The Muffin and The Bear

Saying Goodbye - and Hello!

2009-07-28T10:36:00.003-05:00

My life has changed. Within the last month, I've had my last child...and finished my licensing for my nursing degree - I'm now an RN.

No longer will I be blogging about pregnancies or trying to get pregnant. I'm going to miss being muffinandbear as that's who I was for many years. But times have changed...and my blog needs to change with it.

Come visit my new bloggy home - iknowtoni.blogspot.com

Funny how things work out...

2009-07-02T21:08:00.002-05:00

I was going to post on Sunday morning. But I was in a mood - and figured I should post something happy. Post went into garbage and on the list of things to do Sunday night.

Only Sunday night found me in labor...and giving birth to Lucas William. Enjoy the pictures. Birth story to follow :)

Yes, I'm still pregnant

2009-06-16T19:58:00.001-05:00

I had a friend today look at me and say "Weren't you due on the 6th of June?". Am I that big? :) Seriously, we just found out that I'm having a c-section on the 30th. The Boy will be coming sooner rather than later!!!

Hope all that might still be reading this are well. I'll post pictures as soon as he comes!

Two weeks

2009-05-30T19:35:00.002-05:00

It used to be that the words "two weeks" meant that I was waiting to find out if I was pregnant. Now it means that I have to wait two weeks to find out if I'm going to have to have a c-section. Boy do things change.

The Boy has decided 1) he likes to be a pain and not go head down and 2) his head is NOT moving my placenta, causing concern among my doctors that I may bleed a bit much during the delivery. I have two weeks to convince him (PLEASE) and my placenta (how do you plead with a placenta??) to move. FAST.

I know it's not the end of the world. I'm okay with whatever happens. It's just not my first choice.

Other than that, I'm done. Graduated. But waiting to take my boards. Losing my memory. Oh yeah - and not sleeping well :)

DONE!!

2009-05-16T13:50:00.002-05:00

I'm finally done with school, having had my graduation last night. I've been busy - but plan on doing more around the house to catch up a bit!

Carley is on the new cushion for the Boy's room.

It's the Amy Butler pattern - MUCH easier than it looks :)

Here's me at graduation - can you see my belly ? :)

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T18:44:00.001-05:00

Because this reminds me of why I celebrate Mother's Day...no matter how it came to me.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20277865,00.html

Annoyed

2009-04-26T08:31:00.002-05:00

I love my husband, don't get me wrong. He has lots of wonderful qualities that make him a huge catch. He's a great father, funny, caring - will clean toilets and dishes (not at the same time, thank G-d!).

But I've been absolutely ANNOYED with him lately.

Why wash all but two dishes? Why leave those same two dishes sitting there for a WEEK without washing them - but wash everything else around them? Do you not see them?

Why throw the girls' bathroom rug in with our clothes? Why would you put fuzzies all over everything?

Why say you're going to take care of cleaning the garage - but only pick up four things? Did you not think that all the other things sitting there needed to be put away too? And then you give ME a dirty look when I suggest that we finish it???

I'm not perfect, but boy do I get perfectly annoyed at this. Ugh.

Can I sell them on EBay????

2009-04-18T07:46:00.003-05:00

I love to read the paper in the morning. Sit down, eat breakfast and try to ignore my children while I focus on something other than "She's touching me" or "If I wanted to spell 'excellent sentence' - how would I spell that?".

This morning was no different (except that Steve was also trying to do the same thing - he's just not as good at ignoring them). An article I read made me stop and actually have a conversation.

According to the National Institutes of Health, scientists now can use fertility clinic left-over embryos for stem cell research. I have left over embryos. I read this to Steve and he said (with that twinkle in his eye) "Now can we sell them on EBay?".

We actually had a discussion about the difference between me selling my eggs as an egg donor (which I have not done - but others do) and me selling our embryos for research.

Thoughts??? Would you donate your left overs? Sell them?? Put them on EBay? (Would EBay totally take that down??) :)

Do I get a vote?

2009-04-15T20:58:00.003-05:00

I was laying in bed with Muffin and Bear cuddling last night. The Boy was moving around - dancing like he was listening to music (or the beat of my heart was his beat??). Muffin looked at me and asked "Are we going to have more babies? Because I'd like to have more." I looked at her in shock and asked if we could deal with the one we have coming first.

"But do I get a vote on this? Because I think we should have more."

I didn't have the heart to tell her that she doesn't.

12 dresses

2009-03-28T18:25:00.003-05:00

Yep - I made 12 dresses today. I cut them all on Wednesday and finished them today. I love them all. More importantly, I love that they are all done and the girls are set for the summer!!!

It's back...ugh

2009-03-27T07:52:00.003-05:00

I can't remember, when exactly, I stopped puking with this pregnancy. Maybe 19 weeks? 18? Something close to that.

So when I felt sick about a week ago, I thought I had the stomach bug going around these parts. It was nasty (that everyone else had) and I thought it was taking it's time to get going inside me.

But NO...nothing beyond that ugh feeling came.

Now I realize - it wasn't the bug - morning sickness is BACK. Not like sexy is back, mind you. This is yucky. Because I KNOW what is going to happen and I'm NOT happy about it. Why? Because I'm just 26 weeks. That means 14 more weeks of this crap (plus if he decides to be late like his sisters).

Remind me of this if I want another :)

I PASSED!!!

2009-03-24T18:17:00.001-05:00

Which means that I will actually graduate this semester. And be done, knock on wood, in about 6 weeks. Not bad. Crazy actually. Gads.

Still a bit worked up from the test - almost 12 hours later. Ugh. Going to run around a bit and then crash - will talk more later :)

Facebook

2009-03-22T19:08:00.002-05:00

I interrupt this studying session for an annoucement. Facebook isn't as cool as I thought it was.

Yes, I know - you've probably already come to this conclusion and are sitting there going "Duh!". But it's taken me some time to realize that certain people from your past...well, they should probably stay there.

I'm not going to go into details - but a certain person from my past found me....and has brought up all types of memories that I'm not sure I want to revisit. I wonder if I can undo the "finding" and go back to the unknown of what he is doing now.

My second conclusion is that it's not possible to do this. Have you re-met anyone that should have stayed where they were???

Belly, Belly - who's got a belly?

2009-03-18T20:14:00.003-05:00

Oh yeah - I do :) (Please ignore the toys...we're in the process of cleaning out the WHOLE house - and the basement becomes the dumping ground for those we're not sure what to do with yet).

2009-03-15T06:31:00.002-05:00

I've written probably 100 posts in my head. I'm not sure why 2:30 am seems to be the time when my brain decides it can function (I'd like that to stop brain) - but by the time I wake up in the morning, the post no longer seems...right.

I'd like to sit down and tell you about school. How busy it's made me the last couple of weeks. But I'm in the throws of it right now and I can't go on about what's making me crazy.

I'd like to tell you about all the items I've made for the Boy - and my girls. But they are few and far between (see above) - so you'll have to wait.

