Just Ducky

Miss Molly

2011-08-22T19:41:00.002-04:00

Our newest self rescuing princess has arrived. Margaret Ivy was born on Thursday August 18th at 12:46. Miss Molly has so far been one of our quietest and easy going babies but since she is only 5 days old I will wait to see how her temperament and personality turn out in this zoo. The big sisters are ecstatic that she is finally here and there is much debate over who gets to hold her next. Ellie seems to think its her full time job to hold the baby and gets quite offended when she is passed to the next sister or Mommy takes her back. But everyone is slowly adjusting to having her here and Mommy in recovery mode.

An Exciting Year...

2011-08-02T19:17:00.002-04:00

apparently so much so that I forgot to blog about it. Ooops! My goal is remedy that in the next few weeks but since it is about to get more exciting we shall have to wait and see how it goes.

I guess our most exciting news of the year is that Baby #4 is due to join us in about 16 days. According to the ultrasound it is another little girl. But after Charlotte and the 80% sure she was was a boy thing I'm always somewhat hesitant to believe them 100%. So while waiting for her to join us I have of course been busy crafting. And most of the projects have been baby or new house related.

We bought our first house in March and I have been working to make it feel like home. So far I have painted the living room, kitchen/dining room and part of the hallway with the help of Zac and his sister, Olivia. My daddy is building me a pantry and I am about 1/3 of the way done with a rug for the living room. Slow progress but any progress at this point is wonderful. Thankfully this pregnancy has been somewhat easier than the others so I'm a little more mobile.

The girls are loving the new house. We can see cows out our back door, a hot air balloon has landed in our yard, and Zac fenced in an area for them to play. We have added a puggle to our family too. Most days its iffy on whether that was a good idea or bad idea but she is cute and sweet.

So I will be back soon I hope with baby, project and kid updates :)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-05T11:35:00.001-05:00

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Christmas fun :)

2010-12-16T22:51:00.001-05:00

Presents are mostly done so now I get to play :-) Who knew disappearing nine patches were so much fun!

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Ellie's sweater too...

2010-12-05T22:49:00.001-05:00

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sweaters are done :)

2010-12-05T22:46:00.001-05:00

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Blogger's Quilt Festival

2010-10-30T19:38:00.006-04:00

This is my first time participating in the Blogger's Quilt Festival and I am very excited. Unfortunately I have not completed the pinwheel quilt so I had to pick between ones that I have already finished. And I could not decide on a favorite! It is so hard! So I finally decided on this one:

This is Zoey's baby quilt. I try to learn something new with each quilt that I do. You can't see the binding in this picture but this is my first attempt at a real binding. It is also the first quilt that I machine quilted, using my husband's grandmother's machine and walking foot...just a simple stitch in the ditch but its there :) I love that I used only fabrics from my stash in this one and the colors worked well for her as a baby. She is almost three now and it's amazing how children and taste in fabric change ;)

current projects

2010-10-15T20:07:00.001-04:00

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so we've been a little busy...

2010-10-15T19:56:00.001-04:00

And I've been neglectful of my poor little blog. October so far has been exciting or at least more exciting than we are used to around here. We were invited to tag along with Zac's parents and little siblings for part of their vacation to the outer banks :) I don't think there will ever be enough words to describe how excited the kids were. And still are...we've been home almost a week and Charlotte spent most of the day teaching us a sea turtle class. Very cute and confused about the little demonstration we went to at the aquarium but she definitely loved it. We also got to ride the ferry to Ocracoke and actually got to go into the bottom of the lighthouse there. And of course we went to see the Cape Hatteras lighthouse too. But mostly we sat around and took the kids to play in the sand. Zoey liked the beach but not the ocean and after much convincing Charlotte stood in the waves with Zac for a good twenty minutes, after which she decided she liked when the waves covered her toes with sand :)

While we were gone Miss Ellie turned 1! So exciting to have a party at the beach. She is walking and attempting to talk and climb. Keeps the mama busy...

Not as much crafting has been happening as I would like...but with three small children underfoot I guess I have to be realistic;) I have been slowly knitting my way through a sweater for each of the girls and I am almost done with my first sock so I guess I am making progress. Hoping to get some sewing time in to finish some quilt projects. I have a lap size IPinwheel quilt, a toddler quilt for Ellie and some table runners in progress and a whole list of want to do's, which has grown especially since I just won a layer cake and thread from Debi over at Quilting with Debi. I am so excited partly because it's my first layer cake and also because it's moda's hello betty line...love me some 1930's prints.

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they picked out their own clothes...

2010-09-24T16:51:00.001-04:00

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blogging from my phone

2010-09-17T19:04:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to say that I am still here and crafting while corraling the crazies but I have new phone and I can access the internet and my blog from it so I will try to be better about posting.

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Craftiness

2010-07-07T19:52:00.004-04:00

These are some of the projects that I have actually completed this year. I have finished others but for some reason I do not have pictures so I will try to locate all/most and get some pictures. I finished one quilts so far. Zoey needed a larger one for her bed so that was first priority and I took advantage of having Zac snowed home to get that knocked out. I have another one in the works that was supposed to be part of a quilt a long that I think ended in May...I have 4 out 12 blocks complete...oops :P I also started and have nearly completed a small hand pieced quilt will be a wall hanging or table topper when I finally get the borders on and get it quilted.

One of the biggest and maybe most exciting accomplishments (or at least I think its exciting, most may not agree) is that I have taken up knitting. I have made a hat, a washcloth and fingerless gloves. Yes, I know there are no pictures, I will get there someday. My current knitting wip is a sweater for my Ellie-bug. I will get some in progress pics of that too. My plan is to have one for each of my girls done by the time we go to the beach in October, hopefully I am not being overly-ambitious :)

Our family height/growth chart-- since we rent I didn't want to lose our record of this so I made a movable growth chart that we can hang in future homes :)

Cloth Napkins - 1st attempt, slightly small but usuable for the kids

Zoey's toddler bed quilt

Geraldine the Octopus- crocheted for my octopus loving Charlotte

And the bear was a gift for my sister's little girl on her 2nd birthday

Catching up- post #1

2010-07-07T19:38:00.003-04:00

January & February we had a lot of snow and so we spent our time playing inside :)

M.I.A

2010-07-04T19:45:00.004-04:00

So sorry that I have been m.i.a for so long. I knew it had been awhile, guess I didn't realize quite how long. Time flies when you're sleep deprived I guess. It's been a busy year so far. Lots of crafting, Zoey turned 2, Charlotte is 4, Ellie is almost 9 months and getting ready to walk. And my camera ceased to function properly. However, I now have a new and improved one which means tons of pics :) I think that I will try to post highlights from each of the past few months and then get back on track with updating regularly. Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July and I promise to be back soon :)

Pajama Squid THREE Prize GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-01-11T14:48:00.000-05:00

Pajama Squid THREE Prize GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I love the pull toy and the shoes :) Really cute store :)

Christmas

2009-12-30T12:20:00.002-05:00

We had a wonderful and busy Christmas. Christmas Eve was spent going to Mass and hosting our first holiday dinner with my parents and brother, Kyle. We had lots of food and Christmas music :) My dad built an awesome table for the kids (I don't know how we survived without it) and my mom brought Christmas jammies for each of them. Christmas morning was a lot of fun too. The two big girls are old enough this year to understand presents and sort of to get the whole Santa thing. Zoey woke us up by bouncing excitedly and banging on our faces, "pres, pres, Santa, room" (presents, presents, Santa, living room- for those who don't speak Zoey). We went to brunch at Zac's family's and exchanged presents with all the kids. Then home again for a quiet evening at home. Of course the chicken wouldn't thaw so my dinner plan did not happen :( But Charlotte came up with an alternative, homemade mac n cheese. And we ate at the kids table :) On Saturday we had my parents and my sister's family down for sugar cookie baking and decorating. Then we all went up to my parent's house for soup and bread :) And we got to meet the latest addition to the family. Welcome baby Konnar!!! (Joe and Olivia's new baby) And then Sunday we had Mass and another brunch at Zac's family's house since his grandfather came up to visit. And Monday we had Tilly's family here for dinner. Wow! Lots of family and visiting but I wouldn't have it any other way :) It's why we live so close to everyone :)

Charlotte figuring out her sewing block

Zoey unwrapping

The table my dad built

I finally got all the stockings made :)

This is the best shot of the girls in their Christmas dresses...

