50-ish

It's almost the big day!  I have had an amazing year as my 40s rolled to a close. And I'm looking forward to seeing what the next decade brings my way.  But before I got into all of that - let's take a look back at my "Before 50" list from last November!

1.  Finally lose that extra weight that I have been carrying
Thanks to Weight Watchers, almost 30 pounds are gone and I am well on my way to reaching my goal weight!  


2.  Visit at least 1 new destination.

For our vacation this year, we went to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.  While there, we took a day trip down to Savannah, Georgia.  Both were places I have never visited before. 

3.  Read at least 5 books I've never read before from this list
Four out of five is pretty good.  

•   Anna Karenina
•   Fahrenheit 451
•   Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass
•   Great Expectations
  

  
4.  Be vegetarian for a month
We did this for two weeks, rather than a month.  I think the Man of the House and I could have gone the full month, and may still give that a go later this year.  But after going along for two weeks, the Male Offspring was ready for some meat-based protein.  

  
5.  Take one of the specialty tours at Biltmore

  
6.  Join a crochet/knitting group

 7.  Learn to meditate
I used "The Basics" on Headspace to help me get started. After that I switched to an app called Insight Timer for another series on meditation basics and now use it as a timer for most of my meditation sessions. I like that the timer includes options for nice ambient sounds and bells. Occasionally, I use a Christian meditation app, Reflect, for some Scripture focused meditation.   I practice meditating several days a week and I am really enjoying the quiet time to give my mind and spirit a chance to clear out and refresh.  

  
8.  See a play (or two. I adore live theatre and don't know why I don't go more often)

  
9.  Get my office organized once and for all
Yeh, I did!!  It's so nice to have that space feeling like my place to work and not just a spot to store my suppliesl

10.  Take a yoga class

11.  Get a really good haircut by a curly hair specialist

12.  Go to a movie by myself

13.  Go to bed super early and get up super early for one week.  Or a  month.
I tried to do this one week, but life got in the way and I never seemed to make it to bed until at least 10pm each night. I have made an effort to go to bed and get up earlier - just not "super early"

14.  Send postcards whenever I go out of town or visit somewhere new

I made a half hearted attempt at this.  I bought postcards when we went on vacations.  I even sent one to the grand kid.  But that's as far as I got with that.

15.  Overcome my fear of heights

I can't say that I have "overcome" my fear of heights, but I have taken steps to push past it.  Like walking the Sky Bridge in Gatlinburg, TN.  Yes, my legs were shaking the entire time and I didn't do much looking around (especially down); but I made it all the way across and back.  And we were waaaaay up on the upper deck at the Panther's game and I did very well with that. 

photo taken by me from the center of the Gatlinburg Sky Bridge

I enjoyed making a list of things I would like to accomplish, experience or try each year.  So much so that I would like to make it a regular habit.  Stay tuned... I will be posting a new wish list for the next year very soon!

Dedicated to the One I Love

As of today, this guy completes one more trip around the sun and begins another.

And I am the incredibly lucky lady that gets to take the journey with him!  I am so very blessed to have him as my husband, my biggest cheerleader, my shoulder to cry on, and my best friend.

I don't know how he does it, but every year he just gets better and better.  He's even better looking now than at 19 when I first met and fell in love with him.

Happy Birthday!

You've Lost That Youthful Feeling

Want to feel old?  No? Please? I could really use the company.

Tomorrow my "baby boy" turns 21!

About 16 years ago...

I know what you're thinking - how can I possibly be old enough to have a 21 year old son? I think the same thing to myself all the time!

But it's true.  Not only that, but this is my youngest child.  Which might just make me officially "old:.

They say "you're only as old as you feel".   If that's true - some days I'm 26, and on a few days I'm about 85.  Fortunately,  there are many more of the "26 year old" days.

What do you do to help yourself keep that youthful feeling?

Sunday Inspiration: Over and Over

Happy Birthday to the love of my life!!

Party Like It's Your Birthday

Ever feel like the weekend is one big party?  That was this past weekend for us!

Saturday we helped celebrate the 50th birthday of a dear friend. And it was a day-long event!  We began just after lunch time by heading into downtown Asheville to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. 

