Goal: 7 Christmas Gifts completed before Thanksgiving

Status: 4.5/7
So I have 3 "Nutty Buddies" to make, 2 are crocheted, just need eyes and velcro. I'll finish that up today. I have the picture cross-stitched and framed for my sister, one finished project for my niece (I won't mention what it is, in case she happens to read this over her mother's shoulder) :p
I have half of my nephew's gift done. It's a 2-piece gift, and one of the pieces is completed.
Then I have the other half to complete, 1 more Nutty Buddies to make, and 1 gift for my dear brother-in-law. And the reason these need to be ready before Thanksgiving? Because they are coming down to visit from Michigan, and I plan on saving myself some postage. LOL. Aren't I the penny-pincher? :p

So I'd love to show off the framed cross-stitch, but I don't want my sister to see it. So after Christmas, I'll have all the pictures posted up. I'm really excited about getting all these projects completed.

Then of course, I have more to make after those, but those are the ones I need to get finished by the time they come down.
I'll have the gift for my other sister, plus 3 more of the Nutty Buddies, maybe 4 if I'm feeling real froggy about it ;)
Then 2 more nephews to make gifts for, plus my own 2 children. Then there's hubby. I'm thinking I'll either make him something to wear, or save some money up and buy him a GPS.

Getting ready for a big county-wide yard sale this next weekend, Oct 2nd. Hoping it doesn't rain because they won't reschedule, and there are no refunds. Seems a bit odd to me to have neither, but oh well. We'll have a spot on the courthouse square for the sale, so it's a prime location. And then the following weekend is the big Civil War Days at the park close to where I live, so again, another prime yard-sale time/location. We'll hold our leftovers from the first one to have the next one. And then it's off to the Mission House with everything that doesn't sell. The main point of the yard sale is to get rid of our junk. The money we make is just a bonus. :)

I guess that's about it for updates right now. See you next time :)

Love new curtains

So I was shopping the other day and came upon some curtains on clearance. These are the same type of curtains that are hanging in my bedroom, which I love. I couldn't pass them up, as I'd already commented that I wanted that kind of curtains in my living room. So I got them.
Here's how they look. Keep in mind that ugly border will be coming down eventually.

 

Here are what my old curtains looked like:

Crafty Ideas

So I'm already started on making Christmas gifts this year. And yes, I said "making". I am crocheting, and doing counted cross-stitch. My sisters and I agreed that since we are all flat broke, buying yarn/thread for making gifts is much cheaper than buying gifts. Plus, the fact that they are hand made just makes them more special :)

So, I'll put up a couple pics of what I'm making. Now, keep in mind that I'm not the world's greatest at crochet, considering I've barely any experience.

For one of my nieces, I'm making a bunny. I found the pattern for it online free here:
http://www.rheatheylia.com/index.php?page=patterns&id=3

Here's my pic of the completed bunny I made.

The pattern called for just one color of thread to be used, but I started with a partially used roll of yarn (leftover from one of my mother's projects in days long gone), and got worried that I was going to run out before I could finish. So I just decided to use a different color for the ears. I believe it turned out rather striking :) I found some buttons to use for the face. I think the little white heart for the nose is too cute.

I will be making another one of these for my daughter, but using a fuzzier yarn. It will probably turn out cute, I hope, but I've never used that kind of yarn before, and have been warned that it doesn't work as easy as worsted weight yarn like I used on the above bunny. Oh well, my daughter is only 3, and she isn't picky ;)

I have ideas for my nephews, and am working on my own design for a bag for my sister. I'm also putting ideas together to create a unique cross-stitch picture for my other sister. I'm hoping they will be well-pleased. Keep an eye out for the completed projects to be posted here.

Labor Day Weekend

Well, Saturday was my adopted niece's birthday. She turned 12. I took her with me to Wal-Mart and let her pick out a $10 gift. It was more than I could afford really, but I wanted to do something for her ;) Also she got to spend the night with me, and I baked her a cake and decorated it for her.

Sunday, I met a few of my cousins at the State Park just a few miles from here, and we had a nice cook-out there. Randall even came with me :) Well, he actually headed out with our son a few minutes before I did, but he stayed and ate with us.

Monday, Randall's brother had a cook-out, so we went over there for that. Then came home, and had an early night.

So today it's back to normal finally. Kids are back in school.

I decided to go ahead and rearrange my living room. After coming to the startling realization that I absolutely hated everything about my living room, I tried to think of what I could do to make me like it better. Because I hated it so much, I rarely sat to watch tv with hubby, and I didn't like going in there to clean, either.

