Scary Roommate Search

I know I have been MIA for a while but I am just going to jump in with post rather than explain it all...
I'm fine.
More than anything, dealing with LIFE and not feeling I can express openly in my Blog it all.

Anyway...

So one of the things going on in my neck of the woods is the Baby is getting ready to graduate from Ball State University with her Graphic Design Journalism degree.  She is more than cool... she is pretty amazing.

Not only is she graduating on time, she is doing so with something she is passionate about. Instead of sticking her toes in the water deciding what to do, she has decided to say the heck with it and dive straight in... into a town far away, where she knows not a soul, with an internship that has no promises of a future with them after this 10 week of working her tushie off for pennies.
She is heading to an upscale area that has no student housing... no cheap rents.  This is a cream of the crop area where the richy rich go to their summer homes and enjoy the gander of a beautiful seaside town that rarely does one find someone "on a budget".
So... how does one go about finding housing in an area where the going rate for a week is more than her 10 week pay? 
Good question.
I think the answer is all about resources.

• First we look through google.... nope. can't afford anything for rent and most do not want to rent for 10 weeks anyway.
• Second we reach out to peeps we know that may know somebody... my old colleague that worked with me @ Roman Ink has a couple of beautiful homes there... maybe she would know someone or even be interested in hosting an intern? nope.  she doesn't but will let me know if she finds out of anyone. My daughter checks with a friend that happened to intern there before... their might be a hint of hope here... we will see.
• Third, I lean on Realtors out there.  Most are not interested, but a couple show some support and give some advice  to my daughter & start making some calls to some possibilities...
• Fourth, we check with the employer.  They have several interns coming.. Maybe they can pool together & find a place? Maybe the employer (especially since they are a newspaper and are in the know..) can give some advice? nope. they will get back with her on that, however, time is ticking away...
• Fifth, we start looking at the possibility of renting a room... not an apartment but just a room of someones private home.

hello Craigslist.

... let's see, there is the single mom with a teenage son... interesting photo with the uhm Phoenix? on the ceiling...
... cat lady is looking for someone to rent a room. she talks about her cats and it is a must that you love cats. well... Annie likes cats. Grew up with them.  Has Asthma though so we need to watch the cat dander. How many cats is cat lady talking about?  & will they be in  Annie's room?  Do we have cat smell at this place?
... and then there is this little dandy...

here... let me help you see what this says...

$400 Need an awesome roommate? I do (Dennis)

Iv had a lot of responses, But I have yet to nail it down. So here goes another.
I found a great little two bedroom beach house in Dennis.
But I need a roommate to cover the rent.
Let me tell you a little about myself.
-Definitely not a rapist.
I'm an amazing roommate. I can fight fires and regularly help the elderly. One time I saved a pregnant lady from drowning and her husband rewarded me with an 18pack of bud heavy, we're now best friends and I go to classy dinners at their house on the reg. Ally Raisman asked me for my phone number, I gave her a fake. Iv sailed across the Atlantic ocean 6 times. I took Spanish for 3 years and cant speak a word. When I play Jamanji no one gets sucked into the forest. I volunteer at meals of wheels, the soup kitchen, the food pantry, the red cross, all the churches, and the peace corps. Children love me. I make babies smile and stop crying. Everything I cook smells and tastes delicious. I bathe regularly. I always know when there's an open bar somewhere. I tip well, always more then 20%.
 Roommate qualifications.
 Must be 21-29 m/f
No socks with sandals.
No fat annoying chicks.
Gotta drink.
No junkies.
Cant watch survivor or American idol.
420 friendly.
-Eddie M.

Oh my Gosh... This is serious.  WTH?  And thank God my Annie wears socks with sandals! lol... seriously... is that about the scariest ad you've ever read? For a parent anyway. Thankfully my daughter is smart and not the least bit interested in "Eddie's advertisement". yeah... good luck Eddie.

As of today, looks like my daughter's friend's host family has gotten back with Annie and thankfully they seem to be a good fit (and thankfully this is not some wacko family and at least I know that Annie's friend survived living with this family!)

Annie & I have tentative plans to road trip out east to this coastal town, get her settled and I will fly home, leaving my Baby, her car & few possessions with strangers.

