Resoluting

Ginger saying "Oh, wow!" on Christmas morning.

It's New Year's Eve, a natural time to think about starting over. I have been thinking about 2010 over the past few days, and my main conclusion is that I refuse to feel guilty about the things I didn't do. I did so many good things that being negative is just silly. For example, I wanted to loose 40 pounds. I could be really upset by the fact that I didn't, or I could be thrilled with myself that I lost a little over 30.

Last year, I was very specific about things I wanted to accomplish. I did pretty well. Our scripture study as a family rose and fell, and then rose and fell again. I was 2 sizes smaller in Sun Valley. It felt good. We are eating out a lot less. Usually less than once a week. I don't always like that. I didn't finish an entire quilt each month, but I did finish a lot of sewing project. Plus, I did 3 different craft shows. My little Lena got quite a workout. And Cinnamon Roll Monday? No thank you. I found out that I would eat half a pan to myself for "quality control." Ha. For the sake of my waistline, I had to let that one go.

This year I have a lot I want to do. My list is a little overwhelming. I need to think about it a little more and then get back to you. A list of 12 things is a little unrealistic, wouldn't you agree?

Anyone Out There?

Hi! Remember me? I used to blog here. I've been hitting the diet hard. Can you tell? We've had a lot going on this week. It was Christmas at our house. Our kids were so excited, yet still able to line up on the stairs and smile real pretty.
We spent some time with cousins. Ginger especially enjoyed sitting at the table with Manny.
I made 2 birthday cakes. The first one tasted like cardboard and looked like the grey sky over Pittsburgh. This one was delicious and looked pretty darn cute.
Mini-me has been asking for a birthday party for the last few years. Today, I made all her wishes come true. We had lots of friends over to play Barbie, Polly Pocket, and Zoobles. I'm pretty sure she had a good time.
So enough about me. How are you doing? Let's not go so long between posts next time, okay? Kay.

Birthday Week

It started with this:

And ended with this:

My girls are one year older.

And now it is Christmas.

Amen.

Say What?

Christmas is how many days away? 12, you say? Gadfrey Daniels, that's not much time! I must get off the computer and get to work. I have zero presents sewn for the kids. And let's not forget Curly's t-shirt quilt. He's only been asking for one for the past 3 years. If I don't get it done, I'll surely have coal in my stocking come Christmas morning.

TGIF

When we were younger, we used to love watching TGIF. The only two shows I really remember are Family Ties and Full House. My sister and I looked forward to Friday night TV all week. I tried to watch an episode of Full House recently. Let's just say the show hasn't aged well. (Oh, mylanta! Did I do that? Have mercy!) Once December is through, so are our Friday nights with Curly home. He'll be doing another show at the dinner theater come January. We've loved the extra family time, but we also love paying bills. I stopped by the Red Box this morning and picked up the new Shrek movie. We'll watch it and have popcorn as a family tonight. TGIF, indeed.

I can't believe I forgot to post on Wednesday. Hello, holiday stress! Glad you could join us. I was able to lose my Thanksgiving pound, which made me extra thankful. At the store yesterday I had to resist getting more peppermint bark. I think the first ingredient in it is crack. Patch has also discovered its deliciousness, and Curly discovered my hiding place. It's probably a good thing I didn't eat the whole box by myself. Maybe.

Today's Gratitude: Curly will be home on a Saturday!! I don't remember the last time that happened. Maybe I can sleep in until 8.

The Laughingstock of the North Pole

Ah, Ginger. She didn't quite know what to think of our family gathering this past weekend. We took a family picture wearing "I {heart} NY" shirts, antlers, and blinking red noses. It was chaotic in that family-get-together-and-take-a-picture kind of way. Mini-me kept her antlers and nose on most of the weekend. At lunch on Sunday, she lamented, "I'm the laughingstock of the North Pole!" Apparently we have watched Rudolf, The Red Nosed Reindeer a few times too many.

