Gettin' Busy @ 30

Just some pictures of Betsy. She is smiling at this point, I just haven't caught a good one with the camera.


This was Betsy last night. It was one of those moments where you keep telling yourself not to forget, to remember this moment and how they looked - forever. I didn't leave it to chance, I went and snatched the camera. Obviously, I didn't use the flash.


Now, I want to babble about myself. That's always fun, right?
Something I touched on in the last post, I have always wanted to be artistic and make beautiful things with my hands. But whenever I tried to create something beautiful, the "project" never turned out how I wanted. In fact, I rarely would finish anything, because I would be so disappointed in how things were turning out. Then I would assume I wasn't creative and give up. Usually, after Christmas, with all of the cleaning and reorganizing, I tend to obsess about my house and how I can make it more beautiful, comforting, or unique. Frankly, I am on a constant quest to make our house a HOME. For me, it seems to be a never ending evolving process. I found myself constantly perusing the internet for ideas and inspiration, which often turned into discontentment. Oooh, I want this, or I want my room to look this way, so I need to buy this.... I began creating a huge long list of "I WANTS". This is never, never a good thing. I knew this, and I know it is one of the most unhealthy states of mind. One day I stumbled upon this blog, and found many ah DIY projects, that really, really tickled my fancy. Ding, the light bulb turned on. If you want something, figure out how to make it yourself. Because even thought I had the "I WANTs" I also knew that the most beautiful and treasured things are not the ones purchased at Pottery Barn, but the ones with a story and/or sentimental value. Which leads me to my goal of learning to sew (and a few other hobbies) and creating 30 handmade items this year. Using inspiration and guidance from others who have traveled before me (via the internet), I know I can be artistic and create gifts, items, things, that I love and cherish and can give to others.



While I figure out how I am going to come about a sewing machine, I decided to learn how to crochet. Using You tube videos, I learned to crochet three basic stitches and crocheted a scarf. It turned out well, it is a coral pink color, I will picture it sometime, and I think I am going to give it to my little sister. It may be a little too pink for me. Now, I am working on crocheting a blanket for our bed. Using inspiration from this blanket, and trial and error of pairing colors that I gravitate towards (lately I am loving orange and I always love a pretty blue), this is my plan. To crochet a patchwork blanket using these colors, and using the above vintage fabric to accent the white crocheted patches and bring the colors together. I know, the fabric is very, well individual, but I am on a bit of a vintage, thrifty "kick" right now.
The trick is, I need to finish this project, even if I am half way through and not quite sure about the colors or the texture of the yarn, I need to see this one through. If I finish and don't like it then I can give it to the cat. She'll love it.

Help A Sister Out

I wasn't sure what to title this. I have been busy with the kids and browsing the internet for projects. I am ripening to age thirty soon, and have set a goal for myself. Do you remember a comment I made? A comment along the lines of wishing I was artistic or creative. Well, for my thirtieth year, I have decided to make thirty handmade things, particularly in the area of sewing.


So for all my peeps who like to sew click on the pic above and go check it out. And if you are my Aunt Sherri, and a good luck charm, maybe you could enter a comment and give the course to me if you win. Just a thought!?!

Also, as usual I am late to the party, and this giveaway ends on Tuesday, so don't wait.

Random

A Valentine's craft I, I mean, the kids and I did together.


These were taken a week and a half ago. She has grown so much since then. Betsy you are the sweetest baby. Your smile is huge and bright. You love to cuddle and hang over your Mom's shoulder and walk about the house. One of the best things, some times when you are fussy, your brother and/or your sister calm you down just by sitting and talking with you. They both love you so much. Hopefully I don't jinx myself, but you are a mighty fine sleeper. 95% of the nights you are sleeping five to eight hours. We love you so much.

Look at what my boyfriend sent me

I showed Joseph the flowers that arrived at the front door, and he said, "where did you get those?" I replied, "I guess Daddy sent them", to which he asks, "which Dad?". Too funny. Totally unexpected, and just what a non-showered mommy needs on this dreary January afternoon.

One More Thing

Go here, to this place. SMALL NOTEBOOK.

A Whole Lot of Nuthin'

Right now I am lounging on the couch with Baby Betsy, while Charlotte naps and Joseph plays quietly in his room. Betsy is so pretty. I love the newborn stage. But she is six weeks old now, it can't be so.

But don't think I am spoiled. David left on Sunday and won't be back until the following Sunday, and the kids and I have been essentially snowed in for the week.

Joe's preschool has been canceled and it's just too cold to drag out a one month old if unnecessary.

For the past few days, I have been conjuring blog posts and titles in my head, but when the time comes to sit down, I don't feel like loading pics or typing. I just mindlessly shop on the Internet. A major time suck.

I did take some pics of the kids playing in the snow on Sunday and Monday, but after that I cut them off, b/c I thought it was too cold. Probably, just too cold for me, not them. Pics in the snow are the best, b/c of the white light. Colors just saturate. It makes me feel like an artistic photographer which I desperately want to be. I have always wanted to be an artist.

I have been enjoying my new panini maker. You can make a panini for every meal of the day. Even desserts!


Do you need a little motivation for new years cleaning and re-organizing? There is a push almost every where you look, but I love going to Apartment Therapy. The inspiration is endless.


Alright, enough ranting. Stay warm.

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire

(photo: J. Marie photography)

Boy, whoever told me that going from two kids to three is no big deal, well, I think they were lying.

Today has been trying, and I am not feeling the love. Thank goodness, tomorrow is another day.

On one positive note, I did try out my new panini maker, and I LOVE it. Both Joseph and Charlotte ate their turkey and cheese sandwiches. Panini makers take lunch meat to a whole new level!