Range of Notion

Hallelujah

2012-01-25T10:52:00.004-05:00

The sun shineth! (We've had several straight days of rain.) M's hood has ears, hence the little "bear ear" in her shadow.

Yarn Along January 25

2012-01-25T10:18:00.004-05:00

Going to try to at least keep up weekly yarn along posts, with a bit of what I'm up to thrown in. Visit Ginny for lots of other yarn along fun.

Reading: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and Simplicity Parenting
(Contemplating) Knitting: This scarf for me

Last week's knitting project was found to be too big (again!) At least I didn't completely finish it this time! I'm trying to decide whether I can somehow shrink it (I know nothing about blocking, etc.) or if I should just start over in a smaller size. Is there a place on ravelry to get the low down on patterns (like do they run big? etc.)?

I also ran across this scarf on ravelry. Love that. If only I had that exact yarn in my stash... really should not buy more yarn... but what if the scarf used up the whole skein, then it wouldn't add to the stash... This is exactly how my rationalization works:)

I've been on a cinnamon toast kick (for myself). Making it the way my daddy did, yum. Savoring it while reading blogs alone during M's nap, so relaxing, BUT I really need to be working on paperwork/bill paying and sewing!

A first step on working to thrive and not just survive: prioritize to-do list or maybe throw the list away. There needs to be clearance (in my mind) for (sometimes) missing baby's nap and just going or doing what sounds fun. We have so much that needs to be done around the house, but it hasn't been done so far, so why spend time fretting about it? Fretting doesn't get it done, and it doesn't help me thrive. No fretting, okay? 'kay!

Yarn Along January 18

2012-01-18T06:36:00.000-05:00

Going to try to at least keep up weekly yarn along posts. With a bit of what I'm up to thrown in. Visit Ginny for lots of other yarn along fun.
Reading: The Paris Wife
Knitting: Earflap Hat from Knitting For Baby by Melanie Falick & Kristin Nicholas

I've now finished The Paris Wife. I really enjoyed it. It was my pick for the book club I belong to. If you enjoy Hemingway's novels, this is an interesting look at his early life before he became renowned. My favorite part of the book? When Hadley knocks on his studio door, he asks, "Who is it?" and she replies, "Your wife!" I could hear the angry vehemence, but also the anguish in her voice as I read it.

Knitting a sweet hat for M, hope to get it done while there's still a need for a warm hat.

We're just busy with life, and I find it's much easier to read blogs than write one. I am concerned that we are surviving and not thriving. I've voiced the concern to my husband, but we are not sure how we go about correcting... Can I blame it on winter? I want to, but I know it's more than that. At least we are thinking on it.

Better go join a sweet boy for breakfast.

Not IRL But IMH

2011-09-12T09:30:00.004-04:00

I read a lot of blogs, A LOT, but I don't comment often. Mostly because I'm using my iPhone which makes it a little harder, and I'm busy with three young ones. An Inch of Gray is one I am always checking in on. Anna often makes me laugh, and I can tell she struggles with a lot of things I struggle with myself. She is honest and open and funny.

When I got online Saturday morning, I just happened to see Kate had a post titled "Loss," and I was a little worried. I know Kate's mom has battled cancer. So I clicked over and read the tragic news that Anna's son was gone. First, I felt disbelief, I'd just read about their summer vacation, seen their first day of school pics. Then, the tears came. I told my husband what had happened, and he asked, "Now who is this?" I answered, "Anna, from An Inch of Gray blog, you know her husband in pre-marriage counseling noted that two things he wanted her to know were 1) I like clean counters and 2) I am not the enemy." My husband nodded. We'd laughed about that, it sounded like something he would've said to me.

So, no, I don't know Anna and her family IRL, but I feel that I know them In My Heart. So as Marinka noted in her post, I do not for a second think that the fact that [I] know Anna through “blogging only” diminishes [my mourning for her family] one whit. If you are reading this, please pray for her and her family, send them thoughts of peace.

You may visit Kate's site for a link up of posts for Anna and information about donation.

2011-02-11T13:20:00.002-05:00

Outside my window...the sun is shining, but it's not yet warm (they are making big promises for the weekend).

I am thinking... about trying to do a photo shoot of baby girl this weekend, wonder if I can make one of those tutus?

I am thankful for... not having to go anywhere today (besides school pick up).

From the learning rooms... lots of writing this weekend as we get Valentines ready for my kindergartner's class.

From the kitchen... spaghetti tonight, then we can eat leftovers this weekend.

I am wearing... my robe (still, hey at least I got a shower).

I am creating... lots of projects in my head, not much in reality.

I am going... nowhere and I'm glad (see above).

I am reading... The School of Essential Ingredients (re-reading actually, it's my pick for our book club, so I'm trying to take notes and be all bookworm-y).

I am hoping... to get busy on some sewing and knitting.

I am hearing... the dryer, Caillou, and little baby breaths.

Around the house... we are being overrun with mail and paper work! Aargh!

One of my favorite things... finding blogs that are soothing to read. Hope to post about that soon.

Happy weekend!

Not quite a half year

2011-01-21T11:48:00.003-05:00

A half year break from blogging that is! I've just been busy living, and if you're still reading this, please don't think I've not been reading your blogs. Trust me, there are plenty of feedings that are great opportunities for reading blogs via iPhone. This is going to be a mish mosh of thoughts and links as I'm short on time a lot these days!

Glad to know that other moms get overwhelmed http://samstermommy.blogspot.com/2011/01/mommy-pills.html I'm not taking any medication, and I think I'll make it without needing something. However, I completely understand what she's saying. Read the comments, too! One of the first comments mentions how most moms today don't have the support that our grandmothers had. I hadn't really thought of that. Amen.

Christy said this:
I've decided/realized that getting out of the house on my own REALLY cheers me up, so I'm having sitters visit us more often, and it's good for everyone.
Amen, again.
You can read more of her wisdom here.

I recently helped host a baby shower and was talking to a gal I've known since before kindergarten. She mentioned that a gal who went to high school with us who has eight (yes, 8) kids said that the hardest transition was from two kids to three. Thank you, I needed to hear that. With so many saying two to three is so much easier than one to two, I thought maybe I was doing something wrong! Don't get the wrong idea. I love having my three. It's hard work though, and there's not a lot of time to do every day things that really need to be done (cleaning and organizing around the house being the biggie for me).

Despite having zero time to sew, I went on a mini-buying spree a couple of weeks ago buying three new patterns (one for a tunic for me:) I keep telling myself that one of these days very soon, I'm going to have a bit of time to sew. When I do, wouldn't these elephants be fun?
I've noticed I have a thing for elephant prints.

So, I'm still here, just having a hard time finding time to blog, clean, sew, and the like :) I'll try not to be a such a stranger around here.

Welcome to the World...

2010-08-23T09:06:00.000-04:00

Baby Girl! M joined us two weeks ago.
We just love her.

Sorry it's taken so long to post, but I've been quite busy (diaper changes, breastfeeding, getting ready for H to start kindergarten, breastfeeding, celebrating W's third birthday, breastfeeding).

Quick version of the birth story: I woke at 3:30 AM with contractions, started timing and decided it was time to head to the hospital. Only 4cm when I got there, but contractions were steady every three minutes. After about an hour of pretty strong contractions, the midwife checked me again. I was 8cm!! Time to get ready to push. She arrived a little after 7:00 AM. It was not easy but at least it was fairly quick, and I'm glad I stuck with my natural birth plan. 7 lbs 10 oz! Happily, not too big :)

One more sweet pic.Yes, I am still super-paranoid about pictures of my children on the internet, but I think babies just sort of look like babies, you know?

Waiting...

2010-07-25T08:48:00.007-04:00

... for baby girl to be here to snuggle in this cocoon...and pose in a shrug and don some hats.

Less than a month to go, and yes, mommy is feeling it. Below is the first cocoon (deemed not girly enough by me, have I mentioned that this pregnancy has left me so indecisive it's just ridiculous? I have knitted a couple of items, only to decide I don't like them once they are complete). The cocoon is a free pattern get it here.

Below is my second Itty Bitty Baby Dress from Made By Rae (free here). You can see my first attempt here. I've gone back and forth about adding a little something to the top, like an embroidered flower, a friend suggested baby's first initial (um, we don't know that yet, no agreement between me and C, probably won't know until forced to decide by her arrival and even then, I'm thinking it's going to be a tough decision).

An awesome wet bag for cloth diapers (or anything wet, like bathing suits). I did not make this. It's a gift from a friend who (along with Mel and her husband and some posts from Tasha) has really encouraged me to try cloth diapering. Isn't the fabric great?!?

This past week, C and I went to a free cloth diapering class put on by a local store that carries lots of cloth diapering gear as well as breastfeeding supplies and slings, wraps, etc. We purchased a few prefolds and a Snappi, and the same friend who gave me the wet bag has loaned me a few newborn size covers. We are going to give it a try.

So about the waiting...
we are also waiting for...

-me to use up all the regular detergent, so we can "treat" our washing machine to start laundering cloth diapers

-the paint in baby's room to dry, so we can see if any touching up needs to be done

-the painting to be done, so we can put all the *girly* crib bedding on, set up the bed and put the quilt my aunt made on it, move all the shower gifts in, decorate... Aieee!!

-for me to finish her coming home outfit (requires a bit more sewing and a try at freezer paper stenciling... Aieee!!)

Notice a theme here? To top it off, I'm having some contractions as I type this (I've been having them off and on).

Knowing me, the next post will hopefully be all about baby :)

Are We There Yet? No, But I Got a Great Shower Haul

2010-06-28T11:50:00.000-04:00

We were using the boys' wooden blocks to mark each month, but the block set only goes up to 7 for some reason. We can turn 6 upside down for 9, but this time, we went with the magic eight ball.

The baby shower my fantastic friends gave was wonderful! So excited to get little dresses and pink goodies:) Here's some of the haul after I'd sorted through and tried to organize a bit.

Now for the clothes, this is most of them!

See that one down toward the right corner? That's some handmade Mel-specials!

That bib is reversible (the other side is the chicken fabric on the dress!) I know Mel's amazing (both at sewing and friendship). Check out her (better) picture here.

And about those chickens, I love this one. I want to dress up in that bright red with a blue flower in my hair. I mean really, none of those chicks around her can compare :)

Hope to post some completed projects soon! Woohoo!

Father's Day Foibles

2010-06-21T18:10:00.005-04:00

We decided to go out to eat last night for Father's Day. C loves Outback, and since I've recently learned I'm borderline anemic, steak sounded good to me too. Now we knew there would be a wait, so we called to put our name on the list. We still had about 25 minutes to wait when we got there, so the boys stayed in the car with the a/c with Daddy while I got the little buzzer and braved the heat. Don't worry, I was in the shade and had a book to read. Although it is super
hot with support hose, those few minutes sitting alone, reading were really a gift to me.

We are seated, and both H and his daddy need to use the restroom. While they are gone, our drink orders arrive. I have concocted W's Sprite and water mix and am starting on H's, when I turn my own water over and it spills all over my pants. It was a full glass. I was sitting in puddled water. Since, I don't bring a spare change of clothes for myself just the boys, I dried off as best I could and decide to grin and bear it.

C and H come back from the restroom, and my husband announces that he thinks he passed two kidney stones while in the (public) bathroom, and he has them. I think my eyes probably rolled back in my head as he explained that he, "used some MacGyver type skills" to "fish" them out of the (public) toilet while my 5 year old looked on. Apparently, the whole time he is fishing them out, he's telling H he should never do this and that he will explain why Daddy IS doing it when we get home. When he got to the part of the over-the-dinner-table story about how, "they're in my pocket," I had to ask him to stop the conversation before I hosed him and H down with Purell from across the table.

So while I'm riding home, sitting on a plastic bag (because my clothing- including support hose and undergarments- are still soaked), I'm thinking: Maybe we should have just ordered online and picked up?

Hope all the dads in your lives had a great day!

Vintage Dress

2010-06-03T13:20:00.005-04:00

Can I call it a vintage dress if it's at least as old as me? I think I'm probably vintage by now.

Sometimes, being a pack rat pays off. I remember putting this dress on a doll named Mrs. Beasley (apparently from a TV show called A Family Affair, I don't remember the show, do remember the doll). Anyhow, it needs a little repair, but I love it! The picture is from my iPhone, so not the best quality. The main fabric is navy blue with tiny white polka dots. Edited: I meant to explain that I think it was a cousin's or aunt's dress, that we later dressed the doll with. I think it's probably sized for a three year old.

I am still in a flutter, adding to my crafts for baby girl list way too often! Hopefully, I'll have some more finished projects to post about soon. Just wanted to prove I'm still here!

A Hitch in My Giddy-up

2010-05-20T12:53:00.005-04:00

I really, really want to be doing a whole bunch of sewing for the coming baby, but my aching legs make the cutting fabric and ironing parts of sewing difficult. Here is my first finished project for baby:
Itty Bitty Baby Dress tutorial from Made by Rae (free!)

So, my varicose veins have really put a hitch in my sewing giddy-up as well as my giddy-up in general. I am hoping to go tomorrow to get some better support hose that the midwife actually wrote a prescription for. Maybe that will help me get going on my ever-growing list of projects for baby.

In other news, things that are making me happy:

1) Only one more week of school for the boys! Hooray! Can't wait to wake up and not have to rush around like a mad woman.

2) A shower for baby! Great friends are hosting a shower for me and baby next month. I have been having so much fun registering for pink clothes. Mel, wouldn't it be cool if you could register at fabric.com??

3) Aunt J and her husband are visiting us today! They are in town for the week from their home in London.

4) Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles Recipe from Smashed Peas and Carrots go here! Dangerously yummy!

5) C has agreed to paint baby's room if I take the boys away from the house for a full day :)

Hope to be back with more sewing projects soon! Maybe between the new hose and no school, I'll be giddy-upping:)

What's a Quarter of a Century Where Excitement is Concerned?

2010-04-21T20:25:00.002-04:00

My husband and I just got word last Friday that H had the opportunity to attend kindergarten at a school that is at a nearby university. The program is excellent with national accreditation and not easy to get into without being a professor at the university or having attended yourself (yes, it's been in existence a long time). So after talking to the folks we know who have had children attend and going for a visit ourselves, we decided to enroll H. It's farther from home than the school he was going to attend and is more expensive, but we feel like it will be worth it and our younger children would have the opportunity to attend there in the future (there are programs for 3, 4, and 5 year olds).

We go later in the week for orientation where H will see his classroom and meet his teacher (he didn't go with us for the visit).

