Through the eyes of Lily

These photos are taken by Lily. She was playing a little too quietly the other day so when I checked on her she said she was doing a photo shoot. It is really funny to me to see the things she finds photo-worthy.
This is the slider that goes between the dining room and pool table room. It is one of those that opens completely out so most days it is open, mainly because having a sliding glass door in the middle of your house is strange, right? Well, it has this weird leaf pattern thing on it, presumably to keep people from walking into it. I never really thought I'd be blogging about it.My rocking chair. I've had this chair all my life, I have insisted on keeping it even though I have more reasons to let it go than to save it. I have no place to put it, it is too small for an adult, too big for a child and no one uses it but yet, here it is.
The really nasty fan over the pool table and the glorious popcorn ceiling above it.
Lily's boo-boo and spongebob bandaid

Lately Lily has really gotten into saying "lets pretend..." it just makes me smile to hear all of her big ideas.
Eric, finally has started to try and talk. He does several animal sounds but won't attempt the name of the animal yet. He says 'no' and 'uh-huh' (I know, terrible... I should insist on 'yes' but I'm still just happy he is saying something!) and 'ball' and 'shoes'
I'm gonna need to try and get him on video saying 'shoes' because it is really cute that sh sound.

New Year's resolution Fail

I was supposed to write a blog post once a week.... oops.
I did 4 in January, so I guess I'll try to play catch up and as long as I can squeeze in 4 a month, I won't beat myself up about it.

Happy Valentine's day!
Today I was invited to have snack at Lily's school with Lily for Valentine's day. It was really sweet. Lily introduced me to her best friend Derek (it used to be Logan, but now Derek). She came home with a load of candy so now I've been spending the day like a broken record telling her 'no' to eating it all in one day.
Eric is finally starting to show signs of learning to talk. He will say 'no' but he says it in such a funny way that no one but us knows that 'no' is what he is saying. I'm wondering if he really does have a speach issue. I keep telling myself not to worry and most days I don't, but I still do.

If I ever get organized enough to upload pictures to the same computer that I'm writing blog posts on, I'll get some pics to you.

Disney

Last Friday we loaded up Granny and the kids and rode up to Melbourne. We spent the night at Sandy's house and got up real early, traded our car for her van, added Allison to the group and headed over to Orlando.
I did check the weather ahead of time, and again that morning, but for some reason I really only paid attention to what the high was for the day and forgot to worry with the low. We took the ferry over to the Magic Kingdom and realized very early that we really weren't dressed appropriately. Everyone had long sleeves and jackets (except Ross, he was in shorts! but he is never cold) but we were cold almost the whole time.
This picture was taken while we were in line for our very first ride.
This super excited face would turn to tears very soon. We rode some Lilo and Stitch thing that was meant to be fun. Well, it wasn't. It plays out like you are expecting a scary alien and instead of a scary alien, Stitch arrives. Well, I guess Lily hasn't watched enough Lilo and Stitch to know that Stitch is a good alien so being in the dark, strapped into a seat and a scary alien on the loose was more than her little heart could handle. It of course broke mine too. She was crying and asking to get out but all I could do was try and tell her that it was all ok and hold her hand. We were very careful in picking our next ride and double checked that the Buzz Lightyear ride was in fact not scary before going on. It was great and even Eric loved it. So, all it took was one good ride for Lily to forget all about the awful beginning. Next we rode the teacups.
Then Lunch at Pinnochio's place and then rode Its a Small World. Eric really really loved that one. He liked being able to sit on the seat in the boat and not our laps. He just pointed and pointed. It was really sweet.
Next, I took my tired little man on a walk in the stroller so he could nap while Ross, Marje, Allison & Lily rode the Dumbo ride. Marje wasn't impressed with that one and I had a terrible crowd experience. Everywhere I turned on my walk they had things roped off for a parade. I just wanted to keep walking but ended up in some strange walkway with raised walls that was too narrow for the crowd. The walls were about shoulder height and I was in the middle of it when another family came through going the other direction with a double-wide stroller. The pathway wasn't wide enough for us both but there were so many people packed in all around us that neither of us could back up to get free. People were climbing over the strollers (with my sleeping child inside!) and climbing up the walls. It was insane and I lost it. I wouldn't let anyone climb over Eric and basically just caused a complete blockade until enough people realized that they weren't going to get through and finally backed up to let some of us out.
So, after I was free, and met back up with the family, we had some ice cream. Daddy sent us money for ice cream so even though it was really really cold, we had ice cream!
Next stop was the toon town fair so Lily & Allison had their faces painted.
Eric is just as entertained by the decorations as he is the rides. He was awesome. Not one melt down!
The sun started setting so we found ourselves a good spot to watch the parade and played there for awhile while Ross went off and found us some hot dogs to have for dinner. Everyone loved the parade. Marje bought the kids some light up toys to play with and it was so sweet. Lily had meltdown #2 when Puff the Magic dragon came through. She was really frightened. I guess we need to make it a point to catch up on our Disney movies because I know for sure, had she seen the movie, she would have never been scared of HIM!
After the parade we went to see the Carousel of Progress in order to squeeze in one more quick ride and warm up a little.
Lily was really struggling by the end. She was cold and very tired so we took turns carrying her. Lucky Duck Eric got to bundle up in the stroller for nap #2.
After leaving the park there was a really bad accident on the interstate and we were in dead-stop traffic for about half an hour. Lily & Allison passed out right away but Eric stayed awake watching a movie. (so cool to get to watch movies in the car. I'm jealous)
But, we finally made it back to Sandy's and the next morning she cooked us a big, fattening American breakfast and we headed back south.
Everyone was still a little pooped from our adventure.
Notes for next time: Wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Plan our rides in advance. Bring lots of snacks.

