The Sleepless Stitch

Rambling Thoughts in My Head...

2012-01-28T19:33:00.000-08:00

Change... Sometimes you can see it, sometimes you can't.
The change I can't see is easier to deal with. It just happens and it doesn't cause me anguish or pain.
Then there's the change that drives me crazy, I long for it. It needs to happen or I might go insane. Haha
My home needs a change... but yet in order to accomplish this change there are certain things that have to fall into place. So many DIY projects I would love to do.
Kids growing older and those little toys they used to play with just taking up space. I would love to take their rooms to a new level, but don't know quite how to start.
My body needs a change... I don't even want to go there. Some days I feel tall and slender other days I feel like a slump. Really don't feel like doing anything to make the changes happen. But what else can I do, I'm not getting any younger and the older I get the harder it is to stay fit.

Sometimes I feel like I'm swimming in this materialistic world. Can't keep my head above water. A longing for a time when things were simpler. Loathing the technology everyone is so adamant about having It's all stuff we don't need to hold onto. It's just going to break and go out of style/date. So much money and time lost.
We don't need anything, we only want most of the time.

Wow... sorry, I went from one thought right into another... seems to be where my brain is at today.
I'm tired just so tired.

2012-01-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

I feel so much more alive when the sun is shining!
Winter is a hard season for me. I can't necessarily call it depression but more a blue & dull kind of feeling. The moment the sun comes out though my body starts to function as it should and all is well.
I tend to get ahead of the season,
I long for spring cleaning with the windows open and the warm breeze blowing lightly through.
Long to feel the sun daily on my skin.
Long to give things around me a fresh new look.
Winter isn't done with us yet, but Spring is right around the corner and it's going to be a beautiful time of new growth inside and out.

Blessed...

2012-01-19T16:47:00.000-08:00

Looking back at the last few posts, which I just put up here on my blog, I'm amazed at how much I have learned through the last few years or so. There have been many struggles and tunnels I have gone through only to come out stronger and wiser than I thought I was.
The Lord is so good in all His ways and even if we don't visibly see changes we go through during the day, month, or even years. We are always changing and growing hopefully for the good.
My struggles aren't gone for good and there will always be another tunnel around the corner, but it's all good, I know whose in control and I'm not afraid to go for the ride.

He is my light in the darkness
He is the hand that reaches out when I need help
He is the quiet voice that assures me in times of doubt
He is my savior
My healer
My father
My friend
He is never changing
He is always there no matter what
He is patient with me when I want to walk the other way
He is and always will be the filler of my heart and my ever lasting love. No one else can ever take His place.

I'm grateful for the days I fall in the gutter because it only makes me stronger and even though I can't see ahead the Lord can and I will listen for His instruction and do my best to follow what He tells me.

Being Truly Satisfied

2012-01-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

(Wrote this June 10, 2010)

This place we call home is not our home... it does not satisfy.
Think about it, are you ever really truly satisfied.

I'm finding lately that I'm not satisfied with anything around me. It's not that I want more or I'm not happy. I just find that the things we do or even eat can not really truly satisfy the soul, which is our deepest most important part. There is going to come a time, very very soon I'm thinking, when everything around us now will be gone. And then what will there be? Nothing.

Well for a non-believer this is very sad because everything you think you needed to fulfill your life will be gone. You put your "hope" in things which are flammable... which you know could be changed if you chose to change your heart.

As a believer we have nothing to be sad about. As long as our hope is in the Lord and we are growing in our relationship with Him we have nothing to worry about or hold us back. We can freely walk away and not look back... kind of like Lot's wife did in Genesis 19:26, she looked back and what did it get her? Nothing but a heap of salt.

I watched Leap Year the other day, sweet movie, anyways he asked her, "If you're place were on fire and you had to get out what one thing would you take with you?"
Would you be ready to go in an instant or would you try and grab all that you could... her boyfriend went through the apartment and grab all his electronics when he should have just grabbed her hand and left...
We can't be satisfied with things around us, we weren't made to be. Our only satisfaction is from Him and being in His word and moving on in our relationship with Him.

That doesn't mean stop everything you are doing, well some things, if we know they aren't good for us should be stopped but hopefully you know what I mean... We just need to realize where our satisfaction really comes from and keep moving on.

Just something I've been thinking about lately.

Spewing Poison/ Shredding Loved Ones

2012-01-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

(Wrote this December 6, 2010)

"If my sin nature was in control, with the smallest move of my mouth the fain would appear and I'd reap you up to shreds with only a few words. The ripple begins and many others are devoured in the process. Yet because I'm so consumed with myself I don't see the bloody mess I've made. My heart is empty as though a black hole. The blood I've shed will never come off. In the end I'll be alone." ~ me

There are so many verses in scripture that tell us to control our tongues and to love our brothers and sisters. To come along side them and help them when they fall. Not to hold grudges against anyone or to hold on to the past.

Sadly, some apparently think this only means those who aren't related to us.
Family can be completely horrid to each other and do the above things with out even batting an eyelash.
I say shame on you. Shame on all of us.

We don't get how utterly blessed we are to have family especially those who have big families. I've grown up with the stupid adult fights and retardation that went on amongst my relatives and I hated it. I learned that even as adults we can still act like a bunch of 2 yr olds.
WE DON'T HAVE TO BE 2 YRS OLDS ANYMORE!! We can love our relatives/neighbors even in their/our ugly times,
and we all know each and everyone of us have some major ugly times.
Grow up! Did you know, you not only hurt one person, but you hurt every single person who comes in contact with that person. It's a ripple affect and a lot of the time what we do turns not only into a ripple but into a tsunami and we all know what a tsunami can do.

Life isn't that hard. Live it right and you will go far.

James 3:5-18
"Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our member that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.
But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.
This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.
For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Good night.

Rambling on Immaturity and Worries...

2012-01-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

(I wrote this April 7th 2011)

I was thinking about this last night out of the blue... worry, fear, anger, stress, anxiety, etc. etc. only show how immature we really are. We may have all the "maturity" in the world, but if we are allowing these things listed to run our lives, it kind of makes us no different then we were 10/20 yrs ago. The word shows us exactly what to do with worry fear etc etc... so we must get off our "high horses of I'm more mature then you are" and humble ourselves before our Lord and give Him everything we hold onto.

I spent a good decade or so living in fear/ worry, it ran my life, I couldn't do anything because I feared something would go wrong. I questioned everything because of fear which then turned into anger stress and anxiety and depression so bad I just wanted to go to sleep and never wake up. I was a mess.
As soon as I learned that what I was doing was sin, I started looking up in my bible everything that spoke about these above things. Growing up I was told, and told others, that I had always been mature for my age... but with everything running my life, I'm thinking I wasn't as mature as I thought I was.
I did learn things regarding life before some others, but was I stumped from growing in the Lord even more during this time of darkness? I can't go back and change anything from my past but I know that I can hopefully encourage others who are dealing with the same thing.
It is our choice how we are going to respond to each day and when we allow our worries to take reign we are being lazy and the Lord does not like laziness. Slap yourself, pick yourself up and choose to fight choose to be happy choose to allow the Lord to bless you in your day because He wants to... Do not wallow in sin because one day you'll regret it. See the sin and choose to walk in the other direction.

I'm choosing to have a good day, I'm choosing, even through the pain I woke up to, not to worry or fear anything that's in front of me. The Lord has already gone before us and we need to remind ourselves that every day.

I do have to say that at times I still struggle with these things I listed... but it doesn't have the hold that it use to on me... I'm afraid of heights but there have been times that I have leaned over to look down despite my fear. It's the only way to get over it.

2012 begins...

2012-01-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

Been a while as always.

Life has taken us for a little ride, but things seem to be looking up.

A new year, a new look on life and a stronger understanding of my relationship with the Lord.

He has been so sweet to take care of us and to lead us as we go through the storms that pop up.

I have finally concurred that fear and worry that comes at me head on when life falls apart. There has been complete peace, knowing that the Lord is in complete control and that He won't let us fall apart and leave us in a cardboard box some where.

He has already written our book and it's published. He knows exactly where we are, where we are going and when. All I can do is let go and keep my eyes on Him and nothing/no one else.

I know I have said this so many times, but it's SO true!

Haven't been taking many photos and haven't been that creative lately. Do have a huge pile still sitting in my dinning room and my sewing machine is waiting patiently for me to dust her off and turn her back on. Hoping everything runs smoothly when I do.

This year is going to be crazy, but I know that for many it's going to be incredibly amazing!

It's going to be a good year

whether amazing things happen or not.

It's all good... enjoy!

In The Mood....

2011-11-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

For some decorating... this is what I'm liking right now!

These candle lanterns are incredibly awesome, a steam punk look to them.

Loving these three simple looking trees... although my guy prefers to go out and cut down our tree for Christmas, the kids do love it as well. I don't know these are looking pretty good to me.

This room divider goes along with the lanterns. The first thing my guy said, "What's the point of having one of those if you can see through it?" It's for looks, not necessarily function. I love it! But my taste is rich and these are all from Pottery Barn, in their clearance section online but still $$/$$$. So there they will stay and maybe one day I will find something close to what I saw there.

Change

2011-11-21T21:48:00.000-08:00

It was time to change the look of my blog.

In need of some color and a new font.

The color on the trees have almost all been blown to the ground by wind and rain, in its place naked branches so plain.

The sky has turned a shade of gray and so has my mood as it does every year during the Autumn/Winter season. This is replaced with the longing of spring color and the warmth of the summer sun on my pale skin.

I honestly don't mind the rain but when it's mixed with such cold weather it's almost unbearable for my body. The aches and pains become stronger and it takes so much longer to warm the bones beneath my flesh.

Appreciating The Little Things Captured in a Photograph

2011-11-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

Had a horrible dream that I couldn't download my photos from my camera! I don't know what I would do if I lost my photographs, they are my memories when I forget.

