Hi Anele! Welcome back! Wow, that's a lot of stuff to have happen in such a sort period of time, Good Lordy...First congrats on the new bundle!!! What a cool name! And Secondly that sucks about your DH. I sure hope he finds something soon too! 4 children must be a handful, no wonder we haven't heard from you. I can't just say don't worry, when obviously your plate is full and there's really a lot of stuff to worry about, but try to stay calm & positive, DH probably needs that right now. Vent here all you want, we'll try to support you anyway we can and send positive thoughts your way. -- Lukki

Surely I remember you! Congrats to yu on your wonderful new addition! As soon as I saw her name I knew exactly how to pronounce it - all of my kids have Celtic names w/ apparently nobody being able to pronounce DS1's name (so obvious to pronounce to our families)!

So sorry to hear about DH's job. Glad you found something to occupy your time w/ sewing. If there is enough $ DH said I can take a Spring class at our local Vo-Tech to learn.

We would be more than happy to also help occupy your brain when needed!

anele, of course you're remembered! Wow, you've been busy! First, and most important: Welcome Niamh! :) There are such things as t-shirts that say "baby homeschooler", btw...;)

How bizarre that just as you got a job, your DH lost his. Just uncanny. I'm sorry to hear of his unfortunate turn of events. What is it you're doing? Do you have to be out of the house?

I'm also impressed that with all that mishegas in your house you had the presence of mind to take before pics. I've remodeled about 3/4 of our house now and I *still* forget to take them when we start a new project! I'd love to see your bathroom pics when you have time/inclination.

Good to see you again, anele. That's cramming a lot of life events in a few months! Glad most of them are happy ones. Here's to a quick bounce back for your DH, many happy years for baby Naimh, and some peace of mind for you!

lukk-- you hit the nail on the head re: venting! I've been through this before with my DH (being laid off) and I know there is NOTHING to be gained by stressing ourselves out. I am doing my best to be completely positive, and honestly, I feel good. (Crazy as it sounds!) I figure, we have our children and our health-- nothing is more important.

ttodd: Woo hoo on the name! It's funny how it does make sense to me, too. I tell people, "Easy to say, hard to spell!" I think I remember a discussion about your son's name and it was obvious to me, too. So cool that you might take a sewing class! If you have a machine now, I say jump right in and start on your own. I started off making skirts for my girls, and they are so much fun. (link below)

flyleft-- I will definitely have to get that shirt! My 2nd DD is taking about wanting to go to Kindergarten this fall and I am dreading it. If we could afford Montessori or a school w/ a play-based curriculum, I'd be far more enthusiastic, but the investment of time for our local school . . .no. RE: my job, thankfully, YES, I got one in October, and I am so happy. I work hard for the money, I admit, but there aren't too many jobs that I can do, given that I am still a SAHM with 4 young children who are with me at all times! This one works well, as I am an adjunct instructor and I do just about everything online, so I can make my own schedule (it usually means staying up until 1 a.m. to get work done!). I love my students and it's nice to use my brain in a different way, so it's a dream come true! (Now if only I'd get a raise!) You've remodeled so much of your house! Is there a flyleft thread out there with your pictures?

awm: Thank you so much for the good wishes!! The phone has been ringing lately so DH has possibilities (not for permanent work, but we'll take a contract job!). Thank goodness!

It's nice to be back! Thanks, everyone!

Here is a link that might be useful: lazy days skirt

Cool, thanks for the link. My machine is set up and ready to go in my DR. Fear and lack of time are my stumbling blocks. I figured if I dedicated time and had no distractions while I learned the basics I would be fine.

ttodd, I had the same reasons for putting off sewing. I have had the fabric for curtains for months! Finally, I just made time (but I stay up late to work most nights anyway, so I did it late at night, when my DH can hold the baby). As for the fear aspect . . .this is why I did the skirts. The cost was very low, and I figured, why not? If you want, just get some scrap fabric and practice the basics. By the time you take the class, you will be even further ahead and can ask more questions! I hope to take a class in the future, too! I'd love to hear what you learn about in yours when you take it!

Anele, Yup, this side is great for venting, isn't it?! I honestly believe that when you think positive, positive things will come so I love your perspective.

Hi Anele! I haven't been on here in some time either and it is so good to see that popped back in as well. So sorry to hear about DH but wonderful news that baby Niamh is here!!!!

Of course you are remembered! Good to see you! :) And welcome baby Niamh! I admit that I need to be told once how to pronounce a Celtic name and then I am good to go.
Why don't both you and ttodd check out some sewing books from the library- start with the very basics. You can teach yourself how to sew! Everyone uses seam rippers!
All you have to fear is fear itself!!

Hey anele!

I was just wondering where you've been. Congrats on the new baby. :)

Hi Anele! It's nice to see you again too! A huge congratulations on your new daughter. I love the name you've given her!

I don't have much time to spend here lately myself, but it's good to see some familiar faces that I haven't seen posting in awhile, yours among them!