Hope has come

I can't stop smiling. And thank you Tom for being an Obama poster expert.

My boy, the pirate

Hallowen came and went this year. It was almost even a blur to me. I procrastinated making Luke's costume, mainly due to the disinterest I have had in sewing lately, but also because I have been very busy. I stayed up way too late the night before, and worked on it up until 10 minutes before we were to leave for stop # 1, 3Form, Tom's  work.

He was the perfect pirate, aside from the fact he was terrified of every other costume out there. He demanded to be held while traveling from office space to office space, not quite how we pictured it. But he mellowed out after he met up with his girlfriend Dotty, the lamb, or bunny, and they had a terrific time playing together. I think Luke might have even forgot it was halloween.

Stop # 2 was down to Orem for a "trunk or treat" extravaganza. Nothing can compete with trick or treating up and down the streets of Brooklyn lined in brownstones, but I have to say, this block knows how to throw a party. There was not a brownstone in sight but there were cars back to back with trunks open and filled with happy costumers and lots of candy. And if that wasn't enough, the end of the street offered music, dancing, and hot apple cider. Luke had a bawl, and so did I.

For Luke's costume, I wasn't impressed with the patterns available, so I improvised a little. For the pants, I did find a pattern for little girls knickers, McCall's # M5457, and used brown cordoroy. For the shirt and vest, I traced one of Luke's dress shirts, and played around with it until it looked piratey, using elastic thread for the hem, adding a collar, and of course, the deep vee. The vest was just a version of the shirt without sleeves, black twill,  and lined in red to to tie in the tights.

Glad to be in a new week

Last week was rough, really rough. And if I may put this out there again, why does it seem when things can't get worse, they do? That's me for you, and if you've known me long enough you can vouch for it.

But this week is much better. I have my first day off today in what feels like an eternity, and I'm finally spending time with this guy, boy I've missed him.

 We have big plans for the next couple of days: the park, a date at Chipotle, rides on our scooters, & Seven Peaks tomorrow. It seriously feels like forever since we've hung out.

Some other things are making me happy this week too. I'm starting a few new sewing projects, I just bought this new shirt at the GAP (with my discount, hooray!!), my brother is here for a visit, and I am on a hunt to find these stamps. At my first stop today, funny, the clerk told me the lady that orders the stamps said she wouldn't be ordering anymore because they were too ugly. I could only quickly turn to leave with a smile on my face and happy to visit another post office with more tact and taste.

I also can't seem to get enough of The Dark Knight. I'm going to see it again tomorrow night for the third time but this time in IMAX, is there anyone else out there that feels the same?

Finally, summer's here

I really feel like I have been waiting forever for it too. School finally ended on Saturday, it was long, and hard for me to get back to a regular schedule of 8-5, but I really enjoyed every minute of it. I love being reminded of when I was so young, just learning how to play on my tiny violin, watching the older kids and imagining that someday I might be as good as them. Or walking through the halls listening to the echos of the violin's playing in unison and being reminded that they are probably no older than 10. But I'm also happy to be finished, at least until next year when I hopefully can go and hear some of my own students play for teachers from all over the nation and have them be inspired by the talent and beauty of the music and the musicians.

The weather has also finally turned warm, well hot. We were able to sneak a pool trip in last Friday evening. Luke was very brave and went down the slide at least 15 times then persisted in jumping off the side of the pool whether I was ready or not. Much like NY, I think we will be spending a lot of time here over the next few months. I can't wait to get tan!

But the real telling of summer, at least for me is the anticipation of my birthday. This year I have a feeling it is going to be really great. For starters, I share it with my mom, lucky her, and for the first time in a a few years, we get to spend it together again. Mom, you can pick the cake this year!  Our house is also set to be completed by the beginning of July, empty of furniture, but still ready for us to move in. Having a house just seems almost too good to be true, and a room for my sewing stuff? I can hardly wait. In addition, four of our favorite NY families will be here around the same time. What a party!

I'm also feeling really greedy this birthday. I'm not expecting to get really anything I want, mainly because I can't narrow it down, and because it is all pretty expensive, but the list is adding up quickly. If you care to indulge in my wants, you can see them here, here, here, here, and here. I better start teaching...and soon.

To all women...

Happy Mother's day!!