I'm Sorry

To the individuals I caused distress while honking in my car today... I am SORRY.

You see, as I was leaving a lunch meeting this afternoon, I came upon a left hand turn, with an arrow light. As I approached, the arrow was green. As I moved forward, the car in front of me stood still. I thought the driver was distracted (perhaps like me sometimes on my cell phone when I shouldn't be, or digging for lipstick), so I lightly honked. For the record, I made four short honks. One would have sufficed.

Sill, the car did not move.

That is when I noticed a woman in a motorized wheelchair crossing the street with a companion.

The lady and her companion were significantly older than me. Finally they made it all the way across the walk, and the car in front of me turned safely. I could not turn because the light turned to full green. I waited until the oncoming cars passed and made my left hand turn. I felt aweful for my rude behavior.

The lady and her companion were working their way along the sidewalk, adjacent to the parking lot I was entering. I felt TERRIBLE. I slowed down, pulled over, and shouted out my passenger window. I told the man I was SORRY. I explained I did not see the lady or him. Again, I said, "I am soooo sorry!"

The man did not accept my apology. He response was unkind....

I apologized once again, and moved on.

I was not forgiven - and you know what, that is okay with me.

You see, I didn't apologize simply to make myself feel better. I wanted to make the people I wronged feel better. My apology did not do this.  Their hurt could not be so easily undone.That couple's life is more difficult than mine - tenfold.

 My life is one with a healthy body and and healthy mind. My life is full of blessings, in too many forms to list. My life is filled with joy. I do not walk in their shoes, or ride in their wheelchair.

But, I will say it again, "I am sorry for my impatience. I am sorry I honked at the car waiting to let you pass. I am sorry I hurt you when you already have so much pain in your life. I am sorry."

I am thankful I am Christian, and for a religion that teaches me to repent my sins, and then accept Grace.

Amen

California Girls Weekend

WAYYY back over MEA weekend, I headed off to sunny California with friends. The plan - for Jess, me and Heidi to gather with our friend Dawn in honor of  her 40th birthday. Yup folks - bring on the 40's.

Dawn choose for us to come visit her. WAY BACK WHEN, she use to live in Minnesota. Since then, she married Derek (who is now a Lutheran pastor), lived in California (seminary), then Germany (intern pastor), then Massachusetts (pastor). She had a baby a little over a year ago, and the family moved to a new parish in California 6 months ago. I have not seen Dawn since before childbirth (or conception I guess)!

We spent time  in Redwood City, San Francisco, and Sonoma County.

We talked, had Starbucks, then wine, played with 16 month old "B" man Beckett, and ordered pizza at the "parsonage" in Redwood City.
We shopped in Union Square, rode the trolley to Fisherman's Wharf, ate lunch in China Town and dinner in Little Italy, and spent the night in a plush bed at the Mark Hopkins in San Fransisco.

We drove down beautiful country rodes through Sonoma County with the sun shining on vineyards dripping with ripe grapes. We sipped reds and whites, and more white... and red. ((Then I purchased a darling, short, one-shoulder,  bright orange dress at a cute little boutique before dinner in Healdsburg. I have NO IDEA where I will wear this dress. In the light of day, I think it needs some sort of slip. Do slips even exist in 2012?)).  We noshed on Sunday Brunch that was too-die-for at 'The Fig Cafe' in teeny-tiny Glen Ellen.

On our return to Redwood City, we hung out with Pastor D, and ate at a Mexican restaurant. On Monday before heading back, Dawn, B and I saw the ocean and strolled the beach near Half Moon Bay.

Our two hotel stays were booked short notice on Hotwire. We joke we will stay anywhere, as long as it has a chandelier (like the 5 star lobby of the Mark Hopkins) **photo stolen from the internet**

 or hard boiled eggs (like the continetal breakfast at the Comfort Inn in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County). **photo also stolen from the internet**

Time spent with dear girl friends is always time well spent.

 (me at the Mortorana Family Winery)

(The four of us in Chinatown)

(The MN travelers sipping at Chalk Hill Winery)

As you will note, we spent little time taking pictures.

