I know that I'm looking forward to getting a fresh start. LOL
Thank you for coming to visit and for all of your comments. They are appreciated.
See you next year! Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
31 December 2008
On This Eve....
Just a quick post to wish you all a 
I know that I'm looking forward to getting a fresh start. LOL
Thank you for coming to visit and for all of your comments. They are appreciated.
See you next year! Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
I know that I'm looking forward to getting a fresh start. LOL
Thank you for coming to visit and for all of your comments. They are appreciated.
See you next year! Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
15 December 2008
BRRRRrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!
Oh my heck, it's -12 degrees here! DH assures me that this is a "FREAK" occurrence in our area but I'm not taking much comfort in that. LOL. And neither is Fritz, the poor little guy. He doesn't even want to go out and do his business - but who can blame him. I know I'm avoiding it like the plague!
I'm really trying to muster up the nerve to go out today. I have some shopping to do and I need to get some goodies mailed off to my niece and nephew. I'm playing Santa this year because my DB has fallen on hard times. I wrote each of them a letter from Santa assuring them that he was still coming to visit them. I found the most darling images of stamps online, printed them out, cut them to size, and popped their letters into the envelopes.
Anyway, being able to shop for them and help to make Christmas this year full of good memories for them has done a WORLD of good for me too. Over the past few years I pretty much stopped shopping for everyone except Mathew. And sad but true I started sending gift certificates. Don't get me wrong - I loved to shop and wrap but I just hated having to take 1/3 of what I had to spend on someone and give it to the Post Office to get it there. And even though I AM mailing BOXES this year, I'm sending them FedEx. It's less expensive, it's quicker, and chances are better that it will get there UNDAMAGED!!!!
As for what's happening around here......
We did manage to get the tree up.....FINALLY! And the house is as decorated as it's going to get. I don't know how many years now that I've been telling myself that NEXT YEAR I'll get an earlier start. And who knows, maybe next near we really will be settled in and might have some of the boxes downstairs gone through so that we can actually find the things that we want to put out. LOL.
This year we did manage to get.... most of the Santas and Nut Crackers out,
and some of the angels. The stockings are hung and waiting,
and the dining room is ready for dinner guests.
Now all we can do around here is wait for Santa! Luckily we have Ms. Moo and the Micekins to keep us company.
It's actually been nice to take a more stress-free approach to Christmas this year. We didn't send any Christmas cards out but do plan to put together an "after the holidays" newsletter. Maybe everyone will be ready by THEN to take the time to read it.
It's also been really nice to have some extra time with friends and to participate in our community. We just wrapped up collections for a local food drive and Saturday is delivery day. We are meeting early at the Elks where volunteers will load our cars up and then we'll be off to make our deliveries to Longmont residences. I'll also including a stop at our local animal shelter. Furbabies get hungry too, you know!!!!
Well, the sun is out and I really need to try and get Fritz to venture out there. Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
04 December 2008
A Morning and Memory Lane
This post is more of a "Get if off your chest" sort of relief for me, than something most of you will probably want to read. It exposes a bit of my inner most feelings ranging from doubt to confusion, to regrets, to anger, to hopes, to my struggle with still tying to come to terms with things going on in my life.
Read on if you wish.........
I woke up this morning and saw that it had snowed again during the night. It was still early enough that the snow, even on the street, was undisturbed. I was quite taken by how quiet and peaceful it was in this little world of white. DH was still asleep, as was Fritz, so I poured a cup of coffee and booted up my computer. While I was waiting I stood at the patio door looking outside and thinking about Life in general.
Suddenly, I noticed that a tear had run down my cheek and dropped onto my hand. It was then that I realized I was thinking about Mathew. It's been nearly a year since I've seen him. That probably wouldn't be so difficult to take if we were at least talking or emailing - communicating in some manner - but we're not. Obviously, he hasn't found a place in his heart or in his life for us yet.
And all of my pleading with and praying to GOD hasn't seemed to make a difference. I fear I'm loosing what little faith I have left. So, the tears continue to fall, my heart continues to ache, and I remain unable to live in the present. I have even tried to convince myself that remodeling would make THIS house feel like home. But I don't think it will. Mathew made it feel like home. And he took that feeling with him when he left.
