confessions of a housewife

How a Weekend Can Save Your Brain.

2012-01-27T11:06:00.000-08:00

Okay so you know how I flew to MD last minute? Well, I flew to MD last minute! This might not dazzle your mind or anything but I just don't do things like that. For one it seems like you have to have a lot of money to do that sort of thing. I still remember a friend from college telling me that her family just decided to fly to Disney World for a long weekend. That totally blew my mind because when we plan trips to Disney World they're like two or more years in the making. Any way so that seems like a rich person, or emergency thing to do. Second I'm sort of a planned out, routine kind of person, and I have kids. I mean everything with kids takes planning, and so many suitcases.

This is my cuter then cute nephew. He doesn't care
for me or any one that is not my mom.

So I was talking to my mom and sister on the phone and that evening I had a plane ticket and was busily working on an overnight bag so I wouldn't have to check any bags. Crazy! It was so much fun doing something like that. Flying with out children is amazing. The only thing I wish that I'd done differently was taking my computer with me so I could blog on the plane. It's so easy to take off one pair of shoes and get zapped by the naked picture thing when it's just me (by the way does that thing make anyone else feel like they have to wear matching underwear through security?). Making my way to the plane, going to the bathroom before we boarded and flying was so easy with just me!

It was only two full days but it was so rejuvenating. My mom and sisters and I went to this thing called "Repurposed and Refined" it's sort of like a once-a-month thing where people come with vintage and antique items that have been refurbished and it's set up so pretty and cute. They had cookies and coffee and the prices were really good. I got several pictures of flora and birds for when i re-do my room (wait until I tell you about that).

The thing she's holding says "sweet sisters"

Repurposed and Refined.

We ate at cute sandwich shops, and went junking (where I tried on some diamond rings what fun!). And of course had a dress up dinner at a nice Thai place for my youngest sisters 25th birthday (we're really really all close in age). We came home opened presents, gorged ourselves on brownies and ice cream (soy for her and me). It was fabulous!!!

I love my children so much. They bless my heart daily but having a couple days to myself, to sleep in and not be woken up once or twice in the night, was heavenly. It was so refreshing and when I came home I was so much more calm and patient then I had been when I left. I think it's okay to admit that we need a break now and then. I think it's okay that we be reminded that we're more then just moms. Oh what a blessing that my husband watched them all alone for the weekend. What a blessing that I have sisters and parents that I want to spend time with. What a blessing two full days can be.

Somehow I got a ton of pics of
Heather and hardly any of Courtney.
That's a shame as Court has a baby bump.

That dress is vintage and fits her amazing!
How annoying.

On Flying To MD.

2012-01-25T04:43:00.000-08:00

I have never lived in Maryland. My parents moved there a while after Brian and I were married. So explain to me why it is when I was flying over (mountains?) and cities and countryside, making my way to where my parents and sisters live, I felt like I was flying home?

It's not to say that my little green house in Michigan doesn't feel like home because it does. It's my house with my clutter, and my dog and my husband and my children. My house doesn't smell (why is it all other homes have some sort of odor, not bad necessarily, except our own?) it definitely feels like home (in fact I've never lived anywhere as long as I've lived here). But my parent's house still feels like home I don't understand it. It almost feels like a different kind of "home".

Maybe it's because I'm not in charge there. I get tired of having to make sure people are bathed and in bed. I get tired of being in charge of clean socks, and what's for dinner, and bed times. It makes my brain tired. When I go to mom and dad's I don't have to be in charge of anything; I'm just along for the ride. I mean I make my bed and clean up my dishes and try to do my share of the laundry but it's just different somehow.

Maybe it's because it smells and looks like my home from my childhood. No matter where we've lived our house smelled good. No matter where we lived our house was always pretty and cozy on the inside.

Maybe it's because my parents are there and my sisters. That's where we laugh and talk and laugh and cry but mostly laugh. It's where we walk down memory lane and look at old pictures and eat until we're stuffed. It's the place where we're most likely to all be together.

Maybe it's a combination of those things. What I know for sure is it feels good to be able to go home.

Last Tuesday...

2012-01-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

I was working on a Facebook page for a local business and loathing my skirt pieces staring at me from the sewing table.

By Tuesday nap time I was talking to my sister about said Facebook page and her birthday. About ten minutes later her, my mom and I had decided I should fly out there on Friday so I could be at the birthday celebration.

By Wednesday I had decided that I MUST have a new overnight bag to take with me. I MUST make my long awaited Amy Butler Weekender Bag. The pattern and fabric were gifts for my birthday (in June!) So it was a long time coming.

By Friday noon I was barely done with the bag and was barely done packing. I just barely barely managed to do the dishes so that my poor wonderful husband wouldn't be left with two kids and a dirty kitchen.

It was crazy of me to think I could do a project like that so fast and so on the fly. But, I did it and I'm glad. It turned out pretty good. Not perfect but honestly I'm super happy with the bag. It's very cute and holds a lot. I was proud to carry it through the airport Friday evening and made sure I showed it off to my mom and sisters who all ooed and awed appropriately.

I Am Making a Skirt.

2012-01-10T08:03:00.000-08:00

Well let me be a bit more honest. I should be making a skirt. I have been working on it forever! You see my post baby body has left my waist a wee bit bigger then my hips. So far, as I have been making dresses and loose fitting skirts, it wasn't ever an issue but boy oh boy did I bite off a big one here! I am having to redraft the pattern and therefore need to make a mock-up of the skirt in cheap-o fabric before cutting into my super expensive wool. The entire process is long and tedious and I feel desperate that it won't work! So I am dragging my feet. Seriously by the time I finish this skirt it will be too warm to wear it or my waist will have shrunk (hey a girl can dream can't she?).

Made from scraps from a men's shirt.

I thought maybe I needed to reward myself (for what I'm not sure) by way of procrastinating some more by whipping up a super fast fun project. So I did. As you know I love coffee. And, am drawn to all things coffee; neat mugs (oh we have so many mugs) espresso machines, drip machines, some wonky thing I've read about but haven't found yet (I will find it) and my favorite; the french press. I feel so sophisticated when I use my french press and the coffee from it really does taste better (there's a bunch of science I won't bore you with). So I made a cozy for my french press, to help keep the coffee warm.

What a cute mug.

It was fun. I used all scraps so it basically cost nothing (SWEET) and a pattern I found on Martha Stewart. It worked well except it ended up being a bit too big because her's was for a 12 Cup French Press and mine is a six, so it didn't tie well. No problem a couple of hooks and eyes fixed that. I would rather have used snaps but didn't have any and it had to be a free project.

Now I will stop procrastinating as soon as I finish proofing this post, and do some dishes... Ooo a new magazine...

A Little Green Typing Table.

2012-01-05T05:04:00.000-08:00

The last time I was in Maryland we went thrifting (of course) and my mom bought me this little green typing table. I was drawn to it's color and the fact that it was small and metal and even though I didn't know what I'd do with it, it was really cheap. I thought I might use it as a night stand in our new guest room. It just sat in the living room for days and I used it as an awkward side table to one of my chairs (awkward because it didn't look right) whilst waiting for our basement and new guest room to get finished.

My little table and my thrifted sewing basket
and thrifted dish turned into a pin dish.

Then one day while grumbling as I was moving my sewing machine onto the kitchen table and off again it struck me. I could put my machine on this little table and leave it there and just wheel it out of the way into a corner when it wasn't in use. It's clearly not the most amazing sewing table, it is quite small, but isn't it better then spending half my sewing time moving my machine from one place to another?

Yes, it is better! I got so much more done this Christmas because the machine was out and ready for me to use. It used to be that I'd want to sew but by the time I got the machine out what little time I had to use it between diaper changes was gone. Now I just sit down and sew a seam. And, one seam at a time I got a surprisingly lot done this Christmas season. I made seven aprons, seven dolls, four pair of pajama pants, three winter hats and two sets of mittens. I mean that's a lot for me for one season.

My view of the tree where the birds eat.

Some day soon I am hoping to have a sewing room. This room will be complete with a large sewing table and shelves filled with all my fabric and notions so beautifully arranged. But for now this works (better then it did before for sure). I'm militant about keeping anything not sewing off of it and the view from the little table looks out my large living room window at the birds.

New Year's Eve.

2012-01-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

Our New Years was pretty low key. SuperH stayed at a friends. I made a homemade chocolate cake with coconut frosting (the kind that's on German Chocolate Cake) and we had our neighbors over for a couple of hours. The two little kids played, I held the baby and we ate cake and drank coffee. It was pretty relaxing. Later Brian and I watched the third Pirates movie, which honestly confused me quite a lot. I mean I don't understand why Elizabeth couldn't join her husband's crew and travel with him. I get that it was more tragically romantic for them to only get to be together once every ten years but seriously she is a pirate at heart and his father opted to stay with him on the "magic" boat so why couldn't she? That bugged me!... Where was I?

Is there anything sweeter then a sleeping baby?

The next day this is what I had for a nap snack during a snow storm.

This year I don't have a ton of outlandish resolutions. I want to continue to eat healthier (I feel I've been doing a decent job of that) do yoga three times a week because my back is getting sore a lot again. But mostly I want to yell at my kids less and hug them more (easier to write then actually do I'm sure.) I just want to experience all the sweetness of a simple life well lived.

Happy New Years. I hope you're 2012 is filled with peace and joy.

2011-12-30T10:59:00.000-08:00

The Secret Garden was one of my favorite books when I was a kid. I remember I started reading it because I didn't have anything else to read. I had been putting it off because it looked long but when I began, out of sheer boredom, I had become entranced. That was years ago. I couldn't have told you much about it, only that I had liked it as a child, until now.

There is a scary used bookshop where my parents live and I had found an old copy of The Little Princess without a price. They had to get back to me and when they did I asked my mom to pick it up for me knowing it might become a Christmas present but willing to pay her back if it wasn't. While she was there she also picked up an old illustrated copy of The Secret Garden. When I opened them up on Christmas I was pleased but when (out of boredom again) I began the The Secret Garden I was shocked. Let me explain first by telling you that I'm crazy for Tasha Tudor. She astounds me. The way she lived, the children's books she's written all of it. So imagine my delight when purely by chance I realize that this copy was illustrated by Tasha Tudor! I was thrilled! What a happy accident (or wonderful side blessing).

The Secret Garden is the most magical book I've ever read. It's not fairies and spells but something better. Magic bursting forth from a wand can be awesome and is certainly fun but magic slowly unfurling itself in the blossom of a flower or the bud of a leaf is so much more powerful so much more real. The way that Frances Burnett links the awakening of this garden with the awakening of two children is so sweet.

I think there is something magic to our souls when we read something precious to us, even more perhaps if it is meant for children. Winter is so slow, take time to read an old favorite of yours or read this one it is so wonderful. The only drawback to this book is that I read it at the beginning of winter and am really itching to plant some rose bushes!

The Thin white hands shook a little and Colin's flush grew deeper as he set the rose in the mould and held it while old Ben made firm the earth. It was filled in and pressed down and made steady. Mary was leaning forward on her hands and knees. Soot had flown down and marched forward to see what was being done. Nut and Shell chattered about it from a cherry-tree.

"It's planted!" said Colin at last. "And the sun is only slipping over the edge. Help me up, Dickon. I want to be standing when it goes. That's part of the Magic."

And Dickon helped him, and the Magic-or whatever it was-so gave him strength that when the sun did slip over the edge and end the strange lovely afternoon for them there he actually stood on his two feet-laughing.

New Year.

2011-12-28T17:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone and it was beautiful and full and crazy and warm and cozy all at once. I enjoyed it immensely and loved all the sewing projects and got so much pleasure out of seeing people open them.... Now I'm done. We still have one family Christmas left and Brian asked me if I was going to sew some for it and I. just. can't. I don't have any desire. I even made the mistake of starting a read of "The Secret Garden" and now I want all the decorations down (magically, though, because I don't actually wan to do it) and I want it to get warmer so I can plant something.

all in our superhero jammies.

kazoo tune.

vintage robe and pipe for my vintage man.

So tough I can barely stand it.

Vintage Christmas china, Beef Bourguignon, and Christmas cake.

Family and Friends.

This boy loves his food.

I make my bed every Christmas morning so I can lay
out all of my gifts and look at them.
Isn't that silly?

I should have done something today but all I could manage, beyond taking care of the children, was read and read some more. If I didn't have to change diapers or make macaroni and cheese I do believe I would have stayed in bed the entire day. That would be nice. After all the excitement and running around of Christmas maybe we just all need a few days of nothing to do.

And The Winner Is.....

2011-12-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

The randomly drawn name out of a hat was.... Susie Finkbeiner! Yea Susie!!! This is what Susie had to say:

I love Christmas...like SO VERY MUCH!

Okay, when I was a kid, we would have a BIG family reunion. All my Great Aunts would make candy and cookies and pies...and no adults ever told us "you've had enough". We would eat together, sing the doxology (which is a very funny story in itself), share our lives together. I miss that tradition. But I'm so glad to have the memories.

Susie has an amazing blog check it out at www.susiefinkbeiner.com you will not be disappointed.

My posting will be a bit slow in the next couple of weeks. My parents will be here and it's Christmas and my basement remodel is nearly done (oh what joy). So if I don't write until then have the best holidays you've ever had!

Love you!

Merry Christmas from a family of dolls
and one Santa salt shaker.

Pajama Pants.

2011-12-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

Readers, so far so good. I'm making good progress on my Christmas projects and have thus far been enjoying myself and trying (and doing a pretty good job) of not stressing. I recently had a serious conversation with myself that went something like this: "Jessie, even if you buy that really expensive fabric for the skirt (which has to be bought on a certain day to make use of two coupons) you don't have to finish it before Christmas." other me "But I want to have something new to wear to the Christmas eve service." sane me "Tough, if it doesn't happen it doesn't happen. It's more important to enjoy this time of year then make yourself crazy." we grudgingly agreed.

So, I'm feeling good about everything. I decided to make pajama pants for the boys after I saw some really cool super hero flannel at JoAnn's. But, of course I decided to make us all a pair not just the boys. I found a tutorial on-line for the kids and let me take a break here to tell you how glad I am that I found this. It is fabulous and I'm linking to it because it was seriously so easy it was like magic. I cut and made up two pair of pajama pants before lunch! If you want to make your kids pj's for Christmas do not even bother buying a pattern this was amazing! I hate cutting out and marking pattern pieces it's my least favorite part about sewing so this was extra incredible. Even if you are a total beginner you could do it (feel free to contact me with questions should you have any.)

Back to my story. I have both the boys pants cut out and am completely done sewing one of them when I realize that my non-directional batman print is actually directional and I have made them upside down. It's barely noticeable and a five and two year old are definitely not going to notice but I've been sewing practically non-stop for weeks and I had literally been "head blogging" while sewing them about how much I've learned and how great these were to make etc. So, I cried. All the barely held back stress burst forth and I cried. My sweet mother says to me "well, at least you know you won't make that mistake again." which is funny because the first real sewing project I ever did was pajama pants at Christmas for my sisters and brother-in-law in which each of the pants had one leg where the print was upside down! Which is one the reasons I was "head blogging" about how far I've come.

SERIOUSLY! Any time I'm sewing and I get a little proud of myself or think the cursed phrase "wow, this is going pretty well." I immediately make a huge mistake or notice one I've already made. God must think I could have a serious problem with pride (right now He's rolling his eyes and thinking "don't lay this on me, geesh!"). Oh well, I'm over it and they are cute and they were so fast.

A sneak peak of Brian and my fabric for our pants.
Funny thing it really is "nondirectional"

I hope your enjoying the Holidays. And don't forget to comment on the below post for a chance to win my Christmas giveaway.

Christmas Giveaway!

2011-12-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

My dear readers, I value you so much. Your comments are such a blessing to me. This one is for you, and I meant to have it up earlier today but got totally sidetracked by this awesome colette pattern I'm making.

I've had this gift ready for a while but was waiting for the 12th because it's a blog-wide giveaway day!

It's another apron. I know we've done this one before but there is so much fun baking this time of year I thought it was still a perfect gift. This time, however, it's coming with vintage Christmas cookie cutters (fun!). Don't worry they're safe to use, made with tin not lead I would hand wash them though and avoid putting them in the dishwasher.

I was so proud of my Christmas Paperwhites
until I smelled them. They stink!

The cookie cutters are a bell, tree, santa and gingerbread man.

Men's dress shirt apron.

To enter to win leave a comment telling me about your favorite thing from the holidays; traditions, memories, food, games... Whatever it is you love best about this time of year let me know. I know this isn't narrowed down very much but I just couldn't decide. Make sure your name is left with your comment and I'll draw a winner on Friday. Good luck and Merry Christmas.

A Personal Tradition.

2011-12-08T04:21:00.000-08:00

We're always talking about traditions this time of year. Family traditions, church traditions. I want to know if you have a personal tradition. Something you do just for yourself.

Every year I read "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." it is the best Christmas book out there. And, yes I've read "A Christmas Carol" but this book is better. This book is amazing. It's by Barbara Robinson and will make you and laugh and cry. I think they made a movie of it but it can't be as good as the book because the book is told from the point of view of a child and you would miss out on so much without seeing into her thoughts.

We've all heard the Christmas story so many times yet this book sort of lets you see it for the first time. If you had never heard the story of Christmas what would you think? This story lets you see and feel that.

"What happened first?" Imogene hollered at my mother. "Begin at the beginning!"
That really scared me because the beginning would be the Book of Genesis where it says "In the beginning..." and if we were going to have to start with the Book of Genesis we'd never get through.

I think that's funny and clever and there's tons more like that.

And this was the funny thing about it all. For years, I'd thought about the wonder of Christmas, and the mystery of Jesus' birth, and never really understood it. But now, because of the Herdmans it didn't seem so mysterious after all.
When Imogene had asked me what the pageant was about, I told her it was about Jesus, but that was just part of it. It was about a new baby, and his mother and father who were in a lot of trouble--no money, no place to go no doctor, nobody they knew. And then, arriving from the east (like my uncle from New Jersey) some rich friends.
But Imogene, I guess, didn't see it that way. Christmas just came over her all at once like a case of chills and fever. And so she was crying...