Fall Colors

A quiet moment in the yard.

Even those moments of frustration.

Imagination on a swing.

Something from our history so long ago.

And that first time baking an amazingly delicious Pear Pie.

and most recently a wedding out in nature.

I don't ever want to forget any of it.

2011-10-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I've been here, I know.

Life has been incredibly busy.

Kids have been doing pretty well in school.

Oldest joined the life of middle school and is taking orchestra for his elective... Playing the cello and liking it.

Haven't gotten anything done in the sewing/crocheting/painting department. Part way done with the kitchen though. Upper cabinets painted a nice white, have the two doors above the fridge and one on the cabinet near the sink. And then I have the cabinets on the bottom to get done. I have never EVER taken this much time to paint something.

I drive myself nuts sometimes.

Life is just busy and maybe one day things will slow down. Until then I will do my best to just breathe and smile.

2011-07-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

This has been one incredibly long summer!

Seems there is something going on every weekend and the weeks are short.

We are looking forward to the day school starts up again. A little over a month to go! I think the kids are ready, we will see. The oldest will be heading into middle school which means our normal schedule will be changing drastically.

What is up with the school times for middle school kids!?!

What a way to teach them to be lazy. They should be up when everyone else is. His brother and sister will have to be at school a few hours before he is.

Can you tell I'm holding back because I don't want to give out to much info on here? Sorry. :)

I honestly don't really feel like blogging right now, but I felt bad that I hadn't written in a while.

I'll just have to come back later, hopefully not to much later.

2011-05-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

As always there's so much I need and want to do.

A few things are only half way done, like the living room. I have two walls painted and need to finish the third wall.

Kitchen walls are painted but still need to redo the cabinets.

Crocheting a Star ship Enterprise and a lap blanket... still not done.

Losing weight... that is really slow. I did lose 8 lbs while at women's retreat a few weekends ago! But still have a long ways to go. Baby steps, extremely small baby steps.

Kids are almost done with school for the summer. I will, Lord willing, be working on all three with their penmanship and might even through in some math and a lot of reading.

I did manage to get things done in the back yard... Birds and squirrels fed, flowers, lemon thyme, strawberries, blueberries and tomatoes planted. things picked up and or thrown away.

Sadly today all I really want to do

is lay on the couch and cat nap.

2011-04-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Spring just can't decide if it wants to show up this yr. It has been down right cold and wet this month. I know I know, April showers bring May flowers but so does warm sunshine.

I have blueberries that have some major growing to do. Due to being a renter, I decided that I would put all veggie and fruit plants that we buy will be put in large flower pots.

The strawberries and tomatoes will be in those Topsy Turvy containers in hopes that the ants won't reach them.

I absolutely HATE ants as some of you may know.

As always my head is over flowing with projects I'd like to do from sewing more blankets, to crocheting the Starship Enterprise, to painting on canvas. There are many other things I want and need to do, but to list them all would make my head explode.

Promoting Today...

2011-03-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

My Zazzle Shop

Etsy Shop

My Photography

I know life is a bit hard right now, but I needed to do some promoting anyways. Every bit helps and Lord knows I could use it about now.

Have a blessed day.

February and Protea Flowers

2011-02-14T09:12:00.000-08:00

Wow! Half way through February, and I'm ready for spring.

The rain has returned in full force and it's Valentine's Day.

I didn't get roses this year, but that's alright with me, roses aren't my favorite... they are beautiful but I can get those any time... what I did get were three Protea flowers.

The one at the top and bottom are fuzzy... very different and in their own way kind of cool. I like them.

Kids have still kept pretty healthy this year... we have gotten the nasty cold but nothing else, thank goodness! I'm hoping we get through this nasty sick season with out any puking.

Praising the Lord that my guy's work has slowly been picking up again... hoping this year will be a busy and productive one for him.

As for myself... well it's pretty much the same ol' thing... cleaning and crocheting... almost finished with another scarf... still trying to get myself sewing on baby blankets again, it's just not happening. One of these days I'll get out of the sewing rut I've fallen hard into.

It's all good.

Happy Valentine's Day to the few people that read. Hope you have a wonderfully blessed day! <3

The Plan...

2011-01-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

So I absolutely love this kitchen!

I'm ready to do some major painting and I'm going to take from this photo I found.

The cabinet color will go on the walls, The cupboards will then be painted a white. Will also paint the ceiling white.

I'm tired of the nasty cupboards and ceiling... the style is over a decade old and it's time for an update.

When it's finished it will be fresh and bright looking.

Oh, also need to change out all the handles on drawers and cupboard doors.

Then we will head into another room... still thinking on color and what not. Don't know when we will get the In-laws couch but that will mean the whole color scheme that is in the living/dining room is going to change.

My husband wants color and he is going to get color. :)

More to come... got to get some cash to do all this... but I have the rest of this year to get all this done.

Good times!

Not Yet Out In The World...

2011-01-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

Above is a fabric book... I have two of these to make. And three baby blankets that are waiting for maybe a little more attention... Just not sure yet.

Things I should be prepping and sewing and/or putting in my shop but haven't yet... And I don't have a good excuse.

2011-01-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

Took a few, well almost 500 pics of my husband's cousin's wedding... It was a beautiful night!

Banana Crackers...

2011-01-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Made these little Banana Crackers yesterday and it was really simple and two out of the three kids liked them a lot!

Banana Crackers

      2 c All-purpose flour
    1/4 ts Salt
    1/8 ts Baking soda
      6 tb butter or margarine, softened
   2/3 c Mashed banana (1 large)
      2 tb Honey
      2 tb Warm water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl; cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the banana and blend well. In a separate bowl, dissolve the honey in the warm water. Slowly add the honey/water to the flour/banana mixture and blend to form a dough that will hold together in a ball. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and roll the dough thinly.

Cut into circles using a cookie cutter.

Arrange crackers on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Prick each cracker in 2 or 3 places with the tines of a fork.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning over once during baking.

These crackers should be medium brown.Cool on a rack.

2011-01-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, hit that wall at high speeds!

The first week of the new year and

everything has moved to a snails crawl.

The family is healthy,

the kids are enjoying their days in school and

I'm slowly getting the house back to some kind of order. I'm also trying to get myself in some kind of order too... To many sweets, to much that's not needed from extra weight to household items. It's all got to go. As a society we are brainwashed into thinking we need need need when really most of what we "need" are just "wants".

Seems that year after year

the things I say I'm going to do just never happen... Things get lost in the cracks of life never to be seen again. And of course if I did reach a goal I wouldn't be able to recall. There was a moment in my life when I learned that past is past and there is no reason to bring it up again and again... well since then I haven't been able to remember days or months long gone. Don't know if this is a good or a bad thing. Could be from some life trauma I went through some 10 yrs ago. I've shut down my ability to remember anything.

This could be why I love photography, besides the beauty of it, it helps me remember all the good.

When life gives you onions, make a roast.

2010-12-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

Only three more days of this year to go!

It's been an interesting year and sadly there is a lot of it I don't remember. I'm so thankful for all the photos I've taken to help me recall all the moments we have shared in our family.

Hoping this next year will be filled with tons of laughter, finished goals and lots more photos!

Yup, not a whole lot to say and no photo/s I feel like sharing so I guess this will be a simple post.

Enjoy the rest of 2010... 2011 is just around the corner!!

2010-12-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

Have a blessed Christmas weekend!!

Going Backwards...

2010-12-08T09:44:00.000-08:00

Going backwards... Decorating the/

getting the tree...

making a gift basket for newlyweds to be...

making Biscotti for their wedding...

the kids, being the kids...

and my early Christmas present,

which brought you these pictures.

Silk

2010-11-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

Beautiful silky scarves!

Finished another scarf (above) The color is Rouge and I absolutely love it! My camera is not doing the colors justice... They look so much better in person, but what can ya do.

(below) I have another scarf on the hook. This time I'm doing my own kind of pattern and adding in a latices type stitch.

Well that is that... I'm sure there will be more to come... should probably try and sell them... but don't want to be disappointed if they don't sell.

Might give some away for Christmas, but gave some last year.

Good Times.

Pastry, Noodle Fail and a Scarf

2010-11-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

Made some eclairs for our church's yearly Thanksgiving dinner/potluck last night...

the eclairs getting ready to put the eggs in

This is the (from scratch) cream filling for the eclairs.

The puffs... they turned out beautifully!

But I think technically I don't know what you would call them because I didn't make the chocolate for the top, I ended up just sprinkling powdered sugar all over them. They were a hit because I didn't have to bring any home!

Then we have a noodle fail...

I tried to make noodles from scratch and well it was a sad moment in my kitchen... they may look pretty and taste alright, but they were horrible. I couldn't get the dough rolled out thin enough due to my hands not working well.

I do have another recipe that my cousin so sweetly gave me and I am going to try the noodle thing again... because honestly I think it may be cheaper and a whole lot better for you. :)

Now to something just as nice...

I decided to pull out my yarn and crochet hooks again... it has been a long time... haven't done anything since last yr/beginning of this year.

I think this scarf turned out quite lovely!

Can't decide if I want to try and sell it or give it as a gift.

We will see. I enjoyed making it and already have the next one on the hook!

Thank you cold weather... you got me crocheting once again!

Making Good Food...

2010-11-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

This is the roast that is slowly cooking in the crock pot.

Some beef broth, herbs & spices, minced garlic and to top it off the green onions that were growing from some old onions that never got used... they smell good so we will see how it tastes when it's finished.

Then we had some Jonas Gold apples from Hood River. The recipe isn't really a recipe per-say...

I just threw things in a pan.

Cut up all the apples, pealed most of them.

Then cut into small chunks.

