Projects Projects Projects

I've been up to so much lately.  Prepping for baby is fun stuff though. I've made lots of cool stuff for both girls.  And I've finally got pictures! Woot Woot!! So, here they are!!

Joey's Birthday Dress, I've added a little purple fabric flower since this photo!

Joey's back pack for school! She is very excited about this one.

Changing pad cover that used the leftover fabric from both girl's baby blankets. 

Another diaper bag.  I think I like this one almost better than mine!

diaper bag again

and again!

I've only got a few more sewing projects left on my nesting agenda.  I want to make new curtains for our living room.  I need to make bench cushions for our kitchen corner unit.  I use our kitchen table as my sewing area and it really digs into the back of my legs after a while so, it needs cushions.  I also want to make a changing pad for on the go use.  I don't know what I want that to look like yet and I feel like I may even have our old one lying around somewhere, even though, I don't know where that might be at the moment.  I'm also trying to meal plan in advance for while I'm laid up from my c-section.  I want to have lots of frozen meals ready to go, and lots of crock pot meal ideas but I haven't been able to stock up on anything yet but I have been printing out recipe ideas.  Well, I'm off, I have some inquiries to make about grocery delivery options.  Tootles!

Internetless me

Hey Folks,

I know I've been a total blog-slacker lately.  I'm sorry.  We're without Internet for a bit.  Our laptop died and we have no funds to fix it and then our desktop died.  We were given a desktop to use in the mean time but since we've had our Internet/cable/phone shut off.  And without a laptop to be able to go off and use in wi-fi hot spots we're a little cut off from all our far-off loved ones.  We're having a bit of an issue with some of our income sources.  Social Security withdrew Danny's SSI and we've trying to reconcile our electric bill since we were unable to get Energy Assistance over the winter.  We're doing what we can and we've been extremely blessed to be surrounded by people who care enough to help us manage and squeak by but I think we'll be without Internet access for a while until we can get things more in order.  It's just one more expense that we don't need now that Danny's not in school. 
We're also trying to sell off all of the things that we'll be needing to get rid of in order to move to Colorado next year.  I'll be taking photos of some of my handmade crafts and posting them to sell soon.  I wish I could afford an etsy.com account but it's just too pricey for me at the moment.  So, I'll probably be posting them on craigslist, google, and facebook.  I know it'll be a harder sell but I gotta do what I gotta do. 
We've been cleaning out closets and donating clothes and selling instruments and all we can think of to make space for another person in our little apartment.  It finally seems like the mess is getting smaller.  Cleaning out closets always seems to make things worse for a while before they start to get better but we're making headway slowly but surely. 
I'm planning on making Joey some summer dresses since she's been really into pretty dresses lately and I've been a slacker on making them for her.  I really want to make her a nice pretty dress for her birthday in August.  She seems really excited about that idea.  I also have decided that I need another cute summer maternity/post baby dress and I haven't been able to find anything not super low cut.  I also think I need a cute pair of maternity shorts and I just don't like the ones in the store, nor can we afford to go buying clothes willy-nilly.  I also want to make Joey some pillows for under her bed.  I think I've mentioned that her new bed is a low loft bed so she has a little play area all her own underneath.  So, those are my projects for a while.  I don't know how to get everything done but I shall try.  I plan of breaking out the sewing machine again as soon as we get some of our donation bags out of the house. 
I'll post pictures once everything is in progress and out of chaos.  Right now our apartment is in a total state of chaos until we can get more cleared out.  I just have to keep reminding myself that progress is being made and that it can only get better from here.  
But that's our life for a while.  Not much else going on.  Danny's been hunting for jobs something fierce and I'm really proud of him.  He's also on a mission to lose 45lbs before Norah is born and he's already lost 30lbs.  Yay DANNY!!  It's really been helpful for me too since it keeps me on track as far as my weight gain too.  It may make life a little more crazy to have to be planning meals and making sure that we're portioning food out when we buy it so that we're only making what we should be eating in a sitting at a time.  But it's super helpful that it's a team effort.  I'm so proud of him.  He's really trying so hard to do so many things and I know it's not easy for him but he keeps on going.  And he keeps on sacrificing for his family and I'm really excited for things to come.  Well, that's all for me for now. 

