I've wanted to do/make an Advent calendar for a few years now. Some specific Christmas activity every day just sounded really fun. This year, I even went so far as to come up with 24 activities. The first one? "Start listening to Christmas music!" because it is seriously killing them that their mom is such a Scrooge and won't listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving. I also had things like bell ringing for the Salvation Army, making Christmas ornaments, watching Charlie Brown and the Grinch, and baking Christmas cookies.
My first idea was to make 24 little fabric stockings. Then, I could "take a day off" and just put some candy in that stocking. Then I realized that it would be easier to just write 24 slips of paper, roll them up, and attach them with ribbon to a streamer. Of course, that sends the candy out the window.
I was telling Jeff the other night that I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it after all. I like the idea, but wasn't sure I was up to the commitment of "this day, you must do this."
At church this morning, both girls got regular paper Advent calendars--no activities, no candy. No problem! I'm glad to be off the hook on this. I have plenty of other stuff going on.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Obstacle Removed
Our Christmas program at church this year is "Christmas Around the World." We already have most of the costumes we need, but we need kimonos for 4 little girls, including Lauren. That's convenient--Lauren already has a kimono from Halloween 2008.
But that still leaves us needing three. A kimono takes a ridiculous amount of fabric--over three 1/2 yards, even for someone as small as Lauren. Blame those crazy sleeves. Brocade fabric is at least $8/yard, even on a half off sale. Um. Yeah, no. I can't expect the church to shell out $75 for three little robes.
I decided to look around for a cotton fabric, more of a "summer" kimono instead of such a formal one. Still, the only fabric I could find was $6 - $8/yard. And if I was going to use cotton, I'd have to make four. It wouldn't be right for Lauren to be in a very luxurious garment, and all the other girls in something noticeably cheaper. This isn't "The Princess and the Peasants."
So I was stumped. It was seriously giving me a fair bit of stress, to figure out what to do. This morning, I went into the costume cupboard and found a huge length of really pretty floral fabric. It would definitely pass for a summer kimono and there was enough to make two for the smallest girls, if I was really careful on the cutting.
I was talking to the Choir director about what she wanted, and the grandfather of one of the little girls overheard us. He said, "If I just give you $30 for fabric, can she keep the kimono when it's all done?" My mouth fell open. "Um. Sure!" I mean, really, why not? It's not like a size 5 kimono is something we're going to need on a regular basis anyway. I talked to another girl's parents, and they're willing to kick in. too. The last girl wasn't there today, but I'll call her parents to find out what color she likes and her size.
So now I only need to make three (if they're all brocade, Lauren can wear hers, of course), and I can get the fabric that will really make it work. Now I need to figure out how much I need to get of each color.
And I need to rethread my Serger. Again.
But that still leaves us needing three. A kimono takes a ridiculous amount of fabric--over three 1/2 yards, even for someone as small as Lauren. Blame those crazy sleeves. Brocade fabric is at least $8/yard, even on a half off sale. Um. Yeah, no. I can't expect the church to shell out $75 for three little robes.
I decided to look around for a cotton fabric, more of a "summer" kimono instead of such a formal one. Still, the only fabric I could find was $6 - $8/yard. And if I was going to use cotton, I'd have to make four. It wouldn't be right for Lauren to be in a very luxurious garment, and all the other girls in something noticeably cheaper. This isn't "The Princess and the Peasants."
So I was stumped. It was seriously giving me a fair bit of stress, to figure out what to do. This morning, I went into the costume cupboard and found a huge length of really pretty floral fabric. It would definitely pass for a summer kimono and there was enough to make two for the smallest girls, if I was really careful on the cutting.
I was talking to the Choir director about what she wanted, and the grandfather of one of the little girls overheard us. He said, "If I just give you $30 for fabric, can she keep the kimono when it's all done?" My mouth fell open. "Um. Sure!" I mean, really, why not? It's not like a size 5 kimono is something we're going to need on a regular basis anyway. I talked to another girl's parents, and they're willing to kick in. too. The last girl wasn't there today, but I'll call her parents to find out what color she likes and her size.
