ME AND THE MONSTERS

What will this be?

2009-04-26T00:21:00.003-04:00

I am sure most of you know what his will become, but it will be totally different from what you think...stay tuned.

Wish you were there.....

2009-03-30T03:14:00.003-04:00

A friend had a birthday and decided it would be good if we all went to Atlantic City and we all decided that would be a good idea...so away we went. I had never been before and it was crazy cold, but we had lots of fun.

Aquarium

2009-03-18T23:18:00.004-04:00

Why we love school field trips.......

Sea Turtles

"Killer" Sharks

now that we've eaten, time for cleaning

Stingrays...we love them!

It was a great day!

I love SALES

2009-02-23T17:54:00.003-05:00

So, a few weeks ago I got this email that one of Waldenbooks stores was closing in the area and they were having a sale. I thought about and decided to stop in briefly and boy was I glad that I did. Everything that was on clearance was being sold for $1.00 and everything else was 40%off. I racked up on some great books for the kids and a couple for myself as well...lets just say that I had to have 2 boxes carted to my car, but it was well worth it.....here are some of my finds.....

The sewing books were 40% off but can you believe the dangerous and daring set, they are hardback and there was the one for boys and girls and regular $45.00, but I got them for $1.00, some of the other favorites that were a dollar can be found here, here, and here...I got all 3, for a 1.00 each. The only bad thing is that they are so cool that I don't even let the boys look at them alone for fear they may come to harm.

I just love love love sales.

I'm Puzzled.....

2009-02-20T22:48:00.005-05:00

My 6 year old loves puzzles, but once he makes them he has no interest in them any longer and so we end up with puzzle pieces all over the house. I used to try and keep them together, but it just go to be too much, so I'd just put them all in a plastic bag. The bag is overflowing, so we decided to make some puzzle crafts....

The first....necklaces of course...we painted the puzzle pieces and wrote words on them and then put a hole them and used some necklaces I had for a project that never materialized.

second...bookmarks. He's really into reading now and we needed bookmarks. We did the same thing for the bookmarks as for the necklaces, I don't have a laminating machine, but I did have some clear packing tape and voila....

Now what to do with the other 600 pieces?????

Family

2009-02-18T13:20:00.003-05:00

There is much going on today and I just want to share some pics of the people I love.

These are the kids, youngest to oldest and the last one is my daughter and mom. My husband is like big foot when the camera is out...running fast in the other direction, so you won't be seeing him anytime soon...lol.

The Comeback

2009-02-16T13:20:00.003-05:00

So, its February and I have not kept my promise to keep up the blog, but really this time I am planning a comeback. I am going to catch up with some things that have been going on. Lets start with Christmas....

The two youngest, one giving himself away as a present and my mom. It was a small quiet Christmas and it was great.

Catch Up

2008-12-21T23:30:00.003-05:00

So there is some catching up I need to do. I have vowed to really put some time into this blog for the new year...and I am going to get an early start beginning with today. Since my last post we have had halloween, thanksgiving, and 3 birthdays. This is a pair of mittens and scarf that I made for my craft groups holiday party white elephant game. I used this tutorial for the mittens.

Boy Am I Hungry

2008-10-12T19:37:00.003-04:00

I normally cook dinner every night and tonight was no different. Pork Loin, Green Beans, and Parmasean Rice. I just think it tastes better when it looks pretty. What do you think?

De Ja Vu

2008-09-30T23:15:00.006-04:00

I know I have been gone for a while, but when you decide to go back to school, keep a full time job, and have 4 kids, life is a little complicated. I am just starting to get into the swing of managing it all soooooo I am back. I dont know how much crafting will be going on but we'll see.

I'd like to start my return with my thrifty find of the week.

Eames House of Cards...yeahhh babbby...All there and in excellent condition, and did you catch that price...thats 1.99. I am happy.

Movie Monday...

2008-07-08T22:35:00.003-04:00

I know, I know it's Tuesday, but thats better than wednesday, so here it goes.....

I must admit that I have seen this movie more than once, but I like it. I think it speaks to alot of topics, relationships, motherhood, poverty. When you have children at a young age and then your relationship falls apart sometimes there is a struggle between being a mother and wanting to still be young. Sometimes this situation can leave you in poverty and you can run away or you can deal with it. I think watching this will teach us alot of different lessons including responsibility and that more is sometimes just more-not quality.

Movie Monday on errr Wednesday

2008-07-02T20:04:00.003-04:00

So the excitement of the 4th has totally made me forget about movie Monday, so we will have it today Wednesday instead....

