new sewing machine [first project]

Remember that oh so beautiful sewing machine I received as a Christmas gift this past year?

Well, it only took me a month - but I finally used it!  It was a goal this week.  I could not let February come without me even trying out the machine.  (Nothing like last minute!)

I am completely new to sewing.  And I mean completely.  I can't even sew a button.  No lie!  I attempt to sew a button (and I can fake it pretty well) but there is no rhyme or reason as to how I get that button on.

Anyway, I read through the manual a few days ago and threaded my sewing machine.  I stopped there.  Ha ha.  I had no fabric and my brain was so fried at that point; I needed a break.  Talk about intimidating!

So today, Riley and I made a trip to Michael's for some crafty goodies and I came home with cute scrapbook paper.

I have wanted to make paper garland!

I'm having some of my girlfriends over in a couple weeks for Valentine's Day and I wanted to make some cute garland to enjoy now until then.  (And probably the entire month of February too!)

The first step was to punch out circles with my new puncher and scrapbook paper.

As a side note - this puncher cost $14.  That's a lot, is it not?!  I could've maybe found a cheaper one else where but I hate running errands with Riley (sorry baby girl, it's true) and the thought of looking around for a cheaper puncher just wasn't an option.  I had every intention of buying a heart puncher, but when I saw the price I said "forget that!"  I went with the circle.  I can use this for every. single. occasion.  All I will need is pretty paper based on the holiday or celebration.  So I plan on making this garland a lot - just to get my use out of this puncher!  Ha. 

OK - so below are my beautiful circle punch outs.

I then went to my sewing machine.

I didn't even get pictures of the first strand I sewed because it literally flew by.  My foot was on that pedal a bit hard.  Ha ha.  It was scary.  But exciting too!  I was so giddy after I had a strand of circles together.

I continued to make more!

I really don't have too many spaces in my house to hang things like this - especially with Riley ready to grab anything at her height.

But so far this is where they ended up...

I know so beautiful hanging with my kitchen stuff

On our big mirror

I have red paper to punch next.  But the thing is, is I have no clue how to change out my thread in my sewing machine.  He he.  (And I have dark pink strand in there now.)

Baby steps.

I feel so proud though!  I actually sewed something.  It was paper...but still!

The very first sewing project.  Something easy.  Something I wanted to do for a party.  And something that got me to practice with the straight stitch and the pedal.

I see sewing in my future, oh yes I do!

(A friend of mine is coming over Friday...she's going to help me and I'm going to attempt to sew a skirt..eeeeek!)

wants and whines

"Hi Mom!

Ok, you can take my pic...

Better make it quick though.

I want that flashy, shiny, cute camera!

I WANT the camera!!!!!"

:: whine ::

Oh, Riley.

stay-at-home momma...

I'm linking up with I Pick Pretty for this post!

To those that don't know, I am a stay-at-home momma.

It's a job I always dreamed of, to be totally honest.

I wanted to be like my mom.

When talking about college, work, etc. there were times I just said "I want to be like Mom!"  Ha ha.  Well, it was true!

So, yes.  I do have a college degree.  And no, I'm not using it currently.

While pregnant, Aaron and I had big discussions about the plan after Riley would be born.  (As all couples do when a baby is on the way!)

Aaron knew my desires to be home with Riley, and he had the same wish.

It fell down to finances (as most everything does anymore) and we were convinced we could not afford my being home. 

I can't tell you the number of times I went through our budget, while sitting at my desk at work.  I wanted so badly to get the numbers to work out.  They never did.

So, I worked.  I went on maternity leave; had Riley and took the maximum leave I could (even unpaid leave) so that my job would be held open at the end of it all. 

Each day I was home with Riley, the more and more I dreaded the idea of returning to work.  (I know many of you know this feeling!)

God, obviously, didn't want me going back to work either!  By some miracle - Aaron's work schedule changed.  He was put on the same exact work schedule I had.  Monday through Friday, 8 hour days.  (He was working 24 hour shifts on and off before that.)

