sally's spot

2009-11-12T08:44:00.003-07:00

I thought the older Charlotte got the more time I would have to get back to blogging. Boy was I ever wrong. It seems now that she has become somewhat easier the other two have taken up the slack. It seems the older ones are going through a phase and I have to say I really don't like it. There is way too much fighting going on.

Then yesterday I laid Charlotte down on the floor. She doesn't get to hang out on the floor very often because if you saw my last post pics you'd see big brother loves her. He loves her very much! But yesterday she had a few quiet moments on the floor and I turned around just in time to see her plop on her tummy. Yep she rolls now! It's really cute, she gets on her tummy looks around and is like crap I don't want to be here how do I get back. Jay was trying to show her how to roll back last night. She is just so darn cute.

On the baby front she is much longer than Bonnie ever was. So the clothes Bonnie fit into during the winter don't even fit Charlotte very well. Charlotte's 4 months old but fits into anything larger than 3 month old clothes. I discovered that the poor kid doesn't have a lot of dresses and if there is one thing a baby girl needs, it's lots of dresses. So the kids & I hit the fabric store last weekend and picked up two patterns and a shoe pattern. I'm so excited to start sewing for Charlotte. I cut out the first dress last night and can't wait to have it ready for her this Saturday.

The other big project, which there always seems to be one, is getting the laundry room organized. Now that Jay is in scouting in again full time, this time as an advisor out side of church, he has a lot of scout stuff that he needs to have at his disposal at all times. So I think we'll be getting the shelves I've been asking for in the laundry room! So this will be kind of fun to see what we can do with the area.

Since I can't leave a post with a photo here is my big sister with my two babies.

This was taken all the way back in August, when someone didn't have any neck control. Now she holds her neck up so well.

The many forms of love

2009-11-08T17:15:00.005-07:00

There is a big sister in my house that loves her little sister. They like to spend their afternoons smiling and looking at toys together.

Bonnie shows her love for Charlotte in many gentle ways. In the morning Bonnie loves to come into our room,hop on the bed, and talk to Charlotte. Sometimes after Charlotte has woken up from her nap Bonnie goes in and reads her a book.

There is a big brother that loves his sister fiercly. I adore how much he loves her, but he's like a bear and doesn't know his own dangerous strength.

When Chas is around I keep a close eye on him. So does Charlotte, but she watches him because she loves him as much as he loves her. He makes her smile all the time.

So in the end on the days I'm just so frustrated with the kids, I just have to remember the little things. Because the day to day drama that has now taken over my life isn't nearly as great as the little things. Sorry for the sappy post but right now in the quiet evening that is how I feel.

Halloween

2009-11-02T08:37:00.006-07:00

Wow has the month of October just flown by. We've had so many different events it's nice to look forward to a somewhat quiet November.

On Friday night we carved our pumpkins. We invited over Grandpa & Grandma, and Aunt April. It turned out to be fun night. While they finished carving pumpkins I started cutting out the sugar cookies. We decorated the cookies on Saturday.

I used the nighttime setting on the camera so we could show that the pumpkins were glowing. The pumpkins stayed nice and still but as you can see the kids were not able to stay still. Bonnie is behind her pumpkin, Chas is behind his pumpkin, and I carved the white pumpkin.

For Halloween I decided the kids needed to be cowboys! They had the red hats I just needed to add a few pieces of clothing and they'd be ready to go. I sewed up a vest for Chas and added his badge. Chas was the deputy! Then with Bonnies outfit, I had started with this one first, I kind of had to adjust as I made it. In the end I really liked the way it turned out. I also sewed up a skirt for Bonnie to wear because she is a girl and cowgirls need skirts. Bonnie's badge read Sheriff. So we had a Sheriff and a Deputy. They also had guns that they wore in the holsters.

We also tried to get a shot with Charlotte in her carseat with the kids.

Hope everyone else had a great Halloween.

Allison & Mike

2009-10-28T14:42:00.001-06:00

Allison & Mike
Originally uploaded by DanMcLean

This is my new sister-in-law, Allison. I like this photo my dad took. These too are such good friends and we're so happy she's joined our family.

