getting by with a little help from friends...

I've blogged several times about friends I've made from blogging.  It's crazy to think I have friends scattered across the country that I've never even met in person.  With miles separating us, we still try to lend a hand to each other when we can.

Case in point...Crystal.  {I've mentioned Crystal and her amazing blog and etsy shop before. Both aptly named, 'Little Bit Funky'.}

To make what could be a long story short...Pete's 9th birthday is coming up.  To say he is Harry Potter obsessed is an understatement, specifically all things quidditch.  If you follow me on 'Instagram', you may have seen a snapshot of him making his terrifically unique handcrafted quidditch brooms.  We now have about 12.  OBSESSED! 

Anywho, all he's been asking for is a 'Chudley Canons' team quidditch robe.  Oi-vey!  I can sew a straight line.  I've read & followed a pattern one time.  Years ago.  This robe thing wasn't going to happen in my lifetime with my sewing skills. 

I sounded a cry a for help, and Crystal answered.  It's fair to say she probably wasn't thrilled, as a quidditch robe is made of satin, and I'm told {by several sources} that it SUCKS to work with satin.  She had to deal with 8 yards.  WOW! 

The end result is nothing short of amazing.  A dead ringer for a 'Chudley Cannons' robe.  It is even complete with the number Pete envisioned on his dream birthday present. 

I love, love, love giving gifts, but I'll have to say...I'm going to adore giving this to Pete.  He thinks it is impossible.  He's said so just about everyday.  He mentioned it at the bus stop this morning, in fact. 

To say he is going to go ape is an understatement.  If I remember to, I'll have to take a little video of him opening this, and share it with all of you.

So, yet another reason I think blogging and the interweb can be used in a positive way. 

Wouldn't you agree?

P.S.  A thousand times...THANK YOU, Crystal!  You are the BEST!

Happy Birthday, Jilly-bean!

Happy birthday to my older {not by much},

shorther {by a whole lot} sister!

I can't believe you're 27 and I'm 25.

Wink, wink.

My, how the years fly.

I love you!

hump day bullets.

• I love coffee.
• I love cannolis.
• I love cannolies with coffee.
• Rosie just farted on me.
• Thank you Julie for my gift.  You couldn't have shared it with a more font-crazy person.

Now, let's discuss this sign business...shall we?
• My filling fell out, and it's time to get it fixed.  Ouch!
• I really want this.  My running is getting way better, the Nike + iPod sensor is just what I need to take it to the next level.  It tracks your progress, and 'tells' you your times,distance, etc. while running.  And you don't need the shoes...just a pouch or a tutorial to make your own pouch.  A HUGE motivator.  For me, anyway. 
• There is only about 3 weeks of school left.  I really have to mentally prepare myself.  Last summer far exceeded my expectations!
• Jake and I leave for Louisville to see them in 24 days!
• I am in full party planning mode for Jakey's Army party. {Try doing an Army party without guns.  It's tough.}

inspiration board

• I love this goofy photo of my mom & me at my cousin's wedding on Saturday night.  She'll probably disown my for posting it, but i think it's hilarious.  I don't care how high her eyebrows are raised, she is one sexy 56-year-old.

• I want to be Ohdeedoh's next blogger.  I guess you have to apply, though, huh?
• That's all I got.

Party success.

Rosie had a blast at her party.

I would say it was a success.

But,

my brain is mush and I'm taking

the boys to the movie.

So...

you gotta stay tuned

for more tomorrow.

:)

Pause...rewind.

The week leading up to Rosie's 3rd birthday party is full of preparation.

The grocery list, the decorations, the last minute sewing, the cleaning, the cooking.

I still can't believe she's almost 3.

Or better yet, that Jake will turn 9 in May, Pete's 7, and Betsy's 5 and off to kindergarten in the fall.

Time is not my friend.

Where does it go?

The second you have a reason to slow it down, it whizzes by.

Murphey's Law, I suppose.

The problem...

as a mother, there are so many moments that it's hard to 'be here now'.

Laundry, appointments, errands, cleaning, nose & butt wiping.

You get swept away with the 'need tos/have tos'.

This time should be about he 'want tos'.

Life's unfair, but it is what it is.

Too fast.

I'm sad.

Boo.

P.S. Erin H., I hope you're reading this today...I accidentally 'lost' your original email about Betsy's bed and cannot seem to retrieve it. So, here is the link to where I got the pallet bed idea and how it's made.  CLICK HERE.  Ashley used a foam mattress, but we used an actual twin mattress which required some triming of the pallets.  We got the pallets from 'Home Depot', as well as the hardware and casters.  We, also, put little rubber caps on all of the exposed screws for safety.  Fortunately, before I even saw this bed on Ashley's blog I had 2 old, awesome doors in my garage that I dug out of someone's trash.  But, you could try a salvage yard or buy a new door and antique it.  Good luck!!!

Smile.

It's the weekend!