With all that said, we (C and I) are so excited! You'd think we were confident kindergarteners-to-be! Maybe because we saw the classroom and observed (from the observation room, yes they have one) or just because we really feel this is the right decision, but we are looking forward to orientation! I was feeling kind of silly and so told C "I know it's funny, but I'm excited about kindergarten." Imagine how tickled I was to hear him say, "I know, I am too!"

So whether you're five or thirty something, it seems learning is exciting!

How Tough Is It?

2010-04-14T16:00:00.003-04:00

So I was asking my husband this weekend, how tough is it, this having a baby? I mean I know how tough the actual birthing part is, despite all that "you forget it" stuff, I remember my 8+ lb-er (W). Pretty vividly. What I mean is the no sleep, nursing part. C responded with, "Pretty tough." I continued about how I knew it really didn't get easier after a month or six weeks (like so many people tell you). It really takes more like three months to get into a groove (at least, for us, maybe we're slow compared to others). C looks at me and replies deadpan, "Let's just say, we may not want to have a fourth." I love my husband, love that he makes me laugh. I've been cracking up over that comment for days :)

Week o'Fun

2010-04-10T11:21:00.003-04:00

The boys were out of school this past week, so I decided we should have a fun thing every day (I sort of didn't decide this until Monday, though). However, our fun needed to be indoor fun because the pollen is crazy (check out Tasha's post about it), all of us seem to have allergies, and I don't want to take a bunch of medicine with the little bambino. Now Monday's fun was just a visit from their grandma which isn't that out of the ordinary, but it's all I had to offer. Tuesday, we went to our local county museum which has a water table to teach about water pollution, how rivers were and are used for transport, etc. It was the hit of the museum visit, and the covered wagon toy that you used a barge to float across the river fit perfectly with our start of Little House on the Prairie. They could have played at that water table for hours. We took in a planetarium show while there, too. Wednesday, we went out for ice cream after supper with Daddy. Ice cream = fun. I had low fat but should have gone ahead and gotten a mix-in of Butterfinger (it would just have been a wee bit). Thursday was another museum trip recommended by Mel. This one had some bears to see (which H is really into right now), but the biggest attractions turned out to be a puppet theater where H could put on his own puppet show with two bear, an eagle and an otter puppets and for W, the fish tanks. Maybe a trip to a big aquarium will be on our vacation to-do one day. We ended the week with meeting Daddy for lunch on Friday.

It really was a fun week, and I am proud of myself for taking the little guys out on my own some. I even did my exercise DVD four out of the five weekdays (go me! and yes, I am getting a little worried about my weight gain). I really enjoyed not having to spend four mornings rushing around trying to get everyone ready for school, nagging everyone to get moving, feeling my blood pressure rise because we are late again. It's strange, but I almost think I might have gotten more done than during a school week. Maybe it was just more done around the house. Still, it reminds me of how I actually find school days harder than just keeping the children at home. I have been wondering whether I really want to send #3 to preschool at age 2. I know lots of children really enjoy and get a lot out of it, but it costs $$, it stresses me... Just not sure. H is to start kindergarten this fall (a very short time after my due date!), but I have thought some about homeschooling. I'm just not sure I could do it. Or maybe that we could do it. H is not the easiest child to direct, and I am not pro-active about anything social (you know, making sure he had interaction with others his age, sports, etc.) I read a great post about one woman's decision to homeschool that has me thinking. For now, though, I think we will plan to give kindergarten a try.

Romeo and Mae Sewing Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-04-10T11:18:00.001-04:00

Romeo and Mae Sewing Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

A chance at free patterns, nice!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-04-05T09:22:00.007-04:00

On a blog I enjoy reading, Cheaper By the Half Dozen, these Daybook posts appear some days, and I really enjoy them. Sometimes, it's fun to have a peek into another's thoughts and schedule.

Outside my window...the dogwoods are abloom along with the azaleas on the sunny side of the house (and there is a greenish-yellow film on the cars from all the pollen).

I am thinking... about colors to paint the walls in a little girl's room.

I am thankful for... friends who loan maternity clothes. One brought by two Rubbermaid boxes full this weekend. It's awesome to have a whole new wardrobe.

From the learning rooms... almost finished with Little House in the Big Woods. I wasn't sure if H would enjoy this, but, luckily, there are several bears, a panther, and a deer involved in some chapters.

From the kitchen... ha ha! Maybe this shouldn't be a part of my daybook entry.

I am wearing... white t-shirt and black yoga pants (pretty much still in my pj's).

I am creating... a schedule for this week of fun things to do with the boys.

I am going... to the museum with the boys later in the week, also to a doctor appointment, looking forward to sharing the news that it's a girl with one of my favorite midwives.

I am reading... The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson (It started out sort of dry, but it's getting better).

I am hoping... to get busy on some knitting projects this week.

I am hearing... the washing machine and two little boys playing, vroom vroom crash.

Around the house... we are being overrun with Rubbermaid boxes but mostly for good reasons, as mentioned above.

One of my favorite things... sewing things for the boys. I made this vest for H to wear on Easter. It turned out a bit smaller than anticipated (even though I decreased the seam allowances), but I still thought it looked nice. I have to add a button (that's why the pocket seems a bit far toward the side seam). You can get the pattern free from Leila and Ben here.

Leila and Ben Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-03-29T10:57:00.001-04:00

Leila and Ben Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Seven super cute patterns being given away!

Oh boy, oh boy, oh ????

2010-03-19T12:31:00.001-04:00

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Girl! It's a girl! Everything looks healthy, and we are so excited and grateful!

About W (or Hospitalizations Explained)

2010-03-17T09:48:00.009-04:00

Note: Please go here to read about our BIG news, and then cast your vote. And, I didn't plan this at all, but I am posting this on the second anniversary of W's first surgery.

For quite some time, I've wanted to explain about my younger son's condition, but I also wanted to be sure the post was thoughtful and genuine. So, here we go. W has obstructive hydrocephalus. Some of you are nodding, but some of you may be thinking obstructive what? Hydrocephalus literally means water on the brain, which is inaccurate, it's not water really, it's cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). CSF cycles through everyone's brain, but for W, it was unable to pass out of his brain quickly enough. So, at his six month check up, the pediatrician recommended a scan of W's brain, because instead of a curve, W's head circumference was just going straight up on the growth chart. (One of the reasons the doctors measure babies' heads). Never would I have thought that I would be praying so hard for my baby to just have a big head. The pediatrician called me the day of the scan (never a good sign, bad news is fleet of foot) and explained that there was excess fluid. We would need to see a neurosurgeon and have an MRI. I foolishly asked if he would tell me what they thought was wrong. Never ask, let them tell you what you need to know. He told us he thought W had a condition called Dandy Walker Syndrome. I knew better than to Google it, but I did it anyway. When we saw the neurosurgeon's nurse practitioner, she also discussed Dandy Walker. Here's where it pays to have more than one person in the room (besides the patient) when talking with medical professionals. I heard, "W has Dandy Walker." My husband heard, "W may have Dandy Walker." We had the MRI, which required having W put under with anesthesia. They gave us a CD of the MRI films and off we headed straight to the neurosurgeon's. The surgeon looked at the films and, praise God, it was not Dandy Walker. W has an arachnoid cyst which causes his obstructive hydrocephalus. Arachnoid? Like arachnophobia? Yes, actually everyone has an arachnoid membrane in their brain, named this because it looks like a spider's web. W has a cyst in his arachnoid membrane, and the cyst does not allow the CSF to leave his brain as quickly as it should. So, his head was growing bigger quickly to accommodate the excess fluid. The neurosurgeon scheduled W for surgery to place two shunts (basically tubing) in his brain as well as placing a valve behind one ear that allows the fluid to flow out of his brain and into his abdomen. The valve is controlled by a magnet and allows the medical folks to adjust the pressure (or how quickly the fluid is flowing out). So all of this is under the skin and, unless you're really looking behind his ear or at his neck, not noticeable.

So, of course, we were scared, angry, full of questions for the doctors, the universe, God. Some of you know my father died of brain cancer when I was expecting my oldest son. Now, here I was three years later going to the same group of physicians about my younger son. It didn't seem fair, and (I will be honest here) it still doesn't. Yes, I know there are things that are so much worse, but that thought doesn't help me each and every time I walk into that office.

The surgery was quick and successful. We stayed in the hospital only one night. W had gross motor skill delays (some other minor delays in other areas, but gross motor was the big one) because his head was heavier than a baby who did not have this problem. He crawled later and hated tummy time with a passion. Thanks be to God, he has pretty much caught up now. He still isn't able to go up and down all stairs on his own, but part of that is due to exposure as we don't have stairs in our home. He goes to preschool and seems to be doing well there. He jumps on his bed, gets rowdy, he's a boy. What does it mean for him in the future? No contact sports, future surgeries (to lengthen the tubing as he grows, the "hardware" won't last forever, etc.) The doctors say he's fine to fly, swim. I limit his play with magnetic toys (not easy in a house full of magnetic Thomas trains, but thankfully, W has done very well with the "little boys with shunts can't play with magnets" rule and H understands he can only play with magnetics when W is napping). The doctors say it's unlikely the magnets on the toy Thomas trains could change his valve setting (thus changing the pressure in his brain), but I took the trains to the neurosurgeon and he said, "it's possible." You can imagine, that's all I needed to hear. We also teach him to use the other ear (the one without the valve behind it) to use the phone as cell phones can have magnets in them and some can alter the setting.

You notice I use the term the doctors "say" quite a bit. Let me explain why. Most folks we know who have experience with shunts have the shunt placed and don't look back for years. W's shunt was placed in March 2008. In November 2008, W vomited off and on for a week, the pediatrician at first thought it was a virus, but then after about a week, W became very lethargic and could not keep anything down, not even fluids. The neurosurgeon's office couldn't see us, so we hightailed it to the pediatrician's who immediately sent us to the emergency room. After a scan and x-rays of his abdomen, the doctors immediately saw that the tubing that the CSF flows through had broken at W's neck. More surgery, but thankfully not brain surgery really, just reattaching the tubing. Tubing breaking is rare, but that is the most common spot for it to break. (Crazy Christmas #1 - the surgery was early December).

Now, fast forward to December 23, 2009, W comes to me after playing completely normally a minute earlier, racing around pushing dump trucks with his brother, and says, "Mommy, my tummy hurts." Within two minutes, he throws up...and my stomach turns over and clenches because I immediately think, "It's the shunt." I look at C, "Oh no," I say. He says, "We don't know it's the shunt." W throws up a few more times, and then settles down for a while. I put him on the couch to sleep with me. He wakes up around 11:30 pm and throws up, and then continues to throw up or dry heave about every hour and a half until 6:30 am. We head to the pediatrician's the next morning (Christmas Eve day). We can't see our usual pediatrician, but I am calling to make the appointment while we are driving there. It doesn't matter who we see, I know where they are going to send us. After the doctor confers with the neurosurgeon folks, we are sent to the ER. They give W IV fluids to help with dehydration and discuss tapping his shunt (involves putting a needle in his head, nuff said) since all the scans and x-rays look fine. Tapping runs the risk of introducing infection, so the doctors are going back and forth. The only other explanation is that he has a virus. He is pretty sleepy during most of this time. They prep him to do the tapping by shaving a bit of his hair and putting numbing cream on a spot on his head. The neurosurgeon on call just happens to be the doctor who performed surgery to remove as much as possible of my father's brain tumor. A great doctor, but forgive me if I really didn't want to ever see him in this setting again. Anyway, W's neurosurgeon has been paged about W, and he calls to say not to tap the shunt as it could be a stomach virus. They send us home for Christmas. Christmas day, we video the opening of presents. W is not too interested, showing a little interest in a toy, but mostly, just sitting on the couch and sleeping off and on. He throws up during the videoing. The next morning he throws up again, and we are off to the ER. We are admitted to the hospital and stay for four nights. C and I both get cold/sinus infections during our stay. The pediatric doctors still can't find anything wrong, so they want neurosurgery to tap. W's neurosurgeon still doesn't think we should tap based on more scans. They send us home, "maybe it's just a virus." A virus that lasts this long? I, by this time, am positive it's the shunt. We are home for New Year's Day, and January 2nd we are back in the hospital (this time we are a direct admit from the pediatrician's office). We stay one night, have scans and blood work and are sent home again! We are to follow up with our pediatrician and our neurosurgeon ASAP. Finally, on January 5th, we see W's neurosurgeon who says the most recent scan does show a very slight change. They tap the shunt, W is the bravest boy ever, and the neurosurgeon's nurse practitioner says something is definitely strange. We go ahead and schedule surgery but are told that if W seems better, to let them know. W is definitely better but not 100%, so we head to the hospital for surgery. We talk to W's neurosurgeon about how he is doing, and he decides not to perform surgery. Instead, we have another scan two days later. Since then, W seems fine (knock on wood). The best guess is that he had some "brain gunk" clogging the tubing or valve, and when they tapped the shunt, they also flushed it and the flushing got rid of the gunk. So that's a very long story to explain why I often use the phrasing "the doctors say." I am not doubting the doctors' abilities and knowledge. W is here because of God's grace and the oftentimes amazing acts of these doctors. My dad liked to say: there's a reason they call it practicing medicine. They are human, too. Crazy Christmas #2 ends.

When we first found out about W's condition, I was talking to a friend (HGS), and she said the kindest and best thing anyone could have said to me. I was so scared. I asked her, "How am I going to do this? (meaning take care of W) What if I can't do this?" Her response was something like this, "Of course you can do it. Who else could do it? No one is better able to take care of W." In the same vein, a wonderful lady who is halfway across the country from me sent this to me in an email: "God placed W in your home and in your heart because he equipped you to be the loving mother you are to this little boy." That email is on my refrigerator, in case I need reminding. (This wonderful lady's sister was my niece's biology teacher in March 2008, when my niece asked her teacher about W's condition, lo and behold her nephew had the same condition, caused by the same type of cyst). When I think about all that we went through with my father, I do wonder if I was somehow being prepared. When I was praying, "Why, God, why?" I did finally get an answer. There was no booming voice or burning bush, just this thought suddenly in my mind, "Your imperfection is still My perfection." (Trust me, that was God's voice, the one in my head is not that profound). I took that to mean that I should count my blessings, and W is one of God's perfect blessings. One He chose to bless me with. Don't take all that to mean that I don't get frustrated, angry, etc. I do, more often than I should. I am frightened to go out of town, to take a vacation. I struggle to treat W, and our lives with him, as normal.

So, how is he? He's wonderful, a beautiful, laughing, energetic little boy. Rough and the toughest little cookie around. Smart, funny (yes, funny, even if he maybe doesn't always mean to be), a great little brother to H. So, there you have it: the long story about W.

PS Check out the awesome Heather at The Extraordinary Ordinary and on the right hand side of her blog, go down to the "browse by category" drop down and choose The Noggin' to read and learn more about hydrocephalus (she even has an illustration to show how the tubing works).

