Random Monday-March 25th, 2013

I survived my first craft show in over a year.  Last year, just as the spring craft show season was starting, I was throwing up and being sick all the time, plus I couldn't carry all the heavy boxes.  Yeah, pregnancy will do that to a girl.  When the fall craft season started, I was 9+ months pregnant and then I had a newborn (yes, those two things are related) so I took a whole year off from doing craft shows.  As much as I hate having to set up and tear everything down and take 18 trips to and from the car to load/unload everything, I LOVE doing craft shows and I really missed them during my 1 year hiatus.
I made $60 at last weekend's show which covered my table fee and my gas money (but not the yummy cupcakes I bought from another vendor) so it really wasn't worth my time, but I still had fun getting back in the craft show business.

Do you remember in my last week's Monday Randoms post when I said that it was time to move Star out of the cradle beside my bed?  *sob*  She is officially sleeping in the pack n' play in my room now.  I was expecting her to look tiny in the pack n' play, but she really doesn't.

I still haven't started the kids' Easter outfits.  I still have 6 whole days, right?  If you want to find me next Saturday night at 11 pm, I'll be sucking down caffeine and sewing like a madman so I can be all nonchalant and cool when someone asks me where I got my children's Easter outfits.  "Oh, I just whipped them up."

Star still hasn't figured out how to roll over from her back to her tummy.  Instead, she can be found doing this most of the time...

My mother said she likes the kids' names as is on the blog so I won't be changing them.  After all, I always listen to my mother.  Right, Mom?


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Blooper Reel

We all have them...those blackmail blooper pictures that didn't quite make the family album, but were just too funny to throw out or delete.  Here are some of my favorites:

Princess at about 5 months old. Apparently, my camera flash was a little too bright for her.

The cousins! Princess and the 2 cousins who are her age in in the back row when they were all two years old.  Little Man and the 2 cousins who are his age are on the couch when they were all just a few months old.  It was a "fun" photoshoot.

Little Man was propped in a sitting position next to his cousin, but fell over just as I took the picture.

Little Man was terrified of the photographer.  Princess's expression pretty much sums up the photoshoot.

Princess and Little Man were doing a photoshoot for my website and Little Man was DONE with pictures.  Princess tried to keep him from running away, but didn't quite succeed.

Another product photoshoot gone wrong with Little Man.  He's just not into the modeling like his big sister.

This was about the 378th picture taken of the kids when they came to visit me and Star in the hospital.  By that time, they'd had it with cameras.  Little Man looks like he'd rather be just about anywhere else, Star was worn out from looking so cute, and Princess's face was so tired from smiling that she had to use her hand to hold her cheeks in a smile.  Also, isn't the floating baby thing just a little creepy?

Little Man enjoying (?) a piece of pizza.  I still have no idea what prompted that expression.

Did you come up with any captions for these pictures?  I'd love to hear them!  Share them in the comments and they may get featured on the blog.

This post is linked up at Growing Up Geeky



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Random Monday-March 18th, 2013

About a month ago, Princess threw up on my bed, 5 minutes after I'd put clean sheets on it.  On Saturday night, I changed the sheets on her bed which is akin to wrestling an alligator since she has the top bunk.  The next morning, she threw up on her bed.  I'm seeing a pattern here...

I'm having Star's 6 month pictures taken on Thursday.  Be prepared for an overload of baby cuteness later this week.

Speaking of Star being 6 months old...HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!?!?  I noticed that she's starting to outgrow the cradle by my bed and it makes me sad that I have to move her to the crib in the kids' room soon.  I'm not ready for my baby to be that big already.

I'm thinking of changing my kids' blog names to more realistic names.  Something just irks me about calling my oldest "Princess" like she's a puppy or a spoiled entitled child.  Their new names would probably be Katie, Nano, and Anna if I change them since those are spin-offs of their real names.  What do you think?  Yay or nay? 

This morning, Little Man put on his coat, hat, scarf, and boots and informed me that he was going to the store to buy chocolate cookies, vitamins, and pizza.  Mean mommy that I am, I refused to give him the car keys.

