Dear Monday

It's Monday!  Time to link up with Megan for another Dear Monday

Dear Monday, You weren't so bad for a Monday.  After getting the bizerk-o monster puppies home from the kennel, you were quite pleasant.

Dear Dexter, Your episode last night scared the crap out of me, and the twist kinda blew my mind.  Ca-razyness!

Dear Weather Forecast, I love what you are forecasting.  Sunshine and cold temperatures for the foreseeable future.

Dear Christmas Shopping,  I am totally kicking your ask.

Dear Fall Semester, You are coming to a close and I have completed all of your requirements ahead of schedule.  Booya.

Dear December, I will only spend eight of your days in the office.  Hallelujah.

Dear Zumba, I love shaking my groove thang for an hour.  Even if I look ridiculous.

Dear Hubby, Thank you for being utterly useless while trying to put together our Christmas wish-lists for your parents.  Sometimes you are incredibly irritating, but it makes me love you more.

Take Luck,

LP

Feeling Crafty

I will be the first to tell you that I am not a crafty or creative person.

That was one trait that I certainly wasn't born with, and one that I don't typically work on improving.

However.

A few weeks ago while reading some of my favorite blogs, and with the help of Pinterest... I caught a crafting bug.

So this afternoon, while in husbandless-house and with control of the remote control - I commenced some crafting.

I had purchased some festive, Christmas cotton fabric from Joann's and cut it into 6 in. strips of varying width and started wrapping them around my Styrofoam wreaths. 

After the wreaths were covered, I wrapped the wreaths with bright green ribbon.

Here's where my crafty and creative abilities were stretched.  

I used green pipecleaners and small red fuzzy balls (I'm sure there is some artsy-fartsy term for these... But I am clueless) to make holly leaves.  I glued them on the bottom of the wreaths.

Once dry, I tacky glued extra green ribbon onto the top so I can hang this masterpiece in our home.

Ta-daaaaa!

My next trick will be creating an advent calendar.   But I'm guessing they won't turn out as good as Sar's or Meg's... But I can sure try!

Are you attempting any holiday crafts this year?

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

It sure doesn't feel like Friday.  But it most certainly is.

Linking up with the little things we do for another, Fill in the Blank Friday!

[1] Waking up at the break of dawn to go shopping is my idea of not my idea at all.  I must admit that I did some shopping today... But certainly not after getting a full 9+ hours of sleep.

[2] If I were to go shopping today I would be on the hunt for Christmas gifts for my nieces and nephews.  I was on the hunt today for said gifts.  And I dominated.

[3] The best thing I ate yesterday was my aunt's pumpkin cheesecake.  It was incredible.

[4] Something I've been learning lately is that it is OK to speak your mind.  I have known this for a long time.  But lately I've been doing it.

 [5] I cannot start my day without my contacts/glasses.  Or breakfast.

[6] My nighttime attire consists of a t-shirt and comfy pants.  And perhaps one of Ryan's sweatshirts.

[7] I am looking forward to Christmas and buying gifts for family!

That is all.

Take Luck,

LP

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'll just get right into the cliche-ness and start rambling on about the things I am thankful for.

- My Hubby

- The laughter and love that I share with my Hubby

- Brocky Boy

- Sonny Bunny

- My family - both immediate and extended... In all our quirky goodness

- My relationships with my parents and siblings - in-laws included!

- Our health

- Thanksgiving Day Zumba - which I'm pretty sure Grammy's Salad negated

- Our home

- Our jobs

- Friends

- Blogging

-  I can now officially enter Christmas mode.  And play Christmas music frequently.  And loudly.

- Our future

Hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Take Luck,

LP

Too Many Hats

I think I tried to wear too many hats today.

Wife.  Daughter. Sister.  Aunt. Puppy-Mommy. Employee.  Friend. Student.  Exerciser.

I did it all. 

At the end of the day, when I finally got home - my long day came crashing down in the form of an overwhelmed and quite grouchy Lauren. 

