Foster Momma 2 Little Ones

I did it!

2011-06-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided yesterday afternoon that it was the day to do a braid/bead hairdo for the little one yesterday. She picked out butterfly beads. She was a trooper during the whole process.

She actually fell asleep while I braided the back part. We had to take a break and then she sat on daddy's lap so I could braid the ponytails in the front. I got them all done except 1...she had enough at that point, so I had to finish when she fell asleep at night.

I have to find the right product to help smooth her hair out-it is quite frizzy this morning even after using a sleep cap. After doing her hair and using the beads, I have decided that we are probably going to place another order on braids and fun stuff...so many possibilities :)

A whole new experience

2011-06-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

So, it is no secret that my husband and I adopted 3 children of a different race than us. Many of days around the kitchen table there have been debates on what shade of brown we are. The discussion usually ends with the fact that we are all different shades and are special just the way we are.

Not only is shades of skin in our home a very normal conversation...hair is another topic. I have done the best I could with my little ones hair, however, I recently had a "duh moment" and started looking for blogs on taking care of African American hair. My son's hair is not difficult-take him to the barber and have them trim and shape him up as they see fit. The brush it out everyday.

My dear T-her hair is more like ours, however, she does need lots of conditioning. I think I have hers pretty much figured out. There are days when it looks like a rats nest and I have to throw my hands up in the hair in frustration.

My poor little one has had me stumped for, well, really since we got her. When we got her at 5 days old, her hair was so soft and oh so curly...I had wished it would stay that way forever. It didn't. She has some major 4c hair(didn't know what that meant until I got help from blog land)...I have been doing it all wrong. I knew the basics...don't over wash, use wide tooth comb, condition, moisturize, etc. After finding a couple of very helpful blogs with mom's in the same situation as me, I have gained so many helpful tips already. Some of things they tell you to do, I think to myself...what a dummy I am. Basics like just putting conditioner & water in a spray bottle together to use as a detangler...it works AMAZING. WAY better than the stuff you buy in the store. The other tip I learned...again, seriously made me feel dumb-was instead of using a brush/comb for detangling-use my hands...um...seriously?!?! I have 2 of them...they are free...and get this...IT WORKS! Go figure! So just using those 2 tips have already made hair care for the little one's so much better. She used to run away screaming when I got the basket of hair stuff down to start on her hair. Not now. I still have a loooong way to go. Apparently I need a routine. Apparently I need basic products instead of the craziness I have been buying. Apparently there are lots of fun accessories you can buy...placed an order yesterday and can't WAIT for them to come in the mail. Beads galore and little clippies...oh my!

I would love to learn how to cornrow-not sure that will be happening anytime soon-but I can do a basic braid and saw some cute styles that use those and beads-so I am excited to get started. The parting aspect of it has me overwhelmed...but I'm sure we'll figure something out.

I don't know if anyone out there that follows my blog has a use for these...but here are some blogs/webpages that have been VERY helpful!

http://www.curlyiscuter.com/index.html
http://www.chocolatehairvanillacare.com/
http://beadsbraidsbeyond.blogspot.com/

Once a Tiger-Now a Wolf

2011-05-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

My son had his Crossover ceremony a couple of weeks ago for Cub Scouts. He moved up from a Tiger Cub to a Wolf Cub. I am so proud of him for achieving the goals that were set for him in order to move up. Memorization and things are not the easiest for him, and although he did get very frustrated, he did it!

Crossing over the bridge the Boy Scouts made for them.

After he was given his new neckerchief.

The girls needed it to be known that they were there too!

Organizing

2011-05-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

I started organizing my fabric scraps by color...anything that is a fat quarter or 1/4 of a yard or less gets thrown in a container. The trouble is, I only got 4 containers when I was at the store, so my orange, blue, green, and reds are organized...I will slowly have to seperate out the rest as I get more.

Finish

2011-05-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

This quilt has been finished for awhile now...just now getting to put it up...don't you just love my "helper?" Precious, isn't she?! This quilt is almost king size, I believe. I don't love it...it is one that my aunt's and cousin's all made 1 year over Memorial Day weekend many years ago. I am just excited to have it off the UFO pile!

Neck Update

2011-03-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

I meant to attach this to one of the other post I did since yesterday, but forgot.

3 weeks ago, I had to have my dad drive me to the ER for my pain. I sat in church and was in horrific pain...which was causing me to get a migraine. I came home and called my dad to drive me there (so my husband could stay home with the kids). Well, 7 hours later, they told me that it was just a pulled muscle. They gave me some pretty good drugs there, and was pretty loopy when I got out to the waiting room to my dad. He sent me home with a prescription for a muscle relaxer. Anyway...that was then...today I have officially been pain free in my neck for a week now...so exciting. That was the worst pain I had felt in awhile. It is nice to not have to wake up and quickly get my meds in me to be able to even function. So today, I am thankful for pain-free days!

Picnic Quilt

2011-03-09T18:17:00.000-08:00

I finally started working on the picnic quilt I had blogged about back in November. I love the way it is going so far...I have 4 rows sewn together, another one ready to add, and then 19 more rows to put together...still quite a ways, but it is a really easy quilt to piece. The most time consuming part is figuring out where to place each fruit or veggie :) It is lots fun...especially when my little one wants to get her helping hands in there too!

Valentine's Day Skirts

2011-03-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

I hadn't posted them-but I made the girls each a skirt for Valentine's Day...

My little model-isn't she precious? I love that she is so willing to strike a pose when I have her put on something I made for her...makes it all worth it :) T was so excited to be able to wear hers to school. I ran out of time before we ran to the bus to get her picture!

My little Tiger Club

2011-03-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

This is my little guy dressed up for Boy Scout Sunday a couple of weeks ago. It was the first time he was in his uniform-he was looking so cute!

Neck

2011-02-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

So...my neck hasn't gotten any better. I had stopped taking the advil as it was really not doing anything. No point in taking meds for something that doesn't help. Last night I just could not get in a position where it didn't hurt. Finally I just decided I need to try to get to sleep through the pain. This morning I wasn't making out very well, so I decided to try advil one more time. It's helping for now, so I guess we'll continue. Surely this has to go away soon-this is nuts!

In other news, we are having a total wind storm out there right now. I have been laying on the couch on my back, looking out the window at everything blowing around. The trees sure are going crazy!

Pain in the neck...

2011-02-16T17:22:00.001-08:00

...literally!!

Ugghh-I don't know what happened to me. 2 days ago, I laid down with our little one for a nap and somehow I got a crink in my neck. That'll teach me, I guess. Anyway...the pain is getting worse, heat and advil seem to be the only cure at the moment...but it only lessens the pain. I also have a cough that I can't shake either. Oh the joys of being coughed & sneezed on by little ones!

Its been a couple of days since I've projected. I was on a roll there for awhile. I made Valentine's Day skirts for the girls-T was so excited to wear hers to school. I made a cute little flowered skirt from 2 fat quarters and added a strip of ribbon to the bottom-so cute and springy! Can't wait for her to wear it! I almost finished a quilt I started awhile back...my first applique project. I have to take some pictures of it, just haven't had a chance since my neck issue. I just have to get the borders on it and then I can get it quilted!