I'd love to show you a picture of the fire that got stared in the preserve behind our house - and then literally, spread like wildfire. But my pregnancy brain was more concerned about saving our backyard (where would I plant the 40 million plants I've planned if it's all burned?) than taking pictures. (Thank G-d - nothing happened to our yard - or anyone around us - but the preserve....it got burnt bad!).

But I would like to tell you how excited I am that in a less than 2 months, I'll be done with school. Today is March 15th. I graduate May 15th.

I decided to go back to school in July of '06. A friend of mine from college had just died. Too young, for something that wasn't her fault (mixed medications that gave her a reaction). She sent an email on Friday saying how excited she was to be an aunt...and then she was gone the next morning.

It only takes one thing in your life to happen for you to sit back and wonder if you are experiencing life to the fullest. That if you went tomorrow - would you be happy how you lived? I wasn't happy. I hated my job and some of the people I worked with. It took me away from the girls when they needed me. I just couldn't do it anymore.

But the idea of not working - that scared me too. We bought this house assuming I'd have some income - not a full salary - but something. And I never saw myself as a stay at home mom. Some of my friends were and they were NOT happy (also on the list at the time - look for better friends who are better parents).

So I looked. Teaching would take me away more than the current position. Another job would require full time. Nursing seemed like a good option - wonder what I have to do to get that done?

Three years later, I sit here - the weekend before my last CRAZY test - and the week before my last practical exam. Sure, I'm nervous about both. But I'm also excited to show my instructors that I have learned a ton since that first day I got excited about learning to wash my hands 'correctly'. :)

And I'm also excited that I'm able to take some time off to spend with my children without having to worry about school work - or when I'll find a job. I'll be able to just be mom. Maybe that's what I should have done 3 years ago too. Just be a mom.

When two becomes three

2009-03-08T20:18:00.002-05:00

These last couple of days stuck in the house with two crabby children and rain outside....just reminds me that soon I'll have THREE crabby children stuck inside the house. My hope is that it will be easier than two - mostly because Bear won't be three anymore. But I know it will be harder for awhile. I'm going to learn to be okay with that.

I'm also making things. Lots of pretty things. Things I will share when I find my camera. So if you know where I left it (pregnancy brain is leaving me blank), let me know. Then I can share. :)

Again?

2009-03-02T07:49:00.002-06:00

It's snowing. Again. It's March 1st and it's still snowing here in the great white north. You'd think I lived in upper Canada or something. But then I'd have a cool accent like they do in Strange Brew and I just don't. Very sad.

Anyways, nothing much has changed since the last time I wrote. Still pregnant? Check. It's still a boy? Check. I still have two other children who are fighting about a boggle game on the floor? Check. Check. I'm still trying to get through nursing school? Check - but I'm almost done!

Wait? Did you read that right? I'm ALMOST DONE?? I have two tests at the end of March. After that, I'm pretty much done. If I pass. Which I will because if I don't, I don't have a Plan B.

So if I'm MIA, it's because I'm making sure I don't need to figure out a Plan B. :)

The one where I go on...and on...

2009-02-22T20:41:00.003-06:00

I've got 400 ideas going through my head that I want to blog about. But due to my pregnancy brain, I won't be able to focus long enough to put them all down on 'paper'.

So here are some of the things going through my head before I get distracted...

Why is it that people keep saying "Oh, you can stop trying now that you're having a boy"? Is this because boys are more 'important' to have? Does anyone ever think about the fact that some of us are just happy to have another child?
I saw "He's Just Not That Into You" and couldn't help but think about past relationships that I could have gotten out of earlier if I had known some of this stuff! I mean, why did I bother with that loser in high school that I kept dating in college - only to realize that he wasn't that in to me.
Am I too old to read Twilight? What does it say that I didn't mind reading it?

Okay...distracted. Chat later.

Nesting at 20 weeks? Come ON!

2009-02-15T11:11:00.005-06:00

While this child, G-d willing, won't be here for 20 more weeks (July for those who are calendar-impaired), I'm already nesting. Or preparing when I have time.

So the room that was once my craft room is now the Boy's room. It's a light green and will be decorated in science curosity of the Tiffany Ard collection. I was lucky enough to get the follow items here, here, here and here.

These sheets seemed to fit in with the theme - and were only $5 a piece. Not bad huh? Thank you Target.

Below is the blanket I made for the boy - the front is cotton from Michael Miller and the back is minky - oh so soft. You can see a close up of this picture - see that FINE stitching? Love my machine.

And here's a bigger picture of the blanket. So yummy.

Here are the curtains that I had to finish yesterday. I'm hoping they look masculine - any thoughts???

And when was that???

2009-02-07T20:49:00.002-06:00

Tonight I was able to hang out with some friends from college. Which was a long time ago (I graduated in '99 - so that's what? 10 years ago??).

I enjoyed seeing how little people have changed. And how much I changed since I was there. People tended to stick in the same circles that they hung out with the first time around. And we retold the same stories we lived back then...who dated what guy, what party that happened at...why we were wearing similar outfits (what WAS with overalls back then??).

I don't want to go back to the past. I'm happy I enjoyed that time, but I'm also happy it's over. I'm a different person than I was back then - but these people remember me as I was - not how I am. I wonder if they'd like the new me too??

Find your slacker here!

2009-01-30T07:47:00.003-06:00

I have been/continue to be a total slacker. I have deferred multiple decisions because I just don't want to deal with them.

What should we name this child? Oh...we've got time...we'll figure it out as we get closer.

What should we do with the 12 frozen embryos? Ah - another year of storage fees is required since I'm pregnant and they won't let me donate them to research when I'm in this 'condition'. (Side note: Does this mean that ALL of the decisions I make when I'm pregnant aren't really decisions? Because I don't have a competent brain to make them with??)

What should I do with the summer? Do I do camp? Do I keep the Muffin and Bear home with me? Unfortunately, this one decision has to be made soon - but I still have until Monday am to decide...so I'll wait.

What decisions are you putting off??

Boy, Oh Boy

2009-01-16T17:43:00.002-06:00

For the two readers who have not heard - enjoy the tushy of my son. Which is something I NEVER thought I would say. EVER. I'm still trying to get over the whole idea that I have, what Veronica would say, a penis growing inside of me. I should have known that all this craziness was caused by a penis. Isn't that the world?? :)

For those of you who do not live in the upper midwest - please don't move here. This cold weather is CRAP and I am tired of walking around in my snow pants because it's THAT cold. No thermometer should ever go to -16. EVER.

I start school again next week. Which should be interesting. One more semester and then I'm done...for now :) I'll be an RN. Wish me luck actually getting THROUGH this semester as the doctor has not exactly cleared me yet. I see him Tuesday to convince that I am AWESOME. (Dr. C - if you are reading this - I am awesome. For those who are not Dr. C - I am getting close to awesome, but I'm not quite there yet.)

