Home Alone

"Home Alone" was youngest son's favorite movie for the longest time. Grandma had a video and he would always ask to watch it about 5 minutes after he walked in the door. It's one of those movies that on the surface doesn't have a lot of redeeming value and I remember when it came out people thought it might encourage kids to trash their house. However, since I also have watched it many times, I've found that it has pretty good message to share, especially now that I'm "Home Alone".

Youngest son left for college last month and my husband is still working out of town Monday through Friday, so I often find myself alone in our big house. So like the kid in the movie, I've learned to appreciate my family even more. Like him, I think a little about what I might have done to deserve this and my regrets for when I haven't been the best wife or mother. I've learned that there are things I can do on my own that I always relied on someone else to do (at least to take a turn at it). Silly things like always being the one to take out the garbage, emptying the cat box, doing the dishes, and paying the bills remind me that I'm "it", no one else is around to help with chores. I've found that doing what I want, eating when I want, staying up late, etc. isn't really that fun after awhile. I've learned to consider what it's like for people who are always alone in their homes, because they're single or have lost a family member. I've got to admit that I haven't tried to befriend my "hermit" neighbor like in the movie, but I do have more of an appreciation for what life might be like for him.

I'm thankful that this won't be forever. This last weekend everyone was home for a visit and it was nice to once again have someone to talk and laugh with and have the kids friends in and out of the house. At some point my husband will be working from home again and we will have the opportunity to reconnect. I'll be a little different though. I think I've learned to cherish my family more and learned a little more empathy for the lonely people in my life.

A Nice Window

Isn't this a cool window. It's in the landing of the front stairs at college daughter's new house. She's renting a house with 5 other kids for the upcoming school year. I helped her get the rest of her stuff moved in a couple of weeks ago and then she was back home for awhile. I took her back up to stay last Friday. They found a pretty nice house with 6 bedrooms and a nice kitchen, living room, dining room, etc. It's an older house, but in pretty good repair for a college rental.

I really envy her at this great time in her life. So many opportunities await, lots of interesting classes to take, an orchestra to perform in, and a new boyfriend...etc. I sometimes wish I could do it all over again, and get it right this time, but of course there's some downsides to going to college too. The poverty and stress for example, but I hope she appreciates the good parts.

I take my youngest son, TB, to college on Saturday. The town is only about an hour drive away, but it feels like he'll be a long ways away. It will be quite an adjustment I think, especially considering I'll be home alone with DH working out of town during the week. I'll have no excuses for not having a clean house and keeping up on my projects. I hope it will go okay and I won't be too sad. Another blogger had a great quote the other day and it really made me think about my upcoming circumstances. It is pretty easy to wallow in misery, not so easy to focus outward and accomplish something.

“Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others…By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves.”

Japanese Garden at Como Park

On the same trip to St. Paul we visited the Japanese Garden that is just outside the conservatory. It was a nice break from sitting outside in the heat at baseball games. I didn't remember ever walking through there before, but when we told our son that we stopped, he remembered a trip there when he must have been very young. At one point on the trail through the garden you can step on stones to cross the water. He remembered that and thinking it was so cool. I'm sure I was stressed out worrying that he would fall in the water. I was reminded again that I just don't remember things as well as I used to. My husband and I had our 25th anniversary the weekend after this, so we had someone take our picture. If we look like a couple of fat, tired, worn out old-married folks, that's because that's what we are. Ha

After visiting the conservatory, garden, and zoo we went over to our son's house to meet him when he got home from work. We walked from there to Five Guys where we had a delicious hamburger and homemade fries and also peanuts in the shell while we were waiting. It was nice to go out with him and hear about his new job and catch up a little.

