all sorts of good stuff

A Christmas List by a New Mom

2011-12-23T15:38:00.000-05:00

This year my Christmas list is so very, very different from the past, mostly because of my little man and how he has just changed my world in so many wonderful ways!!!!

Without further ado here is my list, in no particular order of importance....

My little man is enjoying his new teeth so much so that he is eating everything he possibly can get into his mouth and what doesn't make it in to his mouth goes onto my clothes.

Who cares how much is loaded on it as long as its enough for a caffeine jolt so when I get to work I'll be alert.

Most of the pregnancy weight is off (Thank God!) but there's still a little bit left and this gift will help me change up my routine to get it off and provide my son with a bit of entertainment in the process as he sees his mom trying to copy the hard moves on the screen.

Makeup is extremely using in disguising dark circles and making me appear more alert.

Now that my son is standing, we needed to lower his bed so I need a bit of assistance to lay him down whilst not throwing myself in the crib in the process. This will help us both.

I take pictures of my son but never move them from my SD card so I need a new larger SD Card to help me take more. I'll get mi esposo to move them for me later. :)

This would be so useful in getting those pictures printed and sharing with the family.

Source: http://www.polkadotpatch.com

Any type of clothes for the Boy....He's growing so quickly I can't keep up with him. Yesterday the size 12 month onesie that totally fit him just a moment ago is now so very small.

A housekeeper....I'd rather spend my time with my son than cleaning so I'd like someone to stop by and pick up the slack.

A personal chef.....One that cooks healthy Spanish food, if you find her bring her over.

Santa, I've been good this year so please remember me in your travels.

Merry Christmas to all!!!!

10 months

2011-12-13T16:59:00.000-05:00

He's ten months already.

You can't turn your back on him now because he can crawl and move like lightening.

He can pull himself up in an instant and stand on his own.....now he's wearing a tie and getting ready to see Santa.

My little man is growing up so quickly. Lord be still my heart, I love him more and more each day.

Book love

2011-11-04T19:50:00.000-04:00

Its no surprise to anyone that I love to read. It all started when I first read Frances the Badger; I loved her. She was such a precocious character and I read all about her on my many trips to the local library with my mother. In grade school Nancy Drew became my friend and I accompanied her in her many perilous journeys to solve mysteries, sometimes even the Hardy boys came along. In 8th Grade, I discovered the Sweet Valley series and later the Sweet Valley High series that made me long to visit California.

Later I met the fabulous Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables who changed my world forever. I followed Lucy Maud Montgomery's character from her first days at Green Gables, to her wedding to Dr. Gilbert Blythe and all the way to the final book when I meet Anne and Gilbert's daughter in Rilla of Ingleside. In high school, I read romance novels with my best friends by Julie Garwood and Jude Deveraux and we would talk forever of finding our Knight in Shining Amour. In college my reading time was mostly devoted to textbooks but I did manage to "fit in" a couple of novels here and there. I remember reading the Dark Half in a dark corner of a library at Temple, not a good thing when one's imagination can scare oneself immensely. After college I scored a real full-time job in a great working environment with a bunch of lovely people and found so many friends who shared my love of reading and introduced me to more authors and treasured stories including the classics where I found the Count of Monte Cristo and Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice.

Mi esposo also shares my love of reading. You see he was the one who lent me several Steven King books, of which Bag of Bones, Rose Madder and the Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon remain some my favorite books. Knowing my love of books, he bought me the best gift ever for my birthday......Its a Nook....

The Nook allows me to bring all of my favorite friends with me whenever I go. I also have the opportunity to make new friends along the way especially now that I am taking the train to head into work.

I still love reading a good book, I love the feel and the smell of a book in my hand but I'll have to admit I'm beginning to love the capability of the electronic world that is allowing me to bring my friends along with me all the time in one handy place.

Thank you for my birthday gift darling and allowing me to continue my book love. Now I just have to wait for J.K. Rowling to allow Harry, Ron and Hermione's journeys to hit the electronic world and my life will be complete.

Its been a while yet again....

2011-10-27T10:59:00.002-04:00

Or should I say its been a very long while since I posted anything new.

There are so many wonderful blessings that God has given me lately that I need to stand on my makeshift soap box and shout out to him and the world with a big "Thank YOU!"

I turned 36...Wow! I made it to 36 and have a head of hair with just a few stray white hairs, which reminds me I need to make a hair appointment. :) Thank you God for another year, may I live this year to do everything to your glory. Lord help me to hold my tongue and to remember to stop and see and hear your blessings every day.

My little man is growing leaps and bounds. Mi esposo often says, its as if we are living with a new person every couple of months and its true. Last month he became a master at sitting and now this month he's turning his attention to standing. Help me Lord, he's going to walk soon, I just know it. I'm both scared and excited at the same time, help me to remember he's in your hands and will be just fine.

Photo courtesy of my sister

By the way her first craft fair was a success, way to go pretty lady!!!

My family...We've had a couple of scares this year and have banded together to help one another. Dear Lord thank you for the wonderful support system you provided me. My mother and sister, you have both been there for all of my weird and frantic questions on my little man, thank you!!! My brother and brother-in-law, they are both so happy to have a little man in their midst against all the women in the family. They smile so brightly whenever they see my son that it in turns lights up my heart, thank you God!

Adjustments......Luna and Hagrid, my kitties, have adjusted rather nicely to my little man, and have both also grown attached to my mother, who was before absolutely terrified of cats but now loves them to pieces. Thank you God for helping my mother over her fear. My job, that I have one and can pay the bills and although I'm still an integral member of the office, I've been allowed to work from home one day a week, while that day is often a bit harder then at the office I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world since I'm able to spend time with my baby and do my work at the same time so give me the dirty diapers along with processing payroll any day!!!!! My to do list, make it but don't live it. Certain things happen during the day that change everything and its okay!

My best friend, while she may be far from us in body, is always close in spirit and remembers my little man all the time which means the world to me.

Mi esposo, who doesn't complain when I shake him awake at night asking him to take care of our baby because mommy can't keep her eyes open anymore. He's a super trooper and even does the dishes. Love you!

The Phantom Moon is at the Outdoor Craft Show!

2011-09-16T12:18:00.000-04:00

While I'm coming up for air, thought I would mention my fabulous sister is exhibiting her creative self and crafty goodness at the Outdoor Craft Show.

I'll be there to support her and to the grunt work of setting up and manning her show. I'm so excited and I've never been prouder of her, wait there was that time she gave birth too, okay this so this is a close second.

Stop by and say a big "Hello!"

We'd love to see you!!!!

4 Months and Still Growing Strong!

2011-07-01T09:11:00.000-04:00

Our little man is now 4 months old and his picture is brought to you by his daddy.

If you notice in prior months, pictures taken by Mommy are the cute type while his father's photos, clothing choice amd pose by Daddy, offer a tough side of my little man.

Time is flying by

2011-05-16T11:41:00.000-04:00

Time flies especially when you are taking care of your child. We all know it but wouldn't it be nice to document it for your child and yourself to show how quickly they grow.

Here is my son, he's three months old now and I have had the pleasure of holding him in my arms every day. Every day he has changed just a little and luckily I've been able to take pictures of him often to capture his changes.

my little man at 1 month

my little man at 2 months

my little man at 3 months

It makes me wonder, how much will he change next month.

I can explain

2011-05-08T19:23:00.000-04:00

I can explain why I haven't posted in months....you see I've been a bit busy lately. A certain someone finally arrived and made me a mommy! He came a bit earlier than expected and a lot quicker than anyone anticipated and now my life revolves around him and I wouldn't have it any other way.

On a beautiful Saturday, eleven days before my due date mi esoposo and I were making the final preparations for the arrival of our bundle of joy. Since this was our first baby we thought, as we were told by my OB, that our baby would wait to be born on or after his due date. Oh how naive we were. On Sunday I awoke, not feeling that great but I chalked it up begin nine months pregnant, swollen feet and all. I called the Drs office because I had a concern and they asked me to come in to be evaluated. At 3:30 pm mi esposo and I arrived at the hospital for an evaluation and were checked in by a sweet nurse who hooked me up to monitors to check on my progress and the baby's vitals. All was good and I was released at 5:30 pm and told to go home, and to keep my apt with my doctor for later that week. Exhausted physically and mentally we headed home, where I went straight to bed while mi esposo made dinner.

Less than a half hour later, we ate dinner in bed and watched some TV and within minutes I began to doze off to sleep after such an exhausting day, but I didn't stay asleep long because within fifteen minutes I awoke abruptly. My water had broke. Mi esposo and I headed out of the house to get to the hospital but before I got in the car I thought, hmm, maybe I have a bit of time to finish up the last couple of things I needed to do so I called my mom and asked her what I should do and luckily she said head on out while mi esposo said if I didn't get in the car he was going to put me in the car himself. Smart man because as soon as I sat in the car I felt a contraction for a full minute every two minutes. I don't remember the car ride, I believe the entire time I was gripping the car for each contraction but I did remember to breathe which would be my saving grace. Fast forward to getting to the hospital. Everything passed in a blur and before I knew it I was in the birthing room, and pushing (without an epidural, seems I missed my window) and there I was holding my little man.

Our new family, mi esposo and I with our son, just minutes old.

The first snuggle for mommy and baby caught on film by my wonderful sister.

My son announced his arrival to the staff, but once he was placed in my arms he was quiet as a mouse.

Thankfully my sister and my mother were able to make it to the hospital to be there in time for my son's birth. Trust me it was a miracle, they only had minutes to arrive and I was taken back shortly thereafter and less than two hours later my son was born.

Now my days are spent changing diapers, cleaning up spittle and washing bottles galore, I have never been happier in my life!!!!!!!

Delayed Post

2011-01-12T15:16:00.000-05:00

There has been a dry spell on this blog lately, partly due to the festivities of the Holidays. Preparing for them took a bit more out of me than I expected especially now that I am carrying a little boy who seems to be getting bigger and more eager to stretch out his little legs even though the belly he finds himself in is a getting a bit to small for his regular cartwheels.

I went out early and picked up as many presents for my nieces and nephews and wrapped all ahead of schedule just to be sure I wouldn't miss any of them. Luckily all worked out with the grace of God and mi esposo and I were able to gift each of our nieces and nephews with something special this year.

I did get to fit in some crafting time and make journal covers for my nieces but I wrapped them so quickly that I forgot to take pictures of any of them so I'll have to make another one to keep on hand. You never know when a birthday will pop up and I'll need that extra special gift. Plus my mad dash to finish everything in time cause my reliable Singer to go down. I never knew how much I loved that machine until the day she didn't want to work for me. My sister came to the resume and fixed her up but she still requires a tuneup so next month I'm hoping to drop her off for a tuneup so she'll be all set to go when the baby arrives to make him some fabulous clothes and toys.

The biggest preoccupation of course has been getting the house ready for Baby. Baby's room will be sports with the colors of Red, White and Blue. Mi esposo is going to paint the room beige with a blue trim, I'm hopefully going to make him curtains out of some great red material I found and then we are going to pack it full of furniture, clothes and toys to get it ready for him.

I did get a chance to make a couple of items for baby which I'll post later this week and maybe sometime today I'll carve out some time for a new banner.....hmmmm

Entering the Third Trimester

2010-12-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

I can now be found….

launching myself from bed in the morning
sticking my head out to get a glimpse of my feet over my belly to be sure my shoes match
cutting out patterns for toys for my baby
fighting with the cats as they try and steal the ribbon from my craft room for my baby's new toys
shopping for christmas gifts now and starting up my christmas card before it gets too late to do it and I'm just bigger and tired all the time;

but mostly I'm just waiting, waiting for this little guy to get here and turn my world upside down.

Baby's Song

2010-12-02T14:18:00.000-05:00

I found a song for our baby. It's by Kutless called What Faith Can Do. Its a beautiful song with a powerful message that I hope my little boy will come to love and live.

What Faith Can Do by Kutless from their It Is Well Album
(C) 2009 BEC Recordings

Songwriter: Scott Davis, Scott Krippayne

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you're stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water but
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Baby List

2010-11-05T12:52:00.002-04:00

Baby and I are feeling good although I'm becoming impatient wanting to know more about the baby that I'm carrying.

Will he have mi esposo's hazel eyes and hopefully his freckles, the ones he claims are gone and haven't graced his handsome face since his early teens? Will he have my straight hair or mi esposo's wavy hair? What will our baby's voice sound like? Will he be chubby? Could he have a dimple in his chin? So many questions that can't be answered are a lovely frustration, lovely because in a couple of months he'll be here.

In the meantime I've been talking to our baby getting him used to my voice in English and Spanish although most of the Spanish he has been hearing has been me scolding the cats for jumping on the table or playing with things they aren't supposed to like rubber bands. At this point I wouldn't be surprised if his first words were "deja eso" English translation = leave it alone or knock it off.

I'm trying to keep busy so I won't annoy mi esposo and family and created a list of things to do before baby arrives.

First up is to pick a song to sing to our baby. I read somewhere that infants can recognize a song that was sang to them by their mother while in the womb which they will find comfort in times of confusion to helps them to recognize their mother. Now what song should I pick? I can't make up my mind. Does anyone know of a song to help soothe a crying infant? Any suggestions?

Baby Update

2010-10-25T20:51:00.000-04:00

Our ultrasounds appointment arrived and we couldn't have asked for a better time for a happy moment.

Mi esposo and I have been waiting for this since we found out we were going to be blessed with a baby. Finally, I'll be able to use the proper pronoun when talking about the baby. I think I've entered the disgruntled phase because whenever I hear a doctor, nurse or anyone in the medical field use the term "fetus" it irritates me. Fetus just sounds so removed from the miracle we've been given that I just want to shout and say "it’s a baby people!"

I've been so consumed with discovering the gender of the baby that it wasn't until mi esposo pointed out that this appointment will give us our first peak at our little miracle. In my mind I had already created a little squiggly baby, with pale skin, dark eyes and dark hair so I never really thought about what the baby would actually look like and never thought I would be able to see a 3D picture. I also didn't realize I would be able to see the baby move and see all ten fingers and toes. In my mind, I had though the appointment would have been full of me crying buckets of tears, but with everything that has happened I think I been just about cried out and instead I stared at wonder at the little life inside of me. I couldn't imagine that this baby was real and that it was a HE! Yes, it’s a boy! By the way I think he may have his daddy's lips, I just wonder if he'll have his freckles too.

My sweet, adorable esposo beat me to the punch ladies and gentlemen by buying his son his first gift from us, Mom & Dad.

Philadelphia Phillies Bib

Its very fitting that our little boy will receives such a gift from his Daddy, a die hard Phillies fan.

It’s been said, as per pregnancy books and websites, that fathers often feel removed from the pregnancy until they feel movement from the baby or a father may not be involved until birth but I think mi esposo is already bonding with the baby and is very much involved in the pregnancy. He was the one who bought me the “What to Expect When Your Expecting” book and has been consistently reading ahead to be prepared for the next stage and he's been the one to lay his hand on my belly to feel the slightest ripple from his son.

I can't wait for the day that we, Daddy, his little boy and me, Mommy (wow, I'm going to be Mommy) get to take our first family photo.

Ronald

2010-10-04T12:23:00.000-04:00

This was a tough weekend for mi espos and I.

We brought our beloved kittens, Ronald and Luna, into the vet on Friday to have them both fixed; as we all know having your pets fixed has been purported by vets to extend the life of your pet.

Unfortunately something went very wrong and our darling Ronald did not recover from his surgery. The vet said his heart stopped beating. How is that possible? He was only six months old!!!! He was fine but the vet said he must have had a heart condition that no one knew about. I can’t believe I am not going to see that little orange face in the morning or on my pillow at night.

I know God has a plan for us all and I am definitely not mad at God for taking him home, I’m just heartbroken. I can’t bear the thought of my poor Luna being alone all day while mi esposo and I are at work. I miss my Ronald Weasley so much, and I have to think about all the wonderful times I spent with him.

I went online searching for answers and found this and I firmly believe God led me here…

I will lend to you for awhile a kitten, God said.

For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.

But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you and, should his stay be brief

You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.

But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.

And from the folk that crowds life's land I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain?

Nor hate me when I come to take my kitten home again?

I fancied that I heard them say 'Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done'

For all the joys this kitten brings the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may.

And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.

But should you call him back much sooner than we planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.

If, by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,

Then in memory of him whom we loved, please help us while we grieve.

When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,

Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all his life.

We love you Ronald.

Funny things I've heard.....

2010-09-19T10:15:00.000-04:00

since I've been pregnant....

Oh you are getting big all over, it must be a girl.
You look like you swallowed a cantalope, it must be a boy.
Are you sure you felt the baby move, its a bit early, I bet it was gas.
From my doctor after we heard the baby's heart beat "Sounds like a boy, but you know I've only been 50% right."

What do you think? Here's a picture of me and Frankenstein.

Mi esposo took me to Citizens Bank Park a couple of weeks ago when they featured all of the Phanatic statues and I was able to get all of their pictures, which I'll be posting in the coming week.

Baked Penne Love

2010-08-13T12:57:00.001-04:00

Baby and I are doing well. I haven’t had many cravings in my opinion but ask those around me and they’ll say…she wants homemade food and eggs. Mi esposo and my family are such loving dears that they are taking it in stride, plus mi esposo is wisely rationing out the eggs for breakfast so I don’t have a cholesterol problem.

I’m the last in the family to have a baby so the craving thing isn’t unusual to them at all.

When my SIL was pregnant she loved ~~100Grand~~ Nutrageous bars. When anyone from the family saw that candy bar in the store we’d buy at least two, one to have on hand and one to save at the house for a just in case moment. She loved that candy bar.

When my sister was pregnant she adored milkshakes. During her pregnancy she was promised a milkshake outing and a scheduling conflict occurred and the outing didn’t happen. She was crushed. Sister’s husband, mi esposo and I knowing how much she wanted one concocted a plan to get one and make her happy. Mi esposo and I drove to her favorite place which was about 40 minutes away from her house, packed it in ice and ice packs (you would have though we were transporting a liver) and headed to her house. When her hubby opened the door and she realized her milkshake had arrived she was happy and all was right with the world.

