Stuff...

So, here it is January 18, and I am writing my first post of the year. I could use the excuse that I am busy and stressed... but since my last post was in November, I am right on target for my blogging style...nonexistent.

What can I say though... it is 18 days into the new year and 2010 kind of sucks so far. Two major medical issues have happened with extended family members. I'll just do a rundown to catch up.

On Dec. 30, my father in law suffered a fall at work and now has what is termed a TBI (traumatic brain injury). He has lost most of his memory for people, places and things. He is home and able to do things like dress and feed himself. He can read and is accepting of what he is told for the most part, and little memories have come back. It is sad to see and have conversations with him sometimes... I just can't imagine the heartbreak that my mother in law felt when she walked into the ER and they had to tell him that she was his wife. He is in rehab though, and prognosis is good...and each day that passes brings more hope.

And 5 days ago, my 39 year old sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Not many details are known yet, she is undergoing testing to find out exactly what type, stage and everything else that they need to know to begin treating it. It is aggressive and she has an 8 mm lump in her right breast. After the initial shock has worn off.. she has a great attitude about it.. no matter what has to happen in terms of treatment, "death is not an option". So they are finding out whatever they can that can be done, and putting everything in God's hands, as it should be.

So, prayers for my family and Jim's... it has left us all emotionally drained.

And, the normal stresses at work and all.... but that is nothing new.

On a positive note, I bought some material to make myself something... I will post about the details later.

I am going to make Jim a gift for his birthday... he has been complaining that I have not made him anything.

T got all her spelling words right last week. Yay!

J has been doing well sleeping in his bed all night..(hope I didn't just jinx it....)

And, I actually participated in one of the Smartypants Quizzes on The Pioneer Woman and am hoping that I am eligible to win one of the Amazon giftcards ... there are a ton of books that I want. I have been following her blog for a while and decided to try a quiz. I hope I got the answers right.. there were quite a few that I actually knew.

It's back to work tomorrow for me... my vacation in February can't come quick enough.

My Sewing Area

Thought I would finally share pics of my sewing area since it is clean.. :) I wish that I had a space I could customize to what I want...but our upstairs is also our spare bedroom and computer room.

This is standing by Jim's desk looking at my machine. I use the futon we have up there as a place to lay projects out on. The dresser has various notions in it and other supplies.


Standing by my sewing table. Along the wall is my fabric stash... I need another tote, though I would love to have some type of bookshelf to be able to see all that I have.


What I did with my ribbon supply..


My fabric stash...I also have a storage cube (like a trunk) full of scraps.


And, that is pretty much it. I cut material on the dining room table, though I will use the ironing board for cutting out small things so I don't have to run up and down the stairs.

Not really to fancy... but it works for me.

Not so Silent Sunday... :)

My kiddos rocking out....

Awesome Giveaway!!

Check out this giveaway on Totally Together! A $200 Best Buy Gift Card....

C'mon you know you all want to enter... ;)

Fabric Giveaway!

Check out this gorgeous fabric made by Lila Tueller. And she is having a giveaway...go check it out!

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Love this backpack from Made by Rae on Grosgrain today. :) Go and check it out!

Sunday Stash

This is some material my mom pulled out of her stash to give to me at my last visit up north.


There is a bunch of various cuts and types of material, from flannel to terry cloth and from up to a few yards in a cut to some fat quarter size scraps. I am excited to get my hands into it and make some things. Up on the list is some hand towels/oven mitt combo for the kitchen. I also want to make Jay some black corduroy pants.

I also have some WIP I need to finish, some swap material I need to figure out what to make (though I have a couple ideas) and I need to finish buying material and get started on Halloween Costumes and Trick or Treat bags.

Guess I better get busy.