cindy lou's

It's 2012

2012-01-20T23:14:00.000-08:00

January is half over.
I have not been a good blogger.
It is now a higher priority for me, there are things that I must say and do.

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

2011-04-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

Today is the girl's birthday! It's hard to believe she is 5.
Here she is just about a hour old.

It was 5 years and 4 months ago that Mark was diagnosed with cancer. At the time he wasn't sure how long he would live. He set a few goals the first was to see and be there when our first grandchild was born. He was so happy to see that day. He got to hold her first, right after the doctor, the nurse and her mom and dad. Funny thing is she had more hair than he did. Not only was he there when you were born, he also made it to your first birthday. He passed away a month later; I know you may not remember him, he loved you. I also know that no one can take his place, I'm glad you have your other grandpa's and Poprock that love you too!

Happy Birthday little girl!

YeeHaw!

2011-04-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

I love modern technology. I really love to be on the computer when it suddenly reboots itself and then comes up with a great message like "39% of hard drive missing", what? So suddenly you find yourself becoming a rocket surgeon and trying to remember everything you have ever known about a computer...wait....I program in COBOL...where are my key punch cards and where should I stick them (ha ha). Oh, restart computer, follow the prompts, try the fixes, here's a good one, buy this to fix that problem, oh no....blue screen of death....what the hard drive is now missing...? Breath deep the fragrance of new electronics, (is that smell carcinogenic?) who cares! New tower, that goes zippy fast, better video and graphics card, which makes large flat screen monitor look even better, what is this some new software (can't wait to start playing with Photoshop), two new games (have already mastered one) and a totally smoking deal on a new printer that prints amazing photos. Oh yes one happy girl. Don't tell Poprock, cause she's even more excited about this then him.

It's April!!!!

2011-04-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

So much time and so little blogging. I'm sorry! Oh I have a blog follower, a real live confirmed blog follower. She is not family or someone I have begged (like Jenny) to read my blog. I'm so excited. That's not really why I'm writing this post. I have had so many thoughts and ideas go through my mind lately that I really needed to post. We got this new really cool rug. Of course Poprock saw it first and liked it. When I saw it all I could think of was how cool and fun it would be to drive the match box cars on. Both Precious and Ralphie have given it their approval. The boy was shown by his mom how to drive the cars and follow the curves, which then got the girl and their daddy doing the same thing. The boy however did find some humor in following the curve under the coffee table as far as his little fingers could push it, Poprock did not find the humor. The baby has found it soft and easy to wiggle on.

There was a rainbow the other day over our backyard. I love rainbows.

We watched the movie "Julie and Julia" It made me feel inspired and reminded me that I love to cook. I hate doing dishes. It really has been a long time since I've cooked everyday, I have Poprock, he cooks and does dishes (I'm so blessed and dang lucky). When Mark was sick with cancer cooked food usually didn't taste good and the smells, smelled bad to him. I stopped cooking except for what he wanted. It was the best of times and the worst of times....that's from a book. I'm not saying I'm going to do like Julie and cook all the recipes from Julia's book, trust me I have no desire to bone a duck. I do however have some great cookbooks, magazines and know how to use the Internet if I need more ideas. I am however going to starting posting once in awhile some of the good things I find. I tend to find a recipe and use what I have at home to make it. These lasagna roll ups were surprisingly quick and easy and I was able to use what I had because I didn't buy everything the recipe called for. The recipe called for ricotta, I had bought some cottage cheese, so I used it. I had mozzarella rather than the called for Swiss cheese. I did however remember to get the pepperoni. We had the sauce at home. For the seasoning I used "Herbes de Provence" which I had previously purchased from World Market. The quick CindyLou version, cook the noodles, mix 2 teaspoons seasoning into 2 cups cottage cheese, slice the mozzarella rather thin. This made six roll ups. After noodles are cooked layer, cottage cheese, 6 slices pepperoni, mozzarella and roll, put seam side down in lightly greased baking dish. Top noodle rolls with sauce and bake at 350 degrees until bubbly. Great with a salad and bread.

February!

2011-02-05T15:53:00.001-08:00

I missed December and January, where did they go?

December is almost here!

2010-11-28T07:07:00.001-08:00

A little wish to get the Christmas season started.

November....

