And the Winner Is...

Yay!! Thanks to everyone who offered up relaxing suggestions. Strange how no ones relaxing ideas involved children... hee hee. And thank you to the lurkers who came out to play!! I had fun checking out your blogs!

Since this contest was so popular and since my apron making addiction isn't over, plan on seeing more contests in the future. :)

Ballet Apron

Okay, I know that you are all probably SO sick of hearing me talk about sewing aprons, but that's just too bad. At least for now.

There is an apron forum I check out (I'm lame, I know) that has a monthly "challenge." The challenge for June is applique (sewing small patches of fabric to make pictures or patterns). I was trying to think of what apron projects I had coming up that I could put applique on and I figured I would try to come up with a ballet theme for the girls' ballet teacher. She has be a fabulous teacher, and she just had a baby with some pretty serious health problems, so I figured she needed a pick me up. I thought I had a week and a half for this, but the last day of class is TOMORROW, so I was forced to finish the June project on May 28th. Oh, well.

I sketched out lots of slippers and legs and decided to incorporated them into the pocket, which took some doing so I wouldn't sew the pocket to the back of the apron. I ended up having to attach the pocket just at the bottom and leave it as a "flap" until the very end of the project, then I sewed the pocket sides. I think this turned out really well. And I found all the fabric I needed at Walmart. Bonus for time AND money. And it actually turned out the way I pictured it in my head. Yay!!!

Weekend CONTEST

This has been a rough week here in our household. Joelle is STILL under the weather - and while the vomiting has ceased, she has a wicked head cold and still has to be bribed/forced to eat. Her last meal consisting of more than a few bites or a plain waffle was Tuesday. Fortunately she is always thirsty, so dehydration hasn't been an issue. But my Nurse Nora patience is about gone. I know that sounds awful, but after cleaning up puke, putting pink eye gel in TWO sets of eyes (Jaren got it, too), being quarantined for five days, wiping copious amounts of gunk out of noses, and being awakened all night by coughing, I am DONE. Ready for smiling, happy faces. I told Joelle that if she can't bring herself to eat a decent meal for breakfast that we would have to bring her to the ER. I don't know what they would really do for her, but how long do you go without a kid eating before taking them in? Her cold DOES seem to be getting better, and she IS drinking... do I just hope that her appetite returns before she loses too much weight?

On to happier things -- my inability to leave the house during the day has left me some more crafty time. Turned out these cuties for my niece:

And I made this:

I love love LOVE these colors. I am drawn to happy, citrusy colors. My kitchen is lime green, you know. Brian asked me who the apron was for and I told him it was for me because I love it and he gave me that, "But you already have so MANY" look and I have to admit he is right -- and I have two more coming in the mail from my swaps. SO...

Since giving is better than receiving, and since I could use a pick me up after this week, I am going to GIVE AWAY this gorgeous, happy, summery apron. Ack! So you had better leave a comment quickly, before I change my mind.

So here's what to do: leave a comment with your favorite way to pamper yourself after a rough week like I have had. On THURSDAY, MAY 29th I will have Joelle draw out a name of those who commented and you win the apron. Sorry, contest open to U.S. residents only -- because I am too cheap to spend $15 to mail it to someone in New Zealand or something. Especially since I don't currently KNOW anyone in New Zealand. Lurkers, feel free to come out of the woodwork.

And when you are done leaving your comment, check out the feast of happy colors on Sandi Henderson's site. Here is a sneak peek at her new line of fabrics coming out soon. I think I am going to have to beg our local quilting store to carry them.

Branching Out

M is for Megan... (Sheila, you can stop reading if you want to be surprised.) And please don't look too close -- as imperfect as this is, you should see the FIRST two attempts...

I got another wild hair yesterday and decided I should try to apply my newly acquired crafty skills to something other than aprons. So I thought I would attempt to make a little trio of personalized baby gifts. And since Sheila's baby shower was held while I was out of town and I never got around to bringing her a gift, her cute little Megan gets to be my guinea pig.

