Goodbye 2008

2008 was a great year for us. I'm not quite ready to draw the curtain. But, time marches on, no matter how much you wish it would stand still.
I am thankful for the temple and for the lessons I learned there this year.

I am thankful for my kids. I'm not the most patient nor the most fun mother, but I love them and would kill for them. (That turned out a little more intense than I had imagined, but you get the picture.)

I am grateful for Curly. Hubba hubba. I love the times we are together, even though the kids always seem to be there :)

I am thankful for grandparents. They are the best.

Best wishes for a wonderful 2009! Check back tomorrow for my resolutions. It should be a long post....

What Day is Today?

I am so off. On Friday, I thought it was Saturday. On Saturday, it felt like a Friday. Sunday was, well, Sunday. But today? Maybe a Wednesday. It just doesn't feel like the right day. I miss my routines! I need the kids to go to school. But, it's also fun when they're home.

Flower gets a break from being a sister today and gets to go to her mom's house for the afternoon to check out her presents. She is looking forward to it, as am I. It will be quiet here without her, and I need a little quiet. She'll be back by bedtime, so tomorrow we have to plan something super fun to make her excited to come back.

Mini-me told us last night that life was bad. It's a hard realization to come to at age 5, but it's an important lesson to learn. She wanted chocolate, it was 9 pm, and I said no. Poor dear. I'll give her money to see a therapist when she's older.

Patch has been singing the "Bob the Builder" song since last night. Only he can't get all the words out. "Can we fix it" is a very hard phrase.

The Lights

Last night, we went down to see the lights at the Washington, DC Temple. The kids were very excited to go. They put on their new hat, scarf, and glove sets from Grandma and Grandpa and off we went.

Flower was the first to spot the temple (and also took this fabulous picture), but Patch was probably the most excited. As we left, he called out: "Bye, temple! Love you! See you later!" What a darling, spiritual child.

Mini-me took this picture. Aren't we attractive?

Patch didn't like standing still for pictures. Is that a surprise to anyone?

After we saw the lights, we let the kids take part in our after-temple tradition: the Silver Diner in Rockville.

Santa

Christmas was a success. I was exhausted by the end of it and fell fast asleep before 10 pm, but it was awesome. The kids got everything they wanted, except Mini-me, who two days before Christmas said she really wanted a Santa that danced and sang "We Wish you a Merry Christmas." She didn't get it, but not for lack of trying.

Flower's favorites were the Barbie vet and the Barbie house accessories.

Mini-me loved her Barbie cooking show, who they call Rachael Ray.

Patch loved his car race track, which makes Lightning McQueen go upside down and backwards. Very cool.

After I clean up the disaster area that is the kitchen, we are headed to the YMCA to work off some holiday pudge. Happy Boxing Day!

Merry Christmas!

I hope Santa brings you everything on your list, and that you have the happiest of days!

Happy Birthday!

To Mini-me!

Patch's Present

I am now done with the kid's presents. Patch is getting a fabric book, all about going to the car race. My Nascar-lovin' two year old is going to love it!

"No Santa!"

On Saturday, we went over to have breakfast with Santa at Curly's work. Mini-me was ecstatic, Flower was indifferent, and Patch was freaking out. He does not like Santa. This is the second occasion this season where he has screamed and cried as soon as the man in red comes into view.

Poor child. The worst part is, his parents think this is funny. They take pictures and post them on the internets.

He was fine once we let him play cars with Will.

This is a great picture. The girls are waving, and Santa just wants the paparazzi to go away.

The Day the Music Died

My iPod died today. I've been having lots of moments of silence. I am really, REALLY bummed about this. Oh well. I guess I could steal Flower's, since she doesn't really use it. If only I knew where it was. She doesn't know either. That's why you never buy your 9 year old electronics.

Two Down

Today I challenged Christmas to a starring contest and won. I was started to stress. A lot. Things weren't done. And by things, I mean presents. Presents weren't done. I made a list. I had a whole bunch of "not yet begun" items on it. So, I decided to change my list and make it a little simpler.

I whipped these up in what seemed like no time (well, after I deciphered the picture-less directions that had me scratching my head more than once).

This one is for Flower. I call it Sigi.

This is Sepp. They are skiing elephants in the snow circus. He's for Mini-me.

One Week!

AAAACCCCKKKK!!! One week? SERIOUSLY??? Man, it's coming fast. I haven't even watched all my favorite holiday movies yet. There's still Holiday Inn, A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, or even A Christmas Carol. I can't watch the last one alone -- Curly must be here to protect me from Ignorance and Want.