...and I could not be more proud♥

exhale

The soothing satisfaction of being able to exhale. 
I was uptight, nervous, and short of breath. As Christmas was looming I was fretting.  Would this Holiday be as disastrous as Thanksgiving?  Was I going to be a tearful emotional mess again? Or was I going to be okay this Holiday?


With prayer, I woke with a gentle warmth in my heart and a strength in my soul. I was okay with this Holiday.

The day flowed with funny mishaps but no pain.

I burnt the ham... I burnt the corn.... I burnt the rolls. Seriously? Who does that?  I NEVER burn things. But my sweet Family laughed with me and ate it.

Dad had a spike in his blood sugar.  A very high spike... But with insulin we got him back to normal.



jan annie sheri 12.25.12

Later in the evening Annie & I talked Sheri into going to a movie. Parental Guidance. Sweet little funny movie.  I spilled two not just one over sized Diet Cokes on myself at two different times.  Before giving myself a hard time over this... I will say that three other folks in the theater did also so I totally blame the flimsy over sized cups not the user. Hanging with Annie & Sheri was such a wonderful thing.  We laughed. A lot.  Annie's snort laugh.  Sheri's squeal with tears. And my gasping guffaw.

The weather held back. Giving us a warm day perfect for transporting Dad to my house. Waiting to bring us the beautiful snow the next morning. We got a beautiful display of white blanket, along with wicked winds.  The snow photograph at the top of the post, is of a snow overhang from our roof.  So pretty.

My Mom was all around me this Christmas. 


sis mom me...a few years back

It was not sad.  It was not manic. It was her sweetness. Her softer side.  The fun... the love. 

I was able to enjoy this Christmas.. and that is huge.

I miss my Mom.  I miss the good times, not the manic. 

But, it's all good.  I'm able to breathe, I'm able to exhale.

Today I am 50

Fifty

The big 5-0

Half a century.

that is...

600 months...

2,400 weeks...

18,250 days...

crap.

that's a whole lot of time.

a whole lot of living.

so... today is my birthday.  I have mixed emotions.  

I have been almost looking forward to it.  I feel mature enough to be 50.  So with anticipation, I was ready to start "this" chapter of my life.

My forties had some great moments, wonderful events, and happy memories.

My forties also took a toll on me.  I never expected the depression, anxieties or the let down I experienced.

I have recovered from the "set back" years and ready to move forward.  I have healed and learned to grow from experiences.  I have become not only wiser but stronger and better.

bring it on Baby! Hello 50.

The one thing I absolutely wasn't prepared for was losing my mom right before my big birthday.  This obviously, is the first birthday without Mom.  No call, no birthday card or visit.  

No Mom...

On a sweeter note, my family surprised me greatly with a birthday party last weekend.

I had NO CLUE.  I was so surprised I was scared.  I have never been surprised.  I mean really surprised. I am that person that figures things out way before.  This was truly a first.  Maybe with age I am slipping.

My Babies pulled this off.

With the help of Hubby.

 Blessed with great friends...

great family...

 

great weather...

great cooking ...

and great toasting...

I know that this is the start of a wonderful chapter♥

Howdy Doody

I know I have been MIA for awhile.  I've had much to say, but need to be reserved.  I'm being censored so to speak, and to avoid being misunderstood or speaking of things before really thinking about it (hence my post a while back), I have been staying back in the shadows a bit.  Also, on a brighter note I have been wonderfully busy.

