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

[BabyRapunzel]

Looks like fun at the park!!! If I were you, I would work from home in a heartbeat. You definitely would have plenty of demand for your bags. Of course wanting to stay at home to work is probably different when your kid is little. I really wish I could stay home with Alex these first years before school. Now, she only has one more year before she hits that milestone. And I'm not ready for the letting go process of her being without us. We have been lucky that family watches her all the time. We chose no preschool for various reasons. She learns so fast... So as an Occupational Therapist, I teach special needs kids how to do things like jumping jacks, writing, so many things. So Alex started doing jumping jacks the other day. I said where did you learn how to do that? She said "Mickey" (as in our favorite mouse). Surprisingly, she has learned many things from Mickey Mouse, so tv isn't always bad. It was just too cute. Well as you can tell my phone is now allowing me to post replies without losing them. So hopefully I can keep up better. And summer is coming up, so no work for me soon, that helps too. Today we are watching Star Wars in anticipation of our sww day. I am so excited, we have never been to sww and can't wait. I have a few dresses I need to make my daughter for the trip, so hoping to get some done today as well. Have a great day!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

How fun! I made one this morning.

D~

 

[MeeskaMomma]

I am beyond catching up so just jumping back in. The theme park day looked fun! So sorry to hear about your Uncle.

Look forward to more updates!

 

[Terkina]

Nice pictures from the park. Sounds like you had a great day.

Yes 17th May is an exausting day. But I like it that way. It isn't 17th May if I don't get up and out to see those parades

 

[Clio]

I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle. One of my aunts had a major stroke and spent the last years of her life in a nursing home. It was very hard on her family. She was one the those people that thought she knew better than anyone and never listened to anyone including her doctors.
Your day at the amusement park looks like a lot of fun. You look very good in the pictures.
The Frozen bag and the Pooh bag are both very nice. I think I like the Pooh one better.
Yesterday I worked all day. It was sort of quiet for a Saturday. We did get to see the floor plan for our area after the reset. It looks interesting. One I'm not to sure of is that they're planning on putting books and magazines in the photo area. I can just see people sitting around reading while they're waiting for their photos.
The honeymooners are having a great time at Disney. it's been a little cool for Florida. Friday and yesterday it was in the 70's.
Today I'm going out to find plants for the yard.
I hope everyone has a great day and thoughts and prayers to anyone that needs them.
Liz

 

[Iamthequeen]

Prayers for your Uncle and family.

Looks like you had much fun yesterday! Hersheypark is only about an hour from our house but we haven't been in a few years. We used to go once or twice a year, usually for Shannon's birthday in June and maybe again in August. I never liked to go on the weekends, so we usually took a day off work to go though.

I have much sympathy for you with the issue of smoking. When I met Charlie, he was a smoker and had been for many years. I hated it - the smell, the mess, etc., however I found that when I commented on it, he would get very defensive and smoke more. I learned not to say anything at all. He was considerate enough not to smoke in front of me and always smoked outside. Finally, Christmas 2012, he got sick with the flu and did not smoke while he was sick. I guess he decided if he could go a few days without smoking, then he could go a few more....He has not smoked since, but it had to be HIS decision to stop. Nothing you can say will make Josh stop. He has to want to do it on his own. I fully understand how you feel and how bitter it is. My dad died from emphysema, my uncle from lung cancer, my grandfather from heart disease - all complications from smoking. When my dad was diagnosed, he stopped smoking - and he had been a smoker for close to 50 years. Hugs for you my friend.