Three's Company (or Big News About a Little Person)

2010-03-14T19:13:00.009-04:00

That's right! We are expecting our third child this summer! Here are some pictures of the tummy, so feel free to make a guess as to whether it's a girl or boy.For the record, before I had a child, I never thought I'd have more than two children, but things happen and perspectives change. I'm not quite halfway, and I have been very, very tired, much more so than with either of my previous pregnancies. I had a little nausea in the first two months (no nausea with my first two), but mostly this pregnancy has been similar to the first two except for the extreme tiredness, just generally not feeling so great, and I seem to be a lot hungrier (or maybe I just don't remember wanting to eat so much). And, I won't make you wait too long to find out if it's little sister or brother as we go for an ultrasound Friday. H is hoping for a girl but says a little brother would be fun too. Of course, we are praying for 100% healthy, especially since we know what it's like to have a child with a medical problem. Speaking of that, I'm planning to publish a post this week called About W which will explain our youngest's condition (it's a lengthy post, but I wanted to be sure to give the full story).

So, vote in my little poll over there in the top right corner, and tell me what you think it's going to be!

Sanity Keepers

2010-03-05T13:07:00.006-05:00

Sanity keeper #1 - knowing Spring is coming. Maybe slowly, but it's coming! And once it's here? H can wear what Mel has christened his jams. I think they'll be great for playing outside and lounging around the house in the summer. I used the bandanna pants tutorial from Blue Yonder Ranch.

#2 and #3 -Knitting and Reading (not at the same time, I'm not that advanced) When W is getting his hair cut, he usually looks at pictures on my iPhone. I have pictures of my knitting and sewing projects on there, and the gal who cuts his hair asked, "How do you have time to do that?" meaning knitting in this case. My first thought was, "I have to." I guess for me knitting is pretty therapeutic and, for someone who adores crossing a to-do off my list, the sense of completing something is so nice. So, I wondered, how does someone not do it? I know knitting isn't for everyone, but for me knitting and reading are sometimes my "sanity-keepers" if you will. (I wish I could say sewing was the same, but let's just say not yet, just not as natural to me yet). If I didn't have these hobbies to help me feel that I am accomplishing something and let me escape a bit, I'd be crazy (or crazier). What's keeping you sane?

More Projects: Sewing (Reversible Pinafore)

2010-02-18T15:55:00.001-05:00

Finally, I got an outfit made for my good friend's daughter who was born in (cringe) July. I am so excited to have the two pictures of her below modeling her outfit.
Particularly happy to have a back view, as it isn't easy to get a good shot of the back when it's just on a hanger. The top is a combination of Butterick's 3846 pinafore pattern and this awesome tutorial from The Stuff I Live For blog. Check it out! She's got some awesome stuff and tutorials. The McCall's pattern pieces were great for helping me cut out the right shape and size, but when it came to following the sewing instructions, I was lost, completely lost.

Pocket detail on the pants. I didn't think this through all the way, because, the pockets are on the sides of the pants, so you don't see the pockets straight on. Oh well, I know the hearts are there, and I like 'em! Pants are Simplicity pattern 3765.
Of course, the pinafore is reversible and above is the reverse side of the pink pinafore top. And, just to prove that I wasn't just being lazy, below is the first pinafore I made for the same little one. One side, the awesome bug fabric (as seen here)...
...the other, a sweet autumn leaves pattern (put out by Springs Creative Products Group).
Unfortunately, by the time I got it completed, I felt like it was too late for fall leaves, so this pinafore will wait for another little one. So there we are, finally, I get it all complete and delivered, just in time for Valentine's!

Projects: A Little Crochet, A Little Knit

2010-02-09T14:20:00.006-05:00

A crocheted scarf for my cousin's eleventh birthday. I was excited to get it to her in time for the recent snow! This pattern is from a tutorial and can easily be done in a day, probably half a day. I did the majority of it while watching my Anne of Green Gables video one Saturday.
This hat is for one of C's co-workers. She did not find out if the baby was a boy or girl, so I used the aqua Baby Boo bamboo yarn. When she delivered a girl, we added a pink ribbon, and I love this color combination. This hat ended up a bit too tall, and I can only blame it on my inexperience with this yarn which is super soft but I guess stretchier than what I'm used to using. Hopefully, she'll get to wear it without it looking too silly.

H is working on Valentine's for his class right now, and I need to get some decorations up. I cut out some construction paper hearts with H to make a little garland for our mantel. I have some other decorations around here somewhere. Sewing projects to come very soon!

Ain't Disbehavin'

2010-01-29T19:32:00.007-05:00

That's an H on that green sticky note. After I made H's birthday cake and he and C frosted it and the cake cover went on, he brought the sticky note over and put it on top. (If you can't tell it has an H written on it). You know, in case we were confused about whose birthday cake it really was, or Mommy or Daddy got any ideas about a sweet snack during the night ;) He gets it honest, I am very -um- particular about my stuff. In my defense, I had some bad lending experiences in the past (way past, like third grade) that really made me guard my possessions.

I try to type into my iPhone all the funny comments H makes, so I thought I'd share a couple:

One evening before we left to go out to dinner, he was not behaving well at. all. When I asked something like "what is wrong, why are you so upset, are you going to act like this at the restaurant?" he replied, "That's why I'm acting like this because I wanted to disbehave in the restaurant." The ironic thing is, I really think he meant he wanted to BEhave at the restaurant. Ahh, sometimes it's hard to keep a straight face as the parent.

In early December '09, we were reading our nightly Bible story. After reading Jonah and the Whale, he asked how the whale knew to spit Jonah out. I said, "God told him to." H's reply: "I didn't know whales spoke God."

He's just too smart (in more ways than one). A cutie too! I do love that kid!

Side note: Fourteen (14) One Four. That is the number of gray hairs C pulled out of my head last night. He'd fallen down on the job since the whole hospital/ER fiasco that was our Christmas and New Year. Yes, I do have him pluck them out (I laugh in the face of that old wives tale about 'for every one you pull two take its place'). Let's hope that this surge in graying was a result of all the trauma from said fiasco and not a recurring event. I hope to have some pictures of some sewing and knitting and even crocheting up soon. Must get my IT guy on those pictures ASAP.

Next November, I'll Be a Turkey

2010-01-16T11:02:00.003-05:00

Happy new year! I know I'm a little late. Where have I been? Well this Christmas will definitely go down as one of the worst, I'm afraid. I spent Christmas Eve day in the ER with my youngest. Came home that night, only to return two days later and stay at the hospital for 4 nights (which of course resulted in C and I getting sick and still being on meds right now). Came home and returned to the hospital for a one night stay on Jan. 2. W seems okay now. Although, we've all had some kind of horrific cold/sinus infections that don't seem to want to go away. These hospital stays are all related to W's condition which I have yet to talk about here (not because I don't want to, but because I want to do the whole thing justice). Some of you may remember we were in the hospital in December 2008 as well. Let's just say, I'm going to be like a turkey come November 2010, feeling really nervous about the holidays.

However, I'm trying to be positive and hope the worst is behind us now. H will be 5 years old very soon! Unbelievable! I do wish us all (your family and mine) a very healthy, happy 2010.

25 Questions: Christmas Edition

2009-12-18T21:55:00.001-05:00

I posted this last Christmas, but I enjoyed it so much, I'm re-posting. If you decide to do a Christmas Questions list, leave a comment so I can enjoy yours :)

1. Egg nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa just fills the stockings at our house; we don't put much emphasis on Santa. In fact, when W's PT asked H if Santa was going to bring him some presents, he replied, "Well, we wrap our presents." The reason for not emphasizing Santa is twofold. One, I want my children to focus on the true reason and spirit of Christmas. Two, I want them to know that Mommy and Daddy work hard so that they can get presents. If it wasn't for the good music and books that include Santa, we probably wouldn't do it at all, but I am a sucker for Twas the Night Before Christmas. Below is the response to this question from another blogger that I got this little question list from. I love, love, love her response!

We don't do Santa at our house. We want to be sure that we are telling our kids the truth and that we are celebrating the real reason for the season. If our children are to believe in a man that they cannot see, I want it to be Jesus! However, we told our daughter that people like to "pretend" about Santa at Christmastime and she said she wants to pretend, too. Pretending is fun and that is fine with us! But the presents are from mommy and daddy. We get the credit for that!

Please no hating on me about Santa. It doesn't bother me at all that others do Santa stuff. My brother is almost a decade older than me, so I think that's partly why I was never that into Santa as a kid. Not to mention my mom is not a secret-keeper or much of a surprise-giver.

3. Colored lights or white? White. In fact, my mom gave us her old artificial tree this year (the first time I've ever had an artificial tree, terrible, I'm a real-tree girl all the way), anyway, it is pre-lit with colored lights. That will not do, so I put our white lights on it, and didn't plug in the pre-lit ones. Also, I really like putting the lights on because my dad always checked the lights. It makes me think of him. What can I say? Down with artificial trees!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, maybe when the children are older (isn't that stuff poisonous?)

5. When do you put your decorations up? Either the Friday or the weekend after Thanksgiving.

6. Favorite holiday dish? Sausage balls, macaroni and cheese "pie" (as my dad called it), deviled eggs!

7. Favorite childhood memory? Wrapping presents with my grandmother and the year my dad decided we were going to have a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

8. When/how did you learn the truth about Santa? I think I just sort of figured it out (see #2 above).

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? As a child, I could open one gift on Christmas Eve. Now, we open gifts with my mom on Christmas Eve. This year, I am going to let the boys open one (their matching red Thomas pajamas, so they can have them on for Christmas morning pictures!)

10. How do you decorate the tree? I am a bit of a tree hog (maybe not as bad as Kate). See #3 for the light situation. I put on the lights, then unwrap and unbox the ornaments and hang those, and I have the star we used at my dad's house. I let H help hang some of his ornaments (several John Deere/tractor ones).

11. Snow. Love it or dread it? Love it, usually.

12. Can you ice skate? Yes, the last time I tried, and that was a looong time ago.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? It might be this year's, check back after Christmas :) But a favorite from the past was all of Jane Austen's completed novels in hardback!

14. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you? Being with my family, doing things that will give my children good memories, and making sure my children know the real reason for celebrating.

15. Favorite holiday dessert? My mom's Fresh Apple Cake.

16. Favorite Christmas Tradition? Going to Christmas Eve church services (haven't done that in a couple of years), watching A Charlie Brown Christmas with my boys, and before he passed away, hearing my dad say, "I hate Christmas, I hate Christmas, I. Hate. Christmas." What can I say, I'm a bit twisted.

17. What tops your tree? The gold-garlanded, color-lights star that was always on our tree at my dad's.

18. Do you prefer giving or receiving? I love giving to my kids, and who doesn't enjoy receiving?

19. Favorite Christmas song? "What Child is This"

20. Candy canes. Yum or yuck? I'll eat them, but they're not my favorite.

21. What do you want for Christmas? Can someone give the gift of sleep and/or more time?

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party? No, seems a bit sad, but really, I'm probably glad.

23. Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or wear P.J.'s? We usually go to my mom's, but it's not dressy (but not pj casual either, I wish it was!)

24. Do you own a Santa hat? Yes, we wore them in parades when I was in band in high school. I wear it when I'm decorating the tree.

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? Christmas morning and lunch is reserved for just the four of us. Then, my mom and step-dad usually come over as well as my MIL later in the day.

Aack! December

2009-12-02T18:42:00.002-05:00

As much as I've been looking forward to Christmas (I love putting up the tree and all the decorations, love Christmas music and the Christmas tv specials -ha, calling them specials ages me doesn't it?), I can't seem to absorb that it's really almost here. I must put in my Amazon order soon. I don't want to be crossing my fingers that it makes it here on time. I do have some things I'd been getting for the boys, but what about the adults on my list!?! Oh, and let's not forget those Christmas pajamas I so rashly mentioned on this site. How will I ever get all this done?

I think this week has been particularly stressful as C's truck is "on the blink" (as my daddy said), and we've had to share my car. Sharing my car consists of frantically getting everyone ready to go in order to leave in time to get Daddy (C) to work ON time. Then after all that hurry up and go. We have an hour before preschool starts. Tuesday, the boys and I decided to live it up and have a "second breakfast" of Chick-fil-a chicken minis and OJ. Now, we could get used to that:)

Thankful for Two

2009-11-26T12:23:00.003-05:00

Today, when I think of the many things I am thankful for, one that is at the top of the list is for my two boys. I am thankful for them both individually, of course, but today, when I saw W share his Doc car with H without my prodding, I thought: I'm so glad to have two. I went to the kitchen where we were frantically cutting, cooking and googling how many TBS in 1/3 of a cup, to tell C, "I'm so glad we have two. Two to grow up together and learn from one another." One for each of my arms to wrap around to pull into a mommy-special group hug. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Blessings to you and your loved ones.

A Few Finished Projects

2009-11-04T10:45:00.002-05:00

Here's a onesie I added a tie to from this tutorial at Trey and Lucy.

Then a little cap.

These are for a little guy due to arrive in just a short month to friends from college. The mom is one of three girls. This is her first baby, and her sisters each have one girl. So, this little man is in for some spoiling :)

Crafty Stuff on the Net

2009-11-03T09:53:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to mention the So You Think You're Crafty challenge. There are some awesome entries, and the winning entry will publish a tutorial for us all! Yeeha! This goes on for ten weeks. Love it. Check it out and vote for your favorite.

While perusing the challenge, I've seen some of my favorite crafty bloggers, of course, but I've also discovered new soon to be favorites, I'm sure. For instance, check out Homemade by Jill, specifically her incredible, not-quite-edible felt food. I have to make some of this for H for Christmas. He loves playing restaurant, and we could incorporate reading, writing, and counting skills using a "menu," taking orders, making change for play money. Aieee! My mind is racing. She also has templates for a quiet book, felt playhouse, the list goes on!

Tragedy or Comedy

2009-11-01T09:44:00.004-05:00

My fortune cookie last night reads:

Life is a tragedy for those who feel and a comedy for those who think.

All my life, I would have classified myself as a thinker versus a feel-er, but, based on this, I guess I'm a feel-er.

What are you?

Is it just my imagination...

2009-10-19T17:05:00.001-04:00

or could I really spend all day, several days washing, drying, folding and putting away laundry? I think I need to do just that to eliminate some piles that are forming!