It really is too bad there are no cute photos of the "B" man!

or like... the ocean,
or a picture perfect winery,

or the four of us when we aren't holding our own I -phone,

or any of the sights...

Oh well! We will always have the memories!

Happy Halloween from the Thomberg's

Although you can't tell by these three "kitchen" kids photos... we had a GREAT Halloween.

The festivities began at 2:30 pm when I volunteered at the kids Fall Party at school (just like my mom use to be a 'room mother' for our 'Halloween Party'). After, we headed home to add layers under the Twinner's  pirate attire.

Before we set off to the next destination, Mark snapped a few photos. I wanted photos by our front entry with the pumpkins and festive outdoor decor. Our little bush out front even has skeleton and ghosts lights on it, but all we have are BORING kitchen photos almost exactly like the ones from two weeks before. Unfortunately, family photographer Mark wasn't feeling well at all, so this is all we have. Epic Fail here on my part folks!

Anyway, we headed to the Peace Lutheran "Trunk or Treat" where the pirates hopped from car to car collecting candy, stopping to eat a hotdog and bag of potato chips mid-way through.

At about 6 pm, the pirates and witch mommy Andrea cruised home. (Mark stayed back to rest.) We met up with a few neighbors, and the kids ran from house to house on Riverview Lane, powered by SUGAR! Mark came out for a bit, but slipped back home before we finished on the street. It is a busy and stressful time at work for him, and it is taking its toll.

We were wrapped up around 7:30 pm. True to form, Marly sought out her jammies as soon as she walked in the front door. Sometimes she is in her PJ's before supper time. The girl likes her sleepwear!

Honestly, I think I should FIRE myself from my blog. The photography on this site SUCKS! I don't have any photos of my outdoor entry. We carved our pumpkins on Tuesday. I have no photos of that either. All I have is this Blackberry phone photo of the 'scary cat pumpkin' on Halloween afternoon, AFTER a critter ATE the 'scary cat' right out of the center, turning it into a 'fence with a big hole in it' pumpkin. Marly requested the 'scary cat' pumpkin. Mark carved Dean a 'skull and crossbones' pumpkin. No photo (of course).

While we were out tick or treating, we left a bowl of candy on our bench with signs directing kids to take a treat. I didn't take any cute photos of that. It was a little less then have full when we returned. No greedy HobGobblin's on Riverview Lane!

What the Twinner's wore:

Dean and Marly's pirate sash, Dean's hat, Dean's vest - KiddieWink Designs on Etsy

Marly's Peasant Shirt - Stage and Thyme Design on Etsy

Marly's gold coin necklace - Party City

Dean's swishy pants, Dean's white shirt, Marly's polka dotted skirt and Marly's black velvet leggings - GoodWill

Marly's headscarf - crafted from supplies from JoAnne Fabrics

What I wore (No pictured!!!) -

kid size witch hat and funky black cat-eye rhinestone glasses - Party City

cute tan ruffle collar wool coat - Old Navy

orange jersey knit scarf - Gap Outlet two years ago.



Fall Fun at the Westwood Nature Center

While I was in beautiful, sunny California with three gal pals over MEA weekend, the kids attended their first Halloween Party of the season. 

As the gals and I sipped wine at vineyards along winding country roads in Sonoma County dressed in a summer maxi dress and Target sandals, the Twinners were home in suburban Minnesota adding layers beneath their pirate costumes to attend the Westwood Hill Nature Center Fall Festival with Nana and Papa.

Contrary to some opinions, Marly is NOT a wench... She is a female pirate.

 I REALLY enjoy creating the kids Halloween costumes, rather then shopping off the rack. I know I have mentioned before my mom spent weeks sewing us elaborate costumes, and made whatever we choose. I do not sew full costumes, but create something unique and nice every year. This year the kids both choose to be pirates. Their ensembles are courtesy of two Etsy sellers, Goodwill, Party City, and some sewing supplies from JoAnne.

Charlie is wearing the monkey costume my mom made for Brett and I when we were little. I think it made all of us VERY HAPPY to see little man Chartlie in Grandma Marly's creation that is 35 or more years old. What wonderful memories...