My Grandma and my Kid's Granny

The above picture is one that I put together for my grandma. She has dementia and has to live at a hospital so I just wrote her a quick note and printed a picture to include with it. When I went to visit last fall she didn't know who I was. It is really heartbreaking and the whole situation sucks. I really should write to her more often, I think about it alot but just never seem to actually DO it.
On a lighter note... Ross's mom is here right now and we have been having a blast. She had met Eric before, but he was just a newborn so he didn't remember her but took to her very quickly. Of course, Lily is still head-over-heals in love with Granny. We all love having her here so life is really great right now.
I'll have lots of pics later, but I need to get caught up with my never-ending to-do list, cheers.

Well at least...

Yesterday I was hanging out with a friend who's youngest is the same age as Lily. I was talking to her about the doctor's concern that Eric hasn't started trying to talk yet. I was telling her that I was on the verge of getting worried myself too. She said what I was hoping that she'd say (I just needed to hear it, I think) that all kids are different and that everyone grows on his/her own schedule.... you know the rest. I whole-heartedly agree, but just in case, I've been trying to work with him more and more on making sounds and things.
My friend shared that her son (Lily's age remember... 4 1/2ish) was having serious trouble with fine motor skills. He was getting frustrated at school (even just a half day of pre-school) because of it and that she was very worried. I had never really put much thought into fine motor skills mainly because for us, it has never been an issue. So, this morning, just as a test, I gave Eric a pen and notebook just to see what he did. I gave no prompting or instruction, just handed him the pen & book and grabbed my camera to document.
I'd say, we do NOT have a problem with fine-motor skills!
So, I guess, if Eric never learns to speak, at least he will have no trouble writing down what he needs to say.

iPhone and YouTube videos

After a year and a half of using an iPhone with a shattered screen, I finally got a new one. It was actually last month, but I'm just now getting around to blabbing about it. In case you aren't aware, iPhones have a real glass screen so once it shattered, I had to buy a Zagg invisibleSHIELD not to protect me from breaking it, but to keep the glass from falling out or cutting my fingers. I really should have gotten one of those first!

