Thirty-ninth New Thing

CrissCross Creations include the comfy plush towel twists for your hair after shower. No more bulky towel head! All three of my girls use and love these. I personally keep one in my travel bag as well. I traced a store purchased Turbie twist several years ago and traced the pattern onto newspaper to create my own. With the leftover terry cloth you can make a pouch to put a bar of soap in and use instead of the bath sponges that tend to fall apart after awhile.

VIntage Tie eyeglass case

Thirty-eighth New Thing

As promised, a long time ago, I will upload pictures of a few creations from my line "Criss-Cross Creations. Some of my products are rooted with deep memories and affection using clothing from my late husband. I just couldn't bring myself to Good-Will his clothing and I'm so thankful I didn't. I try to create or re-create items using everything from his ties to sweaters. My 38th new thing is to begin uploading pictures occasionally and possibly directions for those fellow crafters and bloggers. Who knows maybe some will show up on Pinterest! The first creation are vintage eyeglass cases. You can pick up old ties at Good-Will, garage sales, auctions etc... I personally used my husband's ties. Stay tuned for pics and directions.

Thirty-seventh New Thing

Side business is expanding thanks to a few added new creations by CrissCross Creations - my logo and business card! Along with the boutique scarves, curling iron cozies, vintage eyeglass cases, and towel turban sets, I've added super cool travel laundry bags and sweater gadget cozies! I will be uploading these finished products-some with directions, onto Pinterest! Pinterest is definitely spreading my horizons for new creations and creating some of my own. If you haven't checked Pinterest out yet - you don't know what you are missing! Spend some time this summer and browse, organize bulletin boards and share your own findings. Search for me on Pinterest, follow me and check out my boards so far. Happy pinning!

Thirty-sixth New Thing

Well it has certainly been tooooooo long. I didn't realize how much I missed you Blog, until I-read my friend Beth's blog today. Definitely need to experience and finish this blog. It was a goal of mine to experience 50 new things at 50-well I'm still 50-something, and I'm ready to add another "new thing". I've been growing my hair long for the past two years. Although it has been fun reliving my high school hair days, I sure didn't learn any new techniques for styling my hair! I was inspired by my daughter Samantha and nieces Shelby and Olivia to donate to the Locks of Love Organization, so Friday, May 18, one student's name from my school will be drawn out of the "Locks of Love" box to take center stage and CHOP MY LOCK! My students in my Teacher Advisory period will be collecting donations and writing student names on slips of paper for the raffle. My hair and all proceeds will be sent to the Locks of Love organization. I will be changing my profile picture of course:)

Thirty-fifth New Thing - A New Budding Business!

Nimble fingers might produce the next big thing at the Fleur! The Fleur is a charming store located in a french settlement in northwest Kansas. My mother, at 88, a crafter of many items supplies items for the store, as well as many others. The owners (3 sisters) supply their store with the goods of many crafters and provide new items they purchase to sell.
My youngest daughter learned to knit from her grandmother over the Christmas break, and I decided that she and her older sister needed to teach me to knit also. Since Christmas, I took the plunge and began knitting boutique fashion scarves, that wrap around the neck and enclose with a large button- I must admit they are adorable and warm! Kansas girls like to be warm while looking adorable:)
I have my printed business cards and a new business "CrissCross Creations". I'm toying with a few other crafty items include vintage eyeglass cases made from vintage ties, and travel bags for curling irons!
I'll post right away if Vogue picks up my unique fashion scarves!!!!

Whirling 5 months - I've missed you so.....

The last time I wrote we just found out we were expecting twins. I say we, because I think I treaded each major step with my ever-growing daughter. So very anxious to discover if our little bundles were boys, girls, or one of each, my kids were determined to be surprised this time. And surprised we were with the unexpected emergency cesarean April 13th. Two beautiful baby boys entered this world with a multitude of frightening health concerns.
God is good and he blessed us with an Easter miracle and the boys survived their health concerns and actually became non-existent God is so powerful like that!
My 2 1/2 year old grandson Hayden continues to play trains around his twins brothers, and I can only just imagine all the great memories my daughter and her husband will have raising three boys. I can only imagine because my memories are of raising three girls and that was a joy beyond joy! I'm so very lucky to be a NANA!

Thirty-third New Thing-Twins

Just when I didn't think my life as a new Nana could be more grand, my daughter Jen and her husband Clint discovered they were soon-to-be parents of fraternal twins. I'm already so very blessed with my 2 year-old grandson who I absolutely adore. He is going to be a wonderful big brother. And me - I'm going to be a twinerrific Nana!
I will give you all the details as soon as our babies are born. Please help me pray for health and safe deliveries for my daughter and her unborn babies.