It has come to my attention that Easter is in less than 2 weeks and I haven't even started my kids' Easter outfits.  I've made their outfits the last 2 years in a row and would like to keep up the tradition as long as they will still wear mommy-made clothes.

Little Man's Easter outfit in 2011 - Picture by Studio A Photography

Princess's Easter dress in 2011

   

Easter outfits - 2012

Mega Stuf oreos...some may say it's overkill.  I say it's heaven.

Photo credit: The Impulsive Buy

 
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Ainsleigh Layette Gown-New Release

Introducing the Ainsleigh Layette Gown pattern!  Layette gowns make diaper changes so easy, especially in the early months of a baby's life.  This one has elastic in the bottom of the gown so it can easily be pushed up, but doesn't work its way up while baby is kicking.

The pattern includes 9 pages of detailed, step-by-step instructions and measurements for adding the gown section to a purchased onesie along with options for embellishments. Sizes Newborn through 9 Months are included.  It's difficult rating is Beginner.

 The pattern can be purchased here.



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Monday Randoms - March 11, 2013

Last Monday afternoon, Princess "helped" me out by unbuckling the younger kids' carseats.  We'd taken Hubby's pick-up to town to run errands because our driveway was really slippery and it had taken me almost an hour to install the carseats in the back of the truck.  Nothing like having to re-install 2 carseats in the middle of town while the back of your coat blows up, your pants slide down (which is actually a good thing since it means I'm losing weight!) and the 2 year old messes up the settings in the truck.

It was a sad day on Tuesday.  Hubby let me sleep in since Star had had a rough time sleeping the night before (sleeping in was not the sad part, it was very happy).  However, I awoke to find that Princess and Little Man had discovered my secret chocolate stash and told Daddy about it.  So, not only did all three enjoy a delicious breakfast of Reese's peanut butter cups, but now I have to find a new hiding spot which won't be easy since the rest of my dear family is now aware that I have a secret chocolate stash and will be actively looking for it.

I've heard that there are babies who actually relax when they're eating.  Not Star.  She likes to practice her gymnastics routine while she's drinking her bottle.  In fact, sometimes, I think she uses more energy than she's taking in with the bottle.

Last night, I was awoken by Little Man crying that he was wet.  I stumbled into his room half asleep to be met with a bed full of puke.  Since Hubby was working the night shift, I'd let Princess sleep with me and Little Man sleep in Princess's vacated bed.  I stripped down the sheets, cleaned him up and changed him, and put him to sleep in his bed.  Not long after that, we repeated the process when he threw up all over his bed as well.  It was a fun night. *Insert sarcasm here*  This morning, I awoke to 2 extra loads of laundry, and an aching back which I apparently threw out while stripping the beds in the middle of the night.  Little Man is showing no signs of having been sick last night.  I, however, am hobbling around today half asleep.   

A gift for Star from a sweet lady in our church.  No really, she's literally the sweetest lady I know. Not sure we'll be hanging onto this bear for very long though.  It takes up more room than the kids.

Is it just me or is Star trying to say "Save me!" in this picture?

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Do You Have an Etsy Shop?

It seems like I spend a lot of time talking about my two Etsy shops here.  This post is not about my shops though, (see, no hyperlink this time!) it's about yours!

I'd love to see what you're making for your shop.  If you don't have an Etsy shop, but have one you love, link that up instead!  There are no rules for this linkup except that all links must be to a family-friendly Etsy shop.  You can enter more than one link.      







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2 New Pattern Releases

I have my first two patterns up for sale in my pattern shop with more to follow soon!  There are two patterns in testing right now and another one that I'm currently writing.

Introducing the Emilie Ruffled Onesie!  It's perfect for summer or to pair with legwarmers for cooler weather.  The pattern can be found here for free!

Everyone needs a basic skirt pattern and this one has three different options! This is the Paige Basic Skirt pattern and it can be purchased here.