My son started Cub Scouts this month. He seems to be loving it, which is good for him. He needs places that he can work on his socialization skills and controlling himself in different settings. He has a lot to memorize to get some of the badges, which is not his area of strength, but we'll get there. My husband has taken on a Den Leader roll, why? I don't know, but I think it is prob good for him too! He never got to do things like this when he was growing up with a foster family and living on a farm didn't allow for such things.

The weather has been beautiful here the last couple of days, but I have not been able to be out enjoying it. Hopefully tomorrow I can make it out for a walk with the little one and the dog...they both need to be out too!

That's it for now-typing is aggravating my neck, so I better go relax a little!

Sick...bleh!

2011-01-19T16:50:00.000-08:00

The sick bug has come to our house over the weekend.

T started it out with a high fever. It was the silliest thing...our pastor called to let us know since he wasn't at church the week before that we would be starting a new series in Sunday school the next morning. At the end of our conversation he asked if everyone was healthy. I said yep, so it shouldn't be a problem for us to be there. Not even an hour or so later, T climbs up on the couch and is out for the count with a fever of 103.4. I made sure to give her meds every 4 hours and with it, it did help bring it down, but she complained of a headache. I called the dr. the next day and they wanted her to come in to rule out Strep. Good news was she didn't have strep, just the start to a virus.

Then, because we are sharing family, I guess, the little one and I sounded as though we were coming down with something the next morning. We had more nose and coughing struggles.

T's fever finally broke and is back to her normal attitude-y dramatic self. Now my son on the other hand, woke up this morning and came into our bed...then I was about to get up and looked back and he was sleeping again. This is not like him-he usually hits the floor running. I took his temp and it was high-so no school for him today.

I just can't shake the cough-of course how could I with my dear little one coughing in my face, etc. I guess it's just that time of the year!

Accident

2011-01-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I was in a car accident. I am fine-the kids are fine...I am just very shaken up. I was actually taking T to the doctor for an immunization that the school insists she needs, but the doctors office keeps telling me that she can wait until her next well appointment. Oh the joys of being a mommy :)

My car made it out alive-just some scrapes and scratches...nothing major compared to what the other car looked like. Thankfully there was a witness that stopped and waited until the police came to tell him what she saw. I am very appreciative of the fact that she confirmed that I was not at fault. So now we wait for the guy from the insurance company to come out and look at my car and to see if the other driver is going to admit they were at fault. I am really hoping they are honest about it-it would make life a whole lot easier.

What a frustrating afternoon it was yesterday.

Silly Virus

2010-12-30T12:08:00.000-08:00

So, I have not been able to post for a little while on my computer...I would like to blame it all on a virus I had on my computer, but that would not be completely true. Before I got the virus, I was just so busy trying to finish everything on my Christmas project "to-do" list, I didn't have time to do much else. I am very proud of myself though...I got 2 Christmas dresses, 2 Santa skirts, 1 table runner, and 2 potholders done before Christmas. Oh wait, plus, I made my friend Megan's, 2 little girls Santa skirts and hair clips. Then maybe Christmas night-ok, maybe the day after, I bound a quilt I had gotten back from the quilters. I am proud to say that I have bound all 3 quilts now.

Then, everytime I would open my sewing hutch, there was this little baggy staring at me...it held a mini Easter egg quilt in it-all cut out, just never sewn. My cousins made them like 2 years ago and my one cousin even went to the trouble to cut mine out for me. So over the last 2 days, I finished that little bugger. I was so excited to use a scrap I got at a LQS for $.50 for the back. So exciting to see the project completed and ready for Spring! Yes, it is 2 years late, but I will just say I am early for Easter/spring this year :)

Since everything was deleted off my computer, I have to install my photo software again, so I can post pictures of all of the fun things I have made/completed the last couple of weeks.

I need to get back to putting away all of the things Santa left under our tree. I will post more about our Christmas weekend soon.

Thanksgiving Project

2010-11-22T05:53:00.000-08:00

I got this cute idea for turkey shirts over at The Cottage Home It's my new favorite blog-check it out...so much fun stuff to look at!

The little one showing off her shirt!

Up close of the ltitle one's shirt!

T's shirt

My turkey's have 2 extra feather's-doesn't seem to matter how many times I count and recount and read the directions...I always have something slightly off...oh well, I think I like it with more feathers anyway!

Different Headband

2010-11-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

I have been loving trying new headbands and such for the girls, lately. I got this idea for a braided headband over at Fireflies and Jellybeans.

Bunnies

2010-11-20T19:07:00.000-08:00

My husband and I took the kids last weekend to get bunnies-I was thinking three...we ended up with...

WaWa (named after my 2 year old's fav spot to go with Daddy-weird, yes, but I just go with it these days)

And here's Fluffy...

And Gingerbread...

And sweet little Dallas...And Blacky...yep..5 bunnies! Oh my!!

Collecting

2010-11-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

So, I have had this idea for awhile now to use the RJR Farmer's Market fabric to make a picnic quilt. I started collecting a 1/4 of a yard every time I would go to a fabric store to start my collection. The other day I went to one of my favorite stores, and bought a bunch of them...so the collection is growing quite nicely. I can't wait to get the rest of the collection, so I can get started on the quilt.

So far I have collected the asparagus, plums, red onions, cucumbers, kiwi, avocado, grapefruit, bananas, carrots, apples, strawberries, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, cantaloupe, green beans, cherries, and apricots. I love them!!

Headband

2010-11-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

I saw this cute headband idea over at Ruffles And Stuff awhile ago that I have been wanting to try for the girls...I finally decided to go for it tonight after I got the kids settled to watch a movie. They didn't come out perfect as I wasn't able to print out the template since my computer is out of ink. Oh well, it is what it is. I do have to go and try to find smaller headbands for the little one-the ones I found are just a tad too big for her. Below is a picture of T with the one I made for her...

School Parade

2010-11-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

The school held their annual Halloween Parade last week...I have some nice pictures of the kid's classes however, out of privacy, I will not post those...here are a couple pictures I got of just my kids (unfortunately I didn't do as well getting one of just the big guy)...(T-a fairy)

(Spiderman)

Of course I have to post a picture of the little one-as she insisted she was not leaving the house without her costume. Then once we made it to school she insisted not only did the costume have to be on, but mommy must take a picture of her being a butterfly...how could I refuse...she makes a pretty cute butterfly if you ask me.

Too Cute...

2010-11-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

...not to share. Our youngest is a daddy's girl through and through and loves our dog like no other in the house (besides daddy of course). The other night I was getting ready for bed when I looked over and saw this...too cute!

Pumpkin Fun

2010-11-02T05:34:00.000-07:00

We got pumpkins last weekend and carved them...it's always a fun time!

