I shall call you Crimson

One of my resolutions/goals this year was to make a garment for myself each month. Since the days of the month are decreasing rapidly I thought I should get started. I have a quick backup project if this one doesn't come to fruition by Saturday afternoon.


This is Simplicity 3750. I bought this pattern last summer. Or was it spring? At any rate that is why I have a clearly warmer weather garment when the current forecast doesn't peek over 50 degrees. This one was also up because I have had much of the material cut an in a project box for 5+ months. I am doing view A which is the drawing center left hand side. I am calling this blouse (Does anyone else use this word anymore?) Crimson in honor of the beautiful red I chose for the main fabric. I think Cherries & Cream would also have been an appropriate choice as the contrasting band is a white on white print.
I can't wait to put this on. That requires that is be much further on though. I did have to rip out the same seem several times tonight though so I put it away much sooner than I would have liked. Sometimes you just know when you are beat and must come back to it later. So the plan is to convince Hubby to take Bubba to Sportsman's Warehouse tomorrow so I can get in some **extra** quality time with my machine. Maybe a bribe of delicious homemade pizza for lunch will do the trick.
Wish me luck and that the seem ripper stays put away.

At A Loss

I'm not sure how to feel for the last day or so. My paternal grandpa passed away yesterday night. I am unsure how to feel because he did a lot of really nasty things in his life as well as some amazingly good ones. I am choosing to live in the moment and accept whatever feeling I have at the time I have it.
This evening my aunt called me to let me know that there will be no funeral now because he is being cremated and they will be spreading his ashes this spring at Collyer Mountain. While I think cremation is the responsible choice these days I also feel like I have been let down without a funeral at which to say goodbye. Since I haven't really been shedding tears I assumed that my emotions would come at the funeral. Now I don't feel that I have that chance. I guess when I finally wrap my head around it I will grieve.

My steal at Joann's

I had a $25 gift card from christmas so I used that and $7 cash for all of this. The receipt said I saved $130! Such a steal!

Bubba in pictures

Granny accompanied me & Bubba to the park when we had a warm day recently. He started out the day a little scared of the grid that you walk on but was soon over that and running like a wild man wanting to do everything. Love it.














I love it when Daddy & Bubs do stuff together. They love to color and look through the scopes of Daddy's guns.


Bubba and I made baked chicken together too. He is really starting to take an interest in the kitchen and cooking.




It seems that we don't have a day that goes by without a request to color. (He is starting to say the word too.)

"What are you doin bud?"


We have a quilt to make for cousin J. My little guy wanted to help.

Potty training is on its way. Bubba is getting used to sitting still for a few minutes while on the potty.

"Dada I was sleeping."
"I'm going back to sleep."

Bubba is getting so creative with his toys. Recently he decided to make his own microphone stand with a wooden screwdriver and funnel.


So this is our last couple of weeks in pictures. Hope you enjoyed it.

Blah, Blah this. Blah, blah that.

I feel bad for not posting anything of real substance in too long. Sorry bout that. I've been lazing about and missing my Col and waiting to see a therapist about some pretty pills and good advise. Today I got off my arse and did a few things around the house. Then I saw the therapist who gave me some good advise and a referral to see the other Dr about the pills. I got some retail therapy for SuperCheap (said best like Little Einsteins "Super Fast") at Joanns. Finally I got to see my most missed Col too. Oh yea and her hubs and little girl. All in all a good day. Want more detail? Keep reading.

The house has been a bit neglected while I have used fatigue and lack of interest as reasons for allowing it to be so. Today I made an effort. Laundry is 80% washed and dried with a 70% on put away. The kitchen (before dinner guests) made its way to useable again. I feel like I clean my kitchen at least 2-3 times a day. Does anyone else? Kitchen? Check. Hubs fixed the slow draining tub so I was able to clean it without sloshing around the dirt. Bathroom? Check. Vacuum floors? Check. Lots more do do tomorrow? Double check.

I did get a couple of financial issues resolved, at least for the month. Money makes me ill at times. Especially when we lack it come bill time. The winter is usually tight for us since Hubs cannot work in the cold but add in the current economic situation and we have an extraordinarliy hard time paying everything when due. To get those items checked off my list is heart lifting.

