Took a haitus now back to Blog

Hey I remembered my password, got a new lap top and now its time to get back to the Blog. I last posted about my new niece Jade. She is now a vivacious toddler. A lot has happened some good, some bad. First off I can't believe how old my kids are! My oldest is now 21, the age I was when I had him. My oldest daughter is 19, the age I was when I married! Yikes. Deep breaths! So at home I have 2 adult kids and 2 minor kids. It does get interesting.
This last year people are moving away. And not the people you wish would move away! Almost a year ago my parents moved up to Bremerton Wa. To retire and be closer to younger grandkids. The have 8 in Bremerton and 3 in Federal Way. This is hard for me and my kids. Brian's side of the family is not close with us by choice. My parents were very involved with their grandkids. Then this year two of my friends from church moved, one out of state. And next month my best friend of 10 years is moving out of state. Clear across the United States. I'm so sad and do not know how depressed I will get when it happens. I do know this is the best thing for her and her kids and when you are a true friend you put their happiness before your own. We also lost our Pediatrician last Aug. He passed away from brain cancer. This broke my heart. He was only 2 years older than me, his oldest daughter was born 2 days after my second daughter and he was our Doctor from that day. 14 years. He was a great Doctor who really was a good support to have on my side. The kids do not go as often now that they are older. It's not the same with a new Pediatrician.
So in the last year I feel my supportive environment coming apart. A supportive environment includes the people around you: family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, Doctors, church members, etc. People who are there for you in different forms that help you through life. I am thankful my husband and kids are healthy, here and so far not moving away. I really only have one person to put down in case of an Emergency. To me that is sad.
I'm still crafting and sewing. Of course! Sometimes it really gets me through things! I still have my booth space at NW Creations & Collectibles in Gresham. Two doors down from there is JoAnn Fabrics, already my second home,  I became the sewing Instructor about a year ago when they remodeled and built a classroom. I have taught many classes! Most were awesome and I have had about 30 students. Most often I teach Basic Sewing. People really want to learn to sew! Even kids really want to learn and make their own things. I love it!  Both things are part-time bases and go though hot/cold phases. I have had several special orders over the year too. From leotards to valances. I even trading sewing for some painted elephant shoes for Mariah.
In early October we got a new kitty, Olive. she is so cute and so much fun! She was a rescue and has marks & traits of a Russian blue cat. She keeps us laughing and happy daily.
I continue to resale shop and love it. Last summer I got such great deals on crafting and sewing things. Even shelves and storage for crafting/sewing. Ready for this years garage/yard sales. My home is now filled with varies things I have picked up at Goodwill and other resale places. My latest good deal was a brand new runner rug for $15 still selling at Target for $40! It looks awesome in my room, I even went to Target and bought a matching one for $25 for under my chair at my sewing table. So 2 rugs for the price of !!

I plan to blog in the future more about: sewing/crafting, resale shopping, family, experiences, books and more!

A new baby niece!

It is always exciting to have a new baby born, better when they are in your family! My youngest brother Seth and his wife Jessica welcomed their first girl (after 3 boys). Little Jade Fraizer was born 8/29/12 weighing in at 7lbs. 6 oz. and dark brown hair! She is such a cutie!! This makes 15 grandchildren for my parents! I bet they didn't think they would have so many!
My Mom and Jade #15!

 

I love being an Aunt! I became an aunt 12 years ago, and it was so exciting to me! I could hold and play with my nieces and nephews and send them back to their parents! I can watch them grow, make them things, and just enjoy them! I love to craft and sew, especially making baby items which I sell currently @ NW Creations & Collectibles. So as soon as I know someone close to me is having a baby I begin to plan the baby quilt. I ask about color preferences, things they do or don't like, & get inspired by the fabric. I take a lot of thought into it. If the fabric doesn't feel right, I struggle getting it done! Luckily, I have always been able to pick it just right and the mom-to-be is more than happy! I then feel awesome! So I made a quilt and burp cloth set for cute Jade! I also made a set for my Aunt Nadine that she gave as a gift for Jade, too. I so love when things match, so to my surprise the turtles in my quilt matched the butterflies in her receiving blanket set! They both had the same plaids & polka dots on them! BTW: I love patterns! Dots! Plaids! Stripes! Everything! I love to coordinate them and feel I have an eye for it! I love new babies, they are so precious. I love sewing for a new baby, whether in my family or not!

The end of summer

 We love to visit Multnomah Falls! This was on the Fourth of July

 Brian and I at the food cart event, the lines were long and some ran out of food, so we ate dinner at Taco Bell!

 My boy loves the Fourth of July! The apple surely doesnt fall far from the Karm tree, its Brian's favorite holiday too!

 Hanging out with my pretty daughters, we get silly and crazy! I look at them and think somehow I created these beauties. Well I guess I did have some help!

 My Pretty girls!

I love Multnomah falls and the beauty of the Gorge!

 

Summer is closing in, and I have to admit after the heat wave we had, I am enjoying the current weather. Anything higher than 85 degrees is too hot for me! I'm hoping for a nice mild fall, not ready for wind storms and rain just yet.

We didn't do anything major this summer and that is OK. We have a roof over our heads, food on the table (constantly with four kids) and a van to drive. Alyssa went to girls camp for a week and to Aunt Denise's for a visit and a few days at Uncle Chris's. Brennan went to scout day camp. We enjoyed Blue Lake park, Red sunset park, Waffle cone Wed, Mt. Hood movies, Cold stone creamery, Olive Garden, Gresham Art walk, Farmers Market, garage sales, Multnomah Falls, Ohana cafe, and much more.

That last few days have been an organized clean out. The kids start school right after labor day, and after standing in long lines to register them, I'm ready!! The girls share a room and took upon themselves to re-arrange their room and clean out their closets. I loved it! I just had to approve it all, which I did happily! They can wear the same size shirts, jackets and skirts. So there was so clothes swapping. I remember doing this with my sister! Alyssa at 13 has passed Mariah (17) up in height! Only by 1 1/2 inches but I have a feeling it will be more and more! So their jeans fit differently.

Yesterday, Brian and I cleaned out Brennan's room. He had lego's from one end to the other!! It was a workout! But it looks great now! He will be in 4th grade and I can hardly believe it! I sorta miss having a little toddler around. But that Wed, when everyone is gone to work and school, I will be having a dance party! ;)