Hippo Blanket

Matt's sister had a new baby boy back in December. We didn't know ahead of time if it was going to be a boy or a girl which makes project planning a bit difficult. I also didn't have a lot of time with the holidays, so I decided to make a cut chenille blanket after seeing this tutorial. I can't remember where I found the cute decorator's weight hippo fabric, but I bought the flannel from Connecting Threads. The binding is from my stash - maybe It's a Hoot? My hand got awfully sore cutting with the scissors that much and I had other issues with the cutting (ugh, ugh, ugh! If I do another blanket like this - and I have more hippo fabric in several colors - I'm going to get a chenille cutter), but I'm really happy with the end result. Even the cute little patch.

(Sorry for the bad photos... I'm getting lazy and just using my iphone lately. 

Should have at least used the Instagram app... but too late since the blanket is in the mail!)

Daybook 1.30.12

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... partly cloudy but warm day. How can it possibly be January?!?

I am thinking... that a long run yesterday plus a tennis lesson this morning plus a singles match this morning was a bit much for my poor legs. I have NO IDEA how I am going to convince my legs to run tomorrow after my doubles match.

I am thankful for... quiet time.

From the kitchen... haven't really thought about food for this week until this moment. Guess I better come up with something.

I am wearing... my robe and an Origins face mask (I just got out of the hot tub and am making my way to the shower next)


I am creating... lots and lots of fun quilts in my head, not so much at the machine this week.

I am going... to get myself a new running shirt for my half marathon. Not sure what yet.

I am reading... finished The Shack this morning, still reading the BFG at Kate's request, not sure what I am going to start next.

I am hoping... that my current daydreams come true.

I am hearing... NOTHING! It is really, really quiet.

Around the house... just barely keeping up. Some days I think I should trash everything and start over!

One of my favorite things... the Out of Trouble face mask by Origins (see "I am wearing..." above)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Not much right now. In a good way. Mostly routine plans like tennis, swimming, etc. Matt is off work this week and has a friend coming in this weekend for skiing. Hoping to get some sew time with Miss D. I might also schedule myself for a massage.

Here is a picture I am sharing: no photo. Everything is still on my phone and I want to go take my shower...

Running Log

This week's running highlights...

• Ran my longest run ever today! 14.75 miles! Although I'm not sure *run* is the appropriate verb - *went* might be better. Matt ran the first half with me. I got a grumbly tummy at mile 7 so I went home with him for a pit stop and a water refill before I hit the last 7 miles. There was a decent amount of walking in there, but I finished strong and felt great at mile 14. Had to force myself to stop running and walk home.
• Ran in Bear Creek Park where I encountered the bear last summer. It was only my second run there since the bear run-in. My first run back last fall, I spotted a coyote eyeing me. This week, there was a deer leg on the trail (a sign of a mountain lion in the vicinity) in almost the same spot I saw the bear. Needless to say, I'm a bit jumpy on that running route.
• Still no swimming or biking. My legs are getting plenty with running and tennis right now.
• 3 weeks until my half marathon. Taper starts this week.
• Going to sit in the hot tub as soon as I'm done typing!

Running Miles: 30.25
Hiking Miles: 0

Swimming Miles: 0
Biking Miles: 0
Tennis Hours: 6 (& I wonder why I can't get any cooking or laundry done!)
Skiing Hours: 0 (much to Matt's dismay!)

This Week's Total Mileage: 30.25

YTD Mileage: 109.5

Right Now

In the middle of building my Lego fortress. Needed a chai to get me through.


Might need something stronger to get me through the upcoming Lego battle...

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Right Now

Kate's first swim meet


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Bone Marrow Registry

One of the items on my 40 for 40 list is to join the Bone Marrow Donation Registry. I filled out the online registration form and got my packet in the mail a couple weeks ago. It was easy to swab my cheeks, I stuck the swabs in the mail, and I think I have to wait a couple months until I'm officially on the list. Easy peasy. You should go do it also. Right now.

The Testing Kit

Rudolph Club

Just for the record, even I think I'm a bit crazy for doing this. But the last 2 years I have used the Organized Christmas site to help me get ready for the holidays. in 2010 I did the 6 week Christmas Countdown which was great and really allowed me to enjoy the season. For 2011, I did the Houseworks Holiday Plan. It got a little long, and I lost momentum by early November. But I was really happy to have lots of my holiday plans done early. This year I've decided to do the Rudolph Club. On the 25th of every month, you do some Christmas planning. They have assignments each month that I'll pick and choose from, but since I've been trying to move more and more to handmade/homemade gifts, I'm hoping this will give me some momentum/inspiration to get some of these gifts done early. I'm also hoping that I will get to some of the quilty Christmas projects that I keep intending to make for ME.

