Yardwork

In the land of eternal sunshine and palm trees, (photo by Honeytree Photography)a land without seasons, there is always yardwork to be done. Although the locals talk about "May Gray" and "June Gloom" like it's horrible for the two months where it is overcast for a few hours and the breeze from the ocean brings a nice chill before the days warm up and are gorgeously clear again.

It was a beginning for May this morning you could say, with an overcast sky (slip top by Claire La Faye) and that cool breeze I've come to love. We are transplants from Colorado (where it is said there is 300 days of sunshine a year, which isn't quite true, but it is a fairly sunny beautiful state with it's mountains and snow). So living in very southern California a mile from the ocean is a different experience.

The yard was in need of some mowing and trimming. The trimming hadn't been done for awhile. Dandelions (mosaic by Earwings and Things) were taking over! My kids love when they do, blowing the seeds, spreading them more. There is something about making that wish on a dandelion. I've learned that it is the official flower of the military brat. You see, like the dandelion, they move and grow and spread through out the land. Since my children would be classified as just that, military brats, it always makes me smile when they play with those dandelions... even if they are spreading them far across our yard!

In the end, the yardwork was mostly finished. The kids had fun helping pick up the seed pods as well as dandelions and checking out the bugs. After all, what fun is yardwork without a little investigating? And when you are done with your investigation, don't forget to Etsy your day.

What Dream Is This?

I'm not one who usually dreams, or at least I don't tend to remember them. Last night however was a very strange one indeed. I was back home in Denver, working and living downtown. When there appeared a spaceship... (image from Busy Little Elf)
Only it wasn't a spaceship... it was a brand new office building that appeared next to my office within a day. (art by Gocco*Boom)

But people didn't seem to notice. They went to work as usual. And new people even started in this new building. Then suddenly, it started to come apart into different sections and fly into the sky. You could see the people in the windows as it left... (doll by Hapslappy's House)
Only, they weren't really people... They were aliens in disguise... (alien by Adopt an Alien)
I suppose I've just been spending too much time on my latest pattern, or it could be my mind was trying to tell me an invasion is emminent? Or that I feel office work is alien since I've been out of one for so long? Either way, it was a dream that stayed with me for quite awhile and figured I should share it. And if you feel the need to share some strange fairly vivid dream, send me a link so I can see what it is.

Pictures are all from Etsy shops. They all have some pretty neat things to check out. Don't forget to Etsy your day today! Just think of all the fun creations... waiting for you.

What I Did On My Blog Vacation Part 4

Became a 2 car family again! I blogged about when my hubby started taking my car apart to get to the alternator. Granted, he took on the task in the middle of his chemo, and it didn't take a few years, more like half a year and then some to finish.

But lets not dwell on that, and more so dwell on the fact that the car having sat in the garage in pieces for how long, took him all of a night and half a day to put back together once he'd gotten the part needed. I was happy and impressed, as was he at his handy work. My brother even laughed about it and made some comment about being able to tell he's an AM (aviation structural mechanic) with the way he could let it sit and still get it back together, no phantom pieces. At least that's what I got from the comment.

This post isn't so much about what I did during the blog vacation, but about my hubby and what he can do. I guess the idea of moving (we're looking at buying a house) made him want to move so that we weren't packing up parts of a car and towing it someplace! Lesson there is... if you want something done... say we're gonna move? Aha, not so much. Although it did work this time!

Easter Goodies

So the stuffies and crowns were a hit. My daughter wore her crown, pretty much all day. She took it off to change out of her pjs, into her pjs, and at naptime. Otherwise, it was on her head. She also carried around her new doll, Carrie. Seems fitting with how much she'll be carried!

My boy liked his robot, took him in for his nap. Which for him is unusual, he doesn't sleep with stuffed animals much. He goes through spurts. My daughters bed is covered in them, and they rotate who is there. Anyhow, he also enjoyed his crown, but did spend part of the day in his "Go Broncos!" hat, which being football people, gotta love.

