so much to do...so little time

So, I've been trying to do some house work today, not getting to far on it, as I have to keep sitting down. My whole hip, knee and leg are just killing me today. I'm hoping that means were going to get some rain. Maybe it will relieve the pain once it does rain.

Went to my first quilting class last night. It was a blast...and it was great to get out of the house. It was just 3 of us in there, my mom, myself, and this really cute little  Chinese lady called Yoshi. She spit out a really long name that we would have had no way of pronouncing. Thankfully she said everybody just calls her Yoshi. I love her.  I have homework to do, but haven't gotten around to starting on it just yet. I might this evening though...not sure yet however.

I've been working on getting those dresses cut out. I got all of the size 3 dresses sewn up. Right now my plan however is to just get all of my sizes cut out, so that I  can take a couple of days to just sew them. The cutting does take some time. More time than I thought it would, but that's OK, because I want them to come out really good. I think its taking more time because of the amount of them that I am making. I'm making 10 in each size from size 3 to size 6. So by the time I'm finished I will have 40 of them made and ready for my store!

Sam and Jasper have been sleeping hard today! I'm guessing its because they are pretty bored. They don't want to go out except to potty, and then they run right back in the house.  Its kind of hot out there. I'm not sure who is more comfy, Sam on the couch, or Jasper taking up 2 dog beds. LOL at least they know how to chill out I guess!!!!

Best Aunt Ever

So I totally have to toot my own horn!  I am the Best Aunt Ever! I love to sew little dresses as we know...my niece has issues with things going over her head. Well, I totally took, and figured out how to put snaps on the shoulders, (OK, with the help of my hubby) and it works out great!!!!

I really do love a good challenge...its so fun!!! And here lately Walmart craft department has some adorable fabric. If I had 100 dollars to just spend, I would so buy a ton of fabric!!!! I love all the butterfly fabric, and the fabrics that are fall colored. I think I'm going to have some gorgeous dresses for my etsy store. I picked up some really cute reduced price fabrics yesterday, and I just cant wait to get started on the etsy store dresses.  That's just not going to happen today, or tomorrow, hopefully Thursday.

Tomorrow were having girls day at my MIL's house. Were going to be getting fruit ready for making Jelly.  I'm taking Nikki with me so that I can keep an eye on her. It is very possible I'm being overly protective, but I just cant help myself.

Well, guess I should see about getting some stuff done today!!! Over and out!

A new journey

So, I've been working on my sewing again. I was fooling around with my sewing machine sewing some blankets for www.2comfort2hope.blogspot.com  Well, I started digging through my sewing patterns, because I was feeling inspired, and pulled out the smaller pattern size of dresses like I make for my niece, and started making some...well one turned into 6..... so now I have decided that I'm going to open up an etsy store. I tried before, but I wasn't very serious about it, and didn't do anything to promote my store, so it didn't go as well as it could have.   I believe that I can make it work better, between facebook, and the wonderful world of the Internet, I will make it work!!! 
 
Nikki's days are getting harder and harder. I had to get my mom to come over and stay with her while I took dinner to grandpa's house. I didn't clean over there because I needed to get back. Turns out it was a good thing I didn't stay, because she paced herself almost to the point of exhaustion while I was gone.  I believe we may have to make a decision very soon. 

Well, that's about it for today, need to see if I can figure out how to get Nikki to lay down and rest before she falls down.

projects

OK, I got the rippled afghan done, and delivered. Right now, I've started a round ripple afghan. I'm doing it in solid green. I think the green will match the couch. That and its been a while since I've really done anything in one solid color.

I have many things on the hook. I really need to work on finishing up the smaller ones, and the designs, and other things. I promise, I do have pictures! Its just a matter of getting them posted.  That is something I will do soon! I promise. I just need to get my pictures loaded onto the computer. Something I tend to be lazy about. But I will do it soon.

Mom and I are going out today to get the rest of the stuff we need for our quilting class we are taking. You really need a lot of stuff. I think the stuff cost more than the class! Oh well, It will be fun none the less.  And I'll end up with a full size quilt when its done. I may be able to make a bigger one if I do my assigned "homework" lol...its funny to think about homework from a craft class.

Well, I guess I should get off of here, and get myself motivated. I need to do my daily work out, and shower and dress.

Have a great weekend!!!

