GreenStyleMom

Daybook 2.13.12

2012-02-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... sunny and lovely and just begging me to go do something outside. Today is why we live in Colorado.

I am thinking... about nothing. Totally blank mind!

I am thankful for... family

From the kitchen... easy black bean soup for lunch, minestrone for dinner, heart shaped pancakes for breakfast tomorrow, and that is as far as I've gotten.

I am wearing... brownish-army greenish yoga pants, red marled hoodie (I love this top!), and slippers. For once I'm not in PJs or tennis clothes!

I am creating... we made our valentines this weekend. Everything turned out super cute! Still have to make little heart shaped notes for my valentines.

I am going... to do a short run, go to the grocery store, to the post office, maybe the fabric store, maybe Costco and maybe the map store.

I am reading... I'm always reading so many books that I can hardly keep track! Listening to Skippy Dies. Still technically reading Raising Happiness and Quiet, but I didn't have much reading time this week.

I am hoping... that my ankle pain doesn't return after today's run

I am hearing... the dryer and the heater and the cat batting at a toy

Around the house... just plugging away at little projects. I wish Matt had 2 weeks off with no plans so we could just go room to room getting things done.

One of my favorite things... hearts!

A few plans for the rest of the week: tennis doubles (going to try!), dentist appt, hair cut, Valentine's Day parties at school, Texas trip

Here is a picture I am sharing: nada

Running Log

2012-02-12T11:43:00.002-07:00

I really did not want to post this week's log... ugh...

Running Miles: ZERO
Hiking Miles: 0

Swimming Miles: aqua jogging for 30 min (well, maybe only 20 min with all the fuss I made with the belt!)
Biking Miles: 0
Tennis Hours: 6

Skiing Days: 0

This Week's Total Mileage: 2 (I'm giving myself some credit for the aqua jogging!)

YTD Mileage: 130.5

This week was all about the ankle. I had a lovely 10 mile run last Sunday and felt GREAT. I wasn't planning on much running the beginning of the week due to tennis. Played a singles match on Monday. Felt good. Went to a tennis clinic plus played a (hard!) doubles match on Tuesday. Felt good. Tuesday night I was rubbing my feet when I noticed that I had a little pain around my anterior malleolus (that little bump that sticks out on the side of your ankle). Thought very little of it. Got up Wednesday and noticed it hurt when I put on my shoes for tennis. I thought maybe my shoes were rubbing it funny (although I've been wearing these shoes for months). It bothered me the entire (long!) match, but like a fool, I kept playing. Fortunately I opted out of my planned run that afternoon. By Wednesday night, I could hardly walk. PAINFUL. Both physically and psychologically.

Matt diagnosed me with peroneal tendonitis (and I got a second opinion from Dr. Google!). I cancelled all my tennis and running to just rest. So that is what I've been doing since Wednesday plus icing and taking ibuprofen. I did try some aqua jogging on Thursday while the kids were swimming. Even though it is supposed to be a good running workout, it didn't feel like it. Plus it was boring - worse than the treadmill! I also got a massage yesterday, and the therapist really worked on my feet and calves. The pain is pretty much gone, but now I'm nervous to start running again too soon. I might try one slow mile today just to see.

One week to my half marathon... sigh...

Personification

2012-02-10T12:42:00.001-07:00

Isn't that what it is called when you start concerning yourself with the "feelings" of old stuffed animals?

I'm on this big clean-out kick yesterday and today. I can't run nor play tennis (the ankle injury... Boo!). Plus I lost my rotary cutter somewhere in the depths of my sewing room so I can't really sew much either. This suddenly leaves me with a bit of time for actually doing some work around the house. I've cleaned out under all the sinks, my bedside table, the book basket, the magazine bucket, my office floor (but not the desk top!) and hit all the random dpots around the house where junk accumulates. I'm being ruthless about getting rid of junk. Or I was being ruthless until I came across this little guy...

I got him in Fernie, Canada when I was much too old to be buying stuffed animals and didn't yet have babies. But I adored his little belly "button!" He looks so pathetic with his one extremity. And he looks at me so sad with those beady eyes. I just can't bring myself to get rid of him even though I probably will never think of him again if I did.

And then I came across this guy...

Kate used to call him her guinea pig even though I think he is a dog. Maybe a bull dog? Shar pei? He gave me the puppy eyes (or "eye" in this case"), and I was mush. All I can think about is the velveteen rabbit.

I thought if I took photos for posterity, I might get them to the trash (you know, so they can become "real" in the dump... But wait... Would that dog thing become a dog or a guinea pig?!?). I don't have it in me. So these guys are sticking around for a bit longer.

Maybe I'll have better luck in my closet where the jeans don't have feelings. They are cruel, heartless beings that insult me by refusing to button.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Breakfast Cookies

2012-02-09T08:30:00.001-07:00

My kids declared me the "Best Mom in the World" this morning for serving them "cookies" for breakfast. There were guilty giggles all around - the kids because the were eating dessert for breakfast and me because I knew how healthy the cookies are.

I woke up (sans alarm!) at about 6am and was perusing the Internet while icing my ankle (more on that when I come to terms with it). I was on Pinterest and saw a recipe for breakfast cookies pinned by my friend Andrea (the pin doesn't link to a website so I don't know where to give credit for the recipe). I made them immediately with just a few changes including a few mini chocolate chips (I love mini chips because just a few go along way!).

When I woke up Jack and told him what I was making for breakfast, he gave me his best I-don't-believe-you look. Both kids loved them hot out of the oven. I'll be curious how well they save.

Original Breakfast Cookie recipe: 1.5 cups oats, 2-3 super ripe bananas (I used 3), 1 cup applesauce (I used my canned homemade sauce), handful of craisins, and cinnamon to taste. (I used dried cherries instead of craisins, added just a few mini chocolate chips, vanilla, and a scoop of protein powder). Plop on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for about 35 minutes.

YUM!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

WIP Wednesday

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm really trying to make this list smaller and smaller. And I'm really, really trying to not start anything new, but I'm just dying to get started on a couple of projects. If I can get 2-3 more quilts basted and quilted (my goal over the next 2-3 weeks), I'll let myself start something new.

I'm not really happy with some of my WIPs and unsure why I'm proceeding with any project I don't like. I'm so happy with my decision to switch up the Facade Quilt into something different and so excited about the new project that I'm thinking I might do the same with a few other quilt tops. Going to do some soul searching about that this week.

BB=Back Burner
= Priority

Completed Projects To Be Blogged
(Maybe if I just do one a week...)

Crazy Clown Colors Quilt
Modern Houses Quilt
Teacher going away quilt
Minky Baby Quilt (new finish!)

Quilts Needing Binding

(And I need a movie/TV night to bind!)

Halloween Quilt
Halloween Table Runner
Camper's Quilt (pieced and quilted over the weekend!)
Valentine's Day table runner (new project started this weekend!)

Quilts Needing Basting/Quilting

Pinwheel Quilt
Wonky Pinky Quilt (BB)
M's Quilt
Sorta Stacked Coins Quilt (BB)
Miss D's Quilt (BB)
Habitat Challenge Quilt #1
Habitat Challenge Quilt #2

Quilts Being Cut and/or Pieced

Ticker Tape Quilt (BB)
Green Squares Quilts x2
Sew-In Quilt (BB)
Repro Quilt #1
Repro Quilt #2
Unnamed BIG quilt (formally known as the Facade Quilt)

Non-Quilt Sewing Projects

Bath wraps for Kate and American Girl Doll
Fleecy PJs for Kate
Bike Bag for Jack
Kids' Xmas gifts for 2012 (making progress)

Daybook 2.6.12

2012-02-06T13:36:00.002-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... cool and overcast. Clouds covered the mountains earlier, but it looks like they are breaking up now.

I am thinking... about all the tasks on my to-do list that I am currently ignoring

I am thankful for... hot tubs!

From the kitchen... not sure yet. Something with potatoes!

I am wearing... blue jeans, my tennis top and new slippers (I had to give up my favorite slippers and switch to a pair with a harder, more supportive sole)

I am creating... trying to get a few valentine decorations done. I also want to pull out my yarn for some new crochet projects. We are going to be doing some traveling in the upcoming months, and I need projects that are more portable than quilts.

I am going... to take the kids to open bank accounts after school today.

I am reading... got a few going on right now... almost done with The Memory of Running. I didn't really like it all that much at first, but the story is growing on me. I also got the newly released Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. Really enjoying this one. Probably because it is just reinforcing what I already believe about introverts (I am a proud, card-carrying introvert!). Also slogging through Raising Happiness. Eh.

I am hoping... that a foot masseuse will magically appear at my front door this afternoon...

I am hearing... the vacuum cleaner and classical music on the radio. My housekeeper is responsible for both. And, yes, I feel a bit guilty that I am blogging while she is cleaning my house, but this is the only quiet time I'll get today.

Around the house... Matt was off work last week and we really made some progress on Jack's room. Hemmed the curtains, hung some shelves and artwork, ordered some accessories. I'll take some photos and share details soon.

One of my favorite things... no school snow days

A few plans for the rest of the week: tennis almost everyday, sewing with Miss D, art night with some neighborhood pals (gotta remember to make an appetizer for this!),

Here is a picture I am sharing: we did a bit of sewing during our snow day on Friday. Kate made a dog bed for Nina out of some fleece she picked out a few weeks ago (remind me to tell that story!). Nina LOVES her new bed!

Running Log

2012-02-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

I got a bit lazy at the end of this week. Can I use the "blizzard" and the whole inch of snow we got as an excuse? I will use the no school/snow day on Friday as an excuse! I actually intended to run on the treadmill Friday, but I got busy with the kids and just forgot. I am happy with the runs I remembered. I felt great on my tempo run and really good on my long run today. Two weeks until my half marathon. Just need to stay healthy.

Running Miles: 19
Hiking Miles: 0

Swimming Miles: 0
Biking Miles: 0
Tennis Hours: 5
Skiing Hours: 0 (Boys' weekend... I stayed home with the kids)

This Week's Total Mileage: 19

YTD Mileage: 128.5

40 for 40 Update #1

2012-02-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

I think I'm making good progress...

1. ~~Ski a mogul run~~ - DONE!

2. Attempt to donate blood

3. ~~Join the bone marrow donation registry~~ - DONE!

4. Sponsor a child

5. Go cross country skiing

6. Go snowshoeing

7. Make cinnamon rolls

8. Make 40 new recipes (I need to keep better track of this! I know I've tried at least 2 so far.)

9. Complete a quilt each for Kate & Jack (in progress)

10. Complete a quilt for my bed

11. Learn to play 4 Christmas carols on the piano

12. Get chickens

13. Learn to fold 40 origami projects

14. Document a day-in-our life 40 times (that's 3-4 /month) - done 1
15. Run 1000 miles (joining Tall Mom's club) - on schedule!
16. Say "I Love You" to 40 people

17. Go camping

18. Visit a National Park

19. Complete a half marathon (registered for Feb)

20. Complete a marathon (registered for June)

21. Complete a triathlon (registered for Aug)

22. Plant a garden

23. Go to a drive-in movie

24. Climb a 14er

25. Leave the country

26. Go water skiing

27. Host a party

28. ~~Buy an RV~~ - DONE! (Details this week!)

