ROCKIN SMOCKIN

Roasted Turkey

2012-01-23T18:08:00.000-08:00

One of the first things I did this month was to roast a turkey. I was tired of it being in the freezer. I plan to use the meat in casseroles and dishes instead of chicken. The pictures below show you that it just fell off the bone. What we tasted of it was good. This is only the second time I have made a turkey and the last one I made was about 10 years ago. I hope it I make my third one before another 10 years.

I had no idea

2012-01-17T20:11:00.001-08:00

I had no idea how much time it would take to stay at home with this little guy. Time just seems to fly by each day and the computer is the last thing I have time for.

Enjoying Some Spaghetti

2012-01-05T19:07:00.000-08:00

Since I have been staying at home I have gotten back into cooking. Something I love to do, but really didn't have the time to do it before. One of the first things I made was spaghetti, and from the looks of these pictures I think Boll Weevil approves. I hope to try more new recipes in the future. Who knows what kind of cooking adventures I have up my sleeve.

Holiday Hand Ornament

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

I got this ornament last year after Christmas when I was still pregnant with Boll Weevil.

The ornament tin was filled with this smelly putty like substance which I had to need and smooth into the tin.
Boll Weevil actually seemed to be into making this ornament.

After two attempts I got my hand print ornament. It only takes 48 hours to harden. I'm so glad that I got this last year.

Cleaner Sewing Room

2012-01-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

I know it isn't perfect, but it will get there. Bo and I worked really hard on it all weekend. We hope to make it a playroom/sewing room. Right now Boll Weevil goes in there and just laughs. I guess he finds it funny for some reason.

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T12:47:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the long break. The last month has had a ton of events in it. We celebrated 4 birthdays - Bo's, my mom's, our niece's first, and Bo's grandmother's 90Th. Several events at church. I was trying to show my replacement at work what I do as I transitioned from working full time to being a stay at home mom. And most importantly... Boll Weevil's First Christmas.

He enjoyed all his presents.

But even with all of the presents, his favorite toy was the roll of toilet paper.

So I'm back, and I have tons of craft and sewing ideas that I can't wait to get started on.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

Someone is ready for Christmas. I just wish I could say the same thing for myself.

Visiting the Zoo

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

We took Boll Weevil to the zoo for the second time. He was only a 2 months old the last time we went. Let me just tell you that he loved it. He took in everything. I know that this will be one of many visits to the zoo.

Alot of Excitment

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

A lot of things have happened since I last blogged:As you can see from this picture Boll Weevil is now into everything. He is still crawling a lot faster than he his walking, but he does have his first steps under his belt.

Boll Weevil has had his first Thanksgiving and he loves turkey and dressing/stuffing.

He also had his first trip to the ER - ear infections and high fever in the middle of the night are no fun for anyone in the family.

The biggest news of all is starting at the new year I'm going to be a stay at home mom. I am so excited about this. Bo and I have gone back and forth on this issue so many times. Finally we decided to give it completely to God, and funny how everything fell into place for me to stop working at this time in our lives. Bo and I are both looking forward to this. I know this transition will come with its own set of challenges, but I don't want to look back when I'm old and grey and say it is something I wish I would have done.

So is there anything new going on in your life?

Happy Anniversary!

2011-11-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

My parents celebrate 37 years together this month!! Wow! 37 years seems like a lifetime together. I'm so glad that they are still married, but I realize from them that marriage has its ups and downs. If you work around these bad spots you will have a life long partner. I hope that my marriage last 37 years. Love you Mom and Dad.
- This was the most recent picture I could find of my parents and I together. Most of my pictures are of my nephew, niece or my baby.

Three Things

2011-11-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

1. The Time Change is making me tired.

2. Boll Weevill teething is making me tired.

3. I really really enjoyed my Sewing Saturday with my mom. We had so much fun! We also got 9 button holes put in and 42 snaps put in several outfits for Boll Weevil. Now I have to sew the buttons on. Hopefully, I can get them on and have him model them soon.

My Review of Furry Puppy

2011-11-08T06:56:00.001-08:00

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

He followed me home...can I keep him? Little ones love romping around in our baby dog costume with shaggy tail and attached floppy-eared hood. Made of incredibly soft "eyelash fur." Shown here with our best-selling Velour Soft Shoes (sold separately). Imported.

Great Costume

By Sew Blakely from Montgomery, AL on 11/8/2011

Pros: Quality Construction, Original, Durable, Attractive Design, Lots of Fun

Cons: Poor Construction

Best Uses: Imaginative Play, Young Children

Describe Yourself: Working Parent, First Time Parent

Was this a gift?: No

This was my sons first Halloween Costume. We got tons of compliments on it, especially for its orginality. My one complaint was that the velcro at the top keep on rubbing my sons chin. We had an especially warm Halloween so he did get hot in this costume.

