Saturday, January 31, 2009

Mail Day!!




I mailed off 5 out of the 6 swaps I am participating in today. Shortly after I got back home the mail came, and my package from Ashley arrived. Here is Cristian inspecting what came in the 'mail present'.



This was for the Valentine's Day Mini Swap, hosted by Bunch of Scrap.Some Valentine's foam crafts, ribbon, buttons, candy... so many goodies!

Swap Packages for the Be My Valentine Swap are due to be sent out this Monday. I have received emails from about half of the participants. If you have sent or recived your package, please email me so I know all participants are taken care of. weepereas (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Friday, January 30, 2009

A crafty day...

So I didn't want to write my research paper that was do for school. I had swap packages to put finishing touches on, and a custom birthday gifts to finish sewing up. Instead



Cristian broke out his bucket of blocks. And we had hot cocoa.


And I gave him a pile of popsicles sticks and a bottle of glue. He had fun with them, for about the 60 seconds it lasted. He just piled them on top of each other and dipped them in glue. He was really absorbed into doing crafts all day. Can you see the put off craft projects above his right shoulder? And his little chocolate mustache?

After his non existent nap I let him paint his creation with watercolors. He had just as much fun painting the sticks as the paint container. He kept showing me how the water colors looked through the window part of the paint container. I put freezer paper down on the table and it really helped control all of the water from the paint.

Does anybody have any fun craft items they give their kiddos to play with? I am looking for more ideas... I am thinking I need to put together a basket of fun crafty items he can dig through to use

Also Cristian really wanted to help me sew today. He kept handing me straight pins as I was hand sewing. Does anybody know of any kid friendly sewing kits? Or maybe lacing cards would work? I am not really sure what would be appropriate...

Here are a couple of great kids crafts sites or blogs I have stumbled across recently.

Preschool Daze , The Artful Parent, and Makes and Takes

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Baked Mac and Cheese

But no ordinary mac and cheese. This one is yummy with a crunchy bread crumb and cheese top. Now, before I post the recipe I know #90 in my 100 things list says I am a horrible cook. I am, but I know how to follow a recipe, and this is from my lovely, (very good cook) friend Sarah. She made up a huge casserole dish of this for her daughter's 5th birthday party and added pureed cauliflower to the sauce. Nobody could tell, not even me and all the kids gobbled it up.

This recipe makes enough for a 9x13 casserole dish, or 8-10 servings. I cut it in half and have enough for lunch the next day.

4 tbls butter

4 tbls flour

2 cups milk, or half and half

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 tsp nutmeg

2 cups cheddar or colby cheese, grated

2 cups grated parmesan

1 cup mozzarella or gruyere cheese, reserve 1/4 cup of mixed cheese

1 lb elbow noodles, cooked al dente

1/4 cup italian style bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350 F. Melt butter in a sucepan. Add flour. Stir together until smooth and there is no lumps. Add milk slowly. Cook until thickened, stirring frequently about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. Add seasonings to sauce and then add cheeses. Stir until sauce is smooth and combined. Grease casserole dish with butter. Stir your bechamel (cheese sauce) sauce into the noodles. Pour into casserole dish. Place 1/4 cup of cheese on top, and sprinkle the bread crumbs over top. Bake 30-45 minutes until bubbly and brown. Let stand 5-10 minutes.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

WIP Wednesday

What am I working on? Getting swap packages together. Our work car broke down so I am at home all week. Not really as bad as it sounds. I signed up for two extra swaps to keep me busy!

I signed up for "A good swap never hurt anybody" hosted by Bird and Little Bird. It is a swap to help save handmade, you can check it out here.

Out of the 6 swaps I am signed up for, all but 1 are completed, just awaiting to be mailed. I also am going to make another Memory game for my Sister to send to her godson.

So WIP Wednesday with no pictures. Sorry. I don't want to ruin the surprise for any of my swap recipients!

I will have lots of pictures of what I have made next week!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

100 Things

I stole this from my Sister In Law, who did it on her blog. I would love for anybody else to play along, let me know if you do as I would like to find out more about you! (maybe you could do 50 things? 25 things?)

