birthday time

Today is my brother-in-law's birthday. Yes, New Year's Eve.

Happy Birthday Greg!

(That's my sister and Greg diving in the Bahamas...I know, cool, huh?)

snippets

Here are a few pictures that give you a peek into our Christmas. The girls were thrilled with each and every gift. It took all morning to open the gifts because they wanted to play with each gift as it was opened.

1. Princess dolls...in polly pocket size...what was I thinking? The shoes are so tiny! 2. Miss E finally has her own "computer"...future blogger? 3. The EyeClops! too cool for words. 4. Perfection...a game that requires silence and concentration...until you run out of time and they all pop out, then there is a lot of squeals! 5. Little chef...both girls got aprons and chef hats...we'll be baking some muffins really soon. 6. A joyous reaction to her very own flashlight. Both girls got one..lots of fun! 7. The baby, not mine, is the sweet new addition to our cousin's family. My girls just swooned over her...until she cried then they started searching for a pacifier! 8. The expression that sums up how the girls felt all day long!

Here are pictures of the other aprons I made. Now that they have been given I can show them to you. And, remember that flock of birds I made...they were given as gifts, too. They look sweet hanging on the tree. I also crocheted my first scarf...a gift for Tim. He likes it and the girls got him a hat and gloves to match...charcoal gray. The best part...when I washed and dried it, it didn't unravel!! The last two pictures are more gifts the girls are really enjoying...new fuzzy princess robes and Tinkertoys...fancy PINK Tinkertoys.

I hope your holiday was filled with joy!

little known facts

Well, my friends, January is almost here so this holiday season is quickly coming to a end. I look forward to the festivities all year long and I enjoy every minute of the Christmas holiday. However, there are certain things that I look forward to more than others.
I don't look forward to shopping but I do enjoy wrapping the gifts.
I don't like the idea of so many calories but I do enjoy yummy holiday food...like fruitcake, pumpkin roll, fudge, ....I did limit my intake...not only to eat healthier but also because it takes a lot of miles to run off those calories.
I don't like how the radio plays the same Christmas songs all the time since there are so many choices out there but I do enjoy lots and lots of Christmas music. Some favorites in our house are Aaron Neville, Harry Connick, Jr., and for me Christmas wouldn't be complete without listening to Julie Andrews. I try to limit the Julie Andrews music while Tim is home...a man can only take so much.
I don't like reruns when I sit down at night to wrap presents or finish up some sewing but I do enjoy seeing the traditional Christmas movies instead. Some of our favorites, in no particular order, are A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Grinch, Christmas Vacation...and not Christmas-y but shown every year therefore included...Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Sound of Music. I think it's genetic but The Sound of Music is probably my all-time favorite movie. It's on right now. I think I've seen it every Christmas my entire life. Of course I own a copy of it and show bits and pieces of it to my girls now and then. At this point though, I think Star Wars or Cinderella would win if they were given a choice. All in good time though. All in good time. Seriously though, it is my favorite movie. Little known fact: I walked down the aisle to Edelweiss. No, no one was singing, it was just the piano. Well, my sister was supposed to play the flute, too, but she "forgot" to take her flute down the aisle with her. Go ahead mock me if you want to, I don't mind. Just listen to ol' George sing it and watch Maria swoon over him.


Hmm, I like that blue dress. I wonder if I could make that. I digress.
So there you have it. My holiday enjoyment is complete. The Sound of Music usually wraps it up. Now I need to finish pinning pieces of a twirly skirt for the birthday girl. I usually make a dress with fabric that matches the birthday theme, but this year I have decided try something new and exciting and patternless! I'm going to make a skirt and vest, hopefully with some trim and turquoise beads. Indian Powwow birthday, remember?
I hope your Christmas was wonderful! And as always, thanks for stopping by the Clothesline.

