Eyes in the Back of my Head

I( don't understand why I am not getting as much done as usual. I make a list, I have a plan and then.......alot of nothing! Now, could it be that two little boys, three chicken , a duck, a mom cat and her three kittens, two puppies, a bichon and a border collie are all trying to make me nuts?  Possibly. I understand we are all excited about the chickens, great but must I stand guard all day? Have you ever told a guy just what you wanted , they nod in approval and then go off and do it their way? That is what happened here. I showed Joey a plan for a portable chicken coop, he said, " no problem" That should have been my first sign things were going to go badly. What I got instead was an open top chicken playpen! So, the boys climb in , the cats jump in and I spend my day chasing things around! Now, all of this would probably be much different if the chickens were bigger and could peck them once.
  But, today is going to be different! The boys spent the night away so I woke up this morning alone in my bed. Feeling a little more rested, I grabbed a cup of coffee and let the chicken out. ( they are kennel trained) Fed and watered them, fed the cats and the dogs are waiting patiently. It is a bit chilly this morning so hubby was nice enough to make cocoa wheats. I am not a breakfast person, but couldn't resist. Teenagers asleep, house quiet I will finish up posting and get some work done!
Yesterday I bought a pattern from Whimsical Warmth and did get that hat finished.

The weathr is supposed to get hot for the next few days so I think I will cook a few things today so we can reheat and eat, instead of me heating the house up more. I hate to turn the air conditioner on.

I had better run and get started before someone else comes home or another animal appears. Maybe instead of the barn we should build an ark!

I am finally going to make myself something using the African flower pattern, here is a great post to learn how to connect all of them

http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.com/2011/02/african-flower-hexagon-join-as-you-go.html

My go to place to look for patterns is Ravelry , give it a try . You will be amazed at the amount of free patterns as well as some of the newest for sale patterns available. 

Off to hook!

Creativity

In a house where it seems no one sleeps some days and there is always something going on, finding time to be creative is not so easy.  But, after a much needed physical and some new meds I had two...TWO days with no little guys, the teens were all busy and it seemed I was alone. The others in my house were scarce in case I might find them something to do!  So I sat down and with some recent inquiries about new hats picked up my hook and yarn and just relaxed. Here are some of the items I finally gor around to or finished.

This little monster hat was photographed by HB Photograhy in Reno, Texas. Heather is just amazing.

This 3-6 month baby sweater and cap was my attempt to make my Gram's sweater set. The hat is different because she left no pattern for it. 

I have a couple other items in the works and am resting and feeling much better. Having Myastenia Gravis, is like being the energizer bunny and having your battery run down. Just breathing is tiring. 

Today will be the test, the boys are back.. I have two monster hat orders to finish and everyday life to take care of.  I will just take it as it comes,maybe we will have nap time today !

I am also starting a new money saving, much needed process. Coupon Clipping. I have been watching as others in the area have saved quite a bit on groceries and those daily needs , so I have even gone as far as to set up a time to have Dannelle Fraser Gay come to Montello and give her Coupon Clipping 101 Class. My goal is to save enough to get into the house that I want and NEVER have to move again! Never pack another box and stay put. I will let you know how we progress.

Spring Forward

Spring Forward, that is this Sunday. Set your clocks ahead and get ready for added daylight and bright sunny spring. That is also my new life plan  Spring Forward. Don't look back. Make steps in the right direction.
I have started doing just that. How can you get anywhere unless you have a plan and set a goal.

My spring goal is to learn to shop more wisely, use coupons and save money. All this sounds like a good idea but I plan on stepping things up because I have a HUGE goal. For some time now I have wanted to go to Ireland. This always seemed like something other people do. Then, I checked some prices and looked in to travel and I think with some good planning, setting money aside and putting me on my list of priorities this can be accomplished. The plan is doable so to make it just a little grander I looked farther and would love to be able to trace my family tree back through Ireland to Paisley Scotland. More research, some emails and this is not such a far retched plan.
                                                               Now, to put it to work.
First, a big cost in our house are groceries. For that I am going to need some help. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Operation-40K  I found just what I need . Someone who made a plan, followed through and got more than she had hoped for. Groceries and the everyday shopping needed to run a home, smarter, cheaper and learn to also help out the local food bank at the same time! Amazing yet very doable!  Family, step back and watch me shop!

Next the electric usage and utilities bills are going to reexamined and changes made. Gas usuage for the car is also on my list of things needing to go on a diet!
All those need cutting but on the flip side to revamp and build up the Etsy shop to help it feed the Ireland Pot of Gold. My shop has come a long way and I am just now opening new avenues of sales for my newborn hats and some of the bath items. Much work to be done , but I enjoy the crocheting and learning from other shop owners some of the ins and outs to get noticed.
All this is made possible with the help of my little guys who every other week keep me on my toes and a constant reminder of what is really important.
Then, I do have to stop and say, It is MY TURN......I want this trip and I will make it happen!
Join me on this adventure and follow along as I learn more about coupons and saving money and share themlinks and info. Some good recipes, shopping and laughs along the way.