in numbers to big to ignore, cuz I know too much to go back and pre - te - end . . . . Are any of you all old enough to remember this Helen Reddy classic? This was truly my theme song when I was a divorced mom and going back to undergrad working toward my law degree! Fiercely strong and independent - I was the most manly woman I knew :0) My, my, my - how things change!
On The Homefront
There were more roses in my kitchen last weekend
but, they weren't for me. It was Hannah's birthday, and my son went all out to plan a very special day for her - melting my heart along the way as I watched!
He wanted to have a quiet dinner here with take-out for her before taking her to the movies, so I set the table for them
where they ate 54th Street burgers with our favorite dishes and finest linens, and drank Dr. Pepper out of wine glasses!
After they left for the movie, I cleared the mess - and McStudly and I had a romantic candle light dinner of our own!
We had lamb chops with wine sauce and this awesome Aspragus & Gruyere Tart (found the recipe on Pinterest :0)!!
This morning I put together a Turkey Roulade for dinner tonight. You can find the recipe Here!
(Ina's Pix, not mine)
I couldn't get my breast pounded out flat - so mine is more folded in half than rolled! So mine won't look this pretty, but it smells delish!
The Valentine Mail Is Rolling
The boys are loving it! I decorated their mail boxes
and left them a note on the bathroom mirror
to remind them each morning to check their mailbox!
This was the mail for my McStudly Yesterday:
And, surprise, surprise - I got some mail back :0)
Here is tomorrow's mail
I'm having a ball - and the boys are loving their mail :0)
Super Bowl Fun
Oh, and I mentioned before that I so heart the Dating Divas Blog, and I truly do! I couldn't care less about football or the Superbowl - but, I do care about connecting with my guys, and planning lots of good times for them!
So, they had this idea on there to draw for a team to root for, to fill out these score cards, and then to choose whatever you want if you're team wins! This way, we all have a stake in the game - greeaaattt idea :0) I added a bit to the fun, and created our own game cards. If you'd like, you can download them Here.
The boys are already teaching me about football, and helping me on how to fill out my score card. I'm going for a "McStudly Planned Date" - where he plans it all, takes me out, treats me like a lady, and even orders my dinner - I love those dates! Wish me luck!
Will You Help Me To Brighten A Little Girl's Life?
One of the highlights of my weekend was receiving a Flat Stacy.
My mom teaches 2nd Grade, and has a really fun learning project planned for her class. The kids are reading books about "Flat Stanley", a boy who gets flattened by his bulletin board. They realize that Stanley can travel to all kinds of places through the mail - and so the kids learn through reading about his adventures.
For the class project, the kids mail out their own Flat Stanley/Stacie to someone, and that person takes the Flat Stanley places, takes photos of Stanley, and they send a letter back to the child with photos of where they took Stanley - and the kids get to read the letters to the class.
Well, when they went to make these - one little girl came to my mom and said "I don't have anyone to send my Flat Stacie to", and my mom said, "Oh, I know someone who would love to have her - my daughter, Kelly." And, this little girl was super excited!
I have a lot of fun adventures planned for Stacie, but I thought it would such a treat for this little girl (and the whole class) if this little girl could get letters from all over the country and the world to share with the class.
If you would be willing to print Stacy, cut her out - and take her to some places in your city or country, and e-mail me the photos and a short letter about what you did with her, I'd greatly appreciate it. Anything you can share about interesting things in your area (history, cuisine, language, culture, entertainment, etc.) would be great!
You can download Stacy Here, and e-mail me at kelly at cottoncharm dot com.
Bloggy Break
I'm going to be taking a bloggy break for a while - not because of anything bad, but because of something really exciting for me. Not much time to explain here - I have a hot date ya know :0)
So here is a quick run down. I believe that everyone has a gift to offer to the world, and I think that gift is often revealed to us by the compassion we feel for a certain group of people. And, for me, that is the modern American women who are under a tremendous amount of stress and pressure to be and do it all. And, the weight of this burden carries a heavy price tag - there are millions of women struggling with anxiety and depression, and millions of women are unable to meet their most basic need of a simple good night of sleep. Their stress and pain is real, it's palpable, and it's something that weighs very heavily upon my heart.