Yesterday was the January meeting. Matt had a late work meeting last night, so I used the time at my sewing machine working on the gifts I am making for all the cousins this coming year. I also did some research on some of the accessories to go with the gift. I also want to inventory my gift closet in the next week (it is over flowing! Some will be birthday presents for my kids in Feb and March, some I'll save for birthday party presents, some are just going to be donated, and some I'll save for the Toys for Tots drive next December).

WIP Wednesday

Having a sewing day with Miss D today, so I'm hoping to get a lot done on either the Camper's Quilt or the new, untitled BIG quilt. My goal for this week is to have the Camper's Quilt top finished. I'd also like to get the Minky Baby Quilt basted because I want to practice quilting the minky.

Camper's Quilt in progress

BB=Back Burner
     = Active this week


Completed Projects To Be Blogged
(I just need to take a day and blog ALL of these...)

• Crazy Clown Colors Quilt
• Modern Houses Quilt
• Teacher going away quilt
• Hippo Baby Blanket

Quilts Needing Binding

(And I need a movie/TV night to bind!)

• Halloween Quilt



Minky Baby Quilt
Ready to Baste


• Halloween Table Runner

Quilts Needing Basting/Quilting

• Pinwheel Quilt (BB)
• Minky Baby Quilt
• Wonky Pinky Quilt (BB)
• M's Quilt (BB)
• Sorta Stacked Coins Quilt (BB)
• Miss D's Quilt (BB)
• Habitat Challenge Quilt #1



Figuring out the
 design for new quilt

• Habitat Challenge Quilt #2

Quilts Being Cut and/or Pieced

• Ticker Tape Quilt (BB)
• Green Squares Quilts x2
• Sew-In Quilt (BB)
• Repro Quilt #1
• Repro Quilt #2
• Camper's Quilt
• Unnamed BIG quilt (formally known as the Facade Quilt)

Non-Quilt Sewing Projects

• Bath wraps for Kate and American Girl Doll
• Fleecy PJs for Kate
• Bike Bag for Jack
• Kids' Xmas gifts for 2012 (cut, need to sew)

Favorite Sale

Patagonia sale started!! Go get some good deals.

I know *things* don't make you happy, but Patagonia *things* make me sorta happy.

All Clear

Got the all clear from the podiatrist this morning.

No stress fracture. No injury to prevent me from running.

My tootsies!

No official diagnosis either. Probably a little tendonitis. Or I might just be feeling my bones and tendons shifting and rubbing (apparently I have "loose" feet!).

He offered me a wedge to add to my orthotics to give me a little more support on that side of my foot, but I declined. I would have to work into it, and it would change my stride. Since I don't actually have any pain, just a stretching/pulling/aching feeling occasionally, I'd rather just keep doing what I'm doing.

The mental relief is good. I was so worried about running on an injury. Now I can run without worry and allow myself to get excited for my half marathon next month!

Daybook (Nightbook?) 1.23.12

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... in my bed with the blinds closed, but I know it is a clear, dark night because I was just sitting in the hot tub a little bit ago.

I am thinking... about a friend with an injured bicep. Wondering how it is.

I am thankful for... a husband who rubs my sore legs.

From the kitchen... I made the minestrone soup tonight that I've been planning to make for a couple weeks now. It was so good. Can't wait to eat leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Kate has requested cheese soup for dinner tomorrow. I have everything I need, so I believe her request will be granted.

I am wearing... it's none of your business what I wear to bed! :)

I am creating... finished up a blanket that I'll blog about next week. Making some progress on the camper's quilt. Hoping to have the top done this week. Wasn't happy about how another project was turning out, so I changed it up. So excited about this new version.

I am going... to the podiatrist tomorrow. Hoping for all good news. Got a pedicure this evening because I didn't want the poor guy to be horrified at my toes.

I am reading... just started raising Happiness, working on The BFG at Kate's request and listening to The Shack on audiobook

I am hoping... to fall asleep quickly.

I am hearing... Jack breathing beside me and Matt's white noise maker in the bathroom

Around the house... feels like everything is falling apart!