A New Year Begins

I can't believe I began this blog one year ago. I've missed blogging the past few months, and am anxious to continue to reach my 50 New things! I've definitely added some new things to my list, but must admit they are not very note-worthy. Working on new committees at school, becoming team leader, adding Enrichment classes, although necessary and new, really aren't very exciting. Certainly nothing to write home about!!!!
What I can tell you is that I have a new attitude about the New Year! I'm already planning some quality time vacationing and spending time with family and friends.
Hang in there with me - I will be sharing some all-so-new things:)

Thirty-second New Thing- A Diet Are You Kidding Me?

No joke - I went to my yearly physical and got the works, blood drawn, weighed, ticker checked out, ears, mouth - you name it my doctor checked it. Much to my demise she had received my blood results. Man that lab is fast - a little too fast.
I should preface this news with a very long day at work. I was fasting for ten hours with only water to drink. Between my tummy growling at me and my students deciding that today would be a good day to have recess in the classroom (we don't have recess in middle school) I was to say the least a bit edgy getting my blood drawn. Evidently my blood had a bone to pick with my cholesterol level. Ouch! And to make it worse my doctor is real happy about an increase in 40 points from last year, otherwise putting me right at the watch it or I put you on meds!
I would've never made a good druggie - I can't stand to take vitamins! So, with compliments from my doctor I now have several pieces of literature to read about my new Low/No Cholesterol DIET! This is going to be a tough one I told myself while ordering Mucho Nacho chips with no beans on my way home!
Ok I'm serious today though - no more cholesterol for me - wish me luck! I am looking at the positive of all this bad news - a teacher friend told me today that a little red wine daily will help - CHEERS!

Thirty-first New Thing- A New Square Dance

Promenade and do si do - I just attended my first Promenade in Manhattan, Kansas. Although it wasn't a real square dance - what it was - was a scrumptious wine tasting and and yummy edibles and a variety of shops in Manhattan. They don't call it the "Little Apple" for nothing! Three women traveling with a wine glass and a purse with a credit card who could ask for more. I must admit however, I only purchased one box of canneloni shells. I can't wait for my next dinner party.
I think I need to spend more time in "The Little Apple" since I may not get to the "Big Apple."

Thirtieth New Thing - Extreme Makeover

Well it's official - I signed up for an Extreme (Spiritual) Makeover. Tonight I will attend the first study with women who are Reflecting the Heart of Christ in Their Priorities. After all if Christ is in the right place in our lives - surely we will recognize it right? Well I hope so - that's why I need an extreme makeover:)
I can't wait to get to the "Heart" of the matter - put my life in order! I can't wait to meet some fabulous new women friends. I can't wait to experience and witness the presence of Christ in my life to expose others too! I can't wait.. I can't wait....... I can't wait......
Can you tell I'm just a little bit excited for Bible Study tonight?

Twenty-ninth New THing-Starbooks Cafe

This year to challenge and embrace reading with my students I opened the Starbooks Cafe! On special Read-In days, 2 -3 a month, I become a barista and offer hot tea, hot cocoa, and two different flavors of cappuccino, with extra marshmallows or whip cream as desired! My students pay .25 for their choice of drink. At the end of the year we will donate the money to a worthy cause selected by me according to the most persuasive piece of writing. I also teach writing!
I just love coffee - especially with a little whip cream and chocolate drizzle!

Twenty-eighth New Thing - Extreme Makeover

I'm ready for an Extreme Makeover - with the Word! Just joined a new women's bible study that I'm really excited about. The Spiritual Extreme Makeover Heart Edition "Reflecting the Heart of Christ in my Priorities" - whoa I need this makeover!
I hope to conquer a makeover for the rest of the areas that need it too. After all you have to challenge the inside before you can accept the outside. Suddenly everything looks brighter with the Lord on your side! He needs to be my first priority!

Twenty-seventh New Thing - Participation

Although it has been five years since I donated my kidney to my husband, I've agreed to participate in a study for living donors at the Cleveland Institute. I had the pure joy of meeting the nephrologist in charge of the study, Dr. Merriam Weiss. She was an absolute compassionate and highly intelligent woman. I suppose all doctors are:) Through our discussion I certainly learned a great deal about myself that I had kept well-hidden for years. I always thought centering on my memories would bring undeniable pain to me - that seemed to be my track record. I was pleasantly surprised at what I confided in her and how painless the process of reflecting on that walk with my husband was now. I know my grief of losing him is still so great. I also know that I won't ever really be okay, but I can and have learned to adapt and adjust to a new life without him. Thank you Dr. Merriam for your enlightenment and continued support.

Twenty-sixth New Thing 5K Race to End the Wait!