It was, in one word... Amazing!  I had a lavender and honey liquid truffle.  Which was so yummy.  The Man of the House had a "chocolate sip" - which was ridiculously rich and delicious.  And we split a chocolate nib brownie, which was... so good there are no words!

If you are in or around the Asheville area and haven't been here yet - GO!  Unless you are maybe one of those rare people who doesn't like chocolate - in which case, don't.  But, you really should.

From there, we all headed to the Grove Park Inn to relax in the Great Hall and take some photos out on the terrace.

Afterward, her husband surprised her with a dinner where we all enjoyed some good food and company. 

The birthday celebrations continued into Sunday afternoon with the grand baby's 5th birthday party.  I keep saying this - but I guess it's time to stop calling him the grand "baby", especially now that he's five.  He's definitely not a baby anymore.

He had a wonderful day with a Minecraft themed party, a yummy cake, and best of all - a piñata!

It was a busy weekend.  We had a lot of fun.  We may or may not have eaten an extreme amount of sugar. (We did). 

Did you do anything fun this past weekend?

Birthday Wish List

The countdown is on, y'all!  One week from today I mark another year of being in this planet.  I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not that I actually had to do the math to remember how old I'll be.  (47.  If you really want to know)

The Man of the House asked me last weekend what I want to do and what I want for the big day.  I still haven't answered him, because I honestly had no clue.  I decided it was a good sign that I don't have a big list of wants at the ready.  Maybe that means I have reached a point in life where I have achieved  some level of contentment.

But, I decided what with my birthday and then Christmas coming up, it was probably time to start putting together a wish list.

Besides the usual gift cards to Michael's or Hobby Lobby or a mani/pedi - which are always on my wish list - here are a few fun things I'm hoping for this year:

After the heel fell apart on my ankle boots toward the end of last winter, I knew I would be needing a new pair this season.  Somehow, I still haven't gotten around to picking up a pair.  Probably because all the ones I like seem to be on the pricey side.  But I could use a new pair...

I really love the look of these Frye short boots:

Amazon.com

Or these by Lucky for a shorter bootie:

macys.com

As an 80's gal, I had my ears pierced multiple times.  Over several years, I neglected all but the bottom piercing; but recently I have started trying to wear earrings in the top two piercings also.  That's why I am in love with these triple hoop earrings which are created by an artist here in North Carolina:

Phoenix Mountain Creations on Etsy

I adore a cute watch!  (And have several needing batteries at the moment)  I also adore bees.  So, when I saw this watch it was...  well, like a bee to honey.

Amazon.com

And while we are talking about bees...  I'm completely  head over heels for this bee mandala t-shirt!!  

Astrolaboratory on Etsy

Last, but certainly not least is this crown ring which I have had my eye on for a while.  I think I would want this sized big enough to wear on my index finger.

Mountain Metalcraft on Etsy

My Love

Today we celebrate the Man of the House's birthday.

I adore this man!  He's so much more than just my husband.  He's my best friend, my rock, my biggest supporter, my fellow explorer/traveler, and my heart's joy.

Happy Birthday to the love of my life!

The Happiest Birthday Wish

Today I wanted to use this spot to wish a Happy Birthday to the handsomest, funniest, hard working-est, most patient, loving man I have ever known: The Man of the House!

Happy Birthday puddin' pop!  

(He loves it when I call him that)

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

For the Birthday Girl

Dear Captain Princess,

You were my first miracle.  The first baby to steal my heart.  My bright and shining little princess.  My tough and tumble little girl.  The girl playing with Barbies one day, fishing with Daddy the next.  Putting on frilly dresses, and wanting to climb trees and splash in the mud while wearing them.

Growing up you amused, amazed, and befuddled me.  And you still do.

I thank God every day for granting me the honor of being your mother.  Seeing you grow from that spirited little blond girl into the woman you are was a journey I wouldn't trade for anything in the universe.  I am constantly awestruck by the person you have become.