(legalese)

Wind Storm

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is what Bo and I came home to last night. I guess we had a bad wind storm at our house while we were at work. It took Bo about a half hour to get this down.

Just another angle.

This is really not what you want to pull into your driveway and see. I have a entire weekend of sewing planned. I hope that means I'll have lots of things to post next week.

Happy Belated Halloween

2011-11-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Over the last week my child has been sick 5 of the last seven days. Not much has gotten done, but taking care of him.

We did squeeze in a little trunk or treating at church. We had us one of the cutest puppy dogs I have ever seen.

Our family with our car. Next year I hope to have a better theme.

Wordless Wednesdays

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Fall Food - Salmon with raisins, apple and apricot chutney served over rice and a side of peas.

New Friends

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

We went to my parents house this weekend and they were keeping my brother's dog. This is the first time Boll Weevil has really been around a dog, and he loved it.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to the pumpkin patch and had loads of fun. It was extremely hot, almost 90.

Bo and Boll Weevil got to meet the goats. Boll Weevil wasn't to sure of them.
Boll Weevil did really enjoyed the box filled with corn. He only tried to eat it once, and then decided to just have fun and play.

After picking our pumpkins Boll Weevil had enough and took a nap.

After he woke up he had to have his pumpkin sit in his seat with him.

I'm sure we will do this again next year because our family had so much fun.

Roll Tide Pants

2011-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

I know that it looks like I have only made one pattern for a while, but I was on a roll and these are so easy to make.

This pair for Boll Weevil is made out of red corduroy with grey elephants embroidered on them. The cuff is a black and white hounds tooth corduroy. These pants will be great when the weather gets a little cooler.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Boll Weevil took it all in last night at the fair. Here he is checking out the baby chicks.

Rooster Pants

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

I made these pants for a friend of mines daughter. These are a size 2 and I so hope that they fit. As soon as I get my new machine I'm going to make a matching shirt and then I'll send them off.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Christmas is coming early for me. This embroidery machine should be at my house next week.

Look Whooooos Got a New Pair of Pants

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

I tried out a new pattern for a pair of pants for Boll Weevil, and they were super easy. I made them in about an hour which means I see more in his future. I made a size 6-12 months. The pattern is called Britches & Bloomers, but I forget who it is by.

This is not the shirt he is going to wear with these pants. I still have to make it.

Backside view.

A better view of the pants & you can see the cuffs.

And he was done with his photo shoot.

Show me your teeth

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

I asked him to show me his teeth and this is what I got. Not much of a smile.

New Pillow

2011-09-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Call me a bad parent if you would like, but sometimes I let Boll Weevil watch baby learning videos. Let me just tell you he is interested in them for about ten minutes and then he is done. If you would like to know his favorite video is Baby Can Sign "Playtime". It actually holds his interest for 15 minutes.
On with the story - no more justification- when Boll Weevil watches his video he likes to lay down on the floor and he usually uses one of the pillows from the couch for his head. I though that he needs his own. I had a travel pillow that I didn't use that often, and late Sunday I made him a cover for it.
He really enjoyed having his own pillow. As you can see.

I made the pillow case out of some left over flannel and some minkie dot that I had in my stash.

When time allowes I may have to make him a few more.

Weekend Up Date

2011-09-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

I had Saturday to myself at home. The one think on my agenda was sewing. Well, actually I cut out but that is one step closer to sewing. I got 3 pairs of pants cut out. Only one pair is for Boll Weevil the others are gifts. One pillow case cut out, and one Halloween costume. Boll Weevil is going to be the pumpkin in the picture above. I know that pumpkins have been over done for little kids but I just love it. I hope to get started sewing this week.

Pleasant Surprise

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share with you a pleasant surprised we received Wednesday night at church. A lady who sits a few pews away from us on Sundays came up to me on Wednesday night and handed me a box. Inside it was this blanket. She had made especially for Boll Weevil. She and Boll Weevil both really like each other. We haven't gone to this church long, but we can really see God's love in the people who go there.
I don't know if this blanket is crochet or knitted. Do any of you know which one it is?

Roll Tide Outfit

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Now I couldn't let this football season go by and not make a team related outfit for my little guy. I used Creations By Michie # 118 pattern. I have used this pattern before to make shorts but never the diaper shirt. I have to say the size 6 month shorts fit Boll Weevil great the shirt is just a little short and sometimes you can see his belly. I do love the flare of the shirt it makes it more of a shirt for a baby and not the big boy he is becoming.
This outfit didn't stop him from trying to climb on the furniture. So I think he would give it high marks.

He loves the camera.