Work is still fabulous, although stressful.  I am so crazy about "my girls".  I'm a proud Momma of the young women they are and so grateful to be a small part of their lives.  They are patient with me as I continue to break the communication barrier.  My sign language has improved greatly, however my ASL stinks... Especially if you are asking my professor who is so frustrated with me and my old "English" habits.  I refuse to be a quitter and continue on (even through tears occasionally). I do think that I am learning everyday.  I just wish I could follow better and not miss so much of the conversations.  It is a struggle.  I do love my Boss! I could not ask for a more caring and wonderful person to work for.  She reminds me much of my friend Jill.  When I worked for Jill, she never made me feel inferior. I feel more of a team player than a worker bee.  My Boss is also very patient with my communication struggles and is very encouraging and supportive. I do believe that she is pleased with me and the job I am doing.  I hope to be working with her for years to come.  As the school year is wrapping up, the residential students are finishing up yet another year of education.  Making prom dates, practicing for the school play, busy with track and softball, and a few of my girls are preparing for graduation and what is to come.  I wrote a letter of recommendation for one of my girls as she anticipating getting accepted to RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology).  She is amazing and I am anxious to see her succeed. 
Speaking of ANXIOUS... soon we will know what Dorm we will be assigned for the coming Fall.  I am so hoping to remain with the High School Girls.  It will be a hard adjustment to have a new assignment.  Also I am in hopes that I will continue to work with the Co-Worker I currently have.  She is an incredible young woman that I greatly admire and have so enjoyed sharing the Dorm with.  We are a great team, and after some of the experiences we have had, I think we both feel pretty good together and hope to continue a team.

I am trying to secure a job for summer employment.  Trying to find a job for 8 weeks is not easy.  Our School schedule has changed, therefore, while many schools are on a different schedule, summer Nanny jobs are requiring employment through mid August, and I go back to ISD August 1st.  Being off sounds lovely but the fear of not getting those summer paychecks are too scary!

Hubby took Emily and Annie to Las Vegas this weekend.  He has business there this week and the girls are joining him for the weekend.  I considered going as well. However, I have been so Blessed to take so many trips with the girls and poor Hubby has not.  So, this was a wonderful opportunity for him to take them and enjoy a fast weekend with much to do.  They left yesterday.  Ms Emily hasn't been on a plane in about 6 years and was a tad nervous (it was Friday the 13th too).  Annie is more traveled, preparing to leave this summer for London.  Annie sent me this picture from the plane.

Splendid, isn't it?
It was a long flight with a layover in Phoenix.  They got there last night before 10pm, but with the time change, they gained 3 hours.     They got checked in at Bally's, grabbed dinner, and played some slots and looked around.  Today Hubby took them shopping.  Sounds like they all did well.  Emily found a dress, Annie shoes, and Hubby jeans.  I know they are having a blast. (Dad will spoil them and they so deserve to be spoiled alittle :)
Hubby just sent this to me.

Babies at Ceasars

Hoping they make at least one show while there.  So much to see in a short time.  Emily said its chilly so they haven't enjoyed the pool. Hopefully it will warm up!

Well, I hate to admit it... but I am enjoying the house to myself.  I have Pandora playing my golden oldies.  I have a fire in the fireplace. I'm cleaning, de-cluttering, purging, and catching up on Blog World.  Also pinning on Pinterest and nervous after reading a report on a favorite Blog of Pinterest in Jeopardy (copy write laws).. Please don't take my Pinterest away... People I have more than 50 boards and over 6,000 pins.  Yes, I have a bit of an obsession with it.  It's that great.  I hope to finish a couple of Pinterest projects this week while Hubby is away.  I'm also watching that goofy television programs Hubby would never watch with me.  Eating eggs for dinner, Capt'n Crunch for lunch and drinking a little wine too.  It's a mini vacation even though I am working too!

Which reminds me... I need to get some taxes done so I better go for now.

What SHE Has Taught My Daughters

As life goes, we often have people in our lives that are not exactly who you think they will be. 

Just because a person is a Parent,
doesn't mean they will be "parenting".

An Aunt may not be that doting person
she promised to be. 

The Cousin may end up becoming
your worse enemy.



 We don't really talk about them. We try to focus on those uplifting positive relatives.  The ones that made a difference.  Who wants to know the dirty laundry after all?

prespective

 But... maybe, if you look at things through a different perspective, you may realize that maybe, just maybe, that negative, ignorant or even cruel family member actually did some good, by wrongfully treating you.

