Bits of Life

So I'm a Slacker

2010-10-20T15:04:00.003-05:00

Seriously. I know. Bad blogger. Wait, can I be called a blogger if I haven't blogged in months? hm.

I'd like to say its because of the baby (partially) but it's mostly intimidation. See, it kept coming out that more and more people I know in real life were reading my blog. (and for unknown reasons seemed to actually enjoy it, go figure) but then I got all overly self-conscious, as I'm prone. And then every time I sat down I felt like 100 eyes were on me. And then I walked away. And then my cousin would "gently" reminded me I hadn't blogged in months. Vicious circle.

So here I am. I'm way behind, and instead of making myself crazy trying to compose a post catching you up on the last 7months (which would be info overload, and would lead to me getting overwhelmed and deleting the whole thing...not that I've done that before) Let's just say: you missed out. It's been pretty awesome, my kids are pretty awesome, I made some awesome stuff, I found some awesome yard sale/thrift finds, and maybe a few of the really good ones will end up mentioned eventually.

I really do miss my blog. But I'm tired of being scared of it, so here I am again. Just like I'm hoping to do a craft show this fall, because I'm tired of being scared of that too. Now if I could just be comfortable in public, I'd be awesome. But let's start with blogging again and see where that gets us.

Oh, and just because every post needs a picture of something pretty cool:

a nintendo DS case that looks like an old school nintendo controller? awesome. a friend made it, and it almost makes me want to buy a DS just to have it. it's here

Mother's Day Gift Guide

2010-05-04T19:46:00.005-05:00

these are actual links that popped up when I googled "mother's day gift" let's file these under "don't...oh please, please DONNNNN'T"

mom's own slot machine! WITH 500 free tokens! show mom you love her with free tokens!
$25 best buy gift card here mom, get yourself a CD, and maybe a 20oz pepsi, since $25 won't get you much else at best buy.
a poem on a plate this is the cheap plastic plate that she'll hang proudly while the kids are looking. then slowly -over a span of months- move it from the living room, to the spare room, to the basement.
"mom" jewelry the ring isn't hideous. I just...I can't....I can't get with "mom" anything. We know she's a mom, those kids that follow her around at the grocery store confirm our suspicions. plus, the whole mass-produced-jewelry-that-every-other-mom-is-wearing thing.
its a ...cartoon I don't understand.
a lollipop bouquet ok, its candy, I'll give you that. But its crazy pastel lollipops. This is really a gift for your kids, since they'll raid it and she'll let them.

So what DO I get, you ask? allow me...

custom silhouettes of the kids traditional and contemporary. and less work than getting them dressed, out the door, and sitting still for a formal photo without one of them hitting each other.
hairpins they're cute, the kids can each pick out a pair.
a purse or a cute clutch or wallet
some nice soap put together a nice soap/lotion/girly skin stuff basket for bonus points.
tea and cookies yup, cookies. its the internet man, you can get anything. cookies come to your door, and someone else is cleaning flour off their counters. awesome.
if you're going to go for candy get her something she doesn't have to share.
kindle I really tried not to like this thing. I like BOOKS, real paper, real ink, BOOKS. Not these dad-gum gizmos. Too many gizmos these days. BUT...then I fiddled with a friends' ...and I do like it (hate when that happens, now I want one) Plus, its nice when she's reading and sets the book down, and a certain 5 year old comes along and closes the book for her. Re-reading 10 pages while you find the place you left off is always fun. Doesn't happen with a kindle.

If you're still going to go for the gift card, at LEAST make sure its to her FAVORITE store. Ya know the one, the store she goes into often, but rarely buys anything. The "I don't understand how anyone could spend that much money on ____" store. Whether its clothes, yarn, hunting gear, a gallery, or the tattoo shop. That's the one.

Just NOT the sweatshirt with "mommy of ___ angels" with each of the kids as a cartoon stick figure with spiky hair. Please no. thankyou.

Blog, Meet Lilly...

2010-04-30T13:02:00.002-05:00

Lilly, meet the blog. After all, she is almost 9 weeks old. It's time you got acquainted.

Eliana Sophia (we're calling her Lilly)

9lbs 5oz (yes, I have those numbers in the right order..see below)

4:05am March 1st, 2010

The funny thing is, aside from at birth, she doesn't LOOK as big as she is. Everyone is shocked when they hear how much she weighed. (*I* was shocked when we found out how much she weighed!!)

Just a quick post for now, she's upstairs doing this:

right now. And I'm not sure for how long.

I'll post more pictures and some version of her birth story in the next few days. I want to get it down before I start forgetting.

She's a very good baby, she's absolutely amazing, and we love her to bits. Zach's been a fantastic big brother, and taken the whole transition rather well. :)

Treasury Love

2009-12-04T15:39:00.003-06:00

Treasury!

And in case you miss it (and quite honestly, so I can come back and dork-out anytime I want)

The Christmas letters in the upper left, those would be mine! Its sickening how much this excites me...really.

As an aside, I totally love this treasury, even if I wasn't in it. I'm kind of in love with that yellow lately.

I lost November

2009-11-29T19:14:00.006-06:00

I swear it was just November 1st. Right? Am I crazy? And now its the end of November. Tomorrow I'll be 28 weeks pregnant (for those not fresh on their pregnancy info, its 40 weeks total - give or take - which leaves me with 12 weeks left) And as much as I was hoping November and December would go quickly, this is a bit faster than I had in mind.

This last week I'm cycling between

"TWELVE WEEKS???? 12 more weeks?" and

"TWELVE WEEKS??? what do you mean only 12 weeks?"

It depends on what pants I'm wearing (where am I going to put 12 more weeks of baby??) and how many baby related sewing projects I add to my list (pregnancy does something to your ability to judge time required for these things. I have about 2 years of sewing planned that I seem to think I can do in 8 weeks?)

I'm going to try to take a 'belly shot' tomorrow. I originally planned to do the week by week documentation of this pregnancy. Then I thought month by month. Annnnd now I'm 2/3 of the way through and I'm hoping to take the FIRST picture tomorrow. So that plan was a big FAIL. Ah well.

Moving on to what I *have* accomplished in the last few weeks: (keeping in mind the pictures are terrible. Lighting has been junk lately, and I got tired of waiting. I was also too lazy to edit them to try to help the situation.)

My first example of "I don't knit nearly as fast as I apparently think myself able"

I won't post any other info on this until after Christmas. Let's just say I planned to have it done by now, its a gift, and it needs to be finished, washed/blocked, and shipped all in the next 3 weeks. Which...is totally do-able. But since my PLAN was to be done already, its making me panic about 37%.

This is just a random picture because if I get the camera out, I *have* to take a picture of him, and show him the back of the camera to see. Plus....he's freakin' adorable. So there. (he's smiling funny because he kept insisting I take a picture of the inside of his mouth, when I wouldn't, he gave me this goofy smile instead)

I actually hate this card. BUT...I made it. And it was one of those days where I had to *make* something, anything, even if it was fugly. I felt better.

This has no picture yet. (Which, would seem obvious without me pointing it out...duh Sarah) This is another "don't like it" but I've been trying to force myself to just make something without spending days over-analyzing, re-doing, and driving myself crazy trying to make it 'perfect'. Kind of a 'just sit down and do it' challenge for myself.

Play-mat/quilt top #1

Play mat/quilt-top #2

Play mat/quilt-top #3 - this one is basted, and partly quilted. But then I realized my machine quilting was T.E.R.R.I.B.L.E. so I'm ripping it all out (that's not true, I'm PROCRASTINATING ripping it all out, because ripping it all out is tedious and maddening).

Doll quilt that will be in the etsy shop. Hopefully with quite a few other items by this weekend. Love etsy. HATE writing descriptions. Bah.

Another random page I made a few weeks back. Inspired by a sketch from
sketchy thursdays. I never used to use sketches, but I've found them helpful getting me jump-started back into scrapbooking. (I didn't do much with it for about 2 years) Most of the time I start with a sketch, but end up tweaking and moving things that in the end you'd never recognize the two were related. This one was pretty straightforward.

This was a pillow I made for some friends that just had a baby. I screwed up on it (when don't I?) and its a little 'snug' top to bottom, but I was actually pretty happy with how it turned out. The color is lighter in real life...

'baby robin' as their last name is robin. a little corny maybe, but embroidery makes corny ok.

Another baby gift. Play mat/quilt. It was supposed to be gender neutral, and came out a little heavy on the boy side...oops. Since then, said baby has made HER entrance. Hopefully she likes blue!

There's also a baby sweater I COMPLETELY forgot to get a picture of, and a sweater I made for myself that needs buttons. Then I can start on that ambitious baby list =P

5 years

2009-11-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday marked 5 years since my mom died. The picture above was the night Zach was born, he was about 12 weeks old when she passed. I hesitated to post about it here, because it makes people feel awkward and like they have to say something comforting. So don't. :) Its just weird to think its been FIVE years. Sometimes it feels like it was forever ago, and other times I can't believe its been that long. Thanksgiving was always HER holiday. (Literally, I think she'd have drawn blood if anyone else tried to host!) So thanksgiving is its own reminder.

But this year it really occurred to me that she's not there. I do ok - I loved my mom, but we never exactly saw eye to eye - but seeing Zach grow up, and knowing he's missing 3 grandparents (Eddie's parents both passed away about a year and a half before my mom) is weird. And not that he's lacking. His papou and yaya pretty much adore him, and we're fortunate that even though they live 2,000 miles away, he's very aware of who they are and that they love him. We also are blessed to have aunties - both mine an Eddie's - who've taken on a 'grandma' role. They have his pictures on their fridge, and feed him junk food just because he asked, and have a stash of toys for him to play with. He does ok :)

Its just weird to think its been that long. And in case you're wondering, she had a form of cancer called glioblastoma multiforme. If you think "wow, that's a shi**y disease" (and it is) and want to throw a couple bucks into research you can do that here: donate. And if you don't, that's cool too. I know there are about 400 charities, groups and foundations I'd love to support if I had the funding and we can't do them all.

(A few off the top of my head: charity: water, Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital)

I really have no end to this post...so I'm done. :)

What I've been up to lately...

2009-10-03T15:21:00.008-05:00

...besides freezing. Seriously dudes, its 54 degrees outside (though it "feels like" 49 according to the weather folks. why don't they just say 49. I don't care if its 54 if I'm really 5 degrees colder, but I digress) and its a whopping...59 in our house. though it "feels like" ....59.

In the grand scheme of things - not that cold! Especially when you consider Illinois in another 8 weeks and I'll be longing for the toasty warmth of a 54 degree day. But for those of us ~~stupid~~ stubborn enough to not turn on the heat, its a little brisk. Especially in a 100 year old house, when your kitchen is poorly insulated, and the wind just LOVES to blow into the direction of the kitchen. So I sit here in layers...I don't lie: 2 pairs of socks, footless tights under my jeans, tank, tshirt, longsleeved t, sweatshirt, scarf. And my options have been to sit under my blanket and knit, or...eat. Neither are BAD options, mind you. I really can't complain about either, and enjoy both quite immensely. BUT...days on end of those 2 activities will not do me well in the end.

So I thought maybe a bit of blogging since I'm only a few months behind *ahem* I'm still cold, I'm just not thinking about it. Good start.

So what's new? Just looked back to see my last post was in MAY. Crap. Ok, well let's get started!

I got new glasses...

I made some yogurt (it tasted much better than it looked, this was pre-mixing)

Eddie and his friend Patrick spent a good amount of time throwing rocks at that utility pole.

Tractor ride at the Iowa Machine Shed.

Spent too much money on junky trinkets at the fair.

That cup was really filled with gatorade, not mountain dew, but I don't think anyone there would have judged me. Since most kids were drinking mountain dew and deep fried snickers.

I was shocked at what rides cost "now'a'days". He got to ride 3, because that's all the cash I'd brought.

We didn't eat any of these, I just took the picture.

$26 and an hour later and this was what was left of the fair experience. Truth be told, I don't love the fair. I kinda don't even like it. Its July, its hot, its $13 for one adult and one child just to WALK in. And there's really not a lot to DO unless sweating and deep fried foods REALLY does it for you. Me not so much. The animals were kind of neat, but we can do that other places. Bah humbug fair. (But we went, because...that's what you do, and Eddie was working it all week and it was the only chance to see dad for a bit)

My cousin got married. She looked beyond amazing.

See, even with "I just got married" goofy faces they're still adorable. (Plus, birdcage veil + finger waves = love)

I was there. I was a bridesmaid so I kinda had to be. I even wore a dress. And I hate having my picture taken, thus the strained "good god just take it" expression. ;)

Zach turned 5. I'm still demanding a re-count to be sure this is accurate. I'm not convinced.

It says so on the cookie, so it must be.

I really don't know why I took a picture of this, but it was about 40 minutes of Eddie's afternoon at a family BBQ that day.

Bouncy inflatables.

Plus fireworks with the fam (Plus blankets...in AUGUST. it was unusually cool)

Kettle corn before fireworks (he wasn't really scowling at me, although...he is a little defensive about that kettle corn...so maybe)

I spun some yarn.

Recovered a chair that has literally been in our family for...YEARS. We ended up with it due to an eager husband and...guilt.

And I'm makin' one of these...

Forgive the WIP picture, but its not done yet. Forgive the "its" reference, but he/she wasn't giving up the goods. He/she loves mom more than dad. As I didn't want to find out, and he did. Ha ha Eddie, ha ha.

For those who can't tell - because ultrasounds are SUCH great imagery - head on right, forearm/fist middle, and a knee/leg on the left. And really, I won't be offended if you just pretend to see something. Its ok.

And now, back to my blanket, and my kitchen. Because cooking makes the house warmer for a bit. And really helps with that "The cold makes me hungry" problem I seem to be having....

Towels

2009-05-11T11:43:00.004-05:00

Hello again! Hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day! Ours was pretty basic - alarm didn't go off, woke up 10 minutes before we should have been leaving for church, decided to spend the morning knitting the last bit of my swallowtail shawl instead. Not to shabby! The shawl is currently soaking:

I know, it doesn't LOOK like much now, but wait until its blocked out. Which I'm waiting for too. Because, honestly, I'm not sure how I'm going to block it yet. I'll probably have to pin it to the bed and hope it dries by the time we want to go to bed? Let's hope.

In other - less impressive - finished projects news...I made hand towels. They're pretty lame, but they were a first attempt. Quite honestly ANYTHING was better than the disgusting looking hand towels we've been using. Do you have those? The ones that have been used to sop up spilled coffee/soda, or used as emergency potholders, and as a result LOOK filthy, even when they've just come out of the dryer? We have a PILE of those. I blame Eddie, which is ok, because its true. :)

So anyway, after months of having one or two "ok to be used when we have company over" towels, and a STASH of "please don't make me hand this towel to one of our friends..." towels, I decided to just make some. (this may also have something to do with me being cheap. frugal. whathaveyou.)

So I grabbed a yard of terrycloth from hobby lobby, and made some binding out of the leftovers from the 'vintage sheet turned curtains'. They're wonky and uneven, and cheap thin terrycloth, but they DRY HANDS! So color me happy and call it a day!

I can never seem to just take pictures...

You would have thought he was stealing home plate the way he dove into the shot.

He is awfully cute though.

Yup. That's an amish carriage on our towel holder. It came with the house. And even if I WANTED to get rid of it, that sucker is some sort of uber-super-duper glued on. Sorry for the crummy pictures, it was a very gray day with my sad point&shoot camera. What can I say?

Oh, and for the record, I think the terry was 6.99, and the binding was free. I got 6 towels out of it. Provided, I could probably go to that evil store that rhymes with fallmart and buy some, but this was more fun. And I won't shop at fallmart. That too.

In other news, I will be making an attempt to blog more often. (MUCH...more often) I figured out my problem. People had been telling me they saw/read my blog. People I KNEW. People in real life. Scared the crap outta me. If people read it, they could possibly not like it. Which is stupid logic, because....I don't care. :) I didn't start a blog to be GOOD at it. I just started it for the heck of it. But then I felt all kinds of pressure knowing people were actually going to read it. Like every time I sat down to blog, I felt like people were staring at me. Like one of those dreams where you're in your underwear. I've never had one of those, thank god. Oy. So, I shook it off, realized if they don't like it, I'll live. And now you'll all be subjected to more of my mindless drivel. Lucky you!

Oh! The sheet turned curtains...

