Feels like Christmas!

not because of the weather, not because of the decor, and not even because I'm planning who will receive what, but because of what I received in the mail today.
(is it strange that I am posting again about what I receive in the mail? has my life really come to this?? If so, I don't care cuz this is amazing!)

So, remember how way back in August I joined a fabric swap? Where you buy two yards of fabric (from Spoonflower) cut it up into 5" squares and mail them along with a prepaid envelope to the gal in charge who would then serperate all the fabric and mail them back to where you end up with 112 different pieces. Remember I Spy books? Its like that, but with FABRIC!!

Well, after 3 months I received my fabric today!!! I'm giddy! (I told you it's like Christmas!) Here's the haul:

For the most part I am pleased. 1. It is a great way to get alot of different pieces for less money ie, if I was to do this on my own, most fabric stores have a 1/8 yard minimum, which is only 4.5 inches wide, and I would be left with the rest of the 38" strip not knowing what to do with it so, even though the fabrics were a little pricy, I still came out paying way less overall. 2. I get fabrics that I would never choose for myself, and love. (at least for this project) 3. I look at fabric with a completely different perspective

The downsides:

Others chose most of the fabrics (I only chose two) While there were rules, some weren't followed that great. I have a couple of the same print w different colors and several with the same "thing" ie owls, birds, sewing machines, clouds. while cute in their own way, not sure I really want them all in the same project together. And I have ALOT with white background. which is sorta blah.

Anyway, if you can't tell, I'm really excited about this project. And my brain is a whirlwind of ideas right now. . . . . what specifically should these fabrics become? I'm currently deciding between separating by color as seen here (which I probably don't have enough variety to pull off):

Or, this dissapearing 9 patch pattern like here:There's lots of other fabulous ideas here. I just don't quite know what to do. Any suggestions? Anybody done this before? I'm not sure how quickly I'll get to constructing (other actual Christmas related projects will take priority) but I can hardly wait!

Maybe this little cutie will learn to sew sooner than we thought

She couldn't wait to get her hands on the fabric either! Momma's sewing rule #1 don't eat the fabric.

I'll get you my pretty

my mini witch:

We celebrated Halloween by going to SeaWorld, and a carnival, followed by pumpkin carving and handing out/eating candy.

witch in training:



I seem to be posting a lot of videos lately- enjoy our sweetie!

Poc and Nana

A few months back, Michael's parents won a little mini vacation/seminar trip. They were to be flown out for the weekend to listen to a product presentation in hopes of receiving new customers. This trip was to none other than Gruene (pronounced green) Texas. Luck have it, this little city happens to be about an hour from where we live.

This meant their "free time" was spent with a granddaughter. They made sure we didn't forget her, and came bearing gifts:
exibit A:
the pictures don't quite do the hat justice. it's adorable, funny, and so cute at the same time. The fact that you have to be part magician to squeeze it on her fat head makes me want to cry.

Nana:

Poc:

We took advantage of the opportunity to get a picture of the three of us together.

We only had a total of 30 hours together (a new visitor record) but it was wonderful. Most of the time we just lounged around the house, did a little shopping, eating , talking, and they played with Rylee while I worked (curse you October). Thanks for squeezin us in! We Love ya!

busted!

um, can I help you?

na, that's what tippy toes are for.
Sorry Darling, I will pay attention to you come Nov 1st

recently

We are now a one and a half car family. Since Michael was approved for a work vehicle (only to be used while 'on the clock') We decided that 98% percent of the drive time we would have outside of work situations would be together and so we decided to sell the Civic. It was a little bitter sweet, but mostly sweet to say good-bye to this darling:

Like everything else related to growing up, I put off moving Rylee to the regular tub for as long as possible. Surprisingly the biggest reason for putting this off was my back. If you don't know what I mean, you haven't bathed many children - or you know something I don't. Anyway, it was time and we moved her to the real tub for bath time. As expected she enjoys splashing around and mostly sucking on her bath toys. This one- the lights draw you in and then you get sprayed in the face. its pretty funny.
We've been enjoying the fabulous fall weather during my "breaks" from work. I've learned the best way to get a girl to crawl on hands and knees is to plop her face down on the "grass" and walk away. I love the shade from the trees and Rylee loves to eat leaves. I should say leaf because its the same one over and over. Good source of fiber, right? Try to tell me that wrist roll isn't to die for!!
Our HOA had a little fall festival and we went to another little pumpkin patch. Both would have been more fun if we had older kids, but I couldn't resist getting my skelton's picture taken with a bunch of pumpkins around.
She thinks she is so clever. She's getting pretty good at pulling herself up, then afterwards gives me the "look what I just did" look and doesn't know what to do next. Its like she's afraid to fall and kinda freaks out.
I've been singing what few Halloween songs I remember to her, namely "I'm a Mean Old Witch" You know the last part "you better watch out cuz I might scare you. . . . . . . BOO!!" ? Rylee laughs every time. (she also enjoys my witch cackle) I then proceed to "scare" her and suddenly its been twenty minutes. haha! I could listen to that laugh all day- oh wait, I do.

"Flying" and Ranting

Playin with Dad.

We're training her to be a roller-coaster junkie to the best of our ability. I need a tilt-a-whirl buddy!

One of my(her) favorite things lately- when I talk (on the phone or to Michael etc) while holding her she'll lean all the way forward to be able to see my face or grab at my hair until I look at her and then she flashes me a BIG ol grin, where I in turn laugh, and she grins even bigger.

Cuddling (something I prayed she would also love). I secretly love rocking her to sleep. I don't do it everynight (lets be honest, I probably wouldn't love it when she's 10) but when she's having a really hard time falling asleep, I take that as a que we need quiet time in the rocking chair. Nothing like watching her drift into a peaceful slumber.

Its pretty funny to see her eating new foods.

She loves stuffed animals!

When I'm making dinner she is at my ankles tugging on the hem of my clothes, depending on the day I love or hate this, which is directly proportionate to the volume of her voice at the time.

not so favorite? she is into everything. Her dangers of choice are: garbage bags (subsequently dirty diapers), computer cords, door stops, xbox controllers, and getting stuck under the couch.

Throwing her bink out of her crib. (because she then proceeds to scream for it).

short naps.

Its pretty amazing how one little thing changes your entire world.

Alfalfa

Dear Darla,

You make me vomit. You're the SCUM between my toes.

Love, Alf Alfa. See the resemblance?
Thats what happens when you have two tiny cowlicks and short, fine hair.
One more nick-name to add to the bunches :)
{I'm just glad the giant bald spot is filled in.}