Sticking With Cupid

Once upon a time....  That's how fairytales begin right?  How often do we want to know the rest of the story when it ends with true love's kiss and happily ever after?  Do you ever picture characters lives beyond a book?  I know I do.

Today I'm sharing and my old blog post, Romantic Notions, with the story of how I met my husband.  I'm linking up with Diane Estrella's How Cupid Shot Me blog hop, so pop on over and check out all of the real life love stories.

Beyond our story of how it all began, I have a secret to share.  Cupid doesn't leave.  I fall in love with my husband all over again daily.  While love, relationships, & marriage are not easy, we don't let the struggles keep us from what's important.  We love each other.

When I'm having a rough day, C often finds a way to make me smile and laugh.  He's surprised me with a thoughtful gift when I least expect it.  When I say gift, I don't mean expensive jewelry or roses.  If you ask my husband, he'll tell you that's not what I would want anyway.  To give an example of what I mean, it could be as simple as a special sandwich I've been craving, a crafty item I've been searching for, a soundtrack on my list, or a hard to find jacket that I've desired for a long time.  It's never about money or materialism, but about the thought and time he took for me.  It's the little things, such as a much needed reminder note, daily lunch time conversation, or just sitting near each other while we read, work on projects, or relax.  He let's me vent, encourages me, laughs with me, stands beside me, and holds me up when I need it most.  There are very few people in this world that I feel I can count on and he knows he's #1 on my list.  He let's me be who I am.  I adore him for being a wonderful father and husband.

On the flip side, I do my best to put thought & heart into our relationship too.  Thoughtful gifts are my speciality, but it's more than that.  A day doesn't go by without the words "I love you" and a kiss.  C knows how much he means to me and often hears my words of appreciation.  My husband is my best friend.

Not a day goes by when I don't realize how lucky we are... and fall in love all over again.

What's your story and how do you keep the pages turning?

Life's a happy song when there's someone by your side to sing along...

<3  March 23, 2012 makes 15 years since we met online and 13 years of marriage.  <3

Insult to Injury

Bullying is a hot topic in today's society.  While the focus is generally on children, the fact is that adults deal with it as well.  Rumors are spread, people gossip, and whispers can be heard behind each other's backs.  Simply put, it hurts.

Physical injuries are visible and people often easily recognize your need to slow down and heal.  It's not as simple with the emotional hurts we incur.  Most are unable to see heartache without someone verbalizing it.  We all react differently to these circumstances and at times they can even change our personality.  No matter if the issue is large or small, it can affect us.

Imagine a friend, acquaintance, or someone you work with.  Now think about that person talking negatively about you behind your back.  Think about how you would feel when you found out.  What if you had put your heart into something and those hurtful words were about how you handled it?  Would it sting?  Picture a time in your life when you were feeling disheartened.  Now throw that insult to your already injured heart.  Where would you be mentally after that?  Add in that more than one person was talking about you.  How much damage is done now?

Constructive suggestions and hurtful criticisms are not one and the same.  We don't always agree and our process & actions aren't going to be exactly the same.  Sometimes we need to discuss it to gain understanding or explain our own thoughts & concerns.  Certain people are detail oriented planners, while others are the "fly by the seat of their pants" type.  Each of us has strengths and weaknesses.  The world works well with all kinds of people in it.  Where would we be if we were all the same?  Respect, teamwork, kindness, and understanding go a long way.

"If there was only one note how boring life would be.  I'm glad there are so many notes in many different keys."


When life seems to be a whirlwind of negative, how do you shut it off?  Do you have a personal pause "button" to give you time to reflect, refocus, relax, & rejuvenate?  How are you able reclaim your brain and your life?  

CMOM Productions: Tshirt Pillow

 CMOM Productions:  T-Shirt Pillow

My youngest son's love of The Beatles has already been documented.  While searching for that elusive kid sized tshirt, I came upon some great clearance shirts at Target (previously in the music section).  The only problem was that the t's were only in adult sizes.  I snagged the only men's medium left and knew I'd find something to do with it.

