to tell you the honest truth

little tote

I'll be teaching a little sewing class for a mid-week activity at church.  It was suggested to me that a tote bag might be an item of interest.  I guess I'll find out!  The class isn't until October, but hopefully it won't be a total flop!  Either way, I love my new little tote!  If you do want to know about how to make the tote, it's just a tutorial I followed on The Purl Bee.  Totally easy.  I was excited to find that Pacific Fabrics is now carrying a selection of Japanese Import fabrics and had this cute Red Riding Hood one I have seen online before.  It was fun working with some new colors, not that I don't still love my pink, red and aqua friends. 

The tote is magazine sized.  The tutorial would be EASILY altered for bigger or smaller. 

 

ttfn!

sweet things

New Lollies for Ava's room!

Remember this:

 

Now, it's also an embroidery pattern!

 

Not exactly what this will turn in to, but I like it.  Pete said her shoes look like they are floating, so I probably need a better skin color thread next time. (I was using what I had on hand).  This is also my first attempt at doing a log cabin quilt block, and I like it too.  If you notice any un-even-ness, that is because it is suppose to be "wonky"....that's what the quilting world calls it....the wonky log cabin.  My wonky-ness is very slight compared to some.  I was able to use some fabrics I swapped for too, so that was a highlight for me.  Anyway, that's what I've been up to lately.

Have a great day!

for fabric junkies

I've been doing some totally fabulous fabric swapping on flickr lately.  It probably sounds strange to most, but the fabric loving people are really into this!  It works like this:  I upload photos to my flickr of the fabrics I want to swap, I list the amounts I have available to swap and I also can list a wish list of fabrics that i would hope to aquire through swapping.  Then I wait for the flickr mails to arrive!  I can decline or accept someone's offer or do some negotiating.  A couple swaps have come in the mail and a couple more are on their way.  I am super excited about the variety of cute fabrics I now have to work with.  I won't bore you with anymore details, but all I have to say is...........YAY for swapping!  :)

TTFN...tata for now! 

miniquilts, mugs and milestones....okay, and memories

I have 3 mini snippet quilts ready for quilting!  Yay!  When they are all done, I will show you.  ;)

Next up, MUGS!  (exciting, I know.)

Pete went to Florida again for work....it was a long HOT week when he was gone.  He always brings back little surprises for us.  This time he brought back Nasa Mugs.  He has been able to tour the Space Center the last couple times he has gone and has been able to go and see and do things nobody usually gets to see and do!  Basically, "special clearance".  He has been very fascinated by it all, if you can imagine.  Which, if you know Pete, you can imagine his fascination quite well.  So we all love and adore our Nasa mugs A LOT around here!  :)  One thing I will add about Pete...just because I feel like saying something nice about him....is that I am very grateful and impressed with Pete's honesty with his job.  Since he works from home 2-3 days per week, he has plenty of opportunity to "pretend" he is working.  This is never an option for Pete.  If anything, he OVER estimates his time and works without compensation.  A slacker he is definitly not.  In my opinion, he is quite the stellar employee.  I appreciate him everyday for his dedication to working hard and being honest with his time.

 

Now, onto MILESTONES.......

Little Ava is showing some of her brothers up!  Only one has surpassed her in the crawling department of life.  She isn't crawling yet, but at just 5 1/2 months, she is doing what we call "Rocky-Rocky".  It's that cute little back and forth motion they do once they have mastered getting up on all fours.  Way to go Ava!

Here's the action...well as best I could in photos:

 

   

 

 

 

That was tiring! 

Here's a couple other recent pic's of Ava.

And finally, one more milestone....sort of.

There are two brothers that come to the neighborhood, from North Carolina, to spend the summer with their dad.  They are Cody and Ethan and our boys have become friends with them.  They met in the summer of '07.  Summer of '08 they didn't come because their dad was in Iraq (or somewhere).  So we were all excited to see them this summer!  They are really good boys, super nice and well mannered, kind to the little ones, etc.  They already went back to North Carolina and we look forward to seeing them next summer!

Here are the boys in '07:

Caleb, Ethan, Isaac, Taylor, Cody

And here they are summer of '09:

And a group photo:

I love it!

For MEMORIES.....some of my FAV-orite songs of my teen years are playing.....such memories!!