Who was crying.  

And needed to excuse herself before having a meltdown.

I think tomorrow I will try to wear less hats.

Do you ever feel like you've worn too many hats in one day?

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

It's Monday!  That means it's time for another Dear Monday with Megan.

Dear Monday, I've had better.  I've had worse.  Mostly, I felt like I was chasing my tail all day.

Dear Thanksgiving, Please get here fast, but pass by slowly.

Dear Pita Chips and Hummus, You are my new favorite post-work snack.  Why must you insist on being so delicious?

Dear Sonny, When you come sit on my lap and put your paw on my hand (or in my face repeatedly) to get my attention... I can't help but laugh and try and figure out what the heck you want.

Dear Brock, When you come and stand in front of me crying and whining, crying and whining... And I know that you've been outside, been fed and have lots of love and attention... I can't help but want to smack you around a little.  Oh, and please stop farting.

Dear Christmas Music, I cannot wait to officially commence the playing of you.  After Thanksgiving, of course!

Dear Hubby, Thank you for all the time we got to spend together this weekend.  I loved every minute of it.  Seriously.

Wishing everyone a happy Monday, and great week!

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

It's Friday!  Time for another Fill in the Blank Friday with Lauren from the little things we do!

[1] A nervous habit I have is touching my hair and getting red faced.  Not necessarily at the same time.

[2]  Something that makes me sad is hearing of people struggling and being unable to help, or unsure of how to help.

[3] Today I am thankful for Best Buy's return policy on electronics.

[4] My favorite room in my house is a tie between the living room and our bedroom.  The living room houses our monster sectional couch with chaisse.  Our bedroom houses our super comfy bed... Affectionately referred to as the black hole.

[5] I can't stand drivers who pull out in front of you.  Especially when they pull out in front of you just to take the next turn.  And even more especially when no one is behind you and they could have waited.  Sheesh people.

[6] If I had an extra $100 to spend on whatever I wanted to day I would buy baby clothes.  And baby clothes.  To feed my baby fever.

[7] The last person I hung out with (besides my Hubby) was my favorite cartographer, Tawny.  We met for coffee and she told me all about her travels around the world.  We were also trying to think of videography ideas for her and her super-talented sweetie.  

Wishing everyone a happy Friday and fantastic weekend!

Take Luck,

LP

Black Friday Commercial

Last year around this time, Target unleashed a hysterical commercial.

I remember the first time I saw it - I immediately thought of my best friend Tiff and her Mom who love Black Friday shopping.

I could totally see Sue preparing and training just like this lady.

I just saw it again on TV and was laughing out loud. 

I knew I needed to share.

So, tell me!  Do you venture out into the masses on Black Friday?

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Dear Monday, I woke up with a headache-headache.  It evolved throughout the day into a work-headache.  Let's not make this a pattern... Mmkay?

Dear Beef Strogenoff, Why can't I get your sauce right?  I'm starting to think that you will never taste as good as Mom's.  I'm not giving up - I will conquer you, yet!

Dear Mellow Tunes, Listening to you while making dinner tonight was so soothing and wonderful.  I needed that.

Dear P90x and Tony Horton, I hate you and love you at the same time.  But mostly hate you.

Dear Snow-in-Forecast, Please come.  And dump buckets.

Dear Kennedy, Next time I Skype with you - Please at least pretend to be as excited as I am.  Waiting 10 whole seconds before asking, "Where's Ryan?" would make my heart very happy.

Dear Liam, I'm hoping that someday you will Skype with your Uncle Ryan and immediately ask him, "Where's Lauren?"  That would make my heart equally happy.

Dear Hubby, This makes two weeks in a row that you have come home bearing ice cream treats.  Is this a ploy to fatten me up?  Or are you just trying to be sweet?  I just can't decide.

Hoping everyone had a wonderful Monday!

Take Luck,

LP

Should've Stayed in Bed

I should've stayed in bed this morning.

The first sign came at 6:30am like a 75-pound brick.

