The BEST news EVER!

(At least in my life) Lori is coming home for Christmas!! There was concern that she wouldn't make it, but she's really coming. YAY!! for SISTER'S time again. It's funny; as I think about our childhood I realize we weren't always exactly 'kind' to each other (that may be the BIGGEST understatement I have ever made). Fortunately we have both grown out of that stage and now, we may have disagreements, but at the end of the day, there is no one that I would rather spend time with, in person when possible or over the phone long distance.

3 things I absolutely LOVE about my sister:

She is INCREDIBLY talented - a true artist. She can see things the way that she wants them to be, not just the way they are, or the way a pattern or recipe says it should be. I freak out if I don't have the exact number of stitches in a sewing project or the exact and correct amount of a certain ingredient. Lori can see how other things can fill it's place and turns whatever it is into an incredible masterpiece. She has an amazing nack (I've never actually used that word in print before) for making whatever she is working on BEAUTIFUL!!

She has a BIG heart - always full of joy! Lori can love ANYBODY!! and she does! She has a way of making anyone feel that they are important and loved. If I'm having a bad day, she listens to me and doesn't usually try to 'fix' my problem - she just listens. She is SOOO happy and finds joy in the journey ALWAYS!

She is a finisher. I can't hardly think of a time when Lori didn't finish whatever she started. If she says she's going to do something, by golly - it'll be done (with the exception of the picture of the flowers - I'm still waiting).

Hope you can see why she's my FAVORITE!

Best Cake EVER!!

CIn case you ever want to have a taste of THE best cake ever, here it is:
1 box chocolate cake mix (mix ingredients as directed)
1 box pumpkin spice Jell-o brand pudding mix - add to prepare cake batter.
Blend until smooth. Bake as directed.
SOOOOO yummy!
Tonight instead of using any kind of frosting, we used chocolate mousse (1 - 4 oz box Baker's German chocolate and 1 pint heavy whipping cream). This was A-MAZ-ING!
I will sleep happy tonight!

Days & Songs

This has been one interesting week. Not only did it fly by, I had no idea what each day was. When I woke up Monday morning and decided ‘Hey, it’s only Sunday, I can go back to sleep for half an hour’. Yeah, I knew then as I ran hastily out the door that it would be a long week. You’d think by Tuesday I would have my head on straight, but not only did I tell everyone I spoke to that it was Wednesday, I argued with them. Boy was I stunned when I realized I had flipped my calendar a day ahead and in fact I was fighting a losing battle. That has been the way the week has gone – a day ahead with a lot of disappointment. I told my manager yesterday that I may not even be coming in today (Friday) because my Thursday felt like Friday, so in my mind, it’s really Saturday. She was a little less than amused, so I decided in all fairness to her and to the rest of the world, I would agree that in fact today is Friday and while I would rather be home experiencing my Saturday, I have that to look forward to tomorrow. (Wow!! That was a whole lot of NOTHING!)

On a different NOTE, I thought I would share the lyrics to one of my current new favorite songs. If you have the chance, listen to it. It is a song by Michael McLean. I heard it for the very first time when I attended Time Out for Women. This is one of those songs to me that was just what I needed when I heard it. I even bought a DVD just so I could here this song any time I wanted.

Ninety and Nine
Michael McLean

I am one of the ninety and nine.
I’m not perfect, but basically I’m doing fine.
I have not lost my way, I have not gone astray.
I’m just one of the ninety and nine.
And I’m here in the heart of the fold.
I’m not mindless, but I try to do as I’m told.
I’m not tempted to run and become a lost one.
I’m just here in the heart of the fold.

So why is my shepherd coming this way toward me?
He’s holding his arms out and calling my name.
He’s calling my name, but how can this be?
I’m just one of the ninety and nine.
I have stumbled and fallen, but I’ve kept in line.
I’m not one He must seek; I’m not all that unique.
I’m just one of the ninety and nine.

So why is my shepherd treating me like His lost lamb?
He’s searching to find me, and He’s holding me now,
And teaching me who I am.
And why am I feeling like I’m the only one here?
It’s like I’m His favorite
And He takes me aside and He sweetly confidesT
hese remarkable words in my ear. He says:
“You’re one of the ninety and nine.
Have you any idea how brightly you shine?
You are safe in this fold,And it’s time you were told
that I know where you’ve been,
So I know where you’ll be,
Because all of your life you’ve been following me.
You are more than just one of the sands of the sea
Or just one of the ninety and nine:
You are mine. You are mine.”

Have an awesome day!!

Coming Home

There are two things that I absolutely love coming home to after a long day at work. Ok, who’s kidding? I love coming home to these ANYDAY! The first is our dog – until there’s a real man in my life – he’s it, and he knows it. Who wouldn’t love a little demanding creature whose only desire is for you to sit and hold him and keep him warm?

The second thing I love is…slocks! Never heard of them? Let me introduce you!

By my definition – Slocks: part slipper, part sock. I first found a pair of these at the Kittery Outlets in Maine. I foolishly paid $15 for the first pair, but when I put them on for the first time, I knew that it had been well worth it. On the next trip up, I put in my order for 2 more pairs in different colors. I lucked out on that trip because they were on sale for $9! Anyway, I’ve been completely addicted to them! I wear them everywhere I can: work, store, home…you get the idea. SIDENOTE– I wouldn’t recommend wearing them in the rain – made that mistake yesterday.

Okay, so the point of my ramblings?? I was at Bed Bath & Beyond on Saturday – just leisurely strolling through the aisles when something catches my eyes. What was it you may ask?? An entire display of slocks!!! They had them in every color, design and texture. There were fuzzy one’s, striped one’s, even one’s that sparkled. What a find! I began making my selections when reality set in and I decided I should probably find a price first. Only $5.99, can you believe it? With that I grabbed four and went on my way. Life is good!

The only thing that makes either one of these things better is to have them both together – like they are now. I have warm feet and... a warm leg – until the dog moves.

First time in the Blogdom

I've pondered for a while over whether or not to start a blog, I mean, what would I write? More importantly, would anyone ever want to read it? Well, I decided I would figure out question one and just start writing and question two will just have to take care of itself (if you're reading this - WELCOME!)
(Time lapse - 10 minutes)
Okay, so I still don't know what to write tonight. It's not even 8:30 and my eyes are trying to close. We are waiting for an airplane (again) and will go get dad tonight. We are all glad that the weekend is coming! Finally a day to sleep in and break away from the weekly routine. I am also excited - fall in New England is so beautiful. There is also a fair going on for a few more days. Mom wants to go see the animals, I just want to find some apple cider donuts somewhere. So hopefully we venture out and explore the colors (and flavors) of this season before it all turns WHITE!