I did deviate a bit from the pattern. Changed the eye shape and did eyebrows instead of eyelashes. Also added a pair of underwear, light blue with a pink heart. To match her bows and dress. And used a light beige fabric with small flowers on it, so she has a bit of freckles on her.

My girl thought she was an "adorable robot dancer girl" at first since she had seen me stuffing her brother's robot. But after awhile, realized that "she has hair, and robots don't... so she's a dancer girl"

Overall, it was a nice little treat for the kids to get. I'm very happy that google can help you find all sorts of patterns and tutorials, being not much of a sewer!

What I Did On My Blog Vacation Part 2

Celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary. A nice adult evening out, or as adult as it can get with my hubby. Started with dinner... courtesy of a gift certificate from family.

Bet you can't guess where that was at! But isn't this little brooch from MichellesCharmWorld just adorable? Next it was off to a movie. It was a good movie, gave us things to talk about on the way home.

I just love the look of this duct tape wallet from HongDesigns. Captures the character perfectly. It'd be a fun way to show your love for your favorites.

My man

He's been my "babyman" for 2 years now. Last night, became my "littleman". He was a SoCal surfer looking babyman. Now, he looks like his daddy. He likes the change. All be it a bit strange to feel all that fuzziness and no long locks. Funny how much it changed the shape of his face!

Took quite some time to get all that hair cut. And lots of moving around. Daddy started him and he just wouldn't sit still. So I took him over and let him look in the mirror. Then he was ok with me finishing. No "wow, CUTE" came out, but he did say "I like it!" I'll take that.

The Art of Trick or Treating

It's a little late to share, but wanted to show off the kids' Halloween costumes. It was my sons first year trick or treating. Last year, he had just turned 1. He was a great walker, not much of a talker and really not in need of extra sugary treats. This is a pic of the end of the night, when they came home to say "Trick or Treat!"

However, last year his sister did go trick or treating. It was her first year. She was almost 3, and a huge talker. She enjoyed the experience. So when it came to this Halloween, he got to go as well. He's now a 2 year old with lots of energy and personality who thinks he's just as big as his big sister. The last comment is almost true, of his size at least. When we were back home, everyone who picked him said "What do they feed you? (insert heavy strange thing to feed a child... rocks... lead... etc.)"

Back on to Halloween. My daughter wanted to be a werewolf. For all of the summer. Figured it'd be a good costume for my son to wear next year. Could make wolf arms and a head, something to go over her shoes and put clothes on the rest of her. He could do the same thing next year. Then a month before Halloween, it changed to a fairy. A very pink fairy. She helped me pick out the fabrics, trim and a new pair of shoes. Everything pink (of course).

While my son was a scarecrow. This was an easy costume. He had a pair of old overalls, ones he'd not be able to wear again so I bought some felt in yellow and tan and cut it into strips. Then sewed the strips onto the bottoms of the overalls. Cut a few squares of other colors of felt and sewed those on with some straw strips poking through. Picked him up a shirt that was a bit large and did the same. The hardest part of his, was a hat. Which sort of hat should a scarecrow wear? His looks a bit like Pappa Bear from the Berenstein Bears, minus the flower. He really enjoyed his costume (put it on and he said "Wow, cute cute!") and figured out trick or treating by the first house. It was an enjoyable night and now there's a piece of candy every other day or so to remember their Halloween together.

Treatment No. 12

Has come and gone. He's done! Chemo is done! It hit my hubby yesterday. He came home from work with some sparkling cider to celebrate. He realized that he had all his weekends free again. We can do anything without having to worry about the next weekend being stuck to not do anything. The look of elation and liberation was in his eyes. He's thinking poker this weekend, and a bit of shopping.

The kids and I spent the time he was at the hospital for his last treatment at the store. Getting all the bits we'd need for Halloween costumes. Or so I thought! We need to pick up a few more things and then I can start on them. It is a joy making the costumes, yet since they are only worn once (my daughter wants to be a fairy this year, and I highly doubt we will reuse the costume for my son!) but they love them so. Only my second year making them, but I'm getting more familiar with the sewing machine. One fairy and scarecrow coming up before the end of the month!