29. Secret Plan
30. Start a new, benevolent family tradition

31. Do a back flip off a diving board

32. Ride a motorcycle

33. Run 5K in less than 30min

34. Do the incline

35. Have a full day spa day

36. Fast for a day

37. Fly a kite

38. Go horseback riding

39. Take kids to a college sporting event
40. Go rock climbing

Hippo Blanket

2012-01-31T06:25:00.000-07:00

Matt's sister had a new baby boy back in December. We didn't know ahead of time if it was going to be a boy or a girl which makes project planning a bit difficult. I also didn't have a lot of time with the holidays, so I decided to make a cut chenille blanket after seeing this tutorial. I can't remember where I found the cute decorator's weight hippo fabric, but I bought the flannel from Connecting Threads. The binding is from my stash - maybe It's a Hoot? My hand got awfully sore cutting with the scissors that much and I had other issues with the cutting (ugh, ugh, ugh! If I do another blanket like this - and I have more hippo fabric in several colors - I'm going to get a chenille cutter), but I'm really happy with the end result. Even the cute little patch.

(Sorry for the bad photos... I'm getting lazy and just using my iphone lately.

Should have at least used the Instagram app... but too late since the blanket is in the mail!)

Daybook 1.30.12

2012-01-30T14:09:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... partly cloudy but warm day. How can it possibly be January?!?

I am thinking... that a long run yesterday plus a tennis lesson this morning plus a singles match this morning was a bit much for my poor legs. I have NO IDEA how I am going to convince my legs to run tomorrow after my doubles match.

I am thankful for... quiet time.

From the kitchen... haven't really thought about food for this week until this moment. Guess I better come up with something.

I am wearing... my robe and an Origins face mask (I just got out of the hot tub and am making my way to the shower next)

I am creating... lots and lots of fun quilts in my head, not so much at the machine this week.

I am going... to get myself a new running shirt for my half marathon. Not sure what yet.

I am reading... finished The Shack this morning, still reading the BFG at Kate's request, not sure what I am going to start next.

I am hoping... that my current daydreams come true.

I am hearing... NOTHING! It is really, really quiet.

Around the house... just barely keeping up. Some days I think I should trash everything and start over!

One of my favorite things... the Out of Trouble face mask by Origins (see "I am wearing..." above)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Not much right now. In a good way. Mostly routine plans like tennis, swimming, etc. Matt is off work this week and has a friend coming in this weekend for skiing. Hoping to get some sew time with Miss D. I might also schedule myself for a massage.

Here is a picture I am sharing: no photo. Everything is still on my phone and I want to go take my shower...

Running Log

2012-01-29T19:47:00.002-07:00

This week's running highlights...

Ran my longest run ever today! 14.75 miles! Although I'm not sure *run* is the appropriate verb - *went* might be better. Matt ran the first half with me. I got a grumbly tummy at mile 7 so I went home with him for a pit stop and a water refill before I hit the last 7 miles. There was a decent amount of walking in there, but I finished strong and felt great at mile 14. Had to force myself to stop running and walk home.
Ran in Bear Creek Park where I encountered the bear last summer. It was only my second run there since the bear run-in. My first run back last fall, I spotted a coyote eyeing me. This week, there was a deer leg on the trail (a sign of a mountain lion in the vicinity) in almost the same spot I saw the bear. Needless to say, I'm a bit jumpy on that running route.
Still no swimming or biking. My legs are getting plenty with running and tennis right now.
3 weeks until my half marathon. Taper starts this week.
Going to sit in the hot tub as soon as I'm done typing!

Running Miles: 30.25
Hiking Miles: 0

Swimming Miles: 0
Biking Miles: 0
Tennis Hours: 6 (& I wonder why I can't get any cooking or laundry done!)
Skiing Hours: 0 (much to Matt's dismay!)

This Week's Total Mileage: 30.25

YTD Mileage: 109.5

Right Now

2012-01-28T15:00:00.001-07:00

In the middle of building my Lego fortress. Needed a chai to get me through.

Might need something stronger to get me through the upcoming Lego battle...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Right Now

2012-01-27T18:34:00.001-07:00

Kate's first swim meet

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Bone Marrow Registry

2012-01-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

One of the items on my 40 for 40 list is to join the Bone Marrow Donation Registry. I filled out the online registration form and got my packet in the mail a couple weeks ago. It was easy to swab my cheeks, I stuck the swabs in the mail, and I think I have to wait a couple months until I'm officially on the list. Easy peasy. You should go do it also. Right now.

The Testing Kit

Rudolph Club

2012-01-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

Just for the record, even I think I'm a bit crazy for doing this. But the last 2 years I have used the Organized Christmas site to help me get ready for the holidays. in 2010 I did the 6 week Christmas Countdown which was great and really allowed me to enjoy the season. For 2011, I did the Houseworks Holiday Plan. It got a little long, and I lost momentum by early November. But I was really happy to have lots of my holiday plans done early. This year I've decided to do the Rudolph Club. On the 25th of every month, you do some Christmas planning. They have assignments each month that I'll pick and choose from, but since I've been trying to move more and more to handmade/homemade gifts, I'm hoping this will give me some momentum/inspiration to get some of these gifts done early. I'm also hoping that I will get to some of the quilty Christmas projects that I keep intending to make for ME.

Yesterday was the January meeting. Matt had a late work meeting last night, so I used the time at my sewing machine working on the gifts I am making for all the cousins this coming year. I also did some research on some of the accessories to go with the gift. I also want to inventory my gift closet in the next week (it is over flowing! Some will be birthday presents for my kids in Feb and March, some I'll save for birthday party presents, some are just going to be donated, and some I'll save for the Toys for Tots drive next December).

WIP Wednesday

2012-01-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

Having a sewing day with Miss D today, so I'm hoping to get a lot done on either the Camper's Quilt or the new, untitled BIG quilt. My goal for this week is to have the Camper's Quilt top finished. I'd also like to get the Minky Baby Quilt basted because I want to practice quilting the minky.

Camper's Quilt in progress

BB=Back Burner
= Active this week

Completed Projects To Be Blogged
(I just need to take a day and blog ALL of these...)

Crazy Clown Colors Quilt
Modern Houses Quilt
Teacher going away quilt
Hippo Baby Blanket

Quilts Needing Binding

(And I need a movie/TV night to bind!)

Halloween Quilt

Minky Baby Quilt
Ready to Baste

Halloween Table Runner

Quilts Needing Basting/Quilting

Pinwheel Quilt (BB)
Minky Baby Quilt
Wonky Pinky Quilt (BB)
M's Quilt (BB)
Sorta Stacked Coins Quilt (BB)
Miss D's Quilt (BB)
Habitat Challenge Quilt #1

Figuring out the
design for new quilt

Habitat Challenge Quilt #2

Quilts Being Cut and/or Pieced

Ticker Tape Quilt (BB)
Green Squares Quilts x2
Sew-In Quilt (BB)
Repro Quilt #1
Repro Quilt #2
Camper's Quilt
Unnamed BIG quilt (formally known as the Facade Quilt)

Non-Quilt Sewing Projects

Bath wraps for Kate and American Girl Doll
Fleecy PJs for Kate
Bike Bag for Jack
Kids' Xmas gifts for 2012 (cut, need to sew)

Favorite Sale

2012-01-24T22:33:00.001-07:00

Patagonia sale started!! Go get some good deals.

I know *things* don't make you happy, but Patagonia *things* make me sorta happy.

All Clear

2012-01-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Got the all clear from the podiatrist this morning.

No stress fracture. No injury to prevent me from running.

My tootsies!

No official diagnosis either. Probably a little tendonitis. Or I might just be feeling my bones and tendons shifting and rubbing (apparently I have "loose" feet!).

He offered me a wedge to add to my orthotics to give me a little more support on that side of my foot, but I declined. I would have to work into it, and it would change my stride. Since I don't actually have any pain, just a stretching/pulling/aching feeling occasionally, I'd rather just keep doing what I'm doing.

The mental relief is good. I was so worried about running on an injury. Now I can run without worry and allow myself to get excited for my half marathon next month!

Daybook (Nightbook?) 1.23.12

2012-01-23T21:56:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... in my bed with the blinds closed, but I know it is a clear, dark night because I was just sitting in the hot tub a little bit ago.

I am thinking... about a friend with an injured bicep. Wondering how it is.

I am thankful for... a husband who rubs my sore legs.

From the kitchen... I made the minestrone soup tonight that I've been planning to make for a couple weeks now. It was so good. Can't wait to eat leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Kate has requested cheese soup for dinner tomorrow. I have everything I need, so I believe her request will be granted.

I am wearing... it's none of your business what I wear to bed! :)

I am creating... finished up a blanket that I'll blog about next week. Making some progress on the camper's quilt. Hoping to have the top done this week. Wasn't happy about how another project was turning out, so I changed it up. So excited about this new version.

I am going... to the podiatrist tomorrow. Hoping for all good news. Got a pedicure this evening because I didn't want the poor guy to be horrified at my toes.

I am reading... just started raising Happiness, working on The BFG at Kate's request and listening to The Shack on audiobook

I am hoping... to fall asleep quickly.

I am hearing... Jack breathing beside me and Matt's white noise maker in the bathroom

Around the house... feels like everything is falling apart!

One of my favorite things... pedicures

A few plans for the rest of the week: podiatrist appointmemt, Bunco, a run with a friend, my grandma's birthday, tennis lesson, Kate's first swim meet

Here is a picture I am sharing: my friend Michelle's baby just turned one. When she sent me a photo, I realized that he wore the same shirt Jack wore on his first birthday. Here's Jack in that shirt almost 6 years ago...

Running Log

2012-01-22T19:12:00.001-07:00

I had planned to back down on my mileage a little bit this week, but that darn tummy bug brought me way down. In retrospect, I probably should have jumped on the treadmill at least once while home with the sickos (it isn't that much of an effort since there is a treadmill IN MY OWN BASEMENT!). But I was tired and worried a bit about my foot, so we'll just call it a good week for a rest. My long run tonight was lovely. Since I ran late (we were skiing this morning in a fresh 10 inches!) and it wasn't safe to run alone on the trail, the last several miles I ran were in town. A good change of scenery, but I had to cut the run short when it got too dark to see the sidewalks well. Still no swimming or biking. I'll probably swim this week.