Apple Pie

2009-10-16T15:17:00.001-06:00

Time Continues On

2009-10-15T08:53:00.005-06:00

This photo was taken in April of 2008. That is my oldest nephew, to the left of me, who has his arm around me. I believe Jay took this photo of the siblings & parents. Now Calvin didn't have his arm around me because we have a special bond by any means. No, This was the weekend we discovered Calvin was taller than me!!! I knew the day was coming but I didn't think it would of arrived so quickly. My little baby nephew who I remember feeding at Dauphin Island when he was a wee baby was now taller than me.

This is Calvin and Bonnie down in Las Vegas about a year earlier (October 2007). This is a funny photo because Bonnie was playing under neath Calvin's large rock throwing area. I just remember this because it was funny.

This is Boomer with Bonnie in this photo. Boomer was Calvin's dog and he was such a good dog to everyone.

One of my very last memories of Calvin was after he got his cell phone. Now Calvin had a few rules concerning this cell phone of his. One of the rules was that it had to be in my sister's room at night so he wasn't down in his room texting all the time. Well the weekend we were visiting the room we staying in was above Calvin's room. Jay and I were laying on the air mattress trying to fall asleep and we could hear giggling in the room downstairs. Since we knew Calvin was alone we figured out he was texting. It was just so funny to sit there listening to him giggle as someone texted him something. Jay and I enjoyed hearing him laugh that we just couldn't snitch on him.

Apples, Apples, & more Apples

2009-10-14T15:02:00.003-06:00

What's in that wagon you say? Well take a little closer look.

Why it's a wagon full of apples. These were picked off the tree in my back yard. Now it's time to start making pie!!

The Great Balloon Chase

2009-10-13T10:07:00.009-06:00

This morning Jay headed out for work as he does every morning. He gave me a call on my cell but I didn't hear it, I have this weird ability to turn down my ringer and I have no clue as to how this ever happens. Thankfully he texted me so I could figure out the coolness he was telling me.

As I was in my bedroom I could hear this odd noise but since next to our bedroom is the Baptist Church parking lot I assumed maybe it was something going on there. So I heard the text noise from my phone. I checked it out. Jay's text said, there's a hot air balloon in our backyard. Oh cool. I ran out back and could see it through the trees. The kids couldn't see it very well though.

I looked at them and said, "Let's chase the hot air balloon." It took a little coaxing but I finally got them in the car. The balloon was moving fast but when we got to the end of the road I could see it was just in the neighborhood by my house. I drove down the road and sure enough the balloon had landed in the road!

The view from the car.

The kids instantly thought it was so cool. So we stayed and watched them deflate the balloon. I found it pretty fun myself.

The kids checking out the balloon.

Right after this they put some hot air in the balloon and it totally scared Chas - he stayed attached to my hip after that.

Taking the balloon down.

Bonnie being silly as the balloon was deflated.

I think our family may have a future in balloon chasing, I think it's better than chasing tornadoes!

WIP

2009-10-06T19:04:00.004-06:00

Just thought I'd show some progress on the cross stitch I started for Chas last summer. It's his birth announcement and I just love it. I made one for Bonnie back when she was a baby.

Oh yeah & if you forgot what he looked like, here's a photo of him with scooter.

This dog is so patient.

2009-09-28T14:21:00.005-06:00

Ever have a week where the stars align & you can get a lot accomplished?

Well last week I had been thinking of an outfit to make for Bonnie. I bought this cute fabric while visiting my sister last month. So I got to thinking about making a dress and started looking on the internet at patterns. Then after a while search I remembered I had tons of magazines with patterns in them. I pulled out my Ottobre magazines and flipped through them. I found a cute jacket that I thought would look nice on Bonnie and so I traced out the pattern and began cutting. Figuring out what size she was in centimeters was probably the hardest part. Then the next day I began sewings. On Sunday I finished up her skirt. I had so much fun making this outfit.

Don't worry I'm not trying to protect her identity. Currently Bonnie is in a stage where she doesn't smile at the camera so I figured I wouldn't include the crusty look on her face. Bonnie loved the outfit and kept telling me she was a princess. Now I did think about shortening the skirt but then I remembered how she is always sitting improperly in skirts so I figured I'd keep it long. After letting her wear it on Sunday I do realize I need to tighten the waist just a little.

