The Important Places – A Mother’s Day Message to my Sons

home mothers day

Growing up,
when people would ask me:
“What do you want to be
when you grow up?”
I would say,
“a Mom, of course.”

So imagine my joy
when my dream came true,
and I was blessed
with the two of you.

There is no greater joy
I could ever compare
to the love and the happiness
you brought to my life.

Now that you are grown,
your lives are your own.
You have things to do
and places to go.

But please remember,
of all the important places
life will take you,
the road to important places
can also lead you home.

My hubby (Marty) recently shared a beautiful video with me (and our boys) that totally struck a chord with me this weekend with Mother’s Day approaching.  If you have 10 minutes and are ready for a few tears of joy and gratitude and contemplation, watch the video here:   https://vimeo.com/126544483.

It inspired me to share this message of gratitude for the honor and joy I have as the mom of my two amazing sons.

Love you guys,
Mom

Tired, Blocked, Blessed…

How is it that is is January 3rd, 2015 already?!?!

What a busy, wonderful, joy-filled holiday season it has been.

I have been a bit lazy in my posts lately, but only because I have been so busy simply enjoying life!

I have taken two full weeks off from my full-time job to just relish in and enjoy the holidays, and boy has it been lovely!

I spent the first few days of my vacation baking and shopping and last-minute preparations for the upcoming 4-days in a row of hosting festivities.

Grandmas Old Fashioned Apricot Nut Bread Last

christmas gifts 2014

We started on Christmas Eve by sharing dinner and the evening with our boys and and our sweet daughter-in-law.  We made our first prime rib dinner, exchanged gifts, and played games.

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risk christmas eve 2014

On Christmas Day, we hosted extended family for a hunky styled feast of halupkis and pierogies, ham, and lots of other goodies.

pierogi homemade polish pittsburgh

mason on christmas day

The day after Christmas was our special McHendy Christmas celebration with our “best friend family,” followed by Saturday with my Dad and “Mom II,” brothers and their families, Aunt and Uncle.

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Sunday was spent with hubby’s 91-year-old Aunt who was in need of a little TLC.

Monday was an effort to get back to some normalcy and a bit of time in the gym.

Tuesday was prepping for New Year’s Eve celebrations, and Wednesday brought friends and family to celebrate New Year’s Eve (and my birthday!).

NYE 2014

NYE Kiss

We were fortunate to have friends stay over and enjoy New Year’s brunch.

Friday brought my first “free” day, so Marty and I took a ride to the city and I got to take some photographs with my new camera from Santa 🙂 .

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Pittsburgh from west end 010215

Two more days of vacation, and I’m thinking,  “where did the time go?”

I’m glad the weekend is still in front of us!  Then it is time to get my groove back. 🙂

For now, it is cheers and hugs from a tired, but very content, very blessed, completely humbled, extremely grateful, but briefly blocked blogger who is so grateful for all of you and your “likes” and “comments” and love!

Jodi

My Revised Holiday To Do List

What are you up to this weekend?  Do you have a crazy, long, exhausting “To Do” list for getting ready for the holidays?

I recently saw a great revised list on Instagram… and it really made me think.   So I got to working on re-setting some of my own priorities.

Christmas to do list 2014

#1:  Do you have a lot of presents left to buy?  I do!  But I’m not going to worry about it.  If it gets down to the wire, I’ll just give gift cards or money.  I think my kids like that best anyway.

And when I receive a text from my cousin’s six-year old daughter like I did earlier this week that says:

I have a concert on Saturday December 13.  Can you be there?  I don’t know what time

Well – you can bet I’ll be there.  Those kind of invites are too precious to pass up!

#2:  Do you still have wrapping to do?  Remember there are always gift bags.  Instead, make sure you wrap everyone you love with lots of warm hugs.  And my little twist is to always try to be the last to let go….  You never know when you might get the chance again or how much that person needs it at that moment.

#3:  I still haven’t sent my cards out.  And you know I’m a card making fool!  Much more fun creating them than addressing and stuffing and licking envelopes, so whatever ones I do get out, I do – and it will be sent with all the love and time I put into it.  But if I don’t get them out, or even mail them after the holidays – that’s ok – right?!  No crime!  I want to make sure I’m sending love, not just a card for a card’s sake.

#4:  I’ve got lots of food shopping to do – and no worries – the stores are open 24 hours, so I will eventually get there.  What I do want to make sure we do is donate food to those in need.