Mix with a cinnamon/sugar mixture

In separate bowl I dumped some oats and brown sugar,

then put about 5 tbs. butter... I guess you could call them butter tabs. Put the bowl in the micro to soften the butter up really good then dumped the whole thing over the apples and slivered some more butter to go on top.

Oven at 350 bake for 30 min.

I covered it with foil... but I think you could bake it either way. I actually just took the foil off and put it back in for another 3 min. We will see how it looks...

Not to bad... might be better if I did a mixture of quick oats and old fashioned ones. Or just left the foil off. ;)

So that is some of my day in the kitchen... Also made some grilled cheese for the kids and I'm seriously thinking about making my homemade tomato soup!!

Haha sorry don't remember what post that was... I've been here for a long time! It is lost in the archives, regarding my tomato soup recipe.

Good day to you!

Weight... to lose is gain.

2010-10-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

Doing a bit of thinking this last month regarding my weight.

Why is it so hard to lose weight for me?
Why do I have this "I don't care anymore" mentality?

I have watched all those weight loss shows and done what I could to work out only to fail and fall further down.

Just finished watching Ruby season 1 and I did ask myself... "What mentally is causing you to fail?"

My answer, I just don't care anymore, my goals are too high, I'll never be that small size again, and if I do will I become obsessed? Will I always have to work harder then others to lose weight!? I may not look it but I'm almost 200 lbs and it scares me that I will allow myself to slowly push passed that 200!! OK... I know to some that isn't a big deal, but health wise I know it's not good for me and I see those signs of things going wrong. The closer I get to 40 the harder it's going to get and this scares me.

I do need/want to lose 50/55 lbs that is my goal and that is what I feel I need to do. But the journey is going to be hard... extremely hard. I have time when the kids are in school that I can do my work outs and I need to do this!

Also need to work on what I eat... I'm scared to write everything down that I eat during the day, because I already know that it's bad! And it isn't so much the portions it's the lack of substance really.

Eating basically snack stuff is not a good way to fill your stomach during the day and my stomach isn't used to the good stuff anymore. The thought of eating salad and any veggies for that matter turns my stomach and I don't want it to be this way.

Again this is going to be hard! It makes it even harder when no one else is on board with me... I mean really on board, but I know I can't depend on anyone else to lose my weight for me. It is my choice and I need to make the right one.

When my guy gets home I'm going to talk to him about maybe me getting into a gym program... It would cost about the same amount a month as what I've been spending on coffee and I know using that money for this will be so much better then making myself heavier with the drinks and junk food.

Well there you have it... I think a new journey is beginning for me... at least I hope so. I'm tired of this extra weight pulling me down. It's time to make some changes, it's time to get up and move. Getting older sucks but it doesn't have to... I want to enjoy every moment of it healthier then I am now.

The Season...

2010-10-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that I have not thought once about the holidays ahead! Usually I'm all excited about baking and such, but this year... well, I don't know what's going on with me.

I'm not thinking of food, not even thinking of gifts for anyone this Christmas.

I'm only thinking of all this stupid weight I need to lose to be healthy and all the clutter we still have left to throw out of this house. Why be excited about adding any of that to what is already there. I'm not.

2010-10-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

Been a while.

Not a whole lot I feel like writing about I guess.

Let's see... Did a photo shoot for a couple friends for their anniversary. Got the kids off to school and haven't had any horrible sicken take over so far!

Haven't done any sewing... need to make a small bible cover for a friend though... have to dig out my sewing machine from the small mountain that has grown over top of it.

Slowly... slower then a slug... getting rid of all the extra clutter around the house. So many pieces of useless papers!!

Sunday school with the all the kids is all I do on Sundays, which is hard, because I'm missing out on service. It's all right I guess. It's only for a season.

My children are growing up before my eyes... it's a struggle sometimes but what can you do but love and try to encourage them in everything they do.

I have totally forgotten how old I am or what anniversary year we just celebrated... heck I can't even remember what happened a day or two ago.

Tired and crabby, ready to put my kids to bed and just veg.

Good night. :)

Beautiful Chocolate Blue and Other Ramblings

2010-09-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Finally got my bottom in gear and finished my quilt I started a while back!

Procrastination got the best of me I'd say. But now it is finished and I know when it sells I will be sad to see it go, but know that who ever gets this warm beauty will enjoy it as much as I have putting it together.

The school year has gone pretty well so far.

It seems harder and harder as time goes by...

even though I'm not home schooling.

But I'm glad they have a good school to go to.

I like that they have two music classes and PE classes each week. Wish it was that way for all schools.

I started helping with the children's ministry at our church. Helping with the younger kids. I'm still getting used to not being able to see everyone due to being in another part of the building the whole time. So making posters for the memory verses and helping with the crafts.

Bible Study also started this last week, so I've got to get myself back in the groove of getting my study done on time. And being open in what I share.

Autumn is literally around the corner (tomorrow) and I'm excited for sweaters (even though I have already been wearing them off and on most of the summer) A little nervous about what winter is going to bring but for now I'm looking forward to the changing colors and smell of firewood burning in the air! Oh and don't forget those Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks!! Yum!! :P

2010-09-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while.

We spent the weekend up in Washington at a music festival called X-Fest it's almost like a family reunion for the bands and hopefully in the next year they will be able to attracted more people. We have gone for the last three or so years and it is most definitely

The kids started school on Tuesday! We had thought that our Mr. T. would be held back in the second grade but when we got there we found out he wasn't staying back, his teacher moved forward. So praise the Lord! They are all doing very well so far, just keep praying that they all stay healthy and that they don't bring any bugs home... including the creepy crawly ones!!

I've gotten busy cleaning things up around here... got all the laundry done, kitchen is about done, and did some much needed yard work by myself and w/ our landlord. Cleaned up the living room but that doesn't stay cleaned long due to four other people in the house. Trying to get things together for a garage sale tomorrow. Almost wish I hadn't said I'd participate but I did so I need to stick with it.

Well the kids are home and I have an issue with not wanting to read, so I'm off to silence the whiner. :)

2010-08-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

So... Why is it the closer we get to school the crazier the kids get? It is absolutely driving me insane!! I think they should have started school a few weeks back, the kids are ready to go so let them I say. :)

Looks like our middle guy will be held back in the second grade. I guess it makes since... He did miss a lot of school days due to illness this last school year. I'm praying that this new year will be better for him and that he will "get it" and thrive in all that he does.

My husband isn't happy about about the whole thing and kind of bummed out, but it will be okay.

My goal, who knows if I'll actually reach it this time, will be to get my shop up and running with items again. I have a hand full of things I can do. So I just need to do it and get them up, hopefully I'll start getting some sales again. That sure would be nice. Need to work some more on my photography, but with my little camera, I'm not taken seriously and that is kind of a downer. One day something will work out.

I'm going to stop writing now before I get all depressed.

Boy! Am I emotional these past few days!

Sweet Reward...

2010-08-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

Got this little sweet today...

I guess this is an award to be passed along, so here are the rules...

1. Thank the person who rewarded it to you...

Thank you so much Emily! I am very honored!

2. Copy award to your blog.

3. List 3 things that you love about yourself.

That is a hard one...

I love my artistic abilities

I'm a good friend

My compassionate heart

4. Post a photo that you love on your blog.

My little man throwing dirt, his little chubby cheeks, not a care in the world.

I really have thousands and thousands of pictures but this one I don't think I have shared.

5. Pass the award on to 5 other inspirational people.

Kim @ dailyreflectionsofmylife

Amanda @ soulemama

JJ @ thelovelylittlethings

a-friend-to-knit-with

allbuttonedup

Struggle and Happy Times...

2010-08-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

Struggling... lack of motivation... exhaustion... What the heck!!

I can confess that most of my time is not spent wisely, and I think that is my biggest struggle of all. I have so much I can be doing or need to do but procrastination has been my guide and I seem to have lost the battle.

Physically, I've been going down hill the last few weeks. It would be nice if the weather would stay consistent but it hasn't. Going from the 60's into the 90's over night causes so many problems. But such is life and I am learning to cope. I usually try not to show it.

A few more weeks and school will start up again. We are all excited and can not wait for the big day! These last few weeks of summer have been full and crazy, but really, honestly, worth it.

This last weekend my brother brought up his family so I was able to get the cousins together for their yearly picture. We had a really good time together and one bathroom between all of us wasn't really a problem. I'm grateful for our old pop-up trailer also. It has been a life saver!

So life has it's ups and downs and they always seem even each other out.

Oh I added some more photos to my gallery over at

http://liquidsunshine.imagekind.com/

One of these days I'm going to get a portfolio together and some hard copies and I'm going to sell them myself... but for now this will have to do. Thanks for checking them out.

2010-08-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

Haven't been here for a while... seems life is busy all the time this summer.

The kids are heading back to school in a little over a few weeks and then it's back to the grind for me, getting sewing done and doing my continued, never ending, work in the house.

Still continue to struggle with my weight and health... trying to get up the nerve to go find out what's wrong... my choices are Lupus, Arthritis, Thyroid issues, or pretty much all of the above. They all run in my family on both sides so pretty much there isn't much I can do about that.

We just celebrated our 12th yr of marriage.... It has been a pretty intense ride at times but I guess it only brings us closer together. I wonder how the next 12 are going to pan out.

Aging myself again thinking of all the numbers... 8 more years and our oldest will be a graduate, Lord willing, 3 more years he will be a teenager! I know it's a while away but really, time goes by so fast! There isn't anything we can do but hang on for the ride.

There is so much I need to get on track with and a lot of procrastination to kick in the butt. But with the Lord's help

I can do anything He puts in front of me!

So I move forward not looking back at all the time I have lost but looking forward to all the time I have gained.

Emotions on the Rocks...

2010-07-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes being a woman is the hardest challenge I deal with. The emotional/hormonal roller coaster we ride. It feels as though there are more downs then ups and when those loops show up out of know where we really feel out of control. Add kids and a husband to the ride and the speed intensifies.

