say i am you

Quiet Morning

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:27:00 +0000

The Niblet has decided to nap a little earlier this morning. The husband is napping with her. Olive, the black lab is here with me by the fireplace. Gypsy, the Pomeranian-Tasmanian-devil is napping too, thankfully.

There's just me, a pot of coffee, my sewing machine and a little Charlie Brown Christmas creeping out of the speakers. I'm looking forward to getting started on my Christmas to-do's.

I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday too.

Keeping off the wet grass & still enjoying the outside

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:42:00 +0000

And yes, that's her naked teddy bear in the pen with her. He's been undressing himself for a while now. See back there...with the diaper around his ankles?? Recently, she picked up on the behavior. Backs turned for a second and she'd dropped her pants. Next thing you know, diaper cover is off! Hopefully, it'll be a while before she figures out the Snappi.

Growing So Fast

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:20:00 +0000

Why didn't anyone warn me how quickly the changes happen?! OK, maybe you tried. I can't remember. Alls I know is that the Niblet is growing so fast and changing so quickly! If I weren't so busy chasing her around and laughing at her in the evenings I might find the time to cry about it all.

In the past three weeks she has:

*Learned to crawl - and wants to do it ALL THE TIME...or else (see last note).

*Pulled up.

*Then promptly began letting go. Like, the same night she pulled up.

*Taken a step. What a brave girl. The fall was impressive, but no tears shed. And yes, I laughed. What?? Flat on her face...that's funny stuff. Besides, she laughed too. That's my little trouper!

*Gotten a tooth!! Bottom right, for those of you wondering.

*Started picking up her bread bits and feeding them to herself! I shudder to think what will become of the pups when they realize she's the source. She lives for their attention.

*Started yelling when she doesn't get her way. At first, we wondered if another tooth was on the way and thus the fussies and whinies. I think we're realizing now that she may be going through 'a phase'. Yikes.

Either way, how on earth can you stay upset at this little gal???

Showing Off

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:21:00 +0000

Pretty often I find myself entering contests on different blogs I follow. Well, a few weeks ago I actually won!!

Rosie, from The Fabric Shopper, was featuring an Etsy seller and a giveaway. Material Gal was offering Christmas fabric and I was the lucky winner of 3 yards of Riley Blake's Be Merry Christmas collection!! Here's a quick peak at my winnings...

I'm planning to make new stockings for the lot of us. Completed pictures to follow in, well who am I kidding, about a month. In the meantime, if anyone is looking for a great place to make fabric purchases online, Stephanie has a wonderful selection so pop over and check her out! Thank you again, Material Gal!!

Next up, as promised to K, here's the homemade crocheted coat that I picked up for the Niblet at this year's Woolly Worm Festival. A woman and her mother from the area work together to create each and every coat they sell. There were so many choices there that were so beautiful, but this one called to me. The Niblet looks really great in it...like a tiny little autumn elf!

And here are some pictures to enjoy from our recent vacation to the mountains of Virginia.

Here's the Niblet and her Papa having a bit of fun at our waterfall. (Ours, not because we have any amount of money invested in it, but simply because we stop there every year and have sort of staked our flag of claim over it.) A is decked out for the Sleepy Hollow party we attended that evening. I whipped up that cutesy little dress before we left last week from Tanya's tute on her blog, Trey and Lucy. Her instructions were so simple to follow and I literally stitched it together in the 30 minutes it took A to nap!!

Views from Clinch Mountain. In the past we've taken picnics up there and were hoping to again this year with A, but unfortuantely it was a little too damp to sit with the tiny one outside for too long.

So instead we admired the scenery, checked out an old house that Chris lived in while working on a grouse project several years ago and briefly considered searching for the new owner, buying up the place and moving our new little family into this tiny town looking out over the gorgeous Virginia mountains.

But alas, we're back home and I'm back at work. This'll have to do for now...

The Perfect Place for a Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:31:00 +0000

On the start of vacation (to our favorite place we come back to every year!) the Niblet turned 8 months old. Yesterday, she started copying noises that we make...and tonight?!

Tonight she started CRAWLING!!!

My goodness. It's been a busy weekend! All this has taken a toll on the Niblet too though. She's been a bit fussy today and we're thinking that probably she's ready to get back home to our own beds and our routine.

Who can blame her? There's nothing like sleeping in your own bed.