1. I was named after a Kiss song. Or so my Father says.
2. I wish my MIL didn't live 1,723 miles away so I could have a chance at being closer with her.
3. I am shy and get very nervous in new situations or around new people.
4. I am loud. Seriously. I always talk loud. Don't know why. I guess I just get excited? My Aunt Judy always thought I was going to be a cheerleader. With no loudspeaker.
5. I has my first son when I was 19. Wouldn't change a thing about it.
6. I had a completely natural, drug free childbirth with my second son. He was born sunny side up. And it hurt. But it was worth all the pain.
7. If we decide to have another child I will home birth. It will save me a 12k hospital bill.
8. I am raising my children to be bilingual, English/Spanish. We have a bilingual home.
9. I don't have a single friend that I have known for more than 3 years. (Amanda you don't count, even though you are probably my best friend,your family, and your stuck with me)
10. I have only been to a bar for fun one time. And it was for dancing.
11. Except when I was a child and my gran would drag me to bars with her while her bf drank and I had kitty cocktails. yum.
12. I love taking showers so hot that my skin is red when I come out.
13. I love freshly vacuumed carpet lines.
14. I didn't drink alcohol on my 21st birthday. I was pregnant and still had fun.
15. I miss my sister. I wish she didn't live 918 miles away.
16. I wish she lived close so we could stay up late and watch movies and just talk. And be sisters.
17. And she could make oso cookies with my children.
18. I was a horrible brat to my sister as a child. And I was jealous of her opportunities in life.
19. Because of those opportunities she inspires me and is able to be there for me.
20. I just miss her. That is worth two entries. I love you Rachel.
21. I was vegan for 5 years.
22. I went vegetarian again 2 years ago. I have been veg for around 11 years.
23. I started eating seafood 8 months or so ago.
24. I was raised Methodist.
25. I now go to a Catholic Church.
26. It drives my Mother crazy that I am Catholic.
27. But she doesn't tell me this. Instead she just scowls.
28. I believe you should marry somebody because you love them so much it hurts.
29. I believe marriage is a holy sanctity that should not be entered into lightly.
30. My Mother and Father married after I was born, and divorced when I was only 5.
31. I am not married, but have been in a committed relationship for 5 years.
32. We plan to marry in the beginning of June this year.
33. Nothing will be different. We will have an official paper, and a special date to remember.
34. I believe we have a stronger relationship because we did not have marriage to fall back on in the tough times. Just each other. And our love. And our determination to make out lives work together.
35. I lived in a homeless shelter when I was a child. I think I was 4 or so.
36. And I remember being there. The blankets were itchy.
37. I have never lived in a house more than two years.
38. I have lived in at least 18 houses, to my recognition.
39. I dream of having a home to raise my children in.
40. I started sewing in Elementary school making clothes for my Barbie with a bag of Church scraps from my grandma. My Barbie's mostly wore tube tops. :)
41. I became interested in sewing again in late middle school when I started making patchwork.
42. I didn't start sewing again until this past summer when being big and pregnant and the desire to craft took over me.
43. I try to be a positive person. And to have a positive influence on others.
44. I hate being around negative people. They bring you down with them.
45. My mother is a negative, pessimistic person. Who is selfish and inconsiderate of others feelings.
46. I didn't write that to be mean, it is just true and I have come to terms with that.
47. I haven't spoken with my Mother in almost 4 months.
48. My biggest fear is that I will become a Mother like her.
49. I was abused as a child by both of my parents.
50. I can't understand how a Mother can become so angry to hurt a precious, defenseless, innocent child that you created within your own body.
51. I want to learn to quilt.
52. I am not sure if I have enough patience though. Maybe I will just make mini/lap quilts.
53. I have a hard time only doing one thing. I can't just watch TV or just watch a movie. I have to fold the laundry, hand stitch or embroidery.
54. A cluttered house drives me crazy. I don't own any knick knack type of things.
55. I am horrible with directions. I navigate by figuring out where Lake Michigan is to find by bearings.
56. I believe a change is coming with Obama. He is going to make a difference in our world.
57. A am not so good at keeping in touch with friends.
58. I have only lived in two cities my entire life.
59. I get addicted to crafty things. New obsessions : baby shoes, pincushions, and crafty swaps.
60. When I told my mother I was pregnant the first thing she told me (17 hours later) was "Have you considered an abortion"
61. I am pro choice.
62. I craved pickled jalapenos when I was pregnant with my first son. I ate an entire can on everything I ate.
63. I still have to have a can on hand in the cupboard for random cravings.
64. I love spicy food.
65. There isn't a single vegetable that I don't like. So far.
66. I don't like pumpkin pie.
67. I eat chocolate every day. Just not white chocolate. That isn't even chocolate.
68. When I was a teen I died pieces of my hair every color of the rainbow. Except purple. Not all at once though.
69. I listen to country music.
70. I have never had hair shorter than my shoulders.
71. I straighten up my house every night before going to bed. No toys laying out, pillow cushions nicely arranged on the couch. Just because I want my bf to come home to a nice house after working all day.
72. I would love to garden and grow lots of veggies.
73. I rarely watch TV. I record 4 TV shows, and forget to watch them until somebody brings them up in conversation.
74. Background noise drives me crazy. I love have a peaceful, dead silent house.
75. My Aunt Susan is so crafty. She has taught me so many crafty things I am greedy and just want to keep her to myself.
76. Random craft projects I have tried- beading. cross stitching. scrapbooking.
77. I make my bed first thing every morning. And lay pillows on top that are solely for decoration.
78. I do the dishes after every meal.
79. I actually do not mind housework. That is, except for cleaning the tub.

