The 25th Hour

If only I had one more hour each day, sixty more minutes to play with the boys, clean my closet, fold laundry, finish my sewing projects, read a book, call a friend, work out and on and on and on. For the most part I don't get overwhelmed, I stick with my to-do list and plan each minute of the day to maximize it to the fullest. Lately though I feel behind, like I can't get it all done, there just isn't time.

The whole no kitchen, no sink, no stove thing has really set me back, throwing a wrench in my daily routine. Every room in our house is a disaster scattered with random kitchen appliances, canned goods, wall art, vitamins and who knows what else. My hubby is continuing to work hard but is exhausted, worn out and we are both frustrated. Things take forever, nothing goes as planned and we want our normal day-to-day life back. Of course we know in the end it will be worth it but now it's hard. My mom and I are on little boy duty 24/7, if I can't be with them she is, if we can't be home because of messy work we are at her house and if we can't make anything to eat we go to her kitchen. A few days ago we escaped our mess driving the 2.2 miles to make delicious banana bread with Nama and Ryker (one of her daycare boys). 


























The boys miss their daddy, he is around but busy. They want to help every chance they get and think the drywall mud is amazing. Thankfully tonight Jeff had a boys night with the little ones and I had a girls night enjoying the scandalous Bachelor with my besties, they needed the daddy time and I needed a few hours of just sitting, not racing around, not folding laundry while pretending to be snowboarding (Pacey's newest favorite game) and not scanning the room looking at inches of dust covering everything.

My work schedule is kind of crazy the next few weeks, subbing three to four days each week with various grade levels. I am so thankful for the work because the money is helpful right now but it makes me feel more rushed.

As we pulled in the driveway this afternoon my head pounding from the ever so challenging first graders today the to-do list scrolled through my mind; get inside, pray for Bubble Gumpies to be on and run around folding laundry, sewing a few coffee cozies, washing dishes (in the bathroom sink) and heating up leftovers for dinner. Well we got out of the car and the weather was so nice I couldn't resist their pleads- please let us play outside, please. Ok, over an hour later when Jeff arrived home we still hadn't been in the house, we cross country skied with the neighbors, pulled monkey in the sled, shoveled the sidewalk and hiked our trails.












I probably won't have everything sewn for the Valentine Craftacular this weekend, I won't have my closet organized, I may not get any Valentine cards made in time and may not be completely ready for our upcoming Valentine's festivities but that is ok. I will keep dreaming for those extra minutes planning all the things I could accomplish and until then make the most of my 24 hours. As I see it cutting back on sleep is good training, just getting me ready for the newest addition in a few short months.

Valentine Craftacular

Do you know where you will be next Saturday February 4th? I hope you plan to visit me at the Fifth Annual Valentine Craftacular! There will be a variety of vendors and plenty of perfect gifts for yourself or your sweetie. Valentine's is a wonderful holiday to celebrate those you love and give an adorable little gift.

I will have a pinked out table full of Poplin goodies including, baby items, coffee cozies, calming cozies (heat rice packs), chirpy birds, fabric journals, rings and more.



















































Click here for a sneak peak of some other vendors you will find there!

Just a Ride

Although it felt good to sleep in a little this morning since I was abruptly jolted out of bed several times last night to comfort a crying three year old, as soon as my feet hit the floor I was in high gear. We had lots on our agenda today starting with a trip to the grocery store and picking out a birthday gift for my nephew. In the middle of serving breakfast and wrestling with the boys to get dressed my mom called.

***Reason # 27 to live close to your mom...she almost always offers to take your kids while you grocery shop.

I was fully prepared to take the kiddos with me, I take them lots of places and don't think twice but when the offers arises to shop alone in peace I accept. So I cruised through the store, checked everything off my list and was loading the van when I was put in one of those decide now, split second reaction situations.