 

[DMGeurts]

Looks like fun at the park!!! If I were you, I would work from home in a heartbeat. You definitely would have plenty of demand for your bags. Of course wanting to stay at home to work is probably different when your kid is little. I really wish I could stay home with Alex these first years before school. Now, she only has one more year before she hits that milestone. And I'm not ready for the letting go process of her being without us. We have been lucky that family watches her all the time. We chose no preschool for various reasons. She learns so fast... So as an Occupational Therapist, I teach special needs kids how to do things like jumping jacks, writing, so many things. So Alex started doing jumping jacks the other day. I said where did you learn how to do that? She said "Mickey" (as in our favorite mouse). Surprisingly, she has learned many things from Mickey Mouse, so tv isn't always bad. It was just too cute. Well as you can tell my phone is now allowing me to post replies without losing them. So hopefully I can keep up better. And summer is coming up, so no work for me soon, that helps too. Today we are watching Star Wars in anticipation of our sww day. I am so excited, we have never been to sww and can't wait. I have a few dresses I need to make my daughter for the trip, so hoping to get some done today as well. Have a great day!!!

I debate with myself about working from home all the time. In the end, it comes down to the fact that I love the people I work with, and I don't stay there for any other reason. Some day, maybe I'll get fed up, but for now - it works.

I hope you had fun watching Star Wars -good movies. It's been years since I've seen them, but I have seen all of them at one point or another.

I also hope you were able to make a dent in your trip projects.

I am beyond catching up so just jumping back in. The theme park day looked fun! So sorry to hear about your Uncle.

Look forward to more updates!

Thank you. No worries... Thanks for stopping by though, glad to have you back.

Nice pictures from the park. Sounds like you had a great day.

Yes 17th May is an exausting day. But I like it that way. It isn't 17th May if I don't get up and out to see those parades

We did. I am glad you had a fun day too!

I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle. One of my aunts had a major stroke and spent the last years of her life in a nursing home. It was very hard on her family. She was one the those people that thought she knew better than anyone and never listened to anyone including her doctors.
Your day at the amusement park looks like a lot of fun. You look very good in the pictures.
The Frozen bag and the Pooh bag are both very nice. I think I like the Pooh one better.
Yesterday I worked all day. It was sort of quiet for a Saturday. We did get to see the floor plan for our area after the reset. It looks interesting. One I'm not to sure of is that they're planning on putting books and magazines in the photo area. I can just see people sitting around reading while they're waiting for their photos.
The honeymooners are having a great time at Disney. it's been a little cool for Florida. Friday and yesterday it was in the 70's.
Today I'm going out to find plants for the yard.
I hope everyone has a great day and thoughts and prayers to anyone that needs them.
Liz

Thanks Liz. It is very hard to hear that he is like this now, it's so sad.

Oh yah - I can see that happening too. Not sure it's a good idea either?

Glad to hear the kids are having a great time on their honeymoon!

I hope you had a great day!

Prayers for your Uncle and family.

Looks like you had much fun yesterday! Hersheypark is only about an hour from our house but we haven't been in a few years. We used to go once or twice a year, usually for Shannon's birthday in June and maybe again in August. I never liked to go on the weekends, so we usually took a day off work to go though.

I have much sympathy for you with the issue of smoking. When I met Charlie, he was a smoker and had been for many years. I hated it - the smell, the mess, etc., however I found that when I commented on it, he would get very defensive and smoke more. I learned not to say anything at all. He was considerate enough not to smoke in front of me and always smoked outside. Finally, Christmas 2012, he got sick with the flu and did not smoke while he was sick. I guess he decided if he could go a few days without smoking, then he could go a few more....He has not smoked since, but it had to be HIS decision to stop. Nothing you can say will make Josh stop. He has to want to do it on his own. I fully understand how you feel and how bitter it is. My dad died from emphysema, my uncle from lung cancer, my grandfather from heart disease - all complications from smoking. When my dad was diagnosed, he stopped smoking - and he had been a smoker for close to 50 years. Hugs for you my friend.

Thank you.

I am glad that Charlie was able to quit. And I am so sorry for your other losses.

Sadly - it was Josh's decision to quit this time, and he was so adament about it - I thought for sure, that this was it... I guess not.

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

We had a nice day yesterday.

