Halloween in June

Let's have a party in June, shall we? Every year when October rolls around, I am busy with school and the upcoming Christmas craft fair season. I don't get to enjoy Halloween crafts. And, let's face it, Halloween is my favorite holiday. I don't go for scary Halloween, I prefer a more whimsical route. So this June, I'll be hosting Halloween in June here on my blog. Join me, won't you? Grab the button on your right and put it on your blog. We'll have links to fun ideas, recipes, and tutorials to get us in the mood. So pull out your Halloween projects you just didn't have time to get to last year. We'll have a spooktacular time!

Thanks to Amanda for the button design. Witch graphic by Lilly Bimble.

Weight Loss Wednesday

I have hardly thought about my weight this week. With the flood on Thursday, I missed my Weight Watchers meeting. Tomorrow is Kindergarten orientation for Patch, so I'm hoping to go on Friday. I am not expecting good things. We've had a lot of eating out, since our kitchen has been out of commission. Yesterday was the first day I could really get in there and do anything. Like dishes. Normally we have a no-shoe policy in the house. Kids shoes are gross. But we are now facing the opposite in the kitchen. The floor has staples and is rough wood. The last thing we need are splinters in tender tootsies.

It's hot here. In fact, it truly is too darn hot. Like 90. With major humidity. I tolerate summer. I know, I know. I should love it. I love taking my kids to the pool (and they love going). My birthday, anniversary, Patch's birthday, and Curly's birthday all fall within summer. I love to grill. I love going to the park. However, I love all this when it's about 75 tops. Maybe we should move to San Diego. I don't think dishwasher hoses crack in San Diego. In fact, I'm certain they don't.

Onward and Upward

I have been elbow deep in guck the past few days. Cleaning up after a flood is awful. I empathize with the people whose entire homes are being flooded as we speak. I still have my house. I still have my family. I still have my sense of humor. Anything else I need? Well, that's why God invented Target. I get to go pick out a new iron tomorrow. I am very excited. I also get a new ironing board cover. I've wanted a new one for months now. You can hardly see the clouds for all the silver linings!

I have something very fun planned for the month of June. You won't want to miss it. In fact, I have a feeling you'll want to play along. And tell all of your friends. And tell your friends to tell their friends. Have I piqued your interest yet? Come back over the next few days and all will be revealed. And remember the thing about the friends? Do that.

The Flood

As I sit here, I am not listening to the sounds of my children playing. I'm not even listening to the click of the keys. I am instead listening to the sounds of nearly a dozen industrial blowers, tasked with drying out my main level and basement. Yesterday morning, I came downstairs to hear the rush of gushing water. I rounded the corner into the kitchen, only to land in an inch or so of water, which was not only filling the kitchen but running into the basement as well. The basement, AKA my studio. Horror, shock, and regret immediately hit me.

Not two weeks ago I felt strongly that I needed to get all of my fabric into plastic bins. I immediately went to Target and purchased a bunch and dutifully brought them down to the basement. Then I got distracted by laundry, kids, pretty fabric, tv, and any other worthwhile and worthless endeavor. The bins are still sitting, empty and dry, while my fabric has taken a beating. Anything in a bin or covered drawer is fine. Anything sitting on a table or in my open storage is not. I have been able to salvage a lot, but my current in the works projects are ruined. Not only did color run, but some of the projects were done without pre-washing the fabric. Which means that if I did wash it, the blocks would all shrink to different sizes and would not be usable. To say that I am heartsick is an understatement. I knew I was getting a spiritual prompting two weeks ago. I ignored it. I thought I had more time. Big lesson learned for me: when the Spirit speaks, don't keep sitting.

Other than my personal loss, we're looking at major damage in our kitchen. The vinyl floor was ripped up yesterday, revealing a less than attractive wood floor underneath that is studded with Frankenstein-esque staples all throughout. The cabinets are soaked. The wall between the kitchen and living room is very wet. Hopefully the blowers will be able to dry us out to avoid mildew, but I think a lot of damage was already done. We are definitely getting a new floor. We might also be getting new cabinets. And if the wall is damaged, hello major kitchen remodel. There is a silver lining, people.