I cut it in half horizontally, and then cut each of those 2 pieces in half vertically. Since they had the larger 'hems' at the top and bottom as sheets tend to do, I just had to stitch rip each side partway open to hem the sides, then re-sew the seam, and they were the right size for putting the curtain rod through.

The chair is just my FAVORITE purchase as of late. It was $10 at the salvation army and I love everything about it. (especially the $10 part..)

Indecisive

2009-03-29T14:14:00.002-05:00

FYI, I'm messing with blog colors. Having a heck of a time, so I've changed it about 6 times in the last 24 hours. I have things working against me...I don't like change in the sense that I'm so USED to the old, that the new looks 'weird' no matter what I do. And I'm TERRIBLY indecisive. So if the blog looks a little ADD the next few days, you'll know why!

Why my craft room is always a mess...

2009-03-29T11:45:00.009-05:00

**disclaimer: Martha Stewart's of the world - now might be a good time to go scrub the underside of your couch, shine the grooves in your car keys, re-write your to-do list because the first was sloppy... Just walk away now.**

**second disclaimer - Ok, I've been guilty of the re-writing the list one. so what.**

The rest of you, pinkie swear you'll still be my friend after this.

This is what I should be doing:

That's the result of Round 1 of cleaning my craft/junk/crap room. I did the keep, toss, donate, sell baskets and got quite a bit of progress made. Still A LOT left to do, slowly but surely, I'll get through it all. The above is *mostly* the keep pile, and *mostly* things that have no business in this particular room. They have a way of finding a home on my desk. Not sure how that happens. ::coughcougheddiecoughcough:: So today's task is putting all of these things in their respective homes. I was disciplined, I was committed, I was focused.

But....then I found some paper. A little pile of scrap paper. Paper left over from something else. Paper that just HAPPENED to look fantastic paired together. Ah crap, now she's done it. She's distracted....

Ta-daaa!

Dear card,

you're so freakin' (awesome)

Love, Sarah

Yeah, I know, parenthesis around a random word - not correct punctuation. Its ok. At least I don't type my whole blog in rndm txt spk. w/ rndm lttrs missing and then inexplicably adding on extrass. Whyy do kidss do thatt noww? I know we did useless and stupid things too. Oh did we ever... Oh right! Card...

For the record, this is the FASTEST I've ever made a card. Really. Because I didn't let myself fiddle with it. I decided I had to sit down and just DO it. If I hated it, too bad! Just had to get done. And it worked. Go figure. I think it took me 20 minutes, and that included answering 20 questions for Zach, and digging through all of my things to find stamps/buttons/thread. (the downside of cleaning, now I can't find anything)

It made me contemplate doing a 'thing a day' challenge on my own. I'm thinking I just might.

Side note, I obviously resolved my broken camera issue. ...kiiiinda. Its still broken, at the shop actually. But its going to run $150 to get the sucker fixed. ::wince:: Not outrageous, but considering I'm saving up for a Nikon D40 (hello lover!) ...most likely used. I didn't want to invest quite that much in the old one. So I got a cheaper point and shoot for the time being. I don't love it. But...it takes pictures, and will come in handy someday when I get the new one as "Eddie's camera". God bless the boy, he CANNOT take pictures. No really, he can't.

Its alright, I can't throw a ball to save my life. So we're even.

Alright back to cleaning this mess. Focus...

Actual Conversation Earlier Today...

2009-03-25T13:46:00.004-05:00

Tell me if I'm crazy...

My lovely cousin, Nicole, is getting married in August. She has asked me to be in the wedding (what can I say, my family makes foolish choices...) I am - of course - delighted and honored and plus, just super excited to have an occasion to wear something besides jeans. woot!

So last week, she and I and her mother went to look at bridesmaids dresses. The other girls live out of town, or were working so it was just me. Plus, I'm the hardest to dress, so it made sense to start with me. You know how something can look cute on a hanger or the 80lb silhouette of a mannequin ...but not on YOU?

That's my life. I'm too short, and weirdly proportioned, especially in dresses. But we did find some we really liked. We actually found one we loved - strapless, and more fitted through the bottom. Most of the rest were a-line and flared out - which isn't bad, but we were diggin' the straighter fit. There was also the issue of the v-neck, we liked the v-neck. We especially liked the "no strapless bra required" benefit of the v-neck. If only we could find both in one dress....

Oh...but we may have! So my cousin sends me a link this morning, v-neck, trimmer through the hip/thigh, and chocolate-y brown. Potentially ***IT***. Now, to see how it looks on!

She'd found it online, and I said I'd call the store and see if its available in store. I could possibly run down and try it on tonite. Fannnntastic!

So...I call store, conversation as follows:

*ring ring* (that's my best phone sound effect...)

"Dillard's something-something-sales-pitch-related-to-spring-if-I-didn't-say-it-so-fast-maybe-you'd-understand-it, how can I direct your call?"

me: I'd found a dress on your website, and was wondering if there's a way to see if you carry it in the store?

"I'll transfer you back to dresses"

*ring ring*

"dresses" (with all the enthusiasm as if she'd said "salamanders" or "liver sandwiches")

me: yeah, I'm looking at a dress on your website, and was wondering if there was anyway to find out if you carry it in the store?

"...no"

at this point I stammered and stuttered, because I couldn't believe this was her answer?

uh, I...uhm...well...

"well we don't have everything that's on the website"

~~No DOY genius, that's why I'm calling to find out.~~ I refrained.

me: well, I was just wondering if you had a way to look it up?

::pause::

"well, if you tell me what it looks like, I can go look and see if we have something like that"

---at this point I was just making exaggerated "oh my word you're an IDIOT" faces into the phone, because I can't bring myself to be rude...even if warranted. Bad customer service is a BIT of a pet-peeve of the husband's, and I think its starting to wear off on me...

me: ok well, it says 'Betsy & Adam sleeveless satin dress' and its...a v-neck, knee length, dark chocolate-y brown...

::pause::

"is there like a description? because you're not giving me very much to work with.."

right here is where I lost my 'polite' mode and started my
'OH YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME..."rant as I hung up. There was more, but I think I'd hung up before she heard the lesser desirable parts, which were pretty tame, but still....

Now, aside from giving her the brand name, material, and what *I* would consider a decent general description for AT LEAST a visual scan of the room, I'm not sure what else she wanted. Sassy? Breathable? Perfect for a night out on the town? I'm not an ad agency, I don't write the stuff, I just want you to tell me if you have a dress that looks SIMILAR to what I've told you.

here's the picture in case I've presented you with a visualization challenge.

I'm sure you were envisioning something ENTIRELY different, right?

Needless to say, I'll be heading to Dillard's later this evening to look for myself. Fingers crossed.

Back to it

2009-02-03T10:55:00.007-06:00

So in the midst of our chaos, the holidays (we were both working like crazy) and the energy/motivation zapping effects of 40*below weather....I have actually been making a few things.

..though I'm telling you, that weather...is murder. I lose all ambition to do anything important after 4pm. April can't come fast enough, and that darn groundhog and I are gonna have words.

I've been searching for something to put up on our walls. And at the same time, I've had these canvases sitting on my shelf for probably a year now. Yeah, a year. What can I say, painting scares me. Notice I didn't really PAINT anything, aside from letters.

I wish I could paint. I'd still like to try, but at this point, I'm better at sticking things to other things...like above.

This fish was actually part of some dangly bit of nonsense on a pair of shorts I bought last summer. Ya know those things that don't make any sense, but they put on to look like some sort of accessory? (which means, yes, I save random tags if they're heavy, bits of cording, and charms/bits that are attached to clothes when you buy them.)

It took me 3 tries to get that yellow right. And I still can't get a picture that shows the true color. The yellow is brighter, and the blue isn't so blue. A bit more sea green. I would try to take a second set of pictures, but my camera is now broken. Mhmm....yeah. Not real happy about that.

But I am pretty happy about this. Even though I hated it all of yesterday afternoon after I'd finished it. Its not quite what I had envisioned when I started, and I'm not liking the brackets after all, and I'm pretty disgusted with my 'handwriting' after the first line. BUT...I still like it, go figure. Because its done. Because it has a some of my favorite fabric leftovers that got some use. Because of the little fish. and because I think this might be one of my favorite quotes ever.

and also because...I finally have something to put up on my wall. That's a bonus.

Hope its warm where you are! And just to be clear, anything over 35 counts as "warm" to me at this point! ;)

I'm back..

2009-02-03T09:38:00.002-06:00

Ok so I've been thinking about this blog post for a good week, not really sure how much to put here, so we'll just start and see where it leads us. Let's throw in a little TMI warning for good measure.

The impromptu blog disappearance was because I was pregnant, and after a year and a half of trying, with a round of Clomid thrown in, I was apprehensive at best. I didn't want to blast it all over blog-land, but ya know how you spend 24/7 THINKING about it. It was hard to post without it working into play somehow, and combined with the fact that I just had a *feeling* that something was off.

So the first week of January we found out I was right, that I'd miscarried weeks before. Which in my gut, I knew, but that was not a fun experience. Then the fun really started....the next day I had a d&c because my body wasn't registering to do it on its own (what can I say, I'm stubborn to my core..) A week later we were back in the ER with me in pain that about sent me to the floor. I was admitted overnight, and given a drug to expel anything the d&c must have missed. The next day, I felt TERRIBLE. Just absolutely exhausted...to the point I planned my trips up the stairs. I just didn't feel 'right' so I called my dr the next day and went in only to find out I needed a SECOND d&c. (for those of you wondering, yes that's very rare to need THREE different attempts at this deal...go me!)

Luckily, after that I started feeling better. Which was good, because I was about one more needle stick away from losing my mind. Speaking of needle sticks, after 3 separate IV's, and 4+ blood draws, I can say there is a WIDE range of talent in the nursing/phlebotomist field. There are a few I'd like to award with a medal of expertise and skill...and a few others who should be forced to practice on themselves for a few more years. Srsly.

So...end result. I'm feeling better. Beyond that, I'm not sure yet. But I'm back to my blog, and even got back to some crafty-ness the last few days. So let's move onto the fun things shall we?

Sick of This Cold...

2008-11-20T12:59:00.006-06:00

Title references both the weather (51 yesterday....34 today) and the viral version in my head. While I think a walk would benefit the head cold...the outside cold prevents me from doing so. (not so much ME, but the 4 year old I'd have to bundle beyond mobility...)

So here I sit, stuffy and coughing. Waiting for this thing to run its course. Since I'm not getting much accomplished today - though I did cut out some felt for ornaments - I thought I'd post a few pictures of the latest works:

Hand spun from the previous post.

MMMMmmmmmmmerino. How I love thee.

And new bags..."Kelsey"

"Mariah"

"Celeste"

And now, back to an action packed afternoon of cutting felt shapes on the couch with an enormous glass of water and 100 kleenex.

Don't forget, giveaway entries until Sunday, I'll draw a winner bright'n'early Monday morning!

Ok, ok...mid-morning. :)

What? You mean you're NOT mindreaders?

2008-11-17T10:17:00.003-06:00

Well, dear friends....I was just re-reading my previous blog posts, and just felt that SOMETHING was missing. That certain something, that extra touch, that....uh....date of the blog give-away drawing!!! DUH Sarah!

So, for all of my non-clairvoyant readers....Sunday, November 23rd. Midnite Illinois time. (and if you sneak a comment in at 1:00am, I won't tell.)

Just thought that bit of information MIGHT be relevant. ;)

Why it takes me an hour to make one card...

2008-11-12T12:03:00.007-06:00

Alternate title: Crafter OCD

I'm in lockdown mode, trying to get things made for a craftshow I'm doing on the 23rd. I haven't done a craft show in almost two years and I'm in a slight panic. The whole "how much do I need to bring?"

"what if its too much?"

"what if its not enough?"

and of course "what if I don't sell one stinking thing..."

I'll be glad for the 24th to come. ...hopefully with a few dollars in my pocket. We'll see.

So my goal is to make an item or two each day ...to avoid the ever famous 'up till 2am trying to crank out anything and everything'. Its not good. Its not fun. There's not enough coffee the next morning to compensate.

So, this morning I sat down to make a card. Over an hour later (shut up...I know) this is what I have:

Ok, NOW....the issue of the yellow flower. Do I need it? Should I leave it off? Or should I put it here?

or here....

or maybe here....

what about here....

or....leave it the heck alone, set it in the done pile, and call it a day. For the record, I will be mulling this over while I'm at work tonite. It will bother me until I come to a decision. (and for the heck of it, tell me if you have a preference, because at this point, I've looked at it too long and can't 'see' it anymore, thus why I'm setting it aside for now)

In more constructive efforts, we have:

Another card (not thrilled with it either...too much white on the front...not sure what to do about that)

Quilt top, while not my style, I am awfully darn happy with how it turned out. It measures about 30"x40"...now to quilt the darn thing.

This one is still drying, so I haven't done a WPI count or official yardage, but its around 190 I'm guessing after its bath. The colors are SOOO pretty if I do say so myself (and nicer IRL of course) Its 100% merino, which pretty much makes me want to eat it for lunch.

Still a WIP -

Eddie's fingerless gloves/foldover mittens. Yeah, not for the craft show. But of utmost importance since its been a tad chilly in the mornings when he's doing his papers. I think he'd rather not wait until the end of november for these suckers.

And my latest 'only a crafter would understand' project:

A hundred and fifty-some yards of laceweight shetland wool. There are 3 more balls to be skeined/washed/dried, so I'm thinking I'll have about 600ish yards of this when I'm done.

Oh, where'd it come from? Here...

For those of you who aren't following....I bought the vest for $2 at the salvation army, cut the top off above the armpits (as I was taking it apart I realized the armholes are cut and sewn, which makes the top useless for unraveling, but still good for felting) and unravelled the bottom half.

Why do that? Well...because I wanted to? I wish I had a more logical answer than that, but that's all I've got. What can I say? :)

Andd Zach's 'new' rainboots. Which he loves. And wears constantly. Works for me.

(the fabric beside him is paired up for new cosmetic bags...I'm almost positive anyway)

Has anyone seen October?

2008-11-04T08:27:00.003-06:00

I swear I'd just set it down here on my desk, went into the other room, and now its gone.

So in the spirit of NoBloPoMo (national blog posting month) I'm trying to post twice a week all November. I know, its supposed to be EVERY day of November, but I was already out of the game when I thought of it on Sunday and realized it was already the 2nd. oops.

BUT...we're aiming to get back on track! I miss my blog. And all the people that go with it.

First up - THE GIVEAWAY! Uh...I'm extending that ;) If you posted on the last post, you're still entered :) There are 2 'prizes'. They may or may not contain bits of fabric, yarn, buttons, paper items, and any other trinkets I feel so inclined to throw in. Heck at this point they may very well be stuffed with leftover halloween candy!! (We limit the boy to one piece a day....we do not hold ourselves to that same standard. You'll see me at the gym much more frequently the next few weeks...that's all I have to say)

You know the drill, enter in the comments section, be sure I have a way to get a hold of you. Wrangle one of your friends to leave a comment and you'll get entered twice.

And now a few quick things we overlooked at our last meeting:

Hat Attack II -

For you non-knitting nerds who have things like "a social life" (pshh! whatever..) Hat Attack is a kill or be killed, last man standing, death match....with yarn. Ok so that was anti-climactic. At any rate, the idea is the pattern is released, and you have to knit and send off a hat to your 'target' before you get a finished hat in the mail. Once you get a finished hat, you're dead. Warm and cozy, perhaps, but dead none-the-less. The idea being to knit like you've had 3 pots of coffee, and send off finished hats in rapid succession to beat out the other players.

Well....I hated the pattern. And to no fault of the pattern writer, she did great. Its just not my kind of pattern. So while I knit at a good pace, I wasn't at any risk of a speed related injury. And I was thrilled to be killed with an AMAZING hat. Its plenty big enough (I'm a bit obsessive about hats that actually function as hats, not cute little tams that sit atop your skull.) its in the perfect colors (gray and white) AND...its knit from hand spun yarn, ...from her own sheep.

Folks, we have a winner! I. love. it. Could not be more thrilled! (Ignore the fact that I don't look 'thrilled' so much as 'washed out and exhausted' ....I was trying to do this first thing after I woke up before Zach got up. I know, not my best look.)

I admit, I was a little nervous as to what I'd get back, but decided the fun was worth the possibility of an ugly, small hat. There was a suggested yarn, which a few days into the game, was getting less than rave reviews, and I wasn't looking forward to getting a raspberry and citron hat... I may have even danced a little when I opened the envelope. Maybe.

