see.mama.sew.

instafriday (without the iphone)

2012-01-27T22:17:00.000-08:00

I took a lot of pics with my phone this week...I decided to link up with Jeannett!

First time ever.

Row 1: milk and birthday doughnut, brother and baby sister, daily juice

Row 2: Mommy and baby, hot cocoa and lemon loaf, vegan oatmeal chocolate chip

Row 3: new favorite mug with homemade caffe mocha, s'mores cookie, best lasagna.Ever.

Cuppa

2012-01-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

We have had the randomest weather lately in So Cal, although I shouldn't be surprised really. When is it NOT random here? :) So the last few days have been sunny and about 80 degrees...in January. But a few days before that it was cold and rainy. Perfect weather for a cuppa. (tea that is)

embrace the camera 12.29.11

2011-12-29T21:41:00.000-08:00

mommy and her blondies...

linking up with Em!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T21:52:00.001-08:00

From our family to yours...

embrace the camera. 12.15.11

2011-12-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

Linking up with Em, for the first time in over a year.

These pics are just a small reminder that I need longer arms...or maybe I just need to set up the tripod. :) 50 mm lens = half blurry self portraits + one cute baby

2nd attempt

last but not least

Link up! Congratulations to the sweet Anderson's on their precious little Olive.

Magic

2011-12-10T17:51:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the sweetest little "magic" of Christmas pic?
Even though most of the tree is missing,
I just love the dreamy stare.

Tweet tweet.

2011-12-08T00:10:00.000-08:00

See my sweet little birds nest ring? I've had the nest made for a while now but decided I wanted it a little bigger. So I wrapped a little extra and then made the ring. It's messy, I might redo it, but I love it!

Yum.

2011-12-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love chocolate?! Check out this blog I stumbled upon...try not to eat the computer.

for the love of chocolate

currently...

2011-12-03T15:36:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Casey's blog the other day, but I've also seen it pop up other places too. I thought it would be fun for me, fun for you and even more fun as a way to keep up with blogging.

Obsessing over: Advent, finishing a "secret santa" gift, Pinterest, red nails, and Christmas movies.

Working on: ideas for upcoming birthdays, above "secret santa" package, a new look for my blog, and dinner.

Thinking about: whether or not I will ever finish my quilt, how to be a better mama, moving, and a latte.

Anticipating: Christmas, spiritual growth, moving, Christmas Eve traditions, bedtime.

Listening to: 2 babies breathing, 1 husband snoring

Drinking: nothing. :(

Wishing for: Lightroom :), ways to give more, spiritual growth, a move for our family, less whining, more fun.

December

2011-12-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

Happy December! I wanted to share how we are keeping busy this Christmas season, with our countdown to Christmas and Advent activites. Yesterday we started

Truth in the Tinsel, hoping it will help in teaching our kids the true meaning of Christmas, which is not just pretty packages to us. ;) We are also using the below "calendar" that I used growing up! Each day the kids pick an ornament to snap on the tree and then their Advent 'clue' that is left in the pocket tells us what craft we will be making and of course the corresponding Bible stories! So fun.

symbol of Jesus' light

so sorry for the horrendous photo

Happy Thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a super Thanksgiving! We enjoyed amazing food and great company. (As well as a couple of turkeys. )

Sick.

2011-11-22T18:10:00.000-08:00

Chicken soup for dinner.

Thankful.

2011-11-18T22:43:00.000-08:00

Wow. Last time I was at this spot we were a family of four...now we are a family of five! I really want to get back into this blogging thing so nothing better to dig my heels in with then some Thanksgiving.

So today I am thankful for:

some quiet after a noisy morning

my 2 1/2 yr old sleeping in her crib for the first time in 8 months (even if just for a nap)

3 healthy babies (2 with a cold but none the less healthy)

finding the Frank Sinatra Christmas pandora station thanks to this sweet blogger

Starbucks buy one get one free holiday drinks

this lady's delicious brownie recipe

Getty.

2010-09-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

Last week we decided to pack a lunch and head to the Getty. The weather was perfect for hanging out on the grass and letting the kids run around. The flowers were still blooming...probably on their way out really soon. Glad we could make it and get some pictures!

Beautiful, smoggy, Los Angeles

Splash Pad.

2010-09-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, we had a play date at the Splash Pad in Oak Park. I did not think Aidan was going to be interested...he has NEVER been excited about the shooting water fountain things. Of course I was right, until about 5 minutes before we were going to leave.