Running Miles: 18.5
Hiking Miles: 3

Swimming Miles: 0
Biking Miles: 0
Tennis Hours: 1
Skiing Hours: 2 (Ski Days This Season = 4)

This Week's Total Mileage: 21.5

YTD Mileage: 79.25

It Was Good Day

2012-01-21T23:06:00.001-07:00

A lot of sewing

A little snowshoeing

A little crepe eating for an afternoon snack

A lot of fun with friends here for dinner

But I only got pictures of the snowshoeing...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Yesterday Play By Play

2012-01-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

5am hear Matt get up for spin class
6:30 alarm goes off
press snooze
6:39 alarm goes off
press snooze
6:48 alarm goes off
press snooze
6:57 alarm goes off
turn alarm off
7am back-up alarm goes off
press snooze but don't go back to sleep
check email and read some blogs on my phone while still in bed
7:09 alarm goes off
get up, take a quick shower (I was stinky!), brush teeth and put on work out clothes
7:25 wake up kids, Kate is already up and getting dressed
Get clothes for Jack and get him dressed
Go downstairs, pull out toaster, start toast, pour milk for Jack
Put snacks and homework folders in kids' backpacks
Tell kids to eat
Quickly blow dry hair
Search for library books
Tell kids to put on shoes
Put my ipod and some snacks for myself in my bag
Tell kids to get backpacks and get in the car
Pour myself a bowl of cereal
Grab my bag, bowl of cereal, running shoes and sunglasses
Tell kids to get in the car
Realize that my orthotics are in my trail shoes, grab those shoes also
Fill my water bottle
Tell the kids to GET IN THE CAR!
Load the car with all my junk and the kids
7:59 drop the kids off at school just in time
Eat cereal on the way to the gym while listening to my audiobook
In gym parking lot, take off slippers, switch orthotics to running shoes and lace up
8:30am start my 5 mile run on the treadmill (usually I avoid the treadmill, but not today...)
Matt calls, I huff that I am on the treadmill and can't talk
Stretch
9:30 Strength training with my friend Kristen (along with some laughing that my sweat looks like I've pee'd my pants!)
Chat with some friends at the gym
10:15 arrive home
Turn on audiobook in kitchen
Unload the dishwasher
Reload the dishwasher
Clean up breakfast
Sort yesterday's mail
Deposit a check using mobile deposit on my phone
Leave a message with Miss D
Take a real shower, get dressed, blow dry hair, put on some make-up
Ditch plan to ride my bike to lunch when I realize the tires are flat
Almost get in a wreck when some guy runs a red light
Talk to a homeless guy while waiting for my friend at the restaurant
Update my Facebook status
11:30 My friend Genevieve arrives for a lovely, long lunch
Have a good conversation
Drop Genevieve off at her school
Listen to audiobook on the way home
Look through a few quilting books for a gift idea while still listening to audiobook, find nothing
Empty dryer, move laundry from washer to dryer
Get myself a little dish of chocolate covered pomegranate seeds
Turn on the computer
Decide it is too beautiful to be inside and take laptop to the back porch
Laugh and enjoy the responses to my Facebook status
Take a photo of Nina basking in the sun
Chat for awhile with my friend Krista when she calls
As soon as we hang up, Matt calls, chat with him for a bit
Read some blogs, search the internet for camping lake resorts in Minnesota
Realize I'm tired
1:55 take a quick nap
2:20 alarm goes off
Get up, put on shoes and puffy vest
Fix myself a chai tea
Drive to school
Listen to audiobook while waiting for kids
Go meet one of Kate's friends
Chat with some moms on the playground
Go back to car with Jack while Kate plays awhile longer
Help Jack with his math homework in the car
Return a text to my sister-in-law
Drive to grocery store
Buy cauliflower, onions, milk, powdered sugar and crescent rolls (Jack's request!)
Drive home
3:35 Chat with kids while they eat a snack
Encourage Kate to start her homework
Enter Jack's spelling words on the Spelling City website
Help Kate with a homework question
Start making dinner (roasted fingerling potatoes, veggies and sausage)
Continue to answer homework questions for Kate while making dinner
Answer doorbell and reschedule housekeeper visit for tomorrow
Send Jack upstairs to change into swim trunks
Realize that Jack's swim lesson starts early tonight and there is no way dinner will be ready in time
Send Kate to get ready for swimming
Tell the kids to eat a snack to get them through swimming
Gather what I need for book club
Leave dinner in the oven (turned off) to stay warm
Kate attempts to call Matt while driving to swim lessons
Calls wrong office, gets another partner
5pm Arrive at pool and get Jack started with his lesson
Help Kate with her swim cap
Talk to Matt on the phone
Watch lessons/swim team while flipping through a Runner's World magazine, checking email and reading blogs on my phone
Dry Jack off and send him into the locker room to put on PJs
Kiss Matt when he arrives to take over
Admire Kate's swimming style
Talk to my tennis partner on drive home
Serve myself some roasted veggies and quickly eat
6:30 Arrive at bookclub
Bind blanket while having a great disscussion
Eat lemon meringue pie
Offer to host bookclub next time
Respond to an email from my sister-in-law
Drive home
Sort today's mail
Madly pick up the house for housekeeper coming tomorrow morning
Empty dryer and take clothes basket upstairs
Put on PJs, brush teeth
Check on kids and kiss them in their sleep
10pm Climb in bed
Chat with Matt
Think about reading
Fall asleep

This is #1 of 40 days that I'm documenting a day in our life for my 40 for 40 list

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2012-01-18T10:01:00.001-07:00

The Bad
I am really tired this week. Really tired. And really tired of sick kids.

Kate started throwing up again in the middle of the night Sunday/Monday and didn't stop until Tuesday morning. I got almost no sleep both nights, which led to the probably not-so-wise decision to also keep Jack home from school yesterday. I was SO tired when the alarm went off yesterday morning that I wasn't even thinking straight. I had just a few hours of (very interrupted!) sleep (when Kate finally took a break from puking, Jack was up with growing pains!), so when Jack murmured that his tummy hurt, I called them both in sick. Jack did sleep until 10am, so he may have been still recovering or fighting off a little something. Jack is back at school today, but Kate is home at least until tomorrow.

Kate's Sick Sleeping Spot

The Ugly
With a whole day at home, I decided to work on a blanket that I've been wanting/needing to get done. It isn't a difficult project but a bit time consuming.

Perfect for a brain dead day.

I was almost finished and so happy with it. Until I cut a hole in the middle of the fabric while trimming... Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!

So minor, yet so huge!

The Bad/Ugly But Now Good
I vowed I would never sew again and was a bit suicidal/homicidal at that point. Fortunately, I was able to direct my anger to something productive - the basement! I was on a rampage, and somehow, despite my exhaustion (or maybe because of it?), I got the basement almost totally picked up and somewhat organized. How long have I been saying we need to get something done down there? A year? Longer? I still have a corner that needs to be sorted out and want to declutter more or our storage, but this is a good start. No photos. I should have taken a before shot. It was BAD.

The Good
I've sorta felt that nothing has gone my way the last week or so. Have had to cancel or reschedule almost all my plans. So I needed to find something good. Matt got off work early on Monday and was able to watch Kate while I went hiking with a friend and our 2 lil' guys. It was a lovely afternoon.

Boys taking in the view

I also got to talk to my friend Elizabeth in Switzerland. That is such a rare treat!

Oh - and after a good night of sleep, I think I can "fix" that darn blanket. It won't be "perfect" but it will be personalized. Going to go work on that now.

Rock Climbing Commercial

2012-01-17T11:14:00.001-07:00

Still have the tummy bug in our house. It isn't pretty. It seems to be the worst in the middle of the night which means that I am EXHAUSTED.

Saw this commercial the other night. That rock formation is the one I climbed in Utah a few years back. I sat right where that girl is standing (um, there is NO WAY I would have stood up there!). The commercial gives you the full effect that you can't get from my photos.

All I remember while I was up there scootching across that rock bridge (the commercial girl walks it!) was what in the heck was a mother of 2 young children doing up here?!? I haven't rock climbed since...

Week 3: One Bite At A Time Progress

2012-01-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Week 3 of working through Simple Mom's One Bite At A Time ebook.

Not much got done last week between kids home sick from school and then catch-up. I'm going to just repeat the same projects for this week and, hopefully, find some time to concentrate on them.

Create a family purpose statement - I need to formulate my ideas for a purpose statement so that I can "guide" the rest of the family when we do this.
Plan weekly planning meetings with your spouse - ready to check this one off - we've done it 3 times and will definitely keep it up.
Regularly turn off your TV (and computer!) - being sick this last week increased our screen time instead of decreasing it!
Go on dates with your kids - I think we'll schedule these twice a month and alternate kids
Create a chore system that works for the whole family - the kids sorta reinvigorated our "marbles" system for themselves this week. We need to update the list of chores. I'd also still like to take the kids to open their own bank accounts. Maybe we'll do that after school one day this week.

Daybook 1.16.12

2012-01-16T11:07:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... beautiful, sunny day as I look out Kate's window. I'm in bed with her since she is sick. Again.

I am thinking... about travel plans. Ready to turn the ideas into reality.

I am thankful for... my friend and pediatrician (one and the same!), understanding tennis opponents, and husbands who get off work early.

From the kitchen... I was going to start prepping/planning dinner as part of my early morning routine starting today, but that plan went bust when I was up a lot last night with the sick girl. I'll try again tomorrow.

I am wearing... track pants and my 20 year old waterpolo sweatshirt

I am creating... a new project despite saying I wouldn't start something new until I finished up some of my WIPs. Hopefully this one will go quickly, and I'm hoping for some quality time with my sewing machine this week.

I am going... for a short, easy run sometime today. Very happy that my legs aren't tired after my 12 mile run yesterday.

I am reading... What Alice Forgot - s0 close to being finished. Gotta get it done by bookclub tomorrow. Also reading The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer and Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide - anyone have any other marathon books that they suggest?

I am hoping... that this darn tummy bug would just leave our house already!!!

I am hearing... Kate watching a Netflix show on my iphone

Around the house... new kitchen faucet being installed now, catching up on laundry today, still need to clean out the basement...

One of my favorite things... sunshine!

A few plans for the rest of the week: sorta dependent on this tummy bug... some tennis, some swimming, some sewing with Miss D, lunch with a friend, bookclub, etc.

Here is a picture I am sharing: still nothing...

Running Log

2012-01-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Got in most of my planned miles despite the tummy bug that was living in our house all week. I'm back to tennis, but decided not to add in anything else quite yet. Don't want to over do it. I might start back to swimming this week.

I decided on my marathon training plan. I think. It is a beginner marathon plan, and even though this will be my first marathon, I wonder if the plan is a bit too easy. The mileage seems low. But I also really don't want to over train and get hurt. And I like that it really focuses on the mental aspect of the run. Plus an easier plan may allow me to better keep up with tennis, swimming and biking.

Running Miles: 27
Swimming Miles: 0
Biking Miles: 0
Tennis Hours: 3.5

YTD Mileage: 57.75

Go Broncos!

2012-01-14T18:50:00.001-07:00

We actually don't watch much football in our house, but Jack has been showing interest in the game. With the Broncos in the
playoffs, it is a good excuse to watch (although I still like the Cowboys and Colts better) and even make a little party of it. Queso, chicken satay and spinach balls.

Although since I started typing this out, the game has been going poorly for the Broncos. We might be switching to the Miss America pageant in a bit. Miss Minnesota is a student at my alma mater St. Olaf!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Daybook 1.9.12

2012-01-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... haven't even bothered to open the shades yet today!

I am thinking... that I wanted to get back to writing this Daybook weekly and was going to start early this morning, but then I was up all night with Kate and her tummy bug.

I am thankful for... indoor plumbing. How did people survive winters without it?!?

From the kitchen... we had a minestrone soup at a friend's house last night. It was SO GOOD that I want to make her recipe this week. Also planning a ham & potato chowder and BBQ pork sliders from a crockpot recipe magazine I picked up the other day. I was even thinking about trying my hand at homemade hamburger buns.

I am wearing... my purple PJs, a long sweater, wool socks and my glasses. Have I mentioned I was up all night?

I am creating... haven't even seen my sewing machine in 2012!

I am going... back to bed after I finish this. I need a nap!

I am reading... What Alice Forgot for my bookclub. Gotta get it done by next week!

I am hoping... for a good nap and for Kate to keep something down soon.

I am hearing... the white noise maker. It is blocking out the sound of the TV and the kids clanking around in the kitchen downstairs.

Around the house... feeling good about the house. I've gotten 2 new pieces of furniture in the last 6 weeks, but haven't really had the time to set them up like I want. We switched up the kids' rooms (did I mention that yet?), and I'd really like to get them a bit more settled in their spaces.