Christmas Fun

2009-12-23T14:07:00.002-05:00

Great giveaway...

2009-12-12T20:22:00.001-05:00

http://greenfairyquilts.blogspot.com/2009/12/time-for-another-giveaway.html

Snow Fun

2009-12-07T11:17:00.003-05:00

Shoes for St. Nicholas

Building a snowman with Daddy

Quotes of the day...

2009-12-02T20:11:00.002-05:00

Charlotte: "I have to cover it or it will leak out" while painting red over green on her Christmas ornament....

Zoey: "I like those cookies" when I lifted her show her the pumpkin pancakes that I was making for dinner....

They sure make for a fun day :) We are in full blown Christmas preparation around here. The tree and decorations are up. You can never have too many :) The girls decorated the first of their ornaments today. We definitely need more of those! When I pulled out the ornaments I realized just how many were breakable. And, well, with a 3.5 year old, an almost 2 year old, a crazy cat and the ginormous dog they are not getting put on the tree. So that means we get to make some :)

In an effort to keep Christmas less stressful for the momma I am only finishing Noelle's baby quilt and making stockings this year. No staying up til midnight Christmas eve finishing for me :) Maybe next year I'll make presents but only if they are all made and wrapped by Thanksgiving...

Pattern Giveaway!

2009-11-09T21:05:00.000-05:00

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/11/handmade-dress-patterns-guest-giveaway.html

Wouldn't these be perfect for my girlies :)

A few happy thoughts...

2009-11-09T11:15:00.000-05:00

They grow so fast...

2009-11-04T19:23:00.002-05:00

I don't know how it happened but Miss Ellie is already 4 weeks old!!! We are doing really well, especially compared to this point in my post- Zoey recovery ;) She is eating and sleeping really well which of course make my life easier. And the big girls are slowly realizing that the Momma is no longer completely immobile. They are quick to take advantage of any distraction though and the most trouble happens when she is nursing :) But we are working on it...

I'm mostly back to normal so we started projects and baking again. I will post pics of their fall wreaths etc soon. I let them help make cookies the other day and snickerdoodles can be translated all sorts of ways by tiny mouths. Charlotte calls them snapperdoodles or snappernoodles and Zoey calls them new news which sounds like noodle or at least what she calls noodles. Its very funny to listen to them have conversations about them. Charlotte has discovered she is tall enough to reach most of the light switches in the house (because they can't all be a standard height because that would make sense :P ) and Zoey has figured out that she can move the stool in their room to get to the light switch in there so the lights seem to constantly be the opposite of what they are supposed to be. Charlotte loves her role of biggest sister and can be a big help (most of the time) and she loves to correct people... "you said the wrong word" is a constant especially with tired parents :)

The sewing machine is back out and being put to use :) :) :) I made a doll quilt for Zoey's doll because apparently crochet doll blankets aren't good enough if your big sister has a quilt too. And I'm happy to say that it is finished and already in use. The sewing list is growing but most things on it I already have the fabric for so there is a better chance it will get done ;) I hope...

I will get a picture of the quilt tomorrow and get that up and some updated pictures of the kids up too. Sorry the pics have been lacking, its not that we haven't taken any either....

Advent Tree Giveaway!

2009-11-04T19:19:00.002-05:00

One of my new favorite blogs is Wee Folk Art. They have wonderful ideas for fun crafty things to do for the kids :) And they are hosting a giveaway for a Advent Tree kit so head on over and check it out. http://weefolkart.com/

Giveaway

2009-10-29T18:54:00.001-04:00

Jackie over at Canton Village Quilt Works is hosting a wonderful giveaway with some goodies from Quilt Market! Go check it out and enter but if you win will you share with me???

http://cvquiltworks.blogspot.com/

1st Pictures

2009-10-11T17:43:00.000-04:00

Noelle Elizabeth

2009-10-11T17:13:00.004-04:00

Our baby is finally here :) She was born Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 9:30 am. She was 8 lbs 5.9 oz and 18.5 inches long when she greeted us with her dismay at being taken from her nice warm nap. She looks so much like her sisters. We are both home and doing well. She is a super quiet girl who loves to sleep (just like the momma). The big sisters are so very excited to have her home. From the time she wakes up in the morning Charlotte is asking to have a chance to hold her. Zoey loves pointing out her nose and toes. I am continually amazed at how much better I feel after this one, and how much quicker recovery seems. Don't worry I am still resting and taking it easy, I am not crazy gotta take advantage where I can ;) And of course there will be many pictures to come as I have not much else to do besides nurse her ;) since per doctors orders I have two weeks of no cleaning, cooking, laundry etc :)

lila tueller designs: I was just thinking...It's time for a giveaway!

2009-09-30T14:52:00.000-04:00

Such lovely girlie fabric :) Please go leave a comment and then give the fabric to me ;)

lila tueller designs: I just thinking...It's time for a giveaway!

Countdown to baby!

2009-09-22T22:34:00.003-04:00

We are in the final few weeks of getting ready for the baby. I am now officially full term at 37 weeks so she could try to come at anytime. The c-section is scheduled for October 6th, only 13 more days (but who's counting???). So we shall see if she cooperates... The big girls are getting very excited with preparations. We moved Zoey into the big girl room to make room for the pack n play and so far that seems to be working really well. The bags are packed and the car seat is ready :) So I guess I'm more ready than I feel... On one hand I can't wait to meet her and I'm ready to be done being pregnant for awhile but so not ready at all :)

Nesting/crafting has slowed down a lot this month. Zac dyed the slipcovers for the sofas for me...now they are light gray not white:) and no more striped pillows to look at. I will try and get some pics up. Other than that I've mostly been focusing on one project that is only half done and its a birthday present so I really can't share any details.

More news on baby and pumpkins and minivans and my sister turning "old" (she turns 30 on Friday) to come :)

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-08T17:20:00.000-04:00

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Awesome giveaway!

2009-08-28T09:45:00.001-04:00

http://twiddletails.blogspot.com/2009/08/little-organizer-giveaway.html

Go here to leave a comment to win a great organizer. If you win can I have it?