The craft show on Saturday was another success. It was a festive atmosphere, and the sales were great. I have only a few things leftover, which I have listed in my etsy shop. Go on, don't be shy! If you order 2 or more things, you will be automatically upgraded to Priority Mail shipping.

Hey!

Patch is not capable of looking you in the eye for long. It's pretty hilarious. I find myself saying, "Hey! I'm over here!" quite a bit.

Our tree is trimmed and almost all the decorations are up. I love Christmas!!

Weight Loss Wednesday

So I gained a pound over Thanksgiving. That pound will be gone in no time. Weight Watchers unveiled its new program this week. The basic gist of it is that calories are out. Now points are based on a formula calculating fat, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. It's a little confusing, but I think it's going to be great, once I get the hang of it. One of my Christmas presents is the new membership pack, which includes a calculator, dining out guide, all food guide, and a cookbook. I made a WW recipe last night -- fried rice. Instead of oil, you use cooking spray and you omit the bacon. It was tasty.

I went to Zumba yesterday. One of my December goals is to make exercise a priority. Class was awesome. I wiggled my hips and danced until I couldn't dance any more. Ginger did great in the playroom. I was able to sneak out and left her playing happily. When I came back, she was in a high chair having her snack. She took one look at me and started to melt down. She cried so hard, she threw up. The staff was so glad we came back! We're taking the day off today. I'm sore, it's pouring down rain, Ginger is exhausted, and Mini-me has a check-up at the doctor. There is a Zumba class tomorrow, so we'll go the YMCA then. I love living across the street from our gym. It's so convenient.

Back to Reality

Tomorrow we hit the ground running with reality. It's time to get back to school, the gym, weight watchers, and the sewing machine. Ah, how I love a routine!

Today's Gratitude: Ginger may have refused to sleep during church today, but she was happy and charming the entire time. That is something to be grateful for, indeed.

Sew and Tell

Last week I gave a sneak peak of the quilt loaded on my quilt frame. I made a baby quilt for my favorite brother and his wife for their brand new baby. (It's okay that I call him my favorite brother. He's everyone's favorite. Just ask my mom.) Their baby wasn't due until this next week, but she came the day before Thanksgiving. Her name is Julia and she is precious.

Here is Mini-me modeling the quilt. It was big. Like 44" square. Huge for a baby quilt.
I had two squares left, so I added them to the back. When I showed it to Curly, he said "Oh no! What happened?" It reminded me of when I would show my mom a finished cross stitch piece and she would tell me I spelled a word wrong. So silly. Don't you love Mini-me's face peaking over the top? She thought she needed to be in the picture.
I have this fabric and I think it would be cute with the same pattern. It's Blush by Basic Grey. Red, pink, and teal. Who knew they looked good together?
I have another craft show coming up on December 4th. If you're in the area, come on over to Flint Hill Elementary School in Vienna, VA. I'd love to see you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Top of my list? These 4 here!

Spaghetti Night

Spaghetti used to be my least favorite meal. Pictures like these elevate it to the absolute best dinner ever:

Spaghetti makes everyone happy!

Craft Show

Here is me and my booth at the Vienna Woman's Club Holiday Bazaar last week. I really didn't want my table to look cluttered, but it did a little. I had a lot to sell! I did very well, but still had some things leftover. So I'm doing another show, also in Vienna, on December 4th.
Here is my booth from the back. I brought my garment rack to hang the aprons, table toppers, and "Celebrate" sign. That's my sister-in-law, Becky (one of the Spinster Sisters), who helped me set up. She also came up the day before the show, took my kids so I could get things finished, and then took Mini-me and Flower to her place for a sleepover. Huge help.

Today's Gratitude: The nasty cold I contracted this past week is almost done. Yea!!

Sew and Tell

It feels good to be back to blogging. I mean, it's only two days and two posts so far, but I have a lot to say and don't always have a willing audience here at home. I realized how apt Mini-me's moniker was just a few days ago when I picked her up from school. We had to go get gas in the car, plus a little treat. She kept up a monologue from the time I met her at the school door until we got through our front door, roughly 20 minutes. It was epic.