quick update

Okay, I know I owe you an update and some pictures from our trip to my grandparents farm and the space museum. I also know that I should be sharing pictures of the other aprons I made as gifts for Christmas. And yes, I should be sharing some cute pictures from Christmas day. However, my brain is in full-steam-ahead mode because Miss O's birthday is next Friday...January 2nd. My first baby is going to be 6 years old. SIX years old, people! How did that happen?! Where has the time gone? How did she get so big?
*inhale*
*exhale*
Feeling better. I've got things to sew, ideas to come up with, gifts to buy, an Indian Powwow cake and decorations to create, and I have got to do some serious house cleaning! I've got plenty of time.....ha!
So here is an abbreviated update...pictures to be added later.
A family gathering at the farm + my own hunk of fruitcake sneaked to me by my grandma = the perfect gift (go ahead, call me crazy...but I love fruitcake)
A husband with a great idea + a fun family trip to the Air & Space Museum that we ALL enjoyed = a homeschooling mom's dream (seriously, is there anything better than having fun AND learning at the same time?)
Reading the story of Jesus' birth over breakfast + a Christmas day full of family and gifts = a blessed day and a grateful heart

MERRY CHRISTMAS...

...from my home to yours.

one word....

...OUTTAKES!

'twas

...the week before Christmas and all through the room
there were piles of fabric that caused her to swoon

the sewing machine hummed and used all of the thread

as visions of aprons danced in her head

each one must be different but beautiful still

time's running out, but make them, I will

these pictures I took when they were complete

the recipients thought them to be very sweet

there's more sewing to do and seams to be pressed

more coffee I'll drink, and then I'll get dressed

enjoy each minute as Christmas draws near

and remember the reason, our Savior, so dear

thankful thursday

This has been a crazy week...sorry for the lack of posts. It is Thankful Thursday though and I have much to be thankful for today.

First, I am thankful that although I have a cold right now, my children do not. I am also thankful that it's just a cold and not a nasty stomach virus.

Second, I am thankful for the time that I got to spend with my family over the weekend. I always wish the visit could be longer, but we enjoyed the time we had. Also, it was my PopPop's 88th birthday!

Third, I am thankful for the little overnight trip with Tim and the girls. We spent the night in a hotel (the girls first time in a hotel) then we went to the National Air & Space Museum right outside of D.C. by Dulles International Airport. Really fun. Lots of cool planes and helicopters...and the Space Shuttle Enterprise!

More details and pictures to come, but if you'll excuse me, I need to go blow my nose...again!

why am I here....

...when I should be sewing, cooking, and wrapping? We'll be going to visit my grandparents at the the farm this weekend so I won't be blogging. I promise to share pictures and crazy stories about it later. Oh, I just realized that I missed Thankful Thursday yesterday. This week has been so busy. I am thankful though. I am thankful that I get to see my family tomorrow. I am thankful that my sewing machine is still working...'cause I have been working her to death. I am thankful that the sun is shining and the sky is blue today. It's been raining and super cold all week so today feels like a heat wave. I am thankful that my children are healthy. I wouldn't want to take any germs to the farm. I am thankful that my girls still take naps because I need to accomplish a lot before it's time for them to wake up.
Happy Friday!

fancier is always better

Last Saturday we took the girls to Home Depot for the Kid's Workshop. Miss O has been really into building things lately...building with Legos, building with magnetix, building various contraptions with jump ropes and toys. Of course E follows right along. Then we read the book Littlejim's Gift. It's a great Christmas story about working hard, loving your family, and thinking of others. Oh, the life lessons to be learned in just one story. Anyway, the little boy in the story wanted a child-sized set of tools. Well, that just put O right over the edge. So when I learned from Heather how fun the Kid's Workshops were I just had to take the girls. The project was to build an easel. The girls received a Home Depot apron, a pin to attach that shows the project they built, and a certificate of completion. There were safety glasses, child-sized hammers, nails, bolts, wing nuts, washers....oh the joy! They really enjoyed the whole experience. I had to help E a little bit, she was like a mad woman with that hammer.O did most of her project independently...I just had to (bravely) hold the wood together so she could hammer the nail. She didn't hit my hand...not even once! Pretty good for her first project. They were both very pleased with the final product but when we got home they thought it needed to be a little fancier. They immediately got to work adding just the right amount of girly-ness.

is sharing always a good thing?

