"Makes Me Smile" Monday

I was having a hard time coming up with something to post today for "Makes Me Smile" Monday. Not that I don't have a lot to smile about . . . just the well running a bit dry coming up with new ideas. A browse through our pictures did the trick, though, and reminded me how excited I am and always have been about transformation . . . the transformation from teenager to adult, from bad teeth to beautiful teeth, from heavy to trim, and on and on. Thus, I'm a sucker for makeover shows, be it "What Not to Wear" or "Landscaper's Challenge" . . . I love to see before and after pictures, and marvel at the transformation !

So here's a bit of transformation right in my own home: the "before" of our dining room (taken the day we moved in !):

. . . . and the "after" !

A lot of hard work went into the transformation of our dining room, and I couldn't smile any wider at the result !!!!

Happy Monday !!

Playing Fetch

Yes, our very adorable and talented Marty plays fetch, just like a dog !!!
I learned this right away after bringing him home and playing with him for a bit . . . he would just chase after his ball and bring it right back to me !!

Now we have a routine of playing fetch in the morning while I'm eating breakfast, and then after I get home from work at night . . . I don't know who's better trained: him or me !!! We do have to take the "blue guy" (pictured above) away at night, though, or he'll be chasing it around our bed all night long !! So funny to constantly see him carrying something in his mouth like this, especially after living with Tibbs all these years, who never carries anything around ! What a sweet boy !!

Gotta go . . . the "blue guy" just landed at my feet . . . looks like it's time for another round of fetch !!!

"Makes Me Smile" Monday

Maybe it was being able to lounge around and enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee yesterday. Or perhaps all of the Thanksgiving issues of my magazines have got me thinking about the little things I'm thankful for. And the upcoming holidays have gifts on my mind, too. I think a combination of all three brought this guy to mind:

. . . my Starbucks coffee grinder !!!

It's not something I use a lot . . . I usually drink coffee, if at all, only on the weekend. But it always brings a smile to my face when I remember it's story . . . !

It was about 8 or 9 years ago, when Jack and I were living outside of Boston. Jack was a full-time seminary student, and I was working at my first real job (the dental job from hell !). We didn't have much money at all, and were on a very strict budget that didn't really include things like morning coffee from Dunkin Donuts, much less eating out . . . it was a rare treat !! So when one of my co-workers gave me this coffee grinder for Christmas, I was beyond thrilled ! Now I could grind my own coffee beans and enjoy some lovely fresh coffee of my own. It felt like such a luxury at that time . . . and how did she know I'd always wanted one ??!?!!! It was such a simple, sweet gift that meant more to me than my co-worker ever knew. I always think of her when I use it, and hope that maybe a gift I give will touch someone in the same way.

Happy Monday . . . back to the grind !!!!

"Makes Me Smile" Monday

Marty is constantly making me smile and laugh . . . he's quite the little ball of energy !!! Here's one of his favorite pastimes . . .

Makes eating dinner a bit of a challenge !!

I also found something at work today that made me laugh . . . it was left to me by the office manager I replaced, tucked into the file where information about any delinquent accounts is kept. It reads:

*BULLETIN*

"The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has determined that the maximum load capacity on my butt is two persons at one time, unless I install handrails and safety straps. As you have arrived sixth in line to ride my ass today, please take a number and wait your turn. Thank you."

That seems to sum up the typical Monday, today included !! Here's to a happy Monday, with no need for handrails and safety straps !!!

Lazy Fall Sunday

A wonderful, lazy Sunday today . . . and well-deserved ! Both Jack & I had to work yesterday ( a 5 1/2 day week for me . . . and another one this week !), so today has been completely lazy . . . sleeping late, hanging out in our jammies, watching movies and catching up on last week's TV shows, eating yummy Fall comfort food . . . perfect.

A beautiful autumn day outside, with bright blue skies to show off the foliage . . .
. . . and just a few "moody" clouds (that's how I refer to them in my mind !) hanging over the neighborhood . . .

And with the arrival of October, I've been on a mission to actually make a lot of the Fall recipes that I've had dog-eared for years and haven't yet tried . . . roasted butternut squash & pear soup (yum !), a new recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip muffins . . . and the list goes on. Today it was homemade pumpkin spice waffles (threw a few mini chocolate chips in, too !) for brunch . . .

. . . . and cider marinated short ribs (lovely marinade above). Just can't get enough of the season's flavors !!!!

So thankful for a beautiful, lazy, comfort food-filled Sunday !!

"Makes Me Smile" Monday

I love getting away, taking vacation, travelling . . . and I love coming home !! It's my haven, my sanctuary . . . where I love to be.

A little road trip this past weekend and some chatting with friends about houses left me with a swell of appreciation and love for our home . . . I always love and appreciate it, but somehow being away, even for a weekend, can deepen that love and make it swell a bit !!

This is one of my favorite views of a part of our home, looking from the kitchen through the dining room and into the living room . . . just love the reds and yellows and greens, and the gleam of the sun on the hardwood . . . . and it makes me smile !!

Here's to a little "house love" to start the week !!

"Makes Me Smile" Monday

Oh, beautiful autumn !!! The first day of October and the arrival of fall is making me smile today ! Even though it's a bit on the warm side here for this time of year, signs of fall are all around. My favorite time of year !!

Just a smattering of autumn-inspired pictures today:

Happy Fall to all !!!