Nesting part 2

2009-08-25T10:30:00.003-04:00

Here are some of the other projects that I have done in the last two weeks. We are forever short on bibs, especially when we have company, so I made 8 more. I traced the ones that Zac's grandmother, Grammy, made for the girls and used some of the fat quarters that his other grandmother, Omah, gave me the last time we went to visit. Brings the total up to around 14, surely they can never all be in the wash right? Thankfully, Zac has been helping with the house stuff because its not in my nesting insticts at all :) The paintings are the hot air balloons that Tilly commissioned for Tony's room. Will paint for fabric ;) And the birds were Charlotte's idea. She saw them on the front of one of my quilting magazines and asked if we could make them. So we called Tilly to invite them to join us and for some supplies. Tilly and I spent all morning making six birds (one for each of the little girls and one for Tony) and Charlotte and Jenny got to help stuff them. Great fun! Of course there is more to come in the next few weeks, baby clothes are all washed and ready so what else do I have to do right ;)

Nesting part 1

2009-08-25T09:58:00.004-04:00

Some people clean excessively, apparently I create more and more projects :) I've been working on some stuff to fix up the girls room. So far Charlotte is the only one to sleep there but we call it the girls room because that's where the toys are and Zoey will move in there eventually. I think everything that I want to do in there is done with the exception of Charlotte's big girl quilt. I almost have it completely tied and hope to finish the binding and get it on her bed by this weekend. I'll worry about Zoey's when we move her in. But I do have a lot of the fabric left so I can make them coordinate.

I think just about everything in there was made by a family member and I love all the colors together. I did the owl picture and Zoey's name. My sister gave us the letters and flowers all ready to go for Charlotte's name. Charlotte and I did the paper chain (yes, it goes all the way around the room). My dad built the doll bed and kitchen set. And Zac's grandfather, Opah, built the bed.

Giveaway!!!

2009-08-22T11:53:00.002-04:00

http://ankastreasures.wordpress.com/

One of my favorite fabric designers is celebrating her blogiversary with a wonderful giveaway. Check it out!

Grosgrain: Sweetie Pie Bakery Felt Cake GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-08-07T10:43:00.000-04:00

Such cuteness!!!!

Grosgrain: Sweetie Pie Bakery Felt Cake GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Learning the art of pretend

2009-08-04T08:59:00.002-04:00

Charlotte has been playing with Jenny and Zelie over the past few days. Jenny and Zelie play "Dora", ie Jenny is Dora and Zelie is Diego. So when they have Charlotte too apparently she is Swiper. Yesterday Jenny and Charlotte were playing dressup and decided that they were both Cinderella. I will post pictures because they were by far the funniest Cinderella's I have ever seen. Charlotte was just reading to her babies and Zoey and looked up at me and said "Mommy I'm Cinderella Swiper" like it was one name...

Lake pics

2009-07-31T20:57:00.001-04:00

Family Pics

2009-07-31T20:16:00.002-04:00

Some Summer Crafting

2009-07-31T19:40:00.002-04:00

Still here! I think?!?

2009-07-31T19:02:00.004-04:00

The summer has just flown by and I'm not really sure how. The girls and I have been busy inside avoiding the heat and humidity and somehow we are at the end of July...hmmm maybe we should venture out more. Nope never mind that requires chasing two small children with the third sticking straight out in front of me. We did take a little trip to visit Omah and Opah a few weeks ago. My parents were staying at a nearby lake with Kim and crew so we got to swim and experience some camping without actually camping. But I think that has been the sum and total of our "summer" activities.

Both girls are getting bigger, smarter, crazier...just about more of everything I guess. Zoey's favorite daily activities involve books, baby dolls and singing. She regularly tucks her baby in and sings "Growly Bear" as only a Zoe can do. If I can get the video to load I will try to share as we finally got her recorded last night. She will sit and flip through books by herself quietly for a good half hour or so, it's wonderful! She is currently identifying the parts of her baby and making her say "byebye" so I think something is sinking in. She found some of the baby jammies in the laundry basket (I just washed all the 0-6 month clothes:) yea! for nesting!) and told me nightnight and wanted me to put the jammies on her baby.

Charlotte is learning new and interesting things and is constantly asking questions. I keep trying to write them down so I can share them. Here are a few:

~Tilly and her friend Anne stayed with the girls so I could go to Mass last weekend. When I got back I was informed that our "homeschooling" needed some adjusting. Charlotte had apparently told them that Zoey is a skunk, and a skunk is a mammal with no mouth and it eats grass with its chin. When asked where she heard that she said Pops had told her. Sorry Pops! She comes up with the strangest things. I love three because she is so fascinating to listen to but then it comes with the flip side of her not wanting to listen to anybody else. She spent today alternating between constantly asking if I needed a hug and completely ignoring me when I tried to talk/direct her. Fun times I tell you!

~Last week she came and sat next to me on the sofa with her computer keyboard and said that she was going to check her blogs. I have no idea where she got that;) Then she told me she had something funny to show me. "Look mommy its a nacho tiger"

~Her sleep schedule at the moment has her in bed and asleep by 7pm so she is out before it comes close to getting dark. We were out at Nana and Gramps last week for Tilly's birthday party and didn't leave until 8:30 I think. So she got her first exposure to lightning bugs/fireflies. She looked for them the whole way home and Zac was explaining that when she was bigger they could catch them and put them in jars. A very interesting idea for her brain to process. The next day she asked me when she was going to get some bedtime bugs for her room. Apparently one day is enough to be bigger when you are 3.She is almost completely day time potty trained...only two accidents in the last two weeks. So we are making progress there.

As for me I have been crafting when I can, mostly crocheting at the moment due to mobility issues with being 7 months pregnant and all. I just posted all my currently finished projects and I have a few more in the works that need to have their pics taken so I will post those soon. I started a quilt for the baby but when I went to JoAnn's to find something Iliked to coordinate with it for borders I decided to go a completely new way so if someone wants me to actually finish the previously started one for a baby girl let me know b/c otherwise it is going in the to be finished at some other time basket. And as soon as I get it hung I will post a pic of the painting I did for the kids room.

Preggie wise I'm feeling pretty well this week. Hip pains seem to have subsided, mostly just tired and irritable. Lots of hormones but soon I will get to hold her and it will all be worth it. I'm almost 30 weeks and at 32 weeks I get to schedule when the c-section will be (sometime the 1st week in October) and I can at least know the last possible moment when she will come out. They will get me in faster if something starts happening though.

Another Giveaway

2009-07-31T10:25:00.001-04:00

http://rachel-griffith.blogspot.com/ Rachel is giving away a $50 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter shop:)

I will try to get on once the troubles are sleeping and actually update about life around here.

Giveaway

2009-07-12T21:26:00.001-04:00

No, sorry not from me but check out http://greenfairyquilts.blogspot.com/ She is hosting a wonderful giveaway for her 99th post!

Some Charlotte Phrases

2009-06-16T09:54:00.002-04:00

Last week we had a hail storm and could she call it hail? Nope, according to Charlotte hail is called "polka dot rain"

Yesterday we were at Tilly's and she was helping us in the sewing room. She picked up two unsharpened pencils and said "flammel (flannel) candles, flammel candles for making cow sandals"

drextigers= spectators...yes she was trying to repeat the word

Somedays I just don't know where she comes up with this stuff...

Charlotte

2009-06-08T21:32:00.002-04:00

Some favorites from the zoo

2009-06-08T20:53:00.004-04:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Charlotte!!!!!