I think Dr M. is going to work out. He is older and wiser with lots of experience in the field. His advise until out next session is to start taking more Vitamin D, more than what is in my multi vitamin. He also recommended that I walk outside daily for at least 40 minutes. This kills 2 birds, need for sunlight & need for excersize, with one act. He also suggested that I attend a Women's group next Tuesday. I am certain I will be there. He also referred me to the med Dr. I'll be seeing Dr Swift at the end of the month.

I saved a boat load at Joanns today on Simplicity patterns and 4 fabrics that were half off, half off. That deserves it's own post with pictures.

And dinner with the Mc's was wonderful as always. I can't wait to do dinner at their house tomorrow night.

For now I am off to bed. Good night.

3 grocery stores & a trip across town by 1pm

That is what our morning looked like. We hit up Albertsons, Safeway and Target before racing through unloading / putting away and A's lunch. Then off to Grandpa's house for lunch and getting materials for the bed & chair project.

My Dad & I debated over many color combos. That choice doesn't have to be made for a couple of weeks so I will think on it a bit more.

After leaving Grandpa's we got home with a sleeper in the car. It was a good thing Hubs was home because I needed to hit up one more store before I could call it done for the week. I got some major good deals. I saved over $140 today. I spent about $175. I think that is about 45% savings. Not bad if I do say so myself. Thanks to Grocery Game for the assist.

Now I am beat and need some sleep before I go to my therapy intake appointment tomorrow. We won't be working on any issues yet, just figuring out what the issues are. Wish me luck. I'll report back anything interesting.

Accomplishments & Goals

Last year I had a list that was nearly 3 pages of New Year resolutions. The only one that really stuck was weight loss. I did lose the 30 lbs I set out for. (I gained back 5 for the holidays.)
Other things I accomplished last year:
learned to sew
handmade christmas
made a new Mommy friend
sewed 3 garments for myself
learned basic knitting stitched
learned to embroider
got a better summer wardrobe
maintained an organized kitchen

My 2009 Goals
1. Lose 30 more lbs
2. Hand make as many birthday presents as possible
3. Photograph more (daily)
4. Walk with Bubba 3x per week
5. Sew one thing (at least) for myself each month
6. Make cookies with Bubba 1x per week
7. Get a part time job that I like
8. Make a realistic budget
9. Blog more consistantly about what we are doing
10. Organize my desk and business stuff and maintain it
11. Stay on top of business filing once a week
12. Toilet train Bubba
13. Decorate our bedroom
14. Try 1 new recipe weekly
15. Trip to library bi-weekly
16. Field trip to museums or zoo monthly

Lullaby and Good Night

Our boy is getting bigger everyday. A day has not gone by recently without me saying "Right on Bubba." He is learning so much and doing so much. Since he will be a Big Boy soon (if he isn't already) he needs a big boy bed. Not just any run of the mill toddler bed will do though. He needs something cool and stylish. Here comes my confession... I spent most of yesterday's naptime looking at toddler & platform beds. I knew going in that I wouldn't buy something but was looking for something to inspire our own creation. I will be working with my dad over the next several weeks to build this bed (and chair).
These are my inspiration photos:

This is an amazing bed for a growing boy. It will allow for a little underbed storage. I love the bench feature. I think it will help when he wants to start dressing himself. Plus the low profile of it will be great for his use for the next few (4?) years. Here is the manufacturer website.

The lime green & grey are the colors we are going to paint the bed, chair and the art easel (that my dad is making).
I am also going to make this chair at the same time. Since I'll have the material and be doing all the same processes it just makes sense to make it all together. 3 benefits. 1) It will match the other furniture. 2) It will cost far less to make than to buy. 3) This is exactly what I want.

These are others I found while looking. I like the modern aesthetic. Spot on Square is the designer.
Plus this one folds up like a chair. How cool is that? Go check it out here.

Feeling blah

I am depressed. I have been here before and I am sure this isn't the last time. My depression seems to mostly be seasonal. So I think I have Seasonal Affective Disorder. I am also exhibiting symptoms of major depression. So I have decided that I am going to do something about it. I will be going for an orientation/evaluation on Monday afternoon. I feel better that I am doing something about it. Since I am sans insurance I will be going to a place that works on a sliding scale. This also means that they have a waiting list for treatment.
Cheers to getting myself back to normal in the new year.

