From Clean to This in five minutes flat!  They love to take all the throw pillows off the sofas and throw them somewhere else.  I promise, it was clean just a few minutes before.  *sigh*

Taking a picture and getting it right the first try is a rarity around here. After at least five tries I got a shot of both girls smiling with eyes open. It was worth it!

Take 1:  Only one girl

Take 2:  Both girls, one in front of other

Take 3:  One sleepy eyes, one closed eyes

Take 4:  One small smile-eyes open, one large smile--eyes closed

Take 5:  Success!  Love those girls!

I've decided it's hard to be grateful for what you have until someone you know has it worse.  I have an accquaintence who's been diagnosed with a brain tumor.  She's 30, a married mother of three (6 yo, 4 yo, and 3 mo).  It made me realize it could happen to anyone, any day, any time.  I should really appreciate what I have:  a husband and three children, a home, a vehicle, good health, and a wonderful extended family.  I'm sure I'll forget again how great my life it, but for today I'm trying my best to be grateful.

I have been working steadily on my little felt doll for my niece's birthday (it's not until May, so I have some time).

Problems I've run into:  I should have put a dot on the face for eye placement BEFORE I sewed on the eyes; I should have sewed the head further down on the neck for better stability; I should have inserted the legs into the body before I sewed the body shut; I should have made the pattern bigger.

(this is the head on the back of the body--oops!)

(oh, that eye!)

(this is the awful stitching I had to do to try to stabilize the neck)

Remedies:  I had to remove one eye and move it to a more suitable (aka less wall-eyed) placement; I had to remove the head (eek!) and place it further down on the neck (oh, and remove it again since I sewed it on the BACK of the body the second time); I had to tack the legs onto the back of the body making it not as pleasant to look at undressed; I had to settle for a small (around 8 inches tall) doll.

I guess this "practice doll" will still be cute, but she's had a lot of "work" done along the way!