80. I love the rhythm of handstitching and the hum of my sewing machine.
81. Actually my Mother's machine that I weaseled out of her when I was 7 months pregnant.
82. That may make me sound mean and rude, but she doesn't to use it! And so far it is the best thing i have gotten from her.
83. My grandma spoiled me with sleepovers at her house when I was younger. Bubble baths, ice cream in front of the fireplace, change to go to the corner store for candy.
84. She didn't do that for any of her other grandchildren. I don't know why she spoiled my Mother, and then my siblings in turn.
85. It is sad that she has Alzheimer's now and it is hard to even talk to her. I am sad that she is slipping away. I am sad that her children have to watch this happen to their Mother.86. I made a lot of mistakes growing up. They helped me to grow, and helped me to get a better understanding of myself and who I am. I wish I could have learned those lessons without the experiences though.
87. I hate swimming. I am not good at it. Which is why I dislike it. If I was thrown out into the lake I am pretty sure I would drown.
88. I think tanning is gross. and that tan skin looks gross and unhealthy. A sun kissed look is OK, but brown skin, or orange from a tanning bed is just awful looking to me.
89. I went to a 'gifted and talented' school for Elementary school. I remember taking the entrance test when I was only in kindergarten. I loved all the art projects that I did at that school.
90. I am a terrible cook. I made dinner last night that was inedible.
91. Despite this I am in school for Culinary Arts. and my food is still awful.
92. I can make some good muffins, bread or anything that involves baking, just not cooking.
93. I like watching scary movies, but only if there is somebody to grab onto during the scary bits!
94. I would love to open up a chocolate shop. That would be my dream job. And I would serve yummy hot chocolate. Hopefully it would be just like that Johnny Depp movie "chocolat'
95. I wish my brother would get his head out of his butt and grow up and be a real dad. One that would like to see their son for more than two hours every week. Because my nephew is awesome. And so cute. And he is so smart.
96. I disagree with many parenting issues with my bf. Last night during (my awful) dinner we were arguing about vaccinations. and private schools. And having the children live in Mexico with their grandmother. But we work through it (eventually), but it is great to not just conforms to someone else's ideas, and it is great that we see things so differently on so many subjects.
97. I love little children in overalls. Cristian is wearing a pair today, and it makes me grin every time I look at him running around the house.
98. I love that my children look just like their Papa. At least to me they do.
99. I LOVE to read. I don't remember the last book that I read that wasn't about parenting, crafting/sewing or required for school. I need to find time for a book. I just need an extra hour in the day, that all!
100. I can't believe you read the entire list. Anything surprise you?

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Valentine's Day Goody Swap

Island life is hosting a Valentine's Day goody swap. super simple, just send your partner around $10 of goodies before Valentine's Day. How could I turn it down? This swap has a cool, different way for sign ups, you post your questionnaire on your blog, and you get you partner via the Mister Linky on the site. sign up here if your interested, you would be my partner if you sign up quick enough :O)

Questionnaire:
What is your idea of a romantic Valentine’s Day? Being able to spend quality time with my loved one. Even if it was just a movie at home, as long as no kids starts crying! I am not much into eating out at a romantic restaurant..
In reality, what is your Valentine’s Day really like? Just a nice, layed back relaxing day together. We haven't ever really celebrated with a candle lit dinner or anything like that, guess I am not the romantic type :)
If you could have a lifetime supply of your favorite sweet indulgence, what would it be? Chocolate covered pretzels are my new obsession. Anything chocolate would keep me a happy woman though
Is there any sweet treat you absolutely do not like? not a fan of conversation hearts, white chocolate, black licorice, peanuts,
If you fell into a pool of chocolate, how would you get out? Eat it all! what a silly question..what would I do...

Weekend Roundup..

I know its only Saturday but I feel like this week has been so long!