As of late, my girls have thought it to be a grand idea to share clothes...nope, not with each other because that would be fine, but with their dolls. What's wrong with putting their clothes on the doll baby? you ask. Well, you see, that's not what they're doing. What they are doing is squeezing their big bodies into the clothes that the doll wears! Let me explain. You know how when your kids grow out of their baby clothes you always save a few outfits? Well, I saved the most special ones, like their first Easter dresses, fancy, handmade, smocked dresses, a precious onesie (or two). That's all good...and normal. Well, E got a big doll for Christmas a couple of years ago so I saved some of the 6month clothes for this doll..cheaper than buying doll clothes. So when E and O were playing with their dolls a little too quietly the other day this is what I found.

So you see, O is holding the doll, Rebecca, and E is wearing the dress that had been on the doll. Yep, size 6M!!! It looks like a tank top on her, but it's really a dress. And no, she didn't stop there. She also squeezed her big booty into the matching bloomers as well. Soon after this incident, when were all done laughing, O emerged from her room in anther one of Rebecca's dresses.

Yes, that's a baby dress. A sack really. It's supposed to be long-sleeved and it has a drawstring at the bottom to cinch up the dress to keep the baby all cozy and warm. But yet, here is my nearly six-year-old wearing it...and having a marvelous time!

'tis the season

With all of the distractions this time of year it's nice to see that my children remember what Christmas is really about.
Sparkling lights and ornaments on the tree are beautiful, especially in the evening after a long, busy day. (Can you see me in there?)
In preparation for the family gathering this weekend there has been a flurry of measuring, cutting, and sewing...oh, and ironing.

sometimes ...

...I feel like a nut!

This is one of my holiday favorites. It's nice to enjoy a nutritious nutty snack and a hot cup of tea sometimes. The girls are like little beggars as soon as they hear the first cracking sound. They enjoy eating the almonds, but I think they enjoy watching the nut-cracking process even more. It's a challenge to crack the shell just right so that the nut inside doesn't break...I'm rarely successful, but the end result is still such a treat. Of course, every few minutes E will ask if there are any peanuts in there. I reassure her that there are NO PEANUTS so she is safe, but I also remind her that she is doing the right thing by asking over and over. It's a good habit that both girls practice...it's for E's health and safety...so ask away!

Well, I just got them down for nap time and I feel like I could use a nap, too. Let me just recap our morning. I didn't make a to-do list today because sometimes that feels overwhelming. What I did do was write things down that I accomplished as the day went along. This is my reverse to-do list: 1)put away clean, folded laundry 2)sort dirty laundry 3)put 1st load in washer 4)change sheets on all beds...this alone is enough for the day. I mean, when was the last time you changed sheets, blankets, quilts on a bunk bed? Seriously, it's like a workout. I wonder how many calories I burn because it's hard work trying to take off 4layers and put on 4layers all while I'm on the mattress that I'm trying to cover. Surely it's a sight to see. Anyway, the girls entertain themselves, while I burn my calories, by playing with the...dirty sheets. Eewww! Okay, so they're probably not that dirty, but they roll up in them, pile them up and jump in them, spread them out and lay down on them while the other one drags the sheet. Oh, it's quite the hay day! 5)put in next load of laundry 6)fix and serve snack 7)put some laundry in dryer (ugh!) and crazily hang my Martha Washington Blanket on the clothesline. Yeah, I know it's super cold, but today it's tolerable and there's a breeze so the blanket may actually dry...although I'll have to put in the dryer tonight for a few minutes just to soften it up a little. 8)take girls outside to play...they made "nature soup" and I raked leaves...burning more calories! 9)back inside we go to warm up while I put in the last load of laundry 10)fix, serve, and eat lunch and enjoy time with Daddy on his lunch break 11)put girls down for a nap then write blog post. Phew! That's my day so far and it's only 1:45. Okay, so in between all of those things there was a little singing, dancing, playing, and cleaning up of toys...those things are just part of our every day life so they didn't get numbered .:o) Now, I've got some Christmas gifts to work on so I think I'll take this quiet time to sew instead of nap. Plus, I can't work on the girls' gifts while they're awake...they're too stinkin' smart....they'll figure it out! So enjoy your day!

thankful thursday

The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings. ~Henry Ward Beecher

It's the little things that get overlooked, forgotten, and taken for granted. Here are a few simple that I am thankful for today.

