Jen and Sheld's Life

Happy Birthday Jared!

2011-01-08T18:47:00.000-05:00

My nephew just turned 12...wow. I made this card for the Twisted Sketches layout for him. I usually have a hard time making guy cards...but this was the easiest one. Plus, the twist was using ribbon. Poor guy. LOL Hopefully he won't mind the card.

Twisted Sketch #37...Oh what a twist this week.

2010-12-11T21:32:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I always want to write a long post...but somehow life keeps getting in the way. This time some of it is good...some of it is bad. LOL If I get a chance later I will write more. However, I had a lot of fun making this card for the Twisted Sketches Challenge. I decided to use some of Abby's artwork for the base of the card and again...a lot of sewing. But the twist comes in with my tin foil star....which was shiny. I love how the star looks pretty delicate...and yes, I sewed that on too.

Thanks for looking and I hope you decide to do the challenge this week. There are a lot of gorgeous cards. I am always amazed at everyone's difference interpretation of the sketch. Which is one reason why sketches are such fun...but on the other hand, they are also pretty hard. Let's see your take on them.

Abby Painting

2010-11-30T15:55:00.000-05:00

How do people do it?

2010-11-29T11:02:00.000-05:00

This last week, SHeldon & I were parents to 2 kids....and I didn't get anything done. :) How do other parents do it?

I love creating and was able to do this one card for Twisted Sketches. I wasn't sure what to do as I had about 10 minutes of quiet time as Sheldon watched the kids. I then noticed on my craft table (which hasn't been cleaned in a month) a sheet of paper I bought over the summer to make some cards about Abby. It was a beach scene and it went perfect with her nickname...Crafty Abby.

So then, I remembered that I just received the SU set with a crab and the saying...Sorry I am crabby. Which reminded me that I had those cute little craft cups from SU that you put on cards and put snacks inside. I decided to use all 3 of those and make a diorama.

I think it turned out cute...and I guess Abby did too...because she smashed it right after I took the picture. :)

So go to Twisted Sketches and check out the original sketch for this card....and don't forget the twist of Layers. THey will be doing a drawing so don't forget to link back your card too.

Brads Galore?

2010-11-13T17:00:00.000-05:00

This week at Twisted Sketches we had an "easy" sketch. LOL. Well for me it wasn't easy. It never is....however, I found some really cute safari paper that I had in my stash and started sewing. Well sewing wasn't the twist but brads were. I am not a big brad person, though part of it was easy in this sketch as there was a spot that was perfect for 3 brads. But I thought that was a bit boring...and started thinking how I could liven up my card and got a little carried away with the brads.

WIth Abby turning 2, I figure I would need to start making more cards for her friends, so I figured this would be a perfect KID card. Or a KID at heart.

Birthday Glitter

2010-10-30T13:59:00.000-04:00

I am finding that doing sketches is a lot harder than I thought. However, that is what makes it so fun. Since participating as part of the Twisted Sketches design team....I have been a bit stumped. If you know anything about me...it is that I am not very good at following directions. Usually when I make a card it just kind of happens. A little here and a little here. So it has been such a change for me to do the sketches...especially with the twist.

This week the twist was glitter. I ended up making 4 totally different cards before I came up with onne liked. I will do a posting later of the 3 that didn't make the cut. However, the one that I loved is for my baby girl's birthday. She is going to be 2 tomorrow. A Halloween baby to boot.

I first was t hinking of making this card a Christmas card as I used my Xyron machine to put sticker glue all over red paper. I thought with the added glitter it would look like snow. However, it gave the paper a soft pink look. Then as I was looking through my embellishments I found the perfect Sentiment sticker. Princess...as my baby is definitely a princess.

Thanks for looking and I hope you try this sketch as it has turned out great. Everyone's cards are a bit different and I love that.

Have a great day.

I feel like a "Jewel"

2010-10-16T20:07:00.006-04:00

Actually that is part of the twist this week at Twisted Sketches. We were to make a card and incorporate "jewel" into it. I actually ended up making 3 cards before I came up with the one I liked. It was actually the quickest of the 3. I used lots of sparkle in rhinestone gems. They so remind me of jewelry.

Here is the link.....please take a look and make one yourself. As always there is a giveaway...and again lots of gorgeous cards to look at.

Thanks for "Twisting" with us. I would normally write tons more...however, Abby and I just finished an 8 hour drive to go and visit grandma & grandma. We are exhausted.

2010-10-11T20:37:00.001-04:00

WOW!!!! Yeah!!! (And yes it has been a long time.

2010-10-09T15:39:00.001-04:00

It has been almost a year since I have posted on my blog...a lot has happened and changed. I will get to all tht is going on in another post. However, I have some other exciting news. I auditioned for my first design team and now I am member of the Twisted Sketches Team.

Please check out the site over there to see what they are all about. Twisted Sketches

Here is the card that I submitted for the Challenge. You can also click on this link to see the original sketch. The twist was friends.

For my card I used a photo of Abby with 2 of my bestfriend's kids. They all get along so well and we miss them a lot. So I figured this would be perfect for the challenge and made me miss them even more.

I actually made 2 cards....and I liked one better and Sheldon liked the other one better. It is pretty funny how our tastes differ. I figure I will send one card to Ruby & the other one to Julie.

Thanks for looking...and I hope you come and play with us. Also, go and take a peek at the other talented cardmakers. My next official challenge is next week. The challenges are normally put up on Saturday and it is something fun to do.

What to be for Halloween

2009-10-25T21:19:00.002-04:00

Abby has had a lot of choices of what to be for Halloween. Her first option was a Halloween Pumpkin Fairy...so cute. Until we tried the outfit on. Not going to work. It was way too small.

Then my friend Ruby loaned us her pumpkin outfit that her son Jack wore when he was about her age. She cried and cried.

So I looked and looked today at the store. I couldn't find anything and didn't want to spend any money....so tonight I made her a little outfit. It is cute and she can wear it without crying. I Hope.

I feel like this is a bit like Goldilocks and the 3 bears. I am definitely hoping that the 3rd time is the charm and just right. (Plus it has little froggies in the pattern and Abby loves frogs right now.)

Our Pumpkin Patch visit

2009-10-25T21:12:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we decided to take Abb to the pumpkin patch. We want to start creating fun family outings with her and she might be too young to remember but all 3 of us had fun.

Abby's favorite thing to do is watch other people. So she loved watching all the kids run around getting their pumpkins. She didn't like the sound of the corn air cannon. Everytime it went off she started crying.

As we walked around Abby became very excited when we saw a chicken walk by. So we took a little time to hang out and watch her. Then another one came by and wow she was excited. That was the first time I have ever seen her point. After paying for our pumpkins we fed the goats a little and she was memorized by them. I know that next year she is really going to enjoy going to the pumpkin patch.

We ended up getting 3 pumpkins, a daddy, a mommy and a baby. Hopefully we can carve them before next Saturday.

Trying to catch up....

2009-10-25T20:59:00.003-04:00

I think the reason that I am not keeping up with my blog like I should....is because I am just plain old tired. I notice that my writing style is greatly compromised and I want write fun and cute stories. I guess writing something is better than nothing.

After going to Red Top Mountain--Abby & I went to my mom's for a week and had such blast. We ended up going to the Pumpkin Patch and drinking coffee. LOL Abby is already addicted. Grandma and Abby were also able to spend a lot of quality time together and they really enjoyed it. Momma was no longer the favorite by the end of the week. Grandma definitely was...one of the reasons is that my mom fed and fed Abby. I cannot believe how much she ate while we were there. (It didn't help that we both got colds when we came home and couldn't eat much and had to start all over again.)

However, by the time daddy came to pick us up...even grandma was no longer the favorite. It was daddy again all the way.

Love you MOm & Rich. Thanks for the wonderful week.

Red Top Mountain

2009-10-05T11:43:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we went to Red Top Mountain. Sheldon did some blacksmithing & Abby and I walked around the trail and hung out in the room alot. It ended up raining & storming most of the time. So the iron poor we were going to watch didn't happen. When Sheldon went last time he brought back a great video and I was so excited. However, we still had a nice time.

Crying Pumpkin

2009-10-05T11:36:00.002-04:00

We are getting ready for Abby's first official Halloween....or second, depending on how you look at it. Yesterday, we went to the pumpkin patch and she wasn't very happy. She is still getting over having strep & a chest cold.

However, I think the pictures still turned out cute.

I am so far behind....

2009-08-28T21:40:00.002-04:00

That baby is taking up all of my time. But here are some current pics of her...