A short, older woman carrying one Wal-Mart bag hobbling through the parking lots says, "excuse me ma'am, I just twisted my ankle and don't think I can walk home, can you give me a ride". Without much hesitation I replied, "oh sure" not really thinking it through, my mind had been racing as usual thinking about the rest of my to-do list, current sewing projects that must be finished and how I could maximize nap time today. It is a habit of mine to reply quickly, I don't think things over very long and usually just respond, sometimes good, sometimes not.

As soon as I agreed though I quickly regretted it, what if she has a gun, a knife, an accomplice waiting to snatch me, what if she doesn't even have a place to go and just wants a warm ride, what if she asks for money (oh ya we bought our kitchen at Ikea yesterday so I had no money- didn't have to worry about that), what if she is a small man dressed like a woman who knows karate and has a black belt??? Ok maybe I have watched one too many Law & Orders but really can we trust people.

At this point I didn't know what to do, she was in pain (or at least appeared to be) and was making a b-line for my passenger door. I asked how far away her apartment was, she said just down the road, behind Goodwill- her favorite store and by the airport. Hold on, Portage, WI has an airport??? Apparently, yes they do have a small airport and yes this woman did have an apartment across the street from it. As I drove, I hoped and prayed to God, even though Him and I are not on great speaking terms, that she really did just need a ride and I wouldn't be headline news tonight.

Well I am alive, I dropped her off, wished her well with the ankle and drove away noticing that now my vehicle smelled like Goodwill. Quick tangent, have you noticed that Goodwill has a smell, it does, I don't know what it is but it's something. I like Goodwill and find treasures there but it has a distinct smell that now fills my van. Ok, back on track, I'm sad to have a mistrusting part of me, to even have thought so many bad things but I did. There's so much ugliness in our society and I wouldn't advise others to go out and give strangers rides but today I simply said sure. A quick response that turned out for the best restoring a piece of trust in my heart and hopefully giving her a little faith in people.

From One to Another

Gathered close in a long booth at the corner diner I again was overcome with thanks for the friends in my life. For so many years I dreamed of a group of mamas who could be real with each other, count on one another and laugh til we peed our pants. We would join our little ones together for mornings of play and steaming mugs of caffeinated coffee sharing our up all night stories.

Two years ago I started following a blog and this mama had it, best friends she did life with. Friends she called for a good cry, friends she celebrated life changing moments with and friends she trusted for advice in times of need. I religiously read her blog jealous of her community, the mamas all different yet the same in so many ways.

Since my family is so incredibly close it hasn't always been necessary to have this group but once I became a mama I craved those special relationships with others at my same season. I started praying, envisioning this group and how much we would love each other. It was slow at first and like all relationships has taken time to develop but now we can sit at the diner enjoying pie moving from one subject to another. Three hours flew by like nothing and as we were nudged out of the restaurant, the last ones left, our laughter carried to the frozen parking lot.

Driving home I just smiled thinking about all the different topics, conversations and stories that were shared. We are comfortable with each other, willing to be vulnerable taking turns being the one in need of advice. A good night, a good memory.

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A quick kitchen update...no sink, no stove, no walls, no ceiling. However the electrical is fixed thanks to one of my good high school friends and now neighbor. The sub floor is down and just the sight of something new is refreshing. In true "make the best of it" style we dumped out the crayons and wrote our names and daddy drew a super cool monster truck race track.





























Hoping to get drywall up this week and buy the new cabinets!

Featuring So Simple So Sweet

Meet... So Simple So Sweet!

I will occasionally feature other crafters and artists on this blog. It is a fun way for me to introduce you to some amazingly creative people. After you read the following bio stop by So Simple So Sweet's Etsy shop for some adorable finds.

Heidi is the creator and owner of So Simple So Sweet. Don't you just love the name! I really like that all these cute shops with fantastic alliterations keep finding me.







Here are a few fun facts about her...

