tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42819630568916351962024-02-19T18:27:19.712-08:00Muffins and TractorsShare with me my victories, trials, and everyday fun!Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-55534678730012529612010-11-15T12:44:00.000-08:002010-11-15T12:53:49.605-08:00Diaper BagIt's one of those days. I really just don't want to get into it, so I am going to share with you a diaper bag I made a couple months ago- in easier times. I used another amazing Amy Butler print that I bought, not knowing what I would do with it. It just called to me. It turned into this:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIz4oRWxZ9W1KInMDPjv6zncZIu_25ie5uHQ5sd7g4bghNymojzlCduMnPTRsn3oCAyhwTb4P9dbXRPYbFMbDG8KIqkroOMTL5W7ejfAuS7p1jhztlVwWg8rkbzhkqj86JKRFon6fHkmM/s1600/DSC02436.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIz4oRWxZ9W1KInMDPjv6zncZIu_25ie5uHQ5sd7g4bghNymojzlCduMnPTRsn3oCAyhwTb4P9dbXRPYbFMbDG8KIqkroOMTL5W7ejfAuS7p1jhztlVwWg8rkbzhkqj86JKRFon6fHkmM/s400/DSC02436.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539880895846599682" /></a>Complete with side and front pockets, a zipper, and nice long straps.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ogtuFo-8pbyf-gGFnAHgVojBXPdUzDZFrME2tu9N-8Jbh8rE_uX2zxEHZ8yS7ZgUD0TPDDTW2SPTfz8Su_uOzfYPunDgyiMbXmhhuH0M0i-XQ4TQK7OX2DUcwdGJX5f6fEXqclZLcek/s1600/DSC02439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ogtuFo-8pbyf-gGFnAHgVojBXPdUzDZFrME2tu9N-8Jbh8rE_uX2zxEHZ8yS7ZgUD0TPDDTW2SPTfz8Su_uOzfYPunDgyiMbXmhhuH0M0i-XQ4TQK7OX2DUcwdGJX5f6fEXqclZLcek/s400/DSC02439.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539880879873760690" /></a>The inside is lined with clear vinyl (for easy cleaning) and has two large pockets with cute bicycle fabric.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81s0_egcgsBO67HphxwNTScBiMvWNHrBUkzRAIqfOyaBQi39hoXDcXANQzIY2RsjndKyRqKiw3V29dVD63k88N3qTO3Ln_03P1n508QjlIGdA6xFuhf7HkUaTBWm2qIo5WmTGoJvcp-I/s1600/DSC02440.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81s0_egcgsBO67HphxwNTScBiMvWNHrBUkzRAIqfOyaBQi39hoXDcXANQzIY2RsjndKyRqKiw3V29dVD63k88N3qTO3Ln_03P1n508QjlIGdA6xFuhf7HkUaTBWm2qIo5WmTGoJvcp-I/s400/DSC02440.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539880879753261474" /></a>It was a fun project!<br /></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-84719808320407305642010-10-09T20:27:00.000-07:002010-10-09T20:41:30.544-07:00A Bubble MomentEver have a moment that reminds you why it is you do what you do? A moment that melts away stress, anxiety, frustration, and anger? A moment that reminds you just how great your life is? Today, for me, it was a bubble moment. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn8YRBFnfrcrMTTGYsrDA_oseglEwlwzT8VGqYJpNnRfAsxjOXyCEnnD-W6fQU-J8rALRQWiF_whHZibnzsO3EmpbSVLd4VBGGIrtWErHy8zIBLnhCW-xOYs2hhCnEac4eYjNnyMOtoA/s1600/DSC02614.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 354px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn8YRBFnfrcrMTTGYsrDA_oseglEwlwzT8VGqYJpNnRfAsxjOXyCEnnD-W6fQU-J8rALRQWiF_whHZibnzsO3EmpbSVLd4VBGGIrtWErHy8zIBLnhCW-xOYs2hhCnEac4eYjNnyMOtoA/s400/DSC02614.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526254647961104386" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn8YRBFnfrcrMTTGYsrDA_oseglEwlwzT8VGqYJpNnRfAsxjOXyCEnnD-W6fQU-J8rALRQWiF_whHZibnzsO3EmpbSVLd4VBGGIrtWErHy8zIBLnhCW-xOYs2hhCnEac4eYjNnyMOtoA/s1600/DSC02614.JPG"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn8YRBFnfrcrMTTGYsrDA_oseglEwlwzT8VGqYJpNnRfAsxjOXyCEnnD-W6fQU-J8rALRQWiF_whHZibnzsO3EmpbSVLd4VBGGIrtWErHy8zIBLnhCW-xOYs2hhCnEac4eYjNnyMOtoA/s1600/DSC02614.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6jNJkR0UvejRGH5h7y8KWce40xDVaqDsCcAbS37dLgJwLQ5ZV-Idq5iAzMcAQZg8nf7yxaicFwYZqwvqTsgCxyAMotCE6CKsmkZcWZ5rgIwOyygH6QrLa_2i1uZFQq9OZweJysY0c5M/s1600/DSC02608.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6jNJkR0UvejRGH5h7y8KWce40xDVaqDsCcAbS37dLgJwLQ5ZV-Idq5iAzMcAQZg8nf7yxaicFwYZqwvqTsgCxyAMotCE6CKsmkZcWZ5rgIwOyygH6QrLa_2i1uZFQq9OZweJysY0c5M/s400/DSC02608.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526254641030533714" /></a>Something about these bubbles turned my previously whiney and cranky kids (and self) into the two cutest little people enjoying the simplest of pleasures.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_6f7zEIL6Yex9M3C2d3tR2hzEopnZ1GKo5YxJfGhb6pSIk-Y8vQwGKGT5cu6865DiKeqy0jLI8VyJtkW-jT3HsfsuqUfBe85TG88ws5IqoHnRTNxPXH86_DfrUIIHjBNlmwjqrvKrDs/s1600/DSC02611.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_6f7zEIL6Yex9M3C2d3tR2hzEopnZ1GKo5YxJfGhb6pSIk-Y8vQwGKGT5cu6865DiKeqy0jLI8VyJtkW-jT3HsfsuqUfBe85TG88ws5IqoHnRTNxPXH86_DfrUIIHjBNlmwjqrvKrDs/s400/DSC02611.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526254634780659410" /></a>Or maybe it was the fact that their baby sister FINALLY stopped screaming and went to sleep, so their parents were able to enjoy a quiet moment with them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczc_26yWBcCrUGdhORyxa7tYV5pw-w1jqqFIqmM3-oxiFNbCyZ220HbiyobM9OrYMTbXlAIU7FFCGosPUv6AhrC1AGbmT9GMAzV6Q1U8gpIzWspEUeXWXbgGND2L-xjzMUHxJOioW5ms/s1600/DSC02624.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczc_26yWBcCrUGdhORyxa7tYV5pw-w1jqqFIqmM3-oxiFNbCyZ220HbiyobM9OrYMTbXlAIU7FFCGosPUv6AhrC1AGbmT9GMAzV6Q1U8gpIzWspEUeXWXbgGND2L-xjzMUHxJOioW5ms/s400/DSC02624.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526254623763143778" /></a>After coming down with a bad cold at the end of one of the hardest weeks so far, I needed a bubble moment. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiP5boGtckPqVThH3yTZioUc7lRpSL7qLUmtkjFbVwQigA5PocYoG2W661zTkBaVncEB0D_ze1lgovkmmzi6E79XgeUSIsae9wmoIu6aYhP8sJDJtm_42GwBLYiGHZtYzzMbIFLFgmb8/s1600/DSC02629.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiP5boGtckPqVThH3yTZioUc7lRpSL7qLUmtkjFbVwQigA5PocYoG2W661zTkBaVncEB0D_ze1lgovkmmzi6E79XgeUSIsae9wmoIu6aYhP8sJDJtm_42GwBLYiGHZtYzzMbIFLFgmb8/s400/DSC02629.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526254608974002562" /></a>Here's to more bubble moments and less crying, screaming, and whining! We all need a break from that!</div></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-40322432460786139852010-10-05T19:06:00.000-07:002010-10-05T19:53:57.269-07:00Favorite Project<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My oh my! I feel like I've been in a swirling vortex of babies, housework, and sewing! I have </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">SOO </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">much to blog about, but find myself using the few moments my hands are empty to sew. From Burp cloths, baby toys and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">lovie</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> blankets, to diaper bag and skirts, I have been busy! I've decided (thanks sister!) to not get overwhelmed with the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">plethora of projects to share and just show one at a time... starting with my favorite.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB99AcnkGVzfCWw-FGveuupRxTWD2rVA_H8Y-_aarh_MK_ytrzD2aKdsPojUtKG69nIRBffx3gD0ZKd76W4O0gTBAtXNkxUzRtthRzCjSKv_0MiN9DI-ThjbbhmOzbDBiKLvzr8G0eFE/s1600/DSC02565.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB99AcnkGVzfCWw-FGveuupRxTWD2rVA_H8Y-_aarh_MK_ytrzD2aKdsPojUtKG69nIRBffx3gD0ZKd76W4O0gTBAtXNkxUzRtthRzCjSKv_0MiN9DI-ThjbbhmOzbDBiKLvzr8G0eFE/s400/DSC02565.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524753709123737458" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now that I see this photo I am kicking myself for not taking a 'before' photo, so imagine a drab, twice-used black and white toille car seat, turned into this! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOK77kcbngp-V7j0rd1l5cvBlM32yg5h751ylk4qxt5viDvLLr_VRS9EUQhDRXL_iO16gBv_fcrBRr1-SYiBxii8MIgmf0Pp-XP_K_Y7E-yhaMVWgacdlUnDA5zth9Is3aP2nNI2vz9v8/s1600/DSC02564.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOK77kcbngp-V7j0rd1l5cvBlM32yg5h751ylk4qxt5viDvLLr_VRS9EUQhDRXL_iO16gBv_fcrBRr1-SYiBxii8MIgmf0Pp-XP_K_Y7E-yhaMVWgacdlUnDA5zth9Is3aP2nNI2vz9v8/s400/DSC02564.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524753702851216546" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I found this amazing Amy Butler fabric at my new favorite fabric store and snatched it up, not knowing what to do with it. Then after reading how Dana at <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com">MADE</a> (seriously, if you haven't seen her blog yet, you must must!!) takes old car-seats apart and makes them cute, I thought, hey, I can use my new fabric to do that! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ok, really I thought, "I want to do that, and I'm scared to death of ripping apart my car seat to make it happen!" On a boring Monday afternoon I decided to bite the bullet and go for it, not knowing if it would look halfway decent when I finished. I figured I might as well do it when I am stuck at home with the babies anyway. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After one day to pull apart the old seat and three more days to cut out and sew the new cover, I ended up with a fun new seat!! I have to say, I love how it turned out. It makes me happy every time I see it.<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNKjIw1uowMJvS4R6wmBR8cCUnhdA4rtMqWWL1JanxWxmnJ70aJd-h2OVstRx8V5ComZ1zmdRX0m0XxjFyf4P7EGadiR2N8-nWX2bx6Ph5lxuej7QICifJ0mn8F47jOy9aJBrgEeJfRk/s1600/DSC02568.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNKjIw1uowMJvS4R6wmBR8cCUnhdA4rtMqWWL1JanxWxmnJ70aJd-h2OVstRx8V5ComZ1zmdRX0m0XxjFyf4P7EGadiR2N8-nWX2bx6Ph5lxuej7QICifJ0mn8F47jOy9aJBrgEeJfRk/s400/DSC02568.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524753688846185362" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I used bias tape for the strap holes and made little strap covers too.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwKMmghE4L8gxFUOZJSwZ7VDQjCewtYAh0fbFPzkwDpI8azdl9febZgOz7AHOZNGsgdeMF_RQZ2q72SJiZQ6K8Bcbsbw8E2CH0ZvGQNp1MK4erupIPWnt_J451LN3VwmqFtyKl0venIE/s1600/DSC02567.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwKMmghE4L8gxFUOZJSwZ7VDQjCewtYAh0fbFPzkwDpI8azdl9febZgOz7AHOZNGsgdeMF_RQZ2q72SJiZQ6K8Bcbsbw8E2CH0ZvGQNp1MK4erupIPWnt_J451LN3VwmqFtyKl0venIE/s400/DSC02567.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524753683399265346" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I found a co-ordinating satin for the contrast fabric. I was unsure how to make the shade cover, but once I took the old one apart it was pretty easy.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Amelia looks adorable in her new seat. It brings out her already pink skin tones. </span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Coming soon: a new diaper bag, baby shoes, and a new business venture!</span></span></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-62916224616862426762010-08-25T10:19:00.000-07:002010-08-25T11:40:20.953-07:00Amelia's Birth StoryThis pregnancy took me on a personal journey unlike any of my other pregnancies. At the starting line was me, in my bathroom, starring blankly at a positive pregnancy test in shock. At the finish line was me, surrounded by people I love, welcoming a new love into my life. I'd like to give you a little peak at my journey, focusing mostly on delivery (we don't have all day, do we!).<div><br /></div><div>I must admit, I handled the little double pink lines better than I thought I would. I was a bit shocked, but mostly relieved. You see, I had been feeling quite sick and was thinking, I either have some weird disease, or I am pregnant. So yeah, I was relieved that I was not seriously ill! I walked around in shock for a couple days, because I had a four month old, and really had not even processed through <i>his</i> birth (you too would take a while to process through giving birth to a 10 1/2 lb. baby), and here I was making another baby! Most people have more time to recover from (and forget about)the labor, the pain, the recovery period, the newbornhood, etc. It was all too fresh in my mind. I'd like to point out here that we were being responsible and using birth control, but there's not much we could do when that failed us. We won't be using that brand anymore! 'Nough said.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the next few months, as the reality of having 3 kids under 3 set in, God just took me by the hand and led me through the feelings, one step at a time. It was a process, but I felt more prepared for what was coming, and excited to complete our family. God is so good- he really gave me a peace about it all. He also assured me that this delivery and this baby would be different, and easier than the last.</div><div><br /></div><div>In my third trimester I decided I just couldn't do a hospital birth as I had planned. After having 2 homebirths, and seeing how different a hospital birth is with all their silly rules, I decided it wasn't going to work for me. Since a home birth was not an option in Redding (I couldn't find a midwife I was willing to trust with our lives), I decided to travel to Sonora to deliver with Ellie, the midwife who delivered my other babies. She graciously agreed to take me on as a patient, my parents agreed to me having baby in their home, and Daddy Man's boss graciously gave him the time off he would need to have the baby so far from home. Everything was set and ready.