Friday, August 31, 2007

Ta Da!



Here is the new faucet I mentioned earlier. I have been trying to work in a kitchen with a broken faucet and one outlet for a VERY LONG time! Now the faucet works!

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Not Missing

I am not missing. I have been having some trouble with my blog. I think it is up and running again. I have a lot of pictures to post. I have to run now, but hope to get some blogging done later today.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

A Visit From Grandpa and Grandma




We are trying so hard to complete several projects around the house. We would love to move! (More on that later.) Grandpa is a carpenter and very talented at several other things that come in handy when trying to fix things around the house. Last weekend he helped Craig repair our kitchen sink and faucet which has needed fixing for SEVERAL months now. One project down, (only about 30 more to go. :)

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Hobby


For a long time, when Craig would ask me what my hobbies were, I would have difficulty answering. Music wasn't really a hobby, even though I love to play the flute and piano. During college, it became work, because it was my major. Then when I was teaching elementary music in school, it was still work. It is becoming more enjoyable again.


I can say now, that probably my favorite hobby is sewing. This is another skill that I didn't enjoy for a long time. My mom was a home-ec teacher and my 4-H leader resulting in hours at the sewing machine. She had an AMAZING sewing talent. I didn't have a boughten dress that I can really remember until I was in college. She made most of my clothes. I made a lot of them in 4-H too. I have many great memories of sitting at the sewing machine with her as well as many memories of arguments when things weren't going so well. As a result of her patience and time, with me at the sewing machine, I learned an invaluable skill and had some very special and unique opportunities in high school with things I had made.


Just in the last year or so, I have a renewed interest in this hobby. I am not making clothes this time. I did make a few things for Jack that he wore as a newborn. Today, it is actually cheaper to buy clothes, when you find good sales. I like to make the craftier things. I have even brainstormed a little bit about how I could make some extra money this way, but then remember that it may become more work and not as fun. So for now, it is my fun hobby! (Still pushing for a sewing room when we move to a different house.) This bib is one my latest projects.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

"Say nothing, do nothing, be nothing, and you will avoid criticism." Aristotle

A very good reminder for me as I continually struggle with what other people think.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Playing With Daddy


Breakfast


I like to make a nice breakfast on Saturday mornings. We have more time and Craig doesn't have to rush off to work. This morning, Jack had a taste of pancakes. He wasn't too sure about them. I'm sure they will grow on him.

Ready For New Car Seat



Jack has been ready for his bigger car seat for a while. We finally got it in the car last night. We found a gently used one for a fraction of what it would have cost for us to buy a new one. We washed the cover and Craig cleaned the seat at the car wash. It really does look like brand new. Jack likes it too!

What Toys?



Jack seems to like to play with anything but all of his toys. He is crawling EVERYWHERE and playing with our shoes, the vacuum, dirty laundry, folded laundry, the garbage can, the air register cover, diaper pail, rugs, curtains, CD's, and kitchen chairs. We watch him closely and continue to find ways to childproof.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Having Fun

I have loved being home with Jack and am very thankful for the chance to be home. I would honestly have to say that it has just started to be more of what I had thought it would be like. The first 8-10 months I wasn't so sure. Now that he is taking longer, more regular naps, sticking with a schedule, and playing a little more on his own, I have been able to get a lot done around the house, have supper ready at a regular time in the evening, and just REALLY enjoy being a stay-at-home mommy. I am able to keep the house somewhat clean, work on some sewing projects, do some decluttering and have a lot of fun with Jack. This is definitely the best job I have ever had!!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Need To Take Some Pictures

I haven't taken any pictures the last few days. I need to take some. Today, Jack and I are headed to the last infant swim at the aquatic center for the summer. It is somewhat sad that summer is coming to an end, but I LOVE fall! It is my favorite season. I love the colors, the smell of chili in the crock-pot, football on the TV, pumpkins, the cooler weather, layering clothes, and getting out the sweatshirts and sweaters. We are looking forward to a break from the 90 + degree weather. This week I have been thinking about those kids, and adults, that have exhibits at the State Fair and how miserable it is in the heat. I love the State Fair but we won't be going this year. Pushing a stroller through the crowd and trying to find a clean place to change diapers and having to wait in lines with a 10-month-old doesn't sound very exciting to me. I also don't think Jack would be very content in a stroller all day now that he is crawling EVERYWHERE. After swimming today, I hope to finish some sewing projects I have been working on for a few days. We'll see how it goes.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Peeking




Jack is trying really hard to pull himself up to furniture. He doesn't quite make it yet, but it is really cute to see his little eyes peeking over the coffee table.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Stuck Again




Pathetic


I hate to clean the bathroom. I know, I know, it's not that big of a deal. Lately, I had been dreading it even more, because our rugs and toilet seat cover were falling apart. The disintegrating rubber backing was leaving quite a mess. I had made some extra money from consigning some things and a garage sale, and decided to spend some of the money on a new rug and shower curtain. I found a very reasonable curtain I really liked at Target and a rug at Wal-Mart. I already had some flowers and a candle that matched well. It has really motivated me to keep the bathroom sparkling clean with my new bright colors. It's amazing what those small changes can do for an outlook!

Post Bath


I prefer to give Jack baths in the evening when Craig is around to help. It's just really nice when it's time to get Jack out of the tub to have Craig standing there with the towel to grab the dripping cutey pie. The routine lately, has been for Craig to wrap up Jack, hug and kiss on him, and look in the mirror. Jack loves to look at himself. He especially likes to look at himself in his bull towel. It is so cute!

Monday, August 06, 2007

Getting Started

We are getting a new week underway. Today I have played with Jack most of the day. I did run some quick errands for diapers, wipes and baby food. It is just too hot and humid to do much outside. I really want to paint some large baskets for Jack's toys, but I don't think the conditions outside would allow the paint to dry very quickly. I am planning to do some sewing tomorrow with my grandma to learn how to use my new machine. She traded in my old machine to upgrade to a new one for her. I then got the one she had been using. I am excited to learn how to use all of the embroidery. I would love to have a sewing/craft room in our next house. Craig says that a "man room" comes first. If there are any extra rooms left then we can discuss a sewing room. We'll see. :)

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Procrastinator

I admit it. I am a procrastinator. I seem to work the best under pressure. A friend is letting me join in on her garage sale tomorrow. I have been sorting and pricing yesterday and today when I should have been doing it a week ago. I have gotten SO MUCH done today. This should be a lesson to me. I can accomplish A LOT and play with and take care of Jack at the same time.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Just Having A Good Time




Three Generations


Sunday we went to Craig's dad's to swim in their pool and enjoy a wonderful dinner. We had a great time!

Stuck



Jack's crawling is getting better and better each day. He does still like to scoot backward more than crawl forward. Scooting gets him in some tight situations. :) A couple nights ago he was stuck under the Jumperoo. Yesterday he had backed himself under his rocking chair. When he realized he was stuck, he really let me know! I wasn't sure at first how he got under the chair or how I was going to get him out. He was so hot and sweaty when I did finally get him out and had quite a look of gratitude and relief.