Babies are Growing Up

Our baby turns 4 today!  (We are officially celebrating with presents and cake on Sun.)  Next year he goes to Preschool and then it's off to Kinder.  I just can't believe it goes by so fast!

Happy Birthday little man!

Busy Semester Break

Yesterday was the last day of staying home and vegging for me.  Although I did finish the pink quilt so it didn't feel much like vegging.  I did like the finished product though.

It certainly plays tricks on your eyes.  It didn't turn out very big, either; only 28" X 41".  If I were to do the pattern again, I would definitely add a fifth row, maybe even sixth.  It is a great pattern for using up scraps, although I kind of matched these scraps so I'm not sure if it should be considered a "scrap" quilt.  But it did slim down some more of my "collection." 

I ended up having to add the pink border just to make it a little larger.  I absolutely love the back and have been waiting for a quilt to use this on.  For some reason, it just felt right.

Well, my semester break is over as of tomorrow so that means back to reading educational materials and writing papers.  No more quilting or leisurely reading for awhile.  (In addition to the quilt, I finished two books for fun!)  Ah well, it was nice while it lasted!

Enjoy your day!

A Relaxing Sunday

I was reminded of the days when my kids used to take naps today.  AT decided to take a nap (after a 4 hr one yesterday!) and T took the girls & Gpa fishing.  That left me with a few hours to myself!  I had started a quilt top on Fri and had worked on it a little yesterday as well.  It's not exactly finished (probably needs one more border because it's awful small) but voila:

I wish I was keeping this one because it is so cute.  The picture really doesn't do it justice.  The colors are more pinkish but from a distance it looks red.  Not sure what I'm going to do with it, but it sure has felt good to be quilting again!

This picture shows the colors a little better.  Little by little I will whittle (down my stash!)

And while I was sewing, the might fishermen (and kids) were busy reeling in the fish.  They kept four and this dandy above was caught by AD on the first cast of the day.  It was the biggest fish of the day and since it was the first one, it sure got their expectations up.  Sadly, the rest did not measure up to this one.  Way to go AD!

Enjoy your day!

Accomplishing Something Creative

Well I guess it was bound to happen.  When everyone else in the house has gotten sick, I have somehow managed to dodge it.  Apparently this time, I forgot to duck.  While it's not serious, there is nothing quite like trying to work, take care of the house, and feel lousy.  Luckily it's only a sore throat (not strep is what the initial test said), fullness in the ears, and a stiff neck, but I would still pass if I had the choice.  AT also woke up with a fever on Thurs.  He had it for a day and a half and his eating dropped noticeably.  He seems to be feeling better, but I certainly hope he doesn't end up with a repeat of Spring Break.  It took him two weeks to get over that and we don't have two weeks to get healthy right now.  Between me working, the girls' tball & machine pitch games, and T's baseball games, we are thoroughly overstretched.  Although being sick does have it's advantages . . .

I'm between master classes right now and I cherish this little two week window where I can read anything I want and do anything I want without a deadline hanging over me.  (Can you tell I tend to ramble because that was one long sentence?)  Anyway, since I had no homework and laundry was the only pressing chore (no pun intended because I so do NOT iron) I decided to head into my sewing room.  Back when Mom was here for our Crafter's Retreat in Feb, she brought me my birthday present.  I have always wanted a better sewing cabinet, but refused to pay $500 for one.  Mom had a great one when I was growing up, but in all the moves, she had sold hers.  (Besides no one would have guessed in a million years that I would be sewing so why keep it for me?)  I really wanted one like that but they were very hard to find.  Enter Mom!  She found one at a second hand store for really really cheap (like two digits cheap!!!)  She brought it up in Feb (happy early birthday to me) and we rearranged my sewing room.  I feel really lucky that I have a designated area to sew because I am not sure I would do it if I didn't.  So here is what my sewing/guest bedroom looks like:

This is my cutting center.  I found this table at Joann's and wonder of all wonders it fit perfectly in my closet.  I can tuck the table top down and provide more room if I need it.