I'm only in my mid 30's but I have been dealing with the premenopausal stuff for probably about 6/7 yrs now... The hot flashes and mood swings seem to be getting worse as time goes by. But I keep moving forward looking for those little remedies that might give me some relief.

I wonder what it will be like when I don't have to deal with all of the pre-menopause and post any more. Our families put up with a whole lot when we are like this...

I hope they still like me in the end when it's all over. :)

2010-07-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Summer is definitely here.

Just got over a heat wave... usually we get the heat wave at the end of summer, but not this time. Still not as hot as most people but when you go from low 60's to high 90's/triple digits it is a kind of shock to the system.

All though I wouldn't trade it for anything. We really can't complain when those fighting over seas are doing so in 120!! And with all their gear on!!

The kids have been enjoying their pool that seems to have gotten smaller since last year... We were looking at getting a large pool again (the last one we got broke), but didn't go for it and now everything is sold out. Oh well maybe next year. For now they will have to learn to move in the same direction. Hahaha Would love to have a permanent pool but I think the landlord would frown upon that.

Well the kids have decided they're hungry finally... off to make sandwiches and eat jello. :)

July is here...

2010-07-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's already July!

It looks like this might be our last week of comfortable weather and then starting

next Tuesday the 90's will be upon us.

Oh drab! Would love to have a new swimming pool we can actually swim in but do I really want to spend the money is the question? Right now the prices are pretty reasonable... but we don't have the cash in hand and do we really want to add it to "the card" Oh bother.

Had a baking kind of day yesterday but only got a couple things baked. PB Cookies and these French Breakfast Puffs!

I actually bought the cookbook and I'm very happy with it and can't wait to try some more of her good home cookin'!

Book Club... Haven't talked about that for a while, yup, still doing that. Have gotten through most of the books. Right now we are reading Peter Pan and then we will go onto Uncle Tom's Cabin, which I have already started because it is a lot to get through. I believe we only have a few books left after these two... To Kill A Mockingbird and The Scarlet Pimpernel.

We were at B&N the other day because I wanted to get David Kirsch's Butt Book and ended up walking out the door with the The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Our oldest has already read a couple of Edgar Allan's poems.

The Butt Book is pretty cool! Nice to find something to deal with just the butts in our lives. There are work outs for all types and a very short meal plan tip and what you need to do if you go to the gym. I really like the illustrations, they make me laugh. Funny how we as females are always spoken of as food items. =] I don't mind, I think it is funny.

I finally caught a bird at my bird feeder a bit ago!

When I went out walking this morning there were a whole bunch of these little guys flying around, on top of many others. It was nice, and then we had to get out of the car to walk and they all flew away.

Ramble...

2010-06-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful cloudy kind of Friday.

All the birds are singing!

This is the one thing I love about living where we are... all the small creatures that take refuge in our neighborhood trees. I'm praying it lasts and the city keeps it's distance. Have already noticed more and more people coming out from the bigger cities and it is slowly changing the face of our little suburb. That is sad to think about.

So yesterday when I tripped over a cord which then brought the phone and other electronics crashing to the floor I about had a tantrum... We have accumulated way to much into this not so big house and it's starting to take it's toll.

My thought was get a moving truck and fill it up and take it all to the thrift store or burn pile.... then I thought, well I could have a garage sale.... both take a lot of work, I don't want to be lazy but I think I am. Never ending battle and really hard to get everyone else in the house on board to help.

Kids are trying to play hide-n-seek... oldest goes to find the other two and all of a sudden one of them jumps out and says peek-a-boo!! "You aren't supposed to jump out and say that! You are supposed to sit still and be quiet!" - oldest

What I want for Christmas/Birthday!

2010-06-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

These are two slightly different shades of the blue... Can't decide which one I like more... So if I got either I would be content! :)

2010-06-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

headaches... don't like them one bit.

Shoulders feel like one big rock... there have been many attempts from friends to massage them out but it just won't budge. One day this will all go away and I won't have to deal with this anymore. Oh the joy I will have!!

So far the kids have done really well with getting their school work done each day. I know we are only on day three, but it is just so nice not to have to fight with them regarding the work.

They started getting the board games out yesterday, even the harder ones... I haven't intervened... they pretty much make up their own rules and it seems to work.

The only struggle is getting my Mr. T to read anything... He just doesn't want to do it. And it has affected everything else he did/does regarding school and learning.

Got all of their report cards yesterday and who know where he is going to be placed next year... Just praying that something will click this summer and that he will catch on quickly so that he can surprise the teachers when he gets back. This is the boy that wants to be President and an Astronaut someday.

Ok, I think we might need a picture or two before I get all bummed. :)

Ho Humm...

2010-06-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, well it seems to be for the moment. The weather has been awful lately!

Not a whole lot really going on... as you could probably tell by the drop off of posts. Started the kids on their summer school work... they are still in public school but what else are we going to fill our days with?? They need it and so do I for my sanity strangely enough school work is the best way to go. It doesn't take them long to do their couple pages and they are actually enjoying it and ask the first thing when they get up is if they can do their home work. Gotta love a kid you loves to learn! Just praying it last through the summer.

I really want to go lay in the warm sun... might start doing that this week for a little bit each day there is sunshine. Got to get some color on my legs so that I can take them out in public. Ha ha ha!

So that is all I have to say apparently... everything has been pretty much place on the back burner, like it always does.

I'll get motivated again one of these days even if it is in the middle of the night. Insomnia hasn't hit me for a while.

Huge Mess!

2010-06-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

There is one huge mess called my living room!

Clothes unfolded and in a pile on the couch, games and books in heaps all over the floor and on the unfolded clothes, a couple stacks of records that were going to find a home on the bookshelf but that isn't happening now... the book shelf is now shorter due to broken pieces that where un-fixable on the bottom. And then I won't even tell you about all the papers everywhere because we have an issue with not throwing the garbage out!!!

How the heck did I get this way!?! I swore I would always have a clean how with everything in order and now I'm drowning! No we aren't hoarders, we have just been in the same place for a long time and things accumulate. NO MORE! I'm done... it's gotta go if it's not important, we don't need it anymore.

I want my children to learn to take care of what they have and to be satisfied with what little they have. When you start collecting things you don't even use or remember having then you become discontent with what you do have... why... because you are unhappy with your mess!

So books are gonna go out the door that we don't or won't read. I'm keeping the old books that we have... most of them are antiques or classics, as in they aren't in print anymore... at least that I know of. I like old kids books.

I'm thinking the sub-woofer is going to have to go somewhere else so that I can fit all the records on the same shelf.

All right back to cleaning... I just needed to spill my guts for a minute so as not to post a bunch on FB and drive people crazy. <3

A Beautiful Day!

2010-06-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

A little bit of painting going on. Finished it this morning!

Found the paint in the mess-up, or what we like to call the oops paint, section. My guy picked it out and I absolutely love it! Painted the original handles with Chrome paint and then added a few flowers and now it's brand new once again.

The sun has finally shown it's self and the birds are singing, not that they ever stop...it is a very loud neighborhood but I don't mind...they can sing all night for all I care, it's very soothing to my soul. Need to really save up some cash and buy some seed and houses for them, because I love having them in my back yard.

Can't believe only 2 weeks left of school for the kids!! This year seems to have picked up... it was a rough winter with constant sickness in the house but it looks like we have finally made it through and I'm praying in the Fall when they go back will turn out a whole lot better.

Well the floors can't scrub themselves so I'm off.

Good day everyone!

2010-06-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Today my living room is the laundry room... All seating is full of clothes that need to be folded and put in their proper place. Will they get in their proper place in the same condition as they were in the living room? Highly doubt it but that is one fight I have learned to forfeit. You can fold them to perfection but inevitably they end up shoved hastily into the drawers.

You have to pick your fights and this one is just not something I should get all worked up about at this time.

No I don't just let the kids do what they want with their laundry, I have taught them where their clothes go and how it should look... it is just short lived and I have better things to worry about.

It has felt like Autumn out the last few months... can't believe we are in June and there is still a chill in the air. It hasn't been to bad, but a whole lot wetter, I think, then last year. Have no idea what Summer will bring us but I hope we get a good handful of sunshine at least.

The kids will be out of school soon and then we will keep going forward with their learning. Got a few workbooks today and they are set up in lessons so the kids will have a few pages to do per day and then we will, Lord willing, be reading... Will probably do the library summer reading plan so that they can keep track and have a goal to reach.

Yup, same ol' same ol'

Giving myself a pep talk...

2010-05-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Really struggling with how I spend my time and maybe feeling a bit convicted.

I confess I have been completely lazy during my days. Some things get done but that isn't enough. The computer literally sucks the life out of you in so many ways. And sadly enough it is hard not to be on it because not only is it for personal use it is also for business use.

Things used to be so much easier when computers where harder to figure out... you remember the blank screen and the annoying green type... there was no surfing on that thing.

You did what you needed to do and that was that.

The excuse I have been using is, I have no other technology, just my computer and that is why I'm on.

No one calls anymore and even if they do it is so so hard to understand what they are saying because the phone lines aren't clear and people don't speak properly. Stamps are expensive and by the time someone gets a letter there is already something else to talk about or what you wrote already got it's answer.

My words flow better if I type things out strangely enough. The delete button is much easier then an eraser...it doesn't leave a mark. :)

But I have no excuse for not getting things done in the "real" world. So guess what I need to do is prioritize, which is really a no-brainer.

What do we always tell our kids?

"Clean up your room before you go outside!"

"Do your homework before you play that game!"

Need to follow by example and listen to my own words.

There is a place and a time for everything and the family and home come first then I can play...but even then the play time shouldn't take up half the day.

2010-05-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

May has been a cold wet one.

We did have a few days of warm mid 70's but that's about it.

It's Oregon as it used to be.

