So we painted our bedroom this weekend. Accidentally did a semi-gloss instead of satin finish – oops, my bad. I actually don’t mind it being shiny in there and it’ll be just that much easier to clean when Olive colors. We actually had a really productive weekend all in all. Dave took all the trim out of the bedroom and we primed it on Saturday. Most of it was really dark blue. Really dark blue. So, we did about three coats of primer. I really wish I would have taken a before picture because it’s so different now. We continued with the actual paint yesterday and it’s “crisp linen white”. Huge difference. No after pictures yet though because we still need to replace the windows and trim next weekend. It’ll be like a whole new room. Rad.

My Valentine’s Day was fairly awesome considering we were painting. I was actually able to do 2010 Sewing Calendar, Part III. And, though I scrubbed my whole body with a fingernail brush (not sure why I decided to wear extra short shorts and a short sleeve, v-neck t-shirt to paint in; oh, and bare feet), I did end up lying in the bathtub, eating a box of chocolates. Yes, that’s right, ate a box of chocolates in the tub. Strange and wonderful. Thanks Dave.

I was so glad to have an extra day off work today. The girls and I totally hung out together doing stuff. I almost peed myself when I discovered my box of chocolates from the day before had a second layer. It’s the little things. Then, we went outside and they played in the rock tire with their Valentine buckets and shovels. Nothing like getting brand new beach buckets in February. Also, you can probably imagine my enthusiasm when Mona put on her “wedding dress” (the dress she wears to weddings, a.k.a. the nicest one in her closet) to rock the rock tire. Did some outside chores. The dogs taught the girls a whole new level of gross as Mona reported to me that “Carl is eating Walter’s poop right now!”. Awesome.

I did something today that I’ve never done before. Made pudding. Really. Then, after some cleaning and what not, we got down to some crafty business. I made the sewing calendar project from February 1: Matyroshka Doll Pocket Pillow by Lauren Brandy from goody-goody handmade. Really cute pattern and it turned out like the picture, so that means it was easy to follow, even for me.

Here are some photos of my creative process…

Never underestimate the value of taking time to make a good pattern. I learned the hard way. I always use cereal boxes now.

I was able to get through 80% of the project during Olive’s nap time and while Mona watched Betty Boop next to me.

Here they are in various stages of face.

I changed up the face just a tad. I was really close to not doing the lashes, but there’s a fine line between being too lazy to do the lashes and choosing not to do them for design reasons, so I did the lashes. I got really crazy and added cheeks too. I think I need to embroider more. It was fun.

Guess who joined me sewing? She really did. She even threaded her own needle once. It was a blunt tapestry needle with a huge eye, but still.

I think I might sort of know how my mom felt when she bought me my first (and only) sewing machine when I was 9.

Then, Olive woke up and joined us on the couch. She’s after my heart too, as she has very recently adopted my own first teddy bear. She’s been sleeping with it for the past three nights or so. Cute. It’s music box still works and everything. I totally remember listening to that song in my bed when I was little.

I was able to finish up my sewing project with the girls in the sewing room.

Here’s one stuffed. I almost like them better flat. So, I stuffed them loose…

The girls were getting all creative in there with me. Mona was making a “lady”. Olive was being all artsy-fartsy too, but she was buck naked, so no photos of her this time.

Here’s the “lady” Mona made me. I’m so excited for her. She traced something, cut it out, drew on it, and glued a fabric skirt on her that she cut out herself and even wrapped it around so her bottom isn’t bare. Maybe she will like to sew like me. I definitely think Olive will like to sew because she calls her bottom her “bobbin”. That’s a sure sign, right?

Here’s the finished project again. I’m glad I decided to make four. They are even cooler as a…herd? Gaggle? Gang. Totally.