I have been making puppets for about 4 years, I made some for my son when he was 1.I'm not really sure where the idea came from, I think I was looking for a fun way to keep him entertained at church. I forgot about them for a couple years and then got a bug to make some more. I heard about etsy and thought, "why not put some on there and see what happens?" I had no idea how to run a business or anything like that but I learn a little more every day and it is a fun way to challenge myself since I am a stay at home mom and I needed something that was mine. I have been on etsy for almost 10 months and I think I am addicted!

I make magnetic characters that can be used as board stories, glove puppets and or finger puppets. They are great for teaching children or just telling stories for fun. I love them because they are so versatile, you can move them from the puppet glove to the fridge, to a white board, or on my finger pockets. The characters can be used in so many places.












~I also enjoy gardening in my spare time, I specifically enjoy growing out of the ordinary heirloom plants (white tomatoes, purple beans etc.)!

~I am one of those people who creates best in chaos, it has unfortunately spread to the rest of my house.When I clean and get organized, I don't know where anything is!

 ~I have recently become converted to goats milk soap- it's gentle and I hardly use lotion any more. Give it a try, I bet you will love it too!

Check out this super cute Valentine's set, my favorite of course.

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Giveaway winner of a $10 Poplin gift certificate is- Katie Port! Thanks everyone for participating. Katie please send me an email to nicole.moll05@gmail.com for your gift certificate.

Giveaway Time

As I retreat to my craft room for a morning of uninterrupted work, the snow falls and my hot cocoa melts the mallows a giveaway seems necessary. I love free stuff and winning, although I rarely am the lucky one drawn, it is still fun to anticipate the prize, checking my email every other minute refreshing the page hoping to be chosen.

If you don't know yet I am completely obsessed, in love with, giddy over Valentine's Day. About six or seven years ago I actually unofficially yet very official to my family and friends changed my birthday to February 14th. November 5th is good and all but it's nothing like the middle of February, the day when ODing on pink is smiled upon, chocolate is inevitable and love fills the air.


Valentine's gifts 2011 for my friends

Really once you get past your teen years the day of the year doesn't really matter for a birthday. A celebration is a must, even if it's small but the day can be anytime. So be inspired, if you have a favorite day, go ahead make it yours!

Valentine's 2011

Back to the giveaway...this year the Valentine's Day Craftacular has returned and I am going to be a part. A full day of handmade goodies, pink lovelies and me at my Poplin booth with candy of course, baby items, coffee cozies, journals, flower pins, rings, calming cozies AND drum roll please...Chirpy Birds!!!
























According to the dictionary chirpy means cheerful and lively. These little birds have a pocket in the front that can hold a sweet message, gift card, candy, a lost tooth, birthday card and maybe even a diamond ring if a proposal is in the near future. Chirpy birds are soft and snuggly, tested and approved by my soft stuff obsessed three year old.









To win a $10 Poplin gift certificate that can be used at the Valentine Craftacular (or in my etsy shop if you are not local) please:

1. Become a follower of this blog.
2. Like my Poplin facebook page.
3. Comment on this post telling me three things you like about your favorite blog (pictures, layout, content, amount of posts, etc.)

The winner will be chosen Thursday!!!

Kind of Crunchy

Domestic diva has never been a nickname of mine and I am especially not fond of time in the kitchen but this week the boys and I pulled out the new bread machine. I thought we had better quick take advantage of a still semi-functional kitchen. Trexen and Pacey's Oma (my MIL) makes homemade bread all the time with the little boys and they love it. She bought me my own machine for Christmas and although I naturally gravitate towards my craft room, finger painting or something of that sort we gave bread a try.















Trexen was excited to show me what to do, push the buttons and just couldn't wait to taste test.















Pacey of course wanted to be in the middle of it all too but was less interested in helping and more interested in dumping water.















The entire process was fairly simple and quick even considering my two little helpers. Having to wait three hours for the finished product was agonizing but the amazing smell filling the house made me smile. It feels good to be domestic, show the boys how to be self-sufficient and to have success in the kitchen.

