LA DOLCE VITA

Projects, projects and more projects...

2012-02-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

It is science fair time. Oh joy. I am not a fan of science fair. As I seem to end up "helping" too much. Now, my kids are uber smart. Scary smart. Ethan is building a laser. Bella is writing a chapter book for her class. Crazy. They don't have any problems coming up with their project ideas and researching them, and doing experiments, etc. They just lack the creative flair at the end to pull it all together. That is where I come in to "help" and end up doing it myself. Hate that. I had to walk away today from Ethan's project because after the 2.5 hours I put in, I realized this was getting out of control - on my part. Not my project. Not my project. Not my project. But if I could just fix this title, or move this paragraph, or add a little pizazz... NOT my project... Oh how I love science fair time.

I am off to make sugar cookies now because on top of it being science fair, it is also Valentine's week = parties. Pile it on. :)

Ciao all.

Weekend wear no. 2...

2012-02-05T18:39:00.001-08:00

The shoes just draw me in!! And the bag. I love the burnt orange colour. Perfect weekend wear.

Ciao all.

One month in to 2012....

2012-01-29T08:42:00.000-08:00

So here we are at the end of January - one month in to 2012. I had posted a list of some goals I have for this year. Are you wondering if I have abandoned my goals yet? (Or you may not give a crap....) Well, here is an update:

1. I saw the plastic surgeon re: my moles and I am getting all four of them removed February 25th. Yup. O.R. booked and ready to go. Am I terrified? YES. This is my face. The removal may leave scarring. I am not too thrilled by that concept. But I am not too thrilled about the potential of cancer either, so I think the scars win out. :)

2. I have enrolled my sweet girl in Jazz/Hip Hop dance. She LOVES it. She does not have any natural rhythm so this will be good for her. And the lessons are an hour long = really good exercise. I am all for physically fit children!!

3. I advised that I was finished with scrapbooking. Opinion still has not changed. I learned how to knit (thanks to a very patient friend) and have found that this too is NOT for me. I cannot seem to get the tension right on the yarn and my stitches look awful = me just undoing everything all the time. I have started and re-started the same frickin' dish cloth 10 times! I have, in the process, though, re-learned ALL the Italian swear words I used to know as a child... Yup. Class. :) So the search will continue for a new hobby. Knitting is not it.

4. My quest to change my fashion style is coming along nicely. I am really enjoying finding and arranging outfits. And I purchased a new handbag - fire engine red leather. It is amazing!! Really adds the personality needed for my all black dress days (which are usually 4 out of 5 business days a week...).

So there you go. Not bad for four weeks into the New Year.

Ciao all.

Work...

2012-01-27T20:43:00.001-08:00

At work many tend to struggle with either being too over dressed or not dressed enough. I think this outfit strikes ther perfect professional balance - no matter what field you are in.

Ciao all.

Weekend wear...

2012-01-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

I am a big believer in comfort and classics. Buy good pieces and buy interchangeable pieces. Love this look and the red bag just adds that needed pop.

Ciao all.

Snow...

2012-01-18T18:42:00.000-08:00

So the Lower Mainland has had a dump of snow. This is no big deal. We do get snow from time to time - not very often, but it comes. We deal. Again, not well, but deal. BUT we don't get the arctic cold!! HOLY COW. It is frickin' freezing out here! I think right now it is -13 outside and then with windchill it is -28. What the heck??!! Again, let me remind you, I live in Vancouver for a reason. We do not get this kind of weather. I hate it. My commute this morning was a lesson in futility. Kids were late for school and I was late for work. And the snow kept freezing on my windshield which really freaked me out. BUT here is the kicker - by the weekend this will all be a bad memory. Back to rain and +7/+8 degrees. Ahhh Vancouver. Schizo.

Ciao all.

Friday recap...

2012-01-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, we are 13 days into 2012 and I have to say that one goal our family set was to have daily scripture study together. We have been keeping this goal every day. It has been wonderful and has had an amazing trickle down effect. The days really do seem easier when you have a gospel perspective behind everything that happens. Easier to keep my temper and keep my tongue. :)

I have also had fun looking at fashion and keeping my eye out for new looks. I have found a wonderful dress online that I am trying to track down. Just need to get away from the gray... I have TOO much gray already. But the dress is amazing. Designer is Ann Taylor. We will see if I find it. I love a challenge.

Have a wonderful weekend all.

Ciao

2012...

2012-01-01T09:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year all!

I am not a resolution kind of gal. I have said this here before, many times. I find them hokey. I also find them an excuse to fail. WHY do you need Jan 1 to be THE date for you to change?? WHY can't it be Feb 11 or March 3 or July 28?? If you want to change, then change! Having said that, I do have goals in mind for 2012 that I want to accomplish. So here are some of my goals:

1. Evolve my fashion style. I am in a rut. Time to shake it up. I have found a wonderful website that will help me along and I will be posting my fashion finds and inspirations along the way. EXCITED for this. This is a fun one.

2. Get rid of the moles on my face. I have had them since I was a little girl. Time for them to go. I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon at the end of January. I am terrified of this, but I am more terrified of the potential for skin cancer with these things on my face. So they must go. One at a time...

3. Plan another trip to Italy. My cousin is getting married - potentially this coming summer - and so I would like to attend. And I will probably attend on my own, but that is okay. I miss my family and I need to see them all again. So I will take whatever I can get - even if it is only 7-10 days with them.

4. Plan for an upcoming July wedding here for my sweet sweet Anthony (my first male cousin on my mother's side). I am thrilled for him and I want to do a shower for his bride to be. I LOVE planning showers!! And I can plan it with my fabulous sister Laura and my sweet cousin Marie and my talented Aunt Fran and my super Mama who makes out of this world biscotti!! I will not do this alone. And after I did Marie's shower last August, I now have so many more ideas that I stored away. And along with goal #1, I can't wait to plan my wedding outfit!! It is all about the shoes. It always is. Don't bother.

5. Replace my appliances in my house. Doing this one step at a time. The dishwasher was the first - as I posted earlier on. It is SWEEEETTT!! I am in love. So the washer/dryer are next to go. I am thinking Maytag. I will have to do my research. But it is next on the list. Then the fridge will be after that. French doors, bottom mount freezer. LG has an amazing one. One step at a time.

6. My husband is a member of the Bishopric now in our Ward (2n Coun). I REALLY need to get to know the names of each and every member of our Ward. It is very embarrasing for someone to come up to me and say "HI" and use my name and I have no idea who they are... I mean, come on! I have been a member of this Ward for 10 years now and we have split three times (and grown smaller but larger - if that makes any sense...) and I really have no excuse as to why I don't know who is who. I also sit on the RS Board, so really it would benefit me double fold.

7. Enroll my children in different activities. I want to expose them to other things. Cooking classes. Horseback riding. Things they don't do everyday. And NO my kids don't cook. I am Italian. NO ONE is allowed in my kitchen. Hence the out of house cooking classes. Don't judge me. It is what it is. :)

8. Explore new hobbies for me. I am officially DONE with scrapping. I have not scrapped in over one year. Hence I think we can say it is over. It was a hobby that served me well. But it no longer holds any interest for me. And I am sooo over the guilt of not doing it anymore. So there. But now I need something. Knitting is fascinating. I think I would like to try. And of course then I can make things to wear. Goal #1. They are all connected! ha haaa

I hope 2012 is filled with wonder for yáll.

Ciao.

My Christmas Present...

2011-12-29T18:54:00.000-08:00

Might not be sexy or exciting to you, but to ME, it is heaven!! A brand new dishwasher - industrial series. This is a SERIOUS machine!! And NO noise!! Absolutely silent. Love. Pure love. Happy Christmas to me!!

Ciao all.

Christmas time...

2011-12-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

My decorations are simple - as always. I don't like clutter in my life at any time. Christmas is no different. So this is my display in my entrance way. And everything you see has been a gift from Marc over the years. I love each piece. And I love that Marc saw these items and thought of me AND kept it all coordinated without it being matchy matchy! He is a keeper!!

Merry Christmas to you all and may you have a wonderful day filled with laughter and new memories with your family and loved ones.

Ciao

On my mind...

2011-12-11T20:54:00.001-08:00

I have really gotten out of the habit of blogging... This is embarassing. But lately it has been on my mind to close the blog altogether. I don't think anyone reads this blog, and I don't have anything witty to say... Nor am I inspired to share anymore... Something I will have to think about.

Cranky...

2011-11-25T21:38:00.001-08:00

I work full time - out of the house. I also work full time IN the house. Life does not end, even though I am not here for 10 hours a day. How does a house get dirty when no one is home??!!! So I am spending all my weekends cleaning and catching up. I am REALLY starting to resent this time spent cleaning and I don't know what to do about it. Other than hire a cleaning person... But that brings up a whole other set of hang ups I have re: my house and the cleanliness required at all times... I really don't think anyone will want to work for anal me... But something has to be done because I am getting cranky and I don't like cranky. And I don't like spending my Friday nights cleaning either. I think I need some cheese with my whine... ha haa Seriously - I think it is time to look at getting some outside help with my house and taking the burnden off of me. With one thing less to do in life, I won't be so cranky, and THAT is a good thing. My laundry is calling now. It never ends...

