Monday, November 16, 2009

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.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Not so Silent Sunday... :)

My kiddos rocking out....

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Awesome Giveaway!!

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

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

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Fabric Giveaway!

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

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

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, September 6, 2009

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.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Highs and Lows

It has been such a busy week and since I am not the greatest blogger, I failed to even write about what all was going on. So I guess a rundown is in order....

Highs
1. Jim and I celebrated our 8th anniversary on Tuesday the 1st of September. It is hard to believe that we have been married 8 years.. it has gone by so fast. Come October, we will have been together 16 years. There have been ups and downs, but that happens in any relationship. I consider myself very blessed to be married to the love of my life.
2. After posting the above on Facebook I had lots of well wishes of course... but the best was from my Mother-In-Law who posted that 8 years ago she gained a wonderful Daughter-In-Law. She is the best MIL anyone could have.
3. I closed a case for a client who was turning 18 this week... she started with me 5 years ago and went from an actively suicidal, depressed cutter to a lovely young woman, who has goals and visions for her future. It was the very first case that I ever have worked with exclusively that has been successful. I wish her the best of luck for her future.
4. Jim received a promotion at work that he has been working toward for quite a long time, he is now the branch manager of the Redford Location of the Harry J. Will Funeral Home. I am so proud of him.

Lows
1. Some sleep issues with Jay this week, some nights getting him to go to bed is a struggle. Once he is asleep is it not so bad, he generally sleeps all night unless he has night terrors.
2. Money issues as always.... it sucks to be barely making it some weeks.... hopefully Jim's raise will help ease that a bit.... and allow us to save a little.
3. Work is crazy busy as always lately.... and they keep adding more stuff for us to do. I seem to be always behind and it is stressing me out.

But all in all, it has been a great week. :)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

It's craft time!

I got this idea from my friends Tracy and Lisa! Thanks for the idea girls!(though I think I will have to post on my FB as well since I don't have many followers...LOL)

Here's how it works....The first 5 people to respond to this post will get something made by me, especially for you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1-I make no guarantees that you will like what I make but I hope you will.
2-What I create will be just for you.
3-I have a year to get it to you.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It’s a surprise to both of us at this point.

The catch? You must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Checking In...

I am still here, just been really busy at work and too tired to do more online than just read.

Trying to find time to sew, I have many projects cut out and some I want to do. Plus I need to start picking up material here and there for Halloween costumes, I have four to make by the middle of October. Ideally I would like to start the beginning of September and have them done by the first of October. Hopefully once T goes back to school and I just have J on Fridays I will be able to get some time in at my machine. :)

Plus, Jim bought a Wii with his work bonus! Yay! So we have been fiddling around with that. I'd like to get some more games, all we have is the sports one that comes with and Jim bought Madden Football for himself.

Ugh, gotta get back to work. :( That's what I get for taking a few minutes to myself....

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Silent Sunday

Cousins

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Sunday Stash


Found these in the remnant bin a week ago at Walmart (we only have one in the area now that kept their fabric, and I am glad it is only a little bit further than the one I normally frequent). This Walmart actually has two fairly large bins on each end of the cutting table for remnants...there was quite a bit in each and had I had unlimited funds I would probably have brought more home. All in all total I spent about $10.

The purple fairy fabric was 1 yard 8 inches and was about $4. It became a pillowcase for T. I thought I had taken a pic of it completed but I haven't yet.

The Thomas and Friends fabric is less than a yard, and was a little over $2. Not sure what I will make J... he wants another pillowcase but there is not enough material. I have thought about getting some solid red cotton fabric to border around it....haven't made up my mind yet.

The middle fabric of the pile was the best find... not sure exactly what it is but it reminds me of a twill...it is blue/white check... and a little over 2 yards for $3.40. I am going to make myself a pair of casual shorts with it and I know I will have some leftover for maybe a smaller project.