I guess I should be happy that I haven't received a nasty email from him for awhile. It's tough to have your "baby" tell you that he hates you. That you're not now, and never were a "MOM" to him. That everything he is, he owes to someone else. Yada, yada, yada. It's also difficult for me to believe that that is really how he feels. He and I were always so close. But that was the stance he took after only about 2-3 months of living with my ex (Brian Domire) and his wife (Karla Domire). It's amazing how quickly a couple of vindictive adults can corrupt a young mind. It's sad and sickening!
Am I bitter - oh you betcha!
Brian barely had the time of day for Mathew all the time he was growing up. Oh he screamed loud enough about "his parental rights" but he was all talk! The only way he would do 'the right thing' was to drag his butt into court. And Karla wasn't any better. She even perjured herself! What a pair they are.
Anyway, Brian and Karla start grooming Mathew the summer of 2007 during his visit with them. Then after school starts, out of the blue, Brian starts sending Mathew letters, cards, etc, enticing him to come and live with them in Grantsville, Utah. Offering a "Better" life. And the next thing you know, he's buying Mathew a plane ticket, telling me he didn't, and Mathew is gone!
That was a year ago in October. Mathew came home for Christmas last year but Brian and Karla just couldn't leave well enough alone. Mathew and I both said things to each other that should never have been said but unfortunately, people some times do those things. Even more unfortunate, Brian and Karla convinced Mathew that I didn't love him. That I only wanted to control him. It was my last Christmas with Mathew (as a minor) and they had the cops at my door for no reason at midnight. They changed Mathew's return flight and when he left, our relationship was ruined.
THANK YOU BRIAN and KARLA!
DH has come downstairs, surprised that he slept so late. Now, a rush to get ready for work. He smiles and gives me a kiss on the cheek, he gets his coffee and takes Fritz outside for his morning duties. He loves the snow, the cold weather, the mountains, and sees life through optimistic eyes.
I had to smile watching them. Wondering around the back yard, kicking up snow, their breath coming out in long streams of steam. Totally oblivious to the snow sticking to them, or the cold settling in. I reminded me of a moment of innocence. Then in they came. Kicking snow off, toweling Fritz's feet off, another cup of coffee, and another kiss on the cheek. Time to go to work.
Fritz knows me better than I know myself sometimes. As soon as DH left, he walks into my studio and lays by the computer. It must be time to check email - so I do. And I'm happily surprised to see an email from my mom. But then again, maybe not.
The news is sad. My DB and DSIL have been having such a time of it. He's been out of work, they are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. It seems that there is far too much of that happening every where. Anyway, as I read the email again with the tears. After contacting any organizations that might be able to help (Toys for Tots, etc.) and being turned away, my DB had to sit down and have the "Truth about Santa" talk with my 10 year old nephew. There won't be Christmas at their house this year. SO, with a breaking heart he had to try and explain it.
How do you do that? What kind of a LIFE requires you to take away that innocence? Those dreams? Again I find myself wondering WHY? Wipe away the tears, shake my head, hug myself, cry some more..........
Of course, I will send extra for my nephew and my niece this year. I will do what I can to try and take the sting out of the disappointment. But I know that I will end up wishing I could have done more. I suppose there will be way too much of that sentiment this year with so many families struggling to stay afloat. (Sarcastically I say, "THANK YOU BIG CEO's, WALL STREET, AND SUB-PRIME MORTGAGE LENDERS!" and "Shame on us for having too much for too long and not really appreciating it!").
Oh well....In the style of Scrooge, I visit the ghosts of Christmas Past.
Christmas 2001. Mat, Dustin, Mom, Monique and Alyssa.
Christmass 2002. Dustin, Mat and Monique
Christmas 2003. Mat with his scooter.
Christmas 2004. Mat recovering from foot surgery.
Christmas 2005. Mat with new watch.
Christmas 2007. Mat with Letter Jacket.