</div><div><br /></div><div>God helped prepare my heart for the birth as well. As I experienced with my other births, if I can stay focused and calm labor is manageable, but if I am afraid of what is happening, it hurts like heck!! This time around I was determined to have an easier birth with less pain. The Bible says that perfect love drives out fear. God is love, so what better thing to focus on than Him during labor? I knew God had something special for me in this delivery, so I prepared myself to focus on Him and His love, and just have "God time" with Him during labor. So when my contractions finally kicked in and got more intense around 2pm on Saturday, July 31st, Daddy Man put on some worship music for me, and I felt God's presence so strongly. So I labored, with tears of joy in my eyes, experiencing God's perfect embrace and enjoying his presence so much. I sang along (in my head) with the songs during contractions to keep my head and heart in the right place. The songs that most helped me were "Liquid Love" and "I Love it When You Sing" by Janna Adams (check her out on jannaadams.com or iTunes) and "Healer" by Leah Valenzuela (on Bethel's "Here is Love" CD). Not only did I experience God's love in a powerful way during active labor and transition, but I experienced no pain. Yes, the contractions were super intense, but manageable. around 20 minutes before Amelia was born, I was still speaking the words of the songs in between contractions. "I believe that You're my Healer, I believe that You are all I need...." When I started pushing a few minutes later, my declarations and "God time" sounded more like "JESUS HELP!!" It's a good thing that I only pushed for 8 minutes, because oh man did that hurt! In the moment she was crowning (head almost out, in case you don't know) I felt that awful burning that feels like it will never end (all the mom's out there, feel free to cringe now....I know you remember the burn!) I said, "get her out!!" and she came out (you can breathe now). I pulled her up out of the water (forgot to mention that I did a water birth) and instantly felt relief and joy and pride as I gazed at my beautiful, crying, red-haired, itty bitty baby! God had prepared me, walked me through, and loved me through the whole process, leading me into such intense love for my new baby girl. What an amazing time. She cried for about 10 minutes before we could calm her down, and I jokingly said, "maybe she's getting all her crying done now, so she'll be done after this!" But in the back of my mind I thought, "uh-oh, is she going to be 'a crier'?"</div><div><br /></div><div>After my other births I was light headed, dizzy, and exhausted. I had to sit on a stool in the shower. But this birth was different. I felt so much better, and almost immediately was ready to take a shower and be up talking to people. Since I didn't need stitches this time (yeah!!!!) I could even sit pretty comfortably. A few days later I was even walking around pretty normally. Wow, what a difference.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkBxRCkeaxN14RrjTl1CBod_14BxcXYrPqOcdFihyUfixvWsujjehrPHMMRxYbi3nVfFiyi0bKcSCXY8Mh00kyasR8eddBgh_p5M9PAeZ3ZEajQHo8UnETfKqjD-mqmuIL_4NEfElK9M/s1600/DSC02393.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkBxRCkeaxN14RrjTl1CBod_14BxcXYrPqOcdFihyUfixvWsujjehrPHMMRxYbi3nVfFiyi0bKcSCXY8Mh00kyasR8eddBgh_p5M9PAeZ3ZEajQHo8UnETfKqjD-mqmuIL_4NEfElK9M/s400/DSC02393.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509418056617030322" /></a><div>And baby girl? Well, she sleeps four to 6 hours at night (since day one) and goes 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours between eating in the day. She never cries, puts herself to sleep, and eats well. Wow, I have not had a baby like her before. I guess God knew that with two toddlers, I needed an easy baby. I am so thankful for her, and thankful that things are not as crazy as I had imagined. I have my sanity, I still have a little time to myself in the day (next post I will show you the diaper bag I am making!) and my kids are amazing. Don't think all is perfect, because I have plenty of freak-out moments, but the good times (usually) outweigh the hard times.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4IWODbl9FFHi_sWMRTZYYgH069gyrkROAApsa6RQndXC7c399dAZzDk23g5SD-u1IhB7-1S_33A6mGBpam2NPKQgKXagt3IdeuvB__Fr4sp0t1lP__SIwgKvzZtZUZy3kCEMb2mem08/s1600/DSC02390.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4IWODbl9FFHi_sWMRTZYYgH069gyrkROAApsa6RQndXC7c399dAZzDk23g5SD-u1IhB7-1S_33A6mGBpam2NPKQgKXagt3IdeuvB__Fr4sp0t1lP__SIwgKvzZtZUZy3kCEMb2mem08/s400/DSC02390.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509418047060034786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjyCmhXNkwGqhnTArydXhaj7_wPcFRRW7OKA3BfIMh3Q6RwN1xPUrXiHm8x1XlF0-QlkL89RbFqO2OMlIIlLJGtA7F7iGXGt32SgmTV1wOdU0BOLyzLtNL0CwEkUUSjcIRPVS785lSiw/s1600/DSC02384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjyCmhXNkwGqhnTArydXhaj7_wPcFRRW7OKA3BfIMh3Q6RwN1xPUrXiHm8x1XlF0-QlkL89RbFqO2OMlIIlLJGtA7F7iGXGt32SgmTV1wOdU0BOLyzLtNL0CwEkUUSjcIRPVS785lSiw/s400/DSC02384.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509418038667401714" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to the world, baby Amelia. You have brought joy to our hearts and a smile to our faces.</div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-32879854718862444162010-08-13T09:48:00.000-07:002010-08-13T10:15:24.673-07:00BlessedWell, we have a baby girl! Her birth story is coming soon, I promise! But for now, just wanted to share why I feel so incredibly blessed these days.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo5xJ-tm9MovjnAkSl37YU02N3Lw0nv2kzYEfSgc6xL2w8dp4UsJgubhzdQ6Rt-xNz-21z5NZ423612vlxJSM7hehwPd_OiW7Nir4jUNLub7Bqd7R3ZDXvrvCogTkm11LLhM8YTZ9Qq8/s1600/DSC02361.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo5xJ-tm9MovjnAkSl37YU02N3Lw0nv2kzYEfSgc6xL2w8dp4UsJgubhzdQ6Rt-xNz-21z5NZ423612vlxJSM7hehwPd_OiW7Nir4jUNLub7Bqd7R3ZDXvrvCogTkm11LLhM8YTZ9Qq8/s400/DSC02361.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504939492440129138" />I</a> am so blessed for this sweet girl. Do we have a newborn, not yet 2 weeks old (2 days old in above picture)?? I'm not sure.... Aren't newborns supposed to cry? Aren't they supposed to wake up every 2 hours at night to eat? Aren't they supposed to take a long time or lots of soothing to fall asleep? </div><div><br /></div><div>As for me, shouldn't I feel like I just had a baby? Shouldn't I be tired beyond comprehension with three babies at home? (Ok, well Muffin is not a baby, but she's is not even 3 yet!) Shouldn't I feel overwhelmed at home by myself with all of the kids? Hmm.....</div><div><br /></div><div>The answer is, No, it doesn't have to be that way. God, in his infinite grace knew what I needed, and graciously provided: Angel baby-sleeps-4-6 hours at a time and at least 2 1/2 hours during the day-never cries-puts herself to sleep-girl.....quick labor with no stitches needed (Thank GOD!!) and super quick recovery....and a relatively sound mind! Even the kids are adjusting beautifully.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyI8KYoQHSLlAPuDYeJdGgp-UOX92Y35jqpQXBICjtgaDWmPF4y01xJngeyHzp3hOoamjUGonqwTmwB2UPDD4Bnii3tvNoaqwV3GDxTUm8TFdCYGV0KZAvosa6Wh6MLmhxAB9K27ejKI/s1600/DSC02331.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyI8KYoQHSLlAPuDYeJdGgp-UOX92Y35jqpQXBICjtgaDWmPF4y01xJngeyHzp3hOoamjUGonqwTmwB2UPDD4Bnii3tvNoaqwV3GDxTUm8TFdCYGV0KZAvosa6Wh6MLmhxAB9K27ejKI/s400/DSC02331.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504939483366854434" /></a>Above picture is the first time the kids met baby girl...she was about 12 hours old. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYCkgF6PswJRbrlAZbeayNXb6zR3UdM7p1GFU-cCcL9lxfvnuS2-VearH4nh3EoP8xysMIolGSDHjqnmjBsm8QU4HoEj7aC-L29UD9PKJWDidJBNuv9SkXL_nOZEuZTTbUbtlL6ve59Y/s1600/DSC02338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYCkgF6PswJRbrlAZbeayNXb6zR3UdM7p1GFU-cCcL9lxfvnuS2-VearH4nh3EoP8xysMIolGSDHjqnmjBsm8QU4HoEj7aC-L29UD9PKJWDidJBNuv9SkXL_nOZEuZTTbUbtlL6ve59Y/s400/DSC02338.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504939477372852866" /></a>Proud big sister was soooo happy to finally hold baby sister.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kp9I2b7Xq4j116fHZlC_dvmWKr9ELGGay1EeOfy2IdZZ-iE20OrYsdUqHoDkPee8DWX1JFIC73eCeGKo_MRyXSGF8n07lczT_8odbID0kng4AWhSHcSM79YiQm12EyiINsgt9ZMYgzI/s1600/DSC02339.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kp9I2b7Xq4j116fHZlC_dvmWKr9ELGGay1EeOfy2IdZZ-iE20OrYsdUqHoDkPee8DWX1JFIC73eCeGKo_MRyXSGF8n07lczT_8odbID0kng4AWhSHcSM79YiQm12EyiINsgt9ZMYgzI/s400/DSC02339.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504939466596511346" /></a>And the biggest surprise of all: Mr. 13-month-old hasn't even said his first word yet Baby knew exactly what was going on! It was like he had listened to me preparing big sister for the new arrival, and already knew her and loved her so much! When he first saw sister all he wanted to do was kiss her. He was so gentle and loving- he proved to us that he knows WAY more than we give him credit for. He is such a loving big brother.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SEZvkj9x9YxbYxaZYkyFrMK7n9gp2fUrEhv-ZvjjCKcE2fZW9iZ9EnW6nvbP-D1bMdG4pv-VnlJXymmCbnppiSupDY-DO7_YbXsTVcFFwBtlMwiqvD2dOJDbD6S87srPNyTLy8toDXU/s1600/DSC02364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SEZvkj9x9YxbYxaZYkyFrMK7n9gp2fUrEhv-ZvjjCKcE2fZW9iZ9EnW6nvbP-D1bMdG4pv-VnlJXymmCbnppiSupDY-DO7_YbXsTVcFFwBtlMwiqvD2dOJDbD6S87srPNyTLy8toDXU/s400/DSC02364.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504939458698500914" /></a><br /><div>A sleepy Daddy man with his girls. </div><div><br /></div><div>Other blessings: a super helpful Daddy Man who continues to get up early with Muffin before work...now he makes us all lunch in the morning too! </div><div><br /></div><div>An amazing 3 weeks spent at my parents house with love and help poured on us from all sides.</div><div><br /></div><div>The best in-laws ever and their many days of helping with the kids while we awaited sister's arrival.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having baby at my parents house with the best midwife ever and the best doula! </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I am soooo blessed to have our family complete, and so far it is looking like it (or I) won't be as insane as I thought! Stay tuned, next week Daddy Man starts school again. Sure, lets add one more thing into the mix and see how we handle it! ;)</div><div><br /></div></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-27136334515019746802010-07-12T08:34:00.000-07:002010-07-12T09:07:02.804-07:00A productive weekendSince this weekend is the last weekend before we head down to Sonora to await Baby Sister's arrival, we had an extensive to do list. Things like getting birth supplies together, packing bags, digging the moses basket out, and finding the car seat, along with finishing up some projects like the kid's curtains and Mr. Baby's wall decor. Somehow, and I'm still trying to figure this out, we got almost all of the list done....gasp!... and still had time to go to the lake, attend a little sidewalk craft show, and do fun creative projects too! Was it a three day weekend? It sure felt like it! <div><br /></div><div>I whipped up these fun blocks for Baby Sister, using fabric I had already. These are sooo fun to make, and you can use stuffing, or foam like I did. I think I might make a few more in a smaller size. These are 5 inch cubes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqCzjKBF14hqgf9CrEVT3p5Kft6Dk0vddM65C0Igqx-A2ydL8yRytm-24WrgLsdzlqIlqW378C_S-MOzqE1Wy2ZK1D-YXnc0kFIKojjfLkL2YQHp2yFtkiyl8BTos872VzuElKnSczq0/s1600/DSC02283.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqCzjKBF14hqgf9CrEVT3p5Kft6Dk0vddM65C0Igqx-A2ydL8yRytm-24WrgLsdzlqIlqW378C_S-MOzqE1Wy2ZK1D-YXnc0kFIKojjfLkL2YQHp2yFtkiyl8BTos872VzuElKnSczq0/s400/DSC02283.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493044889392276866" /></a>Each block has the same pink and brown dot fabric, and a different flannel and minky. For the one below I used another one of those receiving blankets from my mom (see last post). To make these blocks, simply cut 6 squares of fabric (mine were 5 1/2" for a 5" cube, and 1/4" seam allowance on all sides) and lay them out in a cross pattern; four squares tall and three across. If you use 2 of each fabric like I did, lay them out so the matching fabric is across the cube from itself. Hmm, this would make more sense if I had taken pictures.....you would have the two flannel pieces on the cross part, the center of the cross (minky) would be the same as the very bottom of the cross, and the top (cotton print) the same as the 3rd square down. Hopefully that makes sense.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFxDzcLSmvccp8Y7lxh-yApR2-8JLpE1PNf203cYZg7AhxXJtayd2W1lBjQBh6ArMeDXz1KEBCu8SGO1FZrFQkHbvzEMB3FcxceCNJGLn-aFR752b3ZF6q1l81z8G_Y0bP4FHYlty6hw/s1600/DSC02284.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFxDzcLSmvccp8Y7lxh-yApR2-8JLpE1PNf203cYZg7AhxXJtayd2W1lBjQBh6ArMeDXz1KEBCu8SGO1FZrFQkHbvzEMB3FcxceCNJGLn-aFR752b3ZF6q1l81z8G_Y0bP4FHYlty6hw/s400/DSC02284.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493044871119636082" /></a>I also finished Muffin's ponies! I love the yarn hair, and considering I let Muffin pick any fabric from my stash, I thought she did a great job at getting co-ordinating fabrics! And yes, the Mommy pony is made with another one of those flannel receiving blankets. ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLC8JiGrNuKSGdHzdE4fpNN8QKEX8XEL4as7IHngnofcUhL-mPyaNU643G4egbvNLJ3q0QpQvrFerZxHiA2qk4b00exM_MULFvvmPq0aNBDoLEoA_8Gz5FG7perVUxMi_ohh3NAZ4ZByo/s1600/DSC02288.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLC8JiGrNuKSGdHzdE4fpNN8QKEX8XEL4as7IHngnofcUhL-mPyaNU643G4egbvNLJ3q0QpQvrFerZxHiA2qk4b00exM_MULFvvmPq0aNBDoLEoA_8Gz5FG7perVUxMi_ohh3NAZ4ZByo/s400/DSC02288.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493044862074729218" /></a>It's such a great feeling to do a project using only things you already had in your stash. So fun!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo01ekn0UuTeUD107Sv7VRv2x5MlrDSVegsIlysOsXn29eQKnd2zJxGltdLnl4eXUtar8SK6_PEHLORgIKBwFEa3PCwoj3QHKHm0ifJz1ktGwL9ibf0xd3dNGEv9bfpPBKnc_Sf0c0ZSs/s1600/DSC02287.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo01ekn0UuTeUD107Sv7VRv2x5MlrDSVegsIlysOsXn29eQKnd2zJxGltdLnl4eXUtar8SK6_PEHLORgIKBwFEa3PCwoj3QHKHm0ifJz1ktGwL9ibf0xd3dNGEv9bfpPBKnc_Sf0c0ZSs/s400/DSC02287.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493044431281211490" /></a>Daddy Man wanted to get in on the crafting action, and decided to do a project with Muffin. (I know, how cute, right?) This is what it looks like when he does a craft. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNrQ2JCV-l6g8wJFZET2fAzBvL92f0YBfs2rvZ9eOdRK1DaoM8Z129Ool3UuPPMCtn4xZEDciKrp-kWsVBoctrP54FRG9Tvkgtj4Ei2T8zPZdwkY7zC3MeSNVAQNfHEQ6wrVGm4MxUpY/s1600/DSC02282.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNrQ2JCV-l6g8wJFZET2fAzBvL92f0YBfs2rvZ9eOdRK1DaoM8Z129Ool3UuPPMCtn4xZEDciKrp-kWsVBoctrP54FRG9Tvkgtj4Ei2T8zPZdwkY7zC3MeSNVAQNfHEQ6wrVGm4MxUpY/s400/DSC02282.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493044422260757186" /></a>At least he cleaned it all up when they were done. :) They made a castle for Muffin's strawberry shortcake dolls. (It has also housed the cubes AND the ponies) He made the structure with cardboard, then let Muffin glue paper and decorations to the outside. They were so cute together.