It's hard to believe we only have 3 1/2 weeks left till summer break!! But really our schooling isn't going to end. I have a lot to do with my two youngest to have them prepared and caught up for next year. Not a good idea to stop their education for summer anyways because everything they learned prier will go right out the window. So we will continue with reading, (learning letter recognition for my girl) math work AND lord willing crafty stuff.

Have a pile of fabric that I haven't started into. This last week the kids and I got sick once again. Will this ever end!!??!!

Started with the oldest..Then middle man got it and was throwing up all night every hour on the hour! After that my girl then myself. I have sworn since from all three pregnancies that I would never lose my lunch again.

I completely failed this time around. :(

Thankfully this was only a short bug but it sure did wipe me out. I'm still recovering it seems and the smell of any food makes me nauseous but it soon will pass and everything should be some what back to normal.

Sorry, back to the fabric! A couple more baby blankets to be made and strangely enough my guy really likes the Fanciful chicken fabric I ordered so it will become a tablecloth to brighten up the dining table this summer. Also have a couple cloth golden books to make! That will be my first time making these cute little fabric books so I'm pretty excited about that. Also received my first Fat quarter pieces for the FQ a month club.

Sitting here thinking as I was loading the pictures... Before I can get into any of this I need to first clean up the house and get a few things back in order. So I'm off...

May...

2010-05-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Spring flowers, baby blankets in my Etsy Shop, new paint on the dining/living room and hallway walls, and some of my photography behind glass.

The weather has been pretty interesting... warm, wet and stormy... that is Oregon for ya and I love it! We haven't had a Spring like this in a long time and it's nice the smell of rain on a warm day, the birds all out singing as loud as their little voices will allow them, squirrels chasing each other up and down the fences and trees and that liquid sunshine I love so much!

Some Progress

2010-05-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

I added the baby blankets I put together in My Etsy Shop today.

Ordered some more fabric a couple days ago to make a few more blankets but don't know when that will get shipped.

Have been thinking of making a new bag but part of me is tired of making bags all together. I do have some fabric and I could make a messenger type bag out of it but to get myself to actually do it is a whole other problem. So it most likely won't be happening, at least for now.

2010-04-13T13:57:00.000-07:00

I added a few new photos to my shops

over here and here.

There are a few others that are new

but had been added a few weeks ago.

The one above is my favorite for the week!

Loves...

2010-04-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Spent the day at Ikea after church yesterday with my friend. It was a long three hours!

Walked out with a pillow for my guy and these

All I need to do now is save up some cash and then I will be able to buy the frames for them. I decided to put these on my dining room wall. The frames will be the black ones with the white matting. But also saw one of these picture frames... and absolutely fell in love with it!! We thought it might be better with a mirror instead of a photo in it but then again I could probably find a sweet old black -n- white for it. No I didn't buy the frame.

I love all the fully furnished living spaces and found a whole lot of cool things. There was one room that my guy would have totally hated... The decor was in black and whites and the walls were covered in a b/w huge paisley print!! I don't why but I absolutely LOVED it!!

We sat on this couch... I much prefer a higher back on a couch but it was very soft and comfy and I love the small chase/ottoman

And for the kids I thought this would be awesome in their room one day... It is a huge world map... they had it displayed in one of their rooms and had placed a big magnetic board behind it and placed items from different countries on the map. Pretty awesome idea.

Also fell in love with a whole lot more but it would take a lot to fulfill those wishes.

Found a few other things that caught my eye while going through blogs and design websites the other day... Like these tree branch stair rails... Love the roots that wrap over the first step there. Simple yet bold I think.

And then saw this bedroom!! WOW! Love it! I am NOT a fan of turquoise but every once in a while... WOW!

I would actually do this to my bedroom if I could.

It is breathtakingly beautiful and so bright!

2010-04-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

For the past week or so I have been slowly cleaning around the house... It is so slow that I can hardly keep up with the new messes my children and husband leave me.

We have our own little paper landfill throughout the living/dinning room and kitchen not to mention what the kids have collected. I have gone through their rooms and have gotten rid of a ton of stuff they had hiding so I don't know where all this new garbage is coming from... must be the dust bunnies multiplying and mutating.

Need to work on the book shelves... the one in the living room is broken because someone, I won't mention names put their weight on the bottom shelf, after being told multiple times not to. So now there is a big stack of books holding up the shelf with another big stack of books... the thing is worthless I tell ya. I'm about ready to just head out to Lowe's and buy some good strong wood and make my own bookshelf that won't break or warp if you place anything on it. But don't have to tools or patience for that...

Yup a never ending battle I have going on with myself. LOL

I frustrate myself some times... There's so much going on inside my head and most the time what's in there never reaches the real world, it just sits there.

Off to make dinner.

Today... Talk About Random...

2010-04-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

So far everything I said I was going to do today hasn't happened. The coffee did get made though!

And sometimes it seems that is all that matters.

Really getting tired of the cold weather... I want to feel the warmth of the sun on my face... I want to be able to put the sweatshirts away and keep them there.

Also noticing that the birds have gotten a whole lot louder outside our box we call a home. Busy little things but so nice to listen to and so much better then the bird song CD's they have out there! Well I'm sure there are some CD's out there that sound wonderful.

I have changed a few things with my blog... that sure does take up some time when you don't quite know what you are doing. But I did it and I am actually quite pleased with how it turned out.

Don't normally do this but I have been feeling the need to go garage/estate sale shopping... We don't need anything honestly but I feel like fixing up old furniture. Guess maybe I should work on the couple things that we do have and be happy with that... But cool vintage mirrors would be awesome on our wall if I can't find any old paintings.

like this or these!

I think the entry way on the left here is gorgeous! Of course it looks like the area gets a ton of sunlight which makes all the difference in the world!

The mirrors to the left are really cool... and if we painted them some bright color/ colors it might even make them even better.

This last photo is just cool looking... would never get away with it in my house, obviously, but it's still a sweet idea.

Well that's about all... Need to really try and at least clean my kitchen so that I can make another mess later when I figure out what dinner will be... Thinking maybe Taco Salad... which means we might need to go to the store for a few things. Ugh.

Well Hello Thoughts...

2010-04-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

Figured I'd come over here and post something so not as to bother people on facebook with all my posts.

I have had a lot of ideas going through my head... my brain is overflowing with 'em!

My goal for this summer is to paint the hallway and our big room which consists of dining and living. We have had color on our walls since we moved in and crazy enough I'm ready for good ol' white or a tinted white. The color in the big room is light but it has brown/gray tones to it which make it pretty dull looking even when the sun is shining. We need to brighten up the place and at the same time make it look a bit larger.

I would love to have a mural on the dining room wall but looks like I would have to have the artist physically show up and paint them because he doesn't sell prints...

I love these three... American, Europe and Australia.

These are in The Painted House (seen below)

I would like to do something in the kid's rooms to make it more like a bedroom and not a closet... we don't have many pictures on the walls if any... I was thinking maybe going to IKEA and buying the frames and having the kids do some art work and then hanging them. I also saw these yesterday and fell in love with them.

fabric wall decals

This is just one of many to choose from.

I was also playing with some of my photos yesterday.

This is what I did...

This is my original wedding band I haven't worn it for maybe 8 or 9 yrs due to weight gain/babies.

Yesterday I got it on because the band I have on now, which I got this last December is to big!!

I should be happy but I really did like the new band.

I have lost over 15 lbs so far this year and have 30 to 40 more to go!!

There is so much more going on,

mostly in my head, I have the quilt
to finish... just washed the bamboo batting that will make this quilt soft and cozy and have the striped fabric for the backing ready to go... when I get it all sewn together then I will start the hand stitching.

I'm going to make one of these skirts most likely for my daughter only because I'm scared to make one for myself and then not be happy with how it looks on me. I will post a photo when I get that one finished of course. :)

Also still have the baby blankets waiting patiently for me to finish. All pieces are pinned together, now to just sew them and then hand stitch those as well.

And there is always constant cleaning up around here... If it isn't one thing it's another. ;]

Life is truly full.

Finally Some Progress...

2010-04-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

Pillowcases are finished now to the baby blankets... Need to cut the flannel for the batting and then sew them up and get my self in gear to do the hand quilting part of them... we will see, I might do something different because that's how I roll sometimes. ;]

I think I'm tired...

the energy I had earlier is slowly fading away...far far away, there it goes bye bye.

Blog Happy...

2010-03-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE reading blogs especially those crafty ones!

Found this blog sew a straight line today and fell in love with the skirt she made.

And then found this recipe over Here among other cool things that I want to make!

Nothing like adding to my pile of things I already have on my table needing attention. But I can't help it. I'm inspired and reading these blogs are encouraging. It's like drinking a cold glass of water after running in the heat. It gives me a boost to move on and gets the creative juices flowing once again.

How 'bout a little procrastination...

2010-03-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

How 'bout a little procrastination...

Spring is most definitely here... it is completely soaked outside but all the trees are doing their best to hold on to those little blossoms and green leaves are popping up all over the place. My tulips should be blooming here pretty soon and I long to have a bouquet of flowers sitting on my table.

But first things first... Some more cleaning needs to be done before I can bring the beautiful things in. Another words, my kitchen table is a huge mess! ;)

School is back in session and I'm longing for Summer vacation to arrive already. My wish is to continue schooling the kids through out the summer before they return to their school in the Fall... but we never know what tomorrow will bring so I guess I will do my best. I have a lot of things that I have found to keep them occupied, it's just getting everything in an order so as not to cause me to flip out and give up.

Have everything for the baby blankets now, just need to do some cutting and then sewing... lots of sewing.

The quilt I just started needs to wait a little while, have to save up some more money and then will get the batting and the back fabric.