So now I only need to make three (if they're all brocade, Lauren can wear hers, of course), and I can get the fabric that will really make it work. Now I need to figure out how much I need to get of each color.
And I need to rethread my Serger. Again.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"Good" news
I'm going to have plenty of time to sew and get ready for Christmas. The classes that were supposed to start this week have been postponed until January. They can't get enough people to commit to a class that runs during the holidays. I get it. But it's very disappointing, to say the least.
How many times have I said that I need a job with more stability & regularity? Again, this comes back to bite me in the butt. A little discouraged today.
How many times have I said that I need a job with more stability & regularity? Again, this comes back to bite me in the butt. A little discouraged today.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Truffles
Dark chocolate truffles.
Dark chocolate truffles with bacon.
Insane, right? But the recipient loved them, even though I didn't have a chance to get them into traditional truffle form, and just gave her a bowl of the mixture. I'm not sure if they're quite mainstream enough for the gift bags this year, but we'll see.
Dark chocolate truffles with bacon.
Insane, right? But the recipient loved them, even though I didn't have a chance to get them into traditional truffle form, and just gave her a bowl of the mixture. I'm not sure if they're quite mainstream enough for the gift bags this year, but we'll see.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Bonus Time
Remember how I said that Jeff would get the week of Thanksgiving off work, but not between Christmas & New Year's? Well, not only was I wrong about that, he's also getting next week of as well. Working from home on Monday, but that is still at home! So before the end of this calendar year, he has three weeks at home, yay!
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Time, time, time
We're busy right now: Classical Conversations goes for the rest of this month before winter break. Happy thoughts that we get enough extra students in January to start a new class, which I can then teach (and get paid for, woo-hoo!)
Although I didn't work last week or this week, classes should resume the week after that and go right up until the week before Christmas. Hopefully, I'll get enough students signed up for the MS Word class, too.
Both girls have dance and Scouts. Although Lauren's Brownie troop only has two more meetings before Christmas, I'm the co-leader for her troop, and we're not only doing her investiture ceremony, we're also having a Tea Party, and a Hat & Glove drive (to donate to Oakland Co. foster care). Sarah's working on her own stuff for scouts, but we're still in Candy & Nut sales, and as soon as that is done, cookie sales are upon us!
On the plus side, Jeff is taking off all of Thanksgiving week (gone are the days when he had paid vacation for the week between Christmas & New Year's, but it was nice while it lasted), so I know the house will be spotless when we have everyone over.
One good time management tool that we're using right now is weekly checklists for the kids. For the most part, they detail school work (which pages to do in their math books, diagramming sentences for Sarah, Tin Whistle practice, etc.) but they also have things like Dance/Stretch. Sarah's dance class this year is considerably more challenging, and the extra practice even this early has been helping. By letting them see what all they have to do, and setting daily goals (we use a highlighter to select the boxes they intend to check off each day), we're getting better about getting stuff done.
Although I didn't work last week or this week, classes should resume the week after that and go right up until the week before Christmas. Hopefully, I'll get enough students signed up for the MS Word class, too.
Both girls have dance and Scouts. Although Lauren's Brownie troop only has two more meetings before Christmas, I'm the co-leader for her troop, and we're not only doing her investiture ceremony, we're also having a Tea Party, and a Hat & Glove drive (to donate to Oakland Co. foster care). Sarah's working on her own stuff for scouts, but we're still in Candy & Nut sales, and as soon as that is done, cookie sales are upon us!
On the plus side, Jeff is taking off all of Thanksgiving week (gone are the days when he had paid vacation for the week between Christmas & New Year's, but it was nice while it lasted), so I know the house will be spotless when we have everyone over.
One good time management tool that we're using right now is weekly checklists for the kids. For the most part, they detail school work (which pages to do in their math books, diagramming sentences for Sarah, Tin Whistle practice, etc.) but they also have things like Dance/Stretch. Sarah's dance class this year is considerably more challenging, and the extra practice even this early has been helping. By letting them see what all they have to do, and setting daily goals (we use a highlighter to select the boxes they intend to check off each day), we're getting better about getting stuff done.
Been a While
Blame Facebook.
