tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46803376054786380862024-03-05T03:24:47.884-05:00Serenity NowJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-16020657667924872482012-03-18T18:39:00.005-04:002012-03-18T19:18:55.343-04:002 Weekends In PicturesSTAR WARS BIRTHDAY PARTY<br />birthday cake - chocolate cake...cream cheese chocolate chip filling...chocolate buttercream icing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTm7Q0tPYLB-bns22R-EFGySz-fSGbequDgdWNQ0l6saJiAQM2SVyL3xf8kIRzxAA0OrAyQdZfKoCdVD1DbaiiBiHex6tcoLXHWoSBLvKSZmjJIGnTENt8pid8mPOq9qCOj-ShUisYoA/s1600/cake.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTm7Q0tPYLB-bns22R-EFGySz-fSGbequDgdWNQ0l6saJiAQM2SVyL3xf8kIRzxAA0OrAyQdZfKoCdVD1DbaiiBiHex6tcoLXHWoSBLvKSZmjJIGnTENt8pid8mPOq9qCOj-ShUisYoA/s400/cake.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721373102303981714" /></a><br /><br />oliver and lydia...cousins and besties!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ymnvvbx5nPK6DrfVEE_unoEUGcRptXJAR4cSgREa-CpSGjZ9HnKKRYF5LbYvc5b4RSuGrh5SMG6_Lia-6V6Etrke-JglDC6DqeMI74mL4_liB-CuMIEvCC_-37Ft6A0htUACQjH0hQQ/s1600/OliverandLydia.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ymnvvbx5nPK6DrfVEE_unoEUGcRptXJAR4cSgREa-CpSGjZ9HnKKRYF5LbYvc5b4RSuGrh5SMG6_Lia-6V6Etrke-JglDC6DqeMI74mL4_liB-CuMIEvCC_-37Ft6A0htUACQjH0hQQ/s400/OliverandLydia.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721373091591972690" /></a><br /><br />party fun...look at linus in the background<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFPcbPXpXL56R-hIU3kCEchR0D9NQ4w8FN0Svj7CswLBDIF9vqO6S33k-vXwSNQ_PoYm7uh4DGY6g-7zirP8jnGBBH5YBw7RLqR-oJYkubW0vuL0lQO5dMmqz-bGPdTfiF_qLleyvpF0/s1600/olivers.party.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFPcbPXpXL56R-hIU3kCEchR0D9NQ4w8FN0Svj7CswLBDIF9vqO6S33k-vXwSNQ_PoYm7uh4DGY6g-7zirP8jnGBBH5YBw7RLqR-oJYkubW0vuL0lQO5dMmqz-bGPdTfiF_qLleyvpF0/s400/olivers.party.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721373088004194450" /></a><br /><br /><br />oliver gets to ride the scooter alone for the first time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaVrNhNM_anSY_WbHjDiTrimrvBS8A6WnrvvHQIrTvxzz0oZQQg7ynYTJ1GawJj-z9ROWWYtRVDpBANLmVel23CEfkgiz1KNMWarBIztw21kf1MOYDwT9sPkIxCv-E89FQtlAhHKOY30/s1600/scooter.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaVrNhNM_anSY_WbHjDiTrimrvBS8A6WnrvvHQIrTvxzz0oZQQg7ynYTJ1GawJj-z9ROWWYtRVDpBANLmVel23CEfkgiz1KNMWarBIztw21kf1MOYDwT9sPkIxCv-E89FQtlAhHKOY30/s400/scooter.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721377250329599474" /></a><br /><br />lightsaber<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrEvKopuQNXZtKvQ2yUruV0Ir8_cN3F-JCZ1jrdPwJdaivSjb6KP8uptbrYFF4NzOu0DX1y3pZTNXLTkGhum49jCj4yFBNJum-XAXKccAls26uqVnp8rgmNp3LHQwPeBVeJxm6BO64iI/s1600/lightsaber.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrEvKopuQNXZtKvQ2yUruV0Ir8_cN3F-JCZ1jrdPwJdaivSjb6KP8uptbrYFF4NzOu0DX1y3pZTNXLTkGhum49jCj4yFBNJum-XAXKccAls26uqVnp8rgmNp3LHQwPeBVeJxm6BO64iI/s400/lightsaber.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721377239007094674" /></a><br /><br />had to do a leia do for the occassion<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRBZ1ZkswIN8ammHlR79xlmLzO6dNKJm6uHr50kuA2IepOk4WAPa6wUn03mZ2zQ5rLUrPQGXU0hfYtJzMPQviHnax2jopOUYN1xJ_BUq5NT9Fl7NG_Tqsn-l0SNRpnHtfnKvyYSqakYU/s1600/Leia+hair.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRBZ1ZkswIN8ammHlR79xlmLzO6dNKJm6uHr50kuA2IepOk4WAPa6wUn03mZ2zQ5rLUrPQGXU0hfYtJzMPQviHnax2jopOUYN1xJ_BUq5NT9Fl7NG_Tqsn-l0SNRpnHtfnKvyYSqakYU/s400/Leia+hair.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721377237845505778" /></a><br /><br />art...acrylics and oil pastels...3 of them are linus'...can you guess which ones?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyf5VA7U2vje20gz1EmqO1Gy5DFVxo-8ujgc1RexF3MC1Sos98VPWjFr49DLHEY5Askcxv9IDNTohUX7CZo5eJ3mK1sxFmpN8qvfalsubguwKYmrW9yoKLy_iKml8LrkLmNB7qIFjg-A/s1600/art.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyf5VA7U2vje20gz1EmqO1Gy5DFVxo-8ujgc1RexF3MC1Sos98VPWjFr49DLHEY5Askcxv9IDNTohUX7CZo5eJ3mK1sxFmpN8qvfalsubguwKYmrW9yoKLy_iKml8LrkLmNB7qIFjg-A/s400/art.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721377227528479010" /></a><br /><br />kitty love<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhgkvTYLnFuTDwBMJ7tGCYeYHuBdN8c-xkHy2J5KW-AVjfP_JP7XxnV5K1UFKVmjDGmQzyPk85VcW3QalRIsxtEE3ggLNtmxSCFzK8MnFzBGkZHzuSFcQpTD5WAT7iIeLvJ3-Leyi2KM/s1600/kitty+love.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhgkvTYLnFuTDwBMJ7tGCYeYHuBdN8c-xkHy2J5KW-AVjfP_JP7XxnV5K1UFKVmjDGmQzyPk85VcW3QalRIsxtEE3ggLNtmxSCFzK8MnFzBGkZHzuSFcQpTD5WAT7iIeLvJ3-Leyi2KM/s400/kitty+love.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721379808378418434" /></a><br /><br />ugly dress that i wore 1 time, 9 years ago...will be transformed into something lovely (or I'm going in jeans) for a wedding next month.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGCWX36wiLORleGPY0Udz7zW_mOEXfAtvhSgiwF3535cOEuayj63T-rMPLhWWaJdwPveDl7xvnXomgJm_ZGsiaELPndLt7oTFGgAvUt2zt13-IAFWMA5nkPzn_MjuocgEp9ZEIXlRnXQ/s1600/ugly+dress.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGCWX36wiLORleGPY0Udz7zW_mOEXfAtvhSgiwF3535cOEuayj63T-rMPLhWWaJdwPveDl7xvnXomgJm_ZGsiaELPndLt7oTFGgAvUt2zt13-IAFWMA5nkPzn_MjuocgEp9ZEIXlRnXQ/s400/ugly+dress.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721373080229478034" /></a><br /><br />repurposed a skirt and made a cool tunic...this is me trying to get a picture of the back to see what alterations still needed to be made...REALLY need a dress form.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX-55FZRwTH09KbtmSVh1vtgqQwEK3h_Y6wfA045pWY_Up3-jMJO-RJzKV-8RQiOWgR5Z_Me_3M9VnOeB8rbP81-nYbd2J-C0SC2L9k6ItsdjhyytViXWAke93_jTR7IQ6vT37R2NRB4/s1600/back+attempt.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX-55FZRwTH09KbtmSVh1vtgqQwEK3h_Y6wfA045pWY_Up3-jMJO-RJzKV-8RQiOWgR5Z_Me_3M9VnOeB8rbP81-nYbd2J-C0SC2L9k6ItsdjhyytViXWAke93_jTR7IQ6vT37R2NRB4/s400/back+attempt.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721371261124363570" /></a><br /><br />bangs!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0E8l0lkCvPB5pHurc_MIDTYUNNCzZeXvJQu5NIJxAJFSkiXLMpQILVXCt3EFaZhsizJsMJ4BdY9k4Fk_liRS4dcfUmLvBl7aGlBXum6UA5WLp5dQdtEnEDF4F303_jQOaWu-iY55tIs/s1600/Bangs.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0E8l0lkCvPB5pHurc_MIDTYUNNCzZeXvJQu5NIJxAJFSkiXLMpQILVXCt3EFaZhsizJsMJ4BdY9k4Fk_liRS4dcfUmLvBl7aGlBXum6UA5WLp5dQdtEnEDF4F303_jQOaWu-iY55tIs/s400/Bangs.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721371253665071874" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-23622811743510326532011-10-09T15:23:00.004-04:002011-10-09T16:18:08.552-04:00Of Chuck Taylor and a Can of WormsI woke up in the middle of the night on Friday thinking..."where are those Chuck Taylors?" You see, when Noah was little, I bought him a pair of vintage Chucks on Ebay. It was my attempt at being mathcy-matchy with my kid...when your mom/son...sneakers are as matchy-matchy as you can get. Noah didn't like the way they felt. When they fit Peter, HE didn't like the way they felt. Hoping they would last, I packed them away knowing 8 years down the road they'd fit somebody.<br /><br />Saturday morning, poured a cup of coffee, and set off to find them...somewhere...in the attic. I opened the door, and immediately wanted to shut it and pretend that I didn't see that huge mess. As luck would have it, I immediately saw a box labeled "boys size 7 pants, size large dress shirts, size 1 boots, size medium sweatshirts, and...CHUCK TAYLORS SIZE 1. Evidently, THAT box was packed in one of those OCD moments, which are rare...oh, shut up...yes they are! Anyway it was taped up like Fort Knox, I got it open, grabbed the chucks and searched for Oliver like the he was Cinderella or something. Please God...let him "like" the way they feel, I prayed. You see, Steven and I both love Chucks (we're both in need of new ones) and if we don't have at least ONE kid that loves them too...well, theirs always adoption!<br /><br />HE LIKES THEM...HE LIKES THEM...HEY MIKEY!!!!<br />Um....now we have to teach him how to tie his shoes, because in this world of velcro and slip-ons, I'm afraid we've neglected to do that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigW5OrZBCcYKRbOyM5n_9Jl8HUkJ049FANRFn7p7jwiL4ItmRDXbxE0s42sGGk_w3sYIwYGUfMXE7ZEw1yFvDAChKA7vot5WiDUGAimz_5l9DSi5s2KH5dulkCzDeXHlhH3nGZPAIu3yA/s1600/chucks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigW5OrZBCcYKRbOyM5n_9Jl8HUkJ049FANRFn7p7jwiL4ItmRDXbxE0s42sGGk_w3sYIwYGUfMXE7ZEw1yFvDAChKA7vot5WiDUGAimz_5l9DSi5s2KH5dulkCzDeXHlhH3nGZPAIu3yA/s400/chucks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661588646662742546" /></a><br /><br /><br />Back to the attic to re-stack the boxes, and despite every instinct to turn and walk away from the mess...I couldn't. Darn...cleaning the attic was NOT on my list of things to do, but I just couldn't help myself. <br /><br />Before I tell you what I found, let me tell you that I had just...and I mean JUST told Steven that Oliver needed 2 more pair of school pants (trying to make it through a week with 3 wasn't happening), and at least 1 more pair of play pants. Linus needed all new winter clothes, underwear, and PJ's.<br /><br />Fast-forward 3 hours later, I had found an entire winter wardrobe for Linus, and a whole other box of spring/summer for next year. 10 pair of Linus-size underwear, more PJ's than I can fit in his drawer including 6 footed sleepers. That's gold to me...I hate bying PJ's...it PAINS me to spend money on PJ's. Then...get this...I found 2 pairs of Oliver-sized khaki pants, and a nice pair of Hannah Andersson play pants.