My other favorite thing to watch is Christmas in Washington. I don't care who you voted for, there is something cool about the party the President hosts every year. And, it's from America's home town. I really like finding out who the performers are, because generally they are people who support the President. I really enjoy finding out who's a Republican in showbiz.

A First

Today I had a mothering first. Mini-me said her tummy hurt, but I sent her on to school, hoping it was just a morning malady. Less than an hour later, I got a call from the school nurse: Mini-me needed to go home. She was a sad little girl. I tried to cheer her up with stories of how I threw up at school. Like in the first grade when I threw up all over my and Paul McAllister's desks. No wonder he wouldn't ask me out at BYU...Anyway, she didn't find my stories at all heartening, so we went home. She has been resting and drinking her ginger ale. Hopefully she'll be all better tomorrow, since we have tickets to go see Curly's show.

Because she was sick, I could not go down and make my Molly Patch deliveries. A big thanks to Colleen and my mom for taking care of that for me!

A Hurt Finger

Last night, I was putting the finishing touches on several of my Molly Patch items. Namely, I was making the bottoms for the bags. What I do is fairly simple -- I take a heavy cardboard box, cut it, and then cover it with fabric. It makes for a very cute, and very sturdy, bottom. Well, I was ahead of schedule, and feeling really good about that. I was grooving to the Christmas music. And then, it happened. The exacto knife slipped. Ouch. It really hurt. I did not need stitches, but it bled for a long time. Let that be a lesson to you -- don't groove out and cut at the same time.

Tag!

My aunt tagged me, so here goes.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real.
3. When do you put up the tree? As soon as Flower can go with us.
4. Do you like eggnog? Not so much. I prefer hot chocolate.
5. Favorite gift received as a child? It's a tie between My Friend Mandy and a pink radio.
6. Hardest person to buy for? My inlaws.
7. Easiest person to buy for? Patch.
8. Do you have a nativity scene? Only one. Mini-me broke it today.
9. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, but Curly is in charge.
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't want to offend anyone, so I plead the 5th.
11. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas.
12. When do you start shopping? November.
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes.
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Do I have to pick just one? Hmm, peppermint bark, followed closely by sweet potato casserole.
15. Lights on the tree? White (although I secretly want huge colored bulbs).
16. Favorite Christmas song? God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlin.
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home or travel, I like them both.
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes
19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star.
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Pajamas on Christmas Eve, everything else in the morning.
21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Overindulging.
22. Favorite ornament theme or color? Department 56 houses.
23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey.
24. What do you want for Christmas this year? World peace. Or maybe some fabric.
25. Who do I tag? Emily, Rebeccah, Lauren.

Angels Among Us

Tonight was Flower's school Christmas show. That's the perk of going to a Christian school -- you can do an actual Christmas show. Usually it's about angels and getting ready for Christ's birth. This year was no exception. After the Kindergarten class had their annual singing of "Happy Birthday, Jesus," the angels filed in. The kids made their wings and got to write on them. My favorite was the one that said "I do Karaoke. God Rocks!" followed closely by the little girl behind her who wrote "Soccer Rocks!" Flower wrote her name, the number 10 (which is her number in class), and drew a pink limo.

I am including this picture for two reasons. First, the kids eyes glow and look freaky. Second, that guys bald spot was in nearly every shot.

Flower played Mary in the nativity scene. She did a very good job. So, in case you're keeping track, I have played Mary this season, and now Flower has. We better do a family nativity this year so Mini-me doesn't feel left out.

Mini-me was very proud of her sister. She had been looking forward to this night all week. I'm glad it did not disappoint. She even got to sit on "Missydell's" lap (that's what she calls The Ex). Here's the part where I tell you what an awesome step-mom I am: Mini-me and Patch both love "Missydell." They can't get enough of her. That just goes to show that I don't trash talk. Well, in front of them. I'm an awesome step-mom, but I'm only human.

See this here? Patch had a melt-down in the babysitting room, using the complete sentence "When my mommy coming?" whilst tears streamed down his face, causing me to pull out the emergency gingky. And Mini-me? Well, guess who was taking this photo. Guess who she wanted to go to. Really, guess. Yup, "Missydell." Oh well. At least Flower looks happy to take a picture with me.

PS -- when I did my proofreading, I noticed the title said "Angles Among Us." Ha. While everyone may have a little larceny in 'em, this is not about playing angles or percentages. It's about Angels.