One of my favorite things... soup.

A few plans for the rest of the week: sorta dependent on this tummy bug... had to cancel tennis today, have our normal tennis, swim team/lessons, etc. I have a hair appt. And I'm hoping to make it to the FRMQG unofficial sew on Saturday for a couple hours.

Here is a picture I am sharing: got nothing!

Week 2: One Bite At A Time Progress

2012-01-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

Week 2 of working through Simple Mom's One Bite At A Time ebook.

For this week I chose projects that fit in well with the annual family goals we set this week. Figure we might use the momentum of setting those goals to get started. Some of these are new for us, some need to be re-energized post holidays.

Create a family purpose statement - to be done at our first family meeting - tentatively scheduled for next Sunday.
Plan weekly planning meetings with your spouse - we actually started this last week. Although I admit tonight's meeting was pretty lame... my legs and I are SO TIRED from my long run, and I just wanted to get into bed!
Regularly turn off your TV (and computer!) - got lazy over the holidays...
Go on dates with your kids - something we've done but about which we would like to be more intentional
Create a chore system that works for the whole family - need to reinvigorate our "marbles" system for the kids. I'd also like to take the kids to open their own bank accounts.

Running Log

2012-01-08T21:39:00.005-07:00

One of my 40 for 40 is to run 1000+ miles in 2012 which means I have to get back to tracking my mileage. Most programs count biking and swimming towards the total, but I can't remember the ratio. Doesn't matter this week as I did neither. I didn't play any tennis either (not counted towards totals but I thought I'd track it also). Just focused on running and increasing my mileage in preparation for my half marathon in February. I'll add in some swimming and tennis this coming week. Probably won't get back to the bike for a bit. Oh - and my mileage looks a little high because I did last weekend's long run on Monday. Still seems like a great way to start out the year!

Running Miles: 30.75
Swimming Miles: 0
Biking Miles: 0
Tennis Hours: 0

That's also my YTD totals. Only 969.25 miles to go!

Family Goals

2012-01-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

Are you getting sick of reading my goals yet? Cause I'm getting pretty tired of blogging about them... but I do love me a good list of goals!

Matt and I sat down (in several sessions) last week and talk about some goal setting for our family for 2012 (and beyond!). We used these goal-setting questions from Simple Mom to guide us, but we tailored it a bit for our needs. While we didn't actually make a list of "goals" during our discussion, I've made a list that pretty much summarizes what we discussed and our action plan. It is good to know that we are basically on the same page right now. And I think Matt actually enjoyed the process. Really.

List our possible "big" purchases for 2012 and how we plan to pay for them - DONE
Plan our charitable giving - listed organizations we like and how much we plan to donate - plan to look at this again in 6 months - DONE
Meet with financial advisor for some updates
Update our wills
Adjust our savings plan to meet our current situation
Get back to regular date nights (even if it means just at home)
Have regular family meetings (hurray! I finally convinced Matt that this is a good idea!!)
Schedule weekly spouse meetings (ditto above!)
Read the book Giving the Love that Heals book together
List some plans for improving our home
Clean and reorganize the basement for more active space
Try a new church
Attempt family meditation
Discussed how we want to spend deliberate family time this year (family tennis, family reading time, dates with kids, skiing, hiking)
Discussed what we would like for our kids for schooling/activities/etc (this could be a big change!)
Get back to our marble chore system
Matt is also going to join me in rising early with the Good Morning Challenge that starts in a couple weeks (I was a bit concerned about this at first because I really want the mornings to be MY time, but he has agreed to do his own thing during that time - like spin class or work-related reading).

40 For 40 - Final List

2012-01-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

I finalized my 40 for 40 list. I feel like I gotta get going! Already almost a week into the year I turn 40, and I need to be doing .75 things a week to get this done!

To make it easier for me to accomplish and track, I decided to group my list into categories. Here is the final list plus some commentary!

Could Do Right Now

1. Ski a mogul run

2. Attempt to donate blood

3. Join the bone marrow donation registry

4. Sponsor a child

5. Go cross country skiing

6. Go snowshoeing

7. Make cinnamon rolls

Can Start Working Towards Now

8. Make 40 new recipes

9. Complete a quilt each for Kate & Jack

10. Complete a quilt for my bed

11. Learn to play 4 Christmas carols on the piano

12. Get chickens

13. Learn to fold 40 origami projects

14. Document a day-in-our life 40 times (that's 3-4 /month)
15. Run 1000 miles (joining Tall Mom's club)
16. Say "I Love You" to 40 people (um... why does this make me more nervous than the marathon?!?)

Already Planned

17. Go camping

18. Visit a National Park

19. Complete a half marathon (registered for Feb)

20. Complete a marathon (registered for June)

21. Complete a triathlon (registered for Aug)

22. Plant a garden

Need to Actively Work Towards

23. Go to a Drive-In Movie

24. Climb a 14er

25. Leave the country

26. Go water skiing

27. Host a party

28. Buy an RV (how can Matt say no when it's on my LIST?!?)

29. Secret Plan
30. Start a new, benevolent family tradition (thinking at Christmas time? Maybe volunteer in a soup kitchen, ring the bell for the Salvation Army, volunteer with Toys for Tots, etc.)

Just Have to Make Time At Some Point

31. Do a back flip off a diving board

32. Ride a motorcycle

33. Run 5K in less than 30min

34. Do the incline (I won't do it in the winter with ice)

35. Have a full day spa day

36. Fast for a day

37. Fly a kite

38. Go horseback riding

39. Take kids to a college sporting event (football, hockey, etc)
40. Go rock climbing

Clueless But Hopeful Mama is going to do 40 for 40 also! Anyone else turning 40 that wants to join in?

WIP Wednesday

2012-01-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged about my WIP since October! And it doesn't feel like much has changed since then. Looking forward to some 2012 sewing. Highlighted the ones I'm focusing on right now, and I marked any quilts that are on the back burner as (BB). I was going to make a list of 2012 Sewing Goals, but I decided that I have plenty of other goals already. I think 2012 might be the year that I sew for myself with no pressure, no deadlines, and no one but myself in mind. There are going to be plenty of Kristen quilts this year. Although I would like to get some of those quilt tops turned into finished quilts...

Completed Projects To Be Blogged

Crazy Clown Colors Quilt
Modern Houses Quilt
Teacher going away quilt

Completed Projects - Not Going to be Blogged and Dropping off the List!

Explorer Vests (given as Christmas gifts... forgot to take pics before I wrapped them!)
Halloween Banner (maybe I'll blog it next Halloween!)
Halloween Quilted Table Hexagons (ditto)
Advent Calendar quilt (gave away and again forgot to take a photo)

Quilts Needing Binding

Halloween Quilt
Halloween Table Runner

Quilts Needing Basting/Quilting

Pinwheel Quilt (BB)
Minky Baby Quilt (BB)
Wonky Pinky Quilt (BB)
M's Quilt (BB)
Sorta Stacked Coins Quilt (BB)
Miss D's Quilt (BB)
Habitat Challenge Quilt #1
Habitat Challenge Quilt #2

Quilts Being Cut and/or Pieced

Ticker Tape Quilt (BB))
Green Squares Quilts x2
Sew-In Quilt (BB)
Repro Quilt #1
Repro Quilt #2
Camping Quilt
Facade Quilt

Non-Quilt Sewing Projects

Bath wraps for Kate and American Girl Doll
Fleecy PJs for Kate
Bike Bag for Jack
Xmas gifts for 2012 (yup, already getting started!)

Yearly Recap

2012-01-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd join in the yearly recap fun from All & Sundry.
(I have NO IDEA why this is publishing funny and you can't read the ends of the sentences... I'm trying to fix it without losing all my links!)
(Okay, I think it is fixed even if the spacing looks a little funny.)
(Wait! Now it's not working again! Ugh!)
(Please work this time, please work this time...)

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? I went to a therapist (mentioning this in the spirit of trying to be more authentic on the blog). I always thought that going to a therapist was a little goofy (and my mom is one!), but I can see now why people like it so much. There is something a bit cathartic about the experience.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?  yes and no. See 2011 Resolutions Final Review blog post
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?  My good friend Michelle, my friend Siri and Matt's sister all had baby boys
4. Did anyone close to you die? My cat Samuel. This question makes me nervous because I can't think of any humans that died in 2011. And I'm going to feel really stupid if a person died and all I mention is my cat.
5. What countries did you visit? Just the good ol' USA. And Texas. :) 
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? a daily housekeeper and a personal assistant... actually, seriously, I've really felt a lack of purpose lately. I'd really like to find that again in 2012. Not really sure how I am going to find it, but I'm sure going to be looking. Although I'd have more time to look if I had that housekeeper or personal assistant...
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? There really aren't any dates that stand out for me. I did like 11-11-11 although nothing really happened that day.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?  This question makes me a little depressed. I can't think of a single worthy achievement to list. Think this might go back to #6 and needing some purpose.
9. What was your biggest failure? I guess to balance out my inability to think of a biggest achievement, I also can't think of a major failure either. At least not one I'm willing to admit on a public blog.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I'm normally pretty healthy, but I had a few relatively minor issues in 2011. In August I had a little foot injury that I was afraid was a stress fracture, but Matt felt it was just a little overuse injury from running or tennis or a combo of the two. I (mostly) stopped running for about a month to heal it up. I also strained my lower back this fall. It HURT. Constantly. You don't realize how much you use your back until you can't. Fortunately rest and massage and stretching and the hot tub helped. Now I'm faithful about stretching everyday. There was also that darn flu bug that kept me down for a couple weeks in Oct/Nov. Blah.
11. What was the best thing you bought? trampoline for the kids - that thing was worth every penny!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? my kids while traveling
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? hmmm... I think I'll keep my opinion on this to myself
14. Where did most of your money go? I just looked at our 2011 spending, and it seems that most of our money went to the category of "Hobbies and Sports." I purposefully put skiing stuff and fabric in the same category so that my fabric spending seems fuzzy...
15. What did you get really excited about? Hawaii. Especially the sea turtles. And the dolphins. And the papaya. And the slippers. I do well with lots of vitamin D.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011? Can't think of a single song that will remind me of 2011.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier or sadder? honestly? sadder. But I'm still mostly happy thinner or fatter? about the same. Maybe a tad thinner, but definitely fitter richer or poorer? Richer, although I don't like that word. More financially stable seems better.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? cooking. I really slacked off this last year.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?  surfing the web
20. How did you spend Christmas? Christmas Eve with just our family, Miss D joined us for Christmas morning, and we had a wonderful Christmas dinner with friends
21. Did you fall in love in 2011? Not with anyone new
22. What was your favorite TV program? Friday Night Lights. So sad when I watched the last one, yet so relieved to be over my addiction
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hate is such a strong word. There are definitely people that I dislike a bit more than last year. Nothing has really changed between now and then except that I have begun to fully understand how I have accepted poor treatment for the sake of peace and how I tend to put other people's needs/feelings before my own and even at the expense of my own needs/feelings (see #1)
24. What were your favorite books of the year? Half the Sky and Racing in the Rain.
25. What was your favorite music from this year?  I am so not a music person...
26. What did you want and get? a working piano
27. What did you want and not get? a TrailManor camper
28. What were your favorite films of the year? Dolphin Tale. Wish I could come up with something more intellectual, but that was my favorite.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? We spent the weekend in the mountains with Miss D. I turned 39. But I still feel 22. Except for that sore lower back thing.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? How can I name just one?!? A clean and organized basement. A little tummy liposuction. Non-whiny children. A personal assistant. I could go on and on.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011? Bringing tennis skirts to the streets. If I was a trend setter, you could expect to see tennis skirts in all the big fashion magazines this year. Seems like I always have one on. Kate even asked me NOT to wear them for school pick-up anymore... I did have someone say to me that she thought I tried to downplay myself when dressing. That was a bit of an eye opener (in a good way) even if it isn't completely true. I'm really just too busy/distracted/lazy to get cleaned up most days. I think I look pretty good when I get away from my day to day workout and mothering routines. But I have been trying to make a bit more of an effort.
32. What kept you sane? running and chocolate and not necessarily in that order
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Kate Middleton. How can you not love a royal wedding?
34. What political issue stirred you the most? I'm sure there was something, I just can't think of anything right now
35. Who did you miss? My friend Elizabeth
36. Who was the best new person you met? I haven't really met anyone new that is involved in my life. I guess I could name the kids' teachers. Or the ladies I've met through tennis. I'd name my tennis partner, but technically I met her before 2011.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.  I'm not as crazy as I thought.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. "If you're gonna be there.. be there. If you're gonna stay.. stay tonight. Start livin', out with the old.. I'm on the up.. Must be the good life.." - Howie Day

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T20:42:00.001-07:00

We spent our (early) New Year's Eve in Copper Mountain. Started with some sledding on the tubing hill. No photos, but it was FUN (and COLD)!

