Spado

Before we returned to the States in 2011 I promised the kids we could get a dog. We talked together about the importance of rescuing a pet from the shelter along with the usual responsibilities of pet ownership. Now though I'm running into major problems. At first I thought these complications were restricted to breed specific rescue centers, but I've since learned that they apply to the SPCA in our area as well.

*Money: These shelters ask up to $350 for the adoption fee. I know that pets are not cheap but I also know what a dog costs from a breeder.

*Home Visits: I don't like anyone I don't know coming to my home. I have the right to privacy and the right to safety. It is difficult enough letting the cable guy in once to install the internet much less know that anyone from the organization may stop by at any time to check up on the dog.

*Applications: Some of the applications I've seen are seven or more pages long. One of the questions we fail on is: How long have you lived in your current home?

I've had pets my entire life and grew up around animals of all sorts. I know these groups have their heart in the right place but are they really helping animals by making the adoption process so rigid? Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback regarding this.

Starting Over

Tomorrow the household goods arrive at our new home here in Northern Virginia. I'm very happy with my choice of area so far. Everything I need seems to be within 10 minutes and DC is just a quick Metro ride away, but where not close enough to have terrible traffic. I can't wait to dive into my patterns and fabric and decide what to do first.

I bought two of these little journals (one in each color) for me to write in for the girls. I am enjoying them. Two days in only but I'm surprised by how easy it is to fill up the space. Mom's One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book

In somewhat frustrating news I purchased a new phone today. When I went to transfer the telephone number and contract I wasn't able to. Turns out the zip code I originally had my account in doesn't have smartphone service and in order to use my new phone I had to change my zip code. In order to change the zip code I had to get a new phone number. Blerg. To top it off the customer service rep promised I'd be able to use the old phone until the new one was activated. Didn't happen so now I have no usable phone. I'm sure I'll be happy once the new phone is going but for now it stinks.

Holiday 2011

It's Christmas now and I can't sleep, not because I'll get lots of great things in the morning but because I want my children to be happy more than anything on Christmas Day. Yesterday my aunt Alice and her husband Tom came to visit from Pensacola.

They brought Izzy a beautiful baby doll cradle that Tom handmade and a volley ball and net for D. I'm not sure who was most excited but Izzy rocked various things: teddy bear, balls, sweater, jacket off and on all day. We ate ham and potato salad, cream style corn, green beans, and rolls for lunch. Sweet tea was perfect. I'll update late in the day when my brain is actually working with photos and more on Christmas day.

We actually made the gingerbread houses a few days earlier, but we did get them done despite the Florida humidity.

Christmas morning, presents from Santa.

Great-Grandmother Annie B. with three great girls.

The day after Christmas we ate another Christmas meal with Aunt Sherry and Uncle David. It was so delicious! Smoked turkey breast, broccoli cornbread, hashbrown casserole, green beans, mac and cheese.

Honoring my craft.

I posted this on my sewing forum in response to sewing goals for 2012.

For me I just don't want to get bogged down/depressed that we are moving now and moving again early 2013. I want to unpack and decorate this home as if we will live there for years and years. In accordance with that...

1. Deck out the playroom: drapes, toy bags, bean bag covers, slipcovers, whatever. This is a long term project and things can be done over time.

2. Deck out the girls' room: bed canopies, quilt for Izzy, pillowcases. I'd like this complete by April.

3. Organize stash: Get a good storage system for apparel fabric (Leaning toward something like this) and ribbon, finish getting my wovens onto the CBB and onto shelves. Create look book with patterns that I want to make and fabric samples. Buy as little as possible both patterns and fabric.

4. Make placemats, napkins, and table runners. And use them! (Ongoing project)

5. Deck out girls' bathroom: shower curtain, hand towels, embroidery large towels. (Ongoing project)

6. Make as many clothing items as possible for me and Izzy instead of buying. This includes customizing an underwear pattern for myself and finally trying pants. (Ongoing project)

Hello Again!

Yes I know it's been awhile. But no apologies, sometimes life gets in the way and it did in the form of my graduate school work. We're moving soon for the second time this year and spouse is leaving for overseas yet again. I thought I'd wind up this year by answering the questions Sew Mama Sew asked some people in the sewing scene, but answers my not necessarily be about sewing.

SMS!: Looking back at the 2011 sewing scene, what trends stand out in your mind?
* Bikes, forest animals, aqua with red, modern quilts.

SMS!: What were some of your favorite things?
* My last trip to Happy Quilt with my friends in Korea.
* Coming back to America.
* Passing my comprehensive exam!
* Going to Boston.
* Going to Acapulco.
* Thanksgiving with my family.

SMS!: What did you make that you’re most proud of?
*This is tough but I think I'm going to say the dress I made myself for the Graduation Dinner in Boston.



SMS!: What sewn projects have you seen this year that you absolutely love? Do you have a favorite sewing book or pattern from the past year to recommend?
*So many gorgeous projects to choose from, but I did learn about modern quilting recently and I am head over heals in love.
*I recently purchased the book Simply Charming Modern and I hope to be sewing and showing some quilts from it.

SMS!: Are there any trends you’re over and done with?
*Etsy resalers, Etsy Chinese junk, and pretty much Etsy aesthetic in general.
*Women wearing children's prints and child-like clothing. A little is okay but all over is too much.
*Hipsters.

SMS!: What are your thoughts about social media? How is it going for you? What do you love or hate?
*Facebook pissed me off terribly this year, but I stuck with it and it's gotten a bit better.
*I use Twitter much more than Facebook. My handle is @DarnHeather.
*I've also started using Pintrest and I love the visual layout. You can find me there at https://pinterest.com/funda62/ If you can tell me how to change my user name I'd appreciate it. The directions on the site don't work, and I don't use funda62 for anything else anymore.

SMS!: What was your favorite fabric collection or print?
Joel Dewberry Aviary 2 for Free Spirit.



SMS!: What do you predict for 2012?
I hope my personal life will be busy and happy. The girls and I plan to spend lots of days at the museums.

SMS!: What blogs do you follow?
*I check True Up at least every other day to see all the new fabric coming out.
* Sew Mama Sew! has wonderful give aways and always inspires me.
*For clothing for me I adore Sewing Fanatic. She's also a larger woman and is always dressed fabulously.

SMS!: Can you tell us anything about what to expect from you in 2012? Any projects or life-changing goals you can share?
*Walk on treadmill 3 to 5 days a week.
*Sew 3 to 5 days a week.
*Read at least 50 books.
*Blog about my projects.

Halloween Yee-Haw!

Last night the girls went trick-or-treating at post housing. I was really pleased with how their costumes came out and actually got asked by several people if I could sew some for them!

At home in front of the decorations D made.


Getting candy from friends.


This photo cracks me up!


In this photo you can kind of see their matching treat bags that are embroidered.


I had planned on taking more photos tonight but all the festivities were rained out. So here instead is a sneak peak at our holiday matching outfits.

High Flying

It has been a long time since I posted. I have excuses, too busy with school and not doing anything fun.

Today the kids and I went to the Osan Air Base air show. It was fantastic. I could watch planes all day. As it was the kids and I only lasted 3 hours before we left to eat but it was still a great time.

While the Blue Angels will always have a special place in my heart I can now say the Thunderbirds ROCK!