Hello Winter

We're staying in today. Luckily there are no errands that need to be done! The goal for today is to do all my weekly chores so that we can enjoy the holiday.

I finished up the last of my sewing last night. I didn't even finish half of the handmade gifts I originally set out to make. I'm giving myself a break because of all I've been through this last little while. Next year I will try again to be better & start in the summer time. For now I am just too exhausted. Dylan put his foot down & told me I couldn't start any more gift projects at this point. Although, I did have a few softies in mind for the girls....I know he's right. I need to get some rest & focus on other things, like wrapping & baking & remembering where I hid all those gifts.

We are supposed to warm up a little in the next few days. All I have left to do is shop for food. It's our first Christmas on our own as a family. I'm planning to make my mom's cinnamon rolls. I've never made them before, but Chanel has. She says they're easy & so I'm not too worried. It's fun to choose traditions from each side of our family to use & to make some up on our own as well. It feels great to be doing Christmas in our own place this year. I will miss our family tons, but we're excited. No need to sit around & be sad, right? We are so blessed. So very blessed & I can't stop thinking about that this week.

What are you doing today? What are your holiday traditions?

Everyone Needs a Pom Pom Skirt

This gingerbread girl is by far the best craft to come home from preschool this year. I love the pom pom skirt in all it's overdone glory. We've even lost a few pom poms in the backpack & throughout the house. I think we all need a pom pom skirt. How fun would that be!


We also got a card from Sadie yesterday with a hand print reindeer on the front.


Her teacher helped her with the inside.


Now please note that we really are not big fans of McDonalds in this family. Actually, I think I counted about a 3 or 4 year stretch where we did not give McDonalds any of our business. But, Sadie got a little older & we'd end up there on road trips every now & then...but still we try to avoid it. While I was sick over the past couple of months, we did however stop there quite often. Sometimes just for a vanilla cone. Anyway, just thought you should know that we are not McDonalds junkies & don't like to support them with our money. :)

But...back to this adorable card. My very favorite part is "Thank you for hugging me and giving me apples." It's the sweetest thing!

I'm Around

Getting my laundry on. Oh, who am I kidding? That laundry has been in those baskets for days now. Don't you just hate when you need a white piece of clothing & have to dig through the whites basket. It's impossible & totally annoying.

Anyway, I am getting things done. Trying my best to keep up productivity around here. It feels good to have energy. I feel like my old self again.

But there are a lot of things to get done. Anybody else feeling the stress? I know I'll get it all pulled off in the end, but boy am I looking forward to resting after Christmas. Unfortunately I can't share any of my recent sewing with you, because surprises will be ruined.

On a side note, I joined facebook finally. I'm kinda in a race w/ Dylan to have more friends than him. Any of my buddies out there that I haven't tracked down on facebook yet? Let me know. We'll hook it up.

Crazy Mullets

Yes, I did go get my haircut at a place called Crazy Mullets last week. No, they did not give me a mullet. Yes, I am happy with my cut. Yes, I am happy with the amount I paid on my way out ($20 women's cut, $18 men's cut). No. I'm not sure that I can give up this awesome postcard next time I go in even though it's good for $3 off any cut.

Crayon Rolls

I've added a few crayon rolls to the shop. I love to give these as gifts along with a coloring book. They are a good little stocking stuffer as well.

Visit With Santa 2008

Santa was in town last night so we took the girls for a visit. Sadie was SO excited. The store that Santa comes to is right across the street from our grocery store, and whenever we're by it Sadie brings up her visit with Santa last year.

I was curious to see how Claire would react to him this year. I truly thought that she would be scared. Not at all. She walked right up the stairs and sat on his lap just like her big sister. Sadie let Santa know that she wanted a Belle dress for Christmas & that Claire wanted a baby stroller. When Santa asked her if there was anything else she wanted she said "No." I just love these little kids who are satisfied with one toy.

Being a kid at Christmas is the best. I am loving watching my kids experience the fun & magic of it all. Luckily, I gave Santa some advance warning on the kids wants this year. I think he's pretty well prepared & I'm glad there weren't any surprise requests last night. :)

The Cake That Maria Made

My friend Maria called me on Sunday to tell me that she wanted to bring over a "dessert" that she made for us. I was thinking brownies or cookies, but then she shows up with this beautiful cake! It is totally professional like & delicious as can be. And how fun is that color? Now if a cake like this doesn't cheer a person up, I just don't know what will. Thanks, Maria!

Sale!

All tote bags, headbands & travel tissue holders have been marked down today over in the Sparkle Power etsy shop. Happy holidays!

Little Gifties

Bean bag sets for the littles in our lives, or Sadie's friends.

