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Merry Christmas
After yesterdays deserved rant, I'd say it's a safe bet that I'll be taking a few days off from the blog. *I will add that everything that needs to be done is checked off the list!
Being put together
I would like to believe that I am somewhat put together...
Lately, not so much. I feel like everything is in shambles. Maybe that's because it is....
My house looks like a bomb went off in it. As much as I love the UPS & FedEx drivers for dropping off lots of goodies, they don't take all the boxes with them. SO, I've had this HUGE pile of boxes in my kitchen (and next to my computer desk) just growing and growing. I finally {gasp} lost my temper and tossed them all down the basement steps. I should take a picture. It looks like a box avalanche. I need to move them before my husband gets home and confirms that I've really lost my mind.
You see, my husband had this great idea that he wanted to see my parents....and stupidly I agreed. And now I feel as if I'm being punished. I have stuff everywhere. Whenever I think I've straightened, I have a little two year old tornado following close behind making an even bigger mess in his path...Are we packed? NO. Are we ready to go? No. Am I hating his guts for this great idea? (You can guess the answer!)
On top of it, my sewing/craft room also was serving as "Santa's Workshop" and when I tell you there was stuff EVERYWHERE I mean it: EVERY WHERE! I finally lost my mind yesterday and started tearing apart the large closet in that room only adding more to the disaster...I've filed bills. I've shredded old documents. I've nearly cleared a substantial path through the room (it's a miracle!) But there is still work to be done.
We already celebrated Christmas in our house, and we even took down our tree...so we've added to the mess with taken down holiday decorations.
To add to the confusion, there is the laundry "issue" and when I say issue, I mean: I nearly had it out with my washer this morning when it tried to pretend it had a problem giving me an error message "F24" I nearly lost it. Luckily, my second attempt to wash the load was successful and the laundry "situation" is underway.
So today I'm not really feeling the holiday cheer. I'm substantially feeling pretty Bah Humbug.
I'm sure we'll pull it together, and hopefully if we die in a car crash our families wont be left thinking we live like pigs. (Yes, that is seriously my train of thought!)
SO, it's a safe bet you might not hear from me for a few days....until I've put away the boxes, finished the laundry, put all the craft items back into the closet, put away the rest of the Christmas decorations, packed our bags, packed the car, packed the child & the dogs....you get the idea. In the meantime, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Filled with love, cheer, excitement, and all good things.
Lately, not so much. I feel like everything is in shambles. Maybe that's because it is....
My house looks like a bomb went off in it. As much as I love the UPS & FedEx drivers for dropping off lots of goodies, they don't take all the boxes with them. SO, I've had this HUGE pile of boxes in my kitchen (and next to my computer desk) just growing and growing. I finally {gasp} lost my temper and tossed them all down the basement steps. I should take a picture. It looks like a box avalanche. I need to move them before my husband gets home and confirms that I've really lost my mind.
You see, my husband had this great idea that he wanted to see my parents....and stupidly I agreed. And now I feel as if I'm being punished. I have stuff everywhere. Whenever I think I've straightened, I have a little two year old tornado following close behind making an even bigger mess in his path...Are we packed? NO. Are we ready to go? No. Am I hating his guts for this great idea? (You can guess the answer!)
On top of it, my sewing/craft room also was serving as "Santa's Workshop" and when I tell you there was stuff EVERYWHERE I mean it: EVERY WHERE! I finally lost my mind yesterday and started tearing apart the large closet in that room only adding more to the disaster...I've filed bills. I've shredded old documents. I've nearly cleared a substantial path through the room (it's a miracle!) But there is still work to be done.
We already celebrated Christmas in our house, and we even took down our tree...so we've added to the mess with taken down holiday decorations.
To add to the confusion, there is the laundry "issue" and when I say issue, I mean: I nearly had it out with my washer this morning when it tried to pretend it had a problem giving me an error message "F24" I nearly lost it. Luckily, my second attempt to wash the load was successful and the laundry "situation" is underway.
So today I'm not really feeling the holiday cheer. I'm substantially feeling pretty Bah Humbug.
I'm sure we'll pull it together, and hopefully if we die in a car crash our families wont be left thinking we live like pigs. (Yes, that is seriously my train of thought!)
SO, it's a safe bet you might not hear from me for a few days....until I've put away the boxes, finished the laundry, put all the craft items back into the closet, put away the rest of the Christmas decorations, packed our bags, packed the car, packed the child & the dogs....you get the idea. In the meantime, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Filled with love, cheer, excitement, and all good things.
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I'm the HAPPIEST girl in the world
My new Silhouette Machine just arrived.