We passed some time playing on the ice rink and warming ourselves by a bonfire.

Had a wonderful fondue dinner complete with toasts, a 2011 family review (we all agree that Samuel's death was our saddest event and Hawaii was our favorite), and a discussion of what we are looking forward to in 2012.

Have to admit that 2011 wasn't my most favorite year, but tonight makes me hopeful for 2012.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cross Country Skiing

2011-12-30T12:38:00.001-07:00

Took a family lesson yesterday morning. Something so peaceful about cross country. I like being away from the chaos of downhill skiing during a holiday week.

I also tried skate skiing. It's a lot of work! But fun.

Matt gave me the promise of cross country skis for Christmas LAST year. Still can't decide if I want traditional or skate. Maybe I can get both...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Hello Mornings Challenge

2011-12-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

Despite feeling slightly overwhelmed with all the goals I have blogged about the last two days, I've also signed up for the Hello Mornings Challenge at Inspired to Action. I really am a morning person once I drag myself out of bed and if I go to bed at a decent hour. Hoping that participating in the challenge will give me the inspiration, motivation and accountability to make that happen. It doesn't start until January 16th, so I have a couple weeks to sleep in...

One Bite At A Time

2011-12-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about my 40 for 40 list, but I also want to do some sort of self-improvement thing for 2012. I've decided to work through Simple Mom's One Bite At A Time ebook. Originally I thought I would just do one project each week (there are 52 total), but now I'm planning to do multiple projects each week. Later on I might just tackle some of the tougher (for me) projects one at a time, but I'm hoping to knock out a bunch right away. Plus I know some other project will catch my fancy by mid-year...

The projects I chose for next week are the projects that fit into my normal beginning of the year plan and are projects that I've mostly already accomplished. This week and next, Matt and I (well, mostly me but with a little of his input!) will balance our budget and plan our spending/saving/giving for the upcoming year. I also usually use this week to work on my goals, but right now my goals consist of my 40 for 40 list and this ebook. Pretty easy for planning.

Next week's projects:

Make a debt-free plan - except for our mortgage, we are already living debt-free. Big Dave Ramsey fans in this house.
Create a regular monthly budget - fortunately we don't have to be overly strict with our budget, but we do a have a rough plan of our monthly expenses, our monthly savings goals and how much spending money is available.
Set up sinking funds - got this already done also. We set aside funds for vacations, a new vehicle for Matt (although that one doesn't seem to grow very quickly), landscaping and major home projects
Use the envelope system - I'm calling this done because we will never be completely on board with the envelope system. But we do what works for us. We use Mvelopes and have virtual "envelopes" for all our expense categories. However, we use it more for tracking our expenses rather than budgeting.
Make annual goals - I've already announced my annual goals, but Matt and I are going to discuss family goals this week. (Prior to now there was NO WAY Matt would have ever done this with me, but lately he is much more willing to accommodate me. I'm absolutely taking advantage of that.) I'll share our plans.

Sewing

2011-12-27T15:26:00.001-07:00

We are now a 2 Bernina family! Loving the side by side sewing.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

40 for 40

2011-12-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

I turn 40 years old (yikes!) in 2012, so I've decided to switch things up with my resolutions this year. Instead of just writing out a short list of goals/accomplishments I'd like to achieve, I've decided to do "40 for 40" (I borrowed the idea from an IRL friend who also turns 40 this year). I'm going to make a list of 40 things I want to do in the year I turn 40. Only problem is that I haven't completely decided what to put on my list and I only have about a week to decided.

I want my list to be a combination of activities that are easy, are a challenge, prove that I am still as young as I feel, provide an outlet to contribute, are healthy, are inspirational, are indulgent, are fun, are individual, are family focused and help me ponder the past 40 years as well as the upcoming 40 years.

Here are the ones I've officially added to the list...

40 for 40

Go to a drive-in movie
Do a back flip off a diving board
Climb a 14er
Go camping
Visit a national park
Leave the country
Run a 5K in less than 30 minutes
Do the incline
Complete a half marathon
Complete a marathon
Complete a triathlon
Make 40 new recipes
Ski a mogul run
Go water skiing
Host a party
Have a full day spa day
Fast for a day
Attempt to donate blood
Join the bone marrow donation registry
Sponsor a child
Go cross country skiing
Ride a motorcycle
Go snowshoeing
Fly a kite
Go horseback riding
Complete a quilt each for Kate & Jack
Make cinnamon rolls
Learn to play 4 Christmas carols on the piano
Get chickens
Secret one that I'm not sharing on the internet :)

I'd love some help coming up with ideas for my last 10! Please leave me a comment if you have something to add to the list (although don't bother suggesting skydiving or a tattoo! Not going to happen!).

2011 Resolutions - Final Review

2011-12-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Christmas is over (well, Christmas Day is over... as Aunt Elizabeth says, "Christmas is a 12 day holiday!"). Time to get ready for the New Year. This may be one of my favorite times of the year. A time to reflect, a time to plan, a time to relax.

Doing my final review for my 2011 Resolutions. Came up a little short, but that's okay. I recently discovered from the book The Pursuit of Perfect that I am a Optimalist rather than a Perfectionist. I set goals but also accept reality and realize that I can't always meet those goals as planned. I look at the reasons that may have contributed to unaccomplished goals, revise and reset my goals, and move on.

Run a 5K in goal time (unaccomplished the last 2 years...) - DONE!
Visit one state I haven't been to (I'd like to hit 2, but I'm not sure that is realistic. States left on the list are Michigan, Oregon, South Carolina, Rhode Island, and Delaware) - FAIL. Plans just didn't work out.
Visit 2 new national parks (I'm being conservative... I think we might visit 4 new ones this year!) - FAIL. We got to one, but not a second. And I thought we might make it to 4?!?
Build one carpentry project (a new skill I'd like to add to my repertoire) - big, fat FAIL. Too many other hobbies right now. Carpentry might go on the back burner until the kids leave for college.
Make quilts for Kate and Jack - FAIL. Although I did get the quilt tops done. I guess there is a chance I could get them both basted, quilted and bound by next week. But not likely.
Play an official tennis match - DONE!
Complete a second triathlon race - DONE!
Run half marathon race - DONE! Thank goodness I did that half in July since I bailed on my Dec half. More about that when I do a running update.

Blogging

2011-12-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

All of the sudden today I feel the inspiration to start blogging again (I mean really blogging, not fake blogging which is what I am doing when all I do is post photos). The inspiration came after reading an email from this blogger. A Minnesota blogger, and I love all things Minnesota (except mosquitoes - did you know that there are basically no mosquitoes in Colorado?). Anyway, despite mosquitoes, sometimes I wish I lived part-time in Minnesota. Not sure if it is Minnesota itself or the people I know and love that live there. But I dream about having a lake house escape. Maybe someday.

But back to blogging. As I've mentioned before, I sometimes feel like I have too many people I know IRL reading this blog to be completely honest in my writing. Some stuff I feel like I have to edit for my mom (hi, Mom!), husband, in-laws, friends, etc. So I was once again pondering the idea of starting a new blog, until I got this idea in my head that I should just be authentic on this blog (well, not that I'm not authentic right now, I'm just skipping some details. And those crazy thoughts I'm supposed to keep to myself!). I quickly realized that this is a bad idea if I want to stay on speaking terms with most people I know. So I'm going to attempt some middle ground. Telling more details while trying to be mindful of my audience.

Or maybe I'll just keep blogging photos.

Right Now

2011-12-20T17:32:00.001-07:00

Yum! Although I didn't have quite enough Worcestershire sauce so it is a little bland for me. But the kids love it!

And I failed miserably at documenting our day... I might try to just do it often through this week.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Right Now

2011-12-20T08:31:00.001-07:00

Making chai tea concentrate

I'm thinking I might do "Right Now" posts throughout today to sorta document a day in the week before Christmas.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Time for a Haircut

2011-12-19T12:48:00.001-07:00

Dontcha think??

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Saturday Afternoon To Do List

2011-12-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

First day of our school break. Matt is working this afternoon, and I'm letting the kids do whatever they want while he is gone. They are pretty good at entertaining themselves, so I should have some time to do what I want/need to do. Here is my list for this afternoon, in no particular order.

Shower (priority since running this morning)
Work on a quilt (while listening to the second Hunger Games on audiobook)
Make some Christmas cookies (what kind depends on if I'll have helpers or not)
Nap
Figure out dinner
Review family gift list and start wrapping
Hang Kate's IKEA mosquito net thingy above her bed
Finish our 2005 family photo album that I've been meaning to do for an entire year now
Plan out my running schedule for the first half of 2012
Work on my list of goals for 2012 (it is going to be a little different this year)

Now that I see my plans in writing, I realize that I better get moving!

Right Now

2011-12-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

Maybe storing my recipes on the computer isn't such a good idea...

But waking up early with no alarm puts me in a good mood. And these muffins for breakfast is icing on the cake.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Daybook 12.12.11

2011-12-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... chilly, overcast. Hoping the sun comes out later for my run.

I am thinking... that I haven't blogged in almost a month. What can I say? Life happens. I got really sick after we got back from Hawaii (I'm certain it is because I left Hawaii. I should have stayed there forever.). It was awful, and I was almost completely down for 12 days. Then I was crazy tired for another couple weeks - I started to wonder if I had mono. Anyway, better now. Just still feel a bit behind and overwhelmed by everything.

I am thankful for... tea parties.

From the kitchen... started brewing my own chai concentrate. Still tweaking it. We've had a sick boy this weekend, so last night we had grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner. So easy and so good. Need to do some menu planning for this week.

I am wearing... terry cloth yoga pants and a big fisherman's sweater. And my slippers. I was looking at pictures the other day and saw that I wore the slippers in the hospital after Jack was born! I didn't realize they were that old!

I am creating... oh so many things. I need to do a WIP list again because I've lost track of where I am. I can tell you that I have NOT been creating all the Christmas quilty house projects that I had planned.

