So, what will you be having tonight?

Today is Valentines Day. Chances are either you love this day or you don't care for it much. I think it might come as a surprise to some people that I fall in the later group. I really don't care much about this day. I think it's a shame that people feel pressure to tell those they love that they love them by showering them with flowers and gifts that they may or may not need. I feel so horrible for the guys during this time of year - to be flooded with all those "romantic" commercials on T.V. telling them that they must get the best diamond ring for their special someone. How awkward for those who don't get those pricey presents and were kind of expecting them to show up because they fell for those commercials on TV? Bleh! I'm tired of all the hoopla and added pressure that comes with this day. That's why this year my husband and I decided to not get each other presents or cards! We know we love each other. But instead of spending our precious money on things we don't really need or care for we have decided to spend more time with each other. That is something we haven't been able to do for quite some time. I think we go on dates about 3 or 4 times a year...isn't that horrible? It's not because we don't want to date each other, it's because of our current situation. That will change soon enough. But for now what we will give each other is our time. This Saturday we'll be doing just that. Just the two of us. I really can't wait! The other thing we do to "commemorate" this day is to have a nice meal. We don't go out to eat much and when we do go out to eat we often leave feeling that we could have done a better job with the meal ourselves! So we fix ourselves a mighty fine meal. Something we wouldn't fix on a day to day basis. Something special. So tonight we'll be having a great meal (See below) with our two boys and just enjoying our time together. So, what will you be having tonight? Here's what we'll be doing:

Rosemary and Garlic Roast Leg of Lamb
with some lovely roasted vegetables. For some time I've been interested in doing something with parsnips. I don't recall that I've ever had them and I've heard they taste wonderful - so I"ll be roasting some parsnips along with sweet potatoes, onions, and some cherry tomatoes dressed with a little olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Can't wait to see how it all turns out!

For all of you out there, Happy Valentines Day!

5 new blocks!

These are the newest blocks that I have finished piecing together. Jonah will either love this quilt or go crazy from all the fabrics I used! Here is a picture of all finished blocks...and what it could look like if and when I ever finish this quilt!

Gee-has it been a week already?

Yay!!! Down another pound and a half!!! And how is it possible that another week has managed to fly by? I'm a little embarrassed to see that I haven't written anything with substance for a long time!!! So Sorry!

A new me - update

Yes, I did weigh myself this morning and the good news is that I haven't gained any since a week ago! The bad news is that I didn't lose any from the previous week, something I attribute to getting lazy with writing down everything I've eaten and not exercising. Last week I wasn't able to go to my classes because we were dealing with pinkeye in both of Jackson's eyes! I really missed being able to work out. This week I'll try to be more mindful with keeping my food and points journal and I"ll try a little extra harder to push myself with the exercise.

More charming than meets the eye!

I found some lovely fun fabric at Joanns the other week and felt compelled to do something with it. I finally had some time in which I could sit down and cut fabric out and sew. I was so excited that I just wanted to get it all over with and see the finished product. I made another "Charming Handbag" from Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing book and I love, Love, LOVE how it turned out!
(And yet another use for my green velvet ribbon which I love!)
With each thing I make I can tell that I have improved which is exciting. With this bag I decided to add a few pockets since the original pattern did not call for any.

I thought I would add just a simple pocket on one side and on the other side I would add a fancy zippered pouch. I've never put a zip on the inside of a bag before so I was just making up my own rules. It didn't turn out the best but I think it will work for right now.
I love the colors - they remind me that spring is not too far away!