Baby Quilt

I DID IT!!  I finished the quilt.  I started yesterday afternoon, after baking a cake (ahh, those pregnancy cravings).  And then, I kept truckin' away until 10:30 and got it DONE!  Yay!! So here's some pics of the quilt along the way.

my pieces and backing all cut out

my kitchen table complete with Mother's Day Flowers from the hubby

my first block

next step, lining up all the little blocks

all pinned to the backing and ready to quilt

all quilted now just to do the edging

 

 

 

DONE!

 

 

Joey helped me pick out all the fabrics.  I tried to keep it in the same color family as Joey's baby quilt.  Joey's is pink and brown with hints of green so we went with pink and green with brown accents for Norah's quilt.  Norah's blanket also has some gold threading in two of the fabrics.  Joey liked them best because they were sparkly. 
Danny said he thinks that it's better than Joey's baby quilt.  I tend to agree.  I made Joey's quilt 3 years ago and I've since learned some things about quilting since then.  I also have a rockin' new machine to quilt with now. 
Now, Joey's asking me to make a blanket for her baby(her cabbage patch kid).  I think I'll make that one out of something else but I'm planning on using the scraps from Joey's quilt (yep, I still have some) and some of the scraps from Norah's quilt to make a cover for the changing table.  Something patchwork-y.  I think it'll be fun.  But that's a project for another day!

Nesting Monday.

Wow, I feel like I've accomplished so much today.  Joey and I had a relaxing morning and a busy one all at the same time.  I woke up bright and early (it's becoming a habit, not of my own choosing).  I checked my email, ate breakfast and did some other random internet browsing before waking the hubs for school. 
Then I just hung out with him for a bit before Joey woke up, which didn't take long.  Got her changed and fed.  Danny left for school and I had Joey clean up her toys and she got a movie reward (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs).  I must say, I am a sucker for movies where the dorky guy gets the girl. 
Then she and I did some coloring and she helped me scoured the bathroom.  I cleaned the kitchen and scoured the sink & other surfaces while she had a snack.  Then I made lunch.  Wow, that's a lot off of my list for the day.  I am determined to get cracking on the sewing stage of Norah's baby quilt.  I've got all the pieces cut and my first seams pinned and ready to go. 
I've also got to get my meal plan together for the week.  So here we go...

Monday
breakfast: cereal & oranges
lunch: cheese tortellini with grape tomatoes
dinner: meatloaf and mashed potatoes

Tuesday
breakfast: leftover pancakes
lunch: pb&j and apples
dinner: slow cooker kielbasa & sauerkraut

Wednesday
breakfast: cereal & bananas
lunch: leftovers
dinner: chicken nuggets & green beans

Thursday
breakfast: oatmeal & apples
lunch: nutella sandwiches
dinner: fish tacos

Friday
breakfast: cereal & oranges
lunch: leftovers
dinner: pasta & italian sausage

Saturday
breakfast: pancakes
lunch: pb&j and veggies
dinner: roast chicken & veggies

Sunday
breakfast: oatmeal at church
lunch: party in south windsor
dinner: leftovers

Provision and more

So, I don't know if I've mentioned how much I adore our church.  Danny and I as many of you readers know are in a serious financial pinch lately.  Our church is so lovely, upon hearing about the whole mess with the Energy Assistance program/ our electric company, they are giving us the money to cover our missing rent this month.  I am beyond grateful.  God is so GOOD!

