My latest projects that I've undertaken

In no way do I consider myself a seamstress. Every time I pull out my dusty sewing machine, not only do I need to blow it off like the great big wolf, but I have to read the instruction manual. I always keep it close or I end up tearing my house apart looking for it, which I did do for some ribbon and ended up finding my missing thread and all my fabric for skirts I intended to make but never got around to making... because I was sure my sewing machine was broken.



Turns out, I just put the bobbin in upside down and threaded it wrong... oops. That's all fixed now and my sewing machine is working. I found that out then I finally sat down to work on sewing the material for the snake costumes.

To the left is the material my oldest daughter picked out for the costumes.  Yes it's plural.  I figured I better make two if I'm going to make them, that way there is no chance of fighting.  My two lovely young ladies fight over everything.  Though it's not as bad when there is two.

 

We found the fabric at Jo Ann's and it wasn't super thick, which is great for sewing, because it's less chance of a needle breaking.  (I have had many needles break on me... though I wised up and bought the strongest ones they sell at a store)

 

Anyway, we went back later to get thread (as I couldn't find mine at the time, it's been found now that I don't need it anymore) and they had this fabric in a sky blue color!  Needless to say she asked for it and I had to tell her no.  We already had everything for the red and I'm not going to cater to every whim.  She'll have to live with being a red and black snake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was able to finish my toddler's costume first as she was home and I could measure the straps on her shoulders.  Plus I already had the tutu you see in the picture.  She's just wearing black leggings that we already had.  My oldest daughter's top is complete except for the straps and she refused to have her picture taken without the straps and tutu.

 

Last night I finished my 7 year old's tutu, while watching Apollo 18.  I was grateful for the distraction or I wouldn't have been going to sleep last night.  The only thing left is to sew on the trim and it'll be done!

 

That is the second tutu, it's all just tied to the elastic band.  I sewed the elastic together with my machine.  And then to help out my next door neighbor I made her a set of bows last night for her daughter's soccer team.  Kathy is on a different team than her, but they're BFF's.  Anyway I made them to help her out in the only way I could think as I know they've got a lot on their plate.

 



That's a few things less to do!  And I'm grateful not to be running around so much.  With a break from swimming... I wonder if I should sign her up next month... I'm enjoying not having to worry about it!  I'm just glad things are starting to die down a bit, because that means I can get back to writing!



Why I wish I had more time to write...

Yes, I realize how long it's been since I've posted anything.  I was trying to be good, posting at least once a month, possibly every other month.  Then school was let out and I was on get-me-out-of-this-house-before-I-am-arrested mode.  Which is basically me leaving my house as often as possible so my children are less likely to fight with each other.  It worked out pretty well.

But summer wasn't the only thing that got in the way.  I also moved, not really far.  Also I can't use that as an excuse because I was settled within a week... I don't like to sit in a boxed up house.

So that brings me to now.  School has started and I have started potty training... which is a total nightmare.  I've tried so many methods.  Potty training in three days, is just not an option, plus everytime I do that, I end up with pee all over the place.  Sorry I'm not going to clean my carpets on a daily basis because my daughter really doesn't care where she pees as long as it's not in the toilet.  It's so awesome. :/

So writing anything has been put on hold.  And I have so many ideas that I would love to put on paper.  But between laundry, cleaning and a toddler who refuses to potty train, there just isn't time.  I think that there should be such thing as a professional potty trainer.  I would totally hire that person to come and do this for me so I can do everything else I have to do.

Have I mentioned I also promised my oldest daughter I'd make her a snake costume for Halloween?  And I also bought fabric to make the toddler a princess dress.  And I have a million patches to sew onto everything (mostly my cub scout leader shirt.  Another thing I am doing).  So writing has pretty much taken a back seat behind all the other things I have to do.

