It has begun!

My first two projects for sale are organized and ready to be pieced together. I am making 2 - 60" square lap quilts. I will sew while A is napping as I've said before. Hopefully I'll eventually get to squeeze more time in just based on his ability to entertain himself. Right now he typically wants whatever I have! 

The real question I face is how to quilt them. That's a ways off in the process but still a question. I know how to quilt on my basic machine it just is time consuming!

I've got my cousins baby quilt ready to be quilted as well as my challenge quilt. Of course I'm not getting paid for these two but it's important to keep your hobby a hobby too. 

So once I've got one of those quilts finished, where will I sell them? I've been looking at Etsy but wonder if it will be found. I can try the local garage sale sites but also wonder if I will get the dollar back on the investment. I could also try the quilt shops. My ultimate goal is to make custom quilts but we shall see! Fingers crossed. 

Almost an after thought - I need to order some business cards.

Values and Principles

We met with E's coworker (here on to be called H). After the rest of the party left we had a good talk with him. He has a painful sad story. He was surprised at how willing we are to accept him into our home while he gets his finances in order. As much as our society is focused on the extremes of being a good Christian or being a complete atheist, I think we as a whole forget how easy it is to just be good people. We will have a few more meet ups before everything is finalized  

Caution - before you bring anyone to your home, be aware of their background. Make up a written contract. Consider doing a background check. Discuss and outline clear expectations. And keep open communication before and during their stay. 

Contemplating

If I'm going to start a business, I need to do it now. I don't have much time to Dilly Dally around. I would like to make quilts, baby quilts would be easiest. The best approach is to set a schedule and follow it. At this moment it would be easiest to sew/quilt while A is asleep. He might tolerate being in the sewing room with me for a short while. I need to get a business license which I have no idea where to start that, the county?

I've never been a great self starter when there is no real deadline. I always do best when someone is holding me accountable. I will have to go one day at a time, one step at a time. Today I will look into business license.

Meanwhile, A has mashed banana slices between his cute little fingers, that's a first! But he's content so I let him do it and will clean him up shortly. In the pregnancy forum I am a part of, the moms are talking about a book; Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman. I would like to look into it but I have a feeling this is the parenting style I already follow. That would make a good reward - 5 sales and buy the book...

Today we have company coming over for dinner - as a thank you to the the family who babysat our dogs while we were away AND one of E's (my dear husband) coworkers. We are offering him a room while he gets back on his feet but I need to meet him first.

Off to tackle the day!

Going out?

I was considering going out after A's first nap. While he was out I managed to sew for a bit, wash dishes, vacuum and mop the kitchen floor and half bath. I also started baking cookies for my husband (he got one of those tubs through a fundraiser for a coworkers kid.) "A" woke up and I fed him lunch all the while planning to go out. But then I started thinking - I'm saving money by setting the AC to 80, purposely eating lunch in, and not using TV or lights. So, I might as well save the gas money too. "A" is quite content playing here and besides, we made plans to go out with another momma tomorrow :) 

Moral: Always consider your choices before acting on impulses

New Routine

Today starts a new routine. Which calls for a new blog. I am a mom to 3 dogs, 6 chickens, a boy and soon to be a girl. I'm currently 26 weeks pregnant and I have lost my job which while not necessary, it was really helping us out. So for the next 6 to 12 months, hopefully not that long, I will be looking for every opportunity to make some money. There's really a good handful of things I can do: babysit, dog walk, housesit, clean, sew. I think my strongest asset is that I can sew. And I am getting my license as a therapist which will come in handy soon too! 

For a little background, I have a masters degree in counseling. I have 7 years of experience in the field. However, after my first was born, I decided to take a break. I took on a job, working from home that I thought would be fruitful. Alas, I join the gainfully unemployed because I chose to take unapproved time off. Looking back, I think, "this is what was supposed to happen". 

Rather than dwell on my losses, I will be moving forward. Looking for new opportunities and soaking up what time I have left before baby #2 arrives. I hope to use my blog to share with other moms that it is possible and you will get through. 

Here is a shot from my walk this morning - enjoy!! -T