A New Dress and Some Models

2009-10-19T08:44:00.013-04:00

So this is the other little girl's dress I've been working on...
The neckline (above). This dress was pretty simple and fast. The back (below) which I like as much as the front. The arms and back are a Moda fabric which I bought at a quilting store and is a bit pricey. Alas, the pricey fabric is easier to work with and doesn't have to be ironed as much. I was hoping this wasn't true, but it seems that, at least in this case, higher price = higher quality.
Details of the bugs above, and below, a model! Actually, it's the recipient of this dress. She's the daughter of a friend. Sorry about the whited-out faces, but as paranoid as I am about pictures of my own children on the internet, I must do it.

Her older sister received one of the dish towel dresses. Check here for a dish towel dress made from different Target Dollar Spot towels.

I think she's telling me, "Enough with the pictures, Ms. K!" Or maybe she's going to break into "Stop, In the Name of Love."Hooray for hand sewn dresses!
I've got some other finished projects to post soon!

Halloween Sewing

2009-10-07T08:24:00.009-04:00

Here are some of my Halloween goodies.

The little pillowcase-style dresses are from the tutorial at Trey and Lucy's (check the right side of Trey and Lucy for pictures and links to all of the great tutorials). As you can see if you check out the tutorial, I completely copied her, right down to the ribbon color choice. These are made from dish towels that were in the Target Dollar Spot! The material is stretchy which I hope will help as I'm making these for a three year-old and four year-old. I used my four year-old as a size guide, so fingers-crossed they'll fit. These truly were easy peasy to sew.

The headband (that orange thing in the middle) is from the tutorial at Blue Bird Studio. I've used it before. It's very simple and quick to make. However, I have issues with backstitching on zig zag to enclose the rubber band type hair whatchmacallit. I don't think others have this problem. I got the material for the headband in a fat eighth, and that is enough to do two of these headbands, good deal!

So now you know (at least some of) what I've been working on.

It's a Beautiful Morning

2009-10-05T10:24:00.005-04:00

Actually, it's rainy, but I sometimes really enjoy a dark, rainy morning. It makes staying inside and sewing completely guilt-free. After dropping H off at school this morning, W and I came home to enjoy a snack that included hot chocolate for me, yum. Then I checked out a few of my favorite blogs and discovered that I have won something from A Lil Welsh Rarebit, woohoo! Sorry to have been missing around here for a bit. I've been sewing a pretty goodly amount (for me). Pictures to come of my projects soon. I was hoping to take some today, but the weather may push it back a day or two. I am also trying to adjust to our new schedule now that preschool is back in session. W is going a couple of mornings, so I have some time all to myself. But instead of feeling like I have more time, I try to squeeze all of my errands, grocery shopping and the like into that time which makes me feel busier. (If that makes sense at all). H is really learning a lot already. A few weekends ago he wrote the numbers 1 through 12 out on the dry erase easel, um, wow! Then, we talked about The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. C and I are so excited to see and hear all that he is learning. W loves music time at school. He's a little dancer (he gets it honest, I boogie around the house often). And, W is now sleeping in his big boy bed! No more crib. Oh, and I've been reading too. Maybe I can do a book review of one that I absolutely loved. All of my reading has been for book clubs, promise.

This past weekend Mel and family came for a visit. I was so excited to see them. I got to hold that little sweet girl of hers, and she is a darling, let me tell you. The boys entertained us all what with all the running through the living room and loud voices. Of course, I also got to show Mel some of my latest sewing projects and fabric purchases. We also continued work on the boys' swing set this weekend. My mom came over to help watch the boys, so I could help C with the swing set. We made some good progress, and H really stayed out with us most of the time. He is really, really into space shuttles right now. He watches clips on you tube as long as we let him. So, he sat in the "fort" part of the tree house and pretended it was a space shuttle while I did the countdown and acted as Mission Control. It was so fun for me too! I love to see his imagination in action! I always hoped I would be able to play with my children and enjoy it, but I sometimes feel so busy. It was great to play. I sometimes forget how fun it is to pretend. Let's hope I always remember!

All that knitting...

2009-10-05T10:06:00.000-04:00

And this is the result! My orange ribbon sweater. It is knit out of ribbon rather than what you'd think of as "normal" yarn. Ribbon is a bit slippery to knit with compared to wool or blends. It took several classes to get it all finished, one might even say a lot of classes, but I learned several new stitches. It goes very well with my pants . I have a whole handmade outfit (well not the little cami top, of course). It probably took me about two months to complete, but remember they (my LYS) only have classes three days a week, and I have to have someone watch my little guys. There is no seaming, but even keeping the ends woven in with ribbon is a bit tough. I definitely would like to try the pattern again soon in "normal" yarn to see if I can remember all the new things I learned. Anyway, it's just the right color for Halloween!

Pants-Along: All Done (aka The Big Reveal)

2009-09-14T09:26:00.010-04:00

As my little guy would say, Ta da! Here are my pants all sewn up. I love them! I had set myself a deadline to have them finished to wear to book club, and although I was hemming the legs twenty minutes before departure, I finished. The book club members commented on them before I told them I made them, so that gave me more confidence for future sewing. And no, I have no idea why this text is underlined.

Excuse the wrinkles, these pictures were taken after I wore them to book club. They "ride" quite low, but that's how I wanted them. Plus, they have to fit over the hips since there isn't a button, zipper, or elastic.

Here's the view from above. Lets you see the pretty casing. I've been pleasantly surprised at how well the drawstring works and how comfortable I feel in the pants.
Here's a picture with the fabulous pockets and some of the casing for the drawstring. My front and back did not line up evenly (although my sewing aunt says that is okay). I also had a place on the front where I must not have cut straight and there was a place that was higher, so I couldn't draw a straight line to follow for my top-stitching as Joanna recommended. Instead, I turned them wrong side out and stitched close to the edge of the casing, used my tailor's chalk to trace a line right along the stitching, then ripped those stitches out, turned the pants right side out, and top-stitched on the chalk line. I still have one place where I didn't catch the casing. Oh well, not going to worry about that.
Just going to sit back and enjoy my new, one of a kind pants :) Although, there are a lovey for H and that kimono I've mentioned just waiting for me to fire up the Bernie Mac.

Thank you to Joanna for doing the pants-along. I hope to make more. These are twill, but I bought some chino to try. If you've ever sewn chino, let me know if you think it will work. It seems a bit slick... Anyway, this has given me great practice and great pants, hooray pants-along!

Put Your Hand in My Pocket - Pants-along

2009-09-09T12:49:00.007-04:00

Ha! but don't pull out a rocket, or do any pulling on these pockets, please!

What can I say? Toot, toot! That's me tooting my own horn. I laa-uvvv them. Go ahead, click on the picture, see them up close and in detail (C's photography, not mine). When I started to work on them, I got so involved. I didn't eat supper. I left the boys' yogurt container out for a couple of hours (it was still cool, so no loss). I just got in a sewing groove. Ah, and it was a good groove that really worked well, much better (read: easier) than I would have expected. I didn't have any directions other than my own idea of what I wanted, and it turned out just as I had pictured. I've already gotten the casing in, but I still have to top stitch it in place and hem. Then it will be time for the big reveal :)

Sometimes, a picture...

2009-09-08T08:11:00.003-04:00

...really says it all.

Cool Down

2009-09-04T08:47:00.001-04:00

"The berries are red, so fall is on its way," says H. The mornings have been cool and even the days have been pleasant. Last weekend we set up a twin size bed in W's room, which meant figuring out where to put a full size headboard and footboard (I refuse to give them away). Luckily, we were able to fit it in W's closet along with a few other things that had been hiding underneath the full bed (i.e., my guitar--no, I can't play now but one of these days, one. of. these. days.). Needless to say, it was an all day affair. Then, Tuesday, I tried to organize (okay, fold fairly neatly and put in a storage container) all the clothes W has outgrown. My mom was over, so I had some help watching the boys and organizing. Speaking of my mom, while re-organizing (again, using that word loosely) W's closet, I saw Mom's wedding gown (the one she wore when she married my dad). I may have to do a whole separate post on that. How it once was lost but finally found, how every time I see it, I am amazed (my great-grandmother made it).

With the weather cooling, I find myself yearning to knit even more. I have a few baby hats that I need to make for little ones who will be making their appearances this winter. I also feel that it would be nice if I knitted up some hats for my own little guys. As much as I look forward to Halloween and Christmas and the fun they bring, I feel like summer flew by before I had a chance to enjoy it as much as I'd like. Also, the kimono I still need to sew for my friend's little girl (she's over a month old now, I am feeling bad), I picked vibrant summer colors (sky blue and a bright pink). I must get it made and delivered before September 22, or it is going to be completely out of season. Maybe this weekend, right? C will be home an extra day. I think I need to force myself to stay up late sewing. Sometimes, it's the only way to fly :)

Happy Labor Day Weekend! Enjoy!

Pants-along: First Try On (It's all about the top-stitching)

2009-09-02T08:51:00.001-04:00

This weekend I tried on my pants for the first time. I am pretty pleased with how they are turning out. The legs are a bit baggy, but if I think they are too baggy, I may make them capri-length. After trying them on, I though the front seam (along the rise) looked a bit too plain (as seen in the above picture). After reviewing Joann's instructions, I realized I was supposed to top-stitch that seam. So, I've done that, and they look much, much better. It's amazing what a little contrasting thread can accomplish. I finished up the butt-darts yesterday, so now it is on to back pockets (hopefully today).

I am so glad I decided to try to make these. The process is really helping me gain some confidence in my sewing. I still have much to learn, but now I know "anything can happen, child. Anything can be."

Pants-along: Just starting to look like pants

2009-08-26T11:57:00.007-04:00

Still slow going (surprise, surprise), but I got a little done on the pants-along pants. You know I do like hanging clothes, etc. on trees; although, the wind was giving me some flack. Not complaining about a breeze in August, though.
I wish the legs were as slim as they appear. I'm a little concerned about them being baggy. Joanna at Stardust Shoes has given directions for "butt darts," so I should be able to take the waist in if needed. However, not sure about how the legs will turn out. We shall see, we shall see.

Here's a close-up of the top-stitching on the inner seam. I completely stole the orange and brown color scheme from Joanna. The color is off. Must get C to take pictures of final product, so the colors will turn out more true.Next up is front pockets which look like they require some fairly serious rotary cutting skills. May have to call C in for help!

Looking forward to a trip to the library today to pick up books for the boys as well as this Charlie and Lola DVDAm I the only one starting to think about Christmas? In a totally-looking-forward-to-it, let's-decorate-the-tree-fun type of way? Maybe it has to do with my list :)

Thrifted Linens (Finally)

2009-08-23T19:09:00.010-04:00

Finally, after reading on all of my favorite crafty blogs about thrifted sheets, I find some at a local flea market! I am so excited! Even though these aren't my favorite colors in the world, they have the soft feeling of "lived-in" sheets (okay, used, I know they are used), and check out the price in the next picture.

$5.50 for the twin set. I'm not sure if that's a good price or no (I'm new to this), but I felt like it was a decent price when considering the prices of fabric (usually $6 to $8 per yard). Here's a closer look. I actually think there may be an extra pillowcase or something in there (thus the third pattern, the fitted sheet is mostly white with flowers). Why am I not sure? I haven't untied them yet. I'm not sure I'm ready, I may want to take more pictures of my "find."

Now, I know that some just can't live with the used sheets. And knowing me, the self-confessed germophobe, you are probably surprised that I'm okay with thrifted sheets. What can I say? I am also a totally-devoted library user. Of course, sheets are different from books, but I trust in the strength of hot water and laundry detergent. And these sheets are for sewing pajamas or pillowcase shirts or dresses or something. So, there you have it, my first thrifted sheets. Let's hope there are more finds in the future.

Moving Along

2009-08-19T18:21:00.002-04:00

I'm headed to a sewing night with Mel and this talented woman. Luckily, this has lit a fire under my behind to get going on my pants for the pants along. I've got the fronts and backs cut. I'm hoping to get some bobbins wound and ready to go.

I'll be honest, I'm letting a knitting project take over any time I have that isn't taken up by reading (Beach Music by Pat Conroy for local library book club) which isn't much as most of my time is spent worrying over or taking care of the boys. Apparently, we've all gotten a cold. Mine and C's have turned into sinus infections. The boys have both coughed until they threw up. H was up at 5:18 AM coughing, coughing, and coughing. I took them to the doctor today. It has been a long day. C started back to school today. No English classes this time! Hooray!

Pants-along

2009-08-12T21:29:00.008-04:00

I am going to try to keep up with Joanna over at Stardust Shoes in the Pants-along. I got some chocolate twill. Still picking the casing for the waist and the top-stitching thread color. Here are some pics.

Think I'm leaning toward the orange, but (oh ye of little faith) I'm so worried these won't turn out (not because of Joanna's instruction or inspiration just my novice-ness). I hate to waste cute fabric. If these pictures are all wonky once I post, I am sorry. I am not good at getting pictures side by side or anything besides one per post for that matter. This picture ---->
is more indicative of the chocolate color.

I've got some kind of sinus problem going, but I'm taking medicine as the little guy's birthday is drawing near. Mommy can't be sick!

Giving New Meaning to the Phrase Cutie Pie

2009-08-05T16:56:00.000-04:00

I have been waiting for the okay to link to this hat, because I am just blown away at what people can think of and create. Then, when I checked Blue Bird Studio today, the latest posts are a baby bowl and a baby cocoon with the directions for knitting both. Go take a look, all three of these are so adorable.

Also, While They Sleep is having a giveaway for a handmade pod swaddler or the pattern to make your own. Such a cute and useful idea (my oldest HAD to be swaddled in order to sleep as an infant).

Lots of baby stuff out there, and since the two friends I had showers for back in June just recently had their girls a week and a day apart, it's been baby-visiting time around here. When I see newborns, it's hard for me to believe my boys were ever that small. It goes so very fast and is so very precious, rejoice in it.

Bumper Crop

2009-07-29T17:06:00.004-04:00

We harvested our first two squash a few weeks ago, and both boys were quite excited, sure to point them out to Daddy when he arrived home the evening of the day we picked them. It's fun to see their interest in our tiny garden. They help me water the plants and like to walk over to "take a look" at them. C fried those squash up recently (using an egg from our neighborhood for the egg-wash before flouring). They were yummy.Plants aren't the only thing growing around our home. Looks like my oldest is going to need some new pajama pants come fall.

These are some berries and berry stems off a few of our trees. On the first day he began picking them, H explained that he's making a few collections for me because I am special. Then a few days later, he was gathering some more and said, "You're our mom and Dad's wife, so you are special." Now, hearing words like that is, indeed, a bumper crop.

What to Make, What to Make

2009-07-20T18:55:00.003-04:00

Aahhh, and this is just how they were stacked in the package. The colors flowing into one another (well, except for maybe that bottom, Denyse Schmidt, one). That thing in the background? It's a fabric catalog. Yes, you read that right, a fabric catalog. Who knew these existed? It's like a book of dreams. When the catalog came out from between the layers of fabric, I exclaimed, "Look at this! Do you know what this is?" H said, with matching excitement I might add, "A fabric magazine!" That's my boy!

