Look how pretty the blog looks!!!
Okay, lets get down to the details here. This beautiful blog design is the work of a wonderful woman, Lauren Casper. And guess what fellow bloggers?! She could do your blog too. The proceeds from her designs go to fund the Caspers' adoption. How could you resist that? Please, please check out her story and her design shop. You will be inspired.
Thank you Lauren!!!! We love the new look!!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Diagnosis
The Testing:
Friday morning at nine o'clock sweet nurse, Amanda, called my name in the waiting room. We were escorted back to a nice room to wait for the doctor. I like this office. Its warm and inviting with bright colors, flowers, and a shag rug to protect your feet from the pretty but cold tile floor. (More doctors should look into this type design. Its comforting.) We sat there waiting. I chatted nervously as I always do at the doctor. I haven't been sleeping well anxiously awaiting the results.
If one thing was certain in my life from a young age, it was the fact God made me to be a mom. I think my mom can attest to this best. I actually became a mommy for the first time at age 3. Her name was Tina (it said so on her birth certificate) and she arrived on my birthday. This doll was a perfect life-like six month old, and I took such good care of her. My little sister would be born a couple months later and so I took a mommy class (actually sibling classes) at the hospital. I learned how to care for an infant as best a three year old could. Then she came. My sweet, beautiful...and tearfully dramatic...little sister. I followed my mom around imitating her motherly instincts, loving and caring for my babies. I even changed my first diaper all by myself that year. You're welcome Sissy.
Being a mommy was wonderful, the best job in the world. By the time my brother came I was nearing eight. Poor guy. He didn't know he would be raised by two moms.
My entire childhood I watched, learned and retained the knowledge that I would need to be the most perfect mother. (Thank you mom for all the training...I learned from the best.) When I declared to my mother that I would go to college to get my MRS, I meant it though I'm know she didn't want to believe me.
Very few know that Mike and I have been trying to get pregnant for about two years now. It clearly hasn't happened. In January, we decided it was time to seek help. Two years of failed attempts is considered medically infertile, you know. Could I really not have the ability to conceive? Would God allow that for me?
Then my doctor came in. She is a wonderful woman, so warm and full of energy. She held my future in her hand, and she wasted no time spilling the truth.
The Results:
Friday morning, my doctor began explaining. The first of two sets of tests had concluded that I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS.)
My heart sank.
I knew from my compulsive research this was something typically tested and common, but no way was that the cause. I had no symptoms. I'm not overweight. I didn't fit the profile. How could this be?
We discussed it in more depth. I was shocked and processing. She explained the course of action she recommended we take. Still shocked. I was asking valid questions and side effects. Still processing.
I'm slowing learning more now and seeing maybe there were signs all along, very, very small signs. I nor my doctors would have ever thought to test until now.
Then she went on to the second set of lab work that had been done...
"Wait Dr Lisa," I said. "There's more. A double wammy?!" (Yes I really said that.) She smiled slightly and unfortunately went on.
I was then informed that I also have a Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) c677t heterozygous gene mutation. What the hell is that you might ask? Well its outside of my doctor's expertise too so don't feel bad if you've never heard of it. But note: chances are you could have it too...its very common. Like 50% of the population common.
Basically, I inherited this mutation that blocks my body's ability to break down a particular amino acid called homocysteine. The elevated levels of this amino acid in my blood causes a couple of issues.
In regards to overall health, it is great to learn I have this because it causes heart disease and stroke later in life. It can be controlled by diet though so there is hope for me yet. My family should all be tested as well for their overall health and well being.
For pregnancy, it gets a little more complicated and worrisome. Because this amino acid can't break down properly, my body cannot absorb folic acid and other essential B vitamins. These are essential for brain development especially during the first few weeks of gestation. Our potential children could be at a higher risk for neural tube defects and down syndrome with these deficiencies.
The more troubling concern to me is the high risk of miscarriage due to clotting. Basically, the placenta could clot and cut off supplies to the baby resulting in a later term loss. It seems weird, but I told Mike that I'm a little glad I have PCOS. Otherwise, we could have been struggling with multiple unexplained miscarriages. Emotionally speaking God protected us from that horror that many with MTHFR experience. I have read several stories of couples that had several miscarriages before learning of their MTHFR mutation. (Most insurances won't cover testing for this until 3 consecutive miscarriages have occurred....heart-wrenching stories) We are lucky. Any miscarriages we might have had were to early to detect and highly unlikely to have occurred anyhow.