Oh yeah, I actually made something. But I'm too lazy to get off my duff to get the camera. (Oh...being ADD, we got a new camera, but it's on backorder. But thanks to Veronica's beautiful pictures for making me THINK about getting a new camera and making my hubby drool over it as well!). I will post later.

Off to services with the girls. I'm going to have to change my wording on that one eventually, won't I?

Crafty is back

2009-01-08T17:10:00.002-06:00

Okay - I really haven't had a lot of free time to do anything crafty. But I have bought fabric (isn't that the start???).

I've picked out this fabric for a shift dress for both the girls - and this fabric for some cute skirts and matching shirts.

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I'm watching blogs of TWO women who should be having their babies any day now. Go out and give some love to Veronica and Leery Polyp.

**************************************************************************

Lastly, I got my PICC line removed on Monday - early because of an allergic reaction to adhesive. Nasty pictures available of my arm if you want :)

Still living...

2008-12-31T10:07:00.002-06:00

I've had a couple of rough weeks - physically and emotionally.

Physically, I'm slowly getting 'better' - which means I can have small amounts of food before 3pm and not throw them up. After 3pm - your guess is as good as mine :)

Emotionally, I've been tired. Tired of getting up in the middle of the night to give myself meds AND to constantly have to pee. Tired of just being sick. 9 weeks is a long time to be throwing up.

BUT the New Year always bring so much promise...I'm optimistic that it will bring something nice for me (perhaps in the form of a pizza that stays down?? Heck, I'd even try something with pineapple on it!).

I don't have any specific resolutions as the weight thing is off the table, I'm not really trying to give anything up and I'd really like to just make it through the day without needing a nap :)

However, I'd like to wish everyone that reads here a wonderful and safe New Years. May 2009 bring you happiness, joy and love. Oh yeah - and that pizza.

Lucy, I'm HOME

2008-12-16T17:16:00.002-06:00

Boy has this last week been crazy. Did I mention that I was in the hospital? (Just looked, I did).

What I didn't mention is that my OB's office screwed up and lost me (didn't realize I was actually STILL in the hospital). But I would have been there until today anyways.

I'm still getting sick (blah) but at least I have the energy to get sick (yeah!?!) and then get up and doing something.

I'm just glad to be home.

Where have I been?

2008-12-13T22:05:00.002-06:00

Well, I had a test last Monday that was huge and scary and I passed. Which made me happy.

Then I had a doctor's appointment on Thursday that was also huge and scary - but I didn't pass. So I've been in the hospital, sans computer, since then. FINALLY got my computer today. Yea!

But I have a very cool looking PICC line and will be getting all of my calories through the line. :)

And hopefully I'll be home soon.

No Change

2008-12-06T12:34:00.002-06:00

Vomiting? Check.

Baby still has beating heart and growing appropriately? Check.

Still have non-existant Baby B sac? Check.

Still have bleeding/clot present? Check.

Only difference? When the ultrasound tech stated that my uterus was a 'mess in there'. Always nice to know that. :)

The one that is filled with everything

2008-11-29T08:27:00.002-06:00

I really wanted to write every day - but life just seems to get in the way. Damn life. :)

So I'm going to post a bunch of stuff that I've had in my head in one post - to keep it looking like I had multiple :)

1) Had an ultrasound on Friday. Baby B is definitely gone. Sac is still there (thoughts?) but Baby (aka Baby A) looks good. Big head - but good nonetheless. We're thinking girl. Think girly thoughts for us :)

2) Had to go to ER after said ultrasound for 2 ltrs of fluid. Girls wanted to know how they got the fluid in me. I had to explain how they put a needle in my arm to give me the fluid. Both thought I was crazy.

3) THIS is a good, easy recipe for the holidays. Not only would it make a good gift - but it tastes good. Plus, how can you say no to Martha???

4) Being Jewish, this makes me sad for the world. For those who don't know the Chabad, they are the most gentle, nonjudgemental people. I can't imagine them threatening anyone. It just goes to show you that sometimes, people lash out at those who are least likely to lash back. And how sad is the human race for doing that?

5) Teaching a sewing class today. I'll let you know how it goes!

2008-11-25T15:13:00.002-06:00

Sometimes, you need to get something done, but it's just THAT HARD to get off the couch. I've been feeling like I have let this pregnancy take over my life...and my house.

Long ago, I told Steve that we needed to clean out the pantry. It was impossible to find anything in there and I know now that I bought four things of lemon jello because I always thought I was out.

But, I'll say it again, it's hard to get off the couch. Even with the garbage can following me. So I put Muffin and Bear to work. They LOVED taking everything out.

Yes, that is right - Bear is dressed up as Cinderella - how perfect given the mean mommy has made her do housework. (Not why she's wearing it - we wear this outfit DAILY).

After very little effort on my part, I've found the four lemon jellos, the 3 boxes of GF pie crust that I now know I own - and realize that doing something little does help the spirit a bit :)

Boring

2008-11-24T19:21:00.002-06:00

I'm pretty boring right now. I eat, I get sick, I sleep.

Anything exciting going on in your life? Give me someone to live through!!!

Balancing Act

2008-11-23T20:23:00.002-06:00

Life tends to be a balancing act. Go left or right? How about straight? What path to take when it comes to career, relationships - heck, anything in life.

My biggest balancing problem is life and bed. Do I try to get something done - and throw up. Or do I stay in bed - and try not to throw up.

Some days, I have a choice. My hubby is wonderful and allows me those days. Other days, I have to try - to get out of bed and do something with life outside of my pillows and garbage can.

(Okay, I'm lying. I always have my garbage can with me.)

I miss creating...I miss spending time with my daughters that doesn't include me staying on the couch. But I know that this is such a short period of time, that I'm willing to tell them "Just not now - soon".

Is it bad, that I feel bad about the balancing act?

Motion

2008-11-22T20:36:00.002-06:00

So I've decided I have motion sickness. Every time I move, I feel like I'm going to be sick.

I don't think I mentioned this before, but the medication I'm on (Zofran 8mg twice a day) should stop most of the nausea/vomiting.

It doesn't.

I mentioned this fact to my doctor, who looked me in the eye and told me to look into accupuncture. Not a good sign when the medical establishment has given up on you.

When 2 becomes

2008-11-20T18:25:00.002-06:00

...2. Well, almost two. Baby B hasn't grown much since they were able to measure it on Friday. Dr now thinks that Baby B won't make it. It's a full week in measurement behind Baby A (who looks good).

So right now, we're waiting for Baby B to let go. And while I'm sad about that, I have to still stay happy and positive about Baby A. (Did I mention that Baby A looks good?).

Keep thinking good thoughts.

Oh yeah, that weight thing...

2008-11-19T09:38:00.001-06:00

Slight problem over here. I've been so focused on the bleeding that I've neglected to realize that the vomiting is causing me to lose weight - like 10 lbs in 2 weeks. I'm able to hold down about one meal a day. And even that is a stretch.