See - our plan was that Aaron would be home with Riley a few days a week (the days he was off of work) and she would be in daycare part time the days that he had to work.  And I'd have her on the weekends and would be responsible for dropping and picking her up from daycare.

Well, this job change wasn't necessarily the best news for Aaron.  But, it did make us think even harder about our lifestyle.  What would change; how Riley would do in daycare five days a week and how we would manage our life with all that going on.

We ran the numbers again.

It was doable!

Tight.  But doable.  We'd have to sacrifice a lot.  Spend less.  Budget wisely.  But, we could pull it off.  I could stay home with Riley. 

YES!

I will say this...you can plan and think you have it all figured out - but when that baby is born, I'm sorry but things will and do change!  It's amazing.

And, the rest is history.

My employer was very understanding about my leaving work.  It made the decision easier on my part.  It's not like I was in my dream job, anyway.  To be completely honest.

So.  That's it.  Our story as to how we came to this decision.

I will say that being a stay-at-home momma isn't for everyone.  We all have desires and passions in life.  We all have different personalities.  We all have different lifestyles; different incomes.  We all have dreams.  We all have to come up with what is best for our family.  And for me, trusting God in the process helps!

My plan right now is to be home with Riley as long as we can afford it, and as long as it's necessary.  I do plan on working again someday.  When?  I have no clue.  Doing what?  I have no clue.

It'll come together.  Just as being a stay-at-home momma did!

I have to thank my hubby, first and foremost.  He supported my wanting to be home instantly.  He too wanted that for Riley, all along.  As for today, he's still happy.  It's a relief for him knowing that I'm home with her - especially during this deployment.  One less worry...for everyone.

Being home with Riley is a joy I'll never forget.  It's meant so much to me.  I truly do feel blessed and am extremely thankful and fortunate that we could pull this off.

To me, money isn't everything anyway.  If I wear the same clothes; if I get my hair cut less; if I have to drive a little car, who cares.  My family is most important.  And Riley - well, she's only little for a time. 

Everything changes.  With time.  This isn't going to be our lifestyle forever.

We'll have more money again in the future - and we may always be on a budget.  But I too don't see that as a bad thing.  This lifestyle has taught us more about money and saving than ever before.  It's taught us about sacrifice and what's really important in life.

Good luck to any of you contemplating the decision to work or stay home.  It's a tough one.

Just remember, there is no one right way to do it. 

Most importantly, it's just about spending quality time with your kids - whenever you do have them near!

long hair!

Riley's hair is getting longer.

I think it looks so cute in these pics (as does she!), so I had to share.

I love her hair pulled to the side in a barrette.  She just doesn't let me do it too often is all...

And yes, she's still wearing my slippers around the house.

Backwards and all!

 

new t-shirts

Emillie and Hannah were here yesterday to spend the day with us!

While out running errands (at Walmart), I decided to go ahead and treat each of them to their (early) Valentine gift.

I don't see them that much and wasn't sure if I'd have them again before Valentine's Day.  (I hope I do though!)

They love all the fun t-shirts with goofy sayings on them.  And Walmart has many!

We had a good time looking at them all and laughing.

Here's what they chose...

typical Hannah face - she's our comedian!

Hannah sporting her shirt.  A popsicle saying "NOOOO" because its friend was just eaten.  Ha!

Emillie sporting her shirt.  "I'm Rawrsome!" with a cute little dinosaur/monster creature on it. 

trying to make a heart with their hands...

...this is a better heart!

The girls really miss Aaron too! 

They wanted to take these pictures and share their "hearts" with Daddy! 

red velvet

Ah, Friday.

I had every intention of relaxing tonight with a brownie in hand and a movie to watch.

I got as far as brownies.

I can't believe how fast this night flew!

At least I got my red velvet on tonight.

