It's Picture Day

Got a little camera happy today. The first picture is of the dogs. Okay, we have a terrible yard. It's a nice, large fenced in yard, but the ground inside the fence is absolute crap. The perimeter of our yard has a nice worn path from the dogs running up and down the fence line. There are little holes here and there where the dogs got a hankering to dig. The garden in the corner is usually a little too overgrown but whatever. Let's not even talk about the "land mines" dotting the surface.

We're like the people who have a terrible couch but don't see the point in buying a new one until the kids are older. As fussy as I am, when I see the daily abuse our lawn receives, I totally "get" that mentality.

Anyway, there is one particular spot in the yard where there used to be a stump. Adam had pulled it out and planted grass but nothing every seems to work so every year it ends up being a dead looking part of the yard. It's also the place the dogs love to relax. On sunny days they take turns laying in that spot (though Junior, the lazy one, seems to hog it the most). In this picture they are ALL enjoying the weather and catching some zzzz's. Pretty rare thing, really.

Next is a photo of the cool display stand that I scored at my church's garage sale for $.25

Pretty sweet huh? It's a nice brass base with some bendy arms.

Here are some close ups of the invites featured on the rack.

She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes . . .

Mountain of wedding invites that is. With businesses gearing up for spring and the grads graduation, printing and invites are flying out of Sara Paper day and night. Holy cow is it busy!

And speaking of Spring - where the heck is it? Adam is going to a Reds game on Sunday. I would be jealous except for the fact that it might be sunny and nice but who knows, it could be snowing.

I have to admit that we had great weather for the community garage sales last weekend. I made it out to a few of them. Found a nice display rack for invitations so I was happy.

Now a shout out to Administrative Professionals. Today is their day. I "celebrated" in traditional Sara Paper fashion and ate cake. It's not that I eat cake all the time. I really don't. It just seems that I happen to have cake on the days I decide to post here. Today I attended the "South Western Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon." Wow, say that three time fast. I had a booth with the newest designs and joy of joy, Susan Kreig of The Pie Shell was there with her CARROT CAKE - my favorite. Thanks Susan!

Yeah, ummmm, "Hi, how have you been?"

It's been awhile since my last post. Things have been craaaaazy. Just nuts. But in a good way. My apologies to anyone who had to wait for anything. I think I'm FINALLY caught up (opps, just jinxed myself, didn't I)

Because Easter is just a day away we'll revisit Easter Day, 1944 with Harry and Helen (you are welcome Chiara and Melanie - I know you've been waiting)

April 9, 1944 - Happy Easter Darling!

You probably didn't receive a letter from me yesterday, as I was pretty tired when I got home last night and felt it would be better if I didn't write when I was so tired - and rather provoked. More about that later.

I have to reconsider Saturday's happenings first. First of all, I had two swell letters from you, honey. One was one of the nicest I've ever received from you. It was the one where you reminisced about 1937 and of us in general. I've come to the conclusion that we are madly in love! And honey, when you come on that furlough, it will be just like getting married all over again. (note: GO, Helen! Yeeeeah) One, thing, I'll bet we'll have plenty of entertainment - if you get what I mean. (note: umm, yeah Helen, we get it.)
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Then Helen goes on at length about her friend Adeline is being a pain in the butt. (My words - not Helens) In my opinion, Helen has a tendency to be "high maintenance" but she seems justified in this particular tirade and I had to feel sorry for her. Helen is pretty depressed and juding from the sound of this letter - badly in need of a man. Anyway, I digress . . .
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Now for Sunday's activities. Got up at 7:30 this morning and washed then got a chicken dinner. I had sinus so went to bed at 2:00 and staryed until 5:15. I felt much better when I got up. The people here didn't get much of a chance to show off their Easter finery as it rained the whole day. Let's hope that next Easter we'll see the Resurrection of Peace over the world. With this hope in mind I look forward to Easter in 1945.
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Helen goes back to her laments about her girl friends before launching into her sentimental mode.
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Honey, speaking of Sept. 29, 1937 - how I was in hopes you'd kiss me!! Didn't we have a wonderful time though? Remember how I sat on your lap coming home and what a terrible time Carl had to fix the date? Honey, when you stop to think, doesn't fate deal funny hands? I hope you will always feel that I have been a good wife. My ambition is to be the one to you and to make you love me forever. I know that I shall love you unto Eternity.