Still need to get the pillow cases done... I don't know why it is taking me so long to just do it. I have a few more weeks before retreat... I do this when I know I have a set time to have something done... I wait till the last minute. I don't know why I function this way but apparently I do. It is the same with cleaning around here... If I know someone is coming I always wait till the last hour before they come and then hurry through it. Why? I just don't know.

Well off to figure out dinner... Of course I wait till the last min. for that one too. ;)

A Beautiful Sun Shining Day...

2010-03-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

I love it and so do my flowers!!

Despite the kids being crazy non-stop

it has been a beautiful day!

Hope you are getting warm sunshine where you are!

Big Weekend...

2010-03-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

It was a long weekend full of stuff we didn't want to deal with... like our computer completely crashing on us due to an extremely nasty virus. My guy spent all day Saturday, had to empty out the whole computer and start from scratch and in the process he accidentally deleted my whole profile. I'm not upset, just figure the stuff I had saved and in my favorites and other files weren't that important and if it was and I can't remember then it will come to me later and I will be able to add it again.

I kept busy though and finished the top of the quilt I'm working on!!!! I am incredibly proud of myself for sticking with it and getting it done! All I need now is the fabric and batting to finish it off. Then will have some hand quilting to do on it and off to My Etsy Shop it will go!!

It is a lap quilt/wall hanging. I love the color palette! It makes me happy!

The kids are on break this week but hopefully that won't keep me from getting the other stuff I'm working on done. Have a couple Alice In Wonderland pillowcases to sew up for my friend and I... we are going to take them to our Woman's Retreat next month... I can't wait!

Quilt and Feeling Older...

2010-03-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

So this is what's going on in the house right now.

New quilt... decided out of the blue I wanted to do this after finding this gorgeous fabric at JoAnn's the other day!!

Almost have it finished and then I need to go get the batting and fabric for the back to finish it off.

Don't know all the quilt lingo but you all know what I'm talking about I hope. :)

Another day older today... don't ever really feel any different but know I'm getting closer to the big 40... It's weird to think about, I know that it's 5 yrs away but those 5 yrs could go really fast.

2010-03-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

New fabric in my possession because I couldn't resist!

Have a few ideas and I'm hoping to get it all figured out and together sooner then later, but we all know how well that goes around here.

Got the "Alice" pillow cases ready for sewing. Have a couple more things to prep and then they will be ready.

Still sick... it's been two 1/2 weeks now... I'm a ton better but the coughing and sinus annoyance is getting old.

My mind is filled with all kinds of good ideas for re-decorating and crafting and such... kind of frustrating that it all hits at once and then I over load and nothing gets done. But such is my life and my head. Trying to take baby steps and do a little at a time.

Everything will come along it may just take a while to see it.

8...

2010-03-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

My little man turns 8 today!

This is our future president... He told me he wants to be president because they get to wear suits and ties.

He started wearing a suit and tie after he saw Bush give a speech a few years back.

He would wear one every day if I let him.

Such an odd duck, always going in his own direction.

I always wonder what he is going to be like when he becomes an adult. I hope and pray it is something amazing!

He has such a sweet heart.

A little mama's boy really. But tough and loves to work hard.

<3 <3 <3

Got an email the other day saying that the flannel fabric I had ordered wasn't available... Talk about frustrating... So ordered some more in a natural color (I use it as batting in my baby blankets) Hopefully it works this time because I really want to get them done.

Still sick but I guess I can say getting better... Such an incredibly slow process, to slow if you ask me. There are a couple different kind of bugs going around... I'm just glad we didn't get the stomach one.

Well off to clean up the house and disinfect it. And then need to make cookie sandwiches for my boy and get his gifts wrapped. There isn't going to be a party... We told him that Disneyland was his Birthday. But we will do a little family thing and I think he will be fine with that.

2010-03-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

I have been sick since we got back from our little vacation and let me tell you it has taken so much energy from me.

Anything I do wares me out quickly.

Yesterday was one of those days I over did it. Loads on top of loads of laundry all cleaned folded and put away.

Dishes that had piled up from being sick cleaned and almost all put away.

So because of all that yesterday I had a long night of constant coughing and today is no different... Took some medicine this morning after I went out and bought more... We tend to go through it faster when everyone is sick. Going to drink Throat Coat tea, which does help a bit. And just take it easy.

I did receive all my fabric after we had gotten back and need to wash it. Ordered the Flannel fabric that I put in my baby quilts to give them a little extra warmth and got half off so that makes me happy. Hopefully it will get to me soon because I'm excited to get started on them. Yup, still need to finish the two quilt I already have... But with my head all gray and stuffed up not a whole lot is getting done that I was excited to do.

The kids are all doing way better, the coughing still lingers but at least they can go to school... Only one week left thought and then it will be Spring Break... I think I will have them doing school work during the week to keep them busy and maybe catch them up a bit.

So I guess that is it in a really big nut shell.

Same ol' Same ol'

Nothing new under the sun.

My life is what it is... There is no glamor here. ;]

Cali/Disney Trip

2010-03-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

I don't even know where to begin.

The family headed out on our grand adventure Thursday after the kids got home from school. We told them that day that they were going to Disneyland, and off we went.

Our trip mostly consisted of rain the first half of the week... But let me tell you I have never in my life seen California so green!

Everything was in bloom! Acres and acres of blooming fruit trees and gobs of olive trees and oranges!

Saw lots of cows out in the fields also. And the air smelled so sweet! Until we would pass the areas where the cows were all confined in extremely muddy tight quarters. Those cows smell really bad... I can say that there is a HUGE difference between field cows smell and grain fed cows... They smelled like sewer and that is not a good smell.

We stayed with my husband's relatives on the way down... we had his grandma and then two uncles that were spread out enough that we could get some good driving in and have a bit of down time before we took the next long stretch.

We headed out to Disneyland Saturday morning just after they opened... It was a really bad stormy day but on the way I had told my guy that it's ALWAYS sunny at Disneyland! And sure enough as soon as we got there the sky was open above the Disney park and the sun shown through! It lasted until we left in the early evening so that we could head down to see our sweet friends and their sweet boxer pups! It was nice to finally get to see each other face to face! Of course we had gone to school with Rich but Nic-e and I hadn't ever met.

Sunday was a beautiful day! We headed over to Harvest for church and then back to the park for some more torture... um I mean fun =) (Over 17 1/2 hours of walking makes for some incredibly sore legs) We were there until just before they finished the fireworks display... which was absolutely amazing!

So all in all the trip was great... We had some sick kids and myself... it all got worse when we headed up to Fresno to see all our friends... The smog was so bad it was hard to breath and that really got all of us coughing up a storm. It was worth it though to see everyone... Next time they need to come up here though. The air is much much cleaner.

We stopped off at In-N-Out a hand full of times going down and up. Our daughter doesn't like their burgers!! We don't know where she came from!

The ride home was alright... Thomas had an allergic reaction to some cough syrup so we had to stop and get him some Benedril, which I had to practically shove down him because he doesn't swallow pills at all. By the time we got home he had a fever of 105 and I had a fever of 102.

We had a few moments where the oldest was car sick and then our daughter decided she was going to puke with out any warning.

It was a great trip!!

I don't know if I forgot anything... I'm sure I did... my mind was running with all kinds of ideas and thoughts... but I didn't have pen or paper.

Photography

2010-02-23T16:52:00.000-08:00

Added some new photographs to my zazzle shop...

You can find the link at the bottom of my blog page!

There will be more soon!

Hope you like them!

YAY Fabric!!

2010-02-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE fabric! Yes, I still have a love for yarn but my heart doesn't bounce as much as it does when I see gorgeous fabrics.

This is my newest baby blanket... I have been working on two of them in this fabric for way to long... Should have been done with them a month ago but I couldn't decide whether I wanted to hand quilt them or not... the decision is to hand quilt... So I will get on it asap.

I was over at Ruby Jane's because I wanted to get some of her Alice In Wonderland Collection (The last three photos at the bottom) to make a couple pillow cases for my best friend and I to have for the women's retreat in April and I stumbled upon some other fabrics I couldn't resist!

I am actually really completely excited to make these future items! The baby blankets will be added to my shop as soon as they are finished! Looks like I'm coming back to life again! I love Spring time and warmer sunshiny weather!! It gets my blood flowing! <3

Oh, and here is part of my crocheted Afghan I've been working on... Still behind but eventually will get it finished. =)

I'm using silk yarns, thus the reason it's shiny.
This has been a wonderful learning experience for me!

New look and a la dee da da

2010-02-15T13:43:00.000-08:00

Can you believe the end of February is right around the corner!! How much fast can this year go!?!

Losing weight has been a slower process these last few weeks, haven't lost much but I can say that the inches are falling off and that makes me happy!

My two youngest have been sick this last week... my middle guy didn't go to school all week and was miserable, my girl seems to be doing better then he did but still she ended up missing out on her Valentine's party on Friday, they both did and that was a little heart breaking till daddy went out and got them some heart chocolates. It made the day much brighter for them.

Slower then a slug we are getting things cleaned up around here. Lots of things we don't even need or use and it is time for them to go.

I'm seriously hoping all the kids will be going to school tomorrow... And I'm hoping my motivation returns because really all I want to do is sit and crochet, and watch movies.

I'm a kind of girl that likes lots of windows and sunshine coming in during the day but lately I have found myself sitting in a dark room literally, curtains drawn, dark dark dark.

Don't think I'm depressed...or a lighter word for it would be gloomy which is how my winters normally go.

Our winter has been extremely mild so you'd think I would be spending every sunny day enjoying it.

Winter just seems like the LONGEST SEASON EVER!

My daffodils are starting to bloom and that is nice to see when I do go out.

Well I should get going and stop procrastinating... I have a ton of stuff sitting on the couch that I need to go through and get rid of or consolidate.

Have a blessed day!

2010-02-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

Our time has come...

We will pack up and head down south to see that big eared fella and his girl... The kids don't know and I think we will keep it a surprise till we show up in front of this wonderland everyone raves about, including my husband... he has been there a million times with his family and high school band.

