Beware...

... the Ides of March!

There's something special about today...

just can't put my finger on it...

Therapy Helpers...

We got up to find this one morning...

I love my 'therapy helpers'.

(Of course, it helps when Porter's watching Go, Diego, Go!)

Smart Cars...

Here are two very amazing cars...

the one on the left is just INCREDIBLY smaller than the one on the right!

Migraine Came Back...

Don't know what's up, but my migraine decided to come back.

All symptoms are back.

Back to bed.... I go.

Drat.

Wish I knew why I'm getting more migraines lately, and why each one has been more residual than normal.

:S

Migraines...

Need I say more???

In case you've never experienced one or don't know the signs:

--- ME, YESTERDAY---

While at my friend's house, I started noticing some signs...

A colorful ray/line of light was impeeding into my vision -- called an aura

And then, while I was looking at her face while she talked, I no longer could see her mouth, and all my focus was on her eyes.

Then I started to feel numbness in my right pinkie finger, which spread to my other fingers, one-by-one, and then up my forearm.

(and sometimes the numbness will be half of my tongue, nose, mouth, feet, face - each)

I get a taste in my mouth that is very distinct of a migraine about to come on.

Above... this is a picture of what it looks like when I drive with a migraine. (I think more without the clouds - just distortion of areas to where I can't see or read in that area).

Below... this is a pretty good depiction of what I look like when I have a migraine.

Doubled over, in pain, on the floor.

When I'm not in bed, with an ice pack on the back of my neck/head and a dark mask covering my eyes (or 3 blankets over my head to keep the light and sound out), leaning over a bucket to relieve nausea, and/or in the shower to relax enough to sleep through the pain.

Usually, the signs come without pain. If I take medicine at the first sign, I can usually sleep it off before it hits full-on. It's just wierd to take medicine before the pain hits. And sometimes the medicine doesn't kick in fast enough - hence the picture above. No guarantees here.

Like in the middle of the night - waking in pain from a migraine. Lots of fun. (not really)

The BEST part. My migraines are residual... which means after the BIG one hits, the feeling lingers for 2-3 days afterwards. And if I push myself too hard, BAM -- it comes right back, just as hard, if not harder.

My interpretation, someone's telling me to slow down... a lot. And my kids know -- mom can do nothing, so break out the cereal and toast.

And to remember, what Christ suffered in Gethsemane, was greater than this -- for which I gain much more gratitude.

So, I'm on the mend. I'll post more... in about 2-3 days.

I'm feeling very 'residual' at the moment.

She STILL Sleeps Anywhere...

Crayon Rolls with Porter

These are crayon rolls.

Porter helped me make them!

After they were all sewn, he helped put the crayons in:

This is what they look like when they're all done.

How to use? Roll them up like this...

Put the elastic around the button, to hold it closed.

And when you're done, climb up on the table in the messiest room and do a victory (all-done) dance!

Porter thought that the crayon rolls needed more crayons...

Evidently, this is why:

Okay, Jamie...

Tell me what you think...

the bag

the bib

the burpcloth

the nursing cover

all together

Is this what you wanted?

If so, we'll get it out and on the way!!!

(If not, I'll post some pictures of the other covers.)

Achieving my Goals...

Saturday was a laundry day.

I dumped 5 loads of clean, dry laundry to fold on our bed.

While we worked on diminishing the pile, Dane and I talked about life and stuff.

I was expressing my frustration with so much laundry all week.

My biggest goal for the week was figuring out how to get ontop of the laundry.

So, Dane, with all his confidence, came over and gave me a great big hug and told me he's going to help me achieve my goals.

I gave him a great big hug to thank him...

And then he shoved me onto the bed...

'Ontop of the laundry.'

And just so you know, I laughed.

And then I punched him in the shoulder.

Thanks Dane.

(gotta love him)

Our 'Recliner'

Have you ever seen a recliner... recline?

Well, this is how the kids think it should look...

And how much fun it is!

Kids perspectives can be so... refreshing!

Control Central's New Makeover...

thanks to UCreate,

I decided to make these easy organizers for our

'Control Central' (according to Kathy Peel).

I'm sick of papers!

So now there's a place for the mail to go as soon as it comes in the house...

I can actually see the budget book!

(hmmm... well, maybe that isn't a good thing.)

The calendar is up

and also everyone's commitment to keeping this place clean!

Can't forget the garbage for instant mail trash, and the file folders and cabinets to keep filed papers organized.

Still a work in progress as far as developing the habit of using and keeping clean.

But at least it's a start!

Nursing Cover for the Thompson's

So, I've finally finished the nursing cover set for Liz Thompson --

Now I just need to get it to her!

And I've tried! Oh, how I've tried!

I'll probably drop it off today...

Here's the preview:

Nursing cover with pockets and thumb loops...

(you might need to tilt your head for the next few pictures)

Burp Cloth with flannel on reverse side...

Bib with flannel on reverse side...

Matching bag...

All together now...

All wrapped up and nowhere to go!

Heart Attack while Sewing

You will lead by example.

I came out of our bathroom to find Debany sitting on my bed with this HUGE and EXCITED grin on her face, because she did this:

The following week (after I had taken off all the hearts to sew some projects) Myanna came in and did the same thing. (put up hearts all over my sewing table)

I sure do feel loved -- and they know I like to sew.

Mwuah! Love you, you sweet girlies!

Edible Peanut Butter Playdough

• "This treat can serve as edible play dough. Children can mold and shape while eating it. It's a great after school snack. Store extra portions in plastic bags in refrigerator or freezer."
• 
  
• 3 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 1/2 cups honey
• 4 cups dry milk powder

1. In large bowl, cream together peanut butter and confectioners' sugar, then beat in honey and fold in milk powder. Divide into 15 equal portions and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.

Play Clay

This popular recipe produces a soft and cooperative clay that can be used over and over again and will remain pliant for weeks!

Ingredients:

1 Cup flour

1 Cup water

1/2 Cup salt

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter

food coloring, optional

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture holds together (keep mixing or it will stick to the bottom of the pan).

2. When the clay is cool en0ough to touch, your child can knead it on a floured board.

*If stored in an airtight container, this dough will last, refrigerated or unrefrigerated, for 2-4 weeks.

Petrified Playdough Problem

Does your playdough look like this?

Rock hard and crusty...

Solution:

Throw it away!!!

And make some more!

You even get to choose the colors you want!

And there are hours of play ahead of you!

Hungry?! You can even make edible peanut butter playdough!

(recipes to be posted)