#5:  I love to make cookies – and it is a rare occasion that we don’t have a homemade cookie in the house to munch on or offer a guest – but guess what?  No Christmas cookies baked yet.  I’ll get to some I’m sure.  What is more important is making time for people – like the little cutie we’re going to go listen to sing on Saturday or the chocolate-making class I went to last night with my daughter-in-law.  Sure – I could be baking, but I first want to make time for those I love.

#6:  I adore seeing all the Christmas lights, and Marty and I sure had fun at Kennywood’s Festival of Lights, but what is more important is that I make time to BE that light.

#7:  And Parties….. I kinda live for hosting parties.  We are hosting four in a row from Christmas Eve until Saturday 12/27, and then again on New Year’s Eve.  YIPPEE!  Am I stressing over it?!  NOPE!  Will I fuss?  Probably not so much.  Or maybe a little – if I have time.  But if I don’t — – not gonna worry!  As long as the people show up, we have something to eat and drink, and there is lots of love and laughing – then the party is a success!  Right?

Christmas to do list revised 2014

So check your list.  Does it need a little tweaking?  A couple of revisions?  Make sure you are cherishing each moment along the way.

Cheers and Hugs,

Jodi

Pay it Forward Christmas Gift & Challenge

If you are looking for the ABSOLUTE MOST AMAZING Holiday Gift, look no further.  I am SO excited to share this idea!  This is a gift that is suitable for ANY and EVERYone on your Holiday / Christmas List!

My BFF, Jill, nailed it this year!  She is the most creative, generous, kind, caring, loving person ever, and I am so lucky to have her in my life.

So here is what arrived on our doorstep Friday afternoon…

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a box filled with a variety of Pay it Forward Random Acts of Christmas Kindness activities – – complete with an “instruction booklet,” story about why Jill and Todd wanted to do this, and even every little gift card and item needed to fulfill each act of kindness!

Let me walk you through it page by page.  It started out with an introduction…

RACK Pay it Forward 2014 2and short story (which included us! 🙂  YAY!  Our families have been BFFs since our first babies, and our kids have grown up together like one big batch of brothers and sisters.  We LOVE it!  And we love all of them.

“Happy Holidays,  In the spirit of the holidays, Todd and I decided to try to engage you in a “Pay it Forward Challenge” this year.  Years ago, our best friends, the McKinney’s, asked their elf Sammy to send us our own elf for the holidays.  Sammy sent Jingle so we could share in the tradition.  Jingle spent years making sure Jackie, Jayme, Julie and Jake were behaving.  But now Jingle has a new plan…”

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“We are hoping that you will join Jingle in the movement and take the opportunity to participate in a few of the Pay it Forward challenges.  If possible, we would like you to document the activities with pictures, posts and hashtags.  Send pictures to [Jill’s email], upload on Instagram or post to your Facebook page and tag me.”

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“Every Act of Kindness Grows the Spirit and Strengthens the Soul”

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For the first challenge, Jill included a $2 bill, chalk, glitter, and even an itty bitty dispenser of tape!  Directions:  Tape the $2 bill to the sidewalk, sprinkle some glitter, and add a note for the unsuspecting recipient.

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Next was a bright yellow tennis ball with the word “Fetch” written on it.  Directions:  Locate a dog that appears to be missing the element of fun in their life.  Throw them the fetch ball and capture the sheer joy.”

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Next was a bottle of Coke with a tag saying, “You are So-Da Bomb!”  Directions:  Let someone in your life know they are “DA BOMB” and important part of your life.  Cheers!”

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Next was a box of M&M’s with a note on it for our mail carrier saying, “Thanks for driving Miles & Miles to bring us our mail.”  Directions:  Place this package in your mailbox to let your mail carrier know that you appreciate their dedication in the rain, snow, sleet and hail!”

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This was followed by one that I was extremely touched by.  Jill hand addressed an envelope to her “adopted soldier,” put a stamp on it, and included a blank note card.  Directions:  Take a few moments to write Christian Granada a personal note.  He is the soldier I have adopted as my Home Front Hugs Hero.  Christian is part of Operation Enduring Freedom and involved in some dangerous work clearing roads of bombs, so support is critical.  Just mention me in your note.  This is one I’d like to ask all of my readers to participate in with us if you could.  Would you send a note or card to Christian Granada, Homefront Hugs Hero, 43d CEC / 3 CR, 00 Fenty, APO AE  09354?  Just let him know you are sending it from Jill’s Pay it Forward Challenge.”  We’d be so grateful!

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The next one included a sparkly bottle of bright red nail polish.  Directions:  Find a friend or relative to pamper and pain your ‘mistle toes’ together.