The Conservatory

Earlier in the summer we visited the Como Conservatory in St. Paul while we were in town for the State Baseball Tournament. It was beautiful as usual and since we were visiting mid-week it wasn't as crowded. We also walked through the Japanese garden and the zoo, but I'll save those pictures for another day. This hibiscus and the star gazer lily below were simply huge. I have a neighbor with a perennial hibiscus that is blooming right now; a very beautiful red one and the whole bush is covered with flowers. I have my own lilies too, it's just that the deer like to eat the buds. I had a few that bloomed before the deer got to them.

Good Times

I just spent a few minutes this afternoon reading back through some of my old blog entries. What a fun way to remember some of the joys and challenges of the past few years. I've gotta say, I impressed myself with some of the entries...nice pictures, thoughts and remembrances....as least that's the way I felt today.

I feel obligated to report that everything is actually going really well with the family right at this moment. It was kind of a rough year or so and 2010 in particular will probably go down as one of the worst years ever, but things seem to be on the right track.

Here's a bit of an update and a few things I've learned to be thankful about-

DH started a new job this week, a regular job where he will get paid and have some benefits. We will never take that for granted after spending several years in under employment with no benefits to speak of. It doesn't mean we weren't working hard, but hard work does not always translate to a steady paycheck and benefits, something I'll always remember before judging others. He'll be doing most of his training out of town, so that will be different, but he will still be home every weekend, so we will make the most of that.

CS (college son), is college son no more having graduated in May. He found a job right away and started work after Memorial Day. There again, feel very happy that he graduated in four years and found a job, with benefits no less. In this economy, that's not a sure thing for new grads and we are really proud of him.

CD (college daughter) finished her sophomore year with flying colors and got a great summer internship that provides a generous stipend, room and board. We've missed having her around, but she has been having a wonderful summer. A new boyfriend in the mix has helped her happiness level a lot, can't wait to meet him. He's a farm boy, so I already have a good impression.

TB (tall beast) is even taller and more beastly and now a high school graduate. He's going to a liberal arts college sponsored by our church denomination that is nearby. He's had a great summer filled with baseball, work, and lots of rest and food. I feel a little like I'm grabbing at his heels as he grows up and will go away to college in such a short time. I'm not looking forward to him leaving, but I know he will do well and it's the best for him.

All of the changes and challenges of the last few months have been stressful, but I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and feel like we will get through it all just fine. All of it gives me a bit of perspective and helps me to remember that life has it's highs and lows and even at what seems like the lowest, there are those a lot worse off, and always lessons to be learned that obviously aren't easy or quickly learned.

A Few Quilt Projects

I finally had a quilting frenzy to finish some projects for three different silent auctions. One was for our church youth, one for the high school band, and one for a benefit our school's athletic trainer who is battling cancer.

I'm on Spring Break this week and trying to enjoy it, but a cold and cold weather are hampering it a little. I'm also so jealous of several families who are taking fabulous vacations during break. It is nice to have some extra time though and I've gotten a few little projects done around the house despite not feeling the greatest.

Where has the time gone?

I had a busy, but good weekend and I've spent a little time tonight catching up on reading some of my favorite blogs. I'm happy to see that I'm still listed on a couple of blogrolls despite the fact that I haven't blogged for 4 MONTHS!

Our college kids were home this weekend and it was nice to spend some time with them. We watched a movie at home Friday night and did some shopping and went out to a movie on Saturday. The girls went to "The King's Speech", which we really liked. The guys went to "True Grit", which they enjoyed as well.

Today we had our annual meeting a church, so I was busy with serving the lunch and DH presided at the meeting. He has finished his term as church president, so whoo-hoo for that! A few less meetings for him to attend.

I don't have any quilt pictures to post although I have been doing a little block making. I haven't completed anything for months with the exception of my block of the month blocks, so I'm a little ashamed of that. It seems like its easy to waste time in the winter and days go by without a lot of productivity going on.

We've had an incredible amount of snow this year and many cold and gray days, so Spring will be very welcome. I hope the next four months go by quickly as well, and no promises, but perhaps a quilt picture will appear in this space. Blessings to you all!!

