Our Big Family Vacation…Epcot, Day 1

another week has flown by & I’m back to add more vacation pics ;)! I decided to split this post into 2 since Epcot was our favorite Disney park & there are close to 200 pics to sift through and since i really like posting pics, it’s better for my editing sanity if I break it up…so, today is Epcot day 1, Monday (or Tuesday) will be Epcot day 2 :).

During all my pre-vacation planning I found out that Epcot offers SCUBA divers the chance to dive their aquarium (for a fee, of course) called DiveQuest. And since the hubby & son are certified divers, I signed them up so that even though we weren’t doing a beach/island vacation, they would still have the chance to get a dive in this year. So with that, we had to schedule our day a little differently since they would be gone for a few hours (the dive includes a behind the scenes tour as well) so we were pretty much skipping the World Showcase area and just concentrating on the front part with the rides. But skipping World Showcase meant skipping “drinking around the world” and that was just unacceptable for us grown-ups, and so we decided to return to Epcot the next day, which had been a built in rest day.

So, day 1…rides & the boys dive. We all really enjoyed Epcot and will definitely make a return trip there whenever we decide to go back :). With our fast passes, we rode Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, & Soarin’ as a family…Jordan & I rode the Nemo ride & saw Turtle Talk with Crush while the boys were doing their diving thing. {A quick note about the DiveQuest thing, the hubby & son seemed to enjoy it and while we did get the chance to see them get into the tank & swim around for a bit, Jordan was impatient to get to Japan for the gift store & we missed when the divers swam up to the windows to wave to their families.} So, She & I “traveled” a bit around the World Showcase while we were killing time, but we didn’t get to explore much. *We are not fans of the new fast pass system. The way they have changed it meant that while we could get a pass for Soarin’, we could not get one for Test Track in the same day because you can only pick one for your initial 3 and by the time you can get a 4th, all the ones for Test Track are gone.*

I can’t believe it’s been a month since we were in Orlando…we really did enjoy our time down there, even with all the walking & heat & occasional tantrums ;).

playing together nicely 🙂

theirfianl score

building their own virtual ride

their ride had a lot of hills & loops

being silly

this little guy joined jordan & i during lunch

Luke & Stephen are somewhere in there!

 

Our Big Summer Vacation…lots of pictures, just a few words

OK, so I’ve figured that if I update every Friday for the next few weeks, I’ll be able share the bulk of the pics from our vacation and I’ll hopefully get back into the habit of weekly blog updates (thus not going months before I remember to blog). *that’s my hope anyway ;).*

So, our second Disney day was to Hollywood Studios…Stephen’s favorite! This trip we were able to ride all the rides we wanted (the kiddos rode Star Tours 4 times! and Stephen was the Rebel Spy the first time we rode together), see all the shows we wanted, and take a ton of pictures! We all enjoyed most of the day…poor hubby ended up getting back pains near the end of the day though, but he was a trooper & wouldn’t let us leave since the kids were enjoying themselves so much. *we figured out the pains were a combination of lack of proper back support when sitting, all the walking we had been doing (10+ hours the day before), and the bed at the rental where we were staying. he took some aspirin when we got back to the condo & sat in some better chairs & slept more towards the middle of the bed…that seemed to help & he was able to get through the rest of the week without much discomfort or pain.*

Other than hubby’s back pains, we all made it through and are happy to make a return trip there when/if we make a return trip to Orlando.

Car stunt show

One of our favorite rides!

Love the decorations at Pizza Planet

Car stunt show

Car stunt show

The Tower of Terror…our first ride of the day!

She kept trying to hold his hand…I thought it was so cute!

Indiana Jones stunt show

Halfway through…everyone was getting to their “cranky point”

Indiana Jones stunt show

Car stunt show

Indiana Jones stunt show

Beauty and the Beast

Stephen had a great day!

Rockin’ Rollercoaster

Car stunt show

Car stunt show finale

Jordan still loves playing in bubbles!

Beauty and the Beast

Stephen with a “plastic” Army man

singin’ in the Rain…only there wasn’t any rain!

Indiana Jones stunt show

Closest both kiddos will ever get to a subway entrance!

Beauty and the Beast

Buzz “guarding” the registers at Pizza Planet

Beauty and the Beast

Belle and Gaston

Beauty and the Beast

Car stunt show

My kiddos…love them!