I also bought some tracing paper last weekend to be able to trace and make patterns. So I will be tracing my favorite pair of shorts to be able to have the same fit in the ones I am going to make myself. If they turn out as good as I hope... I will actually post a pic of me wearing them.

Happy Sewing!

Friday, June 26, 2009

I need sleep.

Sleep. An elusive word to me right now. I covet it, I try my best to get it, if I don't I feel like crap. Lack of it truly is affecting me. And yet night after night I don't get enough rest.

Ugh, I wish I cold blame the issue on insomnia. At least it would be something to blame besides the kids. Cause I don't want to put blame on them...they are kids it's not really their fault (in fact I am pretty damn sure it is my fault somewhere along the line) but night after night at least one, or the other or both constantly wake up. Usually it's T. Tonight it's been both.

I don't know what to do anymore. I have been trying so many things... short of ignoring, especially when T gets up, because I just can't, otherwise she will wake Jim and J up. Yet, I know that she constantly calls out or gets up because she knows I will come to her. See the catch 22 there? I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't.

And it is basically for nothing. Bad dreams or needing a drink? Fine. I can deal with that. Sick? I am very understanding of that. There are times I go into her room and ask what is wrong and I get silence. Or "I want you". Nothing else. So then I get frustrated, and sometimes I get short with her (but only after the 6th or 7th time I have had to get up). And then if another member of the family gets woken up and listens then I get accused of being mean. And, he'd be right...I can get nasty. Nothing inappropriate of course but sometimes I really have to well...threaten to get her to stop calling me, crying, getting up, etc. in order for her to go back to sleep. It is taking all my energy to stay calm.

As I write this I am sitting on J's floor dealing with him. He has night terrors and talks in his sleep. I think he has even dome some sleepwalking a few times. He gets it from me (I once jumped down a flight of stairs in my sleep and landed upright...I am surprised my mother didn't have a heart attack on the spot). I am much more patient with this as there is a reason and I know that it will get outgrown. But that is not fair to T. Poor girl.

I'm lost, tired, fed up, and about ready to give up. I don't know what to do. I wish someone could help me. I haven't found advice yet that has really worked. I figure that maybe they both will start sleeping better by the time that they go to college, right? And I am not going to even get started on the problems getting J to actually go to sleep at night..... The problems are my fault anyways so I guess I will just have to live with it.

They are so cute when they are sleeping though.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Random Thoughts

Playing hooky tonight even though I really need to sew...I just don't feel like it.

Hubby just made me feel like a teenager again, trying to sneak sex in where we can...

I am sick of the clutter upstairs in the closet but lack the motivation to clean it out.

Just made S'More Cookie Bars and think I did something wrong with the dough... I bet they taste fine though it looks very messy on top.

Did I mention I had some great sex not too long ago?

J is starting to talk in his sleep..hope he is not up and down all night because of it.

I really should be doing something other than sitting on my butt in front of the computer.

Church picnic tomorrow...looking forward to that.

Made Jay his pillowcase last night and he was an excited little boy when we put it on his pillow this morning.

I had the best sex I've had in a long time...though it usually is good...this was better.

I just told hubby's best friend that if he didn't like his shirt he better not throw it away but give it to me and I could refashion it into a dress for T.

My hubby is now using my jewelry box as a charging station for his cell phone too and it irritates me to no end to have to deal with both his and my phone cords when trying to open it.

And yes, I have mentioned church and sex in the same post. :)

Have a nice night.

Friday, June 12, 2009

3 year stats

28 lbs.
2' 11 1/2"

Jay is still little but continuing to climb upward so it is pretty good. We are being referred to an endocrinologist to have his growth hormone checked.

I just need to be patient with his eating so little and his horrible sleep... it will get better. (insert sighing here...T is 6 and still sleeps like crap.)

But he is healthy and generally a very happy kid to be around (except when he is hungry and tired...see above issues...insert another sigh) so overall I am pleased.

