Dutch Sisters Spring Surprise Swap 2010

I went here (www.dutch-blue.blogspot.com/2010/01/dutch-sisters-spring-surprise-swap-2010.html ) and signed up for another swap. It didn't look too hard or complicated. You have one partner and send her two fat quarters of beautiful spring-inspired fabric and then you make one item. You have until the 21st of March to send it to them. The real kicker for me (okay...other than the fabric) is that it is an International Swap. Those ladies overseas have access to some beautiful fabric and you can make some new friends. If any of that sounds interesting or fun.....you have until tomorrow to sign up. I've been hanging out with the boys quite a bit (as you can tell by the neglected blog). My 14 year old wants to hang out with....with the help of the Wii. I bought another controller last Saturday and now I can bowl with him. We've also played skeeball and a cooking game that is kicking my ass. Billy sits and watches us play. I've baked a little in the last two weeks, read a book or two, hit an estate sale all by myself, talked to the German lady across the street a couple times, finished up swaps and signed up for new ones. That is it. It has been nice. I'm trying to take it easy this year and spend more time with the boys. So it has to be a really good swap...come on ladies, blow my mind with something new. I did sign up for the follow-up tag swap...April Showers Bring May Flowers. We actually have a yahoo group now....we enjoyed swapping with each other so much. I got my tags and two of my inspiration boxes. I'm waiting on the third and some decent weather to take pictures. Today is Post Office Day.....I've got five packages and two envelopes to mail. I actually had a sale in my shop. I was shocked. Happy, but shocked. :)

Helping Haiti

Here are two excellent ways to help the people of Haiti. These are two etsy shops that have been opened to help those in need. What a great way to help...you get great handmade items and you are helping others. Here are there links (if you are interested):

www.haitibyhand.etsy.com

www.crafthope.etsy.com

I was lucky enough to get some of the Haitian handmade goods...beautiful, metal wall hangings. I got one for my sister...she has a picture on her blog. I, also, was one of the lucky ones who responded to Rebecca's post about sweet little crocheted purses made by Miraclid. I love that the money if going straight back to the artists...very cool. I have purchased two things from crafthope (neat animal alphabet poster and an embroidery/doll pattern). I can't wait for those...the pattern is a pdf and should arrive soon. It was designed by Jenny of Allsorts (her blog is in my bloglines) so you know it is adorable. I even purchased a string of hearts from Robin (ThriftyMissPriss- a V-day tag swap buddy) and she is donating the proceeds to Doctors Without Borders. Every little bit counts and it doesn't take much. I was going to get on my soapbox, but I won't. :) If you can....give something.

Re-cap?

I've been working on these two swaps. I decided to join the swap I mentioned in the last post (the one I got Wendy to sign up for). It is being held by Wendy (no-relation) in Australia (www.hartylittlepeaces.blogspot.com/). It only seemed fair to join after suckering my sister into it. I got some fabric on Monday at the Jo-Anns. I need to backtrack. Let's go back to Friday and my decision to drive to Birmingham on Saturday. It wasn't horribly bad...I did screw up and forgot to get off on the right exit...that cost me 30-45 minutes. After that....it was smooth driving. We went and ate (and took a well-needed potty break), before heading to Susan's house (she lives in the neighborhood we used to live in). Her husband watched the boys and we hit six thrift stores. I didn't find much. I was a tad disappointed. It wasn't as good as it used to be. It was still fun though. The boys and I stayed in a hotel that night. We got up and had our free breakfast and hit the B&N and SuperTarget....I miss both of these...way better selection than our smaller versions here (it is only a Target here...I miss the food selection). We drove home and bummed around the house for the rest of the day. Monday was a holiday and the boys had it off, so I took them to Toys'r'us, Party City (they each got a free balloon..very cool) and Jo-Ann's. I think the free balloons made up for Jo-Ann's. :) We then went to Best Buy to return my Christmas present from my brother. I had never driven to the Jo-Ann's before....I figured if I could drive to Birmingham....I could do that. I found some fabric and came home and joined the swap. :) I had some in my stash that I used as well. I cut all 200 blocks out yesterday and I should be able to mail them today. I tried something for the other swap (Inspiration Boxes) and it didn't work and so I get to go buy two new matchboxes to rectify that mistake. :) I am having the hardest time with swaps lately. It is driving me mad. The ladies in the Valentine Tag Swap want to swap again and I am debating whether or not I should. Hey, it isn't all doom and gloom, driving and swapping around here.....I've read a few more books and watched the entire fifth season of Weeds this week. The fifth season of Weeds was only 13 1/2 hour episodes....it didn't take long. :)

