Handmade Holidays - Need a little Help Here!**Kids Spoiler Alert!!**

Well, it's final. We are full force having a home made holiday this year. I have to figure out the nice way to send a note to my family and hubby's and say (much nicer than this) "we are some cheep bastards and not buying everyone plastic cards so they can go buy their own gifts.. it's silly, and redundant, and why do I want to give you a plastic card for the same amount that you are going to give me one."
So, I need to say that in a nice way and then figure out how to ask if they still want us in their gift exchanges... hmm..
any ideas?

Don't worry about the gifts, I have those covered, now I need a magic wand, some fairy dust and and insane amount of time to make everything....

Beanpole loves to give people mail at home, and loves purses... so I went over to Craft pad and look at this great idea for a Mail bag! She got the idea from Nothing Fancy who made her own Mail Center. I think I will do this for the Big Bean and the Peanut and make them a few that are open envelopes with things to put in them. I may make them mailboxes... I think it's too hard to go look for metal ones now and I have a thing for that hard plastic canvas to hide under sewing projects, because you can wash them in cold and air dry them... much better than something that can't be cleaned or will rust if left outside. Both the girls like to do this thing on the videos and say "I Love You" by pointing to their eye, heart then point to the camera.. so I am going to make an Eye with cute long lashes, a heart and a big letter U to put in the envelopes... A bunch of fake envelopes with stamps on them, some name signs with Velcro, but what else??

Peanut loves to cook and take care of her babies, I am going to make her some food and diapers with Velcro straps for her babies, they are so easy to make and so cute. Not sure what else there either... Help!?!?!

The above will be made for my cousins little girl too, but I have to figure out a boy gift for her one year old.. hmmm??
remember, hand made...

In other news... Look at my Fabulous new iron!!! Not sure how many of you remember my husband buying me an iron so I would make him his hoodie (coming soon post) but I got this one to help with dolls and crafts so I don't ruin my good one.. oh, it's AMAZING. it's awesome, I love it, and it was FIFTY CENTS!!!!!


The neighbor girls have been begging to sew, they are all now making their own dolls.
Doll 1. Miss M. she's 7 going on 12. While working on her face we have this conversation.
Miss M. "I went to the dentist today"
Me, "oh ya, how did that go?"
Miss M. "Ya, they painted this stuff on our teeth to keep them strong. So the dentist said 'nothing sticky, nothing hard and no alcohol for 4 hours"
Me (without missing a beat) "Oh, so I shouldn't offer you a beer then?"
Miss M. "Uh, no! Not for FOUR HOURS"

Doll 2. Miss TaDa. 12 going on 25, taller than I am already, super smart, greatest kid ever.
Doll making time.
Me "uh, you know that you have to do this all on your own, right?"
Miss TaDa "Why?"
Me "Uh, your 12, you want to know how to sew, your going to sew... so make it as fancy as you want."
Miss TaDA "Good, can she have a belt? and shoes? and 3 quarter sleeves? oh, and a purse that really opens so I can put my ipod in it?"
Me "sure, go ahead and get right on that, I am not kidding about you doing this on your own"
Miss TaDA "I think I am going to need to go home and design this. I wonder if this is how J-Lo got started!"

Dolls 3 and 4 are the twins.... The Funny funny twins.. one with pink hair and one with purple, one has lots on her face and one very little. Outfits are opposite each other just like the girls, and I am sure will go thru stages and swap who's loud and who's quiet.
Doll 3. Miss Banana
Doll 4. Miss Chocolate
More about them on Saturday... tomorrow is their birthday.. :D

And now for something too cute not to share..It will be here way longer than it was in her hair.. Happy Friday Everybody.

Say hello to my little friends...FFF (2 post Friday)

I made new friends..

I was putzing around the other day and came across Lolly's site. She got me addicted to fabric covered buttons right away... (she pulls you in like that)

Look at all the cute stuff people do with them!

Look at how cute this is from Craft Pudding .. Fabric covered buttons with OUT A kit!

Little Birdie Secrets did thumbtacks and magnets.. Love these!!!

J caroline shows how to make ponytail holders, and has great prices too!

Morgan company is selling them as keychains and necklaces, how cute!

So, the other day she posted this cute little Wendy bird. We just had to make one.. well 2. As you can see, the bird on the left has a bit of an eating disorder. She's thin, and I tired to over correct her head and now she's got a Mohawk. The bird on the right ended up working out really well, she's plump (because I didn't give up filling her well) and she's got good shape.
This just goes to show that if you don't PIN, things go wrong, no shortcuts! I didn't pin the first one, thinking it's small and simple and I can cut and sew this in about 3 minutes and I did, just not well. Number 2 was cut and pinned and sewn in 5 minutes and she looks better.


We hope we are on Carrie's Friday Foto Fiesta list but if not, go to Lolly's site (Lolly Chops) today, she's amazing and has a great Friday Give Away each week. JEWELERY!!!

Dilly What?? OH NO!!!!!!!

Oh my Goodness.... I am such an Idiot!!! So my cousin (funny pants man himself) gave me a bunch of old tee shirts to make bags and stuff because he's got a plethora of them. So, after making the pillowcase pants I decided to try to make some with Tee's but because I don't have any Tee's with a picture down one leg like in the blog I got the pattern from, I turned them so I could do a front to back thing like most tee shirts would have.... In normal trying I did what I always do and tried to make the biggest pants I could so I know my sizing limits. Large tee shirts will make about a kids size 5 pants.. and of course anything smaller than that.