I dropped Alli off with Gus at church, then V and I went hedgehog shopping. She purchased most of her needed supplies for her. We did purchase the wrong type of wheel though, so we need to exchage it. Oops.

Then V and I came home, had lunch and started watching episodes of Once Upon A Time. We had stopped watching them, because we were forced to watch them on Hulu - which really sucks because of the commercials. But it appears, the further you go into it - the less commercials there are? Not sure? But by the time we got to episode 5 or 6 of season 3, we were watching whole episodes with out any commercials at all.

Gus brought Alli home, and he left right away. So, Alli speant the rest of the day doing home work... And V and I continued to watch OUaT.

Today... Well, my knee has been doing better... No pain for 5 or 6 days, so I am going to try my lifting again today. I am praying I can do it.

Then, I will be starting my next custom order. I will be posting pictures of last week's at some point today.

I hope you all have a wonderful day. Sending out prayers and good thoughts to all.

D~

 

[Chicago Mo]

Awww. I love the theme of your Park!!! glad you all had a great weekend!!!

Thank that was the first picture i've seen of the infamous Gus!

Hedgehog shopping... this makes me giggle.


Prayers for your Uncle.

 

[MeeskaMomma]

I need to catch up on once upon a time! Someone told me they are incorporating Frozen characters next season? ::excited::

 

[Terkina]

I hope the lifting went well and that your knee don't hurt when you do it.

Today summer has arrived. Spring wasn't long (maybe 3-4 days ) We have 64,4ºF outside today. That's summer temperature for us. So I guess it's time to find summer shoes and clothes.

 

[lovedonaldduck]

Sounds like you had a great weekend! Ours was super low-key. We visited with my parents for awhile on Saturday and stuck close to home yesterday. I wish I had been a little more productive around the house, but after last weekend I think I just needed to veg!

I will be praying for your uncle and his family. So very sorry to hear about this.

When I was growing up in Northern California, we were only about 15 minutes away from an amuzement park. We always got season passes and went all the time to get our money's worth out of them. Those summers were so much fun! Glad you decided to splurge this year, I know you will have a blast!

I think the working from home/working outside of the home can be one of those "the grass is always greener" situations. It sounds like what you are doing now is working well for you.

Sorry that I touched a nerve with my comment about BFF smoking. I should have taken a mintue to think and reminded myself that everyone who has a loved one who is a smoker has done everything they can to get their loved one to quit. Sorry if I was insensitive to that. I know how hard it is. I feel like I spent my whole childhood trying to get my parents to quit smoking. My dad did it on his own, several years ago. Peyton used to get on my mom about her smoking all the time and I would tell her she was wasting her breath - I'd said all the same things my whole life and they never worked. I think the stroke has finally scared her into quitting. I just hate for anyone to need a health scare to get them to do the right thing. I'll pray for Josh and BFF to find the strength and determination they need to quit. Remember, it isn't a reflection on you that they don't! I'm assuming Josh smokes outside? If doing that in a Minnesota winter isn't enough to make him quit.... I hate the cold - if you told me I could only do anything outside, I'd quit at the first cold snap.

Can't wait to see your custom from last week. Have a great day!

 

[KatMark]

D, sounds like you had a great weekend (looks like you all had fun at the amusement park; but you wouldn't be catching me on that roller coaster ).

I am glad your knee is feeling better.

I hate when we can't tape something and have to watch it On Demand because it doesn't let you fast forward through the commercials.

 

[nolacindy]

Sending good thoughts to your uncle and all of your family

Great pictures at the park! Definately can see your collar bones in that picture, you are doing fantastic!

Love the pooh bag, he just so cute.


Update:
Thank you so much for the good thoughts on DH. We've had some progress thankfully! Last Monday they went in again and actually ground down the stone, yeah! They had to put in another stent so that the pieces coming out wouldnt do any damage. We go today at 3 to have that taken out so hopefully he will be rid of the pain! It seems like the Bells Palsy having a little progress, or maybe i'm just getting used to how he's talking! I've got him on unfiltered apple cider vinger and fresh lemon juice and cranberry juice, did some research and all of these things are recommended to ward off stones. Plus they are good for him!