I've been a HUGE fan of the iPhone for years, but now, with the 4, I'm in love. This thing is amazing. I keep finding more and more awesome things I can do with it. Right now, the only un-cool things are that I can't upload pictures from it straight to this blog (well, I can do it on the phone, jut not directly or easily), and, I can't find an armband (for working out) that will allow me to keep the protective case on it. oh, by the way, I went overboard on the protective case this time. it has padding on the inside, a plastic box, then rubberized on the outside... I am NOT going to break this one!

Basically, I've just written all of this to let you know that, with my new phone, I can upload videos directly to YouTube. So, between my fancy new phone and my fancy new camcorder that Daddy bought me, ahem, I mean Eric last summer, we've got some cute videos up on the web. Check 'em out here.

Resolutions for the New Year and Old

These pictures really have nothing to do with the post I'm writing but I know that there are some folks who check-in to this blog just for the pictures, so here are some recent ones from our Christmas shopping this year. (I have a stupid tight gift buying budget so I really don't "shop" like most people do, we just toured around to see the hub-bub)
Eric relaxing while Lily got her glitter "tattoo" at a craft show
Lily making a craft at Bass pro shops

Eric picked out what he wanted for Christmas at the Disney store and so Lily told Santa about it in her letter. He read that letter too! because now that little Buzz is in Eric's crib.
Now on to the post I wanted to write.....
Happy New Year! or should I say Happy Old Year (new year starts tomorrow). It is resolution time. I treat resolutions as year long goals. Each year I'm pretty good about keeping my resolutions. 2010 resolutions were:

• Get a tattoo
• run 100 miles
• double the pool fund

I didn't get the tattoo but I did accomplish the other two. I'm really sad about the tattoo one too because I'd been wanting it for ages. I have the design picked out, the money waiting but just haven't found a time when someone can go with me. I am too chicken to go solo.

2011 resolutions:

• get that tattoo!
• run 300 miles
• double the pool fund
• make 50 aprons
• make 50 softies
• finish writing my 40x40 list
• get dressed daily
• blog 1 x per week
  

running 100 miles this past year was really really easy so I figured I needed to up my goal. 300 miles is under 6 miles a week and since my regular workout includes at least a 2 mile run (usually 3 but when I'm feeling lazy... I do 2) and I typically work out at least 3 times a week, I even think that 300 will be easy. I just have to be consistent. When it comes to fitness, I believe that consistency is the key, so I'm happy with that goal.
Doubling the pool fund again this year is going to be hard, but at the rate that I've been saving, we'll pay off the house before getting a pool and by that time we'll be too old to swim in it! So, it must be done.
The sewing part is to keep me sane. I get all crazy right before a show trying to whip up the merchandise needed but this year, I'm gonna have inventory all year long. Both of the items I make are the kind of thing that really is seasonal and next holiday season, I plan to have the inventory to actually make a decent profit. or, that is the hope at least.
My 40 by 40 list is on facebook if you haven't already seen it, it is here. I only have 20 something things on it. Obviously I still have almost 5 years to actually DO the things on the list, but I'd like to at least have 40 things listed.
Being a work-at-home-mom has a tendency to allow you to slack a little on your own appearance if you are lazy. I do shower everyday though, I've talked to some moms that even let that slide! I find myself going from pajamas to workout clothes back to pajamas. No more. I actually started this one three days ago and feel more productive because of it. Everyday I have to get dressed. Maybe not shoes, but real clothes.
I write several blogs for the various things I do. This one is the family blog, but I have one for the Aprons, one for the Kids Creatures, one for the general sewing, one for Addicted to Rockabilly and also contribute to the Hollywood Craft Mafia blog. That is a LOT of blogs! My goal is to post on each one at least once a week.

fun pics from the park today

I love my new phone :)
pretty cool pics huh?

Busy busy, trying my best to get caught up

No time for a post, but finally uploaded a couple of videos today.
This one is of Lily's Harvest Show. It is the first performance she's ever had, of any kind. Ross and I are very proud parents. Proud of Eric too for behaving so well that we were able to watch it.
This video is of Eric enjoying his first lollipop. It was a couple of weeks ago and is pretty funny how he can't make up his mind if he wants to eat the lollipop or the carrot.