2010-11-21T18:49:00.001-08:00

is almost over. I am so excited for the holidays to start. We will be having a visitor for Thanksgiving and can hardly wait.
I have managed with the help of several different tutorials and several different blogs to learn a new craft. It is so much fun to make flowers. I have been using old dresses for them.

2010-10-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here are two of the cards I made from thrift store finds.

Here are the thrift store finds.

I am so excited to make some more projects from these finds.

I have some ideas in mind for the formal dresses and wedding dress. I can't wait to get started on them.

5 generations

2010-09-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

I posted these pictures on facebook, then realized I really did want them in a blog post.

Once again I have been thinking. Sometimes I think to much, other times not enough.

My granddaughter - I am having so much fun watching her grow up, she is such a good little mommy to her brothers, especially her baby brother.

This is Alyssa.

This is Heather.

This is me!

This is greatmama

This is Lettie Mae.

I love the similarities in our looks. I wonder what other things we have in common.

Good News, buttons, yodeling, bad news, and missing Dad!

2010-08-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

First the good news....I found my buttons!

I am so excited that I found them. I have hunted and just about given up. Alright I'll back up and explain. I really love "Mary Jane's Farm" magazine. I even joined the farm girl sisterhood. The basic principle behind it is common sense. As part of my goal to simplify this year I have realized how much "stuff" I have and this fits right in. I feel like it has given me permission to be me, the best me.

Please, don't ask Rick how many boxes with craft stuff we opened this weekend.

I am learning to use what I have. To also reuse or re-purpose what I have. Remember the wedding dress from earlier. In the next few days I will have a project complete that is from items I have created.

Oh sorry, back to farm girl. Well one of the things you can do is earn merit badges by doing or learning different things. Yes, that is where my buttons come in, there is a merit badge for a button collection and learning about buttons.

Last Sunday was such a great day. We had guests. Family!

I love my family. Vickie and I got to singing songs from road trips.

We yodeled. No, I will not yodel for you, sorry.

Mom laughed and said she couldn't remember how to yodel. On Monday when we picked up the little dog, she told us she had spent all day trying to get the dog to yodel.

Poor little dog.

Bad news, I lost my buttons again. I put them back in the same box I found them in and dear Rick restacked the boxes!

Just for you "Lark" pictures.

Every once in awhile I miss him!

I believe that he knew how to handle his reins.

Life Happens

2010-07-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how long it has been since I posted.
What has been happening...First baby Evan has been growing he is over 4 pounds.

Greatmama, got new ears (hearing aids) and it has made a remartable difference. shhh YIPPEE!!

I got new shoes. Before you start getting all excited as to why would she post about new shoes please stop and take a deep breath. I don't like trying on new shoes. I do like my favorite shoe salesperson though. They were on sale and are nice.

Poprock and I got to go see Evan again and we both got to hold him.

Well on to some other things and I will be back!
With pictures.

Look what I found!

2010-06-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

This was hiding on Poprocks computer and it made me smile.

I don't know really anything about this picture, so I guess I can make up a story for it.

Today is one of those bad days that I haven't had for awhile, I figure if it has been over a week I'm doing good. So instead of a pity party I will make up a story about this picture. Real free to make up your own story too!

The little baby is still ok, he is back on the cpap. It must be so hard to be such a little baby. Feel better and grow strong little baby, we all love you and want you to come home soon.

2010-06-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

What a week!

On Monday, June 7 at 12:06 pm the little baby arrived, all 2 pounds 6 ounces of him. He is tiny and perfect in each little detail. He is sweet. His mommy and him are both doing fine. We are keeping him in our prayers so that he can come home soon and do well.

I am in awe at the skill of the nurses in taking care of a baby so small. All of the nurses that have taken care of little baby and his mommy have been kind and gentle. Thank you kind nurses, and doctors and the rest of the great staff that have been there to care for them.

It isn't fun being a hospital patient. After a few days the menu looks the same and nothing sounds good to eat. Then there is the fun game of counting the ceiling tiles, it's a great boredom buster.

I had fun going to see the rehab doctor. It was a great experience. I now feel like there is a plan of attack against the case of not feeling good most of the time. It is a relief to know that the pain is real and not made up. I do not particularly enjoy feeling bad. Know to get on with things and feel better.

I am looking forward to running away for awhile next weekend. I get to go shopping for the girl and boy and little baby. Plus it is our anniversary. I can't believe it has been a year. Love you Poprock.