Now I’m the pregnant chick and one morning I woke up wanting baked ziti. Not a dying need for it of course. A taste, that’s all, I wanted just a taste of it.

Sister’s husband makes the best baked ziti, and naturally I asked him if he would make it for me. He works nights so if he isn’t working, he’s watching his daughter during the day, my sister’s BB. He just didn’t have time plus its summer and therefore too hot to make baked ziti. It’s also a time consuming and laborious process as the sauce must be made scratch and all ingredients must be incorporate in a precise manner, or at least that’s what my brother-in-law tells me. I thought about stealing his recipe but it’s a family recipe, saved in the minds of the family and not on paper, but even if I were to make it I was sure I couldn’t duplicate my BIL’s baked ziti.

Remember my milkshake story, well my sister returned the favor recently in a big way.

She knew I wanted just a taste of it and so she made me baked ziti, actually penne, she bought the wrong type of pasta but who cares! It was made! She worked with her hubby and made the sauce from scratched and baked it with love for me.

DELICIOUS!

My BIL loves me since he shared the recipe with my sister; I think he wrote it down. WOW!

My sister loves me and I know this for a fact. She’s shown me by preparing a meal especially for me while simultaneously working a full time job and taking care of her daughter. She made me sauce from scratch and in her excitement to create the dish she bought penne instead of ziti but kept on going, since she knew I wouldn’t mind what type of pasta was featured as long as I was able to get the dish. My mother loves me because she allowed me to take the Tupperware home with the leftovers and my dad and mi esposo love me because they only took moderate portions so I could have the leftovers.

Thank you everyone, and thank you darling for the lovely food that I ate at your house, had as leftovers last night and devoured today for lunch.

Baby and I thank you all oh so much!

Announcement

2010-08-10T20:55:00.002-04:00

When a certain something happens in your life, something so special you just have to share, so you make an announcement. You tell the world your happiness so that they can share in your joy. Some people announce things quite elaborately, planning and planning until all the details are finalized and then their plan is revealed for all to see.

I thought of a plan to announce my special news, I thought and thought and came up with a number of ideas.

I would make shirts for myself, mi esposo and even little shirts so that the kittens could get in on the act as well.....or I could make a sign, a special sign and display it so that everyone would know about the wonderful event that will be happening in my life soon....or I could play a song that would give a hint to my announcement and then yell out my news to the world.

All my plans were for naught you see as I told everyone in a different way. I didn't make a shirt with the news thereby sparing my poor kittens and mi esposo from dressing up; I didn't make a signor play a song, instead I told everyone the simple news that has made us so very happy.

Mi esposo and I are going to have a baby, a little baby of our own.

It might not have been an announcement with a grand design but what you might not realize is that every time I put my hand to my belly and think there's a baby in there, fireworks go off in my heart, my eyes swim with tears of joy and my mind starts to work overtime just wondering is it a girl, is it a boy, will it look like me and have mi esposo's eyes, will it have his thick hair and his sense of humor?

We are going to have a baby and in the words of Mrs. Bennett..."God has been very good to us."

Want to know how to get a toddler freak out

2010-07-29T17:48:00.001-04:00

Tell her there's a kitty waiting under her chair just waiting to pounce on her!

Works every time!

The Tale of the Fence

2010-07-20T17:28:00.002-04:00

When our neighbors behind us removed the trees that were in danger of falling on our house (thanks neighbors!!!) we were left with a bare yard and a chain link fence for our viewing pleasure, not unpleasant but nothing very inviting to look at.

Mi esposo and I pondered our next step. This was our opportunity to put up a privacy fence on our side and effectively banish the door on the old fence behind us (that dated back to the original owner of our neighbor's house behind us) which would destroy the shortcut the neighborhood kids were using to go through our properties. YEA! Bad kids, you know better or you at least should have been taught that your actions are considered trespassing since you weren’t given permission to come onto our privacy.

Anyway....we plotted. We drew a fence on paper and then my father sat down and gave us a plan with pictures, drawings and a completed permit request for our township.

We were now going to build a 6 foot pine fence to line the back and right side of our property granting us privacy and preventing our visitors from landing in our neighbor’s yard chasing an errant ball. We headed over to the township building with Dad’s filled out forms and obtained our permit for the 6 foot pine fence. Dad stopped by later that week and dropped off the supplies, lots of materials for the posts, nails and wood but he changed it; instead of pine we were using cedar which is more durable than pine and would possibly prevent undesirables (mosquitoes) and be prettier (my point). Our response, cool, let’s put it up.

The very next weekend Dad went to work....

Dad in his bobcat and mi esposo to the left of the photo, both working hard.

Weekends passed and dad came over when he could, God bless his heart, and he put up the frame, sometimes with mi esposo’s help, once I helped out (I also did my fair share of bringing refreshments) and once he brought his buddies to help. Dad dug the holes with the posts, came back with his guys to pour the concrete and then came back again to put up the frame, mi esposo helped him with the frame work too.

ah, a frame, so close to having a fence!

Dad decided to get fancy and put up an esthetically pleasing fence for us so he curved the ends of the boards, sanded them down and then installed them.

Here's the loot, just the beginning.

The weekend the fence was to be completed, on mi esposo’s birthday, an accident occurred. While assisting my father in removing the string, dad’s angle indicator, mi esposo slipped, on one of the hundreds of weirdly shaped rocks in our yard, severely spraining his ankle. Although my father offered to find something for mi esposo to bite on while he righted the twisted ankle by force, mi esposo declined his medical assistance and asked for me his wife, to drive him super fast, my favorite chore, to the hospital. Two hours later, after x-rays and a consultation by a physician’s assistant, we were home, mi esposo was asleep loaded up with Motrin and given a diagnosis of a severely sprained ankle and tears to his ligaments and tendons and I sat next to him thinking, “poor thing, and no cake this year.”

Here are the boys in happier times.....Before the incident

And here is my boy after the incident.....Dad was sitting next to him on the couch watching a movie and keeping him company, bless his heart.

Not to worry though, Dad came back the next day and completed the fence, oh and mi esposo felt better to once he got the hang of the crutches.

the completed privacy fence

Voila! A pleasing fence don’t you think but it sort of reminds me of a bunch of popsicle doesn’t it. Come on don’t you see it too. :)

Next on the list, building the garden portion, I think I’m going to make mi esposo a shirt that says, “I survived working with my father-in-law.”

THANKS DAD FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK!!!!!

Newbies

2010-07-10T12:15:00.000-04:00

I've been up to lots of stuff lately, unfortunately not posting you see I have two little ones that are keeping me occupied....introducing Ronald and Luna...

Little ones it seem take up a lot of time, you have to be sure to clip their nails so they are not climbing the furniture or the curtains. You need to feed them several times a day and be sure they have plenty of water and take them to their vet appointments. So far check on everything, we've scored a 100% and the best part is they require lots of loving and don't seem to mind sleeping on your head if it turns out they need a little extra warmth.

See you soon!

Quantum Leap

2010-05-31T00:02:00.000-04:00

One of the best things about Netflix is that you can catch up on some great Television shows, and by catch up I mean watching a show that first debuted back in March 1989.

I'm not sure how I missed this gem but mi esposo introduced me to this show and now I'm hooked.

Quantum Leap stars Scott Bakula as Dr. Sam Beckett, a scientist who along with Al Calavicci created the Quantum Leap project, but as Sam says in the first season intro, his experiment went a little caca and now he is leaping from person to person at anytime in the past to right any wrong that was done. Unfortunately Sam's brilliant mind has gone Swiss Cheese and his memory is faulty, so he relies on his friend Al (Dean Stockwell) who appears as a hologram to help him out.

One of my favorite episodes so far is called the Camikazi Kid, in which Sam leaps into the body of a high school, pimple faced boy named Cam Wilson, shown below, notice the braces (love it!).

According to Ziggy, the computer that assists in determining Sam's goal for each leap, Sam's job this time around is to prevent Cam's sister from getting married to her abusive boyfriend, something that happened to Sam's own sister, Katie. I won't tell you how it ends, you'll have to see the episode for yourself and here's a fun note, in each episode Sam has brushes with history in in which he is the cause of a monumental effect for the future. In Camikazi Kid, Sam meets a young boy who he teaches how to dance the moonwalk, yup the moonwalk and who does he teach, why none other than a young Michael Jackson.

If you missed it the first time like I did, I heartily suggest you sign into Netflix and add it to your Queue and get watch Al and Sam's adventures, especially when Sam leaps into the life of a woman, I love the outfits they put him in. :)

Isn't he just darling!

Would you have stayed around afterwards?

2010-05-22T08:25:00.001-04:00

The Good Wife - Spoiler Alerts!

In the final scenes of the Unplugged episode of the Good Wife, the decision was made regarding the Junior Associate Position….would it be Alicia or Cary.

above image courtesy of starpulse

The episode began with the discovery of a hole in the conference room wall, caused by the replacement of the law firm’s sign. The receptionist told Alicia and Cary’s assistant about this discovery, who promptly went to the conference wall and overheard a golden nugget of information that the Jr. Associate position was going to be decided upon.

The assistant runs to tell Alicia, but Alicia upon finding an unwelcome visitor in her office, which should have been denied access by her assistant but said assistant was out snooping instead, turns the assistant away. After receiving the brush off from Alicia, the assistant runs to tell Cary. Later, Alicia asks the assistant what she needed to speak to her about but the assistant says nothing and never reveals her secret. Instead Alicia finds out from Kalinda that her assistant was aware of the secret, had never mentioned it to her but had alerted Cary who was been campaigning to every partner in the office to put in a good word for him. Cary spoke to Will regarding his future at the firm and Alicia has a discussion with Diane who informs Alicia to take advantage of her position. Alicia then heads over to Eli to ask for help to ask his clients to move their business to her law firm. Alicia begins to leave stating she changed her mind and didn't want his help because she isn't the type of person to do such a thing, but Eli replies "everyone is that person." Hmmmm....

At the end of the episode Alicia and Cary are called down by the Partners, once they arrive Alicia is called first to which Cary states to her the first are always the first to be let go. Cary sits back and smiles assuming he's won, but we all know what happens when we assume don't we.....Alicia enters the room and is surprised to find that instead of heading to the unemployment office the next day she'll be reporting to work. Diane and Will then ask Alicia to send in Cary. Alicia sends him in and then waits, yes she waits outside knowing all the while that Cary is hearing the "sorry we can't keep you speech" and waits for him to leave.

I don't think I could have waited and celebrated my triumph so soon especially at the expense of Cary. I would have gone back to my office or hightailed it out of there and ran home to celebrate with my family, but I can understand why she stayed. She stayed to take a stand against someone who didn't think she could make it, to prove to herself that she could.

It's Alicia's time now and this is just the beginning.

I do love this show.

Updates

2010-05-12T12:57:00.001-04:00

Last Saturday Ron had his second check-up with the Vet. He's gained weight and is up from 1 lb, 5 ounces to l lb, 9 ounces. Dr. announced he had a clean bill of health, is doing great and can't wait to see him again to witness his continued improvements. Sox still doesn't like poor Ronald and continues to hiss at him by the door. Upon occasion she'll growl when she notices his itty bitty feet sticking out from under the door. In Sox's defense, little Ronald might be trying to slap his sister so I can see why she'd be upset and it looks weird to her I'm sure. It looks weird to me to see those legs sticking out from under the door.

Today, I took Ronald out of the bedroom and brought him to my craft room, more on that later, to give him a change of scenery. Turns out I forgot to close the door and Madam Sox took advantage of this misstep, entered the bedroom and proceeded to eat all of his food without the slightest bit of shame. We have hope thought, we've all been together 2 weeks and 5 days and still going strong. By Christmas, yes Christmas time hopefully we'll be one big happy family.

As to my sewing room, I reorganized it. Summer is here and I needed to take advantage of the sun coming into my window.

Notice how much light is pouring through the window, the one I need to make a curtain for, just lovely don't you think so. I need another outlet in the room (oh daddy, did you hear that, please) and time to create in here. I have a couple of projects going on as you can see from above. The first is an update to the Heather Ross' bag I had mentioned before. Its hanging off the left hand side of the chair. The second project is on the cutting board, cut and pinned just waiting to be sewing together. I re-purposed an old bookshelf for fabric storage and am using a folding chair for my sewing chair. Next shopping list I need to find a comfortable chair! This weekend I'll be moving my idea board close to my station and viola, I'm ready to go, speaking of which I'm off to create a couple more bags. Ciao!

Weekend Celebrations

2010-05-11T21:57:00.002-04:00

Productive, that's a good word I could use to describe this past weekend. On Friday my family celebrated my brother-in-law's birthday, number 39, which I have good reason to believe next year's party will be a celebration of his 39th again. Great fun was had by all and we gobbled up lots of food from the BBQ.

On Saturday we celebrated my brother's 38th birthday and yet again great fun was had by all and we devoured more BBQ food.

Sunday brought a lovely Mother's Day and again we celebrated with BBQ food.

This pattern has revealed to me that we are a bunch of carnivores, happy yes but carnivores just the same. If my whole family was locked in a room unable to escape with a BBQ grill and a propane tank with only enough gas to cook one meal, I wonder which one of us we would eat first. Hmmmm....I'm scared it might be me. Seriously thought there is another pattern to decipher from the above that would be our celebrations, how we always come together as a family to celebrate one another and to thank God above for bringing and keeping us all together.

In honor of Mother's Day, I present you with this picture of my Goddaughter, I have two but I think the oldest one would kill me if I posted a silly picture of her so here is a silly picture of Sister's BB.

Yes I am aware the photo was taken from a Christmas long ago but its a Mother's Day Treat and I'm posting it because I said so. When you start a blog of your own you can do what you like. :) Spoken like a true mother right ladies!!!

Happy Belated Mother's Day! Thanks mom for helping to keep me alive when I was younger no matter how many scrapes I got into. She has the doctor's bill for butterfly stitches to prove it.

Fabric on my mind.....

2010-04-28T13:33:00.000-04:00

I can't work! I keep thinking about all the lovely fabric at home in my craft room just waiting to become something new, a dress, a skirt, a grocery bag, a wallet, a portfolio, an apron, a lunch gab, a cosmetic bag....I could go on and on.

I've been trying to work today; I really have, but I've found myself heading to fabric sites instead. I did order several gorgeous fabrics from fabric.com. Head over if you can, as they have lovely cotton prints still available for $3.95. Later I found myself wandering over to Hancock.com and found this beauty.

This would make a lovely skirt, don't you think, or a cute top or a fun bag. I found myself trying to find a matching solid to make a complete outfit when I realized an hour had gone by and I hadn't done a thing at work and I was still consumed with getting out of the office to head home and sew and began to watch the clock, which when watched decides to move at the pace of a snail.

Enough, I thought, enough stop torturing yourself, but no I continued and then did the most damage. I discovered Heather Ross' newest fabric line will be released this May. May, I have to wait until May, NO, that will be forever, I can't believe it. I am dying to get the Owl and the Pussycat material to make a bed for my cats, Sox & Ron. All at once, my brain clicked and I realized its only three (counting today) days until May. I think I can wait that long and until then I'll read Heather's latest creation again (I posted back in July 2009 about this darling book) which Heather autographed for me in person after demonstrating how to create the smocked dress in her book. Yup you read right I met her and guess what she kept my pen. :) I'd like to think its inspiring her to create new fabrics, who knows maybe the Owl and the Pussycat began from a drawing created with my very own pen.

If you don't have this book, get it, and try out the trapeze dress which I'll attempt in muslin first of course and then I'll be using an Amy Butler fabric which I'll share soon. Which reminds me I owe you a picture of my great big tote bag that I made from this book.....another to add to my to do list which I'm sure my sister will remind me to post the pic.

Ah, just a couple more hours and I head home to my sewing machine....just a couple of hours......

Phanatic - To Infinity and Beyond

2010-04-27T10:29:00.001-04:00

The other day I headed over to the library to get my grubby hands on the latest Jodi Piccoult book when I came upon this beauty at the steps of the Free Library of Philadelphia's Central Branch located at 19th & Vine Street.....

Another Phanatic!

This time our dear Phanatic is off in search of the new planets and adventures in a galaxy far away. I can't tell you what I loved the most about this Phanatic...could it have been the great orange-yellow suit? How about the blue sneakers.

Nope, again its the tail! This time his tail is peaking out the back of his suit!

I love it! Notice in the background, if you look closely, very closely and be sure its towards the top right you'll see the Franklin Institute, which is right around the corner from the Phanatic.

Do you remember a story when you were little about toys that came to life after everyone was gone.....we'll whose to say the Phanatic doesn't jump off of home plate late at night and head over to the Fels Planetarium Theater to take in Night Skies in the Observatory which takes please every second Thursday of each month in which the Franklin Institute stays open late (6 pm - 9 pm all months expect June & July when its 7 pm -10 pm) and 5 different telescopes are available for everyone to set their sights on celestial objects in the sky provided the conditions are just right, you could see the hottest planet in the Solar System......Venus!

As for me, I never did get my intended book, somehow I found myself in the Sci-Fi section and walked out with a time traveling book all due to my green friend.

A new addition to the family

2010-04-26T21:27:00.000-04:00

Posting has been extremely sparse.....hello anyone out there.....yes I've been busy, very busy you see preparing my family for a new addition.

Introducing.....Ronald Weasley.....

Ronald weighs about 1 lb 5 ounces but like his namesake can eat like there was no promise of tomorrow. His doctor shouldn't be surprised when at his next visit in about two weeks he has doubled his weight.

Kittens are extremely active, not just jumpy, Ron though is hyper, super, super hyper, the second night we had him home I was awakened by the sound of meowing in my ear. Yes, Ron had climbed up the side of the bed and decided to sleep next to me. How he climbed at 1 lb 5 ounces up 2 1/2 feet without any fear of falling I have no idea but I'm sure this is just a sign of things to come, I wonder if he'll try to climb up my curtains just to look out the window!

As for my baby, Sox, well at present she is denying his existence and should she be reminded of Ronald's presence she will either hiss, growl or turn her back on him. I've read it may take a couple of months for her to tolerate him so hopefully come June she won't hiss, if not there's always Christmas. Please keep us in your prayers.

Phanatic goes Starry Night!