I am going... to finish up some Christmas shopping today.

I am reading... almost done with The Glass Castle. Really good. Have a couple nonfictions that I need to finish up - I always get bored with them by the last few chapters.

I am hoping... that this week goes by fast and smoothly. Looking forward to having my babies home for the holiday break.

I am hearing... nothing. It seems to be crazy quiet right now.

Around the house... we just did a big switch-a-roo this weekend, and I like it. We moved Matt's office/guest room to Kate's room, Kate to Jack's room, and Jack to Matt's old office/guest room. Nothing is up on walls or organized, but it is going to be a much better setup for us. It seemed silly to have a big room sitting empty for guests most of the time, while Kate had barely any space to play in her little room. There will still be a twin bed in Matt's new office for single guests, and Kate can move to the office or Jack's top bunk if we have more people visiting.

One of my favorite things... Christmas cards

A few plans for the rest of the week: lots of holiday events this week - tea, lunch, school parties, sing-a-longs, etc.

Here is a picture I am sharing: My dad sent me this photo. It is the top of their Christmas tree. I made the topper when I was in early elementary school (maybe 1st grade?). A few years later my mom bought a BEAUTIFUL angel for the topper. I was so offended that they wanted to replace MY angel, that she has held the place of honor ever since.

Hawaii Trip Out Takes

2011-11-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

The photos that didn't make the "official" blog posts...

The kiss that started to get a little inappropriate!

Kate at the luau. Can you say "tired?"

Jack getting in on a photo

Jack underwater

Good one of me!

Kate's hand

Lovely face

Jack, do you not like shave ice?

Functioning with only half a brain

Not happy about hiking

Kate scratching...

Kate picking...

Jack giving the hike a thumbs down!

My beautiful babies!

When will Jack learn to smile normally?

And keep his shirt down?

Maybe when Mom learns to open her eyes!

Hawaii Trip: Catamaran

2011-11-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

On Day 7 our family went on a catamaran boat tour. It was a smaller boat and we had an AMAZING time. We saw bottle nose dolphins close up. The captain had the kids and me lay on the trampoline at the front of the boat. The dolphins were swimming between the hulls right below us. The photos make them seem so far away, but they were so close we could have reached down and touched them.

We also got to see a pod of porpoises in a coved that had a bunch of babies. The little ones were jumping out of the water. So cute! But too fast for any photos. We saw a bunch of waterfalls, sea caves, and beaches. We stopped for snorkeling, but the deep water scared the kids. Plus it wasn't very clear that day. And then a shark (tiger? reef? can't remember, but it wasn't supposed to hurt people) swam below us. That freaked me out, so we got out to eat lunch.

Getting splashed by a waterfall
(That's Kate's *friend* she met on the boat.
Not liking this boy stuff.)

Some famous beach scene from lots of movies

quick snorkel excursion

The kids had a great time and were in a great mood for the ride back. Goofy and silly and fun. Plus no one got sea sick!

Hawaii Trip: Surfing

2011-11-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

Day 6 we spent on the beach while the big guys learned to surf (I didn't want to surf because I learned years ago on Maui... and even have a scar on my foot to prove it!). The moms and kids played on the beach and watched all the surfing attempts.

Waves!

Getting brave about going deeper

Land lesson

Paddling out

He's up!

Hawaii Trip: Hiking Na Pali

2011-11-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

On Day 5 we drove to the north side of the island and hiked the first part of the Kalalau Trail leading to Hanakapi'ai Beach. It is about 2 miles to the beach, and the kids did great! Unfortunately the ocean there is not safe for swimming, so we played on the beach for a bit, caught tadpoles in a fresh water pool and hiked back.

Mom & Jack lagged behind for most of the hike

Whole group on the coast
(sans me, the photographer!)

Jack & Matt hiking

Love this one!

On the beach

It was fun to play on the sand bank

Catching tadpoles

Best part of the hike!

Tadpole with little legs

Playing with the breeze

Hot hike back

Jungle hiking

Me and the coast

Gummy worms every half mile kept the kids motivated!

So proud of ourselves!

11-11-11

2011-11-11T23:11:00.001-07:00

Can't let the day go by without acknowledging it.

Not sure what I expected today, but I sorta expected something.

I missed 11:11am because I was busy with the kids, but I'm making sure that I get my 11:11pm wish.

That wish has to come true, right?

Hawaii Trip: Waimea Canyon

2011-11-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

After snorkeling the morning of Day 4, our family went off to explore a bit with our end destination being Waimea Canyon. We stopped to see the Spouting Horn and ate lunch at the Kalaheao Cafe & Coffee Co. (yum!). Then we stopped at Jo-Jo's for our first (of many!) shave ice.

Unfortunately, by the time we actually started the drive up to Waimea Canyon, the clouds had rolled in and it was pretty drizzly. But we pressed on! Here is the main canyon overlook...

We did get a glimpse of it at this stop... and it was pretty spectacular... what we could see, anyway.

We also got observe the Hawaiian wild goat!

And I have more photos of this sill hen and her chicks than I would like to admit! There were lots of feral chickens on Kauaii and even more along this drive. Apparently chickens thrive at a slightly higher elevation. Really.

Fortunately we had an amazing view from the top of the Kalalau Valley which is the largest valley on the Na Pali coast. Really breathtaking.

Add caption

And if you were wondering where Jack is in all the photos, this is where. After shave ice, he knocked out and slept in the car for a couple hours while we explored.

Hawaii Trip: Snorkeling

2011-11-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

We spent most of Day 3 at Poipu Beach and the morning of Day 4 for swimming and snorkeling. Kate took to snorkeling immediately. Jack was sputtering a bit until we gave him the underwater camera. Then he was too distracted taking pictures to worry about breathing through a tube!

We saw lots and lots of fish (I'll spare you all the thousands of fish photos!) and even a sea turtle! My friend Kerri spotted the first one from the beach and later she and I were in the water with some. I could have snorkeled all week...

Graceful in flippers

Getting ready

Kate & Matt

Jack underwater

Closer

Kate underwater

Me with the kids

Looking good!

Almost all of Jack's photos
have his fingers pointing at fish!

Mom & Kate

Closer

Cute Kate

Jack especially love the waves
and building in the sand

See the sea turtle in the water?

Underwater view

Snorkeling with the sea turtles

Monk Seal lounging on the beach

Hawaii Trip: Day 1 & 2

2011-11-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Only a few weeks behind! Hoping I can get them all up this week.

We arrived to our hotel on Kauai late in the evening and pretty much just went to bed. We mostly played in the pools and on the beach the next day. Did the hotel luau that evening.

We each got a lei as we arrived at the hotel

The hotel had amazing pools.
This is the salt water lagoon looking out onto the ocean.

Matt & I at the luau

Kids with their "tattoos"

My island body art

Daybook 11.7.11

2011-11-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... crisp fall day, we'll need to rake more soon, but my kale has survived 2 snowstorms and the freezing temperatures and is still green.

I am thinking... that I've been so sick this last week. Miserable sick. I haven't been this sick in a LONG time. It was a combo of a head & chest cold, a tummy bug, fever, body aches and just TIRED. I slept 17 hours between Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon. But I think I'm finally on the mend.
I am thankful for... healthy days!
From the kitchen... last night we had such a quintessential autumn meal - cranberry chicken from the crockpot, baked acorn squash, steamed green beans and a mixed grain pilaf. I want to do meal planning again - starting today. Of course, I haven't actually planned anything yet...
I am wearing... old Levi's, long sleeved tee, slippers.
I am creating... still working on holiday gifts - both from the sewing room and the kitchen.
I am going... to go take a shower before my tennis lesson this morning. That's how gross I feel right now.

I am reading... Breaking Point by Martha Beck. Moving through it faster than most non-fiction and really like it. Finished Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and Until Tuesday. Now listening to Middlesex. Still plan to start Fragile Beasts.
I am hoping... that I haven't completely ruined my half marathon training. I had planned to have a low mileage week in Hawaii, but then I was low the following week and at ZERO last week. I'm still feeling a little achy and weak from being sick, but I think I'll go out for a few miles today. Matt did say that if the half marathon doesn't go as planned, I can go run the Austin half in February.

I am hearing... the dishwasher. I actually unloaded it this morning and filled it all the way back up!

Around the house... Matt cleaned out the garage yesterday and we did a HUGE donation drop off. I feel so much lighter knowing it is all gone. During the few hours that I felt okay last week, I decluttered the laundry room and all the bathrooms. Still need to get to that darn, overflowing basement.

One of my favorite things... NyQuil.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Kate has a reading program at school, facial, no school Friday and ski season starts!!

Here is a picture I am sharing: Since I was too sick to blog about Halloween...

Daybook 10.31.11

2011-10-31T06:21:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... still dark outside. I can see the little light at the top of Pike's Peak. I always wonder who is up there.

I am thinking... that I'd like to do nothing today, but in reality I have a bit of a list that must get accomplished.

I am thankful for... warm days following snow.

From the kitchen... not sure what this week holds. Will probably make these for dinner tonight.

I am wearing... my 501s (seems to be my typical Monday morning attire), the t-shirt that I slept in and my faithful slippers.

I am creating... Christmas presents!

I am going... to buy Halloween candy today. We have a crazy busy street for trick-or-treaters and usually give out 600+ pieces of candy (and I'm stingy and only give one!), but I'll eat too much if I buy it early.

I am reading... finished Back Roads and picked up Fragile Beasts from the pile from my bedside table because it is by the same author. I've been carrying it around with me but haven't actually opened it yet. Also almost done listening to Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.

I am hoping... that I don't get Kate's cold. I felt "blah" all weekend and now I have a bit of a sore throat.

I am hearing... the space heater in my office. I like keeping this tiny room warm for Boots (the hedgehog), Bristle (the betta fish) and ME!

Around the house... my office has fallen into complete chaos again, but the rest of the rooms look pretty good. Feel like I'm always cleaning out junk. Where does it come from?!?

One of my favorite things... hot apple cider on cool fall days.

A few plans for the rest of the week: mostly the norm plus a Bunco night and a friend's birthday party. And trick or treating, of course!

Here is a picture I am sharing: snow storm last week. We probably got 5-6 inches at our house. Can't wait to see the snow in the mountains!

Daybook 10.24.11

2011-10-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... crisp and chilly. Lots of leaves to be raked.

I am thinking... that I might move to Hawaii. I'm pretty sure you don't have to do as much laundry in Hawaii since you wear a swimsuit all the time. And no dishes to be washed. You just scoop out the papaya to eat. And the house always stays clean on its own. And kids and husbands always do what you ask.

I am thankful for... Miss D and the freezer dinner she made us to eat last night. So nice to not think about cooking after travel.

From the kitchen... See above. Haven't been back long enough to even think about cooking. Any easy suggestions for dinner tonight?

I am wearing... my 501s (which are getting too baggy for me!) and my favorite zippy sweater and my slippers. Soon to change into tennis clothes.

I am creating... too many unfinished projects. I WILL get some sewing room time today. Sometime between laundry and sleeping and dishes and other catching up.

I am going... to get out my Hawaii photo album from 15 years ago and reminisce.

I am reading... finished Little Bee in Hawaii. Eh. Not much to say about it. Started Back Roads which is the first read for my new book club.

I am hoping... that some daydreams could come true.

I am hearing... the hum of the fridge and the tick of the kitchen clock. I'm on my laptop in the kitchen because my desktop is giving me internet connection problems.

