Confession is Good for the Soul!

Last night, we celebrated Mindy's birthday. She had already requested her birthday dinner two weeks ago. So imagine my surprise yesterday morning at Curves when she said, "mom, tell me what we're having for dinner." Right off it reminded me of when she was little. When tucking her in bed at night AND waking her up in the morning, she wanted to know about her meals for the day---each one---breakfast, lunch and dinner. The girl has always been about FOOD!

Anyway, when she asked what was for her birthday dinner, I said, "Mindy, what do you mean what's for dinner? You told me what you wanted two weeks ago." To which she said, "I know, I just want to hear you tell me so I can look forward to it all day." Soooo, I told her---meatloaf, twice baked potatoes, peas, corn, crescent rolls and homemade fruit salad instead of a cake. That stared her day with a smile.

We planned to eat early---5:30---so that those of us that wanted to, could go to the Penance Service at Church. Turns out Stephanie and I were the only ones that "wanted" to go. We had to wait quite a while as at first there was only one priest. When it was my turn, I went in the confessional, knelt down (ouch, hard kneeler and a lot of weight on these knees. I wasn't sure I could stand it, but decided to "offer it up"---what the nuns used to say whenever you were faced with adversity). When it was my turn and the priest slid open the little window, I started right off, "Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been 5 or 7 years since my last confession." From there, I launched in to my sins. Lastly I said, "I've missed Mass due to laziness." The priest said, "not boredom?" To which I said, "no, laziness." He said again, "not boredom?" Again I said, "no, not boredom, laziness." I thought that was pretty interesting. I got to thinking---maybe if you miss Mass due to boredom, it's not really a sin. I might try that the next time.

After a brief discussion about my prayer life, I asked  him to "bless" my new Rosary, he gave me my penance. Now it was time to say the "Act of Contrition." I recited the entire thing---exactly correct. Afterwards, he said, "hmm and you say it's been 7 years?" I guess I impressed him. I said, "Growing up Catholic and Baltimore Catechism." He chuckled and released me. What I should have said was, I say the Act of Confession every night before bed. You're supposed to do that so if you die during your sleep you'll go straight to Heaven. I figure, I'm not taking any chances.

Afterwards, on the drive home, Steph said that "confession" was her favorite part of being Catholic. She said that when she was in high school, she went every week. Her friends always teased her. She said that she couldn't understand why they wouldn't take advantage of the best benefit of Caholicism. Most people hate that part of our faith. I never really thought about it---it's just something you're supposed to do---at least annually. But Steph has a point. You really feel good after. And you feel like you are definitely "saved" for another day. Confession truly is good for the soul. Or at least until you have to pull out the "FTS" for some major aggravation!

Renovations Finally Finished

This past Friday marked the last day of work on our front renovation. We had the entire front of the house re-done---upper porch, porch floor, rails, columns, doors, thresholds, lights and hardware. It's been a long time---since June. We had a break in September and part of October as our contractor had to deal with some family medical issues. I'm glad to have it finished. I hate having so many workers around all the time. It's like a revolving door around here---never quiet or relaxing. But it's finally finished. We love how it all turned out. But, now I realize I didn't take a picture of the new columns or a full view of the front of the house. I'll get it and post it later. 

The photos below are all out of order. 

Constructions materials "lived" on the driveway for weeks. There's no reference for how long these things are---like 20 ft.

 The crepe myrtles sure look pretty.

 These are the inside "old" doorknobs.

These are the outside door handles. Plus you can sort of see how bad the doors are---all cracked from the sun. I'll admit, the hardware did not need replacing---it's Baldwin Brass and won't tarnish, but my feeling is if you're going to so much trouble and expense to "fix" things, it might as well look like you did something. So all the "old" had to go.

It's ironic, considering Butch's position in the parking business that we had a virtual parking lot out front most of the summer. I can't tell you how many times we were blocked or had to park on the street. Can you spell "a n n o y i n g?"

 Here's the new hardware. I've always wanted glass knobs. And I love the new doors and finish.

I never realized how long it would take to replace all of the thresholds. A special company had to do them. The old ones were all tarnished---of course, I wanted all shiny and new. All of the thresholds on the French doors across the front of the house have been replaced. The "kicker"---they have to be polished at least once a month to keep them nice. If I can remember, that will be a job for Margarita.

