Sewing Projects

Right after Boo was born I kept telling everyone and myself that we were in 'survival mode'. Things that were not essential did not get done. This included not cleaning the bathroom for 6 weeks!!! It took us a L-O-N-G time to get out of survival mode. Where did we emerge on the other side of surviving? I'm not sure what I would call it. It wasn't back to normal, but more things were getting done. The bathroom was cleaned more regularly, but not every week and not as well as I used to clean it. We were also up for more adventures and excursions. Life as we would know it was truly taking it's new shape. Before Boo was born, I liked to have little projects for myself. I say little because, I like for my projects to be quick ones. I like to see results!

If you asked me a month ago, I don't think I'd be able to tell you what my last project was. Probably getting Boo's nursery ready. No, surely I did something in the past 2 years!

Anyway, I'm happy to report that I'm back into project mode!

This past fall I started and completed Boo's first year scrapbook!! That was a HUGE accomplishment!

At the end of the summer I bought a sewing machine. I've always wanted to be able to sew and BeBe has helped me with some projects along the way, but I definitely would not consider myself a "sewer". Is that even a word?

But now, I'm on my way. My first project was this little pillowcase for Boo's little pillow. I know in this picture it looks like a regular sized pillowcase, but it's just right for his little head. I did cheat, sort of. I used an adult sized pillow case and trimmed it down so I would only have to sew one side and the end. Voila'...project done!


And, most recently I finished these cute curtains for our playroom. I know the fabric is a little girl-y and trust me, it wasn't what I had envisioned, but I just loved it, so I bought it anyway.
This was my first big project without BeBe in the next room to help! I did make several phone calls and she was very helpful and encouraging! Thanks BeBe. The project took longer than expected because I mostly only worked on it during nap time, but I'm very happy with the results. The photos don't do the colors justice, but you get the idea.

And, I couldn't resist adding this photo of Boo. B-man and him have so much fun! I love listening to them laugh and play in the tub while I'm in the office checking up on you all!

Doing Better!

Well, as you might have gathered from my last post, Boo and I did not have a good week last week. But this week has been MUCH MUCH better!!! I just love him sooo much (even when we're not having good weeks)!!!! So, here are a few pics and videos of what we've been doing.

This one is from Hawaii. I just got it from Aunt F.
This is Boo and E running around after bath time!

Boo and I went to a children's play this past Friday. It was "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs". I have not read the book, but I LOVED the play. It was really funny and well done. Boo was very well behaved during the show. He sat in his chair for about 1/2 of the show and then seemed to get a little concerned about how loud it all was. So, he sat in my lap for the rest. He didn't really get any of it, I don't think. But it was a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to going back for future productions.

Sitting in his chair like a big boy!
It was POURING outside so we both wore our rubber boots.
We definitely needed them since we had to park about 2 blocks away from the theatre.

Ever since Boo was a Lil Boo, I've been singing to him. He's always seemed to enjoy it and when he was super little it often could calm him down instantly. One of the songs I used to sing often was The Itsy Bitsy Spider. Somehow that one kind of got away from me. I forgot all about it. And then in the bath the other night, I remembered it and Boo got really excited when I started singing. He is now all too eager to do the motions that go along with the song.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider performed by Lil Boo!

The Truth

It seems as though a lot of the blogs I frequent are expressing how blogs often only paint one side of the story...the happy, picturesque side, if you will. It's great to read about how wonderful everything and everyone is, but it can leave the reader feeling like she's the only one struggling to get through the day. I admit, I usually only blog when we have something fun and exciting to share. But today, I'm going to tell the WHOLE truth.

I did NOT want to get up this morning and tend to the cries of, "Mama...Mama..."
I had NO patience with Boo as he whined for milk as I was pouring it into his cup. I raised my voice and said, "STOP CRYING!!" How's that for effective?...not!

I was grumpy that it was super cold (for south texas, anyway) and we had no plans for the day. B-man suggested we go to the mall and just walk around. I secretly grumbled that I didn't even want to battle getting the little guy dressed.

We did in fact venture to the mall. It was turning out to be a nice morning. Boo just loved walking around and was all willing to hold my hand. We got him a tractor calendar for his room. He just LOVES tractors. And he was just the cutest thing walking around the mall.

Until we went into Pottery Barn Kids...
I wasn't even planning on going in, but the sign on the window said the store was CLOSING for good next Saturday and the nearest store would be in Austin. Now, I don't usually buy things from PBK simply b/c they're too expensive. But, I do LOVE the styles and products. And for some reason that line about the nearest store being in Austin just got to me. I don't know why...like I said, I don't usually buy things from there. But, in we went. Boo was doing GREAT, holding my hand and following me as we looked around. Then, a really nice looking lady pointed out the on display rocking horse to Boo. "Don't you wanna ride that?" she exclaimed. All I could think was, "thanks a lot lady! He hadn't even noticed that horse and I don't really want to stand here all day trying to think of a way to get him off of the horse without making a scene."
So of course, Boo took off towards the horse and was having a grand ole time. But, eventually it was time to go. He was none too happy with me for physically removing him from the horse. He laid out on the floor, whining, while I was trying to check out. The store was filled with sale crazed Moms with strollers, so Boo laying in the middle of the only open ground was not going over so well. I couldn't get out of there fast enough!

Well, in the whole mix of it all, I lost his hat. His super cute winter hat. I know we had it before we went in PBK. I took it off of his head right before we went in b/c he was getting hot from all of the walking. But, on our way to the car, I noticed it was GONE. We back tracked all over the mall and couldn't find it. I kept thinking, "do I dare return to the PBK to see if it's there?" I had to. I just loved the hat. So, we went back. Boo nearly had another meltdown and the hat was nowhere to be found.