 Off they went by school bus to the nature center Halloween Walk. Of course they got their faces painted. This is Marly and Dean's third year attending the event and Charlie's first.

I will be making some minor revisions (such as a red pirate head scarf) to Marly's costume before Wednesday. We don't want anyone mistaking our 5 year old for a slut while trick or treating or at the school party!!!

Our Less Commercial Fall

This year we missed the Renaissance Festival. Things just didn't line up for our day out with Papa and Nana. We also haven't made it to the Apple Orchard.

Actually, I was desperate to go to the Orchard last Sunday. The sun was shining and it was warm enough... but Mark appealed to our budget, and our earnest need for some true "down time" at home (something I am NOT so good at. I am GOOD at the run around). I am headed to California this week to visit a dear girl friend and Mark reflected on my upcoming personal use of our entertainment dollars. Instead, we did a little work in the yard and headed across the street to the river.

Did the kids want to go the apple orchard? Sure, but they wanted to go to the river just as much! It is me who LOVES the orchards suburbanites flock to in October. I love the wagon ride through the trees. I love the baked apple treats in the barn. I love Honeycrisp apples! I love watching the kids.  I know the years the kids will enjoy the orchard are limited. I must confess, I LOVE those photo oops in fall fleeces or sweaters with the bright, shiny apples on trees in the background. They are all over Facebook during Fall. Cute kids in cute outfits by pumpkins, or in a pile of straw with the orchard beyond.

So Sunday Mark grabbed his camera and we headed across the street and down....to...the...river for a less commercia,l alternative fall photo opportunity.

 Back at the house, I FORCED the kids to put on their matching Land's End vests!

 The Coon Rapids dam is set so the water is low. We walked across to the island.

Marly enjoys collecting more shells on every visit.

Dean always finds some treasure or another to bring back with him. Antlers, fox skulls or something of the sort, sticks, old fishing poles. He checks every bottle he finds for a message.

There are roots and trees to climb.

No shiny apples, but happy kids on a happy, sunny fall Sunday.

We returned home to a crock pot of pork chops in apple sauce.

**Don't worry about the kids missing out, Kelly took the kids to a pumpkin patch the weekend before, and they are going to a Fall Halloween Walk this Saturday with Papa and Nana. I have their costumes already layed out since I won't be home to advise!**

Wine Tasting 2012

Jenny, Jeremy, Mark and I had so much fun on our fall wine tasting tour along the St Croix River last year, there was no question we would try to repeat the pleasurable weekend in an encore performance.

We actually ended up going the exact same October weekend as last year. This year the air was crisp and the skies threatened rain, but it was no matter to us. The wine was fine, and the leaves were on grand display ase cruised along the back side of the Forest Lake to the Wine Haven vineyard outside of Chisago. The tasting at Winehaven was actually our second drink of the day. The first was a Bloody Mary with our delicious lunch at the Dockside Cafe in Stillwater.

After tasting a wide array of red wines, white wines and specialty wines (including Cranberry and Pumpkin)  we headed back toward the river. We made a pit stop at Holiday for non alcoholic beverages (and CAFFIENE). Yes, I needed COFFEE at this point.

We crossed the boarder into Wisconsin and stopped at The Indian Creek Winery and Grill on Main Street in St Croix Falls. Since this "winery" is on Main Street, it is more of a "bar" and grill then anything else. We decided to fore go a paid tasting and simply decided to purchase a bottle of their "house" red to enjoy along with the hospitality. It was drizzling (snowing?) when we arrived. By time we finished the bottle, the sprinkles had ceased.

From there we headed a mile or two north to Chateau St. Croix (home of the endless Groupon/Social Living discount wine tasting). About once a month you can pick up online discount voucher for a wine tasting for two with chocolate, cheese and souvenir glasses.

And so we each turned in our 6 wooden nickels to taste the wine.
We ate the chocolate and the cheese.
We bought more wine.
We drank another glass....and we got out the camera.

After, we headed back toward Stillwater. Like last year, we happened upon the perfect pasture to watch a perfect and peaceful sunset. Per Jenny's lead last year, I was prepared with a corkscrew (and plastic cups) in the trunk, so we cracked open another bottle as the light waned in the west.

