~ Sew Sweet 16 ~I’m packing your angry eyes just in case~Aug 2014~ BFF' bag 8/20!!!!

[Iamthequeen]

Glad to hear dinner went well. Sorry about the kitchen issues - it seems that when it rains, it pours.

Sorry about Alli's knee problems. I hope all goes well.

Finally feeling better. I still am having issues breathing through my nose, but I'm hoping when I finally get the sterile saline bottles and other meds from the pharmacy, it will start to clear my nasal passages. Dr visit went ok yesterday. Not to go into too much detail, but they use suction to pull gunk from the sinus cavities and I thought he was trying to pull my teeth out through my nose. It sure did hurt, but I did feel better afterwards. I have to go back next week for a 2nd round of torture.

I was even able to sleep in my own bed last night

Trees are finally starting to green up!, spring is late, but I guess I'm even later trying to get the garden ready for planting. I've noticed the farmers are late this year too. Doesn't look like too many fields have been plowed or planted yet.

I'm headed to my sewing room to see if I can get something done today.

I did end up cancelling my trip to Atlanta which I'm very sad about, but it was for the best.

 

[solana131]

Glad the talk with Gus went "well" and hopefully you all can either work things out or move on as friends.
Yikes! Kitchen problems are not fun.......well, you might be getting your long awaited remodel sooner than expected LOL
Hope you have a great rest of your weekend....rainy and dreary here, but it's okay. We need some downtime to get this house scrubbed raw. So sick of being sick! Time to say "bye bye" to the germs

 

[Hardheadedwoman]

Do they actually have Pac Man rooms or is it just the design on the outside? He's into staying at a Moderate or a Deluxe since I mentioned the free dining plan but I don't think free food can compare to a Pac Man room!

Thank you again for the sweet words - no worries about following along regularly, I'm totally bad at following, too. I started a trip report for my honeymoon on CruiseCritic.com and never finished it (I still feel bad about it!).

Lissette

 

[DMGeurts]

This one made me laugh.

Hope dinner was good.

Trying to get back into things now that Spring Break is over for the kiddos.

I know - that cracked me up too! Happy to see you getting back into the swing of things!

So I get stuck on my subbed threads for prolonged periods of time, but somehow I ventured onto your TR today. I know I can't possibly ever catch up but I wanted to congratulate you on your weight loss journey! Strong work for sure! You look great!

Welcome! And thank you~! It's been a lot of hard work... and a lot of easy work (I am lazy by nature)... but I am finally starting to see the results I've been working towards, so that helps a lot.

And what an awesome trip you have planned!

Thanks! I am still trying to navigate all of the endless changes that Disney has made in the last year... We were just there in Aug, and since then, MBs have come about and so has FP+... So it will be interesting to see how it all comes together.

And your bags are adorable and your sewing room is just too cute!

Thank you! I truly enjoy doing them, and I love to see the magic that my little part makes in all these trips... It's so much fun!

I do love my sewing room. I was just thinking about that yesterday, I can't believe it's been 2 years already since I've had it... It was the best thing my family could have ever given to me, and I am so thankful to have a place to create!

Beautiful professional photos at the start of your PTR!

Thank you! That would be the work of my 16 y/o dd... She has quite the eye.

I'm glad to hear that the dinner with Gus went well.
I hope it isn't too difficult to get your kitchen back in working order.

It did go well, thankfully.

So far, so good on the kitchen... Josh was able to get my sink installed and working again with out too much swearing.

Glad to hear dinner went well. Sorry about the kitchen issues - it seems that when it rains, it pours.

For sure... Just happy to have the kitchen sink back. The front porch is on my agenda for today.

Sorry about Alli's knee problems. I hope all goes well.

I think she will be OK... She just needs to rest it for now.

