Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Pinterest Success Number Two

I know, I know - 2 blog posts in the same day....what is happening here!!???
 Well, I managed to have another Pinterest Success!!  That's 2 in less than a week. 

Cut a hole in a wine bottle

Several bottles ready for cleaning

Completed project

Pinterest SUCCESS!!

Okay - so time got away from me and here it is December. 

Everyone knows of that new websensation - Pinterest - where people can save all their favorite ideas, recipes, favorite craft projects, etc.  in organized photo boards.  You can then go back and find what inspired you and try to create them.

One of my inspirations was tomato cage light trees for the Christmas holidays to decorate the outside of your house. I took two old tomato cages that we already had and invested in 2- 350 light strands ($10 at Target). 
The cages are placed upside down and anchored in the ground with some u-shaped thick wire.  The tines are gathered and wrapped with a rubber band - one could also use zip ties. 
One on each side of our front stoop and plugged in to a dusk to dawn timer and beautiful.




Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: SCHOOL STARTED!!!

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: SCHOOL STARTED!!!: Yes folks, school started for Eastern NC students.  I did a silent cheer as I rolled over in bed when I heard the front door close on Monday...

SCHOOL STARTED!!!

Yes folks, school started for Eastern NC students.  I did a silent cheer as I rolled over in bed when I heard the front door close on Monday morning.  With that door closing, my morning routine became one of quiet reflection.

My only daughter is now in her second week of classes at her college.  She's been there longer because she joined her school's marching band.  She's and her roommate are getting along thus far and she's loving her classes.  We miss her, but I don't miss the bickering between her and her younger brother.

My youngest son started his sophomore year in high school on Monday.  And while I love spending my summer with my children at home, I do miss my quiet slow mornings.  I miss the time spent waking at my speed and in silent reflection.

My older two, well one is married and he spent his summer working at the grocery near his school because they gave him more hours and his wife was a camp counselor a little over an hour away from him.  So, he wasn't at home except for his sister's HS graduation.  And his twin - well he's working full time and looking for an apartment.  He doesn't play into the summer interruption of my solitude.

So, I am 1 year closer to having an empty 'nest'.  Hubby and I are looking forward to that day.  We can take vacations when WE want to instead of when the school schedule allows.  We can eat cook for just the two of us and can have more variety in our meals.  We will probably do more fresh foods and less boxed meals.

So, school started for us and I am rejoicing that I have my quiet solitude back - at least til 3pm.

What is your favorite part of back to school?

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: And we have new pets....

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: And we have new pets....: We welcome to our Family - Jet, Oddball, and Ironhide 3 Red Eared Sliders that my Youngest Son - T - will raise.   Jet Oddball ...

And we have new pets....

We welcome to our Family - Jet, Oddball, and Ironhide
3 Red Eared Sliders that my Youngest Son - T - will raise.  
Jet
Oddball
Ironhide
I love the turtles, they live upstairs in an aquarium specially outfitted for them.  They never bark at midnight and don't have a litter box that needs changing.  

So, we'll have to update size from time to time as they are very young slider.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Opps, time got away!

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Opps, time got away!: So, July is upon us and my last blog entry was in March.  What happened, you ask??  Well - We got to see Martina McBride in Concert in A...

Opps, time got away!

So, July is upon us and my last blog entry was in March.  What happened, you ask??  Well -
We got to see Martina McBride in Concert in April.


My daughter got all dressed up and went to prom.

She also graduated from high school.  We were very proud of her and she managed to do so a full year early.  
Okay, that took spring, but what about June - 
Well, 10 days of June were spent at Walt Disney World on a Mother/Daughter Birthday/Graduation extravaganza visit.
That's only PART of June and none of July:
June ended with a trip to Freshman Orientation at Western Carolina University.  My Daughter is heading there in a few weeks to major in Forensic Chemistry.   Her brothers (she has 3) have been calling her "Miss Smarty Pants" all summer.

I know, I know - that only takes us to the end of June - What's happened in July - well we've gone shopping for college supplies.
One shopping trip had the kids playing with masks in the toy aisle at Target.
Cat sitting in SC - brought home the BEST SC peaches
July has also been spent cleaning up after many violent thunderstorms.
And last but not least for July - my youngest son had his 15th birthday.

So, we are still going full speed ahead with our summer FLYING by - next up - Marching Band Camp for my youngest son at the High School and then Marching Band Camp for my daughter at Western Carolina University - she's going to be a member of the Pride of the Mountains!

So, that's what's been happening here - just busy, busy, busy.

And that doesn't include time trying Pinterest  projects, spent with family, etc.