The Treatment:
First and foremost, you can't get pregnant if ovulation isn't happening. Dr. Lisa is prescribing Clomid. I know what you're thinking. However, there is only a 10% chance of twins. The better statistics are those of Clomids effectiveness. 80% of users begin ovulating again and 40-50% achieve pregnancy rather quickly. It should do the trick. Now if the Army would just give us the time to try.
For the other issue...I have to take baby aspirin everyday (probably for the rest of my life.) Not a big deal. Lots of people do that. They probably have this mutation and don't even know it. Makes me wonder why it isn't screened for in patients with family history of heart disease.
I also will be going for nutritional counseling asap. I will learn about dietary changes that can lower my homocysteine levels naturally. This will be one of the best things to do. Also, I'm doing research to discuss with the nutrtionalist certain supplements I can take and alternatives to folic acid. I will be asking for prescription prenatal, some sort of folic acid something, as well as Vitamin B6 and B12. (Its interesting that my internist knew I had these deficiencies 5-6 years ago but never pursued a cause...now I know it wasn't all the Wendy's I ate in college like he said.)
Potent prescription vitamins and supplements should increase my levels enough for normal fetal development. And the aspirin should be enough of a blood thinner to prevent miscarriage. If we have any problems with miscarriage, there are prescription (daily self injection...blah) blood thinners that can be used.
Overall the outlook is very bright. The biggest challenge with these two items is diagnosing them. When you follow the proper treatments, the likelihood of having healthy pregnancies is very high.
The Emotion:
I'm still processing. I think I'm still in shock. I don't know why. I sought out answers I may not have totally been ready to hear. I've read blogs of other women who explain their feeling so beautifully. I'm not eloquent or beautiful. I'm the mess after a natural disaster. That's what just occurred isn't it? My infertility was a natural disaster, a catastrophic moment. Dr. Lisa is coming in with emergency relief but... I'm broken. Its a harsh summary of myself I know, but the wound is fresh. No sugar can hide the reality. It does me no good to pretend its all okay. It was not a good day.
It was difficult but necessary to tell our families. They didn't even know we were trying. I wanted it to be a surprise. Now that they know, I'm so glad. We will need them, especially if treatment doesn't work. They are so supportive, and I know prayers are already going up.
The best news I have is our faith. Our trust in God to lead and direct our life is ever present and important. We have so many blessings, and he has placed us in the middle of so much love and support from our Army family and church. We are not alone in this trial. The Creator, Elohim, will victor and we will rejoice that day, and continually praise while we wait for its arrival.
Mike's father made a good point. There are times in our lives when faith is hard to see and feel. Sometimes blessings flow and because of the world we live in, we can't see they are divine. We have, right now, the opportunity to feel God's amazing grace and love and to pursue true faith in His promises.
I was made to be a mom.
I believe God's promise.
I HAVE FAITH.
Friday morning at nine o'clock sweet nurse, Amanda, called my name in the waiting room. We were escorted back to a nice room to wait for the doctor. I like this office. Its warm and inviting with bright colors, flowers, and a shag rug to protect your feet from the pretty but cold tile floor. (More doctors should look into this type design. Its comforting.) We sat there waiting. I chatted nervously as I always do at the doctor. I haven't been sleeping well anxiously awaiting the results.
If one thing was certain in my life from a young age, it was the fact God made me to be a mom. I think my mom can attest to this best. I actually became a mommy for the first time at age 3. Her name was Tina (it said so on her birth certificate) and she arrived on my birthday. This doll was a perfect life-like six month old, and I took such good care of her. My little sister would be born a couple months later and so I took a mommy class (actually sibling classes) at the hospital. I learned how to care for an infant as best a three year old could. Then she came. My sweet, beautiful...and tearfully dramatic...little sister. I followed my mom around imitating her motherly instincts, loving and caring for my babies. I even changed my first diaper all by myself that year. You're welcome Sissy.