 

There is a Person Of Interest {POI} that is in my family's lives. 
Over the years I have gone above and beyond to show respect and include her in our lives.  Where as she was never close to her sibling I married, I did all I could (and then some) to make her an important part of our family.
I took quite a beating from the get go.
She disapproved of my marrying her Brother.  She said I was removing him from the availability to other women of "their ethic background" that it was inappropriate for us to marry.  (need I remind her she married not one but two Caucasian men...she stepped outside of the Hispanic pool as well).
She disapproved of our choice to have children.  She very cruelly reminded me that with mental illness on both sides of our family trees I would be a fool to have children that could be so "messed up".  That I would surely have a child that was mentally unstable.
While she and my Husband continued to have disagreements and family challenges, I was the peace maker between them.  I even convinced my Hubby to allow her to be the Godmother of our oldest Child. A huge honor we do not take lightly.
Through out the past 25 years I have attempted to band aid situations between her and my family. 
I have taken her "advice" with a grain of salt.  I have given excuses for her behavior. And I have been as loving as I can be.  I shielded my daughters from most of her negativity, especially while growing up.
She showered my oldest with expensive extravagant gifts. My Emily has received Tiffany and Waterford Crystal during her childhood.  Sometimes a misunderstood item... when my 6 year old so wanted American Girl accessories and received a $70 wine glass.. she was as disappointed as a Child would be.  She did not understand that her Aunt was building up her finer things for when she grows up. {I did let her drink Kool Aid & Milk out of them.}  This Aunt would also send them to Annie, but Annie never got two matching glasses, every year it would be a different pattern of mismatched Waterford Crystal.
She constantly made extravagant promises to my daughters..
"When you are in Junior High I am taking you to Europe! So much for a young girl to see here!".  never happened.
 "You are so beautiful, I must get you into modeling!".  I signed them up doing small gigs with Parisians, Talbot's For Kids, and they worked a Wedding Show, modeling Flower Girl, and mini bridesmaids dresses.  All of which this Aunt never once attended as they were "small potatoes".  Although my Girls LOVED the runway and had a wonderful experience doing small potatoes.  The promises to take them to New York, get a portfolio and auditions, ended up going to their cousin... as a confusing show of punishment to my Daughters because of a disagreement with her Brother.
"When you graduate, I will pay for your college! As I do not have children of my own and want to see you success." This one, we foolishly believed as it was drilled into our heads from the day the Girls were born. Yet never a dime. Don't get me wrong... I should not expect financial help like that, however, was brainwashed into thinking she was going to follow through with this one at least to her Goddaughter.  I suspect that also went to a Cousin..

As my Daughters grew up, when we attended family functions, I was distressed at the amount of things their Aunt expected them to do.. serve, clean, etc.  I would put my foot down, especially seeing them ordered to carry alcohol beverages to people. 

As my Youngest, became clearly gifted in the writing and journalism field, she was forced to assist with some work on a ever so precious book Auntie has been working on for many years.  I don't think this was ever appreciated or my Daughter was even thanked.

 

Sometimes it's difficult to see what is happening when you are being taken advantage of by someone you love.  While my Oldest started to see through her ways and refused to be taken advantaged of.  My Youngest just wanted her love and wanted to understand the lack of love and respect that Auntie gave.  She never understood why she was treated the worst of the cousins when she gave them most. Her tears were the hardest to soothe.

As my Daughters matured and became Adults, they slowly started seeing things for what they are.  We no longer made them go to "family Functions".  In fact, we were finding it best to avoid certain situations.  I stopped making excuses, but continued to show and demand respect shown to my daughters elders.  My Daughters are rather etiquette and I am so proud of their ability to show class and hold their own.

While as they have received some rather nice things from this Aunt... all they ever really wanted was some love... some attention.. and some genuine relationship that did not require a pay back of sorts. To have her attend a Cheer Competition, a Game,a Recital, a Play or school program, or even Graduation..any of the many she was invited too. Or even showing an interest.

Now that my Girls have become adults, I can say this.

My Daughters have learned the importance of keeping your word.

They have learned the importance of treating those as you wish to be treated...

They have gained the knowledge that money doesn't buy you everything...

And they have learned that you should show respect to those that you want to show you respect.

My daughters have learned a few things of what not to do as well...

I am quite sure that my Daughters will never treat each other

the way they see Auntie treat her Siblings.

My daughters will never make their once upon a time nieces

feel anything but greatness and love. 

They will continue to be gracious and kind. 

They will never break promises or make promises that will come with a price.

They will never try to pit one against anotherplaying power struggles

 as they have seen first handed how destructive this can be.

