What are you still doing over here!

What are you still doing over here . . . you're missing great blog fodder over here. Ok, well maybe not great, but get over there anyway!

I've moved . . .

Well, if you're looking for me, I'm here now! So, don't forget to change your favorites or google reader or whatever you use!

See you there!

www.crazydaysofsummer.com

Updates and more . . .

Well, I've settled on a new name and DCRmom is working on the design. We should have everything up and running here soon. Since it will be a new name and new blog, all of you who use Google Reader or some other program will need to change the feed to the new address.

Other updates, potty training is going well. We've had success if both areas, #1 and #2. We still have random accidents, but for the most part, I can say our little Maddy is potty trained! And in her words, I'll say "YIPPEE!"

I've got so much to write about. But, first things first, I'll need to set up the new blog today so that my wonderful blog designer can showcase her work. Stay tuned, 'cause when I finally do get everything up and running, I'll have to tell you how extremely pleased I am with the work and advice that she has provided to me.

What I've been up to

Well, I've never fancied myself as a "Susie Homemaker" type. In fact, I'd describe myself as the farthest women from that. But, since becoming a stay-at-home-mom, I've had the urge to delve into things that never interested me before. So, while I was in Ohio, with a mother-in-law who is practically an expert at sewing, I knew I needed to take the opportunity to learn a few "skillz"!

So, I picked up two patterns, borrowed one sewing machine and dove right into sewing. And with the much needed help from my mother-in-law, this is the end result:


Isn't she the cutest thing EVER! And I just love this little outfit on her. What's that you ask? Yep! I even made the little ruffles. "Everything from the scratch," as Hubby would say!

So, after I conquered that, I knew Baby Lulu also needed an outfit. And this is what I came up with:



And this little outfit is a little too big for Baby Lulu right now. But I can just picture her wearing it this summer.

After these two outfits, I got to thinking and wanted to make some other little things for Maddy and Baby Lulu. And, I began to wonder, how can I simplify the process and this is what I came up with:



And here's a closer look:



I bought this little knit outfit for $5. And it definitely needed something. So, I found this ribbon and decided to trim the top and bottom with it. Cute, huh? And easy peasy!

So, anyone have any sewing tips, tricks or projects you'd like to share. I know my sis-in-law in Kansas is a sewing genius also -- maybe she'll take this opportunity to comment publicly (hee! hee!)

An apology to my dear husband

Why is it that the things that we hold most dearly in our hearts are the things that we hold most loosely in our hands? Wouldn't you think we would have learned this lesson by now? You know, to hold on tight and never take anything or anyone for granted?

I think back to yesterday. I was all in a tizzy because I had an appointment to meet with the CPA. I hurriedly dropped my husband off at the airport for his week long trip, gave him a rushed kiss goodbye and an "I love you" he could barely understand, and off I went to the appointment. As I drove there, a million "to do's" ran through my mind. Never once did I think that in the blink of an eye, that rushed kiss could be the last time my lips ever touch my husband's lips. Or that mumbled "I love you" might be the last thing I ever get to say to him.

But, the thought crossed my mind last night . . . and I was sad. And ashamed. Because anyone who knows me knows that losing my husband would be the most devastating thing in the world to me. In fact, it's hard for my little brain to comprehend how I could function and keep living my life without him. I know that my Lord Jesus Christ would somehow carry me through . . . but it just seems impossible. I guess what I'm saying is the goodbye I gave him yesterday (and I ashamed to say several other times) was/is not at all representative of my love for him. And it should be. That kiss should be a kiss that carries him through the whole week and makes him look forward to coming home. And that I love you should ring so clear that it echoes in his heart and mind until he's back with us again.

Hubby, I love you very much and so appreciate all that you do for me and our family. I'm sorry for not giving you the attention that you deserve. I look forward to the day when I can wrap my arms around you again. Ok, if my parents or my in-laws and reading this, close your eyes ---- XXXOOO (I mean, who wants your parents or his to see you kiss right?)

Potty Training Camp: Day 3

Well, only good news to report. All is going well in our big girl potty and panty world. Here are the stats:

#1 in the Potty 5
#2 in the Potty 0
#2 on the floor but actually was the fault of the adult in charge 1
Near misses 0
Times Maddy went Potty by herself 1 (you go girl!)

Maddy, Mamma is soooooo proud of you!

To My Wonderful Friends Over At the Food Network:

(A letter I drafted to the Food Network)
I just wanted to write you a short little note to let you know just how much I (and my hubby) have enjoyed your channel. I've learned so much over the past couple of years. By the way, while I've got your attention, could you tell Paula I said "hey y'all!" Anyway, I was just sitting around thinking today, 'cause that's what we stay-at-home-mom's do you know, sit on the couch and eat bon bon's all day, anyhoo . . . yes, back to thinking, and I came up with this great idea for a new show. Seeing as how I'm never able to complete Rachael's 30-minute meal in just 30 minutes, or Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade Meals EVEN.THOUGH.THEY.ARE.SEM-I-HOMEMADE, I thought I'd throw my name in the hat for a new show. Ya know, somethin' to spice things up a bit. And I thought I'd call it Chaos in the Kitchen!Has a nice ring to it! Now you just wait a minute! Before you start jumping to conclusions, let me finish telling you about it. I'd thought I could attempt to make some very family friendly, culinary works of art that are staples in every household (like fried spam and mac-n-cheese) . And just to shake it up a bit, I thought I'd do it all while my two little ones (Maddy age 2.5 and Baby Lulu age 1) were running around the kitchen. 'Cause let's face it, that's real life for ya people! And I might even have to balance the littlest one on my hip while cooking 'cause she's quite the "Mama's Girl" if you know what I mean. But no worries, I'll only have to stop 3 or 4 times to hand the two of them juice, or crackers, or yell for my husband to GET.EVERYONE.OUT.OF.THE.KITCHEN.RIGHT.THIS.MINUTE.BEFORE.I.REALLY.START.HOLLERIN. Oh, and I thought you might want to give me a little more than an hour to fix said culinary work of art because, well, it is a work of art and I will be wrestling two kids. And maybe I could answer a cell phone call or two while I'm at it. You know, just for added excitement. What you think?

Well, why don't you just pass that idea around the board room for a couple of days. No need to answer my letter immediately. I'll just be waiting here patiently and continuing to watch my favorite shows as always.

The Queen of Chaos in the Kitchen