One of my favorite things... pedicures

A few plans for the rest of the week: podiatrist appointmemt, Bunco, a run with a friend, my grandma's birthday, tennis lesson, Kate's first swim meet

Here is a picture I am sharing: my friend Michelle's baby just turned one. When she sent me a photo, I realized that he wore the same shirt Jack wore on his first birthday. Here's Jack in that shirt almost 6 years ago...

Running Log

I had planned to back down on my mileage a little bit this week, but that darn tummy bug brought me way down.  In retrospect, I probably should have jumped on the treadmill at least once while home with the sickos (it isn't that much of an effort since there is a treadmill IN MY OWN BASEMENT!). But I was tired and worried a bit about my foot, so we'll just call it a good week for a rest. My long run tonight was lovely. Since I ran late (we were skiing this morning in a fresh 10 inches!) and it wasn't safe to run alone on the trail, the last several miles I ran were in town. A good change of scenery, but I had to cut the run short when it got too dark to see the sidewalks well. Still no swimming or biking. I'll probably swim this week.

Running Miles: 18.5
Hiking Miles: 3

Swimming Miles: 0
Biking Miles: 0
Tennis Hours: 1
Skiing Hours: 2 (Ski Days This Season = 4)

This Week's Total Mileage: 21.5

YTD Mileage: 79.25

It Was Good Day

A lot of sewing

A little snowshoeing

A little crepe eating for an afternoon snack

A lot of fun with friends here for dinner

But I only got pictures of the snowshoeing...











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Yesterday Play By Play

• 5am hear Matt get up for spin class
• 6:30 alarm goes off
• press snooze
• 6:39 alarm goes off
• press snooze
• 6:48 alarm goes off
• press snooze
• 6:57 alarm goes off
• turn alarm off
• 7am back-up alarm goes off
• press snooze but don't go back to sleep
• check email and read some blogs on my phone while still in bed
• 7:09 alarm goes off
• get up, take a quick shower (I was stinky!), brush teeth and put on work out clothes
• 7:25 wake up kids, Kate is already up and getting dressed
• Get clothes for Jack and get him dressed
• Go downstairs, pull out toaster, start toast, pour milk for Jack
• Put snacks and homework folders in kids' backpacks
• Tell kids to eat
• Quickly blow dry hair
• Search for library books
• Tell kids to put on shoes
• Put my ipod and some snacks for myself in my bag
• Tell kids to get backpacks and get in the car
• Pour myself a bowl of cereal
• Grab my bag, bowl of cereal, running shoes and sunglasses
• Tell kids to get in the car
• Realize that my orthotics are in my trail shoes, grab those shoes also
• Fill my water bottle
• Tell the kids to GET IN THE CAR!
• Load the car with all my junk and the kids
• 7:59 drop the kids off at school just in time
• Eat cereal on the way to the gym while listening to my audiobook
• In gym parking lot, take off slippers, switch orthotics to running shoes and lace up
• 8:30am start my 5 mile run on the treadmill (usually I avoid the treadmill, but not today...)
• Matt calls, I huff that I am on the treadmill and can't talk
• Stretch
• 9:30 Strength training with my friend Kristen (along with some laughing that my sweat looks like I've pee'd my pants!)
• Chat with some friends at the gym
• 10:15 arrive home
• Turn on audiobook in kitchen
• Unload the dishwasher
• Reload the dishwasher
• Clean up breakfast
• Sort yesterday's mail
• Deposit a check using mobile deposit on my phone
• Leave a message with Miss D
• Take a real shower, get dressed, blow dry hair, put on some make-up
• Ditch plan to ride my bike to lunch when I realize the tires are flat
• Almost get in a wreck when some guy runs a red light
• Talk to a homeless guy while waiting for my friend at the restaurant
• Update my Facebook status
• 11:30 My friend Genevieve arrives for a lovely, long lunch
• Have a good conversation
• Drop Genevieve off at her school
• Listen to audiobook on the way home
• Look through a few quilting books for a gift idea while still listening to audiobook, find nothing
• Empty dryer, move laundry from washer to dryer
• Get myself a little dish of chocolate covered pomegranate seeds
• Turn on the computer
• Decide it is too beautiful to be inside and take laptop to the back porch
• Laugh and enjoy the responses to my Facebook status
• Take a photo of Nina basking in the sun
• Chat for awhile with my friend Krista when she calls
• As soon as we hang up, Matt calls, chat with him for a bit
• Read some blogs, search the internet for camping lake resorts in Minnesota 
• Realize I'm tired
• 1:55 take a quick nap
• 2:20 alarm goes off
• Get up, put on shoes and puffy vest
• Fix myself a chai tea
• Drive to school
• Listen to audiobook while waiting for kids
• Go meet one of Kate's friends
• Chat with some moms on the playground
• Go back to car with Jack while Kate plays awhile longer
• Help Jack with his math homework in the car
• Return a text to my sister-in-law
• Drive to grocery store
• Buy cauliflower, onions, milk, powdered sugar and crescent rolls (Jack's request!)
• Drive home
• 3:35 Chat with kids while they eat a snack
• Encourage Kate to start her homework
• Enter Jack's spelling words on the Spelling City website
• Help Kate with a homework question
• Start making dinner (roasted fingerling potatoes, veggies and sausage)
• Continue to answer homework questions for Kate while making dinner
• Answer doorbell and reschedule housekeeper visit for tomorrow
• Send Jack upstairs to change into swim trunks
• Realize that Jack's swim lesson starts early tonight and there is no way dinner will be ready in time
• Send Kate to get ready for swimming
• Tell the kids to eat a snack to get them through swimming
• Gather what I need for book club
• Leave dinner in the oven (turned off) to stay warm
• Kate attempts to call Matt while driving to swim lessons
• Calls wrong office, gets another partner
• 5pm Arrive at pool and get Jack started with his lesson
• Help Kate with her swim cap
• Talk to Matt on the phone
• Watch lessons/swim team while flipping through a Runner's World magazine, checking email and reading blogs on my phone
• Dry Jack off and send him into the locker room to put on PJs
• Kiss Matt when he arrives to take over
• Admire Kate's swimming style
• Talk to my tennis partner on drive home
• Serve myself some roasted veggies and quickly eat
• 6:30 Arrive at bookclub
• Bind blanket while having a great disscussion
• Eat lemon meringue pie
• Offer to host bookclub next time
• Respond to an email from my sister-in-law
• Drive home
• Sort today's mail
• Madly pick up the house for housekeeper coming tomorrow morning
• Empty dryer and take clothes basket upstairs
• Put on PJs, brush teeth
• Check on kids and kiss them in their sleep
• 10pm Climb in bed
• Chat with Matt
• Think about reading
• Fall asleep

