Because the title "Skunk Guts" is not very appealing, I am posting a new entry in an effort to move the words skunk guts from the top of the screen. Life is still filled with skunk guts - a horrible-awful-really-bad infusion experience on Tuesday, a waste of time Neurology appointment this morning, continued waiting for home-bound approval, and one very angry sixteen year old boy - but just because we have an abundance of skunk guts, doesn't mean that everything stinks.
So this post is going to be all about happy things - the little things that have made me smile today - because, believe it or not, there really are some happy things around here!
First of all, the coolest birthday card I have ever received:
It is a pop up card that turns into a darling little birthday cake. It has gold jewels that create the flames and a really neat glitter glaze is done on the plate. I love this card so much that I may never put it away. Leave it to my clever sister in law, Debbie, to find something that would make me smile. She always comes up with the most unique things. My sister, Jenny, and I always say that Debbie makes us look bad because there is no way we could ever keep up with her clever ideas. We think that Debbie must have a secret stash that she adds to all year long because she always gives the best gifts. And her wrapping techniques - they are to die for!
Speaking of Debbie's unique gifts, take a look at this great necklace she gave me:
The necklace came with a bag of marbles that contains every color imaginable. The marbles are interchangeable and very easy to snap in and out of the hanging charm piece. I'm grateful that Debbie keeps me trendy because, to be perfectly honest, I've fallen behind the times lately and I have begun feeling a bit frumpy and out of style. Alyssa has always helped me keep up with the appropriate trendy "mom" accessories, but since she's gone, I've been feeling a bit out of my element. Debbie to the rescue!
And how 'bout this:
My mom made her first ever online purchase! This was a BIG DEAL and it may have opened a whole new world to her <:giggle:>. Two things about this gift: 1) it is so "me", and 2) I am touched that my mom would venture out of her comfort zone to make sure I had the perfect birthday gift this year. I can't wait to make a day trip to Borders. I plan on spending hours there!
My iPod seems to be working now (thank goodness for that small miracle), and I have been turning on my tunes every opportunity I find... you know... in an effort to play catch up with all those days that the iPod was acting wonky and I had to do without. What I discovered after not listening to anything but the radio for the past month is that I have music on my iPod that I've not ever listened to. That is just wrong. And so when the iPod decided to start working again (I swear, these things have a mind of their own), I decided to listen to the songs I've neglected:
She just keeps getting better! Her songs make me want to dance. And when I hear her sing "I'll Stand by You" I cry... every. single. time. How could I have forgotten I added this CD last year? My bad.
Alyssa introduced me to Taylor Swift last summer. And since then, I have come to love her music. I can't wait for this album to be released next month:
I've been listening to the short clips on iTunes and I already know the songs will be added to my most played list. For someone so young, this girl can sure sing! And cute... oh my gosh... she's adorable!
So there you have it - my happy things for the day. I keep reminding myself that it's the little things in life that we come to cherish over time, and my sincere desire is to surround myself with every single happy thing I can find, because at the end of the day, happy little things are what keep me hanging on as I deal with the ugly bigger things.
Okay, so I am no longer happy to see the same post from nearly a month ago! Please post or send an update to your caring friends.
We love you....Nancy G.
Posted by: Nancy G. | November 19, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Hey . . . happy birthday just a wee bit late! You know what I've been dealing with here, so I guess the good news is I've actually made it online to read some blogs! ARGH on the whole deal with John. on the trying to get HB straightened out.
Loving that necklace -- I'm not usually a necklace wearer, but would love that one!
Hoping we can catch up sometime soon . . .
Posted by: heather | October 26, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Now you know how I stay sane- I spend each day with "happy little things". They are called kindergartners! LOL
Great blog. We're praying for you and your son.
Posted by: Mary | October 24, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Happy Birthday! I found your blog through your posting at Two Peas. Your past posts about your daughter made me cry. I have experienced the same emotions this past fall with my daughter going to college too. My daughter is doing great and I am proud to say that I have recovered!!! Love your BLOG!!! I really like the marble necklace that your sis-in-law gave you. Could you let me know where it is from???? Take care!
Posted by: Debbie from Illinois | October 24, 2008 at 05:54 PM
happy belated birthday! (love that marble necklace....)
Posted by: pcsmart | October 24, 2008 at 09:20 AM
My sister had a baby on your birthday. Her name is Hazel. Happy things!
Posted by: Helena | October 23, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Well just so you know, you make me happy. Thanks for being you and helping me set aside the skunk guts in my life.
Posted by: Barb | October 23, 2008 at 11:25 AM
awesome gifts for an awesome person. hope all of John's stuff gets straightened out soon....
Posted by: slammie | October 22, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Sorry I missed your birthday. I keep thinking that it is the 22, so I guess that I am on time. Hope you had a wonderful one. Jim's friend had a little boy last month so I have been busy making baby clothes. I sure do enjoy making baby clothes. I keep asking the kids when they will make me a Grandma...no takers yet. There are plenty of others tho who are having babies ... the boy (sorry he's not a boy anymore) and his wife are having a little girl in three weeks... So now I am working on an outfit for her. We just found out that Neil will be in Yakima for Thanksgiving. We will be going there is the pass is clear. Will get to see Kelli then also. She sure does enjoy school. Wish it was this exciting for her when she was in high school. This is her last year. Next year will be employment (hopfully). We have our cruise to Mexico paid for. Will be leaving March 7-14. Now all we have to do is decide what our excurtions will be. Am looking forward to this cruise...will be our last one for awhile. My best to you...Randi
Posted by: Randi | October 22, 2008 at 04:02 PM