You are one of the smartest, funniest women I have ever had the privilege of knowing. You have such a quick mind - it's hard (nearly impossible) to keep up with it sometimes.  Though our views on things often differ, I am always impressed by your sense of justice, tolerance, acceptance, and fairness.

You are a beautiful woman - inside and out.  

And now that you are a mother yourself, I absolutely love watching you be firm and loving as you guide your little boy through these early years.  You are an amazing mom!!

I am impressed by you.  I am inspired by you.  I love you.

Happy Birthday.

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

To The Birthday Boy

My dear "little man",

Oh sure, I know you're not so little anymore.  And you're probably mortified that I would referred to you that way in a public place.  It's been a couple of years that I have had to look up at your face now.  But in my heart you'll always be my "little man" - no matter what size or age you are.

This mama's heart finds it so difficult to believe that you are 16 years old today.  The years have flown by so quickly. There are times I ache for the days when you were that silly, sweet, blond little boy with the cheeks who used to crawl up to sit in my lap. I wish I had taken the time to hold you just a few minutes longer while you were still small enough for that.

But as much as I miss those days, I wouldn't trade these days for anything.  I know we often seem to butt heads and argue about things that will seem so trivial in days (hours?) to come.  I remind myself that this is not unusual.  You're spreading your wings and trying to take those steps towards independence and manhood.  And I am so very proud of the young man you are becoming.  Even if I do still try to hold on - maybe a little too tightly.

You are still silly.  Stay that way.  And you are still sweet.  Don't ever lose that inner kindness.  Be strong.  Be courageous. Be unique.  Believe in yourself. God has created you for something special and I know that He will have you do great things for Him.

And always know - just like you will always be my "little man", I will always be your mommy.  I will always be here if and when you need me.  And I will always love you.

Happy Birthday. 

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Two Years

My sweet, adorable, crazy, hilarious little grand son is TWO years old today!

Seems like just the other day I was writing about how I was completely Head Over Heels with this sweet new life.

Now here we are.. two whole years later.

He's into everything (and I mean e-ve-ry-thing!!)

He runs full speed from the moment he gets up in the morning until he falls asleep at night. 

He talks up a storm (gets that from his mommy!)

He has the most precious little curls

He makes me laugh every single day.

He has his grandpa completely wrapped around his finger.

I love him bunches and bunches (in case you couldn't guess that)

Happy Birthday Little One!!

Birthday Road Trip

Earlier this month, the family went up to Pigeon Forge for the day to celebrate my birthday.  It was such a nice way to spend a Saturday, I had to just share a little with you.

Normally, I dread a drive up I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge.  The big trucks, the curvy road, and lane barriers and the mountains just make for one crazy, claustrophobic, scary ride.  Fortunately it was a lovely day, the traffic was light (with oddly very few semis) and the fall colors were just on the downside of peak.  It was beautiful!

The morning started with a stop I knew the male offspring would enjoy - the Smokey Mountain Knife Works in Sevierville.  After that we did some shopping at the outlets in Pigeon Forge, and then grabbed a light lunch.

Next up was my very favorite spot in Pigeon Forge... The Christmas Place!

I managed to talk the family into posing for some silly pictures.

I really love this store!  I could spend hours just looking at all the decorations and trees.  It's like getting to hang out in Santa's workshop!

From there we went down to the Old Mill.  Where we browsed in the shops... and bought far too much candy!

The day ended with dinner at my favorite restaurant in Pigeon Forge: Mama's Farmhouse. (you can read my previous rave review of it HERE) Seriously... if you like country cooking and are ever in Pigeon Forge you have GOT to eat here!

It was a wonderful day with the family.  Part of the perfect birthday weekend.  Which I don't think I thank the Man of the House enough for putting together for me! 

The Grand Baby Guest Post

Hi!  Because today is my C-pa's birthday, my Oma is letting me tell you a little bit about him.

C-pa is the name for my grandpa.  I don't know why, that's just what he's called.  But it's the coolest name ever.  I even have a little hand motion I do when I say it!  C-pa is the only one in the whole family who gets a sign along with his name.

He plays with me lots and lots!  He even sits in the floor when I tell him, and lets me jump off the ottoman.  It's OK, because I know he'll catch me so I don't get hurt.

