By Request (More Kitchen Photos)

This is a fairly good representation of what the kitchen has looked like ever since the countertops were installed (minus the small child standing up there--replace her with a 6'4" teenager sitting and that's more likely).  We were cleaning and I needed help reaching the top shelves, however there is always a lot of stuff filling it up.

But, I had a request for more photos, so I took a few (relative term) minutes and cleaned up a bit to take some updated shots.

This is the view from the dining room.  We bought the stools at Target.com.  The color match was almost perfect!  You can see beside the right stool, there are now end pieces on the sides of both of these cabinets.  It gives it a much more finished look. 

A better view of an end panel. 

We did not have a spot for towels and they kept getting hung on the oven or dishwasher door. This is convenient until you open the door and the towel drags on the floor which is typically dog hairy.  So my dear one put a towel rack on the drawer instead of a drawer pull.  

This window will eventually be replaced.  It was not on the replacement docket, but we found one that cranks open and fits the spot perfectly.  Looking forward to that!

The two dark circles on the false front of the sink cabinet are three-hole outlets.  Very convenient!! There was quite a bit of engineering that went into their installation.  All the wires are concealed and waterproofed with PVC piping. 

This is one of four corner cabinets.  This is the biggest and my favorite.  Everything is easy to reach and  it holds a lot of stuff (most of which was in the dishwasher). 

This corner unit is behind the unit pictured above.  It is actually two separate cupboards that looks like one. Because there are two units, they don't hold as much, but one turned out to be a great spot to hold all those travel mugs, water bottles and such.  The other holds the shaker cups and protein powder that our fitness minded kiddos use. 

This corner unit is a double Lazy Susan.  Nice big shelves that hold a lot.  You just have to be careful that the V shaped cut-out  of the shelves is positioned correctly so that the door will close. 

This unit has two stationary shelves.  It's got a lot of room in there but it has to be used for not-so-often-needed kitchen stuff because 1)  it's deep and hard for me to get at (old knees!), and 2) it is dark in there.  We did not consider a light until it was too late and I was not going to go there!! 

We do have plenty of lighting under the upper cabinets, however.  And, as you can see, a lot of well used outlets.

So, there's our kitchen.  Well-used and awfully nice, I must say.  Thanks for asking, Derek!

Wedding #2

The week before the wedding had the weather reports showing thunder storms for the whole week, including Saturday.  By Thursday, the reports called for sunny skies. Gratefully, that is what we got.

Caitlyn's (last year's bride) sister-in-law, Kayla, drove up from Ohio to do the bride's hair.  Before she went home she had done three complete hairdo's and helped with another.

At one point we had two heads being done at once. I don't have any professional photos to share yet, but I'm very sure they will be better than the few I got, so I will post them later. 

There were three fewer ladies in the wedding party this time, so the getting ready was a little calmer and more quiet than last year.  The bride's Godmother blessed us by bring over bagels and coffee. Thank you Margaret! 

At our last "getting ready" day, my dear one escaped the Estrogen by changing a shower head for me.  This year, since the bathroom was taken over for hair, he and Josh got their testosterone fix by watching clips of Steve McQueen do his own stunts in "Bullet". 

Once we got to the church, son Josh made a special request of our dear pastor, Fr. Jim.  

Being the good sport that he is, Fr. Jim complied.  However, since it was a surprise, we have no original video image.  So, click the link below and just listen to the first 10 seconds to see the surprise Liz and Jim got at the beginning of the homily. It was awesome.

The Wedding

We had photos taken inside the church and outside.  Our tenacious one had her camera with her so I have a few to share. 

The reception was held at Stoney Creek Metropark in their semipermanent tent and it was lovely.  

Sunset Terrace Stoney Creek

We were in for an added bit of fun toward the end of the evening.  Behind whomever is taking this photo, is a small lake.  The DSO happened to be performing across the lake the evening of the wedding, so we got a free fireworks show over the water during the reception.

The whole day was wonderful, including the talent of the park police officer who was able to retrieve my keys which got locked in the van half way through the reception.  (For more on this story, click here www.centeredinchrist1.blogspot.com)

One of the highlights of the evening was the last dance.  I was torn between participating and taking a video of what happened and I decided to just enjoy the moment and relive it with the "video" in my head. There was so much emotion attached that won't come through in the telling, but I'll share anyway.  