{Embrace the Camera} 90210

2010-09-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

I've obviously been on hiatus from {Embrace the Camera}. Here's the deal...went to the park for the first time in weeks...it's been WAY too hot. Aidan took our pic...isn't it cute?!

Hoping to get back in the groove.

I heart Thursdays.

Lions. Tigers. Bears.

2010-08-30T22:45:00.000-07:00

This summer, we've been spending a lot  of time at the zoo...the Santa Barbara Zoo.  It's a great {small} place  to go to keep the kids occupied and COOL in the summer months. 

Aidan  loves the zoo, loves the animals, and {I think} loves the freedom he  gets there.  We pack a lunch and head there first thing.

Summer Reading {Frenzy}.

2010-07-18T23:18:00.001-07:00

I go through phases of reading...it goes like this:

Read
or
Watch TV (Don't read)

For the last two weeks I've been reading...and reading...book to book to book.

It all started with this book:

Great book .

And in no certain order these followed:

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Dear John by (yes) Nicholas Sparks
Sundays At Tiffany's by James Patterson
Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan

I think there were more. I can't really remember.

I need to go read now.

PS: I am not neglecting my motherly duties (normally). It's night time. Oh and nap time too.

Happy 4th!

2010-07-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July!

I tried my hand at some rosettes....

Key words for the holiday:

with friends

first fireworks for the kids

late night

{Happy Father's Day}

2010-06-20T23:04:00.000-07:00

This years' cards...

Happy Father's Day to my hubby, best father to our babies, and my best friend! (Sorry you didn't get your homemade doughnuts until Monday-oops).

We celebrated with dinner with friends...fun times.

Touch-A-Truck

2010-06-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

Wow. I'm not sure if other places have events like this...but I've never come across one SO big (and complete)! Thousand Oaks Community Center puts on this event where, I swear, they must bring in one of EVERY truck/car/vehicle in the county. We're talking fire trucks, police car, search/rescue ATVs, boats, sheriff, bomb squad robot!, helicopter, UPS, FedEx, cement truck, garbage trucks, street vacuum (sewage), SEEBEE vehicles (military), dump truck, school bus, diggers, go-karts, etc. And YES, the kids are able to get on/up/touch/play with EVERYTHING! Buttons, sirens, hoses, fire gear, horns! Its incredible...oh yeah, and its FREE. There were also bounce houses, tractor rides, construction zones for play, and food for cheap. It took Aidan a little bit of time to warm up...he was a little nervous at first with the noises and just so much to take in I think...but he finally warmed up. He had a blast and wanted to go in every single vehicle. So. So. Amazing. This is definitely a repeat family event. Look this up friends...see if they have one in your area!

Doing a little FedEx delivery

Serious radio skill...breaker breaker

What can Brown do for you??

Military Man-this was a GINORMOUS military dump truck

What my baby would look like if he ever rode a school bus..wearing his Safety Badge

Big Tires

Fireman

Go Go-Kart Go

PEEK-A-BOO

My baby

2010-06-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

busted his eye...ok, next to his eye. Thank GOD no stitches were involved. I {may} have gotten light headed from the blood...or maybe it was just because he was hurt.

P.S.

The cut is actually really small...thank YOU again.

{Embrace the Camera} Day 4.

2010-05-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

3 full tummies
2 babies
1 mama

embrace the camera. day 4.
(do you think I said that enough?)

{Embrace the Camera} Day 3.

2010-05-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

1 tickling mama
1 laughing little boy (with a haircut)
1 agreeable daddy to take the pic
1 60's style picture editing
= really sweet captured memory

Oh Happy Day

2010-05-26T22:59:00.001-07:00

Guess where we spent the day yesterday? More pics to follow...

{Embrace the Camera} Day 2.

2010-05-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

My husband actually took this one for me...I still need to figure out the self timer.

Aidan and I

embrace the camera.

2010-05-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

You see...it IS true...there are definitely not enough pics of me WITH my kids. Ok, there are also not enough pictures of my husband, our kids and me...like a handful (maybe) in 3 1/2 years. We have TONS of "couple" pictures from before we had babies.

Starting today. Making an effort. Embrace the camera. This super cute girl over here, invited ME (ok not specifically me) to get in front of the camera with the kids. Some of you might know here from Blog life...if not check her out.