This dresser is right behind my cutting station and is just one of two that holds my stash.  Yes, if my husband knew how much fabric I have, I would never touch a fabric store again!















And this is my sewing station.  The cabinet Mom (and Dad) got for me is to the left and the back props up to create a large surface perfect (I think) for quilting.  I have a small ironing station right there as well.

I have been meaning to post these pictures a long time ago, but being sick inspired me.  Weird, I know.  Anyway back to the being sick story . . .  So yesterday I actually used my cabinet for the first time!!!  I was tired of cutting so I started a project.  It felt so good to be creative and accomplish something.  (Last time I was in there, all I did was cut scraps which, while productive, was not very exciting.)  I am excited to have gotten back to sewing.  I highly doubt I will finish before my next class starts, but I am a firm believer in everyone needs to have a creative outlet (hobby) and I have not had mine for quite a while.  So I will keep you posted on how well I can keep up.

Well, apparently I am a little long-winded this morning.  My apologies! 

Enjoy your day!

Always a Hard Day

We had a great weekend with Mom and Dad and the day they go home is always a hard one.  They were able to stay an extra night this time so they were able to watch AJ's machine pitch game last night.  Can't wait to see them over Memorial Day weekend, though.  I know it will come faster than I think.

Safe travels Mom and Dad!

Enjoy your day!

What a Great Week!

This last week had me working three days in a row, but four out of the five.  We have a long way to go for me or anyone else in this household for mom to go back to work full-time.  While there are days I love being at work, around adult conversations, and junior high interactions, there are still times when I love being in control of what I want to or need to do that day.  Thurs was a nice day off, even though it was spent running to town to stock up for the weekend and into this week. 

Wed was a great day though.  We officially signed the papers to sell our rental house.  This has been four years (at least) in the making.  We are so glad to be just home owners instead of landlords.  Don't get me wrong, we have had good tenants and no major problems so we are thankful for that.  However, I am in no hurry to go through that experience again.  Wed was definitely the high point of the week!

To top the week off, Mom and Dad wandered up to spend the weekend with us.  Dad had some business to take care of so they decided to come our way.  I love when they come up.  We always have a lot of fun.  Somehow something always ends up getting done, too.  Dad has way more knowledge than T or I so he helped us with a light in the kitchen.  Weird to think, but the kitchen never had a central light.  Just lots of under the counter lights.  We just called it an early birthday present for me ;-)

While Mom and Dad were here, they wanted to celebrate the kids' birthdays since we probably won't see them until the end of May or in the summer.  (The girls' birthdays are a ways off, but they like to see the kids open their presents.)  So this is round one of birthday pictures!

So cute and hard to believe they are growing up this fast!

Enjoy your day!

Healthy and Tired

Well AT finally is healthy again.  What a relief!  We pretty much stayed home this whole week so that he could kick this bug he's had.  I have to work Mon-Wed this next week so I really needed him to better so he could go to daycare.  It will be a busy week because the girls start their baseball games this week as well.  I will be so glad when Fri 3 pm rolls around!  Mom & Dad are coming up next weekend, too, so another reason to be excited for next Fri.

T and I went to town last night (for dinner and groceries- like that:  not dinner and a movie, dinner and groceries.  What an exciting life we lead!).  Anyway, we scored a huge deal on some 8' poplar trees.  Since we weren't sure that any of trees from last year survived out front, we needed more.  We really need that windbreak when those winds kick up.  So we spent this morning cleaning up the front area again.  Had the wind not been blowing, there would have been quite the bonfire as tumbleweeds and weeds in general would have went up in smoke.  However, we didn't want to risk lighting the neighborhood on fire, hence the large pile of weeds in our front area. 