Ciao all.

Say Whaaat??

2011-11-10T21:03:00.001-08:00

Where has the time gone?? It is November 10th already!! Whaaaaat?? Boy I have been negligent in keeping up my blog...

Not much to say actually. With the wedding over life has gotten back to normal. That is a good thing. I am now turning my focus to Christmas and getting my crafts lined up. I have my first "craft night" this coming Wednesday and we are making Christmas Countdown Blocks, santa hat cake pops and choc dipped marshmallow on candy canes as stir sticks for hot chocolate. I am looking forward to the night to spend with friends and just craft. I am also looking to make a Christmas subway art plaque. It will be cool when I am done with it. I have started my Christmas shopping. That is a good thing. I have to say, though, that my heart is not in it thus far... I have my list and I am sticking to it. Not very exciting actually... Oh well.

Speaking of hot chocolate, I think it is time to make some.

Ciao all

All done...

2011-10-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

The wedding was a HUGE success!! And it was lovely. Sooo lovely. I am happy that it all came together and we all enjoyed the day together.

Ciao all.

The countdown is on...

2011-10-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

Two days. That is all. In two days my sweet Marie will be married. And I am VERY excited for this wedding. We have not had a wedding in our immediate family (here in Canada that is) in FOREVER!! Marie will be the first. Then we only have to wait nine short months before her brother Anthony will be married next summer!! Oh sooo fun!! I love weddings. Especially Italian weddings. Especially Italian weddings for my family!! We have such a good time together. And the food. Ohhh, the food... Happy dance. I will post pics when I can.

Ciao all.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-10T16:45:00.001-07:00

There is nothing in this world that I am more thankful for than my family. Every single one of them - immediate and extended. I love you all. Happy Thanksgiving. Ciao

Our new family member...

2011-09-25T11:35:00.001-07:00

This is BASIL. He is the newest member of our VW family. And I love him. Ciao all.

I am slowly going crazy...

2011-09-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

My month to date has been WAY too crazy! No - my last TWO months to date have been CRAZY!! I am slowly going insane. I am making light of it now, but a few days ago I just wanted to sit down and cry. Full out bawl my eyes out. I am sooo overwhelmed with all that I have going on. And all I can do now is just focus on one day at a time. To look at a week at a time, or a month at a time makes my heart race and my palms sweat and my blood pressure rise. Why you ask?? Well let me share: * I did not take any summer holidays - Marc did not work this summer so I had to... It was a loooong summer... and I am exhausted * I put on a wedding shower for my cousin in August * I stressed over and finally found flower girl dresses for my cousin's wedding for the girls at the end of August * My job has been insanely busy and is not letting up and I am beyond stressed on an HOURLY basis about my files - has been going on since July actually... * I organized a food drive for our Ward and we gathered over 8000 lbs of food and canvassed 5500 + homes - just last week * My son turned 12 and I have a family party to put on this weekend - on Saturday * I have a craft tutorial to teach tomorrow night - Friday * I have a children's Christmas party for my firm to start planning now in order to book the venue - needs to be done either the last week of November or first week of December * I am buying a new car on Saturday - same day as party day... because I have time to do this... NOT * Marc has started teaching night school so starting next week I am a single mom 4 nights a week * Ethan had an endurance test and now his induction is in a few weeks - not even sure if we will be around for it... * Bella started activities every Thurs night - another night I am not home * Ethan's taekwondo schedule now is three nights a week - more nights not home * My cousin's wedding is in three weeks and I have NOT found my outfit or my shoes and I need time to go shopping to find what I want - MAJOR STRESS * I need to book a hair appnt for me to colour my hair before the wedding and then I need another appnt morning of wedding to do my hair and to do Bella's hair * Marc needs a new suit - we need to go and look for one * I got Ethan fitted for his tux but I have to pick it up from downtown Vancouver before the wedding - don't know when... * Oh, did I mention that I am the "go to lady" for the wedding = all problems/concerns/glitches are mine to deal with?? Oh ya. They are. * Oh, and did I mention that I have also been asked to help with the rehersal dinner the night before the wedding - I live in Cloverdale. The rehersal is in the West End of Vancouver. It will take me at least 1.5 hours to get out there for Friday night. And then dinner on top of that??? Insane.. * Oh, and bake cupcakes for the gift opening on the day after the wedding - my aunt asked, how can I say no???? Sigh... * Oh, and make sure all the table centerpieces get put together - I have to take the flowers from the church and bring them to the hotel and put together the pieces... There is more, but I am going to stop. Here comes the crying jag again... I need chocolate. Ciao all.

My tree fascination

2011-09-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

Has been fed again thanks to Pinterest. These trees are FABULOUS!! Fabric covered cones. Come on. I sooo can do this. And I will for Christmas. I see my collection growing again this year. Ciao all.

12 Today...

2011-09-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

E turns 12 today. I am continuously amazed with all the things this child can do. At 12: 1. He is 5'7" 2. He weighs 115 lbs 3. He is a 2nd Degree Black Belt 4. He has graduated from Primary in Church and completed his Faith In God 5. He is about to be ordained a Deacon and begin Young Mens 6. He is in his last year of Elementary School 7. He has received "Gifted Status" = he is too smart for his own good, and everyone else's... 8. He loves computer games 9. He reads books that are meant for youths in Grades 11-12 (too smart...) 10. He still plays with Lego and is fascinated by the designs he comes up with 11. He intends to become a Mechanical Engineer (which he soooo can do!!) 12. He is quick witted and quick tongued (I blame his father for that!) 13. He is kind and gentle with his sister (who ADORES him!!) 14. He is a loyal friend 15. He is happy 16. He has an almost photographic memory for things 17. He is opinionated 18. He is task oriented (hmm, wonder where that comes from?? ha ha) 19. He still goes to bed at 9 pm (LOVE that!!) 20. He reads his scriptures and prays every night (LOVE that too!!) He is my pride and my joy Happy Birthday baby!! I am going to bake a cake for him. Ciao all.

Here we go again...

2011-09-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

So this is where we are - Grade 7 and Grade 3. I don't know how we got here actually. I swear if I close my eyes, Ethan was just starting Montessori... And Bella wasn't even born yet. HOW did I get here?? And HOW am I going to cope with the fact that my baby is entering his last year of elementary school. It is on to high school next year!! Oh, I think I just threw up a little in my mouth... To my wonderfully intelligent children. Enjoy this school year. Learn. Grow. Be educated. Have fun. Make friends. Keep friends. Be helpful. Be respectful. Be athletic. Be musical. Be YOU!!

Ciao all.

Field of Dreams...

2011-09-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Lavender fields, France. Gorgeous. Have a lovely day. Ciao

Fall trend...

2011-08-28T16:14:00.001-07:00

For Fall 2011 the trend is to dress head to toe in one shade/pattern etc. I am crazy for houndstooth. These shoes are to die for! So my cousin's wedding is in October and I have been killing myself trying to find a dress for it. Well, I am not going to look any more. I am going out and buying a fantastic houndstooth suit and then getting the shoes to match and the clutch to match. It will be fabulous!! And for a pop of colour I will look for a blouse for under the suit jacket that will wow. Maybe orange! Or chartreuse!! Ohhh, that would be fantastic! Or aubergine... See, the possibilities are limitless!

Ciao all.

My true confession...

2011-08-27T01:08:00.001-07:00

I am obsessed with this man. Dave Gahan. Lead singer of Depeche Mode. I have listed to him sing since I was 12 years old - 1983. If I close my eyes, I can remember the first time I heard "Just Can't Get Enough" on the radio. My heart was lost forever to a voice and to a new wave of music. Techno Pop. And then when I saw Dave for first time, I fell in love. Yes - LOVE. I have every album Depeche Mode has created. I know every song. By heart. I have seen them perform in concert many many times. Now, I have indoctrinated my children to recognize their songs and gleefully sings along. Gotta keep it going into the next generation!! Dave Gahan embodies the very essence of what I think a "rock star" should be. He has battled heroin addiction and won. He has made suicide attempts and thankfully lost. He has been clean and sober for over ten years now. He has had two failed marriages and is on his third - but happy. He has three children. He is human in every way and he is humble. And I adore him. Utterly and completely. I listen to "World In My Eyes" and I imagine he is singing to me. Crazy?? Probably. But it is my fantasy, so stay out. :) I admit that I have always had a thing for the Brits (Paul Young, Simon LeBon, Larry Mullen Jr. - although he is Irish - sorry, but he fits in this category near the top as well! Hellooo beautiful!!) and I could spend all day just listening to them speak. It adds to the mystique. Another characteristic for me to swoon over. I believe in my heart that one day I will meet Dave Gahan and I will be able to profess my everlasting love to him and he will smile at me and walk away. Quickly. But I will know in my heart he feels the same way!! ;) Did I mention that I was a bit obsessive about him?? hee hee

Ciao all.