Finally feeling better. I still am having issues breathing through my nose, but I'm hoping when I finally get the sterile saline bottles and other meds from the pharmacy, it will start to clear my nasal passages. Dr visit went ok yesterday. Not to go into too much detail, but they use suction to pull gunk from the sinus cavities and I thought he was trying to pull my teeth out through my nose. It sure did hurt, but I did feel better afterwards. I have to go back next week for a 2nd round of torture.

I was even able to sleep in my own bed last night

Glad to hear that you are finally feeling better. Sorry it was so painful for you, but hopefully the relief is worth the pain.

Trees are finally starting to green up!, spring is late, but I guess I'm even later trying to get the garden ready for planting. I've noticed the farmers are late this year too. Doesn't look like too many fields have been plowed or planted yet.

I'm headed to my sewing room to see if I can get something done today.

I did end up cancelling my trip to Atlanta which I'm very sad about, but it was for the best.

The grass is VERY green here, but trees are just starting to bud- no real leaves yet, but soon. Lots of tractors going by our house with plowing/planting equipment attached, but I don't think they are actually in the fields yet - just prepping.

I hope you were able to get lots done in your sewing room.

Sorry about Atlanta... Just so you know - cancelling Chicago is NOT an option.

Glad the talk with Gus went "well" and hopefully you all can either work things out or move on as friends.
Yikes! Kitchen problems are not fun.......well, you might be getting your long awaited remodel sooner than expected LOL
Hope you have a great rest of your weekend....rainy and dreary here, but it's okay. We need some downtime to get this house scrubbed raw. So sick of being sick! Time to say "bye bye" to the germs

Yes, the talk with Gus went well. Regardless of the outcome, it was something that needed to be done.

Hahaha... Well, so far - the remodel isn't happening. It may happen this summer, but we'll see. Having the remodel planned makes things like this hard though - because we don't want to spend the $$ on something nice, because we know we won't use it long - hopefully - yet it needs to be fixed.

I hope you were able to get your house scrubbed and the sickies out!

Do they actually have Pac Man rooms or is it just the design on the outside? He's into staying at a Moderate or a Deluxe since I mentioned the free dining plan but I don't think free food can compare to a Pac Man room!

Thank you again for the sweet words - no worries about following along regularly, I'm totally bad at following, too. I started a trip report for my honeymoon on CruiseCritic.com and never finished it (I still feel bad about it!).

Lissette

No, I do not believe that they actually have Pac Man rooms - it's just the outside decor. The interiors of the rooms are all the same. Have you booked your Free Dining yet? I would jump on it asap, if you haven't already - I know they only have limited FD rooms available at each resort, so it's better to book earlier rather than later - I do know that your deposit is fully refundable, I belive its up to 45 days before your trip.

I love writing TRs... I carry a notebook with me to WDW, otherwise I would forget everything.

**********************************************************

I had a great day yesterday!

I speant the morning in my sewing room. UPB #3 is finished, along with little bag #2. I am very happy about this!

Then, I had to do my part in the kitchen... I scraped the old caulking off of our countertop from the old sink, so when Josh came home, he could install the new one. It was nasty! But we should know by now, any project in our house is always nasty.

Gus came over to a GIANT mess... A talk that I thought should take place at the kitchen table was moved to the livingroom. Even though I cannot go into detail about what was said, I do have to say - it took a LOT of guts to talk to both of us (more-so Josh than me) - I believe that it was a necessary step in the right direction. Their relationship could not move forward (or end) with out this talk happening - so, despite everything - I feel that he is sincere in his desire to be involved in our lives - especially Alli's - and it helps to know (with out a doubt) that we do not give 3rd chances - if a 3rd chance is even given. We have left that decision for Alli to decide, and we will support her decision, whatever that may be.