June 1st

2010-06-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

I found this picture of us from when we were dating, that's not to say we don't still date. This is from our trip to California for a wedding. We are so cute and still are.

I'm home and not at work. Why? Because I don't feel well. Why don't I feel well? I don't know, I just don't, my head hurt really bad when I tried waking up this morning among other things. There that is all there is to say about that.

I realized I said nothing profound about Memorial Day. I having nothing to say that others have not already said. Except I really miss those that are gone and always will. I am grateful for those that have done their part to keep us safe and give us the liberties that we have.

Last night was quiet at our house. We missed the Flintstone speak of the little boy. Most of all we missed the hugs from both of our little darlings. I am glad they got to stay with their daddy last night. I feel bad that their mommy had a rough night. Now it is a even more of a day to day wait for the new "brother baby" to arrive. Rumor has it that the mommy and daddy picked out his name, I don't think it's going to be Spiderman.

So little baby what is going to be your name? hmmm, Mommy and Daddy aren't telling until you arrive.

As a side note I haven't forgot my goal to simplify. It is always a work in progress just like me.

Weekend 2 with the Grandkids.

2010-05-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Poprock and I are so fortunate to be able to help and babysit the grandkids while their mommy is in the hospital. This happened on our way home from visiting the hospital. Sweet little dears got all tuckered out.

On Sunday morning the sweet little girl created some wonderful tater heads. Here is the one she made of Poprock.

Here is Grandma, I'm not sure how she knew that is how I thought I looked. hmmm.

The evenings when it was bed time was also hold and cuddle time. Poprock is so good to help and he loves them too.

Monday morning the boy hit the ground running, he was such a little pill. He's 22 months and goes non-stop. I was getting ready to take them back up to Portland to see mom and dad. When I heard Poprock tell the boy, "I told you not to do that, now you are in trouble." Then, "Stop smiling at me." Followed by, "Wipe that smile off of your face". Then the little boy laughed. Poor Poprock.

Saturday, we took chocolate kisses up to the nurses. The little girl gave them to the nurses with a card to thank them for taking care of their mommy. She was of course absolutely adorable.

I sure do miss them when they are gone.

Just Another Day!

2010-05-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

Here is the girl's fancy dress up shoes she got for her birthday!

I just had to share a thrift store find, a major find. I am so excited to turn this into fun projects. There were stains and tears in this beautiful thing. I have already taken the dress apart, the train is still in one piece. I will share the things that I make from this. I am still working on my word for this year of "Simplify" and this dress was like finding a great treasure. In my mind I can see it becoming parts of so many things.

Chicken Noodle Soup

2010-05-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

Thank heavens for a husband who knows how to make homemade chicken noodle soup. Each little veggie cut in even pieces, with each morsle of chicken just the right size. Perfectly seasoned even. Yes, it is making my yucky cold feel better.

I'm still here...

2010-04-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

and nothing is as simple as it seems.

It is work to simply one's life. It seems as if someone else has made plans for what I am to do. Or maybe everyone lives go on regardless of my plans. I am having fun though.

Really there are times I am having a great time even considering how I have felt physically.

My mind is swirling with ideas of things I want to make and do.

In case you missed it, I really love my new piano! I just have to say Poprock did a really good thing getting Pearl (that's the piano's name).

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T18:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's a day late.

There have been several things on my mind lately. Some of it has to do with old baggage. To tell you the truth I getting kind of tired of carrying it around. I want some "new" baggage!

Desires of my heart. An old, yet favorite topic. While out shopping the other day a very nice cashier said "Happy New Year and may it be better than last year". I thanked her and wished her the same. She then said she was really hoping that 2010 would be a better year. I then realized more than ever how truly blessed I am, 2009 was a better good year. A wonderful man married me. He bought me a house (home), a new (used) car, and takes such good care of me. He has gone from being single to being a husband, step-dad, and grandpa. We have a great dishwasher that I have never turned on, I don't have to cause my honey does the dishes. (BIG sigh)

On the other hand there have been some very difficult and trying times for members of my family. Some of these are things I am all to familiar with. My heart aches for them, I wish I could take away the pain and hurt and make everything better. It seems to be all part of a more divine plan that each needs to learn and grow from.