Then last night I finished out a project that was started many years ago. When I started it I didn't really know what I'd do with the embroidery. But then a few months ago I saw the two pieces and figured out what I'd like to do with them.

There is also this second wall hanging.

I hung these two wall hangings in the office/guest bathroom. I love the way they look and actually makes the small little room homey.

Other than that I spent the rest of the week being Mommy & house keeper. The first job I love the second I think I could do with hiring someone else to do the job!

The past few days

2009-09-23T12:59:00.006-06:00

Friday Night:

Boise was a sweltering 75 degrees and 0% humidity.

But hey at least we've finally got them playing in the sprinklers!

Sunday:

My sad attempt to take a cute photo of the kids dressed nicely. I ask two things of them. First, sit still. Second, Bonnie hold Charlotte up. I don't think either request was heard.

Tuesday:

Charlotte contemplating if she'll smile at the camera.

Of course she'll smile. She always smiles for mommy!

The Kids

2009-09-22T13:34:00.004-06:00

I've been wanting to do a little photo comparison of the kids for a while now. As little ones they all look so very much a like to me. But then that is my opinion, just like I think they are all the cutest babies in the world. I'm allowed to feel that way, I'm Mommy.

We begin with Bonnie Jean.

Hands down Bonnie had the biggest cheeks of all the kids. Look at those adorable kissable cheeks.

Now to Mr. Chas.

His top is so correct - he stole my heart. To this day Chas is still our smiling little character. Jay described him as a cute stuffed animal - you just want to hug and make him giggle all the time.

Now to sweet little Charlotte.

Charlotte isn't as old as the other two kids are in their pictures. She is our long skinny little girl who has exploded with smiles all the time. I am so amazed how much she adores he siblings & parents. When I get her up in the morning she is just ready to smile & brighten everyone's day.

Thrifting and Such

2009-09-17T15:48:00.008-06:00

On Tuesday my sister watched the two older kids. So that meant it was just Charlotte and me for the day. This is usually my day to get a lot of work done (for the office) because I'm not interrupted.

After dropping off the kids at my sisters I thought I'd hit a thrift store. I've been dying to go thrifting but with three kids it just isn't something I can do on my own. Here are a few things I found.

This first record was the biggest score of the day. Bonnie was so excited when she saw it she ran around for a bit screaming Scooby-Doo!

A few more for the record stack. I had fun trying to get the kids to sit still for photos. I know so silly of me.

I found this record and neither Jay or know who the musician is but we both loved the cover. I figured the cover was worth the 50 cents I spent.

The cross stitched chairs were not thrifted. I finished up the green cross stitch chair earlier this week. I hit the fabric store and picked up five hoops. I am thinking I'll use the other two hoops to put some fabric in. I'm planning on hanging the three chairs in our bedroom. I've been thinking of doing the cross stitch for a while I just hadn't gotten around to it. I started the blue chair after I had Charlotte as a way to get myself to sit still so I could heal. How silly I had to find something to keep me still.

Last and not least a cute photo of Charlotte.

Baby Gift

2009-09-16T13:19:00.003-06:00

This past Labor Day I decided to not do anything and just sew. It had been a busy weekend with all the family that was in town and Charlotte's Blessing. Plus I threw a dinner for everything, something I never thought I'd ever do in my life. But heck I did it.

So Monday arrived and I decided no cleaning and no working - I was going to sew. For the second time since Charlotte arrived and my mom left everything seemed to work out and I was able to sew!!

I made a burp cloth, flannel blanket, and a matching onsies for my friend. My friend and her husband are having their first kid in December and they are just so excited.

I also like this photo because Charlotte's foot made it into the photo.

Well it's finally quiet at my house. I've been up way to much the past two nights with Charlotte. Then this morning she cried for two hours and we finally went on a car ride to get her to sleep. So I'm going to collapse on the couch and maybe get 30 mins of sleep. Then I need to furiously clean the house (really just do dishes and fold laundry.) Ugh. Wish me luck.