I have never said or done anything cruel to this POI. I have only said kind words to her, and I am not one to talk behind someones back {okay maybe a word or two to a Bestie or Hubby}..   But lately POI has crossed a line or two or three.  while she is feuding with her siblings, she has name dropped me more than once.  I have stayed out of this Family Feud.  HOWEVER... she threw a zinger about Janis better not BLOG about me... hmmmmmmmmmm never had, though I never would, until she said that.  It really doesn't matter that I am. She will not see it. My Blog is not worthy of her reading, she doesn't think I am interesting or a writer.  Which is fineeeeeeeeeeee with me.  I don't want followers that do not enjoy reading my thoughts.

So instead of regret and wishing this POI did not hurt my daughters so much.  I guess, taken with that grain of salt, I feel a slight relief that my Girls have learned a few lessons.  Lessons on how to treat those you love and what not to do as well.
I do feel better.  I little glass of White Zinf with a Laptop in hand can be quite satisfying.

Today's Favorite Thing...

Feeling kind of melodically today.  Some stress... some emotions. A strange feeling day.
As I walked through my bedroom, I glanced to my dresser and this made me smile.
It is a framed photograph of my girls from about 15 years ago... a basket of stuff I don't know what to do with...and a wooden Breathe cutout surrounded by a pearly necklace that my daughter use to wear.
Pretty much sums it up.
I need to breathe
:)

A Ticking Clock

I know we usually take this time to reflect back and take a good look at the past year.  It's New Year's Eve... that is what we do. 
These are the highlights & low points of the year...
Here is what I plan to do to improve the coming year, my New Years Resolutions...
Well, forget that.
I typically do my "New Year's Resolutions" on my Birthday in June.  I also prefer to keep it private.
Yes.. I do look back at 2011... the high's and low's, but the past is the past.  Can't change what has happened.  Had some really sad moments and some really glad ones too.

Today, I look forward to the future.  2012. What will we see? What will we do? What changes will we endure that are miniscule only effecting us personally.  And what huge changes that will make modifications for us all?

I have big plans for the coming year.

• I will be starting college classes... something I haven't done since the eighties.

• I will have a daughter graduating from college. And another that will be going abroad.

• I am turning 50... 50 years old... how odd is that in my head? I have plans for this old body to start being treated better so that it will serve me better. I will not take aging lightly. I will embrace it only if we cooperate.

• I plan on having a better financial year.  After the beating and change of the past couple years, we are facing the ole financial struggle and we will not let it get the best of us. We are stronger, we are smarter.

• I am going to have fun.  That's right, damn it, I am going to enjoy this year.  I am going to have belly laughs and turn frowns into smiles.

Life is full of surprises.
No one really knows what will happen.
The clock is ticking...
I need to start enjoying this life that God has chosen for me and stop trying to change the plan.  I do believe that my life was planned before I was even born. So I must trust, and appreciate what it is.  Only then can I truly get it.

she is grown up

My first born daughter has turned 23 today.

Time has flown. 
Wasn't she just entering college, nervous yet giddy with excitement yesterday?
Wasn't she a cheerleader full of high school drama needing my advice yesterday?
Wasn't she full of enthusiasm as she was entering Middle School, which was such a big deal because this was NOT a Catholic school which meant no more uniforms?
Wasn't she that Smiley girl that everyone loved (and she loved each and everyone back) in Catholic Elementary school? Where she and Michelle had silly adventures underneath blanketed forts, and made their edible "creations" and performed at the talent shows, just yesterday?
Wasn't she that precious Pre-schooler that refused to give up her binkie...until she trader it for her Little Minnie Mouse training wheeled bike.. yesterday?
...and wasn't it just yesterday when I gave birth to this precious perfect daughter, that showed me I had so much love to give and to receive?

Today, she lives in a nice condo with two friends (from high school).  She is finished with her classes at Ball State. She is about to start her Student Teaching in a busy 1st grade class.  She will graduate following this assignment and hopefully be hired in a school she will love. She has a tall handsome boyfriend that makes her smile.

I could not be more proud of the young woman she has become.  She is strong, smart, beautiful, kind, creative and loving.

Happy Birthday Emily♥
I love you to the moon and back.

I love her.  She is pretty darn awesome.

Liar Liar Pants on Fire!