So - any hints of foods that might stay down? I won't even go into the list of things that don't. :)

Brought to you by the letter "L"

2008-11-17T19:06:00.002-06:00

I interrupt this string of pregnancy posts to tell you the story of what's going on over here with Muffin and Bear.

Both were at the counter, Muffin was writing and Bear said "Hey, we learned about that at school today".

Muffin said, "The letter L? It's super easy to write - you just put a line here, a line here and BOOM - the letter L".

Bear: "I know - what a cool letter. "

Muffin: "And the lowercase letter L is easy to - just a line like this. Try it".

Bear tries letter L and shows me. "Muffin showed me how to do the letter L - isn't my sister the best?".

How can you not smile at that?

****
Still 2 babies. Blood clot is shrinking slightly - 3cm diameter. Between both sacks. Doctors are optimistic.

Better

2008-11-16T19:22:00.001-06:00

After an evening (and overnight) of bright red, I'm happy to see brown - and very little of it. The doctor seems to think that I'm going to lose Baby B. But I hope that Baby B heard a little of that and wants to kick the doctor's ass :)

Tomorrow is an ultrasound to check. Let's all cross our fingers and say a prayer for those Babies...

Exciting night

2008-11-15T11:49:00.002-06:00

I went to my cousin's wedding last night...and that in itself could be considered exciting. I saw relatives I normally don't see and had a good time remembering why the visitations are so infrequent.

And then I started bleeding. Again. Never a good sign in pregnancy, they diagnosed me with a bleed on Tuesday. I thought it was gone and done - so no mention was made to anyone. But last night - it started again.

Good news is that we definitely have two heartbeats. Bad news is that I'm on bedrest all weekend - and possible for many weeks to come. I have another ultrasound on Monday to check out the bleeding - see if it's gotten better. Cross your fingers.

Right foot in right shoe

2008-11-13T18:18:00.002-06:00

Poor Bear is three. And you know that age 3 is not an easy one. One of our problems is the seemingly inability to differentiate between LEFT and RIGHT. Just as we talked about getting our shoes on correctly, we mess it up again.

Tonight, she did it right - on the first time! And then said (no joke) "I'm finally getting it, aren't I?"

Love my Bear.

Nap is good

2008-11-12T20:35:00.001-06:00

Don't you hate it when you feel like vomiting - but can't. That sucks.

Nothing good happened today except that I got to rest all day. Nice to get a nap for no reason!

One and a half?

2008-11-11T17:38:00.002-06:00

I always teased that I wanted the perfect number of children - 2.3. And the 1/3 of the child would be always happy inside.

Now, I don't think I'd want to be pregnant at the first trimester for the rest of my life. Ugh.

But having a portion of a child...well - that's a different story.

We had an u/s today. Two beautiful sacs - each with a yolk sac. One only with an actual 'fetal pole' in it (with heartbeat!). The other one - nothing yet. The nurse said it could be a bit too early - but they can't rule anything out quite yet.

So right now, I'm at 1.5 :)

Trying hard not to get sick

2008-11-10T17:50:00.002-06:00

I'm having a hard time trying NOT to get sick. I'm trying ginger. I'm trying crackers. I'm trying small meals. I'm trying large meals. I'm trying not drinking with meals. I'm trying sour things. Heck, I'm even on Zofran. But nothing seems to stop it.

Only 6 more weeks, right???

Again??

2008-11-09T11:10:00.002-06:00

I'm a little slower coming down the stairs in the am - especially on the weekends when I don't have to get up.

This morning, I slept in (until 7:30 - that is sleeping in here) and walked down the stairs in a daze. Everyone was already up and eating.

Bear announced to me in a complete excited and serious face "Mama - Obama won AGAIN. It's that exciting??". I stopped and looked at my husband. He laughed. "Wow," I said, "isn't that exciting?"

Guess the Chicago Tribune did a special pullout section on Obama's run to the White House. Bear thought he won again. I'm just glad he won the first time!

100

2008-11-08T20:06:00.003-06:00

I always thought I'd be more excited about 100 posts. But when you think about it - 100 isn't that big of a number. Muffin can count to 100 by herself. People are living past 100. And I have over 100 spools of thread.

But 100 does show that I've come quite a long way since I started. I'm older. My daughters are older. I've created over 100 items since I started.

Maybe 100 is exciting :)

T-shirts to caps

2008-11-07T17:53:00.002-06:00

Because I don't have enough to do, I'm taking on a project that is definitely worth my time.

Mama To Mama is looking for volunteers to make handmade newborn hats for babies in Haiti. Click on the link to learn more about why it's so important to help out!

So I sent an email to everyone around me looking for t-shirts. I currently have over 100- with many more promised. Poor hubby will be cutting as I sew. My new goal is 200 hats. Wish me luck!

School

2008-11-06T20:19:00.002-06:00

So, I'm in school. Which really takes away from everything else in my life. Watching TV - not so much. Crafting in any way? Not remotely enough time. Even small family stuff kind of goes by the wayside.

I have a test on Monday. After that, I need to reprioritize. I need to add more stuff into my life :)

My Muffin, the smart one

2008-11-05T19:56:00.002-06:00

Muffin wanted to be with me when we voted. She had all of these really interesting questions ("What is voting?" "Why can't both of them win?") that I tried my hardest to answer.

We went to the actual voting booth and I explained that I was going to start voting. Muffin then stated VERY LOUD "You're going to vote for Obama, right Mom?" I started to shh her when she then went on to say "Because that other dude doesn't know what he's doing".

I think I almost pee'd my pants.

I Voted...and that other thing

2008-11-04T13:48:00.002-06:00

I took the girls voting this morning. Muffin was asking lots of questions - and I was attempting to explain the electoral college to a 5 year old. She's smart - but even at 31, I'm still not getting it either :)

But I really don't want to chat about voting (although I have a great story - I'll have to share tomorrow). I want to talk about my husband.

7 years ago today, I married my love. He is an amazing husband - not just by the stuff he does (dishes, cleaning toilets, fixing things - all the stuff I hate to do) but by the love he gives me no matter what his mood is like. He's having a bad day? He'll still come up and give me a hug. I just can't beat that.

I never thought I'd love a man this much - enough that I didn't get tired of him or want to run away. And I never thought I'd love him more than when I married him. But I do. I love him more every day that we are together.

Oh, don't get me wrong - he's not perfect. But in my eyes - he's as close for me as you can get.

Happy Anniversary Baby. Here's to many, many more.

NaBloPoMo???

2008-11-03T19:52:00.004-06:00

So I didn't sign up for NaBloPoMo - but I'm going to unofficially attempt. We'll see. :)

I actually made some stuff this weekend. A cute outfit - a new wallet that turned out cute with Fish fabric that I LOVE. But no pictures because I can't find my camera.

I'm burnt out with school - so I need more time to create - to get that joy back into life. And I need to spend more time with my family.

