For Nonni

My dear Mom is taking an on-line course that is supposed to take 5 hours a week. She has spent 25 hours on it this week alone. (!!)
Nonni: I know of one little girl that will be thrilled to see you on Sunday when you get up here:

Take it easy. We can't wait to see you again real soon!
-H

the "Mom Bag"

Well, I can't seem to upload the video of the family howl today either, so instead I'm going to tell you the story of my "Mom Bag."

Every Mom of more than 1 child that I know has, what I refer to as, a "Mom Bag." These mysterious bags are big enough to hold countless useful articles (diapers, clothes, an infinite amount of toys, wallet, cell phone, etc.) yet small enough to take everywhere. At the last MOPS meeting in Waco I asked the Mom whose bag I had been admiring all semester, where she got her bag. To my surprise she said she made it and it was super easy. So (naturally), I asked my Mom to make me my very own Mom Bag from the same pattern. She graciously agreed and when she was down in Waco for graduation we went out, bought the pattern, fabric, interfacing ... everything we'd need to make this Mom Bag of mine. Of course, I photographed the whole process, so here goes:
We bought our fabric...

and got all set up.

Things were going great!

I did the pinning and planning...

and my Mom did all the sewing and ironing.

Then we had to make the gussets. (!!)

HUH??!! I was completely lost.

But of course, my Mom figured it out - she's so smart.
Ilana got a little involved...

and viola!! You have a Mom Bag!!

I love it.

I love it. I love it. I love it! I have it with me always and wear it as often as I can. Now all I need is the second baby. :) HAHA! We've still got a little while and A LOT of details that need to get in place before he comes along. But you get the idea. (I think I was around 25 weeks pregnant when this picture was taken. Yes, I am bigger now.) Thanks, Momma!
-H

around here lately

Wow! We have had quite a bit going on around here lately. Mainly lots of woodwork (for Paul) and opening, sorting and re-packing boxes (for me). It's a bit crazy and we're trying desperately to also prepare for our new adventure in Chicago, but it's difficult when you're as distracted as we are. There truly aren't enough hours in the day to juggle everything sometimes. But, I take it one half day at a time (pre-nap and post-nap). :)
I've been trying for the last 20 minutes to post a hilarious video of our "family howl" from Sunday morning, but it keeps "error-ing" me - UGH! I'll try again tomorrow. For now, here's an adorable picture of Ilana that Nonni took.
-H