The new doors are cherry. I had little windows put at the top so they would look a lot different from the old. The finish is really pretty and shiny too. The guy that did them is going to do the annual sealing so that they stay this way.

 The hardware on the French doors is the same on the inside and out. These photos are of the outside.

The new coach lights. I picked these because I thought the little "windows" seemed to mimic the windows on the French doors.

 Decorated.

The upper porch floor had to be torn out to make way for the new one. Everything we did is now permanent and maintenance free (except for the front door and the thresholds). No painting required.

It takes a lot to make a house look like new. When we did the inside of the house, I replaced all of the door hinges and window latches. They all get dull and tarnished over the years. I like them shiny and new. Probably the most "over-the-top" thing I've done was have ALL of the electrical outlets replaced (the inside works) replaced from the "builder's beige" to white. I know that the guys that work for me think I'm nuts. I can't help it.

I'm glad it's done. I figure in 10 years when the hinges and latches need to be replaced again, I might not care anymore. After all, I'll be---I can't even type it---it's too big of a number---but it begins with---"7"---OMG---a mere 10 years away. How in the world is that possible? Where has the time gone....downright scary!

One Crazy Busy Weekend!

Wow, what a whirlwind weekend. Since I was having two parties on Saturday, I started the cooking on Friday morning. I made spaghetti sauce and meatballs at 6 a.m. Butch and I had some business to take care at 9 a.m. and then I went as moral support for Mindy's closing at 11 a.m.---she is officially a condo owner in a high-rise (she's on the 10th floor) downtown. Butch wanted to get her moved by the first of the year, but after much arguing discussion, he agreed that it would be too stressful to try to do that during the holidays. She's having some work done---ceiling put in (drywall to go over the exposed concrete), a tile backsplash in her kitchen and some painting, so we're not even going to start the moving part until January. I'm happy to take it slow, be organized about it and do it right. It will be fun that way. I'm very excited to have another decorating project. We went to the flea market last weekend and picked up a few things.

Anyway, back to this weekend.

Friday night was AYM at the Dawkins. Their house was so beautiful. There's just something about the holidays---all the decorations, candles, smells---just everything makes any gathering so special. Normally, we go out to dinner, but Susan decided that she wanted to cook. We had a lovely dinner in her dining room. She made a vegetable lasagna that was really good. I'll be posting the layouts on the AYM blog:
A Year of Memories

Saturday, I was up early getting ready for Mindy's birthday party. Butch grilled the sazitsa early since he was going to be gone most of the day. Mindy was planning on 10 friends. Turns out 2 didn't bother to show up after rsvp'ing "yes." So rude. The girls all seemed to have a good time and even got to witness a HUGE raccoon saunter across the patio and stop at the pond. I told you it's like Snow White's meadow around here. It looked like this guy was ready for hibernation---I'd never seen one so big. The girls went outside to see him as he walked off. He just looked at them and was not in any hurry. I wish I'd gotten a picture.

I made "Grandps's Soup" for lunch with garlic cheese bread and a Texas Sheet Cake for dessert.

Grandpa's Soup is basically a minestrone soup---always a hit. Plus, I was serving that at dinner too, so I made a double batch.

 
Here are the girls with their 3 projects---glittered stars in a wooden spool, tart tin ornaments with vintage earring and crystal dangles and bobby pins with vintage buttons.

This is Mindy's best friend, Rachel from New Orleans. She and another friend of theirs, Drew came in for a long weekend. While the party was going on, Mindy got her dad to go down to the arena and stand in line for Predators tickets. On the day of any home game, they sell 100 tickets at 10 o'clock for $10.00. There's always a huge line, but Butch got there early and waited. He said he was about 30 people back, so I don't know how he managed to get the tickets, but he did. I love that he did that for her---anything for his girls. I love that too. Anyway, Mindy was thrilled. The cheapest seats in the nosebleed section are $35.00.

The party was over by 12:45---I had planned 1:00, so was ahead of the game. By 2 p.m. I had the kitchen cleaned up, dining room cleaned up,  the toasted ravioli fried and the table set for dinner. I couldn't wait to set the table---that's my favorite thing to do.

