Baby Kisses

Is there anything better than kisses from babies? I'm not sure that there is. Lately, Baby Girl has taken to face-plant kissing any patch of my exposed skin. I *love* it. She's learned so many new things lately! It seems like she's doing something new everyday. Perhaps this is the reason she hasn't been sleeping lately.... Hmmm. Any way, I can't believe how big she is! Especially when I look at her newborn photos. 

Ack!  Where did my little baby go?

I'm so happy that she's growing and thriving and learning new things every day and I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to stay at home with her everyday, because I wouldn't want miss any of these moments.

The Olympic quilt

Not too long ago, I read about a wonderful organization that takes fabric that would've been thrown away (because it was not in season or was being discontinued, not because it was defective or gross) and uses it to make quilt kits. These kits are used by people (like me!) to make quilts for kids in the hospital who are very sick or have been through some incredible trauma.

So, I signed up to make one, even though I've never made a quilt before. I was just so moved by this organization's mission that I told myself I'd learn, and even though it might not be pretty, it would be made with love.

So, while watching the Olympics in the evening, I assembled this quilt. Thus, the Olympic Quilt.

I am so proud of it. It's not perfect. Far from it, but I did everything on my own, without help (that is, as long as you don't count youtube). Usually when I do a sewing project I run to my mom or my sister for help, because they are WAY better than I am. But this time, I couldn't run to them. They were unavailable. So, I was stinkin' proud of myself for putting on my big girl panties and trying something new.

Now, I don't think I'm sold on the idea of quilting as a hobby, but it's nice to know the skill for the future. And in the process, I produced a wonderful quilt for someone.

Before I sent it off, I had everyone in the family give it a great big hug so that it would be full of love for the next person. I really hope this quilt can comfort a child who needs it.

If you're interested in making a quilt too, you can go here and request a kit. And if you need help putting it together, I can help! I know how! ;)

Evolutionary ponderings

On Saturday, I and three other ladies ran on the American Tobacco Trail. They ran 10 miles. I ran 9. But, to date, it's the farthest I've ever run in one go. And while I was pretty sore that day (I literally felt like my hips were going to snap apart), I was surprisingly not sore on Sunday. I mean, my calves and quads were tight, but not sore.

Which leads me to wonder if humans were really designed to be able to run for long distances. I mean, back in ye olde days where all we had were our wits and a sharp stick, we had to be able to distance ourselves from the predators that might think a McHuman nugget would be a tasty snack.

But on that same vein, didn't the guy who ran the original marathon die afterwards? So we definitely can't go on forever. And then there's guys like Usain Bolt who can run stupid fast. So, what are humans best at, physically speaking? Thoughts?

 

Who else is lovin' the Olympics?!

I know I sure am! I've got my DVR set to record every minute of it! I don't even dream that I'll watch all of it, but I want to be able to turn on the TV and have it on immediately.  I'm so proud of all the athletes that have been performing their best and I just love seeing what the human body can accomplish!

The surprising thing of this year's games has been how much I haven't really cared who was winning. Normally I am so Team USA, but this year I have just been happy to watch the joy on the faces of the winners, regardless of nationality. Of course, I'm rooting for Team USA, but I'm not mad if we lose.

My favorites athletes for these games have been Allison Schmitt and Danell Leyva. Allison is so positive and bubbly, it's hard not to like her. And Danell Leyva had an amazing comeback, jumping from 5th to 3rd place in only two events. Amazing. And to see him with his Dad is just touching!

Photo found at slate.com

But all that aside, I think watching this year's Olympic Games has motivated me to train a little harder. Who says I couldn't do that? I don't ever think I'll ever have a desire to compete on the international level at anything (except maybe couch surfing or baby kissing), but who's to say that I couldn't compete in my races or any chosen sport to the best of my ability. No one. And it's made me want to strap on my shoes, throw the kiddo in the jogging stroller and go all out crazy with my running! I think that coupled with the fact that I clocked my fastest 5k pace since high school (11:20 min/mile) the other day really have got me excited again about TYR. So here's to the next 14 weeks of training and gettin' my run on!

No-Slip Headbands

So, my wonderful friend Shelly gave me the most wonderful headband for Christmas last year. It had velvet on the inside, so it wouldn't slip off your head. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to have those little wispies floating in your eyes while you're running or exercising. Likewise, it's annoying to have to readjust a headband mid-workout.  So when I discovered these headbands, I was over the moon. I went to the store and bought another one, but was a little taken aback when I saw how much they were charging (14.95). When I looked at the headband, all it seemed to be was a pretty ribbon on top, velvet ribbon on the back and an elastic. So, I set out to make one of my own.

With all the choices in ribbons, the possibilities are endless!

The velvet on inside keeps this headband in place

I think they turned our pretty great and seriously, you can head bang in these and they won't budge. You should definitely think about making yourself one! You don't even need to use them for exercising! You could put it in your hair in the morning and not have to fiddle with it for the rest of the day.

All you need is:

• Spool (or spools!) of a ribbon you like (I wouldn't use a sheer, but everything else seems to work pretty well)
• At least 15 inches of velvet ribbon in a coordinating color (if you're having a hard time finding velvet ribbon in your local craft store, you can find some here)
• 1/4 inch braided elastic (at least 6 inches)
• Coordinating thread

To start off, measured out all of my pieces. My headband ribbon ended up being around 14.5 inches and my elastic was about 6, but measure the ribbon around your head from behind one ear to the other. Stretch out the ribbon in the back to your comfort level. Mine ended up being around 6 inches. If you're unsure about your measurements, leave a little extra and you can adjust it later.

Next, fold the ends of both the ribbon and the velvet about a quarter of an inch under so you have a nice finished edge when you're done. Sew those ends under so you don't have to worry about them popping up later. You don't have to do this step, but I find the going easier later on if you do it.

Then, pin the velvet to your ribbon and slide the elastic into one of the ends and pin. Sew a down one side, around the bottom where you've pinned the elastic and up the other side. Stop at the corner, and slide the elastic into the pocket between the ribbon and velvet. Sew across the last side. Try on your headband to make sure it fits. If you need, pick out the stitches and adjust your elastic and sew it back in. Back stitch over the elastic once you've got it just right to really anchor it in there on both ends and then you're done!

Wear that bad boy with pride while you're sweatin' your guts out!