Foster Parent Fall Party

2010-10-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

Our foster parent association held their annual fall party not too long ago. It was a great time of pumpkin painting, pony rides, hay rides, barrel train rides, food, and a bonfire. The kids had a great time. I love getting together with other foster parents to find out what they are going through and such-it always amazes me, I often feel like I am the only one going through what I am, but I go there, and suddenly I realize I am not alone. It is also a great time talking to other foster/adoptive mom's who have the same hair issues as I do...as my children clearly have different hair as mine-it requires a great deal more work, and it is nice to hear what other mom's are doing, etc.

So Tired!

2010-10-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

I think I have really been working myself too hard! I fell asleep much earlier than I normally do last night and had a very hard time getting up this morning. I had to run the kids to school today because we were all sort of struggling to get motivated. Last night was a little rough around here. I will be completely honest and say that I am not playing the single parent roll very well since my husband is working out of town and won't be home until next Friday. The kids are tired of him not being home, I'm wearing out, and I know he isn't happy right now being away. I keep telling myself I am thankful he has a job, and that he provides for his family, we are just missing him.

Last night the big guy wasn't feeling very well, so he was very upset and unsure of what would happen today if he couldn't go to school. He doesn't do change very well, so it was very hard to reassure him that everything would be ok and we would deal with the issue, if it even was an issue, in the morning. My 5 year old princess, bless her heart, took to peeing in her pants yesterday. I don't know why...if you ask her, she'll say, "I don't know" so obviously not much help. She went on the floor right next to the toilet too, again "I don't know" was the answer I got. Today she was fine... I really think it had to do with the big guy's TSS being here and not having her attention...one can only guess with T. And the the precious wee one...she is missing her daddy desperately. She is a daddy's girl through and through. Bedtime is the worse for her...it's the time she has to really remember that daddy isn't home, nor is he coming home anytime soon. It's so hard rocking her through the screams and cries...it really breaks my heart...to be so young and to not understand. Shoot, I am 30 and have a hard time dealing with the fact that he isn't coming home tonight!

After I got the kids to school today I ran to the store, as I was doing my pumpkin yesterday I realized I had no freezer bags as well as the vegetable oil as I had mentioned yesterday. I got both this morning. When I got home I was sooo tired. The little one and I just laid around watching her favorite, Elmo. It was a nice quiet morning at home.

I had the privilege of meeting up with my sister and nephew, for lunch. It was nice to get out of the house for a little bit. My little one doesn't like me wanting to have adult chats, but none-the-less, it was still a nice time. My sister has been very busy with the local fairs, so it was nice to finally see her and not talk to her through text or on the computer!

Came home, and got the kids off the bus. While they ate, I got my pumpkin pureed and in the freezer. I didn't freeze it as I wanted to...for my pumpkin pies, I usually use 3 1/2 c pumpkin, and silly me at the store only got pint bags instead of quarts..oh well, we'll make it work! I feel good about getting that project done. Tomorrow I have a busy day, if my kids allow, to clean up the mess of a room called a kitchen. It has been worked hard over the last couple of days...it deserves a good cleaning. I have to think of a project/activity the kids can be occupied with to get it done though.

Well, the kids are watching a movie, so I better use the time wisely and get a basket of laundry folded.

Busy Busy

2010-10-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days I have been very busy!!! My mom, my cousin Lynne, and I went to the Apple Harvest over the weekend. We had a nice time even though they said I was grumpy and didn't know how to behave since not having my children with...trust me...that was not the case! I was having a nice time not having to correct anyone and just being able to sit and enjoy watching people when my little legs got tired. I found a cute little wrought iron pumpkin with some garland around it for on my table at home. After we were finished walking through the booths and such, we left and went to the apple orchard. We all got some apples, I got more than the other 2 though. Yesterday I was busy busy busy trying to get things made with the apples so they didn't go to waste. I ended up freezing 2 apple pies unbaked (as I just learned that I can do that), I baked 2 apple pies (1 for the freezer, 1 to eat now), 3 pans of apple crisp (2 for the freezer, 1 almost all gone), and a dozen apple dumplings. Other than the apples I got for the kids to eat, all of the apples were put to good use, I think. I am very proud of myself, especially about my apple dumplings...I never made them by myself before! They don't look the prettiest, but they taste wonderful, so I guess that's all that matters!

Today is pumpkin day! My dad gave me a couple of pumpkins when I picked up my car after the Apple Harvest. They have been moved from one corner to the next in my kitchen...the kids think they are the neatest toys. So today I decided I must get them cooked off and in the freezer before they are unusable. I have the last one in the oven roasting now. I need to dig out the food processor here in a minute to start getting it in the freezer. I wanted to make pumpkin whoopie pies today, but realized I don't have enough veggetable oil, so I need go to the store to get that tomorrow. For today I will just get it all cooked off and ready.

I tell ya, being domestic is tiring! Ha Ha! I fell asleep early last night and still feel like I could sleep the day away! Luckily the sun came out, so the house is much brighter than it has been for the last week or so, so that helps keep me going today!

Love the Purr of the Sewing Machine!

2010-10-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

I finally got to turn on my sewing machine last week for the first time in months...really since the beginning of the summer. I sewed a binding on a quilt that I had made for my husband before we were married.

When I was at one of my favorite fabric stores the other week, I got some Halloween fabric pretty cheap. My family isn't one to go all out for Halloween, but we do allow our kids to dress up and go trick-or-treating. I decided to make each of the kids their own trick-or-treat bag, of course! Each one is different. The big guy's has bats on it, T's has little black cats & pumpkins on it, and then for the littlest one...she has jack-o-lanterns. It was so hard getting a good picture of them because of the dreary, dark, gray, rainy days we had since finishing them.

7 Years Old!

2010-10-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

2 weeks after we celebrated T's birthday, it was time for the big boy to turn 7...don't get me started on how this boy has grown over the last year.

5 years old!

2010-10-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

So back at the beginning of August, we celebrated T's 5th birthday...I can't believe she's 5 already and in kindergarten...where does time go?!

(don't mind there are only 2 candles...seems to be a theme for me...always forgetting the candles)

Just a little late...

2010-09-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

So, I just realized my last post was at the end of July...clearly I missed posting the kids first day of school pictures. They are too cute not to share, so please excuse the fact that they are over 2 months late! After this post, I think I will go back and post some other pictures from the summer. We managed to squeeze in 2 weeks of church camp, 3 birthdays, & a vacation in New Jersey since my last post. Man were we busy! Hope you enjoy the next couple of posts!

Playground Fun

2010-07-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

We have a nice playground by our house...although it is pretty big. I don't like to go t o that one by myself with the kids because the kids like to go all different directions. One evening after my husband got home from work, we went for a little while. It was such a nice evening...

Camping

2010-07-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

My dad has a property in Northern PA that we like to go camping at. My parents, sister, her 2 boys, my brother, the kids and I all went camping over fourth of July. Sadly my husband had to stay home because of work.

Vacation Bible School

2010-07-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

The 2 older kids got to attend Vacation Bible School at our church. They got to "travel" to Egypt every night...they loved it!

At the end of Bible School they had an ice cream/pool party for the kids and their families...what a nice end to a wonderful week!

