I walk, therefore I swish. Because this belly is full of coffee! All on account of the fact that the boys decided to wake their momma up before the clock had struck 5am. And that requires multiple cups of caffeine for this lady.

I am going to finally reveal to you the projects I have been spending my spare (ha!) time on lately; I’m really enjoying them! I’m plumb out of the white fabric, so I can go no further until a re-order. Here they are, in no particular order:

I’m going to upload them to Etsy soon…only so many things you can accomplish in a day!

Yeah, well…we have no idea. Still no word.

I’m just tired. It’s been a weepy kind of day, and weepy days always make me sleepy. However, with the weepy-ness comes a peacefulness, because God has never let us down. Even through trials, He has always revealed His glory. This house or no, it’s gonna be ok.

……………………………..

On a completely different note, here are a few new goodies I worked on this weekend:

These are actually mini canvases on mini easels. I love the mini factor!

Had this paper lying around for awhile, and decided to turn it into magnets…

And my first dishtowel attempt! I’ve wanted to make one for a long time, so I hemmed up some fabric, added a ribbon to hang, and appliquéd the fabric.

Well, off to bed. Tomorrow is a new day, and it will be a good one!

Good grief.

I have absolutely no sense of urgency to get packing. We leave tomorrow! Driving to NH then flying to NM on Saturday morning. And other than doing some laundry, I don’t have anything else accomplished. Anyway…this might be my last post for a little bit-tomorrow I’ll probably be running hither and yon like a wild woman, berating myself for not being more prepared for a cross-country vacation.

I thought I’d give you a few sneak peeks at what I’ve been working on lately…a tweak here and there after the trip and they should be ready to put on etsy. I’ve also finished some canvas paintings, but they are rather orange and the colors absolutely jarred my senses when I posted them with these particular pics.

And take a look at this lovely fabric that I just can’t wait to dive into when I return…

I’ll miss you! I’ll try to post while we’re away, but if I can’t, have a super weekend and beyond!

The boys were away at Grandma’s yesterday, so I focused and put together a reversible apron that I have wanted to sew for quite awhile. It’s out of Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing book, which is fabulous. I originally bought the fabric for pillows, but decided a springtime apron would be fun. Don’t you feel professional in an apron? I think that next time I’ll use a lighter weight fabric, though. This fabric is a bit of a medium weight, and doesn’t drape like I’d like it too, although it’s definitely usable.

Ryan also had fun with a new dog that Nonnie made…out of gloves. You can’t see the detail too well, but it’s terrifically cute.

And! Oh And! I’m incredibly excited, because I found out about Habitat for Humanities ReStores yesterday. They are filled with overstock and extras from building supply stores, contractors, etc, so the prices are a fraction of what you would normally pay. The proceeds go towards Habitat. There are FOUR in Maine. Four! Camden, Portland, Bath, and Lewiston. Good timing, I’d say, seeing as though we are house hunting. I’m eager to get out and shop!

The only unfortunate part of the day yesterday was that it began at 4:30 am. The boys woke up and were positively raring to go! They both piled into our bed and did their best to try and fall asleep again but neither one did. Ryan ended up lying on top of me with his head cradled near my feet and his feet up near my belly; Jack was lying crosswise on my chest. I was literally buried by boys! The only reason we didn’t put them back in bed was that Erick was taking them to his mom’s house rather early. They were out the door by 6.

Mom and I had a cup of coffee by the fire once we pulled ourselves out of bed and spent the morning poking about. At 9:45 we bundled up and took a walk in the snow to a new florist shop on Main Street that advertises coffee and goodies. We had a wonderful 2nd cup o’ joe and a toffee bar each while browsing all of the gifts and flowers, then stopped by the library and grabbed some books and Funny Face to watch during the afternoon. Our walk was wonderful. Not too cold, with steadily falling snow-it was SO quiet outside! And the trees were just breathtaking. We need to take more winter walks. At home we pulled out our sewing machines and got busy; I’m so eager to take pictures of our new little projects and post them for you. I can’t wait to see what you think!

After movies and sewing, mom made some french bread and I baked some cookies before the guys came home. Very serene day.

Oh! Jack decided to paint a masterpiece with my mascara last night; all over the floor, his hands, his arms, his belly…he’s a budding artist, I tell you!

Ry also used the potty again. Yay. We’ll fill up that sticker chart yet!

Things that I would love to learn/accomplish/become incredibly adept at:

1. Playing the Piano. I dropped out of lessons in second grade, much to my current chagrin.

2. Take a ceramics class and learn to throw pots with the best of them. I think I would specialize in bowls and cake stands.

3. Become an incredible seamstress. Sew up lots and lots of pretty things.

4. Learn a language-possibly Italian.

5. Take a ballroom dancing class with Erick. (He’s up for this too, which is very good).

6. Delve into the digital arts. There is nothing more satisfying to me than holding a good ol’ paintbrush, but I am a bit fascinated by pixels.

7. Take painting lessons. I’d like to learn a few new techniques-right now my pictures are simple as simple can get.

8. Take drawing lessons. I can draw from a picture, but if I have an idea in my head, I’m not good enough to get it down on paper.

9. Learn to cook amazing things (and enjoy it).

10. Go to sleep every night with a clean bedroom. (HA!)

Anyone else have a list of their own?

First off, my grandmother has started a blog of her own. It’s lovely, and she is one funny lady! Yay for you, grandma! I love you.

Well, I’ve been painting a bit this weekend and sewing here and there. I’ve also been discovering different, wonderful sites, thanks to Sarah and her StumbleUpon suggestions. I haven’t signed up, but I’ve gleaned much from her faves and reviews. Thanks chic!

Ooh, some of my fabric pictures were included in this blog, which is actually really inspiring. Great for newbies to sewing, like myself.

I’ve also come to the realization that it is time for the Murray’s to find a nest of their own. (Well, I’ve known that awhile, but it’s been very apparent lately). It’s no secret to family or friends that we will have been with my parents for (gulp) *3 years* this May! That was not in the plan! (Haha, I know. Plan? When does a plan ever pan out like you want it to?) I’m not in a frantic rush to get out, because in reality, it’s been an amazing few years. I love my parents, and so does Erick, and the fact that Jack and Ryan are so close to their Papa and Nonnie is very, very cool. The space factor is a biggie though. We are just plain running out of room. Our bedroom is ghastly. A conglomeration of everything that would normally be spread out in an entire house. My parents have dreams of turning their currently-occupied guest bedrooms into work studios, and I would love for them to be able to get to it. My precious younguns’ are also making their mark on various furniture and flooring…you normally shouldn’t have to worry about things like that when your kids are grown and gone, right? Wrong! If your grandkids live with you, that is!

Anyhow, I’m ready to nest. It’s time to spread out, even if it is in a tiny house. Up until this current school year, Erick was only subbing, so moving out wasn’t an option. This year, though…with the full time paycheck and everything, it’s time to go. So far nothing do-able has come up, but hopefully this Next Big Adventure is right around the corner.

Well, Erick took the boys to his school this evening to watch the Super Bowl (we don’t have cable here), so I need to get myself busy and do things I normally can’t with 2 children underfoot! Yay for a little Me time!