Yummy...

2011-08-26T19:53:00.000-07:00

Cinnamon Roll cake. Delicious. Google the recipe and try.

Ciao all.

Fun....

2011-08-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

I saw these when I was in Vegas back in March. I had every intention of going back to the kiosk but never got around to it before I left. Fast forward to today - I am in Shoppers Drug Mart with Bella looking for a crackle base polish and low and behold, I found these. But we bought "Booty Camp"- pink camouflage nail strips. Too cute!! Bella has them on now. Looks amazing. And sooo easy to use. No mess. No fuss. It is awesome. Go and find some. They come in a range of colours and cool patterns. Ah technology. What will they think of next??

Ciao all.

Dream...

2011-08-17T20:53:00.001-07:00

My version of heaven. Look at it. Majestic. Wonderful. Dream becomes reality.

Ciao all.

Fun...

2011-08-13T10:16:00.001-07:00

In the palm of my hand!! A few weeks ago Marc's dad called and said he could get us a few of these. I am not even going to tell you the price of what we got it for. Steal does not even describe it!! And we got 2 - so Ethan has the other one camping this weekend with my sister. They are a hoot!! Sooooo fun to capture little snippets and share with family on the other side of the world. I love technology!!

Marc and I are headed to the Richmond Night Market. I think I will take Flip along and capture our adventures.

Ciao all.

ME...

2011-08-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

This kitchen screams ME. Look at it. What do you see? Organization. Efficiency. Style. Simplicity. Class. Timeless. Reality. Gourmet. ME.

Ciao all.

I admit...

2011-08-09T20:40:00.001-07:00

I HATE exercise. There, I said it. Out loud. Don't tisk me either. I HATE exercise. And I hate my Italian genes that hold on to every single morsel that I eat... BUT I exercise everyday. I have to say, though, that I am feeling discouraged as the weight is not coming off as quickly this time around as it did a few years ago when I decided that enough was enough and the weight had to go. I lost 30 pounds doing the same exercise regime that I do now. Then, of course, I went to Italy last summer and put on 10 pounds that did not go away when I came home. Those 10 pounds now are being very stubborn and are not leaving willingly. Hence the hate for exercise. Extra hate. Sigh.

Ciao all.

How time flies...

2011-07-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

One year ago today I was up here in Harrison wondering what I was doing holidaying when I should have been at home packing and getting ready to leave for Italy. Now here I am one year later back up in Harrison and feeling sad as I am not preparing to leave for Italy in a week's time... How time flies. Harrison is nice and all, but it ain't Rome. Sigh.

Ciao all.

Bard on the Beach...

2011-07-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

This is what I saw yesterday - The Merchant of Venice

Young Bassanio, who has lived lavishly and racked up considerable debt, suddenly has the opportunity to woo a wealthy heiress, Portia. His older friend, a merchant named Antonio, wants to give him money to support his suit, however, he has invested all of his funds in ventures overseas, and his ships have not yet come in. To help Bassanio, Antonio borrows money from Shylock, signing a bond to repay the
money within three months. Antonio and Shylock are not friends, and each expresses resentment of the other. However, Shylock agrees to lend the money, with the proviso that if Antonio fail to repay the loan on time, he will owe Shylock a pound of his “fair flesh”.

At her home in Belmont, Portia entertains a variety of suitors. However, she is constrained to marry the suitor who succeeds in a task set by her deceased father: the suitors are presented with three caskets, one each of gold, silver and lead and each with a riddling inscription. The suitor who chooses the right casket
will win Portia’s hand; however, those who choose incorrectly agree never to marry. We watch two of Portia’s suitors make wrong choices before Bassanio arrives and chooses the correct casket. Portia, who had expressed a hope that Bassanio would choose correctly, gives herself and her love to her newly betrothed husband. She also gives Bassanio a ring, with the warning that his parting from it would signal
the ruin of his love. Conveniently, Bassanio’s friend, Gratiano, and Portia’s attendant, Nerissa have also fallen in love and decided to marry. Nerissa has also given Gratiano a ring with a similar warning.

Another friend of Bassanio, Lorenzo, arrives with his new wife, Jessica, who happens to be Shylock’s daughter. Jessica has run away from home, having stolen money and jewels from Shylock, abandoning not only her father but also her Jewish faith to marry the Christian Lorenzo. Lorenzo and Jessica arrive at Belmont along with another friend, Salerio, who brings news from Antonio: his ships have all been lost,
and since he cannot repay Shylock, he will have to forfeit a pound of his flesh, and hence, die. Bassanio,Gratiano and Salerio depart immediately for Venice, with Portia’s blessing and her offer to pay the bond ‘twenty times over’. Portia leaves Jessica and Lorenzo in charge of her house while she and Nerissa leave
to pursue the following plan: dressed as a young lawyer and his clerk, Portia and Nerissa will attend Antonio’s trial as he faces Shylock’s demand.

In the courtroom, Shylock is inflexible. He knows that according to the law, Antonio must forfeit his pound of flesh, and he insists on the law. Dressed as a lawyer named Balthasar, Portia tries to persuade Shylock to be merciful, however, he is resolved. With strict adherence to the law, Balthasar/Portia points
out that although the bond entitles Shylock to a pound of flesh, it says nothing about blood, so he may not shed even one drop. A strict interpretation of the law further reveals that because Shylock, an ‘alien’, has threatened the life of Antonio, ‘a citizen’, he must forfeit half his possessions to the Antonio and the other half to the state. Further, the Duke alone will decide whether or not he dies for this crime. The Duke immediately shows mercy, sparing Shylock’s life and reducing the state’s financial claim to a simple fine.

Antonio agrees to let Shylock keep the other half of his possessions, but on two conditions: 1) that he become a Christian and 2) that he sign a deed of gift that upon his death, leaving all of his possessions to Jessica and Lorenzo. Shylock agrees, but leaves immediately, saying ‘I am not well’. After considerable
persuasion, Portia and Nerissa accept as payment for their services the rings they had given their new husbands.

Portia and Nerissa return to Belmont moments before the men do. Bassanio and Gratiano must explain the absence of the rings their new wives had given them, but Portia and Nerissa reveal that they were, in fact, the lawyer and the clerk. Portia shares the news of Shylock’s deed of gift with Lorenzo and Jessica, and shares further news that Antonio’s ships have come in after all.

Two down, one more to go...

2011-07-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

My dad is home from Italy. Two weddings down, one more to go - for this year.

Ciao all.

Weddings...

2011-07-08T18:53:00.001-07:00

These two are getting married in October - my sweet baby cousin Marie and her wonderful fiance Craig.

These two are getting married tomorrow in Italy - my handsome cousin Francesco and his lovely bride Serena.

These two got married yesterday in Italy - my sweet cousin Alessandra and her new husband Italo.

I LOVE being the oldest in the family. I LOVE that I have three cousins on my mother's side who I have been with since the moment they were born, and nine cousins on my father's side whom I love more than they will ever know! I LOVE being able to watch each one begin new chapters in their lives. My daddy is in Italy celebrating (on behalf of all of us) with Alessandra and Francesco. I am grateful he was able to do that. Come October we will all celebrate Marie's wedding - and we are REALLY excited for that. Bella is a flower girl and Ethan is an usher. Weddings weddings!! And there is one more on the horizon for next year... But I will save that pic for another post. :)

Ciao all

After 40 years...

2011-07-07T17:55:00.001-07:00

I am still NOT good with going with the flow. I don't like it when my plans get delayed. And I don't like the unknown. And I can't seem to let it be... Wow. Some lessons in life really are hard to learn...

Snack time...

2011-07-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

I am in love with the site Pinterest. Found this recipe on it. Gonna go and make it for now for snack later on.

Ciao all.

Success...

2011-07-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

Watch out - my kids are gonna rule the world some day. Seriously. Ethan was granted "gifted" status this year and operates 3-5 years ahead. Bella is quick as a whip and picks up everything thrown at her. These two amaze me. And they both had a phenomenal school year. I am grateful to their teachers who understood my kids and let them blossom. Here's to a restful summer well deserved.

Ciao all.

Sad...

2011-06-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

My daddy left for Italy this morning, without me... Life got in the way. I am very sad...

What would I do...

2011-06-18T20:29:00.001-07:00

Without crafty people to inspire me!! Go check out 36th Avenue blog. That is where the pillows above came from. Cute stuff. I have come to the realization, though, that the easier a project is, the more difficult it is for me. The harder, the easier. Do you see the problem here?? I can't even make paper tissue pompoms!! Stupid. Really. So I am ever grateful for blogs to inspire me to continue on!

Ciao all.

Bella's Baptism

2011-06-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day, enjoyed by all. And she looked like an angel.

Ciao all.

Camera...