 Remember the milk bottles I bought in Steeleville, MO this summer? This is what I had planned for them when I got them---not just for Christmas, but the writing on the bottles is red and green, so why not? And the tablecloth---found that at the antique mall in St. Charles. At the time, I thought it was really cool, but had already changed my sunroom colors from red and green to blue and green. Then it hit me---I'd turn it in to a Christmas "thing." I angled it on top of a green tablecloth.

You can see it a little better from this angle. I just love this old stuff. I'd also love to know some of the stories behind them. 

Back to the day.

I took a nap from 2-3, made the salad, hauled the craft supplies upstairs and got ready for 4:30 Mass. Butch played golf with his friends, but got home in time for a shower. We met Stephanie and Nicky at church, got home at 5:45, friends arrived at 6:15. BTW (by the way) it takes an hour for a huge pot of water to boil for 2 pounds of pasta. I invited 3 couples for dinner and poker. It was a fun night, but I think spending all of my poker money has jinxed me. I lost $8.00. That's pretty unusual for me. I guess I'll be due for a BIG win with my family after Christmas! Watch out you guys!

I had a 7 a.m. hair appointment this morning---that's what I love about my friend, Joanie, she takes me early on weekends. She's been known to accommodate me as early as 6:30! Love her.

The rest of the day was spent getting ready for my first AYM/2012 "kick-off" tomorrow with one of my groups. It takes me several hours to write the handouts and put kits together. 

Butch and Stephanie went out for Christmas trees. They go to the same place every year and Butch "makes the deal" with the same guy. He likes the bargaining. We just finished decorating it. Margarita comes tomorrow. I'll be happy to have the house clean and everything finally done for the holidays. It's just fun stuff from here on out. 

I hope you all have your decorating done so you can enjoy the rest of the season!

Other odds and ends coming!

Storytelling Sunday---Mindy's Story

Since Mindy's birthday is Wednesday, December 7th, it's only fitting (and since I told the story of Stepahanie's birth) that I tell her story.

It all began on January 1st, 1984. I remember sitting in Church thinking that I'd really like to have another baby. But, Sandy was 11 and Steph was 7 at the time and our family was complete. Still, I actually prayed, "God, I'd love to have another baby." I never really gave it another thought---it was just a little statement made that one time---not like I was praying for a baby every day or anything. Besides, I was wrapped up with all my volunteering at St. Therese School, the girls and their activities. Butch was traveling for business quite a lot too. Truly, I never gave it another thought.

In the spring, we met Walter, Chris and family at our lake house in the Ozarks for Easter. I was sick most of the time and had the worse migraine I'd ever had. I spent most of the time in bed. I thought I had the flu. It wasn't until we got home that I had this feeling, "hmmm, could I be...maybe I'm..." So I took an at home test and there it was! Truly, I couldn't believe it! I was so excited.

It was during that same week that we found out Butch was being promoted to Senior Vice-President of Central Parking System and we would be relocating from Kansas City, MO to Nashville, TN. I remember thinking that this was the perfect time. My life was so full and active---which would come to a halt with the birth of a new baby---it would be a good time to move, have no friends or a life---so-to-speak! I could focus on the baby and really enjoy her.

As the time drew near, we got the unexpected, sad news that Butch's mother had passed away suddenly. This was about 3 weeks before Mindy's birth. We went to St. Louis for the funeral. When we got home, I told Butch, "this baby is going to be here in a couple of weeks. We need to discuss the name."

We had a family meeting. Since we had the "S" thing going (not really intentional), I suggested Suzanne or Susannah. Butch wanted Stacy. I can't remember Sandy and Stephanie's "picks," but nothing seemed quite right. Then Butch threw out "Mindy." Although he denies it, I said it was because he had a crush on Pam Dawber from the tv show, Mork and Mindy. We all liked that name and decided to go ahead with Melinda with the intention of the nickname Mindy. That was it, done. Mindy she was. Cute name for a cute girl.

In one year---1984---we had 3 of the top 10 "life stressers" at one time---death of parent, birth of child and relocation to new city. Somehow it all worked out. We've been here for 27 years now.

Little did we know what a blessing Mindy would be to us---and still is. I can't imagine life without her. Thank you, God for answering a fleeting, random prayer.

 
 After the Royal Wedding last spring, fascinators are all the rage. We made this one for the Steeplechase races---the social event of the year.

