A light pole fell down at a major local intersection overnight, closing it down for hours and causing a traffic nightmare for most of the day. We were literally the only people at car line in the morning because no one else could get there. I thought the school was closed. We had a plan to meet up for pizza after Christina’s dance class and then go pick out a Christmas tree, but Robin was in an epically bad mood and then Billy spilled her full glass of Dr. Pepper all over her at the table, so we decided to bag it. I still think that was a smart move.
Tag: sewing
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December 1
Not the best photo. I’m sure I’ll take better ones tomorrow. But we finally put up the FINISHED advent calendar tonight! Christina did the honors of placing the first ornament. I am so proud of this thing, all the years of planning and cutting and measuring and hand sewing and machine sewing and plain old learning how to sew at all. I need a better way to hang it, and need to take down the stuff behind it, but I’m very proud of it. I hope it brings us as much joy after making it as I had while making it. And the countdown to Christmas begins…
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October 25
I am getting better with sewing. I’ve learned how to wind a bobbin WITHOUT it getting tangled, and how to thread the bobbin and the needle ON THE FIRST TRY. I’ve gotten better at cutting fabric in matching sizes and sewing in straight lines. I took in the kids’ Halloween costumes and made these lined trick or treat bags, and it felt good. Robin and I went to the quilt shop across the street to pick out fabric and I bought way too much, so I think I am going to try to make some napkins with the rest. And if there’s any left over after that… we’ll see. Maybe a table “runner”. It’s a lot more fun to sew when you kind of know what you’re doing.
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July 20
My first quilting. I’m not sure it’s finished, but I had fun making it. Robin and I went to Michael’s to get some crafting supplies and then went to Chili’s for lunch. It was nice getting to spend some time with her. I feel bad that she’s spent her whole summer sitting around in her room. I wish I could spend more time with her.
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July 14
I actually made myself sick at work today, worrying about how to get everything done without dying. The truth is that I can’t get it all done, but I’m also struggling to decide what WON’T get done, and what to do about it. Part of that is inexperience and lack of insight into leadership priorities, but part is also that I am so inundated that I can’t actually think clearly about anything. I feel like this challenge was given to me as an opportunity to prove myself, and I’m failing, so add inadequate to the list of emotions I’m feeling. I’m tired. But I made this bag last night and now I have ideas for other projects, and the idea of making things is helping to keep me sane. And running. I am enjoying running. And cooking. And knitting and photography and writing and paddleboarding. Thank goodness I have time for these things too.
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June 24
Robin made thirteen pillows today. While Robin was sewing, Christina and I went through the girls’ baby boxes. I unexpectedly found a note that Barbara wrote to Robin before she was born and I couldn’t keep back the tears. I’m so grateful to have had that memory with her tonight. I so wish I could see her again, and thank her. I so wish that Christina had any idea who Barbara actually is. I’ve tried to keep these memories alive for the girls, but they’ll never really know the beauty of these very real relationships. That is a whole loss in itself. I’m glad that at least I have those memories. It will have to be enough.
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March 25
I co-facilitated another NAMI class tonight. It went pretty well, but I struggle to feel that I am doing good. All I can do is push through. Which is the same message I’m giving myself when it comes to running. I am going backwards in terms of progress, but I will just keep pressing forward. Eventually I have to get un-stuck. For now, though, sleep. I am fucking exhausted.
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March 2
Considering we started the day on the other side of the state, I did a lot today. Not the least of which was finishing another big piece of the advent calendar. I am finishing the day with overwhelming gratitude. For every time Robin smiled over the weekend, for Christina coming food shopping with me today, for Billy pulling together all our National Parks photos into frames to put on the dining room wall… and so many other things too.
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February 22
I went out with some friends and we laughed and ate Mexican food and it was so fun. I don’t have many friends here, and those I do have I don’t see very often, so nights like these mean a lot to me. Also today I made the last ornament for the advent calendar. It will surely be done in time for Christmas this year. Next step is to sew on buttons, then add the back and border, and then add dowels and it’s done! Four years of effort. Worth all the time that’s gone into it.
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October 22
I had a pretty productive day, and got this sweet owl ready for Christmas. It’s not looking likely that I’ll finish in time for this year, but I think definitely by next year. Making these ornaments has been fun. Some of them are better than others, but I’ve enjoyed making them all. I can’t wait to see this all finished and in action. The surprise of seeing which ornament you’ve pulled out of the pocket is more fun than I realized it would be. I’m always surprised when one of my ideas actually works out.
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September 28
This dove took me half a day to make because apparently I suck at embroidery. I had to make six or seven wings before I finally got these two. I didn’t hate the effort, but it did take forever. Nine ornaments left to do and two months to do it.
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September 7
I spent a lot of time talking to people today, which is not one of my favorite things. I had lunch with someone from church, caught up with Siggi, and then spent time with friends from cheer. I think I made more cheer friends than Robin. And I’m glad!
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September 6
I finished reading the Frederick Douglass book. I am learning so much, and I am so grateful. My mind is full of new ideas, things that contradict the things I previously thought were true. I want to read more. Who knew that one day at Fort Sumter would lead to this? That one day changed everything… again.
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September 1
It was a pretty productive day. Took the kids clothes shopping because Robin wears the same three items every day and Christina has grown so much in the last year that not one item she owns fits her. There was a moment where I had to threaten to pick Christina’s clothes out for her if she didn’t find her own, but then we found the Holy Grail of pre-teen clothes and they couldn’t stop piling it on. I bought them everything. May we never have to go clothes shopping again. And then I spent the rest of the day making this cute gnome ornament for the advent calendar. It’s unlikely to be done in time for this year, but it might be close. I’ll take it.
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August 28
The merry-go-round continues. This is going to be a long school year. I decided to bow out of the chorus, at least for the first concert until I establish a bit more of a routine. I think that for now, I’d rather be there for my kids for the short amount of time that they’re kids. The chorus will be there later. Or if not that, then something else. Not sure if this is the right choice, but honestly I’m too tired for it anyway. We’ll see.
Year in Photos 