And that is the part where I really start crying every year. This book is good and short. I can't wait until the boys are old enough for me to read it to them. Until then, however, I'm going to read it myself. It's such a good way to see the Christmas story in a fresh way. It's a super quick read I think you should give it a chance.

So that's my personal tradition, strange as it might be. What are yours? What are some things that make the holiday special just for you?

And Now For Something a Little Different.

2011-12-07T10:43:00.001-08:00

I have two super heroes in my life and I just wanted to share them with you.

Spider man is a really good big brother. He's got a tender heart and tells me he loves me all the time.

Which is his super power.

Batman is hilarious, naughty and very smart for his age. Smart in the bad sneaky way.

But, he loves to snuggle that is his super power. He calls it "nuggling"

They train together!

Life filled with two super heroes is a very full life indeed!

Those Evil Mittens.

2011-12-06T10:55:00.001-08:00

I just saw an advertisement on my blog that said, "give the gift of texas." WHAT?!..... I had no idea you could gift an entire state. How do you wrap such a thing? And where does one put it after they receive it? Please don't any one give me Texas as a gift my house is way too small for such a thing.

Even though the hat and mitten project was way harder then I anticipated (almost every project is. It's sort of a delusional disease I inherited from my father. "It should only take three hours to fix these breaks love why on earth would we pay someone to do it?" four days and many swear words later the breaks are indeed fixed.) I think they would be a better gift then Texas... Or even Rhode Island really.

This is the look I was going for with the hats.

He wouldn't let me put the other mitten on him.
You take what you can get with Conster.

I was going for a "adventure/WWI" bomber pilot look and I think it got half way there. If it's tied it just looks way too cute; so cute it makes me want to eat my two year old. But when left untied I think it almost looks like the little girls hat in "Up". I lined the hat with two layers of flannel (I love the flannel) and found this fake leather that actually looks pretty good (was hard to sew though b/c it was very slippery). I am proud of the hat because I had to sort of draft a new pattern because the one I had only goes up to 12months and I was making three, one for my two year old, one for my five year old and one for my nephew that is 18 months. That actually worked out rather well it did take longer then I anticipated (of course) but wasn't too bad.

The camera hurts! Oh it burns!

More adventurish not tied. What do you all think?

After the hats I had tons of left over fabric (I have no idea how some of these patterns come up with the allotted amount) so I decided matching mittens would be cute. I also decided that matching mittens would be a snap. Trace the kids hands add a seam allowance boom done! Oh. My. I hate these mittens. I hate them so much. I made so many wonky pairs of mittens that I could have kept an entire deformed family of elves hands warm. The thumbs were too small, the opening were too small, this and that and this and that. Every time I fixed a problem a new one reared it's ugly plaid head. But, I was determined because now I had it in my head that they need matching mittens. Eventually after a little help from the google search engine, an extra trip to JoAnn's, and tons of time I ended up with two pair of passable mittens. My nephew is not getting a pair (sorry kid but I ran out of lining again).

Conster's mittens turned out perfect... After about
three botched attempts.

Conster's pair turned out wonderful. They're so vintage looking and just perfect. Again they each have two layers of flannel. SuperH's had to have the thumbs cut off and new ones put in (I didn't have enough fabric or brains to do a new pair) and I'm sure there was a better way to insert the new thumbs but I did the best I could at problem solving after days and days. SuperH's sort of look like the thumbs were hit with a hammer and swelled up, but I have him convinced that they look like old fashioned boxing gloves so we're all good.

you can kind of see the thumb in this one.

In case you were wondering I'm not even near done with the insane sewing projects I think I can get done before Christmas. But, I'm still having fun and even when I'm not I read in Martha Stewart that this kind of problem solving helps stave off Alzheimer's so that's something.

2011-12-03T05:42:00.001-08:00

Every year around this time I start seeing all the "Don't take Christ out of Christmas..." posts on Facebook. Which, prompts me to write a post about it on my blog. I'm sorry if you feel you've read this before but it's important. Whether or not a sign in a store says "Happy Holidays" as opposed to "Merry Christmas" does not matter. I do not want to be disrespectful, I love Jesus, I just think it's more important to concentrate our efforts on things that can make a difference in someones life. Did you know that the word "Holiday" actually means "Holy Day"? and that early Christians used the letter "x" to represent Christ, even referring to themselves as "xians"? And let's not forget that this time of year is also a time to celebrate Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, and the New Year. It's not such a bad thing to have a phrase to refer to all the milestones we remember this time of year (sort of like "presidents day" only way cooler). And, it's definitely not a bad thing to also honor a miracle that God the father preformed for his people before the time of Christ. Jesus would have celebrated Hanukkah growing up, after all.

Meaning "Holy day" by saying "holidays and xmas" may not be what Wal-mart intends but it's up to us whether or not we're going to buy into the Christmas hype that the only way to have a merry Christmas is to "buy more and spend less". Estimated costs to bring safe clean drinking water and sanitation to the entire world is around 20 billion (that seems like a lot but hang on). Contaminated water kills 2.2 million people a year. Now check out how much Americans spend on Christmas every year; 400 billion! I'm not telling you this to make you feel bad. I love gift giving and watching my kids faces when they see the gifts under the tree is one of the best blessings of the day. I am telling you this to give you confidence to live the season beyond what our society tells us the season is about. What are we teaching our kids at home about Christmas? Consider pairing down the gift list this year and spending a little of that money on the poor in your community (our food banks are being stretched to their breaking points) or giving the gift of water, live stock, or medicine to people struggling to survive in third world countries. Let's tap into some of the real magic of the season, the kind of magic that stores can't market.

You want to show people that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season"? Christmas is on a Sunday this year, where will you be on Sunday morning? Will you be teaching your children that opening gifts first thing in the morning is the point of Christmas or will you be worshipping God the father for the gift of his son with your brothers and sisters in Christ?

Next time you see a Target or Wal-mart commercial telling us that we must "spend, spend, spend" and then ending with "Happy Holidays" you can smile and think "nice try." The next time your face book friend types "xmas" to save time or try and get you and others annoyed, just smile as you consider how no matter how hard this world tries to hide Jesus he will always be there. He will always show himself. No corporation, government, or people group is powerful enough to take the greatest gift; the gift of God coming to this earth in the form of a baby, away from us. Amen and Praise to His Name!

A Gift For You To Regift.

2011-12-01T10:52:00.001-08:00

This is not the kind of vintage we're going for.

AHHH! Oh sorry that picture scares me every time. Now that I have your attention I want to talk about a vintage gift idea... Not the mustaches.

I was wondering what could I give you that you could regift and then it hit me, a tutorial! I took pics and am going to try to break down the making of the dress shirt aprons. They're so super easy and they're so super cheap (if you get your dress shirts second hand) What a better way to show someone you care with out spending a lot of money (Christmas isn't about how much we spend after all) then to give them a super cute stylish apron. And aprons are so vintage chic right now.

1. (I forgot to take a photo of this step, sorry) This step is probably the most time consuming and I suggest you do it while sitting on the couch watching the t.v. Take a seam ripper and remove the stitches holding on the collar and shirt pocket thereby removing them from the body of the shirt. (They'll become the waist and apron pocket later on).

2. (Again no photo, man what is up with that) cut close to but be careful not to cut through the seam on either side of the shirt (cut on the outside and that way you won't have to hem the side of the apron!). Then cut across the body of the apron from just under the arm holes, making a rectangle.

3. Now the fun begins. Make sure the shirt is buttoned properly and using a matching or coordinating thread stitch up both sides of the button placket. (Is placket the right term?)

Be careful not to catch a wrinkle in the shirt or you'll have to use your seam ripper! GRRRR!

4. Turn your machine to it's longest straight stitch. On mine it's "3" and stitch across the top of the apron.

5. Let's install the pocket before we gather the body of the apron. Take the pocket you removed last night while you were watching episodes of "Grimm" and pin it on the apron about 3 inches in and about 6 inches down.

Make sure your machine is back on it's smallest straight stitch and stitch around the pocket close to it's edge and leaving the top open. If your shirt doesn't have a pocket you can cut a square from the scrap of the shirt or use something else (I used an old hankie on a couple of mine. You can find them at junk shops for a song.)

6. Lay your collar piece flat on your work surface and lay the body of your apron down below it. Now pull the threads at the top of your apron to "gather" the body until it is the same width or a bit smaller then the collar piece (the collar is now the waist band.)

7. Sandwich the body of the apron in the collar/waist band and pin in place.

8. Take the back of your shirt and cut two pieces about 30 inches long and about 6 inches wide. These will be the waist ties and you can make them as long and as wide as you want depending on how much shirt as you have, it's not critical.

9. Turn the side of your tie up 1/4 inch and iron. Then fold it 1/4 inch again and iron (do this on both long sides). If you cut your ties at the bottom you won't need to hem that end because that end was already the hemmed bottom of the shirt.

10. Sew your hem into the waist ties.

11. Put your machine on it's longest stitch and sew across the raw edge of both ties (so you can gather them).

12. Gather the waist tie and insert it into the end of the waist band. Sew down the end of the waist band to secure.

13. Sew along the bottom of the waist band thereby attaching the waist and body.

You can "sign" your work if you want.

14. Voila you have an apron in less then 14 steps. It actually looks like a lot but it's not it's so easy and a great starter project if your interested in trying out the sewing thing with little to no cost.

This might not make as much sense as I think it does. If you have ANY questions about this leave a comment or find me on face book and I will try to make it more clear. I hope it inspires you to try something handmade any way.

Also, I'm doing another give-a-way. On December 12th there is blogosphere giveaway day for the sewing type blogs. Cool huh? So, on December 12 make sure you check back to find out how to enter to win a gift package from me that will include an apron. I hope you're all enjoying the holiday season.

Thanksgiving and an excuse.

2011-11-23T10:04:00.001-08:00

Oh my goodness it's been a long time since I've blogged. Too long. I've been suffering from a bit of feeling depressed which always leads me to not doing any thing I really want to do. That is stupid. I know from my time as a psychology major that if your depressed you should do the things you normally like to do. But it just feels hard doesn't it?

I think it was stemming from being exhausted. That's usually what happens to me though I'm not good at figuring any of this out right away. And, thankfully, I think I turned a corner Monday. I'm still tired but We're starting to slow down a little so I think I'll be able to rest and really start enjoying the holidays. I got my decorations up and that both cheered me and made me feel good because I could take it off the to-do list. I also spent some really good time Christmas shopping and hanging out with my best friend and really that's almost always what the doctor ordered (by doctor I mean a combination of my mom and the google search engine).

So here we are in the midst of the holidays and I love this time of year. I just love it. Though I tend to gloss over Thanksgiving and sort of consider it the "pre-Christmas" warm up. So in an endeavor to give more of a nod to our beginnings as a nation I would like to list a few of the things I am so very thankful for.

I am thankful for my husband most of all. He watches the kids, helps around the house and loves me so much. He's also very funny.
I am thankful that "Movember" is almost over and he'll have to shave off his mustache.

I am thankful for my children and they're hilarity.
I am thankful for our babysitter who watches my children so I can get away from them...

I am thankful for our house. It's warm and cozy and painted green. It has window boxes and a flower garden and great windows for growing plants inside.
I am grateful for our builder who is going to finish the basement so we'll have more room and a place to stash the kids...

I am thankful for my sisters.
I am thankful that my sisters are barely closeted nerds as I am. I am thankful that they got me into "Dr. Who". I am thankful for Dr. Who so much I won't get into it because it's embarrassing.

I am thankful for my parents.
I am thankful that my parents are still married and love each other. That they raised us well and that they love my children enough to watch them for extended periods of time...

I am thankful for my Church.
They are close when my family is far and they have taught me so much about the family of God. It's also a place with people who will, at least grudgingly, watch my children.

I am thankful for my dog.
I am thankful that because of my dog I have to walk and don't weigh more than I do. I am thankful that I can stick my freezing cold feet under him to warm them up while laying on the couch.

I am thankful for my sewing machine.
Enough said.

I am thankful for my friends. They keep me sane, listen to me ramble, hold my hand in bad times and laugh with me.
I am thankful that my friends give me reasons to leave the house and go shopping.

I am thankful for you dear readers.
Without your comments I would have given this up ages ago, and this is so therapeutic for me. It's also a great way for me to feed my narcissistic tendencies.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

2011-10-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

I've been a mother for almost as long as I've lived in our current home. I walk a lot, I love to walk and so does poor Ranger. We mostly walk the same route and after five years I've gotten pretty familiar with some of the other residents along our way. Having a floppy eared dog helps so does a smile. There is this one home where I've seen this little boy grow up. A couple days ago I'm on my walk and I notice he's getting bigger so much bigger, then I notice the mother and she's stressed and she's yelling.

Something like "I don't care, get in the house and do such-and-such!" I couldn't help smiling and when she caught my eye I said something like "Nice to know I'm not the only one fighting with my kids." she half smiled in agreement. It made me picture a big football-style circle of mom's we're all swaying back and forth in unison shouting "WE ARE MOMS! WE WILL WIN! FIGHT, WIN, FIGHT WIN!" all shouting in solidarity and support.

Moms, our job is hard and we need a team. And, we need a game plan. Here is my basic game plan for surviving and avoiding the nut house, if only barely.

First, you need team mates that will support you and help you battle. I am blessed to be surround by fellow moms. Some who's kids are older and can give me advice and many who are in the same place as me. We need to be able to trade war stories and frustrations with other women who know how we feel and understand our frustrations. My friend Beki and I spend a lot of time talking about our kids and it's not because that's all we have in common it's because chances are that the story she's telling me about her daughter's attitude is going to resonate with me because I just experienced the same thing two hours ago.

Second, you need to get away. Don't feel guilty about having interests that reside outside of your home and children. You aren't just a mom and wife you are an entire being; embrace it. Both you and your spouse need to be allowed to get away and pursue the things you loved before you had kids. The father of your children can babysit for the day (he will survive) while you go shopping with your girlfriends, and if he never gets time away then hire a babysitter and you can go your separate ways or better yet go somewhere together.

Wich brings me to my third important strategy. Get a good babysitter. Brian and I spend a lot of money on one of our students who loves to babysit. She's amazing and worth every penny. The kids love her, we love her. They don't even care when we leave because they're excited to be with Mary. Sometimes we're spending all the extra money we have on the babysitter and the rest of the time we just wander around the mall or have a picnic. The point is to get out of the house and away from your children. It's worth the investment because a good baby sitter is allowing you to have a break and to focus on your marriage which does not have a price.

Go out to dinner together, go see a movie that isn't rated "G". If after those things It's still not your kid's bedtime then go to the parents non-drinking version of a bar to kill time; Starbucks. We like the one in Barnes and Noble because we order our drinks and look at travel magazines and just dream.

If after your latte your kids still aren't in bed sidle up to bar and with all the worldly knowledge you can muster in your voice say to the barristta "hit me again" and drop another dollar in the tip jar. Then wink and say "we're waiting for the kids to go to bed" to which all the other tired parents will raise their glasses and call out "HERE HERE!!".

When you get home a little too hopped up on steamed milk and sugar the baby sitter will whisper "They were perfect." to which you'll hand her thirty bucks and think to yourself, surprised, "They ARE cute."

2011-10-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

I was asked to be a guest blogger on my dear writer friend Susie's blog. I was allowed to blather on and on about thrifting and antiques, how cool is that? You can check it out at her blog!

In case I forget to say it, she is one of the most talented and dedicated writers I've ever met. Her stuff is amazing and gritty and very real. You'll be glad you checked it out.

A New Stocking.

2011-10-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Years ago when I first got my sewing machine I made some stockings. A couple were for Brian and I and I sold a few in my Grammy's shop, I gave a couple away as gifts and that was that. Then I had a son and it was cool because I had an extra stocking, then I had another son and then we were short a stocking. Of course that means that mom goes with out. Really Santa doesn't always fill a stocking for me and Brian so it's no big deal but still a girl needs a stocking don't you think?

Enter Alicia Paulson's book "Stitched in Time" which you've heard me blather on about many times before. I had so much left over fabric from the dress (remember the baby hat? Still going strong) But, I thought it could make a cute plaid stocking that was just a little different b/c of the color. I got the lining fabric at my favorite sewing shop Sew Unique. The lining makes the stocking for me. I picked it because I wanted stripes and the colors were perfect. However it's a bit unique. I'll let you figure out why on your own. Let me just say it's "uniqueness" kind of grew on me in a "Nightmare Before Christmas" sort of way.

And, why pray tell, must I make a stocking for myself in October? Well, I got bit by the Christmas bug and I thought if I did a small project it would keep me from decorating the house and getting out the Christmas CD's. It's worked so far...

Station 66.

2011-10-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

There is this really cool place just outside of town called Station 66. People kept telling me I would really like it. We finally tried it out with my parents and just recently went back. If you know me or my blog at all the following pictures will show you why this place is so me. On top of the atmosphere, however, is the fact that it's a local business AND every thing they sell is from/ made/ grown in Michigan! How cool is that? The produce is local and changes with the seasons. They have old car shows in the parking lot, they sell hard serve ice cream (which always reminds me of my Papa who took us out for ice cream almost every evening in the summer!) and they have amazing cake donuts, amazing! This place is cool!

On the History channel show "American Restoration" Brian and I saw them restore a cooler just like this. It was originally made to have water running through it. That is just so neat, isn't it? You can see the water in the above pics. On the show they said that it makes your sodas extra cold. And, (can you tell I'm excited) all the sodas are made with cane sugar and not HFCS (which I have an allergy to) so I can have sodas there, and there are so many kinds!! Don't you love the bottle cap opener?

The food is good but there's not a huge variety. Even the hotdogs and chips are from MI.

I bought Spys, the best apples for baking according to my Grammy, and Cider.

See the sewing machine, so cute! Next to very fragrant natural soaps... good stocking stuffers.