Over two years later his tubes are still in his ears...wonder if that's because he hasn't grown much since then??? I'll have to ask the ENT when we go back to him for a checkup. ;)

And, no shots today which made him happy, and we went and spent his giftcards which made him even happier. All in all a busy but successful day.

I have a 1st grader now!

This year just flew by... I can't believe Kindergarten is over.

From the first day:


To the last:


She hasn't changed much on the outside really, do you think?

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Happy Birthday Jay!


My little man,

How you have grown this past year, yet you haven't. We are still worried about your size; height and weight, but you seem to be healthy overall. You weathered a gluten free diet for almost a year and now we can say successfully that you do not have Celiac nor do you have a sensitivity to gluten at this point. You are still anemic and not growing as much as you should... so another referral to yet another doctor is in the cards..but we shall get through it.

Your language has just exploded lately and you crack me up with some of the things you say. I missed this language development with Tommi and it pleases me to no end to hear you talk. I am amazed at just how much you like to talk... but you do come by it honestly... you get it from me. Even talking in your sleep...I wish sometimes you were a little clearer when you talk then... Daddy and I would probably be laughing for sure at what you are saying.

You are a fun little boy...but you do have your crabby moments.. boy do you have your crabby moments. They do seem to be centered around hunger mostly...yet you don't like to eat much...so I still wonder what may be going on there. I love watching you play and explore and discover. Your brain is learning so much... I still can't believe that you can count to ten and sing your alphabet, and even identify some of your colors. Yellow is your favorite at this point.

And speaking of favorites... you are really into Cars right now... Lightening McQueen or "Highwayway" (that's what you call him currenty) and Mater are your favorites. You also love Thomas the Tank Engine and Motorcycles and Monster Trucks and School Buses... and the list could go on. You like to get into things that you are not supposed to.. and are so independent it makes me frustrated sometimes when I need to get things done and you are wanting to do it yourself. Then other times you say you can't and I need to do it. I guess you are still a little wary of being too independent you don't need me and Daddy, huh?

And you are basically potty trained (not night trained yet but I am not in a hurry), can ride your bike with training wheels and well, that list can go on and on. It has been a good year overall... and I am so happy to be your mom (sleep issues and all).

I love you Jay Bird.

Love,
Mommy

Monday, June 8, 2009

Work in Progress....

Got lots of things on my plate right now... but it is mainly work that is increasingly stressful. This is T's last week of school... I can't believe her Kindergarten year is almost over. I am working on a couple of tote bags for her teacher and her SLP... I have them cut (well...almost, I need to cut the straps tonight). and I will start sewing them tonight. They shouldn't take long.

I have some UFO's that I need to work on over the course of this week and a baby gift I need to cut out and start. I also have a post I am working on about my sewing machine... I just need to get a pic of my machine for it.

Tomorrow is Jay's 3rd birthday and I want to set up a post for that... including a pic of the shirt and cake I made him for his party.

Busy, busy, busy...that is me these days...

Thursday, June 4, 2009

My Machine

It's Sewing Machine Month over at Sew Mama Sew! So, in honor of this month... I am participated in the Sewing Machine Meme. So, relax and I would like to introduce you to my machine. :)

What brand and model do you have? A Kenmore...doesn't seem to really be any specific model... except for the long model number on the back/manual:


How long have you had it? I got it Christmas 2001. It was the first Christmas after my husband and I got married. He got a digital camera and I got my machine. It was a good Christmas.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? I believe it was right around the $200 mark at the time.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I started out basically with just apparel (that's what my mom mostly sews) and some mending of various things. Since I got more involved with some sewing mamas over on Mommy's Online I have branched out to bags, purses, home projects, and basically anything that I can find a great tute online for. I would love to learn to quilt.

How much do you sew? I have been sewing a few hours a day most days lately. How much wear and tear does the machine get? Daily use, pretty much.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? I have always liked her. Are you ambivalent? Nope. Passionate? Getting more passionate about her as I sew more and more and discover more things she does. Does she have a name? Nope, but I am starting to think that she needs one. Anyone have any ideas?