<br /><br />I also managed to fill 2 boxes with baby clothes for a friend, a huge bag of 3T stuff for another friend, put away and labeled all the heirloom/family/handmade things that I'm saving for, ahem, grandchildren...not that I'm old enough or anything, but it doesn't hurt to plan, and 2 bags of maternity clothes for Goodwill. All of this because I wanted to find a pair of shoes! See how God works? He knew that attic needed to be cleaned...he knew my kids needed clothes...now several people get to benefit from the little middle-of-the-night obesession about finding those sneakers.<br /><br />Now...about the bathrooms that didn't get cleaned because I was putzing around in the attic all day....Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-10576561771564582702011-05-15T12:20:00.005-04:002011-05-15T13:00:29.412-04:00Le Apron<div>An old theater pal of mine decided to up and start a cupcake company. Introducing...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Le-Cupcake/165485223509625">Le Cupcake!</a> Go to her facebook page and "like". I am also in the throws of starting the Michigan Cupcake Company, and thought when we both come head to head at <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/cupcake-wars/index.html">Cupcake Wars</a>, she'll need something cute for the competition. </div><br /><br /><div>Enter...Le Apron. I didn't ask ahead of time if she wanted a half or full apron, so I decided to make the bib detachable. Why haven't I thought of this before? I know I don't have time to make and stock my Etsy store with these, so I'm going to tweak the design a bit and share in a tutorial coming soon so everyone can make their own. In the meantime, I must make one for myself, so that when we come head to head...or cupcake to cupcake on the Food Network I'm not wearing the restaurant-style, plain white one I wear in my own kitchen.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxWcpmnTYb-5RV1KF5pI8HpaWATktOjlFMcu9Q3FKM6MP3tJFqIK5j8fuN65FN1mtgswoJvHJ3Gm9AVZv7KnKaTUP3mPDFhncF3FGVZg23boy5U4Opx2ZFp7kkQipB_gXcPnT-8ijELw/s1600/Lee+Lee+Apron.Front.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxWcpmnTYb-5RV1KF5pI8HpaWATktOjlFMcu9Q3FKM6MP3tJFqIK5j8fuN65FN1mtgswoJvHJ3Gm9AVZv7KnKaTUP3mPDFhncF3FGVZg23boy5U4Opx2ZFp7kkQipB_gXcPnT-8ijELw/s400/Lee+Lee+Apron.Front.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606988469383178338" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGMkTbOXe2gSxfKFm1e1OOqM8fsWepmi5BaL50rFkzJG-5lNZeTsfYX1Sb-pG77xiW0Fauz6XMPuyo0zd7W3YcvRF1sqDqhCsCJ6CSZYwEiR5B141mTzDB8nVWthYL0RBmQCXP2OcaXg/s1600/Lee+Lee+Apron.back.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGMkTbOXe2gSxfKFm1e1OOqM8fsWepmi5BaL50rFkzJG-5lNZeTsfYX1Sb-pG77xiW0Fauz6XMPuyo0zd7W3YcvRF1sqDqhCsCJ6CSZYwEiR5B141mTzDB8nVWthYL0RBmQCXP2OcaXg/s400/Lee+Lee+Apron.back.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606988464077009234" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKWQCfaLx4ltGWhJc0SHIGRUHVjbHgVpfgGOzaANVucsSL5G8BuossiJ2U-xoL-fgrKWZsZiZt2nHh2rS3V-nNoMn_lj2PstM5sHhFMtrMLoj9EXT2LQIBckan33684slSMq0ehyphenhyphenTkCU/s1600/Lee+Lee+Apron.back.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKWQCfaLx4ltGWhJc0SHIGRUHVjbHgVpfgGOzaANVucsSL5G8BuossiJ2U-xoL-fgrKWZsZiZt2nHh2rS3V-nNoMn_lj2PstM5sHhFMtrMLoj9EXT2LQIBckan33684slSMq0ehyphenhyphenTkCU/s400/Lee+Lee+Apron.back.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606988463379804194" /></a><br /><br /><br />And speaking of cupcakes...I had an order for snake-themed cupcakes this weekend. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj832TFzH5uViLzPSTJukl5Fn2rh7x6hMzt2hHNdclJb94ZQHmw5q0n3UDDD8ZZpdjLeOeTFFxFVEaJU6wY9OEUwaIQRB11gOmhyqMZd13PM1bX9dSgxcfafgOFw4jHa18Rmr_uB-xCLFk/s1600/Snake+in+the+grass+Cupcakes.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj832TFzH5uViLzPSTJukl5Fn2rh7x6hMzt2hHNdclJb94ZQHmw5q0n3UDDD8ZZpdjLeOeTFFxFVEaJU6wY9OEUwaIQRB11gOmhyqMZd13PM1bX9dSgxcfafgOFw4jHa18Rmr_uB-xCLFk/s400/Snake+in+the+grass+Cupcakes.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606985041112944306" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-4746966160665550652011-03-27T15:37:00.005-04:002011-03-27T16:41:31.709-04:00Oliver's 6th BirthdayAlthough a few weeks late, we finally celebrated Oliver's 6th birthday. He asked for an art-themed party at <a href="http://kidsnstuff.org/">Kids n Stuff. </a>I knew immediately that I wanted to design the cake to include my favorite painting of his. I took it to the printer and had them reduce it so that I didn't have to make a double sheet cake just to accomodate the painting. The cake was not nearly as elaborate as my original design, but I just didn't have the time to do everything I wanted. He asked for vanilla and chocolate with a cream cheese filling. Since he was giving me carte blanche on the icing, I got crazy and made a rootbeer buttercream (it wasn't very rootbeer-y...will have to tweek that recipe). I made the palate out of fondant, and used primary color decorator icing for the border and "paint". <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGGYr5C3w0ppAHfzhw5Tm3vgN4y7YE9U9Enqm9Fs_OF1JA-P5w5mk9tlDcKVCFGB0o6odQVDcVjgPRTvPYobpaXkVHo_UEu4JqiHoNBGDXIireW5-7ApesWYSFg6BslrwQEBnDfulaD0/s1600/Art-Themed+Cake.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588859346382355666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGGYr5C3w0ppAHfzhw5Tm3vgN4y7YE9U9Enqm9Fs_OF1JA-P5w5mk9tlDcKVCFGB0o6odQVDcVjgPRTvPYobpaXkVHo_UEu4JqiHoNBGDXIireW5-7ApesWYSFg6BslrwQEBnDfulaD0/s400/Art-Themed+Cake.JPG" /></a> Each guest was provided an easel (we got these from IKEA for .99 ea), and a 5x7 canvas, and got to do their own painting to take home. Our party room was right next to the art room which was very convenient. The kids all had a great time, and everyone seemed to leave happy! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFF7Q8CaJiMaovua2AxY9ZOA4oU33Pki2DpIRP9kOLJ4AZIVWgPFC1k6oSotRn12yDneNzlvf_VDOvKvVNGmuUUn4YjkNj1EJChU1PgbpPmaV2-9Y9D5d1en-Oc3DhNc-BIW-5k9kSAc/s1600/Art-Themed+Birthday.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 365px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588859352572719106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFF7Q8CaJiMaovua2AxY9ZOA4oU33Pki2DpIRP9kOLJ4AZIVWgPFC1k6oSotRn12yDneNzlvf_VDOvKvVNGmuUUn4YjkNj1EJChU1PgbpPmaV2-9Y9D5d1en-Oc3DhNc-BIW-5k9kSAc/s400/Art-Themed+Birthday.JPG" /></a> Aside...It was the first time Oliver invited school friends, and I think it will be the last unless I know the parents personally. Of the 6 that were invited, only ONE responded (2 hours before), and was the ONLY ONE TO SHOW UP! What happened to social etiquette? Thankfully, Oliver didn't seem to care. Between family friends and cousins, we had quite a crowd. Yes, our overly-ambitious 6 year old was very happy indeed. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWt9Pbl1v8C_blrNZyM3C_sTa5lPPDpXNwPU_yltK63sy8tOn57nSuqmheAEF375CFYuI5_Lyw8CGsHnvMt42qFTQevMCjWhz0vQ29JQpk5zd4CBo7MuK1NBFaVAMMAOmnhW-B17pUalo/s1600/042.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588861823913554002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWt9Pbl1v8C_blrNZyM3C_sTa5lPPDpXNwPU_yltK63sy8tOn57nSuqmheAEF375CFYuI5_Lyw8CGsHnvMt42qFTQevMCjWhz0vQ29JQpk5zd4CBo7MuK1NBFaVAMMAOmnhW-B17pUalo/s400/042.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-4AgJ7gngbfBaVNEQbieXZBK0tcCPtKqX6hmVN6uV6P2U-GKr5tqZ4zFAWGZac-uS4HQnpbwSv4s1ztcsnHhQN71Die_5LGPfVzFkcba7EsXVRj9sbaqU-Hx-HzhNfKhSrEywDfEt0s/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588861813155650514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-4AgJ7gngbfBaVNEQbieXZBK0tcCPtKqX6hmVN6uV6P2U-GKr5tqZ4zFAWGZac-uS4HQnpbwSv4s1ztcsnHhQN71Die_5LGPfVzFkcba7EsXVRj9sbaqU-Hx-HzhNfKhSrEywDfEt0s/s400/008.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY9qK-B7xOzSTcCHGU3vXFIbC2Vq_PzFPOFowmua1xnMfD6MalVtTtL8TXTGJ-M7FiOqzDzkcfeVjrkrjJXsLeh9U-4IfmA285A1NdJwHgTEZAqtt30ABA5b9SmoMdiy1DwmT2UAcomQ/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588861810010341282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY9qK-B7xOzSTcCHGU3vXFIbC2Vq_PzFPOFowmua1xnMfD6MalVtTtL8TXTGJ-M7FiOqzDzkcfeVjrkrjJXsLeh9U-4IfmA285A1NdJwHgTEZAqtt30ABA5b9SmoMdiy1DwmT2UAcomQ/s400/004.JPG" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-68087429799531501552011-03-20T15:02:00.004-04:002012-03-15T09:02:21.359-04:00More Figgy's For Linus<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhXnzbHEAgWQeZSGUAQKxK-5cAUaNGRM8-uhyphenhyphen5AlWkfYxiXTwlQmrZZgccNI7HovViBhmhZKQsIAxD2lfxhkAThqLvO0WStIoeZ2_6noTy8tV5Pb3fr-u-YEyp5sTRc8-Zk7OGJxE88E/s1600/Linus.2.20.front.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586243789128184978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhXnzbHEAgWQeZSGUAQKxK-5cAUaNGRM8-uhyphenhyphen5AlWkfYxiXTwlQmrZZgccNI7HovViBhmhZKQsIAxD2lfxhkAThqLvO0WStIoeZ2_6noTy8tV5Pb3fr-u-YEyp5sTRc8-Zk7OGJxE88E/s400/Linus.2.20.front.JPG" /></a><br />I knew if I bought a new pattern it would give me the impetus to get through some of the unfinished items in my queue. After finishing 3 of them, I rewarded myself by diving into a t-shirt pattern. Within an hour, I had 2 sizes traced, and 4 shirts cut out. Since one of the unfinshed items that I got around to was a pair of pants meant for Christmas, I decided to make a shirt to match (too late now for the intentioned turtle neck and vest).<br /><div>The size 2/3 pants are still huge on my smaller than normal 3 1/2 year old, but that means they may just fit next fall too. Next is one for Oliver who when asked what embellishment he wanted, requested an "R". Confused, he clicked his tongue at me and said "well, Linus is Batman, I'll be Robin".</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-48558161574489179172011-03-17T08:28:00.003-04:002011-03-17T08:34:30.056-04:005th in Queue<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTk32rBHR7hHtFwgUZYtYzxcXxq6jALHrIpKyMJZgkscJZxy-kcfL6Hck7tywnFcCY7f3wHA_I4Mj5U2Hp7X8tPHE2CO7Vh88LA0tpD_RJftuDGfEOCsNnqys9NZ5NBbraahC8Gpt8fgQ/s1600/5th+in+queue.