2009-06-08T19:12:00.004-04:00

I cannot believe that she is 3 already! We had the best weekend to help her celebrate and I just love how excited she was about everything. On Saturday we did our normal grocery shop but included all of her party supplies, so she got to pick balloons and streamers. Then we went to my parents so she could have extra playtime with her cousins (my sister and her girls were up for the weekend). They had an absolute blast playing outside with chalk and Pops got out his helicopters for them to chase. Even Zoey got in on it and was running after the big girls to try to get one to bring to Pops. Then they got to take a bath and borrow pjs so they could come right home to sleep (well Charlotte slept...)

Sunday we had a family cookout for lunch, so everyone she knows was in the same room which made her beyond ecstatic. It was great fun and she received lots of wonderful presents. A special thank you to all the aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents!!!
I made little purses for the little girls and Tilly made little backpacks for the little boys for the goody bags and each child got a bag of animal crackers. And for dessert there were ice cream cone cupcakes. She spent the rest of the day playing with all her new toys. And right before we tucked her in for the night we told her what her present from us was, a trip to the National Zoo in DC.

So of course this morning at 6:40 am she woke Zac up to tell him she was ready to get dressed to go to the zoo. He was able to stall her for a little bit but by 7:15 we were all up and dressed. Then there was the 2 hour drive. I think by the end she almost didn't believe that we were ever going to get there. They had so much fun even though it was crowded and warm. I think Zoey's favorite was the cuttlefish and Charlotte still loves the elephants the best. Zoey fell asleep right before we saw the elephants so can't guarantee that she would not have picked them. I got a lot of great pics, especially of the elephants, pandas, and the momma & baby gorilla. so I will get them loaded asap and put some up. We got a little lost on the way out of DC but we figured it out. The girls were sooo tired after 3 hours at the zoo that they slept until we stopped for lunch halfway home.

Judging by how excited she got about everything and the number of times that she said thank you I would say that she had a very successful 3rd birthday. Thank you again to everyone for their help and the lovely presents.

Baby #3 is a ....

2009-05-30T21:20:00.004-04:00

We went in for the ultrasound on Wednesday. And its a girl!!! We are very excited and working on our name list trying to come up with the perfect name. Charlotte says that she will call her new sister a boy and name her "Carrot" and Jenny says that we should call her "Baby Girl"...both of which seem about as good as anything we've come up with so far. But she is healthy and measuring within a day of how old the last ultrasound says she is so we are looking at the beginning of October.

I have reached the point in the pregnancy where my hips and pelvis have had enough. So unfortunately it means sitting on my sofa instead of at my sewing machine so I have made no more quilt progress this week. But the painting is done and should get hung above the fireplace tomorrow. I guess its on to crochet projects or maybe learning to knit...hmmm what to make??? I will slowly be working on my sewing when I get the chance but not seeing it going well anytime soon.

Zoey is starting to talk more. It doesn't all make sense but in context she can be quite funny (but we won't tell her, it might encourage her;)) I was getting after her for pinching me earlier and she shook her fist at me and told me to stop it. I have no idea where she hears these things;) Charlotte has started potty training and would probably be all trained if I could keep standing up all the time. She is doing really well and loves to get stickers for her reward. And being the tiny ocd child that she is all the same color smilies must be in a row. We are going to keep working on it and eventually we'll get there right? Her third birthday is coming up in a week so we will be spending this week getting ready, cleaning, and maybe even being adventurous and making our own decorations. At the very least they can decorate the sidewalk with chalk pictures:)

Crafty Progress

2009-05-20T20:04:00.000-04:00

I am finally getting back to getting some sewing and other craft projects done. 2nd trimester is my best chance, morning sickness is over and sciatica is not a problem yet. I started a wall picture/ painting/ art thing for above my fireplace, crocheted a dolly blanket for Charlotte's dolls and started making squares for a picnic quilt. Ok, so I'm feeling somewhat proud of myself. I know it will all catch up to me and it will take years for the quilt to get done but let me have my delusions...
Ok so blogger won't let me upload pics at the moment...grrr!!! But I promise I do have 7 squares done, the doll blanket is done except weaving in the ends(anyone seen my yarn needle???), and the background of the painting is done!

Summer Crazies

2009-05-18T14:39:00.004-04:00

The weather is slowly starting to feel more like summer and the crazies seem to have infected the kids. We started potty training Charlotte...let's just say some success mixed with some accidents but not too bad. She has also discovered what it means to have favorites. She loves purple and piggy tail braids. I have lots of pics that are finally on my computer so I will try to share some here and the rest will be on my shutterfly share page. http://ducklings2.shutterfly.com/ Zoey is my tiny big girl. She wants to do everything her sister does. No more nursing and lots of eating. I am constantly amazed at how much that tiny girl will eat.

I have lots planned in my crafting room over the next few weeks. I have some wall art to finish for my living room, Christmas stockings, baby blankets in various shapes and sizes, and a quilt along that I am going to participate in. And next Wednesday (the 27th) we find out if Baby Shrimp is a boy or a girl:)

Quilt Along!

2009-05-18T14:22:00.003-04:00

I am going to participate in my first quilt along. Maybe it'll be the motivation I need to get this next quilt going;) Like I need more motivation to have more projects going at the moment! I got some new fabric last week that I ma very excited to incorporate. I will be posting pics of my progress here and on the flickr group so keep an eye out. The final prize is a quilting machine so I am very excited for a chance.

Moving is finally finished!

2009-04-10T22:03:00.000-04:00

We are officially moved in to our new home. I handed over the keys to the old house today. Definitely more sad about it than I thought I would be. Don't get me wrong, no regrets about moving. This house is a much better fit for our growing little family. Just lots of memories there and it's the longest I've lived anywhere in a long time. But I've decided I'm never moving again! I hate it! Sooo much stress and craziness involved. Even the little people got stressed but we all seem to be better now. And I think just about all the boxes that are in the house are actually unpacked and most things have found homes in our multitude of closets and cabinets. I even have empty cabinets, which of course have already been adopted by the kids for their very own to play in.

A special thanks to my mom, Louie, Laureen and Tilly for the dinners!!! And Tilly for helping me clean the old house!

Charlotte has had an especially trying time with the move. She is very excited about her room and all the space but has to double check everything (constant refrain has been "Oooh Gotcha!" and "Which library/Gram/Pops/etc") and has spent the last two weeks making sure her boundaries and rules were still in place. This does not make for a calmer mommy! But the last few days have been better. This afternoon she wanted me to read the Knights of Columbus magazine with her. And she had to double check that no girl in the magaizine was named "Sofia", like her cousin that is coming to play with her tomorrow. She's a little fixated at the moment. And then she came to a picture of the knights with their plumed hats on. She asked what they were and when I told her she replied that they were "not knights they're jingle bells!" In the process of moving she has also come across several more of my dolls and stuffed animals. When I was little I was given a set of twin cabbage patch dolls. She's had one with her toys for almost a year now and she and Zac named her "Dorothy" or "Dolly". The other one also received a name this week. She is now known as "Celery". I don't think Charlotte will get a vote in naming the new baby...

Zoey has not really noticed that she is in a new place except that she has more room to run. There has been much running down the hall and spinning and dancing. She gets very excited to come watch out the back door while the dog is out. And does not understand the concept of staying on the patio at all. She now has her toddler bed set up and takes her naps there. She and Charlotte practice saying prayers and singing bedtime songs, just like Daddy does for them at night.

