I'm Still Here

My table is covered in sewing projects. I started a baby blanket, I'm almost finished but it seems to be lacking something. I deviated from the pattern- probably not a good idea for a beginner, but I did. Maybe I'll post a picture later and you can tell me what I need to do? I've got baby bibs cut out and ready to be made as well.

The weather has been LOVELY this week, even sunny! The girls and I spent the afternoon yesterday at our local lake/park feeding the scary geese (they attack, not cool) and ducks. After that we hung out on the playground before the big kids arrived, which was really fun. Once school lets out, it just madness up there and I refuse to have my kids run over my teenagers. Why they are even at a playground is beyond me.

This morning I took the girls to the Cardiff National Museum. My friend suggested it since it was "Family Day" and it's FREE. In all the years we've lived here, I'm embarrassed to tell you that I've never been. They had a lobby full of things to do for kids- face painting, games, giant snails you could play with- of course my kids would not do any of it. I was not at all surprised. We walked around rather quickly because I had messed up the parking meter and paid £2 and I thought that would cover me for 2.5 hours, but I pushed the wrong button and got to pay that dumb machine £2 for one hour. So, it was a rushed visit, but still fun. We listened to story time and the library that was hosting it gave out 2 free books to each family. Not bad. Then we visited the dinosaur hall and both girls were a little nervous about it. I had heard there was a woolly mammoth, so that was what I wanted them to see. In true Cerys fashion, as we turned into the small room where the mammoth was she said, rather loudly, "Let's get out of here now Mom!"

That concluded our trip to the museum. We will have to go back when I can learn to push the right buttons on the parking meter so we can stay a bit longer. And as Bailey said later, "Daddy go see dinosaurs too?" So we will have to take Daddy back so he can say he's been to the museum in Cardiff. :)

And on a completely random note- what is up with the HUGE slugs in our back garden? Anyone know? They are massive and leave a very visible, slimy trail behind them. So disgusting. Bailey loves them, and gets down almost on top of them while Cerys is shouting "Don't touch them Bailey, don't touch them!!!" We put out some slug killer (sorry for anyone that is offended by that) but it does not seem to be doing much. I need to google them, are they snails that have lost their shells? Clearly I have no clue. Good thing I didn't teach science!

*Just added this link. Gross. Not for those that are weak in the stomach. Gag. And Maria- a slug on your milk jug outside this morning? Heaven help me, I was have puked.

HPV Vaccine

I'm sure you are aware of the new HVP Vaccine, right?

Then go read this. I'll wait.

Is that not scary? We met this family last year, he spoke at a retreat we had and the whole family came along. When we read his post today, oh I can't tell you how furious I was! I just can't believe something like that would happen.

Starting November 10th the vaccine is being given at schools here in Cardiff.

My New Best Friend

I've struggled with my sinuses for years. I had surgery back in 2002, no wait, I think that was 2001? Anyway. I remember by ENT saying quite cheerfully, "Your life will never be the same again!" So of course I took that to mean I would breathe with ease and never have any more sinus issues. HA. He's was right in a way, I've never been the same. Just ask Marc. I have all kinds of sinus issues that I really would not want to go into right here because it's just plain gross.


I've heard talk around the bloggy world about neti-pots but never tried one. In fact, after my sinus surgery I was instructed to snort salt water 5 times a day. I thought I was going to drown several times while leaning over my kitchen sink. Thus the reason I have declined trying the neti-pot. After recently trying a Homeopathic remedy- which did nothing for me- I asked Marc to get me one on-line.


It arrived 2 weeks ago and my life has never been the same! In a good way. In fact, I read this today that cracked me up. It seems more and more people are giving this thing a try. So, I'm happy to report that after about a week of consistent use (I had to work up the courage to use it first!) my sinuses are finally opening up and I can breath! I'm not completely clear, but I feel I'm on the road to having some of my "issues" resolved! The key, I think, to using this is that you breathe calmly through your mouth while irrigating the nasal passage.


Here is my new best friend:

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There are many different versions, even fancy ceramic pots. Mine is just basic, but gets the job
done!

In other, completely non-related news...my little one is growing some hair! :) I was able to get this tiny pink clip in for about 5 seconds before it fell out. She loves wearing skirts and tights...and apparently playing with snakes.

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Back In The Saddle Again...

I'm back in my sewing saddle again, thank goodness! I forgot how much I missed it! I made these two little girls' bags during nap today. I had some Heather Bailey fabric left over from the Puppet Theatre. I love her fabric, I could just eat it! (I know that does not make sense, Marc always laughs at me for saying things like that. But I know some of you know I mean!)


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I made a pocket in these and I think it's so fun. I didn't do pockets in the others because I just wanted to make sure I could actually sew the bag and not worry about pockets, but it was super easy.

I'm telling y'all- you can do this!!! It's easy and FUN.

(Yes, I realize the handles don't match up with the lining as far as the stripes go, but I didn't realize it until later and I wasn't going to go back and cut out new handles.)

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

I got to run to a fabric shop this afternoon! Alone. By myself. :)

I have missed having a project or two in the works, but I honestly haven't really done much since May!!! We moved, then had a crazy summer with students, found out we were expecting and all that mixed together meant that I have not done any knitting or sewing. Except for my Princess Leia costume and that doesn't really count! :)

Here's what I got today...

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I am going to make our little girl a blanket and needed something for the backing and finally found a sweet yellow print today. I'm also going to make her some bibs out of the pink fabric you see there. Also, I've never bought any patterns, only used some books and stuff I've found on-line. I found it fascinating to look through pattern books, there are patterns for EVERYTHING! So, I bought two patterns- one for Christmas because I have been wanting to make us some stockings and I might as well do it this year. The other is a 16 piece baby essential pattern- diaper bag, burp cloth, bibs, pacifier string/holder, changing pad, and a boppy type pillow, etc. Not sure I will make all of those things, but it will be nice to have the pattern anyway! I'm still trying to find fabric to make a bed skirt for the bottom bunk bed but I just don't know what I want yet!