And for some reason, I'm so mad about this hat!! And, the truth is, I'm mad at Boo because surely it's his fault that I lost it, right?! I keep thinking, "if he hadn't shown himself in PBK, I wouldn't have lost it." Who's thinking like an adult now? Ha! I know this sounds ridiculous and it actually IS ridiculous, but hey...just being honest!

Hold on y'all , it gets better...
So, across the mall we trek to The Children's Place to get a replacement...nope...they're out. On the way home, I take a detour and actually stop by ANOTHER Children's Place (that's right folks, I'm a nut), and they're out too. Seriously...all of this over a stinkin winter hat that he won't even need tomorrow b/c it is only cold 2 days out of the year here?

Now, we're home now and for some reason I'm still upset about this hat. And to top it off, Boo has had a horrible attitude since we got home. Hmmm...wonder where he got that from?

There is good news though. We did make up before his naptime. We read stories and gave kisses and said our "I love you's".

Now, doesn't it make you all feel better to know that it's not always Hawaiian sunsets around here?? :)

Here's hoping for a better afternoon!

Hawaii Y'all!

We had a BLAST in Hawaii!

I must admit, it was quite stressful before we left with B-man and Boo coming up sick the week before we left. In fact, we weren't quite sure until the morning of our flight that we would in deed fly that day because Boo was still puny. But, alas we did and I'm so glad that we did!

We had so much fun and went full on for 10 days! We got back to TX yesterday and have been catching up on our sleep. Even Boo slept in until 10:15 this a.m.!

So here are some highlights. I know...it's a lot. But consider yourself lucky...I took over 200 photos!

A HUGE THANKS to Uncle A for hosting us! He was a great tour guide and made sure that we all got to do what we wanted.

Uncle A and E

Boo and I take our first steps into the Pacific Ocean at Kailua Beach.

Lighthouse...way up on the mountain.

Just beautiful!

This is the area where a lot of the LOST scenes are filmed.

Waimea Bay!

The North Shore, Baby!

Big surf in the winter; calm bay in the summer.

Is it bad that this is my FAVORITE picture??

Fun with Dad in Haleiwa!

Pearl Harbor
I got so emotional over the USS Arizona.

To think of that day and all of those men still inside the ship....I was just overcome with sadness.

It also made me so proud of B-man and Uncle A for protecting our country.

Hanauma Bay! Just breathtakingly beautiful!

B-man and I got to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay!

Blue as blue can be!

Reindeer games!
This is E (Uncle A's son)! He lives in Australia and this is our first time meeting him and his mother.
They're both simply wonderful! E is such a happy, happy boy!

On Christmas Day they were predicting 30-40 ft waves on the North Shore.
We got up early and drove up to check them out. Look at all of the people on the beach and along the road who also came out that day. It was amazing!

These photos don't do the waves justice at all.
They were massive! So cool to see.
A new Christmas tradition???

Watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean in Waikiki.
Does it get any better than that?

The view from our hotel room.

Playing in the sand.

B-man buried Boo in the shape of a tugboat!

My sweet boy and me!

At Kailua beach on the day we flew out of Honolulu.
Boo just loves the water...a little too much.

He wants to go way out and he doesn't want you to hold him. Oh brother!

Father and son!

Again, we had so much fun! We were tired and sick, but we didn't let that keep us down. It was great to share the adventure with Granny and Grandpa too. It was also their first time meeting E and F. We do have some unfinished business though...we didn't hike or surf, so Uncle A....we'll be back!

Tis the Season

We've been busy bees trying to finish Christmas shopping and shipping in order to get ready for our Christmas Vacation to Hawaii. Yep, that's right Hawaii!!! Uncle A is currently stationed there, so we are taking full advantage of his hospitality and are going to visit for Christmas. It will be my first Christmas away from home and I'm a little sad about that, but I'm really looking forward to being in Hawaii!!!! What's even better is Granny and Grandpa are joining us! We're also meeting our cousin E and Aunt F for the first time!! It's been soo long since Uncle A and B-man have been together for Christmas with their parents. So, it's sure to be a special time.

We took some time this weekend though, to enjoy Christmas San Antonio style. We went down to the Riverwalk last night and took a boat ride and enjoyed all of the lights they have displayed for the holidays.

We also went to see Santa! Boo did so good.
At first, he was just sitting there moving his eyes only!
But, they had some jingle bells and that's all it took to get a smile!

I know, he looks less than thrilled in the photos, but he really enjoyed pointing to the "ights" and "boots" (boats). We also enjoyed some ice cream afterwards! It was a perfect outing!
Oh yeah...haircut for Boo is today at 3:40!

This is a little ornament that Boo and I made this week. The picture isn't really that great.
He enjoyed getting his hand painted for this project. If you're interested in doing this craft, let me know and I'll post the lessons learned from our attempts last week!

I don't know if I'll post again before we leave, so if I don't, Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
Mele Kalikimaka!!!

Chuck E Cheese

Last night we went to Chuck E Cheese for our Mom's Club Fundraiser. What an easy way to make money...15% of whatever we bought goes back to the Mom's Club!
Boo had a grand ole time...too much fun to even eat. And if you know our son, you know he LOVES to eat!
B-man and I also had a grand time playing basketball, football, and skee ball.

I know, he needs a haircut. We're going to try to get that done early next week!