But don't think I'm complaining!  I've been having an awesome time!  I'm seriously looking forward to planning awesome activities for my pack of wolves!  (I just realized I'm using a ton of exclamation points, but I'm really excited :D)  I can't wait to see my daughter's face when I finally finish her snake costume (pictures will follow when I actually get it all done).

Spending time with my family over the summer was the best!  And next week my in laws are coming, so I'm totally going to use that time to get projects done while they occupy my toddler's attention :)

With that little update, I'm out! Places to go, people to see, things to do!  Mostly just the things! ;)

Life Lately

A lot's been happening lately and I haven't really been in the mood to address any of it.  Mostly because I don't want to spend my days, dwelling in despair and sadness.  Plus it takes a lot to talk about ones life, especially when said personal doesn't really like to share with anyone about their feelings (I'm talking about myself, in case you didn't catch that.)

My grandpa passed away over the weekend.  I was told Saturday morning.  He died in his sleep.  The man was 89 years old and he hadn't been doing well.  What I mean to say, is that it wasn't a total shock for our family.  My dad had told me back in the Summer when he was out visiting him that  he wasn't going to live to Christmas.

I did get to say hello to him at Thanksgiving, though I wish that I would have taken more time to call him up and just say hi.  It's too late for should haves, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.  I wonder if my grandpa knew I loved him.  I really hope that he did.

Unfortunately I was unable to make it out to Georgia for his funeral, but I really wish I could have gone.  Be given a chance to say goodbye.  To tell him, one last time that I love him.  Instead I'm writing it in a blog, hoping that somehow, he'll get the message.

My Dad, did manage to record the service and post it to FB.  So I was able to watch it and if you would like to watch, I posted it below.

Wearing pants to church on Sunday

I needed a topic to pick me up today.  This one helps a bit to not focus on the otherwise sad news that I'm sure the entire world is aware of today.  So, instead of depressing everyone further, I'm talking about another topic.

Pants at church on Sunday.  Men, I really hope you keep wearing them.  I'm actually begging here.  I don't want to see you cross dressing in your wife's skirt or christmas dress.  It's not a statement, it's a fashion faux pas.  And maybe I'm behind the times and cross dressing is cool now, which I really hope it isn't, but you really should just keep wearing your best clothes to church.  Please let it be pants.

When you hear about women wearing pants to church on facebook, you know it's official.  Being an LDS housewife, I read the whole thing and it speaks to me more like a protest.  For what?  Don't ask me.  I know women who wear nice dress pants to church and hey if that's how she wants to worship the Lord, cool.  But to make it a world wide event?  Sounds like a protest.  But what are they demanding?  I really don't know.

That said, I think you should dress for church, the way you would dress if you were entering the temple.  Why?  Because when you get up on Sunday morning and open your closet door to get ready for church, your instinct should not be what do I feel like wearing?  Or if you're single, what will that cute guy think of me in this?  Here is what you should be asking yourself:  If the savior stood beside me, would I want him to see me worshiping him in this?

You see, when we go to church, we don't go for ourselves or the people we go to church with (ward, for the LDS reader).  We go to church for the Lord.  He commanded us to do it.  So we should dress for him, right?  So instead of thinking of your statement and protest or whatever it is you want to call it.  Please, think of the Lord.  He's the one who actually counts and there isn't a man who respects women and children more than He does.

If this post upsets you in any way shape or form, you're just too sensitive.

UPDATE:
If you're female and you think your pants are your best outfit, then wear them.  I'm just saying, dress your best.  It's the Lord's house, not your own or your neighbors.

Cover Reveal for my friend Marilyn Almodóvar

So amazing news!  My friend wrote a book!  Some how I think I should have built up this moment a lot more, but that's the best you'll get from me.  I can say, I read the original draft, before it was all edited and perfected and made only more awesome.  And it was good then, which means it's so much better now!  I for one am excited to purchase it on my kindle when it comes out!  Congrats Lyn!  It's the dream!!!!!

COVER REVEAL!