Tomorrow is my anniversary - 7 years. Yea for us :)

Cereal...lots of it

2008-11-02T18:47:00.002-06:00

Nausea has hit - and I'm really wanting cereal. It makes me feel better. And saltines. Yummy, salty saltines. Oh yeah, gummy bears. Haribo gummy bears.

NOT anything else at this point. Which makes feeding my family difficult. On top of it, my husband is on a crazy elimination diet (no fish, nuts, milk, egg - on top of the no gluten) for the next 6 weeks.

We didn't plan this well, did we?

Shhh.....

2008-11-01T18:40:00.002-05:00

It worked. Yep. First number was 297 at 4wk2d - second number was 1049 at 4wk5day. Guess on the number :)

Cam, the eater

2008-10-22T19:28:00.002-05:00

I don't write often about my dog - if at all. He's a fine dog - for a dog. He's smart, but sassy. A bit on the whiny side - and also grows his hair a bit to fast for my taste. But my biggest 'problem' with the lovable goof is that he likes to eat very weird things.

He ate a kleenex today. A used kleenex.

He ate the paper that I cut off a clothing pattern (tissue paper).

He'll eat anything the girls drop from their chairs, including crayons, apple scraps, vitamins, pieces of paper, etc.

He loves one of the girl's purses. Carries it around wherever he goes. Or the other favorite non-toy, a green oven mitt that I bought for the girls fake kitchen (he's also eaten half of their fake food).

He'll lick the floor where I dropped olive oil, onions, soap, etc.

Maybe we should stop bothering with the dog food.

I interrupt this two week wait....

2008-10-21T09:22:00.004-05:00

The transfer went well. 2 embryos graded at 2bb were put in. 12 out of the 14 are still left - which is good. I still have a football team waiting if this doesn't work.

I thought you'd get a kick out of this. I had to call the bank today to figure out what to do with the money I found in my lockbox. I had 'emergency' money in there - like if the Y2K thing actually did happen and my money was locked away. I put it in the lockbox in August and totally forgot about it until I needed to pull out a birth certificate. And I noticed this. The lady at the bank actually laughed at me when I called. In her 25 years, she had NEVER heard of this.

None of the important papers were moldy - just the money. It's kind of stuck together and they suggested I bring it in to the local branch to exchange it. And find a better place to store it in the future :)

For myself

2008-10-13T18:24:00.004-05:00

I realize that I'm one of the only people to read this - so it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to write something that I already know. But I also have a lousy memory. So perhaps I'll write it out so I don't forget.

I'm set for a transfer on Friday. Not a transfer to another school - but at two embryo transfer into my uterus. As of last Friday - it's ready. Or at least ready to be ready.

I'm still in school - which is positive because that means that I haven't gotten so fed up that I quit. But that time still feels close.

And I'm very happy to be married to a wonderful man who is yelling at my children who are beyond tired. Reminder to self: Why do you let your mother take the children over night? Don't you learn EVERY TIME that they are way too crazed when they get home???

Just one of those days....

2008-10-04T20:13:00.002-05:00

My lining is good.

My skirts are superb.

And my food will change - yet again.

But the best part of the day

was all the kisses I got

from those tiny little tots,

that I can't help but love and hug to the end.

I'm Empty!!!

2008-09-26T19:18:00.004-05:00

Not many people run around the house yelling "I'm Empty!" with glee. Those people are usually depressed, hanging out on the couch, watching some random show (for instance, This week at NASA would be one those people might watch).

Nope...I'm not everyone else. I'm happy because being empty means that all the medications I've taken to this point have been working. And I'm on to bigger and better stomachs (we can only hope!).

On another note, I realize that my crafty side has been a little empty as well. I've been creating "Care Plans" and "EBOs" and "Nursing Notes". Not something I think you'd be interested in viewing as a picture. However, I do have the following picture. Last weekend we went raspberry picking. I really had the intention of taking at least one of the 8 containers and making jelly. BUT THEY ARE TOO GOOD. I can't stop eating them. So there is no jelly...but plenty of fresh berries for my cereal.

Tired

2008-09-21T20:29:00.004-05:00

I'm looking at my dog, Cam. He's asleep, snoring on his pillow - just waiting for me to be done on the computer so I can give him cheerios and he can go to bed. Nothing like a dog that loves cheerios.

I also have a ton of raspberries in the fridge that need to be made into jelly. But I didn't make the time to do that today because I was reading a chapter on AIDS (enlightening to say the least).

And I have a test in one week. Then another two weeks later...and then another two weeks later...you see the trend.

What am I doing? Looking at the donuts that I really want to eat, but know I shouldn't. Yum Donuts.

What are you doing???

Day 1

2008-09-18T18:25:00.004-05:00

There are days when you sit there and wonder what you are doing. This begins one of those days. You are looking at my stomach - already covered with stretch marks from pregnancy #1 and #3. Today is the start of attempt #4 for Kid #3. Lupron a-go-go.

Wish me luck. I think I'm going to need it. :)

Plan B

2008-09-10T19:22:00.002-05:00

Whenever I have a Plan A - the plan that I hatch, that I want to make work - the one that I'm hoping on...I always have a Plan B in the back of my mind. What if?

What if that hole in the wall actually has stuff behind it? Plan B is that we cover it up.

What if I don't like the wall color? Plan B is a different color.

The question I have is what happens if the frozen cycle doesn't work? What is Plan B? Do we keep trying? Do we stop?? Do we look at adoption???

I really don't know at this point. But the control freak in me has to have a Plan B before the transfer. I have to know what happens if the one thing I'm hoping on just doesn't work.

Where have I been?

2008-09-02T19:54:00.003-05:00

I've been around - promise. But I just can't get my act together to get something posted. That - and I started school.

Tomorrow - my oldest - Muffin - starts kindergarten. I'm crying now just thinking about it.

So I had to make her some stuff. Here's a picture of her apple outfit (LOVE IT - especially after I went to the Gap and found similar apples on a dress - she's so in fashion!!).

Then I made her this dress (along with a happy Bear dress) - LOVE IT. My most favorite dress ever.

But while I was doing that - the Bees came back. First they made this HUGE HUGE HUGE nest right outside our front porch. In THREE DAYS. Hubby knocked it down with his hockey stick.

And I also finally got enough corn to grill. Bad picture - but good corn! I'm telling you - the act of going to pick the corn, walking up the deck stairs shucking it - and throwing it on the grill was something else. How cool is that??

And lastly, because blogger has limited me to 5 pictures - my happy Bear - who turns 3 today. We made the gluten-free cheese cake this morning. She got to blow the three candles out after dinner. In between those times, we asked about eating the cake 467 times. Gotta love three.

What about you???

Ugh

2008-08-15T20:35:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been sick - like REALLY sick. Not cold - but more like stomach flu?

I was SICK last night. And I did it to myself. (Nope - not feeding myself bad fish again!). This time, it was the Metformin that the doctor put me on.