I'll blame this fabric purchase on two blogs: mmmcrafts and her co-conspirator ViolaAndPearl. That's where I read about the sale, and so I went to just look. I resisted for a whole day, but then I was left in the house with only W. He was happily playing...I was happily shopping. I did at least wait for C to tell me I wasn't going to break the bank with one more fabric purchase before actually hitting the Buy Now button. However, I have a terrible non-use problem going on here. I love buying the fabric, but making something with it? Ehh, not so much. I completely planned to tackle Weekend Sewing's Yard Sale Wrap Skirt, but when I look at pictures of this skirt that others have made (via Flickr), they don't look so great. I mean, they are not very flattering. It's not just that they emphasize one's waist, the length doesn't look right. So, what to make? I am thinking the Weekend Sewing Trapeze Sundress. We'll see...

When A Blog Disappears

2009-07-17T07:46:00.002-04:00

I don't mean when Blogger is having problems. I mean when you go to check out a blog you read and, in this case, WordPress gives you this message: The authors have deleted this blog. The content is no longer available. What is one to think? Is something wrong? Have they moved to a new blog? A new state? No, that wouldn't matter in blogland. Why no forwarding address and most importantly, why no explanation? Of course, paranoid folks like myself wonder if something scary happened. Did someone make rude or frightening comments (this was a family's blog with pictures of their beautiful children). I just want to know if everything is okay. I didn't check this blog daily but fairly regularly, and I don't think I missed a post where they said were going offline. Don't their readers (me) deserve some sort of farewell post? It's funny how I feel like I need closure over a "missing" blog. Oh well, maybe I'll find them out there again someday...

It is July!

2009-07-13T17:18:00.003-04:00

July

When the scarlet cardinal tells
Her dream to the dragonfly,
And the lazy breeze makes a nest in the trees,
And murmurs a lullaby,
It is July.

When the tangled cobweb pulls
The cornflower's cap awry,
And the lilies tall lean over the wall
To bow to the butterfly,
It is July.

When the heat like a mist veil floats,
And poppies flame in the rye,
And the silver note in the streamlet's throat
Has softened almost to a sigh,
It is July.

When the hours are so still that time
Forgets them, and lets them lie
'Neath petals pink till the night stars wink
At the sunset in the sky,
It is July.

by Susan Hartley Swett

*sigh* I found this poem in the 1967 Childcraft The How and Why Library which I believe came with a set of World Book encyclopedias my grandparents bought. As a child, I loved these books, and when we finally gave away the encyclopedias, I could not bear to part with these. I believe it is a set of fifteen volumes. This one is the Poems and Rhymes volume. Don't you love the Old Woman Who Lived in the Shoe illustration? I know just how she feels. Hooray for "vintage" books!

If you'd like to read a blog entry that will take you straight to a summer day at the lake/river, go here and Blue Yonder will take you there. Happy July!

A Little Good Stuff

2009-07-07T15:06:00.009-04:00

A few things that are making me smile. This sign on my neighbors' mailbox:
I think that's a deal for fresh eggs, and as a gal who helped her brother run an egg business (picture an eight year-old pedaling her pink bike with a couple of dozen eggs in her little plastic-flower-decorated basket), I want to support the two boys who are behind this enterprise (which includes a blog and home-delivery). After reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, I've been buying range-free, cage-free eggs, so to buy some from right down the street is even better!

Then there's this fabric I bought for half-off! I thought it was too cute to pass up (and Mel got really excited about it).
Sorry for the poor picture quality, and for the placement. I've been having a harder time than normal moving my pictures around in posts (must speak to IT aka C).

This evening I am headed to a knitting class. Looking forward to learning new skills and making something for myself with said new skills! Also, looking forward to asking a few questions on some WIPs I have.

Lastly, I am awaiting several packages (and who doesn't love packages? we've discussed this here before). One is the above book Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots by Sharon Lovejoy (underline isn't working today either by the way, but it will underline a link it seems). I saw this book mentioned on BluebirdBaby's blog (sorry no link, pressed for time here). It's about gardening with children, and since the boys have recently discovered the fun of the water hose, I thought it might be beneficial. Another package will be bringing some fabric

It's called Fortune Sea by Anna Maria Horner, sigh, isn't it lovely?

Friii-i-day In The Park

2009-07-03T19:57:00.005-04:00

I think it was the 3rd of July...

We took the boys to a park today since C was off work. C and H played miniature golf, and H got a hole-in-one! We even let W take a few hits on the last hole. It was fun! The weather here has been beee-yooo-ti-ful, but today took the cake! 77 degrees at noon on July 3rd and crazily not humid?! Unheard of around here. Sorry, if anyone from Maine is reading this I know some of the bloggers I read who reside there have been bemoaning constant rain. After the park, we went to a local deli restaurant and ate outside. Yes, even C. You know the weather must be nice if we talked him into sitting outside. He does not like heat. Then we came home, and I spent way too much time on Fabricworm dreaming... Hope everyone has a great 4th of July. I think we may try to catch a parade and watch some fireworks from afar.

Coincidence?

2009-06-30T11:59:00.000-04:00

Last Tuesday, I asked C if after dinner he wanted to take the boys by a local John Deere place to see a huge tractor they had out front. C had taken a picture of it to show the boys earlier, and I thought it would be a nice way to get out of the house for a bit. As we were yielding to traffic, I saw the above car. I know it doesn't look like much, but it's an old Plymouth Valiant. My dad had one. Actually, my mom bought the "old Val," as the car was known, brand new in 1965 for about $2,000.00.

After my parents married, it became my dad's, and he drove it until it wouldn't drive any more. I sat in it on cold mornings with neighborhood kids waiting on the bus, I rode to school in it in junior high. It wasn't cool or even retro with its push button radio (push the button, the little dial flew to the next station). The paint was chipping off terribly on the front. A brick had been thrown at its side. Still, I didn't mind. It was like your ratty old comfy pants. Daddy did have the engine rebuilt after it "wouldn't drive any more," and then it was our Sunday-afternoon-drive car. By then, I was old enough to appreciate what the car meant to my dad, still I did manage to drag the right front bumper of my second car along its side one night, leaving a nice black line. I went right in and 'fessed up, even though the friend with me urged me to "tell him when we got back." Then, something went wrong with that engine, and the old Val never rode again. After my father's death, we ended up having the car towed away, but not before I asked C to take out the glove compartment door.
Yep, white with red interior!

I always thought the glovebox was neat with its little spot for your drink to sit and nice surface to sit your burger and fries on at the drive-in or a place with car hops bringing your food.

So, when I saw that car on the road Tuesday, on the fifth anniversary of my daddy's death, I didn't think, what a coincidence. I thought, thanks, Daddy, I miss you, too, every. single. day.Drive on...

Out with the Old

2009-06-29T10:52:00.003-04:00

New blog layout to pep me up for the Fourth of July. Although, I'm probably more pepped about Hancock Fabric's 5 Simplicity patterns for $5 sale coming up later this week! Book club was Friday. The peach cobbler didn't even make it through the night after C had a bowl. Target's white sangria in a box, don't laugh at the box, is yummy. We emptied the box and another bottle of wine. Sounds like a good book club to me! However, Thursday (the day before book club) was a cluster. I realized I didn't tell my mom I was doubling a recipe. So, she cut some celery for me and then shared the rest with her husband while I was at the grocery. So, another trip to the grocery. I knocked over a box of dry macaroni, all over the floor. I broke one of my great-grandmother's dessert bowls (I've ordered a replacement, fingers crossed it will really match). Friday wasn't a whole lot better. I chipped paint off our bookshelf and put a dent in our table with the can of furniture polish. I was literally afraid to wash my serving dishes for fear of destroying them. Just call me Danger-prone Daphne. Maybe it's because I was all stressed about getting everything done?

So,I am sort of glad to see June go. It's been such a busy month for me. It's flown by, but I haven't had much of a chance to enjoy the summer, to do some fun stuff with the boys. It seems every week has been preparation for the weekend. And C's summer classes? They are taking a toll on all of us. Our yard needs mowing, we are trying to get everything cleaned for the window installation folks (yes, new windows, finally!), our garage and closet need to be cleaned out, and the list goes on. So, as I wave farewell to June, I am trying to just slow down and welcome a slower-paced July.

Funny things heard around here:
H: What are those bugs, Mom?
Me: Lightening bugs.
H: They are flashing their tail lights at us.

Me: What are we going to do with that little brother?
H: Throw him away?

Secret Life of Grime

2009-06-18T17:56:00.005-04:00

With my turn to host book club coming up (next Friday!), I am getting ready to do some pretty deep cleaning. If I am to be honest, this is the only time my kitchen gets the good cleaning it needs (cabinet doors wiped clean, baseboards, chair rails, the works). So, I was wondering if I am the only person who has specific spots that I clean, that I wonder if others clean. I am a germophobe but not a neat freak at all. When I am in others' homes, I am looking at their decor, particularly the walls, as I tend to go bare-walled compared to others, not how clean their houses appear. However, there are a few specific places I do look at and wonder, "have they cleaned that?" Today, I was cleaning one of those: the ice and water dispenser on the refrigerator. It can really get disgusting, especially if you have really hard water (like we do). I also really like to get that cover on the bottom of the refrigerator clean (I guess I have a thing about refrigerator cleanliness). I know some of the things that often can be overlooked like the ceiling fan blades and picture frames, but what are some other grimy spots that you notice? I want to make sure I hit 'em all!

The Yellow Bird Fabric: A Serendipitous Tale

2009-06-17T19:20:00.000-04:00

When I saw this picture in the May issue of Cookie magazine, I wasn't paying attention to the room (the article was about decor). I was mesmerized by the little girl's dress. That beautiful fabric.

Alas, looking in the magazine and on Cookie mag's website gave me no information about the dress (I was looking for a Where to Buy). So, a couple of weeks went by, and I was on Mel's blog and clicked on her link to Alewives Girl. Imagine my surprise to see a picture of a little girl wearing a top made out of this fabric. (Thanks, Mel!)

I quickly commented, asking Rhea (the owner of the fantastic Alewives Girl) if she could tell me about the fabric. She commented back that it was an Alexander Henry fabric available in her web store. With bated breath did I click on the link to the web store, then to the Alexander Henry fabrics, and then...

what light through yonder iPhone screen did break? It was the fabric with birds golden as the sun. The next day, my fingers quickly did the ordering, and in a very few days (thanks, Rhea), this arrived
Isn't that so beautifully wrapped? And, it contained a hand-written note from Rhea. So nice. So here it is

No, I don't exactly know what I am going to do with it, but I know I love it!

I've Been Busy (featuring Lucy's Kimono)

2009-06-13T18:04:00.012-04:00

Busy turning this

into this

And these

Into this

And, finally, into this

Yes, I've been very busy. Today was my second straight weekend of helping host baby showers! These two items were for a baby girl who is expected at the end of July. The kimono is from Heather Ross's Weekend Sewing, it's the Lucy's Kimono pattern (hence the title). I am worn out after several late nights of sewing. I am ready to go to bed early tonight and maybe watch some Cars :) Hope you're having a good weekend.

Wishing True's First Giveaway: Bee Gee Bags

2009-06-06T07:23:00.008-04:00

Wishing True (a blog that is sort of a combination soul-candy/eye-candy for me) is having its first giveaway, and it's an uber-chic Bee Gee Bag. Hmmm, so do I want one?

Um, yes,

yes,

and yes!

Go here to enter, you know you want one (or five, but Kate's only giving away one).

*All photos from www.wishingtrue.com

Three Chances to Win

2009-06-06T07:21:00.002-04:00

Photo from www.alilwelshrarebit.blogspot.com

Christy over at A Lil Welsh Rarebit is giving away three different prizes, and this necklace from Tags-N-Stones is one of them. Now, I am not much of a jewelry girl (gasp, I know shocking isn't it?), but if I do purchase jewelry, I want it to be fairly simple and "clean." This necklace fits the bill, and if you win, you can choose silver or gold for the monogram tag and the stone color (Christy's blog has pictures of the stone colors). Click here to see what else she's giving away (and to enter for yourself!)

Ravenhill Crafty Giveaway

2009-06-06T07:15:00.004-04:00

Emily at Ravenhill is offering a couple of great giveaways: 1) an issue of Sew Hip (a UK magazine that I've heard lots about on crafting blogs) and 2) deep breath here, fabric!

Photo credit: Ravenhill.typepad.com

So, click on the link below to see more pics of the fabric and to enter, of course!
http://ravenhill.typepad.com/weblog/2009/06/finally-it-is-time-to-announce-the-winner-of-viltes-shawli-used-the-random-number-generator-to-select-the-winner-and-the-luc.html

A Reason to Renew Your Vows Giveaway

2009-06-06T07:02:00.001-04:00

Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Photo credit: grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com

Seriously, if I won this dress (and the flower laurel since I commented on the post), I'd be talking to C about renewing our vows.

Photo credit: grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com

Do you see those sheer sleeves with light blue buttons down the arm? The lightest of blue detailing? (Excuse me, I need to wipe the drool off my keyboard, ok) Really, I love it!

Earrings from Grosgrain Giveaway

2009-06-06T06:57:00.001-04:00

Vintage Earrings Tutorial and GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain/Shabby Apple Giveaway

2009-06-06T06:44:00.001-04:00

Marseilles Dress SHABBY APPLE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain is giving away a gorgeous dress from Shabby Apple, so I am linking up to enter the giveaway. While checking that one out, I've seen two more giveaways I must enter. Plus, I already know of three others on blogs I read. Um, sorry for all the giveaway posts, but I love free, beautiful things!

I did enjoy this note about the company: ~Shabby Apple welcomes you to great dresses that make dressing simple. After years of not being able to find stylish dresses that covered enough skin to make you really feel comfortable (without wearing a tank top, cardigan or long slip), owners Emily and CK decided to do something about it.~ Amen! I detest finding something I really like, only to discover, once it's on, that I need a tank top or something to make it wearable!

At Least It Tastes Good (and some blogging to love)

2009-06-04T13:36:00.002-04:00

Don't worry Mel and Chris, it tastes good. However, it isn't supposed to have a depression in the center. In fact, a nice little hill would have been just right. I did open the oven door while baking (I thought that was an old wives' tale). If anyone has any other ideas why this may have happened, do tell, as I am supposed to be making it for a baby shower in a week!

I just wanted to say to please go check out Christy's blog. Today, she's written about what it's like to "work" to become pregnant. She's also written with honesty about the jealousy that one can feel when seeing others who so easily add another child to their family. I love that she is open about her feelings but not hurtful to others. It's a good read to help remind us to put ourselves in others' shoes.