September 11th

2009-09-11T15:50:00.003-06:00

My sister got me thinking about what today is (along with the flag in our front yard). I don't think I've ever written my experience down so here goes. This is a really rough draft.

Jay and I had gotten up early that day so I could get to school and work on a paper for school. I was attending Baruch College. I was in the building on 2th and Lexington. Jay I think was around 47th Street at his office building.

The computer room was really empty that morning. I over heard someone saying that someone had a bomb but I didn't know where and I didn't know anything. I took the elevator down to the first floor where there was a big projector and TV. On the screen there was some news on it and I saw a lot of darkness (I think it might of been debris) and a lady reporting but I couldn't tell where this was. I was starting to get a little nervous (which is never a good thing in my family, it usually amounts to a lot of bathroom visits). I walked into the lobby and heard a lady talking loudly, our school was a voting place and the city was voting for something that day. Again I was totally confused as to what the heck was happening.

I left the building and walked over to Lexington Ave. I turned my head left and looked down the street (south) and saw a small strip of black smoke floating through the otherwise beautiful sunny day.

Instantly my stomach started to gurgle but I told myself there was no time for bathroom breaks. I needed to figure out what the heck was going on, and I thought to myself scary things don't happen in cities I live in. This can't be happening.

I tried calling Jay on my cell. I couldn't get through to him at all. So I walked over to a drug store and bought a camera and was able to get some quarters to call Jay on the pay phone. I got some quarter and walked back to the school and used the pay phone. Finally I got a hold of Jay and he said, "Ready to go home." I'm pretty sure I choked out a yes, I can't remember. I told him I was walking to his building because I had overheard the subways were not working. At this point the towers had not collapsed but both planes had hit the buildings.

I started walking north to Jay's office and taking pictures randomly. At one point I could see that the Empire State building was blocked off by a police car (this was from my angle - there could of been more cars). I took another street and ended walking through Times Square. I was walking and wasn't stopping for anything. People were crowed on the streets (they were either looking south at the buildings or could see what was unfolding on a TV screen). I heard everyone gasp, but I couldn't bring myself to turn around. I was really too scared to see what was happening.

I finally made it to Jay's building but they wouldn't let me enter. I called him and told him I was there. But I ended up waiting an hour or two before he could get down. There was no cell service at all (the cell phone towers had been on the World Trade Center).

While I was waiting I could hear planes flying overhead. I didn't know if they were going to crash or not. It didn't occur to me at the time that all planes had been grounded and it was American fighter jets that I was hearing. I swear every time I heard a plane flying overhead my heart stopped and I held my breath. I kept thinking they wouldn't want to crash into Jay's building or that they were going to crash in Times Square. All I could think was, am I far enough away from Times Square that if a plane did crash Jay and I would be able to get out ok.

Finally Jay arrived at the doors of his building and was able to let me in. I was relieve to see him and I think I finally cried a little. We went up to his floor, he worked a level below or above some of our friends Eric and Bryce. After I dumped my school bag on the floor Jay took me to the stairwell of the building. Now I don't like stairwells since my Mom and I were locked in one when I was kid (a story for another day).

Jay looked at me and said, "Did you know the towers collapsed?" I looked at him stunned and couldn't figure out an appropriate response. I was shocked. Things like this didn't happen in America.

After a while Jay, myself, Eric, and Bryce decided we needed to head home. I sent an email out telling family we were safe but looking back I'm pretty sure people weren't checking their emails that day. We all stood together before we left and said a prayer.

We then began trekking it home. We walked over the Queens Bridge (or I think it is also called the 59th Street Bridge). We were lucky because we lived in Queens and not Brooklyn. I'm not sure how anyone was able to get past the towers to get home. From the bridge we could see the collapsed buildings and smoke in the air. One of my biggest memories was how the smoke was such a huge contrast to the blue sky.

Once we were on the other side of the bridge we decided to try to catch a train. Luckily they were working and we were home within a half hour.

At some point that day we were able to get a hold of our parents and tell them we were fine (I really don't remember when that happened).