Camera cable has been found so beach and new house pictures will be up shortly.

Last Day at the Beach

2009-03-27T19:58:00.000-04:00

Last full day at the beach=( Somewhat sad but excited to go home and move. Eliza picked up the keys to our new house today and we get to start moving in tomorrow afternoon!!! Sooo excited to have a/c and two bathrooms and lots of closets ( I think I counted 8). Our current home is cooled by fans and window units with baseboard heat so this will be a big step up and technically has a closet under the stairs with a cloak closet upstairs in one of the semi unusable rooms. Its the little things I know.

Today we decided to drive up to the Bodie Island Lighthouse. It was a beautiful, warmish day when we left and by the time we crossed the bridge we were in pouring down rain and fog. Yuck! I hopped out to get some pics and got some postcards at the giftshop while Zac drove around in circles to keep the girls happy since of course I forgot to bring their jackets. On the way back we stopped at Pea Island, which is a really neat nature preserve. We were able to take the kids out on their little walkway to see the turtles which Charlotte loved. On the way back the big ones were hiding so she was somewhat disappointed but I got some pics so hopefully they turn out for her. I found a postcard with a turtle on it so that seemed to appease her.

The weather was still nice this afternoon at the beach house so I made Zac get up from a nap to help me take the girls to the beach with everyone else. Of course as soon as we all got outside it start to rain. We went down anyway and the girls had a blast. Charlotte was even excited to go down to the water. She freaked as soon as the frigid water hit her toes and refused to do it again (not that I blame her). But Zoey thought it was great fun as long as Zac held her, not a fan of cold water up to her diaper. Charlotte played in the san while nervously watching everybody else down by the water. Thankfully by the time she completely lost her mind about everyone getting very wet in the waves they decided they had had enough and we came back to the house.

Tonite they are a having a pizza party and then we will sleep and load up bright and early tomorrow for the long drive home. It will take a few days for internet to be operational at the new house so until then I will keep taking pics to share...and remembering funny quotes from Charlotte to brighten your day. Here is one to tide you over. One night last week Charlotte was helping me cook dinner and her comment as I placed the chicken on the tray to put in the oven "Good job Ducky! Mommy I'm so proud of you!"

Ocracoke and a rainy day...

2009-03-26T18:03:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Zac and I took the girls down to Ocracoke Island. We were sooo afraid that Charlotte would freak out about the ferry but she thought it was a blast. We let them out of their carseats for about half the trip on the boat and they sat happily on our laps eating jelly beans. About half way between the ferry stop and the actual town we got ou quick to say hi to the ponies and jumped right back in the car because it was sooooo cold and windy. The actual town is so tiny and cute! I blinked and we were at the other end. We drove around for a few minutes and then went to find the light house. Let's just say its smaller than Hatteras. I almost didn't see it around the tree. But I got a couple of pics and then we went to find lunch. The only place open that had any cars in it was Howard's Pub and Raw Bar. They make the best french fries ever!!! The rest of the food was good too but I would make the drive just for the fries. I went into a gift store quick on the way out of town. They had two whole rooms crammed with t-shirts and the best prices I had seen so far so of course I bought one. Also, got Charlotte a shell necklace and some postcards. And of course by the time we got to the ferry it was full so we had to sit for another hour to catch the next one. Charlotte and I ran and got a couple quick pics on the beach. I also took some out the window but it was entirely too cold to be out of the car for more than a few minutes. Charlotte begged to get back in the car. Finally got on the ferry and made it back to the beach house. Charlotte of course had to double check that we were going back to the beach house. She keeps insisting its not time to go home yet even though we though we are moving to our "fancy new house" (her words) when we get home.

Today I got to sleep in. I had asked last night and apparently the girls conspired to help with that goal. They got Zac up at 7=) I got to sleep until 9:30, it was wonderful! It's been a very rainy day so we've done nothing! Just sat around the beach house like lazy bums. We are even ordering in pizza for a late night treat later. Tomorrow is our last day so we are going to Bodie Island and maybe Pea Island to look for turtles if the weather cooperates. And then very early we will be heading home on Saturday so we can start moving. I am soo excited and anxious. It almost makes me feel like more of a bum since I am at the beach and not home packing but we are just moving across town and we have the old house for another month so timing is not critical.

Aquarium Day

2009-03-24T19:46:00.003-04:00

Today we took the kids (Tilly & Joe & their kids came too...) up to Roanoke Island to go to the aquarium. For the record, I would sooo move to Manteo. It's such a cute little island town; the perfect combination of commercial and touristy stuff and local quiet town. The girls loved the aquarium. They got to see a sea turtle about a foot away from their faces. It swam up to say hi and waved at them. Zoey flipped out she was so excited. The divers in the shark tank really weirded Charlotte out. And one of the coolest things was the petting room. Zoey got to pet a starfish and a sting ray but was mostly excited about playing in the water. Charlotte got to pet the starfish, a guitar fish and a sea urchin. Jenny loved the sharks. I think the sea turtle was Charlotte's favorite. There was even a statue of one outside so we got pictures of the girls sitting on it.

We went to lunch at Big Al's, a great little 50's diner that is completely decorated in Coke products. So very fun! Zoey discovered a great love of coloring and peach milkshakes. And Charlotte reinforced her love of milkshakes and fries. The only way we kept her awake on the way home was by giving her more sips of my mocha shake.

I think there will be great disappointment in my girls when we have to go home. They are loving having everybody here to play with. Everytime we go out Charlotte has to check that we are coming back to the beach house for Gramps to cook dinner and for her to play with Zelie and Jenny. And Zoey would desperately like to go back to the beach (its been way too cold the last 2 days). Everytime she catches a glimpse of the waves outside the windows she asks to "go go". The good news is we have three more days to play and its supposed to get warmer. But it's also going to be rainy=( Tomorrow morning we're going to see the lighthouse at Bodie Island and then we'll go see the one on Okracoke on Friday.

New house, new baby, and the Beach!

2009-03-22T18:04:00.002-04:00

I have not been on the computer much during Lent so I have not updated in awhile. But we've had a pretty big and exciting few weeks. We've been sick a lot since the beginning of February but I think we might finally be over all the yucky bugs that have been going around. But in the midst of being sick I found out that we are expecting Baby#3 or "Shrimp" in October!!! So we are very excited to be adding to our little family. Charlotte and Zoey are all about giving the new baby kisses and zerberts. To add to our excitement we will be moving in April to accommodate having a new little one and so Charlotte can finally have a room of her own . In our current house she would have to have moved upstairs and the two options for rooms left a lot to be desired as far as safety for a soon to be 3 year old and she doesn't like to be alone so it was just too far. We found a newer duplex in a nice quiet neighborhood and it's close to the grocery store so we are very excited to move. But as I sit and dream of my nice new house I am currently looking at the ocean.