So yes, I'm loving this place and if you live in the area or are passing through on M-66 then stop. The prices are good it's local and it's so cool.

2011-10-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

The Original from "Posy Get's Cozy"

Remember my sewing list? Well, this was one of the things on it and can I just say this little hat was so much fun to make! I've mentioned it so (or should I say "sew" har har) many times how much I enjoy and love the things from Alicia Paulson. I have both her books and they're fabulous. In fact, her first book Stitched In Time is probably the main reason I fell in love with sewing. Anyway, back to the hat, this pattern is a downloadable and ever since it came out I've basically been waiting for a little girl to come along to sew it for.

My version

That day has arrived with the arrival of my dear friend and neighbors second daughter. What a delight to have a little baby across the street! I made this hat in the extra small and it is way too big. Big, bummer! I know babies grow fast but I'm not sure she'll be wearing it this winter... maybe, I hope so. I think Jen was happy with it

I was happy with it even though there are a few mistakes. There always are when it comes to sewing and me I've sort of come to accept it. The embroidery was super easy I finished it during one tv show. The fabric is left over from my Rooibos dress (remember how the lady had me buy too much?) luckily Jen's favorite color is purple and the polk-a-dots are from Sew Unique (go to this store is so wonderful). I love the plaid and the little poke-a-dots I think it gives it sort of a dickinson look which is what I was going for. Also, it's reversible.

I'm thinking about trying it again in a men's flannel or suiting and a pine cone instead of a flower for my nephew. Maybe even, in leather for a WWI fighter pilots helmet look. What do you think about that? Could this be made to look like a vintage boys hat?

2011-10-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

What's not to love about fall? All right, the impending snow, I don't love that (except it brings with it Christmas) and the hours of raking, and the cleaning out of the gutters (actually I like that. Something about climbing on the roof that makes me feel challenged).

What I mean is, how can you not love the colors? It's like God knows that winter is so bleak and grey so he gives our senses a color overload right before to get us through. I love the way every thing is golden and bright and vibrant. I love how Autumn smells, I love apples and cider and pie. I love oatmeal cookies (which are fallish for some reason). I just love this time of year. And, I will admit I am already getting excited for Christmas.

What I love the most is how every year my kids are more and more into the leaf-pile-jumping. It brings back such warm memories of my childhood and my dad. Today was our first official leaf jumping excursion of the year. It was a good one, I know because SuperH took my hand and said excitedly "This is the best leaf day ever!"

Weeeee!

Blech leaf in my mouth!

This is so silly!

Bonsai!

Crazy evil toddler laughter.

leaf tickling or leaf sword fighting?

Is he planking?

Evil quick sand leaf pile.

Dad...

Body...

Slam!

Rooibos.

2011-10-06T04:33:00.000-07:00

The Rooibos dress from Colette Patterns is finally finished! This dress was sort of a journey and luckily it has a happy ending because there were moments when I wasn't sure, let me just tell you. Oh, my. So first my mom buys me the pattern and I have to wait impatiently for it to come in the mail. Then it comes in the mail, yea! Then I consider using this grey fabric that I have tons of, I mean tons! I can't remember why I bought so much of the mystery grey because it's been in my fabric stash since before there was even a stash. Then after reading the instruction and different things on line I decide that this fabric is too flimsy. That was true I do think it would have not been a good choice but that also allowed me to go fabric shopping... I know I've got some problems.

The Jacket was a bday gift from my Aunt. It
was an accident but it matches really nicely.

No where in the pattern does it say you should use a solid, it says things like use suiting and wool it does not say "DO NOT USE A PLAID AS THIS WILL BE SO HARD." it should have. Maybe they thought that was obvious (the pattern is an intermediate after all). What did I choose? Plaid, of course! Then I cut out the pattern and realized there were like a million pieces (really a million) and do you know how hard it is for a not expert sewist to match that much plaid? Well, it's really hard, really, really hard. If you were to inspect the dress you would find that it doesn't really match up at all but miracle of miracle it isn't very noticeable.

The dress took me forever not because it was hard but because I am slow and the moving of the sewing machine from table to floor for every meal is such a pain. If I hadn't had celebration sunday I don't know if it would be done now (to be honest there are a couple of things on it I still need to fix so maybe it isn't really done). But it wasn't hard. Again, Collette's instructions were clear and easy to follow. The most frustrating part was making my own piping which was only frustrating because it was bulkier then I wanted. I usually get the best advice from the girls at Jo-Anns but this time they led me astray. (To be fair it wasn't the two ladies that usually help it was someone else and I don't think she actually knew what she was talking about and was just pretending, which was frustrating later on. She also had me buy way too much fabric).

The bolero pattern. Aren't they cute?

I also made the bolero to go with it. On the bolero I used some of the grey fabric. It didn't even make a dent in the yardage but it looks good. It's a vintage pattern from and other then the fact that I had to sew sixteen darts, was surprisingly easy, considering my experiment with my easter dress was not so good. This bolero is reversible and I made it to go with this dress specifically because the dress is sleeveless. I thought I'd wear it grey side out but as it turns out that was so blah it sort of just blended in and the purple side looked great. The bolero covered up too much of the dress especially the cute neck line detailing but then I got the idea to bend back the corners and sort of make lapels and that looked so cute! "I love it when a plan comes together" (name that movie). I held the lapels in place with cute vintage pins and love how the pointy corners echo the pointy corners of the neck line.

On celebration sunday I put my hair in curlers but I could not get it to dry even with a blower. So I ended up taking each roller out and using the curling iron. The top of my hair looked crazy so I solved that by wearing my hat. The hat looked good, I think. I don't know if I would have ever been brave enough to wear it to church so I'm kind of glad the curlers made my hair crazy. I got the nicest compliments all Sunday especially from the older people. I imagine it brought back good memories of back when every one wore hats. I just felt so feminine with the dress and the hat. I think I looked rather smart. And, I think there are lots of options with this dress. It could be worn with a long sleeved purple shirt and tall boots for more of a relaxed look, sort of british. What do you think as a jumper with out the bolero for a more casual look?

Brian in his suit. Don't we just scream "Mad Men"?

So, all in all I'm pleased with it. Someone told me I "looked out of time." meaning not harried, but vintage. I don't know if they meant it as a compliment but I took it that way. I love the vintage look it feels very good on me. Rooibos isn't a vintage pattern but lends itself to that style quite nicely. Of course the vintage inspired bolero and actual vintage shoes and hat helped I'm sure.

Found the price for these shoes. $6 at an Antique
shop in MD. That is crazy!

Close up of the neckline details. Also the pins
Both really cheap from antique shops.

close up of the pocket and hand stitching.

Celebration Sunday.

2011-10-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

This sunday was a big deal sunday at our church. We were celebrating the paying off of the mortgage. The church as a whole has been working towards this for several years with the idea being that the money spent on all the interest could be going to so much better use for ministry in our community and around the world. It was hard work. It caused some slight divisions for reasons that seem silly now. People sacrificed and forwent raises and gave up tax returns and on and on. So, it was a big deal.

It also gave me an excuse to finish up my Rooibos dress and get really dressed up. It gave Brian an excuse to wear one of his new suits (which might I say for the record look ridiculously good looking on him. Oh. My!). I bought new dress shirts for the boys and curled my hair. I think our culture really lacks celebration and reasons to dress up. I mean it seems like we get dressed up for Easter and the Christmas eve service and thats it. So you can bet I jumped on this opportunity to get really dolled up.

I wasn't the only one! The entire church was filled with excitement and electricity. It was so interesting to be part of such a big celebration that wasn't being celebrated world-wide, or country wide (again Christmas comes to mind) which leant to it a really intimate feel despite the numbers. It's really hard to put into words what being part of something like that was like. It just made me feel knit together my soul and other souls all lifted up. All integral to the story and to each other...

The boys sitting in the service. They were actually quite
well behaved.

Some of our students.

The service was great, we did a huge praise team and trumpets and guitars the works. There were three baptisms! Three! That is a lot for our church and it just seemed like the perfect day to usher three new lives into the Lord. There were tears every where. Then a huge meal. I'm not sure who put the meal on because it wasn't a pot luck, great thanks to whoever did all that. They even had one of those wedding tents set up outside in the cool autumn air, filled with tables, filled with people all enjoying each other.

I have the privilege of frequently playing
beside this talented high schooler.

Finally we did a huge prayer circle outside. Brian was in charge of that so it was done old school youth group style. You all hold hands and Brian starts the prayer then squeezes the hand of the person next to him. They can say a prayer or just continue by squeezing the person next to them. There it goes all the way around until it gets to the person on the other side of Brian (me, eep) and they close. This was a huge one though, the biggest I've ever been part of. Full of so many different ages and genders and even types of praying. So cool! We had one lady really go forth praying in the Spirit and so many good-will prayers for Gordon and Carla who mean so much to so many of us. One little girl prayed and even though I couldn't make out her words, because she was on the other side of the circle, I could hear her voice floating over all of us like a song. There was even one prayer of thanksgiving for Brian and I; that's pretty humbling. Tears all around.

It was a beautiful Sunday.

A List.

2011-09-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

You may remember this color palette if your are friends with me on face book.

This is the color palette I chose when I embarked upon the Colette Pattern Fall Sewing Challenge. The first step, pick your palette. The second step, sew some fall clothes with this palette in mind. I'm doing all right but am beginning to feel the squeeze of so many sewing ideas in my brain and Christmas is beginning to creep up. I like lists. Lists help organize my brain and make me feel less crazy and gives my body permission to stop thinking about the projects. So I'm making a list; it includes the items from my colette sewing challenge but also includes other sewing projects I want/need to do in the near future. Some of the items were already done when I made the list but I wanted to encourage my self by giving me some things to cross off, a couple of the things were actually finished after I wrote the rough draft of this post.

MY LIST OF THINGS TO BE DONE NO LATER THEN CHRISTMAS

PREFERABLY MUCH SOONER.

Rooibos Dress from Colette Patterns

~~Bolero Jacket~~

~~Blouse~~

Skirt

~~Fingerless Gloves~~

~~Scarf~~

Purse for Mom

Horses for Boy's Christmas present

Baby hat for neighbor's soon-to-be new baby

This is really cute isn't it?

As soon as I finish actual pieces of clothing I'll do a more in-depth post on those. This was just a list, nothing but a list. What's on your list these day?

2011-09-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

This is the most fragrant rose bush I've ever known.

And she just keeps blooming, it's incredible!

I hope these two boys know how much I love them.

And, I hope they grow up with the fondest memories of this place.

Summer is winding down, maybe it's already gone I think today is the first day of fall. And, while I was mowing the lawn, I got to thinking about Brian and my home. How it's ours (sort of, we probably own like the front stoop and the bank owns the rest) and how there are so many responsibilities that come with that. Like, mowing the lawn. Lot's of other things too. I thought about how it seems like most of the things we do for our home we do in the summer, and in the winter the home is doing most of it's things for us.

Brian bought me these window boxes this year.

That probably doesn't make sense, but all spring and summer we mow and weed and garden. We do all major projects in warm weather, like painting and redoing bathrooms or basements. In the summer we stain the wooden swing set and this year I replaced half of our screens in our windows. In the winter we mostly shovel snow and thats it. In the winter the house is responsible for keeping us dry and warm and giving us things to do (or at least it's more important in the winter).

And with all the responsibilities comes a really good feeling (at least for me). Every time I mow the lawn, or garden or kill grubs, I feel good like I'm being a responsible grown-up and it's for MY house. Doing the upkeep makes me feel, I don't know, like I really do own the place, that I really have arrived. I am creating and maintaining a warm loving, unique home for our family. Maybe this is something our countries founders understood, ownership. I sound like a realtors commercial "home ownership" but for me it's true. We've lived in lots of nice places but this is the first place we own and even though it's small it just feels different. It feels right. I am blessed with a quaint home, that is sturdy, with good neighbors and a nice yard. I am grateful to God for that.

This geranium is my piece de resistance

Any way this was unusually rambley but enjoy these outdoorsy summer shots from my home this year.

He is such a good helper!

I've had this plant since spring and now that it's going to frost it finally gets it's first pepper.

My FIL gave me the seeds to start this vine when we first moved here. Now look at it!

My garden is a little wild, and that's how I like it. Oh, that mum plant

it's five years old!

What about you? What motivates you to mow the lawn, or cook dinner, or shovel the driveway?

Winners!

2011-09-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

It was so fun reading about every ones favorite comfort foods. I chose two winners at random and they are: Beki who said "my favorite comfort food overall is mahed potatoes made in the butteriest, creamiest way possible. As far as sweets go, I' d say cinnamon things made from leftover pie dough." and Rebecca M (I knew her as Becca back in the day) "hands down mac&cheese. or maybe cheesy potatoes... butter, cheese, and carbs- you can't go wrong!" Oh yum I agree with both (and I thought the fact that the two winners names were forms of Rebecca was sort of funny). congratulations you two I hope it will bring cheer to your kitchens. Send me a message with your mailing info and I will get them to you as soon as possible.

So here's a question for all of you lovely blog readers. Michigan is strange, it's freezing cold one day and HOT the next (sometimes even the same day) especially this time of year. I want to be able to wear my hand made dresses as long as possible because I worked hard on them and they're cute. The question is: does this work?

This is the birthday dress paired with a
hand-me-down jean jacket from my Aunt.
I've had the jacket for years and LOVE it.
Was so happy to fit into it again after
Conner was born.

This is the other dress I made this summer
Same jacket. I think the Jacket looks better with this dress.

Now that fall is here I could also wear a pair
of red heals with this dress (I have
a pair with a flower on it even) instead
of sandals.

So what do you think. Does the jacket work at all? Is one dress yes and another no, or do they both look cute? Would different shoes make it translate into autumn better, or am I just totally off base? I need your help readers because I love to sew and I love to thrift but sometimes I need help looking stylish.

Give-A-Way!

2011-09-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

Autumn is now upon us. Where did summer actually go? I'm sitting here drinking coffee wearing a sweater of all things. I didn't get to go back to Lake Michigan like I had planned and have barely been to the zoo. It just seems like there is too much to do in summer and it is as hard to grasp as pool water.

Gertrude is modeling these for us. I wish the apron
were a skirt b/c that is a super cute outfit.
Sweater is a thrifted Ann Taylor.

The only thing to be done is embrace fall. I do love fall, the smell and crispness in the air, the taste of tart apples, the way the light is all golden, even the sound of leaves skittering across the drive. And what is the best thing about colder weather? Comfort food that's what!

I love that the shirt pocket get's used on the apron.

I hate cooking in the summer but as cooler weather approaches I find myself wanting to make and eat hot soups, roast beef, cookies, home made bread, cookies and more cookies. So, to continue to celebrate the Second Time Challenge and as a symbolic gesture that I'm accepting the changing season I made these two aprons to give to two lucky readers. They're made from mens dress shirts (I bought one at a garage sale and one at Good Will, how thrifty is that?) and were super fun and easy to make. All you have to do to win is leave a comment (on this blog) telling me what your favorite comfort food to make and or eat is. Let's get inspired to spend some time in the kitchen, and you may end up with a cute apron to make it even more fun! The contest will run through Monday, just leave a comment, and if you sign in as a guest (so you don't have to have account) be sure to leave your name. Good luck!

My favorite thing to cook is soup btw, I love to chop it and drop it. To get you started cooking this is a recipe for the best bean soup ever!

Here is a picture of it on a person. Oh and that's a "new" sweater
I'm going to get a lot of wearing in.

This is the other apron it's got pin tucks. Gertrude is getting out the tea pot, she's so thoughtful that way.

My Annual Fair Round Up.

2011-09-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

SuperH took this and it's pretty good! I'm in front of the local dairy stand.

I made this shirt. I like how it turned out. It's the free Sorbetto
pattern from Colette patterns. It was really easy if your looking
to learn this would be a good one to start on.
Oh, the buttons are vintage!

If you've been reading this blog for a while you know I love the fair. In fact, it's the fair that got me back into blogging after my long hiatus when Conner was born. We go every year with my parents in celebration of Hunter's birthday and it's just such a golden time.

baby cows!

Cute!

Because we never know for sure when my parents will be visiting we just go to the closest fair that is going while they're here. This year that was the Allegan County Fair. We've never been to this one and while it wasn't as clean as the Centerville Fair it was really nice and had some interesting features. What it didn't have was a spot for classic tractors. That was really disappointing as I like to get a yearly picture of my dad and the boys in front of an Alice Chalmers. Why have a fair with out old tractors?

Any way, they did have a section of the fair devoted to old buildings that are permanent structures there. It was like a mini Green Field Village and it was fabulous. Of course I loved it, seeing those buildings all decorated. There were two homes (one was a log cabin) a doctors office, a one room school, an old church and even an old merry-go-round the kids could play on.

The church was cool. I don't want to hear any one complaining about being uncomfortable in a modern church! This building was all about function. SuperH got up in front and we sat in the very wooden, hard pews and listened to his first sermon, which consisted of the hymn "pop goes the weasel" a prayer for an "old lady whose house burned down. Let's pray for her and give her money" and then the blessing and dismal to go eat "ice cream for a snack". It was very moving.

This could have been our life 100 years ago.

This year my sister Heather also went with us and it was just so fun. And it was the first year the boys went on rides. Conster is such a serious rider! Hunter is in his element imagining something as soon as the ride goes. We ate way way too much, saw so many cute animals (Conster's favorites were the horses) fed a camel, saw great quilts and spent much needed quality time together. That's what the fair is really about; community and family.

Indeed they are loony.

Strike a pose.

This is what happens after a day at the fair (before we even got out of the parking lot).

Check back tomorrow for a chance to enter another give-a-way!

And now, more cute animals.

He's my animal.

Gives new meaning to the species being called "hare".

"Help, my ears are so big it's trailing in the water!"

Why is this guy sitting in his water dish? So the other's can't use it?

I love donkeys so much!

This guy is definitely a rock-n-roll chicken with a british accent.