Day 1.

I love how this came out.

1 Year Old {Take 2}

2010-05-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

I have lots of pictures that I would love to share so I decided to do an extra post for Miss Sofia's first birthday bash! Even though it was quite small...just a couple handfuls of people...I knew I wanted to go all out...and all out in PINK! I decided on a "sweets" party for my sweet...which is definitely quite interesting because our kids (especially her) rarely get sweets. Can you say sugar high for Aidan?!! Without further ado...here are some sweet :) pics...

some beautiful poms...my new favorite accessory...

White chocolate covered marshmallows tinted pink...with pink M&M's... I also did pretzel rods dipped in the same chocolate...and those were YUMMY.

a pic of the table...which was filled with all treats pink...strawberries, above marshmallows, pretzels, pink gummy hearts, bagels with strawberry cream cheese, heart shaped PB & J sammies, raspberry filled cake, and vegan vanilla cupcakes...OH and pink rock candy mainly for visual effects. But I left the picture taking up to Jason and I seem to be missing some party details. :(

Horrible night before picture of the cake...

Treat bags with cutout cookies (a ONE and S for Sofia) made from my Nana's recipe...

little party favors...

Goodnight...! Poor tired girl.

Forgotten.

2010-05-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we played baseball outside. Ok, catch...with Aidan's new baseball glove. We had so much fun! I had seriously forgotten how much I used to enjoy playing sports. (Namely, baseball and basketball.) And no, I didn't play on a team...but my family was HUGE into sports...I was the only one who didn't play on a team. Ever. I think we have a new hobby. And just so you know...I have a MEAN arm.

Once Upon A Potty

2010-05-10T22:28:00.001-07:00

As is my life the last 9 months or so...this post is coming late. Aidan has been potty trained for 3 or 4 months now...and I'm not calling myself an expert or anything but I got LUCKY. Thank you Lord for making my child anal. :)

We went with a sticker chart...worked like a charm. I also set the timer for every 10 minutes ... he was not into going potty so frequently and he threw some fits...so I backed the time to 20 or 30 minutes.

Day 1: 7 or 8 pairs of wet Buzz underpants (plus multiple pants and 1 pair of UGG boots!) Diaper at nap and bed...but no pee in them.

Day 2: NO WET UNDERPANTS. We kept doing diapers at nap and bed but they were always dry.

The last issue we had was POOP. Of course he (like most I hear) did not go poo for at least 1 (maybe 2) days...I caught him going in his underpants and I rushed him to his little potty although it was too late. BUT he got stickers anyways because we flopped the poo into the potty (gross I know!) :) Then he decided to hold it for a couple more days (which he never did before) but this time he said he had to go poo...we made it to the little (plastic) potty and he sat down but was scared and said he wanted to use the BIG potty...was still scared but with promises of extra stickers and a really special treat (fruit loops) he DID IT! It's been smooth sailing since then...

So proud of my boy.

{1 Year Old}

2010-05-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

Sofia Elizabeth

12:15 pm

March 6th, 2009

One. Year. Old. Yikes. Where did the time go? You are so big now! You're walking (although you weren't at your birthday). You took your first steps around 11 months and then you decided it wasn't for you. You needed more time...probably more time to get used to your big brother always being around. It took about 2 weeks after your 1st birthday to really be MOVING. And you pretty much haven't stopped since. You love to walk (and run)...love to play in the dirt...play at the park. You are content to be on your own...make your own fun...love to read books (YES!)...or at least look at the pictures and make noises at them. You don't have any words yet (at least none we can understand)...except for Baaa...which is Bryant (dog). (oh and Mamamamama) You love Bryant...can't get enough of him. You hug him, kiss him, pet him, pull on the hideous, gigantic mole on his face...he licks you. Then he licks you some more.

You LOVE your brother...you copy everything (uh-oh) he does...not just the good things...you want to be around him all the time...which can be hard when he is poking and pushing at you... you love to dance (just like Aidan did).

You have not slept through the night yet (I'm not complaining!...usually)...mostly due to the fact of our not so perfect sleeping arrangements. My children need quiet...not so helpful without walls and a door(!). Hopefully one day soon...before you are so over tired that there is no turning back. :)

You are sweet...a snuggler...lover...but fiesty. I'm so curious to see what you will be like when you start talking. (Please don't say no, please don't say no) You are dramatic...I can't believe it starts so early!! Right now it's funny...mainly because it seems unbelievable that a girl knows how to be a girl right away.