2011-06-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

Don't know if you have noticed that my posts of late (really late - like the last two months...) have been devoid of photos. If you have not, well, I guess I won't be too offended... :) But if you have, it is because I lost our camera. Yup. Lost it. The last time I remember having it was in Seattle - that was in March. Ya. I have never lost anything - ever. I am not that type of person. My OCD does not allow me to be careless with my belongings. Not boasting. Just the way it is. I always know where my phone is. My keys. My sunglasses. My rings. etc. etc. So I really did not believe the camera was lost. I thought it probably was still sitting in the suitcase. Or maybe at the bottom of one of my bags that I had brought along. NO. Gone. So this past week I turned to Marc is a bit of a panic and told him that we needed a new camera and quick - Bella's baptism was coming up. So off Marc went to do some research and then came home with our new camera. I like things that are small and easy to use. Point and shoot. No fuss, no muss. This camera fits the bill. So I am breaking it in at Bella's baptism tonight. Wish me luck.

Ciao all

One more week...

2011-06-05T18:20:00.001-07:00

Bella turned 8 on Friday.

Next weekend she will be baptized. We are so excited and we have been busy preparing - cakes to bake, decorations to make, a menu to plan... So exciting.

Thinking ahead...

2011-05-28T19:27:00.001-07:00

I am trying to see the bright side of this...

2011-05-25T19:12:00.001-07:00

On Monday I splurged and bought new furniture for our front porch. We have lived in this house coming on 6 years. I have never purchased anything of this magnitude before, nor have I really ever had the desire to. I have always just left the front of the house alone. I have always hated the front of our house - it has always looked so bare - so dull. So the opposite of what I am!! We have huge wrap around porch and it just screams for decoration. So I finally found a set I liked - really liked - and so I bought it. I brought it home Monday and Marc got it all set up for me. Bella and I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening enjoying our new lounge furniture. And then this morning I woke up to a nasty surprise - we had been robbed. These morons decided it would be good to steal the cushions of my set. All my cushions. And all my other accent cushions which I bought extra to give the set a bit more flare and make it a bit more me. What am I supposed to do with this?? I was so angry this morning. And I felt so violated. I still do... I called the company where I bought the furniture and they referred me to the manufacturer. The manufacturer has opened a file for me and they will "try" and help me, but could not promise anything and even said that if they could get replacement cushions for me from the factory, it would probably take many many months... Sigh. WHY?? I am trying really hard to see the bright side of this situation, but right now, I can't...

My kids...

2011-05-22T18:53:00.001-07:00

They are insane. So while preparing dinner I overhear them in the great room chatting.

Ethan: Belle, we need some more exciting yoga moves.

Bella: Ya, like upwards cat...

Ethan: Ya! And sideways parrot or upside down hamster...

Bella: Ohhh, how about rabid mongoose! Ya...

Ethan: Perfect! Tell mama we have new moves for her to practice!

WHAT?? My kids are crazy.

Ciao all.

Use it or lose it...

2011-05-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

Soooo true. I have not scrapped ANYTHING in over six months. Yup. Nothing. And, here is the real kicker, I don't have the desire to scrap anymore. Don't know what happened. I just don't feel that need... And it is killing me, a little, inside. The guilt is what is eating me up. I have the most precious archive of my children's lives from the day they were born to now. Priceless. But I just don't have the desire to continue on... The last layout I produced was when we came home from Italy, and I think I only did a layout for Ethan's books... Not even Bella's books... I did not do anything at Halloween, or Christmas... I forgot all about Easter... So ya. Here we are, mid May, and nothing. And, to top it off, I had to create 10 cards for a Relief Society project and what once would have taken me maybe half an hour, took me 2 hours last night to do!! I was so flustered by the end of the card making, it was ridiculous. And I looked like I had fought some kind of bloody battle - my hands were black from stamping; my hair was sticking up from me pulling at it; my finger tips were raw from trying to make flowers and putting bling on them... Ridiculous!! I have lost it - the mojo is gone. Use it or lose it. So true.

Ciao all.

To my husband

2011-05-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you for being my best friend; my confidant; my rock; my comedian; my sounding board; my guinea pig; my knight in shining armour; my maid and chauffeur many times over; my handyman/fix it guy; my clear mind; my rational thought; my calm; my compassionate side; my real and eternal love.

Happy 17th Anniversary!!
Love you.

Looking in the mirror...

2011-05-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

I see myself in my daughter. Not in the way she looks. She looks like her father, and not me. But in the way she acts. Bella is me. When I am faced with a decision that I do not like, I don't answer. Instead, I come up with other options that are better suited to what I want. Bella does the same thing. Example - this morning we were getting ready for church. I asked Bella to put her dress on and to put on her little cardigan with the dress. She did not answer me. Instead, she came back and asked if she could put on anohter dress and put on a white t-shirt underneath. I said she could put the dress on but not the t-shirt. It woudl NOT look right. She would have to wear the sweater. She did NOT like this and did not answer me again. Five minutes later I wondered where she had gone. She was sitting in her room pouting, staring at the two dresses and trying to figue out which one would pain her least. It was a valuabel lesson learned for me. Answer up when asked what I want. It is better than being stuck with the less of two evils...

Ciao all.

I do believe I am British...

2011-04-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

Deep down inside, I think I am a Brit. I was absolutely glued to the tele during the royal wedding. I LOVED every aspect of it. I love the formality and I love the pomp and circumstance. I adore the hats and the fascinators. I REALLY adore the fascinators - even Princess Eugenie's! I think I am going to have one designed for my cousin's wedding in the Fall... I remember watching Diana and Prince Charles' wedding back in 1981 and wanting to be a princess. I am fascinated by the monarchy. I envy them. I even cried when I saw Prince William in his royal reds... I did not cry when I saw the bride - she is not near or dear to my heart yet. She will have to work her way in. But Wills and Harry - well, I LOVE them!! You know, if the Brits could cook, then I would consider switching! hee hee

Ciao all

The acid is churning...

2011-04-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

Game 7 Vancouver Canucks. My house is glued to the TV... The acid in my stomach is just churning. These Canuckleheads HAVE to win. Otherwise it is going to be a very long and sad night in the O household...

40

2011-04-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

I am officially 40. I have nothing else to say.

My talent...

2011-04-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

Put it to music and I can memorize it - forever!

Case in point - EVERY song that has been created from 1980 to date. I know them all. Whether I want to or not. Sometimes annoying, but mostly amusing. I am forever singing lyrics with the radio and freakin' my kids out (and my husband, and my sister, and my parents, and anyone who is unfortunate enough to ride in the car with me...). They always ask, "HOW do you know this song?". I just do. Put it to music and the words are there in my brain.

It works with everything. I can sing all the books of the Old and New Testament because I have them memorized to a tune. I remember my Rules of Court because I put them to music.

If you have never checked this out, go to You Tube and search "Music for History Lovers". These two teachers have taken pop songs and re-written them with history facts. BRILLIANT!! I wish I had thought of that... But watching the videos (I am a history major) I can sing along - the facts just pop up in my head because of the tune.

My great talent. ha ha

Ciao all.

Vegas...

2011-04-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Marc and I were in Vegas this week. We just came home last night. Our first time. I found it very, well, interesting - to say the least. What I liked about Vegas:

the weather - gorgeous!!
the swanky hotels - especially the Bellagio and the Venetian
Blue Man Group - outstanding!
shopping
shopping
shopping - clear enough??
all the food - so much to choose from
the handy transit system
the movators - sometimes it is nice to just let them take you where you want to go
the cool walkways and connecting paths
the palm trees - I want a palm tree in my yard
time away - time to be just with Marc
no work
no cooking
king size bed and housekeeping - I LOVE housekeeping
ginormous jacuzzi tub
pool deck and cabanas
the lights
the fountain show at the Bellagio
Serendipity 3 Frozen Hot Chocoate - MUST have!!!

What I did not like:

the casinos
the noise
the smoke - everywhere!!
the drinking - everywhere and at all times of the day
the street buskers - hocking "girls girls girls" at all hours of the day - GROSS
the time share people - NO is NOOOOO
the people trying to sell you shows - again NOOOOO

Overall, I would go again.

Ciao all.

More things about me - inspired by the basement reno mess...