Since the late 90's when McStudly and I first began reading the John Gray books, I have been systematically changing my life - moving away from being that "manly" woman and striving to embrace my feminity - and I've experienced so much more joy, intimacy, and peace. Even better, the lives of McStudly and my kiddos have been enriched and transformed as well! Yet, I've felt that there was something deeper that I hadn't quite put my finger on - something that would bring even greater fulfillment.
(one little finish for you :0)
And, well, I think I've found it. In some recent reading, I came across something so profound, so transformative - just reading it. So, I need some extra room, some extra space in my life - both to do further research, and also just time to put this into practice in my own life - to really receive it. And, then, to write!
Yes, I'm still singing "I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar" - but in a very different context!
I love you all - you amazing women who truly deserve peace, joy, fun, intimacy, and sound sleep :0)!! I'm gonna miss you! Take good care while I'm gone - I'll be peeking in on your blogs!
TTFN,
Kelly
Stacy has just arrived in Thailand via download. How tall is this child supposed to be? Just so I get her the right size for pics. I'll try to get something back to you by the weekend! Have fun on your break, you deserve it! xoxoox
Posted by: Cathy | February 01, 2012 at 05:59 PM
Love those mailboxes, Kelly, what a neat idea. I do remember that song, didn't like it then, don't like it now! Your son is so sweet to do that for his sister.
I'm sure whatever you're planning will be awesome - I'll miss you but am looking forward to hearing all about it!!!
Posted by: Allie | February 02, 2012 at 03:55 AM
Oh my, that asparagus and Gruyere tart looks heavenly. I'll be trying that soon. For some reason, my computer won't let me open the Stacie download. Good luck with your new venture. We'll be waiting to hear more about it.
Posted by: Sunny | February 02, 2012 at 05:55 AM
I'll miss you while you are gone but I know that what you learn will surely benefit us as you share your wisdom. I love all your ideas and ways to love on your 'studs' and your stitching finish is fabulous!
Posted by: dawn | February 02, 2012 at 07:11 AM
You are having just too much fun over there Kelly. God is really working in your life. Enjoy your little bloggy break and I'll see you when you come back.
Posted by: Linda in Calif. | February 02, 2012 at 07:41 AM
I am going to miss you! But, waiting to hear from you again in your wisdom.
Posted by: sue | February 02, 2012 at 08:49 AM
What fun you all are having! Sounds like you have something wonderful up your sleeve!
Posted by: Carol | February 02, 2012 at 09:12 AM
Hi Kelly, we will miss you too - don't wear yourself out though. The asparagus tart looks gorgeous!!
Posted by: Debi | February 02, 2012 at 11:44 AM
Hi Kelly,
You are a breath of fresh air! Thank you for being such a dear friend, even though we have never met in person, yet. I hope you enjoy your bloggy break, will be right here when you return.
Posted by: carol broughton | February 02, 2012 at 05:00 PM
Stacey has just landed in Maine. And because she is in Maine she will be cheering for the patriots this weekend!!!!
Posted by: Dawn-Marie | February 03, 2012 at 10:02 AM
Hi there. I hope that little girl gets lots of mail. great post
Posted by: Carla | February 03, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Hi Kelly,
Flat Stacie has just arrived in the Smokey Mountains of East Tennessee!
Posted by: Lynn | February 04, 2012 at 10:04 AM
Kelly,
Thanks for all of your wisdom in your blogs. I look forward to each one and will patiently wait for your next blog. My word of the year is "Gratitude" and you fall into my "being grateful for" category. I hope to get some flat Stacy pictures from Saskatchewan, Canada.
Take care,
Tracey
Posted by: Tracey Holzer | February 04, 2012 at 11:31 AM
This time Google translation did'nt want to help me so I hope I understood everything lol!
Your house is full of love and appetizing foods my dear ... your happiness is contagious!