 

[BounceWalker]

Hi D! Sorry I've been out of touch, but we moved into a new rental house so we've been busy the past couple of weeks.

I wanted to weigh in on the smoking issue and offer a potential solution. I used to smoke occasionally (mainly when I was drinking, or driving to and from work), and DH was a smoker when I met him. Last year he learned about "Vaping." It's sometimes referred to as e-cigs (but not the nasty Blu kind which I've heard from all sorts of smoking friends are gross) or e-hookah. If you're interested I can send some links. Anyhow, Steph has switched from regular cigarettes to his vape, in which he can gradually ratchet down his nicotine levels over time. The "juice" (liquid) that goes in the Vapes comes in all sorts of flavors and nicotine levels, all the way down to 0mg! In fact, I have my own vape to puff on for fun and I use the 0mg juices.

I'm really happy that Steph started doing this because 1) healthier -- no more inhalations of carcinogens, 2) cheaper, and 3) no more stinky smoker smell! In fact, some of the juices smell fruity and/or yummy, like an air freshener. The juice contains the stuff that makes an asthma inhaler "vaporize." The thing Steph loves about it is that it satisfies that hand-to-mouth oral fixation that he really missed when giving up smoking before.

Critics will say "it's not regulated" -- true, but we only buy juices made in USA, not China, not that it's guaranteed safe, but better than Chinese mystery fluid, for sure! -- or "the delicious flavors make people/kids want to smoke!" I find that last argument ridiculous. Having tasted both cigarettes and vape juice, I would NEVER go back to cigarettes, and I can't see others doing it either. And hey...if kids are going to smoke, they will find a way, you know?

Finally, no, we don't know what the long term affects of Vaping will be, but we have plenty of evidence as to what smoking does. With all of the other bad stuff in the world that could kill us, we'll take our chances with Vaping.

Sending much love!

 

[DMGeurts]

Awww. I love the theme of your Park!!! glad you all had a great weekend!!!

Thank that was the first picture i've seen of the infamous Gus!

Hedgehog shopping... this makes me giggle.


Prayers for your Uncle.

Yes, it's a fun park - we like it. Sometimes we get bored there, because we go so much... We can usually get there at opening and be done by lunch - before the crowds get there.

Really? I thought I had posted pictures of him before?

Yah, it was fun... Have to exchange a few things though. Sigh.

Thank you.

I need to catch up on once upon a time! Someone told me they are incorporating Frozen characters next season?

Victoria let that little tid-bit slip too...

I hope the lifting went well and that your knee don't hurt when you do it.

Today summer has arrived. Spring wasn't long (maybe 3-4 days ) We have 64,4ºF outside today. That's summer temperature for us. So I guess it's time to find summer shoes and clothes.

THanks Lillian - it did go well - much to my relief. I was really worried about it

Yay! Glad to hear that summer has arrived... I hope you get to enjoy it.

Sounds like you had a great weekend! Ours was super low-key. We visited with my parents for awhile on Saturday and stuck close to home yesterday. I wish I had been a little more productive around the house, but after last weekend I think I just needed to veg!

I will be praying for your uncle and his family. So very sorry to hear about this.

When I was growing up in Northern California, we were only about 15 minutes away from an amuzement park. We always got season passes and went all the time to get our money's worth out of them. Those summers were so much fun! Glad you decided to splurge this year, I know you will have a blast!

I think the working from home/working outside of the home can be one of those "the grass is always greener" situations. It sounds like what you are doing now is working well for you.