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585024955824929682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTk32rBHR7hHtFwgUZYtYzxcXxq6jALHrIpKyMJZgkscJZxy-kcfL6Hck7tywnFcCY7f3wHA_I4Mj5U2Hp7X8tPHE2CO7Vh88LA0tpD_RJftuDGfEOCsNnqys9NZ5NBbraahC8Gpt8fgQ/s400/5th+in+queue.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So excited when I got home and found my new Figgy's pattern had arrived. Totally bummed that I have so little time to sew, and 5 other projects in queue before I can start. Check out the vintage "theme park" knit that I picked up last year at <a href="http://artsandscraps.org/">Arts and Scraps</a> for almost nothing. It's going to make for some really cute pajamas for Linus and Oliver.<br /><br />Speaking of sewing for Linus and Oliver. One of the things in my queue is their Christmas outfits! Do you think it will be too warm on Easter for corduroy...it's baby blue?Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-790391486693227012010-11-21T15:16:00.005-05:002010-11-21T15:45:28.161-05:00Creative Solutions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0LFBTnDnPHYU65Cbctl7D7talLdaCXvWqwCI5Y7Z5uyZUzvYYUDC_vMbcNqXvLNZ0qRdS6lMWZOvx1z0k86nXm2aYdEthb4k6s5tfxpDC_qLCqDfX8JRtVJEgwb099xzvLIdBAKKRrw/s1600/oliver.artwork.chair.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0LFBTnDnPHYU65Cbctl7D7talLdaCXvWqwCI5Y7Z5uyZUzvYYUDC_vMbcNqXvLNZ0qRdS6lMWZOvx1z0k86nXm2aYdEthb4k6s5tfxpDC_qLCqDfX8JRtVJEgwb099xzvLIdBAKKRrw/s400/oliver.artwork.chair.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542105298602318978" /></a><br /><br />Oliver found his creative side a bit ago, and proceeded to take a marker to all things but paper. The worst of it was my mother-in-law's dining room chair.<br /><br />So off to the fabric store I went, with a swatch of her wallpaper in hand, and a few measurements. I settled on "turkey red" quilting cotton as it was only $4.99/yd, AND I had a 40% off coupon. Having never made chair covers, I thought...I'm not spending a lot of money if I'm going to flub it up. I made a few sketches, and traced the seat to make a pattern. Of course he couldn't pick a chair with a square or rectangular seat...it had to be scalloped...really?<br /><br />I used some tan sheeting I had laying around to line the back. It is essentially like a pillowcase, but I added a triangular piece that wraps around the bottom and buttons in the back. I love the way this looked, and it was super-easy. The skirt was a challenge...*all* that gathering...jeez! And just because I didn't want the turkey red chair to feel like the odd chair out, I covered 2 so it looks like they're supposed to be different from the others. Guess what she wants for Christmas? Covers for the other 6!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gmJhhobz_zo3uq1uZDFTbab4sqnU9K2FxlQzcUOZeEeaYA4CEJytQpPASMdA62hrFOZTRVuFnvZcMGWrjpvQ_kwrn0sM0L-WktFyjT2PT4EDughMFbmL1yi1iNjOwoIUO8DwHfzeJ0o/s1600/chair.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gmJhhobz_zo3uq1uZDFTbab4sqnU9K2FxlQzcUOZeEeaYA4CEJytQpPASMdA62hrFOZTRVuFnvZcMGWrjpvQ_kwrn0sM0L-WktFyjT2PT4EDughMFbmL1yi1iNjOwoIUO8DwHfzeJ0o/s400/chair.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542106243944784050" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49uIB7ps78awTMYg3Us6JS7FjrjESEHHSVB1pJXulsj_aItL9DFw7hUpMzEhY8lIUA8GM_Bl5S5roObDoGI54NxLa7pQJzSwfCjibJDKJehHXeC0GRfY8eSVXmsLzUL0s_gayktWmh1Q/s1600/Chair+back.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49uIB7ps78awTMYg3Us6JS7FjrjESEHHSVB1pJXulsj_aItL9DFw7hUpMzEhY8lIUA8GM_Bl5S5roObDoGI54NxLa7pQJzSwfCjibJDKJehHXeC0GRfY8eSVXmsLzUL0s_gayktWmh1Q/s400/Chair+back.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542106259080069746" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z-7VR-uln6oBb6KtZcylcxPsrNAxee-pVHwsyuQYOq-69nyfIkuz8bnEmOgnolPkoK2Te71zQN8XFGSWRnUN5mXP78G8uAULRhUXpcaTlwiCfmIwx31uVCQSviwufETAD1BMEAfLOxE/s1600/pair.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z-7VR-uln6oBb6KtZcylcxPsrNAxee-pVHwsyuQYOq-69nyfIkuz8bnEmOgnolPkoK2Te71zQN8XFGSWRnUN5mXP78G8uAULRhUXpcaTlwiCfmIwx31uVCQSviwufETAD1BMEAfLOxE/s400/pair.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542106261470043282" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-15615341376639881832010-10-18T19:18:00.004-04:002010-10-18T19:36:25.483-04:00What Are They Teaching In Kindergarten These Days?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFztPAe8mFUEbvynJ0lW6MoPfMTXkkkCrp53yJWVX9MwOIw5p1_KSQuP7tKQyr8x-WZsVcl01H8LU8Ebe3GaGPcQc2EVc135d2l88mXfUDYhfgmMlzcVhMp8kXUVpI9kwLuP_-BM-iiwU/s1600/smartypants.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFztPAe8mFUEbvynJ0lW6MoPfMTXkkkCrp53yJWVX9MwOIw5p1_KSQuP7tKQyr8x-WZsVcl01H8LU8Ebe3GaGPcQc2EVc135d2l88mXfUDYhfgmMlzcVhMp8kXUVpI9kwLuP_-BM-iiwU/s200/smartypants.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529533457630250818" /></a><br /><br /><br />Oliver has suddenly tapped into his artistic side. However...and that is a BIG however...his inspiration seems to come when holding permanent marker, and with no paper in site, he draws on what is available. That may be the wall, the window, the furniture, the ivory upholstered chairs in my mother in laws formal dining room...just about anything.<br /><br />Anyhoo...my mother in law suggested that he may be stressed out from going to school all day long. So since his school offers full or half-day kindergarten, I thought I'd ask him what he thought. Our brief conversation went like this:<br /><br />Me: Oliver...is going to school all day, every day too much for you? Do you think you'd like to go half-day on some days?<br /><br />Oliver: Sure...like Landon and Hunter D.? (the initial is because there is indeed, more than 1 Hunter in his class)<br /><br />Me: Yes. Maybe you can go all day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and half-day on Tuesday and Friday.<br /><br />Oliver: Hmm...typical A/B pattern.<br /><br />Me: Ummm...yea.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-42995387829976309392010-09-26T15:25:00.002-04:002010-09-26T15:28:21.679-04:00The Rules...According to Oliver1. Don't leave the park without your shoes.<br /><br />2. Don't leave the house without your slurpee...if you have one.<br /><br />3. Don't hang your clothes up before you take them off. Otherwise you hang yourself up.<br /><br />4. Don't swing the bat until the ball comes.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-70919485655111369372010-06-22T13:17:00.005-04:002010-06-22T14:48:04.812-04:00PackingSteven hasn't said anything (yet), but I'm sure he thinks I'm crazy. I however, think it's a great idea. I've packed Linus and Oliver's clothes in individual ziploc bags. The reasons why I think this is practical are endless, but mainly it will make for a more peacful camping trip.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSmn5DY4SyPxjINz9K-CTb_9ToUyy0KBz1fpm78JdwredyIMxe6M2h-pDFtCnkJD6fS8E9kVeRI9gCGC1GAbxFtHX1HYyHf3c7UFTnfpPkOXd8yElWga8VM9FsEaDvIIGkdNpBhevSoo/s1600/packing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSmn5DY4SyPxjINz9K-CTb_9ToUyy0KBz1fpm78JdwredyIMxe6M2h-pDFtCnkJD6fS8E9kVeRI9gCGC1GAbxFtHX1HYyHf3c7UFTnfpPkOXd8yElWga8VM9FsEaDvIIGkdNpBhevSoo/s400/packing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485650010435824690" /></a><br /><br />While I was packing I discovered Linus and Oliver "camping" in my closet with the lantern.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVDJe5rSRtaLBX1zqMRaRVFFDJ3D0HXUuGGJDbIjAqLPq3iqy0SHmM-1cNpjaSFTBh-FQge8pSvrgQF2oyPIzeDGlHVWn-Mo1bKoVmpg-s4I0F6JaYztp2BNDU8D4VhOXsIivKkpvwjg/s1600/closet+camping.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVDJe5rSRtaLBX1zqMRaRVFFDJ3D0HXUuGGJDbIjAqLPq3iqy0SHmM-1cNpjaSFTBh-FQge8pSvrgQF2oyPIzeDGlHVWn-Mo1bKoVmpg-s4I0F6JaYztp2BNDU8D4VhOXsIivKkpvwjg/s400/closet+camping.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485650483131493010" /></a><br /><br />I made some travel washcloths by cutting up an old knit receiving blanket, zig-zagging and pinking around the edges.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrcNn9KCRfm_DaCVQCROFAeREZ2LLFx1y-8vWwIp3Gb6zgqJ9TTSuIxHVJ07AWw-YjWNmxv3abeBDexFrdp0NGK3savJOo-2EaUTWni0ikgQZGbMLolwQwm4AHBIaqRdrnrtBWx8KpEw/s1600/wash+cloths.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrcNn9KCRfm_DaCVQCROFAeREZ2LLFx1y-8vWwIp3Gb6zgqJ9TTSuIxHVJ07AWw-YjWNmxv3abeBDexFrdp0NGK3savJOo-2EaUTWni0ikgQZGbMLolwQwm4AHBIaqRdrnrtBWx8KpEw/s400/wash+cloths.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485671216350372450" /></a><br /><br />It helps to pink over the garbage can.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJtxjglQgnG0NprvBjrJms6Tpre_5rR_Ollqq5E3-yomGP9lRt0DH3rkzvaoYVb1VbVDMfU3BKElfwFGGNFzWd_mCeH9lWU3CBz9OXEZUSjsWD-geKy8LPXzJOjKtdSG9BXIb5kOus-w/s1600/pinking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJtxjglQgnG0NprvBjrJms6Tpre_5rR_Ollqq5E3-yomGP9lRt0DH3rkzvaoYVb1VbVDMfU3BKElfwFGGNFzWd_mCeH9lWU3CBz9OXEZUSjsWD-geKy8LPXzJOjKtdSG9BXIb5kOus-w/s400/pinking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485671594358996002" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-66557080141291771462010-06-14T09:48:00.012-04:002010-06-14T10:54:38.226-04:00Our New HomeLast weekend we headed out to the new house. I want to get everything cleaned before moving all of our things in. Steven insists that moving is simply "throwing everything in boxes and putting them on a truck". Funny, isn't he? We all know it's a little more involved than that. Luckily because we're in such a small space now, I'm pretty organized, but it's still a lot of work. So here are some pictures previewing our new space.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0s7qAAVo4HAVsPQ8z6H98x2WUIt6I3k2OsjMDH2Jzdm_kbUOJwnpRJ5_LDHYJVSWDviVJVPxvohXIh3zS8hMX6SKZ7I3BAyKpaEIfPJSoH3SFEWbp28BMBK3kZ_-oVLMuvK0nxMrYuKY/s1600/new+house.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0s7qAAVo4HAVsPQ8z6H98x2WUIt6I3k2OsjMDH2Jzdm_kbUOJwnpRJ5_LDHYJVSWDviVJVPxvohXIh3zS8hMX6SKZ7I3BAyKpaEIfPJSoH3SFEWbp28BMBK3kZ_-oVLMuvK0nxMrYuKY/s400/new+house.