Crabby Abby & Grumpy Gertie

2009-07-26T13:56:00.002-04:00

Abby has started taking an interest in her dolls. Yesterday at FUll Bloom she wanted to play with one of Pat's. So I pulled out Grumpy Gertie for her and she has been playing with her. I put her in one of the cute outfits that Grandma Susan made her.

Which is better....

2009-07-25T17:35:00.004-04:00

A cooking spree? Or a shopping spree?

I think they both have their advantages....however; one makes you want to lose weight while the other makes you gain weight. :)

While on vacation at Hilton Head...I went on a shopping spree. Not too much but enough to make me enjoy wearing clothes again and want to look good. Though it is expensive.

Now that I am home. I am trying to do more home cooking and make it fun and exciting. This means we have been doing a lot more baking. Though I am trying to keep it healthy and less caloric.

First, I made some mini muffins. They were yummy, 4 of them were equal to one size muffin…and I went a little overboard in eating them. I had 6 of them. This wouldn’t be so bad, except the muffins had a ton of fiber in them. I used a basic oatmeal applesauce muffin recipe that I found on allrecipes.com. Then I made some creative changes based on what I had around the house. I added some butternut squash, applesauce, carrots & fresh cherries. MMMM…they were yummy!!

Then I made 2 sets of buttermilk pizza dough. One set for us to eat and freeze and one for a friend who has helped me out a lot. I made pepperoni & olive pizza. Not super healthy but better than eating out. Yesterday, I made a nice tomato, cucumber & onion pasta salad from fresh produce I received from Sheldon’s co-worker. The tomatoes were delicious and so ripe. I cheated a bit and added a little bit of pepperoni and cheese and used Italian dressing to marinate the salad. However, to go with the salad and to make a complete supper I made focaccia bread from a recipe on allrecipes.com. It made a ton of it so I ended up freezing over 2/3 of the bread. We will have some more for dinner tonight. I also, ended up making some fresh salsa yesterday. Though I have to finish it….Abby didn’t let me add the cilantro. I am hoping it tastes good. I added a bit of cucumber to it as we had so many of them.

Then today I ended up making a low fat oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that I modified again quite a bit. Baking Bits, the blog I found them on had such a fantastic picture. Mine didn’t turn out the same way. Probably because I made quite a few changes based on what I had in the house. I reduced the brown & white sugar to half and then added 2 bananas, wheat flour, coconut and butterscotch chips…and a couple of carrots. I figure they were sweet and nobody would notice, however, it would be a nice dose of extra nutrients.

Using scissors instead of a rotary cutter...

2009-07-06T20:15:00.005-04:00

well at least for the most part. This morning, Abby decided that 4 am was wake up and stay up time. So after a lot of struggle...daddy & I decided to go shopping and walking. So we did that and came home around 6 am. By this time Abby was asleep, daddy had to get ready for work and I had to fill out insurance paperwork. Not very fun. Then at 10 I had a chiropractor's appointment. So this morning was very busy. Since Abby decided mommy & daddy woke her up really early...she took another nap and I decided to work on a art quilt. I have a few people whom I would like to make something similar for at Christmas time so I wanted to practice. I took a picture I had of Rocky and turned it into my quilt.

I think it turned out cute. I figured too that it would be a go project to work on as I didn't need to use my rotary cutter and I was pretty tired. Here is Abby recovering from her lack of sleep....and right after this was taken we discovered that she had cut her finger. We are not sure how she did it...however, she must have wanted to be like momma. Luckily, we didn't need to get stitches. Though she is wearing a sock on her hand now.

Some Pretties...

2009-07-04T20:59:00.004-04:00

Today, Abby and I went out for a few hours so that daddy could take a nap. Unbeknownst to momma...Abby did wake up last night....though mommy didn't. I was very excited this morning thinking she slept through the night. Well daddy quickly informed me that wasn't the case. So to be nice, we went to the Farmer's Market in Watkinsville and bought some yummy bread from my friend Vanessa.

Then we decided to go to the local quilt shop. I wasn't supposed to buy anything...however they were having 60% off and I picked up 2 magazines and some fabric. Well one of the mags had a tutorial on how to make pot holders and I have always wanted to do that....so before going to the 4th of July party...Abby and I made them.

They aren't perfect but they are pretty cute. Abby was sitting so nicely next to Rocky and right at the last stitch...I looked over and his claw was hanging out of her arm. She was more scared of me yelling at him then the actual scratch. Not sure what happened, but I think she tried pulling his tail or something.

Sneak Peek revealed...

2009-07-03T23:17:00.005-04:00

Here is what was making Abby smile so big. I have never seen her smile like that. WOW. She is becomming a big girl.Plus....she can kind of stand by herself. When did that happen??? Oh, yeah. Yesterday..

Facebook

2009-07-03T23:15:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone...

I am sorry to be so bad about posting on the blog. I hate to say it...I am becoming a facebook junkie. :) It is easier sometimes to post little tidbits and pics of Abby on there. If you have facebook and wanna be my friend...please message me. Because I miss talking with everyone. Especially all my PCMB friends.

A sneak peek....

2009-06-28T16:57:00.003-04:00

Happy Father's Day Everyone...

2009-06-21T11:22:00.002-04:00

Hope all the new daddies gets lots of sleep...and all daddies get lots of love. I know Sheldon & Abby are having a great first Daddy Day.

Come join us at Full Bloom....

2009-06-15T21:41:00.002-04:00

If you are in Athens, GA this Saturday. Please come and join us!

Here is a list of some of the goodies that will be available.

2009-06-15T09:26:00.002-04:00

Yikes....

2009-06-05T19:58:00.003-04:00

Well...I made a decent skirt. Now I have ruined it. :) I accidentially cut it with my scissors yesterday when I was cutting some fabric. So I am going to add some fabric tomorrow and create a new hem on it.

To go with it...I used some of the same fabric to make a reversible purse. It was fun and a bit hard as it took me 3 or 4 tries to figure out what I needed to do to make it reversible. I finally did it. It isn't perfect but I think it turned out cute.

Tomorrow, a couple of the fabric stores has patterns on sale...I might take a peek...especially since I am not a skinny minny, none of the larger sizes are in the economy packs.

What else. Abby has a new summer hat. She looks adorable. She now knows the sound of the camera and stops what she is doing to pose.

Lastly, here is the other project I worked on yesterday. Homemade pretzels. They are yummy. Also, since Abby is eating more solids I have been making my own. We started off with some baked sweet potatoes. Then a banana, and the last couple of days she has been eating homemade applesauce. It hasn't been too hard as I am also trying to use the crock pot for stuff. Tomorrow, I am going to cook up some butternut squash.

Have a great day...

It finally happened...

2009-06-04T13:59:00.003-04:00

A semi decent skirt for myself. Last night Abby fell asleep about 10 or so..then she kept waking up. Daddy grabbed her while he was doing some computer stuff and after finishing some cleaning I decided to work on it. It was about 11 pm when I started and midnight or so when I finished. Very quick & easy. I even tried french seams on the sides.
TFL...

PS....She only woke up once...at 4 pm last night. Yeah.

PS2...My friend Vanessa made some yummy bagels today. So I am now trying to make some homemade pretzels. We will see how they come out. My wrists hurt a bit right now from all the hand kneading.

Reversible Baby Skirt

2009-06-03T19:01:00.003-04:00

I think I might actually make a tutorial out of this. I figured out on my own how to make a reversible skirt. It is very similar to the reversible dresses out there. However, figuring out the elastic took me a minute....or two.
I did a straight skirt which isn't the best idea as it doesn't give her any "walking" room. My main goal with making this skirt for her was trying to figure it out so that I could make one for myself. I will probably make mine more aline though.

By the way...I used 2 fat quarters to make the skirt. One side is pink and white the other side is black and white.

Sew Easy....

2009-06-01T18:05:00.004-04:00

Maybe that isn't quite true. I figured this was a pattern I could try and make for myself. It is cute on the but not quite so on. I found an online tutorial...I will have to find the link later. It is very similar to pillowcase dresses for girls. I love though that she gave a really detailed description on how to plan out your template so it is customized.

I used a knit...which isn't super easy to sew. Plus my arms aren't in shape for this look. But I figured I would try it. Step by step...inch by inch. Soon I will be a better sewer. (I keep telling myself that.)

I used some premade binding for the sides and strap...I might use some on the bottom hem. But since I am not going to wear it outside and it is knit I might just leave it unhemmed.

Thanks for looking....

