Home. Sort of.

"You know how when you've been away and then you come home but you don't feel like you're home yet because you don't know how to pick up where you left off... yeah. Like that."

Trying to write a Facebook status--that was the best I could come up with. I was with Mom & Dad for about a week and a half. I wasn't home for Kal-El's first birthday or Christmas. I was loved and spoiled and cared for at my parents home but I felt a little torn; like I was letting my own children down while trying to be a "good" child of my parents. Weirdness. I've been home for a few days but I'm still trying to find a rhythm. I still need to finish a couple of sleep pants that were supposed to be for Christmas and oh, yeah-- school. We need to do some schooling 'round here! Happy New Year to you all!

Kal-El is walking and one year old!

Merry Christmas-

Heading out to help take care of my mom. No blogging for awhile, so Merry Christmas to all and a blessed new year!

Only one comment left since I posted last so congrats to my friend Donna over at Comin' Home! My snowmen ornies will be joining your homestead shortly!

Thank you and a Give-a-way!

Hugs and many thanks to Donna and everyone who offered prayers for my Mom. She is doing well and we are looking forward to her release from the hospital later this week! She's a spunky gal! I still am not sure of my own travel plans, what kind of home care she'll need and for how long, so we're just 'playing it by ear' to see what happens next.
I've noticed, too, that my lil' blog is approaching 1000 views! Now, I know some folks out there get that every week, but it's a pretty cool milestone for me! I've decided to celebrate the occasion with my first give-a-way! Anyone who leaves a comment in the post that tips the counter to 1000 will be entered in a drawing to win this set of snowman ornaments from my Etsy shop! Can't guarantee they'll be to the winner before Christmas but they're a fun winter theme anyway!

Just asking for prayer-

Satan apparently doesn't like busy and happy holiday seasons. My mom, Ann, (81) was rushed into emergency surgery last night for a blockage. She's stable, in ICU. I'm 700 miles away. Please pray as she heals and we make decisions concerning travel and such. Thank y'all-

Gotta love homeschooling...

One of those mornings I enjoy-- while other moms are rushing to get kids on the bus, I'm watching one son give a guitar tuning lesson to his youngers while his cannoli shells are bubbling in oil. Love it. (Unfortunately, camera batteries are dead. No pic. :( )

Our church's Christmas program is coming up this weekend, which accounts for little time to sew, craft, clean house, do laundry, eat--the usual. I love being the producer/co-director of our shows but it does eat the time up! So many people work full time now, it's difficult to find anyone able to help build sets and scenery. Not my strong points. Fortunately, the guys who know what they're doing were able to build proper supports. The art/finishing work---well, let's just say it's a good thing we're doing comedy. Wonky sets fit wonky scripts!

And this is a real life-interruptor: Sitting at a red light with Philip and discussing a library book when WHAM! A Chevy Trail Blazer met the back end of my little "Pumpkin"; a Kia Rio. No injuries but lost my car for two weeks. Boo!


Working on a bunch of needle cases for the Etsy shop (probably too late for stocking stuffers but I'll list 'em anyway later today) and a few gifts (no peeking Kal-El!)

Newly listed-

I (finally) finished several sets of snowmen ornies and got them listed today. I'm pleased with how they turned out!


Had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Company (in the form of daughter Ashley, son-in-law Patrick and now-11 months old Kal-El) arrived on Wednesday and from the moment they got here it was non-stop baking, cooking, movies and Wii playing! Chef-son Corey worked until after 8:00 and started on the things he wanted to make so I wasn't surprised to hear him downstairs in the kitchen with Patrick until the wee hours trying to get everything done before he went back to work in the morning. He was home by 5, though, so we had our turkey later than usual. We also had the pleasant company of some friends from church so it was a lovely time all around!

"I Spy" bags?

I have heard of I Spy quilts, ( made a half-baked I Spy quilt top last week for a shower gift) but yesterday I found I Spy bags for the first time. It's a really cool idea and goodness knows I have more than enough stored crafting supplies around here to make a few. I even have the poly pellets from my porcelain doll making days. I wonder about the safety though. I fear fabric or stitches ripping and little pieces getting into little mouths to choke on. Fleece is more difficult to tear--would it help to line the outer fabric with some? I'd love to hear from anyone who makes these and what successes and fails you've encountered.

In the 'not-sewing-but-I'm-proud-of-him' category: Number-1-Chef-Son made a chiffon cake with Swiss buttercream icing and fondant for the aforementioned shower. His first! And it was yummy!