To Get Me Motivated

I've decided to join a "challenge". It's called KCWC--"Kid's Clothes Week Challenge". You set aside 1 hour a day to sew something for your kid(s). Well, as you can see from my previous post, I've got my work "cut-out" for me (no pun intended). So, I am off to a great start! With help from my mother, I got 3 styles of fabric cut out for James' ties. Next, I hope to finish my nursing cape (which I can totally do in 1 hour). Then, I will top it off by making Clara her long awaited "Spring"dress. I love to sew, but it's the cutting out the fabric/patterns that drive me crazy!
Wish me luck!
Want to join the fun? Click the "KCWC Button" to the left of the blog for more details.

My Projects

So, I have been on Etsy.com, browsing and searching for things-purchasing a few things here and there. And I came across these patterns which I absolutely love! They were very inexpensive, not to mention I have them down loadable anytime I want.

I have been looking for a simple way to make neckties for James. A girl in my ward has 3 sons and they all have matching, homemade ties that they wear for every kind of holiday. She hasn't gotten around yet to showing me how to make them, so I bought this PDF pattern instead. All, that is stopping me now is fusible interfacing--I need to get some. I am also in this kick of making my own baby things. I may not be venturing into the cloth diaper route (yet), but I am all about making my own nursing capes and baby foods! Both of which I have great websites for anyone who wants to know. I bought these 3 patterns for $12. That's less than one pair of cloth shoes you can buy at Target. Yes, fabric can be expensive, but I can make shoes to match any clothes she will be wearing.
These darling shoes are Reversible Mary Janes. I am so excited to make these! I have seen a few Mary Janes with gorgeous bows and flowers on them. We will see how well they turn out! Aren't these cute! These are called "Retro Baby Sneakers". I love these because I can make them for a boy or a girl simply by changing the color and size of the strap. I am seeing pink, purple, and/or red sneakers in this baby's future!Adorable! Adorable! Adorable! "Angelina Ballerina" are so (shall I say it again?) adorable! the loop at the heel provides a place to attach ribbon to her ankles. This is such a sweet pattern!Now, it's just getting the fabric and making the projects. As soon as I complete these projects, I will post the pictures for all to covet! I just have to keep my energy levels up long enough to start and finish, which will be the real tricky part!

9 Sundays to Go!

I was sitting with my Beehive class yesterday and was explaining to them that I have 9 Sundays to go before I go in for a Major "Extraction" surgery. One of my girls got a real serious look on her face and asked why I was having surgery. With a grin on my face, I reminded her I was having a baby. Her face nearly turned red from embarrassment and replied, "Oh yea. I forgot."

Yep! That's right! I am still counting down. Nine weeks left before Dale and I are outnumbered. I am trying to keep a positive outlook on the whole thing, despite my fear of needles and epidurals. Just describing the epidural to Dale was painful enough, and if you ask him, he never wants to experience one of those EVER!

Sleepless Nights and Early Mornings

Not that I want to rant and rave about my "poor condition", but being pregnant is hard work. The 3rd trimester is treacherous! Sure, you're in the home stretch, but MAN! Can't I just get a little sleep. With the constant poking of whatever body parts are poking me, I just can't seem to get comfortable. Just when you think all is quiet and you're eye lids start to sink, BAM! She gives you a jab.

She also knows when daddy goes to work. About 45 minutes before daddy's alarm goes off, she wakes up and rolls, and jabs, and kicks! It's like this every morning. You know, it's bad enough when you have to wake up at 1am for your routine bathroom time, and then 15 minutes later, add a howling mother dog, who wants to escape the clutches of her own brood. (Yep! About 2 weeks ago, Bennett up and decides to have 6 puppies--something that caught everyone off guard. We didn't even know she was expecting.)

So now, I wait! Wait for the day I can reclaim what's left of my body, and it's bruised innards. Wait for the day we can sell the puppies--which will actually be in less time than my pregnancy's ending. And wait for the day that I can wake up from a well rested night--oh wait! I won't be having one of those ever again. That's something they should warn you about when you sign up for the "Mommy Card". You'll never sleep again!

It's Time for Springtime!

Be prepared for a ton of photos!
I love Spring! All the beautiful flowers and birds chirping is just heavenly!
We went to Botanica Garden and took a few "Spring/Easter" pictures. Here's what we ended up with.Clara looked really pretty in her yellow dress.
James was so much fun.
James was also very cooperative, which is hard for a 2 year old. It helped that he could run around. The tulips were starting to bloom, perfect for pictures. Squirrels were out. They were fun to watch. My cute kids! They discovered the water. James was still distracted by the water. Dale loves this picture. This is the picture I like. It shows James' personality! Moving on to the next shot. I love this area at Botanica. There is a lovely waterfall. It's actually kinda small, but such a lovely place. James loves water! He was too cute pointing to it. Pretty Girl! Dale wasn't feeling too good, but he still smiled for the camera. He also had a little fun with the kids. Who doesn't love "Ring around the Rosies"--especially when daddy does it?! Their turn! James loved it! More pictures with tulips! James discovered that flowers are soft and can be easily crushed. Poor tulip! Didn't see it coming!More fun with daddy.Clara likes to climb on dad. James came running up with a "What about me?" look.This just says "Spring!" James tried to climb up on daddy, but couldn't figure it out. Daddy ended up just giving him a hug! What a huggable boy! There he goes again--destroying flowers. It's okay though. I don't think they'll notice.

Update on Outdoor Life

Okay, so I still need to update these pictures even more because Dale has completed the coop. However, this is what everything looked like a month ago.My girls are thrilled to be outside!James likes them outside too.My garden's beginning. With all the cold weather, my poor broccoli almost died. My tomatoes weren't too happy either.Six out of eight peas died, but Dale quickly replanted some more and they are growing a lot better now.Clara's flowers have had some bad times too.Kansas better decide pretty soon what season we are in and stick with it. This cold stuff is for the birds!