An Outdoor Wedding and Hats.

2011-09-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

Dress: $30 Double Exposure

Hat: $5 Jill's Addictions

Purse: $5 Jill's Addictions

Shoes: ? Antique store in MD.

Pearls: Birthday gift from My sister Courtney.

One of my cousins got married this weekend which meant I got to go on a date dressed to the nines with my husband and see my mom, dad and sister. Yea!!! The wedding was beautiful. It was outdoors in front of this rambling river with amazing gardens and such lush green grass. It did rain but the rain just sort of added to the magic of the moment, I thought. I totally didn't get any good pictures of the bride, which is a shame because she looked amazing and who doesn't want to see a picture of a bride?

I did get plenty of pictures of my outfit though! I bought this dress a while ago at Double Exposure Consignment shop. It's a London Times brand and when I looked on line the dresses new were over $100 so I'd say I got a good deal at $30. I love the sixties silhouette. My sister Heather and I also decided to wear vintage hats, which looked so cute and turned out great because of the rain! My neighbor came over and curled my hair for me. It looked so pretty. I felt so feminine!

These shoes are totally vintage, I bought them at an antiques shop in MD and then forced my feet to fit in them. I LOVE them. They are so cute (hard to see in the pic I know) and look like they're from the 1940's. The heal is just enough to look lady-like but small enough to be comfortable.

Heather looks cute no matter what. But don't you just love her plaid dress?

My cousin Kenton (who looks painfully young in my wedding photos, which makes me feel OLD) and his fiancé Chelsea (they just got engaged) so I'll get to put together a fabulous ensemble for their wedding, I'm assuming in a year or so.

My husband is so attractive. If you can swing it to marry a guy who not only fits you perfectly and is so great but also looks like this then you are a lucky girl indeed! He even wore a suit so we'd "go together" isn't that sweet?

This is one of my favorite pics of us together ever.

As was suggested by several people after my last post, I've been playing around with a bit more editing and I thought this picture looked good "antiqued". I will say the photos do look better, who knew? Well, you all knew thanks for sharing such good tips!

Close up of the purse. It's vintage. My dad bought it for me from Jill's Addictions for $5! That is a crazy good deal. And it's perfect for the dress and small so it's fancier but big enough to hold essentials and my camera!

Close up of the shoe.

What I Wore, Sort of.

2011-09-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Shirt: Good Will
Skirt: Good Will, Talbots brand $3
Bracelet: My charm bracelet.
I think I wore this to youth group.

A close up of the Talbots skirt (what a great find) and the bracelet.
I got the bracelet when I was a young teen and I love that the charms show
all these things that were important to me at different times in my youth
(horse and horseshoe, Hello ten year old me). I also love the sound it makes "tinkle tinkle"

So far I'm loving this clothing challenge. I'm having fun exploring new consignment shops and I'm actually having fun putting outfits together. However, I've noticed a strange phenomenon. When I look in the mirror I think "All right that looks pretty cute." but if someone takes a picture of me it's like a totally different person is now in the photo or inhabiting my body. It's super weird. I am going to call it the Dork Principal.

The dork principal works the same way the vampire principal works. If your wondering if someone is a vampire you hold a mirror up to them or take their picture and they won't show up. In the same way, if your wondering if someone is a dork take their picture and their true identity will be revealed. In my case I can go a pretty long time with out revealing my nerd (my sister says, "your nerd is showing.") I just have to remind myself not to make too many Battle Star Galactica or Fire Fly references. So I put on a really cute outfit strut around pretending I know what I'm doing and some people are fooled.

Pull out a camera, however, and my real identity is revealed. I was at my writers group this weekend and I brought along my camera because I was wearing a super cute outfit. A "new" sweater which is short sleeved and perfect for this in-between weather and it looks sort of like it's from the 1930's (I could totally see this sweater at a sepia toned football game). And a skirt which was also thrifted and flattering. I'm serious I got some nice compliments at church. So, I'm thinking I'll get a few photos of me in the really neat coffee shop looking all deep and authorish, but as soon as they pull out the camera I can't remember how to stand properly, and my arms feel like robot arms (what are you suppose to do with your arms in a photo?) and my smiles are too goofy but my deep introspective face looks like I just passed gas. I feel like the photo reveals my true identity; a slouchy nerdy girl. It even reveals a comic book thought bubble that says, "If only Captain Adama were my father!"

These are author photos of my friend Susie.
See how her expressions says,"I have so
many deep and amazing ideas I don't have
time to brush my hair." but still looks
mysterious and sexy?

When Susie get's famous I'm going to go
to one of her book signings and readings
and say really smugly to the person sitting
next to me, "I know her, we're friends."
If your interested in her writing's check out
her site.

All that to say that I feel like these photos aren't doing justice to the really nice clothing I'm getting second hand. I'm no model that's for sure and my camera is old and been dropped on it's head numerous times. But I'm still having fun and I hope you can see through my wonky photos and get a glimpse of how fun this thrifting is. Also, if you have any suggestions for posing or cameras or anything I'll take them!

Now these photos show you that I am a horrible fake laugher.
And the top photo really showcases my glasses and out of sorts hair
that was totally looking good before the camera came out.
These are the best of the photos taken FYI.

This one is all right.
Sweater: Thrifted from 360 in Kzoo $9?
Skirt: Thrifted from Double Exposure in Kzoo
Lace Camisole: hand-me down from my mom, altered by me.
Pearls: Gift from my sister.
Worn to Church and my Writer's group in Grand Rapids.

DA DA DA: CAPES!!

2011-08-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Okay so this was such a fun project I had to share it. This year I wanted to get something silly and thoughtful for my brother-in-laws birthdays. Patrick was no problem Heather found something for him right away: a silly comic book. But Justin turned out to be something else entirely. I don't know why the guy is really funny but I just couldn't find the right thing at all. So finally I thought what is it about Justin that I love the most? It's how wonderful he is with my boys. He is the uncle that get's them whipped up into a frenzy and that guy will wrestle with them, throw them in the air what have you for hours!

In production. This one is for my Nephew.

This is the fabric on the inside. I dubbed it "80's van fabric"
But it really reminds me of Dr. Who of which my sisters
and I are HUGE fans!

So I finally decided to make him a super hero cape! SuperH and Mama Mia both have one and I thought a Super Uncle needs a Super cape. Then I got a little carried away and decided that his wife and one year old also needed super hero capes. This way the entire family can play together and you know what? We all need a little more play time in our adult lives don't you think?

I made one for Conster too. He didn't have one yet.
Don't you just love the robots?

Justin is "Super Uncle!" his special finishing move is to make his opponents say "uncle", My sister Courtney is a jeweler so her super name is "Diamond Dame" her power is to sparkle in her opponents eyes and my nephew's name is "Screeli!" his ability is to scream at such a subsonic level as to break glass etc.

A couple of my students modeling the "grown-up" capes for me.

Didn't completely think the double d thing through for
diamond dame... maybe no one will notice.

Don't worry I'm pretty sure he doesn't read this blog so it's a still a secret!

What I Wore.

2011-08-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

So, no new clothes is turning out to be wonderfully fun so far. I realize the newness hasn't worn off and I haven't had to go searching for difficult things like sweaters or jeans yet but what I have found as been great!

I've been snagging all kinds of goodies when I go junking (antiquing with my mom and sisters and Megan mostly) I don't' know if it's because I'm on the look out for clothing and accessories at these places and I never was before or if the stars have just aligned but I've been having a ton of luck.

Buzz Jammies: Once Upon a Child, $3.
Where Worn: Every where including VBS.

The boys aren't included in the challenge but because I'm thinking second hand now I decided to check out Once Upon a Child here in town because Conster really needed pj's. The store is a little too crowded but we bought four pairs of pajamas most of which looked brand new including this buzz light year set. SuperH already had a pair and they were absolutely thrilled to have matching pj's they even wore them to twin day at VBS.

Dress: Made by Me.

Bracelets: Vintage from antique shop in MD.

Head Scarf: Vintage from antique shop in MD.

Sun Glasses: Kate Spade, gift for my 30th birthday.

Where Worn: Out to dinner and groceries with the boys and then a movie with Brian.

I love these bracelets and I love this green head scarf!! Both great finds while shopping with my mom and sisters (as if shopping with my mom and sisters wasn't good enough).

Oh how I am infatuated with these bracelets right now!

Skirt: Double Exposure Consignment shop $6?

Shirt: GoodWill Marshall, $3

Locket: Hand made from an on-line store. Can't remember the name or the price.

Where Worn: Out to coffee and the used book store with my sisters.

Isn't my sister Courtney gorgeous?! I am one of those blessed people that considers her sisters among her best friends. And time spent with them is time spent well! Courtney in particular can give me the giggles like no other. She suggested we check out the used book store for sewing reference books and I lucked out we found two really good ones. Unfortunately it may be the start of a vintage sewing reference book collection (I'm just a touch out of my mind.)

Same basic outfit earlier that week. I just really love this picture. My cousin snapped it.

Conster and I are sitting on a bridge over this little spring fed creek where my mom and dad live. The creek actually runs through this little stone building that was used as a summer kitchen and a place to keep meat and things cold before there was electricity. How ingenious is that?

WINNER WINNER WINNER WINNER!!!!

2011-08-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Jill's Addictions gift certificate is:
Jeanie!!!!

"My purchase wasn't clothing, it was a dog stroller. We have entertained lots of people with it at least."

Jeanie, we want to see the stroller with a dog in it! We think Ranger would like to go for a ride.

The 2nd Time Challenge.

2011-08-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

This skirt was thrifted, and it's one of my favorites.

Hi there friends! I'm terribly excited and nervous about this post. I have been planning it for a while and just can't wait to let you know whats going on! There is a movement in the on-line sewing world to participate in challenges called "Made Me." so for instance "Made Me August" would be a month-long challenge to wear at least one handmade article of clothing every day. I think this would be so much fun but do not have enough home made clothing.

However, my friend Beki and I started really getting into researching and understanding where our store bought clothing was coming from. It's not pretty. I did a huge three part series about it here, here and here if your interested. Here are is a great link to get you started if you want to do more research: free2work is a site dedicated to making if easier for the consumer to find out where a product is from and how ethical it is. They use a grading system I find very helpful. Suffice it to say that if a store can make a profit on a three dollar t-shirt or a $10 sundress someone somewhere is being exploited. The first thing I thought when I started feeling convicted about this was "I can't afford to buy clothing from nice places." but then I started wondering if that was a legitimate excuse. How would God respond if we were having tea and I told him why I had to keep shopping at Forever21? I mean do I really need 5 camisoles in various colors? Truth is I buy way too much and half of what I own I never wear.

So, Beki and I took a tentative plunge test into the thrift shop/consignment shop world. Know what? it wasn't bad. I'm not stupid I know that people don't have time to dig through racks and racks of stuff at GoodWill but there are some really nice consignment shops. The kind where I can buy Ann Taylor clothes but actually afford them! Beki has had amazing luck buying designer labels from individuals on Ebay and such.

So we are starting a challenge. I'm calling it the "2nd time challenge" for six months we are not going to buy any new clothing for ourselves. We will shop only at second hand stores or sew the things we want ourselves or buy them from individual designers who sell their own hand made stuff (check out etsy for all things handmade). There is so much waste in this country and so much excess; technically I've bought several tops that were brand new, still had the tags, but I got them from a charity shop so the profits went back into the community, back to local businesses and not to evil clothing companies who are exploiting women and children.

There are a few exceptions to the second hand rule: Undergarments such as panties, socks and bras and athletic shoes. Though I'll still try and be as responsible with my purchases as possible (I hear Fruit of Loom and New Balance have good labor practices). The dollar is powerful so I want to make my dollar count for something. We'll see how it goes I would love it if you joined us. Even if you just try it out for a month and see how it changes the way you look at clothing and how much you consume. At least educate yourself to know what stores and companies are doing the right thing and which aren't. H&M and Target both have fairly good records, Forever21 and Wal-mart do not. Things made in small asian countries tend to be worse avoid clothing that says it was made in Cambodia and other places like that.

But wouldn't it be fun to do this together? I'll be posting occasional outfit posts telling you wear I've gotten different things and Beki and I will be highlighting cool second hand shops in our area. The more of us that do it the more style ideas we're going to get and the more cool stores we're going to discover.

Check out Beki's blog here and Susie's Blog here. They should both have posts up in the same vein in the next few weeks.

And because I'm so excited about this new challenge I'm doing a give-away! Jill from my very Favorite store Jill's Addictions has donated a $25 gift certificate for her store. Even if you live further away it's worth a trip just to visit her shop (plus you could see me too). Check her face book page out here. Her shop is the perfect combination of vintage and it is probably the best styled shop I've been in. If you want to stop and shop you'll find her at 339 South Grand St. Marshall MI. All you have to do to enter is answer this question by Friday August 5th by noon: What is the most stupid or craziest thing you have ever purchased? I'll randomly draw names from the people who commented and post the winner this coming weekend.

Happy thrifting!

Thank you Martha!

2011-07-27T04:11:00.000-07:00

My best friend Megan, got me a subscription to Martha Stewart Living for christmas and oh my it is such a fabulous magazine. There are always about fifty projects and recipes I want to try in every issue. This project is from the May issue (the one with all the poppies on the cover) of this year. And I am so pleased with how it turned out. I made it in an afternoon while watching Dr. Who. Very easy, very rewarding and relaxing (if you find making things relaxing that is).

The fan and the pill box hat came from
my favorite store Jill's Addictions.

It's perfect for me because I am trying to accessorize more with my outfits but have a hard time even remembering to do that (I can't imagine why with a bazillion children hollering at me as soon as I step out of the shower... what's that? I don't have a bazillion children? Well it sure sounds like it.) Where was I again? Oh yes, so this is not only beautiful it's practical as I can see some of my current favorite pieces and put them right on. Also it's sort of a way to display your pretties as art work and if I tire of a certain necklace or what ever I can just put different jewelry on it and get a whole new look.

I bought the shadow box at Michaels (with a bday gift certificate) and used scrap booking paper on the back. I removed the glass and mod-podged the paper on the back. I then twisted little white hooks I bought at the hardware store right into the frame and voila! I think the look is perfect for my vintage and vintage inspired jewelry.

I got this octopus necklace from Etsy from a shop called
VintageProtege. Her stuff is really fun and affordable
he was only $5 and is metal! That is amazing!
Plus I love buying handmade.
I can't remember where I got the locket but
I do know it was on-line.

This flower necklace came from
Brian and my trip to Lake Michigan.
I got them at an antique mall there. Such a good deal.
The bracelet on the bottom was my Great Grandmother's.

Another New Dress.

2011-07-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

From Sew Serendipity Studios.

There is a funny story behind this dress. Well, maybe a better word would be amusing. At our local independent sewing shop (SewUnique Threads, which if you sew and haven't been there you must it's fabulous and the owner is so helpful and sweet), I saw this dress pattern. Probably at least six months ago if not longer and have been ogling it since. I go in and look at it and sigh and then go on about my business. I've even had in-depth discussions with the shop owner about this pattern. It's difficult for me to spend $12 on a pattern plus the fabric because it can get costly fast and you can usually get a pattern from the big three on sale for like $2 (though, my splurge for my birthday dress pattern showed me that using these boutique patterns makes a world of difference in your sewing.)

I made this pin holder out by affixing a magnet
on the bottom. I got the dish at Amazing Grace in Marshall
for $3!

Then I turned 30 and one of my gifts from a lovely and very generous couple in our church was this pattern plus a gift certificate to SewUnique!!!!! I was so thrilled and a little amazed that out of all the patterns in the world she picked out the one I have been wanting for so long (my dad calls that a side blessing. Something God gives to us not because we need it but just to bless us and remind us He's here.) The card was really cute it said: We bought you a dress, you just have to make it. You know your a strange person when that makes you all giddy inside.

The trim is vintage I got it at an antique store.
I actually think I would leave it off if I was doing it again
but I do like the scandinavian feel it adds.

Back to the dress. The directions were great until the very end. I seriously could not figure out the very last step in the directions. I finally just used my common sense and in all honesty it probably would make sense to some one else. I always struggle with construction but this pattern was a breeze to work with. I even installed an invisible zipper with out crying or swearing! I'm happy with how well it went together (pretty fast for me I think I worked on it in little spurts for a week), though I'm a bit disappointed in how it looks on me. I don't think it looks bad just not as good as my birthday dress. I didn't realize that it was an empire waist because it doesn't really look like that in the picture and I don't think that's the best style on someone as "well-endowed" as me. Still, it's cute and summery and I'll definitely wear it through out the rest of the summer (I have a cousin's wedding shower coming up, perfect.) and I left space so that I could take it in next spring if I continue to loose weight so hopefully I'll get more wear out of it since it's already August (doesn't that just make you sick?).

I have to take a sewing break while my dad and I work on remodeling the basement but I think you will all be amused with my next project.

Summer Skirt and Shorts.

2011-07-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

So I have been sewing all summer. I'm a slow sewer because I have no permanent space for sewing so it's a lot of getting the stuff out and putting it away. A lot of sew a seam stop and change a diaper, sew a seam stop clear the table and make lunch etc. Despite that I have been doing exponentially more then ever before. The Colette pattern I used for my birthday dress really inspired me that I could make nice clothes that I would actually want to wear.

This is the pattern I used for the following
skirt and shorts. Very easy to use.

So any way I love skirts for the summer. They're so breezy and look better on me then shorts. Here is a picture of a skirt I made at the beginning of the summer. I used a home decor fabric. I love the look and feel of home decor fabrics. I realize that's weird but you get the best summer prints and I like the weight of them. If you use them beware they shrink a lot so buy a little extra. The first thing I ever made for myself was a skirt out of home decor fabric and it's still one of my favorites. This new skirt has pockets! Isn't that great?! They didn't show up to well in the pictures but there is this super cute inverted pleat in the pockets.

My face looks confused.