You just started to demand that you feed yourself...I'm impressed with how good you are. I've seen how some kids feed themselves...and it's messy. You're so much more self-sufficient then your brother was (shhh...don't tell him)...ok then he is now...(don't tell him that either).

I love you, my precious girl. You are amazing.

The Big 3. (really 3.5)

2010-05-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is 3 years old. On December 30th, my baby boy turned 3. We celebrated with family, cupcakes and a party hat. :)

That's right...I'm THREE! (or 4 or 6)

Hmmm...what are you like? (Well you are now 3 and a half so I'll tell you what life is like now.) Ugh...you are hard. With a capital H. :) I'm sure it could be worse...in fact everyone says how sweet and well mannered you are. So thank you God... You spend a lot (A LOT) of time in Time Out... You don't like it (at all)... you scream and cry....so hopefully (?) its working...just really slowly. You run when you're in trouble...just like Curious George. You don't usually like to share with your sister...you like to take things from her...you like to walk so close behind her so that you can sneakily knock her down... this is normally while we are watching. Sometimes when we're not watching you will play side by side together...so sweet. I really wish for you to be BEST friends. (Is that possible?) You LOVE people, love kids, you are so social. You talk SO much...its incredible. I remember when I used to beg for you to talk so that I could understand you. You are really sweet...you love hugs and kisses...you love to hold hands with your (girl)friends. You listen really well (until you DON'T)...I'm beginning to give it over to the idea that it's the 3 thing. I sure hope it gets better...we're almost half way there! Until then...I envision a lot more time outs...pray for less yelling (by ME!) {gasp} ... hopefully a lot more trips to the park...because you seem to do better when we are not at home.

Love you, my BIG boy.

{Happy Mother's Day}

2010-05-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day started with a yummy breakfast made by my hubby...

Delicious Dutch Baby with fresh berries, whipped cream and powdered sugar. I may have had a mimosa (maybe)...a treat for sure...

Breakfast was followed by lots of timeouts...isn't this supposed to be my day off?! I was definitely feeling sorry for myself until I came across this post from one of my regular reads...guess I'm not the only one. HA. I'm with her...I definitely need to instill in my children the value of celebrating "special" days!

Luckily it turned around by dinner (barely)...just in time for Aidan and Daddy to make HOMEMADE raviolis with sun dried tomatoes and prociutto. YUM.

Can you believe not one pic of me and my kiddos?? I guess it's a good thing since I didn't make it out of my jammies all day. But here are a couple of them...because they sure look cute in their jammies!

{Sleepless In} Seattle.

2010-02-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

No I'm not in Seattle...though I'd like to be. Especially since the hubs just returned from there last week. I entered to win this giveaway...don't enter....so I can win! :) But do go check out her photography: it's pretty great (amazing).

Apples.

2009-11-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what I am making for Christmas...??

I'll post more pics as I finish them.

I'm on a mission...

2009-11-13T20:48:00.000-08:00

to do WAY too many things for Christmas!! I have already started on one of these for Aidan (will post pics later) and it is SO SO SO cute.

I just discovered this new blog via Ohdeedoh, and now my new mission is to take part in this very cool Build Along...Cute & Thrifty Play Kitchen! I am scouring Freecycle and Craigslist in hopes of coming across any nightstand table SOON. I'm already two weeks behind!! We can do it though.

Head over to Out of The Crayon Box to check out the amazing ideas Jane has...she even donates the money she makes from the kitchens to the Homeless! I know there are at least a couple of you who have been meaning to make a kitchen for the kiddies.

New Ideas.

2009-10-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

OK,

So I've been thinking and thinking about names for my projects...you know, a name for an Etsy shop, a name for tags to add to my sewing projects, etc. We've been brainstorming over here and these are what I have come up with:

Maman Rousse (translation: Redhead Mommy!)
See. Mama. Sew. (at the top of the list)
SewButtons.
Sew What?
Sew. Crazy. Mama.

We're leaning towards Maman Rousse and See.Mama.Sew. Any comments or ideas?? What do you guys think? And please don't anyone "steal" my names. ;)

I'm getting anxious...need to finalize my decision and get crankin'. Would love to have an Etsy shop, although I know the work it must take. It doesn't have to be huge though, right?!