We are in the Outer Banks for a week with Zac's family. We've taken the girls down to see the water twice and each time has been better. Charlotte is afraid of getting wet and would not even take off her shoes to make footprints in the sand. Zoey thought making footprints was funny and every few steps she'd dig her toes in to make a deeper one. I got some really cute pics but forgot the camera cable at home so I will update with all the pics probably as soon as I get home and moved. We took the girls to see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse this morning after church which was really neat. They moved it about 10 years ago and its currently getting cleaned up and ready for the busy season so we could not go up which might have been just as well since Charlotte freaked when Zac suggested touching it. The church down here is gorgeous. There is a big window behind the altar that looks out over the sound and its all wood inside with some really pretty stain glass windows. Later this week we are planning to see some more lighthouses and we'll take the girls to the aquarium. Mostly we will be relaxing and looking at the waves=) Pure laziness!!!

Hamburger Buns, Chay bays, and baby gates...

2009-02-16T14:41:00.003-05:00

What a day! The kids and I have had colds for a week now, fun stuff... So I thought the day was going fairly well. I asked the girls how they were doing today and in typical Charlotte fashion the answer I got started with "My a hamburger bun..." They were pretty good this morning, mostly ate lunch and Charlotte was even mostly staying in bed for rest time and then I saw that the cat needed food so I filled up her bowl and went to put it back. I may not be able to walk for awhile thanks to my clumsy attempt to get over the baby gate, you know the one I step over 600 times a day since Charlotte started crawling. My foot bent under itself as I stumbled and kept stumbling until fell on my patookimas on the other side with cat food all over the living room. Thank you Laureen for sending Louie and Buzz to rescue me!

Two notes-- chay bays are pj's, pajamas, jammies for anyone who has to interact with Charlotte.

And I have not officially decided on the giveaway but I'm leaning towards letting the winner pick (within reason) what they want for me to make...thoughts?

Giveaway ???

2009-02-04T20:05:00.003-05:00

This is post #98! Which means that in 2 more posts I will have reached 100 posts=) I'm contemplating doing a giveaway for it but I want some feedback from my loyal readers!!! I know you lurkers are out there, because you tell me you read but I need comments people! I'm willing to make something and willing to make new things so I want some ideas of what types of things you want to win...

Some belated pics

2009-02-04T19:47:00.003-05:00

This by far one of the most exciting pieces of mail I have ever gotten!!! Now I can finally quickly quilt some of my projects... Speaking of which the pic below is a shot of Charlotte's toddler bed quilt (its about 1/2 way pieced)

And this is a little bag that I made last week during the snow for her to play with her dolls

And this is a picture of my hair when its cooperating. I got it cut off but since there is a lot of wave in it and I normally shower at night by morning it looks like a cyclone hit it.

A few weeks ago Tilly and the kids came over to make fairy wands (ie chocolate covered pretzels) The girls loved them. And lets just say that the peanut butter & chocolate ones were well received... nobody but the mommas got those=)

And Miss Zoey has discovered a great love of jelly beans...if only her daddy had discovered the great invention of a bib...

So I've been a little busy...

2009-01-26T19:15:00.002-05:00

Well, the planned part of my quilt top is done but it isn't wide enough so I'm going to add a few rows. But in the mean time my Charlotte has been loving her new bed from her Opah. It is in her words "the pretty new princess bed that he brought on his truck". And it is quite lovely but her baby quilt doesn't quite fit so of course that means the mama gets an "excuse" to make a new, bigger one. And it is in progress, and will be complete as soon as my machine tension and I are in sync. I also have grand plans for wall hangings and making my parents a quilt for the spring.

The girls are getting bigger by the second it seems. Zoey's 1st birthday is coming up fast. Her default is now to walk, not crawl. And she has been starting to show interest in climbing!!! Charlotte is experimenting with having rest time rather than napping everyday. It's an adjustment but it's one less thing for her to test boundaries with. At least so far...

Update

2009-01-11T22:14:00.002-05:00

King size quilt is almost done--16 out 19 rows complete!!! I'm somewhat proud of myself and a little unsure about the next step. I do not have a walking foot yet, it's on the list but not yet. And even if I did I don't think my regular sewing machine is up for the job. Do I simply tie it or do I go through the effort of hand quilting it? Somewhat torn on the matter. Any thoughts?

In other news, my baby is walking!!! Actually walking across rooms and standing up all by herself and talking--granted it's baby talk but mixed with her signs she's somewhat understandable...
We played Ring around the Rosy today (Charlotte's request) and because Zoey was holding mine and Zac's hands she was stable enough to do it and had a blast. I think it kind of weirded her out that Mommy and Daddy "fell" down too but as long as we laughed she did too.

New Year Goals

2009-01-02T20:29:00.003-05:00

2009 is to be a year of quilting. I have so many ideas and so many things to learn. I have already started my first one-- a king size around the world for my bed. I have about a third of it pieced so hopefully I'll have an excuse to go to the farm soon to get it quilted. I also have some lap quilts and baby quilts planned. And some requests to try to fill. I'm very excited especially because it means I can get new fabric to play with, use some of my stash and get a walking foot for my machine.

What are your plans, goals, resolutions???

Christmas Pictures

2009-01-02T19:46:00.005-05:00

Charlotte waiting to go to Gram and Pop's for Christmas Eve Dinner

Zoey in her Christmas dress

Chef Charlotte

Zoey with (great-)Grammy

Papa reading to the little girls

Charlotte with the new kitchen set that Pops built for her & Zoey
(Fia, Bel & Eloise got 1 too)

The loot

Their stockings and my new dishes from my hubby!

Our Family Tree Wallhanging-- my present to my Monkey

The doll bedding I made for Charlotte's doll bed that Pop's made for her 2nd birthday

2008-12-25T18:57:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat...

2008-12-23T14:22:00.003-05:00

Preparations are winding down around here. Only a few more quick finishing touches to some homemade gifts, a few more to buy (assuming the store gets them in time) and about 1/2 the wrapping left. So I think I'm doing pretty well. Zoey and I have an awful cold so not making much progress today. But my Monkey will be home in 6 hours and I get him for 5 whole days this week and 5 days next week;) Lots of family visiting and cleaning but mostly I think we will just have a nice relaxing break and I can't wait.

I will post pics on Friday of all my homemade gifts. And of course my cuties in their Christmas clothes.

A question-- I am considering participating in a blog giveaway day but I'm at a loss for ideas of what I could make to giveaway...if anyone has any thoughts please share!

Sugar Cookie Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-12-23T13:55:00.000-05:00

Sugar Cookie Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

She steps!

2008-12-12T20:15:00.004-05:00

My Zoey took her 1st steps today!!! 4 of them...not in a row but 4 x's she took one step and then fell over but she did take step! And she did them for me, not that I'm selfish or anything like that;)

And Charlotte went right to sleep tonite!

Two tiny victories in the crazy life of the Duck! My Monkey is skiing with the boy scouts this weekend...the girls and I are surviving, I think!!!

Speaking of crazy I think I might be about 1/2 way done making Christmas presents and I can't even share what I have finished since I'm not entirely sure who all reads here. But I have made progress and I will post pics right after Christmas.

Sweet Charlotte in a rare calm moment

What Zoey was doing while I typed...playing in my scrap bin

My Monkey's birthday was last weekend...and this is what he bought...

Yes, those are shoes and he wears them everywhere. They make him giddy like a kid in a candy store and they are truly weird!

His cake

Zoey dressed up for Mom's Nite (she still gets to come)

I've been tagged!

2008-12-10T13:48:00.004-05:00

The Rules
1. Copy the questions and then answer them (post it on your blog remember).
2. Tag 4 people and let them know you have tagged them.
3. Let the person [who tagged you] know that you have done a post for the tag.

