need a bag?

I have been very wordless lately, and I have a million excuses for it: We were out of town for the weekend, I've been sick, I've been busy, the kids are bored out of their minds and are acting up, I've been reading good books, but mostly there are two reasons for my absence. One I'll show you in a minute. But the other is going to make you guys realize how big of a wimp I really am, however, if you get canker sores you might be sympathetic. Since last Thursday my mouth has been taken over by canker sores--this weekend I had FOUR in my mouth at one time. The first three weren't any worse than normal, but the last one, the one that is still causing me so much pain today, is the mother of all canker sores. I am not even exaggerating when I tell you it's half an inch long! Not only does it have the usual stinging, but it's made my gums sore, and if you even touch my face (which my kids do 100 times a day) I have to choke back tears, that's how bad it is. I think it's finally on the mend, but when I'm in pain my creativity is really zapped. Alright, enough complaining.

Want to hear about my recent project that's taken up my time? For Christmas I decided to make some bags for my kids to take to church to replace my ugly diaper bag. A friend in the ward had one of those bags that's got the crayon pockets in the front, and I wanted to make those. So I looked at hers, decided how big I wanted it, and went home and started experimenting. 12 bags later I've finally got it down--and I'm not even tired of making them! I think they are fun to make, so I keep making them, and now hope to sell them. My kids love theirs because they can pack their own bag and carry it to church, and I love them because they each have their own set of crayons, coloring books, toys and snacks. I think they would also be great for traveling because you could put all of their activities into one bag. I plan to set up an etsy shop when I have a minute, and then I'll link it here, but if you know anyone interested in one have them email me: lisamary24{at}hotmail{dot}com and put "crayon tote" in the subject in case it goes to my junk mail.

Here are the details: They are about 12" by 13". Holds 24 crayons and has a pocket inside. The lining is the same fabric as the crayon pockets. The bag is lined with fusible fleece to make it stronger. $17, which includes 24 brand new CRAYOLA crayons.

I have five bags right now, and more on the way:

I have two of this floral

Alright, my sales pitch is over. I've been meaning to give you an update on Tyler's switch to the big boy bed. I have no idea how I've gotten so lucky, but his transition has been perfectly fine! He still takes his naps, and goes down just as easily as before. He even seems to sleep better at night, though he and Alexis do talk for awhile first and sometimes wake each other up in the morning, but not any earlier than normal. It's been a dream, and they even have started sleeping through noise the other makes during the night. I really must be in for it when it comes time to potty training because this was almost too easy.

Now the sun is shining, which must mean it's going to be a good day! Have you guys noticed that it's almost February and I have hardly complained about the weather??? I must really be growing up.