M is for Merrell

Working practically full time is taking over my life. I'm grateful for my job--kids get more expensive as they get older. But there are a few things that are now on the back-burner. Keeping up a blog, reading other blogs, surfing the net to check out interesting things, housework--definitely on the back burner. I'm still trying to read a lot. My reading times haven't changed--before I fall asleep, waiting rooms, etc. But, I haven't really kept up with my list of what I've read so I have to clean my room and go through my book piles to try and remember what I've read so I can update my book list on my blog. And remember, housework is on the back-back burner. So, it'll be one of these days . . .

We had family pictures taken recently. We were able to get together a few days before Cait went back to Idaho for her 3rd semester. I'm so glad we did because it'll be about two years before we're all together again. That's a long time. And we had the pictures taken in Magnolia about a week before the fires started up there. I'm so glad we got it done when we did!! No one wants smoky pictures, or the brave fireman running with a hose through the background. Or even black tree stumps. Anyway, somehow it all worked out. Pictures done--check.

I have three quilts to make and/or finish. I'm thinking it'll be a Thanksgiving week project--I'll have time then. Cait made one that I want to help her finish, but that might wait until her next break so she can learn how to machine quilt. I have started to cut out one for my and Chris' bed and Stefanie finally chose the fabric and pattern for her graduation quilt. I have until June to finish Stef's (or if I finish it on the same time-line as her older sisters, the Christmas after).

My baby started middle school this last month. I know, kind of random to just throw that out there, but today he had a hard morning. He came home happy, but this morning was hard. I've got to take time in the afternoon when he comes home to help him organize his homework, projects, practice times for piano and cello, and remind him to brush his teeth. The bus gets him home at 4:30--not much time to do all of those things. And I'm trying to get dinner on the table and busyness sets in for all of us. Today was a time to step back and rethink our afternoons and try a new approach. Although his grades are great so far (progress reports today contain 2-100's and 2-99's), it's the keeping things organized and remembering all the everything that he needs a little help with.

(And mom needs a little help too. In the last few weeks, I've completely forgotten an orthodontist appointment and showed up for piano lessons on the wrong day.)

Another adventure that is taking over our house--the search for the perfect boot. For those of you who might not have heard, Erin received her mission call to New Hampshire recently. She's getting all of her preparations done. One thing that is required is a pair of leather boots, waterproofed, lined, low heel. Of course, there is none of that in Houston. So we've turned to the internet. Every pair of boots the girl finds have something wrong with them--price, lining, calf size, etc. She's ordered twice now and sent them both back. We've decided that she needs to wait until she gets to New Hampshire and then go shopping but tonight she's back online checking out more possibilities. And, of course, she found the perfect pair but . . . they don't have her size . . . of course.

Even though we're all quite busy around here, we have been working on The Merrell Family Challenge. Erin put this together for us--the idea came from a roommate's family. It's basically a spreadsheet and point system for keeping track of and motivating you to do things that you are already doing or should be doing. For example, if you're ready for the day by 9:30 am you get a point, floss your teeth you get a point, 15 minutes of spritual time, get a point, drink 8 glasses of water, get a point. There are 12 points possible each day. We do drawings at the end of each week for a prize and there will be a grand prize at the end of 8 weeks. There are bonus points possible for doing extra things--goals you make up for yourself, like blogging or working on a special project. At the end of the 8 weeks (5 more to go) we'll evaluate and see how it works for our family and maybe do it again after Christmas with a bigger group--it'll be a great way to start the new year. The bigger the group the more fun and the bigger the prizes. It's also been a great way to pull us a little closer. Doing things like this really connects our college kids to the family.

Well, it's time to get some kids to bed. Morning comes early around here.

(Happy now Mareen and Becky?) :)

Time to catch up.

My sister and her kids moved back home last week and I feel like an empty nester. Now we're adjusting to them being gone. Our house feels so empty. We miss them!

This isn't a big blogging moment for me, but I have to say that I'm finally catching up on a few things and have been reading today! Reading Maeve Binchey and reading blogs and catching up! And my brain is actually finding the time to think of a few subjects to write about. I love it.

Alterations

"Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations." --Faith Baldwin

Many of you know that I sew. When I was a new mom and stayed at home and needed a hobby, I dusted off my mom's old sewing machine and started sewing baby room decor and little girl dresses. There was a lot that I had to figure out, but nap times were long and I was happy to have a hobby that I enjoyed.

