Landons 3rd Birthday May 20, 2008

Landon is looking at his wall hanging that I made for him.  He was so excited about his new Cars bedding that he didnt notice it until I pointed it out to him.  Once he did notice it he loved it!

Opening his first present while eating. 

More presents.

Really excited about a new cars movie.

Sitting on his bed with his new Cars bedding.

“Hurry up and take the picture mom, I want my Cars ice cream cake!” (cake is from Dairy Queen, yummmy!)

Trying so hard to blow out the candle.  He tried about 3 times then Daddy helped him.

Landon and mommy.  (I look horrible in this picture, I had been cleaning and getting things ready all day)

Balloons are a party must! 

So, Landon turned 3 May 13th but we had his party on the 15th instead.  It was just a small family party with pizza, ice cream cake and presents.  He loves the Disney Cars movie in case you were wondering why everything was Cars.  We watch the movie at least twice a day. 

Stay tuned for more birthday fun because on May 23rd Kennedy and Kaydance will be having their 2nd birthday party.  It will be the same as Landons with family,  good food, cake and presents.  Im going to make their cake (Or at least Im going to try to.  I have never tried to decorate a cake before.  I dont even have a design yet!) and we will have ice cream (maybe on ice cream cones, we have never tried those with the kids.  It should be interesting!) and presents.  Their birthday is really on Saturday though.  My mother in law (MIL) will be out of town so we are doing it Friday instead.  I will have pictures of their party up sometime Saturday evening…I hope. 

Becoming Domesticated May 13, 2008

So, this month has been a crafty one for me.  I usually dont make or craft anything.  But, the first week of May one of my friends had a wedding reception that I made a bead necklace for.  Its not the best job in the world and not exactly what I was first thinking about making but it worked.  I got a few compliments on it and when I said I made it everyone was shocked.   

Then one day I was at work and during my lunch break thought I would look at the material.  Yeah, I know I dont sew.  Why would I be looking at material right?  Well Connie (the sweet little old lady that works in fabrics and crafts and can show you how to make just about anything) and I started talking about me making 2 valances for Landons room.  My mom and I are re-doing his room in the Disney Cars theme for his birthday. (which is today, HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY LANDON)  While looking at the Cars material I noticed a bolt that had Lightening McQueen and Mater on it really large.  When I unfolded it it was one big picture, not really a pattern.  Connie filled me in that it is to make a wall hanging or small quilt with.  Sounding fun so I asked her how to make it.  She got me all that I needed and explained how to do it.  I only spent $8 or $9 on all the material.      I came home from work really excited about my new project.  Then I remembered that since I dont sew, I dont own a sewing machine.    Bummer.  So, back to work the next day I looked in fabrics and crafts because I thought I had seen the small hand held ones for like $16.  Yup, there it was.  My first sewing machine.  I came home and pinned it together thursday while watcihng Greys Anatomy (favorite show ever) 

I then stayed up and sewed it the next night.  Then I got the bright idea of adding loops at the top to hang it with.  But again, I had no idea how to do it so back to fabrics and crafts to seek help.   But Connie was off.   That night I thought, heck I’ll just get the material and try to figure it out.  SInce it was around 11:15pm no one was back there so I had to find someone on overnights.  I was told to find Nancy, she knew how to cut material and sew.  WONDERFUL, I can ask her!  So she helped me and told me how to make my loops, cut them and then sew them on.  So, I opened the top seem up last night, made my 5 loops and sewed them on.  Now it is finished and it was actually pretty easy.  Its my first sewing project ever and Im so proud.  Here is a picture of it.  I cant wait to give it to Landon!  He is going to flip out about his room!  He seriously loves this movie and gets excited everytime it comes on. (we watch it at least once a day)

 

Now Im going to try to make Landon a cake for his birthday.  We are having dinner Thursday and inviting my mom, grandmother, Rogers mom, sister and her kids.  I would love to make a cake similar to this one http://tinyurl.com/6g6srl

but only 2 layers instead of 3. 

Now that I have made 2 crafts and want to make a cake people at work are telling me that Im becoming domesticated.  I didnt think that making a few crafty projects and a cake would qualify me as domesticated.  But oh well. 

First comes beading, then comes sewing..or not so much. May 5, 2008

So, its been a few days since I have blogged.  I’ll start with Saturday because nothing interesting happened before then.  Mary’s reception was Saturday at 5:00pm.  This was the reason I was making “the necklace”.  I being a huge procrastonator waited until 2hrs before I needed to leave to start “the necklace”.  I started on it while the kids ate lunch and finished seconds before I walked out the door.  Im sure glad it worked out ok because I had no back up plan, or jewelry that matched my dress.  “The necklace” turned out ok.  It wasnt exactly what I had pictured but it worked.  The green beads were a shade or 2 off from my dress but oh well.  I will add pictures someday. 