Indiana Jones stunt show

Car stunt show

Our Big Summer Vacation…a 5 part, mostly pic heavy, recap

So, the kiddos have been back to school for a week now and therefore, i am finally catching up on vacation pic editing & blog updating :).

This past summer, our vacation was down to Orlando for some amusement park fun at both Disney and Universal. We learned lots of lessons along the way…never again returning to Magic Kingdom being one of the biggest ones! *it’s just too crowded for our liking & more for little/younger kids…now that our kids are older, we’re not so inclined to return.*

Epcot was a big favorite…we could spend an entire day in the World Showcase (drinking in every country for us grown-ups!), Stephen still likes Hollywood Studios, Jordan missed out on Animal Kingdom (that’ll be back on our list for next time), and even 2 days at Universal was not enough for us to do all the things we wanted to do there.

And even though we had originally said “never again”, we will return to Universal & the non-Magic Kingdom Disney parks…we’ll just be better prepared & split it up in a better way.

So, with that being said…here are a ton of pics from Magic Kingdom, our first (and longest) day. *Magic Kingdom always is the longest day for us.*

The day started with rain, but luckily it ended around lunchtime :).

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Jordan’s favorite!

Love my family!

Cinderella’s Castle

Cinderella’s Castle

Rapunzel’s Tower

jordan trying to pull the sword out of the stone

Stephen’s attempt at pulling the sword out.

Sneaking pics 😉

Beast’s Castle

Halfway through the day & they were already tired.

The kids ridng the wet ride, while we grown-ups stayed dry

Longest line waiting time!

My goofy guys on the Astro-Orbiter!

Sometimes I forget that I have a blog (or I’m just too lazy to keep it updated) 😉

Long time, no write…it’s been a while since I posted much of anything. And I’d like to say that it’s because I’ve been super busy, but truthfully I’ve just been super lazy. So, here I am…updating things from the last 6 (!) months.

I’ve done lots of sewing (and I’ll post lots of pics 😉) and am now pretty deep in summer vacation planning. We’ve decided, much to hubby’s dismay, to head back to Orlando & make this year’s trip all about Disney & Universal! The kids & I are super excited, the hubby not so much 😁. *He’s not a fan of crowds, so any amusement park is not generally his idea of a good time.* I did find out that the boys can dive the aquarium at Epcot as part of a program called DiveQuest, so they will be able to get in at least one dive during our trip. I’ve spent countless hours online making all kinds of budgets for the trip…price comparing all the available options & just generally driving myself a bit nutty with all the information! But I think I’ve got it all figured out now & just have the next few months to get everything finalized…buying tickets, making reservations & such. It should be fun & I know that I’ll have tons of pictures to post come mid August 😊.

And now for the sewing stuff (yea!). I have found a wonderful creative community of makers on Instagram & fully confess that I am just a little obsessed with it! There are so many creative people & such beautiful sewing work can be found there, that it’s a bit hard not to be a little obsessive about looking at all the pictures that people post 😊. So, because of IG & all the inspiration there, I have started sewing a lot more and taking part in swaps…and I love the swaps! This year I have limited myself to just swaps of mini quilts, the Sew Together Bag swap being the only exception. There are so many different swaps & it can get a bit overwhelming, but for the most part, it’s been fun & I really enjoying making things for other people & getting to know them a bit better while in the making process. The bonus is that I end up with wonderful mini quilts that now decorate some of the walls in my house!

I haven’t done near as much garment sewing as I have the past couple years, but I plan on getting back into that before summer…I can always use more tank tops, tees, summer dresses, & skirts 😉. Last year I took part in the “summer of no pants” wearing skirts or dresses for most, if not all of summer. And I’m kinda looking forward to doing that again this summer…I really liked it & honestly, that surprised me since I’m not a typical “wear pretty skirts & dresses” kind of girl 😉. But, it was fun & enjoyable & really made some days wardrobe decision very easy since I could just throw on a tank dress & be done with it 😊.