For Stacy, my printer is broken but I will send you something anyway ..
While we will miss your articles, I understand your desire to make a break of blog , we spend all too much time on this thing and not enough in real life.
Take advantage of your good break we'll wait quietly...
Warm hugs xxx
Posted by: Jo | February 04, 2012 at 01:38 PM
I would be happy to have Stacie visit me in Lewisville, NC. I have a Flat Stanley amde for me by my student teacher (I was a 2nd grade teacher) who traveled with me to chemo treatments (and starred in his own Flat Stanley at the Cancer center book) and then traveled with my dad to England and Italy and Canada. He even survived a near drowning clenched between my sisters teeth when she fell off a boat into the lake when she missed the rock she was supposed to stand on. He still has the teeth marks in his head. Email me if you need my help.
Posted by: Colleen | February 04, 2012 at 07:05 PM
Flat Stacie is visiting in California too! She is going to visit my granddaughters class.
Posted by: Evelene Sterling | February 04, 2012 at 07:38 PM
I wish you luck in whatever you are doing! What a great evening for everyone :-)
Posted by: Michele | February 07, 2012 at 03:25 PM
Thank you for sharing so much on your blog! We love reading it! You've been chosen to receive a blog award. Go here to check it out!! http://www.auntpollysporch.blogspot.com/2012/02/sweet-mrs-pickles.html
Thanks for blogging! Polly
Posted by: Polly | February 10, 2012 at 03:14 PM
Hope you have enjoyed your break, Kelly. You are missed in this space, but I know the Lord is busy filling your cup and using you to make an impact for Him. Happy Leap Day, and I hope to find you back here in March! :-)
Posted by: Brooke | February 29, 2012 at 06:45 AM
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself through this blog. Reading it has often helped me reflect on my own life, realize I'm not the "only" one, given me hope to continue even when life deals out the seemingly impossible...you are an inspiration Kelly. Missin' your wonderful posts ~ God bless you!
Posted by: Martha Narino-Torres | March 07, 2012 at 03:48 PM
Hi- I miss you, too and anxiously wait for your return. I so enjoy reading your blog - you give me a lot to think about. Hope all is going well for you.
Posted by: Sue | March 14, 2012 at 03:53 PM
Hi Kelly~ I am missing you too, but i know you are doing great things! Happy St Patrick's Day to you and yours.
Posted by: Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts | March 17, 2012 at 10:11 AM
I keep checking to see if you have made your way back to blogville yet... I miss you and your wonderful energy Kelly!
Posted by: Sinta | March 29, 2012 at 02:18 PM
Just a little note to let you know you are thought of and missed, hope to be able to read a new blog post someday soon. Best of luck in your journey.
Posted by: Tammy | March 31, 2012 at 06:00 PM
Happy Easter Kelly! 'been missing you! ♥
Posted by: Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts | April 07, 2012 at 12:33 PM
Kelly: I was following your blog and loving reading about your life journey and your craft. I hope all is well with you. Miss your posts!
Posted by: Susan | April 15, 2012 at 09:10 AM
Hi Sweetie, sure do miss your adventures. You know I live vicariuosly through you. Hope you are well and you come home soon!
Posted by: auntie pami | April 16, 2012 at 03:17 PM
Miss you. Hope all is ok. Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and missing your blog post.
Posted by: KMA | May 06, 2012 at 07:18 PM
Miss ya, Kelly. Miss your posts, wisdom, and caring posts. Please come back!