Bubble Girl

2009-05-30T20:09:00.003-04:00

These pictures speak for themselves.

I finally did it...

2009-05-24T12:54:00.003-04:00

Yeah! I finished my first quilt. I quilted and bound it today. I didn't do the best job in the world...shhhh!!! Don't tell anyone. However, it is done and I can finally say I did it. I will know now for the next one what to do.

Abby seems to enjoy it.

Hanging Out While Mommy Cleans

2009-05-18T10:51:00.005-04:00

I had to do a quick photo shoot. Abby loves her jumper. She know loves playing with all the different toys. It started last night when daddy gave up on putting her to sleep. She fights it so hard. She will be sleeping and cry and cry and cry. Not sure what that is about. Just know she is inducting us into her cult.

Quilt Time

2009-05-16T16:22:00.003-04:00

This afternoon while Sheldon watched a movie and Abby kind of took a nap. I decided to work on the vintage quilt. I was originally going to create a 9 patch...then it turned into a 4 patch. Which it is kind of. I am going to make a second quilt using the left over pieces. It will be just a basic quilt.

They both will be baby/dolly blankets. I am hoping maybe tomorrow I will be able to quilt them and try my hand at binding.

Abby's Photo Shoot

2009-05-16T13:35:00.005-04:00

Sheldon and I are going t enter Abby in the Parent Magazine Cover Baby Contest. So this morning we went to Bishop park to go to the Farmer's Market and then we decided to do a photo shoot. Since it rained last night a little this morning I had to be creative....we put her inside of a little basket with a blanket and then laid her down ontop of the blanket on the dry part of the sidewalk. Not the best idea since it slanted a bit and she decided she was going to roll over....not once but twice.

These aren't the actual photos we submitted. But if you would like to see them then go to the Parents site.

The pictures turned out pretty good. Not bad...not quite professional looking...but not bad.

Quick birthday Party Post

2009-05-15T22:56:00.003-04:00

On my birthday, Sheldon, Abby & I, went to chinese for dinner and had a yummy Dairy Queen icecreem cake. Plus, we went to the fabric store and picked up some fabric for my present.

Projects and their current status....

2009-05-15T22:47:00.004-04:00

I thought perhaps if I laid out my projects and their current status...I might finish. (LOL)

Quilts
Abby's Quilt---Haven't touched it since class ended. I am afraid of ruining it. It needs to be quilted and bound.
Rubber Ducky Quilt--Front & back are pieced. Needs to be basted together..quilted and bound.
Vintage Quilt--In the starting process. Creating 4 patches. (3 have been completed.)

Blankets
Finished several
Christmas & First one for Abby, Plus, I made her a tag blanket and a rock n roll chic blanket. These are easier.

Clothes
Grandma and I finished her Easter dress before she left.
I just finished the pinafore dress that grandma and I cut out. Found out it was too small for Abby. Since her head is so big.
Finished 1 reversible dress for Abby. Need to finish the other one.
Bought fabric & pattern to make me a dress. LOL We will see how that comes out. I might make a skirt first.
Need to buy fabric and make dresses for Full Bloom's auction.

Any other projects....
Yes, I made 2 pillows.
Made a tea wallet.
Made a notebook cover.

Hmm....I have tons of quilt ideas and fabric for them. So we will see what happens. Completion is the name of the game right now.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-05-09T17:52:00.003-04:00

Today is my birthday....I am 36. WOW. I am feeling old. But at the same time it is fantastic and great. This is the best birthday ever. It is the first time I am a mommy and I have the best husband. What more can a girl ask for?

The last couple of days, I have been working on a reversible dress for Abigail. I am having quite a few problems with creating it and am being creative in finishing it. Once I figure it out 100% I am going to do a tutorial as it seems all the ones I have read seem to leave out a step.

However, here is my baby girl in her new outfit. It just fits her. Plus she is already reading Mothering Magazine. She is starting early.

Life as we know it...

2009-05-05T21:47:00.004-04:00

Yeah...we are back from being sick. 3 weeks is definitely long enough. I think we had a little of everything....cold, pink eye, allergies/sinus, and then bronchitis. I cannot believe how exhausting being sick and having to take care of a baby at the same time. After the first few days Abby was feeling good...so she didn't understand why all mommy and then daddy wanted to do was sleep.

Belowis a predinner photo. Abby wanted to pose with me before I left. I normally don't dress up too much so I dolled myself up.

Nothing much happened these last few weeks. However, now that we are feeling better...life is getting better. I went on a dinner date tonight with my friend T. Sheldon watched Abby but I guess it wasn't a good thing...she cried for 2 hours straight. I guess she is going through the mommy is everything stage. (I have mixed feelings about that...I like being the most important person in her life...but I also like having a few minutes to myself.) Tomorrow, I am going to take a PhotoShop lesson.

Above is a photo of Abby making friends or enemies depending on how you look at it with Oreo. Oreo actually hissed at Abby for the first time. That is probably because Abby has learned how to pull hair...I have a few sore spots on my head from her pulling.

Sheldon has been able to do a little metal detecting. Yesterday, the 3 of us went to the park. Abby and I went walking while Sheldon checked out the ballfields. He found a few quarters, a couple of dimes and some pennies. This is the normal finding load...but every now and then he finds jewelry.

Above is a picture of Abby in the cute dinosaur outfit that Grandma Susan made for her. It is a little big but not too much. I love it. Velcro everything. I actually just finished a rock n roll skull pink/black blanket for Abby. Now I am working on a rubber ducky quilt and I have patterns to make bibs and pinafore. So that is my next projects.

This weekend is my birthday and Mother's Day. We have lots planned. Hopefully it will be fun.

We are home...

2009-04-13T10:46:00.004-04:00

Abby and I are home from visiting cousin Leland and the rest of the gang. He is doing very well. I don't think he likes his shots very much but he is learning to adapt. I think right now it is harder on mom and dad then on him.

I do have to admit though...being around 3 kids for 3 days was way too much for me. Poor Carrie & Dave I was constantly shushing....I like my noise volume a bit lower. But I did try to get some one on one playtime with Caleb as Leland hung out mostly with mommy.

Little Abby watched and watched all the action...she had so much fun. (She is exhausted now.) Though she did get hit in the head twice...once with a remote and then with a ball. She was like what the heck happened. She doesn't get a lot of rowdy play like that at home.

I was supposed to orginally come home on Sunday but I left Saturday instead...I was exhausted too. Abby didn't sleep very well and was up about 4-5 times a night and not napping during the day. Daddy was very happy to see us. We went for a walk on Saturday and went to the library and out to dinner. Here is Abby and Daddy...he is already exhausted from having us back.

Abby in her sweet Easter dress (which is still too big) that grandma Susan and I made.

Then on Easter Sunday we ended up at Memorial Park for a walk. It was very nice and almost relaxing. Abby is off on her sleeping still, so we haven't been getting very much sleep. Plus we both came back with a bit of a cold virus.

WOW...

2009-04-13T10:42:00.003-04:00

Is all I can say. See for yourself the difference a professional photgrapher makes on a baby photograph. I have to say I wish I could afford to do this every day. Abby looks amazing and you can actually see her red hair.

We haven't received the actual photos, yet. Just the preview on the Photographer's blog.

So what do you think?

Update on Leland

2009-04-05T19:54:00.003-04:00

Hi,

Thank you everyone for your prayers. Leland is home and is definitely learning to adjust to his new life. His mom has done an update on her blog with a ton of pics. So if you are interested in finding out a bit more than please check it out. http://sullivanfamily4.wordpress.com/

Abigail and I will be going for several days this week to hang out and hopefully help out a little. I told Carrie that I hope I can be of a help as I am still more tired than anything at home.

Crabby Abby & Grumpy Gertie

2009-04-05T13:25:00.004-04:00

We had Abby's pictures taken the other day with Grumpy Gertie. I am shocked that I already have them framed. I just framed her newborn pics. We are going to hang them up probably in the bedroom over her changing table.

I don't know if you can tell by the picture but she was crying in this one. She has a tear on her chin and a little puddle on her chest. She looks so serious. The mother's group that I go to had a professional photographer come into her store yesterday and I had her pics taken then too. I want to look and see the difference.

What does Belguim Waffle Look Like?

2009-04-05T13:19:00.004-04:00

Well....it looks like this. We have our living room and back room painted and all laid out. Now it is about readding items without making them look too cluttered. I am curious how that will happen with a 5 month old and 3 spoiled cats.