C-ya!

the new do

So, I finally came to terms with the fact that my child usually looked like an orphan with his fluffy mop and that it needed to be tamed.  I really do like the long hair look, so it was difficult to start the chopping process.  Pete really had gone crazy looking at his wild do, so he had no reservations about it what.so.EVER.  Anyway, I'm glad I went through with it because he looks so handsome and I love getting out the gel for styling like I used to when Caleb and Taylor had their short cuts.  Here's the new kid at our house!

C-ya!

posies and pictures

I had fun making a couple head accessories (not really hair accessories yet) for Ava.  She needed some bigger headbands and I saw the cutest shabby posies on Cluck Cluck Sew.  It's a cute crafty quilty blog that's in my sidebar that I am too lazy to do a link for.  She used hers for broaches, but I thought it would be a cute idea for adorning Ava's head!  They were really fun and easy to make.  I just use a bobby pin on the underside of the posie to attach to the headbands and the hat.  That way everything is interchangeable! 

These first pictures are featuring the pink posie attached to a crocheted hat!  They also feature some brotherly love.  ;)  She's so lucky. 

Yes, this is Austin below with a haircut!  That will be another post! 

These next few pictures feature the red posie attached to a headband made from baby tights.  They also feature her latest favorite activity....sucking on her fingers.  Oh, and her chubby legs.  She's so squishable and kissable!

This photo was taken at a park on Memorial Day.

Here's me and Ava.  She's my sweetie pie and I can't help but kiss her a LOT every day!

Bye!

sympathy o.k.

Would have liked to have made this, but not really happening these days.  From nanaCompany.  Love her things!

I cannot believe I am this close to my due date!  We are hoping it is because she is a super laid back spirit and is busy daydreaming and not noticing the date.  Anyway, your sympathies ARE allowed at this point!

Earlier today I was thinking, hmmm...which is worse, me not in labor yet (or cuddling a newborn already) or Natalie not knowing the gender of her baby!??!  I cannot decide, but both are worth your sympathetic thoughts.  I seriously feel for ya Natalie!   

SO..........what happens from here?  My doc gets back into town today at some point, but I can't get into the office for a visit until TUESDAY (remember it's president's day on Monday, so he is not in!), MY DUE DATE.....the girls at the front desk told me to be there at 9 am on Tuesday and I will pretty much be pleading my doctor for a delivery that day.  I have no doubt that he will get this baby show on the road, so...........I'm pretty much hanging in there until then. 

My ultra sound was interesting on Wednesday because the pictures were less clear, kinda blurry.  She said it was because the bones have calcified now so it is harder to see things.  It was amazing the difference from just last weeks ultrasound.  The baby is DONE! 

My "substitute" doctor predicted around 7-ish lbs., so we'll see.  My doctor hasn't ever given me this kind of prediction, so I was interesting to hear a guesstimate.  I am measuring between a 34-35.  I think that is the only reason why I have been mentally able to handle going FUUUULLLL term, because I figured maybe she just has needed the time to grow more and that is the most important, that she is ready and healthy, not that I do what I can have the baby just because I want to be done.  I mean it's not like I will be pregnant forever or something.  HOWEVER, at this point, she will be fine so I know it's okay to ask the doctor for some help!  :)

Hope you are all having a Happy Valentine's Day!  Pete brought me some red roses and some See's chocolates.  Perfect.  I also tried making some cookies from the Bakerella blog, but they weren't so great, but the kids ate them anyway.  That's about it around here! 

     

truly showered

My baby shower was last weekend and I could not have asked for a better celebration.  I am so grateful for everyone who helped and all my friends and family that were able to come.  I truly was showered with happiness and cute girly things!  Thank you to all!  It will seriously always be one of my best memories. 

My sister-in-law, Julie made the cutest invitations!  She was so thoughtful with using my favorite colors.  I loved the glittered paper, the fun wording and such attention to detail!  So sweet.  Diane and Julie mailed out invitations. 

Julie also went all out planning a fantabulous brunch!  Julie made quiche, blueberry muffins, apple cinnamon muffins, lemon glazed mini muffins, almond poppyseed bread and a yummy cinnamon honey butter!  Kirsty and Diane helped by contributing delicious punch and an awesome fruit tray with fruit dip!  All served up in beautiful glass dishes...very classy!  Even the water was in a darling pitcher!  Kerri picked up a cake from Costco that was soooo good with the strawberry filling!  Julie made cute tags that matched the invitations, stating what food was on the platter.  How gourmet!  Kerri brought all the paper products which were of course, red, aqua and pink!  How Martha!  It was all truly divine!  :)  I had the most excellent hostesses. 