Weight Loss Wednesday

Last week I lost a little over a pound. I am a little over 2 pounds away from losing 50 pounds. As I watched The Biggest Loser from last night, I got weepy as they carried their weight on their backs, shedding the amount they lost each week as they went. It made me want to load up a backpack with 50 pounds worth of stuff and walk around the block. I looked in the mirror today and loved what I saw. I feel more confident about myself, and I have tons more energy. To misquote the elephants in Dumbo: Let us take a solemn vow. I am no longer an elephant.

Shower Gift

My friend Michelle is having baby #4. After 3 girls, she's finally getting a boy. Boys are great. I'm glad I have one. Boys are also busy and messy and silly, so I'm equally glad I only have one. I wanted to make her something unique for her shower, as I figured she was probably going to be inundated with tiny clothes adorned with balls, frogs, and trucks. So I made a pillow. Then I put a bird (or 6) on it.

I embroidered their family name on the bottom, and then did an envelope finish on the back. I think she liked it.
The best part was that I had all the materials on hand, so it was free! Sort of.

I Didn't Go

This past weekend was International Quilt Market in Salt Lake City. I tried to convince Curly that it was a medical necessity for me to go, but he didn't believe me. Other members of The A Team were there. So was my Hanging Chair Sign. Candice has some great posts with photos that will make you wish you were there. 14 hours on your feet a day for 4 days? Sign me up! Sally also has some pictures on her blog. Julie was there, too, but she only has one picture. I hope she takes the hint and posts some more!

I have started saving up for Houston in the fall. Amanda needs me. So far I have $3.27. How much are plane tickets again?

My Thoughts

I lost a follower today. Where did you go? Who were you? Why don't you like my kids?

I forgot to blog yesterday. So we'll save my weigh-in news for next week. Let's just say I am really close to a milestone.

I haven't had any heat or air conditioning on in my house for over a week. I feel so frugal.

Diet Coke is delicious.

I feel more like me in my new contacts. It's been since last July that I've had any. Why are they so dang expensive?

I would much rather wear a skirt in warm weather than shorts.

I would really like a pair of yellow flats.

I still get nervous each time I make a quilt. What if I mess it up? What if I ruin the pretty fabric? I usually get over it.

What's on your mind today?

Happy Mother's Day!

To the greatest mom alive: Thanks.

Shades

My kids love sunglasses. They each have at least 2 pairs. I heard it helps save their eyes later in life. Also, the look really cool. Ginger loves to have a pair on, even in the house. This little one is ready for summer. Today at the park, she climbed up on the playground and went down the slide all by herself. It's official: we no longer have a baby in the house, just a toddler.

Happy Birthday, Dear Flower!

12 is a big deal.

Weight Loss Wednesday

Photo courtesy of Mini-me. Yes, I am wearing a hoodie with horizontal stripes. I'm just amassing my wardrobe fit for What Not to Wear.

Just a quick thought this late on Wednesday -- any time I am frustrated by how slowly the weight is coming off, or how many little setbacks I have, I think that if I had gained 46 pounds in the same amount of time, I would be hugely fat. I won't tell you the number, but I will tell you that I would be right at home at The Biggest Loser. That's some pretty good perspective for me.

Spring Break Surprise

On Thursday of Spring Break, I told the kids we were going on a picnic. I packed up the car with all the stuff we would need, like extra outfits and pillows and a pack-and-play. Luckily our kids aren't too aware of their surroundings, so they didn't even pick up on the strange packing list or lack of food. About an hour into the drive, we broke the news: We were going to New York City. The girls were so excited. Patch cried. He thought a picnic sounded funner.