I could have hugged the UPS lady! I can't wait for nap time today, and have SO much to do....wups.
I could have hugged the UPS lady! I can't wait for nap time today, and have SO much to do....wups.
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From Diaper Stacker to Valance?!
Indeed!
I was asked by a friend who just had a new baby to help finish her nursery decor. Apparently the line she had ordered had been discontinued (huge bummer!) only a few items were still available. She still needed valances, but unfortunately the vast world wide web could not deliver!
It took many, many hours of ripping stitches and saving as much fabric as possible so that I could deconstruct and then REconstruct (does that even make sense?) in order to create a valance.
These aren't just any valances. The ones that go along with the line are sort of tubular, designed so you place tissue paper inside to make them fluffy. A genius idea, difficult to recreate.
Hopefully, these will not disappoint. I want to say they are one of a kind, but I suppose really, they are two of a kind...hehe.
I was asked by a friend who just had a new baby to help finish her nursery decor. Apparently the line she had ordered had been discontinued (huge bummer!) only a few items were still available. She still needed valances, but unfortunately the vast world wide web could not deliver!
It took many, many hours of ripping stitches and saving as much fabric as possible so that I could deconstruct and then REconstruct (does that even make sense?) in order to create a valance.
These aren't just any valances. The ones that go along with the line are sort of tubular, designed so you place tissue paper inside to make them fluffy. A genius idea, difficult to recreate.
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| These are for a window that is much narrower, but you can get the idea. The fabric is amazing, very ruffled. So girly & fun! |
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Finally, some real snow!
I'm not a huge lover of cold weather, snow, wind, low temps, I suppose winter in general. I grew up in New York, and enjoyed my fair share of snow days, but my dislike of the aforementioned weather seems to deepen each year.
The first year I was married, my husband deployed to Iraq and Colorado Springs suffered the "worst" winter in 20 years. I remember having a period of 6+ weeks that Fort Carson had to shut down at LEAST once per week because of snow (and snow does NOT slow down anyone in Colorado!) That winter my parents purchased me a Toro Electric Shovel, if you have never heard of an electric shovel, look it up, they're amazing. The problem was the wind was often very strong in Colorado, and the house I lived on basically would just shoot the snow directly into the house across the street. If nothing else, the electric shovel made me almost pee my pants from laughter...
Fast forward to Northern VA, and the "snowpocolypse" of 2010, which happened to fall on my birthday weekend. I have to say we had a fantastic time as the snow fell, and fell, and fell some more. My sister in law came over, my best friend was in town to celebrate my birthday, she brought her son who "got it" about playing in the snow....it was just a great time....aside from the snow being thigh deep....
Which brings me to my first winter in West Virginia: I think that it has flurried or snowed every single day since Thanksgiving. And I wouldn't mind, it actually IS very pretty, but I feel like every day I'm getting faked out...that is until yesterday. I woke up and I recall at 9am having Regis & Kelly on the tv and thinking oh, it might just turn out to be a nice day...that is until the sky opened up and the snow started falling. From the time I got into the shower to the time I got out, everything was covered (and believe me, it wasn't THAT long of a shower!) It continued to snow throughout the day, and by the time my husband returned from a work trip (he'd been gone 4 days) we had a significant accumulation.
This morning my son and my husband ventured out into the freezing cold and shoveled our driveway. They must just run at a warmer temperature than me, because my son happily remained outside with his dad...I was even able to sneak a few pictures. How cute are they?!
The first year I was married, my husband deployed to Iraq and Colorado Springs suffered the "worst" winter in 20 years. I remember having a period of 6+ weeks that Fort Carson had to shut down at LEAST once per week because of snow (and snow does NOT slow down anyone in Colorado!) That winter my parents purchased me a Toro Electric Shovel, if you have never heard of an electric shovel, look it up, they're amazing. The problem was the wind was often very strong in Colorado, and the house I lived on basically would just shoot the snow directly into the house across the street. If nothing else, the electric shovel made me almost pee my pants from laughter...
Fast forward to Northern VA, and the "snowpocolypse" of 2010, which happened to fall on my birthday weekend. I have to say we had a fantastic time as the snow fell, and fell, and fell some more. My sister in law came over, my best friend was in town to celebrate my birthday, she brought her son who "got it" about playing in the snow....it was just a great time....aside from the snow being thigh deep....
Which brings me to my first winter in West Virginia: I think that it has flurried or snowed every single day since Thanksgiving. And I wouldn't mind, it actually IS very pretty, but I feel like every day I'm getting faked out...that is until yesterday. I woke up and I recall at 9am having Regis & Kelly on the tv and thinking oh, it might just turn out to be a nice day...that is until the sky opened up and the snow started falling. From the time I got into the shower to the time I got out, everything was covered (and believe me, it wasn't THAT long of a shower!) It continued to snow throughout the day, and by the time my husband returned from a work trip (he'd been gone 4 days) we had a significant accumulation.