Ahhhh, Yes

Things are getting better around here. A little better each day, in fact. We still have moments of sadness here & there, but we are trying to move on & enjoy this holiday season. Thank you for all of your kind words on the last post. They really helped me a lot. I considered leaving the comments off on that one, but knew that your words & thoughts would be so kind & helpful. Thank you.

I cannot believe how amazing our friends out here have been. They have been right here with food & phone calls & hugs & it has been so uplifting & wonderful. Thanks to all who have offered help. The world is full of amazing, wonderful, good people. I really am overwhelmed by your support. Thank you.

We finally finished up our Christmas decorating. The tree was waiting for me to add some berry branches & now that it's complete I remember how much I love, love, love my Christmas tree. I thought that this would be the year that I'd be ready for all new stuff...not so. And last night I did some sewing. It felt wonderful. I am excited to get in the groove of making holiday gifts. I love sewing at night with the house decked out for Christmas & cold snow outside. I'll share what I can along the way!!

Merry Christmas!

Heartbreak

I hate to have to do this, but I must inform you that our family will not be expecting another baby early next summer. At my 14 week checkup earlier this week, the doctor was unable to find the baby's heartbeat. I knew right then what was happening, but she did a few ultrasounds & without sharing all the details...we've lost the baby.

This has been really hard to deal with. We are all very sad. Dyl & I especially & that poor little 4 year old too. I wish it would have happened earlier. I wish that my family hadn't had to go through the hardest part....those 2 months of constant sickness where I am unable to take care of them fully. We thought we were in the clear. We were proud of what we had conquered & that little bean we'd seen earlier on the ultrasound screen with a beating heart had already become a part of us.

We are sad. Our hearts are broken. Time will pass & life will go on & we will be okay. We are okay. We have a lot of love in this little house of ours. We will be okay.

For now I am allowing myself to be sad. Thank you for your calls, but if I don't answer my phone, please understand that I don't want to talk about it right now.

Digging Out

Things are starting to brighten around here. I'm in the middle of my 12th week of pregnancy & I feel great! Still a bit tired all the time, but no more morning throw up session & no more feeling nauseous all day long. I completely lost all order in our home over the last two months that I spent in zombie mode. So now it begins, time to dig out of this mess!

First order of business last night was to take care of some long neglected grooming. I used this $7 highlighting kit to color my own hair for the very first time. It came out great. I feel much better now that my 2 inch roots are gone & the amount of money I saved on a salon trip makes me even happier. I still need a haircut, but that will get taken care of soon enough.


So while I am feeling happy & blessed & recognizing that even though my house is a disaster, I have so many things to feel grateful for, I am going to share with you some things that are making me happy right now.

My new slippers. My feet have been living here for the past month & will continue to throughout winter. I finally, finally invested in a nice pair or warm slippers for myself. And my flannel pajama pants....sexy, I know. My husband is such a lucky guy.


Hot chocolate with a good amount of whipped cream on top.

The snow that continues to fall outside. Not enough to have shovel, but enough to feel magical & dust everything with pretty white.

Thoughts of Christmas and all I want to do this year to make it great for my family.

This little girl & her "cheese" face.


Sadie and the maturity that she is starting to show. Her loving nature is really coming out lately. She's made some huge progress on a little behavioral problem we've been dealing with for F-O-R-E-V-E-R. She makes us so very proud every day to be her parents.

And Dylan, who deserves something great for all the work he's done to hold this house together while I was sick. I know he loves me. I think he knows I love him too.

So Flattered

Imitation Is, photographic print by wrenandchickadee

I was so flattered to be contacted by the super stylish Ez of Creature Comforts for a interview. Check it out here! I've added a photo of my favorite item from her super cool shop above.

I am offering a shop discount through Nov. 25th, so be sure to check out the details mentioned in Ez's post. And, a big welcome to all who have made their way here through the incredible Creature Comforts blog! Thanks again Ez. :)

Just Because

They are cute.

(yes. that bathroom is funky & gross.)

So, Here's The Deal...

I'm pregnant.

This pregnancy was a bit of a surprise, but we are so happy about it. I'm 10 weeks along. I've been feeling very crummy as I usually do early in my pregnancies. Hoping each day that the light at the end of the tunnel is coming soon.

With this information, you can probably understand why I've taken some time away from blogging. I can't say for sure when I will get back to posting regularly, but for now I am excited to share this news with you. Now go on & congratulate me!

Halloween 2008

Sadie decided a few months ago that she wanted to be Princess Leia for Halloween. We decided to have Claire's costume follow the theme. I made the costumes myself & it really made me feel like a good mom. We have the cutest kids ever.

