since the new year...

--I've been knitting a lot more. I can't say for sure where my motivation has come from, it's been so long since I picked up my needles, but I have been enjoying the rhythm immensely.

--We've had very cold temperatures. I haven't been able to warm up yet.


--I started sewing classes for Megan and Tess. First lesson we learned about the machine and how to thread it. Throughout the entire lesson Tess told me all the ways my sewing machine differed from her Nana's superior machine. I laughed. My machine may be 25 years old, but it can certainly hold it's own--has never failed me yet. Second lesson was practicing sewing straight and curved lines on paper. Once they got the pressure on the pedal down they did great.

--Bella got my old iphone for Christmas which acts as an ipod touch since it has no service. Anyway, she has been sending me "good night" text messages and listening to music in the morning like her dad. I guess they've all taken on that habit to want music when there is none.


--We set up skype so the girls are now able to see their cousins in Washington when they talk. Funny how the first few times they ended up staring at themselves instead of talking--they're getting the hang of it.

--I've been sleeping horribly or maybe it's just been the last three days. At any rate it feels like it's been forever since I've had a toss-less goodnight sleep.

--I've read Tuck Everlasting and Wishin' & Hopin'. Enjoyed them both.


--My dad, who's been playing a bachelor all week, came to dinner and to help Tess with her science project.

--I've been trying new recipes and my families been enjoying them. Go figure. Perhaps they're leaving their picky ways behind.

--Bella started taking piano lessons. I have a feeling she is going to catch on very quickly. Hoping to get a picture of her lesson today to go along with my 12of12.


--squinkies & lots of 'em.

--I'm ready for January to be over. The gray (inversion) is started to get at me.

this weeks headlines

one for piano
Tess finally started piano lessons Wednesday after school. I dropped the ball last year finding her a teacher in time, but this year I was fortunately enough to find a great teacher who lives close. As I sat watching her lesson I couldn't help, but think her teacher reminded me of my own grandma and then I felt even more excited that we had found her. I think it's going to be a great match.



thank goodness for backup
This has been my set up since my computer failed me last weekend. Thank goodness I had some sort of back up. I never realize how much I depend on my computer until it's gone. Besides needing certain files, not getting to create the tags I needed for Sunday, or having photoshop, the laptop has worked great. Luckily, Adam is picking up my computer this afternoon so I won't have to go another weekend without it. :)



always better to buy
I'm not sure what i was thinking except some where in the last few weeks I decided making costumes this year was the way to go. I guess after I made the apron I thought, why not do it old school. Megan picked out her costume, she wants to be Little Red Riding Hood, and I hit Joann's yesterday to pick up the pattern and fabric. $40 later. Yes, $40, I left feeling duped. I guess those nice $30 costumes online aren't such a bad deal after all (even though I have yet to spend $30 on a costume). What was I thinking? I was just having this conversation over the weekend with Robyn and Jill that you can't make clothes for cheaper than you can buy them.

a cold reminder
I heard through my screams and curses after getting a shot of cold water from Adam while enjoying my nice warm shower this morning, "nothing is worse that not feeling alive!"

and last, but not least



August & September giveaways
For one reason or another my August giveaway didn't happen so I'm making that month up. I'm giving away 10 Happy Birthday photo tags to two readers. Just like the ones seen in my esty store. If you would like a chance to win just comment and I will announce winners on Saturday eve.

have a great weekend!

5 hours, 0 kids, and 1 apron

You wouldn't believe it, I actually sewed today. I can't even remember the last time...I think it must have been Christmas. Anyway, I had a day to myself, thanks to Jill who has my girls, this cute fabric on hand and an apron pattern just waiting to be used.



Five hours later (it always takes way longer than you think) and a couple of British movies watched, thanks to instant play at Netflicks, and I have a cute apron at my disposal.

Now I just need a reason to wear it.

gift bags

I had been trying to come up with a good gift to give Bella's kindergarten teacher. I like her a lot. I think she's a great teacher and has been really good to Bella. So I decided to make her a personalized bag. Inspired by (now I know) the fabulously talented Kristi.

Bella picked out the fabric, she said her teacher loves butterflies, and Kathy my busy mother-in-law was willing to embroider the name for me. Anyway, Saturday night after all the craziness I was able to sit down and finish it. Not only was I able to finish the bag for Mrs. White, but I was able to make one for myself. I have for sometime wanted to make another one for me and when I saw the polka-dot fabric at Joanns I couldn't resist.

I wish I sewed more; however, when I get into these kind of projects I know why I only sew what I do. It takes so much time and then there's the unpicking that it drives me nuts. Kristi I could sure use a few pointers is you don't mind sharing with me on Friday.

I am glad that I took the time and made them. I love the way they turned out. Especially mine. It makes me very happy.