5 days down, 175 to go

I made it through the first week of school unscathed. The first week is always good, the kids are nice, the teachers too frazzled to really pay much attention to some of the details that drive me crazy, the principal still on "politician running for office" mode. We will see where it goes from here. I've actually applied for a couple of other positions, not sure whether I really want either of them, but it would be more money. DH has another interview next week, so I'm hoping for the best there too.

On the quilting front, I joined another block of the month group with my girlfriends. So the first Friday or Saturday of the month will have us making the rounds of the two shops to get our blocks. It keeps me sewing any way and it's quite cheap if you can avoid the temptation to buy something each month, something I've gotten really good at. I'll try to post some pictures soon.

TB's football season has gotten off to a good start and they've won their first two games. This last Friday, the game was called for lightning right before the first half and they had to continue on Saturday night. It was the cross town rival, so it was a good win.

That's about all that's new, I'll try to post some quilty pictures soon.

Moving along

Where has the summer gone?? I guess I've kind of lost interest in the whole blogging thing, hence my lack of posts, although I do still keep up with reading my favorites. We spent the last few days helping our two older kids get moved to the apartments they're going to have for this year in college. I told our daughter that it would be nice if she stayed there for the next three years, especially since I plan on taking another load of heavy things up in a few days. Our son is living in the worst house imaginable. I can't believe what it's like for the rent he has to pay! You'd have to pay me that much to stay in that house, so I told him he didn't have to worry about us wanting to stay overnight or anything.
It has been a summer with many transitions relating to our children, aging parents, job and financial situations, and just life in general. Also a summer of highs and (mostly) lows, but I guess that is what life is like. When I was younger I guess I didn't view things as "big picture" as I do now. "Big picture" we're doing great...we have our health, kids doing okay, nice home, etc. Get out the microscope though and things aren't so hot. It's funny how many things come down to finances, especially when you don't have a lot, but it's true. I still have the hope that things will turn around for us though, so I guess you never know. I also know I'm not alone with this, but in our little circle that doesn't help. Okay, I'm starting to ramble, so I'll wind this up with one of the highs of our summer, a new great-nephew. I made him this little quilt.

Sweet Summertime

It feels like summer is really here for me. I worked my last day at the garden center on Friday and had a nice weekend culminating in the first free concert of the summer last night. Today I've been catching up on house things, laundry and such, and next on my list is a visit to my neglected sewing room. I have many projects to complete, so that is on my agenda for the rest of the summer. I probably should be looking for another job, but I think I'll just keep an eye on the postings for the school district to see if there's anything there I'd like to switch too. The nice thing about my school job is that I continue to get paid monthly throughout the summer whether I'm working or not. One of my coworkers retired this spring so that she could spend more time with her grandkids. I hope that will be me someday; retirement won't come a day too soon for me. Unfortunately, I think I'm looking at many more years before that happens. Anyway, I made her this little quilt and had everyone at school sign the back. She seemed to really like it and I thought it was pretty summery and a little retro too.

Bleeding Hearts

I took these pictures of some of the bleeding hearts in my garden on a rainy morning awhile back. I really like how they turned out and I enjoy the many places that the bleeding hearts turn up in my yard. The purple flowers in the background are a variety of lamium, also known as dead nettle. I think dead nettle is a terrible name for a flower, so I prefer lamium. I'm learning the names of lots of flowers here lately since I've started working at a local nursery and garden center. It has been a very busy time. Between that and my job at school, I just worked a 19 day stretch, had yesterday off and now have a 12 day stretch in front of me. It's not seeming like the greatest idea at this point, but I do get paid tomorrow, so we'll see how I feel then. I don't want to get into a long complaint about our financial woes, but suffice it to say that we need the money and then some. ha We got our college kids moved around this weekend, so that is the other reason for my complete exhaustion. CS moved into an apartment so that he can continue working at his internship this summer and CG moved home and will work here. TB keeps busy with baseball, school, taking naps, and mowing lawns. It has been a beautiful day here and I'm really looking forward to more of the same.

