From my Wish Filler!

On one of the boards I am on, we all got to make 5 wishes and someone picked this wish I made to fill for me!





I don't know who my wish filler is, but I do know who she got to make the outfit for me! You can reach her and see her work at SurferMomKelly

I am just over the moon and can't wait to get professional pics done! I hear there is some matching jewlery coming and then we'll head off to the photo studio and we'll be sitting on Santa's lap with this outfit too! Thank you again Wish Filler, whoever you are! And thank you to Kelly and her mom for such beautiful work!

Wendy

The good with the bad.....

Hoooy Boy! It's been a week around here. Some good news....I managed to snag a pretty decent sewing machine from a fellow E. Side Mom (name of my MOMS group) for $10 so I can keep on sewing. Couple that with the GC to JoAnne's and a local quilt shop that I got for my birthday and I think I have just enough money to get what I need to finish the quilt for my Grandfather for Christmas and get the supplies I need to make Katie another twirl skirt out of the most delicious fabric that I have had hanging around forever. I am happy. Also on the happy note, on one of the boards I belong to, they do a Secret Santa like thing. I got to fill out a wish list of 5 things that I wanted and I also get to pick someone's list of 5 things they want! Well, one of the things that I wanted was a custom made Christmas outfit for Katie (since I had one for Gillian at around this age and had fab portraits done with it). Someone picked my wish list and granted this wish! I am over the moon. And I have had so much fun filling my wish listers wishes too! Can't wait to send it out!

On the bad end, our beloved cat Chaz is ending his time here on earth. We woke up to him being very weak and hardly able to walk this morning. After lots of tears and talking about death with Katie, Cheryl took him to the vet who agreed that he is in kidney failure and as a last stop measure, gave him a shot of something to jump start his kidneys and maybe save him for a few more months. We have to take him back on Wednesday, and we'll know if this is working. If not, well then you get the idea. Please say some prayers for our little kitty man Chaz. He is/was Cheryl's cat before she met me, but as all cats do, he's wormed his way into all of our hearts and it's heartbreaking to see him so weak and fragile. And it breaks my heart to see my wife so sad as well as my daughter. She is taking this hard. She keeps telling us that if Chaz dies we'll have to go out and get another yellow cat and name him Chaz. I guess that is her way of dealing with death eh?

So, the good with the bad. Winter has struck here full force. We woke up to about 3" of snow on the ground this morning. YUCK! We all know how much I love snow.

Talk with you all later....

Wendy

What is a Stay At Home Mom?

Remind me again would ya? Since March, I have been a full time SAHM and haven't done much staying home. Today was one of those days that I didn't stay home. It started with putting Katie on the bus, taking Gillian to school, a quick trip to Starbucks (thank you whoever gave me the giftcard for my birthday)and then up to church for a 2 hour Church and Society meeting! Then I rushed home to meet the bus, took Katie to McDonald's for lunch (long story short, I promised her a trip there last week only to get there to find a bus load of kids waiting to be waited on and us needing to leave to make story time). So, into McDonald's we head (again, thanks to my sister for the birthday money) and we had a nice lunch together! We headed over to the children's store that it looks like I might be helping out in short term and then over to Grandma's to drop Katie off for her date! They went to see the Bee movie together while I ran to the high school to pick up Gillian to take her for her 6 month dental check up and cleaning. Then, we rushed back (HAHAHA - rushing back in rush hour traffic) to meet up with Grandma and Katie at ballet at 5PM. Sat there for an hour while she had ballet and talked with the youth minister about church stuff and then headed home. Got home and the wife was making dinner.....oh thank goodness for my wife! Had dinner and am now sitting down for the first time all day!

I love what I do! Of course if I would have been able to sew today, then life would have been perfect! But, the sewing machine is on the fritz and I have to make do without for now! Tomorrow will be another whirlwind day, so again I ask, who came up with the term SAHM? Because I don't know many that actually Stay Home! LOL!

Wendy

THE Birthday party!

What can I say? Cheryl threw me a birthday party to end all birthday parties today! All in all, we had about 65 people cycle through our house during the 4 hour time frame she asked people to come. She went all out with food and decorations including a cake (I need to download the pics)with pictures of me as a small child/baby.