I Feel Like Sharing a Little Bit Today

This photo is for Heather & all the rest of you who live in places where trees like this don't exist. This is what we see these days when we look out our front windows. We are on the second floor so we get a beautiful view of the tops of the trees.


My best snuggler this morning: a blond haired, scraped nose, 1-1/2 year old wearing just a diaper. See those teeth? I just LOVE baby teeth. Working on that one item on my list. Pulling out my camera more often to snap photos of the girls.

And I Am Now 29 Years Old

Amy nudged me to join in on her list exercise & I honestly wasn't gonna do it. I'm no good at making lists to begin with & I'm certainly no good at completing things especially when I am given such a long time frame. but darn it, as I was vacuuming that day, I couldn't stop thinking about what would be on my list. So here I am, on my birthday, making such a list. Heaven help me to actually do all these things. As Miss Doobleh-vay says: "These lists are meant to be realistic and in the spirit of being good to yrself." I feel that this is a good thing. It can help me to be happier & a better person.

29 things to do before I turn 30:

1. Make cinnamon rolls
2. Take a family hike
3. Visit Amish country
4. Make a dress for Sadie
5. Make a dress for Claire
6. Write 4 love letters to my husband
7. Take photos of my children daily
8. Be a better friend
9. Be a better sister
10. Spend more time doing...less time on the computer
11. Organize the craft room/office
12. Buy myself a new pair of slippers
13. Find a local charity & do some service
14. Eat less meat
15. Host a party
16. Make a piece of clothing for myself
17. Bake bread
18. Learn to sew a zipper in
19. Play with my kids more
20. Grow some tomatoes
21. Get to 500 sales in my etsy shop
22. Go camping
23. Catch a lightning bug
24. Organize & donate some of the kids' toys
25. Make a mix cd
26. Go to a baseball or basketball game
27. Pay off one credit card bill
28. Send more 'happy mail' to friends & family
29. Love more

Taking Some Time Off

It's been 5 days since my last post & 5 days since I last took a photo with my camera. I've been going through some emotional stuff lately. I'm worn out & tired. So instead of leaving you hanging, I'm going to officially take a break.

I may pop in to show you my kids' Halloween costumes, if I ever get them made.

Take care!

Thinking of Giving

So, I'm feeling a little more grounded, a little less overwhelmed & a little excited about the upcoming giving season. I've received the names of family members that we are exchanging gifts with this Christmas & I've pretty much nailed down what I will be giving them. Of course I want to make all the gifts & I will try my darndest to do just that.

(vintage linen scarf & vintage patchwork coaster set will be added to the shop later today)

I am sticking with my handmade pledge from last year. This year more than ever with the economy going to crap, I think it's more important to support the crafters & artists out there that are working their tails off. The items that I am unable to produce myself, I will be purchasing from other etsy sellers.

I have, have, have to plug my super cool sister's shop. Just Be Jewelry is absolutely perfect for gift giving because you are able to customize items. Remember my super cool necklace? It doesn't get more perfect than that. If you have something special in mind, just send Amber & Jen a convo & they can make it happen!

Dylan also has a really, really good new mix up for this month. It has a great energy & is just perfect for listening to in the background while you are easing into these colder, busy months ahead. Go download & enjoy. If you like it, be sure to give him some props by leaving a comment on his blog.

Stress & Lasagna

I opened up the blinds on my front windows today to see that the leaves on the big tree out front had almost completely changed color. I love fall, but I couldn't help but be super stressed at this sight. Immediately a list of to-do's came to mind. I need to:

* pack up all the kids' summer clothes
* make sure they are have warm clothes for fall & winter...which means I need to shop.
* make their pajamas for the colder months
* start working on Christmas gifts
* get my shop ready for holiday shopping

I do love doing all of these things, so why am I stressed out of my mind? I will take it day by day & maybe I'll just have to drop a few things off my list along the way.

I made this lasagna from Everyday Food Magazine on Saturday night. I left out the prosciutto (Dylan will be bummed when he reads that). My family loved it. I was worried about their reaction because of the amount of spinach, but they really enjoyed it. Whoever invented oven ready lasagna noodles is a genius.

Scarves

I've listed a few scarves in the shop. I really, really love both of these scarves. The patchwork one was really fun to put together. Sorta like a mini quilt. It's great to be able to use smaller pieces of fabric & complete a project with them. This one in particular is backed in fleece & it is super soft & snuggly. I'm happy with the gray against the blue & white & the little pop of linen makes me smile. I plan to make a smaller one for Sadie & may make some kiddo ones for the shop as well. We'll see what the demand is.