2010-04-13T14:37:00.000-04:00

Borrowed from the Glora Dei St. Paul website

Starry Night is one of the most well known paintings of Vincent van Gogh. I'm not nor was I ever an Art History Major. I can only draw stick figures successfully as my sister can attest to this fact so please keep this in mind as I explain my thoughts on van Gogh's Stary Night.

This beatuiful painting reminds me of a story, not any story in particular, but one of protection. You see I have always thought the large struture in the forefront was a representation for someone or something bad about to happen that would prey on the sleepy and charming town below but the large and foreboding struture seems to be fading, almost falling a bit as the swirling clouds, cresent moon and stars ablazed in their glory illuminate the night to fight off the evil thing and save the towns people.

Who would have ever though that Philadelphia would have its own Phanatic van Gogh waiting for us to protect those that enter Rittenhouse Square to guarantee them a moment of peace away from their jobs. :)

Notice the swirling clouds on his belly and arms which are derived from the van Gogh's original but take special care and inspect the stars afire on our Phanatic, they are none other than our Philadelphia Phillies!

Starry Night - Profile

Mom I know you love the Phanatic in green but I must admit I'm completely in love with him sporting my favorite color, blue. I would be remiss if I didn't mention I snapped a photo of his tail.

I think Phanatic van Gogh is my favorite so far. 2 down, 18 to go.....

Philly's Phanatic Around the Town - The beginning

2010-04-07T12:42:00.002-04:00

This post is for my mom.

My mom loves Green, part of the reasoning for her loves could come from two famous celebrites....

Her Kermie

and the Philadelphia Phanatic.

This baseball season, Mom is in luck as the Philadelphia Phillies and Philly's tourisim group have launched a campaign called "Phanatic Around Town" in which 20 statues of the Phantaic, (each 6 feet tall, 100 lbs and custom painted by a local artist) have been scattered across the City of Philadelphia.

This summer I plan on finding each of the Phanatic statues and taking pictures of them for her. Who knows maybe I can convince her to go with me on a road trip with me and take her picture with a couple of the statues. I'm sure she'll squeal with delight standing next to her man.

Okay Mom, are you ready for it....

Our first Phanatic is resplendit in Burgundy and Gold and is hanging out at the corner of 16th & Arch Streets at LOVE Park.

There are hearts in his eyes since he's such a love bug.

Even his tail is dusted in gold.

Cute isn't he! While he isn't Green I don't think my mom will mind. I have a feeling she's going to love his new shade.

Easter Vigil

2010-04-06T16:04:00.000-04:00

Saturday I was able to witness and partake in an Easter Vigil ceremony in which 17 people became full faith members of the Catholic Church. Of the 17 people who were inducted were my nephew and his father. It’s been some time since I attended an Easter Vigil mass and I had forgotten the beauty of it and the opportunities it presents people of the Catholic faith. It’s a chance be a witness to the beginning of the faith journey for new members of the church and a chance to renew one’s own faith.

The Easter Vigil Mass is no ordinary mass and its beginning is remarkable. You see the Church is shrouded in darkness, still and quiet which can be compared to the tomb of Jesus Christ as all was quiet upon his death. The mass does not begin in the Church but rather at the foot of the Church’s steps where a bonfire is lit. A prayer is said by the presiding priest who lights the Easter Candle, a symbol of Jesus our paschal lamb, using the flames of the bonfire. The priest then takes the Easter Candle and using its flame lights another candle held by a follow of Jesus who in turns lights a candle held by another member of the Church, and so on and so on until finally all those gathered for the Easter Vigil receive the light of Christ. A procession of lights begins as the priest enters the church holding the Easter Candle followed by the members of the Church holding their candles, the symbol of Jesus who is now illuminating the Church in his glory. Several readings were read, the creation story, the story of the Israelites exiting from

Egypt

to the promise land and then after the readings the congregation was witness to the baptismal, communion and confirmation rights for all the members of the RICA.

It was an amazing sight to behold and I was thrilled to be a part of it, to renew my faith and to encourage my nephew and his father to continue in their faith journey to know God’s love for them.

Here is my newphew, I warned him in advance that I was going to hug him hard, I was just so happy for him. I look like such a shrimp next to him.

And here is the happy family.

God bless You All and Congratuations!

Weekend Rush

2010-03-28T17:32:00.000-04:00

Is it just me or doesn't the workweek drag on oh so slowly and the weekend rush past us.

Sunday afternoon is here, the day is almost done and of course I'm dreading work tomorrow, but doesn't everyone, but rather than lament upon the weekend that is almost over let's think about all the great fun we had this weekend instead.....What were you up to?

This weekend I made cookies, I may have gained two pounds enjoying them but still I was happy. :)

These S'more cookies compliments of my latest find, a great baking blog called Confessions of a Serial Baker. Please visit her if you get a chance. The cookies were fantastic; mi esposo loved them and I think we are going to hide them in case we should get company to keep them to ourselves. I also made scrumptions sugar cookies which I'll have mi esposo take to work so I don't gain another two pounds.

Whoops, looks like someone took a bit out of a cookie.

I also found time to make anoter tutu for my niece who is totally into princesses. I think she is going to love it.

And I finally finished my neighbor's custom bag. The zipper gave me a bit of trouble but I conquered it and even had help (thanks sister) on creating a durable, extended strap per her wishes. I had a little extra fabric which I used to make add a tissue holder for her as a surpirse. She loved it and can't wait to use it on her next senior's trip.

It wasn't a bad weekend at all, just short, here's hoping next weekend, Easter Weekend brings more fun to everyone!

My sister's hard work

2010-03-23T13:37:00.000-04:00

I love my house. I love to spend time there with mi esposo. I love to clean it. I love to decorate it. Most importantly I love to have my family over to celebrate with me, what are we celebrating oh anything as long as I get them to my house.

Apparently my love for my home has just shown through, or maybe I talk about it too much to my family, but someone noticed, my sister. Well not only did she notice but she decided to make me this.....

...an embroidery of my home. Isn't it just delightful. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

Let's zoom in shall we....notice the stone front, my windows, my shutters, my red door which is concealed by the storm door (oh she captured that too), oh and the best part are the marigolds, one of my favorites. Little did sister know but this year I'm going to buy lots and lots of them and sprinkle them all around my home just as she has them above. I can't wait. For now my embroidered home sits atop my mantel along with her other creations...

Jane, my dolly is to the left, and my cute red bird is all the way to the back of the photo.

Thank you sister and thanks for the lovely photos too, now I have my embroidered home as my background on my work computer so I can gaze at it all day.

Thank you my dear, I love it!!!!

My First Niece is 10!

2010-02-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

I wanted to write a post about how I waited for my first niece to be born but my dear niece decided rather than revisiting the past, she wanted to collaborate with me and create her own post for her tenth birthday. Yes, her tenth birthday, she's now in double digits. Where did the time go? How did she get to be so big so soon and when did it happen. I can remember changing her diaper, feeding her, trying to burp her but I could never do it right, I couldn't bring myself to thump her hard enough on her back. Here we are today; she's ten! Her little sister can't believe her older sister is ten years old! WOW!

I still wanted to write about the time that I was in the hospital waiting room ten years ago when I met so many people as I waited for her to be born but she said no again. Instead she wants to write about the things she likes now and what we did together to celebrate her birthday.

Here is my first niece's likes at age 10!

Favorite Food = Tostones (Fried Bananas), Pernil (Pork) and Empanadas
Favoirte Movie Star = Selena Gomez
Favorite Color = Purple
Favorite Song = More by Selena Gomez
Favorite Movie = Wizards of Waverly Place the Movie
Favorite Book = Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Favorite Place to Go for Dinner = Chick Fil A
Favorite Things to Do = Cooking and Baking

Here is her favorite picture of herself from my collection.

Here is my favorite picture of her from the same collection.

I made her this cool bag for her last birthday and she loved it.

I should mention that I was privileged to have held a sleepover at my house for my niece and her younger sister yesterday. We had a blast! I helped her as she put the finishing touches on her birthday cake, which my sister and I had started earlier in the day. Mi esposo made her really good soup (in her own words) which she and her sister requested. We had ice cream, watched a movie in bed, R. L. Stine's Mostly Ghostly, and then fell fast asleep.

Today we all celebrated her birthday by going to church and then headed to a special place for breakfast.

She surprised me with something though, she said to me she couldn't wait for me to be a mom. She thinks it would be wierd and cool at the same time to see me with my own child. When I asked why she said "It would be weird because you couldn't give the baby away to someone since it would be yours and it would be cool because you could raise the baby the way you want and I would be able to babysit for you."

I must say she has become such a smart and funny girl! Wise beyond years, right!

Happy Birthday Darling! I love you very much!!!!!!

Sister's Baby is Three

2010-02-23T09:30:00.005-05:00

Today my sister's baby turns three. Three years old, how can this be?!?!? Where did the time go and how come she is still a skinny runt?

BB at Christmas time with her three favorite things, her pacifier, Walle and a pumpkin

Dear readers would you like to go back in time with me....back to the day she was born when I missed her birth, yes let's recount this blessed day.....

So here's how it happened that i missed the birth of my niece, this joyous occasion that we had been waiting for since my little sister told me she was going to have a baby.

I wasn't supposed to be in the room.

I need you to know that because if I had known I was going to be in the room I would have been prepared. I would have at least eaten dinner, a snack and done research on-line as to what to expect. I would have asked mother's about their experience and if anyone had informed me of the climate of the room I would have worn a bathing suit.

I can't recall how we ended up at the hospital only that my husband and I, recently married couple (about 3 months) found ourselves in the waiting room with my little cousin who had two boys of her own. She had been through labor and knew the drill so when you think of it she could have given me a warning no such luck. Mi esposo, cousin and I waited for what felt like hours, sending text messages to my mom, who with her hubby was with sister, to check on how everyone was and receiving text messages letting us know that sister was doing fine but that it would be a while. Mi esposo, cousin and I settled in and waited, waited, waited and waited then we got hungry. Our nerves were rattled and our bellies were rumbling for food so we ordered a little something, and settled in for another long stretch of waiting.

Again, my memory is cloudy so I can't recall how it happened, whether I was summoned, personally escorted or I meddled my way to my destination but I ended up in the birthing room to check on sister. Just to check on sister mind you as I wasn't supposed to be there for the birth. Only my mother and sister's husband were to witness this blessed event. I on the other hand, was supposed to wait in the waiting room until after the birth when I would be presented with a clean child for me to view as my newest niece. I would like to mention also for understanding sake that I don't have any children so I've never experienced childbirth before only in movies.

Movies lie.

I walked into the birthing room, saw little sister who was in so much paint, told her not to worry, stroked her brow adjusted her oxygen mask since the doctors said it would be helpful for her to have one and then talked to mom when sister's doctor walked in and told her to start pushing and push she did.

Before I knew it I ended up staying in the room, encouraging my sister to push. I remember being stuck in between the top of the bed at my sister's head, supposedly monitoring the breathing mask but if I recall correctly I did little to help poor sister with the mask as it was definitely askew on her cute pained face. Sister's hubby, who was next to me, was holding onto my sister for dear life counting with me to get her to ten as she pushed to get that little bugger out. Poor baby was in so much pain, the tears were rolling from her eyes and all I could do was count. Afterwards Sister informed me she never wanted to hear me count to ten again in her lifetime.

I began to sweat profusely, partly from my sister's hubby who is so much like a furnace that the heat pouring from his body in addition to the super heat lamps which they had magically installed above sister's bed to shine down on her so the doctor would be able to see everything. The combination of the heat and the brightness of the lights became unbearable as it continued to burn our skin and eyes relentlessly. It was as if the doctors thought the newborn would be born in Alaska somehow and the extra light and heat were desperately needed to see and warm the newborn instantly. I think it was overkill by the hospital.

As we kept counting the lights continued their torture, boring into your souls, deep into the pit of our empty stomachs, mostly mine. I recalled my dinner had arrived moments before I ended up in the room, an uneaten sandwich waiting for me as I thought I would just pop in to say hi and then head back out and munch away. I wondered if my husband and cousin had most likely nibbled on it due to their nerves. I began to get thirsty counting over and over again, the heat began to climb, the lights became hotter and hotter and there was an odd smell in the room, possibly fear which may have been emanating from sister's hubby. All at once I felt the pain come at my temples, the heat, the lack of food, the nervousness had brought on a migraine at such a time. When the doctor took a break letting Jenny breath, I stumbled to the bathroom, not even turning on the light and enclosed myself in the dark room took a couple of breaths to calm the beating at my temples.

After a couple of minutes I heard it.

A baby cried, a big and hearty cry while I was in the bathroom rubbing my temples.

I missed it.

I wasn't supposed to be there but I missed it.

I walked out of the bathroom, pale, sweaty and sad until the moment BB was placed in my arms.

I was given this most precious gift to hold in the first moments after she was born.

And she was clean and the lights were turned off!!!!! It was a miracle!!!!!

I held madam BB, said hello to her and stroked her head all the while watching her move her strawberry colored tongue as if to say, hey can you do this to?

It was precious. I will always remember BB's birth and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Happy Birthday, BB!

Tutulicious

2010-02-20T12:05:00.000-05:00

Back in October my sister, mom and I visited my sister's BFF and were part of an audience for a live taped show featuring this great project...the Halloween Tutu.

After the show I wandered into Joann Fabrics and picked up some gorgeous tulle and ribbon. I needed petals or spiders or something to float in the tulle but I couldn't find anything I liked so the Tutu went on the back burner for the time being. Every time I entered my craft room I knew the tulle was there begging to be made into a fun skirt for a little girl to play with but I couldn't do it. Not just any flower would do. One day in Michael's, I frequent craft stores, I found them the perfect petals and they were in the bridal section. Who knew! I bought up a bunch and headed home to construct a fairy tale tutu.

I never worked with tulle before, all of my projects have been from cotton materials which are incredibly easy to work with but tulle has a bit of a mind of its own. Its so delicate and light and since my eye sight is so bad it was hard to tell when I had gathered all of the ends, sometimes I missed a few, but finally I made it. Isn't it beautiful.

I even managed to add a little bit of detail that only the wearer would notice right away to give it an extra special feel to it. Since I have so many nieces in my family I decided to gift this to a co-worker's granddaughter and have her be my test subject. He's promised me a picture of her in it and will let me know her reaction when she gets it which I promise I'll share with you.

On another note, a little girl I've know for over 13 years had just turned 18!!!!!! Can you believe it. She's grown into a beautiful young lady and will be off to college this year.

I made her a wristlet in her favorite color blue with a skull pattern, which is all the rage for the kids now a days. What do you think? Is her obvious expression of delight due to the handmade wristlet or the gift card she's holding. I'm thinking she's already spent that card in her head.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T21:30:00.001-05:00

This weekend mi esposo and I spent some much needed quality time together. During the week we are often rushing to work, coming back home so late, we eat dinner and then fall asleep. This weekend we watched movies, made dinner together, and had a lovely time. We live in a single home so often I feel we are on an island, an isolated island with no one in sight for miles and I can't imagine anyone else I would want on the island with me.

For Valentine's Day I had to think of the perfect gift for him. What would a man who has everything need? By everything I mean his favorite movies, The Goonies, The Wedding Singer and Space Camp on DVD not to mention a Zune player that plays all his tunes and his latest gift the Droid phone which he absolutely loves.

What comes to mind...we'll mi esposo's place of employment has gone batty, after many layoffs at his job, which thankfully he survived each layoff decision, the crazy employers decided the next best way to save money besides not giving a cost of living raise would be to discontinue coffee and tea for all of the employees. Such a shame really and such a stupid move by the employer (what a way to show your employees how much you don't care about them). So I bought mi esposo the gift of his dreams.....A Keurig mini-brewer, yes ladies and gentlemen feast your eyes on this baby.

Now mi esposo will be able to brew himself a perfect cup of coffee whenever he feels like it. I even got him mini-moos so he won't have to buy milk to make the perfect cup at his desk whenever he feels the urge to caffeinate himself. Ahhhhh....coffee. Yes, hubby was happy.

As for myself, my husband bought me a beautiful ring.

The above image was taken from the James Avery website. Its beautiful and so different, I've never had a garnet stone and I am a bit intimidated by the stone as the helpful instructions that arrived with the gorgeous ring stated more or less to be careful as the stone is delicate.

Delicate and I do not necessarily mix, my poor opal ring died after about a month with me due to excessive force, I believe I had hit my hand against the floor when I fell once upon a time. Have I mentioned I'm a klutz, I can trip over my own feet with the best of them. Now that I'm older and much wiser I'll be sure to use caution when wearing my gorgeous garnet ring.

I do feel bad for my hubby though, I do like the garnet stone but I think I'm going to need earrings to match. Hubby if you are reading this just know that I'll always keep those Keurig cups coming so you'll always have coffee. This isn't bribery, just a fact. :)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

The Good Wife

2010-02-11T22:04:00.001-05:00

Make room for this show on your DVR, watch it On Demand, tape it if you still have a VCR (does anyone out there have one, am I showing my age or what).

The Good Wife tells the story of Alicia Floorick played by Julianna Margulies. Alicia is the wife of Peter Florrick, the State Attorney of Cook County. During her husband's tenure as State Attorney, Alicia played part of the good wife of a politician. A dutiful wife, she stood by him and supported even through the very public sex and corruption scandal for which Peter was found guilty and is currently imprisoned for political corruption. To care for her family Alicia returns to the working world, her old job as a litigator, in the hopes of rebuilding her reputation and supporting her children.

I honestly only watched The Good Wife to see my childhood friend who acted in an episode entitled Crash. By the way dear if you are reading this I teared up for you, job well done and you look good on TV!!!!!

Julianna as Alicia displays a quiet grace in everything she does. Whether she is on the stand defending her client or taking care of her children, Alicia is continually with uncomfortable situations and difficult decisions that cause her to revisit her past and reopen wounds from her husband's trial and betrayal, yet Alicia stays calm and focused under pressure. She is definitely a joy to watch. The rest of the cast is superb, from the power hungry Cary (Matt Czuchry) to the tough as nails investigator Kalinda (Archie Panjabi) they are a delight to watch. Oh and I must mention the clothes, where do they shop for these characters! Dear, if you are reading this please tell me you were able to try on some of Julianna's suits when you were on the set, or at least tell me where the wardrobe is supplied.