This morning my son and my husband ventured out into the freezing cold and shoveled our driveway. They must just run at a warmer temperature than me, because my son happily remained outside with his dad...I was even able to sneak a few pictures. How cute are they?!
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Nothing a little laminating can't fix
So, I was bragging earlier about my new laminator that I bought for $16.99 earlier this week. I purchased it on super sale from Amazon.com, and even registered for the Amazon Mom's program that basically provides a free Amazon Prime membership (FREE 2 DAY SHIPPING!) Anyway, I was just so excited to break out my laminator but I didn't have anything I needed to be sealed in a layer of plastic YET...so today, while my son was napping, I decided to create some laminated "flash cards" for my son.
See, for some background, my son is 2+ and isn't talking yet. I honestly was not very concerned and had the "oh he'll talk when he's ready" feeling, but at his 2 year check up I mentioned the non-speaking thing and after a hearing test we were referred to the WV Birth to Three Program. As soon as I heard FREE SERVICES I was sold. We're in the screening process now, and the speech pathologist has indicated there is in fact a delay (no surprise!) so the ball is rolling. Luckily, she gave me a few suggestions, and the first one I am attempting is to create a few flash cards so hopefully my son will indicate what he wants when he wants something (instead of just standing there whining!) I hope this will help, but if nothing else, it was a great excuse to break out my laminator, don't you think!?
And in case your wondering, to make these I simply used google images to find the picture I wanted, then I typed the word using the font century gothic, and then I used google images to find the sign language for the word on the card...I printed them all out on cardstock, trimmed them down, and then laminated each one :)
See, for some background, my son is 2+ and isn't talking yet. I honestly was not very concerned and had the "oh he'll talk when he's ready" feeling, but at his 2 year check up I mentioned the non-speaking thing and after a hearing test we were referred to the WV Birth to Three Program. As soon as I heard FREE SERVICES I was sold. We're in the screening process now, and the speech pathologist has indicated there is in fact a delay (no surprise!) so the ball is rolling. Luckily, she gave me a few suggestions, and the first one I am attempting is to create a few flash cards so hopefully my son will indicate what he wants when he wants something (instead of just standing there whining!) I hope this will help, but if nothing else, it was a great excuse to break out my laminator, don't you think!?
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Project: COMPLETE
*If you are my mother, father, mother in law, or father in law, stop reading unless you want a surprise ruined!
After my son freaked out over having his feet painted, I gave up the idea of the Christmas Trees (using his hands) I figured it was a safe bet that it was a lost cause. I did force him to paint his feet, which he cried and ultimately hated, but put up with, and an hour later I DID in fact find him playing with all my bottles of acrylic paint (and yes, I was scared about the potential mess.) But, I think the project turned out pretty nicely.
I ended up painting on little snowman features. They're cute enough if you ask me.
Once everything was dry, I took my original (8 by 10" fabric) and scanned it into my computer. Using Picasa, I added my son's name & Christmas 2010 and then printed out 2 5"x7" copies onto cardstock. I trimmed them down and framed them and I think they turned out pretty darn cute. What do you think!?
I'm thinking that maybe this will be a yearly tradition as a way of tracking how big the snowmen get through the years?! Maybe next year we might even have a few trees?!
After my son freaked out over having his feet painted, I gave up the idea of the Christmas Trees (using his hands) I figured it was a safe bet that it was a lost cause. I did force him to paint his feet, which he cried and ultimately hated, but put up with, and an hour later I DID in fact find him playing with all my bottles of acrylic paint (and yes, I was scared about the potential mess.) But, I think the project turned out pretty nicely.
I ended up painting on little snowman features. They're cute enough if you ask me.
Once everything was dry, I took my original (8 by 10" fabric) and scanned it into my computer. Using Picasa, I added my son's name & Christmas 2010 and then printed out 2 5"x7" copies onto cardstock. I trimmed them down and framed them and I think they turned out pretty darn cute. What do you think!?
I'm thinking that maybe this will be a yearly tradition as a way of tracking how big the snowmen get through the years?! Maybe next year we might even have a few trees?!
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Crafting with a toddler
seems to be as difficult as writing a blog with a toddler in my lap!
I saw this adorable project idea from Full of Great Ideas and decided EVEN with a big snow storm, I had to run out to buy some white and green paint so I could make this with my son today!