2011-03-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Because I have already spent the last two days constantly sweeping and mopping sawdust, I thought I would share some of my more "unique" quirks re: cleaning:

1. I clean something everyday.
2. I hate cleaning the toilets. They make me dry heave. I make the kids clean the toilets while I stand over them and direct.
3. After I sweep up, I get down on my hands and knees and literally pick up individual grains of sand/dirt/dust that get left behind. I hate grit on the floors.
4. I scrub the sink after each and every use.
5. I cannot stand dishes or cups in the sink. Dishes must be done after each snack/meal and put away.
6. I will clean the counters 3 or 4 times a day - and I am not home all day... So I clean them all night long basically...
7. I hate fingerprints on anything - fridge, stove, counters, mirrors, doors, etc. etc. I am forever going around with a cloth and spray cleaner to take care of fingerprints.
8. I use white vinegar and hot water as my all purpose cleaner. I love the smell of vinegar - just smells CLEAN.
9. I dust the blinds every day. I hate dirty blinds.
10. In my house there is a place for everything and everything must be in its place. If not, I WILL throw it out. Whatever it is. I don't care.
11. I scrub the shower with an old toothbrush to get in between the tiles. I hate grit and grime.
12. I have a squeegee in the shower and whomever uses the shower last must squeegee the doors and walls and get rid of all excess water. Helps prevent gross water build up and mold.
13. Having said that, I HATE cleaning the shower almost as much as the toilet. I can't stand the hair build up in the drain... To touch it makes me gag. Never ending circle...
14. When we have company in the house, I am forever going around to make sure there are no glasses on the floor, or on the tables without coasters under them. Rings - you see.
15. Continuing with #14 - I will clean the house AFTER my company leaves. Within an hour of having company, you would never know that anyone was in my house. I sweep, dust, vacuum - whatever it takes to erase all evidence of company. And I can't go to bed unless this is all done. I NEVER would sleep knowing there is a mess in my house!
16. After the beds are made in the morning, no one is allowed on them until bed time again. I hate wrinkled sheets/duvet covers. They drive me crazy. The kids have learned to love the floor. Deal.
17. Crumbs on the couch make me crazy. I will pick them up with my fingers if necessary.
18. Crumbs on the area rug also drive me around the bend. You will often find me on my hands and knees picking up "boogies" off the area rug.
19. I use a q-tip to clean around the base of the toilet and on the hinges of the toilet seat. My kids don't clean these areas good enough. And I can't use the toilet unless I know these areas are clean. Hence my fear and loathing of public toilets - I KNOW these other people don't do this level of cleaning!! Oh, the germs... GAG.
20. I throw away all the bed pillows each month and buy new ones. Dead skin cells, sweat, drool... Ick.
21. I vacuum the mattresses every week.
22. I wash all the quilts every week.
23. I change the sheets on all the beds every five days.
24. I wash the inside of the dishwasher with vinegar and hot water. It is filthy in there. Take a look in yours!
25. I also wash the inside of the washing machine. Again, dirty. Take a look in the corners of your machine and you will be grossed out with the dirt and grime that has built up. Go ahead!

Okay, now that I have frightened you away, I think I will stop.

Ciao all.

Why oh why....

2011-03-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

Did I agree to finishing our basement?? I now remember why I vowed the last time around (we did our basement in our last house and then promptly sold it...) to NEVER do this again... We are only at the framing stage and already the dust that is on the main floor is unbelievable. I can't even imagine what horrors will await when we start to dry wall and sand... And the noise. Oy. Driving spikes into concrete to secure the frames is deafening... And I work out of the house all day. I feel bad for Marc and the kids who are home while this is going on. Trying to keep my eyes on the prize - more room in the house. Very hard right now to do... All I see is mess and dust and mess... Why oh why...

Some things about me...

2011-03-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here are a few fun facts about me -

1. I always have fresh fruits and fresh vegetables in the house.
2. I always have some kind of dessert or treat in the house.
3. I never wear socks. Ever. Not even in winter.
4. I do laundry every single day.
5. My feet are never still. Even if I am watching TV, my feet will be moving.
6. I don't dream. Or if I do, I never remember my dreams.
7. I can speak/understand 5 languages.
8. I don't like to read instructions. I don't have the patience for them.
9. I can't be bothered to organize my Tupperware cupboard. Really, just can't.
10. I never pay full price for anything. If I can't get a bargain, I won't buy it.
11. My toes are always pedicured/painted (see #3 above).
12. I can't stand long finger nails and always keep mine cut short.
13. I have to learn something new each day, otherwise I feel the day has been wasted.
14. I can't leave the house unless all the beds are made, and made MY way.
15. I have a terrible fear of being homeless and/or poor. Completely irrational.
16. I hate Rod Stewart songs because they all seem to be about teenagers running away and getting pregnant... Why?? They cause me to panic...
17. I hate all country music. Just don't even bother.
18. I am not friendly by nature. But when I get to know you, then I open up to you.
19. I don't like candy.
20. I don't really like chocolate on its own. Baking with it is fine.

That is enough craziness for now.

Ciao all.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend...

2011-03-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

My hint to my hubby... Coming up on our 17th wedding anniversary. Just saying...

The Big FOUR-OH

2011-03-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband.

Do you like my sense of humour?? hee hee

Love you Marc!

The past...

2011-03-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

I have had people in my life that are no longer in my life. Not because they are deceased, but because they have made choices that have taken them away. I want them to know that I think about them almost everyday. And that I still keep tabs on them, any way I can. And now I am wondering if it is time to reach out again and ask them to come back into my life... Scary decision for me. I don't like to be out of my comfort zone. And this takes me WAY out of my comfort zone... Now I know I am sounding mysterious about this, but I don't want to mention names or circumstances. And the choices made had nothing to do with anything illegal or out of sorts. Just life choices/perceptions/beliefs that drew us apart. Now that I am about to turn 40 (gag!!) I am feeling that it is time to mend bridges. I don't know. Maybe the past should remain there - in the past... Or maybe I should take a leap of faith and reach out... Much to think about.

Ciao all.

Gifts of Gratitude

2011-03-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

Time for another list of things I am grateful for:

*spring break
*travelling
*baked goods
*dinner out
*my anal/obsessive need to organize
*my sense of style
*my sense of humour (needed when you are developing a sense of style!)
*fresh fruits and vegetables
*my ability to cook
*my desire to learn new things all the time
*good books
*steamed milk with hazelnut syrup and choc cookies from Italy - best night time treat
*losing weight (but not when I am drinking milk and eating choc cookies!)
*my quiet neighbourhood
*my safe neighbourhood
*my car - it is a good car - it is a safe car - it is a pretty car
*my degrees (yes, plural - I would not be me without them)
*my husband's degrees (again - plural - going on his 5th one)
*my baby sister - she is just so awesome
*my niece and nephew - they are jewels and I adore them

That is about it for now.

Ciao all.

I have decided...

2011-02-27T20:17:00.001-08:00

To take Marc to Vegas for his upcoming 40th birthday. Now, I have never been to Vegas. I have been doing much research over these past few weeks. I am not so sure doing research is always a good thing. For the most part, it has left me a little hesitant and weary of the hotels... So if you have been to Vegas, where did you stay and why? Did you see any shows? What? Did you do any shopping? Where? Did you eat somewhere spectacular? Let me know. I am on Internet information overload. Now I want a first hand account. Help me out.

Ciao all.

Is it strange...

2011-02-25T08:04:00.000-08:00

That I have 8 pairs of black dress pants, and each one is "different"? I mean, some are mid length, some straight, some wider, some longer... Each one is used to create a different style - paired with long sweaters, or crop jackets; suit jackets or blouses. I can easily justify it. Is that strange?

Gifts of Gratitude

2011-02-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

I have had a rough week at work. Very rough. And I am feeling very ungrateful right now. Actually, I am feeling quite overwhelmed and put upon. And I don't know how to get around this. I have always known I would not "retire" in my work field. But right now I am at a bit of a cross road and I don't know where to go... So I am scared on top of feeling overwhelmed and put upon. My lovely blogger friends have inspired and uplifted me with their lists of the things they are grateful for in their lives. I have decided that I must do the same and share my lists - as silly as they may or may not be - and I am praying that this will help me fell less overwhelmed and less put upon and more balanced and I see what Heavenly Father has given me in so much abundance.

My gifts of gratidue today are:

* My husband - I can go on forever about him - he is everything
* My children - so unique and so special and so mine
* My home - for it being a true refuge from the storms of life
* My parents - they are supportive and always only a phone call away
* My in laws - ditto
* My cousins - they are lights in my life and joys to be around
* My bed - I love it - it is my happy place
* Teal nail polish - it has given my toes an early spring lift - much needed
* My new calling in the church - I get to work with the sisters again and feel of their love and friendship - I have missed them as my last calling took me away from them
* Apple crumble muffins - first time I made this receipe and they taste like apple pie - delicious
* My flat iron - vain, yes - but I would not leave the house without it
* Black pants - you can never go wrong with a pair of black pants and they make everything look good

That is where I will begin.

Ciao all.

Hi yáll...

2011-02-20T19:29:00.000-08:00

Things have been busy around here lately. Lots on the go. Another one of my cousins is getting married (my sweet A who was born when I was 12 yrs old - I remember when my aunt told me she was expecting. I was so happy to finally have a cousin that I could truly baby - and then there he was... He was my little shadow and now he is getting married! I digress...) I am soooo happy for him. And his wife to be is lovely. A's sister is getting married this year in the Fall and I have been doing research on table centerpieces. This one has really struck my fancy, so to speak. I think it is out of the ordinary and I think it can really be personalized. I am going to have to work on this idea and see what I can come up with. In the end, whatever we decide on, I am going to have to be able to duplicate it for 25 tables... One or two is one thing, 25 is another. We will see.