I have been sewing!

Despite the title of my blog, I don't sew many days, only some days. I'm known for going in spurts where I sew like crazy and then take a break and not get any sewing done for quite some time. Recently there were a couple of silent auctions that I wanted to donate quilts for, so I was really busy for awhile working on projects. I made this guitar themed quilt for TB's marching band silent auction. One of my good friends, also a quilter, won the bid. I told her I was happy it went to a good home. The other auction was to raise funds for the kid's summer trips at church. I donated a wall quilt, a table runner, and a fleece blanket. I knew all of the people that got those projects also, so that made me feel good. I'm kicking myself for not taking pictures of them before I dropped them off. I really loved the wall quilt I made, it was hard to part with. I'm a sucker for those bags of scraps from the quilt shop I frequent. I really hit the jackpot with one of the bags, it contained a few partially made blocks and lots of additional scraps from the same fabrics. I finished off four blocks for the wall quilt and also got a miniature quilt for myself. It was mostly Kansas Troubles fabric which I have a new appreciation for now. Here's the guitar quilt and I'll take a picture of the mini and get it up another day. Incidentally, the colors didn't photograph especially well, I think it looked a lot better in person.

Happy Easter!

It's finally spring here in Minnesota with a few flowers here and there. ( in all honesty this picture is from last year since we're just at the bud stage) I has been wonderful to see the greening grass, robins hopping around, spring rain, etc. We have a family dinner planned for tomorrow after church with a big ham and all the trimmings. CS can't make it however, he's busy working at his new internship job and had to stay back to catch up on school work. We'll see him tomorrow when we bring CG back up to school. TB has started baseball practice, so that keeps him busy these days. DH still has little business, so it's been a long dry spell for him. Hopefully things will turn around soon. I've had a week off from school for spring break, so that has been a much needed break for me. I will find out Monday, but it looks like I might have a job in a garden center for the spring and summer. I think that will be a nice change from the usual, so I 'm looking forward to finding out more about that. Have a Happy Easter Day and enjoy the fine spring weather!!

Frost and Snow

It's been a cold and snowy winter here in SE Minnesota. It has been nice to see the sun the last couple of days and have the temps get into the mid 20's. Feel like a regular heat wave when the sun is actually melting a little of the snow on the streets. I still haven't felt much like blogging, but I thought it was embarrassing to have a "Merry Christmas" post still up. Enjoy some pictures of the snow and frost seen around my house this week. I'm glad the days are getting longer...at least it's no longer dark when I leave work like it was for awhile. I'll be looking for signs of spring soon, I'm soooo ready!!

Merry Christmas!!

A Merry Christmas to all of my blog friends! We'll be staying home except for venturing out to church tonight. If the weather permits we'll be making a trip to see family over the weekend. The weather is pretty frightful right now with alternating snow, freezing rain, and sleet so hopefully it will improve. Obviously I've been taking a bit of a break from blogging, perhaps I'll have time for an update now that I'm on vacation from school. It won't happen today as I'm busy with all of the last minute preparations for Christmas. Just passing along best wishes for everyone to have happy holidays with family and friends and to stay warm and safe!!

Hope You're Hungry!!

I make a pretty fabulous pizza if I don't say so myself. I'm venturing out of my non-blogging atmosphere to try to resurrect my poor blog and what better way than with some food pictures. Pizza number one is Margherita pizza on whole wheat crust. The summer version with fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella is better, but this is still TB's favorite. Pizza number two is Teriaki chicken also on whole wheat. The sauce on this one is half a jar of Ragu alfredo sauce, actually very tasty. I have to leave the good stuff, ie. mushrooms and green peppers, off of part of it since TB doesn't like them. We make homemade pizza almost every week and with just the three of us, we always have some leftovers. Yum!