So, I am sewing away, 2 minutes later, done.. Super easy and I am SOOO loving the FOE.. (Sewzanne, I may need stock!) it was honestly 4 stitches and they were done.. and ready to wear...

So, I look at them, cute, but the pocket must be the front or it will be in the kids butt crack.. So, then I start looking at the saying again.. Hmm.. that's not a resort in Florida (where the tee shirt came from) What is that... Hmm...

Googled... Oh No! you can't be serious... I just made a kids Size 5 pants that say what!!!

Do I Look Like I Give A Flying F#$%! KIDS PANTS!!! OH MAN!! Oh, I can already hear some of you laughing.. Yes Carrie, you! Kelly and unfortunately Z's mom has already called them and so she WINS the Pants... Which will be really cute next time Zander decides to cook the spatula!

Beanpole Elvis and Peanut Simmons....

Not sure if you've seen our new blog... but here is the second set of pj pants that I made -- the beanpole, doing her best Elvis got a whole new set of pj's Tee with a pocket and a purse to carry them in.. and her new tutu..
The one on the right however, did not get hers yet.. the Peanut, doing her best Richard Simmons, bending over to touch her toes while I took the picture is sporting her brand new tutu... (for a future Zoo so Silly Post) these were a huge hit, even when my brother (Unkie of the monkeys) put it on his head and the beanpole told him "you look like a beautiful wedding"...yup, and I didn't snap the photo in time..

Read it all.. I'm ramblin again but it could benefit you!

I am thinking of having a contest... The Walmart by me is going to stop selling fabric and I went a little nutty buying some (ok, a lot but who's judging?) so my spending habit could be your gain...
I am thinking 3 prizes... (in no special order)
1. a doll.. (stuffing included)
2. a bag (cute and what I use in my charity work)
3. a plastic bag grabber (everyone has too many bags in the kitchen not to need one)

Thoughts? tell me if you think it's dumb or what..


(Yes Aunties get special prizes if they want any of the above.. but theres going to be some seriously cute aprons made for this year)


Isn't this the cutest thing ever!!
Betz White made a laptop case that I just love!


Burta Style does it again with this cute nightie

We got Pillowcase kids dress instructions from Red instead..cute idea, even cuter tutorial!

We plan to edit this one, but cute idea to make a teeshirt dress (we will use a different bottom...

Even a lil somethin for the boys we love ...akin some pants from old tees

My baby's a gangsta...

I have been wanting to make these dolls for a long time. Typically, they are called Black Apple dolls... But, I didn't want to use filling on the first (test run) so, she's our FLAT apple doll...(ignore the toe's, I didn't paint them or crop the photo...) She's got eyes (closed) but no other face parts.. I have to practice that part.. I left the room to go get the phone and....



I came back and she was gone... changed her name and entered the dolly protection program..

Try this it's fun... FLICKR FUN

78th Post and we go to the hospital tomorrow...

I have no idea what the 78 has to do with other than it told me I had 77 posts and I thought, Man I talk and type a lot.
We go to the hospital tomorrow, I looked in the Birthday book and tomorrow is a good day to be born. Good Birthday, seems all is well and going well for the 24th of March. that makes me feel better. I must have
I am freaking out that I put my sewing Machine away, it's so odd. I have now wanted to sew in months, I got in there for 2 weeks? now I am uneasy putting it away.. Odd? I think so. I got a lot done, I will get more done again, I am not going to keep it put away but for now, we are going to take some time to get used to being a family.
expected, the big joke today is if or when I will sleep.I am worried about tomorrow, I mean it's a big step, a bigger change and a longer lasting effect. I am really worried about the ouchie tomorrow, I mean this is not like a filling (I called it a filling today to Lisa, she called it a root canal) not sure what to expect, not sure anyone really can say for sure, it's all so different and individual. I am scared and nervous, I mean I guess it's to be Last night, I slept from 3 am till almost 6 am, it was so bad I watched Hell Boy on regular TV, Lisa laughed because not only did I watch Hell Boy but I watched it with commercials even! Ya, that's bad. (shakes head)
Something about it all does not feel real yet, I guess it won't till it happens, Bob says he's calm, he's fine and it's not a big deal it's just what happens next, but he's not slept in days and I swear he lemon pledged thew whole house, not that I suggest sniffing bathrooms but ya, there too. I was finishing sewing something yesterday and smelled cigarette and he accidentally walked in the house after he lit his, he's got a lot on his mind...
All the Pack n Plays have been put together, the toys are put away, the computer has not been moved yet but that loses out Internet connection so Bob's still working on that for the first week while she's home and in our room. It's my stupid fault, I have no idea why we didn't get connections in all the rooms when we had the house built.
Rambling already, I know..
I started putting away long sleeve maternity tops that I am hoping not to wear but they are all clean. I have some pants out but put some of the less worn in the bag too, they are mostly winter, so I am not sure what to do with them all yet. I have a friend at work that I plan to give my tall girl stuff to, but not sure what to do with it all. I guess that's not really a worry at this point in time.
I tried to take a few pictures of our last day at home alone. Not sure what all will change, but I can promise, there will be so many fewer pictures of my belly! She likes the right side right now.









Bob rotated the dryer door (yes, I know now? Really? didn't you need that more the last month?) it's going to be nice, and now that I will be able to bend down to the washer level it will be even more helpful. Bob's been transferring most of the laundry this past few weeks, maybe that's what it takes?