Source: sweetpeaskitchen.com via Abby on Pinterest

Thank you, yet again, to Pinterest for the idea.

My picture looks like crud compared to the one above.  But, I felt the need to post a pic of mine so you know that I really did make them!

Ha.

I only ate one of the brownies pictured, in case you were wondering how much of a pig I really am.

Actually, I know how to put down some sweets.  It's rare I only eat one of anything with sugar in it.  But, brownies can be killer!  They hit my belly like a ton of bricks.  Especially real brownies.

These are no exception.  Rich, gooey, cream cheesy (a word, right?) and red velvety (another word, yes?)

No recipe here...I have no time (or desire) to post it.  Visit my Pinterest or Sweet Pea's Kitchen for the recipe, if up for the challenge.  Can you eat more than one in a sitting?  I bet not!

Happy weekend, all!

toddler phase

We've definitely been getting more and more into the toddler phase around here!

Here are some examples...

Riley insists on doing just about everything on her own.

When she doesn't get her way, she lets me know she's very angry. 

She screams, hits and has full blown tantrums.  (We're working through this...) 

She runs away from me, laughing while doing it.

I can't keep her still.

Only if she chooses to sit - will she sit still.  It makes for interesting shopping trips with her in a cart!

She loves being a big girl now, sitting in adult chairs.

The word "no" is said too many times.  "Riley you want to eat?"  "No."  "Do you want to play?"  "No."  "Do you like saying the word no?"  "No."  You get the point.

She's starting to ask to watch TV.  Huh?  As if I watch it all day long - yah, no.

She whines.  A lot.

She always asks and cries for me to hold her while I'm cooking.  Always.

She's Miss Copycat.  Everything I say, she says.

She's constantly learning.  Constantly.

Every day she throws out a new word (or sentence!) - and it blows my mind.

She said "how are you" to someone she saw in the distance the other day.

She loves running.  Jumping.  Dancing.

We're getting lots of stair practice - but she still doesn't go down our stairs alone.  Scares me!

Climbing up is different.  Easy.

She's starting to be picky about foods.

For instance, she won't touch her broccoli - even though that used to be a favorite.

I couldn't get her to eat anything one day, so gave her a squeeze of ketchup.  Ha, big mistake.  She now asks for ketchup.  Oh geeze.

She still eats every fruit under the sun.

She's asking for juice.  I purposely don't give it to her much - but boy she remembers it exists!

Same with cookies.

This kid (like many) already has a sweet tooth.  It's so evident. 

She loves when Momma has to go "potty."  She plays in the bathroom and loves bugging me. 

Soon, it will be potty training time.  Ay, I am not ready.

We're getting more into the fun, creative stuff - coloring, play-doh, crafts, etc.

Today Riley colored her first picture while in childcare at church.  (She colored the picture all in black.)  I am saving it.  How weird.  My child is already being sent home with artwork?  It's amazing.

She's doing really well with other kids and in childcare.  I do think she needs it - and is enjoying it!  It's a great feeling.

Her 2nd year molars are making their way (still!)  She's been growing these babies for awhile now.  She'll definitely have them in before she's 2.

She loves taking off her clothes.  And we're starting to put them back on too.

I can't keep sweatshirts, hats, mittens, and socks on her very much.

She's asking for "ponytail" and "barrette" but any time I put it in she's still taking them out, usually.  At least she's asking for it!

She's singing "head, shoulders, knees and toes" which is totally a toddler song.  Right?  She's also really into the alphabet song - it's a favorite right now.  "A, C, B" she says.

We're counting.  Some days she counts really well...and other days it's "one, five, eight."

She's a big goofball.  Runs silly.  Squeezes Tater (our cat) with a big smile on her face and acts silly with her toys and Momma too.

She asks for Daddy and talks about him as if she totally gets that he's gone.  I think she knows more about the situation than I can even imagine.

Oh, and jumping in her crib.  She loves that!  (Loves being on Mommy and Daddy's bed too!)