This is #1 of 40 days that I'm documenting a day in our life for my 40 for 40 list

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The Bad
I am really tired this week. Really tired. And really tired of sick kids.

Kate started throwing up again in the middle of the night Sunday/Monday and didn't stop until Tuesday morning. I got almost no sleep both nights, which led to the probably not-so-wise decision to also keep Jack home from school yesterday. I was SO tired when the alarm went off yesterday morning that I wasn't even thinking straight. I had just a few hours of (very interrupted!) sleep (when Kate finally took a break from puking, Jack was up with growing pains!), so when Jack murmured that his tummy hurt, I called them both in sick. Jack did sleep until 10am, so he may have been still recovering or fighting off a little something. Jack is back at school today, but Kate is home at least until tomorrow.

Kate's Sick Sleeping Spot

The Ugly
With a whole day at home, I decided to work on a blanket that I've been wanting/needing to get done. It isn't a difficult project but a bit time consuming.

Perfect for a brain dead day.

I was almost finished and so happy with it. Until I cut a hole in the middle of the fabric while trimming... Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!

So minor, yet so huge!

The Bad/Ugly But Now Good
I vowed I would never sew again and was a bit suicidal/homicidal at that point. Fortunately, I was able to direct my anger to something productive - the basement! I was on a rampage, and somehow, despite my exhaustion (or maybe because of it?), I got the basement almost totally picked up and somewhat organized. How long have I been saying we need to get something done down there? A year? Longer? I still have a corner that needs to be sorted out and want to declutter more or our storage, but this is a good start. No photos. I should have taken a before shot. It was BAD.

The Good
I've sorta felt that nothing has gone my way the last week or so. Have had to cancel or reschedule almost all my plans. So I needed to find something good. Matt got off work early on Monday and was able to watch Kate while I went hiking with a friend and our 2 lil' guys. It was a lovely afternoon.

Boys taking in the view

I also got to talk to my friend Elizabeth in Switzerland. That is such a rare treat!

Oh - and after a good night of sleep, I think I can "fix" that darn blanket. It won't be "perfect" but it will be personalized. Going to go work on that now.

Rock Climbing Commercial

Still have the tummy bug in our house. It isn't pretty. It seems to be the worst in the middle of the night which means that I am EXHAUSTED.

Saw this commercial the other night. That rock formation is the one I climbed in Utah a few years back. I sat right where that girl is standing (um, there is NO WAY I would have stood up there!). The commercial gives you the full effect that you can't get from my photos.

