Rage of the Rag Rug

Let's just say...OMG...I sewed the strips too long and they are driving my crazy. Rather than cutting them down I will struggle today and finish braiding them. I can't believe how fast the braiding has gone. I am really hoping that I have enough fabric for a nice sized rug at least 5 feet in diameter.

I am to the point now that I want to cut up anything in the house that doesn't fit us, but for now I will contain myself to the three rug projects for this year and then collect fabric for next years projects. 2009 Rugs 1)G Rug 2)M Rug 3) White Rug

If I had more followers I put up a survey mokey to see if I should make an oval or round rug. Madeline is voting for oval, but I really think the color look better as a round rug.

Off topic....I am thinking of compiling a book of essays from girls and women that have scoliosis. Kind of a diary or snapshot of different moments in their lives. Not sure if it would sell, but I think it could be theraputic for many people and they would understand that they are not alone.

Trials and Tribulations of a Tuesday

Tuesdays are beginning to evolve into a pattern of getting Jason and Griffin started with their day, breakfast for Madeline and I followed by dropped Madeline off at her Performing Arts Preschool (more about that amazing experience another time). Then I am off to Physical Therapy, pick up Madeline from school, lunch, nap time and that takes me to about 1pm. Plan dinner, do a couple of not so labor intense projects around the house or take a nap myself.

There is no doubt that I need a couple of projects going so I don't lose my mind since I am no longer working. Being the first day of the month seems to give me a refreshing view, as if I am looking forward with opportunities to explore my interest that I have never had the chance to do before - which I am sure were self limiting - although when you work 12-14 hours a day for 7 years you start to lose who you are because your work begins to define you as a person.

Here is the beginning of my project list:
Griffin's Braided Rag Rug - basic colors are red, white and blue, but I am trying to decide if I should add cream, green, blue and orange. From what I have read I need 300 yards for the rug so I may cut more on Friday so I can mix the colors evenly throughout the project. My Mom keeps telling me that I don't have to be so ridged with the color selections, but that is coming from a perfectionist Quilter that would never make a color selection that didn't have a theory behind it. Mom's color theory #1 - Nature is your guild - nature makes no mistakes when selecting colors of birds, animals and fish. Take a beautiful fish or bird for instance. Voila! you have an amazing color palate. More Momisms in the future.

Madeline's Braided Rag Rug - Once again I am on a mission to use her baby blankets also. I really think this will be a good keepsake for them while saving me the heartache of getting rid of their blankies.

My White Rag Rug - I have been saving sheets for a while and I would love to have an all white bedroom and bath. White with accents of candles, wood and fresh cut flowers, if seems like a dream room to me.

Those are my big projects. My thought is that I can do one a month on average, but with Christmas and Thanksgiving coming up I know that I will be adding a lot of additional activities.

SPARK (that is what I am calling my brainstorm ideas) - Braided Christmas Tree Skirt. That could be my November project.

As for additional projects - I am looking at doing a cookbook as Christmas Gifts and seasonal/holiday clothing and accessories for Madeline and Christmas gifts for my immediate family. Boys clothes aren't as cute when they are homemade - at least not at my skill level.

September Project - Braided Rag Rug

I am prepping for my September Project today. I am making a Braided Rag Rug from my Son's baby blankets. It breaks my heart the thought of giving them away so I decided to recycle them so he will be able to use the rug in his bedroom for years to come.

After researching the instructions on how to braid the rug for the best results I have found that I will be using three strands which are cut 2" wide. I will braid all of the fabric and then being sewing it together. Mother Earth News is the best resource for projects. They have everything online, the article that I referenced was from 1971.

My upcoming project for October and November is a Cookbook that our familly will be giving away as Christmas gifts. It will be filled with yummy recipes and pictures of our family.

Stop! You Are About To Change Everything In Your Life.

Wow...Does change make you happy? That is a good question.

Today I am happy for the sudden changes in my life. The changes weren't put into motion by my choice, but after taking a deep breath and realizing that I can do more than sell real estate and manage real estate transactions, I can exhale.

First priority, my kids, WOW! I am all grown up now. I have decide to narrow my focus down to a few realistic goals for the sake of my sanity. I am happy to say that I am going to try everyday to be the best Mommy I can be, some days are tougher than others. I am going to take in 4 kids and have preschool at my home, plus I started back to school to get my degree in Early Childhood Education.

Tying up loose ends will also make me happy. I have Tupperware and Isagenix to contend with. OMG...I am in deep with both of those ventures, but streamlining the activites into something managable will make me happy.

And finally the most AWESOME opportunity that has sent me over the moon is my opportunity with ConnectRealty.com. This is the most amazing opporunity for me to recruit and help Real Estate Agents not only get through these tough times, but build an incredible stream of revenue.

Pink, Orange, Red Or Black?

Today I am happy that my husband has a great job with terrific insurance so we are able to take our daughter to Phoenix Children's Hospital for her broken arm. I am also happy that so many people have dedicated their lives to the care of children. This is Madeline's first broken bone, but not her first adventure to the hospital. My little girl is a miracle baby, born just 3 1/2 yrs ago weighing only 2 pounds 3.5 ounces she has always been a tough little chick. More on that story at another time.

So posed with the question: What color cast would you like? Madeline's answer started with orange because it is her favorite color, her Daddy influenced the idea of pink, then I suggested red because she Christmas is coming soon and it would be the same color as Santa, then she saw a pic of a black cast and she thought that was "cool".

The next few hours are going to be tough for her, our appointment isn't until 11:45 and she is on food and water restriction because she may have surgery today. Luckily I think we have enough movies on the DVR that she will be busy until we need to leave.

So I am thankful for Dora the Explorer today...

The Day After Election Day

Today I am happy that a sense of hope has been restored to our country. Every person that voted yesterday made a difference. Your voice and spirit was heard by all.

My daughter who is 3 1/2 learned to say President Barack Obama, Michelle, Malia and Sasha this morning. She looked at the pictures from Chicago last night and all of the people celebrating with tears of joy in their eyes from around the country. Her response was "I like him" and smiled like only a three year old can smile when giving approval.