Thursday, September 2, 2010

Two pounds of clay, four ounces of M&Ms, and one storm


That's 65 buttons I made today. I think I hate buttons now. They are part of a large order and all nestled in the kiln. Initially, I amused myself by counting the number of times I jabbed the centers with a wooden tool. 28 on average. By the 25th button I was rewarding myself with a third cup of coffee. By the 35th button, it was one peanut M&M every 5 buttons.  By the 42nd button, it was eat as many of those M&Ms as you like, LeAnn, just get those danged buttons done. By the 60th button I was dreaming of a gin and tonic, which I am rewarding myself with right now.

During the midst of this button making session, we had an awful storm come up, hail, high winds. Not too many big branches down, but lots of little ones. But the saddest thing about this storm is realizing how deaf my old dog Bob is getting. He used to be my early warning system. He could hear a storm hours before it got here.  Not now. He laid out on the deck right up until the rain started even though it had started thundering a good half hour before. The young dog, Alice, was laying under my work table panting away. But not old Bob. But then he is over 10 now, and for a big dog that translates into something like 88 years old. Something is bound to break down on him at this age. He still can run like a pup though!

We are off tomorrow for Wichita to do the final wedding things. I can hardly believe my son's wedding is only 15 days away! Everything has fallen into place in such a beautiful way. We have the dress, we have a place, we have an officiant, we have bridesmaids, we have groomsmen, we have a wedding liscence, flowers, cake, and food. We have just about everything except the groom.

I talked to my son this morning. Hearing your child so excited and happy about his wedding is one of the most wonderful things a mother can experience. He talks about family, his own family, what they want to do, plans they have. It's even more remarkable given that he's in the middle of a war zone. He's counting down the days until he leaves Afghanistan for mid tour leave. As of now that will be September 8th. It's a kind of complicated trip and takes 3-4 days to get home. All of us are excited to see him, but no one more than Tammy.

Have a great and wonderful weekend everyone!

18 comments:

Unknown said...

Now that sounds like my kinda work session...coffee, M&M's, & a drink. Sounds like the wedding is coming together nicely. Best wishes to your son and new daughter in law.

SueBeads said...

SO hope he gets home and all goes well!

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

I hope you enjoyed that gin and tonic because you sure deserve it after doing all those buttons. Loved the shout out about your blog and etsy on Missficklemedia's blog, awesome! Have fun finishing the last of the wedding things and enjoy the time with your son when he returns from Afghanistan.

Mary Newton Designs said...

M & M's as incentive, I like that! Have fun with the wedding plans!

Unknown said...

I may need to try the M&Ms strategy at my next session on the torch, that sounds wonderful!

I love that you have a dog named Bob. My aunt has her own dog named Alice.

And I love that your son is so excited about getting married and talking about his plans for a family. That makes me smile. Big.

Judy said...

I love your reward system!
The wedding...how exciting, I can not wait to see the pictures!

On another note: I will try etching again tomorrow.Wish me luck!

Cindy said...

Loved this post, LeAnn. Sure made me smile. The coffee drinking, the M&Ms...you're my kinda lady. And what an accomplishment to finish such a huge order!
The BIG day is getting so close! I am so excited for your son. I hope he has a safe trip home.
Cindy

sasha + max studio said...

Ha - Coffee, MM's and G+T - sounds like a good recipe to me LeAnn!!
The wedding sure came around fast - wishing you and the family the safe return of your son, and wonderful celebrations. Vicki

Courtney Breul said...

End of the day rewards are always great! :) I hope your son makes it home safely. Can't wait to see a photo or two from the big event! Good luck.

Ann said...

Good work! I sam sending good weather vibes to Wichita (my hometown) for your wedding. During my wedding it started snowing, but it was a nice snow. No chance of that for your son's!

Ann
http://www.mycriticaleye.com

Beverly Herman said...

Wow LeAnn that is alot of buttons! I just reward myself with M&M's before my dh gets to them. I am so excited to hear everything is coming along perfect for the wedding. Keeping you and your family in my prayers

Unknown said...

Oh, Girl!

You know what I like; fresh clay, button jabbing, m&m's, gin & tonic, and all this being thrown down during a storm.

You, wild woman you.

Barbara Lewis said...

If it had been me it would have been 2 lbs. of M&M's and 4 oz. of Clay! Good work!

sharon said...

I can hear the excitement in your words LeAnn, and I am so happy for all of you!

The Joy of Nesting said...

After all that clay you actually earned two G&Ts (light ones) that is :) Oh enjoy every minute and wonderful memory lit' sis!!!!!

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

Marie Cramp said...

Ouch! I have done things like that before too! You just can't wait for it to be over! Hugs :)

Drawn to The Sea said...

Safe journey to both of you! Much joy to the bride & groom :-)

Gerry said...

Love it. M & M's in that fashion and the Gin and Tonic. Helps with the creativity.