All I remember while I was up there scootching across that rock bridge (the commercial girl walks it!) was what in the heck was a mother of 2 young children doing up here?!? I haven't rock climbed since...

Week 3: One Bite At A Time Progress

Week 3 of working through Simple Mom's One Bite At A Time ebook.

Not much got done last week between kids home sick from school and then catch-up. I'm going to just repeat the same projects for this week and, hopefully, find some time to concentrate on them.

• Create a family purpose statement - I need to formulate my ideas for a purpose statement so that I can "guide" the rest of the family when we do this.
• Plan weekly planning meetings with your spouse - ready to check this one off - we've done it 3 times and will definitely keep it up.
• Regularly turn off your TV (and computer!) - being sick this last week increased our screen time instead of decreasing it!
• Go on dates with your kids - I think we'll schedule these twice a month and alternate kids
• Create a chore system that works for the whole family - the kids sorta reinvigorated our "marbles" system for themselves this week. We need to update the list of chores. I'd also still like to take the kids to open their own bank accounts. Maybe we'll do that after school one day this week.

Daybook 1.16.12

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... beautiful, sunny day as I look out Kate's window. I'm in bed with her since she is sick. Again.

I am thinking... about travel plans. Ready to turn the ideas into reality.

I am thankful for... my friend and pediatrician (one and the same!), understanding tennis opponents, and husbands who get off work early.

From the kitchen... I was going to start prepping/planning dinner as part of my early morning routine starting today, but that plan went bust when I was up a lot last night with the sick girl. I'll try again tomorrow.

I am wearing... track pants and my 20 year old waterpolo sweatshirt

I am creating... a new project despite saying I wouldn't start something new until I finished up some of my WIPs. Hopefully this one will go quickly, and I'm hoping for some quality time with my sewing machine this week.

I am going... for a short, easy run sometime today. Very happy that my legs aren't tired after my 12 mile run yesterday.

I am reading... What Alice Forgot - s0 close to being finished. Gotta get it done by bookclub tomorrow. Also reading The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer and Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide - anyone have any other marathon books that they suggest?

I am hoping... that this darn tummy bug would just leave our house already!!!

I am hearing... Kate watching a Netflix show on my iphone

Around the house... new kitchen faucet being installed now, catching up on laundry today, still need to clean out the basement...

One of my favorite things... sunshine!

A few plans for the rest of the week: sorta dependent on this tummy bug... some tennis, some swimming, some sewing with Miss D, lunch with a friend, bookclub, etc.

Here is a picture I am sharing: still nothing...

Running Log

Got in most of my planned miles despite the tummy bug that was living in our house all week. I'm back to tennis, but decided not to add in anything else quite yet. Don't want to over do it. I might start back to swimming this week.

I decided on my marathon training plan. I think. It is a beginner marathon plan, and even though this will be my first marathon, I wonder if the plan is a bit too easy. The mileage seems low. But I also really don't want to over train and get hurt. And I like that it really focuses on the mental aspect of the run. Plus an easier plan may allow me to better keep up with tennis, swimming and biking.

Running Miles: 27
Swimming Miles: 0
Biking Miles: 0
Tennis Hours: 3.5

YTD Mileage: 57.75

Go Broncos!

We actually don't watch much football in our house, but Jack has been showing interest in the game. With the Broncos in the
playoffs, it is a good excuse to watch (although I still like the Cowboys and Colts better) and even make a little party of it. Queso, chicken satay and spinach balls.


Although since I started typing this out, the game has been going poorly for the Broncos. We might be switching to the Miss America pageant in a bit. Miss Minnesota is a student at my alma mater St. Olaf!

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Daybook 1.9.12

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... haven't even bothered to open the shades yet today!

I am thinking... that I wanted to get back to writing this Daybook weekly and was going to start early this morning, but then I was up all night with Kate and her tummy bug.

I am thankful for... indoor plumbing. How did people survive winters without it?!?

From the kitchen... we had a minestrone soup at a friend's house last night. It was SO GOOD that I want to make her recipe this week. Also planning a ham & potato chowder and BBQ pork sliders from a crockpot recipe magazine I picked up the other day. I was even thinking about trying my hand at homemade hamburger buns.

I am wearing... my purple PJs, a long sweater, wool socks and my glasses. Have I mentioned I was up all night?

I am creating... haven't even seen my sewing machine in 2012!

I am going... back to bed after I finish this. I need a nap!