Sometimes it's just so hard being a parent. I struggle with this daily. Josh & I have spent many a night at the kitchen table with the family, fully admitting that we have NO CLUE what we are doing. To some degree, I believe this makes us better parents, because it makes the girls realize that we are not perfect and we make mistakes - but on top of that - they know, if we make a "wrong" decision, we are always willing to adjust our path to make it more "right". If that makes any sense? We have never been parents before - we often tell them - so we are just learning along the way. Especially now, that Alli has reached a fork in her road... We could step in and take over, doing what we think is best... But where does that leave her? It leaves her in a spot where she never learns how to handle a situation like this in the future. We want this decision with Gus to be HER decision alone, fully knowing that the outcome could be very good, or she could get very hurt. As hard as it is to stand back and let her make this decision, both Josh and I agree that it is her life and her decision to make. We have talked with her about several outcome scenerios... We have raised her to be a smart, confident and responsible girl - we have every confidence she will make the right decision for herself - whatever that may be. And whether we agree with her decision or not, it is HER life to live, not ours and she needs to learn this lesson. As much as I want to protect my girls, I also need them to learn some of these lessons while we are still here to guide them and be there for them. I won't say anything else about this subject, but I wanted to explain our stance, and how this all came about.

So, today... I want to start my 4th auction bag. If I can get it cut out and quilted this morning, I will be happy with that... Then I can work on the applique in between my custom order this week. My next few custom orders are quite detailed, so I know I won't have as much time for my auction items over the next 3 weeks... Which severely cuts into my deadline.

I also plan on cleaning up the little bit left to do in the kitchen. The family will be taking an hour out of their schedule today to help get the front porch back in order... It is FULL of shovels... Snowboards... Crap that couldn't make the trip through 3 feet of snow to the shed. I really think we could have it cleaned off in 10 minutes if we all take a load down. I hate having that mess there, because it's the first impression of our house... So, it will be cleaned by the end of the day today.

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. Sending out prayers and good thoughts to all of you~!

D~

 

[NiniMorris]

My two cents worth...


Being a parent is the HARDEST job in the world. Especially when you consider that the end goal is to have your job END! I have always said the best time to prepare a child for hard life decisions is when they are babies. Because once they are teens it is too late!

Things like doing away with curfews while they are still at home helps make better decision when they are away from home. I remember reading a study once that said over half the college freshmen that left college during the first year was because they were making decisions for them selves for the first time! They felt the freedom and couldn't handle it!

That being said...in my house there are certain rules that are followed by everyone. It makes for a smoother house. If they don't like it (which they generally don't) they are told when it is their house they can make their own rules. Not surprisingly, two of my grown children have the same rules in their house.

Good luck...and don't worry. Things have a way of working out with kids...if she has made it to 16 and still talking to you, then you are in good shape...the hardest part will come when she leaves to go to college...and then gets married!


Nini

 

[DMGeurts]

In the last week or two, I have fallen severely behind on many of the TRs/PTRs I have been following. My sincere apologies to all of you... but with the increased work load of my auction items, it leaves much less Dis time for me. I hope all of you understand... I will do my best to check in with all of you as I can, but I must remain completely focused on my auctions for this next month, or our trip won't happen.

D~​

 

[NiniMorris]

In the last week or two, I have fallen severely behind on many of the TRs/PTRs I have been following. My sincere apologies to all of you... but with the increased work load of my auction items, it leaves much less Dis time for me. I hope all of you understand... I will do my best to check in with all of you as I can, but I must remain completely focused on my auctions for this next month, or our trip won't happen.

D~​

LOL...I always wonder where you get the time to visit everyone!


Don't worry...we know your heart is in the right place...now get off the computer and WORK! LOL...Just kidding...


Nini

 

[cogero]

you are a great Mom and I believe that kids need to start making decisions as soon as they are able it prepares them for life.

C had a rough experience the past year with a girlfriend and it really bothered her but she came out stronger from it.

Good luck with your sewing and cleaning your porch.

 

[Terkina]

You are great parents and as you said the girls has to learn to take decision and live with the consequences. And if they can learn these lessons while you are still around to help them that's great.