What features does your machine have that work well for you? Everything works pretty well. I don't do too many fancy things.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? My long arm, free arm...whatever you call the part that you hem sleeves and such on. I wish it was a little thinner so I could get the sleeves of baby clothes over it.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it! No awesome story unfortunately.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Sure. Why? For basic sewing I think that it is a great starter.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Depends on what you want it to do. In many ways I am still a beginner... so I am not a good one to ask.

Do you have a dream machine? No specific brand or model.. but I want something that can quilt and embroider. I would also love a serger.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Befores and Afters

So I stumbled across this great tutorial and decided that I needed to recover my ironing board. And luckily enough I had some great material in my fabric stash so it didn't cost a thing! Can't beat that when $ is tight...that is for sure.

Check out the pics... my ironing board was looking pretty shabby:


Yes, those spots of white are fusible interfacing.... I had accidentally cut into the cover during a sewing project (note to self... do not use ironing board as a cutting table) and I needed something to patch it with.

Hey- stop laughing...it's called using your available resources.


And without further ado... though I do need to apologize for the bad pics...none of them turned out fabulous even though I tried taking them during the day as well...

Here is my new ironing board cover...and I am very happy with the way that it turned out.

Close up of material...it is black and white on the red background (again...sorry for the crappy pic)


It only took me a couple hours total including cutting... though you can't quote me on the time cause I am notorious for cutting things out and then setting them aside for days and sometimes weeks... but it was really easy to do... and I will never buy a cover again.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

The skirts are finished finally....


I made the skirts for T and two of my niece's using the tutorial here at Grand Revival Designs... sew easy to make. I enlarged the numbers a bit... about an inch for length and width to fit my daughter and her cousin that is the same age. I made it a bit smaller for my other niece. They fit great. I have a pic of T wearing hers (she is the best model anyone could have)... they all wore them yesterday and the two older girls got lots of comments at school.

Here is a pic close up of the material. I love the pink with the green dots... I just love dots.


Now on to a new project.... working on an ironing board cover using this tutorial.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Silent Sunday

Blissful sleep.......



Thursday, April 23, 2009

Don't Leave It On The Desk...

Author unknown

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man, who taught at a small college in the western United States . Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor’s class.

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.

“How many push-ups can you do?”

Steve said, “I do about 200 every night.”

“200? That’s pretty good, Steve,” Dr. Christianson said. “Do you think you could do 300?”

Steve replied, “I don’t know…. I’ve never done 300 at a time.”

“Do you think you could?” again asked Dr. Christianson.

“Well, I can try,” said Steve.

“Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me if you can do it,” said the professor.

Steve said, “Well… I think I can…yeah, I can do it.”

Dr. Christianson said, “Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind.”

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren’t the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson’s class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, “Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?”

Cynthia said, “Yes.”

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, “Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?”

“Sure…” Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia’s desk.

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, “Joe, do you want a donut?”

Joe said, “Yes.” Dr. Christianson asked, “Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?”

Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut.

Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.

When the professor asked, “Scott, do you want a donut?”

Scott’s reply was, “Well, can I do my own push-ups?”

Dr. Christianson said, “No, Steve has to do them.”

Then Scott said, “Well, I don’t want one then.”

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, “Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn’t want?”

With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups.

Scott said, “HEY! I said I didn’t want one!”

Dr. Christianson said, “Look! this is my classroom, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don’t want it.” And he put a donut on Scott’s desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, “Jenny, do you want a donut?”

Sternly, Jenny said, “No.”

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, “Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut she doesn’t want?”

Steve did ten….Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say “No” and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks.

Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn’t bear to watch all of Steve’s work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.

Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.

Steve asked Dr. Christianson, “Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?”

Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, “Well, they’re your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want.” And Dr. Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, “NO! Don’t come in! Stay out!”

Jason didn’t know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, “No, let him come.”

Professor Christianson said, “You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?”