As the kids grew older, I wasn't sewing for them as much, but started quilting and taking in odd jobs like sewing 50 drill team uniforms and making duvet covers and tailored bed skirts. The paying jobs gave me a bit of anxiety--getting something right for someone else, so I turn down those requests now. But I still quilt when I can--I love the creation of a quilt.

Every once in a while someone asks me to alter something for them. I do not like when that happens. I would much rather sew something from pattern to finish than alter and figure out someone else's work and fix it. I even hate to hem and sew on buttons. It's drudgery work--like housecleaning. Sometimes my girls need a formal dress made over. I procrastinate as much as possible and usually end up pulling a late one the night before, hoping it all works out. And even though it always turns out great, the process is just not fun.

My life has been altered as of late and it's not fun either. I'm not saying that I hate it and it's the worst ever, it is just taking some getting used to. It's not fun and games; it's thinking and planning and work.

The first alteration came in October when I started spending my Tuesdays and Thursdays (days off at the preschool) working at a new job. I was working 5 days a week and trying to remember when I woke up which job I was going to that day. A little bit of stress. Then about Thanksgiving time, I gave the preschool my notice and started working 5 days a week at my new job. It's a great job--I wouldn't do it if I didn't love it. But it's a change. 5 days a week is a lot more than 3 and I don't have any free time during the day to schedule a hair appointment or go grocery shopping. I have a long commute to drive and still lots to learn and get used to.

The next alteration came mid-December when my sister and her 3 kids moved in with us. She's having a rough patch and needs a place for a while. Of course we're not going to say no. She's my sister and I love her and her kids. But it's a big change. The dinner table is a tight squeeze and when we all go somewhere we have to take two cars. There's bottles to fix and diapers to change. And this was right before Christmas. I'm not saying I hate it and I'm not saying I love it. Right now it's just something to work through and hopefully fix. We're looking at the way this garment was put together in the first place and hoping that a few changes here and there will make it fit better. And the work room is my home.

It's a big alteration compared to what life used to be. I will admit, I've always been leery of change. That's a character trait I've had since birth--I still sleep in the fetal position. But life goes on and every day brings a new something whether I like it or not. The baby, 6 weeks old now, is getting bigger and when he sleeps good at night we all celebrate. We love H helping us with the dishes. And Z is turning out to be a great soccer player and is going to register for school on Monday.

We're all adjusting to our new normal. And I know we'll all survive and maybe we'll even like the new look we'll have when we're done. Right now I better get back to my unpicking.

Thrifty Finds Along the Commuting Trail

I have a new commute. I've never been a fan of commuting and neither has my husband. We have always lived within 10 minutes of whatever job he's had. My commute is now 40 minutes. Yuck. So, I've found a scenic route. Along this route, I pass two thrift stores. (Starting to sound better, huh?) I actually left the office on time last Thursday and stopped in at St. C's to check it out. It did not disappoint.

I found these three cute patterns for 25 cents each. They'll look great in my sewing room, when I get that sewing room.

I found this cool copper grater for $5. Yes, that's copper. And it's old and it looks like a turtle. It was the first thing I saw and into my hand it went.

How about this cute petite rocker? You like? $7. Yep, seven dollars. It needs a little wood glue and maybe a new screw or two. And definitely a wipe down, but I know how to do that. (My hubby like projects.)
So, St. C's thrift shop is a keeper and I'll check out the one across the street as soon as I get a chance. My commute is starting to look up.

Girl Weekend!

Really cool, hilly quilt

I LOVE going to the Quilt Show. It's something that I try really hard to get to every year. I usually talk a friend or two into going with me.

Simple block, perfect styling (Project Runway talk)

This year, I invited some family into town. They were so amazing to actually spend money on the airfare and put up with my barky dog for a few days in order to go to the quilt show!

I love house quilts.

The show was amazing! Hundreds, probably thousands of quilts. Every style, color combination you can think of. It was a fantastic art show.

(yes, that's a quilt of a door)

And the booths! What did we count? Maybe 20 aisles that had probably 30 booths on each full of fabric, buttons, books, patterns, sewing machines, long arms, kits, more patterns.

Looks like rain

We were on sensory overload. Definitely. We spent two days at the Festival. The first day was all booths. Looking and buying and looking and walking and getting Kaffe Fassett's autograph (oh yeah!) and looking and walking and sore feet. For about 6 hours.