Clothing aside....if you are looking for an intelligent show, a place to spend an hour watching beauty under fire survive time after time, check out The Good Wife, and be sure to watch "Crash." You won't regret it.

We'll Miss You Walle

2010-02-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

Sunday, mi esposo and I spent another fun day with Walle. While we let Walle and Sox sleep in we dug ourselves out from the snow.

Crooked picture is due to back strain from shoveling the areas the snow blower couldn't reach. This time mi esposo and I made a plan of attack the night before and decided we'd tackle the trouble areas first and then do the easy parts. After only 3 hours, we successfully moved the snow from the driveway and were able to get the car out on the road. To celebrate we took Walle out to eat, but first we had to wake him up. Apparently Walle sleeps in which was just fine with Madam Sox, but she didn't care too much on being woken from her beauty sleep at 12 pm, she's usually awake by 3 pm at the earliest, notice her expression of indifference in the photo below.

Sox declinded the car ride, she gets motion sickness, so Walle, mi esposo and I headed out on the road.
Walle was sure excited to get outside especially after being cooped up in the house.

First up was a pit stop to fuel up the car and recharge Walle.

Luckily for Walle, he received direct sun and finished recharing as soon as the car finished refueling. Our next stop was none other than Pei Wei. Walle couldn't decide what he wanted for lunch until the kind waitress suggested something from the Kid's menu. This made him remember BB and as he was still missing BB something fierce he decided on Won Ton Soup, one of BB's favorites.

While we waited Walle checked out everything in the restaurant, he was particularly fond of the gift cards.

Once our food was ready we headed home to watch a movie, Space Camp, how approriate no :), and then did some crafts for BB's upcoming Birthday. Walle helped with the design, I'll show you a glimpse with Walle's help but the finished project won't be up until after BB's birthday to surprise her mom, my sister. I know she will definitely get a kick out of it.

Walle it was a pleasure to have you over for the weekend and we are so sorry to see you go. Make sure you come back again with BB so you won't miss her so much. Sox will miss you too even though she'll never let you hear you say it.

Family Visitor

2010-02-06T22:07:00.000-05:00

This weekend we were housebound, not by choice, a wonderful storm blew on by and dropped over 20 inches of snow on our front and back door. Luckily mi esposo and I had a visitor this weekend and he was a welcome addition to the family.

First we decided to sleep in and thought, sure we'll clean off the snow at 10 am just like last time, but when we awoke, boy were we in for a surprise!

Over 16 inches of snow had landed and just kept on coming. Walle was so excited he started spinning around and around with pure delight.

Even thought I told him too much had fallen on the ground to play in Walle pleaded with us to go outside. So off he went , launched himself in the snow and was stuck!. Yup just a bit too much eh Walle. So mi esposo and I scooped him up and gave him a little sip of coffee to warm up.

Coffee made Walle think of cookies so we embarked on a cookie making fest. After some research on the web, we decided on a couple of recipes from Confessions of a Serial Baker, a new favorite blog of mine. We decided on the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies, the Oatmeal, White Chocolate, Cranberry Cookies and then headed over to Williams and Sonoma's for the Chocolate Crinkle Cookies I made for last year's cookie swap. Walle was a great helper, he read the recipe while I gathered the ingredients.

Walle was great fun in the kitchen, he even helped me measure out the Macadamia Nuts.

Our first batch was in the oven and we couldn't wait to taste them. The first bite was heaven, wasn't it Walle. Scrumptious!

We had so much fund that we made over six dozen cookies. Good job Walle!

Cookie baking was a great success but poor Walle began to get homesick for his owner BB. Sox decided to show Walle the house and introduce him to all of her hiding places.

I washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen from our cookie fest, and went looking for the two new best friends and found them about an hour later, sitting in front of the fireplace.

"Don't you worry Walle, you'll be home to BB in no time and tomorrow we'll sit in front of the fire and take a nap, it'll be fun you'll see."

Should a classic be remade?

2010-02-03T23:44:00.001-05:00

I've just finished reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Please take note of the header, although her hair is a bit more polished than mine.;) An avid Jane Austen fan that I am I was initially turned off by the idea of a remake of Pride and Prejudice with Zombies as it I believed it would distort the true essence of the story.

About two weeks ago I caved in and bought it. You see I was itching to read something other than labor laws, something other than union certifications. My options were to read Pride and Prejudice again, for possibly the hundredth time or to find something new. I have trouble finding new items, a creature of habit that I am, once I am introduced or research a new author thoroughly and discover I love their work, I'll continue to read all of their books. I haven't found anyone I've liked recently. I'm aware of the many published books on the Darcy family, the continuation of the P&P story that are available at my fingertips but as they were not written by Ms. Austen I don't feel compelled to read them. So here was my dilemma, find a new book or read P&P again.

While I was in the book store I found myself in front of this "zombie" book and though "bleah" who would write such a story when the original was just magnificent and why would they feel the need to improve upon a classic story? Turns out I had to find out and while it was the P&P story again, it included zombies so that appealed to my "new book" goal that I had created.

And so I began the same story I had read time and time before but this time I knew something odd and hopefully fun would await me. Have I mentioned I like action movies? Well I do and I especially love movies that portray women as a force to be reckoned instead of a simpering miss hiding in a corner, an equal and not someone who needs to be saved all the time. In the Zombie version of P&P I was hoping to find Ms. Elizabeth Bennet even more of a presense in this book. I surely wasn't dissappointed with Ms. Bennet's new incarnation. Elizabeth is still a headstrong girl but now in this version she has a new title, the Defender of Longbourn. Elizabeth studied martial arts in China while Mr. Darcy's studies took place in Japan. This little twists adds on to their already differences.

The Bennett sisters forming the Pentagram of Death to dispose of the unmentionables

All of Jane's characters are still very much alive, at least for the beginning of the book, I won't spoil it for anyone but I will say the majority of the story is still alive, there is new dialogue to discuss the "unmentionables" as the zombies are referred to and a funny party is the incarnation of Lady Catherine as a renowned ninja. I can just imagine Lady Catherine flying through the air to give Elizabeth a roundhouse kick.

I did find fault with a couple of items which were deeply distressing, for instance Mrs. Gardiner would never have cheated on her husband. The Gardiner's marriage should not have been altered as they were the only example Elizabeth ever beheld as a loving and caring marriage, a marriage far different from that of her parents, a marriage that existed that showed Elizabeth that a true marriage of equals could exist. Shame on you Mr. Grahme-Smith!

Would I read it again? Probably not. I've learned a valuable lesson though, a remake of a classic is quite alright and should be made and read in order for the reader to appreciate the original beautiful classic for the perfect story it is.

Next up on my reading list is Sense and Sensibility by Ms. Austen. I'll definitely take a pass on Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters because honestly can you ever imagine Colonel Brandon as a sea monster. Yup I've learned my lesson, I'll stick to the classic!

I'm back!

2010-01-21T22:56:00.000-05:00

Beware this is a long, long post....

It's been almost 2 weeks since my last post. Needless to say, I've been busy.....how busy you ask. Well mi esposo and I started off the year making my family dinner on New Years.

Mi esposo and I cooked up our very first turkey and it was delicious. Everyone loved it and even BB asked for seconds and thirds (of "chicken" silly girl we made a turkey!). I would love to say we had a strategy for cooking this delicious bird, but to be honest towards the end we, no pun intended, winged it. :) We threw in carrots, celery, onion, salt and pepper and a secret weapon, oranges. We squeezed the oranges onto the turkey and cut up slices and threw them inside the bird. The bird took longer to make then we anticpated but lucky for us we had made appetizers, a lovely spread of cheese (lactose free), crackers, pepperoni and grapes and a shrimp ring to keep the masses at bay while we waited for the temperature doodad to pop and tell us the bird was done. Less than a half hour after everyone arrived, the doodad popped and we all feasted. We prayed, ate, laughed and have a good time. It was a wonderful way to spend the first day of the New Year.

Oh and we even had these....

Nope they aren't pancakes, contrary to popular opinion, they are large sugar cookies that melt in your mouth. So good!!!! I need to make them again but only when we have family over or I'll eat the whole batch myself.

After our dinner, I devoted myself to studying for the HRIC Professional in Human Resources Exam. I went to work and then once home I studied for this test. I neglected the care of my house (poor dusty house), I neglected to feed my husband (poor husband, and thank God he can feed us both), I neglected to play with Sox (sorry kitty) and I didn't see my family either (sorry family) but I needed to pass this test. I needed this so badly, I needed to open up a world of opportunity for my career.

So this past weekend I took off two days from work, Friday to extend my weekend and study and then Monday to take the test. All weekend I studied, I missed my niece's and nephew's party (sorry kids) so that I could cover all the topics I couldn't remember.

First, I started a fire in the fireplace.....

which forced me to stay in one room surrounded by my books to study. As I studied my family called to check on me (missed you guys), my husband feed me (thank you darling) and someone else kept me company, someone I least expected to be with me during this stressful time.

After a while I noticed this someone....it was none other than Madam Sox on the rug. I immediately thought, yes its cold outside so just stay there and keep yourself warm. Later I had a funny feeling of being watched.

Yup she had moved from the rug but had stayed in the living room with me as if to say, "I'm still here so keep your nose in the book because I'm watching." I smiled when I thought I had my own cheering crowd right at home, so I continued studying and then yet again felt the odd feeling of being watched. Yup it was by none other than Madam Sox. This time she was again on the rug but instead of warming herself she was stretching and just relaxing. If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I think I want to come back as a cat, she has the life!

I resumed studying and hit some pretty boring material. I tried, I really did and poured over ever page until something happened. I felt something touching my face.....

I had fallen asleep on the sofa and Madam had jumped on my coffee table and had woken me up from my nap as if to say "Hey, wake up, you aren't done! Let's get a move on it." So I was up, I finished the chapters, I tried to take in everything I could and cram everything into my brain, all of the terms, laws, and concepts. The next day I awoke bright and early and headed off to the testing center.

I arrived early, checked in and after waiting almost a half hour began my test. The testing center was extremely strict and would not allow you to bring in a watch or even a snack into the testing room. No snack!!! How would I ever manage without a little something to quiet my stomach. I was resigned to stay famished for the entire test. Four hours were provided to take the test and I intended to use up every last minute. I started the test, skipped the ones I didn't know, after reading the entire test I back tracked and took the missed questions again and three and a half hours later I was done. Done!!!!! After taking a survey my score was reported.

I PASSED!!!!!!!!! I can now add PHR to the end of my name, I have a desingation. Goal achieved!!!!!

So how did I spend the beginning of the year, I accomplished my goal and now I'm back, back to my regular life and hopefully some new things in store for 2010. I even found time to craft...see my new pillow cases.

Now I have some cute handmade pillow cases to rest my head on and try and figure out how to beat my addiction to my other friend I made during my study session.....

Thanks to my family, kitty and mi esposo for believing in me and cheering me on. Thank you so much!!!!!!

2010 is here!

2010-01-06T18:18:00.002-05:00

Its here!!!!! 2010 has arrived but before its in full swing let me discuss everything I think I've learned from 2009.

In December I profited from using sister's BFF's Martha Stewart's awesome list that helped me get through the holidays.

November taught me to place ribbons and the like in their proper places so that Sox won't be tempted to play with them thus leading mi esposo and I with hefty vet bills.

October brought a wonderful lesson home litterally, although trick or treaters did not come to my house my family would always play the part for me to fulfill my holiday needs.

September reminded me why I liked school when I enrolled and later successfully passed the course and earning two certificates!

August was a dream come true as mi esposo tooke me to a land I had only imagined as a child, the home of Anne of Green Gables. I also learned I prefer driving at 110 mph versus 110 kph, those Canadians with their speed limits need to adjust it a bit especially on the open roads. :)

July showed me that bugs were still my enemy and that next year in Spring I will begin my hunt for the new belt buckle/clip to keep them away. It better work!!!!

June bbq seasons is wonderful and the best time to have people over to my house since I've learned to keep the freezer stocked with hamburgers and hotdogs, a crowd pleaser for all ages.

May revealed another wonder of my home. I hate doing the dishes. I despise it actually. In May thought I'll do them happily, not joyously but happily as I'm able to admire the view from my window, the beautiful tulips that grace my neighbor's lawn.

April introduced me to a new author, Kate DiCamillo. I now have four books by the author that will remain in my collection forever! Thank you sister.

March I watched a remake of a childhood favorite movie. I still prefer the original but the remake was a delight and you know what I never made the official swap with my sister but I think she has enjoyed some other pieces I made that ended up in her purse after all.

February my first ever niece turned nine, I couldn't believe it. This year she's going to be ten. Paramedics might need to be called to her party when it finally hits me that she'll be double digits. I might faint.

January last year I was with mi esposo and his family visiting my father-in-law in the hospital after he suffered a major heart attack. We thought we were going to lose him as it was pretty touch and go at times. I'm so happy to say he recovered very well and is still around to bother his wife, my lovely mother-in-law today.

What a year it has been, and after writing the above I realize 2009 was the year of revisitng my childhood.

Let's celebrate 2010 by geting a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato! See you soon.

Sweet Valley

2009-12-28T08:22:00.000-05:00

Is there anything that you have found, seen or heard that has instantly transported you back to the days of your childhood? I was transported back to my childhood just a couple of days ago by my sweet childhood friend. The day after Christmas, I was at my mom's helping babysit BB while Sister and her husband had a "date day," when she came over and brought me a surprise.

Now how many of you can say that you remember and still talk to the girl next door? :) I'm so happy to say that we have still managed to keep in touch through notes, emails and family. Luckily for me she remembers the goofy stuff we used to do but still talks to me to this day. You see one of the goofy, but fun things was my love for a particular series called "Sweet Valley Twins." It was a series of books that were released that told the story of twin girls, Jessica and Elizabeth, who were best friends until one day everything changed. Jessica and Elizabeth worlds were turned upside down the day that Jessica decided to dress differently from her sister and began hanging out with someone other than her sister. These series books were my first introduction to drama, and at my tender age of 10 that was considered serious drama. The drama became heightened when the series brought the girls into high school and yup you guessed it I had to read them too. Somewhere my passion for the twins began to wane and I moved onto more serious stuff, mostly due to the fact that my brother, then in high school needed help with his book reports, which meant I read the books and told him what happened.

Its so funny, I hadn't thought of these books until my sweet friend brought this over at Christmas time.....

and she was right. It was bad, but I had to read it. Well, I read most of it, I had to skip about a 100 or so pages but still it made me crack up just thinking of those girls, Jessica and Elizabeth. and I also remembered the funny picnics my sweet friend had recalled when she and I would sit in our yards to discuss the latests trials and tribulations of Jessica and Elizabeth. Funny picnics because they took place in two separete yards, she in hers and mine in my grandmother's and we both setup our lunches and talked to each other over a wall until one day she invited me over to her side of the wall.

Yes sweet friend I remember them now and I did read the book and it made for a funny read. Thanks for remembering me and transporting me back to the picnics in the yard when we would talk to each other over the fence about the Sweet Valley Twins.

Christmas Fun!

2009-12-27T22:21:00.000-05:00

Christmas was lovely!

This year was the first year we were able to do almost everything we wanted! Mi esposo and I were able to visit his family and spend time with alomost everyone on Christmas Eve. Almost the entire clan gathered at my in-laws where the kids grouped themselves together around the Christmas tree and opened up their presents. I love watching their faces when they open up their gifts and see the surprised look on their facees. Luckily we were treated to the "How Awesome Is This" surprise face instead of the "What is this" look. Christmas Day was spent at my parents' home with everyone on my side. We all gathered together and watched movies, ate lots of candy and cookies and had a blast. Another point for mi esposo and I, the kids yet again enjoyed all of their gifts.

For the adults, we decied to do something a bit different this year. Instead of purchaisng gifts for everyone or particpating in a Pollyana, we decided that this would be the year of delicious treats for everyone. Mi esposo made his famous banana chocolate chip bread in individual loaf sizes, while I made several batches of my reverse chocolate chip cookies with dark chocolate cocoa. We created platters for each family and viola, instant sugar goodness. My SIL and her family made a beautiful tray filled with all kinds of homemade goodies with honorable mention to the cupcakes which were especially tasty. Sister, dear sister, decided against ruining another one of mommy's pans making her famous peppermint bark (apparently you can use too much force to break up the bark) was enough so she bought us all chocolate covered pretzels from Lores which were divine.

I'm finding that Christmas has taken on a new meaning for me. Of course Christmas is foremost the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, but it also a celebration of family. I'm so grateful that I was able to celebrate with all of my family this year and I hope to continue to do so in the many years to come.

Snowed in!

2009-12-19T09:23:00.001-05:00

Last night I told kitty that she had a doctor's appointment and the only way she could get out of it was if we had snow. Apparently kitty was praying mighty hard last night because this morning mi esposo and I awoke to this outside our window.....

(above picture was slightly modified to hide our trash cans)

What else could we do but settle in and have french toast and bacon. Its what everyone has during a snow storm.

Haven't you noticed how many people run to the store before a storm and pick up milk, eggs and bread, the glorious fixings for french toast. Our french toast had a twist as mi esposo dunked them in corn flakes, a trick he learned from a coworker, to add an extra crunch.

Here's the recipe if you'd like to try it...courtesy of mi esposo

Ingredients to make four slices of french toast

1/4 cup of milk
4 slices of bread
1/2 tsp of cinnamon
1/4 tsp of nutmeg
2 eggs
10 ounces of crushed cornflakes, honey bunches of oats or the like

Whisk together the milk, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg and dunk each slice of bread into the mix making sure to soak the bread thoroughly. Then take those slices and dip them in the crushed cornflake mixture.

Melt about a pat of butter onto a griddle at medium heat and then add your bread. Brown both sides of the bread which will take about four minutes per side and serve to thedelight of your family. It was delicious!!! I couldn't stop myself from taking a bite before taking this picture.

The snow is still falling down and I believe we'll receive about a foot of snow!!!! Good luck to everyone digging themselves out today, but if you don't have anywhere to go, think about making the snow storm stable, french toast and settle in to watch movies or just hang out at the window like kitty will do. Lucky girl, no doctor's appointment and she'll get a nice winter wonderland to watch all day.