I am currently fighting with Unemployment Insurance over my current claim/extension/something about a new claim that I have to make but am not eligible for because I work for a non-profit.  I don't know but they're not making a decision in any kind of timely manner.  And I've called them everyday this week and gotten a different answer about the same questions but no results.  Why must the headache be so redundant.  I've accepted that I'm not eligible for the new claim, I'm ok with that.  I kind of have to be, it's the law and it's not up for negotiation.  So, why not just drop it and let me keep what I've got.  It seems like so much work on their part, to fight for me to get something we both know I can't have, when I'm not asking for it.  I just need my check this week (and next for that matter) to pay for things like gas and rent and our other bills that are all due at the beginning of the month. 

I hate bureaucracy! I've never understood the point of making people jump through hoops for things that they need.  Have some compassion and just do your job efficiently.  It makes the most sense for everyone involved.  But, I'm keeping calm about it all, and I'm having faith.  God will make what needs to happen, happen. 

On a totally other note, I finished cutting my pieces for Norah's baby quilt.  It's looking so cute.  Joey helped me pick out all the fabrics and they're just perfect.  The colors match her baby quilt but aren't quite the same.  I'm also going to be using a different pattern to make Norah's so that they're sure not to get confused.  I'm very excited for it.  It's going to be such fun to make.  I just need to give myself time to get the house back to a state of clean before busting out another mess.  I'm almost there.  Some of the pieces of my last project are still lingering around.  Joey likes to 'help' so, things wind up a little bit of everywhere. 

Crafty McNester Pants

Last night I worked diligently and finished the diaper bag I've been working on.  I'm so proud of myself.  It's perfect and I used up a ton of scraps and It looks great.  

front inside

front with flap and strap

inside pocket

It's so cute.  I just need to add a few closures and it's all done.  Woo Hoo!!  I also made this car organizer last week. 

back or car seat organizer

I love it too!  Nice and bright for all things baby related when we need to have a stash of quickly accessible things for rides in the car.  I installed it the other day and I totally need to take a picture of it in. 
I've still got a baby quilt on my craft to do list and some other ideas that I'm still kicking around before our newest little makes their appearance.  I want to make myself another maternity dress but I still haven't found the right fabric for it (at the right price).  I will find it though, I'm sure.  I just know that I'll be needing something cute to wear this summer.  I made a really cute maternity dress when I was pregnant with Joey but I don't know what happened to it. 

Boo, no sewing! SO, on to baking!

So, Joey's up from her nap and my sewing machine's out for delivery but not here yet.  I've gotten the living room cleaned up(Joey helped).  I got Joey's room a bit more organized.  I finished one load of dishes and my second load is going now.  I finished my meal plan for the week in my post earlier today (BONUS: all my menu items use things in my pantry and require no further shopping until Friday). 
I still need to change the sheets on our bed and in turn make the bed and take out the trash but I figured I'd hold off until my sewing machine got here and I'd take out all the trash at once.  I also waited until after Danny came home from class to change the sheets and make the bed since he tends to snack/nap in there on Monday afternoons while things are fresh in his head from class. 
So, now my morning activities are done(Yay Me!).  I've planned my afternoon quite loosely since I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with Joey when she woke up be we decided to bake cookies for Care Group tonight.  Joey's been really into helping me cook & bake lately, which is super fun for me.  I love having her help count out measurements and learn what's in things.  This morning she decided that our oatmeal pancakes needed some apple in them, so we added some grated apple and she got to eat the apple nubs. 
I think she eats more knowing that she had a hand in creating her meals.  She also helps pick what fruits go into her yogurt blends, and her yogurt popsicles that we make.  She loves to watch the berries and things ooze into purees in the top of the baby food grinder.  Yep, she's nearly 3 and I'm still using the thing.  It's the same baby food grinder that my mom bought when I was little, way back in the early 80's.  Who needs modern gadgets when the older ones are way cooler anyhow.  I may need to get a new 'O'-ring for it soon though since it'll be getting double use once our newest little is ready for real food.  I've already put some little 4oz. mason jars on my wish-list for the canning season.
The only modern gadget I'm still lusting after is a Kitchen Aid mixer.  *drool*  I can't seem to kick that one, even though I know I don't need one. 
I'd like an ice cream maker too but I deem that want rational since it would save us money and I don't really care as much about it. 
Ok, enough from me, that cookie dough should have softened enough to handle by now.  I had made a really big batch of cookie dough a while back and I froze what I couldn't make right away.  I've had it in the fridge to thaw for a few days now but it was still a little hard so I left it out on top of the running dish washer and I'm hoping it's soft enough to scoop by now. 

