Family First, and Learning to Say NO!

Well my first week of classes is over, and my first two stories for the paper (for this year) have been submitted. I feel very accomplished, but so wore out. All of my scheduling issues have finally been worked out, and I no longer am being forced against my will to learn another language! YAY!

I have learned a lot this week:

1. I am pretty much super mom. I am a good wife and mommy, I regularly keep up with three hobbies (scrapbooking, sewing, photography), I cook most every night, I do all the cleaning around the house (to a buyers liking lately... bleck) and I am a FULL time student. Um yeah I'm supermom... along with almost every other mom out there.

2. Family First! I have really been learning lately that no matter what Ben and Liam HAVE to come before anything else. I cannot craft if I have not cooked, cleaned, done homework, etc. Therefore I have been crafting once they are in bed and it is working for me. This one I have been working on for awhile and I think I've just about mastered it.

3. I am TO nice. I need to learn how to say NO sometimes. I really struggle with this one. I have a very giving heart (to giving most of the time) and I always want to help and bless people, but lately I have let even my own HEALTH be affected by helping so many people with NO help in return. I have had NO free days through out the week, and most weekends. I have been helping others and not focusing on my family first. I have put off a doctors appointment for weeks now, because I had obligations everyday but Fridays, and two of those I had to cancel my appointments to take Liam to the doctor. I am ok, but could have probably prevented a temporary health issue if I would've said NO and went to the doctors sooner. I have learned my lesson though. Mommies it's ok to help people out, but only if your family and yourself are taken care of first.

Go with this quote from Miley Cyrus's Twitter page: "love is a battle, Love is a war; Love is growing up!"-love this!

Mommy on,
Liam's Mommy

Keep Calm and Get Your Gov On.

Well you know I have been busy if I miss blogging on my favorite blogging day! I spent most of yesterday trying to sort out a scheduling issue with APSU, and then I was exhausted and just needed to go to bed early since I started school the next day.
My classes started today and I feel pretty good about them, but the work load is a little overwhelming. My first days assignments consist of 30 tutorials, two 70 question pretests, 300 pages of reading, a hand out, and setting up, paying $40.00 for a fingerprint test. Bleck. I also had to take Little Liam to the doctors AGAIN today because he had a terrible "diaper rash", turns out it is yeast from the cold he had so we got a prescription and had to go pick it up. Ben also had to get fabric for a bench he is making and I had to get a few books and supplies for class. It has been a super busy day.
Tomorrow I have to set up an interview, pass out planners, go to a doctors appointment for myself, finish up homework, make a tie, etc., etc, etc. I will :

Most of all I will believe that God will get me through all of this. Things will slow down in a  few days once I get used to my new schedule and actually get to utilize my Wednesday study day! On a happier note, I am in the process of getting my Spanish dropped and it not counting against me. Please Jesus let this work!
Sorry so very boring today. My eyes have had a small break from never ending lines, and it must get back to reading them!

Mommy on,
Liam's Mommy

bittystitches

Happy... that's the only word to describe me today. I have really been getting into this bow tie and tie making stuff. I have so much fun doing it. I actually decided to open a little Etsy shop selling my bow ties and ties. I'm nervous, but pretty excited about it. https://www.etsy.com/listing/107869542/double-bowtie. Here's a link to my shop. I choose the name bittystitches. If anyone want to buy locally then the price will be lowered $2.00 and no shipping! Spread the word please! I posted above pictures of the bittystitches photo shoot we had today. Isn't Liam just adorable?

Anyway, considering that my Spanish teacher assigned 14 (yes you read that right) 14 tutorials and a pretest EVERYDAY for the first week of class, I am doing pretty good. This woman is seriously crazy though, does she think that we ONLY take Spanish and not four other classes plus a baby, husband, and home to take care of sheesh lol.