Have a happy week all.
Ciao.

Nothing to say.

2011-02-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

Really. I am exhausted. Life is just too fast - too much right now.

Going to take a break.

Ciao all.

Proud...

2011-02-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

Of a certain young man who has returned home from his mission and served honorably for our church. Now, this young man holds a very special place in our hearts. He was one of Marc's very first deacons and I clearly remember that Sunday all those years ago when Marc was called as the 2nd Counsellor in the Young Men's presidency and he met his class. Marc had never served in the Young Men's program before. We came home and he turned to me and said, "Those boys are a bunch of reprobates!". Well, those "reprobates" became the core of our Young Men program and Marc became President and he made sure each and every one of those boys understood what was expected of them. They all rose to the challenge and accepted mission calls. And now they are all coming home. In a time where 19-21 yr old "boys" are a burden on society, our young men are working hard all over the world. I am proud of them. All of them. And I am very proud of S who is home now! We missed him terribly (did I happen to mention that our kids LOVE him and he is just so patient with them...), but he was where he was supposed to be. Well done.

Ciao all.

Justice has been served

2011-02-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

Former B.C. teacher guilty in wife's slaying
Last Updated: Friday, February 4, 2011 | 5:45 PM PT
CBC News

Former teacher Mukhtiar Panghali has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his pregnant wife in Surrey, B.C., four years ago.

Panghali, 30, was also found guilty of interfering with a dead body by Justice Heather Holmes, who delivered the verdict in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster on Friday morning.

As the verdict was read out, friends and family gathered in the courtroom cried and sobbed. One woman even shouted, "Yes!" when the guilty verdict was announced.

Manjit Panghali, 30, was four-months pregnant with her second child when she was reported missing in October 2006. Five days later, her burned body was found on a beach near the Delta port.

Panghali reported his wife missing 26 hours after she disappeared, a piece of evidence Holmes said contributed to him being found guilty.

Holmes told the court no direct evidence linked Panghali with his wife's killing but said there was some powerful evidence indicating he was responsible for her death, including his behaviour after the crime and photo stills from a video showing Panghali buying a lighter and a newspaper the night his wife disappeared.

Family responds
The verdict brings some sense of justice for the victim's family, but cannot make up for what happened, her older sister Jasmine Bhambra said.

"Although it's been difficult for us, it doesn't compare to the pain and horror Manjit must have felt in her final moments, having her life being taken away from her by the one person who was supposed to love and protect her," Bhambra said. "She died a brutal and senseless death at the hands of a sick and twisted and evil monster."

Delta Police Sgt. Sharlene Brooks said investigators are satisfied with the outcome, but share the family's ongoing grief.

"Today [we] have a sense of relief for the family, in particular, Manjit's daughter, and all who knew Manjit. However, the Delta police are mindful that today also reignites a sense of tragedy."

Panghali will be sentenced March 17.

Changing style...

2011-02-01T19:13:00.000-08:00

I am nearing my 40th b-day... GAG!! I am not handling this very well (in case you have not noticed...). And I still have over two months to go before it actually happens. Along with the change in age is coming a change in style. I am okay with this part. I have really developed an appreciation of good quality clothing and timeless pieces - but this has been happening over the past many years. These shoes, for example, are inspired by Coco Chanel. How gorgeous are they!! I am searching for a pair just like them now. I have been doing a lot of online browsing re: Chanel inspired clothing. I like the grace of the clothing and the true beauty of the clothing. So as I begin a new decade, my wardrobe will as well. The change in age I am not looking forward to. But the change in style, well, that excites me.

Ciao all.

Plotting and planning....

2011-01-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

Marc and I turn the big four-oh in a few months. Him before me though. And I NEVER let him forget that! Instead of throwing a party/buying gifts, I am going to take him away at Spring Break. So here is the problem - I don't know where yet to take him! And although he has two weeks off at Spring Break, I do not. And I am leaving for Italy for two weeks in July, so really I only have 3-4 days to play with here. Sooo, do we stay on the continent OR do we go over seas? So far, I have researched the following places:

Las Vegas
London, England
New York
San Francisco

I am leaning towards London, England. I am a HUGE history buff and quite a travel snob. If I am holidaying somewhere, I have to get cultural and historical value out of it (really NONE of that in Vegas...) Plus I just really prefer Europe over, well, everywhere. Honestly, I should be living there... But that is another story for another time. But when we only have 4 days, traveling for 9 hours is not ideal. And before any of you mention it, I am NOT a sun person, so I won't go to Mexico (nor do I want to - health hazards and personal safety!) or Cuba or anywhere like that. I would go to Hawaii, but not right now. Again, I think I would want more time...

So I will continue to plot and plan and see what I come up with. Good thing I still have 6 weeks to get this all organized.

Ciao all.

I could not take it anymore...

2011-01-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

My son's sock drawer. Abominable! I could not get the drawer shut and after E pilfering hubby's socks for yet another day, I could not take it anymore. I KNOW the kid has socks. Lots of socks. WHY is he taking his father's? Because none of E's socks are matched and he does not want to take the time in the morning to match them... So after 10 minutes of pulling socks and making matches, I got his drawer under control. So help me if he messes it up - well, give me at least 24 hours with an organized sock drawer!! Oy.

Ciao.

Flower pins...

2011-01-22T21:00:00.000-08:00

I was blog surfing and came across this cool tutorial on Tater Tots and Jello. I was looking for a fun, EASY project to do today and this fit the bill. I made these fun floral pins - can be worn on clothing, in the hair, on a purse, on a head band, etc. etc. Super cute. And I especially love how the chic flower blends so well into Bella's jammies! ha ha But what I did not enjoy was the 3rd degree burn I got on my middle fingers and thumbs as I worked the cursed glue gun. Now I remember why I don't like using one... Small price to pay for cuteness, I guess.

Ciao all.

Sid Dickens...

2011-01-12T19:06:00.001-08:00

I have been collecting his tiles for years. I don't have quite as large a collection like in the pic above (I wish...), but I did come home a few days ago to two new tiles sitting nicely on my table! Marc had found the King and Queen tiles for me and bought them (at a killer deal!). I was so excited when I came home. My hubby truly is so sweet. He does these things so spontaneously - always letting me know in so many ways that he loves me and he GETS me! That is what touches me the most. He understands what I like and he does not question it. He's the best. And my tiles ROCK on my wall with their mates!

Ciao all.

Two for one...

2011-01-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

I am quite proud of myself. I have already completed ONE project that I wanted to do for 2011 for the house. My new lamp shade for the formal living room. You may think that the pic is a "before and after" thing. NOOOOO. This is one lamp shade. When the light is off, it is a lovely cream linen. When the light is on, the black shadow flowers shine through. Brilliant! I found this shade in HomeSense yesterday by fluke. I went in on a whim and there it was - at 50% off. So I could not have reconfigured my old shade for the price I paid for my new shade. And, the dork that I am, I was so excited in the store that I actually yelled (out loud) "this is perfect!" and freaked the nice lady who was looking at pillows behind me. Sorry nice lady. hee hee One project down, how many more to go?? Too many - but hey, if I attack them with the same enthusiasm I have with my lamp shade, they will all be done in no time at all!

Ciao all.

2011...

2011-01-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

You know, I have never been excited about the years changing. They pass by so quickly. Just reminds me further of my mortality. BUT I a beyond excited that 2011 has arrived. Let me tell you why - 3 weddings in my family this year!! Yeehaw!! AND 2 of those weddings are in Italy, so guess where I am headed? Where? Yes - back to Italy in 6 months!! Can't wait. I am trying to get my sister to come with me. If that happens, then my dad's side of our family will be together - all of us!! That has not happened since 1981!! My grandfather would be over the moon to have all his children and all of his grandchildren together. What a wonderful gift that would be for him. So we are trying hard to make this happen. If my sister cannot come, then just my dad and I will head back for the weddings and be away for 2 weeks. Sacrifice I am willing to make. And the 3rd wedding is of my sweet Marie. I was there when she was born. I have watched her grow and mature. She followed me into my profession. I LOVE this girl as if she was my child. I am 14 years her senior and yet she is like a best friend to me. My children are attached to her like she is a second mother to them and we are all sooooooooooo very excited for her wedding. And we are all very hands on. I am in charge of flowers, colour scheme, place settings, table scapes and favours. You know - just the run of the mill things! he hee And I LOVE the idea of it all. We are well on our way with the planning already. This wedding will go off without a hitch. 2011 will be a wonderful year. Happy to ring it in.

Ciao all.

Thinking about it...

2010-12-27T22:40:00.001-08:00

Marc had asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I was looking at this device - the Kindle from Amazon. I held off purchasing it because I read so many contradicting reviews about it. But now I have a friend who has one, so I am going to get her review of it and then see from there. I am very interested in this device - I love reading, but I don't love books. I don't like displaying them. I don't like their bulk and the room they take up. You cannot imagine how unbelievably tantalizing this device is - 3500 books at my finger tips - weighing all of 8.5 ounces! We will see. I am hoping for a good review from my friend.