Being a mommy was wonderful, the best job in the world. By the time my brother came I was nearing eight. Poor guy. He didn't know he would be raised by two moms.
My entire childhood I watched, learned and retained the knowledge that I would need to be the most perfect mother. (Thank you mom for all the training...I learned from the best.) When I declared to my mother that I would go to college to get my MRS, I meant it though I'm know she didn't want to believe me.
Very few know that Mike and I have been trying to get pregnant for about two years now. It clearly hasn't happened. In January, we decided it was time to seek help. Two years of failed attempts is considered medically infertile, you know. Could I really not have the ability to conceive? Would God allow that for me?
Then my doctor came in. She is a wonderful woman, so warm and full of energy. She held my future in her hand, and she wasted no time spilling the truth.
The Results:
Friday morning, my doctor began explaining. The first of two sets of tests had concluded that I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS.)
My heart sank.
I knew from my compulsive research this was something typically tested and common, but no way was that the cause. I had no symptoms. I'm not overweight. I didn't fit the profile. How could this be?
We discussed it in more depth. I was shocked and processing. She explained the course of action she recommended we take. Still shocked. I was asking valid questions and side effects. Still processing.
I'm slowing learning more now and seeing maybe there were signs all along, very, very small signs. I nor my doctors would have ever thought to test until now.
Then she went on to the second set of lab work that had been done...
"Wait Dr Lisa," I said. "There's more. A double wammy?!" (Yes I really said that.) She smiled slightly and unfortunately went on.
I was then informed that I also have a Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) c677t heterozygous gene mutation. What the hell is that you might ask? Well its outside of my doctor's expertise too so don't feel bad if you've never heard of it. But note: chances are you could have it too...its very common. Like 50% of the population common.
Basically, I inherited this mutation that blocks my body's ability to break down a particular amino acid called homocysteine. The elevated levels of this amino acid in my blood causes a couple of issues.
In regards to overall health, it is great to learn I have this because it causes heart disease and stroke later in life. It can be controlled by diet though so there is hope for me yet. My family should all be tested as well for their overall health and well being.
For pregnancy, it gets a little more complicated and worrisome. Because this amino acid can't break down properly, my body cannot absorb folic acid and other essential B vitamins. These are essential for brain development especially during the first few weeks of gestation. Our potential children could be at a higher risk for neural tube defects and down syndrome with these deficiencies.
The more troubling concern to me is the high risk of miscarriage due to clotting. Basically, the placenta could clot and cut off supplies to the baby resulting in a later term loss. It seems weird, but I told Mike that I'm a little glad I have PCOS. Otherwise, we could have been struggling with multiple unexplained miscarriages. Emotionally speaking God protected us from that horror that many with MTHFR experience. I have read several stories of couples that had several miscarriages before learning of their MTHFR mutation. (Most insurances won't cover testing for this until 3 consecutive miscarriages have occurred....heart-wrenching stories) We are lucky. Any miscarriages we might have had were to early to detect and highly unlikely to have occurred anyhow.
The Treatment:
First and foremost, you can't get pregnant if ovulation isn't happening. Dr. Lisa is prescribing Clomid. I know what you're thinking. However, there is only a 10% chance of twins. The better statistics are those of Clomids effectiveness. 80% of users begin ovulating again and 40-50% achieve pregnancy rather quickly. It should do the trick. Now if the Army would just give us the time to try.
For the other issue...I have to take baby aspirin everyday (probably for the rest of my life.) Not a big deal. Lots of people do that. They probably have this mutation and don't even know it. Makes me wonder why it isn't screened for in patients with family history of heart disease.
I also will be going for nutritional counseling asap. I will learn about dietary changes that can lower my homocysteine levels naturally. This will be one of the best things to do. Also, I'm doing research to discuss with the nutrtionalist certain supplements I can take and alternatives to folic acid. I will be asking for prescription prenatal, some sort of folic acid something, as well as Vitamin B6 and B12. (Its interesting that my internist knew I had these deficiencies 5-6 years ago but never pursued a cause...now I know it wasn't all the Wendy's I ate in college like he said.)