I got Thomas' gift done, finally, and yes Kate I am spoiling it for you now but you still have to wait for it to be mailed. It's a towel hoodie a SHARK one. I designed it myself, like the fin?? I thought it was cute. The teeth are ribbon, triangle fold and sewn, it was my own idea, I am pretty proud. I can't wait to finish Audrey's, it's going to be so cute, it's a Lion.












Yes, he also was cleaning cameras this weekend, and no joke, this is what I walked into in the kitchen, it's like a little army. I have no idea who does this other he but it was soo funny, on the kitchen table, in front of the clif bars and oranges.









Last but not least, NO ONE OPEN THE CLOSET DOOR! Holey cow! That's a lotta stuff... Actually, it all fit, it's a bit crunched but the door opens (opens in the closet thank you) and closes, the sewing machine is in there, along with 10 king size pillows, 5 king and queen comforters, 2,465 flannel jackets/pullovers (seriously, there are 20+), 10 coats, one Sewing table, 5 boxes of material, a bunch of sewing machine parts, 5 shelves of sheets, 4 different 20 + yard sets of material still on the roll, 3 vases, a Christmas stocking box FULL of ribbon, a box of patterns, another box of binding and other tools, a box of storage for bills and cards and a box of CD cases (yes, that need to go, does anyone remember me bending anytime in the past month?) and maybe some bad 90's Cd's but we won't go there. The rest of the room is somewhat clean, other than that blue box, that makes my statement above false, not everything fit.... One large heavy box of material that I really tried to use! It's so hard right now , when I made the diaper bags for charity I was all over the floor, I never realized how much bending and stretching it takes to cut patterns and make patterns. I will get there.. But oh well, it's still clean and you can see the floor, there are not tables all over the room , the computer will have a place to go (see glass top desk) and I will be back in there sewing one day.












Somehow the vacuum isn't working so well so Bob is fixing that so we can finish the floor in there. I did finish a few other items, but not so much fun right now to post. I am getting in the shower then going to try to go to bed... wish me luck and fingers crossed the next post and pictures will be tomorrow (if we can get them loaded) and of Baby Girl Better Late Than Never..

Morgan came up with two more names... Patricia and Marie, she thinks it would be fun for the baby to have a name kind of like mine but she will be Patricia, not Tricia. Kim tried to tell her I think 15 times that my real name is Patricia but I just use the Tricia part, didn't work. She does like Marie and likes that Bob's sister is named Marie, if I go over there and she has new jewelery, we will know that Marie really did call even if she could not get a good flight in.
Guess everyone will know her name tomorrow, just pray we can agree when we see her. Wow, this is all happening really fast now.

11:30 P.M. Happy Birthday Mom... Tomorrow, we are hoping for someone new to have their own.

**Spoiler Alert!** Happy Birthday (No, theres no baby yet)

Mom - Lisa and Shari - Don't look -- Skip this Entry or ruin your own surprise ---

So, weeks ago I was thinking I needed to get my mother something for her birthday early... I am starting to think that I know where this kid gets it...YIKES! Ok, so I was going to get some Harry and David stuff with the help of my sister and a few funny e-mails back and forth, a few bad days, some pony tail holders and an i-tunes gift card...walks into a bar.. no, seriously.. So then I forget and realize that 1. I have no kid here yet and 2 No dice at the there is a Harry and David in the mall and I need to walk to get this kid movin! mall, time is running short and then I remembered this little thing I saw on a blog. Crayon Roll Cases, they were so cute, Maybe I cold make one of those for her embroidery needles? Ok, seriously $15 for that? It holds like 6.. No way, I can find better..

So, I was online and started thinking where to look and low and behold I loved the Pink Chalk Studio instructions and they were on her birthday last year! It's a sign :O... ok, it's not a sign but what a quinkie dink! No Problem 24 X 10, each holder is 1 1/4". That does not seem like so much, you know me, gotta go bigger! Mine is 36 X 22 double sided, holds on each side and folds together in the center (so they don't fall out one end) Ties and has a handle (seen below)









Yes, Bigger, holds 65 (whatevers) needles.. I don't have any so I used some hem liners that I have that are flat.










First, let me jut say that my Godmother and my father are laughing their ASSES off..
I am not a fan of bias tape, we all know this, and this is why a lot of my stuff does not get done (yes Kate, that is what we are all waiting on!) and I get this whole thing done and Oh, Ouch what the Hell.. Are you kidding me -- An INCH!! So, I yell out "SonofaBitch! All I need is an extra Inch" Bob is in the other room laughing "I've heard that joke but never heard a woman say that before!" Oh that Bob's a funny one...


So, you can roll it or fold it flat and tie it together.. but, this is it.. Thoughts?











**Spoiler** I made some towels for my sister in law for her birthday coming up and we won't make it out to their house this year for the 4th so I thought these would be cute...
**Spoiler 2** I made my sister some tennis towels, I really like the towel, it's microfiber and if you click the picture you can see it says I Heart Tennis all over the ribbon. Cute!

Randoms Rantings today.....Good Lord this is long!

So, I am home, bored, and alone. This is what my day is like.