Sorry that I touched a nerve with my comment about BFF smoking. I should have taken a mintue to think and reminded myself that everyone who has a loved one who is a smoker has done everything they can to get their loved one to quit. Sorry if I was insensitive to that. I know how hard it is. I feel like I spent my whole childhood trying to get my parents to quit smoking. My dad did it on his own, several years ago. Peyton used to get on my mom about her smoking all the time and I would tell her she was wasting her breath - I'd said all the same things my whole life and they never worked. I think the stroke has finally scared her into quitting. I just hate for anyone to need a health scare to get them to do the right thing. I'll pray for Josh and BFF to find the strength and determination they need to quit. Remember, it isn't a reflection on you that they don't! I'm assuming Josh smokes outside? If doing that in a Minnesota winter isn't enough to make him quit.... I hate the cold - if you told me I could only do anything outside, I'd quit at the first cold snap.

Can't wait to see your custom from last week. Have a great day!

Thank you... I am glad you had a nice weekend.

Yes, the girls and I love going to Valleyfair... We always have a good time. I am not big on thrill rides, but there are a few coasters I enjoy riding.

Yes, I hope they find the strength and determination they need to quit. And yes, Josh does smoke outside only, the seasons don't seem to matter much.

D, sounds like you had a great weekend (looks like you all had fun at the amusement park; but you wouldn't be catching me on that roller coaster).

I am glad your knee is feeling better.

I hate when we can't tape something and have to watch it On Demand because it doesn't let you fast forward through the commercials.

Thanks... Yah - I don't do most of the coasters either. Most of my time there is speant following the girls around. I don't mind though - I enjoy sitting in the sun and people watching.

Me too! I am so relieved. I was just sick about it last week.

Yes! That's why I was so happy that the further we got into the 3rd season the less the commercials were. Whoot!

Sending good thoughts to your uncle and all of your family

Great pictures at the park! Definately can see your collar bones in that picture, you are doing fantastic!

Love the pooh bag, he just so cute.


Update:
Thank you so much for the good thoughts on DH. We've had some progress thankfully! Last Monday they went in again and actually ground down the stone, yeah! They had to put in another stent so that the pieces coming out wouldnt do any damage. We go today at 3 to have that taken out so hopefully he will be rid of the pain! It seems like the Bells Palsy having a little progress, or maybe i'm just getting used to how he's talking! I've got him on unfiltered apple cider vinger and fresh lemon juice and cranberry juice, did some research and all of these things are recommended to ward off stones. Plus they are good for him!

Thank you Cindy!

I am glad to hear that you DH seems to be doing better. WTG on trying out some natural choices, rather than meds (if there are any) - I sure hope they do the trick for him.

Hi D! Sorry I've been out of touch, but we moved into a new rental house so we've been busy the past couple of weeks.

I wanted to weigh in on the smoking issue and offer a potential solution. I used to smoke occasionally (mainly when I was drinking, or driving to and from work), and DH was a smoker when I met him. Last year he learned about "Vaping." It's sometimes referred to as e-cigs (but not the nasty Blu kind which I've heard from all sorts of smoking friends are gross) or e-hookah. If you're interested I can send some links. Anyhow, Steph has switched from regular cigarettes to his vape, in which he can gradually ratchet down his nicotine levels over time. The "juice" (liquid) that goes in the Vapes comes in all sorts of flavors and nicotine levels, all the way down to 0mg! In fact, I have my own vape to puff on for fun and I use the 0mg juices.

I'm really happy that Steph started doing this because 1) healthier -- no more inhalations of carcinogens, 2) cheaper, and 3) no more stinky smoker smell! In fact, some of the juices smell fruity and/or yummy, like an air freshener. The juice contains the stuff that makes an asthma inhaler "vaporize." The thing Steph loves about it is that it satisfies that hand-to-mouth oral fixation that he really missed when giving up smoking before.

Critics will say "it's not regulated" -- true, but we only buy juices made in USA, not China, not that it's guaranteed safe, but better than Chinese mystery fluid, for sure! -- or "the delicious flavors make people/kids want to smoke!" I find that last argument ridiculous. Having tasted both cigarettes and vape juice, I would NEVER go back to cigarettes, and I can't see others doing it either. And hey...if kids are going to smoke, they will find a way, you know?