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhF89g4I7K1SKSVr1yx3nyOtyD3Uuf_gui0V8ei0kktDwKd2QMdIN49ld90Skf9kwV26pDTo6lw1Fel16TT6MsTRILOBNnWuoR_SFN1bazAFbosbcDd5iplxe9at8mSaqAXzj_uF3Dkc/s1600/DSC02289.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhF89g4I7K1SKSVr1yx3nyOtyD3Uuf_gui0V8ei0kktDwKd2QMdIN49ld90Skf9kwV26pDTo6lw1Fel16TT6MsTRILOBNnWuoR_SFN1bazAFbosbcDd5iplxe9at8mSaqAXzj_uF3Dkc/s400/DSC02289.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493044414467531058" /></a>Here's what it sounded like:</div><div>Daddy Man: "What color should this tower be?"</div><div>Muffin: "Pink!"</div><div>Daddy Man: "Ok, how about this tower?"</div><div>Muffin: "Pink!!"</div><div>D: "We are out of pink. What other color?"</div><div>M: "pink !"</div><div>D: "How about purple?"</div><div>M: "Um, sure."</div><div>D: "What should we glue on next?"</div><div>M: "A heart!"</div><div>D: "What color heart?"</div><div>M: "Pink!"</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a miracle he worked some non-pink colors into that thing. ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_t8C_JS2jEdsd0JxbnJrGSq3_ZMuHFXIfwOOYfxCf-_lCa3H_86ZpQM3D3BnkNKEFV6yAC14WhseB8yJvvpRIe83GAYRpm9uhIWfHiLFtv8kfZzpGhrJ3CdKV7zQtqTSy1Yn9IHeYrY/s1600/DSC02291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_t8C_JS2jEdsd0JxbnJrGSq3_ZMuHFXIfwOOYfxCf-_lCa3H_86ZpQM3D3BnkNKEFV6yAC14WhseB8yJvvpRIe83GAYRpm9uhIWfHiLFtv8kfZzpGhrJ3CdKV7zQtqTSy1Yn9IHeYrY/s400/DSC02291.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493044404090250946" /></a>back view<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppKsSUyaMPxOi6RwdzNG_HQIa2A2YcEyC-X-O8hPb8sbbDLFSpWmFpVCnixI91czAqA-wRayFFCRBQeDcSGaVjKNEwXOSiQ-lyZMyVOrJ4PGcD5mclvgvJdMZGh5-2VG6ibobtP5R36I/s1600/DSC02290.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppKsSUyaMPxOi6RwdzNG_HQIa2A2YcEyC-X-O8hPb8sbbDLFSpWmFpVCnixI91czAqA-wRayFFCRBQeDcSGaVjKNEwXOSiQ-lyZMyVOrJ4PGcD5mclvgvJdMZGh5-2VG6ibobtP5R36I/s400/DSC02290.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493044397079366498" /></a>So, we had a great weekend, and finished it off with a short trip to the lake. Mr. Baby loves to swim. He wants to be on his belly zooming around in the water. He will be swimming probably before Muffin, who says, "Mommy, I don't like it under the water." Oh Muffin. How desperately you need <a href="http://www.astepofhealth.blogspot.com">Teacher Cindy</a>.</div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-47351892624491917802010-07-06T12:30:00.001-07:002010-07-06T12:42:48.910-07:00Oh DeerWhat was my favorite part of the 4th of July this year? Super sale at Joann Fabrics!! Well, I probably had more fun being with Daddy Man and the kids for three days in a row, but the sale was amazing!! Their patterns were on sale for 99 cents! We're talking about $12-$16 patterns here! One of the patterns I found was for three different vintage-style stuffed animals, in two sizes. I started with the Momma and Baby Lamb for Baby Sister. For the material I used some flannel receiving blankets that my Mom bought for me and told me to make whatever for her room. I wanted her animals to be soft and cuddly, so the blankets worked perfectly! The only downside- the sheep turned out to look like deer. Hmm....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokad_DLY8kLIMwLeLZVGKI-NZ0M0mnXn_LYH_hRfrDukqIFQuIN11j6qsPoTgF8R3Zlj_S9h-sO1WxhWd-fvMeCQ3ypvu94SmsU3ERT7TSzxHQqM2NXTCpeM3nFjR8myi5HJD2eKhA7A/s1600/DSC02278.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokad_DLY8kLIMwLeLZVGKI-NZ0M0mnXn_LYH_hRfrDukqIFQuIN11j6qsPoTgF8R3Zlj_S9h-sO1WxhWd-fvMeCQ3ypvu94SmsU3ERT7TSzxHQqM2NXTCpeM3nFjR8myi5HJD2eKhA7A/s400/DSC02278.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490878287829044258" /></a>The long legs and neck, and skinny body make them look like deer, but hey, they are still totally cute!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK7M0sO6OLt-BqeT_8XzC2q8IFjDy10WM0ea2Jsk8bOFa-Fndw6sjeiaia0loRGBOwuhMipgSlWqtVWF1ZUonaqvlur1hCs3Q7G59rhkjFO4k8TuTpV6XtgsvhDZdLow23x3vIkLqHnA/s1600/DSC02281.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK7M0sO6OLt-BqeT_8XzC2q8IFjDy10WM0ea2Jsk8bOFa-Fndw6sjeiaia0loRGBOwuhMipgSlWqtVWF1ZUonaqvlur1hCs3Q7G59rhkjFO4k8TuTpV6XtgsvhDZdLow23x3vIkLqHnA/s400/DSC02281.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490878277074105650" /></a>I embroidered eyelashes, mouths and hooves, and used vintage buttons for the eyes. I made sure to cut out the Mama's body so I could use the cute butterfly that was on the blanket. Too cute! Muffin is excited about Sister's sheep, and is playing with them as I write, but asked me to please make her the pony ones. (the pattern has a lamb, giraffe, and a horse). I'll get right on that, Muffin!Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-42839117815493170582010-06-30T10:55:00.000-07:002010-06-30T14:16:45.280-07:00Another Gilded Treasure<div>Today I would like to share with you a successful project, and a failed one. </div><div><br /></div><div>First, the successful project:</div><div>Last December I picked up three of these crown ornaments thinking I would paint them and make something for my mom and <a href="http://www.maddie-lus.blogspot.com/">Sister</a> (sorry girls, I never got around to it!). Once I decided to do a castle/princess theme for Muffin and Baby's room, I thought they would be perfect in pink! I started out with the same color as the poodles, but it just wasn't popping, so I went a few shades darker. </div><div><br /></div><div>From gilded......</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvqmTShL6lpRUaa-XtK0aRvMuvSHwvYPUkdheIz0G7rHd9rTzt0f9DYQjKMfMGFC1OQUGZ3ElZoONySrvGser48eIfR2X1awXJflHymxKwNNCohfrN6KM9ErkQMtwocIBhCmFeecsRgU/s1600/DSC02273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvqmTShL6lpRUaa-XtK0aRvMuvSHwvYPUkdheIz0G7rHd9rTzt0f9DYQjKMfMGFC1OQUGZ3ElZoONySrvGser48eIfR2X1awXJflHymxKwNNCohfrN6KM9ErkQMtwocIBhCmFeecsRgU/s400/DSC02273.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488671480977011218" /></a>To perfectly pink!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXoGoRnQo94yOjecj8utp8mhZe48apH0cMYsv5aETumdb4sPGjLOS-4OXfRTWT7dDavLMZuPlo7c91LaGuDXSzaAqsX5K1XnvOkL_bifZgaqbFRrWETN2ALs0H3fjf2uw8In6V1DGdSw/s1600/DSC02271.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXoGoRnQo94yOjecj8utp8mhZe48apH0cMYsv5aETumdb4sPGjLOS-4OXfRTWT7dDavLMZuPlo7c91LaGuDXSzaAqsX5K1XnvOkL_bifZgaqbFRrWETN2ALs0H3fjf2uw8In6V1DGdSw/s400/DSC02271.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488671472847476146" /></a>I even followed through on the project, and hot glued them to her cubby shelf. I'm hoping the glue will hold. If not, I will call in Daddy Man and his power tools.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPotlXFcFAT_4fijcD1ofz01ZjRhUp0g2Ni-CFZpTx1LaBG2ctj2NJoudYaXlPWogN1bRmokk9n7Blt1CM8nEFlK0wtLTBaNXcskIOP6yN8XA6p2eQbsxRaH6T27rjvFws5hyFwaKFJfM/s1600/DSC02274.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPotlXFcFAT_4fijcD1ofz01ZjRhUp0g2Ni-CFZpTx1LaBG2ctj2NJoudYaXlPWogN1bRmokk9n7Blt1CM8nEFlK0wtLTBaNXcskIOP6yN8XA6p2eQbsxRaH6T27rjvFws5hyFwaKFJfM/s400/DSC02274.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488671459439418514" /></a>Close up:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gCj9xSH0Psi8Vc3QPdBK1RaNN2pSO6CC0mnPfRwpprcs8Nos82pLh7_UHpzvphphuWaYH0AOsBFwKgTmE3ciY_meI4hrw_ZgSSvPGo3HHfW1n4h-JLCyzYgRn2mnN8FkqIMOFPJPnKk/s1600/DSC02275.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gCj9xSH0Psi8Vc3QPdBK1RaNN2pSO6CC0mnPfRwpprcs8Nos82pLh7_UHpzvphphuWaYH0AOsBFwKgTmE3ciY_meI4hrw_ZgSSvPGo3HHfW1n4h-JLCyzYgRn2mnN8FkqIMOFPJPnKk/s400/DSC02275.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488628049244279442" /></a>I took the opportunity to give you a little sneak peak of Muffin's work in progress room. I think I'm pretty much done, it's just that its hard to get photos of the whole room at one time (this would mean the whole room would have to be clean. ;) Asking too much, right?).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuLU3RyhBs7ez2eATSKTgq1CRsx41K2u2P1ajq37j2D_K5TB4MZMn9bZRFcUXlHyUKW-3-lJR_XH8s_BO1zLOrYxDhCRKYvr307KK9SrVCxKSwe2e1AtyWWgiksCd8XZ7O6Xh0Yr1i6g/s1600/DSC02276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuLU3RyhBs7ez2eATSKTgq1CRsx41K2u2P1ajq37j2D_K5TB4MZMn9bZRFcUXlHyUKW-3-lJR_XH8s_BO1zLOrYxDhCRKYvr307KK9SrVCxKSwe2e1AtyWWgiksCd8XZ7O6Xh0Yr1i6g/s400/DSC02276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488628042253244946" /></a>I found this cutest-of-all chairs at Ross, and got 25% off for a scuff on the leg! So girly and cute!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_dqUJcHUD0Fr2C4BUN30gttrjgEsjzSsXv5cKIcojN4StsyygdctqOs_9tOt7djRChYI26q7C9Vxc1Y_qN0kaCqwLQRf9NABEm4Zzro0BwI4KTjwQjdGrPUXl912gQfWjcCfeGYz8K4/s1600/DSC02277.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_dqUJcHUD0Fr2C4BUN30gttrjgEsjzSsXv5cKIcojN4StsyygdctqOs_9tOt7djRChYI26q7C9Vxc1Y_qN0kaCqwLQRf9NABEm4Zzro0BwI4KTjwQjdGrPUXl912gQfWjcCfeGYz8K4/s400/DSC02277.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488628032137882482" /></a>On to the failed project:<div><br /></div><div>My third attempt at upcycling a men's shirt into a boy's shirt did not go so well. This time I used <a href="http://omi-creates.blogspot.com/search/label/tutorial">this tutorial</a> for making a onesie, and modified it for a shirt. It was looking good until I sewed the ribbing on backward on the front half of the shirt. Arg!! At first glance it looks OK....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c8LqEBJKjHdnHMT2vA0v13kYPEiJGiKZjk27UBug0jI6KKB-EO4S-62reJQebJppkj3hWrBIc32w4ENX0GwKeXjwb09GoWrzqfcJ7cO7ytzjb7afft8h6Jp0YUtfDp0cD-hcY2w-Fbs/s1600/DSC02269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c8LqEBJKjHdnHMT2vA0v13kYPEiJGiKZjk27UBug0jI6KKB-EO4S-62reJQebJppkj3hWrBIc32w4ENX0GwKeXjwb09GoWrzqfcJ7cO7ytzjb7afft8h6Jp0YUtfDp0cD-hcY2w-Fbs/s400/DSC02269.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488628022945706802" /></a>but closer inspection reveals a slew of errors. I'm new to sewing knit fabrics, so the neckline is all warbly (yup, made that up). As I said, the front neckline that you see is supposed to be on the inside of the shirt...the other side looks better, but since I used the existing hem of the old shirt, I couldn't turn it around. And, as you can see right by Muffin's fingers, I didn't catch the edge of the ribbing in the sleeve.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdqFg1fpFaBhQWt8QYYjXmuNnZ3gHHd1K1Lw-q83YpDilB4OZrZt526fV6mN61FVh_J0h4YFLc0KETk38EVN9Ueb4IpkWvogcBk-Q4V5CaE2jkIS2Cv-fTvXssl4LKFOmC5tH9dB301U/s1600/DSC02270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdqFg1fpFaBhQWt8QYYjXmuNnZ3gHHd1K1Lw-q83YpDilB4OZrZt526fV6mN61FVh_J0h4YFLc0KETk38EVN9Ueb4IpkWvogcBk-Q4V5CaE2jkIS2Cv-fTvXssl4LKFOmC5tH9dB301U/s400/DSC02270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488628015386114338" /></a>Well, I will try again. Hopefully I can get it right before this weekend's birthday party for Baby Keller! As for the fate of this shirt? It's not so bad to be doomed to the dumpster, so I think Mr. Baby will use it for a sleep shirt (just like the first two I tried. UGH!)</div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-41164570105073691432010-06-28T09:14:00.000-07:002010-06-28T09:30:52.197-07:00PoodlesLast Friday Muffin, Mr. Baby and I went garage sale-ing. I know, quite the ambitious activity with two kids, but we had fun! One of my favorite finds was this poodle bookend set. It reminded me of a set we sold at Hibernation. Don't be put off by the gilded exterior. These poodles have potential!! The best part? This vintage treasure was only $1. Score.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQTlEQCZYookPf6Lfm_bRCSehaOG05KaZ_yA9xtFPXskfJ2X2Yk7NEOlggsvC6Cm7jijaRLi-EPhG7TOiel-8vxgS2A28E4vWLZ8EifS5ujJ-uzqChs3d5OPy91U3IPCWZbcuk6CdS3o/s1600/DSC02263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQTlEQCZYookPf6Lfm_bRCSehaOG05KaZ_yA9xtFPXskfJ2X2Yk7NEOlggsvC6Cm7jijaRLi-EPhG7TOiel-8vxgS2A28E4vWLZ8EifS5ujJ-uzqChs3d5OPy91U3IPCWZbcuk6CdS3o/s400/DSC02263.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487859387218758258" /></a>A few coats of spray paint later.....(don't tell Daddy Man, or Ellie, for that matter. I would be in big trouble for breathing these fumes! Sorry, I just couldn't resist!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEuPi6KvTXji_VQRfYdo9R8PtR-3dMQ9LcK99D-dvyLSGjPIlxYACKs_n20P_JbqoFENDP9FwpZecQGa8RmOf5OIwobfoSFkA8aYHeGWbSvzkTB-JFUREKdHHt7AciisZ90y5-mLbsHk/s1600/DSC02267.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEuPi6KvTXji_VQRfYdo9R8PtR-3dMQ9LcK99D-dvyLSGjPIlxYACKs_n20P_JbqoFENDP9FwpZecQGa8RmOf5OIwobfoSFkA8aYHeGWbSvzkTB-JFUREKdHHt7AciisZ90y5-mLbsHk/s400/DSC02267.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487859379017625506" /></a>The perfect little girly pink poodle bookends. They are right at home in Muffin's room, and she is very attached to them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8p5B1lLRIMFXlQC4ODHRU_L0nKe58nf6Ngu_nOTsA7Y8CoNJwdr6N1xx-BtO8Ocz6vPG5cncc5Aa0el1k-n3lY804qCh36i3hC6TtzTafm0jeMKbZITvfg6VnuiBtVGy0wdpWDOe6Gs/s1600/DSC02268.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8p5B1lLRIMFXlQC4ODHRU_L0nKe58nf6Ngu_nOTsA7Y8CoNJwdr6N1xx-BtO8Ocz6vPG5cncc5Aa0el1k-n3lY804qCh36i3hC6TtzTafm0jeMKbZITvfg6VnuiBtVGy0wdpWDOe6Gs/s400/DSC02268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487859367113920306" /></a>It is very regal, no?Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-42514079042811929122010-06-24T12:16:00.000-07:002010-06-24T12:36:08.041-07:00Outdoor Oasis<div>When Nana and Pa came to visit, Pa bought the kids an "outdoor oasis." I wanted something like this, but figured our little $5 turtle sand box would suffice as a pool. It worked, but was not really big enough for me to sit in. That's right, I (all 9 months pregnant of me) get right in the toddler pool with my kids. :) So this is perfect! We ALL love it! ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Muffin enjoys lounging on the slide.....</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1J35ukOORM9Hl7Pz9zeLSi-2Uw8S3qciX4Yaltn6aJSnIrKrL21A0HxgW7oouqCXosXeQt7HngPsBzn8PZiPmTYWonfth35iJ_nGIAqlPbwbQLpSrbqgAFE-0VhBc9G_avwS36W3sfQ/s1600/DSC02252.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1J35ukOORM9Hl7Pz9zeLSi-2Uw8S3qciX4Yaltn6aJSnIrKrL21A0HxgW7oouqCXosXeQt7HngPsBzn8PZiPmTYWonfth35iJ_nGIAqlPbwbQLpSrbqgAFE-0VhBc9G_avwS36W3sfQ/s400/DSC02252.