We stayed with Grandpa in Harlem. On Friday morning, we hopped on the Subway and headed down to the Brooklyn Bridge. The walk across took nearly an hour. It was really fun.
We had lunch at the world famous Grimaldi's Pizza. Yum. I love pizza cooked in a brick oven. I also love eating at places that are world famous. We walked around Brooklyn for awhile, in an area called DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). We found the Jacque Torres chocolate shop. It smelled delicious and reminded me of the movie Chocolat.
After Brooklyn, we hopped back on the subway and did some shopping at the American Girl store. We walked up to Central Park, rode the carousel, and walked over to the LDS Temple that is near Lincoln Center. We climbed on a fountain, got in trouble, and then got back on the subway.
Dinner was at Ellen's Stardust Diner, where the waiters are actors and Patch fell asleep holding a hot dog bun. We did a little more shopping after dinner, and then got back on the subway to get our car, which was parked in Harlem.
It was a really fun trip. It was a really fast trip. Our kids were so surprised and are begging us to go back. Spring Break just wasn't long enough.

A Ginormous Amount of Gratitude

I know some of my readers don't give two hoots about quilting and the online quilt-blogging community. So a little background info may be in order. Recently, an virtual discussion has been taking place about the direction of quilting. To sum up, some people think modern quilting=easy quilting and some people think that traditional quilters are old fat ladies who wear quilted vests. As a community, we have put down our rotary cutters and pulled out our claws. I don't like it. I also don't like when people are mean. So here is the biggest THANKS! I can shout. I have never received a negative comment on my blog. I have only felt support when I brag about my projects, my family, and my life. My readers rock, and I am grateful.

One Week Ago

Reality is not as fun.

Weight Loss Wednesday

I skipped my Weight Watchers meeting last week. With all the kids home for Spring Break, I didn't think it was a good idea to arrive at a meeting with 4 kids. I knew in my head that I wouldn't be weighing in, so I wasn't as careful as I needed to be. I went to the movies twice and ate movie theater popcorn. Twice. And I had cupcakes. It was all delicious. I'm not scared to face the scale tomorrow, because that number is as permanent or as temporary as I choose it to be. Trust me when I say: It's temporary.

I broke down and turned on the air conditioning today. The temperatures have been in the 80s, and our house just didn't cool down at night. When I woke up today, it was 79 in the house. Our Easter chocolate was starting to melt, and that would be a tragedy.

Appalling

My last post was so long ago. It's appalling! What can I say? We've been busy. Spring Break was last week. We went to NYC for the day on Friday. It was Easter, which is always a wonderful day. And then it's been warm -- in the 80's kind of warm -- so we've been outside. I have a ton of pictures to go through, not to mention some pictures to take of some fun quilty things. So don't delete my blog from your list of favorites just yet!

Weight Loss Wednesday

...On Thursday. Oh well. A day late is better than never, right? It was a victorious week for me. I am down another 3.2 pounds. Yay me! Today's discussion was about "me time." It's hard for me to spend time on myself. Curly works a lot, and strange hours to boot. I'm with the kids a lot and when I'm not, I am wiped out. But I decided in the meeting to do at least 2 things that make me happy. I got in the car, called the YMCA and made a playroom reservation for Ginger so I could Zumba. Ginger hates being left, and it's hard for me to listen to her sob as I leave. But, she has a good time while she's there. So I left her without guilt and Zumba'd for a wonderful hour. And then tonight, I sewed. I found some really pretty and fun fabric for a picnic quilt, so tonight I started it. I think it's going to be lovely.

So those were my two things I did for myself today. It was restoring to my soul. I feel happy and optimistic. And also, I feel tired. But mostly I feel really good. For those who are losing weight along with me, keep up the good work! Any victory should be celebrated, so go to it!

Moving On

It's Monday already? Yikes. This week went by fast! We had quite the momentous weekend here. Nearly the entire family came up to see Curly and Flower in South Pacific. They were both so good. Curly's French accent is tres bon! And Flower was the perfect little Polynesian girl. It was a fun weekend.

Then yesterday. Yesterday! Ginger took her first steps. She thought it was so funny. She enjoyed all the cheering. But then she got confused. She thought that we were clapping for her fall. So then she would take half a step, and then make a big production of falling and say "Oooohhh!" on the way down. It was pretty cute, but not as cute as walking. We tried to tell her that, but she didn't believe us. And now today, she refuses to have her feet touch the floor. Anytime I put her down, her bum goes back and her feet go up. The message is clear: Hope you enjoyed the show on Sunday, because it's never happening again.