Or dog.

Ryan had to work today and was up early getting ready.

Normally (on the weekdays) I am up first, so I let the puppies out (Sonny out of our bed and Brock out of his cage) and they go do their business.  

On days when Ryan is up first, he lets Brock out of his cage and Princess Sonny usually stays with me until I get up.  On these days, the first thing Brock does is come barreling into our room and up onto the bed to say "GOOD MORNING!" to me.

This morning was no different.

Except he trampled me, scratched my face with his gigantic dog-talons, licked said scratch, and then sat on my head.

I guess that's his way of showing his undying love and affection for his Mama.

I should have seen the sign for what it was... A sign to stay in bed.

Because the day just kept on getting better and better.

First, I took a 30-minute drive up north to Bainbridge Island with my Mom to watch what we thought would be my niece, Jaiden's 10:30 soccer game.

We found the field, and there were no orange, Tracyton Tigers in sight.

After giving my older sister a little jingle, we learned that the game had been moved to 1:30.

Awesome.

Thank you, so much for letting us know.

I came home and relaxed my bod on the couch for several hours and enjoyed having control of the remote while my Hubby was at work.

I had been invited to an facial/skin care party/demo at a girlfriend's house and so at 3:00 I headed on over there.

At this gathering, was a girl that I went to high school with and haven't seen (or talked to) in a long time. 

I knew that she had gotten married recently, so I did what I thought was polite.

I asked her how married life was.

Mistake, mistake, mistake.

Her response was, "Well, uhh..."

Shit.

Enough said.  I should've stayed in bed.

Moving on.

The facial demonstration commenced and the lady passed around some cleanser.  It was lovely, refreshing, and smelt like kiwi.

Next up was the exfoliant.

I applied it to my face and immediately felt my face get very hot, and a fairly intense burning sensation.

I was sitting next to my friend's aunt who asked me, "Uhm... Are you ok?  You're face is really red."

I kind of laughed and said, "Oh, yes.  I'm fine!" and wiped the exfoliant off my beat red and hot face.

Next up, was some sort of mask that was soft and cool.  I thought it might calm my irritation.

No.

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

More burning, more redness.

I excused myself to the bathroom and washed my face off with warm water, and my friend was kind enough to give me some calming Eucerin lotion - which helped a little bit.

The demonstration lady felt horrible and kept saying, "I'm so sorry - This has never happened before!"

Of course not.

I should've stayed in bed.

I am home now.  Safe.

My optimistic nature keeps me thinking that the day can't get much worse.

But it's only 5:00.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

 

It's Friday!  You know what that means - another Fill in the Blank Friday with Lauren from the little things we do!

1. My favorite new blog of the moment is Enjoying the Small Things.

2. Something I am thankful for is the exciting news I've gotten from three of my favorite people this week.  A pregnancy, an engagement, and a new job/relocation!  I love my ladies.

3. Something that made me laugh this week was watching Brock and Sonny play tug-of-war with their toy fox.

4. An item that is currently on my wish list is a pair of boots.  I am bootless.

5. I am excited about shopping with my Mom and sissy, Rachel in Seattle while Daddio and Ryan are at the Apple Cup in a few weeks.

6. If I were a color I would be green.  Or purple.  'Cuz they're my favorites.

7. My favorite way to spend a chilly fall day is snuggled up on the couch under a bunch of blankets, with a good book and a cup of tea.

That is all.  Happy Friday, everyone!

Take Luck,

LP

10 on 10: November 2011

Ten on Ten: 10 pictures on the 10th day of the month!

Document a snapshot of your life & find beauty among the ordinary things in your day!

Since I had today off (and because I actually remembered!) I was able to participate in this month's 10 on 10.  It is sad to think that my last one was in June.

Moving on.

I woke up, took Ry-Guy to work and was very happy to see the sun-a-shining.

I love how our Japanese Maple has changed this season, but I am sad to see it lose its leaves.  Because then, it's pretty ugly.