I hope you have a great day and that you get done everything you want to get done today

 

[Clio]

Part of being a good parent is knowing when to step back and let your child think for herself and make hopefully the right decision. I know how hard this is. From what I've read it seems like Alli has a good head on her shoulders.
Inventory was okay. It wasn't as good as last year but it wasn't horrible.
I'll like to ask for good thoughts and prayers. One of my fellow associates died suddenly of a massive heart attack yesterday. We're all still in shock. She'd worked on Friday and seemed to be fine.
Liz

 

[Iamthequeen]

Ok, so here are my 2 cents on parenting - You are correct that this is a learning as you go process. I can't say that I always made the right decisions, in fact, I know that I made many mistakes along the way. I think if you have an open dialog with the girls, then you are ahead of the game. Knowing they can come to you to discuss issues is probably the #1 best parenting tactic. The other fact is that each child is different. What works for one may or may not work for another, and you need to find the path that works best for that child.

Raising them to be independent, thinking adults is your ultimate goal and I think you are doing a wonderful job.

Did not go in the sewing room at all yesterday, but I'm hoping to find it today. I do need to out front and pull weeds before they take over the front garden.

My younger son is coming home tomorrow night for a couple of days. Probably not going to see too much of him, since I have to go back to work and he is planning to go to the b-ball games on Tuesday and Wed - his Pirates are playing my O's.

Ok, time to get moving.

 

[DMGeurts]

My two cents worth...

Being a parent is the HARDEST job in the world. Especially when you consider that the end goal is to have your job END! I have always said the best time to prepare a child for hard life decisions is when they are babies. Because once they are teens it is too late!

Things like doing away with curfews while they are still at home helps make better decision when they are away from home. I remember reading a study once that said over half the college freshmen that left college during the first year was because they were making decisions for them selves for the first time! They felt the freedom and couldn't handle it!

That being said...in my house there are certain rules that are followed by everyone. It makes for a smoother house. If they don't like it (which they generally don't) they are told when it is their house they can make their own rules. Not surprisingly, two of my grown children have the same rules in their house.

Good luck...and don't worry. Things have a way of working out with kids...if she has made it to 16 and still talking to you, then you are in good shape...the hardest part will come when she leaves to go to college...and then gets married!


Nini

Thanks Nini... Yah - it is so hard, especially once they get this age, you want to protect them, yet you want them to be prepared. It's a fine line to follow.

Just the thought of college and marriage give me panic attacks.

LOL...I always wonder where you get the time to visit everyone!

Don't worry...we know your heart is in the right place...now get off the computer and WORK! LOL...Just kidding...


Nini

LOL I don't have the time, quite honestly... These next few weeks, before I go to Chicago are going to be awful... Every spare moment will be in my sewing room...

you are a great Mom and I believe that kids need to start making decisions as soon as they are able it prepares them for life.

C had a rough experience the past year with a girlfriend and it really bothered her but she came out stronger from it.

Good luck with your sewing and cleaning your porch.

Thanks Chiara... It is so hard, and something I have to consciously work on every single day.

I am glad to hear that Miss C came out of it stronger - that's not always easy to do.

You are great parents and as you said the girls has to learn to take decision and live with the consequences. And if they can learn these lessons while you are still around to help them that's great.

I hope you have a great day and that you get done everything you want to get done today

Thanks Lillian. Sometimes it's just so hard to know what to do - which is why we fully admit, we have no idea what we are doing. LOL

Well, I did have a good sewing room day, but I should have looked at the weather forecast before publically announcing my desire to clean the porch...

Part of being a good parent is knowing when to step back and let your child think for herself and make hopefully the right decision. I know how hard this is. From what I've read it seems like Alli has a good head on her shoulders.
Inventory was okay. It wasn't as good as last year but it wasn't horrible.
I'll like to ask for good thoughts and prayers. One of my fellow associates died suddenly of a massive heart attack yesterday. We're all still in shock. She'd worked on Friday and seemed to be fine.
Liz

I hope so too... Regardless - I am confident she will choose the right path for herself.

Sending out thoughts and prayers to your coworker's family, how very sad, I cannot imagine.