Our New Digs...

2009-08-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

If you didn't already know, we have moved! It is of course, a little bitter sweet....leaving our wonderful neighborhood friends, family and the place where we took both babies home to. I guess it was time, as we had always talked about moving from the "OC" anyways. So here we are up in Newbury Park, where Jason grew up, staying with his mom while we get our bearings (and save some money!). It's been hard but I know we are very lucky for this opportunity. And we have a backyard!!

Rockets, Boats, Balls, Oh My!

2009-08-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Here is some of what I have been working on lately...last weekend the neighbor friend I spoke of here, celebrated with a shower (I unfortunately could not attend) for soon-to-be-born Baby Jack. This is actually the first shower I have done homemades for...so it was very exciting! I made a couple bibs, a burpie, paci clips, a changing pad/diaper wipes holder, taggie blankie, stuffed ball and a onesie with a super cute rocket on it! I had such fun doing it, hope her and her hubby enjoy them and now am looking forward to 3 new babies this year to sew for! Yay!

Please forgive me...

2009-08-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

my posts are going to seem erratic and out of order! I am SO far behind...and have so much to show and tell.

9 Patch.

2009-08-14T18:24:00.001-07:00

So here is what I have been working on lately...(amongst other things)

Its my variation on a 9 Patch Quilt...It is my very first quilt, although I was planning to start with this quilt along, I decided to go with the 9 Patch because all of my squares were already cut out for me! (That's half the battle, right?) So I went with 6 inch squares, making my blocks around 16 1/2 inches...and I'll finish with white sashing in between and around the edge!

I think I need to put one more block together before I can start on the sashing...I can't wait to see it all come together! And then on to the next one...

I'll leave you with a pic of one of my favorite fabrics...yee-haw!

Whoo Whoo...

2009-08-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

Whoo is finally posting again?? ME! Ok, so these owls have been made for about a month and a half and I am just now getting them up here. (Computer is still not working...but I uploaded the pictures to blog and I'm using the laptop to post.) So a while back I spotted these on Ohdeedoh and thought they were super adorable (but I don't really need the music box), then I saw this and thought I did need the "crinkle" and THEN Leslie did this. I combined all three...and although sadly our owls are not inhabiting that same tree as Cade's, they have their own tree now.

Aidan's Owl- no crinkle

Sofia's Owl: Crinkle Crinkle

Photo Shoot...

2009-08-14T08:55:00.001-07:00

I just found this post when I decided to try to write some other OLD posts...I figured I should just publish it to show these super cute photos of my baby girl...who is not so baby anymore. :(

I am trying to get caught up my friends...REALLY!

Sewing with paper...

2009-08-14T08:54:00.001-07:00

My new favorite thing...so easy...so cute...so rewarding!

A cute little baby shower card made for my neighbor friend...

Next, I think I'll try this...

I Heart Cupcakes

2009-08-14T08:45:00.001-07:00

I am always on the lookout for new (delicious) cupcake spots...so I was really excited when I discovered on this blog, that a new cupcakery, Frostings, was opening in Lake Forest!!

I rushed down the next day and treated the family to this...(excuse the half eaten one!) Now, I am not a true connoisseur of cupcakes (because I will eat almost any that is handed to me) but these were pretty good...moist and not too sweet frosting. And boy are they pretty...

And I had this super cute plate, from a sweet friend, to put this"Birthday" cupcake on! Yum.

OH! And they open at 7 am for breakfast...how much better can it get??

Strawberries and Watermelon

2009-08-14T08:39:00.001-07:00

A perfect summer couple...

From this...

To this...

Fun in Florida...

2009-08-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

And some more...these pics will be a YEAR old in 2 months! Unbelievable...what have I been doing?!! Look how little Aidan is...wow. WOW.

This is the ONLY time Aidan has ever just "crashed". Jason caught him as he fell off the couch.

Basil Limeade Slushies

2009-07-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking these could be an alternative to this, but I haven't made them yet.

8 cups ice
4 cups water
3 cups fresh lime juice
3 cups lightly packed basil leaves, plus basil sprigs for garnish
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups soda water

In a blender, working in batches, blend the ice with the water, lime juice, basil leaves and sugar until slushy. Pour the limeade into chilled glasses. Top each with 2 TBS soda water, garnish with basil sprigs.