Maybe Santa will bring me a fresh outlook for Christmas. Maybe GOD will be listening a little closer and will help me find some inner peace. Maybe Mathew will listen to his heart and will call. Maybe I'll write a book. Maybe I'll just get tough and move on. Who knows. But for now at least, it's time to dry my eyes and push those feelings aside - again!
Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
Read on if you wish.........
I woke up this morning and saw that it had snowed again during the night. It was still early enough that the snow, even on the street, was undisturbed. I was quite taken by how quiet and peaceful it was in this little world of white. DH was still asleep, as was Fritz, so I poured a cup of coffee and booted up my computer. While I was waiting I stood at the patio door looking outside and thinking about Life in general.
Suddenly, I noticed that a tear had run down my cheek and dropped onto my hand. It was then that I realized I was thinking about Mathew. It's been nearly a year since I've seen him. That probably wouldn't be so difficult to take if we were at least talking or emailing - communicating in some manner - but we're not. Obviously, he hasn't found a place in his heart or in his life for us yet.
And all of my pleading with and praying to GOD hasn't seemed to make a difference. I fear I'm loosing what little faith I have left. So, the tears continue to fall, my heart continues to ache, and I remain unable to live in the present. I have even tried to convince myself that remodeling would make THIS house feel like home. But I don't think it will. Mathew made it feel like home. And he took that feeling with him when he left.
I guess I should be happy that I haven't received a nasty email from him for awhile. It's tough to have your "baby" tell you that he hates you. That you're not now, and never were a "MOM" to him. That everything he is, he owes to someone else. Yada, yada, yada. It's also difficult for me to believe that that is really how he feels. He and I were always so close. But that was the stance he took after only about 2-3 months of living with my ex (Brian Domire) and his wife (Karla Domire). It's amazing how quickly a couple of vindictive adults can corrupt a young mind. It's sad and sickening!
Am I bitter - oh you betcha!
Brian barely had the time of day for Mathew all the time he was growing up. Oh he screamed loud enough about "his parental rights" but he was all talk! The only way he would do 'the right thing' was to drag his butt into court. And Karla wasn't any better. She even perjured herself! What a pair they are.
Anyway, Brian and Karla start grooming Mathew the summer of 2007 during his visit with them. Then after school starts, out of the blue, Brian starts sending Mathew letters, cards, etc, enticing him to come and live with them in Grantsville, Utah. Offering a "Better" life. And the next thing you know, he's buying Mathew a plane ticket, telling me he didn't, and Mathew is gone!
That was a year ago in October. Mathew came home for Christmas last year but Brian and Karla just couldn't leave well enough alone. Mathew and I both said things to each other that should never have been said but unfortunately, people some times do those things. Even more unfortunate, Brian and Karla convinced Mathew that I didn't love him. That I only wanted to control him. It was my last Christmas with Mathew (as a minor) and they had the cops at my door for no reason at midnight. They changed Mathew's return flight and when he left, our relationship was ruined.
THANK YOU BRIAN and KARLA!
DH has come downstairs, surprised that he slept so late. Now, a rush to get ready for work. He smiles and gives me a kiss on the cheek, he gets his coffee and takes Fritz outside for his morning duties. He loves the snow, the cold weather, the mountains, and sees life through optimistic eyes.
I had to smile watching them. Wondering around the back yard, kicking up snow, their breath coming out in long streams of steam. Totally oblivious to the snow sticking to them, or the cold settling in. I reminded me of a moment of innocence. Then in they came. Kicking snow off, toweling Fritz's feet off, another cup of coffee, and another kiss on the cheek. Time to go to work.
Fritz knows me better than I know myself sometimes. As soon as DH left, he walks into my studio and lays by the computer. It must be time to check email - so I do. And I'm happily surprised to see an email from my mom. But then again, maybe not.
The news is sad. My DB and DSIL have been having such a time of it. He's been out of work, they are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. It seems that there is far too much of that happening every where. Anyway, as I read the email again with the tears. After contacting any organizations that might be able to help (Toys for Tots, etc.) and being turned away, my DB had to sit down and have the "Truth about Santa" talk with my 10 year old nephew. There won't be Christmas at their house this year. SO, with a breaking heart he had to try and explain it.