This week my friend Lauren and I finished a baby quilt for Colleen. Remember Colleen? Back in this post I mentioned that when she gave me my baby quilt that she wished she was pregnant. She totally was and didn't know it yet. She now has 4 kids ages 5 and under, plus a 20 year old stepdaughter. Yikes. Colleen has a pretty stash of fabric (that all fits into one container. Hardly a stash, IMO), and wanted the quilt to be made with her own fabric. Lauren and I were happy to comply.

This is Colleen modeling the quilt. Lauren made up the design. She's good like that. She can apply geometry into everyday situations. I cannot, even though I won the math prize. Lauren did all the piecing, and I did the quilting on my MEGA QUILTER, and then did the binding. That's the kind of team work I enjoy.

And here is a sneak peak of what is on my quilting frame right now. I just need to get some batting and then we're in business. The fabric is Verna by Kate Spain. I just love everything Kate Spain comes up with, and I think it's appropriate to refer to her by her first and last name at all times.

So there you go. A sew and tell that does not include links to my etsy shop or info about an upcoming craft show! I'll tell you more about those later. Come back tomorrow ;)

I'm linking to Amy's sew and tell party today. Go check out some of the other fabulous finishes!

Did You Miss Me?

I've missed you! Regular posting to begin starting today. Well, maybe tomorrow. I have to go make sure Ginger isn't getting a tongue bath from Gracie.

Weight Loss Wednesday

It's another Wednesday, and another pound gone. It's also another week where I am sick. I have strep. Again. Needless to say, the timing is poor. I have just two more days after today to get ready for the craft show. I have decided that I will okay with what I have done. I can't go back in time. I can't get un-sick. I just have to move forward. I am hoping the antibiotics kick in by tomorrow morning and I can sew like gangbusters. Until then, I will be on the couch sewing bindings by hand.

Oh, and Patch has a black eye. It hasn't been the best day.

Manic Monday

My mom, modeling her apron.

It's just another manic Monday. However, I do not wish it were Sunday. I have far too much to do, so we must keep moving forward. Today I woke up with a sore throat. If you have a prayer to spare, I would appreciate it. Wouldn't it just stink to get sick the week of the Holiday Bazaar? I think it would.

I am taking a break from my sewing right now. I have a few supplies to still pick up (rick rack, zippers, etc), and Ginger is still asleep. Changing times is rough on my kids. Ginger and Patch were both up before 6 this morning. So was Mini-me, but sometimes she just likes to lie in bed with her blankie, contemplating the state of the world.

I have a new spotlight today. Go here to check it out. Then come Saturday to the Vienna Community Center and buy one!

Rainy Day and Coughing

Today is a rainy day. The sky is a pretty grey which makes the fall leaves seem all the more colorful. I have had good cuddles from Ginger today. She's not feeling so hot, but she's not so sick she's miserable. She has been content to just sit, which is nice every once and a while. Patch, on the other hand, has a nasty cough. I've been giving him some cough medicine I had in the cabinet. It works wonders and makes me a little mad that they don't sell it any more.

Last night I taught a Relief Society class on holiday gift giving. While I had a lot of ideas and resources to share, my main focus was on having a Mary Christmas, as opposed to a Martha Christmas. Martha, like me at times, got completely stressed and lost sight of the really important things in life. Mary took time to listen to the Savior, which Jesus referred to as "needful." I think about this passage every Christmas, trying to put into perspective what is "needful" so that I am not troubled, like Martha. Part of that process for me is simplifying what I give to others. One of my favorite sites that has loads of ideas is Our Best Bites. Go here if you want some great ideas and recipes.

Today's Gratitude: I have a warm home on this rainy day with a family to fill it. I am blessed.

Happy Birthday!

Today my mom turns 60. Happy Birthday, GrandPatty!!

Today's Gratitude: Ginger took a long nap this morning, which allowed me to get some good work done.