Beeping started and the boys were squealing with anticipation. As I opened the lid I held my breath hoping for something that resembled bread. To my surprise a golden brown loaf of fresh white bread emerged from the machine. We sliced it open, spread on a bit of butter and this is what Trexen said, "ugh mommy it is kind of crunchy, Oma doesn't make crunchy bread". Out of the mouth of babes, my pride and sense of accomplishment quickly faded. I had chosen the medium crust and apparently my little opinionated boy prefers the soft setting. The bread was slightly dry but went well with our Italian dinner. I need a little more practice but it was a good start. Too bad my kitchen is out of commission, bread making will be on hold for a while now.















Another kitchen update coming soon...

Featuring- Frayed Fuzzies

I will occasionally feature other crafters and artists on this blog. It is a fun way for me to introduce you to some amazingly creative people. After you read the following bio stop by Frayed Fuzzie's facebook page and Etsy shop for some adorable finds. 

Mary is the creator and owner of Frayed Fuzzies.



Here are a few fun facts about her...
~I've been crafting pretty much since I was big enough to hold a Jumbo Crayola crayon and doodle on the paper my mom taped to my high-chair tray!  The arts and crafting have always been a huge part of my life.  I remember making sled Christmas tree ornaments out of Popsicle sticks with my mom, and watching her, my grandmother and aunts sit around a huge frame, hand quilting a beautiful work of art.  Art was my favorite subject in elementary school, and I've stuck with it in one form or another throughout my life. 

In college, I studied technical theatre with one of my emphasis being costume design.  The sewing skills I learned from my mother were really honed there; and I also learned a lot about design, color and pattern which I bring to my crafting today.  I started my Etsy shop in 2010 as a way to pass the time between theatre contracts--I'm the kind of person that goes bonkers if I'm not doing something--and I haven't looked back since!





















~My products are inspired by the tradition of rag quilting.  I create traditional rag quilts (from security blankets to baby blankets to throws), but with a bit of a modern twist.  I use bold patterns and colors, and themes that are popular in today's culture.  My custom T-shirt quilts are by far the most popular item in my Etsy shop.  Not only are they a great way to give memories a new life, but they are a great way to up-cycle your old T-shirt collection!  Outside of quilts/blankets,  also make fabric letters--a great learning toy--in full sets of the alphabet, or customizable to a child's name or initials.  I also have blankets for your pet, coasters, totes, and bunk bed caddies.





















~Three things about myself... In working in technical theater, I have toured across the U.S. and have seen some amazing places, and met some incredible people along the way.  Born and raised in St. Louis, I am a HUGE Cardinals fan.....even though I now live in Cincinnati.  I'm also a bookworm, historical fiction is my favorite.





















Please stop by her Etsy Shop, like her Facebook page and sign up for the seasonal newsletter. I love all of her frayed creations and the wonderful alliterations!

Don't Panic

Somehow our pretty peaceful, predictable life has been turned upside down. If you read my last post you know we had an upstairs bathroom leak that turned into us remodeling the kitchen. Well let's just say things have gone from bad to worse, semi-chaotic to complete craziness, a little stressful to a full blown cut the tension with a knife situation.





















A plumber came Monday afternoon and although he worked quickly which I greatly appreciate there was no good news or fixing. Instead a large hole was cut in the linen closet and after an hour and $100 dollars later he left us with a completely non-functioning upstairs bathtub and our heads spinning. Now remember our main level bathroom was the project that was supposed to be tackled first, that shower has a crack, is leaking and not usable. Apparently the upstairs tub is also cracked and adding to the leak, the pipes are old and we now need an entirely new tub/shower.





















Without dwelling on our problems for too long Jeff got to work and ripped out the tub. Our attention has quickly shifted from the kitchen to the bathroom, I mean we need a working shower here people!