Of course, great idea mom, he'll probably be traumatized for life now...I successfully painted his feet, which will eventually be snowmen, but I basically had a screaming, crying, very upset child who didn't care how cute these little snowmen are....they might end up as snowmen minus the trees....you just can't win them all, right?!
I scored an amazing deal ($16.99) for a laminator on Amazon the other day, now I have to come up with some great ideas and maybe some games for my son....I'm so excited for the laminator, I can't wait to break it out!
I saw this adorable project idea from Full of Great Ideas and decided EVEN with a big snow storm, I had to run out to buy some white and green paint so I could make this with my son today!
Of course, great idea mom, he'll probably be traumatized for life now...I successfully painted his feet, which will eventually be snowmen, but I basically had a screaming, crying, very upset child who didn't care how cute these little snowmen are....they might end up as snowmen minus the trees....you just can't win them all, right?!
I scored an amazing deal ($16.99) for a laminator on Amazon the other day, now I have to come up with some great ideas and maybe some games for my son....I'm so excited for the laminator, I can't wait to break it out!
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A new home for baby Jesus
When my husband and I were first married my brother & sister in law gave us the Willow Tree Nativity set with Jesus, Mary & Joseph. I absolutely love taking out my nativity and setting it up each December. Each year, I intended on adding to the collection, but only ended up adding the Shepard & Animals. I've mentioned (I suppose for a few years now) the prospect of getting the creche, but I felt like for what it was, it was a little expensive and something that could be made....
So, after probably 3 years of talking about it, my husband and I ventured to my favorite store (Lowes) to pick up the supplies so he could make it for me. Ironically, this trip was extremely stressful and I later called my best friend to tell her I could have divorced him right there in the store....We searched high and low for exactly what I wanted, and we just couldn't find it...finally on a random trip down the very last isle in the store, we came across the most feasible option and picked up what we needed. In a few short hours, my husband had used my design to create my vision...I was impressed and glad he had all his fingers after a few near mishaps with the table saw! After a few coats of spray paint, I'm pretty amazed with the results. I think at some later point, I'd like to put some antique glaze over top in hopes of making it look a little less crisp...
I have to add that in a strange twist, (talk about irony) my sister in law ordered me the matching Willow Tree Creche so baby Jesus would have a home....I couldn't believe that the very day we were constructing our own, my sister in law purchased us the real one. Later today I'll be heading to UPS to mail back Baby Jesus' second home, and instead Lauren is ordering me the Three Wisemen (so I will have the entire set!)
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Christmas Shopping-online style
In the last few years I've realized that online shopping can make for a much easier Christmas shopping experience. Having family spread across the United States, and my undying hatred for the post office, having some online store deal with the hassle of transporting a gift seems more like a gift to myself.
One marital dispute my husband and I have is my feeling that I can't do everything. I don't know what happened, and how I assumed the role of "Take Care of Everything" person, but that is basically what has happened in our 4 1/2 years of marriage. I pay the bills, I do the laundry, I clean (he does help), I take care of the general day to day---including taking care of the computers (very scary!) but I also end up taking care of all gift giving. And ultimately, I hate to say it, it becomes less fun when you only have half of a functioning brain to come up with ideas (the other half is generally worried about all the other things I need to do, have to do, haven't done yet, will do as soon as I stand up and then forget what it was I was going to do!) You get the picture. So, this year my husband admitted to me that he feels like he doesn't get to truly feel Christmas spirit when he doesn't get to do any shopping. I guess in the last few years, I even ended up buying my own Christmas gifts. It was such a revelation. He did take my son one day, giving me a chance to stay home and craft so they could do some shopping together, but ultimately more shopping needed to be done.
So as you saw in my earlier post: today was the day I was going to do some shopping. I have to say, I did do a *tiny* bit of shopping for myself, but I did order some things for other people to. BUT, what I learned while ordering a laminator (that I do NOT need, but have wanted for some time) on Amazon.com for $16.99 (SCORE!) that Amazon actually has a program for Moms (or people that order things for Children--grandparents included!) that you can get FREE 2 day shipping. It was SO easy to become a member, I highly recommend you do too: http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/info
I hate paying for shipping, so this is a great way to avoid that, even if you order something small!
And that my friends, is my gift to you!