Cookie Swap Day at Christmas Time

2009-12-16T10:27:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday our family experienced a new tradition...."Cookie Swap!" organized by this little lady, my SIL.

Her new glasses are just too cool!

Saturday I made not one but two types of cookies, Mint Delights, shown in a photo way below, and Chocolate Crinkle Cookies from Williams and Sonoma.

The Chocolate Chip Crinkles came out wonderfully, a beautiful replica of the Williams and Sonoma cookies wouldn't you say although they are just a bit smaller than those featured in the photo by W&S. I decided to use a teaspoon scoop rather than a tablespoon scoop so that the cookies would be bite size treats. I'm happy to report that they were a hit and gobbled by all. Mi esposo even brought them to his office to enjoy with his co-workers. At least I think he shared. :)

Also featured at the Cookie Swap were the following fabulous delicious treats...

Mint Delights (top left), Chocolate Crinkles Cookies (top middle)

and Mini Cherry Pies (bottom right) by SIL which she found on Bakerella's website.

They were delicious!

Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies - Mmmm Mmmm Good!

SIL's Confetti Cookies and Chocolate Chip Cookies - great with Coffee!

and Sister's Peppermint Bark which was incredible!

Here is sister sharing her Peppermint Bark with SIL's eldest, I can't believe what a big girl she is now.

And here I am eating up the cookies with the baby of the family.

We all had a lovely time and I believe we'll be cookie swapping again in the near future.

Holiday Planning - Part 2

2009-12-11T12:45:00.000-05:00

Christmas Cards....all but just a couple to go....

Gifts purchased.....Check

Gifts wrapped....Check....oh wait, I forgot to buy a couple of gifts, dang it...okay, adjust plan....

Schecule my next shopping outing....Check

Decorate house......in progress, tree is up and decorated, banister is done, window decorations may need adjustments. You see mi esposo put up two wreaths but it seems kitty keeps trying to eat them and the tape securing them. We may need to adjust the window decorations, and I still need to deocrate the mantle and finish my garland decoration.

Cookie Swap.....I'm set to bake this Saturday, but the question is what should I make?

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies from Williams & Sonoma

or these

Double Dark Mocha Drops from King Arthur's Flour Company

Don't they both look delicious! I'll take some pictures tomorrow and let you know what I decided to create and devour!

Holiday Planning Part 1

2009-12-01T12:07:00.000-05:00

Tis the Season to be baking, crafting and everything in between. This year for the Christmas Season I've started off strong! I hit the stores on Black Friday and took advantage of the sales to get a bunch of gifts (toys, clothes and DVDs) for my nieces and nephews. I printed out a great checklist, courtey of my sister's BFF, Martha Stewart which I highly recommend. While I'm not on track 100% with the checklist its given me a great starting point in so much that I have already started addressing my Christmas Cards. Its December 1st and I'm doing Christmas Card! Totally unheard of for me; I'm so proud of myself. :)

Tonight the wrapping station will be setup so that I can get my wrapping grove on which will help me to make sure I'm on target with my gifts and prevent a Christmas Eve shopping mad rush.

Also, my Sister-in-law (SIL) is planning a cookie swap that I shall be participating in. I can't wait, what should I make? Chocolate reverse cookies? Brownies? Thumbprint cookies?

Now I just need an idea for a crafty garland for my mantle. Any ideas?

My plea was answered

2009-11-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

I forgot to tell you. My birthday plea, yes almost two months ago, was answered by my sister and I was able to discover the secret of the Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.

Edward is a beautiful, sorry Edward, a handsome china rabbit often who is often dressed in the finest satin suits and partakes in meals with his family at the dinner table. He is loved by Abilene, his owner, but you see Edward doesn't really love everyone.

Edward is quite content to be admired and loved for the exceptional china rabbit that he is, until one day he is separated from Abilene, the child who has adored him and finds himself in horrible situations, one after the other. Along the way he encounters many people who fall in love with Edward and Edward in turn learns to love them in return, until finally on his journey he......whoops I almost gave away the story. If you want to find out what happens I suggest you pick up Edward's story and add it to your collection.

Edward's story was a pleasure to read and the artwork by Ibatoulline were simply beautiful. I can't wait to read Edward's story again and again and share it with my nieces and nephews.

Thank you again my dear for my wonderful birthday present. I absolutely loved it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T22:16:00.000-05:00

I love the Fall season, watching the leaves change to a bright red and vibrant gold, cuddling with a loved one as the weather changes and most especially when we celebrate Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. Now before you think my love for Thanksgiving is due to the scrumptious meal devoured in our household think again, okay so maybe that's part of it, but its more than that. Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate everything we take for granted which was bestowed to us as a gift from God.

First on my list of thanks to God is for mi esposo....Three years ago this week I was able to celebrate Thanksgiving with my fiance and then the very next day he became my husband. I often look back and think "Why didn't we get married sooner?" Yup, he is that much fun to be around.

My family of course comes next, all of my nieces and nephews (over 20+) have each taught me valuable lessons. First lesson, wear them out if you want them to go to bed and second, don't ever let them see you tired, they jump right on you. This year hubby and I are spending breakfast together, and then lunch and dinner with our families and we are hoping to see as many family members as possible. I'm charing my battery to take pictures because kids grow up quick and you never know when you can take that candid shot that becomes a lifelong memory.

Next up on my list is my baby, Sox, who had a run in with a ribbon, long story, short one is she had a small operation and now she's back home, to the joy of the Vet and Vet-techs, and is doing just wonderful. See she's back to contorting herself on the sofa. Notice the pink belly.

Oh and a huge, thank you Lord that my class is over, I passed my final as well as the many tests sent my way and next up is the bigger test. Wish me luck and Lord please help me to stay focused to pass the next part, you know I need that.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody and don't forget to recognize all the wonderful gifts God has given you.

checking in...

2009-11-02T14:55:00.000-05:00

Still in study mode but I've managed to get up for air to work on some crafts and have some fun especially for Halloween.

Quick recap of the weekend, Saturday mi esposo and I decorated and cleaned our house in record time and cooked for the goblins on my side who came over for dinner and candy. Dinner was a Mexican theme, mostly as it was quick and easy. Tacos were warming in the oven, the meat was cooked to perfection and a full fixings table was laid out so everyone could fill their taco to their taste. We even served cups of Tortilla Soup to warm everyone up from the cold, raining weather. Knowing the kiddies may not like Tacos so much we picked up Perdue chicken fingers, a recommendation to anyone out there for kids. At the end of the night we watched the Corpse Bride and everyone left with a tasty boo treat.

Instructions on the treats can be found on Betty Crocker's website.

After several attemps I was finally able to master them, notice the happy goblin on the first cake server to the left. Doesn't he look happy to boo! As for my first attempt, that would be the guy in the middle who melted so, that his eyes fell down his head, and his boo was lost in the cake. To be honest, no one's eaten him just yet and I doubt anyone will, poor thing.

Sunday mi esposo and I did our own study time, esposo in the basement on the computer, me upstairs on the kitchen table with my book. Every so often we would yell "Hey are you hungry? Want something to eat? Are you thirtsty? Is it Tea Time? Want to go for a Walk? Done yet? Sorry honey, I ate all those cookies my mom brought us I just didn't realize it." Okay so that was mostly me, especially the last one but hey they were good cookies.

Now that October is over and we are on to November which means Thanksgiving time!!!!!!!! Turkey, apple pie, mixed rice, glazed carrots....I can't wait!

Studying

2009-10-14T10:51:00.000-04:00

I've been out of the loop due to studying which is definitely a a good thing of course but I miss my crafting time. Today's test day so I'm cramming the last minute terms and concepts into my short term memory hoping to they will migrate over to my long-term memory for a passing score. Wish me luck.

A trip to my second home.....the bookstore and a plea

2009-09-28T23:20:00.002-04:00

So I have a test coming up. Yes the eternal student that I am well I'm enrolled in a new class. This one will give me a designation to me apart from my peers. In other words, it is a hard class that not many have taken. I'm hoping to pass so that I can advance my career. Wish me luck. First test I did really well, this test though I'm a little worried. Could it be that I'm blogging instead of studying. Yes, most likely but I needed a break, my brain is fried.....but enough of that let me tell you about one of the most recently, and one of the only lunch trips I had this week.

Lunch for me is a sad affair. I used to go to lunch with two complete goof balls and I loved every minute of it, but alas for reasons I can't print on-line :) they have moved on and out of the city limits and I am now on my own for lunch. Don't feel bad for me, I could easily call up a friend or even walk to sister's job to get some much needed exercise and have fun but I'm not yet up to having lunch with anyone just yet. Its hard to replace two goofballs. :)

So let me tell you about my trip into....Borders!!! Oh....Ah....yes the land of books, my 2nd home. I actually started to walk there to study but my last foray into studying in the public caused me to encounter a weirdo who asked what I was studying. He promptly freaked me out and I left before I was able to divulge the secrets of the "selection" process. So no more studying in public, its best to stay on one's feet while you are in the city so you can't be cornered. Anywho back to the books, the lovely books, ah just the smell of the bookstore puts me in a good mood. Please pardon if my images are shaky as they were taken with my cell phone camera, plus I was so excited to be out I kept jumping around the store like a crazy person.

First up, a great gift for my SIL (sister-in-law). I think she'd love this now that Miss A and Little Miss A are now both in school. This would definitely help her get the girls and the family ready for the school year.

Right around the corner I found a great gift for the holidays for all the lovely ladies in my family and maybe even for myself. Isn't it cute.

I got to thinking though soon the babies would be in school and I could buy this for Sister and SIL, but that would just make them cry....maybe I'll still get it. :)

After a while I headed over to the children section and saw this great find for my niece Miss A.

I think she'd love it, but I just have to wait to get it around Christmas time so she'll have time to devote herself to her new class. Wow 4th grade already.

As I looked down from this book, I noticed this new book....

I had never read it before and just couldn't help myself from having a seat and losing myself in the world of Where the Wild Things Are.....I loved it and plan on adding it to my collection one day soon. I didn't stop there though, I moved along and found this gem and read along.

Its even better in Spanish, another one I'll need to add to my collection. Slightly over to the left I noticed this cuite....

Harry Poter en espanol, no puedes ser. One day soon maybe I'll add this one too to my collection. What better way to brush up on your Spanish than by reading something enjoyable. The lunch hour was drawing to a close and before I made my way out something else caught my eye....

Another book by Kate DiCamillo.....Do you remember Desperaux? I spoke of him before you must remember him. Well dear Reader its Kate, the author of Desperaux, with a new book. The new story is about a little china rabbit who is wonderfully taken care of by his owner until one day he's lost.

LOST!?!? Why is he lost, what's happen to him, how could his owner not know he was gone. Poor Edward. It took every ounce of strength that I had to leave the store and not sit down at that very moment to discover Edward's journey, but here I am thinking of Edward Tulane again. I should be studying but I still can't help but wonder how did it happen and how does Edward become reunited with his owner.

If anyone out there is reading this (hint....sister) you know my birthday is coming up and I never ask for anything, except for the garland that you made the other day, maybe the chocolate or candy or cookies you have in your purse for BB, or to borrow a movie, or to borrow your madeline pan which I haven't given back yet...besides those things you know I don't ask for much, but this time its a matter of sanity. Would you please consider buying this book for me for my birthday. I promise I won't ask for another thing, until she writes another book or I find something that is equally interesting in the future. If you do I would be such a happy girl, remember how happy I was when you bought me Desperaux....well you could make that happen again and be the greatest sister in the whole wide world. No pressure. No pressure at all.

Okay, back to studying, but I can't help but think of a little china rabbit........hmmm I wonder what happened to Edward Tulane...

busy times = happy times

2009-09-11T12:15:00.001-04:00

Little A, my youngest niece on my side of the family turned 2 last month! If the baby is getting older that means the whole family is getting older. Notice Reader how I include everyone, and not just mention myself. Back to my niece, she is just the most lovable child you will ever meet. She will always greet you with a smile and is extremely compassionate towards everyone; all this at the tender age of 2. For her birthday I made her an elephant. Yes I know reader I have a thing for elephants but this was to be different. This was to be my first purple elephant. Patty came out just as cute as can be. Ah Dang it, I named another one. Well I let Patty know it was time to go to her new home and she was definitely excited.

You see Patty didn't care all that much for Kitty but dear Kitty found Patty to be soft and cuddly, the perfect pillow to lie upon. Patty decided Kitty's love was a bit too much and couldn't wait to be cuddled by Little Miss A. I can't blame Patty, at times Kitty can be a bit overzealous and I know Patty will be just fine in her new home.

Mommy also celebrated her birthday. It was grand affair as we celebrated with dinner and desserts at my house. I'm happy to report the kids devoured their meals. They never knew they were eating healthy as I used whole wheat flour for the chicken tenders and baked the french fries. HA! Come cake time we went all out! Hubby made two types of homemade ice cream, Hazelnut and Mint Chocolate Chip just for the occassion. The kids loved it and when I told them it was homemade everyone was surprised!

With all the birthday fun I was still able to find time to complete another successful swap. I participated in a fun coin purse swap and I created a fun little purse for my partner.

Based on her profile she liked giraffees and monkeys and I found this cute print. It is a bit larger than a true coin purse but I decided fun things might just be a bit bigger and will need storage space. I enclosed a Quarter since its a coin purse and some new types of tea for her to try. I really hope she likes it. I'm thinking of making one for myself. Just a little fun purse to pull out of my bag during a tough day at work and smile when I've found my hidden gems. I'm sure we could all use such a bag.

Before I close, I wanted to share a picture of Little Miss Middle A. She is heading to kindergarten next week where she'll learn to read and write her ABCs. I'm so excited for her and I hope she has a wonderful first day just like her big sister did!

Le Sigh

2009-09-04T14:55:00.001-04:00

I'm at work, but I'd rather be home.....
I'd rather be home sewing a coin purse for my swap partner.
I'd rather be home baking cookies for my hubby and family.
I'd rather be home watching my favorite movies, this time I'd pop in Labrynth.
I'd rather be home doing the laundry. I need clean clothes really bad.
I'd rather be home organizing my sewing room.
I'd rather be home sitting in my kitchen having a cup a tea.
I'd rather be home getting my calendar of events ready, plotting out studying and craft time.
I'd rather be home than at work.

Wouldn't you rather be any place other than work?

P.S. Title name of this post was courtesy of one of my sister's emails to me. Give credit where credit is due I say. :)

What I learned on my vacation.

2009-08-27T09:06:00.009-04:00

Its Friday.

Around this same time last Friday I was in PEI with my hubby lying on the beach getting a tan.

We were relaxing, no worries on our mind. It was glorious! Now we are back at work. I did make it through the week and it wasn't so bad. I had several significant projects where were successfully completed. I must admit though I was distracted. Images would flash through my mind....

of the peaceful places we visited.........

recalling all the farms and the bales of wheat we passed......

I laughed to myself thinking of how I had waved to the cows and the horses that we passed by on our travels while my husband smiled at me.

I didn't want to leave and no one could blame me. It was the first time in almost three years that my dear husband and I were on a true vacation. It was blissful, nothing but peace and quiet for us both and nothing to worry about at work.

Did we miss our family? Of course we missed them. We missed them dearly and often we would say "Your mom would love this," "Look Lumber!" (family joke), "Imagine how much fun our nieces and nephews would have had at the beach." Our most frequently uttered line, "Next time when we come with the family...." See we missed them.

But I loved our time together and I just now realized why.

While we were away in another country, our phones were turned off and we had no contact with anyone. We survived because we had each other.

We laughed together, we got lost together, we found our way together, and we had fun together.

Its funny because there are people now in both of our lives who are planning their weddings, large elaborate weddings, and small, intimate weddings. We have both heard how the bride and groom and their respective families want things a certain way and the fights that have been had and I'm reminded of something my husband said to me..."It isn't the wedding that they should be concerned about, its the marriage, its afterwards."

He's right. My darling husband is so right!

Are we experts? Far from it, but here we are almost 3 years later and still laughing, smiling, discussing :), vacationing and in love....just the two of us......me and my husband.

Frank, Thank you for a wonderful vacation that has given me so many wonderful memories, it was a dream come true for a little girl who read Anne and ended up finding her very own Gilbert.

Love you!

Avonlea

2009-08-20T20:40:00.004-04:00

Today Hubby and I had a fabulous breakfast prepared by our inn-keeper. There were mounds of freshly made French Toast, Bacon cooked to perfection, eight juices to choose from and freshly made blue berry banana bread. We were in heaven.

After our delicious breakfast we headed to Avonlea and were transported back to the days of Anne. Just imagine for me if you will, hopefully you've read the books or been made to watch the movies by your sister (you hear me Jenny) and close your eyes. Can you remember it. Now open them and tell me doesn't this look like Avonlea? Can't you just feel it.

Church and the Manse (the home of the preacher)

We entered Avonlea through the train station. If you are at all familiar with the story you'll realize that the train station is where Anne meets Matthew Cuthbert. Dear Matthew was her first kindred spirit in the land of Avonlea.

The days activities in Avonlea began bright and early at 10 am and continued until 5:00 pm. Wouldn't you like that work day. Throughout the day we were treated to scenes from the Anne of Green Gables books. When Hubby and I arrived we were able to see the first time Marilla met Anne. Oh how she cried when Marilla stated they couldn't keep her as she wasn't the boy they had sent for. Poor Anne! Later we were treated to Anne's first day of school where she first encountered Gilbert Blythe. "Carrots" he called her when she wouldn't pay attention to him. Well that name caught her attention all right as she took her slate and brought it clean down on his head! It was great!!!!

Diana, Anne and Gilbert as Gilbert apologizes to Anne for calling her Carrots.

The whole town broke for lunch and Frank surprised me with a picnic basket for our lunch. Our picnic basket, prepared by our wonderful inn-keeper, featured home baked bread, raspberry cordial, fresh fruit, cheese and meats for sandwiches, and homemade mini pecan pies. Ooh la la, as the french say "Tres Manifique!"

