Sammy is my little buddy who follows me around everywhere and talks all about everything that I'm doing. The other day we were sitting next to each other and he pulled out this little trick and had me laughing out loud.

I have no idea how he figured it out, or where he saw it, but I just love his cute little sense of humor!

Handmade Chevron Chenille....

I just wanted to show how cute this blanket turned out!

 I used the same method that I shared in my tutorial the other day, but instead of sewing straight lines, I just followed the chevron pattern and cut the chenille using scissors. It took forever, but I love how it turned out!

Our New House and the Thief

This is another post that I wrote last year and never got around to posting... but it's definitely something I'd like to remember ;) (Dani, remember this??? just have to laugh)

 As most of you know, we just bought our first home!!!!! We are over the moon excited and can't wait to settle in. Today was Closing day, so I had to drive from Columbus to Indianapolis and back. I packed the car full of our art work, lamps and other things that I didn't want to send in the moving truck. I left about 15 mins later than I wanted to (of course :p ) and was stressed and rushed. After I finally calmed down and had been on the road for about 30 mins I was struck with the thought that I needed to check my purse just to make sure my wallet was there. It was the one thing I actually needed for the closing, so maybe I should make sure I have it? I almost didn't, since I had purposefully and memorably checked that it was there just before bed. I started rummaging through my purse but I couldn't feel my wallet anywhere. I thought, "I'll just call Dani (my sister came out to help, BLESS HER!) and ask her if she can see it anywhere in the house, just in case " She looked all around and asked Daniel if he had seen it. "Nope". I figure if it's not somewhere easily seen it must be lurking in the depths of my purse or car so I pull over at a gas station to search. With each moment that passes I get a little more anxious until my sister calls. I can tell she's not too thrilled with what she has to tell me.
Dani:     "Daniel is so dead."
Me:       "Uh-oh, what did he do?"
Dani:     "He hid it."
Me:       "What??? You're kidding right?"
Dani:     "Daniel, go get it........ yep, here it is. He hid it."
Me:        "What in the heck was he thinking??" (as I'm starting to tear up)
Dani:      "He thought he was being funny.... I guess"
Me:         ":Sigh: Put him on the phone."
Daniel:    "giggle giggle, Hi Mommy! giggle giggle giggle I've got your pink purse! giggle giggle I hid          it, I hid it Mommy, somewhere you'd never find it!"
Me:        "Why in the world did you hide my wallet?!?!"
Daniel:     "I was just being funny Mommy. It's pretty funny, huh? That was a good joke!"
  (I'm sure you can imagine the rest of the conversation.... just insert a few empty threats and a lot more giggles and you get the gist. ;)

So I turned around and drove as quickly as possible (well as quickly as I could without getting a ticket, that would have been bad news in the mental state I was in). When I got to the apartment Daniel sheepishly brought out my wallet and I was off.... again. When I FINALLY arrived (after driving for hours and getting lost in Indianapolis) I was 40 mins late to our closing and there were 6 (!) people waiting for me. (I didn't realize there would be that many people!) When I explained we all had a good chuckle and they were all super nice about it. We signed and signed and signed and after about 20 mins we were home owners! Bryan had to zip off to work so we didn't really get to celebrate, but we were so excited! I drove over to the house with my new set of keys, unloaded the van and just sat for a minute, reveling in our new home!

Handmade Chenille Blankets...

This is a post I wrote a while ago and never posted... It's for my sister Dani who is always asking for tutorials on stuff I've made. Here you go!

These are super easy to make (although time-consuming) and so gorgeous!!! I've made chenille backed bibs for a while now, (my FAVORITE bibs because they are so thick and the front fabric puckers beautifully when they are washed) but the $13+ a yard was way too expensive to use it on any of the bigger projects. (and this method makes a much fuller Chenille, which I love) I have found it in the remnant bins a few times and always snatch it up, which is much cheaper, but again, not great to make blankets with. So I struck out on my own and made few chenille blankets. The first one I made, I just used material from my stash. I wanted it to be sturdy for outdoor use, so I chose denim for the top layer. Then I used three layers of flannel layered underneath. When I use a thinner fabric for the top layer of the blanket (not outdoor, home decor, or denim fabric) I add another layer of flannel directly under the top layer. This additional layer does not end up as part of the Chenille, but is meant to stabilize and strengthen the top layer.  Lay each piece of fabric on top of one another. It doesn't really matter which way the fabrics lie, as long as the top piece is facing out. (so that the pattern can be seen once the blanket is finished) Make sure they are all smooth, with no wrinkling or bubbles. At this point, I like to safety pin them in place every 4 inches or so. You can also use basting spray, or basting stitches to keep it all in place if you like. Once everything is in place, I put a long strip of masking tape from one corner diagonally to the other. This gives me a straight line to start sewing off of. Once you've got your first full line of stitching, the rest is easy-peasy! Use the first line as your guide for the next, etc etc etc. I just space them as far apart as the width of my sewing machine foot.