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486423572872560578" /></a>You can't tell here, but the yellow sides are filled with water, and it squirts out through little holes all over the edges. <div><br /></div><div>They love riding the dolphin<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0tkcsP_uqAFhDdcIdOUfOF5c6rWYEejY5RErelmwwTL2IKmZXZPrTL1rKrKQsL6d7nbG6396reHjyhDYlPBM4vcnl-rpjWhmcoDCWRZTmY4Md-khP42VtxayR0ijTI2IRgbqRipvNmQ/s1600/DSC02251.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0tkcsP_uqAFhDdcIdOUfOF5c6rWYEejY5RErelmwwTL2IKmZXZPrTL1rKrKQsL6d7nbG6396reHjyhDYlPBM4vcnl-rpjWhmcoDCWRZTmY4Md-khP42VtxayR0ijTI2IRgbqRipvNmQ/s400/DSC02251.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486423548243507890" /></a>Or sitting under the rainbow. The part you slide onto squirts out water too, as Mr. Baby is discovering.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEYkaQQKMfuVbmrIMYHlLnDtKe2qirTJ41EX4PWkLdWEa2gdoosjwD-etBN59cflUTF2gwcXQ_8EKaaW9SzHA8AZUM8tp4mx4F20CYzN9ZaG1EUIiJP8eGiIPN3pMH6B6AguEWNx__cE/s1600/DSC02253.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEYkaQQKMfuVbmrIMYHlLnDtKe2qirTJ41EX4PWkLdWEa2gdoosjwD-etBN59cflUTF2gwcXQ_8EKaaW9SzHA8AZUM8tp4mx4F20CYzN9ZaG1EUIiJP8eGiIPN3pMH6B6AguEWNx__cE/s400/DSC02253.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486422866902894290" /></a>It also came with inflatable starfish rings that stack on a tower that squirts water....or on the palm tree.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY3Fp2i9Aeurqn59i5ZMvPdi2hEbyMYWpGad2Z5YWVBBCGVkZkZRPajz8q-TsKyJ6q6u5KHcWaNN5lJi1Rhpo8Ts033MiL0MlDlH0vPTN6FYSbQyQmraHO4tCDguYaacG0MPTLOIie_g/s1600/DSC02254.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY3Fp2i9Aeurqn59i5ZMvPdi2hEbyMYWpGad2Z5YWVBBCGVkZkZRPajz8q-TsKyJ6q6u5KHcWaNN5lJi1Rhpo8Ts033MiL0MlDlH0vPTN6FYSbQyQmraHO4tCDguYaacG0MPTLOIie_g/s400/DSC02254.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486422853424464546" /></a>We go 'swimming' in the few inches of water almost every day! Thanks Pa!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyLPxRV_dBeK4TjIJ-ri4ENj2Onghe_C15zA-OBgAc7RxcNvxa54L3_6LUv9S8c2Sz-bYBx1FAQTTXb2essvvtlw2k2QH-wy1kFs81KXdhu0zDBE0eD-b5h6QtsQHhhlyJGpV88lL7MI/s1600/DSC02257.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyLPxRV_dBeK4TjIJ-ri4ENj2Onghe_C15zA-OBgAc7RxcNvxa54L3_6LUv9S8c2Sz-bYBx1FAQTTXb2essvvtlw2k2QH-wy1kFs81KXdhu0zDBE0eD-b5h6QtsQHhhlyJGpV88lL7MI/s400/DSC02257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486422831120621666" /></a>It also provides lots of indoor entertainment. It was REALLY funny watching her try to walk with these on! Oh, and what is she wearing? A play shirt, pajama shorts, 2 different baby legs, and two different socks. Hmm, must work on the outfit co-ordination.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hMasPH7qQu01JWqx2PxjCsk3CDIShUbKb3Lih08MHlN3j1aookBHgal_FfmORQMKT5xu8lf058RRgbR386XvgFUyfjas6uzHJualOJO15hdb-Db2g44KaDz3UY1K1134oB8q1nkIiR8/s1600/DSC02249.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hMasPH7qQu01JWqx2PxjCsk3CDIShUbKb3Lih08MHlN3j1aookBHgal_FfmORQMKT5xu8lf058RRgbR386XvgFUyfjas6uzHJualOJO15hdb-Db2g44KaDz3UY1K1134oB8q1nkIiR8/s400/DSC02249.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486422812882666978" /></a>Lastly, I thought I would treat you to Mr. Baby, in all of his full glory. ;) Quite the tank, isn't he?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEBRpJTOOBXbLEq6OvTWMDZWqz6flLnxetVtgnP1HY3i5pk-2aFgWldiAE8yTRf_hyphenhyphenMnyGVzlIefH4erm_jiDPi63JYyaCV2sKkX0ClsWcvjYWgn9M7rofqE8d47aeClX_qPo0-10Acg/s1600/DSC02239.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEBRpJTOOBXbLEq6OvTWMDZWqz6flLnxetVtgnP1HY3i5pk-2aFgWldiAE8yTRf_hyphenhyphenMnyGVzlIefH4erm_jiDPi63JYyaCV2sKkX0ClsWcvjYWgn9M7rofqE8d47aeClX_qPo0-10Acg/s400/DSC02239.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486422800015693410" /></a><br /></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-11890476831582530522010-06-16T13:47:00.000-07:002010-06-16T13:54:44.243-07:00Surprise Visit!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div>Last Friday my parents came up to Redding for a surprise visit! It was so much fun! They came up so my Mom could go to my baby shower on Saturday, hosted by my Sister-in-Law and my friend Kristina. It was a lovely baby shower (and true to form, I took 0 pictures!) and such a nice time to focus on Baby Girl. The rest of the weekend was filled with fun and frolicking about with Nana and Pa, like our trip to Enterprise Park. It features a great Kid's Kingdom play area, seen below behind pa, and an awesome volcano that 'erupts' water every 15 minutes. So much fun, and exactly the kind of thing my little niece Madelynn would be all over. My kids? They prefer to sit and watch, and enjoy the nice overspray.</div><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=14cd53b7ab&view=att&th=12939de2efec3241&attid=0.1&disp=emb&zw" /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;">Thank you sooo much Nana and Pa for such a fun surprise! Ooh, and for the 'outdoor oasis!' Pictures to come on that!</span></span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div></div></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-69760707703474462772010-06-09T09:10:00.000-07:002010-06-09T09:51:45.815-07:00A whirlwind week!<div style="text-align: center;">Last week we all went down to Sonora for a visit. The original plan was to go so Daddy Man could work at my Parents' house for the week, getting some much needed property work done for them. We would go down for a week, Daddy Man would work, and the kids and I would hang out with Nana and Aunt <a href="http://www.maddie-lus.blogspot.com/">Sister</a>. Sounds nice and relaxing, right? Well, my Mom and I decided that this would be our only opportunity to throw my Sister a Baby Shower, so we decided to plan it for Saturday. A couple days after deciding that, I realized that we would be in Sonora for Mr. Baby's 1st Birthday. I know, this should have been in the front of my mind, but alas, I had overlooked it. So naturally, we HAD to plan a Birthday party while we were down with most of our family. Can you see what happened? Our leisurely visit had turned into the party marathon week. Between planning a birthday party, a baby shower, and watching two kids (plus Madelynn for two of the days), it seemed my mom and I were going non-stop! Oh yeah, and I decided to have my baby with Ellie in Sonora(story to come on that one), so I also had two marathon appointments (we're talking 2 hours +!) with her during the week. It was crazy, but we had so much fun. I always love staying at my mom's house, but it was so much better since we were able to stay a whole week. I barely had time to take pictures last week, but here's a few of the parties.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzbOmiyHZiCN22PTkDVsM-GB-jfyPJl8VIBHvNl97adrEuFanzSpNxGCR8d9Rx-HHg0jYfzDMF3SOEHevLj7WJTGfBWMb4y__MGlw4tMWKktNj-wuhkgHvm0Gb9mYcA-kAr9308uTtzk/s400/DSC02169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480812363942902562" />Enjoying his favorite food.<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulzVm4j8gyiVJdCjOpVJJiZKawhj4awUt2a-b8WgXcn0UHsxMj2IhfQXAzuook4j6XNsz4O4g1wdO5jryJfQ6F5AJ1pe8RxW5QCM95ESPsAS3EPkz_fICDd-EhLEObn9x888_0oyU0rE/s400/DSC02143.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480812350299931506" />The cake was not bad for Safeway, but nothing compared to the one for the baby shower!<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHwnC9FI8FslkILiIB9Zws0LmmUUfcy3-4ogAIXQJ00Kh-TvwAn8v24s0mcmZBCN5UmRBTNbDdoDs5efgA2NlHoL5ccH9pY1_AaMQxH3YHnBWLaqwHMelowpcR7pjdJXbNTCeiFz7VMI/s400/DSC02204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480809475140471362" />He enjoyed the cake, of course!<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5PFQpWDva82U5RAwLXlagaxyzvNU4MeiLsT4sDP_XbEv3UTKjbkM6PxPPo0Ao1fqwFAQF7I0SY_1GU3a9GseB_PvqkXRhqmx_9wxX88G3U2JnGM3jWGj1DSxJWRCAMQzdNDHxBchbZM/s400/DSC02202.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480809466522500610" />After cake and presents (thank you everyone for the fun presents!) Mr. Baby gave us his classic Mr. Baby face. Time for bed!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGUKduEFdYWOHT5AiEdPKXOBwDvYQLlEN6hucrANC7vMss4I6s1Ho4k7Zip0euW4-jW3GZLwQ1aBKaCFjwA_dgFFiFvlcKU3dDFpVNyfpk-43lDNr7pDd1O4aycPdsO4Ump0ygPo1Y00/s400/DSC02184.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480816151123248242" />On to the baby shower. Sadly, I failed to take pictures of the front of my mom's house, but we put flowers like these lining the driveway and walkway up to the front door. There was also a chain of three flowers on the front door, and all around my Mom's house. We used the tutorial from this <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/">blog</a> to make these flowers out of different colored napkins.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTdWz_hBnCfGRrQmQDYq5b_5KzH8a3RlRJz18mRYSJqSg8X3c6R0uJwdPxC2COMEIqP4WdYv5XfyB-7JdyMV-3Q5kzHgbzNEJfguVrCTgusEzLFxRf4VAU_n2xtaL1KMA2nfRKO4wHrg/s1600/DSC02214.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTdWz_hBnCfGRrQmQDYq5b_5KzH8a3RlRJz18mRYSJqSg8X3c6R0uJwdPxC2COMEIqP4WdYv5XfyB-7JdyMV-3Q5kzHgbzNEJfguVrCTgusEzLFxRf4VAU_n2xtaL1KMA2nfRKO4wHrg/s400/DSC02214.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480809453219325794" /></a>The food table.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPFzEiX5Mb8gbEbFlDzNnKi5NTtNiLnFaOP9gCFY4AwkXZhBVCpjDODRiFSgRYa8uSRpWt6CIvzUjtDMlsu3-rw1k8XUkl8kw9VdYUvxSh3hAekVo01ePfPrE89JCr_70Ov4mfBAg5O4/s1600/DSC02215.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPFzEiX5Mb8gbEbFlDzNnKi5NTtNiLnFaOP9gCFY4AwkXZhBVCpjDODRiFSgRYa8uSRpWt6CIvzUjtDMlsu3-rw1k8XUkl8kw9VdYUvxSh3hAekVo01ePfPrE89JCr_70Ov4mfBAg5O4/s400/DSC02215.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480809437701944002" /></a>I made a baby buggy fruit salad out of a watermelon. It was pretty cute. I got the idea from a picture I saw online.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC5S_-wRviuiUHPwioW0VHFDQI026NYrDheDGFNdZzNh1VLknaTL0CyEDvO6UpcP9GphdTKrR7fRnyIo_r0W6V88_1QKp33kKQ9AmP08HpGrbiMphVhsrLb_-4tBq4D7W13hc6PT38LU/s1600/DSC02217.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC5S_-wRviuiUHPwioW0VHFDQI026NYrDheDGFNdZzNh1VLknaTL0CyEDvO6UpcP9GphdTKrR7fRnyIo_r0W6V88_1QKp33kKQ9AmP08HpGrbiMphVhsrLb_-4tBq4D7W13hc6PT38LU/s400/DSC02217.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480809427485244914" /></a>The cake table. If anyone needs an amazing cake in Sonora, go to Kim Angel! I have her email address if you are interested.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rdmOnrGBrBwyXXl0JI4SfBK3QcpdRw-HiplHLduFtnRCH2k0WSCFNSDYS62CYqjg8WHDedQo-b8-Bsy2urZ18E0zadG-QTjPZOv_w7LIiAm2ObvlJ7DyX0UB-rY2hgO5iVx8yr2pTNo/s1600/DSC02221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rdmOnrGBrBwyXXl0JI4SfBK3QcpdRw-HiplHLduFtnRCH2k0WSCFNSDYS62CYqjg8WHDedQo-b8-Bsy2urZ18E0zadG-QTjPZOv_w7LIiAm2ObvlJ7DyX0UB-rY2hgO5iVx8yr2pTNo/s400/DSC02221.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480808344213891842" /></a>She mimicked the design from our napkins. It tasted divine!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8zJlVWSD2T48ykQ4_CKb1g5S5lnEfwGhvE8XFca3HMW4s5OmuGEi9SFZX0VvHiSBseLkSoOuObIYxBzEGjvaL3fOIdn8yZ0GkNhCqiyZa3elqg5qGOLY6qve48YUUCMLci7AU7Y18Dc/s1600/DSC02220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8zJlVWSD2T48ykQ4_CKb1g5S5lnEfwGhvE8XFca3HMW4s5OmuGEi9SFZX0VvHiSBseLkSoOuObIYxBzEGjvaL3fOIdn8yZ0GkNhCqiyZa3elqg5qGOLY6qve48YUUCMLci7AU7Y18Dc/s400/DSC02220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480808327534867138" /></a>Miss Muffin was so sweet and had a great time at Aunt Sister's shower. She kept singing Happy Birthday to Aunt Sister. Super cute. Thanks to <a href="http://www.mockabeenews.blogspot.com/">Mama Mockabee</a> for letting Muffin hold her sweet baby girl. It was adorable.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTEdh7ghxaJ6Vau7Ey6kSyhR1133Z5pWdT4Ui07lDFWv92SHyH-BOvqbm8FBEKMdbJbnpREzsp786gpKj6zQNFOg51O_OXbz79dGzCMDf1h8kBD9zGUK8QMt6YX9LLJBtBLedlOYqk80/s1600/DSC02224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTEdh7ghxaJ6Vau7Ey6kSyhR1133Z5pWdT4Ui07lDFWv92SHyH-BOvqbm8FBEKMdbJbnpREzsp786gpKj6zQNFOg51O_OXbz79dGzCMDf1h8kBD9zGUK8QMt6YX9LLJBtBLedlOYqk80/s400/DSC02224.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480808319488678050" /></a>Here is a not-so-great picture of my gift to Sister. I made her a car seat tent, burp cloth, 3 baby blocks, 2 binky clips, a toy clip, a bib, and a little dolly. I also included a wooden rattle, and the Love and Logic parenting book(more on that later). I just might do a little tutorial on the dolly, just for you Bobbi, and my 12 dear followers. ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWD0G9y0XGGKXoTiM6zt9Scycg5RJJ4_SfXByzWFHlfXqgTu2Cf-Lv74p4LVJJKiXd7h_5iX9PE3nYeCjAtwltYfhbY5-mnlvSS48XxZ7v2wpdtOzQs5K9hVQdZiGzFTJuNIfIIyDtQE/s1600/DSC02135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWD0G9y0XGGKXoTiM6zt9Scycg5RJJ4_SfXByzWFHlfXqgTu2Cf-Lv74p4LVJJKiXd7h_5iX9PE3nYeCjAtwltYfhbY5-mnlvSS48XxZ7v2wpdtOzQs5K9hVQdZiGzFTJuNIfIIyDtQE/s400/DSC02135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480808303262715586" /></a>I don't think dolly's eyes were sewn on at this point, but rest assured, she had eyes. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIhVYbkEKd4X8PC7KmikpRbTJ9LKRyHGw8-WK37LdR6PwWlgAAqBfbnmw7bnTedrBhlSzT0YzYJ4vXkfPzts8frPhuVmpRzzD3Wuhl7PJEbxqNXRTWLqY_I6RkxBEstzu6lvnSpuJ1ZE/s1600/DSC02137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIhVYbkEKd4X8PC7KmikpRbTJ9LKRyHGw8-WK37LdR6PwWlgAAqBfbnmw7bnTedrBhlSzT0YzYJ4vXkfPzts8frPhuVmpRzzD3Wuhl7PJEbxqNXRTWLqY_I6RkxBEstzu6lvnSpuJ1ZE/s400/DSC02137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480808284405067682" /></a>Well, that about wraps it up! More to come later about having baby girl in Sonora! Exciting!</div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-1616599232816949512010-05-28T17:57:00.000-07:002010-05-28T18:23:40.787-07:00Utility Sewing Day<div>Today I did a couple of projects that have been on the to do list for a while, but were not very exciting. But first, I will share with you a project I finished yesterday.<div><br /></div><div>I have been wanting to make a Waldorf-style doll for a while. While I don't agree with most of the Waldorf philosophies, I do agree with their view toys. Toys should be hand-made, with natural materials, with simple features to allow the child's imagination to be the central ingredient in play, and have no bells and whistles or flashing lights. Waldorf dolls have a very distinct style and are made with natural materials: wool yarn hair, wool stuffing, etc. Daddy Man bought a kit as a surprise gift for me, and I had so much fun creating this doll from fabric and wool fluff.