Midnight to 1. get up an p at least once, go back to bed, try to remember what side I was laying on so I can lay on the other and not have to roll over as soon.
3 to 4 - Repeat above.
4 to 5- roll over at least 3 times, sleeping really light, the house is so warm!
5:10 - Alarm goes off.. Snooze
5:15 - TV alarm goes off, Channel 2 playing in the background, I can hear weather and traffic, please God don't let there be traffic at 5 am!
5:20 - Find Bob (usually on the couch these days, I feel bad but I get he's getting better sleep) call to him and tell him it's time to get up.
5:20 - Alarm goes off again - Snooze
5:30 - Alarm goes off again - Snooze - Get up, yell down stairs to Bob again to get up, he complies and I am sure rolls over.
5:40 - Alarm goes off again - Snooze - Huff loudly if I do not hear the shower going by now. Get up, go to the top of the stairs, tell bob is' almost 6 am and get is butt up and that I am not getting up again to tell him.
5:45 - Shower starts -
5:55 - Bob lays down in bed, says he's watching weather/traffic
6:00 - Alarm goes off again - Wake Bob back up - Don't snooze... Go down stairs and figure out what I want for breakfast and pray the alarm annoys the hell out of him.
6:10 - Bob comes down stairs, dressed and ready, goes out side to "start the car" (smoke before he brushes his teeth)
6:15 - Bob is back inside, upstairs teeth brushed, hair fixed, and is walking out the door.
6:20 - Breakfast made, and I am sitting in bed eating (cereal, and or yogurt most days)
6:30 - Hmm, shower or nap? Nap, go back to sleep until 8
8:00 am. Up, not in the mood to shower now, brush my teeth again and figure out what I am doing. Rain? Movies or sewing... Sun? try to figure out where I can go that's not too much of a trip if my back starts hurting badly
8:15 - Sitting in front of the computer trying to use the ball to get this kid into position. Stretching and trying to move her in the right spot so I can walk around longer. Checking random mail, friends blogs, my blog for comments. Some things I found today.
Lost Camera site it's really funny, I mean nice that people can give back your camera, but it starts to make you wonder about some of those pictures you take!
62Cherry - this is a site to show Debbi and my ma. Knitting chick, kinda funny.
Another is A Friend to Knit With - cute, and the cookies on the site sound really good!
There is this one that seems to have a little of everything Bella Dia.
Now to the sewing sites, I live this one Comfy & Cosy it's cute.
The little girl on this site looks like Maxine - she's so cute. Mi.
A little of everything at My art is my outlet. She does a lot there that I really like.

(somewhere in my wanderings on line)
9-ish - Phone rings - Friend "So, you in labor?" Me already bored with this conversation "Yup, can I call you back?" Friend "OMG, Really??" Me "Hell, no, Why would I answer my phone to talk to anyone if I were in labor" Friend - Laughs a little "I was wondering if I really did catch you, I was thinking OH Shit Where's Bob?" Random conversation after that ends in a few moments.
9-ish again Phone rings - Melissa - "Well? What did the Dr say?" Me "Said no dice, we are still waiting, 24th is End game, go in for Induction finally, not so happy but oh well, at least theres a date" Melissa "What the hell is his deal, he does not even need to Fing be there until she's about to come out, who does he think he is, this is a buncha crap, I would be so pissed if I were uou, you should call them and you know what you should..." Me cutting her off "This is SO NOT HELPING!" Melissa "Sorry, I know, I am pissed about this, call me later"
10ish - phone - Neighbor - "Why are you at home" (Thinking in my head.. Stop answering the phone) Me "Because I live here, Why are you not at home (knowing the answer)" neighbor "We are babysitting, my brother took the baby to the Dr, but seriously, why are you at home, you were suppose to be induced yesterday." Me "No, I was not, I said he only induces on Mondays, you decided that was my date, it was never agreed by the Dr." Neighbor "Well, I guess you have to wait till the 27th now. She needs a 7 in her birthday" Me "Ya, cuz this should be all about you and your comfort level now, who really cares about me" Neighbor "well, my phone isn't working so well here(she's out of town) so I wanted to call and make sure you didn't have her" Me "I mean it's not like I get 15 calls a day asking about going into labor. I don't get it, do you really think that we would not leave a message? Do you think I would not call? I don't understand why people think I am treating this like buying a purse and I am just not going to tell anyone. I Promise I will call you but give me the benefit of the doubt that you mean enough to me that I would tell you!" (Me super frustrated by this point) random chatter for a few about her trip and who all they got to see, I am feeling really guilty and like a big bitch by now. Her uncle shows up and she had to go. Within this time I have missed at least 3 other calls.
Call one missed and called back -
Call 1- Patti - "Hello" Me"Hi-a, my phone won't stop ringing" Patti - "Well what did the Dr say?" Me - telling her the same thing I told everyone else so far - Patti "Oh, I bet. Gets frustrating doesn't it, I can remember being pregnant with Erin and your lucky enough that they won't let you go a month over like I did, once Peggy had Arica and I still had not had Erin I just cried and cried" Me- "Ya, I can see that, and these extra days are enough for me" -- Conversation changes we talk about a million different things. - Her boss calls, - she'll call me back
Call 2 - Cousin - "Hello" Me "Hi and don't even ask, I am so sick and tired of answering the same question and feeling like people don't believe3 me that I would call if I went into fucking labor! I really do want to talk to people but I can't answer the same questions over and over and over without wondering what kind of person they think I am" cousin - "um well, I" Me "Sorry, I am a big bitch today and just frustrated with the calls, I am fine, I am home and no there is no baby here that I am hiding from the world" Cousin - "Well, let me tell you about my day (FINALLY! Thank God, a conversation!)..." and we talked for a while.
Call 3 - Chad - "Hello" Me "Hi, at home, not doing a whole lot, ... tell him what the DR says, but all is well" Chad "Well, that's good and Monday's not too far off" Me" I feel bad, tell him what I said to other neighbor" Chad - laughs a little "Ya, I am glad you women do this part, so let me know what you want for dinner after she's here (Chad is a great cook, we are so thankful to have them as neighbors) Me "Hmm (tearing up a little, this is the nicest thing anyone has said to me all day) I just don't know, I am in pregnancy mode and can't think of what I really want. " Chad "Well, think about it, were here if you need us" Me "Well, I talked to Kim the other day and your daughter seems to have the best outlook on this. She said if the car is gone for along time, we are at the hospital, (laugh a little) but just so you know, Bob had your numbers in his cell phone now so your on the cal list. Unfortunately for you, your one of the few in the neighborhood so you can keep getting those calls from the others" Chad "It's the least we can do, Welp (if Kim reads this she'll laugh at that part) Welp, I gotta get going, (he was doing something but I can't remember now what it was) keep is in the loop!" Me "Will do and thanks!" (Finally feeling better, feeling even more guilty about neighbor talk, I just don't understand why of all people she would think I just would not call, my feelings are hurt and I am feeling bad that I hurt hers.

