Busy Bee

A lot has been happening in our house, especially over this past week. Not all 'good' I am afraid, but through the grace of God, we seem to be coming through just fine! Have you ever been in a situation where you just could not see how you would get through it? I was there last Friday. All I had was prayer. Thankfully, God is answering my call and He is guiding me through! I am learning so much about myself. I have always been an impatient person, and following His timeline is so difficult for me, but it is the one that works!

My hubby was out of town too this past week. Our seven year old has had such a difficult time with his absence. We rely on our Daddy so much. He is our hero around here.

I did get the items finished for the auction and I LOVE the new elephant I made. It is made of a soft, fine purple suede, a floral flannel and 'teeshirt' material for his inner ears. He is super cute and I hope he does well for our school!

I am having so much fun making these elephants! Everywhere we go, everyone says how soft and beautiful these elephants are. What a fun little hobby!

I know I had mentioned earlier in the Lent season of sharing ideas to enhance our lives at this time of year. The truth is, I have been so busy clearing clutter from our lives, a very 'Lent' like activity, that I haven't had time to share with you yet. Hopefully this week, I can get a few ideas out here. Well, back to my 'normal' life I go! Love, Emily

Chaos Continues....oops...it is just another day!

It has been 'one of those weeks' in a major way. Last weekend, my cell phone died. Not the battery, didn't drop it in the 'potty', it just flat out died. Stress. No phone four kids. Eerrrrr. Luckily my new one will be here Tuesday, although I doubt I will be able to use it 'correctly' for a few days after that! Kids were home Monday for President's Day, which I believe they should have been IN school to learn about the day, but what do I know?! Tuesday my little man had his big old 10 month check up. We went in healthy, came out with an ear infection, a new inhaler for possible asthma and a watchlist for reflux issues. Eerrrrr. Wednesday brought a school delay and a cancelled computer volunteer day, which allowed me some long needed time with my little man to help the healing process. Also, Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, so we spent the evening eating Tuna Noodle Casserole with Panko Bread Crumb topping and getting our little ash crosses on our foreheads. That was a great night. I love Lent and I hope to have some helpful posts over the next few weeks in regards to preparing for Easter, my FAVORITE holiday! Thursday was uneventful (I think) and Friday brought a sick sick sick four year old. Poor baby had a terrible cough and still isn't up to herself yet. Saturday brought the dreaded midterm report of my stepson, age 11, fifth grader. Hmmm. A 'D-' and a 'D' in Reading and Language Arts. An 'A-' in Math, with a note that he is not appling himself. EERRRRRR. The frustration. You see, we are the 'mean' parents. The ones that make sure the homework is not just done, but understood and engraved in your skull. Our lives revolve around homework/schoolwork/reading/vocabulary JUST for this one child. He STRUGGLES with this, but we forge on. Midway through the lecture, I told my hubby, let's just let him go. Let him succeed or fail on his own. Obviously we are not being heard, so let's see what he can do on his own. The worst that could happen is he will fail and have to repeat the grade. Is that so bad? So, we emailed the teachers our plan of attack and will wait to see where it leads. Any thoughts out there in Blogland? I would love to hear your thoughts and/or advice. Stepparenting is hard. Help is good.


On a lighter note, here are a few pictures of some things I have been working on. A few bibs to donate to our school auction and a simple bag to tote to church for the kids. I also included a sampling of some very cool and inexpensive fabrics I picked up this week at Joann's. Hope your week goes well. Take care and stay safe!

Snow Day #2

Weeeee! I love snow days! This is wonderful! The kids and I haven't left the house since Monday night. Well, we played (outside) yesterday for a bit. I have gotten so much done too. The girls had mini pedicures `a la mommy, we baked cookies, baked a homemade loaf of bread and bread bowls, painted suncatchers.....hmmm and many other things which escape my mind right now.

On a personal note, I finally finished a booster seat for my 4 y/o. Our dining room chairs are made for extremely tall persons, which we are not, so I found a cute and easy pattern to make a booster for her. Here it is:

I am happy with it. It serves its purpose. This morning she got pancake syrup on it and since it is made of vinyl, it cleans up quick! I also finished my 7 y/o spring top. (the basis of the Easter dresses I am planning on making should I find the 'right' material) Here it is:

It turned out ok. I don't really like the way the material lays. Thus, the reason I will only make the dresses if I find the right fabric for them. I also cut out the pieces for a smallish 'tote' for my little man to carry his toys around, when he can carry his toys around. It has been so nice to be home. (**edit** I got the bag finished in just an hour or so! Had to share a pic!)

We have been playing the Wii a bit more too. We have Super Mario Bros. and my children believe me to be near goddess status. Ha! It seriously is THE only video game I can play. Plus it has been nearly 20 years since I last played it! Hope the times are happy in your home. Now, I have to go check on that laundry...some things never change!