You surely know by now that I love you very much, but I must keep on telling you so you never forget it. Darling, you are what I live for and believe me, I'm proud of the fact that it is you. Darling, I realize all the sacrifices you are making and know that the inconveniences I'm put to by the war couldn't possibly match those you have and the loneliness you experience. Sometimes I feel better than other times, but all the time I remember I have you to love and to love me. You make the world go round and make things worth doing.

Darling, I'm proud to be your wife and don't you ever forget it. Also, remember dear that the most important job at the present time is serving as a private in Uncle Sam's army. You know how you'd feel if you weren't in it.

Devotedly, Helen

And on that note: Happy Easter to all! Say a prayer for those who are currently serving our country and not able to be with their families. Pray also, for those who aren't able to pray freely. I know I'll be counting all my blessings on Sunday.

There's more to life than cake . . .

Spring is just a buzzing. Especially the last couple days which have been excellent weather days. Some days I feel like I want the world to just STOP for a couple hours so I can get a few extra things done. But times keeps rolling on and I'm not the only one who is a busy bee.

The First Communion Event at Emmy's Bridal was a lot of fun. The Family Fun Finder gals had lots of nice door prizes for the girls to sign up for. Plus they made little coupon packets and cards to hand out. The little girls looked so cute, and let's not forget Susan Krieg from The Pie Shell who came armed with yummy cake.

While at Emmy's we also got to watch girls model their choices for prom dresses. There are some amazing dresses out right now for prom. You wouldn't believe the selection at Emmy's. We all commented a few times, "wow, if you can't find a dress here . . ." Special thanks to the gal that probably tried on 20 dresses. She was a good sport and let us comment and vote on her choices.

Along with prom there is graduation, baby showers, Mother's Day and of course tons of weddings coming up. I hope everyone will give me a call and see what I can offer for these events. I don't think there is a job that is too big or small for me. It's not a problem if you only need something like 15 graduation invites. In this economy a small job is still a job and I'm a big fan of work.

Just when you thought the cake season was over . . .

After three bridal shows I was pretty sure I'd had my fill of cake for awhile. Since Thursday I had cake three times. (four times if you count the double helping I had on Sat. night - opps).

The Thursday cake was probably the best. Krafty Friend Kat and I decided to get lost in the antique shops of Wapak. First we had to have lunch though. The Cloud Nine Cafe in downtown Wapak was excellent. Kat enjoyed a light but filling quiche and I gobbled up an excellent ceasar salad. I couldn't resist the dessert of the day, homemade, Italian Cream Cake. Yumm-y! Even with me forcing Kat to eat part of it I couldn't finish it and took it home to enjoy later.

Saturday the New Bremen American Legion celebrated it's birthday and of course birthday cake was in order. After the dinner we carried over into the canteen and enjoyed karaoke. The leftover cake was sitting there calling my name. After my sister in law Abi decided to go for a second slice I folded like a stack of cards and followed suit. We had a good time listening to "Adam Cash" and watching "Munch" (my husbands brother) impress everyone with his awesome card tricks.

Then finally today was Adams nephews second birthday. The birthday boy requested a blue cake with green icing and his mom did that and one better and added sprinkles to the top.

It looks like cake is in the future as well. On Sunday, March 22 from 12-4 there will be a First Communion Feature at Emmy's Bridal in Minster. The little girls can try on dresses and there will be several vendors present as well. I will have a line of First Communion invites and thank you cards. Word is Susan Krieg of The Pie Shell will be there with her cake samples, which is always excellent. This event is being planned in conjunction with the Family Fun Finder.

Finally, I have some photos to share of my first brides of 2009.

The first bride and groom of the season is Tricia Brun and Eric Strausbaugh. Tricia and Eric married on February 7th, in the beautiful St. Augustine Church in Minster, Ohio. Poor Tricia! I don't know how she managed to look so beautiful and graceful on what must have been a FREEZING photo shoot!