I did some searches online and found out the basics of how to do what I wanted to do and what I couldn't find online, I made up. Here's what I ended up with:

A personalized onesie.

The front

The back

This was much harder than I thought it would be, but only because I thought I knew what I was doing and didn't google instructions until AFTER I had ruined two onesies. Good thing they come in packs of five. I thought the ruffle on the bum would be a fun addition.

A bib.

Closeup of side A

Side B

I found several tutorials online and combined them all together to make this. I appliqued an "m" on this one, too. The ribbon on the back side helps to keep the three layers from moving around in there once they are washed. I hope.

A burp rag.


This idea worked, but I will be fine tuning it in the future. I told Sheila she will have to have another baby so she can get another set in the future when I know what I am doing. The other side can be seen up in the first picture -- it just has the polka dots on the bottom and the yellow ribbon.

Technically I can make all of these with just one fat quarter of fabric -- but I used two for this one because I made the bib two sided. So I stocked up on some cute girly fabrics and some cool boy colors, too. Don't worry, those won't have bum ruffles... So if you are having a baby in the future and I am still on my crafty kick you know what you will be getting!

Father Sons Campout

This last Friday night was Brian and Jaren's very first Father Son Campout. I think Brian wondered if he would ever get to go on one of these! Brian came home early from work after a stop at Safeway to pick up Off! and some snacks for the night (since Jaren doesn't eat hotdogs). They camped locally, at a location that required a boat ride over to the site. Several men in the ward shuttled everyone and their gear back and forth until everyone was where they needed to be. It was a HOT day -- upper 90s. I think Jaren was convinced his Dad was crazy, dragging him out in this. Brian said he just sat silent and stunned for the boat ride over. Then some nice young boys in the ward entertained Jaren while Brian set up the tent. We brought the pack and play to keep him contained, but I'm sure human interaction was WAAAY better. After it cooled down Brian said that Jaren enjoyed going around the camp trying to steal everyone's water bottles. It's amazing HE is not sick. But it took forever for him to fall asleep and it got cold enough at night that Brian brought Jaren out of the pack and play and into bed with him so he could make sure he was warm enough. I think both of them probably got four or five hours of sleep. Jaren came home and crashed for a four hour nap.

Brian wasn't so lucky. He came home and got to drive a load of junk to the dump (best $12 we have spent in a LOOOONG time). Then we aerated and threshed our sad, sorry lawn. Now it looks even MORE sorry and sad while we wait for the lime we spread to take hold before we spread compost and overseed THIS Saturday.

That evening we had a sitter lined up because there was a local band playing that we wanted to see (we know the lead singer from Beauty and the Beast last year) but we were both SO tired that we decided to just go into town to enjoy a nice quiet dinner. It was really good and much needed.

Oh, and lest you think we girls wasted our "female bonding time" on Friday night, we went out to Burgerville for dinner and then to Walmart. Then I let the girls stay up late. Fun, huh?

Aprons

I have been sewing a lot lately to make sure I get the aprons for my swaps done on time. I also decided to make aprons for both of the girls' teachers for end of the year gifts (Jill -- if you are reading this, just act surprised tomorrow. If you don't want to see it, just stop reading now.). I am to the point where no two aprons are totally alike because I know enough that I can alter patterns and try new things. Sometimes those things work, other times they don't.

First, I made this apron for my other swap. This apron just had to be summer themed and I didn't get any input from my partner, so this is what I came up with:

I found the "pattern" here. And I found a pair of old lady jeans at a yard sale for a quarter. PERFECT. I had purchased the pink and green fabrics a while ago and just loved the little patterns and the changes in shades. Together they just reminded me of watermelon. So I made the pocket into a slice of watermelon! Quite creative, if I do say so myself. The watermelon seeds were my first attempt at applique, and it shows. But I think they still look okay. Again, this is why I like aprons. No one is wearing it to the prom. I am also putting a grilling cookbook in the box and a WHOLE bunch of watermelon flavored gum and candy. So even if she doesn't like the taste of that stuff, the box will smell good. I should get it out in the mail this week.