Finally, no, we don't know what the long term affects of Vaping will be, but we have plenty of evidence as to what smoking does. With all of the other bad stuff in the world that could kill us, we'll take our chances with Vaping.

Sending much love!

Thanks for the idea Rebeccah... DH does use an E-cig... Not sure what kind or anything? I know nothing about them - except what you've told me above. Sometimes he digs it out to use it, and sometimes it's put away. I am just not sure what to do anymore? I know that I need to put it behind me and just face the fact that he probably isn't going to quit anytime soon. I am very sad about it, but the best thing I can do it so continue to take care of myself, and pray he will follow suit someday.

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

Sorry about not posting pictures yesterday... It was pouring rain here all day, and my camera does not take the best pictures when it's raining. I am hoping I can grab them this morning and get them posted before I leave.

I did start my next custom order. I've also started on Auction Bag #8... It's a Princess theme... I am very excited about it - it's one of my favorite princesses to work with. This is a princess I have never done on a bag before... I've done bags with other parts of her story on them, but never with her.

I was very happy yesterday morning, as I was able to lift with out any knee pain. I couldn't be more thrilled about it! I was so down on myself last week, so it feels good to be back at full strength again.

Josh and MM made it home from the lake safely yesterday afternoon... They had been gone since Friday. They went up to help put in our dock and the neighbor's dock, then Josh also worked on the planter boxes for on the deck. It was a successfull weekend and MM was happy to be home again.

I also started packing for Chicago yesterday. I had to empty out my Disney suitcase that's full of all our Disney stuff that I never unpack.

That's about all... I work at Target today. I do believe this is my last shift until after Chicago? I hope so, because I asked for all of next week off.

I don't have an update on my uncle. There have been updates on his caring bridge sight, but so far, things remain much the same. He is still in a medically induced coma. The family continues to ask for prayers.

8 days!!! ​

I hope you all have a wonderful day! Sending prayers and good thoughts to all who need them.

D~

 

[Chicago Mo]

8 day DANCE!!!



Can't wait to have some FUN!!!

Can't wait to see your NEW creations!!!

 

[Terkina]

I hope you have a good day at Target.
It sounds like you got a lot done in your sewing room yesterday

Today it's a grey day outside. And back to normal temperatures 53,6ºF. But I prefer days like today so I'm not complaining

 

[lovedonaldduck]

Hope Target goes well today! I look forward to seeing pictures of your latest bag whenever you can post them.

Praying for your uncle and his family.

I'm excited to hear about your Chicago adventures! I wish my girls weekend was closer than November!

 

[KatMark]

Nice that after today you won't have to go back to Target for over a week.

Glad Josh and MM made it back safely (I saw the pic on FB last night).

So happy that your knee is better.

Continued prayers for your uncle.

 

[Texan]

Hey there Miss D - you look fantastic! I am so very, very proud of you. You should look in the mirror and tell yourself "you are awesome". Seriously. We all need to remind ourselves of that every once in a while. I left my lunch at home today; I get so mad when I do that. I cannot wait to hear of your food choices at Disney. Remember, "wheat allergy"

I am so sorry to hear about your uncle; prayers for him and his family through this difficult time. I know how angry it makes you when you see loved ones smoke; MIL died at 59 from a massive stroke; Tyler barely remembers her, he was 5; and my youngest was 4 months. She would have been so proud of Tyler graduating from A&M. It hurts that she made that choice. Just keep telling yourself that Josh has to decide if and when.

DS has about 2 1/2 weeks of school left; please pray for him!!!!

I cannot wait to hear about your epic Chicago trip! Lots of pics D!

Love hearing about your auction bags - I know I will have to take a peek - even though its not in my budget - one of these days though I will have an epic D bag.

Hugs and prayers to you and your family - hope your Dad is doing well! I have a little something to send him.