Front view of the outfit. His dad is helping him stand, but in reality it won't be long until he will be standing on his own. He can pull up on almost anything, and we have to watch him all the time. Roll Tide.

Projectable Night Light

2011-09-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

Bo and I got Boll Weevil a projectable night light. The one we got him projects fish on the ceiling above his crib. Bo and I were really impressed with the projection. Boll Weevil wasn't impressed at all, but he did take an interest in blue night light plugged into the wall. This was just to funny to us.

Crayon Crafts

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

With the start of school a few weeks ago, I had to buy some crayons. Well, then I had to find something to do with them. So, I made some crayon art for my niece. I took a canvas and hot glued the crayons on it. I still have erase my pencil marks and give it to Jolene, which I hope to do soon. But like most artist I'm never completely satisfied with my work.

Making Ornaments

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Boll Weevil seemed all excited when I sat the ornaments out in front of him, but when I started to paint his hand to make the ornaments all the fun stopped. We will try again closer to Christmas.

We've been Away

2011-09-13T17:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, we went on another trip. This time we went to Pennsylvania to see the Alabama vs. Penn State game. We had loads of fun. We visited family and watched the ball game. I hope to start sewing again soon.

Simple Shorts

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

These shorts are made from the Creations by Michie pattern number 118. They are a size 6 month and fit Boll Weevil perfectly. This pattern was simple and easy to make. I hope to make more in the future.

Please ignore the droll Boll Weevil is teething.

wordless wednesday

2011-08-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Playing can be so much fun.

Then it is time to take pictures.

Teething

2011-08-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

Update on my dad - he is home from the hospital and he is trying regain his strength.

I just wanted to let you know that this is what teething looks like.

Blog Break

2011-08-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend one of my most faithful blog readers, my dad, went into the hospital. We don't know how long he will be there. Needless to say I have a had very little time to do anything. I'll will try to post as often as I can. Thanks for understanding.

And yes that is a peanut dressed like a Dr. My home town has a permanent display of peanuts around town and this one is in the loby of the hospital.

Happy Birthday Aunt Grammaw

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrated Aunt Grammaw's birthday. The theme for her birthday was the color green. My nephew picked out the theme because green is his favorite color, and like all good Aunt Grammaw's she went with it. So I went with it also and made her a green laundry bag to take on her trips. She requested a laundry bag and it was so easy to make. I think she likes it.
Happy Birthday Aunt Grammaw!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Learning to Read!!

Going for a Ride

2011-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

We went and visited my family this weekend. A trip home always means a trip to the mall to ride the carousel. Boll Weevil loved the ride and I enjoyed seeing my family.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy on the boat ride.

More Amazing Food

2011-08-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

The Desserts just speak for themselves

Pigs in a blanket. Yes - that is sausage wrapped in pancakes

We had our food delivered by toy train one night.

This is some of the hottest shrimp you will ever eat.

Peanut Butter Pancakes

Banana Pancakes

Make sure to check out todays other post.

Vacation Food

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

You can't go on vacation and not try all the good food the area has to offer. Here are just a few samplings.

Pizza and Root Beer

Roasted Duck with the choice of cranberry or orange sauce.

Three Cheese Ravioli

Fried Cheese Curds - Amazing

Waterpark Day

2011-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

You can't go to the Dells and not go to the water parks. We went to Mt. Olympus. We enjoyed watching the people, but we didn't swim much because the water was way to cold for us Southerns to swim in.

Boat Ride on the Dells

2011-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

One of things we had to do when we were in the Dells was to tour both the Upper and Lower Dells.
Boll Weevil really enjoyed the boat. I made sure that his head and arms were covered up from the sun. I love this picture he looks like such an old man.

The stone formations were just so interesting.

My aunt, on a boat, taking pictures. I had to have proof not that she is taking pictures, but that she is on a boat. I think she really enjoyed it.

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.

If you ever travel somewhere that has a river and has boat tours do them the first part of your vacation. You will find out a lot about the area and about different things you would like to see while visiting.

Root Beer Float

2011-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

I like Root Beer normally, but the root beer I had in the Dells was wonderful. It was locally brewed and most was made with honey. Bo doesn't even like Root Beer and he was drinking it all the time.

One afternoon we all wanted a root beer float. This is me drinking mine. Boll Weevil wanted some too, but don't worry we didn't give him any.

This store sold nothing but root beer. And even had three kinds on tap. Our favorite of the week was Sprecher.

Beautiful Flowers of the Dells

2011-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ever where we went in Wisconsin there were beautiful flowers. It was amazing how pretty they all were.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

These hats just make me laugh. What we will do to entertain our child.

Odd things I saw in the Dells

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Anyone want chocolate covered bacon?

This just makes me laugh.