Sounds yummy...anyone else try these first-let me know! (Leslie-i bet you could sub some cherry flavoring in there) :)

Lots. Of. Stuff.

2009-07-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I really thought it had been WAY longer than one month since I have blogged...but it has been almost exactly. I have missed it so...have so much to write about and show...but my computer is in a funk...the one that houses ALL of my pics... :( SO I will not write until I can figure out a way (my husband can figure out a way) to get my pics. Because those are the most interesting parts.

Dancing Clothes...

2009-07-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

Ever since we've been back from Florida...Aidan has been asking to wear his "Dancing Clothes". These dancing clothes happen to be Sofia's tutu. And because I made a matching tutu for Hanna, Aidan's 4 year old cousin, who called it her "dancing clothes"...I guess it's OK. ?

And he does look pretty cute while dancing around to Dora the Explorer...

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

Aaaahhhh....Brother/sister/cat Love.

Vacation!!

2009-07-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

We finally had our first vacation (since our honeymoon 4 years ago!) as a family of four...obviously first plane ride for both kids! Jason and I were definitely prepared for the worst and received the BEST results. Both kids did unbelievably well...no tears, screams or boredom on the entire air trip to Florida. Aidan sat in his carseat the whole time (except for a diaper change on each flight)...no running up and down the aisle like a lot of people warn. The trip home was a little less perfect...with Sofia finally breaking down after listening to a 3 year old scream the whole time (therefore making it impossible for her to sleep. ugh.) All factors considered- an amazing first trip. We can only hope future trips be as accommodating. :)

Big Boy...

2009-06-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

So my baby boy is becoming a big boy...all on his own it seems. He used the potty THREE times tonight...although with all his excitement of using the potty, I was a little nervous he was going to get a hemorrhoid or something. There was just a little too much pushing going on. Is that normal?? Hopefully this keeps moving forward, this is the most excited he has been about it. But we are leaving for Florida on Thursday...hoping that does not put an end to this new adventure!
Yay Aidan!

Cheers!

2009-06-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, 4 years has gone by already. I can't believe it, although it still seems like much longer sometimes! So much has happened in those four years...mainly two little precious babies, I can't imagine life without. I can't wait to see what God has in store for the next four...
Here's to life with my best friend! Cheers!!

Look what came in the mail today...

2009-06-15T18:02:00.001-07:00

All of this delicious Katie Jump Rope...

Yes, I got it off the internet...after someone (Leslie) talked me into doing this. I have seriously been dying for this fabric and of course it is discontinued since I got into this sewing game SO late...I still didn't get the green circle dot that I absolutely LOVE but I got blue. That will do. Anyways, I thought this to be MY perfect choice for a quilt. Of course, I have no idea when I will even think about starting.

What's the deal?

2009-06-15T17:08:00.001-07:00

So, I decided to stop by this place today, after we went to Target. Thought I would figure out what all the "cherry limeade" hype was about. I don't get it. :) (Sorry Leslie!) ...well actually I got cranberry (maybe that was the problem). I think its just that artificial flavoring-gives me headaches. Bummer, because I love me some cranberry. Guess I'll have to try the slush next time.

Mixed-Berry Dutch Baby

2009-06-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

This is what I made for breakfast this morning...oh yum. So good.

3 large eggs
1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
1/3 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup milk
2 cups raspberries
2 cups blackberries (I used blueberries and strawberries here)
4 TBS unsalted butter
Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and heat a 10-in cast-iron skillet over moderate heat. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the lemon zest, sugar and salt until combined. Add the flour and milk and whisk until smooth. Add 1 cup each of raspberries and blackberries (I equally divided raspberries, strawberries and blueberries to make 2 cups!)

Melt the butter in the skillet and add the batter, spreading the fruit evenly. Bake in the center of the oven for about 22 minutes, until the edges are browned and puffed and the center is lightly browned in spots. Cut into wedges and serve with remaining berries. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Milestones...

2009-06-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

Today my baby girl rolled over! From back to tummy...she is 3 months and 1 week!

This is the worlds most HORRIBLE picture...taken on my cell phone. Bummer no camera around at that moment.

Awesome Giveaway!!!

2009-06-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

Ok peeps, listen up... The Fabric Shopper is holding an amazing giveaway by Whipstitch Fabrics! We're talking 2 build your own fat quarter packs...thats 12 new fabrics!! And if you blog about it (like me) :) you get an extra chance at winning. So head over there and check out the blog. (Or don't because than I will have a better chance at winning... :) hahah
Hurray for giveaways!

