Walter

This seven pound puppy now rules our life.

And this flower pot.

Family Love

As most of my ten blog readers probably already know, my grandpa had a major stroke last September. Since becoming a so-called adult, this is my first real family emergency.

The only way I can think to describe the experience is devastating. Sitting in an emergency room with my grandma, parents, brother, and husband - listening to a physician tell us that my grandpa will probably never speak or walk again. I've never felt so desperate.

Desperate to talk to him, hear him say my name, swing on the porch, experience one more family vacation...

It rocked my family to the core.

We were at the hospital constantly. Someone always sitting in his bedside chair. Being a nurse myself, I know we were all a nightmare. Concerned about every bump, sneeze, alarm, and lab value. But we weren't giving up.

He was either all I wanted to talk about, or all I wanted to be distracted from.

It's been the most emotional ride of my life thus far. From the purest low to the high of seeing him move limbs that he wasn't supposed to move, feed himself, and finally learn again how to walk.

His speech is still his biggest obstacle, but we've moved him and my grandma into an independent living apartment. As he and my grandma walked me to their front door today after a visit, this feeling of normalcy overwhelmed me. Grandpa making fun of my bright sandals and sneaking a cookie behind grandma's back. Life for them is starting to again become normal.

A different normal. New normal.

And that's okay. We'll take what we can get. Embrace it and cherish every moment.

Christmas Confession

We didn't get our Christmas tree disassembled in time to drop it off at the tree graveyard.

Blame it on the winter frumps.

Unfortunately, this was its subsequent fate.

 Maybe it preferred this treatment over a tree chipper.

Whimsy Onesie

It's only fair that the girls get one too, right?

The best part about this one is that the Christmas fabric is all on clearance. 

Here's my generic picture of what is needed. 

Just like the boy's tie onesie, I made double sides pieces just for a higher quality look.

Sew them right sides together and flip them around.

Once you like the placement, top stitch and add the button.

Dapper Onesie

Who wouldn't want their ankle bitter to look this adorable?

Just kidding. He's a person and doesn't deserve to be called names. 

I received the request to make Liam a tie onesie for his first birthday. In addition to being a simple project, it is a great way to use up scrap fabric. 

Besides my sewing machine, here's what I used. 

I free-handed a tie pattern in two pieces. There are two tie sizes pictured so I could make a smaller one for a littler tot.

It took me a good five sheets of paper until I got one that I was happy with so don't be discouraged if yours don't look as amazing as mine on the first try.

You'll need two of each piece in order to sew them together for a more finished look. One piece would be okay, but there will probably be more fraying. If the onesie will be worn more than once, it should be double layered to withstand washing.

Trace the pattern onto the back of your fabric and cut out the shapes.

Pin right sides together. Sew together, leaving the top of the tie and the bottom of the knot part open to flip right side out.

Iron pieces flat and place on the onesie. I was able to fit the bottom part of the tie into the knot for a more seamless look, but if you can't swing that, just layer it with the knot on top.

Pin in place and top stitch.

Easy peasy. Lemon squeezy.

Perfect outfit for a comfortable holiday or New Year's.

Those of us without kids tend to get annoyed with others' offspring. It helps ease the pain if they look cute while they are screaming and flinging mashed potatoes across the table.

Absentee

When I started this blog, I encountered a lot of critics (my husband) and heard comments such as 'you won't last long' or 'you'll get tired of it'. I can safely say that my absence has not been because I'm tired of anything, simply busy. 

Don't worry peeps. I'm back. 

At least until January 7th. When my next semester starts. 

Yuck. What I'm tired of is papers and threaded discussions. 

Just kidding, my dear professors. You're amazing and special individuals.

None of them read this. 

Besides school, and vacations of course, the Shaw household hasn't done a whole heck of a lot....

Except install this amazing new front door.

Oooohhh. Aahhh.

Here's a reminder of what now lays in our garage. 

Free if you want it. You know you do.

Sun bleached doors with a one way mirror from the 1970s are all the rage these days. Promise.

A shot of the workmen who did all the installation.

Completion. Halloween style.

I'd get you an updated holiday lights shot, but it's raining outside and I'm not that committed. 

Perhaps a beautiful, snowy picture. Oh wait, it doesn't snow in December apparently.

How To Tutu

Most people want cute tutus for their toddlers birthday pictures. 

Not my friends. 

They want to roll in the mud.

I participated in the warrior dash as well. Sans tutu though.

It kicked my arse. In a good way. Yikes.

(Photo courtesy of Lanie B Photography)

Regardless, let me show you how to make these gems. What you choose to do with it is solely up to you.

Collect:

1inch elastic tape

tule 

Easy right?

The amount of tule you'll need depends on how full you want to skirt to be and if you want it to be long or short. I always have the theory of 'buy more, return later'... which the husband loves. 

Disclaimer: I thought that the glittery tule was awesome. Turned into a glitter mess. Turned out well, but I'm still vacuuming glitter out of my carpet. 

Measure the waist of the wearer. Subtract three inches and cut your elastic tape.

Bold type means pay attention. Don't forget this step or it'll be too big.

Sew the ends together.

Measuring the tule is completely subjective. Figure out how long you want the tutu to hang from the waist. Take that measurement and double it. That will be how long you should make your cuts.

I wanted mine to hang about twelve inches so I cut the strips around 24 inches. No need to be exact.

Put your elastic band around something that is similar in diameter. 

Make sure you don't have it stretched out too far or it will become too large for the waist you measured.  If you are making it for a child, placing it around your thigh or a rolled up blanket may work best. 

Fold the tule in half and knot as shown. 

Repeat in whatever color pattern tickles your fancy.

Make sure you have something dreamy to watch. Like this guy.

Who doesn't love Grey's Anatomy reruns?

Maybe mix it up and watch Michael Phelps win some more medals. Who doesn't love medals?

He sure does.