Now the delightful part....I can't find the card she sent with the hat that lists her website. ...but I will!! And I'll post it here. I have a feeling a certain 4 year old made off with it to put in his Lightning McQueen wallet....

But its awesome, I love it, and its already been worn a few times.

Oh, and just for kicks, here's part of the hat I sent on:

I did get farther than that, but not by much.

And another 'better late than never' - my "new" (coughcoughbackinaugustcoughcough) pendant from homestudio
Eddie got it for me for my birthday. ...sort of. I gave him a list of about 10, he picked one, and then in classic Sarah style, I decided I liked a different one BETTER and changed the order. heh. I was pretty bummed, they used to have a great buy 2/get 1 free, buy 4/get 2 free....deal, that we missed by about 2 days. BUT...I still love my pendant.

I tried to get a picture of me wearing it -

mmmnope.

well, sort of...

when all else fails, put it on the floor and snap a picture!

And in other news, its supposed to be SEVENTY-FOUR today. (yes, Illinois, November, after we've already had a frost, and snow flurries...) so I'm getting ready to WALK up to my polling place and get my vote on. ...I'm also taking a 4 year old with me....let's hope this goes quickly!

100 ways to say you care...

2008-10-11T08:38:00.005-05:00

or...hey, I've done this blogging thing 100 times now. No. NOW. As in this very post. Can you feel the excitement?? ...ok, maybe that's just the second cup of coffee going down too fast.

Alright ladies and gents, its 8:40am in the grand ole land of Lincoln. I've got a 4 year old's birthday party at 4:00, 2 toilets to clean, 2 cakes to frost (don't ask, I'll explain below), 2 beds to make, and 2 people to get cleaned up and make presentable. (Eddie's on his own.) Plus all that last minute cleaning you do when people are coming over, that in the end is never noticed. ...like I spent 15 minutes on Thursday scrubbing the textured areas of the fridge & dishwasher?

Because that desperately needed to be done? I guess. But hey, its done and it looks good. No one will notice but me, but man am I impressed!

*side note: if you haven't yet purchased your own set of microfiber cleaning cloths, minimize this window and go grab a pack. Its cool, I'll wait. They're awesome, I cleaned my house with one Thursday. Use 'em dry for dusting, use it DAMP for glass/sinks/stove/everything else that can't run away.

So before I start the flurry of neurotic cleaning and errand running, let's do a quick catch up on the blog, shall we? There's a lot to pack in to #100.

First, part of my absence has been due to opening a new esty shop: http://www.helenasophia.etsy.com/

I've been wanting to 're-vamp' my store and my...efforts, in a sense. I finally got some new inspiration for new things, ideas for new 'old' things, and a new shop name! Helena & Sophia are both family names (my great-grandmothers? i think...) I heard them on our trip out East, and they stuck with me until I decided they were the new shop name.

The newest addition to the shop are cosmetic bags and flannel wipers. With more to come in the next couple of weeks! I've already got 2 custom orders in the works, with pictures to follow soon.

Also, way back when I was 25, Marianna tagged me for a brillante award:

Sorry Marianna! I didn't mean to take so long to get to this, but THANK YOU! Part of the delay is picking my 7 to tag. But here goes!

Crazy Mom Quilts - that she does! She's got some great tutorials for your Christmas gift giving, as well as some awesome quilts, so grab a pile of fabric and get going!

Its a Colourful World - Sandy's blog. For one, her cards are amazing. More importantly, she's a major part of Cardsforheroes.org. They send blank greeting cards to soldiers overseas (because, to the best of my knowledge, there is no hallmark store in Iraq...) as well as letters and cards to the soldiers themselves. If you'd like to donate cards, mail to a soldier, or sponsor a shipment, you can find all the information in that link. And check out Sandy's blog for ideas.

Crafty Daisies - lots and lots and lots of great ideas. As an added bonus, they're doing a 'book club' where a group reviews a crafting book, each choosing a different project out of said book. So you get the opinions of a group, and see the finished projects, which I always enjoy because sometimes people go in a direction I wouldn't have thought of on my own.

Sweet Jessie - Because of her I've got a date with a few blank tshirts later this week. A project I've been putting off for over a year for fear I'll ruin it. We'll see.

Feeling Stitchy - I just spend way too much time browsing. Great time sucker, but well worth it.

Primrose Design - Once you spend an afternoon at feeling stitchy, and decide you're going to make something *now* ...pull this one up. She's got a great set of 'stitch school' posts that go over a myriad of stitches with great instructions and pictures. Way better than those black and white diagrams that do nothing but confuse you.

This Vintage Chica - I just love her blog, and I can't quite articulate why. Its a mix of everything, and it all just seems very natural.

So...what else? Oh RIGHT. The blog give-away. (you knew it was coming...)

Here's the tricky part...my camera batteries are dead. (yes, batteries, plural. I let two batteries totally drain. Yes, the idea of having TWO is so you always have a charged reserve, I'm aware.) So you'll have to take my word on this. ;) There will be a drawing for TWO winners. Why two? Because its my blog and I said so. ...I really have no reason, just decided on two.

Leave a comment here. Making sure of course that you leave me SOME sort of contact info. I can't send imaginary packages to imaginary people :) I'll draw names on Sunday, October 26th.

So what's the prize? ...I'm not tellin! I will be posting some photographic hints in the coming days though, so stay tuned!

Oh, and the two cakes? Because at 8:30 last night, as I was mixing cake batter, and went to reach for my 9x13 pans - planning to make two cakes, a half sheet when paired together....I was suddenly aware of the fact that my husband - the ever generous soul - has given away all of my 9x13 pans. ah. right. forgot. (ya know, friend has a baby, you send over a lasagna....only when I do it, I send it in foil. They don't have to do dishes and we don't have to track pyrex?) Bless his soul, he loaned them out. ...a long time ago.

But...I do have ONE left. The same one that was soaking a batch of roving to be dyed for an order. huh. So I made them both in 8" round pans, and now I have two double layer cakes to frost. The best part? I work in a bakery. With cake. That I could have just brought home and been done with it. ...lesson learned.

Voila! A Cosmetic Bag

2008-09-19T15:03:00.010-05:00

You know the feeling you get when you finish a project you've been lusting after for a long time and it actually came out the way you envisioned? How instead of swearing and lighting a pile of fabric and notions on fire, you actually want to jump up and down and show your 4 year old?

...he was the only other one home at the time...

Backstory: I've been wanting a new 'cosmetic bag' for a while. I've had my current one for probably 5 years and never did like it. While we were on vacation, I looked. Found some I liked, but weren't quite right. Looked once we got home. ...found cheap vinyl ugly ones. Not exactly what I had in mind. Even looked online. Found some REALLY cute ones on etsy. Almost bought. Still not quite right though. (what can I say, my mind's eye is 1. stubborn and 2. picky. Once its there, I can't change it)

I wanted BIG, and box shaped, and colorful and quirky without being obnoxious. So....out of half irritation I typed "cosmetic bag tutorial" into Google. (and this is why I love Google) I found these tutorials: crafster tutorial (this one also links to a more rounded shape bag if that's more to your liking) and three bears tutorial (which is the name of her blog, it is not - in fact - a tutorial for making three bears. fear not.)

I used the second one. The first is next on my list, but....ok the second one looked easier. =P

So now let's walk through the process together before you start your own! I won't get super technical here since you can just refer to the link. Plus....its not that tricky. :) I only made a few small mods - the size of my fabric, used a lining and interfacing, and made tabs on either side of the zipper.

And before we go on, I should point out that I'm a sloppy sewer and this was thrown together as a 'practice' bag. Sewing is not my strength, and I'm envious of those who have pristine corners and tidy edges and everything intersects just so. If you're accustomed to such results, you may want to take a few deep breaths before continuing on to the picture portion of our post. Thank you.

I cut my fabrics to 8"x7" (red outer fabric, medium weight interfacing, blue lining) I also took a scrap of the blue and cut it to 2" wide, fold it in half lengthwise - right sides together - sew a seam, turn it right side out, press it flat, cut in half, and then fold each piece in half to make a tab. I'll show you where that goes in later.

Now for you inexperienced sewers, this is your machine's zipper foot. Now, just to make you all feel better, let's just assume you've never sewed in a zipper before, and had read about said zipper foot...but had no earthly clue what one looked like. You find this crazy contraption in that little bag of odds and ends that came with your machine 5 years ago that you've never used. You could very well use Google to figure out that this is your zipper foot. ...If you needed to. I sure didn't! *hem*

So now you've found your zipper foot, and even got the dang thing on the machine (It kind of goes on off to the side....for you newbies who spent a good 2 minutes trying to figure out why the blasted thing wouldn't go on) Now time to sew the zipper to your fabric. Sandwich your fabrics, (all right sides facing out) and position your zipper and your outer fabric right sides to each other. Sew along the top edge, as close to the zipper as you can (this is easier to explain with the picture of this step that I didn't take...)

Open it up, press it flat and it should look like this... (red outer fabric, zipper, my pant leg)

Ok, now basically do the same again. Make your sandwich, right side of outer fabric facing your zipper. Kinda like...this:

That doesn't help? How bout this one:

See how those top edges line up? Sew those suckers together.

At this point you MAY have to stop to replace your needle. I won't...explain why. Just...if it looks like this...go ahead and change it. It will make the rest of the project much easier.

Ok, once that's done, sew that seam and open and press it flat. Now you have a zipper smack dab in the middle of your fabrics. Great, now what?

Glad you asked! Fold that sucker right sides together again, doing your best to make sure the bottom edges line up. I'm not saying they WILL...but...give it a shot. Now sew a seam there. And if you're like me, your fabrics don't totally measure up (because you didn't cut them 100% accurately in the first place, you lazy slob.) So...for good measure you MAY want to sew that second seam a bit higher up because you noticed not all the blue got caught in the first one.

Ok great! Now...take your bottom seam, and your top/zipper and line them up over each other. Smash it all down flat. ...You could use your iron if you so wish. This is where those tabs will come in. (this is where I had to stop for 5 minutes and figure out how they'd go in. I sometimes get tripped up by common sense...)

You'll want to put them in so the folded edge is inside and the raw edges are poking out. Make sure they're centered, and then sew that open edge shut. If you're paranoid (like me) go back and forth over the zipper and extra time or two. Repeat for the other side.

If you were to turn it right side out, this is what it would look like. You don't need to...unless you want to check your outer seams again to make sure all layers got caught. I did, mine were fine. *phew*

Inside out again....Pinch your corners, pin them, draw a line, and sew. (the more you cut off, the taller your bag will be, the less you cut off, the more 'boxy' it will be. I cut off about an inch and a half.)

All stitched up...

Now cut 'em off! ...Just pretend that raw edge is the telltale 'V' pattern left from pinking shears. I know I should have them, but I don't. I always think "I should pick up a pair" then I stand in front of them at the store, staring at the price and thinking "I should go into the pinking shear business" Its not that they're OUTRAGEOUS. But I have a limited craft budget. (because of stupid things like groceries, and car insurance...pfft.) So when it comes to pinking shears, or more fabric...well, you can guess where my loyalty lies.

So anyway, corners be gone!

Then just trim any extra zipper ends, loose threads, and the like. Now turn that puppy right side out and admire your handiwork!

About this time you'll realize that you forgot to go back and topstitch along the zipper edges. You should technically do that after attaching both sides, and before sewing the bottom seam shut. ...for the record. But you're lazy and don't care that much. You'll keep a mental note for next time though.

You just made your new cosmetic bag, neato huh?

For the record, the measurements above give you a bag that's about 4"wide, 5" long and 2 1/2" tall.

Now, you may be slightly disappointed as you want a bag about twice that size. But you're so smitten with your new creation that you don't much CARE. (I knew rough dimensions going into it, I'll have to tinker with making the larger one)

Because even for its lack of girth, you can fit all of this into it:

And that suits you just fine. (and now you all know my dirty secret. I buy generic makeup from Walgreens....ok its not much of a dirty secret, but its all I've got.)

And there ya go! Pack it full and enjoy it each morning! And if you really do want to make one, ignore my insane directions and go for the clear instructions in that link ;)

There is a way to do this where the lining is sewn separately, then turned in, hiding all the raw seams. But this was practice, and I just wanted to get it done and get an idea of the results, so I didn't worry about it. I would like to make one larger, and I may use that technique.

This was really easy, I bet it took me...an hour? If that, and that included walking back to double check the steps, and tinkering with tabs...and bent needles. You could easily whip up a few in an afternoon out of leftover scraps or a few fat quarters. I think they'd make great gifts - filled with bath goodies, candies, or lotions. For toting matchbox cars or polly pocket/barbie odds and ends. So go ahead and make 10 of them. And then send me a link when you do!

Wonderful

2008-09-19T15:03:00.007-05:00

Our trip...was fantastic.

Mind you, the reason for it is not what I would have chosen.... And it did rain darn near the entire trip. But we had the BEST time.

Our travel went about as well as we could have hoped for. We did have one quicker than expected layover in Chicago on the way out. We had *planned* to get to the gate, grab a quick lunch and breathe before our next flight.

Nope.

By the time we got off the first flight, across the entire stinkin' airport, and to our gate, they were already pre-boarding. So we did a quick tag team bathroom break while the other stood in line, grabbed some sugar (coke for me, skittles for the boy) and got right back on another plane.

Our only other glitch was we'd PROMISED Zach a hot dog on the ferry boat ride. (Martha's Vineyard is an island, and so you have to take a 45 minute ferry boat to get there) All afternoon "If you're really good, we'll get you your own hot dog on the ferry boat" And good he was!

We got on the boat, and headed off in search of the food counter. Finding none. Ok, wait....its not THAT long since I've been out, I KNOW they serve food on the ferry. Know this. Positive. And you can't exactly get lost on a boat, so after a couple trips up one set of stairs and down another, I realized something was up. And after checking with one of the steamship authority workers, who confirmed that there were only vending machines on that vessel....I realized we were on the freight ferry. Ah.

The good news is we were on a ferry, as our main concern was missing the last boat of the evening. The bad news, we were not on either of the regular boats, that serve food....to worn out, hungry little boys who've had nothing but orange juice, half an egg, skittles, and a quaker granola bar ALL. DAY. (read: sugar.)

The good news was that same steamship authority worker was kind enough to snag a few individual boxes of cereal for Zach to choose from. Frosted mini wheats were much more appetizing than vending machine fare. In spite of that, the poor boy was in tears 10 minutes later. Frosted mini wheats only go so far when you've been promised a hot dog all day, and you've been traveling for 10 hours, and the boats horn scared the daylights out of you, and you're plain wiped out and excited to get to Nana's already!

(we'll leave out the part where the 5 minute trip to Nana's took me 45 minutes because I drove us up island before calling my dad - who was still in California - for directions. In my defense, there was a miscommunication in directions.)

The end result, we got to Nana's! (with turkey sandwiches waiting, which were much appreciated by all 3 of us)

Thursday was collecting Papou and Yaya from the boat, and welcoming the rest of the family members coming in town - some of which I haven't seen since I was....10 or 12? Friday was the service, and it was wonderful. Quite a few people spoke and shared stories, his granddaughter sang...and oh my word...she sang beautifully. That night we had dinner at my cousin's house (her home is beautiful. I finally figured out what struck me most about it, was that it was only built a few years ago, but it doesn't scream "new construction". Its placement on the lot, the colors and flow, all seem so natural that it feels like a house that's been there for 80 years)

Zach got to play with my cousins boys - who are 10 and 12 and could have easily decided they were too cool to hang around with a 4 year old - and they were so great with him. He had a blast and I was so impressed with how obliging they were with him.

Saturday we spent most of the day in Oak Bluffs. It was Tivoli Day (unbeknownst to us) and so we walked the streets where all the vendors had set up shop, did some shopping, ate lunch down by the boats, and Zach and Eddie stopped for ice cream.

Saturday night we went to my aunt & uncle's for dinner. My dad's cousins made a spaghetti dinner you'd have to see to appreciate. The best part was they made my Uncle Theo's sauce. Uncle Theo was really my dad's uncle, and he passed away a few years ago. The last time I had Uncle Theo's sauce, Uncle Theo was the one who made it. It was probably....10 years ago. But it was in the same house, and I can still remember him sitting at the counter with a bowl of little chili peppers (he made a regular sauce, and a SPICY sauce). It was just kind of neat to have his kids making 'his' sauce years later, in the same house I last had it.