Metformin is routinely used by non-insulin dependent diabetics. And PCOS patients who want to reduce their chances of a repeat miscarriage.

Gotta keep thinking long term. Definitely not going to think of food.

Remember when?

2008-08-14T14:02:00.003-05:00

Remember when I mentioned that I was going to do a frozen cycle? Where here are all the drugs I'll be using. Crazy huh?

Remember when I put those holes in the wall. Well, they are still there. But now I'm almost able to use the lockers I made my hubby make. Looks nice huh?

Remember when I bought this fabric? (Neither do I) But I LOVED this fabric and finally made Bear a dress out of it. Love it.

The Hole and The Garden

2008-08-07T18:14:00.002-05:00

This would be the hole I put in my wall (okay, four holes) because I've decided to remodel a bit. Okay, I decided that our house should be fixed - but I won't be doing the work - I'll make my wonderful hubby do it. This will eventually be lockers - unless we can't figure out how to move the duct work. Then it will be patched :)

These are my beautiful cucumbers and tomatoes. The first ones of the season so far. I can't wait to show them to the girls!!

Debate

2008-08-06T20:12:00.004-05:00

I posed the idea that I should blog about something here...something that's more on the personal end than the crafty/kid fun/corn end. My best friend said yes...so this is the start of a whole new thread. My frozen cycle.

The start of any frozen cycle is getting your medications. I've requested the one that my local pharmacy can't get via mail. See the little box? Yeah - that's what I need. The big box - that's what the crazy company sent it in.

Transfer is scheduled for October 17th. I start the medicine in the little box on 9/18. Goal 2 nicely thawed embryos = 2 babies. Wish me luck.

Aren't you jealous???

2008-08-04T16:27:00.001-05:00

What to do without a sewing machine

2008-07-31T19:21:00.003-05:00

I have lots of crazy ideas when I get my sewing machine back. Curtains for my family room. A dress made out of a cute fabric for the Bear's birthday (for her - not me). Taggies, blankets...the list goes on.

But I still am on my self-imposed hiatus of sewing. So instead, I'm watching Tivo'd A Big Bang Theory shows. I love them.

Does this make me a geek?? Or is it the numerous links that makes me a geek??

Sometimes, Bigger isn't Better

2008-07-29T18:38:00.003-05:00

Oh, get your head out of the gutter :)

Our doggie, Cam (Coat And Mitten - get it?), recently received a new 'place'. It's a soft fleece that I made for him to replace the old 'place' that not only was disgusting, it was small. I didn't really measure the new one - just kind of made it.

As you can see - he's not quite used to all the space!!

Poor Cam. Running around with the girls made him quite tired :)

I'm still here.....

2008-07-28T06:47:00.003-05:00

I actually got the day off today (who schedules 10 people to work at a hospital with 20 patients??) - so I decided to do the things that I've been slacking on. Like this blog. So here are some pictures of what's been going on in my house.

Here's me in my scrubs - and my new Cubs crocs. Aren't they cute??

We bought a bread machine for Steve. It's new (because of cross contamination concerns) - and it makes REAL bread. I know that some of you may be a bit confused - but for those keeping Gluten Free - this is awesome news.

Remember my baby corn? It grew up.

After Bear's birthday party last year when the kids planted bulbs - I had to add some more flowers in the many blank places. I have no clue what I planted. This one is pretty though. :)

But if anyone knows what this is - you get the prize.

Hope you are having as much fun this summer as I am!

Just under a month...

2008-07-13T20:24:00.003-05:00

I know you sit back at your computer each evening, wondering why I am not doing the same (i.e. updating this blog). However, life continues to be hectic over here in Muffin and Bear land.

PROBLEM: Internship that I agreed to do because they told me it would be 4 days a month - but lied and now I'm working on all my free time - and weekends

SOLUTION: Quit internship. Seriously, I just printed off my resignation letter. I'm not happy in this particular place. For one, everyone is in it for themselves instead of for the patient. And the gossip is KILLING me. I wish I was more girly. And I didn't care for the patients as much as I did. Damn me.

PROBLEM: I spend a lot of time sewing - and recently broke the zipper off of my almost finished dress for Muffin.

SOLUTION: Send both the serger and main sewing machine in for repair. Now I can't sew for 2-3 weeks.

PROBLEM: My house is an absolute disaster (see problems 1 & 2).

SOLUTION: Time for a little vaca to my father's by the water. Everyone needs a little vacation now and then - right??

I hope your summer is progressing as nicely as (and hopefully a bit slower than) mine.

What I've done with my (so far) summer vacation!

2008-06-19T17:25:00.002-05:00

I put up these words above the window in my kitchen. I know - I need to put something else around it. They are pretty big - perhaps 4-5" per letter. Check out their website - he'll do just about anything you want - and quick too!!

This would be the tower of cupcakes - the LEFTOVERS (yes, how sad is that?) that were from Muffin's 5th birthday party. Daddy took them to the Relay for Life.

The outfits I made for said birthday girl and her sister Bear. You can see the cupcake theme is completely throughout :)

Here is the presents that we asked for - food for the local food pantry. Over 100 items. Perfect for this economy.

And summer isn't over yet....

The Back 40

2008-06-01T19:41:00.003-05:00

Last summer, home - unsupervised, I made an executive decision. About our lawn. And what a waste it was to spend time growing grass - when I could be growing corn. (No, I was not drinking and yes, I was home alone a bit too much). Hence I started digging out most of the back lawn. My back 40.

This year I had to clear all the weeds that had grown since I dug out the area, filled it with dirt, watched the dirt wash away in the rain, make my husband put railroad ties so it wouldn't happen again, and get tired of dealing with the lack of good dirt - all last summer (I was busy!). And we added more dirt.

Then - we added corn. And waited. Oh yeah - weeded again too.

And this is what we had - the start of something special. More updates to follow

I wish

2008-05-29T20:22:00.002-05:00

I wish I was like these women - the ones that update every day - with cool things to update with!

Adds to my fav list!

http://www.wikstenmade.blogspot.com/
http://somedaywewillsleep.com/
http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/
http://sugarcityjournal.blogspot.com/
http://flotsamblog.com/

Check them out

Jury Duty

2008-05-20T11:52:00.002-05:00

There are so many things I'd rather be doing now. Cutting my finger nails. Cleaning my shower. Heck - I'd even cut my finger nails in the shower if it meant that I didn't have to sit here in Jury Duty.

Yes, I do get access to the internet. But after you've gone through every blog you usually read and can't find anything else (end of the internet jokes anyone?)...what do you do?

And I can't even post a picture of the random people I'm sitting with...no cameras. :(

Hopefully - this is the only day.

Yes - very, very weird

2008-05-15T06:03:00.001-05:00

I wish I could come back from this semester with a bit of insight as to how to pass. I can't. It's kind of one of those semesters where you sit there during the final and go "Where did they get that question?". But I got an A in the class. And that makes me happy for now :)

I have been creating - but mostly for gifts. And they've been last minute ones at that. So no pictures....BUT I have taken some interesting pictures of the 'creations' that have been made at our house.