As for myself I get all nervous anytime we do something drastically different. It is that stupid fear thing I have regarding anything to do with traveling long distances.

But my guy has an agenda written out and we have his relative we can stay with all the way down and back. So pretty much everything is in place. Now to find a package that has two days instead of three, because we can't do that extra day there in wonderland.

This will be the one and only time we will be able to do this and I know the kids are going to have a sweet sweet time. And it is most definitely NOT during Spring Break so there won't be any huge crowds to deal with!

So yup, we will see if this all happens... so far everything seems to be falling into place perfectly.

2010-02-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

We had our first weigh-in at church on Sunday...

My guy was the "Biggest Loser"!!

He lost a whopping 11 1/2 lbs!

I lost 6 1/2 and was in the top 5 with my guy!

That was a sweet sweet surprise for both of us... We have a scale at home but it is old school and apparently isn't doing it's job. So we will be getting a new one as soon as we receive our tax return =)

Didn't get one of the work outs done yesterday but did walk a couple miles with my mother and father-in-law while my guy sat and watched the kids... they would have all gone but it was really wet outside and we didn't want to have to deal with the drama that comes from being tired and wet.

There were many hills.

My girl is home today with a cold and a slight fever... They just had a four day weekend! I'm hoping she feels better soon so she doesn't miss out on anymore school.

Have been reading The Great American Detox Diet... I am really liking it a lot and can't wait to get to the recipe part of the book to see if I actually want to purchase it. Have found a whole lot of helpful tips and ideas so far.

Trying to read The Hiding Place for book club also... don't know if I will be able to finish it by Saturday but at least I got part of it read.

Haven't touched the crochet, because of the reading... I am WAY behind now but that's alright... I will get it done some day.

Can't wait for warmer weather!!

Workin' Out and Hungry...

2010-01-27T10:34:00.000-08:00

So this week was/is the beginning of our church's Biggest Loser Season 3. My husband wanted to join it this time so we did!

We are using this website due to candida issues my husband has due to antibiotics he took as a kid.

So far there is pretty much nothing to eat but with the website there are some recipes I can make and well I'm learning to just throw everything together. :)

For the first time in our marriage we are working out together! It is quite entertaining since I'm so used to having to do things on my own... so getting used to another body, in our small living room, is a bit weird.

This is what I'm doing with him

I love Bob! And think these are the best work outs... I tried the other dvd's they have and didn't like them. This one works just fine for me.

When my husband is at work I am going to do these others...

I did the Turbo Jam a few minutes ago and absolutely LOVE these workouts!! Extremely fun and you definitely get a good sweat going! I highly recommend these workouts.

The Bar Method is a definite butt kicker! I think I will add this in in a month or so because this one is hard if you aren't ready for it.

So there is a lot going on over here.

Still working on the afghan, will have photos soon!

My mind is running with things to do with the fabric I have but not sure when all that is going to go from my brain to my hands... We will see. :)

Off to get cleaned up before I go get my girl.

Have a fabulous day!!

2010-01-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

Crocheting again...

got my new yarn and restarted the Afghan.

My girl lost her other top tooth... I hope her other teeth grow in quickly, I don't like that she has no teeth. :(

January has been tight but the end of it is almost here and we will get through it with flying colors no matter what the outcome.

A large group in our church has been doing "Biggest Loser" challenges since last summer and starting Sunday will be the "Third season" my husband decided that he wanted to do it but only if I did... Would I EVER say no!?! So here we go... Now I will be able to push myself more to get fit and I have no excuses... I do hope my body cooperates with me because it hasn't been very nice these last few weeks with the changing weather around us.

The baby blankets are ready for hand quilting... but I'm still unsure of how I'm going to do it. So they still sit there on the sewing machine.

Ok I'm sorry... I feel like a broken record... but this is what I'm doing right now... Feel like I need to make a life of my life so that it will be more interesting because I even bore myself.

I will post pictures of the crochet squares as soon as the sun comes out again, because it makes the best light!

2010-01-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

Ran out of the yarn I was using for the square a day afghan... Will be getting my new yarn this week, which means starting all over again but it should go pretty quickly!

Don't know for sure what I am going to do with the squares I already have finished, but I'm sure something will come to me.

Finally started on the baby blankets... the fabric and flannel are all sewn together, now to sew the boarder then the fun begins... quilting the whole blanket by hand... which by the time I'm finished the blankets will be $150 each.

I'm constantly rethinking what I want in my etsy shop... I did the bags for a long time and sold a ton of them... but then it just wasn't going any where anymore... thought of selling my crocheted scarves... need to get them all in the shop, but don't really know that that will go anywhere for me... the baby blankets have done pretty well though.

I guess I just really don't know what I want to do craft wise... there are so many things I enjoy doing... have yet to continue my painting and photography... So much in my head... but with all of it comes discouragement because there are so many others out there doing the same thing... and better. I guess I have yet to find my signature mark.

So I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and someday somehow something will stick and shine.

The kids are home today, trying to figure out what to do to keep them busy and away from each others throats.

Later...

Crochet and Weight

2010-01-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

So I've decided to do this project...

Crochet Along

I have ordered yarn for the project but while I'm waiting for that to show up, figured I'd start now and get the hang of the stitches.

This is what I have so far... they are on #7 but I will catch up quickly... did 1-4 last night and found it a lot of fun and very relaxing.

The colors I'm waiting for won't go with these two colors but I thought I might just finish off this yarn, which isn't much and have a smaller afghan and then start over with the new yarn and make the actual afghan they are making.

Have been horribl with working out and eating better so far this year. Our church has been doing a "Biggest Loser Challenge" Since Summer of last year and have done two competitions this last one being for maintaining thru the Holidays. The third "season" will be starting up on the 24th and my husband out of the blue yesterday asked me if I wanted to do it... Of course anything to get him to take care of himself I'll do! We need this badly and so do the kids... As a family we need to start eating better so that we feel better all around... yes my children are skinny little things but our eating habits are horrible! And the fruits and veggies need to start showing up in our meals more often.

I don't want this to just be a "diet" I want it to be a life change for all of us and I'm praying that my husband will get on the same page because I would like him to be around for a while.

It's going to be good and I'm glad he made the choice first and that we are doing this together.

Today...

2010-01-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

Everything is wet outside but the birds are filling the trees with beautiful music! This makes the day peaceful even if it is gray and the sun isn't getting through the clouds.

Ironed some of my fabric and have the baby blankets pinned together and ready for sewing.

Have a beautiful blue yarn on my hook... I would give you the exact color but for some reason can't find the label it was wrapped in... it is quit beautiful though I think you will like it.

I'm sticking to making the one scarf with scalloped edges since that seems to be the one everyone likes... Can't seem to find my book that had the pattern... it has been missing for a good while now, not that I need it to make the scarf, I have that memorized in my own way. But sure would be nice to find it for the other patterns... Have gotten a few books from the library but they just haven't been jaw dropping for me... sort of a disappointing really.

You know, as I was ironing my gorgeous fabric today I realized that I hate to cut into fabric that is just so beautiful... I'm always afraid that I am going to make something I would regret. Would love to make a skirt or dress out of part of it but then would it be worn enough... I know the skirt would. But to cut the fabric...ugh

This is the fabric. <3

It will become something some day when I get over the fear of screwing it up when I cut into it, until then it will just be enjoyed as it is.

Hello 2010

2010-01-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

2010...

wow, again, who knew we would all make it to yet another year.

Winter break is over and the kids are back to school... they were all so excited at the bus stop that they were "play" fighting over who was going to get on the bus first. I'm glad the kids like school. I pray that they do well and always choose to do what they know is right.

They made their very first snowman EVER on Tuesday when we had our little snow show. I realized that all those times we have had snow they have never made a snowman, so it was about time... I hope there will be more in the future because they really did have a good time. We also spent the winter break making snowflakes with borax and decorating a gingerbread house... I don't know what we will do when summer vacation comes! It only takes a few minutes to do a craft and there are a lot of hours in the day!!

The older they get the harder it is to keep them busy.

Well need to go see if I can get a phonics program set up on the other computer for my middle guy to use after school and have more crocheting to do... need to also get a couple baby quilts started, have to iron the fabric and sew the three pieces together, that's the easy part the hard part will be hand stitching the whole thing... not sure what I'm going to do... there is a picture of the fabric in another post below.

I'm ready for Spring!!

Completely Unexpected Afternoon

2009-12-29T18:41:00.000-08:00

I thought we were supposed to get rain... instead 3" of snow... it might build up more we will see what it's like by morning.

My Etsy Shop...

2009-12-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

Got my etsy shop reopened!

Added a few of the scarves I crocheted and there will be more to come... Next week when the kids are back in school I will be adding the others that I have hopefully, it cost to post so this better be worth it, at least that is what I think sometimes, it is always worth it to be able to make a little cash on the side and put a smile on people's faces.

There will be more scarves and a few fabric baby blankets that have been sitting here with my sewing machine waiting to be put together... Super cute fabric too!!

I can say my sewing machine is feeling neglected and the dust is piling up as we speak. Hopefully this to shall pass and all will be well and crafty around here once again. Winter can be such a killer of things... I'm ready for some warmer sunshine!

Off to clean because if that doesn't get done then everything I typed above can not happen.

weekend ramblings...

2009-12-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

What a long Holiday weekend!

Christmas turned out pretty simple and laid back.

No traditional meal but the Enchilada's and Puerco Pibil were so amazing! I got over the whole lack of tradition half way thru the day. :)

My guy loves the rings I got for us!

Stainless Steal and black! We haven't had a nice set of rings since we got married... our first set were little silver bands we got from a cart in the middle of the mall! These new ones are just a little bit more but still a great deal!