On our way... (finally updated)

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Heading to the mountains now to enjoy the Woolly Worm Festival and possibly see a few snow showers...

Pictures and update of our time to follow!

......................................................................

Well, it was indeed a cold ride up the mountain. Actually, the ride up the mountain was pleasant...we were in the car, with heat and NPR's Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me! So it was very nice.

But the weather was cold. And snowy. But we didn't let that stop us. Oh no! We went to see woolly worms, by George, and that's what we did!!

I couldn't believe the turn out, even with the cold and snow flurries. I was briefly feeling like a bad mother for taking my Niblet out, but my mind was quickly put to rest when we ran into a friend from the local coffee shop who made rather short work of my concerns:

Me: Christa, am I bad and selfish for bringing her out? I mean, she seems to be enjoying herself. (Insert one Niblet kicking and laughing at Christa and her kiddos.)

Christa: Hell no!! She's having fun. And nevermind she's warmer than you right now with you wearing her around! (Goes back to playing with the Niblet and ignoring me. Do I even exist anymore??)

I did find the vendor from last year and made good on my promise to get the baby a hand crocheted jacket with a long, pointed Zelda hood. I have a few pictures of us, but thought you'd enjoy seeing what the view looked like, snow/frost topped mountains and colorful leaves.

Sweet Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:27:00 +0000

Delicious Autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~George Eliot

I look forward to this day so very much every year. The leaves are already starting to change around here and daily now I find myself driving through a small pile of droplets on my way out of the drive. It's refreshing.

I'm so glad you're here, Autumn. You make my heart a little lighter and give me strength...

Catching Up From My Absense (Edited; Not Sure Why It Partially Published)

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:05:00 +0000

Here's what I've been up to...

Finally visiting friends.

Hanging out with my favorite nephew, Sebastian...and loving Arwen loving on Granny!

Finally downloading pictures so I can show off her homemade 4th of July outfit.

Spending as much time as possible here... A loves the pool and that makes me haaaaappppy! (By the way, her first swim suit is my first swim suit!! I'll have to post pics of that little antique on the tiny one - nevermind that she'd nearly naked here!)

Enjoying ice cream for the Niblet's 6 month anniversary at our favorite ice cream shop...in her homemade 6 month celebration outfit! (6 months already!? Sheesh!!!)

Making a complete outfit for A!! (the skirt is from fabric I got from Chris' grandmothers stash!)

Spending family time at the local botanical garden. Butterflies and picnics...does it get any better?!

Enjoying weather that is fine enough to spend a quiet breakfast outside early on a Saturday morning... Mmmm, sweet potato pancakes. (Chris sometimes takes a bit of pancake with his syrup)

Nursing Headaches

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:59:00 +0000

We hired someone new for our department in June. She left at the end of July. We are absorbing her position as a cost saving measure. Read: Her job is being rolled up into my job. So, I have been busy at work lately. Really, really busy. I have 50+ hours worth of work now to cram into a 36 hour work week. While the challenge is nice, the work load as been a bit stressful this week. Mostly, because I also (sometimes unwillingly) support the sales guy at my office. Who happens to be an idiot with financial skills so crappy that I'm not sure he could use a calculator. No, there's no doubt. I've seen him with a calculator. Determining a sell price is completely out of his reach. In fact, if I could absorb his position too my time at work might very well produce significantly less headaches.

But I digress.

So, we were just at the drug store picking up a prescription. Chris went inside while Arwen and I waited in the car. I was peacefully enjoying my daughter squeaking and sqwaking in the back seat and a little Mitch Hedburg routine on the XM when I glanced over and noticed a couple walking out of the pharmacy. They were laughing and I thought to myself that that was nice. Then the guy patted his lady on the rear. And then again. And then he put his hand down her pants. Yes, he dug into the back of her shorts and crammed his hand down there to touch her bare arse. Because, I suppose, having the onlooker witness the pat on the rump was just not enough. C'mon fella. Really?

One. What the rock?! Get a friggin' room.

Two. Are you sure she really wants your filthy hands on her bum? Who knows what you picked up and handled in the drug store! I'm not a total prude, but that's just a little too much for me. Sick people frequent the drug store, you toad. Wash your hands first! Nay, refer to One then wash your hands and proceed to do whatever you'd like to her hiney.