Who would even go there?

Vacations Over

2011-08-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Vacation is over now it is time to go back to work. Vacations can be so tiring. This week I'll be posting about our trip to the Wisconsin Dells.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Matching can be so much fun.

Thinking of Christmas

2011-07-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that Christmas is only SIX months away. Boll Weevil was checking out the toys at Toys R Us, and I think he picked out something he likes.

VBS this week

2011-07-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

This is what Boll Weevil thought of VBS this week. Before the end of the program each night he was out like a light. Maybe next year he will get more out of it.

Easy Week Night Meal

2011-07-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was looking at old cookbooks the other night and I saw that there was a note beside the Tex Mex Pork Chops that said, "we both liked". So Bo and I put it on the menu. We both forgot how good this really was. We found it in Favorite Brand Name Match a Meal Quick & Easy Cookbook.
Tex Mex Pork Chops:
4 Boneless Pork Chops about 1lb
1 Teaspoon Vegetable Oil
1.5 cups of Salsa
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 shredded Cheddar cheese

Heat oil in nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Brown chops on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn chops over. Add Salsa, chilies and cumin to skillet; mix well. Lower heat, cover and barely simmer for 8 minutes. Uncover; top each chop with 1 tablespoon cheese. Cover and simmer an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve immediatly.

I place the pork chops on top of white rice and topped with chow mein noddles, for a little extra crunch.

This recipe was wonderful and I will add it to my regular rotation. Let me know if you try it and like it.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Looking at the world with so much wonder.

VBS Week

2011-07-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

We have VBS this week so it leaves very little time for anything else. This is the first time I have attended VBS since I was a kid and I am LOVING it. I forgot how much fun it actually was.

Easy Week Night Meal

2011-07-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday night is usually Bo's night to cook and he loves to experiment. We got a grill pan a few weeks ago and we have really enjoyed using it. Bo used the Pillsbury 5 Ingredient 15 Minute recipe cookbook. He found this recipe for Grilled Steak with Pineapple Salsa. Let me just say that this was wonderful. We have this again some time soon.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

The bowl or the apples which taste better?

A Shirt Redo - Gone Wrong

2011-07-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

I should start by saying I didn't do this because Boll Weevil needs clothes but because I wanted an outfit with Bo's university on it and well I'm not paying that kind of money for an outfit Boll Weevil will only wear a few times. So I thought I would make one out of a 4t t-shirt.

This is my experimental shirt ($1.00 on clearance) I thought it was pretty cute.
Things I learned:
1. Buy one with a smaller pattern on the front
2. Mark your pattern on the inside
3. Use as many of the finished seems as possible
4. Figure out how to get the snap area worked out so it will actually fit.
5. Boll Weevil enjoys me making stuff for him. When I tried this on him the first time and I got excited that it fit, and he just laughed and smiled for me. I just love my little boy.
Not so bad laying down, but you can see were it is tight.

With him standing up you can tell it doesn't fit correctly. Bo took this picture while he was talking on the phone to BFF and he wasn't happy with me for asking him to take it. Oh well!

So do you have any suggestions or ideas on how I could make this better?

Weekend Round Up

2011-07-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

My parents came to visit and Bo and my dad hung the ceiling fan in Boll Weevil's room.
Bo did the manual labor and my dad read the instruction. They really enjoyed their time together.

My mom watched Boll Weevil for me which means they sleep on the couch while I folded clothes.

Thanks Mom and Dad for coming we all really enjoyed our day with you.

One Fire Cracker

2011-07-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

The outfit I made Boll Weevil for the 4Th of July. He wore it and looked cute in it. But as soon as we got to his Gran's house he got something on it, and had to change.
He wasn't a very cooperative model.

The shorts are made from a discontinued Simplicity pattern.

Heaven is for Real

2011-07-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Apparently, I must be really interested in Heaven lately because this is the second book I have read on it lately. I have to admit this one was much better than the first.

This is actually the book I thought I was reading the first time, but sadly it wasn't.

I first heard about Heaven is for Real when Kathy Lee Gifford talked about it on her show with Hoda. Then a co-worker had just finished it and I borrowed it from her.

I have to say this book was really uplifting and amazing. It was told like it had come from a child and his parents. This book was easy to read and captivating which means it didn't take me long at all to finish. Which is important when having a 5month old. I would highly recommend this book to some one who is dealing with loss, searching for something or just needs to hear a good story.

From Books-a-Million:
A young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven.

"Heaven Is for Real "is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.

Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.

Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.

Getting Measured

2011-07-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

I took Boll Weevil to the local sewing shop to be measured. He really wanted to figure out what they were doing to him and he was really glad when his dad came to pick him up and he could go. What he doesn't know is that this is just the first of many many fittings.