Frank and our Picnic Basket

Have I mentioned I married a wonderful man! Wait it gets better, you see we were able to have our picture done and partake in the Avonlea festivities. See....

Don't we look cute.

We were even able to stay to witness the marriage of Anne and Gilbert. It was a lovely service and there were many a teary eyed girl in the audience.

The day ended at Avonlea with a pig race. Yup, I said pig race. There were four piggies that ran the race, the one up front with the green dot is Wilbur. He was my pick. He didn't win. Hubby's pick Spotty, the red pig behind snuck up and I'm sure bit Wilbur in the leg so he won. Cheater.

That's all for tonight in Prince Edward Island. Tomorrow we are visiting Cavendish and the beaches!!!

Kindred Spirits

2009-08-19T19:17:00.005-04:00

When I was little my mother bought me a set of books by L. M. Montgomery called the Anne of Green Gables series. It was over eight books that told the story of a red-headed, feisty orphan who blossomed into a wonderful woman. I love those books and read them to this day. Somewhere in my mother’s photo albums is a picture of me reading the first book, Anne of Green Gables when I was in fifth grade, which I still have in my collection.

Anne was a spirited girl who loved to learn new things and would get caught up in her imagination. I love her dearly. She led me into a world of wonder and I will always treasure her story.

Today I am writing this post from Cavendish in Prince Edward Island (the place in which the Anne story is set in) thanks to my wonderful husband! My husband is a caring and wonderful person, he’s selfless and a champion of mine. He has traveled over 1,000 miles to bring me to my childhood dream, Anne of Green Gables home. He is my soul-mate, my kindred spirit.

Hubby and I after 12+hrs of driving

When we were dating, he would stop by my house and we would watch TV, play cards with mom or just hang out with the family. Once I made him watch the Anne of Green Gables movie on DVD. Jenny, my fabulous sister, bought me the DVD as a present, since I had worn the VHS tapes out. As we were watching the movie, Hubby recalled watching the show when he was little on PBS when he was ten thanks to his father. Hubby's dad made him watch TV he deemed "quality TV." His dad also made him read literature during the summer vacation and encouraged verbal book reports at the end of each reading. Plus there were word quizzes Hubby was subjected to by his dad all in an attempt to educate him. His father succeeded in my book, because he knew Anne. Who cared about the word quizzes. :)

I had never told Hubby of my love for Anne. I should have known then that I would marry him one day.

Hubby and I traveled through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, (stayed in Bangor, Maine overnight and even sat in Tabitha King's booth at a pub for dinner) then passed the Canadian Border into New Brunswick, over the Confederation Bridge and finally into Prince Edward Island (PEI)!

The Confederation Bridge is over 4 miles long.

Once in PEI, we checked into our inn and relaxed after such a long drive.

I promise I'll post more later but I'm off with my hubby for hot chocolate chip cookies and tea made by our inn-keeper.

The Visconti Pen

2009-08-12T14:34:00.010-04:00

I have a particular pen that I like to use, a JetStream pen by uni-ball. This pen isn’t particularly expensive as it retails for $2+ but its well worth it. I pay for them myself, as I can’t see asking my boss for a reimbursement for a box of pens especially since I use them all the time for almost everything I write. I have very bad vision and the ink used with this particular pen works very well for me. I can see the words quite easily and it doesn’t smudge should I accidentally run my hand over a newly written document. This is my favorite pen especially for work as the long hours that I put in the office can take a toll on my vision. I even keep refills for this, my favorite pen at the office just in case I run out of ink.

On Monday of this week, I couldn’t find my pen. It wasn’t on its normal resting place on my desk. I checked my purse for my back-up pen and realized I had apparently used it and had neglected to return it to my purse. As a creature of habit, I was finding it difficult to use another blue pen. I set off to look in our supply rooms for some alternatives for the day and found a couple of blue pens. One of the blue pens had ink that was just too light to be seen easily, another blue pen’s ink smudged all over my palm, and yet another blue pen felt awkward to hold. I had turned into the Goldilocks of Blue Pens. I plodded on with my day but grimaced every time I had to use one of the borrowed pens.

As part of my job for XYZ, I have a lost and found collection of items at my desk. Buttons, keys, change, and pens you name it and it most likely will find its way to my desk. In desperation I turned to the lost items and found a pen I thought I could use and discovered this pen.

It's pretty and had been in Lost & Found for about a year and remained unclaimed. When I tried to write something I realized the ink had run out. Inspiration struck and I tried using the refills of my favorite pen and it took them! Hurray! I was back in business and continued my day away.

Today my boss returned from an extended trip. There were a bunch of items for him to sign and since he couldn’t find his pen he grabbed my pen from the desk. I cringe when people do this because if my favorite pen is in their line of view they always grab it, either say it feels good too and sometimes walk off with it. An awkward moment ensues in which I say to that individual, “Can I have my pen back please” and then wait for them to hand it back. Most of the time I get it back but if they walk off with it, it’s gone, never to be seen again. It’s only a $2+ pen so I shouldn’t be worried but it’s my favorite pen.

As my boss signs the papers he asks me where I got the pen from and I said I found it. I remember when I found it too, it was last year in the supply room closest to my cube and was by the fax machine. Abandoned. All alone until it joined the residents of Lost and Found in my desk. Guess what boss says, I think this was my pen, I had it awhile ago but you can keep it, it looks like a girl’s pen anyway. “Thank you,” I said and continued to use it.

As I said, it’s a pretty pen so at lunchtime I went on the internet to see what type of pen it really was.

I’m familiar with the Cross Pen. You know the one people usually give out as a present for a college graduation or for your first job. It’s the cool pen you break out to sign checks or at a meeting that makes people think “Nice Pen.” For the record I know I’m silly. On the pen clip it says Visconti and I headed over to their website to check it out. My jaw dropped.

Turns out the pen that lived in my drawer for a year is a Visconti Van Gogh in Ocean Blue Stainless Steel and runs anywhere from $195 to $149. Here is an excerpt from one of the website featuring this exclusive pen.

Italian pen makers Visconti have created a special Van Gogh fountain pen. Its pleasant weight allows it to rest easily in the hand and balance well when writing. Visconti's Van Gogh combines natural resin and vegetal components in their hot Press Mould process to produce beautiful, one-of-a-kind writing instruments for you to enjoy. Their most popular line continues to impress with its individuality and colors reminiscent of individually crafted impressionist paintings. Try one today and bring forth your inner-Van Gogh.

Shut up!

Who would have thought that I would have had a pen in Lost and Found valued at $150+ in my desk for a year, only to use it and be reunited with its owner and then be given to me by my Boss because it’s girly. So thanks Boss, and now I’ll be sure to keep this pen with me at all times out of the view of those who might “borrow” it. I might even craft a special padded bag for it to rest in when I’m not bringing forth my own inner Van Gogh.

First Swap has been completed!

2009-08-07T11:53:00.007-04:00

I am proud to announce that I have successfully completed my first swap. Now comes the waiting game as I'll be on pins and needles until it arrives and meets with my Swap partner's approval. snazzynsuch if you are reading to get a sneak peek, here it is! I hope you like it. I had a blast making it for you.

I took this picture from the front of my house. The grocery tote bag is actually hanging from the branch of a gorgeous dogwood tree that calls my lawn its home. There is definitely more of the tree to see but this branch was calling for a close up shot and couldn't wait to be featured in my blog. I know I have a healthy dose of imagination, it keeps me going.

As I was getting ready to pack my creation I realized I had neglected to photograph the set of pockets I had made on the inside. Luckily I took this photo at work. Unfortunately I was far from home and couldn't pose the bag at my pretty tree again so I had to settle for posing the bag on my work chair. Next time I'll drape the bag all over the tree and do a whole photo shoot to make sure I get all of my necessary pics. Who knows if I cause enough commotion maybe my neighbors to the right will come out to investigate and maybe I'll finally meet them. :)

As part of this great swap I received a beautiful bag from Renees which I love! I apologize Renee, I've been so busy using the bag on my lunch errands that I keep forgetting to take a picture of it. I'll try and remember this weekend and hey if its stuffed with food I'll still take the picture.

This week I've been pretty good with my crafts. I managed to finish up another elephant for a new baby at work. Here he is below.

I named him. I am aware that I am not supposed to bestow a name to a cute stuffie but we've bonded. His name is Jimmy and he's going to a new home in NY. Jimmy, (i'm crying now) I'll miss you but I know you'll be very happy to travel to the Big Apple, and maybe you'll get to see the M&Ms store and the Statue of Liberty.

Looks like someone is excited but is it for the M&Ms store or Lady Liberty! Hmmmmm...

More good news to report, Hubby noticed our roses are finally starting to bloom. I personally thought this plant would never come alive again. During the spring, it was a bunch of twigs. At the beginning of summer only a handful of leaves grew but as time moved on this gorgeous plant who trekked with us from our first home finally decided to pucker up and bloom.

I wanted to take more pictures of this beauty until I realized what I thought was a twig at my feet had begun to move. I investigated a bit too close and found this.....

YUCKO! Since I'm still a city girl at heart, I took his picture and ran right out of there all the while making a sour face just thinking of how close I had gotten to the slug. YUCK Nature!!!!!!!

Progress and Planning

2009-07-28T11:12:00.011-04:00

This week has gotten off to a wonderful start. My penchant for planning luckily is appreciated by my hubby. Each week I create a list of ideas for dinner and lunch, and try and schedule study time and movie time. We don't always follow said schedule but it gives me an idea of what can be made and what can be accomplished during the week. This week my lovely planning needs have helped me allocate time to start my project for my first swap and even complete my bag from this great book....

Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross

I made the great big tote bag which allows me to stow practically everything in it and bring all of my treasures just about anywhere. I used sturdy heavy weight material not just cotton because I know I can be brutal to my bags and it came out beautifully.

I'll add a picture of the bag once I take just the right one, I promise.

I learned from this experience that a particular needle is definitely needed dependent upon the type of fabric being used. Also it's a good thing to wear glasses while you are sewing if you forget to change said needle and it breaks and launches at your face. I broke oh, three needles accomplishing this piece and I vow I will try the project again but will make several adjustments and I am sure one needle this time will be sufficient.

I was privileged to meet Ms. Ross in person and she was a delight. She demonstrated the smocking technique which is featured in her book and I plan on measuring my nieces this weekend (more on that later) to make them all a dress. This book is a definite recommendation for sewers out there. I loved the projects and can't wait to make the dresses and much more.

Now for the weekend...my best friend is flying in from Texas and we are going to veg out and catch up for as long as I can keep her, can't wait and then I'll be seeing my nieces and nephews from hubby's side on Saturday afternoon and then Saturday evening heading over to my AutoBot brother's house to watch this movie with his girls (did I mention that he and Nemo (his doggie) are seriously outnumbered in their own house by girls; I love it)!!!! So here's the movie....

Ballet Shoes is based on a novel by Noel Streatfeild and this movie version features Emma Watson, Hermione from the Harry Potter movies. Per Amazon.com "Orphans Pauline (Emma Watson), Petrova (Yasmin Paige), and Posy (Lucy Boynton) are being raised by an elder sister Sylvia (Emilia Fox) and her Nana (Victoria Wood) in the absence of their eccentric great uncle Matthew (Richard Griffiths). As Sylvia struggles to educate and support her three charges on very limited funds, she is forced to let rooms and enroll the girls in the Academy of Dance and Stage Training in hopes of furthering their education and preparing them to earn a comfortable living. While at the academy, each of the three ambitious girls discovers her own personal calling and labors intensively to achieve her dreams: Pauline studies to become a star on the stage, Petrova gravitates toward a career in aviation, and Posy trains to become a great classical ballerina. Their paths are difficult and full of adversity, but the sisters' steadfast support of one another and common resolve to earn a place in the history books based on their own merits propels each of them toward individual success. A compelling and inspirational film that encourages young women to strive for their dreams. "

All of us girls, Nala included will be watching the movie, eating cupcakes and having a ball.

I'm in!

2009-07-24T12:36:00.002-04:00

I have been accepted in a grocery tote swap! Me, YES ME!!!! I'm so excited.

This weekend I'm going to create a lovely bag for my partner. I might even make a couple more bags.

Can you just feel the excitement!!!!!!

Swap-Bot

2009-07-16T10:00:00.006-04:00

I joined Swap-bot and I've joined a swap for grocery bags. Reader, if you are familiar with my blog you'll instantly realize that this is the perfect first time swap for me. I have the experience since I've created so many in the past for friends and family. Plus its one of my favorite projects. I have learned how to modify my pattern by adding pockets, adjusting straps, and using different types of fabric. My last bag I used a great flannel material for the oustide and a linen type material for the inside. I'm a newbie but I hope they visit my website and see how eager I am to join and particpate. I promise I'll send in the project on time and get fabric choices that will be pleasing to my swap partner! I can't wait!!!!!

Updating

2009-07-07T13:38:00.009-04:00

An 8 GB memory card is gleefully capturing moments of my family having a ball or getting in trouble, other fun events and some spectacular projects I’ve been making, whenever I remember to take a photo.

Trouble is I haven’t uploaded a third of these files to my computer to print them out or post them to my blog.

I keep saying I’ll do it tonight, tomorrow, in the morning, at lunch, sometime soon. I’ll even get on the computer, log-on to the website to upload them to either print out the pictures for display in my house, or make a scrapbook page but then I find one of these photos. I'll stop for a second and smile.

This is BB; yes I have other nieces and nephews but I haven’t yet obtained their parent’s consent to post them as of yet. Yup I make them sign a release form. :) not really. See, isn’t she cute, isn’t she funny, don’t you forget what it is that you were reading when you look at her photo. So I'll keep scrolling through my photos and discover yet another gem …

Well my finger stalls above the mouse button and I can’t click print. You see dear Reader, this was BB, but BB looks bigger and in just a couple of months. Hasn’t she just grown! She’s having her own tea parties for heaven’s sake and in just a matter of months! Can you tell I can't get over that fact.

My heart can’t hit print and place her pictures on my wall. I can’t take it. In just a month, a week, a day even BB will come bouncing into my house and I’ll again be struck by how much she has grown in so short a time.

She’ll smile at me and I might even get an “I lube you” and then I’ll melt. If I look up at her picture and see her "baby days" shining down at me I’ll cry when I notice she’s a big girl now.

It wouldn’t be just any cry either it would be great big gloppy tears and I’m not even her mother. What must poor sister be feeling!

Unfortunately or fortunately, however you see it life though must go on, BB will need to get big and strong and go to school, make friends, learn to share, drive a car…okay let me stop before I really cry.

This isn’t an experience that is entirely new to me, I’ve had my heart melted before, so many times by other little girls and boys in my family as I’ve watched them grow. But still no matter how many times it happens isn’t it hard to watch them grow.

I should print the pictures though, just to remember those special moments. I’ll just make one of those wonderful tissue holders and keep some on hand for the happy crying moments that are around the corner…

I could sure use a whole box of tissues right now.

Why I started blogging....

2009-07-06T12:40:00.005-04:00

Reader, are you a true reader or a reader/blogger? If you are a reader/blogger why did you start your blog? Better yet, why are you keeping your blog active?

I started my blog, basically because my sister started her's. We have a fun thing in our family, when one person does something and it makes them happy we all try it and join in on the fun. Sometimes after our initial try, lifers are born and continue their new found happiness. In the case with my blog I tried it, I liked it and I kept blogging.

Conceptually, my blog was to have been the on-line location of all pictures, words, etc that were perfection by me. What ended up happening is I used my blog to vent, post my accomplishments, whine, celebrate my family, and mostly to remember.

Reader, I am aware that my posts are often staggered but you must understand I blog when I need it. When something truly wonderful strikes me I blog about it to capture it on-line and share it with everyone. :) While my posts will not bring down the Internet with the thousands of readers flocking to this site for my shiny two cents, it makes me happy. So I'll continue to blog until it becomes excruciatingly hard to blog, who knows when or how, and hopefully you'll keep visiting whenever you can.

Hubby's Birthday

2009-06-28T21:59:00.011-04:00

This weekend we celebrated Hubby's birthday with a trip to his favorite place, the beach. Not just any beach though, we went to Margate and Ventnor where he spent most of his vacations during his childhood.

Doesn't he looks handsome and so happy!!

We both took the day off from work, a much needed vacation for us both, and spent the entire day down the shore.

We started the day with a scenic drive down Route 30, breakfast at a great diner along the way where they served him fresh blueberries on his "blueberry pancakes," the last dinner used pie filling and it almost scared him for life.

We arrived at the shore early and headed straight for the beach. The water was cold so we only dipped our feet. The ocean must have missed Hubby since it sent a wave and smacked him on the butt as if to say "Hey Boo, weryabin!"

We strolled along the boardwalk, visited the Art Center, had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, walked some more, took a drive down to Margate and Ventnor, did some house watching and then went to one of the beaches to put up our feet and relax. Later we trecked back to the boardwalk got Hubby some retro-Candy from Sugar and ice cream at their ice cream parlor on the 2nd floor. Its a hidden treasure that was divine; we had scrumptious ice cream plus the place is air conditioned, a true two-fold treat since it was about 90 degrees outside.

Before we knew it, it was time to head home so we stopped off at the White House for an Italian sub to go. Subs (I call them hoagies) from the White House are delicious and definitely a recommendation to anyone who is visiting Atlantic City. Do not miss this place! Be prepared to wait in a long line but don't despair the wait is well worth it.

Mom always taught us to be prepared so we had a freezer bag on the go in the trunk. We wrapped up our sub/hoagie and couldn't wait till we hit home to devour it!

After the long drive, we were finally home. You would think such a relaxing day wouldn't make you tired but it took its toll. Hubby said its the salt air, it just lulls you to sleep. I believe it.

We did stay awake long enough and had a cupcake to celebrate Hubby. Kitty declined to sing since we hadn't gotten her a cupcake of her own and expected her to share with us.

The next day I invited my family to come and sing to Hubby for his birthday. Hubby's family had a graduation party for one of my many nieces on their side and couldn't attend. We did wish her Congrats in advance and will see her soon.

Here is hubby with all the girls on my side.

