Housewife.

As a result of a strange sequence of events, for three days, I was a housewife.

I was home from work for a little over 8 weeks, but for almost all of that time, I was planning on returning to work.  Except for my three days as a housewife.

I think that being a housewife and a stay at home mom is a great vocation for those who choose it.  I really love being a home maker, wife, and most recently mom.  I also love being an engineer and it will always be a big part of who I am.

So, when I thought I'd be a housewife for a while, it was a pretty big change for me.  I launched into action, creating a schedule and getting organized for my new adventure.  I made a chart of when I'd do what and a list of projects I wanted to complete and off I went!

I finally got around to completely our wedding album (don't be too impressed, our very talented photographer Jackie created the Album, I just needed to review the proofs!)

Sample Wedding Album Page <3

If you want to see the whole album, you'll have to come visit after we get it!

I also did a minor sewing project I'd been meaning to do for a while for Colin.

Double sided flannel blanket

I know what you're thinking: he really needed another blanket??? (You weren't thinking that?  Then you haven't been to our house lately!)  First, no such thing as too many blankets.  Second, this one will eventually get straps so I can use it with our stroller (when we finally get one...) so it won't fall on the floor. (Totally stole the idea from Uppa Baby)

I also compiled a multi-level home cleaning system, breaking our house into various areas to be cleaned on various days/weeks.  (Major housekeeping is currently outsourced at our home)

Who left her alone with Excel again???

It was a productive and fun three days.  And really, I'm still a part time housewife, although who knows if I'll actually implement the house keeping system.  :)

Something Else Creative!

As I mentioned, Gavin and I are learning to cook. Since yesterday's meal was pretty much a bust, I decided I'd post something else creative.

Gavin and I frequently visit Disneyland. On a recent visit, we found these awesome aprons. The only problem was that the Minnie Mouse one was only a waist apron. My most frequent kitchen messes are above the waist(and all over the kitchen, but that's a different problem). We bought Mickey and I decided to make mine.

I bought a sewing machine about two years ago when we moved into the house. I have down some sewing in the past, but I am no expert. Apparently, I also have little interest, as the sewing machine sat in the box in the activity room unopened until a week ago!

I borrowed a pattern from my sister. It was awesome because I didn't have to deal with the horribleness that is cutting the pattern. I needed a little help laying it out, which my sister was willing to provide in exchange for some vino. Overall the sewing took me about two hours (and the rest of the vino!) although I was pretty laid back about the progress.

One of my discoveries is that kitty's LOVE pattern material. It's like kitty fly tape, the minute I'd turn around, the cats would run over and start running and flipping over all over the pattern pieces. Not very good their structural integrity.

Another is that hems are hard on curves. For straight hems, I just ironed them the way I wanted to sew them and flew along, the curves were worse. Before my next project (if history is an indicator, I have at least four years) I should sort out this problem.

In my opinion, the final product came out pretty well. The color is slightly off from Gavin's and the hems turn out a little, but they are both cute enough that we hung hooks to display them in the kitchen!