Ciao all.

I have decided...

2010-12-27T18:18:00.000-08:00

That I need to stop working and stay home and craft/work on projects all day. IF I could do that, I would. I have come up with the following things I want to do for the house and the kids:

1. I have a lamp in the formal living room that I want to re-shade. I hate the colour of the shade now - it has faded over the years. But I love the shape. So I want to get some fabric and cover the shade. And while I am at it, I want to make it more contemporary.

2. Fleece tie blankets for both kids. For Bella's room - pink and green. For Ethan's room - red and dark blue. Or maybe heather grey and dark blue.

3. Stretching photos on canvas. Marc has been scanning our wedding photos and we have found some fantastic candids. I want them antiqued and stretched on canvas for my bedroom. A series of them.

4. I have found some cool wall art that I want for my bedroom and I want to get that made.

5. Painting. The whole house. BUT I think I will hire this project out to professionals. 3000 square feet is a lot to paint - properly. That will go on the list for spring.

6. Laundry room makeover. It is time to actually DO something with my laundry room. It has been 5 years now since we moved in and I have never touched that room.

Ya. Just a few things to do around here. Just a few...

Ciao all.

Buon Natale

2010-12-25T10:57:00.001-08:00

Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas.

Ciao

It never ceases to amaze me...

2010-12-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

The human body - that is. A few months ago Ethan came to me and said he had these little patches of dry/red/irritated skin on his thighs. Hmmmm. I looked and sure enough there they were - about the size of a loonie. I thought psoriasis. Marc thought eczema. So off to the doctor we went and after he hummed and hawed about the patches (he was worried it was some kind of infection!) he made an appointment for Ethan to see the pediatric dermatologist. Yesterday I get a call from Children's Hospital advising they could see Ethan today (good thing Marc is off on holidays!). So Ethan saw the specialist today and his dry skin is a direct byproduct of his allergy induced asthma. His asthma has been pretty bad these last few months. Change in the weather/pressure/too much sugary food... It all affects him so badly. The worse the asthma got, the more dry spots appeared on his body - everywhere. But I never made the connection. Why would I think asthma = dry/irritated skin patches? But apparently they do. So we have a new cream to try and some instructions for bleach baths (yup, you read that correct) and a follow up in the new year. The human body never ceases to amaze me...

Ciao all.

Chewy Ginger Snaps

2010-12-18T11:42:00.001-08:00

Rhonda inspired me with her yummy lemonade cookie recipe. This is one I make every year - no fail.

Chewy Ginger Snaps:

2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup white sugar
1 cup margarine or 1 cup butter
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup sugar, on a plate for later

1 Mix the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and cloves well and set aside. 2 In another bowl mix with a beater 1 to 2 minutes the sugar, margarine, egg and molasses. 3 Add the dry ingredients and mix by hand. 4 Take one good size tablespoons of dough (or more to make a bigger cookie) and roll into a ball. 5 On a plate put at least a 1/4 cup of sugar. 6 Then roll the balls into the sugar. 7 Bake at 350 on an ungreased cookie sheet. Set on racks to cool.

Ciao all.

Shopping across the line...

2010-12-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

Last week Marc and I decided to go and do a little cross border shopping. Now, we live seriously close to the border - 15 minutes. I NEVER go across. I don't go across for milk or cheese. I don't go across for gas. Honestly, I don't ever think about it. But we thought it would be something different to do for the evening and so we went. What deals!! I found tons of things for Christmas and poked around in some super cool shops. And drooled in Macy's designer section. And we did buy gas and it was super cheap. And we did pick up milk. Again - CHEAP! So now I think I am going to have to re-evaluate my cross border shopping views and maybe take a trip every few weeks.

Ciao all.

A Lesson Learned at 5:00 A.M.

2010-12-08T06:20:00.000-08:00

I was abruptly awoken this morning at 5:00 a.m. by my phone ringing. I looked at the call display and noticed it was a number from the United States. Telemarketers (or so I thought). I picked up in the hopes of telling whomever was on the other end to go away, but there was just an annoying beep. They will stop. I am sure of it. No. For the next hour my phone rang every five minutes with the same number. Now I was beginning to panic. What if these "telemarketers" did not give up? What if my phone was going to ring at 5 a.m. every morning? How much longer can this last? Now what happens if the phone ringing wakes the kids up? I called our phone provider and asked what I could do to block the number. Short answer - nothing really. These telemarketers apparently fall into a "grey" area with the phone companies... Nice... So now Marc and I are awake. The phone keeps ringing and we are getting more annoyed as the moments pass. I pull out the laptop and someone has sent me a link to a flash mob singing the Hallelujah Chorus. It was beautiful. The music was soothing and the message was beautiful. And while we were listening to the music the phone rang again. But this time an actual voice was on the other end. It was not a telemarketer but a company back East trying to send a fax to our home number. Marc explained they had the wrong number and PLEASE correct their error. The woman was very apologetic and the phone calls stopped. Hmmm. Now, is it a coincidence that the answer to our problem was solved while in a spiritual frame of mind? No. Marc and I should have turned to the Lord immediately and asked what to do with our annoyance. Quick to impatient. Slow to learn. That is why we are called children of Heavenly Father. Lesson learned at 5:00 a.m.

Ciao all.

My busy weekend...

2010-12-05T20:11:00.001-08:00

My firm's Children's Christmas party. Crafts, food, Santa and loads of fun.

Photo shoot for the in-laws of my two nieces and my kiddies.

Firm Chirstmas bake sale for our charity.

I need to go back to work for a break.

Ciao all.

Christmas is in the air...

2010-11-29T18:28:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I got all geared up. I put up the tree and decorated it. I did Christmas shopping and finished over half of my list. I baked gingerbread cookies and decorated them. I made meringue cookies with nuts and chocolate chips. Delicious. And sooo simple. I also got my glass ornaments made and started on some new "trees" for my ever growing forest. Christmas is in the air. I love it.

Ciao all.

Swiss Alps Cookies

3 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 bars Toblerone fruit and nut, chopped
3 tbsp flour
3 tbsp icing sugar

Heat oven to 300 degrees.

Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in large bowl with mixer on high speed 3 to 5 minutes or until soft peaks form. Beat in granulated sugar 1 tbsp at a time until stiff peaks form. Mix chopped chocolate and flour and gently stir into egg white mixture.

Drop tablespoon full of mixture onto parchment paper covered sheets.

Bake in top and bottom thirds of oven 24 to 26 minutes, rotating sheets after 12 minutes of baking time.

Transfer to wire racks and cool.

Sprinkle with icing sugar.

Me and my boys....

2010-11-22T19:57:00.001-08:00

Marc and Stephen - "Movember"- hate it. On both of them. These cousins in law are two peas in a pod...

Can you tell we are related?? These two are my original "babies". I was 12 when Anthony was born and 16 when Stephen came along. They are two (of the three) of my only first cousins in Canada and I love these boys (men!) to death!! Aren't they gorgeous?!! Ya, I know they are!

I love the boys in my life. And I am blessed to have many of them in my life. And they are all wonderful. Each and every one of them.

Ciao all.

Inspiration strikes again....

2010-11-20T14:51:00.000-08:00

Blog surfing a few nights ago and came across this FABULOUS tree at Shanty2Chic. LOVE it. I am obsessed with trees. This will make a wonderful addition to my ever growing forest. Happy crafting all.

Ciao

My nerve racking night...

2010-11-20T14:37:00.000-08:00

We had a snow storm last night. The weather "people" had been predicting it all week. But really, no one here listens to the weather people. They are wrong 90% of the time. But not last night... I was at a Relief Society function and it ended around 9:30 pm and when I got to the parking lot, the snow had just started. I thought to myself that I had been head out to the grocery store and pick up some basics just in case we get a bad dump of snow. Marc still had not put the snow tires on my car and I did not want to risk going out again. I had been in the grocery store for less than one hour, and in that time the snow fall turned into a snow storm! My car was buried. There was NO ONE in the parking lot, and I was all alone at 10:30 pm. I got the groceries in the car and then slowly started heading home. Now, the store is only 5 minutes from my house. No big deal, or so I thought. It took me 30 minutes to get home! And in the process I was nearly hit three times by cars literally travelling backwards and/or sideways... By the time I pulled into the garage, I was shaking all over. And when I awoke this morning, the sun was shining and the snow was already starting to melt. I was beyond angry. I literally risked my life for nothing. Nothing. But Marc got the snow tires on the car today and so now I am set for whatever comes our way. Crazy weather.

Ciao all.

To my sweet friend...

2010-11-16T19:04:00.001-08:00

I miss you still so very much.
Please know that I love you.

Manjit's husband's trial for second degree murder began yesterday. It has been a hard few days and will only get worse as the "real" details come out now... So many years of not knowing exactly what happened and always fearing the worst. Now we will know. Please keep a prayer in your heart that our justice system will work and MP will get what he so rightly deserves.