How was the Race?

Survivor recognition (pre-race)
Brendan & Shari & Me (above) Me & Nichole (below)

This awesome banner unfortunately is not for our team, but pretty cool none the less. You have to raise alot more money than our team does to get a tent, so there must be another Betty that is dearly missed as well.

This year's Race for the Cure was as meaningful and as powerful for me as any of the other years that I've done it. This year my team wasn't as active as last year and we didn't raise as much money as years past either. But, that didn't stop me... I still managed to get our team to the $1,000.00 goal. I've noticed that this age/stage of life is the busiest one for me and all my friends. Everyone is so busy with careers, kids and caring for their families and everything that it is hard for people to find the time for the extra stuff. So, most of my team did the "sleep-in" for the cure instead of the actual race.
Nichole came down from Saint Pete and refused to run so I walked with her instead of running solo. Of course, all of the survivors (they wear pink shirts & hats so that you know who they are) and the messages on everyone's backs always bring up powerful emotions but this year we witnessed something that brought Nichole and I both to tears instantly. Here is what we saw...
About half-way through the course there is a place where you turn around and go back the way you came, but on the other side of the street. This is a fun spot because as you are coming up you can see the people who are really racing and you can cheer them on, and as you are passing back, you can see how many thousands and thousands of folks really participate in this thing! Well, Nichole and I were on the second part and I noticed a group of people in the median of this road holding big handmade signs and banners. The signs said things like "we are supporting you mom" and "you can do this, we are so proud of you". There was a man, maybe 40s, an older couple and four young children, two in strollers, the older ones were holding the 'mom' signs. Then, as I was looking at them, a woman with a completely bald head in a pink shirt comes running up arms outstretched and into the group for big hugs. It was obvious that this woman was the one they were supporting.
What a powerful thing to witness.
There is usually something or someone that really stands out to me each time I do these races and each time it encourages me to keep this up. This was the 15th year of this race and my 9th time participating.
I can't wait until next year!
Oh, in case you were wondering... our time was 1 hour 30 seconds.

Some pics for ya

Big sister, big helper

Lily has always loved being a big helper, and she really has embraced the role of big sister. Sometimes she helps a little too much. The flash on this photo actually made the sunscreen mess not look so bad, but she had him COVERED in sunscreen. The funny part was that he was being such a good boy sitting still while she did it. She was saying "hold still Eric, I have to make sure you are covered"

Eric and his birthday cake

I finally started to upload some of the videos from my camcorder. It takes awhile to upload them to youtube and the quality comes out very poor. I really don't know what I am doing wrong. These videos look great on my hard drive but terrible on youtube. This really bothers me because no one is going to want to stand around in my hot studio in order to see these videos on my computer, I need them to look good online!
Anyway, I've uploaded the one from our second attempt at getting Eric to eat his birthday cake back in July... it is HERE

Race for the Cure

It is that time of year again! I've been training very hard this year and am already race ready. But, my donation page is far from ready for this event. I have a check from my aunt on my fridge waiting to be delivered on race day, but my webpage hasn't gotten a single donation yet! Help me out folks ------->>>>>>>
The link is over there ---------->>>>>>
or, if you want to join my team and race with me http://bit.ly/bettysteam

Football season!

Lily said that she doesn't like when the noles get a touchdown. She said it gives her a fright.
Guess I need to control myself better if I want her to be a fan.

Lily sewing

Remember back when I wrote this post about how Lily made a plush creature for Grandad? Well, I told you that I had a video but I never got around to uploading it. So, here it is:


It is kinda poor quality because I didn't use my fancy new camcorder (batteries were dead) but used my regular point-n-shoot and it doesn't have a flash.

Dummy

Eric has the cutest little smile with the best little gap in his front teeth. You'd never know it though because all we ever see is this dummy.