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482628150708675170" /></a><br /><br />This is my favorite feature...A MUD ROOM! With 4 boys who are forever coming in the house covered in water, dirt, snow etc., this room is simply the best.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPv1P_dVYaLsZThjd4VHNV6OjxeOT1cqE2WvrG1MQpLY_e5HYWglZ1V7s27JdKNu5X5tNnREObCCcV592w5il_zHt0khgkx72GhZHr1zr9oybrsvg0-5sP4CV-r_0JPUZah48uN2pS4yM/s1600/laundry+room.mud+porch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPv1P_dVYaLsZThjd4VHNV6OjxeOT1cqE2WvrG1MQpLY_e5HYWglZ1V7s27JdKNu5X5tNnREObCCcV592w5il_zHt0khgkx72GhZHr1zr9oybrsvg0-5sP4CV-r_0JPUZah48uN2pS4yM/s400/laundry+room.mud+porch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629154231131234" /></a><br /><br />The kitchen offers lots more space than I'm used to. Cabinets galore...yay!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9k6X1uI8WYAnXJkGjuwKAbK-BqqiLDvRhVmMptETX1A1z6iytzIpF2c4-hDCFv4I6ArEnrHj-UUVH72jN7kCqWBGf30qZ8xzBbyK9cG4ru6GuZZkykuxAxto8Mx7Sg0WtF1EwHafwkE/s1600/kitchen+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9k6X1uI8WYAnXJkGjuwKAbK-BqqiLDvRhVmMptETX1A1z6iytzIpF2c4-hDCFv4I6ArEnrHj-UUVH72jN7kCqWBGf30qZ8xzBbyK9cG4ru6GuZZkykuxAxto8Mx7Sg0WtF1EwHafwkE/s400/kitchen+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630395928854146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDtoLuWInMqsToPAW3j2mHp1EkvwA3duLYrlhPjnQsa9ZKxPBhj_FUnD_YPObEdsCZvEuZpMf3bbcIlAGZVX36STz6lwwpLjmWkUgfg2eXznS1ODwvLEA7Xo9i3axd_dRm2Ciy8bnCU4/s1600/kitchen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDtoLuWInMqsToPAW3j2mHp1EkvwA3duLYrlhPjnQsa9ZKxPBhj_FUnD_YPObEdsCZvEuZpMf3bbcIlAGZVX36STz6lwwpLjmWkUgfg2eXznS1ODwvLEA7Xo9i3axd_dRm2Ciy8bnCU4/s400/kitchen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630388146284770" /></a><br /><br />Dining Room<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvxmOerga7p-DiL7zeJejoKvpx1wltNehJ-qH_Kgwx4reEjD6-SZw9yuqV0DMx-b_cDfzE81k040muFChJTGYWmxanOwsPy4uPCWn9nvBOnm5QE8LkeoNsTTXCJUVTRc_rsCjAjrLyQ8/s1600/dining+room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvxmOerga7p-DiL7zeJejoKvpx1wltNehJ-qH_Kgwx4reEjD6-SZw9yuqV0DMx-b_cDfzE81k040muFChJTGYWmxanOwsPy4uPCWn9nvBOnm5QE8LkeoNsTTXCJUVTRc_rsCjAjrLyQ8/s400/dining+room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630890878116338" /></a><br /><br />Living Room<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBwd9YP3zezZ1vRp3rezpPBdLqCjZqy8w8DiBEfisHgfLJtOAluNA2Rpj8G4kbBr8ruLRoxvUi4wDek3qc348NL3LBdTMqpDJcdQ20iitRbxX_uQiVuGjKgkBR4yw7T4UBno3IAiIhNk/s1600/living+room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBwd9YP3zezZ1vRp3rezpPBdLqCjZqy8w8DiBEfisHgfLJtOAluNA2Rpj8G4kbBr8ruLRoxvUi4wDek3qc348NL3LBdTMqpDJcdQ20iitRbxX_uQiVuGjKgkBR4yw7T4UBno3IAiIhNk/s400/living+room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482631277817523170" /></a><br /><br />Parlor/Study (Steven's Oasis)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxS3nMgC1bAuXxwyO6uZsFbJV3g9B9Z1t6BK6kI-E7YGg_WuyhGjXnZWrCSSmA5OD63i_J6y3yarOJBGxmJB70PBqh2FY5qCMC2pZ6lA2RNuD4iWgKCPyJYFoN175jNu8HrNg4kKJQV0/s1600/parlor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxS3nMgC1bAuXxwyO6uZsFbJV3g9B9Z1t6BK6kI-E7YGg_WuyhGjXnZWrCSSmA5OD63i_J6y3yarOJBGxmJB70PBqh2FY5qCMC2pZ6lA2RNuD4iWgKCPyJYFoN175jNu8HrNg4kKJQV0/s400/parlor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482632070410630674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSLrIYgAOrYsINqM4aDvpPsyfboMySJXkS6lz_uWi33Sw16DLdOJU4W83WnGRILZ_SHi2sPyAYiYwdHoUXF2JoXrfVSuvzLrG-6ktiNaPrZ8ffz28Hm319mae9HMxmVQbicXPTmzRsZw/s1600/parlor+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSLrIYgAOrYsINqM4aDvpPsyfboMySJXkS6lz_uWi33Sw16DLdOJU4W83WnGRILZ_SHi2sPyAYiYwdHoUXF2JoXrfVSuvzLrG-6ktiNaPrZ8ffz28Hm319mae9HMxmVQbicXPTmzRsZw/s400/parlor+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482632059506527522" /></a><br /><br />My Sewing Room...needs wallpaper removal and a coat of paint, but LOTS of space for my machines, and I can finally have a cutting table! No more bending over the dinning room table tracing and cutting.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKhSnOLbPPaD1Hlzr-HQYbiJ2zCVDHsKdbZVe3y7FvQEzKhdkn_nqXuxXGxZlpn3WYIze8N7QMXYF4MB3iMHt9faPj3zDstTEMps0Ech7bADYbAur3LteVf5q-H5WqDNwKD5J4RlSOpk/s1600/my+studio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKhSnOLbPPaD1Hlzr-HQYbiJ2zCVDHsKdbZVe3y7FvQEzKhdkn_nqXuxXGxZlpn3WYIze8N7QMXYF4MB3iMHt9faPj3zDstTEMps0Ech7bADYbAur3LteVf5q-H5WqDNwKD5J4RlSOpk/s400/my+studio.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482633195158367874" /></a><br /><br />Here are the bedrooms. Noah and Peter could have each had their own, but quickly decided to continue sharing (neither wanted the small room). Small room or not, I think they're just used to it, and would miss eachother. We'll finally have a quest room! We have some paper removal and painting to do up here as well (except for the Master).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19dkWMjI8PQzf75TyExa6XdENGCipeUFusqY3X0UHPyte1ptgo_QeyQMer69-up2G86lXYXfllbpkSmL6SdxBeVtRDSIUFdDLy-hnkYupfTkhstsrchRK943JD9Am6vhzc8ifzkQCIpk/s1600/master+bedroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19dkWMjI8PQzf75TyExa6XdENGCipeUFusqY3X0UHPyte1ptgo_QeyQMer69-up2G86lXYXfllbpkSmL6SdxBeVtRDSIUFdDLy-hnkYupfTkhstsrchRK943JD9Am6vhzc8ifzkQCIpk/s400/master+bedroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482635914261420034" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFUSZ8eSSwyMyOEAS1s6c-kj8h_AutrVfIQ13uHuaH4KBoxSqpAPM_bP7g0Um4vUYL49cUVN1s4yyOstXc-tN3hLrOV-3pn6fQWfDaQxX7IcjzOB7QFOKhNEiATUP0473jw3CoJbGqp0/s1600/Oliver+and+Linus+bedroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFUSZ8eSSwyMyOEAS1s6c-kj8h_AutrVfIQ13uHuaH4KBoxSqpAPM_bP7g0Um4vUYL49cUVN1s4yyOstXc-tN3hLrOV-3pn6fQWfDaQxX7IcjzOB7QFOKhNEiATUP0473jw3CoJbGqp0/s400/Oliver+and+Linus+bedroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482635904940279314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRWok_NbhClHVnuLXCup86o7wV3tJledmMkLL5UxwjVebsHJoNqK5NKagCbnbCWR7lYOSWS5KeDG-ytSJwAk_rOAghnKLk4d85ns2o988QRgeokeZZ0W279X3r7YTsXPBd8-5MIhpZ_E/s1600/noah+and+peters+room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRWok_NbhClHVnuLXCup86o7wV3tJledmMkLL5UxwjVebsHJoNqK5NKagCbnbCWR7lYOSWS5KeDG-ytSJwAk_rOAghnKLk4d85ns2o988QRgeokeZZ0W279X3r7YTsXPBd8-5MIhpZ_E/s400/noah+and+peters+room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482635901293064674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BlxP9oybIuFoHQ_RhqtQNPLvSs88ikbEIJev0kobH1RN76IZDKb2rVeoWpMzS3hpiuXiosFgMRZTn_Ifg_yL7TwmwZDzok4JCo1RUoStOrWz9UBL7FDvxUUXKjVhBxuVYy8hOmCaGQs/s1600/guest+bedroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BlxP9oybIuFoHQ_RhqtQNPLvSs88ikbEIJev0kobH1RN76IZDKb2rVeoWpMzS3hpiuXiosFgMRZTn_Ifg_yL7TwmwZDzok4JCo1RUoStOrWz9UBL7FDvxUUXKjVhBxuVYy8hOmCaGQs/s400/guest+bedroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482635890756180962" /></a><br /><br />We have a great yard that's fenced-in, thank goodness! This is a photo of the overgrown Japanese Garden. I'll have lots of fun getting that cleaned out...there's a pond in there somewhere which right now is inhabitied by frogs, which of course, the boys think is great. Let's hope I don't find one in my bed!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvGikg58F5TLG7TvndQbEw7IST8gWtIj75IcMPAS24N1OpaZ60w3h9w9R6s5FfWqFYU_8KSHBAMolzfVnhoYvS-icgdFnK1TQ-gpHmJWZm0E2a0gWjrPv4QbkRYtTXOWm-FN1ygIxsyc/s1600/backyard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvGikg58F5TLG7TvndQbEw7IST8gWtIj75IcMPAS24N1OpaZ60w3h9w9R6s5FfWqFYU_8KSHBAMolzfVnhoYvS-icgdFnK1TQ-gpHmJWZm0E2a0gWjrPv4QbkRYtTXOWm-FN1ygIxsyc/s400/backyard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482638212634298594" /></a><br /><br />We've found an excellent school for Noah and Oliver in Marshall. <a href="http://www.marshallacademy.org/">The Marshall Academy</a> is a charter school about 20 minutes away, and is K-12, so I have only 1 stop! Noah will go from being 1 or 250 to 1 of 25, Oliver will just LOVE the kindergarten program, and they offer Latin...oh boy!<br /><br />Our house is only 1 block from the main street in town, and we're within walking distance of the library, the park, and my in-laws. Steven and I may get a date night more often than once a year...woo hoo!! And of course, <a href="http://www.kidsnstuff.org/">Kids-n-Stuff</a> is right around the corner. It's Oliver's favorite thing about Albion, and I'm sure we'll be spending lot's of time there.<br /><br />We have to be all settled before school starts, so we've got a busy summer ahead...off to do some packing.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-48378819660582241382010-05-19T19:03:00.010-04:002010-05-19T21:51:56.102-04:00This - n - ThatI love getting hand-me-downs. This little lovely was given to me by my friend Anita who got a new one for Mother's Day. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixplasVJisjtqrFdVdEP9tvOk8CY_XXxJK9NYskPTh6vdU7fVgN_B2E6KkqGRpbQj7_dcOd-pFm5EI_Gf8zyFILtJ7XFOtll0NdlAGFAY7VdQLdHU5Ctb5aqVdKJntBpYJRLCujIlrlE/s1600/I+love+hand-me-downs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixplasVJisjtqrFdVdEP9tvOk8CY_XXxJK9NYskPTh6vdU7fVgN_B2E6KkqGRpbQj7_dcOd-pFm5EI_Gf8zyFILtJ7XFOtll0NdlAGFAY7VdQLdHU5Ctb5aqVdKJntBpYJRLCujIlrlE/s400/I+love+hand-me-downs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473121050629213074" /></a><br /><br />This past weekend the boys practiced putting their tent up. We wanted to make sure that they would be able to do it alone. With 2 tents and a gazebo to erect...they're going to have a bit of work to do. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXJgurCulRn8BZEY1DU37UZSeumz7483YHucZxiEsRUf_aF5B5pzf1326AZbAKV3PfxIoReW09OZcTT5PQbhU7cND92qPyYk5gXE7eW0HNb4rOBBx9j52NNmcRlTJ74FbZf9PU0gh9RA/s1600/100_2764.