20. Make Avie a skirt on my sewing machine.

My grandmother gave me one of her sewing machines a few years ago (it was used only twice before she gave it to me so it's basically brand new) and only a year ago did I start practicing on it. My sister-in-law, Jenn and my mother-in-law are expert 'sewers' and have been taking me under their wings in the sewing department. I've been wanting for some time to sew a dress or skirt for Avie. Jenn came to visit over Spring Break and we practiced making a 'Lazy Day Skirt'. A friend of hers has a craft blog (www.fromthehandbasket.blogspot.com) where she posted a pattern for this skirt. Jenn and I successfully made one together but the true test was for me to make one on my own after she left. I picked up some super cute cherry fabric at Jo-Ann Fabric's and made one BY MYSELF! Can you tell I'm a bit excited about it?! To make the skirt look finished, I made an applique from the left over fabric and put it on a plain white t-shirt. I'm really happy how it turned out!! Here is the pattern that I used from Oliver & S Lazy Days pattern and you can make one too!It's a miracle I got her to stand still so that I could take a picture of her wearing it. Matt was bribing her with M&M's that's why she is looking up. lol!

96. Take my parents to The Melting Pot thanking them for all their support.

As a token of our gratitude to my parents, for their amazing support and dedication to us, Matt and I wanted to do something nice for them. We LOVE The Melting Pot and thought taking them there for the fun experience that the restaurant gives would be a great way to show how much we appreciate them. Our house completely flooded on Thanksgiving and my parents let us move in with them for 3 months while our house got rebuilt. They are a true example of the limitless love that parents have for their children. I know that I could never repay them for all they've done over the years but I thought this gesture was a good start.

Matt and I really just come to The Melting Pot for the final course:
the chocolate fondue! It should be one of the basic food groups!

Let the ADVENTURE begin!

I'm so excited to start attacking my list! The anticipation of 'crossing' something off of it is killing me, in a good sort of way - of course.

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (i.e. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (i.e. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?: Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

My Begin Date: March 24, 2009
My End Date: December 20, 2011

For more info about 101 in 1001, visit Day Zero.