Red, White and Blue

2011-07-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July.

Just for Fun

2011-07-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Enjoying his Peas and Squash. Having a good time trying out new foods.

Carry All Bag

2011-07-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Since having a baby I seem to have a lot more things that stay in the back of my van. And they are made of cloth and I got tired of washing them all the time from getting dirty by staying the car.

I have one of these shopping cart covers which is big and bulky and even though it says that it folds into itself and stay wrapped up it doesn't.

When I'm not using the shopping cart. I love to use the Baby Bjorn which also stays in my car.

My solution...

This is basically a large drawl string bag. I took 3/4 of a yard of fabric and sewed it selvage to selvage, made a casing at the top, and put ribbon in the casing. I had all the material at my house. It took less than 15 min. and now I have a solution for keeping my baby stuff together in the car.

Smocked Bishop

2011-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

In the last couple of months I have found time to smock this bishop dress. I have no idea why but at the end of my pregnancy I found this dress cut out and pleated and I decided that it had to be finished even though I was having a boy. Well, I just finished it last week. I can't even tell you what size it is. I also think that it is long sleeve which I don't know why I would have made a long sleeve bishop dress. Now, that it is finished I'm actually torn on who I should give it too.

A Tiny Gem

2011-06-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

Last night I was flipping the pages of this little book and thought about how wonderful it was. Bo put this my Christmas stocking last year. He got it at the suggestion from a sales lady at a local upscale children's store. She made a good suggestion because I have read it several time.
I love the wisdom and the advice each page gives a mother. This would make a great shower gift or just a great gift for a mother who has a young son.

Way Late Mother's Day

2011-06-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

I had written this very interesting post right after mother's day, and then when I went to post it I realized I had lost it. So these picture of the gifts I gave my mom and mother-in-law just had to wait until I was ready to post.

So here they are...

My mother's gift. Her grand kids call her Mawly. So my brother and and I and our children spelled out Mawly for her. You should try finding a frame for 5 pictures to be inserted into. I couldn't. And I'm sorry Mom I couldn't afford to have a special one made for you. So I just added some flower pictures that I took several years ago on a trip we took. She loved it. She wants to put it above her double doors leading outside. I would like to let you know that some of my models would not cooperate with me. So the pictures aren't the best of them. Yes, my niece E is crying in picture and she wouldn't hold up her L.

This one is for my mother-in-law. We have started calling her Gran. Bo and I both think that this name really fits her. Since I was only working with one child for this gift and he was my own I could take as many pictures as I wanted to of him. But he got tired after several shot so I really only got one picture with each letter. I love the way this turned out.

Bo was suppose to take Boll Weevil's picture with the M-O-M, but I haven't seen it yet. I guess I'll get it next year for Mother's day. (Hint Hint)

Hand Made Bibs

2011-06-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

A co-worker of Bo's made these for us as a baby present. I can only imagine how much time she must have spent making them. They are wonderful, and match the theme of our nursery.

Another Book

2011-06-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Since I did not have Internet access most of last week I decided to do something a little old fashioned - I read a book. A co-worker gave me this book to read, but we both thought it was another book. I was half way finished with it and she said by the way I never finished that book. I really wished she had told me that before I had invested so much time into it. I have to say it wasn't my favorite. It was very repetitive, and didn't give very many details about heaven. I also thought sometimes it seemed like a way for the family to make some money. What I did like was that I truly felt that Alex, the little boy in the book, never felt sorry for himself and that he had such a positive attitude. So I guess in that respect it was a good book because if a quadriplegic child can keep positive about live so can I.

Overview from Books-a-Million.com:

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex-and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. "I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus," a friend told the stricken dad.
But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just "terrible" to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all... Of meeting and talking to Jesus.
"The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven" is the true story of an ordinary boy's most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex's eyes, you'll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father's love.

Crafting gone wrong

2011-06-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

I do believe I got the worlds smallest iron. Let me tell you that this iron didn't work very well. Actually, it didn't really heat up.

This is what I tried to make with this iron. And it failed to work with this iron on transfer.

Music Anyone?

2011-06-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is how crazy my life has been lately. Yes, that is a saxophone in our laundry basket with clean clothes in it. I will tell you the saxophone has been put away, but the clothes I can't say they were put away as quickly.

Baby book

2011-06-21T07:24:00.001-07:00

I love this book. It is so sweet and the illustrations are wonderful. If I get to choose a book to read to Boll Weevil this is the book I pick first. If you haven't ever checked it out do so sometime. I think this book would make a great baby present.

More Eating

2011-06-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

We tried peas for the first time and they seem to be a hit. He really wants to control the spoon.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

Bo's First Father's Day! It was a great day, and one we have both been looking forward to.

