HoHoHo

If you haven't already heard this one...What's the difference between Tiger Woods and Santa? Santa stopped at 3 hoes. Oh, that's awful... anyways, on a brighter note, Jesus' Birthday! I wonder how it came to be that others (we) got presents on His birthday? Anyways, it's fun. My children had a wonderful time (and thus, we, the parents, did too). The kids got entirely too much stuff. Yet, I stayed under my budget this Christmas. Where do I begin? Christmas is so much more fun with little kids -much more "magical". I never really believed in Santa growing up but it's cute to do the whole Santa bit with my kids...they sprinkled reindeer food outside (birdseed and glitter), left out cookies and milk. We made the cookies that night - Reindeer Cookies. (Super easy - a roll of peanut butter cookie dough, shape it into a triangle, cut, put little pretzel twists as antlers, chocolate chips as eyes, and red hot as nose. or you can use maraschino cherries and raisins for the eyes). *sidenote* Dang..anyone else have trouble making sugar cookie cut outs this year? Those things are hard and time consuming! I have so much more appreciation for the people that can get them out actually looking like their cookie cutter shapes.*
Then of course it's quickly open presents, cut out all those annoying straps that attach toys to their packaging, add batteries, throw out paper and boxes, pack for a day in the country, load up the Griswolds and it's off to Grandmother's house we go. We spent the day at Leon's mom's house along with his whole family. Quite a full house. The kids had fun playing with their cousins they hadn't seen in 3 years...well, Emory met them for the first time (they live in NM), played in the snow (Yes, we had a WHITE Christmas thanks to the foot and a half that was dropped on us a couple days earlier!), visited Leon's godparents, and hit the road back to our place. Leon's sister and her husband stayed that night, then his brother, his wife and their 3 kids were here for the next 2 nights. whew...did I get it all in mostly? Well, the point is...we had a great time. I saw the movie "It's Complicated" last night with my two sister-in-laws...a cute flic...I "lol'd" several times. Now, we'll have a few peaceful days at home before we head out to Norfolk area for New Year's. (my friend is having a 30th bday party out thataway, and we'll get to hang with Leon's sisters too.)
Hmm, perhaps I'll add some pictures later after the shutterfly album I'm downloading is done.
I just asked Emory where she wants to go tonight (caus the boys are at a bball game) and she said, "I want to go to McDonalds. Peas!!" um, negative... I've completely acted like a glutton the last few weeks, plan on doing it another week, then it's off to the Y (5 days a week?!) and 0 point vegtable soup here I come! More on New Year's Resolutions later.
Till then... Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!

O the Weather outside is Frightful

8-14 inches people! (or person, rather) WHoohoo! As we speak, my kids are using my husband as a jungle gym, the chocolate peanut butter balls are hardening, and the dogs are layin at my feet. Could life be any better?
Let's see - what to report? Caleb got off of school today (last day for 2 weeks) early because of the threat of snow! That's right..there hadn't even been a single flurry and they let school out early! (got the phone call at 6 a.m. mind you) So, now, it's 7:30 p.m. but feels more like 11. I'm hoping I can convince my husband to watch either a) It's a Wonderful Life, or b) Elf tonight. I'm a little tired of the sports center and Pardon the Interruption marathon. :) Leon, if you're reading this...I love you.
Tomorrow should be a lovely, snow-filled, day. Only 7 more days till Christmas!
D