The very last song was Piano Man by Billy Joel (by request of the groom).  There were about 45 people still at the reception and when the song started everyone of us hit the dance floor.  About 20 seconds into the song, spontaneous movement  started and we all ended up surrounding the dance floor, arms around the waist of the person on each side of us, swaying and singing at the top of our voices, while Liz and Jim danced in the middle. It was so neat!  

So wedding number 2 is now a week in the past.  The next wedding on the docket is our nephew, Michael, and his intended, Leni.  It will be one year from this wedding.  Nice to have another party to look forward to, especially since I can just sit back and relax for this one!!

Road Trip

In my post last year titled "Losing Dad", I shared how we have cared for family members with Alzheimer's.  Our family has seen a lot of it over the past 25 years or so:  my grandpa,  a couple of his brothers, my aunt on my dad's side and my dad himself.  Unfortunately, it is also showing up on my mom's side of the family as her sister is now in an assisted living facility with the same diagnosis.  

In December 2012, my mom voiced a desire to go see her sister, in Indiana.  I made a mental note to see if we could get down there for a visit in January 2013.  Then, the rough year with my dad started.  There was no way they could both make the trip, and my dad did not want my mom out of sight.  This December, on Christmas Eve, we moved my dad to a memory care facility.  He is doing very well there, in his corner "office" with his name on the door,  and mom is adjusting to visiting and taking care of all the paperwork that in involved in these situations.

My dad and three of the grandchildren. 

My mom's world has opened up a little since he was admitted. She made a trip to California, in February, to see my brother and his family.  

Then, in April, we finally made our road trip to Indiana. We drove there and back in two days.  It was amazing!  The weather was perfect; the roads were fairly free of traffic and the company was great. 

I have short arms, thus the hacked off sign. :-)

When we arrived at the care facility, Pat wasn't sure who we were.  She looked at my mom and my mom told her it was Noreen.  Then she looked at me and her face lit up like a beacon!  I've been told, often lately, that I look like my mom,  and Pat's reaction confirmed that!  

This is mom and Pat after a 5 year absence from each other. This photo makes me tear up with happiness!!!  

Happy sisters!!

Pat and me. 

While in Indiana, we stayed with my cousin and her family.  I haven't seen them in a lot longer than 5 years, so it was wonderful to catch up.  No idea where life will take us next, but open to another adventure.

www.centeredinchrist1.blogspot.com

Our New Kitchen

On June 2, 2013,  I posted photos of our cramped living space (family room) while we were getting the kitchen, dining room and living room floors redone.  Little did I know then, that it was going to take until late April 2014 for the project to be done.  Here are some more photos.

The view from the dining room (yes that cabinet now has doors ;-)  ).  The stove will be in the bare spot between the window an the doorway.  We are awaiting the arrival of the stools that will go under this side of the countertops.  It's already a favorite spot and seating will make it more inviting. 

The sink now has a faucet. That was an adventure in itself! 

These are the lower cabinets.  We ended up with a wine rack because we changed things around a bit and needed a slightly smaller cabinet in that space.  It holds two liter pops very well.  Yes! That really is an awesome pop-up shelf for my mixer.  There is an outlet right behind the open door, in the false front of the sink.  One thing that there is no shortage of, is outlets

Upper cabinets. As you can see, there is under-cabinet lighting (and also outlet strips: 7 on the right, 4 on the left.) Thanks Josh!

So, now we're fully functional, and the countertops will never be as empty again, as they appear above.  But, that's ok. It's nice to have them in and usable and used.

Thank you so much my dear one for your hours and hours of labor.  I appreciate each and every minute you have spent making it beautiful!!

The next project is windows!!  Watch for updates!









centeredinchrist1.blogspot.com

Feeling Italian

Last weekend at the banquet/fundraiser for the Lennon Pregnancy Center, I had some terrific ravioli for supper.  I also had some the weekend before on our date night at Antonio's.   (It's Lent so meat was not an option!) 