Trying Oatmeal

2011-06-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of post, but my Internet hasn't been working. First the modem went out and then the router went out this week.

But I wanted to let you know what Boll Weevil has been up too. He has tried Oatmeal for the first time and well he didn't really like it. He is now enjoying it a little bit more.

A Day to Rest

2011-06-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday on the way home from church Boll Weill fell asleep. He stayed awake the entire time in church. He even greet everyone on the way out, but as soon as he got in his seat he was out. I think we all need to relax and take a Sunday afternoon nap.

Easy Week Night Meal

2011-06-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

We have a ton of ham left over from Boll Weevil's baptism so we are trying to use it up. So we decided that we could make our own Hawaiian pizza. This only took 5 ingredients: pizza crust, pizza sauce, pineapple, mozzarella cheese, and ham. This was so good I could have it again today for lunch.

Swimming

2011-06-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of post, but Boll Wevill has been sick. I feel like he is sick all the time.
But before he got sick. We took him for an early morning swim in our pool. As you can tell from this picture he wasn't really sure about the water. I think he is just trying to figure it all out. We also have a float for him that he seemed to enjoy. We are just hoping that he eventually likes the water because both Bo and I love it.

Alabama Quiz

2011-06-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

I know not all of you are from Alabama and some of you probably have never been to Alabama, but my work for fun sent out a quiz on how much you know about Alabama. I thought it was fun, and I wanted to share it with you. I missed 3 which I didn't think was to bad since I haven't had Alabama history since 4Th grade. Let me know how you did.

1. The official state fruit is the:
a. Blueberry
b. Strawberry
c. Blackberry
d. Jerry berry

2. What city has a peach-shaped water tower?
a. Prattville
b. Clanton
c. Calera
d. Autaugaville

3. The official state nut is the:
a. Acorn
b. Pecan
c. Peanut
d. Cashew

4. Which city introduced the first Electric Trolley System?
a. Slapout
b. Luverne
c. Birmingham
d. Montgomery

5. How many terms did George Wallace serve as governor?
a. Three
b. Four
c. Five
d. Six

6. In Enterprise, there is a monument to what insect?
a. Ant
b. Gnat
c. Roach
d. Boll weevil

7. What are the colors on the state flag?
a. Red and white
b. Blue and orange
c. Green and gold
d. Aqua and teal

8. Which of the following were born in Alabama?
a. Courtney Cox
b. Willie Mays
c. Nat “King” Cole
d. Jim Nabors
e. All of the above
f. Only b. and c.

9. How many holes are on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail?
a. 468
b. 540
c. 432
d. 360

10. What city is the geographic center of Alabama?
a. Clanton
b. Calera
c. Chilton
d. Center Pointe

Answers: 1. c; 2. b; 3. b; 4. d; 5. b; 6. d; 7. a; 8. e; 9. a; 10. c

We answered the Call

2011-06-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

Bo and I took Boll Weevil to the beach this weekend, and I'm pretty sure he had fun. We went with Bo's family. So he got to see his Gran, Pa, Aunt H, Uncle M, and Cousin J which he always enjoys.

This is Boll Weevil after we visited the beach. The water was cold, and he didn't understand why the water keep on coming in and out. He did seem to enjoy the sand the most.

Bo dipping Boll Weevil in the water.

Bo always gets the job of bringing all the beach stuff back up to the condo. (I really couldn't ask for a better husband or father for my child even if he was upset that I was taking his picture instead of helping him.)

We couldn't have asked for a better weather weekend. I can't wait for us to go back to the beach later in the summer.

Easy Week Night Meal

2011-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe out of a Kraft cookbook several years ago. I have to say this has become one of my go to meals. It really doesn't look that appealing in this picture, but it really is wonderful and it only take 4 ingredients - 1lb hamburger meat, macaroni noodles, Velveeta cheese and salsa. I'm including a link to the recipe.

I hear it calling

2011-05-28T07:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

The start of Summer!

And the beach is calling my name!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

See you Monday. I hope to have a beach report.

Excuses Excuses

2011-05-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

I know I have been kind of silent, but it isn't all my fault. I have been sick!

Actually, that doesn't accurately describe how I've been feeling. Some days I thought the only way for me to get better would be to die. Luckily, that didn't happen and now I' back, but still really tired. Just trying to get caught up. It is a lot different being sick for a week as a mom than as a single or a couple.

A Martha Stewart Craft

2011-05-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Lets just say that this project had some ups and downs to it.

Pictured above are Tissue Paper Pom-Poms that I found directions for on Martha Stewart's website and may blogs have also featured these.

The Up side -

They are extremely easy to make.

They look great even when hung together and not floating from the air. We decided to hang our outside under one of the tents.