</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQxOqJqWxPC4mXY9hG5t6SU2ZeNaWaWc-j9h7L0r7eShOkPol0flbpjws845ST-qoQtRHoWMksRjYoSfSxRensE3y_YnOOuSoKgW10yHH6OpOtgLqVxf7XzatokKCUHqyH0QwLvtM-Zs/s1600/DSC02134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQxOqJqWxPC4mXY9hG5t6SU2ZeNaWaWc-j9h7L0r7eShOkPol0flbpjws845ST-qoQtRHoWMksRjYoSfSxRensE3y_YnOOuSoKgW10yHH6OpOtgLqVxf7XzatokKCUHqyH0QwLvtM-Zs/s400/DSC02134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476490698598392690" /></a>I don't know what her name is yet. Muffin calls her "Monee" (Mon like Monica), which is what she calls me these days. :) We'll see if it sticks. I was tired of sewing (can you believe it?) so I put a dress and shirt on her that I made for one of Muffin's other dolls a while back. Her 'buns' stick out when she bends over, so I'll have to make a longer one later.<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8gC5b0TzoUcV-FrZiFMOrboycHJk1z5bACJG1eO6zkddubVvvfOXYzVudx8LEC5T3El_iAYrYR77bkVhlRSA4I0VeKeWUCeTgrZi7SXOi190ulGyb3UIzDgABEfpc3gTcXTYlwLo8uw/s1600/DSC02132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8gC5b0TzoUcV-FrZiFMOrboycHJk1z5bACJG1eO6zkddubVvvfOXYzVudx8LEC5T3El_iAYrYR77bkVhlRSA4I0VeKeWUCeTgrZi7SXOi190ulGyb3UIzDgABEfpc3gTcXTYlwLo8uw/s400/DSC02132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476490691425156290" /></a>More recently, but less excitingly, I made these flannel baby wipes. I already have lots, but with another baby on the way, my usage of baby wipes will at least double, so I thought I'd make them now. I was so tempted to use one of the cute girly print flannels I have, but I decided to save those for a more exciting project. I LOVE not spending money on wipes (or diapers, for that matter) anymore! And I know exactly what' s in them: water!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-h3ioiMXw0rn3M8iM5SMO9gXCQXkB9tQ5UwSCfXOTpTkvfg3Vn_4q58XyGzyaTZulyocl_b87h81zhSkCMOZZ_bSDqFJd1d9ejrWf-RyTX5C9bXSXUgs4OWdcPN6YPcTGR7_9dAQKIA/s1600/DSC02122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-h3ioiMXw0rn3M8iM5SMO9gXCQXkB9tQ5UwSCfXOTpTkvfg3Vn_4q58XyGzyaTZulyocl_b87h81zhSkCMOZZ_bSDqFJd1d9ejrWf-RyTX5C9bXSXUgs4OWdcPN6YPcTGR7_9dAQKIA/s400/DSC02122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476490678308770066" /></a>Per Daddy Man's request, I made several man-sized snack bags. We never seem to have enough for his lunch, so now we do. I even lined two of them with plastic, so he can put his sandwich in them. He was very pleased. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwBsxxDNpGHsbnBf8-mf7qUGTziXVmjWSmgUilffwFV0oOo6Ez7oMksYcXC8IWZMXpy5Vj0DuB2cufYk_gH18VLvxU6DVcvw0aBLFasSBlS5XZmkU_h7gLEiYo2pInwwsfBkL-p77PaU/s1600/DSC02120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwBsxxDNpGHsbnBf8-mf7qUGTziXVmjWSmgUilffwFV0oOo6Ez7oMksYcXC8IWZMXpy5Vj0DuB2cufYk_gH18VLvxU6DVcvw0aBLFasSBlS5XZmkU_h7gLEiYo2pInwwsfBkL-p77PaU/s400/DSC02120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476490667348015282" /></a><div><br /></div></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-33695583818086657702010-05-27T10:08:00.000-07:002010-05-27T16:47:34.697-07:00Mr. Baby's Room<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, Here it is: Mr. Baby's room. As part of Operation Beautify, I decided to move him into his own room, and let the girls have their room together. I think it will work best this way, but a major deciding factor was the decorating factor....much easier to have a girly room and a boyish room, then try to mix them together. As usual, my pictures aren't that great. I don't know how <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/">she</a> or <a href="http://www.mockabeenews.blogspot.com/">she</a> or <a href="http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/">she</a> does it. How do you take decent photos with kids running around, pulling on you, messing up your staged areas, poking each other, you get the picture. (ha ha) Anyhow, here it is. </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGNnwibnC5o-URNNxGxp2Pwg3GQCiYobMoZfZbPefQbvP9gkVLEw1QNBXR_DhDVUeBGxvMPDUmmiz7mC2xHQQG7CMPzG_HNgFL9VSaBRSEzIwq26yBQFpucs2Uvs0Y8XJc5w9S4V_Qkk/s400/DSC02095.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475998573169265474" />I still need to hang the curtain rod higher, but I'm pretty happy with how the curtains turned out. I sewed circles on them to match the bedding. <div><br /></div><div>I painted this bookcase....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX5xK1lFMCwEbwTF3L8OkBlKo4Dhkyv6JsEFfQdTRIZ6iLX0B6dGnW6s97_EO5sxK5RMBHp6VPn7RoGBcmcJO3_iYed8Zc9vz90uA0YjLkBwYOzzWyFWCgS7Mv8O8cazMp7ZNonHjCm8/s1600/DSC02100.JPG"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX5xK1lFMCwEbwTF3L8OkBlKo4Dhkyv6JsEFfQdTRIZ6iLX0B6dGnW6s97_EO5sxK5RMBHp6VPn7RoGBcmcJO3_iYed8Zc9vz90uA0YjLkBwYOzzWyFWCgS7Mv8O8cazMp7ZNonHjCm8/s1600/DSC02100.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX5xK1lFMCwEbwTF3L8OkBlKo4Dhkyv6JsEFfQdTRIZ6iLX0B6dGnW6s97_EO5sxK5RMBHp6VPn7RoGBcmcJO3_iYed8Zc9vz90uA0YjLkBwYOzzWyFWCgS7Mv8O8cazMp7ZNonHjCm8/s400/DSC02100.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475999370557906402" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">...and these shelves.....(thanks <a href="http://maddie-lus.blogspot.com/">Sister</a> for the cute arrangement on them!)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94nb4A5L1oKkFSy3bJV2-3TfC-34dJi2Vak4ZNQoU5J1exAATeVJ9EvDHiZ0T7iYoqakTzkGup5MDrJetJ0CCs40fuixsLYqBPhUkfGhfyBVxo3lM99VhdrsiZ5GdkMqFok_Uak5dtBM/s1600/DSC02092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94nb4A5L1oKkFSy3bJV2-3TfC-34dJi2Vak4ZNQoU5J1exAATeVJ9EvDHiZ0T7iYoqakTzkGup5MDrJetJ0CCs40fuixsLYqBPhUkfGhfyBVxo3lM99VhdrsiZ5GdkMqFok_Uak5dtBM/s400/DSC02092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475998559738898658" /></a>...and this table. I love the Uppercase Living on it!<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-xRhx4DsAocdiy6wYqjwFp2xHZNFo-tQipRW-kKyAULKRVE8MuUd9_1iRan_syxDM1l5qD45mi5x9DSUBQO96n7br67sGL3Qe0k0jSpZs4fByEaeyw10eI4XSQzVKa1-AFFLtwUeLKU/s400/DSC02099.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475998542298949490" />My Uppercase tree on the wall is a bit lonely....not sure what to do with that yet. Any ideas? That green pony- one of the kids' favorite toys. I highly recommend it. It is called the Rody Horse, and it is a blow up toy to bounce on. You can inflate it to different sizes depending on how big your kid is. Love the fun colors too. If you live in Redding, they can be found at Sugarplumb Cottage.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQor9HBT-M8lCDPPxr73hpAQ_y7jR_Rc6rYmsoWUpCjMTwe4Y12KZEIkpBh0Hq6aCqrixbpygoYQK2ORJWoZE9Wa96QO-131ppUH23YuPiAOAEwcn8NuURaL1b1yct9fN10GU2Ntsups/s1600/DSC02101.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQor9HBT-M8lCDPPxr73hpAQ_y7jR_Rc6rYmsoWUpCjMTwe4Y12KZEIkpBh0Hq6aCqrixbpygoYQK2ORJWoZE9Wa96QO-131ppUH23YuPiAOAEwcn8NuURaL1b1yct9fN10GU2Ntsups/s1600/DSC02101.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQor9HBT-M8lCDPPxr73hpAQ_y7jR_Rc6rYmsoWUpCjMTwe4Y12KZEIkpBh0Hq6aCqrixbpygoYQK2ORJWoZE9Wa96QO-131ppUH23YuPiAOAEwcn8NuURaL1b1yct9fN10GU2Ntsups/s400/DSC02101.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475998550816236626" /></a><br />This fabric is what I based the whole room on...ironically it is the last thing to go on the wall. I'm looking for a large frame from a thrift store to paint orange or green. I found this amazing fabric at a garage sale...score!! I wish I could get more of it.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qQ9OwkUxD9odrYFGV3pH4NEEeKVlrdcqc0rFD4XMs2j6F1l9Xf9HjKwWxgpnixzpi4wgDjR3R03DbA0E7vLqwpYj8U5dUX0zi-_FUaFAu-CNcic-TW3M2DDVx9yhmpY8gf4_fnl3qh0/s1600/DSC02096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qQ9OwkUxD9odrYFGV3pH4NEEeKVlrdcqc0rFD4XMs2j6F1l9Xf9HjKwWxgpnixzpi4wgDjR3R03DbA0E7vLqwpYj8U5dUX0zi-_FUaFAu-CNcic-TW3M2DDVx9yhmpY8gf4_fnl3qh0/s400/DSC02096.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475998532952937938" /></a>So there you have it. Mr. Baby's room. It is so nice for him to have a space with all baby-safe toys to play in. I don't have to worry about him choking on a pea-sized strawberry shortcake doll purse, and he seems to enjoy having his own space to play in. It is also perfect for bed times. Girls' room to come soon!</div><div><br /></div><div>Update: After some searching around I found this lamp that was sold at Urban Outfitters a few years ago. Oh how I want that for his room! I can't find it anywhere, just found this picture on a post where someone was ranting about how Urban Outfitters ripped off the design from the vintage fabric, originally offered in an apron kit. Honestly, is it that big of a deal? Anyway, I think my fabric must be from one of the apron kits. If you ever see this lamp, or even just the shade, send it my way!!!<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif, Courier, Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; "><img src="http://youthoughtwewouldntnotice.com/blog3/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/12961462_00_b.jpg" alt="" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; " /></span></div></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-26180342626153875492010-05-25T14:57:00.000-07:002010-05-25T15:04:19.261-07:00Car Seat Tent<div><br />Hello! I know it's been a long time since my last post.....two things happened: one week, I spent every extra minute making baby things for my sister's baby shower (pictures to come, after the shower of course!) and some for my baby too....then the kids got sick. Nothing terrible, just colds, but Mr. Baby is also teething, so we've had lots of days with crying, whining kids (and mom for that matter! ). They seem to be doing better, at least Mr. Baby is sleeping better, so I have a few minutes to share my projects with you.<div><br /></div><div>This is a car seat tent I made with fabric my sister-in-law gave to me. I love fleur de lis, and since my car seat is black and white, this goes perfectly! Just had to add a little flower and girly ruffle. So fun!</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwGbwGKe40_aahIbek72kh3zds9RIrjN7WUaW-5GvWl0MgkzObHUhZKGwjhyOnxh_aMXI_Xl6YbYAvQH3YDFDLtS0jc5uSakBvwofplMBwEzQc5X3ldxk0gg1442HFa-V5ySnfFLWroI/s1600/DSC02077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwGbwGKe40_aahIbek72kh3zds9RIrjN7WUaW-5GvWl0MgkzObHUhZKGwjhyOnxh_aMXI_Xl6YbYAvQH3YDFDLtS0jc5uSakBvwofplMBwEzQc5X3ldxk0gg1442HFa-V5ySnfFLWroI/s400/DSC02077.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475331264670858738" /></a>I'm sure my picture doesn't give it justice. One of these days I'll have to learn how to take a decent picture. But for now, it will have to do! Another plus with this tent- it is nice and lightweight, so perfect for the Redding summer!Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-81580671274161366572010-05-12T12:22:00.000-07:002010-05-12T12:49:10.366-07:00I love my kids!<div>I feel like I have a renewed sense of appreciation and love for my Babies. Maybe it is because their cheeks are so kissable.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w9HHxeAde6hSeZV6nud1ONXBZyancDraIjS_v6MMrSSVCFQYYSyYbl8rzaQqd3EzvJx41DBjtuutJ3bHNjeqhmr2UMGl4Sr04iHt3NxJ28t3__zNKANg5wdCl522fHzC2DFFHcAi6wQ/s1600/DSC02065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w9HHxeAde6hSeZV6nud1ONXBZyancDraIjS_v6MMrSSVCFQYYSyYbl8rzaQqd3EzvJx41DBjtuutJ3bHNjeqhmr2UMGl4Sr04iHt3NxJ28t3__zNKANg5wdCl522fHzC2DFFHcAi6wQ/s400/DSC02065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470468356694948850" /></a>Maybe it's seeing them enjoy their new turtle pool ($5 at a garage sale!) together on a windy spring day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTNUpZO8Nu91obyvvn3c0b02JJXwNutIB5il28o-GwyvIg0fQ6rSPaGAKawmhA0UjBhrLwXrW71ZaRqp9UM3cbaot5SP5qzI1eFBkSjPH-KjCivWL9Xa6STBCKRH1AoD-9VsP44T610Y/s1600/DSC02061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTNUpZO8Nu91obyvvn3c0b02JJXwNutIB5il28o-GwyvIg0fQ6rSPaGAKawmhA0UjBhrLwXrW71ZaRqp9UM3cbaot5SP5qzI1eFBkSjPH-KjCivWL9Xa6STBCKRH1AoD-9VsP44T610Y/s400/DSC02061.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470468342785649666" /></a>Maybe it is seeing them get so excited about each other....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ996iKQmKH7ebOeetQxDG3d3610mU_9geKgLSxLq8mrZ_XAf8HP5lqibZA83o2hq8wWU9_zP7OU-zznojkAevJKoDfhQwgZfkaYOHfeGJM1nyYn2To78_NvHByA_tLBw8u7vhmFT_Rs/s1600/DSC02062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ996iKQmKH7ebOeetQxDG3d3610mU_9geKgLSxLq8mrZ_XAf8HP5lqibZA83o2hq8wWU9_zP7OU-zznojkAevJKoDfhQwgZfkaYOHfeGJM1nyYn2To78_NvHByA_tLBw8u7vhmFT_Rs/s400/DSC02062.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470468336403839842" /></a>or seeing how their faces light up when they look at me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa2TUj4NbpYnHDMO6JQlfQLZp6XvVq6HxGz6GFrJOSDBqhBDiUaULfAzSyRMJ9a1QeLuYHMANo7bq20O05nxRO6e9QPPnYJweueA7lnZKTxc7ogL1S5-L2S05HyZhMhKEt7QI_HgvyxA/s1600/DSC02045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa2TUj4NbpYnHDMO6JQlfQLZp6XvVq6HxGz6GFrJOSDBqhBDiUaULfAzSyRMJ9a1QeLuYHMANo7bq20O05nxRO6e9QPPnYJweueA7lnZKTxc7ogL1S5-L2S05HyZhMhKEt7QI_HgvyxA/s400/DSC02045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470468322953886018" /></a>Or, it could be that I decided to sit and relax, simply watching them enjoy themselves, instead of trying to get something done while they were occupied. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaesTW2QLuPt3qvUIACM6-B9AQ1YUcXbyVBG42gZL7GP5lXwRZ5ggnWsse3U3w6368v9OlJQ5OEGHkHVqHjsNWdOF2zz9R2C9Nt_lInfOQbjrE1SAitEMvqcdyvKoqWL6lSmWs5IXrJ8/s1600/DSC02059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaesTW2QLuPt3qvUIACM6-B9AQ1YUcXbyVBG42gZL7GP5lXwRZ5ggnWsse3U3w6368v9OlJQ5OEGHkHVqHjsNWdOF2zz9R2C9Nt_lInfOQbjrE1SAitEMvqcdyvKoqWL6lSmWs5IXrJ8/s400/DSC02059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470468313309370418" /></a>Whatever it is, I am glad for it. I love feeling that heart-warming, overwhelming joy when I look at them or hold them. It's such a better feeling than stressing about what needs to be done, or why they are cranky or fussy. I think I am going to bottle this feeling in my heart, and pull it out when times are less fun. (see last post) <br /><div>You can almost see his tooth in this one. :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iat3vs_SRI8Jw3skqXes2_0ZVFCFBAb0iGOcRjm5hyphenhyphenAWgejhHSGJQE3ggmY2Fh8FvNHMuKSyUnB0W33AuZzV86gK-um8FZbv2ZKWT9glczmBWa2tL6P-cMi18T99-GXIci3A2hn03qA/s1600/DSC02055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iat3vs_SRI8Jw3skqXes2_0ZVFCFBAb0iGOcRjm5hyphenhyphenAWgejhHSGJQE3ggmY2Fh8FvNHMuKSyUnB0W33AuZzV86gK-um8FZbv2ZKWT9glczmBWa2tL6P-cMi18T99-GXIci3A2hn03qA/s400/DSC02055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470467151392478706" /></a>I just can't get enough of this sweet face!