Knoebles

2010-07-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Foster Parent Association provided a day at Knoebles back in June...it is always a fun day. The kids loved it and didn't want to leave. My mom and nephew went along for the day too.

Where have I been?

2010-07-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well-we have been busy that's for sure!!! I have been overwhelmed by summer, I guess you could say. I have lots of pictures to share...sadly none of sewing-the sewing machine has been sitting all put away in a corner wishing it could come out to play. So hold on to your hats as the next couple of post will be what my family has been doing over the last month and a half...

First up...the beach. My husband was off a couple of days back in June, so we decided to go down to the beach overnight. We stayed at a campground with our tent. It was not exactly what we had in mind, but it did just fine.

Somebody turned 2 today...

2010-06-04T17:52:00.001-07:00

...our littlest one had a birthday today-she turned 2! I can hardly believe it!

Bowls

2010-05-30T18:26:00.001-07:00

My husband took our son to the lake today with the jet ski. So while the girls were napping I got started on wrapping some clothesline to make another bowl. I am so proud of myself-it actually looks like a bowl this time!! I think it is safe to say-I have a new addiction.

Sewing Fun

2010-05-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

Over Memorial Day my mom's side of the family always gets together to sew. Most of them worked on finishing up some quilts that had been started for the grandchildren from our Grandmother's scraps of fabric. I however, decided learning something new would be a great idea. My cousin LouAnn has been making fun bowls and coasters out of wash line and fabric, so my sister and I learned the craft yesterday. I will say before you look at the picture that mine looks like a glorified plate-but the whole process was really so much fun and so easy. I started wrapping some more clothesline this afternoon to see if I can get a better shape this time. This is what I made yesterday...

Sprinkler Fun

2010-05-30T08:23:00.001-07:00

Last year for the kids birthday's one of our friends gave T a sprinkler. With it being over 90 degrees last week a couple of days, we got it out. The kids had sooo much fun!

Last Day of Preschool

2010-05-30T07:57:00.003-07:00

T's last day of preschool was Thursday...the teacher had everyone meet at a local park to play a little and gave a chance to say goodbye to each other. T will not be going back but moving on to k-garten next year. It was a fun morning.

(T with her teacher, Mrs. Bressler)

7 Years Ago Today...

2010-05-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

...I married my husband!

Fun Mail

2010-05-23T13:54:00.001-07:00

I have gotten some fun mail the last couple of days...I got my I Spy fabrics back from Katie at Fabrikatedesigns.

Then I got my I Spy's from Joanna at The Project Corner. This picture only shows a couple of the 200 blocks I got!

Then if that wasn't enough I got my Black & White + 1 not square or rectangle mini quilt from my partner. This is apart of the MiniQT Swap on Flickr. Dena sent two 1/2 yard pieces of fabric with the sweet little mini! Love it!

And then to top it all off on Saturday, I got my Anything Goes mini from the same group. Isn't it beautiful! Jo paper pieced the top of this little bundle of fun...it is so fun! I can't wait to find the perfect place for these amazing little mini's! I am one lucky girl.

My baby is growing up...

2010-05-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

My littlest one who is 23 months old decided last week that climbing out of her crib would be a fun thing to do. My husband I both agree that if we are doing that, it's time to get a big bed. I was really hoping to hold off a couple of more months, but it is what it is...so tonight was the first night in our big girl bed...too sweet! She only got out twice (once encouraged by her older sister).

Another Skirt

2010-05-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

I made a skirt this morning for the littlest one...

Little Miss Independent

2010-05-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

Went to the kitchen and found this just a little bit ago...

Skirt

2010-04-30T08:48:00.001-07:00

I got the little skirt done for T for the adoption party this Sunday. If I have time I am going to try to make the ribbon a little longer...I don't love it short. The picture of it on the hanger doesn't do it justice...it is much cuter on the girl:)

Pretty Dresses...

2010-04-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

...are fun to make!

I set the goal for this week to make a little dress for the little one and a skirt for T for their adoption party on Sunday. Well, today I started the little ones dress...yep, got it done! I am so excited! It was super easy! I only had one little mishap with the armholes, but was easy to fix.

Fabric Shopping & Fun Mail

2010-04-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

My sister and I went fabric shopping this morning. I have been wanting to go down to Intercourse to Zook's for awhile now, so we finally got time to go this morning. I will just say that that place is heaven on earth when it is not quilt show weekend. My sister and I pretty much had the store to ourselves except for like 3 or so other people. Absolutely wonderful. I went looking for some fabrics for my online quilting bee I am apart of: New Kids on the Block Quilting Bee My month to be the host is May, so I need to have my fabric out in the mail by May 1st.

We managed to go to an Amish stand to buy some flowers on the way to the next fabric store. Our mom told us about this one fabric store called Obies that it is wall to wall, floor to ceiling full of fabric with hardly any room to walk in the actual store. So we decided today would be a good day to check that out. We weren't that impressed. It wasn't even enjoyable to walk around in there and the prices were about as good as anywhere else, so to me (and it's just my opinion) it wasn't worth the fuss. Anyway...after we were there we headed to Sauder's. I found some cute fabric to make the girls something for their adoption party this Sunday (ambitious...I think so, but I really want to make them something for the party). I think I am going to make a pillowcase dress for the little one and a twirly skirt for T.

When we got home my husband got the mail, and to my surprise my mini coin quilt from my swap partner from the Mini QT Swap had come today. I was sooo excited! I think it is just darling! My partner is Wendy from England. What a treat it was to open the little bundle today. She went on the what I had told her about my kitchen-that it is maroon/goldish yellow/siege green. Not only did she send the cutest mini quilt, but she sent a pack of sunflower seeds, sunflower napkins and chocolate that I am going to save for one of those days I just need a little pick-me-up. What a good day I have had today!!!

I Spy's

2010-04-23T12:29:00.001-07:00

I have I Spy fabrics coming out my ears, I think. I am participating in 2 different I Spy's, so I have been busy cutting and getting them ready to mail.

This batch is going to Joanna from The Project Corner:

(tea cups, aprons, toasters, boots,lemons, mittens, princess crowns, ballet shoes, and paper dolls)

This batch is going to Katie from FrabriKatedesigns:

(kittens, pirates, sombreros, pirate ships, nuts & bolts, palm trees, animals, planets, taxi cabs, and smiling ants)

First Game

2010-04-18T14:05:00.001-07:00

Opening day for T-ball was today. Shawn did great! He actually paid attention most of the game. They had him play catcher one inning too! He did really good with that, I think because there wasn't time to get bored.

Bee Block

2010-04-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

Back in March, I joined an online quilting bee on Flickr called the New Kid on the Block Quilting Bee. It is a bee for quilters who have not previously been apart of an online bee before and those who like modern quilts. Amy from Did I Say that Outloud was up first. We were to think of Mondrian type blocks for inspiration. I cannot lie...this has for sure stretched me, but I think I pulled it off...I hope I pulled it off.

Success!

2010-04-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

I had posted a couple of days ago about making it known on your blog today if you have had a successful adoption, whether international, domestic, or whatever the case may be. I wanted to share quickly our story.