I thought I'd suck it up...

and drive to Birmingham tomorrow. Yep, you read correctly..my butt is going to drive the three hour trip that it takes. I need to hit some real thrift stores....I'm hoping it will get me back in the groove of things. If nothing else...it will get me out of my comfort zone...it was my old neighbors..they kept pestering me about when we were coming up again. :) We'll find a room somewhere and drive back on Sunday. There is no way I can drive another three hours after thrift shopping all day long. :) I, the great enabler, also convinced my sister to sign up for another swap. You'll have to head over to her blog (that Wendy one on the sidebar) and check it out....the Wendy that is hostessing it still has room. It is a great time to spread your wings and try new things...it's not that hard....cut out 200 4" squares. :) But it may motivate you to learn how to sew or quilt. Plus, you would have an excuse to buy a rotary cutter....a fun tool. :) Have a great weekend!

Oh, yes...I do suck at this blogging thing

This is how I've been feeling. I have way too much to do and rather lay about and do nothing. This was one of the hotel rooms we stayed at on our way home from my sister's house. I know...no shoes on beds...I don't allow that in my own house and I let him do it there...bad Mommy. I did read five books over Christmas break..finished one on the very last day of break....it was sad and made me cry..so I haven't read for a few days. "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs. I hate sad books. It is going straight to my sister...cry, Wendy, cry. :) This was the week of catching up on two months worth of stuff. We went to Opelika to the bank on Monday...yes, I drove. Smart asses. It wasn't too bad...we hit the Salvation Army and ate at a WaffleHouse. Tuesday, I wrote a thank you note and made appointments for Billy and I. Billy went to the dentist on Thursday (which was also my Dad's Birthday)..he used the word "no" quite a bit. Our other appointments are this upcoming week...perfect month to get a Pap Smear...just in case some of you have put it off as well. We've spent quite a bit of time watching NCIS DVDs...nothing good has been on tv. Hey, my 14 year old wants to hang out with me...I'll watch NCIS until the cows come home for that. I've been working on my Valentine tags for Natalea's swap...I was doubting myself and actually wrote to her for guidance...she is too nice. I think they are about done...it feels like they are missing something...I still suck at the embellishment thing. I'm getting there. I've had tons of emails back and forth between my swap partners for Heather's Petite Inspiration Box Swap. I don't know what I did with their blog information..I'll have to post that later. I've been second guessing myself....which is unusual for me. I hope it will pass soon. It makes it hard to create. At least their boxes will be full. :)

Home Sweet Home

I actually missed it this time. :) We got back last night and I'm trying to get caught up. The comissary was a mad house...I can't believe all of Post and all the retirees in a 100 mile radius chose to shop today....oy. I hope you have fun doing whatever you are going to do tonight. The boys are with their grandparents visiting the National Infantry Museum and who knows what else. Happy New Year!