How do you do that? What kind of a LIFE requires you to take away that innocence? Those dreams? Again I find myself wondering WHY? Wipe away the tears, shake my head, hug myself, cry some more..........
Of course, I will send extra for my nephew and my niece this year. I will do what I can to try and take the sting out of the disappointment. But I know that I will end up wishing I could have done more. I suppose there will be way too much of that sentiment this year with so many families struggling to stay afloat. (Sarcastically I say, "THANK YOU BIG CEO's, WALL STREET, AND SUB-PRIME MORTGAGE LENDERS!" and "Shame on us for having too much for too long and not really appreciating it!").
Oh well....In the style of Scrooge, I visit the ghosts of Christmas Past.
Christmas 2001. Mat, Dustin, Mom, Monique and Alyssa.
Christmass 2002. Dustin, Mat and Monique
Christmas 2003. Mat with his scooter.
Christmas 2004. Mat recovering from foot surgery.
Christmas 2005. Mat with new watch.
Christmas 2007. Mat with Letter Jacket.
Maybe Santa will bring me a fresh outlook for Christmas. Maybe GOD will be listening a little closer and will help me find some inner peace. Maybe Mathew will listen to his heart and will call. Maybe I'll write a book. Maybe I'll just get tough and move on. Who knows. But for now at least, it's time to dry my eyes and push those feelings aside - again!
Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
29 November 2008
Snow Day and Stuff
Well, I guess it was bound to happen - sooner or later. I'm not a fan of cold weather and especially not snow. But I have to admit it does make for a pretty picture from the inside looking out.
This is what things looked like yesterday from the deck.
And this is today!
I just love the look of Fritz's face. I couldn't have said it better myself! LOL. It also appears that we waited one day too long to put up Christmas lights and decorations outside. Oh well, maybe next weekend.
News on the REMODELING FRONT -
DH and I have finally decided what we will be doing with our remodel and the fun will begin at the first of the year. I think we're both really looking forward to the changes but are a little worried that we will run in to unexpected surprises. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen.
It is kind of funny how an idea can get out of hand, though. This all started because neither of us are fans of hard wood floors. We thought we would just replace the floor in the kitchen with tiles. One thing led to another and soon we had decided to rip out the carpet too and tile (most of) the main floor, including the laundry room. And heck, while we're at it we might as well remodel the kitchen. Of course that means new cabinets, a redesign on the island, sink and appliances, lighting, etc. Just for good measure lets take out the sliding glass door in the eating area and put in an 8' glass panel, single French door. And you just can't do all of that without painting too.
You would think that we would have let it go at that but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. We decided that should also remove the 3 round columns in the dining room so that we could play up the coffered ceiling and open up the entry area. Then it occurred to us that we should go a head and open the back of the stairs so that we could see into the kitchen. And since we're tearing out walls, why not go a head and open up the doorway to the basement stairs? And what about partially removing a wall and coat closet to open the kitchen entry way? We opted to buy a tankless water heater so that we could also move the venting in that wall and get more space. And since we'll be removing the arch in the kitchen, we might as well remove the arch at the family room. After all, the arches are an odd look to the house style and it makes perfect sense to take advantage of the tall ceilings since we're going for A MORE OPEN LOOK AND FEEL!
Over the next few weeks we need to finalize our choices on floor tiles, counter tops and back splash, appliances, lighting fixtures, paint, etc. I think the paint will be the most difficult. DH isn't quite on board with using COLOR!!!! Especially the BOLD pallets I have in mind. I'm also excited to try my hand at some faux painting and glazing techniques. I'm sure in the end it will all be fine.
Besides, I did promise to wait at least another year before tackling our bedroom and bathroom, the basements, the other bathrooms, moving the study doors, yada, yada, yada. LOL.
Well, I guess I better get downstairs and start sorting through Christmas decorations. Fingers crossed that our little family treasures survived our move.
Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
This is what things looked like yesterday from the deck.
And this is today!
I just love the look of Fritz's face. I couldn't have said it better myself! LOL. It also appears that we waited one day too long to put up Christmas lights and decorations outside. Oh well, maybe next weekend.