Ben's parent's came to visit Little Liam today and it was a good time. Also, while I was doing my Spanish today Ben was working on a pottery barn style foot stool for me! Mine broke last week and I didn't ask for a new one or anything he just completely surprised me with this amazing one he built all himself. Can you say husband of the year? (remember he just surprised me a month ago with a new dslr camera too!- he deserves a little bragging on).

Have a great rest of the night.

Mommy on,
Liam's Mommy

Titans Game!

Well Liam finished his first week of daycare.... and it ended in a viral infection. : ( The only good that can come out of it is believing that "by Jesus stripes Liam is HEALED."
On a happier note, we went to our first Pro football game yesterday! It was really exciting. We got FREE tickets from the Army so we just had to take up that offer. Luckily I got Liam a #28 Johnson jersey for $1.50 at consignment a few months ago so he was all ready for the game. GO Titans. (I'm actually a really big COLTS fan, but it's so not the same without Manning, so I was "game" to cheer on the Titans last night.)
We had a great time and Liam seemed to love it, especially the fireworks. The Titans pulled off a close, but good WIN!

Today all we have really done is go to a doctors appointment and rest. Liam and I napped from 11 till two! I felt like we kinda slept the day away, but he really needed it and I just enjoyed the time to sleep in!
Once Ben got home we watched the Hunger Games and made sure we had stuff ready for our online (me 1 and Ben all) classes to start tomorrow! Little Liam is sleeping once again and I believe he will wake up feeling much better tomorrow!

Mommy on,
Liam's Mommy

Bow Tie Tutorial!

Hey guys. So I know that I promised on Monday to have a bow tie tutorial yesterday, but we got a late call about our house being shown today, so I spent all last night making sure everything was perfect and then had newspaper this morning. No worried though because I am going to give it to you today. Keep in mind I have never really done a tutorial before so it is not perfect.... and questions are welcome though.
Ok here are your fabric sizes you need for cutting... ( I did not come up with these sized, the credit here goes to my friend Tanya!)

Supplies:
1/8 yard fabric
1 sheet felt or 1/8 yrd. batting
Velcro
(elastic optional)

Infant size: (single bow)
Bow: But 2 pieces of fabric 4 1/2" (L) x 3" (W).
Filling: Felt or quilt batting (no Fleece) 4 1/2 " x 3"
Center: Cut 1 piece 1 1/2" -2" wide x 3" long
Neck: Cut 1 piece length of child's neck by 3/4"-2" wide.
finished size = 4" X 2 1/2"

Toddler Size:
Bow: 5" X 3 1/2" (2 pieces)
Filling: 5" X 3 1/2" (1 piece)
Center: 1 1/2" X 3" (1 piece)
Neck is the same for all sizes.
Finished size: 4 1/2" X 3"

Boys!
Bow: 6 1/2" X 5" (cut 2)
Filling: 6 1/2" X 5" (1 piece)
Center: 1X 3"
Neck: See above
Finished Size: 6" X 4 1/2 "

Ok here we go. Start out by cutting your two pattern or solid pieces as well as your one piece of batting.

Now put patterned pieces down front sides facing and place the batting on top. Sew around using a 1/4" seam and leave a 1 inch opening to flip inside right. 

(Notice the top right corner was left unstitched for turning.)

Now turn your fabric inside right and top stitch your opening.

Now if you want to make a double bow you will also need to do the above steps with a 1 1/2" difference in size. For example for the toddler size you would need to also cut out two 3 1/2" X 2 1/4" pieces of patterned fabric and a 3 1/2" X 2 1/4" piece of filling. Follow the above steps to complete that piece.
If you want a single bow then ignore the above comment.

After you have your first piece stitched you need to do the same steps for your neck piece and your center piece. Since there is only one piece of fabric you will fold it hotdog style pattern facing and sew down the open side. Flip inside right and top stitch your top and bottom openings.

Now you need to tac your bow.Double thread a needle and pinch your bow down in the middle;stitch right in the middle of your two bow pieces:

After the center stitch wrap the thread a few times around the center and tie off.