Sunday...we had leftover spaghetti :)

I also made a stop at Island Alpaca. Its just down the street from where were stayed, so I pretty much stalked the place until I finally got a chance to stop. Its a really neat place. You park your car, and then walk past the pasture to the barn/store. As you go there are signs with information along the way. Then through the barn, and into the store. The store is really amazing because its not just yarn for sale. (Mind you, there IS yarn for sale!!) But there are also hand knits using the alpaca yarn (knit by locals), wraps, socks, the SOFTEST "stuffed animals", throws, slippers...it goes on.

I picked up a pound of the most amazing roving. Its a beautiful silver-gray, with some darker variations in it. I can't wait until its all spun. (which...shouldn't be long. this stuff is so amazing I think I'd rather spin than sleep.)

I also got a couple handkerchiefs, and a neat vintage camera, and my new favorite refrigerator magnet. Plus, the obligatory "Martha's vineyard" sweatshirt and coffee cup. (I'm a sucker for both, what can I say)

Best of all, we got to spend an amazing time with family. (with the food being a close second...holy cow was it good) It was great to get back and see everyone, and catch up, and just spend time. I love it there, and I'd move in a heartbeat if I could. Don't get me wrong, I love it here too. But the ocean, and the landscape, and the pine trees, and the COLORS. Being there makes me feel like I could sit on the ground and be content to never get up. One of my biggest regrets is I didn't get more pictures.

I also missed going to the Kara Taylor Gallery, which I'm kicking myself over. It was one of the first things I wanted to do, and it got lost in the shuffle the first couple days and then didn't work out. I love what she does and wanted to see the newer stuff. ...next time.

At any rate, it was a great trip, we were sad to leave - its not every day Papou & Yaya are across the hall when you get up.

But, we made it back home safely. ...minus one debit card. Eddie left his in Fairhaven, MA. This was not 3 hours after he 'lost' his wallet (in the car) So Monday was not the day to leave Eddie in charge of things like boarding passes. ;) Luckily, we had mine, and they expired this month anyway, our new ones came in the mail while we were gone.

So....back to laundry, and work, and driving along The Big Muddy Mississippi instead of The Atlantic. C'est la vie. :)

Robbie

2008-09-08T10:19:00.003-05:00

This past week I got the call (...email) that I've been half expecting - and dreading - for a while now. My grandpa Robbie had passed away Monday evening.

Robbie was not my "biological" grandfather, but you'd never have known the difference. My Papou passed away when I was only two and, unfortunately, I have no real memory of him outside of pictures. While I've always loved my Papou and wished I'd have had a chance to know him, I was lucky enough to have someone like Robbie take on that role.

(I've always called him Robbie, for no other reason than it just fit. 'Grandpa Robbie' always felt redundant, it was just a given and I didn't need 'grandpa' tagged on. I've never called any of my grandparents "grandma" or "grandpa" and 'Robbie' just became his title as well as his name.)

I've always had memories of Robbie that were the first to come to mind when I thought of him. I've been surprised over the last week at all the things I'd 'forgotten'. Of course I didn't forget them, but it seemed like one memory pulled up another, which pulled up another. I was amazed at all of the little things I remember.

He was just so....JOVIAL. I just always remember him smiling, and telling jokes, and laughing. Everytime I picture him in my head, he's smiling. He had a way of being silly with us without being over the top.

Growing up, my brother and I visited my dad's family out east every summer, and every year, we'd talk to Nana and Robbie before we'd leave. Every time, he'd tell us that he'd been out to check the temperature of the pool, to make sure it was warm enough and ready for us. When we'd get there, we'd go out to check the pool thermometer. It was such a small thing, but it became a ritual I almost expected.

I think of him every time I eat a hamburger. I remember one summer when I was probably...10? I was with him out on the deck, while he grilled hamburgers for dinner that night. Out of nowhere he told me the hamburgers wouldn't cook right if we didn't dance. "You have to dance sarahlee, or they'll be ruined!", with faux-urgency in his voice, and started humming and dancing in front of the grill. And he was right, worked like a charm.

He always called me Sarahlee. Always. Sarahlee and Charlie Brown (my brother, Aaron). I don't know that he ever used our actual names :) Whenever I'd walk into the den "heyyyyy sarahlee!"

He used a cane and I can remember him aiming it and making machine gun noises with it. I can remember sitting on his lap, and how he chewed Wrigley's spearmint gum, and putting pennies in an antique golfing 'piggy bank' he had, going to the 4th of July parade, the time I went golfing with him ("golfing" used loosely when referring to myself), and how he had away of putting excitement into everyday.

The last time I got to see Robbie was 4 years ago. On one hand, I'm sad I didn't get a chance to see him again, and for Zach to meet him. On the other hand, time had taken its toll on him, he'd had strokes over the years that had gradually worn him down. The last couple of years were not his best. I'm glad that when I think of him, I think of him dancing in front of a grill and laughing with a 'hoo-hoo' that he did sometimes. I don't think of him as a frail body that had had enough.

We're flying out for the service, and while I wish the circumstances were different, I am looking forward to the trip. Its been 4 years since Eddie & I were out east and I miss it every day. Zach's never been to the beach (a sandy spot along the Mississippi river is NOT the same!) so I intend to fix that. The weather may not be the most ideal, but I'll take it. We'll get to see Papou & Yaya, Zach gets to meet Nana (his great-grandmother) for the first time, along with aunts and uncles who we haven't seen in 3 or 4 years. We'll only have a few days, but I intend to make the most of them! (I'm hoping to acquire coffee syrup, local yarn, and possibly a bit of beach glass.)

On that note, I should be packing, and getting haircuts, and finishing the last minute plans. (Like, how we're getting OFF the island...lesson learned...make sure you check the right dates for the ferry schedule...) I better go do that, huh?

Eat Me - The Long Awaited Granola Recipe

2008-09-05T08:53:00.009-05:00

**once again, I appologize for the lack of spacing in this post. I...don't get it.

Phew! I just spent 10 minutes looking for the darn index card, only to discover it was right here in front of me, where I'd left it....go figure.

First I'll give you the origins of my granola recipe, its from Alton Brown -

AB's Granola -

3c. rolled oats

1c. slivered almonds

1c cashews

3/4c. sweet shredded coconut

1/4c. + 2tbs. dark brown sugar

1/4c. + 2tbs maple syrup

1/4c. vegetable oil

3/4tsp. salt

1c. raisins

First time I made this, I left out the cashews (I don't much care for them) and it was good. But each time I've made it since then, I've tweaked and added and changed. To be honest, I don't think I've ever made the same version twice yet.

But the latest - which I think was my favorite yet - is below. (keep in mind its about a double batch compared to the one above)

Sarah's version:

6 1/2 - 7 c. rolled oats

1/2 c. sliced almonds (or slivered, or chopped, or whathaveyou)

2 c. chopped pecans

1 1/2c shredded coconut (plus a pinch or so usually)

3/4 c dark brown sugar

3/4 cup maple syrup (I use the real maple syrup)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 c. - 2 c. golden (yellow) raisins

and when I have them a couple of handfuls of dried cranberries.

2 bowls, 2 cookie sheets, one gallon size baggie to store it all in.

*keep in mind, a lot of this is 'eyeballed' at this point. I sometimes add a few TBS of oats, or another handful of almonds depending on what I feel like. But you'll want your mixture to be 'moist' but not soggy or clumping together.

Oh you want directions? That I can do!

Preheat oven to 250. In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, coconut and brown sugar. In your second bowl, mix the maple syrup, oil, and salt. Drizzle that over the first bowl's contents and then mix to your heart's content. I've found hands works best.

Divide that between the two cookie sheets (I've found that if you make a circular 'hula hoop' motion with the cookie sheet, it all evens out quite nicely) Stick them in the oven and bake for 1hour and 15 minutes to an hour and a half. Stir every 15 minutes. I also rotate my cookie sheets 2 or 3 times but that's because my oven is funny. If your oven isn't dumb, you can probably skip that part. Remove from oven, let it cool a bit, and then add in your raisins/cranberries/dried fruit of your choosing.

The great thing about this is, you can add/omit any nuts or dried fruit of your liking. You can increase or decrease the sweetness by tinkering with the brown sugar/syrup. And there are really a zillion granola versions out there. ...and its really tasty. ...and there are no preservatives or funny ingredients. even more tasty.

How Did We Go...

2008-09-04T12:27:00.006-05:00

from this:

to this:

so. darn. fast?

Happy Birthday baby boy!

(I can call him baby boy on my blog, because he can't hear me, and tell me I'm not allowed to call him 'baby' because he is not a baby.....he is a big boy.) And he's right, and when the HECK did that happen? When did my pudgy baby with his 'gi-gi', turn into a 4 year old KID. Who is now sitting on my lap taking my breakfast order, and cooking it on the desk in front of me, while cautioning me that they're still hot and to be careful.

I swear every birthday hits me in the gut just a little bit harder. And not necessarily in a sad way (though yes, going through pictures and finding the bitty baby pictures about does me in) but the HOW? HOW are we here already? HOW is it possible that you're 4 years old. A boy, with favorites, and talents, and opinions of your own. (Like insisting on wearing shorts this morning, even though its 63 degrees and raining.)

Do you feel a photo heavy post coming? I sure do...

A Rather Disapointing Re-Cap

2008-08-18T09:40:00.006-05:00

*ahem* Sooo....how's it goin'? What'cha been up to? How's the fam?

Me? Oh, I uh...was uhm....well I...

Nothin.

I wish I could say I went on sabbatical, traveled Europe for 6 weeks, loaded up an RV and criss-crossed North America, ....broke all of my fingers?

But no. No great stories, just...life keepin us busy. And then sitting down to 'catch up' and not being sure where to start. Like a weird writer's block, but opposite. There's so much to catch up on I'm not sure where to start. So this morning I decided to just go through my pictures for the last 6 weeks and do a random update to get us up and going again! Let's get to it!

So let's start with July....

Oh! I ordered some roving from hello yarn (Adrian is super great AND sent me a button! I LOVE buttons!)

Then I dyed it using kool aid and food coloring.

These are listed - with better pictures - in my etsy shop. I hope to add more soon.

And why food grade dyes? After some debate, I decided to stick with them for the time being. With a 3 year old and a dog whose sole purpose in life is to lick anything and everything, I didn't want to mess with the acid dyes. I've read they're safe unless you're huffing the dust for years and years, I've read you should practically don a biohazard suit before using them....I just decided to play it safe for now. Plus...they smell good :)

The boys went camping in the backyard. ...for an hour and a half. Long enough to watch The Grinch on the mini DVD player and realize it was too hot and muggy to camp that evening. (I was well aware of this, and was in the house. Where the air conditioning was.)

Zach got a strep rash. Upon further inspection, it was discovered he'd had strep throat, and we just never knew.

We watched RAGBRAI as this year's route went right in front of my aunt & uncle's property. (click that link for more ragbrai photos, including zach's attempts to join the race)

This is just the beginning, later on the stream of riders is constant. But by then, we were busy selling goodies (bike riders took a real liking to her cookies and nut rolls) and I never got the camera out.

I did manage to get a picture of Coley and Gum. (his name is not Gum, its really Andrew, its a long story, but Zach kind of re-named him.) Coley (aka Nicole) is my cousin, and the daughter of above referenced aunt & uncle. Gum is her rather neat-o boyfriend. (even though I hate calling him her 'boyfriend') And some RAGBRAI riders behind them. Zach spent the day working the crowd.

I made granola. (Ok I make granola a lot, but happened to take a picture of it because I'll be posting the recipe soon.)

My cousin Kelsey came up for a visit on her way North. This only confirms that my cousins are all drop dead gorgeous, and I hate them a little for it. In my defense, that's a bad picture.

And lastly, my dad and his wife went on an excursion to The White Great North (...canada...) and sent me a cozy fleece jacket. (and yes Papou, it fits! As does Zach's. And he loves his black dog tshirt)

swanky eh?

There has also been garden tending, garden neglecting, resulting garden weeding, knitting, sewing, walking, ice cream eating, farmer's market visiting, ...and minimal cleaning. on that note, I found this shirt the other day: must have ...it sounds about right. And in all that, I started a part time job. Because groceries and gas have about doubled, and yet...somehow, our income did not. Weird huh? Plus...it was starting to eat into my craft budget, and that can't happen...

So now I work in the bakery a few days/evenings a week frosting anything that steps in my path. ...including myself some days...

And now I'm in the process of washing a very dirty alpaca fleece. But more on that later...

Garden Progress

2008-06-23T13:28:00.006-05:00

A brief (haha...not really brief, you'll see.) update on the garden happenings around this place.

garden

left side of garden, where my prized weed collection is growing with a fury. (no kidding, see all that green? there are only a handful of ACTUAL plants in there, the rest is grass/weeds)

eh....herb. what kind you ask? quit pokin' your nose in other people's business! ....ok I'm not sure. Its either oregano, or basil, or....

potato! I didn't even know we'd PLANTED potatoes! (no really, Eddie went out one evening and threw them out there, I actually tore them up thinking they were weeds because *I* was not looking for potato plants. I tried to put them back and begged them to forgive me and grow anyway. So far so good)

Sunflowers. I'm 99% sure anyway. Or weeds I'm just ignoring, hoping they grow into big yellow flowers. Time will tell.

Green onions. I don't even like green onions. But they're easy to grow, and I knew going into this, I'd need a morale booster. APPARENTLY Zach likes green onions. Weird kid.

Carrots!

Water...melon? Again, didn't mark these things, and was really good at remembering what was where for about - oh - 4 days. I think its watermelon though.

no idea. Couldn't even fathom a guess. Wanna take bets? Odds are in your favor! (I've got my money on "vegetable")

Tomato plant

Tomato flowering

Pepper flowering

Well hello firefly! or lightning bug. Whichever you so wish.

I was taking pictures of the pepper flowers and then Oh! Oh Wait! Call the press! Hot dang its a PEPPER! Its about a half an inch, but it still counts as a pepper! So after all my hours of weeding, I know all my hard work will be rewarded with at least one measly green pepper. ...and a ton of green onions. still...

Peas! Well...pea PLANTS. no 'peas' as of yet.

mystery plant #27. I'm fairly sure its acorn squash? Uhm...all of you garden pros, ya better start talkin' if you've got answers. Help a girl out here.

zuchinni. actually I don't know. But I bet I could TELL YOU its zuchinni and most of you would believe me, no? Why didn't I think of that earlier in the post. Just fake your way through Sarah, maybe no one will notice!

Green beans! Of that, I'm sure!

Spinach! I actually grew spinach! ...I also tore out spinach. Because I'd long since given up on the spinach coming up. ...and thought it was weeds. Until I noticed...it looked strikingly similar to a leafy green I eat quite often. Dangit. ...and then there were 3. plants.

ever the helper, Zachman digging while I was picture-ing.

Finished! Falling Water Scarf

2008-06-18T09:38:00.006-05:00

Well, first to catch up this eventually became this:

uno

dos

& tres

And then dos and tres started in on a journey together (uno was left out, while I love it, its more thick/thin than the second two) and with the use of this pattern - Falling Water PDF - and some 88 cent "size 5..and a half? ish?" circulars I bought at Hy-Vee a while back (you don't need circs, I just used them because I didn't have a size 5 straight, and I hate my LONG size 6's) We eventually came out with something very similar to this -

ok, so it WAS this. Good point.

holy heck, that's a lot of scarf!

Yeah, its a little long, but I'm a little obsessed with long scarves. Remember I live in Illinois. When its not pouring rain for a week straight and flooding the good ol' Mississippi river (which it has, I'll have to try to get some pictures today) Its 20 below and the kind of bitterly cold that makes you wear a scarf INSIDE. I need that sucker to WRAP and make layers.

Although...its pastel, and I don't really...wear...pastel. And it has some funny color sections going on that I don't LOVE. But I'll wear it regardless. Because I MADE it! ...and because I'll be freezing... and I'm not picky when I'm cold.

I made a planner - isn't that comical.

2008-06-16T10:15:00.003-05:00

This is probably my favorite finished project as of late. (and probably my most desperately needed as of late...) Last fall I'd bought one of those binder style planners, about 5"x5" thinking 'great, small, fits in my purse!'.

Yeah except that really translates to 'great, small, can only write one appointment per day...if you abbreviate' and that just doesn't fly. I really don't know what kind of freakishly-minuscule-handwriting folks they cater to, but I can't do it.