Easter Monday

Alrighty, the Holiday is over and it was lovely!  I love Easter.  Such a wonderful time.
The fasting of Lent always leaves me feeling refreshed, once it's all over.  Danny and I still haven't plugged the cable in yet and  I think we're going to see what we can do about leaving it that way.  At least during the day.
Joey's been much more well behaved without it.  Plus now she can't just turn it on when we're not looking and she actually has to do her chores to get a reward of a movie.  And to be honest, movies are much better for us as a household.  First off, no commercials.  Secondly, they're not nearly as annoying as some of the shows. Thirdly, we try to keep educational or at least musical movies around (she and I just adore musicals).  Lastly, it's helpful to be able to put on something with a definite end point and that holds her attention for most of the time.
We're watching the WIZARD OF OZ right now.  Joey requested it.
I still need to get the Sound of Music on DVD, I love that one.  It's on my list but I just haven't gotten to the 'wants' section of my list, I got a bit of the way through our 'needs' list and then we ran out of money.  Our tax refund didn't go as far as we'd hoped this year.  Danny is going to try and find work once the semester is over, 3 weeks and counting.
So, I've made some progress on our to do list for the day.  Danny did some laundry while he was up late last night which was a huge help!  I made oatmeal apple pancakes for breakfast.  I organized some of the remaining laundry.  I still have a bit left to go.  I need to change the sheets, I need to make up the meal plan for the week, I am hoping my sewing machine shows up in time for me to do something during Joey's nap, I need to make dinner, I need to clean the living room, and I am hosting care group tonight while Danny's off doing school work.

So, first thing's first,  MEAL PLAN:

Monday
breakfast: apple oatmeal pancakes
lunch: leftovers
dinner: mac & cheese & peas

Tuesday
breakfast: oatmeal & oranges
lunch: pb&j and milk
dinner: chicken tikka masala & rice noodles

Wednesday
breakfast: cereal & berries
lunch: ramen & beets
dinner: chicken nuggets & mashed potatoes

Thursday
breakfast: leftover pancakes
lunch: egg salad sandwiches & apples
dinner: pasta/asperagus/tomatoes/capers

Friday
breakfast: oatmeal & raisins
lunch: Sam's Club combo
dinner: grilled cheese & tomato soup

Saturday
breakfast: cereal & oranges
lunch: nutella sandwiches & veggie sticks
dinner: roast chicken & sweet potatoes

Sunday
breakfast: leftover frozen pancakes
lunch: snacks at church and pb&j
dinner:  leftover chicken & potato salad

So, Yeah

It's my one day of lull before craziness ensues.
Danny's birthday on Tuesday was wonderful.  Lots of people showed up and loved on my hubby.  He got lots of fun presents and everyone was super excited that I found him a bike that fits him.  I'll have to post pics of the bike soon.  It's being kept in the basement at the moment since it'd most likely be stolen if we left it outside.  Danny's been itching for the weather to cooperate on his non-school days so that he can take it for a real ride but I think today's going to be it for a few days yet and he really wants to get his school work that's due next week done before holiday madness breaks out.
The other day, I finally started that painting that I've been wanting to get started on for my girls.  I got a lot done so far.  I'm still stuck as to how I want the sky to look and I can't really finish up with the rest until I get a new palate knife (I don't know what happened to mine).  So, I'm making progress on that which makes me happy.  I really love painting, I could paint for days straight if I were ever to have the time or space.
I was nesting really bad last week and I started some sewing projects and it seemed that just as I got all my pieces cut out and pieced together, my sewing machine broke.  UGH!  I proceeded to sew some of it by hand but hit a snag since some of my pieces need to have elastic attached.  Luckily my mother-in-law is really great with sewing machines and used to work for a repair shop.  She took a look at my machine and told me that what I thought was wrong was indeed broken and she couldn't fix it herself and that it would cost at least $100 to get it repaired.  Oh well! Since I can get a new machine for the less than that, I said goodbye to that lovely machine(It lasted me almost 10 years).  And will soon be moving on to a new one (Woot Woot!).  I have it all picked out and I just need to go get it before the sale price runs out at the end of the month.
Tomorrow is Good Friday and Danny's actual birthday and we have tons going on this weekend.  I really wish that I could somehow slow time down just for the weekend so that I can get everything done and still enjoy the whole thing.
P.S. Please pray that our Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday doesn't get rained out.  For some of the kids that we put it on for, it's the only egg hunt that they can get to.