They didn't take much time to make at all.

The items needed to make them weren't that hard to find at all.

The Down side-

They take up a lot of room.

To make them look cooler I probably should have cut the ends a little differently. But working with 8 layers of tissue paper is kind of thick.

Monofilament! Well this was the hardest piece to find in the craft store but lucky for us a nice worker finally found some for us. And then it keep on breaking on us. So next time I make them Bo says I'm just going to have to use fishing line.

They are kind of hard to hang on a windy day.

Overall, I will make these again and use them for decorations at future parties.

Table Setting

2011-05-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

A co-worker of mine let me borrow some fancy table clothes. Because I sure don't have any of my own. I'm normally a little bit more casual than fancy table clothes.
I wish I had taken a better picture of the flower pots to show you, but my day was kind of rushed.
Bo and I took a night and put Boll Weevil's footprints around the flower pots. Needless to say this was a little bit harder than we thought it would be.
I have to say that this was not an original idea. I actually got this idea from my sister-in-law, CC. On the first mother's day that my nephew was alive he gave me a flower pot with his foot prints all around it. Then when my niece came along I got one from her too. Now both of these sit beside my bed and hold pens and note pads because I can't stand the thought of them being outside. So I thought I would incorporate this great idea into my luncheon decorations.
Every family got to take flower pot home with them. It also had Boll Weevil's name and the date of his baptism on it. A party favor and decoration all in one.

Cake Topper

2011-05-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

So I wanted a cake topper for the cake my mother-in-law made. I wanted the topper to be somewhat religious since this was for a baptism. So right after Easter I found a chocolate cross. At first I wished it had been white chocolate but then I thought I could just decorate this one and make it look like stained glass or at least my version of stained glass. I used white and blue glittery cake gel and it turned out great. I do wish I had gotten a better picture of it, but several people were waiting in line to cut the cake. So pictures had to be fast.

Baptism

2011-05-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Today we had Boll Weevil baptised. He did great and took it all in. He only made a sound once when the water was sprinkled over his head. Bo and I had lunch at our house afterwards for about 30 family. To say that we are tired would be an understatement.

Easy Week Night Meal

2011-05-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

I have decided that occationally I will feature one of my favorite Easy Week Night Meals. This week I am featuring Breakfast for dinner. I never have time to make breakfast in the morning, but it is something we both love to eat. The sausage that we ate with our pancakes was excellen. It was organic turkey sausage with an apple and maple syrup taste to it. I can't think of its name but it was great.
So do you have any easy week night meal?

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

Wow this year Mother's Day is a whole lot sweeter than last year. My little guy has a cold, but other than that it has been a great day. Bo and Boll Weivell even gave me a gift. Hope everyone has had a great day.

3 Month Pictures

2011-05-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

Boll Weevil is 3 months old. So I took him to have his pictures taken. He got really tired during the middle of it. He even fell asleep.

My New Ride

2011-05-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, Bo and I have purchased a mini van, and I love it! I knew from the start that I wanted a Honda Odyssey. But I test drove a Toyota and another Honda Odyssey before finding and purchasing this one. Actually I didn't test drive any of them I just rode in them. I hate to drive so I let Bo drive them. This model has more options than I could ever ask for.

Now, I have to try and sell my old car. Wish me luck with that.

First Fishing Trip

2011-04-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

We always spend Easter afternoon at the farm and we always end up down at the pond for a few hours of fishing. I don't fish, but I do enjoy spending time with my in laws so I go sit by the pond and watch them fish. This year Boll Weevil had to go check it all out. Here he is watching the fish swim in the cooler. He was facinated by this.

Then is Gran got a good size fish on the line and she tried to show it to Boll Weevil, but it fell off the line into the cooler splashing fish water everywhere. Boll Weevil started to cry and the rest of us jumped. It was pretty shocking. Needless to say that was the end of Boll Weevil's fishing for the day.

This picture is me trying to comfort him and tell him that it is going to be okay.

Later he let his dad take him down by the pond to see what his Gran was doing.

Easter Hand Towel

2011-04-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

Many Many years ago I cross stitched this hand towel for my mom. I was glad to see that she still used it at Easter. Cross stitching is one craft that I go back to every once in a while. I love to do small items that I can finish fast. It is also one of the first stitching things I learned to do.

Happy Easter

2011-04-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

I know it is a little late, but I still wanted to wish you a Happy Easter.

The blue bunny is one of Boll Weevil's new favorite toys. He talks to it all the time.

A little tax day fun

2011-04-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

Bo's uncle, who is a CPA, got us this bib as a baby present. I thought today was an appropriate day to wear it.