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTITWHWWM-xm5sFhJ4CFg7AbVJed2ocSiSLNaY_CrDHrBCmXJpV3QdsL6zFJhPILfKNCnqxb8dOeZ4E-TZ9wMIrSMEl3duP_qmyAY-z2nHr6lw3cYJGGJNSAdx6-PlnGU0nuUhye3CZbw/s1600/DSC02054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTITWHWWM-xm5sFhJ4CFg7AbVJed2ocSiSLNaY_CrDHrBCmXJpV3QdsL6zFJhPILfKNCnqxb8dOeZ4E-TZ9wMIrSMEl3duP_qmyAY-z2nHr6lw3cYJGGJNSAdx6-PlnGU0nuUhye3CZbw/s400/DSC02054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470467139540949570" /></a>Mr. Baby likes to investigate and figure out how things work, much like his Daddy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNqq9eFgq0gRqyp3tpqcFAGfbwYNZFqoWJF7CV5r7ME7Mdwz80ZHw7RI741KtqOcHTHQ1uIayljgvSjVVMJ2AN_ddpMCPtg8r4V1E0RxSeOluFJSpDW6-ZmJuZFRNBk0NYJw2dO10I1U/s1600/DSC02064.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNqq9eFgq0gRqyp3tpqcFAGfbwYNZFqoWJF7CV5r7ME7Mdwz80ZHw7RI741KtqOcHTHQ1uIayljgvSjVVMJ2AN_ddpMCPtg8r4V1E0RxSeOluFJSpDW6-ZmJuZFRNBk0NYJw2dO10I1U/s400/DSC02064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470467128587611346" /></a>Ok, have you had enough of their cheeks? Didn't think so. But I do have other things to talk about. ;) This week my Sister and Mom came to visit me and help me get prepared for new Baby Girl. Can you believe that I am almost 8 months along, and didn't even have anything set up for her? Sister and Mom to the rescue. <div><br /></div><div>Part of the preparation was moving Mr. Baby into his own room, and setting up baby's crib in Muffin's room. The girls will have a castle/princess theme, and Mr. Baby will have a more modern, orange, green and brown room. I will post pictures of each of the rooms once I finish a few projects, like making curtains, painting some of the furniture, etc. Here is the first thing I made for Mr.'s room: his crib blanket.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx82WdaXrAyi06dQeesMZg9l3cpMK2SA_f4q_M5KDHgSI37tWRFOjJ1thkcNKQmnSwe_kzurCPdmt3pvzW1cnPLLmRRLti5wgvxyzLGk8EQTpWo4UzOHz2KKBv26vkQBx_-uo6Djwnhc/s1600/DSC02069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx82WdaXrAyi06dQeesMZg9l3cpMK2SA_f4q_M5KDHgSI37tWRFOjJ1thkcNKQmnSwe_kzurCPdmt3pvzW1cnPLLmRRLti5wgvxyzLGk8EQTpWo4UzOHz2KKBv26vkQBx_-uo6Djwnhc/s400/DSC02069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470467118276488306" /></a>I modeled it after an Uppercase Living tree that I ordered for his wall. It took quite some time to make, but thanks to sister's expert drawing, it came pretty close to the model. We had so much fun doing all our projects; from changing pads and pillows, to blankets and shirts, we did it all. (Yes, my living room looked like a craft store exploded in it for a few days, but it was worth it! Sorry housemates!)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdehxb6oYsQV5fwzgyI9r0kUeHikY5-oWpdwHZmuho7BuOIWwyaYWg86d6wMOYDewBJioQm94waoJaS4GiH2GUouFvFfcTwzRIvXdlOHD439mygL50KnZ8lrQuU2nj_ddRXumMk2ZiVQ/s1600/DSC02070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdehxb6oYsQV5fwzgyI9r0kUeHikY5-oWpdwHZmuho7BuOIWwyaYWg86d6wMOYDewBJioQm94waoJaS4GiH2GUouFvFfcTwzRIvXdlOHD439mygL50KnZ8lrQuU2nj_ddRXumMk2ZiVQ/s400/DSC02070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470467111739426450" /></a>The back of the blanket is flannel owls. It was my first attempt at a real applique, and I'm pretty happy with it! Can't wait to finish his room and show you how it all looks together!</div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-70912263627204289822010-05-03T08:38:00.000-07:002010-05-03T19:30:30.602-07:00Three Good Things<div>In an effort to change my outlook on our night last night, I have decided to focus on three good things. And since I can't do a post with out a picture (and I DEFINITELY don't want a picture of last night) here are some random flowers:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1qIQme46JPlcghuCxTFF559rS_EQAZZvblWEzl-xsS7x2PsaAMet7vW7t_BNBkVc86y1RE-cIT7cpPAAFyIabxVuKSx1Z19iPVNEluoY7eC5CTKr8J1M3LSjTApiifWKB9LLMMfD39s/s1600/DSC00091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1qIQme46JPlcghuCxTFF559rS_EQAZZvblWEzl-xsS7x2PsaAMet7vW7t_BNBkVc86y1RE-cIT7cpPAAFyIabxVuKSx1Z19iPVNEluoY7eC5CTKr8J1M3LSjTApiifWKB9LLMMfD39s/s400/DSC00091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467069111044136690" /></a>1. Nobody was sick. If you have to be awake at night, it must be worse to be awake at night with sick kids. We should take a poll: What's worse: screaming kids or sick kids? I think sick kids.<div><br /></div><div>2. Daddy Man was able to get some schoolwork done...albeit at 3 am, but you have to fit it in somewhere, and if you're already up, why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Three or four hours of sleep is better than no sleep. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll leave you with that. ;)</div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-62453072587521401202010-04-25T20:24:00.000-07:002010-04-25T22:20:10.625-07:00Baby Blanket<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I made a quilt for new Baby Girl. My friend Kristina bought a little kit for me to thank her for making snack bags for her (pictures to come). I love it! The birdies and paisley fabrics are so cute!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 327px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_Sxrfm7gwtlh0AjQ2INqMSglfszT3RRFIRfv1ZazBWOuUiJqc_B6YxzuYId1uS7kYuilykK2GIR_TrvqjX7pxrklCPX6ByGi7Fgi59pWff8K_mVZGyypWN7xLysDwuaRG1R3eiIrmrY/s400/DSC02037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464282759001935522" /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">The back of the blanket is flannel birdies. SOOO cute! This is such a snuggly blanket.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVH55ZJ2HVhJrp2HqUfGP34zS9_Pgll0XvnI8-mWgCoUo9UNuz8DlFPbaYkcQVTRW41-h__DRjBGEAcFWCYbFb7q-TkQLBiHmFzJNCT753NnFGq8ru_ipf8C-RSvyshxhwr3qxSPVNRg/s400/DSC02038.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464282767805399586" />Lastly, here is the dog, enjoying Muffin's play slide. She prefers to lay above the ground: chair, on top of dog house, planter box, and now apparently the slide. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7p3NuhKVMvcNEvJm68KYlKulGgVSMEP0pUHXYUB7_br_IBm-SsZAGohYtplYxReK-18B_BRLnEOX5p6hMf9NmOsU3Ni2Y43FuNH4vzUCrNJHirIAxJvd-zyatT9MGcfNMvw1ybjQI7k/s1600/DSC02033.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7p3NuhKVMvcNEvJm68KYlKulGgVSMEP0pUHXYUB7_br_IBm-SsZAGohYtplYxReK-18B_BRLnEOX5p6hMf9NmOsU3Ni2Y43FuNH4vzUCrNJHirIAxJvd-zyatT9MGcfNMvw1ybjQI7k/s1600/DSC02033.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7p3NuhKVMvcNEvJm68KYlKulGgVSMEP0pUHXYUB7_br_IBm-SsZAGohYtplYxReK-18B_BRLnEOX5p6hMf9NmOsU3Ni2Y43FuNH4vzUCrNJHirIAxJvd-zyatT9MGcfNMvw1ybjQI7k/s400/DSC02033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464282773490966770" /></a></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-87493159225337565032010-04-21T07:28:00.000-07:002010-04-21T07:53:14.794-07:00Spring?<div>We finally had a nice, warm spring day a couple days ago. We decided to fully embrace it!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG_KvHausdz4LaXF_tbVW29PAaYtAnljw7GSLNAtv4_ryPU9yILE3z3rFXkDmZ40l913-032BAs1HRHUbP0nescmqEn24nduz1HB9xPsT82IKGE0iHu-wY1A80d7Ys8CAMx8w_UuG13Q/s1600/DSC02016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG_KvHausdz4LaXF_tbVW29PAaYtAnljw7GSLNAtv4_ryPU9yILE3z3rFXkDmZ40l913-032BAs1HRHUbP0nescmqEn24nduz1HB9xPsT82IKGE0iHu-wY1A80d7Ys8CAMx8w_UuG13Q/s400/DSC02016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462599298071515426" /></a>We celebrated Spring with a new water table for the kids to play with. They both love it! Muffin helped Daddy Man put it together.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP4hTW3I6EwOZEPyehZixAKBc7TonbmUkynrdjo5XtouzbI5xagj8rt7FxflQgGW43LD1iO7OVMMDO7r3yZ2qcBavbjcdSQvm6z7UpGbClY05HVXYnoRHpbJ3RZh-UzTOgy8xWUJGgSs/s1600/DSC02017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP4hTW3I6EwOZEPyehZixAKBc7TonbmUkynrdjo5XtouzbI5xagj8rt7FxflQgGW43LD1iO7OVMMDO7r3yZ2qcBavbjcdSQvm6z7UpGbClY05HVXYnoRHpbJ3RZh-UzTOgy8xWUJGgSs/s400/DSC02017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462599034735055858" /></a>And filled it up all by herself! The table is made to hold sand in half of it, but after a brief trial, we decided that 1 toddler + 1 baby + 40 lbs of sand + 5 gallons of water = HUGE mess. We are going to stick to just water for now. ;)<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7OEcvmxJJUaPU3K3eoWKF6_5mGIlhOIg-dV37pC6_qZzc7wOKfG6gRAPdBdKnkonmdOqOSD7yNUo4MijRX6s8444RPJGq1a9dEDT8JePIGvUeO2RKQMv39IERFBf5J2OEsRxYVmzJXE/s1600/DSC02020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7OEcvmxJJUaPU3K3eoWKF6_5mGIlhOIg-dV37pC6_qZzc7wOKfG6gRAPdBdKnkonmdOqOSD7yNUo4MijRX6s8444RPJGq1a9dEDT8JePIGvUeO2RKQMv39IERFBf5J2OEsRxYVmzJXE/s400/DSC02020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462599028825672514" /></a>Immediately following our beautifully warm day we've had 2 days of rain. Such a tease. Although I am not in any rush for the Redding summer heat, I am ready for being outside in nice, mild Spring weather. Ugh. So what do you do after being teased with a day outside, then couped up inside? SEW! Part of Operation Beautify was moving our huge desk out to an unused corner of the living room to use as a sewing/homework table. I LOVE it! To celebrate my new sewing center, I made a sewing machine apron using a pattern I got on sale at Joann's for 99 cents!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgk4_vHvED1jZrdVjc4iQUfMax8wsY6TwmEIdKIn0SmHLDDrxmI-oU4bd9ve0plrmo5PV2T-96BWCXPrvc0lM004h5LfMyLrYQFopTXmEGE7qC8M6g1xyrDRgMpgkdF6Av9wblW61HeAs/s1600/DSC02023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgk4_vHvED1jZrdVjc4iQUfMax8wsY6TwmEIdKIn0SmHLDDrxmI-oU4bd9ve0plrmo5PV2T-96BWCXPrvc0lM004h5LfMyLrYQFopTXmEGE7qC8M6g1xyrDRgMpgkdF6Av9wblW61HeAs/s400/DSC02023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462599013648876834" /></a>I bought these fabrics a month or so ago, not knowing what I would make with them, but I just had to have them. So glad I found something cute to make. The pockets hold scissors, seam ripper, rotary cutter, tape measure, pin cushion, and anything else I need while I'm sewing(read: sugar!).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D1iO3euQHY8dvgaOUI3WIkqeLwsW-TFxMYTrPEOHIk6NX9U4jnPfplbvO94AJVRXtT_c9cA8R93__BvJJcr4Gn90p4YLC9BF3Ei4VtgB4auvfVYfDB56f6ejw96lFWr66gB_1QDGYyg/s1600/DSC02025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D1iO3euQHY8dvgaOUI3WIkqeLwsW-TFxMYTrPEOHIk6NX9U4jnPfplbvO94AJVRXtT_c9cA8R93__BvJJcr4Gn90p4YLC9BF3Ei4VtgB4auvfVYfDB56f6ejw96lFWr66gB_1QDGYyg/s400/DSC02025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462599005135602258" /></a>I was shocked to stumble into a huge sale at Joann's last week. Yay for $15 patterns on sale for 99 cents! </div><div><br /></div><div>I leave you with this: Me, barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, making bacon. (Husband thought this was worth sharing.) Organic, uncured bacon, I might add, which I recently found at a market in town. So exciting! I thought we were going to have to give up pork, (I only make pork tenderloin and sweet and sour pork) until I found this! It's from a local farmer too! Yay! They sell bacon, tenderloin, and loin chopped up, everything I need to make my favorite pork recipes! Score!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7W6g4vtMjo-JQfw9AmskQHMiYf-3uhyievpGGmu8xsT8_hyjn8qC-g9_1Tr6guFtPMfmGANcLHJmTPrrQSGtcfPP_mDOQLiCb4dplg8vcsViHFodl_cgrjmiCbAbaYd-pairlGxCQOqo/s1600/DSC02014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7W6g4vtMjo-JQfw9AmskQHMiYf-3uhyievpGGmu8xsT8_hyjn8qC-g9_1Tr6guFtPMfmGANcLHJmTPrrQSGtcfPP_mDOQLiCb4dplg8vcsViHFodl_cgrjmiCbAbaYd-pairlGxCQOqo/s400/DSC02014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462598996225578354" /></a><br /></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-47940717765266955902010-04-14T22:00:00.000-07:002010-04-14T22:25:18.948-07:00Operation Beautify, Day Two<div style="text-align: center;">I had to call in for reinforcements to get today's projects done, but Daddy Man and I had fun getting our room put together. First, a little side project to spruce up one of the walls (previously blank) in our room. I paired our engagement photo with a couple of new framed Uppercase Living words. I cut a piece of fabric to go in the frame (yay for using fabric on hand) and put the word on top of the glass. It took about 5 minutes.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWNV0Q4fU1RrWLSSgnT1_LBPIyXyw5IHH2dCh8SkfNqYlq2445V4CbpJ3N8IloT8-PrtfjLUxtWekaqpWlUttaCFABXc4ogJv50TP_V58oUJxSwWDDlF7ngcMym2ZAz7CB2FylxPyVVA/s400/DSC02012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460225167629734770" /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Now on to the nitty gritty. A couple of weeks ago we bought a new platform storage bed, and moved it to a different wall. We've been wanting to move our TV/computer to this wall, but just didn't have the time. Well, tonight we made the time, and beautified it big time! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Before:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaE9HpcDXUXHYf9eTnloen1UM3YMy9BpzyqhjNIAaRD-j_C9VeOVuc_1n6eSlLTQPIb_JNj00JbKEhqJ1987nPdI_Lkw9DCKTG4rZXT_cHmmgREPG9BTZyHWeDe6GQNFhKJ3Ob-zC0hFM/s400/DSC02000.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460225179284794610" /><div style="text-align: center;">After:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxLXG3OpIrwuP3aEpGXj9_r5xApfFL1_ZG4zSR1NtHVA14OpWZpmBlbvw6Uudv0EQr-wIucs9r1bxPBqAmBuYcK1Eg5opgvUa_yXoGeczIO9nP0BvEAZVSn9REUhbSWTrQq5-mIdZQ-Q/s1600/DSC02011.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxLXG3OpIrwuP3aEpGXj9_r5xApfFL1_ZG4zSR1NtHVA14OpWZpmBlbvw6Uudv0EQr-wIucs9r1bxPBqAmBuYcK1Eg5opgvUa_yXoGeczIO9nP0BvEAZVSn9REUhbSWTrQq5-mIdZQ-Q/s1600/DSC02011.