Around the house... going to decorate for Halloween this week!

One of my favorite things... I can tell you one of my least favorite things - jet lag. Yuck. I've felt awful the last 24 hours. It isn't so much the fatigue but the lack of motivation.

A few plans for the rest of the week: haven't even looked at the calendar yet! I have my regular tennis lesson today and tennis match tomorrow. Hopefully a make-up match sometime this week. I think I might have a haircut. And school conferences for the kids. Hope I'm not missing anything big.

Here is a picture I am sharing: none... hopefully I'll be back with Hawaii photos if I can get my desktop connected.

Right Now

2011-10-21T21:04:00.001-07:00

Sunset at the beach.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Early This Morning

2011-10-18T15:56:00.001-07:00

On the beach.

Just after this was taken, we went snorkeling. I swam with a sea turtle!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Daybook 10.17.11

2011-10-17T09:51:00.001-07:00

Outside my window... I'm actually outside right now. On the beach. It's about sunrise only I'm facing south.

I am thinking... That I never want to go home.

I am thankful for... My travels. Past, current & future.

From the kitchen... Lots of papaya!

I am wearing... Shorts, tee and no shoes. Soon I'll be in my swimsuit!

I am creating... Lots of memories.

I am going... To nap in a hammock again this afternoon.

I am reading... Little Bee.

I am hoping... We see dolphins because the kids really want to see them.

I am hearing... The waves crashing.

Around the house... Hoping the best babysitter in the world has it under control!

One of my favorite things... Oceans.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Snorkel, see some waterfalls, hike, play in the waves, do a long run along an ocean trail... Going to be a tough week!

Here is a picture I am sharing...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Right Now

2011-10-16T14:09:00.001-07:00

View from my hammock

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

This Makes Me Happy

2011-10-15T08:43:00.001-07:00

Knowing that I used to wear this red string bikini

And it makes me laugh out loud to imagine squeezing into now!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Right Now

2011-10-14T15:17:00.001-07:00

Hot apple cider & a pumpkin donut for an afternoon snack.

I deserve it after my 10 mile long run this morning!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Autumn Leaves

2011-10-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

If these are the trees in my front yard

(they have hardly started changing color, much less losing leaves)

Why, then, is there a pile of leaves in my leaf barren yard?

Well, these are the leaves of the neighbor across the street.

And this is my child sneaking over to "steal" their leaves.

(Nice outfit, huh? If there is one thing I've learned in life, it is not to trust a boy in boots!)

Because apparently having a leaf-free yard is no fun at all.

(This scheme was being carried out by both my children, but all the photos of Kate have a neighbor friend with her and I didn't want to post those on the blog.)

WIP Wednesday

2011-10-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

For the month of October, we are doing an UnFinished October (UFO) pledge in the FRMQG. The idea is to not start anything new and to finish up some of those projects hanging around in the closet. For my pledge, I said that I would complete my Halloween Table Hexagons and table runner, complete my Halloween quilt, and baste and quilt my pinwheel and my wonky pinky quilts. For extra credit I might try to baste and quilt M's quilt. I might have gotten in a bit over my head... I've highlighted the projects in my pledge.

Completed Projects To Be Blogged

Crazy Clown Colors Quilt
Modern Houses Quilt
Advent Calendar Quilt (not going to blog about it until after Thanksgiving)
Halloween Table Hexagons

Quilts Being Binded

Quilts Being Basted/Quilted

Pinwheel Quilt
Minky Baby Quilt (I'm nervous to quilt the minky!)
Wonky Pinky Quilt
M's Quilt
Sorta Stacked Coins Quilt
Miss D's Quilt (Miss D pieced the top and I get to quilt it)
Halloween Quilt
Habitat Challenge Quilt #1

Quilts Being Cut and/or Pieced

Ticker Tape Quilt (this one is ongoing & I'm in no rush)
Green Squares Quilts (making 2 matching quilts - I think I'm going to put these away until after the holidays)
Sew-In Quilt (only working on this during FRMQG sew-ins)
Halloween Table Runner
Repro Quilt #1
Repro Quilt #2
Habitat Challenge Quilt #2

Quilts Not Yet Started

Kate's Kona Quilt (Kate wants a quilt like my challenge quilt, only bigger)
Gift Quilt
Advent Calendar for Me
Christmas Table Hexagons (for me!)
Christmas Table Hexagon (for a gift!)
Facade Quilt

Non-Quilt Sewing Projects

Unbloggable Christmas Gift x6 (cut, just need to sew)
Bath wraps for Kate and American Girl Doll
Another unbloggable, small gift
Bike Bag for Jack
Halloween Banner

Tuesday

2011-10-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

I love Tuesday. May be my favorite day of the week. It is very routine yet mostly just fun. And my kitchen stays relatively clean. This is how it usually goes...

Get up, get dressed, eat breakfast.
Drop kids off at school.
Have about an hour of quiet time at the house to do as I please.
Play in my tennis doubles league.
Strength train at the gym after tennis.
Eat lunch.
Go for an easy run.
Pick kids up from school.
Have a bit of quiet time to regroup.
Meet Miss D at a restaurant for early dinner.
Go to pool for Jack's swim lessons, Kate's swim team and my lap swim
Meet Matt at our favorite frozen yogurt shop for dessert
Arrive home and immediately get kids ready for bed.
Have just over an hour of quiet time before I go to bed.
Sleep soundly.

Daybook 10.10.11

2011-10-10T07:51:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... sunny and cold. It was a bit frosty an hour ago, but that's gone now.

I am thinking... that I'd really like to climb back under the covers. But the day is calling!

I am thankful for... the hip opening yoga poses that my friend Stephanie showed me last week. I've been doing them faithfully and can really feel a difference in my hips and lower back.

From the kitchen... black beans soaking for black bean and sweet potato enchiladas. And maybe a new soup recipe with some garden kale.

I am wearing... my 501s and a big sweater and my slippers. About to change into tennis clothes.

I am creating... I haven't spent much time with the sewing machine lately. Need to get in there today.

I am going... on a BIG trip soon. Very excited.

I am reading... finally finished the Heretic's Daughter (it was just okay) and started Little Bee. Also working on the same 2 nonfiction books as last week. Those are slow going.

I am hoping... that Boots (the hedgehog) is going to be okay. Last night I thought the end was near. He wasn't walking normal and was making a funny noise. But he ate last night and was on his wheel at 3:30am when Matt left for work. Keeping my fingers crossed!

I am hearing... the washing machine washing a HUGE load of towels.

Around the house... feeling like I can barely just keep up right now. Can't actually get anything new accomplished.

One of my favorite things... Noosa yogurt. My friend Karin introduced me to it back in August, and we haven't stopped eating it since. Honey is my favorite flavor.

A few plans for the rest of the week: tennis lesson, quilt guild meeting, new dishwasher delivery, 2 doubles matches, dinner with Miss D, lunch with a friend, no school on Friday, plus the normal stuff - gym, running, swim team/lessons, etc.

Here is a picture I am sharing: none... not sure I've taken a photo all week...

It Must Be Fall

2011-10-05T18:13:00.001-07:00

Because I suddenly feel like cooking again!

Tonight's menu is nothing fancy but is one of my favorite fall meals...

Sweet potato soup

Cheddar cheese cubes

Crackers

Sliced apples (which didn't make the photo!)

Sliced peppers

And for dessert...
Apple Cider and Toasted Zucchini Bread

Yum.

Daybook 10.3.11

2011-10-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... bright afternoon sun, vivid green grass and leaves starting to change

I am thinking... of everything I should be doing this afternoon instead of blogging... laundry, updating addresses, emptying the dishwasher, etc.

I am thankful for... Indian Summers.

From the kitchen... this morning I made a feta and chard omelet with a side of raspberries and a chai tea for breakfast. But no real lunch and no motivation for dinner.

I am wearing... a stinky tennis skirt and tank

I am creating... a big mess in my sewing room. And loving every minute of it.

I am going... no where for the rest of the day. Unless I get some inspiration for dinner which requires a grocery trip.

I am reading... after I finished Fall to Grace (really liked this), I went back to The Heretic's Daughter. I'm also reading Getting the Love You Want based on my sister's recommendation and I've read the first few pages of Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism

I am hoping... that the lego fairy comes and picks up all the random legos scattered all over my house.

I am hearing... the kids getting ready to deliver mail to a neighbor. It is quite the process.

Around the house... I think I need a daily housekeeper...

One of my favorite things... my iPad.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I have a beautifully quiet week. I need it after last week. Had a tennis lesson and a match this morning. Another match tomorrow. Swim team (for Kate!) and lessons (for Jack!) and laps (for me!) x2. I have my runs mapped out for the week. Maybe a yoga class. Some time with Miss D. And hopefully some time in the hammock.

Here is a picture I am sharing: A caterpillar catching a ride on my shoulder

Right Now

2011-10-02T16:01:00.001-07:00

Leaves falling everywhere. I'm working on a project while the kids run around on the play ground.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Quarterly Resolutions Review

2011-10-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last review until the end of the year!

Run a 5K in goal time (unaccomplished the last 2 years...) - Accomplished in Minnesota last month! And I beat my goal time by 59 seconds! Go me!
Visit one state I haven't been to (I'd like to hit 2, but I'm not sure that is realistic. States left on the list are Michigan, Oregon, South Carolina, Rhode Island, and Delaware) - just not going to happen despite the best of plans. Bummer.
Visit 2 new national parks (I'm being conservative... I think we might visit 4 new ones this year!) - visited Mesa Verde in March. Maybe, but not likely, that we'll fit one more in this year.
Build one carpentry project (a new skill I'd like to add to my repertoire) - um, no.
Make quilts for Kate and Jack - still working on these, but I should have them done by the end of the year.
Play an official tennis match - check!
Complete a second triathlon race - check!
Run half marathon race - sorta done. I did that half marathon in July, but it is difficult to say that I actually "ran" it. I have my second half marathon coming up in December. I plan to RUN this one.

WIP Wednesday

2011-09-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

For me to keep keeping track...
I've highlighted the ones I'm actively working on (or should be working on!).
The rest are on the back burner.

Completed Quilts To Be Blogged

Crazy Clown Colors Quilt
Modern Houses Quilt
Advent Calendar Quilt (not going to blog about it until after Thanksgiving)

Seems appropriate that my black cat loves
the Halloween Quilt

Quilt Projects Needing Binding

Halloween Table Hexagons x2

Quilts Needing Basting/Quilting

Pinwheel Quilt
Minky Baby Quilt (I'm nervous to quilt the minky!)
Wonky Pinky Quilt
M's Quilt
Sorta Stacked Coins Quilt
Miss D's Quilt (Miss D pieced the top and I get to quilt it)
Halloween Quilt

Quilts Being Cut and/or Pieced

Ticker Tape Quilt (this one is ongoing & I'm in no rush)
Green Squares Quilts (making 2 matching quilts - I think I'm going to put these away until after the holidays)
Sew-In Quilt (only working on this during FRMQG sew-ins)
Halloween Table Runner
Repro Quilt #1
Repro Quilt #2

Quilts Not Yet Started

Kate's Kona Quilt (Kate wants a quilt like my challenge quilt, only bigger)
Habitat Challenge Quilts (making two... eventually! At least one is due in October. Ack!)
Gift Quilt
Advent Calendar for Me
Christmas Table Hexagons (for me!)