I hate PDA. Actually, I don't necessarily mind little kisses or some hand holding in public, but bare skin fondling is not what I want to see on my lazy Saturday afternoon. Humph.

So, here I am now. Looking in the mirror at my daughter in the back seat and praying that I'm a good enough woman to teach her better than to accept behavior like that. Maybe I am a prude, but by God I have standards at least.

Ugh. Now the aggravation and judmental attitude have given me a headache. Thanks a lot dude. Better have Chris pop back inside for some Tylenol...

As a side note, I saw a guy toss his receipt on the ground this morning after he pumped gas. I didn't tell him that he'd left his tank open. I chalked it up to Karma for littering, not my pissy mood. :)

Pull Up A Chair, Niblet

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:29:00 +0000

I've been thinking about the upcoming cooler seasons lately (and by lately, I mean a couple days ago). Besides trips to the mountains and our week long vacation, I look forward to baking.

Admittedly, Chris does most of the cooking. He always has. Not because I can't cook, because I can. I make a pretty mean lasagna and, while it's not the most difficult meal to prepare, I taught Chris everything he knows about getting the veggies just right in stir fry. I have a couple other specialties, but in general I can cook whatever I want. But he enjoys it too. He likes to experiment with all types of herbs and spices, while my culinary creativeness only goes so far as pure vanilla extract.

Which is one reason I love baking. I love vanilla. It makes everything better. In my opinion, of course. But getting back to my point. I'm looking forward to fall and winter because I'm starting to get the baking bug. And baking just feels right when the temperatures are cooler. Fresh, from scratch blueberry breads and pumpkin loaves. Pumpkin pecan pies (for Chris, not me), gingerbread men, peppermint candy cane cookies, almond sugar cookies... Mmmm.

Baking can get messy though. Flour tossed about here and there, egg shells, sticky spoons, butter dribbles. It's very dirty business, baking. And I don't have an apron. I've never really been a fan of them, but I made my MIL one for her birthday this year and then my SIL one right after that. And I loved both of them so I thought I should make one for myself, but put it off. For several reasons, including I've been poking around for another pattern that I liked, but I've also had several other projects that I've wanted to get to first.

I've been on quite a bit of a fabric kick lately too and have slobbered over this Laura Gunn fabric trying to come up with something I could use it for. I love it, but I haven't really been making things for myself and I really am starting to feel guilty about the heaping pile of cloth I've been squirreling away lately. Then I came across this giveaway on The Fabric Shopper recently and my notion for making an apron for myself was rekindled. I mean, how awesome is this?

I love those lantern pods and I think it looks perfect on that apron. And the style of the apron? The gathers in the bust and tie around the waist?! Love it!!

Of course when I think of getting in the kitchen for some seasonal baking I think about having my Niblet with me, enhancing my experience and doubling the mess on the counter tops. I remember when my brothers were smaller, seeing them dragging a chair up to the counter to help Momma cook made me smile. It'll be awesome to have my sweet one in the kitchen with me...my own little helper!

So naturally I had to find some rockin' fabric to make Arwen her very own Niblet sized apron. (K, I know, I know...I'll blame this purchase on you. hehe) Here's what I picked up from Matatabi. She has some really amazing Japanese fabrics; here are the two I got. What do you think?

(Photos courtesy of Matatabi)

So Long, Dog Days!

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:20:00 +0000

Something good is happening. Something very, VERY good. The cicadas have begun singing!

I first heard their songs last week and have been pretty giddy about it. According to folk legend, when those gigantic sweating bugs begin their evening songs the first frost is only six weeks away. Roughly. But that's enough for me. And from my estimation, we're on about a four and a half week countdown. Tick. Tock.

First frost means summer's over, school's back in session (which I always looked forward to when I was in college - okay, who am I kidding, I always looked forward to school starting back up) and fall is on it's way in! Ah, fall and winter. My favorite times of the year. Things begin cooling down, the trees show us their colorful beauty (I even love their naked splendor), cool breezes, cold rains, crackling fires in the fireplace, good books... So much to look forward to.

Chris and I spend a good deal of time in the mountains in the fall and winter and I'm so looking forward to getting Arwen up there. Especially to Virginia where we take our annual vacation. It's going to be awesome having her in a place that means so much to me. We have debated taking the bikes again this year and riding with my Niblet on the Creeper Trail. She already doesn't need support holding her head and hasn't for a couple months now, so if I find a seat that is small enough for her then it'll definitely be a go. Thinking about makes my heart happy. I'd live there if I could, I love it so much!