Holey Cow - It's already 11:30 - I am hurting from sitting here, I can't believe today I made it this long.
11:35- Lay down for a bit.
1:00 - Wake up, didn't mean to sleep that long but I feel better.
1:05 - Should have dried my hair, now trying to fix it so I don't look like some crazy bag lady.
1:15 - Lunch - Bob and I went to the grocery store together last night, not usually a good thing, we spend more when he's there. But, I did get brownschweiger (sp?) and so I had a sandwich with havarti (sp again) cheese, it was good, normaly I eat brownschweiger on white bread with nothing on it, unless I am at Leroys and I can get crispy lettuce and good tomatos. I have gotten Bob to actually like Pepperidge farm bread, we get the 9 grain. I am normally not the type of person to try to sell people on bread but I have done a lot of looking and this is one of the few that does not use High Fructose Corn syrup in their bread. Not only does it taste better but it is better for you and less sugar in your day, how can you fight that? I also had some chips and dip with my sandwich. Hmmm, baby not moving so much. Sit on the couch, lean back and relax to get her going.
1:45 - still not a whole lot going on down there.... Hello!!!??
1:50- Break out the nectarine. Cut one up and grab the rest of the strawberries, if nothing else will get her going, this will. A little movement, not a lot, lay back and move my belly around a bit. "Hello! If your running out of room theres' more out here!" WHACK! Big kick, I think that means shut up and get me an orange! Sigh a little and lay back to see how many kicks I can get.

Dr says 10 a day now, not 2 times a day, she's running out or room. (Well, HELLO, my skin is about to rip off from the center. I feel like a turkey, my belly looks like the thanksgiving turkey, skin all shiny and looks like one false move and it's going to peel back.

3:00 - Must have fallen asleep, I got about 5 to 6 kicks before I did so I do feel better. I need to get moving, I was planning to go to the mall, I have to do a little running but really , I have no mall wear to get me there. I guess it's the same ol pants not so much a surprise these days that I am wearing the same thing. I am running out of shirts, I feel like one of those old men at the baseball game, holding on to their youth but not holding in the edge of the belly. I have few shirts that are long enough, I am walking around with my hand at the bottom of my shirt, holding it down. What a dork!

3:15 - Go upstairs to find a shirt to wear that won't make me look like crap, thankfully everything I own is in a laundry basket and wrinkled to death! Ok, one shirt, nice, plain, blue, big I can go with this.

3:30 - Not feeling so hot all of a sudden. (don't get your hopes up, its a boring ending) Pain , feels like a contraction? Ya... kind of does, but this is a little different, hurts more, hmm.. Maybe I will sit down for a while.
3:40 0-Finally sit down, after turning on disc two of House Season 1 - I should at least have something to do.
3:44 - Contraction - Hurts a little, makes me wonder, should I get a clock with a second hand? All I have is my cell phone.
Head up stairs to find my watch...Ouch every once in a while. One actually stopped me from walking... Hmmmm
4:20 back to House, can't find the stupid watch, I will just count - I should be looking for 40 seconds to a minute from what I remember
4:24 - Contraction - yup, still hurts, not the same hurt as before, seems strange for some reason.
4:34 - Yup, seem about 10 min apart
4:45 - Bob's home from work, having a contraction as he walks in the door. I tell him I am not feeling well. He looks at me funny and sits on the other couch.
5:15 - Phone Rings - It's too far to reach and Bob's asleep - Let it ring...
5:30 - Phone Rings again - Mom- "Hi, I didn't call earlier, I got wrapped up in a movie" Me "hope it was a good one" Random talking -- 5:34 contraction, thankfully she's talking... Bob's awake now and looking at me expecting me to say if I am ok or not. It's not taking my breath away, Dang, why won't these get stronger! -- Keep chatting for a few, tell her I am going to the store soon and I have stuff for her friends Garage sale.
Pretty consistent contractions every 10 minutes apart for 2 hours.. Hmm.. makes me wonder more.. Get another glass of water and walk around the kitchen, not hurting so bad anymore. Shit! Bob looks at me again.. Well, what do you want to do? I am leaving... I need to walk.
7 ish - I give up and go to Walmart, F-it I need to walk around. I get up and go, get there, park mid way in the lot and grab a cart and walk in. I go to the fabric department ( I had to go to the further one, the close one no longer has fabric BOOO On Walmart!) and get filler, I need some so I can finish blankets. Oh, theres Bias tape on clearance, nice! Grab some, because you can never have too much and I have not mastered my Bias Tape Maker yet. It's just not the time for me to mess with it these days. Walk around look at fabric, look at knitting supplies, I just cant' do it, I can't bring myself to knit, crochet or any of that. Feeling defeated, I wonder randomly for about an hour, they no longer hurt, seem to be 12 minutes, 5 minutes, uggg.
8:30 - on my way home. There are cops everywhere, I call Bob "Hey, I had the baby at Walmart, can you come pick us up? me and the baby" Bob "You and that stupid movie" I laugh, he hates all those movies.. cracked me up.. He also asked if I had my house shoes..