We are NOT Getting Wild and Crazy

2009-06-03T21:29:00.005-04:00

You know how sometimes you say something, and when you hear it coming out of your mouth, you think, that's not sounding exactly like what I meant to say? That happened to me the other night. Now, as you know, if you've visited here much, I am an avid fiction reader. In fact, I like to read so much that I have actually cut myself off for now, so that I can accomplish things (but that's another post). Now, my husband, C, is not a fiction reader. Give him a photography book or even an instruction manual, and he will read it like he enjoys it, but fiction? *sigh* No can do.

So the other night I was getting the boys ready for bed. C had just left H's room (to go look for Lightening McQueen again). The boys were on H's bed and starting to get a little rowdy, and I said, "We are NOT getting wild and crazy, we are going to READ BOOKS!" I hear a little laughter from the other room, and then C calls, "Can I get that on tape?" Followed by more snickering. I'm afraid I will not live that comment down. I think he may have said, "What? You're not a wild and crazy bookworm?" As soon as I said it, I knew it would not be the last time I heard it repeated back to me.

So, we may not be getting wild and crazy, but I will be trying out a recipe for Lemon Poppy Seed Bread tomorrow and Mel and family may be visiting tomorrow and bringing some dinner which means I get to see the sweet little baby girl! Let's hope the recipe turns out well, and maybe we'll have some dessert=)

Oh, and in case you're keeping track, right now all Cars cars are present and accounted for. H has taken to putting some of them in his nightstand drawer before bed. Since my last post, we managed to lose and find "Old Lightening" and find Mr. The King. C found them both, go Daddy! We also introduced "New Lightening" aka H's Lightening, not because we thought Old Lightening had disappeared for good. We actually bought a set, the parts of which will be used for prizes for H for working on his writing. The set included Lightening, and H was awarded his very own Lightening after doing really well sharing with his little brother over the past couple of weeks. That sounds a bit saccharine, but we really are very proud of him for learning to share with W.

Missing, Again

2009-05-31T17:23:00.001-04:00

Well, Lightening McQueen has pulled his usual vanishing act and taken Doc with him this time. Last time, McQueen and Ramine were found together in a drawer in our bedroom. No doubt, W had decided to tuck them away there. The King (or Mr. McKing as H calls him) is still missing from my previous Cars post. No doubt W has found yet another spot where no adult (or four year-old,for that matter) would think to look. Breaking news as it happens!

Mostly I'm posting this to see if I can blog from my iphone with relative ease.

Fabric Find & Free Knitting Pattern

2009-05-31T15:38:00.007-04:00

I went to a local secondhand shop that is run by the local Junior League on Friday and found what might be an old curtain.

I'm not sure what I will do with it (if anything), but I was sort of thinking an apron. Check out the little points on the edge.

Wouldn't those be cute for the bottom of an apron? The fabric is definitely heavy (like a curtain) and also a bit worn, but I like some aged things. Plus, it was $1.00. The first picture is a better representation of the color, by the way. I wouldn't say the colors or designs are my style, but old and cheap seemed to speak to me.

I discovered a great, free summer scarf pattern at StardustShoes blog. It's called Morning Snack Scarf. Don't you love it? And the name?

Photo credit: http://www.stardustshoes.blogspot.com/

Click this link for the pattern http://stardustshoes.blogspot.com/2009/03/morning-snack-scarf.html

Sew Mama Sew has been sponsoring May Giveaway Day (http://www.sewmamasew.com/), so my fingers have been typing at a lot of new blogs. So, I've discovered some neat, free stuff!

This is a pattern for a baby dress that can become a tunic as baby grows.

http://madebypetchy.blogspot.com/2008/06/free-pattern-baby-dresstunic.html

More to say, but C and H are putting our double stroller together as I type! Must go check it out!

Cars Play

2009-05-27T21:25:00.003-04:00

I don't know if I've mentioned that I decided to let the boys watch the movie Cars, but I did. They love it, and I do believe they would watch it all day long. W starts in the morning, "Watch Car movie 'night, peeeze?" However, it seems that we actually re-enact the movie, as Lightening McQueen (the Hot Wheels-size version) goes missing for a few days each week. Don't even get me started on how long the blue car has been missing. W insists on calling Mater Hopper. We can only surmise that he is trying to say 'copter (short for helicopter, which Mater rides in at the movie's end). C laughs at how we (meaning the adults) get sucked into this movie. I think if one day I can actually watch the whole thing without getting up to wash dishes, get snacks, put up laundry, etc., I might be able to resist the pull. For now, though, it does often pull me in for brief periods. I love the "oldies" songs, so fun..."life would be a dream, sweetheart." Some of the language (and overtones) are really not very G-rated, but at least for now, all of that seems to go over the boys' heads. Must go rest now, tomorrow is the last day of preschool picnic.

Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-22T21:37:00.000-04:00

Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

What's on Your Mantel

2009-05-18T19:11:00.006-04:00

I'm still here, just staying busy. I'm helping host two baby showers in June (not at my home, thankfully), and book club is at my house in June!! So, I'm stressing about cleaning and trying to get the house looking better, putting up some new pictures of the children. Said children have been sick which just makes it crazier. I've also been making some internet purchases, fun stuff! Gaucho pants that I love even if they do look like pajamas, a white noise machine (I've got to get my almost two year-old to nap in his crib), and a double stroller! I know, H is four, but he still wants to ride, especially if his little brother is riding. I am hoping this will allow me to do some much needed walking (for exercise). We got a decent price at Wal-Mart with site to store shipping which means no shipping and handling fees!

So with all these babies on the way, I am also knitting more hats and aspiring to knit a tiny jacket. I am also hoping to do some sewing for one of the coming babies, but as you all know, I tend to think big and act much smaller, which isn't as effective as think globally, act locally, unfortunately!

Anyhow, now that you know all that stuff you probably didn't want to know. I'll go back to my title. With my turn as hostess of book club, I am trying to make a few changes. We have really high ceilings in our living room which has a fire place, so we have a giant expanse of brick above our mantle. We have thought of hanging a clock up above the mantel (one of those giant ones from Target, maybe). I am also working on the mantel. Right now, it has lots of framed pictures, but I think that is very out-of-date. I have been checking out some magazines to see what folks have on their mantels. I am thinking of framing a picture of each boy in fairly large frames (maybe 8x10 pic in a larger frame with matting) and just sitting them on the mantel and leaning against the bricks. Still trying to figure out what else to put up there. I definitely want to keep it pretty simple, clean, fairly large objects (despite how my house looks, I am not a knick-knack gal). So, please all you wannabe designers, what's on your mantel (or what would you like to have there?)

Nothing Better

2009-05-08T14:32:00.002-04:00

"There's nothing better than sitting at the window, watching the raindrops, and eating a juicy popsicle, Mom." That's what my four year-old just said to me. He makes me smile so often. My little one was using a hot wheels car as a phone last night. He holds it up to his ear and says, "Hey, Caillou! What doin'? Bye, Caillou!" Then, he takes the phone away from his ear, turns it over, and pretends to push a button (as if turning off the phone). I adore that sweet little cutie. So, really, it's those sweet, funny things they say that are my gifts on Mothers' Day and every day. I love my boys!

Pjs, Panic, and Purell

2009-05-01T16:18:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow's book club night, and we decided the last time we met to wear our pajamas to this month's meeting. What can I say? We are some gals who like our comfort. So, in an email, our hostess wrote that she was looking forward to "some pj's and wine - oh and food." I guess you see our priorities. We'll be discussing The Boleyn Inheritance, which I didn't really enjoy. It was quite long, and I just didn't get into it, for lack of a better description. Doesn't matter, though, I do so enjoy my nights out at book club. Even if I didn't love the book, I look forward to hearing what's going on with everyone. Great food, great wine, and great conversation. It really is a time for me to eat, drink, and be merry!

In other news, no one seems to be blogging about pig flu -er- I mean A/H1N1 Influenza. So, let me just say that, as expected, my hypochondriac self is very worried. I've already started the "social distancing" that is recommended, and it was all I could do to force myself to take H to preschool Thursday. In fact, I was a little iffy about book club. No, we haven't heard of anyone local having it, but you know, once we've heard that, it may be too freaking late! And, that, my friends, is what we call Panic! At the Mind of K! Have a great weekend, and wash your hands for the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice (or Purell them, please)!

Head Case

2009-04-25T18:53:00.007-04:00

Sorry for my blog neglect. Remember the ceiling fan episode? Well, a week ago, my right ear started feeling strange again (the doctor calls it enhanced hearing), so I've spent the last week going to doctors and worrying myself sick over my ear. The eye-ear-nose-and-throat specialist says to give it some time. I don't know for sure if it's from the ceiling fan or the tremendous amount of pollen in the air around here right now. Anyway, after quizzing the doctors as to whether I might have a blood clot in my head, excess cerebral spinal fluid, a tumor, and being told no to all, I am trying not to worry about it (ha!). Still, my right ear is more sensitive to sound than my left, and it is a strange feeling to say the least. So that's where I've been, and of course, I'm reading a lot to keep my mind off my worry.

Here are some highlights from my week:

Last Saturday, H was a ring-bearer for the third time. He did well, but the wedding was about a 3 hour ride away. That's a long time in a car, really.

H rode a horse at the yearly picnic hosted by the school district and Rotary club (the horse was led around a ring by teenage volunteer). So proud of him! We could see that he was nervous while waiting, but he did it!

I made an effort to get out of the house each morning that H did not have school, even if it was just a car ride to take our electric payment. We visited a local plant/flower store just to look around, stopped by Dunkin Donuts, and went to the fabric store. A strange thing happened at the fabric store. We were waiting to have our fabric cut, and the elderly lady who was having fabric cut asked the employee if she could "leave this for you to read at your convenience." The employee looked kind of mad and replied, "you can leave it on the counter if you'd like." I am guessing it was some sort of religious pamphlet, but I really have no idea what it was.

C and I went to a concert last night. The music was fantastic, but we got a late start and the traffic was horrendous getting there. Still so worth it though, but boy have we been tired today. Afraid we are feeling like old folks.

Tonight, we went to Chik-Fil-A for supper. As we were walking out, I saw a familiar face. It was a girl I knew from college. It was surreal. I saw her and immediately knew her face and name. I hesitated for a split second, but then saw her recognize me. I have often wondered how she was doing. I had not seen or talked to her since 1998. Unbelievable! She was stopping there on her way to a concert.

We went and got a rain check for a swing set that was on sale. Not sure when they'll come in, but we think the boys are going to love it!

So that's about all I can think of right now. I need to wash dishes and get to bed. Tomorrow, we are going double-stroller shopping!

Are You Quacking Yet?

2009-04-16T20:52:00.003-04:00

Over the past three days, I've been living to a new mantra: Let it roll off your back, like water off a duck. When I think it, I even give a little shimmy, like I am shaking that water right off. You see, Monday night, H was throwing a a stuffed puppy around, and it ended up under our bed. I was having to fish it out first with a coat hanger, then with the handle of a toilet bowl cleaner, and I got angry -um- mad, really pretty mad. I just let loose with a scream, and W burst into tears. I apologized to both boys, but I decided that is not enough. I have to make a serious commitment to letting some things go. Obviously, I wasn't angry about having to get the toy. I was upset that the night time routine had gotten screwed up. Still, who cares? How often does anything go perfectly? So, today, when W was throwing food off his high chair tray and dumping milk on the floor, C looks at me and says, "Are you quacking yet?" (obviously I'd told him all about my new mantra, had to explain my shimmy-ing and all) And you know what? I am quacking pretty darn well. I still raise my voice, but I quickly remember to tell myself: shake it off, girl, water off a duck. Later today, we took the boys to a nearby walking park and fed a mother duck and her ten adorable ducklings some bread, and I paid attention. I noticed those little ducklings didn't stick to momma like glue, but as soon as she quacked, they fell right in line. So, my plan is to try to speak more softly (most of the time), so that when I give a loud quack, I find all my ducks in a row!

With Sprinkles on Top

2009-04-09T11:05:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was my four year-old's last day of soccer clinic. I've been excited to see him following directions so well, and he even won the little race yesterday when they ran dribbling the ball and the coach gave him a "good job!" I worry quite often about his social skills with other children. Yes, he goes to preschool. Yes, he can be a great conversationalist with adults. Still, with both of his parents being almost painfully shy with strangers, it worries me. After he got his award certificate and t-shirt yesterday, we headed for the car. While I was buckling him up, he says, "Coach said to raise our hands if we want our parents to take us for ice cream after soccer. Can we do that?" I decided an ice cream treat was just the way to end a good few weeks of soccer. When we were ordering his ice cream (plain vanilla in a cup), the person helping us asked what topping H wanted. I told him that H just likes it plain. He asked again, wouldn't you like some sprinkles, and H sort of gave me the nod. H ate ice cream with sprinkles on top. Now, I know this is probably the norm for most children but not H. I was so excited and thanked the person helping us. We've been working on getting H to try new things (activities, food, etc.), so for me this was a breakthrough. What with going to the local library book club in the evening, I had a day with sprinkles on top!

To Find Out or Not Find Out

2009-04-02T21:02:00.008-04:00

C and I have some friends who are expecting their first child in early May and have decided not to find out the baby's gender. Well, mostly the mom has decided, but I firmly believe it's the mother's choice on that one. So, of course, I wanted to knit another little hat! Remember this...

Now it's all done!

So, as you may have guessed from the ribbon, the mom is really hoping for a girl! However, if it's a boy, I'll just pull that pink ribbon right out, and the little guy will have a cool light green hat! The hat is a really light green and looks much better in real life, I promise. So, this was my first completed project knitted in the round! Hooray!

Back to my post title, though, I am always interested in how the question of finding out if the baby is a boy or a girl can really raise some hackles. People seem to be either very for or against finding out. We did not find out with our first child (although, C would have liked to do so), and we did find out with our second (because we had "girly" furniture that I thought I might need to replace, but we haven't, poor W). Some people really seemed to be miffed when you tell them you're not finding out. I just wanted it to be a surprise, and I felt it would give me something to focus on during labor (not so sure that worked, but that's a different post). Also, I was very hopeful that we would have at least two children, so I preferred getting "gender neutral" (read: yellow and green) clothes and blankets that could be used again regardless of baby number two's gender. So, if you have any children, did you find out or no, and why?

Unfortunately K

2009-03-27T21:19:00.008-04:00

Here is the Smoking Typewriter Award (it's actually called a Premios Dardo award). Christy was nice enough to pass this award along (although, lately, I'm afraid my keypad is gathering dust rather than smoking :) The first rule of this award is to post the award image, and link back to Christy.