As you can see I have a totally clean slate to work with in my back room...which is my crafting area. I am thinking of changing out the linens on the bed and making it more of a cozy hangout couch than a bed. Plus, since I cannot add a lot of pictures to the walls...I am going to have to find anothe way to personalize without over personalizing.

By the way, if you know anyone looking to buy a home in Athens, Georgia...then please email me.

Abby is a celebrity...

2009-03-31T16:10:00.003-04:00

Kinda of, sort of...

The owner of the parent support group that we go to had an article in the paper and Abby and I are in one of the pics. It is a great article and a wonderful place to visit.

Please check it out.....

Full Bloom Article

Abby Pics & Sewing

2009-03-30T22:46:00.004-04:00

Hi,

We decided to take a picture of Abby in her new Exersaucer...we bought it off of craigslist. It was really nice not to pay full price. Abby is still a little small for it but she really enjoys it for about 10 minutes at a time.

Today, I decided to finally try to make some pillowcases. I had 2 pillows that Sheldon and I bought when we went to Italy 2 years ago. They were just travel pillows so we were going to toss them. So this is what I came up with....

I am pretty excited. They came out pretty good. Sheldon said they look pretty professional. I made them so that they can open and be washed.

TFL

Please include my nephew Leland in your prayers.

2009-03-30T09:32:00.003-04:00

My 16 month old nephew, Leland was diagnosed with diabetes on Saturday. He was admitted to ICU after going to the ER. My nephew,Leland it is out of IC. He had been sick and not eating for the last few days

My sil said now that she knows the signs...he definitely was exhibiting them. If you have any kids in your life please keep an eye out. The most obvious signs I think for an infant.are: excessive urination....peeing through a diaper in less than half an hour. Increased thirst and loss of appetite...and being dehydrated besides all of that. Sudden loss of weight. He last 4 pounds. Flu like symptoms--irritability, throughing up, etc. Which of course is the hard part. If you think they have the flu...then you wouldn't suspect the diabetes.

I found out from my mommy's group that the doctor's don't do blood tests to check for this when kids come in. It would be a simple blood draw....so I am not sure why they don't. They only do it if there are symptoms or if it runs in the family.

So please keep Leland and his family in your prayers. Their names are Dave, Carrie & Caleb.

Thank you.

Spring Wedding

2009-03-28T22:29:00.004-04:00

Sheldon, Abby & I were invited to our friend Adam's wedding. He and his bride, Whitney, met at UGA a few years ago. I had the opportunity to meet her once when the two of them just started dating. I asked him if it was serious...and I guess it was.
Since we were unsure of how Abby would actually handle a wedding we ended up going just to the reception. I am a bit disappointed that we weren't able to go to the actual ceremony. However, the reception was a lot of fun and Abby received a lot of attention....though she didn't steal the bride's attention. Whitney looked gorgeous in her dress.
We weren't quite sure where to go for the reception as the wedding was held at the Day Chapel which is at the Botanical Gardens. I figured it was in the Conservatory as that is were a lot of receptions are held at. So we went there first and ended up crashing another party. It was stressful at the time but I told Abby that it was pretty funny.

Oh by the way, Abby is a party animal. She was laughing and loved dancing...plus she loved the attention from all the guys.

Grumpy Gertie...

2009-03-22T21:01:00.002-04:00

Need I say anything more....

Abby's Book Reviews

2009-03-13T21:04:00.004-04:00

Abby and I have been reading a lot of different books since she has been born. Some she has liked and others not quite as much.
Recently we picked up 3 books at the Library. We will read them and see how she reacts. Abby told me that instead of doing thumbs up she will be doing pacificers up. :) I think that is pretty funny.

Abby's First Solids

2009-03-13T20:51:00.005-04:00

Hi,

When we went to the doctor's on Wednesday he said we could start giving Abby solids so that she gets used to the texture of food. We decided to wait a couple of days untill after her shots as she was pretty grumpy. Well she is over that and while she did eat some of her food we aren't quite sure she liked it.

6 in 6....

2009-03-10T10:56:00.004-04:00

Okay...I finally got around to reading my friend Deb's blog. I know...I know. I am way slow. Well she had a challenge on there for me. In your pictures go to the 6th folder and open the 6th picture. Well, I figured it might be one of Abby and I was right. Though it is a cutey. She is in a hat and she hates being in hates. Plus she is tiny....less than 2 weeks old. WOW. We have come along way in 2 weeks.

Now I need to add 6 people to do the same. (hopefully I can do this before Abby wakes...but I feel it isn't going to happen so I will have to come back to it.)

So....

Heidi

Annette

Patti

Carrie

Janice

Sara

Please play.

3 posts in one day...

2009-03-10T09:50:00.004-04:00

What is up with that? I had to share a newset of pictures of Abby. We took the pictures on sports mode so you don't see the motion....however, the swing is on high. Or should I saw Crabby Abby. She is going through a stage where she fights sleeping as hard as she can. Once she falls asleep she is fine...it is just the process in getting there. I see glimpes of how she will be as a 2 year old. Arching her back and sticking her legs out....man...it is hard to even pick her up when she is like that because she becomes as stiff as a board.

Grumpy Gertie and other yummies for Abby...

2009-03-10T09:32:00.004-04:00

Grandma Susan has been working on a wonderful gift package for Abby. I sure how she appreciates all of this one day. I absolutely love and appreciate it. It was so fun opening up the box and seeing everything that was in there. Plus, I hope one day I can sew as well as she can.

She took a thrift store find doll and turned her into a priceless keepsake. I couldn't believe that she was the same doll. The outfit is a bit warm for our 80 degree weather right now...but I don't want to change her into another outfit. (Grandma even knitted the hat.) Plus she made a pinafore and a couple of other little pieces for her. So cute.

For Miss Abby she made her a pair of baby shoes. We had done a bunch of web hunting one day and grandma took back with her a bunch of patterns...and this is what we came up with. I don't know off the top of my head who created the original pattern. I will try to find out and post it here. I know that we found probably about 10 different patterns. The shoes are darling and they fit her....though Abby has her daddy's feet...short and wide.

She also included an Easter Bunny and a darling box filled with all of Grumpy Gerties clothes. We also found a few other dolls along the way and grandma will create outfits as she goes....One is Happy Hannah, and then 2 cabbage patch dolls...a boy and a girl. I cannot remember there names. If we are even luckier maybe grandma will write some stories to go....you can see that we came up with Grumpy Gertie at the same time we came up with Crabby Abby. We figure when she is older she will get a kick out of Grumpy Gertie but get upset with Crabby Abby.

Quilt-a-long....

2009-03-10T09:26:00.004-04:00

Hi,

I don't own a lot of fabric and I have decided not to buy "matching" fabric. So like with my last project I end up with what I end up with. LOL I have 6 lights and 6 darks. We will see how this works. 2 of the fabrics really don't go...because they both have red and one also has yellow but I figure I will pair those with a plainer fabric. I think it will look more like a scrappy quilt than a modern one.

I am thinking of using my tone on tone off white fabric for the sashing. I might have to piece it together as I am not sure how much I have left. Though I ordered some fabric off of ebay and it should be here soon. We will see. This will be a definite adventure.

TFL

Jennie

PS....I guess I should finish the other quilt. I was try to work on the rag quilt yesterday and I couldn't get the machine to work. So I need to figure that out before I go any further.

PSS....Lee...quilting isn't hard. If you can sew and cut a straight line (which I cannot yet.) and like to iron.

Abby's Photo Shoot

2009-03-08T17:36:00.003-04:00

Hi,

Today was gorgeous...though I almost missed all of it. Sheldon was supposed to go into school today and I was conked out....I have been going to bed earlier but getting up 3 times a night isn't working. Abby is sleeping through the night, however she cries in her sleep when she is hungry. I feed her and a minute later she is happy but then she does it again 2-3 hours later.

I couldn't keep my eyes open and fell asleep on the couch. Finally I woke up and we decided to go for a walk. Before we did that though we did a photo show of Abby. I had dressed her in a pink/white sundress this morning and she loved it. Though she wouldn't look in my direction as she was fascinated by daddy.

First Quilting Class is over...

2009-03-05T21:43:00.003-05:00

I am a bit bummed. However, I had a lot of fun. We were missing one of the women today as her daughter had a baby....so I think she was having even more fun than us.

I want to take a few more classes though most of them are offered during the day and Sheldon won't be able to watch the baby girl so I will have to see what else I can do.

As for my quilt...it isn't done. We worked on practice quilt tops so that we can figure out how to bind and quilt. That was nice. So this week I need to work on those 2. The binding will probably be the hardest part. I think I am really going to enjoy the quilting process.