Interred (Chronicles of the Interred #1)

by

Marilyn Almodóvar

The cover was created by the amazing Devan Edwards of Nimbi Designs.

Blurb

Time has never been an issue for Baxter Jacobs, but then she never knew she had the ability to Bend it.

As her sixteenth birthday approaches, Baxter inherits a pendant that will change her life. Connected to the pendant is a dark and mysterious young man named Declan Ashdown. Trapped in a Time loop for the past 122 years, Declan needs Baxter’s help to escape. The only problem is, she has no idea how to do it.

To acquire the power she needs to free him, she’ll become one of the Interred, those whose Magical abilities emerge as they come of age. When she does, she’ll discover that Declan isn’t the only one interested in the fact that she’s a Time Bender.

As the Interment arrives, Baxter knows this will be no Sweet Sixteen. A vengeful relative and the ruthless Council are determined to control her. Declan’s powerful and charming descendant, Jack Ashdown, claims he can save her. She’ll soon have to decide who she can trust, and how to master her new abilities before Time runs out.

Coming January 22, 2013

Add it to your to-read list on Goodreads *

Brief author bio:

picture made by me (owner of this blog)

Marilyn Almodóvar is an American YA Author born in Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. A lover of words with a penchant for Victorian novels as well as the books of Stephen King, Lyn's favorite past-times have always been reading and writing.

It was this love that propelled her to choose Theater and French as majors in University, with a minor in English Victorian Literature. Lyn lived for almost a decade in England followed by three years in France before returning home to the U.S.

A self-confessed citizen of the world, Lyn is fluent in English, French and Spanish, with basic knowledge of the Italian language. Lyn currently lives in Central Florida with her French husband, English-born eldest son, and French-born youngest son. Her debut YA Novel, Interred, will be published by Iambe books on 01/22/2013.

Ways readers can connect with Lyn:

Twitter (https://twitter.com/LynAlmodovar)*
Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Marilyn-Almodóvar/142589622496531)*
Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/MarilynAlmodovar)*
Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/lynalmodovar/)*
Blog (http://marilynalmodovar.blogspot.com/)*

*Note:  I could not make links clickable, yes I did try, so I am not to be blamed.  Merry Christmas!

The parasite no one wants to talk about... not even me!

So, it's been a rough few days.  After having an awesomely fun trip at the apple orchard.  My six year old daughter came down with a high fever, which means saturday night and sunday weren't so much fun.  Then Monday came.  And as I'm brushing her hair I find LICE!

I KNOW!  We all remember how when we were kids it was like the worst thing that could happen.  Imagine my surprise to find my daughter got it!  I was so embarrassed!  But quite honestly, it happens.  No matter how clean you are.  And there is nothing to be ashamed of, just make sure your child doesn't tell the whole school, because it's no fun to get made fun of something that you got from someone else.

So I've been doing laundry all day every day since Monday and I'm still doing it.  When you find out your child has lice, you need to wash everything they could have possibly come in contact with in warm water.  Toys, stuffed animals, bedding, clothes, etc.  Vacuum everything!  Get the anti-lice spray (open your windows) and spray the crap out of your furniture.  Also buy the pesticide with the metal comb and make sure you get every louse and nit.  Because if you miss one, it starts all over again!  If you can't wash the toy stick it in a plastic bag and wait 3-4 weeks for the louse bugs to die off.  Throw away your hair brushes, it's worth buying a new one.  Unless you have a sanitize button on your dishwasher.  Then run it through that... nothing will survive that.

It totally sucks, believe me.  I'm so sick of doing laundry and vacuuming.  I'm just glad I noticed before we went on vacation.  Can you imagine coming home to a bug infestation????  GROSS!

Also if you do have a kid that gets this.  Grow a pair and tell the school!  Because if you don't, it could come back to your kid again!  I notified the school and the teacher.  They did a lice check and thankfully everyone was in the clear!  Which makes me think she got it from her hair cut or the parent took care of it without telling anyone.  SEE WHAT I MEAN???  If you want to prevent lice from spreading, then suck up your pride and tell someone.  Because that's all you can really do!