Happy Halloween!

Our Halloween celebration was full of scary spooks and tasty treats. We had an unexpected visitor -- our friend Bill the Photographer. He's taking a picture a day on Market Street, and wanted to use us as October 31. Go here to check it out! While you're there, take some time to peruse some of the other great photos. My favorite (other than my family)? October 16.

A Thursday Kind of Day

While Patch is at school, I try to get as much done as possible. Sometimes that is eat breakfast and take a shower. Sometimes it's much more. Usually Ginger goes down for a nap. But sometimes, like today, she cries like the saddest baby in the world and refuses to sleep. I am giving her 10 more minutes. I'll go get her if she's still crying. Am I the meanest Mommy in the world because I can listen to my kids cry? Probably. I just know how tired she is, and that she needs to sleep. Eventually, she'll stop and do that. Sometimes the crying just breaks my heart and I have to give in.

My schedule has been off the past two weeks. Flower's grandparents are in town from California, so she has stayed at her mom's house this whole time. It's hard to know what day it is when we don't drive out to get her, or drive her to school the following morning. The routine starts back up again this weekend, and we'll all be glad for it.

10 minutes is too long -- I am going to go rescue her now.
Go check out The Molly Patch blog for today's product spotlight!

Weight Loss Wednesday

You thought I was going to forget again, didn't you? No sirree! This week was mediocre, at best. I need to find my motivation and latch on. I really just need to take things a day at a time. No more of this "tomorrow" business -- I can do it today! I just need to focus on the present, and worry about tomorrow when it gets here.

Today's Gratitudes: I had a brief but meaningful chat with a friend today. I was explaining/complaining and she stripped to the heart of the matter and told me I needed to go to the temple more often. Boy howdy, is she ever right. I am grateful for good friends who can tell it like it is without judging. It's a skill and a talent wrapped into one delightful package.

Oops

One year ago, we potty trained. I am so glad we're not doing that this year.

I forgot to be grateful yesterday. Oops. In the spirit of not overwhelming myself (too late, I already did), I am not going to play catch up. I am going to start anew today.

I have cut some cute aprons today for the Nov. 13 show (are you coming?) and hope to sew them tonight. I didn't get to watch White Christmas last night. I learned early on in life that you don't come between a man and his remote. We'll see if Curly is more willing to share tonight. I would just watch it upstairs, but our DVD player isn't working. I don't want to buy a new one because I'd rather get a Blue Ray for downstairs and move the DVD player upstairs. But, having a high-def movie system makes no sense with a 15 year old TV. So, I think we need a flat screen. This is now very expensive, so we'll just make do with what we've got. Again I ask, are you coming?

Today's Gratitude: The sun is shining and Ginger's second top tooth is almost through the gums. My gratitude will increase when it actually comes through.

A Little Sew and Tell

Christmas is in full swing. Working with these fabrics makes me happy. I mean, who would want this lovely red and white fabric in their home? This is the back of a table topper. I did in the ditch quilting with white thread.

Here is the top. The binding is ready to be hand sewn down while I watch White Christmas tonight. I like to do in the ditch quilting for a table topper because I like the focus to be on the fabric. Straight lines really make the fabrics pop.
Here are 15 sets of pillowcases. To learn more and see additional photos, join me on my Molly Patch blog.
The big day is November 13. The bazaar runs from 9:30-4. Hope to see you there! Bring your friends. And your wallets!

Weight Loss Wednesday

It's been a couple of weeks since I had a Weight Loss Wednesday post. It was also a couple of weeks between weigh ins. There are several reasons for this, but sometimes when I give reasons, it sounds like excuses. So let's just leave it for now. I am down a grand total of 31.8 pounds. So close to 32! My goal is to be down 40 by Christmas. I am taking it one day at a time. I have been getting slightly overwhelmed lately, so a small goal each day is what is going to get me through this.