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

I'm back.....not necessarily better than ever, but back.

Wow, I have let things slide.  I undertook a 31 days to clean and the group I am doing it with (holding each other accountable) have had to let people catch up, etc.  And in that, well, we are still in our 31 days.


So, I'll go back to my blog questions.....I'm just picking one that I know I can answer.

What are the 10 most significant events in your life?  After number 1, these are not in any particular order.
1.  My marriage to my husband
2. The birth of my twins
3. The birth of my daughter
4. The birth of my youngest son
5. My miscarriage
6. The murder of my parents
7. The death of my maternal grandmother
8. My oldest twin getting married
9. The death of my paternal grandfather
10. Has yet to happen



Life continues to tick along in my house.  We all wake up, the younger 2 go to school, the older one still living here goes to his temp. job, the husband goes to work.  I go about puttering around the house trying to keep my mind sane and my body from leaving the house to spend money.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: One, Two, Skip a few, Ninety Ninety, One Hundred.....

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: One, Two, Skip a few, Ninety Ninety, One Hundred.....: Okay, missed a few days.....open house visit with my daughter to her first choice college. Then just recovering from that visit and trying ...

One, Two, Skip a few, Ninety Ninety, One Hundred....



Okay, missed a few days.....open house visit with my daughter to her first choice college. Then just recovering from that visit and trying to get over the bug we brought home.

So, with that I'm going to skip a few of the questions as they don't really pertain to me in my current life situation.

So, my best friend in life - that's the question that I will chose to answer today - Who is it??

Well - we've been friends for over 25 years and of those, we've been married for almost 23 of them.  Yes, my best friend is my husband.  He has been my rock, my shoulder, my constant, my ear, my heart, and my strength for years.  He is who I go to when I need to talk, when I need to cry, when I need my ego boosted, when I need reassuring,etc.  And the best about this relationship is that I can say with 100% certainty that I am the same for him.  

We look forward to growing old together, to having grandchildren come visit for us to spoil, to traveling the world together, to being together as our bodies (but hopefully not our minds) fail us.

Our 22nd Anniversary - still together after all these years.




Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: New day, new question

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: New day, new question: Are you a Lover or a Fighter? That's the 11th question in this challenge. So, am I a lover or a fighter?? I love a good fight!?! Those t...

New day, new question

Are you a Lover or a Fighter?  That's the 11th question in this challenge.
So, am I a lover or a fighter??  I love a good fight!?!  Those things that I do love, I love passionately.  And I will fight for with every fiber of my being.

What are you, a Lover or a Fighter, or do you Love a good Fight?


Thursday, February 9, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: So, what is today's blog challenge??

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: So, what is today's blog challenge??: What do you dislike the most about yourself? This is the question to be answered today - I dislike my quick temper. I snap, I scream, ...

So, what is today's blog challenge??

What do you dislike the most about yourself?  This is the question to be answered today - 

I dislike my quick temper.  I snap, I scream, I know I have a temper and it can be bad.  I have tried to work on it and some days my tongue hurts from biting it.  

So, if you look at yourself, what do you dislike?  That's usually easier to answer than the question - What do you like about yourself.  It is much easier to criticize oneself than to complement.  You don't want to come across as conceited when figuring out what you like about yourself, but know that there is no way to come across as conceited when criticizing.  

So take a minute today, go look in your mirror, smile at yourself and find one thing that you DO like about yourself.  If could be as simple as liking that tiny freckle that is 2 inches below your right eye towards your ear. Just find something, I guarantee it will make you feel better.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Took a few days off over the weekend

Question for today - What do you like the most about yourself?  

What do I like most about myself??  This is the question for today??  Shesh, could it be an easy one?  No, of course not.  Why would I get an easy one today??  So, - today - I have to look at myself and answer the question.  

I like that I have freckles, I like that my hair is a unique shade of strawberry blonde, I like having blue eyes, I like my smile, I like my nose, I like that I am short.  

Okay - that's the physical aspects that I like about me.

I also love my appetite for reading, love my curiosity for the answers when presented with a question, and I absolutely would hate to lose my ability to love life.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Hearts Broken, Scarred, and healed

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Hearts Broken, Scarred, and healed: Have you ever had your heart broken? Have you ever broken a heart? Well, to be honest, if you haven't had a broken heart or haven't broke...

Hearts Broken, Scarred, and healed

Have you ever had your heart broken? Have you ever broken a heart?

Well, to be honest, if you haven't had a broken heart or haven't broken a heart....you are either really young OR you are living in a very guarded place either figuratively or literally.