As promised, I took a picture of the girls' Shirley Temple dolls on display at our library. I am thankful that O & E were excited to share their treasures. I am also thankful for the joy it brought them every time someone stopped to oooh and aaaah over the dolls. (Is it just me or does E look a little like that doll beside her?)

Today the temperature got up in the 50s! The sun was shining and there was no wind...we haven't had a nice day like this in a long time. I am so thankful that we were able to play outside for a long time. The girls rode their bikes, raked some leaves, ran a few races, picked berries out of my monkey grass, and "fed" the crickets that were hiding beside the house. We were having so much fun I forgot to take any pictures. I did enjoy a nice, steamy cup of my most favorite tea when we finally made back inside, and for that, I am thankful.

There's nothing quite like a delicious orange or red grapefruit to satisfy my craving for all things citrus. However, as you are probably well aware, the price of citrus fruits is outrageous! Then I saw an ad in my Family Fun magazine for these.....
I hadn't seen them in the stores yet and just assumed they'd be expensive, too. Well, my dear husband brought home this bag full of Cuties. They are so easy to peel, so sweet, and not a seed to be seen. They are just the right size for the girls and just the perfect little boost of vitamin C that we need right now. Thanks Dear. We are all thankful for this special, nutritious, delicious treat.

who needs texting?

Maybe it's just because I don't have teenage children, maybe it's because I don't work in the business world, maybe it's because I just don't *get* texting. I think it's great to be able to send a text to someone who isn't able to talk on their phone at that moment, but when two people sit and text back and forth, that's just, well....wouldn't it be easier and faster to just call them and talk? My point? you ask. My point is that my 5 year old demonstrated her own version of texting. We were in the living room together when she got up and went into the kitchen to draw on the easel. Five minutes later she called me to look at the picture she had drawn.
Wouldn't it have been faster to just say, "Mom, can I have a drink?" I know, asking isn't nearly as cute as this picture :o)

leftovers

I can't believe it's been almost a week since I've posted here on the Clothesline. Sorry about that, but I have a feeling that you understand. A lot has been going on here and I have lots to share so sit back with a fresh cuppa coffee, tea, or eggnog and relax.

~Our Thanksgiving was really nice. We didn't travel, we stayed in town with my husband's family. We had a nice relaxing morning watching the parade in our jammies. The girls just love the floats and bands...and well, everything. The actual family gathering was nice, too...22 family members, delicious food, Christmas music. Does it get any better than that?
~A couple of weeks ago Adrienne was kind enough to teach me the basics of crocheting. My Grandma has always crocheted. I mean, like forever, really! I can't remember a time when she didn't have a room full of yarn and pile of shiny, colorful crochet hooks. Somehow I managed to make it to the ripe old age of 35 without ever learning. How does that happen? Anyway, when Adrienne showed off her new skills I had to ask her to share the knowledge. Have I made anything yet? No. Have I been practicing? Oh yes. I have been practicing the basic stitches. Adrienne sent me this link for video tutorials to help me out so I wouldn't forget what she taught me. Well, let me tell you, those video tutorials are great. I even tried some of the fancier stitches. Oh the fun! I can't believe my Grandma never taught me how to do this. I hope she'll be pleasantly surprised when I show her that I learned. And, of course, I fully expect her to teach me some new tricks...and maybe share a little yarn..hehe!

Here's my first attempt. Small, but growing.

Here are my other practice pieces. As I worked on the big piece I tried a different stitch ever other row or so. Keeping the tension on the yarn and the tightness of the stitches is something that takes practice. Oh, then I found some patterns that I want to try but they require crocheting in the round instead of in rows so now I'm practicing that. It's a little more difficult to do but with practice it should get easier.
~Oh, I filled my car up the other day for....wait for it...wait for it.....$25!!! Sweet! I know, not really monumental, but still what a treat to not have to fork over $60.
~Remember when I told you how great our library is here? Well, in the children's area at the circulation desk there are two display cases that change every month. What is on display? you ask. Oh, well, right now one of the cases is holding two large Shirley Temple dolls that my Grandma gave to my girls...as well as 12 small Shirley Temple figurines that are part of a calendar display. O & E were excited to put the pretty dolls on display for other children to see. (I'll post a picture after our trip to the library later today)
~On the exercise front, yes, I am still running. I know, I know...crazy right? I mean, who would have thought way back in August that I, Angela, would, first of all be running at all, let alone running outside in the freezing cold weather. When I ran on Saturday night with Heather it started to sleet then rain when we were as far from the end of our run as possible. Now, I can't really complain about running in the rain since both of my 5K races were in the rain,but sleet and freezing rain is a whole other ball game. Seriously people, it's not easy staying motivated when it's so cold outside, but having friends like Kim and Heather is really the best thing ever. We keep each other accountable and motivated.

