Week in Review 7/8/10

The reality of what has happened is starting to settle in now. We tried to have a normal day Friday and #1 and I did some running around together. We popped in and out of a few shops and I even gave blood at a local drive. It struck me as we were walking by the Red Cross trailer that it was the smallest way I could help someone in need that day - but may really save someone's life. It felt good to make some kind of contribution to the medical world after last week.

Saturday morning we stood by family tradition and attended the neighborhood 4th of July breakfast in hubby's home ward. My father-in-law, Sam, had actually been serving in their bishopric when the breakfast was first initiated some 30-ish years ago. We picked Mom up on the way knowing it would be difficult for her to be there - knowing it was another tribute to Sam to go. She did great though. She was able to catch up with a lot of old friends and seemed to talk about the events of the week with ease. She is my hero.

The afternoon was spent at D's memorial services and we were really touched by the stories that were shared about him there. It was actually a celebration of his life and focused quite a bit on the music he loved. The highlight of the service for us was getting to see Little D ... not sure when we'll see him again. I sure love that little guy.

The rest of the weekend was getting hubby and #2 ready for Scout camp. They left for the Carlisle Ranch in Wyoming early Monday morning for a week of fly fishing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and aviation. You should have seen the stack of waivers we had to sign away on. Yikes. I can't take another tragedy right now. No sir!

Feeling Resolute

I confess, I'm the worst at keeping resolutions. In fact, I really suck at making and keeping goals or having any real kind of plan. Maybe it's because there so many areas of my life where consistency and maintenance are necessary, that when it comes down to losing a few pounds or putting money away for a rainy day ... I just can't do it. I make decisions based on emotion and end up all over the place.

So when my dear hubby asked what my New Year's resolutions were going to be this year, I had to laugh. I had already determined, in order to avoid utter failure ... again, that my only goals would be to do more of the things that I should and less of the things that I shouldn't. I was all set! Success would be mine at last. But nooooooo .... I was put in my place at church last Sunday and left feeling like a complete loser because I was more than happy to set the bar that low.

So, what was I supposed to do now? I know, I know, resolutions are good. Goals help us to have direction and purpose. How could I make a resolution general enough that I would succeed, but focused enough to require real, targeted effort? After squeezing into my jeans yesterday morning and grumbling again about the never-ending battle of the bulge (which I've determined I'm officially losing) I figured it out.

My generally specific New Year's resolution for 2010 ....

TO STRENGTHEN MY CORE.Initially, I was daydreaming about being able to slide into a sleek pair of skinny jeans every morning ... but then decided that in all aspects of my life, I'd really like to strengthen what lies at the center of me.

Religion - study more about the things I believe

Family - make us a stronger, happier unit

Home - clear out the clutter and get back to basics

The 'bod' - lose the gut, flab, jiggly thighs and arms (ick)

Finances - pay off my only existing credit card and build up my savings account

Business - revamp my Etsy business and really get it off the ground

Are you getting the picture? I'm hoping that for 2010, as I make daily decisions about what things will take up my time, what things I will purchase, what things I put my energy into, what things I put into my body ... I will remember what is really important to me and make the choice that will strengthen my core. I want to be more free, more focused, more grateful. I want to be stronger and more healthy. I want to be more secure in who I am and what I'm doing.

What will your resolutions be?

Ssshhhh ....

I have a secret and it's a good one! I've zipped my lips and no one will know until this Friday. The end.Until then, have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your families. We're spending the day in Sandy with hubby's parents and two of his sisters. I've been assigned mashed potatoes and pearl salad. That works for me. Cooking the actual 'big bird' still makes me a little nervous. When we're done, we'll come home and set up the tree and other decorations. How do you spend your Thanksgiving?

De-Stash Craft: Pillowcases

If you own a sewing machine, then you probably have at least a few piles of leftover fabric stashed somewhere in your house. It's time to dig them up and do a little good. This project is quick and easy and is a great one for teaching your kids how to sew. I made these as sleepover cases, but the next batch will be donated to Primary Children's Medical Center here in Salt Lake.

All materials 45" wide cotton woven
Body - 3/4 yard
Cuff - 1/4 yard
Trim - 2-4" based on preference

1 - Press cuff and trim pieces in half, wrong sides together.
2 - Pin all three pieces together matching raw edges, right sides together.3 - Sew with 5/8" seam allowance and press the trim and cuff down.
4 - Topstitch seam allowance to the body of the pillowcase.5 - Fold in half, right sides together matching side seams.
6 - Sew the 2 unfinished edges at 5/8", zigzag raw edges to finish.
7 - Turn corners and press if you like.The second one I made was flannel from last year's PJ scraps. I cut a front and back for the body that measured 20" x 27" and cut a 14" wide piece to make a 7" cuff, then used some coordinating grosgrain ribbon for trim. Both cases worked out great, adjust the size to meet your own needs. These are great for donations to hospitals and homeless shelters, but would also be perfect gifts for almost anyone. Great for kids to take to sleepovers, or just to have a holiday specific/birthday/camp/get better soon pillowcase. You name it. It would be fun to make a stack for Grandma's house too where kidlets may sleepover. Oh ... the possibilities are endless! :D