We have had the privilege of adopting 3 beautiful children through the foster care system over the last few years. We adopted our son back in July 2007. He came to us when he was 23 months old. We adopted him almost 2 years to the day we brought him into our home. Something special about Shawn's placement-he was placed with us on my birthday. It's one birthday gift I will never forget.

Then we got our oldest daughter. She was 18 months old when she was placed in our home. Her case was a little different than our son's as we thought she was going home, then she wasn't, going home, then she wasn't. Finally in November, we made her an official member of our family. And then we have the littlest one. She came to us when she was just 5 days old. She was always happy, didn't cry unless hungry. She is actually the biological sibling to our son. My husband and I feel it is such a blessing to be able to keep the siblings together. We finalized her adoption 1 year and 8 months later (March of this year). It has been so fun watching her grow from newborn to the little girl she is now.I am so thankful for each of my children-it hasn't always been easy, but they are each a blessing to me. They keep me on my toes for sure.

Thursday - Adoption Blogger Day

2010-04-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

From the Joint Council on International Children's Services: We are the truth-An Adoption Blogger Day: To ensure the world knows about every successful adoption on, Thursday, April 15, 2010 blog about your adoption or the adoption of someone you know. It doesn't matter if your adoption is from Russia, domestic or otherwise international. Let the world know your truth. Read more about what they are calling for (especially if you've adopted from Russia) here. Please repost this on your own blog and spread the word!!!

FINISHED!

2010-04-10T18:10:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I am saying this, but I have actually finished a quilt in 2010! This poor quilt has been sitting in the closet for over 7 years. I had every intention of hand quilting it, started twice on the darn thing...just never had motivation to do it. Well, thanks to Kathleen and her beautiful machine quilting, I was able to sew the binding on it this afternoon. This quilt was to hang in my husband and my first apartment. We will be married 7 years next month-whoops! Oh well, it's done now!

I have also been meaning to post a picture of my awesome potholders from the Potholder Pass 2. My swap partner made these beautiful potholders for me. Since I have a sunflower themed kitchen-they fit in perfectly! She even made me a matching dishtowel. I am not sure I will ever use them because they are so great, but I love them! I don't applique, so to have someone make me something appliqued, is such a treat for me!

T-ball 2010

2010-04-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well, T-ball practice has officially started for our son. Last year we had a year of flower and grass picking and laying on the ground. I was anticipating the same for this year, however, he has 2 of his classmates with him, so I think that has helped.

And then we have a little one wanting to follow in her brother's footsteps...I guess we will see!

Block #5

2010-03-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

Here is my 5th block for the Pinwheel Party Quilt Along:

Pinwheel Party Bock #4

2010-03-28T18:40:00.001-07:00

Here is my 4th block for the pinwheel party over at Twiddletails. It's not perfect, but I've ripped it out several times to try to get the point matched up better and I think it just wasn't meant to be.

Quilt Show

2010-03-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Well, we didn't actually get to the quilt show this year. The girls on my mom's side of the family always get together the weekend of the quilt show to go shopping at the local quilt shops and to lunch. Here are some pictures of the goodies I found...I went with a list, and am pretty please with myself, I was able to cross most of the list off.I Spy fabrics of course! I am participating in 2 different I spy Swaps right now, so I need lots of them! Let's see...there are mittens, sombreros, screws & bolts, planets, palm trees, pirate ships, kitty's, boots, chicks, and taxi cabs.

I made the quilt top on the right of the picture many years ago. I never got the backing...so another UFO. I finally got the piece to the left to go with the gold piece in the quilt for the back. So I am hoping to get the backing sewn together this week to get my next box of quilts that need to be quilted out to Kathleen.
At our monthly quilt guild meetings, we have a fantastic fat quarter thing, where they give you a color or theme to a fat quarter and you put them in a basket and a name is drawn to win them. I never win, but it's fun to try. I made out alright, I got my summertime stripes, Christmas red, turkey brown, leaves, gourd gold, and stars all around.

One of my new friends at the quilt guild gave me the cutest idea to make for my girls. She made a little board type thing (basically a little 12 1/2" fabric sandwich, with a pocket on the back to put the little clothes, shoes, and hats in). She gave me a link on Etsy of someone who made a little travel set. My 4 year old loves things like this, so I am excited to work on it. The littlest one, I don't think is quite ready for it, but while I am making them, I might as do hers too.

I also got the material to make the cute little guy above. We love doing a project while we are all together. So 3 of us set out to make this little bundle of preciousness. The other girls had theirs done before me, but I am thrilled to say, I completed my project this year before I left my aunt's house. I finally have something springy/Easter-y to put on my table as I never finished my project from last year. Oh well, I finished this one :)

Potholders

2010-03-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

I finished my potholders for the Potholder Pass2. I hope my partner likes them as much as I do. She said she likes green and blue and from what I could tell on her blog she likes more modern things with bright colors. I hope this fits what she was thinking...

Quilt Retreat

2010-03-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

Who knew a quilt retreat could be soooo much fun?!?!

My sister and I signed up several months ago to go to our Quilt Guild's Spring Retreat. We are new members to the guild so we didn't really know what we were getting ourselves into to, but it sounded like fun. So finally, Friday morning we were on our way...without children or husbands...but with LOTS of fun stuff!

What a ball we had! My sister, Sara, was set to work on a fun pinwheel quilt...I love the colors in it. Don't ya know she got the top done! What a girl! She's trying to decide now if she wants to add a border or not. I forgot to get a picture of her quilt top. Maybe the next time I see her. Here is a picture of her at her sewing machine and the pinwheels getting ready to be sewn into rows...I was so excited to work on the project I had taken along. I have fallen in love with the whirligig pattern...so stinkin cute! Anyway, I had found some Moda Oh Cherry Oh charm packs online pretty cheap awhile ago and didn't know what to do with them except for it had to be for me as I love cherries! I was really doubting on Saturday, that I was going to get the top done, but by midnight Saturday night, I had all of the blocks done and started to sew the rows together. I LOVE it! All I have to do is fix a couple of "blubbers" and add the second border (which will be a mottled bright red). Oh, I forgot I got my name tag we are required to have for our guild meetings finally done too. That little bugger took longer than I thought it would. Oh well, it's done, that's all that matters!

(this is my pile of unfinished blocks Saturday morning)

Some of the highlights of the retreat? Well, let's see. Making friends was the best part of the weekend for sure! We have been apart of the guild for over a year now and have not really met anyone other than the girl that got us interested in being apart of it all. This was a GREAT time getting to know everyone. By the end of the weekend we finally knew everyone's name that was in our sewing room. Let me just tell you...some of those older ladies are little spit fires. What a hoot! The biggest highlight of the whole weekend, other than getting a quilt top for me almost finished...was gaining an adopted Grandma. When we were doing our show & tell time this morning most of the ladies had said that they made this for this grandchild or that for that grandchild..both of my grandmothers have passed away, so at the end I said does anyone want to be my grandma? One precious lady named Anne, said yes, of course. I was so excited she said yes because she was just too cute this weekend, everytime she walked passed by our table she told us how proud of us she was and patted our back.