Now you need to slide your center piece over the biggest bow.

Then insert the smaller bow in between the center piece and the bigger bow:

After that add two pieces of Velcro to your neck piece. Then slide the neck pieces under the center piece and Wallah! you just made a bow tie!

Double bow bow tie

Single Bow Bow Tie

Enjoy your bow making!

Mommy on,
Liam's Mommy

I'm Back... a Tidbit On Our Trip to D.C.

I'm BACK! Sorry I've been MIA... my goal to still blog while in D.C. failed miserably. A quick update on our trip, we had a lot of fun, but Liam really missed his daddy while we were gone and I was really tired by the end! WE had a great trip though. 

1.

One of my favorite things that we did on our trip was get fabric and make bow ties with Tanya. First off her sewing machine is AWESOME and I am slightly jealous of it. (Some day I will be as cool as her!). This was the first one that we made with the fabric I picked out for Liam. I sewed some of it, but really Tanya put this one together... she even figured out how to make it reversible and the picture above isn't even my favorite  side of the bow tie... it is way cute. I also made another one with some fabric she had and I did all of it, except like two things at the end! I am going to blog a tutorial on that one tomorrow! So glad I'm sewing again! 

2. I love blogging on Monday's it is so carefree and fun! P.S. I cannot wait until tomorrows blog! 

3. I actually made a document yay! I made a weekly blog planner document and I am so excited about it! 

4.

 I have a pretty dang sweet husband! He may not be perfect, but after a crazy flight and a rude airport worker/ extra security check these waiting for me in the car is just what I needed!  

5. I am going to be crazy busy this week and it's all I can think about. Liam has his first FULL (tues, wed, and thurs) week at daycare this week, I have newspaper training week (I finally got a your hired -kind of - email), and classes start next week. It will all be ok though! 

6. I am currently trying to read " House Rules" by. Jodi Picoulti and so far it is really good. I say trying, because it is NOT easy to read the way I used to with a baby. 

7. This week I am going to meditate on Philippians 4:13.... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.! I so need this verse this week! It's Ben's favorite so that's why I went with it tonight!

8. I'll admit I have a down fall .... we let Liam sleep with us for about two months. I always said I would never do this, and really I don't even know how it started, but it happened and this is night three of letting him cry it out and self sooth. IT SUCKS, and I HATE it, but it is long overdue. We just feel bad and blame ourselves for even letting it happen, because he was such a good crib sleeper before we let him in our bed. This to shall pass though right? 

9. 

I miss these kids already !!!!!! : ( 

Have a great week mommies and future mommies!

Mommy on,

Liam's Mommy 

No Cares Blog Day!

Ok Miscellany Monday time.

1. Little Liam woke up with a rash all over his legs. I was concerned that it would be hand, foot, and mouth disease, but thank JESUS it wasn't. He just has a skin irritation that is probably the result of being outside so much this week. Benedryl and oatmeal baths were prescribed to help it go away. 

2. We were actually able to do a letter today. J is for Jellyfish! 

3. I have pretty much the sweetest husband ever. So he is always eating all the peanut butter and I never get ANY of it, so he came home from work today with this:

I thought it was really sweet! (wonder if it will still be here after D.C. though lol).

4. I got to work on my recipe book for a few minutes today and I added my cupcakes for two recipe. 

5. This one is really random, but I think that I have decided that I am going to do project life starting in January! I'm pretty excited about it! 

6. I cannot wait to leave for D.C. Wednesday. I am going to miss Ben a ton, but I am excited to see Tanya and the kids.. and I guess Sean haha. 

7. Bible verse I am meditating on this week:

    Train up your child in the way they should go even when he is old he will not depart form it. 

                                                                                                                        -Proverbs 22:6

8. My puppy is finally home YAY. I do have to turn right around and leave her, but at least we can be together for a few days. Liam really missed her and just keeps hugging her repeatedly. 