Madison was beautiful and the people even more so. Samantha and I met so many wonderful people all with a special story of why they were there. The 5k Race was titled End the Wait! I had the good fortune of racing with a fellow middle school teacher named Gina. She too was a living donor - she too shared her story of heartache and renewal of life for her little girl. And by the way that little girl, now 8 took home a gold medal in the 1K in her age division!
I didn't come in last. God is good! I did jog in drenched with sweat but oh so happy! My baby girl there watching and grinning from ear to ear telling me how proud she was of me. That was my gold medal!
If you've never tried something but feel compelled to make a statement, I would like to encourage you to get involved with something you are passionate about and discover what you can do to make a statement! I have a passion for organ donation. I was running for the memory of my husband, Doug, the real athlete in the family. I hope I made him proud - heaven only knows:)

Twenty-fifth New Thing-Curves

Today is the day-yahoo! I joined Curves. I've got my gray exercise capris and cute green t-shirt, hair pulled up, new tennies on-I'm ready! At 9:00 am I'll get weighed and measured and learn all the fitness equipment at Curves. Curves is a women's fitness center that focuses on strengthening and toning. Boy do I need both! I ended my membership at the YMCA and will go to Zumba still but realized with school starting up in less than a month I needed exercise in my daily life. I'm not getting any younger-ouch! I was much too intimidated with the work-out equipment at the YMCA and I never used the bikes or treadmills since I have a treadmill at home. The money for Zumba exercise and the membership fee just wasn't sizing up. So my neighbor encouraged me to try Curves for the same money I was spending at the Ymca. I could make my own schedule and show up when it worked best for me. What a win-win situation! Now I really don't have an excuse to get fit at 50!

Ooops that was Twenty not Tenty!

Sorry readers. As you can tell from my blog I was a bit upset and crazy and typed Tenty instead of Twenty in the title. That or I wasn't wearing my glasses!!!! Either way I had a really bad day with Sally!

Tenty-fourth New Thing Sally Sequel

Although it's not pretty or funny, I must admit everytime the story has been told it gets a huge - make that hysterical laugh! I have a feeling it will be "The Story" at the family reunion in two weeks.
We haven't had the best of weather lately. Lots of rain - make that lots and lots of rain lately which dampened the 4th of July festivities in Kansas this year!
It just so happened that my wonderful brother-in-law Don and sister Gerry decided to come and support me in my first car show venture. My youngest daughter Sam moved home for the month of July as well last Saturday and was devoted to being a support to Sally and me at the car show. It was to be a very exciting July 3rd!
At 4:00 my sister followed me to Carey Park so I could park and register Mustang Sally. She was a shining beauty among the other classic cars. We drove back home so we could freshen up a bit before the 6:00 show time! Much to our dismay it began to rain so my brother-in-law Don agreed to take me back to the park so he could help me latch the top which of course was down since convertibles show classier when the top is down. I am just sick to my stomach knowing it is raining down on Sally. As we hurriedly pulled into the park in a major downpour, Don missed the first turn but not to worry there was a second turn in. There was however some yellow tape kind of surrounding the area which we discovered was to section off a low pond that we happened to drive into. Yep, you read correctly we drove into the pond and after a few minutes were busy bailing muddy water out of the car seeping up through the underneath of his Buick LaCrosse with two coffee cups. We were a frantic sight and among the many people at the park, only 4 young kids waded in the water to try to push us out. I called triple A for the second time that week - don't ask about the first call a few days prior - and after bailing water in the pouring rain for 40 minutes a truck came by and hitched a chain to Don's bumper and successfully pulled us out. We were sure to be on YouTube or the front page of the newspaper since there were many budding young journalist/photographers taking pictures of us with their cameras and phones. UGH!
We did finally get to the very waterlogged Mustang Sally and managed to put the top up and drive her home. I dried her the best I could and called the insurance company today since she of course is refusing to start. I think she thinks I'm taking her out in to the big bad world again!

Twenty-third New Thing- Mustang Sally

I'm entering my first ever car show at the Hutch Fest tomorrow. I'm a little nervous about taking Sally out to mingle with all the other hot rods, but my sister and brother-in-law(a pro car show buff) are visiting for the weekend to support me and Sally.
I must admit she does look rather pretty. I armor-aled the interior and used a new product, a waterless wash and wax for the body. Her pretty little red body is just glistening away in the garage right now. She's got her top down and buttoned for the venture tomorrow. She's also a little shy so I hope she doesn't feel inferior next to other classic cars or old jalopies. She's a fire-engine red 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang with a white leather interior. Most of her is all original - and I'm proud of that!
Who knows this could be the first of many car shows to come.