I got some cuddle time with this little lady.

And a pleasant greeting from this handsome fella after bringing the trash can back up from the curb.

I did a lot of this...

Made a trip to Joann's to feed my crafting heart.

I also raided Lowe's paint swatches... Like a crazy woman on a crafting mission.

Started a craft!

Picked up my handsome Hubby from work!

"Paid attention" to my Statistics lecture...

and enjoyed a beautiful full moon.

All in all, it has been a fantastically fabulous day.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Time for another Dear Monday link-up with Megan at Happy Day!

Dear Monday, It was incredibly easier rolling (literally) out of bed this morning knowing that you were the first of only three working days this week.  Hallelujah.

Dear Sonny, We (along with our checking account) thank you sincerely for the fact that your body decided to shape up and fix the issues that were going inside.  We missed your spunk last week.

Dear Fall Semester, Please let the remaining 5 or so weeks fly by.  My brain and I would really appreciate it.

Dear Bon Iver, I kept seeing rave reviews about you over at Today's Letters, but until today had not experienced you for myself.  I like you. 

Dear Away We Go, I watched you on Saturday night.  I laughed and I cried while thoroughly enjoying your soundtrack.

Dear Hubby, Thank you for watching Elf with me yesterday.  There is nothing like couch-snuggles and belly laughs when watching a Christmas movie… In November.  You are simply wonderful.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Take Luck,

LP

Slumber Party

Friday night, we had a slumber party with our newly-11-year-old niece, Jaiden.

Along with chicken quesadillas for dinner, Puss in Boots was also on the agenda.

I don't know that I've ever seen a kid this excited to see a movie.  She insisted that we get to the theater early so we could get a bag of popcorn and a good seat.

When we left the movie, she told me over and over again that, "That was the best movie I have seen in my entire life!!"

We came home and started making (and baking) Monkey Bread to have on Saturday morning for breakfast.

While the treat was baking, Jaiden asked to call her Mom (my sister) to say goodnight.

One of the first things that Jaiden told Katie was that we were baking Monkey Bread and that, "It smells so good - I bet you can smell it through the phone.  Can't you Mom?"  And it was quickly followed up with, "Don't worry, Mom.  No monkeys were harmed in the making of this Monkey Bread."

Where does she come up with this stuff?

She also made a new, forever BFF with Sonny.  My parents' little wieny, Teddy isn't the biggest fan of Jaiden, so I know it made her super happy that Sonny wanted to lay and cuddle with her.

It was soon time for bed and we got JB all set up in the guest bedroom.  She made sure that she would have a lamp on, and that we would keep her door and our door open during the night - just in case!

As soon as she laid down - she found herself a snoozing-buddy in Brock.  She thought it was the coolest thing that the big guy wanted to lay with her.

The morning came and she finally got to sink her teeth into the Monkey Bread that she was just dying to eat.

Before we knew it - it was time to get Miss J to her soccer game.

It was chilly, but beautiful outside and the Tigers crushed.

We had a great time having Jaiden over, and hope we get to do it again soon!!

We love you, JB!

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

It's Friday!  Which means another edition of Fill in the Blank Friday with Lauren at the little things we do!

1. My favorite thing about this week is having a slumber party with our niece, Jaiden tonight!  Puss 'n Boots - here we come!

2.  Colder weather makes me want to curl up in front of the fireplace with a bunch of blankets, my puppies... And take a nap.

3.  Three things that make me terribly happy as of late are my Hubby, seeing pictures and videos of our new nephew Liam, and the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

4.  If I could only wear one kind of shoe for the rest of my life, I'd choose: ballet flats.  Easy peasy.

5.  My personality is laid back mixed with some anxiety and worrier-tendancies, passionate, caring, look-on-the-bright-sider and lover of life.

6.  I have a serious problem resisting oogling babies.  Baby fever, people!

7.  My favorite color to wear is green.  No, purple.  Maybe, green.  I love both.

That is all!  Happy Friday!

Take Luck,

LP