We're going bye- bye

We are leaving today to drive to Wendy's house for Christmas. I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Dead battery and messed up settings

My battery was dead last night, so no pictures. I charged it all night and I tried taking pictures today and didn't realize what was wrong with the camera until it was all done. :( They all did so well though. :) Turns out the older special ed class borrowed Billy for their production (not the normal pre-K)..those kids love him....they all rushed over and said hi and his name over and over again. They did two numbers "Must Be Santa" and " Christmas Times A-Coming". They needed Billy for the first song to hold up a picture of Santa with a cherry red nose. He did not sing, but he was kind of dancing (sort of marching in time with the music). He picked up his picture of Santa, but the aide (who was right behind him to keep him from bolting) had to help him raise it up at the right time. In the second number....he played with jingly bells...he did pretty good. I am biased. No hat, but they got him in a bandana last night...when we came in this morning..he went right to them and got his. :) He even sat and watched the rest of the program on my lap. The whole school was there this morning...it was for families last night. You should of seen the kids...they were adorable (the normal kids were not bad either). One little girl (last night) saw her Mom in the front row and kept saying hi to her. What was even better was to see the Pre-K Special Ed teachers watch it and see how far those kids had come....they had taught most of them when they were younger. The lady whose class it was...she was excited when she found out Billy was five...they get him next year. She and the aide can't wait. I'm so proud of all of them and to see the smiles on their families faces while watching them was so cool.

P.S. The reason I don't like Christmas programs...my children are usually only in them when their Father is gone. It makes me sad and the music makes me cry. See Jodie...I may be bad, but not heartless.

A Country Christmas

That is the theme of the Christmas Program tonight....the preschoolers are supposed to be in Western Garb and a Santa Hat. I had neither...they said that Christmas colored shirts would work. I found a short sleeve red top yesteday at the PX...but if the temp drops..oy. I went to Target all by myself today in search of a red shirt and a santa hat. He is so not going to wear the friggin hat....maybe for a minute....then it is going out in the crowd like a stripper shedding his clothes. Have you felt the inside of Santa Hats?? I don't have major sensory issues, but I wouldn't want to wear that shit either. Well, now he has both. Yippee....I sure hope he sings tonight. He goes to normal preschool once a week with an aide. The rest of the week he is with the other Specials (as I like to call them). They needed two more kids and I said if they could get him to do it..be my guest. He better sing tonight. I have to get up and take him to school early tomorrow as well....oy...no sleeping in. Maybe I can get a picture of him in his hat.

Busy Day

It all started with a get together at a fellow military wife's house. I was in charge of the craft table for the kids. I brought foam and chipboard shapes. I had paper, cardstock, buttons, glue, glitter...all sorts of stuff. The kids who did stuff had fun and some of the wives played a little too. We spent five and half hours there....after we ate and crafted..we just sat down and let the kids play and we talked (well...as much as the kids would let us). Kind of nice. When we got home..I fed the boys and put in a movie "Julie and Julia"...I've read both books that the movie is based on. It was cute. I think I enjoyed Julia's book more than Julie's...Julie tended to piss me off...her whining. I'm kind of glad they touched on that in the movie. It makes you want to cook....to throw a dinner party. :) Well, I just read through some blogs and came across a tag book swap by the lovely Natalea of Kandeland. I had to sign up....she is just so nice and the theme is Valentines Day and they aren't due until January. She is taking the first 20...I called Wendy and just happened to reach her...the enabler strikes again and I signed us both up. I figure we can work on them while I'm at her house for Christmas. :) I guess I should put up the link..in case any of you want to try for a slot. :) www.kandeland.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/12/valentines-tag-book-swap-now-open-for-signups.html All that and it is only 7:21 pm.....I wonder what else I can do. I think I shall start a book...I just finished one last night (in between watching "The Spiderwick Chronicles" with Jr...not bad...books are a little better...but not bad) "The Chocolate Snowman Murders" by Joanna Carl...it is part of a series...I think I have mentioned before that I love culinary mysteries. :) It is the perfect weather to snuggle up and read a book (especially when you have no one to snuggle up to)...it rained all damn day. It was crappy ass cold yesterday. Perfect reading weather. I think I need some hot chocolate...good thing tomorrow is commissary day...I don't feel as bad about drinking up all the milk. :) Have a good evening!