Photography by Sara Zircher - Heirloom Images, Ft. Loramie, Ohio

My second couple of the season is Tessa Zircher (of Minster) and Matt McDermitt (of New Bremen). They married on February 21, 2009 in Minster, Ohio amidst snow and cold. Which must have been pretty hard for them as they've been living in Hawaii where Matt is stationed. Looks like they enjoy cake as much as I do. (though I don't normally smear it all over my face when I eat mine - I promise)

Photography by Todd B. Acker, Sidney, Ohio

It was a crazy Friday Night!

You accept that your life is a little boring when your big plans for the weekend include assembling millions of invitations. Truth is, I don't really mind. I invited Krafty Friend Kat to my house on Friday night for a little gabfest to keep me company while I completed a couple order. We had a good time, working well into the night. We chatted about our dream projects and the things we'd do someday and when we had the time. You can cover a lot of ground working through the following supplies.

A whole bin full of daisy brads. we used them all!

Two stacks of beautiful pink.

Also, I keep forgetting to report on an awesome new website that I think will be very valuable to brides in the Auglaize/Mercer County areas. It's called www.419bride.com. My friend Kellie Keck of Pearls and a Black Dress Makeup Artistry started it. I haven't officially joined yet (sorry Kellie -soon, I promise, soon!) but I think it's just awesome. I'll report more later.

Lots of things coming up. Sunday, March 22 is a First Communion Dress Try-On Day at Emmy's Bridal in Minster. I'll have a table with some cute designs. The Administrative Professional Day Luncheon is happening in April. Also in April is the Third Annual MAC Wing-Fest at the New Bremen American Legion. So maybe life isn't so boring after all.

And now, Harry and Helen . . .
November 24, 1943
Dearest Harry,
Betty and I are out here at 3620 waiting for the fire to burn so we can go to bed. I don't know why I'm so tired all the time. I worked right straight through tonight until 7:30. Mr. Koerbers financial advisor was in today to see if we can possibly get an increase in pay. I know $2.00 extra a week would sure help me out. (note: wow!) Mr. Koerber asks me very often how you are and also said that we must be very devoted to one another. I surely assured him too.

After we got home this evening, Mr. Whitenack came over with the garage rent. I forgot to tell you but he has cleaned up the garage and changed sides with me. I told Mr. Whitenack to keep that money for cleaning it up but he wouldn't hear of it.

Gee darling, I love you so much and just wish I could tell you some different way, so until then we'll let Uncle Sam's postal service help us out. I shall always love you though darling. I just wish my prayers would be answered. Do I pray for you to be home? Yes, but others to be home too - for the whole d--- war to be over with. (Note: poor Helen, little did she know she'd have to carry on another two years)

Until then, my dear, I love you. Devotedly, Helen

Ladies and Gents - we have some winners!

Hello to all. It seems like it's been forever since my last post and so much has been happening. First of all, the Fasching Fest was Fasulous. Adam worked really hard to keep the event as fun as years past and I do believe he did it. They served over 300 meals (cooked to delicious perfection by Wagner's IGA in Minster. http://www.wagnersiga.com/
Then Bette's Polka Band carried on until 9:00. They did a great job and everyone seemed excited to be out celebrating "Fat Tuesday"! All through the night Adam had door prizes. I had to laugh because a woman from Kalida won the Free Chinese Lunch Buffet for a restaurant here in town. I enjoy the food at China 88 but Kalida is kind of a distance from us you know. She was just pleased as punch to have won something. Then later in the night she won the 50/50 drawing, which I believe was almost $250. Not a bad night for Kalida folks.

Now onto the real excitement . . . the winners of the Prize Promo!!!!
I busted into Emmy's Bridal http://www.emmysbridal.com/shortly before they closed on Sat. to ask them to pull some names for me. Lori Rindler, co-owner, (seen below with her employee) was happy to do so. I'm happy to congratulate three gals. Maria Bornhorst of Minster won $250 prize package. She is getting married to Joel Mendes in Columbus. Another $250 package went to Lauren Warner of New Bremen who is getting married to Adam Meyer of Minster (who might have actually gradutated with Maria, I'm not sure).

And my grand prize winner is Jenni Pohlman of Maria Stein! She is marrying Tom Wynk on June 6th.

Congrats to these ladies and good luck to you all as you plan your big day!