Posted by: Debbie Meyer | May 19, 2012 at 06:56 AM
Hi Kelly,
I think of you often and hope you are doing well. I trust you are enjoying your bloggy break and finding lots of time for family, friends and sewing. I miss your posts! Hoping that you come back soon. Sincerely, Carol Broughton
Posted by: carol broughton | May 27, 2012 at 05:35 PM
Hi Kelly, I am more present on blogs than I have been in a while but still not really back except on a few...but I just wanted you to know that I think of you so often. I am making my grand daughter (13 years old this July) a quilt with the Ruby Charm Packs you sent me a while back. I will send you a picture when it is completed, but don't hold your breath as I haven't gotten any faster, LOL. I did however get a new sewing machine that has made all the difference in the world in my sewing accuracy AND the therapeutic benefits of spending time in the sewing room. (I thought that was impossible to improve on, but hey...who knew?) I do miss you but pray that you are spending time doing what your heart leads you to do. You and yours are ever in my thoughts and prayers. Big Hugs, Nancy...(aka teenietaters or Stitched With Prayer)
Posted by: Nancy | June 08, 2012 at 03:27 PM
Think of you often, and hope that all is well with you and yours. Know that your love, passion, inspiration, and warmth are all treasures I cherished reading about and feeling, via your wonderful bloggy posts. Praying that whatever journey you are embarking on next brings you much fulfillment and joy...missin' you here too. Hugs!
Posted by: Martha | June 10, 2012 at 07:26 PM
Oh, sweet, Kelly - as I re-read this post I am hoping that you are enjoying this new adventure that you have embarked upon and that through it you find the woman you really are and really want to be!! And I love that you are being of service to others!! You are a great gal and I miss your posts!! Love ya, Kris
Posted by: Kris Young | June 23, 2012 at 05:43 PM
Hi Kelly,
Just thinking about you! Miss reading your blog! Hope that all is FANTASTIC with you and your family!
Posted by: Becky in Georgia | July 11, 2012 at 02:41 PM
Been missing you, girl!! Hope you are living your dream to the fullest!!
Posted by: Polly | July 13, 2012 at 05:30 AM
Hi Kelly,
Want you to know I am thinking of you and miss you! Sure hope you are doing ok.
Posted by: carol broughton | August 12, 2012 at 04:59 PM
Hadn't heard from you for a while. Just wanted to make sure all is well in your neck of the woods. Looking for holiday swaps if you know of any.
Take care,
~M~
Posted by: Margaret Wright | August 13, 2012 at 07:53 PM
Kelly, how are you doing?? I think of you and wonder how your new life's goals are working out. You know we really want to hear how your life has been changed. I know blogging takes time and a little bit of effort, but we do so miss your smiling face.
Hugs girlfriend!
Posted by: Jocelyn | September 13, 2012 at 04:39 PM
Hello Kelly! Just thinking about you this morning and wanted to say hi, and let you know that I miss you and hope that all is well and wonderful in you and your entire family's lives. You and yours are ever in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Nancy (aka: teenietaters or Stitched With Prayer) God Bless...
Posted by: Nancy | October 26, 2012 at 09:32 AM
Hello Kelly, I hope that you receveid my mail about Stacie lol !
You miss a lot with your posts always interesting and inspiring.
I hope you and yours are doing well!
Big hugs my dear xxx
Posted by: Jo | October 26, 2012 at 09:51 AM
Very nice, thanks for the information.
Posted by: sewa mobil jakarta | November 16, 2012 at 07:12 AM
Hope you are doing well!! Hugs! :)
Posted by: Denise :) | November 18, 2012 at 07:02 PM
Hey Kelly - Where are you?? You are missed!!! Hope you have a very merry Christmas with your family and that all is well!!
Posted by: Kris | December 21, 2012 at 08:02 PM
I sure do miss you girlfriend!! I miss your smile and your happy blog posts. I hope all is well with you and yours. Wishing you a happy and blessed New Year!
Posted by: Jocelyn | January 01, 2013 at 02:17 PM
Hi Kelly, I have been thinking about you a LOT. I can't seem to look at my stash without you popping into my mind and I'm hoping you are following your heart and loving life. Hoping you and yours are all well and fine and I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers always. Hugs n Love sweet friend...
Posted by: Nancy in Utah | January 16, 2013 at 01:13 PM
Hi Ya Kelly, Miss you too, Praying that 2013 is a blessed year for you and your family... Happy times and full of His Peace...
Hugs Dawn x x x
Posted by: Dawn | January 22, 2013 at 04:25 AM