All is Well

Yes, I'm here. Alive and kicking. Well, not really kicking, but sitting at the moment. In my nice comfy chair. I know it's time to check in when people start emailing asking if everything is ok. Thank you for thinking of me. All is well. I've just been taking it easy and being a mama. My favorite thing to do.

So, let's catch up here.....

My computer got another doozie of a virus which required it to go to the computer hospital for a long time. I gotta tell ya, I am OVER having computer viruses. Who are these people who have nothing better to do but sit around and create viruses? Seriously.

It was strange not having a computer. But kinda nice, I must admit. Needless to say, I haven't read a blog in weeks. No clue what's going on in the Blogosphere. I need to catch up!

Mario started pre-school {2nd year of it, as he's not 5 yet and his birthday falls right after the cutoff for Kindergarten.} This is ok with me, since I'm not ready to let him go all day anyway.  At home, I've been teaching him to read and, so far so good.

Been making jewelry during Sam's naps. I had set a goal this past Spring that I would make a lot of jewelry this year, and it's been slow going. I enjoy jewelry making, and it feels very natural to me. It's exciting to play around with different configurations and see a piece begin to come together. So, little by little, piece by piece, I'm adding to the collection. Hope to have it for sale sometime in October.

George has been making the most delicious meals, and I think I may never cook again. Did I tell you he's an excellent cook? I tell him everyday how lucky I am. He loves to cook and I don't stand in his way. This was a quick simple meal tonight {'cause I needed to go out and find a dress for Hope's wedding} but still so yummy. Caprese Paninis. {fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil pesto on good crusty bread}

I recently made enough pesto to freeze and hopefully get us through the winter. I'll blog the recipe soon. Easy and delicious. Can you smell that basil?

Been organizing the craft room.  An endless task.

Got all of the boys' summer clothes put away and labeled, and I rotated out Mario's old 2T clothes into Sammy's drawers and closet. What do you think, does he have enough plaid button-down shirts?

Planning the boys' October birthday party. A circus theme. Keeping it simple with a few fun details. I found these invitations on etsy and thought they were adorable. Ordered them tonight. {picture is from the seller's etsy shop.}

Hold on, I have to go change the song that's playing on my ipod.

Ok, I'm back. It was "Almost Paradise" {the 80's song}, and I have no clue how it got on my ipod. But it's not good, and all I can think of are mullets. LOL... I think it must have been on a soundtrack that I downloaded. Anyway...

Lots more going on too. I can't tell you just now, but soon enough.....

Enjoy your week, my friends!
xo

Comments

[Jeni Carlson]

Love the update and all the photos. And congratulations on being on the cover of Somerset Life. Your bookmarks are beautiful! I will keep watching and hoping they are in your shop someday.

[DeeDee Roe]

Liked the update. :) All that jewelry - yum!

[koralee]

So nice to see what you have been up to...I have missed you! Being a mom is so important and it looks like you get an A+ in that department! xoxoxo

[Rachael]

A nice catch up post Andrea, can't believe how your Mario has grown, such a mature looking boy now! When I first came across you he was very young and there was no Sam!!! Rachaelxo

[Amy Galluch]

Pesto! That's what I can do with all my basil. Thanks for the idea!

[That Girl, Ang]

Wow you have been busy... as annoying as it is not to have a computer.. you get oh so much more done! LOL

Great post!

[sadie]

Sometimes I have to keep the computer switched off so I can get things done without being distracted. :o) I'm always amazed at how much 'extra' time I seem to have when I don't let myself surf around reading blogs!

Being a Mummy is the super best job. Hard work, no time off, low pay (if any!) 24 hours a day, but worth every minute.

Talking of which, my little rascal is back upstairs after breakfast with Daddy, so time I was off. Am going to nag my husband, who is not a good cook and could do with learning! I want toasted sarnies like yours. Oh well, I'll just have to make one myself ;o)

have a great week xxx

[Zita - Mlle Magpie]

So glad you're back, Andrea! You've certainly been busy - can't wait to see your finished jewellery. p.s. what a pain about your computer - did you know that Mac's are much more resistant to viruses? (unlike me, my Mac has never been sick :)

[gabrielle]

What a pretty inspiration board woith those cute boys on! And, Gasp!! The jewelry!! You always have the most beautiful things, Andrea! Yes, I'd say the boys are good to go in the plaid shirt department.... Oh, I love the circus theme. I have been gatherng circus themed things here and there for the girls' party, next year!

[lisa]

i can imagine what other 'footloose' songs you have roaming around on your ipod! maybe it was a little foreigner (waiting for a girl like you) and who can resist a little 80's quiet riot while you 'bang your head'. i KNEW you had that soundtrack! ha :)

[hope]

Oh - my heart fluttered when I read "for Hope's wedding"! It is so close!

Love that photo of Mario.
xo

[Bunny Rose Cottage]

Hi Andrea :) Your little guy is just a doll! I know what you mean about letting him go. My second to youngest started kindergarten this year :( He goes all day every day and I am having a hard time with it!!

Your jewels are so pretty! I cant wait to see what you are working on :)

I LOVE paninis!! I have one every day for lunch. Yours look so good. I love a good pesto!

So glad you are back :)
Hugs,
Amy

[Wendy McDonagh-Valentine]

That panini just made me sooooooooo hungry!! Tell your hubby he can come and cook at our house anytime!!! : )

~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

[Leah C]

Busy, busy, busy...see what happens when we "disconnect" from our computers:) Mmmmmm, mmmm those paninis look yummy{kudos George} and I love pesto; can't wait for that recipe! Glad you're back in blogland;)

[ann]

Hi Andrea! Beautiful post...I just saw your gorgeous velvet bookmarks on the new cover of Somerset Life Autumn 09!!! They are gorgeous!

[holly]

I have that issue too!...mullet moments with the ipod! I must have floated back to a "feeling/memory" when I hit the "buy" button...eek! I;m a sucker for the 80's. =)

[Jill]

Glad to see you are back Andrea!

[Mitzi Curi]

Andrea, your Mario looks so proud and happy to go to school. Absolutely charming! Wish we could all have his attitude every day when we leave for work!

[georgiapeachez]

You have been so busy and productive! I should get off the computer and get busy. xo, suzy

[Andrea Villarreal]

Glad to see you are back. All those vintage jewel bits look lovely:) I am off to VA on Sunday I hear I am in for a treat in Tyson's Corner. Wish I wasn't going to be in school all day......

[Cheri]

Looking at those sandwiches made me very hungry! And so much wonderful jewelry! How fun it must be to run your fingers through piles of it.

[Tiffany]

glad you are back!
I am going oujt to pick all my basil now, those sandwiches look too yummy! better freeze some pesto too. Thanks for the thought!
xoxo,

[jeanne]

It sounds like you are truly enjoying life, your boys and your husband. Looking forward to seeing your new jewelry. I love creating pieces too and have enjoyed doing that more lately. Have a wonderful week.

[Connie]

Your pictures are beautiful!

[Robin]

oh your little guy is such a cutie! Lucky you that he has a late birthday and will get to spend another year of snuggle time with his mama!
That table full of bling is to die for!