Sunday was extremely tiring as usual.  I start with waking around 6:30am, turning my alarm clock off thinking how crazy of an idea it was to set it that early the night before.  Then around 7am I actually get out of bed and wish I would have gotten up at 6:30am.  I then jump in the shower and try to get myself as ready as possible before the babies wake up around 7:30-8:00am.  Once they get up I change their first diaper of the day.  Once downstairs I get them a cup of milk and their breakfast.  I then try to finish getting myself ready and find their outfits.  I get them dressed and pack their bag and try to get out the door around 9am so by 9:15am I can actually pull out of the drive way.  This way I will get to church by 9:30am and after unloading the van and hurding them into the nursery I can be sitting down in my chair in my Sunday school classroom around 9:40am.  It takes a good 10-15mins to get all 3 in their carseats.  I can change all 3 diapers faster than that!  I need to work on my time with that but its hard since I have to chase Landon around the inside of my van.  He goes straight to the driver seat, then the passenger, then he will crawl around the floor looking for dropped candy, snacks and toys.  Candy and toys are the top 2 things that stay on his mind.   So, after church is over I run to the nursery because I feel guilty for having 3 toddlers in there and want to relieve the workers asap.  I then hurd them all out the door, across the road and into the van where we spend another 15mins getting buckled up.  Once in the van we go home,  change into play clothes, eat lunch, take naps and mommy goes to work at either 3pm or 4pm until 10 or 11pm.  I then come home and pass out.  (or eat a bowl of ice cream and play on the computer)

Today was just another boring Monday.  I worked 2-10 so no fun there.  This morning I did try to get the kids to use the potty.  Yeah, it didnt go so well.  Not one of 3 actually did anything in the potty.  Landon did pee in the floor and Kaydance peed in her highchair.  (they were bottom half naked except Landon had underwear on)  I really wish there was a potty training boot camp!  I would pay 2 months worth of diapers to send my kids to one.  That or have someone come to my house and do this for me!  (any offers?)  I dont think the girls have the slightest idea of what Im trying to get them to do.  Landon on the other hand knows what he is supposed to do.  He just doesnt want to.  That and I dont think he knows when he has to go unti its too late.  I have no idea what Im doing or how to help them understand.  Any tips, tricks, pointers?  Im open for any suggestions. 

New Project

Landon will be 3 May 13th.  He is in LOVE with Disney’s Cars Movie so we are doing his room in that theme for his birthday.   My mom has bought the bedding and Im trying to find a few things to hang on the walls and *gulp* make 2 valances.  SInce I have NEVER sewn a day of my life Im going to use the no sew iron stuff to make his valances.  My sister made me my curtains for my Kitchen and Living Room using it and they all look great!  I am also making Landon a wall hanging.  I found the awesome material at walmart that is a 1yrd panel that you just cut and sew into a wall hanging.  Thanks to Connie (that works in fabrics) I now know how to do it and have all the stuff I need.  I once again state that I have never used a sewing machine nor do I own one.  So, Im wondering if I could use the no sew stuff for this as well.  There are 3 layers of material.  The first layer is the actual picture of Lightening McQueen and Mater.  The second/middle layer is the white backing stuff, and the 3rd/back layer is just plain red.  I think Im going to test a small section to see if I can use it.  I really hope so! 

I have 1 week to complete both projects.  Ehhh!  I need to start tonight I guess!  I want to be finished before his birthday so I can wrap it.  I can also only work on it at night after the kids have gone to bed or on my days off while they are napping. Any other time Landon would see it and they all 3 would be trying to mess with it. 

Im really exctited about Landons big boy room!  His room looks so plain and boring now.  My grandmother is buying him a small table and chair set to match as well.  She also really wants to get him a lamp because he is afraid to sleep without a light on.  We just turn his closet light on and crack the door.  I think he would mess with a lamp too much.  Esp if it was a Cars lamp.  But I think Im going to let her get it for him and if he doesnt leave it alone Ill just put it up until he does.  She really wants to get if for him and keeps asking me if I think he needs one.  That is code for, I really want to buy this for him, if I do will you allow him to have it.  He is her only great grandson after all.  She is just trying to spoil him as much as great grandparents are supposed to. 

Ill post some pics of the finished projects (and “the necklace”) when I get a chance.  Im off now to start the wall hanging. 

3 Days off April 30, 2008

Aaawwww,3 days off from Walmart.  This has been a long week and Im so tired.  The worst part was Sunday/Monday.  Ugh, I dont wish that on anyone.  4-11pm and then 7am-4pm.  Talk about draining!  That and I really missed the kids.  I didnt see them for 24hrs and I was only 5mins away! 

But on to my days off.  So far tomorrow is booked with going to walmart (funny how I hate being there and that is the first thing I do on my day off) to get my pay check and groceries.  Then Katie, her dd (darling daughter) and me & my dc (darling children) are going to Bluefield to the mall.  The main reason for the trip to the mall is to pick up the pictures from Sears.  If you would like to see such pictures and havent check out my previous post.  There are some of them in it.  We are also going to buy Sylvia some summer clothes.  Who doesnt enjoy shopping for baby/kids clothes!?  They are so cute! 