But I kept using it because...well, because I'm cheap and stingy and couldn't rationalize throwing away a "perfectly good" planner, right? Forget the fact that it was pure junk, and I didn't really USE it. I had an obligation as a responsible consumer to carry the darn thing until we both crumbled to bits of dust, thus continuing the cycle of life. Its biblical, its maybe in Ephesians.

(side note: this will show you what a crappy Bible scholar I am, I really have only a vague idea of what's in Ephesians...pretty sure Target planners are not covered though.)

So finally, I decided THAT'S IT! I'm going to be wasteful! ...because I'm forgetting doctor's appointments! and that's no good.

So I wanted a bigger planner, one I could actually write out b-i-r-t-h-d-a-y in the appropriate day, instead of scrawling 'bd' in a size 2 font. Or actually have room to write out which one of us had a "Dapt215" and maybe even with which doctor.

But...standing in the planner aisle of target, I was suddenly reminded "oh! that's right! I'm cheap and stingy" and didn't really want to pay $17.00 for a faux leather, snap closure, WITH RULER! binder. (I mean, c'mon! a RULER!)

So as I'm bitterly mumbling about why planners are so darned expensive, I happen to glance at the refills. ....refills.... huh. wait.

The refills are...8.5x5.5....kind of the same dimensions as an 8.5x11 piece of chipboard cut in half. DING! lightbulb!

So, grab the refills, head home and cut a piece of chipboard in half, a few coats of a hideous bright pink (why did I paint it bright pink? I'm not a bright pink person by nature?) drilled a few holes, toned down the obnoxious pink with some various patterned papers, and a few o-rings, and voila! Planner! Cheaper and cuter (although I'm fairly sure 'cuter' isn't a word)

I still need to swap out the O-rings for a smaller size, but that's what I had and they work for now!

So color me happy! And a bit more organized (a bit) because now I can actually keep track of what we're doing each week. fan-tastic.

**note** yes, it did occur to me to do it completely handmade and just make up calender pages, and address pages to fit, and print them out. The reason I didn't? ...I'm out of printer ink. And can never for the life of me remember which number I need...98? 92? cripes. I am contemplating making up a bunch and trying them out on etsy though. we'll see.

Softie Swap!

2008-06-10T10:08:00.004-05:00

Its not that I'm horribly behind in posting, its just that I was...uh..building suspense! Yes! Suspense! ...I meant to do that...

So now that you're all on the edge of your seats (humor me) I'm finally getting around to posting pictures from the Softie Swap.

I have to say that I had the package sitting on my dining room table for mmm....5 hours? before I'd open it. I've never been so scared of an envelope.

Why you ask? Because there was the fear of the unknown. What if it was a softie masterpiece, the likes of which the world had never seen? In other words...what if I opened that envelope, and realized mine ...SUCKED.

That's kind of what happened. See, I finally opened that envelope and found my little bee, and her little button face, and pretty purple lace, and the red and aqua collar (that just so happens to match the 'color scheme' that I'm thinking of for this room) and her funky vintage body. Lordy knows I have a thing for funky vintage....its a sickness.

She fits in quite well...

But I got over it. Because in the end, I had a great time with the softie swap. ...a lot of anxiety, worry, agony.... But there's nothing like exchanging handmade for handmade.

And now take a sec would ya, and go visit Marianna at stargirlshop blog or even better stargirljewelry. She does AMAZING amazing stuff. Her jewelry is awesome, and her lampwork beads blow me away. I'm currently fawning over a few things. Maybe like this or something along the lines of this (I know, its sold...whatever) or this. I could keep going (summer breeze earrings? Sheepy lampwork beads?) but you can just head over to her esty shop and peek yourself. Its worth it, I promise.

Oh, and on my end? This is the bunny I sent:

Its the phantom crochet bunny pattern that has yet to be published. Except...I realized some days later, this bunny...has no tail. I know this, because I found the tail...in my knitting/crochet basket. Where it is most useful. Of course.

I started out trying to sew a dress that would have this really cute trim. I then realized I know diddly squat about sewing garments for bunnies. I still have the 'evidence' in my sewing basket. I don't know why, I really should burn it. So, change of plans, I thought I'll make her an apron. A cute vintage apron! ...or a country looking smock? Close enough :)

All in all, still pretty darn happy with it. I'm so glad I did the swap. I've got an awesome new softie, and I found a great new etsy shop to stalk ;) Thanks so much Marianna! And a thanks to Simone at Crafty Dasies for organizing this!

The Garden Beat Me Up

2008-05-31T18:18:00.002-05:00

So I had plans to finish catching up around here.

Then I went out to weed my peonies. JUST. THE PEONIES.

...and hour and a half later...

I'd weeded the peonies (which was a task, let me tell you!) dug up all of my overgrown lilies (which was a task, let me tell you!) and then started turning over an area of grass between the two beds (which was...yeah, you're following me..)

So, since I'm pretty sure that sometime after midnight tonite, I'm going to lose all ability to move my extremities without wincing, I thought I'd do a quick post while I hoarf down my baked potato I made for dinner.

I found this on Vintage Pleasure, feel free to play along!

The concept:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.

b. Using only the first page, pick an image.

c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.

The Questions:

1. What is your first name?

2. What is your favorite food?

3. What high school did you go to?

4. What is your favorite color?

5. Who is your celebrity crush?

6. Favorite drink?

7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?

9. What you want to be when you grow up?

10. What do you love most in life?

11. One Word to describe you.

12. Your flickr name.

i tried to post the linky thing they give you to link back to each individual photo, but its not working. hmm...

in case you're wondering, since some of these don't really make sense: 1. sarah 2. salad 3. rock island high school 4. blue 5. mike hererra (ok, 8 years ago, but its the first I thought of) 6. pepsi (coincidentally, had to pick between pepsi and coke, and then found that picture) 7. martha's vineyard 8. strawberry shortcake 9. crafty 10. family 11. domestic 12. i had to cheat on this one a little to get any images, I used the 'sarahtakestoomany' part of my flickr url.

Memorial Day Sonnet

2008-05-26T09:52:00.004-05:00

I heard this Saturday night on a Prarie Home Companion, and managed to scribble the last line of it down to remind me to find the 'text' of it to share here. After a bit of searching...

We're here to honor those who went to war

Who did not wish to die, but did die, grievously,

In eighteen sixty-one and in two-thousand four

Though they were peaceable as you or me.

Young and innocent, they knew nothing of horror---

Singers and athletes, and all in all well-bred.

Their sergeants, mercifully, made them into warriors,

And at the end, they were moving straight ahead.

As we look at these headstones, row on row on row,

Let us see them as they were, laughing and joking,

On that bright irreverent morning long ago.

And once more, let our hearts be broken.

God have mercy on them for their heroic gift.

May we live the good lives they would have lived.

~Garrison Keillor May 29, 2004

Spinning Stuff

2008-05-24T16:16:00.003-05:00

"How I Spent My Summer Vacation" ...or at least the better part of the last 3 weeks!

I got in touch with Amanda from LoneStarArts who I "know" through twopeasinabucket and ravelry. I wanted to see if she could dye some BFL for me, and lucky for me, she happened to have 8 oz hanging around ready to dye. (It was a sign, I swear...I HAD to buy it right?)

after looking through her colors, I chose 'Carnival'. She had it dyed and mailed to me within a week I think, it was fast and I was thrilled. ...and it was soft and squishy, and it smelled good. (Yup, I smelled it. Part habit, and part 'I've received some smoky things in the mail before'. This just smelled fresh and clean. Awesome)

I spun most of this on 'my' spindle. ('my' as in 'its in my possession at the moment', it is not MINE)

nothing like spun singles on toilet paper rolls *sigh*

that's a nickel buried in there, to give you some size reference. Isn't it purty?

---------------Right about here...is where I ordered my spinning wheel---------------

More of that later...

Quilt-A-Long - Week 2

2008-05-24T16:06:00.003-05:00

What can I say, week 2 went much smoother. I'm not totally convinced I like the fabrics I chose, but decided its too late, I'm just going to go with them. Worst case scenario, it looks terrible, but its done, right?

"I can always do another" :)

Quilt-A-Long - Week 1

2008-05-24T15:35:00.006-05:00

A couple of months ago, I came across amandajean's blog. For a while I just enjoyed reading, and looking at ALL the quilts she turns out. Then she mentioned a quilt-a-long, and I debated. For 45 seconds. And then I signed up.

See, I've made all of....3 quilts. Baby quilts. I know near nothing about quilting. So what do I do? I sign up to make a full sized quilt. I'm full of great ideas like that.

BUT...I figured it would be a good way to just jump in and learn, and there is some degree of accountability in doing it as a group...even if its a virtual group.

So stay tuned, as I stumble along, and try to keep up.

First, we started with week 1's block, allow me to show you -

ok, followed directions, cut pieces, lay out like so. hey! not a bad start!

sew center, sew 'points', ok, still good!

...sew rows together

...and join those to make the square. wooo! look at me! celebratory dance goes here.

all that's left, just trim that sucker to 12.5". alright, line up the ruler and...

wait...

CRAP!

too small. hard to trim to 12.5" when you're barely past 11.5" huh? mhmm...

No idea how I managed that, but...decided to do another, since some of my "points" got lost anyway. So, more fabric, try again -

hey now! not too shabby! Still came out too small (I think its just about 12") but enough that I can just adjust for it later. and my points are nice and pointy! second celebratory dance goes here.

It might be a long 15 weeks.

Life's Too Short For Generic Toothpaste

2008-05-24T14:52:00.003-05:00

No, it has nothing to do with this blog post (I promise!) :) but I did learn a lesson. Generic toothpaste sucks. I wasted an entire 1/8th of a tube yesterday. Just tossed it and bought Crest, because I couldn't stand another week of gross toothpaste. Learn from my mistake kids, there a few things that are "name brand" must, ...toothpaste just made it to the top of my list.

Moving on. I realized its been quite a while since I've cracked the windows in the old blog, and it was starting to smell a bit stale. So here we go, its a gorgeous day, let's play catch up, shall we?

The last few weeks have been a flurry of projects. Apparently the warmer weather actually inspired me to finish (in some cases, start...) all those projects I didn't have the 'oomph' to do when it was 20 below zero and dark for 16 hours a day. (heck, I really only had the 'oomph' to turn up the heat, put on another sweater, and grumble about the stupid pioneers who decided to settle in the midwest in the firstplace. I'm sure it seemed like a good idea in May.)

So its been a mix of quilting, sewing, knitting, laundry, spinning, crocheting, painting, cutting....and I think I cleaned the house once. Maybe. Close anyway. Don't get greedy.

So, rather than try to cram the last month into one post, I'm going to break it up a bit so you don't get bored. (well...I take that back, so you don't get bored ALL AT ONCE.)

I will say, I did the softie swap as a part of Crafty Daisies swap. I can't post a picture yet, because my softie has not completed its trek. No cheating. But soon :)

And now, while my boy is up sleeping off a trip to farmer's market and the grocery store, BLOG POSTS A'COMIN'!

He's Got His Own

2008-04-27T10:43:00.002-05:00

That's my boy!

side note: no he's not wearing man-pris. I had them rolled up because it was too warm for jeans but he insisted he wanted to wear them outside.

Random FO's...the good, the bad, and the ugly

2008-04-25T09:28:00.010-05:00

The boys are out to breakfast, the dog is under my chair attacking a rawhide chew like its her last morsel of food. And belching, because homegirl has no manners and just wolfed down her breakfast at breakneck speed. The sad part: I keep saying "excuse you!" like the dog is somehow going to catch on and start muffling them or something.

Just thought we'd do a few of the FINISHED objects stashed in the pile of goods I call a craft room. (I also call it an office, and mommy's room, and the computer room, and the "crap, people are coming over, throw it all in there and shut the doors" room) *shrug* It works.

So first the good:

These were ATC's (artist trading cards, which makes me laugh to call them ARTIST trading cards when I made them. Now I have to start calling my craft/office/crap room my "studio". Fancy eh?) They're baseball card sized, and I'm completely blanking on the actual dimensions.

These were for a swap on 2peas.

They were a lot of fun to make, and I think I'll be making a lot more of them. For what I don't know, but they're a good way for me to sit down and play with colors/styles that I might not commit to on a larger project. And they're a good way to work through my embarrassingly ENORMOUS scrap pile. Seriously. Bad.

And a card made from the leftovers from the ATC's. I think this is going into my cards for heroes box that's been building for a few months now. (That makes it sound huge, its not, I'm just very slowly adding to it!) ;)

And now the bad...and kind of ugly...but will improve.

Ta-daaa! I've spent the last week teaching myself to spin on a spindle. "Teaching myself" equates to "knowing just enough to be doing it wrong" I'm sure of it.

Why spinning? Uh...well...ehm...because? Apparently if you put any kind of crafty-do-it-yourself idea in front of me (extra points for anything that can be categorized as yarn, string, thread, or a combination) I feel compelled to conquer it. It adds to my dork status, and I've gone up in rank now! There will be a ceremony later today. I'll be serving coffee and nature's valley granola bars. Uhm...to the first 4 of you anyway. The rest can have a peanut butter sandwich.

Don't say I never gave you anything.

So this was my very first attempt, I have 2 of these 'skeins'. (uh...all of 7 yards between the two?) They're pretty pathetic. But I love them in all their pathetic glory. The pictures are pretty pathetic too, but it was nearly impossible to photograph this roving/yarn. Its a REALLY deep dark chocolate brown/black, but is hard to get a picture of. At any rate, I spun & plied the rest, and actually 'washed' it and its hanging now drying, so we'll see how that turns out. I don't have high expectations, but hoping maybe the washing hides a few flaws.

A few.

A lot.

A great many.

Now I've run into a major problem. You see my lovely Aunty loaned me the spindle and roving....and now I'm out of roving. Its kinda like running out of heroin. Ok, that might be an exaggeration, but definitely like running out of coffee. So I'm off to browse the internets...

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! :)

Painting Pots

2008-04-24T08:58:00.009-05:00

This is what we did last week. Its actually been ...I almost don't want to say it too loudly.... WARM. So we took a trip to True Value to buy terra cotta pots. (on a side note: either terra cotta pots have gone up in cost, or the name "true value" is a joke. cuz these suckers weren't cheap. Ok, not insanely expensive, but more than I remember clay pots being. rant over)

So we picked out his 4 pots, came home, and gave him a few good globs of acrylic paint.

And let him go nuts.

...and go nuts he did!

He'll have his own gallery next summer, I'm sure of it.

Dude, that's A LOT of green paint.

And a lot of orange....going for texture eh?

He was very into this.

Concentrating

But there was no convincing him that he could, ya know, paint the WHOLE pot. Pretty much just into painting the upper right 1/4 of the pot. Its cool. Artistic process and all.

Ok, Ok, I may have painted the purple one. ...and another one. I had to. Don't judge me.

Hum. This would be where my demonstration of "look, you can use your fingers to make fingerprints on the pot to look like circles" kind of backfires. A little.

Oh. Oh Boy.

Ohhhh lordy. This is the point where I put down the camera and start doing statistical analysis on the probability of getting the child TO the sink WITHOUT leaving a trail of paint on the walls. Or myself for that matter.

I'll have you know we did it. There was a good deal of kicking and crying. (no not me, I said we DIDN'T get paint all over the walls) But the promise of planting seeds calmed the chaos.

And now the pots are proudly displayed on our front steps, and even sprouting some marigolds. (I gotta say I'm shocked, I thought for sure we'd have to sneak to the garden center in about a week and plant some full grown marigolds at nap time. Who knew I can actually grow something?)

A post of special interest to my father...

2008-04-18T10:40:00.006-05:00

First of the season, just acquired a couple of days ago.

Thought you'd enjoy...

And just because...

Betsy seems to like them too.

And why wouldn't she, what isn't there to love about flip flops?

Blogger vs. Sarah

2008-04-01T14:11:00.003-05:00

Blogger wins.

Blogger is messing with my spacing again, I can't seem to fix it, and I give up :)

So forgive the jumbled appearance of the previous post. It was all nicely aligned, and spaced, and then posted weird. I don't know WHY it does this periodically, but I'm off to google "html code for BREAK" and see what turns up! :)

The Proper Care and Feeding of Your Sewing Machine: Part 1

2008-04-01T13:31:00.017-05:00

I figured I'd use this time, to give you all a lesson in proper machine maintenance. Go ahead and thank me later. Gift cards are best. (KIDDING! ...kidding...)

Let's start with....oh let's say...needles! Completely off the top of my head.