As you go along, you'll notice that the part of the blanket you've already sewn is all over the place and in your way. Roll it up like so:

 and keep rolling as more fabric is stitched. When you reach the edge of your blanket, you'll notice that only half of it is done. (hopefully you've noticed it before now!) Just turn the blanket upside down and repeat what you've already done with the first half. When you're done, it'll look like this: a nice pin stripe!

Flip the blanket over so that the flannel is facing up. You can either use a special chenille cutter or a pair of scissors . I really prefer the chenille cutter, as there is no way you could accidentally cut your top layer and it cuts the fabric evenly, so the chenille is the same length all over. You can pick up one of these tools at any fabric store for about $15. (this would be a great item to use a coupon on!) The plastic guide (or bottom side of your scissors) goes in between your top layer(s) and the fabric you want to make into Chenille. Slide it all the way through the channel in between your lines of stitching. Repeat until you've cut the whole blanket.

This is what your blanket should now look like:

Square up your blanket by checking the edges and trimming them so they are all even every layer goes all the way to the edge.  (note: "squaring" a quilt does not mean you have to make it an actual square! Just that you make sure all of the sides are straight and clean ;)  ) 

If you want rounded corners and you:

 a.) are willing to cut your binding on the bias, or b.) will buy bias cut binding to use; then garb a small salad plate (or something else around this size) and trim around it with your rotary cutter. (you could also  trace the plate with a pen and cut it with scissors. Just make sure you cut INSIDE your markings so that you don't chance an ink bleed when you wash it)

Here comes the fun part, making it bloom! Stick it in the washer, (by itself, because it's going to shed like crazy!) then put it through the dryer twice, cleaning the lint trap in between cycles.  When you pull it out, it should look like this! So cozy, no?

Next cut or purchase your binding and finish those edges! (Here is a great binding tutorial. Note that because you are using rounded corners and bias cut binding you don't need to worry about mitered corners, which makes it a ton easier!)

2nd Grade!

I'm a huge slacker, I know. We've survived our first year of residency and we've had a few things going on, lol. So, hopefully all three of you can forgive me? ;)
But, I guess it's REALLY time for me to blog again since we now have a 2nd grader!!!

School started earlier this year to accommodate an "expanded schedule." In other words, we get longer breaks during the year and a shorter summer. I think I'm a fan, but only time will tell. Daniel was so excited to get back to school and see so many of his friends again.

I'm already sensing what a  challenge it will be to keep Sammy busy on my own! He travels at a million miles a minute! We're keeping our fingers crossed for a great year!

We have a first grader! I seriously can't believe it. School started last week and we were all a bit apprehensive about how it would go. 

 I was worried that he would have a hard time since he didn't know anyone, but he's fitting in like a champ. He was dead set on wearing all black. He wanted to look like a Ninja. I talked him down to just his shirt. ;)

 It's a 35 min bus ride each way (which is actually pretty good, considering how far away it is) and he's now lobbying for a Nintendo DS since "everybody else on the bus has one Mom!". We'll see. I don't know how that would work out.....maybe I could let him earn it?
On the first day I drove him (mostly so that we could stop and buy tennis shoes on the way, this kid grows like a weed!).  Daniel was excited, but I think it was a bit too early for Sam. lol.

Every day when he comes home I ask how his day was and he says, "great!" I'm so happy this school seems to be working out so far. One thing I really appreciate is that they use a lot of positive reinforcement, which every 1st grader needs! Last year we had some issues and he got so discouraged. We're crossing our fingers and toes that this year is a good one!

Father's Day

 I've just been informed that neither my Mother or my Mother in law check Facebook, so I need to start updating here a little more often I guess. ;)  Anyways, here are my little boys with their Daddy.

I made them matching ties again this year and I think they look mighty dapper. ;)

Things here are good. Very crazy, but very good. We move this week, so you can only imagine the level of insanity in my home right now! I'm excited to post about my many projects as soon as life settle down a bit. 

aaaaaand WOW. I have been b.u.s.y.! I (obviously) have a ton to blog about.
First off: the Match! We got to take Sammy, Daniel was still at school.