Steve said, “Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut”

Dr. Christianson said, “Okay, Steve, I’ll let you get Jason’s out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?”

Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. “Yes,” he said, “give me a donut.”

“Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?”

Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve’s arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time, sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, “Linda, do you want a doughnut?”

Linda said, very sadly, “No, thank you.”

Professor Christianson quietly asked, “Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn’t want?”

Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.

Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. “Susan, do you want a donut?”

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. “Dr. Christianson, why can’t I help him?”

Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, “No, Steve has to do it alone, I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a
player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes.”

“Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?”

As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said. “And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, pleaded to the Father, ‘into thy hands I commend my spirit.’ With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten.”

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.

“Well done, good and faithful servant,” said the professor, adding “Not all sermons are preached in words.”

Turning to his class, the professor said, “My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid.”

“Wouldn’t you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?”

Monday, April 20, 2009

New sewing project...

Whipped these up on Saturday... out of some scraps.. I think the pillows are 7" square flannel pieces and the tooth is cut out of white felt. One for T and one for my niece. :) I am pretty happy and now we are prepared for whenever T loses her first tooth!


"I tie my shoes Mom!"

Jay just continues to amaze me (and crack me up as well... he is so darn funny sometimes with the things he says). Jim was working with Tommi one day on tying her shoes... and Jay announced "I tie my shoes Mom."

He then proceeded to disappear to his room and after about 5 minutes of him being quiet I went and checked on him... sure enough he had put on a pair of his shoes and was playing with the laces so I let him be.... Not 5 minutes later as I finished the dishes he came out of his room so proud of himself sporting this:


And you know what... I am proud too. Way to go Little Man!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Happy Birthday Tommi!

Where does the time go? They grow so fast... it is hard to believe that T turned 6 today.

Her going home pic:
Photobucket

Today:

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Softlips Giveaway!

First of all.....just let me say that Only Sometimes Clever is a great blog. I found her when I was searching for gluten free help when Jay had to be on a GF diet. Add to that a wonderful Christian household and you have a great blog. :) I recommend that you check her out for yourself (she also homeschools as well). Now, she is having an awesome giveaway that you definitely need to check out if any of my other ramblings didn't interest you.

I am so hoping to win...hence my post here. But I really would recommend her blog anyways... even if she wasn't giving away a neat gift.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Silent Sunday

I have loved this idea of Devan's and have seen it replicated on Tara's blog... I have been contemplating stealing the idea as well cause it is a good one. Today is an especially good day to start, because I have had the type of day today in which I have a hard time in appreciating my blessings... especially as the living room ceiling is leaking.... J screamed most of last night...well, you get the idea.

So, I went through my photo album and reminded myself of my two very favorite blessings....

Food Review

I have been pretty tired of the same old thing lately....not necessarily the type of food per se, chicken, steak, etc....but that we cook it the same way every time it seems. So I decided to try one of The Crockpot Lady's recipes. Specifically the Applesauce Chicken.

It definitely was different... and I am happy, even though I am not sure I will make it again. I will however try more recipes that she has on her site. I do love my crockpot and need to use it more. The problem is that Jim and I just don't plan meals well... so we really need to get into doing that. If we did then the 4 PM "What are we going to do for dinner?" texts would not have to exist...LOL

So anyways, back to the chicken. It had too much of a peppery taste for me. The recipe calls for black pepper and red pepper flakes. I did not have the flakes and used ground red pepper instead. Even though I used 1/8 tsp instead of 1/4 tsp... it was still too much. T didn't like it, she said it was too hot so I made her and J something else. I did like the tangyness of the applesauce and the chicken was very moist. I served it with noodles, cause I just didn't want rice today. :)

All in all, the new recipe was a success. Thanks to The Crockpot Lady.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!


"I do not like green eggs and ham I do not like them Sam I Am.”


I love this book. And I love Dr. Seuss. Green Eggs and Ham is my all time favorite... so much so that instead of passing along my copy I had to get the kids their own copy... I don't share everything...

