Tonight’s Project- Eyeball Pajamas

Today was “Fleece Fest” at my local fabric store.  I feel the need to reenact a moment from earlier today.

Me:  I am going to go buy some fabric because it is “fleece fest” and I need fleece for some projects.

The Hubs: FLEECE FEST,  OMG, how did I not know that.  Of course you have to go to FLEECE FEST.  I heard KORN is playing this year at FLEECE FEST (insert his imitation of a squealing teen age girl.)

Me: Shut up, I will see you later.

When I arrived home and showed off my collection of warm and fuzzy fabric, the son started pulling out my sewing machine and box o’ supplies.  He was very insistent that we start making some PJ’s ASAP- and he was going to help.  I have made him pajamas in the past.  I usually make him a pair whenever I make my daughter a skirt.   I am not good with actual patterns so I tend to rely on video tutorials and blogs for my sewing patterns.  I found this easy PJ tutorial and have done it enough now that I have renamed the project eyeball pj’s because  after the “use a current pair of pj’s” I tend to eyeball the hem, waistband, etc.

This process usually works pretty well under the proper conditions: hooligans in bed, plenty of time, and something like Hell Boy or Underworld on the TV to entertain the hubs.   Today’s conditions couldn’t even be classified as penultimate.  I made the mistake of trying to sew while watching the game (good thing my seam ripper was handy), in a condensed time frame before dinner, and with lots of help from the little dude.  It is very hard to sew when Mario Andrete Jr is “driving” the sewing machine-vroom, vroom noises included.

After today, I may need to get my eyes checked, or actually start measuring and pinning things.  The pj’s are a bit catawampus.  The right leg is a tad bit shorter than the left.  They make him look like he is waiting for a flood.  All that really mattered was he was happy.  He was thrilled “he made his own pjs”.  Good thing they are just for sleeping in and no one else will see them!

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A note to afterschool staff

This week Light’s On Afterschool is being celebrated across the nation. This is a day to celebrate and advocate for before and afterschool services.  Over the past few years as a school age parent we have used a variety of afterschool services- from school age care, to specialized classes and even school sponsored clubs.  The one thing that we know we can count on is that afterschool programs will be available to them and that we are fortunate.  Light’s On Afterschool is also a day to advocate for programs and services to keep schools open and accessible to children and families after the school bell rings.   As a working mom, I want to take a moment and celebrate the amazing work of a great group of people.

Dear Staff,

Thank you for all that you do.  While I could rattle of a list of thank you’s for the obvious things like having a safe & supervised program, providing healthy snacks, helping them with their homework, and so on and  so forth.  What I am really thankful for is the little things that I don’t think are always recognized, so here goes my list of what I am thankful for.

• Thank you for understanding that we have a non-traditional schedule and for being willing to work with us.
• Thank you for always saying “yes” when I ask if I can drop them off in the morning because I have a last minute, early meeting even though that is not our typical schedule.
• Thank you for having an open door so when emergencies come up the kids know they are always welcome at the program until one of us can come get them.  
• Thank you for being a part of the school.  Seeing you at carnivals, back to school nights, etc reassures me that you are connected with the school. 
• Thank you listening to me when I have a concern or a special request and following up, it shows me how much you care. 
• Thank you for giving my son an extra snack to share with his sister on the days he is picked up before she is released.  While this may seem like nothing to you, it shows me you care about fostering kindness- even if it isn’t reimbursable.
• Thank you for creating a cohesive group of kids.   I cannot count the number of times we have been out and about and a “big kid”  comes running up to my two and gives them a hug or shouts a loud  “Hi” across the grocery store .  When I ask them how they know each other, it comes back to you.
• Thank you for hiring staff who make memories.  Every car ride home entails a detailed list of of what Mr. X said that was hilarious or the crafty project they made with Ms Y.  The staff don’t just make the program fun for my two, the staff are the program.

What I am trying to say is thank you for being you.  You make a difference and your small actions may a big difference!

Love,

A mom

If you too use a before and afterschool program for you children, why not take time this week to say thank you to the program staff.   They deserve every bit of gratitude and much, much more.

Take a Note From My Book

Our world was rocked in September. The Hubs came home to find our house had been broken into. They had used a crow bar to pry open the door and then kicked it in the rest of the way. A few years ago we added a swing bar lock to the door (to keep the hooligans in the house). We thought we were pretty secure. We always locked all the doors and windows, but it wasn’t enough.

It looks like they were targeting jewelry and pills. Ha, ha on them! Most of my jewelry is from Target and the strongest thing we have in the medicine cabinet is Tums and Tiger Balm. They trashed our bedroom looking for the stuff. Broke our dresser and took a small safe that had some personal documents in it.  They did take quite a few things that had sentimental value and not a lot of street value.  To think that someone is mistreating my great grandmother’s charm bracelets makes me sad and angry.

Thankfully our insurance company has been amazing to work with. They had someone out to secure our house within a few hours. They had a new door in place within a few days. This is pretty awesome considering we have a odd sized door. They have been efficient and friendly every time we interacted with them. I have always thought they were awesome but now in my book they are tops and irreplaceable.

We learned some valuable lessons. I thought I would take a moment to share them.

1. If they want in they will find a way in.  

2. They know the usual hiding spots. Our “secret” drawers that were in our dresser were not so secret. (Yes, all the undies went directly into the washer)

3. Take pictures of your valuables. Whether they are sentimental or high dollar, take a photo. It makes the insurance reporting easier. I spent a good week and a half trying to remember everything that was in the jewelry drawer.

How this relates back to being a Home Ec Reject

Things have been really busy on their own this month. The Hubs started back to school, the Hooligans have had their extra curriculars, work has been swamped and well our housekeeping has dropped a bit- like it really only gets picked up on the weekends. When the police came by they took one look at the living room and exclaimed “Whoa, they really trashed this place!” We were a tad bit embarrassed to let him know that the room was in that state when we left in that morning. The sad thing is it was a Wednesday, it could have looked worse if it was Friday.

I am sharing my tips based on my experience.  I am not a home security professional.  If you know of any other tips please post below and share with the community.