The List, 2nd Tuesday in May 2010

I have been participating in Anti Procrastination Tuesdays at New Nostalgia. This is a great way to see what needs done & how much progress you can make in a week. I am loving this idea! I must admit that it is rather embarrassing to actually publish my to do list! 


My list from last week (5/2/10)

• new custom blog header! Almost done. Do you like the new header? (The OLD one was just plain boring text! This is actually a photo of stationery that I sell from Donovan Designs &  some newly downloaded fonts. I followed this tutorial from Clover Lane & was inspired by this awesome blogger from England.
• check on couch & chairs that I found through a friend~think transformation! Purchased!! I have also purchased some fabric that I will test this summer. I have decided to let the kids try it out & then see if I want to proceed with the transformation this fall. It is heavy rattan & wood furniture in a very pretty neutral color. I bought a couch, 2 chairs, an ottoman and a side chair for $100. It is good quality & the fabric/cushions need updated. I think it was a great deal!
• research painting/replacing shutters Researched. Shutters measured. New shutters to be purchased this week!
• wash porches & get out porch furniture (now that pine trees are done spilling forth the yellow dust!) Thanks Hubby!!! Almost ready for summer!
• finish interview with my best blogging buddy *you will love her*!! See my interview with Suzanne Pignato of beachhouse etc here! 

Remember, I was also painting an old picnic table & benches? It is almost done! One more coat to go, when the rain decides to depart. But for now you can see a bit of the newly painted bench below (remember when I bought these from our local antique store? This is why I had to have them!):

Before:

After:

This week's List (5/11/10)

1. Clean office (lots of rain in forecast, so this will be happening!)~will post pics, if I am brave enough!
2. Organize receipts
3. Purchase shutters
4. Research purchase of Wagner Paint Sprayer & also a Power Washer~need both but don't want to spend my money unless I am getting a good return!
5. Finish last coat on picnic table & benches
6. Finalize decision on kitchen chairs
7. Catch up with 3 friends either via lunch, girls day or phone

Many other things on the list, but we will stop there!

Check back later this week. I am going to have a ~french inspired giveaway~ and tell you more about some fantastic fonts!!

Until then...be blessed while the seasons change...ahhhh, i love summer...and the rhododendrons outside my laundry room tell me that it is only a few weeks away..they are saying...hang in there...summer is on its way!

Happy blooms to you,

10 Things About My Mom

My mom is an amazing woman. You may have read this post about my parents. Here is a little recap in case you didn't. On October 2, 2009, within 24 hour of each other, both of my parents were diagnosed with cancer. My Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. My Dad underwent treatment first; surgery & then later followed by radiation treatment. Just a 2 short weeks after my Dad had his surgery, my Mom underwent a mastectomy, followed by the painful reconstructive process (eased only slightly by a very handsome doctor!) She has had painful physical therapy on & off for the past 4+ months. She is regaining strength & range of muscles in her arm & shoulder. She has to work really hard at the physical therapy & her therapist is very pleased with her progress.

pic of Mom & Dad on their honeymoon

pic of Mom & Dad with my brother Danny

pic of Mom & me on my First Communion day

pic of Mom & my brother Tony @ his baptism

My Mom has been very strong throughout this ordeal. Both of my parents are doing very well. I am just so proud of them! So here are a few things that I remember about my mom from childhood until now:


10. My Mom was great at sewing. She sewed everything from bathing suits to raincoats (yes that thick fabric!) to prom dresses. It made me feel special to wear my Mom's creations.


9. My Mom has always shown affection through hugs & kisses, even during those awkward teen years! 


8. My Mom is super tidy. Our home was always neat, clean & orderly (except for the linen closet). Honestly, I have no clue how she kept up with it all! To this day, even after a very painful reconstructive surgery, my parents home is immaculate!


7. My Mom was a great welcomer of kids. I grew up on a corner and everyone in our neighborhood flocked to our house. (It would drive me nuts & probably drove her a bit crazy many times!)


6. My Mom was a race car driver. I did inherit this gene! She wasn't paid professionally, however. She doesn't drive as much these days, but I can still feel the thrill of her driving us all over town & the state for swim meets & practices. (in the days before weather.com & gps units).


5. My Mom is very aware of money. She gets great deals & can stretch a dollar really, really far! She doesn't tell any of her kids how to spend their money, but her mantra has always been, "Live below your means". I doubt we would have had this economic meltdown if people would have followed my Mom's mantra.

4. My Mom is a praying Mom. As a child I would watch my Mom pray in church and I would wonder what caused her to be so devoted & really fully in prayer. My Mom would pray over my grades in college, before I opened them. (yes, it did help!) She has instructed me to pray about many situations in my life. I am sure there were many times that she prayed for me, that I wasn't aware of.  I know that she is still praying for me (and many others) because she tells me so.


3. My Mom is committed to learning new things. Some of her activities when I was younger, included fencing, macrame, and jewelry making with metals. Here are some things that she has accomplished in the past few years: beading & jewelry design, sudoku, sign language, line dancing, painting and Farmville on Facebook. She is one avid & successful virtual farmer!


2. My Mom isn't afraid of hard work. My Mom has mowed the grass, cleaned the house, tended to the garden & flower beds, lifted heavy things & tackled many difficult projects (painting walls & furniture, wallpapering) all while raising and caring for 4 children with my Dad. 


1. My Mom puts everyone else before herself. She always made sure that we had what we needed before herself, whether it was food, clothing or time. I don't ever recall her shopping for herself until I was in college. I don't think she ever had a manicure or pedicure until recently. However, she always looked pulled together, even if it was a crisp white blouse over her swimsuit (we lived at the pool!). She was stunning at my Dad's 50 year class reunion a few years ago. I know all of the women were envious!!

pic of my sis Lisa, Mom, me & my grandma, G.G.

pic of Mom & my nieces Lyndsey & Allie in Chicago

pic of Mom with Miss A, Mr. F. & Miss Boo

pic of Dad & Mom

Here are my Mom's 3 Must Do Fashion Tips


1. Smile, you are more approachable when you smile & it puts others at ease.


2. Wear some type of eye makeup. Everyone looks at your eyes, so make sure they look attractive.


3. Wear at least one piece of jewelry that is attractive. It can be a necklace, earrings, ring or bracelet. You can have a simple outfit & really look stunning with one piece of attractive jewelry!

Happy Mother's Day Mom! All my love,

{All floral photos taken by me. Please do not use without my permission. }