I really liked this movie and I must admit the first time I saw the preview I was like um "no". I got over it and watched it anyway. It really made me appreciate my family and the time we spend with each other. It also made me appreciate my heritage just that much more.

Something New "Movie Monday"

2008-06-23T19:19:00.004-04:00

In an effort to keep up with posting until my camera resurfaces. I have decided to do a movie Monday of sorts. I am going to review movies that I watch over the weekend. These are just my opinions, and you may or may not like them, but I always say see for yourself. I will watch just about anything, as I don't really have a favorite type of movie, I just like movies. So this weekend I finished up the series....

It was "hero"-esque, but the acting wasn't the best. Somehow I was still drawn to watch the whole series. It was interesting enough to keep me coming back. So, I'd have to say if there was a season 2, I'd watch it.

I'm So "ETSY"ITED

2008-03-24T20:14:00.002-04:00

Well after months and months of procrastination I have finally listed some stuff on etsy, and I sold something.....so many thanks go out Pastry. I hope you like it.

maybe next year.....

2008-03-23T02:29:00.004-04:00

A little while ago the NCM had a workshop on learning how to crochet. I was disappointed that I couldn't go, but that was the night we went to the circus. But I did want them to know that even though I was not there physically, I was there in spirit. So I had this teach yourself crochet book lying around for a while and decided to give it a try.

And me being the adventurist that I am decided that I was going to make a afghan, but not just any afghan probably the hardest one a beginner could make. It's a good thing I have faith in myself. I found this pattern online and modified it a bit (who do I think I am). Maybe next year I will have used up all the stray yarn I have and will have a pretty neat although imperfect afghan to show for all my efforts.

Wish me luck!

what would you do with $100

2008-03-21T22:07:00.003-04:00

You could do alot with $100.00, but if you have love of fabric then you would do this.....

that is what $100.00 looks like in fabric. I have to say that it was my love of fabric, my unfortunate impulsivity, and sale fabric at hancocks....what is a girl to do? I better start creating something soon, or my DH will most definately be putting me out...lol!

Saddest Clown on Earth

2008-02-26T19:47:00.004-05:00

This weekend we went to the circus. I hadn't been in a long time and while it was different than I remember it was still pretty cool. The focus is less on animals, which is good and more on acrobatics. I must say the Tigers looked a little pissed to be in that cage, and I was prepared to shield the little eyes beside me in the case of total carnage. Overall I think the kids had a great time.

We did however encounter a sad clown.....

He did however perk up by the end of the night.

I never knew how hard it was to take a picture of someone moving...and hanging from a sheet in the air. All in all it was a great night.

The New Year

2008-01-04T22:50:00.000-05:00

The New Year brings forth many opportunities for change and growing, and I am feeling more confident than ever in this 2008! I have vowed to make and post at least 1 thing a month. I will keep my etsy shop well stocked (still no camera, so no update). I will de-clutter and simplify my life and home. I will take care of me. I will indulge myself and splurge occasionally on things for me (sorry kids, you have way to much anyway). These are the things I believe I can actually commit to, so here it goes.

Since I am still having camera issues, I leave you with this pic of #1,3, and 4. Please don't look to closely at the mess of the dvd case behind them.

Swap Tease.....

2007-12-04T23:45:00.001-05:00

I got my gift from the scss swap today and I just love it. Unfortunately me and my camera are having a disagreement, and by the lack of pics you can tell who's winning. lol. So you will have to just drool over the pics that are over here. All I can say is that I am a lucky girl! Thanks Corry :)

2007-12-04T23:45:00.000-05:00

Well there doesnt seem to be much going on here,does it? There was the accident.

but that's been fixed now. What an ordeal for such a little fender bender. Well hopefully my little camera will hold out and there will be a huge mega updated to my etsy shop this weekend-I mean it's only been never that I have updated it. We'll have to wait and see.

I went back to work about 3 months ago, and it seems that when I have a specified time to get things done, more things get done. I wonder if anyone else has come to this realization. There has been crafting going on, just not enough time to photograph it. I promise to be true to my little blog and I vow that I will be a better parent to it for the upcoming new year. I guess that will be my first New Years resolution. Who else is going to take the challenge?

IT'S BEEN A WHILE......

2007-11-11T19:29:00.000-05:00

So, it's been a while since i have posted, and what you may wander have I been doing. Well, in short everything. So this post will be long, and hopefully I will be forgiven by the blog world for neglect. The first thing that has happened since my last post is #4 celebrated his 3rd birthday...he is my mircale baby, born 2 months early and weighing in at barely 4lbs. Here he is on the respirator under the warming lights in the hospital after he got an infection.