So at this moment, the room is almost finished (other than paint and slipcovers) except for the tv. The hole I drilled to move the satellite cable wasn't big enough, so the stupid battery has to be recharged for the third time to drill a third hole to make the hole I already have there a bit bigger. Sad, isn't it? So the kids are happily playing without TV for now. Good thing they don't depend on it for entertainment. :p

So I guess when I get it all done, I'll try to get a couple pics of it posted. Can't wait to get that horribly ugly border down and paint the walls and trim. Also need to find a cheap slipcover for that couch, if possible. Although until I can change out that horrid blue carpet, there's not much sense in covering up a blue couch. LOL.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Thirty

Day 30- Who are you?

Well, now that's not a simple question.

I'm a 33 year old stay at home mother, with ambitions to redecorate my house. I juggle family meals, household cleaning, and childcare with pleasing my husband, taking care of the dogs, and playing on the computer.
I'm very addicted to the computer, and spend way too much time on it :p
Which is probably why it's so hard to lose weight!

I have a dry sense of humor, that not every one gets, but that's okay. I am me, and there's no one else I'd rather be.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Nine

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned?

I've learned that I still have to be reminded to remember to blog daily :p

I've learned that I am not happy with my current weight, and can't believe that I don't have more pictures of myself, my family, and my friends. I've learned that I don't have that many friends.

I've also learned that I like to laugh at myself. Better than crying, I guess :p

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Eight

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

The first pic was taken about a year ago, I think. I'd just cut my hair for the first time ever by going to a professional. I loved the way it turned out, but of course, I didn't keep it maintained, and now it's about grown out again to the same as always. Time to get it cut again. As far as weight, nothing's really changed. I might be a size smaller, but I think I'm the same size in both these pics.

As far as things in my life... well, we've all gotten a year older, and wiser (hopefully). I do intend to work harder at losing weight, cleaning the house, etc. My house has looked pretty good for longer than it usually does at a time. Thanks to the new TotH and BotH challenges with my sister ;) Thanks, Becca!!

Here's hoping that if I post a pic of me a year from now, I will have dropped at least one size or more in clothing, been able to keep my house clean the entire time, and been able to complete a few projects I have in mind.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Seven

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?

That's an easy one. I was on facebook, and saw where a friend had linked her tumblr posts, and she was in the middle of doing one of these 30 day challenges. As I read back through her posts, I thought it was a neat idea, and wanted to do one myself.

Also, it's a good way to get me in the habit of posting everyday. Instead of letting months and months go by without a single post to update my blog.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Six

Day 26- What you think about your friends?

I think it is hard for me to have a really good friend. I have some great acquaintances. I have some awesome sisters. I have wonderful cousins.
Anyone I ever get close to, I end up finding a problem with them. Either they are back-stabbers, have an extremely annoying habit, or leech off me to the point of costing me quite a bit of money.
Seems like you can't trust anyone anymore. So I'm very grateful to my sisters. They are the best friends in the world that anyone could wish for. Someone to laugh over silly things with, get sympathy for big or small problems, grumble about someone's odd behaviour, or whatever is needed. Usually a quick phone call can cheer me up when I'm feeling depressed. Jump online and see them online too brings a goofy grin to my face. I don't know what I would do without my sisters, and I just hope that they know I love them.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Five

Day 25- What I would find in your bag?

Right now in my purse is:
My wallet, with no paper money, some coins, some receipts, the checkbook, some insurance cards for the kids, debit card, a credit card for Fashion Bug (which I've never used), Shoe Carnival BOGO card, Walmart gift card (that I think is empty, but is reloadable for 3 cents off a gallon of gas), drivers license, and an expired proof of insurance. (don't worry, the current one is in the vehicle) ;)

A flashlight, chapstick, and calculator. a couple of pens (can't be without those), a few paint chip cards, and that's it.
Pretty boring, huh?

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Four

Day 24- A letter to your parents.

My dad passed away a couple years ago. He was one of the biggest influences in my life. If I ever sensed his disappointment in me, I would feel crushed. His opinion mattered a lot to me.

Dear Dad,
I miss you more than words can tell. I depended on you for a lot of things. Just little things, a lot of times, but still, it was a comfort to be able to call you and ask you silly questions. You always had time to give me an answer.
Your values in life are ones I want to claim for my own. I know I fall short in a lot of areas, but you gave me something to strive for. Even Randall says you were a great influence on him, for the short time he had to know you. He valued your opinions. He wanted to learn more from you, but time didn't let that happen. He regrets not spending more time with you.
I'm trying to help Mom around the house. I'm starting to see what you had to deal with concerning finances. I pray daily for the strength and wisdom to keep us out of debt, to keep the bills paid, and to not lose my temper.
I'm afraid I inherited your short hot temper. But like you, I've learned to control it. Maybe not as well as you, but I find myself constantly biting my tongue, or leaving the house, just to avoid losing my temper.
Just wanted to say thanks, for everything you did in my life. And I love you.
Your baby girl, Sherri

My mother is still with us, in fact, we live in the same house. After Dad passed away, she needed help taking care of the house and bills. This is a touchy subject right now, and I'm not going to get into too many details. But here's a letter I'd write to my Mom.