And now that I’ve blathered on for far too long & have completely lost track of what I had intended to write, I’ll add a few pics & post this baby to the interwebs & be on with my day! Thanks so much for bearing with me & letting me ramble, I’d like to say that I’ll post again soon & ramble less, but odds aren’t really in my favor given my previous track record 😉. But I will try…especially since I can write while Jordan is at her band practice…that gives me 2 times a week where I can possibly come up with something to carry on about 😜.

Now for the pictures…cause I can’t have a post without pictures 😉. These are just a sample of the things I have made (or the tees that I have bought) over the last 6 months or so. Enjoy 😊.

 

 

Ren Fest 2014

*just a quick little post with lots of pictures!*

We made our annual trip up to Concord, NC for the Renaissance Festival, this past weekend. It’s the third year in a row, so it’s definitely becoming an annual thing. The past couple years, we went the weekend that it opened, but have since decided that it’s still a bit too hot & summer like that first weekend in October. So, we chose to wait til a bit later into the month to go and we were very pleased with the weather and will more than likely make this the traditional time to go…it was still warm while the sun was overhead, cool and comfortable in the shade.

We also took Stephen’s friend Nick with us, so he could experience all the “craziness” that we talk about after one of those trips ;).

*Luke wore his kilt & added a sash while we were there. Jordan participated in a stage show, climbed a tower, & had her picture taken with the super popular fairy, Twig. Stephen added a hat to his Steampunk outfit and Nick got himself Steampunk themed goggles. We watched Gypsy Geoff-Fire Circus show (the one Jordan helped in), the Barely Balanced show and the joust. Drank a lot (beer for the grown-ups, sodas for the kids), ate a lot, and walked a ton!*

We all had a great time and can’t wait til next year!

 

 

Venting just a bit…

So, I’m awful at keeping this thing updated. I know. I feel bad. And will try better. Probably 😉.

Anyway, back to why I’m finally posting…this Saturday is my 20th high school reunion! Wow, still can’t believe it’s been 20 years 😳. And much as I thought I would want to go to my reunion, now that it’s here, I’m not at all upset about the fact that I’m not going.

As it turns out, I’m completely content with my decision to skip this. In the end it comes down to finances…we just don’t have it in our budget to make the trip down to GA for a weekend. Especially since we’ll be making our annual trip to Charlotte, NC for the Ren Fest later in October. And as a family, we’d enjoy the NC trip much more than the GA one.

But, if I’m being completely honest here (it is my blog, so if I can’t be honest here, then where can I be 😉) there’s not really anyone I want to see. What with the creation of things like Facebook and Twitter, whoever I wanted to know about since graduation can generally be found in one of the those 2 places. Or through a Google search. Yes, I know that online is not the same as in person…but it is helpful sometimes.

I went to my 10 year reunion, I didn’t really enjoy it, and it was simply a reminder that I wasn’t popular and there was a good reason for me always wanting to move away from Smyrna. I never have been one for wanting to stay in the same town where I grew up…that just seems odd to me. Yes, I know there are a good amount of people, generations even, that never move from their hometown and if that’s what they want from life than good for them. I didn’t want that…I wanted to move away, I always wanted to move away. And when given the chance, I took it.

So why would I go back? Even if it is just for one night?

I hope, for the planners, that they have a great turnout.

Ok, here’s the real truth…wine induced though it may be.

I don’t think they planned this well. They didn’t announce the date until 2 months before. And then the price for a single ticket was way more than I ever expected to pay…especially given what that money was paying for. But, maybe I’m cheap…And I have no problem admitting that. But the “early-bird” price of nearly $80 was just too much. Especially if you add in my travel expenses…it would total anywhere from $300-$500 (with hotel, gas, food, etc) and quite frankly that was way too much for me to pay to see people who honestly, probably don’t/wouldn’t remember me.

So, that’s that. It’s been 20 years since I graduated high school. And, more truth, there’s only one person I want to see from my graduating class (that isn’t on Facebook or Twitter or any other social media outlet, that I know of) and I don’t honestly think he’ll be there. But, if by chance he is…someone please let William Hendleman know that I’d like to know how he’s doing 😊. *He was a friend, a great friend but nothing more…lest anyone think I’m trying to find an old boyfriend 😉*

taking the leap…

well, i did it.

i’ve opened an online store, selling handmade bags and pouches.

it’s crazy scary and crazy exciting all at the same time.

it’s a bit sparse right now, but i’m adding more things every week.

i’d love it if you would go and check it out…today, tomorrow, next week…any ol’ time you get a chance!

thanks so much!

http://chunkybugdesigns.bigcartel.com/

 

Keeping busy and making all the things!

full disclosure…i am awful at blogging.

so, here are some pics of the things i’ve made over the last few months and a promise that i will come back next week and write a better update with even more pictures :).

but for now, thanks for stopping by & please come back again soon!

wood with vinyl sign in our kitchen

New favorite cup!