She's climbed out of her crib once now but hasn't done it since.  She had some help from toys to prop her up the one time she did it.

She likes balls, crayons, and dolls.  Big girl toys!

She likes to dress up, already.

She loves to use napkins and wipe her own face.

She's asking to pray at every meal now - and before nap and bedtime too. 

There are so many more things I could share!  The list goes on and on, as I know you all can imagine.

Some of you are also in the toddler phase, or have been in the past.

Any tips on how to stay sane?  Ha ha.  I've learned that praying, exercise, deep breaths and "me" time all help! 

Riley, you are growing up so fast.  Some days I want to scream (and I do) and some days I just don't want to let go of hugging you (and you scream).  Its been fun!  You really are a funny little girl and I have enjoyed being home with you.

We're going to have even more fun once Daddy gets home!

We're on the downhill now of this deployment.  YAY!

I was thinking about taking a vacation - alone - once Aaron gets home. 

I know, how selfish!

Good thing I was just kidding.

some fun

Riley has been cracking me up today (and vice versa).

We were being silly, oh so silly.

I kept asking Riley to try on hats and other things of Momma's.

She would come up to me and I'd turn around and laugh.

I got some pics to share...

We visited Old Navy today.

(Extra 30% off women's clothing on sale!)

I bought Riley a Valentine's gift (early).

I couldn't resist.  I'm a sucker for pink.  And hearts.

(Thank goodness God gave me a girl!  Ha)

How cute is this ball?

And...well, I think Riley is pretty darn cute too! 

Here's to being silly!

Southwestern Egg Rolls

Source: annies-eats.com via Abby on Pinterest

 

I noticed I had pinned this recipe on Pinterest three times.

 

Ha!

 

I thought it time to actually make them.

 

They are delicious!

 

Southwestern Egg Rolls
(Printable Recipe)


Ingredients:

2 cups frozen corn, thawed
(1) 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
(1) 10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
*2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

(1) 4 ounce can diced green chiles, drained

*4 green onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 package of egg roll wrappers (about 24)
Cooking Spray

*I used less cheese and didn't have green onions on hand - my egg rolls were still great!

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients (except egg roll wrappers).
• Fill each egg roll wrapper with 1/4 cup of the mixture.
• Follow directions on egg roll wrapper packaging on how to roll - you want the corner towards you and as you roll up tuck the corners in.
• Dip a finger in water and seal the final corner.
• Repeat with all wrappers and mixture.
• Place the egg rolls seam side down on the baking sheets, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
• Cook for 10 minutes, and then turn over.
• Cook for another 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Serve with whatever sauce or salsa you want!

Source: Annie's Eats

 

Enjoy!

 

 

family vaca

We all had a wonderful trip to Stowe, VT.

It's always fun to see Riley with her cousin, Jackson!

sharing...or taking, not sure which

having a serious discussion

practicing our sledding skills

Riley observing

I loved seeing my brother and his family.

I loved spending time with my mom and dad.

I loved sitting in a warm, cozy place (with no distractions), and a fire going.

me and Jackson

cutie!!

my dad with Riley (she's saying "aww" to something)

Grandma having a blast with two love bugs on her

reading time

swinging time

Our view was the same as last year - beautiful.

 

view from inside window

sledding right out back!

Sledding and playing outside was fun!

here we go!

after Riley went face first in snow after sledding with Momma (sorry bug!)

Riley and Grandma

I see a smile...sort of!

sledding with Granddad

 

cousins



my brother's family and us

Grandma and Granddad with their buddies

Momma and Riley

Riley sitting on Jackson (crushing him, ha)

Skiing was amazing!

Ian and my mom

my brother and I

sleigh ride! (that we did not take)

my cool dad

my cool brother

Ian and I (warming up in the cabin)

Ian and Julie

 

A much needed vacation, indeed.

It was awesome being with family.

Thanks again, Mom and Dad for a great time!