Take care..

Jennie

PS...it was pretty funny. I had everything together and left for class. After getting there I realized that I forgot my sewing machine. Duh!!! I thought it was a bit easy getting out of the house this morning.

I am not sure if I am doing this right nor not...

2009-03-05T21:33:00.002-05:00

However, I am going to join a sew along that Oh, Fransson! is hosting. She said it was okay to post this on our sites. If you are interested in joining...it would be fun.

My first quilt....

2009-03-02T14:38:00.004-05:00

Here is my quilt top so far from my class. The first picture was my original size that I was going to do. First it was supposed to be 6x8...then I decided to do 5x7 and it finally ended up being 5x5. (I figure I am going to be a small project girl...but that might change over time.) I know..there are tons of errors on it. But I figure for my first one it isn't too bad. I have a big oops in the top row but I figure Abby won't mind and I am definitely learning from my mistakes.

One of these days I will start putting more details into my blog posts. However, my brain is still mush right now. I think of tons of things to say but I am always exhausted when I try to type them.

On another note. We had a snow storm last night and received about a foot of snow. The power went out around 3 pm and we had to figure out what to do so that abby didn't freeze to death. Luckily the power came back on at midnight so we didn't have to worry too much. We just had her wrapped in her flannel blanket that my friend Vicky sent her.

Here is a picture of the snow.

Lim is giving out some blog candy

2009-02-26T08:13:00.001-05:00

for her Anniversary.

http://lim-thevoicesinmyheadlimblog.blogspot.com/

Though you should check out her blog anyways as she is extremely creative.

The Ship Figure Head

2009-02-25T22:46:00.003-05:00

These pictures speak for themselves. They are so cute.

Learning to Sew...

2009-02-25T22:35:00.005-05:00

Hi,

It has been another long time in posting. I have been busy with Abby and learning to sew. I am currently taking a beginner quilting class. It is a lot of fun. However, I am not very good yet at getting my strips cut straight nor an accurate 1/4" seam. So we will see how my quilt comes out. Plus the other day I ended cutting myself with the cutter...ouch!!!

Even though it is off topic....(well to me she is always on topic). I thought I would include our newest picture of Abby. She loves her mobile.

To get in the sewing mood I made a journal cover for a crafting friend who won a contest I held. (I just have to mail it.)
Then I started working on some fabric ATCs. They were fun to make...though they used up a lot of thread. I am not done with them yet, but I have finished 2 so far.

Today I was looking at ways to organize my "sewing" room (no longer cardmaking room) and found a great way to fold the fabric. So I spent some time doing that today. Then this evening I figured I better work on my class project. I had a lot of homework which I didn't finish as I figured that spilling my iced tea meant it was time to stop.

A long time....

2009-01-22T20:24:00.004-05:00

Hi,

It has been a long time since I have updated my blog. We have been so busy and I have to admit it....I have been extremely tired. WOW...I don't know how people do it with more than one.

Sheldon and I have been so excited by our new life. Abby is keeping us busy and she is changing every day. She is starting to smile and play for awhile. She hardly ever takes naps which makes life a bit busier.

Here are a few pictures that I took today of her playing with her new music ball.

Other news:
Sheldon has a job interview tomorrow and I am excited.
I am taking up sewing and am going to start a quilting class in a few weeks.
Abby and I are going to visit my mom for a couple of weeks.

My Life Now....

2008-12-14T22:28:00.003-05:00

My hands are quite chapped as I get to wash bottles about 6 to 8 times every day. It has been only 6 weeks but I already don't want to see another bottle again for the rest of my life. :)

However, when I look at my baby girl...I figure it is all worth it. She definitely doesn't like sleeping by herself. She takes about an hour to an hour and a half to go to sleep if we have her by herself. If we hold her...it takes about 10 minutes.

Here Abby is getting her belly time. As you can tell she uses it as a chance to catch up on sleep. She will usually last about 5 minutes before she starts crying. She is already beginning to scoot forward...so we won't be able to leave her alone on the couch for long.

Sleep seems to be the theme of the day. Rocky is enjoying Abby's bed. We find that all 3 cats will sleep whereever she sleeps but only when she isn't there. I guess they want to feel special too.

Grandma Susan & Grandpa Chuck will be back this week. I haven't made any progress on the baby dress. So, I decided that I better do something and I have been wanting to make Abby a Christmas baby blanket. First I did a little tag handheld blanket and tomorrow I will make a stroller/carseat blanket. Hopefully, this will make up for my slacking on the dress. It is a lot harder than I thought it would be.

Thanks for reading and hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Creating with My Sister

2008-12-06T23:00:00.004-05:00

My sister is in town and we created some cards today. Well, one each....in between watching the baby girl and hanging out. I made one for the lady who sent Abby the colorful hat and Chris made one for her sister in law.
I used the image from weedsgalore...the flower lady. I love her and she fit the look exactly. Tomorrow we are going to breakfast with family and then we might either make cards or jewelry.

More Baby Abby Pics

2008-12-05T22:01:00.002-05:00

Abby's First Halloween

2008-12-04T21:30:00.004-05:00

Hi, You will have to hit full size to see the pics. Not sure why it isn't working otherwise.

Having Fun Sewing...Kind of...

2008-12-03T21:50:00.004-05:00

It has been a lot of work and a lot of restlessness since Grandma and grampa left. WOW...I guess we never had a chance to feel exhausted. All Abigail did today was sleep on Mommy or Daddy.
My mom had previously given me a really cute hat for Abby...and when I bought her a 6 piece outfit set which came with a hat I decided to make my own. I came up with the idea of using velcro so I can make the flowers interchangeable and to make washing easier. The flower I bought for $1.50 on sale at the craftstore. I already had the ribbon. It was very hard to sew on the sewing machine...I won't say how long it took me. YIKES. As I had to rethread the machine about 10 times and the needle still didn't want to move.

Little Baby Abigail

2008-11-04T15:59:00.002-05:00

Hi,

I actually started typing an email the other day....but then I was distracted by the nurses and all the vital things they do to you in the hospital and haven't been on since. (So here is the short & condensed version.....I think.)

We went to the doctor's on Thursday night...my bp was 182/102. So after some discussion he decided we were going in right then and there.

We officially checked into the hospital at 7:30 and the doctor started the pitocin. I sent Sheldon home around 2 am when my mom showed up and he came back around 10 am or so. I still hadn’t dialated anymore….I was still 1 cm (the same as my 35 week appointment.)

At 12:30 we broke my water, and at 3 PM they gave me the epideral as my bp was still high. By 8:00 PM I was only up to 3 cm dialated and the doctor gave us a choice….try for another couple of hours or do a c-section. At that point as I was having some problems with the epideral….I decided I just wanted to see her and not wait any longer.

So by 8:40 I was in the operating room….and Abigail was born at 9:27 PM weighing 5 lbs 14 oz. She is 18.9” long….red hair and blue eyed.

We have been pretty busy as she doesn’t quite having the sucking reflex down yet….so we have been breastfeeding and pumping. She has lost ½ and we are trying to keep her from losing anymore. Tomorrow morning is her first doctor’s appointment….so we hope that everything goes well there.

Besides, the eating issues (she is now up to 1 ½ oz per feeding session) she has been the perfect baby….very cuddly, only cries if she needs something….Sheldon and I are terribly blessed to have her in our lives and appreciate all of your prayers.

Blacksmithing Update

2008-10-21T21:12:00.004-04:00

Hi,

Sheldon has been bugging me about putting up his blacksmithing photos. Though he won't tell me what to say. So I will make up something.

When Sheldon and I went to the renaissance festival in May I discovered that he wanted to learn how to blacksmith. We knew that he wouldn't be able to do it on his own at our house as there are lots of tools that are involved. Though I am not sure if we knew it at the time or not....his boss at the EPA does blacksmithing. And he invited Sheldon and a postdoc student Carl to come up and try it. Well they have been several times and I am not sure about Carl but Sheldon loves it. His first creation was a BBQ fork. Which he teases me because I call its shape organic. Next he made a throwing knife which turned out very cool. Then he was going to work on some tongs but I asked him to make something for me. And he ended up making me a heart. He isn't quite satisfied with it as he wasn't able to make it as pointy on the ends as he would like....but I love it.So when we move and get settled into our new life when Sheldon graduates....I have a feeling an anvil and a forge will soon be on the way.

TFL

Jennie

Jumping on the unmounting of rubber stamps bandwagon...

