Mexico. Technically I only have 3 days to get some things done around my house. The biggest job of course is going through Bradens rooms and cleaning them throroughly. THAT alone is going to take 3 full days. You know, I hadn't noticed before what a profound impact Braden's presence has in my life. He and I are the same person, and when we fight i'd say it reaches a level of dysfunction that no one should ever witness. However...when we laugh, there is no other who makes me laugh as much as he does. Its funny cause when I think of the only other person who could truly make me laugh so passionatley is my brother...honestly Braden is identical to him...I do miss my brother for that reason! I spend a large amount of my day with Braden, well not so much WITH eachother..but within eachothers space. Sometimes we can go days without really having a conversation..and yet we are driving to Hamilton, driving to appointments...or entertaining some sort of "professional" who needs to do a "visit" to see how things are. I am available for his every need...medically, physically, educationally, mentally, and every other area of his life that he needs assistance. Each doctor, therapist, rehabilitation and insurance situation he brings himself through..I am available. With Braden turning 20, its our job to turn over all these things in his life for him to take control of. MY GOD there are plenty. This recent trip he has taken he did it all himself. The only thing I helped him with was going to the bank to get travel insurance, in which we come to realize is included with his new "Priority" Visa. I can't express enough how proud we are of him...what an amazing job he did too. There is so much that he needs to know, understand and plan for..I am sure he felt it to be overwhelming at times, but he did it and we couldn't be prouder. So much that people don't think of when you are travelling with some one in wheelchair. The airplane/service needs to know the deminsions of the chair, weight, height, battery operated..everything. Then there is understaning his physical transfer needs onto and off of the plane, there needs to be accessible transfer available and reliable once he gets to Mexico. That is by far the most nerve wracking part of travel...its a 3rd world country that usually flies by the seat of their very laid back pants. Next is the actual resort..is it completely accessible? Is the bathroom going to suit his needs? In fact, his nurse while there these past few days has unfortunately hurt his back with transfers. Braden's nurse is a 6'7" big guy who is bending down to a bed fit for a country of 5' people. Thankfully problem was solved and the hotel raised Braden's bed....C is feeling better and recovering from his back pain. Can you imagine the fear, panic we felt when we heard C was having a difficult time getting Braden out of bed?
As you can imagine, thats alot for a 20 year old young man to organize and execute on his own, all that planning.  But he did it...and he did a wonderful job and I have no concerns with his abiltiy to survive in this world on his own. Speaking of on his own...I have done alot of thinking with him gone. How my life will change dramatically when he no longer lives with us. I thought I would get a true feeling of that with him gone this week, but I know he is coming home so its not the same. I don't truly know how I feel about him eventually moving out..part of me knows I will have an empty spot in my life, I will be lost without him here on a daily basis. I don't know what I will do with my time, especially living in Turkey Point. Paul and I are enjoying our new found time together...one thing is for sure..when Braden does go to live on his own, we will never be eating in anymore. Seriously, we havent had a meal at home since last Wednesday..thats terrible! I know I haven't said much about Kail in this whole adventures of everyone leaving the house and moving out on their own. The only thing I have to say is that Kail will always have a bedroom..wherever i live. She is always welcome back home, any time! You know what? That girl is growing up so fast...and she is having a great time in life right now, carefree fun with friends, her school plans for the future is coming along nicely. She will leave home, she will live on her own...but really..I think she will come home again, not forever...but once more time to be loved, spoiled and babied..one more time before she heads out into the big bad world of "the working adult". Its when I am happiest..it truly is, when my babies are home...I am complete~

Dunfield Theatre Cambridge and Bounty Enterprises Presents: The Masters

Last night myself, Kailey and my parents went down to the Dunfield Theatre to see The Masters. It was show that consisted of songs performed by singers who looked liked like and sounded like, Rod Stewert, Frankie Valli, Englebird Humperdink and Neil Diamond.

You know, it was actually a really good time!! Most of the songs they sang were very relatable not only to me..but to Kailey too. Although I contribute that to our awesome parenting cause we did raise our children listening to all sorts of music from all decades. I was very proud of Kailey, I had asked her to come last night after we realized Paul wasn't able too. Unfortunately she had a ringette tournament that she had to miss on yesterday. She agreed to come and without any arguments gave up her Saturday night to entertain me and my parents by attending this concert with us. That says alot of a 17 yr old teenage girl...giving up her ringette games, getting together with friends...and a girls night at the cottage. She sat through this concert, she clapped, sang and smiled the whole evening. Thank you Kailey it meant so much to me! Before we went to this concert Kailey and I went to dinner at the Red Basil, we love that place. It was nice to sit with her, have some one to one time just her and I. There seemed to be catching up too do so it was a perfect opportunity. I can not believe how fast grade 12 is going by...actually I can't beleive how fast highschool has goine by. We've been lucky with her...highschool wasn't to great for Braden, he didn't have the same experience that his sister did. Sometimes I wish i hadn't gone back to school to become a nurse because I had left him during those highschool years. Maybe his experience would have been different if I had been around? Maybe I could have put more of an effort into things for him and we could have avoided the problems he suffered through. Thankfully however, college was a better experience for him and he still has some highschool friends that he sees regularily. More importantly, even though he hated highschool..at least he finished it, and he did finish with great grades. As for Kailey, we got lucky with her. She met a really great group of girls in grade 9, and still today they are friends. What I like most about these girls...very minimal drama...VERY minimal. Well my friends, I am off...Paul and I are celebrating our valentines day today!! Here's to 25 Valentine kisses with the same man~

Galentine's Day....