News on the REMODELING FRONT -
DH and I have finally decided what we will be doing with our remodel and the fun will begin at the first of the year. I think we're both really looking forward to the changes but are a little worried that we will run in to unexpected surprises. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen.
It is kind of funny how an idea can get out of hand, though. This all started because neither of us are fans of hard wood floors. We thought we would just replace the floor in the kitchen with tiles. One thing led to another and soon we had decided to rip out the carpet too and tile (most of) the main floor, including the laundry room. And heck, while we're at it we might as well remodel the kitchen. Of course that means new cabinets, a redesign on the island, sink and appliances, lighting, etc. Just for good measure lets take out the sliding glass door in the eating area and put in an 8' glass panel, single French door. And you just can't do all of that without painting too.
You would think that we would have let it go at that but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. We decided that should also remove the 3 round columns in the dining room so that we could play up the coffered ceiling and open up the entry area. Then it occurred to us that we should go a head and open the back of the stairs so that we could see into the kitchen. And since we're tearing out walls, why not go a head and open up the doorway to the basement stairs? And what about partially removing a wall and coat closet to open the kitchen entry way? We opted to buy a tankless water heater so that we could also move the venting in that wall and get more space. And since we'll be removing the arch in the kitchen, we might as well remove the arch at the family room. After all, the arches are an odd look to the house style and it makes perfect sense to take advantage of the tall ceilings since we're going for A MORE OPEN LOOK AND FEEL!
Over the next few weeks we need to finalize our choices on floor tiles, counter tops and back splash, appliances, lighting fixtures, paint, etc. I think the paint will be the most difficult. DH isn't quite on board with using COLOR!!!! Especially the BOLD pallets I have in mind. I'm also excited to try my hand at some faux painting and glazing techniques. I'm sure in the end it will all be fine.
Besides, I did promise to wait at least another year before tackling our bedroom and bathroom, the basements, the other bathrooms, moving the study doors, yada, yada, yada. LOL.
Well, I guess I better get downstairs and start sorting through Christmas decorations. Fingers crossed that our little family treasures survived our move.
Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
21 November 2008
I've Been Tagged
Pat has graciously included me in a fun little MeMe. I'm suppose to give 6 obscure facts about myself. I'm thinking that 'obscure' is a somewhat subjective term, though. Anyway, here goes....
1. I dream nearly every night, and always in color.
2. I am extremely resistant to changes in my routine and environment.
3. I love to eat chocolate with popcorn or Fritos.
4. I tend to be very light and noise sensitive.
5. I love Hummingbirds and Dragonflies. They are nature's most fascinating creatures.
6. I can't clean out a pumpkin. They're just too slimy!
And I tag.......
Courtney
Janet(1)
Janet(2)
Linda
Nellie
Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
14 November 2008
BO-RING!
It seems I've misplaced my muse. Or more accurately, she's deserted me! If you happen to see her wandering aimlessly about, please point her back in my direction~
I saw the fox again yesterday walking along the grasses on the gulf course. I should have grabbed my camera but......... I have to wonder if he's okay this morning. It was freezing last night.
The moon was huge and bright last night. And just beautiful with the cloud cover moving across it.
We got a skiff of snow last night. I'm sure it will melt off today but it was a really freaky experience. Bitter cold winds and poor Fritz, having to do his business outside!
I'm looking at the mess in my studio and wondering if I will actually clear a hole to do some work. Probably not!
Oops, I'm out of coffee. Got to go refill!
Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
29 October 2008
Carvings
With only 2 days remaining, I'm still finishing up on my Halloween Decorations. Today was pumpkin carving day. They don't look like much in the first photos but turn off the lights and they just shine!
(Front and back of cat)
Okay, now I'm off to tweak my "regular" blog. There are some changes that I've been wanting to make and today seems like a good day to do it.
Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
(Front and back of cat)
Okay, now I'm off to tweak my "regular" blog. There are some changes that I've been wanting to make and today seems like a good day to do it.
Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
28 October 2008
Checking In
I just don't know where time goes to lately. One day just seems to run in to the next. Too bad that I'm not getting anything substantial accomplished. Oh well......