Potent prescription vitamins and supplements should increase my levels enough for normal fetal development. And the aspirin should be enough of a blood thinner to prevent miscarriage. If we have any problems with miscarriage, there are prescription (daily self injection...blah) blood thinners that can be used.
Overall the outlook is very bright. The biggest challenge with these two items is diagnosing them. When you follow the proper treatments, the likelihood of having healthy pregnancies is very high.
The Emotion:
I'm still processing. I think I'm still in shock. I don't know why. I sought out answers I may not have totally been ready to hear. I've read blogs of other women who explain their feeling so beautifully. I'm not eloquent or beautiful. I'm the mess after a natural disaster. That's what just occurred isn't it? My infertility was a natural disaster, a catastrophic moment. Dr. Lisa is coming in with emergency relief but... I'm broken. Its a harsh summary of myself I know, but the wound is fresh. No sugar can hide the reality. It does me no good to pretend its all okay. It was not a good day.
It was difficult but necessary to tell our families. They didn't even know we were trying. I wanted it to be a surprise. Now that they know, I'm so glad. We will need them, especially if treatment doesn't work. They are so supportive, and I know prayers are already going up.
The best news I have is our faith. Our trust in God to lead and direct our life is ever present and important. We have so many blessings, and he has placed us in the middle of so much love and support from our Army family and church. We are not alone in this trial. The Creator, Elohim, will victor and we will rejoice that day, and continually praise while we wait for its arrival.
Mike's father made a good point. There are times in our lives when faith is hard to see and feel. Sometimes blessings flow and because of the world we live in, we can't see they are divine. We have, right now, the opportunity to feel God's amazing grace and love and to pursue true faith in His promises.
I was made to be a mom.
I believe God's promise.
I HAVE FAITH.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
You Know Your Soldier is Home When....
1. You wake to find his side of the bed looks like the path of a tornado.
2. The toilet seat is up.....again.
3. His things are strategically positioned directly in front of the places they actually belong.
4. Your laundry turns yucky shades of camoe.
5. There is a trail of his things all over the house. At least you know where he has been... Formal living room with no TV untouched....(sigh) one clean room in the entire house.
6. And your parking spot in the garage looks like CIF (civi-talk: Central Issue Facility where govt. issue items are stored, dispersed, and collected)
(sorry, no pic. I made the bed immediately this morning.)
2. The toilet seat is up.....again.
3. His things are strategically positioned directly in front of the places they actually belong.
(Please excuse the overflowing laundry pile....
I had no laundry one moment and now I am behind thanks to DH.)
4. Your laundry turns yucky shades of camoe.
5. There is a trail of his things all over the house. At least you know where he has been... Formal living room with no TV untouched....(sigh) one clean room in the entire house.
This was a lot worse yesterday when two big duffels were dumped out. I have done 3 loads of camoe laundry already. The big shelving unit with all the organized camoe items is to the right. I should have made sure it was in the picture, sorry.
So this begs the question ladies, "Why do we clean the house so well before they return??"
Disclaimer: The above post is written out of complete humor. I love my husband and all the messes that come with him being home.
You guessed it folks. MIKE IS HOME. At least, for an entire week. Then he'll be headed to Ft. Carson, CO for probably a month. I'll try to keep you posted as best I can. Specific dates are not told to me (or Mike.) Hopefully, he will make his rounds to most of our direct family this weekend since they haven't seen him since Christmas.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Mystery Revealed
As promised, I have completed...well mostly completed Project #4!
Those of you who really know me, know that I have some quirks. By quirks, I mean Obsessive Compulsive Disorder tendencies. I'm not really sure when the OCD took over in my life. I used to alphabetize my book and CDs as a kid, but I still allowed my room to become covered in clothing and accessories in between cleanings like any good teenage girl would. So maybe it was hiding under the surface all along.
In college, my OCD exploded. I constantly cleaned, purged, reorganized, and then cleaned again. It was an extreme cycle. Mike remembers these episodes well. He would often come to my apartment only to sit on my perfectly made bed and watch TV alone. Meanwhile, I was vacuuming, edging, dusting, cleaning the bathroom, wiping down baseboards, and reorganizing my desk and closet yet again. It was a regular occurrence that seriously interfered with my relationships with friends and most importantly my fiance.