And now 3 yrs later, he's still small but nothing else seems to be wrong....this is one of the reasons that i believe in miracles.

Ahhh...and of course, who could get forget halloween. This is the 1st year that the kids really got into it, #1 and #2 are too old to go trick or treating, so it was all about #3 and #4. They were all ready to go, but at about the 10th house someone answered the door in a scary mask and they were ready to go home.

Batman 1

Batman 2

There were not any Robin costumes and I did not have time to make one, and noone wanted to be Superman. So, I ended up with 2 Batmans.

Oh, and there was a wedding....#3's godmother got married....it was a nice wedding in a beach house...#3 was the ring bearer. It was nice and quick and to the point. The funny thing is I have never ever been to a wedding. In all of my 3xxxxx years on earth not one of my friends have had a wedding. Wierd. So, this was a nice experience. So Congrats to D and K....I hope they have many long happy years together.

And last but not least...The Handmade Parade...my every 1st craft show. It was hosted by the Norfolk Craft Mafia. It was great. I did really well for my 1st show. It was so nervous for the show. What if I don't sell anything? What if I don't have enough stuff? What if noone comes? Well I was so stressed the night before the show I was up early and made 5 aprons just in case. My goal was to try and at least get back the fee of the show(which I did). There were sooooo many people there, all I can say is it was a great experience and I can't wait till next year. These are some really crappypictures of my table and my sons in their great ballon hats. The baloon artist was amazing. If you live in this area you have to book him for a party. I have never ever seen any ballons like he made. Way beyond the corny poodle. By the way, that's a turtle and a reindeer.

and that has been the last 2 months.....I have the SSCS swap going on, I can't reveal the gift just yet, but I will have pics soon and off it will be........to ??????-can't tell you that, then it wouldn't be a secret. Until next time.

2007-09-05T18:33:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I have started on my quilt, I decided to go with a modified log cabin look. I love the look of the little kids in the middle. The fabrics are a combination of Ebay,Thrift Store, and Walmart $1.00 bin. Now I just have to decide how big I wanna go, and find a back fabric. We'll have to see what happens as it grows :)

So that and this is what I was doing for most of the day.

Ahhhh, and you can't forget dinner.....yuummmmmmm!

I'M BACK

2007-08-16T13:31:00.000-04:00

I really have'nt gone anywhere, I've just been cleaning. I took a break from house duties, which was not such a good idea because that left me with lots of catch up to do. I have cleaned and purged all of the kids rooms, done more loads of laundry than I care to admit. The dishes are done and my sewing table a.k.a the dining room table may be showing acutal signs that dining can be done on it. So, now that that is all done, it's back to crafting and getting ready for The Handmade Parade. I can't wait, this will be the 1st time that I have done anything like this and I am super excited.

I am also super excited about the Secret Santa Christmas Swap that I joined. I love that the internet has allowed me to communicate and interact with people from around the world. It's like having thousands of friends and still having a low phone bill.

I have always loved quilts and only own one. I always wanted to have more to display and use and to hopefully pass down to my kids, but I never thought that I would be able to afford to get one, and then an idea popped into my head-why not make one of your own. So, that is what I am working on right now(if you never hear about this again, that means it did'nt go so well). So, I headed to Barnes and Nobles to find the perfect book to help me...and ended up with two silly monsters in my car instead......

What have I been doing.....

2007-07-16T19:45:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I am back, trying to fit in a post while the kids are at vacation bible school. I posted awhile back about the swap that I was doing, and although I got the package from L. about a week ago I had not posted any pics of anything. I do want to let everyone know that I am not a photographer, I look at all the pics out there in blogworld and ooh and ahh. I wish. That will be on my list of things to do right after I master the sewing machine. So here is a sample of some of the great fabrics that L. graced me with.

She also sent me lots of zippers and bindings...she hooked me up. Thanks!!!!!

I also made my very 1st messenger bag, and I must say I am proud of myself for this one. This is for son #3 who saw all the tote bags, but could not bring himself to have pink. I had this Shrek fabric for a while so I decided to see what I could do. If you look closely, you'll see that the lining is from the green striped fabric sent to me by L. (I couldn't wait to use it). It has an adjustable strap courtesy of velcro and a great pocket on the front. My son loves it, and friends have put in there orders. I guess I should get cutting :)

and, last but not least.....I am floored by how well (neat) the homes of fellow bloggers are, and have come to realize that mine will never look like that. Here is how #3 and #4's room looked yesterday when I went upstairs.