Those of us that truly live, that feel, that are - we have had our hearts broken, we have broken hearts and we've also probably stomped a heart or two in the dirt because it was just necessary to continue life.

If you heart has never been damaged, just wait, it will be if you are allowing people to get close to you.  And if you are afraid to have your heart hurt, stop being afraid.  It WILL get hurt, but you know what - the right person will come along and it will be healed and that will be the best experience you will ever have.  




Friday, February 3, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: What does your name mean? Why were you named what ...

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: What does your name mean? Why were you named what ...: What does your name mean? Why were you named what you were named? These are the questions for today - well, would have been yesterday had I...
What does your name mean? Why were you named what you were named?
These are the questions for today - well, would have been yesterday had I not had a migraine that took me out.  

What does my name mean - Well without giving my full name - My name in definition only is 'Lady Pure'.  The Origin of my name  - Aramaic and Greek. 

Why was I named what I was named?  Our family has a tradition of naming our children after relatives.  I was named after 2 of my great grandmothers.  I too named my own children after relatives, great grandmothers and great grandfathers.  The biggest reason that I was named what I was named - I was a girl - I would have been 'Supplanter Strong Power'.  My mother had 2 names picked out - one for a girl and one for a boy.  

So, have you ever stopped to think about why you were named what you were named and what does it mean?  Does the meaning match your personality at all?   The history of names is interesting at the least.  

Take five minutes and look up the meaning and origin of your name.  And then if it is completely off of who you are, have a good laugh.  I usually do.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Fears and Phobias

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Fears and Phobias: ↑Neuse River Bridge, NC ↓Emerald Isle Bridge, NC What is your phobia/fear? Tall, Long Bridges over water are a big irrational fea...

Fears and Phobias




↑Neuse River Bridge, NC
↓Emerald Isle Bridge, NC


What is your phobia/fear? Tall, Long Bridges over water are a big irrational fear of mine. I also have a fear of heights. But it isn't encountered as often as the bridge fear being that I live where I do.......so close to the NC Coast- the bridges I've pictured are the Neuse River Bridge here in New Bern. The quickest way to Bridgeton is over that bridge. And the one below, is the bridge into Emerald Isle - not a long bridge, but a tall bridge with only one lane per direction.


I know, it is an irrational fear, but it is a fear of mine. I will drive over bridges such as this one if I have to, but if I can find an alternate route I will. Last spring, I went to Williamsburg, VA for a great weekend with a friend and drove some back roads so I could avoid the Hampton Roads Bridge/Tunnel. I took a Ferry instead. Going down to The Isle Of Palms, SC last March for a mother of twins convention found me driving deserted back roads to avoid the bridges. 

I also have a fear of heights, but with a few steps backwards can usually fight that one.



So,what fears or phobias do you have?  Are you afraid of spiders, snakes, thunderstorms, grass on bare skin??  Think about it, it is rational or not. And when you do, imagine me driving over my bridges - knuckles white as I have a death grip on the steering wheel - breathing slowly in and out - and if I am alone - Singing at the TOP of my LUNGS to anything on the radio.










Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Life......

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Life......: What’s the point of life? Define a great life. This is the question of the challenge on Day 5. So what is the point of life?? Well, to liv...

Life......



What’s the point of life? Define a great life.


This is the question of the challenge on Day 5.


So what is the point of life?? Well, to live of course. To be, to exist, to enjoy, to laugh, to learn, to love, to see, to hear, to taste, to touch, to feel, to hurt, to cry, to anger; it is all part of life.


A great life: that's one that has been lived to the best of the person's ability. One where there has been great love, great sorrow, great disappointment, great laughter. One that has been lived with the purpose that God has give us.


I think that thus far, I have had a great life. I have found a great love. Together we have created life in our 4 children and they are living now in their journey towards a great life. I have had great sorrow, but have grown from that sorrow and continued on in the journey of life that we are all on.


Is your life a great life? If you cannot answer yes, maybe it is time for a change.  And I wish you luck with your journey.





Monday, January 30, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Well, it IS almost February....

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Well, it IS almost February....: ....and the question for day for is : What is true love? Try 'googling' the question and you'll find hundreds of different answers. No righ...

Well, it IS almost February....



....and the question for day for is : What is true love?




Try 'googling' the question and you'll find hundreds of different answers. No right, no wrong. Some say it is just a chemical reaction, some say it is emotional.



True Love - what say I?? Well, I say that True Love is real, but it is work. If you are lucky, it starts as a friendship. Something that grows and is worked until you realize that you are both vested fully in the relationship. That there is something in the relationship that you don't have with anyone else.