It was held in a ballroom on campus and as you walked in it was a sea of green (St. Patty's day) and the Black Eyed Peas was blaring (Tonight's Gonna be a Good Night) I've never witnessed such palpable anxiety from so many people before! No one could wait until they knew where they were going.  The program was short, but not short enough! (nothing could have been short enough at this point!) Finally it was almost time to open the envelopes (everybody opens them at the same time all across the US) Sammy was the only baby who got the privilege to go up and grab an envelope. ;) (he was definitely being a daddy's boy that day)

Everybody picked up their sealed envelope and returned to their seats waiting until the allotted time to open them.... that was the worst! Holding it in your hand and not being allowed to look! I can't even tell you how many people I saw trying to hold it up to the light to catch a peek, lol. There was no way you could have seen through it. I know. I checked ;) At exactly Noon the air horn blew and everyone tore into their letters. 

It was quite a display. Some people squealed, a few exited quickly in tears and the guy behind us took one look, grunted, and said, "Let's go get drunk." I obviously felt so sad for those who were upset, but the rest of it was pretty much hilarious. 

We are thrilled to be going to Indianapolis and the more we find out about the area, the more excited we get.  I still remember when he came home from his interview there how excited he was about the program and facilities. We can't wait to get all settled in and explore our new home!

Tomorrow!!!

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow, you're only a daaaaaaaaay aaaaaaa waaaaaaaaay! (sing it with me now! I watched that show WAY too often as a child and blame all of my quirks and eccentricities on that adorable little orphan Annie) (P.S. side note, I just have to say how proud I am of myself for spelling eccentricities right the first time, without spell check! yay, go Mommy brain!)
I have to say that Bryan and I have done pretty well with the cursed wait for our Residency Match results. But now that it's one day away, it's killing me! I, by nature, am a planner and a thinker and a researcher. None of which I can do without knowing what (or where!) my subject is! We could be moving in as little as 6 weeks so I'm rarin' to go! We could end up (in no specific order) here, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, Albuquerque (which I've also learned how to spell thanks to my research for the match), Salt Lake City, Phoenix or Tucson! So we could be moving 2 miles (if we match here) or 1,900 miles. How do you plan for all of the variables? The answer I finally came up with: you don't! I've just been de-junking, which really means finishing up all of the projects I'm working on and tying up loose ends. It feels good. (when I finally find the time, I'll post some of my projects on here, you can't wait, right? ;)
This whole process has been a little crazy and we are excited to have it over with. I finally realized why I'm so anxious about it all today. It's because, no matter the outcome, we will be surprised. I've never not kind of know how something would turn out before... and I kind of don't like it. lol. Luckily, we chose to only interview at programs where we knew we would want to live. So, no matter the news, we will be pleasantly surprised. Keep your fingers crossed for us, and hopefully I'll be a less spastic version of myself tomorrow. ;)

Matched....

We got a one line email letting us know that we did indeed match for residency. Yay! Now we can stop having completely irrational nightmares of not matching, and start having completely rational ones about so many other things! lol. Seriously, the NRMP (the people who run the match) are just big teases. Just tell us already!!! We find out Thursday, on St. Patrick's Day. We typically have a visit from a Leprechaun, so I'm thinking I'll have to combine the two somehow....
In other news, I find it completely ironic that this very week a book I've had on hold for months at the library finally arrived (digitally). It's titled, "Matched." I saw it and had to laugh out loud.

Incidentally it was a fun book, worth the read. It does have it's similarities to the other Teen Distopia books that are so popular right now, but it was different enough and interesting enough for me to thoroughly enjoy it and I'm anxiously looking forward to the next two. (and the movies... I think I heard that Disney has already bought the rights?)

Stars Fell on Alabama....

I have had that song stuck in my head ever since we entered the state of Alabama two weeks ago! (If you don't know it, it's a Jazz Standard from the 1930's and is lovely... I specifically LOVE the Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong version... while you're at it, buy the whole album, you'll thank me, really)
We took a quick trip down to visit Bryan's brother, Brad, who's just started flight school at Ft. Rucker. We had a great time and the kids played together so well. It was sad to leave again. :(  We took it easy and mostly just let the kids and boys (Bryan and Brad) play. Sam and his cousin Kate are only 4 weeks apart in age and they were so cute together! Two peas in a very cute pod. Kate was very kind and shared all of her girly stuff with Sam. He was ecstatic.


