New love...

In honor of Valentine's Day, I'd like to discuss my new love--sewing. 

I probably didn't own a store-bought dress until I was about 15.  Until that point, my grandmother or my aunt made every single "Sunday dress" that I ever wore.  There is absolutely no telling how many hours they must have spent sewing flouncy little dresses or simple linen sheaths.  I remember how much I loved getting a package in the mail from either of them because it meant that I had something new to wear to church on Sunday.  One of my favorites was a Christmas dress that my grandmother sewed for me--it had layers of petticoats underneath to make it full, and she had sewn a jingle bell in it that made noise when I walked.  Big stuff to a 6 year-old.   

Anyway, I've always wanted to learn how to sew, but I've never had the right equipment or time.  This Christmas my parents graciously fronted the money for an extremely nice sewing & embroidering machine.  I have already taken a few classes, and I've spent hours online browsing tutorials and applique websites.  I've pretty much gotten the applique and monogramming down...I just need to save some money to buy some more fonts.  I've already made Sam several t-shirts for upcoming holidays, and I'm about to work on some baby gifts for some friends with a new little one.  I do plan on offering my services in the near future when I'm completely confident in my skills--I guess I'll start another blog solely dedicated to that, so be on the lookout if you'd like me to do some things for you.  Of course, right now most of my things are boy-oriented, because, well, I only have a boy.  I'm going to start to buy girly things soon. 

 Sam loves dump trucks, so I had to do one of those.  The "S"  is a St. Patrick's Day font that he'll be sporting at the St. Paddy's Parade. 

I love the "Peace, Love, Bulldogs." I think it's super-cute.  The other shirts are obviously for V-Day and Mardi Gras. 

My model wouldn't cooperate, so I had to settle for taking pictures of the t-shirts without someone wearing them.  Maybe next time...

I hate January...

It's no secret. I've said it before many, many, times. But I'm trying to have a better attitude about it--really, I am. So I present to you...

The 5 Most Underrated Things About January

1.  It's one month closer to February...which means it's one month closer to March...which means it's one month closer to April.  You get the picture.  Anything that gets me closer to spring is a good thing. 

2.  Plenty of chances for Sam to wear his hat--I love it. 

3.  My mother and mother-in-law both have January birthdays.  I'm definitely happy they were born. 

4.  Forgiving winter clothing.  Bulkier clothes cover up extra Christmas lbs. that have yet to go away. 

5.  Crackling fires and seriously good hot chocolate.  This recipe is absolutely not low-cal, and it does nothing to help with weight loss...but it is delish.

Fluffy Hot Chocolate



8 teaspoons sugar

4 teaspoons baking cocoa

4 cups milk

1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a saucepan, combine the first four ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until the marshmallows are melted, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Ladle into mugs. Serves 4.

(recipe from allrecipes.com-Jo Ann Schimcek)

Monday was awesome...

because I did nothing.  Since most of the state was shut down due to ice and snow, I decided that I could give myself the day off, too.  I got up, showered, and put my pjs back on.  Sam stayed in his pjs all day as well.  I fixed myself coffee, and Sam had breakfast.  And I then proceeded to actually enjoy the day with my two (and 1/2) year-old.  We snuggled, we sat by the fire, we colored, and later that night, I fixed hot chocolate.  It was wonderful. 

I know some of you are probably thinking--"doesn't she do that every day?"  Unfortunately, the answer is no.  As I'm sure many stay-at-home moms can attest, there's a certain amount of guilt (and a little resentment) when someone asks me what I do, and I say, "I'm a stay-at-home-mom."  I know I shouldn't feel guilty, but let's face it--there are a lot of snap judgements made about women who don't "work."  So most days I make sure that I am busy.  And Sam keeps me busy.  However, many times I catch myself running around so much that I don't really get to enjoy being at home with my child.

So Monday I did just that.  And I think I should do it more often. 

Underrated...

As stated earlier, I have not been as consistent a blogger this year. I don't know why--maybe I'm busier, or maybe I'm just really, really, boring. I have a feeling it's the latter.