School was fun last night. It was nice to be out and experienceing something outside of my comfort level- I had to get up in front of the class and introduce a complete stranger (eep!). I got a speeding ticket last night on the way to class. I saw the police car down the road, checked my odometer ( I was going 5 mph over) and he pulled me over! The cop said he clocked me at 16 over. erg.
I did get a tote bag made up Wednesday night for school, I think I am going to adjust the handles though...


I altered this little memory bag, and I am finally happy with it. It is for a litle girl in my son's playgroup. There are twenty little cards inside.

Chiquitin has just been the happiest baby ever. He is starting to be awake much more during the day now, with more consistent,shorter naps. When he is awake he just wants to be held and played with. He is also doing really well with tummy time! Everytime I lay him down on a blanket Kiki just wants to hug him, and play with him. Kiki loves making him laugh, he will bounce around in front of him, or play with Kiki's bear. It is so cute to see the two of them engaging each other. I had to get out the video camera for proof, becasue I figure then next ten years or so will be mostly fighting over toys and things...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

WIP Wednesday


So, I only really have one WIP that I can post a picture of. I am mostly making items for swaps, or as gifts. I do have these fabrics laid out to make a tote bag for my books since I start school on Friday. I probably should switch gears and whip out that bag or I will have nothing to put my books in!


Yesterday was my Aunt Susan's birthday (38th right ;) ?) I made her some of her fave cupcakes, these little red/green coasters to match her dining room,

And a little mat to go under her sewing machine with little pockets to put scissors, seam ripper, etc. in.



Maybe I should change this post to WIM Wednesday- what I've made, hehe!


Gave this little memory game to my Nephew for his second birthday.

It only has twenty cards, plenty for a two year old. Or plenty for my SIL to pick up :O) I included the letters of his name, as well as a few extras so he can use it for spelling, letter and animal recognition as well. I have another one made up for a girl in my son's playgroup, I just have to alter the bag a bit more to fit the card pieces...
I am curious as to how all the Valentine's Day swappers are doing with their packages? Coming along nicely? Anybody mailed yet? Please email me when you do mail out your package so I can make note of it. weepereas (at) yahoo (dot) com. Last day for mailing is February 2nd, only 12 days away!!
Also, the weepereas flickr group has had a lot of suggestions posted, if you have not yet joined, please do!
Also, Mommy Coddle is having a very generous giveaway for some cute organic tees!






Monday, January 19, 2009

Grateful

I haven't been able to shake that feeling all weekend. And I was told last week that I am not very good at holding up my end of a relationship.

I have enough friends that I can list them using one hand, but the ones I am close with are special. I hope they know how much they mean to me.

I have the most awesome, amazing sister in the world. Seriously. I know everybody probably says that about their sister, but really I am lucky to have someone like her related to me. Especially since I was an awful, rude, inconsiderate brat to her as a teen. Sorry Rachel :)

Grateful that I don't have great parents. Actually that they don't have any positive qualities to contribute to my life. Because of this my children don't have active grandparents in their lives. (my MIL is 1752 miles away) However, I have amazing family members that more than make up for their absence. My kids have the most amazing Nana, who is better at filling a grandparent type role then I could have ever asked for. I have a great Aunt who is so unselfish, and is always there for me. Thank you Judy for fixing my computer and answering all my random ' My computer isn't working!' questions.

I have the most amazing set of godparents to my children, who can't go more than a week without seeing them. The tried to kidnap Kiki yesterday. It is nice to know that my children are an important part in other's lives too, and to be able to have family that is there for you and you can rely on.

Hope those of you in my life already knew how much you mean to me, and this just reiterates it. :O)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

WIP Thursday?

Ok, doesn't sounds so good, eh? I will resume WIP Wednesday next week filled with lots of pictures of all I have been working on. (minus swap goodies though :) ) So as long as I have my computer back up and running.

randoms...

I am having a Valentine's sale in my Etsy shop, all children's aprons are HALF OFF! Only $10! This would be great for many of you have toddler girl partners, and I will even offer free shipping to those in the swap, just mention it in the message to seller.

Hot Butter has some very cute pouches being given away.
JellyBean Soup Co is doing a giveaway for a family tree mini quilt with your familie's name embroidered on it. Go sign up!


Oh and the Children's Valentine Swap is CLOSED. I sent out partners this past weekend, sorry to have to turn anybody away who has recently inquired. There will be more Children's Swaps to come!!! Oh, and go sign up for the flickr group so we can all see wonderful pictures of our kiddos receiving their packages.

