Kate's Quilt

I did it! I completed my first quilt ever. The dimensions are about 38x46, a little smaller than crib size, but perfect for Kate's first quilt. I really enjoyed doing it. It probably took me about 4 or 5 evenings to complete it. I cut the pieces, sewed the patches together and created the quilt top. Next, I added the edges. The batting was added to the top and put the bottom on. I used adhesive spray that I really liked to hold the pieces together. Pins can get tedious to get out and can stick you! Next was the quilting part. I decided probably do the easiest quilt design called "in the ditch". All you do is follow the seams and it doesn't show up as much. That took the longest amount of time as it should because that is the "quilting" part. Finally I added the edge or border and was done. I will definitely do another quilt soon. I love seeing the pattern and having a usable finished product.

Sweet Skirts

I tackled another project tonight and they turned out pretty cute. I made skirts for Paige (brown) and Claire (pink). All I needed was some elastic for the waist and some fabric; pretty easy. I am all about cupcakes now, so for my sweet nieces some sweet skirts.

Stay tuned for what is next on my sewing adventures...

Resoluion Update

No, Jack isn't potty trained yet and I still haven't taken away his pacifier, but there are some resolutions that I have kept - for almost 3 full weeks! What? I know. I was in shock too. One was to lose some weight. Well, I have lost 8 1/2 lbs. It isn't a ton, but it is still fat and that is good. My goal is 20 lbs., so almost half way there. Craig and I have been on our diets for 2 weeks and so far, so good.

The other resolution I have kept and the MOST excited about is reading through the Bible in a year. Well, I haven't done the whole thing yet, but got a "Bible book" that has reading everyday. I am still in Genesis, some Psalms, some Proverbs and Matthew. The thing I am loving is Genesis. I am really starting to understand the genealogy of Jesus and see well, this person goes with this person and they had these kids, etc. Sometimes when they start doing "begot, begot, begot", I get a little bored, but I am actually finding myself wanting to read more - a real page turner! Who knew the Bible was that interesting? Well, God of course, but I haven't appreciated that until now. I am excited to learn more and stay up to date with it. I did get a few days behind last week, but didn't overwhelm myself and caught up as I could. This is going to be a GREAT YEAR!

Quilting

Yep. I have decided to do it; quilt. I am going to use a sewing machine, so it shouldn't take me months. I am hoping more like weeks. I had no real inspiration other than I wanted to do something different than my "normal sewing projects". I bought an Encyclopedia on Quilting, a cutting mat, a ruler and a rotary cutting tool and started thinking about what I wanted to do. I decided that Kate would be my guinea pig again and I would make her a quilt from mommy. I decided to do a child-sized one with pinks and browns. I got all my stuff together and was ready to cut when I realized...I have no idea how to even start! I am a "do" learner instead of a hearing or reading learner. Thankfully, my husband was there to save the day. He read on how to cut and walked me through the steps. Yes, Craig could now possibly quilt. It really was a team effort. Here are some panels I got done. Only 17 more to go! Who said quilting takes only a few days...pfff!

My First Pillowcase Dress/Storytime

I finally did it! I attempted the elusive pillowcase dress. They are all the rage these days of women who sew with little girls. I did it last night following the pattern of one I bought at a craft fair. I adjusted if for Kate's size now and actually it was really good on the size. There are some things I would do differently for next time like do the arm holes different and use a contrasting fabric on the bottom instead of ribbon, but I was actually quite proud of myself. I am excited to make more for Kate, my nieces and some other little girls I know. Doesn't Kate look so cute in the dress?!

In other news, I took Jack and Kate to Storytime at the local library with Lisa, Kayleigh and Brian. Jack and Kayleigh held hands all the way in and went to front. They never sat down but listened pretty well - Kayleigh better than Jack - and danced to the songs. They read a book, sing a song, alternating for about 30 minutes. About 10 minutes in, Jack started saying, "hi Mommy" at normal voice range and I had to tell him to be quiet so the other kids could not be distracted. A few minutes later, he was running around the room, so needless to say it was a semi-good success. I would take him again. It was fun. And, he got a cool book about the SuperWHY Superreaders (TV show) that was about Jack and the Beanstalk. Coincidence? I think not! Thanks for the invite, Lisa!

Party and a Potty Break

Today is the DAY - my birthday. We celebrated last night at my parents'. Our friends, the Eikelands, came over and it was fun night. My mom made Mexican - yummy - and I made the cake. I like doing the fondant cakes with marshmallows, so I made my own. I got some fabric, baking stuff, some shirts and a gift card to Joann's. Craig said that should be for an 80-year old birthday. I am just getting in touch with my geriatric side. I enjoyed being with family and friends; I couldn't ask for a better birthday!

In other news, we are on a potty break. It just hasn't clicked with Jack with no fault of his own, he is just not quite ready. So, we will try again in about another month and see if things improve. He went about 3 times in 5 days and I thought by the 4th or 5th day it might be improving, but he is showing no interest and for ALL our sanity, we will revisit the potty in due time.

My sewing machine has gotten some use lately. I made another nursing cover for Lisa and then made a sewing machine cover and a shopping bag with case. I got the ideas from my 101 One- Wonders. I also went on a spending spree (with gift cards) to Joann's and bought some great fabric and other items I had been wanting for cake making. I am planning on getting out the machine this week to work on more. This is what I managed to whip out the other night...

New Year

Well today was pretty much like yesterday, but with fewer pants/underwear changes. Tuesday was 7 before nap, yesterday was 5 and today was 3. So, does that mean tomorrow will be 1? Doubt it. Anyway, we had a new challenge today. I pulled out the big guns yesterday, Play-Doh, for peeing in the potty. After nap, he woke up and peed. He told me and actually did it. So, he got his treat. Today, more pee came my way along with some other stuff (poop) - AND THAT IS NASTY to clean up - fyi. So, before lunch I put him on the potty and he would not get off. He refused. I kept saying go potty and he would reply "play-doh". Are you serious? I then had to bribe him with candy to get him off the potty. He is using reverse psychology on me and I do not like it. So, we start again tomorrow will hopefully more success and less of Jack outsmarting me.

Craig and I rang in the new year the usual way - at home, almost falling asleep and watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Pretty slow, but pretty cool too. 2010 will be a great year! I am excited. I like even numbered years, even though my children were born in odd years and we were married in an odd year. Weird.

In Sunday school we talked about new years resolutions. I have never actually made them, but more have had ideas. The same thing will apply here. The only thing I really, really want to commit to this year is reading the entire Bible. I got a study Bible that goes through the year and every day you read different topics and they pull different sets of verses for that topic. The past few years I have been focusing on my life raising children (which never stops), being married and never focusing on me, but I want to focus on my relationship with God this year. I start tomorrow. I don't want to get discouraged and I will try and keep up with it. He has blessed me so much, I think it is about time to bless Him and get to know Him a little better.

Some less important things I would like to accomplish this year would be the following:

- Get Jack potty-trained

- Have Jack give up his pacifier

- Lose a little weight

- Spend more time with my husband

- Improve on my sewing skills

- Try to stick to our budget

- Spend less time on Facebook (this may require getting off Facebook)

- Run another 5K and maybe a 10K (I may be dreaming)

I may need to add some things. Have a blessed 2010!