2008-10-17T15:07:00.005-04:00

Hi,

Yesterday morning while I was supposedd to be sleeping I was thinking about organizing my craftroom instead.....I am needing to downsize for several reasons. First for the baby. Second to turn my room into a guest room. Third....I need it to feel organized and uncluttered for when we start to sell.

Originally, I was going to store half my stamps in storage...but then I wouldn't be able to use them. So I remember that I was planning on unmounting them all. So I reread a couple of tutorials and started. I am about half way done...I don't have a lot of stamps but as you will be able to see from the pictures doing this still saves a lot of space. Especially because in my comparison picture noone stacks their stamps the way I had them.
So once I purchase some more CD holders I will finish. Next week our friend Jim is going to help Sheldon move a few big pieces of furniture to storage and I need to be done with my organization.
So far this is a total of 46 stamps.

Jennie

Check out your name......

2008-10-03T14:07:00.002-04:00

What Jennie Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.

You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.

You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

What about Sheldon & The Baby

What Sheldon Means

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.

You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.

You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.

Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.

Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.

You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.

Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.

You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.

People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.

You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.

At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

What Abigail Means

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic “Type A” personality.

You are full of energy. You are spirited and boisterous.

You are bold and daring. You are willing to do some pretty outrageous things.

Your high energy sometimes gets you in trouble. You can have a pretty bad temper at times.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life.

You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone.

Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.

You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.

Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Another Paint Chip Card

2008-10-03T13:39:00.003-04:00

Hi,

I would really love to win Angela's contest...however, I am hoping she gets lots of entries as her prize is fantastic and I want her contest to go well.

I made this card with a bunch of paint chips....the duckies are paint chips, the background is one big one, and the thank you is one.

I made this for my inlaws...they have been so generous with giving us baby gifts and wanted to let them know how much I appreciate it. I am late on owing them a card. I will probably send them 2 cards.

TFL

PS....I almost feel human today and have tons of energy except for a brief period where I felt my blood pressure drop....I was very light headed for about 20 minutes...but I guess that is better than too high.

Baby Pineapple Update

2008-10-03T10:55:00.001-04:00

Hi,

The babycenter website says she weighs as much as a pineapple....around 4 pounds. My guestimate from the last US is that she weighs about 4 1/2 pounds. The doctor yesterday figured she might be closer to 5 pounds. LOL As the US can be off up to 1/2pound either way.

So the good news....if we had to deliver early there shouldn't be any problems....Even better news....we shouldn't have to deliver early at this moment. My blood pressure is still fine....I don't have any signs of preeclampsia.

Next week, I get to have my last US from the specialist....Sheldon will go with me to that appointment. Then next week and the next 2 weeks I get to go and get the non-stress-test. Just to make sure she is not being bothered by my blood pressure. I guess they will hook me up to a monitor and monitor her HeartRate for about 20 minutes or so. Just normal for someone in my condition.

Overall, doctor is happy with our results and how things are going. He is still thinking 38 weeks instead of 40. LOL So I guess I better be prepared to be early.

TFL

Paint Chip Card

2008-10-02T22:39:00.004-04:00

Hi,

My friend Angela set up a World Card Making Day Contest of her own. Create a Paint Chip Card. I was trying to come up with something unique and use my new Bind It All.

So my whole card is made out of paint chips....3 prima flowers, and an Oh Baby! Stamp.

I thought it could be used at a baby shower as a minature guest book or where the mother to be could write in who gave her what.

TFL

Jennie

PS....Angela if you are looking at this...I am hoping to try a couple of other ideas. I am not sure how original they are...but I think they will be cute.

PS2....Don't forget to check out Angela's Blog and enter...you have untill tomorrow night....so not too long. But she has a fantastic prize on there...a bunch of different nestabilities.

Baby Shower

2008-09-26T21:22:00.004-04:00

My mom wanted to host a baby shower for me. With all of our friends and family living so far away we decided to do an online shower. Sheldon & I hadn't planned on registering anywhere but my mom said we had to. LOL I am 35 and my mom still tells me what to do.

So a few weeks ago, Sheldon and I registered at Target. It turned out more fun than I thought. And yesterday and today we received our first gifts. It is pretty exciting to come home and find something waiting for you. Thank you. :)

Luckily for me....my sister has already sent me my thank you cards. So I will be able to send those out as gifts come in. I really do wish that I was able to be with everyone during this time as seeing people I care about is more important than all the gifts.

Clear Card Design

2008-09-26T21:13:00.002-04:00

After taking the class at Archivers I thought I would try to make my own clear cards. I am not sure if I like this one or not. I was trying to do a vintage challenge with a modern twist. I don't have any white Staz-on so I used brown Brillance instead. Not sure if it will dry all the way.

The picture is of my eldest aunt as a baby. I originally was going to put inside....let's eat. But instead I used my I want my fairy Godmother Stamp.

I went to Office Max a couple of days ago....I wanted to find some transparencies....I was looking for .7. Well they don't have as much of a variety anymore....and boy were the boxes expensive. So the guy directed me back to the printing shop and I talked with Katie who was working. She showed me the clear plastic that they use for the report covers. I figured it couldn't hurt to try it. She charged me only .09 each.....I think the acetate at Archivers was 4 sheets for 3.99. YIKES.

Hopefully, I can still get a good deal next time I go...as it seemed that the covers were the perfect thickness and I only asked for 10 of them.

Archivers Visit

2008-09-16T11:09:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was a fun but never the less long and busy day. I meet with a group of woman from the PCMB (Lynnie, Danette, Sherry) and we had lunch, hung out at Archivers and then took a cardmaking class.It was a lot of fun and I was exhausted when I came home last night. We meet at 12:30 and the class wasn't over until 6:30. My feet were swollen and I guess I looked miserable. But overall I felt great...just didn'thave a lot of sleep from the night before.

Here is a picture of Lynnie after we were teasing her about oopsing up one of her cards. The instructor didn't explain that once that glue is on there...it is on there. We figured it out quickly.Next, is a picture of me and Sherry as we settled down for the class. Here is a picture of one of the cards that we made. It seems that the trend is towards brown instead of black ink of everything and it was a softer look.
Finally, here is my pregnant belly. I told Sheldon that I didn't realize I was this big. He said...yes you are. No wonder I waddle everywhere.

Creating

2008-09-03T14:59:00.007-04:00

Hi,

Here are a couple of new cards that I have made.

This first card is part of a card kit that I made as a prize for my weekly contest on PCMB. I made 1 completed card and included enough items for 4 additional cards. Christmas is still a few months away. But it is always good to be thinking of it.
This card I made for the challenge that Kokopelli hosted. The goal was to include purple (her favorite color), our favorite color, our initial, and a charm. I made my own just a note charm using shrink plastic.
This card I made just because. I was bored and it was around midnight. I took a punch of different orange scraps and came up with this. The next morning I decided to make a charm with the stamp.
This card is made for this week's challenge hosted by Weedsgalore. Our goal was to use pink, white, green...I used more of a blue/green...but I hope she doesn't mmind. Our other items to use were ribbon and dimensional flowers.

28 Week Ultrasound

2008-09-03T14:53:00.003-04:00

Hi,

Our 28 week ultrasound was last Tuesday...and yesterday..I went for my normal checkup. Right now we are both doing good. She is on target for being a 7 1/2 pound baby...she is right in the 53% of growth. So that is perfect. I told her she has to stay in untill 38 week or longer. Just not over 40 weeks. We will see if she is listening to her mommy or ignoring her from the beginning.

Here is the update I sent out when I emailed the photos.

Hi,

We had our latest ultrasound done today....Hopefully tonight I will get the pictures up. She is doing good...right around 2 1/2 pounds (I originally typed 8 1/2 pounds).....which is right on for 28 weeks.

The ultrasound technician was also able to do a 3d of her face...she was moving a bit so it was hard to get a good one. However, from the pics she has her daddy's lips (even his frown), checks, and a squashed up nose.

Her heartbeat changed quite a beat....she had been in the 150's the last time....this time she was in all different areas...111, 122, 140's. Not sure....the ultrasound tech said she was resting so it would be a bit lower. I guess if it is consistently under 115 they worry. However, the doctor didn't see anything wrong or even mention it. He said everything looked good. She was getting good blood flow and seemed very happy.

She is still laying in breech position....though she did turn so that we could see her face which was good...I had told her she was getting her picture taken...but I guess I forgot to tell her to keep her hands down. I think the doctor is hoping that she'll turn around the next time...but I have had 4 ultrasounds...and she has been in breech everytime. So that isn't good.....I don't really want to have a c-section if I can help it.

