Sewing

I finally got to use my new sewing machine today. I have several projects that I need to get done, so I decided to make a hat for the twins (one done, one to go) in order to acquaint myself with the machine. It turned out okay. I altered the pattern a little (no big surprise there) and I think it will be a bit before it fits, but I feel quite accomplished at having made it. I can't wait to sew some more.

My new machine....isn't it pretty?!

Front

Back

Wedding

Today was the wedding of two of our good friends. It was beautiful; something I'm honored to have been invited to! It made me remember my wedding day, all the details that I could. It is interesting that I can remember that morning so clearly - reading with my niece, setting up the reception hall, getting my hair done, getting dressed - but the ceremony itself is kind of fuzzy. I remember waiting to go in and walking down the aisle. I remember my dad giving me away and my husband's huge smile. I can still remember the order of the ceremony, but not a word that was said until the end: "You may kiss your bride." The reception is still clear in my head. It's just the ceremony that's fuzzy. I suppose because at that moment and time all that mattered was my husband and me. I was so focused on him that the rest didn't stick. I wonder if that is what it will be like for our two friends.

The view

It was a beautiful ceremony and a beautiful reception. She looked gorgeous and he looked handsome. May God bless them in their marriage.

They're married! :)

Getting Crafty

While our family was down I had a chance to do a few crafts. It's always nice to have help watching the babies and not to have to wait for nap time or bedtime. I have so many things I want to do (and several I need to do...), but it is sometimes difficult to find time. Still, any chance I get I love to do what I can.

H was very excited about the craft with candy canes; mainly because he wanted to eat a candy stick. He helped a little, but when working with hot glue it's not always easy to let him help. Both ideas came from www.lovebugscrapbooking.com.

Centerpieces made with 4 candy canes hot glued together

A jewelry box made out of match boxes for our niece

It swivels :)

I'm hoping that I'll be able to get some more things done over the next couple of weeks. I have some sewing to do (okay, quite a bit of sewing to do) and a new machine to figure out. I think I might have to bribe my best friend with dinner and nephew cuddles to get her to come over and help. After all, who wouldn't want some love from these two cuties.

G - such a mess, he loved getting his dinner all over tonight

J - he wouldn't stop choking himself with his finger

Thanksgiving

Today I am thankful for many things. We had an amazing dinner, prepared and cooked mainly by my awesome mother-in-law. We've had a great time watching the kiddos play both inside and outside. It's been good to visit with family that, even though we live in the same city, we don't see as often as we should. Even the things that didn't go quite as planned (for example: one of twins finding some icy-hot type cream and getting it EVERYWHERE, including on his face and in his mouth) weren't as terrible as they seemed at first (he's okay with no adverse side effects). It has been a great day!

I don't think I could ask for more than the amazing day God provided today. Weather, family, friends, nap time...it was all perfect!

Way to go, Mom!

Homemade cranberry relish...mmm...

Homemade pumpkin pie

S and H

S, H, and B playing together

J

G

Silly boys

Long Goodbyes

When talking on the phone in our family, goodbyes sometimes take forever. We say goodbye and then something else pops into our heads making the conversation last a couple to several minutes longer, and this can happen multiple times. If I need to go, this can be annoying. Other times, it makes life wonderful because I don't really want to hang up with whomever I'm talking to. Tonight I found myself talking to my mom and trying to get off the phone. My first instinct was to be a little frustrated, but I quickly changed my mind. I have things to do (floors to clean, books to study, etc.), but I am EXTREMELY thankful for these moments. They may make things take longer or be put off, but they are moments with family and friends where we are sharing our lives and that makes the long goodbyes worth every minute!

Family is on the way

Thanksgiving will be here in a matter of days and my husband's family will be over at our place for the day. I look forward to spending time with everyone and, if the weather permits, having H play outside with his cousins. Still, there is a lot to do around the house to get ready for everyone; mainly those everyday cleaning things that build up (dishes, laundry, and toy pick-up).

There was a time I thought I could be that awesome house wife with the perfect house because I stayed at home. Knowing more about me and now having my three little ones I don't see that as a possibility any time soon. It's a bummer. I know my husband would love it.

As the holidays draw near I find myself both excited, because I love this time of year, and frustrated, because I can't seem to get it all done. At least today I have some help getting things done. I know I will have help the rest of the week with my in-laws here. Praise God for providing help.

Saturdays

I love Saturdays. It is so great to have my husband home all day so that I can have a little break during the day if I need it. Today it is especially helpful since I was sick yesterday.

Even without being sick, this past week was long. I'm glad we had a little time to play out in the backyard before the rain hit last night. We need the wet, but it tends to drive H in sane when he's cooped up. I think we might have to find somewhere to take him later today so he can run his energy off.

H and me in the backyard

The Name

I've been debating on whether to start a blog for a while now. The hardest part was the name. I decided on Family Resemblance. This seems to pop up in daily life everywhere - all my sons look alike, I look like my mom (and act like her most days) as she looks like her mom. It just seemed to fit, but finding a book my mom had given me after I got married made the name stick. And now, to delve into this new arena.

The first page of the book she gave me.