A month where our weekends are ours and my hubby is on the road to remission. So crazy to think it's through.

I did want to leave you with a picture. Just one of the projects I've finished lately, I truley adore it! It's for a Homefront Challenge, but more on that another time. For now, just a tease :)

Wishing all health, happiness and big dreams for the coming season.

Toy/Gift Bag

So here is a pic from my son's birthday party with his toy/gift bag we made him. Hubby and I like the idea of making them for Christmas as well. Since our kids have a little bag for each sort of toy. However, we will have to make the appliques seperate and sew them on later so you're not looking at a picture of what is in every present. I thought it turned out well and my son loves all his superheros! They were the perfect present for my little man who likes to save his sister on a daily basis.

They are really simple bags to make. We used fleece for the bag and felt for the applique. The applique design, I took from a pic online and then freehanded it onto the felt. My hubby (my little semster) sewed it onto one side of the fleece before sewing the bag together.

Simply cut your squares the size needed for the front and back of the bag. This one is about 14". Sew on any applique you'd like. Otherwise you can hand stitch them on after the bag is made. Then sew around 3 sides, making sure to backstitch on the ends. Fold over your drawstring casing, about an 1" and then turn the bag inside out and sew it around. You can then take some scissors and cut 2 holes in the casing for the drawstring to go through. We used a crochet chain as the pull and then knotted it back on itself so that it can't be pulled out.

My question for you all, is how do you present gifts?

Treatment No. 11

Has come and gone. It went well and was preceded by a trip home the kids and I took to see some other sickies. My mom is still in the hospital, but is getting there. It was really nice to be able to go home and see her. The kids did really well going to the hospital everyday to see Grandmother, but they have spent some time at the hospital before when my hubby was there for his surgery.

The trip went well, and we made it home the night before treatment no. 11. So that Friday, we spent at the hospital as well. Went to the mini NEX at the hospital to pick up some toilet paper and tissue for the house. Then walked around. Stopped off to make an appointment for my son's 2 year check. And waited for hubby to be done. Time went by pretty quick actually and the kids did well just walking around. It is thankfully a rather large hospital to walk around with different things to see and do.

At home the weekend went well. The nurse brought us some grapes to say sorry for being so late on the last treatment. Which was really nice of her to do. And the weekend passed without much to tell about. Although both hubby and I have said several times now "only 1 left". It's a really great feeling to have.

Our son turns 2 tomorrow and we celebrated his birthday yesterday. So we spent last week getting some toys (superhero stuff, it is really cute!) putting the house in order and making a toy/gift bag for his new superheroes. It turned out really well. I did the felt applique, hubby sewed everything together. We had homemade wheat pizza, pasta salad and chocolate cake. Just a small little party. It was cute listening to my son sing along to "Happy Birthday". He'd done it just a few days earlier to Grandmother on the phone.

My hubby has been home for the past week since he has limited orders and doesn't have to check in for a few more days. It's been nice having him here, but I have been away from the computer so much.

Anyhow, will try to get a pic posted of the toy bag. I don't think we took one before he got it and it is currently in his room with him. Always nice when toys get put away. And this Friday marks the last treatment. A big sigh coming now. Then it's just checks for the next few years. But we have made life adjustments and are still working on more to make ourselves healthier. Healthy wishes to all.

Treatment No. 10

Was this past weekend. It went fairly well. Saturday was not the best day. Hubby felt a little under the weather, having trouble drinking. But did manage to get a little down and was eating fine. Sunday was much better. It was his birthday, the big 2-8!

The kids picked out a little Legos package for him, and I picked up some Geek Soap from Swan Mountain Soaps on Etsy. Figured it was fitting since my hubby really is a geek with his computer games and love of Star Wars. He thought both were funny. Put together his Lego train quick (he now has a Lego helicopter, a car and a train) and then opened up his present from his mom. More Legos, and Star Wars all in one! It is an AT-AP that he then put together. It's sitting on his computer desk.