Thanks everyone for keeping us in your prayers and thoughts....only 85 days left. WOW. Now it is starting to hit home that I am having a baby.

Baby Update & Other Stuff

2008-08-23T16:58:00.005-04:00

Hi,

Sheldon once again told me that it has been awhile since we have (I) updated the blog. We were out of town last week visiting my mom, Sheldon was analyzing his samples from Tunisia and I went to CKC--Charlotte.

First off, it is always a wonderful thing to visit my mom and stepdad. I love that Sheldon has to go to NC to get his samples analyzed. My mom spoils me. I guess being pregnant and not very mobile helps a lot. But it is nice. For awhile there it was every few months that we saw each other...lately it has been every month. Plus she is going to help us when the baby comes along.

Secondly, Sheldon is very excited. He is finally able to start writing his paper as his analyzes have been working out. So after work he takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to work on it. And I am leaving him alone. Which is very good...because once the baby gets here...it might not be that easy.

Thirdly, I had a fantastic time at the convention. I had never been to one before and I had the best roommate and class pal. GiftsbyHeidi. I was a bit nervous as we didn't know each other super well before going it felt like I have known her forever. Poor Heidi though, I couldn't walk very well....and she is from the DC area. Plus, we were ablet o visit with two of our other online buddies---Gayle & Lisa. I still have to finish my projects....I finished some the other night. But I haven't been super motivated. Heidi can really book though.

Since coming home, I had to take the second Gestational Diabetes test....I failed the first one by 9 points....So Thursday I had to go and take the 3 hour. Luckily, I passed. So that is good news. Next tuesday, we have our 28 week Ultrasound. This should be very fun.

On the crafting note, here is a picture of my weekly challenge card. It was supposed to be Halloween with non-traditional colors.

And finally, today Sheld & I went and registered at Target. My mom is hosting an online baby shower for us and told us...REGISTER. So while there, I found this cute onsie with an owl on it. (We have decided that Athena the Godess of Wisdom is Abigail's guardian angel....we saw an owl out hiking, the other day driving home from my mom's, then when we went to the doctor's we did a u-turn on Athena Drive. So if that isn't a sign...I am not sure what is. So we decided to dress up Batman in the outfit. I was quite amazed at how well he took it. Doesn't he look cute?

All caught up...

2008-08-09T17:48:00.003-04:00

With getting closer and closer to my due date....still 3 months away. I am feeling he urge to be caught up on everthing. Last night, I finally did it. I had 2 RAK's of images that I fnally completed, a card contest, a math quiz, and packaged cards for a friend. Yeah....6 items went out in the mail today.

Oficially, all I have left to do on my plate is 2 swaps. One due in September, and one that I need to finish up now. Not too bad though. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and I feel a lot better now.

Next, Weekend I am going to CKC Charlotte...so today we went to the store and picked up all the odds and ends that I didn't own.....gel pens, distressing ink, and so forth and so forth....$40.00 later....I finally have everything.

Hope you'll are having a great summer weekend....school has already started here. I feel bad for the kids.

Take care. Jennie

One of those wacky inventions....

2008-08-06T20:00:00.003-04:00

someone came up with. :) It reminds me of when I was in high school and would have mine and s boyfriends pic together to see what our baby would look like.

Well...here is an online version and I stuck in Sheldon's and my face.....

What do you think about my little new baby Abigail?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

I am behind....

2008-08-06T10:54:00.004-04:00

On posting some cards that I have made.....these are ones that I have done for a PCMB Challenge and a swap. I have a few more but they are loaded on my old computer.

TFL

Cupcake Trio Swap

2008-08-03T22:50:00.003-04:00

Hi

I guess it is pretty bad when Sheldon asks why my blog hasn't been updated. hehehe

Well first, I haven't been doing anything exciting this week....besides sleeping and relaxing. It took me a lot longer to recoop than I thought. Now, I need to start getting in gear for th CKU convention in 2 weeks and finish all my swaps. I have 3 swaps left to work on, several pifs, and a couple of cards for friends. After that....I am done.

Here is one of my big ones...Cupcake Trio Swap.

My baby this week....

2008-07-30T11:33:00.003-04:00

We just spent a week at my mom's house and Sheldon & I are not yet adjusted to being back home. I think Sheldon is scared by my nesting instinct. Last night, I had to wash all of our clothes and put them away. Clean out the suitcases and wash our top blanket on the bed as the kitties have decided that they are stressed when we are gone and it is time th shed.

We had a great time at my mom's, she gave us a bunch of classical music cd's. So we started listening to Mozart and boy does the baby kick when she hears the music. She wouldn't kick for grandma though as I think she has too calming of an influence. I also bought a few books to read to her.....Wizard of OZ, Rebecca on Sunnybrook Farm and Heidi. I figured we would read books to her that would be fun for us to listen too....plus, she will be used to both mine and Sheldon's voice.

A few of mine friends like it when I do the what is the baby this week......I am going to try and do a poll....but I guess there is a right answer....hehehehe, I will tell it after people play for a bit.

Have a great day. Jennie

My card was on TV....

2008-07-22T15:08:00.004-04:00

Hi,

For a swap that I joined on PaperCrafts they did a story on a local TV show. Sue Neal a PC's Pro was on there.

It is about 10 minutes long but it is an interesting story.

Vote for Gallery Idol

2008-07-14T15:09:00.003-04:00

Hello Again!

Of course I am not a Gallery Idol contestant but it has been hard finding the voting directions for the gallery.

Here is the information from the site.

Here is the information.

In their quest to become the next Gallery Idol, the Top 20 has designed scalloped cards. It’s now up to you, the Paper Crafts online community to decide who will advance to the Top 15. Please cast your vote next to your favorite scalloped card. REMEMBER: YOU MAY ONLY VOTE ONCE, SO CHOOSE WISELY!

Please Click Here to cast your vote.

You’ll have until noon (MST) on Thursday, July 17th to cast your vote for your favorite designer. The top 15 finalists will be announced Friday afternoon, and given a theme for the next round. We sincerely apologize for last week’s voting glitches and thank you for your patience as we try to bring you the best online community for paper crafters. Good luck, Top 20!

Plus, if you want to see the cards before voting they can be found here.

Have a great day!!!!

Jennie

New Fun Card

2008-07-12T22:47:00.006-04:00

Hi,
I received my order of beads from Fire Mountain today. So after gettin a bunch of projects done while Sheldon was doing school stuff....I decided to create.First I created a set of beaded stick pins to use on cards. What is nice is that they can be used later as coat/hat pins. Or just kept for a memento.2 of the ones I made are using Polymer Clay Beads that I have left over from a couple of years ago....one is a Zebra, the other one is a teddy bear. I actually have a couple of other teddy bears and will make some more of those. They will be so cute for a little girl.The other 3 I made are using different beads that I have had and some new ones that I have ordered. They are just fun and will look cute on cards.

TFL

Jennie

My baby loves music & Sheldon is nesting

2008-07-12T11:04:00.004-04:00

Classical Music that is. :) Every night we listen to music while falling asleep. First we were listening to Beethoven and my aunt told me that might be too much of a stimulant so we switched to Yanni. Well, it is back to Beethoven. As she definitely didn't like Yanni. While listening to Beethoven I would get little hits and kicks every now and then in time with the music....I loved it (didn't have to give her a sugar high to get her to move). Then with Yanni, nothing!! Nada!! She sleeps right through it. So it is back to Beethoven.

You should see us at naptime. I am doing my best to tap on my belly in beat with the music...but if you know me...you know that I have no rhythm at all and cannot keep count. She does a much better job.

--------------------------------------
I have found that Sheldon is getting the nesting instinct. We had to make a list of all the projects that need to be done. I thought it was what was supposed to be done this weekend. No....it was shortterm and longterm. YIKES. I was exhausted just writing the list. Luckily for me, a lot of the projects are ones he has to do. So my section of the list isn't as bad.

TFL and hope you have a great weekend.

Jennie

Vote for the next Gallery Idol

2008-07-09T21:15:00.002-04:00

Hi....

Papercrafts magazine finally has the cards up for voting. I figured I would help broadcast it...as it is on the new site.

THere are 2 pages of cards to look through...and then I guess you click on I love it to vote. So only vote once.

Here is the link..... VOTE HERE
TFL

Jennie

PS....you have unill noon on friday to vote for the first round.

New Living Room

2008-07-07T19:16:00.006-04:00

Hi...