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Next came a bag of Mistletoe labeled, “Christmas Kiss.”  Directions:  Can you get anyone to partake in the traditional kiss under the mistletoe?”

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And how sweet is this idea?  A quarter tapes to a star saying, “Have a Great Day!”  Directions:  Tape a quarter to a bubblegum machine to brighten a child’s day!

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This was followed by a bag of microwave popcorn with a note saying, “Movies shouldn’t be watched without popcorn.  Enjoy this treat with your movie.”  Directions:  Find a Red Box in your neighborhood to place the popcorn on and see if anyone is brave enough to take it. 

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Another great activity included a $5 Little Caesar’s gift certificate.  Directions:  Think about providing a homeless person with a pizza or take a few moments to share a pizza with a friend.

RACK Pay it Forward 2014 15

The next one included a $5 McDonald’s gift card.  Directions:  Visit a McDonald’s drive thru and tape the Arch Card to the ordering speaker to provide a surprise to one of the next cars in line.RACK Pay it Forward 2014 16

The last one contained a box of candy canes, streamers, and a sign that says, “You’ve been RACKed!”  Directions:  Pick a random location and let the candy cane bomb explode and bring minty happiness.

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Now is this not the BEST gift idea ever?!!

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I have Jill’s permission and blessing to share this idea with you.

She actually made and shipped 25 of these to her family and friends.  Did I not tell you she is quite amazing?!!!

Our hope and desire is that you may want to try this or create one yourself.  Let’s #PayItForward and spread some #RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness!  Please feel free to reblog, tweet, post on your Facebook page, and spread the love!  🙂

Cheers & Kind Hugs,

Jodi

P.S.   Be watching for some future posts where I will be sharing some of our experiences with this Pay it Forward Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Challenge.  I hope you will share yours also!

Holiday Gift Ideas: Chocolate Uranus? Suitjamas?

It is December 3rd.     22 days till Christmas.     That’s like a blink – right?

giphy

And I have not even begun my Christmas shopping.

When the kids were young, I had organized lists well ahead of time, letters to Santa sent early, Christmas club accounts cashed out, layaways picked up, gifts wrapped and hid… and likely all done by December 3rd.

Not so much these days….

So even though I’m saying again this year we are downplaying the gifts, I’ve been scouring the internet looking for “just the right” little sumthin sumthins.

Here are a few things I am considering.  What do you think?

Did you ever wonder whSolar system Choco Kaiseki (nine sets)at Uranus tastes like?

For my chocolate-loving friends, Chocolate Boutique Rekura RIHGA has these gorgeous chocolate planet balls each with their own unique flavor.

For $50 a box, I think I’ll pick up a dozen or two to keep on hand for those last-minute gifts you always find yourself needing.

suit-pajamas
And you know how hard it is to find a gift for your boss that pretty much can buy anything he wants?  Well, I’m betting since he loves being in a suit so much all day that he would just be super-thrilled to have these suitjamas from ZBoss to wear all night too!  And they are quite the steal at only $99.95!    Check √

Now for that hard-to-buy for hubby…

Well – If I would not have just spent $100 and several hours of Jake and Nick and Colleen’s time buying and re-felting the pool table Marty got on Craig’s list, I would for sure have got snatched up this Ford Mustang pool table, which is a total steal for $9,995.  Dang!  It’s even in his favorite shade of red.  Oh well – sorry dear!
1965 Mustang Pool Table

pet-hoodiesBut I did find just the thing for my grandkitten!

Wonder if she will love her pet hoodie as much as her Mom and I love wearing our hoodies?

Score!

So thanks to the This is Why I’m Broke website for the great start on my holiday shopping!  If you have any more great ideas, please share.  I’m still looking for a bit more inspiration…

Cheers & Hugs,

Jodi

 

Green Acres & Christmas Cards

So it’s getting down to crunch time on Christmas cards, and one or two cards a week is probably not going to cut it at this point…  (… but if that’s all I get to – that’s okay too!  Too much pressure takes the fun out of it – right?!)

I did get around to making two last night.  They are two completely different cards – which is the joy of hand creating cards to me.  I rarely (if ever) make the same card twice.  The fun is in the creating for me.  And even more fun is individualizing them for the recipient.