9. Funny Mommy Quote: Parenting is a terrible job when you think about it: long hours, no pay, the boss is moody and demanding and benefits don't kick in until years later. Ehh at least my coworker is hot.

Mommy on, 

Liam's Mommy 

Not My Day!

Nothing very special has happened today. I have tried to get stuff accomplished, but I just keep running into problems. The first was when I was trying to sew a cape and my machine messed up. I spent over an hour seam ripping and got nothing accomplished. Then I had my machine fixed and I still messed up some on the capes. Oh well, they will have to do at least for some pictures. I'm pretty upset about it though.
Liam's Uncle Logie was here today and him and Ben and Liam had some man time. Then we watched the Lorax (haha) and then Ben's parents came over to see Liam for a bit.
Overall, I feel like it has been a pretty uneventful day. I did manage to lay out Liam's clothes that I need to pack for D.C., and I did manage to get another scrapbook page done, but I messed it up : / It's just not my day. To top it all off, Liam's teeth have REALLY been bothering him today.
The best part of the day was when Logie made waffles for us for breakfast! Sorry this post is putting you to sleep, tomorrow is Monday so it should be much better. I will post a picture of the page I got done tonight. The spritz kind of went crazy on me, but at least it doesn't look terrible. Other then the spritz messing up I am really happy with this page.

Mommy on,
Liam's Mommy

Being Crafty!

Two words to sum up today would be FAMILY DAY. This morning we all slept in. Then we got up and cleaned on the house some.
Hobby Lobby was our next stop. I got fabric to hopefully make a puffer vest for Liam. It is on my summer bucket list and I have yet to do it so I hope it turns out ok. I also got some fabric for an extra special surprise for our friends in D.C.!
After that we went to Dunbar Cave for a family trail walk. It was a great walk and ended in a nice phone call from my mommy.
My favorite part of the day was our family nap and the mini photo shoot we took Liam on! We went to an old abandoned building up the road and I got some good shots. Also, Liam walked more in that building then he ever has. Here are some of my favorites.

I love taking pictures of my Little Liam, but I really have to learn more about fighting off harsh light, and I feel that some of my pictures are blurry. I'll get better though.
Another cool thing about "last night" was I scrapbooked for only about an hour and I got a two page layout done and a single page! I went to bed at eleven and felt very accomplished.

 Sorry this one is so blurry.

 Used the Dino Trek ticket on this one!

I incorporated Liam's candle I made for him on the two page layout.
I have had a very crafty two days and lots more I hope to get done when Liam goes to sleep tonight.

Mommy on,
Liam's Mommy

Cherish Life

Today has been a pretty good day. Good things have happened, but I have been kind of upset too. I have just really stepped back and realized that you truly have to cherish your husbands and your children, because you are never guaranteed tomorrow and neither are they. Obviously no one is perfect, but how about the next time your husband or babies do something to frustrate you, or make you mad, or put you in a difficult situation, you just try to step back and not make a huge deal about it. Try not to yell and scream and fight about silly stuff that won't matter ten days later. 

Now that we've had a heart to heart we can move on. The morning started out with Liam's best friend Jack hanging out with us for a few hours. Once Jack's mom got here we all loaded up in her van and went shopping at Baby Gap (our favorite baby clothing store). They still didn't have the vest I want in a 2T, but I did get two cute shirts for $9! 

Once we got home Liam and me watched some tv and then we put in the Aristocats. Liam just loved it. His favorite parts were when the alley cats would sing and play their instruments. It was so cute watching him dance. *Liam brag moment we are pretty positive that he has been saying Jack lately and he is up to thirteen steps! After the movie we did our "I". We choose to do "I" is for Indians. 

Before I go I have to let you see the super cute canvas that Darci Ann Photography made for us:

Mommy on,

Liam's Mommy

Recipe Book!