What a fun time! Can't wait for next year! I can't wait til the next guild meeting either to say hi to my new friends!

Adoption Day!

2010-03-17T13:52:00.001-07:00

Today we had the privilege of adopting our foster daughter that we've had since she was 5 days old. It was so exciting! I was thinking to myself this morning when I was getting ready that it really doesn't get old...every time is just as exciting as the last time. We are done adopting now...we have 3 beautiful children, and I am so thankful for each of them. The crazy world of foster care isn't an easy one, these poor children have had to go through some tough times in their little lives...but I am so thankful that each of them have put in our lives for some reason.

So...introducing our newest official addition to the family...

Aleah Faith

(known here on out as the "little one")

Busy projecting...

2010-03-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

I was busy tonight! I got the tops to my potholders done for the Potholder Pass 2 swap. I just have to sandwich them together and figure out how I want to quilt them and if I want to bind them or not. I was told that my girl likes green and blue so I used 2 pieces of fabric I can't seem to get enough of. I am absolutely in LOVE with the whirligig block pattern right now, so I was glad to combine my two favorites. I hope she enjoys them as much as I do.

I was also excited to get the directions for block #3 for the Pinwheel Party Quilt Along. I actually had no problem getting this block together, which is unusual, but I'm glad. I should have waited until I got my stuff done for the quilt retreat my sister and I are going on this weekend, but I just couldn't.

I love fun mail...

2010-03-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

...today I got my I Spy blocks back all the way from Wendy in Australia. It has been so fun looking through the different 200 blocks. Everytime I sit down to go through them I find something I didn't see the last time. These quilts are going to be so fun to make! I hope the kids like them as much as as I do!

Pinwheel Party Block #2

2010-03-10T09:24:00.001-08:00

Here is my second block for the Pinwheel Block Party...I am not in love, it has some issues. It is done for now unless I decide to try to fix it. We'll see..

Pinwheel Party Block #1

2010-03-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

The Pinwheel Party started over on Twiddletails blog this week. With everything that has been going on, I haven't had a chance to sit down and make my block so I finally took the time this afternoon. I think it turned out ok...I am excited for the next block to add some of my red fabric in...

The Last Couple of Days...

2010-03-02T17:57:00.000-08:00

...have been crazy in so many different ways over the last couple of days.

My husband's biological dad passed away last Wednesday. My husband was raised in foster care from the time he was 5 years old. He never knew his biological dad until, I believe, he was 10 or 11 years old. From the age of 5-8 or so he was taken in and out of his home, finally at the age of 8 he was placed with a family at a farm. From that point on he stayed with that family. He was treated as one of the family, never adopted because his foster family wanted his biological family to still have contact with him. Anyway...his foster family quickly became the family he considered his true family. However, his dad was always welcome in the foster family home...they often times had him over for birthdays, Christmas, and other times. His biological dad was thankful that they were able to provide for his son in ways he could not. I say all of this to say, that even though he considered his foster family his family, he still to this day holds a special place in his heart for his dad. Since my husband is an only child to his dad, he took care of the arrangements and things. We had a short memorial service on Monday with family and friends. It was a nice time. My husband is just glad his dad is not suffering more. He had lung cancer that had spread to his bones.

Monday after the service we had to head to my sister's house to pick up the kids. As we were pulling into the driveway, apparently our daughter thought shoving something into her ear would be a brilliant idea. My sister feels terrible, even now, but really, as I continually tell her, as much as I wonder why she did it, I am not surprised at all that it was her to do something like that. We decided going to the ER would be a better option then to try to dig out whatever was in her ear. We got to the ER and I said to my husband uh oh...this doesn't look good. The waiting room was packed at 6 p.m. on a Monday. But what were we to do? We had to get it out! So, we went in. Mind you, my children had not had supper and had a busy day of playing. Finally 4 hours later we had the 2 minute procedure done...what was it you ask? What was in her ear? Well, honestly to this day we aren't 100% sure...it looks like it could be part of a snap...part of a toy...anything really. Why did she do this you wonder? Because it looked like an earring of course...and the most logical thing to do with it would be to shove it in your ear! I'm telling you...this girl is going to keep us on our toes! The kids did so good for being fed vending machine snacks and up way past their bedtime!

PS...the nurse told us that a Monday night is not a good time to shove something into your ear...good to know for future reference!

Pinwheel Party

2010-02-21T09:22:00.000-08:00

My sister, my mom, and I took a drive over to Sauders Fabric yesterday. My sister was looking for some border fabric for a quilt that she making. My mom was looking for some fabric for a quilt class she is taking with a friend. I was looking for some fabric for the Pinwheel Party Quilt Along I signed up to participate in. I made out pretty well, I even found my backing material...so excited about that! As usual I spent more than I wanted, but at least I have everything to make the quilt...

(whatcha think?)

More Snow

2010-02-12T13:04:00.001-08:00

This has been a record year for snow in our area this year. We have gotten so much of the white stuff over the last week, we don't know what to do with it anymore. I've tried to be productive while being snowed in...with not so much luck.

I did end up making some chocolate whoopie pies...they were not a great first experience. They were not as dark as I thought they should be and they got sooo thin they burnt because they took less time then suggested. I think I ended up with a total of 3 whoopies pies edible to eat. I refused to let them outdo me...so I mixed up a bunch of pumpkin whoopie pies. I have made those before. They turned out a little better, but again, got very thin for some reason. I made them work though, and they taste good!

In the sewing world I did sew a backing for a quilt that I am going to send out to get quilted. I have a couple of projects that I just have to finish a row here or a border there...so I am trying to get a couple of those finished as well. I started a a yellow & blue baby quilt over 6 years ago and never finished it. I don't know why. So I have been working on finishing up the borders on that one so I can get the backing sewn. Then I have another baby quilt made from scraps from another quilt I had made that I have all of the blocks sewn, I just need to sew them together. I get so frustrated with myself that I have all of these started projects and never finish anything. I am hoping to get some of these finished up so I don't feel so guilty starting something new.

Well, my husband just called from the doctor's office and said he got the go ahead to go back to work. I am both excited for him and sad for me. LOL! I am so happy that they cleared him because I really had my doubts that they ever would, honestly. He is one that doesn't like to sit around so these last 7 months have been crazy for him (and me). I am sad for myself, because I am selfish and like having him around to help out with the kids and such. We were told at the holiday dinner that most of their work is out of town, so that doesn't make me happy either. But as my husband keeps saying...he's tired of living off the government, so I am happy for him and that outweighs my sadness.

We got snow!!!

2010-02-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

Well, as they predicted we got snow! We are thinking about a foot at this point with it still coming down...here are 2 pictures I took of our son and our dog Jack...I will go out and take more after breakfast and the girls go out...

If at first...

2010-02-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

...you don't succeed...