I have been caught in a lie.
yep, It's true. Hate to disappoint you all, but even I have told one or two.

This time it's about something I pretty much decided I would NEVER do again.
But now I am being lured...seduced...enticed to give it another try.

CAMPING

It's not that I'm some kind of Girlie Girl that doesn't want to break a nail. It's just that I have had my share of camping.
Many years of it as a child and teen. All fun. Mostly great memories.

Camp Fire Girls Camp mid 70s. {end on knee}

sharing a soda pop w/ Diamond,Trail Ride '76

HS Student Council '78

Texas Church Camp'79

Young Life Camp "80

See?  I did all this plus the dreaded "Tent" camping as well RV camping nightmare once with my Paternal Grandparents.
I "camped out" in the back yards with friends. Camped out in cars.. that's what we did for the Indy famous Indianapolis 500. And Even "camped out" in living rooms, basements & garages for slumber parties.
Then I grew up and camped out with Hubby.
I was a Happy little camper...  until we had the girls camping with us.

Hubby & Annie fishing on Hardy Lake '99

This is when I started becoming a worry-wart. Partly because of our girls, fearing they'd get hurt, or get whinny.  But also I worried a lot about Annie's asthma.  And I started freaking out about the weirdo's you hear about and even see at our campsites.
When the girls went to CYO camp in the fall, Hubby & I joined a group of friends for fabulous weekend camping trips that I will post about another time.

don't worry the dog didnt eat me

 The last time we went camping as a family, we had fun, but also it was miserable! The rain was CRAZY!

Hubby holding the tarps up

There were other issues...bottom line, felt like been there done it. I can cross it off my bucket list.
So... we haven't been back.

HOWEVER.....
Drum roll please
I have discovered a new passion.
Ran across this little Sweetheart...

and here's an inside peek...

I also stumbled onto this one...

and this one...

and here is a peek at the inside of another airstream...

VINTAGE CAMPERS!!! Oh My...
Now I understand Meredith over at Silver Saffari . She has been passionate about her airstream for years & writes of it's travels on her blog.
sigh...
I wanna go camper camping now.  As long as I don't have to use a latrine or the great outdoors to relieve myself uhm.. outside.
Also, lets make sure I have plenty of coffee, some chocolate, Captain Crunch cereal, maybe a little White Zinfandel, one of our dogs, and Hubby.  I am good to go!

Tic Toc Tic Toc

Tic Toc, Tic Toc
I hear the Kit Kat clock tic tocking.
Today was a good day. 
A beautiful day with sunshine, a slight spring breeze and the buzz of birds, bees & geese.
Got my daughters home which is heavenly. I love hearing them giggle. Funny how something like that is so missed and pure heaven to hear in the house again.

This afternoon I had an INTERVIEW...
dun dun DUN!
I am not going to speak much of it. I may not know anything for the next two weeks. I feel good about it. I very much enjoyed the people that interviewed me and the job.
I want this. I can do this. I can be a value to them and they to me.
Meanwhile, the clock is slowly ticking as I wait anxiously for an answer.
I've waited a long time for this, I can wait a few more days...

Emily Day

Sergio and I got to see the girls this past Sunday. We drove up to Muncie, for a Parent Banquet with Emily's sorority Chi Omega. We also got to see Annie afterwards. Heaven for me, being able to see both my Baby Girls.

The Banquet was a charity silent auction raising money for Breast Cancer Foundation, one of their philanthropies.  Each sister gets a donated item, contributes money, or makes/buys an item.  With the Owl as the sorority mascot, and red and cream their colors, most the items had this type of theme going. Great things in the auction this year. director chairs, stools, blankets, Vera Bradley set, baskets of things~ a cooking theme, scrapbooking theme, beauty theme. A hot item was a Brazilian Blowout hair products, and some cool artwork and miscellaneous things.
Emily and I made a mirror with a David Letterman quote (Mr Letterman went to BSU and is a huge supporter).

We used rub on decals. We scrapped the first one (so hard to stay straight!) and this is our finished product. The quote says: "Chi-O's were the ideal partners for all occasions. They were discrete, desirable, tactful, polite, and fun.. Every Mom dreamed of her son coming home with a Chi Omega, a woman's woman."