Jillise's teacher is a cowgirl at heart and grew up on a little ranch. So the dusty pinks and browns of these fabrics made me think they might be a good fit for her. And being a first grade teacher, the ruggedness of denim would probably be appreciated. I experimented with ruffles on this one and added a little pencil pocket. I think it turned out really cute. And despite the pictures, both aprons ARE symmetrical. My lovely ironing board model makes it look a little wonky.

And finally, this is the apron I made for our beloved Teacher Jill. She was Jillise's preschool teacher and now she has Joelle. The adore her. She told Joelle her favorite color is purple, so I took Joelle with me to pick out the fabrics. I made this pattern up, based on an apron I have made before and some things I have seen online. I like the curved bottom and the ruffles that go right up to the tie in the back. Because of the ruffles I didn't want to add much more to the apron for fear that it would look too overdone, but I think the little purple flower pin adds just the right touch.

I still have three other aprons in the works that will be done... eventually. I told Brian that we WILL be painting the living room this weekend (yay -- no more color going halfway up the walls). The half completed project is totally my fault. But I am anxious to get it done. Today we are just hunkering down. Joelle has a bad cold and today her eyes are really red and weepy so for fear of spreading something to the rest of the world I think we will stay in. Heaven knows I have enough housework to do to keep me busy.

Relief Society

I tell ya, if I am ever going to be injured, I want it to be surrounded by my Relief Society sisters.

Playgroup was a tad more exciting than usual today. There were about eight of us moms at the park with our kids. Jodi was rushing to the other side of the play structure to get to her daughter Meg (who is just as fearless as Jaren when it comes to slides and high places). She stepped off of the platform wrong and twisted/sprained/broke her ankle. We don't know which of the three it is yet because last I heard she was in the waiting area of Urgent Care. But it was amazing to see how quickly everyone sprang into action. After the initial shock, that is.

In about five minutes time, she had ice and a bandage from the local minimart, a Suburban had been pulled onto the grass to get her loaded in, she had her foot wrapped and elevated, someone was preparing to take Jodi's kids to her house until Jamie (Jodi's hubby) could be contacted to come pick them up, and everyone's kids were being watched after so the mom's who were running around could do it without fear of something ELSE happening.

I love the women here. I love that everyone looks out for one another. I love that we watch after one another's children as if they were our own. And I love that all over the world are groups that feel the EXACT same way about one another. Our Heavenly Father knew what he was doing when he sent us to this earth. He gave us earthly families to love and protect us and to teach us. And he gave us a never ending capacity to love OTHER people and a ward family to extend our circle. Humans are not solitary creatures. We were designed to love and to be loved. And I feel so fortunate to get to love THESE women. Love ya!! And Jodi, I am hoping and praying that all is well and that you don't have to wear a big heavy boot around now that the weather is finally getting nice!

What a Weekend!!

Whew!! Is it Monday yet?? I'm ready for Monday so I can reLAX!!

Yesterday was Jillise's 7th Birthday. Happy Birthday, sweetie!! I know it sounds cliche, but I cannot believe that I am the mother of a seven year old. In a year she will be getting baptized. Ack!!

Here are seven things about Jillise:

1. Jillise is VERY loving and kind. She has lots of friends and is a good friend in return.


2. Jillise loves working on her computer (like her mama!).
   
3. Jillise is a very creative person. She enjoys writing stories and illustrating them. She says she might want to be an author when she grows up.
   
4. Jillise is honest. I remember having our first issue with honesty when she was about three and we really havent' had to worry about it since then. It's wonderful.
   
5. Jillise has only missed ONE spelling word on a test all year. It was a bonus word and she is SO frustrated with herself that she ruined her perfect record (and it was only two weeks ago). The word was library.