She's a Tulane grad, new condo owner,  AND a notary! 

For more stories, check out this site:

HIgh in the Sky

Saturday Showtunes---Cats!

Today, probably about the time you are reading this, I'll be waist deep in glitter along with 10 of Mindy's little friends. Oh wait, those friends aren't so little after all. She's 27 and having that birthday party she "conned me in to"--- complete with crafts and food. I'll make it fun for them.

In the meantime, Since Cats  is Mindy's favorite musical, I'm giving you her favorite number:
"Magical Mr. Mistoffeles"

What would I do without "you tube?"

Party report later.

Problem Fixed!

I spent 5 hours taking apart the new tree on Monday and re-decorating which includes 3 hours spent at Target buying "new" stuff. Red, that's the ticket. I knew that would show up and it does. Aside from the fact that I've packed away almost all of my "cool" ornaments and marked the boxes---"Living Room Ornaments---Do Not Use"---I'm pleased with the results. In 15 years, when I replace this tree, my ornaments will be all new to me again. In the meantime, I'll be on the lookout for unusual red ornaments. There is some lime green ornaments on the tree which look good too, but it's the red that really shows. Believe it or not, there are over 250 ornaments on the tree. None of our tree toppers will work, so I bought a new red star, that wouldn't work either.

I procrastinated with the decorating this year. I wanted it all done on Friday, but I just hate every minute of it and didn't finish until Sunday (well Monday, with the re-decorating of the tree). That's thrown me off schedule with the wrapping.

I saw this idea in a magazine. It looks okay, better in the magazine. I'm thinking of adding it to my dining room table decorations, but can't do that until after Mindy's birthday party on Saturday. I'll take a picture when I get that done. I have a really neat idea that I can't wait to do. We'll see how it turns out.

The thing with the tassel is actually a pillow sham that I found on clearance a couple of years ago. Originally, it was intended for the guest room. I never used it there and had it in the "get rid of" pile. I thought of it when I needed something for the entry table. Fabric always softens "tablescapes."

 At first, I couldn't find my needlepoint pillows. Turns out they were in the Christmas closet in a shopping bag all covered with tissue that looked like a bag of "wrap stuff." My memory---or lack there of---scares me. I searched everywhere for these pillows and finally decided they had to be in the Christmas closet.

 This year I decided to just leave my mantle alone. Rather than moving everything and putting up the traditional Christmas stuff, I just added magnolia leaves (which I always do anyway), holly branches and cedar trimmings. Much easier and it still looks festive and Christmasy.

I bought this handsome fellow in a Christmas shoppe in Bath, England. His hand-painted face reminded me of the other elves I have. His face and hands must be plastic because Butch already knocked him down and he didn't break.

 I love leaving my old jars out and just adding ornaments to turn them in to Christmas decorations.

 Connie gave me this Scrooge teapot many years ago. It's still one of my most favorite things. The Christmas platter is in front of a "photo tray" that Sandy made me for Christmas a few years ago. It stays up year round---I need to remember to take a picture of that.

Stephanie made this tree for me a few years ago. This is the perfect location for it.

Again, I took the lazy way out this year---just incorporating the Christmas stuff with my regular decorations. Does it look too much like a store? Want to buy something?

 My friend, Linda, started this collection for me years ago.

 Another old jar filled with ornaments, more Fitz and Floyd and my ceramic Christmas trees I've had for 25 years. I think it all looks good on Grandma Zimmermann's old tablecloth.

 I'm determined this year to be able to use the bar during the holidays. Usually it is blocked by our live tree. We're going to block the French doors with the tree this year. We'll see how it works out.

Nothing new here---I do this the same every year. Except, there's usually a clock dangling from my big elf. It got broken last year. When you walk in the front door, you are supposed to pick up on the idea that it's "time" for Christmas.

This little tree has all hand-made (by me) ornaments on it. I'm going to let all of my holiday guests take one home. There are glittered snowflakes with Christmas yoyo's from an old quilt that I found at an antique shop that I took apart. I added a vintage button to the center. Some have a vintage button on top of old milk caps. I made those last year.This year I did the tart tins with the vintage jewelry in the middle with crystals dangling. They're all pretty cute if I do say so myself.