I have been thinking a lot about my motivation lately. When I was 16, I was heavy. Not Biggest Loser heavy, but I was overweight. I was also unhappy. I had one day that was my turning point. I will never forget it. While at school, I thought this one guy in my class was really cute. I was talking to him about something and I noticed that he wasn't looking at me. He was looking at someone thin and pretty. It broke my heart. Later at home, I went into my mom's room, laid on her bed, and cried. The gist of what I said was "I am so fat. I am so unhappy." My mom has never met a problem she couldn't solve. She looked at me and said, "Okay, let's fix this." We called Jenny Craig and I went that Friday, September 24. It was the first place I ever drove by myself. My junior year, I lost about 50 pounds. Being thin didn't solve all my problems, but I felt like I could conquer the world. I am convinced that nothing in this world feels better than when you look your best. It also feels really good to be on the way there.

Today's Gratitude: McDonald's Happy Meals are $1 tonight and I don't have to fix dinner. That is welcome news on a Wednesday.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like It

I am in the mood for Christmas. Aren't you? I'll admit, it's probably just all the fun Christmas fabric I've been working with the past few weeks. I have even allowed myself a few songs here and there, but this week may allow myself a movie. I'll make a deal with me. If I get a table topper to the point of binding, then I can watch a movie. Probably White Christmas. Deal? I'll hold me to it.

Todays Gratitude: Ginger slept through the night again. It's heavenly to wake up in the morning and not the middle of the night.

A Special Day

Seriously, cutest kid ever.

Today is Saturday. It's a special day because, well, it's the day we get ready for Sunday. We have run most of our errands today. Only one left -- to the store to pick up milk and diet coke and bread. You would think snow was in the forecast with our shopping list.

Isn't this banner cute? Not as cute as Patch, I know. It's for sale in my etsy shop. You'll need to hurry, though. There's only one left!

Todays gratitude: I am grateful for my mom. She's awesome and such a good example for me. That's all I have to say about that.

On Gratitude

Lately I don't get much (read: any) sewing done for myself. I used to love linking up with Sew and Tell every Friday, but feel bad doing it when it's all stuff for sale. Yesterday as I was finishing up a few things, I was having a grand old pity party for myself. Not just about sewing things, but about a lot of things. I resent the cost of gas and the necessity of driving certain places. I am bitter our budget does not include money for new clothes. This thinking started early in the afternoon and continued much into the night. It was, in a word, ridiculous. I can get so caught up in what I don't have, or what is less than ideal in my life, that I neglect what is right in front of me. The answer to how to solve this problem came to me pretty easily: Show more gratitude. So here is how I'm going to do that. At the end of each post starting today, I am going to include one thing for which I am grateful.

Todays Gratitude: I am grateful there is no school today and Curly is also off so that we can hang out as a family.

Corn Maze

About a week ago, we went to the corn maze. It was awesome. And more than a little muddy. The day before we went, it had rained about 5 inches. It was sunny this year, as opposed to years past when we've gone at night. Personally, I like going during the day. It makes it much easier to see the map.

Look, I was there, too!
Ginger enjoyed riding around in the backpack. She thought the whole event was pretty funny.
The kids took turns leading. However, Flower was the only one who found the markers.
Patch and Mini-me each fell several times. Earlier that week, Mini-me was asking what "hobby" meant. I told her it was something you were good at and that you enjoyed doing. She thought for a minute and said, "Well, I am good at falling, but I don't like doing it. It's NOT my hobby."

Friday? Again?!

I cannot believe it is already Friday. And it's October to boot! While I am busy playing with the loveliness that is Kate Spain and Basic Grey, I thought I would share some photos. Oh, what am I doing with this fabric? I am making Christmas table toppers to sell at the November 13 craft fair at the Vienna Community Center. Thanks for asking!

My kids enjoy getting their face painted and then eating chicken nuggets on the curb. This was taken at our favorite festival, In the Street. Usually it's held the first Saturday in October, but this year it was in September. It was awesome.
Giant turkey leg, anyone? Flower may look slight, but she can sure put it away! She opted out of the face painting and instead got a Redskins tattoo on her arm.
When I was in elementary school, I had an obsession with jelly bracelets. Mini-me is similarly obsessed with silly bands. I haven't seen her wrist in a month.

