2012 To Do List Updated - Happy New Year Everyone!

January

Bevan's Roxas blanket [In Progress]

Millennium Falcon coffee table [Hubby Completed]

back room shelves [Eventually Completed]

back room sorting and organizing [Eventually Completed]

Five things to sell on the website [Done]

Website up and functioning completely [Completed - then Hacked - In Progress Again]

Find another part time job

One Star Wars Amigurumi

One Bomb Omb Amigurumi

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Dance workout three times a week every week

Strength training workout three times a week every week [Done]

Write at least 5,000 words in Jakzi’s story [Done]

Print out Filk song book [Done]
Rapunzel yarn hair hat [Done]
Kandra's Doll (she named her Kendra) [Done]

February

2 Amigurumi [Done]

5 things to list on Crafty Cranes [Done]

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Special t-shirts quilt

Dance workout three times a week every week [Done]

Strength training workout three times a week every week [Done]

Write at least 5,000 words in Jakzi’s story [Done]

March

2 Amigurumi [Done]

5 things to list on Crafty Cranes

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Dance workout three times a week every week

Strength training workout three times a week every week [Done]

Write at least 5,000 words in Jakzi’s story [Done]

April

Tauntaun

2 Amigurumi [Done]

5 things to list on Crafty Cranes

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Dance workout three times a week every week

Strength training workout three times a week every week

Write at least 5,000 words in Jakzi’s story [Done]

May

2 Amigurumi

5 things to list on Crafty Cranes

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Dance workout three times a week every week

Strength training workout three times a week every week

Write at least 5,000 words in Jakzi’s story [Done]

June

2 Amigurumi

5 things to list on Crafty Cranes

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Dance workout three times a week every week

Strength training workout three times a week every week

Write at least 5,000 words in Jakzi’s story [Done]

July

2 Amigurumi [Done]

5 things to list on Crafty Cranes

Dragon footy pajamas

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Dance workout three times a week every week

Strength training workout three times a week every week

Write at least 5,000 words in Jakzi’s story [Done]

August

2 Amigurumi

5 things to list on Crafty Cranes

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Dance workout three times a week every week [Done]

Strength training workout three times a week every week

Write at least 5,000 words in Jakzi’s story[Done]

Learn how to tat [Done]

Tat 2 items [Done]

September

2 Amigurumi

5 things to list on Crafty Cranes

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Dance workout three times a week every week

Strength training workout three times a week every week [Done]

Write at least 5,000 words in Jakzi’s story [Done]

Tat 2 items [Done]

Pack and move out [Done]

October

2 Amigurumi

5 things to list on Crafty Cranes

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Dance workout three times a week every week

Strength training workout three times a week every week [Done]

Write at least 5,000 words in Jakzi’s story [Done]

Half-Marathon [Done]

Tat 2 items [Done]

Finish tatting my dragon [Done]

Plan and run Mom’s 50th Birthday Party [Done - and I’d say it was a success with the 92 guests who celebrated with her]
Attend NaNoWriMo Kick Off Party [Done]

November

2 Amigurumi

5 things to list on Crafty Cranes

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Dance workout three times a week every week

Strength training workout three times a week every week

Write 50,000 words in a novel (aka NaNoWriMo) - going for win #3 [Done]

Buy a house [Done]

Pack and prep for move again [Done]

Remove popcorn from ceilings [Done]

Paint all ceilings on main floor [Done*]

Paint Bathroom [Done]

Replace Main Floor Lighting [Hubby Did]

Tat 2 items [Done]

Finish tatted dragon number 2 [Done]

Tat Mom’s necklace and earrings [Done]

Tat earrings for Kandra [Done]

Demo closet for office to expand bedroom closet [Done by hubby & brother with some demo help from my uncle]

Put dresser into closet [Done]

Help at a tatting demonstration [Done]

Help Siblings with NaNoWriMo [Done]

December

2 Amigurumi

5 things to list on Crafty Cranes

Learn 2 new songs on one of my instruments

Dance workout three times a week every week

Strength training workout three times a week every week

Write at least 5,000 words in Jakzi’s story [Done]

Attend NaNoWriMo TGIO Party and bring siblings [Done]

Paint Kitchen [Done]

Paint Living Room [Done]

Paint Fireplace [Done]

Paint Office [Started]