While reading some of my favorite blogs where the writers of these blogs pick a word for the new year to be their guide, rather then make resolutions. One had a link to a great guide to help choose your own word. If you let me know I can share it with you, I am going to get permission to link it to my blog.

I found my word.

I have chosen the word "Simplify". I tried explaining this to Poprock this morning, I think he got it. To start with it gives me permission to get rid of some baggage.

There will definitely be more to follow on this. Stay tuned.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T21:05:00.000-08:00

It's the night before Christmas Eve and the year is almost over. My hope is that each of us may feel the real spirit of Christmas and keep it in our hearts.
Have a joyous Christmas!

Christmas Letter

2009-12-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

In the spirit of the holidays once again I am taking the opportunity of not writing a Christmas letter. Instead Ralphie aka the little dog and her big sister Precious aka the cat will be doing the honors. I am hoping between them the spelling and punctuation will be correct.

I still have mixed feelings on Christmas letters some are amusing, others are bragging, then there are those that get you all caught up on the comings and goings of a family.

In this day of high tech it is amazing how hard it is for us to keep in touch with each other. I miss getting letters in the mail, maybe I should miss writing them and do better in that area.

Well back to the matter at hand. These two little girls have been waiting to get their paws on the computer. I hope they remember "No ordering toys", besides the fact their daddy hid the credit card from them.

Cindy

Dear family and friends,

How are you? We are fine. Merry Christmas.

Mommy said if me and Precious played nice that we would get a present. If you say "me and Precious" really fast it sounds like "mean Precious". Sometimes Precious is mean, when she hides behind something and jumps out at me, it isn't nice and I have to run away from her. Then she chases me sometimes and makes a hiss noise at me and tries to hit me with her paw. That's ok cause sometimes she tries scratching mommy's really old chair and I have to run up to her and growl and bark. She doesn't like that, but it makes me happy!

Mommy got married in June. She didn't think she'd ever do that again after my first daddy died. We both miss him sometimes. My new daddy married mommy and bought us a house. There is a big yard for Precious and me to play in.

When Heather brings over the girl and boy I still like to get on mommy's lap to keep from getting chased by them. They are better now about petting me soft.

In the mornings I get to go babysit Grandma. I let her take me for walks, feed me treats and hold me. I also take naps on her bed. I give her kisses and let her rub my tummy.

Love,
Ralphie

Dear People,

My person (daddy) got married for the first time ever to Ralphie's mommy (dogs drool, cats rule). At first I wasn't happy about having a dog for a little sister, now it's alright, I have explained that big sisters are supposed to tease little sisters.

I enjoy the days that Ralphie gets to go babysit, I like having the house to myself. I am happy to see everyone when they come home from work though. Daddy is so good he knows to feed me first, then to fix dinner for mommy.

It's fun when the girl and boy come over to play. I run and hide. Sometimes I have to come out and see what they are doing. The girl talks nice to me, the boy looks like he wants to pull my tail. I have to tease Cory a little bit cause he's allergic to cats.

Daddy got us a huge Christmas tree. Heather and her babies decorated it for us. There is a pretty ball on the tree just the right height for me to bat at over and over, I like it.

Daddy takes care of all of us. He plays with me when I want him to, he lets me take a nap in his lap. He's a good daddy. Mommy is alright, she takes care of daddy and makes him laugh. Daddy likes her a lot, but I'm still his Precious!

Merry Christmas,
Precious

December 6

2009-12-06T17:04:00.000-08:00

It was a very good day. We started singing Christmas carols at church.
It's beginning to look a little like Christmas around our house. The tree is up with lights and 3 ornaments on it. I really need to get it taken care of. We have most of our presents bought. The cat sleeps by the tree at times.

I have been thinking of how Christmas changes ever so slightly from year to year. This will be my first Christmas in my own house is a long time. Granted I have lived in an apartment in the past several years, but there is something a bit different. Maybe it's more hiding places for presents. Poprock dragged out the Christmas tubs and low and behold the decorations I was looking for were not there, where can they be I wonder. I have been given instructions that this is not the year that the whole house gets decorated, just wait until next year. I really need to finish the tree though.

It was announced in church today that we will be doing a service project instead of having a ward dinner. I 'm excited about that, it should be interesting.

Thanksgiving!