(Coming soon - Sunset pasture photos courtesy of Jeremy Lyons)

But, the day was not over. Back in town, we had reservations at Dominique Wine  Bar. Our meal was fabulous (so was the wine....).

and then we went to the bar.

and then we acted like college students and went through the Taco Bell and White Castle drive thru.

and then we went back to our hotel room with out bags of food and laughed .

and then we woke up in a wine induced haze and ate free hotel breakfast.

and then we went HOME and took a nap at 10 am before we had to pick up the Twinners from Kelly and Pat's.

Next Year? The Thomberg Lyons wine tour weekend will  most likely head south!

**What I Wore Footnote**

Skinny Jeans - KUT from Hot Mama

Sparkly Tank - Banana Republic last winter (Christmas gift from Chris)

Hoodie - Prairie Underground from Hot Mama (Christmas gift card from Mark plus some)

Boots - Super clearance from DSW two years ago.

Gold Scarf - B.P. last year

Long locket necklace - Esty seller!

What I Wore

There are a plethora of blogs devoted to "What I Wore". I enjoy visiting them from time to time, for outfit inspirations. Anyone who knows me (even a little) might know I love to shop.

I shop online at places like Etsy, Amazon, and exclusive web shops (like ModClothe or Shabby Apple where I have never actually purchased anything). The usual fixed stores I frequent include Banana Republic, the cool new JC Penny, Land's End in Sears (for my kids), or DSW for shoes. I shop in boutiques - those expensive ones (like Hot Mama), and those dedicated to inexpensive trend pieces (like Lillian's). I shop in thrift stores (like Goodwill and Savers) because you never know what you might find.  I shop in many a store I happen upon in my goings-on. I always scour the clearance rack. Does anyone ever pay full price?

When an occasion or event comes up, I immediately think about the "outfit". Truth be told (on the down-low) I am already scheming for the Crystal Ball gala in MAY!

(This whole post is very honest reveal of the VERY material side of my phyche, and the  embarrassing amount of time I invest in my own personal appearance...)

So when I learned Mark's downtown Minneapolis Caribou was hosting an Amy's Blend Launch Party for their 'bou bean that supports cancer causes each fall, I immediately began to wonder, "What will I wear??"

The launch party was dubbed "A Gala Event to Kickoff the 2012 Amy's Blend Collection"
The tag line said, "Deck Out in your Best Pink"
(The color this year is fuchsia to be more exact.)
It was set for last Saturday.

I heard Mark's boss was wearing cocktail attire with pink/fuschia, thus setting off my wardrobe search escapades -Online/Offline/Everywhere. I quickly decided a fuchsia dress would be less then flattering on me, but I searched anyway. I thought about black, grey or navy, with pink accessories. I stalked E-bay, Amazon, Zappos, Overstock, Piperlime, Etsy, Polyvore, and a multitude of sites I will likely never google upon again for dresses, shoes, a handbag, and jewelry.

I searched for two weeks. I ordered several items (some late in the game) and hoped they would arrive on time (and had a reasonable return policy). I bid (too low) on some E-bay jewelry. I went to antique shops inquiring after vintage fuchsia crystal jewelry.

I shopped to the MAX.

Toward the beginning of the search, I purchased this black tunic from an Etsy seller. I had been eye-ing it for many moons and decided to pull the trigger. After it arrived, I went to JoAnne Fabrics and purchased chiffon to sew a replacement fuchsia sash.  I returned to JoAnne a few days later for black fabric. The shirt/tunic was shorter then I hoped, and wondered if I could improvise. While there, I discovered hot pink, stretchy, ruffle tiered fabric. Could I create an easy-sew, three seam, maxi-skirt on my own? I had managed the sash. Already, I was worried my other options would fall flat....

The stunning earrings I bought from an Etsy jeweler arrived in the post last Thursday, along with a custom order necklace she whipped up to match .  The only pair of affordable non-hooker-esqe, fuchsia pumps (with less then 4 inches heels) were delivered Friday. I was armed with an arsenal of in-expensive accessories from Claire's, which I planned to return when un-used.  I wanted OPTIONS.