Paint Board Game Shelves [Done]

Paint Kitchen Shelves [Mostly Done - I still need to do one more coat of red on the back wall]

Finish patching outlet repair in living room [Started - I’m really glad hubby and my father-in-law found that out and started fixing it. It needs another layer of mud, sanding, texturing, then paint]

Organize cookbooks on shelf [Done]

Start moving things into the house [Started]

Move Kaylee (our cat) into the house [Done]

Set up Christmas tree and decorations [Done]

Update electrical [Hubby & father-in-law Did]

Tat pendant necklace for Linda [Done]

Tat pendant necklace for Lauree [Done]

Tat monkey charm anklet for Mom [Done]

Tat 2 additional items [Done]

Host Star Wars FanForce White Bantha Christmas party [Done]

Get house as ready as possible for In-Laws visiting after Christmas [Done]

Enjoy visit with In-Laws [Done and tons of fun]

Get clothing rod hung in newly enlarged closet [Done by hubby and Mum-in-law]

***

*Because it is easier to list here than it is to list everywhere. Most of the house improvements were made possible by all the help we have received from awesome family and friends.

***I’m sure there are other things that got done that I don’t remember as well. For the fact that I got hit with a large amount of family drama starting in March when my dad ran off and continuing throughout the year, I feel like I accomplished a ton of things this year. I would not wish to relive this year (due to the drama), but I also wouldn’t say the year was a total bust either. I still did a lot and I’ve grown through the trails. I am looking forward greatly to 2013. There are things that I will change about me, projects that I will complete, and most importantly the company of those I love and interact with that I will enjoy. *raises a glass in toast* Here is to the end of a roller coaster year and a healthy outlook for the adventures I will have in 2013. Also, 13 is my favorite number, so I look forward to being able to write it in the date all year long. May 2013 be full of many wonderful blessings for you and yours. Have a Happy New Year! I will be getting my list of things I hope to accomplish in 2013 together and should have it up within the next few days. Enjoy the rest of 2012 (unless it is already completed for you) and lets have a blast in the new year.

Angry Birds For My Little Brother

My adorable little brother loves angry birds.  So as an incentive for potty training, I made him his favorite bird... who kind of looks like Bert from Sesame Street... {made from a pattern I found online}.

Then for his birthday, I came up with a pig pattern and made him this adorable little guy and a set of cardboard towers that he can now set up, place the pig on, and throw his bird at.

My cat, of course, had to inspect my work.  It seems she was quite familiar with the game concept...

My little brother greatly enjoys his crochet version of Angry Birds.  I suspect, I may try to make him a few more birds/pigs for Christmas.

Adventures in Tatting

On Thursday night, my friend introduced me to the wonderful world of tatting.  She taught me the basics: double stitch, picot, join, chain, and ring.

My practice thread.  It starts out with a chain of double stitches using two threads.  The the work goes to a single thread as she taught me how to make rings.  Then I learned how to add picots.  After I had practiced two rings with picots side by side, she decided I needed to learn how to join rings through a picot.  Then I started making a flower.  I got partway around it and realized that my gap between petals was too large.  So I abandoned the partial flower to start on my first project.

This project was started and completed Friday morning.  I had a lot of fun making it.

This is my first completed (minus tucking in the final strings) project.  I needed youtube's help to learn a few more steps for this project.

When I first tried joining the last petal of my flower to the first petal of my flower it ended up twisted.  So I undid my join and started hunting for a video.  I found one that showed me how to make a folded join to complete a circular motif.  I also learned how to add a bead to the center of a tatted ring, which I practiced at the end of my bracelet chain.  I also stumbled across a fantastic way to hide tail threads, unfortunately, it was after I had already finished my bracelet.  So until I get around to buying a special needle, my tails will remain loose on this one.

Close up of the flower details.

Another shot of my first complete flower.

On to project number two, which I started Saturday.  This project uses the pattern found here, except that I've added an extra picot on the two outer rings of the clover.

Project #2 - Rambling Flowers Pattern

I started this project with two threads and used the thread hiding method found here.  I also learned how to open a closed ring, because I accidentally closed the center ring of the second clover a picot and five double stitches sooner than I should have.  I wouldn't want to make a habit out of reopening closed rings, but it wasn't as painful as the tutorial made it sound.