Fall Happenings

Although I titled this post "Fall Happenings", there really hasn't been a lot happening worth blogging about. I've just put up a few picture from the past few weeks. Her's the pumpkin College Girl carved when she was home for the weekend. She's had a good transition to college so far, has made friends and seems to be doing okay, so that's a relief.
TB's football team got to play their last game of the season on a stadium with artificial turf, so that was kinda cool and not nearly so messy. Unfortunately they got walloped, TB didn't even get to play, so it was kind of a sad end to the season. He had a good time playing football even though he didn't see a lot of playing time in games due to an injury and inexperience. He was sick again this past week with an H1N1 type thing, but he was over it in about 4 days, so it may have been something else.

One last fall picture from the yard. This bush surprises me with its color every year, waiting til most of the other leaves have fallen. I've done pretty well with the yard work this year hauling many bags of leaves out. Now I just hope it waits awhile longer before we have any more snow.

Next week will be a busy one. Besides the usual activities, DH is making a trip to his parents to tour apartments with them, trying to convince them to down-size before winter. Over the weekend we will go to my mother's to move her out of her house. She wants to go to an apartment, but unfortunately her house has sold and none are available in her small town right now, so she'll move in with my brother temporarily. That's about it for now, I'm hoping for a nice evening by the fire watching my favorite hockey team play. Go Gophers!

Early Snow

We had an (another) early snow on Friday of about 4 inches. It snowed in big feathery flakes for most of the afternoon. By the time school let out, the roads were pretty bad. I was filling in for the secretary and had to deal with a lot of calls from parents, late buses, etc. A little hectic, but it felt nice to be needed. Saturday brought sunshine and some cool winds, but most of the snow is gone by now. Thought I'd share a few of the pictures I took on Saturday, it was so good to see the sun. Today we had church, spent most of the afternoon with friends celebrating their son's confirmation, and came home to watch last night's hockey game by the fire. So relaxing!

More Quilts

Here's some more of the beautiful quilts from the show I went to on Saturday. By the way, none of these are mine, I just thought they were worth sharing. The first one below is the same pattern from the block of the month group I just finished (without using the blocks). She did an excellent job on the center applique piece. It is for a child's bed, not something I would do, but it's beautiful. I still haven't gotten any quilting of my own done, but we have a little break from school coming up, so I'll have to then. This is the last day of school we have this week, it will be so nice to have Thursday and Friday off. The weather is STILL supposed to be snowy and cold on Thurs. and Fri. , so perfect days to be in the sewing room. It's supposed to be nice on the weekend, so DH is taking the weekend off from work so we can get some projects done around the house. Mostly outside actually, a few loads of leaves I'm sure, some repairs, etc. I hope it will happen. I've really been feeling in need of a few days off, it hasn't been the best of weeks. One of those where I need a money tree to shake!By the way, can you believe this spiral pieced quilt. It was amazing to look at the planning that must have gone into it. Notice that the fabric matches from the center to the outside despite all of the piecing around it. Wow!

Quilts, Snow, and more

Wow, it's been almost two weeks since my last blog entry. More of the same old, same old around here for the most part. Over the weekend I took in our local quilt show and had a nice lunch with my girlfriends afterward. It was either that or drive and hour to sit in a 30 degree wind and maybe watch TB play football. I felt a little guilty about not going to his game, but he said he didn't care and it was nice to get out with the girls. He ended up playing a lot and having his only reception of the season, so I was sorry to miss that. He also got tackled hard and hit in the helmet so hard he was dizzy, so it's good I wasn't there for that. I might have embarrassed him by asking if he was okay or something. I woke up this morning to see the ground white with snow. It was very depressing to me, I certainly hope some nice fall days return or it's going to be a very long winter. Thought I'd post some of the quilts from the show, it was very inspiring. I hope to make a fall themed wall hanging for over the fireplace soon. I'm thinking about a version of one of the leaf quilts I saw. I took a lot of pictures, so I'll put up some more in a day or so.