So I googled "how often should I change my sewing machine needle" and came across this lovely site of FAQ's: http://www.dentonsewingcenter.com/tips.htm

and their suggestion reads as follows:

Q2: How often should I change my needle?
A: Sharp needles make better looking stitches so needles should be changed fairly often to keep your stitch quality consistent. When doing machine embroidery, change needles every 10,000 stitches. This means if you are doing large embroideries, you'll need to change needles after every design to get the best possible stitch quality. In garment construction, you'll need to change needles about every third garment. In quilting, change needles after every third bobbin.

Hmm...ok! Good to know!

In the interest of education, let me show you what may happen if you don't follow this esteemed advice.

Now, admittedly, I'm no pro, but I'm thinking this is....wrong?

It shouldn't look like that right?

Well, let's compare.

Hmm...nope, that new one DEFINITELY looks less 'captain-hook-esque'.

I think we can say with some certainty, that the above is NOT correct needle form.

...So needless to say, the new one went in today. How long have I been sewing with the grotesquely bent previous needle? No idea. I just happened to notice it was that bent a few days ago by chance.

Ya know when you're sewing along, come to a large seam, and your machine goes "KA-CHUNK!!" as it hits it? No? Hm...well anyway. I have a tendency to just uh...keep pluggin' along. And that might have been what caused it. maybe. perhaps.

Oh and the above recommendation? I can't keep track of 10,000 stitches, which is what landed me here, with a bent needle. I do, however, hereby swear to be more diligent about changing my needles more frequently. ...at least every 3 months or so.

...ok ok...more often. I might even remember to do it every project. MIGHT.

Their second bit of advice?

Q3: How often should I oil my sewing machine/serger?
A: With constant use, you should oil your sewing machine or
serger about every 10-12 hours of use. A rule of thumb for a machine that is used less often, or used quite a bit and then left to sit for extended periods of time, is to oil it after you are through with your project, and then remember to run it every so often so that the oil is kept distributed through the machine. Of course, you never oil a computerized machine.

Hmm...last time I oiled my machine. Let's think. Ok, I know I got it
in 2003. So it would have been...the summer after....never.

Yup, never oiled it. Not once. Report me to the department of sewing machine neglect. Its not that I'm malicious in my lack of machine care. I'm just the victim of "self-taught" crafts, and uh...you can't teach yourself what you don't know. So it never really occurred to me to grease the thing up. But! I got a can of Pam and I'm going to do it now! (KIDDING....all you machine maintenance purists take a deep breath.)

I promise, I'll try to be better.

Especially if I get a serger for my birthday.

::coughcoughhusbandtakenoteifyou'rereadingcoughcough::

Betsy

2008-03-31T19:47:00.011-05:00

Did I ever tell you she has a name?

After a LOT of great suggestions, and a few trials...

Ruby?

Lucy?

Well, she was for a few days.

But as it turns out, Zach had it in his mind that she was...

Betsy.

Good ol' Betsy. Still coolest puppy ever. Sitting on my lap, whining like a fool because the husband (her favorite person of the 3) walked away. Its cool. I get it.

oh, and those super awesome pillow cases behind her? my new favorite things in the house, courtesy of the thrift store. They make me feel like spring really MIGHT be here!

We're out of Cocoa Krispies....

2008-03-28T20:27:00.002-05:00

I'm not even sure if that's how you spell the darn things, I just know we had 3 boxes (dude, they were on sale) and now we have none.

I'm not normally a sugary cereal person. I like grape nuts, and wheaties, and multi-grain cheerios, and oatmeal with just a bit of brown sugar.

But cocoa krispies are my one weakness, on the oh-so-rare occasion that I break out of my cereal habits. Especially since last week I banished all 'junk' from the house in an attempt to get back on track with my "diet". So cocoa krispies were my one splurge. And since I spent the day with a feverish 3 1/2 year old boy (over 102 at last check) I just wanted some sugar-laden cereal. *sigh*

On the upside, I spent most of the day snuggled on the couch with him, which ain't so bad! It did however, prevent me from doing anything of purpose. Cleaning...laundry...cleaning...eating a meal, ya know those pesky things.

The good news? Raisin Bran isn't so bad, the boy's fever seems to be under control for the time being (motrin + tylenol = good stuff) and feeling better. (of course, he feels JUST better enough to be feisty and a bit cranky....but I'll take cranky and demanding over the ashy feverish lump he was most of this afternoon)

So if you have chocolate, enjoy some in my name. I'm off to help the husband wrangle the now erupting tantrum in the kitchen. (who knew that he LIVES to feed the dog, and if you take that joy away from him, woah boy!)

Though I shouldn't.....the husband is the reason I'm out of cocoa bliss....evil man.

Knitted Kitty Swap

2008-03-27T09:41:00.005-05:00

I've been wanting to share this since last week, but wanted to wait until I was sure my partner received her kitty. (which she has, so let's proceed!)

A while back while browsing Ravelry I came across a group doing a knitted kitty swap. You knit the same pattern for the kitty, but of course using your choice of yarn, needles, "embellishment", etc. and then...swap!

Provided I'm not a cat person - I am, however, a knitting dork. ...and I'm a fan of the swap ;)

I thought it would be fun because even though you're working with the same pattern, you really get to tweak it however you wish and the possibilities are endless! (If you're on ravelry, click on the post title and it will link you to the group, you can see all the kitties that have been arriving and its amazing to see how they're all so different!)

Plus, I like that I have something that someone else MADE. And it was fun to see what would show up in the mail.

Would you like to see? Well, you're in luck!

Here's what I sent:

Her name is Scrap. Partly because of my other hobbies (scrapbooking and quilting) and partly because....well...when I first knit her up....she looked pretty sad! It was one of those where the ball of yarn looked promising, but for some reason once it was knit, it didn't quite live up to my hopes. Not terrible, just not quite what I was envisioning.

BUT....all of that was solved once she got a face and her new scarf.

Much better.

Not near as 'scruffy alley cat' looking now!

How else does a cat keep a scarf on?

And the best part? Here's what I got:

Princess

She is INSANELY soft! (alpaca...mmmmmmm) and a much prettier brown than these pictures show!

And she has adorable eyes and a pretty 'necklace' (its a collar I suppose, but its to pretty to be called a collar) with a little bell even!

she's quite at home, and currently sitting on my bookshelf. love her.

Because I care about your well-being

2008-03-25T12:08:00.000-05:00

this seemed appropriate with Easter candy being consumed this week.

Fess Up...

2008-03-23T17:31:00.002-05:00

How much of your kid's Easter candy have you already had?

I myself won't go into detail (partly because in my sugar induced fog, I can't quite remember...) but needless to say it was more than these two....

Bunny Pattern - V 2.0

2008-03-18T19:08:00.003-05:00

Ok, remember way back when ::coughcoughdecembercoughcough:: I asked for volunteers to test crochet a bunny pattern? Well, between a bleak and gloomy winter, and a last minute "I don't like the way the head looks...." adjustment, its taken me this long to get to the test phase.

SO....this time we're ready to go! :) If you'd like to take 'er for a test run, shoot me an email or leave a comment here with your email. I'll be sending out text only patterns for now, as I'm currently writing/tweaking the version that will go to press. (aka: etsy shop) ;) But will get the official "pictures'n'all" copy to you within the next few days.

As a bonus? ...I personally think it would look awfully cute in an Easter basket. ...just sayin' ;)

You mean you QUILT them???

2008-03-17T17:17:00.008-05:00

huh.....

really...

no one ever told me that part.

...or so it would appear

specs:
1. 'scrap' quilt for zach - hand quilting now, realizing I suck at hand quilting. hmm..
2. doll sized/mini scrap quilt - no designated owner as of yet
3. doll sized/mini scrap quilt - owner in mind
4. baby quilt for stepsister's new baby girl. ....trying to decide if I want to machine quilt it or try the sucky hand quilting. decisions decisions....

She needs a name...

2008-03-11T20:06:00.007-05:00

Who's that you ask?

Her.

She has no name as of yet, but she's ADORABLE.

And GOOD. Holy cow, is this dog good. Provided she's only been 'good' for about 8 hours, but I'm crossing my fingers that its a sign of things to come.

She's so snuggly, and friendly, but not spazzy and wild. She's quiet, and even (so far) does well in her kennel. ...the only reason she's IN her kennel is to force myself to PUT HER DOWN and get her used to her kennel. She's probably been in there 20 minutes, and aside from a little whining at first, has settled down and appears to be snoozing.

And now, I'm off to 'rescue' her, and spend some quality time on the couch together. Probably try another couple of trips outside for 'business' sake. But pretty much, just watching her snore....

....I kinda like this dog ;)

But...this dog has no name. I'm tossing around a few ideas, but wanted to throw it out there. What do YOU think? Gimme your best dog name! I feel naked without having a name to give her!

*and excuse the crummy pictures, I wanted to get some, but in all the excitement didn't have time to take nice ones!

Bats in my Belfry

2008-03-06T16:25:00.008-06:00

Sadly, I'm not speaking figuratively (well, that's arguable...)

Our cats "found" a bat this morning. (I'm using the word "found" in the sense that they helped it from this life, to the next, as cats like to do.)

So ok. A case of the eebie-jeebies for a few hours right? Right.

Until....this afternoon, when I couldn't shake the feeling that a bat in your basement, in March, just didn't seem like a good idea. Right? Well, according to Google, right again!

Now, using Google, you'll find 1,000 websites that say Yes! You should in fact have the bat tested for rabies. Wonderful! Thank you Google!

Unfortunately, what Google can't tell you is you'll spend an hour and a half, calling every county/city/regional office you can think of that's IN ANY WAY related to animals, pest control, and infectious diseases, and STILL not know where to send the damn thing.

I actually have....8 phone numbers, not including transfers, and menu options, that left me with no answers. ...and a bad case "oh my gosh! what just touched my foot???"

not good.

FINALLY, I spoke to a wonderful woman, on a last ditch phone number, who couldn't answer my question, but actually took my information, and called me back with my answer. I could have kissed her. ...Or at the very least, high-fived her.

So she starts "Ok, you'll have to overnight the bat..."

wait, what? overnight? like..in a box? like...through the mail? you can do that? Wouldn't you normally be arrested for something like that? She continues her instruction: "You'll want to double bag it, put it in a box with your contact information, and send that off to us - wait - the bat is dead right? We won't take live ones."

**Excuse me while I point out the obvious, ASSUMING the bat was alive - even so - after I execute the double bag, tightly sealed box, and 8+ hours transit time....I'm pretty sure I could guarantee you a dead bat. If a bat survived an oxygen deprived box for 8 hours, we've got bigger problems than rabies tests.**

But ok, ship the bat, double bagged, in a box, to this lab. No problem! I'm on it!

...mmmwell, 'I'm on it' in the sense that "I've written down all pertinent information, and I'm anxiously awaiting my husband from his dental appointment, at which point I'll instruct him on the proper way to ship a dead bat". That sounds more like it. I'm not touching it.

Only, it occurs to said husband, that the lab is only 40 minutes from us "Why don't I just DRIVE it down?" At which point I gave him the "you kinda worry me" look. But what can I say, he likes road trips, and as he pointed out, it will probably cost the same in gas, as it will to overnight the bat, so ok, have it your way. Go for it. Road trip dudes! ...creepy weird road trip, but hey, it made him happy. So be it.

Just keep it away from me.

So....dear friends. I'm now anxiously awaiting a rabies test result. Oh, let's pray its negative.

And I'm also awaiting my visit on Tuesday from "bat man". (Ok, I'm not actually sure of his name, but he deals with wildlife, and bat proofs homes, and the name - though started off on accident - is fitting, and shall remain as such)

But, the more I got to thinking, the more I thought it was highly unusual to find a bat in our house in March. August when windows are open and they're out and about? Not so alarming. March? "s**t, I bet we've got bats!!"

'Bat man' thought the same.

...S**T!!

So 'bat man' will be over to inspect our house, and discuss the possibility of 'sealing' our home. I have a sneaking suspicion, we have unwanted guests, and I know where they are. So until Tuesday, I'll be wearing my hair up, constantly swatting at the back of my neck, and sleeping with the covers up to my neck. No....ears.

In the meantime, enjoy my paranoia, feel free to make lame bat jokes at my expense, and please resist the urge to throw small furry looking objects in my direction - lest I pee my pants.

Thank you.

Proof of what you've already feared

2008-02-29T10:33:00.004-06:00

Ok, let's take a quick trip back to October. Yes, OCTOBER (The phrase "I'm behind" takes on a whole new meaning with me!) Lovely Miss Kalurah tagged me. ....in October. I think it goes without saying, I might be a smidge on the procrastinating side. a little. maybe.

But ok! The whole idea is I have to list 10 weird facts about myself. The problem with this particular task isn't coming up with 10 weird facts.....its narrowing it down to *just* 10.

No small feat.

1. spit - ugh...."grossed out" doesn't even describe it. Borderline phobia is better. I am REPULSED by spit/saliva. I'm just now getting to the point where I can eat off of the same utensil as my husband or son. Even then, only if its something 'solid' (pudding? yogurt, no. no way.) Baby spit up? Insane poopy diapers? Doesn't even phase me. Kids with slobbery mouths? *cringe*

"But Sarah, how do you deal with your own spit?" seriously, don't ask. If I think about it too long it starts to freak me out a bit and I'll go brush my teeth. I know, brushing your teeth doesn't REMOVE spit, but somehow it helps.

2. stomach issues - I don't even want to type the word. "stomach flu" how's that (I know, I know, its not the FLU...) Probably the only thing that freaks me out more than spit. If anyone has been sick, I'll avoid them for a good week. 104 fever? Bronchitis? Bubonic Plague? Sure, come on over!

I don't care if you think it was food poisoning, I'm lysol-ing my entire house. I'll see you a week from Thursday. ;)

3. in 4th grade I had a whole battery of tests...endoscopy, EEG, blood tests, xrays, therapist, because of stomach issues. Nothing ever came of it, that I know of. I think now it was early anxiety symptoms.

4. I love thunderstorms something fierce. LOVE. them. Its probably the only thing I like about hot, muggy summers. Especially in the early evening when I can sit on the front porch.

5. I love the smell of skunk. No really. I swear. It reminds me of mornings on Martha's Vineyard, which has always felt like 'home' to me. It seems like almost every morning you'd smell 'skunk', and its (somehow) a comforting smell to me.

I wouldn't use it as a candle scent, mind you, but yes, I really do like the smell.

6. I love punk/ska/indie rock, black nail polish, chuck taylors, and tattoos and piercings. I've wanted my nose and lower lip done for probably 10 years, along with a couple of tattoos, but haven't because I'm terrified. See #'s 2 and 7....

7. I have anxiety problems the last few years. They've gotten MUCH better the last year or so since I really started paying attention to them, but there are still situations that trigger them.

Yeah, I know exactly what it stems from - have enough people die right in a row and you get a little freaked, have a new baby right after those people die and it starts to put that "what if something happens to me, I can't do that to him" thing in your head constantly, and throws you for a bit of a loop. It's also triggered by any situation where I'm not in control of things. Oh yeah, very aware. I need a tshirt.

Counseling you say? Oh I intend to someday, trust me, someone is going to put their psychology degree to good use with me someday! :)

8. I'm way more outgoing & goofy in my head, but I have a crippling fear of looking stupid. I'm my own worst critic and I'm darn good. I always hold myself back, and constantly second guess myself. Its the result of certain things, which I'm working on, and getting better. Trying to unlearn things is hard though. Luckily, I have a very patient husband who has spent the last 6 (7?) years trying to counteract all the stuff I tell myself. (and then I roll my eyes at him...its a losing battle, but he keeps fighting it) He's kinda awesome like that.

9. I love office supplies. pens, pads of paper, cork boards, binders, sharpies, I love it all. Office Max is my Disneyland...and no idea why :)

10. I rinse out a glass before I use it. Always. For no apparent reason. Only glasses, not coffee cups or any other dishes. And it has nothing to do with thinking they're dirty, its just been a habit for as long as I can remember. Turn on water, fill partway, swirl and dump, resume filling and drink. I can't NOT do it. *shrug* I don't know. I told you, weird.

Alright, well! Reading through that don't I look like a miserable twisted individual?? =) I swear I'm not THAT bad. ;)

Now that that's out of the way, onto the tagging portion of this bizzarre post!

1. Sandy
2. ahna
3. My auntie

Get on it ladies! ....and try to post something that makes me look normal. Thanks! ;)

It might be genetic...