Now that Halloween is over, my brain has room for other holiday stuff. For example, we're hosting our first ever Thanksgiving dinner this year. Which means I'm cooking my first ever turkey this year. Plus a ham for Jeff, of course. I'd like to make a tablecloth & napkins.
I'm starting to think about Christmas as well, of course. Pajamas, as always, are on the list. I think I might do a small quilt for each girl, also. This tutorial looks like a good one. Trying to figure out what else to buy/make is really difficult right now.
And I'm dismayed to realize that I've done nothing for this year's photo album. I don't even have the pages planned out, which I usually start doing in the beginning of October. I've been taking a lot fewer pictures this year, but don't know why. I'm still committed to the album, but it's not as high on the list this year.
Last major project I'm considering right now is an Advent Calendar. I've thought about it so many times in the past, and have seen many different options. I'm thinking I'd like to make 24 little stocking to string along the fireplace, with an activity or treat in each one. We'll see if that actually happens this year, in that form or another.
Now that Halloween is over, my brain has room for other holiday stuff. For example, we're hosting our first ever Thanksgiving dinner this year. Which means I'm cooking my first ever turkey this year. Plus a ham for Jeff, of course. I'd like to make a tablecloth & napkins.
I'm starting to think about Christmas as well, of course. Pajamas, as always, are on the list. I think I might do a small quilt for each girl, also. This tutorial looks like a good one. Trying to figure out what else to buy/make is really difficult right now.
And I'm dismayed to realize that I've done nothing for this year's photo album. I don't even have the pages planned out, which I usually start doing in the beginning of October. I've been taking a lot fewer pictures this year, but don't know why. I'm still committed to the album, but it's not as high on the list this year.
Last major project I'm considering right now is an Advent Calendar. I've thought about it so many times in the past, and have seen many different options. I'm thinking I'd like to make 24 little stocking to string along the fireplace, with an activity or treat in each one. We'll see if that actually happens this year, in that form or another.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Taste of Summer
For lunch today, I made corn salad: cut some (boiled) corn off the cob, cut up some tomatoes, chopped some green onions, juiced half a lime, cut up an avocado, added some olive oil, salt & pepper. The topper--bacon, baby!
The kids liked it, but not as well as last time I made it. I should have put the avocado on the side so Sarah could have avoided it altogether, and the thinly sliced red onions I used last time were probably a better choice than the scallions. Still, it's a one of my favorite summer lunches.
The kids liked it, but not as well as last time I made it. I should have put the avocado on the side so Sarah could have avoided it altogether, and the thinly sliced red onions I used last time were probably a better choice than the scallions. Still, it's a one of my favorite summer lunches.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Convenience Foods
Found another like-minded post: Convenience Foods
I've thought about many of these things, like the "instant" oatmeal, but it's the crumble topping for fruit pies that I never thought to make ahead, but now will definitely keep in the refrigerator. Dutch Apple Pie is Jeff's drop dead favorite, and this will be a quick fix. Not sure if I want to bother with freezing my own pie crust.
I've thought about many of these things, like the "instant" oatmeal, but it's the crumble topping for fruit pies that I never thought to make ahead, but now will definitely keep in the refrigerator. Dutch Apple Pie is Jeff's drop dead favorite, and this will be a quick fix. Not sure if I want to bother with freezing my own pie crust.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Gauntlet, Picked Up
One of my cousins is getting married next month, and my mom & stepdad are coming up for a visit. In fact, my stepdad is officiating the ceremony, which will be at Greenfield Village, where Jeff & I got married lo these many years ago.
The 'rents will be here for at least two weeks, maybe as many as three. They'll split their time between several family members. My mom has decided that they want an RV, so they can go wherever they want without having to unpack every other day.
In order for them to stay with us, they need room. Sarah's bunked with Lauren in the past, but there just isn't enough space in her room.
The only place with enough room is the basement. The basement, well . . . the basement is same old, same old. Full of toys, winter clothes, blankets, dress up clothes, desks, Christmas stuff, tools, a toy kitchen, golf clubs, books, etc.
