It Is What It Is

Don't Knock It til You Try It

I have to admit I think most products that are sold on TV as the "seen on TV" infomercial are pretty silly and lame.  Case in Point- the Snuggie.  I readily agree that I thought the idea of the snuggie as kind of silly and a waste.  It's a blanket with sleeves for goodness sakes.  My husband thought the idea of the snuggie was a good one and thought it had merit. 

I told him under no circumstances was he even to consider purchasing a snuggie.  Well friends, snuggie came out with a collegiate version.  My husband is a sucker for anything Michigan.  He purchased the snuggie and put it on the back of my chair in our reading room.  I told him to move it.  There is no way I'm using a snuggie. 

 Have I mentioned that it's turned rather chilly and we keep the house rather cool?  Yesterday morning I put the snuggie over my feet.  It kept them toasty.   A blanket would have done the same thing, but the snuggie was conveniently located so I used it. 

This morning was a little chillier and I admit that I actually put my arms in the sleeves of the snuggie...and I kind of  got into it.  Beloved walked into the room and said- "Ah-ha...I caught you.  You like it, don't you?" 

Yes, but don't tell anyone. 

Labor Day means WORK and Happy Birthday Middle One

Alright friends, I've been a laboring this Labor Day Weekend.  I hope you've been enjoying the last bit of the official summer. 

 Remember when I mentioned that when you remove every roof ever put on your 82 year old house it spells- MESS any way you slice it?  Well, this mess has started an avalanche of other messes- it's like attack of the messes.  I've been digging out of messes all freaking weekend. 

Shall I recap? 

1.  ROOF-

 

Don't let the blue sky fool you- this was after all three previous roofs were removed and we're moving toward the installation of new roof.

 

See the dumpster that has been blocking my driveway and back entrance for the last seven days?  See blackness on the driveway- that is the remnants of old shingles and is taking over  everything?

 

Ah, ha- this is a better illustration of the mess that is now completely covering my attic- chunks and dust and junk covering everything!  Did I mention that the attic is my primary area of storage for all things in my household?  Dear Beloved made it up the stairs and cleaned that portion- it's just so completely overwhelming.  Trying to clean it all right now is just impossible.  Plus it's been about 500 degrees up there making the job even harder.

2.  Refer to first photo for a look at chimney that is now crumbling and needs to be repaired.  We know we needed to have the plaster on the chimney and front facade of the house taken care of- just not right after replacing the entire roof.  We optimistically thought we could make do with a fix on the chimney until the spring- but alas, the chimney is in even worse disrepair than originally thought.  We could actually have large chunks of plaster falling off the chimney and hurting people or worse damaging my new roof (I kid..) But I'm not kidding when I say- goodbye $2,000 more dollars. 

I might also add here, that I"m not opposed to fixing my house or spending the money to do so, it's just that the timing so sucks. Not that house repairs ever have good timing, but I would love to spend money on fun things- like a new kitchen or bath.   I could have had my new kitchen about five times over by now.  Oh well, time to get over it....

3.  Eldest moved into the basement into her new super cool faux dorm room.  This left her old room open and available.  We have moved Youngest into that room thus leaving her old room which is attached to our bedroom open and available to become a master bedroom sitting room.  We're  moving Beloved's Mancave out of the basement and allowing this to become more of the Lounge area of Eldest's Dorm and the hang out area for the other kids.  Leaving the family room the gated off shrine of family rooms.  (Remember the new carpet.)  Even the dogs are banned from this room.  So all of these changes have involved lots of moving, organizing and cleaning and ya da, ya da, ya da....

It really felt like we would never get any one thing finished completely.  I am happy to report- that both girl's rooms are pretty darn near close to being completed.  Odds and ends, mostly.  We are actually able to walk in the rooms and the upstairs hallway without climbing over things, finally.  

4.  Middle One turned 15 years old today!

 

In the midst of all this laboring, I actually made him his favorite Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting- all homemade I might add!

 

It's hard to believe that in six months he'll be eligible to take his driver's test.  Oh, my...

5.  Football has started- actually, it started in June and has been going full steam since then.  We've had a couple of scrimmages and two games.  You know I love all things football- so let me share a couple of shots, of my Middle Boy in his high school uniform!

 

He's #78! 

 

 

Last one, in formation, ready to snap the ball. 

Alright- that's all for now- gotta go do some work for the start of a new work and school week.  Enjoy the start of all things Fall!

China for 20, Right?

This past weekend, Beloved and I went away by ourselves for our anniversary.  No kids.  For the first time, we left Eldest in charge and didn't have any other adults come and stay with them.  (We did have family and close friend, J checking in periodically.)  We didn't go far, a couple hours south of our town, to the big city of Columbus, Ohio.  Beloved and I started our lives together in this town.  We lived there for thirteen years before moving northwest.  We have a history there and lots of friends that we can still visit.  (Disclaimer- it's virtually impossible to see all of the people we would have liked to visit with- so please do not be offended if we did not get in touch with you while we were there.  We promise- you were in our thoughts and if only we had an extra day or two...)

Anyways, we were there to celebrate our 20th Wedding Anniversary.  20 Years....wow I think that's quite the milestone.  I'm proud that we can say we've been married that long.   So in honor of this occasion, I present to you a photo montage of the Beloved and I...

 

This was one of our early dates.  I believe it was our 2nd.  Our first date consisted of going to a play on campus and then out for drinks and dancing at the "Nick."  (It was the 80's, man!)  After this date he asked me to his fraternity Date Party.  This was in February.  I borrowed this dress from one of my sorority sisters.  I was a sophomore and he was a junior.  Shortly after this date party, we stopped dating, for two years.

 

This was the spring of 1986, my Senior year.  Beloved had graduated by then and we were engaged to be married.  He came back to campus for my Spring Date party.  (Aren't you loving my purple eyeshadow.  I really wish I could find that Cover-girl 4 pack palette again...)

 

Another late 80's photo.  We were engaged, again at this time.  (Did I ever tell you the story of our three engagements before actually getting married?)   I was visiting him in Columbus at this time, while I lived in Cleveland.

 

August 11, 1989.  This was at our wedding rehearsal dinner.  Can you believe all that hair?!

 

Outside the church, immediately following the ceremony.  We released black and white balloons.

 

Black and white wedding party- before black and white was cool.  I thought at the time that my bridesmaids, clearly could wear these dresses again.  They did not look like a typical bridesmaid dress.  Looking back now, yeah, not so much... 

 

August 12, 1989.  Our first dance as husband and wife. 

P.S.  I LOOOOVED that headpiece.  Just thinking about it makes me want to go up into my attic and take it out of the preserved box and put it on and dance around my house. 

This past weekend celebrating at the same restaurant where we celebrated our first anniversary.

With these friends from college, where it all began.

D and L               and                   E and H.

 

That about says it all- Happy Anniversary, Beloved.  I love you.

P.S.S.  I wanted to share my favorite gift of all, from D and L.  They are so sweet and generous.  This was included in a card from them.

 

At first I didn't quite understand why we were given a map.  Then D reminded me that China was the traditional  gift for the 20 year anniversary.  Absolutely, perfect.

Happy Birthday, Beloved!!

Happy, Happy 46th Birthday to my Beloved!!

 

You get better with age.  It's really not fair that men age more gracefully than women. 

A slight graying at the temples is distinguished on men.  Those crinkles at the eyes are charming and sexy. 

 

He doesn't really like to get his photo taken, but too bad.  You must have the obligatory birthday photo with your birthday cake.  In this case, it's a birthday cheesecake.  It's his favorite.

 

Hope you enjoy this side of 40 more than the first half.  The best is yet to come!

Love, Me

My Husband Makes Me Laugh- Take 2

First let me say, I had just had the perfect day.  I took the day off from work since it was the first nice day in several.  I needed a mental health day.  Youngest has been away at camp all week.  Eldest had spent the night with friends from work and Middle One was chillin' out until he had to mow the lawn and go work out for football.

Beloved had gotten caught up on a lot of his work and we decided to have a couple day at the pool.  It was delightful.  We relaxed all day, reading at our leisure, not having to watch for children swimming.  After the pool, we went to our local vegetable/fruit market and then to the liquor store.  (More on that later.)  He then was kind enough to escort me to my work storage unit so I could take a sample inventory.  We were having a perfectly lovely time.  Getting along swimmingly.   (No pun intended.)

When we came home, we were welcomed to a kitchen that look like it had exploded.  Why is it that mychildren, who know that it is their responsibility to clean up after themselves, never do?  Their answer was- I thought the dishwasher was full.  OK?  Why not empty it then.  It's not my turn.  Oh, well that explains it.  Thank you.

  Instead of fighting with them some more, Beloved starts to empty the dishwasher while I start to put away the items we just purchased.  He asks me what I'd like to do tonight.  It's our last night before everyone is home again.  The other kids don't have any plans that we need to be worried about coordinating around.  We are discussing our options.  Finally, he says, "Let's just continue our nice day.  We'll spend time together, maybe sit out on the patio, sip a cocktail, whatever.  Keep it simple."  I agree, that sounds like a plan.

Beloved then leaves to go down to his office to go through the mail, etc.  I stay up in the kitchen and continue cleaning up.  I might mention at this time, that I'm feeling a little bloated, perhaps it could even be said, a little gassy. I had been all day.  So, I'm standing at the window, daydreaming a little, thinking I'm alone in the kitchen washing up pots and pans.  I'm not embarrassed to say, a few snuck out...if you know what I mean.  Ordinarily, I would never "toot" in front of people.  I will go in another room, like the bathroom to do my business or continue to hold it in, as I had been doing all day.  However, I was alone, no harm, no foul..( again, no pun intended....)  what I didn't know was that Beloved was walking through the kitchen behind me as that little one escaped.  He stops and asks me "Is that your mating call for later?" 

How does the man think of these things?  I turned three shades of red.  I actually couldn't think of a single thing to say back to him.  So- I laughed.  He did, too. 

Roll Out the Barrel....

 

This past weekend we attended our local area Polish Festival.  Our area is host to many festivals in the summer.  Church festivals galore polished with their parishes personal touch.  Ethnic festivals of all types showcasing the food and culture of a particular ethnicity.  We try to sample what we can and we are particularly fond of the Polish Festival.  The number one reason?  The music! 

 

POLKA MUSIC!  You can't help but smile and move your feet when you hear that polka beat!  It instantly puts me in a good mood.

 

This sassy gal brought her dancing shoes!  You gotta love that dedication to the dance form. 

 

Young and old dancing together.  Mom's with their kids.  Woman dancing with woman- just because it's so much fun. 

 

Here's Beloved giving Youngest her first lesson in Polka Dancing.  Back in the day, Beloved was quite the Polka King.  When he was a youngster, his family, (of German heritage- another Polka loving group of ethnic folks) would travel the area hitting all of the Polka Festivals.  His grandmother and mom taught him to dance and he would be their dance partners.  He's a good teacher- but be warned he only knows one speed- FAST!  So grab on and get ready to spin around the floor if you're his dance partner.  Youngest was having a blast!

 

Initially, Youngest and her friend, K weren't so sure what do.  We told them watch everyone else and just make sure you move so you won't get mowed over...

 

They quickly got into the spirit of things...

 

And soon were looking like true Polka Princesses!  They had to be dragged off the dance floor...

Here's the other thing about festivals that I adore-

 

The people!  It's a plethora of people watching nirvana! 

 

 

This little sweety asked me to take her picture and was tickled when I showed it to her.

 

This fine gentleman called me a "sweetheart" for taking his photo.  Which leads me to the 3rd thing that is so great about festivals....

 

The FOOD!  Did you see those onion rings on his plate?  They were indeed "colossal."  This festival had the usual fair food-

 

Yummy onion rings, unbelievable fresh cut fries, pizza, funnel cakes-(a personal favorite)

 

But what I really want when I'm at a Polish Festival is Polish Food!   There were several choices when it came to picking the food stand for our kielbasa, sweet and sour cabbage and pierogi's.  We opted for the local church's food pavilion.   I liked knowing that the food was made by the sweet souls of St. Hedwig's Parish. 

 

In a word, DELISH!!  We even sat ourselves down on the front steps of this beautiful old church. 

 

 

If I were an architectural guru I would tell you the type of stained glass window that was- but I'm not, so I won't but I will say I thought it was beautiful.  I especially like the fact that the paint is peeling.  It gives an extra special something...

 

Did I mention that Middle One complained - pretty much the whole time we were there?  Yep- he didn't really care for the Polish food.  He chose a steakburger and fries.  He didn't care for the music - the most.  He said listening to the Polka music should be a form of torture for prisoners.  Which actually gives me an idea- I think I'll have it piped in his room on the mornings he doesn't want to get out of bed...yeah- now that's an idea I can get behind.

The rest of us- though- we had a barrel of fun...! 

My Husband Makes Me Laugh

Beloved has a  very quirky sense of humor.  He tends to love movies that have (in my opinion) that frat house humor.  He could watch "Airplane" over and over and still laugh like it's the first time he's ever seen it.  He loves to make puns that most people don't get or makes them groan.  I happen to think he's quite funny.  His sarcastic dry wit has saved us from many a dark moment or long argument.

Tonight, we were on our way to the last chance Mass at our Church.  What is it about going to church and my family?  All hell seems to break loose as we are trying to get ready to go to church.  Everyone is picking on one another, whining about something or another - and I'm trying to get into the right mindset.  Usually I can ignore my kids when they turn into the Bickerson's, but this evening, something in me snapped.  I mean I really lost it.  I turned into screaming, banshee mother.  I ripped each child a new one as we are driving into the church parking lot.  I'm reading them the riot act and putting the fear of God in them if this behavior continues during Mass, there will be serious consequences.  Possibly, bodily harm...

Everyone gets out of the car.  I continue to sit behind the wheel trying to compose myself.  I'm hopping mad.  I'm ticked off that I let myself get sucked into the vortex of my kid's bad attitudes and now I'm completely not in my right mind as I"m about to celebrate a Mass.  I turn to Beloved and say, I'm so upset that I let myself react that way.  I'm really in a snit now...I continue barking at Beloved about what has just occurred as we are walking into the church.  I"m going on and on as I tip my finger into the Holy Water font and make the sign of the cross.  I'm walking toward the pew that we always sit and Beloved who is walking behind me, grabs my arm and turns me towards him.  I turn with a disgusted look on my face and mouth "What?!"

He says to me and I quote, "I  heard a sizzling sound and I wanted to make sure that the Holy Water didn't burn a cross into your forehead, Demon woman." 

I came undone.  Instantly, I let my anger dissipate and I actually laughed out loud in church!  I had to grab my hand and place it over my mouth.  Beloved just shook his head at me and chuckled to himself.  That little bit of humor changed everything.  I wasn't mad anymore.  I actually felt my blood pressure drop. 

It's hard to stay mad when someone is making fun of the behavior that you're actually angry about.  I like that about him. 

$3,000 Dilemma

 

You know the old wive's tale that things happen in "3's?"  Well it's happening at our house and the magic number that ties them all together is $3,000.  (give or take a few numbers, but after rounding...the number remains-$3,000.)

1.  Carpet for the basement that has to be replaced from the work we had done to correct our water problems.  The room that took the brunt of the tear up- has been fixed thanks to my FIL.  We have decided to turn it into a bedroom for Eldest.  Her new little home away from home, since she won't be living on campus when she goes to college this fall, she'll be commuting and living at home.  We thought it would be nice to give her new digs and give her a bit more privacy. 

2.  Braces for Middle One.  This one we have been putting off.  We had a consultation about a year ago and never moved forward.  He's about to enter high school so it just needs to be done.  He's got a very mild case of crooked teeth...but nonetheless, it's  going to cost $3000 (give or take a few hundred dollars.)

3.  New Car/Old Car Wrecked.  Yes, that's right, you heard me.  Eldest, (the same one who just got a speeding ticket a few weeks ago wrecked her car that was completely paid for.)  She's fine and everyone with her is fine.  What's not fine is the fact that it's going to cost $3,000 to fix it.  The insurance company will probably total the car and then it will be another mark against Eldest on her insurance and 3 strikes your out...Can't take the chance, just going to have to suck this up and find a solution. 

So- there you have it- our $3,000 dilemma.  Now, we just have to prioritize and hope our money tree  blooms on demand.

Prom Preview

Since Eldest has been too busy to give me her camera so I can upload/download (I'm never sure what is the correct verbage) her prom photos, I've decided to share some memories from the past.  Now- let me just say, it was a different decade people- so no judgin', no hatin' on the fabulous fashions I'm about to share with ya'll...

1980-

 That's Beloved with our good friend, T (who we do not see nearly enough.)  This is their Junior Prom at good old WHS.  I'm guessing by the artwork it must have been a Hollywood/Movie Theme.  I'm really enjoying the horizontal rainbow colored stripes as the background.  Beloved and T were great friends in high school and went to the prom together as "friends."  I don't know for sure, but if I was a betting woman, I'd say that was a Gunne Sax dress- all the rage during the 8o's.  They are quited coordinated in their colors all way down to their corsages.

Next up- 1982-

 

First let me say how impressed I am with WHS being so ahead of their time in recycling.  Clearly, they found something that worked and decided not to waste their horizontal rainbow colored decorations and have used them again, 2 years later.  This is Beloved with his high school sweetheart, G.  This is her Senior Prom and Beloved came home from college to attend.  Isn't that sweet?  I'm especially glad he decided to wear those white patent leather shoes with his dark suit.   I'm a little disappointed they didn't color coordinate as well as they could have...  Aren't they a cute couple?  Not really sure what this year's them was- maybe "99 Balloons?"  (Come on- admit it- that song is in your head now...) 

Do you have fond memories of your prom?  Do you have any memories at all or did you black out after a night of partying at the local Red Roof Inn?  (No judging people- that's the way we rolled in the 80's.  Drinking age was 18, you know...)

I'd love to see your photos or have you share your stories.  Please send them to me at debshull@yahoo.com or respond in the comments section.  I'd love to have a prom flashback post- so send them now and send them often.  If you're nice, I'll share my prom photos with you.....

Until then, "99 red balloons.."

"You're So Vain...."

Well- I try not to be.  I'm not always successful.  Is it not natural to want to present yourself in the most favorable way?  Case in point, I've always been funny about having my photo taken.  (I have no problem taking pictures of others, I might add.)  The reason I'm so "funny" about it is I have a face that definitely has a better "side" than the other.  It's almost appears that my face is misshapen at times.  I have a crooked smile and one of my eyes crinkles up more than the other. 

So, I'm almost always pleasantly surprised when I like a photo of myself.  I have years of not so flattering class photos.  When I was in college, my sorority would have a composite portrait done each year.  Each girl in the house would have her portrait taken and then all of them would be displayed in a giant framed picture.  I would hate composite photo day.  I would pray to the hair God's for a good hair day.  I would make sure my makeup was just right.  These photos are hung up in the house for years for everyone to see.  The most current composite hung in the place of honor in the dining room.  Then in new school year the pictures are rotated and moved around throughout the house until maybe a decade or so later, you were moved to the basement for safekeeping.

Each year I dreaded the fraternity prank whereby one of the fraternities on campus would steal your composite and then your sorority would have to retrieve the composite by going and singing for it's return.  When it was returned, it would be decorated with funny sayings or photos that were  basically a "critique" of each girl by the fraternity.  While some were sweet or even x-rated, let me just say, some were not so nice.  How crushed and bruised were some of my sisters when a photo of a can of dog food appeared by their face.  Sometimes you were spared altogether and nothing was taped to your photo. 

One memorable year, I had these words cut from an advertisement taped by my photo-

"It's Value Merits a Standing Ovation." 

Well, I gotta say, that made my day!  How nice was that?!  But then again, who were these guys to pass judgment on anyone's looks?  Why did we care what they thought?  Why didn't we steal their composites and do the same exact thing?  (The answer to I do not know to this day...)

Well, this brings me back to today.  Eldest's prom was this past weekend.  I plan a post with photos, but I was disappointed because in all of the photos of her and I and Beloved, I look terrible.  It was not my day at all.  I can live with that.  But then the smartypants went and posted all those terrible photos on her Facebook with links to hundreds of people- many of whom I know and haven't seen for a long time.  (I think you all know how I feel about posting unflattering photos of yourself on Facebook-See November archives.)  I demanded she take them down.  "No, mom- I like them.  Besides they're good of me and dad." 

Yeah- well....they're not good of me and.... it's all  about me, right? 

See- I can show my bad side.....Never be it said more true than that my value merits a standing ovation!