The orange plaid fringe scarf is another that I love with all my heart. It is really comfy. I made one for myself & plan on wearing it all through fall. This fabric was a super lucky thrift store find!!

3 Good Recipes

Yes, I am still working on answering all of the reader questions that were asked oh.....over a month ago. As promised, I will get to them all!! I have been a little busy with custom orders, which is good. It's always good to have work to do, right? Anyway...

Stacy asked: What are three of your favorite really quick family meals? Recipes or tips would also be appreciated!


Cuban Black-Bean Stew with Rice
I just tried this one last week & loved it. It comes from Everyday Food magazine. It's a quick, easy, hearty vegetarian meal. My kids loved it too.

Quick Fettuccine Cacciatore
We went through a spurt where I made this like once a week. It's really quick & very tasty.

8 oz. fettuccine, uncooked
2 tsp. oil
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 c. green pepper strips
1 c. sliced mushrooms
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 c. Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
1 c. shredded Italian mozzarella/parmesan cheese blend
1/2 c. chopped fresh basil leaves

Cook pasta as directed on package.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir until no longer pink. Add peppers and mushrooms; cook 3 min., stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes and dressing. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 min. or until chicken is cooked through.

Drain pasta. Toss with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and basil.

Makes 4 servings, 2 cups each.


Broccoli Cheese Soup
I call this Caitlin's Broccoli Soup. It is a really fast soup & it is seriously SO good. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for another vegetarian meal. My family loves this one. So good with a green salad on the side.

Enjoy! Let me know if you try any of these. :)

WIP

I'm currently working on a custom order for 63 feet of flag garland for a local business. The garland is going to be used to decorate a fund raising dinner.


63 feet of garland = 98 flags!

Quilty Update & Etsy Finds

I added a couple quilts to the shop today (one is a mini). Go check them out.

Also, my vintage map wooden blocks made it into the Etsy daily finds article today!

Oops

I think I mentioned a shop update today. Turns out, I'm not ready. Life got in the way. I'm oh so close to finishing that blue & brown quilt & I have a few other items in the works, so watch for updates this week. Thanks!

(The cupcake is from Sadie's birthday)

Quilting Itch

I'm really enjoying quilting these days. I'm working on a few basic patchwork block quilts for the shop update. I'm aiming for Tuesday of next week. Are you excited? Combining the fabrics has been the most exciting to me lately & I keep having lots of fun, new ideas come to mind as I go along. Hopefully, I'll be able to make some larger quilts soon. Oh! Be on the lookout for a few mini quilts with this update as well. The little ones have got me all worked up too! :)

Fall Is Here

Isn't it the greatest? Winter is not my best bud & summer isn't always the best for this easily irritable when hot girl, but fall....fall is the greatest. I pulled out a favorite shirt to wear yesterday. One with longer sleeves. I'm sporting a different hair style this year & I really liked my big waves with this gingham shirt.

On a side note...once in junior high school some jerk of a kid told me that I look like Kermit the Frog. It hurt my feelings obviously because I still remember it to this day. Anyway, I think the above photo caught me looking quite a bit like that green little frog. It's my thin lips. Ha ha.

Really though, what I wanted to tell you about today is that I am working towards a shop update with some new handmade items. Maybe sometime next week. I'm loving the routine that we've established now that Sadie is in school. Those few hours in the afternoon while she's away & Claire is napping really give me a chance to get a lot more done. I have a few scarves, quilts & purses in mind. Now I just need to get to work.

Sadie Turns 4

Every year on her birthday, I can't help but think back to the day she was born. Does that ever go away? Anyway, it's amazing how fast they grow. We sure love this little girl & we had a fun day with her today.


We took cupcakes to school for her to share with her class. She came home with a birthday crown & told me that she was the birthday queen at school today.


Grandma's package was waiting for her when she got home. Inside was the Barbie Island Princess dress up gown. She put it on immediately & wore it the rest of the day.


Luckily she was really happy with the new cash register that we got her. And here's a shot of Claire eating cake.


Happy Birthday Sadie!!

Your Message Here

Earlier I linked to the Your Message Here project by something's hiding in here. Well, it looks like my sentiment appeared in the window today!! Anybody else out there Willy Wonka fans?

Also, heads up...Just Be Jewelry is giving away a necklace over at petit elefant. It's one of my favorites from their shop. Go check it out!

Happy Friday

Check out some of my favorite posts from around blogland this week & have a great weekend!


One to make you laugh: chewbacca: just a few observations
One to make you cry: she wouldn't have missed it
One that's just plain cool: your message here

Where Are the Good Enchiladas?