The first one is a more elegant card with white glittery, silver, sparkly, shiny snowflakes in clean and simple simplicity.

festive flurry silver elegant christmas 2014

I made it to enter into two challenges.  It meets the requirements for 3 in a row down at The Paper Players PP224 Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge this week for white, snowflake, and glitter.  It also meets the Friday Mashup FM187 It’s All About Weather criteria for using a metal embellishment (SU Frosted Finishes embellisment) and having a weather inspiration (snowflakes from SU Festive Flurry).

festive flurry silver elegant christmas 2014 inside

I just love this “Mingle all the Way” stamp sentiment and was dying to use it, so I came up with this simple, rustic, country design in brown craft and red with a big red bow.  I distressed and sponged all the edges and added just a few tiny pearls for a little pop.

mingle all the way christmas card 2014

I used the SU Holiday Home stamp for the inside to continue the rustic classic theme on the inside.

holiday home inside card

So welcome into my mind….

this is the wacky way it works sometimes…

As I looked at these two completely different cards, all I could think about was the old classic television show from the late sixties when I was a wee-one, called “Green Acres.”

Anybody remember?  (Take a moment to listen and travel down memory lane...)

So the first card is for Eva and the second is for Eddy.

Which is more your style?  Are you an Eva or an Eddy?

Though I am FAR from a farm girl, country life is more to my liking – with visits to the city.

Green Acres is the place to be…

I dare you to try and get this song out of your head now!  (No thank yous necessary)  🙂

So whether your holiday is in the “fresh air” or in “Times Square,” make it merry and bright!

Cheers & Hugs,

Jodi

 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas….

December 1st already!  Where did 2014 go?!  I do adore December and decorating for the holidays.christmas deco front porchI had fun creating a woodsy rustic setting on the front porch with lots of fresh greenery, wood, red berries, burlap and pine cones in my fave antique crates I got for Mother’s day from Jake and Colleen.  Out with the summer ferns, but not putting these beloved crates away.  🙂

christmas deco tree bellThe tree is up…

christmas deco stockingsand the stockings are hung by the chimney with care.

santa prefers wineThis Santa is chillin’ on the mantel with the some others (real Santas drink wine not milk)…

santasand other Santas pop up in just about every corner.

ceramic treeI love tucking this little ceramic tree in a special corner.  It so reminds me of my Grandma.

christmas snowiesSnowies are chillin’ too.

snowiesWishing you toasty toes and a warm nose as we gear up for the holiday season!

Cheers & Hugs,

Jodi

Get Your Santa On

IMG_1349On Saturday, I got my Santa on!   On Christmas cards that is…      We had a JOLLY ole’ time with Head Elf Cindy (of CindyLeeBeeDesigns).  What a sweet, generous, and talented elf she is!

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And check out her great stampin’ studio!  If you are in the Pittsburgh, PA area, Cindy holds classes at her studio in Pittsburgh Mills Shopping Mall.  You can create some cards, go shop, eat, catch a movie – all in one stop.

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Feel free to visit her website here or see the info on her storefront sign below.

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We whipped up all of these cute cards in two hours – and all with one stamp set from Stampin Up called Get Your Santa On!

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These were my fellow classmates elves sharing our creations.

IMG_1337So – Yippee – four more Christmas cards done!

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We stamped and chatted and embossed and chatted and drank coffee and chatted.

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We cut and punched (and chatted).

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We colored (and chatted).

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We learned new elf tricks from our head elf instructor.

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And we got this cutest ever favor!!  (Made with the SU Curvy Keepsake Box Die cut)  Oh Cindy – you might even rank higher in my book than Hermie the elf now!  And that is really saying something!

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Thanks for a great time, Cindy.

Thanks for chauffeuring Stacey (of StudioDesigners).  Be sure to check out her site too.  Stacey is uber talented and creative and also hosts wonderful classes in Cranberry Township, PA.

Great fun with all of you ladies!

Now – go get YOUR Santa on!  Christmas is only 52 days away!

Cheers & Hugs,

Jodi

Happy Friday – Fourth of July!

Celebrate Today 4th of JulyWoohoo!  Not only is it Friday, but it’s a holiday – Independence Day!  An extra day off work and a day to celebrate.

celebrate today 4th of july insideI was inspired to make a red, white, and blue celebration card and already gave it to someone special.

celebrate today 4th of july flatI’m having fun with a more abstract look in my card making lately using watercolor paper and spritzing and splotching.  I’m loving white embossed on vellum too – and touches of gold string.  And lately, most every card uses the “Gorgeous Grunge” stamp in one way or another.

Hope you and yours enjoy the long holiday weekend…

and celebrate today…

at Life in Between.

Cheers and Hugs,

Jodi