I Can Actually Sew!
After quite the hiatus from my trusty Singer, Gayle gave me the confidence to try it out once again. I think the reason that I stopped 5 months ago was because the dress I was trying to make was taking forever! Well, that and the fact that I have a baby who takes up roughly 98% of my day :) I just needed a little refresher, some encouragement, and an inspiring project.
I've always loved pillowcase dresses, but every time I go to buy one I can never justify spending $30 for one. I always tell myself "you can MAKE that, why buy it?"...but, we all know how quickly I was on that one! So anyway, I thought a pillowcase dress would be fitting for my first "clothes project" for Elli. Plus, they're SUPER easy to make, especially if you have a cute pillowcase...which I did not. Ha!
So, here is my newest creation. It's not perfect by any means, but I think it turned out really well for my first try. I love the fabric, it's so girly and cute...and I think that Elli looks just precious in it. I can see her wearing it a lot this summer!
I didn't even pin it!! I hate pinning!
Not the most accurate of measurements, but oh well!
I wanted to get a good pic of Elli standing up in it to show how long it is. The great thing about these dresses is that little girls can wear them forever!! When they grow a little taller, they can put leggings under it, and when it gets super short they could even wear it as a cute summer shirt!
Great Weekend!
Chris had his first cross-country trip this past weekend, and his mom & Mike came out to keep me company while he was gone. Well, that's what I tell myself anyway. In reality, I think their trip had a lot more to do with a sweet little girl named Elli than anything else! But whatever their reasons, I always love it when they come...and this time was no different!
Elli had a great time showing them all of her "tricks", and she didn't mind all the kisses and snuggles she got too much either! GG got to see how she flaps when she eats, how much she loves to read, and how great she is at playing with her paci & figuring out how to put it back in her mouth. There was a lot of rocking going on as well...that's Grandaddy's specialty :) Elli just soaked up all the attention, and I sure did appreciate the company.
Gayle (aka GG), also gave me yet another tutorial on my sewing machine. I figured I should probably dust it off since it hasn't really been used since the first time she was out here...when Elli was born!! So I finished a tab blanket that I've been working on for the past 5 months or so. Woohoo for me!! And then, after they left, I decided to try my hand at making a pillowcase dress for Elli all by myself...but that's a different post! Anyway, I had such a great time with them and I'm so glad that they were able to spend some time w/ Chris before they had to leave on Monday, even if it was only for a few hours. Oh, and for those of you reading who live in Columbus, we tried a new steak place and it was FABULOUS!! Best steaks I've ever had!! It's called Jack's and it's on Tuscaloosa Rd. Just thought I'd pass that little gem on :)
Here are some pics of the weekend...
GG & Elli...so cute! And guess what?! GG made that sweet little sweater that L's wearing. It has the most precious little bunny buttons on it. It is PERFECT for Easter, and I know that Elli will just treasure it forever.
Elli checking out the g-parents :)
Playing...Elli's favorite thing!
Eating...hmmm, maybe this is Elli's favorite thing :)
The tab blanket that I made...minky on one side, fabric on the other. I think it turned out pretty well!
A Blog Book Club...Who's In???
I've been thinking about doing this for awhile now, and though I LOVE the idea, I'm not sure how well it will work. BUT, I'm going to try it anyway, and I hope you'll join me for something super fun & a little different...a Blog Book Club :)
I seriously love Beth Moore. I've done a few of her Bible Study's, and have really enjoyed them. And as much enjoyment as I get out them, the best part is that I truly learn from them. Beth has an unique way of putting things into perspective. She doesn't necessarily simplify things, she just uses her gift of writing to make scripture a little easier to delve into. She recently wrote a new book called, "So Long Insecurity...you've been a bad friend to us", and ever since I heard about it, I've been wanting to read it.
On the surface, I'm not an insecure person. But, like everyone (I think), once I really look at myself, and dig a little deeper, those insecurities are there...hindering my relationships, and limiting my life. After reading some reviews, it sounds like this book isn't as "scripture based" as most of her other books, and is more autobiographical than anything that she has ever written. It's about women; their quest for perfection & acceptance. I, for one, am anxious to see what she has to say.
I couldn't find this book on the shelf (Columbus isn't exactly known for it's great bookstores!), so I've had to order it. I'm kinda glad though, because that gives everyone a little time to go out and buy it for themselves (or borrow it, or check it out of the library). I'm thinking of starting this little adventure in book-clubbing on Monday March 15th and I'd love for you all to join me!! Go ahead and start reading, and we'll review/discuss the first chapter on that first day. I'm excited...I hope you are too!!
MOVIES!!
With the Oscars coming up, I thought I'd write about some of my most & least favorite movies of the year. When are the Oscars, anyway? I keep seeing commercials, but I never pay attention to the date. Anyway...here's my list :)
WORST: The Informant
Oh my gosh, possibly the worst movie EVER!! I don't know if I just didn't get the humor, or if it was truly THAT BAD, but we almost walked out...and that's extremely rare!