Kerri was the decorating queen.  Instead of buying streamers or throw away items, she handmade things that Ava could have in her bedroom to keep!  The centerpeice for the table was an adorable doll quilt, a vintage lamp and some adorable booties.  There were plenty of "oooh's and aaah's" here!

She made a sweet banner and little doll to adorn the window.  Like I mentioned before, the banners are a popular item on Etsy.  When Kerri told me she was making the decorations for the party so that we could also use them in Ava's room, I had to come right out and ask if she was making a banner because it was on my list too!  I am glad I asked or I would have already made one.  I am super happy she saved me the extra effort and it is just absolutely perfect!  The gorgeous quilt she made for Ava hung on my little ladder in the corner and it looked so cute, but no picture. 

Here's a picture I took later of the little doll in Ava's room.

I ended up with a houseful of guests and I couldn't have been more appreciative of the support and how excited everyone is for me to be having a girl!  I know not every person was pictured, but pretty close.  I think Rachel had the camera so there isn't one of her.  I wouldn't have one picture of this shower if it wasn't for Rachel and Amy!  

I truly received the best gifts!  I couldn't believe how generous everybody was!   Everything was A-DORABLEY DELICIOUS!  I have even since the shower received things and I am overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness. 

I had tons of fun showing off the nursery! 

I know, I know, you've already seen it, but it's so cute!  :)

The best surprise was having my sister, Talia and my sister-in-law, Sadie, show up from Spokane!  When I saw Sadie I seriously thought my eyes were playing tricks on me!  So we sorta stared at each other for a few seconds.  Then I saw Talia and then I was like "oh my gosh!" my sisters are here!  It was awesome having them here!  I cried.  I loved seeing their cute little babies!  I wish they were here longer.  They have wonderful husbands to jump in the car and call into work and make the trip! 

I loved all the little cuties that were here at the shower!

Ryder relaxed in the dolly stroller.................

Ashton took a nap....................

...........while poor Amelie was on clean-up duty!

Here's a couple extra.

And a cute one of Julie and Sadie

Julie made up a ton of these sweet goody bags and handed them to everyone as they left the shower!
Too cute! 

I can't say enough thank you's to everyone who helped and came to the shower!  Such a happy fun-filled day.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

(Please forgive me if I forgot something!)

*BABY UPDATE*
My doctor did say that I had to have an amniocentesis if I wanted to be induced before he left town.  He doesn't want to be liable if she by some small chance had a breathing issue or something.  Which I can understand from his perspective.  However,  I decided not to do the amnio because of the small risk associated with the test to harming the baby.  There really is no medical reason for me to do the amnio.  Although I am measuring small, the weekly ultrasounds are showing no need for any concern.  I am just going to wait until Ava comes on her own.  I am feeling pretty miserable now, so hopefully she will still be early like my other babies have been.  Cross your fingers!  :)

the nursery...

....or should I just say it?!  AVA's ROOM!!!  It's so totally cute that I go sit in there daily.  I've had some good excuses though, like putting away all my wonderful baby shower gifts and hanging up a few things, moving things around and just staring and more staring.  We all just LOVE IT!  We have a few odds and ends to still take care of, like the baseboard trim and another coat of paint on one wall, hemming the curtains and sewing the ends of the crib bumper together.  I'm sure it will be a work in progress too as I add new little things and move things around.  It will be essentially, Ava's Room and my PLAYroom.  The girly-ness will now be pouring out of me folks!  But what do you expect?  So, on with the pic's! 

First off, the view from the doorway. (above)

Crib bumper made by me and crib quilt made by my sister-in-law, Kerri.  She knew what colors I was doing for the room and also knew which fabrics I loved because of my Etsy Favorites, that is how she was able to coordinate it so well.  Not to mention the fact that she can't keep a secret so I knew she was making it.  A couple times she asked me about different fabrics for the quilt.  It got me off the hook for making one myself for Ava at the moment.  I still plan to make one too, but at least I can take my time.  I have a lot of the same fabrics that Kerri used so everything will coordinate, but still be different.  I am also so happy to finally have a place to hang the peg rack from our old house in Tacoma.