I'm going to try to post at least weekly in hopes that I can get back in my writing groove, so I introduce to you my new "Underrated" posts.

I was talking to a friend of mine this weekend, and I told him that he was "one of my top five most underrated friends." Sounds extremely flattering, right? For whatever reason, he was pleased.
The hubby and I play the "underrated" game a lot. As a matter of fact, we played it on the way to the (absolute skull-busting) stomping of Michigan by MSU. It's a great way to pass a long, long, long, car drive. There's not a whole lot to it...Pick a subject, and name things that are underrated.

So...I give you my top five most underrated things about traveling.

1. Spending concentrated time with friends we don't see that often. So many of our good friends live in Memphis, the Delta, Tupelo, etc. It's so nice to share meals and log face time with people that you love. I just wish we could have hung out with more of our friends whom we didn't see.

2. Gas stations. Seriously. Anthony and use traveling as an excuse to further our enormous appetite for crappy junk food and sweets. Peanut M & Ms--check. Sour Patch Kids--check. Heath Bar--check. (Not all at once, but don't put it past us.)

3. Guilt-free snoozing. No 2 1/2 year-old present = no one to wake you up at the crack of dawn. Unless you're the grandparents keeping said grandchild, in which case you're probably up early anyway.

4. Big breakfasts.  We certainly don't cook big breakfasts on a daily basis--most days it's cereal or scrambled eggs with frozen waffles. 

5.  Coming home with a big win.  It certainly makes a long drive more tolerable.  And oh yeah, my new friend. 

P.S. He is HUGE.  There's no way he's just 6'4".

My New Year's Resolution...

Is to be a be a more consistent blogger.  I've really gotten behind, and it's driving me crazy.  I'm sure all two of you who read this have been dying for an update on my oh-so-exciting-life. 

Congratulations--the wait is over. 

How was Christmas 2010? Out of control.  I thought that Anthony and I did a pretty good job on not getting carried away.  Santa did accidentally buy stuff for Sam's stocking twice because he forgot his elves had already gotten stuff.  Guess who's enjoying the extra goodies? Hint: It's not Sam. 

I cannot say that our parents showed restraint. Bless them--they cannot stop when it comes to the only grandchild.  To say that Sam racked up is an understatement.  However, I'm not complaining.  We have lots of entertainment for the cold nastiness of January. 

And now, for the ridiculous amount of pictures...

Our annual cookie-making night.  Sam thoroughly enjoyed the "paints."

I was told this weekend that Sam's hair is "frat-tastic."  It's true. 

Christmas Eve--not sure what's going on with Sam's eye in this picture. 

He lovvveeess Buddy.

Snazzy Christmas outfit.

Christmas morning.  The only thing he actually asked for was a guitar.  The kid loves music.

New coloring set.

And play-doh.  Which will only be used with adult supervision.

Let's not forget the fire truck. 

Happy New Year!

Museum fun...

The Mississippi Children's Museum opened up a few weeks ago, and we took Sam for his first visit this Saturday.  I must say, I think they did an unbelievable job with it--it is AWESOME.  He had an absolute blast.  And for those of you who have girls, they have plenty of exhibits that are girly, which I think is really nice.  It always seems like museums usually focus more on masculine things, so it was great to see dress up areas, stages, ballet barres, dance areas, etc.  We were there when they opened, and we had no problems with crowds.  Sam asked me today when we are going back to the museum--I have a feeling it will be soon. 


Washing windows



Pumping gas with Dad





Working on some plumbing



Building  his house--we watch a lot of HGTV

Shopping at the Farmer's Market

Painting/Drawing in the Art Area

Working in the stone quarry

Strumming his banjo.  

Cooking waffles

Driving the shrimp boat



Racing cars

And yes, I know he needs a haircut.  I'm working on it.

Why?

Why in the world do children have to get sick in the middle of the night? Is it some unwritten cosmic rule? 

I was asleep for maybe an hour last night before the puking began.  And I am washing A LOT of sheets today.  It's not pretty. 

Here's hoping that tonight won't find me in the same situation.