Time to Blog On

I am not sure if even that by letting a month or so pass, that this task is any easier whatsoever. I don't even know how to start, but sadly, on Thanksgiving Shawn's stepdad, Jerry, lost his battle with cancer. He was diagnosed in July with multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer). His last week was really difficult for him. So much pain. We are so thankful that God didn't make him suffer any longer. He went peacefully. We were thankful that we were there in town. Otherwise, we could not have gotten back home fast enough.

We extended our visit one more week and helped Shawn's mom get things taken care of. Then we drove back to OK. Then we got sideswiped just outside of St. Louis. I hope our insurance company is "winning" it has already been a month.

SInce then: 1. We have been busy getting ready for the holidays. I was SO far behind this year- with every aspect. 2. Somehow, I pulled it off. 3. Monday before Christmas Stella got sick- lots of vomit. Just as we were figuring out our plans for Christmas Eve mass (Stella still had to stay home), Nicholas started vomiting. So that took care of plans for mass. Then I got the flu on Christmas day. 4. We just had our Christmas dinner last night.

Today: I joined Sam's Club. Bought a chest freezer for the garage. Starting to feel like we are moved in.

Upcoming: 1. Nick starts swimming lessons (again). 2. I see my midwife next week. 3. Take down Christmas decorations. Get out maternity clothes when we put them in the attic. 4. Post pictures from Christmas. 5. Now that I am better, clean, orgainze, sew, blog (Jerry loved our blog so much).

Oh, and Happy New Year. This will be the lamest NYE we have ever had. I think Shawn and I are fine with that. I am still giddy over the freezer anyway!

Pap Pap/Jerry- we love you and will miss you in 2009.

Party of Four...and a half?

Well, ok, just "four" right now. But in nine months...we will have to up that to five. Yep. We are expecting another little one. I am still very "new" pregnant and due sometime in July. I think I am getting too old for this!

We leave tomorrow night at like 3am (so technically Thursday) for a giant drive to WV. Should take about 14 hours to get to my parents' house. I hope we pack enough snacks and DVDs. We are going to visit family. I am getting my hair done (bye bye greys and scraggly hair). Mom and I are going to be doing some holiday cooking. Martha and I are doing a 5k on Thanksgiving morning. Maybe I will even do some online Christmas shopping. Oh, and looking forward to some DiCarlo's Pizza...mmmm (I like inside pieces, Shawn likes the edges).

I probably won't have the chance to blog before the holiday so...Have a WONDERFUL and SAFE Thanksgiving.

Turkey Day Napkins

On Made By KateAnn blog. Go see.

Craft Related Joy

Click here if interested

Go Ugly Early!

Does that ring a bell with anyone? Wow! Suzanne sent this shirt to me for my bday last week.


I absolutely love it. Although I am a lifelong fan of chocolate...Harry's Chocolate Shop is a actually a bar. Harry's is the oldest bar at Purdue University. The story goes, that it was a chocolate shop during the prohibition. You can still see the hidden doors in their wood floor that led to the basement, where the partaking took place.

I never owned one of these shirts in college (maybe because I was unemployed) and didn't even really hang out at this bar (because it was always crammed with people- pressed against the window of the "fish bowl" and pouring out the doors), but I did go there a few times. You would ALWAYS see alumni-parents sharing a drink with their kids here. Harry's is a Purdue University historic landmark. And their t-shirt slogan is timeless!

Suzanne, thank you, I love the shirt and all the memories it stirred up!

Please don't pay any attention to my nasty hair. My sister Sarah is going to give me a new do next week. (Blue or Purple?)

The lost week

That was last week. I didn't blog at all. Shawn was gone. I don't get free time until I am just too tired to blog.

I will post pictures of Nick's bday. Here is one.

This is what he is looking at:


Last Monday, Nick had his check up. 75% height and 50% weight. Just like last year. Then he got four shots and the flu mist. He also got a fever and a cold.
Last Tuesday, I turned 29 (again). THANK YOU Dhana and Katie for a splendid birthday celebration. It was the best. Nick was too sick for school.
Last Wednesday, Nick was going to go to school on Thursday regardless of body temp. UGH!
Last Thursday, Nick went to school, Stella and I to the Y, celebrated Nick's bday with his class. Many of the kids in the classes went home with green teeth from the green Backyardigans cupcakes.
Last Friday, went to the Y, cleaned in between playing puzzles and trains and Backyardigans Memory game with the kids.

But tonight, I have been sewing. But I am stuck. Instead of boring you all with my craft-talk, I opened another blog site that is just for crafts and not family happenings. I have to keep them separate. People like Martha would be furious if she clicked here to see Stella and Nick, but instead found the latest homemade play do recipe. So, separate blog. The link is the same as my Etsy name www.madebykateann.blogspot.com. I don't promise to post there on a regular basis or anything. Just when I have some crafty goodness to share or, as in tonight's case, venting and opinion-requesting. I am trying to perfect my coffee cuff. Just as I did with my yoga bags, I am tweaking and tweaking until it is just SO. I would love any opinions/feedback if you are genuinely interested (That means you, Martha! No smart ass comments. Only value adding comments). OH and I can't wait to post pictures of our "new" family room. I REALLY took all the advice and we are working on the finishing touches.

Red Robin...YUM

Nick's Happy 4th Birthday Dinner at Red Robin. He figured out the surprise just as we got through the doors. I think he saw the Rs on the sign.

Don't worry, this is Stella *smiling.*

Complete with loud song and big sundae.