~Distance covered since I began running on August 8th ~~~~~~~ 175.81 miles!!!
Well, I think that's all the leftovers in my brain, I think I need another cuppa coffee. Won't you join me?

thankful thursday

Happy Thanksgiving!

seriously good and gluten free

Okay, so Tim's birthday was last week. What does everyone enjoy on their birthday? Well, cake, of course. Easier said than done when you eat gluten-free. But a man needs a yummy birthday cake, right? So I made him a chocolate cake. A gluten-free chocolate cake. A surprisingly moist, gluten-free chocolate cake. A super delicious, surprisingly moist, gluten-free chocolate cake. Why all the adjectives? you ask. Well, because those are not common adjectives when describing anything gluten free, especially cake. Want the recipe? Here's a link... Hershey's "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Cake. So yummy. The frosting is yummy, too. I added some cranberries to make it pretty...the girls added chocolate chips (because you can never have too much chocolate). Oh, and Janet, if you have a hankerin' for chocolate, you'll love this!

a project of firsts

As you know, I joined the Thankful Things Swap hosted by Adrienne from Some of a Kind. My first swap...great fun! Well, one of the things I sent to Emily, my swap partner, was an apron that I made. I loosely followed this tutorial for the style of the apron. But I couldn't stop there. This apron has my first attempt at gathers. Easier than expected...and cute. Then I thought, well, I've been wanting to try french seams, and Adrienne said it was super easy, so I found this tutorial and gave it a try. Can I just say...I love french seams. It was so simple, yet the outcome is beautiful. I know, I hear you...What's the big deal? It's a seam for crying out loud, no one will see it. Oh, it does matter. I've made things without a serger, without pinking shears, without french seams, and although the finished product is good (in most cases), the inside, where the seams are, has always looked kinda, well, messy. French seams are THE, er, my solution. The other new thing I tried on this apron was the reverse applique on the pockets. An apron has got to have pockets...at least for me, but plain ol' pockets just weren't doing anything for me this time around. Then I remembered seeing some reverse applique work here and here, so I gave it a whirl. Love it! So now, after making a new apron with gathers, french seams, and reverse applique pockets, all of which were successful, it was hard to give it away. But, the whole point of the swap was to share tangible things we enjoy. I sure hope Emily enjoys the apron as much as I enjoyed making it!

Okay, so I couldn't stop there. My dear friend Theresa had a birthday so I made an apron for her while I was making the swap apron. Yea, that's right, I was working on two projects at once. I used the same tutorial for the style, but I changed the pockets. I made large, square, lined pockets then folded down one corner and added a button for detail. I also did the gathers (even better this time around) and french seams. Still loving those seams! I also made her a matching travel tissue holder. As a mother of little ones I know how important and helpful it is to have tissues on hand at all times....especially this time of year. Okay, so I was so excited to give this gift to Theresa I forgot to take pictures of it first. She was kind enough to bring it to the library so I could snap a few shots in the picture book section...hence the bad lighting, but you can still see the finished product.

stay calm people

Today is November 25th. Do you know what that means? Do you? Christmas is one month away...
**blink**
**blink**
One month!!!! I know, I know. Now, stay calm. Take a deep breath. Okay, feeling better? There's something you should know. Thanksgiving is this Thursday, yes, two days from now. Has your turkey (or tofurkey) thawed completely? Do you have your cranberries ready for making into sauce...and the standard can of jellied, can-shaped cranberry sauce? How about pie...pumpkin pie? Oh good. Now relax. Enjoy this week. Remember that it's a time to be thankful. We are blessed. So, give thanks, enjoy time with family, watch the parade, listen to Christmas music, stuff yourself with turkey and all the fixins, linger over a hot cuppa coffee (or tea). That's my general plan for Thanksgiving day...how 'bout you?
I do have to admit, I got a little head start on Christmas this year so I'm a little more relaxed. Yep, my tree is up. The girls had lots of fun decorating it..of course, most of the ornaments are on the bottom half of the tree, but it's a beaut! And yes, Adrienne, that's a crocheted tree skirt that my Grandma made for me two years ago.