I am reading... What Alice Forgot for my bookclub. Gotta get it done by next week!

I am hoping... for a good nap and for Kate to keep something down soon.

I am hearing... the white noise maker. It is blocking out the sound of the TV and the kids clanking around in the kitchen downstairs.

Around the house... feeling good about the house. I've gotten 2 new pieces of furniture in the last 6 weeks, but haven't really had the time to set them up like I want. We switched up the kids' rooms (did I mention that yet?), and I'd really like to get them a bit more settled in their spaces.

One of my favorite things... soup.

A few plans for the rest of the week: sorta dependent on this tummy bug... had to cancel tennis today, have our normal tennis, swim team/lessons, etc. I have a hair appt. And I'm hoping to make it to the FRMQG unofficial sew on Saturday for a couple hours.

Here is a picture I am sharing: got nothing!

Week 2: One Bite At A Time Progress

Week 2 of working through Simple Mom's One Bite At A Time ebook.

For this week I chose projects that fit in well with the annual family goals we set this week. Figure we might use the momentum of setting those goals to get started. Some of these are new for us, some need to be re-energized post holidays.

• Create a family purpose statement - to be done at our first family meeting - tentatively scheduled for next Sunday.
• Plan weekly planning meetings with your spouse - we actually started this last week. Although I admit tonight's meeting was pretty lame... my legs and I are SO TIRED from my long run, and I just wanted to get into bed!
• Regularly turn off your TV (and computer!) - got lazy over the holidays...
• Go on dates with your kids - something we've done but about which we would like to be more intentional
• Create a chore system that works for the whole family - need to reinvigorate our "marbles" system for the kids. I'd also like to take the kids to open their own bank accounts.

Running Log

One of my 40 for 40 is to run 1000+ miles in 2012 which means I have to get back to tracking my mileage. Most programs count biking and swimming towards the total, but I can't remember the ratio. Doesn't matter this week as I did neither. I didn't play any tennis either (not counted towards totals but I thought I'd track it also). Just focused on running and increasing my mileage in preparation for my half marathon in February. I'll add in some swimming and tennis this coming week. Probably won't get back to the bike for a bit. Oh - and my mileage looks a little high because I did last weekend's long run on Monday. Still seems like a great way to start out the year!

Running Miles: 30.75
Swimming Miles: 0
Biking Miles: 0
Tennis Hours: 0

That's also my YTD totals. Only 969.25 miles to go!

Family Goals

Are you getting sick of reading my goals yet? Cause I'm getting pretty tired of blogging about them... but I do love me a good list of goals!

Matt and I sat down (in several sessions) last week and talk about some goal setting for our family for 2012 (and beyond!). We used these goal-setting questions from Simple Mom to guide us, but we tailored it a bit for our needs. While we didn't actually make a list of "goals" during our discussion, I've made a list that pretty much summarizes what we discussed and our action plan. It is good to know that we are basically on the same page right now. And I think Matt actually enjoyed the process. Really.

• List our possible "big" purchases for 2012 and how we plan to pay for them - DONE
• Plan our charitable giving - listed organizations we like and how much we plan to donate - plan to look at this again in 6 months - DONE
• Meet with financial advisor for some updates
• Update our wills
• Adjust our savings plan to meet our current situation
• Get back to regular date nights (even if it means just at home)
• Have regular family meetings (hurray! I finally convinced Matt that this is a good idea!!)
• Schedule weekly spouse meetings (ditto above!)
• Read the book Giving the Love that Heals book together
• List some plans for improving our home
• Clean and reorganize the basement for more active space
• Try a new church
• Attempt family meditation
• Discussed how we want to spend deliberate family time this year (family tennis, family reading time, dates with kids, skiing, hiking)
• Discussed what we would like for our kids for schooling/activities/etc (this could be a big change!)
• Get back to our marble chore system
• Matt is also going to join me in rising early with the Good Morning Challenge that starts in a couple weeks (I was a bit concerned about this at first because I really want the mornings to be MY time, but he has agreed to do his own thing during that time - like spin class or work-related reading).

40 For 40 - Final List

I finalized my 40 for 40 list. I feel like I gotta get going! Already almost a week into the year I turn 40, and I need to be doing .75 things a week to get this done!

To make it easier for me to accomplish and track, I decided to group my list into categories. Here is the final list plus some commentary!

