Craftapalooza II

Beautiful, Adorable, Happy Dexter!

I only took pictures of Dexter. My sister, who thinks she is so funny,

took pictures of me every time I picked up a crafting object.

My sister hosted the second Craftapalooza at her house told and I was invited. Just to set the record straight. I have a sister who quilts among other projects. Her daughter who does all kinds of crafty things from sewing to painting to everything in between. A niece who quilts, sews, stamps, and scrapbooks. Did I mention she has a book published for her scrapbooking? My sister-in-law makes beautiful jewelry. Then there is me, know as the square peg in the round hole from here on in. Yes I can come up with creative ideas, but I don't have time in my life right now for a craft. Let's just say I am Crafty Challenged. So I told my sister Kath, I will be there. I spent hours wandering craft stores looking for a project, and the only thing I got was a headache. So my list for crafts were quickly dwindling. The list included playing with my niece Sarah's kids, and taking them to the park. Think of all the glory I would get by playing with the kids and I would get out of crafting?

You can imagine my panic as it rained all the way to Cissna Park. The situation appeared hopeless when we pulled into the driveway and out came John, Sarah's husband, and announced he was taking the kids to the park now. Wait this can't be happening - that is my craft going to the park! It was way too soon for the park. I just spent 90 minutes in the car and I can't go to the park now! RATS!!

OK plan B. While taking deep breaths I ventured into the craft room. I wondered how long I could get away with admiring everyone else's projects. For the record about 3 minutes. Aha project ahead. Karen needed help going through a scrap box. I can do that. All I need to do is look for the right color turquoise scraps of fabric. After spending about 15 minutes going through part of the box without much luck, Karen told me, "No luck yet, keep going." How could I resist such encouragement. Three scraps later, the project was over and kids were back from the park. Thank God for rain.

The next enjoyable hour was spent playing with Dexter and Karen's dog, Sophie. Dexter is the happiest sweetest baby. My niece and her husband make amazing kids. Sophie is an adorable dog who has lots of energy and friendly to everyone. Once again, panic struck again when Dexter feel asleep. Do I dare drink the water Karen gave everyone.? The labeled cautioned the consumer would become creative when consumed and that it worked on Square Pegs.

I could no longer avoid the unavoidable. It was time to craft. The remainder of the crafting was spent making 3 super easy holiday plates, cutting out and mounting pictures of my students. Did I enjoy crafting? YYYY...YYY...ES! That was hard to say. More importantly, I enjoyed the company with some of the most amazing women I know. Maybe I'll do it again.

Oh I guess I am crafty- I was the first one to post about this event!!

Happy Birthday Karen

The beautiful bride on one of the happiest days of her life. Chuck is so lucky!!

I hope your day is wonderful.

Happy Birthday Amy

The Big 4-0 and looking marvelous!!

Heroes

Alyssa is in a play at school called Heroes. It is written, directed, and produced by the students at the school. The cast is only freshmen. The show was amazing- funny, sad, thought provoking and entertaining.

I used to be Alyssa's hero, but know I think it is the cute boy she sits behind in biology. While watching the play I realized how fast these kids are growing. Please can I stop time!!!

In one of Alyssa's monologue, she talks about her lip gloss. Thus the floral arrangement. Oh I crack myself up. hee hee

Happy Birthday Jim

Happy Birthday dear brother. You are an amazing guy who happens to be an outstanding dad.

Alyssa Starts High School

Alyssa started high school on Monday. She was nervous but excited. I think the nerves, learning the ropes, and the long days have gotten to her as she comes home exhausted. Of course, I made her take a first day of school picture.

Sara, Alyssa and Rachel- friends since kindergarten. I drove the girls to school on the first day. Alyssa kissed me good bye, told me she loved me and never looked back. What happened to my velcro baby?

Oops! Missed the meeting. Alyssa and I were downtown at the Jason Mraz concert. What an amazing performer that guy is. We went to a piano bar at the Drake after the concert, where Alyssa and her friends sang a couple of songs. The girls got quite the education on the way out of the concert when they saw a lady of the evening. I guess that is what you see at 2:00 in the morning in the city. We had a blast while creating a wonderful memory of summer.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

My kids love these pancakes!! In the summer when we have more time, we make them at least once a week. In the past we called them Uncle Mike's pancakes because he makes them when he comes to our house for a family breakfast. Then we found out the recipe started with Kath. The kids were quite upset that Mike was getting the credit for Kath's recipe. The quandray was what to call the pancakes. Should they continue to be Uncle Mike pancakes as he turned us on to them? Or should they be Aunt Kath's pancakes? Know they are known as cottage cheese pancakes so no one is hurt.