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxLXG3OpIrwuP3aEpGXj9_r5xApfFL1_ZG4zSR1NtHVA14OpWZpmBlbvw6Uudv0EQr-wIucs9r1bxPBqAmBuYcK1Eg5opgvUa_yXoGeczIO9nP0BvEAZVSn9REUhbSWTrQq5-mIdZQ-Q/s400/DSC02011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460225185149109778" /></a>That's the before picture on the TV. :) We have a Mac Mini computer hiding in the black and white box in between the plates. All the cords are beautifully hidden...a must, since this table is right at the entry to our room. It's the first thing you see as you walk in (from the side). It is a bit monotone for me, but I think I like it. LOVE how clean it looks. I'm sure Muffin and Mr. Baby will have fun playing with the printer conveniently placed right at their level. Ahh well, you have to give them something. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Up next: our desk area, which previously housed our TV/computer, office stuff, and a whole lot of junk, is being moved out to the living room. It will hold my sewing machine (yay!!) and be a clear work space for Daddy Man to do homework. Not sure what is going in it's place yet, but it feels great to get our room less crowded! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-77682832500992815772010-04-13T15:43:00.000-07:002010-04-13T16:12:08.612-07:00Operation Beautify, Day One<div>It's official! Operation beautify (see last post) is under way. I think I finally found a groove, because today I had laundry done, bread made, trip to the play area done, dinner prepped, and two areas of my room beautified, all before the kids took their afternoon nap! Yeah, I'm shocked too. Not sure how that all happened, but I'm definitely going to try to repeat that in days to come!<div><br /></div><div>First of all, I love the play area at our mall. The kids do too. Mr. Baby tried out the race car today.</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzf-ubw2lBPshoVKvx2sa_s8CI1JUO0TngzjCGT4YcgG99aGuFRBACS4xQmwRo45izycdUCZ-Rpi7tIxpS9HXhQqnpw9UwCa_eZWgDgU7cgjDiB4uuuNCRM_NH01zONmpq4n7kyf6lyc/s1600/DSC01973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzf-ubw2lBPshoVKvx2sa_s8CI1JUO0TngzjCGT4YcgG99aGuFRBACS4xQmwRo45izycdUCZ-Rpi7tIxpS9HXhQqnpw9UwCa_eZWgDgU7cgjDiB4uuuNCRM_NH01zONmpq4n7kyf6lyc/s400/DSC01973.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459759351819929618" /></a>And Muffin fought some fires with her baby doll.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPViYJIcYKENUs-wp27AiRWC6o5j_1NaMH_gUHSOEGQHp6ZihTH1HCcui9fqPvdJb1e3upC639LEvCbo3Hd_AmpkEqpDjHpS24c9v1lG9QJr5bGvQHTdB_VIOvBk31cPKdF48nJ0SCFmw/s1600/DSC01971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPViYJIcYKENUs-wp27AiRWC6o5j_1NaMH_gUHSOEGQHp6ZihTH1HCcui9fqPvdJb1e3upC639LEvCbo3Hd_AmpkEqpDjHpS24c9v1lG9QJr5bGvQHTdB_VIOvBk31cPKdF48nJ0SCFmw/s400/DSC01971.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459759350385628130" /></a>Don't worry Mom, my hands were at the ready to catch him!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjdw9Je02YJ84JQySYTQk3AxkPBBc7Ez2fvqumxKXfcpLPX_UCS9y4kpi6lYMCsSlU84nH5uGJolJrnwXAw5H3cFcEUWaniH7wrMl7CRZveb-hr3ex7C8VJ_x9jc_og0uNi-sC1SpJ8s/s1600/DSC01983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjdw9Je02YJ84JQySYTQk3AxkPBBc7Ez2fvqumxKXfcpLPX_UCS9y4kpi6lYMCsSlU84nH5uGJolJrnwXAw5H3cFcEUWaniH7wrMl7CRZveb-hr3ex7C8VJ_x9jc_og0uNi-sC1SpJ8s/s400/DSC01983.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459759342137475762" /></a>How cool is this? I want a tree slide.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dEMe4AXKOiF19ye_IRxN2exk5Utc1EBZj495VJdlhquygqvh2Q5lNnwWZVtPm2kaxrfMfz5k9Ci2I5zE5nfAjNv0qZmU6htPH1KAdi9KRVd4fLNSOwDa_-yPgxukCTpy-m_bRDHr3DY/s1600/DSC01987.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dEMe4AXKOiF19ye_IRxN2exk5Utc1EBZj495VJdlhquygqvh2Q5lNnwWZVtPm2kaxrfMfz5k9Ci2I5zE5nfAjNv0qZmU6htPH1KAdi9KRVd4fLNSOwDa_-yPgxukCTpy-m_bRDHr3DY/s400/DSC01987.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459759330524484818" /></a>Mr. Baby started crawling yesterday, but he's been climbing up the slide for weeks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpvkxm3THCRVdbsBLsw3oAPAe2HVdGj9dlE76Q8XEdKFh62aXioMYanotd8R2xyPtr9JMVmy5HFZlSHfq-vaQ-gJgZhElcCYlwk7ffgqHUJHj2r7WSQ68u5iPaqVBP8h_qkTU2AAtTmw/s1600/DSC01994.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpvkxm3THCRVdbsBLsw3oAPAe2HVdGj9dlE76Q8XEdKFh62aXioMYanotd8R2xyPtr9JMVmy5HFZlSHfq-vaQ-gJgZhElcCYlwk7ffgqHUJHj2r7WSQ68u5iPaqVBP8h_qkTU2AAtTmw/s400/DSC01994.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459759319982008242" /></a>We had the play area all to ourselves this morning- perfect for Muffin. She likes things a bit on the calmer side. She usually finds one friend at the play area and talks with her and follows her around. Usually a girl around 3-4 years old. And she always remembers their names.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBbFqM6zSbaUtA5V6hVha9BOFXGmmERRH6914wOn5j0w6AL8sngVoZN880WLvOlOqAbplQFnx7_NHuhkKq0qvyljjAuB3MHFj5tLpXNeskAJ0Gps5CR2wT-11D8fynxug_vFHpZgChps/s1600/DSC01991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBbFqM6zSbaUtA5V6hVha9BOFXGmmERRH6914wOn5j0w6AL8sngVoZN880WLvOlOqAbplQFnx7_NHuhkKq0qvyljjAuB3MHFj5tLpXNeskAJ0Gps5CR2wT-11D8fynxug_vFHpZgChps/s400/DSC01991.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459758345262655490" /></a>Now, down to business. Check out this <a href="http://thereidnest.blogspot.com/2010/04/orderly-palace.html">post</a> for my motivation for Operation Beautify. I decided to post before pictures too, however embarrassing they may be, because I think it will help me to keep things from getting that way again. So here you have it, the top of my cubbie storage, my first before:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDeWh5h3mECz6ySuH2bk5iWvbuuurWTyahvhiCaN47bsCsLhKm_YJf9kLCS8cge_MGlHFRawqaxz5QodN0aKOARVUcVL2wbMv3JP4epWViZwC8okRjCG3eyh0QGmZQAb-QutRhWB7KKc/s1600/DSC02001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDeWh5h3mECz6ySuH2bk5iWvbuuurWTyahvhiCaN47bsCsLhKm_YJf9kLCS8cge_MGlHFRawqaxz5QodN0aKOARVUcVL2wbMv3JP4epWViZwC8okRjCG3eyh0QGmZQAb-QutRhWB7KKc/s400/DSC02001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459758335792988018" /></a>And After:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh825UpZg8mzwo0AJLodYainkoaR_kLQ4KrVZLC0qy1gorygpSBjhyphenhyphentmLijda7VvcS30vYeHfmsUaJhogy-2Q1TfuJg6mq-aIbr3xnU9JjXwT4imsolBi-b0GRFKVawRsJZPytt_Mrj9gg/s1600/DSC02006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh825UpZg8mzwo0AJLodYainkoaR_kLQ4KrVZLC0qy1gorygpSBjhyphenhyphentmLijda7VvcS30vYeHfmsUaJhogy-2Q1TfuJg6mq-aIbr3xnU9JjXwT4imsolBi-b0GRFKVawRsJZPytt_Mrj9gg/s400/DSC02006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459758327186328834" /></a>Ok, so the "and they lived..." sign is going to have to wait for Daddy man to come home to be hung. I gave it my best shot, but decided to forgo frustration and leave the retarded double-screw-hole pictures to the professional. And the cubbies themselves will be tackled another day. <div><br /></div><div>And here's the next one, the top shelf of my closet. Before:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsN8jxX43m62RgjMYXdMCwRciI4livmSdvho3tHlSkEmZnzLpp66RXomJLC0cKThQRHMoB8FXFZ36NoRbZC8UFQc-xYDiLnebAJAP6k3aFTXaXVeiawzHA4ZTS0veKXF-Cd7DScjbc0XM/s1600/DSC02007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsN8jxX43m62RgjMYXdMCwRciI4livmSdvho3tHlSkEmZnzLpp66RXomJLC0cKThQRHMoB8FXFZ36NoRbZC8UFQc-xYDiLnebAJAP6k3aFTXaXVeiawzHA4ZTS0veKXF-Cd7DScjbc0XM/s400/DSC02007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459758313876338530" /></a>And After:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9BYcxkxQ2THwmsu40sYzArxpmOCJ_MYQN2L1GGr5-fJbX6M7gQuEnvpNHUI4ISvPnQUgPP07wjcwM9mkKYY__XwTcj0If2DedpqAxbXofqxbgllGX9KtIFMTpJkLtk5SKWvbGSpoMDY/s1600/DSC02009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9BYcxkxQ2THwmsu40sYzArxpmOCJ_MYQN2L1GGr5-fJbX6M7gQuEnvpNHUI4ISvPnQUgPP07wjcwM9mkKYY__XwTcj0If2DedpqAxbXofqxbgllGX9KtIFMTpJkLtk5SKWvbGSpoMDY/s400/DSC02009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459758303930295522" /></a>Love those bins! (And I didn't even just pile everything in them!) One holds extra craft stuff like knitting, mohair, and stuffing. The next one has fancy shoes (it's true, I hardly ever wear heals, but I do have a few cute ones) each in their own box, and extra purses and wallets. The last one has winter clothes. Yay! This is so fun! I feel better already!<br /><br /><div><br /></div></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-45754046846831688902010-04-12T14:39:00.000-07:002010-04-12T15:13:58.443-07:00An Orderly Palace<div>Are you the kind of person who can't be comfortable in a room until it is cleaned, organized, and generally spotless? Some people just can't relax until the chaos is non-existent. I am not that kind of person... which I am thankful for, because with two kids, clutter seems to create itself. Yes, I prefer things picked up and orderly, but I can deal if they're not. I am, however, greatly affected by a room's esthetic- if it is not put together right, or decorated in a cool way, I feel antsy until I fix it. It is worst in my own home. Since moving to our new home in Redding, I have not really designed the kids' room how I would like it. There's a few dolls on some shelves, but it's mostly a room with a crib, toddler bed, cubby toy storage, and toys. My Mom gave Muffin this great Uppercase Living sign, so I decided to run with the castle theme. Totally works for a girl and a boy, right? </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-jyRSKVDDDZ69ceuKR34RBvT5n3i1sfhMzMqRqtkpHtva7FqgKML6H3fY-Iv3R7-cYHopXnHNmBEAmSlYlYnlMakPXzt1SDvo1_KYB8HCE0TJoXH60e_739Xq03rH9ZaByDQMO66TvE/s1600/DSC01966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-jyRSKVDDDZ69ceuKR34RBvT5n3i1sfhMzMqRqtkpHtva7FqgKML6H3fY-Iv3R7-cYHopXnHNmBEAmSlYlYnlMakPXzt1SDvo1_KYB8HCE0TJoXH60e_739Xq03rH9ZaByDQMO66TvE/s400/DSC01966.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459369367483222562" /></a>So I designed and made a castle pillow for Muffin's bed, to start. This makes me feel slightly better about their room. Next on the agenda: sprucing up some old curtains, finishing a keepsake shadowbox for each kid, and whatever else I can think of! I'm pretty sure I can't paint, so I have to be a bit more creative with color. Anyhow, the castle pillow gives me hope!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uyfXrkeiAennzJQEKY3O-9zqwBJWunm9qkQ_0OgSI4VEZplfzhDNvc5-nBZTiHVDCsmBiaTzBwAVELRm-FID4u5HZL3k85j69GthXby1WtssFvdR29M_a7_tD0ShjhMAWNWMcU5KDx0/s1600/DSC01967.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uyfXrkeiAennzJQEKY3O-9zqwBJWunm9qkQ_0OgSI4VEZplfzhDNvc5-nBZTiHVDCsmBiaTzBwAVELRm-FID4u5HZL3k85j69GthXby1WtssFvdR29M_a7_tD0ShjhMAWNWMcU5KDx0/s400/DSC01967.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459369352790968738" />F</a>or the castle part I used fabric samples that I've had for 6 or 7 years. I didn't allow myself to buy anything new for this project, and I love how it turned out! It makes me happy when I can use something that I've had for a while. This cute fabric was just asking to be used!<br /><div><br /></div><div>As I write this post I am looking around my room feeling a bit disgusted with it all. Pictures un-hung, projects half-done, clutter begging for a home (or the garbage can)..... I suppose it's the collateral damage of a busy family. Does it really have to be this way? I think not. We seriously clean our room every day, or sometimes every other day, but it seems to get right back there every day! And honestly, when I have one hour or less of kid-free time in the day, and am faced with the choice to organize my desk, or do something fun (project, watch a show, play a game with a house-mate, or sleep), for sanity's sake I often choose to do something fun. But enough is enough. I've decided, operation beautify is officially under way. Time to get my Palace looking how I want it. I have no idea how long this will take, but it will happen. </div><div><br /></div><div>So farewell for now. I am going to kick off operation beautify with a nap. ;)</div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-62800486253185283832010-04-07T08:59:00.001-07:002010-04-07T09:16:14.566-07:00New Life<div>Yesterday Muffin and I planted zucchini and yellow onion in our garden. We were both excited to get our hands in the dirt and gently place delicate life into the ground. Is it ok to feel as excited as a two year old about something? I think so. It keeps me young. ;)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbT4ZvRyqdBzCHjymDoXdruRy735GhNriu9988_jKB3JMLoquaxak2984FF966lAHRxkMaXcL6Y9qePkCGz_MEheLRO4oNC8dPI_0m3xUxM1EY6oesaV1e4XdYzFN3BtipAWj25gqgLo/s1600/DSC01960.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbT4ZvRyqdBzCHjymDoXdruRy735GhNriu9988_jKB3JMLoquaxak2984FF966lAHRxkMaXcL6Y9qePkCGz_MEheLRO4oNC8dPI_0m3xUxM1EY6oesaV1e4XdYzFN3BtipAWj25gqgLo/s400/DSC01960.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457426268064061394" /></a>A side note: I know that tomato cages are not necessary for zucchini plants- these are strictly a defense system against our dog, who likes to lay in my planter box, until we get the netting up around the garden. I'm pretty sure that she won't get up in there once there are a bunch of plants, so hopefully the netting will be temporary.<div><br /></div><div>And while we're on the subject of new life, though I'd share my belly that, as of yesterday, is no longer comfortable in my normal jeans. I was dreading the oh-so-unfashionable full-belly-paneled maternity jeans until the moment I slipped them on. Ahhh. It felt soooo good.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CuMs47a23R5Xl60mIlHOBDHmE1xBs9f6mRgeXfhGMhx25hV47ud6nMQlNTR9jXsUc2nrhpnpcV2tUyJ7-ZEBG_hi9ofy169vJPgFq-FzZDmHPpvLPQo5s3bSq3XkDg9m1iYLmC-Gn-4/s1600/DSC01958.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CuMs47a23R5Xl60mIlHOBDHmE1xBs9f6mRgeXfhGMhx25hV47ud6nMQlNTR9jXsUc2nrhpnpcV2tUyJ7-ZEBG_hi9ofy169vJPgFq-FzZDmHPpvLPQo5s3bSq3XkDg9m1iYLmC-Gn-4/s400/DSC01958.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457426256759366450" /></a>Three good things about full-belly-panel maternity jeans (which I avoided like the plague until halfway into my second pregnancy):</div><div> 1. Oh so comfortable</div><div> 2. The dark panel looks like a layered shirt, should your top shirt have a hard time reaching the bottom of your belly</div><div> 3. No rim of a waistband around my hips for Mr. Baby to try to stand on while I'm holding him. Is it too much to ask him to just sit still and not try to climb me?</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Growing!