As you can clearly see by the photo, I turned the men's shirt into a pillow case!  It was a simple straight stitch sewing project.


Simple How To:
Turn your t-shirt inside out.

Pin under the band/collar of the shirt opening and continue along in a straight line to mark where you need to stitch.

Close off the arms of the t-shirt by pinning in a straight line up to the point of your previous pins.  You should be able to continue your pins to the seams of the shirt (less sewing).

Straight stitch where you have pinned your shirt.

Measure the bottom of your shirt, double the number and add approximately 1 inch.  Cut a strip of fabric that length.  *The width of this fabric depends on your pillow size and preference.

Roll the edges of your fabric for a clean edge and then stitch it.

Stitch the ends of the fabric together.

Pin the fabric to the bottom of your shirt (remember you want a clean edge on the design side of your t-shirt pillowcase).

Stitch it the pieces together.  Trim any hanging threads & be sure to remove all pins.

*Options:  Add ribbon or rick-rack.

Turn your new pillowcase right side out and place your pillow inside.

My son loves the he can lay down and look at his Beatles design!  If you prefer your design to face a different way, cut it, turn the piece, and add more fabric around the design.

Perfect for a Hard Day's Night!

Help! I Need The Beatles!

My son M is a huge fan of The Beatles.  We have been searching for a child sized Beatles shirt without luck.   Now that it's back to school time, he just has to have one.  He'd love an Abbey Road shirt, due to his love of all things "Herbie" (aka VW Beetles), but we've only seen that in a girly style.  We missed out on a (sold out) boys shirt available at The Children's Place.  After continuous failed search attempts at finding a reasonably priced t-shirt for M, I came up with an idea!




A Bleaching Technique 

Project Needs:
Bleach
Plain cotton blend t-shirt (wash it first)
Vinyl cut letters (use a die cut machine or buy pre-cut)
Rag, Sponge, or Paper towels
*Alternate Method Needs:  Spray bottle
*Alternate Idea:  Use your vinyl cut image/letters as a stencil outline instead.

 A Beatles themed school supplies tag (see below) assisted in my creation.

Step 1:  Place vinyl letters (or image) on a clean plain t-shirt.  Place something inside the t-shirt to keep the bleach from altering both sides of the shirt.  I used a piece of cardboard inside a plastic bag.

Vinyl letters in place with school tag for reference.

Step 2:  Dip your rag in bleach and dab over your letters/image. *Or spray with bleach.  You will begin to see the reaction from the bleaching technique.  Once you are happy with the changes, rinse your shirt in water to stop the reaction.

Step 3:  Peel away your letters.  Wash & dry your shirt.

Reaction Complete (colors not exact)

 

Step 4:  Touch ups can be made with a fabric or sharpie maker if you desire.

With Touch Ups (colors not exact)

Step 5:  Gift or wear your new creation with a smile!

One happy fan of The Beatles!

Smack Dab in the Labyrinth

Smack dab in the middle of my brain lies the doorway to my own serenity and organization.  I'm lost in the labyrinth today.  Hopefully I shall soon reach and unlock the door.  If I haven't misplaced the key that is.

I'm unsettled.  My boys feel it too.  Summer is flapping in the wind and ready to leave us behind as school barrels towards us.  If stores would work with us and avoid putting out the school supplies until August actually arrives, maybe we'd feel better about it all.  Seasons are too often rushed.

We have bubbles to blow, sidewalks to decorate with chalk, water fights to have, and so much more to do!  Do not fade so quickly dear friend known as Summer.  Sit, have a glass of lemonade, stay a little while longer.

Sporadic posting may take place as I navigate my way through the labyrinth and enjoy the rest of SUMMER with my family.  There is fun to be had!  May your dwindling summer days be full of it!

43 Days

Why do we expect to obtain an instant mellowed out state of mind with the summer season?  Our lazy summer days became busier than expected and are fading far too quickly.  My "to be accomplished" list tends to have more on it than I'll ever have time to accomplish.  Similar to "my eyes are bigger than my stomach" when it comes to delicious foods.  Everything seems to be bubbling out of my brain and swimming around in my head.  Summer break is not as relaxing as planned.  