"Given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing... created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web."

So the second step is to put my name into Google Images. So, now I had to decide whether to use my super-intriguing pseudonym (K) or my real name (well of course, I did both). However, I'm sticking with K, because, as those of you who read here often know, I am very paranoid and have a vivid imagination. This wasn't the first picture but one of the first, and I really like it.

Next, put the phrase "Unfortunately, K" in a Google search and share the results. I admit, I did do some picking and choosing :) See my comments in parentheses after each one:

unfortunately, k and d are the opposite of what we have used so far !!!! Also, m stands for n... (This sounds just like me, very confusing and confused in general).

unfortunately, k-means clustering will sometimes fail to give correct results, an unaware fact that may be overlooked (I know all about clusters and unaware facts).

Unfortunately K-Lube is not the name of a shady s_x shop, but it is a great oil change place right near my parents house in Danville. (Ha ha ha)!

Unfortunately, K won't see the post. She's boycotting Stoopidfreshmind because of a post she thought would be detrimental to a certain love ... (Well, if it's going to be detrimental to love, I'm boycotting, too)!

Unfortunately, K is not computable and is provably difficult to approximate. (That's me in a nutshell, particularly given my dislike for math).

This is now officially an awesome way to tell the story of the world. Unfortunately, /k/ isn't known for its writefags. ... (What are writefags? I agree blogging is an officially awesome way to tell the story of my world).

Thanks, Christy! This was more fun to do than I expected! And the final piece of this award is passing this one along to ten other blogs, but I'll just say to at least google "unfortunately your name" for the laughs!

Kindle Capability in an iPhone

2009-03-26T10:25:00.006-04:00

Apple folks, are you reading this? I think it would be fantastic if my iPhone had a Kindle App or something that would allow me to read books on the iPhone. I am an old-fashioned girl. I like having a book in my hand (and prefer that they come from the library or my good friend who gets free books through her work). However, (really, I can't believe I am admitting this) I do see the up-sides to a Kindle or similar device. Of course, if I could read a book on my iPhone, when would I read all the blogs I love to keep up with? I think what I really like is the idea of being able to read in the dark (you know, without a lamp) which would come in particularly handy when W is going to sleep on our bed (I know, it's terrible). I actually have one of those little book light thing-a-majigs, but I think it needs a battery. So, despite having read an article about these handy-dandy hand held reading devices, and thinking, "why would anyone need that?," I now must say, I'm ready for that App, Apple! That iPhone has really changed my ways of thinking (C is smirking while reading this, I am sure). Still, I can't imagine spending money to get electronic versions of books, and I doubt our local library has any of those to check out (although, I think that is coming in the future). I guess I'd be reading a lot of classics as I hear you can find downloads of those for free. Good thing I like classics!

It just occurred to me that there may be an App like this that I don't know about. I'm not at all technically savvy, so if there is, do tell!

Edit: They do indeed have a free Kindle App! Also, they have "books" that you can put on your iPhone. I now have The Secret Garden (a children's book, that is a favorite) on my phone in case I need to have something to read and am caught without a book. Thank you, Apple, but I still don't see myself spending money on many books, electronic versions or not.

Grrr... Blogger Outage (What a good excuse)

2009-03-25T17:21:00.005-04:00

I was hoping to have time to type something meaningful (so not true), but it seems blogger has some sort of outage scheduled (so I just have to make it brief :). I really wish I could write something meaningful, but 1) W has some sort of cold that is making him run a low-grade fever 2) today I ran around doing errands while my mom watched the boys, 3) I took H to soccer this afternoon and 4) I am going to go pick up a pizza for me and H to share. However, Christy posted her top eight books, so I can at least do that (although, really, there are so many narrowing it to eight will be tough).
1) Persuasion by Jane Austen
2) Life of Pi by Yann Martel
3) A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
4) Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
5) Sullivan's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
6) The Children of Men by P.D. James
7) Bella Tuscany by Frances Mayes
8) I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

I tried to mix in some classic favorites with a few modern ones. Better get to ordering that pizza ;)

Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller

2009-03-22T09:13:00.002-04:00

Check out the Simple website for a chance to win a Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller. I would love to have a double stroller. I really think it would help me get more exercise. I would love to push the boys on walks, but alas, I don't have a double stroller. I get nervous letting H walk while I push W. I stop if a car comes by in order to keep my hands on H. So, these are my health reasons for needing one: exercise for me, vitamin D from the sun for my boys :)

Say My Name

2009-03-20T08:33:00.005-04:00

Sorry to be MIA this week. Just the usual running around with a fever for H thrown in (seems to be completely gone just some lingering sniffles) and soccer clinic (H did so well compared to last year at this time-hooray!) I also attended our monthly MOPS meeting and did a bit of shopping for my cousin's wedding. Also, after hitting a consignment sale and my mom using a department store coupon last week, I had some washing to do for the boys' Spring wardrobe additions.

Anyhow, I am very excited to say that I think this year, H will be the only one "taking" soccer clinic! Meaning, I'll just be watching from the sidelines rather than "taking" it, too, as I did last year. The first thing the coach did was to ask all the children to gather around him while he checked off the names. There were a couple of children with the same names, so some moms or dads had to step up to say, "this is Drew so-and-so or Aiden so-and-so." So, the coach calls "H." H doesn't respond, so I walk over pointing to H. The coach asks, "Is your name H?" H shakes his head no, and I have to say, "Yes, this is H." Of course, everyone laughs, but I wonder why he didn't respond to his name. Turns out, the coach's British accent threw H off a bit (although the coach did pronounce it correctly). I was so proud of H after the class, though, just for doing everything without me and listening well. I gave him a great big hug!

My head seems to be healing up from last week's trauma! Thanks to everyone who was wishing me some better days. I have several posts in draft form that are just waiting for me to stay up late one evening or somehow find some time to do some typing.

Friday the 13th Came Early

2009-03-13T09:05:00.003-04:00

Maybe I need to worry about Thursday the 12th rather than Friday the 13th? Yesterday, the boys had woken up and were playing on our bed before we went to the kitchen to get breakfast. At one point, they both were laying down (so cute, H's toes at W's head), so I decided to snap a picture and stood up on the bed. The next thing I know I am hit in the head - by the ceiling fan! It's okay to laugh; I am a goof ball. It hurt, though, still does. Being the hypochondriac that I am, I really want to go to the doctor. I am sore from my neck to my ear. My husband assures me that, "You got hit in the head by a ceiling fan, you're going to be sore." I still got my picture of the boys, and it is cute (although it would probably be cuter if it hadn't cost me a very sore head and neck).

Next bad thing, I got the wrong change at the drive through. I was so busy checking that they gave us the correct food, I didn't look at the bills. Then, I had to park the car, unload the boys, and go inside to ask for my $10.00. Fortunately, they were nice about it.

Finally, I get us all home to eat lunch. While changing H's clothes, W whacks me across the head with a toy broom handle (luckily not in the same spot the ceiling fan clobbered). I call C, almost in tears, and he laughs and not just a chuckle or for a second. He laughs for like a minute, and although I do see the comic aspect of my misfortunes, I really was looking for some sympathy. I must say in C's defense that this was not my first run in with a ceiling fan, although this one is much more painful (go ahead, laugh again). So, considering my 12th, I am not planning to go anywhere or do much of anything today!

Take a Breath, Count to Ten

2009-03-09T15:46:00.004-04:00

Based on Christy's comment, I am going to try to utilize some of the methods in Kevin Lehman's Have a New Kid by Friday. C really thought H's behavior improved when I was trying to stick with the advice in there. Click here to see my post about the book. (Apparently I meant to post a part two, but that didn't happen). Basically, he says respond don't react, stay cool, and don't make mountains out of molehills. Anyway, I've also decided that my expectations are a bit high for a four year-old. No, he shouldn't be slamming doors, but maybe he doesn't understand why I just threw the toy he was asking for out the bathroom door (that would be to get it away from his little brother who is about to go in the bath). So, I come clean about what made him angry (I hope C doesn't read this one). Still, C and I had a conversation and decided that we completely expect him to act like a rational adult. I think that may be setting the bar pretty high. Also, I find that certain things bring out the contradictory boy in him (being tired, eating). He really wants to make all the decisions himself and call the shots, you know? I guess one thing I struggle with is when to let it roll off my back and when to respond. Sometimes, when he's being contradictory, I'll give him a grin, and he starts to grin back. He can definitely be a bit of a cheeky monkey. Thanks to everyone who commented I responded in the comments on the previous post.

In other news, the weather this weekend was be-yoo-ti-full! We went to the park Saturday morning (if you haven't been on monkey bars in a while, take it easy, I thought I might pull my arm out of its socket). So, we spent lots of time outside, digging in the dirt, practicing some tee-ball, and blowing bubbles! Aahhh, Spring I feel your breath in the breeze.

How Do You Handle Anger?

2009-03-06T14:07:00.004-05:00

H knocked a hole in the wall. He slammed the bathroom door open, and the doorstop didn't do its duty. So, the doorknob went through the wall. I am feeling a bit lost. I don't know what to do with that kind of behavior. Should I spank him? Not in the heat of the moment, I am too angry myself. Do I take away privileges like a show he likes to watch? Taking away toys is pointless, unless I take a lot of them or maybe even all of them. I do have a temper, but I promise I don't slam doors. Later in the day, when I was bemoaning the fact that I don't do enough to help him learn, I said, "H, I haven't helped you learn anything today." He replied, "Well, I did learn never to knock a hole in the wall ever again." I had to turn my head to keep him from seeing my grin, but really, it's not funny that he gets that angry. He is not what I'd call a "bad kid," but he does have a temper and always wants the last word. This doesn't bode well for the adolescent years. Is it just his age (4)? Is it a phase? Does he need military school?

Sometimes I feel so alone and helpless in parenting. I am the one who is with him all day, and I just worry that I am not doing everything right. So, how do you handle your child's anger.

View From Here

2009-03-04T21:18:00.005-05:00

I wasn't feeling so well yesterday, so I was resting on the couch. W woke up from his nap and while walking around found his bowl and cup from earlier in the day. He placed them on me.

I think he was trying to tell me something, "It's time for my afternoon snack!"
I was suffering from a terrible headache. It may be caused by the antibiotic I'm taking, but regardless, I get headaches say once or twice a month that really knock me on my rear. Back before they decided that Celebrex (an arthritis medication) was bad for you, I took some for a foot ailment. I realized that it completely got rid of my headaches when I got them. I think that means I have tension headaches (a piece of ice straight to the forehead works wonders for them, too, which I hear also means tension headaches). Mine usually start in my neck and work their way up. I really need to mention this to a doctor, because, Tylenol doesn't help, and yesterday's was bad enough that I thought about calling in reinforcements to watch the boys. Enough whining, I'm going to give myself another headache.

Fabric Honey Bun Giveaway

2009-03-03T09:17:00.003-05:00

Look at those Spring colors! So fun! V and Co. is having a giveaway for these! She has some great tutorials on her site, too. Go take a look.

Make That Winter White

2009-03-02T13:17:00.002-05:00

Well after all my Spring talk, we've got a winter wonderland here! The view out our back door was so beautiful last night, I went back to H's room (I had just kissed him goodnight) and carried him to the door to look out. Then, I was all inspired and started reading some Robert Frost poetry before going to sleep. There is just something about snow that really brings out the dreamer and kid in me. We got almost four inches (which is a good bit around these parts). Oh well, you know what they say about March, in like a lion, out like a lamb. So far, we've got the first part right.

So we played, shoveled, brushed off shrubs and finally, came in for some snow cream. I think this snow was too wet to make good snow cream, but that didn't stop me and W from eating it up. H is a bit pickier (as you may already know if you've been here before).

This final picture does speak a thousand words. Just imagine: this mommy letting W get that far ahead of her walking outside, uphill, in the snow. Sweet children, they make every day sparkle like snow in sunshine:)

Spring Green

2009-03-01T10:58:00.001-05:00

In honor of a (hopefully fast) approaching Spring and St. Patrick's Day, I am putting a bit o' green on my blog. It seems that everyone is really ready for Spring this year. I keep reading on other blogs about those who are tired of cold weather. I for one am ready to be able to spend some time outdoors with the boys (although, considering our families' allergy issues, we may be driven back indoors pretty quickly once the weather warms). Still, it will be nice to not have to bundle up and be able to wear Croc knock-offs (no sock struggles :) and go to the museum, library, grocery, etc. without trying to keep everyone warm and worry about germs. (I know germs are still out there, particularly in Spring, but it does seem to get better as it warms up!)

I spent some time typing in all my Pampers Gifts to Grow On points this morning and should be receiving three $10.00 Macy's gift cards soon. I also have a promo-code to use for a free 11 by 14 photo collage through shutterfly! We are thinking of using pictures of the boys to make a "brotherly love" collage or the like. We'll see what we can pull together.

I've decided to give up something for Lent this year. I don't always do this, but I have in the past given up soft drinks and chocolate. This year, it's French fries. I don't eat tons of French fries anyway, but I do enjoy them when I do partake. I am wavering on Chik-fil-A fries, though. I don't really like them, but I usually eat a few if H's gets a kid's meal (to keep him from eating too many). So, I may allow myself to eat a few of his rather than throwing them out. I know this sounds like cheating, but I am not a big waffle fry fan at all, I promise. Now, Arby's curly fries, those are right up there with pound cake for me. I love those things...better not think about them too much! Is anyone else giving something up for Lent?

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger (Hoochee Book Club)

2009-02-27T09:28:00.001-05:00

Peace Like a River is the story of eleven year-old Reuben Land, his western-poetry-writing sister, Swede, his miracle-performing father, Jeremiah, and his older brother, Davy. Davy shoots and kills two teenage boys who invade their home. When Davy breaks out of jail and goes on the run, the rest of the family decide to go west in search of him, trusting in the father's close relationship with God to lead them to their outlaw brother/son.

I admit to having waited too long to write this, as I finished the book some time ago (this is a problem with me, as I immediately request a book from the library, so I'll definitely have it, then I've read it too early...) Anyway, I'll try my best, but I apologize now for this haphazard "review." I hope to do better on the next book.

First off, I love that the father is the care-taker of the children. My father was my and my brother's primary parent, and with all the deadbeat dad stuff, it's good to read about a man like Jeremiah. Of course, Jeremiah does some amazing stuff. Reading the book, I wondered if some of the miracles were figments of Reuben's imagination, but at least one I can think of could not have been. I did think it was funny that Reuben and Swede thought that the police somehow missed seeing their car and that was a miracle. I just thought maybe the police were going to give the Lands a hard time, that it was more of a warning to them that "you can run, but you can't hide."