With Mike's help, I've come a long way from those days. My cleaning now is weekly only, with exception to the kitchen which I need to be cleaned every night. Its just too germy not to. Mike helped me realize that there is a time to clean and a time to relax, to enjoy life a little. It's been good, and I owe it all to him.
Unfortunately....he's not here and so...I might be slipping back into the OCD realm again. I'm blaming in on STYLE. They have this new show called "the Amandas." Have you seen it? Five minutes into the first episode, I became a huge fan. Finally, someone that is worse than me! You should watch it. Monday nights.
So now the big reveal. Can you guess it? While Mike was here, I asked him repeatedly if we could make these changes to our home. He always said, "no, its too expensive." Oh, but he was wrong. (Sorry babe.) He was very wrong this time.
So a total of 15 hours and $65 later, we now have a completely new master closet! Oh yes, I did say $65. I was very thrifty, creative, and luckily I had a few items laying around. Its not high end, just good old wire shelving (Amanda would NOT approve.) Really that's what made it affordable, and I still achieved the same organizational greatness.
Now about the part that isn't complete...I didn't purge the closet. I'm planning on completing that in a way that will take a little work and time. I honestly can't remember where I found the info, so I apologize for not sourcing this. Basically, you turn all your hangers around backwards. As you wear items from your closet, do laundry, and return items back to the closet, turn the recently worn hanger back around the correct direction. At the end of the season, get rid of everything that is still backwards. It's genius, a wonderful visual. So at the end of the summer, there should be a lot less in the closet...unless I go shopping that is. Oh, also I filled the holes left by the old shelving, but I didn't paint. I really wasn't that concerned about the paint in a closet, and I haven't gotten any touch up paint yet that matches. So...I don't know when I'll get to the paint. One last thing, now that I moved the top rack basically to the ceiling, I'm having trouble reaching my clothing. If anyone sees a cute step stool on sale, please tell me.
Check out all the pictures below, but please don't call the fashion police. There are lots of items that are out of style. Although I'm very good at donating items regularly, my style lacks creativity. I'm boringly classic, but I'm working on it. One of my girlfriends (from Columbia) says I need Latina flare. I'm trying...really.
Those of you who really know me, know that I have some quirks. By quirks, I mean Obsessive Compulsive Disorder tendencies. I'm not really sure when the OCD took over in my life. I used to alphabetize my book and CDs as a kid, but I still allowed my room to become covered in clothing and accessories in between cleanings like any good teenage girl would. So maybe it was hiding under the surface all along.
In college, my OCD exploded. I constantly cleaned, purged, reorganized, and then cleaned again. It was an extreme cycle. Mike remembers these episodes well. He would often come to my apartment only to sit on my perfectly made bed and watch TV alone. Meanwhile, I was vacuuming, edging, dusting, cleaning the bathroom, wiping down baseboards, and reorganizing my desk and closet yet again. It was a regular occurrence that seriously interfered with my relationships with friends and most importantly my fiance.
With Mike's help, I've come a long way from those days. My cleaning now is weekly only, with exception to the kitchen which I need to be cleaned every night. Its just too germy not to. Mike helped me realize that there is a time to clean and a time to relax, to enjoy life a little. It's been good, and I owe it all to him.
Unfortunately....he's not here and so...I might be slipping back into the OCD realm again. I'm blaming in on STYLE. They have this new show called "the Amandas." Have you seen it? Five minutes into the first episode, I became a huge fan. Finally, someone that is worse than me! You should watch it. Monday nights.
So now the big reveal. Can you guess it? While Mike was here, I asked him repeatedly if we could make these changes to our home. He always said, "no, its too expensive." Oh, but he was wrong. (Sorry babe.) He was very wrong this time.
So a total of 15 hours and $65 later, we now have a completely new master closet! Oh yes, I did say $65. I was very thrifty, creative, and luckily I had a few items laying around. Its not high end, just good old wire shelving (Amanda would NOT approve.) Really that's what made it affordable, and I still achieved the same organizational greatness.