Then it was time to watch football. Chargers were playing the Broncos so it was a game we got to watch! It's hard being a Broncos fan in SD some of the time :) Man that game had ups and downs and the ending... 2 pointer for the win! Later in the evening we had some pizza and then cheesecake with fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries oh my! My daughter asked for more when she finished hers. Had to tell her it was just desert, so no more cheesecake was needed.

The worst part of the weekend was homecare being late on Sunday to take out the needle. But all in all, it's one more treatment done. Only 2 left now. In a month he will be done. Possibly 2 months he can have cold drinks again. No trips back home for the winter, that is for sure!

Hug

It's amazing what one little hug can do. This has been a stressful year for me and my family so far. Along with my husband's cancer, my mom has been in and out of the hospital with her own medical issues. I think I've touched on them a little bit. She went back in last night for more surgery. They removed another section of her small intestine, it had an infected hole in it. At the beginning of August was her last surgery, removing some of her small intestine as it was twisted upon itself and had caused a blockage. In January was the start of her surgery, they removed 90% of her large intestine.

With all these surgeries, she never has gotten back to normal. She was home for a few months inbetween and has been staying with relatives or in the hospital for the rest of the past 9 months. I don't even know what to do with all of this. Here I am not even 30 yet and this is the hand that's been dealt to me. If you're reading this, please say a prayer and send some positivity her way.

I've gotten lots of hugs from my kiddos this morning in between phone calls updating my brothers. My son came to find me and ran at me with open arms. They give me comfort and strength. Children are such an amazing blessing. Their hearts are so large and overflowing with love and positivity.

Treatment No. 9 and then some

So we've surpased 3/4 of the treatments! Hubby's sis came out for a visit and was here while he did his ninth treatment. Still going well and making it through. We had a good visit and even managed a date night to see the new Batman, The Dark Knight. Kinda funny since it has been so long since I have been in an actual movie theater and there weren't many people, it was really loud. Makes me feel old :) The movie was enjoyable and it was nice going out just the two of us.

Hubby was very excited with the idea that there are only 3 treatments left to undergo. It's what he said most of the weekend, "9 down, 3 to go..." with a look of joy and excitement for the weeks to come. It's amazing how fast time can fly by.

Been busy around here. Have a few custom orders I've been working on as well as some new toy bags for the kids. My son has lots of big legos and the bag they came in, the zipper pulled out and is broken. So made him a new tall green fleece bag for his "blocks". We picked up a big toy bin from some neighbors who no longer needed it and so made several little bags for her to keep sets of toys in making it easier to find what she wants to play with. Finished 2 of them completely (little pictures on them noting what is inside) only about 6 more to go. The bags are at least all done. Some however need drawstrings put in so that's something to work on in between orders and life.

One of the orders called for organic yarns. Since I use acrylic for the novelty things, had to pick up some new yarns. Bought some bamboo cotton as well as some banana silk. They're both really easy to work with and I'm excited to see how the banana silk scarf I've started turns out. It's a beautiful yarn that looks like a bunch of berries, ripe for the picking.

Reading and the art of tackling

Today was a day spent working on some chores. Hubby came home early and so we spent the afternoon looking at houses online. With the way the market is, there may be a way we could afford to buy something on his one income. That would be a nice treat to own our house. Talked to our daughter about it and she liked the idea of being able to paint her room, "blue and yellow and purple!" We'll see when we do own our place if that would be the case.

Then it was off to the library. Got a book recommendation from a friend, Water for Elephants so put it on the list to receive a copy when available. I love the internet age in that you can just go online and request a book. Saves a bit of the searching in the library, which is hard to do with my two in tow. We picked a few books for them, and my reserved copy. Now we will see if I can finish a book in 3 weeks!

Overall it was just a nice family day. Tackling ensued after dinner. Kids, daddy, Oli and myself all partook. Everyone tackled daddy, then me then hubby and I divided and conquered the kids. It's funny how my daughter suddenly just makes the oddest sounds instead of words when tickled. Then she'll stop long enough to say "Pleeeeese stop tickling me..." Whereas my son will come up to you "Tickle... tickle... tickle..." big dimpled grin asking for more.