Only 364 days left to do it again.

I enjoy christmas. It is a great reason to get together with family that is not often seen together.
Next year I'd like to continue these traditions:
- visiting Santa with pictures
- baking cookies and making candies
- handmade gifts (even though this year I kinda lost momentum)
- decorating the house
- new ornaments for the felt tree

I want to institute these traditions:
- advent calendar with activities relating to the season
- making a few kid friendly crafts for A to give as gifts
- make the month more about seeing friends & family (all year long)

Bliss & Baking

I love to bake but only seem to do it around the holidays. Maybe that will be another resolution for 2009. Baking with Bubba once a week.
I'll be doing more of this today. See ya around.

We love visitors

We got special visitors today. Hubs brother & sister in law brought the newest member of the family over. Little L is only 5 weeks old. It must have been serendipity because just yesterday I was missing the brand new little stage with Bubba. Good stuff.
Bubba provided great entertainment after our meal. It was pretty good if I do say so myself. Parmesan crusted mahi mahi, creamed spinach and rice with tomatoes. Our guy had a good time as you can see above. He was rockin' the air guitar (his latest musical thing) like the rock star he is. Who knows maybe someday he will have a real guitar.

We are gearing up to the final days before the holiday. I have lots of cookie making and baking to do. Since we had visitors today and we will be visitors tomorrow I forsee a late night coming up.

What we've been up to

Christmas is the perfect time to make candies. Here are my salted chocolate caramels. I am going to attempt True Love Truffles tomorrow. And if all turns out I may even make Microwave Peanut Brittle too. (That one requires littles to be in bed.)

Bass Pro Shops put on a great Winter Wonderland. My boy did good with Santa (as expected since the kid has never met a stranger). His favorite part of the display was the train. He also loved the giant catfish in the tank. I think this was the first time we have been to Bass Pro that he has responded to the fish. He was really telling them what for. Thanks Granny for going with us. We had a great time.

I have wanted to try my hand at knitting for a while. I decided to take the plunge. While I am no where near the end of my first project, a gray wool scarf, I am pleased with the progress I am making. I certainly think this is another piece to the Liz puzzle.

Aside from the above we have been fighting off the tail end of the illness. I am happy to report that I am feeling better and the Boy is on the mend as well. Guess that means we need to get back to the usual tomorrow. I have a date with the bathroom and the mop. Good times.

I am such a follower

Mary changed up her blog and linked Izzie Grace who made the background. I liked it so I had to do mine too. What do you think? Me likey.

Obsession is not just a parfume

I get a little obsessive at times. Ok, so whenever some silly little idea pops into my head and I like it, I tend to obsess. Take today for example. It was/is SuperFreezing so we were NOT going outside unless mandatory. (sidebar: which was good to limit smoking to a single one today.) So I sat myself in front of my computer for hours! I was on a mission to find coupons. I did. Time well spent? I guess we'll see when we thaw out and go grocery shopping.
What I should have been doing? Making banana nut bread. Melting chocolate. Deciding on final food gifts. I guess those are priority tomorrow.

GERMS!

Yesterday was the first official day that our household has not been sick all week. The week started out with a super productive Sunday that included mopping, bathroom cleaning and LAUNDRY! I felt oh so good about these accomplishments.
Then germs struck. I woke up early feeling like I was in the early stages of pregnancy (i'm SO not!), ya know the sick-to-my-stomach-think-i'm-gonna-hurl deal. I though well maybe if I don't move the feeling will pass. Yeah right. Thank goodness the bathroom is right around the corner. Shortly thereafter I heard hubby with our boy. He makes sad little whimpers when he's nauseated. Poor kiddo. I felt so bad for him all day. That is when I wasn't taking care of my own issues.
Fortunately we have a good Daddy/Hubs in our world. He got us some takeout soup and Gatorade. It was so nice to not have to worry about making dinner. Thanks Hubs.
Then of course Hubs comes down with a flu like sickness on Tuesday. So all three of us were feeling pretty miserable. It would have been a wonderful day to have a tv in our room where we could all watch videos and sleep the day away. Guess the living room sofa & tv will have to suffice.
Unfortunately it took until yesterday for A & I to feel better. Hubs is fully recovered today. Now if we can only keep the germs away from us we will all be better for a while.
Between catching up the laundry pile, the housework that was neglected and a couple of friendships our time has been exhausted. We did make something for the christmas goodie boxes today. I share more about that next time. I promise it is worth coming back for. Until then, Happy Holidays!