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXJgurCulRn8BZEY1DU37UZSeumz7483YHucZxiEsRUf_aF5B5pzf1326AZbAKV3PfxIoReW09OZcTT5PQbhU7cND92qPyYk5gXE7eW0HNb4rOBBx9j52NNmcRlTJ74FbZf9PU0gh9RA/s400/100_2764.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473122123890757250" /></a><br /><br />I created this little number (well one like it) for my cousin Amy who needed a baby shower gift with "no pink". It's created quite the buzz, and I've had a few other orders since...Thanks Amy! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt0Vd9ztWRIfY3Co6VA_vMYZDlv0gKm1uvAAqAGBg3E3a8R0CqJjjrXNhBOZZ8LtaTHhCObjXB-zAJtu1GVQ46x2fM2oW8xkNF2novBYc-C475PX3SRlx1UTxL4g6aN549I3Crzhh-Is/s1600/full+view.red.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt0Vd9ztWRIfY3Co6VA_vMYZDlv0gKm1uvAAqAGBg3E3a8R0CqJjjrXNhBOZZ8LtaTHhCObjXB-zAJtu1GVQ46x2fM2oW8xkNF2novBYc-C475PX3SRlx1UTxL4g6aN549I3Crzhh-Is/s400/full+view.red.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473154275660313154" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK55v0ieQ06juKsY_57JGMzDw6crmVaYszY16vX-HdsCNRiOhG0xkhTjHhyphenhyphenLztUe-qUF_Eu1KATmq5HgU2ywz5REjI7RvA3JbCdT95A5OhEX-cKGfpU0maQGa5GUnMewGH_U8VGTJRyA/s1600/full+view.flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK55v0ieQ06juKsY_57JGMzDw6crmVaYszY16vX-HdsCNRiOhG0xkhTjHhyphenhyphenLztUe-qUF_Eu1KATmq5HgU2ywz5REjI7RvA3JbCdT95A5OhEX-cKGfpU0maQGa5GUnMewGH_U8VGTJRyA/s400/full+view.flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473154284183336946" /></a><br /><br />I love when people put little girls (babies especially)in colors that aren't girly. To that end, I can't imagine why I still haven't sold this little number. I think I made this 2 years ago, and it's been in the store since. Someone buy this...please!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_X5iIva8qwk53fSMJOGulmYHRt6m7-WEuyzlJoXXZS0xUZnIEkiLyTLpKk0FEcRt0YA75Zwt3jvPJ4YghDP1udZzX6dtezzQlTgcuBq72NFQxculZy88OLvH7e1_JLFffkpovaT3vBQ/s1600/Ruffle+bloomers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_X5iIva8qwk53fSMJOGulmYHRt6m7-WEuyzlJoXXZS0xUZnIEkiLyTLpKk0FEcRt0YA75Zwt3jvPJ4YghDP1udZzX6dtezzQlTgcuBq72NFQxculZy88OLvH7e1_JLFffkpovaT3vBQ/s400/Ruffle+bloomers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473158507180540834" /></a><br /><br />And look at the ruffles on the back of the bloomers!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpESm84tOEaXt7JZRn8UFFKfqCTCaryxp0gcMlbekOcjYyB6cLfjpc99czot8mQQ2UkVnm12JHPJuidpEEi5jMz5vPthmMA13U3L_dOqD-LYwJH_m1_FFd7dN8IraKRrGVoq39mVx2_nU/s1600/Front+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpESm84tOEaXt7JZRn8UFFKfqCTCaryxp0gcMlbekOcjYyB6cLfjpc99czot8mQQ2UkVnm12JHPJuidpEEi5jMz5vPthmMA13U3L_dOqD-LYwJH_m1_FFd7dN8IraKRrGVoq39mVx2_nU/s400/Front+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473158499864388914" /></a><br /><br />What else....oh, I got a new camera for Mother's Day, and none too soon. I retired my old one to Noah, and the next day it went caput! These are a couple of my favorite pics taken with it so far.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlQDr3SBy7zqmd7Z0V1ceCoEGyNvGOclE8hbHg8-xrp3BFOOYfYrQcHYXHNHCx_XsUIF96y5YmQe9Jedf-a6TBRJRLSsr-HFMBakkcJUpl8_1aU0YaKNwnRU4X3145O-1Gd1gT3lPOPM/s1600/100_2711.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlQDr3SBy7zqmd7Z0V1ceCoEGyNvGOclE8hbHg8-xrp3BFOOYfYrQcHYXHNHCx_XsUIF96y5YmQe9Jedf-a6TBRJRLSsr-HFMBakkcJUpl8_1aU0YaKNwnRU4X3145O-1Gd1gT3lPOPM/s400/100_2711.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473161363151576674" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQ6fi4EbSeaHKZI-Fk683fUQQQ-mBF8XfjGyZAmR3GcL5-iGzoDK8q0kArFxMpwINP8nXA1tLKkZu1n_oTa_0llLlASwL7Kh6pBDvtUXVtzMMNj_K2z3wVG7rAjf70hhPUIp-_ZxuJxU/s1600/tangerine+thread.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQ6fi4EbSeaHKZI-Fk683fUQQQ-mBF8XfjGyZAmR3GcL5-iGzoDK8q0kArFxMpwINP8nXA1tLKkZu1n_oTa_0llLlASwL7Kh6pBDvtUXVtzMMNj_K2z3wVG7rAjf70hhPUIp-_ZxuJxU/s400/tangerine+thread.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473161682678194786" /></a><br /><br />Oh and speaking of patterns. I've just ordered <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=29168117">this</a>, and purchased yardage allowing Oliver and Linus to "help" pick out what they want. I can't wait for it to arrive and get going.<br /><br />Oh, I hear Linus waking and calling for me...motherhood beckons!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-63607721399374056202010-05-05T22:53:00.004-04:002010-05-05T23:18:29.515-04:00Boxing LinusLinus <span style="font-style: italic;">loves<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span> to play boxing on the Wii. He can beat anyone...anytime. I'm not kidding. It appears that he stops every so often and channels Martha Graham.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyda2PMBVI1e88luSG1ominJwLJNRyFGR8S16I64TcpNkmIB6s1CTWfITqLL5H8fB8Zwr4bU49MZgl2W7rxug' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-10833991157298505142010-04-29T23:50:00.007-04:002010-04-30T22:13:46.017-04:00Mary Go Round Dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNw54v8R1l6XkDyoBzOf63cSkFz5EhRPza_nDZWjgnkfPb_pOYOGYbZo9uoc63-fKiymAgl2OogyAEKhkJ8GGK0Za01zRiSEMHBdhJzL5kLTpPBZo12FAOUp7PSAJXQNPwEe41oHzzHU/s1600/Mary+Go+Round.Patterns+by+Figgy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNw54v8R1l6XkDyoBzOf63cSkFz5EhRPza_nDZWjgnkfPb_pOYOGYbZo9uoc63-fKiymAgl2OogyAEKhkJ8GGK0Za01zRiSEMHBdhJzL5kLTpPBZo12FAOUp7PSAJXQNPwEe41oHzzHU/s400/Mary+Go+Round.Patterns+by+Figgy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466102973494788306" /></a><br /><br />Two of the most talented seamstresses out there have combined their design talents, and have launched a new line of patterns for children's clothing that I just love. Shelly of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/figgyskids?ga_search_query=figgy&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Figgy's Kids</a>, and Karen of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OneGirlCircus?ga_search_query=onegirlcircus&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">One Girl Circus</a> are the creative genius behind these heirloom quality designs.<br /><br />Which one to try first...I was really on the fence. Do I sew something for my own boys, or do I give in and sew something girly? Because I love all things reversible, the Mary Go Round Dress won. I had the fabric washed and ready before the pattern even arrived. <br /><br />Aside...I rarely use patterns (except pieces here and there) and follow directions, so this was a departure for me. But I know Karen (in real life) and know that I could only improve my skills by imitating her techniques.<br /><br />Getting started...I cut my fabrics. The pattern piece says cut 2 each of main and lining fabrics (knew this had to be wrong). Looking in the instructions, I saw that cutting 1 of each was correct. <br /> <br />I stitched the shoulder seams, and then both dresses together along the outer edge. I wrapped it around Linus to check length (this is only done when Steven isn't home), and thought it needed additional length...or something that would allow for movement and play without showing panties ;o, so I decided to cut a pair of bloomers to pair with it.<br /><br />Now the next step is a testament to my inability to properly follow directions. I clipped the armholes, turned them toward the inside, pressed, pinned together, and topstitched...them together. Yes, I should have stitched them separately, and even while I did it was thinking...how am I going to be able to turn this right side out? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GBVqnD7aE26YDO5g3ztSh_uUCXaMjQ-aBRAqgucwj1VvRMtwsSv2XodlTrEdKvJM0kaBJePSxuNxTFmvLbROKS4k_y6tTHfhfB3jnIP7P8yc2V6f7Zy0zF0mspQcLMK-XalmlKs__GE/s1600/clipped+armholes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GBVqnD7aE26YDO5g3ztSh_uUCXaMjQ-aBRAqgucwj1VvRMtwsSv2XodlTrEdKvJM0kaBJePSxuNxTFmvLbROKS4k_y6tTHfhfB3jnIP7P8yc2V6f7Zy0zF0mspQcLMK-XalmlKs__GE/s400/clipped+armholes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466109861251864498" /></a><br /><br />After un-sewing 2 armholes...yes, I came to my senses before sewing all 3...I turned, pressed, topstitched. <span style="font-style:italic;">THEN</span> topstitched the armholes which were now messy, messy, messy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcb30qkFdbxXl3lNq9_8i4cf7B7gTu5We39zV7pwXTfcc-DcDKWzc4Y0B9EBJ8x2AB7cexgteXWMuLTgmI-fNJfzoVnPfmi7xym8Szds-ftJpmW0gKq8f_2Q7fExep9v72wO__SPIQsw/s1600/messy+armholes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcb30qkFdbxXl3lNq9_8i4cf7B7gTu5We39zV7pwXTfcc-DcDKWzc4Y0B9EBJ8x2AB7cexgteXWMuLTgmI-fNJfzoVnPfmi7xym8Szds-ftJpmW0gKq8f_2Q7fExep9v72wO__SPIQsw/s400/messy+armholes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466110596256626482" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTyOhPakx1zQer4ry4QXw19_SIIKqSqfXLmfPjAwxIqpZUw-XPO-eCtAADagokRfdeKZw6Uz-DCkB0Vz4297UMvUXW_2nT0QTUYQE_SiFfejLwXPxEXERDhK4qcgJFxr8sVF3GLXRHI4/s1600/100_8941.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTyOhPakx1zQer4ry4QXw19_SIIKqSqfXLmfPjAwxIqpZUw-XPO-eCtAADagokRfdeKZw6Uz-DCkB0Vz4297UMvUXW_2nT0QTUYQE_SiFfejLwXPxEXERDhK4qcgJFxr8sVF3GLXRHI4/s400/100_8941.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466110898695194866" /></a><br /><br />I opted for buttons and an elastic loop closure, and rounded the bottom edges as I do with my own reversible wrap skirts. Added ruffles to the bloomers...because, who doesn't love ruffles?