Non-Quilt Sewing Projects

Unbloggable Christmas Gift x6 (cut, just need to sew)
Bath wraps for Kate and American Girl Doll
Another unbloggable, small gift
Bike Bag for Jack
Halloween Banner

Plus Quilt

2011-09-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

I pieced this quilt last spring from 5 charm packs. I wasn't wild about the prints and colors but wanted to use up the fabric. I was really quite pleased with when I finished the top, but then I had difficulty with the quilting. I really wanted to do straight line quilting but was never happy with the results. The stitches were too uneven for me. I put it aside for awhile. Finally, after I pulled out all the quilting, took my machine in for a tune up, and adjusted my stitch expectations, I was really happy with the results.

I didn't measure the quilt but each charm is 5 inches square (4.5 in finished) so I guess it is roughly 54 x 62 inches with the border.

I ended up liking this quilt so much that I'm keeping it for us to sit under by the fire up in the mountains (I took the photos up there on the ski run* this weekend). I also then made another Baby Plus Quilt. I have a few other charm packs that might get the same plus quilt treatment

I feel cozy just looking at it!

Pieced Back - Shows the straight line quilting

With wildflowers on the ski run

*Hard to believe that ski season is only 6 weeks away!! Woohoo!!

Daybook 9.26.11

2011-09-26T07:48:00.002-07:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... I see my overgrown garden that is in desperate need of some harvesting. I always seem to lose interest this time of year.

I am thinking... that I can't possibly be less than a year from 40...

I am thankful for... my sister.

From the kitchen... cinnamon rolls baked by Miss D and a chai tea for breakfast. I admit the combo is a little much even for my enormous sweet tooth.

I am wearing... track pants, a lightweight hooded sweatshirt, and my old slippers. One of my standard drop-the-kids-off-at-school outfits.

I am creating... my one little Halloween project has grown into several projects. I'm kinda enjoying the themed sewing.

I am going... to clean the fish bowl and the hedgehog cage today. Poor creatures.

I am reading... Fall to Grace slowly when I find a few minutes here and there. Liking it so far.

I am hoping... that my lower back feels better soon. I did something to it a few weeks ago, and it flared up again the end of last week.

I am hearing... chirping birds and my own typing.

Around the house... still thinking about paint colors for the dining room. Had an inspiration last night and might stop for some samples today. Light fixtures are up (hurray!) and mirror over the fireplace is up. Ceilings around fixtures should be painted this week. Now I just need to get rid of the donation boxes in my living room!

One of my favorite things... my extra large, leopard print, fleece PJs I bought from Costco a few years back. Love 'em on cold nights!

A few plans for the rest of the week: tennis lesson, lunch with a friend, a (sorta) long run, and playdates for the kids today; no tennis games scheduled this week (yet!); "coffee" with a friend later this week; hoping to schedule a massage and get to a yoga class; normal swim team practice; track and field day for the kids; other than Matt having to work more than usual, I'm feeling pretty good about the week.

Here is a picture I am sharing: Oscar getting a drink from Bristle's bowl. Bristle is fearlessly unaware and always comes up to check him out!

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-09-25T19:11:00.002-07:00

I love my birthday.
We spent the weekend in the mountains with Miss D to celebrate,

and tonight when we got home, we had our little family birthday party.

Can't think of a better way to spend my favorite day.

Right Now

2011-09-23T20:24:00.001-07:00

I'm sewing & she's reading. It's good just to be near each other.

Also can be filed under "This Makes Me Happy."

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Baby Plus Quilt

2011-09-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

Another baby quilt. This one is intended for a baby girl. Just waiting to figure out which baby girl.

My first plus quilt I pieced last spring (but have yet to blog it!), and I liked the first plus quilt so much that I decided to make this baby version. The first one is significantly larger and made with full charm squares. This was made using 2 Sweetwater Sunkissed charm packs with the charms cut into 2.5in squares and pieced. The back is Kona Ash (I think!) pieced with some leftover charms, and the binding is a solid pink from my stash.

Parting with this one won't be easy for me...

See? Can't keep Oscar away from quilts!

Things That Make Me Happy

2011-09-22T10:25:00.001-07:00

Bristle trying to intimidate one of the snails

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Calvin's Baby Quilt

2011-09-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

Since I'm blogging about baby quilts...

I intended to have this quilt completed for my trip to Minnesota back in March, but the quilting was really giving me a difficult time. I wanted to do some straight line quilting, but I just wasn't happy after I had a few lines completed. So I ripped it all out and contemplated what I wanted to do for several months (ie I moved on to other projects!). When I planned to make a second trip to Minnesota in September, I knew I had better get moving on this quilt. I decided to just do meandering quilting which I think ended up being a better choice. Baby Calvin finally received the quilt as a 7 month old instead of a 7 week old. Fortunately it is a pretty big quilt (although I forgot to measure it!) so it should give him lots of snuggle time. Some photos from my hotel room...

Finally Finished!

Pieced Back

Quilting

Comfy!

Wonky Baby Boy Quilt

2011-09-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

When I learned that my friend Siri had a baby boy last week, I whipped this quilt up for little Luke. The blocks are wonky 9 patches set in a rectangle. The backing is pieced from squares that I didn't finish turning into 9 patches. The fabrics are just a mix that I pulled from my stash.

Front View

It's smaller than it appears in the photos - about 27"x32"

Back View

Trying Too Hard to be Artsy

I'm really happy with how it turned out! I'm sending it off today, so I hope that Siri is too busy taking care of her boys to read my blog!

This Makes Me Happy

2011-09-20T12:09:00.001-07:00

A buck at the tennis courts this morning.

Ps - won my doubles match! My partner & I are now 3-0 for the fall league season.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Organized Christmas Progress

2011-09-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

My last update was a few weeks ago. I'm still working steadily although having visitors and traveling put me a bit behind. I'm hoping to be mostly caught up by the end of this week. Here are the weekly to do's that I gave myself. I've highlighted what still needs to be done for the last 2 weeks. I actually seem to be doing better on the holiday prep than my Houseworks tasks...

Peek at my newly organized sewing space

Calendar & Creativity Week (week before last)
Houseworks:

Clean & Organize Sewing Room - DONE!
Clean & Organize Craft Cabinet
Clean & Organize Art Shelf
Inventory Unfinished Projects - DONE!
Make Kids' Craft Binder

Holiday Prep:

Plan Holiday Travel - October Vacation, Thanksgiving, Half Marathon & Christmas/New Years - DONE!
Review Handmade Gift List - DONE!
Create Seasonal Calendar - Nutcracker, Puppet Show, Gingerbread Houses, International Craft Fair - Sorta DONE (it is a bit early for some tickets but I have to buy dates on my calendar)
Start Piecing a certain handmade Christmas Gift
Finish specified quilts - DONE!

Me and Mine Week (last week)

Houseworks:

Declutter Master Bedroom - DONE! (mostly...)
Complete Decorating Projects in Master Bedroom
Tackle Clothes Closet - DONE!

Holiday Prep:

Inventory Gift Wrap - DONE!
Make Christmas Card List - DONE!
Update Needed Addresses
Buy Address Labels - DONE!
Print Address Labels
Order Christmas Cards - DONE!
Buy Stamps (at post office tomorrow)
Plan Personal Pampering Sessions

Close to Home Week (this week)

Houseworks:

Declutter Jack's room
Declutter Kate's room

Holiday Prep:

Seasonal Spruce Up Exercise - DONE!
Decide on Halloween Costumes - DONE! (although there is some work to be done!)
Make Halloween Banner (started)
Plan Advent
Start Advent Calendar Quilt
Send Baby Gift (packaged and ready to go out tomorrow!)
Review Needs for Oct/Nov/Dec Birthdays - DONE!

Daybook 9.19.11

2011-09-19T07:43:00.003-07:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... crisp and sunny

I am thinking... about what order to do today. And of all the calls and emails I want to get done.

I am thankful for... warm days and cool nights

From the kitchen... I am in the mood for some quick bread. Maybe zucchini muffins?

I am wearing... old Levi's, an old sweatshirt and old slippers. Need to change into my tennis clothes and gather some running clothes for later.

I am creating... some Halloween projects!

I am going... to have to go to the grocery store today. No getting around it.

I am reading... nothing. I don't think I've read more than an email or a catalog this last week.

I am hoping... that all my pets stay healthy. I was worried about both Bristle (the betta fish) and Boots (the hedgehog), but both seem to be acting happier again. I think they were both cold.

I am hearing... the washer and dryer spinning and Boots (the hedgehog - we moved him to my office) snorting in his sleep

Around the house... I'm a tad frustrated that my dining room light fixture is still not hung. Won't go into the details. Hopefully this week. Still working steadily on the Houseworks Holiday Plan. I'll try to do an update on my progress soon.

One of my favorite things... planning vacations!

A few plans for the rest of the week: tennis lesson followed by a run today; doubles match tomorrow; haircut, time with Miss D, school used book fair and yoga later in the week.

Here is a picture I am sharing: from my Minnesota trip last week. My friend Michelle and I in front of our Freshman dorm.

Kona Solids Challenge Quilt

2011-09-18T07:38:00.002-07:00

I finished 2 quilts yesterday! Thanks to the FRMQG informal sew day for the time (and help!) to get them done. They are both in the washer right now and will be ready to go to their new homes soon (although I admit I am going to have a tough time parting with both of them!). Since I'll probably show these quilts off later this week, I thought this would be a good time to catch up on showing off some of my other quilts. This first one being long overdue for blogging...

This is my Robert Kaufman Kona Solids Challenge Quilt. All the participants in our guild were given a charm pack of solids in the bright colorway. The rules for our quilt guild were that you had to use at least a little bit of every charm color and you could only add one other fabric to the quilt top. This is the quilt that came from my charm pack. It was a work of faith, because there was a lot of random slicing and sewing. But I'm happy with the end result. Kate loves it and wants another for herself. I have the charm packs and backing for a second, similar but bigger quilt.

My finished top

Quilted with wavy lines all in one direction

One big piece for the backing
& solid binding

Oscar loves quilts too!

If you want to see what others did with their charm packs, you can check out the FRMQG flickr site for local examples or the MQG Kona Solids flickr page.

Bracken Cave

2011-09-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

We made a trip to Texas WAY back in June to celebrate my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. Our first night together with all my family, we visited Bracken Cave which is the largest bat colony in the world and home to some 20 million bats - mostly mama bats and their babies. There emergence each evening is amazing and lasts for hours and hours. I had seen it years before with my sister, but I was just as excited to see it a second time and share it with Matt and the kids.

Like most experiences, the photos don't do it justice. But it gives you a glimpse of what it is like as the bats spiral up and out of the cave and fill the sky. We even saw a hawk swoop down a few times to grab a bat out of the air.

Kate & Mira watching and waiting

Jack & Sonny in the rocks

My sister-in-law Jenifer protecting herself in her rain garb!

My sister showing a bat to the kids
(She's had her rabies shots so she's okay to hold bats)

Did I mention the smell of all that bat guano? Phew!

Bat Watching

Mouth of the Cave

Filling the Sky

Trail of Bats

Bats at Dusk

How Scary Is This?

2011-09-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

That's some thing-a-ma-bobber in my furnace. And see the burn marks? From loose wires and maybe some condensation leaking. A house fire waiting to happen. Fortunately I had the furnace checked today, just like I do every fall.

So this is my public safety message -

Go Schedule Your Furnace Check Right Now!!