Mother-Daughter Brunch

Yesterday Shaun and I drove up to Atkinson for Grandma Norma's church brunch celebration for Mother's Day. All of the local ladies were in attendance, and we had a lovely time.

50 Years

Joshua and I were in Monticello over the weekend celebrating his grandparents' 50th anniversary. What an accomplishment! It was wonderful to see everyone. It had a been a long time. Joshua's brother and sisters have grown up in the past year. With them moving back to the area soon, hopefully it won't be so long between visits anymore.

Other news from the weekend was the ongoing war on dandelions. I had no idea how quickly these things could overtake a lawn. As of today, I think I'm winning, but the battle continues.

Weekend Getaway in Beautiful Southern Illinois

Friday afternoon I made the trip down state to visit Jenna and Randy for a lovely weekend. We started the weekend with dinner out and some ice cream from Ketchum's, great soft serve with enormous portions. It was delicious. We then went home and watched a movie, Somewhere in Time. Now, those of you who know me, know that I'm not really a movie fan. They're just too long. However, this movie was an exception.

Jane Seymour + historical costumes = fantastic movie (Can I remind you of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman?)

Saturday we got up and headed out to Hobby Lobby. Jenna recently began making fused glass projects, and she needed to stock up on some supplies because I was going to try it out later in the day. We also visited Old Time Pottery, a huge, warehouse-like store. I finally found a big, red flower pot that I've been looking for, and only $25. I was thrilled. I'll post pictures of it once I get it filled.

After our trip out, we spent some time enjoying the sunshine and working to fill garden boxes that Randy built. Jenna is turning into quite a farmer. She is exchanging flowers for produce and loving it.

Our evening ended with some fused glass projects. Overall, the idea is easier than I thought it would be. Just layer some thin pieces of colored glass into a pleasing arrangement, and then microwave in a special kiln for three minutes. Sounds simple, right? The only problem is that when the glass melts, you can never be sure what you will get. My first attempt was a complete, ugly failure. My next attempt turned out much nicer. Unfortunately, I can't post pictures until the recipient of my crafting receives her gift in May. You'll just have to be patient until then. If you want to see some other lovely creations, you can check out Jenna's successes in her Etsy shop. She has really made a lot of fun pieces in the short time she's been working with glass.

Today is my last day before the end of spring break, and my list includes cleaning, laundry, and some yard work. Sounds good to me.

Grilling Out

We've been thinking about a grill for a long time now, really since last summer when we first moved in. Since then, there has been an ongoing discussion about what type to get. I prefer the ease of gas, and Joshua really wanted charcoal. I've also been put off by the enormous size of most grills. When I was at Dad and Mom's house on Saturday, Dad pointed me in the direction of a combination gas and charcoal grill that seemed quite unique.

Today we finally bought it, and although it's gigantic, we're thrilled to have both types of grills in one. The left side has a charcoal bin and uses charcoal, and the right side uses the propane.

It took forever to put together, but then we were able to try it out tonight with some Hebrew Nationals. Fun time!

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail

Sunday I was at my home church for Easter, and the weather, service, and food were fantastic.

I sang the solo part in the hand bell choir's performance of Christ the Lord is Risen Today. I've been singing this part for a long time, and it was fun to sing it again. Luckily the cold I now have was only beginning on Sunday.

Another remarkable topic for the day was Mom's old lady pineapple salad. Someone at work highly recommended it, and Jon G. just couldn't say no. This salad was a classic old lady creation, including Jello, Cool Whip, cream cheese, canned fruit, real fruit, loads of sugar and a vintage Tupperware mold. I also need to add that it was supposed to have celery, but we decided to leave that out. Here are a few pictures of this interesting creation.

We went to Grandma Norma's for lunch after church, where the salad and other dishes were shared. Most everyone was there including the three new great grandchildren. What a busy house it was!

This week I'm enjoying my spring break to the fullest. The weather is great, and I'm staying busy for the most part. Projects include the following:

1. Assemble and use the new lawn mower. Check, done. I must say that self propel is glorious. Although Dad wouldn't be impressed with my crooked mowing pattern, I'm quite proud of this accomplishment. I even had to add and check the oil.

2. Clean and freshen the coat and stairs closets. Check, done. This involved new white paint on the walls and shelves, and ripping up and replacing the nasty old linoleum under the stairs. It now looks amazing! My first project using self-adhesive tiles, and I love it. Definitely not high-end, but looks so much better and cleaner than the old.

3. Remove all ceiling plant hooks. Check, done. It was time to take all of these down for sure. I patched some holes, and now you would never know they used to be there. I know I'll be sad when macrame plant holders come back in style, but it had to be done.

4. Make a decision on a grill. Still to come this week. So pricey, but will be worth it.

5. Think about reworking my old resume and attempt to find a part time or PRN gig for this summer. I seem to be dragging my feet on this one.

6. Visit Jenna this weekend. Fun, fun!

What's the moral of this story? Work in the schools, people. You can't beat the schedule.