As for Friday I dont have any real plans yet.  Im kind of hoping it stays that way.  Other than taking the kids to the park to enjoy the nice pretty weather while it lasts, I hope to stay in the house and rest some.  Then Saturday  (which I normally work but had to ask for it off) is Marys Wedding Reception.  Her and her hubby Joe went to TN to get married April 14th.  I went with them and now Im excited to go to the Reception.  This reception is the reason I am trying to make “the  necklace” to match my dress. 

Speaking of “the necklace” here are 2 pictures of what I have bought.  Anyone have any ideas of how I should put it together?  Or anyone know of what other beads would match the green?  My dress is white with a green and brown floral print along the bottom part of the dress.  (prettier than it sounds)

Beads and tools

Close up of beads

 

So if you have any suggestions or ideas I would be glad to see/hear them. 

 

Im going to check out a few websites and try to gather ideas for “the necklace” in case I need to buy new/more beads tomorrow while Im out. 

 

Too tired to blog..but Im doing so anyways. April 28, 2008

Ugh!  I worked until 11pm tonight and I have to be back at work at 7am tomorrow!  Yeah, add that to the why I love my job category!  

Anyways, I was going to take a picture of my beads before I start working on “the necklace” but I just dont feel like it.  Plus I really should be going to bed.  But, no, Im sitting here almost glued to this very uncomfortable chair, blogging about how Im too tired to blog.  My brain says go to bed but my body isnt responding.  So, here I sit.  Too tired to get up. 

Lets add a picture of the babies since they are already on the computer and it doesnt require me to get up.

 Meet my 3 adorable tots!  Kennedy & Kaydance will be 2 May 24th and Landon will be 3 May 13th.

 

“Makes you want to kiss the picture” (spoken by my grandmother when she saw this for the first time)

 

Kennedy looking like she is about to attack someone.

 

Kaydance, so sweet. 

 

Well, I think that will conclude the blog for tonight.  Its now past midnight and I need sleep.  I have already taken a 5min nap during this blog! 

Time out, having a baby and making jewelry! April 26, 2008

So my wonderful mother (and grandmother) came to watch the babies while Roger and I went to see a movie.  Ok, so we didnt leave until 8pm which is bedtime so my mom got off easy this time.  But since she is “mama” to my kids they got to stay up late and play.  What are grandmas for right? 

But about the time out of the house.  It was nice going out with my husband.  We havent really had the chance to spend some alone time (that is alone out of the house without the kids) in a while.  We drove to Blacksburg to meet one of Rogers friends Corey and his girlfriend Lindsey.  We picked up Rogers friend Brandon on the way.  So, maybe you have picked up that we werent really “alone”  Oh well, it was still nice to get to go out on a date.  We watched Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay.  Until yesterday I had not seen anything about this movie and then saw a preview on tv for it.  It was funny.  Just beware, its not a family friendly movie (MPAA Rating: R for strong crude and sexual content, graphic nudity, pervasive language and drug use)

So, now that Im refreshed from my night out I get to go back to work tomorrow after having Thrusday & Friday off.  Its some weird shift too, 10:30-4pm.  But at least I get off early.  Tomorrow is prom and since I work at walmart with a bunch of little highschool teeny boppers, Im going to go watch them walk into prom.    Its sad that Im actually excited about it too.  Im also looking forward to tomorrow because a friend of mine (fingers crossed) is going to have her baby!  She went to be induced Wed. night but didnt progress any and was sent home Thursday afternoon.  Well, now she is having contractions on her own, and showing some progress.  Just waiting for the contractions to get closer together before they head back to the hospital.  I hate she is having a hard time.  I got really lucky with my first. (Landon)  I was induced at 38wks and was already 4cm dialated.  I was in active labor for 41mins and he was born!  Fast and pain free!   

Ok, so for those who want to read my blogs I hope you enjoy reading because once I get started I cant stop! 

Jewelry Update:  I still havent started on it and have 1 week to find an idea, and get it made.  Plus I need to find out how to post pictures on here so I can track my progess for all my fans!   Im really excited beacuse Im not really a crafty, creative person.  So, if you know how to post pics in a blog, please fill me in.  (Psst…Alicia, this is your que to pipe in )   

Well, Im going to end this blog and go find an idea for my necklace.  I sorta know what I want but not really. 

 

 

First Blog (ever) April 21, 2008

So, my super talented sister Alicia came in this past week.  While she was in we (well, more she than we) made some bead necklaces.  This has inspired me to try to make my own.  I have a wedding reception coming up May 3rd and my dress is brown, white and light mint green.  I found some pretty green glass beads on CLEARANCE so I bought them all. (3packs)  I bought some wire and clasps and will try to string it this coming week.  I will try to figure out how to posts pictures on here and post my progress.  This is coming from someone who is computer illiterate so it may/may not happen.  I will probably have to ask my sister Alicia for help.    Hey, what are big sisters for, right? 

Well, Roger (aka DH) wants to watch a movie so Im off.