I have never felt so much love. My grandparents were here. You might remember that the year before last my Grandfather came very close to dying. My mother is in end stage lung disease and was just discharged from short term nursing home rehab. She was here today. My friend of 20 years, who is recovering from a major stroke, came today. My friend from 6th grade (yes, you read that right) was here today! Folks that were near and dear to me that could come, did. And it felt so good to be with everyone.

The past 2 years have been so hard both physically and emotionally on me. I felt today as though all that washed away, leaving a clean slate for the future to begin. I felt so loved today, so cared about, but most of all, I was felt HAPPY today in a way that I haven't in a long, long time.

Thank you Cheryl for all the effort and energy you put into making my 40th birthday one that I will never forget. Thank you for loving me so much and for coming into my life and sharing it with me. I look forward to 40 more birthdays walking by your side!

So, if you were here today, and are reading this, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made my 40th birthday so very special.
Wendy

Sewing addiction?

So, my MIL's sewing machine was on the fritz yesterday and I just about went into withdrawl! I was in the homestretch of finishing my Grandpa's quilt top and I have 18 slings to put together for a friend of mind along with edging a few other ones that she needs! I had a panic attack for a minute there. I sent out an SOS to my Mom's group, just in case we couldn't get it working again, but thankfully it was just a dust build up that was causing the problem! So, quilt top is finished, 2 slings are done and 1/2 of another is bound. I have a lot of work ahead of me this weekend and I am looking forward to it. Just making something as simple as a sling is giving me more practice and skills that I need in making clothes.

Then I am going to get at my new fabric and start Katie's new skirt! I already got an offer of $50 for the Halloween one, but unfortunately that one isn't for sale and besides, it's not really something that I would sell. There are lots of mistakes that the untrained eye can't see. Right now, I am just practicing! Someday I would love to be able to make eye catching and beautiful clothes to sell!

And if you could all remember my cousin Shari in your prayers? Her father died unexpectedly this week and well, if you've ever lost a parent, then you know what she is going through. You are in my prayers Shari!
Wendy

Fall Harvest!

Well, blogger is being stubborn and only letting me upload these 2 pictures today! And I have a great one of Katie scooping out the yucky guts of a pumpkin too! Oh, well, it will have to wait for another day! I love fall and everything that comes with it! The apple picking, pumpkin pickind and carving. Today we will trick or treat with our Moms group and Wednesday, Katie and her Mama will go out trick or treating in the neighborhood while I stay home with my broken foot and watch a scary movie with Gillian! Fall is a very profound time for me, and I have started several posts about it, but couldn't quite put into words the feelings that I have about it. So, let me leave you with these happy pictures of my family! I deliberately left out the one of me in the wagon with my big cast/boot on! LOL!

The finished outfit!

Here is the finished product! I love how the skirt turned out with the shirt and tights to pull it all together! I will be starting my next project as soon as I finish the lap quilt that I am making for my grandfather!

Irrational fears

I wish I could kick this irrational fear thing that I have. And stop crying over every little thing. Everytime one of my kids gets sick, I worry about them being really sick even if they just have a cold, or them passing it on to the rest of the house. Gillian woke up sick this morning. She seems to be getting sick a lot. Add that to my 4 year old who always seems to need to poop right when the bus comes but doesn't want to miss the bus, I am getting pretty sick and tired of this....stuff!

But, the real issue is my fears. They are so out of control. Kind of like my life in a way. My house is a mess. I have no energy to clean, cook or basically do anything. I feel like a grouch all the time and then when something goes wrong, well, I just get grouchier. I feel like a bad mother. I know that I am doing the best that I can, but I just can't shake the feeling that I stink at being a mother. Like it's somehow my fault they got sick. Like it's my fault that Gillian has Ulcerative Colitis, like every thing is just my fault.

I forgot about my counseling appt. yesterday and feel terrible. I don't even want to go back to that counselor now. Maybe I just feel as though there is no one out there that can help?

I am just throwing stuff around this disjointed blog today. While I feel as though I need some down time, I feel guilty about that too. Maybe motherhood is one big guilt trip?