Could Do Right Now

1. Ski a mogul run

2. Attempt to donate blood

3. Join the bone marrow donation registry

4. Sponsor a child

5. Go cross country skiing

6. Go snowshoeing

7. Make cinnamon rolls

Can Start Working Towards Now

8. Make 40 new recipes

9. Complete a quilt each for Kate & Jack

10. Complete a quilt for my bed

11. Learn to play 4 Christmas carols on the piano

12. Get chickens

13. Learn to fold 40 origami projects

14. Document a day-in-our life 40 times (that's 3-4 /month)
15. Run 1000 miles (joining Tall Mom's club)
16. Say "I Love You" to 40 people (um... why does this make me more nervous than the marathon?!?)

Already Planned

17. Go camping

18. Visit a National Park

19. Complete a half marathon (registered for Feb)

20. Complete a marathon (registered for June)

21. Complete a triathlon (registered for Aug)

22. Plant a garden

Need to Actively Work Towards

23. Go to a Drive-In Movie

24. Climb a 14er

25. Leave the country

26. Go water skiing

27. Host a party

28. Buy an RV (how can Matt say no when it's on my LIST?!?)

29. Secret Plan
30. Start a new, benevolent family tradition (thinking at Christmas time? Maybe volunteer in a soup kitchen, ring the bell for the Salvation Army, volunteer with Toys for Tots, etc.)

Just Have to Make Time At Some Point

31. Do a back flip off a diving board

32. Ride a motorcycle

33. Run 5K in less than 30min

34. Do the incline (I won't do it in the winter with ice)

35. Have a full day spa day

36. Fast for a day

37. Fly a kite

38. Go horseback riding

39. Take kids to a college sporting event (football, hockey, etc)
40. Go rock climbing

Clueless But Hopeful Mama is going to do 40 for 40 also! Anyone else turning 40 that wants to join in?

WIP Wednesday

I haven't blogged about my WIP since October! And it doesn't feel like much has changed since then. Looking forward to some 2012 sewing. Highlighted the ones I'm focusing on right now, and I marked any quilts that are on the back burner as (BB). I was going to make a list of 2012 Sewing Goals, but I decided that I have plenty of other goals already. I think 2012 might be the year that I sew for myself with no pressure, no deadlines, and no one but myself in mind. There are going to be plenty of Kristen quilts this year. Although I would like to get some of those quilt tops turned into finished quilts...


Completed Projects To Be Blogged

• Crazy Clown Colors Quilt
• Modern Houses Quilt
• Teacher going away quilt

Completed Projects - Not Going to be Blogged and Dropping off the List!

• Explorer Vests (given as Christmas gifts... forgot to take pics before I wrapped them!)
• Halloween Banner (maybe I'll blog it next Halloween!)
• Halloween Quilted Table Hexagons (ditto)
• Advent Calendar quilt (gave away and again forgot to take a photo)

Quilts Needing Binding

• Halloween Quilt
• Halloween Table Runner

Quilts Needing Basting/Quilting

• Pinwheel Quilt (BB)
• Minky Baby Quilt (BB)
• Wonky Pinky Quilt (BB)
• M's Quilt (BB)
• Sorta Stacked Coins Quilt (BB)
• Miss D's Quilt (BB)
• Habitat Challenge Quilt #1
• Habitat Challenge Quilt #2

Quilts Being Cut and/or Pieced

• Ticker Tape Quilt (BB))
• Green Squares Quilts x2
• Sew-In Quilt (BB)
• Repro Quilt #1
• Repro Quilt #2
• Camping Quilt
• Facade Quilt

Non-Quilt Sewing Projects

• Bath wraps for Kate and American Girl Doll
• Fleecy PJs for Kate
• Bike Bag for Jack
• Xmas gifts for 2012 (yup, already getting started!)

Yearly Recap

Thought I'd join in the yearly recap fun from All & Sundry.
(I have NO IDEA why this is publishing funny and you can't read the ends of the sentences... I'm trying to fix it without losing all my links!)
(Okay, I think it is fixed even if the spacing looks a little funny.) 
(Wait! Now it's not working again! Ugh!)
(Please work this time, please work this time...)