I am sure some people are sick of me talking about this now. :) But I am so excited. It has been such a long time since I have had ny new furniture. My other sofa was hurting my behind so bad. And being pregnant definitely doesn't help.

Originally, we went to Ashley furniture to buy a set we saw a few months ago. The salesperson said to come back for the 4th of July sale. Well, we had two problems when we came back.....first the furniture wasn't in the store. And I wanted to try it out again before buying to make sure it was comfortable. The second, the cost went up $50.00 from last time (it wasn't on sale) and the delivery cost went up an additional $25.00.

So we told them we would think it over and come back.....so since I was bummed I decided to go to Big Lots to see if there was any crafting supplies. While there we walked around looking at the furniture....and in the back....they had a very similar sofa to the one I had originally looked at at Ashley....even made by Ashley. However, it was a better fabric and color and the shape was a bit different...not as boxy. The best part it was cheaper. I believe it was originally almost $200 less, then because it was the floor model and had a few minor dings and stains we received an additional 20% off and their $100 sales incentive.

Not only was the couch there but the storage ottoman too.....and it was 1/2 price of what we saw at Ashley...plus we also receive a 20% discount because of some dings. Now, I am not sure about anyone else....however, I know that my having these pieces in my house for a week I will probably spill or scratch something up.....so getting a great sales price....that doesn't bother me. :)

So we had it delivered and the delivery company we used was great. We were going to have it delivered on Wednesday as we needed to find a way to remove old furniture. So I told Sheldon that I would put it up on Craigslist and say it had to be gone by Sunday....that way he had today to find someone to help him remove it if there were no takers. (You can see why I thought there would be no takers.)

We definitely didn't think there would be. However, we received several calls. And it was picked up yesterday. So I called the delivery company today and they delivered it right at 5:00.

So, I definitely have to say.....look at alternatives to the expensive furniture companies. I never though I would buy a Sofa at Big Lots....but wow we saved a lot of money and received better service overall than at Ashley.

TFL

Jennie

PS...any decorating tips would be great. I want to accent with yellow as it is in our painting...however, Sheldon wants to do red. Plus you can see that the kitties love it.

I never posted what we were going to have....

2008-07-03T10:26:00.003-04:00

I was so stressed and nervous...however, when we went to see the specialist last week I forgot to post it....everything was fine. :) The baby's heart, brain, and everything seemed to be growing properly. I was on target for weight and size. (I was a bit nervous about that as I hadn't gained a lot of weight...but in reality I don't need to.)

We have pics but haven't scanned them yet. :)

Drum Roll Please......

IT IS A GIRL!!!!!! We are going to name her Abigail Danielle.

Poor Sheldon is in such trouble....I have already been on a buying spree....girl clothes are so cute. :)

Jennie

Unexpected trip & on TV (Kind of)

2008-07-03T09:38:00.006-04:00

Sheldon and I ended up going to North Carolina so that he could work on his samples at UNC. We didn't think it was going to happen and I had called my mom the day before to tell her that....however, I didn't listen to my voice mail. :) So I ended up having to call her back. We left last Wednesday and came back on Tuesday.

We had a great time.....I was able to visit with my mom and stepdad while Sheldon was off working. Plus, we ended up going to the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Science Museum. That was pretty interesting.

NOw we are home and we have very upset kitties....they won't leave us (me) alone. I am going to go crazy....all they want is 24/7 worth of attention. Oh wait, that is what they wanted before. LOL

Yesterday, I was supposed to clear out some stuff around the house. However, I joined a PC Pro Swap on PaperCrafts and it was a fast turnaround....only 2 weeks and I had to make 11 cards. So I worked on that all afternoon/evening yesterday. I guess this swap is going to be on tv.

The theme is summertime fun---Birthday or Thank you's. I left my inside blank so the cards can be used as either. I had already colored my images (as I was going to use them for New Year's cards) so that saved me a lot of time.

However, I did lots of layers and fake sewing....I cannot wait until I can learn how to sew for real.

Thanks for looking. Jennie

Here are the Swap Cards

2008-06-21T19:54:00.003-04:00

I joined a scrap/already stamped image swap and I made the following cards for it. I received the images from Deb at Sharing My Obsession. I was pretty lucky to have a bunch of scrap SU pattern paper.

I like to call it---what do a skunk, hippo and cat have in common???

This last card is a challenge card I made for today's challenge on Paper Crafts Magazine. It needed to include---teal, red, a button, and chipboard.

TFL

Jennie

Okay.....some of the latest Cards

2008-06-21T19:48:00.002-04:00

I don't even think that I can post them all in one posting and I can only put 4 pictures in at once. That tells you have busy I have been. I had signed up for a bunch a swaps and want to get them done before I get too busy with baby stuff. Plus, I have bought some new stamps and want to use them. (If you cannot tell....my buying freeze has come to an end. However, most of the items I have bought is because I have sold a bunch of stuff on eBay and it has come from my PayPal account.)

Here are some of the just because cards..... TFL Jennie

I have been so far behind....

2008-06-21T19:43:00.004-04:00

Not only on my blog but checking out my friend's blogs. I am so sorry about that. I have been creating but not feeling very communicative lately. Does anyone else go through stages like that?

We go to the doctor's on Tuesday and find out if it is a boy or girl. I hate to say that I am always thinking that something is wrong. We went on the 10th and heard the heartbeat and all. However, the minute I leave I think that there is something wrong. It is still too early to feel the baby move....and I was thinking that I could feel movement...but I haven't noticed as much lately. I figure 1 the baby is getting bigger so it will feel different and 2 the baby is probably movement when I am not paying attention. So this has been taking up a bit of my attention....my worrying. :)

Poor Sheldon has been getting the brunt end of the deal....not only have I been worrying about the baby, but our sink died and we had to wait almost 2 weeks to get the replacement part (just came today) and we have been hit by sugar ants. So I have been a real grouch.

Thanks for listening!!!! I will do in a separate post some of the items I have made.

Jennie

I completed 3 swaps in the last 2 days

2008-06-15T21:41:00.004-04:00

WOW!!! I have been busy. Well not really. Since I didn't do too much else. I finished up two swaps to be sent to inkypingers on PC website. Let's here it for the boys & Fundie Undies swap. Then I started and finished up a swap for Just Kelli which was for a paper doll swap. (My mermaid started as a template for a cookie cutter that I found on the internet.)

Let's see if you can guess which is for which? (Which means I am too tired to separate everything.)

TFL

Jennie

PS...I fixed my blog...I guess that really did mean yesterday was Friday the 13th.

OOPS!!!

2008-06-13T10:25:00.002-04:00

If you cannot tell....I messed up my blog. :) I was following some directions on getting rid of the lines around my web banner....and I didn't realize i moved my side bar too. SO then I tried to go back....and that didn't work....so then I said...do classic...and then it deleted all the changes I made. And now it is in some crazy mode to where I cannot edit the template.....so I will have to figure it out. Or chance sites....I am checking out wordpress...but so far it hasn't been any easier.

Jennie

Father's Day Card

2008-06-10T07:01:00.003-04:00

Hi, I used my new Penny Black clear Stamps the other day to make this card. I had Sheldon's dad in mind while making it. Now I have to make a couple of more cards. I was going to do it yesterday...however, I went to the library and found a bunch of books to read. Plus, my husband's boss told Sheldon of a game he had been playing on Facebook so I decided to check it out. I think this is the first time in 6 months I have been on Facebook. The game is called Scramble...it is a mixture of Scrabble and Boggle. You create words/steal words/defend words by changing them into new words/create new words for 2 or more words someone else has already created. I do have to say the computer cheats or I am going to have to read the dictionary to discover more words. Every word that I decided to put in there....it says isn't a real word...but man some of the words it comes up with. LOL Well....after having tired wrists I quite playing. I think one bad thing about pregnancy is that you receive every ailment in the book. This time it is Carpal Tunnel.

Hope you have a great day.

PS....if you haven't joined....Paper Crafts Magazine is doing its yearly Gallery Idol Contest. The first round card theme is Friendship. You can make as many as you want. And the prize package is pretty cool. Come look at their rules and guidelines but pretty much anyone can join....except me....Sheldon has told me I cannot join as I get too stressed out. :)

Another Whipper Snapper

2008-06-08T10:17:00.004-04:00

Hi....

Here is a card I finished up last night. This is another image that I colored on Friday while watching tv with dh. As you can tell I am still not that great with my copics....I only have 12 of them....so I try a few little tips to make the colors lighter/darker. I think this card weighs more than the baby right now....I used so many layers.

TFL Jennie