On Thursday school was back in session. At Baruch you were only allowed to miss something like 3 days of class and if you missed more than that they kicked you out of the class. Being a rule follower I never missed class. So on Thursday afternoon I came out of Spanish class. Right across the street from the building is a big armory. The city had decided to use this as the place to report missing people.

I remember seeing the huge mass of people and at the same point the wind changed direction and I could smell the burning buildings. I started to tear up and headed home.

Once home I called my mom and cried on the phone. She said she had been worrying about me but was still unable to get through to me on the telephone. I told her how seeing all those people looking for loved ones brought it all home. I couldn't believe what had happened. For a solid two years after the collapse of the towers I always told Jay I loved him before we parted. I wanted him to always know how I felt about him because I never knew if another desaster would happen and maybe this time I wouldn't see him again (I know over dramatic but that is what I did).

Today I hug my kids and husband and little tighter because I am thankful for all that I have.

Some things just have to happen

2009-09-11T10:54:00.004-06:00

My sister's family had the headstone arrive for Calvin's burial site in the cemetery. It looks wonderful and reminds us just how much love he had to spread throughout his family and friends. We sure do miss him.

So anyway go check it out. The headstone looks great.

Have a wonderful weekend.

the elephants

2009-09-08T17:14:00.005-06:00

I realized I never shared the elephants I made. I made these probably in 2007 before Chas was born. That was back when I had oodles of spare time (mainly because I neglected house work). Now with three rug rats I have so little time for sewing. These old projects always lift my spirits.

I made this cutie for a friend's little baby.

I also made this one for another friend's baby. I had such a blast making these. I also enjoyed using cute fabrics on this one. The elephants were made with Alexandar Henry prints and the blankets on the back of the elephants using Fair Market Fabric.

Family

2009-09-07T09:03:00.004-06:00

It seems everyday our family grows. Not just my kids but my bigger family. I married Jay & my family doubled. But we have births & marriages as the family continues to grow. Yesterday we blessed Charlotte & we had the most family I've ever had at a blessing. It was just so wonderful. We had my parents, my sister Suzanne & her family, and Mike & his fiancee Allison. We took up an entire row - it was impressive. Jay's parents were there, his sister Jill & her family, his sister Heather & her kids, and then we had Jay's sister-in-law in town from Okinawa. Ok Rachel was here to take her daughter Rebekah to college but they stayed for the blessing. It was just so absolutely wonderful.

Charlotte did so wonderful being passed around from person to person and rarely sitting in my arms. She could hear my voice but couldn't find me. It was just a wonderful day.
Charlotte fast asleep for a little while after church.

Two Months

2009-09-02T11:36:00.005-06:00

It's hard to believe it's almost been a month since I last posted. It's not because I don't' have anything to say it's mainly because my hands are always busy doing something. Having three kids to care for seems to find me busy all day long.

What I can't believe is that it's been 2 months since Charlotte arrived in our world. She has really adapted well to living in a crazy family with a very crazy mama.

Not to mention she survives being loved by her siblings.

Last Friday I was able to sew for maybe the second time since Charlotte's birth. I didn't really do a whole lot besides attach the stars to my Christmas table runner. I started the table runner last Christmas but ran out of steam once I finished all the Christmas presents & Bonnie's Christmas dress. I really like how it is coming together myself.

Then I bought this other Christmas panel. It is super cute and I bought more fabric to match it. I have no clue as to what I'm going to make but I'd love to have a Christmas quilt to have to snuggle under during December & Christmas morning.

Family of Five

2009-08-10T21:37:00.001-06:00

The Bradley's - Jay, Sally, Chas, Bonnie, & Charlotte - Check out those boots
Originally uploaded by DanMcLean

My dad took some great family photos at our family reunion. I look at this picture and wonder when did we become a family of five? It seems like only yesterday that I was pregnant with Bonnie. It's amazing how quickly it flies by.

Time (and a slightly boring post)

2009-08-10T09:05:00.003-06:00

Time seems to be slipping by me this summer. I don't seem to have enough of it to do anything, especially things that I'd like too. Plus having a new baby and a little boy that has hit the terrible twos doesn't help my time situation.

