New Look

I like to change things up from time to time. For those of you who have followed my blog for awhile, you may have noticed I change templates semi-often. Well, as I was playing with a new template, I accidentally deleted my complete template from before. (always backup before changing!). Oh well - thought this may give me a chance to do something new with the blog. I have a basic template right now and will be adding items as time allows.

Strange Woman in a Strange World

So last Monday, I took my first ever sewing class. I signed up for the class about 6 weeks ago. All I remember was that I was to bring my own machine or one will be provided for me. I have my Mom's old machine, so I happily brought that to class with me. I was even 10 minutes early! I was ready to go! Or so I thought. As I saw the other students coming in, I noticed they were taking out scissors, pins, and fabric. I was supposed to buy fabric? I asked one of the students how much fabric I was supposed to get and hurried out to buy some. I was so embarrassed. I pride myself on being a prepared person and I completely didn't read the class instructions before coming.
Once I had all my material, the instructor showed us some of the basics to sewing. I really enjoyed the class. However, I made a huge mistake on my project. We made pillowcases and somehow I ended up with the seam in the middle instead of on the side. Oh well - lessons learned.
I'm now looking for some simple and easy sewing projects. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I may try the pillowcase again to make a correct one!




The sewing machine I have is old enough to say "Dear Homemaker".
This is the pillow case I made. If you look closely, my seam is in the middle instead of on the side.

My first week

I just finished my first week of my new job. Lots of training and getting acquainted with my coworkers and what I will be doing, etc. This job will allow me to learn about benefits, COBRA, and unemployment. These are the areas in HR where I'm not as familiar and am very excited to be gaining this knowledge. I'm also seeing opportunity where my strengths in HR will help the company (such as report writing). I'll be working 12 hours a week, which is just perfect for our family. It allows me to use my "work brain" for awhile which I had been missing. It gives me some me time and adult time which I feel all parents need for themselves. David and I are working through the quirks of scheduling. I'm still breastfeeding Jack and I am working on my pumping schedule to make sure we have enough milk for when I'm gone. Once Jack is a year, we'll switch him to whole milk while I'm gone. That is only two months away (Jack is 10 months today!), so the pumping schedule will only be for a short time.

This last weekend I went to a Canvas class with my stamper teacher friend Kimberly. This canvas is for Jack's room. I kept it fairly simple as Jack's room is quite simple. I felt a bit rushed in finding a picture to work with. I may make another canvas on my own and have David pick a cute Jack picture. He's the family photographer :)


I'm still working on David's knitted sweater. I'm on the last sleeve. Then the task of putting all the pieces together comes next. I've never knitted a sweater before, so I'm sure there will be lots of opportunities for learning. I tend to knit at night when the kids are both asleep. I am just not in a good place to knit while they are awake. I'm still managing Jack and his whereabouts. He is quite mischievous that little guy!

This coming Monday I'm taking a sewing class at JoAnn Fabrics. I can't wait!!

Shared Blog

Check out the shared blog David and I created. I'll post on both Vida Pacifica and We Made People. I may focus this blog on my views, my new job, my crafty stuff etc. I will mostly like post family stuff on We Made People.

I miss boring

We have had quite a lot going on the last two weeks or so. Both kids had ear infections. I had an ear infection. I still can't hear out of my right ear. It feels/sounds as though I'm under water most of the time. I sound like an old lady with my "huh, what did you say?" The one benefit to bad hearing would be the lovely times when both kids are screaming at the top of their lungs.

Yesterday I had my 3rd interview with the part-time HR job. This time I met with the Payroll Director and I felt we had really good rapport. I was supposed to take the DISC personality test, but the person who administers it was out sick. I'm hoping to return early next week to take the test. Then from there, I hope to get an offer! I believe I'm up against one other person. I just hope I have that extra to get me the offer.

Jack is currently on a nursing strike. This happened the night we returned from Indiana (more on that trip later). I believe the strike is due to a number of things: teething, ear infection, traveling and biting. He got into the habit of biting me while nursing and I would sternly tell him "no biting" and set him on the ground. (let me tell you, biting hurts like you-know-what!) I'm struggling with feeling rejected. I'm also struggling with feeling like I'm failing as a breastfeeding mother. I wanted to breastfeed for 12 months at least and I'm falling short of that. I have nothing against formula, so not sure where this is coming from. I guess I am just proud of the fact that I made a commitment to nurse for a year and feel like I'm giving up if I don't.
I'm also not in love with the pumping every 3 hours. Pumping has never been a favorite past time of mine. I was given a name of a doula/La Leche League representative (thanks Leslie) and she gave me some really good tips. I will work on these for the next several days. If it appears he is definitely done with nursing, I will continue to pump and perhaps substitute a feeding or two with formula. I'm reading that most babies who strike do go back to breastfeeding. Wish us well!

We were in Indiana this last week. It was so very nice to hang out with the family. I always enjoy my Indiana time. With my ear infection, it wasn't as pleasant as in the past, but I am grateful for the time I had with them. I miss you lots family!!



Sisters: Christie and Bonnie/Jack, Matt (my brother), Lily and Christie


Jack with Mama and cousin Katie/Lily and Cousin Cassie


Jack took a little snooze on Nana


Katie is a walking fool these days!/My sis-in-law: Carrie


Abba and Lily: together again!/Bonnie and my B.I.L. Mark

*note: I have one picture of my Dad and David together, but you'll have to check it out on Facebook - it's rated PG and I'm trying to keep my blog G-rated - hee hee