Flip ruffed up Oli a bit as well. They're getting along so well these days it's fun to watch. Flip is still a bit cautious because of the size difference between the two, but Oli jumps on his back like he's the "big" cat in the house. Guess we'll see how they do when they're closer in size.

I leave you with a pic of Oli while I head off to work on a custom order, and read some of my book. When was your last family day?

Treatment No. 8

Today he gets disconnected. Another one down, 4 to go. We've got the next 2 scheduled and the end is in sight.

This weekend has gone pretty well. Hubby was awake most of Friday. Came home to play a new video game the kids and I picked up while he was at the hospital. We went shopping for some new clothes, looking for Super Hero pjs for my daughter. They didn't have any but she found somet hat are aqua and brown with dots that she liked instead. Bought my son Batman pjs awhile ago and so she wanted some as well. They had some Super Girl pjs online that should have been at the store, but oh well, now she's just an "adorable girl".

After playing video games most of the afternoon, it was time for a nap. Hubby's schedule is a little off now, so we'll see how tomorrow goes going back to work. He's at TPU again probably going to work for an Admiral for the rest of the year. I say probably since his squadron still wants him back so they are going to see if they can get him orders there instead. It's the game of hurry up and wait, not sure what the future will hold. Always a fun one, and just how it goes :) I'm thinking he'll do better back at the squadron, but with the Admiral he still should be working some to keep him busy.

Treatment No. 8 means he's 3/4 of the way done. When he finishes, our son will be 2. We were talking the other night about how pretty much his entire 2nd year of life, daddy was sick since this started in January. I doubt he'll remember daddy being sick, and lets hope this is the end of it.

Crazy Life

It's been a crazy few weeks. Had 3 visitors, 1 new member of the family, a computer crash, a few more orders, 1 family member hospitalized, and just not much spare time.

The 3 visitors were nice, well actually 4 since one was a couple. My hubby's mom came to visit for a few days. We had fun. Hung out a bit, knitted, shopped, and played with the kids. As well as talked with the adults. She also brought me my birthday present, a set of circular interchangable knitting needles, which I so love.

Then my hubby's cousin and his very preggo wife came for a visit. It was nice listening to their excitement at the new little girls pending arrival. And the last visitor was another of my hubby's cousins who is a new military spouse. Her husband is a Marine stationed out here and so she came out to start scouting housing since he is currently deployed. Played a little guitar hero with her and hung out with the kids.

Our newest family member is named Oli. He's a cute, curious little tabby kitten. We've been talking about getting a new kitten for our cat to play with. We have a 4.5 year old black siamese mix who is just a lover and more dog than cat. He's not been too sure of little Oli who gets into everything and just isn't going away. They're slowly becoming friends however which is interesting to see. We hope they do become great friends. Our Flip has been more playful since Oli came along, and it'd be nice if they could burn off that energy together.

The computer crash was mine, of course. Using the laptop as a temporary fix. It probably just needs a hard drive. But with the car still in pieces in the garage, the pc gets to wait. The laptop is a nice little machine, however it isn't my norm so not used to the keyboard and mouse.

The orders were for more berry purses, a strawberry and blueberry along with some little wallets/coin purses that a few dollars can be slipped in with initials. One strawberry is crocheted, the rest still to be done. When I finally can stock the shop again with berry's I'm sure they won't last! I've got an order for a baby blanket that I've just about finished as well.

And the hospital, my mom has been having issues with her gut. She went in in January for emergency surgery. 90% of her colon gone, the issues were supposed to be gone as well. It was a long recovery process and she still wasn't all the way back to par. Then this past Monday she went back into the hospital for more surgery. Seems she didn't heal quite right and the small intestines had decided they wanted to twist up on her. Some adhesions removed and the twists untwisted, she's once again working on the recovery. Started a comfort shawl for her with my new circular needles. Hoping to have it done this week. We will see though, with the new kitten, it's been difficult to pull out my yarn.