One marital dispute my husband and I have is my feeling that I can't do everything. I don't know what happened, and how I assumed the role of "Take Care of Everything" person, but that is basically what has happened in our 4 1/2 years of marriage. I pay the bills, I do the laundry, I clean (he does help), I take care of the general day to day---including taking care of the computers (very scary!) but I also end up taking care of all gift giving. And ultimately, I hate to say it, it becomes less fun when you only have half of a functioning brain to come up with ideas (the other half is generally worried about all the other things I need to do, have to do, haven't done yet, will do as soon as I stand up and then forget what it was I was going to do!) You get the picture. So, this year my husband admitted to me that he feels like he doesn't get to truly feel Christmas spirit when he doesn't get to do any shopping. I guess in the last few years, I even ended up buying my own Christmas gifts. It was such a revelation. He did take my son one day, giving me a chance to stay home and craft so they could do some shopping together, but ultimately more shopping needed to be done.
So as you saw in my earlier post: today was the day I was going to do some shopping. I have to say, I did do a *tiny* bit of shopping for myself, but I did order some things for other people to. BUT, what I learned while ordering a laminator (that I do NOT need, but have wanted for some time) on Amazon.com for $16.99 (SCORE!) that Amazon actually has a program for Moms (or people that order things for Children--grandparents included!) that you can get FREE 2 day shipping. It was SO easy to become a member, I highly recommend you do too: http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/info
I hate paying for shipping, so this is a great way to avoid that, even if you order something small!
And that my friends, is my gift to you!
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I get by with a little help from my friends
I think the Beatles were onto something when they sang "I get by with a little help from my friends." Especially in motherhood, it seems like it would be impossible to get through the day without a little contact from old friends.
This past weekend I was lucky enough to travel to Philadelphia for the Army Navy football game. Now, I used to actually attend the game, but more recently (in the last 2 years) I decided it was just pure insanity to expect a child to sit through a football game in December! Luckily for me, many of my best friends live in the Philadelphia area. So, although the Army team hasn't pulled through in the last 9 years, my team of friends usually does. This past weekend, my girlfriends pulled together and we linked up at one of our favorite Philadelphia restaurants, the Chestnut Grille, in Chestnut Hill. Aside from being located in one of the cutest towns in existence, the food is AMAZING. Really, really amazing. My one friend discovered the Chestnut Grille back in 2000, and we've been frequenting for birthdays, reunions, random delicious lunches, really any excuse. So, I was coming back in town, why not?! We crowded into a booth and started jabbering and catching up and going back & forth in conversation about everything. When I get back together with my girlfriends it's like a day hasn't passed that we've seen each other. It's amazing.
Now, of course after 2 hours of stuffing our faces, the 2 toddlers present were clearly ready to depart--but unfortunately I never pulled it together to take a picture of us all together! I did however catch a cute moment where my son decided to lean in and kiss my friend Amy's new daughter Abigail. Just too cute for words. And then he very carefully made sure to pull her hood over her head so she wouldn't be cold. Maybe he will be a good brother after all (he's been eye poking lately, and it has me a little worried!)
Callum was given a Cars tent by his friends, talk about a happy boy. That tent is the only reason I was able to post twice this morning! Simply amazing!
This past weekend I was lucky enough to travel to Philadelphia for the Army Navy football game. Now, I used to actually attend the game, but more recently (in the last 2 years) I decided it was just pure insanity to expect a child to sit through a football game in December! Luckily for me, many of my best friends live in the Philadelphia area. So, although the Army team hasn't pulled through in the last 9 years, my team of friends usually does. This past weekend, my girlfriends pulled together and we linked up at one of our favorite Philadelphia restaurants, the Chestnut Grille, in Chestnut Hill. Aside from being located in one of the cutest towns in existence, the food is AMAZING. Really, really amazing. My one friend discovered the Chestnut Grille back in 2000, and we've been frequenting for birthdays, reunions, random delicious lunches, really any excuse. So, I was coming back in town, why not?! We crowded into a booth and started jabbering and catching up and going back & forth in conversation about everything. When I get back together with my girlfriends it's like a day hasn't passed that we've seen each other. It's amazing.
Now, of course after 2 hours of stuffing our faces, the 2 toddlers present were clearly ready to depart--but unfortunately I never pulled it together to take a picture of us all together! I did however catch a cute moment where my son decided to lean in and kiss my friend Amy's new daughter Abigail. Just too cute for words. And then he very carefully made sure to pull her hood over her head so she wouldn't be cold. Maybe he will be a good brother after all (he's been eye poking lately, and it has me a little worried!)
Callum was given a Cars tent by his friends, talk about a happy boy. That tent is the only reason I was able to post twice this morning! Simply amazing!
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Monday: Back to the Grind
So I've been a little MIA lately. It's been a busy few days, between Drs appointments and a wonderful trip to Philadelphia this past weekend (so packing and preparing) plus a LITTLE sewing here and there...I still have Christmas shopping to do, yikes. I keep thinking of ideas and looking for suggestions, but still haven't made any definite decisions. MUST DO THIS TODAY!