Sewing 101

ok - not too shabby...my 3rd post. Maybe it'll be a habit now? So, I was in the sewing mood today. Remember, I'm teaching myself, so something entirely simple can take a couple of hours. But, I'm trying to not get frustrated and consider every mistake a learning experience. I'll have to hurry with this post because when Em wakes up, we're off to the fabric store (and then maybe Michaels), post office, maybe some Christmas shopping (yes, I wait until the last minute) and all before Cdub gets off the school bus at 3:45? Hmm, maybe I'm aiming a bit too high. Anyhoo, I decided to attempt a few homemade Christmas presents this year. I just did this diaper wipes case and diapers case for my sister-in-law who just had their first baby. (Can't wait to meet him at Christmas!!) Now, I'm going to make matching pillowcase dresses for my other two neices. (but without the pillowcase - using an old 70's sheet instead. I'll attach pictures of the first pillowcase I made (and only thus far) for Em. Cute, right? My attempt at embroidering my little nephew's initials on the onesie failed. The needle kept getting caught - maybe I have the wrong kind of needle for that fabric? So, I embroidered the initials on another piece of fabric and sewed that to the onesie with a little bit of batting behind it to make it look like a quilt piece...and to help blend in the imperfections in hopes to make it look like it's supposed to be that way. However, on the back, I tried to add the III (since he's a Third) and that just got all crooked. What do you think? Can I still give it as a gift? Or too sloppy? Well, since I have no followers :), I'm giving it. It's the thought that counts, right?
Aight..Peace!

my first crafty thing

Ok..."they" say if you say someone's name 3 times after you first meet, you'll remember it. So, I'm thinking that may work for blogging...If I do it 3 times in a row, will I continue to do it? to be seen. Here's a little project I just completed. I live in a cool old city where there's lots of junk shops to find lovely treasures. I just found this lovely skinny cabinet (complete with an old school pencil sharpener screwed to it). I spray painted it pink to go in my daughter's room. That was the day before I bought her a new bedroom set...so I then painted to cabinet chocolate (sounds so much better than brown, don't you think?). Lovely, eh? Next up...my first attempt at sewing. I inherited my Grandmother's great sewing machine and serger (although, I'm a bit scared to use the latter..so many strings?! Help!). I'll show you what I've done so far. *sigh* I wish I would have started this sooner when my grandma was alive to teach me. (but then again, I didn't have the little girl to sew adorable little dresses for then).
Oops..time's out. Nap is over for Emory. Time to make her lunch (at 3:26!) She was SO tired after our trip downtown to see santa and the grinch that she went to sleep without eating. Hmm, any faster way to post more pics? Do I need to "shrink"them first? anyone? Bueller? ... Bueller?

How do I do this?

Let's see...My first attempt at a blog. Where to begin? First off, I think I must mention I love ellipses... they're great...so get used to it :) And I'll try not to overdo the sideways smiley face.
Well, if you don't already know, I'm a "stay-at-home" mom (but, really, I don't like to stay at home most days). I have 2 kids and a wonderful husband. (well, most of the time..let's be honest here). I used to teach middle school English, but don't judge my grammar and especially spelling because of that. I've been at home with two small children for the last 5 1/2 years. Cut me some slack. *confession* I just spelled grammar wrong! Thank goodness for the squiggly red line and the right mouse button. Why did I start a blog you ask? Hmm, I'm thinking it may help me get more things accomplished? I've just started reading blogs from really crafty moms and it's ignited my need to visit Michael's lately. So, I'm thinking if I say I'm going to attempt something in writing, I will more likely get it done. That's assuming I get any "followers." Another reason is I feel like a bad mother for not recording every little mile stone the kids have done. This, I think, will be a record keeper of sorts that I'll like to look back on when my babies are all grown. Dangit, I should have started this sooner. I will credit myself for at least taking several thousand pictures. My two kid's lives are recorded in still frame, at least, if not in words.
So, I'm thinking this blog will mostly be about what I do on a daily basis, funny kid stories, some attempt at sewing/crafting, and my thoughts on the stupid reality shows I find myself sucked into watching (to the dismay of my husband). Anyone ready for cheesy Jake to be the next bachelor? Ugh..I can't believe they chose him?! But, of course, I'll watch it if not just to make fun of it. American Idol is another of my favs..though it's been waning the last couple of years...hopefully with the addition of Ellen, It'll perk my interest again. To be seen...
Ok..now to figure out how to add pictures... Until next time...