What are your nicknames?

Ducky

What TV game show or reality show would you like to be on?

Wheel of Fortune

What was the first movie you bought in VHS or DVD?

Honestly, not sure I've ever bought one...I think the few I have have been gifts.

What is your favourite scent?

Anything baking in the oven

If you had one million dollars to spend only on yourself, what would you spend it on?

Fabric, quilting machine, minivan, and shoes!!!

What is one place you've visited, can't forget and want to go back to?

Savannah, GA

Do you trust easily?

I don't think so...

Do you generally think before your act, or act before you think?

Hopefully the first but probably more accurately the second

Is there anything that had made you unhappy these days?

How fast my babies are growing

What is your favorite fruit?

apples and bananas

What websites do you visit daily?

the weather channel, my email, and lots of blogs

What have you been seriously addicted to lately?

Coffee w/ Mint Chocolate Truffle Creamer

What's the last song that got stuck in you head?

Growly Bear

What is your favourite thing to wear?

my new pretty earrings

Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy?

Yup

What items couldn't you be without during the day?

My "ears", cell phone and Charlotte's pucky

What should you be doing right now?

Cleaning but my baby is nursing so I "can't" do anything else;)

Anybody who wants to can do this, I'm not tagging anyone. Please let me know if you do! And of course if you know me feel free to correct anything, being my family I know there are plenty of opinions out there...

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-12-09T10:05:00.000-05:00

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

A Special Thank You Note...

2008-12-04T18:13:00.002-05:00

Tis the season for being grateful and I'm horrible at remembering thank you notes so I will attempt to start the season on the right foot.

Thank you Buzz for all your help today! I would never have gotten finished without having extra hands for the kids. (Louie, please make sure he sees this)

Thank you Lisa at The Princess and the Monkey for drawing my name in your giveaway! I can't wait to see the tote!

Thank you Laureen for taking the loud child for a few hours! I can't believe how much quieter it is around here without her constant chatter. (I tried to tell her to stop talking this morning..."But Mommy I need talk you!")

Christmas Decorations

2008-12-04T17:18:00.003-05:00

Uncle Kyle and Charlotte

The purse I made for the Mom's Night Christmas Party gift exchange

Getting locked in by the big sister...again!

My Advent Wreath

My wreath, complete with the yoyo garland I made

Zoey putting the angel on the tree

Charlotte looking for just the right branch

My new tree...Thanks Todd!

Girls just wanna have fun!!!

Christmas Preparations

2008-12-03T12:47:00.002-05:00

We are freshly back from Thanksgiving at the farm and knee deep in getting ready for Christmas. I will hopefully get some pics up soon. The tree is up and most of the decorating is done. Now I just need to get he presents finished...Zoey's quilt got finished at the farm--Thanks Omah for the use of the walking foot!!! So the major one is done I just need to make myself sit down and do the rest. If only there weren't so many distractions...children in the next room undecorating everything, Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway day, and an entire internet to give me more ideas than I know what to do with or time to complete them.

The girls are doing well. Zoey is starting to sign when she wants things and says Momma when she wants to be picked up. Charlotte is playing and into everything as usual. And the ornaments on the tree expand her "baby" collection so I keep finding her tucking them in all over the living room. She tried to sit on Santa's lap yesterday. Nope, not the one at the mall. I don't think we are that brave yet. She sat on her little stuffed one. Yup, she's that "smart" or something.

Recital Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-12-01T14:45:00.000-05:00

Recital Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Black Friday Drawings

2008-11-25T13:01:00.001-05:00

http://kandykissesboutique.typepad.com/

Check it out! She is doing drawings every hour all day Friday for some great giveaways!

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-25T10:57:00.000-05:00

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

Finally some finished craftiness...

2008-11-24T15:59:00.003-05:00

A stuffed Nativity set for my kiddos

An art smock for my niece, Sofia

And finally, the top of Zoey's baby quilt

Generous People

2008-11-15T09:53:00.004-05:00

I simply cannot believe the amount of work people put into their blogs and giveaways! Wow! And yes I am a sucker for giveaways, maybe someday I'll actually win something. I found yet another quilt giveaway this morning over at Camille's blog. She is even letting you pick the pattern! It makes me want to get busy on my Christmas present making. My babies get a quilt for their first Christmas so I have to get moving on Zoey's if its going to be ready in time.

Its been a busy few weeks getting settled back into our routines here at home. Lots of crazy Charlotte talking nonstop and now Zoey is learning too. She can say "Momma" and something that sounds awfully similar to "I love you" so that's what we say she says...

Charlotte has been learning songs and her bedtime prayers. She now sings along and hits most of the important words in her prayers. Its so sweet but sad because it means my baby is growing up. Can't I freeze them at this age??? Last week she was looking at the computer and this picture was up on the screen. And she starts yelling about Daddy having a chicken on his head.

So yup... that's my hubby w/ the "chicken" on his head...two year olds are so funny. And their language is inspiring. Charlotte can talk quite well but her sounds don't always come out when needed. So she needs "nuggles" when she is "tidered" And then there is "fat jump" because what two year doesn't like to jump. She had asked if I would jump with her and I told her no and then she wanted to know if Daddy would jump with her and I told her that probably was not a very good idea. The response to which we heard from Daddy in the kitchen "Was that a fat joke?" which was immediately interpreted by Charlotte as "fat jump" Maybe things are funnier in the moment so maybe typing it does not give it the justice it deserves but I try.

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-13T14:21:00.000-05:00

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

Quilt giveaway!!!

2008-11-12T17:05:00.004-05:00

No not one of mine...I'm not that nice or talented. But this nice person is doing just that...and this is my way of getting more chances and spreading the word. http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/
is the place to go and try to win. She is giving away 3 of the prettiest quilts.

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

2008-11-10T08:58:00.000-05:00

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

http://www.grosgrainstore.com/

Grosgrain Grand Opening !!!!

2008-11-06T16:29:00.000-05:00

Grosgrain Grand Opening !!!!

Grosgrain: Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-03T14:44:00.000-05:00

Grosgrain: Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

This has got to be one of the coolest most creative costumes!!! I love it!

Halloween Costumes and Pictures

2008-11-01T20:04:00.008-04:00

It appears that I am a forgetful duck!!! I have been home over a week now and I have not posted any pictures. I am very sorry for not remembering!!!! My computer is loading them as I type so I will try to get some up, however I apparently took close to 200 so it will only be a small sampling of our adventures. Or not...I couldn't decide!

We are slowly getting settled back in to life in our own crazy farmhouse. Zoey is now into everything so I am having to re-child proof everything, which I did not think was possible since I had already done it for Charlotte. She can walk along furniture and even walk only holding on with one hand. Charlotte seems to be readjusting well and we are slowly ridding her of some of the lovely bad habits she picked up being off routine. She is talking so much more now. She and Zac constantly argue over me..."my ducky no my ducky" which is cute and makes me feel loved so I let it continue. The other night at dinner she kept calling me "my woman" ...not entirely sure where that phrase came from but Zac encouraged her until she started calling him "my woman". She survived trick or treating last night far better than anybody anticipated due to her fear of costumes, masks, and face paint. Once she realized that the clowns and pumpkins at the houses would give her candy she did very well. She ended up with half of a pumpkin of candy! Our only sticking point today was fear of Uncle Kyle. Apparently the face paint stuck with her and when he tried to come in today (without face paint) she about had a coronary until she actually saw him and realized he looked normal (well, normal for him anyway;)

Tony

Jenny --poor thing can't sleep in the car

Charlotte & Zelie-- finally sleeping

Zoey is happy...for the moment

My stained glass in progress-- I'll get the finished product up once its in the window

My towel on the loom

Omah and my girls

Eloise and Zoey

Charlotte

Isobel

Charlotte and Sofia

My very cold girls and me

Mark and Kim and their very cold girlies

Kim and the girlies at the zoo

Charli Sue

Pops and Zoey

Happy 1st birthday, Joey!!!