I need some help. The missionaries are coming over for dinner this Sunday. I like to ask them what their favorite dinner is & they usually try to be polite & say "oh, anything is great". But I truly want to know what their favorite dinner is so I can make it for them. Well, last month one of the elders told me he really loves roast. So roast it was & he enjoyed it. I could tell. :) This time I worked it out of the other elder that he really likes enchiladas. Now here's my problem. I haven't really mastered enchiladas yet, but I'd like to feed that hard working young man what he wants this Sunday. Do any of you guys have a super good recipe? Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks!

Sewing Related Questions

Michelle asked, Where and how did you learn to sew?

I got my sewing machine as a Christmas gift from my in-laws in 2001 & I've taught myself everything I know. When I first set up my machine it took me about an hour to figure out how to wind the bobbin & thread the machine. Seriously! I can't even remember the first thing I tried to sew. Notice I said "tried". There were a lot of projects started & never finished in the beginning because they weren't turning out how I wanted them too & I'd give up, or I'd get to a certain point & be too afraid to continue on. I made baby blankets for my nephews when they were born & I made some curtains for our bedroom. One hung a little lower than the other. Ha ha!

Where do you get all your crafting ideas from?

I spend a lot of time looking around at what other crafters are doing. I follow a lot of crafting blogs & I absolutely love flickr. You can check out my favorite groups here. I never try to exactly copy what somebody else has done, but I think all that looking sometimes triggers new ideas for me.

Inspiration a lot of times comes from outside influences as well. I took a lot from this Target holiday bag for my doily mobile. :)


Alexandra asked, Which sewing books are your favourites and why?

Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol: This book has a lot of really cool projects, but she also shares a lot of helpful information for sewing as well & explains it in such a wonderful way. As if you were sitting on the couch with a friend & they were telling you why it's important to change your sewing machine needle out after every couple projects.

Simple Sewing by Lotta Jansdotter: I just love Lotta. She is so stylish. Her projects are very modern & cool. I love seeing modern & cool handmade items. It makes me feel like what I'm doing is not so "homey" but can also be hip & cool.

Sock & Glove by Miyako Kanamori: This book is adorable. I still haven't made anything out of it, but I am planning to make some of these cutie cute softies for the girls this Christmas. Beautifully photographed & simply laid out. It's a neat book.

misspotts asked, I have a sewing machine brand new and in the box I just don't know how to use it or set it up. Can u tell me how to get started. Like what should I purchase to start sewing. I love the grocery bag holder and short aprons u make. Are those easy and can u point me towards the directions?

I would suggest starting with small projects that you can finish quickly. For me, there is nothing like the satisfaction & the feeling of accomplishment that comes from finishing a project. It doesn't even matter how small it is. Read through your owner's manual. You really just have to go at it! If you are able to take classes at a local fabric store I would suggest doing that as well. Just stick with it & keep trying. You will feel more confident in no time. I honestly still feel like I am a beginner at sewing. There is so much more I still need to learn. Just this week I learned to do a quilt binding. I've been scared to try & you know what...it wasn't hard at all!!


The short apron pattern is from the Bend the Rules Sewing book & the grocery bag tutorial can be found here.

Grace asked, Is there another kind of craft you would like to learn in the future (pottery, weaving, painting...etc)?

I would love to be able to knit. I have tried a few times, but haven't done it consistently enough to get a real feel for it.

Do you still scrapbook?

No. I don't scrapbook anymore. I really jumped into sewing & blogging & haven't felt the urge to want to scrapbook in a long time.

How do you find time to be crafty? I think it's awesome how so many moms are out there helping earn income through sewing and crafting. Y'all are an inspiration!

I do most of my sewing at night once my girls have gone to bed. I do work a little during the day as well, but it's usually just 10 minutes here & there. During the day I pull fabrics together, cut & iron. I usually don't get my sewing machine out until the girls are asleep. It's too hard to focus on them & they usually want to climb all over me while I'm at the machine.

Drawings From The 3 Year Old

Me: "Sadie, who is this?"
Sadie: "That's a giant!"


Me: "And who is this?"
Sadie: "That's a girl with words."
Me: "What is she saying?"
Sadie: "I don't know."


I particularly love those little red cheeks on the giant & this word bubble is something I haven't seen her draw before, but I think it's totally cool!

Auction Winner

Thanks so much for all your bids. The winner of the quilt is Mak. Please make your payment directly to the Nielson Family Fund here & then e-mail me your receipt at sparklepowercandace@gmail.com & I will get that snuggly quilt off in the mail right away!


We are enjoying our Labor Day weekend with Dylan's parents in town. We went & checked out some historic tall ships yesterday & there is more fun in store for the next few days. Hope you are enjoying your weekend.