These shorts are also from the same pattern. My vision for these shorts was a more grown up version of little girl summer shorts. I bought this really cute bias tape from etsy from Polly Danger for my Easter dress but it ended up not looking right. It was, however, the perfect compliment for these shorts. I was really pleased how well they came together but remember how I warned you about shrinkage? Yea I lost so much fabric that I had to make a size smaller then I intended so they don't fit. Darn! I'm fairly certain that they'll fit next year. Instead of a gathered waist like in the pattern I made a regular waist band and added a zipper. It worked out pretty well except what I didn't take into account was that the band was made to be gathered so it fits around my waist while the butt and lower abs is waaay too tight. Which means that next year when they fit the waist will be too big. But, I'll either wear a cute belt or put in a couple of pleats.

Did I mention I also added top stitching
in light blue?

Love the interesting pocket details.

This trim is made from vintage fabric!

Working on another dress right now and I'll let you see it when it's done. If you want to that is.

A Moment of Brilliance or Midnight Ramblings?

2011-07-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

This next post is something that I've been wanting to put into words for a long time now but haven't been sure how. I think I finally did manage it after being inspired by the movie "I am Number Four" (don't laugh at me I've never claimed to have good taste in movies.) Even if this post is rambling it meant a lot to me and I actually want to dedicate it to a few people... Okay a lot of people. Really there aren't many people in my life who haven't inspired me but I want to especially thank a few of them.

First of all my parents for bringing me up. Second Courtney and Megan for your love and art. Third my Writer's Group (formerly Kava Writers Collective) for inspiring me with your words and pushing me to go further. For my husband for believing in me all the way. And, especially to my baby sister Heather for being the most brilliant creative person I know. Heather, you inspire me daily with your talents, bravery, and wonderful conversations.

The Reason I love to Read and Write Fantasy.

I think there is a longing or a sensitivity in our souls that there is more to the World and Universe then what we can see, touch, hear and smell. We instinctively know that there is more; we are wired for the spiritual. Yet the spiritual is so vague so difficult to put into words. We do have knowledge (as one of my professors called it, progressive revelation) of God, creation, the trinity, but sadly we are still lacking in so much information so much we can’t begin to understand. There is evil we sense it feel it. I believe all cultures have devil myths. Most of us believe that there is some kernel of truth to them. We also sense that there is power in love and friendship and goodness. We hope that somehow in our own lives and world wide that love will win the day even when faced with all the odds all the horrors of this present reality we must believe that in the end goodness will win out. Why do we feel these things, long for them? Because our souls know there is more out there but how does one put it into words? How does one explain something so very unexplainable?

This is why I think that we love the fantasy world. I think it’s why we create so many magical worlds around us because some things can’t be explained truly but, perhaps, we can touch on them in story or music or art. Maybe we can create parables that can help us to understand even if we can’t actually explain it. The bible says there are powers and principalities not of this world, that there are wars being raged around us that we don’t see. So we create worlds where the powers for good and evil are tangible. Where wands are physical things that we use to wield power for good or bad. Where an actual ring is the source of all evil. It’s fantasy and yet we accept it for the sake of story because we understand that there must actually be a source of evil. That there is, indeed, power in love, friendship, and honesty.

It’s why so much of what I create is in the fantasy world. It’s why I’m drawn to worlds such as Hogwarts and Middle Earth. It’s why I can spend hours following Dr. Who around the universe and time. Because when I partake in these fantasy worlds there is something inside me, in my core, that practically sings. A piece of my soul takes flight. It feels as if part of me is tethered to this earth to this plane of existence and yet it is only a thin veil that separates me from seeing it all; the depths of creation as it were. For a moment when I read a book or watch a good movie or television show my sub-conscience is allowed to break free to almost peak behind that barrier and I find myself thinking “Yes, that’s it. That’s almost it!” It’s only for that moment of course, I have to come back but it is a glorious moment. I suspect that when we cross that final barrier we will see it all but for now God has given us creative minds, to create, as it were, places in which to describe and experience this longing for what isn’t tangible. I suppose it’s why there are arts and literature and music. We probably all experience and act it out differently but it’s root is the same; an intrinsic understanding that there is something more to this world, more power and more things unseen.

Makes me wonder what power there is in me that I could unleash if only I found the right key. The Holy Spirit, perhaps, unleashes some power through me now. I’m certain I get in the way of it releasing a lot more but what will I find in me when I do cross into that other existence for good? I imagine myself throwing my arms out ward my face turned up and light radiating out of me Beauty and the Beast style. Oh to see behind that veil to come to a place where we not only see but touch the source of all love and goodness and power! Oh what a day that will be! And, praise be to Him for giving us minds to create places to peak behind the veil, until that day comes.

My Outdoor Life.

2011-07-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

So I just ate my first BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato) with tomato (I am finally growing up) and it was my first home grown tomato from my very own potted garden! So now I get it. I understand why people actually like tomatoes and why they grow them themselves! Now that I have so many dietary restrictions I have to buy english muffin bread and it's a bit dryer then regular bread. I said to my husband yesterday, while chewing and chewing a bite of sandwich, maybe this is why people put tomatoes on them for moisture. Then we went out side and one of my tomatoes had actually ripened.

It was very exciting, any time I actually have a vegetable or fruit that I grew I get so happy it's hard to describe but I see why people garden. I mean it's like a wonderful tasting thing that cost me no money (okay it cost money; I had to buy the pots, soil and plants and the water bill... but no money at the grocery store.) So back to my run-on story, today I had Jen over and we ate BLT's for lunch with my first ever home-grown tomato AND home-grown lettuce. Oh the sandwich was beautiful. I very delicately bit into it expecting to hate the tomato but what met my taste buds was a tangy salty combination of flavors and textures so amazing just thinking about it makes me want to get up go in the kitchen and make another one.

Ranger loves the backyard too!

This little guy has lots of fun back here.

I LOVE summer and I LOVE being outside. Our Michigan winters can be so harsh that I want to be out side whenever I can. I started a flower garden several years ago to give me something to do while the kids played. Every year I learn more and experiment more and this year my garden looks pretty nice (it actually looked a bit better last year I need to rethink my fertilizer and some plants for next year). This year I decided to do a vegetable garden and after reading up on my area I decided to do a potted garden as there are a lot of chemicals in the soil here (I live near several factories and there was an oil spill across the road from us). And it's turned out to be great because they're easy to care for and since it's potted I can move them around if I need to. I'm so into it I really want a big raised bed next year so I can actually get a crop of something but for a first year this was great. It'd also be good if you didn't have a yard and just a patio or balcony. I have a tomato plant, a couple zucchini plants (man there prolific and yummy) a green bean plant (it's a funny plant I get like three green beans at a time not much of a crop but the kids find it exciting) a few lettuce plants surrounding a pepper plant (the idea was that the pepper would shade the lettuce but the lettuce is huge!) two pots of strawberries (where we get the occasional berry the kids then fight over) and I have herbs in my window boxes. My basil didn't survive, I wish I'd planted mint, I'm about to loose a strawberry plant and I need to figure out how to dry the herbs. But it's all great fun.

What I've learned from both flower and vegetable gardening is that you just have to do it. I mean you can read and read and read and honestly you can read so much you'll freak out and never start. Really some of the organic books go into pests in such detail you'll want to run screaming to your basement. You'll never know every thing so if your waiting until you do you'll never start. You just have to jump in and realize that some things won't work (my success rate with strawberries is like negative) but you'll learn and try something different next time. Really I think gardening is one of those things best learned by doing. And if you do have a question just google it then you get a concentrated answer to one problem instead of getting side tracked with all the crazy bugs and stuff.

A year ago my Grammy and Papa bought me a picnic table that we use A LOT. I love to entertain but our house is quite tiny so we have almost all of our get togethers outside. This picnic table has seen it's share of neighbors, friends, kids, staff parties and just simple family meals. I love it and like to use my vintage table clothes on it. My mom and dad bought me a new swing this year and it's so comfortable and the awning makes a huge difference in the comfort level of being outside where we don't have much shade. I just bought these chairs. I started seeing this type of reproduction lawn chairs early this spring and fell in love. I had a couple of adirondack chairs but they officially bit the dust last year leaving us with a lack of seating when we do have company. These chairs fit the bill and my vintage style so I saved up and was so happy to get them home. It all looks so nice and in some ways my back yard is my favorite "room" in my house.

The yellow chair was the floor model and they gave it to me for a ganga deal.

Summer makes me smile and seeing the back yard come together makes me smile and seeing those I love the most drinking lemon aid and chatting while our children play in the sprinkler and on the swing set makes me smile the most. I am grateful for all the Lord has blessed me with including my first tomato!

The Long Awaited Birthday Post.

2011-06-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Ok so a couple of weeks ago I turned thirty. THIRTY!!!????? How did that happen, and when might I ask? Because I sure don't feel thirty... Or maybe I do what's thirty suppose to feel like any way? I mean I mostly feel the same as I did when I turned twelve. I know that's weird but I remember turning twelve and it just seems like that is how I feel always (Except my mom face is way better now, I can stop a jr. higher in their tracks).

My entire year of being twenty-nine was fine. I really thought I didn't care about my age at all and really thirty was so far away but then suddenly I realized I was going to be thirty in a week and I totally freaked! I didn't want to be old, on top of which I hadn't planned any thing special. I guess I might as well tell you I'm a birthday freak. I love birthdays they are your special day. When my husband says of them "who cares it's just another day?" I don't just climb, I jump up on my soap box and wax on and on about celebrating your birth and all you've given to the world etc. I feel that on your birthday you eat what you want, go where you want, do what you want and don't change any poopy diapers at all! Presents rock, I know it may sound super artificial of me but I love presents. I plan what I'm going to do on my day almost as soon as Christmas is over and then I don't risk testing my husband like some women do I give him a countdown starting like a month before hand.

Except this year, because somehow it snuck up on me. Then I thought I didn't care but it turned out I did care (a lot). So I cried and felt bad for myself, and wondered why I didn't plan any thing. I mean you can't let thirty just slip by can you? I said, CAN YOU????

Oh my! Well my mom and sister ended up coming up and even though they could only stay for a couple of days we worked it out to go to a really nice restaurant in Kalamazoo. Which is good because I had made myself a birthday dress, only to realize I had nowhere to wear it (one of the reasons I cried, "Am I just going to wear this stupid dress to Culvers on my thirtieth birthday?! Sniff sniff.") FYI I am really proud of the dress it's the best thing I've ever made and it actually looks good on me. Now I want to remake my Easter dress because this one is so much better.

Early in the day my dear friend and neighbor Jen brought lunch over from our favorite local bakery, Continental and a really thoughtful gift. She bought me a pattern I've had my eye on at this fancy fabric shop in town. I was so excited because it's one of those things you really want but have a hard time spending the money on and it was so thoughtful. Also dear Beki got me gift certificate for the same shop so now I can get fabric to make the pattern! How serendipitous! Then B, mom and Heather and Meg and her boyfriend went out to a really nice dinner at a place called Rustica. It is AMAZING. I would totally recommend it. Great food really nice atmosphere. It's pricey (about $20 a plate) but worthy of a special occasion. So I ended up having a really nice day. Did I mention Brian bought me a new lap top b/c he was trying to win our gift giving contest and last year I got him an IPAD? Yea, I lost!!

I actually enjoyed the process of making this dress and
couldn't believe how well it turned out.

The dress pattern was a splurge, Crepe from Colette Patterns
and totally worth every penny.

My mom, me and my baby sister, Heather.

However, when I got up the next morning and was checking my face book on my new laptop. I had a message from my husband to pack my bags that he was taking me away for a couple of days!!!!! I was so happy and surprised. He took me to Lake Michigan, my favorite place in the entire world. We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast called Sherwood. It was the most relaxing perfect trip. We walked on the beach, rode bikes, did a little shopping and junking (where I found the cutest necklace for a really good deal) swam in their heated pool (it was pretty cold while we were there so we didn't actually swim in the lake). I really like saugatuck. I think it was nicer and the beaches were bigger then South Haven even. Oh it was lovely.

Lake Michigan is my favorite place, it restores my soul.

COLD COLD COLD COLD COLD!!!!!

This is my man gazing out over the water. Isn't he to die for?!

When we got home my dad was here so that was another awesome surprise. Then on the way to dinner at chili's we stopped at the church to pick up Brian's wallet he had forgotten but really it was a surprise party!!! Ok by now you must know how ridiculous I felt about whining and crying (though Brian LOVED that of course) earlier in the week. You must also realize that I am not very good at picking up on clues. No I'm not. At that point I was actually a bit overwhelmed by Brian's love and generosity. I was also sweaty, hot, disheveled and embarrassed. It was really fun so many of my family (including cousins) were there and tons of people from the church. It really showed me how much people love me and how blessed I am to have so many wonderful people in my life. I got loads of great gifts and ate way too much and it was an all around great birthday party and birthday in general. I know that Beki, Mary, Jeannie and my mom helped Brian a lot with the planning and setting up and I hope they know how much it blessed my heart!

I hope Brian knows how much it means to me that he would go through all of this just for me (even though I know he was secretly having fun watching me be tortured the week before). That when I think of him I always think how blessed I am to have him as my husband. If one of your goals was to up the ante for my brothers-in-law and other husbands, you succeeded my dear. I love you so much, but would love you even with out the parties, trips and laptops... To be clear the parties, trips, and laptops are really really nice and I liked them a lot they were totally awesome actually. Thank you again.

So, turns out thirty is great. I'm really excited to see what turning forty is like! Ha Ha.

A Runner's Tale: A gift for my Dad.

2011-06-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

An only partly true story for those who run. A story for those who used to run with me. A story especially for my dad who still encourages me and is still my favorite running partner.

I started running in seventh grade. I joined the track team because in seventh grade every one joined the track team, every one including my friends. I was a chubby seventh grader who loved to read and write and sew but who did not do a lot of physical exercise. In seventh grade I could not even finish one lap around the track. My lungs would burn and feel as though they were being sliced with knives and nails. My coach who had also been my sixth grade teacher encouraged me to keep going, keep trying. Even though there were students who were clearly leaps and bounds ahead of me he took that time to push me to go further and harder even though further and harder for me was one lap. I remember the day that I ran that first quarter mile with out stopping. It was from the middle school parking lot to the credit union parking lot and I remember telling myself not to walk to keep going; one foot then another then another until I got to that bank. I remember my coach giving me a big hug and telling me how proud he was of me. I beamed, even though it was a measly quarter mile, I beamed.

We spent the summers at my Grandma's house "down state" as we used to say. She lived on an old farm in the middle of the country. My dad who was the high school track and cross country coach was just happy to have a child that was old enough to run. He didn't care that I was TERRIBLE he cared that I had begun the journey of running (It took him 25 years to get his wife to run so I guess he thought he was making good time with me). He figured that a lap around the perimeter of the property was roughly a quarter mile, in his words "you could definitely fit a football field in here." So that summer I ran around the "yard" first one lap, then two, then three, then four.

I continued to struggle through track seasons and I continued to run around grammy's house in the summers slowly getting thinner and slowly getting faster. Then we moved. I was half way through my sophomore year in high school and I did not run track that spring. However, while sitting through driver's training that summer something inside me knew I had to figure out how to meet people how to make friends. Finally, with butterflies in my stomach, I told my dad I was joining the x-country team but only if he could get me in shape enough so that I could run the 3.2 miles with out stopping. His smile almost split his face in two.

And so began my running relationship with my dad. Hot muggy day after hot muggy day he trotted along beside me pointing out interesting vegetation and telling me stories about growing up in the area, as I gasped for oxygen beside him. Slowly I worked up to running three miles. Our first meet dawned clear and cool and I stood at the starting lines ready to puke my guts up with nerves. Then the gun shot and then nothing but sound of feet and heart pounding and ragged breath coming in. Agonizing steps and bewildered thoughts "why did I do this?" until I heard my dad's voice ringing out through the air "Come on Jess!!! Your looking great, awesome pace babe!" I knew then that I would always be a runner because it connected me to my dad in a special way, a way unique to him and I; since my sisters hated running and I had no brothers. I did, indeed, finish that first race with out walking (I never did walk in a single 5k) but I finished last.

The races were torture but the camaraderie was a blessed relief from the half year of isolation I had just experienced. Even the girls on the opposing teams were nice, at least the ones finishing near me. They would breathlessly encourage me as they passed me by. The girls on my team? They were even better. No matter how fast they were they were so encouraging and nice. After they finished they would run back and cheer me on as I slowly made my way to the finish line. In fact Cross-Country was the first place outside my own family that I experienced true fellowship. And even though I was never one of dad's star athletes I knew I was his star. He faithfully cheered me on every race and kept track of my personal best times. He worked with me in the off season as much as I wanted. He pushed me to be better but he never pushed me down. My dad did not expect things from me I couldn't deliver he was simply proud and happy that I was now a "runner". Proud with what I could do. He was the perfect coach and he was also the perfect fan.

And so dawned the track season of my senior year. All the hard work, all the tears and miles and miles of training leading up to this meet. I was finally being allowed to run the mile as there was an opening (there was always an opening in the two mile so that was usually where I was stuck running lap after lap after lap...).

I stood at the start line swallows flying around in my stomach. There was always that moment right before the gun goes off that every thing would go quiet, at least for me. When all I could hear was my own breathing, my own heart thumping right out of my chest. "Runners take your marks, get set..." bang. And we were off, a cloud of feet thundering their way towards the first curve, the crowd one big loud gelatinous sound.

"First lap" I thought to myself "sets the tone for the entire race. Not too fast but a good steady pace with a large gate." I tried not to see the runners around me, tried not to focus on the people passing me or the ones I was passing as we began to thin out and find our own rhythm. "Rhythm that's a funny word" which for some reason made me think of the song from church that went "I bring a sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord..." that song has a pretty good rhythm and it carried me swiftly around the first lap.