With the kiddos at my mom's and my husband demolishing the bathroom I left last night to focus on others. I helped our church serve a meal to almost 200 people in the community, it was extremely fulfilling and a much needed distraction. There are others who don't even have a house to worry about, no bathroom with leaking potential and no one to panic with in stressful situations. Leaving the dinner I felt re-energized and had a good "big picture" vision, our house won't be in shambles forever. Well...not two minutes later I talk to my husband and he tells me we may need to take our youngest Paceler to the ER. WHAT??? I guess he hit his head on the table, there was blood, tears, a call to my mother-in-law and the debate over stitches.


















You may wonder what one does at a time like this, goes to a best friends to watch the Bachelor. Yep my husband decided although stitches may have been needed it would be fine with a band-aid and Mederma so I lost myself in a ridiculous, yet addictive reality show for two hours. I've probably repeated "Don't Panic" a thousand times in my head over the past 72 hours and feel like I am holding my breath non-stop but if I can stop and look at it like a child, through the eyes of my boys this is cool.















Any other mama able to take a picture of their kids standing on the first floor from the upstairs bathroom, I don't think so! The saga continues, hopefully the "cool" factor will as well.

The Simple Things

There's just something about the smell of play-doh that makes me happy. The boys and I peeled open all kinds of new containers today, new play-doh waiting to be molded and created. I like play-doh because the possibilities are endless, anyone can play and it keeps my energetic little ones busy for a long time.









































As colorful blobs transformed into a family of bears, bananas, fish and random stars I studied their faces. Their joyful smiles, their serious I'm at work looks and saw the magic of a simple substance like play-doh turn an ordinary Sunday afternoon into an imaginary wonder.









Although laundry went uncleaned still piled in front of the washer and my Valentine's projects untouched taking over the dining room table we played without care.

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Somehow a small bathroom renovation due to a cracked main level shower has turned into a complete overhaul of our kitchen. As much as my hubby and I plan, discuss and try to prepare for big projects neither one of us are big contemplaters. I for sure am a just do it, less thinking more moving kind of gal and over the course of five years my husband has shifted too. He was simply eating Life cereal Saturday morning chatting with the boys when something caught his eye, water leaking through the kitchen ceiling.





















Without much hesitation he cuts a hole in our ceiling, right in the middle of the kitchen a hole. The boys and I stood huddled around the counter pointing flashlights up into the hole while he ran the water. Slowly water started to drip into the bucket. Ok, so now we have an upstairs bathroom issue. Fast forward twenty four hours...



































We, I say we because I am not stopping this, have decided to redo the entire kitchen. This is a huge project we have talked about for years but just haven't taken the plunge. Our white linoleum floors desperately need to be replaced but to do that you need to remove cabinets which also need an upgrade (our current ones aren't even standard size and are terrible), well if you remove cabinets you might as well remove the annoying soffits, if you are taking out the soffits you should just put up new drywall and texture, you get my drift.

I admire my husbands work ethic, he is motivated and not scared to give it a try. My laptop keys are clicking while he, a computer programmer by day, is cutting a hole in our linen closet to look at the leak that started this entire disaster. He's not a plumber, a builder or anything close to that but he isn't afraid to try and that is what I need to remember. As my house gets turned upside down and I am hyperventilating thinking about my Valentine's festivities in exactly one month I pray for patience. This is NOT something I saw in our near future but there's no turning back now, hang on for the ride, more updates on the kitchen soon.

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A new Etsy shop feature coming this week too!

GO Play

I don't know how many times I've said "go play" to my kiddos but it's a lot. They love to play at home, their grandparent's houses and with friends but generally when we go to super fun, their gonna love this kind of places they stick to me like glue. Pacey is much more adventurous than Trexen and will usually play pretty good but my oldest is always worried, scared and hesitant.