Christmas Wishes

I was reading my bloglines and the Urban Farmhouse blog had a really neat blog entry today. If you go here (www.urbanfarmhouse.blogspot.com ) you can read all about it. She has a link to another blog that tells you more (www.blogher.com/his-last-christmas-wish ). I think we can all spare the 44 cents and price of a card. I hope he likes the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. :)

I'm still sick.....

I swear it feels as if it will never end. I was starting to feel better last week and Friday afternoon..Billy brought Mommy a treat home from school...he got sick again. Which in turn got me sick again. The weather hasn't helped. The sun came out today though. Happy Day! Billy nad I attended a meeting at the middle school about high school choices. They have something like nine high schools they can try to attend. Some are magnet schools and there are two feeder schools. Crazy shit. Billy was really good..if that meeting had lasted a few minutes longer..it would not have been pretty. It is right across from the playground and he wanted to go so bad..but we had to go back for the bus and school. He was so upset...he cried and cried. I promised him afterschool we would go to the playground and we just got back a little while ago. We stopped at BK for dinner....I am too tired to cook. I even went for a walk before the boys came home from school...I didn't want to waste the sunshine. :) I don't think I'll ever get my other Silver Bella stuff photographed...I am just too friggin tired. Monkey Boy has decided he is a night owl. He forgets I have to make sure Jr gets fed and on the bus in the morning...oy. Well..I'm missing re-runs of NCIS and Glee comes on tonight. Yes, my ass will be parked in front of the tv tonight....Top Chef Finale is on tonight as well. I know I could be reading or crafting....but that takes real brain power....I just don't have any left.

SB- Vendor Night

This was my two table set up this year. No, the can of Coke was not for sale. I know I skipped over my second class (Ephemera Bird with Denise Sharp), but I have no pictures from that class...we started working right off the bat until the very end of class and I still didn't finish my bird. A nice shout out to my fellow remedial table ladies. Did any of you ever finish your birds?? I hope to someday. Who are we kidding...the possibility of that is very slim. Poor dead bird.

I survived the nine days of break

I didn't think I would. :) I was still sick when it started. We did get out a little..trips to the PX, Post Office, Commissary, and Target. We went for a few walks and hit the playground a couple of times. Both boys love the going to the playground...it is harder when other children are there...Billy doesn't know not to run in front of swinging children. Both Jr and I got quite a workout. :) If you are noticing a lack of Jr pictures...he hates getting his picture taken (not unlike his Mother). The work order guy came out on Tuesday and fixed a bunch of stuff (nice benefit, right?). So we spent that day cooped up in the house. Yesterday was nice....I got through two stacks of magazines and part of a box. I love school..for my children. :) Billy was getting a tad stir-crazy being off his schedule for so long. Our family now has a Christmas Break plan...my parents will be coming here and then we are driving to MD to spend part of it with my sister and brother (who always drives up from the DC area). My sister and I have planned a menu and agreed on a craft to work on (last Thanksgivng, we did a paper arts thing). I'll help her organize her "studio" as well....it is only fair...when one unloads masses of unused artsy craftsy supplies on another...you should help them organize it. :) That way she'll be able to play with it all. I am feeling much better...the sun came out the last few days of break....the fresh air does amazing things to a sick body. Yet, it rained yesterday..figures. :) I guess I should get started on another pile of magazines...oh, joy.

The Shop

Well, last night I re-opened it and I only had 29 items left...oy. :) I took some photos of some books and I just listed them. I got my last SB box last night...I just need to figure out what is worth listing. It is hard figuring out what might sell and what might not. I rarely sell anything I've relisted...other than some trim. So I might have to start from scratch and poke around the boxes here for some new things. It makes it hard to get motivated...but I didn't make 200 goody bags for nothing. Yes, I made those yo-yos...love that fabric...it is so me. I actually sent mine to the lady who helped me with the button card kits....Judi Andersen of www.pinkpersimmon.com. If you liked the design on your card..that is her doing..I had two different designs to work with and they are both from her stamp sets. They are pretty good stamps as well. :) So if you liked the button card kit...head over to Pink Persimmon and let her know.