Ciao all.

My head in the clouds...

2010-11-08T21:13:00.000-08:00

Marc has been going on and on about this thing. I personally am not a gadget person = I don't pay attention to anything electronic. I have a Blackberry phone that does a million different things (so I am told) and I never turn it on. I hate it. We have the iPhone. We have iTouches (yes, plural). We have iPods (again, plural). I don't use any of them. So the iPad was just another gadget name to me. But Marc is really in love with this thing so I was thinking I would buy it for him for Christmas. Ummm, NO. I did research on the iPad and found out its price. Are you kidding me?? I can take a week's vacation to a tropical destination for what they want for the BASIC model!! Ridiculous. So Marc will have to come up with something else he would "like" for Christmas because this chickie is not going to buy the iPad any time soon.

Ciao all.

Annoyed...

2010-11-01T19:03:00.001-07:00

I should have stayed in bed today. I am annoyed. At everything. And everyone. Not good. And I deleted all the Halloween photos off the camera because I thought I had downloaded them - but I hadn't... Nice. So now I have to make the kids dress up again and take photos. I am sure they will love that. And Ethan's birthday pics were on the camera. Gone. Can't "re-create" those. Annoyed. I am going to bed.

Ciao all.

Getting ready for Halloween

2010-10-25T18:31:00.001-07:00

I am not a big Halloween person. I don't like scary things. I don't like evil things. I don't like morbid things. I don't like pranks. I don't like rude kids knocking at my door and giving me that look when I hand them 1 piece of candy (you know that look - like I am cheap...) But my kids love Halloween so I get caught up in it each and every year. This year is no different. Ethan is going to be a mad scientist. I have spent considerable time finding beakers for him to carry around. I finally found two different sized beakers at Winners, of all places. They already have candy in the beakers so Ethan is going to go around and give out the candy and convince people that he has created "magic pills" (being the mad scientist) for whatever ails them. Amusing. Bella is going to be a vet. I have made her a set of scrubs and a lab coat and name tag and bought a stethoscope and she is good to go. She has a small carrying case filled with her stuffed dogs and cats. Creative. These costumes I can handle. So I am ready for another Halloween. Although I do admit that I am looking forward to the day when my kids are too old for all of this and I don't have to worry about costumes and props anymore...

Ciao all.

Catch up...

2010-10-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

That is what I have been doing - for weeks now. Catch up. With house work. With home work. With church work. With work work. With family time. With spouse time. With me time (which has not existed...). I am exhausted and I feel like I am not caught up in anything. I don't understand why of late I feel like my time is being intruded upon in every aspect of my life. I am usually really very VERY good in being able to manage it all. But not as of late. And it is frustrating me. And it is making me so very tired. So while I struggle to catch up, I will catch yáll up with what has been going on in our household:

Ethan was inducted into Scouts.
Ethan tested for his 2nd degree Black Belt.
Ethan was chosen to participate in the School District's Challenge program. He is super smart. Scary smart. I am happy that he can channel some of those smarts creatively now.
Marc was involved in a huge conference for our church's youth - 200+ 16-18 year olds. For weeks he was not home. It is nice to have him back now.
We are all getting ready for our Primary Presentation.
We are all getting ready for Trunk or Treat for over 100 kids. So I have been busy making 100+ treat bags for all the kids.
I am heading up our firm's fundraising team and we are in full swing for our Christmas charity - actually I started October 1st fundraising for our charity.
My mom is getting stronger but she still needs a lot of help so I am running between two households for now.
Marc and I are heading back to Italy next July. Two of my cousins are getting married and we are going. I am so very excited about this.

That is it, for now.

I am sure I have laundry to do.

Ciao all.

Italy - Part 6 - Roma

2010-10-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

The Eternal City. The most beautiful city in the world. One day I will own a home in Roma.

Ciao all.

Italy - Part 5 - Pompei

2010-10-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

After all those years of studying Roman history (and doing my degree in it), I honestly cried when I entered Pompei. It was a dream come true to walk the ancient streets, wander the temple ruins, lurk in the bath houses, admire the paintings and the mosaics... I definitely will go back to Pompei when I return to Italy next summer.

Ciao all.

Cinnamon Toasted Pumpkin Pie Tarts

2010-10-10T21:10:00.001-07:00

Oh good heavens - look at these!! I love the Internet. I LOVE you bakers out there who come up with these recipes and post them for all to try! Bless you. I am baking these tomorrow.

Cinnamon Toasted Pumpkin Pie Tarts
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 egg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
4 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
3 tbsp melted butter
3 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tbsp cinnamon

350 degree oven.

Mix pumpkin, sugar, heavy cream, egg,cinnamon and nutmeg until creamy and well combined. Place puff pastry on silpat or parchment lined baking sheet. Cut out shapes using cookie cutter. Brush each shape with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Spoon about 2 tbsp of filling around centre of each cut out. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes. Serve at room temp or chilled.

Ciao all.

Thankful for...

2010-10-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

Marc
Ethan
Bella
Momma
Babbo
Laura
Chris
Matthew
Emelia
Mike
Fran
Athony (and Amy)
Marie (and Craig)
Stephen
Nonno
Paolo
Maria
Angelo
Alessandra (and Italo)
Rosaria
Angelo
Stefy (and Alessandro)
Francesco (and Serena)
Pino
Carmella
Angela (and Samuele)
Davide
Marianna (and Claudio)
Sofia
Libero
Caterina
Marilena
Federica
Roberto
Luca
Mom
Dad
David
Brian
Hannah
Bailea

My family. I love them all.
Happy Thanksgiving.

You get what you pay for...

2010-10-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I bought a new suit. It is grey and has the most marvelous details in the jacket. And it was on sale. Bonus. I firmly believe you get what you pay for. I am not young anymore. I can't wear "man made" anything. My feet and my body have become picky and cranky in their old age. ha ha So I am very happy with my new wool suit. Now, having said that, I also believe that you should price out your purchases and understand what you are paying for. Some things are absolutely worth the price. GOOD shoes, for example, are ABSOLUTELY worth their price. There is nothing worse than shoes that hurt/pinch/stretch/fall apart. Some things are not worth their price tag. Accessories, for example, are never worth their initial price tag. Always buy them on sale. And for the big ticket items (jackets and suits, etc.) watch for them to go on sale. Always buy staple pieces in basic colours and they will never go out of style and this way you can ride out the season and scoop up the deal. I enjoy doing this. And I do this often. You get what you pay for. I enjoy getting MORE for what I pay for.

Ciao all.

Italy - Part 4 - Food

2010-10-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

Ohhh the food... I miss it so. Go to Italy to eat! GO!!!

Ciao all.

Happy to report...

2010-10-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

My momma was released from the hospital and is home resting. Thank goodness!!

My momma has never been healthy. She has had heart problems her entire life. And when I was little I was "used" to my momma being more, well, fragile. She wasn't the field trip mom, or the mom that drove everyone around. She wasn't the soccer mom. She wasn't the camping mom (thank goodness for that too!! The apple does not fall far from the tree...) She wasn't the mom that went swimming or skiing or did anything outdoorsy. She just could not manage any of that. But she was the mom who kept an immaculate house. And she was the mom that cooked and baked. And she was the mom with the awesome taste in clothing and shoes and handbags (again, that apple thing!!). And she was the mom that always made sure my sister and I had what we needed AND what we wanted. So when my momma had set backs when I was a child, I thought nothing of them. They were par for the course with her. She was invincible in my eyes. And I had my dad to lean on and my grandparents who took over the child rearing and that goes along with that when my momma was recuperating from open heart surgery (3 times over...). But she was 20+ years younger then... It is different now. Now, each set back she has causes my blood to run cold in my veins and me to run in panic, worrying that this will be the last time I see my momma. I still have my dad to lean on, but my grandparents are long gone (and I miss them terribly!!) and I could not stand to lose my momma. And my children - I don't know how they would survive without her! I can't even bear that thought... So I am extremely grateful that she is home. And I am extremely grateful that the stroke caused no further damage to her heart or her brain. Miracles. All of them.

Love you momma!

Ciao all.

Italy - Part 3 - Capri

2010-09-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

Marc and I spent the day in Capri. Just the two of us. Gorgeous! Definitely want to go back again.

Ciao all.

Some scrapping...

2010-09-27T20:27:00.001-07:00

Started scrapping some pics from Italy for Bella this weekend. So many more to go... I am wondering if I should do an entire album just dedicated to Italy, or just a few pics here and there for the kids' albums. Don't know yet. Haven't figured it out. Ethan's pages are on the go now. But I am not feeling very creative anymore. My mama had a stroke on the weekend. Very scary. Her heart meds are not working properly, to make a long story short. The miracle is that there was no further damage done to her already weak and fragile heart, and there were no residual clots in the CT scan. All very good. So please keep my mama in your prayers. Hopefully her medical team (and she does have a team) will figure out what she needs quickly and she can come home. We need her.

Ciao all.