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How to Applique

Applique sounds kind of scary, but it's actually really easy! If you haven't appliqued before or are a beginning seamstress, it's best to start with shapes that have straight lines such as a star or block.  A little practice and you'll be moving onto more complicated shapes in no time at all.  I found it to be helpful to practice sewing curves on scrap material.

Gather your supplies: A scrap of fabric, scissors, Wonder Under Lite (or another type of lite heat n' bond), iron, and ironing board

Start by decided what shape (or letter, number, etc) you want to applique.  Freehand or trace the shape onto a piece of cardstock and cut it out.   

Cut out a piece of fabric big enough for the applique (perfect way to use up scraps!) and iron it flat.  Cut out a piece of Wonder Under that's the same size as the fabric.  Using the directions on the package, iron the Wonder Under onto the backside of the fabric.  Trace the applique shape onto the paper backing of the Wonder Under and cut it out.  If the shape is directional (i.e. a number or letter), make sure to trace it mirror image!  I've had to redo many appliques because I forgot to flip the cardstock over before tracing.

Peel the paper backing off of the shape and, using the package directions, iron it onto whatever you are appliquing.  Make sure that it's placed exactly where you want it before ironing it in place.

I usually use a zig zag stitch, but if you don't mind a little fraying around the edges, you can also use a straight stitch to secure the applique.   Sew all the way around the applique, stopping to lift the foot and turn the fabric as needed.  Sew a couple of straight stitches at the beginning and end to secure the stitching.  

 

Finished!

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Princess - 5 Years

This is a little late, but I was waiting until after Princess's 5 year well-child checkup to post so I could include her current weight and height.

Age: 5 years

Weight and height: 34 pounds, 6 ounces and 43.25 inches tall.  She's in the 60% percentile for height and the 11% for weight.  Tall and thin! She's grown 4" in the last year.


Wearing: Size 5 clothes.  One day, all of her 4T clothes fit her and the next day, they were all too small.  Naturally, I was unprepared for a growth spurt and have only a few pieces of 5T clothing for her. 

Likes: Playing horses and dolls, dressing up in dress-up clothes, wearing twirly dresses, coloring, dancing, singing, shopping, playing with her brother and sister.

Sisters

Dislikes: She still hates having her hair washed.  She isn't fond of most vegetables, but will make an effort to eat them when they're served.  She hates going out in the cold and snow.

Sleeping habits: She takes an afternoon nap 1-2 times a week.  Bedtime is 8 pm (although she usually doesn't fall asleep for a while) and she sleeps until around 8 am the next morning. 
 
Milestones/Accomplishments: Princess started taking violin lessons in September, 2012 and is enjoying them very much. 
She has gotten much better at coloring in the lines this past year. 
She started 4/5 preschool in September.  She's finally starting to understand the concept of letters and has been learning quite a few of them.  She's got all of her shapes down except for a square which she calls a box or a triangle.  She's very smart, but just a late bloomer in the academic department.

Last year for Princess's 4th birthday, I asked her a list of questions and taped her answers.  This is something I plan to do every year until she gets too old to think it's fun.  Here are her answers from this year!

Q: How old are you?
A: 5

Q: What is your favorite color?
A: Pink

Q: What is your favorite toy to play with?
A: Horses

Q: What's your favorite fruit?
A: Apples

Q: What's your favorite vegetable?
A: *Thinks long and hard*  Ummmm...spinach.
*Editor's Note: No, really, she LOVES spinach!  She usually eats several helpings.  

Q: What's your favorite tv show?
A: Ummm, What I like is Strawberry Shortcake.
*Editor's note: Her favorite is actually The Fresh Beat Band.  Not sure why she said Strawberry Shortcake.

Q: What's your favorite thing to eat for lunch?
A: Hot dog

Q: What is your favorite thing to wear?
A: Dress.  The one with sparkles on it.

Q: What's your favorite game?
A: Umm, hot potato.

Q: What's your favorite snack?
A: *Laughs* Veggie straws

Q: What's your favorite animal?
A: A bear. 
Q: Why do you like bears?
A: 'Cause it's pink.  I like the one what's pink.
*Editor's Note: She has a pink beanie baby bear she likes to play with. 