Amazing

Then we spotted the booth. There were chairs and they were empty and so we sat. And then a smooth talking chica put a back rest behind our backs. Wow! Did that feel good! We bought 4 and got the 5th one free.

One of my absolute favorites. It's whimsicle and it's red!

I KNOW you can buy them at the dollar store. I KNOW we had to carry them around the rest of the day. But they are really cool, they really work, and they make great hats! (and shields)


On the second day, we went back to a few booths that we 'needed' something in and then spent 5 hours enjoying the finished quilts! We had a great time and enjoyed Texas BBQ, Tutti Frutti, did some antiquing, and exhausted ourselves. It was great! Who's up for next year???

Before and After

Benj on the morning of Thursday, 9/30.

And then, a few hours later.

Here we go again! :)

Going to BYU Idaho

The saddest, most exciting thing of September was taking Caitlin up to BYU Idaho. She was so ready and so excited to go! It was a fantastic trip! And sad, too, because another child is off on her own. It doesn't get any easier with the "next one." Believe me.

We flew to Salt Lake with friends Miriam and her daughter Pamela (and flight attendant friend, Veronica!). We were heading to BYUI together! We stayed a couple of days in Utah and visited grandma and aunts and uncles and cousins. We drove down to Provo and spent a day with Erin. I finally got to see where this daughter lives! She has a cute apartment and great roommates! We spent time with friends from Houston. We ate dinner at The Brick Oven and laughed for 2 hours while attending Divine Comedy. It was an awesome fun day!

Erin, Shaun, Old-Spice Guy, Caitlin, Pamela, Megan

We also spent a day with my aunt and picked her brain for remembrances of growing up with my dad and what he was like and what stories she remembers. We loved talking and we all loved the visit and the lunch and the chocolate cake. I borrowed some pictures and got copies made and recorded some of the stories to listen to later and share with my siblings. It was a great day!

We hit the road to Idaho on Sunday afternoon, check in was 8 am on the morning of Labor Day. And then there we were. At the campus. At the dorms. Setting up the room, hooking up the printer, putting on the new bedding, hanging up clothes, finding places for everything, grocery shopping, WalMart shopping, picking up books from the bookstore, ID cards, orientation, adding a class, dropping another, running into friends, and having a great time!

Getting it all set up.

So, day 2 in Idaho, we decided to take a break from the campus and we headed up to Yellowstone. It's only 1 1/2 hours away and well worth the drive. We went with our friends from Houston and also another friend from Houston that we picked up along the way (actually we picked her up from Cait's dorm since she almost lives there).

Caitlin, Pamela, Laura

Yellowstone is such an amazing place! Totally amazing and beautiful, especially in September. I have a special fondness for that place since it is where Chris and I honeymooned exactly 23 years earlier. Yes, we spent our anniversary 3000 miles apart. Life. I really missed him and texted him a photo of Old Faithful. Sigh.

We got to Old Faithful 10 minutes before it blew. Perfect timing!

But, back to Yellowstone. We enjoyed lunch by the Madison River. It was so peaceful--we just took our time and admired nature. We saw lots of elk, a few buffalo, lots of hot pots, bubbling mud, and a suicidal mouse. My passengers were excited about everything they saw and excited that they were in 3 states in one day--Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming! Perfect day trip!

Madison River

Miriam, Pamela, Laura, Caitlin enjoying deli sandwiches, Chips Ahoys, chips, and a pear.

Big Boy right by the side of the road. Caitlin wanted to get out of the car and just touch him so badly!

Some bubbling pots. Some were stinky and some were pretty awesome.

The next day was a Wednesday and classes started on Thursday. I went to Cait's dorm Wednesday morning and we made pancakes for breakfast and cut up some of Aunt Marca's peaches. Yum! Now that's how you get to be friends with your roommates really fast. Fix them a breakfast like that on the first morning and they'll love you forever. We worked on her room for a little bit longer and then we said our goodbyes. It was time for me to go. She was ready to do her thing and I was feeling like I was in the way. Goodbye my Caitlin. Study hard. See you at Christmas.

So, anyway, that is the story of taking Caitlin to Idaho. And now I'm home and there's only 5 places to set for dinner and not as much laundry to do. And nobody here laughs so hard that their eyes leak and they have to run to the bathroom. Miss that girl.