1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? I went to a therapist (mentioning this in the spirit of trying to be more authentic on the blog). I always thought that going to a therapist was a little goofy (and my mom is one!), but I can see now why people like it so much. There is something a bit cathartic about the experience.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
 yes and no. See 2011 Resolutions Final Review blog post
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? 
My good friend Michelle, my friend Siri and Matt's sister all had baby boys
4. Did anyone close to you die? My cat Samuel. This question makes me nervous because I can't think of any humans that died in 2011. And I'm going to feel really stupid if a person died and all I mention is my cat.
5. What countries did you visit? Just the good ol' USA. And Texas. :)

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? a daily housekeeper and a personal assistant... actually, seriously,  I've really felt a lack of purpose lately. I'd really like to find that again in 2012. Not really sure how I am going to find it, but I'm sure going to be looking. Although I'd have more time to look if I had that housekeeper or personal assistant...
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? There really aren't any dates that stand out for me. I did like 11-11-11 although nothing really happened that day.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
 This question makes me a little depressed. I can't think of a single worthy achievement to list. Think this might go back to #6 and needing some purpose.
9. What was your biggest failure? I guess to balance out my inability to think of a biggest achievement, I also can't think of a major failure either. At least not one I'm willing to admit on a public blog.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I'm normally pretty healthy, but I had a few relatively minor issues in 2011.  In August I had a little foot injury that I was afraid was a stress fracture, but Matt felt it was just a little overuse injury from running or tennis or a combo of the two. I (mostly) stopped running for about a month to heal it up. I also strained my lower back this fall. It HURT. Constantly. You don't realize how much you use your back until you can't. Fortunately rest and massage and stretching and the hot tub helped. Now I'm faithful about stretching everyday. There was also that darn flu bug that kept me down for a couple weeks in Oct/Nov. Blah.
11. What was the best thing you bought? trampoline for the kids - that thing was worth every penny!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? my kids while traveling
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? hmmm... I think I'll keep my opinion on this to myself
14. Where did most of your money go? I just looked at our 2011 spending, and it seems that most of our money went to the category of "Hobbies and Sports." I purposefully put skiing stuff and fabric in the same category so that my fabric spending seems fuzzy...
15. What did you get really excited about? Hawaii. Especially the sea turtles. And the dolphins. And the papaya. And the slippers. I do well with lots of vitamin D.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011? Can't think of a single song that will remind me of 2011.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier or sadder? honestly? sadder. But I'm still mostly happy thinner or fatter? about the same. Maybe a tad thinner, but definitely fitter richer or poorer? Richer, although I don't like that word. More financially stable seems better.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? cooking. I really slacked off this last year.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
 surfing the web
20. How did you spend Christmas? Christmas Eve with just our family, Miss D joined us for Christmas morning, and we had a wonderful Christmas dinner with friends
21. Did you fall in love in 2011? Not with anyone new
22. What was your favorite TV program? Friday Night Lights. So sad when I watched the last one, yet so relieved to be over my addiction
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hate is such a strong word. There are definitely people that I dislike a bit more than last year. Nothing has really changed between now and then except that I have begun to fully understand how I have accepted poor treatment for the sake of peace and how I tend to put other people's needs/feelings before my own and even at the expense of my own needs/feelings (see #1)
24. What were your favorite books of the year? Half the Sky and Racing in the Rain. 
25. What was your favorite music from this year?
 I am so not a music person...
26. What did you want and get? a working piano
27. What did you want and not get? a TrailManor camper
28. What were your favorite films of the year? Dolphin Tale. Wish I could come up with something more intellectual, but that was my favorite.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? We spent the weekend in the mountains with Miss D. I turned 39. But I still feel 22. Except for that sore lower back thing.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? How can I name just one?!? A clean and organized basement. A little tummy liposuction. Non-whiny children. A personal assistant. I could go on and on.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011? Bringing tennis skirts to the streets. If I was a trend setter, you could expect to see tennis skirts in all the big fashion magazines this year. Seems like I always have one on. Kate even asked me NOT to wear them for school pick-up anymore...  I did have someone say to me that she thought I tried to downplay myself when dressing. That was a bit of an eye opener (in a good way) even if it isn't completely true. I'm really just too busy/distracted/lazy to get cleaned up most days. I think I look pretty good when I get away from my day to day workout and mothering routines. But I have been trying to make a bit more of an effort.
32. What kept you sane? running and chocolate and not necessarily in that order
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Kate Middleton. How can you not love a royal wedding?
34. What political issue stirred you the most? I'm sure there was something, I just can't think of anything right now
35. Who did you miss? My friend Elizabeth
36. Who was the best new person you met? I haven't really met anyone new that is involved in my life. I guess I could name the kids' teachers. Or the ladies I've met through tennis. I'd name my tennis partner, but technically I met her before 2011.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
 I'm not as crazy as I thought.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. "If you're gonna be there.. be there. If you're gonna stay.. stay tonight. Start livin', out with the old.. I'm on the up.. Must be the good life.." - Howie Day