He teaches me about football.  He likes to watch it a lot.  He says the best team is the Cleveland Browns (which confuses me, because their helmets are orange - not brown.  Maybe they should be the Cleveland Oranges.  I like oranges)

C-pa gives me all kinds of treats.  Whenever he's eating something yummy, all I have to do is climb up in his lap and he'll share with me!

He's very, very tall.  He is so tall, when he lifts me up I can touch the ceiling.  I like to do it over and over and over again!

 He makes me laugh.  He is so funny.

And he is the best peek a boo player I know!

My C-pa is a great guy.  We have a lot of fun together.

I hope he has a happy birthday today!

A Birthday Story

Once upon a time...

there was a beautiful little baby girl.  She had big blue eyes, blond hair with curls at the ends, and a laugh that could brighten up any day.  She was loved by her parents, grandparents, and various aunts and uncles.

The little girl grew, and grew, and grew. 

 She was funny.  

She was smart. 

She was creative.  

She was kind.

She had a bit of a smart-aleck attitude (which I'm sure she got from her father.)

One day her mother looked at her and realized that the beautiful little girl wasn't a little girl anymore.  She was all grown up.  

She became a mommy, with a beautiful baby boy of her own. 

She is still funny.  She is still smart.  She is still creative.  She is still kind. 

She was also still a bit of a smart-aleck.  (you can't fight genetics)

It's My Mother's Day!

I wanted to take a moment today to celebrate my mother.  Won't you please join me in wishing her a very happy birthday?

Love You!!

A New Week, A New List

To Do List for October 29 - November 2:

• Finish grand baby's halloween costume
• Work on Christmas presents
• Start priming newly installed drywall
• Make final decision on paint colors
• Pick up some coffee mugs for project
• Finish "About" page for Queen B's Busy Work
• Finish reading atleast one book (hopefully 2)
• Do something nice for myself
• Walk 2 times (weather permitting)
• Have a happy birthday

41 Reasons

Happy Birthday to the Man of the House!!  In honor of him and to celebrate this special day, I would like to share 41 reasons I love him so very much!

1. He's an awesome father.
2. He's an even awesome-er grandfather
3. He's handsome
4. He makes me laugh
5. He still makes me feel weak in the knees
6. He has a strong work ethic
7. He's very handy around the house.  There are very few things he can't figure out how to fix!
8. He's creative.  Just look at the chicken house, the mailbox post, and the closet he built!
9. He laughs with me (not at me) when I'm laughing at myself
10. He knows just the right thing to say to make me feel pretty
11. He's supportive.  Even when I have one of my half brained ideas.
12. It's inspiring to me (and hopefully the offspring also) to see him growing in his walk with Christ.
13. He's patient
14. He can wood smoke a brisket, a chicken, or a pizza like nobody else!
15. He's willing to give a hand cleaning, doing dishes, etc
16. He likes to read
17. He is a strong spiritual, emotional, and physical leader for our family
18. His love for genealogy
19. His obsession with enjoyment of pizza
20. His reluctant willingness to watch the Twilight movies with me
21. He taught me to love football!
22. He taught me how to shoot a handgun!
23. He's nice to my sisters
24. And my parents
25. He's a great uncle
26. He makes a deliciously mean breakfast sandwich
27. His enjoyment of cheesey Asian monster and kung fu films
28. He likes to watch obscure documentaries on Netflix
29. He puts up with my habit of watching TV reruns (currently The Big Bang Theory), even when we've seen the same episode a dozen times
30. When he scratches my back or brushes my hair
31. When it's raining and he offers to drop me off at the door of the store
32. He doesn't complain when I rearrange the furniture (again)
33. Or when I have the light because I'm reading until late while he's trying to sleep
34. He encourages my creative side - whether it's my writing or my etsy shop
35. He makes me feel safe
36. He makes me feel sexy
37. He holds my hand while we pray at church and Bible study
38. When he winks at me with both eyes
39. He puts up with me and my moods
40. When he comes up behind me and hugs me while I'm washing dishes or cooking
41. He make me feel loved!