It is amazing how motivated we all are, though. The girls have spent much more time than I have down there, and they really are getting a lot done, even throwing things away! There is still soooooo much to do: get the Fisher Price Little People all together, find a way to keep the dress up stuff organized (really want a rack of some sort, so we can hang most of it) Get all the kitchen stuff together, put all the books in one place, go through the clothes and sort out what needs to be kept or given away, and throw out the twelve metric tons of crap.
It's a big job, but the motivation is there, and the deadline helps, too. Will report progress back another day.
The 'rents will be here for at least two weeks, maybe as many as three. They'll split their time between several family members. My mom has decided that they want an RV, so they can go wherever they want without having to unpack every other day.
In order for them to stay with us, they need room. Sarah's bunked with Lauren in the past, but there just isn't enough space in her room.
The only place with enough room is the basement. The basement, well . . . the basement is same old, same old. Full of toys, winter clothes, blankets, dress up clothes, desks, Christmas stuff, tools, a toy kitchen, golf clubs, books, etc.
It is amazing how motivated we all are, though. The girls have spent much more time than I have down there, and they really are getting a lot done, even throwing things away! There is still soooooo much to do: get the Fisher Price Little People all together, find a way to keep the dress up stuff organized (really want a rack of some sort, so we can hang most of it) Get all the kitchen stuff together, put all the books in one place, go through the clothes and sort out what needs to be kept or given away, and throw out the twelve metric tons of crap.
It's a big job, but the motivation is there, and the deadline helps, too. Will report progress back another day.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Thinking Ahead
Life is about to hit the fan after Labor Day. All our activities start back up again: dance, Scouts, Sunday School, and Classical Conversations--so excited about that!
Work will (hopefully) also start soon--making a phone call tomorrow to schedule classes. I'm also going to start an Etsy store to try to get rid of some of my sewing projects. More on that later.
So I'm faced with impending insanity, taking the form of very little time. One of the results of very little time is that we eat like crap. We get take out far too often.
I have a plan. The plan itself is very simple: fill the freezer with things that can be pulled out and heated up quickly and easily. A solid block of a pound of frozen hamburger does not fit this plan.
Things that do fit the plan:
Work will (hopefully) also start soon--making a phone call tomorrow to schedule classes. I'm also going to start an Etsy store to try to get rid of some of my sewing projects. More on that later.
So I'm faced with impending insanity, taking the form of very little time. One of the results of very little time is that we eat like crap. We get take out far too often.
I have a plan. The plan itself is very simple: fill the freezer with things that can be pulled out and heated up quickly and easily. A solid block of a pound of frozen hamburger does not fit this plan.
Things that do fit the plan:
- taco meat
- sloppy joe meat
- seasoned cooked ground beef (for chili)
- pasties
- meatballs (good for spaghetti sauce, bbq sauce, sweet & sour, or brown gravy)
- Salisbury steaks
- pizza roll ups
- leftover ham (spiral sliced hams don't go on sale for a while, but when they do, we get a lot of leftovers out of one)
- uncooked biscuits (haven't tried this yet, but looking forward to the experiment)
- dinner rolls
- chicken fingers (every time I've made chicken fingers in the past, the kids didn't really care for them, but I'm planning to give it another go)
- cooked rice (just saw this idea, looking forward to trying it)
- mashed potatoes
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Just Say No
I had what I thought was a really great idea for a fundraiser for our church: a craft show. Not only could we raise money by selling table space and charging a small admission fee, our youth group could sell dogs & bratwurst (we even have a lady who can make home made sauerkraut, always a crowd pleaser), as well as baked goods.
The problem is, I can't do it. I really wanted to take the lead on this, make it happen, make it successful. I'd even already mentioned it to a few people. Everyone was very enthusiastic, and one even offered to help me, although she didn't have time to take the lead on it herself.
But between homeschooling, Scouts, Sunday School, sewing club, and (hopefully!) working, I have no time. At all. I'm already maxed out. So I need to let go of this. Maybe find someone else to champion it. Maybe just let it go. It's already gotten rather late in the season to start something like this in time for this fall.
I'm sad, knowing that it likely won't happen now. But I'm also happy and relieved to know that I won't do a crap job with it because I just don't have time.
