A Celtic Carnation, Birthday Cake for Breakfast and a Butterfly Tattoo.

Yes, it's my Birthday. This year's celebration actually began yesterday with Jason and the kids presenting me with cards and a Celtic Carnation necklace that Jason ordered special from Ireland. I love it so much!!

 

We had a Pizza Night followed by the Chocolate Strawberry Cake that Jason baked for me. Everything about yesterday was amazing!!

This morning I woke up and decided that Today was mine to do what I wanted. I decided to get a tattoo. I nearly got one on my 18th Birthday years ago, but the only Tattoo Shop in a 50 mile radius had to close early (before I got there) due to a family emergency. I took it as a sign that maybe a tattoo was a bad idea and I never went back. Until today...

I went by my Mom's house to drop of Sarah so my friend April and I could have lunch followed by my tattooing. My mom gave me a nice card that played the song "My Girl", a bouquet of flowers and a Celtic Cross Necklace. It is so beautiful and I really love it! When I got to April's she gave me a nice butterfly figurine that lights up and changes colors. Very nice. We then went to a Mexican restaurant for lunch, then it was time to go the Tattoo place. I got butterflies in my stomach,  which was so profound considering that I got a butterfly tattoo. I was nervous, but once it started I was fine and since there was very little pain, I really had fun. April, the Tattoo Artist and I talked and laughed the 30 minutes that the tattoo took to apply. When I finally saw it, I was so happy that it turned out so well. As you can see, it's wonderful!!

 

Now I am back home and I'm making dinner. I'm going to relax and watch 24 tonight. An excellent Birthday indeed!!

~Patty

A Fuzzy Green Hat.

I finally finished knitting my new green hat! I'm really excited about it. I love green and this fuzzy hat is the perfect addition to my eclectic wardrobe.

 

  

I knitted this hat with eyelash yarn that I originally bought to make a scarf, but after looking at it, it seemed like it would make a cute hat. I think I was right about that. 

I love this hat!!

 ~Patty

Hair Cut and Macchiato.....Yep, It's Friday.

Yesterday, I went to the nail salon and enjoyed being pampered. Today, I went to the hair salon and got pampered there as well. I got a shampoo, haircut and a blowdry and I feel beautiful!

 

  

I bought some hair products and left the salon feeling so good!! Not as good as when I left the nail salon yesterday, but pretty close.

I then decided to go to Starbucks and get myself a Venti Caramel Macchiato. Yes, I know it's like a 400 calorie coffee, but I felt like having one so I am. I also got a blueberry muffin.

All in all, a pretty good Friday!

~Patty

Green Toe Nails and a Black Hat.

Today is Thursday and though it is normally uneventful, today was filled with lots of fun stuff. It started with me completing the hat for my oldest that I began yesterday. Simple and black, it was the first hat I ever knitted and it turned out so well that I can't help but pat myself on the back.

 

Then I realized that I had to pick up a few things at the grocery store, so I decided to head out in the rainy weather and get the needed items. My trip began at the local Hobby Lobby where I bought some more yarn to knit more hats and scarves. I should have then proceeded to the grocery store but, I took a detour to the local mall and went to the nail salon I once frequented every other week, but thanks to all the responsibilities that the last several months have brought, my nails have been neglected. I started with a spa pedicure and, of course, opted for the the leg and foot massage. I cannot in mere words describe the ecstasy that I experienced as the beautiful Asian man's hands worked my feet and calf muscles for five straight minutes. I needed it. And I loved every second. Then he painted my toes nails glittery green (of course green, I love GREEN!) and asked if I wanted a manicure as well. I said, "Yes! I am having too much fun to leave now." So he massaged my hands and nails, painted them clear, and had me sit under the dryer. After I was reasonably dry, I paid him, thanked him and left.

Finally, I went to the grocery store and picked up a few items before arriving home where I find myself now. It was a fabulous morning/early afternoon. Nearly Perfect.

~Patty

2010....One Month Nearly Down, Eleven To Go.

2010 arrived so quickly and its first month has gone by even quicker. This year seems better than the last and I only hope it continues. I have so many goals and plans that are finally coming to fruition and I can only thank the support of my wonderful family. I don't know what the future holds, but I am optimistic that the blessings I've received this year will continue.

~Patty

Christmas....

I love the holidays and Christmas is perhaps the most awesome example of family, love and celebration. This year I celebrated Christmas over the course of two days. Christmas Eve, Mom came to our house for a day of baking, dinner and gift exchange. The kids opened each gift with the excitement and anticipation that is only present in the innocence of childhood. Each gift was received with smiles and laughter that made my heart swell with happiness. Our family dinner was filled with a closeness that made every moment seem like an eternity of blissful feelings. The evening ended with a joy that I have not felt in a long time.

Christmas Day, we traveled to Jason's parents house in the hometown where he and I grew up and though the celebration was small, the same bliss and joy experienced on the previous night was present and all seemed perfect. I visited my uncle's house, spent last night with my cousin and her family and look forward to a family BBQ this afternoon. Just when I think that life can't get any more perfect, it does.

Such magic can only be found in perfect holidays like Christmas.

~Patty

Thanksgiving Weekend...A Time For Family.

Following our wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner last Thursday, Jason, the kids, and I headed up to our hometown to see more members of our large families. My father, Uncle Horace, cousin Jennie Sue and a friend, Deanna, traveled down to South Texas from Indiana following my Uncle Donald's heart attack early last week. Thankfully, Uncle Donald has recovered and left the hospital on Wednesday. Even though the trip was impromptu, it brought us all together. Jason's family was also well represented by his parents and Aunt Dessa. On Friday, my three cousins, Tami, Jennifer, Jennie Sue and I went out for the evening. Guided by my father, we went to a club that my dad frequented for nearly 20 years. We sat around a table, told stories and laughed the night away. I really needed the night out. It's been so long and Jason graciously took the children to his parents' house so that I could have be free to enjoy the evening. Saturday morning, Tami, Jennifer and I took our kids (7 total!) to the zoo and had such a great time. The kids were so happy, as was I and we hated that we had to leave that afternoon.

Thankfully, Jason, the kids and I are heading up that way for Christmas and I am sure that we will have a great time then as well.

~Patty