I am very excited to work on this project some more this morning and, after church, I will be meeting with the gal that taught me to show her my progress and to tat some more.

Star Crochet Blanket - Blues and Purples

This is the largest star blanket I have made at this point.  It is very soft and perfect for snuggling.  I finished it earlier today.

I have been working on this blanked on and off for three weeks and I am really pleased with how it turned out.

 

My four year old brother giving you a size comparison.

Edge detail - I really like how the edge turned out.

Edge detail again - this time in dark purple.

Playing the Hurry Up and Wait Game

Hubby and I made an offer on a house that we absolutely love a little over a week ago.  It is a beautiful house that needs work, but that's okay.  We are still waiting to hear back from the bank on our offer.  It is rather hard waiting and I'm trying not to drive hubby (my real estate agent) crazy while waiting.  So that is the exciting/anxious piece of news in my life.  Please pray for good news from the bank. :)

I'm still learning to cope with decisions made by a family member that has turned my entire families' life upside-down.  I know that I will jump for joy when I am finally able to sleep straight through the night without waking up in the middle due to nightmares.  I've had three solid months of nightmare filled nights and it's getting hard to function on this lack of sleep.  I don't like being tired all the time.

It may just be that I notice the rain more right now, but the last three months seem to have been filled with more rain and grey days than normal.  Currently, it is pouring.  The parking lot has a river of rain water flowing through it and the thunder is cracking loudly as flashes occasionally light up the sky.

Overall, my heart is happy for the blessings in my life and the hope I cling to.  I know that when this tough period of time has come to an end, I will emerge from the other side stronger than when I entered and I know that God is in control and He is my strength through this stormy time.

Blessings Abundant - Even in Hard Times

The last month and a half has been the hardest in my life.  The pain and anger I have felt have outweighed any other emotion at any given point in my life.  This period of time feels harder on me than when my brother died.  I don't feel like I am myself right now.  My concentration is shot.  My focus on any given task seems fleeting.  I've been shot emotionally and it feels like I'm just waiting to bleed out.  I don't like this sensation.  I want to find me in all this.  I want to see the happy things again and not just wait for the next heart wrenching e-mail to come my way.  Most of all, I want my family back the way it should be, but that doesn't look likely.

I'm thankful for my husband through this all.  He has been so strong, loving, and accepting of me through all this.

My mother, she is one amazing woman.  She has every right to be mad, angry, or bitter in this situation, but relying on God, she is choosing to love.  She is a woman that I aspire to be like.  If I am ever considered a fourth as fantastic as my mother, I will feel that I achieved much with my life.

So I want to take some time today to focus on the positive.  I have several friends who have told me recently that they are expecting.   One is even expecting twins and another is starting their adoption process.  It truly is excited.

A dear friend of mine recently proposed to his beloved and she said yes.

Another friend just tied the knot and there are a few more planning on getting married later on this year.

My sis-in-law has made an offer on a house she loves.  Bevan and I plan on house hunting later this year.

My brother is starting to do really well in school.

My youngest sister is one smart princess.

My middle sister seems to be loving her job, dog, and place over on the west side of the state.

My brother is finding that God is providing for his family even when it looks like his current job will end soon due to city budget cuts.

My youngest brother is full of life and always knows how to make me smile.

My sis-in-law is enjoying her job and motherhood suits her very well.  She loves her daughter so very much and my beautiful niece is growing healthy and strong.

My mum-in-law is an amazing woman and I am greatly thankful for her kindness to me.

My father-in-law is a man of integrity.

I have a roof over my head and food in the pantry.

The sun has decided to come out and it is finally starting to feel like Spring.

I enjoy my job.

I have many talented and wonderful friends.

God is good and He provides for me.  He comforts me in my time of pain.  God is in control.

Shattered

Shattered

Bang!
The shot gun sounds,
That turns my life upside-down.
Crash!
There goes the mirror,
That used to show those I held dear.
Sob.
Here beats my heart,
In pieces as it is torn apart.

Sigh.
The splinters cut and tear,
As I gather them from everywhere.
Shattered.
The mirror will always be,
As time tries to heal the wounds in me.
Thud.
To my knees I fall,
To cry to Him who hears it all.
                            -Natalie R.