Monday Blues

Ahhh its break time. I decided I needed to have lunch, something to drink, and some Ibuprofen for my hip and knee pain I seem to be having thanks to all of this wonky weather.  I've been working on the bedroom and bathroom today. I'm making great progress. Its just a matter of getting rid of some stuff, and moving other stuff to better locations. I've made a little money so far doing this today as well. So far I have found a grand total of 36 cents. If I find 2.58  more I can go to walmart and buy a skein of red heart yarn! LOL Here in just a little bit though I'm going to haul of the trash so it doesn't get to be too much, and then head to the grocery store for some bread, cereal and peanut butter.

We've been canning the heck out of our green beans. We are up to 16 quarts canned! That might not sound like much but that's less we will have to buy this winter. Plus we still have the rest of the growing season to go with them. Hopefully we will get another 7 or 8 at least. I have big plans this winter!

I've been working on crocheting a couple of baby sweater sets for some of my family that lives out west. Its for a baby girl, and I'm not using the typical colors that people like to use for girls. I'm going with greens. I just wanted to do something a bit different...because well I tend to be a bit different. I'm going to put whatever is left over yarn wise into our comfort sets. I figure Its really pretty yarn, and we can always use pretty yarn, even though I don't think we've been doing much in the way of crocheting for our stuff lately. Although I plan on crocheting a few more hats for the Calvin's Hat project we are working on.

Well, now that I've finished my sandwich and have drank most of my tea, I guess I had better get a move on if I want to get home before the weather hits. It does look like its going to do something out there, and I see the tree's a stirrin out there!

And I swear to all of you that I do plan on posting pics of my projects here soon! LOL...I'm just a really bad person when it comes to getting things put on the computer picture wise!

Time

How do you measure time? Days? Minutes? Seconds?Hours? How do you measure it when there has been a limit put on the time that you have left with somebody that you love? That you know your time is coming to an end. That its going to be time to say a final farewell. Do you dwell on it? Or do you try to make the best of every minute? How do you keep your heart from breaking open and bleeding out knowing what is coming? I don't really think you can.

Today, I took Nikki for a routine vet appointment. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It seems funny to think about a dog having that, but it can and does happen. She has started loosing weight.  I've known something has been wrong with her for a while, I just wasn't completely able to put my finger on it.  Its progressed a bit further than I would have thought.  I was told that she may have another 6 months left.  So now I have to keep a closer eye on her, and try to make sure that she is actually eating.  I cant let her go outside by herself any more.  I need to comfort her when she gets confused, and make sure she knows that she is loved, and cared for. Frank and I will have to comfort each other, and try to not let her see our tears.

I am starting a scrap book for her. Its going to be pink. I got pretty pages for it, and pretty fun stickers as well. I know that it may sound silly to some, but memories are worth more than money. I want her memories to be preserved in the best way I can.

What first?

Well, this is one of those days when I think I've let everything stack up long enough because of the fact that it was so hot outside last week. Now I'm not saying I didn't do anything because of the heat, mostly it was because I couldn't let my dogs out except to potty and come back in. Its kind of hard to get things done with 3 good sized dogs in the house all at once.   Here as soon as I get my next cup of coffee I'm going to start! I think the first thing I'm going to have to hit, and hit hard is that living room.  It seems to have suffered greatly, between the dust, the dog hair, and just plain being lived in.  (ha I guess that's why they call it the living room.)  Then I know my bathroom is going to have to be hit pretty hard too.  Hopefully after that my dear hubby will be home to help me with the refrigerator and the pantry. They both  need a good scrub down as well. I keep telling myself if I would just keep on top of all of this to begin with it wouldn't be such a problem, or stack up on me. maybe its because I seem to have lost the want, or the need to do it. I'm not sure which yet, but its one of them. Maybe I've just gotten too comfortable with being at home all the time. Or maybe FB has sucked me in!!! LOL

Last night while watching Eureka, and then Lost girl on the SciFi channel, I made another huge dent in that afghan. It really is pretty. The part I like best about it right now, is it keeps my lap and knees warm. Yes I know its summer time, but in the evenings it gets a little chilly in here with the ac going. No complaints about that though, because I know that there are plenty of people who still use window units, or nothing at all. (those poor souls.)

