A New Twist on an Old Shirt

I've been reading several sewing blogs lately and these women amaze me with their abilities and creativity. A new term to me is "re-fashioning" -- which basically means take something you have that you don't love and re-fashion it into something better. I decided to give it a try. I was browsing Anthropologie's website and came across a pretty basic, but cute shirt. Here it is:


I looked at it and thought, well it's basically a t-shirt with some detailing at the "V" and on the sleeves. So I grabbed a plain, round necked t-shirt from Old Navy and created this:

Please don't mind the fact that it's wrinkled (I hate ironing). It's really cute on and is just a little something better than a basic t-shirt. Nothing in my closet is safe from my scissors and thread now...

Priceless

I've always enjoyed those "Priceless" commercials by American Express. Here is my own version.

Multi Grain Bread...$2.39
Bananas...$2.08
Taking Daniel grocery shopping in his pajamas, knight costume and rain boots...PRICELESS!

Getting Over Fears

This was a big weekend for Daniel. He was able to tackle two of his fears head on and triumph. The first was the diving board. We've been encouraging him all summer to jump off our diving board. No tricks, treats or positive words could break that kid. Then the impossible happened. He stepped up on the board (and with a nudge from daddy) made a leap. Now, our only problem is getting him off the darn thing and out of the pool for dinner.


The second fear was sand (see earlier post). Not exactly a fear, but a distinct dislike. Maybe the sand is less intimidating at LA County beaches, because on Sunday we headed up to Redondo Beach to visit Uncle Pete and Aunt Kriszta and once again, the impossible happened. Daniel was happy in the sand and even helped daddy build a sand castle.

Every day my kids amaze me. Whether it's getting over fears or learning a new word, they do inspire me. It's funny to me how within 30 minutes I can go from complete frustration to such a powerful love it actually hurts. How can they drive me crazy one minute and create tears of joy the next?

I have to remember to get over my own fears and just leap into this wonderful, crazy, emotional, all-encompassing world of motherhood. I fear if I'm teaching, disciplining, encouraging, leading and following my kids the "right" way. But, like Daniel did this weekend, all I can do is get out there and do it.

I Love the Way She Loves

For Lauren's first birthday she received several dolls. The way she loves them makes my heart melt... I love the way she loves. Here she is right after opening up her gift from Aunt Kathy (and the rest of the Green family), a Snow White doll. It's the look in her eyes and way she hugs her dolls that gets me!

Getting in touch with my creative side

My grandmother used to sew beautifully. Unfortunately I was 9 years old when she passed away and I didn't have the chance to learn from her. A few months after she passed I asked my mom if I could have my grandma's old sewing machine. "Sure, why?" asked my mom. "I want to learn to sew" I answered. Fast forward 22 years and I'm just now really learning to sew.

I started getting in touch with my creative side a couple of months ago when Lauren started to grow hair. Funny, right? Well, not so funny when you go to buy cute hair bows for your 6 month old and either they are ugly or ridiculously overpriced. So I made a couple, then a couple more and now Lauren pretty much has a bow to match every outfit (and so do both my nieces because how many ladybug bows does Lauren really need?). Then I branched out into sewing. Here is a picture of Lauren in a top I made for her (hard to tell but the top part is shirred - meaning elastic) with a matching hair bow.

Preschool = Organzing

Last week Daniel started preschool. To my shock, it's been a smooth transition. No tears, happy when I picked him up and even talking about the next time he goes. Not bad for a kid who has never been left with a sitter (family doesn't count). The teacher said he was quiet, but listened well and would answer her questions. Ahhh, my sweet boy.

Here he is ready to go on his first day - Spiderman lunch bag in hand.














In the meantime, Lauren still takes a morning nap so I've had actual time to myself (I have to be at home, but still). I'm amazed at how much I can get done with Daniel gone and Lauren sleeping. I've organized the toy closet and many of my kitchen cabinets. Both days I've dumped at least two large trash bags from my organizing. Which makes me wonder, if I keep this up will I just be sitting in an empty house at the end of the school year?

Let's Get Started

It's time. Time to start a blog...

I guess I've finally caved from all the peer pressure of reading the fabulous blogs of my friends (and strangers), so here I am. I don't know what the hell I'm doing but I know who to ask for help...you! I just want a place to write and post pictures of my adorable kids (and maybe some other people).

So let's get started, shall we? This past weekend was filled with Southern California fun. Newport Beach, Balboa Fun Zone, a ferry ride, visits from friends and the Aquarium of the Pacific. We really packed it in this weekend. Daniel wasn't that into the beach (what is his problem with sand??), but LOVED the ferris wheel; Lauren on the other hand is a beach babe, but got squirmy in her stroller within 30 seconds.

I love these two crazy kids, even if they are trying to slowly drive me insane. I'm pretty sure there are days where they wake up and in some secret language (since Lauren doesn't talk yet) they conspire to make me lose my mind. But, I guess that is what wine is for.