8:45 - No more consistent Contractions - Shit! Hmmm, Can't remember the lat time she moved
9:00 - I get on line and Bob's finally relaxing and watching TV. Start typing in my blog and go crazy - This is too long.. I miss having conversations like a normal person.. Who talks about their day like this? Drinking a big glass of water, waiting for her to kick, she does that when I drink something really cold or have too much ice water.
Bob says - If you ate peeps and made me eat them, I would kick you.. Yup.. she kicked right in my ribs, Hard!! I am no longer sure she's really my kid. Maybe it's because they are not stale yet!
10:00 Don't tell my mom-- I got some peeps,, I figure if nothing else works this may, she's still not moving, Peeps are pure sugar, they should get her going.
A Few Peep Shows
Washington Post
Galary Photos
Flickr
One I really like a lot

Week three at home starting alone..

We are past almost there.. I waited for the DR to all on Friday with no luck. So, I get to call the office tomorrow and I am already not happy about having to deal with his office staff to get a hold of him ever. I expect tomorrow will be better but he and I will have a talk if it's not I am almost sick of the dealings with some of the people and other Dr's in that office.
Well, all of you that wanted a St. Patty's day baby better start praying and or doing you thang to get her here.
Mom came over on Friday and we went to Ruby Tuesdays, it was good. We both got the salad bar and got one half order of Mini Turkey Burgers, with 2 sides, one baby portobello mushrooms and one broccoli. No matter what I get there, it's always too much food. Still, it was really good.
We went to the grocery store after then came back here and cleaned up my sewing room, which was a God sent, I was so overwhelmed with that room I didn't know where to start to get it cleaned up. So, 2 things 1. I am going to post pictures of the baby's room and 2 pictures of my recent work.

The Bedroom pictures will be in another blog either above or below this one. The first picture is the closet with 5 containers of fabric in there, YIKES! One container is Bob's fault because when I made his hoodie, I bought fleece, thinking that's what he wanted, so I have the yardage to make a hoodie but he wanted some hippie hoodie.. I plan to make my mom sweat pants with the leftovers, I just have not gotten there yet. I have one more container than needs to make it's way in the closet but I have to figure out where. There is a ton of coats and jackets in there and this is the closet where we keep our sheets and pillows so it's pretty full, soft but full!

I made this blanket and burp cloth from some scrap I spent about $1.50 on and the cotton filling inside was probably about a buck too.. so, cute and about $2.50 without labor. Bob says he likes it and it's very spring/Eastery.
The Burps below are so cute, Baseballs, I did a red stitching that is a baseball stitch (kind of) it's for Stef and Adam's soon to be little one. I am kind of disappointed that I didn't get enough pictures of the ones I made as gifts for my neighbors new nephew, they left town already but for some stupid reason I didn't take pictures of all of what I made. I have no idea where my brain is these days.









P.S. Kate, yours is almost done, it's the edging that needs to be completed, I may finish it tomorrow if I get the chance. (It's still out and on the couch)

I am trying not to start on anything big/new or time consuming because this is our spare bedroom and I need to make sure there is room if someone is going to actually sleep in here after she's born. Not the baby, my mother or Bob's sister, or Step Mom.

P.S.S. Can we maybe get some role call in here, I would like to know who's out there reading... Sure would like to know if some people in San Fran have addresses yet, any New Yorkers are around and if they feel any better, any friends either at work or beyond are checking in even if I didn't call Arica back yet (gulp) and Melissa called the hospital today because I didn't call her back while I was in the shower... Someones going to need to get me a medic alert bracelet.. I've showered and have not had a baby yet, maybe a clapper, or one of those police collars for at the hospital arrest. You can e-mail if you don't want to leave a comment... Those that have left comments with names or at least something that distinguishes them from others, I know your there and thanks, lots of love and hugs from here, I really appreciate the support!

