This for that

Everybody knows that in almost every instance, you have to give up something to get something. You want to be a hot skinny mama? Say no to Rocky Road, and yes to diet and exercise. You want to pay off debt or build a nest egg? Quit eating out, and pack a lunch man. You want to sew a seriously cute skirt in a day? You have to let your 1 year old run wild and trash your house. Can you guess what one I did today?

That's right, for giving up a somewhat clean house today,

I got to make this:

A seriously cute skirt for Sadie!! I found the tutorial online here.

Yet again, lets review....

this:

For this:

This:

For this:

I don't think I like this trade off. I think I'll stick to doing projects during nap time and when the kids are in bed from now on!

I forgot to mention

My parents and niece Kenzie Lou flew into town for a cold winter visit in mid February. Sadie took to my Mom immediately. She actually gave her a precious silly band within minutes of her arrival. She doesn't share her bands with anyone! They flew in a day after my pops b-day, so I whipped up a scrumptious chocolate cake to celebrate. (that was honestly more for my chocolate loving Mom)

For whatever reason, I didn't get the camera out much while they were here, which is such a bummer because we had loads of fun. We hit the MOA, Science Museum, got a little crafty with Kenzie and ate and ate and ate.

I have to say though, that the biggest memory I'll take with me was watching all the boys make us ladies Sunday morning breakfast. I love that every time my Dad visits, my boys beg him to make his secret family recipe...creamed eggs.

Another unforgettable part of the trip was the fact that we had a major snowstorm the day they were suppose to leave, so had to stay an extra day. My kids were thrilled. My parents, not so much! Hopefully they've learned their lesson and will visit when the weather is nice next time.

I don't even know who I am anymore

Anyone who knows me knows that I am into almost anything crafty as long as it doesn't require a sewing machine. To be honest, I'm a little afraid of them. My MIL once gave me a used one an within weeks I had messed it up so badly that it was not fixable. This left me broken and shattered (just kidding) and less than excited to try anything that included a sewing machine.

Well time heals all wounds right? A couple months back, I was shopping for some fabric to cover bulletin boards for Jackson and Max with my friend Esther. She was inspired to make a dress they had on display for her daughter and asked if I would like to make one for Sadie. I agreed, and then simultaneously winced, cringed and gritted my teeth. I think the most stressful part of the whole thing was picking out the fabric, but I must say it came together nicely.

Because I don't own a sewing machine, Esther and I took turns on hers. I was instantly smitten! This baby has a self threader, button controlled speed, and all the bells and whistles. Thanks to Esther (and her machine), I love to sew!!!

This dress took hours and hours to make, but for my first big sewing project, I think it turned out great! (Just don't look too close!)

A few things come to mind when I look at Sadie in this dress:

1-She better not have a growth spurt anytime soon.

2- I am either going to frame or bronze it when she grows out of it. Do they still bronze things?

3- If I were to sell it on Etsy, I would have to charge about $649.99 for it to be worth my time.

4- The JGP3 pose must be in the blood. (am I right Parrish's?)

I wish I had a nicer camera so you could see the detail on the back better. The ruffles were probably the hardest part. Thanks Esther for your help on that!

Now I'm just waiting for my new machine to arrive in the mail to start on another project....this time something much simpler!

Why do I even bother with the head bands? One of these days she might keep one on!