The problem is, I can't do it. I really wanted to take the lead on this, make it happen, make it successful. I'd even already mentioned it to a few people. Everyone was very enthusiastic, and one even offered to help me, although she didn't have time to take the lead on it herself.
But between homeschooling, Scouts, Sunday School, sewing club, and (hopefully!) working, I have no time. At all. I'm already maxed out. So I need to let go of this. Maybe find someone else to champion it. Maybe just let it go. It's already gotten rather late in the season to start something like this in time for this fall.
I'm sad, knowing that it likely won't happen now. But I'm also happy and relieved to know that I won't do a crap job with it because I just don't have time.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
I needed that
Yesterday really helped. We didn't stay home the entire day. We did run down to a neighbor's house to get the scoop on taking care of their cat while they're gone, and out for some cold meds for Sarah. But I do feel a little less stressed about all the running around we do.
I did get her Harry Potter scarf (part of her Halloween costume) done. Probably not the absolute best use of my time--Halloween isn't for two months, and I do have other projects to work on--but it's nice to have it taken care of.
I also went to work in Lauren's room. I usually make her do it, but I really wanted to get in there and go to town. There is still some stuff on the dresser and on the bed to go through (today), but the floor is cleaned off.
Today is the dentist and then the beach, yay!
I did get her Harry Potter scarf (part of her Halloween costume) done. Probably not the absolute best use of my time--Halloween isn't for two months, and I do have other projects to work on--but it's nice to have it taken care of.
I also went to work in Lauren's room. I usually make her do it, but I really wanted to get in there and go to town. There is still some stuff on the dresser and on the bed to go through (today), but the floor is cleaned off.
Today is the dentist and then the beach, yay!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Wish Fullfilled
I get my day at home today. Sarah has a cold, so she is also staying home, but my Dad is coming to get Lauren for a sleepover. So once she's gone, I am OFF the computer. Cleaning up, sewing, etc. is the order of the day. My goal is that when Jeff gets home tonight (late--he's going to see G.I.Joe with some of the guys) and asks me how my day went, I can use my favorite word: productive.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Being a Hermit
I am a very lucky person. I have lots of opportunities to do lots of fun things. My kids are lucky. They have lots of fun things to do, places to go, and people to see.
LOTS of things. Things like park, the other park, swimming, the boat, golf, VBS, bridal showers, sleepovers, Girl Scouts, birthday parties, church, the beach. Throw in the mechanic, the hair salon, and the dentist for good measure.
I have to admit, I'm a little tired of the social life. Actually, what I'm really tired of is spending so much time in the car. I'd really like to have a day to just stay home and do nothing. Well, not nothing. Maybe sew. Maybe clean the basement. Maybe just hang out.
Maybe not.
LOTS of things. Things like park, the other park, swimming, the boat, golf, VBS, bridal showers, sleepovers, Girl Scouts, birthday parties, church, the beach. Throw in the mechanic, the hair salon, and the dentist for good measure.
I have to admit, I'm a little tired of the social life. Actually, what I'm really tired of is spending so much time in the car. I'd really like to have a day to just stay home and do nothing. Well, not nothing. Maybe sew. Maybe clean the basement. Maybe just hang out.
Maybe not.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Cop Out
I bought fabric to make shorts for the girls weeks ago. I wanted them to have something to wear to golf with Grammy & Grandpa. Well, today was the last day of golf, and they finally had their new shorts.My original plan was to make a pattern from scratch, using http://patternsthatfityou.com/frshortscl.htm as a guide. I think it would have worked, but in the end, I had neither the time nor the inclination. JoAnn's didn't have any patterns on sale, so I went for See and Sew 4161. Of course, I still had to alter it, making it smaller in the waist and longer in the legs. I'd still like to make a shorts pattern from scratch--maybe next summer.
Since the fabric is plaid (come on, they're for golf--what else would I use except plaid seersucker?) I tried to match up the pattern, at least the horizontal stripes. Didn't come out perfectly, but it was ok.