I also have apple orchard trips planned for the Niblet, rides through the Blue Ridge parkway, ramblings around small mountain towns, Halloween festivals and Christmas plays in Virginia, after Thanksgiving shopping... I can't wait to get her out, spending time with me doing things that I love. Ugh, if only I didn't have to work. I should cook up some plan to live off the land. Hmmm...

So farewell summer, I can't say I'm looking forward to the hotter days you're bringing. But I can look forward to the fancy weather that is pushing you on your way!!

No Rest for the Weary

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:20:00 +0000

Oh man. I'm trying to recover from a very long weekend. We visited with my family Friday, as they will be on vacation for the week and neither Momma nor me was going to accept a good-bye over the telephone. We swam, we grilled, we watched a crazy, frantic whirlwind of packing and getting out the door. A smarter Mel would have followed Chris' example and stayed as close to a corner as possible so as to become invisible!

It was wild being back for that. Even though I haven't been on the family vacation in years I could still remember what the 'leaving day' felt like so vividly. All the actions were the same, but the players were different. Now my younger brothers were the receivers of the wrath of a tired Momma who'd stayed up late making sure everything was ready. They were the ones poking around, dragging their feet and being too excited to care about grabbing things they'd later wish they had remembered. You could almost say I missed it. But then I remember how we suffered through the long ride to the beach and realized what I was really missing was my Momma.

I suddenly saw all the years I'd taken for granted being there, but being too busy and wrapped up in my self and my own time. I wish I was there with her now, feeling the ocean air tangle my hair and tasting the salt on my lips. Waking up early and sitting on the porch with her before anyone else stirs. Walking the beach and finding all the treasures that washed up overnight. I suppose these are things we finally understand as we get older. Or maybe it's because I have a daughter now and I look forward to our time together.

Mawmaw and I went to a baby shower for my cousin who's expecting twin boys. She looks beautiful, glowing, even though she's been ordered to complete bed rest. She was in the hospital 3 weeks ago because she began having contractions. After a week there the docs were able to stop her contractions and sent her home on the condition she stay in her bed, except to go to the bathroom. She is able to sit up in the living room occasionally. That was two weeks ago. They are hoping she can carry the boys 3 more weeks. I feel terrible for her situation, but she's handling it wonderfully. But then, when it comes to your baby, you will suffer anything.

We took Arwen swimming again and she loved it. Even though the water was considerably cooler this time after a couple evening thunderstorms she didn't seem to mind. I finally got her out when she started to shiver, but I'm still not convinced she was finished. Chris and I took dinner to Mawmaw's and Arwen had her first go at mashed potatoes. She loved them; Momma was a bit more reserved. The funny thing about all this food business, I can't believe I'm so hesitant to start her on solids. I'd have never imagined myself being this way. Having babies in the house since before I was in high school, I felt like I was going to be a very relaxed mother. Not so. To be perfectly honest, it feels like it's another connection to her that I'm losing. I already feel like I've broken something by going back to work. Now, it's time for her to nurse less and eat solid foods. Ah well, in time...

Also, I was supposed to meet K today for some Sunday afternoon fabric shopping. I thought it was Saturday. Chris' parents came to visit and at 5:00 I realized that I'd forgotten to call AND that today was the day. Friend? Hardly seems so. So sorry K. I'm a bone-head.

New and exciting things to report:

1) Arwen is rolling over now!

2) Arwen has a new walker and is going to be a maniac when she figures out what's really happening when she gets her feet on the floor!

3) My hair is falling out by the hands full. It's insane. And scary. Chris says it's stress. A lady at work says it's because I'm off my prenatal vitamins. Stressed? Yes. Off the vitamins? Nope. So, not new or exciting, but still happening.

4) My OB/GYN recommended that I start taking an herbal supplement called fenugreek to help increase my milk supply. I am not having problems feeding Arwen; in fact, she's still exclusively breastfed. Rather, as she's beginning to go longer periods between feedings I want to keep my supply the same or increased so I can hopefully start storing milk like a factory! However, I smell like maple syrup now. Most strange, grasshopper. Pancakes, anyone??

What to do, what to do...