Zoey and Uncle Kyle

Enjoying the 1st day of November

My bumblebee and hershey kiss

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-10-26T20:40:00.000-04:00

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Marie-Thérèse Gown GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-10-20T13:06:00.000-04:00

Grosgrain: Marie-Thérèse Gown GIVEAWAY!!!!

Trip Update

2008-10-17T13:59:00.003-04:00

Hi Everybody!

My babies are napping at the same time for the 2nd day in a row. And Kim and her babies are all napping too!!! I think this is the first time I've had to myself all week except for showering. It's been a fun week here. We got here on Sunday and got to settle in for a day before Kim and Mark went back to work. And I think we've settled into a pretty good routine for our mornings watching the girls. Fia goes to preschool so she's not around so its like having two sets of twins, two eight month olds and two 2 yr olds. Next time I say twins might be cool...I'm lying I really am! It's been a lot of fun though. Bel has warmed up to us some and she and Charlotte play well together for the most part. Some issues with sharing but for 2's they are doing well. Zoey and Eloise play on the floor and in the jumper. And even coordinate naps;) We've been to the parks in the afternoon. Charlotte loves the swings and even tried the big kid tunnel slide and twisty slide. A very exhausting but highly fun week to be sure!

Last week went really well at Omah and Opah's! I got to make a stained glass and weaved half a towel on the loom (will finish it at Thanksgiving--I promise Tilly and Louie I know you guys want yours off too...) The girls had a blast playing outside and meeting the animals. They got to know Omah and Opah too which is great for them. Charlotte calls them both "PahPah" but considering at the beginning of the week she didn't understand which name went with which person I think that's good progress. Zoey learned to wave and play patty cake. Lots of fun and a very relaxing week not having to think about meals and being able to play in the loom room was awesome. I took some pics so I'll load them when I get home next weekend. I'll try to update more over the next week. We are having lots of fun hanging out with the cousins and there is a zoo trip and a pumpkin patch in the plans for the weekend. And the best news is that Monkey gets to come see us for part of the weekend:) We miss everyone bunches!!!!

Shenandoah Costume GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-10-12T21:21:00.000-04:00

Shenandoah Costume GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Red Riding Hood Jacket GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-10-01T21:51:00.000-04:00

Red Riding Hood Jacket GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

A slight dilemma...

2008-10-01T21:25:00.002-04:00

This is my fall wreath. It is also my first wreath. Thanks Tilly!!! It has a lovely pumpkin ribbon and nothing else. I think it needs some help but I can't decide how to fix it. Any thoughts?

Field Trips

2008-10-01T21:23:00.002-04:00

First, the pics in the last post are way out of order and for that I am sorry!!!

We've been busy the last few weeks with some exciting field trips. Zac went camping with the boy scouts a couple of weekends ago so I took advantage of being in complete control of the schedule. The girls and I went up to my parents and ended up spending the night due to the tiredness of the momma. And then we spent the day at Edinburg Festival with most of my siblings and their kids + Tilly and her littles. It was great fun. Sofi, Charlotte and Isobel go to see the firetrucks up close and even go in some. We had lunch near some live music which is always a big hit with the kids. And Charlotte got to see her first parade!

And last weekend we took another fun adventure to the pumpkin patch. I haven't been in soo long and Charlotte is old enough to think it's a fun exciting day. We even got to borrow Zelie for the day so she could go get a pumpkin too! I got some gourds to make up a "fall" basket for my mantle and Zoey even picked out her own tiny pumpkin.

Today we did not go anywhere but Tilly and the kids came and we made some awesome applesauce. It was a big hit! Charlotte ate all her dinner so she could have more--no coaxing needed!

The girls and I leave Saturday for Omah and Opah's with Tilly and her littles and then we get to go to Kim's for two weeks! I'm sure I'll have lots of pics of fun and exciting adventures!!! I will try to update often but I'm not sure how that will work yet! But at the very least I will have lots to share when we get home!! I think this is the longest I will have ever been away from home for a vacation, so exciting and stressful at the same time.

Pics

2008-10-01T20:55:00.006-04:00

Hanging out with Uncle Kyle

"Riding" the cow train at the pumpkin patch... a very short lived adventure!

Picking the best little pumpkin

Zelie, Charlotte and Jenny

A new flannel nightgown!!!

Firetrucks are so big!

Zoey enjoying lunchtime

Parade watching apple eating fun

Off to pick a pumpkin

Just our size

Dollhouse Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-09-27T14:24:00.000-04:00

Dollhouse Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Sarsaparilla Skirt & Vest GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-09-23T14:18:00.000-04:00

Sarsaparilla Skirt & Vest GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Exciting Projects

2008-09-17T20:54:00.004-04:00

I am getting very motivated to finally get to some projects. I used my anti-procrastination afternoon (Flylady) and put together a fall decoration for my my house. Not quite sure where it's going to live but I am very excited. I keep saying I am going to decorate and get to some sewing projects and I never do, so today I decided that needed to change.

And even more exciting I think is that I have a my king size quilt top all cut out and ready to be sewn together.

The next few weeks will be busy but productive and exciting I think...I have two trips coming up. First the girls and I will be going with Tilly and her kids to Omah and Opah's for a week. They haven't gotten to meet Zoey yet and we never get down there except for Thanksgiving which is absolute craziness so it'll be a good chance to visit and let the girls get to know them better. After that we are off to my sister's for two weeks to help with her kids while her husband starts a new job that has an orientation period that does not coincide well with her work hours.

My new quilt layout

A helpful Zoey--waiting for Momma to clean up

My fall decoration

Charlotte's Fall "Draw Draw"-- complete with her "name"

Make Believe Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-09-11T14:11:00.000-04:00

Make Believe Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Such a cute dress up outfit!

A few pictures...

2008-09-10T16:11:00.004-04:00

Table Cloth Skirt and Dinner Party Top GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-09-10T14:02:00.001-04:00

Table Cloth Skirt and Dinner Party Top GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Ooops! Didn't read far enough to see the deadline...just missed it!

Sleepytime Bear Nightgown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-09-10T13:59:00.001-04:00

Sleepytime Bear Nightgown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Absolutely adorable giveaway! Check out this great blog...

A Busy Week

2008-09-09T14:33:00.001-04:00

A quick update on my Zoey! Since last weekend she has learned to crawl, sit up on her own and to pull herself to an almost completely standing position. And the 1st tooth is finally coming through, so not much sleep and somewhat grumpy but very snuggly=)

A great bigness!

2008-09-03T20:11:00.001-04:00

My Zoey is a mobile girl! Still slow and frustrates easily but she figured out the crawling motion last night and she can move herself in a circle...AAAhh!!!