Sew Busy

My writing here has come to an all time slow. For me this used to be a place I would come to document what has been going on in our life, where we are living, and the ups and downs of baseball life. Although we are moving to Japan in the coming months and that will provide plenty of stories to write about, this little spot here has lost its luster.

I used to love blogging and the community that comes with it. I liked being a blogger and taking pictures of everything I cook, paint, sew, or craft but...it's exhausting and I haven't found near as much joy in it as I used to. I find that I get SO caught up in how many followers, page views, etc. I'm not saying it's wrong to do that because I realize that blogging for many is a business and those things are important to succeed. For me,it drives me crazy. It brings out the worst in me and I pretty much hate the blog monster I turn into. This slow down has helped me realize this and I am going to try to focus on only writing when I feel like it. 

Since I've had so much extra time you probably wonder what I've been doing. We have slowly been updating rooms/spaces in our little home, teaching a Sunday school class, Christmas shopping, signing Japanese baseball contracts, and sewing. I have spent SO much time making fun things and this time lots of them are for me.

For so long I was trying to make my sewing successful and profitable and it just wasn't working for me. I'd get frustrated and start to see sewing as a job instead of a hobby. I see other bloggers making it work and I give you so much credit because it isn't easy. So instead of sewing for others, I started sewing for me, things that I needed or wanted that I knew I could make. I've discovered an even deeper love than I had before. I have found several sewing blogs and immersed myself in reading and learning tips and technique. 

My stocking via imagine gnats / Brandon and Tag's still unfinished (oops)

tiny fur vest for bff's baby girl - via See Kate Sew

a little Christmas dress - pattern via Shwin Designs

fancy baby bubble skirt - via handmadebabyclothes

denim dress - via laurendarlings

new favorite dressy sweatshirt - via laurendarlings

Those are some of the projects that I have LOVED working on over the past few weeks. I hope that you are having a stress free holiday season and are able to enjoy time with family and friends.

LD

Anniversary Surprise 1

I didn't mean to leave you hanging for so long, but I just needed to be away from the blog for a while. Before I was telling you about our anniversary and the sweet surprises my husband gave to me. I have such a thoughtful guy. I know they are hard to come by. Brandon hijacked our wedding photo CD and mailed it to my sister to have her make it into a photo album! I had no idea and was so surprised and happy (I cried) when I opened it. It reminded me that even though all the planning was stressful, having those memories in hard copy to look at everyday is so special to me. Thanks sisters, and awesome husband of mine.

Exciting News!!

We have known since September that something was going to change in the baseball department of our lives, we just weren't sure what. The last few weeks we have been working out the offer and details of where we will be playing next season. 

We are moving to JAPAN! We will be there from February until the season ends in October. It is so exciting and a little bit scary at the same time. Knowing we are venturing overseas together will make this move seem a little less intimidating. Again I realize the importance of blogging and will for sure be documenting this new chapter in our lives.  We are so thankful for this exciting opportunity and for having both of our families support making this huge decision. 

Lauren

A Wedding, Birthday, and Anniversary

I realized the importance of blogging this weekend. I really, really enjoy being able to know exactly when things happened and figure out exactly where time goes. Two weekends ago we celebrated one of my good friends getting married, my husband turning 28, and our one year wedding anniversary. Phew.  

The morning of the wedding I made breakfast for some of my favorite friends that still live in Columbia, my family, and another friend in from California for the wedding. Like always, time flew and it seemed like I barely got to see them at all.

The wedding was amazing. I couldn't be happier for my sweet friend and her husband. Not to mention how amazingly beautiful she was. It was also Brandon's birthday and I gave him the option to skip out on the reception. He still came to the reception with me...and so did the football game. He dodged out for the dancing part which was fine with me because he would be embarrassed by my moves. My friend Stefany and I served cupcakes that turned your teeth/lips/tongue blue. He He. The Bride gifted us these adorable aprons. Obviously I loved it because I had been making my own very similar. It was so fun to be on the receiving end of a handmade gift that I love. 

In between the wedding and the reception we did a bit of birthday/anniversary celebrating. I had him take me to the grocery store to buy him a peanut butter cream pie and candles. I'm not near as sneaky as he is because he surprised me with an anniversary gift, which I will share in our anniversary celebration post up next.