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:01:00 +0000

Ah, the holiday is over. That just means we're on a countdown until another...60 days until Labor Day. Bummer.

I hope everyone had a nice long weekend. We did. We visited both families and had a good time. Arwen had her first experience in the swimming pool at Momma's and it was awesome! I bought a float for her, sat the little Niblet down in it and, after about a 30 minute inspection of the details on said float, she had a ball. She loves a bath so I was hoping the pool would tickle her fancy too. I can't wait to get back home and try it again!

Anyhoo. Like I was saying, 60 days until Labor Day. Chris and I both feel that that's entirely too long to wait for another long weekend, so we're trying to decide what we'd like to do in the space between (pause for DMB sing-along) to break up the monotony. Should we take a trip? Head North or South? Take a couple long weekends for day trips? Oh, the choices. Suggestions?

And speaking of breaking the mold, I am thisclose to trying to do Mommy-time once a week every few weeks. K and I are trying to hook up with some gals that we met in sewing classes for a sewing night. It makes me very nervous just thinking about it, but I know it would be good for me. I need to start getting out and realizing that I can survive a few extra hours on my own once in a while, though it still feels like betrayal on my part. I don't want to leave my little monster, but I know I should. Besides, getting together for a sewing night and seeing K more often will be a lot of fun. Chris has even found something for himself that would give him Daddy-time once a week.

Also, I've bought LOADS of fabric in the past couple weeks in anticipation of fall and winter coming (and making a hefty portion of Niblet's wardrobe) so seeing K would do me even more good. I need someone to give me that "Holy smokes, I think you've bought plenty of fabric for now!" look rather than Chris's encouragement with the argument "But it's so much fun getting packages in the mail!!"

So, I've been getting myself psyched about the potential sewing nights and thinking of making something schnazzy for myself to carry my current projects in...and then I found THIS!

The Fabric Shopper is giving away an Amy Butler bag that would be just perfect, not to mention absolutely adorable. And, best of all, it's the bag (meaning, not the pattern and/or fabric) so I could just use it straight away! Sewing nights...here I come!

Warm Weather...My Love/Hate Relationship

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:45:00 +0000

When I was younger there was nothing better than summer. School was out, which meant no homework and sleeping in the living room. Summer meant playing baseball, football and wrestling on the trampoline with my cousins (uh, yeah, they were boys, obviously!). But more importantly, summer meant swimming! Oh my goodness how I loved swimming. We'd have our own Olympics, water balloon fights, rainy swims, you name it. It was awesome!

Then something happened. I started dreading summer. I got married and moved away, and now I almost loathe the season. Even now I can't wait for summer to leave and fall to bring in its cool weather and beautiful colors. I've been trying to figure out what my problem is, what's happened to give me this overwhelming lack of enthusiasm for summer. And I think it has so much to do with swimming. I have been craving the pool lately. Maybe because I miss it so much or maybe because I'm looking forward to getting Arwen involved in something that I cared so much for when I was growing up; probably both.

I also wonder now if I don't miss it more than usual because of what it really means to me, deep down: spending evenings with my family. I have never missed my momma as badly as I do now. I imagined I would do so much when I thought about having a child, but it can't happen right now. Hopefully one day, sooner rather than later, there will be a way for me to be closer to my family; to have Sebastian and Arwen growing up together, laughing and playing in the pool like Niki, my cousins and I did, and maybe then my heart will feel a little less heavy.

And the first thing I'd do when I was back in town with the fam?? Plan a cookout/pool night at home!! Appropriately, Kate at The Big Piece of Cake is hosting a giveaway from Accent Furniture Direct that would so wonderfully compliment my poolside dinner!

These beautiful glasses...ah, I can taste the lemonade now!

Oops, a little dribble...thank goodness for these lovely napkins!

What a Weekend (and some great fabric!)

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:32:00 +0000

We had a pretty good weekend and I hope everyone else did too. We saw my family Friday night, Chris and I had a nice talk (I've been very down lately so it was nice to empty my head a little, if only for some momentary relief), spent Saturday cleaning up around the house (after the huge storm last week!), which wasn't necessarily fun, but definitely rewarding, and yesterday was Father's Day.

We had to spend some time apart, which sucked, but it gave the Niblet and me some alone time and we surprised Chris with an ice cream cake from our favorite shop. I also made a bag for him. So of course we stuffed our faces with delicious red velvet ice cream cake (which, by the way tastes just like red velvet cake!) last night and vegged out to some Scrubs.