Now about the part that isn't complete...I didn't purge the closet. I'm planning on completing that in a way that will take a little work and time. I honestly can't remember where I found the info, so I apologize for not sourcing this. Basically, you turn all your hangers around backwards. As you wear items from your closet, do laundry, and return items back to the closet, turn the recently worn hanger back around the correct direction. At the end of the season, get rid of everything that is still backwards. It's genius, a wonderful visual. So at the end of the summer, there should be a lot less in the closet...unless I go shopping that is. Oh, also I filled the holes left by the old shelving, but I didn't paint. I really wasn't that concerned about the paint in a closet, and I haven't gotten any touch up paint yet that matches. So...I don't know when I'll get to the paint. One last thing, now that I moved the top rack basically to the ceiling, I'm having trouble reaching my clothing. If anyone sees a cute step stool on sale, please tell me.
Check out all the pictures below, but please don't call the fashion police. There are lots of items that are out of style. Although I'm very good at donating items regularly, my style lacks creativity. I'm boringly classic, but I'm working on it. One of my girlfriends (from Columbia) says I need Latina flare. I'm trying...really.
Our closet has a small double door entry.
The bag on the floor holds my dry clean items...it needs a home still. I'm thinking a basket instead.
I love these shelves. This is where the bulk of the cost went.
Mike's favorite hat has it own special place...Who thinks I should get Mike a new Alabama hat???
Those towels are the ones Mike is allowed to take to work. If he didn't pack one everyday, they would by no means be in the closet. And yes, he takes pink towels to work. So manly of him.
I had to be creative here. High heels don't stand well on wire shelves so I used some shelving liner I had from an IKEA trip. Also, I had to play with the layout to make them fit. Luckily, my days of wearing high heels are less and less so I don't have that many anymore. I prefer a wedge or flats.
Because every room in your house deserves to be decorated. Granny and I found these canvases at Tuesday morning. My sister has the other two in the set. A little girlishness is good. Also, the bird cage was something we used at our Wedding. I'm going to put all our letters in it.
Mike was really excited about this project when I a) informed him I had already completed most of it and b) it was affordable. I did leave a space on the bottom rack for all his uniforms when he gets home. I hope he loves the design and finds it as functional as I do.
**Update: It has now been five months and my closet still looks perfect! Getting organized and giving everything a home made a world of difference. Everything is in the exact same order and spot. I highly recommend this project, and I'll help!!
**Update: It has now been five months and my closet still looks perfect! Getting organized and giving everything a home made a world of difference. Everything is in the exact same order and spot. I highly recommend this project, and I'll help!!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Projects 5, 6, & 7
First, I should give a quick update on Mike. I think he is doing well. We are in that stage where I haven't heard from him and may not for another week. No news is good news though. That's kind of tough when I would like some news, and I know you all would love to here how he is doing too. There are just certain times in the Army when no news means nothing bad has happened and that is all that matters.
I can and probably should report that on February17th, I received a call from him that he had recycled the first phase called Darby or Benning Phase. Basically, during counseling he was told that he had one of the best patrols (civi-talk: he was graded as a team leader on a mission) and executed the mission perfectly, BUT....he allowed a couple of guys to warm by the fire barrel before the mission and allowed another soldier to dry his socks before the mission. In other words, he was failed for taking care of his soldiers, for having integrity and caring about the well-being of his men. This is a quality that would be admired and respected in a real life mission, but its Ranger school. To be blunt, at Ranger school "you're damned if you do, damned if you don't."
Sidebar: For more about Ranger school, click here, and select Student Information. There should be details about each phase, but note that the website (being Army) doesn't work correctly on all web browsers. So I'm sorry if it doesn't give you any details. (try Firefox)
Recycling meant that he gained the opportunity to rest quite a bit and most importantly eat. Also, he had 12 hours passes (civi-talk: they get released into the real world) on Saturdays and Sundays. So the following weekend I headed down to Columbus and spent both days with him. It was such a treat, almost like a mini-vacation...except for the part where I had to drop my husband back off at the barracks by curfew. In all, I think recycling was a blessing...whether or not Mike actually sees it that way. We got to spend time together, he was able to relax and eat whatever he wanted. It was good.
Okay on to the fun stuff...