One of the big questions of this book is whether or not Davy was a "bad guy." I am not sure of my opinion. In some ways, I don't blame him for shooting at least one of the guys, if he really woke up and heard them in his home. However, if he really knew they would be coming to retaliate for something he had done earlier, it does seem wrong. (I wasn't sure if he'd really done some of the things that the relatives of the guys he shot accused him of). Well, sort of wrong. I do feel that if someone breaks in your home, you have a right to defend yourself and your family to the fullest extent possible. Also, the time period of the book (early 1960s per amazon.com) may affect one's opinion of Davy's hero versus villain status.

I really enjoyed Swede's poetry, and how the events taking place in her life played out in her writing. The characterization of both Reuben and Swede seemed right-on to me. Reuben's need to prove himself against his asthma, his frustrations with Swede's poems - it all seemed just what an eleven year-old boy would think and feel. I also really enjoyed the allusion to the biblical story of the prodigal son, and the way this book questioned how to treat a wayward child.

The settings in the book play a role in the action: the Badlands (are there really cracks filled with "fire" there?) and the farm where they eventually settle. Even the settings in Swede's poems reveal the characters' desires i.e., the valley where they dynamite the only entrance/exit closed and live happily ever after.

The book questions what is wrong, what is evil? are there levels of badness? But, it also focuses on love and giving. There is no doubt that Jeremiah would give anything to help his children and his love is boundless. Despite his actions which separate him from his family, Reuben, Swede, and their father all love Davy.

One of my favorite quotes from this book (and there were several) is "Fair is whatever God wants to do."

If you don't want to know what happens, stop reading now!

I just had to say that halfway through, I felt sure Davy would not make it to the end of the book alive. So, I was very surprised with how things ended and who Sara ended up marrying! Also, I loved the description of the outskirts of heaven! Everyone running to get there! Looking forward to reading others thoughts on Peace Like a River.

On a Saturday Afternoon

2009-02-21T08:21:00.000-05:00

We recently celebrated my husband's birthday with the usual cake, ice cream, and a few small gifts, but this year C had a request for a gift from me. Before I tell you what it was he wanted, let me say that he's an honest man. He told me when we'd been dating for a few months that there were certain things he liked. It wasn't a long list, but it included some weaponry, if you will: namely, knives and guns. So, for this birthday, he wanted me to come along to the shooting range. Now, I know some people really dislike guns. We know they are dangerous. We practice gun safety. I grew up in a house with guns and was taught how to be safe around them. C's reasoning for wanting me to go was twofold: 1) so I could learn to safely and accurately use a gun if the need arises and 2) he's hoping I'll discover some deep-hidden gun-nuttiness. I believe reason one is a good one, and I didn't hold out a lot of hope for him on the second. You see, shooting ranges are loud, and there is so much gun powder in the air that when you blow your nose upon leaving, there's a black tinge ('nough said). Still, this sounded like a gift I could give fairly easily with the help of my mom as childcare. So, we went, we waited for a lane to open up (I guess that's what you call it, a shooting lane), and we shot. I didn't much like it. It was very, very loud, and I have good hearing. It was quite smoky, making my throat itch. I asked if I finished off the bullets in the gun, could I head back out to the car? C reluctantly agreed, but then I thought I would watch him. Then, I thought, I'll try another "round" (not sure if that's correct terminology). Then, I started thinking, it wasn't so bad. I was getting used to how it felt to shoot, and I was noticing that my aim was not so good (although giving myself some slack as I had never been to a range before). I am a competitive person who likes to over-achieve, and I didn't much like that I wasn't hitting where I was aiming. I started to kind of (gasp!) enjoy myself. So, although I don't think I caught C's gun-nuttiness, I do think I would like to go back and continue to learn (insert cheering husband here). Below are two of our targets, can you guess which one is mine?

Taking the Ying with the Yang

2009-02-19T17:03:00.003-05:00

Good News: No laundry to fold.
Bad News: Our dryer isn't heating up.

Good News: My handy hubby may be able to fix the dryer.
Bad News: Right now, aforementioned handy man is coming down with a cold (or sinus infection).

Good News: W seems to be getting over the same cold.
Bad News: My throat feels a little funny.

Good News: I am fortunate that I can use my mom's dryer if needed.
Bad News: She has a sinus infection and an upper respiratory infection (out damned germs!)

Good News: I placed an Amazon.com order for a book, a video, and fat pencils for H (our pediatrician recommended them).
Bad News: The shipping on those pencils made it a tad bit more expensive than I was expecting.

Good News: I'm planning to take H to a birthday party this weekend, book club this weekend, and tomorrow is Friday! No more bad news, I want to end on a positive note :)

Odds & Ends

2009-02-18T10:07:00.007-05:00

The BBC version of Pride and Prejudice is way better than the version with Keira Knightley (I did, in fact, rent it this past weekend). If you're wanting the movie to be like the book, you definitely want to watch the BBC version. I think I might be getting old. I watched the Keira Knightley version and thought, "what's with all these long, drawn-out, just looking at her or her face scenes?" I guess the cinematic devices are just not my cup of tea (maybe it's because I haven't seen a movie in a theater in years?) Also, what is up with the sound on DVDs of movies? Why is it always too loud or not loud enough? Maybe it's just our player or something, but I always have that problem.

This weekend, I was putting H's socks on and pulling them up so they would keep him warm.
H: Mommy, don't pull my socks up! (He's pushing them down toward his ankles).
Me: Well, I have to at least pull them up to get them over your heel.
H: Don't pull them over my heel.
Me: Do you even know what a heel is?
H: (pauses, blinks) No.
I just started laughing. I love his honesty.

This coming weekend is book club. We'll be discussing Loving Frank about the love affair between architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mamah Cheney. It was a bit long, but boy did the ending surprise (particularly since I did not know anything beyond the fact that FLW was a famous architect). I am so looking forward to book club as I missed our last meeting due to W's surgery. So I haven't seen these girls in what feels like a looong time. I also get to car pool with one of my good friends to book club, so I'll get to catch up with her on the way there. She's kindly offered to drive, letting me have a glass of wine or two without worry :) What a gal!

Hoping to post some more soon! Still waiting on Mel's baby as far as I know!

Feeling Bubbly

2009-02-11T21:09:00.007-05:00

This morning, while W was napping, H and I headed outside to blow some bubbles. The wind was lifting and tossing the bubbles, some as high as the tree tops, before they burst! What a beautiful, taste-of-Spring day. I am always reminded of the simple pleasures when watching H watch his bubbles. We discovered some flowers that have put on their Spring best.

We also spied this little guy trying to hang on to his branch during all that wind.

H and I talked about how some seeds travel much like the bubbles. It was a very science-y sort of morning. Then, in the evening, I headed for my library book club where the discussion of Pride and Prejudice lasted over an hour and someone had to come tell us that the library would be closing in ten minutes!!! That's some good discussion, y'all! And, if talking about Jane Austen for over an hour with other book-lovers doesn't make me all bubbly, I don't know what does. I gave my mom a hug when I got home for watching the boys for me, so that I could attend the book club. There was also some discussion of the two currently popular versions of P and P: the BBC version and the Keira Knightley version. I am a die hard BBC version fan, as I believe Colin Firth was born to play Mr. Darcy. However, I do confess that I have never even seen the Keira Knightley version. So, after listening to all the talk about them both, I feel the urge to watch the one again and the other for the first time. If you've seen both, tell me which one you like best. I see a trip to Blockbuster in my (hopefully near) future.

In the Air

2009-02-10T11:12:00.008-05:00

Spring is in the air around here, so we are soaking it up (as I have the feeling Winter will not go quite so quietly). I am really enjoying Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver (I'm even doing the A-V-M over my head a la Village People's YMCA). However, I confess to eating (Mel - you may want to stop reading here) cheese, Wheat Thins, and highly processed pepperoni (cringe) last night while reading it. For me to really enjoy a non-fiction, a-bit-like-a-text-book book is rare! I hope to write more about it after finishing it, and as it is due back at the library on Friday, that should be soon. If you've got fine weather where you are, I hope you are basking in it :)

Note: In case you didn't see my little warning note on the side, this new background is honor of Valentine's Day. It won't last too long!

The Old Switcheroo

2009-02-04T20:59:00.003-05:00

I've been practicing a little reverse psychology of late in order to keep the (relative) peace. H has decided that he is only going to do, eat, read, or watch what he has thought of himself. That's right, if he didn't think of it, then it's nothing doing, folks. One of the funniest things about this is that he will completely deny facts in order to make something his idea i.e., I say that we need to "at least try" to use the potty, by some minor miracle, he does try without a fight and does in fact pee, I say "you did have some pee in there," he says (while a stream of urine is pouring out), "no, I didn't," okay, whatever (I'm thinking), Mommy needs to get you to bed. The other funny thing he pulls is if he likes the idea I've put out there, he makes it his own and denies that Mommy had any hand in it. Something like this:

Me: H, would you like to go outside?
H (imagine a very indignant four year-old): No, I do not want to go outside!
Me: Well, I am going to go put some letters in the mailbox while you stay inside.
H (now a bit whiny): I do, I do want to go to the mailbox.
Me: I thought you might like to go out.
H (completely confident with an almost teenage-like arrogance): No, I said I wanted to go but you didn't.

So, wise mommy that I am, I've learned the ropes (sort of). Tonight I said, "I'm making a sweet potato for you." (Yes, I know this was a mistake, I said I've sort of learned). He immediately starts carrying on, "No, I didn't want that." I jump in quickly saying, "Oh, that's right you wanted scrambled eggs and green peas, not a sweet potato." Now calmer, he replies, "No, no, I want a sweet potato." Great, because it's already cooking! Mommy just pulled a fast one on you!

That's what we've been learning at my house. How to "work" our child's very strong urge to be the boss.

Don't frighten me too much about his future indecisiveness or completely controlling need-to-be-right-and-in-charge-all-the-time tendencies (where did he get those from I wonder? umm that would be from the maternal side) However, if you have a child or know a child like this, please commiserate with me via a comment.

Angels and Demons

2009-02-01T21:11:00.003-05:00

No, I'm not talking about the various facets of my children's personalities :) I saw a preview for the movie Angels and Demons during the superbowl! I thought Angels and Demons was a better book than The Da Vinci Code, so I am pretty excited about the movie. C and I don't usually like the same types of movies, but we could probably agree on this one. Most of the book is set in Rome, and that makes it even more fun for us as we've been there together! I can't recall the last time I've been to a movie (we're not so good at that date night stuff). However, now I have two I'd like to see this year (Harry Potter being the other). There's a good chance we'll really be watching these on DVD farther in the future, but it's still fun. And another good thing about the superbowl? C made chili for us - yum!

Ten Things Thursday

2009-01-29T13:05:00.006-05:00

Ten things that have made me smile recently are below!

1) C and I are taking H to the circus, and I think we are as excited as he is (or maybe more since he's never been)! Do they still have the spinning blue flashlights?

2) H and W have really started playing together more. Now that W is more mobile they "chase" each other around with W occasionally saying, "Boo, boo, boo!" to scare H.

3) I took another knitting class this week and started my first project knitting in the round, which looks like this:

At least, this is how it looks on double point needles. There are circular needles which would look a little more round. It strikes me as very funny/ironic that knitting in the round looks like a square and a tic-tac-toe board!

4) W has been playing us some tunes on the piano in the evenings and is quite proud of himself.

5) H has been drawing on the dry erase side of his new easel. (We got him this easel because he doesn't have much interest in writing/drawing/coloring).

6) Tonight is the last night C will be home late due to working on an assignment for school (at least for this week)!

7) Seinfeld from 7-8 on our tv, thank you programmers, this mommy needs it.

8) Getting the news that my great friend, Aunt J, and her husband will most likely be visiting (from England) in late summer or early fall.

9) Finishing Peace Like a River (stay tuned for the review in February, I liked it) and starting to re-read Pride and Prejudice for my local library book club.

10) Dreaming about returning to college in a year and a bit to slowly work toward a degree in something I love.

The Shack Book

2009-01-27T13:37:00.007-05:00

I read The Shack by William P. Young way back in October, but I really wanted to share my opinion of it here. So after putting it off for some time, here I go. First, if you haven't heard about The Shack, this is the product description from Amazon.com:

Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant "The Shack" wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!

I thought the book was interesting and could tell that the author put a lot of thought and faith into it. Who wouldn't want to speak with God, to see some of heaven before arriving there for eternity? From the little I've read about it on Amazon.com, the book brings out widely varied reactions, but this is just mine, just my two cents.

To me, the book portrayed God as a very loving being. A being so loving that He wasn't focused on some of the other "things" that I think most people feel God would be "interested" in. I guess I should just out with it: I thought this book's God was too soft, too human. I want my God to be mighty "vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord," (Romans 12:19) a being who is regarded with mingled fear, respect and affection (that's the definition of revere, I didn't think of that myself). "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalms 111:10) I know none of us are perfect, that we all fall short, "judge not that ye be not judged" and all that line of thought, but if the blame keeps being put on the parents or care-givers of wrong-doers (as in this book), where does the blame finally end? I hope that God is loving and forgiving as depicted in The Shack, but I also hope He is the pillar of fire and the omnipotent rock of ages I've read about in The Bible.

I'd love to hear what you thought of The Shack, but please no bashing!

The Gift Revealed

2009-01-19T08:55:00.005-05:00

I've been alluding to a big, super Christmas gift, but I've just now gotten C to get a picture ready for me to show here. After lots of hemming and hawing, thinking and re-thinking, second-guessing my commitment to making things, talking to C and Mel about it, C and I decided he would purchase a sewing machine for me for Christmas. Not just any sewing machine, the mother brand of all sewing machines... with no further ado, behold my BERNINA!

Okay, that's not the best picture, but it's all I've got. I am ashamed to admit that I had not sewn on it at all when I went in for my first mastery lesson with it (yes, you get six classes with the purchase of this brand). However, this past week, I put together what I am calling a burp cloth (it could be a "lovie") for Mel's little one. So, finally, I really sewed on it and made something. Hooray! I am still planning to stick to my plan to make pajamas for us all for 2009's Christmas morning. I did use flannel for the backing of the burp cloth, so that was my first experience sewing flannel. I'm not sure if our pajamas will be flannel... I need to make a trip to the great big fabric store soon to decide on some material. I hope this will prove to be a smart, useful purchase and not just a dust gatherer. Of course, my mom has already mentioned that now we could make some curtains to replace the deteriorating ones on my back door. (I'm not kidding, C and I are thinking of taking some pictures to send to HGTV in the hopes that they will come help us :) Oh, and I'm still wanting to choose a name for my gal (besides Bernina). She needs a name, any suggestions?