After lunch, T had to finish up some stuff on the rental so AT and I headed back outside (the girls went to a friends house for the afternoon).  I managed to get the broken trampoline torn apart and in the trash.  I also had to do the bi-annual broken toys search across the backyard.  There are always those toys that just don't make it through the winter and summer, so occasionally I get to trash them as well.  Transplanted some flowers due to some things we are hoping to do later this summer.  All I can say at this stage in the day is I am exhausted, going to call my chiropractor for an appointment due to all the gardening, lifting, and weeding, but I am really pleased with how much progress we made today.  Which is good, because tomorrow I probably won't be able to walk (and I have a paper to write) so I might not accomplish as much!

Enjoy your day!

The Annual Egg Hunt

Yesterday after going to church and then enjoying an amazing Easter Buffet, we had the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Gma's and Gpa's.  This year there were 50 eggs for each of the girls and 35 for AT.  (The neighbors were having a massive hunt too and I think a couple eggs grew legs and wandered into our yard because we found at least one extra!)  Today there are still 3 eggs missing, but luckily they are plastic.  It was cold and windy, but at least there was no rain!  The kids (of all ages) had fun looking for the eggs.

Gpa the birthday boy!

Enjoy your day!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from our family to all of you!

Enjoy your day!

Family Reunion (of sorts)

Today Jake's kids came to visit.  I think the last time they were here was probably Christmas?  Just like kids to only show up at holidays ;-)  It's amazing how big they've gotten.  Mocha (the chocolate female) is slightly smaller than Jake, but Champ (the yellow male) is definitely bigger.  He is wider through the body and since he's only a year old, will probably end up being a little taller than Jake.  They all had a good time hanging out.  (PS Jake, aka the father, is the one on the right!  The other two will turn a year old on the 7th and Jake will turn 4 at the beginning of May.)

We also had a house full tonight of family.  What great times!  The kids played all day with the cousins and will definitely sleep good tonight.  It was fun to have everyone over and visit.  We need more time to get together besides holidays.

Enjoy your day!

It's Been Awhile, I Know

Okay, I haven't dropped completely off the face of the Earth, but some days it certainly feels like it.  I was looking back and couldn't believe I hadn't updated for two whole months!  I know we were busy, but believe it or not, I had to go back and look at my planner just to see what we have been up to.  Yikes!

T was coaching junior high girls basketball the last time I posted and is now firmly into baseball.  AT was potty trained, but has had numerous set back days.  He has experienced falling off his trike on the pavement (not the first time I am sure).   AD has grown a few more teeth and just yesterday had her first major bike wipeout for the season.  AJ has been so busy this spring that I think that may account for my lapse in writing.  She started with basketball in January and then went into volleyball.  I was asked to help with coaching her team since her coach was busy for a few weeks.  While I loved it, it sure kept us all busy and running crazy.  She just finished volleyball and now both her and AD are headed into baseball.  Spring time is a busy time for us.  AJ finished second at the freethrow contest she participated in at the start of March.

As for me, still plodding through my Master's classes and working.  I subbed a lot in March and boy did it throw us all off.  Just more proof we have a lot of adjusting to do so I can go back to work full-time eventually.  I haven't had much time in my sewing room or even reading, but I know I will get that time soon enough.

Spring Break:  We were supposed to head to the coast this week, but AT was sick and we decided to go ahead and cancel.  Although the girls were disappointed, it has worked out okay.  Specially since I have heard it was rainy the whole time and snow in the mountains between here and there.  I guess maybe we were meant to stay home.

Event highlights:  The girls and I went to cheer on their "big sister" AP in the Junior Miss competition.  We had never gone before and it was a lot of fun.  The theme was disco so a lot of 70's music and wacky costumes.  AP did a great job and she made it into the top 5 finalists!  We were so excited for her.  I think she gets to ride the Jr Miss float this summer.  She will be so busy.  The girls loved watching the whole experience and commented on how they can't wait to do it (yeah me). 

AJ, AP, AD at Junior Miss 2010

I guess that's what I know.  Hopefully I can get back on track and keep you all posted better this time.