For Amy and Pat
When we made these pancakes in Michigan, Pat and Amy wanted to know the nutrition facts. Basically, they are 18.6 calories each with .46 grams of fat. The entire recipe was 670 calories and 16.7 grams of fat.

Happy Birthday Alyssa

Happy Birthday Alyssa!!

The years have flown since I held a little sweet pea in my hands for the first time. It's hard to believe Alyssa is heading off to high school, and we are heading into the turmoil teen years!!

Happy Birthday Tina

I hope your birthday is wonderful!

Happy Birthday Norah

Today is sweet Norah's birthday. I wish I could be there to celebrate. Why does California need to be so far away?

Happy Birthday Caycee

Happy Birthday Caycee!

Pleased to announce a new family member

We have discussed adding a new member to out the family for awhile. We talked, waited, did some research. Talked to others in our same situation. We thought about being responsible. Is it fair to the existing members of our family? Will anyone feel left out? Will Mike be neglected as I will not be available as much? Will our marriage suffer? Is it fair with the economy and the world like it is these days? What about vacations? We wondered if we were biting off more than we could chew. Should we take the plunge this year, or wait? Why wait we wondered, we are not getting any younger. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! Sometimes, I just wish someone would make the decision for us. I apologize for not sharing any of this with any family members. We just didn't know what we would do, and we didn't want to answer questions as we made our final decision.

Fate sometimes plays in role in your life and takes the decision out of your hands. The decision was made for us, and it is truly a blessing. The Tarantino family is pleased to annouce out 8 lb 22 inch new computer. I will post pictures soon!!

Our baby girl was born on April 27th, and has fit right into the family. She has to be a girl because of the plug-ins.

Sunday Breakfast

We went to breakfast a couple weeks ago and I snapped these pictures.

The Tin Woman has Rusted

Monday morning arrives and the TinWoman looks sick and says that she is sick. I wonder, thinks the Mom, who believes in mental health days, is she saying she is sick so she can stay home. Hmmm. Well, I know there is a split decision in this house regarding mental health days and if she is not sick she did work hard and deserves a break. So I call the school and keep her home. Seems better in the afternoon. Good acting? only time will tell.

Tuesday- off to school she goes. I get a call at 9:00- she is sick and going home. Seems better in the afternoon.hmmm Nightime- fever 102 chills, sore throat, cough, congested, etc.

Wednesday- home again fever up to 103 it does go down to 100 when on meds.

Thursday- off to doctor fever still over 100 and mom needs her to have cough syrup so mom can sleep.

Friday- Sick again, fever 102, but moments of a sparkle in her eye. Yikes what a week!!

This week she missed religious ed class, gymnastics, cheerleading practice, basketball game, cast party, a week of school, and another party tonight. Jared thinks she is lucky.

The Tin Woman Rocked the House

Alyssa did a fabulous job last night in her opening debut at the Stagg Theater. She played to a full house only to receive many accolades. At home, we decorated the house to give it that "Wizard" feel. After we celebrated at TGI Fridays with a cute waiter named Bobby. Alyssa and her friends were drooling over him. I am VERY worried!! Why must they grow us so fast? Tonight is the closing night and we all looking forward to seeing the play with the Aunties. Remember

There's no place like home.

A man is not judged by how much he loves, but how much he is loved by others!! The Yellow Brick Road The Ruby Slippers
The Rainbow

Tinwoman, Dorothy, and Glinda

An Adoring Fan

My they grow fast!!

I went to wake Jared for school this morning and was greeted by his little (or should I say not-so-little) tootsies. A tear came to my eye as I realized how fast he is growing. He was lying in his bed reading his book. Naturally, after I took the picture, the mood was changed but he continued reading. Way to melt the mama's heart.

Sunday Breakfast at Mom's

Sunday is know as Breakfast with Mom. Most Sundays the O'Neills can be found at Egg Harbor in Hinsdale, but sometimes we just bring in breakfast to Mom's. We try to solve the world's problems, talk politics, tell jokes and remeber the "good old days." It sure is great to be from a big family. Thanks Mom and Dad. Is is my imaginiation or do I look like the Mitchelin Man? Mom, me, my sister Pat, my sister-in-law Kathy

Terry, the Mitchelin Man, Pat and Jay

Pat telling a good joke!

Sisters!

Happy Birthday Sister!!

Happy Birthday Kath- I hope your day was special!!