Monday, January 12, 2009

swap update (again)

I have sent out emails to all those who did not recieve all their childrens partners, or didnt have all the necessary information. Please email me if you still have questions or dont have all your partners information. weepereas(at)yahoo(dot)com.

I've made up a flickr group to post your pictures of your swap goodies, as well as another place for me to post about more upcoming swap I plan on hosting. Please join in! If you dont have flickr yet, it is fast and easy to sign up and it a wonderful place to see others pictures ans a great place to get inspired!

Here is a fun sounding swap I saw for anybody interested with a littl girl.
Also, check out this giveaway for a beautiful heart pendant and chain.
And here is a lovely mystery giveaway.

I am still having computer problems, but I am borrowing a laptop so as soon as I get mine back up and running I can post pictures of the birthday presents I have been making.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Swap update

My hard drive on my computer has crashed. I expect to get back up and running this weekend. I have swap parteners assigned, just need to get access to a computer long enough to send out partners info.

23 people signed up for the swap!!! Whoo-hoo!

If you did not recieve an email from me saying you were signed up, please email me again to make sure you are in the swap! I am going to try to have emails sent out by Sunday nihgt, sorry for the delay :(

Monday, January 5, 2009

Be My Valentine Children's Swap

I am hosting my first swap! I love when my 2-year old son receives mail and gets to open something fun! It is so special to send a fun package to a child, and you know they will truly appreciate anything you send! So I thought I would host a 'Be my Valentine' Children's Swap.

For this swap you will send your partner (another mom and child pair) A Valentine book or craft, along with 3 things to go along with it. You must send an item for the child and an item for the Mom. Anything extra will just make you partner happier :) Toys, holiday candy, stickers, coloring books, stuffed animals, activities, handmade items, etc! Remember, Etsy is a great place for toys and other fun valentine stuff. Get creative and pack your swap box up with things you know the mom and child will love! Once you receive your partner's questionnaire, it should be easy for you to choose things you know the child and mom will enjoy!!

**If you have more than one child, please specify if you would like to do ONE swap box for all the children together and send ONE to someone else. OR if you would like separate swap boxes for each child, in which case you will be sending more than one also!!!**

**You do not have to be a momma to participate- grandmas are welcome to participate with their grand kids as well!!! :) Just specify that in your filled out form!!**

I am going to keep things pretty simple here, since it is just after the holiday season. I will leave the swap open until January 14Th, and then will assign partners that by that weekend. You will have until February 2ND to mail your packages, so that the kids receive them in plenty of time for Valentines Day. This swap will be open to the U.S. , giving the time constraint.

First time swappers are welcome, and you do not have to have a blog to participate. However I REALLY want to stress how important it is to follow through on this swap- there will be kids waiting to open their swap boxes, so please do not participate if you are going to flake on this!!!

If you would like to participate, leave me a comment on this post and please email me at weepereas (at) yahoo (dot) com with your answers to the following questionnaire:

Name:
Mailing Address:
Email Address:
Blog Address:
Child's Name:
Child's Age:
Clothing Size:
Likes/Dislikes for you:
Likes /Dislikes for your child:
(anything in order to help your partner select the perfect items for your child and you!)
Any other info that would be helpful to your partner:

If you do NOT email me your questionnaire, I will not include you in the swap! I will email you back when I receive your filled out form and confirm that I have your name down for the swap, so if you don't receive an email confirmation from me, email me again!! I may have missed the email.

Thank you for participating and this should be a fun way to get the kids involved in swaps and receiving mail. Cant wait to get started!!
Participants, please fell free to grab the button on the top right, it will link back to this swap page!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

seriously.

I am addicted.


I have been buying and hoarding fabric, thinking of making some of these:

I plan to make like, a million more. This pair turned out to be too skinny for Chiquitin's fat feet, so I will alter my pattern to make them wider. Here are a few sites and tutes for anybody interested in making a pair.

Bitty Booties by Heather Bailey,

Cloth Shoes on the Michael Miller site, (this is the stardust shoes pattern)

Free Applique patterns,

Assortment of soft shoes patterns and tutes,

Leather baby shoe tips, and some more ideas here.

And of course head over to the flickr group for some great inspiration.


Thursday, January 1, 2009

Whirl into Winter giveaway


Whirl into winter is hosting an amazing giveaway, there is about 60 blogs signed up. Go check it out here.


A couple I've entered that are hosting very lovely giveaways:

Death by Denim- is offering up a very cute apron.
Hills Creek Quilter- is giving away a quilt kit.
Crafty Jane- has a whole winter goody mix.
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