So today has been a busy day, but a good day. I still have not received a "your hired"email or call from the paper, but I have received an email asking to update my information in their systems and about going to the newspaper conference in Nashville, so I'm pretty sure I will be writing again this semester! YAY.

This morning Liam went ahead and went to daycare again. Ben dropped him off before work, and were sending him even though school hasn't started yet to get him on the daycare schedule... and were already paying lol. I slept in until ten this morning and it was AWESOME! Once I rolled out of bed I ate breakfast and showered and dressed. I got to see Ben and Liam for lunch and then I went to Gap.. coupons and rewards in hand to get Liam a cute outfit I have had my eyes on. Well my life story... they didn't have his size in the store.... OF COURSE. So I left Gap empty handed. After than I went to get my hair done at Luster Salon.

A little later we dropped Liam off at Jack's house and Ben and me went to have some pictures done by Darci Ann Photography! She really is the best and the pictures were a lot of fun.

  Once we got done with pictures Liam and me watched Toddlers and Tiara's on tv and snuggled until he fell asleep. Then I started working on an ancient project that I left neglected. Probably two years ago I started to make a CUTE recipe binder. I bought the binder and all the cute recipe cards and stickers and I only did two pages lol. Well with a little inspiration from http://www.carissagraham.com/, who started a smash book recipe book, I started adding more to my binder one. I am really excited to get some more recipes in there and help my kitchen shelf get more organized!

This is what I managed to get done tonight! I am excited that it is a new way for me to use Washi tape too! EEKK. (geeky scrapper/crafter moment- haha). I hope that I stick to it and actually get this thing done, and add my new and incoming recipes to it in the future! 

On a funny mommy note:

I spent all night last night writing Liam's name on an entire box of diapers. His daycare requires it so I thought why not get a whole box done and not have to label diapers everyday for awhile. It was agonizing work.... for real! 

I have a new book to read so I'm gonna get off here for the night. 

Mommy On,

Liam's Mommy

Monday: My Favorite Blogging Day!

I love Monday blog days were I can be completely random and unstructured. So here is what has been on my mind:

1. The Olympics. I love watching the Olympics. I think I'm actually a little obsessed with it. My favorites are men's swimming, gymnastics, and track and field. http://pinterest.com/pin/31032684903243893/ Here is an awesome Olympics printout that you can enjoy for scrapbooking. I cannot wait to scrap a page about it.

2. We are finally back on the alphabet train and did H is for horse today.

3. Liam started daycare today. We woke up at 5:30 and got him all ready and then him and daddy left for daycare. I was pretty sad, but I knew he would do ok. Ben said he cried when he dropped him off, but when he came to pick him up he didn't want to leave. He was WORE out when he got home. This is the best picture I could manage to get in my glasses in the 5:30 daylight(or lack there of).

I love the last one, because even though it's Ben's lunch it's like he's got his "school" lunch and is ready to go!
One trick I've already learned about daycare, is send the kids in old shoes, because Liam's flag TOMS are Ruined unless I can work a stain removing miracle on them. They are BLACK!

4. What are your tv obsessions? Mine are Pretty Little Liars, American Idol, Jane By Design, and Army Wives. Most of the time I have to record my shows and watch them whenever I get time, but I love my tv.

5. My current scrapbooking obsession:

Washi tape... I have been using it a lot in scrapbooking and love coming up with new ways to use it. I got almost all of these from Moose Art. http://www.etsy.com/shop/mooseart Check out there website and give them some Washi love. The company is based in Singapore and it was cool (I'm corny I know) getting mail from China. Very quick shipping considering though.

6. Scripture I am meditating on right now. "For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and to act to His good purpose. Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. Hold firmly the message of life. -Philippians 2: 13-16

I hope everybody has a great night... Gabby is fixing to be on tv for women's gymnastics so I have got to get off here!

Mommy on,
Liam's Mommy