The school free time with my boys was intended to be full of fun.  Except at times they decide not to cooperate.  I love my boys dearly and do enjoy extra time with them.  Yet, we deal with more sibling squabbles when school is not in session.  Any parent knows that won't bring you extra peace.

I'm focusing on the times when my boys do cooperate.  We've made some great memories so far and have more yet to come.  Some of the greatest accomplishments this summer involve encouraging my boys to continue reading, writing, and even doing some math.  I may constantly remind them to make their beds or pick up their toys, but I rarely have to fight to get them to pick up a book.

There is plenty left to be done before summer ends.  Time will continue to tick by.  My boys won't be princes of perfection.  Yet, I wouldn't trade these not-so-lazy summer days for anything.  Time with them is precious and before I know it, they'll be grown.

My days become my own in September.  I'll have more time to work on that to do list and I'll miss my boys immensely during the school hours.  Including today we have 43 days left of school break.  Forty-three days is enough time to create some unforgettable summer memories and I intend to do just that.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Mother Son Book Reviews: Double Dose of James Patterson

Outstanding O's Book Reviews

Middle School The Worst Years of My Life

by James Patterson & Christ Tebbetts

Illustrated by Laura Park

Rafe Khatchadorian is a normal kid in middle school with a fantastic story to tell.  In the book "Middle School," Rafe deals with Miller the Killer and problems with teachers.  He creates a game called Operation R.A.F.E. that is about breaking the rules.  My favorite part of the story is when he made a joke in his notebook about Miller the Killer Chicken.  The book is a chapter book with pictures that show a lot of expression.  I loved "Middle School" and would read it over and over again.  Rafe's story made me laugh so hard.  I recommend "Middle School" to every kid that loves James Patterson's books and Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

Tag your it!  

Mom's review of the latest James Patterson novel for adults is next...

A CMOMProductions Book Review 

Now You See Her 

by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

If I could only use one word to describe this book, it would be INTENSE!  I did have some difficulty throughout this story.  Putting it down!  So as not to ruin the storyline, I'll be staying away from too many details.

Nina, the main character, has secrets that she can't share with anyone.  Not even her teenage daughter.  When the story begins, we briefly see today's Nina, a successful lawyer and mom, before diving into her past.  

A heart break during a college spring break ultimately leads Jeanine to marry a handsome police officer.  While sharing a relaxed Key West lifestyle, disaster strikes, a secret is revealed, and she must leave to save herself and her unborn child.  In doing so, Jeanine also changes her identity to become Nina Bloom.

Flash forward to present day Nina.  When presented with a pro-bono case through her law firm, she discovers an innocent man has been framed for murder.  To help him, she has to travel back to Key West,  risking the life she has built for herself and daughter.  

My mind was racing during this book.  As a mystery lover since childhood, it is not often easy to surprise me, but James Patterson pulled it off.  I did not see everything coming!  If you like suspense, mystery, and unsuspected twists, you will not be disappointed!  This story is fast paced and could easily translate into a great movie.  Don't miss out on Now You See Her.

I'm a fan of James Patterson and now my oldest son is too!  Other books I've read by Mr. Patterson are the 10 books in the Women's Murder Club series and Private.  He has many more books that I have yet to discover (of course they are on my to read list).  As a parent who believes in raising readers, I'm impressed by his Read Kiddo Read website (also on Facebook).  If you have kids, I encourage you to check it out!  Evidently Mr. Patterson is more than just a great author too.  He is cool enough to be a recurring guest on ABC's Castle.  How can I get in on those poker games? 

It was O's idea to do a double Mother/Son book review for my blog!  This was a fun experience to share, even if we were reading different books.  A"one for you, one for your child" double book release was a smart move by James Patterson, or his people.  O and I will watch for more opportunities like this one.  Don't be surprised to see my fellow eager reader (or maybe both of my boys) giving more reviews in the future.  We may even read the same kid friendly book and tell you what we think from a parent's & child's perspective.  Stay tuned!