Photo Friday

Wednesday Night

We decorated the tree last night. Flower was very concerned that we would do it without her. She informed me that it's a tradition for the whole family, not just part of it. That said, she wasn't too concerned that Curly had to work and we would be decorating without him.

There was a hole in our tree. Flower fixed it. By putting the smallest ornament we have right in the middle.



Patch really wanted to touch the tree. Here he is, after I gave him a warning. This is his "I wasn't doing anything" pose.


Meet our newest village. A friend gave it to us last year before she moved. She never put it out, and didn't want to take it with her. It's the New England village, but I think it has a real western vibe, a la Sun Valley or Park City. The house with the demonic glow is actually the outdoor outfitters store. Mini-me explained the difference between this village, and our other villages. See, in this one, people have a job and have to go to work. There's a farm, a fish cannery, a sawmill, and the outfitters. The little figures are working; one is ice fishing and the other is chopping wood. Those other lazy villages where no one works. They should be ashamed of themselves.
Then I got artsy with the black and white. You can almost hear Patch say "cheese" in this shot.

I took a chance and tried to get one of all three of them. Eh. We have better options.

New Blog in Town

I have started a new blog for The Molly Patch. Try to scroll down past the giant header and see what I've been up to! It will be easier to update than my website, which still confuses me. Check back daily for updates on all my projects.

Doll Aprons

This must be my favorite thing I have added to The Molly Patch lexicon over the past two months: doll aprons. These lovelies are for two lucky little girls. The apron on the left will also be made in little girl size and mommy size. How fun is that? Tomorrow, I plan on putting them on our American Girl dolls and doing a little fashion photo shoot. And, yes, Mini-me and Flower are each getting a doll apron for Christmas.

Holiday Funnies

Tonight, Mini-me was singing that favorite song, The 12 Days of Christmas. When she got to the second day, without hesitation she belted out: "On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 2 pair of gloves and a patridge in a pear tree!"

As we were driving home from dinner at Curly's brother's house, we were listening to the local radio station that plays Christmas music around the clock. Fleetwood Mac was singing Silent Night, and we were all doing our best to sing along. Finally, Flower said: "She sings like a sheep."

And, if any health food stores need an idea for Christmas, Patch has a unique way of singing Jingle Bells. He says: "Ginko bells! Ginko bells!" Let me know if you'd like him to do a commercial.

Photo Friday

Recent Finishes

I am so tired, I almost spelled "finish" with a "ph." Ugh.

Here are some things that have yet to be uploaded to the website, but are a good example of what I've been working on since the trunk show.

First up, a table runner.

Second, placemats. Curly said he had never seen placemats that looked like that. I took that as a compliment.

This one was not sideways before I uploaded it. Huh. Anyway, it still looks cool.

These represent two different orders, even though it's with the same fabric. It's great fabric -- little chocolate truffles with pink and brown stripes. Yum. I thougth for this shot, I would try one of those fancy off-center shots. It really doesn't work. I'm really a straight shooter. Ha. Have I mentioned it's late?

Obviously, Not Much

Not much to report here. Just same-old, same-old. I have been furiously making bags and aprons and other fancy things. Patch has been trying to stop me, but seeing as he's two, small, and easy to pick up and place somewhere else, he has failed.

My quilting machine is down for the count. I part has been ordered from California, hopefully to arrive today, and the quilting mayhem can continue. In case you're wondering, it's the stitch regulator. There is a problem with the connection. Like I said, hopefully it will be resolved today. Tomorrow at the latest.

It is very cold. There has been frost on the windshield every morning this week. I drove Mini-me to school today because I just couldn't think about walking in this. She loves driving to school, hopping out of the car, and running up the stairs to the building, just like a big kid.

It's time for me to hit the showers. Have a great day!

Yucky Day

Today is cold and rainy. I don't mind the cold, and I don't mind the rain, but the two of them together become more than the sum of their parts, and I hate what it produces. Mini-me and Patch are sleeping, and I have been working on Christmassy things in my studio.

In honor of this yucky day, I thought I would post the saddest picture of all:

Here's to hoping tomorrow is better!

Child Labor, Part 2

I like to put my kids to work. It's good for them. Puts hair on their chest. Mini-me really wanted to help make the Thanksgiving pies, and after the success of Spaghetti-O's, I let her.

You can see the pie crust in the background. Mini-me helped measure the ingredients, and then pressed the "pulse" button on the food processor. She did all the stirring for the pies. She was so excited about the pumpkin pie. She didn't eat it, but she was very excited for it. Please pardon the messy hair. Baking is a messy business.