This one (above) was created by Bear - age 2.5. She won't tell me why she used the last of the cotton balls to do this - or what the 'meaning' behind her work was. She did say that I had to leave it there. "Because Mom". (Eventually it got removed, much to the dismay of the artist).

This one (Above) is actually an imprint of a bird. You can see the circle in the middle (body) and the two jutty things on the top (wings). If I had a better camera, you could have seen the eyes, feet and even the beak. Crazy birds keep flying into the window. We haven't cleaned it hoping that they will notice the mark and avoid the window. Nope.

Here's Muffin (almost 5!) as a Fairy Ballerina doing interpretative dance. On my bed. After disconnecting the one non-cordless phone to call Angelina Ballerina.

So - as you can see, I have been busy. But I'll be back more often now. I'm done with school!

Keeping score

2008-05-06T18:08:00.003-05:00

For those of you keeping score at home...

* I passed my BIG test...it's a pass or BIG FAT FAIL type of thing. So any sort of pass - no matter how messy it was - is fine with me. Amazing that you have a dummy that can't talk - but you have to pretend to talk to it during a nursing practical exam - and how much that dummy will actually SAY during the said test.

* I'm two days into the week long glucose monitoring for Muffin. So not fun. G-d forbid you are ever in the place that you need to do 6 glucose checks a day for your child...no one can tell me what to expect - and no one has any ideas on how to make it easy. Chalk day 2 up to only 3 screaming fits.

* I'm on interview number 2.5 (with the .5 being the phone interview and the 1.0 being the actual in-person interview) for an internship at a local hospital. It would TOTALLY rock - but would take me away from the family one day a week. I'm trying to figure out what the answer is.

* I'm NOW actually in the place to start creating again. Wish me luck! I've got 400 projects to complete by the end of July!!!

Interrupting this break for a tutorial

2008-04-22T20:56:00.003-05:00

I had a rough day today. School is crazy. Needed a break - what a better way to do that to create my first tutorial.

I've gotten a lot of compliments on my skirts - so I figured I'd join the Sew Mama Sew contest and see what happens.

This is the link to my flickr tutorial. Let me know if you find mistakes or what you think!

Enjoy!

Just two more weeks

2008-04-21T15:02:00.001-05:00

Two weeks from today I have two large tests. Until then, I'll be only sporatically here. Or anywhere. Unless you're at my lab. Then we'll see lots of each other :)

Getting Old

2008-04-14T19:24:00.003-05:00

My little girls are growing up. And I'm getting older. Below is a picture of my little girls...sorry...big girls - wearing their Passover outfits (yes, Matzah Fabric!!) And here is what makes me really old. She's at her first dance recital. And she actually got up on stage. At 2.5 years old, she's already a dancer. A tiny dancer. Sadly, the outfit wasn't the one ordered (this was the last minute replacement) - but she looked amazing. NOT one of them did the same thing. That's awesome.
Oh - and if you need a good pasta recipe - this one is good.

The circle....

2008-04-09T20:36:00.002-05:00

I was thinking today that my life is a circle. I literally start at one point - go around - and somehow end up at the same point I started at.

Case in point: Food

I have to buy the food. Then I put the food away. I make the food. We eat the food. And guess who cleans up the tushies and the toilets? Then...we're out of food and I have to go out and buy more food.

Case in point 2: School

I start a section - (say Peds) - and I go to the clinical sites and read the textbook. I do the homework and ask the questions. I study for the test. I take the test. And then I start a new section with the same path.

What's your circle??

When the test comes before life

2008-04-06T12:04:00.002-05:00

I've been 'kind of' studying for my pediatric test for the last couple of days. I've let the house work go (but it doesn't take much to let that go) and haven't done a lot more than the basics (food on table, dishes off table, clean clothes on clean bodies).

But it's hard to study about kids...when you have kids running around. My only hope is that they ask questions about the stuff I already know.

More creating is also going on - but I'm too tired to take a picture. As me tomorrow when the test is over :)

Copier

2008-04-01T19:59:00.003-05:00

I'm a HUGE fan of electric boogaloo. Huge. She's awesome - and the only people more awesome are her children. So, in honor of quite a blogger and her family, I give you a moment at my house.

Me: "Bear, who do you look like?"

Bear: "Addison (her full name, which we never use to refer to her)"

Me: "You mean the fish?" (She's named her fish her full name - along with everything else she has to name)

Bear: "Yep - I look like Addison".

Muffin: "I don't look like Addison, I look like Mommy. I have thick hair like Mommy. Daddy doesn't have thick hair. He doesn't have any hair at all "

Gotta love these times.

I have done things....

2008-03-29T19:58:00.004-05:00

...great things. Wonderful things. Things that actually have pictures!!! This is a picture of the dress I made for a girl friend's daughter. It's a Joel Dewberry (??) fabric. I have the pink for my girls - but I loved the olive green color too. It's a pattern - but completely modified.
This is the back of it - it's got a tie...
And you can see instead of putting a lining in it - I edged it with binding. Not the best job - but it looks really cute.
This one is a reversible skirt. I saw the idea on Etsy. Again, a gift - but not for resale (would only sell my originals to others).

I love the combination of the fabrics - and the edge is stitched to prevent crazy laundry issues.

Okay - gotta go. It's almost 8pm and I've got to turn my lights off. It's Earth Hour!!!

And the answer is....

2008-03-25T18:55:00.002-05:00

DRUGS. Can you believe it? This is Muffin's reaction to antibiotics. Ugh. It continued for days - bumps blending together to make bigger bumps. The nursing student part of me was fascinated by the entire process. The mother part of me was scared as to what would eventually happen to her.

Luckily for both parts of me - it spread and cleared up by the weekend. Ugh.

I'm on Spring Break. I wish I could tell you that I've been doing fun things - things that you would be proud to be view. But I've actually been doing school work. Not so fun. My plan is to try to get as much as I can done so I can create on Thursday. Oh, my poor sewing machine misses me.

Last thing - anyone who knows anything about a Singer 6233 - please contact me. I have one attached to a table that I'm wondering about.

As a future nurse....

2008-03-19T21:53:00.003-05:00

You would think that I would know what this is...

It does make me feel better that even the doctor doesn't know.

Slacker

2008-03-14T12:55:00.003-05:00

I've been quite the slacker lately. Lots of things have changed in my life - I'm no longer doing outside orders for my little clothing thing. Just the orders that come in from the site (all two of them since January!). Just too much to do in my real life.

I'm slowly trying to get some of those things done that I really want to do - the quilt that I've had the pieces in hand for about 3 years, the curtains I keep telling myself each of my windows need, the baby blankets for my girlfriend's twins (who are getting older and older by the minute) - the homework I should be doing but have been avoiding. Lots to do.