There's a birthday coming

and I'm not ready. My nephew, J, is turning 7 on Tuesday. (Yes, Mom I still have the card you sent up here.) I am not ready because I need to make a rag quilt for his present and cupcakes decorated like bowling balls & pins for the party. Fortunately Col is coming over tomorrow to help with baking & decorating. I can guarantee it will be fun based on our cookie expedition last Friday. The party should be fun too since we were just talking about wanting to go bowling.

In other news: I have finally taken a huge chunk out of Mt Washmore (my laundry for the non-flybabies) and feel really good about it. As I was telling Mom on the phone today, I really like doing my laundry but only when I have it under control. I HATE doing it and avoid it as much as possible when the piles just keep building!

Also I signed up at Juicy Juice a while back and got a sippy cup in the mail yesterday. That was a nice surprise. I also got a Huggies #3 sample diaper. There was also a recipe book from Ragu. I just love surprises in the mail. Don't you?

In the spirit of the holiday

Today our friends came over and we made:
I got the recipe here. This is a wonderful gingerbread if you like less spice and lots of good flavor. They are okay when eaten without icing but so much better with it. This icing was very runny so we used a TON of sugar to make it thicker. We also set the icing in the freezer for 10 minutes or so to firm up as well.

This one is my favorite:
We didn't get to ice all of them so we will be doing more tomorrow.

Here is a picture taken my Hubs. We all laughed hard when we saw it.

When you wish upon a star...

I know our gift giving/receiving this year will be extremely limited but hey a girl can dream right?
In the Kitchen...
* I have been frying up a storm lately with all that Perfect Sesame Chicken and frozen mozzarella sticks. So I'd like one of these. But I'd settle for this one.
* Another kitchen helper would be a wok like this one.
* I would love to have a stack of cookbooks like Mary. That would take some doing. I'll settle for Domestic Goddess, Feast, Entertaining Simple, Grill Everyday or Back To Basics.
In my craft area...
* I have grand plans for sewing in the new year. One of those plans is to make a garment for myself each month. So I'd really like a gift card to Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's or Fabritopia.
Around the house...
* Since I ripped the sheet while making the bed the other day I'd like a new set of these beautiful sheets for winter and these for the rest of the year.

There is certainly more that I could/do lust after but this is a good enough list for now.

Did I miss it?

How on earth did I ever get to 100 posts? I knew it would happen but I figured it would take me FOR.EV.ER! since I am not a regular poster. Ah, well, here we are. Cool.

Moving On. I have a teaser shot for you from my decorations. I would have shared more tonight BUT my camera battery died. (Part of me did the happy dance because I am just not sure about the BIG decoration project yet. More on that tomorrow.) So here is what you do get to see.


Red, Silver & Blue is not my theme. I am using what I had along with a few bits from the dollar store. I think it is going to be arranged in a way that the blue & white goes into the bedrooms and the red & silver stay in the living room/kitchen. We'll see what happens.

Moving On again. The theme for NaBloPoMo (NBPM) is Thanks. So in the spirit of that I am feeling thankful for my Hubs today. He makes me smile LOTS. He also is a really fantastic Daddy. I can't imagine my life without this amazing man.

Our last topic for today is: My Oh-crap-christmas-is-just-around-the-corner-and-I-have-to-make-a-million-presents list.
I have really pared down my initally planned list to the following:
Hubs - Another hat? Who knows what I'll make.
Bug - A finished quilt
Papasan - Several photos of the kidlets framed. Some from our childhood too.
Sisterness - a skirt of our design
Mr Kitty - blanket
Princess - blanket
Gomer - blanket
Bestest Aunt & Uncle - that embroidered bit I finished forever ago.
BFF - that darned handbag that I have set aside for weeks
BFF's Hubby - wool beanie & scarf
GG (also known as The First Gilrfriend) - The doll that is already done.

The rest will be duplicate gifts: Silhouettes, banana bread, jam, and homemade candies & cookies.

Send me to bed before the weirdness that was this post infects the rest.