BB, Jenny's baby is in yellow, and the rest of the pretty girls are my nieces from my AutoBot brother who came to celebrate too. The cute one to the far right with the long hair in blue stayed close to Hubby while we sang him Happy Birthday. It was a plot you see as she's pretty slick. Little one stayed very close to his side and once our Happy Birthday song ended she blew out his candles before he even had a chance to pucker up!

Today Hubby and I just lounged around, seriously lounging we didn't get up until after 10 am! It was a wonderful weekend and I was so happy to celebrate my wonderful Hubby all weekend long!!! I love you very much darling, I'm so happy I married you and I can't wait to share many, many more birthdays with you!!!!!

Please note a special Post Script......BB is learning how to share. :) See this picture, she just loves sharing with her Tio.

Happy Birthday, Darling!

2009-06-17T12:26:00.005-04:00

When they brought her home I asked them to send her back to the hospital. She cried too much and interrupted my much needed REM sequence.

When she was able to walk I learned she was a great playmate, provided she followed all of my rules.

When she entered grade school I realized she needed protecting, especially from boys (yeah that means you Shawn, I remember you putting pencils in her milk!).

When she went to high school I knew she wasn’t a baby anymore but I saw firsthand that she could still sleep soundly like a baby. This was observed when I caught her snoozing on the roof, when she was supposed to be working, directly in the line of the sun’s rays. She did get a lovely tan though.

When she went to college, she tried to find out what she liked doing best and participating in music and all mediums of arts and she excelled in my eyes. I memorized her social security number so I could keep tabs on her when they posted grades.

When she started her first real job she learned the art of sleeping on the job and Wawa breaks, but just in the beginning thereafter she learned the value of hard work and its merits usually yielded more than a quarter raise. Now as a seasoned professional she is working like a champ. I still check in on her from time to time.

When she became a Mrs., all I could do was watch my baby become a beautiful bride. I couldn’t say a word, I would get all choked up and cry I was so happy.

When she became a mom she let me into the birthing room to check on her and if it hadn’t been for the fact that I hadn’t eaten or those bright lights I would have seen the birth of my niece. On second thought, I think it was better that I saw her for the first time all bundled up. It was so surreal; my baby sister had a baby and what a beautiful baby she is.

Happy Birthday, Darling! I’m so blessed to have been a part of all of your great moments and I can not wait to see what God has in store for you in the years ahead.

By the way this is what my baby thinks of this sentimental fun…

Deep down, really, really, really, really deep down, I'm sure she is wishing her Titi a Happy Birthday as well, from far away that is!

Cute Little Gifts

2009-06-05T19:17:00.004-04:00

I love this book!

Lexie Barnes is a genius! Ms. Barnes' book is so easy to use and is filled with great projects. I've made so many of the tissue holders to give away as quick gifts that its become my favorite project. I've given so many away I just realized I don't even have one for me. Here are just three of these quick beauties that I gave away as Thank You gifts. The recipients are happy, I'm happy, what a lovely craft.

I definitely recommend this book to all sewers out there, newbies and pros, because you never know you might learn something new, especially any of her fun projects. I even made a drawstring bag to pack away shoes. Drawstring bag you say, won't try it, its definitely hard. Nope, Lexie made it easy and now I'm going to make a couple more. You never know when you'll need it for yourself or to give away or just make them because they are fun.

Did I take a happy pill today or what!

By the way the plants are still thriving. Two weeks down, just the rest of summer to go!

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-26T13:20:00.004-04:00

Here's what I did for my Memorial Day weekend fun.....

#1. I organized my fabric and realized even though I was running out of storage space I could never have enough fabric for everything I need to make. Note I used the word need to make not want to make. I know you understand reader. Aren't they pretty. The fabric with the apples is going to be for a lunch bag, similar to what my sister made and yeah I need to make one too. But I need to incorporate the vinyl in my bag, I spill stuff.

#2. Lawn technical terms..... according to Wikipedia a "Cord" is a unit of measure of dry volume used in Canada and the United States to measure firewood and pulpwood. One cord, also commonly called a full cord or bush cord, is defined as 128 cubic feet (3.62 m³), ^[1], corresponding to a woodpile 4 feet wide × 4 feet high × 8 feet long. I think I have a Cord and a half at my house now.

#3. Removing bushes and the like are so much more fun with my daddy's help. He used his machine and yanked out stumps and the roots from two old overgrown bushes, which we had previously cut down, and a weird bush that I ruthlessly hacked away from the front of my house. See, isn't it pretty now.

#3a. Hubby and I need to measure the front of our house before we decide to do additional pretty up work. We grossly underestimated the amount of mulch and flowers we would need. We bought about seven plants, I think we need about thirty for someone to notice we have flowers from the road. :)

#4. Just because you set the function for the ten second delay on the camera doesn't mean it isn't activated on the camera. You have to click another button, but once you figure it out (thanks Harvey!) its well worth setting up the camera and running back to get in the picture.

My dolly, Little Red & Sister!

2009-05-21T15:04:00.004-04:00

First of all, I'm doing better; ever so much so since I have begun crafting again, taking lunches, walking and making time for family and friends and not just working full-time all the time. One of the things that usually makes me happy is checking out my sister's blog each day, www.thephantommoon.typepad.com just to see what's she's been up to. Even though I see her at least once during the week and try to see her and her family on the weekends it never seems as it is enough so I stalk her online. :)

Well today I received a very lovely surprise when I saw a picture of my dolly and Little Red, my newest craft gift from Sister, on my mantel next to my wedding picture (by the way, I asked my dear sis if I could post her picture to my blog and received a resounding Yes.)

I look at this picture and just want to get home and sit in front of my fireplace (no fire, its too hot outside) and finish my latest sewing project, a 2-year in the making octopus. Sister and I are the two girls that squished together. Even at her wedding I took pictures where I'm practically in her veil, but we looked cute.

I love this picture. I named my doll, Jane. I'll be honest, I coveted all of the dolls as soon as Sister made them and kept checking her website and etsy shop so I could have the first pick. I laid in wait and then pounced on my keyboard, like my cat taught me, and purchased Jane. Isn't she just lovely. Doesn't she look like Jane, Jane that is from Pride and Prejudice.

Now I need to convince my sister to make Mr. Bingley and I'll be set, that is until she makes me Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy.

You better get busy, Sister. :)

Stressed out!!!!!

2009-05-06T09:42:00.008-04:00

Lately I have been experiencing monumental amounts of stress as I'm sure many of you out there are feeling as well. I'm aware I'm not alone in this terror; I'm not that special to be the only human being picked on but doesn't it just feel as if its you against the world sometimes. I normally find comfort in retreating to my craft room, a book, a movie or just sitting around with my family and living in simple enjoyment of everything.

3 lbs of gray matter won't cooperate, that treacherous mind of mine continually worries over people, places and things it has no control over. Wondering and worrying what will become of the future, consistently moving and delving into its recesses discovering items I have yet to complete for work and home. In a nutshell it sucks!

God give me strength! I guess I should have realized that my 1 year blogiversary is fast approaching (yup 5/13/09) reader and I should remember the reasons for creating the blog....to get creative, to not stress out....and the method to accomplishing it, to pat myself on the back for the things I have done successfully, to keep going and to try and balance work and life successfully.

I need to celebrate the joys of life more often so that maybe my mind will be entertained and not insist on focusing on the potential failures. Let's recap this year...here in no particular order I have learned to....

successfully use a sewing machine and its basic functions and some of the cool sewing trims without any bodily harm to myself
to wind a bobbin and thread the sewing machine
to match fabric colors using the little numbers on the selvage (for the ones that have prints)
to make bags (big bags, little bags, wristlets, and totes)
that a project doesn't have to be perfect, it can have slight imperfections because its homemade
that a recipient doesn't need to fall in love with a gift I've made them even though I have loved making it; its okay if they just like it.... :)
to ask for help
do overs are fun
putting interfacing on fabric should be done to the outer layer :) and its makes a project look polished
make a list of the things you need
your list can always be adjusted
work needs to stop at a certain point, no later than 7 pm (I'm getting better at this)
minimal work on the weekends
cooking from scratch is fun and if hubby cooks its okay, it doesn't make me a bad wife, besides he can cook really well
I don't need to be in the middle of the bed, sharing with hubby and kitty is okay
relish my house, my island
whenever you make something, craft, work assignment, always put your best foot forward and be proud of it
spend quality time with hubby, family and friends
remember to take more pictures

I will admit, numbers 18 and 19 are my favorites!

Here's to a new year and hopefully less stress and more fun!

Good Friday

2009-04-10T14:45:00.005-04:00

TGIF everyone! Today for many Catholics is the celebration of Good Friday which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Golgotha. Good Friday is not a government holiday in the United States but oddly enough the stock market is closed on today. Many Catholics celebrate today in silence. I bet you are wondering why I said celebrate since it was the day that Jesus died, but Catholics, meaning me do. Today we celebrate Jesus and we acknowledge the greatest sacrifice that was made by God to give us everlasting life.

Here are some interesting facts from Wikipedia on celebrations from around the world for today, Good Friday.

There is no horse racing on Good Friday in the UK. The BBC has for many years introduced its 7 am News broadcast on Radio 4 on Good Friday with a verse from Isaac Watts' hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross".

In Bermuda, kites are flown. They are often handmade with wooden sticks, colorful tissue paper, glue, and string. The shape of the kite and the use of wood is meant to symbolize the cross that Jesus died on. Also, the kite flying in the sky symbolizes his ascension to heaven.

How will you celebrate today?

The Tale of Desperaux

2009-04-09T15:07:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I ran to my red mailbox hoping a special envelope marked Netflix would be awaiting me. As I reached into the depths of the mailbox, I closed my eyes and wiggled my fingers around until my fingers clasped the bundle of mail. Quickly I pulled the paper out and in the middle of the bunch poking through the bills and resident mail, was that wondrous red envelope. I fumbled with the keys to open the door, stepped on poor Sox, threw my bag to the floor, dumped the mail on the dining room table and pulled out the red envelope!

The Tale of Desperaux had finally arrived!!!!!

Dear Reader, I wasn't able to watch it at that precise moment. Hubby had gone to get a haircut and I was left with the irresistible envelope that was calling my name. I did my best to keep busy until he arrived. I did the dishes (I hate to do the dishes), brought down the laundry, sorted the laundry, changed my clothes, put on the oven for the pizza (it would take less time then having to make those frozen dinners or hey let's be honest I was in a bigger hurry) until finally Hubby was home. Now before you think I was able to watch the movie right away think again. Hubby took a quick shower, so that was another ten minutes to keep busy but I cheated.

I loaded the DVD in the player so I could hear the music, you know the theme music that plays while the DVD menu is on display.

Finally, Hubby was ready and we both rushed down to our movie room and began the Tale of Desperaux.

It was lovely! The colors were rich and you could positively feel the fur of the mice and rats. As many of you know once a book is made into a movie items are changed to suit the time constraint of the movie or elements are added not found in the book by the director or screenplay adapter.

I won't lie, it was a slightly different story but the core of the story did not change....to dream bigger than you are, bigger than the expectations of who you are, to hope, to love and to forgive.
While I much preferred the book, the film was a beautiful experience. I especially liked the introduction of Baldo, I don't recall him in the book, in fact I recall the chef as a woman who later provides Desperaux with soup to nourish him, little does she know on his quest to save the princess. You should definitely watch the Bonus Features that show how the animators got their ideas especially the kitchen food fight.

Mathew Broderick was perfect for the voice of Desperaux. I couldn't help but smile when he introduced himself to Princess Pea as a "gentleman." Another notable mentions is Sigourney Weaver, as the voice of the narrator. She was a delight, pay special attention to her voice at the end of the movie, when she describes how the hearts of those in the tale where broken and caused them to act out and hurt those around then, how this misunderstandings caused others to be angry and how in the end the power of forgiveness is the greatest power in the world. It was lovely and well worth the wait.

Desperaux

2009-04-08T18:11:00.003-04:00

Wonderful news!!!!! The Tale of Desperaux DVD is on its way to me through the wonders of NetFlix. I'm so excited!!!!!!! Hubby sent me an email that is was going to be delivered on or about today, how vague, so I'm hoping and praying and wishing that its in my red mailbox today!

Isn't he adorable! Wouldn't you just love to see this cutie in a movie.

Wish me luck. I'm making a frozen dinner bag quickly then making Hubby watch it with me.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!

Gift Request = Cool Aunt!

2009-04-03T11:14:00.007-04:00

Hubby and I have kitty. No kids.

We know a lot about children. When to pick them up. When to play with them, and especially when to give them back. So when one of our in-laws calls to tell us their child would especially need a "SomethingorOther"and we can afford it; we get it.

Happy Child = Happy Parents = Super Cool "Aunt & Uncle"

I like it when kids think I'm cool.

My sister-in-law "M" called me recently and asked if we hadn't gotten a gift already, (some times I get gifts ahead of time and stash them in my house), but if I hadn't gotten a gift already (and I hadn't) that "K" could really use a toy box for her room.

Toy boxes are not what they once were, you know like the Holly Hobbie toy boxes from long ago. I can still remember putting all of my treasures in mine. Ah the good ol'days. Anyway we couldn't find anything that would make K say "My Aunt is Cool!" Oh and her Uncle too, until we found a blank canvas. Ikea is selling great plain white toy boxes that could become anything if you have a bit of imagination. I can just see my favorite heroine, Anne of Green Gables smiling in my head over that line. Anyway, Hubby and I went to Jo-Anns and we found these cool sticker things. Sorry I can't remember what they were called but they worked perfectly.

From a Blank Toy Chest, I know present you K's Fairy Toy Box, or as BB calls it "Girl!"

Here is a view of the lid, aren't her wings just lovely.

We decided not to add the hinges to the box. Her little brother could poke his hand in there and get it stuck. Now he'll need to be strong to lift it. Hopefully our theory protects his little hands.

Side View - We, I'll explain later, added little hearts all around!

All Wrapped and Ready to go!

I couldn't find any wrapping paper that matched Little Miss Fairy so I decided to add ribbon and a bow and head off to the party.

K loved her toy box and her mom loved it so much she suggested we do one for her oldest son. A toy box for a boy....I'm guessing snakes and spiders should do it.

Oh and the "We" before I forget. I enlisted my dear sister JennyC to help me arrange and actually do most of the work. I did some of the hearts though. Oh and the stickers can be moved. Now I just need to remember what in the heck they were called!!!!

Next project...

2009-03-10T12:39:00.006-04:00

My sister, JennyC No-3, has participated in a couple of swaps recently and has enjoyed it immensely. She wanted me to participate but I couldn't decide what to make. So I've decided to swap with her, mostly because I want two, Jenny if you are reading this see I want two of the mushrooms that she sent in her mushroom swap. They would be perfect for my mantel.

I'll be making her two of something too. I can't decide what though, she could use so many things but I think I'd rather make her something fanciful instead. Any ideas out there? It should be a softie because let's face it my sister is talented in all areas, I need instructions to get my stuff done. :)

Let me ponder and then wander, ha I rhymed, into my craft room and try and figure out what I can make her. Check back soon since I hope to begin them soon.

my childhoold

2009-03-06T14:19:00.005-05:00

When I was little my mother and I used to watch movies together on TV. We would watch all types of movies together but most of the movies we watched were Disney movies. Of all the movies we had watched, I will always recall the "Witch Mountain" movies with much love.

Escape from Witch Mountain was the first movie in that introduced us to Tia and Tony, siblings who possessed "special" powers and were trying to get back home. This was the first time I had ever seen a special effect; looking back at the movies now they seem a bit silly but at that time it was unbelievable. I was an impressionable child. In Return to Witch Mountain, Tia and Tony are back as teenagers with a visit to Los Angeles and when they try to prevent an accident Tony gets taken by the bad guys who uses a device to control his mind. Control his mind you say, "Oh no, not Tony!!!!" I was really scared for him, but his sister Tia came to his rescue with the help of a gang of kids she met to help her get Tony back so they can get home. Simple synopsis but for a child of 10+ to see it for the first time...It was awesome!!!!

Now I've just found out that there is a new installment to the Witch Mountain series. Race to Witch Mountain is coming March 13, 2009.

Here's the info on the latest movie....Two young siblings (AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig) find themselves on the run from a dark organization seeking to exploit their paranormal abilities in this remake of the beloved Disney classic. A helpful cab driver (Dwayne Johnson) and a UFO specialist (Carla Gugino) try to keep the kids safe. Kim Richards (Tia) and Ike Eisenmann(Tony), who played the siblings in the original movie, co-star, along with Ciarán Hinds and Cheech Marin.

I can't wait to see it!!! I can't believe they got Tia and Tony to return for this movie. I'm so excited.

she's nine

2009-02-21T10:30:00.003-05:00

My oldest niece on my side of the family is nine. I was there when she was born. Well not in the room but in the waiting room. I called out of work to be there when she was born, nine years ago. Can you believe it! Nine years have passed since this child was born in the blink of an eye.

Instead of making her a bottle I'm feeding her mac and cheese and trying to trick her into eating broccolli.

Instead of reading to her she is reading to me and she's reading scary books, Goosebumps!!!! She read a short story to me from the book her aunt, my sister had bought her for christmas, and it gave me the chills. Am I scaredy cat? Darn right but still she was only eight at the time reading these stories!

What's going to happen when she is 10? She and I wear almost the same size so maybe by then she'll be wearing my clothes!!!!! I'm scared but also in awe as I get to experience my little niece grow and become a wonderful, smart, funny, lovely little lady.

perfecting my flaws through crafting

2009-02-21T10:29:00.002-05:00

I'm a perfectionist. I like everything to be just so. If it isn't, for example, if I don't have all the necessary supplies or I don't have the time I believe is needed to complete a project or make a sucessful start at it, I won't do it. Have I also mention I'm a procrastinator, but then who isn't (passing the buck = self defense mechanisim).

I'm trying to overcome these flaws and turn them into something positive. How... I'm still working on it :) but fear not I'll figure something out. Oddly enough crafting is helping me with my vices. I made a list of all the crafts I would like to do, fun stuff for myself and great gifts for others, I have been able to get a good bit done, and on time too! My latest project a bag for my niece for her birthday which just passed, don't worry I made the bag in time so I think I'm off to a good start so far!