Week 40

Went to the Dr. yesterday and still effaced to 70/ 75% and only dilated to 1. Uggg! He says the same thing he always says, "there may be a little bleeding but it's time to get ready, we just need to get there". He gives me a high five for having contractions that wake me most of the night before but still no change. "This is typical in first time mom's, it's hard and I know your are hurting but we'll bet there, this is all normal".
I'm a wreck, most days, at least last week I was, I feel a bit better more centered this week. . Some are better than others but it all just sucks, and I have such a small support system right now that I really don't know who to talk to most days. I don't have the work moms that I could usually talk to about how crappy things are going for all of us then feel better, laugh a little and move on. I have Emilie, don't get me wrong, and I would not live without her at this point in time, she's really there for me and texting gets me thru the day when things are too busy and she can't talk. Melissa is having a really super shitty time right now and I wish I could be there more for her, thats really hard on me, this is the furthest we have ever lived from each other. She's a trooper though and will call me with her shitty news to make me feel better. Crazy, she's such a nut.
I still give, I still can't take it and now I get nightmares, remembering my dad. I keep having this dream about him going to my Godparents house to play cards and I am across the street, yet he never sees me. Uggg again, whatever. Frank gave me a box that has been in his basement for as long as I have been here. A lot of it was cards from when I was born, and there seemed to be a lot of support in those cards, nice to know the people that were around my parents back then. The cards are cute, very 70's of course really big eyes on the girls on the cards. Lots of encouragement and hope for a girl. Seems we get to know these things so much faster these days, I wonder what would have changed if there would have been that technology back then.
In other Frank news:
So, I made this bag, it's funny as hell, made from leftover ties that I made Abbie and Maxine skirts that were Franks. The skirts are really cute, I am not so sure about the purse/bag. I need to get some pictures of the curtains out here, don't I . Let me do that no I made this crazy looking bag/purse, did I mention the purse before? The purse is ok, but very Dr. Seuss, it leans a lot because the thin part (behind the neck) is always in the same place so it's really thin there, I didn't think about that part but all in all for scrap, it's cute, different? Here are the curtains, I worked on them most of the weekend., and thankfully I got skills from my pop and we had to work with what we could get. WE loved the material but it was not enough, or so we thought, I honestly had less than an inch strip of scrap when I was done. Measure 45,000 times , cut once!









I made some burp cloths too, and a bib. I know I mentioned those before, but here are some photos' of what I did. Simple, cute, I really like the look of them. Some were gifts so if there is a chance that one is for you (close your eyes) don't look!

It's not over, till it's over.. and it's not over :(

Starting week 2 at home. Not so much fun but I did get a lot of sit down boring stuff done. I still am not my chipper self, not so much fun but there is no one here to talk to yet. Dr appointment in the am so we will all cross our fingers, toes and pray A LOT! We (this we) is also going to have a nice chat with the Super Doc and discuss timing and dates.
In other news, there is no other news, my life is pretty boring. I did make curtains this weekend that even Charlie himself would be proud of. A few burp cloths and a bib too. I'll try to toss some pictures out here tonight if I can. I am not even sure if I am sleeping well these days. I slept from around 1:30 to almost 4 and got up and started a load of laundry, and picked up in the bedroom. I woke or thought I woke bob at 5 but he said he was awake even if he did fall asleep on the couch to get some real shut eye. Finished a few loads of laundry, picked up and seem to have a stack of parents, parenting, and pregnancy magazines. Anyone want them? They are good, already read here so I would hate to toss them in the recycle bin. I wrapped a few gifts for babies that are here and soon to be here. I need to call Patti and have her come out one day this week to help start on Adam and Stef's comforter. I need to open a new baby bank account and I think I am going to turn in my old savings bonds for new once as soon as she's born. It's time to pass down the torch. Betty did give me silver dollars too but I have no idea what ever happened to those.
I need to go to world market on my way home from the Dr tomorrow to see if I can find one more "hamper" I filled the one with blankets and not a single one that I made either. I did toss a few toys in the bottom of it but just because I have no idea where else to put things at this point in time, she's not going to play with any of them yet.
Sigh, we are getting there... When is she gonna get here?

Room Update - Flowers are done(ish)

I was so excited about the shower that I forgot the room. Bob worked so hard to get the flowers done and outlined. I didn't get an updated picture of the outlines but here are the flower/leaf things. Even if he did sit on my brand new Yellow Fabric for the curtains! It will be so nice to not see blue tape all over the place. We may even get the bed in here someday. I didn't take a picture on the yellow wall but can use that one is as the final once the outline is done.





















So, the green shirt picture is from December 21st. (I think is the date on the camera) and the other is from today, while trying to get laundry together, take pictures of the room and figure out where to put shower presents until we have the computer out of here and the room in order. The world sumo organization is planning to call soon. I am waiting, I am just not so sure about the diapers... Did I happen to mention I used to have a real six pack? I mean a real one. I can't find the pictures right now, I would cry. Ohh, the abs! The Abs!

A little funny - and a few random thoughts

a little pep talk from Payton...
hope it brightens your day..

I think I want to make something with these Yo-Yo's. but I don't know what yet...

I want to make these booties too.

someday - want to make my own marshmallows too!

I want to practice my French knots too.. something I used to be good at but have not done in a long time

Oh and this wonderful cold is making my asthma act up so I am home the rest of the week.. Fantastic... Can't sleep on my back, can't sleep on my front, can't breathe... Fun..

I need good audio book ideas.. I can't sit still long enough to read right now, some is comfort level sitting and the other is keeping my mind in something for longer than, hmm I don't know.. what were we talking about again?

And the whole house is sick...

Bob and I woke up this morning around 2 both coughing. I didn't get back to sleep until somewhere around 4ish. During the billy banks and crazy lady making everything in a sandwich maker. We are both coughing, I am sneezing, don't have a fever but he's been cold all day and I slept off and one for most of the afternoon. Oh, and by the way, it's not fun to be sick at the same time as your husband... no fun at all... I usually like to just be left alone and sleep and he's coughing and moving and all over the place (not helping my headache at all) so, if you can avoid it, I suggest it.

Maybe it's my negative energy, who knows. I think I got everything out that I needed to last night (thanks for listening), started on some burp cloths (that I must say are very cute!), and finished Eat, Pray, Love on audio. It was good, I would listen to it again.

I think I got out all the tears, I didn't get to walk today either but I am not sure I would have made it very far. I feel a bit numb, maybe it's the cold, maybe it's my body's way of saying NO MORE.

