One Week to Go

Jean will be coming up next week to do some Frederick shopping. There have been recent articles in The Washington Post about our fabulous boutiques and restaurants, and the M.Lee's are intrigued. We are going to start the morning in Hagerstown at the outlets and then hit Frederick in the afternoon. I am trying to put together a "must see" list so that we optimize fun, so here is what I have come up with so far:

1. Offray Ribbon Outlet. There are miles of ribbon enclosed in cardboard boxes. You don't have to dig hard to have a great find. I am looking for white wire edged ribbon. Jean is looking for something for primary.

2. Prime Outlets. We are mainly interested in Gymboree and Coach.

3. Proof bakery. I don't know if we'll hit this one up for lunch, or just dessert. Everything they do there is just delicious.

4. Great Stuff by Paul. He really does have some great stuff -- two locations worth. Who knows? Maybe French grape trugs will be just what Jean is in the market for.

5. Everedy Square and Shab Row. This shopping area not only has some of the oldest buildings in the city, but it has some great little shops as well.

6. Social Study and Velvet Lounge. I am not urban and hip enough to shop in these two stores by myself, but I think Jean (and Mike if he comes, too) can up my coolness factor so I can at least get in the door.

7. Isabella's. Can you say "asparagus fries"?

Fashion Faux Pas

You remember when you were in school and you showed up wearing the exact outfit as someone else? Remember how embarassing that was? I do.

I got up early today since I had to take Flower to school and wanted to be dressed. I put on one of my new spring outfits: the perfect pair of jeans that are just the right length, a brown/green/white sundress with a little white tee under for layering, and a brown crochet sweater. We were about 10 minutes late because, being down to one car, we had to take Curly to work and that took a little longer than anticipated. We walked in the door and heard "There you are!" I followed the voice and saw The Ex. I was a little worried that she would be upset we were late, but when I explained the car situation, she was fine. Then, on closer inspection, I laughed and said "Nice outfit." I kid you not, she was wearing the SAME THING, except her dress was black and white, her tee was black, and her crochet sweater was black. What are the odds?

As I got in the car and called everyone who would appreciate such a story at 8:45 am, I wondered if she changed when she got home. I hope not. We looked pretty cute!

Catching a Break

We can't seem to catch a break these days. Yesterday, after picking up the family car from being serviced, Curly called me on my cell phone and said "I've been in an accident. It's pretty bad. Can you come and get me?" I turned around and drove to the scene. The car was pretty beat up. If I had to guess, I would say it was totalled. A woman had turned left right in front of him. Not only was the accident her fault, but she didn't have a license, the car wasn't hers, and she was probably wanted. They took her to jail while I took Curly to get x-rays at the hospital. Nothing's broken, just some bumps, bruises, and whiplash. We are down to one car, which isn't too bad, since most things we do are within walking distance. He is still resting now, but I am going to go up and give him 800 mg of advil.

Our big helper yesterday was Colleen. She flew in unexpectantly on Monday night and came to spend the day with us on Tuesday (she and Becky helped clean in the morning). She stayed the night and then was going to stay long enough for me to hit Costco, but we had a change of plans. Thankfully she changed hers as well and stayed with Mini-me and Patch all day. She is a great aunt. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

There was one good thing for Curly yesterday. We attended the annual Fredericktowne Players membership meeting. Our group, The Towne Singers, was slated to perform (also, Curly is on the board for FtP). Curly really wasn't feeling well, but he managed to sing and dance a little, and he messed up less than me! As part of the meeting, they award someone the Player of the Year. It goes to someone who contributes the most to FtP. No one should be surprised that is was Curly. He was a little surprised, but as soon as the presenter started talking, I knew she was talkin' 'bout my man. It was nice to hear him recognized for all he does.

Frederick Finds

Two of my favorite places to go in Frederick are Needles-n-Pins and Sistos. They might both be quilting shops, but they have different vibes. Needles-n-Pins is very traditional. There are bolts of fabric every in their tiny space. They also have dozens of quilts hung, draped, folded, etc all over the store. It's easy to get inspired. They are right in downtown Frederick, and I love to walk there when the weather's nice. I learned to quilt there. Sistos, on the other hand, is in this historic farmhouse right off the highway. They have a huge selection. It's easy to get inspired. My favorite find there is an Olivia print. There's something about that pig.

Todays spring cleaning went three times as fast. Becky and Colleen helped big time. When I say "helped," I mean "did it." The gross find of today was evidence of mice in the mud room. If I find more than evidence, would anyone be interested in a 1913 Victorian located in historic Frederick? Priced to move!

Project Update

I have been working like a crazy woman for the past few days on all my projects. I really do have too many. Wednesday and Thursday I pieced together a fabulous quilt top. It is beautiful. I will post a picture sometime in the future. Friday I attatched my new walking foot (thanks, Judy!) to my machine and machine quilted for the first time. The result is fantastic. It took me an hour and a half to do by machine what would normally take me a few weeks to do by hand. Here are the photos of Patch's almost-done quilt.

I left about 6 or 7 blocks empty and will hand quilt in them. Then, I add the binding and viola, it's done. I don't think it will be his favorite, since he loves the knit blanket from Grandpatty, but one day he'll care. Maybe.