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHPEdic9aRZcQ5rcXtHM-gNEWAFuRR69QsAkPZV_1DKLHbkjixKLgmONUJLdtHo7-UaLqrjheqD0LvIjBnu4sPAM28Alec_Dx_r06fVASSD5S7I1U_SlyUrJr6Ab2ZsuyIEyj0Bd8U3g/s1600/Mary+Go+Round+w.bloomers+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHPEdic9aRZcQ5rcXtHM-gNEWAFuRR69QsAkPZV_1DKLHbkjixKLgmONUJLdtHo7-UaLqrjheqD0LvIjBnu4sPAM28Alec_Dx_r06fVASSD5S7I1U_SlyUrJr6Ab2ZsuyIEyj0Bd8U3g/s400/Mary+Go+Round+w.bloomers+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466118291548326210" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuusawF9_qtm6of3rVixqPWRSmsDXYoRHPGrYAF5dese4dBY51151Es4b-xlBT88nAKpTr_Nom20cayHfW83vzmdXo2tW_4MWhHXeggvdi165dB7xYf_k-4Vy2hrwhAUB2rPRLeng4F-s/s1600/Mary+Go+Round+w.bloomers+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuusawF9_qtm6of3rVixqPWRSmsDXYoRHPGrYAF5dese4dBY51151Es4b-xlBT88nAKpTr_Nom20cayHfW83vzmdXo2tW_4MWhHXeggvdi165dB7xYf_k-4Vy2hrwhAUB2rPRLeng4F-s/s400/Mary+Go+Round+w.bloomers+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466118290083459938" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Since Karen and Shelly are generous enough to allow home sewers to sell their designs, I will surely be making these for my Etsy store, and adding some to my rack at <a href="http://dandelionsconsignment.com/about.htm">Dandelion's</a>. I think next time I will try using bias tape around the armholes as the pattern suggests as an alternative option. For now, this little number will go to my niece who will not care how messy the armholes look.<br /><br />Patterns by Figgy's #2??? I think will have to be the board shorts and matching hoodie. While I have my own board short design, theirs is much more trim, and of course...I have to make that hoodie!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-87119734463608043012010-04-28T17:49:00.002-04:002010-04-28T17:54:01.482-04:00He Is His Father's SonWhile visiting my in-laws, Oliver was out back playing in the fountain/birdbath. When my mother in law asked what he was playing he said...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Vampire in the water, crucified by the ghost of death. He really lives in the sea, but he got here by flying, and now he lives in your fountain. His name is Tusaminetu."<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br />To prove my point, I should post the picture of Steven pretending to be Sir Ghastly Graves in his "coffin" made from couch cushions...he was still in diapers.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-4008798665436090372010-04-27T21:41:00.010-04:002010-04-27T22:59:47.015-04:00Playing Catch-UpOh it's been a while...how many times have I said that? So much happening, so many changes, so many tests of faith...patience...the whole kit and kaboodle.<br /><br />I've been doing some more sewing for my own kids. I'm determined to have them in more handmade this summer than store-bought. I started with these alien outfits. Took my board shorts pattern from last summer, and mixed it up a bit. Oliver designed the alien.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Mtdt2RBINR63CVLkgzg3uiyVMMyH8ggSxL7oTGmo7dc6OoPoyL1ds7K2CQmlnEXzaN5BWjCLnmKTFCwBl6-N827K46jbesDKjQPI16IYCDNqCknSumniNCIhLFFoup3UTRs2kvcX05Y/s1600/Long+shorts.alien+6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Mtdt2RBINR63CVLkgzg3uiyVMMyH8ggSxL7oTGmo7dc6OoPoyL1ds7K2CQmlnEXzaN5BWjCLnmKTFCwBl6-N827K46jbesDKjQPI16IYCDNqCknSumniNCIhLFFoup3UTRs2kvcX05Y/s400/Long+shorts.alien+6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464999443494188498" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lvnITz7qNlV7WD-t0-5yBtgdzHFlwXxRHYq4uLshnTYWJUDzhZB3ZBVTxzp0hN5N5J14el9F_nWmvzepWmm2z-nAnqAOf7AV1n8mLLUCNd4165WuqhxDYxnL-J6cDTBcU8dihWX2yis/s1600/100_8737.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lvnITz7qNlV7WD-t0-5yBtgdzHFlwXxRHYq4uLshnTYWJUDzhZB3ZBVTxzp0hN5N5J14el9F_nWmvzepWmm2z-nAnqAOf7AV1n8mLLUCNd4165WuqhxDYxnL-J6cDTBcU8dihWX2yis/s400/100_8737.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465000096143532418" /></a><br /><br />I made these pants last year, and was about to list them in the store when I noticed the back had a few splatters of something resembling yellow paint. The green linen is from a recycled table cloth, so it could be just about anything. Happily, I upcycled a tee with a few appliques, and now it's one of Linus' favorites.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMIKDrPYWSGWhxK9uPvCDA3AlCBOjhQp7MCBpq75GE10MiNKXZuYGCs2GEZqZtnEnHbA9ME9PPHZzX8AINSpjnJhNdWipJ_cJKTuQGyFXpm41RbCpb_2LZaBSSxCheZQuvL2gpnQuE4k/s1600/100_8738.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMIKDrPYWSGWhxK9uPvCDA3AlCBOjhQp7MCBpq75GE10MiNKXZuYGCs2GEZqZtnEnHbA9ME9PPHZzX8AINSpjnJhNdWipJ_cJKTuQGyFXpm41RbCpb_2LZaBSSxCheZQuvL2gpnQuE4k/s400/100_8738.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465002482526775874" /></a><br /><br />Easter was spent in Rockford with family. We had 1 or 2 days of nice weather and took advantage of visiting our favorite park.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUj9HiRpdk-2v5Pz-5Lnug5MzDqdZfw_p5uWuAMiATk8k9YM66J10a_9RThVuDI1nT86c8M0SQf55m9aEj4r5FRXKBKLtCyNOTXbHXFK_fkk3maQdxmwqn39s9LVHdMae0S5CHaO_h8A/s1600/100_8805.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUj9HiRpdk-2v5Pz-5Lnug5MzDqdZfw_p5uWuAMiATk8k9YM66J10a_9RThVuDI1nT86c8M0SQf55m9aEj4r5FRXKBKLtCyNOTXbHXFK_fkk3maQdxmwqn39s9LVHdMae0S5CHaO_h8A/s400/100_8805.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465004345263753634" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNnY_jZ5ciPW8kboCwkq23pDPcDQ_8Z0SJUjHzVG9qsRjju3EDW7q4eC78C1RmAJtPJxnQ7UhQFpBCrNz5fGb5LtAn1u6zkKeQJFoPmCC-iLaqFyzbIWvupI5icaRRTmb7WeoJ-e9IIQ/s1600/100_8788.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNnY_jZ5ciPW8kboCwkq23pDPcDQ_8Z0SJUjHzVG9qsRjju3EDW7q4eC78C1RmAJtPJxnQ7UhQFpBCrNz5fGb5LtAn1u6zkKeQJFoPmCC-iLaqFyzbIWvupI5icaRRTmb7WeoJ-e9IIQ/s400/100_8788.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465004701847253474" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvRVRNUIQaxjUiPsP_INUWo9jhgYrzBhOEjhcJT41dIQU5wOuqr2lRkHz_bg3YgxoUQPDjYWoLbz54Lx-BPss12TTk4KP_6B3jM4_8U1CKX1ANgbzrka8DIVrtnV3WefmhfDFoQCipyw/s1600/100_8806.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvRVRNUIQaxjUiPsP_INUWo9jhgYrzBhOEjhcJT41dIQU5wOuqr2lRkHz_bg3YgxoUQPDjYWoLbz54Lx-BPss12TTk4KP_6B3jM4_8U1CKX1ANgbzrka8DIVrtnV3WefmhfDFoQCipyw/s400/100_8806.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465005061068738066" /></a><br /><br />While in Rockford my cousin Eileen was diagnosed with colon cancer. She has since had surgery to remove the tumor and will soon start chemo for 6 months. As a wife and mother of 6, anything other than a complete, cancer-free recovery is not an option. Please keep her, and her family in your prayers. Her complete abandon to the will of God is a testament to the strength of her faith. I can't say that I would show the same strength. Anyway, all I can do (aside from pray) is offer to make some hats...so that's what I'm doing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEEHceVBDZWqxuSUMTeEX98ea2nFRqu0rGtvbEOgRed4QyyUod1b2PhrRAo_qzdjHXtY0x4SCZo1x0LauJXvIJCkCoCi9xtK7Gr6ujxyIJedldNfNkJWOpcCLRd63DzzqrQFdVaZIkc8/s1600/Hat+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEEHceVBDZWqxuSUMTeEX98ea2nFRqu0rGtvbEOgRed4QyyUod1b2PhrRAo_qzdjHXtY0x4SCZo1x0LauJXvIJCkCoCi9xtK7Gr6ujxyIJedldNfNkJWOpcCLRd63DzzqrQFdVaZIkc8/s400/Hat+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465014316349149746" /></a><br /><br />This one I made because my cousin Steffie, who's a CRNA asked me to make some scrub caps to wear in the OR. But not only is Eileen going to get a couple of these, but I think I may make some for myself. This one matches a skirt I just made for myself (needs tweaking so no pics yet), and the best part is that I can fit ALL of my hair in there. Looks a bit "rasta" too, doesn't it?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXJWTNhQHCH5jaLu8lT3blYdy3SpQRIWCxCQG5xMmszDTVck4A9EwYh8lWoHsQN0K5rQ_B9tMHBNnqMLNg-Z_-qhI4MAThtNO63UTXgQOinD36JSiouYXV8IfYw7vGITswiAUnQRjHLI/s1600/puffy+hat+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXJWTNhQHCH5jaLu8lT3blYdy3SpQRIWCxCQG5xMmszDTVck4A9EwYh8lWoHsQN0K5rQ_B9tMHBNnqMLNg-Z_-qhI4MAThtNO63UTXgQOinD36JSiouYXV8IfYw7vGITswiAUnQRjHLI/s400/puffy+hat+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465017441684656594" /></a><br /><br /><br />So as if all of that isn't enough...there's a move on the horizon. But that's a post for another day. Just pray that our house sells.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-84979545046698918602010-04-01T22:33:00.006-04:002010-06-14T15:49:36.054-04:00History Repeats ItselfWhy is it that when my boys are 2 1/2, there is always a phone call to poison control? Is it just me...just <span style="font-weight:bold;">my</span> kids? <br /><br />When Noah was 2 1/2 he loved blueberries. We had an indoor/outdoor cat and lived next to the woods, so she would frequently get ticks. Yep, you know where this is going, don't you? A blood-filled tick, the size of a blueberry dropped off of her somewhere in the house, and I found Noah (ugh...can't even say it). Freaked out, I called poison control. All was well, but as you can see, 10 years later, I'm still grossed out.<br /><br />When Oliver was 2 1/2 he got a hold of a handful of the clorox cleaning wipes. I found him sitting in the living room sucking on them. Guess what? He's not the only kid that's done that, nor am I the only freaked out mom to call poison control with the same story.<br /><br />When Linus was 2 1/2...oh, wait...that would be now, he ate 500mg of acetaminophen. Let me just say that I do not leave medicine hanging around the house. Noah had new wires put on his braces 2 days ago, and when he went to bed last night he put them next to his bed with a cup of water in anticipation of waking in the middle of the night in pain. Evidently he didn't, nor did he put them back in the bottle. And while I was distracted with laundry this evening, Linus found them. So Rita at Poison Control (we're BFF's now) said that it would take 3 or 4 extra strength Tylenol before I would need to worry.<br /><br />I am comforted by the thought that the traumatic event and subsequent call to Poison Control has passed.