The Go To Gal

I am in need of some heavy duty toggle switches! I know, it’s an odd thing to need–but it is an assignment from my husband. He needs them for work. Why is it that I’m the one tracking down odds and ends for his job? It’s nearly constant! And now with Christmas coming, who do you think will be in charge of getting the gifts and favors together for the partners and the office staff? Yep—me! It’s actually not to bad. It helps me feel like I’m helping out a bit more visibly than my behind the scenes “homemaking” stuff!

Now….however, I have to brainstorm up some really clever gift ideas for the guys!!!

Family

I have been caking up a storm these past few weeks. I have a huge one coming up this weekend, another carved cake the weekend after that, and a topsy turvy “cow” cake a few days later. Don’t you just love the holidays! Actually I can’t really complain about this weeks cake. It’s a combined cake for my son and daughter’s birthdays. I have no idea how to combine a boy cake and a girl cake. There is also a big family dinner for this event. Ham, funeral potatoes, homemade stuffing and hot rolls…I’m thinking an appetite suppressant is definitely needed for this event!

Actually, I’m most excited because my parents will be here for it. They haven’t been to Chicago since October or ‘08, so this is the real treat for me!

Changes

Have you seen the wacky weather we’ve been getting lately? I don’t know whether we need rain barrels to store up the water or to float in when the flooding hits! Most of my family is suffering through snow, so I can’t complain to much–and even the last few days have been drier—with just that chill to let you know that it’s nearly Winter!

It really is hard to push yourself to get the outside of the house, decked out in it’s holiday finest, when there is no snow–and really–the grass could use a good mowing one final time before the snows come. The leaves have all been raked and taken away by the city clean up crews…so it’s just that moment of time between fall and snow—and I really should learn to enjoy it a bit more than I do!

They’re Coming

I mentioned a post or two back that my parents are coming to town this week. This is a happy and yet stressful thing in my world. I adore my parents. I miss them when they aren’t here. But with them comes that feeling that everything must be spotless and perfect before they arrive. But with four kids and 2 big dogs…perfect won’t last nearly long enough for them to get here.

Tomorrow I will be purchasing huge amounts of industrial supplies to get my house knocked into shape. I need the grout cleaned on every floor and in every bathroom. I need a fabulous carpet shampoo as well as a good germicide! It shouldn’t take too long to whip it in to shape—I just wonder how many whippings I’ll have to do to keep it perfect before they get here!

Maybe They Really Are Cool

Have you noticed how everyone in the world carries their cell phones with them every where? They even take a few moments before speeches begin and ask people to mute them. I have never been a big fan of any kind of phone. I keep my cell phone in the car, for emergencies. I don’t like to answer my house phone…why would I want to answer another phone…away from home!

It has been nice at times. I can call my husband to let him know we are sitting in the restaurant parking lot to deliver him something. Then we don’t have to bring the whole crew in just to drop something off. And it came in really handy yesterday! I was delivering a wedding cake to a restaurant in downtown Chicago–and parking in the area is crazy! So I called when I was a few miles away, and they ran out and saved a spot for me right outside the door. It would have killed me to walk 4 blocks carrying that cake!!

A Permanent Spot

My parents have driven around and stayed in a 5th wheel for years. Just to travel mind you—they don’t live year round in it. But what makes these little mobile homes so nice, is the fact that they are really like a home away from home. They have their TV and satellite service, a little fireplace, their favorite bedding–and a ton of storage. They move to Yuma every year right after Christmas to get away from the snow. But it’s time for a change. This year my dad drove the 5th wheel down and parked it in it’s new home. It’s the same spot they stay in for their few months as Snowbirds, but this time—it’s not coming home with them. They will just be driving to it every December and away from it every April. The best part of it for them…no more pulling!

I’ve Got A Year

Over the next year I will be looking for a way to lose belly fat! I know, I say it every year, but folks…this year has to be different. My kids are growing up, and getting to the stage where I wanted to be the “cool mom” with their friends. The one out playing football with them. But at this point, lack of spare time aside, that just wouldn’t even be possible or fun! So if it comes to drastic weight loss pills or crash dieting…this year, something has got to give! Well, that and the fact that my next Halloween costume will be that of a Dallas Cowboy’s Cheerleader…yeah…we must tone!

Looking Good

Last year my husband’s cousin had a lap band procedure. I thought this was for quick weight loss but you know what, a year later, she looks even better. I don’t know if I could undergo that kind of a surgery, and I do know the month before when you live on a liquid diet–I would fail, so this may not be the best option for me. But to look at her, and her amazing new self–I wonder just how much I would endure for the same result. I do have to say, I will be looking into it!

Wishing It Was Fast

I have spent the past month taking diet pills and working out. Slowly but surely we are starting to see progress. The one problem? I own a cake business! I start losing weight, and then there’s another darn cake to bake. However, the plus side of owning a cake shop—you no longer get the urge to eat cake. It’s all old hat by now. So I’m hoping to continue losing–and in a few months, I should be down to my goal. However…..the holidays are coming—maybe a few months after the new year!

Miss Colorado

I have a very old and dear friend that is currently living in the Denver area. She and I knew each other 16 years ago, and since then she has married and divorced a multi-millionaire–and has remarried. In that first marriage, she was blessed with two beautiful daughters who are now starting into their teen years. The oldest is learning to ride horses which has always been a dream of mine. It’s so fun to see her in full uniform with all of her horse supplies around her. She’s just finding so much confidence through these beautiful animals. I can see my own daughter looking graceful and beautiful atop a mount–but since she’s only 6—I have a few more years to save up!