Q: What's your favorite song to sing?
A: Jesus Loves Me

Q: What's your favorite book?
A: The Hungry Caterpillar

Q: Who's your best friend?
A: Mea
*Editor's Note: That would be her cousin who is just 6 month younger than her.

Q: What's your favorite thing to do when you play outside?
A: Ride my bicycle

Q: What's your favorite thing to drink?
A: Milk

Q: What do you like to sleep with at night?
A: Star's pig
Q: You know she's going to want that back eventually, right?
A: *Happily nods*

Q: What's your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
A: Cereal.  The one what talks.
*Editor's Note: That would be Rice Crispies.  She calls it Talking Cereal.  You know, snap, crackle, pop...except she says her cereal says, "Eat me, eat me!"

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: A horse rider. 

Q: What's your favorite food to eat for supper?
A: Mashed potatoes.  With some cheese and those 'tatos.
*Editor's Note: She meant cheesy hashbrowns.

Q: I'm all done.  Do you have anything else you want to say?
A: My other favorite toy is my purse.  And my best friend at school is Aubrey.

Taking a nap

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Monday Randoms - March 4th, 2013

This post is linked up at Not Inadequate.  Grab the button and link up too!

<div align="center"> <a href="http://notinadequate.com/category/random-monday/" title="Random Monday" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2d3Vsxz7RFXaTKjVh53nAZBIdiJZyA0eFq_dh4ddAu13KhSvGmV186ijyAFE8jstXr9NVtXLP36t-1qMr05vFrCMoIYLNZmz6wem5ZB43TWm69ElgbUET_-rrKCY06rSDAx2cIy9nnM/s1600/Random-Monday-Main-Final.jpg" alt="Random Monday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

• Lately, Little Man has been insisting on changing into his pajamas before he will lay down and take a nap.  Which means that sometimes, Hubby comes home in the late afternoon or evening and asks me why I didn't get Little Man dressed today.

  

• I'd like to take a minute to thank the child who dropped the almost-full bottle of vegetable oil upside down on the pantry closet floor and LEFT IT THERE.  I've always wondered what it would be like to clean puddles of oil off a linoleum floor.  It was also *fun* to have to throw out most of the things on the floor of the pantry closet and right outside the closet.  Mental note: Add vegetable oil to the shopping list.

• On Saturday, Hubby was in the living room with the kids, and I was in the kitchen washing bottles.  All of a sudden, Hubby leapt up from the couch and yelled, "Stop! Don't put that in her mouth!"  A minute later, he came into the kitchen to inform me that Little Man fed Star something and that he thought it was a rice crispie.  Naturally, my first question was, "Did you get it back out of her mouth?"  I was answered with a blank stare.  "Well, no.  Should I have?"  No, dear husband.  When you see the 2 year old stuff something into the baby's mouth, you wait to see if the baby will choke on it before taking action.

        FYI, Star sucked on the rice crispie until it was mush and then ate it. No choking or gagging took place.  Not that a tiny rice crispie is that much of choking hazard anyway, but, you know.   

• Today, I googled "what is a leprechaun trap" and "how to make a leprechaun trap".  I just *love* it when Princess brings a note home from school with the barest minimum of information on the project.  (This one read along the lines of "Make a leprechaun trap and send it to school by March 15th.")  Or maybe, everyone else in the world already knows what a leprechaun trap is and how to make one and I'm completely out of the loop, ahem, rainbow.  I think we (or more realistically, I, because Princess will be all excited until 4 minutes into the project and then wander away to pick on her brother while I finish the whole thing) are going to try making a trap like this one I found on Pinterest.  You can see the tutorial here.

Source: snoodledoodles.blogspot.com via Hannah on Pinterest

• Star is already a pro at eating from a spoon thanks to a certain grandpa who has shared his ice cream with her several times now.  I'm sure she'll be thrilled with the bland rice cereal I have planned for her future now that she's realized what good things come on spoons. 

This cracks me up every time I look at it.  Apparently, the sun toy on the jumperoo was a little scary for Star. 

 
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