I can't wait to get started! Marc will be in Spain soon for a retreat, so this will give me plenty to do while he's away.

So Much

There is so much I would love to blog about right now, but just can't. Too many details and some things I just can't because of certain situations. So, instead I'll give you broad statements. :)

*After 3.5 weeks of school, I have met interesting mums and learned many new things! It's a very mixed culture school- which made sense today that there were only a few children present in class today. Today is the end of Ramadan. We were a bit confused at first when only a handful (literally, maybe 5?) were in Nursery today, until we realized what today was.

*Our "big school girl" (as she refers to herself as) and I went to her first birthday party on Saturday, a friend from Nursery. I wasn't sure what to expect- a very mixed bag. Two cultures meshed together- some British games and food, and some Bengali food (a.ka. A feast!) and entertainment. A fun time was had by all. I sat in the corner watching my sweet girl interact with the other children, looking completely out of place but certainly not acting like it or even noticing. It's fair to say we were the "odd-women" out that day in many ways, but it was sure fun.

*Desperados (formerly Dickies BBQ) in town shut it's doors for the second time and are not reopening. A friend of ours visited on Sunday only to find it locked up, tables gone and lights out. Why, oh why don't Cardiffians (just made that word up I think!) like BBQ or visit enough to keep this place open!?!?! (I wonder if they would let me have that big Texas sign that is still hanging on the wall?)

*It's raining today, first in about 2 weeks!!! YAHOO! No complaining here! We've seen beautiful days lately.

*We are starting to wrap our heads around having THREE girls! Lord, help us.

*I'm so tired lately. Prengnancy? Walking to and fro Nursery? Two children 18 months apart and in full preschool/toddler mode? All of the above?

*I have several friends and friends of friends right now that are hurting deeply. Makes me realize even more how I have no control over anything. Only God.

*The (uni) students have descended on Cardiff! Most lectures (classes) started this week, but I didn't realize how empty it has been in town since July when they let out. I went to Tesco (grocery shopping) last night and was about run over by students. They are everywhere! We are starting up our home group soon and have several new ones who want to attend!

*I've recently been listening to "God of This City" by Chris Tomlin. Marc took a group of uni students to London for Passion in June and since then that song has played over and over in my mind, house and car. I sometimes see faces in town and watch people come and go with no hope in their eyes, and it makes me wonder if they will ever find it. At first I just listened to that song and thought, "Good job Chris, another great song" But now, I'm starting to believe it. He is the God of THIS city. He is the God of THESE people. Greater things are YET to come.

It's a...GIRL!

To make a long story short, we booked another appointment to have a sonogram. It was suppose to be this coming Tuesday but there was a mix up and I got a call yesterday asking me to come in this afternoon!

And, little princess let us see everything! She's definitely a GIRL! Just thought you might want to know!

Cerys was happy about having another sister. And here is what Bailey said when we told her the news..."NO, baby bruver!"

BATHMAN!

They have a wonderful Daddy, and these girls adore him. Every night, he transforms into BATHMAN and it's hilarious! The girls anticipate it. Since Cerys arrived almost 4 years ago (!) Marc has given the baths, which is awesome in my opinion! It's that few minutes of the day I can tidy up without little hands un-doing what I've just done, or a time to read a few e-mails, etc.

Anyway, he starts the bath water, wraps himself in towels and runs around the upstairs singing the Batman tune until he finds the girls- they are usually curled up on Cerys' bed giggling, screaming and squirming. It's the funniest thing.

A few nights ago, I witnessed something that melted my heart to pieces. BATHMAN had just cornered them and they were all giggly and silly and he calmed them, looked into their eyes and said, "You know what? I love you so much." He didn't know I had just walked in behind him, so I quietly walked away with a huge smile on my face. Don't get me wrong, he always tells the girls how much he loves them, but something about that night was special to me. The tradition of BATHMAN and hearing their precious giggles in that moment was too much for me.

I'm so thankful to have a husband who is fully involved and loves spending time with us girls! Thank you honey. You make the best BATHMAN ever! :)

??????????

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First of all, baby is healthy and growing like it should be...Praise the Lord! The technician got most of the measurements done and then the baby would not turn face up, so she had us go for a little walk. After that, the baby had turned face up and she was able to complete the measurements. I'm measuring right on track, for 20 weeks so that was good to know.

Now, the question marks- you know where this is going- we are not sure the sex of the baby! As I mentioned before, I was told there would not be a great deal of trying to find out and that was the case. At the end, she kind of glanced around and said the baby's legs were closed, but we saw the cute little thighs. So basically it was, "Well, I don't see anything obvious so I'll say it's a girl, but I can't be sure because it's legs are crossed" And with that she gave me a tissue to wipe the gel off and turned off the machine.

We are so thankful to know the baby is growing as should be, but we are disappointed to not know more certain. I know sono's are never certain, but we saw detailed images with Bailey so we were quite sure. We are looking into paying to have another scan done to see if it's more visible, but we are not sure yet. I just don't want to be uncertain the rest of the time, I'd rather know and move ahead with pink or blue, if it's by any chance a boy. I'm sure it is a girl, but I would like to have a bit more assurance if that makes any sense. Thank you so much for your prayers for us today, I was a nervous wreck all day and when I sat down in the waiting room today all my anxiety left and I was strangely calm. :)

3 girls! Y'all pray for Marc. :)

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