New opportunities...

2009-06-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Well today was a very exciting day...2 new things happened!

1. We spent time with our 3 year old nephew that we have never met before (long story)
2. I was given the opportunity to sell some sewing things in a little boutique owned by his mom!

So so so super exciting. I'll be able to make a little bit of money on the side. I'm thinking burpies, changing pads/diaper, wipes holders, bibs, onesies, tees, nursing covers and crayon rolls to start! Very ambitious, I know, but I'm too excited! Just a couple of each at first to see what happens.

I guess I get to start shopping for fabric again! YAY!

Fabric.

2009-06-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

I got more fabric...yay! More things to make. A lot more. Thanks L for taking me shopping...I need to learn to be thrifty...be a smart shopper. I think I've gotten better in 1 day. :) And if you were wondering...I got polka dots. Lots and LOTS of polka dots.

Whats new?

2009-06-05T13:51:00.001-07:00

Well since it has been a few days since I have posted (I have such writers block) I decided that I would TRY to post some info on whats new with Sofia. So here we go...she is CUTE, super cute and still has brown hair. Maybe it will stay? She has big blue eyes and delicious little lips (and of course that button nose). Oh-and dimples on both cheeks! She is teething...not in a bad way but in a fingers/hand in the mouth (constantly), BIG bubble blowing, drool on the t-shirt kind of way. She sucks her thumb-which Aidan never did. She is strong...so strong and must have some serious ab muscles because she is always trying to sit up when she is laying back. She loves to stand...her legs are so strong. (Aidan's were too.) She's wiggly, kicky and super talkative. She loves to look at her big brother and she laughs. Big. Big smiles and coos. Little girls are super!

And since we're here...we should talk about Aidan too. He's pretty cute also, with his blond hair sticking up and big blue eyes. He also has dimples and delicious lips...they have so many similar features, but such a different look. And then not. He is crazy...good crazy...running around in circles crazy. Running and never walking. He loves music...loves to make music...loves to dance...his imagination is SO big now...he loves to play outside (we need a yard!)...
He's a bad listener...he's 2 1/2...he's getting better (maybe). He's sweet...loves to give kisses, say "I love you" and make the I love you sign...hugs...he whines...asks nicely, says please, thank you, welcome. He's big...he has big boy feet and big boy hands...Big laughs. Little boys are super!

New Fabric

2009-06-02T22:32:00.001-07:00

Yes, this afternoon I drove out of the garage like a maniac on a mission to purchase some Amy Butler fabric on sale. I have no idea what I will be creating with it, but hopefully a couple of dresses for Sofia...who knows what else? Here is a pic of the 4 I chose.

A little birdie told me...

2009-06-02T22:30:00.001-07:00

Just a little coffee snuggle (cozy) I made for Jason. Hoping to make some out of something besides felt...maybe a little patchwork?

Aidan says things like:

2009-06-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

Miss you Mama
Love you Mommy
Good Night Mommy
Mommy ARE you????
Good morning Mama
Oh Man!
Oh goodness
Noise, Mama?
Oh baby- miss you baby (stuffed toys)
Ta-da!!
Excuse me Mama (escuze me mama)
Whoops

These are just some of my favorites...there is so much more. This vocabulary thing is amazing...
The cuteness?...even more amazing

Fuming...

2009-06-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving my husband and I the same views on raising children. I wish it could be as easy to ignore other peoples rude comments about it.

Why do people think its ok to impose their ideas on me? I have my own thank you.

Love,
Me

Itty Bitty

2009-05-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

I finished my Itty Bitty Baby Dress this morning...It is absolutely DARLING! I guess it helps that the fabric was extra cute. Took me no time at all and of course would have gone much quicker had I cut 2 pieces of the skirt in the beginning. Oh well, next time. I did, however, learn 2 new sewing things:
1. How to gather!! So exciting (should I have known that before??)
2. How to put on binding (Not 100% but pretty close)

So, what do you think??

Outted...

2009-05-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

Looks like I've been outted in this Blog-O-Sphere! Thanks Leslie... :)) Feel free to leave me comments (nice ones of course!) I'm up for any advice and tips...

Special Delivery...

