fabulous weekend

So much specialness for one weekend...where do I start?  Well I suppose I could start with that cute little ball of chub in the pictures above.  That is my nephew Charlie.  He turned one last weekend.  I think he may be too cute to be only one person.  And his sweet personality is really starting to shine through these days.  My sis came into town early on Saturday to help me set up for a baby shower.  My brother and sister in law are expecting a baby girl this spring and we couldn't be more ecstatic!  Blankets and bunting and cupcakes...oh my!  Add in a new company member gala for Ballet Midwest and dinner with some of my favorite friends and you have my weekend in a nutshell.  The flannel blankets were my gift to the new mama and I have a few more things up my sleeve for later this week.  

And last but definitely not least...its Abby's birthday today.  With all that she has been through over the past few months, she is still my first sweet babe.  Eleven years ago today the life of a 21 year old kid changed.  Sitting in that hospital room with such a tiny life in my hands, I could have never imagined where we would be now.  She inspired me to grow up and take responsibility.  She inspired me to go back to school.  She made me laugh when times were hard.  She forgave me for not knowing what the heck I was doing.  Smiling and laughing all the time.  My first born.  The one who made me a mom.  Gave me my favorite identity.  While I was holding her hand, she was holding my heart.  I wouldn't be the mom or the person I am today without her in my life.  Thanks for being my blue eyed, freckle faced, dimple cheeked girl.  I love you.  

about time

I think I am in heaven.  Why didn't anyone tell me these were so very awesome?  We got our very first Mac this week and I am officially a convert.  I still haven't figured out about 80% of the tricks, but I am pleased none the less.  I hit a wall over the past few weeks and the blog posts just weren't coming to me.  We were busy.  I've been crafty.  Just not much writing mojo going on.  My Mac makes me wanna write.  So expect me to be a better poster...at least for awhile.  Any of you guys know special tricks and programs I need to know about?

i am a lucky gal

Why yes. Yes I am. For starters, I was overwhelmed with the kindness and thoughtfulness of your comments from my previous post. You guys really are awesome! My gal is doing better, and after speaking with the principal and her homeroom teacher things are really looking up! But there is something more. Almost more than I can handle. You see that piano in the picture above? That is mine. All mine. And you wanna know how much I paid for this awesome piece? Nada. I think the moving boys may have consumed some beer, but that was it! It needs to be tuned, but I bet I can handle that! The wood and the simplicity of this piece is almost more than I can handle. It truly has a good home and will be much appreciated and played.

I also had an opportunity to photograph a master class at Ballet Midwest this weekend. The talent of the teacher and the company was stunning. The rest of the pics are over on flickr if you wanna take a peek. The teacher was a former company member that went on to dance with the Joffery Ballet and has danced professionally all over the country. Yes, I am a very lucky gal this week.

i need your wisdom

Those of you who read this blog I would count as my friends, my family, and those who inspire me. Your wisdom and insight is something I count on regularly. I could use that wisdom about now. Especially from you mamas. My oldest daughter is going through something that has thrown me for a loop. It seems that she is having a problem with one of her teachers. I think that may have stemmed the problem we are having now. She will be eleven years old later this month and she has been having separation anxiety attacks nearly as bad as she did when she was in Pre-K. Shaking and crying when it comes to even talking about school. She says she will miss me too much. As flattering as that is, I think there is far more to it. She gets straight A's, has scads of friends, and is adored by most of her teachers. The teacher in question has been yelling quite a bit lately. Is she too sensitive? Is there too much pressure? Doers she really just miss me? PLEASE HELP!!! Talk about feeling like a bad mama. I have NO idea what to do. I have listened and tried to talk, but to no avail at this point. Sigh. Wisdom needed. Now.

my new loves

Oh yes. I do have new loves. And they are fabulous. New boots from Simply. Check out this site. They are really doing fab things with eco friendly materials. And they are stupid comfortable! Oh and check the $120 tag on these online...got them on sale yesterday for $32. Yup. Another reason for loving them...I really didn't need another reason. And as if that was not enough, I stumbled on a new pro grade Kitchen Aid ON SALE! And not that 10% crap. It was on sale for 33% off already and after another 50% off I walked out with this beauty for $100. Gasp. $350 price tag to start. Did I mention that it compliments my kitchen perfectly?

My favorite new love came from my true love. I almost had a stroke when my husband gave me that rock for Christmas. Never thought I was a big diamond kinda gal, but I am totally mesmerised by this thing. Keep looking at it like I did when we were first engaged. Can you tell that I am feeling a bit blessed these days? If I could only get my voice back from this nasty cold I have had...all would be right with the world!