AVA letters painted, distressed and glittered by me!  Letters from Joann's for cheap.

I had a berry garland that wasn't being used so I bought a super cheap grapevine wreath at Joann's and added some pretty glittery butterfly's that were actually sold at Target in the Christmas tree decorations.  I didn't know what I would do with them at the time, but I think they found a perfect home!

Closer view of the bumper and quilt!  I LOVE this beautiful quilt!  As you can see, I am still waiting on my crib skirt I bought off e bay.

I am so happy I decided to paint the dresser a light aqua instead of pink.  We still have the little nightstand to paint as well.  And I need to find some cute pink "glass" knobs for the middle drawer. 

A little closer view of the dresser.  Remember this was a $40 Craig's List find!  I sanded it first to rough it up, then Pete did the first couple coats of painting.  I did the final touch ups and then sanded the edges.  It's so cute!  I am happy that one of my drawings matches perfectly and I love the little doll that Kerri made. 

I love this adorable lamp the Kerri found at an antique store...it's perfect!  I made the round box from a paper mache box from Joann's and some vintage wallpaper I bought off e bay.  The trim is vintage from my mom's old stash.  Kerri also made the sweet little booties in some of my favorite fabrics. 

How sweet are THEY?!! 

I am thrilled to finally have a chair for one of my baby's rooms!  I found another Ikea Ektorp chair on Craig's List for just $90.  (I did put in a wanted add and got several replies!)  The chair we bought was in MUCH nicer condition than the chair we already had so we ended putting the old chair in the baby's room and the Craig's List chair in the living room.  The CL chair had a very nice sagey green slipcover, but of course I am using my white one here.  Kerri made the doll quilt on the back of the chair and I made the small quilt on the arm of the chair.  Sorry I didn't straighten out the wrinkles before I took the picture!  oops.  :)

Here is a closer view of the doll quilt from Kerri.  I may end up hanging it on the wall, but for now I think it looks cute here!  Each center square is a "forest friend".  Austin likes finding the different animals. 

Little dishes I saw at Target....they were an instant must have item!  Some of the silverware has been misplaced by Austin.  I love my little shelf that runs around the room so I can set things on it.  Something I have always loved when looking at magazines.

Kerri mentioned that she saw some curtains in Pottery Barn that had a bunch of colorful ribbons at the top, so that's where I got the idea to do this.  I loved how it made the project fast to do instead of making ties from fabric.  I think I have mentioned before that I am not always the most patient sewer/crafter.....so the faster, the better.  I actually did use some skinny fabric strips and didn't worry about the unfinished edges.  I love the shabby look it gives.  Oh, I also painted the rod.

And of course, this darling banner was made by Kerri also.  She called me one night because she couldn't decide what fabrics to use since there is just a limited amount of triangles.  Since we are both a little obsessed with fabrics right now, we actually know them by designer and name so she went through her fabrics over the phone and I chose the ones for the banner.  I think there were a couple extras that she was able to fit and so they were surprises!  These are very popular on Etsy right now and on Flickr!

So, here's a good beginning and ending comparison:

I would also like to add that Pete is amazing and this would never look so stinkin cute if it wasn't for him and all his hard work.  We both did the painting of the beadboard, mostly me, but he installed everything to absolute perfection!  Even when I would say, "Oh, don't worry, that's no big deal, no one will notice...", he insisted on getting it all perfect!  He also has not once peeped about how much I was spending or fussing over the room or if I came home with another little outfit.  I think he has understood and I couldn't be more appreciative. 

Also, thanks to Ben, Pete's brother who helped out when he was visiting during Christmas break.  Can you believe it actually got finished?

And to Kerri, who's "cuter than ever", handmade items, have added so much to the room! 

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!  It's the cutest room ever!  Come see for yourself!  :)

new baby date!

So looks like I'm in luck because my doctor is going out of town!  He knows I am always early and most likely wouldn't make it till he gets back.  He gave me a February 5th option to be induced.  I'll gladly take that!  That leaves us with about 4 and a 1/2 weeks till baby arrives!  He was suggesting an amniocentisis before hand to ensure baby's lung development, but not sure if he meant I HAD to have one for him to induce or that it was my choice.....still have to ask some questions there.  Maybe she will just come even earlier and I won't have to worry about that.  Anyway, meanwhile......we have some work to get done!  Here's a couple hints.  ;)

C-ya!