I also have a truckload of burp cloths to finish. I have them all blocked and pinned. I was going to use colored thread, but instead I think I will use invisible thread. I'll need to run to the quilting shop to pick some up. I can only work on those, though, after I've finished my chores. That's my rule, not Curly's.

Today marks the beginning of spring cleaning week in our house. I am going to try to tackle a few rooms a day, instead of trying to do the whole house at once. Today I am going to do the kids rooms and the upstairs bathroom. Hopefully there will be good cooperation from the troops today and I can get all that done.

New Pet

Today Mini-me was invited to two birthday parties. She's quite popular, you know. The first was a Thomas the Tank Engine party. She got a hat. The second was a fish party. She got a fish. She named it Zoe. I went out and bought the smallest bit of fish food I could find, since I expect to come downstairs tomorrow morning to see the cat delicately licking her fingers and the fishbowl suspiciously empty.

The project bug has hit hard. I am almost done with Patch's quilt and finished the top of a surprise quilt. I will post pictures soon!

Photo Friday

Thursday Switcheroo

This is normally 3 for Thursday, but since it's my blog, I can switch things up. I just got an email from a friend of mine telling me to "Vote for Nauvoo!" Click here to cast your vote for one of Illinois 7 greatest wonders.

Weight Loss Wednesday

Hurray!! Today I am down 3 pounds. It was a great Jenny day today.

Now I am baking cookies. I wish I could eat them myself, but I am picking up a friends kids from school today because she is sick, so I thought I would send the cookies home with the boys. Plus, Mini-me and Curly like them. Cookies make everyone happy.

Beautiful Day in my Neighborhood

Today is gorgeous; blue sky, light breeze, temperature around 60. Lovely. I took Patch for a walk this morning while Mini-me was in preschool. We went to the post office to mail some burp cloths to my friend Michelle in Texas that just had twins. Making them was so much fun, that I started up my own little company. It's called The Molly Patch. Details on a website will be forthcoming.

Now both kids are asleep (Flower is at her mom's until Thursday). I caught up on some emails, put a load of laundry in (mainly Curly's sweatshirts he's been asking for going on 3 weeks), and am now going to do some dishes and then drink a tall glass of Diet Coke while watching a cooking show. I have been a slacker lately when it comes to my projects. Sick kids and sick me have made me a little tired. But I'm feeling good today, so hopefully I'll make some headway with things starting today.

What I Love about Frederick

Frederick is a city with a lot of charm. Many people know the city for its antiques, but there are also several quirky boutiques around town. I thought I would do a weekly spot on Frederick and the great things there are to do and see.

A recent find is Le Savon. It's a small little place on Church Street. You wouldn't even know it was there, except for the black a-frame sign out front. They make the most incredible soaps and other bath products. Since it's only a block away from Curly's office, he's been known to stop in there and bring home a bath salt or two. The latest ones I have are Hollywood and Vanilla Voyage. They make their products right there, which is why their storefront is so tiny. I haven't been back to see them in action, since I usually have the kids with me. So next time you're up here, we can go to Le Savon. Cleanliness is next to godliness, you know.

Dreams and Such

Last night I had a dream that the sacrament meeting chorister was leading the music as if she were in primary, complete with wild hand gestures and all over body movement. I think that's just wishful thinking on my part, because our chorister just flicks his wrist back and forth.

I got home from church and got an email from The Highlight Addict, aka Mommy Caleb. They are moving to Germany in the summer. I am bummed. I told Curly I was going to go visit her, and he said no. He's so oppressive. Then he modified and said I could go if he came with me. Done! So, Mommy Caleb, hope you get a little Germany apartment with a pull-out bed :)

Top O' the Mornin' to Ya

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

With love,

The O'Kigins

Photo Friday

Happiness is going naked at the zoo.

Muncle Bob

Here's a photo from Muncle Bob's recent visit. Mini-me had a great time giving him a tour of the house. I remember this visit with such fondness; after this began the era of vomit in our home. Hopefully the reign of terror will end soon.

Three for Thursday

Things happen in 3s. Here are mine.

Here's my list of my 3 favorite Idols, in no particular order.

1. Melinda. She can wail. Not only can she wail, but she seems like a really nice person.

2. Blake. He reminds me of someone I would hang out with in college. Not only that, but on Wednesday he sang my favorite song from college.

3. Chris. He's funny. He's talented.

Weight Loss Wednesday

Todays weigh-in was eh. It wasn't good, it wasn't bad, it was eh. I lost half a pound. I feel I did better than half a pound, but maybe other forces are at work right now. Maybe the snow is making me retain water. Maybe I had snow on my pants, weighing me down. Or snow in my hair. Or on my shirt. Maybe my pants were too heavy. Maybe I should go back, strip down, and try again. Or maybe I should take every half pound as a victory. That sounds better.

Ghetto Mini-me

While playing Barbies this morning, Mini-me said to Barbie "Where's your baby-daddy?" Do you think Uniqua on Backyardigans says that?

March

Not only is it March Madness in our family, it is also Mike's birthday season. Happy Birthday, Muncle Mike.

Photo Friday