for my mom, who wants to see my project

Remember when I got all excited about that fabric way back in 2009? Well it did become available and here I am quilting a little quilty for my little baby. I was so nervous to start a hand-quilted quilt. I kept thinking back to the days when I was young and couldn't focus on a project for more than 10 minutes (literally) and I was nervous that I would quickly tire of the quilting and never finish but I'm already half way done and I'm really enjoying my time slowly stitching. It's really so satisfying! I'm actually excited at the prospect of more quilting when this one is finished.

And for those who might care, the fabric is from Far Far Away II by Heather Ross, and I'm quilting with Perle Cotton embroidery thread a'la Anna Maria.

Also in today's news:
Spring is springing here in the land of enchantment!

Exhibit A:

Bluebell starting laying again (more light = more laying you see)

Exhibit B:

Some very over-achieving irises are popping their cute little heads out of the sand! Yay!

tunage

This is one of my newest favorite songs.

And the group is one of my newest favorite bands (do we call it a band? I'm so not cool). Introduced to me by my Dad, of all people. He got me to like classic rock as a kid and now we share a mutual like of Pomplamoose.

Thanks, Dad. I owe you.

Story of the baby's life

This is a familiar scene around here. Someone needs to get a little bigger so he can toddle around after his brothers outside.

8 years

Yesterday I spent most of the morning moping and feeling sorry for myself. I complained to my sister on the phone and then spent quite a few minutes sitting on the floor, my forehead resting on the ottoman, feeling sad that my anniversary would not include this:

by finn jewlery via this is glamorous

or a trip to Paris with my love,

or even a nice dinner out with just the two of us because we can't leave cutie-pie-cry-face with a teenager without an intense amount of worry.

And then.

He came home for lunch. He walked right in the door looking so very handsome. He twinkled his eyes at me, happily wished me a happy anniversary, and held me close while the kids pulled at our pant legs for attention.

And right then I was instantly happy. I didn't mind that we aren't at a point where we have money to spend on extravagant trips or gifts and our kids are too small to allow us many nights out. Because I've had him for eight years now, and I'll have him for the rest of my life and beyond and I actually get butterflies when I think of spending forever with him.

I love you, my darling. You have made this the happiest 8 years of my life, hands down.

We are trying to take a family picture every month this year, as opposed to last year when we took maybe one. January's attempt obviously leaves only room for improvement this month.

This post is unrelated to the picture. Just so you don't get confused.

Don't you hate it when you think all the way through some conundrum and then forget you thought it all the way through and bring it up with someone then sound like a moron because it had an obvious answer and you knew it but you forgot you knew it?

Example:

Me: Hey, sister-in-law... I'm now going to give you this super long-whiney explanation as to why I'd like you to babysit Roman on Tuesday... not sure why I feel the need to whiney-ask because I know you'd say yes if I just asked normally but I can't fight the urge so... please please please!!

Sister-in-law: Well you know I would but did we not establish like 10 minutes ago that I am going out of town tomorrow and won't be back all week?

Me: Ohhhh yeaaaaah! So THAT'S why I felt all hesitant to bring up the babysitting! And yes, I do pay attention to what you say, and I already had this whole conversation with myself in my head. So sorry. Carry on.

This happens to me daily. If only I could remember my inner dialogues! Does this happen to anyone else?

2 days in a row now

Snow day!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Rico Chavez, I loved hearing your voice tonight, telling me I don't have to wake up the kids for a 1-below-zero wait at the bus stop tomorrow.

Now please don't call me at 6 am tomorrow morning and reverse my love for you.

xoxCarrie

*edit: make that three days in a row. And we haven't had snow since day 1! So strange.

*double edit: make that 4. And apparently it's because New Mexico doesn't have enough gas to heat everyone's house, let alone the schools. Sweeto job, New Mexico.