After about 4 or 5 good years of service, a power surge took out our coffee pot.  My hubby tore it apart and discovered that the heating switch needs to be replaced. Well we did go out and buy a new pot. He is hoping that Bunn will send him a replacement part so that he can fix the broke one. I believe he has plans for it!  If I'm not mistaken I think he's hoping to be able to take it to work so that they will have a working coffee pot! (no complaints there)

I guess I had better get my cup of coffee and throw the dogs out of the house for a little while so I can get to that cleaning that so desperately needs to be done! Keep cool!!!!

gah

Apparently when my dear husband is on nights, I cant seem to get too much done around the house! I have so much catching up to do today!! Eeeek...not sure why I'm on the computer at this point. Maybe its because my coffee pot seems to have given up the ghost, and I'm badly in need of a freshly brewed cup of hot coffee. No, I don't want to reheat it in the microwave, that's not what I want. It doesn't taste the same...maybe I'm just a coffee snob...not sure, but I know its something.

I've made a decent dent in the afghan I've been working on. It looks like I'm to the halfway point, so that's a plus. I still need to go out and get the rest of the yarn I'm going to be needing to finish it, but that's not such a big deal.  Next I've got to start working on a gift for my step moms sons g/f who is expecting a girl. I'm just going to make her a sweater set I think. I'm thinking maybe something in peach. Peach is such a pretty color.

For now, I guess I had better get off of here and motivate myself! Maybe I'll break out the stove top coffee pot!

Progress

So, I'm like a dog with a bone with my rippled afghan, I cant seem to stop working on it. That's not such a bad thing though.  One of my problems with working on a larger blanket is after a while I start to get bored with it, and the last 50 rows or so seem to creep by when that happens.  That's the only problem I have with big projects.  Although I'm wanting to make a second one so maybe this one wont be so bad.

I picked 2 buckets full of green beans this evening. I took a bunch over to my mom's house, because I just don't have the urge to snap, and can those bad boys. I still have more to pick. I got really hot, and my back and hips started hurting really bad. I'm going to try and get them either in the morning, or tomorrow evening once the heat subsides.  I am however going to snap some tonight and throw in the crock pot with some ham fat, and some onion for tomorrows enjoyment.  (I think my dear sweet hubby will enjoy that)

Anyways, I think its time for me to retire to the living room for a couple of hours with my tea, and my afghan project. 
As always, keep cool

Stop the world, I want to get off

Today is just one of those days where I'm feeling, well blah really.  My legs and hips hurt, I need to go out and pay bills, I'm tired, the dogs wont behave, its hot as hell outside, and I'm becoming increasingly frustrated with my husband.

For some reason he's just not wanting to talk about adoption. Every time I bring it up because we need to talk about it and make a decision he gets really moody, and I just cant talk to him. Then he gets mad, and makes me feel guilty because he knows that means that we will have to clear out the bigger of the two bedrooms upstairs, and goes into the whole well I'll just sell off my guns. That's not what I want to do. I don't want to play the guilt game. But I also know that time is not long on this world for anybody. I don't want to die a lonely old woman with no children to comfort her when the end comes. I'm not stupid, I know that adoption is a long, hard process. Well its not as hard as it used to be with so many children needing homes, but its still a long process that requires a lot of patients. I feel like we are on two different levels when it comes to family. I don't know anymore. I guess I'm just so frustrated that I want to cry.  I love my niece and nephews, but that's not enough. The two oldest ones are on their own, and doing there own thing. I'm not so certain that they have time to be bothered anyways...my youngest nephew and niece live far enough away and with the way my schedule works anymore I don't get to see them but maybe once a month.

Am I whining and complaing, absolutely. Do I know it, absolutely. Should I stop it probably, but do i want to, no. I guess maybe I should give Frank a bit more time, I mean we only just found out a bit less than a month ago that Diabetics can adopt. It could be a bit much for him to take in.  I don't think he ever imagined adopting a child. When I look into my heart, I know I could love any child that was given to me to care for, and to be mine.  Does it hurt to know that at this point its more than likely I will never feel a child growing inside of my body, a little piece of me and a little piece of Frank, yeah, it hurts so bad that I feel somebody stabbed me in the chest, and is twisting the knife.

Alright, enough, I had better stop this because I'm just going to send myself back into some kind of a crazy depression....everybody have a great weekend.

yay!

I'm so excited! I just signed up to take my first quilting class. It lasts for 6 weeks, and is in the evening on Monday's!!! This is going to be so much fun!!! I may have to take the one that is being offered in October as well.  I want to learn how to do all of that fun awesome and wonderful stuff!!! It would be wonderful to be able to give beautiful colorful home made quilts as gifts, or to have them on the back of the couch, or hanging on the wall. To be able to create those beautiful family heirlooms would just be awesome.