Ok, so here are my 2 cents on parenting - You are correct that this is a learning as you go process. I can't say that I always made the right decisions, in fact, I know that I made many mistakes along the way. I think if you have an open dialog with the girls, then you are ahead of the game. Knowing they can come to you to discuss issues is probably the #1 best parenting tactic. The other fact is that each child is different. What works for one may or may not work for another, and you need to find the path that works best for that child.

Raising them to be independent, thinking adults is your ultimate goal and I think you are doing a wonderful job.

Thanks Tess... It's so hard sometimes, knowing the right thing to do. But I am confident she will make the right choice for herself. And regardless what her choice is, I am certain there will be a lesson in it for her somewhere.

Did not go in the sewing room at all yesterday, but I'm hoping to find it today. I do need to out front and pull weeds before they take over the front garden.

My younger son is coming home tomorrow night for a couple of days. Probably not going to see too much of him, since I have to go back to work and he is planning to go to the b-ball games on Tuesday and Wed - his Pirates are playing my O's.

Ok, time to get moving.

I hope you have a great time with your son - I know you won't get to see him much, but hopefully you will get to see him some. I hope you were able to get your gardening done too.

**********************************************************

I spent my morning in the sewing room yesterday morning... I have my 4th UPB, 3rd little bag and 1st wallet quilted. I probably could have done the appliques yesterday too - but - meh, I needed some time off.

I was lazy all afternoon, I did nothing, aside from the last of the cleaning of the kitchen from the sink mess.

I had intended on cleaning off the porch - however - the next time I commit to something like that, I need to check the weather forecast... It rained and stormed all day long... Didn't even step one foot outside all day. It will get done though, on the next nice day we are all home.

My custom order bag this week is quite difficult - it has a very difficult applique and zipper pull... I have certain benchmarks I need to meet every day before I can set it aside and work on my auction bags. It's gonna be crazy...

I hope you all have a wonderful day today! Sending out prayers and good thoughts to all of you!

D~

 

[Terkina]

It's important to have some time off as well.

I can so relate to not be able to clean the porch because of bad weather. Here I live you the weather is not a stable thing. So if you have to paint the hose or clean something outside you just have to wait until good weather and then drop any other plans you may have for that day the weather is great because you never know when you get that great weather again and can do what you need to do outside.

I hope the next bag you make isn't as difficult to do as you think.

Have a great day

 

[Chicago Mo]

I was WAY behind.. Im really excited about your auction!!!!
As for Gus. I hope it all works out.

Hope everyone is doing good and happy!

 

[disneychic2]

I STILL have problems when I look at your applique! So hard to believe you do that on a regular sewing machine. I KNOW how hard that is and how much talent that takes!

Beautiful as always!

Nini

Very well said…I couldn't agree more!

Thank you! Everything is up in the air at this point as we are going through a rough time (long story short, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer back in November and he's finishing up six months of chemo in May... We are hoping for good news after his next scan... This was a total shock! He's only 37.)

So sorry to hear this!! Prayers going up for a full and quick recovery!

Do we really want to know what's going on in the mind of teenage boys? Hmmmm?

Seriously, I hope it's just a "thank you for being a friend and teaching me that genetically modified wheat is bad" dinner.

Happy weekend all - I will be working (anyone in the B'ham, AL area is welcome to come schmooze at Weather Fest 2014)

You crack me up!! I have relatives in Birmingham…second cousins.

One of my fellow associates died suddenly of a massive heart attack yesterday. We're all still in shock. She'd worked on Friday and seemed to be fine.
Liz

Prayers for the family and all of you who knew her. So sad.


Sorry, D~, I don't usually quote people on someone else's PTR, but I just couldn't help myself!

 

[disneychic2]

I just caught up a week's worth of pages. Enjoyed the Easter pics. Love that skirt!! And the pics of your Dad, brother and girls was priceless!

For a procrastinator, you are extremely productive! I get what you mean, though.