And now a few words from others on love:

 "Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it."  Benjamin Franklin

"We are all born for love. It is the principle of existence, and its only end." Benjamin Disreali

"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine."  Anon.

"At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet." Plato

"All Love is sweet. Given or returned. Common as light is love, And its familiar voice wearies not ever." Percy Bysshe Shelley

"Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or burn down your house, you can never tell." Joan Crawford

"The course of true love never did run smooth." William Shakespeare

"One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love." Sophocles

"One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love." Frank Sinatra


Sunday, January 29, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: "Wishing and Hoping and Thinking and Praying..."

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: "Wishing and Hoping and Thinking and Praying...": So here it is Day 3 in this 30 day Blog Challenge - and the question is: If you could wish for anything that would come true, what would you...

"Wishing and Hoping and Thinking and Praying..."



So here it is Day 3 in this 30 day Blog Challenge - and the question is:

If you could wish for anything that would come true, what would you wish for?




This is such a loaded question - I mean, one could wish for a billion dollars and then live in financial peace the rest of their lives. One could wish for world peace and never have to worry about their children who chose to serve in the military. One could wish for all disease, starvation, and other global issues to be solved, but I think if you solve one issue that it doesn't solve the global issues because we are human after all and were given free will.




I don't need to wish for love, I found that when I met my husband almost 25 years ago. I don't need to wish for happiness, I have that. I could wish for my parents to have never entered that bank, but that change everything and who honestly knows if my life would be better for it or not.




So, what would you wish for: riches, happiness, or would you just visualize whorled peas?

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Day 2 - Living Without

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Day 2 - Living Without: So, today's blog question is: Who or What can't you live without?? Honest answer for this one - No one and Nothing. While I'd RATHER NOT ...

Day 2 - Living Without

So, today's blog question is: Who or What can't you live without??

Honest answer for this one - No one and Nothing.  While I'd RATHER NOT live without my husband in my life or certain luxuries that we have like water heaters - I know I would survive were something to happen and I had to live without.

But I know I would rather not live without my mind, my memories.  I do not want to be locked in myself, unable to communicate, unable to remember.  The thought of dementia or Alzheimers scares the crap out of me.  I hope that my body gives out far sooner than my mind.

So, if you think hard, what or who could you not live without??

Friday, January 27, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Day 1

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Day 1: So, I'm going to start a new blog challenge - another 30 days of questions to be answered. Today is day 1 and the question is a hard on...

Day 1

So, I'm going to start a new blog challenge - another 30 days of questions to be answered. Today is day 1 and the question is a hard one: "What do you regret the most?"

 So what DO I regret the most?? The answer that comes to me first, is nothing. While I do wish that I had spent more time with my parents, that I had spent a little more time on the floor with my children when they were younger, that I had more date nights with my husband, etc. I do not regret that I did not do any of that which I just listed. Not in the sense of the definition of Regret -(1) To feel sorry, disappointed, or distressed about(2)To remember with a feeling of loss or sorrow; mourn.

I do not look back and feel sorry or sorrow for not spending more time with my parents. I know that MORE isn't the key - the time I did spend with them was precious and the memories that I have from that time is more important. I spent a lot of time with my children and still do, but I have to remember that spending time for myself is just as important and I have 4 fine children so to regret moments for myself would be pointless. More date nights with my husband, well, we have been married almost 23 years now, our relationship is better and our friendship is stronger than ever. To look back and regret having spent time with our children while they were still young is absurd.

Instead of looking back and regretting, I choose to look forward. I give my regrets and confessions to God and refuse to condemn my past actions as continual condemnation is meaningless and gets in the way of my forward, day to day living.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Ooops, Time got away

Ramblings of Bored Housewife: Ooops, Time got away: Here it is, almost the end of Janaury, and I've not written on here since November. Not good. What have I been up to?? Well since I last ...

Ooops, Time got away

Here it is, almost the end of Janaury, and I've not written on here since November. Not good. What have I been up to?? Well since I last posted, Thanksgiving, Holiday Band concerts, Christmas holidays, Course Finals for my two high schoolers, and even finding a lost dog's owners. I've also continued my quest to find craft projects to keep myself busy.
This is my latest wine bottle creation. It is a 'hydroponic' planter. Mine has a few basil seeds in it. I'll post more photos when I have some sprouts. I've also found another 30 day blog challege.....so, starting tomorrow, I'll be answering another 30 questions. I'm still just a housewife looking for ways to keep my sanity in check as my house gets quieter and quieter.