Don't get me wrong, I know that you can do the same thing with crochet, it just seems like people don't seem to appreciate the work and love that goes into crochet as they do a quilt. its strange like that. Although, people will buy them all day long at thrift stores and yard sales, so at least I know people do like a good crocheted blanket.

Its going to be so hot this weekend. Its going to get up to over 100 on Saturday. I hate when its like that, but oh well what can one do except stay inside and endure it!  I'll use that time to work on my afghan some more that I desperately want to get done!!!

Well that's about it for now!!!
Peace out and Stay cool!

blah

So, I've been having one of "those days" so far today. No not in the bad sense, just in the I went back to bed before the hubby left for work,  and slept until after 9AM, and just don't feel like doing anything today kind of days! I'm working on my coffee now, so I'm pretty sure everything will kick in here shortly.

We had the great canning experience last night! We canned some green beans, which wasn't as hard as I was thinking it would be, but probably because we only had 5 quarts worth to can rather than a whole ton like some people end up with. I am to the point right now where I'm going to have to start checking the bean plants on a daily basis though. No complaints there at all.  Its not that green beans are my favorite veggie, its just one less thing that I will have to buy this winter.

Speaking of winter, does anybody else get that dreaded feeling that its going to be a long hard winter??? I've been working on getting things in order for winter. Kind of stocking up so to speak. I'm working on buying Toilet Paper as I find it on sale, as well as canned goods, and things that wont go bad.  We are talking about buying meat on clearance so that we can can it as well. That way should we loose power we don't have to worry about it going bad in the freezer.  I don't think Walmart does reduced meat, so I will have to keep an eye on Food Lion.

Well, I guess I should close this up. Going to check FB one last time as I enjoy this coffee, and then I have to start getting myself busy!

OMG!!!

Its too hot outside!!! I'm melting!!!! AAAAHHHHHH

July, Heat, and Crochet

So I'm going to start out by saying that I cannot believe that its July already. This year is just blowing by, and is not waiting for anybody!  Frank and I went to a cook out on Saturday night. That was fun. We saw a lot of people we had not seen in a really long time...of course there had to be that one person who had to ask the question...So, how many kids do you have now? It should have been obvious seeing as we didn't have any children with us...and seeing as there was a lot of kids there if we would have had children they would have been there with us.

Wow, it got really really hot all at once. I mean its been gradually warming up, but man, this is some insane heat! We went back to my grandpa's yesterday (Sunday) to take him his dinner. Frank was camped out trying to take care of his groundhog situation. I think the groundhogs decided that it was too hot even for them to come out of their holes. Everytime I looked at the thermometer over there the temp would go up. before we left at 4:30 the thermometer read 105.3.  The really insane part was the fact that the receptor was in the shade. I can only imagine what it would have read if it was sitting in the sun.  Friday this extreme hot weather caused one heck of a crazy thunder storm that caused a lot of damage. I have never ever seen a thunder storm cause so much damage. In fact Frank and I were driving home through that storm, and I can tell you right now I would rather drive in a blizzard than that ever again.

So, Lindsey and I went on a girls day out on Saturday. We hit some really awesome craft stores. I got 2 new books, and a bunch of yarn! (oh how I love yarn) Right now I'm working on a rippled afghan which was originally going to be for me, but is now a wedding gift! I'm not very far in, maybe about 25-30 rows. I know is so pretty its going to be hard to give away!

Sam goes to the groomers today. It will be the first time he's been to a groomer. I really hope they can handle him. He's a bit of a mouthy thing when he's not happy. I'm fairly certain he's going to tell them exactly how he's feeling. I know when he was at the animal hospital they said when he wasn't sleeping he was talking....the entire time. I think they were glad to be rid of him!  The fun part today is going to be getting Sam in his harness and out the door without Jasper and Nikki trying to get out the door. Its supposed to be another scorcher, and I dont want my kids out if they dont have to be.  Especially Nikki. she doesn't do weather too well in her old age. It probably doesn't help that I have turned her into such a princess.

I have 2 good size bowls of green beans that I need to get prepped for either canning of freezing. I'm not sure yet which. I know I need to hurry up and make a decision. I dont know how to use the pressure cooker, and Frank is at work, so i'll probably end up freezing the first batch. Thats the only thing I can think to do since I need to do something with them ASAP.

Well I guess I should get off of here, as its 6:30 AM, and Sam has to be at the groomers by 9:30. I need to start getting myself together, and all that good stuff.  Everybody have a great mond