Oh, and I must mention: it's snowing AGAIN in West Virginia!
In the meantime, I mailed out a few projects for other people, meanwhile I haven't really been working on projects for myself. I say this, but I suppose that is sort of a lie. I did finish a table runner that needed binding for the last, I don't know, 6+ months (my mother in law is kind enough not to rat me out, it's probably been longer than that!)
My table runner project was pieced and constructed on a sewing weekend at my in law's lake house, maybe last summer although it could have even been in the winter. The lake house is amazing, spacious, and serene, and generally there are other people around so I can pawn off my child so I can spend some time with my Pfaff. (That's a sewing machine for those of you who don't sew!) My mother in law and husband's Aunt were sewing this adorable mitten quilt, and I had made a beautiful flannel snowman quilt the summer before (with my mother in law, have I mentioned she's great with spearheading projects?) so I didn't want to have another winter season quilt....so why not have a table runner?! Now, most people would measure their table ahead of time, but I never learn my lesson. Ever. So, I guessed, oh, this should be plenty long...and HA, I was wrong. It was JUST short enough to have like an inch overhang on each side, it just looked plain silly. Meanwhile, I had sewed 2 table runners (I was going to be ahead of the game and have 1 Christmas gift ready for this year!) but I only needed to sew the binding down, so I couldn't combine the two, and I was planning on machine sewing it on, I just don't have the patience for doing it by hand, and going on the table this has a potential for frequent washings....anyway...I'm rambling. This past week, I bit the bullet, during naptime I popped in Eat Pray Love and pinned the binding down, and took a quick break from the movie to sew the bindings down. In 30 minutes I had both table runners done. Of course, rather than give one away, I decided to place them across the narrow side of the table, therefore keeping both and having ZERO handmade Christmas gifts. Maybe next year?! They are a little too long now, but they don't appear nearly as silly as when they were too short. And, since they aren't truly "Christmas" they can live on my table throughout the winter months! How cute are they?!
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| Please ignore the Target bags, I'm keeping my returns in an obvious place. I also think I'm going to have to change the colors of my ornament centerpiece so they match the runners a little better.... |
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The US Postal Service
I have a love/hate relationship with the Postal Service. I know, this is completely random, but it's true. I love mail. I love stationary. I love a hand written note. I love opening the mailbox and finding something surprising and special (like an unexpected package!) Lately, I've received a few in the mail since Christmas is nearing, and I love that....BUT, my hate part of the equation probably started when my husband deployed to Iraq in 2006. The post office at Fort Carson was a nightmare, always a long long line, someone who didn't fill out the proper paperwork, not particularly nice postal employees, oh and the "No Phone" policy because it made the computers do something screwy, I think that's what contributed to my dislike of the postal service. Since his deployment my feelings really didn't improve...
Now, with a child, I really drag my feet whenever I have to go to the post office. I know it's a silly thing. I just hate waiting in line (always ONE register is open) and waiting, and waiting (with an impatient toddler) it's just never fun or enjoyable. AND, where I live now, my post office is actually attached (in the same building) as a bar. I sometimes leave feeling like I've rolled around in an ashtray. When I walk in, I'm shocked my the inability to take a breath. BUT, the most shocking thing about our post office is it doesn't take checks or credit cards. It's cash only. Really. Cash only. I did not think Cash ONLY existed anymore. And being that I rarely have more than a mix of change from the last time 3 weeks ago I had some cash, I have to make a special trip to the ATM to get cash to be able to GO to the post office.
So today, I'm going to suck it up. For the second time in as many weeks, I am going to go to the post office to mail a few things. I'm dreading it. I hope it's not too long of a line. Oh no, I didn't realize how close to lunch it is. I'm asking for it....I know it. Ugh.
I suppose instead of complaining about it, I should bite the bullet and hope in the car. Ugh. Wish me luck!
Now, with a child, I really drag my feet whenever I have to go to the post office. I know it's a silly thing. I just hate waiting in line (always ONE register is open) and waiting, and waiting (with an impatient toddler) it's just never fun or enjoyable. AND, where I live now, my post office is actually attached (in the same building) as a bar. I sometimes leave feeling like I've rolled around in an ashtray. When I walk in, I'm shocked my the inability to take a breath. BUT, the most shocking thing about our post office is it doesn't take checks or credit cards. It's cash only. Really. Cash only. I did not think Cash ONLY existed anymore. And being that I rarely have more than a mix of change from the last time 3 weeks ago I had some cash, I have to make a special trip to the ATM to get cash to be able to GO to the post office.