Crazy day...

So today has been a mad rush.  I've been cleaning and sewing and all kinds of madness.  I finished sewing Joey's dress or so I thought.  Turns out the measurements that I took of her have changed in two days.  She's somehow skinnier now than she was when I measured her.  Ugh.  Now I gotta fix it somehow.  I think I'm gonna try to do some thick straps or something.  Maybe if I turn the heat up on the iron it'll shrink the elastic some more and it'll hold up.  I also got cracking on my Christmas dress and got it half cut out and I need to finish up the cutting out tomorrow.
I really need to get cracking on finishing up my Christmas presents.  Danny and I keep saying that we're going to do it and we never get to it.
I am super excited for the Holidays coming up.  Our Christmas plans start tomorrow.  Joey and I are gonna be making up some sugar cookies with a friend and her little one.  So exciting, and then on Saturday we're all going to watch a fun little Christmas movie with another friend.  Then on Sunday we have a church potluck and then early family Christmas with Danny's folks and his sister and brother-in-law.  I've got all the little presents done for Sunday but I do still need to finish my dress and finish up the big presents.
Ok, I need to go clean up dinner and stuff.  Tootles!

Wintery wonderful snacks...

Today I made took my second crack at homemade marshmallows.  I DID IT!  I actually made marshmallows.  I even made them in holiday shapes and saved the scraps to float in hot chocolate.  Which of course prompted me to make some yummy hot chocolate.  Joey's still working on getting those last yummy drops out of her big girl mug.  I love making things from scratch.  It's especially nice when my treats are met with such enthusiasm from the family.
My goal for tomorrow is to make some homemade frozen burritos.  I'm going to make some lunch/dinner style ones as well as some breakfast burritos.  I got the idea from a friends blog Twinkling Along.  I bought some large tortillas at Sam's today and I'm soaking some beans right now.  I'm going to blend some up with some queso dip for easy spreading.  I may even try to make some meatball pizza style burritos, just for some variety.  Today, I totally forgot to eat before jetting off to work, and I do it far too often.  I need to eat real food in the morning so I'm not raging with hunger when I get home.
I'm also working on knitting myself a new scarf for the season and I want to figure out how to knit gloves or mittens and slippers.  I've got some lovely thin yarns that will make great mittens for myself and Joey, I just have to figure it out.  It's the thumb hole that really baffles me but I just must figure it out.    I want so much to be able to make mittens and slippers for my little one.  I have some lovely vinyl that will make great bottoms for the slippers so she's not slipping and sliding all over the floor.  I also want to make a pair for my little sister but I need to get the figuring done first.
But Joey and I finished making ornaments for her to give as gifts to all the family.  I let her paint them herself and she had such a blast.  I think she might even still have a few bits of paint hanging out on her hands from it but a thorough scrub down in on the agenda for her for tomorrow. Ok, I'm off, I got started on her Christmas dress today too.  The skirt I'm using is longer than I remember, I make even be able to use a little to trim up the black wrap dress that I'm planning on making for myself for Christmas.