2008-02-26T14:20:00.000-06:00

Zach spilled some oatmeal, and insisted on cleaning it up himself. He's been on a big vacuum kick lately, if anything needs vacuumed, he'll jump at the chance!

His Grandma Leslie would be very proud...

and yes, that REALLY is my kitchen carpet. So awful that the camera can't even pick it up well. and ignore the pile o' stuff in the background, I'm 90% through purging the basement/attic and some stuff is waiting in limbo in the kitchen.

My Specialty - Oatmeal avec Sprinkles

2008-02-26T12:06:00.002-06:00

Why you ask?

Well, why not?

He thinks its the greatest, and if saves me from one battle with a 3 year old, then so be it!

Bring on the sprinkles!

I live with boys...

2008-02-20T11:02:00.000-06:00

Thanks Target

2008-02-12T20:32:00.001-06:00

We're strange.

No really, we're a little odd.

We buy things like this:

- entirely for the novelty. (and if you can't figure out the 'novelty' of this particular item, keep looking. if you STILL can't figure it out, its probably best to just concede that bloggers are weird and go on with your day.)

hint: whoever designed the spout placement, should be fired. Its unappealing, that's all I'll say.

So, I emailed the link to a couple of people, wanting to share in the joy of finding strange objects online. (even better when the 'strange' objects are probably owned by thousands of unsuspecting 'normal' people who never gave their snowman a second glance)

But when I showed my husband (who has lived with me too long) he determined we had to buy it. HAD to buy it. (even when I pointed out it cost more to SHIP the darn thing than what it cost...bah...I hate shipping)

So order it I did. And shortly thereafter, I get a confirmation email from target, with the following "suggested item".

You might also like:

WTHeck! Because we just can't get enough liquor dispensers in this house!! ...according to Target anyway.

Now, I was tempted to be insulted by Target's recommendation. Why would they just ASSUME that I'd want some tacky liquor dispenser.

But, to be fair...I can't blame them.

1. I love tacky. I can't help it, I blame genetics. I'm convinced its a gene mutation yet undiscovered. Some day there will be help for us. Godspeed.

2. How are they to know, I'm sure someone, SOMEWHERE, would LOVE a 55oz liquor dispenser that doubles as a geography refresher. I guess? Maybe??

3. I know, I know, its computer generated, it just links random things in like categories. Quit ruining my fun.

At any rate, I'm happy to report that our new demented snowman drink dispenser arrived on our front porch this morning - safe and sound - and will be much loved....and used. I think he'll be quite happy here, in the little house that strange built.

Disclaimer

2008-02-11T10:21:00.001-06:00

Blogger won't let me spell check anymore ...apparently. Who knows why.

Forgive my probably numerous and appalling misspellings.

How many do you think I got in that last sentence? :)

Vintage Valentine - WS '08

2008-02-10T12:27:00.001-06:00

Just some pictures of a card I made this weekend. I had plans to make card(S) but only finished this one. :) Ah well, it felt good to sit down and work on something like this. The blank canvas approach, whereas lately most of my crafting has been pre-planned. (which I also love, but every so often its nice to just go with it)

There was actually one point where I HATED it, was ready to just scrap it and start over, I just wasn't happy with it. But then I found the green ribbon, toyed with placement for that, no that wasn't enough. Ah! lace! Used that to 'anchor' the green and a very happy Sarah proclaimed she was done! :)

This was done for a challenge - WinterStamp '08 on twopeasinabucket. My only 'guidelines' were that it needed to be a 'vintage' valentine. There was a separate challenge to create a card using 3 items you've been hoarding. (what? who? me?) So I combined the two.

The heart wreath is from a sheet of stickers I was given about a year ago, the green 'velvet' ribbon I bought OVER a year ago and have used once, and the lace was bought recently, but I realized I have about 7 different yards of lace I have bought, but not put to use. hmm.

And, as usual, the pictures are a little off. What with all of this GLORIOUS natural light we have in February! [/sarcasm]

Hopefully, I can get my chores done and get in some more card time later :)

Hey! Its Snowing!

2008-02-06T12:08:00.001-06:00

But Hey! You knew that! Because that's ALL its done for the last 4 years. ...alright alright, slight exaggeration. But I can't think of a day there hasn't been snow on the ground here. Oh sure, there have been days where its warmed up enough to COMPLETELY melt away 6 inches of snow. ....until it 4 hours later when it drops 15 degrees and dumps another 2" on us.

Just for good measure.

We were ~~threatened~~ forcasted to get 10+ inches of snow overnight. I'm quite happy to report, we got...2? Luckily, it stayed just warm enough most of the night to rain/drizzle. It only turned to snow in the wee hours of the morn. (or so I'm told, I'm not awake, let alone coherent in the wee hours of the morn).

But, now good ol' "gotta be right" ~~magic crystal readers~~ weather forcasters are saying we're due for 8-12 inches throughout the day today. I'm pretty sure they'll be DEVASTATED if it doesn't happen. ...they live for this.

Massive snowfall and tornado warnings make their life complete. If they can't interrupt regular programming at least once a week, with EMERGENCY weather alerts, they wouldn't be whole. ...what better place to do the weather than the midwest? It warms my heart to see them so happy. ...except for when they're right.

Having said all that, let's look at some pretty snow pictures from just outside my front door this morning! (and I mean JUST outside my front door. Remember, its snowing and cold? I'm not going out farther than the mailbox today)

ah, isn't it peaceful and serene? ...that's because everyone is holed up in their houses, with 3 weeks worth of groceries they ran out and bought yesterday afternoon. Because people like to do that here...I'm not sure why. Its like unspoken tradition. Snow forcasted? Follow these steps:

1. Watch the tv, there will be a scroll bar at the bottom cancelling every activity/meeting/event known to mankind for 37 hours leading up to the forcasted snow. You're not doing anything for the next 3 days.

2. Wait until the day before the snow, (or even the 2 hours before) go to the grocery store, buy at least 3 gallons of milk, 4 loaves of bread, enough meat to pack your freezer, and as many 40lb bags of rock salt as you can fit in your trunk. Feel free to add to this list, but this is a minimum. Its like an honor code.

3. Now USUALLY, the third step is "feel stupid when it snows all of an inch and a half". Its ok. You're not alone. If it actually snows, skip 3 and proceed to 4.

4. Raid that half ton of groceries you just bought, find something to eat, and curl up on the couch. Spend the next 4 hours watching the 'weather team' ~~froth at the mouth~~ alert you to the developing weather situation. Putting as much urgency and distress in their voice as they can muster.

*it should be noted, that 90% of the time, when you've reached step 4, its safe to go out. The plows have been out for hours, and the only real danger is going mad from being locked in the house.

Repeat these steps as needed for the duration of the winter. Soon enough, you'll start with tornado season. :)

Scissors + Shaggy Hair + Too Cold to Leave the House

2008-02-06T10:00:00.000-06:00

Oh yeah, I did it. I did the mommy faux pas. I cut my son's hair a couple of weeks ago. ...With $1 scissors from Walgreens. In my defense, it was 20 below and we'd been in the house all week. Cut me some slack.

See, he NEEDED a haircut. He was starting to look like a child we found out in the alley. The haircut isn't much better. But at least now he looks more "unfortunate victim of a do-it-yourself-haircut" than "neglected barbarian".

- the aftermath -

- what an...interesting look -

- you can only get this level of quality in prison -

- please, I beg of you, take her scissors! -

(I will say, the last 2 weeks have been kind, and it doesn't look quite so "my mom cut my hair with a dirty razor blade and a blindfold".)

Post Script...

2008-02-03T16:15:00.000-06:00

....its snowing.

January In Illinois

2008-02-03T13:12:00.000-06:00

Oh, HI! Remember me? Yup, I'm still here, puttering around the house, trying to catch up on projects around here. ...trying. :)

January in Illinois is enough to commit a person to a psych ward. Its always cold and dreary, but this year has been EXCEPTIONALLY so. To the point where I haven't blogged in a while, because NOTHING has happened! And no one wants to listen to my daily weather reports (its cold, its REALLY cold, its too cold to go get the mail, its not AS cold as yesterday, its snowing)

So while I've missed my blog, and all of my blog 'peeps', I just haven't been motivated enough to bore you all to tears. (well, there's no guarantee I still won't!) :)

On the upside, I DID get my attic cleaned out. THAT was fun. (and if you believe that last statement, have yourself commited, you've been in the house too long)

And in doing so, I found the title for a car we traded in almost 2 years ago. Along with 3 boxes of stuff for goodwill, 5 boxes of trash (mostly outdated paperwork, like the 27,000 copies of breastfeeding instructions I must have been given the entire duration of my pregnancy. Since he's 3 1/2, I figured it was safe to toss those) AND now the attic is arranged in a somewhat-logical fashion.

I'm not talkin' Martha Stewart anal. (though, tempting, I did stop myself) But all the christmas 'decor' is in one area, old high school stuff finds a home together, the stack of random pictures and empty frames is co-habitating nicely, all is well in the attic world.

....just don't look at the rest of my house.

What's that you say? A free crochet pattern?

2008-01-10T22:06:00.000-06:00

That's right! You too can own your VERY OWN "bunny crochet pattern" for the one time only LOW LOW LOW price of zero dollars! call in the next 10 minutes, and we'll throw in a free paperclip!

woah...sorry guys, the late night infomercial announcer in me showed there. ;)

But it just so happens, I'm finishing up a crocheted bunny doll pattern for my Etsy shop, and need a couple of volunteers to 'test crochet' a pattern for me and check for any kinks in the wording. The perks? Well. You...get the pattern for free? And a cute bunny in the end!

Interested? apply...well, OK, just leave a comment or email me at cuppscraps@gmail.com with 'glutton for punishment' in the subject line. ok ok...kidding :) put 'bunny' or 'i have a hook and I'm not afraid to use it' or 'help! I have all this extra yarn piling up and I can't find my children!' (ok so that last one might be MY version) ;)

Alphabet Soup

2008-01-07T21:02:00.000-06:00

My Windows are OPEN

2008-01-06T10:45:00.000-06:00

This is our weather forecast, for January 6, 2008, in Illinois.

When last week it was below zero windchills.

And they all said...

Amen.

Catching up on finished projects!

2007-12-31T11:09:00.001-06:00

Now that I'm coming out of my knitting haze, and can think clearly enough to post, I thought I'd better try to catch up on the happenings around here!

This letter M was a custom order for an Etsy customer. I have a love/hate relationship with custom orders. I absolutely love them, they're fun, they're challenging, they sometimes make me think outside of my usual ideas. I HATE...not knowing what they'll think. I'm my own worst critic, and so I spend a few days wanting to curl up fetal style, waiting until I hear that they liked it. (or, in my worst nightmare, that they hate it) Luckily, the news has always been good thus far :)

I will say I was REALLY happy with how this turned out, and so was she!

Ice Ice Baby

2007-12-31T11:03:00.001-06:00

ice
Originally uploaded by sarah.cupp07

This was actually the beginning of December. I'm just now getting around to blogging it. But really, it applies through most of December. Seems every weekend we've had ice, freezing rain, snow, sleet, or a combination.

As much as I love winter's pristine beauty....this is getting old.

Where am I? What day is it?

2007-12-26T09:10:00.002-06:00

Ah hah! Thought you'd got rid of me forever eh? Sorry guys, I'm back! :)

What kept me away so long? Family tragedy (thank God, for once, no!) Exciting happenings? no. Running away and joining a commune? nah.

Just...busy? December was a lot of knitting. A LOT of knitting. And some crochet, and making ornaments, and a custom order from an Etsy customer, and some other things that just somehow sap time from me. And before I knew it, I had my auntie pestering me for a blog post ;)

But I've MISSED my blog, and reading all of my blogs, and spending an hour aimlessly browsing through pictures on blogs, with no real purpose or intent ;)

Alright, enough of that, time for a real post!

Turkey Volume Guessing Man!

2007-11-22T09:18:00.002-06:00

Since youtube won't let me imbed, you'll have to settle for one of my favorite audio clips...ever.

It seemed appropriate today:

http://www.zianet.com/area51/mst3k/814/tvgm.wav

Bonus points to anyone who knows its origin. =)

Happy Thanksgiving you turkeys! Drive safe, eat well, and let's all check in later to report our new waist girth! (and for those of you insane - er, motivated - enough to head out at the butt crack of dawn tomorrow, like my husband, I'll be thinkin' of ya! ...and by thinkin' of ya I mean curled up in a semi-coma-like state in my bed.)

Our first attempt at "organized" sports

2007-11-20T10:36:00.001-06:00

- mine in the middle -

I blame the following events entirely on the child's mother. My people are not an athletic people. We seem to create breed of human that is either A. a crafty, artsy breed. or B. freakishly smart - physics, neurobiology, computers and the like. I can't think of any of us who really excelled in sports. We DO them, grudgingly. Some of us may even willingly and intentionally exercise, but that's as far as we go. Let's not get carried away. So this...is all my fault. The fact that he WANTS to play, all dad. The fact that he plays the way he does, ....sorry 'bout that!

- before practice started, open space + little boys = run! -

- none of the children have faces!! or...I'm just learning photoshop, and didn't learn how to blur until midway through these pictures -

So, soccer. 3-5 year olds, indoor. (its Illinois...in November. I don't think the kids would care. We parents, however, do better in a climate controlled setting.) Now I knew, this would be a mess. His first attempt at sports (aside from the disaster that was gymnastics, we never went back.) and...being prone to his father's attention span ;) the odds were not in his favor. He actually did quite well...until....

- Foul? Off sides? -

So we wrangle him back to his side, only now, we add help.

- I'm watchin' you punk. -

So now dad's standing guard. Ready to go should 'flash' find something else to do. And he does...

- dad's on it. -

Why does he keep running? because he's just following the ball. The other team was kicking, HIS team was listening to instruction. Duh! Drop these losers and head over to the fun side! ....at this point, a trip to the hall was made, with a chat about staying with your team, and listening to coach, or you would find yourself in the car on the way home. Much to his dismay.

Ok, things are looking better. I'm 97.3% sure he's not LISTENING, but he's sitting. On his side. We'll take it.

...crap.

I'd pay money to hear this conversation. In all honesty, I think was being very nice, and telling him how to do something. But I'm convinced he was offering money and candy if he'd just stay put. But....

we made it through. I was only 20% bothered that mine was the only "runner" while all the other kids stood, listened, and participated. Maybe 45%. Give or take. But he was thrilled to get a shirt. ....That he can wear until he graduates from high school. We might hit the sewing machine and see if we can't hem that bad boy a bit.

That's my boy! At least he'll be smart!

NaBloPoMo - No Mo'

2007-11-12T20:58:00.000-06:00

In case you haven't noticed, or - like me - just can't keep track of days, I missed posting on Friday. *sigh*

In my defense, I was having a lovely time with Steph and Rob (Eddie's sister and her husband). We went to their aunt's for pizza, put the kids to bed, chatted for a bit, and a bit after 11, they decided to head home while the kids were sleeping, rather than the next morning. (Anyone with small kids knows, 4 hours in the car is best done with sleeping kids) I helped them get ready (aka, I had the very important "hold the baby" job) ;) and they hit the road a bit after midnite. Well....that made it Saturday. So even though I planned to post, alas, it was too late.

So then I sulked. Because good intentions don't write blog posts. But oh well, snuggling softly snoring babies always wins.

Uber Thursday

2007-11-08T22:50:00.000-06:00

Thursday is boring post day! Hurrah! (no comments about EVERY day being boring post day around here!)

I have uber cute pictures of my uber cute son with my uber cute nephew. Except....my uber stupid computer doesn't want to uber-find them. I promise, they're cute.

My SIL and BIL got here today, and it was the first time I got to SEE the new babe. ....He's uber cute! As is his big sister. He's also uber cuddly. And he smells nice. And he's soft. And he has teeny tiny socks. And...and....and....swoon.

So between the excitement of long lost cousins (ok, they really saw each other not too long ago, but ask them and its been EONS) and new baby, and going out to eat with long lost cousins, everyone was uber-pooped tonite. Including me.

Goodnite uber-readers!

Talking Cats...

2007-11-07T23:59:00.000-06:00

No, I'm not posting the video. I'm sure you've seen it. I was looking for it to send it to a friend, and tried google-ing "talking cats video" thinking that would solve my dilemma. Not so.

Did you KNOW there were so many talking cat videos on the internet?? (I should have known, it IS the internet) But holy cow! ...and not even the one I wanted.