Good weekend! And I am SO already ready for this one.

*******

The other day Sister and I were talking about Halloween costumes for Sebastian and I was so happy to find this giveaway from Fabric Shopper this morning! This would be perfect for a couple of our ideas or possibly a quilt for my Little Buddy. I haven't seen these fabrics at our local fabric shop so I'm really hoping I can win this one!

To Chris:

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in

my heart) i am never without it (anywhere

i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)

i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon

has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the

sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than

the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

~e.e. cummings

Happy 1st Father's Day, Chris. Arwen and I are lucky to have you. I'm sorry we have to spend today apart, but Arwen and I have a surprise for you so hurry back to us.

I love you...

TGIF

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:21:00 +0000

I waited in the dentist's office last night for over 2 hours just to get a filling. I hate fillings. I hate the dentist (being there in general, my dentist is a nice man). No rational adult should have to use their labor coping mechanisms just to deal with the anxiety of being in the dentist chair...or getting the numbing shot. Yet, at the end of it all, I could only think: Is my nose clean?

I have a meeting at 8:30 this morning. I was sent the request around 8PM last night. No time to prepare. Whatcha gonna do?

Someone just asked to borrow my calculator for a while. What does that mean and why can't you use your own? I have my eye on you lady. And my name is on the bottom of that calculator. (I think K at least can be with me on this one.)

I'm tired. I haven't slept well all week. I have so many things on my mind that are causing stress. But, friends are coming over tonight and I'm looking forward to seeing them. They make me smile.

I nursed Arwen in bed this morning (we're finally able to do this! oh joy!). Then she peed on my side. How's that for a Thank You?

I'm hoping to win a contest today (wink wink, Christy)!

I'm only working until noon today. Thank God for the small things.

It's 8:30 and I'm still blogging...must drag self away...

Go Away, Please

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:54:00 +0000

Am I the only one who finds people with verbal diarrhea disturbing? I try to understand what drives individuals to feel as if it's necessary to spill their traumatic life events onto the plates of others. I mean, c'mon, do I really not look like I have problems of my own??

Oh wait, is that what I do on here? Hmmm...hypocrite am I?

Anyhoo. There is a lady with whom I work very closely who was and is going through what we'll call a rough patch in her marriage. I hear about it. All the time. At great lengths.

Now, I don't mean to sound unfriendly, but considering the source, I'm honestly not surprised the relationship is rocky (though, to be fair, what I hear of her husband isn't appealing either). OK, that sounded unkind too. But seriously, this gal is annoying on a whole other level. There's annoying...aaaand then there's this.

Here's an example: On certain days she will announce to me that she's so tired she just can't go on. Then she'll follow up with 'Mel, I'm going to have a tea at lunch today. You know what that means!' Well, unfortunately for me (and the rest of the office) I do know what that means. That means she's going to act like a child for the remainder of the afternoon. And that's precisely what she does. She does the fake giggles, silly faces, the whole nine yards. Imagine the wacko you meet at the bar who has a drink then declares, 'I am SO wasted, man!' She slurps the bottom of her cup and makes incessant racket for the rest of the day. And at the point when everyone stops paying her attention she walks around and reminds us all that she's had tea for lunch and 'you know what that means!' he he he. I could chew her face off just thinking about it.

Since her marriage has been teetering on it's last leg her annoyance has been bumped up a notch. Every day she comes to me with some new tale about this or that. And that's not what bothers me about the whole situation. What kills me is that she laughs about it. Laughs that her kids don't want to spend the night with Dad and without Mom. Laughs that the husband has asked her to go to counselling with him. Laughs that he wants to know if she's seeing anyone else. (And by the way, she has been talking to someone...I know this because, well, obviously she's told me, but also because for an hour every morning we have to hear her giggle her school girl giggle over the phone. Can't you at least hide it lady!?)

It just makes me sick. And before you judge me, you should know that these conversations are completely one-sided. I can't offer advice on this because I have none. I just stare and toss in appropriately placed Um hmm's and Oh my's. It makes me sick that she doesn't even seem to care. That she doesn't respect her children enough to not fight with her husband in front of them or talk to them about why their lives are being flipped upside down right now. Don't they at least deserve that? Instead, she's more concerned about herself and even said to me yesterday 'Mel, nobody told me single life was going to make me this sleepy!' Well, here's a little something for ya, honey: You're not single, you trollop! You're still married! (OK, maybe 'trollop' was a bit over the line.)