Summer without TV

2011-04-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

That is right Bo and I are going again this summer without cable. Actually we have already had our cable disconnected. This year it seems a lot easier than last. Maybe that is because we don't have any time to watch TV. When we do have time we watch old episodes of The Big Bang Theory. Bo go the first three seasons on DVD for Christmas. This show is so funny. People who don't watch don't know what they are missing.

You would think that having no TV would give me more time to sew, but it really hasn't.

JoJo's new blanket

2011-04-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Before Boll Weevil was born I made a blanket for my niece, Jo Jo, but I haven't seen her to give it to her. I gave it to her this weekend, and according to her mom she just loves it. It was blanket kit from Joann Fabrics. I lost the pattern and so the squares aren't exactly like it was suppose to be.

As you can see in this picture Boll Weevil is using it to prop up his head. Jo Jo is in the blue and white. The other little girl, AG, is a second cousin. All three of them had fun playing together. Several times I saw AG laying on and playing with the blanket I made for Jo Jo. I think this is the perfect size for little kids. I have made a few before and I learned to make sure that the seams with satin in them are gone over several times or they will fray.

Simplicity 4711

2011-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Boll Weevil again would not cooperate for pictures. He has been a little cranky and sleepy a night this week. I think we are all trying to get used to our new schedule. This is Simplicity 4711 View E. This pattern was moderately difficult pattern to put together. I only say that because the instructions weren't easy to read. They also had one of my pet peeves in them. Which is making you look at another views direction to put the view your making together. At one point I had my mom and my aunt helping me on this. My aunt finally finished the back the way she wanted to and not the way the pattern said. Also I'm very lucky to have a good co-worker finish the button holes for me. I hate doing button holes. I will say that this the first time I sewed in snap tape and it wasn't hard at all. I will make this pattern again if time permits.

Oliver + S Pattern

2011-04-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

When my aunt was visiting I convinced her to make Boll Weevil a few outfits. We went to the local smock shop and purchased some fabric and the Oliver + S Pattern Tea Party Sundress + Bloomers. This was the first time either one of us had worked with an Oliver + S Pattern. We both liked it and went together pretty easy. We did make some modification to the bloomers. Instead of making our own bias tape for the leg openings we used single fold bias tape that I already had. This made the pants go together so much quicker. Then we appliqued a coordinating onesie. Let me just say Boll Weevil looks adorable in these outfits. He wasn't in the mood to try on clothes last night or have his picture taken.

I should add that another aunt monogrammed this onesie for us. She also monogrammed a matching burp cloth.

Hoda

2011-04-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

Between a lightning storm that knocked out my Internet and Boll Weevil (Bo gave him this name because he likes to eat his cotton sleeves.) getting his first set of shots, I haven't had time to take pictures of his new outfits. But I have had time to finish the last new chapters of Hoda's book. Really there isn't much you can do when your child just wants to cling to you and you have no TV. I watch Hoda and KLG on the internet. So that leaves good old fashioned reading.

Let me start off by saying I love Hoda. Some days I don't know how she puts up with Kathie Lee, but then again there is always someone like Kathie Lee in every ones life. Hoda's book was a good easy read and I'm so glad that I got to read it. It was like learning a little bit more about the new girl in school. You think you know her, but you really don't. I have to admit that I have had this book for a while. I got it for Christmas and I just finished it. I actually took this book to the hospital with me when I had Boll Weevil. Don't ask me why because I definitely didn't have time to read, but all of the pregnancy books I read said to make sure I took reading material with you. So Hoda came along to the hospital. Actually from this book Hoda seems like the person you would want at the hospital because she would be the one who would tell you to look forward. So I'm glad I took her along with me.

If Hoda wrote another book I would definitely read it.

By the way Hoda - some people do know where Dothan, Alabama is. I loved it that she mentioned my home town. I was disappointed that they didn't hire her at the local TV station. She could have been in the Peanut Festival Parade instead of the Mardi Gra Parades in New Orleans.

Overview from booksamillion.com:

SHE'S JUST LIKE THE REST OF US : overstuffed purse, always losing keys, high-maintenance hair, snack guilt after an evening binge. But she's something different, too. Hoda Kotb grew up in two cultures--one where summers meant playing at the foot of the ancient pyramids and another where she had to meet her junior prom date at the local 7-Eleven to spare them both the wrath of her conservative Egyptian parents. She's traveled the globe for network television, smuggling videotapes in her shoes and stepping along roads riddled with land mines. She's weathered the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and a personal Category 5 as well: divorce and breast cancer in the same year. And if that's not scary enough, she then began co hosting the fourth hour of Today with Kathie Lee Gifford. (Oh, c'mon, KLG! That's funny . . . put down the huge pour of Chardonnay and laugh with us.) Hoda reads just like Hoda--light, funny, positive, and positively inspiring.