Stuff

Sorry for the lack of posting; I just haven't felt like writing...ever happen to you? Many of you have been asking for updates on the little boy battling cancer from my last post. He is still struggling and his parents are appreciating our prayers...keep 'em coming. They had a small, but precious miracle the other day -- he mouthed the words, "I love you, Mommy" and smiled a big smile -- gave me goosebumps when I read about it. Unfortunately, they have no real answers and they are just trying to keep him comfortable and spend as much time with him as possible.

On the home front, I've been tackling little things around the house -- adding touches of spring to my home. Daffodils; love them. Did you know they are the flower of hope? I placed them on my kitchen counter and my mantle (in pretty vintage bottles). I've also been gathering bags for my 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge and painting the front door a vibrant red. (I'm on the third coat...not loving SW paint right now...I'm painting red over maroon...should it be that hard?)
It's crazy hair day at my son's school today...this is his look, mon.

Just went to a meeting this morning and I'm writing for a new local magazine debuting in April called Chesapeake Taste. It will feature an eclectic array of articles and interesting columns about our unique area. I'm currently writing a monthly column called Home & Hound. It's quite fun to write about dogs, their owners, and their homes.
Other than that, just keeping busy writing, parenting, watching my kids play sports, etc. I'll attempt to keep you posted more often.

Linking to:
Common Ground
French Country Cottage

Prayers Needed

I usually don't do two posts in one day, however, my dear followers, there is a little boy who needs our prayers right now. You may remember that I participated (in a small way) in an extreme room makeover for him a while back. Right now, he is desperately hanging on to life in a hospital bed surrounded by his family and friends who need a miracle. This family and this brave little boy have been through so much I can't even imagine what they've had to endure for the past five years.
Please pray for a miracle. Please pray for the strength his family needs. Thank you. And, hug your children.
This beautiful picture of Joey and his Mom was taken by Robyn Harold.

Here's to A Letter Day!

I love creating special orders for buyers. It feels so good knowing that you are creating something that someone actually requested! Recently, one of my "regular" customers asked me to create a letter C intial block for a friend's baby. She wanted something like this one above, except in coral and creme...such a pretty color combo.

She is one of my best customers and I've created initial blocks for her friends and her children, too (see below).

I always have fun with it as she gives me colors and a theme and I just go wild. How fun! I've shared these before here and here, but here are some others I've created in the past:

And, finally, here is her block:

Linking to:

 

and 

Hard Work Does Pay Off in A Big Way

You may remember the post I wrote about my son, who, as hard as he tried and as good as he was, didn’t make his high school soccer team. Read this post to get an understanding if you want to.

On Friday night we attended my son’s high school hockey banquet. You may recall that last year was my son’s first year playing hockey (as a junior in high school) and actually his first year skating EVER. The coach took him on the team as a developmental player. 

And let me say, it takes a special coach to see beyond skill and ability and to see heart and determination. Because this coach was willing to give my son a chance at doing something he loved, my son excelled. He worked his butt off between seasons. When he wasn’t at the rink skating, he was in our garage or on the street smacking pucks against a net. This is a kid who has a work ethic beyond comprehension. He’s a kid you want on your team.

He improved so much that he made the second line on the varsity hockey team this year. So, the coach gave a five minute speech about my son and his leadership, work ethic, and character…it’s a moment parents dream about. Then my son was presented with the Hobey Baker Character Award; I cried. To sum it up, these are the words that describe recipients: “Character, Commitment, Teamwork, Persistence, Selflessness, Academic Excellence, and Sportsmanship. The Team before me.” It was wonderful to see my son recognized for his character and hard work. As parents, it was probably one of the proudest moments in our lives. We have many trophies and awards lining our basement walls at our household, but this one is truly special. 

So, as much as my husband and I wish we could take credit for this, in truth, my son is special. Yes, we reinforced work ethic, yes, we preached about integrity, but truly, this type of strength and character comes from within him. Way to go, bud. Hard work and a huge heart pay off. You’re a living example of what parents dream about.

Organizing the Hall Closet

Still going strong on this 40 bags in 40 Days Challenge...nothing like a challenge to ignite the inner clean freak in me. This time it was the hall closet. I decided to purge a lot...and that meant just throwing out things that took up space. Before:

Back in the days, hall closets were used to hang guests’ coats. Today, we typically transport guests’ coats to the nearest bedroom because hall closets are now being used for sporting equipment, shoes, boots, backpacks, hats, gloves, scarves, wrapping paper…you get the picture. The trick, according to professional organizers, is to limit and categorize what you put in it.

1. Purge and sort. Get rid of what you don’t use or need. Then sort the rest. Is there another place you can hang those sweatshirts and team jackets? What about the mudroom?

2. Consider seasons. If your hall closet is small, you will need to make seasonal changes. After all, what good is a pair of mittens when it’s 90 degrees outside? Although that beach bag could be used on a trip, most likely it won’t be needed on an icy winter day. Find another spot for seasonal wear and sports equipment – even if it means extra large trash bags.

3. Categorize. Place similar items in containers, baskets, or bins, leaving room for hanging coats. Use shoetrees for shoes or simply place a laundry pan on the floor to use for wet boots or shoes. You can also hang an over-the-door shoe organizer or  hanging storage (see below) to hold everything from shoes to mittens to keys. 

Sorry these pictures aren't the greatest, but I was working with natural light on a dark day. Below, you can actually see the floor (and paint sample patches). 

Here's to 12 bags in 17 days!!

Back to Reality, Mudroom Clean Up and More Bags

After relaxing with my parents and then my friends for seven days in sunny Florida, let me tell you, it’s tough getting back. But, reality hit me hard with cold winds, snow flurries, and 10 loads of laundry waiting for me! However, I began tackling it with a vengeance yesterday.

Remember (if you can), I’m doing the 40 bags in 40 days challenge. I had to double up because of my vacation, but that was no problem when I hit my oldest son’s room.

Then, I moved onto our mudroom, which by the way, is still in need of a major overhaul (beadboard coming off the walls; broken hinges, etc). However, it went from this:

 Is there a reason why, umm, no one is using the pegs?? Seriously.

Game closet...a little unorganized and way too many games we don't play anymore. Game closet floor..just throw it in there seems to be the motto here! 

Now, after three bags of giveaways...organized.

40 bags in 40 days: Day 14 = 10 bags (Still have to play catch up)!

Living the Good Life

Wondering where I've been? No? Okay, I'll tell you anyway. I'm living the good life with my gal friends in sunny, warm Naples, FL. And since I can't figure out how in the heck I can upload photos on this blog from my ancient (one year old) iPad, I will try to describe just how beautiful it is. I'm looking at cerulean blue skies, turquoise water, and listening to the sounds of women laughing instead of kids fighting while drinking piping hot coffee. Jealous, yet?