I have a really good friend who is having a baby shower on Saturday. I wanted to make her a couple of baby blankets for her gift. Now, have I ever sewn anything by myself before? No. Do I even know anything about sewing? Minimum. So, this was a huge idea that I got in my head. Let's just say, I'm trying to develop some talents that my mom had. My mom was the best seamstress I have ever known. She could sew anything. She had her embroidery sewing machine, surger, and a high-tech upholstery sewing machine (Juki). When my mom passed away the girls went through her sewing stuff in an attempt to help my dad organize some things. She had TONS of stuff. Gadgets that I didn't even know what they did. She had shelves full of fabric. My parents have a shed full of patterns and polyester from her making rugs. I remember growing up whenever my mom would sew we always had to watch our feet because there would be pins all over the floor. When someone needed something sewn, fixed, etc. they went to her. She loved making dresses for the grand kids and was in the beginning stages of starting up her own company making blessing/Christening dresses. She was amazing!
With 4 daughters I think she was hoping one of us would have the desire/talent to sew like she did. I guess she guessed it would be me or my sister Natalie because I couple of years ago she bought us both a sewing machine. I didn't have a big desire at the time so the sewing machine stayed in the box until this past year. Natalie, on the other hand, took to it and is really good at sewing. When my mom died I had this urgency/desire to try to carry on some of the wonderful talents she did. Unfortunately I don't have the best person in the world to learn from; my mom. When I pulled out my machine I didn't even know how to thread it correctly...ahh! I needed my mom. I turned to my next best option, my sister. She came to my house, helped me set up my machine, and supervised my first sewing project (thank you Natalie!). The blankets are pretty easy (took only about 1 hr. each). I did one with Natalie and another one by myself. Even though they were easy, I'm proud of myself and I'm making mom proud! I have more confidence and might even try tackling another sewing project.
A few weeks ago Billy did his first triathlon...with minimal training. One of his friends asked Billy if he wanted to do it with him and so with about 1 month to spare, Billy decided that was enough time to get trained. Well....with our trip to Okinawa, Billy in school, life, etc. he didn't get much training time in. He went to the pool once. BUT, he thought that with playing basketball 4xs a week and playing softball that he'd be okay. 
I was really proud of Billy for doing it. He did a great job. He didn't have a road bike so used his mountain bike instead (which probably slowed him down even more b/c as he put it, "I was pedaling as fast as I could and middle-aged women were passing me up.") He had fun and would even consider doing another one....that is, if he has a road bike next time. 