"Second lap" I blanked. How was I suppose to run the second lap? That's when one voice began to separate from the roar of the crowd. It was my dad. "Keep it up jess!!! Great first lap!!! Keep swinging those arms, don't tighten up your stride your doing great just keep it up!!!!!" he sounded more excited then normal. In my haze I lowered my arms and started "We bring a sacrifice..." one more time. I focused on the girl in front of me and slowly began creeping up on her. I felt a little bad when I passed her, but only a little.

"Third lap" the third lap is the hardest because you still have one more lap to go. And by now all your muscles are burning and your lungs are gasping. The only thing to do in the third lap is concentrate on your form, or at least thats what my dad told me. So, I lower my arms (they've been creeping up and I'm almost hugging myself). I think about my stride and try to keep it long try to keep it looking good. I start concentrating on the next runner; I can tell she's struggling and I feel a little bit like a lion picking off a weak herd member as I pass her by.

"Fourth lap." this it, this is where you leave it all on the line. I've been observing the 1600 meter race for six years now and I've seen people kick it in too much and too fast and burn out before they're done and I've seen people never kick it in (I've also seen people walk off with out finishing, twist they're ankles and one time I saw some one throw up on the finish line.) So I begin to lengthen my stride. I imagine that my arms are pulling me up the side of a mountain. I come around the first bend and begin to kick it in a little. I hear my dad screaming his head off. I really can't make out what he's saying it's getting pretty loud, "someone must be finishing the race." I think absently but I know what he's saying; speed it up. So I speed it up. As I come around the back stretch I pretend I'm being chased by a dragon. The last curve and I stop thinking all together and I just start booking it as fast as I can. Faster, faster, faster. I'm running on jell-o legs now and I'm not sure I'm breathing. Faster, faster, faster.

The roar is so loud it almost startles me and then I see it, far out in front like a mirage on a desert quest, the finish line. But not just the finish line, the finish ribbon. It hasn't been broken yet, no one has crossed the line. And it occurred to me that I might be in the lead. I don't dare entertain the thought lest I loose my stride, I don't dare look to the side or behind, but I give it the last bit I've got just in case there's someone there right on my tail waiting for me to flag. And I push it and as the line draws near I stick out my chest like I've seen the olympic athletes do, (just in case it's a photo finish and I win because I've got a bigger cup size). I fall over the line and can barely keep my feet and want to scream and jump (and puke) I can feel the blood pounding through my face. As I start to fall I'm in the air, being swung around by the greatest coach in the world, by the greatest dad in the world and he's whooping and hollering like I've never seen and he's crying too. Then I cry because I'm happy, because I've made him so proud, because he would have loved me the same even if I'd come in last.

A Storm.

2011-06-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well we survived the tornadoes of 2011 here in Battle Creek. It was a little scary since I was home alone with the children, and it definitely was a shock to come upstairs and find a tree on my neighbors house. I honestly wasn't expecting it... I always feel like the weather people promise a big storm but you know it's not usually that bad... It was bad. I live in a neighborhood that got hit pretty hard but we're all ok. Driving around the next day was sort of creepy in that post-apocalypse trees every where, streets shut off, and no working street lights sort of way. It was certainly inconvenient and a little hot but we survived.

This was one of the crews sent to work.

These guys are actually from the Navy.

I actually saw God work a lot of cool things out through this, not saying he caused it just that he was present in all the aftermath. First of all I was told by a nurse who works for the county that we didn't have a single fatality or serious injury. That seemed really incredible to me especially since there were apartments that got totally destroyed. God was protecting all of us for sure.

Secondly the neighborhood pulled together in a way you rarely see. My drive way was full of branches and downed power lines and I wasn't even sure how B was going to get home at two that morning. Without even asking one neighbor came over to sit with my children while another group began clearing out my drive. And it was like that up and down the street. Every one just pitching in and doing what they could for every one else. Then because we didn't have power all week we got to know each other better and better... I mean what else were we going to do? There was no way to watch our reruns or surf the web so we hung out out side and watched the crews remove trees and lines while sitting in each other yards. There was even a group of Christians passing out breakfast to people after our milk had all gone bad!

Which brings me the third thing, no internet, phones, or television. Don't get me wrong I'm really glad to have them back but I had been feeling for a long time that the children and I were just way too plugged in. The only options they had available to them was to play and then play some more. The only options I had were to clean then go to bed early because I'd had enough cleaning.

There was also the fact that I finally cleaned out my fridge and freezer (um it was really gross, I should have gotten a ticket for how gross it was. Plus I threw away five jars of salsa?!). We all slept in the basement together so it was sort of like a fun summer party for the kids. And I didn't have to cook dinner all week!!!!!

Honestly though, I'm talking to people more then ever. We all lived and survived the storm of 2011. We share our war stories about it and laugh with each other over the funny parts, groan over the annoying parts, and thank the Lord we're all safe. I get a tear in my eye remembering how I felt staring at my neighbors house and wondering if they were safe, wondering what to do. I knew they were probably in the basement but with Joplin so fresh in our minds I was really shook up. Just as I was putting on my shoes to somehow get into their house I saw her walk out, I saw every one start walking out and it was such a relief such an amazing thing to realize how blessed I am living here with these people that I care so much for. She got a hug which, I think, surprised her but it just felt right. A couple other neighbors got hugs too, and if I could physically wrap my arms around God he'd get the biggest hug of all for keeping us safe and together.

I Must Confess.

2011-05-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

Because I am an oldest child it is in my nature to confess my short comings.

I have been such an all around lazy person I think some one should fire me. I have not blogged and have done even less writing on my novel in weeks. That book is not going to write itself and that lake home is not going to get bought with out said book (or a secret inheritance from a wealthy stranger I once impressed; but I'm not holding my breath over that one). I have not even down loaded the pictures of my Easter dress or the dresses of my neighbors to blog about.

I have been slowly working on a new skirt. Sew a seam stop change a diaper. Sew a seam stop clear the table for lunch etc. But even that was halted by the disappearance of my buttonholer because of course I can't move on until I make two tiny button holes. And how much time did I waste looking for that stupid attachment anyway?

I've pretty much given up cooking real suppers for the rest of the summer. Yesterday my children had yogurt for dinner and last week I'm fairly certain they had cereal at least twice. It's just not in me to heat up the kitchen when it's warm out. And I'm pretty sure we're having french toast for dinner; maybe I'll cut up some strawberries to go with it but I'm not making any promises. I'm not really into folding clothes right now either.

Then of course last week we all had some gross stomach virus which I followed up by immediately catching a cold. If I could get rid of my children and spend the next three days in bed watching old episodes of SeaQuest DSV and eating toast, I'm pretty sure I would.

I promise I will try to get to blogging about all of my great sewing ventures soon, it's just so far to the camera and then I have to find the plug thing to hook the camera into the computer...

So to sum up I am lazy, a little crabby, stuffy and would like to be fired.

My Big Big Loud American Family Part Three.

2011-05-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

Aunts and Uncles.

I've already discussed my Aunts briefly here but in keeping with the family reunion I wanted to go into a bit more personal detail.

People are always confusing my mom and Aunt Dawn.

Aunt Dawn and Uncle Alan. If your keeping track Aunt Dawn is cousin Jennifer's mom. She is so sweet and kind. She's also quite crafty and if it weren't for her there would be (by my mother's own admission) no photos of me or my sisters growing up. She was a photo taker and scrap book leader before those things were a multi-billion dollar industry like they are now. When we were young spending the night at Aunt Dawns house was so much fun because she let you stay up as long as you wanted and pretty much eat what you wanted to. Couple that with the fact that she was within walking distance to a drug store where we could buy penny candy and I'm not sure how she could stand all of it. As far as uncle Alan goes for some reason I have this really vivid memory of him letting all of us (that's a lot) take turns having "horse back" rides on him during a birthday party which may explain some of his current back problems. Sorry uncle Alan!

That is Jill Uncle David's Dog she thinks she is his wife.

David. Uncle David was always the coolest uncle because he was not married and had no children. Which meant that he would breeze into town from large and exotic distant cities like Milwaukee and whip us all into a wild hyper frenzy while our parents looked on helplessly. In those days we called him "uncle Dave-do"... I'm not sure why if any one knows they could let me know in the comments. Now days he owns Stoney Creek Farm where my parents and sister live and work. He is so giving that whatever cousin seems down on their luck or is looking for a new lease on life he takes them in and gives them a bit of work. He's also extremely musical (as are most of them) and plays the piano so beautifully, one of the best things in life (though so rare now days) is to listen to him and mom sing duets while he plays.

Wouldn't he look at home on a ranch?

Dan and Bonnie (Spencer and Kendra's dad and mom) he is so quiet that when I was young I didn't really know what to think about him. He and his wife live in the country, hunt, used to have horses, I think they still have chickens. Their kids were always in 4-H. They seemed so mystical to me growing up like something out of Little House on the Prairie. As I grew I began to see how funny he is. It truly is the quiet ones you have to watch out for. Uncle Dan is also extremely artistic and once engraved a skeleton key with the words "Key to my heart" for me to give to Brian on our first valentine's together.

Aunt Debbie is the oldest daughter just like me.

Debbie and Carl (KatieBeth and Kenton's mom and dad). Uncle Carl has a deep loud booming voice and is probably the most friendly outgoing person I've ever met. He's the one who made me my horse stable along with a pair of adirondack chairs, my living room shelves and a shelf under the windows in my kitchen (he's a very talented wood worker). When I was little he used to chase us around saying "I'm the kissing monster" while making loud wet kissing sounds... this freaked me out a lot. Aunt Debbie is amazing. We have a lot in common and spend a good deal of time when we're together going "Oh my gosh me too!" for example, "I hate it when they mix the spaghetti sauce and the noodles together." "Oh my gosh me too!" Aunt Debbie's love of scripture and her desire to study it deeply is a continued source of motivation and encouragement to me. I, too, feel closest to God when I'm learning from His word. She used to take me shopping for a back to school outfit when things were tight for my parents and still makes time for me today. She has stepped in and filled a void left when my mom moved by taking me to lunch and spending endless hours talking about God, the Church, and my mother-in-law. She also gave me the gentle push and help I needed to move from the post-baby frumpy clothing stage (she is always well dressed).

A very beautiful family. Uncle Doug was once mistaken
for a television star while on an airplane.

Doug and Meg. Had kids the latest on my mom's side which makes my Aunt Meg the coolest of the Aunts (sorry every one else it's just a fact of life, Heather will always be cooler then me). They lived in the big city and would have us over for the weekend. Uncle Doug is one of those genius self starter types. He retired in his thirties and then started a Sport's ministry in Detroit Michigan. He is now a pastor as well which means there are things about their life that ring true for Brian and I as well. All of mom's siblings are funny and Uncle Doug is no exception. Aunt Meg is the kind of person you wish you could be; well dressed, a good hostess, and charming. When I was a little girl she sent me a card (not my sisters just me) it had a scientific illustration of a shell on the cover and I remember just being so blown away by the picture it seemed magical and made me feel so special that she would take the time to send me my very own mail.

I had a very hard time finding a pic of Aunt Linda (she's the one on the farthest left)

Aunt Linda. Dad's sister is the nicest most kind person I have ever known. She is such a long-suffering servant heart that you know when God looks at her he is pleased. We lived in the same town as her and she had kids way after us as well so she also treated us awesome. She would have me and Courtney over to spend the night and get out this fancy porcelain tea set and have tea (sugar water) with us. She let us use her make up and would read to us out of Beatrix Potter. Aunt Linda made Courtney and I feel important and special after Heather was born, that was a true gift. When dad talks about Aunt Linda he lights up and he's also told me that I have her smile which makes me feel like I'm part of that "light up" too.

Aunt Margaret and my dad. Oh I forgot to say her husband is really quiet and funny too.
What is it about the quiet ones?

Aunt Margaret is Dad's oldest sister. Oldest of six kids with parents that were absent as much as they weren't. That is a lot of responsibility. She loves Jesus and she loves education. She is a very intelligent and caring person. She's suffered through a lot of heart ache in her life including the loss of her husband in an accident when her children were young. To handle all of that with such strength is an inspiring thing to behold.

My dad is the one with his tongue sticking out. My dad's tongue
is sticking out in almost all photos of him.

Uncle Larry is Dad's only brother. He is a retired missionary and spent most of my life in far and distant lands with his wife and children. Until this wedding I hadn't seen him since I was married and only a few times before that so getting to know him over this week at the farm was really cool. He is a very amazing person full of so much information and interesting stories it's crazy. He also has a really fun accent and is taller then my dad. It was a real blessing getting to see my dad with him; you could see in his face how much Larry meant to him, and thinking back I've never heard dad tell any story about him that wasn't a warm good memory (I think Larry used to have a rat as a pet!).

So that is my aunts and uncles that were at the farm. Can you keep it straight? ?ould you pass a test if I gave you one? They are all amazing and special. The role they've played in my life is diverse and goes back (gulp) thirty years. Thank you God for blessing me with so many loved ones with so many people who love me.

Me a Pregnant Woman and My Lawnmower.

2011-05-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

My life is vastly different then I imagined it would be when I was eighteen. I am not playing my trumpet in the San Francisco Symphony, I am not a Forensic psychologist, or a published author (yet). That being said my life is way better then I ever dreamed it could be.

God has blessed me with a family I love, a job I love (that of the at-home-mother and unofficial associate youth pastor), and friends I adore. Those who know me know how much I love the idea of the 1940's and 50's. The seeming simplicity of the times wrapped up in aprons. All the mom's being home to come over and enjoy coffee with each other during the day while their husbands were off at work. While I don't bake in heels and pearls I have been given the best gift of all, relationships with other Christian women. Three weeks ago I was sitting in my living room, while a total of five children ran around, sipping coffee with two of my closest friends during the day while our husbands were at work. We were chatting about everything and nothing and I just felt this joy wash over my heart in a way that surprised me. A feeling that this is what life is about; these small moments and these cherished friendships.

Today one of those women (who is now pregnant) came over with her daughter to visit and enjoy the glorious sunshine. I had a million things to get done, including mowing the lawn and running to the post office to mail a birthday care package, while watching four children (one of whom is a baby) with no car. I was feeling overwhelmed and the familiar tightening of my chest was beginning when she stopped by.

"Hey this could work out" she said sweetly "I need to go down town and drop off a donation I'll stop at the post office for you if you don't mind watching my daughter. It would be so much easier then loading her in and out of her car seat."

My heart began to ease a bit. Not having to actually go to the post office? Not actually having to load all these kids into the non-existent car? It was well worth the trade. Then she continued,

"Why don't you go ahead and mow. I'll watch the kids and make sure the baby doesn't get in the way or eat too much grass."

Hallelujah! So I got out the mower, primed the engine and began to try to start the beast. I began sweating bullets as I pulled and grumbled and pulled some more. I always struggle with the mower it's old and cranky and you have to hold down the handle while pulling, which means I can't use both hands and arms to get it started. Half the time I can't start it at all and the mowing has to wait for my husband to come home and use his manly arm muscles. My dear friend walked over her baby bump leading the way and held onto the handles while I pulled the pull string. It still took several minutes and a few tries but together we got it started, and together we got my lawn mowed, our children fed, errands ran and package mailed with out any one loosing their temper and with the children in relative safety.

This is what the body of Christ is about. Not some metaphysical ideal, but day to day living. And living it with a team that loves the same Lord you do makes it so much better, so much easier! My friends and I don't all agree on every detail of doctrine, politics, or child rearing. We are at different places in our walk with Jesus but we love each other and we love God. We're there in the good times and bad and in the stressful-to-much-to-do times. If it takes two of us just to start a mower then it's going to take all of us together to make an impact in this world. It's too big a job to by ourselves, thank God he gave us people to stand by our side.

This post is in participation with the Rally To Restore Unity.

My Big Big Loud American Family Part Two.

2011-05-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

The Cousins.

I have thirteen first cousins on my mom's side and almost that many on my dad's side. Today I will be discussing only the cousins that were at Stoney creek because that is who I have pics of and what I'm wanting. I mean I'm wanting you all to feel like you were in there in the midst of the crazy love that is the Kempton family (for the most part there were quite a lot of awesome Lawheads and some others mixed in too. If your there you get sucked in and become one of us, like a good not scary version of the Borg, or the Blob or a fruit salad of people... you get the picture.)

Ok now I want you to imagine some kind of Charlie's Angles/ The A-team music in your head and when you see a picture of one of my cousins imagine that voice that like tell's you who they are and why they're a valuable member of the spy team. I would even try to include music and fancy graphics but I have no idea how to do that and my husband is at work.

Casey: My youngest girl cousin who was so little at my wedding she pranced around in my veil. Her dad used to tell her stories about me entitled "Princess golden hair". She is brilliant and beautiful and as a Jr. in High school runs a bakery out of her house!!!! She makes me feel old and a little lazy.

Jennifer: Jen does not make me feel old because she is exactly four months older then me. She has three wonderful sweet children who are really nice to Super H. We grew up together, spent the night at each other's houses, and went swimming every day in the summer. We drifted apart after I moved to the U.P. but now her and her husband are super Christians devoted to their church and we have more in common then ever. Being with Jen made me feel like a young girl again and that is a great feeling.

Kendra and Spencer: Obviously brother and sister I mean look at that hair. I'm one of the older cousins and getting to know these two as adults was amazing. Spencer is so quiet that his sense of humor really sneaks up on you and Kendra is so sweet and her hair is so to-die-for that you feel like your experiencing disney royalty come to life when you hang out with them.

Josh: Oh man, this is Jen's younger brother and he used to be such a pain in our necks! Now look at him he like is wearing a uniform and is all tough... except when he requested a song so he could dance with his mom then he was all sweet and teary eyed. Who doesn't love the tough guy with a smooshy poet inside?

KatieBeth: I know Katie and her brother probably better then any of the other cousins because my mom watched them five days a week while we were little, so she's sort of like a sister. Plus when I was in high school I spent a summer as their nanny making them cinnamon toast and reading them stories. Now she's all grown up with her own house, and super amazing ministry to women coming out of prison and is such a talented photographer (she does my kids photos and they're amazing). Also KatieB. knows how to boogie.