Cardigan for me, tee-shirt dress for Jordan

papercrafting for Jordan’s teacher

finally made something for the wall in our bedroom

The Casual Lady dress, fabricfrom GirlCharlee

paper flowers for Jordan’s teacher

cup Jordan’s teacher with all the kids’ names

Absolulte favorite version of the Wiksten Tank dress

Prefontaine shorts, pattern testing

Wiksten Tank dress with shirred elastic back

Mini quilt made for the Schnitzel & Boo Mini Quilt Swap

Gathered ruffle skirt

Riley Blake fabric skirt

drawstring bag

Foot rest for my sewing room

p.s…just as an f.y.i…my laptop is still missing its spacebar so posts are started on my ipad & edited (slowly) on my laptop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretty much writing drunk…buzzed at the very least

I keep this posted in my office. A little reminder that I shouldn’t take my “writing” so seriously. So, tonight, I’m taking my own found advice and writing drunk…I’ll edit in the morning when I’m sober (if I remember that is).

It’s been a very trying week for me. And it’s not because of one specific thing, just a lot of tiny, little things that all seemed to gang up on me at once. It’s like death-by-a-thousand-cuts, only it’s not death since I’m obviously still here & able to write this rambling piece of slightly drunken dribble. *And, yes, I just made myself laugh with that last little comment.*

There are times, though they are thankfully few & far between, when I get very frustrated with life and the lack of a real clear path that I think I need to be on. When motivation and productivity come to a screeching halt & I’m left forcing myself to do the most basic of things like getting out of bed to take care of my children, husband, cats, household, etc., those are my really bad days. And, though they do happen, they happen only a few times a year and they are manageable. But, if I’m being honest, the fact that they happen at all, sometimes worries me. And, honestly, I don’t need anymore worry in my life. So, I force myself to just get through those days the best I can and for the most part I do make it “safely to the other side” so to speak.

I’ve yet to just flat out refuse to get out of bed or do the most basic of things like taking the kids to school, so I’m guessing that means that I am winning the battle with myself…and that’s worth something 😊.

*doesn’t take morning or soberness 😉 for me to re-think pushing the publish button* but, i am going to leave this out there for myself as a reminder that i should stay far away from any electronics that give me easy access to my blog or any other form of social media for that matter :).

This is me…

So I’ve had this post written in my head for a few days now & have finally decided to actually get it out of my head & put it it out there to the world 😊.

This is me…wards (so to speak) and all.

I am a wife…not always a good one, but my husband loves me anyway and for that I am very blessed & grateful.

I am a mom…not always a good one, but my kids love me anyway (most of the time 😉). I am also very blessed & grateful for that.

I am a crafter & sewist…not always a good one, but I’m learning. Every mistake I make is a chance to learn & improve. Over the years I have tried many different crafts & think I have finally found my niche with sewing.

I am selfish…this I know & this I try to work on. It’s hard, but everyday I try. Some days are better than others.

I am lazy…with cleaning the house, exercising, yard-work, and the list could go on & on. Everyday I try & everyday I fail…but, I’m ok with that. I probably shouldn’t be, but I am. I prefer to spend my time in my sewing room or on my iPad.

I am approaching my 40’s (I’ll be 38 next month). It took me 5-6 years to be comfortable in my 30’s and I’m really hoping it doesn’t take that long to be comfortable in my 40’s, too.

I am not a writer…I’d like to be, or at least I thought I did at one point. Lately I find that I want to craft more than write & that’s ok…it just means that I’ll write when the mood strikes rather than trying to force it.

I am a wife, mother, crafter, creator, selfish, lazy, not good with aging, non neat freak, non clean freak, sometimes cook & baker, sometimes writer just trying to figure out what I want from the rest of my life.

Thanks for following along 😀.