Okay, okay, I'll take a break from sewing to update my post. It has been awhile, I know.

On Sunday, Skyler turned 9 months old!! Where has the time gone?! He woke up Sunday morning with his first tooth!! He's dressed in his jammies for his 9-month pictures because I forgot to take them until after he'd been put to bed. What a sweetie!

Also on Sunday, we had our traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner, followed by a viewing of Darby O'Gill and the Little People starring Sean Connery (I love that movie!) because as you know, yesterday was St. Patrick's Day! For some reason my kids think that this is a really special holiday, so I decided to go all out and make it extra fun. I REALLY wish I hadn't forgotten to chronicle the day with some photos. For breakfast, we had green toast (I bought a loaf of green bread from the bakery), green eggs, and green milk. For lunch, green sandwiches (more bakery green bread), kiwi fruit, and green jello. For dinner, a totally green salad (lettuce, celery, avocado, broccoli, and cabbage), green grapes, asparagus (so yummy with a little sesame oil drizzled on), and we finished off the green bread. For dessert, pistachio pudding.

At school, Sarah tried to catch a leprechaun (1st graders all make leprechaun traps) but that sneaky little bugger left green footprints all over everyone's traps and no one caught him! Eliza told me she was afraid of leprechauns (because they pinch people?) so I told her they were just pretend, but I think Sarah really believes in them. Emily, of course, is more knowledgeable about those type of things now that she's in on the big S.C. secret (wink). Although I'm not sure she ever actually believed in leprechauns. (I don't think I've ever hinted that they really existed). Oh well, the magic of childhood!

And now, back to the sewing. For those of you who haven't checked out my store http://www.peanutbutterprincess.etsy.com/ (I had my first sale this week!), here are some pictures of some things I've made lately.

My New Hobby

Lately, I've been busily sewing. Yes, I've been spending all my spare time at the machine and I've been burning the candles at both ends. I started sewing (all those aprons, and the bag and a quilt for Skyler that I haven't posted) and realized I was really enjoying myself. So I thought maybe I can make some money while I'm doing this. I opened an Etsy store: http://www.peanutbutterprincess.etsy.com/. I haven't sold anything yet, but here are a few items that I've made. Eliza is really benefiting because she gets the "sample". I did make Emily an apron, but I'm really hesitant to make anything for Sarah because she is so hard on clothes. It's harder than I thought it would be to find the time--constant interruptions from kids, etc. My best time is after they go to bed--thus burning the candle! Oh well!

Missing Jennie

Our good friend Jennie died this morning. She's been in our family for just over four years and she was such a special companion. Boy, did she put up with a lot from our kids [Sarah]! And from me, actually, since I've been impatient with her the past year. But she gave her unconditional love and devotion through it all. We love you and will never forget you, Jennie!

Gotta Love Good Food

In case any of you didn't realize it, we have a food blog called "Gotta Love Good Food" co-authored by some of my sisters. The recipes on there are some of our favorites that we've just got to share. I just posted a yummy bean recipe, and the tomato soup recipe is to die for! (Even if you don't normally like tomato soup). Haylee's hamburger recipe is great, too. In fact, they all are! Check it out!

Tax Time

I LOVE tax time! Am I crazy, you wonder? I don't know, but there is just something about doing taxes that I really enjoy. Maybe it's the brain work involved (not that there's anything TOO complicated), but my brain doesn't get to do math-ish stuff very often. Maybe it's because I love figuring out how much $$$ we're getting back. Maybe it's because I love figuring out what to do with the $$$ we get back. Maybe I wouldn't love tax time if we owed rather than received. Who knows! I got the last of my needed tax documents today, and I'll be working on it this week--YIPPEE!!

PS I know some of you are thinking that it's not very good money sense to have so much withheld from your pay that you end up with a return, and you're right. BUT, I REALLY like getting a return, more than I would like breaking even, or worse--owing.

My Latest Projects

I've been sewing more lately. I'm working on a cute quilt for Skyler (designed by Angie and April, thank you!) I've also made myself a new church bag:

I just finished this apron. I'm excited to have an apron made from really cute fabrics, but one I'm not too worried to get dirty (I am SUCH a messy cook). I am going to make another before long that is SOOO cute, but it's like a dress and I don't think I could bear to cook in it. Did I mention that I really love sewing? :>)

Free at last....

Debt-free, that is! Yes, we FINALLY paid off our student loan this week! What a good feeling that is. (Now all we owe on is the house). Next: Dave Ramsey's baby step #3--build your emergency fund. I can't wait to see that savings account grow every month!!