Epcot bag is fabulous! And, it does NOT look easy to me, and I sew!

A VERY late Happy Birthday to Alli. What a good sport to wear the Princess hat!

Believe me, life will not be less interesting when the girls go off to college. There comes a shift in your relationship that opens up all sorts of new experiences and adventures. Plus, your girls love to involve you in their lives and that will probably carry on through college and after. Just love every phase of your time with them and don't waste time lamenting how short it is. Every single day is a gift.

I'm glad your kitchen is back in order. What a pain for you guys! It's great that Josh can handle it, though, so you don't have to pay a plumber!

You are amazing me with what you are getting done for your auction! I'm glad you took a little time for vegging, though, so you don't get totally burned out. Good thinking!

I remember all too well the ups and downs of our kids' relationships. Some were real nail biters! I think you trusting Alli to make the right decision is a good one. She will not forget that trust bestowed. This situation will make her stronger, no matter the outcome. I'll say a prayer for her. It can't be easy.

I totally understand you not being able to keep up with other PTRs and TRs! Also, I wouldn't blame you if you didn't quote everyone who responds here on yours. It is very nice that you do, but that takes a lot of time. So, if you want to skip that for now, I'm sure everyone would understand that as well. Hope you have a wonderful and productive day!

 

[familyabgar]

Good luck with this week's custom order! It will be satisfying to finish it.

Your comment about others' TR/PTRs was too sweet. I'm happy just to check-in here with your work and trip planning. It's fun to see!
I was lazy this weekend, too. Sometimes, it's needed!

 

[Texan]

Hey there everyone. I having posted PM's to D a few times over the past few weeks. But, as you can understand, life got in the way of keeping up with this thread. I wanted to say thank you for all who have prayed for my son. There were some direct answers to prayers that I wanted to share because it shows the power of prayer. First, good psychiatrists are very, very hard to get an appt for. I had a short list, and it seemed the few good ones were booking in June and July. I needed one yesterday. After many calls, I called one that was way down my list, the lady said they were booking late May, then she put me on hold, came back and see "we had a cancellation next week would you like it?" That, my friends, was an awesome answer to prayers. The psych doc added a med that seems to be helping. She also was very thorough and honest in her assessment with my son. Then through a very roundabout way I found a new therapist that seems to be a wonderful fit for my son. I had been calling psych docs and explaining my situation, and one of the best psych docs had no openings til August, but the lady who answered was kind enough to offer up 2 therapist names he usually recommended. I had already called about 4 that were either too far or didn't have all that I was looking for. These 2 names seemed great, and I chose this one that seemed to be calling out to me. Thank you everyone. We have a long journey ahead of us but at least a map to help.

D - I am so behind on your thread but I did a speed reading! You are so beautiful in your pics; love the one of you and Alli and the one of you and Josh. A very wonderful but belated birthday wish to Allison! She is a beautiful young lady, inside and out. You and Josh are doing an amazing job. I am so glad you have been able to see your Dad. It sounds like he has really settled in well and is doing good. I hope all works out on your auctions. You are working like a mad woman! You have such talent and seem so at home in your sewing room. It is wonderful that you found your passion. I have a good feeling you will meet your $$ quota for this trip. Knowing your TA (I love her!) I think she will be able to finagle O into to the dining plan. We will keep our fingers crossed. I know you will be a very busy woman the next few weeks. Sending lots of good juju your way - and of course prayers always.

 

[KatMark]

D, I totally understand you missing from my PTR...no worries.

 

[sewmess]

With teenage daughters, a house of complicated plumbing issues, custom orders, auction bags, new patterns, old patterns, Target, and lifting, I'm surprised you can't wedge a little reading in...Kidding - with all you do I sometimes wonder how you manage to eat, much less keep up with internet friends. We'll come to you.

And wow - I'm impressed that Gus had the fortitude to discuss serious topics with the DAD. Moms are scary too, but DAD . . .that's something else.

Everyone have a good week.