The next morning, she woke up, got dressed, and put on her apron. That girl had more work to do! We made the chocolate pie, which was a hit with the under-4 crowd, and then made the rolls. Mini-me did most of the kneading and all of the rolling. Then I cut the rolls out, and she rolled them up into crescents. Man, could she roll like nobodies business.

This photo is after dinner, which for her consisted of rolls and jam. Only trust what you yourself cook. I can only imagine what she would have put away had she made the stuffing or the turkey. She was not in the mood to smile. Cooking is very serious business, folks.

Thanksgiving Eve

My kids are growing up. Sometimes that's okay with me. Last night, Mini-me wanted to cook dinner. So, I let her. I showed her how to turn on the stove, and let her practice several times. Oh, stop. You know I didn't do that. She started with a simple meal to prepare: Spaghetti-O's. She put on her pink princess apron, which she was quick to inform was a gift from GrandPatty last year, and stirred until the dish was the desired temperature, which is barely warmer than in the can. She was so proud of herself. Today, she's going to make the pumpkin pie. She'll be great at it!

Patch is my little shadow today. Well, everyday. He is so sweet, I don't really mind. If only I could train him to sew a little, I'd get more done.

We need to go to the grocery store today, along with everyone else in the city. I have a short list, and Giant Eagle has this really cool personal shopper thing where you scan your items while you shop. It's genius, really. Then there's a dedicated lane for you to just scan your card, then input your scanner, and you're done! Voila! If it takes longer than 30 minutes, I'll know I'm just wasting time.

Even with the business of today and the past few weeks, I have had time to think about the things I'm grateful for. The list is long. Do you have a minute? I am grateful that my kids grow. I am grateful that our personal economic bailout has been successful (Obama is right about one thing, though, it does takes time). I am grateful for Curly, who makes me laugh and swoon. I am grateful that I can contribute to our family finances without having to leave home. I am grateful for pretty fabric. I am grateful for wonderful memories of Thanksgivings gone by. This year I will try to bring some of those memories to the present, by serving instant breakfast and black donuts while watching the parade.

The shrieking has begun. I must go tend to my children. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

The Countdown...One Month

We are a month away from Christmas Day.

Sorry, I just had to pick myself up off the floor. I'm okay, really. I am on schedule with my Molly Patch orders, and hope to stay that way for the duration. So far this week I have made two library totes, a doll quilt, and a pillowcase. I have 2 large bags cut and ready for sewing tomorrow. It's ambitious to do two bags in a day, but if I'm going to stay on target, it needs to happen. I have given myself off on Thursday (which was quite nice of me), but if I don't get both bags done, I will have to do a little work before we head over the river and through the woods for dinner.

I had hoped to post some sort of holiday musings today, but it just didn't happen. Check back tomorrow, won't you?

Taking a Sick Day

Curly is off from work today, and I kept Mini-me home from school. She woke up several times last night crying that her ears hurt. Of course, today they feel fine, but I didn't quite wake up on time, due to the frequency of her interrupting my sleep. Patch is still not feeling well. I'll upload a picture later today. His eyes are so sad, but he still said "cheese!" when I pulled out the camera.

On the docket for today, I have to finish the binding on a set of placemats for my Grandma's order and get them off to the post office, and then I have about 4 more things I'd like to get done today on the Molly Patch list. I would really like to get some orders on their way by Friday. I think it's totally doable.

My friend Colleen stopped by for a few minutes yesterday to borrow New Moon, and said this:

"Sometimes in quilting, you have to think outside the block."

She is so wise.

Sick Patch

I am home from church today with a sick Patch. He has running orifices, but trutch be told, he is on the mend. He's just not well enough to go to church, or anywhere for that matter. Mini-me left for church as cute as can be in a hand-me-down from Flower. I am thrilled to bits that she can start wearing Flower's old clothes. We actually don't have many here, since The Ex has purchased (and is keeping) the majority, but what we do have is great stuff. Most of it is formal wear for the Sabbath day, and most of it Mini-me has worn in a mini-er size. Today she has on a black and cream plaid kilt, cream turtleneck, and cream sweater with snowmen cutouts from Talbots Kids. She is one stylin' little gal. I told her she looked fabulous, and she said "I know." Ah, self esteem. I hope she never loses it!

Photo Friday

Advice

Lisa, my WW leader, said this yesterday:

It's a holiday. Not a holiweek.