It was treatment no. 7 this weekend and that seemed to go pretty well. Will have to blog about that another time. Oli is coming to play!

Little Thiefs

I knitted a new hat this weekend. Hadn't knit much in awhile so my hands were a bit sore Saturday night when I started it. But finishing it Sunday morning went quickly. Thought it turned out really neat... as did my son. The little thief made off with my new hat!

It's sized for an adults head. My hubby just says he'll grow into it. It makes a great hat to play peek-boo with, one of his favorite games. "Peek-boo" was one of his first phrases and he loves to say it. Cute lil drawl to it.

Anyhow, made sure to keep notes on how I knit the hat so that I can make another. It has sideways chevrons knit into it. You can sorta see them in the pics.

Oh well, my little thief now has 3 hats of his own. One more than his sister, who has purses as well as sweaters.

Treatment No. 6

It's the beginning of the halfway treatment. My hubby was put on nights this week so his schedule has been a little wonky. I think that's why he started to feel the nausea this time. They called me this afternoon asking for me to come pick him up. He wasn't able to drive. So went next door and asked if I could bring the kids over and pick him up. My SIL said that was fine, but asked what car I was gonna use! They are a one car household and with my car in the shop (garage if you prefer) hadn't even thought about that. Was so busy just trying to think how to make it work to get there quickly and get him home. Luckily one of my brothers friends was over picking up his kid. He gave me a ride to get my hubby.

After getting that cleared up, I just wanted to cry for a minute. Guess it was a bit of a slap in the face. Been thinking all week how this treatment is the middle of the road. We're halfway done. (Yes I say "we" because he is the one getting the poison put into his system to kill the bad cells, but we are the ones who are affected just the same.) When I got to the hospital, he was really just sleeping, in his scrubs since well, he needed some clothes to wear. It was not a fun morning for him. He slept the whole way home (and I didn't even grind a gear or stall, it wasn't the smoothest ride though) got hooked up when the nurse came and is still sleeping now on the couch.

Here's hoping the sleep will help. That the uneasy stomach was more to do with the fatigue from a new schedule (one more week on nights then back to days) and not the sliding down of how chemo can be.

On the positive, after Sunday it is half done. One trimester left to go, I know way too many preggos now so had to throw that out there! Told my hubby that the other day and he just gave me the funniest look. Oh well, I found it amusing! Although he doesn't get a happy pink baby in the end, he gets a new lease on life and more time to just be.

My beautiful car!

So I've mentioned my car isn't working. It needs a new alternator. Hubby has decided that he'll fix it. Which since we have a working car, is fine by me. He took the time to take apart most of the front end of my car this weekend. Still need to take out the second radiator and the alternator so he can order the part.

It'll still be another few weeks before it'll get done since it is treatment weekend. But it was a good start. And as long as it doesn't take two years like his car took, I'll be fine. It was really neat watching him take it apart though. Even took a pic of how it looks now. He wanted to have a record of the steps, sort of. So crazy to think my beautiful car looks like this! And that my hubby did it. Although he is a structural mechanic, so it does make sense.

Hopefully it won't be too long before I can show a pic of the alternator out and the new one in.

Another hat!

So while I have been working on my first wholesale order (so exciting and it feels great to have it done) I crocheted a few hats along the way. The one for my neice, well 2 but then chose the one I thought would fit her. She does love her hat and loves that the star can "move where-ever I want it to Dad" that's what my bro told me.

Anyhow, I also crocheted a hat for my son. Hadn't made him a brimmed hat yet really and wanted to give him one that maybe he'd like to wear as much as his sisters pink hat with the pink flower. He does seem to enjoy it.

Here's a few pics of him in it. Had to include the second one since it shows what it likes to have an older sibling! What would we do without them? And notice his shirt? It says Monkey See Monkey Do Monkey Get In Trouble Too. Quite fitting for him, although he tends to find the trouble first!