So today, I'm going to suck it up. For the second time in as many weeks, I am going to go to the post office to mail a few things. I'm dreading it. I hope it's not too long of a line. Oh no, I didn't realize how close to lunch it is. I'm asking for it....I know it. Ugh.
I suppose instead of complaining about it, I should bite the bullet and hope in the car. Ugh. Wish me luck!
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Busy Busy Bee
This past weekend I was lucky enough to be child free (except if you consider the one I'm growing-then I was just toddler free.) My husband took my son out to do some Christmas shopping and I had the ENTIRE house to myself. Like any good mother, I left the messes and holed up in my sewing room.
A friend of a friend had inquired about a gift for her nephew, who is turning 1, but is going to be a University of Southern Florida fan if he likes it or not. I created a personalized fleece blanket for him and then finished the day creating wine tags for a college friend's bridal shower gift. These wine tags are such a neat idea: the bridal party purchased 12 bottles of wine for special occasions for the new couple, they created adorable poems explaining when the happy couple should share them, and then hired me to create tags...
Here's what I did this past weekend:
I think they look great, what do you think?
Now I'm going to create an adorable valance for a little girl's room. Here is the (almost finished) tag collage I made when she was born, her mom asked me to make valances because they had been discontinued from the bedding line....
A friend of a friend had inquired about a gift for her nephew, who is turning 1, but is going to be a University of Southern Florida fan if he likes it or not. I created a personalized fleece blanket for him and then finished the day creating wine tags for a college friend's bridal shower gift. These wine tags are such a neat idea: the bridal party purchased 12 bottles of wine for special occasions for the new couple, they created adorable poems explaining when the happy couple should share them, and then hired me to create tags...
Here's what I did this past weekend:
I think they look great, what do you think?
Now I'm going to create an adorable valance for a little girl's room. Here is the (almost finished) tag collage I made when she was born, her mom asked me to make valances because they had been discontinued from the bedding line....
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Christmas idea {part 3}
Although I've had quite a few Christmas decorations that I've accumulated over the years (probably 6 bins worth!) I did not have an advent calendar. I'd seen a few cute calendars, but none were exactly what I wanted...so of course, I decided to make my own. Unfortunately, my camera battery died (in both cameras) so I don't have great pictures of the progress, but you'll be able to get the idea...
I started with a fat quarter of fabric my mother in law gave me (maybe a year or two ago) I LOVE LOVE LOVE this fabric, which seems very vintage with children playing in the snow. I have no idea who makes it, I'd buy more if I did...anyway, I figured this would be the perfect project for this fabric I've been holding onto.
Here's how I did it: I decided to use the wording "24 days of peace & joy" and the font "Pea Lovey Dovey" from the Blog Kevin and Amanda. Best of all, they provide a gazillion fonts for free!!! I printed the wording onto freezer paper and then used Pellon Craft Fuse to adhere the fabric. Unfortunately, not all of the letters adhered well (and I sort of burned a little part of the fabric-don't look too closely) so I used some glue that claimed to be okay for fabric to stick down the last few letters. I quilted a stipple (?) pattern although any pattern would work and then added a red binding (after I rounded all the corners using a CD spindle.) I used my sewing machine's "button" setting to sew on 24 red buttons. I also tried to imitate the "Pea Lovey Dovey" writing using a silver sharpie marker on 24 red mini ornaments. My son is a candy hound (who isn't, right?!) so I did not want to use a candy treat because he'd probably wake up at 7am asking for candy....instead, we'll turn the ornament to the number on the respective day. I also sewed on some snow flake buttons I had in my button stash, since this advent calendar wasn't busy enough already! Much to my dismay, hanging this little sucker was the hardest part. I probably could have played with the clothes pins more, but my math brain wasn't turned on last night....so I used packaging tape and an old chop stick along the top back edge to provide rigidity so it wouldn't bend. I also used packaging tape on the top corners to tape the top two corners down (to avoid movement) I hung this on the door to our garage which we use ALL the time! I don't have any pictures of the back (which I have the cutest plaid fabric! but if you are unsure and want more explanation, let me know and I can take pictures.
This project did take a few hours (maybe 2-3 hours) but I think the work was well worth the time. What do you think?
I started with a fat quarter of fabric my mother in law gave me (maybe a year or two ago) I LOVE LOVE LOVE this fabric, which seems very vintage with children playing in the snow. I have no idea who makes it, I'd buy more if I did...anyway, I figured this would be the perfect project for this fabric I've been holding onto.