I found this cute little ecard on twitter about Galentines Day...and at first I didn't quite get what it meant. Then I realized..its for the "Gal's"..

you know, the girls who have a group of friends whether single or taken..that just want to spend some time with eachother. Kinda cool..wish I would have thought about this when I was younger and had more time to devote to my gal friends. Honestly I think that was the plan for Kail and her friends this valentines day, but then they had a tournament in NewMarket so those plans were abolished. Oh well..there's always next year.
I have been going through the bloggers that I follow getting caught up on their lives..its amazing how quickly time flies. It also amazes me how many of them have taken a break from blogging, I guess we all go through changes. I hope to keep this 3 for 3 streak going...it helps with not having facebook anymore thats for sure. Anyways back to Galentine's Day..I didn't put much attention into it, until I found a very popular blogger whom I follow in New York said she was attending her yearly GALentine's Day get together with her favorite Gal's. SO cool...they are all a bunch of married women who get together the day before valentine's day and watch a movie (Clueless), have snacks while lounging in their pajama's or comfy clothes. Fun right?! I think so!!

I've still been putting some thought into this blog..trying to find clever ways to blog about family life without giving out to much info that might upset my young/teen adults. I seem to be asking for permission all the time...especially with Braden. Alot of the bloggers I follow are parents of children with special needs..but most of those children are developmentally delayed and are unable to verbalize their own feelings around their parent sharing stories about them. MINE on the other hand is very capable of voicing his feelings...sometimes a bit too loudly!
He's been gone for 3 days...I will share tomorrow how I am doing, things that have crossed my mind. I have heard from him and he is having a great time! Well my friends, until tomorrow..good day and god bless~ 

Happy Valentine's Day To You...

How has your Valentine's day been my friends? Today has been a good day in my house, I surprised Braden and Cam with some Valentine treats in Braden's luggage. I got a lovely text from Braden saying thank you and he loves me. Kailey recieved some treats and a card from Paul and I...she loves candy, not much of a chocolate lover so we surprised her with candies. I have had 25 Valentines with Paul....we have not missed one. Every valentines day we have been happy and together, that's a blessing and something I am very proud of. It has been important to both of us that we treat each Valentine's day like it was our first, it has been important to us to not become mundane in our celebrations and continue to surprise eachother with a small gift, dinner or flowers. We have got creative through the years..we have had those valentine's where money was an issue. We have had to cook dinner at home, we have made gifts for eachother, we have wrote letters, dipped strawberries and drank wine, locked ourselves in our bedroom, lit candles and had some quiet moments, we have made dinner with the kids and included them in our celebrations and we even were in Mexico one year for Valentines day. We have missed eachother on the 14th, but we made up for the lost time on a different date. I can always count on beautiful flowers and a card that makes me smile, maybe this year...sit down with your spouce/partner and try to think of each year you have spent together and recount all your valentine celebrations. Paul and I have done that and we have shared in some pretty funny memories. I wanted to post a few ideas that I found on Pinterest to share on my blog..especially for those who may be struggling financially...its not always about the gift, most importantly its about the time you give eachother. Its about laughing, smiling and quiet times spent between the two of you. Even if you have young children...include them in your famly valentines dinner, let them help out in the kitchen. We use to do this with our kids, and I would play "Love Songs" in the kitchen and we would talk about romance, love and relationships..but only at their "kid" level..you can never start to young expressing the importance of how you deserve to be treated...and/or how you should treat those you love...including yourself..if you so happen have to spend a valentines day alone, treat yourself...be good to yourself, thats ok..and its important!
I found this cute, cheap idea that I thought I would share...you could totally get white cheap pillow cases at Walmart, Target or even the Dollarstore..
I am sure you could even find Fabric Markers at those stores as well..but seriously, you could totally do this on your own..what a cheap, cute inexpensive idea for a Valentines gift for your love~

 

This was originally what I wanted to do for Paul...I mean how easy is this and what man wouldn't love a bag of peanuts and a cool bottle of  beer? Perfect..right?

This is something that i would love to do for Paul next year...he would LOVE this..especially the cigar...the beer glass i would have engraved I think. Make it a bit more personal.

 Well my friends, Whatever you do today and whoever you are with..i am wishing you lots of love and happiness, smile plenty, hug tight and kiss strongly. Much love to you my lovelies..until tomorrow good night and god bless~

He's off to Mexico..

Well friends the time has come, my boy is taking his first international trip on his own. Yesterday I was freaking out, while I was packing him. We were going through all his stuff and I was giving him reminders of everything. We are so proud of him. He booked this all on his own, he planned it and organized everything himslef, way to go Braden!! His next trip he hopes to get to Germany. My god I will be a wreak if he does that. I know he is in good hands, pictured beside him is Cam..he is a nursing student who has been with us for a couple years. They are going to have such a great time! Sometimes I wish I could go back to all those people who told me I was smothering him and that he would never be independent because of me. Well look at him now...

No promises...

I cannot make any promises but for tonight i am back and happy to be back. I would love to commit and say that I  am going to be blogging daily but I don't know, it doesn't feel the same to blog any more. I can't about my kids cause they don't want their personal lives all over the internet, and I can't really write inserts from my pending book cause then Blogger will own my words. SO it leaves me with very little. I guess its a start to say that deleted facebook. I got rid of that addiction, so maybe you will see more of me here. I need to get creative and make this blog come to life again...I've been thinking of making it private as well...then only those who I want to see it can. Do you have any plans for Valentines Day? We do..but not until Sunday, and boy am I looking forward to that!! Braden leaves for Mexico tomorrow...I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I know deep down he will be fine, doesn't mean I won't worry. Well I am going to come up with a new game plan and hopefully revive this blog...make some decisions! Until tomorrow (fingers crossed i"ll be back) good night and god bless~