At about 8:30 pm Friday, my various fuschia game plans were failing miserably. The black shirt (with self-made hot pink sash) wasn't coming together the way I wanted. It got a big red X from dear husband. His rejection was relevant. I needed a dress!

I moved on to the black frocks in my closet (...too formal... too tight in the wrong spots because on my pudge...didn't really lend themselves to the fuchsia...you get the idea.). I wanted to look "just right" for the 'Bou corporate staff who would be attending, and the managers and staff Mark oversees. At 9:30 pm, Mark went to bed...while I sat at the kitchen table, searching the web sites of stores I could pop into Saturday morning.

Top of the list - Francesca's (cheap enough, several potential items noted on line, convenient).

On Saturday, Mark went to work early for the Amy's launch. The kids watched cartoons downstairs. I returned to the kitchen table and struggled to sew up the maxi skirt.  At 11:30 Saturday morning the Twinners and I set out on the final hunt. I was dressed in the hot pink skirt with a denim shirt. Maybe my silly sewing project would work... with the right shirt - BUT PROBALY NOT. (..and I wouldn't be able to wear the pink heels with it.)

I bribed the kids with a trip to Cherry Berry if they would politely visit up to three stores at Arbor Lakes. Guess what? They were almost angels and we only needed to visit one retailer (plus Ulta for lipstick).

This was the final cut on the "pink carpet" Saturday night!
(photos courtesy of Jenny's Iphone)

Fuchsia Shoes - Fergalicious from Amazon

Royal Blue Dress, Fuchsia Clutch and Earring - Francesca's at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove

Fuchsia Belt - already owned from Target

Fuchsia Bangles - Claire's

Mark's pink and grey striped shirt - Nordstrom Rack

Mark's Suit - already owned from Banana Republic

Saturday night at the "launch" Tim Mahony played, there was a "pink" fashion show, pink velvet cupcakes, a DJ, a nice crowd, and nice sales of Amy's Blend.  Jenny joined me. After all of my super silly, totally materialistic whoo ha, and outrageous time spent over my damned party attire, the two of us quickly slipped away from the "gala" for a non-caffinated big-girl drink and a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant.

**If you all vote I should  have went to Francesca's first, I wish I had. (I will be adding them to stores I frequent). I love the little blue dress I found. It was affordable (sturdy polyester), and I suspect I will wear it with leggings and black heels to Brett's Birthday dinner at Manny's, and to dinner in San Fransisco when I visit Dawn later this month.
**If you think I am a bit obsessive about my wardrobe, you are correct. It is too much fun for me.

**I spent about two hours (or less) at the pink shin-dig. I refuse to tally the hours or dollars invested in the costume madness leading up to the shin-dig.

**No, I am not sure where I am going to wear the fuchsia maxi skirt I sewed for $14.

**Yes, I will be making returns to Claire's Boutique with bracelets, a fuchsia bedazzled purse from the kid's section, and pink rhinestone heart earrings.

**I have wanted the black racer-back, bowed shirt from the Fleet Collection for a year, and will defend this purchase even though it was a FAIL. It sells out each season before they make more.

**The fuchsia shoes are more comfortable then expected and may get worn at this year's Crystal Ball, which has the same color theme. Hopefully the gorgeous earrings from Etsy have the same potential.  I did wear the earrings and necklace to dinner at the Macaroni Grill with jeans on Friday when my Cousin Jared flew into town.
**The earrings I found and wore the same day of the event cost $14.00. The ones I purchased from Etsy were more...
**For anyone who recalls this year's Mother's Day post, I do have a really cool fuchsia necklace I 'gifted' myself from Patina. If you all suggest I first begin shopping in my closet, and build from there, this is usually a good idea.
**I now own black leggings, which I thought I could wear with the black tunic, which I needed anyway, and wore to church this Sunday.
**Before the event, I got a mani/pedi for the first time in eons, with hot pink polish.
**I broke out Spanx (already ownded) for this event. I curse the extreme effort required to pullll and tugggg on Spanx to encase one's flubby thighs and torso like a sausage!

In case you are wondering, I am not proud of all of this.