Dear Mom,
I know you are worried about being broke. Keep your chin up. We can budget and plan wisely and still have free money to splurge. Just not as much as you are used to.
Please stop acting like you are going to sell the house. I don't want to move again. I love it here.
I'm so glad that you are going to retire next year. I know that you've gotten older, and are tired of working long days away from home. I'm happy about your decision. Please don't worry about making less money. I can get a job and help out more. Which means that more of the housework will fall on you, and I'll expect you to help out.
But with FLyLady's systems, we can keep the house clean, laundry washed, meals cooked, and all that taken care of without a problem. Don't worry. I won't dump it all on you, I still expect to do a lot around the house.
Randall and I have so many plans for the house and yard. It is exciting to think what we can make of the place. That's why I get so upset to hear you talk about selling it. It feels like you are trying to destroy our dreams.
I know that's not what you mean to do, so I'm hoping that once you realize the truth of it, you'll stop making those remarks.
I have a deep love and fierce protectiveness for you, Mom. I defend you a lot. Yes, I know your memory is failing. That's okay. It's not to the point of being a huge handicap right now, just a little annoying. *wink*
I want to take care of you, and make sure you are happy. That's a hard thing to do, making you happy. It's always been the one thing I wasn't sure how to do. So help me out a little, okay? Give me a hint?
There is only one thing I ask of you. Please, PLEASE, stop talking about our personal home life to everyone. You promised that if you ever had a problem with something here, that you would come to me about it. Instead, I'm hearing about it from other people, and not from you. Keep your promise to talk to me about what's going on. I'm not the enemy, you know.
I love you, Mom. Please don't take any of this the wrong way.

Your loving daughter, Sherri

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Three

Day 23- Something you crave for a lot.

Sweet Potatoes with Caramel Sauce. Yummm.
I also crave fried potatoes, thanks Rebecca for reminding me :p
And chocolate. What woman doesn't crave for chocolate?

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Two

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else?

I guess you could call me a late bloomer. I didn't have many friends in school, and had very low self-esteem. Thus I was extremely shy.
I still am to an extent, but once I get to know you, I can be a very good friend to have. I'm a loyal friend, and willing to help generously.
I don't wear make-up, and don't fix up my hair. So it doesn't take me long to get ready to go somewhere.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-One

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy.

The Roamin' Gnome. I bought this little guy while in Michigan visiting my sister Rebecca. This little guy is supposed to be accompanying me on all my excursions, to pop up unexpectedly in photos.
I had to name him Bo. Because I always like Bo better than Roman. :p (see if you get that obscure reference)

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty

Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future.

I'm already married, and I see myself with him for the rest of my life.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Nineteen

Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them?
I have the nickname Wormy, which is short for Squirmy Wormy, because as a small child, I couldn't sit still :p
I also had the nickname Pony in school. This was because everyone knew I loved horses, but being a short person, they felt "Pony" was fitting, because a pony is a short horse. ;)

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Eighteen

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have.

I dream one day of having my house perpetually clean. Or at least only 15 minutes away from being "company ready".
I plan on doing a lot of projects around the house. I want to get the laundry room straightened, cleaned and organized, and paint the walls a bright cheery color. I want it to be a room that I don't dread walking into.
I have a goal of losing enough weight to get back into my pre-pregnancy clothes. Which is about 30-40 pounds from where I am now.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Seventeen

Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.

Oh this one is easy! I would switch lives with my husband! Here's why:

He complains all the time that I do nothing around the house. Cleaning, doing laundry, planning meals, taking care of the kids, etc, etc. He works setting up mobile homes. I know he has a hard job, and is tired when he comes home. But I believe that what I do is no less stressful and important.

I'd actually like to switch for more than a day, just to give him a real taste of it. Even though I'm not sure I'd like to do his job that long, because it is hard physical labor. But still, I'd hope he would have more respect for what I do afterwards :p

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Sixteen

Day 16- Another picture of yourself.

Dressed to shoes!

Yes, another recent one. Was doing a challenge with my sister about making sure we were getting our Morning Routines done, and that we were dressed to lace up shoes. So to make sure she knew I had my shoes on, I was pointing at them in this picture. 

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Fifteen

Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play.

I don't have an iPod. However, I do have music on my computer. So I opened Windows Media Player, dragged in all my music, and shuffled the list. Here are the first 10 songs in the list.

The Pirate Song (I want to Sing & Dance) - Ray Stevens
The Dash - Eric Dodge
Feather Duster Shake - Amy Benson Lacey
Blue Navajo - Gheorghe Zamfir
When I Need You - Gheorghe Zamfir
That's Who I Wanna Be - Eric Dodge
Time Is On My Side - Rolling Stones
Now We Are Free - Hans Zimmer
Claire de Lune - Zamfir
It Ain't Gonna Happen - Eric Dodge