To which #3 advised that his brain told him to do and wouldn't let him clean it up. That boy is genius...now we will just have to wait and see if it's an "evil genius". Either way I got to clean it up and now it looks like this.......

Which is much better than yesterday for now. Man they have a lot of stuff.

I also made my a couple of pyramid bags, but darn that camera the batteries have died, and I am too lazy to go to the store right now and get more. So, that will have to come later.

Birthday....

2007-07-13T03:14:00.001-04:00

So, it's been a little minute since my last post, but it's my birthday this week so I have been celebrating.....all week long. I have lots to tell and more to show. I promise. So, be on the lookout for Shrek,mail,The brain,a messanger bag, and a teepee.(You'll see what it all means in the next posting. So, I will leave you with this Happy B-day to me!!!!!!!!!

Friends...and food....

what could be better.

Jealous.......

2007-07-08T16:20:00.000-04:00

Well, have I told you that I am addicted to fabric? I haven't? I must say that since I have decided to reacquaint myself with the craft world, it seems as if I have been on a never ending high. There is sooo much out there that I could never have imagined.

So, when I found out that a local fabric store was going to be having a one day sale where everything was going to be 50% off, I could not pass it up. The catch, the store was going to be opening at 6 a.m. and you had to be there to get stamped between 6 and 7 a.m. to get the discounts. So, as if it was "Black Friday" I prepared by never going to sleep, who could miss this opportunity? Who?

My heart sank when I arrived to the store to see.........a line....I knew I would never get what I wanted with this line, but to my surprise...I got everything I wanted, and more....so I will tantalize and charm you with my wondrous finds....happy salivating :)

Now, I started this blog as many others to share about crafting, and oddly there are hardly any examples of crafting listed, so I will leave you a pic of a fabo tote that I created and can be purchased here ...it's made from a vintage tablecloth that had some hand embroidered light and dark pink flowers and some thrifted denim. I have 2, and some other fabo things for you.

Something Finished......

2007-07-03T11:18:00.000-04:00

So I have officially finished something.....an apron, I know that I may be the last person on the face of the earth to make an apron, but I have just gotten into my craftiness. I love the pocket on it, it's pleated and trumpet shaped. I did a quilters binding. It's made from a kitchen towel.

I have finished some coasters...I just have to stitch them up!...I think I'll start on some tote bags next. Today I will leave you with #3 and #4 getting around the house on their backs.

Boys will be boys :)

Summer is in full swing.....

2007-06-28T23:15:00.000-04:00

So what do you do when its a bazillion degrees outside....you find the nearest watering home and jump in it! So, here they are #3 and #4 before...

and here they are in action....

They're so cute, but onto crafty news. I joined my first swap over here, and I am finally ready to send it off. I don't know if you can tell but the box is taped to within an inch of it's life.

I hope L. from here gets her package in one piece.

This morning....

2007-06-25T08:18:00.000-04:00

So, some may wonder why I am up at the crack at dawn posting a message? Well, today is the first day of summer school...yay! not! My loving oldest son will be attending summer school for the first time, and the bus did not show up on time. So looking as gorgeous as one can look when having to get dressed and get someone to school in about 5 minutes I set out on a journey to "Middle School". Of course once there no one knew why the bus was not on time and directed me to call transportation.....we'll see how that turns out later...it's tooo early. Hopefully my son will be able to make it through the day (he has ADHD) and sometimes that's hard. If anyone out there has any tips on that let me know.

The Craft "Room"

2007-06-25T01:51:00.000-04:00

I use that term loosely. Having 4 kids and being in a rental doesn't leave much space, so that's it. I get a closet, and the dining room table and occasionly the bed, and of course most of us with kids know the crown jewel for "alone time" is the bathroom. I know my kids wonder how many hour long showers can mommy take in a a day. I guess I should'nt complain, but it is a mess and has no personality, whatsoever, so for the next couple of days I will be revamping the closet...I mean CRAFT ROOM.

Guess what I found....

2007-06-24T22:51:00.000-04:00

Since you don't know me yet....let me just tell you..I am fickle. I go from one craft to the next, and when I do watch out!!!! So, for now I am into sewing and fabric....really into fabric, and thrifting. Luckily for me, most of the thrift stores in my area seem to have many fabrics on a daily basis. But for once I actually ventured to the fabric store and this is what I came back with....they are all fq's...the ones in the right corner where $1.00 each, and the others, with the exception of the Amy Butler bundle (that I could not do without) were only $2.50.