Projects

I meant to post a long time ago some sort of explanation for this picture of aprons. I'm just getting to it now. My good friend Tarimisu gave her kids a cute little play kitchen for Christmas and wanted to also give her kids aprons. In response to her plea for help, Boss and I agreed to see what we could do. So while at Mom and Dad's for Thanksgiving, that was one of the many projects we worked on--aprons for her three kids, plus Schmoo, BigZ, MJ, and Sam (and one for myself). I hadn't really planned on making all those aprons, but they were cute, and Schmoo was so excited about his... I kind of plan on making more for other nieces and nephews, but I'm nervous about getting them the right size without having a kid in front of me to be my model. Here's a picture of me working on Schmoo's apron.

My trip to Mom and Dad's for Christmas was less project filled than Thanksgiving. Instead, I came home and got working on some things--like shower curtains. When I lived by myself in my basement apartment in Minnesota, I made a shower curtain, complete with cute bows. However, in putting on the cute bows, I didn't think about the fact that I was putting on 8 bows, and most shower curtains have 12 holes for the rings (and thus 12 rings). And then there was the issue that having the bows tied around the rod wasn't very slide-y. For these reasons Marty has let that be my shower curtain and has only had a liner in his shower.



Recently I decided that I'd rather his bathroom have the green shower curtain so that I could get a purple one for my bathroom, and yesterday I found fabric that I liked on the discount table at Wal-Mart. The transformation of the green shower curtain was fairly easy. I did have to learn how to make button holes, but that was the hardest part. And now, the cute bows are gone, and Marty is quite happy with the shower curtain that attaches to his current rings. Today he even commented on how it really gave the bathroom a warmer feel. The button hole technique worked so well on the old shower curtain that I used it again on my new one. And for about $5 plus labor, I have a new pretty shower curtain.

Merry Christmas!

A word of apology and explanation: So, this year I got some Christmas cards out, but basically, if you are related to me (not via Marty), you didn’t get a card. (OK, Wood and Woodine got a card, but that’s because I figured it was high time I sent their wedding card I’ve had for them since June, and as long as I was sending that, I should throw in a Christmas card). I’m sorry. It doesn’t mean that I don’t like you if you didn’t get a card from me. Here is my online Christmas card for all of you who didn’t get one….


This year has been an unforgettable one. Full of trials and tears, but also with blessings, miracles, and hope. I have witnessed the tender mercies of the Lord. He is my strength and salvation. I have felt His peace even in times of pain and sorrow. I like Christmas for the reminder to reflect and re-focus on Christ. May you all know the Peace, Spirit, and Love of Christ this Christmas and throughout your lives.

I love you!

Santa's Little Helpers?

I've been meaning to post more about Cher for awhile now, but, well, I got distracted.

We've had Cher for a couple months now, and she just makes me laugh. One night about a month ago she was banging around in Marty's bathroom. (Marty's bathroom has pretty much been her home base since we got her--that's where her litter box is). The noises that I was hearing were strange enough that I finally went to check on her. She was running around using the bathtub as her play arena. She was doing laps around the inside of the tub. Then she'd climb up onto the ledge just to slide down the shower curtain.

She's less fond of the tub when there's water in it. Or rather, she's still just as fascinated by it, but she's less fond of being in it.

Cher also really likes the toilet--especially the flush. This morning when I got out of bed, Cher immediately ran to the toilet and looked over the edge of the seat in anticipation.

Cher is quite an acrobat. We first noticed it as she played in Marty's closet. She'd walk along the hangers, and even get up to the top shelf to knock down Marty's sweaters. She seems to think that the ironing board is her princess throne. And sometimes, just for fun, she'll show me how good she is at walking up and down the slanted iron legs, or even along the dowels on our chairs and barstools. The back corner on the floor of my closet is her "Bugs Bunny Hideout." It used to worry me how she liked to hang out back there. But after checking about 50 times to make sure she wasn't eating my shoes or worse, I've decided she just likes the dark coziness of it.

I love the interplay between Cher and Razor. For the most part they're friends. Mostly. They'll have wrestling matches all over the house. One of my favorite moves is when Cher hides behind something when she knows that Razor is going to walk by, and then she'll pounce out legs spread eagle. (Maybe someday I'll capture this on film. It cracks me up!)

Razor's not completely convinced that she likes Cher. For example, if she thinks I'm giving Cher too much attention and her not enough, she'll do whatever she can to position herself between me and Cher. If Cher plays too much with any of Razor's toys, all of a sudden that toy becomes the only toy Razor's interested in. Who cares about the whole bin of other toys? And when Razor's trying to sleep, she'll let off a low, steady growl if Cher gets within about 6 inches of her.

So, there's the update. We like Cher. She's fun and makes me laugh.

Breathe

I feel like I've been given a reprieve. At least for now, the anvil that has been sitting on my chest has been lifted. And I can breathe. just a little. easier. Maybe that anvil has just been raised a few inches and will fall again. But while I can, I will just appreciate the fresh air.