But really, there is no better escape in imagination and fantasy than to pick up a Dr. Seuss book. And I am so glad that the kids like him too... he has some great books.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

And that sums it up nicely. Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

I'm sick....

And I hate being sick.... especially with sinus crap that just seems to hang on forever. I have tried different types of medications, and even tried some peroxide drops in my ears (on the advice of a friend).... that worked and I felt great yesterday all day....and then this morning I woke up feeling like crap..again. Ugh.

And it is really not bad enough to go to the doctor. I am not in any pain, just miserable. My ears don't hurt, my throat don't hurt, and my sinuses don't really hurt, there is just some pressure there. I am not really coughing much and it doesn't hurt to breathe. I am trying hard not to complain and be a baby about it... cause it really is minor, I could be sicker. But I feel like I am going through the days in a fog... and I really don't want to do anything but go home and crawl into bed. Which, of course I can't do. I am irritable and lazy and so, so not motivated.

I guess if I don't feel better by Friday I will call the doctor. Then it will be about two weeks since this crap started. I guess that is long enough to actually say that I really am sick. My little man is sick too... I may have to get him into the doctor soon as well.... he has a bad cold. I am watching to ensure it doesn't turn into anything worse.

The other bad thing about being sick like this is I can't get any exercise in. I can only go in the morning and that is when I feel my worst. Though to be fair I guess that if I can't breathe through my nose then I can't really swim very well either.... It's just been a week and a half now since I swam and I want to at least continue the minimal weight loss I have had so far.....

Did I mention that I hate to be sick? :(

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

More evaluations for T....

And I am happy!

We had a support team meeting at school yesterday and there are some concerns, concerns about her that I had as well, but it was so nice to sit and talk it all out. The school is thinking because of the apraxia that she can be classified under Otherwise Health Impaired and get some OT (for her fine motor skills) and maybe even work with a teacher consultant one on one. :) So, I have a call into our pediatrician for the script needed with the diagnosis. Once I get that (which will be no problem) and sign the papers, it's a go for evaluation!

And, one of the best things about it all... because Jim and I have had some discussions because he wants to move her back to our district home school next year, he understands why I want her to stay there for now. :) I feel like we are on the right track with her and now maybe we can see even more improvement!

Thank God for the Wayne Westland School District! And, for our awesome pediatrician that has been there since the beginnning and will do whatever is needed to get T help!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Purse


Here is my new purse...called The Jenny Bag. Tutorial found over on a great blog called Lola...again. It was super easy to make.... though I wish it was bigger. I think I may try to enlarge the pattern a bit and will be adding some type of closure for it as well.

Laziness or Intelligence....

I wanted to avoid some major trashing of the kids rooms while their cousins were over... so I have declared movie night. :) The little ones are still making a mess... but it will be a smaller mess than all 5 can make together in two rooms.

So, the older three are happily watching The Lion King, the twins (Jay and his cousin Lizzie are two weeks apart so that is my nickname for them) are playing and I am happily playing around online. I call it intelligence, and it gives me something to blog about... since I gave proven I am not very good at it...LOL

Monday, January 5, 2009

Back to work....

Man, this sucks. Wish I could be home with the kiddos everyday. I so enjoyed my vacation.

I do generally like my job, but I just don't want to be here today (well...most days I feel the same). On days like today I just get lazy and don't want to do any work.. which is not good because I do have a bit of paperwork and things to catch up on.... :(

I so need to get motivated...

Friday, January 2, 2009

Sleep...

Why is it so elusive when the kids are at home? They slept at my in-laws from 9:30 PM until 8 AM on New Years Eve. T was up twice last night and Jay ended up in bed with us again....Ugh. Plus he fights going to sleep. I just don't know what I am doing wrong.....

But on the plus side, though I did have to sit with him for a bit to get him to go to sleep, Jay did pretty good for the first night without the paci. I hope that things go as well tonight.