One Down!

I actually accomplished something on my To Do List!!

I needed this to be done by next week - and it really only took me several hours today to accomplish.  It's definitely not a professional job by any means, but it gets the job done, and doesn't look too bad - especially if you don't look real close. :)

Before: It really doesn't look that bad in the picture... but it was pretty dirty and stained.

After:

Edited for more info that I forgot to include the first time.

I didn't use a pattern or anything, I really just laid the original seat over the fabric and cut out what I thought would fit.  I was close at some points.  Then I just folded it over the edge and sewed all around the edge.  I had to do some folding and tucking around the seat area - nothing too daunting.  I also sewed in a few places to try and hold them together so they didn't get all bunchy.  I cut the holes for the straps and then just hand sewed around the openings - probably not the best for longevity, but it will be ok for now.  I also had to do some hand stitching around some of the bottom because I couldn't just sew through because a bar needed to be there.  (I know it doesn't make much sense, but just trust me.) :)  All in all, a pretty simple project.  Like I said - not done the best - and it probably won't last super long - but it will definitely hold up for the few days we need it next week.

I don't think so Tim

Trying to come up with a title for this post - I love home improvement, so I thought of Home Improvement. :-D

Updated pictures of the new room - and my new workspace.  My workspace needs some organizing, and I haven't actually used it yet - but I can't wait to. :)  Hopefully tonight!!

Also before the pictures - My last post was number 100!!  Craziness.  And!  In less than a week Noah will be 1!  This past year has gone by so fast and yet I can't imagine life without our Noah.  Each kid just makes your heart expand, it's amazing how much love potential there is there. :)

Without further ado - on to the pictures!

Room Progress

So just when I thought I was going to get back into blogging:

- I start babysitting much more regularly again.

- Spring hits, which means lots of cleaning, weeding, planting, and various out door activities.

- LOST!!  Oh how I love Lost.  sigh.  I won't bore all of you non Losties with theories and thoughts - but if you want to talk to me about it - I would love to.  Just shoot me an email. :)

 So yeah, blogging hasn't been on the forefront of my mind lately, nor at the top of my priority list, but I am working on some posts.  I want to do a boys update, for those that follow from afar, and are interested. :)  I have a few recipes hiding out.  And of course some gardening stuff to report soon (I hope.)

Today I thought I would share some new pictures of the room my husband is making. He has done everything himself, except for the carpet, well and the painting  - I did that. I love that I have a handyman husband, he has really made/built some great things, and saved us a bunch of money in the process. Love him! :)

These were all taken before the carpet was put in last week (obviously)  There is a bit of the trim up now too.  I would go get some pictures right now - but there is a little one sleeping in there at the moment. 

And finally, a question for my fellow Blogger bloggers.  How do you insert pictures?  Do you use the uploader online, or do you upload via a different program - or load them from a different site?  Do you use the web editor - or is there one I can download to my desktop?  I've been having some issues with picture placement and being able to put the text where I want it, and so on.  I suppose if I would learn some basic HTML that might go smoother.  Anyways, any advice would be appreciated.

Quilt Along Week 4 and New Work Space!

Here are last week's blocks. These were fun to make. :) I'm having a lot of fun trying all these new blocks that I haven't done before.

My wonderful husband has been hard at work transforming our laundry room into a guest bedroom and crafting area for me - while also keeping it's laundry room function. He built me a great work area desk and shelving. I can't wait to move my stuff in, but I need to wait until the drywall is done on the other half of the room. Pictures of that to come later.

Here is where some of my crafting gear resides at the moment. (On an aside, I got that great wooden high chair for $4 - yay!) I don't think many people could say they have cleaned baby food off their cutting mat...

And here is my new space!! I'll post more pictures once I'm officially moved in. :)

(have I mentioned how wonderful my husband is? :))

The Things We Do For Love + Domestic Improvements

So there are a few things that my husband really enjoys eating. Two of them are Beef and Noodles like his grandma's and sauerkraut (but not together, at least I don't think). So I decided to tackle both of those things. The beef and noodles are made with canned beef - which I think is the secret behind them. So earlier this week I canned roast for the first time. I got a recipe from my husband's aunt. Basically you get some roast, cut it into chunks, put it in jars, put lids and seals on jars, and process them in a pressure cooker. I think it all came out good. I haven't checked the seals yet, but I'm hoping they all sealed. I personally think the meat looks kind of freaky in there, but I know that that is how it is supposed to look. :)

Now for the other thing, sauerkraut. I was in our local grocery store and they had huge locally grown cabbage, so I bought one. Found out once I got home the sucker weighs 8lbs. That's a whole lot of cabbage. I bought it with the mind set that I was going to be making sauerkraut, but I had never actually read up on how it is done... So after I get home I read and find out that it is going to take about 6 weeks to fermet - um, ew! I never have liked sauerkraut, and the thought of fermenting cabbage just does not appeal to me in the slightest, but hey it's all for love. :) I have yet to start this adventure. I will let you know in about a month and a half if it was successful. Meanwhile any handy sauerkraut tips would be great. Oh and I've already heard the - just buy a jar when you need it. I've already bought the cabbage and darn it I won't let it go to waste!!

Now on to the Domestic Improvements. Don't really know why I am posting this stuff except that I am extremely excited about them both, and once you hear what they are you are free to roll your eyes at my "oldness" and so totally uncoolness.

First off I won the bid on a chest freezer at an auction last Saturday. I love it!!! I have enough room in my regular freezer for 4 or more ice cube trays!! And when I open it random frozen foods don't fall on my toes; it's amazing. And it was a pretty good deal at $75, I think.



Secondly, I've been trying to figure out a way to have a semi permanent place to sew and do other things like that. I finally figured out a solution that was mostly acceptable to my husband and me. We'll see how long it lasts. :) I just hope it helps me get things done.