LD

Ridin' Dirty

Tag man here! Mom has been hoggin' the bloggin' but not tonight. She is glued to the weather channel like a nerd to a chess board. Oh wait that's her too. I don't know what her obsession with chess and backgammon is lately. Nerd. This weather channel is starting to get on my nerves. I think I feel the same way about this, as Mom feels about Dad watching the outdoor channel or football.

Hellooooo, cute puppy here that loves to play fetch and you're going to play games?

Whatever. Anyway while she is "busy" I decided that I will share what has been going on around here. Nothing much of anything actually. Okay there was a kitty cat that was hanging around and I was really starting to like her. Mom and Dad did not. She is my excuse not to use the bathroom outside, because you know, I'd rather play with her. 

Today mom drove me to the vet. She let me sit shot gun. But I was in my cage so that ruined the cool factor. I like to walk around the car and puke a bunch of times because I get car sick. She apparently does not like that. At the vet I got a shot (OUCH) and then she got some 'medicine' to help with car sickness because tomorrow.... we are going to MISSOURI! I saw mom packing up my sweaters so I'm guessing it's going to be a wee bit cold. I'm just 4 lb 6 oz of fun and I'm ready to ride. Yes I weight that much. Don't make fat jokes mom and dad have beat you to it. I guess I don't get any more Cheetos. 

Friday and Saturday we are going to a different city. I get to meet Uncle Jake, Uncle Brandon, and Aunt Karla along with some of mommy's best friends. To me this means I will get LOTS of loving. Then they are going to leave me with my uncles while they go to a wedding and I've heard good things about the dudes. Pretty sure we are going to par-tay. Or they are going to party, I'll just be cute and cuddly and snooze. They should know I'm a chick magnet so if they are trying to impress the ladies invite them over Saturday. I'll be your wing dog. It's a thing. Look it up.

Well, it's time to go chew a bone, lick myself, or beg for some Cheetos. My life rules.

Tag.

Nothing Important

Ugh, today I'm a bit under the weather. Right before bed I got sick and today I decided I just need to relax on the couch until I feel better. Of course I have several things I want to be doing like sewing, helping paint our new shed, or getting ready for our fall festival at church, but I just don't feel up to it. Yesterday we had chicken noodle soup for dinner and I joked that if I ever get sick they have to make it for me. Way to jinx yourself Lauren, today I'm having soup again.

Brandon says I could pull off Tina Fey. What do you think?  I've been told before that I sound exactly like Sarah Palin. I guess if I cut some bangs and put in a french twist my Halloween costume is finished. I think maybe that would have been a better costume for 2008. Missed the boat on that one.

My dog, oh my dog. I think he needs to post here again soon. It's been awhile and I know he loves it. For now he is loving his new clothes and toy box. 

The other night I wanted to learn to play chess. I've played before but it's been a long time. Brandon gave me a quick refresher lesson and whooped my tail. I hope we can make this a regular thing. The chess playing, not the tail whooping.

Finally, I've been trying to keep our house a little more organized than usual. I got out some decorations the other night and tried to homey it up. I am kinda loving it and hopefully we can get our spare room cleaned and organized and into the storage shed before it's time to decorate for Christmas. 

That's all I've got. Time for some more soup and a nap to get back up to par. I'm beyond excited to be traveling to Missouri TUESDAY to see all my favorite people and celebrate one of my dear friends getting married. Seriously so excited to see my family and friends. 

LD

Up In The Air

Sometimes I end up in situations where I stop and wonder how I ended up there. For example, this past weekend we went flying in a little bitty plane over the local area. Our dear friend who sang in our wedding parents used to own a plane. Then they sold it back to the man they bought it from but throughout the years they have always let each other borrow it. Our friend was needing aerial photos of their church and the day she was supposed to go was too windy. She called Brandon and I and asked us if we wanted to go. 

I tried to surprise Brandon and tell him it was a little gift for our anniversary that is coming up in about two weeks, because I have no clue what to get the man. He weaseled it out of me like always and changed his hunting plans for the next day. It ended up being the best weekend we've had in a long time. 

I've told you before we live really close to his Grandmother and parent's and now you can get a better idea of what I mean. One big happy country living family. 

From where I stand. 

The world is so big yet so small.

Afternoon movies are the best.

Pumpkins aren't as easy to glitter up as I thought.

Dishes are endless.

Mexican food always hits the spot.

Falling asleep on the couch is all its cracked up to be. 

Have a great week. 

LD

Linking up with Mallorie.