One of the iss
ues I have with making pants & shorts is that it can be hard to know which is the front and which is the back. With little kids, it isn't always that much of an issue, but since I knew I had some tags, I decided to put them in. Sarah told me she really likes hers, but that it's itchy, so I might have to sew it flat or take it out or something.Oooo, for the future I'm going to get fabric tape for my Dymo label maker! That would be awesome!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Ready to Roll
I finally got the two things I needed to accomplish two projects.
- I found the Wonder Under left over from an applique project I was working on last summer. Now I can make the sandwich bags I've been wanting to do for a while. Snack Bag Tutorial I'm sick of wrapping sandwiches in plastic.
- I got the green light to post flyers/promote the Resume Writing Workshop. This must be my big project for the rest of this week. If I don't get students for this, I have to find another way to bring in some income. I'm nervous. Excited, but really nervous.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Progress
I got the kitchen sparkling.I made the water bottle tote. Found the cutest button, so now it's adjustable. I think this is a big design improvement, and is going to be standard on any I make from now on.
Made a bunch of phone calls, but still need to make more today.
Want to sew more today: coasters, and I'd like to cover the notebook I'm keeping in my purse with fabric.
And of course there's the strawberry jam.
I don't know what time the kids will get home (or leave again), but I've got plenty to do!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Day of Freedom
In a couple hours, my Dad is coming to get the girls for a sleepover. Jeff is going to see Transformers with some buddies tonight. I have the day to myself. So what will I do with myself? Oh, the possibilities, they are endless.
But the goals, while few, are large:
Sewing. I'm making another water bottle holder, this time for a toddler. Shouldn't take too long, but I'm making a major modification to the design, which will hopefully make the strap adjustable but still sturdy. We'll see how it goes. If it goes well, I'll modify another one that I already made. Warning: this involves buttonholes, which are seriously iffy for me, even with my automatic buttonhole foot. I also want to make some more fabric coasters. I love the one I made already, but we need at least one more.
Clean the kitchen. DEEP CLEAN. 'nuff said.
Jam. We got a huge bucket of strawberries on Monday. I bought more jars, more lids, more pectin. Sadly, I don't think we'll get many cherries off Kelsey's tree, but if the weather is good next week, might go to the U-pick place. I need my sour cherry jam!!!
So. Three goals. Not much, right? Hah. We'll see how it goes . . .
Addendum: I forgot that I also have several phone calls to make, about classes to teach, having the faucet on the back of the house replaced, our homeowner's taxes, and masonry repair work and food service laws for church.
But the goals, while few, are large:
Sewing. I'm making another water bottle holder, this time for a toddler. Shouldn't take too long, but I'm making a major modification to the design, which will hopefully make the strap adjustable but still sturdy. We'll see how it goes. If it goes well, I'll modify another one that I already made. Warning: this involves buttonholes, which are seriously iffy for me, even with my automatic buttonhole foot. I also want to make some more fabric coasters. I love the one I made already, but we need at least one more.
Clean the kitchen. DEEP CLEAN. 'nuff said.
Jam. We got a huge bucket of strawberries on Monday. I bought more jars, more lids, more pectin. Sadly, I don't think we'll get many cherries off Kelsey's tree, but if the weather is good next week, might go to the U-pick place. I need my sour cherry jam!!!
So. Three goals. Not much, right? Hah. We'll see how it goes . . .
Addendum: I forgot that I also have several phone calls to make, about classes to teach, having the faucet on the back of the house replaced, our homeowner's taxes, and masonry repair work and food service laws for church.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
New Favorite Blog
Don't get me wrong. The Pioneer Woman still rocks it out for cooking, and homeschool stuff, photography, and great stories.
But I recently discovered 500 Pieces of Prudent Advice for My Baby Daughter, and I love it. It's like that "Wear Sunscreen" commencement speech (which was not delivered by Kurt Vonnegut). Anyway, go check it out. There is also some art interspersed, one of which is mildly not safe for work.
But I recently discovered 500 Pieces of Prudent Advice for My Baby Daughter, and I love it. It's like that "Wear Sunscreen" commencement speech (which was not delivered by Kurt Vonnegut). Anyway, go check it out. There is also some art interspersed, one of which is mildly not safe for work.
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