Here's a frustration I have. Cold medicine for kids. Now the labels don't want you giving cold medicine to children under 6! That is so ridiculous. I say this because my poor son has had a runny nose for over a week and I've got nothing to help ease the dripping. As an adult that is capable of blowing my nose I know how annoying it is for me but I can only imagine the frustration a 19 month old feels when he can't do anything about it. Well that's my rant for the day.

I'm now off to make a dinner menu for the week, clean house, do the dishes, feed the kids, and continually feed the baby. Wow sometimes motherhood sounds so boring. I think my first priority is to restock the house with diet coke (especially since the boy is already throwing his first fit of the day).

Home

2009-08-04T14:32:00.002-06:00

I'm home from my families reunion. We traveled to Breckenridge Colorado for a few days of fun with family. The weather was totally wonderful and made the location a great spot.

Now I'm trying to tackle the return from going on vacation. I've got tons of laundry to do and kids to keep happy. Thankfully I caught about 20 mins of quiet to fall asleep. I woke up covered in some of Bonnie's favorite toys. I had a picture on my belly of myself, Bonnie & Chas. This must be one of her favorite photos.

Then I had two barbies in each arm. I had a small bag that I had created for Bonnie a few years ago at Grandma McLean's house. I also had two my little ponies ( these came from Alexis - Bonnie's cousin). There were a few other toys strewn about my body and it just made me laugh. Clearly I must be a good mom because she wouldn't decorate just anybody when they were asleep.

Wow

2009-07-22T16:20:00.002-06:00

Today I'm tired because Bonnie & I spent most of the day at the hospital in the ER. She was standing on a chair and fell off and hit her head really hard. Everyone had always told me that head wounds bleed like crazy. Now I know that they really do.

Bonnie ended up with two stitches. I've done really well every time I've taken any of my kids to get shots. I've never cried and have always been very reassuring. Today mix in tired, new mama hormones, and my first born screaming like crazy and well the ugly crying face appeared in front of strangers! Talk about mortifying. I don't cry in front of anyone except maybe Jay and that's if he's lucky.

I just couldn't believe how horrible I felt as she laid there screaming. Plus to make it worse they put a cloth over the area around the wound so the wound will stay clean. That meant Bonnie wasn't able to see anything as the doctor put the stitches in her head. Oh that few minutes was just terrible. Once it was over I was so glad I could scoop her up in my arms and hug her. They even gave her a Popsicle. We head back on Sunday or Monday to remove the stitches.

Life is never dull with little ones!

Sucked In

2009-07-21T10:44:00.002-06:00

After I have a baby it seems like we watch a lot of movies at the house. So we watched the movie Twilight - I hadn't seen it yet and it seemed like the rest of the world had. Well I was surprised how much I liked it. I thought I'd read the books too. I always enjoy something easy to read after a baby comes because life is so crazy for a few months that easy books are nice.

I burned through Twilight really easily and on Saturday bought the second book. Well I spent last night awake for about 3 hours with the baby and just kept reading. I've almost finished the second book. Jay keeps laughing because he hasn't seen me read like this but there isn't much to do when you're nursing a baby besides read something. So I guess we're off to the store again today to buy the third book.

On another note we took my mother to the airport last night. Bonnie fell asleep on the way to the airport and we tried to wake her up to say goodbye to Grandma. She did but it didn't register. When we got home she was asking where Grandma was. Of course we told her we'd taken her to the airport and Grandma was on her way home to see Grandpa. Tears followed and it was very sad for a little while but now things seem to be ok.

Charlotte Ann's Baby Quilt

2009-07-16T08:18:00.002-06:00

Charlotte Ann's Baby Quilt
Originally uploaded by DanMcLean

The best part about having a new baby in my family is the baby quilt the new baby gets from my mom or Grandma. This time I asked my mom if I could contributed some of my fabric. I really wanted to use some of my Japanese fabric and some of the fabric I purchased from Kristen. My mom used the big Russian doll for the center of the quilt and then used the smaller Russian doll fabric for the border. While all the girls were at sisters weekend we worked on picking out fabric to make it all work together. I am so happy how it turned out.