I was pleased that it was a hot item.

The food was great, we had wonderful table mates. And the auction was a success.

Emily & Sergio

Emily & I

This is Emily's final year of sorority. I have said it before, but must say again, I think the sororities have been a wonderful part of my daughters college experiences.

Picked this up while we were there.  So proud!

Also picked up this ceramic Margarita glass Emily and I made together at the Chi Omega Mother Daughter Day. I love how it turned out. Really had a hard time imagining it finished. I'm not use to ceramic drink ware (except for coffee mugs).
After the banquet we went back to Emily's house and met up with Annie, getting to visit with her and friend, Barry, for a bit. Then got going so Emily could work on some homework.

It was a beautiful day. An absolutely beautiful day♥

My Delta Zeta Sweetie

Our Annie 3.14.2011

Saturday, Hubby & I joined the Baby for a Parent's Banquet hosted by her sorority, Delta Zeta.
I am happy both my daughters chose to be in sororities. I feel they have enriched their lives and given them not only a wealth of experience but truly, some life long friendships. 
I can not even begin to tell you how proud I am of Annie and her sorority accomplishments.  She currently holds title of Vice President of New Members. While we dined a young woman approached us so her Mother could meet Annie.  How proud was I? Annie has made such an impression and impact that Mom wanted to thank her? Oh yeah... That 's my Baby Girl!

Sergio Me & Annie

Although Hubby will disagree, the luncheon was quite good. 

Molly, Sue, & Mike

We sat with Annie's Roommate Molly, and her parents.

Karen & Dana

Along with Emily's bestie Dana, and Mom Karen.

Always a great group of girls and parents. This is Annie's "BIG" Sister Katie. A great friend. A true lifer.

Katie & Her Mama

The afternoon was grand. I am so glad we got to come this year. I have a wonderful daughter and I am so very proud of her♥

The Big Baby Clothes Project ...

It has begun!
The big Baby Clothes / Tree Skirt Project I have been dreaming of for years.
I have actually started this HUGE craft project.

Wednesday I will be giving up Facebook, my current addiction, and so I am hoping my "project" will consume me and keep me from FB withdraw. I know this project could take me a long time.

So, what is this "project" I am embracing you wonder?

I, like many Moms, have an over-abundance of baby clothes I can't part with. They have been sitting in Rubbermaid containers for years...20 years. I love them. They are so full of memories of my Darlings. Having two girls, hand-me-downs, were a must. But even when my girls were tiny, they had a mind of their own and favored certain outfits. Before Emily could talk, she would fuss about certain clothes. We found if I gave her a choice, she happily would agree to one of the choices, as long as she had a choice (and their was pink involved). Baby Annie, had a flare for bright colors, and animal prints (sometimes crazy mixes).

sweet baby clothes

My project is to make these precious garments into quilting squares, then turning the fabric into vivid Christmas tree skirts. Three of them. One for each daughter and one for me. Here is a sample photo of the skirts I am attempting:

{Piece N Quilt}

The tutorial can be found HERE .  This will show you how to make a tree skirt. The baby clothes is my choice of fabric.
Which brings us to the tedious task of ripping seams and cutting up the clothes. Now, I know what you are thinking...what a waste of Baby clothes that some babies could wear!  Hold your Horses! I have split the clothing into several piles and many will find their way to good homes. Most of the clothes I am using are not recyclable for wear, the elastic is shot, they have those stains that are invisible when you packed them, but reappear years later. Milk stains? Anyway, I am re-purposing these into a new useful purpose. Why am I explaining? 
ANYWAY~
I am busy ripping out seams while watching television with Hubby. It is a time evaporator. Very, very tedious indeed. I am pleased with the progress. Knowing this is a long project I am trying to pace myself and not fuss.

Annie's 1st Christmas Dress

I thought I would have a tough time with disecting these clothes but, actually, it is wonderful! Each item brings me memories. Even Hubby, will look over, smile and say something sweet about a memory or how he remembered who wore what.

My daughters are excited about this gift as well. I thought they would think it was strange or even ugly, but they have genuinely showed gratitude and anticipation.

I will keep you posted as I progress. With patience and hard work, I am hoping they turn out just the way I envision♥