Though I have been slow to blog, I have been very busy at home.
You might notice that a certain Project 4 is being skipped over....that would be because its not quite done, but its a big project. I promise I'll finish it this week and report on it soon. Til then, it's a mystery.
Okay Project 5:
I'm calling this Sister Fringe. Its just another baby tee that I made for my friend's daughter, Heidi. She will be a Big Sister in May. The design came from Applique Market. I also made her tees just like Project #3. These were all completed back before Valentine's Day. And she looked so cute on Valentine's day!!
Project 6 and 7 go together. #6 is a cute tote bag and #7 is a matching Kleenex pouch (because everyone needs to carry Kleenex this time of year....did I mention I've been sick as a dog lately??)
I recently started trying...and failing to make simple things by following a pattern. The problem is I cannot read a pattern and then make an item. I need pictures people. So I have made a few things including the below mini table runner, but I kind of make it up half way through. So although the table runner looks okay, it looks nothing like it is suppose to (thus I'm not classifying it as a project....more or less an experiment.) There was suppose to be this border, but the instructions were both lacking in detail and seemed to mix up their terms. I'm not fluent in "sew."
But #6 and #7 turned out perfectly. I found detailed instructions with ...wait for it.....PICTURES! at Canoe Ridge Creations. Bless them, they get my OCD needs. On their site they have some tutorials that are easy to follow. Also, it helps that the items are really cute.
I can and probably should report that on February17th, I received a call from him that he had recycled the first phase called Darby or Benning Phase. Basically, during counseling he was told that he had one of the best patrols (civi-talk: he was graded as a team leader on a mission) and executed the mission perfectly, BUT....he allowed a couple of guys to warm by the fire barrel before the mission and allowed another soldier to dry his socks before the mission. In other words, he was failed for taking care of his soldiers, for having integrity and caring about the well-being of his men. This is a quality that would be admired and respected in a real life mission, but its Ranger school. To be blunt, at Ranger school "you're damned if you do, damned if you don't."
Sidebar: For more about Ranger school, click here, and select Student Information. There should be details about each phase, but note that the website (being Army) doesn't work correctly on all web browsers. So I'm sorry if it doesn't give you any details. (try Firefox)
Recycling meant that he gained the opportunity to rest quite a bit and most importantly eat. Also, he had 12 hours passes (civi-talk: they get released into the real world) on Saturdays and Sundays. So the following weekend I headed down to Columbus and spent both days with him. It was such a treat, almost like a mini-vacation...except for the part where I had to drop my husband back off at the barracks by curfew. In all, I think recycling was a blessing...whether or not Mike actually sees it that way. We got to spend time together, he was able to relax and eat whatever he wanted. It was good.
Okay on to the fun stuff...
Though I have been slow to blog, I have been very busy at home.
You might notice that a certain Project 4 is being skipped over....that would be because its not quite done, but its a big project. I promise I'll finish it this week and report on it soon. Til then, it's a mystery.
Okay Project 5:
I'm calling this Sister Fringe. Its just another baby tee that I made for my friend's daughter, Heidi. She will be a Big Sister in May. The design came from Applique Market. I also made her tees just like Project #3. These were all completed back before Valentine's Day. And she looked so cute on Valentine's day!!
"Sister Fringe"
I recently started trying...and failing to make simple things by following a pattern. The problem is I cannot read a pattern and then make an item. I need pictures people. So I have made a few things including the below mini table runner, but I kind of make it up half way through. So although the table runner looks okay, it looks nothing like it is suppose to (thus I'm not classifying it as a project....more or less an experiment.) There was suppose to be this border, but the instructions were both lacking in detail and seemed to mix up their terms. I'm not fluent in "sew."
But #6 and #7 turned out perfectly. I found detailed instructions with ...wait for it.....PICTURES! at Canoe Ridge Creations. Bless them, they get my OCD needs. On their site they have some tutorials that are easy to follow. Also, it helps that the items are really cute.
Did I mention I found this fabric on clearance at Wal-Mart?!
You can also see some of the detailed stitching of the tote in this pic.
So I'm learning...a lot. I'm even taking a class tonight at the Quilt Shop. And sew the adventure continues.
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