Happy Birthday

In the summer of 1993 Tim and I met and started dating, he was the ripe old age of 23. One year and three months later we were married...he was almost 25 years old.

Well folks, today is his birthday...

and it's a big one...

the big 40!

Happy Birthday Tim. I love you!

And as is tradition in our house, I share with you THE birthday song...enjoy!

thankful thursday

For each new morning with its light,For rest and shelter of the night,For health and food, for love and friends,For everything Thy goodness sends.~Ralph Waldo Emerson

As my daily routine gets a little more busy and as Thanksgiving and Christmas grow closer and closer, I am reminded of how blessed I am. I have a husband who is a wonderful provider for our family. I have two beautiful children that are healthy. I have a home that is safe and warm with a yard that my children can enjoy. I live in a country where I am free to worship God and study His Word. I am undeserving of His grace and mercy, nevertheless, I am blessed...and for that I am very thankful.

works for me wednesday

This is my very first Works For Me Wednesday post! Yippee! I always find great tips and ideas from the list on Rocks In My Dryer, and now I finally feel like I have something worth sharing.

Preschool Scissor Practice

A wise woman (my mom...a pre-k teacher) once told me a great way to encourage scissor skills that not only builds confidence in the child but also recycles! You know all those reply cards for renewing subscriptions that are in and always falling out of the magazines you receive? Well, those annoying little cards are just perfect for those chubby little, scissor eager hands. All you need is:

those little postcard sized reply cards, a marker, and a ruler.

Draw thick lines across the length of the cards for the preschooler to cut.

Then, be brave...hand your little one a pair of safety scissors and let them have at it!

Because the cards are small they are the perfect size for little hands. Because the cards are thicker than paper they don't bend or flop around. Because the lines drawn are straight it strengthens those fine motor skill muscles. Because you let the preschooler cut up all of those reply cards it saves you from ripping them to shreds out of shear disgust because they fall into your lap every time you flip through your magazine wasting paper or spending money on scissor practice workbooks.

i interrupt this holiday season....

...to ask for ideas, birthday cake ideas, that is.
Okay, I understand that Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. I also understand that Christmas is coming very soon. But I need your help. With all holiday preparations and excitement aside, Miss O's birthday is the week after Christmas so my mental planning has to begin now! If I don't start thinking and planning now my brain will be filled with thoughts of egg nog, Christmas lights, pumpkin pie, wrapping paper...well, you get the idea. So what I normally do is ask her one more time what kind of cake she would like. If you know my little O, then you know that she usually chooses her theme for the next birthday immediately following her current birthday. And just so you know, she doesn't really change her mind. Last year, after her bumble bee birthday with cute bee hive cake and all, she decided that she wanted an indian pow wow birthday when she turns six. No, she hasn't changed her mind. Let the planning begin! This should be easy right? I mean, it's almost Thanksgiving so there should be plenty of indian...er, native american stuff all around. That's all good and fine, but the decorations and "fluff" are not my problem. My problem is the cake...the CAKE...THE cake! Here are pictures of previous cakes(made for O & E) so that you are fully aware of where I'm going with this.































Obviously I am not going for perfection. And also quite obvious is that fact that I'm not afraid to make a cake without a special pan. "Why are you saying all of this?" you ask. Well, I need ideas people...and even possibly links to great ideas. The cake is key. A tee pee cake? A totem pole cake? A likeness of Sacajawea cake? A pow wow drum cake? Any other ideas (which also includes your clever ideas on how to make said idea)? Bring it on people of blogland. I would love for my beautiful, snaggletooth, talkative, creative, inquisitive, almost 6 years old baby to have her cake and eat it, too!