We passed by fields full of Black Hawks, which was an awe-inspiring sight. (Sadly we were moving the whole time, so I wasn't able to catch any phenomenal pics.)

As we left Alabama I asked Daniel what his favorite part of the trip was and he said, "playing Lego Batman with Uncle Brad." Which totally took me by surprise because he had so much fun playing with the girls, maybe it was playing on the huge screen, or maybe it was because it was his cool "army guy" uncle. Maybe next time we'll just let them play Wii through the Internet instead of driving for 12hrs? (lol, totally kidding!) 

One of the funniest things that weekend was when the kids played super heroes. They all got their pillow cases and flew around fighting all the injustice and bad people around. (mainly the two babies ;) 

Then I noticed Jane had some sort of growth.

Me: "Jane, are you hiding a secret weapon?"

Jane: "No, I'm pregnant!" Like, duh, you dummy. 

Me: "A pregnant superhero????"

Jane: "Of course! I've got to have my babies sometime! Superheroes are people too, ya know."

So there you have it. Super Heroes are people too, and my 4 year old niece knows that life doesn't stop for babies. 

The highlight of the trip was our day at the beach... but that's another post!

Pinteresting....

I have a new addiction. It's not like I needed a new addiction, but here it is. I really think I might be in love.  It's called Pinterest. It's a bit like Tumblr, for those who are familiar with that, only it's way better. (sorry Tumblr people! :(  )  

I am the type of person who likes to bookmark things for reference later that I don't necessarily need now. You know, like little girl clothes, house ideas, etc. But the problem with bookmarking them on your computer is that 1) you could lose it all if your computer dies (especially if 5 computers in a row die on you!) and 2) everything is listed by page title or blog title so you really can't remember what's bookmarked until you click on it.  

Enter pinterest. Your bookmarks are all stored online and by picture! You can separate them into categories and view everyone else's bookmarks to get more ideas. I LOVE it! 

To use the site you have to have an invitation right now. (I think it's still in beta) I've still got a few invitations I can send out, so let me know if you'd like one!

Our little Padawan...

 While we were at Disneyland we decided to check out the Jedi Training event. We didn't really know much about it, but Daniel loves ANYTHING Star Wars, so knew we had to go. We ran into someone on a ride who told us that if you have something that makes you stand out it makes it a lot easier to get chosen. So we stopped by the make your own Light Saber station and made him a huge, double-bladed, purple Light Saber!

It worked and he got chosen! (they chose about 30 kids out off all the children there) For a while he just stared at/ fought his own shadow, silly kid. 

He was totally in awe of the Jedi trainers, lol. 

The kids trained for a while and then, just when you think it's over, part of the stage rises up out of the ground and out comes Darth Vader, Storm Troopers and Darth Maul!

The kids all got their chance to defeat either Darth Vader or Darth Maul. Daniel beat Darth Maul soundly! ;) At the end he said, "It's a good thing he didn't move much! I totally defeated that guy!!! Now I can totally defeat them anytime!" I honestly think this day was the highlight of his life so far. Love him.

Disneyland

Disneyland! We went to Disneyland on Christmas eve just like we did 2 years ago. It was a wonderful, magical day. On our way in I saw a scene that reminded me of the last time we went. Daniel sure loves his Grandpa!
2010                                                                               2008

It started out as a cool morning. Daniel had absolutely refused to bring a coat, so we bundled him up in Sammy's blanket. 

Here is the stroller brigade! They had all just barely turned one and did really well all day in the strollers. 

We spent the morning doing some kiddie rides (Dumbo here)

And then Daniel and Caleb got brave and tried some roller coasters. It was Daniel's first time on a roller coaster and he was pretty nervous, but he LOVED it in the end. 

Daniel got to attend the Jedi Training event and we stopped to build him his own Light Saber! He was ecstatic. It was double bladed and as tall as his Uncle Tim! (about 6'3"?)

 We always love the Pixar Parade, we got there early and staked out our spots. (we were surprised at how ruthless Disneyland patrons could be! ha ha)

 Sam adored the Parade from Daddy's shoulders.

He also thought it was hilarious to smack Uncle Brad in the face over and over. Might have had something to do with his reactions. lol :)

We really loved the Disney Parade that ended with Santa telling all the little girls and boys that he would see them that night. ;)



The fireworks seemed to be extra special that night. So beautiful. This year it was super crowded, I was kind of hoping for some bad weather so no one else would be there, but instead we had to suffer through a gorgeous, sunny day. Can't wait until we can go back someday!