update on my broken branch

{photo courtesy of Jennifer Skog Photography}
This photo is our inspiration color scheme. Of course, done in plastic and paper and stuff. When I saw this, I knew it screamed Jennifer. Since I already have the damask runners from Jordanne's shower, all I needed to do was get the green tablecloths. Hello Dollar Store!


I cannot believe I have such a seemingly small and insignificant pathetic little life that my all consuming concern is about a broken branch and what color to paint it...but I digress.

This is it...the week before the shower and I'm pleased to say, Blooms and Branches is sending me a new branch! It's expected delivery is on the 17th...gosh, they're not giving me much time to spray paint it and mount it and decorate it.

I met with Diane today to discuss the final headcount. We are planning for around 72 people (12 at a table...6 tables.) I am really expecting only around 50 or 60 people though.

but... "We shall see"...

Anyways...the plans are coming along. I have my week-long timeline to follow so I stay on track. Wednesday afternoon I plan to do all the grocery shopping and drive out to Diane's house 20 miles away. Thursday I bake and frost cookies, Friday we set up, make fruit kebobs, and Saturday we prepare and have the shower. Woo hoo!

I decided I am not going to wear a dress to this shower simply because it's darned cold and my legs are chicken white. Nobody wears pantyhose anymore these days! Yikes. I wish I knew that last year when I wore a dress to Jordy's shower.

Life's lessons while making dinner

Sometimes life has a way of humbling us.

You see, with Pat being a high school hockey coach he has made a lot of enemies over the years. From opposing team's players and parents, to players and parents on our own team who want to elevate their son's role above the needs of the entire team. Many parents just don't understand that little "junior" isn't quite mature enough (in skill, body structure, and emotionally) to play a varsity sport. Most of the time these players are underclassmen and their parents seem to think they are the next Wayne Gretzky.

Well one of these parents who has pretty much made Pat's life miserable (as they have 2 sons who play) suddenly took ill. In a very serious way. Ironically, a few years ago I finally couldn't take much more from this family that I got into a very heated exchange with the mother after she continually bashed my husband and son. (mother bear instincts kicked in.)

Needless to say, it was a tearful exchange and we pretty much ignored each other for the remainder of the season.

I must say, I am a very forgiving person by nature. Slowly I started to engage in conversation with this family again and have put the unpleasantries behind me. Their son, who is a senior this year was appointed one of the team's captains and has done a good job as a defenseman.

With all that being said...my husband came home yesterday and asked me to make a dinner for this family since the father is in the hospital and the family is devastated. While I baked lasagna, garlic bread, corn and brownies, I thought of these people, and prayed for them. I am humbled.

Life is too short to hold grudges and make record of wrongdoings. If we could only learn these life's lessons without having tragedy strike.

For it is in giving do we receive...

~St. Francis of Assisi

Love this, but not for the shower...

The black and white damask with lime green theme does not really go with this more natural color scheme. I really love it in my living room, but not for the shower. Gonna scrap it and grab the black spray paint. I am looking for more dramatic effects than this "natural" look. Will post the finished look when I finally LOVE IT.

Dear Blooms and Branches:

I received my order today and was very disappointed in the condition of my manzanita branch. It was smashed into the box, resulting in two broken branches. Please consider using a little larger box when you ship your products. I await your reply. Thank you.

Unhappy 'lil me.

Jen's happiest birthday EVER!

Happy 25th birthday to my firstborn, Jennifer Kaye! Yesterday Jen had the best birthday gift ever- their offer on the Chicago condo was accepted! It was just like an episode of House Hunters! They knew they had to look at condos while she was there visiting and after looking at several condos, they found THE ONE, made an offer and found out it was accepted the next day! (on a Sunday, no less!) Gosh, this is happening so quick. The condo is in a Chicago high rise in Lincoln Park... on the 9th floor! The view is breathtaking. I can't wait to actually get to see it!

So not only does she have less than 3 months to finish planning the wedding, they also have to move all her stuff from Michigan to Chicago and set up their new home. As happy as I am for her, I'm really getting sad to think she'll be moving away. Oh I know I'll still talk to her all the time, but it just won't be the same. Her new life is just beginning. What an adventure. I guess I'll be hopping the Amtrack a lot in the near future.

Last night I stayed up until 4 am making jewelry for shower prizes. I realize I'm bordering on crazy...but I just want everything to be perfect for her. She deserves it.

Waiting for a package to come

Yep, it's official...I'm NUTS!

I have been in love with Manzanita branch centerpieces and I've decided to just take the plunge and order one of these beauties to hang my "words of inspiration" on. I know, I know...the last bridal shower I just used branches out of my yard...and it looked fine...but I'm totally obsessed with these branches and just had.to.have.one.

I got a great deal- they were on sale! And of course, when you register, they send you a $5 off coupon to use towards your first purchase. I could not resist. I will post pics when I create my centerpiece.

Goin' for my walk now. After all, I've gotta keep this heart healthy.

Where its all been happening...

This is the place I've been spending a lot of my time lately. Unfortunately my "craft studio" has not been finished before its been put to good use. Time is of the essence right now, and like most projects I undertake...I rarely finish them before I need to use them. ANYWAYS... I've been needing to store stuff for the shower and this room is available. (formerly Jordanne's bedroom...one day I will show the before and after pictures of this room's transformation.)

The baskets in the above picture are filled with goodies from Victoria's Secret, hand crocheted dishcloths, hair products, etc. I still have to finish all the custom jewelry we are using for prizes too. The picture leaning against the wall is an art project my son Ryan did in high school. I just love the dog, he makes me smile, so I felt it needed to go in my happy little craft studio.

On these shelves are some of the finished projects for the shower as well as craft room supplies. (some fabric to make aprons is sitting there waiting for my attention.)

The spare bed which often ends up being where I crash after a late night of crafting. I have plans to make a fun retro inspired quilt for this bed...in the meantime this duvet works.

This is our old dining set we brought up from the basement...it is serving the purpose to craft on for the time being. I do have plans to paint this set white. FYI the opened jar of gourmet jelly beans is being used for bridal shower favors, not sustenance while I craft. (okay, maybe a few have been eaten.)

Behind those doors and drawers are my fabric stash and supplies. A girl can never have enough hiding spaces and this room is full of great storage.

These are the colors I intend to use in that quilt on my "Bucket List". Gives the room a retro vintage feel. I can't wait to actually organize this space...in the meantime it serves the purpose.

This armoire was found abandoned on the side of the road...I wish I took a before picture. It truly was perfect for this room...more storage for craft supplies. I am storing the towel cake and a candle set we are using in the tablescape up on top. (yes, I found it at a garage sale and spray painted it!) Don'tcha just love that vintage fan I found in my great uncle's attic? (I am not using that in the shower by the way...)

...and beyond the table in that far corner is a pile of projects I have going on. A girl can never have enough projects on her "to-do" list. So there you have it! My work in progress work room! I hope to actually finish the room before the wedding, but on our timeline, I'm not seeing that happen any time soon.