It amazes me how much our hands change as we get older! My finger went from a size 5 to a size 7... I still have my first band and I can't believe how tiny it was!

This morning I woke up with my birthday wish list... It isn't till March... this is a first for me... but these are things I need more then want.

A cookie scoop, candy thermometer, nice wooden spoons, and a JoAnn's gift card...

I guess if I "wanted" something it would be gift cards for clothes and coffee.

The kids are ready to go back to school... My middle guy did tell my guy why he didn't want to go to school... "Because it doesn't leave time for him to do what he wants." In his world he would get to do what ever he wanted without any responsibilities or rules. How do I teach him that this is not true for anyone? I have a feeling he is going to be like I was as a kid... and that is scary. I had more of a rebellious heart but didn't put it into major actions such as drugs/drinking or s*x.

It started at 7 and I didn't get my act together till I was 16/17

Oh LORD! I don't want him to be like that!!

OK don't know why I went in that direction...

Anyways the weekend was long but a good one and now it is time to get things in order around here and get back to the grind. Hard to believe 2010 is just around the corner. Hope everyone has a safe New Years!

2009-12-23T09:53:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to the sweater I just got!

Cable knit sweater!

I have been looking for an old school cable knit cardigan and had seen this one before it was on sale... It is the closest I could find and as you can see I got it on sale and on top of it they had a promo code for free shipping yesterday!!

I love it when I find good deals!!

This cardigan below, my guy got me the other day also got a cool crazy deal!! I'm saving it to wear for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! It's so soft and comfy =)

OK I'm outta here... procrastination runs in my blood and I can't seem to get rid of it. ;)

Not as Good as Martha's...

2009-12-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

The snowflakes are finished and it actually looks pretty cool but not as perfect as Martha Stewart's.

So with all that done... The cookies are ready for baking, only doing Chocolate Crinkles I add peppermint to the recipe and they are soooo gooood!!

Thinking that will be the only thing we make since we get so many goodies from others.

Off to clean because that seems to be all I do around here lately... it's a never ending battle.

MeRrY ChRiStMaS EvRyOnE!!!

Snowflakes an Kissing Santa Clause

2009-12-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

Got the snowflakes in the borax water and waiting for them to crystallize.. Cookies made and in the fridge to set up for tomorrows baking..

And a funny little picture that makes me smile.

2009-12-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

Cheesy Broccoli soup with roasted chicken pieces...yum!

Have a bunch to do around the house today... yet what I really want to do is just watch Christmas movies all day.

Wish Netflix had a section for seasonal movies so that it would be easier to find all the holiday stuff.

Guess I could google the movies and see what comes up but usually it's lists with out photos and it takes forever to try and figure them all out.

Oh well... think I'm just procrastinating because we all know that is what I do best. ;)

The first Monday of winter break for the kids... still in their pj's and the Christmas movies we do have are all out and ready to be played.

The first one: The Muppet's Christmas Carol.

We have Babes in Toyland coming in the mail... I liked it when I was younger and the kids haven't seen it yet, hope they like it just as much.

Should probably get going... have a great day!

Wrapping Excitment.... Tradition Flew the Coupe

2009-12-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

Finally getting a little excited about Christmas...

a little bit.

Wrapped my guys presents last night before he got home from work and can't wait till he opens them!

He is in for quite a surprise!

The only part that is going to throw me off

this holiday is the food.

We spend Christmas with his parents almost every year... they are not at all traditional when it comes to the meal. I guess this year we will be having enchiladas and I will be making Puerci Pebleo aka Spanish Pork.

I grew up with the traditional meals for the holidays so eating with them almost every year for the last 11 yrs, I have to say I'm still not use to it, this takes the cake.

So I will oblige and make the pork... which is absolutely amazing! But it just isn't going to feel like the Christmas' I have been remembering lately.

Some Work Ahead of Me...

2009-12-18T12:18:00.000-08:00

I just pulled all the scarves I have made...
17 and counting... I've decided to put them in my etsy shop soon. Not one is the same so this is going to be some work to get everything in order.
Need to get my children to cooperate and be my models for the photos because I can't do it all myself...
Have to make people want them, but yet I don't want to have to deal with mailing them out... so glad usps has pick up from your home... really would like to set everything up to where I already have the items packaged and ready to go... that is my hope one day.
So first things first... get photos done.

Two Out of a Handfull

2009-12-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

More scarves finished. The black/cranberry one turned out great! Not so hard doing more then one color... I know I should be used to changing colors but I'm not... still learning as always.

The oatmeal one looks more yellow under the light of my bathroom... the real color is the photo below it.
Working on the gray yarn now... it isn't the same design as these... we will see how it turns out since it's free hand and not a pattern... cause we all know I can't follow directions, gotta do my own thing. ;)

Yummy Yarn at My Door!!

2009-12-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how excited I am to have this yummy yarn in my possession finally! Black, Cranberry and gray and it is gorgeous! I really like the combination so I might work on a scarf with all three colors... it will take some time for me because I'm not one that likes the procedure of mixing the colors but we will try and see what comes of it.

Got the chenille stems for the snow flakes also... will have pictures some time next week... of the snow flakes that is, who knows about the scarf.

Sugar coated gum drops VS. Candied burnt peanuts

2009-12-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

Sugar Coated Gum Drops and Candied Burnt Peanuts...

My son is using these to decorate his graham cracker house at school. He kept them in his back pack for some reason, who knows why, and this morning before we left the house to walk to the bus stop he got into his bag to check something and found a nice surprise.... ANTS!!

And what do you suppose ants like? The gum drops or the candied peanuts?

I'm not going to tell you... you have to guess.

So we calmly took every thing out of his bag and my husband grabbed the vacuum cleaner... because that is the best way to kill a bunch of ants at one time... I went through all the candy to make sure the ants hadn't gotten into the bags and then zip locked everything including the graham crackers.... I do wonder though, if I hadn't asked him what he was doing in his bag, if he would have said anything about it. hmm?

So yes, one crazy morning in the house and I'm all worn out... I really don't feel like working out at all today... don't even think I can twist my arm to do so... So I will watch the 1938 version of A Christmas Carol and read Little Women and maybe even do my dishes.

The sky was clear until 9:35 am and now it is back to a down pour... Oh Lord, please make it stop in time for me to go get my daughter from the bus stop!! Thanks!

Fa la dee da da

2009-12-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

Haven't gotten my work out in yet today... really wanting to make some fudge or just eat some!

The weather isn't right for making fudge though and the ingredients aren't in my house,

so I will just dream of it... just not the same. :/

They say 90% rain today... duh! It hasn't stopped raining since yesterday, but we have to look at the bright side of all of this nasty weather, at least it is a lot warmer.

4 more days and the kids will be off school for Christmas break... still waiting for my box from Jo Ann's to show up and then we will have some fun making crystal-snowflake. I'm actually really excited about this craft! Need to think of some other things the kids can do to keep busy while they are home... I guess I could be nice and let them in my kitchen to make cookies... don't know why they will just go to my hips...

Oh to be young again.

Off to work out before I get sideswiped by something else.

Good Day!

The Time is Now...

2009-12-14T09:12:00.000-08:00

I have slacked off this year regarding working out... Had joined our Biggest Loser group the church had this summer but maybe lost 1/2 lb. the whole time, and that only made me feel worse.

They have a winter one but I didn't even bother to sign up and be apart of it just to feel even worse about myself.

No, me feeling bad had nothing to do with anyone in the group but myself. And I am fed up. It's time to kick myself into gear and get moving again. When the pants don't fit and the shirts feel small it's time to do something about it instead of getting into the ditch deeper.

So today was day one and I got about 20 min. in. Netflix has so many work out videos to watch on the computer instantly... so I will work with one or more of those to get started and then go back to using my Biggest Loser workout dvd because I got the best results with that. I still love Turbo Jam so once I get established I will add that one in every few days as well.

So now that this is written it needs to be done.

We will push through the pain and in the end feel a whole lot better on the outside and inside.

One work out down!

2009-12-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

This weather is giving me a real good beating this week and I don't know how much longer I can take it.

So much to do and nothing getting done.

But we should be back up into the 30's next week and it will be nice... of course it will bring rain but you can't have everything. :)

Want to bake but if that happens the weight will continue to add up... Is there such thing as the Winter 20??? Because that is what is happening here.

Might see snow this weekend but then again it could be freezing rain, won't know until late tonight into tomorrow.

I wonder if family members would be upset if we decided to spend the rest of winter in Hawaii... No it would never happen unless we came into some money, but one can dream right. ;)

Need to get moving (turtle's pace)

and clean up around the house a bit.

Who Knew...

2009-12-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

Presentation is everything.

Got out my 1950's Betty Crocker Cook Book

and made this:

Creamed Eggs on buttered toast and sprinkled with sifted egg yolks... Amazingly the kids loved it and asked me to make it again and again so they could eat it every day!

Kids amaze me sometimes and with just a little touch of presentation anything looks appealing.

And...no I did not add the asparagus or radishes.

I also didn't mention that my daughter lost her top tooth... now for the other one to fall out and then she will be able to sing the funny little Christmas song... wait did I mention this already??? Probably, sorry. Here is a picture to go with the story though. :)

Merry Christmas

2009-12-10T14:03:00.001-08:00

Thoughts About The Winter Season.

2009-12-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

Still so very cold out but that comes with the season. A bit of white stuff might make it better but then walking to the bus stop would be harder. I think all schools should shut down for the winter season and then have school during the warm & hot seasons. I would think there would be more days of school because you wouldn't have to worry about the snow days or those days they shut down school because there is no electricity, heat or water.

So take off school December thru February... I guess if I was homeschooling again we could do it that way, but they are in school now so all we can do is suck it up and move on.

Bleh ;)

Ooops just realized... I don't think my husband has watered the tree the last few days! Need to go check on it and then get my day going... the girl will be home from school soon.