Weight Loss Wednesday

I am sure you are all on the edge of your seats. A late post? Why? Did she make her 10% goal? Was the boat wood, or aluminum? (Little Veggie Tales reference there...) Drum roll please . . . . I DID IT!! 10% off woo-hoo!!! I am so relieved, I cannot even tell you. I also dropped another 2 on top of it, so I was down 3 for this week, 24.6 for 12 weeks. The sad news is that the session at the Y is now over, and won't be starting up again until January 7. I can go into the center, weigh in, and attend a meeting, but there is only one session that lets you bring kids. Blech. My instructor, Lisa, does two meetings on Monday, but who wants to weigh in on a Monday? Not me. I'll try the Tuesday morning one that allows children, and we'll take it from there. Funny thing is, the center is right near the Jenny Craig center. I wonder if I'll run into my old counselor from there. That would be as awkward as running into an old boyfriend with whom you had a poor break up. What would I say? "Um, hi. Yeah, I was just at Weight Watchers. You look good, though. How are the frozen foods?"

In other fun news, my friend and Zumba instructor has been talking with me about becoming an instructor. Wouldn't that be fun? I a pretty sure it's because my hips move like lightning and because I'm part Latina. By way of Germany. My mom was an aerobics instructor back in the day of leotards and sweat bands. They did really fun routines to songs like "Jump!" and "Dancing on the Ceiling" and "Caribbean Queen." I'm pretty sure that last one was a cool-down song. I used to go with her and do my math homework, which is how I remember the songs. It would be muy divertido (that means "really fun") to be a Zumba instructor. I'll let you know how it goes.

New Picture

I changed my profile picture. Isn't it sweet? Thanks, Colleen! You take the greatest pictures.

Hopes

I hope this book makes it under the tree this year!

And, on a funny side note, my girls have decided the only way to sing "Oh, Christmas Tree" is to sound British. It's very amusing.

Sigh of Relief

The trunk show was a raging success. I had less people than I hoped for, but those people bought more things than I hoped for. Not a bad combination. I look forward to doing another one in the spring. My mom took some pictures, but I didn't have my camera with me, so I'll post one as soon as she emails me. Thanks for everyone who came out and supported me!

Photo Friday

This is the bag I did for Melly's shower two weekends ago. It has tons of pockets, and lots of room for baby stuff. This style is also for sale, you guessed it, at my trunk show. Tomorrow.

Raining

It is raining cats and dogs today. The last weather report I heard was "periods of rain." Well, it was pouring when I drove Flower to school, and it's pouring still, 3 hours later. All the rain leaves me very sleepy.

I was planning on doing laundry today, but shout out to Curly who did most of it yesterday. Holla! The bad part about him doing the laundry was that he was in my space for most of the day. He does not care for the state of my sewing area. You show me a quilter who has a clean studio, and I'll, well, I don't know. I doubt you can find one! We creative types need a bit of a mess. He straightened some things and then gave me a speech I haven't heard since I was 17 years old: This may be your room, but it's in my house.

Anyway, on Saturday afternoon, after the trunk show, I have big plans to clean and organize. I am going to need major organization if I'm going to keep up with all the orders I'm going to get Saturday. Plus, I need to get started on Christmas presents for the kids. Patch is getting a Cars quilt. I found Lightning McQueen fabric while we were summering in Lancaster. Well, not summering. But it was summer. Anyway. The girls are getting aprons with matching tiny aprons for their dolls. I did a sample last night for the trunk show, and it is too cute. Pictures to follow as soon as I find my battery charger.

Weight Loss Wednesday

I don't want to talk about it, okay? I mean, the scale just stayed the same. Frustration felt here! Oh well. Next week, right???

Onward and upward. Only 2 more days until the Molly Patch trunk show in Northern Virginia. I have a few more things to finish up, but other than that, the major stuff is done. Woo-hoo! Hopefully it will be a good showing and people will order things. I really need people to order things. I started The Molly Patch for a couple of reasons, the chief of which is that I don't want to work outside the home. I feel strongly about being here, even when my kids are in school (which is only a few short years away). But with the economy, that's going to be tough to do. Tough, but doable. So thank you thank you thank you to all those who have ordered and continue to order from me! Now back to the sewing machine.

Another Quilt Giveaway!!

People are just giving quilts away. Go over to Old Red Barn Co. and try to win one of 3 spectacularly adorable quilts. My favorite? The Nest quilt. Good luck!!

Leaves!

We tried to take a Christmas card picture this weekend. Patch would not cooperate. He thought it was a game.

As soon as he was placed in the pile, he bolted.

This made the girls giggle, which made him scoot even faster.

At the end, Flower suggested that we just have a picture with her and Mini-me this year. Not a bad idea, but I'm not giving up hope just yet.