I hope you found this helpful!

Veteran's day... which I do know was Sunday

The comment below was made by my brother Matt, who I tend to watch tv show's over the speaker phone with.  We always have a good time and I love him.  He served in the military and is in the national guard currently and is working on something else for the Air Force.  He's a terrific guy and one of the many people in my family who have served this country.

My dad is also a veteran.  He served the military for twenty years and retired as a Lt. Col.    He was military intelligence and hunted terrorists for a living working in the anti-terrorism branch.  He now works for the F.B.I.

My brother David who serves in the Air Force.  I remember always wanting to be just like David.  I look up to him and love him.

Shaylee, my sister in law.  She is so sweet and I am so glad she married my younger brother, whom I also love and always have fun with when I see him!

I love my entire family!  But the one who has the most amazing story is my Grandpa.  Roddey Smith.  He is proof that the Lord looks out for us when we show compassion and Charity at the worst of times.  Had it not been for his compassion and the work of God, I would not be here.  My Grandpa is a great man and I love him so much.  Here is the story written by Matt :

"I especially want to thank with the most sincere gratitude and adoration to my dear Grandpa Roddy Smith. He is 90 years old and still going strong. A man captured in WWII after taking out a panzer division commander and his driver while at his post. Then saving that same commander's life the next day while taking his morning "relief break." He found the wounded Nazi hiding and took him prisoner, fed him, dressed his wounds, but did not beat him. He was later thanked for his heroics by being sold out by a French woman as to his position. Grandpa Smith was then captured himself and almost murdered by the SS, if it wasn't for his compassion on the battlefield for the wounded Nazi commander.
He was taken to a concentration camp, while on the way was almost killed accidentally by allied planes bombing the trains unknowingly filled with POWs. (He has testified of knowing the Lord's hand in his protection).
Once there he was under fed and under clothed, but by the grace of God he woke up one morning and his Nazi guards were gone. He made a run for it with a group of others and found sanctuary in a barn. When discovered hiding the owner greeted them with wine, cheese, and bread. He finally linked back with the 100th ID and came back to the US to marry his childhood sweetheart, my grandmother.
His heroic story doesn't end there. He became an officer and fought valiantly in Korea. He was shot twice while following orders to take a hill and saved many of his soldiers lives; which earned him at least one silver star. We almost lost him, but was pulled off the hill by another hero, after he went above and beyond the call of duty.
Then came Vietnam, where he volunteered for two tours for our country and that of Vietnam. He trained officers in the Vietnamese army to fight and lead for their freedom. It might not have been a popular war in the eyes of history, but he served with honor and dignity.
Grandpa Smith then fought in a secret war in Laos to help keep communists out. He was the principal advisor to the Prince of Laos and commander of the First Laosian Army. He was knighted for his service to help the people of Laos from being overrun by communist forces. The US eventually pulled out of Laos and the communists overran the country; and murdered nearly all of the royal family. Grandpa Smith did everything he could, allowed by this country, to prepare and save the free people of Laos. Again he served with the utmost courage, leadership, loyalty, duty, selfless service, honor, and integrity.
Roddy Smith is someone every soldier and American should aspire to be. He is my personal hero, and many others literal hero.
Grandpa Smith has said that he believes that old soldiers fade away.
Roddy Smith's memory will never fade; and when he is called home to reunite with his sweetheart, Ruth, he will be memorialized as long as there is a Smith alive on this earth.
Grandpa, we will never forget, you will always be my and many others hero because you are the definition of hero, soldier, and greatness. May your memory never fade, but only grow stronger.
I love you grandpa!"

I love you too Grandpa.  Thank you for serving with compassion and love.  You are the best example to all soldiers out there! And a hero to me!  :)