moda messenger bag

When I began my Etsy shop, I always had plans of sewing my own bag just for me...one with pockets just for me, one that was just the right size for me, one that was...well, you get the idea. Unfortunately, once the sewing started, I was so busy making bags for others that I couldn't quite find the time to make my own. Then I went back to school and my plans really fell to the wayside.

Then last night at 4:00 am (I suppose that is this morning, if you want to be technical) my sewing plans finally panned out. And this was the result....

I was so happy with the finished product! I used Hunky Dory fabric by Moda in coordinating patterns. Inside, there is a pocket for everything I carry - two tubes of cherry Chapstick, a cell phone, my camera, a wallet or two, and room for a few extra things just in case! I also added an adjustable strap so I could carry the bag on my shoulder or across my body. It got finished just in time for me to enter it in Tea Rose Home's link party!

It only took 2 years, but I got my bag! Now to start work on a diaper bag for my sister...

one lucky girl...

Another great weekend filled with projects, puppies, and an amazing husband has come to a close. Last night while I was lying in bed, two warm arms wrapped around me in the dark and wished me good night.

I love being married to this man.

not-so-buried treasure

Almost four months ago, we packed up our ginormous moving van and headed from the "big" city to my Nebraskan hometown. Population 2,820 (pending our most recent census of course!). As we said our good byes and got geared up for the long journey across miles of not-so-impressive terrain, the most popular question on our pals' lips was, "We're excited for you...but what is there to do out there?" While I tried to think of the hundreds of exciting adventures Dale and I would have once we were back at home in the wild, wild west, I have to admit...I drew a blank. Not one of those little blanks where you can stumble around and then recover, but a big blank. The truth: I had no clue what we would do out here.

Once again, however, I found that truth is stranger (and even better) than fiction. While I was trying to dream up adventures to impress my old city gang, real-honest-to-goodness-not-even-made-up adventures were waiting for me right here. I just had to look around a bit to find them.

This weekend, my mom took me on an adventure. In this dusty little town, right on the corner of the main drag by the third (and last) stoplight in town...we have a museum. A museum that, in all of my days spent wandering these streets as a kid, I had never even considered visiting. We entered the front door, paid our $1 admissions fee, and discovered all sorts of adventures that have happened to the people in our little town.

This couple were honest-to-goodness homesteaders. We are talking Little House on the Prairie style - sod house and everything. I love the look in her eyes...perfect trust in her man. The way it should be. Hmmm...romance. I love it.

And this machine...rescued out of an old Main street beauty salon. No, it is not an early form of child discipline, it is an old permanent machine. Guaranteed to get gorgeous, curly locks (if you didn't get electrocuted first). The things we gals do for beauty...

These old boots were another of my favorites...they were so narrow and delicate. I tried to imagine squooshing my foot in and strapping these babies up for a night on the town. Not happening. I wouldn't have lasted a day in the early 1900s. Not a single day.

And then my absolute favorite. Nebraska County 66. It has been on every license plate my parents ever put on our cars growing up. I have traveled across the country with this number sandwiching a car full of the most important treasures I have on this earth. When I finally got my license, my first car Dudley (RIP) proudly bore the 66 on his front bumper until he was no more. And now it is on my car again, getting me ready for a whole new set of adventures. I love being home.

walking for mom...

This weekend, I had the honor of walking alongside my whole family in our county's Relay For Life event. It was amazing night filled with stories of loss, fear, determination, and survival. I get itty bitty chills just thinking about it. Really.

My mom has been involved in this event for years, but this time it was different. She was wearing the purple survivor shirt this year. Somehow it made it more real. Watching her walk around the track with other brave survivors from our small town. It stirred up my emotional pot in a way I didn't expect...but in a good way too. There are so many brave men, women, and children who have faced this disease and have such beautiful attitudes and spirits about it.

Our little town raised over $25,000 to send to the Cancer Society this weekend! If you ever get a chance to participate in an event like this, do it! In the mean time, send up a prayer for a cancer patient today!

families are like fudge...mostly sweet with a few nuts...

Last week, Dale and I hopped in our SUV and headed back to Wisconsin for a long weekend of family time...more than just family time...family reunion time. Yes, those two little words can strike fear into the bravest of hearts, but we tightened our belts, put on our happy faces, and struck out on this adventure just the same. While I have roped Dale into more than his fair share of reunions on my side of the fam, this was my first on his side. I expected the worst...awkward moments with crazy aunts, having to change odorous diapers at every turn, perhaps even enduring hours and hours of stories about "the way things used to be."

but,

I. had. a. blast. I mean it. Not just a good time. A blast. The family was amazing - no scary stories, no weird odors, not a dirty diaper to speak of (well, at least none that I had to change). Instead of hours upon hours of pain and misery, I found myself secretly hoping that a freak natural disaster would occur barring off all of the exits and forcing us to stay just a few more days.

God has given me one kick-butt extended family. (And p.s. - if you are interested in having a good time, talk to Dale's grandma. She really knew how to rock a party back in the day).

Yikes...my macaroni is currently boiling over...

happy birthday most wonderful lady!

Last night was my beautiful mother's 61st birthday! Happy birthday to the most amazing woman and rolemodel I have ever met in my whole life. You are secretly my hero (even if you did force me to eat squash when I was a kid. I forgive you!).

It is hard to believe how much can change in 365 days of life. At this very time last year, we were visiting Nebraska to throw you, our healthy mother, a surprise birthday party. We had no clue that in just a few months you would be diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. And I'm glad we had no clue.

But now we know. And we're doing okay. You are our inspiration and I thank God every day for allowing us to spend another full year with you! He is so merciful. I love you a billion times over, Mom. Happy Birthday!!

it's been a while...

I have been MIA. for a long time. oops.

The summer has definitely been heating up with all sorts of activities which have prevented regular blogging in this neck-of-the-woods. I have been strolling all over the countryside the past few weeks - hugging family members, celebrating events, gobbling up nature, and even trying to get a tan (which is pretty much impossible for my pale white skin).

This is the week...the week I try to capture the past few week's worth of action on this blog. Today I'll give it my first shot.

My dearest friend Jennifer turned 25 (yes, a whole quarter-of-a-century) at the end of June. We have literally been best buddy pals since we were born. I love her so much! To celebrate the occasion, we had a Sweeney Todd birthday party at my place. A little cupcake decorating, a few presents, and a demented barber lusting after blood...what more could you ask for your most special of days?

I even found time to dig out my sewing machine and whip up a new handbag to serve as my present to her. It has been far too long since I have been able to do that...dastardly school...always sucking up my "free" time!

I love you Jenn...thank you for being my pal for the past 25 years!