Getting ready.

Thanks Ali...for mentioning the Easter post from last year....
It's amazing how many things we look forward to but we have to sit down, slow down and be grateful for whats ahead in life...I need to do that more often for sure!!!
Hugs..
Dedra.

Hi Ali,
Just wanted to say thanks again for making CKU so special. Meeting you was the highlight and I'm already planning for Team Scrappy's big comeback! Wondering if you could tell me what camera you use and if you have good resources for learning about taking good digital photography. Thanks! Jillian

Hope you have a great REAL vacation!

I'm jealous...I want to go to Artfest! Have a fun time!

What classes are you taking at ArtFest? I've really been enjoying reading your blog and seeing those adorable pictures of Simon (does he smile ALL the time?). I would love to say "hello" to you at AF.

I completely identify with your post today... always getting ready... I too am getting ready to celebrate the life of a grandparent this weekend. My grandfather recently passed away, his memorial service is Saturday. It's so nice to have good grandparents, and good memories of them.

Lately instead of "getting ready to. . ." I feel like "I'm still. . ."! Still working on my WORD (SIMPLIFY). Still working on the kitchen/dining area. Still need to clean the garage. Still waiting for the sun and warmth of a beautiful IL day!
We'll be thinking of you this weekend!

Hey Ali!
Maybe I will see you on Sunday at the Wiggles! My son and I are going to the 1:30 performance. Excited that the wiggles are coming to the Hult Center. Should be fun!

I like your new red chair!! Cute. Who makes it? Lily is cute. A dog(s) is a must for a family!

Hey Ali. My husband's Mother passed a year ago this month (actually she died on her 84th birthday; his Dad passed many years ago). For Christmas I took the photos we had on display at her service, scanned them and then put together a hardbound photobook (through one of the online services) with photos of the family over the years. They had 5 kids so I grouped the pages by their early pics, then for each child and their subsequent marriage and family. Since we could not be there, I had them delivered to them on Christmas Eve where they were all gathered in Chicago. They told me they all sat around and looked through the books and laughed and cried together. It turned out to be a special gift for each of them that will always be a reminder of their parents and its a great way to celebrate their lives. Just another way photography and scrapbooking can help us through the tough times. Best wishes and prayers to you and your family as you celebrate Grandma Cathy this weekend.
Amy K in FL

Ali-I've wanted that chair from IKEA forever!!!!! It's so cool-is it comfortable??

Hi Ali,
Just spent all day devouring your book, Life Artist. Love it!

Love the quote today... how true.
Nothing better than the Wiggles live... I always meant for my kids to bring Red Rose tea for Dorothy.
Happy Easter celebrations!

I, finally, got my copy of "Life Artist." I'm only to page 15. I have so much stuff I get to work/play with right now. I'm spreading out my book indulgence. I decided not to skim, then delve. But, just to sink my teeth into every page. I am loving your book. Loving. I've been jotting notes of things that I want to make as I go. Inspiration. Thoughts. This is already, for me, an amazing experience. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for making this inspiring book. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself. Thank you for being such a person of growth, and thoughtfulness. Thank you.

thanks for keeping it real. happy easter!

Hi Ali!
We will be two ships passing in the day/night this weekend...
I live in Eastern Oregon (we have a ranch near Haines), and the kidlets and I are headin' to Seattle for our Spring Break! Drive safe...
Peace to you and your family...

hi!! i'm a regular reader, but i usually just lurk. i'll be at artfest for my 6th consecutive year (yea!). hope to cross paths with you to say hi. i'll be on the lookout! you won't believe how awesome it's going to be!!

ali. i am sorry for the loss of your grandma. losing grandparents is never easy. but celebrating is a great idea. enjoy the time with your family remembering all the great things about your grandma. and her amazing life.

Ali, I love visiting your blog on a daily basis. You are such an inspiration, and I feel like I know and love Simon. Thanks for being a friend in this technological age!
Also, my sympathies on the loss of your grandmother. Both of my grandmothers have been gone since the 80's and I still cherish my memories. I know you will too!

Grandmas are so very special - whether in our homes or in our hearts. :) Happy Easter !

Will be thinking of you this weekend as you celebrate your Grandma's wonderful gifts to each of you.

That is so funny....we have the exact same office chair...except mine is pink. :-)

Yes I relate, I feel like I'm always getting ready for something.
Have fun at The Wiggles, we are going in 2 weeks, I'm so excited. I'm Australian and took my eldest son to see them all the time when we lived there, the twins will be 18 months when we go and they just love them.
Thanks for the link to the easter traditions, I've made a bunch of notes and will certainly be using some of those ideas this year :)

You've definately been busy getting ready for a lot of things this past week. I hope you enjoy your vacation time with Chris and Simon.
Sue