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-74346918336816149502010-03-29T10:48:00.015-04:002010-03-29T13:08:35.760-04:00Ugh...Not the Toilet!If you read my blog, you know that Linus has an affinity for putting things in the toilet that don't belong there. Well, toilet paper <span style="font-style:italic;">does</span> belongs there...just not 10 rolls at a time. Anyway, we were at my in-laws yesterday, when Linus runs into the back room holding his great-grandmother's dentures asking "who's this...your teef?"<br /> <br />Aside...Linus says "who's this", when asking any "who, what, why, where, and how" questions. <br /><br />My camera was in my purse, so no pictures of that moment...but it was hysterical. Upon further investigation, we found that his adventures in the bathroom amounted to more than just finding Grammy's dentures.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95QQdIq5lBOWP531Hh6oxcInfv_QKfEO-LPf93j6ckK8mCZVYzeJbLkFSdvMplDqeWbTKe2oK0u-BwJW17X7ZKhsqPZcfqRd9aW0LBlgPHYxe0uKd9WoscwEHOMmIbGrBoFeH2LYKKCY/s1600/100_8676.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95QQdIq5lBOWP531Hh6oxcInfv_QKfEO-LPf93j6ckK8mCZVYzeJbLkFSdvMplDqeWbTKe2oK0u-BwJW17X7ZKhsqPZcfqRd9aW0LBlgPHYxe0uKd9WoscwEHOMmIbGrBoFeH2LYKKCY/s400/100_8676.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454100962738204930" /></a><br /><br /><br />Later, he found Peggy's measuring tape. I wear mine around my neck while I'm working, so that's just what he did.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ePdzFKLudNbwVWr1RnjE9HUhWgZCQ5XTtEwD-zVT5j74FRpJrlRNvRsILd7mxMFIe4ZtiSw8KhL2iaX0ywF3-oYg12zxl5tG12Hxn1VZ6EHgRIBSXrt01HNk0_OYZDmMea0ribL01gc/s1600/100_8675.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ePdzFKLudNbwVWr1RnjE9HUhWgZCQ5XTtEwD-zVT5j74FRpJrlRNvRsILd7mxMFIe4ZtiSw8KhL2iaX0ywF3-oYg12zxl5tG12Hxn1VZ6EHgRIBSXrt01HNk0_OYZDmMea0ribL01gc/s400/100_8675.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454102432078128722" /></a><br /><br />Oliver came in at one point...tapping finger on cheek...and said "I need to make a list for room O"<br /><br />Don't ask...life with Oliver is one non-sequitor after another.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-44388582568305402272010-03-21T21:30:00.002-04:002010-03-21T21:32:37.683-04:00Etsy Treasury FeatureWell lil' ole me made it into an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=92118">Etsy Treasury</a>. Yay!<br />It's a lemon-lime theme, and will get you craving lemonade. Take a look <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=92118">here</a>.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-11879645983205258232010-03-19T08:45:00.005-04:002010-03-24T19:14:44.827-04:00The Funny Things They Say, and the Not So Funny Things They DoThis was a conversation in the car. I was in the passenger seat, and Linus was behind me, kicking my seat.<br /><br />Me: Linus, stop kicking my seat.<br /><br />Linus:(Sounding very Italian) "I a kicking you seat" <br /><br />This was repeated a few times.<br /><br />Me to Steven: When did he become Italian?<br /><br />Oliver: Why Italian? Do Italian people kick seats?<br /><br />Guess you had to be there!<br /><br />Linus is chuck full of compliments lately. He's always saying "Mama, you my sweeT hearT (capital T's because he emphisizes them). When showing me a picture <em><strong>he</strong></em> drew yesterday, he remarked over and over "Mama, I so proud of you", and "Mama, you my girl".<br /><br />For all the sweetness he doles out, there is an equal (dare I say greater) amount of trouble. We nearly had another toilet incident like the one in December. <a href="http://andrewsandfamily.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-2009.html">Here is the post</a> if you don't remember. He's <em>really</em> into throwing things lately...at people...regardless of their size or ability to cause damage. We no longer allow even the softest of balls in the house as he threw one at the front window on Sunday. Just one more thing to add to the "needs to be fixed" list.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGVRRnnJl8u1zxOdrrWZmQSUUXshbANqxfjdk0Q0-0AEgvPNtLNGkies6WKjP8P-ZBwUEQoIEu4YsaqMcmZSnMyLAvDrxa988raECjR9xZc2kqK0Ak1WJQwI2bFAIu_n6XTZni2ok9PM/s1600/100_8654.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGVRRnnJl8u1zxOdrrWZmQSUUXshbANqxfjdk0Q0-0AEgvPNtLNGkies6WKjP8P-ZBwUEQoIEu4YsaqMcmZSnMyLAvDrxa988raECjR9xZc2kqK0Ak1WJQwI2bFAIu_n6XTZni2ok9PM/s400/100_8654.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452342105784010962" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-34673571290340784342010-03-15T18:42:00.002-04:002010-03-15T19:28:01.160-04:00Thought Provoking EmailI receive lots of emails with moving stories, a prayer at the end, and then the command to sent to 100 people or God will think I don't love him. Hrumph! Anyway, I received an email today with a lovely story, that I've read before, and whether that story specifically is true or not, I do not know, and do not care. I'm sure that there are "Kevins" out there. <br /><br />My own brother was born with his own set of challenges, but his life was no more or less valuable than any others. <br /><br />Our pregnancies (especially when you're my age)are riddled with warnings, and we're berated with recommendations for testing to determine if our baby has any defects. If he or she is less than perfect (according to medical and societal standards), there is the obvious "out". Abort. <br /><br />Now I can't pretend to know what it is like to think you're having a perfectly healthy baby, and find out that is not the case, be it at birth or during pregnancy. My heart aches for the women who know their babies are going to be born with a fatal defect and won't live more than a few hours, yet carry that baby lovingly as they would any other. Singing to her, talking to her waiting for the day she is born and only to have to give her right back to God. Certainly, they are a testament to true faith with utter abandon.<br /><br />Those women, their families, their friends, are changed because of those few minutes with that baby, or the couple of years, or even a very long life with a Down's Syndrome child. <br /><br />I digress...read the story below. EVERY person is beautiful, perfect, and serves a purpose. How long will it take for the world to realize that? <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.<br /><br />He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed...'<br /><br />I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.<br /><br />He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.<br /><br />He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.<br /><br />I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?<br /><br />Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.<br /><br />The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.<br /><br />He does not seem dissatisfied.<br /><br />He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.<br />He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.<br /><br />And Saturdays - oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go! ' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.<br /><br />His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.<br />And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.<br /><br />He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.<br /><br />His life is simple.<br /><br />He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.<br /><br />His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.<br /><br />He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.<br /><br />He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.<br /><br />He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.<br /><br />Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.<br /><br />Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.<br /><br />In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.<br /><br />It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions..<br /><br />It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.<br /><br />Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.<br /><br />And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.<br /><br />Kevin won't be surprised at all!<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-74177063335477467652010-03-12T23:25:00.003-05:002010-03-12T23:31:00.611-05:00Fabric GiveawayMaranda at <a href="http://mandmstudio.blogspot.com/2010/03/giveaway.html?showComment=1268454229217_AIe9_BFh_NT-Is8_7Ls__BaWUJRJakbm7ayj65SFEFLtRgLzeMZ7XMyHkC_ZKqxHxK_DOcmxExtSXegqSL0eo-QRLTZrmbp0OZqOVXd5ihFYNSmW6_dU7l5RCE-18pLdEp4eH2U9TUFI0nrIAK1hgpt0DYtINY11H5b4jr0CQJrrAsShQzbInAABC2GJ3zZ5k212doUDMp_2395wZDfiNLyU0ebO695nPw#c3356899323255608938">M&M Studio</a> is hosting a giveaway of 3 yards of the lovliest fabric.<br />She is also asking us to spread the word about <a href="http://mandmstudio.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-need-help.html">Project Playground</a>.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-89211522185508361222010-03-11T23:15:00.004-05:002010-03-12T22:57:12.985-05:00Big Families...The New "Green"Found <a href=" http://www.licatholic.org/2010/03/030310/columns/our_domestic_church.html">this wonderful article</a> on the <a href="http://trinityacres.blogspot.com/">Trinity Acres</a> blog and just had to share!<br />Thank you Mary Ellen Barrett for saying so beautifully what most have no understanding of. We only have 4, but if I'm out with all of them...I get "the look", and the occasional..."wow...4 boys?".Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-4022974214658509572010-03-11T22:34:00.006-05:002010-03-11T23:05:11.810-05:00Oliver Turns 5Last Sunday we celebrated Oliver's 5th birthday. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday when he was placed on my belly and I yelled "it's a boy"! Steven and I remember the moment differently, but I know that the way I remember is the way it happened. Those moments of birth are etched into our memories in ways that men don't understand (sorry Honey). <br />We went to Jungle Java with cousins Lydia and Violet, and then out for pizza. Of course, a dinosaur cake was requested. It was a bit of a cop out. My plan was to do a whole scene with sculpted dinosaurs and a volcano, but time got away from me.<br /><br />When we asked what he would like for his birthday, he said to surprise him (I love that). Since he's uber active, a new bike was in order. Thank goodness the weather this week has been bike riding friendly...I can't seem to get him to come in the house.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa0J19WXKiZ0aLL5iljfrOC4HCwWR-a8tg4s5vw_x4bc5ZBL6v5G8d_6PqDkvyt2MMLVFr0gRW5FsxPxCOfDDvtK777qr-Z-L5S3Gc5we4v0EsxIfXRxNeK5kNqPmMT8lQQqD3x0iRrw/s1600-h/Dinosaur+cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa0J19WXKiZ0aLL5iljfrOC4HCwWR-a8tg4s5vw_x4bc5ZBL6v5G8d_6PqDkvyt2MMLVFr0gRW5FsxPxCOfDDvtK777qr-Z-L5S3Gc5we4v0EsxIfXRxNeK5kNqPmMT8lQQqD3x0iRrw/s400/Dinosaur+cake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447588417506979554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9FCMap7h5D_yhyphenhyphenu08ay5zp-N1pH4nIpDP1vpI8HLWqn2-og99Z6sSZYTv7rJKSZV6qwzkgtyeu15rSfi5v_5smg5gOzZ1kNDss9SNiornf9GatOERUJYS8HL6FyarTswV3d7ZJWTcGE/s1600-h/Oliver+5th+bday.4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9FCMap7h5D_yhyphenhyphenu08ay5zp-N1pH4nIpDP1vpI8HLWqn2-og99Z6sSZYTv7rJKSZV6qwzkgtyeu15rSfi5v_5smg5gOzZ1kNDss9SNiornf9GatOERUJYS8HL6FyarTswV3d7ZJWTcGE/s400/Oliver+5th+bday.4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447588407873410194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGx5voXcKMdrkUpcVqwbu3fJGV_NaRVKkt1OfqYDF9tBjQzxhOCKlVBqArrH7uMklmfUfT7jF-NLGwdWXiLki2Np67gTmg2La9m3i8C3vV7g9U-l_0pGeSZJWhbupYPtgrhBCzRprZGg/s1600-h/Oliver+5th+bday.3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGx5voXcKMdrkUpcVqwbu3fJGV_NaRVKkt1OfqYDF9tBjQzxhOCKlVBqArrH7uMklmfUfT7jF-NLGwdWXiLki2Np67gTmg2La9m3i8C3vV7g9U-l_0pGeSZJWhbupYPtgrhBCzRprZGg/s400/Oliver+5th+bday.3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447588403677982658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tkT98FB5X70J56SsCDVaa6vQg50iNdOx_ecz4KZEaXJTPQP5j1o-uW0Gn228d8QbRcm_U0f9V_GPvRGiENnSTvx_vh_2Qpe4hOuMSeU2fmV2HXksjKtBjAU_EmmyRwdjrq02Q4xJFPw/s1600-h/Oliver+5th+bday.2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tkT98FB5X70J56SsCDVaa6vQg50iNdOx_ecz4KZEaXJTPQP5j1o-uW0Gn228d8QbRcm_U0f9V_GPvRGiENnSTvx_vh_2Qpe4hOuMSeU2fmV2HXksjKtBjAU_EmmyRwdjrq02Q4xJFPw/s400/Oliver+5th+bday.2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447588394017351186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheNrVapbHVkZ2VAhfN8OKsb8NeU8kCb_2N84LUh_bjXRUaw1ADNtHvj0gYKsGUjXLmYEgpDy9fki2jxCNu9YZNIDRjqKgkDVTx7Vo1Ul1KPeTuN01l8WudcRcck1Vwm05fj40dluUiB0/s1600-h/Oliver+5th+bday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheNrVapbHVkZ2VAhfN8OKsb8NeU8kCb_2N84LUh_bjXRUaw1ADNtHvj0gYKsGUjXLmYEgpDy9fki2jxCNu9YZNIDRjqKgkDVTx7Vo1Ul1KPeTuN01l8WudcRcck1Vwm05fj40dluUiB0/s400/Oliver+5th+bday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447588385008721170" /></a><br /><br />I was finally able to get a handle on the reorganization required to accomodate my new serger. I'm <span style="font-style:italic;">almost</span> finished, but here is what things look like at this point. I used the leaf from a table that we no longer have as a shelf, and the brackets that are holding it up have lovely scrolling on the side in which sits a dowel I found in the basement to hold ribbon and my scissors. I love my new table...$20 at IKEA...can't beat that! One more trip for a new chair on wheels and I'll be really happy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzt9c9IVmj0pCE8DYkNXXA4W9OeUcULl3dTf-WLCYHO-Z1gCtaBBXZRlMu97J6ljyRxlYRca8GpVdEbu7TGEgoojJqpSEXiqfYEowQFjSnth51tGSTyOonnoHLR5vdZPpMPEJzx9nRao/s1600-h/Evolving+space.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzt9c9IVmj0pCE8DYkNXXA4W9OeUcULl3dTf-WLCYHO-Z1gCtaBBXZRlMu97J6ljyRxlYRca8GpVdEbu7TGEgoojJqpSEXiqfYEowQFjSnth51tGSTyOonnoHLR5vdZPpMPEJzx9nRao/s400/Evolving+space.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447589648419423986" /></a><br /><br />Noah and Peter seem to be having similar issues in school this year...on and off. We seem to be on a bit of an upswing again...thank goodness! So on a positive note, I thought I'd show off some of their recent work. Noah has become very interested in art and science this year. Some of his work is very abstract...but that's not surprising. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4_LnHYR9MvwMy5kIkVZ0XAHd0VZWwWd5Kh5O6gjQUFdtKGS_MO4PwIY659aWv2ORrwv-MwObWEBoiACq5WPGV0hyphenhyphenXivKdb796_R7TF3DV0S8y2LxssKVA7nxg_f8WBnGkYr7XB9NoZg/s1600-h/Noahs+Art.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4_LnHYR9MvwMy5kIkVZ0XAHd0VZWwWd5Kh5O6gjQUFdtKGS_MO4PwIY659aWv2ORrwv-MwObWEBoiACq5WPGV0hyphenhyphenXivKdb796_R7TF3DV0S8y2LxssKVA7nxg_f8WBnGkYr7XB9NoZg/s400/Noahs+Art.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447591649292768738" /></a><br /><br />Peter spent time with his Pere Pere (Karen's dad) last Saturday who owns a metal shop. He came home proudly displaying his accomplishments.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dSrcnttcy3wr4RkE1ETCPhdsBKJqJy6umTTLcjyjfp_LJCeY5WskmGJY7cf-5ko1q-a6aanCeaK1Qa0m3K-92FURQ5NjheeHmnXGAriFKw42eAeeLai1HLODlOX809ZMKmBIw2fEX64/s1600-h/kids+art.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dSrcnttcy3wr4RkE1ETCPhdsBKJqJy6umTTLcjyjfp_LJCeY5WskmGJY7cf-5ko1q-a6aanCeaK1Qa0m3K-92FURQ5NjheeHmnXGAriFKw42eAeeLai1HLODlOX809ZMKmBIw2fEX64/s400/kids+art.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447592671625574274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNuROTjatJ93cEnQn6O2YX5KRYDYG4aJEUb_HfS4c41mjgq4bQAoFwO7uqHfPvAKZRzf6UxQfx3Gn_16MGzcQE3p2KLN1b764NQQOuRibsfFWSkmEE35p_Sks0Y5SpUICPnxrGi4s4Ng/s1600-h/Peters+metal+work.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNuROTjatJ93cEnQn6O2YX5KRYDYG4aJEUb_HfS4c41mjgq4bQAoFwO7uqHfPvAKZRzf6UxQfx3Gn_16MGzcQE3p2KLN1b764NQQOuRibsfFWSkmEE35p_Sks0Y5SpUICPnxrGi4s4Ng/s400/Peters+metal+work.jpg" border="0" <br />alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447592663762075170" /></a><br /><br />Sigh...they can be wonderful...can't they? The same day, they also did a bedroom remodel. I'm not pleased, but I've been told I have to let it go.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680337605478638086.post-47931179886228984772010-02-28T15:03:00.004-05:002010-02-28T15:50:50.979-05:00Busy Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjge8hRrSspmbRv11oboPWyyi1-tcz07q0ljsSl-TwIPonCrjsKypXFCSoBixHsAEchb0sk-aKAPgAgGZGzkabgNEee8rC-G_qjO_JfgYfUzSRKYS-UhwgI_xavjVTqniHk-s0SlhhYYtg/s1600-h/Toothless.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjge8hRrSspmbRv11oboPWyyi1-tcz07q0ljsSl-TwIPonCrjsKypXFCSoBixHsAEchb0sk-aKAPgAgGZGzkabgNEee8rC-G_qjO_JfgYfUzSRKYS-UhwgI_xavjVTqniHk-s0SlhhYYtg/s400/Toothless.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443398943684614754" /></a><br /><br />No, we haven't enrolled Linus in hockey. The poor thing has been cursed with "bad" teeth. A small chip this past summer turned into a recurring abscess which his dentist attempted to rectify twice with antibiotics and 4 pulpotomies. The battle was lost, and so is his tooth. Bless his heart. Despite being our most rambunctious child, he is the BEST dental patient. He loves Dr. John, and according to his staff, is the most cooperative patient they've ever had. He also produces an abundance of high acid-producing bacteria which has subjected him to no less than 6 cavities. We pray that his adult teeth are more healthy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9w2a-Oekvf-jjXNOwNwMl4NTQ8ftjfTNL0lX5by0p9qy0jdy8qBU4x5NqU7rRdzlVSUW99jf9rD1GbGJITEsYit0WyzCFJdXoz3xs_TQs7s4Y2asITxAUcbIQf7w5Nr78QArNxoAqak/s1600-h/New+Serger.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9w2a-Oekvf-jjXNOwNwMl4NTQ8ftjfTNL0lX5by0p9qy0jdy8qBU4x5NqU7rRdzlVSUW99jf9rD1GbGJITEsYit0WyzCFJdXoz3xs_TQs7s4Y2asITxAUcbIQf7w5Nr78QArNxoAqak/s400/New+Serger.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443399153962535682" /></a><br /><br />On a lighter note...happy birthday to me...I got a new serger! I'm more excited than you can imagine. However, to make room for it, I've had to do some reorganizing which is still ongoing. Steven took the children to the Science Center yesterday for a few hours and I got a large portion of it done. A trip to IKEA for my work space table, and I'll be back in business. I think it's been 2 weeks since I've made anything, and my work is piling up. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Cls4oUMcjdw-yjVNGAGBuTx7FVjvERqM2pGqyin7CYo7__MLQkyMWlrlG94uHaFYXBtHWNbpHNKRs1ZqJS2g28kT9iF0sap9CCavPI_oIWM99YMcnv6YOBnpDTrRBdvdnWyGeeu7OX4/s1600-h/Practicing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Cls4oUMcjdw-yjVNGAGBuTx7FVjvERqM2pGqyin7CYo7__MLQkyMWlrlG94uHaFYXBtHWNbpHNKRs1ZqJS2g28kT9iF0sap9CCavPI_oIWM99YMcnv6YOBnpDTrRBdvdnWyGeeu7OX4/s400/Practicing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443399159195835074" /></a><br /><br />You know your a mom when your grocery list is written in crayon on a piece of coloring book paper. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajHHP1o6jQmh_QDbqm4qDbQZHVKzp-iIPeICTVf4aeUzJbnyM4nJsj_JM1wv7CBFnNHMtSgzSM_PW6G-zgeq0hrLf9F3RwvjD1Af-OhrBpM2kpzIZHQwisiVoIeNhXum36Og_1K2-9vc/s1600-h/grocery+list.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajHHP1o6jQmh_QDbqm4qDbQZHVKzp-iIPeICTVf4aeUzJbnyM4nJsj_JM1wv7CBFnNHMtSgzSM_PW6G-zgeq0hrLf9F3RwvjD1Af-OhrBpM2kpzIZHQwisiVoIeNhXum36Og_1K2-9vc/s400/grocery+list.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443399520415021698" /></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13777524886872591645noreply@blogger.com0