Weight Loss Wednesday

I haven't been in to weigh in this week. Patch has a nasty cough today, so he's home from preschool while we try to help it get better. It makes his cheeks rosy and his bottom lip chappy.

Speaking of bottoms, I fell on mine on Monday. I was carrying a giant basket of laundry down the stairs when I slipped. I landed on my left cheek and tricep. I have bruises that you would have to see to believe. And, well, you'll just have to take my word for it. There is no way I'm taking a picture of my tush, no matter how cute it's getting.

Friday Tutorial

Today's tutorial is brought to you by Stephanie. It's awesome. Go here to check it out!

Weight Loss Wednesday

Well, I was up this week. It's so unpleasant to report that! I know exactly what went wrong, too. I didn't keep my food journal. That seems to make all the difference for me. So, I'll keep my journal this week, exercise a little more, and next week I'll have lost what I gained plus a little extra to boot. I cannot wait for warmer weather so we can go for walks downtown and spend more time at the park. My kids are like caged animals here! Ginger loves to wrestle with Patch. He's not always a fan, but he tries to be a good sport.

Ginger is napping now. Yesterday she slept for over 2 hours. It was heavenly. I have some fun projects I'm working on. Maybe I'll show some progress pictures tomorrow. I have some really pretty fabric to work with. Pretty fabric makes grey days seem a little easier.

Friday Tutorial

Up today is the penultimate tutorial using Sweet Divinity. "Penultimate" is a great word. It does not mean "better than ultimate." Rather, it means "second to last." Between this and the tutorial, you have now learned two things. Well, unless you already knew the meaning of "penultimate." If you did, good for you. I should have done a Pioneer Woman style quiz. Oh well. Next time I know an appropriate really big word, that's what we'll do.

Anyway, go here and see how Johanna from Germany put this really cute quilt together. Oh, wait. Do you know German? Just kidding. It's in English. (I just crack myself up sometimes!)

Yoo-hoo!

It doesn't get much cuter!

Weight Loss Wednesday

This week, my grand total lost reached 45 pounds. That's a lot. I think Mini-me weighs 45 pounds. I'm pretty sure Flower doesn't weigh much over that. In celebration, I bought some fabric that was on sale. Don't tell Curly. He thinks I have "enough." Silly man. Yesterday at my weigh in, my leader gave me some sad news: Next week is the last week for our time slot. No more Tuesday 9:00 meeting. I'm really not happy about this. While children are welcome at any meeting, they are less welcome at some than at others. I have taken my kids to Wednesday meetings, and the leader made comments to the whole group about how noisy the kids were. She never asked us to keep them quiet, nor did she talk to us about it before the meeting. It was very passive aggressive and not at all friendly. The Thursday morning meeting was very full. The leader is southern and hilarious. There were a couple of kids there, but they were infants in carriers. The meeting was so crowded that I don't think there is room for me to bring mine. I will probably end up going on Monday mornings, even though I don't really like the leader. I'm not sure what my friends will end up doing. I hope at least one (I go with 4 friends) will come with me.

So this week the goal is to stay healthy. Mini-me is home with a cough and a low fever, Ginger has been growing teeth and has a low fever, and Patch told me all day yesterday that he threw up. He had not, but I think he's tired of all the attention his sisters are getting. We are laying low today and hopefully tomorrow everyone will be on the mend!

The Promised Tutorial!

I'm only about 3 weeks late in getting this up, but that's okay. Better late than never, right? This Slipcover Chair Sign coordinates with my Hanging Chair Sign (tutorial found here).

1. Cut your cream center 4.5" square.

Cut your border strips: 2 1.5x4.5, 2 1.6x6.5

Sew border strips to center square, pressing seams away from center.
2. Prep your applique. For a detailed explanation, follow my tutorial here. This cupcake is tiny, and is fairly easy to sketch by hand, which is what I did. I have zero artistic abilities, so if I can do it, you probably can too.
3. Center applique on your 6.5" square, and press.
4. Add a super cute button to the top. You can imagine it's a cherry or a giant sprinkle.
5. Here is a side-by-side picture of both signs with their cupcakes and buttons. Yum.
6. Cut a 6.5" square for the lining. Place right sides together, and then sew along bottom edge only. Press so that wrong sides are together and seam is encased.
7. Aren't these fabrics cute? Amanda is brilliant, I say!
8. Now we're going to prep the back. Cut a cute piece of fabric 6.5"X6.75". Fold bottom edge 1/4" up, press, and then fold up another 1/4" and press. Sew along the edge with 1/8" seam. Now it should be the same size as the top.
9. Place cupcake side to right side of back. Pin all the layers and sew along sides and top. Be sure the backstitch at the beginning and end.
10. Clip the corners, turn right side out, and press.
11. Place over the Molly's American Girl chair. It will be a snug fit.
This method could easily be adapted to the Hanging Chair Sign, if you would prefer a slipcover to ties. Just measure your chair and sew away! If you make this, or any other project from the Design Team, be sure to upload your photos to the flikr group.

Friday Tutorial

Today it's Jackie's turn to learn us how to make a pretty scarf. Go here to check it out!

Weight Loss Wednesday

Oh, what a week! I steered clear of almost all baked goods and I wrote down nearly everything I ate. I am down 2.2 pounds, for a grand total of 44.2 pounds to date. I also zipped up and wore with confidence my size 12 jeans. I feel smaller and more comfortable in my body. It's a great feeling.

My goal this week it to try at least 5 new workouts from the On Demand menu. There are some great choices, like some of the Biggest Loser workouts and some from Crunch Fitness. It should be pretty fun to switch up my workout with new routines!

Time to Brag

I have been busy in my sewing room lately. I volunteered to provide a basket for a silent auction at the school. I consulted with my mom and we came up with the idea of a "Celebration Basket." I put in a "Celebrate" fabric banner, which you can see here, a "VIP" placemat, and a hanging chair sign.

Growing up, we had a "You Are Special Today" plate. It was awesome. That red plate really did make you feel special while you at spaghetti (not that I ever ate spaghetti willingly growing up). I wanted to make something with the same feel, and came up with the VIP Placemat. I will have some available in my etsy shop after the weekend, in case you were wondering. The fabric is Crazy for Dots and Stripes. If I had unlimited funds and storage, I would buy bolts of this line. I love it that much.

I used the same fabrics for a Hanging Chair Sign (tutorial found here).
I wanted it to appeal to both boys and girls, and I hope it does. I also hope lots of people bid on my basket.

I also worked a little on a baby quilt. Here is one of the blocks:
I've been having a great time!

Friday Tutorial

Candace has this week's tutorial over at The Quilted Fish. This is such a talented group of women. I feel so lucky to be a part of them! Go check out her tutorial for a cute pillow. Her method of finishing the back is great. I love learning new techniques!

Weight Loss Wednesday

I was up this week. It was less than a pound, but still. I blame cupcakes. On two separate occasions in the past week, I ate them. They were delicious. I also feel I must confess to eating donuts yesterday for Fat Tuesday. Celebrating the day had nothing to do with religion or gearing up for Lent. I just enjoy an excuse to indulge my love of fried dough.

Curly is also looking really good. If you wonder why I call him "Curly," then the above photo should clear that up for you. I still swoon when he sings "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'." He's down over 30 pounds. I like to whine and moan that it's so easy for him, but truth be told, it's not easy for anyone. He has cut down his portion sizes and is just making better choices. Plus he doesn't seem to have the cupcake problem.

Checking In

The internet can be a huge time sucker for me. It is doubtful that I am alone in this. I have made a conscious effort to not be on it much at night in the past few days. I have gotten so much done! Lately I have felt my creativity slumping. I haven't felt like sewing anything. It was sad for me. But this week with my limited internetting, I have started a new baby quilt for a very special baby.

No. It's not mine. Bite your tongue! Go sit in time out!

And now that I have said hello, I must say goodbye. The blocks are almost done, but aren't going to finish sewing themselves. I'll post a sneak peak tomorrow. Bye now!

Friday Tutorial

Another great tutorial over on The Quilted Fish blog today! Go check it out!

Broken Promises

Remember when I said I would have a new tutorial up on Monday? Well, I lied. Yesterday I had jury duty. And today? Well, I decided to take a cue from Liz Lemon and flee to my personal Cleve: Pittsburgh. Curly has some meetings at the corporate office, and I'm along for the ride. I've had a taco from a street vendor and can see Target from my hotel. Pittsburgh is French for "paradise." Plus, I got to visit this shop. And did I mention that I'm alone today? Sans kids? So forgive the lack of promised tutorializing. Instead, turn off the computer and do something fun that makes you feel like a better version of yourself. Trust me. You'll be glad you did.

But please, turn the computer back on tomorrow and come see me!

Remembering

Today is the 14th anniversary of Angel's death. Today I am remembering that God loves us. Today I am remembering that there is a plan. Today I am remembering that as hard as things seem, there is always relief. Today I am remembering to love by choice. 26 days changed our family forever.

John 14:18 -- I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

My Turn!

My first ever tutorial is live. Go here to learn how to make it!

Weight Loss Wednesday

Last week I was down 3.2 pounds. This week I wasn't able to weigh in. Ginger is still sick. We were back at the doctor today. She has an ear infection and then got to have a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. Do you know how fun chest x-rays are for a 14 month old? So fun. They put her in this contraption that kept her arms above her head. She was scared and it made me sad. Luckily she is pneumonia free and will hopefully be feeling better with the antibiotics. So, no weigh in for me this week. But, I'm not down at all. I couldn't work out with me being sick and then Ginger getting sick, too. This week is a new week and I can exercise and hopefully hit 45 pounds total by next week!

Sneaky Peak

Friday is my big debut over at Amanda's blog. Here's what I'll be showing:

And then this bonus tutorial will be available the following week:
The mess will still be here then, too!

Do Over

I would like a Do Over weekend, please. It started on Thursday night, where I wrapped myself in two quilts, asked Mini-me and Patch to put themselves to bed, and laid on the couch with achy knees and a runny nose. I took my temperature at about 8, and then sent my mom the pitiful text: I have a fever! Curly stepped up to the plate on Friday. He woke up with the kids, got the dressed and ready for the day, dropped Mini-me off at school, and then came home to get Patch and Ginger ready for the YMCA. The only hiccup in the whole day was when he realized he had forgotten to pack Mini-me a lunch or send her with money. Living two blocks from the school has its perks, especially when you have to run $2 over for lunch.

Friday night, Ginger woke up at around midnight having a temper tantrum. She would not be consoled, so I left her to writhe in her crib. In the morning, she had a fever. So Ginger and I spent the day snuggling. I arranged for the other 3 kids to go to a birthday party without me. Flower, Mini-me; and Patch again were pretty much left to their own devices. I don't give them much credit, but they did a great job! The only really awful thing on Saturday was when Ginger decided to puke on me. Twice.

Sunday I started to feel better, Ginger lingered, and Mini-me and Patch started to get a little annoyed with the whole situation. Today we are fever free and ready to go do something. Thank goodness for a 3-day weekend. I have a day to do it over!

Friday Tutorial

Today's tutorial comes to us from Sally. Go here to check it out!

Weight Loss Wednesday

I didn't go to my weigh in yesterday. I wasn't feeling too great, Mini-me was home recovering from Strep, Part Deux, and I ate too many cake balls the day before. My plan is to go tomorrow morning. Mini-me is back at school today and I am feeling a little better. I didn't eat any cake balls yesterday, and my home scale told me I'm back on track.

My goal last week was to get 30 activity points. I am happy to report that I did just that. It was hard work, but it felt oh so good. I'm shooting for 30 again this week, but with this cough I'm getting, it might not happen. While at the Y this week, I had some thoughts about the gym that I thought I would share with you while we both drink a Diet Coke.

1. No one at the gym is looking at you. So don't worry about looking ridiculous while doing Zumba, or having perfect form on the elliptical.
2. Size matters. We're talking clothing here. Wear something too small, or even too big, and you've got a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen. If you are losing weight, buy some new pants. If you are a little heavier than you used to be, please don't squeeze yourself into your old clothes. Inevitably something will fall out.
3. Old ladies walk around naked in the locker room. It is disturbing and is a sight that will never leave you. Consider yourself warned.
4. If you are concerned about germs, wipe down the machine before you use it. Chances are the super sweaty guy was on the treadmill before you and didn't do a thorough job.
5. Ask for help. You only look dumb if you fall off a machine, not if you admit you don't know how to use it.

Now I am going to go refill my diet coke and pay attention to my kids. Then I'm going to take a nap. Have a great Wednesday!

The Show

Today we went to see Flower in 101 Dalmatians at Way off Broadway. I wore my cute new purple sweater from Target and my sassy attitude. My parents came up for the occasion, as did Curly's parents and Spinster Sister #2 (who are not in this photo). Flower is very good at "puppy paws," which is why her hands look a little awkward. She is also good at acting, singing, dancing, and staying in character. She totally gets this from my side of the family.

BTW -- that last bit is a joke. I am the Wicked Stepmother to Flower. However, it does raise a compelling argument for nature vs. nurture. Think about it.

Friday Tutorial

This week it's my friend Julie's turn! Go here to learn how to make this darling bracelet.

The creativity of my fellow Design Team members is staggering. And, starting Monday, Amanda will be offering kits for all the tutorials. Go forth and create!

Dog Shed

I washed Gracie's dog bed the other day. I put it in the dining room, walked away for a minute, and then came back to see this:

I think Ginger was poised to take a nap here! Thank goodness there was no dog shed on it. Dog shed is the worst.

Weight Loss Wednesday

Gratuitous picture of Patch in a snowball fight with Curly. I love how instead of helping his son to see, Curly took a picture.

Patch was weighed yesterday. With his jacket on and an armful of monster trucks, he weighs 39 pounds. I then got on the scale to learn that my total weight loss is 39.6 pounds. I have lost the equivalent of a 4 year old. Can I tell you how good that feels? It feels so good. Then, as I was getting ready for the gym yesterday afternoon, I saw my butt. Hello, butt! It is starting to have a shape again. I had forgotten how cute my rear used to be.

My friend Lauren made a comment during our Weight Watchers meeting about loving the feeling as she goes into the gym. I realized that I love it, too. It feels in control to work out. I love to feel in control. And then when I'm done, I feel expended and a little wrung out. It's good to squeeze stuff out, isn't it? Anyone with me? My goal for this week is to earn 30 activity points (which are extra points you can earn from exercising which then translates into more food if you need it). I earned 7 yesterday, so I have 23 to go. It's a doable goal.

The Darndest Things

My kids are very funny. Here are a few recent gems:

Patch: Ronald McDonald is straight.

I have no idea what he means by this, but I think he means he's tall. As a course of habit, we generally don't discuss sexual orientation with our kids, especially not that of a clown. That would be ridiculous.

Mini-me: It's sexy. You know, like sex (gives her shoulders a little shake).

Yeah, this one worries me, too. Also, her tone while saying it gave me pause. As my mom would say, she should have just added "stupid" to it, because the implication was that I didn't understand what sexy was. But now I do. It's basically shaking your shoulders.

Luckily Ginger doesn't say much, and Flower wasn't home due to the new schedule. Otherwise, who knows what I might have heard?

The Start

Today is the start of The Quilted Fish Design Team tutorials! Go here to check out KarrieLyne's great pillow and leave a comment telling her how awesome it is. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to make one for Mini-me. The pillow features a pocket. Mini-me is on the top bunk, so it would be the perfect accessory for her book and book light.

Weight Loss Wednesday

Due to the epic ice storm that never showed up, our Weight Watchers meeting was cancelled. According to my home scale, I'm down about 2 pounds. My home scale is a little off from the WW scale, so we'll just have to see. I'm hoping to get to a meeting tomorrow morning so that I can get my official totals.

Today I have been folding laundry. It sounds more exciting than it is. I do pretty well with the actual cleaning of the clothes. I even do okay folding it. It's the putting it away where I struggle. That's the goal for the rest of the day: get the clothes put away so that I don't have to refold. Right now my sewing table has been taken over by the piles of clothes and towels, so I kind of have to put it away if I ever want to sew again.

Have I mentioned how much I love Diet Coke? I think I have. I just wanted to say it again.