Sewing again

I am in love with fabric. There, I said it. I am in love with kids clothes, but moreoever, I am in love with fabric. Putting things together to make beautful clothes, quilts, you name it! I am in the process of finishing the lap quilt that I am making for my Grandpa (who looks amazing by the way!) and then onto my next project! I broke down and ordered some Baby Nay fabric off a website that I can't wait to get my hands on and start a twirly skirt for Katie. It's a patchwork fabric made out of mostly red fabric that I am going to make her for Christmas/Valentine's Day. I am hoping that I will have enough fabric to take one or two of the patches and applique them on the front of a plain white shirt. I can't wait to take my idea's out of my head and put them on the sewing machine! I can already see the finished skirt in my mind! This is so much better than actually buying the clothes themselves...well almost. It's a lot cheaper, that's for sure!

Today we went pumpkin picking today....well, let's say the girls and Cheryl did. I sat in the wheelbarrow while they picked pumpkins! I have to DL the pics, but I got some cute ones. It was so warm here today, in the 80's which is unheard of at this time of the year. Let's hope the warm weather holds out because Katie is going to be a mermaid this year and well, the costume just doesn't look the same with a turtle neck and long johns under it! LOL

More pics soon, I promise!

Altogether a crappy week

Well, the party was a bust and I feel so sad about that. But the other exciting news is that I broke my foot and sprained the ankle that I had reconstructed 7 years ago. Badly. I am so vain that I don't use my cane and well, yesterday I was just walking with my friend and out kids and down I went. I am in pain, but I am pissed more than anything. OK. The cane comes back out. I learned my lesson. Now,I have a boot cast for 4 weeks. No weight on the foot for 2 weeks and then I can be weight bearing with the boot cast for 2 weeks.

I am depressed.
Wendy

Matilda Jane Clothing Internet Party!

You are cordially invited to a

Virtual Matilda Jane Trunk Show...


"I feel pretty, oh, so pretty, I feel pretty and witty and bright! And I pity any girl who isn't me tonight..."



October 5th -15th

It's all about Discovery!
Matilda Jane Clothing is pleased as peaches to offer their couture for the pint sized set in the comfort of your own home!



Please check out Matilda Jane's Fall line by clicking on the link below:


*** Fall 2007 Catalog ***


Found somthing you just can't live without?

Please contact my Trunk Keeper, Sarah Woodworth, at 317.577.2846 or mjctrunks1@yahoo.com!

She'll take care of you in lightening fast time!


If you'll provide her with your child's age, height, and weight, she'll be able to tell you exactly what size to order! Also, if you email her, please provide a phone number so she can call you back to finalize your order.


Sophisticated. Colorful. A wee bit cheeky. And mom-approved! Discover a new form of expression with sizing from 6m-12y, with a selection for you. Inspire her to seek out independence, with endless compliments guaranteed!



I hope you enjoy your home shopping experience!! Thank you so much!

~Wendy~

FYI - Matida Jane Clothing Internet Party

Due to all of the "excitement" and interest that people had about the Matilda Jane Clothing line, I am going to be hosting an internet party! It will start tomorrow 10/5 and run through 10/15. I am trying my best to get the "e-vite" up and running but having trouble! Please e-mail me at wendy6gill@aol.com so that I can personally send you an e-vite! I promise you won't be disappointed!

I am excited that I can bring this exciting and wonderful clothing line to you all. It is truly amazing, the outfits they have come up with. I am so excited to have the pleasure of working with such talented people.

So, look for the e-vite tomorrow and order away! Thank you all for your wonderful support!

Wendy

Correction

In a previous e-mail I made note that I was becoming a Rep for Matilda Jane when in fact I will just be Hostessing a show for them during the time period February 7-10, 2008. I just needed to clarify that little factoid. Again, if you are interested in their Spring line (which I am assuming that I will be selling) please let me know and I will be happy to assist you in ordering. Until then, if you want to check out their cool and funky clothes, please visit Matilda Jane Clothing!

The Stillness

of the house is wonderful! It's not very often that I am here alone, but both kids just got on the their busses and it's SO QUIET. See I had to yell already! But, the dishwasher beckons to be unloaded, there are several loads of laundry to be done and the quilt that I have been working on is calling my name. Pretty soon there will be the hum of the washer and dryer, the sewing maching will be whirring and all will be well in the world again!

Quiliting....

Well, I couldn't figure out what I wanted to make for Katie next, so I decided to start a easy lap quilt in greens, yellows and blues. I am almost done putting the blocks together and ready to piece it. I love how it looks already and I am so amazed at myself! I am actually reading the directions and understanding them! I will show a picture of the completed project as it's really hard to show you all the in between pics with fabric all over the table. I just love sewing. Can't wait to start my next project already!