While I shopping at Costco a few days later, I decided to check out what kind of ravioli they had available.  It was not inexpensive and the salt content was way high, so I decided to make some.

I was a little bit afraid to try after talking to an Italian grandma who makes her own pasta.  She said it was very time consuming and the kneading was awful.  She told what machines she uses and on and on. 

Well, I only have a mixer and a rolling pin, but I was determined. 

I got to use my new mixer stand which collapses back into the cupboard very nicely when not in use. (Notice no countertops yet.  They will be in tomorrow!!) 

The dough ball turned out really well and the kneading was actually pretty easy.  As you can see, I did not make a huge amount so that has to be taken into consideration.

The filling was ricotta cheese and wilted spinach.  Yum.

I was not sure how big to make them so I guesstimated. The first half of the dough made only 4 raviolis so I rerolled the excess that I cut off and I made the next 6 or 7 much closer together. 

The square ones are the first 4, the rounder and more oddly shapes ones were my second attempt. I got a lot more out of the second half of the dough but they weren't quite as uniform and the filling tended to squish out a bit where I trimmed a little too closely.  

I was told to poke a small hole in each to keep them from exploding.  It worked and after boiling them for a couple of minutes they became this nice tan color.  

Since my dear one and I were going to do this together on Sunday, before we had a power outage and ended up with dinner from Kroger, he was going to make a fabulous sauce to put over the ravioli.  I admit I just grabbed a jar of Prego. Hey, I'm not really Italian so I only do some Italian things well.  They were fantastic and the kids actually ate them and liked them.  

I have to admit, it was time consuming and I was tired when I was done. I considered grabbing a Guinness and going back to being Irish, but I settled for putting my feet up until it was time to pick up the kids. 

www.centeredinchrist1.blogspot.com

Fun With Chocolate

Our tenacious one saw a post on the computer somewhere (maybe Pinterest), and decided she needed to do the same activity.

Said activity?  Chocolate bowls filled with candy or ice cream.

For two days she has been talking about making these bowls.   She showed me the post and together we watched the how-to video and then she made her shopping list:

• Balloons
• Melting chocolate (Milk chocolate and white chocolate so her sister who can't have chocolate could share in the fun.)
• Candy from the Bulk Food store: Skittles, Jelly Belly jelly beans, lemon drops, and licorice bites

First melt the chocolate and blow up the balloons.   Next dip the balloons into the chocolate to cover the bottom and part way up the sides.  If you tip the balloons to make 'petals' the bowls look really cool when they are done.

Put the chocolate covered balloons in the fridge to cool.  When cool, pop the balloons and carefully peel them away from the chocolate. Fill the bowl with candy or ice cream.

Viola!  Candy bowls.  And a happy girl!

 


www.centeredinchrist1.blogspot.com

Working Out

I went to the gym today for the first time since October.  I'm surprised (though I shouldn't be) at how great it felt to get my heart pumping and my feet moving.

I spend 30 minutes doing circuit training which is cardio plus a full body workout.  Then I spent 15 minutes on the elliptical.

It's amazing how much mental preparation goes into getting myself to the gym.  I've been thinking about it for a couple of months now.  My gym bag has been packed and sitting by my bed for that long.    I've been telling myself I need to, want to, should go.

But the cold days are hard for me.  All the layers, the boots, gloves, etc necessary just to get the kids to school every day.  Plus, there have been all those days when they didn't go to school because of snow and cold.

Saturday I had lunch with a friend who told me she has been working out at home and being accountable to a group online that does the same workout routine she is using.  She told me how much it helps having someone to report to once her workout it done.  Then she offered to be my accountability partner.

I guess that was the boost I needed.  I texted her when I was done and got a great cyber pat on the back.

Now I'm sitting here with my (aching) legs up, relaxing and trying not to fall asleep while the kids do their homework.  It's going to take me a while to get back into my routine but I'm ready to start again.  My bags is repacked with my clean workout gear.  My mind is wrapped around the idea that Monday, Wednesday and Friday are gym days.

Oh, and there is that reminder that I will be mother-of-the-bride again in four short months.  I want to be able to dance the night away and not be too tired to enjoy myself!

www.centeredinchrist1.blogspot.com