This was one of Patch's favorite rides at the fair. He is not craughing, he is full on laughing. He did this ride twice.

This is what happens to Ginger a lot. She falls asleep wherever we are. It's almost nap time, so I need to go put her in her crib, take a shower, and then get to work. Christmas table toppers do not make themselves, you know.

Craughin

In this picture, I am "craughing." That is a combination of "crying" and "laughing." Mini-me is being squished into me. The whole time on the ride, I felt like our car was going to fly off. Curly informed me that's part of the charm. Ah, Scrambler: I will never ride you again.

The End.

Hey There

How you doin'?

Weight Loss Wednesday

I think it's been awhile since I last posted. Understatement, no? The past two weeks I thought I was doing pretty well scale wise. Then I weighed in about 1 1/2 hours after nursing. Not so good. Did you know that adds about a pound to my weight? 'Tis true. I try to nurse right before I go, but this week that just didn't happen. That's life.

Anyway. It's been busy around here. I had my Super Saturday Shopping Spree here on Saturday (as the name of the event denotes). We had a modest turnout, and I personally did pretty well. Then, I found out that I have been accepted into the Vienna Woman's Club holiday craft show on November 13. They get around 1500 shoppers. I have about 2 months to prepare. A lot of sewing needs to happen between now and then. I will have my fabulous pillow cases, pencil rolls, purses, table toppers and runners, and maybe even and advent calendar or two, among other things. I am way excited about this. They have over 70 crafters, so if you're in the area, please come on by! I'm having Curly make me a display to put behind my table. That way I can hang my fabric banners as well as some other things so that as people scan the room, they can see the awesomeness that is The Molly Patch.

This afternoon the O'Kigin clan is headed to the fair. 50 bucks gets your whole car load in and on rides. We've got about 8 in our car. It will be epic. I will not be riding many rides. Maybe the merry go round with Ginger. Definitely not the Ferris wheel. Eek. Heights and I are not friends. Then it's home by 8 for baths and bed, and down to the sweat shop for me. 1500 shoppers makes me a little woozy.

Popping In

Just taking a second to say "Hi." Hi. I'm frantically trying to finish all of my Molly Patch items for my party on Saturday. It should be a great time. I'm now caught in the dilemma: Is it better to sell out or have way too much? I'm leaning towards selling out and taking special orders.

This past weekend was In the Street. Last year, I met Brian Voltaggio. This year, we met Joe Theisman. It was pretty awesome. Pictures to come.

Have a great Monday. Now back to my machine...

Weight Loss Wednesday

The Weight Watcher scale said I was down 1.2 pounds this week, which brings my grand total to 30.8 pounds. That is roughly a pound a week since I started. It's fabulous. I feel lighter from the inside out. I'm on a roll, folks! It's the start of their annual "Lose for Good" campaign, where members pledge a weight loss goal, and then donate food in kind for actual weight lost. It's a seven week campaign, and I have pledged 10 pounds. I think it's doable, but will have to step up my effort to be more than a pound a week. I think it works out to like 1.4 pounds per week. Doable. Then, at the end of 7 weeks, I bring in 10 pounds of food to be donated to the local food bank. It's a really neat giving campaign.

Mini-me lost a tooth yesterday at school. Then, the unforgivable happened: the tooth fairy forgot to come. It was an awfully sad morning. I hope the tooth fairy can make it before school lets out today. Maybe she'll leave a note explaining that so many children lost teeth and her bag got too full, so she had to head back. Meanwhile, Ginger has two teeth just sitting below the surface of her gums. My kids get teeth late, but then they get them all at once. We're in for a rough few months. On the plus side, she took a 3 hour nap this morning. I actually got some sewing done during daylight hours. It was nice.

Happy Wednesday to you!

Coming Soon...