Am I missing something? Anyone else see the humor in all this? In the end, maybe it is over between them. Maybe she really doesn't have feelings for her husband anymore. But, that doesn't negate the fact that it once existed or that because of their love they made a family. And that should be respected. When did marriage become something so frivolous? Sacred to so few people? When did children become by-products whose needs can be so easily tossed aside for the parents' desires?

I think I need a tea; I just can't go on. Ugh. I think I'm looking more forward to the filling I have to get this afternoon than to another morning of this. Half a day, Mel...you can do this...half. a. day.

Oh, Goodies!

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:58:00 +0000

I received my package from Holland Fabric House this afternoon! So, there will be projects a-cookin' from these little beauts!!

This little birdie will be gracing the front of a little pair of denim overalls...I think. She has an orange top that I think would be so lovely with this little gal as an accent.

I was mulling over ideas for these ribbons last night. I have several ideas...Niblet sized headbands, trim for pants and for pockets were among them.

And finally, my most favorite!! This amazing Japanese Three Little Pigs fabric. Oh, she is so getting a dress out of this. And not just any dress, but a dress that can double as a smock top as she gets older. I am determined to make this one last. I love it so!

Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:52:00 +0000

I was on my way this morning to make a post about patience. About how little I have and how my lack of patience seems directly correlated to several things, fatigue for instance. And about the several instances that have happened just this morning that only prove my considerably low tolerance level for so many trivial things.

Chris was my inspiration for this. Sure, the dogs or a line at the grocery store sometimes get at his nerves, and me too for that matter, but overall he's incredibly patient and tolerant. He deals with problems head on, something I can't do. Communication is very important to him and while I am getting better at it, I'm nothing compared to him and that is part of my problem. He seemingly handles ignorance and selfishness with great ease (I maintain that it’s partly because he hasn’t been in contact with ignorance like I deal with at work), which is something I find more and more difficult as I get older. I thought with age came mellowed attitudes, but not with this ole gal. Chris can take my mountains and convert them back into mole hills. He can absolutely bring some calm to my storms.

This is a trait that I feel certain has developed in me as an adult. And I think I could probably pinpoint at least a couple situations that have led me to this point. It's something that I think a lot about and though I don't like this part of myself (to a degree), I think there is something to be said for being no-nonsense. At least, on most occasions, I have the will and stubbornness to put my foot down. And Chris has shined some light on this, he feels confident that my communication and my ability to manage frustrating situations will continue to improve with age. So I have that to look forward to, right?

All this to say, I do think about this and pray about it. And it’s nice to know that when I’m feeling overwhelmed or down or just simply out of sorts I can count on being brought back around.

This morning I was catching up on my blog reading and found a link to a silent auction on Kate’s blog. The silent auction is for Carol Decker. A year ago she had an emergency c-section because her baby’s and her own blood pressure dropped severely. She and the baby survived, but as a result Carol lost both her legs below the knees, her right arm below the elbow and her vision. She never had the opportunity to see her beautiful baby girl.

Perspective indeed…

The silent auction doesn’t close until 9:00PM (PST) tomorrow. Go over and check it out, make a bid. 100% of the proceeds go to the Decker family to help with medical expenses. What a great opportunity to get a couple things for yourself or gifts while helping out this family at the same time!

A Stitch In Time Saves Nine

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I use my title phrase in a slightly different manner than Cyndi Lauper, but still, you take my meaning.

Today is National Sewing Machine Day! And as such I feel obligated to spend some time this evening at my machine. (I have a little something to complete for my friend Christy. Check her out if you get a chance!) And I would also like to give another big, fat Thank You! to Momma and Chris for this wonderful Christmas present!

Ravenhill Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 11:54:00 +0000

Ooh, I was so excited to find this moring a giveaway on Ravenhill's site. Sew Hip magazine and fabric?! Good-dy!! As I have several projects lined up for Arwen, these beautiful fabrics would be a perfect addition to my fabric bag - not to mention to the loads of ideas swirling in my noggin!! And I'm always looking for new project ideas (admittedly, mostly for my sweet love) so the magazine would be uber cool too!