Kenton: Oh my, where do I even begin? He is KatieB's brother and is Heather's age and went from being the tiniest little thing with a deep man voice to a super tall handsome thing with a deep man voice. He is loving, sensitive, intelligent and loves my kids. Well he loves all kids. Is there anything more wonderful then a full grown man who will wrestle with your four year old super hero for hours? If there is I don't know what it is. I now semi-intentionally dress Super H like Kenton use to dress because he was the cutest thing ever.

Robert and Jacob: Apparently the only photos they managed to not escape from was the family photo. Yes they are the most beautiful family ever but try to just focus on the boys for now. Robert aka Robby grew up so fast I almost had an stroke! Seriously he was always this cute blond kid who was such a good big brother you would think "If I have kids I hope they love their siblings this much". Now he's a grown up!! He is so kind and gentle and funny. On top of that he is about to leave on some kind of crazy missionary thing that involves countries I can't talk about and a new cutting edge type of ministry. How AMAZING!!!!

Jacob is still in high school but since I've seen him last he's grown three feet and his voice has dropped and in keeping with all younger brothers he is really funny, I mean mom-pees-her-pants-laughing-so-hard funny. I'm not sure what the future has in store for him but I'm guessing it's along the lines of being really successful.

So that's it, the cousins that I re-connected with at mom's vow thing. And let me just say it was wonderfully strange. Strange because I was in the older tier of cousins and now all these younger ones are grown. Strange because it makes me feel old, really old. But wonderful because they've turned into people I really enjoy being around. So unique and individual but all blindingly wonderful. They are part of my childhood in a way no one except my sisters are. We ran around got dirty stayed up late and tortured our parents together. I baby sat some of them and even snuggled some of them as babies. Now they're big, grown, have children of their own. It's so cool to see all these lives connected to mine. At one point the Big House was alive with so much noise and laughter I just stepped back and took it all in. I just want to remember what that warmth was like in that one moment. I also found that I was able to be really silly with them in a way that I can't with anybody else except Courtney, Heather and Megan. So maybe when you've known someone your entire life and they've known you it's just more natural; being who you are. That's why I love them and why I love that Grammy and Papa had six kids. Growing up with that many cousins really is the best way to grow up (which means my sisters better start pumping out lots more babies pronto.)

My Big Big Loud American Family Part One.

2011-05-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

We're not greek or italian but we are huge. I mean there's a lot of us not that we weigh a lot. Though, like the greek and italians we do love to eat and make huge inordinate amounts of food for all of our gatherings (I call it the "Alice Curse" a need to feed every one and make way more food then necessary). Let me start at the beginning. My Grandparents Alice and Vern Kempton got married and decided they wanted a big family so they had six kids, three girls and three boys and boy oh boy did they end up with a BIG family. They have sixteen grandkids and eight natural great grandkids plus a lot of cute married in great grandkids. We like to cut up, eat, laugh and generally be pretty loud.

My mom and dad work for my uncle on his pre-civil war horse farm/Bed and Breakfast in Maryland. My sister works there along with whatever cousin is going through a needs-a-job or finding-themselves type of phase. Mom and Dad have also been married for thirty years and decided to renew their vows out under the Maryland sun so every one in the family was invited to make the trek from Michigan to Maryland and celebrate their love. So it became a sort of weeks long family reunion.

I hadn't been involved in any of the larger-than-life family gatherings since the flue Christmas of 2006. I see them to be sure not just all at once and for days in a row, I mean it's pretty hard to coordinate 40 some schedules so you just see who you see when you see them... Did any of that make sense? I wasn't sure how it would go. The noise, the little children under foot. I'm in the older tier of cousins and wasn't sure what it would be like to interact with now grown younger cousins; who have they turned out to be? Face Book is great but it's not the same as actual face to face.

Turns out it was super fun and crazy and loud and full of food and silly and fun. Just like the old days when we were kids except I didn't end up as dirty and no one told me when to go do bed. I have so much to say and I want you all to know how cool my family is so it's going to have to be a series because well there's a lot of us plus my camera wasn't working so I got no photos I'm hoping to round some up.

This is the summer kitchen and that little creek runs right through the building.
It's spring fed so it's always the same cool temp and they would use
it like a refrigerator.

Let me finish this introduction with a description of the farm and how beautiful it is. There is an old awesome house that is the Bed and Breakfast (Stoney Creek Farm) and it was filled to the brim with relatives by the end of the week. My mom and dad live on the property in a smaller but very quant home (it was filled with me and my family and a few others) There is a ton of rolling hills and green lawns One of which had a Big tent filled with relatives, and a small free standing office which was also filled with relatives. My sister's home in West Virginia was filled by the end of the week as well. There are horses and barn cats and lots and lots of dogs. There is a spring fed creek that actually runs through an old summer kitchen and out the other side. There are ponds and the Antitem river right there. It's lovely and green and the best place in the world for a two year old and four year old to get dirty pet dirty animals see bunnies and turtles and get some well needed sun after our Michigan winter.

Vintage Finds.

2011-04-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Today was the second official day of me hunting for vintage patterns, notions, etc. Last week B and I went together to all the thrift shops in Battle Creek and came up relatively empty handed. Today I went to Marshall to try my luck in the antique shops there and I did indeed have some luck! I found some patterns and notions that were really cheap so I'm excited about that. Still haven't discovered that amazing fabric yet or the pattern I have in my mind for what I want my Easter dress to look like but at least today I had some luck and as one elderly shop owner said to me, "you may have to make due with what you've got." such wisdom if only it were that easy for me to let go of my "vision". What I'm looking for is a simple dress from the 40's but everything I find on line is for a much smaller bust then mine (apparently 32 is or was the average bust size which is, alas, a bit smaller then me.)

This is what I did find:

The bottom right corner cost me $2.50 and came in it's original mail order envelope.
It came from a pattern company in Grand Rapids.

This pattern is actually close to my bust size. I love the blue!!
$1.50

Oh my! So Wonderful Kind of looks like red dress is doing the "Call me" sign with her hands.
$2.50

Lace was $3 for 4 yards, the iron on farm animals (sorry didn't realize they weren't really in the pic) was $1

But this was the most wonderful find!!! $3 for this original pearl buckle!! Isn't the lady on the package so cute?
I am the most pleased with this find and while I'll be sad to take it away from it's packaging I can't wait
to have a genuine pearl buckle.

I Still Sleep With My Baby Blankie.

2011-03-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

Now you know something about me that people really shouldn't know but there's a reason I'm telling you this sensitive piece of information. My Grandpa's sister, my aunt Janey, made me my baby blankie. It's so soft and comforting and you can totally see through it if you hold it up to the light. Aunt Janey died this week. It was unexpected and quick. She's a Christian woman so we know that she's in heaven with her husband and her baby sister who died when she was only nineteen.

Viewings and funerals make me very uncomfortable. Not because of the body or because of death but because I have absolutely no idea how to act, or what to say in those situations. That's pretty unfortunate in Brian's line of work and I had a professor say one time that no one remembers what you say but that you were there. I hope that's true because I am a bumbling fool during these times of grief.

What I can do is make a casserole, bake a pie or toss a salad. So I contacted my Aunt Dawn to see if there was something I could bring since she was heading up the dinner. During the course of that correspondence she told me she was holding up o.k. but that Aunt Janey was her favorite aunt. And, that's when it hit me. Aunt Janey is my great aunt and my papa's sister but she's my aunt's aunt. I love my aunts desperately and thinking of loosing one of them really strikes me to the core. It brings Aunt Janey's death home a little bit more. I'm still more of an observer here because I really didn't know her well, but I do hurt for her children and for my mom and her siblings. To wonder how papa is holding up; there's only three of them left now; how strange that must be how sad.

My aunt's have been there for me and been part of my life all along. I've spent the night at their houses and played with their children. They can give me advice in a way that my mom can't. I know they root for me because they root for my mom they love me because they love my mom. The feelings I have for my sister's child are really sweet and complex they feel that for me and Aunt Janey felt that for them.

My family is HUGE papa had five brothers and sister's he then had six children of his own and I have no idea how many kids his siblings had. After seeing all of us (some I don't even know by name) it made me think of how we're each like a thread that gets woven into this big family blanket. And our threads are all integral to the integrity of the blanket and maybe some of the threads don't touch but we still influence and effect each other.

My Oldest, whose aunts adore him, with my blankie.

Thank you God for my aunts for their continued love and support and thank you God for Aunt Janey and the different threads that she wove in and out of the fabric of my "family blanket" even when I was unaware.

I Made a Quilt.

2011-03-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

It's true I made an itty bitty quilt for Conster. Today we took down the crib and put up the toddler bed complete with the new "Farm Quilt" and matching pillow. I cried a little because my baby is no longer going to sleep in a crib.

I used the pattern for the farm quilt from Alicia Paulson's book An Embroidery Companion I've mentioned many times how much I like her patterns and projects and the same is true for this little number. I did add two rows to the bottom because it didn't seem big enough and I'm glad I did it just barely covers the toddler bed.

Why I did it: I like sewing and always want to learn a new skill. I want my kids to have unique hand made things, and I find that finding cute things for boys is really difficult so I decided to make a cute quilt instead of buying a stupid monkey or truck blanket.

What I Learned:

Making an itty bitty quilt is very time consuming. There are lots of steps. Because this one has hand embroidered farm animals it takes a little longer (though I enjoyed that part a lot and think the animals just totally make the blanket). While it was time consuming it was super rewarding but because it was time consuming I'm not sure I would make one bigger then this it seems like it would take forever.

Picking out fabric for a boy quilt and using almost totally scraps from my stash is super fun and super exciting. I felt very very frugal when I was able to use up the last bits of some of my more charming fabric (mushrooms and three little pigs just to name a few.)

However, it's a good thing I used all those scraps because just the batting and backing was $30. I did splurge a little on the batting, I got 100% cotton because I'm hoping Conner uses it a lot, I want it to breath and it's going to get washed plenty. However, if your thinking of making a quilt because the only ones you can find that are cute for a boy are from Pottery Barn Kids and seem really pricey, you may want to price out making one first (especially if you don't have a stash to bust) It might not be that much more to purchase one from a higher end retailer (especially if you won't find the project enjoyable and need a bigger size then toddler). I used the word "especially" a lot there, I've also used the word "rewarding" a lot sorry about that.

The actual quilting part (that's when you make the little stitches in each square to hold all the layers together, it's also decorative) is the worst part. It's very tedious and hurt my fingers (doing it in front of the television helped).

Which leads me to the fact that I learned using a thimble type thing to quilt would probably have saved my finger tips some bruising. I also bought a walking foot for sewing the "sandwich" together and that was awesome, best $20 sewing money I've purchased (plus it looks cool).

To sum up, I'm glad I did this it was very rewarding, and while it's far from perfect I think it's really really cute. However, I don't know that I would do it for some one I loved even a scosh less then my sons. I mean part of what made it great was knowing they would have something hand made from me that was really unique and all those little stitches are filled with love. I liked the different steps and found that seeing it come together was a neat feeling but I like sewing and I'm not sure I would have been able to stick with getting it done if it had been bigger (unless I wasn't doing all the embroidery before hand) and would have taken longer. So if your wondering if you want to try something like this the answer is... I don't know either you'll love it or hate it but I hope my experience helps you make the decision.

I've Been Dreaming About It Again...

2011-03-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

No not those kinds of dreams silly. I've been dreaming about dress patterns and fabric again and hair styles. How weird am I? Wait, you don't have to answer that I'm simply quirky and charming. Ok, the problem is, Hunter has been watching old Super Man cartoons from the 1940's pretty much non-stop, at the same time I have been discovering some amazing sewing and sewing vintage websites and blogs (I did not even know these kinds of things existed! The World Wide Web can be so amazing!) and Brian, knowing how much I love cheesy comic book movies (it's so true), keeps showing me Captain America Trailers, all this adds up to me being obsessed with the clothing and look of the 1940's (Lois Lane is a really snappy dresser) and with me wanting to sew them my self (well I mean how else do you get garments with these specifications unless your going to pay $$$$).

This is my favorite so far I love the green and the two tone shoes!!!

Why oh why do these things happen to me? Remember my last attempt to sew myself a dress it did not end well... But I also remember a time when I wanted to learn to french braid my own hair and I spent hours in front of my mirror screaming at myself (I was in Jr. High) however, I can now french braid my hair... So the question is; is it worth trying and trying and trying until I can make my own clothes (from old patterns and using vintage and reclaimed fabrics)? Remember I have to set every thing up on my table and it's always in the way and a pain and I'm a little on the chubby side and my poor poor husband must get so sick of this weird hobby of mine and having to see my sewing machine balanced on the back of the couch while we eat dinner. On the other hand it would be good for the environment and could cost less if I find those elusive places where you buy old fabric and notions (like I keep reading about on line). Brian has strange hobbies that include video games and he's never once complained about the sewing. I wouldn't have to worry about slave labor involved in the things I make. I love a more vintage look... And the biggest bonus? I will have to go junking junking junking to find patterns (which I will now have to collect) and fabric and notions etc. YEA SHOPPING!

This is actually from the 1930's but I'm LOVING it!

I will have to junking eh? (In case your wondering junking is our term for antiquing b/c we like to go to junky antique shops and look for treasures). I think it may be worth it! Who wants to go junking with me, and soon, I have an itch that must be scratched?!

The Sister's Three.

2011-03-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Sister's Three is my imaginary coffee shop. I own and run it with my two sisters Courtney and Heather. In a word it is Magnificent. You see, this coffee shop is the perfect place to sit, chat, and relax with girlfriends over a nice hot cup of coffee.

We are located in a super cute down town and our shop has wide planked wooden floors and a tin ceiling with lots of natural lighting. There are live red geraniums all over the place along with other plants that are for sale and are grown in vintage coffee and baking tins. There are also a few other things for sale along the lines of antiques from the forties and fifties, vintage books, original art work by local artists and super unique hand made items and vintage fabrics.

On the menu is all manner of wonderful coffee drinks and lattes. All of our coffee, chocolate, coco and tea is sourced from responsible companies who pay their farmers fair wages etc. (this may make things a tad bit more expensive but once people find out why, I think, they'll be willing to pay an extra fifty cents for a latte. Plus our place will be so cute they'll come any way.) We'll also serve a different soup every day made in store and thickened with out flour so people with wheat allergies will have a cute place to eat lunch. We'll also serve different scones and muffins and cookies made in house as well. I would like to have one sweet thing also made with out flour (this is a big market people aren't really tapping into, at least not around here, and I want Megan to have something to eat when she stops by for some Java).

We have groups that meet here through out the week that include writing groups, book clubs and youth groups. We have regulars and people who stop in once a week with their mom and sisters to catch up. It's a really great place to be.

Courtney informs me that she has already worked in a coffee shop and did not like it but her boss was super crazy (think Martha Stewart is your coffee store boss). And she will be a part owner in this venture plus I have already decided I will take the early morning shift and open the store so she can sleep in. We will be closed Sundays and Mondays so that should help us recharge our batteries.

I totally get that in real life owning and running your own business is not nearly as romantic as it seems in my imagination, but hey dreams are fun aren't they? Plus wouldn't you all like a place like this to come and get a great cup of coffee?

My Baby is Two Years Old Today.

2011-03-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

Sigh, two years old. How is that even possible where did all that time go? When did you look like an old man alien?

This is Conner at his first birthday (like, yesterday right?)

Before we lost his curls.

No, it isn't possible that he's two.

Ode To Conner

My Youngest child

I do love you.

When You came into this world

No epidural It's true!

I would not do that again, for sure

But, it was worth it to get to you.

You are so funny my grumps you cure.

Every day more and more I love you.

This isn't a post about Glee or Yoga...

2011-03-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

Like it was suppose to be. I just don't have it in me to organize my thoughts about last weeks episode or download photos Brian took while I was in downward facing dog. I am up to my eyeballs in laundry and up to my elbows in fecal matter and vomit. I'm sorry but it's true.

Brian left this weekend for a youth conference. I stayed home with the children because that is what mothers are suppose to do. Last year when Brian was at this conference Hunter got sick in the night and I had to deal with it all by myself. This year Conner got sick in the night and the only help I got was a dog trotting along beside me to keep me company (thanks Ranger). The second night when Conner threw up again Ranger just lay on the couch and watched me walk by a million times. Conner is teething really bad so I figured since he was only sick at night it was too much mucus and I could deal with two nights of little sleep.

Then today Hunter got it, or something, and while failing to get his pants totally down in time (thanks Brian for putting the kid in blue jeans could you not see enough into the future to let him go pantless?) pooed all over the bathroom and I mean all over. Try not to imagine it and sorry. Then after lunch he unsuccessfully tried to vomit in the toilet but didn't really make it...

Did I mention I had just mopped and cleaned every thing including the bathroom rug? By this time my emotions are a bit on the frayed side. So Brian brings me some pull-ups on his lunch break which was really nice of him except it just made me mad. Seriously, I haven't left the house since Friday and he just breezes in with pull-ups and no lunch (again, hello how are you not reading my mind husband?) and leaves again. Which isn't exactly true, he kept asking how he could help but that just wasn't helping (I know, I feel bad). I usually don't torture my husband with things like that (I give him a count down to our anniversary and my birthday so he won't forget). But, today I just wanted him to think to switch the laundry and take the afternoon off and magically make the children well and tell me what to eat... That's when I thought "Oh I haven't eaten yet today at all and it's one o'clock."

You should know I'm pretty nice unless I get really hungry then I stop functioning. My body prevents this from happening by pretty much telling me that I'm hungry every few hours. Except today it didn't (maybe the lovely smells in the bathroom and the piles of laundry had something to do with it) so I tortured my husband and felt bad for myself and cried. Then I ate a bagel and felt a little better. Then I dipped peanut butter cookies in tea (because I love dipping cookies in milk, it's almost my favorite thing, but I can't drink milk) which tastes a little weird then I sent my husband a message saying that I love him and ate a bagel and felt better, just so he would know it's safe to come home... I think.