Book club starts up again soon and they are going to read Seabiscut. I said I am not sure I am going to read the book but then again that leaves me 2 for2. I was told just to take the book and join but I am not sure if I want the book in my possession and go into labor or something go on. I would like to go to the meeting but really have so much to do at the same time, Tracey never makes it easy to say no but I have to stand my ground on this one.
I'm too tired.

So, I have been feeling her move a lot more today when I was laying down so much. It's crazy, she's all over, she really has a fondness to my right side. Is that because I am left handed? There's not as much going on over on that end? Who knows... I feel like shes trying to make her way to my back she's so far over right now. I sure hope I feel better soon, I may stay home tomorrow from work and get myself back in gear. Sigh, cough cough... time for bed...

Lost in translation.. What is normal?

I know these blogs should be fluffy and upbeat but this is my yuck weekend, so just skip and come back later. I gotta get this out.

I am having a hard time this weekend keeping my mind settled and where it needs to be. I have a relationship that I thought was good, or going in a good direction and now think i never really knew anything about this person. I feel that one of the more important things in life is honestly and without that there is nothing real. I worked so hard my whole life not to be a victim or be "that kid", "that broken home kid" or "poor her, poor anything". I have worked to not let too many people know who I really am in pain inside and it made things worse for me. I worked so hard to make sure that only the good showed and I was putting on my best act, lying to everyone around me and myself. Then came that time in my life that I need to find me, and after 10 years and a lot of work, I really feel I found that person. I am not perfect, I am not beautiful, or even thin anymore, but I am honest and I am a good person and that is being tested right now in me and I am having such a hard time understanding how I worked so hard to get close to someone that just lied to me and never told me the truth. I can't work on a relationship based on lies and or the wonder of what is real and what is not. I am having such a hard time, I need to call the Dr on Monday, maybe it is a phase, maybe it's like having a period, feels like that time of the month, crying and trying to keep myself composed isn't working. I have had friends that were depressed when they were pregnant and say it's horrible, I am in that perfect time frame for it to kick in, I have no control over my life and I am soon responsible for another. Great.. I am broken hearted, weak and can't keep it together, and soon I will be sleep deprived, alone with a newborn and expected to handle it all. I know in my mind that I can do this but I have friends right now that have newborns and can't seem to get or keep themselves out of bed. I am afraid, I know that Bob is great but he is going to have to work. I don't want to be this weak broken person and I am going to do my best to keep my head up, get sunlight, exercise and stay positive. I wish there was an honest way to know what women in generations before ours did. I mean there must be something that helps, that does not make you need medication, or hours of therapy. I have looked in all my books and it all says that one stupid word... Normal. It's NORMAL to have emotional breakdowns and cry for no or some stupid reason in your third trimester. It's normal to have a 3 week old baby that you are trying to breastfeed and drinking more Pepsi than eating food. It's normal to lie in bed at 2 am wondering what goes on in there, did you feel enough movement today? Why isn't anything moving now? Then lie there for another 2 hours until the baby wakes up and moves and you get at least those "normal" 10 kicks.
What a shitty shitty day... what a crazy crazy ramble. I am off to try to figure out my curtains, try to make some baby presents for others and God willing, get my sewing room cleaned up. I think it's time for a new Audio book... Eat, Pray is almost over and it's time for something new.

Week 28 - Christmas -

I have been thinking about all of the things I am thankful for and really wanted to take the time to write some things out.
I am thankful for:
Bob, Family, Friends, work and Bob working too, health, pregnancy, home, our yard and house, our great neighbors, chilly days and warm coats, laughs, tears, voices and having one, red toenail polish, sewing, art, music,....
a few other things to be thankful for:
not being able to see my thighs right now, being able to see my toes still, the memory that I did have a 6 pack once in my life (even if I never get it back, or feel that way now), alarm clocks, hot showers, Christmas cookies, youth, memories, clementines, cute (comfey) shoes, nieces, the ABC song, polly pockets, no traffic, snow when you can be at home to enjoy it.

Changes - from last year to now..

So, I was taking pictures as I was cooking and now I am looking at what was still on the camera.. there are some sewing pictures from last year and this from these now. I heard we didn't get as much snow this year as last but it was worse in my opinion then.
I don't miss that car... it's possible, that was the last time it was washed too.

Snow on Saturday

Wow, that snow was a lot early in the day, we seemed to get it all night long. We ordered in pizza and didn't do much, cought up on reading, a bit of tv and some surfing for Christmas Presents. It was nice to relax a bit and feel accomplished. Tomorrow I finish the girls towel poncho's and get my cards done to mail on Monday.

If you notice in the third picture from the deck you can see our branch that broke from the ice storm, and in the fourth, with all the trees... you can see our new neighbor's house coming up.. where our cows used to be. sigh....

the photos - Test and Bob's shirt

I swear I took 4 tests in Ohio and they were all positive but I didn't believe any of them so just kept taking them. The lines were light but they were there. This is the last test I took in Ohio at Dave's the morning I was leaving. Hannah was the first to know that I was having a baby and she promised not to tell (I was sure she would remember for 3 whole minutes)
I had this picture in my phone (where I took it in the bathroom) I was so scared that someone was going to see it, I was taking so many pictures of the girls that I could not wait to get home and download it so it was off my phone.

The Next picture is the one of Bob's shirt that I made him before he came home so he would know that his boys can swim...Also photo taken by phone and saved there till I could download onto the computer.