I'm not doing any needlework lately. Partly because I just don't have the motivation, and partly because I have too many other irons in the fire. I would like to share some photos with you, though.
These are trees around our house and the at the neighbor's. It's been sooooo long since I've seen trees change with the season. Aren't they just beautiful?
Sadly, I didn't take any photos while DH and I were in Utah recently. I carried the camera with me everywhere but... Still and any rate, it was a nice relaxing trip. We had hoped to visit with our DS but...
Okay, on a lighter note. I have pretty much finished up with my Halloween decor outside. Every year I complain that I didn't get around to making a "crashing witch" and settle for next year. Well, this year I made my witch. She ended up being near life size but it was fun and easy.
I took an old sheet, a long sleeved shirt, some leggins, and a racket ball paddle and cut out the pattern. Next I sewed it up, stuffed it with some of the clean newsprint from our packing supplies and put it together. Finally, I cut out the nose and chin, stuffed and attached them, painted the face with model paints and dressed her with extra clothes and old costume pieces. I even let her have my favorite pair of shoes that I don't wear anymore. Her eyes are 2 halves of an eyeball tea light candle.
The other ghoul is made from bits and pieces of things around the house. Including a tall candle holder (neck), small basket ball (head), a table leaf box (body) and costume pieces. Aren't they a handsome family?
Tonight we carve pumpkins, get the rest of the decorations out, tweak the lighting and we are ready for trick or treaters.
I also had a birthday recently. I'm 48 now! Good grief. LOL. DH asked me what I wanted for my birthday and what I really wanted was to start our remodeling. So, this was the first step. We have a long, long way to go - but - it's a start!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can sand down the cabinets and restain them. Since we have a Mediterranean style home, we are naturally going with Mediterranean style decor, that's more on the Tuscan side. I'm sure it's going to be a long and drawn out process but I'll post photos as it progresses. I said I wanted an HGTV project and I certainly got it. LOL.
Well, Fritz is waiting to play and I need to finish the laundry. If I don't get back before then...........Happy Halloween to all.
Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
I'm not doing any needlework lately. Partly because I just don't have the motivation, and partly because I have too many other irons in the fire. I would like to share some photos with you, though.
These are trees around our house and the at the neighbor's. It's been sooooo long since I've seen trees change with the season. Aren't they just beautiful?
Sadly, I didn't take any photos while DH and I were in Utah recently. I carried the camera with me everywhere but... Still and any rate, it was a nice relaxing trip. We had hoped to visit with our DS but...
Okay, on a lighter note. I have pretty much finished up with my Halloween decor outside. Every year I complain that I didn't get around to making a "crashing witch" and settle for next year. Well, this year I made my witch. She ended up being near life size but it was fun and easy.
I took an old sheet, a long sleeved shirt, some leggins, and a racket ball paddle and cut out the pattern. Next I sewed it up, stuffed it with some of the clean newsprint from our packing supplies and put it together. Finally, I cut out the nose and chin, stuffed and attached them, painted the face with model paints and dressed her with extra clothes and old costume pieces. I even let her have my favorite pair of shoes that I don't wear anymore. Her eyes are 2 halves of an eyeball tea light candle.
The other ghoul is made from bits and pieces of things around the house. Including a tall candle holder (neck), small basket ball (head), a table leaf box (body) and costume pieces. Aren't they a handsome family?
Tonight we carve pumpkins, get the rest of the decorations out, tweak the lighting and we are ready for trick or treaters.
I also had a birthday recently. I'm 48 now! Good grief. LOL. DH asked me what I wanted for my birthday and what I really wanted was to start our remodeling. So, this was the first step. We have a long, long way to go - but - it's a start!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can sand down the cabinets and restain them. Since we have a Mediterranean style home, we are naturally going with Mediterranean style decor, that's more on the Tuscan side. I'm sure it's going to be a long and drawn out process but I'll post photos as it progresses. I said I wanted an HGTV project and I certainly got it. LOL.
Well, Fritz is waiting to play and I need to finish the laundry. If I don't get back before then...........Happy Halloween to all.
Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
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