</div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-30698653929195923452010-04-01T22:04:00.000-07:002010-04-01T22:34:08.346-07:00Craft Happy<div style="text-align: center;">Today I feel like I'm in a crafting frenzy! Does that ever happen to you? Sometimes when I start cleaning some part of the house, I get on a roll, and I just can't stop. I find all the things that need cleaning or organizing, and move at warp speed from one task to the next. Well, that's what I felt like today, only with crafts. Between reading <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/">Dana's</a> blog, and the <a href="http://www.purlbee.squarespace.com/">purlbee</a> blog, there are now so many projects on my to do list. I did three separate crafts just today. I'm not sure why I feel such urgency to get them done. The remedy for all this? Take a step back and take a deep breath, pick one project and go one step at a time...and love every minute of it! I am just so excited to have all these ideas!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today's first project was finishing up a remake I started yesterday. I took an old shirt of mine:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikp3AYofjq3X-PPs1a_wfAt-3b5tTmB_kr18UQW7KhFNTJ7cV6E2_iQNtP3EVB1jDnpJfG1qVpeh9UDh3d5c-uD6bcPeTMi8Jjzw-9vXyxSQ-vzBMrDGXSjzCY8KB5K2SxOCxyXPdYvm0/s400/DSC01943.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455402714742160402" /><div style="text-align: center;">and turned it into a column dress for muffin...</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBjzWMbtECo01notXWWpkxm8Wm4dfWC8ChhyIWL0zAVv8999NiqEpgeH49ggfAj19BxAHHo5yOXjyD1qpbpkToLhAmoFIS9HtxndVRjA5meMmuYj6ZQBCUEaZb7dJkemsDQPN6GF0Bn8/s400/DSC01948.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455402735607916242" /><div style="text-align: center;">...and a shirt for Mr. Baby! </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvaogigFTQbcZzCEZcb0bzLtf7tQn6HghKNINF5jpfjJnPuVaqJqoox-46twb7yiNkCRw_yFQelEsmsZbgGEzCP878o7b1E0-_4KNQ7ZUiFGHdxwc4uB-_yTYxL04M36RtPrpYEUJ9WQ/s400/DSC01955.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455402723809290898" /><div style="text-align: center;">To make the dress I simply cut the front and the upper part of the shirt off, sewed the sides together to fit around Muffin, and added some flutter sleeves. Mind you, it is FAR from perfection: I still need to adjust the positioning of the sleeves so the top fits better. Mr. Baby's shirt needs to be adjusted too. I think I need to redo my pattern for the shirt, because the neckline is still too big. One of these days I will make a shirt for him that fits well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back view. Wow, knit is hard to sew! It likes to pull and go where you don't want it to go. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAeK_0H3devU-MiEtnufFE9fWtPheWmNb3XVQ8NgjiZUvkOyUQHctOAN-4qEUSAZDXTNFGbXEMYlviQyirk2EEvk7yIG4a8QEQk2CgcqU9rYA87Tv9otWCltBZOMVa7dviFFDQIF3fdA/s1600/DSC01946.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAeK_0H3devU-MiEtnufFE9fWtPheWmNb3XVQ8NgjiZUvkOyUQHctOAN-4qEUSAZDXTNFGbXEMYlviQyirk2EEvk7yIG4a8QEQk2CgcqU9rYA87Tv9otWCltBZOMVa7dviFFDQIF3fdA/s400/DSC01946.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455402742958270274" /></a>I also made a <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2010/03/lamb-pillows.html">Lamb Pillow</a> for Easter, and started making bunny finger puppets. :) Pictures of those to come!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281963056891635196.post-780740917837564712010-03-28T20:39:00.000-07:002010-03-28T21:45:51.840-07:00New Passions<div>I mentioned <a href="http://thereidnest.blogspot.com/2010/03/its-been-week-is-it-middle-of-march.html">before</a> that I had a new project I've been 'poking' away at. Well, I finally finished the little present I was making for Muffin's Easter basket, and thought I'd share. ;) First the explanation of why I made what I did, then we'll get to the how.</div><div><br /></div><div>Little Muffin is enthralled with eggs. I know, of all the things, right? But she loves to eat them, play with them, crack them, and hold them. (Don't worry, the ones she carries around all day are the play kind, not the ones from my fridge!) Also, when Muffin plays with... well, anything, she does this little narration or story telling thing. You know those bead maze things they have at doctor's offices? We have a small one, and when she plays with it, it goes something like this: </div><div>(Imagine a high-pitched little two year old voice)</div><div>"Come on Baby Marcus, you need your hat on. We have to go to Nana's house. Let's go to the market. Oh, don't push Paisley. Let's go get Madelynn.....OH! Daddy's home...." and so on. In this scenario, each bead on the maze is a person. She does this with anything she plays with. The other day she had a bendy straw named Uncle Marty. I digress. </div><div><br /></div><div>So after being inspired by an article in Martha Stewart, and an etsy shop (link to come later, her shop is currently closed due to orders she has to catch up on for easter, so I can't find her) I decided to combine these things and make Muffin a family of egg people! Our family, that is. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgKkN2on0qsgMnoALtrRYX1hRIyt01REFvuplLAd6L0qHmwUP3SbLWP9LVBjsB0tNUqavbckR4uejtMVFpR51tGycvVB_GsNFIc_aQZi7T3N512FVrVjDyPacMr-fKBJB3IOS4TQhTQU/s1600/DSC01934.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgKkN2on0qsgMnoALtrRYX1hRIyt01REFvuplLAd6L0qHmwUP3SbLWP9LVBjsB0tNUqavbckR4uejtMVFpR51tGycvVB_GsNFIc_aQZi7T3N512FVrVjDyPacMr-fKBJB3IOS4TQhTQU/s400/DSC01934.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453899301911710354" /></a>The method? Needle felting. It involves poking a barbed needle into wool roving thousands of times, binding the fibers together until it becomes the shape you want.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtXCSiMhvmSEsx_WR0ECcmUzDXPi1NsSQnZUVpN2rzk9HIzDI8v_nxEsO2_DA8R6bUSiCcte-TQV0ODvlFEQGObBguJhN-vh6qZNYFRo7iucYyiw3osJpI7coMCh6ij4UzIhFMdepXhs/s1600/DSC01918.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtXCSiMhvmSEsx_WR0ECcmUzDXPi1NsSQnZUVpN2rzk9HIzDI8v_nxEsO2_DA8R6bUSiCcte-TQV0ODvlFEQGObBguJhN-vh6qZNYFRo7iucYyiw3osJpI7coMCh6ij4UzIhFMdepXhs/s400/DSC01918.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453899290243126146" /></a>This is the roving before anything is done to it. That' the needle on the left. The green and yellow tool is 5 of the needles in one, so it makes the process go much faster, but I've found it doesn't work well until you have at least some structure to the roving. The roving and needles can be found online, or possibly in your local quilting fabric store.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPV0JT2shBb3UjImT9UISeYE_yBQbuS34uLmvQYZubMUkWq63Ll3mGopafMFtrE2pMD8ZRJ6D0ytuA5rJvpEbpoQ7B7HONV9dnJ71RO8PM6aQMqnMnh_55Y2ZjclKKEIHw7PmpvJcsuY/s1600/DSC01921.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPV0JT2shBb3UjImT9UISeYE_yBQbuS34uLmvQYZubMUkWq63Ll3mGopafMFtrE2pMD8ZRJ6D0ytuA5rJvpEbpoQ7B7HONV9dnJ71RO8PM6aQMqnMnh_55Y2ZjclKKEIHw7PmpvJcsuY/s400/DSC01921.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453899282569794866" /></a>I house our family in a six pack egg carton. I know she will love putting them into the carton.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgHm_5-I-W4GjP4qi_HGQ4E0eCvY_SrBmtrCiIW69x-1Bch7pmMupfwR1tjDoDS9s2KmgXnvcwcOEy6-85UkHEbC2oKj_-ZOthKIXLkFvRB6DHgGSUjtXvbqR4da9zAxOiqdfQNVQzGw/s1600/DSC01927.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgHm_5-I-W4GjP4qi_HGQ4E0eCvY_SrBmtrCiIW69x-1Bch7pmMupfwR1tjDoDS9s2KmgXnvcwcOEy6-85UkHEbC2oKj_-ZOthKIXLkFvRB6DHgGSUjtXvbqR4da9zAxOiqdfQNVQzGw/s400/DSC01927.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453898729426714418" /></a>This one is the Mommy egg, of course. I gave myself a bun after several very strange attempts at a pony tail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjL7Y50lpVZKX-m6WFUjR_D9zFazXALy_GeWW4tL8aDMzitKavEOhWzMmx2G7WfOWP_W9OTaZVyzNUuWwaxoLazoouS1efGoA6pXSzGEGAXcMH69Usiukrgf7ss4hWTmbjZubNz0VLFc/s1600/DSC01928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjL7Y50lpVZKX-m6WFUjR_D9zFazXALy_GeWW4tL8aDMzitKavEOhWzMmx2G7WfOWP_W9OTaZVyzNUuWwaxoLazoouS1efGoA6pXSzGEGAXcMH69Usiukrgf7ss4hWTmbjZubNz0VLFc/s400/DSC01928.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453898723056260034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">New baby girl, Mr. Baby, and Muffin. The lady who sells these on etsy has you send her a family picture, and she will make them for you. She sells a set of six for $70.00!! I can understand, since it is very labor intensive, but what else do I have to do while watching Dora and Wonder Pets? Side note: you know your child watches too much Dora when she can count from one to eight in spanish and you didn't teach her. ;) She actually does that better than counting in english! Should I be worried?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL8he0AWGo9GiDPrMlQyVyWC1ymIBkBfT7Mm5KbPg25NmjJWB4m4ZgP0SC6w2TAnnF3wz6UMMcamurpNil0676Avtu8BWoyXO5d_QZd8HleyTrHxPXneUyfFcoSFF5VsNQiGPvLNkKh0/s1600/DSC01929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL8he0AWGo9GiDPrMlQyVyWC1ymIBkBfT7Mm5KbPg25NmjJWB4m4ZgP0SC6w2TAnnF3wz6UMMcamurpNil0676Avtu8BWoyXO5d_QZd8HleyTrHxPXneUyfFcoSFF5VsNQiGPvLNkKh0/s400/DSC01929.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453898713815367266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I will admit, I think they are pretty cute!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiItR9g6scmNeiNwtOJtSGnp7Prl1vAVUOCIDKwtIMdrXk3QaKP4WkEQNJQGyYgIV9gizN_JLQC7wQZSUP_7hpi_zejdKcJJFu5jQgtdE-2C7UWsiiQos5RMCnovCsN7oY5w3WzNtzrs/s1600/DSC01931.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiItR9g6scmNeiNwtOJtSGnp7Prl1vAVUOCIDKwtIMdrXk3QaKP4WkEQNJQGyYgIV9gizN_JLQC7wQZSUP_7hpi_zejdKcJJFu5jQgtdE-2C7UWsiiQos5RMCnovCsN7oY5w3WzNtzrs/s400/DSC01931.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453898708543712482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy Man and doggie Bee. Daddy has a gotee, not giant lips. The little pink lips are hard to see in this picture. I am hooked on needle felting! It is repetitive and pretty therapeutic, until I jab the needle into my finger. Must get some gloves or something.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I tried a new bread recipe this week- no starter needed! I know, the starter is probably really good for you, but I can't even remember to water house plants....how am I supposed to remember to feed the starter? I got this recipe from one of my favorite blogs (can you tell? I've mentioned her like 4 times) called <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com">MADE</a>. For the recipe, go to her tutorials section. I did half wheat flour, instead of all white like the recipe calls for. Isn't it beautiful? And soooo yummy! We couldn't help but dig into it before I had a chance to get a picture.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rMhiag7CDzsWpwFwXEc1qE_6O-bEvXkjXCEng4UCp8K8w6CcCTy_RNWQmzqA3t2Sq7CZEe4j8TbYn8plQnc-PSPpsrBadbGuPGpASY_e0f_LkiMK2haqj3nOcG9pWjHgqg2c28X1GEI/s1600/DSC01907.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rMhiag7CDzsWpwFwXEc1qE_6O-bEvXkjXCEng4UCp8K8w6CcCTy_RNWQmzqA3t2Sq7CZEe4j8TbYn8plQnc-PSPpsrBadbGuPGpASY_e0f_LkiMK2haqj3nOcG9pWjHgqg2c28X1GEI/s400/DSC01907.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453898704108153202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This week Daddy Man turned 26, and Muffin gave him some special cars for his birthday present.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF9M_uOXFgxzFPts73LrmQ7nJzlQdoqhXORu1mpTKazCUhMYFLsZx8WInnBBZb4zhTR5yDDpbG2-T9qc0S4NbwnmoPUiHwdW7U_XOvMfAP3hilV8NdNnNsa1hjJWQ8CMniQdGiHdlyww/s1600/DSC01913.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF9M_uOXFgxzFPts73LrmQ7nJzlQdoqhXORu1mpTKazCUhMYFLsZx8WInnBBZb4zhTR5yDDpbG2-T9qc0S4NbwnmoPUiHwdW7U_XOvMfAP3hilV8NdNnNsa1hjJWQ8CMniQdGiHdlyww/s400/DSC01913.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453897539113756882" /></a>He liked them a lot. (Bit of an understatement) I came home from garage saleing Saturday morning to this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmQhmZ_jxW13eHemF6N8fbKbyDPVF8jCjirWGFrI0HphhqltU1Pzhw-nEBzz2zGziiHwFH7TpXXXDXuCiXu4glytL7VjCa7Gm9T7WEr5pT8p2a95R_ip51sW-566RG-vmfwRHgyFMgy0/s1600/DSC01909.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmQhmZ_jxW13eHemF6N8fbKbyDPVF8jCjirWGFrI0HphhqltU1Pzhw-nEBzz2zGziiHwFH7TpXXXDXuCiXu4glytL7VjCa7Gm9T7WEr5pT8p2a95R_ip51sW-566RG-vmfwRHgyFMgy0/s400/DSC01909.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453897532443963922" /></a>The goal was to launch the car off the coffee table and get it to land on the cereal box. And, of course, to slide down Daddy Man's ramp. I love watching Daddy Man and Muffin play together.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgs6XGwFKi-VBNDHEpxc3v5F2sPEwTekCNY0c4UJGVWVIzFpRmJ72t0a8DGseqAgzEjX9t0lifvHdz__VaiIkb83ZEObjJfyvf9eDCHb8HWISRZFZRC0IVk6-ONDuWMRuj41P8lAgjpA/s1600/DSC01911.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgs6XGwFKi-VBNDHEpxc3v5F2sPEwTekCNY0c4UJGVWVIzFpRmJ72t0a8DGseqAgzEjX9t0lifvHdz__VaiIkb83ZEObjJfyvf9eDCHb8HWISRZFZRC0IVk6-ONDuWMRuj41P8lAgjpA/s400/DSC01911.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453897523209678322" /></a>One last thing. (I really should post more often to avoid these mega-posts.) I made <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com">Dana's</a> 90 minute shirt for Mr. Baby. It turned out pretty good.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuKgaDY8Ugf3bC3zzd177SYwexahWZO68lzoApKKL1Sbs5HQjyb9UczXNEr77SIlcqxVll9N9WTLfKt8U490VSaZFyvGF1mm072x2pHFS7O33pgAXNAC2T9f1sGTfjwyDchyL5nIvWXg/s1600/DSC01941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuKgaDY8Ugf3bC3zzd177SYwexahWZO68lzoApKKL1Sbs5HQjyb9UczXNEr77SIlcqxVll9N9WTLfKt8U490VSaZFyvGF1mm072x2pHFS7O33pgAXNAC2T9f1sGTfjwyDchyL5nIvWXg/s400/DSC01941.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453897513605979458" /></a>Transform a men's shirt into a kid's shirt, with added contrast ribbing on the neckline. I need to make the neck smaller next time, but it worked out. I LOVE making clothes for my kids. Not only is it inexpensive, it is sentimental. It reminds me of the outfits my mom used to make my sister and I as kids. Mind you, they were not quite as cool ;) (It's ok Mom, it was the 80's. It's not your fault) but I love those outfits! I think the one with the crayola fabric, with the crayon buttons was my favorite. I am happy to make a little piece of history for my kids.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00648292142222354548noreply@blogger.com1