But on the other hand, I'm also trying to slow down on what I commit too - and how long I give to get it done. When you have 401 things on your plate, it's hard to say "Yeah, I'll get to that this week". Especially when you don't plan people being sick in the "project plan". :)

So - I will continue to create as I believe I was meant to do that. And I'll continue to enjoy my creations. But I just won't take on as much. For now :)

Busy

2008-03-09T17:24:00.003-05:00

I've been quite busy with life...because that's just how life is :)

But so have others. Check them out....

A tea party

Making art

Worrying about a sick baby

Celebrating peace

Giving great advice about sewing

Is it really creating?

2008-02-25T18:18:00.001-06:00

Is it really creating if you're:

1) Under pressure to get it done
2) Not sure where you are on the 1400 projects
3) Don't take pictures of it?

Let me know.

And look what the Nukie Fairy left for us...

2008-02-20T18:35:00.002-06:00

After quite an eventful trip to the dentist today, we were told that the Nuk had to go soon...very soon. I'm always a 'no time like the present' kind of gal - and figured we'd might as well just go cold turkey. So the "Nukie Fairy" came today and cut our Nuk. In return, she left a gift certificate good for one toy.

As you can see from above, we did not get a toy. We got a fish. His name is Addison. And for those of you who are actually awake, yes, this is also Addi's name. The only difference, she tells me, is that he is a BOY. So he's different.

Wish us luck. The last fish ("Mine") lasted for almost TWO years.

Date Night

2008-02-18T08:33:00.002-06:00

My feet are on the left - Steve is on the right. We haven't lit that fireplace in 6 years. Nor watched a movie without some sort of interruption in almost that long. What a nice night without kiddos. :)

PS We missed them though.

V-Day

2008-02-14T08:38:00.003-06:00

Valentine's day is one of my favorite holidays. You get chocolate. It's okay to eat it (no guilt). You can dress up in red - even if you don't look good in red. It's my middle name (no - was not born even near the 14th). Did I mention the chocolate??

I did my first show last night for muffin and bear. It went okay - not a whole lot in sales - but I met a lot of wonderful people - who liked what they saw. I like the compliments :)

Above are pictures I've taken over the last week. Girls in front of the computer picking out their music from iTunes. Then - our latest snow storm...I'm so tired of the snow. :)

SHOW!

2008-02-10T19:25:00.001-06:00

I'm doing my first show on Wednesday - yeah for me. If you're interested, please email me and I'll give you directions!

I've spent the last week sitting in class learning about babies - how to make them, how to have them and how to help them grow. Maternity is a passion of mine - so it's been interesting - but a LONG week.

But I've also been creating. Pants - for boys! Pictures to come!

One Week

2008-01-30T06:15:00.000-06:00

It's been one week since my last post - and I promise I have an excuse. Life...is busy. :) Seriously, with school starting, and the girls running crazy - and hubby being out of town sporatically - I haven't even been able to create.

I do have pants for boys coming soon.

And I also have capris for girls. All of which are cut and waiting for time to sew

I also have my first show (!!!!) - so I'm excited about that!

I'll be back soon - I promise :)

Cupcakes

2008-01-23T19:44:00.000-06:00

The aftermath....

The night before...

2008-01-21T19:32:00.000-06:00

I start school tomorrow....after a LONG 6 week hiatus. It's amazing how much you forget your routine when you don't have one.

So I'm trying to finish up a couple of projects before they become harder to justify the time for (gotta strive for that A). I've finished a blanket - some random items for friends - and I'm ALMOST done with my favorite outfit of all time. I can't wait to show you that one!

Here's the blanket!

Busy Bee

2008-01-18T19:57:00.000-06:00

I start classes next week, so I tried to take advantage of my last 'free' day and get some stuff done. Pants and matching shirts were made for both Muffin and Bear per their requests. Pants were made for the hubby. PJs were made for a friend's daughter. Two new skirt ideas are started - and waiting for a couple of items (thread for one and ribbon for the other) to finish them up. A blanket was completed...and I actually did a bit of cleaning.

I've spent multiple days cleaning my house - cleaning out more than just cleaning. Spring has arrived a bit early in our house - even if it's going to be -8 tomorrow here in the beautiful land of Lincoln.

Pictures to come of all activities (minus the new skirts - gotta wait until they are ready!).

If you're looking for some good reads, try this one on cleaning, this one on new love and this one just because.

BTW - who are you??

My favorite new blog

2008-01-15T09:33:00.001-06:00

Okay, it's not new - but it's new to me :) Check it out.

http://indietutes.blogspot.com/

Coming soon:

* Passover skirt
* Blankets are BACK
* Bibs and other baby type items
* What I bought at the latest pattern sale!

Obama is our man :)

2008-01-09T11:41:00.000-06:00

How could you not vote for him with these as your girls?? :)

Book Review: Jessica Seinfield's Deceptively Delicious

2008-01-06T20:56:00.000-06:00

I have to admit that I was intrigued by all the hype. One - she's married to Jerry Seinfeld. And two, she's been on Oprah. But how could you hide the hideous taste of cauliflower?? Blah!

And yet, you can. I've tried four of the recipes so far - and they've all masked the taste of the veggies (most of which my children will NOT eat - mostly b/c I won't eat them either) - however, I had to half the veggies for most of those recipes as it was too much for me to try. After reading some of the reviews on Amazon, it seems that other's had the same issue.

Deceptively Delicious is an OK book for those who are on a Gluten Free diet. Some of the recipes are already gluten free - others, you're going to have to modify. I spent 2 hours looking for gluten free bread crumbs in multiple stores and ended up having to make some to use.

Overall, I've been happy. Many of the reviews of the other book - Sneaky Chef - say they use premade items like pancake mix and brownie mix - but with our dietary limitations - that doesn't seem to be an option. So I'll keep trying some of these and keep you updated!

New Pants!

2008-01-05T20:40:00.000-06:00

How cute did these turn out?? Bear tends to be a bit on the thinner end. And long - so her poor pants just look HUGE in the tush - and are too short. Enter in Mama who is trying to make pants. These are still a bit too big - but definitely won't fall of her waist!

Coming tomorrow - another cookbook review!

2008-01-03T17:33:00.000-06:00

As you can see, Chanukkah came a bit late to our house. Latkes are a lot of work. And I'm a bit on the lazy end when it comes to these oily yummys! My brother comes home from college - and becomes our chef for one night. This time, we tried sweet potato latkes. Very good - but not as easy to make.

The house still smells of oil. But boy does it make you hungry for more!

Much better

2008-01-01T20:42:00.000-06:00

How can you not laugh at these pictures? I tried again with Bear, the tempermental model. She was definitely in a *better* mood - but not necessarily better for my pictures. We had to play with the window sill snake - and try to hide our face as much as possible. Mom just didn't like the idea of a snake in our picture...can't imagine why.

New Years was nice - spent with great friends and great food. Looking forward to what 2008 will bring!