BB's Tree

2009-02-21T10:27:00.004-05:00

Its BB's birthday and I decided to make her a homemade gift that I know she'll enjoy.
See its a tree.....

You see BB is always running around my house saying something, or should I say announcing something to everyone, something that is extremely significant. Reader do realize that BB is going to be 2 so in her short span anything that she sees could be considered extremely significant. Recently she's been fascinated with the heart decorations that have been hanging on my window from Valentine's Day. Little BB would run around pointing to the window and yelling with all her might "Heart!" It made her happy.

Her mommy taught her many more words and one word that she says, which I enjoy, is her pronunciation of "tree." Every time she says it she shows the gap between her front teeth. She just looks adorable. I'm sure to get a TREE when she sees this softie.

The pattern from the tree is from softies, simple instructions for 25 plus pals by Theresa Laskey. The instructions weren't lying when it was identified as an easy project. My version is a loose interpretation of the tree. Traditional green was my choice for the tree top instead of the suggested turquoise and I cut all of the leafs freehand as suggested but didn't necessarily use the recommended sizes which I'm sure would have made it a perfect replica but I decided to do a little improvisation on it and lo' and behold BB's tree came to life.

I like to craft.....it makes everything I'm thinking of, all the things I need to do at work, just stop.
I get to create and BB gets to yell TREE. Everyone is happy!

It has been forever

2009-01-18T22:42:00.006-05:00

since my last post, but I've been busy doing so many things. We have had an emergency in the family, hubby's dad is in the hospital, he was admitted right before the new year. At first it was a bit of touch and go moments, one code blue that I don't think I'll ever forget and now hubby's dad is doing so well that even the doctors are surprised at his progress. Hopefully he will be home soon and then I'll bully him into coming over again for dinner at our house. Keep him in your prayers please for a speedy return home and support for his new lease on life.

Well I did finish a lot of my handmade gifts. I actually forgot to take some of the pictures but I did manage to remember to take these....

Here is my mother-in-law's grocery tote and I made her a matching coin purse. I made one similar to this as well for my sweet neighbor and both lovey ladies loved their gifts.

Here is my sister-in-law's grocery tote. She is always telling me how much she loves handmade things and Native American items so I tried to combine the two for her. Its definitely not authentic Native American but the colors were rich and the design was something she enjoyed.

I made this for my other sister-in-law who recently had a little boy. I thought it would be good for her to take along diapers and wipes.

And this bag found a home with hubby's oldest sister. She was sweet and wrote me a thank you note letting me know she would use it. I hope she enjoys it.

I made a couple more bags but I forgot to take pictures of the finished product so I'll have to have the recipients take pictures of their handmade crafts with their gifts and I'll try to post then soon. Speaking of recipients, here is a picture of my niece who loved her cosmetic bag.

And finally here is a picture of my newest nephew. Doesn't he look like a little old man!

So cute.

Oh I almost forgot, Happy New Year, better late than never.

I'll post again soon with a new header to boot as well.

Christmas is here

2008-12-21T11:03:00.004-05:00

Christmas is right around the corner. I'm not done all of the Christmas crafts I had set out to do but I'm going to try and finish up as much as I can before Dec 25th. Its a good thing I started out early or else I wouldn't have anything done.

Hubby and I did setup our Christmas tree. We actually had to run out and buy a new one because the top portion of last years tree wouldn't light up. Luckily Target had one that fit the house and all of the lights are on! My sister, JennyC introduced me to Picnik and I used it to make my photo look like a scene from my childhood. I love it. By the way, that is a real fire in the fireplace. Hubby and I sat by the fire and listened to Christmas music, another moment to celebrate our first year in our new house and a wonderful night to remember going into our second year of marriage.

I had my nieces over one weekend and they helped me make the mantel. I got the idea from a catalog that was selling pre-cut felt mittens with additional pieces to help you personalize them. Not only was the price outrageous but I thought how can you really personalize them when they give you everything. Setting about to make it unique, I went to Michael's craft store and purchase two bell cookie cutters. They were out of mittens. Then the girls and I traced the bells in construction paper, cut them out and gave each a unique design and personalized each with a family members name.

Hubby even got involved in the action and made my dad a hula bell. The girls enjoyed all of the fun and now I have a piece of Family history in my collection of Christmas decorations.

PS Still no pictures from our dinner but at least I remembered to take and post these pics. :)

I forgot

2008-12-08T21:00:00.006-05:00

I forgot to take pictures of my crafs! Although I did remember to bring my mom and Jenny C along with BB and hubby, her manny to keep her occupied, so that we could sew upstairs. I'm very proud to say I have successfully completed by six (6) cosmetic bags for my nieces for Christmas. What do you think?

I am now at work on a different tote that Jenny and Mom helped me figure out. I can never read those directions. I'm sure if I didn't rush through it they would be understandable, but I can't seem to stop and take a moment. Luckily for me, Jenny cut the fabric, mom read the directions and now I can do it all by myself. Hopefully.

I'm telling you this is the beginning of a beautiful bag. Now I'll celebrate with pie and tea, again courtesy of lovely hubby.

Christmas Crafts are still on

2008-12-06T13:16:00.006-05:00

I'm still crafting christmas gifts and they are getting pretty good if I do say so myself. I'll post pictures of them as soon as I can. I've made another grocery tote and my latest venture is little bags with a zipper!!!

I can do a zipper, can you believe it! I'm so proud of myself. I've made two, wow two, and if you would have asked me this time last year if I could make a bag I would have said absolutely no. What a difference a year makes. This month marks another great event. This December hubby and I are celebrating our first year in our new house. YEA!!!!!

Simple Sewing

2008-11-23T18:10:00.001-05:00

Lotta Jansdotter is just wonderful.

I bought her newest book this week and I can't wait to get crafting with it. Hubby took me to Jo-Ann's over the weekend and even though I didn't find the unique fabrics Lotta features, I believe she screen prints most of them, I did get some fabulous finds.

I have ideas on gifts for the family and am hoping to use this book to make them come alive. I'm so excited!!!!!

If you haven't gotten a chance to check out this book I strongly suggest you hurry to Barnes and Noble or Borders and take a look.

Now let me get to my singer so I can create some beautiful totes, placemats and even a table runner!

Christmas Gifts - Part 1

2008-11-21T08:40:00.001-05:00

I'm always running behind getting things done for Christmas, and this year I'm sure will be no exception. I'm going to try and make a few select homemade gifts this year, since I have my sewing machine. Not only will it help me destress it will be unique. I like sewing. I never thought I would ever say that. I always thought it was too difficult but because of my sister and her desire to take a sewing class I now have found something fun. Corny I know but its true. Back to Christmas, yes I celebrate Christmas because I believe in Jesus, I've made a list. Who knows how many times I'll check it but so far I can cross of my Sister-in-law, Maria. Remember that fabric I posted a while back....we'll now its a beautiful bag!

So what do you think?

My niece actually informed me just this week that she would love to receive skirts for Christmas with "buddons" on them. I might just make her one also, so don't be surprised to see something "Buddon Fabulous" on the site soon. Hubby is taking me to Jo-Ann's tonight so hopefully the snow won't stick and I can get to creating something tonight.

I'm it...

2008-11-14T22:51:00.001-05:00

I've been tagged by JennyC No-3, so I need to answer her questions....Here we go.

Where is your mobile phone? table
Where is your significant other? sofa
Your hair colour? brown
Your mother? cute
Your father? driven
Your favourite thing? reading
Your dream last night? short
Your dream goal? balance
The room you're in? dining
Your hobby? stuff
Your fear? unfinished
Where do you want to be in 6 years? ?
Where were you last night? working
What you're not? tall
One of your wish-list items? kitten
Where you grew up? 1820
The last thing you did? baby-sat
What are you wearing? jeans
Your TV? DVRing
Your pets? Sneaky
Your computer? swivels
Your mood? hopeful
Missing someone? no
Your car? wicked!
Something you're not wearing? glasses
Favourite shop? bookstore
Your summer? bugs
Love someone? definitely
Your favourite colour? blue
When is the last time you laughed? now
When is the last time you cried? Tuesday

All done! Frank its your turn.

Out of the office

2008-11-05T23:20:00.000-05:00

On Monday, 11/3 I finally took a day off from work. I like work. It pays the bills but sometimes as they say absence makes the heart fonder. With that in mind, I requested the day off, advised my Boss twice I was going to be out and then I was out.

I got up early, because if I slept the day away how was I going to get everything accomplished. I signed onto the on-line system for work, printed a document and answered a couple of emails and I was on a roll! Hubby went to work and then here I was alone at home. All by myself and what to do. First thing, I ate. I'm always hungry in the morning besides breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So I ate and then I decided I'd watch a movie, Mean Girls, with Lindsay Lohan. Its been staring at me from Netflix so I had to get it. So I settled down to watch a teen flick, eat till I was stuffed and relax instead of being at work answering the phone that doesn't stop ringing the emails that keep piling in and the in-box that seems to get bigger each day.

I forgot to mention I made myself a cup of General Foods International Coffee, the hazelnut brand. Hubby usually makes me this "coffee" in the morning but when I made it, it just wasn't as good. I called hubby on the phone at work, poor baby he had to go in and asked him "what gives?" I read the directions so what's up it doesn't taste as good as it usually does? Hubby kindly told me that he uses more spoonfuls of the mix, adds a spoonful of sugar, a healthy dollop of whipped cream and drizzles caramel on the top. Yeah I like his better.

So back to my movie, it wasn't bad. I actually did enjoy it but I doubt I could watch it again. It had its moments but most importantly I didn't think about work so it did its job. I caught up on my laundry, dusted and swept a bit. Did the dishes and plucked some chicken from the freezer to defrost for dinner. Then I had a distraction that derailed my day. Here it is...Dum, Da, Dum Dum.....

BB came over with my mom and totally wrecked my living room with tortilla chips all over it. We went for a walk just down the block a bit and BB kicked her way through ankle deep leaves. I forgot she was so short. She stayed for a while and then headed down with my mom to pick up her mom from work.

It was a welcome distraction and although I didn't get everything I had set out to accomplish at least I wasn't at work!

Now all I had to do was break out the vacuum cleaning and pick up all her tortilla chip mess. She's just like her mother......

He makes me smile

2008-10-27T15:53:00.001-04:00

World, let me introduce you to Noah. Noah, here's the world. Isn't he adorable!

I made him with the help of a "Sew an Elephant" kit from SewingStars who has wonderful softie kits, but beware they sell out fast. Once I saw the kit; I had to have it. I headed over to the website to buy the kits almost every day and each time they were sold out.

Luckily for me, my sister was even more persistent and she even bought me a kit!!! My hubby comes from a huge family, he’s the last of eight, so I plan on making an elephant and any other softie for the child that's usually born each year. Noah went to my newest nephew. I also made a pink version...

If you have ever visited Sewing Stars ("SS") and seen her pattern you'll be able to tell that mine is slightly off. Somehow I can't seem to make the arms right on my elephants so they always seem as if they are dancing to their own tune. Maybe they are playing the hokey pokey, who knows but at least they look like they are having fun. I couldn't find the same safety eyes that SS used but I did find slightly larger eyes. Not sure if I'm 100% sold on the bigger eye. I think they might look too big but hey she still looks cute and that's what counts. I thought about naming her but if I keep doing that then it will be harder for me to give them away. Good bye Daisy I'll miss you. Dang it she's got a name.

I'm Wired

2008-10-20T00:35:00.000-04:00

I'm wired. I can't sleep; I'm going to work tomorrow and all I can think about is the pile of work and loads of email I have to do. Honestly I did some work tonight late at night so I would feel better about tomorrow. Right now as I type, my cat is giving me dirty looks as if to say "Cut it out and go to bed." My husband is sleeping and I'm posting because I can't sleep. Hmmmmm. Now that I'm awake I recall the words of my not so bright cousin. We saw each other at my niece's birthday party, which incidentally my sister and I make a fantabulous cake for and he caught me texting on my work phone. He inquired about the phone and I said I was working. Yeah, I work a lot, I have a lot to do, I like it. Smart pants said...Is it worth it. And I said yes, but here I am unable to sleep. But then I get to thinking, I'm in my own bed. I can pay the bills for my own house. My cat is up to date on her shots (she's mad I mentioned the vet). I have food in the fridge. I have running water and the heat is on. So yeah, its worth it. I just need to remember to get to bed early and get my mind to stop thinking of work. I'll post later with some pics of some great things I've completed.

Don't you just know it

2008-10-07T18:18:00.000-04:00

So I've been having a tough time dealing with an issue. Can't go on-line with it but let's just say its breaking my heart. I'm trying to see it as a good light for the person it will affect but in the end its still upsetting. I haven't been able to sleep. Tossing and turning all night. Staying up and reading items on the Internet to see what's out there that relates to this situation, but no help. I can't get it off my mind.

Last night I turned to the Bible, which resides next to my bed, only I needed to blow off a layer of dust upon which was upon it before opening it. I opened it quite randomly. Dear Lord, show me something I demanded, because isn't that what a wayward Christian does, demand of God, when we haven't spoken to him in so long, asking for an answer right away. Yes, I'm an impatient Christian too, but God in his everlasting love didn't leave me alone. He showed me my answer whether I liked it or not.

As I can not share the problem I am overjoyed to show you the answer. After reading you'll understand my flippant response.

Jeremiah Chapter 42
Gedaliah's assassination was of course merely a last-gasp act of a destroyed kingdom, a nation that was brought down, by The Lord, because they were corrupt before Him. It need not have happened, if they had listened to The Lord's warnings. When it was too late however, the people "42:2 said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us: 42:3 That the LORD thy God may show us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do" (Jeremiah 42:2-3 KJV).

The Lord's response was what it had always been, deliverance if they truly obeyed Him, destruction of they didn't. The Lord told them to remain where they were, but some of the people instead chose to disobey by fleeing to Egypt.

So I need to stay where I am and do his work whether I like it or not.

Thank you, God.

Honestly, thank you for your wise words, but tonight can you show me something that says....everything will be better tomorrow.

(Yes, I know another demand by the wayward and impatient Christian, but what can I say I always try to tell the truth and you can't lie to God.)

Sewing Craze

2008-09-14T23:49:00.000-04:00

My sister, JennyC revived one of our mother's favorite pastimes with a fury. SEWING! It all started with my baby sister decided to make a stuffed animal by hand for her Baby Bear. Later she decided to make her BB a dress, mostly because she found a sensational koi fish material. We decided to do a family project every so often, baby sister even made a calendar to tell everyone what was due. She likes calendars. We made a cat, pointy kitty actually, and a crocodile. So about five animals we were bit with the sewing buzz, all by hand up until this point. So Baby Sister decides to enroll my mommy and I along with her into a sewing class at Spool. At first I was a bit scared I mean who sews now a days. Most importantly, I didn't want to sew my finger and especially since she enrolled us in a class I didn't want to sew my finger in front of virtual unknowns. I'm glad I did go and tada I made a bag!!!! A big grocery bag that I can take me with shopping or have it filled with all kinds of good stuff, like sewing materials.

Here's the bag!!!! Isn't she cute. Pay no attention to the table, I forgot to clean it in my haste.

The grocery bag is actually reversible, or it will be once I erase the markings I made on the wrong side. Newbie mistake! Spool was great, I definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to try their hand at sewing.

I already have a couple of new projects lined up. My next project is a lunch bag, which I fell in love with in Sister's book. Jen's already done her bag but I need to finish it. Another Newbie mistake. Hey I plan on keeping this Newbie excuse for at least a year until I figure all of these sewing terms. For example, don't stitch the top. Who knew!

See the bag is ready to go except I sewed it a bit wrong. The insulation is at the top instead of the bottom. The way I have this lunch bag it won't keep anything cold. Since that's its purpose its time to pull out the red removing stitch do-hickey and start over. My mom helped me. :) I might need more help too since I bought some lovely fabric from Jo-Ann's that I can't wait to use.

First I need to finish the bag, then its a softie pattern!!!!! Look out world here I come with my Singer 7442!!!!

Mom's Birthday

2008-08-31T23:10:00.000-04:00

On August 30th, Mom celebrated her ## birthday. We don't keep track of age because with Mom age is just a number. It defines how many years she's lived but it does not keep track of the age of her spirit. Mom will always be a young girl, cracking up at all types of jokes and hanging out with her kids, from all ages that is. See how happy she is with Baby Bear and Abrakadabra.

Cheeky kids aren't they all.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!

Reminicing

2008-08-22T12:48:00.000-04:00

My sis, JennyC-No.3 and I have been baking and decorating cakes and cookies for so many years now and we've made the move to officially start our own business!!! Sweet Symphonies. I'll have a better intro for our business soon and especially a link to our website very soon. The website is under construction as I'm trying to add as many fabulous pictures of our creations, which brings me to my post today. Reminicing. Once upon a time sister and I were the Bells of the baby shower. We had people calling us from everywhere to create a baby cake for them. Of all the cakes we created, this baby remains my favorite.

Isn't he just delicious. The mom-to-be had pooh themed shower. Our client, her lovely sister wanted a cute baby cake but future mommy was hoping for a pooh bear. Sister and I put our heads together and cake up with Little Mr. Cutie above, a baby dressed up as "Pooh Bear." Our design left everyone overjoyed and they loved his cute little saying "A Honey of a Baby." Not only are we cake designers, somethings we are problem solvers. We had so much fun making him and we can't wait for future babies, cakes that is.

Delicious!

2008-08-15T14:14:00.000-04:00

Would you like to try something truly scrumptious? Wouldn't you like to try a delectable piece of apple pie at the office but would rather not have the huge mess or the calories? Then look no further and grab a box of these delicious fruit crisps. My mother gave me a sample of one of these delightful treats and hubby and I love them!!!

To look at them one would think, only 100 calories, can't be good and that certain someone would be wrong. Should you run into one of these so called disbelievers, snatch the crisps from them and gobble them yourself. They don't deserve them. I've only tried the Apple fruit crisps but I hear there is also Berry, which may prove to be elusive as I've yet to locate them. Hubby and I have just opened the box and I'm already placing it on our grocery list. If there was only one left I would feel compelled to hide it from Hubby. Sad but true; to keep myself on the straight and narrow I need to buy more.