First trip to the ER

Eric had his first trip to the ER today. He is fine. It was just me, overreacting.
He fell and hit his face on Lily's metal bed and busted his lip. There was alot of blood and I got scared. I thought that he had opened up the roof of his mouth too, but apparently it was just that there was alot of blood and I'm a wuss.
He is fine, they told me to give him some tylenol for the pain and that is it.
I feel kinda dumb and now that we are home, I'm worried for the bill.
I hate that money is so much the factor in things.
Last month we had to spend my entire month's salary on a diagnostic mammogram because I found a lump. Turns out it was nothing, but given my family history, I didn't want to take a chance. When they told me how much it was going to cost, if I didn't have the family history that I do, I wouldn't have gotten it done!
I am totally thankful that both mine and Eric's trips to the hospital weren't necessary, just sucks that it is going to be yet another year without a vacation because of it.

First day of School

I just dropped Lily off at her first day of Pre-K.
I'm a sobbing mess.
I worry so much about her because she is so shy. I remember how painful it is to be shy and in a new place. I wish I could better prepare her so that she doesn't feel that.
She is so cute because she was so excited for school that she woke up extra extra early and got herself dressed right away (even her shoes & socks!) and was eating breakfast by the time I woke up at 7:15. This is the same kids that will sleep past 9 if we let her.
The morning went all good, she was still excited and happy for school until we were ready to walk out the door. I gave her her bag and told her I wanted to take a picture and she started to cry. I asked her why and she said she was missing me. It was so hard for me not to burst into tears too but I knew I needed to calm her down and my tears wouldn't have helped.
In the car we listened to music real loud and sang along so she would cheer up. I went over some last minute things with her, (like making sure that she knew to ask to go to the bathroom if she needed to rather than trying to hold it) and asked her if she remembered her teacher's names. She responded with this meek little whisper. I'm absolutely positive that she will not utter a word to anyone today.
She was really tough when we got to the classroom. She didn't cry but she was wringing her hands and holding her head down. After I signed her in, I peeked back in the room and she wasn't crying, but she was just standing around all alone in the middle, not playing or anything. I know that this is going to help her with her shyness, but watching it, knowing how hard it is for her is just so painful.
I'm excited to hear all about her day this afternoon.
So right now the house is quiet with just me and Eric, I'm gonna go try and teach him to talk to fix that problem.

(If you want a copy of either of these pictures, just email me for a copy rather than copying them from here, I blacked out the name of her school from her shirt to be web-safe)

For Sale: Sold to Grandad

Lately I've been making these stuffed animals called Bed Fellows. I sell them online and have been getting them into some local shops and have a show next month. So, basically, I've been cranking these out.
I make them by embroidering the faces first. Lily watches and pays very close attention. She made one the other day and sold it to me for $4.50. My dad heard about this and commissioned her to make one for him. I use a disappearing ink marker to draw out the face before I stitch it. Lily did the exact same thing. I stitched one of the eyes for her because she refused to go to bed until it was finished and I can sew faster than her.
The next step is to stitch the faces onto either fur or fleece. I've got a video of this too.. just haven't charged the camera enough to upload it (oops). She is a fabulous stitcher. She totally flew solo on this.
I used to make her only stitch using the handwheel because I was afraid that she would sew her fingers. She has been obsessed with sewing for so long that I gave up and let her use the foot pedal. She isn't tall enough to sit in the chair and reach the pedal, so we have to use a box for an extension.


The next steps I didn't get pictures. I take the fabric that has a face on it and draw a shape with legs on the backside then sandwich it to another piece of fabric and sew it up. Lily did this herself also. My bed fellows don't have arms but Lily drew arms on hers. But, when she was sewing, she forgot to go on the outside and sewed over her armholes.
She turned it out herself. I had to help with getting the feet completely out.

She stuffed it and stitched up the hole by hand. Even tied the knot! This is the finished product.
Lily watches everything... she insisted on taking the photos of her creature herself. I took the one above, she took the one below.

The one she made for me, she set the price herself at $4.50, so I asked her how much Grandad was going to have to pay for this one and she casually said 20. I asked "20 what?"
"20 dollars" she said.
I laughed and asked her what she would say if Grandad thought that was too much and she said "well, he is just gonna have to save up"

I'm so proud.