I love my collection of Murano glass trees. I had planned to add to it when we visited Venice, Italy. I never saw a single one. Pretty disappointing. Our private guide at one of the Murano glass factories didn't know what I was talking about and even hinted that I might not have bought authentic Murano and may have gotten ripped off. Believe me, they are authentic---probably just made for Americans.

Well, I guess that's it for this year---until I get my dining room table decorated. I'm really excited about that.

I'd sure love to see everyone else's decorations. The bad part about living away is I don't get to see family decorations! Even here in town, I get to see just a couple of friends decorations---and they are few. Not very many people have things during the holidays. It's my favorite time to entertain. Heck, might as well, while the house looks different!

Speaking of which---the new lights go on the outside on Friday and the renovation work will finally be complete. I'll be posting some "befores" and "afters"next week.

December 1st---Time to Kick off the Holiday Season!

To get you in the mood:

12 Days of Christmas

I'm in the mood. The house looks like Christmas now. I've taken the pictures and written the post---it publishes tomorrow.

It's been a crazy, busy week. Mindy closes on her new condo tomorrow (we were able to bump it up 2 weeks) and now Butch wants to get her moved in before Christmas which is stressing everyone out. We are all so busy during the holidays. I sat down with Butch yesterday to figure out what he has in mind. I had already sort of fought with him about it on Tuesday. I decided that I needed to figure out what he envisioned before telling him it was impossible. Plus, I'm always up for a challenge. And I'm not afraid of hard work. If he wants to do it, we can, but I needed for him to know exactly what that would entail.

There is so much that has to happen before Mindy can move. She is having ceilings put in---the place is a high-rise downtown---all "urban, modern" with concrete floors and ceilings. The floors will just be sealed with a clear sealer, so it will still look like a concrete floor. She's also having a tile backsplash put in which has to be shopped for along with a refrigerator and smaller washer/dryer. She has a washer/dryer, table/chairs and 2 living room chairs that need to be sold and/or moved somewhere, a huge lounge chair picked up from Steph's, all her stuff here moved (a lot of my leftovers I've saved) plus packing and moving her apartment. She's hiring movers this time since she currently lives on the 3rd floor with only steps and moving to the 10th floor with a small elevator. No way am I hauling!

Anyway, I told Butch that if he really wants to get her moved before Christmas which really means before the 22nd since that's when the Lapps family arrives, then I'd be "on board" with it as long as he realized it would be mostly he and I doing all the work. I then showed him my December calendar that has exactly 3 open days---I have something every day---and now I only have 2 days as another friend "booked" me on one of the 3 I had left. I told him that we could cancel "family baking day" on the 17th and spend that weekend devoted to everything move related. That's the only weekend for Mindy too. She has two friends coming from New Orleans this weekend until Tuesday, so she can't do anything. Next weekend is "out" for everyone. And she might even be traveling for work later in the month.

I think Butch has given up on the idea as the apartment had to be notified yesterday if she was planning to move by the 1st. At least now we can get her moved in a much more organized way. We can get all the work done before Christmas, have the drapes from her apartment moved, my "old" bedroom drapes re-made for her living room, mom's room divider painted (wait until you see what I have in mind for that), appliances delivered, all the stuff she can't move figured out, and then do the actual moving in January. That way, I can go with my original plan too---un-decorate here on the 27th before leaving for St. Louis on the 28th. If I couldn't do that, it would ruin my trip having that awful job hanging over my head. I don't really like the decorating anymore. Even as I'm putting the stuff up, I'm dreading the "take down." At least Butch didn't suggest canceling our St. Louis trip. If he had, here's what would have happened: I would have left him behind to "deal" with it all while I was living it up in St. Louis! I haven't been "home" since August and am looking forward to seeing the fam.

I'm feeling much more relaxed about the whole thing. You know I have a vision of how things will go. Mostly it never turns out that way, but I can still dream. In my mind, I see having the movers come and me having everything unpacked, put in place and decorated by the time Mindy gets off work. If you recall, when she moved back to Nashville last fall, I was in the midst of everything in St. Louis after mom died. I got home on Sunday and was sick in bed the next 4 days. I saw Mindy's apartment for the first time on Friday. It only took me about 6 hours to get her unpacked and decorated. Yeah, that's how I want it to go. I have lots of "cheap" ideas that I can't wait to do. Stay tuned...