Getting crafty

Ever since I was young, I thought it would be cool to know how to sew. However, I never took home-ec in high school or even watched another person sew, so I thought this would always be a dream. Last year for Mother's Day Jim got me a sewing machine. It was a very thoughtful gift. However, I just had Claire a few weeks earlier, so it wasn't the best time to embark on a new hobby. When Mother's Day rolled around this year and I hadn't even opened my gift from last year, I knew it was time to put the excuses aside and jump off this cliff.

I was terrified. The idea of doing something and not being good at it was appalling. I've never considered myself particularly crafty or artistic. What if I couldn't figure it out? There are so many terms, how will I ever understand them all? What if everything I make is crooked and ugly? I knew my perfectionism would rear it's ugly head and I worried I would beat myself up in the process. Then I had a little "ah-ha" moment. What if nothing I make is perfect, but ends up being good enough? Maybe learning to sew is exactly what my soul needs.

So off I went to the fabulous new JoAnn's near my house to attend a "Sewing 101" class. There were six of us in the class and thankfully I wasn't the only one who had no idea how to thread a bobbin. The teacher was enthusiastic and patient. I expected we would just learn about our machines and practice some stitching, but we actually got to make something! After two hours I walked out with a new drawstring bag! It's has all sorts of imperfections, yet it is completely perfect!

Next, I'm going to finish unpacking in the basement so I can make room to set up my machine. I think my first project is going to be an apron for Maggie, and later a matching one for me and Claire. Thanks to my friend Sarah for her inspiration and encouragement. Thanks to my wonderful husband for his insight and support. Here we go!

Rubber Duckie

Maggie was just too cute in the bath the other night. I had to grab the camera.

"We're going home"

The girls and I were out running errands yesterday afternoon and as we neared the house Maggie proclaimed, "We're going home!" While this sounds like a pretty normal observation, I couldn't help but notice a change in her vernacular. This was the first time she used the word "home" and not "my new house" when referring to our abode. I think after seven weeks her transition to living here might be complete. Now, if only we could return to the pre-move potty using state, life would be grand.

Start 'Em Early

While there are many things Jim and I are trying to teach the girls, a good work ethic is one of those life skills that will carry them into adulthood. Luckily, we are at the stage where pitching-in is fun. We took advantage of the gorgeous weather last weekend and washed the cars. Our little helpers had a blast with this soggy new adventure. I doubt they'll be as enthusiastic when they're 16.

"I should be sitting in an air-conditioned office with a swivel chair"

"Instead I'm stuck here rubbin' these fenders with a rag"

Rainy day fun

Maggie got her first tutu this week. I realized she didn't have any dress up/pretend clothes and thought for sure this was a glaring oversight in my parenting and that she was certain not to develop properly as a result. It's safe to say she loved it!

Happy Easter!

I'm a little late getting this post up. We had a wonderful Easter weekend with visits from the Farwigs and a trip to Dayton to hang with the Flynns for Easter dinner. Our new back yard is pretty much a mud pit, but it had been dry so we were able to have an Easter egg hunt. Maggie really got into it and excitedly proclaimed the color of each egg she found. Her older cousins Zane and Lia were good sports and let her have a head start. The Easter bunny brought a lot of candy and Claire enjoyed her first chocolate candy. I was thrilled to be back in Cincy to celebrate Easter Mass at our church. Between the flowers, the sunshine, the bells and the music, nobody does Easter quite like Bellarmine. It was a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Claire Bear

I can't believe my baby girl has just turned 1! It seems like only yesterday she gently emerged from me and into my arms. Her infancy is a blur and she has become a toddler. She has accomplished so much in one year - learning to walk, feed herself, sleep (this one was especially hard to learn) and become independent. Claire is very curious, loves to cuddle and play peek-a-boo. She loves to do whatever her big sister is doing and always wants company while she plays. She can say seven words (mama, dada, sista, all-done, elmo and up) We are so proud of her!

We celebrated her birthday on Saturday with a small party of family and a few friends. Most of the Farwigs came in from St. Louis. It was wonderful to have everyone over to our new house. Claire received lots of fun new toys, her favorite being the baby doll we got her. She thoroughly enjoyed the chocolate cake I made and rubbed it in her hair when she was finished. It was a great party!