Went to Mom's Dairy Free.

2011-03-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

That sounds weird doesn't it?

I'll explain.

I went to my mom and dad's this weekend by myself. Which meant that I got to eat all meals uninterrupted, sleep uninterrupted and pee uninterrupted. It was really nice, I feel very refreshed. I went out there to go bride's matron dress shopping (as all three of us are married now) for my mom and dad's vow renewal ceremony coming up at the end of April. It was also mom, dad, and Grammy's birthdays and my mom turned 50 (well technically I think she turns 50 some time this week. What is the date today any way?) so we had a nice dinner and dessert party (yes, I said dessert party they were the main attraction, why do you ask?) Since mom is turning 50 I made her a purse using a pattern from Alicia Paulson that I tweaked quite a bit and then we filled it with 50 things. Nice things, funny your-old type of things, and cards from her siblings and nieces and nephews. I think it went well and the purse turned out really cute I am VERY happy with it. The pictures aren't great because I took them at night and that is not the best time for pics.

Happy Bday mom! Your still younger then all of my friends parents!

So the dairy free part is that I've been having all these tests and problems and the day before I left for moms, the specialist called me to tell me to stop eating dairy and high-fructose corn syrup immediately. I was seriously licking vanilla cream pudding off a spatula when they called. This is exciting and depressing all at the same time.

It's depressing because I have to change so much. I got groceries yesterday and it took me forever because I had to read the labels on every thing. It's very limiting one of those two things seems to be in every packaged food and loaf of bread and box of cereal and package of oreos... It's hard to travel and eat out because I don't know what's in any thing so basically it's going to be a lot of research and take some time to get used to it.

It's exciting because it is a huge relief to know what's going on in my body and not have it be super serious (I could have had a gluten intolerance, that would have been so much worse). It's a huge relief to be able to do something to make it better. But it's also exciting because I've been wanting to make some changes in my diet but have not had the will power to do so, now I don't really have a choice. Mom's renewal thing is in two months and I know cutting all that food out (even just packaged stuff) will help me loose at least a little weight and I'm sure I'll just feel so much better before then. It feels good to think I may have a pre-baby body some day (or a lot better then now any way) and this is the kind of no-choice-motivation I needed.

So we'll see. I have to be super strict for four weeks (even avoiding butter in baked goods etc.) and then slowly add dairy back in to see what I can tolerate. This is week one of being really strict (I was good out east but not perfect we did have all those deserts to eat after all) I'll keep you all updated on how it goes and how I feel; so far I've been eating a lot of Nature Valley granola bars and oatmeal until I can figure out what exactly I can eat.

Here are some pics of the family.

This is my dad's dog Rolly.
She has the worst breath of any other
living creature.

This is my brother-in-law Patrick and my nephew Eli.
Eli is sooooo cute. Being an aunt is really amazing
isn't it?

This is Heather and Eli. Her and Patrick don't think
they'll have kids of their own but we all know how that goes....

This is Athena, my niece, and her step-dad Patrick. She thinks she is their kid.

The Problem With Oreos Is...

2011-02-26T05:01:00.000-08:00

That they are so very good. Oreos may be better then any thing else in the world... Or at least a close second.

You can't just eat one, or two, or three... I can usually stop after ten because by that time my stomach really hurts.

You can dip them in milk and they're a little salty and sweet which is just the most wonderfully awful addictive combination.

I am not sure where their coco comes from even though I have done a lot of research on it.

I feel I understand what drug addicts go through. I haven't bought oreos in months possibly longer and they were on sale this week and I was weak and I bought a package. I have now bought three packages! That sounds worse then it is, but only a little.

I think this pic perfectly depicts how I feel about these delicious glorious cookies.

Every Fine Lady Needs A Change Purse.

2011-02-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

It's true, it's one of the hundreds of things I learned from Nancy Drew. Nancy also taught me to call a regular purse a "hand bag" which, I think, sounds way fancier and a purse with no straps a "clutch". I also learned how to signal SOS with a flash light and the importance of hair pins in picking locks. So you can see she was vital to my up bringing.

Any way I have had the same change purse for ten years. I like it so well that I have forgone buying certain wallets because they had built in change purses and I liked mine so much better. It is so fancy and every time I use it I feel like I stepped out of the pages of a Charlotte Bronte novel and should be wearing gloves.

See isn't it pretty? I love the clasp. It's one of those things that just makes me happy. Yes, I know it's strange that these little things make me happy. I know it's weird that I think pulling dimes and pennies out of a change purse is way more exciting then a plane old wallet pocket. But this one is covered in needle point!

Ok, so how did I get this change purse? Was it given to me by a secret admirer? Nope, I stole it from my sister ten years ago. Well sort of. My sister Courtney was in China teaching and preaching (did you know I had a sister that used to live in China? Isn't that just so cool? I've made it all the way to exotic Maine...) Where was I again? Oh yea, so my mom was cleaning or doing laundry or something and found it laying around and thought it was mine so when I got home from college one weekend I found it on a pile of clean clothes (thanks for doing my laundry mom). Now don't go thinking I was all innocent I totally knew it was Courtney's but she was in China, I was pretty sure she never used it and I really liked it, had a few pennies that could go in it and, finally, I was pretty sure she wouldn't mind me "borrowing" it.

And, I've used it faithfully ever since until a few months ago while in the midst of grocery shopping the clasp broke off! I actually cried out (which totally freaked out a couple of our high school girls who were with me). I continued to use it but every time I opened my purse (I mean hand bag) all my change was rolling around the bottom. Finally, I had to admit it was no longer doing it's job so I began a search for a new change purse. A normal person wouldn't have to look that hard but before I could relegate my old faithful stolen friend to the toy box I had to find a suitable replacement. I found this one at Your Local Yarn Shop here in town. It's cute unique and very useful but it's doesn't have those cool little clasps just a zipper.

Farewell vintage change purse I will miss you...

I like To Torture Myself.

2011-02-20T11:10:00.000-08:00

It may be an oldest child thing but when I decide that I am going to do something I will do it and do it and do it no matter how hard, stupid and frustrating it is. If I get an idea in my mind then I will continue to bash my head against the wall until that thing is done. This is both good and bad. It's the reason I can make really good yeast bread including cinnamon and pie crusts, it's the reason I can crochet, and it's the reason my oldest son is potty trained. However, it's also the reason I have tons and tons of jewelry making supplies that I no longer use, the reason my relationships in college suffered because school work consumed me, and the reason that I am 30 pounds over weight (see yeast breads and pie crusts).

I love Alicia Paulson. She is so talented owns a corgi dog and creates patterns and kits that make me drool. I own both her books. Her latest book Embroidery Companion Classic Designs For Modern Living, has a skirt on the cover that I fell in love with. I have had semi-good luck with sewing skirts for myself (zero luck with tops, and dresses) so I got it into my head that I must make myself this skirt...

Well First you have to create the pattern sew the skirt and then embroider the design on it. My first attempt was such a horrible miserable failure and waist of fabric that I should have stopped there, given up and gone about my life recovering the hours I had already put in. But no, that would go against every fiber in my crazy body. So I found some better fabric started again and put in a lot more time. This skirt turned out relatively well, after several bumps in the road (it was way to big and I had to, gradually and carefully so as not to ruin it, take it in). I am pleased with it. It's far from perfect and not as flattering as I would like but it's pretty, warm and soft and after finding and purchasing a suitable top I think it was worth it (as I learned new skills) and definitely worth wearing. What do you think continue learning to sew my own clothes or just stick with turtles?

A Couple of things.

2011-02-18T11:14:00.000-08:00

This was totally an accident. Jack showed up at my house like this and I had been too lazy to get Conner dressed. How cute is that?!

This is what happens when you have an older sister and your baby sitter has no daughters.

And this is what happens when you have an amazing local sewing shop in your town. I got the pattern at Sew Unique and am excited to make all sorts of little turtles. This one turned out well for my first go at it and will be given to a High School friend of mine's baby. It's name is Mushy and He's a "Fun-guy". Get it? Fungi because of the mushrooms... Hello, any one out there?

I bought the mushroom fabric from Super Buzzy Bee a year ago and am so happy to finally have a reason to use some of it.

What do you think of the little turtle? Does it actually look like a turtle because that's always my concern with hand-made things. You can be honest or you can just give me lots of compliments I'll take those too. Have a great sunny day!!

Better Homes and Garden's Special Valentine's Edition.

2011-02-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

Are they High on love or fumes from staining the entire house; walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture one color in a poorly ventilated space? I tend to think they were already high on love because the color begs the question why. Perhaps we'll never know...

Gifts and Interests

2011-02-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

As a mother we have to encourage our children's individual gifts and interests to flourish. This is what I found Conner doing this morning.

It's a bit blurry, he was moving a lot.

So I turned it on for him and shortened the wand to make it easier.

The he disappeared for a minute and I thought, "oh well, that was nice while it lasted." But, then he reemerged wearing this construction hat. Why the hat? I'm not sure, but I can just see him mid dust bunny thinking; "Wait a minute I know what will totally make this awesome. This is going to take vacuuming to an entirely new level!" and running to rummage around in his brother's room for the perfect vacuuming accessory.

All I know is, this makes me happy. Oh. So. Very Very Happy.

National Make Something For Yourself Month.

2011-02-02T06:05:00.000-08:00

I am declaring the next thirty days, make something for yourself month. I meant for make something for you self month to be in January but I got busy so now it's February; show yourself some love this month.

The thought behind it is as a crafter, baker, whatever-er is you spend almost all of the fall and Christmas time making gifts for other people. That is great and so very special, as I've pointed out numerous times in the past, but I find that if I go too long with out making something for myself to enjoy I stop enjoying the craft altogether. Maybe that sounds selfish, but sometimes you need something physical to remind you what you can do, how much you've improved and how nice handmade things can be. If you give away every single thing you make then you don't have those physical reminders and if your the type of person that likes home made items then it will make you a happier person to have handmade items in your house and on your person.

With that in mind pick up those needles, go to the fabric store and look through books for inspiration. Sweet talk your husband into watching the kids for a saturday so you can finally finish that project you've been dreaming about for yourself. Your not allowed to feel guilty about spending time for yourself making something for yourself because I have made it a national half a month thing. I am requiring that you do this for yourself. What better way to spend a dull winter's day then with cheerful yarns and fabrics?

Sorry about my face getting in the way of this picture!
Any way the head band and flower are both crocheted and then
I hot glued a button on to the middle of the flower.

I made this headband, and am working on a skirt (the skirt has become a crazy thing I'll tell you about it when I'm done). I suggest you do something equally as fun. And if you are not a crafter, bake your favorite thing for you and if you are not a crafter or baker then I suggest you take yourself out to your favorite restaurant or buy yourself something pretty.

Have Fun!

The Mall

2011-01-29T05:43:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid my parents would take my sister's and I to the mall, dinner and a movie about twice a year. It was a big deal and we each had five dollars we could spend, but the toy store was the last place we would stop otherwise we would want to go straight home and play with our toys (best thing I ever bought was a plastic green house that came with a gardening book). I guess this is the type of special outing you do when you have three daughters and a limited budget; it's like training or something.

Any way it was really fun and special except that we were always there when the mall started to close. I can still here that female voice "Attention Customers The Mall Will Be Closing in Fifteen Minutes." when I heard that I freaked. I wanted us to drop what ever it was we were eating, browsing, buying and run (not walk) out of the mall. My stomach would be in knots until we were safe in our car. My mom always looked amused and I still remember her saying "they are not going to lock us in here, and if they did wouldn't that be fun?" No. That would not be fun.

All this back story just so you can understand this dream I had last night. I was running through this very huge fancy Sears being chased by Tracy Morgan (why couldn't it have been Jason Stathum?) trying to get out of the store before it closed for the night. My Grandma once told me that in her dreams she can run so fast and never get tired; that is so cool, in my dreams I always feel like I'm running through jell-o it's awful. I did notice, as I was racing through kitchen-wares, that they had the most beautifully green-blue and melon colored shake makers I'd ever seen. I woke up as I was sticking my leg through the first set of outside doors and could see the lady (smiling, I might add) locking the second set.

The End.

for those of you who don't know
this is Tracy Morgan from SNL.

This is Jason Stathum.
He has really nice muscles.

What a Souper Day!

2011-01-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those wonderful rare days where you feel warm and cozy and you don't have to go anywhere. Thursday is my favorite day of the week because that is Brian's day off and I love having him at home with me. It's not like we spend every waking minute together it's just that I love knowing that he's here, like his presence somehow makes me feel happy, calm and peaceful. Couple that with the huge quiet snowflakes tumbling past my window and my very wise decision to stay in my pajamas/work out clothes and you have a recipe for the perfect kind of cozy day. I made soup, home made bread pudding talked to my baby sister on the phone and sewed. The only thing that could have made the day better would be a fire place in my living room but we have to have some goals for our futures.

Speaking of recipes I made bean soup today. Soup is one of my favorite things to make because there's about a million variations, you get to chop stuff and drop it in the dutch oven (mine is red and pretty) and leave it on the stove all day until your ready to eat. A tiny bit of work yields a huge amount of food that's ready whenever you are. I have blogged about my bean soup recipe before but today I thought I'd give some extra step by step pictures.

First heat a little oil in your pot and chop an onion (drop it in) then chop a bunch of celery (include the leaves they add a crazy amount of good flavor) and then any other veggies you have laying around. I happened to have carrots today, but you could also add peas or beans (see, that's why soup is so amazing I would not be surprised to find out that soup comes from the latin word for "clean out your fridge"). Stir them around add some salt and pepper and let them sweat a bit. At this point you want to add your ham I just buy the diced packages you can find by the pre-packaged lunch meets; it's very economical.

Next add the beans. I insist for good bean soup that you have to use Randall Beans The Northern Bean Variety. If you don't use Randall beans the Soup Police will come and arrest you! (Sorry, I'm in a mood today). Randall Beans are already seasoned or something and you add the juice and every thing just dump it in. I may or may not have lots of relatives that work for Randall Beans in Tekonsha Michigan "the small Town with the big Fart." Oops, there I go again, geesh! They are the best for bean soup, though, even if I am biased you'll just have to trust me.

Next add chicken stock (stock is better then broth, it's richer and has more flavor) until every thing is just covered add a little more pepper put a lid on it and let it simmer on low all day until your ready to eat. Enjoy the wonderful aromas and feel a sense of pride that dinner is done. Now, go read a book or take a bath but do NOT do the laundry your husband told me that he wanted to do it.

It's not the prettiest most glamorous soup
but it is GOOD and hearty.The perfect thing for a snowy day.

I Have A Secret.

2011-01-24T10:59:00.000-08:00

I do indeed. You see I am a HUGE dork. Most of you know this but some are happily unaware that there neighbor/friend/relative/co-server is a huge giant uncoordinated nerd. You see I am good at hiding it... sort of. I wear semi-normal clothes, I have great wonderful normal friends, I leave my house, I bathe regularly, I can carry on pretty decent conversations and I do not know how to program any thing with buttons. Because of those things I am able to hide behind a seemingly normal facade and go about my business interacting with people in a pretty normal way.

But here's the problem. When you are a dork eventually it will begin to ooze out of you. It's not even that your trying to hide it; it's more like you forgot that you were a nerd because those around you are normal, ergo, you began to think of yourself as normal. However, eventually something will happen and it will begin to creep out of you wounding innocent bystanders.

No really people around me can get hurt. You see Brian and I have become quite close to our neighbors. They're super fun and nice and have a little girl Conner's age. Plus she's a stay-at-home mom which means we can visit during the day and partake of adult conversation while the chaos rages around us. Last week her and I were carpooling to a crocheting event (o.k., I know that sounds a little dorky any way) I stepped into her entry way with my new Converses which have no traction took a step toward there daughter slipped slid across the floor landed on my butt with a very heavy very un-lady like thump in front of them both and knocked the 18 month old down in the process. "Sigh" they now know what I truly am.

I one time caught myself singing through a menu in front of a church friend (you know something like "eggs and toast or do I want an pancakes?" to the tune of some random nineties ballad). That's when she found out. Sometimes I forget to hide my fantasy novels or turn off my Greatest Disney Hits CD when I stop to pick some one up in my van. It can happen in so many different ways.

You know? The most amazing thing about the leaking of nerdiness is, despite people eventually finding out my true nature, they usually still hang out with me, love me, marry me (well just one time did the marrying thing happen), and befriend me. I guess we should just accept that God made us individual and unique and while I won't ever figure out how to properly apply makeup I am really good at making four year olds laugh so I guess it's all good.

Memories From Childhood.

2011-01-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

Isn't this cool?

My uncle Carl made this for me for my ninth or tenth birthday. It was commissioned paid for by my Grammy. Think back to when you were nine or ten, what little girl isn't obsessed with horses at this age? All I could think about were horses and riding lessons (which I never took). I had been collecting horses for a while and I guess my Grammy thought they needed a home. Did you notice all the tiny individual floor boards? The roof has shingles, each stall has a window and a door that opens and closes! You could not ever find something this cool at a toy store.

Most of the horses are from when I was a girl, one was added by my sister Heather when she was nine, one has lost it's saddle and this one here in the front "Santa" gave Hunter in his stocking, it's old from an antique shop in Marshall.

While I have countless memories of these super cool toys I have one in particular that I keep thinking about. We lived in the Upper Peninsula and I took them outside in the winter and made this huge elaborate tunnel and bridge system for them to travel in. It was so cool and complex I didn't come inside until my legs were completely numb.

They live on top of Hunter's book shelf now. He and Maddie had to wait until he turned four to play with them so you can imagine the excitement that surrounds them. They only play with them at the table under supervision because I know, from experience, how easily these horses lose legs and hoofs. But some day it will be completely he and Conner's and it makes me so grateful that I have something like this I can pass down because they are less then enthused about my one-of-a-kind doll house, and I already sold my American Girl collection; but horses, they'll play with. Thank you Grammy thank you uncle Carl for loving me so much that you would make me something this unique this awesome.