2009-05-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

It looks like we were visited by the sewing fairy this afternoon...my super special neighbor dropped off a VERY cute package for Sofia. A hairclip, paci clip and burpcloth all wrapped up in a little bundle. Thanks neighbor!!

And just when I was about to ask...looks like she will have a tutorial soon for the hairclip! Can't wait...

Pledge

2009-05-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

It has been just about 2 1/2 years since my sweet, sweet little boy was born. Yes, I am embarrassed to say it- there is NO scrapbook. Not even a generic little photo album. There are however, thousands of pictures of him, waiting patiently to be loved into some sort of album for him (for me). I have begun to do something about it...so please, hold me accountable. And sorry sweet baby girl- you'll have to wait. :)

What a crazy morning...

2009-05-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

Oh what a morning...Aidan had his weekly swim lesson today and his teacher was out. Last time it went really well...this time: not so much. It was a new sub, a male and I'm beginning to think we are back to liking girls the best. Oh well. After MUCH screaming of Mommy, Buzz, Woody and some more Mommy- we decided to schedule a make-up. :) Glad we drove to Tustin for that with a screaming 3 month old in the car. At least she fell asleep...eventually. Starbucks for everyone! Yay! The one exciting aspect to the morning is that I found out Sofia has a special gift coming from our neighbor! Double Yay!

Oh My...

2009-05-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

so so cute. First of all I need to give props to my neighbor Leslie for being such a good decorator, so that I can steal her ideas. :) Thx Mrs. Patapoff. But here is a super cute idea (that I would like to steal from someone else) posted on ohdeedoo that I absolutely love- Alphabet Card Display. I really need to check out my local Michaels for these cards...what a great idea, especially for a playroom or something. Heart it.

Puncuation, etc.

2009-05-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

My husband made a comment about my posts, mentioning that I have not been capitalizing my "i" and such. So here is my pledge to try harder...

Blogs!!!

2009-05-27T14:52:00.001-07:00

Wow, I just discovered an ENDLESS amount of amazing new (to me) blogs!! I can't wait to start following them. Thanks to Sew,Mama,Sew! for introducing me to all of these blogs by "hosting" May Giveaway Day. Here are some of my new favs...
Owl People
Little Birdie Secrets
lu bird baby - a local in my area!

Luck to me- hopefully I win a fancy new treat!!

I Love...

2009-05-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

...hearing Aidan counting...
...Aidan reading books on his beanbag...
...hearing the garage door open...
...watching Sofia find her hands...
...baby coos...
...cooking...
...baking...
...cupcakes!...
...chocolate...
...Italy...
...being pregnant...
...that i have been blessed with safe/easy pregnancies and deliveries!...
...watching Aidan play by himself...
...diamonds AND pearls...
...photographs...
...that my husband is finally a man of God even though i am severly lacking in getting to church!..
...Starbucks gift cards...
...driving on the tollroad and watching the ocean peak out over the horizon-a total California experience for me...
...that Aidan call the balcony a "backyard" since its the only one we have...
...that I'm a breastfeeding mama...
...how incredibly strong my babies are from the get go...
...that my 2 month old laughs...

Cutest Tutu EVER

2009-05-20T20:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, i am posting these all at the same time. I am new to this blogging so I am trying to catch up. I actually made the tutu before the dress! It is seriously the cutest thing i have ever seen...hot pink, orange and purple. I plan on making a matching one for my 4 year old niece when we go to Florida next month. Pictures of that will come later!
cute, cute, cute!

Dress for Sofia

2009-05-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

The other day I made my first ever dress! It came out much better than expected...i'm so excited to do more. Its basically a "pillowcase dress" without the pillowcase and with MUCH smaller dimensions. After all, Sofia IS only 11 weeks old. :) I took a little direction from two of my favorite bloggers FreshlyPicked and The Handmade Dress.
The dress...
and
Sofia in her dress!

Chili Mac

2009-05-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 large onion
1 large green pepper
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
27 oz can of kidney beans, drained
1/2 cup water
4 TBS chili powder
1 tsp salt
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

1. Combine beef, onion, and green pepper in a large pot. Cook at medium temp until meat is browned. Drain fat (if you want).
2. Add tomatoes, water, chili powder, salt. Turn up heat to boil.
3. Add macaroni and beans. Cover pan and simmer at medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes; stir often.
4. Test macaroni for doneness. It should be a little softer than al dente.