SCARIEST: Paranormal Activity
So, I don't really believe in spirits or demons in the way that they were portrayed in this movie; however, it still managed to creep me out! Elli's room is on the other side of the house, and there were more than a few nights when I had to leave the light on in the kitchen just so I could make it to her late-night feeding!! And I thought it was scarier b/c it wasn't bloody or gory...which I can always tell myself it fake. The way that they did it, documentary style, really made it seem real. CREEPY!!
MOST SURPRISING IN A GOOD WAY: Moon
I was a little leery of this movie when Chris brought it home, but I really liked it. It only has one character, Sam Rockwell, who does a tremendous job of keeping the movie flowing. It wasn't "edge of your seat" good, but it was different and made me think. I definitely recommend it!
BEST CHICK FLICK: The Proposal or Julie & Julia
I really liked both of these movies...perhaps I liked Julie & Julia a little bit more because I love to cook so much. Plus, it was different and I like different. But, Ryan Reynolds is super cute so, I don't know, I think it's a tie :)
WEIRDEST: District 9
I was NOT a fan of this movie, though I think I'm in the minority b/c everyone keeps telling me how good it is. It reminded me of the movie Fly, and not surprisingly, I wasn't a fan of that one either! I guess not liking alien/sci-fi movies kinda sealed the deal for me. But, if you're in the mood for that kind of thing...this might be the one for you!
BEST ANIMATED: Up
Wendy can attest to the fact that I cried in this movie 3 separate times!! I loved it. I thought it was sweet, funny, and had a very good message. Plus, I loved that the dogs could talk...I mean, who doesn't?!
BEST OVERALL: Sherlock Holmes
I know, this is a shocking choice. Maybe it's because I didn't see all of the BIG movies of the year like Precious, Blind Side or Invictus. So, I guess it's not really a good judgement call, but I did see The Hurt Locker (good, a little too close to home, but not my favorite), Avatar (again, I didn't think it was GREAT...though the animation was incredible), & Inglorious Bastards (ehhh, funny in parts, raunchy in parts, overall - didn't LOVE it). So, for me, Sherlock Holmes was it. It kept me guessing, had great acting, a good story, & lots of humor and action. I'm anxious to see if they make a sequel, I'd see it in a heartbeat.
If anyone has any good movie recommendations, send them my way! I LOVE to watch movies, and now that we have sweet little Elli Girl, watching movies on the couch is about as close to a "date night" as Chris and I get :)
Happy 6 Month Birthday Elliana!!
Time flies when you're having fun, right?! Well it sure seems to be speeding by us quicker than ever lately, so we must be having a blast :) Elli turned 6 months old today, and I can hardly believe it. Chris got to go in to work a little later this morning (7:45!!), so he was able to sing to her with me. Yes, I sing "Happy Birthday" to her every month...have I told y'all how much I love birthdays?!?! She was so cute this morning, too. When she saw her daddy looking down at her, she just lit up. I love that she already has such a close bond with him, it warms my heart to see them together.
She's doing wonderfully with her cereal. Oh, that reminds me that I haven't posted pics of that yet! They're priceless! Babies w/ food all over their faces are simply the cutest...hmmm, wonder why that doesn't work for adults? Ha! Anyway, she eats cereal in the morning & right before bed, & she absolutely loves it. I think she just needed a little more time to be really ready for it. And she's sleeping through the night, too. No more waking up at 4am!! WooHoo!! She's super curious about everything. If she can reach it, she'll grab it. It's really cute right now, I'm wondering if I'll be thinking the same thing in a few months! She jabbers all the time, too. Mostly when she's eating, oddly enough. She reaches for both of us, sits up on her own, and can stand for about 2-3 min. if holding on to something or if we're holding her hands. Her favorite toy is this heart-thing...Chris calls it the "Crazy Octopus Heart-Shaped Guy". It's brightly colored, and has all these tabs coming out of it that make noise and feel funny. She LOVES it! She now sleeps with a "lovey", and she's still the most snuggly baby I've ever been around.
We have her 6 month "well baby" visit this Friday, and I'm anxious to find out her stats! I'm pretty sure she still weighs a little under 16 lbs, but I think she's grown a lot taller in the last month or two. We'll see :)
In 6 short months, this sweet little girl has brought more joy and happiness to my life than I could have ever imagined. She makes me want to be better...a better servant of the Lord, a better wife, mother, sister, friend. I want to set a good example for her, to protect her, to nurture her curiosity & voice, to help her explore her gifts, and to ultimately provide a solid foundation for her so that one day she can fly out into the world on her own knowing that she will always have a family who loves & supports her no matter what she chooses to do.
Happy 6 month birthday, precious one. I love you.
Sweet Smile
And....I'm done :)
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