For Christmas this year I made our littlest one a doll quilt to go with her new baby doll that she got. I found the idea over at Sew Mama Sew. I didn't love mine when I was finished as my "top stitching" was not as close to the edge of the material as maybe they should have been. When I did finish it I figured, she's only 18 months (at the time) she won't care. Well, everytime I see her carrying it around with her baby dolls it makes me a little crazy. It's just one of those things that I keep saying I should fix but have put it off. Well, tonight after I got the kids to bed and my husband somehow got suckered into staying up in our sons room...I decided it would be the perfect time to work on it. Here are 2 pictures of it fixed, I should have taken a picture before, but forgot. The only downfall is that there is now 2 rows of stitching around the blocks, but I think I actually it that way, so I will keep both in...

Big Snow Storm?

2010-02-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

They are calling for a big snow storm tonight into tomorrow. I guess our area looks like we are to be getting 8-12 inches. How exciting! My husband just got home from the store (better to send him out with the crazies than me...right?!?!) and said it was pretty busy. I guess the one guy at the store said that yesterday they were parked way out in another store's parking lot. I'm glad I made the decision of sending my husband out. It hasn't started here yet...but I'm waiting with anticipation. I love being snowed in. The big issue this time will be our roof...we have tarps up there for now until we can get the permits and such to do the work we need to do to replace it. Wish us luck that we'll make it through the storm :) I'm not too worried...we'll make it work! Maybe I can sew a little tomorrow...that would be fun!

Water Fun

2010-01-25T12:14:00.001-08:00

Today has been an interesting day to say the least around these parts...

I woke up this morning to water dripping in our bedroom...what a way to wake up! Well...that one little drip led to quite a few more drips...

(This is not where the leak started...this one started above the bed)

I think til it was all said and done we had at least 7 spots. I say leaks, but 2 of the spots were pretty much downpours. I was using an umbrella at one point to have it run off of that into a trashcan at the bottom of the steps all while holding another bucket at another spot! So much fun today has been...

(top picture is the water running down from our bedroom into our kitchen

bottom is the water on our back steps that go from kitchen to our bedroom)

(this was before we got enough trashcans and pots and such to all of the "leaks")

Don't mind the junk on the floor and such as the ceiling has started to fall down.
(we emptied this trashcan several times this morning)

This just in...

2010-01-22T09:24:00.000-08:00

...in the mail that is...

We got the petition to adopt for our littlest one today! It was so fun to see her full name that we have chosen for her in print and official. I guess my husband and I will be heading to the notary within the next day or so to get everything notarized and sent back to the lawyer. After they receive that it's just a matter of a getting a date in front of the judge! I am soooooo excited!!!!

I Spy Swap

2010-01-21T14:03:00.000-08:00

I signed up for an I Spy Swap over on Wendy's blog...I have been wanting to do one of these for a long time. I should have done it when I only had 1 kid...now I have 3 to make them for and will need lots and lots of patches. Oh well, at least this will get me started. Below are the patches I am contributing to the swap...

I HAVE been busy!

2010-01-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

Everytime something happens around here...I seem to forget to grab the camera :( Oh well, such is life I guess.

I wanted to take a picture of my son's pirate snowman he had to make for school. They read a book about snowmen and was given the task to create their own "snowman person" from just the snowballs they were given. By the end of the evening we had a snowman complete with a pirate hat, sword, and parrot, of course.

I wanted to take a picture of the hearts I paper pieced for the quilt guild I am apart of for the Block of the Month. I made 12 of those little buggers...didn't win...grrr! Now my sister has given me the task of making some more so we can make little table toppers. I am in search of white scraps to be able to work on them again.

I did get to take a picture of the block that I've signed up to do on Kathleen's blog. I have everything cut and even got my block finished. I am so proud of myself. Hopefully it will be dropped in the mail tomorrow! I hope all of the gals from my group likes the fabric and block I decided to use!

The "Go Ahead"

2010-01-14T10:03:00.001-08:00

We got word yesterday from our caseworker that we are a-ok to move forward with the next step for the adoption of our littlest one. We also heard that the adoption caseworker from the agency that is doing all of the paperwork, etc. was filing everything yesterday. So...it sounds like everything is moving forward. We were told to plan for February. I will give them until March for everything to be finalized...I think that's nice of me. Although really, I am just preparing myself for the agency to tell me it needs to get pushed back.

The next step?
We wait to get the paperwork from our lawyer that will need to be notarized. After that, we basically just wait for a court date. How exciting!!! I am so thankful that this seems to be moving along...I can't wait to enjoy my family without the worry of a caseworker saying...oh there is a family member interested...we are going to start visits, oh mom is doing what she needs to do, there is a possibility of going home...it will be nice to have the roller coaster in the shop for a little...my head and heart just need a break!

Kindergarten...really? Already?

2010-01-05T08:47:00.001-08:00

I was just about ready to throw out the messenger paper that our school district sends out, when out of the corner of my eye I saw something about registration for kindergarten for the fall. There has been great debate in my head at least, about sending T to k-garten next year. Our school district had the cut-off of August 1. T just missed it by a week, so we were trying to figure out if she could maybe "test in" or whatever the proper term might be, to see if she could attend in the fall or did we just want to send her to preschool again. The article in the messenger said that they had to be 5 before September 1st, so I immediately called. There was indeed a change for the fall, and she will be able to go. So, now there is no more questioning whether to send her to preschool or k-garten. T is a smart little girl, she is the oldest in her class now and I think she is a little beyond what they are doing in preschool but she doesn't seem to mind. I worry a little bit because it is a full day k-garten here and that's a lot when you are only used to going to preschool 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours. I think she will do fine...I guess I'm just being a worrying mommy! Our son, bless him...will not love his sister going to school with him, so that might bring new challenges to our house, but at some point he will have to make the adjustment.

It seems like just yesterday we went to pick T up at the agency. It was after 9 p.m. til the caseworker got to the agency with her. What a sweetheart. Our son and her had a fun time running the halls while we signed the paperwork. From the moment we saw her, I knew she was going to hold a special place in my heart. That night she even looked at me and called me mommy. That is typically not the case as many kids being placed into foster care are very upset and distraught from being removed from the home that they know and love (whether the situation is good or bad). We have definitely had our challenges with the little bundle of joy. She can be very destructive...permanent markers are no longer welcome in my home. We've had fun with toothpaste, Vaseline, shampoo, lotion, etc. It's been a learning experience for sure. I've had to get things off sheets, carpet, and walls, I never thought possible. On adoption day, when my husband and I were on the stand testifying why we wanted to adopt her, you could just see the weight lifted off of her shoulders...like everything was going to be ok from that point on.

The roller coaster ride of foster care and even the adoption process can be so overwhelming, but to see the smiling face of a child that did not have the best start to their life...it makes it worth while.

Christmas Fun

2009-12-30T17:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas was a busy time for our family...we celebrated Christmas Eve with 2 of my aunts and their families. Here is a picture of all of the kids in front of the tree... Christmas Day we got up and opened gifts and then quickly got ready to go to Bill's sister's house for a couple of hours. We then went to my sister's house to spend a couple of hours with my side of the family. The rest of the pictures are from the morning when the kids opened their gifts from Santa.

Cookie Time!