Here's how I did it: I decided to use the wording "24 days of peace & joy" and the font "Pea Lovey Dovey" from the Blog Kevin and Amanda. Best of all, they provide a gazillion fonts for free!!! I printed the wording onto freezer paper and then used Pellon Craft Fuse to adhere the fabric. Unfortunately, not all of the letters adhered well (and I sort of burned a little part of the fabric-don't look too closely) so I used some glue that claimed to be okay for fabric to stick down the last few letters. I quilted a stipple (?) pattern although any pattern would work and then added a red binding (after I rounded all the corners using a CD spindle.) I used my sewing machine's "button" setting to sew on 24 red buttons. I also tried to imitate the "Pea Lovey Dovey" writing using a silver sharpie marker on 24 red mini ornaments. My son is a candy hound (who isn't, right?!) so I did not want to use a candy treat because he'd probably wake up at 7am asking for candy....instead, we'll turn the ornament to the number on the respective day. I also sewed on some snow flake buttons I had in my button stash, since this advent calendar wasn't busy enough already! Much to my dismay, hanging this little sucker was the hardest part. I probably could have played with the clothes pins more, but my math brain wasn't turned on last night....so I used packaging tape and an old chop stick along the top back edge to provide rigidity so it wouldn't bend. I also used packaging tape on the top corners to tape the top two corners down (to avoid movement) I hung this on the door to our garage which we use ALL the time! I don't have any pictures of the back (which I have the cutest plaid fabric! but if you are unsure and want more explanation, let me know and I can take pictures.
This project did take a few hours (maybe 2-3 hours) but I think the work was well worth the time. What do you think?
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Christmas Idea {part 2}
I have noticed these beautiful ornament wreaths all over the place. They are on blogs, in stores, but none were in my house. I decided this year, I had to change that. And I am proud to say that WITH an awake 2 year old, I had this done relatively quickly.
I've seen numerous other blogs (and I want to say the Today Show this morning) that used a wire hanger and just looped the ornaments onto the hanger. I used a foam wreath form and a hot glue gun. In retrospect, I should have wrapped the wreath form with fabric or something to improve the stickiness, but it's been hanging for a few days and knock on wood, everything is holding firm. I also used very small ornaments (from the Dollar Tree) and a few leftover mini ornaments that I had used in another project. Overall I think this used a lot more ornaments (I want to say I started with 12, hahah!) I think I used at least 30 or more.
Cute, right?!
I've seen numerous other blogs (and I want to say the Today Show this morning) that used a wire hanger and just looped the ornaments onto the hanger. I used a foam wreath form and a hot glue gun. In retrospect, I should have wrapped the wreath form with fabric or something to improve the stickiness, but it's been hanging for a few days and knock on wood, everything is holding firm. I also used very small ornaments (from the Dollar Tree) and a few leftover mini ornaments that I had used in another project. Overall I think this used a lot more ornaments (I want to say I started with 12, hahah!) I think I used at least 30 or more.
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Christmas crafts
I've been quite the little elf these first few days of December. Of course I always have these great big ideas and then either end up kicking myself because I've made it overly complicated for myself OR putting them on the back burner in hopes I'll do it for next year...
This year I decided to change things and actually complete the projects I've been wanting to work on. How novel!
We purchased our Christmas tree last weekend and have it decorated. We put it in a semi-unconventional location (our upstairs landing leading to the bedrooms) I just didn't want it to be too tempting for our two year old to mess with (so far, so good!) It just seemed very lonely. We have a metal railing and I thought some kind of garland/bunting would be necessary...
I had a "Cyber Monday" in store coupon at Michaels so I picked up a few things for the garland. I wanted it simple, with a little color but not too much pazzazz (I didn't want my tree to be over-shined!)
I need to take a few pictures of it up close. I made this out of a roll of burlap that is maybe 6" wide, I have some lights behind the burlap and at each of the main railings I added either a cinnamon/bell tieback OR three mini-ornaments. It came out nicely and although this picture doesn't do it justice, it does jazz up the tree area...
This year I decided to change things and actually complete the projects I've been wanting to work on. How novel!
We purchased our Christmas tree last weekend and have it decorated. We put it in a semi-unconventional location (our upstairs landing leading to the bedrooms) I just didn't want it to be too tempting for our two year old to mess with (so far, so good!) It just seemed very lonely. We have a metal railing and I thought some kind of garland/bunting would be necessary...
I had a "Cyber Monday" in store coupon at Michaels so I picked up a few things for the garland. I wanted it simple, with a little color but not too much pazzazz (I didn't want my tree to be over-shined!)
I need to take a few pictures of it up close. I made this out of a roll of burlap that is maybe 6" wide, I have some lights behind the burlap and at each of the main railings I added either a cinnamon/bell tieback OR three mini-ornaments. It came out nicely and although this picture doesn't do it justice, it does jazz up the tree area...
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