So go ahead sometime when you're having trouble sleeping, google 'talking cats' and spend the next 4 days watching them all. Enjoy! :)

Sometimes you're just too tired...

2007-11-06T22:51:00.000-06:00

...to even eat your snack.

This was a couple of nights ago. Zach pulled his usual "I'm HUN-gryyyyyy" complete with pitiful whine and pouty lip. We've learned this is nothing more than a ploy to get out of bed. So every so often we'll let him come down for a piece of bread. (keep in mind, he's NOT hungry, he's hoping to stay up later, so bread)

Normally he'll eat his slice of bread, and we go on our merry way back to bed. This time...the poor kid crumbled. :) I'd tried to wake him twice to eat, and he just kept muttering "I'm just eating my bread", without even opening his eyes. If I tried to lift him, "I'm just still eating". I'd sit him up, remind him to eat, and before I got 10 feet away, he'd be losing the battle and on his way down.

But he held the bread.

He did finally give in, and let me take him back to bed. Poor kid. You know he's pooped if he's too tired to EAT. ...he gets that from his mother.

Lumpy

2007-11-05T22:48:00.000-06:00

Bah...we went out for pizza with some friends tonite - a lovely time - but I ordered some pasta bake thing instead (I'm not a huge fan of their pizza. Shh! Don't tell anyone, its a sin around these parts!) I'm convinced the pepsi and pasta have created some chemical reaction, swelled to double their size, and now its sitting in my stomach like a lump. Ugh...

I feel like I need to walk 10 miles. Oh, except for the fact that its November. In Illinois. And very windy. And dark.

....scratch the walk.

I'll just go do more of this...

I have an idea...

2007-11-04T20:16:00.001-06:00

I'll be back in a bit....

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back! With this:

My prototype if you will. Its a bit rough around the edges, but the basic idea is there, and it works! (forgive the off colors...that room is INSANELY yellow light, and I'm still learning photoshop....)

And if you haven't caught on (understandably!) its a placemat. More importantly, its a placemat for Zach. I was wiping the scum off - er...wiping the table down after dinner, and thinking to myself how disgusting milk dribbles are when you apparently miss some from the night before. And how I have a tablecloth, but that's in the pile of laundry to go in next because its dirty. And buying more tablecloths won't help, because I still don't want to strip and replace it every day.

(yes, my thought processes are lengthy and complicated!) :)

After all that, it finally occurred to me - PLACEMAT! *smacks forehead* duh!

I can make a dozen of them and just toss them in to be washed when he trashes one. With a placemat to take the brunt of it, the table will survive another day! Hurrah!

And just for kicks, I made it double-sided. I used some fabric I'd bought from jcasa a few months back. They were a couple of the larger scraps, and I've been wanting to use the tractor print to make SOMETHING for the boy! He loves that tractor fabric!

So, its a bit rough, but not bad for a fast attempt at 9:30 at night. =) Next version will be a bit bigger, and not so wonky (I hope!) but all in all, I'm pretty pleased with it.

A Good Sweater

2007-11-03T20:47:00.001-05:00

Let's hope this posts, dunno what happened last nite. It supposedly posted, but wasn't there this morning and was hanging out in the "draft" section. Weird. ANYWHOO!

Today was the day. The day I've been dreading for weeks. The day that could have ruined all of my hopes.

Family Picture Day.

Why dread such an ordinary task? Wellllll, I'll tell you!

A. I officially and literally LOATHE pictures of myself. I don't care what pep talk you give me (because people always try) I *cringe* looking at pictures of myself. I'm (generally) ok with myself in person (though there are definitely cringing days!) but I'm SO. NOT. photogenic. Even a little. At all. None. I have this bizarre shaped head/face that does weird things in pictures, and the double chin pops up, and my hair looks insane, and my pores are huge, and, and, and ...and it ruins my life. Every stinkin' time! ;)

B. I have a 3 year old son who thinks no human should ever sit for more than 2 minutes at a time. What a waste! So I had fears of him either running off camera, or having a major meltdown/tantrum.

BUT....they went really well! My head is still strange, and he did run off camera...twice...but he was easily bribed with pieces of candy cane. I'm not against bribery if it means getting adorable shots of the boy! :) And OH! was he adorable!

I got to have a peek (this is the photographer friend I work for, so of course I got to have a peek!) and there were some cute ones! Since the last successful picture was Christmas 3 years ago, when Zach was 3 months old, I consider this a victory! *phew!*

That's me, happy, because I will have photographic evidence that I was at one time, in the same room with my son and husband. Because up until now, there are maybe 5 pictures with me IN them.

Hi, my name is Sarah, and I have fuzzy hair and a weird shaped noggin.

See? See how it gets oddly narrow? ugh...Yes, I'm strange, I'm aware. :)

The other good news, and the reason I look so artsy-fartsy above, is my new sweater. I love my new sweater. I'll buy 10 more like it. In the same color if I have to. I don't care.

Love

This

Sweater.

See? See how wonderfully black and forgiving it is? See how it makes me look decent even though my husband felt the need to take this picture at a 40-billion degree angle? *love* (the sweater and the husband)

After pictures, I stayed to work for a few hours. I was a bit bummed because Husband and The Boy were going to a friend's house for homemade soup, cookies, and a football game. (only 2 of those interest me, I'll let you guess)

Well, much to my delight and surprise, she sent home a container of homemade beef vegetable soup, peanut butter/chocolate chip/peanut cookies of some sort, rice krispie treats, and sweet rolls. YUM-MY. Zach and I had the soup and rolls for dinner tonite while Eddie's at work. Yum. So so good. And I didn't have to cook. Even better!

I'm trying to keep myself occupied to keep from devouring the other 2 rolls. I'm not sure what they're actually called, I call them sweet rolls, they're those yeasty/knot rolls that I love. We used to make them at Thanksgiving, they were one of my mom's "things". (Woman would throw a tantrum about store bought rolls at any major holiday) I might have to pull out the recipe and make a batch. Or 10. *shrug* :)

Well, my new sweater and I are headed for the couch. We may or may not be joined by a buttered sweet roll and some Pepsi. I can't say for certain, but pictures are over and I can always hit the gym on Monday to make up for it, so the odds are in my favor. ;)

Just Barely

2007-11-02T23:50:00.000-05:00

But it is Nov. 2, so it counts. 10 minutes to midnite, and here I am.

I'll see you tomorrow! :)

National Blog Posting Month

2007-11-01T09:54:00.001-05:00

...apparently. I was over at tree fall where she made mention of doing NaBloPoMo. WTHeck are you talking about?

That's what I said! So, I looked into it. Apparently November is National Blog Posting Month. Who knew? Well, ok....apparently A LOT of people knew, judging by the site. So the idea is, you 'sign up' to post EVERY. DAY. for the month of November. Every day? EVERY DAY??? Do you KNOW how many days are in November? 30!! 30 days!

Now, I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but me posting every day is normally about as likely as me....building a particle accelerator. (I leave that to my cousin Justin, no kidding) So anyway, the odds are not in my favor, but I thought it'd be a good challenge. If he can build a particle accelerator - and other I'm sure useful things I can't spell or pronounce without help - I can manage a month of posting. See, I THINK about posting every day, I usually HAVE something to post, its just sitting my scatter-brained self down, and holding my attention long enough to load some pictures. :) Thus, I thought it'd be a good challenge. Making me actually blog what I'm already considering blogging! :)

So...fingers crossed! Let's see if I can do this!

...oh and the picture? Just because I feel weird posting with no pictures in a post. And just to prove that sometimes, there's no point arguing with a 3 year old boy....

Well, why not

2007-10-31T11:15:00.001-05:00

Normally I skip these, because...I think they're dumb. There I said it. I'm blacklisted from the internets. ;) But I don't need to know what color, actress, fruit, or animal I am. But...for whatever reason, I found this on another blog and did it. (I know what reason, if I do the dumb quiz, I DON'T have to work on Zach's penguin pj's and realize what a nightmare they are and that I'm apparently pattern inept!)This was pretty good though, so go ahead, waste your time and try it! :)

you are mediumauqamarine
#66CDAA

Your dominant hues are cyan and green. Although you definately strive to be logical you care about people and know there's a time and place for thinking emotionally. Your head rules most things but your heart rules others, and getting them to meet in the middle takes a lot of your energy some days.

Your saturation level is medium - You're not the most decisive go-getter, but you can get a job done when it's required of you. You probably don't think the world can change for you and don't want to spend too much effort trying to force it.

Your outlook on life is brighter than most people's. You like the idea of influencing things for the better and find hope in situations where others might give up. You're not exactly a bouncy sunshine but things in your world generally look up.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Getting there...

2007-10-31T10:03:00.000-05:00

*ahem* notice anything to the right there?

(Is it sad I had to stop and think "wait, is my right their right?" yes you dummy!) =)

Yeah, see the suddenly LOOONNNNG list of bloggers? Yup. That's right, I finally realized I hadn't updated my blogroll since I started my blog. Every time I found a new blog (oh, about every 2.3 hours) I'd add it to my favorites. Done. Then later, I can go back to it....often. :) But apparently, its just too taxing to my poor gray matter, to actually go into blogger, add it and click 'save'. Oh, the exertion!

But that list, is painfully short. My list I READ is...not! egad it grew! When I wasn't looking! I didn't even add them all yet, I know I missed a few in my race to copy paste while Elmo was on.
Round 2 will come later, I think I hear my brain sizzling....

So...go! Read them! Love them! uh...add them to your blogroll. :)

Family Fun Day...Part Deux

2007-10-29T11:18:00.001-05:00

Hello All! Remember a long, long time ago, in a far away blog, a certain blogger hinted at a follow up post to the tractor extravaganza? Well, here it is!

I was just building anticipation...uh yeah, anticipation. Right. (Its not that I started it, and... forgot) *ahem* MOVING ON!

So after we (I'd) had about all the tractor we (I) could take, we headed over to Lagomarcino's. Lagomarcino's is a family owned joint. They are KNOWN for their handmade chocolates, candies, and ice cream. ...My husband considers it a grave shame that I grew up in the area, and before this day, had only been...ONCE. With some friends from high school, I think. But now? NOW, I've been twice.

But I discovered something. I LOVE this place! Like, hide in the bathroom and wait quietly, hoping they'll lock up and leave me there, love it.

Let me show you why *I* love it -

First, its adorable, look at that awning, and awesome sign. You'd think I'd get a better picture of the sign, but apparently...no.

Come on in! And join me in staring at the floor. I love this floor. If I had a zillion dollars, I'd have this floor.

....I don't.

The booths are original (ok, EVERYTHING is original)

And those Tiffany style lamps, that were made to match the tile floor (I read that on the menu)

The soda counter. I mean, how can you mess up with a place that has a soda counter??

Ok, the light is cool, love the light, but LOOK at the ceiling. If I had a zillion dollars, I'd have that ceiling.

....I don't.

Zach enjoying himself in the mirror. I enjoy him in the mirror as well.

Now, let me show you why Eddie loves this place -

Gee, can you guess which of these was his lunch? If you've met my husband, this is an EASY answer.

Ding Ding Ding!!! You win! And as you can see, his son takes after him!

I will say, I'm NOT a fan of vanilla ice cream, just seems like wasted space. BUT, this vanilla ice cream won me over! Its super delish!

And now, why Zach loves this place -

OHHHHH yeah baby!

Decisions, decisions, decisions....

Candy pumpkins it is!

Zach's eyeing some John Deere candy-related item. I'm eyeing that huge chocolate case to the left....

Dude! Move! I can't see the chocolate!

And, for the record, we bought the MOST delicious caramel apple there that day! We made the mistake of buying "one to share". Pfffft! That was a dumb idea! Trust me, next time, we'll buy 2. They're so good you find yourself giving your spouse the stink-eye if they come too close to your half. "What's mine is yours" does NOT apply here.

I give....

2007-10-25T21:32:00.001-05:00

*ahem* ok, the moving hasn't gone EXACTLY as planned. There was a problem when I realized the cable won't reach to the other side of the room. an intelligent person would have seen this issue in the beginning, not 30 minutes into dismantling the computer. Hmm...so, I had to re-think the blog-fast. I'm back. I missed you.

So...I'm intermittently typing this from "work". I feel funny calling it "work" because A. I enjoy it (hah!) and B. uh...I'm sitting here blogging.... And my boss would be ok with that. Because this computer takes about 7.9 minutes to open a file, and 12.4 to save one.

Ok, Ok, that's a slight exaggeration. ...slight. So I click "open" choose my file, switch over to blogger, write my life story, and about the time I hit post, my picture is ready to go! (seriously, I just counted, 28 seconds last try)

Ok, so what's new with Sarah? Not a lot. If you've been a reader of this blog....you...knew that. Smart aleck.

I do have some pictures I want to share with you (family fun day part 2, our trip to the pumpkin patch, plus random "isn't my son the cutest thing on earth?" until you want to hurl from over-exposure to his stunning grin pictures) But...I'm at work. No pictures. Sorry dudes.

I'm mainly just popping in to say hi -

......while I

.....wait for

.......files to

.....open.

.....or save.

....either is

....a lengthy

.....wait.

Alright, that's all from me! Back to chillin' with my Jimmy Eat World CD and get my order done and go home, maybe watch some COPS, and crash.

Have a great weekend! Make sure you do something fun! :)

I haven't forgotten you...

2007-10-18T13:10:00.000-05:00

Hello Blog! Hang on, let me clear those cobwebs off...

Better!

I haven't forgotten you, I did a stupid thing and decided my next blog post would be pictures of my newly arranged den of filth and clutter - er, uh - I mean...office/craft room. heh heh...heh.

My intent was good and wholesome. See using my logic, I was excited to get it done, and that excitement would speed the process, and then I could share my glee with you all! Cue the sunshine and birds chirping!

Except - its not done. And I'm not even talking major renovations, no paint, no big projects, just a couple new bookshelves and re-arranging things. And...its not done. Why you ask?

Simple, there's no paint, no big projects. I'm still staring at white walls, and old carpet, and a problem with windows/vent layouts that keep foiling my plans. So no matter what I do, I'm just not feelin' it. I've moved things 3 times, and still don't "like" it. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, amongst other things ;)

BUT...it does look better. Good enough I *might* even open the door when we have company over. Just might. Let's not get carried away here! Before now it was "that room" that you'd see them walk towards, panic, sprint over, throw your body across the doorway panting, while saying "that? that's...nothing, let's go into the KITCHEN!!" praying they didn't see anything.

See, I LOATHE clutter, it makes me insane, I can't think if there's clutter. But...I'm horridly prone to it. I'm one of those "start a project NOW" people. Who cares if there are 3 others out, I thought of it and I have to do it NOW before I lose my inspiration.

Now, normally, this technique works well. The juices are flowing, you're excited and inspired and things come about easily. Project is finished, you have an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, and off you go!

...then you have a 3 year old. :) And 'inspiration' is always interrupted. ;) And somehow I'm still trying to adapt. You'd think I'd have caught on by now, but - apparently - I'm a slow learner. To compensate for this flaw, I try to keep it contained to one room. In hopes of preventing my husband from having a heart attack. ...I'm not sure it works.

oh dear...I just thought of a new layout...I think I'm moving bookshelves again!

My Favorite Nephew

2007-10-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

Ta-Da!!

Isn't he the CUTEST? He's my favorite nephew, hands down!
(true, he's my ONLY nephew, let's not get hung up on technicalities!)

Mr. Caden arrived safe and sound on Tuesday. And from all reports is doing fantastic. Poor mamma had to spend the day on magnesium sulfate. If you or anyone you know has ever had it, you know that my SIL deserves some kind of award for that one. BUT...everyone's doing well now.

Oh, the super cute little girl? That's Miss Annie B. (Her name's Anna, but though an evolution of nicknames, I ended up with Annie B, and it stuck. I'll call her Annie B until she's 14 and rolls her eyes at me and says "that's the stupidest name ever, would you stop it" and I'll say "I'll think about it Annie B." then she'll storm off to her room.) hah =)

Annie B. is my favorite niece. (yes, same rule applies, still my favorite) And she's cracking me up with the "ok....I'll kiss him, but that doesn't mean I have to like him" expression on her face! =D

Congratulations Rob, Steph and Anna!
We love him already!

Waiting...

2007-10-03T08:50:00.000-05:00

I am anxiously awaiting an email, so I can show you all my newest favorite thing.

I've checked it 57 times this morning, as if that would make it show up faster. Hasn't worked yet.

No worries, it'll be here soon! =)