quiet

As you might have noticed, I have not posted in over a week. I'm not sure exactly why- I've just felt...quiet, I guess. Which is uncharacteristic for me, to be sure. Anyway- nothing is wrong at all and things are in their usual state of busyness around here. I have no pictures loaded up either (I think I've just been anti-computer this week!) but here is a summary of what we've been up to:

Sewing
I guess the largest thing looming on my mind is the big sewing project I have mentioned a few times. In a momentary lapse of good sense, I agreed to do the costumes for a theater production here on post. The play is "L'il Abner", and has a LOT of characters. I originally thought Daisy would be able to be involved in the chorus, but then (after I had already committed myself) they changed the dates and the production will now take place during our trip to Arizona. Grrrrrr. But I had already started working on ideas and searching for patterns when I learned of this change, and could not bring myself to back out. SO I now have lots and lots of sewing to do, and not a whole lot of time in which to do it. The good part is this: I need to be finished by the end of April, which will give me plenty of time to prepare for our trip without this hanging over my head. And, since I won't even be here during the play, I can't get roped into doing anything else that I don't have time for. Heh. I really do enjoy sewing things like this, but I have (once again- surprise!) over-committed myself and now have to deal with the consequences.

Something I have re-learned about myself during the past week is that I am incapable of focusing on anything when I am in the midst of a large project. Not the project itself OR the ever increasing piles of laundry and clutter that materialize around me. This is not a good thing. Note to self: Work on this.

Community Service
Recently while sitting on the floor of the library, we decided that something must be done about the hygiene of the stuffed animal population there. They were in sad, sad shape. So the girls and I marched into the librarian's office and asked if she would allow them to come home with us a few at a time for a nice spa treatment. She happily handed us a trash bag, which we filled to the brim with filthy stuffed animals and puppets, many of them in need of repair and/or new stuffing. So last night we returned the first batch and brought home another bagful to be fixed up. I am enjoying working on this with the girls because it is making them aware that there are things we can do with our time that can help lots of other people if we just look for the opportunity. This is our present to the library!

Half Birthday
Lyle turned 6 months old on Sunday, and is just getting to be such a big boy. We cannot believe that his first year is half gone already! His 3rd tooth is on it's way in today, and he is starting to scoot around on the floor quite a bit. He even gets up on his knees a little now and then. New pictures very soon, and video too!

Walking and losing
A friend and I joined Weight Watchers this week, for their online program. We have also started walking 2 mornings per week with the kids (a 4 mile route) and are planning one evening a week at the gym to weigh in and walk on the treadmill. I am really excited to have a buddy to help keep me going, and hope to be back down to a good weight by the end of the summer, if not sooner. I have about 25 or 30 lbs. to lose. Between the walking and the system of tracking portion sizes and beneficial foods in WW, I think we should have no trouble at all. And the kids are getting more exercise than ever too!

Miscellaneous
This week there were also chocolate bunnies, new kites (which have yet to be flown), the installation of a hummingbird feeder, and too many a whole lot of games of Junior Monopoly (Stella's new favorite). Oh, and a root canal, which went OK. Very minimal knitting during the sewing project, but still plugging away on the LR afghan a few rows at a time, and big plans for what to knit on the Arizona trip: a baby blanket for our new niece coming this summer. I am thinking a variation of the LR but in something snuggly and washable. And of course, smaller.

April is going to be a downright jumbled mess for me, but I promise to try and post regularly. Stay with me!