Wow, so much excitement...and I've only been up for an hour! I think this is the beginning of a lovely day.

Prize Post

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:11:00 +0000

It's a rainy Friday morning and I don't really feel like doing anything except sleeping in. Unfortunately, I don't have that option right now. So I've decided that I'd catch up on my blogging instead! :)

Christy from A Lil Welsh Rarebit is having a give away! Hooray! Just imagine how excited I was this morning while I was standing over the coffee pot like an addict reading her blog and drooling over this little beauty!

This necklace is from Tags-n-Stones. I just love these hand stamped pieces. I've also come across a similar piece (and a couple others that I HEART!) from Lisa Leonard. I don't consider my style to be flashy so these necklaces and rings really appeal to me.

Christy is offering a couple other prizes as well that look equally as awesome, but you should check her out regardless for some great reading. She has definitely become one of my greatest blog friends!

In other news, I have recently ordered new fabrics for myself and Arwen and I am SO stoked to get them. Getting packages in the mail always rocks, but getting HUGE boxes packed to the gills with fabric?! Oh, I'm getting the shakes just thinking about it! :)

One fabric is coming from Holland and it's my most anticipated piece hands down. I'm also getting some ribbon and transfers from Noor (I have visions of headbands and hair bows and decorated denim pants for my tiny tot dancing in my head!) and a Joel Dewberry print that I've been eyeing since I was pregnant. I decided that if I had a girl I'd get this fabric and now it's nearly impossible to find, so when I finally found a site that had a bit left I scooped it up!

Keep your eyes peeled for finished products...

Hey Baby. What you doin'?

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:03:00 +0000

On our way home now from a visit with K and her family. We just love seeing all of them. Her boys are so cute and Chris and I always leave in such a good mood...babies tend to do that to you!

It's been a while since we've visited so W had to warm up to us, but thankfully it didn't take long. I credit Arwen for that. She was very interested in H and W and I think she was fascinated with watching the boys run around together. We ate pizza, watched W destroy some crackers and had some good laughs. H also set me straight on my Cars facts and introduced me to Squirt, his dump truck driving dog. Great times!!

H and W were so sweet to Arwen. As we were getting ready to leave, Chris loaded Arwen up in her car seat and the boys knelt down to her and whispered 'Bye Baby.' (Seriously, I could have just eaten them up!) K got a couple great pictures and a cute little video.

The best part? W to Arwen: Hey Baby. What you doin'?

So smooth... :)

A Year Without Him

noreply@blogger.com (mel) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:21:00 +0000

One year ago now we lost Jake. I can't believe it's been that long, but I can still feel the hurt of losing him so strongly. Every time I walk out to Jake's tree I still have to wipe tears from my eyes. Tears that even after this long I can't control. It's the dogwood where he would lay with us in the evenings after our bike rides; where he'd watch as Chris cut grass; where he'd settle down when Chris and I would head to town; where we'd all ultimately end up after an afternoon of chase, and where at last he watched Chris dig his grave.

I can see that day as clearly in my mind as if it all happened yesterday. The most unfortunate part of losing Jake for me wasn't just that he died, but that Chris and I had to make the decision that it was his time to go. We found out just before Christmas the year before that Jake had cancer and over the next 6 1/2 months we watched him slowly become less and less of himself until we finally had to make the call. And while at the time I thought I'd never forgive myself for my part in the decision, I've been comforted by my memories of Jake and the realization over time that he was suffering. We were watching our pal wither away and I've accepted that what we did was just.

So, this picture may not seem like much to anyone else, but to Chris and me it's speaks volumes. This isn't just a patch of grass that Chris missed while cutting grass one day. This is a reminder of our buddy Jake. He's buried in the field near his tree and our garden. You can't see it here, but in the ground before the daisies bloom is his name, spelled out with rocks - a special touch by Chris. With Spring this year, came these daisies... And a sweet reminder that even though we can't have Jake with us, life goes on and we were lucky to have had him as part of ours.

And on a less sensitive note, here's a funny little image of Arwen. Oh yes, it's a battle to the end to see who wins in the diaper changing challenge! She has gotten big enough now to wriggle her way out of her cloth diapers and it's a game of cat and mouse...meaning that we generally chase her all over her mat until the Snappi has sealed her securely in her wrap.

And the winner is: