Crafty Pictures

I've been crafy this winter. Here are some of my finished projects...
Ronin's Crayon Bag... This was the project that inspired all the others. I really wanted to start sewing again and this was just what I needed. Now if only he'd stop eating crayons...


Little Lillian's Babydoll Diaper Bag...

The inside of the diaper bag...


After making the bag for Lillian, I decided that I should probably make some for gifts too. I gave out several. I forgot to take pictures, but my friend has a craft blog that she puts all her crafty goodies on. So I thank her for doing so!
Here's the link...Seasonal Gnome: A gift.

We’re back. Tired and tense, it was a slippery trek home. Ohio and very southern Michigan were extremely icy. But, the trip was worth it. We had a lovely time and I’m glad I was able to spend the holidays with family.

We received many wonderful gifts both for Christmas and as incidentals. Some of the coolest were a little vintage VW from my father’s childhood, Great-Grandma’s baked goods, and X-mas scrap fabric from Grammy Cathy.

On Wednesday, Nico’s dad and step-mom arrive. We have much prep work to get done before they get here. X-mas pictures soon, I promise!

Happy Holidays to All

We are headed to Kentucky tonight, so if we don’t see or talk to you please know we are thinking of you. Safe travels to all those who are also hitting the road this season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!

Here’s a little cheer for you (thanks for the idea PJ).

Love,
The Prelogars
-Nico, Goldie, Ronin, Venus, Jack Kerouac, Ginsberg, and Bella

Working with Daddy

Kitchen pictures!!!

Kitchen "Before" Pictures

These are the "before" pictures, but really, they are more like "during" pictures. Notice the stuff everywhere and the utter chaos. Our home is not normally like this, only during a project.

December 18th

Wow, December is flying by!

We've passed our cold/flu or whatever onto Nico. He's sick now. I'm feeling much, much better but still not 100%.

I'm really excited because we just signed Nico up for a Welded Metal Sculpture class at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. He will go Monday nights from 7-10. I'm sure he'll be exhausted after working all day, but he needs a creative outlet. He's also commited to REALLY try to quit smoking. He says his quit date is Jan. 1. Please keep him in your prayers/meditations/thoughts as this is the third time he will be trying to quit and it's such a hard process.

I've been sewing like crazy, when I get the time. Some of you will be getting handmade gift wrap this year. I've made little drawstring bags from recycled/scrap fabric. Please reuse them to whomever you like! I was going to try to make bags for all the gifts, but that was getting a little overwhelming. Instead, I will use brown paper sacks (from when I forgot to shop with my reusable bag) like I have in the past. I will make new bags each year... hmmm... maybe I should embroider the year on each bag. That way, we can remember which ones I made each year.

Our love to you all!

Sick and Tired... Kitchen too

Okay, I think this sickness is the worst I've had in a long time. I've actually resorted to antibiotics to help me get over it. Yucko!

We've come to a bit of a stand-still on the kitchen. We are trying to figure out what to do with the floor. Once we get that all worked out, we'll continue (probably after the holidays).

We've also decided to spend Christmas with my dad and Cathy. They are the closest relatives and with my dad's heart attack a little over a month ago, it's important that we see them. Now to figure out all the logistics.

Will Santa be able to find Ronin in Kentucky? Will he forgive him for the horrible visit at Somerset Mall??? Tune in next week when we find out.

too much fun for one girl

We're well into the holiday season. Last night I went to a Mom's Club cookie exchange and had a nice time sans husband and child. But all day yesterday my nose was bothering me. Today I woke up with what I think is a full-blown sinus infection. I'm pretty miserable.

Nico and I made a pact to go to bed early tonight. We've been staying up way to late in an effort to have some grown-up time. Last night we stayed up until almost midnight and he has to leave for work no later than 7:15 a.m. It's hard to balance all the stuff going on in our life.

If you haven't already gotten your holiday card, it's on its way.

Peace!

Santa is bad

Kitchen update

We had big plans to accomplish major kitchen reno this weekend. Nico did great yesterday with the help of a friend. Today we encountered some issues so we’ve got to make a trip to IKEA tomorrow for replacement parts. Hopefully we can get back on track this week.

Nico was able to hang the Christmas lights today. It doesn’t feel like the holiday’s without lights and decorations. I bought a small table-top tree for this year. Next year when we are not in the middle of a project and the kiddo isn’t throwing anything he thinks is a ball, we’ll put up the regular tree.

Also, I've been sewing like mad. This weekend I made a wrap-mat (inspiration and pattern collaboration from my friend Deb) and a tree skirt for the table-top tree. My wrap-mat is like this one.

On the Church Webpage

Well we are famous (at least in our minds). We showed up on the church homepage. We are the family of three (duh) on the far right.

One kitchen cabinet is in. It looks different than I pictured, but I think it's going to be just fine. I took "during" pictures, because I almost forgot to take "befores". I'll upload them soon.

A New Year Approaches

So we have been discussing this cool thing that we might do next year. After an interesting year (see posts about job layoff, etc) and even more interesting financial discussions we have come to certain realizations. 1) Times are tough and we made it. 2) Times will most likely get tougher. 3) Why do we have some much stuff?

We are contemplating what I like to call “A New Year without the New”. Essentially, we will not be purchasing anything new for an entire year. Of course there are some conditions and caveats with this. Exceptions are consumables like food, medicine, diapers, etc. and emergency situations (which will be evaluated on a case by case basis). For everything else we will either 1) do without 2) make due with what we already have 3) make our own 4) borrow 5) buy used 6) get from Freecycle or other free sources.

We are still discussing all the details. We have also stocked up on a few items that we deem “unable to due without or willingly buy used”. These items include (but are not limited to) underpants, socks, and tires.

More on this later… I think that it sounds like a fun and fruitful adventure.

Buy Nothing Day

Thanksgiving was really nice, but a little sad being without family. Thanks Navin family for your wonderful hospitality!

Today, I almost got suckered into a doorbuster at Sears, but I restrained myself. Most know today as Black Friday, but Adbusters likes to call attention to the mass consumerism and they have a campaign called “Buy Nothing Day”. You can go here for more info. It’s a subtle way to stick it to the man. We were successful!

Happy Thanksgiving! We have lots to be thankful for this year. I've begun posting some of them on Facebook. Mostly we are thankful for Ronin, Nico finding a job, and my Dad's recovery from his heart attack. We are also thankful for all the wonderful friends we have made here and all the family that we miss dearly.

The IKEA kitchen is here...

Well 1,000 IKEA boxes anyway. Nico is getting good at putting together items with simple Swedish pictures.

"Before" pictures to post soon.

Our love to all!

New Kitchen

Last Saturday we ordered new cabinets and appliances for our kitchen. We've got lots of work a head of us, but you know how much we like projects.

Nothing else is really going on with us. We've got another busy weekend planned, including a trip to the Henry Ford Museum after Church on Sunday. Maybe we'll get some good pictures!

Here's an excellent one of Ronin on his birthday (thanks Anthony).

Birthdays, words, and dragons

Well the joint birthday party was a success. We enjoyed seeing all the family and friends who helped us celebrate! Ronin and I got lots of nice gifts, but spending time with all of you was the real treat.

As of today, Ronin can say "uh-oh," "mama," "dada," and "ball". He's obsessed with balls right now. Even round objects (like fruit) are "ba" and he want to try to throw them. In addition to these words, he signs "more" and "milk".

We also had a nice Halloween. Roni was a dragon and I was a zombie.

Maxi-pads

Just thought I would share some cute pix. Hopefully we will use these to torture our child later in life...

Uh-oh.

He can say "uh-oh" and use it in the right context! Actually, he'll even say it and then drop something. He gets it!

My friend also swears that he said "hi" at her house the other day. I'm still not sure. I'm guessing more cool language to come!

Settling back in

We are getting settled back into a routine. Nico goes off to work and Ronin and I do our thing during the day. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday's we hang out with our friend Julien. If his momma doesn't mind I'll post some pictures of the boys playing together.

Last Sunday we both got talked into volunteering for the church this upcoming Sunday. I guess we'll be busy this weekend.

Ronin is into everything. Our living room is starting to look scarce from all the items removed.

Here's some cool news... they are filming a remake of Red Dawn and some scenes are being shot on the main street outside our neighborhood. It's going on a block away from us. The police have everything blocked off. I had to show ID to get onto my street. I guess this explains why I kept hearing helicopters. We took a walk down there tonight, but couldn't see anything cool.

We got a new car!!!

That's right. We traded in the '97 Malibu for a '03 Pontiac Vibe. More later, but we got a good deal and seem really happy.

The job starts Monday!

This week wasn't nearly as exciting as they normally are. I've been a little concerned about my car, so we haven't ventured out much.

We have been visiting with Mr. Julien (i.e. my little child care job) three times a week. It seems to be working out great. The boys are the same age and interacting minimally, which is to be expected of babies this age. They are so different, yet so similar. Ronin seems to be a little more ahead in his fine motor skills and Mr. Julien is ahead in his gross motor skills. I'm thinking that he will be walking in the next month. Ronin is nowhere near walking.

We play, sing songs, read books and go for walks. So far the weather has worked out really great for us. We have been able to go on hour long walks, both boys seem to enjoy the fresh air and so do I.

This morning Ronin and I made it to a library play group. Tomorrow we are going to a mom to mom sale with our other friends. I don't really need anything, but it's so fun to shop and chat with other moms.

As you know, Nico returns Monday night. We are really looking forward to spending time with him. We also have a "to do" list for him that is like a mile long.

No new pictures, guess I gotta remedy that. Maybe when Roni is back on his schedule (he's still messed up from our trip to KC) I'll be able to upload.

Back from our trip

We are back from our whirl-wind trip to KC. We didn't get to see everyone that we wanted, but overall we had a very nice time.

I'm busy dealing with car issues (check engine light) and planning the birthday party. October 24th is the big day. Roni-baloney turns 1. (The next day I turn 30, but that's no fun). Put it on your calendar and plan to be there.

If you want to get the Roni something we have wish lists at amazon.com and at One Step Ahead.

We've been keeping ourselves very busy. Last week we had play dates and outings. This week Roni's feeling a little under the weather. Can't tell if it's the new tooth coming in or an actual cold.

I'm looking forward to seeing Nico and getting in some quality time before the new job starts.

Also am beginning to plan the birthday party... you are all invited. Ronin turns 1 on October 24th!!! I turn 3o the next day, but we don't have to celebrate that.

Good News

We have been busy in these here parts.

The NEWS:

1. Ronin can crawl!!! He started on July 24th, his 9 month birthday.

2. Nico found a job... in the automotive field... in Detroit... in the middle of a recession. Yay!!! His start date is Sept. 14. We are ecstatic.

Roni sounds like he might be waking up, so here's some pictures to tide you over until I get a chance to blog again...Hanging out with Jack and Bella...

Eating Nonna's shoelaces...

He was offered a job.

Yay!!! The official offer came this Tuesday. He accepted. His start date is Sept 14. More on this later.

A big "thank you" to everyone who was praying for us. It worked!

We've got to eat our breakfast and head to the farmer's market to meet up with our friends Brynn and Kalan.

Family visits

Having much fun with Micky. It was great to see PJ.

Will post pictures soon!

We’re back from spending two weeks in Kentucky. We had a really nice time hanging out with my family. We had a laid-back 4th complete with bonfire and fireworks. Nico and my dad were only minimally burned. Just joking.

Ronin got a new tooth while we were there. An upper. Today I noticed that he has ANOTHER one that just poked up on the bottom. Poor kid is getting a tooth every two weeks.

All is well up here. Nico still hasn’t found a job, but he’s exploring all options. We are trying to keep our spirits up.

Well, we are headed to Kentucky in a few days. Dad is picking us up and we will stay with him for two weeks. Nico will be meeting us in KY for a couple days over the 4th. It will be great for both of us to see him.

No news on the job front. Hope everyone is doing well.

Here are a few pictures of Roni and I at the park on the 15th. We met up with a couple other moms and babies and had a nice time.

No Swimming for Ronin

We tried to go to the pool today, but he had a meltdown. I think it was lack of sleep more than anything else. It's hard to get a good night's sleep without Nico.

We are keeping busy to stave off loneliness. Tomorrow is our parenting group and on Friday we are going to the Nature Center.

The big news…. Ronin claps now! After you sing a song, he gives you a wonderful round of applause. It’s quite funny. He’s also scooting backward. I’m not sure he’s interested in crawling, but he looks at me and grins every time he scoots away from me.

I’ll try to post new pictures soon.

Tootles!

Nico's leaving tomorrow at 5:00 a.m.

We are going to miss him terribly.

So much and yet so little going on.

Nico’s at a Scirocco show this weekend in Cincinnati. I’m sure he’s in his own personal VW Heaven.

We don’t have any good news on the job front, however, Nico may be headed to KC for some temporary contract work at Winntech. That leaves Roni and I here alone for a while. Anyone want to come visit?

I can’t post much now, I’ve got to check on Roni-baloney. He’s out of his cradle now and sleeping in his crib. He’ll be crawling any day. I’m not sure that I’m read for that!

Avocado head

We have been SUPER sick. Fortunately we are starting to feel better. We haven’t taken any new pictures of Roni lately, but we will start up again!

Here are a few of my guy eating Avocado and drinking from his sippy cup.
His sippy cup makes him VERY happy. I wish I got this excited about water and avocado.

Sicky

Apparently we are contagious because we keep making others sick. Ronin and I are still congested, but otherwise fine. We have quarantined ourselves at home for the last few days. Nico’s sick now too.

Four Generations in South Carolina!

A little bit of our trip to South Carolina

While visiting Auntie and Great-Grandma in SC, we stopped by the famous property of Mr. Pearl Fryar.

We also saw the Waffle House where he eats everyday (for free) since he started manicuring their shrubs.

And here's an adorable sink bath picture.

I'll post more pictures from our trip soon.

No major prospects on the job front. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all the awesome women in our lives and now to me too!

Wow it’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything. We’ve been busy.

We accepted an all expenses paid trip to South Carolina offered by a wonderful auntie and a super grandma. Roni and I had a great time, except we contracted a minor flu bug. I still can’t breathe through my nose. I will be posted pictures soon.

Jobs and Roni pictures

It’s official. As of last Thursday afternoon Nico is no longer employed. He is searching for a new job and jumping through the unemployment insurance hoops to tide us over until he finds something. We are going to wait a little while before I start searching. We both think that it would be best for me to continue to stay home with Ronin. But after a month or two, if Nico can’t find something, then I’ll look. (I’ve been looking for a while, but not very seriously)

Here are some cute pictures from Earth Day. Notice his cute organic cotton zebra outfit (purchased second hand, how eco-chic is that!)

Guido Pictures

My car decided to poop out on me yesterday. Instead of crying about it, I decided to take my frustrations out on my child. Here are the hilarious results...

Mom's Club Easter Egg Hunt

On Saturday we went to the Mom’s Club Easter Egg Hunt. Daddy even went with us. Here are a few pictures from one of the other mom’s. Hopefully we’ll have our pictures downloaded soon (hint, hint, Daddy).

Roni has another appointment with “Hester” the Easter Bunny. Those pictures should be posted soon as well.

Ronin and I are on the far left, both in brown.

Ronin pictures II.

Someone does not appear to like peas.

Ronin pictures.

Nice kitty.