Also, did you know that with Boden/Mini Boden you can actually earn money to shop with? If you refer someone to them (for their mailing list) they will give you $5 per person up to $20 a month. I just saved $75 and was able to get Katie a nice warm coat and a few other things. And didn't pay a dime of my own money! Now, I will be saving up money for when their spring line comes out! And if you check on e-bay, their resale value is out of this world! And the quality is outstanding. I haven't personally had any trouble with customer service, but a few people I know have so you have to stay on top of your returns and credits. Overall, I have had really good experiences with this company.

You also might want to check out Hanna Andersson since they just started selling their Christmas stuff. Every year I dream about getting us all matching sweaters to have Christmas Pictures taken for cards, but unless the magic money fairy drops by, that isn't happening! Also, I know that Cheryl and Gillian wouldn't wear the sweaters again, so why waste money on something that isn't going to be worn? LOL! Also, !Naartjie just put up their winter line and all of their fall 1 is on sale. So many cute things. I was gifted a cute outfit from Fall 1 and it is cute. You can see it on Katie on her first day getting on the bus! Just thought that I would help you all spend some money! LOL! I have been able to sell some things on e-bay to finance getting fabric and I can't believe how inexpensive it really is to sew. I find myself looking at skirts or outfits and thinking to myself, "Hey, I can do that for much less"!

The sewing is keeping me busy along with trying to get my mother settled. After many days and lots of work, she decided against going on medicaid and going into Assisted Living. I am just praying that the social worker can get the things set up to keep her safe and well at home.

Speaking of praying. I have started my day off and end it each night praying. It really helps me to remember that I am not in this alone!

My first ever sewing project!

During

Before....

Here is the material I picked out to make Katie's skirt. It's going to be 3 tiers and then I am going to take the black w/orange polka dot fabric (middle tier) and make a ruffle out of that for the bottom. I think it's going to look cute. I should be able to find a cute black Old Navy Tee to put with it (In fact I might have one floating around somewhere with an orange pumpkin on it). If not, I will see if they have one at Old Navy. Worse comes to worse I can put a plain white shirt with it. I don't really want to go out and buy the shirt at Old Navy just in case I don't get the skirt done right! Anyway, this is the material and I start on Monday hopefully. MIL's sewing machine is coming tomorrow and she is going to show me how to thread it and then give me lots of remnants to practice making seams on. Who knows, maybe it will turn out to be a quilt someday? So, try to imagine these fabrics in 3 tiers as a skirt!

Katie's first day riding the bus

Here's my cool tote since we can't have backpacks on the bus!



Waiting (im)patiently for the bus!



Look how big my bus is and how small I am....but I love it!




BIG step up!



I don't know that I can even put into words the feelings going through me that day. And it's been 4 days since. She's not even off to Kindergarten yet, and already, my baby is going to school on the bus. I love her school, she's been there (with me!) since she was a year old, but this is a big step. And I guess we are lucky because next year when she is gone all day to school, I will already have cried on the first day, seeing her get on that bus.

She loves school. I will be going in on Friday's to be a room helper (well, every other Friday since they only have school every other Friday) and I am joining the PTO. I can't even say that I haven't had anything to do while she's been gone since Cheryl stayed home the first day, I had a church meeting the second day, did housework the third day and went fabric shopping with MIL today. More pics of the fabric we chose for the skirt I am going to make Katie!

So, enjoy these cute pics of my baby, on her first bus ride to school!

Open blog

I have decided with much thought, that I am not going to make this a closed blog. Why let one person take what you have written and throw it in your face and then make everyone else have to jump through hoops just to read. So, I am making this public, but I will mostly be talking about my learning to sew. At some time in the future, I might start another blog about feelings and stuff, especially as my mother nears the end of her life. She has end stage lung disease and we are not sure how much longer she has to live. I have lots to catch you all up with now that the drama is gone. Some pics to share of Katie getting on the bus for the first time, etc.

So, let's just get one with things shall we? It's a beautiful fall day here in Upstate NY! The sun is shining, the leaves are changing and life is just great. I refuse to let anyone ruin my good mood and I pray for those whose lives are in such disarray that they must use someone else to take it out on.

So, let's play! Have fun! For this is the day that the Lord Hath Made!
Wendy