Apparently that's how I was as a child so I can't blame him, he is just more serious but sometimes I just want to scream "Go Play!". Despite their clingy, unsure nature I still love planning activities and finding new places to go with them. Last week we ventured to Middleton and checked out PlayN Wisconsin with friends. Of course my two didn't go far from my leg and needed lots of coaxing to play but I thought it was an awesome place. We had a groupon (apparently everyone else did too) so the place was jam packed but it is such a fantastic idea I can't wait to return.









































Today we met our PB & J play group at McDonald's PlayPlace and who knew a fast food generally grimy place could be so much fun. The play area was all enclosed in a big room with lots of tables and bathroom AND when we walked in the smell of bleach and cleaner filled my nose, oh ya. Six of us mamas sipped McCafe drinks while the adventurous ones scampered through the tubes and the little ones (or my two) played with cars and snacked on Goldfish.

Play dates, play adventures and play time is as much for me as for my little ones. I crave friendships, laughter and story swapping with other mamas. This week McDonald's was the magical meeting place, next week we shall see...

Sewing Resolution

This new year started with me getting 5 straight hours to myself for all things Poplin. It was amazing and of course went by way too fast but I was so thankful. My hubby, dad and brother-in-law took the boys to Cabella's in Milwaukee leaving at 8am and not returning until 2pm.

I stayed up the night before with fabric, pins and patterns sprawled across the dining room table. At the end of the night I had a huge stack of items all cut and ready to be sewn. When morning rolled around I did take a few minutes to enjoy the quiet, made some cocoa and watched a little news but then it was all business. With only a short break for a shower and lunch I managed to watch two full movies and made 11 ribbon blankies, 9 bib/burp cloth sets, 2 calming cozies, 10 coffee cozies and a gift set.








































I've also been begging for a day to myself so I can organize my craft room so I took the last hour and started in on that. With all that time to think by myself I decided this would be my new approach to Poplin this year, taking one morning every week or every other week depending on my teaching schedule to just sew. Until now I've been trying to sneak in time here and there, 30 minutes at nap, an hour late at night and it seems to take me a week to finish anything. With that approach too I never have enough time for anything, a bit of laundry then a bit of dishes, quick throwing supper together and on and on. So I will try this, focusing my sewing time and then spending the rest of the week on my domestic duties.



In addition to my etsy shop you will be able to find my Poplin items at the Fifth Annual Valentine Craftacular where I will have a few new products including these super cute fabric notebook covers (notebooks included). They are the perfect journal for a new mom, friend, co-worker, etc.















I will also be at the Lil' Badger Consignment Sale in March so mark your calendar. Hoping this new year brings more crafty, creative opportunities!

Ringing in a New Year

The possibilities are endless, challenges inevitable and so many moments waiting to be captured and stored in memory. A new year always gets me excited and anxious at the same time, what new adventures will we take, what new ideas will I have, what new obstacles will our family face. Usually I don't set New Year's resolutions but instead make goals and choose a few things to focus on throughout the year. I haven't decided yet for this new year what they will be so for right now I am reliving our party last night.

As a child I remember my parent's friends, the parties, late nights and all the kids running around laughing staying up way past bedtime. Growing up I looked forward to those occasions and even at a young age knew I wanted the same thing. Well after lots of prayer and time we now have that with some of the most amazing people ever.

Homemade pizzas were made, lots of drinks, appetizers and ice cream sundaes. I made up an outdoor scavenger hunt which was a big hit and helped burn off some of the littles energy and an inside game getting the dads involved and providing some perfect pictures.

Although us mamas dream of a super fancy, black tie, little black dress, catered appetizers event some New Year's not a single one of us would trade this season right now. With eight adults, nine kids and a dog the house was full, loud and you were bound to step on a toy with every move but this house was also overflowing with love. We welcomed Josh, the newest member to our friend family, and soaked in his sweetest.










It's so nice we are to the point in our relationship that everyone is comfortable with everyone, helping with each other's kids, filling sippy cups, not hesitating to cuddle the whiny one and simply enjoying the night.

















Welcome 2012!!!