6. She likes organization but often lacks the motivation to bring it all about (like her mama!). She is often coming up up with new ways to set up chores or jobs.
   
7. She has the biggest, most beautiful smile. I love to see it.

So, Friday was Jillise's "friend" party. She had four friends over from school and ballet. They arrived at 5:00 and we made lipgloss, colored Shrinky Dinks, had pizza, played upstairs and outside, and I painted all of their toenails while watching "Annie." I had purchased some new bright fun colors and some nail jewels just for this party. They sure came up with some crazy patterns and color combination for this party!! We then ate "king sized cupcakes." I got the tin at Michaels and they were a hit. No one could eat all of one (except for the grown ups). But that's okay. They looked good and made quite the impression! Despite the party being 2 1/2 hours long, we could have actually used more time. The girls got along well and were so sweet. It is nice that they are old enough to entertain themselves and play nicely. I didn't feel like a circus leader and I could actually enjoy the party myself.

Late Friday my mom arrived. My Dad wasn't able to get off of work, so he had to stay home. :( It was so nice to have her here. Saturday morning we loaded up the car and drove down to Build a Bear. We met my sister Megan there. Jillise picked a new friend -- a soft rabbit named Rachael. Joelle was a good helper on Friday when I was a cleaning fool, so she got to pick some new clothes for her cat that she made a few years ago. Then we all headed to Red Robin for lunch (where I had my new favorite drink -- a Blueberry Pomegranate Limeade that I am going to buy the syrups for because it is SO GOOD).

When we got home it was time to get the girls ready for ballet pictures. Hair in buns (which meant LOTS of gel for Jillise and her short hair), makeup, and costumes. Crazy. It's a little scary how grownup some mascara and lipstick make them look. Fortunately for me, it was Bonnie's turn to drive, so she took them to pictures (and fixed Joelle's raccoon face -- she was playing baby in the car and rubbed her eyes. Eeek. Luckily she was prepared with makeup wipes so the pictures were saved.

After they got back we had a BBQ. Yum. And a Dairy Queen icecream cake. And then we opened more presents. The big hits were the Razr scooter, the charm bracelet set, and the digital money jar.

Saturday night Brian got a call from the Stake Executive Secretary. That's never good. So at 8:30 a.m. on Mother's Day our life as we know it changed for at least a while: Brian is the new ward Elder's Quorum President. You know how I have been saying for months that I felt prompted to get my spiritual act together??? I think I know why. Brian will be wonderful. He has such a strong testimony and desire to do right. The Stake President told him that he felt inspired to tell Brian to open his mouth more: that he has been taught by great people his whole life and has learned much. That this is his time to know teach and share that knowledge. He referred to this calling as Brian's new mission. I found that to be an interesting statement. Brian loved his mission and he was a great leader and he accomplished great things. He talks about his mission fondly. I think that statement helped Brian *and* I realize the magnitude of this calling and the amount of work that will have to be put into this calling (by him AND by me -- by supporting him and not complaining) in order for him to be successful. The German Pancakes made by him for my Mother's Day breakfast took on new significance. It will probably be the last Sunday breakfast we share for quite a while. My Dad has been in leadership positions for as long as I can remember and my mom always got us five kids up and ready and fed and to church on time -- often times just to sit and wrestle with us for sacrament meeting. I feel lucky that at least I don't have to do THAT part by myself.

After church, my mom headed home and I took a much needed NAP. I love my role as mother, but boy does it wipe me out. :) It was a weekend full of great memories and it was nice to be with my mom on Mother's Day and to celebrate the girl who MADE me a mom seven years ago. :)

Apron Swaps

So, most of you know about my current apron obsession. I have really been enjoying creating something pretty. And the fact that it is useful is a great bonus! I have several aprons in the works -- one for Aundrea for giving up her spot on the Twilight set tour (I haven't forgotten you!) and another is a child size apron for Joelle. Jillise's was finished a few weeks ago -- you know what they say about the squeaky wheel:

A month or so ago I found this 1955 apron pattern on ebay:

I loved the simple clean style of the aprons, so I ordered it. I have been waiting for the perfect time to try it. When I heard of the Sassy Apron Swap, I knew I had my perfect time! I chose to do the apron that is blue on the pattern -- the one with the cute yoke collar. It was a style I hadn't seen before. I got my partner's info a few weeks ago. The apron has to be "summer" themed, have a pocket, and have some sort of special embellishment. My person lives on a farm, has an affinity for chickens, and wears aprons every day. And she LOVES vintage patterns and fabrics. So I chose this sunny chicken fabric with the matching polkadots. The red binding really pops and there are cute little farm buttons on the back hips where the straps connect. I LOVE it. I even took the time to line the whole thing so it will be a bit more durable and will provide an extra layer between spaghetti sauce and clothing. :) I *do* have to put in here that made a test apron for myself and it was HORRIBLE. I learned alot about using bias tape, and following old patterns. I don't think it will be an apron I will wear much, but it works great to put on the girls when the are eating spaghetti in their ballet leotards!

The finished product

Closeup of the fabric and detail

My model - the dining room chair

The back

A closeup of the little red barn detail on the side

I also signed up for the Summertime Apron Swap and should get my partner's info this week. I am going a very different route for this one and hope to finish that apron this week. Tomorrow Jodi and I are getting together for a craft night, so I hope to get alot of it done then. I'll post pictures when I get 'em!

Random Monday

I am going to the grocery store today. It's actually going to be fun. I have two $10 off coupons (you have to spend $50 and can only use one per transaction, so I spend $50, buy the food with one coupon, then put the food in the car and go back in to use the other coupon). I also have a $20 gift card that I got for bringing in a new prescription to the pharmacy. I used Jaren's fluoride prescription -- grand total of $2.57. Score. I also found aNOTHER $10 coupon that I got for buying certain items a few weeks ago. It expired the end of last week, but I am going to see if they will let me use it anyway. It's worth a shot.

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Thank you to all who helped me with info for the primary activity. I love how the internet makes it so easy to communicate with people from all over. We talked about how we are all children of God, and how the gospel is true everywhere. So I sent a questionnaire to people from all over to ask how many kids were in the primary, how close the chapel was, where the nearest temple was, what the kids like to eat, what the kids like to do in "free time" then we compared the answers to what kids here do. It was neat. The kids were very impressed that in Thailand many people take motorcycles to church. I also gave the devotional about how I am a Princess because my Heavenly Father is the King. I think it went well and that the kids got the point that I wanted to get across -- that we are all special, that our Father sent us with amazing gifts to use on our journey here on earth, and that our Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us and wants us to be happy and successful.

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Jillise turns seven this week. Holy cow. We are having a little party for some of her friends (it is an "off" year for big parties, so they are coming over for pizza and a movie and Shrinky Dinks).
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Do you think the "hosts" on the Sprout channel go home and drink themselves into a stupor every night because they have the CRAPPIEST jobs ever??? I would if I had to interact with a squeaky chicken puppet for hours on end every day.
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I need to rededicate myself to living the way I was living last August. I am up too many pounds not to.
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Good luck, Sheila -- she is adding girl number FOUR to her beautiful family today!
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Soccer registration is this week. We get to pay $140 for the privilege of sitting out in the freezing cold to watch TWO children swarm after the muddy ball. Of course the year we have two kids playing is the year they decide to get new uniforms. Grrrrr....
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We are still on the fence about homeschooling. One day I am all for it, the next day I think that I am crazy. I need to schedule a conference with her teacher and find out what some of our options are for next year. I think that if I could guarantee that she would be in a class with a friend next year that it would help her anxiety aLOT. Then it's just the whole "the world is a terrible place to send a seven year old" argument and the lack of personal time I have with my kids.
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It is going to be BEAUTIFUL today. I think I may head out and do some weeding. Fun, huh?