2009-12-20T13:22:00.001-08:00

The other day the family made cookies and I made some cinnamon rolls...yummy!

(the cinnamon rolls before going into the oven...yummy!)

Preschool Christmas Program

2009-12-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

T's Christmas program was today at her preschool. It was a nice time of the kids singing songs followed by her teacher reading a story. The kids surprised the parents by making cookies on Tuesday as refreshments for today.

Mrs. Stetler, T, & Mrs. Bressler

Tooth Fairy & Christmas Projects

2009-12-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

Things sure are getting exciting here with Christmas fastly approaching! Our son has been complaining that his tooth has been loose for the last several weeks. Well, finally it came out...

In the midst of trying to remember that the Tooth Fairy needed to come, I have been working on Christmas projects galore! Below is a picture of what the teachers will be getting this year...

Dollar Fabric!!!

2009-12-10T13:28:00.000-08:00

Before I moved to my house 3 years ago my husband and I would pass a fabric store going into town and he would always ask me...are you sure you don't want to go in there and look? From the road looking in it all looked like big huge rolls of clothing material (which typically that is usually all they have)...not good ole quilt fabric. However, since my sister and I joined the local quilt guild, we have gotten on an email list from them stating their deals. The first time we went in they had cotton fabric for $3.99/yard. That's a great deal. Then after some more sales it was $1.99/yard. Well, yesterday I got an email saying that their Christmas material was $1.00/yard. Can you even believe it? Is there anything better? Well...sadly yes...having more money to splurge would be delightful...but I did manage to find a couple of dollars and bought what you see below (except for the blue/white stripe material...that is for my sister). Oh Fabric Mart...how I love thee! Oh yeah...and I can't wait for your new shipment in January...maybe I'll have more money by then...maybe!

Yippy!

2009-12-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

I just got the email from the caseworker that the judge indeed terminated the rights of all the parties involved in our littlest girls case! This is very exciting! We now have to wait 30 days to see if anyone appeals the decision, although the agency feels pretty strongly that they won't. Hopefully in the next couple of months we can officially make her apart of our family!

Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

A tradition at Christmas for our family is to go to a local tree farm where they have Santa, cookies, hot chocolate, and a wagon ride out to the tree fields. This year was a little different for our family as my husband is now walking with a cane which is difficult in snow and hills. Our littlest one this year is able to walk but refused to and threw herself on the ground and refused to get up all while screaming at the top of her lungs. It was just another episode of the family circus.

Walker to Cane

2009-11-30T17:40:00.001-08:00

Well, since my husband fell off a roof at the end of August, life has sure been crazy. He has had intense therapy to regain use of his right hand after surgery to have a plate inserted. The biggest battle has been his foot. The doctor told him that the bone that he broke is the on the list of bones not to break. The main reason is because the blood flow often dies and there is nothing the doctor can do about. Well, the doctor originally told him that he had a 20% chance of it dying, then at the next apt. he was told 80% and then at the last apt. he was told it pretty much died. So there is a lot of uncertainty of what's going to happen...I think he is worried about what this means for his job...if he'll ever be able to get back up on the steel. For one who loves his job...this is very upsetting. We've been taking it one day at a time...not much more we can do than that right now. Anyway...today he graduated from a walker to a cane. He is walking on cloud nine right now! He knows he needs to keep moving to keep the blood flow from depleting anymore. Below are a couple of pictures I've taken of him and the kids since this has all happened.

"New" Sewing Machine

2009-11-24T16:49:00.001-08:00

Last year my mom used my sewing machine and found that it was quite dirty with a lot of lint in many hidden places that I would have never guessed exsisted. She took it upon herself to clean it out...she removed many screws and dropped some here and there. Needless to say everything did not get put back the way it needed to be...parts were left over...parts dropped in the bottom never to be found again. I was told it would be more expensive to go and get the machine fixed than to purchase a new one. However, with my husband's current situation...you know falling off a roof and all, and not working, money is an issue for us now. So I have been looking and looking on Craigslist trying to find anything that might work for what I need a machine for. Finally I found one. I went to look at it last night and decided to buy it. I think I may regret the decision in a couple of days/weeks/months, but it is what it is. It's a machine that runs, as of today. So hopefully I can now get some of my Christmas projects done. The machine is the bottom of bottom...the basic model you can get. It only has 2 stitches...straight & zig zag! Luckily, I think that's all I need right now. I think it will be a good machine for the girls to start learning how to sew on...we'll see!

While I have been searching high and low for a machine...my sister got me started on a quilt called Grandmother's Flower Garden. I have gotten one patch completely finished...it takes much longer than I thought to even get one patch done...but at least it has kept me busy while waiting for a machine to come along. I actually have the second flower almost finished since taking the picture of the first. I had told my sister that I thought it would be cute for each of the girls to have a flower quilt for their beds. Yeah, that's probably not going to happen. We'll just work on getting the first one done!

Education Week

2009-11-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

So today and tomorrow, Shawn's school is celebrating American Education Week. This morning I got to go in and sit for about a 1/2 hour to observe Shawn's morning routine at school...whoops, not school...Kindergarten as Shawn prefers it to be called. What a treat this was! At the end of last year through the help of Shawn's preschool we have discovered that Shawn has some learning disabilities...what they are exactly, we haven't figured out quite yet. What the school did know was that he was going to need some help come the fall. Well, in May we met for an IEP meeting with his new teacher, the speech therapist, psychologist, and learning support teacher. It was established amongst other things that there would be a teacher aid in the classroom for Shawn and another kid in his class.

(Here is a picture of Shawn not wanting to get on the bus initially the first day of school.)

We met with the teacher last week for parent/teacher conferences. I was sort of nervous, but excited at the same time. My husband and I knew that we saw a difference in him just in the short amount of time he was in school, already. He started to recognize some letters, could write his name, could count past 5, recognize some numbers, the list continues. It has been very exciting to watch him learn and be excited about it. Don't get me wrong, as the teacher and learning support teacher both said, he still is behind, but he has made progress since the beginning of the year, and that is HUGE!

It can be very frustrating and upsetting when you stop and think about what Shawn has lost in the first 2 years of his life from general neglect. I get so upset to think that maybe he could be farther ahead if only the agency would have had the case earlier. Where could Shawn be now? But I will stop thinking of the what ifs...there is no point. Shawn is a bright and happy little boy. We will continue to encourage and love on him more than he can think possible.

(The picture to the right is one of favorites of Shawn-it is on the porch of my pappy's cabin)

Adoption

2009-11-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

Last week we had the awesome privilege of adopting one of the foster children that we had in our home for almost 3 years now. Tianna Marie officially became a member of the family on November 9, 2009.

"T" is a sweet little girl. She came into our home when she was 18 months old. The day we picked her up at the agency she looked at me and said "Mommy"...I knew we were going to have a special bond right away :) T is in preschool two days a week and LOVES it! She is so smart! She has already taken to writing the first 3 letters of her "new name." We are so excited to watch her grow and learn more and more everyday.

Brand New

2009-11-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

So...here we go again...I've started another blog. Hopefully I can keep this updated better than the last one I attempted to do.