Interesting Reads

I've been on a reading kick lately.  Here are some of the books I would recommend.  Clicking the link will take you to descriptions of the book on Amazon.

Flicker by Kaye Thornbrugh
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Likable characters, deep friendships, harsh lessons, court intrigue, colorful magic, and an abundance of perseverance make for a fascinating tale. Kaye Thornbrugh weaves a vivid world dancing just beyond normal sight. Flicker is a great read. I look forward to reading future works by this author.  This is Kaye's first novel and I think she did fantastic!

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Genre: Science Fiction

I had been told by several people that this would be a good set of books to read and I am glad that I listened.  Katniss' story was artfully and often gruesomely described.  The tale highlighted both the highest and lowest points of humanity.  Courage, hope, despair, love, heartache, and revenge are all evoked within the pages of this tale.

 ~*~*~*~

I have many more things to say about these books, but I will save them for other posts as I fear they will need spoiler tags as warning.

More Roxas Blanket Progress

To View All Progress On The Blanket

I finished the head in time to give it to Bevan for Valentine's day.  It's huge!  I was hoping to have the entire thing done, but it is taking longer to connect all the squares than I thought it would.  Still, I'm excited to see it coming together!

"Be careful. He messes with your head..." - Cloud [Kingdom Hearts II]

Inspirational Quotes

My new quote board.

I love a good quote and am always collecting them with the intention of eventually displaying them some how.  I've got a few files on my computer for inspirational quotes and I finally decided to do something with some of them.  Enter pinterest and a growing collection of ideas of things I want to do... eventually.  I've pinned a lot of dry erase picture frame ideas.  Today, it donned on me that while I don't have a use for another dry erase calendar in my house, I do have a use for a pretty board that I can write quotes on and that can grace my bathroom wall.  When I find a new quote I like - it's as simple as erasing one of the current ones and writing it in.

The best thing about it.  I made it all with stuff I already had in the house: empty matted picture frame, scrapbook paper, tape (so the paper doesn't slide), quotes, and a dry erase marker.  I like it.  What do you think?  What is your favorite quote?

Inspector Kaylee.

Checking to make sure I spelled everything correctly.

She takes her job as inspector seriously.

Sorry about the glare.

Hanging on the wall.

For My Scrapbooking Friends

Cami is one of the many crafty bloggers that I follow.  She has found, what looks to be a pretty awesome scrapbooking software called Creative Memories and is currently hosting a giveaway that ends on Jan. 26th.  If you like to scrapbook, check it out.  Don't forget to browse Cami's blog for awesome craft ideas while you are there.

You Seriously Made That - Creative Memories Giveaway

Roxas Blanket Progress

1/18/2012


Here are some progress shots.  I even arranged the squares for the head to take a picture.  Progress is being made.

Can you see the hair and face?  So excited!

The box holds squares with tucked tails.  The popcorn tin is full of squares I still need to tuck in.

The squares draped over the edge are already connected.

Kaylee, my cute little craft inspector, at work.

Roxas head.

 "Only you could have made it this far in one piece, Roxas." - Saix {He's not in one piece yet, but he is getting there.}

"That's really getting old." - Sora

Of Dolls and Princesses

So my little sister turned 6 earlier this month.  Her gift from me was a doll that looks like her and wears her favorite color - pink.  The week before her party I was telling my Mom about the doll and she asked if I could make K Rapunzel hair.  We sized a hat for her head and I took it home to use as a template for a winter hat that I then added long strands of yarn hair to, two strands at a time.  It was very time consuming, but my little sister loved the end result and it is a favorite for dress-up right now. Before the party was over she asked for it to be un-braided so that she could twirl around and have it fly around her.  It was cute.

Princess K in her Rapunzel outfit.

I made the hair.  It took 4 skeins of yarn looped through a yellow winter hat that I also made.

Her first comment after I put it on.  "It's too heavy!"

She had fun decorating it with flowers like the girls in Tangled decorated Rapunzel's hair.

My sister as Rapunzel.

She had so much fun wearing it.

Such a pretty princess.

This is a doll I made to look like my sister.

I think she turned out pretty cute.

The headband is one my sister can also use in her hair.

And my sister has named her Kendra.

The finished hair before braiding.

Front view.

Back view.

Kaylee inspects everything I make.

Front view on the table.

Back view on the table.

Side view.