Ups and Downs

This weekend I was able to go to a creative arts retreat that the church I go to MOPS at put on. It was great. I was able to complete several projects and try out my new machine (and Janome DC2010). Pictures of that are coming soon. But, I came home Sunday night and have been bummed ever since. Some things I can't talk about on here, but some I can. Like the dentist. I have an intense fear of the dentist. So much so that I did not go for about 10 years. Jed finally made an appointment for me, and I went. Well, I need a lot of work done. I have had a root canal, and I have 12 fillings that need to be done. I went in yesterday and had three done, and I'm supposed to go back on Thursday for some more. The biggest problem is that our dental insurance has a yearly cap on how much they pay. After one more filling, I've met that cap for this year. So, that means that we are either going to have to find a way to pay for the 8 fillings that insurance won't cover, or I have to wait until 2011 to get them done (which doesn't really seem like a good option either). I've been stressed about the dentist already because of my fear, and now I feel guilty on top of that because of all the money this is going to cost us. Money we don't really have. And, if I had just gone to the dentist at some point before now, money that we probably wouldn't of had to spend. I know I can't change the past, but I still feel bad.

So, very little of this post is about crafting, but really, it's my blog, I can write whatever I feel like writing about, right?

Things I'm excited about

1. I'm buying a new sewing machine. I think I'm going to pick it up tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to playing with it.
2. I'm going on a craft retreat this weekend. Three days, in a hotel, where I can craft to my little heart's content. I think I'm going to learn all about the aforementioned new sewing machine.
3. I have fabric and patterns for a new purse for me and a new dress for Ali.
4. A friend told me she had a bunch of fabric to give me. I can't wait to see what it is!
5. Anna Maria Horner's new book and the newest Sew U book come out soon.

There you go, five very happy things. Good night to all!

Breakfast

I love to cook. Clean-up isn't my favorite, but the act of cooking is quite peaceful. However, breakfast is the exception. I love breakfast food, but I'm not a morning person. That's probably putting it lightly. I really hate mornings, so often my family is forced to fend for themselves. Thank goodness cereal is loved by all.

For that exact reason, I was so glad when I learned through MyBlogSpark.com that General Mills is making a commitment of further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving, while increasing nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D, and providing whole grain.

Cereal is actually shown to be a top source of key nutrients in a child's diet. And even presweetened cereals only account for 5% of sugar in a child's diet.

So, I will feel better about the fact that I do buy Fruit Loops every once in a while for my family, and I'll continue to enjoy my Chocolate Cheerios. And thanks to General Mills, I was able to buy some cereal for my family...everyone got a choice, and I couldn't say no!

For more information about kids and cereals, please visit Cereal Health and Wellness.

Right now if you visit here you will find a $1 off coupon for one of four General Mills cereals.

Please note that the information on breakfast cereals as well as coupons for complimentary cereal was given to me by General Mills through myblogspark.com

Advent

Since Ali is three this year, she really gets the idea of Christmas. I am really enjoying the wonder of Christmas this year since everything is new and wonderful to her. To help her understand Advent and help with the countdown to Christmas, we made an Advent calendar for our wall. Nothing fancy this year (although I love to make a permanent one for next year. We shall see). Here is what we did:Each number was written on an index card with glitter glue and a red or green circle was drawn around it. This card is taped to another card with our activity of the night on it. The activities include reading stories, cooking with Mom, and making crafts. Ali loves looking at the card each day and counts down the days to Christmas at least three times a day.

Some of our decoration include Ali's paper chains.

Ali and I working on a Christmas tree decoration. Ali was very excited about the glitter.




Here are some cards that Ali made to give to someone special. She worked very hard on them and was super excited to use my "special markers"; the scrapbook ones that sparkle.

Christmas sewing is underway!

Super Beckett cape for my nephew


Tinkerbell PJs for Ali.


Farm PJ's for Josiah.

Still to come: PJ pants for Jed and I, some purses and gift card holders, and some felt food and doll clothes.

Tinkerbell

My daughter knew, without a doubt, that she wanted to be Tinkerbell for Halloween. So, here she is, flying away.



I wish I could take credit for the great car Josiah is sitting in, but I had nothing to do with it. It's just cute.

I'm currently working on PJ's for the family for Christmas. I have a few other presents I want to make; we will see if they get done. And, if Ali had anything to do with it, I'd be making Princess costumes now also. She thinks she wants to be Snow White, Cinderella, or Belle. She told me I could make all the dresses, and then she could decide!

A little bit of my work...

A tutu a made a while ago for Ali. She had given one to a friend for her birthday and wanted her own.


Her doll and the clothes, diapers and bag I made for her. The baby's name is Curly, for reasons I still don't understand.

Ali in her "purple twirly dress". It's a bit short for a dress, so we wear pants under it. It's the Gracie pattern from Portabellopixie.