2009-11-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

What are you thankful for?
I am thankful for my family. The quirks, the craziness, the very fact that no matter what or where or anything they are and always will be my family.
I am so thankful for Rick. What a guy. I am loved, spoiled and taken care of.
I am thankful for a daughter and son-in-law and my darling little grand babies.
Oh, I can't forget the little dog or Rick's cat.
Of course there are many more things, especially the things that most of us take for granted to those things that some may not think of. For me it is sometimes not easy to be thankful for my AFO, yet it helps me to be able to walk and not trip over my foot. I wish I didn't have it, yet I'm grateful that I do.
I actually was able to feel thankful for the talent of being able to play the piano and organ yesterday. I was very grateful for being able to play.
What about you?

November

2009-11-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

Fall is in the air, with a hint of the coming winter.
We have leaves falling in our yard. The big spiders have disappeared, so far not into the house. Ralphie (the little dog) and Precious (the white cat) are getting along a little better, they are sisters now and should be more tolerant of each other. Precious is spending more time inside. She comes into the room where we are and plays. Sometimes Ralphie even tries to chase her now.
Poprock still has green toes, he says they stay until the Ducks lose. Go Ducks!
There are thoughts of the holidays. Ideas for presents.
I love this time of year. It's a good time to remember the past and cherish it. To dream about what the future holds and make plans. A good time to make the most of each day and live.
We went to Aunt Erma's Celebration of Life this week. There were a few bitter/sweet moments while looking at the photos and seeing several of her and dad together.

DUCK TOES

2009-10-18T20:31:00.001-07:00

Introducing the Girl and her Poprock. It was so exciting! We had the fun of having the grand-babies spend the night last month. Please notice the skill that was used in painting Poprock's toes a wonderful shade of Duck green (Go Duck's). I have to say that Poprock was a really good sport and is still proudly parading green toes. A little someone else is still talking about painting Poprock's toes.

Hmmm

2009-09-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Surprising enough I am doing better. Are you?

Let's Do Better

2009-08-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

Honestly my blog was started with the best of intentions. The intention to write often. The intention to make meaningful posts or at least meaningful to me. Actually this blog is for me, if there is anyone else who is able to take something from it that is a bonus.

I would like to live my life with the intention of making each day better than the last. Better meaning that I am striving to be a better person. Now I understand that just as in my favorite quote there will be dust, cinders and jolts, the idea is to be better. We all know that some days just happen to be better than the rest.

Today at this moment I am better at writing on my blog. It's been a month, where has that month gone. I made the choice today to stay at church and play the piano for Primary, rather that go to mass with Mr. B. I have to look at this as a choice, as my comfort zone is Primary. I love being in Primary, it's easy for me to play the songs, even with mistakes made. Today was also the first day I played the organ for our new ward. Yep I made some humdinger mistakes which no one seemed or were to polite to notice. There is a part of my that wants to say "I don't want to play anymore, I want to be able to do something else" then the other part that is very content to play because I do enjoy it. So I must do better.

INSANITY REINS SUPREME

2009-07-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Now that I have your attention.

Let us ponder for a moment, wait what should we ponder...?

It's very hot outside, I love my central air. I've never had it in a house before.
The real test will be this winter when it is cold, will my house be warm?

Have you ever looked in the mirror and seen your mother?
Or in my case saw my mother and said something a sister would say, that's scary.

Actually I have been contemplating Christmas and making presents.
I thought of crocheting slippers for the entire family, as in all of them. Not to worry it's not going to happen this year. I am going to come up with something.

Hmmmm, must ponder some more.

I wonder can that cause insanity?

Oh a happy thought. Babies, with dimbles on their little hands and baby smiles.
So maybe all is right with the world.

"Fresh Courage Take"

2009-07-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

After a weekend of verbally having the stuffing beat out of me it is time to re stuff, so to speak.
I must re-store, re-plenish, re-vitalize myself.

OR

Kick back and have one heck of a pity party.

No pity parties, too much to do, wait re-phrase that, there is too much that I want to do.
Golly I have a house that I can do stuff to. Put things where I want (yes, the Mr. can change things).
I want (oops) need to be creative.
Now I must get busy!

Name Change

2009-07-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

As of today I am now officially Cindy Lou Blommer.

2009-07-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I have a blog!
Hmm, now what?
Oh, I know, come up with something
truly wonderful to say!

Maybe tomorrow.